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Primal Darkness
Darkness knows no bounds, nothing tethers it to reality. Darkness is in the eye of the beholder. Primal instincts run through us all, a call to the wilder side of life, a call to arms for those of us that shift within the shadows. When the darkness and the primal instincts merge, no one is safe.
Faith and fate are pulled to the forefront and all that is left is a choice. Do you join the darkness, or do you run and try to let faith lead you to your salvation?
My name is Emerson Davenport and this is my choice. My life hangs in the balance if I chose wrong. The dominoes of destiny have started to fall, now it’s up to me to outrun them and the darkness that rides the wave that crests at my door.
Either way, death is coming.
*This book has a dark theme. Recommended for readers 18+ due to violence and adult themes*
Faith and fate are pulled to the forefront and all that is left is a choice. Do you join the darkness, or do you run and try to let faith lead you to your salvation?
My name is Emerson Davenport and this is my choice. My life hangs in the balance if I chose wrong. The dominoes of destiny have started to fall, now it’s up to me to outrun them and the darkness that rides the wave that crests at my door.
Either way, death is coming.
*This book has a dark theme. Recommended for readers 18+ due to violence and adult themes*
- GenresParanormal Romance
228 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2017
11 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Barb Shuler
107 books160 followersBarb is a Carolina girl by right and a Texan by birth. By day, she’s a desk jockey for a rural transportation company and a book lover, reading through as many books as she can. At night, though, she turns into her alter ego: a writer—cape optional, depending on her mood.
Her stories are a mix of real-life events, personal experiences, and the craziness of her own imagination and those of her best friends. And when their imaginations blend together, it can be crazy. Barb writes in multiple genres, encounters new adventures, creates new worlds, and has a fantastic time breathing life into new stories, creating something she hopes inspires anyone who reads to fall in love with them as she has.
Barb lives by one little rule: tomorrow is never guaranteed, so make sure you live each day to its fullest.
~ Connect with Barb here ~
Email: info@authorbarbshuler.com
Newsletter: https://goo.gl/nd98hJ
Author Blog: http://authorbarbshuler.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Barb....
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hercountrygirl/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barb-...
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Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2jw0a4K
Buy Signed paperbacks here: https://goo.gl/forms/i2IZqgzgGQv1k06r2
Her stories are a mix of real-life events, personal experiences, and the craziness of her own imagination and those of her best friends. And when their imaginations blend together, it can be crazy. Barb writes in multiple genres, encounters new adventures, creates new worlds, and has a fantastic time breathing life into new stories, creating something she hopes inspires anyone who reads to fall in love with them as she has.
Barb lives by one little rule: tomorrow is never guaranteed, so make sure you live each day to its fullest.
~ Connect with Barb here ~
Email: info@authorbarbshuler.com
Newsletter: https://goo.gl/nd98hJ
Author Blog: http://authorbarbshuler.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author.Barb....
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hercountrygirl/
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/barb-...
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/2jw0a4K
Buy Signed paperbacks here: https://goo.gl/forms/i2IZqgzgGQv1k06r2
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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March 14, 2018
5 Cranky Stars
Usually we start our reviews out with "I'm not cranky but that's not the case after read this book. Why am I cranky, you ask???
THE BOOK ENDED
I was not ready to let go of these unbelievably incredible characters. I felt a sort of kinship with them from the first chapter. I'll definitely be reading this again.
All is not what it seems. Clumsy Emmerson has been through hell and back yet she is still moving forward. She wakes and smiles at the sun and always stands up for what she believes in. She kicks butt when needed, no wilting flower here, and she loves with her whole heart despite her past.
Dylan.... what can I say about Dylan except DAYUM!!!! So hot, sexy, strong, caring and growly. He's the BBF to end all book boyfriends. He protects those he loves with his life, if need be. The one and only thing that can bring him to his knees is Emmerson. He'd do and put up with anything for that girl. (Insert sarcastic smirk here)
This book was full of twists and turns, suspense and romance with a little action on top. It literally has everything with a supernatural twist. Barb Shuler is fast becoming a big favorite of mine and I know you'll love her too. This Cranky gal needs more so get to writing Barb!!!
Usually we start our reviews out with "I'm not cranky but that's not the case after read this book. Why am I cranky, you ask???
THE BOOK ENDED
I was not ready to let go of these unbelievably incredible characters. I felt a sort of kinship with them from the first chapter. I'll definitely be reading this again.
All is not what it seems. Clumsy Emmerson has been through hell and back yet she is still moving forward. She wakes and smiles at the sun and always stands up for what she believes in. She kicks butt when needed, no wilting flower here, and she loves with her whole heart despite her past.
Dylan.... what can I say about Dylan except DAYUM!!!! So hot, sexy, strong, caring and growly. He's the BBF to end all book boyfriends. He protects those he loves with his life, if need be. The one and only thing that can bring him to his knees is Emmerson. He'd do and put up with anything for that girl. (Insert sarcastic smirk here)
This book was full of twists and turns, suspense and romance with a little action on top. It literally has everything with a supernatural twist. Barb Shuler is fast becoming a big favorite of mine and I know you'll love her too. This Cranky gal needs more so get to writing Barb!!!
April 14, 2023
I truly enjoyed witnessing the developing feelings and chemistry between Emerson and Dylan. Their heat factor really hit a chart-topping level as well. And then there was the action in this book. The intensity grew and grew as it went on and more became clear about Emerson's past. I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book as I waited to find out what was going to happen and how it everything would fall into place. This was another awesome read by Barb Shuler. Can't wait for more!
March 21, 2018
Pushed for the second star
I really tried to like this book. It was juvenile and the drama was over the top. I lost the story in the drama. The second star is here because there could be a real story here, the potential is here, but is lost.
I really tried to like this book. It was juvenile and the drama was over the top. I lost the story in the drama. The second star is here because there could be a real story here, the potential is here, but is lost.
February 28, 2018
This book is full of so many surprises, twists and turns it will keep you on the edge throughout the read. What a well blended paranormal with just the right amount of romance to hold your attention as she brings the dark side closer than you ever had it before. From the first meeting Dylan is hooked so turned on he has trouble controlling the enter beast and almost shifts. He thinks with time and distance everything will be ok and life will go back to normal. He couldn’t be more wrong…..
The author gives you a delighted story of suspense, tragedy, love and humor plus so much more. Most of the characters you come to love, you even like the ones who are not so nice. Just when you think you have a handle the author throws a new twist throwing you off your game. She keeps you invested and turning pages to see what she has in store for you next. Evil is there larking around every turn, what could it be and what does it mean. What it must be like to see with your eyes something you know can’t be true. How can you believe when you know it is unbelievable? Emerson has to trust in herself to know who or what is evil, she must look beyond facts and trust in what she believes is fiction. Dylan is having a hard time believing things his self, is evil near or could life finally have a rainbow waiting for him.
I thought this was well written with wonderful characters that in a lot of ways I could relate to. The story kept me on the edge hanging one my by fingers waiting to see what happen next. Emerson is one sassy lady who had no trouble telling it like it is, Dylan is an alpha all the way very protective and a hunk. When he smells her scent you the reader can almost smell it as well. The author writes in a way you almost feel like you are there, having no trouble picturing the scenes as they unfold. The chemistry is off the carts, hot, wild and wonderful. I had trouble putting it down and read it at one setting. I really hate when it came to the end but what a wonderful ending.
**************
The author gives you a delighted story of suspense, tragedy, love and humor plus so much more. Most of the characters you come to love, you even like the ones who are not so nice. Just when you think you have a handle the author throws a new twist throwing you off your game. She keeps you invested and turning pages to see what she has in store for you next. Evil is there larking around every turn, what could it be and what does it mean. What it must be like to see with your eyes something you know can’t be true. How can you believe when you know it is unbelievable? Emerson has to trust in herself to know who or what is evil, she must look beyond facts and trust in what she believes is fiction. Dylan is having a hard time believing things his self, is evil near or could life finally have a rainbow waiting for him.
I thought this was well written with wonderful characters that in a lot of ways I could relate to. The story kept me on the edge hanging one my by fingers waiting to see what happen next. Emerson is one sassy lady who had no trouble telling it like it is, Dylan is an alpha all the way very protective and a hunk. When he smells her scent you the reader can almost smell it as well. The author writes in a way you almost feel like you are there, having no trouble picturing the scenes as they unfold. The chemistry is off the carts, hot, wild and wonderful. I had trouble putting it down and read it at one setting. I really hate when it came to the end but what a wonderful ending.
**************
September 26, 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Emerson “Em” Davenport is thinking of the future. Dylan is a very special young man. Ashton is a good friend of his. He’s a game-changer as we first listen to his thoughts. It certainly grabbed my attention. It’s one of those books that is hard to put down – you don’t want to miss anything.
What I loved about this book was that the author kept coming up with surprises. These surprises have you turning the page because you wonder what else this author has up her sleeve. We see the conflict that Em goes through and we would probably do the same. How do you go from knowing what you believe to believing what is impossible? Dylan has his own conflicts to deal with. He has a hard time believing that something good is going to come into his life.
We also get an evil source that filters through the story. Makes you wonder what will happen next. With all the ups and downs going on here our author still has the time to give us a happy ending. But it did leave me wondering if we were going to see this group of people again. I usually recommend not going to the end but the author was sweet and included a playlist so this would be a good exception. This just means that I’ll have to reread this book so I listen to her musical choices for this book.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Emerson “Em” Davenport is thinking of the future. Dylan is a very special young man. Ashton is a good friend of his. He’s a game-changer as we first listen to his thoughts. It certainly grabbed my attention. It’s one of those books that is hard to put down – you don’t want to miss anything.
What I loved about this book was that the author kept coming up with surprises. These surprises have you turning the page because you wonder what else this author has up her sleeve. We see the conflict that Em goes through and we would probably do the same. How do you go from knowing what you believe to believing what is impossible? Dylan has his own conflicts to deal with. He has a hard time believing that something good is going to come into his life.
We also get an evil source that filters through the story. Makes you wonder what will happen next. With all the ups and downs going on here our author still has the time to give us a happy ending. But it did leave me wondering if we were going to see this group of people again. I usually recommend not going to the end but the author was sweet and included a playlist so this would be a good exception. This just means that I’ll have to reread this book so I listen to her musical choices for this book.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
September 27, 2017
This is the best paranormal book I have read in a long time. Ms. Shuler combines just the right amount of shifters and romance, it's a winning combination. This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last.
I was fascinated by how primal Dylan became when he just bumped into Emerson on her first day of school. If not for his brother he would have shifted right there in the parking lot. He then studiously avoids her until they graduate, but he always keeps an eye on her. He thought he was free from the mate call once they graduated high school, but it turns out Emerson goes to college with him. He stalks her, in the best way possible. When the Preacher and his band of misfits makes threats against Emerson and the whole group of her new friends Dylan has to act. Will he be able to save all of them and come out unscathed himself?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I was fascinated by how primal Dylan became when he just bumped into Emerson on her first day of school. If not for his brother he would have shifted right there in the parking lot. He then studiously avoids her until they graduate, but he always keeps an eye on her. He thought he was free from the mate call once they graduated high school, but it turns out Emerson goes to college with him. He stalks her, in the best way possible. When the Preacher and his band of misfits makes threats against Emerson and the whole group of her new friends Dylan has to act. Will he be able to save all of them and come out unscathed himself?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
March 4, 2018
When Emerson moved to Colorado Springs with her father she did so for self-preservation. However, she never believed that her world would get turned upside down and the monsters she believed were only stories told in the dark would be real.
While off at college, she's been attacked, her high school crush becomes her boyfriend, oh and let's not forget said boyfriend can shift into an animal! Dylan must protect her from what's coming for her. Preacher has hurt her before and he's not finished with her yet.
I loved reading this book!
However, I was a bit confused on how Emerson and Ash were suppose to be related...not quite sure I have figured that out yet.
I wish the author would've given us information on where Emerson's friend was after the attack and why that caused Ash to hate her so much.
While off at college, she's been attacked, her high school crush becomes her boyfriend, oh and let's not forget said boyfriend can shift into an animal! Dylan must protect her from what's coming for her. Preacher has hurt her before and he's not finished with her yet.
I loved reading this book!
However, I was a bit confused on how Emerson and Ash were suppose to be related...not quite sure I have figured that out yet.
I wish the author would've given us information on where Emerson's friend was after the attack and why that caused Ash to hate her so much.
September 11, 2017
What an incredible story. The author put so many surprises, twists and turns in here that I was sure she was trying to kill the reader with a severe case of shock. The characters are well developed, captivating and intriguing. The story is well paced and well written. I love all of the main characters and a few of the side ones. There were some I wasn't too sure about at first but, by then end I knew exactly which ones to love and which to despise. Which is an earmark of a phenomenal read. When you despise a character so much you want to be one of the characters that get to kick some butt. I really enjoyed this first edition to a new series and look forward to reading what the author brings next.
September 26, 2017
What an incredible story. The author put so many surprises, twists and turns in here that I was sure she was trying to kill the reader with a severe case of shock. The characters are well developed, captivating and intriguing. The story is well paced and well written. I love all of the main characters and a few of the side ones. There were some I wasn't too sure about at first but, by then end I knew exactly which ones to love and which to despise. Which is an earmark of a phenomenal read. When you despise a character so much you want to be one of the characters that get to kick some butt. I really enjoyed this first edition to a new series and look forward to reading what the author brings next.
April 7, 2018
This book was a first for me with Ms. Shuler, I went into it with an open mind and wasn't disappointed. I am very picky about the books that I read and even picker with my paranormal, but this book in the end was a delight and I look forward to reading more of her work. I felt like the beginning was a bit rushed and skimmed over, in addition to a few other parts later in the book, so it took me a minute to get into the flow but the end result was that I totally loved the story. I love when an author can take me on a roller coaster with twists and turns. Emerson who comes from a tortured cluster of a past is a strong heroine, who always does her best to hold her own. Dylan is quite the character, and the perfect Alpha male. The entire story was unpredictable, just when you thought you had a feeling on how things were gonna go, you caught some whip lash when you were thrown off the trail. I look forward to continuing to read Ms. Shuler's books and cannot wait for the next one.
September 26, 2017
This is the best paranormal book I have read in a long time. Ms. Shuler combines just the right amount of shifters and romance, it's a winning combination. This is the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last.
I was fascinated by how primal Dylan became when he just bumped into Emerson on her first day of school. If not for his brother he would have shifted right there in the parking lot. He then studiously avoids her until they graduate, but he always keeps an eye on her. He thought he was free from the mate call once they graduated high school, but it turns out Emerson goes to college with him. He stalks her, in the best way possible. When the Preacher and his band of misfits makes threats against Emerson and the whole group of her new friends Dylan has to act. Will he be able to save all of them and come out unscathed himself?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
I was fascinated by how primal Dylan became when he just bumped into Emerson on her first day of school. If not for his brother he would have shifted right there in the parking lot. He then studiously avoids her until they graduate, but he always keeps an eye on her. He thought he was free from the mate call once they graduated high school, but it turns out Emerson goes to college with him. He stalks her, in the best way possible. When the Preacher and his band of misfits makes threats against Emerson and the whole group of her new friends Dylan has to act. Will he be able to save all of them and come out unscathed himself?
** I voluntarily read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review **
March 4, 2018
Paranormal is not my usual read, but I love this author is another genre, so I had to try it out. Wow! I was pleasantly surprised. I was drawn into all the characters even some took a bit for me to understand. There wasn't a thing to love about this book. It was choked full of suspense, tragedy, love and more. I can't compare this to other paranormal books or authors, but if this is even close to the standard, I may need to change the genre I read. Bravo, Ms. Shuler. Incredible job in making this reader happy and ready for more.
May 26, 2018
A amazing book with just the right amount of romance and thrilling moments that will keep you riveted and wanting to read it to the end.
Emerson is a normal woman just trying to get thru college.
One day she finds out her best friend has been turned into a vampire and Dylan is a shapeshifter.
I highly recommend this book to read i couldnt put it down.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Emerson is a normal woman just trying to get thru college.
One day she finds out her best friend has been turned into a vampire and Dylan is a shapeshifter.
I highly recommend this book to read i couldnt put it down.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
May 4, 2023
Romantic fiction
Quite an enjoyable story about a girl being thrown in a world she never knew existed. It was mostly easy to read, but there were times when who was saying what was not clear and I got confused at what was really happening.
Sometimes the story went a bit fast and could have been prolonged to get a deeper understanding of why the main characters was "chosen".
Because of the confusion and questions regarding the Preacher i give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
Quite an enjoyable story about a girl being thrown in a world she never knew existed. It was mostly easy to read, but there were times when who was saying what was not clear and I got confused at what was really happening.
Sometimes the story went a bit fast and could have been prolonged to get a deeper understanding of why the main characters was "chosen".
Because of the confusion and questions regarding the Preacher i give this book 3 out of 5 stars.
February 26, 2018
Emerson and Dylan are swoon worthy. Dylan almost shifts right there on the spot when they first meet. That's how intense the connection is. After that he keeps his distance, but then she goes and ruins it by going to the same college as him.
Another group starts harassing her and he has to protect her. Lots of suspense, action, drama, and even some laugh out loud moments. Loved it.
Another group starts harassing her and he has to protect her. Lots of suspense, action, drama, and even some laugh out loud moments. Loved it.
April 20, 2018
Im using another reviewer's review because it's exactly how I felt about this book. Also the "h" pukes a lot. I really tried to like this book. It was juvenile and the drama was over the top. I lost the story in the drama. The second star is here because there could be a real story here, the potential is here, but is lost.
April 23, 2018
3 stars
It started off great, however got a little far fetched in the end for me. Strong likeable characters, lots of angst, sexy alpha male... what’s not to like? However it was slow paced, multi shifter pack dynamic and that didn’t work for me.
But I would recommend for paranormal lovers and was a fun read.
It started off great, however got a little far fetched in the end for me. Strong likeable characters, lots of angst, sexy alpha male... what’s not to like? However it was slow paced, multi shifter pack dynamic and that didn’t work for me.
But I would recommend for paranormal lovers and was a fun read.
February 25, 2018
this book was just amazing! talk about many shifters in this book. she moves to be with her father in a new town. she meets him and she cant stay away. he takes one sniff of her scent and he has to make her his. there in danger lurking.
February 25, 2018
A sexy paranormal thriller. I enjoyed the story it was full of action and undeniable chemistry between the characters.
May 3, 2021
Took me a little while to get into it, but I enjoyed it.
September 23, 2017
☆☆☆1/2
Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
Reviewed for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty
September 24, 2017
Primal Darkness by Barb Shuler
☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆
This story and all the characters, even the douchebags, won me over in every way! I loved everything about it! It's filled with love, suspense, tragedy and even some comedic relief, from a certain lusty vampire who captured by heart.
Emerson was just an ordinary girl, trying to make her way through college, while crushing on the hot yet arrogant "jock". That's when her world falls beneath her, and she's thrust head first into darkness she never knew existed.
The fight for survival is real, and when you realize where you truly come from, it can be mind blowing, to say the least. The secrets and truths that Emerson discovers, will shape the woman she was always meant to be.
Twists and turns galore, with nonstop action and thrills. A definate joy ride for all paranormal fans!
☆☆☆5 stars☆☆☆
This story and all the characters, even the douchebags, won me over in every way! I loved everything about it! It's filled with love, suspense, tragedy and even some comedic relief, from a certain lusty vampire who captured by heart.
Emerson was just an ordinary girl, trying to make her way through college, while crushing on the hot yet arrogant "jock". That's when her world falls beneath her, and she's thrust head first into darkness she never knew existed.
The fight for survival is real, and when you realize where you truly come from, it can be mind blowing, to say the least. The secrets and truths that Emerson discovers, will shape the woman she was always meant to be.
Twists and turns galore, with nonstop action and thrills. A definate joy ride for all paranormal fans!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews