Primal Touch

by Amber Jacobs

Rumors of a rare, legendary, white tiger lure acclaimed wildlife photographer Ashley Richards deep into the Indian jungle. There, she crosses paths with a ruthless poacher and Leandra, a mysterious, feral woman with a dark past, who seems at one with the fierce felines she protects. In this charged, exotic, lesbian romance, Ashley is caught up in danger, a deadly vendetta, and the clash of two starkly different worlds. It changes everything she knows.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Lesbian Romance, Adventure, India, Animals

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Amber Jacobs was born in Adelaide, South Australia. She grew up in Victoria, spending most of her adolescent years living on a wildlife shelter and helping to care for a motley menagerie of orphaned and injured native animals. Since graduating from University with a BA in Communication, Amber has worked in a variety of jobs but has always nurtured her creative energy through writing and art. She is always working on new stories and ideas that usually incorporate her passion for animals, medieval history, and lesbian romance.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars. This review is for the new 2017 version. I had not read the older version so I am not sure what has changed. This was a good entertaining read. Think Tarzan but with a tiger jungle lady.

While the story does have some similarities with Tarzan, the premise still felt pretty fresh for me. I have never read a lesfic book like this, so that is always a plus. The story take place in India. Ashley, is a world renown photographer, on the hunt for pictures of the rare white tiger. Instead what she finds is a jungle women protecting the area from poachers. Leandra, has spent the past 4 years in the wild. After committing horrible acts in her life, she feels it is up to her to stop poachers any way possible. The more time they spend together, the more an attraction grows. Is one of the woman willing to give up her lifestyle for the other? Or will poachers put their romance to a deadly end?

I found myself getting into the story pretty quickly. The setting was fantastic. While the story might be a little farfetched in parts, if you kind of just let go, and let you imagination run wild, it is more enjoyable. There are some exciting scenes with the poachers, but plenty of time for romance. I think the connection is a little quick. Not insta love, but it is quick. Honestly, I was okay with it. To really move the story along, the connection did have to happen faster. The sex scenes were decent, and overall I enjoyed the romance.

The only real issue I had with the book was some of the pacing. At times I felt the story lag a bit, other times it sped up almost too fast. The rhythm wasn't always exactly right. People have mentioned how the story just ends. It is not quite that abrupt, but the ending comes up with a lot of loose ends still flying around. Since this is a re-write, I'm guessing Jacobs left this ending on purpose. That she has plans for a sequel. Well, I hope so. If Jacob's writes another, I will absolutely read it.

If you are a adventure/romance fan, this story will be enjoyable for you. It definitely entertained me, that's for sure. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a book 2, and I now want to read Jacobs' other book.

An ARC was given to me by YLVA, for a honest review.

[Pin · Rating 4 out of 5]

January 15, 2013
I have read this story online and liked it so much that I bought the e-book. Drama, danger, love, mystery, exotic, adventure, wildlife, interesting characters... a good satisfying ending with a nice opening for a sequel... the story has it all. Unfortunately it seems that the author has not published anything for a few years. With this published story, the author has posted online two more stories that I recommend: Freedom's Heart and Nights of Silk and Sapphire.
--*Updated* -- June 7, 2017
I am so pleased that this August Jacobs will publish the second revised edition of Primal Touch with Ylva. The new cover is gorgeous, and I am looking forward to reading this edition, and sincerely hope there will be a sequel.

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Simply brilliant. The only thing I could say against it was that it ended oddly for me. I looked down and went. Huh? IMO there should have been an epilogue. I think at one time this was fan fiction? And this is a republish? Just guessing really. Anyway, a bit or romance, action, environmental awareness, etc. Loved it to pieces.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a wildlife photographer, which meets the love of her life in the middle of the Indian jungle. I liked very much how the author described the surroundings in the jungle and the interactions between the characters and also with the animals. There was also enough danger, adventure and love in it. Despite, that it's a little unlikely that a human being could live in the jungle like Leandra did, it was an interesting and exciting story.

There are a few minor flaws in the story, like, in the middle of the book Ashley's best friend Grady does not exist anymore, after he was so protective of her. And as I was meaning, the story plays in this day and year, I was wondering about Leandra's illiteracy of the internet after «only» four years in the jungle.

But it was a fun read and I liked the two women very much.
I gave this book 3,5 stars

Thanks to Ylva for receiving an ARC for an honest review.
Sorry for my bad English, my native language is Swiss German.

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, escapist read.

Really glad this author has been picked up by Ylva and hope that a promised sequel will now appear.

Really assured writing that allowed it's characters to breathe and develop, without ceasing to push the plot forward. Excellent pacing that left you wanting more. Please let there be a sequel soon, so many plot threads to follow.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Primal Touch by Amber Jacobs is an enjoyable, sometimes almost fantastical tale about a wildlife photographer named Ashley Richards who has come to the jungle in India hoping to photograph a rare white tiger in the wild. Instead of the white tiger, though, she meets Leandra Thornton, a wild and dangerous woman with a dark past, who has been living with and protecting the wild tigers in the jungle. This meeting leads to many dangerous and exciting adventures that will keep you reading until the end of the story.

I really liked this book. I enjoyed reading it and I’m very glad I chose this tale. The characters are interesting, the setting is fantastic and the story line is intriguing. There is a lot of chemistry between the two main characters which is a must for me to enjoy the story. You kind of have to suspend your disbelief in a few places in the tale, but that was not a problem with this story line.

The end of the story leaves several loose ends. It’s almost an open ending, so I’m hoping that the author may be planning a sequel. If she does write one, I will certainly pick it up. I would love to read more of this tale.

I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good action adventure romance. Primal Touch is definitely worth reading.

I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.

[Jane Clements · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. It had an interesting premise that seemed intriguing. It started off well, with some good writing and an interesting plot. Unfortunately, the plot did not develop consistently, and seemed to run out of steam. I wasn’t impressed with where it ended up and finished the book feeling dissatisfied.

The character of Leandra Thornton did not seem credible. There were initial hints of a supernatural aspect to Leandra’s transformation into the Indian Menace. But, no. Not really. Could this transformation actually occur over such a short period to a fully developed adult? It stretches the bounds of credibility beyond breaking point. The Leandra at the start of the book bears little resemblance to the Leandra at the end, but the necessary character development is just not there to support it.

It’s a shame, because there are parts of this book that are really quite good, but its inconsistencies in writing, character development and storytelling made it a frustrating and dissatisfying read.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried but I could not take to the writing style and pace of this book. Its a personal taste, but I prefer action and dialogue, whereby the author shows me the story. In this book, it was very much a narrative style, telling me what was going on. I think that's why I struggled to engage with it.

I also could not take to the two main characters. In particular I wanted more zest in Ashley. Also I found the chapters were long with not a lot happening in the storyline.

The idea for the story is a good one. It was just not to my personal preferences.

Arc received from Ylva for a honest review.

[Della B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully crafted story about a wild life photographer meeting an unlikely woman in the jungles of India. The story captures your interest immediately and is nicely paced. I had some difficulty reconciling Leandra's actions with her
pure heart but that may just be my bias showing through.
I could not put this book down as I needed to see where the story took us. Please let there be a sequel in the works. I definitely want to see what lies ahead.

[Tiffany Shamaly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was very different than anything I've read, but really kept my attention and the plot line was exciting. Ashley is a wildlife photographer and has taken a side trip to India to get photo's of a rumored white tiger. Little did she know she was going to meet someone she was certainly not expecting. The story is a journey of two people coming together, one coming back from isolation and giving the world another chance. It did leave the door open for a sequel and I do hope we get to see all those loose ends tied up. It should be another really fun ride.

[KOMET · Rating 3 out of 5]

"PRIMAL TOUCH" embodies a theme in which civilization (in the form of Ashley Richards, a successful wildlife photographer) meets in the jungles of India with a woman representative of Rousseau's concept of a human being who has achieved harmony in nature. This woman is Leandra Thornton, who abandoned the life she once knew to wholly embrace living in the jungle as a kind of "tiger-woman."

Worlds collide from the meeting between these 2 women, and the novel reveals surprising ways in which their lives are turned willy-nilly.

[Jane Shambler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think (yes.. I do that sometimes!) you will either love or hate this book. I don't think there will be much middle ground. As it happens I loved this book and am very much hoping there will be a sequel as many questions are left, shall we say, open to speculation.


The two main characters are Leandra Thornton who has become known as the Indian Menace. A supposed folklore of a spirit who removes poachers violently. The second is Ashley Richards a wildlife photographer internationally renowned. The two meet in the Indian jungle when Ashley comes head to head with a poacher and Leandra rescues her.


The two women build a friendship and Leandra shows Ashley the famed white tiger and her cubs. That is what the poachers are after the white gold as they call it. Ashley keeps Leandra's secret and their relationship develops in to more.


The descriptions of the region and the wildlife are simple breath taking. The story has a lot of adventure and action. The true meaning of preserving natures greatest animals. The greatest battle for wildlife is the poachers who just see dollar signs. This story tackles poaching with a slight twist. It definitely made me think.


I would definitely recommend this book. I gave it 4.25 stars and it is worth every single one. I am now looking forward to the sequel.

[Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun lesbian Tarzan-esque story, though I felt the last third or so of the book lost its steam (the moment it leaves India), and several larger subplots just seemed to be abandoned in favor of a quick ending.

[Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione sul blog: http://thereadingpal.blogspot.it/2017...


"Poachers turning up dead in the jungle, ripped to pieces." Taurun
pulled a toothpick from his pocket and chewed it thoughtfully. The look
on his face was the same one Ashley remembered seeing her father
wear when he told ghost stories during family camping trips. "Not just
here, either. Up in the Himalayan mountains, and on the grasslands,
something's hunting them down, then disappearing. It leaves no trace
except the dead."


Ashely è una fotografa, specializzata in animali selvatici. Dovrebbe tornare negli Stati Uniti, ma lei e la sua troupe decidono di rimanare in India perché hanno sentito parlare di una tigre bianca in libertà. La giovane vuole assolutamente fotografarla, tanto da avventurarsi anche da sola, ma non è l'unica a volere qualcosa dalla tigre: un gruppo bracconieri sta dando la caccia all'animale. La tigre bianca però non è l'unica leggenda di questa foresta: qualcosa che i locali credono uno spirito, la "Indian Menace", da la caccia ai bracconieri e li uccide senza pietà.
Ashley la incontra e la loro amicizia si evolve in qualcosa di molto più profondo, tanto da cambiare entrambe le loro vite.


In the jungle, life was only ever a single moment. And if that moment
was right, nothing else mattered.


Sia Ashley che Leandra mia hanno colpita come personaggi. Entrambe le donne sono forti ed uniche alla loro maniera, e sono estremamente differenti.
Ashely è testarda come un mulo, adora il suo lavoro di fotografa e non si lascia intimidire né da Leandra, che comunque è terrificante, né dai bracconieri, a cui cerca di tenere testa in più di un'occasione. Cerca di avvicinarsi a Leandra coem può, un po' alla volta, e adora stare con lei e avventurarsi nei luoghi speciali in cui l'altra donna la porta. Quello che un po' la spaventa sono i suoi sentimenti per lei, che sono così diversi da quelli provati fino a quel momento, ma con il passare del tempo vediamo che si lega sempre di più a Leandra e che si lascia andare.
Leandra è il personaggio più interessante. Non voglio fare spoiler sul suo passato, che è una parte importante della storia, ma posso dire che le difficoltà che ha trovato nella sua vita l'hanno resa sempre più dura e senza cuore, fino a quando non è arrivata in India e qualcosa di estremamente particolare e importante le è accaduto. Da allora ha vissuto nella giungla, proteggendo gli animali dai bracconieri, cercando di adattarsi al territorio e lasciando nel passato la sua umanità in favore di atteggiamenti che la rendono simile ad una tigre. Lei ha più esperienza di Ashley negli affari di sesso con le altre donne, ma non con i sentimenti. La vediamo lottare con quello che prova per la donna più giovane, cercando di tenersi a distanza.
Vediamo la loro relazione evolversi, cambiare. Ci sono dubbi ed incertezza, ma anche un sentimento profondo che le guidano nelle loro azioni.
Loro due sono i personaggi più approfonditi, anche se ce ne sono altri, come Taurun, la Guida, il cui tratto principale è la sua noncuranza per quello che accade ai bracconieri. Tramite lui, ma anche tramite i bracconieri stessi, veniamo catapultati in una situazione che è lontana da quella di tutti i giorni (almeno per me) ma che è comunque reale. Ranger contro bracconieri, e nel mezzo gli animali che diventano le prede di un gioco perverso e inutile. Amber Jacobs esplora questa dinamica, lasciando intravedere anche la vita nelal giungla. Io personalmente ho trovato questo libro diverso ed interessante. Non mi è mai capitato di leggere un libro con questo tipo di storia.
Lo stile di scrittura a tratti è un po' pesantuccio, ma il libro si legge bene e c'è una buona alternanza tra scene d'azione e combattiamento e scene d'amore e di calma.
Nel complesso mi è piaciuto davvero molto, e spero di poter leggere presto qualcos'altro di questa autrice.

[row row · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t realize there were two versions of this, and I read the first unedited 2006 version, so my review is based on that.

This was a pretty interesting and refreshing lesbian romance that really isn’t like anything I’ve read before. There were a few flaws - it wasn’t written the best, some of the sex scenes were written so terribly and I had to laugh, I hate the name Ashley, and there were some parts that were just too cheesy - but overall I did enjoy this unconventional romance story. I didn’t love the way the word bisexual was never mentioned because I believe Ashley is bi, but it was still nice to read a WLW story. I think it also would’ve been cooler if there was more of a fantasy element and Leandra was actually a tiger-hybrid (kinda like Cheetah in Wonder Woman, which was what I thought going into this). But still, I really liked Leandra’s character the most, and I understood her motivations and desires. She kept the story going for me and the plot was decently put together, though there were things left open and unresolved. 3.75 stars from me.

[BookAddict · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. It was Tarzan meets the lesfic world. i liked the interactions between the two main characters and seeing how they both saw each other and grew because of each other
One sees a wild women who intrigues her and the other is seeing another women/person for the first time in years and wants to get to know more about her.
you get to go on an adventure while reading this book.
i would recommend this book if you like adventure, exotic locations, drama and romance.

Arc review for second revised edition for Ylva

[Kamloth · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review for Ylva (Second Revised Edition 2017)

For me, it was an OK book. My main"issue" with the book was the writing style. Let's be clear, nothing is "wrong" with it. The sentences structure was more complex than usual almost poetical, which was harder for me as an English second language reader.

The story is a lot unbelievable but interesting. The idea is different and the plot is manoeuvre to make you want to read the next page.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this unique story very much! Kind of a take on Jane in the jungle . . . but updated. Thank you Ms. Jacobs!

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

If Tarzan had a female adult version, this book would have been it. Nicely done plot and characters. Of course there are a few mistakes for a story trying to enact an indian jungle but in my opinion quite forgivable.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was nothing I didn't like about this story. All the characters were well thought out and interesting. The slow burn between the Scion, Zafirah, and her newest pleasure-servant, Dae, was delicious till the end. The young blonde's "awakening" of self as the story progressed was sensually satisfying. And the rest of the pleasure-servants were just as entertaining to read about and know as the main characters were. Adding to my favorites for sure, and will most likely read again down the road. Looking forward to more books from this author. Amazing!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Ylva in exchange for an honest review.

I loved how Amber Jacobs can draw a picture of beautiful and exotic places. It doesn't feel like it is just a written explanation on how the jungle looks like - but it comes alive! I liked both characters and the chemistry between them.. even though I was wondering the whole time how Ashley is kissing Leandra, knowing that she probably hasn't brushed her teeth in 4 years.. but beside that it was a beautifully drawn story. I think though that it should have been a short story because it lost its steam after a while. I have mixed feelings about the part after India - it was nice to have a happy end but I just don't think it is realistic.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book but I would rather have read more about Leandra. It seemed like this was mostly about Ashley, who’s only 26. I imagine she had to be that age so that she would be naïve and headstrong enough to go into these situations, but on the other hand, to be so rich and successful at her age? That didn’t seem realistic for her profession. There was another point I had issues with – Polaroid photos appeared out of nowhere. Beyond the surprise, what renowned photographer relied on a Polaroid camera which was pretty much point and shoot?

There was some tension throughout much of the book regarding poachers, especially the last one, although I was surprised that thread ended where it did. I expected more follow-through. However, the opening passage really set the scene for the novel. It built up my expectations and set the mood and location well.

Another part I would have liked to read more about was Leandra’s adjustment to civilization. She seemed to acclimate quickly, but given the year (1998) the novel is set in, it would have been fun to see any culture shock she might have had. I remember technology advanced pretty rapidly back then so after four years Leandra should have been more mystified.

Other than my quibbles, I enjoyed Primal Touch and I would read it again. I enjoyed the setting, an Indian jungle, and liked the characters, even the secondary ones. There was enough tension and action to keep me reading, from the dangers to the characters’ interactions. If you like adventure along with romance, you’ll enjoy this, although you may have to suspend belief. I received an ARC from the publisher for a review.

[Devin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out with a bang, action and adventure, saving of damsels and killing of bad men. I was so into the story line I couldn't put the book down. The story setting switched up from the jungle to a small town in the north east and I kept waiting for some more action, something else to happen with the unfinished business with the poacher and Leandra and Ashley. I kept wondering with all the adamancy of Leandra's secret (yep not giving spoilers here) being kept, why there wasn't something to happen that it got out. Then I was waiting for the book to end in maybe a cliff hanger, so we would impatiently wait for the next in the series, but nope kind of a real blah ending. The other thing that kept bothering me was almost if not every time someone's eye's where mentioned they always stated the color of them and in places even that got screwed up to which color was being mentioned to which character (editing miss for sure). I think this could have been so much better if the author wasn't trying to wrap everything up in a neat little package to end the book. But that said, I did really enjoy most of it and it is worth your time to read. I loved the raw fierceness of Leandra and her strength. I also liked Ashley's determination and empathy. Hopefully there will be a next book with these characters that kind of answers questions in this one. You will enjoy it.

[Colleen Corgel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amber Jacobs follows her steamy Ylva debut (Nights of Silk and Sapphire) with another sexy novel about a wildlife photographer who meets a wild woman in the depths of an Indian Jungle.

I really enjoyed reading the book through the main characters' points of view. Leandra's narrative style in the beginning was a treat, as she didn't think in very human terms until she has to during her interactions with Ashley. Even though Ashley is really the protagonist of the story, Leandra's insight helps move the plot along from a different perspective.

I do have one complaint, and that is the last act. Ashley's expedition had to end, and I thought the ending scenes in India were excellent. Once they got back to the States, I thought the story suffered a lot of pacing issues, especially when exploring Leandra's reaction to being back in a world so changed. Instead, Leandra turned into Ashley's girlfriend and seemed to stay in that role unless it came time to interact with Ashley's niece, Casey.

Plot issues aside, this is a fun little romantic adventure, with a side of steam. Ashley and Leandra are good leads that have excellent chemistry that shows in their sex scenes. I recommend it just for the first three quarters of the book alone.

I received an ARC of this work from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Fran Sappharc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, which is obviously what 3 stars means but I would push it up to a 3.7 if possible. I found the book descriptive, set in a new, to me setting, that again for me - with no experience of the environment, found believable. The main characters, or at least one was certainly unusual.
I particularly enjoyed the beginning of the book. When I turned a page after much adventure, description and intrigue and it said Chapter 2, I literally laughed out loud. There was more packed into the first long chapter than some other whole books I have read. Therein for me lay the problem. I got to the point there were so many setbacks and tension - always trouble lurking in the shadows that it hampered the enjoyment a bit. On reconsidering this opinion since ending the book I think I may be reacting to the fact other books I have read recently are either romance formulas or adventure formulas or at least less packed into them formulas! This is a romance, we know with a degree of certainty how it will play out..... but I still found the "adventure" sections tense.
This book certainly makes you realise in romances it is a jungle out there!
This was an arc copy in return for an honest review.

[Mazzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read the new edition so this review will be based on that version. I haven't read this story before so I'm not sure what is different compared to the original edition.

I really enjoyed this story, but felt it was a little too long and just a little disjointed. Leandra, the wild woman who lived in the jungle for four years, is my favorite character in this story. I loved learning about who she is, her past, how she grows and changes throughout the story. She is much more complex compared to Ashley, the wildlife photographer. Their romance was sweet and believable.

The poacher conflict storyline was exciting to read and I wished the author would keep going with it instead of wrapping up in middle of the story.

My main complaint with this story is that it is a little disjointed and almost feel like two books wrapped into one. The last third of the story feel like it should be a beginning of a sequel for this story, especially with an open ending. That's just my opinion.

Still a good story about love, redemption, and journey.

[Mindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read. I noticed where some had stated that it seemed unrealistic... funny, I thought this was supposed to be fiction. Oh right, it is. :) You don't have to be realistic all the time. The human interactions and the important things were realistic, while the premise of a Jungle Tiger lady was perhaps fantastical. I personally enjoyed the escape.

There were times the book was a tad sluggish at the start, which I will admit made it a little hard to continue reading in spots, and also why I'm not giving this a full 5 stars. That being said though, I greatly enjoyed the main character Ashley and her adventurous nature, and Leandra's entire being. I really would like to say more about the ending but feel it would give things away. The book was a delightful mix of adventure, danger, awe, and romance. The scene with the tigers was probably my favorite part of the book, to be honest.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

genre: adventure, contemporary romance
length: 99,000 words, 6 chapters
main characters:
Ashley Richards, 26, wildlife photographer
Leandra Thornton, thirties, tiger-woman, a poacher turned wildlife defender
setting: Bandhavgarh National Park, India and the forest near the town of Silver Falls, USA
- an interesting exotic adventure with some nice action and a very nice romance
- a sequel would be very welcome because although the storyline is nicely paced the book ended a bit abruptly with a number of issues remain unresolved
- recommended to all fans of romances with some jungle adventure thrown into
- waiting for a sequel
cover: appealing, well related to the plot
book rating: 4 stars
eARC by Ylva Publishing

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the initial version of this novel when it was released by the now defunct Blue Feather Books in 2006-I found the plot to be unnecessarily dense, overly descriptive narratively and I remained unconvinced about the nature/extent of the relationship that developed between the two protagonists, specifically with relation to the power dynamics of their interactions. Overall, the same issues arose with the second iteration, although the quality of the text was improved with the editorial efforts of the Ylva team. Ms. Jacobs wrote "Nights of Silk and Sapphire," much more recently, which I enjoyed mightily. I look forward to the sequels to that volume upon their release.

Kindly furnished with an arc by the author and publisher.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this isn't the kind of book I'd normally read I'm very glad I gave this genre a try. In this story we get to travel with Ashley Richards a photojournalist into the jungles of India. Taking pictures of the rare White Tiger is a job she couldn't pass up. What she finds is even rarer. Love. It was a fun read following Ashley through the dark, steamy jungle where she faces two groups of people, one looking to kill these beautiful wild cats for the money to be made on the black market and one fighting to save them. In this book you'll find adventure and some hot exotica when Ashley teams up with a woman, who looks and acts like the tigers she loves determined to save them. A great read.