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Kindred Souls #1
Animal Instincts
Half-human, half-Kindred, Luc Lazare doesn’t want more complications in his life. He's focused on protecting his shapeshifting family and love is the last distraction he needs.
Skye Cross has the ability to talk to animals. Her most recent animal rescue mission–stopping an alleged dog fight–actually involved shifters in a primal battle. Her investigation leads her to Luc, a man whose powers both unsettle and intrigue her. Skye quickly finds herself caught in a dangerous world she never knew existed, while relying on a man she couldn't possibly trust.
Coming from two different worlds, can Luc and Skye overcome the obstacles fated to keep them apart?
Enjoy an excerpt from Animal Instincts
The predators moved in on me. Trying not to show the anxiety that threatened to consume me, I curled my hands into fists and edged backward. They continued to advance on me. My heart was pounding, my blood racing. Knowing they could sense my fear, I tried to control it. Futile. No escape.
The hyena broke from the pack and rushed me. If I turned my back on it, I was dead for sure. I kept putting one foot behind the other and the wolf and the lion picked up their pursuit. The hyena’s muscles bunched and it flew through the air at me. I threw up my hands to protect myself, but it never reached me. Instead, it was as if an invisible wall stopped it cold. It shrieked and fell to the ground in a heap.
What do you think you’re doing? Go!
The predators stopped and I sensed their sudden fear.
Now! the voice in my head thundered.
The animals fled and quickly disappeared into the night.
I flipped around. At first I didn’t see him. Then I caught a movement to my right and nailed him where he stood. Dark hair whipped around features so rugged they could have been cut from granite. High cheekbones. Broad forehead. Square chin. His eyes appeared silver in the moonlight, and they glowed at me, tightening my stomach and making it hard to breathe.
Trembling, I gasped. “What just happened?”
“You got into something that doesn’t concern you.” Forget about it.
I started. He hadn’t said the last bit out loud. There was something about him so powerful I almost agreed. I fought the desire to give in. “I’m not forgetting about anything. Who are you?”
I felt as if he were trying to push the command into my mind. Glaring at him, I pushed back.
“What are you?” he asked.
“Someone who protects animals.”
His silence told me that wasn’t exactly the explanation he was looking for. My pulse threaded as he stepped closer. I sensed both threat and something less tangible, something that made my stomach knot and my throat tighten.
Skye Cross has the ability to talk to animals. Her most recent animal rescue mission–stopping an alleged dog fight–actually involved shifters in a primal battle. Her investigation leads her to Luc, a man whose powers both unsettle and intrigue her. Skye quickly finds herself caught in a dangerous world she never knew existed, while relying on a man she couldn't possibly trust.
Coming from two different worlds, can Luc and Skye overcome the obstacles fated to keep them apart?
Enjoy an excerpt from Animal Instincts
The predators moved in on me. Trying not to show the anxiety that threatened to consume me, I curled my hands into fists and edged backward. They continued to advance on me. My heart was pounding, my blood racing. Knowing they could sense my fear, I tried to control it. Futile. No escape.
The hyena broke from the pack and rushed me. If I turned my back on it, I was dead for sure. I kept putting one foot behind the other and the wolf and the lion picked up their pursuit. The hyena’s muscles bunched and it flew through the air at me. I threw up my hands to protect myself, but it never reached me. Instead, it was as if an invisible wall stopped it cold. It shrieked and fell to the ground in a heap.
What do you think you’re doing? Go!
The predators stopped and I sensed their sudden fear.
Now! the voice in my head thundered.
The animals fled and quickly disappeared into the night.
I flipped around. At first I didn’t see him. Then I caught a movement to my right and nailed him where he stood. Dark hair whipped around features so rugged they could have been cut from granite. High cheekbones. Broad forehead. Square chin. His eyes appeared silver in the moonlight, and they glowed at me, tightening my stomach and making it hard to breathe.
Trembling, I gasped. “What just happened?”
“You got into something that doesn’t concern you.” Forget about it.
I started. He hadn’t said the last bit out loud. There was something about him so powerful I almost agreed. I fought the desire to give in. “I’m not forgetting about anything. Who are you?”
I felt as if he were trying to push the command into my mind. Glaring at him, I pushed back.
“What are you?” he asked.
“Someone who protects animals.”
His silence told me that wasn’t exactly the explanation he was looking for. My pulse threaded as he stepped closer. I sensed both threat and something less tangible, something that made my stomach knot and my throat tighten.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
28 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Rosemoor
200 books156 followersWith 100 novels and more than seven million books in print, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Patricia Rosemoor is fascinated with "dangerous love" – combining romance with danger. She has written various forms of romantic and paranormal romantic thrillers, bringing a different mix of thrills and chills to her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 28, 2018
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is awesome! I love when both forms are on the cover.
This is my first time reading Patricia’s work, and it is also the first book in a new series! This book is for adults only due to the violence and adult topics. This book does have gambling and betting on illegal animal fights for any who may be sensitive to these topics.
This is a very unique shifter world. I have never read anything quite like this where shifters are demon like and their purpose is to corrupt humanity. Luc is half human and half Kindred. This has caused him to feel like he doesn’t belong in either world and is torn between the two. He knows that the people he cares about will always be targets. Skye can unique abilities, and her world is turned upside-down. She learns new things about herself and her family along the way. Skye and Luc come from opposite worlds, and they are tested.
I enjoyed this unique story and perspective, and I want to see where this world goes next. I hope I get to see more of Skye and Luc!
I recommend to shifter fans who like unique and completely different worlds and who do not get hung up on what good and evil is!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is awesome! I love when both forms are on the cover.
This is my first time reading Patricia’s work, and it is also the first book in a new series! This book is for adults only due to the violence and adult topics. This book does have gambling and betting on illegal animal fights for any who may be sensitive to these topics.
This is a very unique shifter world. I have never read anything quite like this where shifters are demon like and their purpose is to corrupt humanity. Luc is half human and half Kindred. This has caused him to feel like he doesn’t belong in either world and is torn between the two. He knows that the people he cares about will always be targets. Skye can unique abilities, and her world is turned upside-down. She learns new things about herself and her family along the way. Skye and Luc come from opposite worlds, and they are tested.
I enjoyed this unique story and perspective, and I want to see where this world goes next. I hope I get to see more of Skye and Luc!
I recommend to shifter fans who like unique and completely different worlds and who do not get hung up on what good and evil is!
November 29, 2017
I can't even with this book.
*Book source ~ NetGalley
DNF @42%
Luc Lazare is half human and half something else. I don’t know what because I gave up at 42%. Skye Cross is also something, but at least she conveniently finds her mother’s old Book of Powers right when she needs it to explain what’s going on with the wonky things she can do. And it’s a good thing she reads that book out loud to her brother’s ghost so Luc an listen outside an open window and hear what she is since he keeps asking her every time they meet and she doesn’t answer him.
At 42% I had to toss in the towel. The characters are one-dimensional and stupid. There are SECRETS galore with no reveal in sight. It’s confusing as shit, the dialogue is stilted, and the pacing is herky jerky. It’s stagnant. The plot, what little there is of one, is just stuck in quick sand and sinking fast. Also, who calls cops "coppers" in a book set in what I can only guess is modern times? Skye calls her brother and his fellow officers "coppers" up until I had to stop reading or gouge my eyes out with a spork. Wtf!? This is an interesting world that got really shortchanged. The writing sucks. The end.
*Book source ~ NetGalley
DNF @42%
Luc Lazare is half human and half something else. I don’t know what because I gave up at 42%. Skye Cross is also something, but at least she conveniently finds her mother’s old Book of Powers right when she needs it to explain what’s going on with the wonky things she can do. And it’s a good thing she reads that book out loud to her brother’s ghost so Luc an listen outside an open window and hear what she is since he keeps asking her every time they meet and she doesn’t answer him.
At 42% I had to toss in the towel. The characters are one-dimensional and stupid. There are SECRETS galore with no reveal in sight. It’s confusing as shit, the dialogue is stilted, and the pacing is herky jerky. It’s stagnant. The plot, what little there is of one, is just stuck in quick sand and sinking fast. Also, who calls cops "coppers" in a book set in what I can only guess is modern times? Skye calls her brother and his fellow officers "coppers" up until I had to stop reading or gouge my eyes out with a spork. Wtf!? This is an interesting world that got really shortchanged. The writing sucks. The end.
December 20, 2013
I love paranormal romances and Animal Instincts seemed right up my alley, I love shapeshifter novels there's just something so delicious about an alpha-born hero with true animal instincts, but lord did I want to shoot Luc; and please let’s not get started on the female.
When Skye stumbles into an animal battle arena, her first reaction is to run in there and stop it all from happening. That is until her twin brother shows up and warns her to stay away. She's not about to stand on the side while animals are being pitted against each other and forced to fight to the death. But the animals she runs into aren't just dogs, they are wild animals, predators. Skye and her twin, Shade were born with an ability that allowed them to read people, and animals. She can communicate with animals telepathically, while he can read people's thoughts. When Skye encounters the wild dog, she suddenly begins to hear him. She's baffled, but ultimately her goal is to help the animal who's been wounded. This is where she runs into Luc and where their encounter leads them both to something much more than a simple animal fight.
Now, while the story itself is interesting with its shifters and witches thrown together, the reason I cannot rate this book higher is because of the romance in the book. (If we can call it that) I believe in insta-lust, but I will always want to pull my damn hair out when there’s instalove in my romance. While Luc and Skye took their time getting down and dirty with one another, all the heated glances and thoughts along the lines of, “I know you aren’t like that at all” wouldn’t have been terrible, had the characters gotten to know each other first. Plus, Luc screamed psychostalker all the way.
There were moments where Skye would make decisions that prompted me to label her a TSTL female, and it just didn’t seem natural for her to have developed her abilities as a witch just out of the blue when it was most convenient for her, despite not knowing previously about her ancestry. I was bored most of the time I spent reading the book, and that’s a damn shame. It seems so promising, and yet I just wasn’t quite hooked as I’d expected to be, or falling all over the hero at all. It’s possible it was just me at the time of reading, but if you’d like to give it a shot, I would love to know if anyone else has read it, and what their thoughts on it were. Maybe I’m looking at it all wrong..
did-not-finish
August 6, 2021DNF @ 25%
Skye's gift allows her to communicate with animals through pictures. But suddenly, she can now hear the thoughts of humans and she doesn't know why. Skye's brother, Shade, is investigating a string of murders and he may be on to what is really going on at the casino The Ark which has a secret, underground area that's invitation only. Luc is head of security at The Ark and he wants to know why Skye keeps showing up at places she doesn't belong.
That's about as far as I got before having to give up on this read. I was particularly bothered by the fact that Skye's point of view is written in first person and everyone else, Luc, Shade, Bad Guy, etc., were all written in third person. This structure just didn't mesh for me and every time the POV would change it would jar me out of the story.
I also had a lot of issues with the writing, in particular the dialogue, which felt stilted or odd with strange word choices, like Skye saying "copper" when referring to her brother, a cop. Luc also asks Skye "what are you?" about 10 times in just the first 20% and it was often several times right after each other. Neither Skye nor Luc seem very good at keeping their secrets -- Skye pretty much admits that the injured dog in the beginning is communicating with her and The Ark appears to revel in hiding their shapeshifting abilities in plain sight. The last thing that bothered me was Skye's attitude and mannerisms which came across very young and immature. I'm not sure what age Skye is supposed to be but she often sounded like a 16 year old not getting her way.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Skye's gift allows her to communicate with animals through pictures. But suddenly, she can now hear the thoughts of humans and she doesn't know why. Skye's brother, Shade, is investigating a string of murders and he may be on to what is really going on at the casino The Ark which has a secret, underground area that's invitation only. Luc is head of security at The Ark and he wants to know why Skye keeps showing up at places she doesn't belong.
That's about as far as I got before having to give up on this read. I was particularly bothered by the fact that Skye's point of view is written in first person and everyone else, Luc, Shade, Bad Guy, etc., were all written in third person. This structure just didn't mesh for me and every time the POV would change it would jar me out of the story.
I also had a lot of issues with the writing, in particular the dialogue, which felt stilted or odd with strange word choices, like Skye saying "copper" when referring to her brother, a cop. Luc also asks Skye "what are you?" about 10 times in just the first 20% and it was often several times right after each other. Neither Skye nor Luc seem very good at keeping their secrets -- Skye pretty much admits that the injured dog in the beginning is communicating with her and The Ark appears to revel in hiding their shapeshifting abilities in plain sight. The last thing that bothered me was Skye's attitude and mannerisms which came across very young and immature. I'm not sure what age Skye is supposed to be but she often sounded like a 16 year old not getting her way.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
November 9, 2020
This is a good book to get you hooked on this series. If you love shifter books this one is for you.
Luc and Skye met at an animal fight, she was there to soothe the animals, he was there for other reasons. Once they meet it's almost impossible for either not to think about the other. This is their story.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Luc and Skye met at an animal fight, she was there to soothe the animals, he was there for other reasons. Once they meet it's almost impossible for either not to think about the other. This is their story.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2014
I really enjoy reading this Author's stories. She knows how to weaved a story. I thoroughly enjoyed the way this story included so many animals. I like the tension between the hero and heroine. I was surprised at the end on who the bad guy was. I do love adventure and mystery. Great read.
January 21, 2018
Skye could communicate with animals and usually saw images of their thoughts her twin brother Shade could hear people’s thoughts and was a cop. Shade was the other half to Skye’s souls. Skye worked with animal rescue as she also had a psychic connection with animals as well as her twin.But now a man Skye and she could hear his thoughts . skye had been looking for a wounded coyote and seen a lion, a wolf , and a hyena and he told them to leave and they did. Then Shade appeared and and asked what Skye was doing with this man before her. Skye could feel the mutual dislike between the two men. Shade knew more than he was letting on. Then shade was blocking what he was letting Skye see. Luc qwas then man by Skye and she heard him when he thought “ what are you”. Luc’s father had won the permit to build the first casino boat in Chicago though the permit for The Ark as it was called had not included the several lower decks clocked by his father’s magic where only the invited got to play. The year before when the first complex on the lower decks had opened Luc had taken the job of head of security to make his dad happy. Luc had recognized Ske as Shade’s sister from the physical similarities she shared with Shade. Yet he couldn’t control her. Luc wanted to know Skye better and he didn’t like being thwarted. Luc was used to having control especially over humans but for some reason not Skye. Luc couldn’t get her off his mind. Shade then died in the line of duty with a bullet through his skull.and had saved Luc’s mother Elizabeth. Even his partner didn’t know he was looking into murders that may be linked to the casino. Then Luke’s ghost appeared to Skye in his apartment which apparently his ghost couldn’t leave. Shade figures he has unfinished business here and that is was the case he was working on he won’t be able to move on until that is solved. Skye finds her mother’s old Book Of Powers and it explains what is going on and all the odd things Skye can do. Skye reads the book to Shade’s ghost and Luc was by an outside window and heard what Skye actually is and what have to ask her what she was anymore. Luc is a shifter who was half human he had not embraced either side of himself. His human mother raised him. Luc pushed Skye away thinking it would keep her safe.
I did definitely enjoy this book., it's definitely a different twist on shifters. Some of the word choices were off like using coppers for a cop. There was some replication in the dialogue like Luc asking “ what are you” it got boring. This made me choke up at times. Luc and Skye had some hot chemistry between them. The supernaturals didn’t seem to really care if their secrets got out and people became aware of what they were. I liked the tension between Luc and Skye. My interest was caught in the beginning and stayed through to the end. I also liked the plot and the fast pace. I liked the drama bit loved the character and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
I did definitely enjoy this book., it's definitely a different twist on shifters. Some of the word choices were off like using coppers for a cop. There was some replication in the dialogue like Luc asking “ what are you” it got boring. This made me choke up at times. Luc and Skye had some hot chemistry between them. The supernaturals didn’t seem to really care if their secrets got out and people became aware of what they were. I liked the tension between Luc and Skye. My interest was caught in the beginning and stayed through to the end. I also liked the plot and the fast pace. I liked the drama bit loved the character and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
November 26, 2020
This was a first time author for me and I requested this ARC because it sounded interesting in the summary. Without knowing anything else - about the author or any previous books - I was excited to get started. The book did however, take a while for me to be able to get in to it and I wasn't able to fully immerse myself in the story. The world building was almost non existent and the setting regarding the magic universe just got more and more confusing. So Skye and her brother are twins, but they react to animals differently? Or could her brother hear peoples thoughts as well as animals? And he dies, but he doesn't? And Skye's abilities change...why? Did they never question things before? It takes a book to give her information?
Also, this style of shifter was so different from the norm or from regular cannon that it took a while for me to understand the dynamics. There is a shifter death at the very beginning and it is unclear why the book was making it sound like she was murdered. They put two shifters in a ring for a fight to the death, but the shifter in question was a big cat - a panther I think. Why would she not have big cat instincts (predator instincts) to be able to fight naturally? She wouldn't have had to win, but she should have been able to put up a fight instinctively being a predator. Right? It was things like that that began to build and build in my mind and just kept the story from coalescing for me.
And Luc...what in the world was going on with him? These are things that happened very closely to the beginning of the book and started becoming more and more frustrating in the fact that instead of getting answers, I just kept having questions. And worse, sometimes the answers seemed to be conflicting something previously either stated or implied.
I really do not want to be too negative, because I felt like there was so much potential with this premise. I just think the author wasn't really sure where she wanted to go with this. To me, it just felt like it was all over the place. I LOVE to read and usually can finish most books in a couple of hours. This book took me DAYS. That only happens when I keep finding reasons to put it down, or to move onto something else. I actually read two other books before I finished this one. After I finished this book, I went to Goodreads and saw that PR has many books out. I think I will try another book from another series. You never know, maybe it was just me - or maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind at this particular time. I will definitely see if I can try again .....like I said before, the premise was interesting and had so much potential.
Also, this style of shifter was so different from the norm or from regular cannon that it took a while for me to understand the dynamics. There is a shifter death at the very beginning and it is unclear why the book was making it sound like she was murdered. They put two shifters in a ring for a fight to the death, but the shifter in question was a big cat - a panther I think. Why would she not have big cat instincts (predator instincts) to be able to fight naturally? She wouldn't have had to win, but she should have been able to put up a fight instinctively being a predator. Right? It was things like that that began to build and build in my mind and just kept the story from coalescing for me.
And Luc...what in the world was going on with him? These are things that happened very closely to the beginning of the book and started becoming more and more frustrating in the fact that instead of getting answers, I just kept having questions. And worse, sometimes the answers seemed to be conflicting something previously either stated or implied.
I really do not want to be too negative, because I felt like there was so much potential with this premise. I just think the author wasn't really sure where she wanted to go with this. To me, it just felt like it was all over the place. I LOVE to read and usually can finish most books in a couple of hours. This book took me DAYS. That only happens when I keep finding reasons to put it down, or to move onto something else. I actually read two other books before I finished this one. After I finished this book, I went to Goodreads and saw that PR has many books out. I think I will try another book from another series. You never know, maybe it was just me - or maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind at this particular time. I will definitely see if I can try again .....like I said before, the premise was interesting and had so much potential.
December 9, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I first want to say if you LOVE paranormal romance with mystery, intrigue and suspense, you MUST read this. Second, have a NEW box of tissues ready for the tears! Or it may be just that I'm a softie.
Shade and Skye Cross are twins. They share an unusual connection plus he can read the thoughts of people, she can read the thoughts of animals. Shade is a homicide detective with the Chicago police and she is an animal rescuer. She is at a dogfighting ring waiting for the police to descend to shut it down before she can look after the animals. Her brother comes across her before the raid takes place. He tells her to stay back and gives her a sea glass necklace and tells her to never take it off. Skye is puzzled as to why her brother would attach himself to the raid? Where is his partner, Ethan?
After the raid, Skye chases after a wounded coyote. Instead of finding a coyote, she finds herself facing down three predators! She can even read their thoughts. Normally she converses with animals through pictures. She senses another presence, it is a striking man who commands the animals to leave and much to Skye's amazement, they do!
Skye will come across Luc's path several times. Luc is the illegitimate son of a human woman and the head of the Kindred. Luc walks a fine line between both worlds. He is intrigued by Skye's ability to resist his attempts to erase her memory of him and her ability to hear his thoughts. Who is or really what is Skye?
This isn't the normal paranormal romance. I was glued to my e-reader to figure out who was behind the fighting ring and how it could be stopped! I adored the multiple POV format. There were several POVs other than the two main protagonists. I LOVED that. I was really able to connect to the story as well as the characters that way. The Kindred part of the story was a little on the fantasy side, which I don't read. My poor brain just doesn't comprehend it. But with this story, I was able to fully imagine the story just like I would a movie.
There were some sexy scenes that really just lead up to and then just highly glossed over details before fading away. I would highly recommend this to anyone OVER the age of 18 to read this paranormal romance!
I first want to say if you LOVE paranormal romance with mystery, intrigue and suspense, you MUST read this. Second, have a NEW box of tissues ready for the tears! Or it may be just that I'm a softie.
Shade and Skye Cross are twins. They share an unusual connection plus he can read the thoughts of people, she can read the thoughts of animals. Shade is a homicide detective with the Chicago police and she is an animal rescuer. She is at a dogfighting ring waiting for the police to descend to shut it down before she can look after the animals. Her brother comes across her before the raid takes place. He tells her to stay back and gives her a sea glass necklace and tells her to never take it off. Skye is puzzled as to why her brother would attach himself to the raid? Where is his partner, Ethan?
After the raid, Skye chases after a wounded coyote. Instead of finding a coyote, she finds herself facing down three predators! She can even read their thoughts. Normally she converses with animals through pictures. She senses another presence, it is a striking man who commands the animals to leave and much to Skye's amazement, they do!
Skye will come across Luc's path several times. Luc is the illegitimate son of a human woman and the head of the Kindred. Luc walks a fine line between both worlds. He is intrigued by Skye's ability to resist his attempts to erase her memory of him and her ability to hear his thoughts. Who is or really what is Skye?
This isn't the normal paranormal romance. I was glued to my e-reader to figure out who was behind the fighting ring and how it could be stopped! I adored the multiple POV format. There were several POVs other than the two main protagonists. I LOVED that. I was really able to connect to the story as well as the characters that way. The Kindred part of the story was a little on the fantasy side, which I don't read. My poor brain just doesn't comprehend it. But with this story, I was able to fully imagine the story just like I would a movie.
There were some sexy scenes that really just lead up to and then just highly glossed over details before fading away. I would highly recommend this to anyone OVER the age of 18 to read this paranormal romance!
November 17, 2020
This book started with an interesting premise. Skye has the ability to communicate and understand animals by mentally sharing images. That is unusual so I wanted to read this book. However Skye’s ability is barely touched on and when she suddenly can hear shifters thoughts, she hardly communicates with animals at all anymore. That was disappointing. This could have been an interesting story about the Kindred, the Nephilim and Noah’s Ark. The Kindred, having to give up their souls for immortality and must corrupt others to borrow souls in order to feel human could have been interesting but...the explanation is just not there. Also, It’s difficult to understand where Skye and her brother get their powers. She is constantly asked, “what are you?” but we never get an inkling of what she is. She finds the Book of Powers but barely reads it. What exactly is her power? What is Skye and Spade’s big picture mission? We never find out. In this book, they are trying to stop some illegal dog fights that end up with shifters being killed. Spade who is Skye’s brother is a policeman so it’s understandable that he’d pursue the illegal dog fighting ring. Skye is there to protect the animals but in what capacity? She owns a pet store with her best friend. I think the author left out too much of the world building and power structure for this book for it to be comprehendible. Yes, it’s good vs. evil but that’s about all I understood. Luc’s family is a crime family with a casino boat that includes a brothel. The family members are mostly unlikeable. The romance between Luc and Skye is a bit ho-hum for me. Luc is usually an ass to Skye and she is sassy to him but when they are near each other they are electrified, yawn. Overall, I wanted to like this story but there was too much left out of it for me to enjoy it. I will probably not read the next book in this series. Another irritating aspect is the pronouns are messed up throughout the book. I’m sure the mistakes will be caught in the editing stage but it was annoying throughout the story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
I received an AEC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Luc is part wolf, part human. He has never made the commitment to choose which side he was to embrace much to his father's dismay.
Sky works with Animal rescue. There have been a series of dog fights in the area and she is at the latest to try and help the animals they recover. Her brother, a detective, is there also and is angry at her for being in a dangerous situation. Hmm, seems he knows something she doesn't?
This is where she meets Luc, who is evasive with answers and not very nice to her as she is attempting to help a coyote that was injured during the fight. A coyote at a dogfight? Sky sees several other types of animals that night, raising even more question.
Luc does not stay out of her life though. She finds him watching her, following her. Then Sky's brother is killed when he goes to ask Luc's mother questions, he is killed saving her life. Now Luc feels he HAS to protect Sky.
Will Sky figure it all out? Will the truth about Luc scare her away? Will finding out who killed her brother also kill her?
I had mixed feelings about this book. It had a definite twist on the shifter life because when the shifter "became of age" the could commit and become Kindred but this required giving up their soul. It also made them immortal but they would have to borrow a soul basically using it until the soul was useless, as in too old? or about to die? It was a bit strange for me.
Sky has her own powers. She can communicate with animals while her brother had another but she never really understood what the purpose of her power was until after her brother's death. Between her new understanding of her power and Luc's world, Sky's life has really changed!
She cares about Luc as he does her but he thinks if he pushes her away it will keep her safe, Can they ever be together?
Luc's sister, Nuala...her story really broke my heart. I would of loved to see her with a HEA...
Luc is part wolf, part human. He has never made the commitment to choose which side he was to embrace much to his father's dismay.
Sky works with Animal rescue. There have been a series of dog fights in the area and she is at the latest to try and help the animals they recover. Her brother, a detective, is there also and is angry at her for being in a dangerous situation. Hmm, seems he knows something she doesn't?
This is where she meets Luc, who is evasive with answers and not very nice to her as she is attempting to help a coyote that was injured during the fight. A coyote at a dogfight? Sky sees several other types of animals that night, raising even more question.
Luc does not stay out of her life though. She finds him watching her, following her. Then Sky's brother is killed when he goes to ask Luc's mother questions, he is killed saving her life. Now Luc feels he HAS to protect Sky.
Will Sky figure it all out? Will the truth about Luc scare her away? Will finding out who killed her brother also kill her?
I had mixed feelings about this book. It had a definite twist on the shifter life because when the shifter "became of age" the could commit and become Kindred but this required giving up their soul. It also made them immortal but they would have to borrow a soul basically using it until the soul was useless, as in too old? or about to die? It was a bit strange for me.
Sky has her own powers. She can communicate with animals while her brother had another but she never really understood what the purpose of her power was until after her brother's death. Between her new understanding of her power and Luc's world, Sky's life has really changed!
She cares about Luc as he does her but he thinks if he pushes her away it will keep her safe, Can they ever be together?
Luc's sister, Nuala...her story really broke my heart. I would of loved to see her with a HEA...
November 13, 2020
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was looking for some comfort reading so decided to pick up Animal Instincts.
Animal rescuer Skye Cross' hunt for justice leads her into the dark mafia underworld of shapeshifters - and into the arms of Luc Lazare. But can she trust him?
While this is pitched as a paranormal romance, I would recommend this to romance fans over urban fantasy fans. The primary focus of the story is the connection between the two characters (+ a sprinkling of smut).
The world-building is fairly original. It offers a take on shapeshifter origins I haven't seen before, combining Biblical mythology and soul bargaining in a way that is ripe with potential. I would have liked to learn more about the world, and specifically about how Skye's abilities fit into the bigger picture - I'm assuming this will be covered in future books.
Skye and Luc are fairly classic romance heroes: Luc is the conflicted/dark past but ultimately loyal type, Skye is the act first think later gutsy heroine. I do think their backstories could have been better developed (eg, For an animal lover, Skye leaves her pets home alone for long periods of time and has animals in cages in her shop. Luc's veteran status feels like a plot device; it would have felt more realistic to see more PTSD).
While there is a homicide investigation and conspiracy to keep the story moving, the focus is on the romance. I think the will they/won't they narrative would have been more compelling if I better understood the forbidden romance element of the character's abilities. Also, while the scenes between Luc and Skye were steamy, I'm unsure about the depiction of consent. Skye is shown to be resistant to Luc's mind control but he does still frequently use sexual chemistry to get his way.
Ultimately as a light read, this fits the bill. If you're looking for a quick romance read with fantasy trappings, this one is for you.
I was looking for some comfort reading so decided to pick up Animal Instincts.
Animal rescuer Skye Cross' hunt for justice leads her into the dark mafia underworld of shapeshifters - and into the arms of Luc Lazare. But can she trust him?
While this is pitched as a paranormal romance, I would recommend this to romance fans over urban fantasy fans. The primary focus of the story is the connection between the two characters (+ a sprinkling of smut).
The world-building is fairly original. It offers a take on shapeshifter origins I haven't seen before, combining Biblical mythology and soul bargaining in a way that is ripe with potential. I would have liked to learn more about the world, and specifically about how Skye's abilities fit into the bigger picture - I'm assuming this will be covered in future books.
Skye and Luc are fairly classic romance heroes: Luc is the conflicted/dark past but ultimately loyal type, Skye is the act first think later gutsy heroine. I do think their backstories could have been better developed (eg, For an animal lover, Skye leaves her pets home alone for long periods of time and has animals in cages in her shop. Luc's veteran status feels like a plot device; it would have felt more realistic to see more PTSD).
While there is a homicide investigation and conspiracy to keep the story moving, the focus is on the romance. I think the will they/won't they narrative would have been more compelling if I better understood the forbidden romance element of the character's abilities. Also, while the scenes between Luc and Skye were steamy, I'm unsure about the depiction of consent. Skye is shown to be resistant to Luc's mind control but he does still frequently use sexual chemistry to get his way.
Ultimately as a light read, this fits the bill. If you're looking for a quick romance read with fantasy trappings, this one is for you.
January 9, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Animal Instincts was originally published in November 2013, so it’s possible that you’ve read this title. I hesitated on requesting this title from NetGalley. Tule is a publishing house that I usually adore and trust, but I should have listened to those rumblings in my head that said, no, this one probably isn’t for you. Let me mention that Shifter Romance is my favorite genre, and any title in this sub-genre of Paranormal Romance has a lot to live up to for me.
While the idea of Animal Instincts is an interesting premise, the story fell far short for me. There are a few reasons for that. First I could not connect or like either Skye or Luc. Individually or as a couple they simply did not work for me. I couldn’t see the spark between them, and they both are exceptionally annoying at times. The second reasons is being jarred out of the story so often when POVs were changed. Combining first person and third person will always take me out of the world the author is creating while I adjust. I wish I could have enjoyed this one as I have many other stories by this author. But, unfortunately, Animal Instincts was not for me. That’s not to say that you wouldn’t love it, we all have different reading tastes. It simply didn’t work for me.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Animal Instincts was originally published in November 2013, so it’s possible that you’ve read this title. I hesitated on requesting this title from NetGalley. Tule is a publishing house that I usually adore and trust, but I should have listened to those rumblings in my head that said, no, this one probably isn’t for you. Let me mention that Shifter Romance is my favorite genre, and any title in this sub-genre of Paranormal Romance has a lot to live up to for me.
While the idea of Animal Instincts is an interesting premise, the story fell far short for me. There are a few reasons for that. First I could not connect or like either Skye or Luc. Individually or as a couple they simply did not work for me. I couldn’t see the spark between them, and they both are exceptionally annoying at times. The second reasons is being jarred out of the story so often when POVs were changed. Combining first person and third person will always take me out of the world the author is creating while I adjust. I wish I could have enjoyed this one as I have many other stories by this author. But, unfortunately, Animal Instincts was not for me. That’s not to say that you wouldn’t love it, we all have different reading tastes. It simply didn’t work for me.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
March 8, 2018
As a romance and Urban Paranormal novel, this one hits those two spots fairly well. It’s written without a lot of extra drama that can sometimes scuttle a story line he this. There is just enough steam to satisfy the romantic side too.
I see it’s a series and I’m still interested in the characters of Luc and Skye enough that I will probably try to read the next one.
Skye Cross loves animals and wants to protect them. Her brother Shade is a policeman who discovers that someone is holding deadly dog fights. After the first one is busted up, Shade is killed protecting Luc Lazare’s mother as he was questioning her what the possible connection might be between the dog fights and Luc’s father, Cesar’s illegal gambling and prostitution business.
The Ark is a boat at the marina that holds a secret business below the legitimate casino. What is the connection between this business and the fights? Skye is determined to find out. Her attraction to Luc is not going to keep her from finding out who is involved, even if it is his family. And she is VERY attracted to Luc. She gets a charge just touching him. What is up with that??
I don’t normally read the sexier type of romances but the addition of paranormal in this book pushed me over the edge. I liked it quite a lot. It’s one of those junk food books that can be so satisfying when you want a quick read.
I received a digital copy of this book for my unbiased review.
I see it’s a series and I’m still interested in the characters of Luc and Skye enough that I will probably try to read the next one.
Skye Cross loves animals and wants to protect them. Her brother Shade is a policeman who discovers that someone is holding deadly dog fights. After the first one is busted up, Shade is killed protecting Luc Lazare’s mother as he was questioning her what the possible connection might be between the dog fights and Luc’s father, Cesar’s illegal gambling and prostitution business.
The Ark is a boat at the marina that holds a secret business below the legitimate casino. What is the connection between this business and the fights? Skye is determined to find out. Her attraction to Luc is not going to keep her from finding out who is involved, even if it is his family. And she is VERY attracted to Luc. She gets a charge just touching him. What is up with that??
I don’t normally read the sexier type of romances but the addition of paranormal in this book pushed me over the edge. I liked it quite a lot. It’s one of those junk food books that can be so satisfying when you want a quick read.
I received a digital copy of this book for my unbiased review.
December 23, 2020
ARC from NetGalley
2.5 stars
I know this is an ARC, so there are likely to be edits, but this was clearly written in one perspective and then overhauled at some point, because the perspective reverts from time to time as if someone missed it. The story was an interesting take on shifters, that they are demons essentially who live to corrupt, but the characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't find it in my cold black heart to care about any of them. The plot was eh. It wasn't super riveting, pretty predictable.
There is obviously romance in this book, but it was lackluster. There was one sex scene, and it was meh. I tend to know that a romance is going to be disappointing when I read something like "Rather than answering her questions, he reached out and slid a palm along her cheek. The touch seared her, reminding her of the time she'd inadvertently touched a live wire." on page 8. This is a lazy way for writers to establish a relationship without having to put in any work to show it happening. They end up together, in love, no matter how mundane their interactions in the book and how unbelievable it all is. There is no suspense and no anticipation. Wholly underwhelming.
2.5 stars
I know this is an ARC, so there are likely to be edits, but this was clearly written in one perspective and then overhauled at some point, because the perspective reverts from time to time as if someone missed it. The story was an interesting take on shifters, that they are demons essentially who live to corrupt, but the characters were one-dimensional, and I couldn't find it in my cold black heart to care about any of them. The plot was eh. It wasn't super riveting, pretty predictable.
There is obviously romance in this book, but it was lackluster. There was one sex scene, and it was meh. I tend to know that a romance is going to be disappointing when I read something like "Rather than answering her questions, he reached out and slid a palm along her cheek. The touch seared her, reminding her of the time she'd inadvertently touched a live wire." on page 8. This is a lazy way for writers to establish a relationship without having to put in any work to show it happening. They end up together, in love, no matter how mundane their interactions in the book and how unbelievable it all is. There is no suspense and no anticipation. Wholly underwhelming.
January 6, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
This is a different take on shifters which takes a little bit to understand. The part about the choice each shifter (kindred) had to make to give up their souls was a bit unusual and shows how depraved the group is once they lose their soul. What was really strange and didn't quite make sense to me was that they could "buy" a soul for a bit and I really didn't see why if they were depraved would even want a soul.
Some days, I just want to read a romance and don't need a huge build up so while others may not like that in this book, I enjoyed the book for the romance and the intrigue as Luc and Skye tried to figure out who was behind the fight ring and bring Shade's murder to justice. I enjoyed trying to figure out if Nik was behind the animal fights and felt for Luc as he suspected his brother.
Since this is book 1, I wonder who will be featured in the following books - Nuala? will she and Ethan raise the baby? Will Nik get a chance to redeem himself? Lots of possibilities for future books!
This is a different take on shifters which takes a little bit to understand. The part about the choice each shifter (kindred) had to make to give up their souls was a bit unusual and shows how depraved the group is once they lose their soul. What was really strange and didn't quite make sense to me was that they could "buy" a soul for a bit and I really didn't see why if they were depraved would even want a soul.
Some days, I just want to read a romance and don't need a huge build up so while others may not like that in this book, I enjoyed the book for the romance and the intrigue as Luc and Skye tried to figure out who was behind the fight ring and bring Shade's murder to justice. I enjoyed trying to figure out if Nik was behind the animal fights and felt for Luc as he suspected his brother.
Since this is book 1, I wonder who will be featured in the following books - Nuala? will she and Ethan raise the baby? Will Nik get a chance to redeem himself? Lots of possibilities for future books!
January 17, 2018
Paranormal is one of my favorite genres to read so when I saw that Tule Publishing Group had a book in this style in there listings I jumped on board to give it a read. It took me a little while to get into this book when I started reading it but after awhile it did start to flow. To me this book was more of a mix of mystery and paranormal which made it almost its own unique form in itself. It is so different than most shifter books and that makes up for the slow start.
Skye Cross, has a very unique you would call it psychic way with animals (and other things). We discover that quickly in this book and that leads us to her meeting Luc Laverre. Skye is a twin, her brother is a police officer Shade Cross and lets say he's spirit is very strong in this book. I am one of those people who will not say a lot about the book other than enough to tell you...it's slow at the first but believe me if you like paranormal books, it is well worth going through the slow parts to reach the good. I definitely plan to read the second part of Kindred Souls and plan to look for more from this author as this was the first thing i have read from Patricia Rosemoor. Her style of writing is different from what I am used to but well worth reading.
Skye Cross, has a very unique you would call it psychic way with animals (and other things). We discover that quickly in this book and that leads us to her meeting Luc Laverre. Skye is a twin, her brother is a police officer Shade Cross and lets say he's spirit is very strong in this book. I am one of those people who will not say a lot about the book other than enough to tell you...it's slow at the first but believe me if you like paranormal books, it is well worth going through the slow parts to reach the good. I definitely plan to read the second part of Kindred Souls and plan to look for more from this author as this was the first thing i have read from Patricia Rosemoor. Her style of writing is different from what I am used to but well worth reading.
December 30, 2017
Animal Instinct, re-release title from November 2013, published by Entangled a Paranormal Romance about Sky Cross who with her ability to communicate with animals. With her last assignment which involves saving canines involved in a primal battle to the death. Her investigation leads her to Luc a man who has secrets of his own. When her twin was killed investigation the same assignment, it is now up to Sky to release his soul, so he can move on.
Animal Instinct was a total surprise!!! It was the character development and wondering what will happen next, that maintained my focus throughout. There are not too many romances that got this reviewer so emotional, but not to give any spoilers, I leave it up to you readers to find the scene for which had me drying my tears with my blanket.
The book was fast pace with a predictable plot line. A good mix of romance, and suspense. I will recommend this title to any readers who need a fix of the paranormal.
Animal Instinct was a total surprise!!! It was the character development and wondering what will happen next, that maintained my focus throughout. There are not too many romances that got this reviewer so emotional, but not to give any spoilers, I leave it up to you readers to find the scene for which had me drying my tears with my blanket.
The book was fast pace with a predictable plot line. A good mix of romance, and suspense. I will recommend this title to any readers who need a fix of the paranormal.
January 10, 2018
Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor is the first book I have read by this author. This is unusual since I have seen her name for several years, also finding that I even had purchased one that was part of a series not long ago. As for this book I found it to be an okay paranormal read. It has shifters, animal psychics and a ghost as all part of the cast.
The premise of animal rescue, stopping illegal fights, etc. made for a solid story-line. My biggest problem was I never could identify with the main characters. Luc has some stalker tendencies with the way he followed Skye around. As for Skye, I enjoy reading of a stronger independent heroine. It was more that events swept her along in the story.
Being the first of the series it may be that the author is simply using this couple to set the stage for future books in the series. In that case, I will try the next book.
3.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
The premise of animal rescue, stopping illegal fights, etc. made for a solid story-line. My biggest problem was I never could identify with the main characters. Luc has some stalker tendencies with the way he followed Skye around. As for Skye, I enjoy reading of a stronger independent heroine. It was more that events swept her along in the story.
Being the first of the series it may be that the author is simply using this couple to set the stage for future books in the series. In that case, I will try the next book.
3.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.
January 10, 2019
Skye Cross is an animal lover working with Animal Control Unit ACU. Skye's twin brother Shade is a police officer investigating a series of murders without his partner's knowledge. Shade is killed in the line of duty, now Skye has to go it alone in finding her twin's killer. Luc Lazare is Kindred living between two worlds not belonging to either. Luc knows something is wrong in the Kindred world but can't put his finger on what. Luc meets Skye Cross and nothing is the same for him. Who killed Shade? Will Luc finally choose? Will Skye give up? Your answers await you in Animal Instincts.
This unique book makes for an interesting series on shifters. I've not come across another series that has this kind of hook. The characters and story are complicated, unique, compelling, complex, and intriguing too. I can't wait for my next adventure in this series.
This unique book makes for an interesting series on shifters. I've not come across another series that has this kind of hook. The characters and story are complicated, unique, compelling, complex, and intriguing too. I can't wait for my next adventure in this series.
November 16, 2020
This book is about Animal lover and rescuer, Skye Cross. She grew up able to see animals thoughts, which they shared with pictures. Then things changed and discovered that they could now speak to her with words, Then her world takes another odd turn when she discovers that shifters are real and known as Kindred. Twists and turns lead her to Luc Lazare, a man whose is Half-human, half-Kindred. They both need to know who is beyond the shifter fight ring. As they work together they begin falling for each other. The romance in this book was good, but the world building kind of dragged the story down. It was still an enjoyable read, but I wish that the world building had not taken as long. I will be picking up the next book in the series now that the world creation is complete.
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2018
I use to read this author quite often but it had been a couple of years. When I seen this one especially with it being the beginning of a series had to check it out. Skye and Luc are the ones this centers around even though both with have characters in their corner that will build this one into a story in a world that will keep you stuck to it. I enjoyed also the interlacing of humor in this too especially when others questioned Skye. This was a bit different then the running fair that can be found in paranormal where it will have you intrigued because of some different curves that are written in it. Many elements but it will be fused by heat chased by danger. It goes at a fast pace with before you know it you are at the answers with it wrapping up for now.
November 9, 2020
This book had a totally different take on shifters and at times I must admit I struggled with it and I usually love Patricia work.
Skye has the ability to communicate with the souls animals while her twin brother Shade can communicate with humans souls something that comes in very handy with his work as a detective When they are both involved in a rescue of animals from a dog fighting ring they realise there are more shifter here than anything It also puts Skye in the sights of Luc Lazare a man who has plenty of secrets of his own When Shade is killed Luc decides he needs to protect Skye but will that decision put her in even more danger You will have to read to see
Skye has the ability to communicate with the souls animals while her twin brother Shade can communicate with humans souls something that comes in very handy with his work as a detective When they are both involved in a rescue of animals from a dog fighting ring they realise there are more shifter here than anything It also puts Skye in the sights of Luc Lazare a man who has plenty of secrets of his own When Shade is killed Luc decides he needs to protect Skye but will that decision put her in even more danger You will have to read to see
November 14, 2020
This is the first book I've read from Patricia Rosemoor and I enjoyed immensely.. The story was so original from any other shifter novel I've read that I had a hard time putting it down when necessary. The protagonists in this book are strong apart from each other but better together. I do wish that Shade played a bigger role! There were some editing issues as far as a word missing here or extra words there, and a few spots where first and third person speaking in the story was switched but then I did read an ARC. Overall I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery, intrigue, shifters and romance.
January 3, 2018
3 stars with a push......
As a long time lover of paranormal romance, I had high hopes for Animal Instincts after reading the synopsis. Unfortunately, the world building was lacking and the main characters were unlikeable and irritating for the most part.
The story never really got off the ground and the floundering chemistry between the leads was extremely frustrating throughout the story. I really had to push to finish this one.
As a long time lover of paranormal romance, I had high hopes for Animal Instincts after reading the synopsis. Unfortunately, the world building was lacking and the main characters were unlikeable and irritating for the most part.
The story never really got off the ground and the floundering chemistry between the leads was extremely frustrating throughout the story. I really had to push to finish this one.
January 6, 2018
3.5 Stars
Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor is the first book in the series " Kindred Souls". This is the story of Luc Lazare and Skye Cross. Luc is working to help save his family from a bad situation and doesn't have time for distractions. Skye too is looking to help the animals she is able to connect with which leads her to where she is now with Luc.
This was a pretty interesting read and I will look for more books by this author.
Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor is the first book in the series " Kindred Souls". This is the story of Luc Lazare and Skye Cross. Luc is working to help save his family from a bad situation and doesn't have time for distractions. Skye too is looking to help the animals she is able to connect with which leads her to where she is now with Luc.
This was a pretty interesting read and I will look for more books by this author.
December 21, 2020
Animal Instincts is innovative. The origin of the shifters is unique and the storyline of this paranormal thriller romance is engaging.
There is a killer or killers on the loose. The investigations lead to an unexpected source.
Luc and Skye are different, but their attraction is evident. The take on the ghost and nephillims are interesting. This would appeal to fans of the paranormal. The story could do with some editing, otherwise a great and fascinating concept.
There is a killer or killers on the loose. The investigations lead to an unexpected source.
Luc and Skye are different, but their attraction is evident. The take on the ghost and nephillims are interesting. This would appeal to fans of the paranormal. The story could do with some editing, otherwise a great and fascinating concept.
December 1, 2017
A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I found the book to be enjoyable. I rated it a 3.5. I personally would have liked additional information on protectress/kindred. The story was different and intense. I think if you like paranormal romance you would find this interesting.
December 1, 2017
I received a copy of Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was intrigued by the summary of Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor, but I thought the world building was clumsily done and the book was flat from the start and never recovered/improved.
I was intrigued by the summary of Animal Instincts by Patricia Rosemoor, but I thought the world building was clumsily done and the book was flat from the start and never recovered/improved.
January 15, 2018
I received an advanced copy of Patricia Rosemoor’s Animal Instincts from the publisher, Tule Publishing, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Tule Publishing, for taking the chance on a new blog.
This book is a paranormal romance centred around a young woman, Skye Cross, who has a psychic connection with animals and routinely works in connection with the police force’s Animal Crimes Unit and Animal Care and Control to work towards shutting down the rampant animal fighting ring in the city of Chicago. While at a raid, Skye runs into her twin brother, Shade Cross, a homicide detective with CPD, who gives her a good luck charm after admonishing her for her presence at the bust. Skye disregards her twin’s commands and goes about doing what she does best, helping animals. Although, her disobedience soon lands her a nice hot pot of trouble from which a mysterious man, whom we later learn is Luc Laverre, rescues her just in the nick of time. Not long after our main characters are introduced, Shade is killed protecting a woman during his investigation who turns out to be Luc’s mother and he turns into a ghost with short-term memory loss and a few weird rules regarding his ghostly activities.
Teaming up to solve Shade’s murder and put an end to the animal fighting ring, Skye and Luc alternate between butting heads and heavy flirting. Both of which were usually on account of Luc’s half-breed status of one of the Kindred and his self-imposed family duty to his mobster-esque father and his den of multitudinous iniquities, a casino boat called The Arc. As they search for the culprit(s), the duo face off against dirty members of law enforcement and Kindred that aren’t fond of half-breeds.
Y’all. I’m just going to say it. I struggled the whole way through Animal Instincts. I wanted to fall in love with it from the second I read the synopsis on NetGalley, what animal lover wouldn’t? But I couldn’t. I loved the premise of the story, a young woman trying to help animals and put an end to a animal fighting ring, but I just couldn’t lose myself in the story. The writing seemed a bit stilted to me and the lead characters were all over the place. It took me taking short moments out of my day to read Animal Instincts, one lonely page at a time. I had to skip over the overly graphic descriptions of the animal fights because I can’t even sit through one of those Humane Society commercials (you know the ones) on television. The characters varied from partially vivid to flat and lifeless. Skye and Luc were, of course, the most developed, but most of the other characters were a bit empty. The world-building that was put into this was underdeveloped and had definite holes that need plugging. To be quite honest, I’m still not entirely sure what the Kindred are except shifters who’ve given up their souls for more power. I was actually left in the dark on several things that happened in Animal Instincts and y’all have no idea how much it bothered me. I ranted for twenty whole minutes on New Year’s Eve after finishing it.
All in all, I’m giving this a 2 out of 5 stars. The story has good bones hidden underneath the one-dimensional characters and substandard world-building and I’d love to see it flourish one day. But for right this moment, it fell short and that saddens me.
This book is a paranormal romance centred around a young woman, Skye Cross, who has a psychic connection with animals and routinely works in connection with the police force’s Animal Crimes Unit and Animal Care and Control to work towards shutting down the rampant animal fighting ring in the city of Chicago. While at a raid, Skye runs into her twin brother, Shade Cross, a homicide detective with CPD, who gives her a good luck charm after admonishing her for her presence at the bust. Skye disregards her twin’s commands and goes about doing what she does best, helping animals. Although, her disobedience soon lands her a nice hot pot of trouble from which a mysterious man, whom we later learn is Luc Laverre, rescues her just in the nick of time. Not long after our main characters are introduced, Shade is killed protecting a woman during his investigation who turns out to be Luc’s mother and he turns into a ghost with short-term memory loss and a few weird rules regarding his ghostly activities.
Teaming up to solve Shade’s murder and put an end to the animal fighting ring, Skye and Luc alternate between butting heads and heavy flirting. Both of which were usually on account of Luc’s half-breed status of one of the Kindred and his self-imposed family duty to his mobster-esque father and his den of multitudinous iniquities, a casino boat called The Arc. As they search for the culprit(s), the duo face off against dirty members of law enforcement and Kindred that aren’t fond of half-breeds.
Y’all. I’m just going to say it. I struggled the whole way through Animal Instincts. I wanted to fall in love with it from the second I read the synopsis on NetGalley, what animal lover wouldn’t? But I couldn’t. I loved the premise of the story, a young woman trying to help animals and put an end to a animal fighting ring, but I just couldn’t lose myself in the story. The writing seemed a bit stilted to me and the lead characters were all over the place. It took me taking short moments out of my day to read Animal Instincts, one lonely page at a time. I had to skip over the overly graphic descriptions of the animal fights because I can’t even sit through one of those Humane Society commercials (you know the ones) on television. The characters varied from partially vivid to flat and lifeless. Skye and Luc were, of course, the most developed, but most of the other characters were a bit empty. The world-building that was put into this was underdeveloped and had definite holes that need plugging. To be quite honest, I’m still not entirely sure what the Kindred are except shifters who’ve given up their souls for more power. I was actually left in the dark on several things that happened in Animal Instincts and y’all have no idea how much it bothered me. I ranted for twenty whole minutes on New Year’s Eve after finishing it.
All in all, I’m giving this a 2 out of 5 stars. The story has good bones hidden underneath the one-dimensional characters and substandard world-building and I’d love to see it flourish one day. But for right this moment, it fell short and that saddens me.
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