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Instinct: A Prehistoric Romance
He’s the risk she’s willing to take...
The prehistoric earth is a brutal beauty, where menacing males stalk and snatch away unprotected women to disappear into the untamed wilds.
She learned a hard lesson as a child the day her own mother was taken. Men are dangerous. Men are cruel. Men are not to be trusted. With her only family gone, she must fend for herself within the small female clan that offers little comfort and companionship outside their protection.
Until one day a handsome stranger appears in the clearing of her favorite pool.
While she hesitates to kill this dark and cunning wanderer, she’s determined not to let his engaging smile and sweet gifts break through her defenses. But as their chance meetings continue, her barriers thin until she yearns for his company... and hungers for his touch.
A touch that promises untold pleasure—but could also spell their doom.
For if her clan discovers a man in their midst, they will surely kill him on sight. But as time passes and the sensual bonds they share deepen, she is tempted to throw caution to the wind...
And risk the wrath of her clan for love.
The prehistoric earth is a brutal beauty, where menacing males stalk and snatch away unprotected women to disappear into the untamed wilds.
She learned a hard lesson as a child the day her own mother was taken. Men are dangerous. Men are cruel. Men are not to be trusted. With her only family gone, she must fend for herself within the small female clan that offers little comfort and companionship outside their protection.
Until one day a handsome stranger appears in the clearing of her favorite pool.
While she hesitates to kill this dark and cunning wanderer, she’s determined not to let his engaging smile and sweet gifts break through her defenses. But as their chance meetings continue, her barriers thin until she yearns for his company... and hungers for his touch.
A touch that promises untold pleasure—but could also spell their doom.
For if her clan discovers a man in their midst, they will surely kill him on sight. But as time passes and the sensual bonds they share deepen, she is tempted to throw caution to the wind...
And risk the wrath of her clan for love.
121 pages, Paperback
Published September 24, 2019
13 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 28, 2022
I was looking for a quick read and this somehow managed to be a full story even for its brevity.
Man and Woman and pup were so sweet and I just really liked seeing them find each other, learn to communicate and fall in love.
It felt a bit like Transcendence but less dangerous and no time travel element. It was short and sweet and a great read.
4 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
Man and Woman and pup were so sweet and I just really liked seeing them find each other, learn to communicate and fall in love.
It felt a bit like Transcendence but less dangerous and no time travel element. It was short and sweet and a great read.
4 Stars
2.5 on the spice scale.
November 29, 2019
Thank you Read The Book and the author for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Instinct
A Prehistoric Romance
By: Allison Blackwood
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Admittedly, I have never read any prehistoric romance fiction. I am always intrigued by unfamiliar genres, and Instinct is definitely unique. In this novella, the heroine,a nameless woman, lives with a clan of other women. She fears men, for valid reasons, after witnessing the abuse of her mother at the hands of men. One day, at her fishing pool, this woman encounters a man, Stanger, and despite the feelings of fear, she is curious about him. Over time, she and this man continue to meet, but this is a dangerous thing to do. If her clan were to find him, they would certainly kill the man. They learn to communicate with each other and form a relationship that evolves into something more meaningful. This is the fascinating part. Imagine having no language, chancing upon a creature you greatly fear and learning to communicate from scratch with this scary new being. She has an abundance of courage and fortitude. He proves that all men are not bad, and both of their lives are transformed. I have never given much thought to the methods of communication for prehistoric people. The story is an eye opening read about an era I now see in a completely different way. Instinct is a fast compelling read with lush descriptions and well drawn characters. I found this story thought provoking, and I recommend it to anyone looking for something different and easy to read.
Instinct
A Prehistoric Romance
By: Allison Blackwood
*REVIEW* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Admittedly, I have never read any prehistoric romance fiction. I am always intrigued by unfamiliar genres, and Instinct is definitely unique. In this novella, the heroine,a nameless woman, lives with a clan of other women. She fears men, for valid reasons, after witnessing the abuse of her mother at the hands of men. One day, at her fishing pool, this woman encounters a man, Stanger, and despite the feelings of fear, she is curious about him. Over time, she and this man continue to meet, but this is a dangerous thing to do. If her clan were to find him, they would certainly kill the man. They learn to communicate with each other and form a relationship that evolves into something more meaningful. This is the fascinating part. Imagine having no language, chancing upon a creature you greatly fear and learning to communicate from scratch with this scary new being. She has an abundance of courage and fortitude. He proves that all men are not bad, and both of their lives are transformed. I have never given much thought to the methods of communication for prehistoric people. The story is an eye opening read about an era I now see in a completely different way. Instinct is a fast compelling read with lush descriptions and well drawn characters. I found this story thought provoking, and I recommend it to anyone looking for something different and easy to read.
September 3, 2019
Allison Blackwood's debut novella Instinct was an excellent read. Never before have I enjoyed a prehistoric romance as much as this.
In her clan men are disgusting, men are known as the enemy and are vile creatures; that's what she was made to believe - until she met one.
When she and pet keep encountering a dark-haired dark-eyed stranger, she's forced to recognise a whole new meaning to life, one with feelings and the unknown.
Will she succumb to these feelings and reach out, or is this man just another here to tear her world apart?
I had so much enjoyment reading this novella. The way it was portrayed and the emotions it held were so refreshing.
I recommend this read.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
In her clan men are disgusting, men are known as the enemy and are vile creatures; that's what she was made to believe - until she met one.
When she and pet keep encountering a dark-haired dark-eyed stranger, she's forced to recognise a whole new meaning to life, one with feelings and the unknown.
Will she succumb to these feelings and reach out, or is this man just another here to tear her world apart?
I had so much enjoyment reading this novella. The way it was portrayed and the emotions it held were so refreshing.
I recommend this read.
*I received an ARC for an honest review*
December 3, 2019
Steam, steam and more steam. This book is small but damn it packs a punch. The connection between the two characters is so hot and especially because they don't actually speak to each other. It's amazing the things you can say to someone without using words.
June 28, 2025
Reread number three.. love this novella so so much
April 16, 2021
Excellent Debut Novella of a Very Different Time
My favorite subgenre of romance is historical, but I've read very few that take place in prehistoric times. This author’s debut novella is exceptionally well done. Without info-dumping, thankfully, she shows us quickly what the heroine's world is like and how the wandering-stranger hero could be seen as a threat. The author did a good job showing how these two strangers could communicate and develop feelings for each other with few words. Surprisingly well written and quite a gripping romantic read. I only wish it were a novel instead of a novella, as I wish I could have spent more time with these two entrancing characters.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
My favorite subgenre of romance is historical, but I've read very few that take place in prehistoric times. This author’s debut novella is exceptionally well done. Without info-dumping, thankfully, she shows us quickly what the heroine's world is like and how the wandering-stranger hero could be seen as a threat. The author did a good job showing how these two strangers could communicate and develop feelings for each other with few words. Surprisingly well written and quite a gripping romantic read. I only wish it were a novel instead of a novella, as I wish I could have spent more time with these two entrancing characters.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 7, 2022
Surprisingly cute
October 14, 2020
This was really adorable! It’s a pretty interesting take on falling in love in a prehistoric setting. It’s short and enjoyable, with only a few grammar errors. I really liked how the romance between the hero and heroine came about. The hero is really sweet while the heroine is much more guarded and prickly. There’s also a really cute dog. And also a few steamy scenes that happen gradually.
tw/cw:
abuse, trauma, violence, flashbacks to kidnapping, loss of mother, grief, some binary language, animal abuse (they’re fine!).
tw/cw:
abuse, trauma, violence, flashbacks to kidnapping, loss of mother, grief, some binary language, animal abuse (they’re fine!).
September 8, 2019
This story, that the author @allisonblackwood so generously sent to me in exchange of my honest review, got me gripped to it from the beginning.
The story’s centers on “She” (this is the name I gave her since it’s not mention on the book) a girl that lost her mother when she was young, taken away by two man, which made “She” suspicious of all man. But then, one day, when “She” is doing her daily life, Stranger appears, and that’s when it starts to get interesting. Their relationship, given “She” past, doesn’t start that well, but with time, and even though they are from different clans and have different ways of communication, they learn a new way to understand each other.
It was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the all book, to see them breaking the language/communication barrier little by little, step by step. The trust and friendship that came from it was enjoyable to watch, and Allison Blackwood creates great images of this characters and the world they lived in.
Read the book almost in a single bite so curious I was to see how it all was going to end.
The story’s centers on “She” (this is the name I gave her since it’s not mention on the book) a girl that lost her mother when she was young, taken away by two man, which made “She” suspicious of all man. But then, one day, when “She” is doing her daily life, Stranger appears, and that’s when it starts to get interesting. Their relationship, given “She” past, doesn’t start that well, but with time, and even though they are from different clans and have different ways of communication, they learn a new way to understand each other.
It was, without a doubt, my favorite part of the all book, to see them breaking the language/communication barrier little by little, step by step. The trust and friendship that came from it was enjoyable to watch, and Allison Blackwood creates great images of this characters and the world they lived in.
Read the book almost in a single bite so curious I was to see how it all was going to end.
September 8, 2019
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
I have never read a prehistoric romance before this debut novella from Allison Blackwood, and I was not disappointed!
The heroine and hero have to navigate through communication barriers and the heroine's fear in this charming romance. It's amazing how people can come together without a common language (or signs/signals in this case) and let their actions speak for them.
The writing was on point, the time period offered a refreshing change from my usual reading and the romance was sweet.
I look forward to reading more by this author!
I have never read a prehistoric romance before this debut novella from Allison Blackwood, and I was not disappointed!
The heroine and hero have to navigate through communication barriers and the heroine's fear in this charming romance. It's amazing how people can come together without a common language (or signs/signals in this case) and let their actions speak for them.
The writing was on point, the time period offered a refreshing change from my usual reading and the romance was sweet.
I look forward to reading more by this author!
September 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
The story was well written. The world she built for the characters was well defined. It held my interest from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a great romance to read, look no further!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
To see the entire review please visit: https://skylar001.wixsite.com/romance...
The story was well written. The world she built for the characters was well defined. It held my interest from beginning to end. If you’re looking for a great romance to read, look no further!
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
To see the entire review please visit: https://skylar001.wixsite.com/romance...
May 10, 2020
Genre: Prehistoric/early human romance, some sex scenes. The book is focused almost solely on the relationship between the main characters without background noise from other minor plots.
January 21, 2023
An sich war die Story ganz süß, aber auch etwas langatmig. Es geht um eine junge Frau die in einem prähistorischem Setting in einem Clan aufwächst, der nur aus Frauen besteht. Sie weiß, dass es Männer gibt, aber kennt diese nur von einem grausamen Zwischenfall, bei dem ihre Mutter misshandelt und entführt wurde. Eines Tages trifft sie dann als sie beim Fischen ist, auf einen jungen Mann, der allerdings gar nicht aggressiv ist und ganz langsam freunden sie sich an und entdecken ihre Körper und ihre Triebe. Das ganze wird sehr nachvollziehbar beschrieben und am Ende gab es sogar noch einen kleinen Twist, den ich so nicht erwartet hätte. Trotzdem war es für das was es schlussendlich war, einfach zu lang. Süß, war der Hund, der die junge Frau die ganze Zeit begleitet und beschützt.
Der Schreibstil war einfach und sehr linear. Mit etwas mehr Finesse, hätte das ganze wirklich ein Highlight werden können. So ist es einfach Mittelmaß, aber ich habe das Lesen nicht bereut.
Story 3,0/5
Emotionen 3,6/5
Charaktere 3,0/5
Unterhaltung 3,4/5
Schreibstil 3,0/5
Lesegefühl 3,0/5
Gesamt 3,0/5
Der Schreibstil war einfach und sehr linear. Mit etwas mehr Finesse, hätte das ganze wirklich ein Highlight werden können. So ist es einfach Mittelmaß, aber ich habe das Lesen nicht bereut.
Story 3,0/5
Emotionen 3,6/5
Charaktere 3,0/5
Unterhaltung 3,4/5
Schreibstil 3,0/5
Lesegefühl 3,0/5
Gesamt 3,0/5
February 28, 2021
Although the reader doesn’t get the name of the woman we meet first, we see immediately she has a pet that comes to greet her. The blood on his nose, from hunting, reminds her of her own hunger. In this prehistoric world, although she lives with a female clan, everyone must work to survive. When she was a child, she had seen her mother captured by men, so she knows that men are to be feared and avoided. It also keeps her close to the others, except when she is out hunting or fishing for herself.
One day, she comes upon a man as she goes to her fishing pond. Their developing relationship shows the reader how they communicate without a common vocabulary and how their daily lives play out as their feelings for each other guide them.
Just to see the handling of the story line is interesting. So many questions came to mind. Grab your copy and imagine a completely different life like this as you find out if they make a life together despite the danger it may bring.
One day, she comes upon a man as she goes to her fishing pond. Their developing relationship shows the reader how they communicate without a common vocabulary and how their daily lives play out as their feelings for each other guide them.
Just to see the handling of the story line is interesting. So many questions came to mind. Grab your copy and imagine a completely different life like this as you find out if they make a life together despite the danger it may bring.
April 16, 2021
What a great surprise this book was! When I opted in for Instinct, I wasn’t completely sure what I was going to get – I’d never read a prehistoric romance before so I had quite little for basis of comparison. That being said, this definitely set the bar for any future books I read in this style.
I really liked how this was done. I thought the romance was sweet and honest, and I actually really liked how there wasn’t any spoken dialogue – it was a great reminder of how effective body language can be and it gave the protagonists a sense of honesty with their relationship. I appreciated that their affection and trust grew over time (with the Pup’s help, of course), and the Stranger / Man worked diligently to show the female that he is not cruel like others she’d encountered. Overall, a great short read with memorable, engaging characters.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Allison Blackwood for my copy!
I really liked how this was done. I thought the romance was sweet and honest, and I actually really liked how there wasn’t any spoken dialogue – it was a great reminder of how effective body language can be and it gave the protagonists a sense of honesty with their relationship. I appreciated that their affection and trust grew over time (with the Pup’s help, of course), and the Stranger / Man worked diligently to show the female that he is not cruel like others she’d encountered. Overall, a great short read with memorable, engaging characters.
Thank you Voracious Readers and Allison Blackwood for my copy!
January 29, 2021
Instinct was my introduction to the romance genre and I loved it! It was steamy and sexy, but also incredibly sweet. The story is creative and full of suprises which, given its short length, speaks to author Allison Blackwood's writing talent. I was thrououghly entertained from the first page to the last!
What is perhaps the greatest success of this book was the way in which it pulls readers into the world of "She" and "Stranger". How they navigate a world where basic human need drives life. The need for food and shelter, but also the need for companionship and communication. And, of course, the carnal instinct to find a mate.
What is perhaps the greatest success of this book was the way in which it pulls readers into the world of "She" and "Stranger". How they navigate a world where basic human need drives life. The need for food and shelter, but also the need for companionship and communication. And, of course, the carnal instinct to find a mate.
March 2, 2021
I love stories that transport you to another place - "Instinct" does that very well. Imagine having to convey the basics of human emotions with minimal language and gestures? How would you show someone they can trust you? When a female meets a Stranger, she is extremely distrustful and wary. Experience has taught her that they can't be trusted. Will this man be different? I like the plot, the tension, the sense of discovery and the way care and love are expressed. This is a beautiful, raw and thoughtful romance! 5 stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2021
This was a low 4 star for me. As far as the historical part I thought it had good details although I'm not sure how accurate it is. I liked how even though this is a short book the author really took her time building the connection, trust, and love between the characters. It was very enjoyable and a wonderful quick read. I was sent an e-copy of this through Voracious Readers Only which was nice. I would be interested in trying more from this author, and I'm surprised that this book which has been out since 2019 only has 19 reviews on Goodreads. Please if you see this book and are interested give it a try. It will pleasantly surprise you.
August 18, 2023
Who would have thought you could derive romance out of a prehistoric novel...Ms. Jay did just that and I totally enjoyed. A story of a chance meeting where the only form of communication is done via silent gestures that shows the reader the building of a relationship turned into one of live. There was steamy steamy between Stranger and Her that was tastefully written. Quite enjoyed it.
April 25, 2021
I loved this prehistoric love story - it reminded me of Clan of The Cave Bear with a very adult theme
June 1, 2021
I've never read a book like this and it was very interesting and I was impressed.
I was a short story, I was able to finish it in about 2 hours. Would recommend for a flight or car ride!
I was a short story, I was able to finish it in about 2 hours. Would recommend for a flight or car ride!
December 25, 2021
Really enjoyed this quick read. Great story, I like how the romance developed. I just wished we had learned more about the hero. Definitely a reread
August 1, 2022
Characters: Man, woman and pup
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
I really enjoyed this quick novella set in prehistoric times
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
I really enjoyed this quick novella set in prehistoric times
January 5, 2023
Nice read.
September 15, 2019
Debut Novella by Allison Blackwood
🍃
This novella is set in prehistoric time. I haven’t read one in a while, and I am always interested in each authors take on the people. Some make them very innocent, and simple. Some make them much more advance. Some do a little bit of both.
🍃
Allison’s take is a bit of both. Spoken language, they are simple. Signing, and facial expressions are how they communicate. But they are more advance in their social interactions, tools, and thoughts. They are not always focused on survival. It was a wonderful balance between the two extremes.
🍃
The premise of the story is a YA girl saw the abduction of her Mother by men when she was a child. That experience and her clans hatred towards men shaped her life....until she met him.
🍃
I absolutely loved that because they weren’t bogged down by too many words, you saw quickly what was important to them. That they understood each other just by a glance. It certainly brings
in perspective how now we get bogged down with so many words. That oftentimes they mean nothing.
🍃
I was delighted and enthralled with watching the relationship grow. How when you meet the one, no matter the time period, you learn, grow, and become better. You become selfless. You become whole.
🍃
My only complaints with this book is, that it was a novella.😭 I wanted MORE!!!!
🍃
I was so impressed with the writing. The book was so clean. I didn’t find anything that initially stuck out with editing. Smooth sailing.
🍃
If you want to be taken back in time, see love at it’s purest, be reminded that love knows no time restrictions, and learn of personal growth then read this Novella!
🍃
This novella is set in prehistoric time. I haven’t read one in a while, and I am always interested in each authors take on the people. Some make them very innocent, and simple. Some make them much more advance. Some do a little bit of both.
🍃
Allison’s take is a bit of both. Spoken language, they are simple. Signing, and facial expressions are how they communicate. But they are more advance in their social interactions, tools, and thoughts. They are not always focused on survival. It was a wonderful balance between the two extremes.
🍃
The premise of the story is a YA girl saw the abduction of her Mother by men when she was a child. That experience and her clans hatred towards men shaped her life....until she met him.
🍃
I absolutely loved that because they weren’t bogged down by too many words, you saw quickly what was important to them. That they understood each other just by a glance. It certainly brings
in perspective how now we get bogged down with so many words. That oftentimes they mean nothing.
🍃
I was delighted and enthralled with watching the relationship grow. How when you meet the one, no matter the time period, you learn, grow, and become better. You become selfless. You become whole.
🍃
My only complaints with this book is, that it was a novella.😭 I wanted MORE!!!!
🍃
I was so impressed with the writing. The book was so clean. I didn’t find anything that initially stuck out with editing. Smooth sailing.
🍃
If you want to be taken back in time, see love at it’s purest, be reminded that love knows no time restrictions, and learn of personal growth then read this Novella!
October 1, 2019
Instinct is a short, fun story that will have you falling in love.
This story follows an unnamed woman as she goes about her daily life in the prehistoric world: hunting, fishing, and doing all she needs to do to survive. She lives in a clan of all women, and after watching her mother be taken from her by men, she doesn't wish to leave her safe home. That is, until a handsome stranger shows up at her fishing pond.
I really loved the use of language in this book. Given that it was prehistoric, Blackwood used a limited vocabulary to get her point across and it was beautifully done. It was a simple way of storytelling that really added to the atmosphere of the book. I enjoyed the simplistic nature of the characters, and thought the setting was extremely well done. It was easy to visualize the lush forests and glittering pools. I would have loved to see a little bit more detail on the woman's relationship with the rest of her clan. It was a bit ambiguous, which made the threat of the clan finding out about her forbidden lover rather small. I didn't feel a lot of panic when the clan would come near, and I really would have loved a bit more tension. The book was rather short, but it was perfect for a one sitting read. Overall, it kept me engaged and was a really fun read!
This story follows an unnamed woman as she goes about her daily life in the prehistoric world: hunting, fishing, and doing all she needs to do to survive. She lives in a clan of all women, and after watching her mother be taken from her by men, she doesn't wish to leave her safe home. That is, until a handsome stranger shows up at her fishing pond.
I really loved the use of language in this book. Given that it was prehistoric, Blackwood used a limited vocabulary to get her point across and it was beautifully done. It was a simple way of storytelling that really added to the atmosphere of the book. I enjoyed the simplistic nature of the characters, and thought the setting was extremely well done. It was easy to visualize the lush forests and glittering pools. I would have loved to see a little bit more detail on the woman's relationship with the rest of her clan. It was a bit ambiguous, which made the threat of the clan finding out about her forbidden lover rather small. I didn't feel a lot of panic when the clan would come near, and I really would have loved a bit more tension. The book was rather short, but it was perfect for a one sitting read. Overall, it kept me engaged and was a really fun read!
November 12, 2019
Instinct is Allison Blackwood's debut novella. I wasn't really sure what to expect from a prehistoric romance, but overall, I thought this was a great start for a debut novella. The storyline was unique and kept me intrigued from page one. The author did an amazing job developing characters in this particular world. It was fascinating to read a novella where there were no actual character names. It was wonderful to see the chemistry build between the characters. My favorite part of the novella was when the main characters had to find a way to breakdown communication into a common language between the two of them. If you love short romance reads, I highly recommend picking this one up.
September 5, 2019
This is a lovely romance that develops even though the main characters lack the ability to communicate with one another in the traditional sense that I’m used to in other works of fiction. I love the build up from fear and moving into companions and eventual lovers. A lovely and unique take on what could be seen as a Tarzan/Adam and eve tale. The ending was happy and sweet which I feel we could use move of in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2019
High heat novella
So this novella was not quite my cup of tea but my reasons for not loving it are pluses for a lot of romance readers. While this was a novella there was I feel like a lot of graphic sex. I tend to read slow burn, low heat so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. The writing was great and it was a very original concept (cave men/women). So I definitely recommend it for people who like a lot of smexy times.
So this novella was not quite my cup of tea but my reasons for not loving it are pluses for a lot of romance readers. While this was a novella there was I feel like a lot of graphic sex. I tend to read slow burn, low heat so this was definitely out of my comfort zone. The writing was great and it was a very original concept (cave men/women). So I definitely recommend it for people who like a lot of smexy times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews