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Obsession #1
Primal Obsession
Guiding a canoe party through the Maine wilderness is more than just a job for former Major-Leaguer Sam Kincaid. After hitting rock-bottom, he needs to prove he can pull himself out of the bottle and succeed at something. He can't let himself be distracted by an ambitious, obsessed female, even if she's sexy, witty and smart.
Investigative journalist and confirmed urbanite Annie Wylde embarks on the canoe trip to keep a promise to her murdered friend and intends to use the outing to study her notes on the notorious killer called the Hunter. She banters with Sam but rebuffs his advances, considering him just another egotistical jock.
But when Annie realizes the killer has followed her into the woods, she learns there's more to Sam than testosterone and dimples. And Sam faces the challenge of his life to keep Annie safe and defeat the Hunter.
Investigative journalist and confirmed urbanite Annie Wylde embarks on the canoe trip to keep a promise to her murdered friend and intends to use the outing to study her notes on the notorious killer called the Hunter. She banters with Sam but rebuffs his advances, considering him just another egotistical jock.
But when Annie realizes the killer has followed her into the woods, she learns there's more to Sam than testosterone and dimples. And Sam faces the challenge of his life to keep Annie safe and defeat the Hunter.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2008
500 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Susan Vaughan
42 books91 followersI wanted to write as soon as I learned to read. I dabbled with stories and poems for years, but didn't start writing seriously until many years later. My favorite books have always been mysteries and romances, so the mix in romantic suspense was a natural. I love writing romantic suspense because it throws the hero and heroine together under extraordinary circumstances and pits them against a clever villain.
My books have been both a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Nominee and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Reviewers have called my books fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed, sizzling, and highly emotional.
I have also published two children's picture storybooks, Sleigh Magic and Stowaways: a Maine Pirate Tale.
I am a West Virginia native but I have lived for many years on the coast of Maine.
For more information about my books, please visit me at www.susanvaughan.com or as Susan Vaughan, Author on FaceBook.
My books have been both a Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Nominee and a finalist for the Daphne du Maurier Award. Reviewers have called my books fast-paced, thrilling, action-packed, sizzling, and highly emotional.
I have also published two children's picture storybooks, Sleigh Magic and Stowaways: a Maine Pirate Tale.
I am a West Virginia native but I have lived for many years on the coast of Maine.
For more information about my books, please visit me at www.susanvaughan.com or as Susan Vaughan, Author on FaceBook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 12, 2014
Oh. My. God. I didn’t think it would ever bloody end. Unlike so many readers who loved this novel, I’m not one of them. While the story was good, the execution of it was anything but. The Kindle lists the novel at “308 pages.” I had to double-check the number of pages half-way thru because it was so long and so boring. Felt more like a 500-page novel. The characters were stale and lifeless, with no depth to any of them. As for the two protagonists, Sam and Annie, talk about a couple with absolutely no heat or passion between them. They were a complete bore. Even the killer, aka “Hunter,” was pathetic. Hell, even the killer refers to himself as “Hunter.” Speaking of which, I know the papers dubbed him as the “Hunter,” but to refer to him as the “Hunter” throughout the entire novel? I don't know, it just didn't work for me. There was just something about the killer always being referred to as “Hunter” that just bugged the crap out of me; it became tedious and boring. In the end, a predictable novel that I didn’t think would ever end, with a cast of lacklustre characters. I would have given this novel another star if it weren’t for Sam and Annie’s declaration of love for each other after just a few days, which was closely followed by a marriage proposal. Yep, plenty of eye-rolls and yawns displayed throughout. Oh, and if you’re looking for some really hot, steamy sex scenes, you won’t find it here.
October 4, 2019
I expected this to be good. Instead it was excellent. First class romantic suspense and characters I'm looking forward to meeting again in the next book in this two book series.
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September 10, 2018
This was a fairly fast paced suspense with a thread of romance. I enjoyed the various POV used to reflect some of the main characters thoughts and actions without cumbersome dialogue. The short chapters reflecting the Hunter’s POV were quite well done. Varied writing methods revealed each unique character and the particularly the dark side of the Hunter: troubled, repetitive nasty thoughts with foreshadowing of the next step in “the game”. I found that parts of the story were a bit predictable, but still in line with the original plot. The characters Sam and Annie I felt were somewhat superficial in most of their dialogue and interactions. While crisis may draw people together, I found this novel really pushed the limits. Still, the story was engaging and I had a hard time putting it down. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
August 27, 2009
Susan Vaughan's books should come with a warning: Do not read unless you have a large allotment of free time and no one cares if you slack on your chores. Primal Obsession deprived me of WAY too much sleep. My eyelids were drooping and vision blurring, and still I read on. I especially liked the way she dealt with the hero Sam's past hand injury, showing his insecurities without making him seem weak in any way. Annie's the perfect heroine: strong yet feminine and never too stupid to live. And the Hunter ... well, he's just plain creepy. Add up hunky hero, strong heroine and creepy villain, all heading for a desperate face-off, and you've got the perfect romantic suspense. Five stars all the way!
October 2, 2018
Emma Wylde was waiting at the bus terminal to go back to college.And no one has seen her since that day!! Annie Wylde who is a journalist ,Emma's cousin is now living in Portland,Maine. Annie is trying to get all possible facts available through her sources to find out what happened to Emma. Putting her facts together and reporting about it on the news. Annie is mysteriously contacted by the serial killer.She nicknamed him "The Hunter". He loves this attention. But Annie doesn't know he is stalking her.She goes on the camping trip she had already committed to go with Emma.Annie goes anyway into the Northern Woods of Maine. She needs to be away from everything,but still thinks about Emma. The police found her dead body buried in the woods.Annie meets Sam Kincaid, former Red Sox baseball player now retired because of injuries. He is her tour guide a handsome ,hot,blue eyed hunk of eye candy.Strange things are happening at the campsite. Annie is getting paranoid. So she tells Sam the truth . Sam is seriously attracted to Annie,but now he has to separate the group and get them to safe ground. And Sam decides to stay with Annie to protect her from" The Hunter". A Suspenseful,Action packed page turner.Strong Chracters .So real. It will keep you sitting at the edge of your chair!!! A Must Read.I received this book for free from Ebook Discovery.I volunteered to review and this is my honest review.
October 3, 2018
Wild Maine camping trip from Hell
I enjoyed Primal Obsession. I have to thank eBook Discovery for the ARC, and this is a voluntary, independent and uncompensated review. Despite it's insidiously slow start, I found myself totally involved in this "hunt for the serial killer" romance. From unhealthy obsessions to terrified self-awareness, the main characters go through a gamut of mental and emotional changes as a seemingly safe wilderness adventure trip morphs into a frightening run for their lives, and a deadly duel of wilderness skills with a cunning psychopath. The hero and heroine are attracted to each other, but their shares experiences cement a bond greater than either can resist - until it's over and they go back to reality.... Or maybe not. Counter point to their romantic entanglement and their increasingly dangerous situation is provided by the various friends, relatives, and law-enforcement folk who find themselves drawn into the drama and the horror of playing catch up in a race to save the H/h and put a stop to an an ongoing evil. This adds to the intensity of the thriller, but somewhat blurs the focus on the H/h, their evolving romance, and ongoing recovery from obsessions of their own. On the whole, Primal Obsession works as a thriller and as a romance, keeps the suspense and the sexual tension high, and ends less predictably than you might expect. Four stars, and a recommendation to stay out of the woods.
I enjoyed Primal Obsession. I have to thank eBook Discovery for the ARC, and this is a voluntary, independent and uncompensated review. Despite it's insidiously slow start, I found myself totally involved in this "hunt for the serial killer" romance. From unhealthy obsessions to terrified self-awareness, the main characters go through a gamut of mental and emotional changes as a seemingly safe wilderness adventure trip morphs into a frightening run for their lives, and a deadly duel of wilderness skills with a cunning psychopath. The hero and heroine are attracted to each other, but their shares experiences cement a bond greater than either can resist - until it's over and they go back to reality.... Or maybe not. Counter point to their romantic entanglement and their increasingly dangerous situation is provided by the various friends, relatives, and law-enforcement folk who find themselves drawn into the drama and the horror of playing catch up in a race to save the H/h and put a stop to an an ongoing evil. This adds to the intensity of the thriller, but somewhat blurs the focus on the H/h, their evolving romance, and ongoing recovery from obsessions of their own. On the whole, Primal Obsession works as a thriller and as a romance, keeps the suspense and the sexual tension high, and ends less predictably than you might expect. Four stars, and a recommendation to stay out of the woods.
February 12, 2023
Suspenseful
I’m not sure where I stumbled across the blurb for this book, but the idea of a former Major Leaguer being a backwoods guide plus the serial killer stalking the female lead grabbed my interest.
The storyline is interesting and definitely suspenseful. The serial killer’s identity is concealed for good portion of the book.
The number of baseball analogies is beyond ridiculous. I’m a baseball fan and the nonstop usage was completely distracting and annoying. This book seems longer than it is because the weeklong canoe trip is told in extreme detail. While many of the skills Sam teaches Annie and his canoe clients save her life later in the story, some of the details could be edited down and allow the book to read at a faster pace.
The relationship between Annie and Sam is mostly sexual attraction, adrenaline and forced proximity. Not much romantic about escaping an obsessed serial killer by traipsing through the woods for days.
I’m not sure where I stumbled across the blurb for this book, but the idea of a former Major Leaguer being a backwoods guide plus the serial killer stalking the female lead grabbed my interest.
The storyline is interesting and definitely suspenseful. The serial killer’s identity is concealed for good portion of the book.
The number of baseball analogies is beyond ridiculous. I’m a baseball fan and the nonstop usage was completely distracting and annoying. This book seems longer than it is because the weeklong canoe trip is told in extreme detail. While many of the skills Sam teaches Annie and his canoe clients save her life later in the story, some of the details could be edited down and allow the book to read at a faster pace.
The relationship between Annie and Sam is mostly sexual attraction, adrenaline and forced proximity. Not much romantic about escaping an obsessed serial killer by traipsing through the woods for days.
September 29, 2018
Annie and nature trips always proved to be a disaster, as a final wish for her friend Emma, she was going to scatter her ashes in the wilderness. The Hunter was after her, but doing this instead of a safe house. Sam having sought solace in the bottle, wants to get back, and proving to his brother Ben, he can led a tour group on a canoeing trip. Her detective brother would be on the search for The Hunter. Trying to convince herself a week in the wilderness wouldn’t be that bad. Sparring with Sam did help to lighten her mood. Will she make it,or is she being stalked, unknowingly. Gripping story of a killer on the loose. Sam needed to find himself and his self worth. For Annie, writing another story, showing Sam she was more than porcelain dolls. A story that is tense, well written, and of romance.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
November 11, 2018
An outstanding thriller
This outstanding thriller is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it resets the bar high.
This is a story that is made for the big screen. As I was reading it, I could visualise the various scenery, the characters and the action.
It’s a really good chunk of a book which doesn’t skimp on details or suspense but isn’t overly wordy either - a tricky thing to pull off.
The main characters, Annie and Sam, are total opposites but compliment each other well and bring out the best in each other. Their developing relationship was well written and not forced or rushed.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a healthy dose of suspense with their romance. Five fabulous stars!
This outstanding thriller is the first book I’ve read by this author, and it resets the bar high.
This is a story that is made for the big screen. As I was reading it, I could visualise the various scenery, the characters and the action.
It’s a really good chunk of a book which doesn’t skimp on details or suspense but isn’t overly wordy either - a tricky thing to pull off.
The main characters, Annie and Sam, are total opposites but compliment each other well and bring out the best in each other. Their developing relationship was well written and not forced or rushed.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a healthy dose of suspense with their romance. Five fabulous stars!
November 26, 2018
4 Star Kindle Unlimited Read
I'm not sure why so many have complained about how long it took to read this book. It took me roughly 3 1/2 to 4 hours to read it and that was with reading breaks tossed in. I would think the complaints would be in the two dull love making scenes. Or if you wanted to get psychological, according to Maslow's need - sex while trying to flee for your life is an impossibility.
As for the good stuff... I enjoy the read. I love how doubt was cast on all the campers while the writing at one point lead you to believe they were being followed. However, the hint of 'you will see me and not know me' was the clue that the Hunter was definitely in their party. But who?????
I'm not sure why so many have complained about how long it took to read this book. It took me roughly 3 1/2 to 4 hours to read it and that was with reading breaks tossed in. I would think the complaints would be in the two dull love making scenes. Or if you wanted to get psychological, according to Maslow's need - sex while trying to flee for your life is an impossibility.
As for the good stuff... I enjoy the read. I love how doubt was cast on all the campers while the writing at one point lead you to believe they were being followed. However, the hint of 'you will see me and not know me' was the clue that the Hunter was definitely in their party. But who?????
September 28, 2018
A well written suspenseful romance, Primal Obsession brings heart thumping tension to the reader from beginning to end. I cannot say that I “enjoyed” reading this book as it was more dramatic than my usual fare, but I can appreciate the amount of thought that went into the writing of this book. Annie and Sam's attraction to one another was evident from the beginning, although they were from two different worlds. However, when the chips were down, Sam was there for Annie, right to the end. Not for the fainthearted. I previously purchased this book, but also received a copy from eBook Discover and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 29, 2018
If you ever wondered how many baseball terms could be used in one suspense novel, this book will give you a run all the way to the last inning. And the book is mostly about taking a canoe wilderness trip while being pursued by a crazed serial killer. Loved the book but would probably deduct a half star for the overuse of sports terms. Sam and Annie share an intense attraction to each other and the rest of the characters are well defined. The tension is palpable and the book was hard to put down. Well worth reading. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery (and purchased a copy so I could share with friends). I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
October 4, 2018
Sam and Annie--and a serial killer
The Hunter is a serial killer of young women. Annie is the newspaper writer who is obsessed with finding him after her best friend becomes his victim. Sam was a rising star in baseball until his hand is irreparably damaged. While trying to pull himself out of a funk, he takes a group on a Maine wilderness trip. Annie is part of the group. She chose that rather than a safe house. The Hunter finds out and comes after her. This is a terrific romantic suspense novel.
The Hunter is a serial killer of young women. Annie is the newspaper writer who is obsessed with finding him after her best friend becomes his victim. Sam was a rising star in baseball until his hand is irreparably damaged. While trying to pull himself out of a funk, he takes a group on a Maine wilderness trip. Annie is part of the group. She chose that rather than a safe house. The Hunter finds out and comes after her. This is a terrific romantic suspense novel.
October 9, 2018
Annie is a reporter for a Maine newspaper and her focus has been on the serial killer that hunted, tortured, and killed her best friend and five other women that they know of. Now The Hunter is focused on her his promise to her she will never see him coming. Refusing to go to a safe house she honors her friend's memory by going on a Wilderness Maine adventure Emma and her booked a year in advance while the FBI and police hunt The Hunter. Sam is the wilderness guide assigned to her group. Once a MLB big hitter but due to a injury to his hand now hiding in the family back woods business.
October 13, 2018
Reading a great book Primal Obsession .
When I first started reading Primal Obsession I put the book down. I felt that it was a little to intense for me . So I start reading another book. Then I came back to Primal Obsession and really enjoyed it . I enjoyed being on the riverfront in the wilderness and I enjoyed reading how they worked out a way to overcome the serial killer . I was very glad and grateful when the killer was captured and how the book ended . You can always write a 2nd book based on the serial killer. If you read this book you will definitely enjoy it .
When I first started reading Primal Obsession I put the book down. I felt that it was a little to intense for me . So I start reading another book. Then I came back to Primal Obsession and really enjoyed it . I enjoyed being on the riverfront in the wilderness and I enjoyed reading how they worked out a way to overcome the serial killer . I was very glad and grateful when the killer was captured and how the book ended . You can always write a 2nd book based on the serial killer. If you read this book you will definitely enjoy it .
October 8, 2018
Primal obsession is an interesting and intriguing read. Annie is an investigative journalist who has been reporting the activities of a serial killer but had to take a break when her friend was killed. To honor her friend, she decided to go on a field trip. Unknown to her, the serial killer feels affronted for her abandoning his story and has his sight set on her as his next victim.
Sam Kincaid is their tour guide who was a former baseball player but had to quit due to his hand injury. They started the trip not knowing that one of them is the killer. They had to go through a lot to survive their adventure. "I received this book for free from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review ".
Sam Kincaid is their tour guide who was a former baseball player but had to quit due to his hand injury. They started the trip not knowing that one of them is the killer. They had to go through a lot to survive their adventure. "I received this book for free from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review ".
October 9, 2018
A Romantic Mystery
Primal Obsession keeps your attention. A seven day canoe trip for six people in the Maine wilderness starts out as an adventure but soon turns into a flight for their life. The writer manages to work romance into this frightening run for their lives. Well written.
Primal Obsession keeps your attention. A seven day canoe trip for six people in the Maine wilderness starts out as an adventure but soon turns into a flight for their life. The writer manages to work romance into this frightening run for their lives. Well written.
July 12, 2023
This book kept me reading! The suspense is magnetic. The author did a great job describing the Maine wilderness and creating likable characters. The interactions of the group of six people on a multi-day camping/canoe trip provided a deeper look into their motivations. The suspense of the stalking serial killer was well-written and well-plotted up to a satisfying ending.
September 14, 2018
Good story. The sense of adventure and excitement were always present. Sizzling chemistry and great emotional depths. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
October 2, 2018
Mystery suspense
I loved how the whole books keeps you guessing as too who the serial killer is as well as if he will get away with it or not. I would definitely recommend this book if you like a good fast pace keep you glued mystery book.
I loved how the whole books keeps you guessing as too who the serial killer is as well as if he will get away with it or not. I would definitely recommend this book if you like a good fast pace keep you glued mystery book.
October 20, 2018
A romantic thriller
A delightful romance plagued by past relationships, personal tragedies and a serial killer! Will the fight for their lives bring Sam and Annie closer or push them apart? Will they survive the Hunter?
A delightful romance plagued by past relationships, personal tragedies and a serial killer! Will the fight for their lives bring Sam and Annie closer or push them apart? Will they survive the Hunter?
August 7, 2019
Weak ending
Ending was devoid of plausibility, especially freeing up the dangerous antagonist killer. Otherwise reasonable plot and characters. Poor world product by a successful author.
Ending was devoid of plausibility, especially freeing up the dangerous antagonist killer. Otherwise reasonable plot and characters. Poor world product by a successful author.
August 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this fast paced, action packed read. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put it down until I had devoured every last word. The combination of the burgeoning relationship and the danger lurking made this a scintillating read.
January 9, 2018
Not my typical reading material
I see enough of the crazy in the news and crime dramas, don't need to read it too. But once I started, it kept me interested enough to finish.
I see enough of the crazy in the news and crime dramas, don't need to read it too. But once I started, it kept me interested enough to finish.
September 8, 2018
A washed up ball player and a townie reporter in a group of people in the wilderness....with a serial killer on the loose
Romantic suspense at it's best
Romantic suspense at it's best
October 2, 2018
This book took a few chapters to get into, however after that I could not put it down!
October 3, 2018
Great book I couldn't put it down
this book was not slow to start and kept you wondering till the end. Great story combined with laughter,love and a lot of mystery
this book was not slow to start and kept you wondering till the end. Great story combined with laughter,love and a lot of mystery
October 4, 2018
Catch
Why try to run. She knew he would find her. I guess it took the Hunter coming for her. To find sam.
Why try to run. She knew he would find her. I guess it took the Hunter coming for her. To find sam.
October 5, 2018
PRIMAL OBSESSION
Good plot, just seemed overlong. There didn't seem to be much spark between the main characters, something was missing- otherwise the story was good.
Good plot, just seemed overlong. There didn't seem to be much spark between the main characters, something was missing- otherwise the story was good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews