| Primal Obsession - Reviews & Excerpt |
Reviews:
The Romance Studio-- "Susan Vaughan writes an intensely romantic thriller.... The depth of the characters in the story is probably the part that makes this such a great read. They're all exceptionally well crafted.... For most the author gives them the kind of strength that comes with validation of who they are and what they're capable of when faced with challenges. This is an excellent tale of people at their best and worst learning to work together through adversity." Overall rating: 5 Hearts
WRDF Reviews: "Primal Obsession is a first-class thriller with the author successfully throwing suspicion on all characters. The twists in the plot were both unpredictable and believable and will keep the reader riveted from the very first page....a class apart. The strong characterization of Annie Wilde (sic) and the multi-faceted characterization of all the characters in this book, the meticulous attention to detail, and the riveting story-telling pushes (sic) this book way beyond good and entertaining--well into the realm of a (sic) unforgettable and powerful experience. A definite MUST READ!"
Romance Junkies: "From the first word to the last, Primal Obsession held me captive. The characters are a joy to read with their easy banter and every-increasing sexual tension. The suspense is equal partner to the romance, which progresses at a perfect pace throughout. This is one suspense plot where the heroine is brave and intelligent.... Along with Sam and Annie and the other full-blown characters in Primal Obsession, is another character--the Maine woods themselves. Ms. Vaughan paints them so that I felt I was there.... Thanks, Ms. Vaughan, for such a wonderful read!" Rating 5
Long and Short Reviews: "Primal Obsession is a romantic suspense of high quality and of stinging, heart thumping excitement. This book delivers suspense at multiple levels, producing excitement and a keen sense of anticipation from the first page. Don’t pick this book up unless you have time because you’ll have a hard time putting it down.
The characters add to the story’s appeal, not because they are particularly unique or hard to predict, but because the author’s dialogue skills are superb, managing to produce even male characters who are believable and appealing. The prose is compact, greyhound fast, and smooth flowing, but don’t be deceived. The word choices and metaphors are top-notch, bringing the characters’ thoughts and the Maine woodlands to life." - Rating 4.5 of 5
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Excerpt from Chapter 3 of Primal Obsession:
Annie crumpled the Moosewoods Wilderness Immersion Expedition brochure. She shook it at the floatplane as it disappeared south.
A light breeze ruffled the clear water lapping at her feet. Gomagash Lake stretched wider than ten city blocks. It extended east beyond a trio of islands in its middle, the direction they’d be paddling. Just thinking about it set her muscles to twinging.
The pilot had deposited them on this sandy shore. After helping unload the gear, he’d departed with a whirr of propellers and a dip of wings.
In the ensuing quiet, Sam Kincaid had dropped a bomb. Several, starting with the true nature of their expedition.
Not only was there no chef, but the campsites were primitive and everyone would share the work. All the work.
Canoe paddling she expected, but Wilderness Immersion—she didn’t dare contemplate what that meant in real terms.
A year ago, when Emma’s enthusiasm had convinced her to sign up for a week, she’d closed her eyes and written the check. After setting the date for this week, she bought the required equipment. She never investigated the “immersion” aspect of the expedition. Some journalist.
But she’d bet another week in a canoe that Justin knew. Thomas too.
“You look like you’re ready to pound somebody. The pilot? Not me, I hope.” Sam stood behind her, his sexy mustache twitching with humor. How had he sneaked up so silently?
“No one,” she spat, fighting the urge to throw something at his arrogant face. “Maybe my brother. Maybe myself. I should have known I was heading into a northern version of Deliverance. No Chardonnay on the beach, I’ll bet.”
He was too big. He dwarfed her, and he stood too close, close enough for her to smell his sun-warmed skin, salty and very male. She refused to back away.
“Nope. Maine Guides aren’t allowed to provide alcohol. Too many potential problems. Drunks around the campfire.” He shrugged. “You could’ve brought your own wine, though.”
“Now you tell me.”
He put down the two large sausage-shaped bags he was holding. “Princess, I understand that you didn’t expect hardship. Wilderness adventuring is asking too much of a fragile flower.”
“Don’t call me princess.”
He stood quietly, arms crossed over his solid chest, eyeing her critically, daring her. He seemed to see inside her with those mocking eyes, light brown--no, dark gold like amber or fine whiskey, tawny like his hair and skin.
She chanced a glance at the others, who knew what they were getting into, happily perusing the chore list and loading the three cherry-red canoes. A storage shed at the edge of the woods held the gear not transported by air. Her mind said she had no choice but to take part, but her heart cringed.
Emma, I’m doing this for you. But I need your help.
Annie poked Sam’s chest with her index finger. She tried to ignore the heat and latent power in those firm pecs. At least he’d buttoned his silly tropical shirt—softness over hardness.
“Fragile flower, my eye,” she said. She might hate every minute, every dip of the paddle, but she was no shirker. “I’m a Wylde, and no Wylde ever wimps out.”
“Sure you can hack it? These woods won’t be like your nice safe city. No coffee bar at the corner.” Challenge emanated from his pores. The man had a definite edge to him. He was a study in contrasts. No matter how he tried to convey a laid-back, fun-loving attitude, beneath that flirtatious exterior she sensed a hard core. An angry core.
Nice safe city. If only he knew the truth. Annie gave a mental shudder at the Hunter’s last muffled words to her. You’ll see me, but you won’t know me.
“Wilderness or city streets, I’m up to the challenge.” She hoped Mother Nature wouldn’t be in a devilish mood.
He captured her hand, enveloping it in his massive one. “So the princess has a competitive streak. Wanna make it a little more interesting?”
A bet. But not for money. The sexy gleam in his eyes was for an entirely different prize. His body heat seeped into her fingers and up her arm, threatening to infuse her with his sensuality, to cloud her judgment. She yanked her hand away. “No bets. I grew up with a father and brothers so competitive that the Sox and Yankees’ rivalry pales by comparison. I can field any ball you send my way, Mr. Baseball.”
Sam’s toothy smile staggered her senses. “You got it.” He winked at her. “You’re lucky this is Wilderness Immersion and not Wilderness Survival. You’d have to make it with only a fish hook and a tarp for a tent.”
“My prayers have been answered.”
Still grinning, he retrieved the bags and held them up. “I have two-man tents that are really for one person and four-man tents for two people. We can cut down on equipment if you’ll share a tent with me.”
“In your dreams.”
* * * *
from Primal Obsession by Susan Vaughan
copyright Susan Hofstetter Vaughan
12-05-08 ebook
3-05-08 ISBN 1-60154-390-5
The Wild Rose Press
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