Reviews

Primal by K.A. Merikan

jg1987's review against another edition

4.0

4 Stars

[b:Primal|59729460|Primal (Wrong Side of the Tracks, #2)|K.A. Merikan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638281376l/59729460._SY75_.jpg|94063025] is the second book in the Wrong Side of the Tracks series by my favourite author duo [a:K.A. Merikan|6150530|K.A. Merikan|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1612713027p2/6150530.jpg]. I was so excited for more of Jag, who immediately peaked my interest in book 1. He was a total mystery man and something about his wild and feral nature was highly intriguing. But of course, in true Merikan style, Jag and his chosen mate, Dane start off on the worst possible footing. I knew however, that after some unpredictable shenanigans, and impulsive decisions, they would find their groove. Even when Jag’s actions were undoubtedly objectionable, he was actually being really sweet to Dane in his own crazy way. And the more we understood about Jag and how he sees the world, the easier this was to see. It admittedly took quite some time for both to come to an agreeable middle ground, but that only made their connection even stronger. I truly enjoyed this remarkably unusual story, which just goes to show why these authors will never fail to astound and delight me. I can't wait to see what kind of ride the next book in the series will take us on.

pixelflipsel's review

adventurous dark fast-paced

5.0

emilylovesbooks94's review against another edition

5.0

It's scary how quickly these authors can make me fall in love with morally questionable characters, and Jag's story was no exception. Despite all his beastliness, caveman tendencies, and growliness, Jag was such a puppy around Dane. He may not have gone about courting him the conventional way, but it was obvious how hard he was trying, in his own way, to prove he was a worthy partner. I do wish this book had explored Jag's upbringing a little more, because the more I learned about it the more it put his assumptions about relationships into perspective for me. As it was, I still found it shockingly easy to see past Jag's sometimes alarming behaviors to the man desperate to love and be loved. It doesn't excuse the things he did and said, but what I loved about Jag was how hard he tried to listen and change his habits to make Dane happy. Of course, their relationship wasn't without drama. Dane and Jag had some spectacular blowups, sometimes leading to steamy endings and other time to bloody disasters. I was captivated throughout it all, and I was expecially thrilled to see more of Frank, Dex, and Shane towards the end. It was wonderful to see the way their band of friends and family rallied around them when they needed support most, and that conclusion was wild. There's no doubt in my mind that Jag and Dane found a path to be happy together, and if their insanely hot, primal lovemaking is any indicaiton, their passion is very much alive.

**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.

audiobook_chaos's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Jag wants to find a partner but going out on his first date doesn’t go to plan so when he gets back to the scrap yard he’s on a mood. Frank asks him to get rid of a body but when Jag hears a noise he realises the body isn’t dead and he thinks he’s been sent his mate . Dane does what he can to appease Jag but he can’t accept Jags caveman look on life and when he gets a chance to run he will take it.

anonymous_duck's review against another edition

dark funny lighthearted tense medium-paced

5.0

django018's review

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

what can I say? These two have my heart, and a very fun read 

sian2002's review

dark emotional hopeful tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

phillinegast's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

petra_reviews_mm's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 4.5* for a swoony romance with some angst.

He wasn’t losing the man of his dreams to stray junk or a cold brought on by rain. He’d fight lightning for Dane if need be.

So I've read a couple of K.A. Merikan's books and I love them. And this book is still in their amazing signature style - chaos, unpredictability, deep love and some darkness.

This book has definitely a way more likeable MC than the first book Scum had. Is Jag still a red flag? Yep. But I could not help but actually root for him and his ways. There is some angst between the couple but I think there is quite a steady development with some arguments along the way. But the are not apart for a long time at any point in the book.

The found family was amazing even if more apparent in the second half. Why not full 5*? I think that Dane was less developed character than Jag. He was likeable but I wished he stood out more. What I loved about the book was the plus size appreciation.

The last couple of chapters introduced some drama (which is a norm for this series, there is always some drama introduced in the last quarter) but I expected it and actually could not wait for it. 

mayabee76's review

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

3.75