Instinct by J.A. Belfield
Series: Holloway Pack #0.5
Published by Self-published on January 1, 2012
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Source: Freebie
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Werewolf Sean Holloway treats the village marketplace like a sexual buffet, though his charm does little to win over his latest entrée of choice. Whether because of Jem Stonehouse's unique scent, her headstrong nonchalance, or the fact he is forbidden to see her by his pack's rules, Sean wants her. When Jem is nothing but flippant toward his advances, he pursues her with vigour, stealing moments alone with her without a libido-driven agenda. The new and heady experience for him drives their relationship beyond romantic interest, and straight toward love. That is, until Jem learns the truth about Sean's heritage. Knowledge of the existence of werewolves leads to only one outcome: death.
In this prequel to Darkness & Light, we are taken back in time, to the very beginning of Jem and Sean's love-across-the-centuries relationship. Did it end there? Or did Sean defy his own pack to save the woman he loves?

A few months ago—thanks to a message the author posted on Tsū—I saw this novella was free and I grabbed it right away because I thought it was a good opportunity to try her work. Then things got in the way and I left it hanging on my Kindle, but I’m glad I finally gave it a go this past weekend.

Although I think it needed more world building, the story still grabbed my attention and I found the writing very poetic and quite pleasurable. The read is fast but keeps you wonder and makes you want to find out more about the pack and also Jem’s family. There are a few characters who appear in the book and I think one of them was particularly intriguing, especially since he seemed to have something in common with Sean . . . Indeed, my curiosity has been piqued and I wouldn’t mind reading more, and if you haven’t tried J.A. Belfield’s titles yet, you could start from this novella as well.

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