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The Replacement Alpha
Ethan Wright is the second son of the Alpha of Spruce Forest. Ignored and considered the spare, he spent his days working and playing video games. After a tragedy costs his brother his life, Ethan is forced to step up and save the pack from ruin or let his family's legacy and pack burn to the ground.
Hannah Bililly is a warrior. Nicknamed "The Beast" she works hard for her and her mother. She wants nothing to do with the mate bond after it broke her family to pieces. When Hannah meets her mate she requests a rejection, but Ethan won't give up the one thing he's always dreamed of finding so easily and they strike a deal.
They have six months where she needs to teach him to fight and he is determined to teach her to love.
Hannah Bililly is a warrior. Nicknamed "The Beast" she works hard for her and her mother. She wants nothing to do with the mate bond after it broke her family to pieces. When Hannah meets her mate she requests a rejection, but Ethan won't give up the one thing he's always dreamed of finding so easily and they strike a deal.
They have six months where she needs to teach him to fight and he is determined to teach her to love.
552 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2023
128 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
May 11, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Replacement Alpha is the story of Ethan, a man who is suddenly handed the title of Alpha to his pack, and Hannah, a great fighter who has closed off her heart to everyone.
First of all, this book is a BRICK, at almost 800 pages this thing is an all day adventure for fast readers and at least a week or two for those who like to process longer. If you like extremely detailed content, this is the book for you, absolutely nothing is left out so you definitely get a good visual.
ANYWAY
I break down my reviews into 5 parts consisting of plot, world building, character building, pacing, and writing style. So without further ado, let’s dive in.
PLOT: the plot is pretty straightforward. There wasn’t really a point where I was super shocked with a plot twist. I don’t want to say it was predictable but it definitely fell into some tropes that seem to be a staple in paranormal romance. At least it was entertaining. 3/5
WORLD BUILDING: this story takes place in the modern world and all its amenities. Nothing wrong with reality but I do wish there had been some form of special detail with the lore. 4/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: the characters do have their own arcs and development. It’s very clear to see that the author put a lot of thought into each character and what exactly is going on in their mindset. 5/5
PACING: don’t hate me, but this book could have been cut by a solid 300 pages. That, or be developed as a series. I found natural endings in the story at least 3 times but nope! It just kept going. I was wondering what the point was of continuing the story during these times. 2.5/5
WRITING STYLE: Emm E. Goshald is a great writer. I had no issues visualizing everything that was going on. I love when the hallucination has all the details and I can see perfectly clear. A+ to her. 5/5
So that brings our review to a solid 4/5 (technically 3.9 but math is dumb) I definitely think if you enjoy long stories, you’ll love The Replacement Alpha.
The Replacement Alpha is the story of Ethan, a man who is suddenly handed the title of Alpha to his pack, and Hannah, a great fighter who has closed off her heart to everyone.
First of all, this book is a BRICK, at almost 800 pages this thing is an all day adventure for fast readers and at least a week or two for those who like to process longer. If you like extremely detailed content, this is the book for you, absolutely nothing is left out so you definitely get a good visual.
ANYWAY
I break down my reviews into 5 parts consisting of plot, world building, character building, pacing, and writing style. So without further ado, let’s dive in.
PLOT: the plot is pretty straightforward. There wasn’t really a point where I was super shocked with a plot twist. I don’t want to say it was predictable but it definitely fell into some tropes that seem to be a staple in paranormal romance. At least it was entertaining. 3/5
WORLD BUILDING: this story takes place in the modern world and all its amenities. Nothing wrong with reality but I do wish there had been some form of special detail with the lore. 4/5
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: the characters do have their own arcs and development. It’s very clear to see that the author put a lot of thought into each character and what exactly is going on in their mindset. 5/5
PACING: don’t hate me, but this book could have been cut by a solid 300 pages. That, or be developed as a series. I found natural endings in the story at least 3 times but nope! It just kept going. I was wondering what the point was of continuing the story during these times. 2.5/5
WRITING STYLE: Emm E. Goshald is a great writer. I had no issues visualizing everything that was going on. I love when the hallucination has all the details and I can see perfectly clear. A+ to her. 5/5
So that brings our review to a solid 4/5 (technically 3.9 but math is dumb) I definitely think if you enjoy long stories, you’ll love The Replacement Alpha.
May 16, 2023
This was a good book. I picked this up cause I love this author's previous works. What really stood out to me (among other shifter books) is that the male main character is not your "typical" alpha; he's a "man-bun" accountant who loves comic con and playing WoW with his friends. He is vulernable, sensitive, in-tune to his feelings and tries to actively heal from past trauma, while his counter-part is a beautiful Amazonian-like badass warrior who shoves her feelings as far down as she can and refuses to "feel".
It's a chunky book but there are enough heart pounding obstacles and nail-biting conflicts that arise that keep the pace moving. If you are open to a slow burn, alternative role reversals and shifter lore, you'll like this book. If you are a literature snob, you might have issues with some aspects of the writing style, but it's still a good story and worth a spot in your library.
It's a chunky book but there are enough heart pounding obstacles and nail-biting conflicts that arise that keep the pace moving. If you are open to a slow burn, alternative role reversals and shifter lore, you'll like this book. If you are a literature snob, you might have issues with some aspects of the writing style, but it's still a good story and worth a spot in your library.
May 20, 2023
I read this as part of the Arc reader group where you get an advanced copy of the book to read in exchange for honest reviews.
I enjoyed the book but felt it was on the long side, feeling serialised with a lot of mini sub plots within Ethan and Hannah's story. The richness of the books other characters and relationships contained within could have been produced as a series instead of one mega story. Sort of like a 10 episode TV series rather than a 4hr long movie
I really liked that Ethan wasn't the typical alpha, and explored being the 'spare'. I especially liked that his special skills and talents involved his brain and not his brawn (but he developed that too with the help of his kick arse mate). All Characters were very well developed and thought out - probably why I felt they deserve their own stories:p
Overall rathings
Plot 4/5
Spice 2/5
Character development 5/5
Pace 3/5
Richness of writing 5/5
I enjoyed the book but felt it was on the long side, feeling serialised with a lot of mini sub plots within Ethan and Hannah's story. The richness of the books other characters and relationships contained within could have been produced as a series instead of one mega story. Sort of like a 10 episode TV series rather than a 4hr long movie
I really liked that Ethan wasn't the typical alpha, and explored being the 'spare'. I especially liked that his special skills and talents involved his brain and not his brawn (but he developed that too with the help of his kick arse mate). All Characters were very well developed and thought out - probably why I felt they deserve their own stories:p
Overall rathings
Plot 4/5
Spice 2/5
Character development 5/5
Pace 3/5
Richness of writing 5/5
May 22, 2023
I received this as an Advanced Readers Copy which means I did not pay for it, however my opinions of the book are honest and mine alone.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I was quite sucked in to this story, wanting to see how it would progress. I did feel that there were portions that dragged on, and likely this story could do with 100 or so less pages. It IS long. There are many rehashes of life for the characters as they develop, in the same way that we will rehash moments of our life over and over again, but it feels often when reading a book in 2-3 days. The book does go over a year in time for the characters. Time passes quickly at some points; not so much at others, and some times weeks pass in the blink of a sentence.
I enjoyed the multiple POV, mostly the main male and female leads, but the few side character POVs did add to it.
Overall, the storyline is good.
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
I was quite sucked in to this story, wanting to see how it would progress. I did feel that there were portions that dragged on, and likely this story could do with 100 or so less pages. It IS long. There are many rehashes of life for the characters as they develop, in the same way that we will rehash moments of our life over and over again, but it feels often when reading a book in 2-3 days. The book does go over a year in time for the characters. Time passes quickly at some points; not so much at others, and some times weeks pass in the blink of a sentence.
I enjoyed the multiple POV, mostly the main male and female leads, but the few side character POVs did add to it.
Overall, the storyline is good.
May 23, 2023
The replacement alpha
Let me just start off by saying that the Emm is just such a good writer while there can be some room for improvement the plot and storyline to this book was just amazing. If you love strong female leads this is definitely for you because Hannah is all that and more such is a bad A** warrior that doesn’t take anything from anybody. Emm also did a fantastic job with the love story there isn’t always love at first site so how she had them work things through together and grow together was just a beautiful thing to see I can’t wait to see more from her. If you like to see relationships grow and like a little action and of course a strong female lead(and let’s be honest who doesn’t) I 110% recommend this book
Let me just start off by saying that the Emm is just such a good writer while there can be some room for improvement the plot and storyline to this book was just amazing. If you love strong female leads this is definitely for you because Hannah is all that and more such is a bad A** warrior that doesn’t take anything from anybody. Emm also did a fantastic job with the love story there isn’t always love at first site so how she had them work things through together and grow together was just a beautiful thing to see I can’t wait to see more from her. If you like to see relationships grow and like a little action and of course a strong female lead(and let’s be honest who doesn’t) I 110% recommend this book
October 7, 2025
This book had SO much promise, I was really enjoying it. I would have rated this book five stars, if it hadn't been for these reasons:
• Seriously, the side-pairings felt forced and random. It felt like watching endless fluff episodes. Honestly, it felt like the author ran out of ideas and just threw shit together midway, which is a pity.
• The pacing was absolutely terrible. TERRIBLE. I legitimately scanned and skipped through endless fluff to try to get to the plot. I honestly wish some of the fluff had been cut out, or perhaps this would have been better as a series, to give each story the life it deserved.
• Typos, missing words...
I gave it three stars, in honor of how well it started and the great character development.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
• Seriously, the side-pairings felt forced and random. It felt like watching endless fluff episodes. Honestly, it felt like the author ran out of ideas and just threw shit together midway, which is a pity.
• The pacing was absolutely terrible. TERRIBLE. I legitimately scanned and skipped through endless fluff to try to get to the plot. I honestly wish some of the fluff had been cut out, or perhaps this would have been better as a series, to give each story the life it deserved.
• Typos, missing words...
I gave it three stars, in honor of how well it started and the great character development.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
May 28, 2023
This is a wonderful story. It keeps you engaged from beginning to end. I was awesome to watch the growth of Ethan to a Strong leader. I love the way Hanna balances out her rough edges with Ethans soft ones.
This story also takes on the growth of several of people in the story and I love how all of their lives begin to intertwine with each other. Watching the growth of Hanna was especially great to see. It also shows how the events of someone else life can affect the choices that you make for the future but also that nothing is set in stone and can be changed if you want it to.
The plot twist that show up at the end of the story had my jaw on the floor.
This story also takes on the growth of several of people in the story and I love how all of their lives begin to intertwine with each other. Watching the growth of Hanna was especially great to see. It also shows how the events of someone else life can affect the choices that you make for the future but also that nothing is set in stone and can be changed if you want it to.
The plot twist that show up at the end of the story had my jaw on the floor.
May 22, 2023
Absolutely exceptional
This is a great story with characters that make you fall in love with them. Both Hannah and Ethan doubt themselves and their own worth and it is inspiring to watch them discover that they have more to give then anyone gives them credit for.
I love how neither of these characters are the usual you get with a book about werewolves. Emm your stories never cease to delight me.
This is a great story with characters that make you fall in love with them. Both Hannah and Ethan doubt themselves and their own worth and it is inspiring to watch them discover that they have more to give then anyone gives them credit for.
I love how neither of these characters are the usual you get with a book about werewolves. Emm your stories never cease to delight me.
May 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great. It was refreshing to have a female and male lead that weren't your typical strong masculine/feminine leads. I also liked the author's take on being the 'spare' child. I liked that the alpha's skills and talents involved his brain and not his brawn (although he developed that too with the help of his non-traditional mate). All the characters were very well developed and I can't wait for the next book to come out!!
May 24, 2023
The Replacement Alpha will have you turning pages frantically wanting to know what comes next! Buckle up for a wild roller coaster ride. Hannah and Ethan’s story will keep you on the edge of your seat! I laughed, I aww’ed, I shrieked and I cried throughout the entire book. Emm is an author that makes you feel like your part of the characters inner circle and their heartaches and victories are yours as well! A truly phenomenal book from start to finish!
January 2, 2024
Awesome
I’ve read many wolf shifter books but this is my favorite out of all. I don’t mind several series of books to complete the story but to have them all in the same book I found totally awesome. There is just so much of each character’s personality to read in different books I liked that the author put them in together one book. Great job Emm Goshalf well done I must say.
I’ve read many wolf shifter books but this is my favorite out of all. I don’t mind several series of books to complete the story but to have them all in the same book I found totally awesome. There is just so much of each character’s personality to read in different books I liked that the author put them in together one book. Great job Emm Goshalf well done I must say.
May 15, 2023
I loved reading this book. It was an amazing story. I could really see the growth of the main two characters by the end. There were certain parts I teared up at cause I could feel the emotions of the characters.I loved the different points of view from different characters, not just the main. It was a pleasure to read and I hope others will enjoy it as much as I did.
May 16, 2023
This has got to be the best book I have read yet regarding a younger sibling stepping into a position that he was ill prepared for. I love the fact the "spare" alpha was not your atypical alpha but a nerd that enjoys cosplay. Ethan is a hero that you would least expect. I highly recommend this book.
May 21, 2023
I have read Emms writing before with the Alpha Markus series when she was on dreame. I got to be an ARC reader for this new story, and honestly, it’s just as good as her other stories. I love how her mind works and the storylines build and I adore the different types of characters she creates that are actually authentically thought out. She did it again in this one, and I truly believe if you like shifter romances, this is a fantastic one. Nerds need love too!
December 18, 2023
Not your average Alpha book
This book was recommended to me when I said I wanted to read a book that wasn't your average Alpha book. I have no regrets in giving this book a chance I have enjoyed every word and chapter. I loved the main character Ethan. I found myself laughing and getting emotional.
This book was recommended to me when I said I wanted to read a book that wasn't your average Alpha book. I have no regrets in giving this book a chance I have enjoyed every word and chapter. I loved the main character Ethan. I found myself laughing and getting emotional.
May 22, 2023
I was lucky to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book. I was sucked into the story right from the beginning. I absolutely loved how the characters grew and matured as the story went along. I felt what they felt, laughed, AND cried. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any, and everyone!
May 25, 2023
Great book! Different from all other werewolf stories I read, and I read a lot of those! Great characters and their stories connected in the main story so well, so you get to know them all. I definitely recommend it to all readers of werewolf stories.
August 6, 2023
I couldn't put it down!
I loved that it was a different book from a typical werewolf romance. Ethan and Hannah are both very good characters, and I loved watching their story unfold.
I loved that it was a different book from a typical werewolf romance. Ethan and Hannah are both very good characters, and I loved watching their story unfold.
dnf
September 3, 202326% in with 7.5 hours of reading left. What could possibly be in the rest of the book? I'm just not really invested in the story. And, the whole "I'm not worthy" trope is not one I enjoy.
I really like Ethan but Hannah not so much.
I really like Ethan but Hannah not so much.
September 25, 2023
what a great storyline
I love these characters! I see it’s marked as a series and I hope that means there’s more Ethan, Hannah and the rest of the gang coming soon! What a way to spin a “spare” child moment. Loved it. So much.
I love these characters! I see it’s marked as a series and I hope that means there’s more Ethan, Hannah and the rest of the gang coming soon! What a way to spin a “spare” child moment. Loved it. So much.
October 9, 2023
I nice easy resd yhat kept me engrossed
It is listed as a series but so far there is only one book. I really hope there is a second. It kept me engaed. I would love to see how the packs grow!
It is listed as a series but so far there is only one book. I really hope there is a second. It kept me engaed. I would love to see how the packs grow!
October 13, 2023
Wow. Nerds, unite! I love how the MMC is like so many of us who read stories like this. Definite book boyfriend material. The entire story is well thought out. Some of the sentences were hard to understand, but overall this is a fantastic book!
March 5, 2024
Great Book!!!
I am also biased, since I love all of the Emm’s books. I can’t wait for the sequel! I would recommend this book and all of her others to any one that love shifter romance novels.
I am also biased, since I love all of the Emm’s books. I can’t wait for the sequel! I would recommend this book and all of her others to any one that love shifter romance novels.
May 2, 2025
one of the best
This was not like any other fantasy romance novel I’ve read and I’ve read a lot. The emotional baggage and the misunderstandings it cause feel real and are the real driving factor in the book, not some big bad. I honestly loved all of it.
This was not like any other fantasy romance novel I’ve read and I’ve read a lot. The emotional baggage and the misunderstandings it cause feel real and are the real driving factor in the book, not some big bad. I honestly loved all of it.
May 19, 2023
This is an amazing book. Great story and beautiful characters. You won’t be able to put it down once you start reading. Hoping for follow up chapters or a second book.
May 21, 2023
A exciting well rounded warewolf novel!
You will fall in love with Hannah and Jason and their friends! You will laugh cry, bite your nails and never want the story to end!
You will fall in love with Hannah and Jason and their friends! You will laugh cry, bite your nails and never want the story to end!
May 25, 2023
Great story line! And the characters all grow and evolve as the book goes on. Very beautifully written. Ethan is ❤️❤️.
May 26, 2023
I loved reading this book. The male lead character discovers more about himself in this story is an uphill battle yet he remains dedicated to proving himself
June 7, 2023
LOVE LOVE LOVE
I loved all the connections made and how everything tied together. This book is all about family! Hope maybe a sequel?
I loved all the connections made and how everything tied together. This book is all about family! Hope maybe a sequel?
August 23, 2023
So good
Omg I am in love with the fact the alpha is a gamer. Love how they go to comic cons. The story was amazing. Loved the characters. Keep me interested thru out while book.
Omg I am in love with the fact the alpha is a gamer. Love how they go to comic cons. The story was amazing. Loved the characters. Keep me interested thru out while book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews