The Mating Chase

Werewolves of Montana #1

by Bonnie Vanak

Welcome to the sensual world of the Lupine, where the burning drive to mate claims all...

Home from college, where men teased her for being overweight, Beth doesn't fit into pack life at the Mitchell ranch. Because she’s forgotten how to shift into a wolf, the pack alpha has ordered her to choose a mate or leave. The only male Beth desires is Dale, a fiercely protective Lupine who loathes the human lifestyle she embraces. She hungers for the handsome shifter’s touch, but fears their differences are too vast to overcome.

Dale has waited for four long years for Beth’s return. Her scent ignites his desire and her voluptuous body fires his blood. He is determined to awaken her to the sensual world of the Lupine. Although she acts more “Skin” than wolf, he can’t deny his overwhelming drive to claim her.

As the heat of passion threatens to consume them both, a new peril arises. Someone is killing a local rancher’s livestock and blaming it on wolves, endangering the pack’s ability to shapeshift. It will take all Beth’s courage and Dale’s skill to find the enemy threatening to destroy their world...

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Werewolves, Erotica, Novella

72 pages, ebook

First published March 15, 2013

About the author

Bonnie Vanak fell in love with romance novels during childhood. While cleaning a hall closet, she discovered her mother’s cache of paperbacks and started reading. Thus began a passion for romance and a lifelong dislike for housework.

After years of newspaper reporting, Bonnie became a writer for a major international charity. She travels to destitute countries such as Haiti to write about famine, disease and other issues affecting the poor. When the emotional strains of her job demanded a diversion, she turned to her childhood dream of writing romance novels.

She lives in Florida with her husband Frank and two dogs, where she happily writes books amid an ever-growing collection of dust bunnies.

Reviews

[S. Wideman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book because I wanted to read a plus-size romance. I knew it was short, so the lack of story didn't bother me. However, what did bother me was it was NOT a plus-size romance. The heroine, Beth, is described as big busted with "a slight pouch" to her tummy and "wide" hips. And after that ONE description, we are not treated to what she looks like beyond that. In fact, she sounded more voluptuous than overweight, something that is not as much of a stigmata that Bonnie Vanak tried to make it. We are told (over and over again) that she was made fun of at college for being overweight, but because of the length we are not shown. We are told she was a very confident woman, but her four years in college eroded that confidence away. Again, told but not shown. We are told that she didn't date while in college because she was so horribly overweight and no guy in college wanted to date anyone as fat as she. I nearly chucked my Kindle across the room at that! Again, I'm more overweight than she is, and I have no problem finding a date. While I can suspend the belief that the incredibly hot guy will take one look at her and just be head over heals in love (that's why I got the book, I like that fantasy), I find it hard to believe that anyone described as lovely as Beth would have problems dating because of a few possible pounds.

Had Bonnie made it an actual book instead of a short story, she might have been able to explore more about Beth, her psyche and problems in college, the differences between her life as Skin and her life as a Lupine, the problem with her not being able to shift anymore, and the friendship-turned-romance between her and Dale. Instead, we are told everything. What I wanted was a good romance between a plus-sized girl and a hot guy. What I got was another "Woe is me" heroine who hates her weight. The story had promise and would have been so much better if Beth had loved herself before Dale showed her how pretty she really was.

[Erin Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short? Yes.
Good? Yes.
Recommend it? Yes.

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mating Game by Bonnie Canon is a short tease in the art of erotica. It was done tastefully. It starts when Beth a slightly overweight wolf returns to the Lupine world after spending four years away at college with the skins aka humans. She suppressed her wolfly manner and now can't shift into her wolf. Her uncle, Aiden, the pack leader has given her an ultimatum, mate or leave the pack. Dale her uncles head os security has always wanted her. He'll race the rest of the single pack members to lay claim to her my biting her neck, leaving a mark. Dale catches her and lays claim to her. He carries her back to his cabin. Then he takes her to his garden where they make mad passionate love in their human forms. Beth still can't shift and Dale tells her when the time is right it will happen.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot characters content, I'm satisfied.

[Kathryn · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just okay to me. I have read worse which is saying something, but what put me off was the grammar of all things. There were no problems but I felt that the author just threw in some big words to prove she's an author. I've never read anything of hers before so I don't know if that's something she does. The big words just didn't seem to fit and kind of took away the flow of the book.

Dale and Beth were semi likeable, but not endearing enough to get invested in a new series. I found it really hard to believe that someone who was born wolf and shifted regularly would forget how to do what came naturally in four years. If she had been gone 20 years it's more believable to me. I've read plenty of wolf shifter books and that part seemed a little to fake.

Side note, I wish in some of the BBW stories the female wasn't always ashamed of her body and scared no one would love her. All women have insecurities and for every shape, size and color there are confident beautuiful women as well. Showcase that part sometimes, the tried and true I'm fat so no one will love gets stale after a while.

[Caro [The Book Rogue] · Rating 2 out of 5]

- Characters surprisingly likable
- a lot of possibilities for a good world building with the heap of supernatural creatures she simply listed
-- but I don't like that she's giving me the feeling it'd be too much of a hassle for her to get really into it, give her world clear, definitve boundaries
- tried to get into the sexy mood, but always stumbled over a misplaced word just as it was working =(

[Yesenia Gonzalez · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmm didn't like how wolves and skins(humans) didn't get along but the mating and she finally having the mate she wanted was great. When her wolf finally resurfaced to protect her mate she was great. Hope to read more of this series.

[C.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the story. Wish it was longer and had an epilogue but would recommend anyway +++

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome quick, short story. Wasn't expecting to enjoy this story so much, but I will definitely go looking for more in this series.

[Rin McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything. Intrigue, romance and betrayal. A good read.

[HeatherTX · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad short shifter read, I'll more than likely read more of the series.

[Sheila Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two Books in One

I love shapeshifter stories. And I love finding new author takes on the genre. In this story, Bonnie Vanak has a remarkable way of creating this world. It brings you in from the first page.
The first part of the book is The Mating Heat - Ryder and Kara’s romance. This story shows that love is only skin deep. Ryder has always loved Kara. But her father never wanted the two together. The man had his own issues to deal with. And he took it out on both of them. He scarred Kara and imprisoned Ryder. But Ryder never gave up on her of their life together.
The second part is The Mating Chase - Dale and Beth’s story. If you hide your true self, how can you find yourself? Beth has lost the ability to shift to a wolf. If she doesn’t do it soon, they will send her away from the pack. Unless she agrees to mate with one of the pack. Dale may like the idea of a chase to get Beth, but he doesn’t want any other to get her. I love the mystery twist. The outer characters (trolls and ogres) are written beautifully. Giving you a view of a strange and wonderful place in Montana.
Excellent quick read that will have you wanting more.

[Rachel C. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. While not really original, this was actually a pretty fun book. I just wish it had been better executed. It always makes me cringe when the characters say things that are unfounded, way too soon and extremely gag-worthy. Not to mention when the plot is really only a reason to write a book in which characters have sex. This world could be interesting if it were actually developed.

[Sheralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Brandy France · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 Hot

The chemistry between them is off the charts so is the sex!!!! She's a confused lupine that olives in skin form for 4 yrs of collage and he a supine that hates humans...he loves her and helps bring her wolf forward and she helps him see humans aren't all bad

[Akina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick but good

I enjoyed this. It was actually 2 books in one - The Mating Heat and The Mating Chase. I love alpha males and these books had some of the best. The books are very short so there isn’t enough time to flush out true love but the passion is intense and I can see these couples going the distance. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Malinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

This was a pretty good story. It's the first story I've read by Bonnie Vanak but I liked it and I'm sure I"ll try more of her work in the future.

Beth is a wolf shifter but has been away from her pack for 4 years for college. She had to submerge her wolf and natural instincts while she was in the normal world and once she got back home she found she had lost contact with her wolf. Beth is also a BBW and at college she was teased and ridiculed for it. In the wolf pack it's considered a good thing but Beth has trouble adjusting back and having confidence in herself. The Alpha of the pack (and her Uncle) decrees she has to take a mate (for various reasons) and Beth has little choice unless she wants to leave the pack. She wants Dale for a mate but because of her lack of self confidence she doesn't believe he wants her.

Dale has had things rough and because of this he hates "skins" (normal humans). He has lived away from "skins" and only mingled with the pack as much as possible for years. He works as the head of security for the pack. He's loved Beth for years and has been waiting for her to get back from college. When she returns he's shocked at how much she's changed. He sets out to make her his and get her back in touch with her wolf again.

Beth has to take part in a mating chase (the winner of the chase gets the privilege of mating with her) and (thankfully) is caught by Dale. He takes her back to his cabin and they proceed to get to know each other much better...physically. Despite the fact that they definitely want each other, there are still issues to surpass and things to work out. When danger threatens the pack and Dale is called away to help, Beth ends up in a scrape when trying to warn Dale of something she found out. Dale comes to help and in all the drama she's able to contact her wolf again. Things work out in the end and Beth and Dale have a sweet HEA.

I enjoyed this story. I liked the characters and the shifter mythos of the story. Even though the story was short, the plot was interesting enough to be engaging. I'd recommend this. :D

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but Hot... I mean Sweet.

This story was very compact, I usually read much longer books, but it was entertaining and I liked the characters. I will read book 2.

[Laurie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Funny how we can all forget who we are while trying to be who others expect is to be. So glad Beth found her way.

[Meiwilli · Rating 2 out of 5]

No chase...more of a slow ride.

Well apparently Beth has went to college and lost her mind and her wolf. Imagine even a wolf falls prey to society's pressures to conform and fit in while living among Skins. I figured I wasn't going to like this story much after realizing Beth was intent on being like everybody else. What I've always enjoyed about shifter/paranormal stories is that the characters are so different. Understandably the author is getting her point across that sadly, even other beings can be just as fallible in their belief of what is perfection as humans.

I like Dale but had a hard time feeling any chemistry between him and Beth. The characters are not extremely well defined. Beth seems a bit young for Dale--more so in her thoughts than actions. Dale is polar opposite when it comes to Skins--he hates them and all things about them. Shockingly when Aiden gives Beth the ultimatum of mating or going to stay with her parents in Alaska, I'm surprised she doesn't opt to go back to the Skins and continue trying to fit in even though that isn't one of Aiden's options.

Unknowingly Beth's little college friend Bobby follows Beth back to the ranch to try and win her affection. What a surprise Beth is in for when she learns Bobby is not who he appears to be. The scene is actually quite hilarious--of course at Bobby's expense.

No surprise Dale wins the chase, wins the girl and wins your heart with his compassion and thoughtfulness.

On my Were Scale of Hotness, 2 stars.

[Red Lace Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distressing over her inability to shift with her pack, Beth is forced to either be mated to a male, or leave permanently. Believing she hasn't got a choice, she takes part in the mating chase. The wolf that catches her makes her body burn. It’s Dale, whom she desires like no other.

I very much enjoyed this story. It definitely had more good points than bad and I found it perfect for that summer’s day, out in the garden.

First off, I knew it was a short, thus I was prepared. I would hardly begin to whine “it was too short” when it’s a SHORT story. Indeed there was quite a bit of information to take in, but it flowed smoothly. Beth was a very interesting character and was a prime example of what our society does to people. It certainly can render someone an insecure mess. Let’s face it; people are cruel, young people especially. Not skinny? Then you are considered overweight. It’s a general belief even today, no matter if we want to try and deny it.

The attraction between Beth and Dale was undeniably intense. The love scenes were well written, however some specific words were repeated too many times, including a word I absolutely detest in erotica, simply because I find it distasteful. The added wolf aspects (knotting) were something I’d never actually came across before, so it was extra spice.

I think I’ll have to read more works of this author at some point.

© Red Lace 2013

[Mai Lewis Buwee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am knew to this author. Beth is home after being away at college for 4 years, with one major problem. She has live as a skin (humans), and has forgotten how to shift into a wolf. This is a problem since Beth is Lupine. The problem is, she is unmated, and during heat season, that will not play well with the other unmated males within the pack. Her uncle and pack leader has given her three choices, leave, shift into a wolf within a week or participate in the mating chase. On top of Beth's present dilemma, she believe her plus size figure is a problem. After all, in the skin world the smaller you are, the more beautiful, fun and accepted by all you are. Dale on the other hand, see his perfect mate, with the perfect body. He only have to convince Beth of both of these qualities. I felt the story was rushed, had a few moment. Not sure about continuing with the series. We shall see how it goes.

[Ivy Deluca · Rating 3 out of 5]

First book in the Mating series finds Beth returning home from college after living for several years as a “Skin,” a human instead of the shifter she is. Beth doesn't fit into pack life at the Mitchell ranch. Because she's forgotten how to shift into a wolf, the pack alpha has ordered her to choose a mate or leave. The only male Beth desires is Dale, a fiercely protective Lupine who loathes the human lifestyle she embraces. She hungers for the handsome shifter's touch, but fears their differences are too vast to overcome.

The Good
-free on amazon is always good
-Decent setup with a different mythology (wolves, ogres, trolls, etc.)
-hot sex
-quick and easy read

The Not So Good
-angst-ridden heroine about her weight became a bit tiresome in a very short amount of time
-abrupt end

The Bottom Line
For a free novella, it wasn’t bad. I’d read the rest of the series...after I tackle my huge TBR pile.

[Caro · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok freebie. I was a little disappointed with this one. I had a good run on reading some of my backlog freebies. I liked the characters and the basics of the plot. The imagination and 'world' was pretty good. However, this was a little...crude...I guess for me personally. It wasn't so much what was written but how it seemed to be written. There were some good parts that I really did like, but most of it I wasn't really into and how some things played out I didn't really like. Also, some things weren't really my cup of joe and I ended up kinda skim reading it. I read it but I really just wanted to get through that part(s). Overall, a good book, but it didn't really appeal to my sense of relationships or boundaries. Good but not great. Good Luck

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very enjoyable story that although short still manages to pack a powerful punch and give you enough detail and back story that you don't feel cheated.

Beth likes, I mean really likes Dale but thinks she isn't good enough, too big etc. Dale likes, also really likes Beth, everything about Beth. He has been waiting for her for 4 years and now he just has to convince her of that. Her uncle throws an ultimatum into the mix just to get things moving. So Beth has to decide between leaving for good or The Mating Chase.

There are aspects to this book that I haven't read about - the knotting for one but I also enjoyed reading about the various other species that are there too, trolls etc.

A quick read that hits all the right spots. Definitely a series to read more of.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

After spending four years at college living amongst humans or skins as they're known in this book Beth has lost touch with her wolf, she can't shift which means she can't defend herself which wouldn't normally be an issue but once she goes in heat all the single male shifters are going to have one goal in mind and as a human she'll be virtually defenceless. Her uncle, the alpha offers her an ultimatum so Beth has a decision to make.
This book was free, it's only short too short really, and it had a couple of things I didn't like but I can't give examples without spoiling the book.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt bad that Beth had to make a choice between staying or leaving for good. Beth felt like she didn't fit in anywhere. Dale was so sweet trying to show Beth that she really did fit in and that he cared for her. I wish that this book would have been longer, but I am looking forward to reading more in this series!

[Jessica N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because no one was perfect, or a superhero, but individuals who are looking for happiness. It's not over the top dramatic, but relatable. Sexy shifter males, wishing to find mine. :):)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mating chace

enjoyed reading these book about a pack of wolf's. one wolf goes off to school and loose herself only to come home and told she needs to mate. mate she dose and finds herself again

[Carrie Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Quick Read

Another Great Quick Read

I really enjoy Bonnie Vanak's WoM series. There is actually quite a bit a background and description in such a short read. I just adored Dale, such a sweetie alpha male. I can not wait to delve deeper.