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Gauge Alexander is done hiding who and what he is. After touring StoneCrow Estates—a community built for Skin Walkers—he accepts CEO, Monroe StoneCrow’s, offer of employment. As an accountant and Sentry for the estate, Gauge vows to live as he’d always dreamed, out in the open with no more secrets or regrets.

Ella Garret is on the run. After her sister’s suspicious death, Ella kidnaps her niece in hopes of keeping the child from suffering the same fate as her mother. With nowhere to go, she contacts an old friend, Stoney Lydon, who offers her sanctuary at StoneCrow Estates. Having no other choice, Ella accepts the offer and flees to Montana.

When Ella is hired as Gauge’s assistant, he instantly recognizes the telltale signs of someone living a lie. Little Ms. Garret is not what she seems and, as a Sentry for the Estate, it is Gauge’s duty to find out just what it is she’s hiding. The problem is that part of Gauge’s dream life included claiming his mate. With his attention focused on his unwitting assistant, he’s drawn to her and before either of them can stop it, the Skin Walker affliction hits. Ella might hide from herself and those around her, but she won’t hide from her mate even if he has to use her niece to force Ella’s submission.

159 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 3, 2014

78 people are currently reading
307 people want to read

About the author

Susan A. Bliler

37 books573 followers
My pack territory is in Central Montana, between Stone Crow Estates and the North Fortress. Born and raised in an untamed location that bridges the gap between rolling prairies and majestic mountain peaks, I am born to a family that also bridges the gap between cultures. My father’s people boast a fiercely proud Scandinavian ancestry while my mother’s tribes descend from two savagely beautiful and unique nations (White Clay and Nakoda) that inspire my Skin Walker series.

I'm a huge fan of MMA, boxing, 30 Seconds to Mars, DMX, Nahko and Medicine for the People, and 21 Pilots (“…sometimes quiet is violent”). I also love to read because it encourages me to write. (I hate it when authors add that they love coffee and chocolate. Really? Who doesn't love coffee and chocolate?) Anyway, I love beer...kidding. I don't love beer but we are engaged in a very serious relationship. (Mom, please don't call me when you read this.)

Please leave feedback….well, only if it’s positive. “Keep in mind that I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my shit!  (Erykah Badu lyrics!)

Check me out at www.susanbliler.com for updates, my blog, and for excerpts from upcoming books.

~A’hau.

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5 stars
509 (40%)
4 stars
420 (33%)
3 stars
247 (19%)
2 stars
53 (4%)
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15 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Monty Cupcake ☠ Queen of Bloodshed ☠.
952 reviews254 followers
February 14, 2016
Again, another douchebag. The male mc, Gauge, spent the whole book manipulating the female mc. I'd gut this guy if I was her, but she's not me, so she fell right into his hands. See, I would've already cut his hands off, there'd be no falling into what wasn't there.

He uses her love for her child & fear of an enemy to manipulate her. Instant kick to the ballsack. Boom.
Profile Image for Becca.
Author 33 books268 followers
March 1, 2014
So I love Susan, yes I do. I stalk her like insanely so waiting for the next release hehe ;)

So first off: This is part of a series, whether you can read them out of order is really dependent on if you want to, while I feel like you can I've been with this series since the first book, so its hard fro me to say sorry

Song Choice: "After You've Gone Away" by Mackenize Davis, and "Sail" by AWOLNATION

First thoughts: So I love Susan's stuff really I do. This one I really liked as well, it stuck with the same style that i love by her. I guess there were a few things that i thought were left too open, and the relationship between Gauge and Ella didn't seem, finished . But I enjoyed the story we did get from them and well Susan knows how to right hot schmexy Alpha types so YAY

Thoughts on Plot: So if you know the Skin Walker Series you know then pretty much the jist of whats going down. Monroe is a nosy ass like always and decides two peeps need to be mated ;) so life throws a little curve ball to Gauge when meeting Ella. It seemed heavier in his POV which I found sort of refreshing because a lot of times its always heavy on the girl, but there were times I wish i could have been with her when we were with him does that make sense? Anyways there was abit of mystery in Ella's life but if mean if you read the summary you know whats the happens, but i am not going to repeat ;) But this really was i think the story of two people who never really trusted anyone but themselves learning how to trust again.

Characters:

Ella: Was kinda awesome, I really relish that Susan never gives us the weak, annoying MCs but Ella was different from most that we deal with from Susan at least. She is strong but not in the normal sense, she lives her life protecting her five year baby, she would do anything to keep her safe. I admire all she has done and that she has gone through. I think that while sometimes she seems quieter its just because its in her nature.

Gauge: Was demanding. Hhahahaa, funny because well Alpha male right? Like their demanding ;) anyways he was just that demanding. I could see that he really did start to care about Ella before he even realized it, and it took a fool not realize that he was falling in love with her, and her baby Aylsa, though its hard not to fall for that little girl ;)

The ending: Good stuff. Can't wait for more Susan-ness ;)


For more Becca-ness check me out here: http://theviolethourbookreviews.wordp...
Profile Image for Cheesecake.
2,800 reviews512 followers
April 18, 2017
Gauge the skinwalker and Ella the woman on the run.
I remember Guage being a bit of a player in previous stories, but apparently that's a thing of the past. But he is drawn to Ella from the get go, and not in a good way. It seems more like he's irritated with her. He was like a cat on a hot tin roof, jumping from being considerate and almost tender to annoyed and almost mean. I figure this is because she is his angle and he doesn't know it because.... yep, Jenny strikes again. The author never really explains why Jenny injects this crap into everyone and gets away with it. I know that it provides more interest to the story than an insta love/mating would.
But anyways, Ella has been on the run with her daughter for 5 years from her daughter's father. Her friend from college works at the skinwalker estate and offers her a job just when she needs it most.
The author cannot write a believable child to save her life. So basically the child is a plot device.
There's a push and pull between Ella and Gauge. She refuses to give up her secrets and trust, and Gauge has little patience. Monroe does his usual manipulations.
So I enjoyed it. It's short and comfortably predicable. The characters are kinda shallow but fit well into the predictable plot. The ending was kinda rushed
I would have given it another star, but the story flow felt kinda choppy with questionable gaps in time... and the little girl was obtuse. More like a 3 year old than a 5 year old.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
March 19, 2014
Right from the start we knew Gauge had a little somethin', somethin' for Ella, "Ella seemed like a sensible woman, she wouldn't let herself be forced into a mating...would she? The thought of any other Walker approaching Ella with those intentions had him biting back a growl." I mean Gauge the boy is a definite alpha, "I'm not asking, Ella." He forced the money into her closed palm and turned to stalk back to his desk. 'When I see you in the morning, I want to see a professional and elegant business woman who doesn't smell like all the world's vanilla beans took a crap in her pocket." I mean he is really bossy, "I'm not a tyrant, but..." his eyes seemed to gleam. "I want what I want." And he's a tad bit over possessive if you ask me, "you are mine!" his inner beasts howled, surging to the fore with their want for him to claim her. His tone softened, tempered with a tender emotion that he couldn't place. "I expected to see you in the processional." I mean the boy is a tad bit pushy as well, "you won't let me have what's mine?" his tone was mocking as he ground his erection against her sex." I wonder who will be next in the series.
Profile Image for axola.
293 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2014
I really liked the previous books, but this one just didn't do it for me.

First of all, the story was too similar to Monroe's (a woman taking care and doing anything to protect children that aren't hers).

Secondly, Gauge didn't seem to have a personality. He was just a mix of the previous skin walkers we read about. There wasn't a single attribute that would tell me that I am reading about Gauge and not King, Conn...

Finally, I didn't like Ella. The author just tried too hard to make her someone I would love, instead she irritated me with her stupid decisions, not trusting anyone and being selfish (because yes, I understand trying to protect her nephew but she didn't give a damm about protecting any other kid in StoneCrow, when all she had to do is warn them that someone dangerous is lurking).
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,661 reviews26 followers
October 5, 2024
Where you are running to

Gauge is one of my favorite Skin Walkers! The author has a way of taking those suspicious alpha males and changing their entire focus into one of protection. Usually at the annoyance of the heroine, but they are all strong women who need to learn to lean on someone anyway. This is at least my fourth time reading this book and I’m sure it will not be the last. I look forward to every new release by this author.
Profile Image for Megan Fall.
Author 13 books366 followers
March 17, 2014
Love this series. I really want a halo!!
700 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2021
Re-reading this a couple of years later, I was reminded why I didn't remember any of it. While you got a more rounded view of Ella, and her reasons for her running and protecting Alysa. I thought it a bit unrealistic that when the air cleared and the Walkers could scent she wasn't who she wanted them to believe she was, but they also didn't scent who she was. Gauge is a total mystery. Very two dimensional. This wasn't a very emotional story and I didn't really become emerged in the story or characters. Unfortunately, there were a couple of typos with names being used in the wrong places and they did jerk you out of the moment.
Is it a bad book? No
Is one of the stronger books in this series to date? Sadly, no.
Was it worth reading? Yes, of course!
It is well worth your time and $$
1,603 reviews5 followers
January 31, 2021
Ella has been on the run for 5 yrs with Alysa... she would do anything for this little girl, she is tired of running. She gets a job as Gauge's secretary, and will do all she can to keep her secret even from her boss.
Gauge knows Ella is hiding something and he will do all he can to figure out what it is. Ella is attacked and hurt and he does all he can to protect both her and Alysa. Even though Gauge has not been afflicted yet he knows deep down these two are his family his life , and he will do whatever he must to protect what is his.
8 reviews
November 25, 2020
Re-Found a favorite series

This series just drags me in and won’t let go. Started and finished Gauge in a 4 hours- shhh, I really should be sleeping.
While I do believe reading in order will help with storyline continuity, it is not necessary and can be read as standalone. I have not read these books all in order and still have a few to go.
441 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2023
wonderful

This storyline hasn’t got the hard hitting feel of some of the other books but it has more of a reality to it. The story is more relatable in many ways to basic feeling and that makes it hit home as it’s all for love. The characters were awesome and so relatable. This was a wonderful read with all of the feels. Best read in order.
Profile Image for Rhonda Jones.
2,794 reviews17 followers
December 27, 2021
Love this series

I read this book quite a while back. I don't know why the rating and review did not go through. Who knows, maybe I forgot to do it. I did do all the other books in the series. All solid 5 stars.
47 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2021
Hot!!!

This is the fourth book in the Skin Walker series I have read. They keep getting better and better. Romance, mystery and hot sex! WOW.
Profile Image for Claudia.
729 reviews24 followers
July 20, 2016
Gauge, the 5th book of the Skin Walker series has become my favorite of them all.

Gauge Alexander is done hiding who and what he is. After touring StoneCrow Estates—a community built for Skin Walkers—he accepts CEO, Monroe StoneCrow’s, offer of employment. As an accountant and Sentry for the estate, Gauge vows to live as he’d always dreamed, out in the open with no more secrets or regrets.

Ella Garret is on the run. After her sister’s suspicious death, Ella kidnaps her niece in hopes of keeping the child from suffering the same fate as her mother. With nowhere to go, she contacts an old friend, Stoney Lydon, who offers her sanctuary at StoneCrow Estates. Having no other choice, Ella accepts the offer and flees to Montana.

When Ella is hired as Gauge’s assistant, he instantly recognizes the telltale signs of someone living a lie. Little Ms. Garret is not what she seems and, as a Sentry for the Estate, it is Gauge’s duty to find out just what it is she’s hiding. The problem is that part of Gauge’s dream life included claiming his mate. With his attention focused on his unwitting assistant, he’s drawn to her and before either of them can stop it, the Skin Walker affliction hits. Ella might hide from herself and those around her, but she won’t hide from her mate even if he has to use her niece to force Ella’s submission.

Gauge, was a love them all kind of guy set on finding a walker mate and he ended up with a woman.
Finally I got to see the tender side of a walker. He helped and cared for Ella and her daughter even though his mating instinct was not as clear. He knew she was his and went for it. Yai! With marriage and all.
He spent his time getting to know and love Ella. I love the shared kisses and family feel. I much better aproach for a hot alpha.
498 reviews
Want to read
January 27, 2015
Gauge Alexander is done hiding who and what he is. After touring StoneCrow Estates—a community built for Skin Walkers—he accepts CEO, Monroe StoneCrow’s, offer of employment. As an accountant and Sentry for the estate, Gauge vows to live as he’d always dreamed, out in the open with no more secrets or regrets.

Ella Garret is on the run. After her sister’s suspicious death, Ella kidnaps her niece in hopes of keeping the child from suffering the same fate as her mother. With nowhere to go, she contacts an old friend, Stoney Lydon, who offers her sanctuary at StoneCrow Estates. Having no other choice, Ella accepts the offer and flees to Montana.

When Ella is hired as Gauge’s assistant, he instantly recognizes the telltale signs of someone living a lie. Little Ms. Garret is not what she seems and, as a Sentry for the Estate, it is Gauge’s duty to find out just what it is she’s hiding. The problem is that part of Gauge’s dream life included claiming his mate. With his attention focused on his unwitting assistant, he’s drawn to her and before either of them can stop it, the Skin Walker affliction hits. Ella might hide from herself and those around her, but she won’t hide from her mate even if he has to use her niece to force Ella’s submission.


#1 - SW: King (2013)
#2 - SW: RedKnife (1-2015)
#3 - SW: Bishop (1-2015)
#4 - SW: Mason
#5 - SW: Conn (2012)
#6 - SW: Leto (2013)
#7 - SW: Monroe (2013)
#8 - SW: York (5-2014)
#9 - SW: Gauge (2-2014)
#10 - SW: Remy
#11 - SW: Legion
#12 - SW: Tice
# Terr4tory (1-2015)
Profile Image for Alma Pagan.
56 reviews
March 14, 2015
Gauge Alexander is accomplished & accountable for his actions, always has and always will be. That is his mantra and it is written in stone. Starting over is never easy and always filled with challenges. He intends to keep his head in the game and focused on his end goals. Even at his young age he is commanding; knowingly aware that his taste is not at all Vanilla not even French vanilla. Ella Garret is a miasma of contradictions and triggers every button Gauge has Curiosity, protective, dominant and lust. The problem is, she is a Liar and not a very good one. Whatever she is keeping from him and the world is driving him crazy. Ella is more than what she portrays and some days it is getting harder and harder to recognize the girl in the mirror. It is so hard to fight the fight when you feel alone and so scared. Pushing all those emotions brutally aside she continues daily yet with Gauge on her tail the constant fear is overwhelmed by the constant desire of the unattainable. Can she open up and trust….can he open up and trust? The magnetic pull between these two is beautiful in its unexpected daring and fearless acceptance. Sometimes that acceptance and trust is your beginning to forever.
Profile Image for Barbara.
424 reviews29 followers
April 8, 2014
3 Stars

I've loved the Skin Walkers series and it's incredible alpha shape shifting males, but Gauge and Ella story left me wanting a bit. Perhaps, to me, it was that Gauge's story was too close (and too soon) to Monroe's story plot, or that Gauge was an over-the-top alpha with his demands. Also it seemed Ella's friendship and backstory with Stoney (which is what brought her there) was unfinished. I did very much enjoy revisiting and spending time with one of my favorite couples, Conn & Aries.

While Gauge's story was not one of my favorites, overall I still love and highly recommend the Skin Walkers series and anxiously await the next installment.
Profile Image for Kizi.
82 reviews
February 12, 2019
Is not as complete as the other ones, but it was amazing! But (Spoilers) Why the HELL is Jenny making serums so Walkers don't know when they meet their angels? I mean she gets to live happily ever after but others don't?
Argh... then I was thinking and... yeah it's a little extreme to have the "hero" fall in LUST with the "heroin" its better to fall in LOVE, and having them know each other before the mate for life blah blah but still think that the doses it's too high...
This story is very similar to Monroe and I didn't particularly liked the protagonist of this one.
Profile Image for Asoll.
Author 1 book3 followers
January 8, 2015
hot.... Ella has to fight with her past and an stupid abusive.... guy... and fled him, took the little girl Alyssa with her. Gauge is her boss... and starts to get possesive of her... He blackmailed her to stay with him, after a bad attack... he blackmailed her to marry him.... but in the end... theres a happy end... I liked this book...no I loved it! And for sure I will read more of the Skin Walker series...
Profile Image for Erika.
367 reviews
March 20, 2014
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I got it on a whim I saw the cover and liked it so I read the blurb and thought this sounds interesting so I gave it a shot. I am so glad I did it was a wonderful book with strong characters and storyline it had a few editorial issues but was an all around great read!
17 reviews
March 23, 2014
I l loved Gauge

yes I know he thinks he always knows best but most men do. Why do you think they need something like the affliction? Any way, much as I loved this book, I am still holding my breath waiting for YORK to return and to read his story.
Profile Image for Lana.
202 reviews
March 28, 2014
Sweet romance with enough background and adventure to build up to that one brief erotic 'first time' filled with emotion. Sad it ended so quickly but well written.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
325 reviews10 followers
April 2, 2014
Is there more in this series I need more!! LOL
Profile Image for Ceola.
1,204 reviews
September 10, 2016
Why are males so stuborn?
Fate is inevitable. Go with it!
Profile Image for Dee.
251 reviews
September 7, 2014
I found this series by accident , and I am totally in love with it. Each story I enjoy more and more. I have enjoyed each and can't wait for red knifes story. I am do glad I found this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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