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Alpha Defender
A feisty she-wolf in need of protection teams up with a sexy alpha male in search of a mate in this romantic paranormal romp from bestselling author Terry Bolryder.
Lacey "Matt" Wolford has always been a good little wolf. Raised as a boy when her father, leader of the shifter Tribunal, had no sons, she's always had to push her real self down below the surface. But when her father decides to take a real male as heir, and wants to marry her off to a stranger to make her disappear, Lacey decides it's time to be bad. So she runs to the only wolf who can keep her safe.
Thornton "Thor" Wilder never expected the spoiled son of the tribunal to land on his doorstep looking for sanctuary. But when Thor discovers that "Matt" is actually Lacey, a strong alpha female who is more than meets the eye, everything changes, and the passion that once made them clash as enemies has them steaming up Thor's cabin.
But when Lacey's past catches up to her, Thor will have to convince her that not only can they get along, but they just might actually be fated for each other. That's if he can protect her long enough to make her see it as well.
*Note this is a standalone romance with no cliffhanger!*
Lacey "Matt" Wolford has always been a good little wolf. Raised as a boy when her father, leader of the shifter Tribunal, had no sons, she's always had to push her real self down below the surface. But when her father decides to take a real male as heir, and wants to marry her off to a stranger to make her disappear, Lacey decides it's time to be bad. So she runs to the only wolf who can keep her safe.
Thornton "Thor" Wilder never expected the spoiled son of the tribunal to land on his doorstep looking for sanctuary. But when Thor discovers that "Matt" is actually Lacey, a strong alpha female who is more than meets the eye, everything changes, and the passion that once made them clash as enemies has them steaming up Thor's cabin.
But when Lacey's past catches up to her, Thor will have to convince her that not only can they get along, but they just might actually be fated for each other. That's if he can protect her long enough to make her see it as well.
*Note this is a standalone romance with no cliffhanger!*
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2015
287 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
Terry Bolryder
149 books1,252 followersTerry is the author of over forty bestselling shifter romances. She spends her spare time dreaming of dragons, playing with her pets, and watching sunsets from her home in the mountains alongside her husband (who she suspects would make a great bear shifter). She loves the wild outdoors, her fans, all readers, and getting lost in a great book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 24, 2018
I’m kind of right in the middle with this book. I’m always a fan of paranormal/shapeshifter romance but this one left me a little disappointed. The story was interesting and I enjoyed the characters but once the romance part came into play it just became too much. The romance and sex scenes suddenly overpowered the story and it kind of soured my enjoyment a bit.
July 10, 2016
3-3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable story. Both Thor and Matt (aka Lacey) were characters I liked. Their story was good and I enjoyed it but seemed a bit rough in places. Also, this seems to be part of a series and there were parts of this story that seemed a bit confusing because they're talking about events in past books. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I would be willing to try more of her work in the future.
Matt (aka Lacey but she's called Matt almost completely in this story) was born to the head of the Tribunal (which apparently is the rulers of the shifter world?). Matt's father didn't have any sons and when she was born, it became apparent that her mother could have no more children so Matt's father lied to everyone about her being male and made her act as a male. Matt was forced to live this lie all her life and did what she was told, until her father decided he didn't need her anymore and made plans to get rid of her quietly.
Thor is an alpha werewolf and leader of the pack his parents used to be alphas over. Thor's uncle took it over after Thor's parent's deaths and he abused Thor and his twin, Lock, when they were kids. Once they grew up, Thor took over the pack and ousted his uncle. Thor has been determined to wait for an alpha female to mate with but hasn't found one to peak his interest so far and alpha females are rare.
In the past (I guess in a previous book), Lock had gotten himself into trouble and Thor had to go to the Tribunal to ask for mercy for Lock or he might have been killed. Matt's father was away and Matt was the one to preside over the meeting with Thor. When Matt spared his brother, Thor swore he owed Matt a favor (even though they had always been at odds before). When this story begins, Matt's father has just decided that one of his son-in-laws is passive enough to take over after him (pretty much as a figurehead) and Matt isn't needed any more. Matt isn't willing to take whatever they dish out to her anymore and runs off to find someplace to hide and hopefully gain some freedom for herself. She runs to Thor because he owes her a favor and his pack is far enough away from the Tribunal that they might not find her there.
When she gets there, Thor's not thrilled to see Matt but agrees to give her shelter. Soon after, Thor walks in on Matt changing and finds out that he's a she. That turns things around quickly for Thor. He's always been on edge around Matt and even felt a bit of attraction but Thor's straight so he never understood (or maybe even fully comprehended) what bothered him about Matt. Matt's attracted to Thor but she's never really felt anything like it before and it's overwhelming for her. She likes the feelings that Thor engenders in her but it also freaks her out and since she's never had much freedom or considered that she might be able to take a mate one day, she has a bit of a hard time assimilating everything and getting used to her new life. In addition to Thor trying to convince Matt to become his mate, there are some other issues to deal with, mostly having to do with the tribunal trying to get Matt back. Thankfully, everything works out in the end and Matt and Thor become mates and start a HEA together.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked both Matt and Thor and thought they made a pretty good couple. They both had their issues but once they got past them, it was easy to see they were well suited. As I said before, the story isn't perfect but it's good and overall, I enjoyed it.
* A note on weirdness - This didn't mess up the story for me but I found it jarring and it made me reread a page or 2 the first time I noticed it to make sure I read it right. In this story, the werewolves can still talk vocally in full wolf form. I guess it's not a bad thing but it seemed weird to me that they were having perfectly normal conversations with people in human form while they're in wolf form.
This was an enjoyable story. Both Thor and Matt (aka Lacey) were characters I liked. Their story was good and I enjoyed it but seemed a bit rough in places. Also, this seems to be part of a series and there were parts of this story that seemed a bit confusing because they're talking about events in past books. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I would be willing to try more of her work in the future.
Matt (aka Lacey but she's called Matt almost completely in this story) was born to the head of the Tribunal (which apparently is the rulers of the shifter world?). Matt's father didn't have any sons and when she was born, it became apparent that her mother could have no more children so Matt's father lied to everyone about her being male and made her act as a male. Matt was forced to live this lie all her life and did what she was told, until her father decided he didn't need her anymore and made plans to get rid of her quietly.
Thor is an alpha werewolf and leader of the pack his parents used to be alphas over. Thor's uncle took it over after Thor's parent's deaths and he abused Thor and his twin, Lock, when they were kids. Once they grew up, Thor took over the pack and ousted his uncle. Thor has been determined to wait for an alpha female to mate with but hasn't found one to peak his interest so far and alpha females are rare.
In the past (I guess in a previous book), Lock had gotten himself into trouble and Thor had to go to the Tribunal to ask for mercy for Lock or he might have been killed. Matt's father was away and Matt was the one to preside over the meeting with Thor. When Matt spared his brother, Thor swore he owed Matt a favor (even though they had always been at odds before). When this story begins, Matt's father has just decided that one of his son-in-laws is passive enough to take over after him (pretty much as a figurehead) and Matt isn't needed any more. Matt isn't willing to take whatever they dish out to her anymore and runs off to find someplace to hide and hopefully gain some freedom for herself. She runs to Thor because he owes her a favor and his pack is far enough away from the Tribunal that they might not find her there.
When she gets there, Thor's not thrilled to see Matt but agrees to give her shelter. Soon after, Thor walks in on Matt changing and finds out that he's a she. That turns things around quickly for Thor. He's always been on edge around Matt and even felt a bit of attraction but Thor's straight so he never understood (or maybe even fully comprehended) what bothered him about Matt. Matt's attracted to Thor but she's never really felt anything like it before and it's overwhelming for her. She likes the feelings that Thor engenders in her but it also freaks her out and since she's never had much freedom or considered that she might be able to take a mate one day, she has a bit of a hard time assimilating everything and getting used to her new life. In addition to Thor trying to convince Matt to become his mate, there are some other issues to deal with, mostly having to do with the tribunal trying to get Matt back. Thankfully, everything works out in the end and Matt and Thor become mates and start a HEA together.
This was an enjoyable story. I liked both Matt and Thor and thought they made a pretty good couple. They both had their issues but once they got past them, it was easy to see they were well suited. As I said before, the story isn't perfect but it's good and overall, I enjoyed it.
* A note on weirdness - This didn't mess up the story for me but I found it jarring and it made me reread a page or 2 the first time I noticed it to make sure I read it right. In this story, the werewolves can still talk vocally in full wolf form. I guess it's not a bad thing but it seemed weird to me that they were having perfectly normal conversations with people in human form while they're in wolf form.
April 10, 2020
This book was: very different from anything I've read before and I'm very happy that's the case. I very much enjoyed reading this book and I'll probably read it again in the foreseeable future.
The plot was: nice. It could have been better in a few places but overall, it was a very well laid out story which I enjoyed reading a lot.
The beginning was: a bit confusing and slow but at the same time not. I don't know what to think about the beginning to be honest. I think it was both good and bad.
The middle was: nice.
The crescendo was: a bit too short for my liking. I would have wanted a bit more drama to take place.
The finish/ending was: sweet.
The characters were: likeable.
Would I recommend this book? Yes/no? Why/why not? Yes, it's a great read!
The plot was: nice. It could have been better in a few places but overall, it was a very well laid out story which I enjoyed reading a lot.
The beginning was: a bit confusing and slow but at the same time not. I don't know what to think about the beginning to be honest. I think it was both good and bad.
The middle was: nice.
The crescendo was: a bit too short for my liking. I would have wanted a bit more drama to take place.
The finish/ending was: sweet.
The characters were: likeable.
Would I recommend this book? Yes/no? Why/why not? Yes, it's a great read!
December 25, 2017
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
I love going back to the earlier works that I’ve missed from now favorite authors. So picking up Alpha Defender was the perfect way for me to spend a quiet Christmas Eve at home. Someone has to stay awake to wait for Santa. *grin* I really wish this one had been the start of a series for there were secondary characters that I’d have loved to visit with again. Maybe one day, or I’ll find them within another series – always a treat.
Her entire life Lacey had been hidden from everyone, especially pack members and those outside the pack. In her father’s powerful position without a son he was determined to make a son for himself by hiding her identity, so she became the son of the most powerful wolf in the Tribunal. Right up until the moment when her father no longer needed her and was willing to put forth a son-in-law as his heir apparent. She was to be married off, sent far away from her home and family – nothing more than a piece of property that had outlived its usefulness. Not going to happen. As the leader’s son “Matt” she had granted a favor to one wolf who now lead his own pack. Thor owed her, and he was about to pay up.
Thor and Lacey’s story is intense with several twists and turns, as well as hidden agendas kept from them both. I liked them as a couple and as an alpha couple as well. They had their moments of trying to be the top wolf but the affection, and yes the physical attractiveness soon did away with that. They worked best together as one smooth unit, and their pack is very secure under their leadership. I really would have liked more, but I certainly enjoyed the story I read, very much.
I’d recommend this story to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who loves an intricate storyline, interesting characters and threads woven throughout that tie the layers of the story together.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I love going back to the earlier works that I’ve missed from now favorite authors. So picking up Alpha Defender was the perfect way for me to spend a quiet Christmas Eve at home. Someone has to stay awake to wait for Santa. *grin* I really wish this one had been the start of a series for there were secondary characters that I’d have loved to visit with again. Maybe one day, or I’ll find them within another series – always a treat.
Her entire life Lacey had been hidden from everyone, especially pack members and those outside the pack. In her father’s powerful position without a son he was determined to make a son for himself by hiding her identity, so she became the son of the most powerful wolf in the Tribunal. Right up until the moment when her father no longer needed her and was willing to put forth a son-in-law as his heir apparent. She was to be married off, sent far away from her home and family – nothing more than a piece of property that had outlived its usefulness. Not going to happen. As the leader’s son “Matt” she had granted a favor to one wolf who now lead his own pack. Thor owed her, and he was about to pay up.
Thor and Lacey’s story is intense with several twists and turns, as well as hidden agendas kept from them both. I liked them as a couple and as an alpha couple as well. They had their moments of trying to be the top wolf but the affection, and yes the physical attractiveness soon did away with that. They worked best together as one smooth unit, and their pack is very secure under their leadership. I really would have liked more, but I certainly enjoyed the story I read, very much.
I’d recommend this story to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who loves an intricate storyline, interesting characters and threads woven throughout that tie the layers of the story together.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
September 2, 2018
If you like a shifter romance story but like a twist, solve a crime, secrets, betrayal and More this is the story for you!
Theo the Alpha of his pack went through he'll and survived! He has a twin brother and the two together can make miracles happen. Target and finding answers drive his twin away from home. He chose to stay and bring his pack to honest dealing and redeemed from the prior Alpha that beat his pack down. Tribune council the royalty of the shifters. Matt (not as it seems) is the slave of the family doing as the fathers says an none the wiser until sisters are married of and is no longer needed. Running goes to Theo for help. Big secrets are revealed. Violence 1,Sex2
More book reviews see my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com thanks
Theo the Alpha of his pack went through he'll and survived! He has a twin brother and the two together can make miracles happen. Target and finding answers drive his twin away from home. He chose to stay and bring his pack to honest dealing and redeemed from the prior Alpha that beat his pack down. Tribune council the royalty of the shifters. Matt (not as it seems) is the slave of the family doing as the fathers says an none the wiser until sisters are married of and is no longer needed. Running goes to Theo for help. Big secrets are revealed. Violence 1,Sex2
More book reviews see my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com thanks
February 15, 2019
Love it!!
It wasn't such a surprise as if you had read the previous book, Alpha Games, Matt and Thor's '"relationship'" was somewhat edgy. So I love that both Thor and Matt came into their own in Alpha Defender. Please tell me that Lock will have his own story? I cannot help but love that bad boy look and Lock , Thor's twin, has it in spades!! But returning to this book, as usual, Ms. Bolryder never ever disappoints. Perhaps I would have liked the patter of tiny feet or paws in the Epilogue but hey!! I need to let Thor and Matt enjoy their honeymoon period or newly mated status for a little while longer. Great plot and fun-loving Alpha characters. Loved it!!
It wasn't such a surprise as if you had read the previous book, Alpha Games, Matt and Thor's '"relationship'" was somewhat edgy. So I love that both Thor and Matt came into their own in Alpha Defender. Please tell me that Lock will have his own story? I cannot help but love that bad boy look and Lock , Thor's twin, has it in spades!! But returning to this book, as usual, Ms. Bolryder never ever disappoints. Perhaps I would have liked the patter of tiny feet or paws in the Epilogue but hey!! I need to let Thor and Matt enjoy their honeymoon period or newly mated status for a little while longer. Great plot and fun-loving Alpha characters. Loved it!!
May 5, 2019
Ok?
For the 1st time since discovering this author I’m disappointed; to me this book felt boring, a little lost in the plot especially in the beginning. In the beginning of the book I felt like I had just started reading the story in the middle & from there it just got worse.
The reason my title is ok with a question mark is because I think that it was an ok but a slightly boring book.
For the 1st time since discovering this author I’m disappointed; to me this book felt boring, a little lost in the plot especially in the beginning. In the beginning of the book I felt like I had just started reading the story in the middle & from there it just got worse.
The reason my title is ok with a question mark is because I think that it was an ok but a slightly boring book.
January 13, 2020
Fun story
I have been reading this author's books kind of backwards. I started at the end, but figured out I had missed a few things. Not that those books weren't good on their own. They were. But there were details and back stories I wanted to know. So I did some backtracking. Now I know who Thor is and how he got together with Matt/Lacey. What a fun story. I would suggest you read Alpha Contender first though. It introduces the characters here. So much fun.
I have been reading this author's books kind of backwards. I started at the end, but figured out I had missed a few things. Not that those books weren't good on their own. They were. But there were details and back stories I wanted to know. So I did some backtracking. Now I know who Thor is and how he got together with Matt/Lacey. What a fun story. I would suggest you read Alpha Contender first though. It introduces the characters here. So much fun.
May 13, 2020
Powerful alphas
Matt needed help. Thor owed him a favor. When Matt went to ask for his favor, Thor found out the truth. Thor always knew there was something about Matt that he couldn't figure out. Know that Thor knows, he can't fight the urge to protect and love Matt.
Matt needed help. Thor owed him a favor. When Matt went to ask for his favor, Thor found out the truth. Thor always knew there was something about Matt that he couldn't figure out. Know that Thor knows, he can't fight the urge to protect and love Matt.
April 6, 2021
Great Read!
I love that this book has some of the previous characters in it. I love reading about side characters, such as Fifi. This was a great read and I can not wait to read the next one!
I love that this book has some of the previous characters in it. I love reading about side characters, such as Fifi. This was a great read and I can not wait to read the next one!
July 9, 2021
Fantastic!!!!!!!
This book was well written ,the characters and storyline were well thought out. I also liked the the characters and storyline were continued from a different book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of intrigue and romance in the same book.
This book was well written ,the characters and storyline were well thought out. I also liked the the characters and storyline were continued from a different book. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of intrigue and romance in the same book.
August 14, 2021
Alphas
Matt ran away in the middle of the night. All his life his father dressed her up as a son. Now she left and goes to the only person who owes her a favor. Great read and a lot more happens.
Matt ran away in the middle of the night. All his life his father dressed her up as a son. Now she left and goes to the only person who owes her a favor. Great read and a lot more happens.
April 11, 2023
Brilliant Series
Alpha Defender: Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance by Terry Bolryder. “Matt” is female but has grown up as a male as her father wants an heir. She’s had enough so runs away to Alpha wolf shifter Thor. They are mates.
Alpha Defender: Paranormal Wolf Shifter Romance by Terry Bolryder. “Matt” is female but has grown up as a male as her father wants an heir. She’s had enough so runs away to Alpha wolf shifter Thor. They are mates.
August 8, 2023
Enjoyable Read
As always, a very well developed, storyline and strong alpha characters. I enjoyed reading this, and hope there will be more in the series. Editing could use a little fine tuning. All in all, a very good read.
As always, a very well developed, storyline and strong alpha characters. I enjoyed reading this, and hope there will be more in the series. Editing could use a little fine tuning. All in all, a very good read.
October 21, 2016
How did I miss this one?
I have read all her other alpha books last year and missed this one. I remembered Matt not so much Thor. It's a great book and I am hoping to find Lock's and Felix's story soon. There's a mystery I got to know.
I have read all her other alpha books last year and missed this one. I remembered Matt not so much Thor. It's a great book and I am hoping to find Lock's and Felix's story soon. There's a mystery I got to know.
July 6, 2017
Alpha Defender
Gave it a five star rating. Loved the story and it's development. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Gave it a five star rating. Loved the story and it's development. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 6, 2017
Enjoyable and easy to follow. Thor is hot!! Safe and sweet. It's a fated mate story with enough tension and no ow/om drama or big misunderstanding.
September 10, 2017
Love it
As always it was a amazing read. I can't wait to see if she comes out for fifi and lock
As always it was a amazing read. I can't wait to see if she comes out for fifi and lock
April 25, 2018
Great standalone
You could read this as a standalone or follow the previous contender series, great books and great entertainment, especially when you take in the well built guys😉
You could read this as a standalone or follow the previous contender series, great books and great entertainment, especially when you take in the well built guys😉
January 30, 2019
I enjoyed the story, however I felt like there was missing parts. like I came in during the middle of the book. Still enjoyed it.
May 20, 2019
Lacey & Thor
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Lacey & Thor's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story. Thank you for writing this story.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading Lacey & Thor's story very much. I love reading a happy ever after story. Thank you for writing this story.
June 10, 2019
Excellent read
First there needs to be a book 2.
Lock and FiFi = Mates!
I loved this book, it was full of adventure and ended in love. Great read
First there needs to be a book 2.
Lock and FiFi = Mates!
I loved this book, it was full of adventure and ended in love. Great read
June 16, 2019
Love!!!!
I loved this book just as much as the alpha contenders but I would love to see what happened to the rest of the guys like Fifi and Bradley and Lock.
I loved this book just as much as the alpha contenders but I would love to see what happened to the rest of the guys like Fifi and Bradley and Lock.
December 1, 2019
Looking for love in all the wrong places...
...or so Thor thought. Little did he know the pretty boy was a girl. Watch the fur fly as he claims her for his very own.
...or so Thor thought. Little did he know the pretty boy was a girl. Watch the fur fly as he claims her for his very own.
April 28, 2020
Great
Love this series I can't wait who's he what happened who were the rest of the members from the series I love the book cannot wait to read more
Love this series I can't wait who's he what happened who were the rest of the members from the series I love the book cannot wait to read more
January 9, 2022
This was a nice easy read. The plot was enjoyable as was the romance. I really enjoyed other books from this author.
March 27, 2022
great world building
Matt did not take any meds she was def an Alpha female and I am here for it now I need locks story
Matt did not take any meds she was def an Alpha female and I am here for it now I need locks story
March 11, 2025
2.5 stars
July 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews