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Alpha Packed #1
Alpha Packed: Book 1
A BBW Paranormal Shifter Story
***Due to sexually graphic content and language that some may find offensive, this book is intended for mature readers only***
Darlene has led a quiet life since suffering through a terrible break-up. She wants nothing more than to spend her time in front of the TV, away from any sort of trouble. But all that goes down the drain when handsome, rugged and rough Idris comes into her life. His secret? He is a werewolf on the lookout for his missing pack leader. Darlene quickly finds herself pulled towards this mysterious man and at the same time finds herself falling deeper and deeper into the world of the supernatural.
The more she falls for Idris, the more Darlene gets swept up in inter-pack conflicts, vampires with agendas and a dark plot to bring the worst of both worlds together. As Darlene gets pulled deeper down the rabbit hole, she finds out more about herself than she ever knew possible.
Can Darlene balance her regular life with the world that Idris has introduced her to? Or will she find herself overwhelmed by the dangers facing her headfirst?
***Due to sexually graphic content and language that some may find offensive, this book is intended for mature readers only***
Darlene has led a quiet life since suffering through a terrible break-up. She wants nothing more than to spend her time in front of the TV, away from any sort of trouble. But all that goes down the drain when handsome, rugged and rough Idris comes into her life. His secret? He is a werewolf on the lookout for his missing pack leader. Darlene quickly finds herself pulled towards this mysterious man and at the same time finds herself falling deeper and deeper into the world of the supernatural.
The more she falls for Idris, the more Darlene gets swept up in inter-pack conflicts, vampires with agendas and a dark plot to bring the worst of both worlds together. As Darlene gets pulled deeper down the rabbit hole, she finds out more about herself than she ever knew possible.
Can Darlene balance her regular life with the world that Idris has introduced her to? Or will she find herself overwhelmed by the dangers facing her headfirst?
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2015
429 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Darla Dunbar
69 books40 followersDarla has been interested in paranormal romance since she was a teenager in high school. It was then that she discovered she could fulfill her fantasies through her writing.
Observing people and human behavior in the area of romance has always been one of her favorite pastimes. Combining that with an overactive imagination is a sure fire way of coming up with interesting themes.
Observing people and human behavior in the area of romance has always been one of her favorite pastimes. Combining that with an overactive imagination is a sure fire way of coming up with interesting themes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 13, 2018
This book will keep you on your toes, but it's a lot to take in at once.
February 24, 2017
Overall 3.25 with with two lead characters that I am not too sure about.
July 3, 2017
This reader found "Alpha Packed" by Darla Dunt simply an "okay" read; the tale seemed full of cliche traits in the characters as well as many of the incidents faced by protagonist Darlene, boyfriend and wolf-shifter, Idris, and many of the secondary characters. Much of the tale was told, versus shown, and Dunt moved from Darlene to Idris for point of view - often with no transition, break or explanation that readers sre now in someone else's head. It could be a tad confusing at times. Darlene is physically described as a big girl and spent most of the tale whining and moaning about her size, which this reader found highly annoying. Readers are never really given descriptions of the characters traits or personalities; this keeps the characters at one and two dimensional level, so harder to feel empathy for or with them.
The story had an extremely slow build up, mainly concerning why Darlene prefers to be by herself and her lack of self-confidence due to her larger size... c'mon now, many bigger gals are supremely confident in their worth, sexiness, attractiveness, etc. Darlene's moaning and groaning was grating on this reader's nerves, as was Idris' self-loathing for being a wolf-shifter; this reader never had any empathy for the characters and only finished the book because she truly hates to leave a book unfinished. Even one she dislikes. As to the characters, most held hate throughout the entire story, either in the form of self-loathing or hatred of non-magical beings.
While there was a happily-ever-after ending, of sorts, the tale did end on a cliffhanger with links to the next book - novella, actually - in the series. However, this reader never garnered enough interest or empathy in Dunt's world and characters to consider reading - let alone purchasing - the next few books. There was also a few spelling, grammar and punctuation errors, although not enough to toss a reader jarringly from the world. Nevertheless, this reader was less than pleased with the tale as well as Dunt's style, so will not recommend or revisit this world.
The story had an extremely slow build up, mainly concerning why Darlene prefers to be by herself and her lack of self-confidence due to her larger size... c'mon now, many bigger gals are supremely confident in their worth, sexiness, attractiveness, etc. Darlene's moaning and groaning was grating on this reader's nerves, as was Idris' self-loathing for being a wolf-shifter; this reader never had any empathy for the characters and only finished the book because she truly hates to leave a book unfinished. Even one she dislikes. As to the characters, most held hate throughout the entire story, either in the form of self-loathing or hatred of non-magical beings.
While there was a happily-ever-after ending, of sorts, the tale did end on a cliffhanger with links to the next book - novella, actually - in the series. However, this reader never garnered enough interest or empathy in Dunt's world and characters to consider reading - let alone purchasing - the next few books. There was also a few spelling, grammar and punctuation errors, although not enough to toss a reader jarringly from the world. Nevertheless, this reader was less than pleased with the tale as well as Dunt's style, so will not recommend or revisit this world.
April 28, 2016
She doesn't want anything to do with this, but Idris is hot.
And after being attacked by a vampire she is involved, helping him solving it.
The story has some twists, but they seem logical, although I didn't see all of them coming.
This story has an ending of the story of the two of them, but also an open ending about something else.
And after being attacked by a vampire she is involved, helping him solving it.
The story has some twists, but they seem logical, although I didn't see all of them coming.
This story has an ending of the story of the two of them, but also an open ending about something else.
July 3, 2023
I'm not sure why I even have this book in my collection. It's straight paranormal romance. Not my cup of tea. Even if was good, it still wouldn't be my cup of tea. The writing isn't great by any stretch. It seems as if the author jus dropped what she thought was some supernatural stuff in a romance book.
Idris, our werewolf, really doesn't seem to fit the usual mythos. A couple things really stood out. In one scene, Darlene, our heroine, notices his body wash and cologne. I've never heard, and yes i know this is mythological, of a werewolf using either product since their sense of smell is so strong. It would really bother them. In another scene, he hears a dog barking and he doesn't know how far away it is. Granted, he is in human form in both scenes, but his sense of hearing heightened, he would know pretty much exactly where the dog was.
I gave us when Darlene's body started to quiver. Sorry not sorry.
Idris, our werewolf, really doesn't seem to fit the usual mythos. A couple things really stood out. In one scene, Darlene, our heroine, notices his body wash and cologne. I've never heard, and yes i know this is mythological, of a werewolf using either product since their sense of smell is so strong. It would really bother them. In another scene, he hears a dog barking and he doesn't know how far away it is. Granted, he is in human form in both scenes, but his sense of hearing heightened, he would know pretty much exactly where the dog was.
I gave us when Darlene's body started to quiver. Sorry not sorry.
December 30, 2023
This little book is just part of a story and I do believe there are three other books to go along with it. But this first book introduces us to the paranormal world through what we first believe is just an overweight human female named Darlene. She works at a bookstore that sells rare books including those that specifically tell about werewolves, vampires, and other things that go bump in the night. She meets Idris a male werewolf who has no control over his changing especially when he’s mad. They start out on an adventure to try and find his pack leader who has disappeared. But it turns out that he is out trying to make hybrids of vampires and werewolves. In the end everything comes to a head and the leader, Lucian is killed and Darlene finds out she is something special in the occult world herself.
June 30, 2020
I was interested until I found out that there was 4 books and a hero switch in book 3, sorry for the spoiler. I hate reading books getting invested in characters and bam they are not the main characters anymore. I also hate the 4 books at 3.99 deal and only 159 pages per book. How about writing a whole 300 pages per book? Nope I’m out. I refuse to pay 12.00 for the rest of this series. If it goes to KU sure but for now nope!
June 10, 2017
I downloaded Alpha Packed as a free book from Amazon. While not a terrible book, it didn't hold my interest with the average writing and one-dimensional characters. The plot of the book shows promise, but could have benefited from better dialogue and a better self-image of the female protagonist. A good book for free, but didn't inspire me to purchase any additional novels.
June 26, 2017
Read through this quickly as it had a thin plot and very shallow characters. The very sexual scenes didn't bother me at all but there's such a thing as passion and then there's physical copulating. There was no real passion in this story.
July 4, 2017
Alpha Packed
So many mysteries left unsolved. If Vivica hadn't changed Jacob then who did and what's gonna happen with Rebecca. I'm ready to find all that out. I really enjoyed this book.
So many mysteries left unsolved. If Vivica hadn't changed Jacob then who did and what's gonna happen with Rebecca. I'm ready to find all that out. I really enjoyed this book.
February 1, 2019
Darlene worked in bookshop she loved books that had to do with supernatural,then Idris walked into her life and she was pulled into the supernatural world of werewolves and vampires.She then found out that she also had supernatural powers
April 25, 2019
Liked the addition of her being paranormal
I like this storyline of a werewolf pack missing it's alpha and a simple girl getting somewhat caught in the middle. Would like to read the conclusion and find out how she deals with her paranormal ability.
I like this storyline of a werewolf pack missing it's alpha and a simple girl getting somewhat caught in the middle. Would like to read the conclusion and find out how she deals with her paranormal ability.
September 12, 2019
It was a very good story
I enjoyed reading this book. There was a great storyline and really good characters. A lot of things are still a mystery so I feel like it is a continuation book and I am not really find of those this the 4 star.
I enjoyed reading this book. There was a great storyline and really good characters. A lot of things are still a mystery so I feel like it is a continuation book and I am not really find of those this the 4 star.
June 15, 2021
Sorry, not a fan. A girl who obsesses over her weight and a depressed werewolf do not make for a great read. I thought Dunbar focused too much on Darlene’s weight.
Told rather than shown. Plus I found both characters to be rather flat.
Told rather than shown. Plus I found both characters to be rather flat.
December 13, 2017
This was an odd book and story line. I liked it but it jumped around a lot with the main story. For me there were just too many components that I didn’t even guess. It was interesting though.
December 22, 2017
Good plot with lots of action and romance. Werewolves and vampires galore. A definitely good series for paranormal lovers.
April 4, 2018
loved it!!!!
February 18, 2019
Crazy
Was crazy with all that was going on, I love the story and can't wait to read the second book! A lot of answers I'm sure will surface in the next book
Was crazy with all that was going on, I love the story and can't wait to read the second book! A lot of answers I'm sure will surface in the next book
October 12, 2019
Damn
Wow. I live this book. The action was amazing. It felt like I was there with the characters and could feel everything that happened.
Wow. I live this book. The action was amazing. It felt like I was there with the characters and could feel everything that happened.
May 29, 2021
Great read
This book was entertaining. It keeps your interest, so you don't want to put it down. 10/10 I would recommend to everyone.
This book was entertaining. It keeps your interest, so you don't want to put it down. 10/10 I would recommend to everyone.
August 10, 2021
Wow!
This book was addictive! Idris and Darlene met at the bookstore she works at. Incredible!! Must Read! Awesome story teller!!
This book was addictive! Idris and Darlene met at the bookstore she works at. Incredible!! Must Read! Awesome story teller!!
February 10, 2023
Lid
I enjoyed reading this book it was very entertaining and I forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I enjoyed reading this book it was very entertaining and I forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 17, 2023
Great read
It was hard to put this book down and now I want book 2 to see how everything turns out.
Samantha
It was hard to put this book down and now I want book 2 to see how everything turns out.
Samantha
July 5, 2023
Against Nature
Wow real twisted crossbreeds, I want to know what happened to ex fiancé.
I want to know what happened to her friend who covered for her job.
Wow real twisted crossbreeds, I want to know what happened to ex fiancé.
I want to know what happened to her friend who covered for her job.
May 10, 2024
I almost stopped reading on page 1 my old manger used to talk non stop about wrestling. It would get on everyone's nerves
September 26, 2015
I found this to be surprisingly good for a BBW paranormal romance. I've never read anything by this author so didn't know what to expect but based on this book, I'm likely to read more!
Idris is an angry werewolf who is looking for his pack leader Lucien who has disappeared. His enquiries lead him to the small bookshop that Darlene works in. With the exception of work and food shopping, Darlene is a virtual recluse, having given up on life after being jilted by her fiancé. Darlene has a particular interest in the paranormal and her interest leads her into looking into the unexplained death of a young man five years previously. It doesn't take long before Darlene and Idris join forces and she learns about otherworldly creatures when she is attacked by a vampire!
Their investigations lead them to the discovery of a plot to create a hybrid of vampire and werewolf. The reason is unclear and we have the joy of reading 4 books in the series to find that out. Although it is a paranormal romance, the suspense element of the storyline is primary but that doesn't mean that the romance element is neglected. I'm looking forward to reading the other 3 books in the series.
Idris is an angry werewolf who is looking for his pack leader Lucien who has disappeared. His enquiries lead him to the small bookshop that Darlene works in. With the exception of work and food shopping, Darlene is a virtual recluse, having given up on life after being jilted by her fiancé. Darlene has a particular interest in the paranormal and her interest leads her into looking into the unexplained death of a young man five years previously. It doesn't take long before Darlene and Idris join forces and she learns about otherworldly creatures when she is attacked by a vampire!
Their investigations lead them to the discovery of a plot to create a hybrid of vampire and werewolf. The reason is unclear and we have the joy of reading 4 books in the series to find that out. Although it is a paranormal romance, the suspense element of the storyline is primary but that doesn't mean that the romance element is neglected. I'm looking forward to reading the other 3 books in the series.
September 26, 2015
Reading this is not easy, I find the writer repeats herself several times, having the villain give exposition, then the hero, then the heroine. It might be different if it was not one right after the other explaining the same thing, the same way.
Another issue I am having is the writer is not following the story she wrote, for instance upon arriving at the wolf bar it is said they don't call the police, but then the heroine is worried the cops will know she was at the bar during the fight. .. If wolves don't call the cops like she said, no problem.
Where is the Alpha/beta hierarchy? This wolf that is NOT an alpha is threatening a wolf who IS an alpha. Also, who ever had the book is the Alpha? So if a human found the book he'd be Alpha? That's kinda stupid
Only 68% done but that's what I have so far.
Ok I finished the book. There are so many problems with this book I could write one about them. I am losing hope for ebooks as the writing and to be minimal and talentless. Sorry to be so harsh but, Darla should have had a friend proof read it before (I am sure) self publishing.
Another issue I am having is the writer is not following the story she wrote, for instance upon arriving at the wolf bar it is said they don't call the police, but then the heroine is worried the cops will know she was at the bar during the fight. .. If wolves don't call the cops like she said, no problem.
Where is the Alpha/beta hierarchy? This wolf that is NOT an alpha is threatening a wolf who IS an alpha. Also, who ever had the book is the Alpha? So if a human found the book he'd be Alpha? That's kinda stupid
Only 68% done but that's what I have so far.
Ok I finished the book. There are so many problems with this book I could write one about them. I am losing hope for ebooks as the writing and to be minimal and talentless. Sorry to be so harsh but, Darla should have had a friend proof read it before (I am sure) self publishing.
January 31, 2016
Received these books for an honest review.
First time reading Darla Dunbar and she has pretty good. Thought these were going to be the run of the mill shifter books and I was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events in these books. Really got into book one with everything that was going on with the the hunt for the missing alpha and then book two made me want to tear my hair out at the switch up among the characters. Book three had me a little disapponted as the character switch up did not go back to the original mix. You got HEA but not the one I wanted. These characters cannot be done yet as they left the impression they have more to say.
First time reading Darla Dunbar and she has pretty good. Thought these were going to be the run of the mill shifter books and I was pleasantly surprised at the turn of events in these books. Really got into book one with everything that was going on with the the hunt for the missing alpha and then book two made me want to tear my hair out at the switch up among the characters. Book three had me a little disapponted as the character switch up did not go back to the original mix. You got HEA but not the one I wanted. These characters cannot be done yet as they left the impression they have more to say.
September 21, 2015
This book actually started out at a five. In the very beginning the way that Darla Dunbar describes Darlene's life, the way that online dating is for her being viewed with either disgust or lust, being contacted like she would want to fulfill someone's fetish for bigger women, the aspect of the "pity date", how Darlene is a hermit and self conscious was so gripping for me. As a big woman my entire life, I could so related to that, it was like Dunbar cracked open a window on my own experiences.
After that it slipped a little, but no too badly. I feel bad for Darlene's friend Rebecca though.
After that it slipped a little, but no too badly. I feel bad for Darlene's friend Rebecca though.
October 12, 2015
This started out awesome. Then Darlene's whining about her size and such was really irritating. I read the entire thing through just because you buy a book and not read it through you seemed slighted. I do believe their love interest started a little to fast to my liking. I like a little foreplay before the who shebag. I also found I was more interested in the plot instead of the sex scenes though, they weren't as nearly detailed as I like them to be but was still good. I haven't gotten the rest of the series yet I'm still debating whether I should or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews