Bad Beta

by Susan A. Bliler

Emma is in serious trouble! Shifters are after her land and she’s forced to approach the wolves she knows live on a neighboring mountain in hopes of getting their assistance.
Hayes Morrow is the bad Beta of the Voshall pack. When Emma waltzes into his territory seeking help from his pack, he’s the first to shoot her down. His Alpha has other ideas though and sends Hayes to get information from the woman who’s living alone in her cabin on the mountain opposite theirs. Annoyed, Hayes does his Alpha’s bidding, but when he finds Emma she’s just been attacked. Apparently, the little human wasn’t lying about shifters being after her.
Forced to guard Emma and keep her safe until his pack can find her attackers, the Voshall bad Beta is in for a world of hurt when his wolf attaches himself to the woman. Keeping Emma safe quickly changes from a duty to a need that Hayes can’t deny.

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Werewolves, Fantasy

ebook

First published September 29, 2016

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brighter side

This author’s books always stay with me long after the story is over, and this book is one I enjoy hanging on to. Emma is so sweet and understanding with an inner strength that can’t be denied, and Hayes starts out rough and growly, but by the end he reveals the truth of his heart. The author blew me away with the detail of her characters and left me wanting to read more stories about everyone in the pack. The fact that she put just as much detail into the story and plot made this a fantastic read. I loved every up and down and celebrated the HEA. This book was amazing! And I can’t wait to read it all over again.

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did.
The plot is well... it makes little sense in the end, but I honestly didn't care as it seemed like more of a backdrop to the drama between Emma and Hayes.

Emma the dirty, weak, diseased human (Hayes' words, not mine), and Hayes the Wolf Beta with a HUGE chip on his shoulder.

Vampires... and not the nice sparkly kind!
They arrive in the valley and Emma doesn't know one supernatural from another so she seeks help from the neighbouring wolf pack, thinking it was one of theirs. But she has the bad luck to run into Hayes first who isn't even willing to listen to the 'human'. She also has the bad luck to be extra tasty to vamps.

Both MCs have sad sack histories but Emma's is much worse than Hayes' as he will discover... before he eats crow.

The story will get OTT maudlin for a bit around 2/3 in, although it never really gets super angsty.
Emma was a little too perfect. But I loved Hayes' turn around and Emma's honesty. Aden's narcissistic obsession with himself was pretty funny too.

Safety is OK Emma's beloved husband; Dean died 3 years ago and she is still mourning. She goes on in detail a couple times about her relationship with Dean. Being the contrary chick I am, it would have bothered me a lot more if it had been Hayes going on about his dead wife (if he had one). But I did feel kinda sorry for Hayes that he was confronted with that (although he pretty much asked for it). She also is missing one breast due to cancer. There is no mention of sexual history for Hayes or Emma (other than her dead husband). Emma's dog is killed by vampires early in the story.

[Leyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma is a widow. A woman who lives alone with her dog. She lives a peaceful life with loads of hard work to maintain her farm. When she finds herself harassed by shifters she decides to ask for help and walks to the mountain where she knows the pack of wolves have been living for years.
Hayes is the Beta of his pack. The one who scouts and keeps his Alpha informed at all times. He's strong, has superior hunting skills than the rest of the pack when it concerns the supernatural and has more experience than the rest of his comrades. He dislikes humans and was pretty reluctant to help Emma despite the fact that her problem might be their problem too.
His Alpha is interested in the issue though and sends him to gather info... Hayes doesn't like the idea one bit but does as told...

I had mixed feelings when it came to reviewing this story and rating it. Mainly because there were was a lot of good stuff that deserved a 4 Star rating. Sadly it didn't make it, because to be honest the bad things were too much to bare through the whole read.

Good aspects:
*The world building is fairly decent for a short story of a 133 pages...
*The wolf pack hierarchy and roles is a blessing.

I loved that aside from the unique personalities. Each member had their talents and defined role. Their not just some shifters who follow an Alpha just because their wild and mindless half beasts! Another detail I loved, was the experience of each member as a shifter. Not all of them are big shots and invincible. Some of them are young and others are quite peaceful people, who just want to belong to a family of their own kind. They have a territory to protect and they wish to keep it. The author did her homework.
*The character backgrounds are very deep and moving. Making the dialogues and relationships between all the characters very believable.
*The personalities were memmorable. It brought great satisfaction that secondary characters were'nt just fillers. I liked them and enjoyed the scenes in which they appeared, to the point I remember their names. And thats quite a score for a short story.
*Sex included and good.
*Hayes is a gem really. He's just full of flaws but is so perfect all the same. I've fallen for him indeed.
ME WANT A HAYES SCOUTING MY TERRITORY LOL!


Bad stuff that overshadowed the good points...

I'm gonna say it... Though it hurts... It has to be said!
Deep breaths!!!

*Over the top drama and angst made me groan painfully.

Too much! Overdone and so forced that it really made me question the romance. I just didn't buy the whole I love you thing, because I truly believed Hayes ended with her out of pitty and guilt. And that, makes me sad...

*Vampires are just pitiful... They didn't scare me or make me feel like they were a real threat. They hardly show up and when they do I just felt dissapointed.
*I like a strong heroine, but this one was plain stupid. At times very irritating and unlogical. Lost my respect immediately. And the hysterics and poor pity me party made me want to throw up.
Excuse my unruly conduct... Just making a point.
*Repetitive scenes between the main characters had me losing patience many times.
*The whole pace feels odd and builds false expectations. No action, no real mystery and a very rushed ending.
*The story itself left me sighing and unsatisfied, even with the HEA ending.

So its 3 Star for this one and was almost a 2.5. But all in all I had a good time considering all the points mentioned. Its recommendable for a boring day but wont leave you with the fuzzies your looking for in a Paranormal romance in my opinion. That said...

Farewell readers! May your next reads be fab!

[Rhonda Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Story

Emma, a human woman, has problems. A lot of problems. She is a young widow trying to run a a large farm by herself. And not doing well. And now she is being threatened by something supernatural. So she heads for the local wolf pack to plead with the alpha to please have his people leave her alone. Only she cannot even get to the alpha because the beta sends her packing. Thankfully when the alpha is told about Emma's visit, he sends the beta back to investigate. Here starts a great story filled with action, very bad guys, and two hurt people,one human and one wolf shifter. I loved this story and characters.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing to do with the book itself, but I was debating if this would be my next read and I glanced at the author bio.

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.

Gotta support my fellow Echelon.

****

Also, love the dedication.

For my readers who aren’t operating at one hundred percent.  Sending you my best wishes.  I hope this book brightens your day by even the slightest fraction. You got this, my wolves. Know you are strong. Know you are loved. Stay the fucking course!

****

Straightforward paranormal romance between a human woman and the beta of a small (6 “man”) wolf pack. Emma goes to the local wolf pack for help after being harassed by who she suspects is a shifter. The pack beta initially dismisses her concerns only to return to find her near death, her dog & livestock slaughtered. While guarding her, Hayes find himself attracted to the little spitfire human, despite not being fond of humans in general.

Nice little palate cleanser of a book after an intense dark romance trilogy.

[Abigail · Rating 2 out of 5]

So these story was good cuz i was in the high of the sking walkers series and looking for more to read in the same type of story and it really aint a skin walker spin of or something like that let me make it clear, so she is a human widow fighting for her land and he is a beta alpha that doesnt like humans, long story short the alpha makes the pack see why she need their help and hence making him see her in a diferent light and so the healing on boths sides starts.
If you dont have a full back TBR list go for it but she has better storys.

[Ellena deLeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was artfully crafted and uniquely designed to pull you into the pages where secrets and fairytales live and dreams come true for those who believe!

This book was enchanting, enthralling and endlessly entertaining where stubbornness and determination to rise above conflict with a core of steel and a heart of gold to get to where love and happiness lives!

One of Your Greatest Fans,

Lena deLeon
lenadeleon2004.ld@gmail.com

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deals well with a hard subject, it came out at the perfect time for me and I found myself relating to the characters. Judgements are made and opinions cast based on prior relationships and then the twists of the main storyline on top. I make it sound like it’s complicated and had to decipher but it’s not. It’s a great read for anyone

[Rina Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Emma is an independent woman who lost her husband. She refuses to give up their home just because she is targeted by others who may want her land. Hayes detests humans, so his fight with himself over the feelings he has for her makes a very entertaining story.

[Andria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

People make mistakes

Hayes let his prejudice toward humans get in the way of claiming his mate. Thankfully Emma is strong and her strength is what prevails and brings them together.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read a few of this authors books, this one is definitely my favourite.
I liked both lead characters and the story moved right along, it’s quite emotional at times and the author did a great job at conveying those emotions, I felt a connection to the story and the characters.
A good read.

[Susan Theinert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

It has sizzle and mystery. Love how Emma and Hayes butt heads but come together in the end. I have a soft spot for animals too. Took me less than a day to read. Wanted more.😍

[Stacy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This was a very enjoyable read. There were not any moments when I regretted buying the book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written as usual.

Susan Bliler takes you into a world of make believe and makes it real

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma's land borders theirs. He is surprised to learn Emma knows they are shifters when she asks for his alpha's help, thinking the threat to her came from their pack. She's a courageous, strong woman who cares for others even after the losses she's experienced could have left her bitter. Because she is human and it's not something he experienced before, he doesn't know what to make of symptoms he experiences after meeting her.
He goes to his alpha, but he regrets they didn't act quickly enough when she's hurt. His small pack helps out and I'd like to read more about them but the book wasn't long enough for much of that.
Hayes steps up to protect Emma but he finds himself growing confused and tries to deny what his protective need to take care of her means.
Readers used to the quick "we're mates, head for the bedroom" :-) may be disappointed but I really liked the book. They both had to let go of insecurities to find happiness.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh boy, I hope we get to see more of the Voshall pack, I really do. I loved this read. A shorter read than I usually like, it still gave me a good laugh, a cry, head shaking at how the minds of males work (paranormal and human alike). This pack is unusual but the dynamics work. Em is a brave soul, she's battled more in life than she ever should have too. Hayes has issues but that goes out the window when he meets Em, throw in some nasty vampires and this story is a bit of adventure, with a whole lot of lovin involved.

[sharon e hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freekin awesome!!!!

Seriously a little warning that I would need a box of tissues would have been nice. I really hates Hates for like 2 minutes. But he kept doing really sweet things. It was hard to overlook his hurtful words sometimes. In the end he was so sweet and I liked him. Really though Emma is the hero. I love her courage and her vulnerability. She is truly a survivor. Tell me Ross is next. Pleeze.

[C.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters just about killed me and I was sure I'd be reading the rest of the book through blurry, teary eyes. Luckily that wasn't the case. Hayes and `Emma had both gone through so much in their lives but it wasn't until they got together that they overcame it. This story was suspenseful, emotional and sweet. Hope we get more Hayes and Emma in the future.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed. I grew to love both Hayes and Emma. I love the dark hero in a romance. Hayes was perfect for the role. I loved Emma and found her perseverance empowering. The plot was also engaging. I definitely recommend this book.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy this book had me going with the feels. I loved this story and it tugged at my heart throughout. There are stories where you can read the difficulties a character is going through with some indifference but not this story. Ms. Bliler hit a home run on this one. I'd love to read more stories from this pack.

[Pamela Ochoa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story....

Really liked this new book. The story had a little of everything. The characters did not fall instantly in lust/love although they did end up there after a week or so. The story line flowed well and incorporated just the right amount of their background troubles without being overwhelmed. Everything was woven together really well and of course the HEA.

[Lala · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, just please choose an eye color for your heroine. She can not have green eyes then a couple of chapters later change them to brown (there was even a song about them 'Brown Eyed Girl') and then back to green again, WTH?!

[Leemichelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never disappointed

I love this series and the books just keep getting better every time. I liked how out both Em and "the jerk" healed each other and protected each other in more ways than one. Can't wait for the next book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVEEEEEDDDDDDDD!!!

[Gerri Blanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. Has action, laughter, tears and romance. I have read every book of this series. Always anticipating the next book. Thank you for letting us into your world. Great book! Thank you

[karen jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Absolutely awesome book Susan you have done it again. I love this as well as the Skywalker series my only gripe write faster please. X

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt

This story was beautiful. It made me laugh and cry and had a very happy ending. Highly recommended. I haven't read anything by Susan Bliler that I haven't liked.

[Ruth Hambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I absolutely loved reading this one and I hope there will be more about the rest of the pack. A fantastic well written shape shifter paranormal romance with some hot bits.

[♥ Suger Honey ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok nothing deep but a good quick story