Alpha's Heart

Northern Pines Den #1

by Susi Hawke

A M/M Shifter Mpreg Romance

"He was my light, my love, my very heart."

Taylor is a wild child omega. His unique appearance caused his best friend's mate to nickname him The Peacock. Always ready for new adventures, Taylor agrees to take part in a cross community exchange program between his new pack and the neighboring den of bears – a planned effort to help single shifters find their fated mates. The fact that he gets to stay with the sexy den Alpha has nothing at all to do with his decision to go. Nope...nothing at all!

Mikael is lonely. And bored. Now in his mid-30's, he'd been leading his den for over a decade with only his trusted beta assistant at his side. When he spots the wild young wolf omega that will be coming to stay as his guest during the exchange program, his bear is intrigued. The tiny, colorful omega would either breathe new life into their stilted bear community, or cause an outrage. Either way, Mikael knows already that it won't be boring to have him around.

This is the first book of the new Northern Pines Den series. Every book is around 30k and guaranteed to have an HEA, but it's advised to read them in order for maximum appreciation. 18+ readers only please! And yes, this book contains M/PREG, knotting, adults adulting in sexy naughty ways, and way more than the occasional use of potty mouth language! Caution: may contain violent scenes as the pack is at war.

Note: this series is a spinoff from Northern Lodge Pack from the same author.

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal, Omegaverse, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

142 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2017

About the author

I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!

I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.

As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.

I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.

I look forward to interacting with everyone here!

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Zero stars. Amateurish writing, ridiculous pseudo plot, no character development or world building, grammatical errors galore.

I wrote better stories in middle school.

How does this book average a 4 star rating? HOW?

[Barbara➰ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second book I’ve tried and I think this author is just not for me. One of the mc’s is a brat.

[SC · Rating 1 out of 5]

Here's the thing ...

If I keep a really open mind, I can read a book like this and get past the whole mpreg aspect of the story (I like the M/M part). However, there are things that just didn't work for me in this story. For example - there seemed to be a lot of backstory that I'm assuming is from another series? So you need to read another set of books in order to get a real feel for this one. Ok, I can get over that. The way they talk though - NO. I get that some of the characters are supposed to speak all formal and such, but the dialogue didn't really flow smoothly. It's like a badly written adult movie, you know, when you cringe at all the cliches they use. Not to mention the fact that for some reason the author portrayed her characters as being very effeminate. Think Ru Paul Drag's Race. What self respecting 7 foot alpha uses "dearest heart" in conversation? The final straw for me was the fact that the author has men breastfeeding. That's just not something that works in a book in my opinion.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's short, things progress quickly. Just sad family can't get along.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is my first time with this author and I'm pleased with this lite hearted mixed shifter world. But yet again I came late to the party and started at the wrong end of the series. The first page let me know I was missing something.

Now on to The Northern Lodge Pack "Omega Stolen"

[Isha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

Very enjoyable book. Taylor and Mikael made a good couple, and I'm really looking forward to the next book. This book ended too soon.

[Steph ☀️ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Darn :/

Well, I wanted to like this book especially after reading the blurb. Unfortunately, the story didn’t measure up. The story went way too fast, I didn’t connect with the characters which in turned seemed ridiculous to a fault. So, yeah......

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

So adorable! Alpha's Heart sets up the series by finding a mate for Alpha Mikael.

Omega Taylor travels to their sister den to in an exchange program to help more shifters find their fated mates... I enjoyed the chemistry between Mikael and Taylor and there were a couple super sweet scenes.

I'm doing this one as part of an audiobook bundle of the first three books in this series. This one is narrated by John Solo and I'm loving his accents.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

that was an ok read but it was very short and lacked therefore the relationship development I prefer.
yes they are fated mates but there was potential for real development especially as Taylor has a unique personality

nice read. not sure I will read the next one

[Nancy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

Very light, somewhat funny with a little romance thrown in. The characters need a little more depth, but all in all good.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

They should have killed her instead of banishment.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A surprising start, with a character from the Northern Lodge series making their entrance into this series. The overall threat is good, especially as it will drive the action (not so much in this novel, not as much as I was expecting anyway).

[Celestial · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Narration: 3.5

I think listening to this rather than reading it made it way more tolerable than it otherwise would be. That being said, while some of the voices worked, like the quirky Taylor, most of the other Bear voices didn't. However, I also couldn't imagine reading their dialogue so...

It seems like since mpreg and shifters are a hot commodity, there's a lot of fast-tracked books being published that feel flat and formulaic. Unfortunately, this seems to be one of them.

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't decide if I actually like this author. When she collaborates with others I'm blown away, but some of her stand alone piece leave me wanting more. I was almost 100% sure that Walt and Peter would be the next book, but then they fell in love without us. This couple was cute but I felt like there really wasn't a build up to their relationship. If anything Stephen and Taylor spent more time getting to know each other. Plus I feel like with mikael being seven feet it was a little excessive. I like my alphas taller, no secret, but seven feet is a bit too tall especially if the omega is like five feet. The plot was kind of interesting, but mostly predictable.

[L.C. Clements · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too Fast

This story was not for me. I felt the relationship was rushed and so was the pregnancy. If the characterization of the Alpha was more flushed out, I would’ve given it one more star. Plus, the war with the Alpha’s sister needs to be further addressed.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 *

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening chapter of this new spin-off series from the Northern Lodge Pack (NLP) called the Northern Pines Den (NPD) was attention-grabbing! It takes place after the last book of the Northern Lodge Pack series. To really understand and maintain a sense of continuity, please read the first set of seven books (NLP) before starting the six books in this series that take place in a Bear clan.

I didn't care for Taylor when I read Book 7 of the NLP series. But meeting his mate brought out even more of his colorful peacock personality and I actually found him funny and engaging. What a sight they were the huge Alpha Bear and his short lithe Wolf mate.

There were quite a few new Bear characters introduced and not all of them were nice. There are sinister characters, as well as misunderstood ones. There is danger, mpregnancy, cousins and conflict, surprising mated pairs, and quite a few humorous moments. I found this first book delightful.

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one wasn't exactly bad but it definitely didn't hold up against the wolf pack stories. Most noticeable was the lack of real chemistry between the main characters. I felt that we got more interaction and connection between Taylor and his friend, the alpha heir Stephan. There was a lot of gushing proclamations of love and sex between the Mik and Taylor but not a lot of substantive discussion or screen time. There were some great humorous moments and a bit of danger to move the story along. Although there was a lot of lipservice paid to the fact that Taylor was able to fit in with the stuffy bears, other than one couple accepting him we really don't get any evidence of it. The birthing was priceless, reminding me a bit of Ryan's in the wolf pack stories. I will, of course, continue with the series. I just felt that this one was only so-so, doing a lot of talking not showing.

[LWM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute - very cute.

While the courtship, mating, leading to pregnancy and birth were really sweet and romantic (and more than just a little funny), I was disappointed there was no war and confrontation with Alpha Mikael's evil twin sister. Also, the events were all rather predictable, despite the constant joking and witticisms being flung around by Taylor and Stefan. In fact, aside from the fact every omega needed to hook up with an Alpha, it seems a bit much to be true especially when Taylor's like the quintessential twink, and Mikael is an even larger Alpha than any of the wolves. This was way too much fairytale-ish for me to really like, so hence, 3 stars. I realize it is all fiction; however, some laws of nature and physics do not support all over the top extremes. Why can't they end up with an AVERAGE-SIZED ALPHA for once? Or even a pint-sized one???

[caroline wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good start to the series

I really enjoyed this book the characters Taylor aka Peacock is a sassy opinionated omega who is very progressive which shakes up Mikael the alpha of the bear den who is somewhat reserved as well as with the rest of the bear clan. Mikael walks a tightrope between the more staid den members and the more outgoing so as to keep everyone happy but still going forward so he knows that Taylor is going to help bring his den members to the present. I liked that it was characters we could love as each brought something different. There were funny moments especially the shooting seen which brought a whole new meaning to cocked and ready to blow;). This is a good start to the series.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrific beginning to this series!

Alpha's Heart is the first book in the Northern Pines Den series, and it's off to a fantastic start! Although it's not necessary, I would highly suggest that you read the Northern Lodge Pack series prior to starting this series. This is a continuation of the other series, but you will be able to fully understand what is going on in this series if you choose not to read the previous one. Both series are full of love, family, lots of quirky humor, hilarious situations, heartbreaking pasts, drama, angst, suspense, and many unexpected twists that you won't be able to get enough of.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome start to the new spin off series. Yes, this is a spin-off of Northern Lodge Pack but can be enjoyed completely on it's own. If you want to know more about the wolves and those side characters and their enemies then you'll want to read the other series. Taylor and Mikael are my new favorite couple. Taylor is hilarious, unique and is a sass-monster! Mikael is a huge bear in charge but a secret marshmallow who wants his mate to not only be himself but help others see that change isn't a bad thing. These two are hot together like no other, more babies on the way and more Omegas to fall for. I love all the new characters in the Den and can't wait to see what they can get up to now.

[Lacrymosa Quiñones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know if I was going to enjoy this series as much as the first. But oh my gods how much did I enjoy this first book!

Character breakdown;

Taylor: I knew that he was firecracker but I adored him so much more in this book. He was so free and careless thinking nothing of consequences and just having fun.

Mikael: the way that he was described in the previous series I thought he would be stuck up or something. But he was a fine alpha bear and the fact that he was Russian, (my weakness in these pnr books!)

I honestly look forward towards the way this series will go, because it is looking mighty promising!

If you love firecracker omegas and loving alpha bears? This is the book for you!

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst I read this until the end when I finished I came away feeling like I had just read blank pages - it was incredibly simple and needed to be longer to properly explore even one strand of anything. As a result it was a rushed tale of being told everything rather than a development of a story, where the main secondary characters seemed to have a personality change halfway through. Don't think I'll be reading any more of these - although the premise of the story has potential, the actual book didn't hold my interest.

[thebloggerandthegeek · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book of the year I give a one start. There's nothing to enjoy here, the characters are very boring and the plot was not delivered as good as I thought it would be. Let's start with Taylor 'the peacock', he was described as a firecracker, lively, not afraid of anything and able to speak out his mind. I found him extremely boring and predictable. Mikael was as boring as Taylor, nothing to enjoy or like about his character. The world building wasn't good, the plot itself was extremely predictable and the characters had no growth.

[Sarah Connor · Rating 1 out of 5]

GROSS... MC hooks up and flirts with someone other than his mate at the beginning of the book. He scents his mate, but isn't sure and then does this. He is aware he can still find his mate and still does it. He has the hots for his mate cousin and gets turned on by him. HE is caught by his mate with both his and the cousin's dick hanging out and is completely unrepentant about it. What's more, he doesn't apologize and has the gall to get mad at his mate.
I felt more chemistry between the cousin and the MC than the supposed mates. Just gross. Do not read.

[Cinnamon bun · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring and utterly unremarkable

Apparently I had read this book before but didn't realize it. At least not until the only memorable scene in there; when Taylor and Stefan have a contest that includes fast hand movements, squirting, and a measuring tape.
But really, that's the only good thing about this read. Everything else is unimaginative and predictable. The characters are shallow, the plot is weak without a conclusion, and I didn't believe the supposed love and lust between Taylor and Mikael at all.
Do not recommend.

[Kirstine Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the idea of the opinionated, peacock-y little omega, so I slogged through the stilted dialogue until the first sex scene. Huh. It felt like the writer scoured all the most popular M/M omega titles for adjectives and just jammed them in there, expecting the result to be steamy. It's not. No amount of positions, fat heads, slick channels, blown pupils or magical bundles of nerves can save lazy writing.

Only thing saving this from one star is the great insta-bromance between Taylor and Stefan.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book !!!

Susi Hawke is a new author. You would never know it when reading her books. They are amazing. I don't want to give anything way. So i m just doing to say this. This book proves its not what people look on the outside it's what's on the inside that makes them who they are. I give this book no I give all susi hawke 5stars. Now go read them everyone 😉☺