Bear's Honor

Alpha Barbarians #2

by Leann Ryans

Taken from her home after a brutal attack, Rune is told to find a mate by spring, or one will be chosen for her. Of course, the one she wants is the one who isn’t interested in claiming her.

Bear is the second in command, but his honor doesn’t allow him to abuse his station. He doesn’t want the men to think he used his rank to get first choice, even if everything about Rune tempts him to take her for himself.

This is book 2 of the Alpha Barbarians series. This book contains explicit scenes that some readers may find upsetting. It is a slow-burn with no cliffhanger

Genres: Omegaverse, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Spicy, Paranormal, Slow Burn

271 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2019

About the author

Wife and mother of four, my days have been reduced to begging for the littlest to sleep so I can have time to write my books. I'm blaming my reduced schedule on Cupcake.
Facebook is the best place to find me, or you can sign up for my newsletter here (https://leannryans.com) to keep up with current and upcoming projects as well as special promotions and such.

I grew up on Sci-fi and Fantasy books with some of my favorite authors being Anne McCaffery and Mercedes Lackey. In 2013 I discovered paranormal romance and delved into a whole new world. After reading Omegaverse stories from Addison Cain and Nora Ash, I had the idea for The Omega Prize and decided to take a shot at writing a book of my own. The beginning was rough, it took two months to write the first five chapters, but as my 2019 New Year’s resolution I said I was going to finish the story and committed to writing every day. It didn't take long for the book to begin telling itself, and from there I just kept going.

Most of my books are Omegaverse, but they span other genres like Sci-Fi, dystopian, and historical barbarians. There is even a small-town Enemies to Lovers Romance story in there. They main contain dark elements but I wouldn't call them dark romance since my alphas tend to be a little mushy in the center. I promise there's always a HEA.

Reviews

[Niki {Still a Widow but reading more} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww....you gotta love honorable alphas, sweet omegas that don't know their worth, and steamy HEAs!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This romance was well written and edited, with few typos, and no wrong word choices or incorrectly constructed sentences. This novel contained high angst (internal conflict) and low stakes (external conflict) which is typically not my preferred narrative structure in a romance novel, but I enjoyed this novel quite a bit in spite of that. The world building and characterization were both top-notch in this omegaverse novel. The reason this novel is a four star read for me instead of a five star is that the elements keeping the hero and heroine apart throughout 75% to 80% of this novel is resolved within a couple of pages by the heroine finally doing something super obvious and common sense and going to Raider the tribe chief to ask for help resolving the issue. I really liked this novel's heroine a lot. The hero was pretty tiresome with his emotional cowardice and refusal to acknowledge what he really wanted and go after it. People who behave that way in real life personally drive me crazy, so I don't like it in my romance novel heroes. Most romance novel readers have a higher tolerance than me to that kind of nonsense in their novels, though. The heat level in this novel is about two flames, with the only sex scene happening about 90% into the novel and not being very explicit. The heroine, world building, and quality of the writing in this novel rates five stars for this reader, with one star deducted for the hero of this novel and the lack of adventure or suspense elements. All around an enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bear clung to his stubbornness far too long for my tastes. That meant when he made all the other alphas go through that contest, it left a bittersweet feeling for them in my heart. Rune is a fantastic character, though, and she well counterbalanced Bear's intransigence!!

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story.

First of all, I loved the idea that all Omegas aren't created equal. I hated that Rune felt ostracized by the other Omegas and has been plagued by taunting from her brother, but at the same time it provided an interesting point of view.
Now, Bear. I absolutely love Bear. He is so sweet and caring, but 100% Alpha at the same time. He was devastated when he felt Rune chose him just to shield her from choosing the other Alphas, which was absolutely not true.
I love the idea of the trials for the Omegas! I hope we see more of this idea in the later books.
All in all, I thought it was beautiful. There was more romance,I felt, in this book compared to some of the others in the genre. It felt like a breath of fresh air.

[Maria11 · Rating 2 out of 5]

corny and ridulous

I kept rolling my eyes continuously reading this. I will make the statement I have made before and you can think of me what you think. People read omegaverse for the hot raw attraction and sex between the alpha and the omega. There is absolutely none of that on this book.

They act like dumb teenagers that let their pride and dumb reason make the drama of this book draw out and boring. Think I am done with this series

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second in this series, Bear's Honor was better than the first.

The book was a extreme slow burn. I loved both main characters and the story line was entertaining.

[odessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

😍😍😍😌 i am not sure what it is but these stories are so easy to just indulge in and are just the speed i need for tonight!


okay so the positives!

i could so relate to runes story and just being honest i liked her way more than lyric! rune had confidence issues much like most women do and she was just so relatable! loved her and bears story! i also loved bear he had just such a cute personality and reading the two of them kept me giggling and laughing along. it was also kind of fun learning everyone else from the village. if you read these stories in order you almost feel like you were captured and are learning to love this new village along with the female leads!


okay...😕 i almost hate to say this because i can tell with more polishing and depth this author would easily be a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!! she has very nice plots and solid male character and female characters! it’s just like gnawing on a bone with you wanted the steak! i feel like these stories have so much more potential to be really emotionally driven i just don’t think the author dig deep enough or went dark enough 🤷🏻‍♀️ also i’d like more resistance from the female leads! i like a lot how the author teased with runes being willing to entertain more than just bear. it was classy and done very cautiously. oh and i found my self skimming a lot after i got around the 50% mark 🤷🏻‍♀️ more dark more drama! lol still a really solid light read... and kudos to the author for not making this a smut fest and actually writing characters with emotions... even though i was scared there for a bit because raider and bear had more chemistry than the guys with the girls 😂 👀 💀 i was questioning what kind of story i was reading!





okay off to read the next one!!

[BabybookWyvern ✨🐉✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whelp. I read every word and after finishing it I can only regret the decision.

I’m not even sure WHY this kept me hooked to the last. I realized at 50 plus percent that these characters aren’t really well described. Like- yes they are DESCRIBED- we know that Rune has dark hair, curves and blue eyes. Meanwhile, Bear’s descriptions are along the lines of second in command and then mentions of his height, that he has muscles, oh! And beard scruff and tattoos. And yeah, all of that is descriptive enough to paint a picture, but when you go to zoom in for details we don’t get any clarification to HOW curvy Rune was from the “norm” (and if it was only mentioned in the 1st book so help me god no thanks). The book mentions her hair length being different from anyone else, how? I didn’t read the first book but there’s no description of either Lyric or Raider really either (not they matter (I think she’s blonde???)). And all those times Rune is pining over Bear and we walk into a thirst trap situation, we don’t get a good look at what he’s rocking under the hood (his shirt ladies, down girl, down) and even ✨the scene✨ was lack luster and a blip after waiting so long for it.

And don’t get me wrong, I 100% want my own Bear (not the animal, not the gay euphemism, I mean this particular character omfg). He’s sweet and honorable and empathetic enough to put himself into the viewing position to really look at her and understand. He’s stubborn but fair. He’s a good man. I love that. I even made it to the end I liked his character archetype so much… so this is the part he rips off the training wheels he crippled his own d*mn self with and he goes HAM on his Omega. I’m talking The Exorcist level of possession coming out of this man. He’s held himself back how many times? For how long? And we get… THAT!? At the end!? That was practically fine dining!!! I’m pretty sure the waiter put a napkin in my lap and gasped when I asked for extra dressing with my starter salad. That scene was ☕️☕️Pinkies Up☕️ it was so bland, polite and basic. I was looking for a veneer crack and the authors best go at depicting two people doing their best at trying to CRAWL INSIDE ONE ANOTHER- OHMYGOSH WHERE WAS THE HEAT!? THE FLAVOR!? THE SPICE!?

R.I.P my time. If this novella was a food it would be crackers. I fooled myself into thinking “Yum! Steak!” before being awoken to the reality check of Saltines. 💀✋🏼💀 pass.

[Rachel Smith Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rune is a curvy omega with low self esteem, thanks to her now dead brother. She is afraid all the alphas want her for is a wet hole, and she wants them to know her. She feels safe with Bear, while the other alphas aren't all that appealing. One day, an alpha demands Rune be a good Omega and come with him. She tells him no, but he's not hearing it. She has to tell him she's already chosen Bear.

When Bear finds out, he is upset with the Alpha being forceful, but equally upset with Rune because he informed his men he would not take one of the Omegas. He refuses her claim, even though he is very attracted to her. Which brings about a game where Alpha's compete for the Omega--- like an apocalyptic Bachlorette. Bear does not participate because he made a deal, but the more time spends with Rune the more deeply he's captivated with her.

I thought the conflict was great. I've been reading a lot of medieval stories where honor amongst your men is a very important thing and the same concept applies here. I kept turning pages wondering how Bear and Rune would end up with each other. Turns out they overthought things, and that's all I can say.

Perhaps I liked this book so much because when I was younger, I was a lot like Rune. I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟4 stars 🌟

this is the second book in this series and i think i enjoyed it more than the first. it was slow burn and forbidden love. there werent as many smutty scenes as the first but the tension was still there throughout.

i really liked the main characters, bear and rune. their almost instant chemistry was well written. rune struggled with feelings of being unloveable/undesirable (so if thats triggering, be careful; it isnt an overwhelming theme but it does come up a few times). i felt like this made her very relatable and more real. she is also one of those people who cry at almost everything which was just a tad bit annoying. bear is protective and incredibly hot. he is also a momma’s boy and a bit of a softie which just makes him that much better.

i thought the plot was very interesting. this book is more plot driven than the first (which was relationship focused). it was well developed and unique. i didnt want to put it down which made it a quick read.

im sad that the next books focus on a different clan. i was hoping to see more about the others like maybe hunter, wolfe, or blue. but i will definitely be finishing this series!

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rune, the female omega lead, has been captured as part of the spoils of battle but, when they arrive at their new tribe, the omegas are told that they’ll be able to select their mate. Rune isn’t sure she’s pleased because she never expected to have a choice. When she decides she wants the leader’s Second, Bear, the alpha male lead, she’s disgruntled to find herself rebuffed. Bear has clearly stated he has no intentions of taking a mate and, whilst he’s attracted, he isn’t going to change his position. So Rune decides to have a mate competition as has been done in the past, with Bear appointing himself adjudicator. But Rune didn’t realise that he never meant to be one of her choices…and she’s realised he’s the only one she wants. And he’s realised he’s not averse to the idea any more…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a cleverly scripted omegaverse romance. I enjoyed Rune’s determination to have a career and a life outside of the traditional omega role. I enjoyed watching Bear change his mind about whether he wanted a mate. I appreciated the relationship development and the little personality quirks that the author built on to make the choice feasible for Rune to choose the partner she wanted whilst allowing Bear to save face. I enjoyed the intimate scenes. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters. There are a few others I wouldn’t mind seeing stories for…

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this omegaverse/barbarian romance quite unusual but very interesting & enjoyed reading it. The plot is well-pace & intriguing with no violence or bloodshed. The characters have good chemistry between them & emotionally develop throughout the story-line but display a fair amount of stubbornness & a determination to resist any emotional attachment. There are character crossovers from the previous book “Raider’s Bounty” but this book can be read as a standalone.
There is: a honorable but hard-headed alpha (Bear) is determined to resist choosing an omega but a not so very typical omega (Rune) makes a decision that surprises him, a caring but manipulative mother (Amara), some twists, intrigue, drama, adventure, memories, insecurities, attractions, inner conflict, discovery, anger, misunderstandings, defiance, a Agri-ren tradition, courting alphas, explanations, disagreements, injuries, confrontations, jealousy, complications, heat issues, instincts, love, contentment, some steam & a happy ending

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear's Honor is book two in the Alpha Barbarians series and is again set in Raider's tribe. Rune is convinced she is unattractive - her cruel brother told her so - and that she will mate only because she is an omega. Bear, Raider's second-in-command, has said he will not take one of the three remaining omegas because although a part of him wants a mate, he is a loner and he also doesn't want to take advantage of his position. When he realises that Rune wants him, he thinks it's only because he has been kind; she thinks that's the reason too, but when she knows she is attracted to him, she still thinks he doesn't want her because she's not slender. It takes a long time and a lot of effort for Rune to recognise that she is attractive in herself and longer still for Bear to understand he will have to leave the village if she is mated with someone else. Further information about this different world draws the reader in to engage with these interesting characters.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a sweet Omegaverse then Bear’s Honor fits the bill. I’m enjoying this series so far. I loved Rune and although a bit apprehensive and unsure of her standing in this strange new community as well as her self image, she still did an admirable job finding a positive way to contribute as a healer in training. I loved the idea of the Agri-ren trials and enjoyed Rune’s interactions with the other Alpha’s that we’re participating in them. Bear was well; a Bear. Grumpy and growling throughout because he put himself in an untenable position. Lucky for him Rune was an Omega that knew what she wanted and found a way to get it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I may like this one more than the first. Rune seems timid and unassuming at first glance but she is a little firecracker who knows who she wants, even if he refuses to admit it. Bear may say that he doesn't want Rune because he thinks all she sees him as is a shield against other Alphas, but she sees who he really is if he would just give her a chance. Hoods stubbornness leads to an ancient challenge in which Alphas compete against one-another for her. Boy, now he is regretting it. Will Bear set aside hoods foolish pride and fight for what his heart desires or will he let her go?? It's a sweet story about not seeing eye-to-eye and let your heart decide.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series from the author. It’s such a different, softer, easier take on the Alpha/Omega story. By being those things, it makes it stand out. This book is no different. This is the second book in The Alpha Barbarian Series. This story is about Bear (second in command) and Rune (one of the captured Omegas from the last book). He’s big, burly and stubborn, and she’s feisty and buxom. They make the perfect pair, but making HIM understand that was a journey.

There were a few chapters that I felt were out of place and I felt the ending was a bit rushed and anticlimactic, but overall the story was an enjoyable read and I’d definitely continue this series if she writes more in it.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So...was really happy to see this book on Bear. His ability to restrain himself from falling after the omegas in the first book really caught my attention. It's no wonder he is Raider's second. Don't get me wrong. He's all Alpha but the fact that he felt it was best to let the other Alphas have the chance to win/woo the few omegas they were able to keep really showed his honor and selflessness.

Rune is such an interesting omega. She is someone who doubts herself but yet is still confident in her own skills and ability. She wants to find her own place in the world of things. She at first seems very timid yet she shows a resilience to her challenges.

Great book and highly recommended.

[Mariela Rmz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story has a bachellorette kinda feel to it. It was funny I loved the change that Rune got out of this.
What would have upped the rating? More depth to this story than menial things like reading, garndening, washing....
Still don't know why some things were introduce in the story to be discarded real quick in the next chapter and by this I'm referring to the arriving to the village of the Andtay warriors. I thought that something real bad was going to happen but then it went like the storm that starts with thunders and lightings and ends up being a drible of 5 minutes but aside of this, I totally enjoyed this read and keep really interested in what is next in this serie.

[Christal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a terrific book in the Alpha Babarian's series. Rune is shy and has very little self confidence due to the verbal abuse from her brother. Her and three other Omegas are brought to Bear's tribe after the attack on her village. As an Omega, she knows she has to be mated to an Alpha and is happy she gets to choose but the problem is, in her heart and head, she has chosen Bear who is the second in command. Now Bear promised his men that he would not select an Omega and, as much as he wants Rune, he feels he cannot except her chose. Finally there is a solution so he doesn't lose his honor. During a special tradition of Omega's selecting their Alpha, Rune chooses Bear again and this time she gets her happily ever after.

[Jackie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Omegaverse. And I also love how this author writes. She keeps my interest no matter the book. And she has done a great job of doing that again. I liked the first book so I was totally looking forward to the second!

This one doesn't have a lot of sexy times but I think the story was so interesting it didn't need it. And I loved the heroine! She was timid but interesting!

Bear was also a great character. Tho it took him a while to figure out what he wanted and I love that it was Rune who figured out how to give them both what they wanted!

I loved the ending and I'm happy there will be another one! I can't wait to see where the series will go!

[Mitzi Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I actually loved this 2nd novel in the series more than the 1st book. I love Rune and Bear! She’s a curvy girl just looking for her place in this new world she’s found herself in. She makes her choices early on and works diligently to try to make it happen even though her choice isn’t cooperating. Bear is loyal to his people and his leader and as second in command is determined that he will not go back on his word to his men even though strong feelings start to make him wish for more. Great storyline building up to a fantastic resolution and ending. Can’t wait for the next book! I received this book as an ARC.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Leann Ryan's take on the Omegaverse dynamic/trope. Her stories aren't as dark as some I've read, and her Omegas aren't as ruled by their nature. It makes the romance sweeter. Not that her Alphas aren't as Alpha as they come, they are, it's more that her women aren't as much of a slave to their nature. Rune is in need of a mate, but the Alpha she wants is determined to not claim her. This reverse pursuing makes the story unique and very entertaining. There is all the passion, drama, excitement, emotional feels, and scorching heat a reader desires in this fabulous story. It sucked me in from the very beginning and kept my interest until the last page, and I highly recommend it.

[Mom2three]

I love Leann Ryan's take on the Omegaverse dynamic/trope. Her stories aren't as dark as some I've read, and her Omegas aren't as ruled by their nature. It makes the romance sweeter. Not that her Alphas aren't as Alpha as they come, they are, it's more that her women aren't as much of a slave to their nature. Rune is in need of a mate, but the Alpha she wants is determined to not claim her. This reverse pursuing makes the story unique and very entertaining. There is all the passion, drama, excitement, emotional feels, and scorching heat a reader desires in this fabulous story. It sucked me in from the very beginning and kept my interest until the last page, and I highly recommend it.

[Kimberly Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Let me start by saying I really liked the story. The characters , main and side, were well developed and I connected to each of them. I'm a little disappointed though. This may be the first book I've read in a long time where I was disappointed in who got together in the end. I'm so sad for certain characters and I am hoping they get their own books and HEA. I won't say but after you've read if you'd like to leave a comment on who you would've thought or liked to see Rune end up qith or if you're happy with how it ended I'd be forever grateful to maybe see if anyone had a similar opinion to mine.

[Khloe Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay, the plot was decent, although a bit flat?! I didn't like how easily the main conflict was solved but it made sense, I guess. I did like the hero and the heroine, both introverted, mature, logical, and responsible. However, the story wasn't interesting enough to make me feel invested. I basically skimmed through this book and could still understand everything without any problem, so over 40 chapters were a bit dragged for me. Thus, for an omegaverse novel, it was very plot-heavy, with only one steamy scene and a few kisses here and there, pretty vanilla for its genre. I probably won't remember this but did have a good time reading it and would still recommend it.

[Sans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bear and Rune’s relationship developed in an adorable (or as adorable as it could be, given the setting), organic way and I had to look up from my tablet to make “awwww SO CUTE” faces at the wall.

That being said, this series is not for everyone. It could be considered more crude, oppressive, and barbaric than a lot of the other omegaverse books out there, but I’d argue that’s kind of the point. While this book was gentler than the first, the third looks to be more on the “yikes” end of the scale.

In what is quickly becoming my closing in reviews for these kinds of books, check content and trigger warnings before delving into this series.

[Lizette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people find their way in love

Taking place in the same pre-agricultural world as Raider's Treasure, this is again a beautifully drawn portrait of their way of life.
The romance between Bear and Rune grows slowly and believably, with hesitations, assumptions and misunderstandings arising from their personalities and their not knowing each other initially. Rune and Bear learn to communicate clearly and take risks in order to become mates. They come to believe in their own value. A very sweet story.

[Jennifer Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story

I didnt rate the first book very good so I gave this one a chance and it was good but it reminded me why I didnt care for her style of writing. I really dont like those kind of books where you read all the way through it just to finally get to the good juicy stuff. I mean I like reading sexy romance novels there is a special balance and not very many authors can manage equal parts story + intimate scenes. Anyways, this story was very sweet and really good if it doesnt bother u to have to wait until the end to get a little of the naughty stuff.

[Beccie]

This has to be my favourite story of Leann Ryan's so far. It makes such a refreshing change to have a female character who isn't perfect and has body confidence issues and yet still overcomes them to find her mate. This book is so much more relatable on a personal level and you can't help but root for the main characters! Looking forward to the next in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I really liked Rune but Bear not so much.

I was ticked off at Bear for most of the book. I was really hoping that Rune would choose Hunter. Bear had a stick up his butt and couldn't see past himself to see what he was doing to Rune. I am glad that Rune got to choose him since that is what she wanted but I still think Hunter was the better choice. It is a really good book and you should decide for yourself if Bear deserved Rune in the end.