What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Shifters #8
Alpha Beast
He thought he'd been careful...
Bhric has an obsession he doesn't want anyone to know about. A weakness that could take him down if it were found out.
There's also the problem of what he is. He rarely shifts because he doesn't have to. The beast inside him already has control.
When he learns that the rogue Blackwood Pack knows more than they should, he'll have to choose between an obsession and the good of the Clan.
The Clan doesn't stand a chance...
Ever since Marcy woke up one morning unable to remember the previous two days, she's been on edge. Her head hurts all the time, her body burns for something she can't identify and the idea of sex with any of her usual friends with benefits repulses her. She's gone from a well adjusted, although possibly sex addicted, damned good nurse to a writhing mass of contradictions who struggles to get through her day.
Oh, and she's pretty sure she has a stalker too. A big, bad and very scary tattooed beast of a man who doesn't repulse her.
Bhric has an obsession he doesn't want anyone to know about. A weakness that could take him down if it were found out.
There's also the problem of what he is. He rarely shifts because he doesn't have to. The beast inside him already has control.
When he learns that the rogue Blackwood Pack knows more than they should, he'll have to choose between an obsession and the good of the Clan.
The Clan doesn't stand a chance...
Ever since Marcy woke up one morning unable to remember the previous two days, she's been on edge. Her head hurts all the time, her body burns for something she can't identify and the idea of sex with any of her usual friends with benefits repulses her. She's gone from a well adjusted, although possibly sex addicted, damned good nurse to a writhing mass of contradictions who struggles to get through her day.
Oh, and she's pretty sure she has a stalker too. A big, bad and very scary tattooed beast of a man who doesn't repulse her.
Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2021
158 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Gayle
133 books1,337 followersGRAB the first book in my USA Today bestselling Southern Shifters series in Kindle Unlimited. Click
here
Eliza Gayle writes dragon romance and fantasy romance with unforgettable characters, fiery passion, and magical twists. A New York Times bestselling author, she’s created series like Dragon Lords and Southern Shifters that keep readers hooked from page one. (She also writes dark contemporary romance under E.M. Gayle) She currently lives on a small island in the Pacific Northwest (but was born and raised in Florida and then spent 10+ years in NC) and spends her days writing romance, wandering the beach, kayaking or defending her keyboard from her cat Salem.
Before her writing career began, she served in the Marine Corps and lived a crazy life of adventure. Then she read her first spicy romance novel and everything changed. So after years of thinking about writing she finally grabbed her laptop and wrote.
Latest Release: THE HEART OF THE DRAGON
Coming next: THE FATE OF THE DRAGON
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
December 22, 2019
Quick(ish) Review
Good setup even if it faltered a little in execution. Came into this series late in the game so I didn’t know all the players. I liked Bhric and Marcy, though I would have loved a little more time exploring their connection beyond the physical. It’s an ok read overall.
Good setup even if it faltered a little in execution. Came into this series late in the game so I didn’t know all the players. I liked Bhric and Marcy, though I would have loved a little more time exploring their connection beyond the physical. It’s an ok read overall.
December 31, 2018
Bhric, the leader of the hybrid pack in the neutral zone, knew that Sienna's friend Marcy was his mate, but only after she agreed to have her memory wiped by a witch and they'd had rip-roaring sex on the side of the road. He decides to wait to claim her until he's got things wrapped up at home with the Blackwood pack, but when she becomes a target, his hand is forced. He'll do anything to protect her. Marcy isn't quite cooperative - she thinks Bhric is a crazy stalker with a boatload of secrets and can't understand why she's attracted to him. She ends up returning to Dark Moon with him and it's there that she realizes how deep the rabbit-hole goes and just what Bhric's secrets are.
This was just okay. The plot in this one wasn't very tightly woven, but I can see elements of a larger story arc that seem intriguing...mostly involving Simon and his research and now the dragons. For this particular story though, things just didn't fall together. For one, Bhric starts out knowing exactly who Marcy is and knows enough about her to pretty much be in love with her. Marcy though, for all intents and purposes, doesn't know a thing about Bhric and at first she acknowledges this and this guides her actions. She is wary of him and distrustful. But this falls away pretty quickly and she starts to fall for him way too quickly...especially with how presumptuous he is. He acts like she's known him all along. Then, once the memory wipe thing was revealed, I was pretty shocked that she got all upset and nobody bothered to tell her that SHE agreed to it willingly. And that was all pretty anticlimactic considering it was the source of angst between them.
The sex here, between Bhric and Marcy is pretty great. I really enjoy the fact that Marcy is a secure and confident woman who feels no shame at using sex as an outlet for stress. She's also apparently a great singer, but this and any importance it might have, get dropped. I was also a bit confused that Marcy had some background in genetic research given that she was a NICU nurse...not sure how that came about...maybe I missed the explanation there. Also a plus was the fact that Bhric's hybrid beast was not any particular animal but an amalgam. It made him much more interesting and I wish a bit more had been done in regards to this. It would have been a great source of tension, especially if he feared Marcy's reaction to it. All in all a decent installment to the series and I may tune in for another if it's about Simon.
This was just okay. The plot in this one wasn't very tightly woven, but I can see elements of a larger story arc that seem intriguing...mostly involving Simon and his research and now the dragons. For this particular story though, things just didn't fall together. For one, Bhric starts out knowing exactly who Marcy is and knows enough about her to pretty much be in love with her. Marcy though, for all intents and purposes, doesn't know a thing about Bhric and at first she acknowledges this and this guides her actions. She is wary of him and distrustful. But this falls away pretty quickly and she starts to fall for him way too quickly...especially with how presumptuous he is. He acts like she's known him all along. Then, once the memory wipe thing was revealed, I was pretty shocked that she got all upset and nobody bothered to tell her that SHE agreed to it willingly. And that was all pretty anticlimactic considering it was the source of angst between them.
The sex here, between Bhric and Marcy is pretty great. I really enjoy the fact that Marcy is a secure and confident woman who feels no shame at using sex as an outlet for stress. She's also apparently a great singer, but this and any importance it might have, get dropped. I was also a bit confused that Marcy had some background in genetic research given that she was a NICU nurse...not sure how that came about...maybe I missed the explanation there. Also a plus was the fact that Bhric's hybrid beast was not any particular animal but an amalgam. It made him much more interesting and I wish a bit more had been done in regards to this. It would have been a great source of tension, especially if he feared Marcy's reaction to it. All in all a decent installment to the series and I may tune in for another if it's about Simon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2016
Fast paced
I really really liked this book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more
I really really liked this book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read more
October 16, 2016
For the first time ever, I started with the latest book in a series, rather than at the beginning with book 1.
I like the concept of the book, however, the delivery or rather unfolding of the scenes just wasn't captivating enough for me. At some point, I was basically reading through so that I'd get to the part where Bhric tells Marcy what happened to her losing her memory. But did that happen, even though it was heavily emphasized in the book? No, we did not have a blow out but rather Marcy and Bhric, with Sienna filling out the gaps had a conversation, of scene, then now it's Marcy and Bhric figuring out whether they love one another.
I think there was some disconnect in some of the scenes, such as Marcy receiving the job offer in Memphis, her boss being alluded to as not such a straight character, then all of that goes no where. Or Marcy being alluded to as being something extra, not just human, then that's also abandoned.
It was an ok book. The plot could have been better delivered though.
I like the concept of the book, however, the delivery or rather unfolding of the scenes just wasn't captivating enough for me. At some point, I was basically reading through so that I'd get to the part where Bhric tells Marcy what happened to her losing her memory. But did that happen, even though it was heavily emphasized in the book? No, we did not have a blow out but rather Marcy and Bhric, with Sienna filling out the gaps had a conversation, of scene, then now it's Marcy and Bhric figuring out whether they love one another.
I think there was some disconnect in some of the scenes, such as Marcy receiving the job offer in Memphis, her boss being alluded to as not such a straight character, then all of that goes no where. Or Marcy being alluded to as being something extra, not just human, then that's also abandoned.
It was an ok book. The plot could have been better delivered though.
November 9, 2016
3.5 stars
Eliza Gayle’s Alpha Beast, a talking walking sexy alpha Bhric just having him walk in a room and you wanna start drooling. He’s a bit dark and broody I think. When he starts acting more grumpy than usual, his friends call him on it. Yeah he got it bad and tells himself he isnt about to act on his feelings. What’s happened to Marcy’s quiet sedate everyday life? Some tall dark and scary hot, yet she seems drawn to him .
I liked the story it seemed a bit rushed and I kinda missed some key points. I’ve read some of the other book in the series. So the story is there, characters likable just need to be filled out a little more. A bit of action, smexyiness, snarky and secrets to be told. All in a a decent story. Enjoy
Eliza Gayle’s Alpha Beast, a talking walking sexy alpha Bhric just having him walk in a room and you wanna start drooling. He’s a bit dark and broody I think. When he starts acting more grumpy than usual, his friends call him on it. Yeah he got it bad and tells himself he isnt about to act on his feelings. What’s happened to Marcy’s quiet sedate everyday life? Some tall dark and scary hot, yet she seems drawn to him .
I liked the story it seemed a bit rushed and I kinda missed some key points. I’ve read some of the other book in the series. So the story is there, characters likable just need to be filled out a little more. A bit of action, smexyiness, snarky and secrets to be told. All in a a decent story. Enjoy
January 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this book.....
February 24, 2022
3.5
H- Bhric
h- Marcy (Nurse)
This book seriously irritated me to no end. With the back & forth between them 2. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!
(Now that I have let that out of our system) let’s start from the beginning. This is the 1st book I have read from this series which means I might be a little lost with the previous characters that keep popping in & out of this story.
Sooo it looks like they met in the previous book where her best friend is mated to a shifter & someone was having a baby & she called her best friend Marcy. With Marcy now knowing abt shifters it created an issue (I gather) I don’t really understand that part cause normally in shifter books EVERYONE is looking for their mate, their 2nd half to feel & be complete.. NOPE not Bhric. He wanted to part of it (they really don’t get into the reasons behind it) but he took Marcy to a witch to erase her short term memory MEANWHILE he kept checking on Marcy to make sure she is okay. The other clan/pack found out abt Marcy being his mate & are using her to get to him. (At least that’s what he thinks) which comes to the most irritating part of the story! Him not telling her anything. She is getting headaches which could be a side effect of what was done to her. And he still doesn’t want to tell her abt them being mates, him causing her to loss her memories, what species he is. Very frustrating to read chapter after chapter & get no where!!!
Okay so on chapter we find out that Bhric is pretty much a mutt… he is a combination of almost every species. “Unidentified beast” ( bear, wolf, cougar, witch, psychic & possibly a little dragon) Yet with all this species.. he seems pretty weak (I think) 🤔
Overall it wasn’t bad… I just wished he would stop beat around the bush & tell her from the beginning instead of waiting til chapter 20 for everything come to light!
I will give book 9 a try!
H- Bhric
h- Marcy (Nurse)
This book seriously irritated me to no end. With the back & forth between them 2. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!
(Now that I have let that out of our system) let’s start from the beginning. This is the 1st book I have read from this series which means I might be a little lost with the previous characters that keep popping in & out of this story.
Sooo it looks like they met in the previous book where her best friend is mated to a shifter & someone was having a baby & she called her best friend Marcy. With Marcy now knowing abt shifters it created an issue (I gather) I don’t really understand that part cause normally in shifter books EVERYONE is looking for their mate, their 2nd half to feel & be complete.. NOPE not Bhric. He wanted to part of it (they really don’t get into the reasons behind it) but he took Marcy to a witch to erase her short term memory MEANWHILE he kept checking on Marcy to make sure she is okay. The other clan/pack found out abt Marcy being his mate & are using her to get to him. (At least that’s what he thinks) which comes to the most irritating part of the story! Him not telling her anything. She is getting headaches which could be a side effect of what was done to her. And he still doesn’t want to tell her abt them being mates, him causing her to loss her memories, what species he is. Very frustrating to read chapter after chapter & get no where!!!
Okay so on chapter we find out that Bhric is pretty much a mutt… he is a combination of almost every species. “Unidentified beast” ( bear, wolf, cougar, witch, psychic & possibly a little dragon) Yet with all this species.. he seems pretty weak (I think) 🤔
Overall it wasn’t bad… I just wished he would stop beat around the bush & tell her from the beginning instead of waiting til chapter 20 for everything come to light!
I will give book 9 a try!
February 2, 2019
A great addition to the series
This was a great story with intense and quirky characters, lots of steamy intimate scenes, drama, mystery, and suspenseful twists. Overall it was a terrific book, as well as a great addition to the series.
I'm not sure if this is the final book in the series, but if so, there were a lot of questions left unanswered. Although I really enjoyed this series, there were a few issues that I would've liked to had seen corrected. There were several things (ie. plans, ideas, research, missions, etc..) that were brought up throughout the stories, but there wasn't any follow through on what I expected could've been an important part of the series. There were a couple of characters that seemed like they would've been important, possibly even had their own story, but then it seemed like they just vanished without another word about them. In each book there was a listing of the titles for this series, one which was Greer's story. However, when I looked for the book on Amazon, it wasn't listed with the rest of the series or under the author's page. I'm not sure what happened, or if this title is no longer available, but I felt like there was a lot missing that could've possibly been in that book. These are just some of the issues that I wish had been corrected. Although a lot of these things could've kept me from enjoying the series, I still really liked it, and would certainly recommend it to others.
This was a great story with intense and quirky characters, lots of steamy intimate scenes, drama, mystery, and suspenseful twists. Overall it was a terrific book, as well as a great addition to the series.
I'm not sure if this is the final book in the series, but if so, there were a lot of questions left unanswered. Although I really enjoyed this series, there were a few issues that I would've liked to had seen corrected. There were several things (ie. plans, ideas, research, missions, etc..) that were brought up throughout the stories, but there wasn't any follow through on what I expected could've been an important part of the series. There were a couple of characters that seemed like they would've been important, possibly even had their own story, but then it seemed like they just vanished without another word about them. In each book there was a listing of the titles for this series, one which was Greer's story. However, when I looked for the book on Amazon, it wasn't listed with the rest of the series or under the author's page. I'm not sure what happened, or if this title is no longer available, but I felt like there was a lot missing that could've possibly been in that book. These are just some of the issues that I wish had been corrected. Although a lot of these things could've kept me from enjoying the series, I still really liked it, and would certainly recommend it to others.
December 5, 2018
Such a delicious and exciting story!
I loved Bhric and Marcy's story so much more than I thought I would. March is stubborn and strong and that's cool. I know there's something more to her, like maybe she's some part succubus and may b e that's behind the Memphis thing...or maybe like a Siren? I hope that there will be future books and that answer will come through. I can't believe that this might be the last book in this series, it's just so good, and nuanced. Bhric is big alpha beast, got it, but he's more too, kind of embarrassed by all the pieces that he's derived from, so he's strong but broken. Marcy is more than he is I think, broken and strong, but you'll see. There is so much heat between them that it just kind of sizzles right through the book. I loved all the violence too, and the intrigue with the dragons. Dang, so many great things going on here. Just read it!
I loved Bhric and Marcy's story so much more than I thought I would. March is stubborn and strong and that's cool. I know there's something more to her, like maybe she's some part succubus and may b e that's behind the Memphis thing...or maybe like a Siren? I hope that there will be future books and that answer will come through. I can't believe that this might be the last book in this series, it's just so good, and nuanced. Bhric is big alpha beast, got it, but he's more too, kind of embarrassed by all the pieces that he's derived from, so he's strong but broken. Marcy is more than he is I think, broken and strong, but you'll see. There is so much heat between them that it just kind of sizzles right through the book. I loved all the violence too, and the intrigue with the dragons. Dang, so many great things going on here. Just read it!
November 25, 2020
Bhric's beast and book. Bhric is the alpha of the Deal's Gap community. He met his mate Marcy in book 6 but kept it a secret. His clan notices his frequent absences but doesn't know why. In book 7 it's revealed the Blackwood pack knows his secret and Bhric rushes to Marcy's side to protect her. Bhric has more than 1 secret, he had a witch wipe her memory for protection and his clan's. The spell changed Marcy and not for the better. She's not sure she can trust Bhric but when the wolves come for her, she has no choice. Marcy is also a NICU nurse and in the midst of this is offered the promotion of a lifetime. Can Bhric convince her they're mates? Bhric's animal isn't as beastly as he seems to think which was a bit of a disappoint to me, I was hoping for a dragon. Marcy is more than up to the challenge of taming said beast and they're a great couple. Another enjoyable Southern Shifter romance.
December 28, 2021
Long time since I read this series.
I didn’t go back and read last book which is unusual for me but didn’t find that a factor when reading and in this review.
Bhric really acts the idiot. He didn’t even work out what was going on, someone else pointed it out. How could you not understand that messing with someone’s memories is going to have repercussions. He was warned.
In this case health issues along with memory ones. He only went after his ATE, when there was a potential threat.
Marcy asked to have those memories removed, so she takes some of the blame, and freaking out when she is told was stupid.
I just really didn’t care by the end and thought these two nit wits deserved each other.
I did like Marcy’s attitude in her job though.
Simon and his research were more interesting.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
I didn’t go back and read last book which is unusual for me but didn’t find that a factor when reading and in this review.
Bhric really acts the idiot. He didn’t even work out what was going on, someone else pointed it out. How could you not understand that messing with someone’s memories is going to have repercussions. He was warned.
In this case health issues along with memory ones. He only went after his ATE, when there was a potential threat.
Marcy asked to have those memories removed, so she takes some of the blame, and freaking out when she is told was stupid.
I just really didn’t care by the end and thought these two nit wits deserved each other.
I did like Marcy’s attitude in her job though.
Simon and his research were more interesting.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
May 26, 2021
Sexy, Sexy, and More Sexy
Alpha Beast is book 8 of Eliza Gayle's Southern Shifters series. We finally get Bhrics story and what twisted tale it turns of to be. The Blackwoods are say it again bit this time they to after the most important thing in the world to Bhric, has potential mate. Hold on to your seat the ride is about to get bumpy. The hot alpha and has sexy mate heat up the story and make you wish you were living in Deals Gap too.
Alpha Beast is book 8 of Eliza Gayle's Southern Shifters series. We finally get Bhrics story and what twisted tale it turns of to be. The Blackwoods are say it again bit this time they to after the most important thing in the world to Bhric, has potential mate. Hold on to your seat the ride is about to get bumpy. The hot alpha and has sexy mate heat up the story and make you wish you were living in Deals Gap too.
May 28, 2019
Beast Gets a Girl
I really liked and related to the main female character. I would have liked to learn more about the male's animal. I also would have liked more info about the Blackwood pack, but I imagine this will be covered in other books in the series. I loved how open minded and game the protagonists were.
I really liked and related to the main female character. I would have liked to learn more about the male's animal. I also would have liked more info about the Blackwood pack, but I imagine this will be covered in other books in the series. I loved how open minded and game the protagonists were.
February 28, 2017
great addition to series. Good storyline,hot shifters,funny moments,great chemistry between Bhric and Marcy.Enjoy that past characters are included in this book. Need to get next book to see what happens when the Dragons come to town. May want to read this series in order.
July 10, 2017
Exceptional
Riveting read! I absolutely loved all the characters in this series. Especially the strong females. This series is a little different than most shifter books which makes it very entertaining. It is a must read. You will love the books and the author will thrill you.
Riveting read! I absolutely loved all the characters in this series. Especially the strong females. This series is a little different than most shifter books which makes it very entertaining. It is a must read. You will love the books and the author will thrill you.
July 10, 2017
Power play
Mistakes are sometimes hard to fix, especially when it deals with your mate. There are many unanswered questions left after this book and I hope we get more answers soon. These are a great bunch of books and this world is fantastic.
Mistakes are sometimes hard to fix, especially when it deals with your mate. There are many unanswered questions left after this book and I hope we get more answers soon. These are a great bunch of books and this world is fantastic.
November 18, 2017
This Alpha is a Beast
It was fun getting to know the Beast Bhric. Marcy is a force to reckon with and isn't afraid to stand her ground with Bhric. I love that for these two "Love doesn't come with conditions or qualifiers." Good story.
It was fun getting to know the Beast Bhric. Marcy is a force to reckon with and isn't afraid to stand her ground with Bhric. I love that for these two "Love doesn't come with conditions or qualifiers." Good story.
July 20, 2018
Alpha Beast
I think Marcy is pregnant and I was hoping to get to see if Kitty would be having a pup too. Bhric is so crazy and badass I wonder how much more dominant he could be for a hybrid.
I think Marcy is pregnant and I was hoping to get to see if Kitty would be having a pup too. Bhric is so crazy and badass I wonder how much more dominant he could be for a hybrid.
May 15, 2019
Review
I liked this whole series it was well written and easy to follow, the characters were likeable and you were always rooting for them to win. I wasn't crazy about how it ended, their was a lot more that I wanted answers to.
I liked this whole series it was well written and easy to follow, the characters were likeable and you were always rooting for them to win. I wasn't crazy about how it ended, their was a lot more that I wanted answers to.
March 10, 2024
BHric and March
The complications and strange happeningngs just don't stop. He finds his mate but let's her go to keep her safe then has to go get her to keep her safe. Have fun.
The complications and strange happeningngs just don't stop. He finds his mate but let's her go to keep her safe then has to go get her to keep her safe. Have fun.
November 16, 2025
Great Read!
I really enjoyed book 8 in this series watching Bhrik and Marcy travel their very rocky road to finding their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading book 9 in this series and will definitely recommend this book to everyone.
I really enjoyed book 8 in this series watching Bhrik and Marcy travel their very rocky road to finding their HEA. I'm looking forward to reading book 9 in this series and will definitely recommend this book to everyone.
July 3, 2017
Started out in promising lane , then did a quick turn into meh county real quick. Ending in wait...have I read this before? 😕 Same ole same ole script.
November 24, 2018
This story was just ok for me. Actually, I liked Marcy better than Bhric.
November 17, 2020
Poor Bhric
Poor Bhric doesn't stand a chance with Marcy.
She might be "only human" but she's got him wrapped around her finger.
And heart.
Poor Bhric doesn't stand a chance with Marcy.
She might be "only human" but she's got him wrapped around her finger.
And heart.
March 17, 2022
What a book!
Eliza Gayle has done it again. I could not put this book down, just needed to know what happened next. Love these Southern Shifters!
Eliza Gayle has done it again. I could not put this book down, just needed to know what happened next. Love these Southern Shifters!
January 31, 2023
I would say it was okay. Not as good as some of the older stories.
April 23, 2023
We finally get Bhric’s story and HEA! There were all sorts of breakthroughs and advances in the big plot, while some pretty intense moments for our couple. Great set-up for the series finale!
April 11, 2024
DNF. If you like spice with no plot this is the series for you. Not for me
October 12, 2016
Formulaic
This was an okay read. Very much an insta-love situation, and not really what the description made it out to be...or rather, everything in the description happened in the first chapter. I would have loved a lot more character development, as both main characters have potential for good complexity.
This was an okay read. Very much an insta-love situation, and not really what the description made it out to be...or rather, everything in the description happened in the first chapter. I would have loved a lot more character development, as both main characters have potential for good complexity.
October 26, 2016
Love this series!
Gayle has created a wild and fascinating world with amazing characters and intriguing plots. I love Deals Gaps extraordinary dragon's tale topography, and how the characters conquer it so skillfully. I can't wait to find out where Simon & Marcy's science will show, and where Galen is after his disappearance in this book.
Gayle has created a wild and fascinating world with amazing characters and intriguing plots. I love Deals Gaps extraordinary dragon's tale topography, and how the characters conquer it so skillfully. I can't wait to find out where Simon & Marcy's science will show, and where Galen is after his disappearance in this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews