Beta of the Penhul pack with a vampire? Over his dead body.
Lucian is bored. After a century of being a vampire, nothing surprises him anymore. Life, such as his can be called one, has become predictable. Humans are predictable. Add in the fact he’d rather not feed from them, and a visit with a witch friend of his clan is a welcome distraction. But when he meets Benedict, it’s anything but predictable, especially when he stumbles across the man transforming into a dog before his eyes. And never in an eternity did he think he would find himself wanting to drink the mutt’s blood.
As beta of the Penhul pack, Benedict knows pack comes first, like having to spend weeks away in the Lake District on pack business. But the last thing Benedict expects to find when he returns is his brother having found his fated mate, or worse, a vampire feeding from his witch. His homecoming definitely won’t go down as his finest moment, and he’s certainly not prepared for his reaction to the bloodsucker.
Can Benedict see past their differences and put aside his prejudices of vampires? Or will his choice of mate cost him his pack?
This MM romance from Beth Laycock features enemies to lovers, fated mates, a vampire with an aversion to feeding on humans, a sexy man that can shift into an adorable dog, and of course a HEA. The Beta’s Vampire is the second book in the Penhul pack series and should be read in order.
Beth Laycock’s books are influenced by her time living overseas as well as the gritty, urban landscape of the north of England where she grew up.
She has been reading romance since she was old enough to tell herself that line every book lover does—just one more chapter.
As a teenager she attempted to write her first novel, and many more since then that are still gathering dust on her bookshelf. It wasn’t until she discovered the M/M genre that her muse showed up and refused to quit telling her stories about beautiful men finding love together. She hasn’t stopped scribbling them down since. Beth’s muse usually shows up when she is in the shower, is allergic to cleaning, rarely lets Beth watch TV, and insists she drinks copious amounts of coffee so she can turn caffeine into words.
Beth’s books range from sweet to sexy, long to short, contemporary to paranormal, but a HEA is always guaranteed.
This was a sweet vampire shapeshifter story, which I really enjoyed.
It is my first book by this author and I will read more of her books. It is also the second book in this series but I had no troubles following the story but I will read the first book and definitely the next book in this series as I really want to know Quinns and Emorys story ... which will be two seperate books hopefully.
The world building here was interesting as there are vampires and separate from them shapeshifters, who act as familiars for witches. This was here not thoroughly explained but also not exactly needed for this story.
Benedict is beta of his pack and a really nice guy ... except sometimes due to his temper 😉
Lucien is a vampire who doesn't want to drink from humans and is a bit depressed before he meets Benedict.
The story is sweet and fit perfectly for a day on the beach.
Okay, he is not really a puppy, but their playing was still cute :D
I liked this story. It had a very good flow, which made reading it very easy and fluent. While the initial animosity between characters was a bit random, it developed nicely into romance. Benedict really was slow on the uptake that what he feels is a mate bond, but it was very clear to the reader what it was. Lucien was sweet and caring, despite being a vampire, and I liked him. I liked him even more when he stepped up to Benedict about his anger issues, and stopped their animosity. They went on a lot of walks, worked in setting up a shop, played and just enjoyed each other's company. They were a good match. The plot is very connected to the 1st book, which I haven't read, so it was full of spoilers about what happened before. Oh well. I still enjoyed the story as a pick-me-up read.
**I was provided an ARC of this book from the GRR for an honest review**
Fated mates done right! Not many paranormal werewolf stories that focus on beta characters (especially those that bottom) so I loved this one from the get go.
What starts off as a 'back off, you don't belong here' rage from Benedict's side towards Lucian, soon transforms into a lovely bond formed out intrigue, trust and attraction. As the two give in to their chemistry, they try to deal with their differences, society taboos and their own insecurities. Benedict's character was beautifully written and I loved all the side characters. The romantic bits were swoon worthy and the intimate scenes were hot !
Searching for a good vampire-werewolf romance, this one's for ya. Shall be looking forward to the next book in the series.
ohhhh this was good! love how it all started, a punch to the face, and ended with so much love. the enemies to lovers moment was a bit too short. but Lucien and Benedict was fun to read! they are so sweet and adorable together!! i think my favourite part is all the biting moments!
this is such a sweet and cute and fun storyline... i love that the pack is dogs.. i love that this has a vamp in it.. i love that they are trying to change and fix things.. its all around just an interesting series with lots of twists and turns and new things going on. very good
Independent reviewer for Gay Romance Reviews, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Penhul Pack, and you don't HAVE to read book one, The Alpha's Mate, before this one, but it might give you a better picture of this pack and how it works. There is something that happened in that book that is referenced here, related to, and you'll get the full story by reading book one. I did, I found it a good read.
Benedict is beta to the pack, but was elsewhere during the vast majority of book 1, he returns home late in that book, to find his witch feeding a vampire, Lucian, who is visiting the pack. Emory, the witch, is all too happy to help but something about Lucian rubs Benedict tha man, the wrong way. Benedict the DOG, however, is all roll-over-and-give-the-vampire-his-belly about him. Lucian, also, is . . .disturbed. . . I think is the best word, by his reaction to Benedict. Can the two get along for the short time Lucian is here, to help Emory?
I liked book one, it was different, and different is always good for me. I liked this one too, just a tad more!
Benedict's reaction to seeing HIS witch feeding the vampire was deep and powerful, but it's not til later, when he's calmed down a bit, that he realises just what he was reacting to. Not to the vampire feeding off Emory, but the fact that Benedict wasn't feeding him. Which throws him for a loop and messes with his head. Lucian's reaction to Benedict confuses him also, cos ain't no way he's feeding off a dog. Til he sees said dog and he starts to think about what he would taste like, what it would be like to feed off Benedict, and all the time.
The pack, understandably, is in a bit of turmoil already, after Drake, the Alpha, mated Addison, a man so the reaction to finding out another of their upper echelon has mated in a manner outside the box is actually surprising. The Governing Alphas are surprising. I expected there to be much uproar, but instead, the pack welcome another new member.
I was a bit confused about just why Benedict was so possessive of Emory, when, even after all this time, there didn't seem to be feelings for each other, other than a deep friendship. I was waiting for the revelation about who felt more for who but that never came.
There is, clearly, a much bigger picture going on here, what with Zander's (the pack witch) reaction to Quinn, who Benedict bought home from his visits, and Emory's reaction to Blade (Lucian's ward who visits) and i wonder which of these couples gets their story next. I'd love to read it! I'm intrigued by this pack and their stories, I really am.
I loved this 2nd book in the series as much as the first. The characters and worldbuilding are fabulous, and I enjoyed the different take on vampires. I liked catching up with characters from the previous book in the series too.
I enjoyed how Lucien defies Benedict’s stereotypical view of vampires, and how he doesn’t like feeding on humans. I enjoyed watching them both being in total denial about their attraction to each other, and that they could be mates. I liked how Benedict’s past still affects him, and how it’s not that easy to put it behind him. The scenes where Lucien and Benedict play while Benedict is in dog form are very sweet.
Emory is wonderful. I like the familiar/witch relationship which is much more than that. He and Benedict are friends and it shows in how they are protective of each other, yet Emory doesn’t take any nonsense either. I hope he gets his own HEA, especially with the hints that it might be on the horizon. I love the name of his shop. It’s perfect. I’m hoping to see more of Quinn too. I l liked him, and Blade.
Charles and Philip are total pieces of work, and I doubt Drake’s holding onto power is going to go smoothly in future books either.
This is very much a story about tradition and power, with factions within the pack not wanting to move on from the old ways, despite it making a lot of sense. Mistrust of other species is a huge thing, and I liked that the author didn’t shy away from that. I’m curious as to Zander’s discovery, and presuming that will come out in a future book as the storyline continues. I also love the family feel of the pack, and enjoyed seeing Addison and Drake again, and how their relationship has grown since the last book.
I liked how the mate bond is written, with the different scents, and how the pack members shift form. The worldbuilding is very well thought out and it felt like I was stepping into another world that could exist alongside ours, especially with humans being unaware of the existence of shifters, witches and vampires.
This was a great continuation to the Penhul Pack. Even after reading the first book, I am still surprised by the choices this author has taken in the supernatural realm. All for the good though, not the bad. I love the new spin on the different characters and how what is typically found on a book of supernatural order doesn’t exist within this series universe. I am seriously impressed!
From the very beginning my heart went out to Benedict. Even though he is the Beta and his brother is the Alpha he still feels alone within his pack. He’s initial reaction to Lucian is completely understandable. Emory is his witch and the only person who he feels is truly his. Absolutely, that is why he his the vampire when first meeting him. There couldn’t possibly be any other reason why he got angry. At least that is what we’re lead to think.
Lucian is a worldly different take on a vampire. Yes, there is the classic must drink blood to stay alive; however, what doesn’t fall under the classic umbrella…he won’t feed from humans. He is also quite reserved which is nice from the in your face I am superior vampire or the I am bored I’ve lived thousands of years and nothing is exciting or fulfilling anymore.
The author providing a dual point of view shows both meant struggling with their actions. How they typically would react to events vs. how they give up control with each other.
I am very excited I read this one and I am looking forward to the other stories in this universe to come!
I was so excited to read another book in the Penhul Pack series, and I wasn't disappointed. Much like the first, this struck a balance between sexual tension and humor in a creative paranormal setting. The two main characters are the beta of the pack, Benedict, and a visiting vampire, Lucien. This is what I'd characterize an enemies-to-lovers storyline. Benedict makes some snap judgements of Lucien at their first meeting which puts them at odds. However, the two are also drawn to each other, and the sexy times are super intense. This book picks up where the last one leaves off and continues a plot point, so even though there are different MCs here I suggest that you read the first book before this one. I really liked both Benedict and Lucien, particularly Lucien because I think that Benedict was not always fair to him. However, I still rooted for them as a couple and really enjoyed this romance. I liked the addition of a vampire, and vampire fans will like this one because the blood-drinking is integrated into the steamy moments. Overall, this is a fun, short, and hot addition to the series, and I'm excited to read what's next. **I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review**
Punched at First Sight!!! Wow.. this book was very original and fun in the Paranormal Genre! Benedict is the Beta of a pack of wait for it.. Dog Shifters !!! and he is a familiar for the Witch Emory!! He becomes a Black Lab! Lucien is an over 100 year old Vampire who comes to stay with Benedict's Witch Emory This starts right off with the hilarious situation of Benedict coming back after months away to find Lucien Drinking blood from "HIS" Witch!! His thoughts and reactions to the as he calls him the "More Smug then any Vampire has the right to be" Lucien are hysterical throughout! These two have such a fun and sarcastic chemistry in the beginning until eventually the steamy times together start!! Loved that the blood drinking was integrating in there!! Lucien is the best Vampire, his thoughts show us how fascinated and drawn to Benedict he is from start to finish! Loved all of the pack and other side characters. Quinn is adorable! Will Lucien and Benedict realize they are mates? Read to Find out!! I received an ARC of this book and I highly recommend you give it a read if you enjoy new original romances on shifters, mates, witches and vampires! Well written with a great world building and characters!!! Bring on the next book!
The Beta’s Vampire is the 2nd book in Beth Laycock’s Penhul Pack series. Lucian is a vampire who doesn’t like human blood and is tired of his repetitive life. Benedict is the 2nd in command of his pack of witch familiars who returns from a trip to many changes in his pack, especially finding a vampire feeding on his familiar. There is instant attraction between the two main characters along with tension, because being attracted to someone doesn’t necessarily mean you like them. I did find this book a little difficult to initially get into, and I found Benedict a bit of a “Man-Child” with a narrow life view for someone who is 2nd in command in his pack. As I got further into the story, I did find myself enjoying the romance between Lucian and Benedict. I do just wish they were a little more friendly or emotionally involved before they were suddenly “in a relationship”. I may have enjoyed this book more if I had read the first book in the series and would probably recommend most people starting there. All in all a solid story.
This is an interesting world that the author has created here: witches and familiars and now vampires. These familiars are domestic dogs and have a pack structure but they all have to remain hidden from humans. I am still not 100% clear on how the witches and familiars fit into each other’s packs and how those bonds form but this is still an enjoyable series. Benedict is the beta of their pack and brother to the alpha. The unrest started in book one is still present and their governing council has stepped in to rule on the whole situation. Lucian is a vampire who has been bored with life and has come to the pack for a while to stay. He never expected to be drawn to one of the “mutts” but he is fascinated by Benedict. This whole story is about these two overcoming some prejudice and having to go through the trial where Charles is being judges for his actions from the first book. It’s a good read.
Delightful continuation of the series with this new story that features on the Beta of the pack, Benedict. We met Benedict in book one as we watched Drake, the Alpha and his brother find his fated mate and work out their future. This is an enjoyable shifter/paranormal romance between Shifter dogs and a vampire, which I found very interesting. The characters are likeable and I enjoyed the writing and pacing of the story.
Lucian and Benedict have a bit of a twisty road to happiness and i enjoyed their journey. There were times I wanted Benedict to be more mature, but these guys do find a way and give us good story along the way.
This is book two of the Penhul Pack Series and I think is most enjoyable when read in sequence.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
Such a tease.... there are hints I picked up for at least 2 new books here.....
Anyways, Benedict is a the beta to the pack, but I dont think he ever really felt his place, until Luican cane along. Yes he felt that a vamp was not a good thing to have around his people, his pack. But as he got to have more one on one time with Luican. He realised he wanted him, but didnt believe it possible he was his fated mate. Lucien couldnt understand Benedict reaction, until he believed it was a behaviour designed against vampires, little did he know it was a bit of jealousy. Both men learn about themselves and each others nature in this story. Though, we do have quite a bit of history brought up, so please read book one, though you HONESTLY dont need to, it does help.
This is the second book in this wonderful series about witches familiars, who shift into dogs to protect them. Although you don't need to have read book 1, I would recommend that you do as the repercussions from that book still are ongoing in this one.
This book is about how first impressions are not always favourable - like the Beta of the pack Benedict punching his friends visitor Lucien in the face the first time they meet. I thought that they resolved their differences a little too quickly, but then there was definitely lots of chemistry and heat between Benedict and Lucien. This is a fun filled read with lots more to come I hope, I can't wait to find out which pair are next the possibilities are brilliant.
Ok, I'll admit this book had me at dog shifter/familiar, vampire and fated mates. The story more than lived jp to my expectations. Benedict and Lucian are great characters and their enemies to lovers journey is delightful to follow. These characters have depth outside the relationship too. It makes perfect sense that Lucian could have gotten bored with feeding on humans and just be kind of going through time with no real enthusiasm. The spark Benedict ignites surprises him and his emotional reawakening is nice to see. Benedict has some fear and prejudice to overcome. The author deals with the issues between them, doesn't just use the fact that they are fated mates to magically overcome all obstacles. They work for their much anticipated HEA.
This is a new author to me & I was really fascinated by this sweet vampire/shifter MM romance. The characters are from different species & individually each of them have interesting strong personalities and it was pleasant to see the relationship bloom as they both challenged & complimented each other. The plot is well-paced & has some unexpected incidents and heartwarming events. It is about: a vampire (Lucian Dupree) is completely stunned when he is punched in the face by a dog shifter (Benedict Penhulson) who is definitely not impressed with him or his species. There is: a council of governing alpha, various kinds of shifters, fated mates, prejudices, some action, drama, suspense, intrigue, humour, friendship, comradery, confrontations, misunderstandings, longings, distrust, strange attractions, playfulness, challenges, determination, some steam, love, contentment & a happy conclusion for this couple.
Benedict is the Penhul pack’s beta. He returns to find his witch feeding a vampire, that rubs him wrong. Lucian and Benedict both have a reaction in terms that they’re not sure what they’re feeling towards the other. I struggled with this one in the beginning. Benedict seemed kind of childish in terms of “HIS witch” and not giving Emory or Lucian time to explain why Lucian was feeding off of Emory. It took a bit for me to get into the story. I ended up rereading the first in the series and then this one. I ended up enjoying it as much as the first in the Penhul Pack story line. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
Penhul Pack, is a really good series. Sweet, funny, adorable connections among mates. Benedict meets his mate, Lucian, in a really weird way- feeding from his witch. What is he to do with that? They are left with no choice but to work it out. Having a vampire as a fated mate,wasn't going to be easy. Around your packmates? Overcoming Benedict's annoying ways, were definitely a start. Lucian and Benedict's characters were definitely different from my previous reads. It's always nice to see a new twist on romance. Excited to see what's in store for the rest of the series.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
I liked this. It was a nice, fun read that wasn’t too heavy or angsty. Yes, it’s technically enemies to lovers but they really don’t spend much time as enemies. I think it was more they both reacted antagonistically upon first meeting (it really didn’t go well) but that resolved not that long after once cooler heads prevailed. The relationship was sweet and I liked that there wasn’t too much drama. As I said, cute, easy read with something a bit different. It would also definitely work as a stand-alone though it would be enhanced by reading the first book.
I have to say, you definitely want to read the first book in the series to truly appreciate the events in this book. However it is not fully necessary as this book does gloss over the larger events that happened previously.
With that said, I really enjoyed reading about Benedict and Lucien falling in love. This enemies to lovers romance started out with an explosive meet cute followed by several chapters of animosity between the two men. They finally did give into their feelings though and fell into a deep love for one another.
I had read the first book in the series a while back so I was excited for this book! I’m glad the enemies-to-lovers aspect wasn’t drawn out too long, as that can get annoying when more and more ridiculous misunderstandings pile up to attempt to draw out the drama. The MC’s were likable, though I felt that Lucian could have been a little more strong? There were several mentions of how strong he was but it would have been good to see that, possibly in defense of Benedict. Overall, a good entry in the series and I will be looking forward to the next one!
It was so SWEET & ADORABLE!!! I absolutely loved it. I had so much fun reading and laughing. I love Benedict and Lucian and how they grew togethwr as a pair. I loved all the character and the storyline is so original. Moving away from the traditional werewolf and vampire lore. Also including witches. I loved that they got their HEA and I can not wait to see what happens next. I loved the emotional portrayel as well. Beth Baylock well done on an amazing book. I can not wait to see what happens next.
Must love dogs.. and vampires! Penhul Pack, is a really good series. Sweet, funny, adorable connections among mates.
Benedict meets his mate, Lucian, in a really weird way- feeding from his witch. What is he to do with that? They are left with no choice but to work it out. Having a vampire as a fated mate,wasn't going to be easy. Around your packmates? Overcoming Benedict's annoying ways, were definitely a start. Lucian and Benedict's characters were definitely different from my previous reads. It's always nice to see a new twist on romance.
Excited to see what's in store for the rest of the series.
**I received this ARC via Gay Romance Reviews for my honest feedback.**
Enemies-to-lovers isn't my favorite trope. but this book moved past that rather quickly, and I really enjoyed the mix and mingling of different paranormal species, including shifters, vampires, and witches. I had not read the first book, so I didn't know all the backstory, and I do recommend reading the first book in the series prior to this one. However, this book was still very enjoyable by itself, with only a few threads carrying over from book I, and I look forward to the rest of the series.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I am loving this series. Benedict is the pack’s beta in a pack that’s a little bit different. Lucian has been granted a visit to the pack, even though he’s a vampire. At first Benedict hated Lucian, jealous that he was close to his witch. They end up together but circumstances make Benedict doubt their very obvious chemistry. After not too long, they do have their hea. It’s a very nice addition to the series.
The Beta's Vampire is the second book in the series and follows the story of Benedict and Lucian. I like that it is a different take on the shifter genre and is all about Withes' Familiars that turn into dogs. This book also brings Vampires into the story. I enjoyed the book, although it is only an HFN. The characters are interesting and the story is different.
I really enjoyed this book. It had all the feels and sometimes you even wondered if Benedict was going to get his head on straight and go after what he really wanted. I can't wait for the next book as there is still the lingering problem with the other pack mates. I look forward to seeing who is next to get their happy ever after and maybe see what the deal is with Quinn.
I love this series. And the world has me hooked in. I enjoy getting each new story while continuing the overall story arc. Let’s not forget the teases this gives of who might be next. There is so many possibilities of where this series will go next and I can’t wait to find out.
A new one for me ‘ The Beta’s Vampire ‘- a witch, a vampire & a familiar all male When the vampire Lucian sees Benedict change into a dog it changes everything When Benedictine sees Lucian drinking the blood of the witch Emory he attacks Lucian This is the beginning of the story where will it end?