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Shifter Rescue #3

Baby and the Billionaire

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Zeke has always had the strength to fight for what he loves. But this time will he have the strength to walk away?

The shifter pack call him a human alpha, but Zeke Coleman knows he’ll never be one of them. Not really. And he hasn’t let it bother him in years, not until he meets a beautiful, damaged omega Darriel—and falls hard for the second time in his life.

After years of abuse, it takes a long time for Darriel to trust again, especially a human. But Zeke’s hang-ups about age and his place among shifters keep them apart, and Darriel forces himself to move on for the sake of his children. No matter how much he loves Zeke, Darriel refuses to risk another alpha who won’t love him back the way deserves.

But when Zeke is kidnapped and tortured by a panther clan, they can’t stay away from each other any longer. The problem is, everyone in Zeke’s life is in danger now, and he’s the only one who knows what’s going on. Even telling Darriel the truth could get him killed.

And he might be nothing more than a weak human, but Zeke will fight to the death before letting shifters hurt someone else he loves.

Sometimes it’s not about being an alpha in his body. It’s about being an alpha in his soul.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 31, 2022

159 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

About the author

Victoria Sue

115 books1,013 followers

Bullets and Babies!

Victoria writes about guys loving other guys in between dodging bullets, kidnappers, and serial killers. She enjoys putting them through hell to get their happy ever after—it’s a character flaw she embraces.

She also believes that family is who you choose, that dogs are often much wiser than human beings, and that we’re steadily destroying the world we live in.

And if people read more books, they'd be much happier.

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5 stars
352 (50%)
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247 (35%)
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86 (12%)
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16 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for yaishin.
904 reviews118 followers
May 3, 2022
Apparently, I may be a teeny tiny fan of mpreg. Actually, no. I think what made me binge-read this series was just how fascinatingly un-boring these peoples lives were😵.
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,794 reviews40 followers
March 15, 2022
Edited 3/14/22 to add my comments on the audiobook:
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

Fantastic story and audio performance!

I can’t say enough good things about John Solo’s performance of this story. The emotions he puts into his voice are spot on and I can always distinguish the different characters by the voices he uses. He continues to be one of my favorite audiobook performers.

Original review below:
I’ve been wanting Zeke’s story since this series started and I loved it. This series really needs to be read in order so that you can fully understand everything that’s going on.

Zeke and Darriel have been dancing around each other for a while and things finally come to a head in this book. As is Victoria Sue’s usual M.O. her guys have to suffer before they get their HEA but she never fails to see that they get one.

There’s a nice surprise for Darriel in the epilogue and I though it was a perfect way to finish out their story. I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful series!
Profile Image for Jacquie Stewart.
2,645 reviews74 followers
January 29, 2022
Although it's possible to read this as a standalone, I'm not sure I'd recommend it. I spent about 20% trying to figure out what was going on and feeling confused. Maybe a quick recap or mating chart would have been handy.
After I settled into the story I really enjoyed it. I liked the writing, the characters and the set up of the omega rescue. I'd have liked the mc's to talk a bit more but really felt their connection between them.
I found the world with the shifters and even their mythology to be fascinating and intend to pick up the rest of the series, in particular the next book.
Profile Image for Xiomara.
185 reviews
February 7, 2025
Heat read

I really liked that even though he was kidnapped it was not the main plot of the story. I really enjoyed how the story progress and I loved how they fell love with each other. It wasn’t like bam they are in love and devoted to each other, they got to know each other and develop their feelings as time went time.
Profile Image for SophiaH.
592 reviews12 followers
November 16, 2022
So far I could relate to Zeke and Darriel the most. I also think I figured out why I don't feel emotionally invested in the couples romantic relationship, as in all of them up til now. It is, because most of the book is quite packed full with action and plot. Every scene gives you insight or information into something, this leaves minimal room for scenes where the couple can emotionally bond and thus we as the reader with them. We "hear" how Zeke and Darriel bonded over Zeke reading to Darriel but weren't there. We jump from day to day without getting seemingly insignificant times were the two of them just get to know each other. This was where this book was better than the others. Zeke and Darriel had some moments together but they were over so quickly and glossed over so surface level you didn't have time to develop the emotion before it was already over. Like the moment when Zeke cried in Darriel's arms. You just don't get the urgency in the characters emotions. It is the difference for me between "oh I miss you" and my body burns for you, every fiber of my being - with him so far away my body is numb, waiting for its reason for living to return so it can finally start functioning again. You see?

All in all I enjoyed this edition and am looking forward to the last couples getting together. I can't wait to read Charles' and hope it won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion.
1,444 reviews53 followers
February 1, 2022
another brilliant story

I’ll never tire of this series. This is not a standalone. These two MC’s have history and development across all the books. This is Zyek’s story. We know that he is Emmits dad and R’s best friend/business partner. This has been a JOURNY!! It was such a pleasure to watch these two finally get their HEA. That was worth the wait. I love the authors writing, how she continues to build the world more and more and I feel like we are about to come to a great big something by the end of these stories, the smexy was great Daddy still got it! And the side characters are amazing. They all have stories or will have stories. Miss Sue how you gonna do us like that at the end with Red! Very excited to read the next story!
Profile Image for Marta.
365 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2022
I got an ARC copy of this book, and I must say I really liked It. I strongly recommend have read the previous books, for complete enjoyment of allí the subplots there are on here. But victoria Sue makes a wonderfull world, where you can actually feel those wolves as real as you can imagine. The story between Zeke and Darriell is pretty sweet, and there are just the necessary angst. I totally recommend theese series
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
February 4, 2022
Loved this story sooo much!! I’ve read all in the series and would definitely recommend reading the first two before starting this one. I loved seeing Zeke and Darriel get their HEA!! This story gripped me, kept me engaged and didn’t let me go!! Overall, a fantastic read!! The story was really well written, the pacing flowed smoothly, highly recommend. I am voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Cynthia Osborne.
382 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2022
This broke my heart and also made my heart sing. It’s hard to read in some areas because I wanted to hit things. Both Zeke and Darriel have their own demons to overcome. Together they show how to work together to become more to each other.

This is part of a series and highly recommend that you read in order.

I did receive an Arc for a review.
Profile Image for Dan.
1,740 reviews50 followers
February 10, 2022
I really enjoyed the story. Zeke is such a sweetheart and after so long beating himself, he deserves some love. I have to admit, I'm losing track of the characters. I could use the three word explanation of who they are at least once in the book. There's so many people!
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,797 reviews
February 12, 2022
I liked the story but didn't connect with Darriel and Zeke as a couple. Zeke always seemed liked he knew best when it's clear he needed to not keep secrets and communicate with everyone. I loved Darriel. His past was so brutal and it was hard for him to trust and more so when Zeke didn't seem to want him. I loved how he was friends with the other omega's. There was a lot going on in this book, and I should have read the previous book again to remind me of all the characters. Overall, I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,765 reviews113 followers
April 27, 2022
This story picks up where the previous book left off with Emmett's dad, Zeke, in the hands of a group of (probably) panther shifters who beat him to near death and threaten his loved ones. He finally agrees to help them and they left him go. (first phase of "really?" unreality)

Darriel, the sweet rescued omega who gave birth to twins in the last book sits at Zeke's bedside night and day, the others in the pack helping him to watch his babies while he does. Darriel and Zeke are fated mates and Darriel refuses to give up even when Zeke doesn't want an age-gap romance with the dear boy. Long story short, they end up together. Add one more note of unreality:

There's quite a few dangerous situations in this story and, sadly, a lot of Darriel being a fool and leading with his heart instead of his head. So much angst as well. And, a revisit from the Panthera (the panther equivalent of an alpha) and all the rest of the panther claw--dark suits and sunglasses for days. ;-)

I did like it more than the others, mostly because I'm an age-gap fan and Zeke was my idea of a sexy billionaire. So 3.5 stars overall. I don't think the panther issues are all resolved yet but I'm ready to move on with the series and hope the books keep getting better.
Profile Image for Books and Ko.
594 reviews6 followers
September 9, 2022
J’attendais ce tome avec impatience. Le tome précédent nous avait laissés sur notre faim quant à l’avenir de Zeke.
Si la résolution de l’évènement le concernant est un peu rapide à mon goût, cela reste complètement cohérent avec le reste de l’intrigue.
Grâce au style addictif de l’auteur, la lecture est fluide et le temps passe à une vitesse folle.
J’ai aimé l’évolution de Zke et Darriel. Chacun se révèle au contact de l’autre au point de bousculer toutes les croyances de la meute.
L’évolution de leur relation est également très réussie. Page après page, chacun prend pleinement son rôle et l’assume. J’ai beaucoup aimé leur dynamique.
Retrouver les autres membres de la meute est toujours agréable et permet au lecteur de suivre l’histoire de chacun.
Avec une intrigue riche en rebondissements, l’auteur nous emporte encore un peu plus dans son univers.
J’espère que la suite ne tardera pas trop, car certains éléments disséminés au fil des pages ont déjà attisé ma curiosité concernant les deux potentiels futurs couples.
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,935 reviews46 followers
June 26, 2025
Zeke Coleman, long viewed as a “human alpha” by the shifter pack, has accepted his outsider status—until he falls for Darriel, a wounded omega who’s survived years of abuse. Their connection is fierce but complicated by Zeke’s insecurities and Darriel’s reluctance to trust a human, especially for the sake of his children. When Zeke is kidnapped and tortured by a rival panther clan, their separation becomes impossible to maintain. Now facing a rising threat, Zeke must protect those he loves while guarding the truth that could destroy them all. He may not be shifter-born, but he leads with the heart of an alpha—one willing to risk everything for love.

I enjoyed this story which pulses with inner strength, emotional risk, and the defiant courage of the heart. It had all the ache and power of a romance forged in scars, plenty of emotions and feelings plus some danger. This was an MM story with mature content set in the omegaverse with MPREG.
4,897 reviews19 followers
May 29, 2022
Phew, that was close! Zeke, went through some things when he went through some physical and psychological manipulation. He was conditionally let go back at the pack. Darriel, was languishing over Zeke's absence. Ryker was stressed at not knowing Zeke's location. When he returned, everyone knew they needed to talk, but with the extensive injuries as a human, would he be able to recover? This was an all hands on deck story that affected the shifterworld as well as Ryker's group and Zeke's business. Will Zeke recover with no side effects? Will he get over his 'age, human' issues? Will Darriel get better? Exciting story. We get to meet new people who enhance the story. This series is fantastic! Well done!
Profile Image for Sharing The Book Love.
917 reviews16 followers
October 16, 2024
a bit confusing

towards the end it got a little confusing with all the characters and what happened...still not 100% sure i quite made it make sense but Darriel and Zekes story is a cute age gap opposites attract couple.

this def needs to be read in order as part of the series as its continuing story line .
Profile Image for Michelle.
3,281 reviews14 followers
September 13, 2024
WOW!! So Good!!

Well written story and well developed characters. Those are the most important attributes, to me, in a book. It needs to grab me and keep me until the end! This whole series does that exact thing! Emotional, thrilling, exciting, and a roller coaster ride! Love it!
Profile Image for Red Talisman.
93 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2022
Much better, not great, but better.

This again is a short read with great characters, a complex plot with stuff happening in the background between other characters and previously mentioned antagonists, romance with a lot of drama and angst plus a few... babies.

I love Zeke's character and I found him the most relatable and his line of thinking the most understandable and real. I was bothered then how easily some concerns about him and his relationship to Darriel/the shifters is brushed off. The inclusion of a new character and his interaction with Zeke by the end of the book felt like a sort of ex-machina/mcguffin type of situation that cheapened the relevance of those key points I connected with.

Darriel I liked since he appeared in book one. It was nice to see his relationship with Zeke go at a better/slower/more natural pace than the previous 2 couples. But once the main dish in this book got served his actions and feelings became erratic and silly. Obviously some tropes of omega verses I could expect and enjoy but using them at times felt cheap, too easy, while at other times more serious and relevant points of conflict were brushed off, even themes like trauma and its effects on Darriel's mental health and/or relationships to his new pack and to Zeke or even his kids.

I was pleased by how some topics were used to further the growth of the shifter world in the series as a bigger picture, even if it did feel out of nowhere.

A few characters felt so underwhelming while others and their plot lines feel fun and engaging. It's a rather mixed bag this book.

There was also a twist I wasn't expecting that put me off at first, because of how it was presented but I agree with anyway, it worked for the story and gave some more drama to the dramatic scenes at the end in a good way.

I was also uninterested in the following couple's book... but after reading the bits and pieces in this installment I'm more curious and perhaps... a bit hopeful? While the previous 2 made me consider leaving the series alone, I'm not waiting with bated breath but I am awaiting book 4. I have tho... skipped book 2.5 cause of... meh... but maybe I'll give it a go before 4 is published.

While I haven't recommended the previous 2 novelas in the series, I will say it may do reading them to get into Zeke and Darriel's story. It is a slow build, the quality of these books, but maybe the talent is showing more and more and will continue to improve. 3 ot of 5. Please support the author, even if not buying the books, review or comment on them since this world needs more talented writers improving their crafts instead of abandoning all efforts.
Profile Image for DebbieReadsBooks.
2,769 reviews50 followers
February 3, 2022
I was gifted my copy of this book.

This is book three in the Shifter Rescue series, and you really MUST read books one, Baby and The Wolf, and book two, Baby and The Panther, before this one. Zeke and Darriel have ongoing history across those books into this. I read book one, and gave it 3 stars, book 2 got 4, and this one?? Wait til the end!

Zeke is the money man behind the Shifter Rescue operation and has immediate attraction to Darriel when they met. Darriel was scared and broken then but has bloomed under the rescue's care. When Zeke is kidnapped and tortured, Darriel knows what Zeke is, WHO Zeke is, deep in his soul. He just needs Zeke to see it too. Zeke, however, being human, doesn't feel the pull quite so much, and given what he said he would do to escape the torture, Zeke tries to keep Darriel at arms length.

It took me a little bit to recall the ongoing plot line, to be honest, but it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of this book. I would say, try to read the books close together. I read a LOT, is all, and some things take a bit of time to come back to me.

Zeke, bless him, he tries to stay away from Darriel, he really does. But those baby girls pull at his heart as much as their daddy does and Darriel gets sick from Zeke being away, he comes home. And it really is HOME.

Emmett and Ryker play a huge part, as do Marco and Kai, and reference is made to their stories, so again, read their books before this one.

What I liked best about this one, was the time it takes for Darriel and Zeke to finally come together. I loved being made to wait, I really did.

There are some interesting revelations and discoveries made here! New characters are introduced, leading into the next book. And that book is one I'm waiting for. Becasue given what was discovered here?? Gonna be a very interesting read!

I can't *quite* stretch to 5 stars, but these books are getting better as better, for me, I think!

4.5 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
665 reviews16 followers
January 31, 2022
Baby and the Billionaire is the 3rd book in the Shifter Rescue series by Victoria Sue. I suggest that you read the previous 2 books first as the characters from them reappear in this story and you will want to know their backstories as well as the story line that continues throughout all the books. This is the story of Zeke and Darriel. Both men feel they are unworthy of the other because Darriel was rescued, has twin daughters, and carries a lot of baggage and Zeke feels he is too old for him and has had a mate who died. He also works long hours for the Shifter Rescue as well as his own business. However, both men feel the pull of being mates but it takes a while and a lot of trust for them to admit it. Along the way there is shifter business that has to be taken care of as well as finding out that some men are buying and selling omegas which impacts Zeke as well as their relationship. One of them may also be one of the most important shifters in the world and needs to be rescued as well as kept out of the hands of those who may want to harm him. As they develop a plan to help the omegas there is a lot of suspense and when the time comes to execute it the story comes to an explosive climax with both men caught in the middle. When it comes to an end they realize they are mates and don’t want to be without each other so they get their HEA. I enjoyed the book especially all the characters and the action that takes place in it. I was biting my nails when it came to the final rescue and wondering if they could pull it off. Victoria Sue has developed an intriguing take on her shifter world and how humans fit into it which makes you want to continue reading to find out more about it. I recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading upcoming stories in the series to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Bronwyn Heeley.
Author 41 books87 followers
February 7, 2022
I’m not sure what it was about this one but I just couldn’t see to get into it.

I don’t get me wrong I liked the characters enough, and it answered some questioned I didn’t even think to ask myself and gave us this cool new shifter we get to learn more about, however I just felt something was missing and honestly can’t put my finger on what that was. Maybe I didn’t like the characters enough? Maybe I’m not that great with long build up romances? (they do create expectation that can’t always inline with the authors I suppose) but something about the book just had me trudging through something I’d be able to read in one sitting (this book took a week to read).

Saying this, I did overall enjoy it once it was done and honestly, it’s sticking with me better than I thought it would. I can’t wait to see what comes from it.

You need to read the rest in the series for this one. not only because even though it kinda goes over what went down in the previous book it didn't enough that I'd have understood what was going on, now this isn't so important if what you're looking for is the romance and that's all, however this book sorta wraps up a few plot lines and continues some others and brings forward the next one. It's not that I think you'd be confused but that it would give you a much better overall look if you read the series’ first.
281 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2025
Baby and the Billionaire is an emotionally charged and deeply heartfelt M/M paranormal romance that blends shifter politics, found family, and second-chance love with tenderness and intensity. At its core, the novel asks what it truly means to be an alpha and whether strength is defined by power, status, or the courage to protect those you love.

Zeke Coleman is a compelling protagonist: a human among shifters, respected but never fully belonging. His relationship with Darriel, a wounded omega carrying the scars of past abuse, unfolds with patience and emotional authenticity. Sue handles Darriel’s trauma with care, allowing trust and love to build slowly and believably, grounded in mutual respect rather than dominance.

The external conflict Zeke’s brutal kidnapping and the escalating danger posed by rival shifter clans raises the stakes and propels the story forward without overshadowing the emotional core. Zeke’s determination to protect Darriel and his children, even at the cost of his own safety, reinforces the novel’s central theme: being an alpha is not about biology, but about heart, resolve, and sacrifice.

Balancing romance, suspense, and emotional healing, Baby and the Billionaire will resonate strongly with readers of omegaverse, M/M paranormal romance, and character-driven love stories that emphasize resilience, devotion, and chosen family.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,728 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2022
Fast paced action, drama and danger that starts on the first page.
Zeke has been hurt and when he comes back to the pack it's with some serious issues.
He's also waffling over his attraction to Darriel and hasn't come to terms with lingering trauma concerning his former partner.
Darriel has been through so much and he truly doesn't believe he's worthy of someone as amazing as Zeke.
As they struggle to maintain a relationship, Zeke continues to believe that he's just not right for Darriel for various reasons which end up hurting Darriel.
There's also a common danger to both the pack and claw which has them working together to protect themselves and innocents who need rescuing, in particular a young man named Bhodi who has caused quite a stir with Matthew/Red.
The looming threat has uncovered a secret that is worth killing for.
I loved seeing Zeke and Darriel finally work through their issues for their welll deserved HEA even though I did want to smack Zeke throughout the book for his indecision.
I am so excited about Matthew/Red and Bhodi's book because I know it's going to be great.
Profile Image for Courtney Wilson.
67 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2022
There is a lot going on in this book but it was almost too much. Many different POVs and a lot of the information is just told to the reader. On the other hand, Zeke just changes his mind about Darriel with no explanation and just starts kissing him and then immediately moves right on to sex. Then he inexplicably leaves in an effort to keep him safe, because leaving your mate alone for two weeks totally makes them safer. But, Darriel forgives and forgets. Zeke is not a bad person. There is a lot going on and he makes the right choices despite all of the threats. He asks for help instead of trying to handle it himself. Everything is solved in a couple pages, the end.

It's not my favorite Victoria Sue book, but it sets up the next one with Red and Bodhi which looks a lot more interesting.
Profile Image for Kochka94.
1,218 reviews10 followers
April 10, 2024
Après l'Alpha et le médecin de la meute, c'est au tour de Zeke, celui à l'origine de la création du refuge, celui sans qui la logistique ne serait pas possible, celui qui finance le tout... et aussi, spoiler alerte, le père du compagnon de l'alpha.

Zeke que nous avons quitté en bien fâcheuse posture à la fin du tome précédent. Zeke qui va devoir se poser les bonnes questions par rapport à ce qu'il ressent pour Darriel, le doux oméga, métamorphe et beaucoup plus jeune que lui.

Une histoire assez mignonne, sans prise de tête, où l'intrigue de fond avance, des alliances se consolident, la meute s'agrandit, des louveteaux en pagaille (un véritable élevage), un duo de frères ignobles, la découverte d'un métamorphe exceptionnel et une fin encore une fois qui me laisse... satisfaite d'avoir la suite dans ma palette à lire !)
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,019 reviews93 followers
February 1, 2022
I adored the first 2 books in this series that I was thrilled to recieve an arc copy of this one, and it was everything I hoped for. Darriel has just been through so much in his life, he definitely deserved to have a happily ever after. And Zeke was the perfect choice for a mate, the human alpha is protective, loyal, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep his family safe. There's still a lot of bonkers things happening to the shifters, and there are many shifters I want to read about, but Sue masterfully works each story to make you thrilled with what you have and excited for what comes next.
Profile Image for FHR.
1,081 reviews13 followers
February 1, 2022
Darriel was a rescued omega who had a past that he was still recovering from.
Zeke was a human alpha which he was perceived being less than for.
Even though they felt the pull of being mates, both Zeke an Darriel were hesitant to cement their bond.
But, when external forces cause them to reconsider, they learn to trust what they have between them.

This is a riveting story that is best read in order of the series. There is action, danger, suspense and passion.
The story arc carries through all of the stories and continues in the stories to come. I was just so glad Zeke an Darriel finally got together.
171 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2022
I've been looking forward to this story since Baby and the Wolf. Zeke our human alpha deserves his own mate after all he's been through, and all he's done. Poor Darriel deserves to have happiness, love, safety, and family. Despite some obstacles they both got their HEA and I couldn't be more happier for them. I can’t wait for Baby and the Warrior because these shifter rescue books just keeps getting better and the new turn of events is beyond amazing. I recommend this series if you love mixed shifters, found family, action, lots of babies, and mpreg. But please read in order for maximum enjoyment.
Profile Image for Jennifer K.
21 reviews
February 5, 2022
I’ve been waiting on this book ever since the author introduced these two. Zeke and Darriel have had such heartbreak in each of their lives, they deserved the happiness each brought to the other. The anguish that you felt from each of them as they fought to stay apart and stay together. I got frustrated with Zeke and Darriel with their miscommunication and their no communication. These two hardheaded men needed a wake up call, and it came in a devastating way. When Zeke was kidnapped and tortured we see how much it hurts Darriel. I absolutely loved watching both these men care, nurture, and ultimately heal each other. This book, these characters are my favorites! I can’t wait for more!
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