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Stoneraven Alphas #2
Beast Tamer
Gabe is alive and my life debt has been paid off, so all my problems should have been dealt with, right?
Wrong.
Oh, so wrong.
August, my gentle berserker, is missing. The crime lord I was once indebted to doesn’t seem to have got the memo that I don’t work for him anymore. And that’s not to mention whatever the hell’s going on between myself, Nico and Cass. Nico is nice now? Or at least he’s nice to me. While Cass is still keeping his distance.
Plus, now that Gabe’s back in our lives… or at least my life since he’s still slinking around in the shadows, he’s insistent on trying to tug my strings… and hold my hand wherever he can.
When things in Stoneraven reach a breaking point, we’re forced to head into the Underworld. My world might have got wider, but that just means my problems are getting bigger: Monsters, poison, people trying to control their inner beasts, are just some of our new challenges to face.
Lucky I’ve got more than one man at my side to help me through.
Beast Tamer is part two of three of a paranormal romance reverse harem series, meaning that at the end our heroine will end up with a happily ever after with more than one of our guys. It’s a slow burn featuring alpha-hole heroes who would burn the world down for our heroine, a sweetheart berserker trying to get a handle on his beast, and a part-demon, pain-eating heroine with a big heart and an even bigger martyr complex.
It also features scenes of a sexually explicit nature and bad language.
Wrong.
Oh, so wrong.
August, my gentle berserker, is missing. The crime lord I was once indebted to doesn’t seem to have got the memo that I don’t work for him anymore. And that’s not to mention whatever the hell’s going on between myself, Nico and Cass. Nico is nice now? Or at least he’s nice to me. While Cass is still keeping his distance.
Plus, now that Gabe’s back in our lives… or at least my life since he’s still slinking around in the shadows, he’s insistent on trying to tug my strings… and hold my hand wherever he can.
When things in Stoneraven reach a breaking point, we’re forced to head into the Underworld. My world might have got wider, but that just means my problems are getting bigger: Monsters, poison, people trying to control their inner beasts, are just some of our new challenges to face.
Lucky I’ve got more than one man at my side to help me through.
Beast Tamer is part two of three of a paranormal romance reverse harem series, meaning that at the end our heroine will end up with a happily ever after with more than one of our guys. It’s a slow burn featuring alpha-hole heroes who would burn the world down for our heroine, a sweetheart berserker trying to get a handle on his beast, and a part-demon, pain-eating heroine with a big heart and an even bigger martyr complex.
It also features scenes of a sexually explicit nature and bad language.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2022
100 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Essie Suter
14 books34 followersEssie Suter is a writer of paranormal and contemporary fantasy romance. She's a big fan of slow burns, enemies to lovers and forced proximity moments, whether the heroes are cinnamon rolls or alpha holes, the happily ever after is guaranteed!
Essie is a firm believer in the certainty of romance in uncertain times and finds fellow romance readers to be the best kind of people. She lives in the UK. When not ignoring the real-world swooning over love stories, she spends a lot of time cooking, wandering in the countryside, and smiling at other people's dogs.
Essie is a firm believer in the certainty of romance in uncertain times and finds fellow romance readers to be the best kind of people. She lives in the UK. When not ignoring the real-world swooning over love stories, she spends a lot of time cooking, wandering in the countryside, and smiling at other people's dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 17, 2022
This book was problematic for me, still enjoyable, but there were issues.
1. Gabe's character has holes. No one can see or touch him, but somehow he can "sometimes" move objects and his brother can "sometimes" see his shadow and Nico can "sometimes" feel his arm, you get the picture.
2. Cass's character made no forward progress in this entire book. By having him be a horrible person / man baby for the entire book, the author destroyed this character making him irredeemable. (imo)
3. Don't even get me started on Nico's character. I enjoyed the change, but unless he has a disassotiative personality this night and day switch just wasn't based in logic.
3. The big bad, Kitos, was overpowered with no logical build up.
4. The only plot progression was at the very end of the book, so I'm not sure that counts as progression because we never saw it actually progress.
*I will say I liked the development of August's character.
1. Gabe's character has holes. No one can see or touch him, but somehow he can "sometimes" move objects and his brother can "sometimes" see his shadow and Nico can "sometimes" feel his arm, you get the picture.
2. Cass's character made no forward progress in this entire book. By having him be a horrible person / man baby for the entire book, the author destroyed this character making him irredeemable. (imo)
3. Don't even get me started on Nico's character. I enjoyed the change, but unless he has a disassotiative personality this night and day switch just wasn't based in logic.
3. The big bad, Kitos, was overpowered with no logical build up.
4. The only plot progression was at the very end of the book, so I'm not sure that counts as progression because we never saw it actually progress.
*I will say I liked the development of August's character.
November 28, 2022
These books continue to surprise me! My expectations for the last book in the trilogy are pretty high now, but I have no doubt that Essie Suter will continue to deliver.
I’ve read a lot of reverse harem books in my life, most of them paranormal or fantasy, so I know what I like and what I don’t. And what I like are fleshed out characters with motivations, distinct personalities, and something to offer to the story. I’ve read books for the mindless smut, but not only is the smut in this book spectacular, the plot is both interesting and complex. I love when you can tell that an author has put thought and effort into planning out a trilogy, and I feel like that’s exactly what happened here. There are multiple plotlines throughout this book, and yet it doesn’t feel busy or overcrowded. Some of them get resolved neatly, some we find out are a part of the overarching plot and will hopefully be resolved in the last book.
Speaking of things I like in reverse harem books, men that are obsessed (in a good way) with the main character are really up there! And we definitely see that here.
If you’ve read the first book and felt like you didn’t vibe with the love interests, I urge to give this one a try. In this book, Essie really fleshes them out and gives them life, particularly Gabe, whose insane golden retriever energy has bumped him solidly into second place for me. (No one can beat August, he’s my baby and I love him) Cass continues to be a lukewarm character for me, but I think that’s kinda the point. I was pleasantly surprised by Nico! I loved his groveling and his understanding of the fact that he needed to earn Manon’s trust.
Overall, it was a great sequel to the first book, and I can not wait to see how the trilogy ends! I want them to be happy, and I will cry if they suffer. Which they probably will… Bring tissues…
(My actual rating is 4.5/5, but they hate half stars.)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’ve read a lot of reverse harem books in my life, most of them paranormal or fantasy, so I know what I like and what I don’t. And what I like are fleshed out characters with motivations, distinct personalities, and something to offer to the story. I’ve read books for the mindless smut, but not only is the smut in this book spectacular, the plot is both interesting and complex. I love when you can tell that an author has put thought and effort into planning out a trilogy, and I feel like that’s exactly what happened here. There are multiple plotlines throughout this book, and yet it doesn’t feel busy or overcrowded. Some of them get resolved neatly, some we find out are a part of the overarching plot and will hopefully be resolved in the last book.
Speaking of things I like in reverse harem books, men that are obsessed (in a good way) with the main character are really up there! And we definitely see that here.
If you’ve read the first book and felt like you didn’t vibe with the love interests, I urge to give this one a try. In this book, Essie really fleshes them out and gives them life, particularly Gabe, whose insane golden retriever energy has bumped him solidly into second place for me. (No one can beat August, he’s my baby and I love him) Cass continues to be a lukewarm character for me, but I think that’s kinda the point. I was pleasantly surprised by Nico! I loved his groveling and his understanding of the fact that he needed to earn Manon’s trust.
Overall, it was a great sequel to the first book, and I can not wait to see how the trilogy ends! I want them to be happy, and I will cry if they suffer. Which they probably will… Bring tissues…
(My actual rating is 4.5/5, but they hate half stars.)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 27, 2022
Ohhhhh boy!
Warnings:
#1) Paranormal creatures: demons, berserker, witches, shifters, etc.
#2) Don't be a prude: it's a bit steamy, but slowburning; MF; MFM.
#3) Check your triggers: trauma from parent neglect; servitude; kidnapping; orphans; experimentation.
#4) Cliffhanger: Book 2 in a series.
#5) 1st person POV; alternating chapters.
#6) Enemies-to-lovers.
Suter continues with her fantastic characters, and let me say 3 words: August, Nico, and Gabe. Holy smokes!
In this book, we get to see a whole lot more of the Underworld, plus a little peek into Kitos! (It was highly unexpected, but very exciting!) You also start to question Cass's judgment. And even though he feels whole-heartedly he did he right thing, he just keeps making things worse for the team.
You'll definitely enjoy this book...now, onto the next installment!
Warnings:
#1) Paranormal creatures: demons, berserker, witches, shifters, etc.
#2) Don't be a prude: it's a bit steamy, but slowburning; MF; MFM.
#3) Check your triggers: trauma from parent neglect; servitude; kidnapping; orphans; experimentation.
#4) Cliffhanger: Book 2 in a series.
#5) 1st person POV; alternating chapters.
#6) Enemies-to-lovers.
Suter continues with her fantastic characters, and let me say 3 words: August, Nico, and Gabe. Holy smokes!
In this book, we get to see a whole lot more of the Underworld, plus a little peek into Kitos! (It was highly unexpected, but very exciting!) You also start to question Cass's judgment. And even though he feels whole-heartedly he did he right thing, he just keeps making things worse for the team.
You'll definitely enjoy this book...now, onto the next installment!
June 15, 2024
3,5
While I enjoyed this book, there were some things that really bothered me.
I have to say I LOVE Mannon, btw.
Anyways, while I did like the characters, I did feel like Nico turned out to be another character. It's like he was suddenly replaced by someone we hadn't been introduced. And I get that he suddenly realized that he loved Mannon but... I guess everything with him was too quick.
The other thing that greatly bothered me about this book is the pet names for FMC. I find that the use of them by each of the MMC's was VERY OVERUSED. Gabe and "cupcake" drove me very crazy at some points. I had to replace her name because it truly was unbearable.
Anyways, it was still a good read. I'd dropped this book and I picked it up again because I really like the FMC's power. I'll see if I read the last book of the series.
While I enjoyed this book, there were some things that really bothered me.
I have to say I LOVE Mannon, btw.
Anyways, while I did like the characters, I did feel like Nico turned out to be another character. It's like he was suddenly replaced by someone we hadn't been introduced. And I get that he suddenly realized that he loved Mannon but... I guess everything with him was too quick.
The other thing that greatly bothered me about this book is the pet names for FMC. I find that the use of them by each of the MMC's was VERY OVERUSED. Gabe and "cupcake" drove me very crazy at some points. I had to replace her name because it truly was unbearable.
Anyways, it was still a good read. I'd dropped this book and I picked it up again because I really like the FMC's power. I'll see if I read the last book of the series.
October 10, 2022
Just as good as the first book in the series - I couldn't stop reading it. Every opportunity before/after work I was reading it to see what would happen next.
This book picks up immediately where the first one left one with Manon looking for August with Nico, while dealing also dealing with issues from the twins (Gabe & Cass). I love how much more of the world we get to see with this book and absolutely love Nico's grandparents. Just as you think you have an idea of how the story is going to continue there is another twist thrown at the group - especially that cliffhanger.
I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the 3rd book in the series.
This book picks up immediately where the first one left one with Manon looking for August with Nico, while dealing also dealing with issues from the twins (Gabe & Cass). I love how much more of the world we get to see with this book and absolutely love Nico's grandparents. Just as you think you have an idea of how the story is going to continue there is another twist thrown at the group - especially that cliffhanger.
I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the 3rd book in the series.
October 21, 2022
Beast Tamer is book two in the Stoneraven Alpha series.
It picks up exactly where Shadow Chaser left off. Manon's berserker, August has gone missing and she and Nico need to find him. There are also issues going on with Cass and Gabe. It was great to see more of Gabe this time round.
The world and character building was so much better in this book and we get to learn more about the Underworld.
I enjoyed this more than Shadow Chaser and I'm looking forward to reading book three, Pain Eater.
It picks up exactly where Shadow Chaser left off. Manon's berserker, August has gone missing and she and Nico need to find him. There are also issues going on with Cass and Gabe. It was great to see more of Gabe this time round.
The world and character building was so much better in this book and we get to learn more about the Underworld.
I enjoyed this more than Shadow Chaser and I'm looking forward to reading book three, Pain Eater.
November 4, 2022
Great
I read and enjoyed both books in this series (so far). I loved the FMC, Manon, especially her curse and drive to help others. I liked the MMCs but their treatment of the FMC and then the flip flopping of their feelings was frustrating and felt a bit inauthentic. The pacing was great and kept me intrigued and entertained. Though I didn't notice many, if any, typos there were a couple of inconsistencies such as the timeline for Manon and at one point in book 2 August was Atlas. Overall, I thought these books were fun and am looking forward to book 3.
I read and enjoyed both books in this series (so far). I loved the FMC, Manon, especially her curse and drive to help others. I liked the MMCs but their treatment of the FMC and then the flip flopping of their feelings was frustrating and felt a bit inauthentic. The pacing was great and kept me intrigued and entertained. Though I didn't notice many, if any, typos there were a couple of inconsistencies such as the timeline for Manon and at one point in book 2 August was Atlas. Overall, I thought these books were fun and am looking forward to book 3.
February 8, 2023
Great follow-up to the firsts book. The mystery keeps developing and takes us to the underworld where new dangers are abound. I did find that some details were missing when it came to the bigger events, such as the retrieval of August, but all in all the story flows well. My favorite part is the retelling of a particular scene by the different characters; it was beautifully done. I will definitely be looking for the final book to this story! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2022
I absolutely love Manon, August, Nico, Cass and Gabe. The connection Manon has with each one is amazing. I love that Gabe we get to experience more of Gabe in this book. While some connections get closer others drift farther apart. This series keeps getting better as it goes. I can't wait for the next book!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
And I thought the first book was good… This book blew it out of the water. Riveting, emotional and spicy enough to help the story along.
I found myself falling completely in love with all 4 males in different ways and for different reasons.
10/10 would recommend happily
And I thought the first book was good… This book blew it out of the water. Riveting, emotional and spicy enough to help the story along.
I found myself falling completely in love with all 4 males in different ways and for different reasons.
10/10 would recommend happily
December 19, 2022
Great addition!
This book picks up where the first left off, now they must find August.
I feel like we learn a lot more in this book and the twists and turns it takes kept me guessing. There was action, some humor, steam and more.
I like seeing the relationships change and grow between Manon and the guys. Of course some more than others.
Overall, great read.
This book picks up where the first left off, now they must find August.
I feel like we learn a lot more in this book and the twists and turns it takes kept me guessing. There was action, some humor, steam and more.
I like seeing the relationships change and grow between Manon and the guys. Of course some more than others.
Overall, great read.
January 4, 2023
Get your favorite PNR characters and some different ones in this book. I don't think I've had very many books that had berserkers in it before. It does have some triggers so if you have any, please read that first.
The book is well written, excellent plot, excellent character development. Steamy yet slow burn. It is a definite must-read for any PNR fan. Cliffhanger and all lol.
The book is well written, excellent plot, excellent character development. Steamy yet slow burn. It is a definite must-read for any PNR fan. Cliffhanger and all lol.
June 20, 2024
Loving this series
Beast Tamer is the second book in this series and a great continuation. Two worlds are now at risk and Manon is trying heal both worlds...even if she puts herself at risk. She has several sweet guy standing by her, but one who can't seem to get over himself. And one obsessed bad guy who thinks he owns her and will do what it takes to have her.
Beast Tamer is the second book in this series and a great continuation. Two worlds are now at risk and Manon is trying heal both worlds...even if she puts herself at risk. She has several sweet guy standing by her, but one who can't seem to get over himself. And one obsessed bad guy who thinks he owns her and will do what it takes to have her.
June 9, 2025
This book was a continuation from book 1.
Enjoyable and easy read. Fun characters. Lots happening with everyone and it was nice starting to see the different relationships forming in their own individual ways.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Enjoyable and easy read. Fun characters. Lots happening with everyone and it was nice starting to see the different relationships forming in their own individual ways.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2022
Great book two. We learn more about the underworld as the author continues with her awesome world and character building. The relationships between Manon and her men continue to grow. Can't wait for the next book.
November 24, 2022
This second book was full of spice, action and surprises. Relationships grow stronger as we see more of Gabe. Great character and world building make this so exciting. Looking forward to reading the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 25, 2023
I loved this second installment! The plot thickens as do the FMCs interactions with the guys. I barely set this book down, it draws you along with a great balance between action and romance and intrigue! But dang if it didn't end with another cliffhanger! Can't wait to read the next book :).
January 12, 2024
Action and love
This is the second book in a series, and it is just better as it goes along. It is full of action and slow learning of trust and love. I could not put this book down at all.
This is the second book in a series, and it is just better as it goes along. It is full of action and slow learning of trust and love. I could not put this book down at all.
December 6, 2022
3.5 Overall stars for the series. My review is on the first book's page :)
December 12, 2022
I really enjoyed book two. There is plenty more of Manon and her mates, hot sexy scenes, action, fight scenes, drama, and a very fast paced story.
January 7, 2024
Ouch!
That's some dire twist to the storyline. Great book with action and angst aplenty. Interesting take on the underworld. Next book please.
That's some dire twist to the storyline. Great book with action and angst aplenty. Interesting take on the underworld. Next book please.
Read
February 23, 2024It’s taking me ages to read as I have to have breaks…sign of a good book.
June 6, 2024
DNF 65%. Really wanted to like this, but just lost complete interest in the middle of the book.
June 25, 2024
Full review at Pain Eater.
November 9, 2022
The second installment of the trilogy, and this book had me hooked as much as the first!
The adventure in this book is enrapturing. I read this book immediately after finishing the first and I was not disappointed!
The spice is hotter, the characters more developed, the storyline more intense.
This book left me highly anticipating the next!
I was fortunate enough to receive receive an ARC for free through Booksirens and leave this honest review voluntarily.
The adventure in this book is enrapturing. I read this book immediately after finishing the first and I was not disappointed!
The spice is hotter, the characters more developed, the storyline more intense.
This book left me highly anticipating the next!
I was fortunate enough to receive receive an ARC for free through Booksirens and leave this honest review voluntarily.
January 24, 2023
After the events that happen in the conclusion of the first book, I dived right into this and baiscally devoured it, haha. Beast Tamer improved on everything we got to see in the first installment, with more fleshing out of how things work in the world and also new character introductions, which was so fun to see. I absolutely loved getting to see more of and it was so cute seeing his interactions with Manon. It's always super fun when authors have delayed introductions and Essie executed it quite well here. 🥰
One negative thing was Cass really grew on my nerves here, which is unfortunate since literally everyone else is fine. He has his motivations for his actions, but his thought process and logic is just so flawed that it really hurts him as a character. Since he's the only one who's acting out so negatively, it just felt jarring, especially with the events at the conclusion of this book. Absolutely loved the development with the rest of the guys though and their dynamics with Manon! August's development was so sweet, and it was fun seeing Nico come around too! The action and twists and turns were really fun. Super excited to dive into the next book and can't believe that it's the last already!!
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🥈Silver 🥈
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Shadow Chaser: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈
Beast Tamer: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈
Pain Eater: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈
One negative thing was Cass really grew on my nerves here, which is unfortunate since literally everyone else is fine. He has his motivations for his actions, but his thought process and logic is just so flawed that it really hurts him as a character. Since he's the only one who's acting out so negatively, it just felt jarring, especially with the events at the conclusion of this book. Absolutely loved the development with the rest of the guys though and their dynamics with Manon! August's development was so sweet, and it was fun seeing Nico come around too! The action and twists and turns were really fun. Super excited to dive into the next book and can't believe that it's the last already!!
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🥈Silver 🥈
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Shadow Chaser: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈
Beast Tamer: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈
Pain Eater: A Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🥈
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews