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Steel Pack Alphas #1
The Chase
Alpha Blake Steel is running out of time. Moon madness is taking its toll, and he still hasn't found his fated mate. He can feel her. He knows she's close by. The idea of taking another is unbearable, but unless he finds her soon, he'll have no choice. Waiting any longer will cost him his life. With the clock ticking, and an old enemy circling, will Blake have to do the unimaginable and leave her behind to save himself and his pack?
This is a steamy, dual POV, MF paranormal romance. Blake is a possessive alpha wolf shifter, and his mate is a human with no clue what she's in for when this suave, charismatic Alpharoll walks through her door. HEA and no cheating guaranteed.
This is a steamy, dual POV, MF paranormal romance. Blake is a possessive alpha wolf shifter, and his mate is a human with no clue what she's in for when this suave, charismatic Alpharoll walks through her door. HEA and no cheating guaranteed.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
867 people are currently reading
1404 people want to read
About the author
Reece Barden
51 books510 followersReece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
March 31, 2023
The Chase is the first book in The Steel Pack Alphas series, but the fourth full-length novel from an interconnected series of shifter romances released by Reece Barden. Following in the vein of her earlier releases, it involves a sexy and protective shifter who will do anything for his mate, a strong woman, mate bonds, and a HEA. While you could read this one as a total standalone if you have read the books in the Shifters of Grey Ridge, you will enjoy Zoe and Blake’s story more – Zoe’s sisters are main characters in that series, and there are timeline overlaps.
I appreciated that Zoe was written as a strong FMC who had a career and life before she met her fated mate, Blake. That her profession was a veterinarian gave me a few chuckles. I liked that Blake never sought to change her and even hesitated to secure the mating bond out of the desire to protect her from harm. Though I enjoyed Blake and Zoe’s love story, I didn’t have the same emotional connection with them as I had with previous main characters.
For a fated mates, instant-attraction romance, the steam was slower building. While there was a pull to each other, Blake wanted to make sure Zoe had the choice to resist the pull, not be compelled to act by the drive. Things turn steamy and continue once they give in to their desires.
This book contains some interesting twists that put some additional intrigue into the overarching interconnected storyline, with the introduction to a new villain and some crazy family secrets that are unearthed. I look forward to the continued storyline in the next book in the series.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Tropes/Features: Wolf shifters, fated mates, mate bites, protective MMC, human FMC
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, instant-attraction, medium burn
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA in interconnected series
I appreciated that Zoe was written as a strong FMC who had a career and life before she met her fated mate, Blake. That her profession was a veterinarian gave me a few chuckles. I liked that Blake never sought to change her and even hesitated to secure the mating bond out of the desire to protect her from harm. Though I enjoyed Blake and Zoe’s love story, I didn’t have the same emotional connection with them as I had with previous main characters.
For a fated mates, instant-attraction romance, the steam was slower building. While there was a pull to each other, Blake wanted to make sure Zoe had the choice to resist the pull, not be compelled to act by the drive. Things turn steamy and continue once they give in to their desires.
This book contains some interesting twists that put some additional intrigue into the overarching interconnected storyline, with the introduction to a new villain and some crazy family secrets that are unearthed. I look forward to the continued storyline in the next book in the series.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Tropes/Features: Wolf shifters, fated mates, mate bites, protective MMC, human FMC
Narrator: Dual 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: MF, instant-attraction, medium burn
Book Type/Ending: Standalone with HEA in interconnected series
February 8, 2024
A bit chaotic
The flow and transitions of scenes and information in this story was very chaotic.
There were many times I had to reread something because the author just popped in things, mid-scene. For instance, Zoe and Blake are walking in a cabin, she hasn't been feeling well, then she runs to the bathroom to vomit, and comes back freaking out about the water they were drinking is poisoned. Only.. the author said they were in the car (she was dozing) and then they walk in.. nowhere is water brought up until she has her epiphany. So I spent ten minutes rereading passages to find out where I missed the water coming in.. *hint* I didn't, it was just a surprise slip-in. This happens a LOT!!
Zoe is talking about herself in the start of the book, she mentions a brother a lot.. and then randomly mentions a twin. Halfway through the book we find out there's another sister.
The characters were flat, the story never actually went anywhere, and there was more intimate scenes than sense. Every single question the author presented about Zoe and Blake's family were left unanswered, but the next book is about a different couple so I will not be finishing this series. I'm sad I wasted my time on this flop.. it was a promising idea.
EDIT**
I just realized this was a spinoff to a series I previously read and gave up on. The original series (Shifter's of Grey Ridge) focused on Hayley and Cooper, but featured the devilish alpha Steel. I am glad I didn't realize the two series were related until after I finished the review. I would not have been so gracious. Alpha Steel was VERY suave, and tempting in the original, but a complete husk of that character in his actual book. Also the fact that no one from Cooper's pack (including Cooper himself) put two and two together when Alpha Steel was so drawn to Hayley but she was Cooper's fated mate that MAYBE his fated mate was her IDENTICAL TWIN SISTER was lazy and infuriating!!!
The flow and transitions of scenes and information in this story was very chaotic.
There were many times I had to reread something because the author just popped in things, mid-scene. For instance, Zoe and Blake are walking in a cabin, she hasn't been feeling well, then she runs to the bathroom to vomit, and comes back freaking out about the water they were drinking is poisoned. Only.. the author said they were in the car (she was dozing) and then they walk in.. nowhere is water brought up until she has her epiphany. So I spent ten minutes rereading passages to find out where I missed the water coming in.. *hint* I didn't, it was just a surprise slip-in. This happens a LOT!!
Zoe is talking about herself in the start of the book, she mentions a brother a lot.. and then randomly mentions a twin. Halfway through the book we find out there's another sister.
The characters were flat, the story never actually went anywhere, and there was more intimate scenes than sense. Every single question the author presented about Zoe and Blake's family were left unanswered, but the next book is about a different couple so I will not be finishing this series. I'm sad I wasted my time on this flop.. it was a promising idea.
EDIT**
I just realized this was a spinoff to a series I previously read and gave up on. The original series (Shifter's of Grey Ridge) focused on Hayley and Cooper, but featured the devilish alpha Steel. I am glad I didn't realize the two series were related until after I finished the review. I would not have been so gracious. Alpha Steel was VERY suave, and tempting in the original, but a complete husk of that character in his actual book. Also the fact that no one from Cooper's pack (including Cooper himself) put two and two together when Alpha Steel was so drawn to Hayley but she was Cooper's fated mate that MAYBE his fated mate was her IDENTICAL TWIN SISTER was lazy and infuriating!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
After reading Alpha's Saviour this is the book I was looking forward to the most, mostly because I called this when I read it. It was a good read and their first meet is definitely the most unique one that I've read. The introduction of witches and vampires took me by surprise but I'm not mad about it. Also the twist near the end, totally caught me by surprise. I was expecting some of it () but not all of it. Overall, a fun read especially since we got a fierce FMC to match an equally fierce MMC. Catch me binging this series and the companion series over the next few months.
January 27, 2024
DNF 69%- I’m sorry but the random added drama “the water is poison” like good fucking bye
April 9, 2023
I am a sucker for a good fated mates shifter romance, and The Chase absolutely delivered! Alpha Blake, who is not only alpha of his own pack but of other packs too, decided to hold out for his fated mate. Even though it appears he’s suffering from moon sickness, he’s determined he’ll find her. Zoe is a veterinarian who just took on her own practice and is so excited to build her life’s dream. Then one night their worlds collide and all the sexy, cute, and alphahole yumminess ensues. There were a few twists I didn’t see coming, but I absolutely loved this story and can’t wait for the rest of the series!
November 16, 2024
I was disappointed by Blake and Zoe’s story. Maybe I expected too much since I was really looking forward to it. I’m glad I read it after book 3 of the grey ridge series because of the twists. But this was just not it. The spice was spicin’ tho.
September 30, 2024
The book starts out with a dramatic break-in at the FMC’s home/workplace, and then quickly loses steam and becomes sort of a dull contemporary romance for the bulk of it. The MCs kiss a bit, argue over whether fated mates are real or “just pheromones” (hot take: emotions are just hormones and electrical signals flying around in your brain; nothing is real) and then go on a boring date which ends when someone FMC barely dated in the past pops by to say hi, and the MMC gets creepily invested in finding out whether they’ve had sex:
FMC finds this inexplicably hot, but I was disgusted. They’ve known each other for less than 24 hours and they haven’t even slept together and he’s already this possessive? Good grief. Why does every romance novel FMC have to be an untouched 19-year-old virgin while every MMC is a hyper-slutty 30-year-old alpha chad with controlling tendencies? It’s so creepy! He also punishes her with spanking for disobeying him with issues of safety, (ordering her to remain/go to a specific safe place, she leaves to find/help him anyway) and I disliked the intermixing of significant safety threat + sexy punishment. Spanking should be a game, a fake punishment for, like, bratting, not a solution for REAL problems. And it should be done with pre-negotiated consent, because it’s BDSM! No, “I can smell her arousal” does not count as consent.
By 40% of the way through the book I was basically over it, kept getting distracted opening other apps cause I was so bored. MMC continues to be creepily unsexy and controlling with her time and angry over every little interaction with a man. I pushed to finish, but it just wasn’t really worth it.
"So, you and Matt…" He keeps his gaze fixed on the table and I notice the muscles along his jaw are clenched tight.
"Dated. Yes," I say, curious to see how this will play out. "Briefly."
[…] "And you've… ?" His brow furrows, and I can clearly see he’s uncomfortable even asking.
"Kissed," I finish for him.
[…] It’s like watching a storm cloud build and churn as he struggles to contain himself. "I know it's none of my business, but I have to know," he grits out, with what can only be a low growl starting deep in his chest. Primal and possessive.
[… all of these edits are me trying to make this passage not so effing boring and long FYI …]
"Know what?" I whisper, fidgeting in my seat. […] This can't be normal.
"Has he touched you? Has he tasted you?" His voice is low and gravelly. Using his knee, he forces my legs apart under the table and I gasp as he reaches out to trail his fingers along the seam at the crotch of my jeans.
"Blake…" His name comes out as a moan, and I whip my head around to check whether anyone overheard and is watching us.
"Has he Zoe? [sic] Has he felt what's mine around him?"
[…]”Jesus, Blake. No, nothing like that!"
FMC finds this inexplicably hot, but I was disgusted. They’ve known each other for less than 24 hours and they haven’t even slept together and he’s already this possessive? Good grief. Why does every romance novel FMC have to be an untouched 19-year-old virgin while every MMC is a hyper-slutty 30-year-old alpha chad with controlling tendencies? It’s so creepy! He also punishes her with spanking for disobeying him with issues of safety, (ordering her to remain/go to a specific safe place, she leaves to find/help him anyway) and I disliked the intermixing of significant safety threat + sexy punishment. Spanking should be a game, a fake punishment for, like, bratting, not a solution for REAL problems. And it should be done with pre-negotiated consent, because it’s BDSM! No, “I can smell her arousal” does not count as consent.
By 40% of the way through the book I was basically over it, kept getting distracted opening other apps cause I was so bored. MMC continues to be creepily unsexy and controlling with her time and angry over every little interaction with a man. I pushed to finish, but it just wasn’t really worth it.
July 31, 2025
I loved this story for several reasons.
1. When Hayley, Cooper’s mate, met Alpha Blake Steel in the first of the overlapping series (this is the 4th in the wolf Shifter’s of Grey Ridge and the 1st in Steele Pack Alphas); I hoped the author would have her twin sister Zoe meet Blake as he had hoped that if Hayley wasn’t already involved, she could be his chosen. He was NOT looking for a Hayley replacement.
This story starts with Blake experiencing moon madness, which happens to alpha wolves who don’t settle down with a chosen mate if they don’t come across their fated mates. He stumbles upon Zoe who is a veterinarian, and they save each other when her office/kennel is broken into. He sniffs her out and is sure she is his fated mate. During the failed robbery he is relieved to find he has met Hayley’s twin. Zoe is also deeply attracted and finds out he is a wolf.
While they are exploring a relationship, new and old enemies threaten their quickly intensifying relationship. Zoe follows Blake to his pack to further address how they can be together and continue to get to know one another while he continues to battle his illness.
The second reason I liked this book is that Zoe proves to be as feisty as her sisters Leah and Hayley. The alpha tricks don’t work on her as well and she is a smart, resourceful Vet who enjoys the simple things in life. Their intimate moments were HOT! Blake was determined to protect her and learns he could only provide an equal partnership without secrets if he wanted to be with her.
The third and final reason I liked this book was the inclusion of other paranormals other than shifters and the plot thickened with an introduction leading to additional books in this series!
1. When Hayley, Cooper’s mate, met Alpha Blake Steel in the first of the overlapping series (this is the 4th in the wolf Shifter’s of Grey Ridge and the 1st in Steele Pack Alphas); I hoped the author would have her twin sister Zoe meet Blake as he had hoped that if Hayley wasn’t already involved, she could be his chosen. He was NOT looking for a Hayley replacement.
This story starts with Blake experiencing moon madness, which happens to alpha wolves who don’t settle down with a chosen mate if they don’t come across their fated mates. He stumbles upon Zoe who is a veterinarian, and they save each other when her office/kennel is broken into. He sniffs her out and is sure she is his fated mate. During the failed robbery he is relieved to find he has met Hayley’s twin. Zoe is also deeply attracted and finds out he is a wolf.
While they are exploring a relationship, new and old enemies threaten their quickly intensifying relationship. Zoe follows Blake to his pack to further address how they can be together and continue to get to know one another while he continues to battle his illness.
The second reason I liked this book is that Zoe proves to be as feisty as her sisters Leah and Hayley. The alpha tricks don’t work on her as well and she is a smart, resourceful Vet who enjoys the simple things in life. Their intimate moments were HOT! Blake was determined to protect her and learns he could only provide an equal partnership without secrets if he wanted to be with her.
The third and final reason I liked this book was the inclusion of other paranormals other than shifters and the plot thickened with an introduction leading to additional books in this series!
November 9, 2025
I’m in my werewolf romance mood what can I say!!!
This book was much better than the other I read by the same author but mostly because I enjoyed the characters more! The other one I was so pissed about one of the plot points, but hey that’ll be for that review.
This was fun, easy, and the perfect amount of trashy I like in some of my werewolf books! Main critique I have is I wish there was more depth to the characters and their relationships but hey I can look past it for a good time.
3/5⭐️
This book was much better than the other I read by the same author but mostly because I enjoyed the characters more! The other one I was so pissed about one of the plot points, but hey that’ll be for that review.
This was fun, easy, and the perfect amount of trashy I like in some of my werewolf books! Main critique I have is I wish there was more depth to the characters and their relationships but hey I can look past it for a good time.
3/5⭐️
November 14, 2024
This is ok. Narrators are good. This wasn’t as great as book 1 of the other series. I probably won’t move on in the series.
June 4, 2025
La storia sarebbe anche carina, se solo non fosse scritta male…
December 15, 2022
Soo good
November 2, 2024
3.5 star
January 1, 2026
Interesting turn in the plot to explain why all 3 sisters are the fated mates of shifters. Very interested to see where that goes and how it will also affect their brother.
March 22, 2023
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
4/5⭐️
2.5/5🔥
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖:
MF/dual POV/paranormal/shifter/fated mates/small town/possessive alpha/HEA
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is book 1 of the Steel Pack Alphas. While not required, I strongly suggest reading at least The Alpha's Saviour and The Alphas Revival prior to reading this book. Set in the same world, these two books come prior to The Chase. There are family ties between the characters in these books so they do have quite a bit of cross over between the series.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Blake Steel is the Alpha of not only his pack, but the head Alpha over all the packs in his territory. These shifters put a lot of conviction into fated mates and a lot of them try to hold out for their 'fated' mates but Blake is worried his time to find her is running out... leaving him susceptible to the dreaded Moon Madness that plagues unmated shifters after a certain age. He can feel her, he knows she's close, but seems just out of reach... until a quick convenience store stop has her scent the strongest it's ever been. Strong enough he can finally follow it...
Zoe Walker is a veterinarian living in a small town on the outskirts of Steel Pack territory. She's independent and sassy, but when a break in has a man coming to her rescue, her whole world gets flipped upside down. Zoe gets rapidly thrown into a world of shifters she never knew existed. She feels the pull to Blake, feels the soul deep connection... but can they overcome their trials and tribulations before the madness takes over?
I devoured this book! I always get immediately drawn into Reece's books. I fell in love with Blake from his first appearance in the Shifters of Grey Ridge Series and I have highly anticipated this book ever since. This was fast paced and hard to put down. I love the twist Reece put in this book and the suspense definitely kept me craving more. Zoe and Blake are going to be a serious power couple and I'm excited to see more of them as the series continues. I'm really enjoying Reece branching out into the bigger paranormal world and incorporating other paranormal species. I am totally here for it!
Of course Blake and Zoe got their happy ending... but let's also talk about the minor open ended plot line...I would be lying if I said I'm not totally intrigued by a certain character, even having mixed feelings regarding this particular person... so I can't wait to see where Reece takes the rest of this series! I also have so many theories flying around for Max's book, so bring it on!!
side note: this book may or may not have made me realize how much a miss Leah's crazy self, ha!
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
He's a wolf in sheep's clothing, and we couldn't be more different.
I have a feeling that being taken over the knee by Blake Steel wouldn't be a punishment at all.
"Zoe, the only bite you should get from me is when I'm buried deep inside you, and you're screaming my name as you come. Milking my release with your tight cunt as I fill you up."
4/5⭐️
2.5/5🔥
𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐖/𝐓𝐖:
MF/dual POV/paranormal/shifter/fated mates/small town/possessive alpha/HEA
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰:
This is book 1 of the Steel Pack Alphas. While not required, I strongly suggest reading at least The Alpha's Saviour and The Alphas Revival prior to reading this book. Set in the same world, these two books come prior to The Chase. There are family ties between the characters in these books so they do have quite a bit of cross over between the series.
𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Blake Steel is the Alpha of not only his pack, but the head Alpha over all the packs in his territory. These shifters put a lot of conviction into fated mates and a lot of them try to hold out for their 'fated' mates but Blake is worried his time to find her is running out... leaving him susceptible to the dreaded Moon Madness that plagues unmated shifters after a certain age. He can feel her, he knows she's close, but seems just out of reach... until a quick convenience store stop has her scent the strongest it's ever been. Strong enough he can finally follow it...
Zoe Walker is a veterinarian living in a small town on the outskirts of Steel Pack territory. She's independent and sassy, but when a break in has a man coming to her rescue, her whole world gets flipped upside down. Zoe gets rapidly thrown into a world of shifters she never knew existed. She feels the pull to Blake, feels the soul deep connection... but can they overcome their trials and tribulations before the madness takes over?
I devoured this book! I always get immediately drawn into Reece's books. I fell in love with Blake from his first appearance in the Shifters of Grey Ridge Series and I have highly anticipated this book ever since. This was fast paced and hard to put down. I love the twist Reece put in this book and the suspense definitely kept me craving more. Zoe and Blake are going to be a serious power couple and I'm excited to see more of them as the series continues. I'm really enjoying Reece branching out into the bigger paranormal world and incorporating other paranormal species. I am totally here for it!
Of course Blake and Zoe got their happy ending... but let's also talk about the minor open ended plot line...I would be lying if I said I'm not totally intrigued by a certain character, even having mixed feelings regarding this particular person... so I can't wait to see where Reece takes the rest of this series! I also have so many theories flying around for Max's book, so bring it on!!
side note: this book may or may not have made me realize how much a miss Leah's crazy self, ha!
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
He's a wolf in sheep's clothing, and we couldn't be more different.
I have a feeling that being taken over the knee by Blake Steel wouldn't be a punishment at all.
"Zoe, the only bite you should get from me is when I'm buried deep inside you, and you're screaming my name as you come. Milking my release with your tight cunt as I fill you up."
July 29, 2025
This one was not for me
(Spoilers ahead)
I loved Blake's character in the first book of this series and I wanted to read his story.
The first couple of chapters were very good, the way the meet too, but honestly afterwards the plot was just off for me.
There were too many scenes that were rushed and they didn't really have an end, the characters start doing something and then the plan changes, and then the plan changes again. The books continuity was not good either, I didn't feel like there was a beginning, middle, climax and end to the story.
The Blake in this book was nothing like the charming, attentive, funny and laid back character I loved in the first book, and Zoe was kinda lame as a character. I can't say there's anything that stood out to me from her like a character.
There were so many subplots that none of the twists of the story really surprised me, because they were too out of the blue, and not developed enough.
And then the thing that was very cringy for me was the whole spanking... not my cup of tea. I think I skiped around 6 chapters that were only they hooking up.
But what really killed Blake for me as a character was him killing one of his oldest friend in cold blood. With no explaining, no follow up. She was a terrible villan, and the whole half-brother subplot was not at all interesting, because he just comes out of nowhere, leaves all the sudden, and appears again. And then that part was unresolved.
So yeah... this one was not for me, and maybe I was just too exited to read Blake story and he wasn't the character I expected him to be. I had a very hard time to finish the book.
(Spoilers ahead)
I loved Blake's character in the first book of this series and I wanted to read his story.
The first couple of chapters were very good, the way the meet too, but honestly afterwards the plot was just off for me.
There were too many scenes that were rushed and they didn't really have an end, the characters start doing something and then the plan changes, and then the plan changes again. The books continuity was not good either, I didn't feel like there was a beginning, middle, climax and end to the story.
The Blake in this book was nothing like the charming, attentive, funny and laid back character I loved in the first book, and Zoe was kinda lame as a character. I can't say there's anything that stood out to me from her like a character.
There were so many subplots that none of the twists of the story really surprised me, because they were too out of the blue, and not developed enough.
And then the thing that was very cringy for me was the whole spanking... not my cup of tea. I think I skiped around 6 chapters that were only they hooking up.
But what really killed Blake for me as a character was him killing one of his oldest friend in cold blood. With no explaining, no follow up. She was a terrible villan, and the whole half-brother subplot was not at all interesting, because he just comes out of nowhere, leaves all the sudden, and appears again. And then that part was unresolved.
So yeah... this one was not for me, and maybe I was just too exited to read Blake story and he wasn't the character I expected him to be. I had a very hard time to finish the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
*Thank you to the author for reaching out and offering an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
The Chase is a wolf shifter fated mates paranormal romance with some action and twists! Blake the possessive alpha of alphas who is suffering from moon madness due to not finding a mate, and Zoe, stubborn vet who knows nothing about the shifter world.
I greatly appreciated the MCs being older, as well as the dual POV. I found I got to know both Blake and Zoe quite well, and am intrigued enough to go back and read The Shifters of Grey Ridge series for the other characters' stories.
I did find the book to focus more on Blake both in storyline and character depth, which is understandable since he has more going on, but I wish there had been a smidge more to Zoe than her vet business. She very easily accepted the shifter world and I think there could've been more character building for her.
The plot and steam comes first in The Chase, which made this a quick binge read for me! There is a mystery to be solved and no third act breakup (yay!). One the twists was fabulous and is part of the reason I look forward to continuing in this series and going back to the previous characters in Grey Ridge.
This is an instalove situation, and accepted mates basically within a week. Blake is absolutely gone for Zoe, though she does take more coaxing and is adamant about continuing to run her business. The open door scenes were great, though I personally am not a fan of the nickname "angel."
CW: violence, sexual content
The Chase is a wolf shifter fated mates paranormal romance with some action and twists! Blake the possessive alpha of alphas who is suffering from moon madness due to not finding a mate, and Zoe, stubborn vet who knows nothing about the shifter world.
I greatly appreciated the MCs being older, as well as the dual POV. I found I got to know both Blake and Zoe quite well, and am intrigued enough to go back and read The Shifters of Grey Ridge series for the other characters' stories.
I did find the book to focus more on Blake both in storyline and character depth, which is understandable since he has more going on, but I wish there had been a smidge more to Zoe than her vet business. She very easily accepted the shifter world and I think there could've been more character building for her.
The plot and steam comes first in The Chase, which made this a quick binge read for me! There is a mystery to be solved and no third act breakup (yay!). One the twists was fabulous and is part of the reason I look forward to continuing in this series and going back to the previous characters in Grey Ridge.
This is an instalove situation, and accepted mates basically within a week. Blake is absolutely gone for Zoe, though she does take more coaxing and is adamant about continuing to run her business. The open door scenes were great, though I personally am not a fan of the nickname "angel."
CW: violence, sexual content
March 20, 2023
This is book 1 of the Steel Pack Alphas. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, Reece has a previous series (Shifters of Grey Ridge) and there is quite a bit of crossover. I recommend reading the other series first so you can understand the timeline better.
The Chase follows Zoe and Blake, Zoe is a veterinarian who is very independent. Black is the High Alpha for all Packs. They meet during a cray robbery and Blake realizes the Zoe is his true mate. The issue is that Zoe has no idea that Shifters are real and Blake is dealing with Moon Madness which is a sickness that shifters can get when they cannot find their mates. He isn't sure if it can be reversed but doesn't want to stay away from Zoe. They both have some growing pains but their story is worth the read!
I loved this book. I do wish that I would have read thee other series first because as I said above, there is a lot of backstory that I felt would have helped the story make more sense to me. I think having the background would have helped the story flow a bit better as I was reading. Having said that. I truly enjoyed the story and the characters are amazing. While we get a HEA, they to through hell getting there. There were some surprises that left open the possibility for the series to continue. I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this one 4.5 stars but have rounded up.
The Chase follows Zoe and Blake, Zoe is a veterinarian who is very independent. Black is the High Alpha for all Packs. They meet during a cray robbery and Blake realizes the Zoe is his true mate. The issue is that Zoe has no idea that Shifters are real and Blake is dealing with Moon Madness which is a sickness that shifters can get when they cannot find their mates. He isn't sure if it can be reversed but doesn't want to stay away from Zoe. They both have some growing pains but their story is worth the read!
I loved this book. I do wish that I would have read thee other series first because as I said above, there is a lot of backstory that I felt would have helped the story make more sense to me. I think having the background would have helped the story flow a bit better as I was reading. Having said that. I truly enjoyed the story and the characters are amazing. While we get a HEA, they to through hell getting there. There were some surprises that left open the possibility for the series to continue. I look forward to reading more from this author. I give this one 4.5 stars but have rounded up.
October 3, 2024
I like a lot of things about this author's work. Unfortunately I also dislike a lot of things so 3 stars seems fair.
The upsides. I really liked both Blake and Zoe as characters and I enjoyed their love story. Blake was especially adorable. I also really liked Leah so I'm probably going to get her book in the Shifters of Grey Ridge Series to see if I enjoy reading about her and Rex. The antagonist is this one was actually very interesting and definitely not what I expected. The writing is also easy to read and understand. I read a lot of Wattpad fiction so clear easily understood writing is always a huge plus.
Now the downsides. The world building in this universe is somewhat shallow. Cross species hybrids are just casually introduced in this book with no explanation and I feel like as the first book in a new series a little info would be helpful. So you really have to just let the story flow without thinking too hard or questioning anything which is not my favorite thing. There are a lot of Haley cameos in this book and I absolutely hate how her character has evolved since her Grey Ridge book so that really dragged the book down for me. Also there are just too many sex scenes. So many in fact I debated tagging them so I could keep a tally of how many there were. After a while they feel like extremely repetitive filler. I wanted to read about the actual plot in this one not a sex scene every 25 pages. This doesn't only apply to this book many paranormal romances have this problem. Sooo many repetitive sex scenes with huge dicks, wet panties and constant screaming on the part of the heroine. It gets extremely wearing to read.
After reading some spoilers for the next book in this series I am opting not to continue. First the way Sharon was originally described it seemed like she was elderly and I won't be able to let go of that impression to picture her with Max romantically. May December romances are not my jam. 2nd it's a threesome romance with Matt the rancher who dated Zoe. I hate everything about that sentence and I feel like Max deserves better.
The upsides. I really liked both Blake and Zoe as characters and I enjoyed their love story. Blake was especially adorable. I also really liked Leah so I'm probably going to get her book in the Shifters of Grey Ridge Series to see if I enjoy reading about her and Rex. The antagonist is this one was actually very interesting and definitely not what I expected. The writing is also easy to read and understand. I read a lot of Wattpad fiction so clear easily understood writing is always a huge plus.
Now the downsides. The world building in this universe is somewhat shallow. Cross species hybrids are just casually introduced in this book with no explanation and I feel like as the first book in a new series a little info would be helpful. So you really have to just let the story flow without thinking too hard or questioning anything which is not my favorite thing. There are a lot of Haley cameos in this book and I absolutely hate how her character has evolved since her Grey Ridge book so that really dragged the book down for me. Also there are just too many sex scenes. So many in fact I debated tagging them so I could keep a tally of how many there were. After a while they feel like extremely repetitive filler. I wanted to read about the actual plot in this one not a sex scene every 25 pages. This doesn't only apply to this book many paranormal romances have this problem. Sooo many repetitive sex scenes with huge dicks, wet panties and constant screaming on the part of the heroine. It gets extremely wearing to read.
After reading some spoilers for the next book in this series I am opting not to continue. First the way Sharon was originally described it seemed like she was elderly and I won't be able to let go of that impression to picture her with Max romantically. May December romances are not my jam. 2nd it's a threesome romance with Matt the rancher who dated Zoe. I hate everything about that sentence and I feel like Max deserves better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
Blake is fighting to meet his mate
Blake is the Alpha of all alphas. A huge responsibility, one he normally delights in. Recently though, confusion and acting very off has him thinking that moon madness is taking over. He needs to get away for a bit. His beta, Max totally agrees.
Upon going into a nearby town, Glad stops by a grocery store. Catching a whiff of a delicious scent, he's gobsmacked to discover his mate was here! Who is she? Where is she? He needs to meet her.
Zoe is a veterinarian and so busy with her new clinic, many things like stocking her fridge, gets missed. She stops at the grocery store, after eating dinner.
Zoe notices a car is following her to the clinic. Who could it be, maybe a client from the clinic? The lights on there car goes off, setting alarms ringing throughout her body. Her bother Chase, installed a security system when she bought the clinic. Now, she thankful. She just needs to get inside there, call the police and pray they'll leave.
Blake goes into the store to find out who his mate is. The clerk is unfortunately no real help, but suggests he check out the diner next door. Blake is determined to seek the answers. He's dressed up for this part of town, but oh well.
Blake is the Alpha of all alphas. A huge responsibility, one he normally delights in. Recently though, confusion and acting very off has him thinking that moon madness is taking over. He needs to get away for a bit. His beta, Max totally agrees.
Upon going into a nearby town, Glad stops by a grocery store. Catching a whiff of a delicious scent, he's gobsmacked to discover his mate was here! Who is she? Where is she? He needs to meet her.
Zoe is a veterinarian and so busy with her new clinic, many things like stocking her fridge, gets missed. She stops at the grocery store, after eating dinner.
Zoe notices a car is following her to the clinic. Who could it be, maybe a client from the clinic? The lights on there car goes off, setting alarms ringing throughout her body. Her bother Chase, installed a security system when she bought the clinic. Now, she thankful. She just needs to get inside there, call the police and pray they'll leave.
Blake goes into the store to find out who his mate is. The clerk is unfortunately no real help, but suggests he check out the diner next door. Blake is determined to seek the answers. He's dressed up for this part of town, but oh well.
December 19, 2023
a straight through, steamy, paranormal, romance
I grabbed this book by chance when searching Goodreads for a paranormal romance to fill a reading challenge quota.
I read The Chase straight through - not putting it down until the very last page was read, which happened to be just after 3am. Starting a new book before bed is a rookie move, but how was I supposed to know that I would love Barsen’s storytelling, characters and steamy scenes?!
The Chase has fated mates - my favorite, an Alpha - also a favorite, and a strong, independent FMC. I loved the suspense of the love story, the questioning and over arching “who is the bad guy”? and the other characters in the book were awesome.
Blake was the perfect Alpha, strong and dedicated and Zoe was no weakling and could hold her own to Blake and others.
Since this was by first book by Barden I didn’t know their individual stories, but they were told well and I didn’t feel like I was missing any holes in their backstory but I also didn’t feel inundated with backstory either. So now that I called in sick today, I will be starting book two in the series, The Hunt. Yay, Max!
I grabbed this book by chance when searching Goodreads for a paranormal romance to fill a reading challenge quota.
I read The Chase straight through - not putting it down until the very last page was read, which happened to be just after 3am. Starting a new book before bed is a rookie move, but how was I supposed to know that I would love Barsen’s storytelling, characters and steamy scenes?!
The Chase has fated mates - my favorite, an Alpha - also a favorite, and a strong, independent FMC. I loved the suspense of the love story, the questioning and over arching “who is the bad guy”? and the other characters in the book were awesome.
Blake was the perfect Alpha, strong and dedicated and Zoe was no weakling and could hold her own to Blake and others.
Since this was by first book by Barden I didn’t know their individual stories, but they were told well and I didn’t feel like I was missing any holes in their backstory but I also didn’t feel inundated with backstory either. So now that I called in sick today, I will be starting book two in the series, The Hunt. Yay, Max!
June 23, 2024
2.75/3 Stars
New to me author. Was a little wary at the start because I haven't had the best of luck reading shifter romances outside my known/fave authors. They're all usually disappointing to me and often I DNF them.
However, this one was surprisingly okay? I'm extremely picky so I don't think I can be as generous as to claim it was good or great but it was decent. I didn't hate it, and I liked both MCs which is a big compliment considering my track record with disliking heroines 😂
While I was thrown off a bit with the UK English spelling it eventually became less noticeable. I did find it curious I had no idea where this story actually takes place though. It was never noted or explained and it kinda bugged me a bit but nothing too big.
Overall it was an okay read. Easy to follow despite not reading the previous series it's connected to. The steam was pretty good and I didn't hate the way this author wrote her wolves or their history. I DID find this book entirely too predictable sad to say, especially regarding Jenna and her intentions, but what isn't these days?
I plan to check out the rest of this series and prob the previous series as well.
New to me author. Was a little wary at the start because I haven't had the best of luck reading shifter romances outside my known/fave authors. They're all usually disappointing to me and often I DNF them.
However, this one was surprisingly okay? I'm extremely picky so I don't think I can be as generous as to claim it was good or great but it was decent. I didn't hate it, and I liked both MCs which is a big compliment considering my track record with disliking heroines 😂
While I was thrown off a bit with the UK English spelling it eventually became less noticeable. I did find it curious I had no idea where this story actually takes place though. It was never noted or explained and it kinda bugged me a bit but nothing too big.
Overall it was an okay read. Easy to follow despite not reading the previous series it's connected to. The steam was pretty good and I didn't hate the way this author wrote her wolves or their history. I DID find this book entirely too predictable sad to say, especially regarding Jenna and her intentions, but what isn't these days?
I plan to check out the rest of this series and prob the previous series as well.
January 22, 2025
Oh the drama!!
Loved this book!! This book is tied in with the connecting steel pack from the first 3 books.
The MMC is Alpha Blake who is terrified he’s getting ‘moon madness’ as he gets older and remains unmated. He knows he could stop the signs by choosing a mate but his heart and his wolf tell him to hold out for the fates, that if he can hold on to his sanity a little longer it will be worth it, but holding on, will it cost him his pack and his life if people find out he’s losing control.
The FMC Zoe works hard and … that’s it, all she does it work hard. Her sisters are finding true loves and she barely has time to attend their wedding. When her Veterinary clinic is broken into and she ‘accidentally’ shoots someone in the leg with a tranquilliser dart, she doesn’t realise that someone is not only there to save her, is her fate and also the alpha to all alpha’s …. Oops
Secrets from packs and family are discovered in this book as well as more questions and the real mystery of whodunnit when everything seems to have ‘been tidied up too easily’
Love this series and at this point I’m reading a book daily
5⭐️2🌶️
Loved this book!! This book is tied in with the connecting steel pack from the first 3 books.
The MMC is Alpha Blake who is terrified he’s getting ‘moon madness’ as he gets older and remains unmated. He knows he could stop the signs by choosing a mate but his heart and his wolf tell him to hold out for the fates, that if he can hold on to his sanity a little longer it will be worth it, but holding on, will it cost him his pack and his life if people find out he’s losing control.
The FMC Zoe works hard and … that’s it, all she does it work hard. Her sisters are finding true loves and she barely has time to attend their wedding. When her Veterinary clinic is broken into and she ‘accidentally’ shoots someone in the leg with a tranquilliser dart, she doesn’t realise that someone is not only there to save her, is her fate and also the alpha to all alpha’s …. Oops
Secrets from packs and family are discovered in this book as well as more questions and the real mystery of whodunnit when everything seems to have ‘been tidied up too easily’
Love this series and at this point I’m reading a book daily
5⭐️2🌶️
October 20, 2025
ahhh they just keep getting better and better
LOOK - Blake Steel!? 🔥 😮💨 🥵 🌶️
He is such a fine specimen of a man… well, wolf 😉 I thought Rex was my favorite … but Blake… older, jealous, possessive, suave, growly, bossy Blake is where it’s at
I knew from the first and second book that Zoe must be his mate, based on how he reacted to Haley.
Zoe is soooo great as a FMC too. I really loved her yin to Haley’s yang. I also loved how she met Blake lol
There are a TON of developments for the plot in this book. Like so much so that the surprises just keep on coming. They all shocked me. Like BIG BIG changes that shake things up. This is not a book you just skim. Theres a character reveal that kinda makes your skin crawl, so to say.
Reece Barden writes every book so well, no plot lines repeat and each book is unique but adds to the overarching storyline.
It’s great to see the brothers again, and Marcus, and see how they interact with their mates, especially Cooper / Hayley and Rex / Leah.
This ends slightly on a cliffhanger but it’s not too bad and it’s not immediately related to Blake and Zoe’s story.
LOOK - Blake Steel!? 🔥 😮💨 🥵 🌶️
He is such a fine specimen of a man… well, wolf 😉 I thought Rex was my favorite … but Blake… older, jealous, possessive, suave, growly, bossy Blake is where it’s at
I knew from the first and second book that Zoe must be his mate, based on how he reacted to Haley.
Zoe is soooo great as a FMC too. I really loved her yin to Haley’s yang. I also loved how she met Blake lol
There are a TON of developments for the plot in this book. Like so much so that the surprises just keep on coming. They all shocked me. Like BIG BIG changes that shake things up. This is not a book you just skim. Theres a character reveal that kinda makes your skin crawl, so to say.
Reece Barden writes every book so well, no plot lines repeat and each book is unique but adds to the overarching storyline.
It’s great to see the brothers again, and Marcus, and see how they interact with their mates, especially Cooper / Hayley and Rex / Leah.
This ends slightly on a cliffhanger but it’s not too bad and it’s not immediately related to Blake and Zoe’s story.
March 19, 2023
Before I get into the review I want to say that even though The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas are separate series, both are heavily intertwined. I would recommend to read them in publication order so the timeline makes sense.
Since reading The Alpha’s Saviour I have wanted to find out who Blake’s mate was and to read his story. Now it finally arrives.
As expected this book is a great addition. Blake is reliable, strong and incredibly sexy. Zoe is strong-willed and caring. Both want to be happy but the only things stranding in their way are moon-madness and location.
The story is great, it has scary, heart warming and oh so sexy and hot hot hot scenes. I liked both characters and loved the way the characters from the other series were included so centrally in the book which this made you invested more in the story.
This is a great book and if you like Reece’s previous book then you will love this one.
Since reading The Alpha’s Saviour I have wanted to find out who Blake’s mate was and to read his story. Now it finally arrives.
As expected this book is a great addition. Blake is reliable, strong and incredibly sexy. Zoe is strong-willed and caring. Both want to be happy but the only things stranding in their way are moon-madness and location.
The story is great, it has scary, heart warming and oh so sexy and hot hot hot scenes. I liked both characters and loved the way the characters from the other series were included so centrally in the book which this made you invested more in the story.
This is a great book and if you like Reece’s previous book then you will love this one.
November 24, 2025
not my fav in the series it felt a lil rushed I personally like a build up in relationship and I felt like a few chapters in the MFC knew the shifter secret and who her mate was so I wasn't sure where the plot would go from there.
I also felt the step brother reveal was out of the blue considering we hadn't heard anything in the previous books about this threat? so I would have liked a build up again I was a lil confused like who and why the character was thrown in.
MMC -Blake (alpha who over runs other packs compared to Cooper )
MFC- Zoe (Hayley's twin sister )
very quick in finding out they were mates and the shifter secret so rest of book feels a little long winded, the story was okay the relationship between the characters , she also somehow becomes a wolf near the end so who knows how that will impact the stories.
its a quick read but I don't think id be doing a re-read
I also felt the step brother reveal was out of the blue considering we hadn't heard anything in the previous books about this threat? so I would have liked a build up again I was a lil confused like who and why the character was thrown in.
MMC -Blake (alpha who over runs other packs compared to Cooper )
MFC- Zoe (Hayley's twin sister )
very quick in finding out they were mates and the shifter secret so rest of book feels a little long winded, the story was okay the relationship between the characters , she also somehow becomes a wolf near the end so who knows how that will impact the stories.
its a quick read but I don't think id be doing a re-read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2024
Good next book about these sisters.
You really need to read "The Shifters of Greyridge" before this book. It will help you understand the connections of the sisters. Zoe is the last of 3 sisters to find her mate, and quite in the dark about the whole shifter-thing. It's quite a shock at first! Too funny. Blake is not only an alpha of his pack, but also he's the alpha over many other packs too. Yeah, he's a big deal. He seems different than the impression I had from one of the other sister's story (I forget which). He's very down to Earth in this book, and likable. Zoe is perfect for him and rolls with the punches. You'll like her too. I'm dying to read the ending of these sister's story, and their brother's too. He sounds very alpha! Yum! Max and Mandy need their stories too. I recommend this book, but only if you read the other series first. Happy reading! ;D
You really need to read "The Shifters of Greyridge" before this book. It will help you understand the connections of the sisters. Zoe is the last of 3 sisters to find her mate, and quite in the dark about the whole shifter-thing. It's quite a shock at first! Too funny. Blake is not only an alpha of his pack, but also he's the alpha over many other packs too. Yeah, he's a big deal. He seems different than the impression I had from one of the other sister's story (I forget which). He's very down to Earth in this book, and likable. Zoe is perfect for him and rolls with the punches. You'll like her too. I'm dying to read the ending of these sister's story, and their brother's too. He sounds very alpha! Yum! Max and Mandy need their stories too. I recommend this book, but only if you read the other series first. Happy reading! ;D
August 15, 2024
Rating: 3.5 rounded to 4 stars
FINALLY Blake finds his mate. If you read Shifters of Grey Ridge, you might be as relived as I was. Although still a bit annoyed that no one was enough of a smart cookie.
In general, it is another fine example of steamy shifters romance and Reece Barden does it well.
But there where some thing I found on the weak side:
FINALLY Blake finds his mate. If you read Shifters of Grey Ridge, you might be as relived as I was. Although still a bit annoyed that no one was enough of a smart cookie.
In general, it is another fine example of steamy shifters romance and Reece Barden does it well.
But there where some thing I found on the weak side:
October 19, 2025
Blake is my favorite Alpha
This is book four and let me tell you that there are more twists and surprises than you can imagine. I was stoked for Blake to finally find his mate. I knew it had to be someone in the Walker family, since book one and that scene with Hayley. We find out that Blake is not well, Max is worried about the moon madness and what will happen if any news gets out. The full moon and pack run is here and Alpha Blake cannot participate because his people will sense it in his wolf. So Blake’s make a new plan and heads up to his cabin to be alone. However, along the way to get some food for the cabin, Blake scents his mate and stops at Earl’s Diner. Blake runs in only to find that he just missed her! What, no? The journey to find her begins there. Yes, there is a happy ending. Read On!
This is book four and let me tell you that there are more twists and surprises than you can imagine. I was stoked for Blake to finally find his mate. I knew it had to be someone in the Walker family, since book one and that scene with Hayley. We find out that Blake is not well, Max is worried about the moon madness and what will happen if any news gets out. The full moon and pack run is here and Alpha Blake cannot participate because his people will sense it in his wolf. So Blake’s make a new plan and heads up to his cabin to be alone. However, along the way to get some food for the cabin, Blake scents his mate and stops at Earl’s Diner. Blake runs in only to find that he just missed her! What, no? The journey to find her begins there. Yes, there is a happy ending. Read On!
April 3, 2023
In this spin-off to the Grey Ridge Pack series, the author opens the world up further, introducing new elements to the shifter world she created. More is revealed about the main characters as the Alpha of Alphas Blake Steel finally finds his fated mate.
Or is it already too late for him?
Blake has been suffering from a sickness called Moon Madness, slowly decaying his wolf and turning mad, the only thing able to safe him at this point is his fated mate. Enter Zoe, Haley's feisty twin sister. She had never heard about shifters before, until a guy suddenly appears in her veterinary clinic, and she shoots him with a tranquilizer dart. Unconscious, he shifts into a big grey wolf, leaving Zoe with a lot of questions.
Or is it already too late for him?
Blake has been suffering from a sickness called Moon Madness, slowly decaying his wolf and turning mad, the only thing able to safe him at this point is his fated mate. Enter Zoe, Haley's feisty twin sister. She had never heard about shifters before, until a guy suddenly appears in her veterinary clinic, and she shoots him with a tranquilizer dart. Unconscious, he shifts into a big grey wolf, leaving Zoe with a lot of questions.
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