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Pride #6
Big Bad Beast
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Romance (2011)When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe...
Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely-independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male-but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.
Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely-independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male-but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.
307 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
405 people are currently reading
4213 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Laurenston
46 books7,934 followersOriginally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A. Aiken's dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 639 reviews
May 25, 2017
5 Like a dog with a bone stars
*Spoilers*
“Just look at the brave little rich boy,” she murmured. “Well, I do have excellent medical care and doctors willing to make house calls so I can afford to be brave.”
Big Bad Beast is the 6th book in the pride series, and I freaking loved it. Not only did I love the MCs in this book I love that Eggie is in this book. GOD I love Eggie! Big Bad Beast is now tied with The Mane Squeeze as my favorite books in this series.
“I’m glad you came back,” Ric told her, lifting another forkful to her mouth. “So am I.” She grinned. “Because you’re lookin’ sexy.” “I’m not a whore, Dee-Ann. You can’t just come here to use and abuse me before going on your merry way. Unless, of course, you’re naked.”
What this book is about
Ulrich (Ric) Van Holtz and Dee Ann Smith have been working together for a little while now, and Ric has wanted the deadly She-wolf since he laid his eyes on her. Now all he has to do is sneak his way into her heart. That should be easy right? After all they are working together to take down the people who are kidnapping hybrids and forcing them into dogfights. Now he just has to figure out how to show Dee Ann that he isn't just a pretty face, rich boy that can cook. That and to keep her daddy Eggie from killing him for touching his sugar bug.
“Don’t be mad at me, Dee.” “You accused me of terrorizing children.” “No. I accused you of being really good at your job, where little things like age or infirmity or the inability to count past ten without your mommy’s help don’t really stop you from getting the truth.” “Man,” she griped. “You kick one walker out of an old sow’s hands and suddenly you’re all levels of evil.”
Ric:
“What am I supposed to do with a wolf that’s just so dang nice?” “Get naked with me in the office? General manager won’t be in for a couple of hours.”
Ric is awesome. Rich, but not a snob. Sexy, caring, sweet, funny, smart, and he cooks. Hello Every woman's dream!!! Ric may be sweet, but he can take care of business, if someone comes at him. He is no wimp. He loves Dee Ann just as she is and he doesn't try to "Hem her in" or tame her. Ric is very caring and wants to help the hybrids. Ric is kind of like glue all through the series. He brings the whole group together and makes them a family. A weird mix of crazy people "family". I love Ric.
“Oh, come on. Can I at least sit here and watch you strut into the bathroom bare-ass naked?”“No, you may not.” He threw his legs over the side of the bed. “However, you may look over your shoulder longingly while I, in a very manly way, walk purposely into the bathroom bare-ass naked. Because I’m not here for your entertainment, Ms. Smith.”
“Okay. Fine. I’m sleeping with her.” “Have you lost your mind?” “No.” And then, just to irritate, “But I have lost my heart.” “You idiot.” “I love you, too, Uncle Van.” “She’s a Smith.”“She’s amazing. And cute.” “There is nothing cute about Dee-Ann Smith. What is wrong with you?” “What can I say? There’s just something about her. I think she’s—” “Don’t say it.” “—the one.” “Christ, you said it. What is wrong with my people? You’re all running around, looking for ‘the one.’ ”
Dee Ann:
“Nah. You are making things a bit more interesting, though. Fancy boy like you, gettin’ all turned on by a hard-hearted bitch like me.”
Dee Ann is a kick ass now never getting around to the names kind of woman. Just like her daddy she is always ready to "Start the Killin' " Kind of a lone wolf she doesn't have a lot of friends but those she care for, she is very protective of. Surly and rude she is true to her character, but she does soften with Ric. I know a lot of my friends that have read this series didn't like her and thought she was a big bitch, but I loved her. I liked her bitchy ways, but that's just me.
“Fuck control, darlin’.” She brushed her forehead against his chin. “Fuck rules and supervisors and what’s right and what’s wrong. Fuck it all.” She pressed her lips against a little spot right under his ear. “But right now, with that big cock of yours takin’ up all that room inside my pussy, it’s time for you to fuck me.”
“Sometimes I look at you,” Dee stated flatly, “and I just want to pull your little head off and play basketball with it.” “You are so mean,” Teacup snapped, storming off before Dee could bother not arguing with her. “You are kind of mean, Smith,” Malone told Dee. “There’s no ‘kind of’ about it. I just am.” Desiree grinned. “And yet you sound so proud.” “Girl’s gotta know her strengths.”
“I think this is the first time you’ve ever insisted I put on clothes.” “Don’t want you to catch the sniffles, my spun-glass princess.” Grinning, Dee got to her knees and crawled into Ric’s lap. “Dee-Ann, you’re not planning to take advantage of me out here . . . in the open?” “Of course, I am. I’m a Smith. We’re tacky like that.”
OMG can I just say that I freaking loved the start of the book when Ric and Dee Ann met as kids and he gives her a candy bar and blurts out Marry me. So Damn Cute!!! The whole prologue had me in tears I was laughin so hard. Ric and Dee Ann have some smokin' hott chemistry. The sex scenes in this book are some of the hottest of the series. I love getting to see characters from past books, but I was so damn happy that I got so much Eggie in this book. I loves me some Eggie!!!!! There is a ton more action in this book than there is in the others of this series, but just as funny. I really loved this book. Below I leave a few of my favorite quotes from this book:
“She’s right,” Ric agreed. “But I don’t have time to make bread this morning.” “They’re selling fresh French bread right over at that stall.” “Bought bread?” “You act like I just suggested roach-infested bread from Satan’s bakery.”
“I’m here with Eggie.” All eyes focused on Ric and he suddenly felt like he’d just been handed a speedy death sentence. “Not for that!” Miss Darla gasped, then added with a firm nod. “Don’t you worry one bit, Ulrich. I made Eggie fill in that shallow grave before we drove up here.” Lock grimaced and Ric swallowed. “Thank you?”
“I owe her so much,” Desiree said and Dee shook her head. “Please, Desiree. No more tears. I can’t handle any more.” “Look, bitch,” Desiree snapped. “If I wanna be fuckin’ grateful for you people protecting my son, I’m going to be mother-fuckin’ grateful.” “My delicate flower,” Mace muttered. “Shut up.”
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*Spoilers*
“Just look at the brave little rich boy,” she murmured. “Well, I do have excellent medical care and doctors willing to make house calls so I can afford to be brave.”
Big Bad Beast is the 6th book in the pride series, and I freaking loved it. Not only did I love the MCs in this book I love that Eggie is in this book. GOD I love Eggie! Big Bad Beast is now tied with The Mane Squeeze as my favorite books in this series.
“I’m glad you came back,” Ric told her, lifting another forkful to her mouth. “So am I.” She grinned. “Because you’re lookin’ sexy.” “I’m not a whore, Dee-Ann. You can’t just come here to use and abuse me before going on your merry way. Unless, of course, you’re naked.”
What this book is about
Ulrich (Ric) Van Holtz and Dee Ann Smith have been working together for a little while now, and Ric has wanted the deadly She-wolf since he laid his eyes on her. Now all he has to do is sneak his way into her heart. That should be easy right? After all they are working together to take down the people who are kidnapping hybrids and forcing them into dogfights. Now he just has to figure out how to show Dee Ann that he isn't just a pretty face, rich boy that can cook. That and to keep her daddy Eggie from killing him for touching his sugar bug.
“Don’t be mad at me, Dee.” “You accused me of terrorizing children.” “No. I accused you of being really good at your job, where little things like age or infirmity or the inability to count past ten without your mommy’s help don’t really stop you from getting the truth.” “Man,” she griped. “You kick one walker out of an old sow’s hands and suddenly you’re all levels of evil.”
Ric:
“What am I supposed to do with a wolf that’s just so dang nice?” “Get naked with me in the office? General manager won’t be in for a couple of hours.”
Ric is awesome. Rich, but not a snob. Sexy, caring, sweet, funny, smart, and he cooks. Hello Every woman's dream!!! Ric may be sweet, but he can take care of business, if someone comes at him. He is no wimp. He loves Dee Ann just as she is and he doesn't try to "Hem her in" or tame her. Ric is very caring and wants to help the hybrids. Ric is kind of like glue all through the series. He brings the whole group together and makes them a family. A weird mix of crazy people "family". I love Ric.
“Oh, come on. Can I at least sit here and watch you strut into the bathroom bare-ass naked?”“No, you may not.” He threw his legs over the side of the bed. “However, you may look over your shoulder longingly while I, in a very manly way, walk purposely into the bathroom bare-ass naked. Because I’m not here for your entertainment, Ms. Smith.”
“Okay. Fine. I’m sleeping with her.” “Have you lost your mind?” “No.” And then, just to irritate, “But I have lost my heart.” “You idiot.” “I love you, too, Uncle Van.” “She’s a Smith.”“She’s amazing. And cute.” “There is nothing cute about Dee-Ann Smith. What is wrong with you?” “What can I say? There’s just something about her. I think she’s—” “Don’t say it.” “—the one.” “Christ, you said it. What is wrong with my people? You’re all running around, looking for ‘the one.’ ”
Dee Ann:
“Nah. You are making things a bit more interesting, though. Fancy boy like you, gettin’ all turned on by a hard-hearted bitch like me.”
Dee Ann is a kick ass now never getting around to the names kind of woman. Just like her daddy she is always ready to "Start the Killin' " Kind of a lone wolf she doesn't have a lot of friends but those she care for, she is very protective of. Surly and rude she is true to her character, but she does soften with Ric. I know a lot of my friends that have read this series didn't like her and thought she was a big bitch, but I loved her. I liked her bitchy ways, but that's just me.
“Fuck control, darlin’.” She brushed her forehead against his chin. “Fuck rules and supervisors and what’s right and what’s wrong. Fuck it all.” She pressed her lips against a little spot right under his ear. “But right now, with that big cock of yours takin’ up all that room inside my pussy, it’s time for you to fuck me.”
“Sometimes I look at you,” Dee stated flatly, “and I just want to pull your little head off and play basketball with it.” “You are so mean,” Teacup snapped, storming off before Dee could bother not arguing with her. “You are kind of mean, Smith,” Malone told Dee. “There’s no ‘kind of’ about it. I just am.” Desiree grinned. “And yet you sound so proud.” “Girl’s gotta know her strengths.”
“I think this is the first time you’ve ever insisted I put on clothes.” “Don’t want you to catch the sniffles, my spun-glass princess.” Grinning, Dee got to her knees and crawled into Ric’s lap. “Dee-Ann, you’re not planning to take advantage of me out here . . . in the open?” “Of course, I am. I’m a Smith. We’re tacky like that.”
OMG can I just say that I freaking loved the start of the book when Ric and Dee Ann met as kids and he gives her a candy bar and blurts out Marry me. So Damn Cute!!! The whole prologue had me in tears I was laughin so hard. Ric and Dee Ann have some smokin' hott chemistry. The sex scenes in this book are some of the hottest of the series. I love getting to see characters from past books, but I was so damn happy that I got so much Eggie in this book. I loves me some Eggie!!!!! There is a ton more action in this book than there is in the others of this series, but just as funny. I really loved this book. Below I leave a few of my favorite quotes from this book:
“She’s right,” Ric agreed. “But I don’t have time to make bread this morning.” “They’re selling fresh French bread right over at that stall.” “Bought bread?” “You act like I just suggested roach-infested bread from Satan’s bakery.”
“I’m here with Eggie.” All eyes focused on Ric and he suddenly felt like he’d just been handed a speedy death sentence. “Not for that!” Miss Darla gasped, then added with a firm nod. “Don’t you worry one bit, Ulrich. I made Eggie fill in that shallow grave before we drove up here.” Lock grimaced and Ric swallowed. “Thank you?”
“I owe her so much,” Desiree said and Dee shook her head. “Please, Desiree. No more tears. I can’t handle any more.” “Look, bitch,” Desiree snapped. “If I wanna be fuckin’ grateful for you people protecting my son, I’m going to be mother-fuckin’ grateful.” “My delicate flower,” Mace muttered. “Shut up.”
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April 10, 2022
I have no idea where my original review vanished to. Happily, this remains an entertaining read and re-read.
Laurenston has created a world with wonderfully quirky characters. This may be book 6 in the Pride series but the humour, energy and fun i expect remains strong.
Laurenston has created a world with wonderfully quirky characters. This may be book 6 in the Pride series but the humour, energy and fun i expect remains strong.
June 22, 2013
Another great addition to the Pride books!!
Dee-Ann? Deeeee-Annnnnn??? DEEEEEEEEE-ANNNNNNNNN???????? Huh, I guess she wandered off. Not quite like any heroine I've ever read before, and definitely not like her 'ho-billie' pack mates, but that's what I loved abot her.
Actually she kind of reminded me of Xhex from BDB (in that rough-tough way), but with a way more developed sense of humour - which is why we all read Shelly Laurenston's books. And Ric, what's not to love?? I mean the man can COOK, and he loves Dee-Ann the moment he lays eyes on her. 'Nuff said!
Can't wait to read about She-tiger Malone.....
Dee-Ann? Deeeee-Annnnnn??? DEEEEEEEEE-ANNNNNNNNN???????? Huh, I guess she wandered off. Not quite like any heroine I've ever read before, and definitely not like her 'ho-billie' pack mates, but that's what I loved abot her.
Actually she kind of reminded me of Xhex from BDB (in that rough-tough way), but with a way more developed sense of humour - which is why we all read Shelly Laurenston's books. And Ric, what's not to love?? I mean the man can COOK, and he loves Dee-Ann the moment he lays eyes on her. 'Nuff said!
Can't wait to read about She-tiger Malone.....
May 2, 2011
No one is more surprised than I to hear that I didn't enjoy this book that much. I didn't dislike it, but overall I was pretty meh about it.
I found myself pretty bored by the relationship between Dee-Ann and Ric. Usually Laurenston creates a nice blend of crazy characters, wacky events, crude humor, and sexy situations. That seemed to be lacking here. We still got a little of all of that, but it felt dialed back instead of her usual in-your-face style.
One of the funnier aspects of this series is the crazy interactions the main characters have with friends and family. They are rarely solitary creatures. I think that was one of the things that threw me the most about Dee. She was feared by most and didn’t really like a lot of people, so she didn’t have those ties. There were funny scenes with friends, like when they went away for Fourth of July weekend, but those weren’t as frequent as I would have liked.
I really liked the history between them that we were shown in the beginning of the book. It was adorable and so perfect for them both. It also really helped explain Ric’s reaction to Dee when he didn’t know her that well, back in Lock’s book, The Mane Squeeze. I didn’t dislike Dee and Ric together, but I didn’t feel the attraction the way I wanted to. I felt it on Ric’s part, but Dee’s attraction to him in the beginning was a little too subtle for me.
If you think about it, Dee wasn’t that dissimilar to a lot of the other female characters we’ve seen from Laurenston. She’s doesn’t bother herself to put others first and she sometimes takes a malicious glee in hurting people that irritate her. I’ve had that combo work for me many times before, but with Dee something was missing. Her personality was just a little too cold for me and I found her pretty irritating. If I had to hear her daddy’s stupid saying one more time I might have snapped! I did appreciate her personality when it came to a scene with Ronnie Lee, though. Her honest bafflement about them being considered friends, and Ronnie’s reaction to it, tickled me pink, because I still don’t like Ronnie.
Ric was a fun character, but his perfect contentment with his lot in life and his ho-hum reaction to certain family problems made him a tad bland. I thought his approach to getting Dee into his life was really smart, though. I guess it pays to be a sneaky Van Holtz so you can play the vulnerable male and lure the unsuspecting Smith She-Wolf into being the aggressor. I really liked getting to see the Van Holtz pack again. Stein seemed like an interesting character and I laughed over Niles Van Holtz’s pity and exasperation when he heard that Ric was hooking up with Dee.
Although I didn’t love this book, I still strongly recommend this author. I love her as Shelly Laurenston and I love her as G.A. Aiken. Her books have crude, inappropriate humor and slightly psychotic characters with the occasional hair trigger temper. In other words, they’re just my type. I have never had an author consistently make me laugh as much as Laurenston has, and it’s something that keeps me coming back time and time again. Her books are crazy and over the top, and I wouldn’t have them any other way.
Favorite Quote:
I found myself pretty bored by the relationship between Dee-Ann and Ric. Usually Laurenston creates a nice blend of crazy characters, wacky events, crude humor, and sexy situations. That seemed to be lacking here. We still got a little of all of that, but it felt dialed back instead of her usual in-your-face style.
One of the funnier aspects of this series is the crazy interactions the main characters have with friends and family. They are rarely solitary creatures. I think that was one of the things that threw me the most about Dee. She was feared by most and didn’t really like a lot of people, so she didn’t have those ties. There were funny scenes with friends, like when they went away for Fourth of July weekend, but those weren’t as frequent as I would have liked.
I really liked the history between them that we were shown in the beginning of the book. It was adorable and so perfect for them both. It also really helped explain Ric’s reaction to Dee when he didn’t know her that well, back in Lock’s book, The Mane Squeeze. I didn’t dislike Dee and Ric together, but I didn’t feel the attraction the way I wanted to. I felt it on Ric’s part, but Dee’s attraction to him in the beginning was a little too subtle for me.
If you think about it, Dee wasn’t that dissimilar to a lot of the other female characters we’ve seen from Laurenston. She’s doesn’t bother herself to put others first and she sometimes takes a malicious glee in hurting people that irritate her. I’ve had that combo work for me many times before, but with Dee something was missing. Her personality was just a little too cold for me and I found her pretty irritating. If I had to hear her daddy’s stupid saying one more time I might have snapped! I did appreciate her personality when it came to a scene with Ronnie Lee, though. Her honest bafflement about them being considered friends, and Ronnie’s reaction to it, tickled me pink, because I still don’t like Ronnie.
Ric was a fun character, but his perfect contentment with his lot in life and his ho-hum reaction to certain family problems made him a tad bland. I thought his approach to getting Dee into his life was really smart, though. I guess it pays to be a sneaky Van Holtz so you can play the vulnerable male and lure the unsuspecting Smith She-Wolf into being the aggressor. I really liked getting to see the Van Holtz pack again. Stein seemed like an interesting character and I laughed over Niles Van Holtz’s pity and exasperation when he heard that Ric was hooking up with Dee.
Although I didn’t love this book, I still strongly recommend this author. I love her as Shelly Laurenston and I love her as G.A. Aiken. Her books have crude, inappropriate humor and slightly psychotic characters with the occasional hair trigger temper. In other words, they’re just my type. I have never had an author consistently make me laugh as much as Laurenston has, and it’s something that keeps me coming back time and time again. Her books are crazy and over the top, and I wouldn’t have them any other way.
Favorite Quote:
"And why would you suggest that?"
"Let's just say your strengths aren't in that particular area."
"I am damn good at interviews."
"No. You're good at interrogations. Interviews are not your strong suit."
"Since when?"
"Since you made that six-year-old cry."
Dee stamped her foot. "She was hiding something!"
"And she was six!"
May 6, 2011
What a FUN BOOK! The Pride series is with out a doubt one of my favorites! Shelly Laurenston is such a gifted writer when it comes to snarky humor...this book had me laughing out loud just a couple of pages into it!
This sixth book in the Pride series follows the relationship between Ulrich Van Holtz and Dee Ann Smith. I've always loved Ric!...he's a professional chef, who runs one of the Van Holtz's famous restaurants... throw in the fact that he's what they all call "supermodel" pretty along with being one of the sweetest and most charming of all of SL's male characters...and you have a very drool worthy male! I was really excited that he was finally getting his own book, but i will admit that i was a little bit nervous about his fascination with Dee Ann in past books because she was down right nasty with others including Ric, for the most part. That didn't actually change in this book...she's still very ornery to everyone ..but really...how silly would it have been for SL to completely change who Dee Ann is to the core..which is one big bitch you don't want to ever mess with!..but something in her completely softened when she was around Ric which is what i LOVED! I know some people aren't fans of her character, and i never really was either, but i loved how she melted whenever Ric was with her and if something was troubling him she was right there to support him...i would even go as far as to say she was actually kind of sweet with him!..i know!..SHOCK!
The fact that everyone was terrified of her but Ric thought she was sexy as hell was just the greatest thing ever! The chemistry between those two was awesome!
I was somewhat disappointed with the last book, Beast Behaving Badly (even though i still gave it 5 stars)..i felt a little like that book was lacking a bit in the "smexy" department especially when she'd always written such fantastic scenes in past books! Well, i'm happy to say..she is BACK ON with this one! Shelly Laurenston writes some of the greatest sex scenes EVER! :)
Another thing i really love about Shelly Laurenston's books, whether it's her Pride series, or her Dragon Kin series, written as G.A. Aiken...is that she doesn't ever leave past characters in the dust once they've had their HEAs...they are ALL along for the ride and most play pretty major parts in each book...that is something that not too many authors do, once they're done with a couple.
If you've been following this series and have been hesitant to pick this one up because of Dee Ann's character in past books...please do NOT let that stop you! This one really is worth reading!! It's FUN AND VERY SEXY!..and i have to say that even though i didn't care for her before this, in the end i actually like Dee Ann much better than Sissy Mae...i didn't "love" her much..i always thought she was really harsh...especially to Mitch...but believe it or not...Dee Ann treated Ric SO MUCH BETTER!! Have i piqued your interest!? I hope so!..as a fan of this series, this is one that should not be missed! :)
This sixth book in the Pride series follows the relationship between Ulrich Van Holtz and Dee Ann Smith. I've always loved Ric!...he's a professional chef, who runs one of the Van Holtz's famous restaurants... throw in the fact that he's what they all call "supermodel" pretty along with being one of the sweetest and most charming of all of SL's male characters...and you have a very drool worthy male! I was really excited that he was finally getting his own book, but i will admit that i was a little bit nervous about his fascination with Dee Ann in past books because she was down right nasty with others including Ric, for the most part. That didn't actually change in this book...she's still very ornery to everyone ..but really...how silly would it have been for SL to completely change who Dee Ann is to the core..which is one big bitch you don't want to ever mess with!..but something in her completely softened when she was around Ric which is what i LOVED! I know some people aren't fans of her character, and i never really was either, but i loved how she melted whenever Ric was with her and if something was troubling him she was right there to support him...i would even go as far as to say she was actually kind of sweet with him!..i know!..SHOCK!
The fact that everyone was terrified of her but Ric thought she was sexy as hell was just the greatest thing ever! The chemistry between those two was awesome!
I was somewhat disappointed with the last book, Beast Behaving Badly (even though i still gave it 5 stars)..i felt a little like that book was lacking a bit in the "smexy" department especially when she'd always written such fantastic scenes in past books! Well, i'm happy to say..she is BACK ON with this one! Shelly Laurenston writes some of the greatest sex scenes EVER! :)
Another thing i really love about Shelly Laurenston's books, whether it's her Pride series, or her Dragon Kin series, written as G.A. Aiken...is that she doesn't ever leave past characters in the dust once they've had their HEAs...they are ALL along for the ride and most play pretty major parts in each book...that is something that not too many authors do, once they're done with a couple.
If you've been following this series and have been hesitant to pick this one up because of Dee Ann's character in past books...please do NOT let that stop you! This one really is worth reading!! It's FUN AND VERY SEXY!..and i have to say that even though i didn't care for her before this, in the end i actually like Dee Ann much better than Sissy Mae...i didn't "love" her much..i always thought she was really harsh...especially to Mitch...but believe it or not...Dee Ann treated Ric SO MUCH BETTER!! Have i piqued your interest!? I hope so!..as a fan of this series, this is one that should not be missed! :)
August 2, 2024
~ 4 Big Bad Beast Stars ~
Big Bad Beast is book six in the Pride series by Shelly Laurenston. This series, at least the first time around, is best read in order just so you can get the full dynamics and relationships of the characters.
Big Bad Beast is a re-read for me. I love this series. It always has a way of pulling me out of a book slump. The cast of characters are a dime a dozen. Each has their own unique personality or quarry traits depending on their animal. What I love best is the feel of comradery and family, plus the snarky humor the author adds.
In this story we get to learn more about The Group which is an agency made up of shifters to protect shifters. I enjoyed the prologue in which we see Ric and Dee-Ann as kids. I also enjoyed the Fourth of July weekend celebration they had. It felt real and fun. As for the relationship between Ric and Dee-Ann it was not as explosive as Blayne and Bo’s or other characters, but still enjoyable to read. I never felt they were all that into each other. Dee-Ann’s attraction to Ric was a little flat for me. Though Ric does even out Dee-Ann’s fierce nature by being her calm.
Big Bad Beast has a nice fast-paced feel and a great sense of humor as others in this series. I recommend this series to readers.
Audio July 2018: OMG I loved the audio for Big Bad Beast. I laughed a lot, smiled, and got a deeper feeling of these characters. Their is something special about an audio and listening to a story you liked/loved the first time around. This audio brought the story and the characters to life. Narrator Charlotte Kane did a good job. The more I listen the more I like her voices. It took some getting use to, but they have grown on me.
Big Bad Beast is book six in the Pride series by Shelly Laurenston. This series, at least the first time around, is best read in order just so you can get the full dynamics and relationships of the characters.
Big Bad Beast is a re-read for me. I love this series. It always has a way of pulling me out of a book slump. The cast of characters are a dime a dozen. Each has their own unique personality or quarry traits depending on their animal. What I love best is the feel of comradery and family, plus the snarky humor the author adds.
In this story we get to learn more about The Group which is an agency made up of shifters to protect shifters. I enjoyed the prologue in which we see Ric and Dee-Ann as kids. I also enjoyed the Fourth of July weekend celebration they had. It felt real and fun. As for the relationship between Ric and Dee-Ann it was not as explosive as Blayne and Bo’s or other characters, but still enjoyable to read. I never felt they were all that into each other. Dee-Ann’s attraction to Ric was a little flat for me. Though Ric does even out Dee-Ann’s fierce nature by being her calm.
Big Bad Beast has a nice fast-paced feel and a great sense of humor as others in this series. I recommend this series to readers.
Audio July 2018: OMG I loved the audio for Big Bad Beast. I laughed a lot, smiled, and got a deeper feeling of these characters. Their is something special about an audio and listening to a story you liked/loved the first time around. This audio brought the story and the characters to life. Narrator Charlotte Kane did a good job. The more I listen the more I like her voices. It took some getting use to, but they have grown on me.
December 25, 2022
Twenty-five years ago…
"But she's perfect, Uncle Van. I think I love her." Van glanced over at the still-growing She-Wolf. A too-skinny little girl with long legs and arms in a T-shirt and denim cutoffs and no shoes.
"Ric, you're way too young to love anybody but your parents and, of course, me."
"She needs to eat more," Ric observed, ignoring Van's comment. "And I'll be the one to feed her!"
2019 3rd re-read I love Ric and Dee-Ann together. They are an odd but perfectly matched couple. And they, kind of surprisingly, seem to bring out the best in each other.
"You are making things a bit more interesting, though. Fancy boy like you, gettin' all turned on by a hard-hearted bitch like me."
His hands slipped into her hair, fingertips massaging her scalp. He stared into her face and said, "Your heart isn't hard, Dee-Ann. It's strong and maybe encased in a ribcage made of granite, but it's not hard. Far from it."
I think what I like the most about this one is that you see more sides of both Ric and Dee. Ric is more than just the pretty, rich, boy-next-door who is everyone's friend. And Dee is more than the scary, scarred Marine who does the dirty work. They work well together and they have fun together which is a nice touch. Without that they could have potentially been a very boring couple.
"Hope you're not thinking about making this permanent, Van Holtz." she warned.
"Is this were you tell me you don't do permanent?"
"No, this is were I tell you I like you too much to think of you being buried in a shallow grave behind my momma's house. Because that's what's going to happen if my daddy finds out a Van Holtz is messin' with his only baby girl."
Big hands with incredibly talented fingers stroked down her thighs. "Guess it's too bad I think you're worth the risk."
I also appreciated that Dee didn't give Ric the run-around. She didn't try to "deny her feelings" or "run from the truth" or "break it off to protect him" or any of that stupid shit. They simply got together and throughout that time realized they were right for each other. It sounds like it should be anticlimactic, but it works for them, it's in line with their personalities. Ric already knew what he wanted and patiently waited for Dee to realize she wanted it too.
He leaned in and sniffed her. "You've got strange wolf on you." His eyes narrowed. "Who you been fuckin'?"
"Rory Lee Reed! You speak to me proper!"
"All right." He lowered his voice several octaves and said, "Who you been fuckin'?"
Dee grinned. "Ric Van Holtz."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but don't tell."
"Why? You ashamed?"
"Nope. Just seems more dirty that way."
"You and your dirty fetish."
"Can't help it…turns me on."
"Ew."
"Besides," Dee went on, "you can't tell anyone because once Ronnie Lee knows everyone will know."
"Including your daddy."
"And Ric is just so damn pretty, it would be a right shame to see him all…"
"Eviscerated?"
She sighed. "You do know how Daddy likes to eviscerate."
"He does have a skill."
"A man has to know his strengths."
"So do you like him?"
Frowning, "I love Daddy."
"Not him. Van Holtz. Do you like Van Holtz?"
"Oh." Dee thought a moment, then answered, "Yep."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Ain't ya gonna gush about him or something?"
"Gush? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?"
"Sorry. For a minute there I thought you were a girl, but then I remembered that you're just sleeping with one."
"Don't be jealous 'cause you don't look like a supermodel, too. Not everyone can be that pretty."
I think I like this book as a part of the series more than a story of it's own…if that makes any sense. All the assorted couples, friends, family, pack-mates, and co-workers make an appearance. Along with a few new ones. So you get all the usual hilarious interactions and the larger series arc moves forward. Niles Van Holtz and Irene Conridge are a nice little addition. Even Angelina from the Magnus Pack series makes a very brief appearance. The whole story is filled with recurring jokes and references, and personally I love that. It's definitely a solid addition to the series…one that I don't think I'll ever not enjoy.
As Irene neared her last bite, Holtz stepped through the kitchen door, coming to an abrupt stop when he spotted her, his eyes wide.
"What are you eating?" he asked. He made it sound like he found her fellating one of his teenage male cousins.
Irene tried to reply around the sticky substance tacked to the roof of her mouth, but it took too long and the enemy She-Wolf answered for them both.
"Made a couple of P. B. and J.s for your boys and wife. You want one?"
"Demoness!" Holtz exploded. "Out of my kitchen!"
"Are you trying to sweet talk me?" the female asked and Irene almost choked on her sandwich.
"Ulrich!"
Ulrich rushed into the kitchen. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Look what she's doing…in my kitchen."
Holtz's young cousin sighed and shook his head sadly. "Oh, Dee-Ann."
~
"Do you think Dee's more of a roses kind of girl? Or lilies?" he asked.
Stein stared at him. "Honestly? I think a machine gun and ample ammo is more your scary girlfriend's speed, cousin."
"See how you are?" Ric shook his head. "She keeps telling me I shouldn't be so tough on you, and here you are, talking shit about her."
"I wasn't talking shit about her. God, please don't tell that woman I was talking shit about her. She's liable to cut my head off and wear it on her jacket as a brooch."
~
He handed her the still-wrapped candy and she took it, her fingers grazing against his-and that's when they both froze, the immediate recognition sending a shiver of absolute pleasure down Dee's spine.
She looked into his eyes, eyes that were suddenly more familiar than they'd been only an hour ago and she saw the same thing there that she felt.
"Thank ya kindly," she whispered and they smiled at the same time.
"I told Uncle Van I'd be the one to feed you," Ric sighed out.
"But she's perfect, Uncle Van. I think I love her." Van glanced over at the still-growing She-Wolf. A too-skinny little girl with long legs and arms in a T-shirt and denim cutoffs and no shoes.
"Ric, you're way too young to love anybody but your parents and, of course, me."
"She needs to eat more," Ric observed, ignoring Van's comment. "And I'll be the one to feed her!"
2019 3rd re-read I love Ric and Dee-Ann together. They are an odd but perfectly matched couple. And they, kind of surprisingly, seem to bring out the best in each other.
"You are making things a bit more interesting, though. Fancy boy like you, gettin' all turned on by a hard-hearted bitch like me."
His hands slipped into her hair, fingertips massaging her scalp. He stared into her face and said, "Your heart isn't hard, Dee-Ann. It's strong and maybe encased in a ribcage made of granite, but it's not hard. Far from it."
I think what I like the most about this one is that you see more sides of both Ric and Dee. Ric is more than just the pretty, rich, boy-next-door who is everyone's friend. And Dee is more than the scary, scarred Marine who does the dirty work. They work well together and they have fun together which is a nice touch. Without that they could have potentially been a very boring couple.
"Hope you're not thinking about making this permanent, Van Holtz." she warned.
"Is this were you tell me you don't do permanent?"
"No, this is were I tell you I like you too much to think of you being buried in a shallow grave behind my momma's house. Because that's what's going to happen if my daddy finds out a Van Holtz is messin' with his only baby girl."
Big hands with incredibly talented fingers stroked down her thighs. "Guess it's too bad I think you're worth the risk."
I also appreciated that Dee didn't give Ric the run-around. She didn't try to "deny her feelings" or "run from the truth" or "break it off to protect him" or any of that stupid shit. They simply got together and throughout that time realized they were right for each other. It sounds like it should be anticlimactic, but it works for them, it's in line with their personalities. Ric already knew what he wanted and patiently waited for Dee to realize she wanted it too.
He leaned in and sniffed her. "You've got strange wolf on you." His eyes narrowed. "Who you been fuckin'?"
"Rory Lee Reed! You speak to me proper!"
"All right." He lowered his voice several octaves and said, "Who you been fuckin'?"
Dee grinned. "Ric Van Holtz."
"Really?"
"Yeah, but don't tell."
"Why? You ashamed?"
"Nope. Just seems more dirty that way."
"You and your dirty fetish."
"Can't help it…turns me on."
"Ew."
"Besides," Dee went on, "you can't tell anyone because once Ronnie Lee knows everyone will know."
"Including your daddy."
"And Ric is just so damn pretty, it would be a right shame to see him all…"
"Eviscerated?"
She sighed. "You do know how Daddy likes to eviscerate."
"He does have a skill."
"A man has to know his strengths."
"So do you like him?"
Frowning, "I love Daddy."
"Not him. Van Holtz. Do you like Van Holtz?"
"Oh." Dee thought a moment, then answered, "Yep."
"And?"
"And what?"
"Ain't ya gonna gush about him or something?"
"Gush? Who the hell do you think you're talking to?"
"Sorry. For a minute there I thought you were a girl, but then I remembered that you're just sleeping with one."
"Don't be jealous 'cause you don't look like a supermodel, too. Not everyone can be that pretty."
I think I like this book as a part of the series more than a story of it's own…if that makes any sense. All the assorted couples, friends, family, pack-mates, and co-workers make an appearance. Along with a few new ones. So you get all the usual hilarious interactions and the larger series arc moves forward. Niles Van Holtz and Irene Conridge are a nice little addition. Even Angelina from the Magnus Pack series makes a very brief appearance. The whole story is filled with recurring jokes and references, and personally I love that. It's definitely a solid addition to the series…one that I don't think I'll ever not enjoy.
As Irene neared her last bite, Holtz stepped through the kitchen door, coming to an abrupt stop when he spotted her, his eyes wide.
"What are you eating?" he asked. He made it sound like he found her fellating one of his teenage male cousins.
Irene tried to reply around the sticky substance tacked to the roof of her mouth, but it took too long and the enemy She-Wolf answered for them both.
"Made a couple of P. B. and J.s for your boys and wife. You want one?"
"Demoness!" Holtz exploded. "Out of my kitchen!"
"Are you trying to sweet talk me?" the female asked and Irene almost choked on her sandwich.
"Ulrich!"
Ulrich rushed into the kitchen. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Look what she's doing…in my kitchen."
Holtz's young cousin sighed and shook his head sadly. "Oh, Dee-Ann."
~
"Do you think Dee's more of a roses kind of girl? Or lilies?" he asked.
Stein stared at him. "Honestly? I think a machine gun and ample ammo is more your scary girlfriend's speed, cousin."
"See how you are?" Ric shook his head. "She keeps telling me I shouldn't be so tough on you, and here you are, talking shit about her."
"I wasn't talking shit about her. God, please don't tell that woman I was talking shit about her. She's liable to cut my head off and wear it on her jacket as a brooch."
~
He handed her the still-wrapped candy and she took it, her fingers grazing against his-and that's when they both froze, the immediate recognition sending a shiver of absolute pleasure down Dee's spine.
She looked into his eyes, eyes that were suddenly more familiar than they'd been only an hour ago and she saw the same thing there that she felt.
"Thank ya kindly," she whispered and they smiled at the same time.
"I told Uncle Van I'd be the one to feed you," Ric sighed out.
April 9, 2014
BR with Aly(Almost)
Her Name: Dee Ann Smith
His Name: Ric Van Holtz
Her Ocupation: She'd tell you but then she'd have to kill you.
His Ocupation: Chef, hockey team owner and player, secret shifter organization manager.
Her weapon of choice: Bowie knife
His weapon of choice: Frying pan
What can a Smith(one of the most feared packs out there) she-wolf have in common with a Van Holtz(one of the most uptight packs out there) male? Read the book and find out because I'm too lazy to tell ya!;)
Quotes:
“Don’t be that way, Ric.” She grabbed hold of Ric’s T-shirt and pulled him over until his weight rested against her. She placed her hand against the back of his neck and lowered his head, placing it against her chest. Using her fingers, she eased around and found the swelling knot at the base of his skull and carefully placed the bag of ice there. “Doesn’t that feel better?”
He grunted a little, his arms now wrapping around her waist, his face burrowing deep against her breast. After a moment, he settled and said, “Now it does.”
Dee rolled her eyes in disgust. Honestly, wolves took any advantage they could get. At their core—they were all the same. Horny, pathetic, and cute.”
“Gwen hates me,” she reminded him.
“Don’t be narcissistic. She hates everyone.”
“I'm not a whore, Dee-Ann. You can't just come here to use and abuse me before going on your merry way. Unless, of course, you're naked.
“Is there a problem?” she asked.
“No. Not at all. Crash at Reed’s, if that’s what you want. Hope you two are very happy together.”
“Just because I’m crashing at Rory’s place don’t mean we’re doing anything together . . . and why am I explaining this to you?”
He stared at her and asked, “Why do you think?”
Dee thought about it a minute. “You’re interested in Rory Lee?”
Ric lowered his head, his eyes shifting from human to wolf. They were blue when wolf. Like an Arctic wolf’s. “You cannot be that clueless, Dee-Ann.”
Her Name: Dee Ann Smith
His Name: Ric Van Holtz
Her Ocupation: She'd tell you but then she'd have to kill you.
His Ocupation: Chef, hockey team owner and player, secret shifter organization manager.
Her weapon of choice: Bowie knife
His weapon of choice: Frying pan
What can a Smith(one of the most feared packs out there) she-wolf have in common with a Van Holtz(one of the most uptight packs out there) male? Read the book and find out because I'm too lazy to tell ya!;)
Quotes:
“Don’t be that way, Ric.” She grabbed hold of Ric’s T-shirt and pulled him over until his weight rested against her. She placed her hand against the back of his neck and lowered his head, placing it against her chest. Using her fingers, she eased around and found the swelling knot at the base of his skull and carefully placed the bag of ice there. “Doesn’t that feel better?”
He grunted a little, his arms now wrapping around her waist, his face burrowing deep against her breast. After a moment, he settled and said, “Now it does.”
Dee rolled her eyes in disgust. Honestly, wolves took any advantage they could get. At their core—they were all the same. Horny, pathetic, and cute.”
“Gwen hates me,” she reminded him.
“Don’t be narcissistic. She hates everyone.”
“I'm not a whore, Dee-Ann. You can't just come here to use and abuse me before going on your merry way. Unless, of course, you're naked.
“Is there a problem?” she asked.
“No. Not at all. Crash at Reed’s, if that’s what you want. Hope you two are very happy together.”
“Just because I’m crashing at Rory’s place don’t mean we’re doing anything together . . . and why am I explaining this to you?”
He stared at her and asked, “Why do you think?”
Dee thought about it a minute. “You’re interested in Rory Lee?”
Ric lowered his head, his eyes shifting from human to wolf. They were blue when wolf. Like an Arctic wolf’s. “You cannot be that clueless, Dee-Ann.”
October 29, 2014
YES! YES! YES!
You can't possibly know the satisfaction when finally I got to click that "I'm finished" button! Such a relief!
It's no secret that I absolutely detested the heroine I'm not even going to pretend I understand her or feel for her, because I don't and I never will. Dee-Ann is a horrible person and she doesn't deserve a quantum of compassion.
At times I would just get so annoyed by her behavior, I just had to put the book down for a while, to cool down. The first time it happened, I was so reluctant to pick it up again, I kind of talked myself out of it. Which is kind of the reason it took me a month to read a book I would normally read in two days max. These characters killed my will to read!
The story itself is not bad and I have a feeling, that if it were anyone else for the main characters, this book would've been so much more enjoyable to me. Obviously, it's not the case, so book, say thank you for your one star to the lovely Dee-Ann and Ric. May they forever rot in book-hell.
You can't possibly know the satisfaction when finally I got to click that "I'm finished" button! Such a relief!
It's no secret that I absolutely detested the heroine I'm not even going to pretend I understand her or feel for her, because I don't and I never will. Dee-Ann is a horrible person and she doesn't deserve a quantum of compassion.
At times I would just get so annoyed by her behavior, I just had to put the book down for a while, to cool down. The first time it happened, I was so reluctant to pick it up again, I kind of talked myself out of it. Which is kind of the reason it took me a month to read a book I would normally read in two days max. These characters killed my will to read!
The story itself is not bad and I have a feeling, that if it were anyone else for the main characters, this book would've been so much more enjoyable to me. Obviously, it's not the case, so book, say thank you for your one star to the lovely Dee-Ann and Ric. May they forever rot in book-hell.
October 2, 2012
This series is just hilarious. However, I wouldn't suggest reading them out of order. I get a little lost reading them IN order. All of the hillbilly names and half breed shifters make for some convoluted relationships and story lines. But man, they are FUNNY!
Dee Anne didn't bother me like she did some other people. I was actually looking forward to her story, just to see Ms. Laurenston write a super kick ass chick, one even more kick ass than Ronnie Lee was. And Ric has been a favorite character of mine...the supermodel looks and a great cook? I'm yours! They were great together, and the push and pull wasn't overdone. I like how Ric got all conniving and sneaky in order to make Dee Anne fall for him. Tricksy little wolf!
Read this series for a lighearted romance with some hot sex, a little blood and guts, and absolutely fabulous secondary characters.
Dee Anne didn't bother me like she did some other people. I was actually looking forward to her story, just to see Ms. Laurenston write a super kick ass chick, one even more kick ass than Ronnie Lee was. And Ric has been a favorite character of mine...the supermodel looks and a great cook? I'm yours! They were great together, and the push and pull wasn't overdone. I like how Ric got all conniving and sneaky in order to make Dee Anne fall for him. Tricksy little wolf!
Read this series for a lighearted romance with some hot sex, a little blood and guts, and absolutely fabulous secondary characters.
May 12, 2019
I adore this series and this installment is no exception. Charlotte Kane brings such life to the characters and especially Dee-Ann Smith.
May 1, 2011
Shelly Laurenston is an author who puts the “Z” in zany. Her books are over the top silly and ones that will have you in hysterics. Her Pride series is set in a world full of shifters. Name an animal, and it will most likely appear in one of Shelly’s books. The last one I read by Shelly, The Main Squeeze, had a seven foot, somewhat shy bear shifter. I didn’t think Shelly could pull off a hot teddy bear shifting hero, but she did that with the hero, Lock. Now in Big Bad Beast we have two main characters that are different like night and day. Ric Van Holtz comes from a very prestigious family, has GQ model looks, money and is a professional chef who owns his own restaurant. A man who cooks is a winner in my eyes. What more could you want in a man? I also got the sense that Ric is a metrosexual from his hair down to his clothes. Ric has it bad for Dee-Ann Smith. Dee-Ann is a bit of a redneck, a tomboy who will tear off anyone’s face who insults her or her family. Dee-Ann is a former marine, a loner who can’t stand touchy feely shifters who care for her. Ric wouldn’t mind getting touchy feely with Dee-Ann, but he’s her boss, a supervisor for the Group. The Group is comparable to an undercover task force that tracks down criminals who use shifters in illegal dogfights.
Ric has it bad for Dee-Ann. He wants her in his bed and as his wife, but Dee-Ann is too independent, and even though she wouldn’t mind rolling around with Ric in his king size bed big enough for a grizzly, she refuses to settle down with the rich boy as she calls him. Not only is the Smith clan full of killers and outcasts, and pretty much enemies with the Van Holtzs, but Ric has to put up with a money hungry father and a cousin who has a gambling problem. Ric isn’t sure if his father wants him out of the picture and has ties to the illegal dogfighting. Dee-Ann teams up with other law enforcement shifters to find out who’s behind it all while trying to figure out her growing feelings for Ric.
Watching Ric and Dee-Ann fall for one another is delicious. These two are all over each other as they let loose and enjoy crazy, hot sex with one another. But they both know it’s not just a physical attraction between them. As they become lovers, they also grow close where they become a couple. Dee-Ann is not used to being welcomed into the fold with the Van Holtzs and their friends, including a too friendly and excitable dog shifter, Blayne, who Dee-Ann calls Teacup because she’s so sweet and tends to slobber all over Dee-Ann. Blayne is my favorite characters in this series and I’m still kicking myself for not reading Beast Behaving Badly, where Blayne is the star and meets her mate, a seven foot, hulking half-polar bear hockey player with a list obsession.
There’s a great deal of snark, insults, drag out fights with fists and blood flying, and enough steam between Ric and Dee-Ann to boil water. So many characters from past books appear, including new ones that may make your head spin.
Ric isn’t too alpha and more on the laid back, beta side when it comes to Dee-Ann. He loves how she can handle matters without him coming to the rescue. Ric is truly a dream come to life. The way he’s with Dee-Ann and constantly feeds her, while wanting her on any available hard surface, is unbelievably sweet and romantic.
Big Bad Beast is full of wonderful fluffy fun and good time reading. Shelly’s books are perfect if you need a good laugh and will definitely warm you on the inside much like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold winter’s night. I’d recommend you read all the books before Big Bad Beast in order to understand the world and the character’s motivations so you won’t get lost.
Big Bad Beast left me with a big smile on my face and made my day a little less stressful.
Ric has it bad for Dee-Ann. He wants her in his bed and as his wife, but Dee-Ann is too independent, and even though she wouldn’t mind rolling around with Ric in his king size bed big enough for a grizzly, she refuses to settle down with the rich boy as she calls him. Not only is the Smith clan full of killers and outcasts, and pretty much enemies with the Van Holtzs, but Ric has to put up with a money hungry father and a cousin who has a gambling problem. Ric isn’t sure if his father wants him out of the picture and has ties to the illegal dogfighting. Dee-Ann teams up with other law enforcement shifters to find out who’s behind it all while trying to figure out her growing feelings for Ric.
Watching Ric and Dee-Ann fall for one another is delicious. These two are all over each other as they let loose and enjoy crazy, hot sex with one another. But they both know it’s not just a physical attraction between them. As they become lovers, they also grow close where they become a couple. Dee-Ann is not used to being welcomed into the fold with the Van Holtzs and their friends, including a too friendly and excitable dog shifter, Blayne, who Dee-Ann calls Teacup because she’s so sweet and tends to slobber all over Dee-Ann. Blayne is my favorite characters in this series and I’m still kicking myself for not reading Beast Behaving Badly, where Blayne is the star and meets her mate, a seven foot, hulking half-polar bear hockey player with a list obsession.
There’s a great deal of snark, insults, drag out fights with fists and blood flying, and enough steam between Ric and Dee-Ann to boil water. So many characters from past books appear, including new ones that may make your head spin.
Ric isn’t too alpha and more on the laid back, beta side when it comes to Dee-Ann. He loves how she can handle matters without him coming to the rescue. Ric is truly a dream come to life. The way he’s with Dee-Ann and constantly feeds her, while wanting her on any available hard surface, is unbelievably sweet and romantic.
Big Bad Beast is full of wonderful fluffy fun and good time reading. Shelly’s books are perfect if you need a good laugh and will definitely warm you on the inside much like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold winter’s night. I’d recommend you read all the books before Big Bad Beast in order to understand the world and the character’s motivations so you won’t get lost.
Big Bad Beast left me with a big smile on my face and made my day a little less stressful.
April 21, 2011
Posted at: www.happilyeverafter-reads.blogspot.com
Let Project Wolf-Wolf commence!! Ahhhh, nothing makes me happier than having a new Shelly Laurenston book in my hands. Everything, and I mean every-thing, I’ve read by her is laugh out loud, careful reading in public, funny. With the 6th book in the Pride Series, Shelly has continued to build on a truly multi-layered, multi-racial/shifter species, multi-crazies (aka families) world. From the lazy ass lions, insane wolves, hyper wild dogs, to well…Blayne, this is one world I can’t wait to visit with each new book, and again on many rereads.
Big Bad Beast is Dee-Ann and Ric’s story. Dee-Ann…what a tough nut she is. More comfortable fighting, snarling and fighting some more, little 6 year old Ric takes one look at her as a gangling 9 year old girl and knew she was the one for him. He loved her, and wanted to feed her forever! (He’s in a family of chefs. It makes sense, I swear!) Fast forward 25 years and you’ve still got Ric who’s falling hard and fast for Dee-Ann, who, is not falling hard for our sweetheart Ric. But never fear, Ric’s smart, he’s patient, and he knows just how to get Dee-Ann to want him just as much as he wants her. Watching these two dance around each other, come together and be together was so much fun.
With Dee on the case of tracking down who is funding illegal hybrid dogfights, we get a nice amount of story with Dez, a full human who mated Mace way back in book 1 and we meet their young son Marcus, a little lion shifter/lady killer (“it’s because of his mane”) in the making. The case brings in new characters, old friends, the hockey team, our favorite OCD polar bear shifter (lists and schedules ARE cool) and a huge get together for all the shifters at one of Ric’s homes - or resort is more like it.
While the dogfighting plot may not be full of edge of your seat suspense, that’s not what these books are about. Angst…there is none. Ric and Dee-Ann are very much yin and yang but watching, especially Dee-Ann become a different person in a very good way, around Ric is delightful. Many past characters get hilarious moments as well, all while keeping the story moving forward. It’s so enjoyable how you KNOW each of the characters. Everyone has their very own, distinct personality and you’d know who was on page without ever needing to read their name. If you want 300+ pages of laughs, this book and the entire series won’t disappoint.
Let Project Wolf-Wolf commence!! Ahhhh, nothing makes me happier than having a new Shelly Laurenston book in my hands. Everything, and I mean every-thing, I’ve read by her is laugh out loud, careful reading in public, funny. With the 6th book in the Pride Series, Shelly has continued to build on a truly multi-layered, multi-racial/shifter species, multi-crazies (aka families) world. From the lazy ass lions, insane wolves, hyper wild dogs, to well…Blayne, this is one world I can’t wait to visit with each new book, and again on many rereads.
Big Bad Beast is Dee-Ann and Ric’s story. Dee-Ann…what a tough nut she is. More comfortable fighting, snarling and fighting some more, little 6 year old Ric takes one look at her as a gangling 9 year old girl and knew she was the one for him. He loved her, and wanted to feed her forever! (He’s in a family of chefs. It makes sense, I swear!) Fast forward 25 years and you’ve still got Ric who’s falling hard and fast for Dee-Ann, who, is not falling hard for our sweetheart Ric. But never fear, Ric’s smart, he’s patient, and he knows just how to get Dee-Ann to want him just as much as he wants her. Watching these two dance around each other, come together and be together was so much fun.
With Dee on the case of tracking down who is funding illegal hybrid dogfights, we get a nice amount of story with Dez, a full human who mated Mace way back in book 1 and we meet their young son Marcus, a little lion shifter/lady killer (“it’s because of his mane”) in the making. The case brings in new characters, old friends, the hockey team, our favorite OCD polar bear shifter (lists and schedules ARE cool) and a huge get together for all the shifters at one of Ric’s homes - or resort is more like it.
While the dogfighting plot may not be full of edge of your seat suspense, that’s not what these books are about. Angst…there is none. Ric and Dee-Ann are very much yin and yang but watching, especially Dee-Ann become a different person in a very good way, around Ric is delightful. Many past characters get hilarious moments as well, all while keeping the story moving forward. It’s so enjoyable how you KNOW each of the characters. Everyone has their very own, distinct personality and you’d know who was on page without ever needing to read their name. If you want 300+ pages of laughs, this book and the entire series won’t disappoint.
April 27, 2011
Like most people I was pretty hesitant to read about hard-ass Dee-Ann Smith, but OMG, can Shelly write a good one. Don't get the wrong idea, Dee is still tough as nails and every bit her father's daughter (lovers of the series will know what being Eggie Smith's daughter means, too!) and Ric is just as wily as ever, but they manage to take being hard and being wily make it fun, amusing and a wonderful love story. Not conventional in any way, but that's the Laurenston love equation and I wouldn't have it any other way!
*SPOILERS! STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!*
I LOVE the 4th of July weekend and all the 'family' coming together. Laurenston is so good about showing the reader how even the oddest kinds of people can come together and form their own family. Wild dogs, Smith wolves, Van Holtz wolves, Irish lions, hybrids, grizzlies and one tough-ass full human all together just make sense and makes the book all the more endearing than just a love story, it's like getting to see old friends in new situations. You really come to love all the characters, despite how strange (or bloodthirsty) they may be.
SO HAPPY to see the Magnus pack cameos of Sara and Angie. I just KNEW that Sara would never tolerate language like "half-breed" and that if Dee-Ann needed a dress that only Angie could help her. Laurenston makes them feel so real and so dear to you.
Even though Conall and Miki is still my #1 fave book of hers, this will definitely be re-read like all the others and enjoyed every single time. There was no disappointment in this installment in her series and now I have to face waiting for the next one... AGAIN!
*SPOILERS! STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW!*
I LOVE the 4th of July weekend and all the 'family' coming together. Laurenston is so good about showing the reader how even the oddest kinds of people can come together and form their own family. Wild dogs, Smith wolves, Van Holtz wolves, Irish lions, hybrids, grizzlies and one tough-ass full human all together just make sense and makes the book all the more endearing than just a love story, it's like getting to see old friends in new situations. You really come to love all the characters, despite how strange (or bloodthirsty) they may be.
SO HAPPY to see the Magnus pack cameos of Sara and Angie. I just KNEW that Sara would never tolerate language like "half-breed" and that if Dee-Ann needed a dress that only Angie could help her. Laurenston makes them feel so real and so dear to you.
Even though Conall and Miki is still my #1 fave book of hers, this will definitely be re-read like all the others and enjoyed every single time. There was no disappointment in this installment in her series and now I have to face waiting for the next one... AGAIN!
July 10, 2011
After read review:
I have no idea how Ms. Laurenston did it but she made me fall in love once again. I was not looking forward to reading Big Bad Beast. In fact this book has been laying around for a couple of weeks just waiting me to make myself read it.
I have no idea why I thought pessimistically about this one. Dee and Ric balanced each other perfectly. She was violent where he was calm. She has absolutely no filter between her brain and mouth as Ric is all logic.
I really enjoyed the prologue of the book. It was cute to see that had loved Dee ever since he was little. It only makes him more perfect ( If that is even possible).
I am so looking forward to Cella "Bare Knuckles" and Crush's book. I know that Dee and Cella hate each other in the Big Bad Beast, but for me this she-tiger was so damn cuteeee <3 !
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pre-read review :
There is gonna be a sixth book ! There is gonna be a sixth book ! I'm actually going a happy dance here *sun*
It was about time Miss Laurenston get those two together. You just can't imagine how pissed off I was throughout the forth & fifth book ?! I mean the guy is hot as hell, filthy rich, funny and can cook! He can actually cook ! ( damn I'm so in love ) And Dee-Ann.. the girl is insane there is nothing more to say .. xD
P.s Dear beloved publishers,
Please put a less sexy cover, the guys are just too damn hot, a girl is getting a bit too embarrassed to go through the center of her hometown reading this xD
I have no idea how Ms. Laurenston did it but she made me fall in love once again. I was not looking forward to reading Big Bad Beast. In fact this book has been laying around for a couple of weeks just waiting me to make myself read it.
I have no idea why I thought pessimistically about this one. Dee and Ric balanced each other perfectly. She was violent where he was calm. She has absolutely no filter between her brain and mouth as Ric is all logic.
I really enjoyed the prologue of the book. It was cute to see that had loved Dee ever since he was little. It only makes him more perfect ( If that is even possible).
I am so looking forward to Cella "Bare Knuckles" and Crush's book. I know that Dee and Cella hate each other in the Big Bad Beast, but for me this she-tiger was so damn cuteeee <3 !
-----------------------------------------------------------
Pre-read review :
There is gonna be a sixth book ! There is gonna be a sixth book ! I'm actually going a happy dance here *sun*
It was about time Miss Laurenston get those two together. You just can't imagine how pissed off I was throughout the forth & fifth book ?! I mean the guy is hot as hell, filthy rich, funny and can cook! He can actually cook ! ( damn I'm so in love ) And Dee-Ann.. the girl is insane there is nothing more to say .. xD
P.s Dear beloved publishers,
Please put a less sexy cover, the guys are just too damn hot, a girl is getting a bit too embarrassed to go through the center of her hometown reading this xD
April 30, 2011
In BBB, Dee Ann Smith, an ex marine frenemy and Dez (the heroine from The Mane Event) join together in a task force to track down the people behind the shifters disappearing and/or being created to fight in the nastiest version of a dogfight you'd ever come upon. But they soon find out they may not want to know- especially when they discover one of the main money sources is none other than one of their very own.
Meanwhile Ric Van Holtz is determined to make the woman he's loved all his life his mate- and it will take all his prodigious charm- and sneakiness- to get her to to his bed. With a little help from his friends- and one teacup poodle- he might just do it.
Well- despite my misgivings over the heroine of this story- I did end up enjoying Big Bad Beast… but that’s probably because a lot of the rest of the packs, prides & clans that populate this series were in it and most definitely because of the charming Ulrich Van Holtz. What brought it down for me was indeed Dee, although I did warm up to her more than I thought would. Still, I found her to be a complaining bitch most of the time (even though Ric said just the opposite about her, weirdly enough), with her worst flaw being the fact she was boring and predictable.
If it wasnt for Bo, Blayne and Lock this book would come in much lower, but, because of them- and Ric!- I would still recommend it to anyone reading the series!
Meanwhile Ric Van Holtz is determined to make the woman he's loved all his life his mate- and it will take all his prodigious charm- and sneakiness- to get her to to his bed. With a little help from his friends- and one teacup poodle- he might just do it.
Well- despite my misgivings over the heroine of this story- I did end up enjoying Big Bad Beast… but that’s probably because a lot of the rest of the packs, prides & clans that populate this series were in it and most definitely because of the charming Ulrich Van Holtz. What brought it down for me was indeed Dee, although I did warm up to her more than I thought would. Still, I found her to be a complaining bitch most of the time (even though Ric said just the opposite about her, weirdly enough), with her worst flaw being the fact she was boring and predictable.
If it wasnt for Bo, Blayne and Lock this book would come in much lower, but, because of them- and Ric!- I would still recommend it to anyone reading the series!
January 2, 2019
3rd read: 1-2 January 2018
One of the best way to start the year.
2nd read: April 2014
Buddy read with Jo
1st read: November 2012
Buddy read with Maru
One of the best way to start the year.
2nd read: April 2014
Buddy read with Jo
1st read: November 2012
Buddy read with Maru
November 28, 2016
This book was certainly enjoyable and a great continuation for a great series ^^
Personally I wasn't expecting much from this book since shown in the previous couple of books the heroine was mean and so antisocial that she didn't care whether what she did was bitchy or not, and the hero was so in love with the heroine that he was silly most of the time around her, so goofy with heart-shaped eyes XD
- I adored the prologue it was so freaking cute, with them acting their usual self but in miniature form especially Ric, and his cousin/uncle's reaction when he told him he will get Dee was just so funny XD
- I liked the hero he was so tactful and took measured steps toward what he wanted, but if it weren't for the heroine angry kiss their relationship would have talked a lot longer to be initiated, but I liked how he talked her into and out of anything XD
- I liked the time when they started their vacation it was so funny seeing the reaction of the rest of their friends and family toward their relationship, and later after the claiming the reaction of all involved was funny especially the cousin/uncle of the hero XD
- I liked Abby and Hanna's role in the whole thing it was nice to watch their progress and involvement in the this weird eccentric group of friends and family of diverse type of shifters.
- I liked how the heroine's parents took to the hero instantly, specially after how her mom played with her dad's logic and reasoning shifting him from despising the guy to approving of him in matter of minutes.
- I loved how Ric was so nice and sweet with his taking back a cousin who tried to screw him over and still keeping his gentleness when his brother tried to steal from him and his father hiring people to hurt him, and I liked how he handle that scene pretty amazingly XD
- I admired how Dee instantly accepted Ric mating with him without any hesitation unlike the other women in the series
Overall, *thumbs up*
Personally I wasn't expecting much from this book since shown in the previous couple of books the heroine was mean and so antisocial that she didn't care whether what she did was bitchy or not, and the hero was so in love with the heroine that he was silly most of the time around her, so goofy with heart-shaped eyes XD
- I adored the prologue it was so freaking cute, with them acting their usual self but in miniature form especially Ric, and his cousin/uncle's reaction when he told him he will get Dee was just so funny XD
- I liked the hero he was so tactful and took measured steps toward what he wanted, but if it weren't for the heroine angry kiss their relationship would have talked a lot longer to be initiated, but I liked how he talked her into and out of anything XD
- I liked the time when they started their vacation it was so funny seeing the reaction of the rest of their friends and family toward their relationship, and later after the claiming the reaction of all involved was funny especially the cousin/uncle of the hero XD
- I liked Abby and Hanna's role in the whole thing it was nice to watch their progress and involvement in the this weird eccentric group of friends and family of diverse type of shifters.
- I liked how the heroine's parents took to the hero instantly, specially after how her mom played with her dad's logic and reasoning shifting him from despising the guy to approving of him in matter of minutes.
- I loved how Ric was so nice and sweet with his taking back a cousin who tried to screw him over and still keeping his gentleness when his brother tried to steal from him and his father hiring people to hurt him, and I liked how he handle that scene pretty amazingly XD
- I admired how Dee instantly accepted Ric mating with him without any hesitation unlike the other women in the series
Overall, *thumbs up*
July 25, 2020
This is the book I've been waiting for quite some time. From the first time we saw Ric and Dee-Ann together I knew they were going to be mates, and I was right. *doing a happy dance*
Dee-Ann is great, a bit trigger happy, but still great. I love the way she talks to people, her bluntness, her crazy family...
Ric is incredibly patient, nice, a great cook, and strong & smart enough to be an alpha if he wanted to - all in all a perfect wolf. He knew what he wanted (in this case it was Dee-Ann), and he went after it.
A lot of characters from the previous books show up - Mich, Brandon, Sissy, Ronnie, Novikov and more. Lets not forger Teacup, known to the world as Blayne, she of the crazy projects (in this case Project Wolf-Wolf). We find out more about one of the Reed boys - Rory, maybe he will get a book soon.
One of the new(er) characters - Malone is great, and her "friendship" with Dee-Ann... :-)
I love Shelly Laurenston. Her books are funny and incredibly addictive.
Rating:
5 stars
Dee-Ann is great, a bit trigger happy, but still great. I love the way she talks to people, her bluntness, her crazy family...
Ric is incredibly patient, nice, a great cook, and strong & smart enough to be an alpha if he wanted to - all in all a perfect wolf. He knew what he wanted (in this case it was Dee-Ann), and he went after it.
A lot of characters from the previous books show up - Mich, Brandon, Sissy, Ronnie, Novikov and more. Lets not forger Teacup, known to the world as Blayne, she of the crazy projects (in this case Project Wolf-Wolf). We find out more about one of the Reed boys - Rory, maybe he will get a book soon.
One of the new(er) characters - Malone is great, and her "friendship" with Dee-Ann... :-)
I love Shelly Laurenston. Her books are funny and incredibly addictive.
Rating:
5 stars
April 11, 2013
What can I say Shelly Laurenston is a genius at writing couples and funny dialogue...This another book of her where I either didn't like one of the main characters or found them annoying in another book, but then in their own book I really liked them(I looking at you Dee-Ann). Loved how Ric has loved her from the very beginning and no one else could understand why and just all their scenes with each other. Cannot wait for the next one...Also now have gotten my sister hooked on this series and had to lend her all my books in this series; I miss them :(...YOU MUST read this series if you haven't yet!!!!
May 20, 2011
Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/05/rev...
Favorite Quote: “It’s Miss. Nice Southern girls use Miss.”
“Then I guess that still makes you a Ms.”
I ADORE Shelly Laurenston and her crazy unpredictable shifters. When I received Big Bad Beast for review I decided to get the first one, The Mane Event, so that I could get an insight into the overall arc. From there I went and got her whole back list and spent the weekend with these crazy, sexy, outrageously funny shifters.
Big Bad Beast is #6 in the Pride series. Filled with Laurenston’s trademark humor and snark, we get a ring side seat to the romancing and mating of a tough and nonsense ex-marine Dee Ann Smith by chef premier and pretty boy Ulrich (Ric) Van Holtz. Plenty of laughter, smoking hot love scenes, and interfering pride members will keep you rolling.
Ric is a wolf shifter and restaurant cook extraordinaire in his cousin’s New York restaurant. He also helps run The Group. The Group is a consolidation of ex-military shifters who are called in to investigate and handle shifter problems. When she-wolf Dee Ann Smith joins The Group after leaving the Marines, Ric thinks his fondest dream has been granted. Ric has wanted the elusive and very scary Dee Ann Smith since he met and gave her a candy bar at age 6 and announced to his cousin Van he was going to “nail her and nail her good.”
As Ric worms his way into Dee Ann’s bed and heart, they are both pulled into shifter politics as Ric has to deal with his narcissistic father, Dee Ann has find out who is kidnapping and pit fighting the hybrids, and they both have to deal with certain shifters who feel that a Smith and Van Holtz should NEVER be together.
One Bad Beast is hilarious from page one. Ric knew Dee Ann was the ONE when he first met her. But fate had different plans for them so they don’t meet up again till about 25 years later. Dee Ann now works for Ric but has no idea how he feels. Ric wants Dee Ann badly and he decides that the best way to do it is to let her catch him and make her think it was all her idea. Once Dee Ann “catches” him, the romance and the antics start. This story isn’t as much about the chase as the others books are but more about what happens after the chase. Dee Ann and Ric get together pretty quickly (though not that quickly because they have been working towards it for 2 books).
Dee Ann is a woman after my own heart. Tough, quiet, and takes no crap from anyone. Most of the shifters are scared of her. She takes after her father, Eggie Smith, as the pride’s unofficial enforcer. Or as her father likes to say, “Time to start the killin’.” Consistently reminded of her “freaky eyes” and her size, she’s always thought she’d be alone.
Ric is fabulous. Funny, sweet, supermodel sexy, and gifted with the kiss of snark, he is perfect for Dee Ann. He doesn’t want to own her or control her-he just wants to be with her. He understands her the way few do and it only serves to make him love her more. *sniff* I need a Ric.
The rest of the gang is all in here to interfere, offer useless advice, and eat them out of house and home. I love that Ms Laurenston adapts past characters into current story lines. The entire shifter nation interacting with one another is what makes these stories fabulous. We see Mitch Shaw who is STILL throwing his brother Brendon under the bus. “Take him!!!”
Blayne is still annoying Dee Ann to the point of murder but it’s so funny you can’t help but laugh as she pings and pongs all over the place. The rest of the Smith pack show up to comment on Dee Ann’s relationship with her wolf.
“Get your suit on. We’re hitting the beach.”
“I just woke up and —”
“Not a request. Just move your ass cousin.”
“Fine.”
“I know it’s fine. In fact, it better be goddamned fine.”
“Heifer.”
“Rich man’s whore.”
“At least mine can cook the food he eats. And replaces it too.”
“Now see, Dee Ann Smith. That was just mean!”
What I really enjoy about this series is that while you have a romance and a main conflict, there is no heavy angst involved. Non-stop action and crazy antics keeps this series delightfully fresh and addictive.
The ending is action packed and resolves the main conflict perfectly. Other loose ends are tied up and we get a few clues to who Ms. Laurenston will write about next. If you enjoy non-stop humor and wit in your shifter romances then look no further than Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series. I guarantee you’ll soon be as addicted as I am.
Rating: B+
Favorite Quote: “It’s Miss. Nice Southern girls use Miss.”
“Then I guess that still makes you a Ms.”
I ADORE Shelly Laurenston and her crazy unpredictable shifters. When I received Big Bad Beast for review I decided to get the first one, The Mane Event, so that I could get an insight into the overall arc. From there I went and got her whole back list and spent the weekend with these crazy, sexy, outrageously funny shifters.
Big Bad Beast is #6 in the Pride series. Filled with Laurenston’s trademark humor and snark, we get a ring side seat to the romancing and mating of a tough and nonsense ex-marine Dee Ann Smith by chef premier and pretty boy Ulrich (Ric) Van Holtz. Plenty of laughter, smoking hot love scenes, and interfering pride members will keep you rolling.
Ric is a wolf shifter and restaurant cook extraordinaire in his cousin’s New York restaurant. He also helps run The Group. The Group is a consolidation of ex-military shifters who are called in to investigate and handle shifter problems. When she-wolf Dee Ann Smith joins The Group after leaving the Marines, Ric thinks his fondest dream has been granted. Ric has wanted the elusive and very scary Dee Ann Smith since he met and gave her a candy bar at age 6 and announced to his cousin Van he was going to “nail her and nail her good.”
As Ric worms his way into Dee Ann’s bed and heart, they are both pulled into shifter politics as Ric has to deal with his narcissistic father, Dee Ann has find out who is kidnapping and pit fighting the hybrids, and they both have to deal with certain shifters who feel that a Smith and Van Holtz should NEVER be together.
One Bad Beast is hilarious from page one. Ric knew Dee Ann was the ONE when he first met her. But fate had different plans for them so they don’t meet up again till about 25 years later. Dee Ann now works for Ric but has no idea how he feels. Ric wants Dee Ann badly and he decides that the best way to do it is to let her catch him and make her think it was all her idea. Once Dee Ann “catches” him, the romance and the antics start. This story isn’t as much about the chase as the others books are but more about what happens after the chase. Dee Ann and Ric get together pretty quickly (though not that quickly because they have been working towards it for 2 books).
Dee Ann is a woman after my own heart. Tough, quiet, and takes no crap from anyone. Most of the shifters are scared of her. She takes after her father, Eggie Smith, as the pride’s unofficial enforcer. Or as her father likes to say, “Time to start the killin’.” Consistently reminded of her “freaky eyes” and her size, she’s always thought she’d be alone.
Ric is fabulous. Funny, sweet, supermodel sexy, and gifted with the kiss of snark, he is perfect for Dee Ann. He doesn’t want to own her or control her-he just wants to be with her. He understands her the way few do and it only serves to make him love her more. *sniff* I need a Ric.
The rest of the gang is all in here to interfere, offer useless advice, and eat them out of house and home. I love that Ms Laurenston adapts past characters into current story lines. The entire shifter nation interacting with one another is what makes these stories fabulous. We see Mitch Shaw who is STILL throwing his brother Brendon under the bus. “Take him!!!”
Blayne is still annoying Dee Ann to the point of murder but it’s so funny you can’t help but laugh as she pings and pongs all over the place. The rest of the Smith pack show up to comment on Dee Ann’s relationship with her wolf.
“Get your suit on. We’re hitting the beach.”
“I just woke up and —”
“Not a request. Just move your ass cousin.”
“Fine.”
“I know it’s fine. In fact, it better be goddamned fine.”
“Heifer.”
“Rich man’s whore.”
“At least mine can cook the food he eats. And replaces it too.”
“Now see, Dee Ann Smith. That was just mean!”
What I really enjoy about this series is that while you have a romance and a main conflict, there is no heavy angst involved. Non-stop action and crazy antics keeps this series delightfully fresh and addictive.
The ending is action packed and resolves the main conflict perfectly. Other loose ends are tied up and we get a few clues to who Ms. Laurenston will write about next. If you enjoy non-stop humor and wit in your shifter romances then look no further than Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series. I guarantee you’ll soon be as addicted as I am.
Rating: B+
May 26, 2013
I have been curious about Dee Ann's character since we first met her earlier in the series. She's always been so grumpy, evasive and pretty bloody horrible so I was interested to see how she would be as someone's HEA. Would she be that standoffish with them and they would just have to accept it? Or would she be totally different with them? Then when I discovered that Ric (who I definately have the hugest crush on by the way) would be her man I got a little scared. Ric is just adorable, so sweet and caring, I worried about what having a mate like Dee would do to him.
But again I stupidly underestimated Shelly's abilities and she did again. Baffled me by how two completely different people can compliment eachother perfectly. Dee can be so violent, and Ric is always completely in control, calm and collected. Even when shooting someone in the knee-caps, Ric's voice is never raised and he's even still polite lol. He's brilliant. Whereas Dee storms in, ruthlessly kills her target and never looks back. She's also amazing in a brawl, I loved her fighting scenes, it just reminded me of how tough she really is.
I liked the little role reversal we saw in Dee and Ric's relationship. Ric definately wears the trousers but when it comes to their physical side Dee was the one seducing him, whilst scaring him half to death. e.g grabbing him by the throat during sex when he started to get a little too full of himself "You really think you can handle me?" It was fantastic.
Ric was so clever making Dee Ann think that she was the one in control when actually he was using his charming wiles to steer her in exactly the direction he wanted her to take, genious!
I loved their 4th of July celebration that Ric pulled together. The sense of family you get from reading this series is beautiful. The whole cast from this series is present, they are all completely different and most are just odd as hell but it's amazing to see them all come together, they all love eachother whether they like it or not. The big family meals and huge games of softball we're really great scenes. Shelly creates a fantastic family that everone wants to be a part of.
I loved seeing Blayne and Bo again, Bo's attempt at controlling all the guests was hilarious, his diagrams and plans of the house deligating people to their chosen (by Bo) rooms, and the pool schedule had me in stitches.
The story of the pit fights was somewhat handled, although it definately isn't over yet. Again we have met the hero and heroine from the next book Bear Meets Girl. Only a brief glimpse of Crush, but Malone is going to be a great heroine. This series really does just keep getting better and better.
But again I stupidly underestimated Shelly's abilities and she did again. Baffled me by how two completely different people can compliment eachother perfectly. Dee can be so violent, and Ric is always completely in control, calm and collected. Even when shooting someone in the knee-caps, Ric's voice is never raised and he's even still polite lol. He's brilliant. Whereas Dee storms in, ruthlessly kills her target and never looks back. She's also amazing in a brawl, I loved her fighting scenes, it just reminded me of how tough she really is.
I liked the little role reversal we saw in Dee and Ric's relationship. Ric definately wears the trousers but when it comes to their physical side Dee was the one seducing him, whilst scaring him half to death. e.g grabbing him by the throat during sex when he started to get a little too full of himself "You really think you can handle me?" It was fantastic.
Ric was so clever making Dee Ann think that she was the one in control when actually he was using his charming wiles to steer her in exactly the direction he wanted her to take, genious!
I loved their 4th of July celebration that Ric pulled together. The sense of family you get from reading this series is beautiful. The whole cast from this series is present, they are all completely different and most are just odd as hell but it's amazing to see them all come together, they all love eachother whether they like it or not. The big family meals and huge games of softball we're really great scenes. Shelly creates a fantastic family that everone wants to be a part of.
I loved seeing Blayne and Bo again, Bo's attempt at controlling all the guests was hilarious, his diagrams and plans of the house deligating people to their chosen (by Bo) rooms, and the pool schedule had me in stitches.
The story of the pit fights was somewhat handled, although it definately isn't over yet. Again we have met the hero and heroine from the next book Bear Meets Girl. Only a brief glimpse of Crush, but Malone is going to be a great heroine. This series really does just keep getting better and better.
April 30, 2012
Okay, by page 2, I was laughing out loud. The dry humor that Ms Laurenston can infuse into her characters while still making them engaging is absolutely amazing. As a child, Ulrich is a methodical, deep thinker who knows upon first sight that Eggie Smith’s daughter is the one for him…fast forward twenty-five years and Dee-Ann Smith is even more fantastic. She is tough, honest and has a biting sense of humor. In all things, Dee is a protector and defender.
As the story unfolds, we learn that some rich backer had been funding a hybrid shifter fight club. The Group, overseen by Ulrich for the shifters and Desiree for the police, was charged with finding the perpetrators. As an elite group of killers is assembled, Desiree assigns arch enemies Marcella and Dee to work together. It was great to read the interplay and witty banter between Cella, Desiree and Dee. I actually found myself enjoying the “cat fights”, claws and all.
On the romance side, Ulrich or Ric was amazing. All he wanted to do was feed Dee and have her naked in his bed…really was that too much to ask? Ric, as a Van Holtz Pack member, had a lot of responsibilities from the restaurant, the hockey team and the Group…but they paled in comparison to his feelings for Dee…His biggest struggle was to convince Dee that she should be with him, forever. I loved their battle of wills and the struggles these two overcame. I loved their devotion and their willingness to kill for each other. But in the end…I loved the twist even more…no spoilers, you need to read the book.
On a side note, I loved how Hannah and Abby (two of the side characters) came into their own in this story…I can’t wait to read their HEAs. I am speculating that Stein, Ric’s down and outs cousin will play heavily into one or both of their stories. Enjoy!
As the story unfolds, we learn that some rich backer had been funding a hybrid shifter fight club. The Group, overseen by Ulrich for the shifters and Desiree for the police, was charged with finding the perpetrators. As an elite group of killers is assembled, Desiree assigns arch enemies Marcella and Dee to work together. It was great to read the interplay and witty banter between Cella, Desiree and Dee. I actually found myself enjoying the “cat fights”, claws and all.
On the romance side, Ulrich or Ric was amazing. All he wanted to do was feed Dee and have her naked in his bed…really was that too much to ask? Ric, as a Van Holtz Pack member, had a lot of responsibilities from the restaurant, the hockey team and the Group…but they paled in comparison to his feelings for Dee…His biggest struggle was to convince Dee that she should be with him, forever. I loved their battle of wills and the struggles these two overcame. I loved their devotion and their willingness to kill for each other. But in the end…I loved the twist even more…no spoilers, you need to read the book.
On a side note, I loved how Hannah and Abby (two of the side characters) came into their own in this story…I can’t wait to read their HEAs. I am speculating that Stein, Ric’s down and outs cousin will play heavily into one or both of their stories. Enjoy!
June 15, 2011
Wow.......just when I thought it couldn't get any better then a 7 ft. sexy polar bear.............a sexy wolf comes along to steal the glory.
AND HE COOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!
Ric HAS to be one of the HOTTEST hero's of ANY book that I've read. He's got class, style, sexy as hell and O did I mention, he's a chef?
Dee Ann and Ric go together like strawberries and cream, cookies and milk............ya get the point.
She's an ex Marine, tough as nails, hillbilly from the the south. He's a well bred, rich, society wolf who's been in love w/ Dee Ann for as long as he can remember.
The prologue for this story is hilarious. We get just a glimpse at a 6 yr old Ric and a 10 yr old Dee Ann. Priceless.
Cannot rave enough about this book. It has it all. Hot sex, great storyline, funny as hell southern shapeshifters and we even get some Bo Novikov. (remember the 7 ft smexy bear w/ an OCD problem? lmao)
I really liked Stein in this book and I'm thinking that "maybe" he might go well w/ "Hannah"? Just a thought. lol
O and ANGELINA (from the first Magnus pack series) makes a brief hilarious appearance! You'll love it!
This series has quickly become one of my favs..........
AND HE COOKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!
Ric HAS to be one of the HOTTEST hero's of ANY book that I've read. He's got class, style, sexy as hell and O did I mention, he's a chef?
Dee Ann and Ric go together like strawberries and cream, cookies and milk............ya get the point.
She's an ex Marine, tough as nails, hillbilly from the the south. He's a well bred, rich, society wolf who's been in love w/ Dee Ann for as long as he can remember.
The prologue for this story is hilarious. We get just a glimpse at a 6 yr old Ric and a 10 yr old Dee Ann. Priceless.
Cannot rave enough about this book. It has it all. Hot sex, great storyline, funny as hell southern shapeshifters and we even get some Bo Novikov. (remember the 7 ft smexy bear w/ an OCD problem? lmao)
I really liked Stein in this book and I'm thinking that "maybe" he might go well w/ "Hannah"? Just a thought. lol
O and ANGELINA (from the first Magnus pack series) makes a brief hilarious appearance! You'll love it!
This series has quickly become one of my favs..........
January 5, 2013
OK let me start off by saying that I am really stupid. Look at my profile Pic, that is my natural hair color! This is the sixth book in the series and I have read NONE of the others! So please take this review with a pinch of salt because obviously I was reading this book with no background or context and often no proper introduction to certain characters.
What I did like about this book was that not only did it have a good story line but it was also unexpectedly funny. Unfortunately I also felt that the story did not actually spend enough time on the H/h and there seemed to be a LOT of information dumping. In my case it actually help because it gave me an idea of who and what everyone was but if I had read the first 5 books I would imagine it would get very annoying very fast. Unfortunately despite the information dump the author did not do any world building but I suppose that was all done in the first books...
I must say I really liked the hero Ric. I loved his tough but sweet persona but I just couldn't warm up to Dee Ann. I love a strong heroine but I think that this character took it a little too far. To the point where I couldn't really think of her as feminine.
Needless to say this is the last time I read a series out of sequence!
What I did like about this book was that not only did it have a good story line but it was also unexpectedly funny. Unfortunately I also felt that the story did not actually spend enough time on the H/h and there seemed to be a LOT of information dumping. In my case it actually help because it gave me an idea of who and what everyone was but if I had read the first 5 books I would imagine it would get very annoying very fast. Unfortunately despite the information dump the author did not do any world building but I suppose that was all done in the first books...
I must say I really liked the hero Ric. I loved his tough but sweet persona but I just couldn't warm up to Dee Ann. I love a strong heroine but I think that this character took it a little too far. To the point where I couldn't really think of her as feminine.
Needless to say this is the last time I read a series out of sequence!
June 26, 2023
4 AWESOME STARS
I just love this series and as I read more and more, I don't want to get to the end.
I just love this series and as I read more and more, I don't want to get to the end.
June 4, 2018
Okay so I don't really *like* any of you, but I wish you all the best, and also thank you so much for taking down that fight club, that was gross.
April 30, 2011
** 2 Stars ** Spoilers Ahead
This. Book. Sucked. I LOVE Shelly Laurenston. I adore this series. I also enjoy her Dragon series under G.A. Aiken. This book was a total suckfest for me.
We have Ric,I'm no where near an Alpha, Van Holtz and DeeAnn. I eagerly anticipated this book based on what we read of Ric during Blayne's story. Let's get this out of the way: Ric is not an alpha. Ric kind of seems like a lost little puppy dog to me, sometimes cute.. other times sorta pathetic, but still cute! He doesn't have aspirations of greatness among the pack, other than being an amazing chef. I guess I like my men more aggressive and masculine. This book emasculated Ric, in my opinion. He came off as sort of whimpy and a push over. I like my men a little more mean. Now after reading this last paragraph I also think I need a therapist... mean, masculine, and agressive men, check.
Let's get to DeeAnn. This is where the story went all wrong for me. Deeann basically has no close relationships and even less social skills. Thinking perhaps she's come full circle and learn the value or friends, relationships, etc... don't hold your breath. Laurenston took this character and made her an alpha on steroids. DeeAnn is so aggressive that it turned me off. Manhandling Rich in bed? Works for me. Trying to stab everyone with her bowie knife just for trying to be a friend or talk to her, overkill? You're thinking right! DeeAnn's inability to grow at all really bothered me. She loves Ric, yet I'm fairly certain she lacks any emotions or a heart. Nonetheless, they mate. I really really really really really REALLYY disliked the character of DeeAnn.
I didn't find an emotional connection with book or characters. About 100 pages into it, I found myself thinking how much I missed the Shaw brothers. The reason this series works AMAZINGLY for me is the ensemble cast. DeeAnn has no friends, so there is no comedic banter between friends. I missed the cast. They made brief appearances but all I wanted was for the story to leave DeeAnn and Rick and follow some Shaw's or Smith's around.
The plot continues following the story of hybrids being kidnapped and used in a fighting ring. DeeAnn, Cella, and Desiree are a task force searching for the answers or money behind the ring. This storyline was anticlimactic in the end.
If you are looking to Awwwww over a love story, this ain't it! Although I found the way Blayne protected Desiree and Mace's son at all cost touching, it was the only emotion inducing part of this book. I love Blayne.. I hate DeeAnn. I was disappointed in Ric because my imagination had him as a Perfect 10 before I read this book.
If you are new to this series and author, I'm sorry. This isn't her best representation. Shelly Laurenston is HILARIOUS. I will continue following her series and only hope she doesn't write another let down like this again. This story honestly wasn't any good. BUUUUUUUT it's still one of my FAVORITE series. Awesome author, awesome series... no go for beta men.
This. Book. Sucked. I LOVE Shelly Laurenston. I adore this series. I also enjoy her Dragon series under G.A. Aiken. This book was a total suckfest for me.
We have Ric,I'm no where near an Alpha, Van Holtz and DeeAnn. I eagerly anticipated this book based on what we read of Ric during Blayne's story. Let's get this out of the way: Ric is not an alpha. Ric kind of seems like a lost little puppy dog to me, sometimes cute.. other times sorta pathetic, but still cute! He doesn't have aspirations of greatness among the pack, other than being an amazing chef. I guess I like my men more aggressive and masculine. This book emasculated Ric, in my opinion. He came off as sort of whimpy and a push over. I like my men a little more mean. Now after reading this last paragraph I also think I need a therapist... mean, masculine, and agressive men, check.
Let's get to DeeAnn. This is where the story went all wrong for me. Deeann basically has no close relationships and even less social skills. Thinking perhaps she's come full circle and learn the value or friends, relationships, etc... don't hold your breath. Laurenston took this character and made her an alpha on steroids. DeeAnn is so aggressive that it turned me off. Manhandling Rich in bed? Works for me. Trying to stab everyone with her bowie knife just for trying to be a friend or talk to her, overkill? You're thinking right! DeeAnn's inability to grow at all really bothered me. She loves Ric, yet I'm fairly certain she lacks any emotions or a heart. Nonetheless, they mate. I really really really really really REALLYY disliked the character of DeeAnn.
I didn't find an emotional connection with book or characters. About 100 pages into it, I found myself thinking how much I missed the Shaw brothers. The reason this series works AMAZINGLY for me is the ensemble cast. DeeAnn has no friends, so there is no comedic banter between friends. I missed the cast. They made brief appearances but all I wanted was for the story to leave DeeAnn and Rick and follow some Shaw's or Smith's around.
The plot continues following the story of hybrids being kidnapped and used in a fighting ring. DeeAnn, Cella, and Desiree are a task force searching for the answers or money behind the ring. This storyline was anticlimactic in the end.
If you are looking to Awwwww over a love story, this ain't it! Although I found the way Blayne protected Desiree and Mace's son at all cost touching, it was the only emotion inducing part of this book. I love Blayne.. I hate DeeAnn. I was disappointed in Ric because my imagination had him as a Perfect 10 before I read this book.
If you are new to this series and author, I'm sorry. This isn't her best representation. Shelly Laurenston is HILARIOUS. I will continue following her series and only hope she doesn't write another let down like this again. This story honestly wasn't any good. BUUUUUUUT it's still one of my FAVORITE series. Awesome author, awesome series... no go for beta men.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2013
Synopsis:
When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe...
Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely-independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male-but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.
My Thoughts:
This is book six in the series and I've only read book 1, but since this was for a challenge, I decided to go ahead and read it instead of book two even though I hate reading out of order.
Turns out, I didn't really miss anything by skipping. Just some plot points in previous books that were explained well enough here and some nuances between characters that hadn't been introduced yet in the book I read a few months ago. Despite all that, I still enjoyed this a lot. I think that's because Ric and Dee-Ann were pretty good characters and were easy to like. They had good chemistry and they had really good banter. It was also nice that Ric wasn't one of those extreme Alpha males. I do love an Alpha, but it isn't always necessary. I knew I was going to love Ric when we got that flashback at the beginning of him when he was 6 and met Dee-Ann for the first time. It was extra nice because Dee-Ann didn't run from him. He got her to chase him and I loved that.
I'd forgotten just how much action this series can have. I still love that even when things are serious, the series doesn't seem to be too serious. It's still light and easy to read. The interactions between the huge cast of characters really helps with that. There are so many of them and they all come from huge families, it can sometimes be difficult to keep the family lines straight, but becomes easier when they're all together in a big group.
I enjoyed the storyline. Various groups of shifter law enforcement come together to figure out who is behind organizing fights to the death between hybrids. Dee-Ann gets forced to work with a feline she really hates, but along the way, they seem to forge something of a friendship. We also see Mace and Desiree Lleywen again and that was nice. It seems that characters from this series will continue to show up in each other's books. I like that. I really liked how so many of them came together to protect Dez and Mace's son at the end, too.
I'll definitely go back and read the books before and after this one.
When it comes to following her instincts, former Marine Dee-Ann Smith never holds back. And this deadly member of a shifter protection group will do anything to prove one of her own kind is having hybrids captured for dogfights. Trouble is, her too-cute rich-boy boss Ric Van Holtz insists on helping out. And his crazy-like-a-fox smarts and charming persistence are making it real hard for Dee to keep her heart safe...
Ric can't believe his luck. He's wanted this fiercely-independent she-wolf from day one, but he never expected teamwork as explosive as this. And now is his last chance to show Dee what she needs isn't some in-your-face Alpha male-but a wily, resourceful wolf who'll always have her back in a fight…and between the sheets.
My Thoughts:
This is book six in the series and I've only read book 1, but since this was for a challenge, I decided to go ahead and read it instead of book two even though I hate reading out of order.
Turns out, I didn't really miss anything by skipping. Just some plot points in previous books that were explained well enough here and some nuances between characters that hadn't been introduced yet in the book I read a few months ago. Despite all that, I still enjoyed this a lot. I think that's because Ric and Dee-Ann were pretty good characters and were easy to like. They had good chemistry and they had really good banter. It was also nice that Ric wasn't one of those extreme Alpha males. I do love an Alpha, but it isn't always necessary. I knew I was going to love Ric when we got that flashback at the beginning of him when he was 6 and met Dee-Ann for the first time. It was extra nice because Dee-Ann didn't run from him. He got her to chase him and I loved that.
I'd forgotten just how much action this series can have. I still love that even when things are serious, the series doesn't seem to be too serious. It's still light and easy to read. The interactions between the huge cast of characters really helps with that. There are so many of them and they all come from huge families, it can sometimes be difficult to keep the family lines straight, but becomes easier when they're all together in a big group.
I enjoyed the storyline. Various groups of shifter law enforcement come together to figure out who is behind organizing fights to the death between hybrids. Dee-Ann gets forced to work with a feline she really hates, but along the way, they seem to forge something of a friendship. We also see Mace and Desiree Lleywen again and that was nice. It seems that characters from this series will continue to show up in each other's books. I like that. I really liked how so many of them came together to protect Dez and Mace's son at the end, too.
I'll definitely go back and read the books before and after this one.
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