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Shifters of Grey Ridge #2.5
The Alpha's Catch
Sean's ready to turn his life upside down when the girl of his dreams lands in his arms, literally. After rescuing Sam from a devastating blaze, this stubborn shifter falls fast and hard. But when Sam bolts in the middle of the night, he's left alone in Grey Ridge, wishing he never let his guard down.
Sam has never relied on anyone. She's forced to lean upon a brawny stranger after a fire that nearly took her life, and while she enjoyed every minute, it can't turn into something real. Or can it?
When Sam is forced to return to Grey Ridge and accept Sean's help once more, she has a chance to repair the damage she's done. But will he ever trust her again?
And more importantly, should he?
This is a standalone novella linked to the Shifters of Grey Ridge series. It features handsome heroes, shifters of all kinds and lots of heat.
Sam has never relied on anyone. She's forced to lean upon a brawny stranger after a fire that nearly took her life, and while she enjoyed every minute, it can't turn into something real. Or can it?
When Sam is forced to return to Grey Ridge and accept Sean's help once more, she has a chance to repair the damage she's done. But will he ever trust her again?
And more importantly, should he?
This is a standalone novella linked to the Shifters of Grey Ridge series. It features handsome heroes, shifters of all kinds and lots of heat.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2023
About the author
Reece Barden
30 books327 followersReece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.
She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 19, 2023
Super awesome until…
I loved the whole hurt/comfort thing the MCs had going on. When she pulled out her phone to listen to a voicemail from Sean to snap out of a panic attack? Yeah, I melted. I was 100% invested.
And then in the last 5-10%, Sam makes a decision that called to mind why I hate most hallmark movies. Lemme just make this clear real fast:
YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO GIVE UP A CAREER YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT FOR A MAN.
Spice: 3.5/5
Triggers: house fire, panic attacks/flashbacks
I loved the whole hurt/comfort thing the MCs had going on. When she pulled out her phone to listen to a voicemail from Sean to snap out of a panic attack? Yeah, I melted. I was 100% invested.
And then in the last 5-10%, Sam makes a decision that called to mind why I hate most hallmark movies. Lemme just make this clear real fast:
YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO GIVE UP A CAREER YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT FOR A MAN.
Spice: 3.5/5
Triggers: house fire, panic attacks/flashbacks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
Sam is still getting over the trauma of the fire and the only person that can help is Sean but… she left him
This is a great followup story. Sam’s character changes massively since she has been trying to cope. The effect is caught perfectly in the writing style and how Sam interacts with people. Sean is also suffering but instead of showing it outwardly, he keeps everything hidden inside.
Both Sam and Sean bounce off each other well. You can see that the longer Sam is with Sean, then the more she reverts back to her original character, the more she begins to live again.
Not only it this book well written but also has some very sensual scenes, but they are not overblown and are within keeping with the story.
This is an enjoyable book and a good addition to the series.
This is a great followup story. Sam’s character changes massively since she has been trying to cope. The effect is caught perfectly in the writing style and how Sam interacts with people. Sean is also suffering but instead of showing it outwardly, he keeps everything hidden inside.
Both Sam and Sean bounce off each other well. You can see that the longer Sam is with Sean, then the more she reverts back to her original character, the more she begins to live again.
Not only it this book well written but also has some very sensual scenes, but they are not overblown and are within keeping with the story.
This is an enjoyable book and a good addition to the series.
November 11, 2023
I know it’s a novella, but it was too short for me. This made it lack more substance for me to really be sucked into the story.
January 17, 2024
My Rating: ★★★☆☆
"The Alpha's Catch" by Reece Barden, a standalone novella in the Shifters of Grey Ridge series, presents a tale of unexpected love and second chances. Sean, a stubborn shifter, rescues Sam from a blaze, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance that faces challenges when Sam abruptly leaves, leaving Sean grappling with newfound loneliness.
The plot explores themes of trust and redemption as Sam, accustomed to self-reliance, must confront her past decisions and accept Sean's help once more. The reviewer praises the novella for its spice, romance, and compelling storyline, admitting a surprise at how much they enjoyed a book they initially doubted.
The novella's success is evident in its ability to draw the reviewer into the Shifters of Grey Ridge series. The promise of handsome heroes, diverse shifters, and sizzling heat creates an appealing backdrop for the unfolding romantic drama. While the review awards a solid three stars, it's evident that the novella has successfully ignited the reviewer's interest in exploring the entire series.
In conclusion, "The Alpha's Catch" serves as a compelling standalone novella, weaving spice and romance into a well-crafted storyline. Reece Barden's ability to captivate the reviewer, converting initial skepticism into a desire to delve into the series, speaks to the novella's success in delivering an engaging shifter romance.
"The Alpha's Catch" by Reece Barden, a standalone novella in the Shifters of Grey Ridge series, presents a tale of unexpected love and second chances. Sean, a stubborn shifter, rescues Sam from a blaze, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance that faces challenges when Sam abruptly leaves, leaving Sean grappling with newfound loneliness.
The plot explores themes of trust and redemption as Sam, accustomed to self-reliance, must confront her past decisions and accept Sean's help once more. The reviewer praises the novella for its spice, romance, and compelling storyline, admitting a surprise at how much they enjoyed a book they initially doubted.
The novella's success is evident in its ability to draw the reviewer into the Shifters of Grey Ridge series. The promise of handsome heroes, diverse shifters, and sizzling heat creates an appealing backdrop for the unfolding romantic drama. While the review awards a solid three stars, it's evident that the novella has successfully ignited the reviewer's interest in exploring the entire series.
In conclusion, "The Alpha's Catch" serves as a compelling standalone novella, weaving spice and romance into a well-crafted storyline. Reece Barden's ability to captivate the reviewer, converting initial skepticism into a desire to delve into the series, speaks to the novella's success in delivering an engaging shifter romance.
January 20, 2024
Alright, so first off, I wanna state how damned CURIOUS I’ve been about Sean since he was mentioned to be a shifter, but they weren’t so sure what kind of shifter. That shit has had me scratching my head trying to work it out whenever he happens to enter a scene and you know what? I would NOT have pegged him to be what he is.
Not only that, but the way it was revealed to Sam? Gods, it’s been a very long time since I’ve laughed/wheezed that hard. My poor little asthmatic ass could barely handle it! This little novella was addictive too. I sat down about midnight with this little beauty and didn’t put it down until I was finished. And that’s fresh off of polishing off ‘The Alpha’s Revival.’
My brain feels melted, quite frankly. In a good way, of course. The emotions I run through with this series is a lengthy list but I’m addicted and there are so many shifter romances to smash through? I need to know all the stories. The drama. The scenes that have me squealing in amusement into my pillow so I don’t disturb people that, unlike me, have a healthy sleeping schedule.
For this one, I reckon we’re gonna go 9.5/10. My only complaint, is that it’s far too short.
Not only that, but the way it was revealed to Sam? Gods, it’s been a very long time since I’ve laughed/wheezed that hard. My poor little asthmatic ass could barely handle it! This little novella was addictive too. I sat down about midnight with this little beauty and didn’t put it down until I was finished. And that’s fresh off of polishing off ‘The Alpha’s Revival.’
My brain feels melted, quite frankly. In a good way, of course. The emotions I run through with this series is a lengthy list but I’m addicted and there are so many shifter romances to smash through? I need to know all the stories. The drama. The scenes that have me squealing in amusement into my pillow so I don’t disturb people that, unlike me, have a healthy sleeping schedule.
For this one, I reckon we’re gonna go 9.5/10. My only complaint, is that it’s far too short.
February 6, 2023
It started out strong but the fact she just accepts he is a shifter with no big reaction is so fake.
July 16, 2024
Sam is rescued from a building fire and Sean is the guy who catches her. They spend some time together and it's clear that Sam is having a really hard time with the PTSD/nightmares from the fire. so when she just ups and leaves one day and doesn't look back, it really messes Sean up mentally. He thought they really had something special.
Months later Sam's friend knows she has to do something to help her friend because she's not eating, sleeping or living. She's just moving through life and still having nightmares. So she gets a hold of Sam's phone and calls Sean. He's not sure he was the right person to all since he thinks she made it clear she never looked back when she left but things are not always what they appear. So he comes to see how she is and what he finds makes him act and try to help her even though he's still mad that she just up and left him with out even a goodbye.
Sam is in need of some serious help because she's not dealing with the trauma of the fire but seeing Sean again makes her feel bad for leaving him. Now he's back and she's not sure how to feel. These two had so many miscommunication problems that if they had just talked to one another and explained things, it probably would have stopped a lot of heartache on both their parts. Sam is human and Sean is a shifter but Sam doesn't know that for most of the book.
Goodness, I loved these two. This storyline was so good. This series (even though I'm reading it totally out of order) is so good! I've definitely found a new favorite series to read.
Months later Sam's friend knows she has to do something to help her friend because she's not eating, sleeping or living. She's just moving through life and still having nightmares. So she gets a hold of Sam's phone and calls Sean. He's not sure he was the right person to all since he thinks she made it clear she never looked back when she left but things are not always what they appear. So he comes to see how she is and what he finds makes him act and try to help her even though he's still mad that she just up and left him with out even a goodbye.
Sam is in need of some serious help because she's not dealing with the trauma of the fire but seeing Sean again makes her feel bad for leaving him. Now he's back and she's not sure how to feel. These two had so many miscommunication problems that if they had just talked to one another and explained things, it probably would have stopped a lot of heartache on both their parts. Sam is human and Sean is a shifter but Sam doesn't know that for most of the book.
Goodness, I loved these two. This storyline was so good. This series (even though I'm reading it totally out of order) is so good! I've definitely found a new favorite series to read.
November 5, 2023
This is a standalone novella in the Shifters of Grey Ridge series, although if you follow the timeline of the series this should be read after book 1. I read this before book 1 but it didn't spoil the story for me.
Sean runs the bar and has an amazing connection and one amazing night with Sam, his fated mate, but then she vanishes on him. She's human and doesn't know the way Sean feels for her.
After trying to contact her and failing, he resigns himself to not seeing her again, but then she re-appears and he hopes for a second chance, but that would be far too easy.
I really liked Sean's character, he wanted to be with his mate, but wasn't going to chase her too much and frighten her away. Sam seemed to have some big issues she needed to deal with, and was extremely lucky that Sean was willing to give her another chance as her go-to for dealing with things is to run away.
- fated mates
- PNR
- bear shifter
- he falls first
- steamy
- standalone with HEA
Sean runs the bar and has an amazing connection and one amazing night with Sam, his fated mate, but then she vanishes on him. She's human and doesn't know the way Sean feels for her.
After trying to contact her and failing, he resigns himself to not seeing her again, but then she re-appears and he hopes for a second chance, but that would be far too easy.
I really liked Sean's character, he wanted to be with his mate, but wasn't going to chase her too much and frighten her away. Sam seemed to have some big issues she needed to deal with, and was extremely lucky that Sean was willing to give her another chance as her go-to for dealing with things is to run away.
- fated mates
- PNR
- bear shifter
- he falls first
- steamy
- standalone with HEA
March 16, 2023
Sean's ready to turn his life upside down when the girl of his dreams lands in his arms, literally. After rescuing Sam from a devastating blaze, this stubborn shifter falls fast and hard. But when Sam bolts in the middle of the night, he's left alone in Grey Ridge, wishing he never let his guard down.
Sam has never relied on anyone. She's forced to lean upon a brawny stranger after a fire that nearly took her life, and while she enjoyed every minute, it can't turn into something real. Or can it?
The alpha's catch was very beautifully written from start to finish and i found myself getting quite emotional in different parts of the book. the was it was written it felt like it was playing right in front of me. Reece Barden, wow what an author I hadn't heard of them until this book and wow they blew my mind and I love it.
Sam has never relied on anyone. She's forced to lean upon a brawny stranger after a fire that nearly took her life, and while she enjoyed every minute, it can't turn into something real. Or can it?
The alpha's catch was very beautifully written from start to finish and i found myself getting quite emotional in different parts of the book. the was it was written it felt like it was playing right in front of me. Reece Barden, wow what an author I hadn't heard of them until this book and wow they blew my mind and I love it.
October 5, 2024
It was boring. Repetitive. The fact that he's a shifter is barely mentioned and has no impact on the story. Aside from a couple of mentions to his claws and the fact he's a lion (I have absolutely no idea what he looks like, by the way) he could be just some human guy (I wanna say biker because she talks about his motorcycle at some point, but he drives a truck here, so...) and this would have been a very mediocre second chance romance. I read the first book in the series, and I couldn't for the life of me remember Sam as a character, but apparently, she was a close enough friend of Hayley's to be at her bachelorette party.
October 28, 2023
Cementing my new found enjoyment of paranormal books
I just recently opened my reading genre to include paranormal tropes and found this book. Needless to say I will be binge reading the rest of her work!! I love the novella-length books and Reece did an awesome job of weaving the storyline in a shorter read while keeping the spice level right where I like it. I loved the use of the “memories” both Sean and Sam had of their time first together to help the story along. Great read and thank you for pulling me into another genre!
I just recently opened my reading genre to include paranormal tropes and found this book. Needless to say I will be binge reading the rest of her work!! I love the novella-length books and Reece did an awesome job of weaving the storyline in a shorter read while keeping the spice level right where I like it. I loved the use of the “memories” both Sean and Sam had of their time first together to help the story along. Great read and thank you for pulling me into another genre!
December 17, 2023
This novella was perfect for me after reading The Alpha's Savior! I fell hard for Grey Ridge and it's residents, so I very much enjoyed a peek into Sean's life since he was a bit of a mystery for me. Reece Barden did such a good job developing these characters, and I found myself yearning for each person to tell me their story! This is a true novella, but I never felt like anything was rushed just to get to the end. And the 🌶 was exactly what I wanted and never felt there for the sake of being 🌶.
January 6, 2024
Fast read. But I get frustrated at how many times she runs from him. when she knows she wants him. I just want to to rip my hair out.
Idk what order these books are in, but I haven't read any others yet. So there was alot of back and forth and a few flashbacks about why she had left, at what point in their relationship she ran out on him, why was she having panic attacks, and what were the details with the fire. I found the order of the story telling weird but bearable. It was a novella so it went by quickly.
Idk what order these books are in, but I haven't read any others yet. So there was alot of back and forth and a few flashbacks about why she had left, at what point in their relationship she ran out on him, why was she having panic attacks, and what were the details with the fire. I found the order of the story telling weird but bearable. It was a novella so it went by quickly.
March 2, 2024
MMC/FMC- Sean and Sam
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Paranormal Romance
Sub Genre- Shifters
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️) They remember the thing, talk about the thing, do the thing, and use the P word.
Series! Y
Length- novella
Safety? Y
Triggers- language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Fated Mates, The Lion Sleeps Tonight
What I liked- I loved the scene with the three shifters when they were so rueful and embarrassed after.
What I didn’t- the heat level was kind of erratic. There were times it was hot, and others when not.
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Paranormal Romance
Sub Genre- Shifters
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋☄️ (1🌋=2☄️) They remember the thing, talk about the thing, do the thing, and use the P word.
Series! Y
Length- novella
Safety? Y
Triggers- language, explicit erotic content
Tropes- Fated Mates, The Lion Sleeps Tonight
What I liked- I loved the scene with the three shifters when they were so rueful and embarrassed after.
What I didn’t- the heat level was kind of erratic. There were times it was hot, and others when not.
June 25, 2024
Von diesem Buch bin ich etwas enttäuscht. Die Charaktere von Sean und Sam haben mich total angesprochen und waren mir beide total sympathisch, sodass diese Kurzgeschichte dann einfach wirklich viel zu kurz für mich war. Da hätte die Autorin echt mehr daraus machen können, vor allem weil ich auch grad die Idee mit dem Löwen-Gestaltwandler sehr gut fand.
Leider hat mir das Ende der Geschichte auch nicht zugesagt. Plötzlich war alles ganz rasch und abrupt vorbei. Dieses Buch ist nicht unbedingt die Glanzstory dieser Serie.
Leider hat mir das Ende der Geschichte auch nicht zugesagt. Plötzlich war alles ganz rasch und abrupt vorbei. Dieses Buch ist nicht unbedingt die Glanzstory dieser Serie.
August 15, 2024
Rating: 3 stars
I wouldn't really recommend it as a standalone read, more so as a complementary story to the Shifters of Grey Ridge.
I feel like the novella length didn't do it. I much prefer full-length novels from this series. Even though there was good backstory it sort of fell short.
Also I found one inconsistency particularly annoying - I know I can be officious but details matter in world building. Spoiler maybe?
I wouldn't really recommend it as a standalone read, more so as a complementary story to the Shifters of Grey Ridge.
I feel like the novella length didn't do it. I much prefer full-length novels from this series. Even though there was good backstory it sort of fell short.
Also I found one inconsistency particularly annoying - I know I can be officious but details matter in world building. Spoiler maybe?
February 5, 2023
I had read all the previous books in the series and while not a complete novel, this novella fits perfectly with the rest.
Sam has been through some trauma after the fire and leans on Sean, panicking when things between them turn serious quickly. She bolts without contacting him and both are left with the shards of the sudden rupture. A sweet HEA for this couple wraps the plot up and leaves you wanting more of these glimpses at other characters in Grey Ridge.
Sam has been through some trauma after the fire and leans on Sean, panicking when things between them turn serious quickly. She bolts without contacting him and both are left with the shards of the sudden rupture. A sweet HEA for this couple wraps the plot up and leaves you wanting more of these glimpses at other characters in Grey Ridge.
April 17, 2023
Amazing
I'm now four books into this author and paranormal is new to me. Decided to try paranormal and it now seems I'm hooked. Never thought I'd like reading books about wolves, bears,witches and vampires. Exciting and interesting.
They pull you in. Can't say I'm crazy about explicit sex but not letting that stop me from the drama and a good story. So far I have all this authors books in line to read. His books are super
great, hard to put down. An amazing writer.
I'm now four books into this author and paranormal is new to me. Decided to try paranormal and it now seems I'm hooked. Never thought I'd like reading books about wolves, bears,witches and vampires. Exciting and interesting.
They pull you in. Can't say I'm crazy about explicit sex but not letting that stop me from the drama and a good story. So far I have all this authors books in line to read. His books are super
great, hard to put down. An amazing writer.
January 3, 2024
It was good
Obviously it's a Shifters book with mates, which is my favorite 😍 this book had all the right emotions. The 3 stars is mainly for some of the mistakes found in the novella. I also found myself wanting the ending to be more than what was given. Like what happened to Sam and Sean next. But no such luck. I did enjoy the book though very quick read. Finished in about an hour.
Obviously it's a Shifters book with mates, which is my favorite 😍 this book had all the right emotions. The 3 stars is mainly for some of the mistakes found in the novella. I also found myself wanting the ending to be more than what was given. Like what happened to Sam and Sean next. But no such luck. I did enjoy the book though very quick read. Finished in about an hour.
September 13, 2023
Sam and Sean! Just wow! When sams best friend calls on Sean for help after sams tragic accident will he come? Will she be happy she called him? What will she do after running after Sean mends her back to health! This shapeshifter second chance romance is the perfect novella to this series! It can be read as a stand-alone but also apart of the series! I can't wait to read the others! Well done!
September 23, 2023
One freaking hundred pages and the author still manages to repeat the same shit every page! And yes, we do have tons of flashbacks to some time ago about things that were already described!!!
Pretentious and boring... almost DNF'ed
Yawn worthy spice.
The only good thing is the way you feel what a panic attack is and what functional depression is.
Pretentious and boring... almost DNF'ed
Yawn worthy spice.
The only good thing is the way you feel what a panic attack is and what functional depression is.
December 31, 2023
Good but
I got this free on stuff your kindle day. I liked it just not enough to pay 4 to 5.00 A book for the series. Guess I will look back off and on to see if there's a sale.
Sam suffers from anxiety from a fire and she hasn't been sleeping or eating. Her friend calls Sean which happens to be a Lion Shifter. I was happy in the end that she came back.
I got this free on stuff your kindle day. I liked it just not enough to pay 4 to 5.00 A book for the series. Guess I will look back off and on to see if there's a sale.
Sam suffers from anxiety from a fire and she hasn't been sleeping or eating. Her friend calls Sean which happens to be a Lion Shifter. I was happy in the end that she came back.
March 25, 2023
Decent read
A lion shifter falls for a human young woman! She is clueless about shifters!
She falls in love with him.
There is another man involved also, ( a wolf shifter) who wants her also.I
Definitely a book worth reading!
A lion shifter falls for a human young woman! She is clueless about shifters!
She falls in love with him.
There is another man involved also, ( a wolf shifter) who wants her also.I
Definitely a book worth reading!
April 9, 2023
A shifter book to enjoy!
When delving into a book by a new-to-me author, you never know what you’ll find. Well, I was not disappointed. Reece Barden’s The Alpha’s Catch has me hooked! Loved this novella. It’s a great start to a shifter series that I can’t wait to jump into.
When delving into a book by a new-to-me author, you never know what you’ll find. Well, I was not disappointed. Reece Barden’s The Alpha’s Catch has me hooked! Loved this novella. It’s a great start to a shifter series that I can’t wait to jump into.
July 10, 2023
Really enjoyed this novella where we meet Sam and Sean. The characters interaction are fun and their fears are clear in this fast paced glance into the shifters of Grey Ridge world.
We’ll worth a read if you enjoy steamy shifter romance.
We’ll worth a read if you enjoy steamy shifter romance.
July 19, 2023
I couldn't get into Sean and Sam's story and maybe it's because it was such a short novella that thrust us into a story that had already somewhat started. I just felt like there was no depth to these characters.
August 29, 2023
Sean and Sam
Sean and Sam are clearly meant to be together it just takes them some time. Their road is definitely rocky, and they have many hills t climb but their destination is simply beautiful. I enjoyed this story.
Sean and Sam are clearly meant to be together it just takes them some time. Their road is definitely rocky, and they have many hills t climb but their destination is simply beautiful. I enjoyed this story.
January 5, 2024
i literally only read this cos it was free to get on my kobo and we’ll i can see why it was free… ain’t nobody about to pay to read this trash, it was an absolute waste of time. the only reason it took me so long to read such a short book was because of how fucking unbearable it was to get through.
January 5, 2024
The title is misleading but good book.
Its a pretty nice and short book. Couple of confusing lines\words. But the title is misleading. The male character isn't an alpha or werewolf.
Its a pretty nice and short book. Couple of confusing lines\words. But the title is misleading. The male character isn't an alpha or werewolf.
January 18, 2024
Emotional with the perfect hea
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The trauma reactions felt real. The emotions were well done. Its been a while since I've read a shifter story this good.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The trauma reactions felt real. The emotions were well done. Its been a while since I've read a shifter story this good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews