Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Big Bad Beast (Pride #6)

4.38 of 5 stars 4.38 · rating details · 4,029 ratings · 264 reviews

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 i...more

Paperback, 307 pages

Published May 1st 2011 by Kensington Publishing Corp (first published April 26th 2011)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This Side of the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Most Anticipated Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy Books - Early 2011

33rd out of 180 books — 1,492 voters

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Can't Wait Books For 2011

165th out of 1,207 books — 6,934 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jul 10, 2011 Bobs (Reader Unbound) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read-list, a-bit-romance-never-hurts, absolutely-hilarious, author-laurenston-shelly, kick-ass-heroine, romance-sooo-cute, series-pride, slightly-off-centered-heroine, the-funniest-books-ever, the-cutest-thing-ever

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 prologu...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 11, 2013 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

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 ha...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 Krista Bunny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-fave-shapeshifter-romance, my-fave-paranormal-romances, own-in-paper, own-in-ebook

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...more

7 likes · like · see review

Oct 02, 2012 Duchess Nicole rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-pcs, genre-paranormal-shifters, read-in-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 charact...more

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, funny, magnus-pack-pride, ga-aiken-shelly-laurenston, favorites, shifters-i-d-love-to-were, once-is-never-enough, frau-badass, bite-me, armed-forces, he-can-cook

Another great addition to the Pride books - I sure hope there are more! 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 liked. 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...more

9 likes · like · see review

May 06, 2011 ~V~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance

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 w...more 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! :)(less)

6 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2011 Katie(babs) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 cha...more 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.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2011 Rva Booklover rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-couples, all-time-favorites

Maybe it's because I have been loving some beta heroes lately, but this book worked for me on every level. Ric, pretty, charming, wily Ric has known for 25 years that Dee-Ann is the one for him. He declared himself to his Uncle Van (well, cousin Van, really)the first time he met Dee, at the tender age of 6. I do like a boy who knows what he wants. Ric is now Dee's supervisor in The Group, and knows he has to manuever carefully in order to not mess up his chances with Dee. Ric is smooth at chasin...more Maybe it's because I have been loving some beta heroes lately, but this book worked for me on every level. Ric, pretty, charming, wily Ric has known for 25 years that Dee-Ann is the one for him. He declared himself to his Uncle Van (well, cousin Van, really)the first time he met Dee, at the tender age of 6. I do like a boy who knows what he wants. Ric is now Dee's supervisor in The Group, and knows he has to manuever carefully in order to not mess up his chances with Dee. Ric is smooth at chasing Dee until she catches him. Yes, you read that correctly. He plays his hand well.

The action revolves around stopping the hybrid fighting rings, as it has over the last few books. Though the scenes are few, they are tense, and dramatic. Following the money, Ric finds a surprising sponsor for these heinous fights, and the resulting intended decimation of the hybrids.

Also, Ric's father and brother adds to the drama with their less than legal antics. Dee puts a quick stop to Ric's brothers B&E attempt, though, in one of many hilarious scenes. When Dee leaves Ric a note saying "We need to talk" she is referring to Wendell's treachery. Ric thinks she means to kick him to the curb. Refreshingly, after Dee figures out where Ric's mind went when he saw those words, she confronts him rather than letting it drag out into some big whopping misunderstanding.

I think almost everyone from the series shows up here in one place or another, but it doesn't feel contrived at all. The reasons for the appearances make sense, and they all are in perfect voice. One of my favorite characters ever, Irene, and Dee bond over PB &J's. And I love Blayne. Do you suppose anyone will ever cotton on to the fact that she manipulates everyone so perfectly? Bo spends some quality time with his lists and some giant post-its. Great fun!

Dee is one of the best heroines I've ever had the pleasure to read. It would have been so easy to make her a caricature of the cold, unfeeling bad guy, but Shelly Laurenston instead gives us all kinds of layers. Yes, Dee is antisocial. She will never want to be the life of the party. But seeing her want to make Ric happy is so sweet. And all kinds of funny, especially when she tries to get her hair done for a big gala she agrees to attend. Trust me. LOL!

Gawd, there was so much funny packed into this book! I think I have an all time new favorite scene, with Dee and a bunch of hyenas...if you watched Buffy, and remember the scene where she is chasing a guy across the school lawn with a firethrower...yeah, it was kind of like that! I laughed until I cried in some parts, then I cried with a smile on my face in others.

There was no real tension between Dee and Ric, which really worked. The story was more about how they worked so well for each other in spite of their difference, and how accepting they were of each other's faults. Dee just kinda went with the flow, but Ric's flow was pretty dang spectacular! That's the thing about betas. They aren't all in your face, they just kind of wear you down until you accept their will. Ric is exactly what Dee needs - someone who truly gets her, and truly, truly loves her.

This was classic Shelly Laurenston, but better. The craziness was still there, there were over the top moments, but the flavor of the story never suffered from them. I've read all of the Pride and Mangus series, and I have to say this is my new favorite. Go Fetch! has always held the top spot, but BBB is just terrific. There was nothing I didn't like. I know I will be reading it again and again. (less)

1 like · like · see review

May 08, 2011 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: author-goddess-shelly-laurenston, paranormal-romance, smexy-shifters-and-werewolves, 1-series-i-am-rabid-about, hot-male-in-my-harem, funny-funny-har-har, lover-the-cover, pdf-kindle

Also see my review here:

http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspo...

Finally Dee Ann and Ulrich "Ric" Van Holtz's book! We have known that Ric was head over heels on love with Dee Ann for a couple of books, even though they seem like the most mismatched pair ever! With Ric being from the rich and high society Van Holtz Pack and Dee Ann being from the hillbilly Smith Pack. But they are working together on bring down the people behind the ring of people who are kidnapping and then forcing hybrids to pi...more Also see my review here:

http://underthecoversbookblog.blogspo...

Finally Dee Ann and Ulrich "Ric" Van Holtz's book! We have known that Ric was head over heels on love with Dee Ann for a couple of books, even though they seem like the most mismatched pair ever! With Ric being from the rich and high society Van Holtz Pack and Dee Ann being from the hillbilly Smith Pack. But they are working together on bring down the people behind the ring of people who are kidnapping and then forcing hybrids to pitfight. And with Dee Ann in and out of his appartment it gives him the perfect oppotunity to seduce her and make her realize just how perfect they are for eachother.

This was another great book in the series! I loved it, once again it was funny and sexy with Shelly Laurenstons usual brand of twisted humour, which I adore! Although Ric and Dee Ann are SL's most unlikely couple yet I thought they made a great pairing, and an unsual one. Usually it is the male who is the dominant one but in this books there was a bit of a role reversal, it was Dee Ann who was the more aggressive one, whilst Ric was more "wily" as he was often described. This worked really well, I think if it was any other way it wouldn't have worked as it suited their personalities that she has been building since they first appeared in the books.

What I also liked about this book was that it had the hybrid plot line going on as well. I really wanted to know who was behind it. Although it wasn't a huge part of the book, it was always there in the background and it was good to have some closure on it. And I look forward to seeing what will happen with the hybrid children they saved, especially Hannah and Abbey.

So another great installment in the series! I loved it and I can't wait for the next one. I am also kind of hoping she does a prequel about Dee Ann's parents Eggie and Darla, I think that would be an interesting story.

This was really hard, there were so many tochose from but this is my fave quote:

"I am damn good at interiews."
"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!"(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 27, 2011 Nancy McGregor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wholeheartedly freaking loved this book! This is the series I wait impatiently all year for the new release to come out. Why? because nobody writes like Shelly Laurenston and her books thrill me on all levels. She's the queen of writing real hard kick ass females and this book contains the hardest of the hard Dee Ann Smith.
I've been waiting for this couples book for awhile with the hints in previous books, It didn't disappoint. Dee and Ric were meant for each other from the day they met and he...more

2 likes · like · see review

May 04, 2013 Charlie Lepelletier rated it 5 of 5 stars

Okay I first knew that these two would make an awesome book when Ric see's Dee Ann at Locks and immediately tries to say "marry me" before Lock slaps his hand over Ric's face, especially since it happens in the prologue as well ;)

THIS IS MY FAVORATE THING EVER IN THE WHOLE BOOK!
““I’ll wait until we’re both older,” the kid went on, “and then I’ll nail her.”Van hit the brakes. “What?”“Like you and Aunt Irene.”Panic beginning to set in, Van asked again, “What?”“That’s what you told her last night w...more

like · see review

Jan 27, 2013 Macky rated it 5 of 5 stars

Not going to rehash the plot as enough reviewers have done that but will add my rave review to the list.

Fab, funny addition to the series from one of my fave authors who never fails to tickle my funny bone. I love snarky ,laugh out loud humour, kick ass heroines with attitude,who never give their 'mates' an easy ride and gorgeous ,sexy alpha males who always get their gals after being shamelessly manipulated by them, haha!
Shelly Laurenston writes all the above in spades, and writes them really w...more

like · see review

Feb 04, 2012 Emily rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read this book first without realizing it wasn't the first in the series. I wasn't lost by any means, so I don't think you have to read the others first in order to understand this book. With that said, I loved the beginning of the book when Ric and Dee Ann were young and thought this was really going to be enjoyable. But then Ric turned in to a pushover and Dee Ann a B%$@# and well then they fell in love--uh wait a minute? yeah... I would have enjoyed Ric giving Dee Ann having more of a Smitt...more

like · see review

Oct 20, 2011 Alexandria Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: sexy-time, fiction, kindle, paranormal, romance

I loved both of these characters so I'm so glad they finally came together. Their relationship was hinted at in Beast Behaving Badly (Book 5) so I knew they'd be next and I'm so glad they were!

Since they were friends with everyone else in the series so far we got to see basically everyone else we've read about. Old favorites like Mace and Dez play pretty big roles here. Actually, I would say this book has a lot of the minor characters (other books main characters) a lot in this book.

Since my fa...more

like · see review

Aug 24, 2011 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed-twolipsrevies-com

Title: Big Bad Beast
Author: Shelly Laurenston
Publisher: Brava/Kensington
Genre: Paranormal
Publication date: May 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7582-3170-3
Pages: 320
Series: Pride series, Book 6
Reviewer: Tina

Heat Level: M/F romance

Rating:

Dee-Ann Smith is a marine. She never holds back at work. She can play with the boys and win. She is a member of a shifter protection group and she takes her job seriously. She thinks a shifter is having hybrids captured for fights and is determined to prove she is right.

Ric...more

like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Book Binge Blog rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: brava, for-review, paranormal

Ric has been in love with Dee-Ann since he met her seven months earlier. Dee-Ann is a hard, brash woman but he really likes that about her - the thought of her being so tough is a real turn on for him. But Dee-Ann and Ric come from completely different backgrounds and their packs hate each other – so how exactly will this work out?

After many months of trying to get Dee-Ann naked, Ric is successful in getting her hot and bothered for him. But he wants a relationship, not just a one night stand. H...more Ric has been in love with Dee-Ann since he met her seven months earlier. Dee-Ann is a hard, brash woman but he really likes that about her - the thought of her being so tough is a real turn on for him. But Dee-Ann and Ric come from completely different backgrounds and their packs hate each other – so how exactly will this work out?

After many months of trying to get Dee-Ann naked, Ric is successful in getting her hot and bothered for him. But he wants a relationship, not just a one night stand. He tells her straight up that this is what he wants and she’s so anxious to get with him that she agrees. She does have a few moments of “what the hell did I do?” after that first night but she likes Ric so decides to go with the flow.

Along with the relationship in the book there is a pseudo-suspense story of some people putting on dog-fights only they’re using hybrid shifters. Dee-Ann is put on the case along with a tiger shifter and a full human but when they discover where the fights originate it shocks not only them, but many, many others. There was also an issue with Ric and his father but that was kind of a minor issue.

Shelly Laurenston writes hard, tough shifter women better than anyone I know. She really takes the term “kick-ass heroine” to a new level and I really liked that about her. She’s not afraid to create someone who may not be liked by everyone…or anyone for that matter. In this book Dee-Ann actually scared people just by looking at them. She had some freaky eyes that Ric loved, but terrified everyone else. I loved her character because of this – maybe I’m just one to root for the underdog when it comes to romance.

While I liked the relationship in this book – I almost can’t call it a romance. The couple decided to sleep with each other and they became closer after that but it was just almost a given that they would be together. There wasn’t really any objections from Dee-Ann and by the time she realized that this was it for her it was almost a bit anti-climactic.

The story started out very slow for me and it took almost 100 pages before I could really get into the story. I realize that Laurenston was bringing in characters from previous books but it almost just seemed like filler to me and I never figured out how all of these people played into the story – mostly they didn’t effect the end result one way or the other and were just there as friends or acquaintances. Because of that the story was good read, and definitely funny, but it just didn’t have the cohesive feeling I’m used to from this author.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.(less)

like · see review

Jul 25, 2011 Kathy Davie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, paranormal, romance

Sixth in the Pride paranormal-romance series set in contemporary New York City.

The Story
Lots happening in this story. The hunt for whoever is funding the hybrid kidnappings to use in fight clubs has accelerated just as Ric confirms that his father has been dipping into Pack funds—without authorization and we discover just how low his father will go. Luckily for Rick, Dee has his back providing him with lots of laughter in a bad situation.

Turns out that Dee's habit of rescuing young hybrids from...more

like · see review

May 15, 2011 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: keepers

Warning: Below review is filled with gushing enthusiasm…

I LOVED this book. How much you ask? I’d read the prologue and two chapters before I went to bed figuring I’d read another chapter before going to sleep. I finished the book in the very small hours of the night… haven’t done that in awhile.

Shelly Laurenston [or her alter ego, G. A. Aiken] consistently delivers good books but I really thought this was exceptional. Her plot didn’t get in the way of the romance and the romance didn’t get in th...more

like · see review

May 03, 2011 Melindeeloo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I am such a fan girl when it comes to Laurenston's Pride (Pack and her Dragons too), her combination of humor and heat and deadly females is completely unique in the crowded paranormal romance genre. And speaking of deadly females, they don't come deadlier than heroine Dee-Ann and in fact she's been so hard core in her appearances in previous books in the series that I just couldn't imagine how Laurenston was going to pull off a romance with Dee as leading lady. But I should have never questione...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Jamie rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ** 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 do...more ** 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.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 28, 2011 Saly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Big Bad Beast is the 5th in the Pride series and so fun. First, off you need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one as we meet the whole gang, the Smith's, the Shaw brothers, Lock, Blayne etc and they are crazy as ever and so is Ric over Dee-Ann. This book is less wacky than Shelly's other books but not any less enjoyable. The thread of the previous book of hybrids being forced into fighting rings draws to a close here. Dee-Ann a previous member of the Unit(shape-shifter unit of the M...more Big Bad Beast is the 5th in the Pride series and so fun. First, off you need to have read the previous books to enjoy this one as we meet the whole gang, the Smith's, the Shaw brothers, Lock, Blayne etc and they are crazy as ever and so is Ric over Dee-Ann. This book is less wacky than Shelly's other books but not any less enjoyable. The thread of the previous book of hybrids being forced into fighting rings draws to a close here. Dee-Ann a previous member of the Unit(shape-shifter unit of the Marines) works for The Group(for all shifters). Ric Van Holtz is someone we have met before and his obsession for Dee-Ann is well know and he is so delicious. He lives to feed and help people especially Dee-Ann. Dee-Ann who everyone fears, who can beat anyone to a pulp and what does Ric see in her?He sees beyond that and loves her and he is obsessed with feeding her. It is always so fun to the lions and the Smiths and the wild-dogs interacting and their little dramas. Blayne is such a drama-queen who loves to use her tears and her mate Bo is still so "list" obsessed, and when Bo comments that he has a list about Lock's and Ric's hockey playing?, totally hilarious, they wanted to kill him and then Ric remarks he keeps him around for his hockey and to avoid Blayne drama. Mace's kid was so adorable and Mitch Shaw is still a drama-king, that moment when Jessica is forcing him to apologize adorable.
I really loved the book. How sneaky was Ric into making Dee-Ann do what he wanted that was start a relationship with him without her even realizing he had done it. My only complain, I wanted more Dee-Ann and Ric alone time. This book has more characters interactions than the rest which was good, I loved the whole Reed brothers and Dee-Ann conversations and her dad is a hoot.
Shelly's characters are funny, their humor can be offensive but she is someone whose books I enjoy and love.
And she totally makes Dee-Ann's character work and I like that in Shelly's books the relationships are not always traditional, the guy maybe more domestic, the female more blood-thirsty, after all they are animals and humans combined so you gotta have see-sawing emotions and moods and bouts of super craziness like getting into fights just coz someone is a feline and you don't like them or you are bored.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

May 02, 2011 Kaleigha rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelly Laurenston is a different author for me. I enjoy her writing, and follow faithfully all of her different series. She is the only one that I read that goes for flat out humor. I am usually more of a dark and intense kinda gal, but when I need something lighter and more fun, her books fit the bill. But sometimes they can go beyond humor, and into the slap-stick range, which doesn't work so well for me. The constant screaming and fighting between pretty much everyone in the Pride series can...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 29, 2011 Tracy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance

Kicking Off Project: Wolf-Wolf
The rich, cultured, and gorgeous Ulrich Van Holtz has the singular ability to keep a lot of different balls in the air as he smoothly juggles them all. Between the wildly successful restaurants and business investments, the hockey team he owns and serves as goalie, the properties he manages, and his position in the Group as a team supervisor, Ric is definitely skilled at multitasking. The moment he laid eyes on Dee-Ann Smith, the deadliest she-wolf in the country (a...more

like · see review

Nov 03, 2011 Chelsea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews, reviews-done

This is a pretty good shifter series but if you haven’t read the 5 before this then you will be completely lost on characters/shifterspecies etc. I didn’t realize this was the 6th book in the series when I started it, or else I wouldn’t have read it.

The two main characters in this series are Dee Ann Smith and Ulrich Van Holtz aka Ric. Dee Ann and Ric are from enemy packs and are taught from a small age to stay away from each other or anyone in the enemy pack. In Dee Ann’s case her father always...more This is a pretty good shifter series but if you haven’t read the 5 before this then you will be completely lost on characters/shifterspecies etc. I didn’t realize this was the 6th book in the series when I started it, or else I wouldn’t have read it.

The two main characters in this series are Dee Ann Smith and Ulrich Van Holtz aka Ric. Dee Ann and Ric are from enemy packs and are taught from a small age to stay away from each other or anyone in the enemy pack. In Dee Ann’s case her father always told her if she ever came across a “Smith” to start the killings.

Later on in the series they are both in their twenties and Dee Ann and Ric work together in the Group. Basically, the Group works together to protect all species of shifters, even Hybrids.

There are a bunch of murders of Hybrids going on and Dee Ann gets assigned to the case, along with two other women. They are working together to try and find out who’s sponsoring these fight clubs, where hybrid shifters are getting killed. They want to find the main person responsible for the fight clubs so they can shut the groups down.
I enjoyed Dee Ann’s character, as she’s a tough chick who doesn’t take crap and she terrifies most of the people who are in the book. She’s not really good with people skills unless it involves intimidation tactics but even with her brass personality you can tell she is loyal and has a good heart.

Ric Van Holtz is a chef for his own, well established restraints, part of the head for the Group, and a hockey player. He’s a really sweet guy who completely loves Dee Ann and knows exactly what she needs in a mate. He had some good character traits but he didn’t really strike me as an Alpha, more like a Beta but I guess Dee Ann is enough of an Alpha for both of them.
This is a great read if you like Shifter books, but you definitely need to read the other 5 books to be able to follow this series.
I did receive this book for Free to give my honest review. This did not affect the rating on the book and my rating/review is strictly my own opinion.

Rated 4 of 5 by Paranormal Addicts(less)

like · see review

Mar 26, 2013 Dianne Socci-Tetro rated it 4 of 5 stars

Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

This is the one book by this author that the female protagonist reminds me of someone else. Shelley Laurenston writes another series under the name G.A. Aiken, and Dee-Ann Smith, former Marine and all around wet-work handler reminds me an awful lot of the (and I quote) “female warrior with a nickname like Annwyl the Bloody.” from Dragon Actually which is the first book in that series.

That said you can clearly see just what kind of woman Dee-Ann is. She is intol...more Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

This is the one book by this author that the female protagonist reminds me of someone else. Shelley Laurenston writes another series under the name G.A. Aiken, and Dee-Ann Smith, former Marine and all around wet-work handler reminds me an awful lot of the (and I quote) “female warrior with a nickname like Annwyl the Bloody.” from Dragon Actually which is the first book in that series.

That said you can clearly see just what kind of woman Dee-Ann is. She is intolerant, sarcastic, adept with a knife or gun, short tempered and did I already say intolerant? But what she doesn’t know is that many years ago, when she was about 6 years old someone had fallen in love with her. Of course at the time I think he was only about 8 so it works out perfectly!. Then many years later they meet again by chance at a friends house and Ulrich just decides on the spot that he is going to have that woman…perhaps even marry her. He knows what he’s going to be up against, so this sly wolf just has to do his best work to get her to fall in love with him.

This was a great book, even more exciting than the last one and slightly less relationship driven also.

What I love about these books is that no matter what is going on, no one is brooding or angst-ing over the life they have been dealt. They all have very healthy outlooks on who and what they are and what their strengths are. Everyone is sarcastic, funny caring and loving, it just takes a while to see it on some of these people!.

This book, as I have already mentioned, is mostly relationship driven, with wonderful and fully fleshed characters, great secondary and tertiary characters. There is great dialogue, fairly exiting action sequences and a good sub-plot that has been carrying over from the beginning and heating up in these last couple of books.

While this is a series and it will be to your benefit to read all the earlier novels, it is not imperative that you do so, since the author always add just enough back-story to keep you from not knowing just what is going on.
(less)

like · see review

May 19, 2011 Jacqueline rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: from-work-borders, paranormal-romance, werewolves-shifters

Fairly ordinary for the series. Not as funny as some. Not as romantic as others. Light reading for when you're willing to accept a whole lot of willing suspension of disbelief. Not because it's about shifters but because it's so over the top. Like watching an action flick, dead bodies everywhere and no one particularly cares. The heroine and others slit throats right and left with no repercussions at all. No real mention of what human authorities think of animal ravaged bodies all over the place...more

like · see review

May 09, 2011 Patti Loves FAB Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am a huge fan of Shelly Laurenston's shifters. They've been my guilty pleasure for a long time. Why guilty? Her characters are such over the top and laugh-out-loud funny caricatures of Southerners (with names like Sissy Mae and Bobby Ray, what do you expect?), I feel like I should be offended - but I'm not, I'm too busy laughing at the crazy situations they get into.

The prologue to Big Bad Beast is one of the best I've read - Ric sees Dee-Ann in his uncle's office when he's six years old and k...more

like · see review

May 03, 2011 Tyra Berger rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Dee-Ann Smith, former marine and resident bad-ass, doesn't really care what people think of her. She is quite anti-social for a pack animal and really doesn't like to feel "hemmed-in". Her work with The Group allows her to continue doing what she does best, and that is protect shifters, even if it's from other shifters. Still investigating the hybrid pit fights Dee-Ann is forced to play nice with the other members of a joint task force. She is also forced to put up with Ric Van Holtz, her superv...more Dee-Ann Smith, former marine and resident bad-ass, doesn't really care what people think of her. She is quite anti-social for a pack animal and really doesn't like to feel "hemmed-in". Her work with The Group allows her to continue doing what she does best, and that is protect shifters, even if it's from other shifters. Still investigating the hybrid pit fights Dee-Ann is forced to play nice with the other members of a joint task force. She is also forced to put up with Ric Van Holtz, her supervisor, and his desire to always feed her.

Ric Van Holtz has been in love with Dee-Ann since the first time he saw her, but being a smart man he knows a full frontal assault will never work with her. But Ric is not your average wolf...he is a Van Holtz, and that means he is sneaky and patient and isn't afraid to use his fabulous culinary skills to get him what he wants.

While Dee-Ann, Dez and new comer to the series, Cella Malone try to put an end to the pit fights by following the money, Ric is following some money of his own. Unfortunately for him this money leads right to his Dad and the fact that he may be stealing from the pack. Neither trail is going to end happily, and one of them ends up someplace I never saw coming.

I have to say how glad I was that Ms. Laurenston stayed true to the personality traits that we saw in Dee-Ann in previous books. I was really afraid that we were going to get a kinder, softer Dee-Ann, like some other authors have done when writing the HEA (happily ever after) story of their tougher female characters. Dee-Ann was strong and abrasive but she also showed that she was there for Ric emotionally when he needed her. Ric may come across as a beta, but he was strong enough to get what he wanted. One thing that Ms. Laurenston does so well is include previous character's in all of her stories without it seeming contrived or weighing down the story. I loved the 4th of July party and how it brought everyone together again. I mean who doesn't love to see Bo with his lists, Lock dragging the Shaw brothers around by their heads, the wild dogs being wild dogs and Dez once again the only full human in the bunch more than holding her own. It was also a very nice surprise to read the cameos from Sara and Angelina. This book like all in this series had a lot of laugh out loud moments....at one point I woke my husband up I was laughing so loud. But it also has some very awwwww moments, the prologue in this book has to be one of my favorite parts. I can't wait to see where she takes us next....Rory Lee Reed, Cella Malone, Hannah, Stein or somewhere we weren't even looking. I give Big Bad Beast 5 chocolate dipped strawberries over some angel food cake with white icing!!! (less)

like · see review

Nov 29, 2011 Wai rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I'm not sure what I can say about Big Bad Beast that I've not said about Shelly Laurenston's previous Pride (and Magnus Pack and the Dragon Kin series written under G.A. Aiken) without coming across as a gibbering fan!

The story is a simple one of wolf shifter, Dee Ann Smith meets wolf shifter, Ulrich 'Ric' Van Holtz and tells of how they are going to be each others' mates for life. Actually, thinking about it, this is the first time we've had a wolf / wolf pairing instead of the various cross sp...more

like · see review

May 05, 2011 Gigi staub rated it 5 of 5 stars

OMG...I think I love you Shelly...lol
Loved this book, just the right amount of sex, action and laughter

1 like · like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Romance > Paranormal Romance

171 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

138 users

Romance

101 users

Paranormal > Shapeshifters

91 users

Humor > Funny

24 users

Humor

24 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

23 users

Shapeshifters > Werewolves

19 users

Contemporary

16 users

Adult Fiction > Erotica

16 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Shelly Laurenston

Originally 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.'s dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her...more

More about Shelly Laurenston...

Books by Shelly Laurenston

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Big Bad Beast

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

Quotes from Big Bad Beast

“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!” — 42 people liked it

“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.” — 40 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Big Bad Beast
avg rating	preview: Big Bad Beast Goodreads rating: 4.38 (4029 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8538297-big-bad-beast?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327271585l/8538297.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8538297-big-bad-beast?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston[/url]

Big Bad Beast (Pride #6)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website