Belligerent Beta

Pack Partners #2

by Poppy Dennison

When a human is chosen to lead the pack instead of him, Beta Dan Keller struggles to find his footing in a rapidly changing environment. Committed to his pack and not one to turn away from a challenge, Dan follows his Alpha’s request and works with Nathan Ross, the new pack Omega. Though he is initially concerned that Nathan’s weakness will harm the pack, Dan learns there is more to the shy wolf than meets the eye.

As Dan struggles to balance his growing feelings for the young wolf with his responsibilities to his pack, new threats emerge and Nathan’s loyalty is questioned. Not understanding the basics of being a wolf leaves Nathan vulnerable and the pack at risk. Can Dan embrace the true role of a beta so he can protect the man he has grown to love and save his pack?

Genres: M M Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, M M Paranormal, Contemporary, Paranormal Romance

97 pages, ebook

First published May 14, 2014

About the author

Add two parts sass and one part sweet and you have Poppy Dennison to T—sweet tea that is. Raised by a gaggle of Southern women who love reading and have backbones of steel, Poppy was brought up to see the best in people but always speak her mind. Mix it all together, like Grandma’s famous cobbler, and you get a sassy, Southern lady with a quick wit and loads of charm, who will soften any blow with “Bless your heart.” Her books reflect her small town roots, are filled with all the comforts of home, and come with side dish of spicy, because that’s the way she likes it.

Reviews

[Rosa, really · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasons Why I Read This Book by Rosa, Really (No, REALLY)

1. VIRGIN ALERT!!!!



2. The use of the word "belligerent." I know, I know, you're shocked, but I have often been accused of being "belligerent" or "bellicose." I find I enjoy it in my waning years. So fuck you people. (Well, not you people, but, you know, other people. You know what? Let's forget I said that. Just because I'm belligerent doesn't mean I'm not scared of confrontation. Yup.)

3. The dude on the cover. Seriously, how often do you see a slightly "older man" who's bald, with a beard and has total man nips sticking out of his hairy, hairy chest? NOT OFTEN. I also like that whoever designed the cover actually found someone or did computery things that made the model actually look like one of the MCs. BRAVO!

4. Uh....The buy button was, like, right there.

5. Tattoos. Tattoos are, like, TOTALLY AWESOME. 'Nuff said.

6. Age difference. Dan is 15 years older than Nathan. I find that haaaawt.

Ok, other than that good stuff, I really liked the pairing of Dan & Nathan. They seem like total opposites, but they're both lonely and feel unable to find their place in the pack.

Alone. I'm alone, Nathan. and I don't want to be, but I've not found anyone I wanted around long enough to change that. Then you curled up against me, trusted me, and well...I'm in.

Aw....C'mon! You are killing me with all that fluffy shit! I love it so much! *sniff*

Ok, I will admit to some...shall we call it impatience? At the lack of sweet lovin' or hard fuckin'. But it would have been totally unrealistic (if you want to call a shifter novel "realistic," but whatever) for these two to stick it to each other any earlier. However, for those of you who want some deep dickin' the sooner the better, it does come very late in the book. But it is hot & sweet when it does happen!

I liked the first book in this series, Accidental Alpha, well enough, but not enough to be tripping over myself to buy the sequel. However, I'm glad I did and I can't wait to see what alliterative title she has for us next. Cocky Cody? Killian's Kock? Nah...that's a K. Huh.

[Heller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story skewed heavily to pack feels over the romance. It was a nice read with great callbacks to the characters from the first book with an emphasize on them building a stronger pack. We did get to learn a bit more about Nathan and although his backstory was explained and his story wrapped up I didn't quite feel a strong romantic connection between him and Dan, the pack's beta. Still, it was a sweet read and if you liked the first story this is a nice extension of that one. I'm not sure if there will be more in the series but I could read more of them.

[Meep · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle-Sort-ReRead

Yep still an uncomplicated cute read.
... ...

A light quick read, nothing heavy and no dominant alpha calling the shots - he's far more likely to squish you in a hug. Quite sweet with all the puppy piles and snuggles.

The cover - yes I bought it for the cover, I can admit too that.
Man on the cover breaks general bare-headless-torso shots mould; he's older, bald (no lushious blond waves!) hairy, heavily inked. I don't know what voodoo magic Ms Dennison wove but he actually matches Dan, the Beta character of the title! How often does that happen? Keep an eye on this author - she haz powers, craZy covert cover choosing powers!

And Amusing Alliteration, Absolutely Adore it. LOL, it tends to amuse me. What's the next book going to be? Georgeous Gamma, Greying Gamma, GINORMOUS Gamma? followed by Doggy Delta, it has to be!

Dan is older, I like reading older characters. Inked, if only I were brave... and not as belligerent as he'd like to believe, despite his careful image he's actually a big softie - shhh don't tell ;)
Supportive of his Alpha when he could be a rival, supportive of Nathan.
I liked that it took Nathan to point this out to him.

Nathan, sweet Omega wolf. Just wanted to snuggle him. There was a lot of snuggling in this book, where do I sign up to be a pack member? (snuggle-party pics are strange so here's a pic of leaping into one - use your imagination!) It's a big snuggle party! Oh and jealous pithy Nathan made me grin.

It was about both of them finding their place and each other. Always better when both characters have some waking up to do not just the one.

Plot is very basic, this is a simple romance with no major tensions. It doesn't particularly stand out, but it's a pleasant undemanding read and exactly what I was in the mood for. Makes for good bedtime reading. I might pick up more by this author.

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Liked this one even better than the first. A good way to spend a couple of angst free, relaxing hours. Enjoyed the pack care and the development of all the characters.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short shifter story I loved! gimme more of this series!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure that Poppy Dennison could hear my screams when I found out about 'Belligerent Beta', book two in her 'Pack Partners' series. I absolutely fell in love with the first book and have been eagerly anticipating this installment. Why? Oh, come on now, what do I love more than anything in the world? Shifters. Shifters. Shifters. And more shifters. And, you can take this to the bank: Poppy Dennison knows how to write good shifters!

"Head cleanly shaved, beard full and thick - it enhanced his scowl and hid his dimples. Humans were never scared of dimples.
He'd gleaned the entire look carefully from years of experience. What look scared the shit out of most humans? Scary tattoo-covered biker guy. Tatted up and bulked out was a universal trigger that moved people to the opposite side of the street. Whatever worked to give him more space and less hassle."

I think this might be the first time I've ever fallen in love with a character based on seven sentences. I couldn't help it. I wanted to be Dan, in that moment, because I could totally empathize with wanting to keep people out of my space. As I got to know him more, though, I found the justification for my feelings. A big, strong, loner, stay-away-from-me attitude, and a soft, loving center. What else could it be for the beta of a wolf pack? They are born to protect and to cherish all the pack members. This even includes the omega, Nathan, the weakest in their pack, even after three months with a dedicated alpha. Ah, Nathan. How could I not love him? I wanted to protect him, too, to just wrap him up and hold him close. But, there's more than meets the eye about Nathan, and I sure loved discovering it.

Oh, I loved this book! I loved Dan. I loved Nathan. I loved watching Dan fall in love with Nathan. I loved seeing Dan unravel the mystery that is Nathan. And, most of all, I loved being able to see Nathan get stronger, more sure of himself, and definitely more in tune with his wolf. Nathan was so broken in the beginning and being able to watch him start to heal was a breath of fresh air. Truly. Thank you, Poppy, for a beautiful story. Now, how long are you going to make me wait for the next one?

NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[atmatos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one more than the first. It was fleshed out a bit more, and the story was a bit richer.

[Beth doesn't write enough reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes! This is what I expect from this author!

I fell in love with Nathan in Accidental Alpha he just seemed to really need the pack and love and well, Nathan just needed and he got it here.

This was a really nice, low angst sweet story with some nice heat. Yes, only one sexy scene but it couldn't have come earlier, Nathan wasn't ready. Dan might have thought he himself was earlier but mentally Dan needed to learn more about Nathan and himself.

The pack is more cohesive here and they are all finding their place alongside each other.

The ending was brilliant with me feeling happy and content that Nathan was well and happy!

[Finnegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book moore than the first book in the series, Dan is such an interesting, complex character and I enjoyed reading about his growing relationship with Nathan

[Lilia Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful. If anything I liked this even more than Accidental Alpha. Either way, it's got more of the same: life in a pack, where when someone needs cheering up, everyone leaps on the (G-rated) puppy pile. I especially loved how Dennison built her love story out of little details like the heroes going to the grocery store or trying out a new recipe from the Barefoot Contessa. She makes a believably dramatic event out of Nathan calling Dan after a fender-bender. No silver bullets, evil scientists, or apocalyptic shifter prophesies needed. Also a plus: no insta-love, mating instinct, or growly alpha domination.

Bottom Line: Good-natured but not sugary, this is the most adorable healing story imaginable. Perfect feel-good, weekend read.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tend to go through phases of what books I prefer to read and for the last few months I’ve developed a previously unexplored obsession with shifter stories. Usually werewolves, of course. As luck would have it I only read Accidental Alpha, the first book in this series, a couple of weeks ago and so I was rather excited when Belligerent Beta popped up on the upcoming release list.
This is Dan and Nathan’s story, two characters introduced in the first book. If you haven’t read Accidental Alpha I’d definitely recommend you do so before starting this story.
My full review of Belligerent Beta can be found at Love Bytes
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2014/05/1...

[Hc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish we had gotten more an explanation for how nathan is the way he is. Dan stepping up to the plate and actually learning and finding his 'one' turned out to be an interesting read. I am NOT a fan of a big age gap and even though I liked it did not change my opinion on that subject. I am left wondering...who's next?

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the second book in this series, not as much as the first one, but still overall a good read. I liked both Dan and Nathan from the first book and I think they belonged together, but while this was a sorta romance story with these two, it was missing something for me.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded down bc Goodreads.

Full review: http://myfictionnook.booklikes.com/po...

[Penumbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belligerent Beta is the second book in the ‘Pack Partners’ werewolf series. The story is told through the eyes of Dan Keller, the Beta of the pack.



Dan Keller expected to be chosen as the Alpha to his pack when the Alpha died. Instead, the previous Alpha’s toddler son choses a human, Lex Tompkins, across the street to become Alpha of the pack. The new Alpha’s adjustment in turning into a werewolf and learning about werewolf life, is covered in the first story, Accidental Alpha, which I’ve read but have yet to review.

Unhappy with not being picked to lead the pack, Dan is anything but helpful towards Lex until Lex gives Dan the job of looking after Nathan Ross the Omega of the pack who has some major insecurity issues plus other troubles following him. In fact, Nathan may not be an Omega after all. If he’s not, then what is he?

There’s a mystery in the story that surrounds Nathan. He thinks he’ll have to leave this pack like he’s had to do with all the others. No pack wants him to hang around. But Dan’s job is to find out what makes Nathan tick and what is after Nathan.

I’m going to reread the first book, but from what I remember of it, I think I like this book better. It didn’t feel as rushed and the two MC’s felt more fleshed out than in the first story.

The one part I had a problem with is the ending, when Dan and Lex urge Nathan to resist the call of the shift. There’s more of an explanation in the first book, but I don’t feel like it was well explained in this book. It wasn’t clear why Nathan had to resist the shift if he was supposed to be okay with shifting. Was it because he wasn’t an Omega and the Alpha and Beta wanted Nathan to show he was strong enough to resist the pull? In that way would it build his self-confidence? I wish this part was better explained because I think it relied too much on the previous story for the explanation.

I would've loved to find out about the 'mystery person' and how he became the way he was, but it was never explained. I want to know what happened to him after. I'm hoping the author will write another story to this series and maybe work this character in it again to explain what's happening since it feels a bit like a lose thread.

It seemed like the theme to this story was about finding your place and belonging. Dan was a loner, he hadn’t accepted his position as the Beta and needed to connect with the rest of the pack. And Nathan, didn’t feel like he belonged anywhere and no one would ever want him. I liked that despite Nathan isolating himself and hovering around on the outside like a wallflower, the others in the pack pulled him in, comforted him and made him feel like a part of the group. It’s similar to people and how they make cliques and how those groups stick to themselves and don’t let others in, while other groups will be inclusive. With Dan interacting with Nathan and standing by him, we find Nathan growing stronger, more confident, and more supportive, reaching out to Dan when Dan needs him. In the end, Dan and Nathan find their HEA.

Belligerent Beta is a short, fast read and I’d read them over again and I don’t often read books over. I give the story 4 Stars.



UPDATE: I finished re-reading Belligerent Beta about a week ago for the second time and I enjoyed it as much as the first time I read it. I do have a few additional comments to make about it though.



I don't remember if I noticed the first time I read this book, but there's a lot of monologue from Dan, about what happened in the previous story. That makes this book easier to read as a stand-alone, but it's a bit excessive in the amount of previous information given about the plot in book one. Also, even if a reader chooses to read just book two, I think they wouldn't get the full emotional impact of what happened from the first story, so I suggest reading book one first.

The author did a good job with character growth for Dan and Nathan in a short story. Nathan pulled out Dan's protective side and Dan listened and observed the pack members instead of expecting obedience, thereby growing closer with all of them and settling into his Beta status.

I noticed one scene that's a dropped subplot that really should have been discussed among the pack members. I'll put it behind a cut for those who don't want to read it. Towards the end of the book, the rogue shifter follows Nathan to Dan's house. There, Dan confronts the rogue and makes a comment about the rogue at least once biting a human woman to create his own pack. Nathan's mother was bitten by a werewolf while she was pregnant with Nathan. She died because she didn't take to the bite. So Dan knows/guesses that the rogue was Nathan's father. Nathan is standing next to Dan and doesn't react to the comment at all. At no time does he later ask Dan about the comment and Dan never brings it up to Lex, his Alpha, that he suspects/guesses that the rogue was Nathan's father. To me that's a very important point to clear up or at least have a fifteen minutes discussion about. In any case, I find it sloppy writing when a topic that is brought up in a story is dropped into a blackhole never to be spoken of again as if it never existed.

Anyway, I still stand by my previous rating and review and hope the author writes another book in this series although it looks like she may be finished with it. I'd like to learn what happens to Ruby, Dan's human friend, Mia and some of the other pack members.

[Gabriella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Compared to the first book in the series Belligerent Beta was a bit more fleshed out. It worked better as a story. Unfortunately, the romantic part of the relationship between Nathan and Dan felt just as rushed and shallow as the one in Accidental Alpha.
Also, the big show down between Dan and the villain was a joke. Run! Really, that's all?! That was a letdown.

[Nanna Mørk-Sander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the world, I like Nathan, but I am not a fan of Dan's.

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read - 25.5.14
Re-read August 2015

3.5 stars
This is the second book in the series and focuses on Dan, the pack's beta - who thought he should have become alpha after the death of the previous one - and Nathan, the lowest member of the pack - who has been designated omega. Nathan is scared of his own shadow an doesn't really fit into the pack, Dan feels he's a liability to the pack, but also finds himself starting to look out for him. This story is a lot about the building trust between the two men and Nathan's acceptance into the pack.

I am not a big fan of designating a Greek letter to a characteristic in shifter books - but here it works, because they are not labelled for life and are expected to move up through the pack. I liked both Dan and Nathan, and it is good to see the other pack members (which thankfully includes females). I am hopeful there will be more of this series.

[Dee Wy · Rating 3 out of 5]

After loving book one in the series, this one left me feeling sort of meh. The plot revolves around a beta who never really put his heart into the job and a young wolf who the pack adopted in book one, but seems to be broken and doesn't feel like he really belongs. That could have worked really well if it had been developed more, but it just felt a bit rushed, not fully explained and well, fluffy.

Hugs, kisses and puppy piles just can't make up for lack of depth to the story or answer my questions about the lone wolf that was the bad guy in this one. I really didn't get that part - it needed a lot more story to make it work. It just felt kind of thrown in there.

My disappointment in this one has a lot to do with knowing just how good the author can be at writing paranormal romance. This just wasn't her best effort. The cover is stunning, though, so kudos to the cover artist.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying if you only read to get to the sexy times, this is not the book for you. This was a very enjoyable book. This book was really about the slow build of trust between Nathan and Dan and Nathan with the pack. Sex between the two MC at any point before it happened would have felt rushed and out of place. I really enjoy the way the author treats the closeness of the pack (puppy piles come to mind). I hope that there is more to the series (even if it has to jump some years for it to be baby Aiden).

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars - This was so wonderful! I'm really glad this series was recommended to me. It's fun and entertaining, with some awesome characters and a story that held my attention and left me wanting more! There are great secondary characters here, too. That's always really important to me. But I really did fall in love with Nathan. I'd love to have learnt more about him and about his past, and I'd love a sequel to see the progression of his relationship with Dan. Overall a fab read that I'll definitely revisit :)

[Shelby P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another hit out the ballpark. I liked this one as much as the first in the series. I like how the guys being gay is a non-issue. I also like that we get the story first and then toward the last chapter or so, then we get the sex. I was glued to the pages wanting to know who this rogue wolf was and I like how that turned out. I really like Bishop and it would be nice to get his side story along with the main character in the next book. I truly hope there is another book!

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A fantastic sequel to Accidental Alpha which made me love this series even more. Poppy Dennison has written an exciting story of trust and acceptance that's full of surprises. I really enjoyed watching Dan and Nathan as they struggled to find their way and how they ultimately helped each other achieve it.

[DaisyGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

This one was just okay. Dan is struggling to accept being passed over as alpha. Nathan is still struggling with pack life and being an omega. Their chemistry isn't sizzling hot ... more lukewarm. And, the storyline is getting a little formulaic. That said, I enjoyed revisiting with this pack.

Bottom line: Just alright.

[Jenni Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so Nathan and Dan are cuter than Lex and Spenser (from the first book).

Nathan’s uncertainty has pushed him from pack to pack. He wants to run again but Dan isn’t going to let him. He means for Nathan to be his.

Good story, good characters, and some more knowledge as to how this particular pack works.

[Lorien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Awe this series is just the sweetest! Just the right balance of plot and romance. It is the little touches between characters that make it so real.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Different. Refreshing. Makes me want my own cuddles. Wonderful story of the weak pack member finding his place. Highly recommend this series.

[Ramsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3 stars.