Curse of the Alpha: Episodes One and Two

A Tarker's Hollow Serial (Paranormal Shifter Romance)

By: Tasha Black

Narrated by: Addison Spear

Length: 3 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Ainsley Connor is determined to turn her back on her shifter past.

But the wolves of Tarker's Hollow call on her to choose the next alpha, and Ainsley becomes the object of desire for every eligible wolf in the quiet college town.

Surrounded by seductive shifters, all desperate to claim her, Ainsley wants nothing more than to leave the pack behind forever. But her newfound passions will not be ignored.

Ainsley soon finds herself torn between the mysterious stranger with the dark secret, the gorgeous and loyal friend from her past, and the hunky sheriff that wants her all to himself.

And the shifters aren't even the strangest part of Tarker's Hollow.

As she struggles to come to terms with her true nature, Ainsley is thrust into the center of a steamy web of shifters, ghosts, witches and warlocks, caught up in a life-and-death struggle for control of the pack she tried to abandon.

But for Ainsley Connor, the toughest wolf she must face might just be the one inside herself.

Curse of the Alpha is told in six installments, or episodes, like a TV show. Each episode contains a cliffhanger to entice the listener to tune in for the next one. If you're not a fan of the serial format, all six episodes are also available in a complete bundle!

In Episode 1, Ainsley Connor is on a mission to get back to the penthouses of Manhattan before the full moon. Will the wolves manage to stake their claim on her before it's too late?

In Episode 2, Ainsley learns about the danger facing the pack, and discovers that someone she trusts is hiding a dark secret. Will she be able to restrain the beast inside as it struggles to break free?

©2014 13th Story Press (P)2015 13th Story Press

An engaging, well-paced story

If you've never read a "shifter" book, this story would be a good place to start. First of all, the main character is compelling and I felt connected with her story. What is interesting is that, aside from just a paranormal romance, the story feels like it is deeper than that... with a bit of mystery, and we see our main character grow and change and confront some serious issues. It is a fun and engaging read, and the main character's story has some complexity to it, that makes it more than just a straightforward paranormal romance.

Our heroine suffers a fair bit of tragedy (but I don't want to give away any spoilers or wreck the story with a plot summary) that lead her to some painful life choices, and repression of who she is, and some personal crosses she has to bear. She returns to her home town, after a period of self-exile/hiding, and she is confronted by a responsibility she's avoided till then - she is needed and she can't escape her own nature forever. Her romantic choice will be critical in determining what life path she chooses and have an impact on her role in the town - so the stakes are high. But it isn't as simple as just picking the guy she likes best. I appreciated that there was some complexity to the character, and that the story was neither overly complicated nor simplistic - an interesting mystery at times, and by the end of the story I felt drawn into and very involved in her story, her life. The writing itself is also strong, and the story is well-paced and well-developed, with a bit of mystery that unfolds well and characters that we come to care about/have genuine interest in.

Also, the narrator does a really great job, and it is very well performed - the characters seemed voiced in a distinct, compelling way that made it feel like real interactions, and the flow of the narration was solid and engaging. Also, if you like a bit of steamy sex scenes, the book delivers some of that that without being excessive or silly about it. In other words, it doesn't cross into the annoying territory of a "story" that seems to exist solely to kill time between bedroom scenes - that isn't the case at all in this book. Rather, these elements were used well, and often in a unique way, and served to increase the intensity of the relationships, and to illuminate some of the mysteries/dilemmas our heroine is grappling with.

The story is a cliff hanger, so I will need to read the next to find out how it concludes. But even though the story doesn't really end, it doesn't just stop - the ending is not at all unsatisfying and in fact it is pretty intense. On the whole, I enjoyed this story, which Tasha Black gave me for my unbiased review through audiobookblastdotcom. It was interesting and engaging enough that by the end I really want to know what happens next.

Curse of the Alpha Episodes 1 & 2

What made the experience of listening to Curse of the Alpha: Episodes One and Two the most enjoyable?

This book is the first one that I have read from Tasha. I loved listening to the Audible version. Her voice was very clear and relaxing to listen to.I found it very entertaining. The story never had a lull in it, it moved right along. Very fun read. I liked Ainsley. She is very independent and feisty and doesn't apologize for her sexual needs. This book is really a "coming of age" story with paranormal aspects. I look forward to reading episodes 3 & 4 to find out more about Ainsley and her secretive town's people.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked how quickly it moved along and the wolf shifters are fun to imagine.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked Ainley's "sleep-over" at Julian's house.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, it wasn't slow or tedious. I ended up listening to all but the last 20 minutes at one time because I was interrupted or else I would have finished it all.

Any additional comments?

I am looking forward to finishing Ainsley's story with Episodes 3& 4.

Stunning, Sexy, AND Suspenseful!

I have to admit I was skeptical about listening to a story that was broken down into episodes; however, I was pleasantly surprised on how much I really enjoyed the first two episodes in this series.

Curse of the Alpha had an original and unique plot that drew me in. I like the main character, Ainsely, who is a strong confident female. After a tragedy strikes, Ainsely goes back to her hometown to take care of some personal business and learns she is the one who has right (or curse) to choose the next alpha by mating. There’s lots of sexual attraction between her and several wolves but she tells herself she would rather get back to her life in NY and leave this life behind. A mystery soon emerges when someone breaks into her father’s home and office, and is apparently looking for something but who and what still remains a mystery.

This story has a great plot, steamy sex scenes, and ends on a very suspenseful cliffhanger.

The narrator did a great job, and her voice was perfect for the main character.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of Audio book Blast dot com.

Fun and steamy

Would you listen to Curse of the Alpha: Episodes One and Two again? Why?

Yes, it's so packed with imagination you can't help but want to revisit it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hard to say. It was easy to fall for all the characters and the author is alway developing them

Which character – as performed by Addison Spear – was your favorite?

Hmm I liked them all

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yeah and I did lol

Any additional comments?

Wow what a great story. The author put so much detail in to building this wonderful story. I literally couldn't put it down
after something bad happen to her she runs away, off to college, off to the big city and never looked back but with the death of her family she is back to handle thing and yet strange things keep happening. What to do? Who to choice? And what's next. I cant wait for the next book.
Hearing it adds a whole new depth to the story! I loved it

GOOD START TO A NEW SERIES FOR ME!

If you could sum up Curse of the Alpha: Episodes One and Two in three words, what would they be?

Interesting Alpha Twist!

Who was your favorite character and why?

It has to be Ainsley...and even if I don't completely like her attitude...I think once she accepts who she really is..she is going to be awesome!

What does Addison Spear bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She is ok...i would like to hear her work on her Male character voices more, but her female characters are very good...and she is pleasant to listen to!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did find Ainsley to be a bit amusing...she is a tough cookie...

Any additional comments?

** I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review **

I am always skeptical about books with Alpha in the title, because I like strong female characters...and usually with the word Alpha in the title we get weak women...Not this book...Ainsley is strong...even though she has bee through a lot..and has denied her wolf...and now has lost her parents..and is kind of being stalked..she holds it together...She has the unwanted task of choosing a mate and an Alpha for her pack/town and she really doesnt want to do it...But Ultimately I think she has been pushed into a corner now..and she is going to come out with her teeth and claws bared! Good story...will be listening to book 3/4 asap!

Thank You Tasha!!

interesting take

so many twists and turns that it has left me dying to know what happens next!

Fantastic !!!

I really enjoyed reading this book. A young Ainslee Connor has some difficult life decisions to make following the death of her parents and her return to her family home in Tarker's Hollow. The place she never wanted to come back to. Amazing plot with characters who just come to life. Could not put it down !

Easy, Enjoyable Story

Would you consider the audio edition of Curse of the Alpha: Episodes One and Two to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version, I'm a great fan of audio stories whilst I do my housework and walk my dogs.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Eric, I thought his unselfish attitude to be really good. I hope he wins the day.

What does Addison Spear bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I can see the faces and and and picture the places as if I was there

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My overall reaction was one of anger with Ainsley, she was so self centered, I hope to see a change in her attitude in the following episodes, so much depends on what she does.

Any additional comments?

I think the sorry is well written and flows well. I have given 4 stars for the story because I'm not a fan of cliff hangers. If I could have just carried on listening straight away to the next part I would probably have give it 5 stars.

revisiting ainsley and eric

having read the story in book form already, it was a first for me to be able to listen to it a second time around. it was well narrated and Addison Spear was the perfect person for this story, her voice just fit the story and specially Ainsley.
This part kick starts it all as we get to know the key players for this series, love, hate, acceptance, denial, hot hunks, spicy damsels in distress (really?!) it's all there , nicely woven together in a lovely story.

who's a wolf who isn't?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I'd recommend this book even though it's episodic. That's what keeps the book from getting a 5 star rating from me. I can't stand cliffhangers I like having the whole story at once.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really liked Eric, because he's willing to step back. I won't say more I don't like it when a reviewer spoils the story. When people do that I feel like there's no point in reading, listening or watching, or at least until I forget what they said.

What does Addison Spear bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I haven't read the book so I don't know. She however has a beautiful voice.

Any additional comments?

I'm pretty newish to reviewing so I hope it helps people decide.