BOOK REVIEW: Alpha Male by Mark Allen

I did a book spotlight, and now I have READ THE BOOK! ALPHA MALE is one of the most enjoyable horror thrillers I have read in a long time.

ALPHA MALE (a Caleb Jacobsen novel)

Published: April 15, 2025

Genre: Horror/Suspense/ Thriller

Pages:434

Synopsis

Since defeating the evil Global Alpha saving mankind from annihilation, Caleb and Marla have gone back to their quiet lives.

Sadly, “quiet” never lasts.

A werewolf delegation explains to Caleb that by killing the last Alpha and then not assuming the position himself, the werewolf world has fallen into chaos, fractured packs, and bitter infighting. Born followers, the werewolves NEED a strong leader to restore balance and order.

Realizing his responsibility for this situation, Caleb must step up and be the leader they need, even though it is the last thing he wants to do.

But there are those who do not recognize him as legitimate. Rejecting his policy of détente with humankind, they still want a Werewolf Apocalypse and a Human Holocaust. And they are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

War is brewing, and no one can remain neutral. Everyone must choose sides. It all comes down to one cataclysmic fight to the death between Caleb and the rebel leader, Logan Olivier. The survivor will guide the combined destinies of both werewolves and humans for the next thousand years.

 There’s only one ALPHA MALE. 

REVIEW

The cover hooks you before you open the pages, and once you do, author Mark Allen doesn’t disappoint. Alpha Male is the second book in Allen’s Caleb Jacobsen werewolf series, with Blood Moon being the lead in. Even though I didn’t read the first book, Allen welcomes you. I was not lost one bit, and I instantly felt invested in these characters.

We pick up with Caleb and Marla again, three months after Caleb killed the Global Alpha, refusing to take the throne as his replacement. When a group comes a calling, saying the werewolf community is in disarray.  Caleb finally rises up, considering he is to blame for the chaos in their community. We also meet Logan Oliver, a German Alpha of the German pack, who decides to claim the empty Global Alpha spot and pick us up where the former left off, which was revealing their kind to humanity and showing them who the true A-PEX predator is. When he learns Caleb is finally claiming the Global Alpha role and opting for peace, Logan sets out a challenge. Caleb accepts, but when Logan brutally attacks his own kind for not following him, then tries to go after his mate, Caleb is coming after Logan. Still, it is a fight to the death as both Logan and Caleb come with surprises.

I truly enjoyed Alpha Male so much. Allen is also a screenwriter, and if you are familiar with screenwriting, you can tell. Allen’s visceral description and detail are superb. I love it when a book plays like a film in your head, and Alpha Male does that. Allen’s writing is gifted in this genre. The final battle between Caleb and Logan is written brutally, yet it’s not overkill or overly gruesome. I mean, I did wince a bit at every punch and crunch. It was supported, though, so it worked. There is a third book coming out, so I am excited to see where Caleb and Marla go next.

My rating 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ALPHA MALE IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

Book Spotlight Thursday: ALPHA MALE (Blood Red Moon Book 2) by Mark Allen


Today, my spotlight shines on ALPHA MALE by Mark Allen. The cover is astonishing and caught my eye. I am like, I got to spotlight this baby.  ALPHA MALE is the second installment of Allen’s werewolf trilogy, which follows the events of the 2021 award-winning, BLOOD RED MOON.

ALPHA MALE ( A Caleb Jacobsen novel) (Blood Red Moon Book 2)

Publishing Date: April 15th, 2025

Genre: Horror/Thriller/ Suspense

Pages: 432


Synopsis

Since defeating the evil Global Alpha saving mankind from annihilation, Caleb and Marla have gone back to their quiet lives.

Sadly, "quiet" never lasts.

A werewolf delegation explains to Caleb that by killing the last Alpha and then not assuming the position himself, the werewolf world has fallen into chaos, fractured packs, and bitter infighting. Born followers, the werewolves NEED a strong leader to restore balance and order.

Realizing his responsibility for this situation, Caleb must step up and be the leader they need, even though it is the last thing he wants to do.

But there are those who do not recognize him as legitimate. Rejecting his policy of détente with humankind, they still want a Werewolf Apocalypse and a Human Holocaust. And they are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

War is brewing, and no one can remain neutral. Everyone must choose sides. It all comes down to one cataclysmic fight to the death between Caleb and the rebel leader, Logan Olivier. The survivor will guide the combined destinies of both werewolves and humans for the next thousand years.

There's only one ALPHA MALE.


The hero, Caleb Jacobsen, once again faces deadly enemies and fights to protect his mate, Marla, as they race to bring order to a chaotic werewolf world and quell a violent insurrection by ascending to a position Caleb does not want but feels morally compelled to claim: Alpha Male of the Global Pack.

GET IT ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Allen was born and raised in Jacksonville, Texas in the 60s and 70s. He wrote his first short story for a 4th grade English assignment. He got an A+ on the assignment, and he’s been writing ever since. In 1980, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served as a Navy Hospital Corpsman, and was designated a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Warfare Specialist. He retired in May 2001.

Mark returned to his first love, this time writing screenplays for feature films. He wrote and directed DELIRIUM (York Entertainment 2007) and wrote and co-produced EARLY GRAVE (Fenix Pictures 2013). Mark’s most recent screenwriting release, RESTITUTION (2024 Terror Films Releasing) premiered worldwide on Oct 4, 2024.

In 2014, Mark was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer. During radiation and chemo, he began writing what would become his debut novel, NOCTURNAL. Mark is now 11 years in recovery and suffers long-term disabilities related to the cancer and the treatments that killed his cancer. But, grateful to be alive, Mark pushes on. No longer fit for the rigors of the film industry, Mark concentrates almost exclusively on novels now.

Mark is a proud member of the Horror Writers Association. He lives quietly in a small coastal town in northwest Washington state. Other literary works include NOCTURNAL, JUST BEFORE DAWN, and BLOOD RED MOON.

He writes every day.

To learn more about Mark Allen and his books, follow him on LinkedIn / Instagram / X(Twitter) / FBBlue Sky / SlasherTV.

Book Spotlight Thursday: Cul-de-Sac by Liz Crowe

Joining with AME (Author Marketing Experts) in my spotlight today is Cul-De-Sac by Liz Crowe.

Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old-money neighborhood harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.

Cul-De- Sac by Liz Crowe

Published: June 11th 2024

Genre: Fiction/ Psychological /Suspense/ Thriller

Synopsis

Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.

“Cul-de-Sac” is a dark tale of marriage, friendship, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner, and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.

The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos are walking her dogs, cuddling her cats, and watching her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Learn more about Liz and her books at Lizcrowe.com

Book Spotlight II: Chloe’s Crusade (Teddy Bear Chronicles #2) by Donnalyn Vojta

SURPRISE! I double-booked myself again! In my defense, I just could not pass up on this unique gem piece! WARNING THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN’S BOOK! Chloe’s Crusade is a psychological thriller, and book two in The Teddy Bear Chronicles. Let’s hug our teddy bears tight to learn more!

In this second volume of the unique thriller/suspense series narrated by inanimate teddy bears, the ever-brave Chloe Stogdon inserts herself into the dark and chilling world of a global drug clan. Her fearless companion, Tiny Bear, provides a vivid account of the distressing, disturbing events that unfold around Chloe and her FBI team.
The story takes exciting turns and offers many layers of drama, including a love triangle, a star-struck stalker, and a tattered family relationship that may or may not recover. Chloe’s old friends, Richard and Sidney from Vol. I become entangled in Chloe’s perilous cartel crusade, and Love Bear, Fair Bear, and a debut bear, Rocco, reveal all the thrilling moments seen through their innocent eyes.

AVAILABLE NOW!

GET IT HERE

Don’t Forget Volume 1

Get It HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Formerly a litigation attorney, one constant in Donnalyn Vojta’s life is her love for writing, whether novels or screenplays. Vojta’s goal is always to entertain others as she’d like to be entertained. And for her, that means lots of suspense and thrilling twists!

Learn more at Donnalyn Vojta

Book Blog Tour: The Last Train by Michael Pronko

Joining the blog tour for The Last Train by Michael Pronko let’s explore this thriller express!

The Last Train: A Tokyo Mystery
Genre: Thriller/ Suspense

*Winner 2018 Shelf Unbound Best Independently Published Book
*Winner 2017 Book Excellence Awards Best Mystery Solo Medalist
Winner 2017 New Apple Awards for Excellence

In Tokyo, murder’s easy to hide.

Detective Hiroshi Shimizu investigates white-collar crime in Tokyo. When an American businessman turns up dead, his mentor Takamatsu calls him out to the site of a grisly murder. A glimpse from a security camera video suggests the killer might be a woman. Hiroshi quickly learns how close homicide and suicide can appear in a city full of high-speed trains just a step—or a push—away. Takamatsu drags Hiroshi out to the hostess clubs and skyscraper offices of Tokyo in search of the killer.

Hiroshi goes deeper and deeper into Tokyo’s intricate, perilous market for buying and selling the most expensive land in the world. He teams up with ex-sumo wrestler Sakaguchi to scour Tokyo’s sacred temples, corporate offices and industrial wastelands to find out why one woman was driven to murder. After years in America and lost in neat, clean spreadsheets, Hiroshi confronts the stark realities of the biggest city in the world, where inside information can travel in a flash from the insiders at top investment firms to street-level punks and teenage hostesses, everyone scrambling for their cut of Tokyo’s lucrative land deals. Hiroshi’s determined to cut through Japan’s ambiguities—and dangers—to find the murdering ex-hostess before she extracts her final revenge—which just might be him.

GET IT HERE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Pronko is a Tokyo-based author who writes in three genres—murder, memoir, and music. He has written about Japanese culture, art, jazz, society, architecture, and politics for Newsweek Japan, The Japan Times, Artscape Japan, as well as other publications. He has appeared on NHK and Nippon Television doing video versions of his essays. He runs his own website, Jazz in Japan (www.jazzinjapan.com).

He teaches American Literature and Culture (novels, film, art, and music) at Meiji Gakuin University in Tokyo, and after discussing Kurt Vonnegut or Jackson Pollock is in the right frame of mind to wander Tokyo contemplating its intensity.

Follow Michael at Michael Pronko