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drgnlis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
gypsydawn's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy and amazing
This book arouses and disturbs in equal measure, creating a fantasy like environment that is firmly latched into the contemporary world - despite the title of ‘Alpha’. Layla is treated and coddled, swept into a universe far from anything she can imagine, even as the key to that future enforces the notion the ‘she belongs to him’. It’s hot, sexy and pure fantasy - for if any of this happened in real life. It would be considered stalkerish, creepy and one step shy of “pit the lotion on the skin”. Guess having money kinda changes that view though.... and I am not quite sure what to think of that.
The feminist in me rebelled against this book, yet the romance (and erotica!) loving woman in me loved it. I’m on the fence, stalled between loving and loathing this narrative. Regardless, it IS very well written, sexy as sin and ripe with emotional gravitas. Intense.
This book arouses and disturbs in equal measure, creating a fantasy like environment that is firmly latched into the contemporary world - despite the title of ‘Alpha’. Layla is treated and coddled, swept into a universe far from anything she can imagine, even as the key to that future enforces the notion the ‘she belongs to him’. It’s hot, sexy and pure fantasy - for if any of this happened in real life. It would be considered stalkerish, creepy and one step shy of “pit the lotion on the skin”. Guess having money kinda changes that view though.... and I am not quite sure what to think of that.
The feminist in me rebelled against this book, yet the romance (and erotica!) loving woman in me loved it. I’m on the fence, stalled between loving and loathing this narrative. Regardless, it IS very well written, sexy as sin and ripe with emotional gravitas. Intense.
savvyking's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ***
I was not to crazy about this one
The way it started out, I just could not get into. I mean the blurb definitely pulls you in, but once the story gets going.....I mean, I just couldn't.
I expected more from the story just from reading the synopsis.
That being said, I believe the book was very well written, it had some good aspects to it, but there were more cons for me then there were pros. This is my first book by this author, and I like to keep an open mind so I will continue to see what else she has out there.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Probably Not
Would I read more from this author: Hopefully
I was not to crazy about this one
The way it started out, I just could not get into. I mean the blurb definitely pulls you in, but once the story gets going.....I mean, I just couldn't.
I expected more from the story just from reading the synopsis.
That being said, I believe the book was very well written, it had some good aspects to it, but there were more cons for me then there were pros. This is my first book by this author, and I like to keep an open mind so I will continue to see what else she has out there.
Would I recommend this book: Yes
Would I re-read this book: Probably Not
Would I read more from this author: Hopefully
patriciadanisova's review against another edition
4.0
Nod bad, not the best.
3,5 hviezdičky.
Je také ťažké napísať knihu, kde by ma hlavná hrdinka neiritovala? Kde by ju hlavný hrdinka neufuckoval k nevidomosti? Je vôbec možné mať toľko orgazmov za sebou? Preboha, ľudia umierajú na isté dávky potešenia :D
3,5 hviezdičky.
Je také ťažké napísať knihu, kde by ma hlavná hrdinka neiritovala? Kde by ju hlavný hrdinka neufuckoval k nevidomosti? Je vôbec možné mať toľko orgazmov za sebou? Preboha, ľudia umierajú na isté dávky potešenia :D
bookstatsreviews's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Wow.
Honestly I’m pretty blown away by this one. I wanted the story to keep going so I could keep exploring the characters. IMO that’s a sign of a great storyteller.
I knew as soon as Valentine told Ker that he had a secret that would ruin them he was responsible for her dad’s death. That didn’t ruin the story for me I was already invested in the mystery and the adventure by then.
The storyline and character development exceeded my expectations for a book I expected to mostly erotica and smut scenes.
There’s plenty of fiery hot action in this book but it’s balanced nicely by the plot and character development.
Wilder left me wanting more of the characters. I’m delighted that there are more books in this series and I can’t wait to pick them up.
Honestly I’m pretty blown away by this one. I wanted the story to keep going so I could keep exploring the characters. IMO that’s a sign of a great storyteller.
The storyline and character development exceeded my expectations for a book I expected to mostly erotica and smut scenes.
There’s plenty of fiery hot action in this book but it’s balanced nicely by the plot and character development.
Wilder left me wanting more of the characters. I’m delighted that there are more books in this series and I can’t wait to pick them up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
ashkwtf's review against another edition
DNF @ 38%. Didn't care what would happen. The whole setup just felt stupid and made me dislike the heroine. Pro Tip: You can get student loans that cover living expenses. Get your mom on medicaid, you dumbass, that's why it exists. Also your brother can get loans to pay for his own tuition. What fucking universe do you live in that paying for your tuition outright seems like a reasonable thing? If you can't afford the school you're going to, go to a different school. On top of THAT, what's with these heroines spending so much money to get a degree in a job you that won't pay more than $40k a year?
So anyways, yeah. The premise didn't really work for me so I didn't force myself to finish.
So anyways, yeah. The premise didn't really work for me so I didn't force myself to finish.
amandas_good_books's review against another edition
4.0
I pray this is good. I'm feeling like I've read the same thing over and over and over. again.
klindtvedt's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully Intense & Perfectly, Paradoxically Superb...
"Alpha" by Jasinda Wilder was recommended to me by a colleague well versed in my love of dark and moody love stories. At first I was skeptical given the cover and description blurb and chalked it up as being just another bdsm dom/sub story. But wow was I wrong, completely, irrevocably incorrect, because the truth is this book is a dark romance lover's dream.
My oh my, what I wouldn't give for a few hours inside the mind of Jasinda Wilder. Her imagery here was superb. Perfectly, paradoxically superb. This book quickly became a feverish addiction after only a few pages. Wilder's prose is beautifully intense, lusciously erotic, brooding, suspenseful, and dark. Her characters are straight forward yet gorgeously complex. And Valentine, my God what a vision did she create in my head of this man.
It is a must read for lovers of this literary domain. BUT first understand this, this book needs to be savored like a fine brandy. You need to settle down with a glass (or bottle) of your favorite wine, and slowly gaze upon each page in order to fully engage with and enjoy each delicious word. Valentine and Kyrie's story, so ripe with sexual tension, confusion, and angst, it has no choice but to unfold at an almost torturous, languid speed. However you will be rewarded for your patience because by God is it glorious.
The pacing of the chapters brilliantly matches the growing crescendo of their connection and exploration of each other beautifully. Matching Valentine's predatory stalking of Kyrie and her reciprocal posturing perfectly. So good is Wilder's character development, I purposely slowed my reading pace so I could soak in the story. I shamelessly enjoyed every, single, page, basking in its angst and lust filled silkiness like warm caramel caressing my tongue.
I am very much looking forward to continuing my exploration of Valentine and Kyrie's journey in Beta, and truly wish I had found this series sooner!
"Alpha" by Jasinda Wilder was recommended to me by a colleague well versed in my love of dark and moody love stories. At first I was skeptical given the cover and description blurb and chalked it up as being just another bdsm dom/sub story. But wow was I wrong, completely, irrevocably incorrect, because the truth is this book is a dark romance lover's dream.
My oh my, what I wouldn't give for a few hours inside the mind of Jasinda Wilder. Her imagery here was superb. Perfectly, paradoxically superb. This book quickly became a feverish addiction after only a few pages. Wilder's prose is beautifully intense, lusciously erotic, brooding, suspenseful, and dark. Her characters are straight forward yet gorgeously complex. And Valentine, my God what a vision did she create in my head of this man.
It is a must read for lovers of this literary domain. BUT first understand this, this book needs to be savored like a fine brandy. You need to settle down with a glass (or bottle) of your favorite wine, and slowly gaze upon each page in order to fully engage with and enjoy each delicious word. Valentine and Kyrie's story, so ripe with sexual tension, confusion, and angst, it has no choice but to unfold at an almost torturous, languid speed. However you will be rewarded for your patience because by God is it glorious.
The pacing of the chapters brilliantly matches the growing crescendo of their connection and exploration of each other beautifully. Matching Valentine's predatory stalking of Kyrie and her reciprocal posturing perfectly. So good is Wilder's character development, I purposely slowed my reading pace so I could soak in the story. I shamelessly enjoyed every, single, page, basking in its angst and lust filled silkiness like warm caramel caressing my tongue.
I am very much looking forward to continuing my exploration of Valentine and Kyrie's journey in Beta, and truly wish I had found this series sooner!
anasatticbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
Alpha by Jasinda Wilder
Erotic Romance with a little suspense. Standalone.
"You. Belong. To Me."
When I read the teaser for Alpha by Jasinda Wilder that was at the end of Falling Under, I was officially HOOKED. With all the NA books out there, Alpha finally gave me that tingly, anticipatory feeling I got when I initially read Fifty Shades of Grey. (Yes, I know, there have been a ton of books that came out since that I loved even more.) I knew it would be hot, because, well, it's Jasinda. But I really like my heat with a little more dominance and kink than Jasinda usually writes.
Holy Hotness! We all know Jasinda can write hot, but she takes it a step up in Alpha. I was on the edge of combustion the entire book. Sexy and thrilling, I couldn't look away unless it was for a sex break. Well, honestly, even then I didn't stop reading for long...uuumm....lets just say I kept reading until I couldn't hold my kindle anymore and my eyes rolled back in my head. (Mr. Ana thinks it's a challenge, and he never complains about my reading, especially books like this!)
Jasinda had a full on mystery amongst the sex, and you just had to keep reading to figure it all out. What an addictive read!
Kyrie was a really likable character. Relatable and sometimes funny, I enjoyed her inner voice. I adored her best friend Layla as well, and I'm hoping maybe she gets her own story. As you read in the blurb, Kyrie is at the point of desperation. She was evicted and her electricity turned off the day she got fired.
"I was sexually propositioned by Mr. Edwards."
"Shut the fuck up."
"He said I could keep my job if I sucked his cock. I mean, he didn't say it in so many words. But he made it clear... by pulling his dick out."
So when the mysterious $10,000 check shows up, Kyrie has no choice but to cash it. She would have ended up stripping or even worse, just to eat, let alone pay for her mother and brother's care. As the checks keep coming, Kyrie cautiously spends the money, knowing she will have to pay up one day.
"My name is Harris. I'm here to collect you."..."My employer has sent me to collect what is his."
After packing her belongings and flying in a private jet, she arrives at the penthouse, and is blindfolded.
"Who–who are you? Why am I here?"
"You don't need my name just yet. As far as why you're here?" His voice lowered, became hushed, a growling murmur that made my stomach clench.
"You're here because I own you, Kyrie."
"What - what are you going to do to me?" I hated how weak, how afraid I sounded.
"Everything." His voice was thick with promise. "But nothing you won't enjoy."
Not being able to see, Kyrie must rely on on her other senses. She has no idea if that man is young or old...nothing. But his voice and words are having an effect on her. He is both sexy and reassuring, yet he makes her keep the blindfold on and won't even tell her his name.
"Here is another promise I will make you: you and I will not engage in penetrative sexual intercourse unless you ask for it. And you will, Kyrie. That's the promise, here. You will. You'll beg me for it. But it won't happen until, and unless, you ask me for it."
Kyrie isn't a prisoner. She can leave, but all of her expenses are still there. Her mother is in a home, her brother needs his tuition paid. She has the choice to see how this plays out with the millionaire or leave with all of her bills still hanging over her head. But the mystery man is not ready to reveal himself to Kyrie...not yet.
There is more going on....
"I am keeping a secret from you, Kyrie. A very deep, very dark secret. One that affects us both, and one that will change the very fabric of our relationship."
Still, even with the blindfold, Kyrie can't help her physical reaction to him as he helps her eat dinner blindfolded. Jasinda really made this work. I felt breathless along with Kyrie. I wanted him too, and had no idea what he looked like. The build up, the anticipation, the fear, the helplessness, the teasing, the excitement....Jasinda had us feeling it all with Kyrie.
“I’ve barely touched you, barely begun to kiss you, only just learning the secrets of your body, but already you react so beautifully. Kyrie…Kyrie…you are so beautiful. Such a precious thing, and I simply cannot wait to make you sing, to make your body hum and shiver for me.”
Wow...see what I mean?
And if the build-up was hot, holy shit...when it really started, WOW.
Jasinda kept you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out the whole story while telling the hottest story I think I read this year. Jasinda was always great at the lovemaking scenes, but we get diiirrrtty in Alpha. And...
"One word out of you, and I'll snap. I'll pull into the nearest alley and fuck you where you sit. You're flushed and nervous and the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and you smell like expensive wine and good food and pussy. I'm barely holding onto my restraint right now."
Likes:
- •Alpha sucked you in and didn't let go once.
- •I loved Kyrie's voice.
- •I enjoyed her friend Layla, and wouldn't mind her story!
- •The blindfold. I loved that, it ratcheted up the tension and it was hot!
- •The twist caught me by surprise.
- •Jasinda's sex scenes were a little more my style--a little less flowery, well, except for the flower part, (you'll see) and a little more dirty. (And no 'turgid'!)
- •The sexual tension was so thick even before the sex, that I was ready to grab the guy without any knowledge of his looks.
- •Mr. Ana had a smile on his face for 2 days. (So did I.)
Dislikes:
- •I would have loved an epilogue, but the book, though the ending satisfied, did leave it open for more.
- •Him swearing he wasn't a Dominant at the beginning of the book. While he isn't into pain or bondage, he is very much a Dominant.
Rating: 5-5+ Stars, 5 Heat
Alpha wasn't an epic, New Adult bawl-your-eyes-out kind of book like many of Jasinda's books. It's a gripping erotic romance with suspense. It hovered close to having too much sex without going over (or maybe that was me?) but there was more than enough story to even it out, and believe me, I wasn't complaining! I thought it was a short, fast read and was surprised to find out it is 445 pages! Jasinda's pacing makes it a quick, easy, totally hot read that I am saving on my kindle for those nights I need a little extra motivation for Mr. Ana.
"It's not even really begging. It's just...asking me nicely"
"Please..._____" Who needs dignity when you can have public orgasms?
P.S. I'd love to see some of the male point of view, maybe novella? But please, I beg of you, if you do that Jasinda, don't pussify the guy like I've seen many authors do.
Note: You may want to visit my Red Room of Pain/Erotic Toystore before reading this one!
Purchase Alpha by Jasinda Wilder
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works4books's review against another edition
2.0
it was a very easy read with no real plot (I saw it all coming from a mile away), there was errors in duplicate words and missing words (not sure if they have an editor or not). However this book had a bad case of "tell not show" and I didn't really care for Kyrie and Roth well he was ok in some parts and others he irritated me which is not good when you're reading a book that is basically a smut book. I do love smut books but this was not one of them and I have no idea how this book has 4 stars with over a thousand readers. I almost DNF but I really don't like not finishing books.