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My Shy Alpha #1

My Shy Alpha

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With 10 enchanting illustrations, My Shy Alpha is the first book in an empowering, steamy fantasy series that leaves readers swooning for a shy Alpha Lycan while rooting for an abuse survivor as she rediscovers what it means to be loved.

Aliya Matsuoka meets “him” in her dreams - a regal yet unexpectedly shy man. But strangest of all, he always meets her in the forest, where their instant bond escalates into a sensual night beneath the stars.

In waking reality, a monstrous ex blurred Aliya’s judgment on whom to trust. She won’t even kiss most dates, let alone “get down and dirty in the leaves” with a gorgeous stranger.

When Aliya follows an uncontrollable urge to retrace her dream’s steps, reality surpasses her wildest imagination; she’s living amongst Lycans, shapeshifters who can morph into wolves at will.

Outspoken for his “untraditional values” that Lycan sexes should have equal rights, shy Alpha Noah Greenfield faces constant pushback from other Alphas who thrive on dominance. Aliya, however, finds his social defiance alluring. As Aliya and Noah’s fated love transcends all bonds, Aliya unleashes her desires.

But diving into this paranormal fairytale isn’t enough to erase Aliya’s trauma; there’s always a chance another monster could follow her home.

Equal parts heartfelt and steamy, the My Shy Alpha series follows an epic love story for both seasoned werewolf lovers and new readers dipping their paws into the shifter universe

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2023

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About the author

River Kai

7 books27 followers
River Kai is a thriller webcomic author turned sweet-but-spicy romance author. As a bisexual and transgender creator with disabilities, he specializes in Romance, LGBTQ+, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy fiction with mental health and disability representation, creating stories for readers like him to see they’re not alone.

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5 stars
39 (44%)
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26 (29%)
3 stars
16 (18%)
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Evelyn Fae.
Author 1 book21 followers
December 27, 2023
“All I want is to be here with you too. Thank you for finding me, Omega.”
“Thank you for waiting for me.”

Thank the dark lords, the goddess and whatever you want to call it, this author has blessed us with a shifter romance only dreams are made of. With such a strong and beautiful written world, we meet two beautiful souls and YOU DO NOT WANT TO STOP! You will start to gush and blush and kick your feet around. It is a PERFECT representation of Soul Mates with all the feels. This Book is THE long hug you have waited for!! I DEMAND all of you to get yourself in for the best thing that can ever happen in your life. This book will get new special places not only in your heart but in your mind as well. *goes outside in a forest to write on a beautiful tree, Aliya and Noah 4-ever! *
Profile Image for Heidi Christie.
93 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2025
The spice in this book was 10/10. Everything else came across as especially cringy to me. The dialogue was very forced, especially scenes that involved kids. It just did not hit as realistic at all. Also, I felt like this book could not decide what it wanted to be. Was it an Abby Jiminez novel where we have complex characters with complicated pasts that find a way to move forward? Uhhh, not quite. Was it a wat pad novel? Sort of. Did I want to die every time I saw that the protagonist was crying yet again? Yep. Do I ever want to see the phrase “my sweet Omega” ever again? Absolutely not. 2.5 stars because the smut seriously brought the score of .5 for everything else up.
Profile Image for Ninosleah.
89 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2025
Wow just wow sweet and romantic but spicy as hell

Wow just wow sweet and romantic but spicy as hell absolutely loved every moment of this book and cannot wait to read more
Profile Image for The Book Nerd's Corner.
706 reviews14 followers
April 24, 2026
A super spicy wolf shifter romance brimming with emotional depth that explores topics such as OCD, PTSD, and being a survivor of abuse.

Aliya Matsuoka fears growing close to anyone after an abusive ex left her with severe trauma surrounding relationships. After seeing a mysterious man in a reoccurring dream, Aliya can't help but set her standards high. She needs someone who will love her unconditionally and make her feel safe. When she gets an urge to recreate her dream, she meets a man by the name of Noah. He is shy, respectful, and everything Aliya ever dreamed of. And he's the Alpha leader of a group of secretive wolf shifters who have lived around her as long as she's existed. Aliya and Noah feel an undeniable attraction towards one another, which Aliya soon discovers is due to them being fated mates. That doesn't mean they don't have things to work through, as both Aliya and Noah are haunted by the traumas of their pasts.

I am a huge fan of shifter romances, so I knew I couldn't pass this one up when given the chance to read it. The author sent me the coolest PR box featuring a ton of their artwork, so it was no surprise that my expectations were high for this one. I knew going into it that it was steamy with a ton of emotional depth and it definitely delivered on both fronts.

I think the coolest thing about this story is how different Noah is from the typical Alpha wolf. Usually they are possessive, controlling, and desperate to mark their mate without putting her feelings first. The fact that Noah is so shy, nervous, and kind towards Aliya is so stinking cute and a breath of fresh air for this genre!

I loved all the LGBTQIA+ themes this book included as well as the pushback against gender stereotypes. Both Aliya and Noah are bisexual and didn't want to narrow their worldviews by only pursuing a certain type of person. Noah is very progressive for an Alpha. Usually, wolf packs rely heavily on gender stereotypes, such as men are always more dominant and that women can't lead. However, Kai's world breaks all of these barriers, which I think is really awesome and something that more wolf shifter books need to be willing to do.

Aliya and Noah both are afflicted with extreme PTSD that has them reliving devastating events that happened to them in their pasts. The tea wasn't exactly spilt on what happened to them, but we know that it has to do with past relationships they were in that hurt them severely. It devastates me that people are willing to inflict such pain on others on purpose, and I'm glad that Aliya and Noah found each other to help battle their demons together.

Aliya also has OCD, which is a disorder that I always find fascinating to learn more about. The way that OCD causes the human brain to work against itself can be terrifying, and I love the fact that Aliya is actively going to therapy to help her deal with her obsessions and her compulsions. The way that she opens up to Noah about her disorder is also super sweet, and I wish that all people were this understanding of others.

Aliya and Noah certainly have a special relationship. I feel that most humans yearn to find a relationship like theirs where they can be completely open and honest with one another. They can work through the demons of their past and maintain open communication with one another to work towards a healthy future together. Noah treats Aliya like an actual goddess, and I think that is such an attractive quality in a man.

This book is not exaggerating on the steam factor; this book is super spicy the whole way through! Within the day that they first meet, Aliya goes into heat, which causes her to crave a whole bunch of things. Both Aliya and Noah's wolves constantly want to mate with each other, so these two have sex quite often, even in situations that seemed rather inappropriate. There are sections of this book in which sex scenes go on for chapters at a time, so this book is certainly filled with sex. I thought that it was mostly done well, though I personally thought the last few scenes were starting to feel redundant. There are a ton of messages in this book about healthy sex practices and learning to trust someone while being intimate, so I understand the importance of including many different sexy scenes. However, I definitely had to take this one in small doses because I can't read that much sex straight through. Also, there were scenes in this book that I had a hard time imaging because the positions were that exotic to me, but I'm sure avid smut readers would be more comfortable with all this book contains. At least Noah is the king of consent and does everything in his power to give his girl exactly what she wants. These scenes would probably have been unbearable if Noah was a typical Alpha wolf.

The number of times "my shy alpha" and "my sweet omega" was said in this book started to drive me a little batty after a while. I get having nicknames for one another, but dang, it just started to get to me after a while.

Lastly, I wanted to mention that River Kai is also the illustrator of this book. There are ten gorgeous images throughout this book that capture Aliya and Noah's relationship. He is such a talented artist and some of the illustrations in this book are truly stunning.

Overall, "My Shy Alpha" is a steamy wolf shifter with a ton of heart. Aliya and Noah have a fiery relationship, but also one that is filled with so much love and understanding. They both have their own demons, but they're learning to conquer their PTSD, OCD, and past hurts together. Noah is such a sweet boy, who was a stuttering mess when he first met Aliya. It was refreshing to see an Alpha wolf who was such a cinnamon roll of a character. If you aren't into spicy books, I'd definitely stay away from this one. I can say that the sex is all consensual and these two are so good at taking care of each other in the bedroom, but I did get a little annoyed by how much of this book is sex scenes despite this. I'm definitely invested in these two's relationship and the world they live in, so if given the chance, I'd keep reading these ones.
Profile Image for Julia Aniella.
1 review1 follower
November 10, 2023
Whenever I talk about this book I cannot stop gushing about it. It's a perfect dose of steamy but sensual romance/erotica balanced with touching and important topics. Aliya, the main character, has a hurtful past that led her to OCD and PTSD. Thankfully she got the courage to seek professional help and we are meeting her while she visits her therapist. Getting better and seeing progress with her disorder encourages her to try to find love and happiness. But dating seems to suck when no one is close enough to the man who appears in her dreams. Yes! She has a picture-perfect example of a partner. Only he is nowhere to be seen in real life. Or maybe he is somewhere and she just has to get the courage to look for him? But getting into the world of her dream partner will also bring some consequences and unexpected revelations about herself.
River Kai's ability to paint with words let me fully immerse in a paranormal world that is not so far away from ours. His attention to detail makes the story deep and emotional. This book is definitely moving the imagination but what makes it more special is that the author included beautiful illustrations drawn by himself. They are not only perfectly touching (how he captures emotions in stares is just beyond me), but also they are wisely presented in the best possible moments of the plot. I loved them. Just look at this beautiful cover and imagine you will be treated with more of that. This story will be continued as the author already announced. And this is the best news because you won't be ready to say goodbye to a strong protagonist and her shy, goofy, but powerful Alpha.


Profile Image for Betsy.
406 reviews19 followers
May 13, 2026
This isn’t just a spicy shifter romance… it’s about trust, trauma, and learning to love again


A fiery shifter romance packed with emotional weight, tackling topics like OCD, PTSD, and healing from past abuse. And I’m not even exaggerating when I say that this one delivers it all.

We follow Aliya, who has been deeply hurt before.... to the point where letting someone in feels almost impossible. She doesn’t just want love…she needs safety. Stability. Someone who sees her fully and stays.

And then there’s this recurring dream of a man she can’t forget..... so when she finally meets Noah and she realizes that he’s him... from her dreams......OMG.

He is the quiet, gentle, and respectful guy who is everything she didn’t think actually existed. Here i was intrigued and hooked.

But here’s the twist because he’s not just some guy... he’s an Alpha. & not the kind you’re used to.

There is no controlling and overpowering energy because this man leads with patience, care, and CONSENT?! ( Why is this a shock?... what is wrong with me?)

But honestly it just HITS.

Their connection is FATED but their healing is something worked for. making the payoff even sweeter.

This story doesn’t shy away from the heavy topics like trauma, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts but watching Aliya actively work through her OCD, go to therapy, and open up felt real and raw.

What I loved about Noah is that he never tries to fix her..... he just stands beside her while she finds her way. Offering his support without being overbearing and that did something to me.

There’s also a refreshing layer to the world itself that breaks away from traditional pack dynamics,
challenging gender roles, and embracing a more open and inclusive perspective that you don’t always see in this genre. Because Noah and Aliya are both bisexual and didn't want to limit themselves to one gender to peruse. Also the typical male Alpha male stereotype who lead with dominance and are superior to women who can't lead are abolished in this book. River Kai did such an amazing job refreshing this genre and making it so inclusive and welcoming without overpowering the main themes.

Now let’s talk spice! This book does bring the heat. There’s a strong physical connection between them and it’s very present throughout the story ( which can sometimes be a lot, depending on your spice level taste) but what stands out is that even in those moments, there’s trust, communication, and care at the center of it.

It never feels empty.

Overall... My Shy Alpha is a story about two people carrying pain and relearning that love doesn’t have to hurt. That it's safe to choose each other anyway.

Thank you to River Kai for the gifted book. All thoughts are my own.

Confession: I love spice, but I NEED emotional depth to stay invested—and this gave both!

QOTD: I need new recs, who's your favorite Alpha MMC?
Profile Image for M.L. Smith.
Author 12 books103 followers
November 5, 2023
This is such a lovely book, and honestly? A breath of fresh air from your typical shifter romance. The characters are great and relatable. Alpha Noah is a sweet cinnamon roll MMC who isn't afraid to be the Alpha when needed, and he is also just the right person to love Aliya unconditionally as she copes with trauma from a previous situation. She's reserved when we first meet her (for good reason), but I love that she is willing to step out of her comfort zone to be the kind of mate that Noah needs, and I equally love that he is content to let her come into his life at her own pace. He is a consent KING and that checked so many boxes I didn't even know I had until I read this.

I love that this book isn't afraid to delve into mental health struggles or trauma that stems from abuse, and I love that we, as readers, are there to witness this couple blossom and grow together, and most of all, work on healing. I found this story to be heartwarming and wonderful, like I was wrapped up in a warm blanket and drinking a cup of hot cocoa on a winter day while a fire was roaring in the background.

It's well written, the spice is SPICY and the romance is sweet, mixed together with beautiful illustrations throughout the book!

I loved it so much I bought the hardback, I'm just waiting for it to arrive :)
Profile Image for Helen.
26 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2025
This is a refreshing story about a healthy alpha and omega relationship.

Noah and Aliya (both about 30 year old) are fully committed to making their relationship work. There are no rejections or misunderstandings. They both have traumatic histories, but they work through all issues with open communication.

What I love is that every single time Noah or Aliya has a problem, the other helps them talk about it and work through it. The conflict of this story isn’t within the relationship, it’s about them working though their issues together.

This book has many illustrations drawn by the author. I love the artwork in the book because each picture conveys the emotions of the scene perfectly.

This is part one of a three part series about Noah and Aliya, but it doesn’t end on a cliffhanger.

Spiciness is 5/5.
Profile Image for CrazyGal609.
1,964 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2024
What a fresh, wonderful & sweet story that's focused on Noah & Aliya 🖤🤍❤️🤍🖤
🐺True Love, great friends, Open & Honest Talks, tears and laughter from past pains to future joys🐺
🔥Sweet & Yummy Sexcapades Too🔥
💙💋🐾💋💙
And if you give it time, any questions you think of are answered in the storyline, the writer didn't forget anything!!😁 It's great how there isn't any other side stories that take the book to some bizarre place.
Profile Image for Ashley Short.
97 reviews
February 6, 2024
Loved this! Such a refreshing shifter romance, redefining what it means to be a "alpha" in these types of stories. I loved how accepting the main characters were of each others trauma and differences. Also, this book really captures PTSD and OCD with a lot of sensitivity. I highly recommend this story and can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Laurie Ryan.
Author 37 books106 followers
June 11, 2024
Very emotional. Feels like the PTSD and OCD are well written. I'm embedded in the story and the shy alpha thing is very well done. One caveat: I wouldn't call this steamy. I'd call it erotic. Oh, and the artwork is really great!
Profile Image for Tayler.
559 reviews14 followers
Read
July 8, 2024
Not rating. I might come back to this one, but it's a DNF for now at 13%.
Profile Image for Cris.
17 reviews
Read
September 30, 2024
Dnf. I’m sure this is sweet and all but being reminded of how small she is every second is very annoying. Wdym you have to hold basketball shorts in two hands???
Profile Image for Maria.
1,406 reviews17 followers
Did Not Finish
April 1, 2025
DNF at 6%. The emotional tone is all over the place, and I can’t settle into the story.
Profile Image for Eel.
Author 5 books17 followers
April 20, 2025
Jesus Christ

I agree with another reviewer that this reads like a Wattpad novel. The cringeworthy self-indulgence of this book about a perfect boyfriend hits all my guilty pleasure buttons. Knocking off a star for the sheer repetitiveness in the last half though.
Profile Image for Caroline.
264 reviews1 follower
Read
July 30, 2025
DNF @ p139

I like the concept of a sweet, shy alpha, but I'm not invested in the story and I'm not enjoying reading it so I'm not finishing it for now.
Profile Image for Lauren.
123 reviews
November 12, 2025
3.5 stars
Some spots can be rough if you have had traumatic relationships.
The FMC also cries nearly every chapter, which threw me off a bit.
The sexy scenes were hot, but one thing kept coming up that turned me off: Having a dick hit your cervix is not a pleasant experience.
Profile Image for Ania.
602 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2025
3/3.5 ⭐

Very enjoyable overall, with emotional and vulnerable moments, and some seriously hot spice. The illustrations included throughout the book were so beautiful too.

But plot-wise, some things were questionable and just made little sense, like Aliya saying "All my life, I've been fighting against my wolf" - but she only just found out she's a wolf/hybrid like 10 minutes ago. So how can this make sense?

There was also one spicy scene where the MMC was licking the FMC over her jeans, which I had trouble getting my head around tbh. Also, not the biggest fan of the excessive use of "fluid" to describe the FMCs... fluids, I guess.

What I loved most was the progression of Aliya and Noah's relationship. It was all very sensual, the way they opened up to the other and supported each other after experiencing different types of trauma was beautiful. Noah being truly vulnerable and free to cry with Aliya was great, and the themes of questioning & tackling toxic masculinity and misogyny were handled well too.

So overall, a very decent story, and I will definitely be picking up the next book to find out how it all progresses.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews