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Alpha Stray
Their dreams of the future never included white picket fences and happily ever afters. Chase Honeychurch and his friends just wanted to establish their places in the Pack, earn an honest living and enjoy life. Betrayal from those closest to them never crossed their minds. How can they make peace with losing everything? How does one start over, with a future they didn't want? With family - and not the 'blood' kind. The people who have their backs, no matter what. They have to find those people and never let them go. Protect them. Fight for them. Because, the past never stays buried. They can't afford to screw up a new beginning. This time they won't run. This time, they'll be ready.
- GenresParanormal
Paperback
Published December 1, 2024
24 people are currently reading
584 people want to read
About the author
Johanna M. Rae
23 books145 followersYou can also find me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/johannamrae
AUTHOR Johanna M Rae is a former fashion designer and married mother of three. She lives with her family, and two adorable ragdoll cats. Balancing family life and her writing schedule doesn't always leave much time for leisure, but in the quiet moments, Johanna can be found with her nose in a book or crocheting up a storm.
There is a common theme when you read Johanna's stories. Underdogs and outcasts form a 'chosen family' - people with something to prove or overcome, who will stop at nothing to protect their own. You'll also be knee-deep in suspense, plot twists, witty banter and plenty of humor. Don't forget the romance... You're not going to want to miss that! Until then, there is coffee to be had.
www.facebook.com/johannamrae
AUTHOR Johanna M Rae is a former fashion designer and married mother of three. She lives with her family, and two adorable ragdoll cats. Balancing family life and her writing schedule doesn't always leave much time for leisure, but in the quiet moments, Johanna can be found with her nose in a book or crocheting up a storm.
There is a common theme when you read Johanna's stories. Underdogs and outcasts form a 'chosen family' - people with something to prove or overcome, who will stop at nothing to protect their own. You'll also be knee-deep in suspense, plot twists, witty banter and plenty of humor. Don't forget the romance... You're not going to want to miss that! Until then, there is coffee to be had.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 12, 2019
An intricately written tale of family, betrayal, and growth.
Read full review in the 2019 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2019 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 14, 2018
The story Alpha Stray was an enjoyable read about shifters. When I first read the title, I assumed it was about werewolves and a romance between him and his mate. I was in for a surprise (a good one) and had been giving an opportunity to read a new storyline about tiger shifters. Within the story you encounter multiple characters. We are initially introduced to Chase but is followed by four other introductions of friend/family that are important and main characters in the story. Within the story we see these five characters’ life span within the book and we are presented with topics such as love, friendships, and betrayals within the novel.
Chase Honeychurch
He is your Alpha within the book, he has strong leadership skills. A betrayal from his very own blood cause his pack to turn against him and his friends and they barely make it out with their lives, because of this he feels responsible/ guilt and having to be on the run. Eventually they settled down after another tragic incident happens with one of the five and comes to realize that it comes to a point that they have to stop running. Chase although is an Alpha, he does not have the characteristics I commonly see an ALPHA character, he is kind and caring. He eventually finds an interest in a female, but this new love interest is connected to his old life more than he expected and thus new secrets surface.
Riordan Honeychurch
He is the younger brother of Chase, and I consider him an old soul. He is very mature for his age but has his demons to deal with because the incident that has caused the group to go on the run is because they were trying to protect him. In the process we learn that he too carries burdens and struggles with his relationship with Nathan.
Nathan
Nathan carries anger and burdens that takes a toll on his psych. He is the love interest of Riordan, but their relationship becomes broken when it was found that he was the target just because he was in love with Riordan and well in the 1960 being in love with another male was not accepting. However, there is more to the story that comes out and with this new-found knowledge can Riordan and Nathan make it work?
AVI & Thurman
They are Chase friends and have supported him/group since the incident that has altered their lives within the pack. They too go on the run and each have to deal with the burdens that change their future. They have yet to have a happy ending but with the turn of events will their lives have a brighter future?
Carley
She is Chase love interest, but it actually turns out she is more connected to them from their old lives and is a catalyst that brings up the past and the truth finally comes out to light.
I recommend this book to a reader who loves books about a shifter or wants to have a new good read. The author does not focus on only two characters, we get to see the point of view of all the characters.
Chase Honeychurch
He is your Alpha within the book, he has strong leadership skills. A betrayal from his very own blood cause his pack to turn against him and his friends and they barely make it out with their lives, because of this he feels responsible/ guilt and having to be on the run. Eventually they settled down after another tragic incident happens with one of the five and comes to realize that it comes to a point that they have to stop running. Chase although is an Alpha, he does not have the characteristics I commonly see an ALPHA character, he is kind and caring. He eventually finds an interest in a female, but this new love interest is connected to his old life more than he expected and thus new secrets surface.
Riordan Honeychurch
He is the younger brother of Chase, and I consider him an old soul. He is very mature for his age but has his demons to deal with because the incident that has caused the group to go on the run is because they were trying to protect him. In the process we learn that he too carries burdens and struggles with his relationship with Nathan.
Nathan
Nathan carries anger and burdens that takes a toll on his psych. He is the love interest of Riordan, but their relationship becomes broken when it was found that he was the target just because he was in love with Riordan and well in the 1960 being in love with another male was not accepting. However, there is more to the story that comes out and with this new-found knowledge can Riordan and Nathan make it work?
AVI & Thurman
They are Chase friends and have supported him/group since the incident that has altered their lives within the pack. They too go on the run and each have to deal with the burdens that change their future. They have yet to have a happy ending but with the turn of events will their lives have a brighter future?
Carley
She is Chase love interest, but it actually turns out she is more connected to them from their old lives and is a catalyst that brings up the past and the truth finally comes out to light.
I recommend this book to a reader who loves books about a shifter or wants to have a new good read. The author does not focus on only two characters, we get to see the point of view of all the characters.
November 16, 2018
I received this book through a GoodReads giveaway for an honest review.
This book is about tiger shifters and how the actions of a few members affected the whole clan. I really thought this was going to be more of a romance novel by the look of the cover but was pleasantly surprised that is was more a story about "family" relationships and dealing with family dynamics with a little bit of romance thrown in. Johanna Rae did a good job setting the scene with believable characters and a story I could really see play out in some families. Acceptance of your family can be harder based on societal norms which is shown very well in this book. Some things were predictable but were handled very well. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
This book is about tiger shifters and how the actions of a few members affected the whole clan. I really thought this was going to be more of a romance novel by the look of the cover but was pleasantly surprised that is was more a story about "family" relationships and dealing with family dynamics with a little bit of romance thrown in. Johanna Rae did a good job setting the scene with believable characters and a story I could really see play out in some families. Acceptance of your family can be harder based on societal norms which is shown very well in this book. Some things were predictable but were handled very well. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.
October 3, 2018
Another great book and story
I absolutely loved this book and hopefully it will be a series. Johanna Rae is a magnificent storyteller with characters that you will cheer with ,cry with and love .
I absolutely loved this book and hopefully it will be a series. Johanna Rae is a magnificent storyteller with characters that you will cheer with ,cry with and love .
Want to read
February 9, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/9/2020)! 🎁
November 15, 2018
I won this thru a Goodreads contest and was glad. I've always enjoyed books about shifters but this one is unusual. Kept my interest all the way. The characters are well written. Makes you want to believe in shifters. I highly recommend this book.
October 20, 2018
I loved this book and never wanted to put it down. Hopefully it will be a series. I love my shifter books she did an awesome job with this standalone. The only thing I don't like is that I want more lol.
October 7, 2024
3.75⭐️
A coming of age, paranormal fantasy book with a touch of romance.
🐾tiger shifters
🩸vampires
🐾found family
🩸age gap
🐾MM relationship
🩸FM relationship
🐾betrayal
🩸mystery
I was sent this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
A coming of age, paranormal fantasy book with a touch of romance.
🐾tiger shifters
🩸vampires
🐾found family
🩸age gap
🐾MM relationship
🩸FM relationship
🐾betrayal
🩸mystery
I was sent this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2018
Alpha Stray is a fantastic book written by Johanna Rae. This book is not your average vampire nor your average shifter story, nor a combination of the two. The author created quite a unique book here, and not just because she combine shifters and vampires because let's face it that has been done before. Then again I haven't really seen tiger shifters much especially not with vampires, but that is not yet either. Why this is so different, well read for yourself, trust me you won't regret it.
This book spans quite a few years and for a while I wasn't sure where the author was going with that. And let's be honest until the author reveals the story I didn't really figure it out either. The plot is very imaginative and very well developed! There are some serious twists hidden with in that are however very well developed! The pace of the book is very even and never feels rushed nor does the story drag out. This book is difficult to put down and I really enjoyed it a lot!
Chase and his friends are great main characters and their bond obviously is very strong, which is how they manage to survive what they end up having to endure to no fault of their own. I especially like Chase a lot who is our main character but I admit I am also quite the fan of his brother who is very interesting in his own way. The mix of Chase and his friends and brothers is very interesting and really sets up this story nicely until they meet Carley and her clan.
I really enjoyed this book a lot and can only highly recommend it. It is very well written, has a very interesting and captivating plot and is different from your usual shifter vampire book. It has a good dose of romance and a "whose done it" as well. What else can you ask for?
This book spans quite a few years and for a while I wasn't sure where the author was going with that. And let's be honest until the author reveals the story I didn't really figure it out either. The plot is very imaginative and very well developed! There are some serious twists hidden with in that are however very well developed! The pace of the book is very even and never feels rushed nor does the story drag out. This book is difficult to put down and I really enjoyed it a lot!
Chase and his friends are great main characters and their bond obviously is very strong, which is how they manage to survive what they end up having to endure to no fault of their own. I especially like Chase a lot who is our main character but I admit I am also quite the fan of his brother who is very interesting in his own way. The mix of Chase and his friends and brothers is very interesting and really sets up this story nicely until they meet Carley and her clan.
I really enjoyed this book a lot and can only highly recommend it. It is very well written, has a very interesting and captivating plot and is different from your usual shifter vampire book. It has a good dose of romance and a "whose done it" as well. What else can you ask for?
November 23, 2021
Chase finally has a chance with Suzy - after years of pursuit. Only to have it interrupted by his best friends, Thurman and Avi. His brother is in trouble - Riordan needs his brother's help. Chase decides to finish with Suzy first only to find a blood bath at his house.
Their parents do not approve of Riordan's sexuality, or his boyfriend Nathan. They hired a vampire - who mistakenly attacked Riordan instead of Nathan.
Chase refuses to allow the Alpha to push aside this event -creating a massive fight, the majority of the pack dead.
Chase, Avi, Thurman, Riordan and Nathan strike out on their own - decades of searching for a home.
Years later a pack running from vampires moves into the town owned by Chase and his family.
Carley catches Chase's eye, and maybe his heart. They need to resolve so many issues - like Carley's pack and their need for protection, the brutality of some of its members. And Chase's need for Carley.
Great shifter novel about family, creating your own family and being true to yourself.
Their parents do not approve of Riordan's sexuality, or his boyfriend Nathan. They hired a vampire - who mistakenly attacked Riordan instead of Nathan.
Chase refuses to allow the Alpha to push aside this event -creating a massive fight, the majority of the pack dead.
Chase, Avi, Thurman, Riordan and Nathan strike out on their own - decades of searching for a home.
Years later a pack running from vampires moves into the town owned by Chase and his family.
Carley catches Chase's eye, and maybe his heart. They need to resolve so many issues - like Carley's pack and their need for protection, the brutality of some of its members. And Chase's need for Carley.
Great shifter novel about family, creating your own family and being true to yourself.
February 28, 2019
Once again, Ms. Rae proves she's an innovative artist who weaves her magic with words in such subtle manner, you're left breathless with anticipation.
It's refreshing for an author to continue to surprise me by how much ingenuity and passionate creativity she embraces and allows to run wild within her token genre. Ms. Rae's work always leaves me feeling freshly educated in the most amazing ways, her magical way of opening doorways to hushed worlds makes you want to never leave.
It's always a carnivale of character texture, depth and adventure when you lose yourself in her books.
It's refreshing for an author to continue to surprise me by how much ingenuity and passionate creativity she embraces and allows to run wild within her token genre. Ms. Rae's work always leaves me feeling freshly educated in the most amazing ways, her magical way of opening doorways to hushed worlds makes you want to never leave.
It's always a carnivale of character texture, depth and adventure when you lose yourself in her books.
April 15, 2019
Wouldn't mind revisiting for a sequel!
I really enjoyed this paranormal coming of age/ romance. The story centers on 5 young male were tigers, a horrible massacre in their pack, and how they survived. 50 years later, another pack of were tigers shows up where they settled and lots of secrets are revealed. I received a free copy of this ebook from Goodreads in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this paranormal coming of age/ romance. The story centers on 5 young male were tigers, a horrible massacre in their pack, and how they survived. 50 years later, another pack of were tigers shows up where they settled and lots of secrets are revealed. I received a free copy of this ebook from Goodreads in return for an honest review.
November 18, 2021
Alpha Stray by Johanna Rae .
A very good read with good characters like
Chase Avi Thurman Riordan Nathan and Suzy even though she was human. I also liked Carley. I didn't like Keith and Kyle at all. I loved the ending. Perfect. Though I would like to see more from this author.
I loved the cover. I love my paranormal reads. Anything with vampires wolves tigers. I would love to see this as a movie.
5*.
A very good read with good characters like
Chase Avi Thurman Riordan Nathan and Suzy even though she was human. I also liked Carley. I didn't like Keith and Kyle at all. I loved the ending. Perfect. Though I would like to see more from this author.
I loved the cover. I love my paranormal reads. Anything with vampires wolves tigers. I would love to see this as a movie.
5*.
November 15, 2018
An exceptional page turner! The wordsmanship of Johanna Rae is impeccable! You will have an emotional attachment to the characters as your journey through love, friendship and betrayal. A must read!!! Hoping for a sequel
April 17, 2019
Wow awesome story
I loved reading this book. It was really romantic,funny,sweet and very erotic,touching,and suspenseful. It reminded me of my childhood with my mom who was very verbally abusive to me which helped feel linked to the story. I can sympathize with Chase.
I loved reading this book. It was really romantic,funny,sweet and very erotic,touching,and suspenseful. It reminded me of my childhood with my mom who was very verbally abusive to me which helped feel linked to the story. I can sympathize with Chase.
April 13, 2021
While not my normal genre this book is well written and fast paced. The Shifter saga and emotional tension quickly pulls you into the main protagonist's struggle. A great read for escapists into the paranormal world.
October 29, 2018
Bravo
I very much enjoyed Alpha Stray. I felt like I was apart of the characters and they're emotions. I am so hoping for a sequel with Avi and Jason finding their person to love
I very much enjoyed Alpha Stray. I felt like I was apart of the characters and they're emotions. I am so hoping for a sequel with Avi and Jason finding their person to love
April 12, 2019
I enjoyed this book about tiger shifters and thought it was a romance but really it was about family. It was written so well and an easy read that you did not want to put down. I would highly recommend it.
February 13, 2020
Really
Explained a lot about vampires and tigers.I am not usually a fan of vampires but this book was so emotional. Best vampire( not gory at all.
Explained a lot about vampires and tigers.I am not usually a fan of vampires but this book was so emotional. Best vampire( not gory at all.
April 23, 2019
I received this book as a giveaway. It was honestly not what I expected, in a good way. I thought this was going to be a typical shifter romance with tons of fighting and sex. Not that there is anything wrong with that formula. This book however is so much more. If you are looking for graphic sex scenes, this will not be your jam. However, if you are interested in a powerful story of overcoming extreme adversity and discovering their strength along the way, this book is for you.
April 23, 2019
3 1/2 stars
I loved this book. So much pain. So much love. I'm glad the couple's have kept each other going. I can't wait for the other books.
I loved this book. So much pain. So much love. I'm glad the couple's have kept each other going. I can't wait for the other books.
December 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this read. I was pulled immediately in to this story, just as I was going away for the weekend, and then couldn't read anymore for two days, which was quite torturous.
The characters in this story are haunted by their past, and then it catches up with them but not at all in the way I was expecting it to. The ways that the past and the present are relevant and how everything links in together was very well done.
Yet another book by Johanna M. Rae that I have loved.
The characters in this story are haunted by their past, and then it catches up with them but not at all in the way I was expecting it to. The ways that the past and the present are relevant and how everything links in together was very well done.
Yet another book by Johanna M. Rae that I have loved.
November 19, 2021
Thank you Zooloos Book Tours for my copy given in return for a fair and honest review.
I haven’t read many shapeshifter or vampire novels and were tigers are definitely new to me! But who could resist that fabulous cover? I certainly couldn’t.
I was soon drawn into this page turning story of Chase and his companions. From betrayal by those who should have protected them, to lessons learned that family doesn’t always mean a blood connection. Chase's pack must also learn how to live with the past.
It’s an easy read with likeable characters and is told from multiple points of view which helps you to get to know them.
Alpha Stray is definitely a pleasant way to spend an evening and I only wish there were more books about Chase and his pack.
I haven’t read many shapeshifter or vampire novels and were tigers are definitely new to me! But who could resist that fabulous cover? I certainly couldn’t.
I was soon drawn into this page turning story of Chase and his companions. From betrayal by those who should have protected them, to lessons learned that family doesn’t always mean a blood connection. Chase's pack must also learn how to live with the past.
It’s an easy read with likeable characters and is told from multiple points of view which helps you to get to know them.
Alpha Stray is definitely a pleasant way to spend an evening and I only wish there were more books about Chase and his pack.
May 14, 2019
Normally I don't read this genre of book but I won it through Goodreads give away. I was pleasantly surprised that the story and characters were compelling so I got over the were-tiger and vampire aspect.
Want to read
January 23, 2025🍂 Yay! Tiger shifters! I love shifter books about different animals besides wolves. Don’t get me wrong, I like wolf shifter books, but I also like a new take. My favorite series when I was a teen was about hawk and snake shifters and forbidden romance.
🍂 I loved that this book had multiple POVs that were very fleshed out. Sometimes with multiple POVs you only get to see a tiny piece of the other POV character and you don’t get real insight into their lives. This book was nothing like that. I was able to get really attached to all the characters.
🍂I loved that this was less of a romance book and had more of a focus on family. Obviously I love romance, and this book had a splash of romance, but once again I liked how this book had a different focus on family overall.
🍂If you’re in the mood for paranormal shifter fantasy with a focus on fantasy dynamics and a little romance, this is definitely for you.
🍂 I loved that this book had multiple POVs that were very fleshed out. Sometimes with multiple POVs you only get to see a tiny piece of the other POV character and you don’t get real insight into their lives. This book was nothing like that. I was able to get really attached to all the characters.
🍂I loved that this was less of a romance book and had more of a focus on family. Obviously I love romance, and this book had a splash of romance, but once again I liked how this book had a different focus on family overall.
🍂If you’re in the mood for paranormal shifter fantasy with a focus on fantasy dynamics and a little romance, this is definitely for you.
March 25, 2025
I couldn't put ALPHA STRAY down!
ALPHA STRAY from Author Johanna M. Rae is a compelling and addictive Tiger-Shifter read that once started, I could not put down. Even though it's been a re-read for me, I reckon it was just that good!
From the first chapter, I was invested into the lives of our six main characters, and, that is where her point-of-difference lay. I've read only a few books that feature more than two maybe three main character POV and I've absolutely loved them. Hell's teeth, one even had chapters written from the POV of the villain!! Maybe it's seen as a risky move, to spread the attention of the reader too thin across a myriad of characters, but I have to say, in this case, it was AWESOME!
At its heart, the young tiger-shifters were Chase, Riordan, Nathan, Avi and Thurman, and later in the book we heard from a young female shifter called Carley, and I just adored her strength and determination. But, what I loved most was that vulnerability, anger, tears and even fear were acknowledged feelings, not at all presented as weaknesses, although our guys did try to hide them to their detriment early on.
Ms Rae’s writing talent was showcased in the structured of the book, as it was broken into parts, each part giving us the POV from a different character, all while still moving the book forward in a linear fashion. Each character played an important role in the story, and from each new POV, as the story gave up its secrets, my heart broke more until she deigned to move ALPHA STRAY into ‘reader-heart-repair-mode' and my battered internal organ became more than full ❤️
Her writing captured the intense grief that our gorgeous shifter characters felt over the loss of their potential futures, the betrayal and loss of family. That event damaged a precious relationship and the perceived unrequited love tore me to shreds, never mind the agony of the guys, and I can't even adequately convey how heavily palpable I felt their emotions to be.
I loved the shifter world and timeline that Ms Rae cleverly and patiently built and I never realised that my own internal tension surrounding the characters had risen with it until my favourite scene where our two of our main romantic characters Chase and Carly met for the first time. I'll also add here that ALPHA STRAY is heavily plot driven as opposed to being an all-out romance, and I was kept guessing from one chapter to the next.
Again I have to reiterate how much I loved the layout of ALPHA STRAY as theirs was not the only relationship we were treated to. If you love MM and a tentative age-gap (I'm not saying more than that ‘cos PLOT-LINE) romance with vampires and shifters, then you are in for a treat!
Seriously check it out. I highly recommend it!!! 5-shifter-romance-Stars from me ˚🐾✰
#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj #shifterromance #JohannaMRae
ALPHA STRAY from Author Johanna M. Rae is a compelling and addictive Tiger-Shifter read that once started, I could not put down. Even though it's been a re-read for me, I reckon it was just that good!
From the first chapter, I was invested into the lives of our six main characters, and, that is where her point-of-difference lay. I've read only a few books that feature more than two maybe three main character POV and I've absolutely loved them. Hell's teeth, one even had chapters written from the POV of the villain!! Maybe it's seen as a risky move, to spread the attention of the reader too thin across a myriad of characters, but I have to say, in this case, it was AWESOME!
At its heart, the young tiger-shifters were Chase, Riordan, Nathan, Avi and Thurman, and later in the book we heard from a young female shifter called Carley, and I just adored her strength and determination. But, what I loved most was that vulnerability, anger, tears and even fear were acknowledged feelings, not at all presented as weaknesses, although our guys did try to hide them to their detriment early on.
Ms Rae’s writing talent was showcased in the structured of the book, as it was broken into parts, each part giving us the POV from a different character, all while still moving the book forward in a linear fashion. Each character played an important role in the story, and from each new POV, as the story gave up its secrets, my heart broke more until she deigned to move ALPHA STRAY into ‘reader-heart-repair-mode' and my battered internal organ became more than full ❤️
Her writing captured the intense grief that our gorgeous shifter characters felt over the loss of their potential futures, the betrayal and loss of family. That event damaged a precious relationship and the perceived unrequited love tore me to shreds, never mind the agony of the guys, and I can't even adequately convey how heavily palpable I felt their emotions to be.
I loved the shifter world and timeline that Ms Rae cleverly and patiently built and I never realised that my own internal tension surrounding the characters had risen with it until my favourite scene where our two of our main romantic characters Chase and Carly met for the first time. I'll also add here that ALPHA STRAY is heavily plot driven as opposed to being an all-out romance, and I was kept guessing from one chapter to the next.
Again I have to reiterate how much I loved the layout of ALPHA STRAY as theirs was not the only relationship we were treated to. If you love MM and a tentative age-gap (I'm not saying more than that ‘cos PLOT-LINE) romance with vampires and shifters, then you are in for a treat!
Seriously check it out. I highly recommend it!!! 5-shifter-romance-Stars from me ˚🐾✰
#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj #shifterromance #JohannaMRae
May 14, 2019
It took a while to get into this book, read a little juvenile at first.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews