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Alpha #1

Alpha, Part 1

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Who is Holden West?
I'm not who you think I am.
Looks can be deceiving.
I'm good-looking, but I'm not a ladies man.
I'm beyond wealthy, but no one knows it.
I'm confident, but my heart has been broken.

Find out who Holden West really is through the eyes of Lucy Mayfair, the struggling waitress who works at his favorite diner. When she first meets Holden, all she sees is a tough, rugged auto mechanic who seems to carry a certain sadness wherever he goes. What she soon finds out is that there is more to Holden than she ever would have guessed.

67 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2014

22 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

About the author

Abby Weeks

47 books336 followers
Hi, my name is Abby. I hope you enjoy my exciting new romance and erotica stories.

I love stories about strong, female protagonists that give you a good character arc and background to the action as well as providing the steamy details of what they get up to. I am particularly attracted to themes like wife-swapping, voyeurism, exhibitionism, and public and group encounters.

I am thirty-years-old and live in the beautiful forests of rural Ontario, Canada, with my two dogs.

I hope you enjoy my stories. You are always welcome to contact me at: abby@type-writer.net

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5 stars
43 (26%)
4 stars
40 (24%)
3 stars
50 (30%)
2 stars
23 (14%)
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8 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,283 followers
September 3, 2014
3 To Be Continued Stars * * *

Oh, the Series... how can an author put all the elements together... lead us into a story and make us want to know what is next... this novella had a big task to do.

We were introduced to our gal... she has sacrificed for her family... a family which was firmly planted in better than middle class. A family which had the comfort of both parents and a sister. She had a father, though, who was a bit of a dreamer and because he believed in his dream... the family now is a step away from the brink of poverty. Lucy seems to be the only breadwinner for the family and still carries the burden with grace at the diner were she is a waitress.

Others notice her grace... the two fellas who are regulars and also a wealthy Wall Street player.

What will happen when all the paths merge together... the dreamer and his inventions, the regulars and the player... this is where we are left... because people are not what they appear to the eye... all have disguises... and through the upcoming parts we will learn more.

I was a little surprised by the quick ending but interested enough to see where this is going...

A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Profile Image for Jacqueline.
1,716 reviews160 followers
August 20, 2014
I hate it when this happens but this wasn't for me.

I was drawn to the title - I adore alphas, can't get enough of them - and the fantastic cover. I still love the cover - one of the stars is awarded for the glint in his eye - but the title was a bit misleading I fear.

It's written in third person, which didn't help with connecting me to any of the characters tbh. This is actually the first in a series so I was expecting something to drag me in and hold my interest but....no. Not only is there no cliffhanger, nothing really happens either. Characters are introduced and their backgrounds explained but I wasn't interested enough in any of them to want to learn more. When I read I like to feel the emotions - her desperation, his grief - and not just read a line that tells me she's desperate and he's still grieving, but I'm afraid I didn't feel anything for the characters.

There are three men and a woman in this but I have no idea which guy was supposed to be the alpha and I didn't feel even a flicker of chemistry between the woman and any of the guys. Perhaps she hasn't met him yet? I guess I missed it. For me an alpha stakes his claim on his woman and boy does that woman know about it, but it's more than that, it's an irresistible tension between the characters a spark that grabs my attention and makes me want to see them spend more time together. Again that just wasn't there for me.

The plot for this is intriguing and fairly different. I'm interested in the idea of a successful business guru who spends his days getting his hands dirty but I need to be more engaged to want to read more and I'm afraid the writing style in this just didn't do it for me. Sorry.

*I was gifted a copy of this via netgalley in return for my honest opinion*
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,082 reviews894 followers
August 23, 2014
ARC received on behalf of Fido Publishing from NetGalley.

Lucy is a waitress in the local diner, struggling and allowing her own dreams to fade in order to help her family after they lost nearly everything. Each day, Jimmy & Holden come in and order their usual. Blue collar working class guys that are friendly and are a stark difference to the Wall Street suits that gave up politeness for larger bank accounts. But Holden is not what he seems. A painful loss caused him to reevaluate his life and what he wanted out of it. But just as he is ready to emerge from the fog of his past, something he sees changes his direction.

This has potential. I am a little torn over my feelings, but I am intrigued enough to continue.

The story is told in third person, which has positives and negatives... While you get to see a bit of both Lucy & Holden by the narration the downside is that often times the characters can become lost in the story. The synopsis is a little misleading, we don’t get too far into the story with the first installment so I am not really sure how that fits completely with the story that we get. I almost feel like the blurb was written with the concept of this story being told more from dual POVs and then it was changed.

There were a few minor things that weren't caught during the beta reading and editing, but nothing that was going to interfere with the story. It is a very short read though, so I imagine that the next part might have something that will catch the reader’s attention a bit more. Novellas are difficult because you have to create so much in such a small amount of space. Although I did not find that moment that had my full attention (yet), it did offer enough to be interested in what will come next.
Profile Image for Dirty Dayna.
2,125 reviews108 followers
August 26, 2014
* ARC received via netgalley and the publisher for an honest review *
(item is now avail for purchase )

4 Holden Hold me Stars

Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power -- Oscar Wilde /

Lucy is working at a diner supporting her mom, dad, sister and her sister's baby she is poorer than dirt poor but with a heart like gold. Shes only poor because her father put everything into a patent for a turbocharger that went unnoticed

She meets a man in an expensive suit in the diner one day and is offered 1000 dollars. But what she doesnt know is that one of the two men she sees every day has a secret... a filty rich secret and is smitten with Lucy.

In order for the check for 1000 to go thru she has to follow part two of Mr. Lund to use the money...

Back to Mr West... our lovely Alpha wants to buy a turbocharger from a man.... oooh lets see where this goes. There are a lot of players and secrets on the table... I will continue this one

 photo http3A2F2F38.media.tumblr.com2Ftumblr_m2mvlf9h6X1r0jbbho1_500_zpseuju7axg.gif

Someone has eyes for Holden <3 ... can he get over his broken widowed heart to see it?

Damn this serial read!!!! It is not filled with insta love or sex yet I am hooked... it cuts off right when I get completly involved!
Profile Image for Laurie H.
58 reviews9 followers
September 17, 2014
We have been introduced to the main characters but that's about it. So far, I am liking where the characters are going. Lucy seems to have a good head on her shoulders. Holden and Jimmy are the guys you want to have your back but Lund.....not sure if I will like him or not.

The series hasnt pulled me completely in yet but I am willing to read another installment to find out if it will.

I was given this book free via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for annette k.
1,214 reviews7 followers
July 9, 2019
Mysterious

Holden and Jimmy are friends and hang at Jimmy's garage. Lucy is a waitress who waits on the guys. Holden has a thing for Lucy but has never acted on it. Will things change and happen for these two? Read now to find out.
132 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2014
Well now... What do we have here? I'll tell you what, a set-up is before me for what could potentially be a very good storyline in the first installment of Alpha by Abby Weeks. Even though I was hoping for more, I was intrigued enough by what I did read to want to read more about Lucy, Holden, Jimmy, and Jefferson, as well as, Lucy's family.

I digress. Why am I digressing so soon in this review after I haven't said much? Well because I was not expecting the read to end so soon. Firstly, I loved the characterization and the descriptive way in which Alpha was written. Secondly, I would have preferred to have continued reading and not wait until... until... until whenever the next installment will be available. And last but not least, the third and final reason is the potential, that Ms. Weeks will not let me down on this one and keep the same spirit and tone of what has already been written in the future installment(s).

I know. I know. Some of you will read this installment and think where's the rest of it or you may blog or review in exasperation saying that nothing happened and yaddah, yaddah, yaddah. But let me tell you, I love a good story. I thrive on the build up and that is exactly what Abby Weeks did with Part One of Alpha. She has built these characters up and I do hope that she will not let them fall flat on a not so great storyline. So, I would recommend, that you take your mark and get set because I am VERY hopeful that the run to read this one will be well worth it.

A complimentary copy was provided via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

For this review and others please visit and follow my blog at www.runandreadthat.com. Also follow me on Twitter @runandreadthat.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,246 reviews
August 23, 2014
Title: Aplha, Part 1

Series: Aplha

Author: Abby Weeks

Published By: Abby Weeks

Publish Date:8-9-14

Genre: Contemporary

Pages: 64

Heat Level: 2 out of 4 flames

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Naughty Book Snitch Kay

This book is the first part in a new series for this author. I centers around Holden, a widower who is a very wealthy investment guy. Holden has chosen to run his company from the privacy of his home since his wife's death two years ago. He spends his nights doing business things and his days, tinkering on cars with his friend, Jimmy.

Lucy is a waitress at the diner he frequents. Lucy is young but life is slowing aging her. Her family has lost everything financially almost. Lucy moved in with them in a two bedroom apartment. She sleeps on the pull out sofa in the living room. She uses her wages and tips to help out the family.

One day, another extrememly wealthy man comes into the diner, spots Lucy, and leaves her a thousand dollar check as a tip. Lucy is blown away. There was a note with the check that I won't explain because you need to read about it yourself. I hate continuing series, I really do. I have to wait now until the next one comes out and I have questions I need answered.

Book given in exchange for an honest revivew by the author via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Indy.
1,199 reviews33 followers
September 7, 2014
ARC received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

When you write a novella, you have your work cut out for you. You must quickly engage the reader, creating suspense, intrigue, sex appeal, and likeability to your characters within a short span of time - ending with leaving them wanting more.

Unfortunately this book spent more time describing minuscule details and background information about the characters, showing the hero/heroine living out their separate lives, only crossing once in a diner in a nonessential scene. There was no steaminess, and certainly no "Alpha" characteristics once so ever like the title alludes to. Basically at the end, all we know is Holden is a billionaire in disguise grieving his wife and spending his time working as a mechanic. Lucy is a waitress who had to put her life on hold after her family experienced financial hardship. That's it - and the ending was about as far from a cliffhanger as you could get leaving no burning questions for the reader to want and see what happens in book 2. This is essential in a series, you need to 'hook' the reader to have them continue and it just didn't ever happen.

The plot has potential, as do the characters, it's just the way it unfolded and more emphasis put on inconsequential details detracting from the book that make this one fall short of the mark.
Profile Image for Karinosa.
682 reviews11 followers
August 20, 2014
This is an okay read. I think I would have liked it more if it was a whole story. Not the story that is in sections. I have found out in reading and in doing these reviews is that it is frustrating. Whether I have bought the book or I am reviewing the book that if it did not leave a really good impression on me that I will usually if not at least 98% of the times. I will not read the next in the series. I have forgotten the story and moved on to the next book I will be reading. I liked the is story. It was okay, but it developed slowly and took me a minute to get into the read. I think the author could have given us more than what she did in this first installment. I felt "dragged" a little through out the read. The fact that this Holden guy is mega rich and is not your typical "Rich Alpha Male" he seems like a good character. The fact that I did not see any of his alpha tendencies toward Lucy was sorely lacking. Give me something to work with!!! I mean it is the name if the book!! Well it was a good try. Maybe the next one will be better. HMm...not sure if I will read it. I guess I will have to wait and see.

I received this ARC from the publisher via Net Galley for my honest review. Thank You, Net Galley.
Profile Image for Shelley.
1,137 reviews10 followers
August 26, 2014
3.5 Just beginning stars

ARC generously provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


Holden West is not what he appears. Lucy Mayfair works at a local NY diner and Holden is her favorite customer. Holden is unlike all the other suit wearing hot shots that come in to eat. Holden is what appears to be a mechanic and comes in everyday and treats and tips Lucy better then any of the other customers. Lucy looks forward to waiting on Holden every day, however right now Lucy doesn't have the luxury to dream of an average hard working man. Right now she is working to try to help keep her family afloat.

Holden West's life has changed since his wife passed away a couple of years ago. No one would guess he is one of the richest men in NY. Holden has not been living, but there is something about Lucy that thinks he may want to try. However once he gets up his nerve will it be too late.

I really enjoyed this book. It is just a short novella, really an introduction to the characters and a teaser to the story. It really feels like the first few chapters of a book to me and not a novella, but I am interested in these characters and want to find out what happens.
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,374 reviews618 followers
August 21, 2014
The idea of this 'series' is interesting and intriguing. What we know so far is that we have a successful 'fortune 500' business guy playing an every day laborer. Honestly, that's all we know...so far. We also have a second guy in the story, but what his place is, I have no clue...yet. I have no idea who the hero is just yet. And we have a heroine...pretty sure that's Lucy LOL.
Keep in mind that this is an installment, and should be read as such. That being said, you should not expect anything more than an introduction of characters. And Abby Weeks gave us just that in this installment.
I've read some of the reviews posted and I feel that people do not really understand what an installment book/series really is. Maybe they should investigate a bit more on what they are reading before they read it so they do not feel mislead or want something not there to give.
I felt the writing was easy to follow and the characters are likeable. I'm looking forward to the next installment/chapter in this story. In my opinion, there is a lot of potential here as the story develops...
Profile Image for Michelle (Adventure in Bookland).
325 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2014
I must beginning this review with two things, I read this story in one sitting due to the fact that I wanted to know what was going to happen and what Holden was really about. Secondly, the cover to this novel really intrigued me.

Alpha is about a man name Holden West who appears to be a mechanic, but there may be more to him then appearance he gives off. Each day Holden and his friend Jimmy go to Angels Diner for lunch. This is where he interacts with Lucy; a waitress is trying to help support her family. We also meet one more character in the story, Jefferson Lund, as a reader we don’t know much about who is or what he wants from Lucy, but I think that’s what makes this character intriguing.

I cannot wait to read part two of this story since part one was basically an introduction to the characters. I am definitely looking forward to see each of these characters develop and see if my assumptions are true.
Profile Image for Corie .
334 reviews10 followers
September 2, 2014
I'm not what you would call a serial enthusis but they don't bother me to read. I actually have 4 I am currently reading.That being said part one of Alphas left me a bit disappointed.

I understand it was an introduction to the characters but nothing really moved the plot along that made me WANT the next book. I am interested to see where the author is going to take them at some point. I just feel like with the title being Alpha I didn't connect to an alpha character. I was a little lost at who I was suppose to root for?

There were things I liked about how the character of Holden was handled. I would much prefer if this story didn't have a 3rd person voice. I think alternate pov's would have worked much better. I believe this is where some of the disconnect is coming from.

I will check out part two and I have higher hopes.

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for providing me with a copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Barmybelle.
525 reviews14 followers
February 20, 2015
Looking at other reviews, it seems I share my concerns.
The first book in a series of novellas needs to intrigue you enough to buy the next book, reveal just enough but not too little and display the characters in a way the reader wants to carry on reading. I felt this book didn't do any more than just set the scene, lay out the characters and hint at the potential plot. The bare basics are there but there isn't enough to urge me to read the next installment sadly.
Holden I'm guessing is meant to he the alpha male in question but I just don't get that vibe from him. I expect a certain amount of confidence, arrogance, a mysterious or enigmatic air about him and Holden just didn't quite make the grade.
I like the idea of the plot but this novella didn't give me enough to want to read on.
313 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2015
I want a Holden West for myself

This is a great introduction book into the world of Holden West. Who is Holden West? He is a simple man who loves simple things. Even though he is a mega-billionaire, he doesn't let that part of his life define him as the person he is. He is a man!!! One who likes to work on cars (just know if he can work on a car he can probably work on a woman). He is one likes to treat a woman with respect and will demand others to treat her as such also (where does a man like this lives? If you know please give me his address...Lol). He is also a man who loves his friends and wants to make them happy and who is not afraid to open himself up. Lucy is going to be a lucky woman to have this man pursue her.

I highly recommend this book. Exceptional reading all around. I look forward to reading more about him and what he is capable of.
1,519 reviews30 followers
September 17, 2014
i typically don't like serials because they are really frustrating and i really like to wait until several of the issues are out before reading. i got this book from netgalley so i thought i'd give it a try.

the story has potential...i understand there has to be build up but there will need to be a major jump or change in character to live up to the name.

holden and jimmy seem to be pretty fantastic. if holden is an alpha, it's going to be a pretty big change from his current character.

lucy has great potential as well, if she ends up doing the right thing. i don't like triangles and i can see where this might lead to one (although i hope not).

i would definitely read the next one if the price is right (i'm done paying $3 for short serials).

Profile Image for Meghen.
52 reviews18 followers
August 21, 2014
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Alpha 1: Who is Holden West?
⭐⭐⭐½

Great start for a serial. Left me wanting more. Loved the different points of view and the mystery man near the end. I genuinely want to know what else happens with Lucy, Holden, and Jimmy. Kinda hoping Jefferson takes a hike. Meghen Barker

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Profile Image for Mariel Hoss.
689 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2014
*ARC through NetGalley and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

I'm not really much for serials where the "action" happens in a series of books. I want a HEA on everyone of my reads...with that said, this "introduction" (that's all it is really) sets the characters up pretty nicely but I found no connection to any of them because it was so condensed. Yes, I'd like to find out more about Lucy an Dean but if it takes several books to get to their HEA, I probably won't make the effort. Sorry!
Profile Image for BookAngel  Blog.
102 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2014

I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

3 stars

This is part of a serial. That means its really short. It also means it ends on a cliffhanger, which sucked as usual. I am curious to see where this is going to go. I really hate rating serials when I have only read one because I think it takes longer to really get into the story. I am interested in knowing more, but now I must wait.

Also I thought it might have something to do with shifters or werewolves because of the title, but it doesn’t which I would have liked to know.
Profile Image for Michelle.
85 reviews4 followers
August 24, 2014
ARC from Netgalley

Alpha 1 was a quick read but at the start it was really slow to get started. At first I was "there was no way I am reading the next one" but by the time I got to the end I was "yeah I'll give book 2 a go".

Lucy was alright, I am intrigued by Holden and of course I am wondering what is going to happen with Lucy and Jefferson!

Gotta say that the guy on the front cover has crazy eyes...not in a good way.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,501 reviews2 followers
September 5, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley for a honest review.

Book is poorly edited. It felt like I kept reading the same statements over and over. Lots of repetition was used to get the various points across.

Not to mention nothing really even happened in the book. Then it just ended. Like a chapter ended. No build up, No cliffhanger, just ended. Boring.

Definitely would not recommend based on current story and format.
Profile Image for Carrie.
376 reviews12 followers
September 17, 2014
~*~My Thoughts~*~
A 2 star rating
This book just wasn't for me. It's short that was the best thing about it. There just wasn't enough to catch my attention or make me want to read more. I didn't connect with the characters at all. I had decent hopes after the title and the synopsis. But unfortunately that's really all I liked.

received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
Profile Image for Louise Maclean.
60 reviews7 followers
October 7, 2014
The author Abby Weeks, is one mysterious writer with her characters. Reading this Alpha Part1: Who is Holden West? I was shocked to find out Who Holden West was, Abby writes his story as if he is a loner and short on the money front, until he gets what he is looking for. Then you are giving a little snippet into Holden West and his life. I am looking forward to reading more on the mysterious Mr Holden West.
Profile Image for Donna Hokanson.
1,694 reviews35 followers
February 4, 2015
Great start to the series

Very entertaining and interesting story line. Holden being an rich recluse after his wife's death, spending his days working in a garage working on cars. And then there's Lucy who's family is in financial ruins and she just might need to do something she never would have dreamed of to help them out. As a waitress, she has an eye for Holden but she needs a man who can help her and her family.
Profile Image for Vondetta Carter.
824 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2015
Well, this is a story of a Millionaire who is hiding behind his love of vehicles and his love for a woman. She (Lucy) is a member of a family that is struggling because of her father's inability to get a patent for his life's work. An accident has caused another party to see Lucy and he is now determined to have her. The question is will Lucy have who she wants or will she settle to help her family.
Intriguing for a first read from this author...however, the series is just beginning..
Profile Image for Diah Didi.
689 reviews142 followers
August 20, 2014
So far was quite okay though there were parts got me raised my eyebrows.
I was pretty curious on how Jefferson and Holden would actually involved in Lucy's life. I could guess for Holden's part. I believe it's still quite long way to go.
Am not that enthusiast for the next part, but I'm sure I'll read it.

eARC provided via Net Galley
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,101 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2014
This was the first installment in a series, so all we really got was an introduction to characters and how the main characters kind of like each other. I was disappointed because there wasn't any steamy stuff! I guess I'll have to keep reading to get to the meat of this book. The writing is good, I just wanted more!!
Profile Image for Caro.
1,776 reviews42 followers
April 22, 2018
This was ok. This is part of a serial and doesn't give you the whole story in one book. The characters were pretty good. However, it is a little slow moving and you can kinda see where it is headed. I don't know if I want to finish the story although I would like to know the ending. Hopefully happy. Could go either way. Good luck.
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