The Alpha Heist (A Shifter Paranormal Romance): Stealing the Alpha, Book 1

Stealing the Alpha #1

by Kate Rudolph

The alpha keeps what's his....

No one steals from Luke Torres. His fortress is legend and his pack of lions are deadly, ready to face any threat. When Luke meets Mel, she knocks his socks off with a scorching kiss, but when they meet again, they are captor and captive in a deadly gave of cat vs. cat.

The thief is up to the task....

From the moment Mel takes the assignment, she knows that it should be impossible. But for the supernatural world's foremost thief, impossible is an irresistible challenge. Especially when the payment for this job will get her one step closer to revenge. When the jobs goes belly up, she finds herself in the lion's den and facing off with the most alluring man she's ever met.

One alpha, one thief, and an adventure of a lifetime.

The Alpha Heist is number one of a three part series called Stealing the Alpha.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Shapeshifters, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Audiobook, Magic

Audible Audio

First published September 4, 2015

About the author

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
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Facebook: facebook.com/katerudolphauthor

Reviews

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review from ARCade

The cover has quite a bit going on…love the people and the cats, but I’m not sure why the cityscape is at the bottom.

This is my first time reading Kate Rudolph’s work, and it definitely won’t be my last. I love finding amazing new authors. I’m kicking myself for not reading this sooner. She has created this amazing world that I definitely want to get lost in again because it is unique. She definitely keeps you guessing and surprises you because things happened that I hadn’t thought of which is always a lovely surprise when an author can do that :) I really like Mel, but at the same time she is a puzzle because I still don’t have all the pieces to figure her out or the sexy Alpha Luke. This book has it all magic, Witches, cat shifters, vampires, and still has unknowns to keep you guessing :) I do not know if for sure, but I’m guessing that this is a serial because it ended on a cliffhanger and the description mentions Part Two not book 2. This doesn’t bother me, but if you don’t like cliffhangers, collect all the parts until it is complete and then read them. Please don’t let this stop you from reading it eventually though because it is really awesome :)

I highly recommend this story to all the paranormal fans out there especially if you love cat shifters :)

[Mary Kirkland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mel is told to steal a gem from the lion shifters. She makes a plan with two other people to do that, steals it, gets caught, gets the hots for the alpha lion and then escapes.

I wish I could write a real review for this book but I can't because that's all that happened. There are things about Mel that I don't understand and we don't get much if any info on her background or why she is stealing for the woman that seems to have something over her. This was a very short book. It says it's book one of three books but in my opinion, it's part one of a book. It ends in a cliffhanger as well as not even being a full story. How can you call this book one when nothing happens?

This felt more like the first chapter in a book rather than the first book. This book was free but the next two books are $3 a piece. Would I take a chance that the next book isn't another chapter like book that ends on a cliffhanger? No. I will not be reading the next book not anything else from this author because if they pull this type of thing once, you can pretty much bet they will do it again and if there's anything I loathe, it's a cliffhanger or this type of nonsense.

If I could give this zero stars I would. So it gets 1 star from me.

[Chyina Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mel is a thief. She also happens to be a leopard shifter which means her speed and keen sense of nose often come in handy when she's on the job. Luke, is the alpha of a lion shifter pack with a lot on his plate and when the one thing he needs for a very important summit is stolen, he isn't happy.

What is it with those who only publish in e-book format and chopping up one book into multiple? While there was conflict, there was no major conflict and the book ended abruptly right in the middle of a chase scene. When things like that happen it makes me not even want to invest in the series because what happens when I read the second book and the main conflict isn't even resolved yet. I'm all for cliffhangers but this wasn't really a cliffhanger, it was like a dangling of a hook when you're nowhere near a body of water. It didn't leave me wanting to read on it left me wondering why the author would even do that. But enough of my nagging....

The overall story was good, there were a lot of little gems that made me want to know more about Mel's past. In all honesty, Luke was a very interesting character and so was Bob. I kind of care more about Bob's story than Mel's because I am just so intrigued by who he is, that is a little nugget of information that Kate Rudolph was very wise in playing forward.

So, how do I feel about this novel? I feel like it was the start of something very good albeit some very frustrating authorial choices.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

What? This is the end? What? I was totally into it and then it ends. Just... what? I need to know what happens next. Also, what's with the terrible, godawful cover? The cover is not doing any favors to this book, let me tell you.

[Somia]

Free on Amazon 9th June 2019

[Megan Riverina Romantics · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Heat Rating: 🔥
Narrator Performance: 🎧🎧🎧

[Sara Vee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I'm new to tales of shapeshifter romance, but damn y'all really be sniffing everyone and everything!

Not bad, I just think I'm more into bears these days 🤣🤣🤣

[Yanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is an overall review about the whole series.

As I started the first book, I didn’t know what I was getting into… I mean the covers in this trope are all the same by now… so there is no guessing there if the book is good or bad… So, I dived into this one blind and didn’t regret a thing! This series had a real awesome plot and that made me read the whole series in one go!

• Who was your favorite character, and why?
I liked both main characters the same… She is a strong woman who wants revenge and does everything to get it. He is a sweet alpha who is understanding and a total cinnamon roll hero!

• What was your memorable part of the book, and why?
That they didn’t get it on till the last book… and that made the wait so much sweeter.

• Did the story grip you and keep you turning the pages?
The story is really well written and wonderful to read. I loved how easy I flowed into the story and never had to skip some of the things that where written. I love that about a book!

• Were you satisfied or disappointed with how the story ended?
I read all three books in one go so I don’t know where the first one ended, but I was not disappointed by the ending in book three… I wished I had more to read about and I wished for the series not to end but it was a very good ending.

• Did you like it more or less than other books in the same genre?
I think of all the books I´ve read in this kind of genre this book tops most of them… Would I reread it though… I think I would not read it again so soon but why not in the future…

It is a freaking good book that I wished I could read more of it… I have to check the authors backlist… I think she has more from the good stuff…

[MooseGirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is not book one, it is PART one, and not a full story. It's a pity because it did have promise. There are a couple of things that haven't really been explained regarding Mel's background, which made me feel like we'd missed something. Because it's not a full story, it never really goes anywhere or gets a chance to develop.

If there's one thing I particularly hate, it's when a "book" turns out to be merely a part of a story (And nowhere is it mentioned that it's not a full story. It merely says book one in a three-book series. Which is untrue. It's part one of a three-part book, which is not the same thing). I find this sort of nonsense to be manipulative, and I refuse to be manipulated. So, one star from me (honestly, I'd give it zero, if I could), and the author is added to my "never buy again" list.

[Su · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to this series, with suitably larger than life protagonists and thankfully dispenses with the tiresome dark monosyllabic alpha male/helpless female trope so overused in this genre. In fact m Rudolph blows this out of the water right from the start while also skirting Mary Sue territory with a clever, courageous and skilled thief (Mel) who pretty much toys and messes with the alpha (Luke) she's targeting using every weapon at her disposal to considerable effect. And he is not one to be messed with.

He's also not just some chest-beating beefcake and has some interesting depth - there's a lot more to the story than we're told as the thievery of the pack treasure (and more) proceeds apace. The story hit the ground at full sprint and pretty much does not let up until the end, except for some character and worldbuilding interludes which give some relief to the breakneck pace and flesh out the backstory.

I was sad to turn to the last page as it was really engaging and a lot of fun, but this is really part one of a three-part story, and most of the romantic tension is not resolved. I also really wanted to hear more about the other characters!

Extra credit rating for pace, imagination, a kick-ass duelling romance, and interesting worldbuiding. I am left wanting more.

[Heather Button · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am guessing I got this on a stuff your airpods day. I can't remember and that's very likely true for what will happen to this story after I finish writing this very brief review.

Leopard shifter Mel is all about stealing what she wants and she always gets away with it. Werelion (yep, a hybrid... cue The Vampire Diaries flashbacks) Luke is protecting his people and their prized possession, the Scarlet Emerald (I am assuming it's a red green stone? 🤔), which is especially in danger with a vampire summit on the horizon. Somehow he ends up capturing Mel and they kiss. It's all very strange what's going on, she escapes and then they want each other again.

This was a little more than an hour of very poorly produced audio. The narration by the author wasn't terrible but it was like it was done by her at her house or something. There were very noticeable silences between chapters that didn't flow. I still can't fully tell what I listened to and why I'd go back for more, though that's the goal of the ending.

⭐

[PelicanFreak]

I’m a fan of Kate Rudolph and I was stoked to discover that my local library had this book in audioform. I was then pleasantly surprised to discover the author narrated this herself—theoretically, I love that. Realistically though, it was awful. I ended up not getting very far due to her sounding like a robot. Her voice is fine, no complains there. You’d think, since she wrote the book, she’d be good about inserting things like inflection, etc. when/where apporpiate but it very much felt like I was trying to listen to an AI-read book. Tried, but was unable to stand it.
Will totally read the ebook, if I can ever find the time. Disappointed I can’t just listen but, for me listening to AI-reading (or anything that resembles it) is a form of torture.

No star-rating since I didn’t get far.
I’m just hear to remind myself that this ‘narrator’ is one for me to avoid, and to recommend any other format to other potentially interested readers/listeners.

Cheers!

[Colourful Kenyan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't mind-blowingly good or terrible. I would advise against trying to listen to the audiobook. The narrators are dreadfully boring and sometimes I am left wondering...is there a full stop on this sentence or are just going to assume that.

We meet Mel early on when she is on another job and she is hired to steal the treasure that Alpha Luke protects. They meet not too much later and they have chemistry going for them.
I liked both characters enough to want to continue with the series. Luke is quite real with himself and he has potential. Mel is a..thief and plans on stealing as many kisses before she makes a run for it.
I'd classify this as a short story and be warned there is a cliffhanger.

[Jozie | Cozy Romantasy Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Alpha Heist is a fun paranormal romance with shapeshifters, witches, and vampires.

Mel is a leopard shifter who takes a job to steal the Scarlett Emerald from a pack of lion shifters. Luke Torres, the alpha of the lions, already has enough problems with a vampire problem and his little sister arriving unannounced. Mel's presence just complicates things further.

This novella was okay and ended on a cliffhanger that only makes me want to follow along on Mel and Luke's story. There is not a lot more that I can say without spoilers. It was a fun, quick book to listen to while I cleaned up around the house.

magic • novella • paranormal romance • shapeshifter • supernatural • urban fantasy • witches

[Cindy Caron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hot little number that will keep you on your toes and on the edge of your seat, but do be aware, it ends in a bit of a cliff hanger. This is the first part of what I believe is a three part series. It is full of action and suspense, with a bit of romance, even if it is a bit misdirected, along the way. Mel has been hired to steal a rare gem from the alpha lion, Luke Torres. But in order to do so, she will most likely be signing her own deathwish. All that in order of gaining a gem that has ties to her murdered family.
A great short read, but as previously noted, this is not a standalone. Looking forward to the next episode in this series.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was a little confusing in that information about the characters was giving piece meal. As I got to know the characters better the story moved along.
A were leopard is asked to steal an item from a were lion. Not completely sure why, except she is a thief and the payoff is good. Her former partners are asked to help her but again, don't know why they are former partners. There seem to be many question
The story itself was interesting with were cats in differing forms, hunky alpha and strong female thief and the unexpected attraction between them. The story was a quick read and worth the time involved in reading.

[Jocelyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alpha Heist is book 1 in the Stealing The Alpha series, a shifter paranormal trilogy. Luke and Mel's novella is fast-paced. Luke is a werelion alpha, and Mel a wereleopard, and a thief. I like their banters and chemistry. The story has shifters, witches, and vampires, and is filled with adventure, mystery and intrigue. This was a fun, and intriguing listen, and an interesting introduction to this trilogy. Unfortunately, the story ends abruptly with a cliffhanger. The author is also the narrator and she did a good job with the narration. Looking forward to listen to the next book in this trilogy.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trilogy with cliffies

This trilogy opener begins with a professional thief, Mel, taking a job to steal a powerful emerald artifact from Luke, a lion shifter alpha. There's a backstory about the witch who hired her and about Mel's reluctant partners, but that isn't explained. I enjoyed what there was of the book, which had the potential to be much more. Then it ended with a cliffhanger, as does book two, and the next two books aren't in KU, so I'll be stopping here. It gets 3.5 stars.

[Liz Burkart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed with the length

This was a pretty well written book for one I got for free. It needed some layout fixes and editing but was overall an interesting story and I started getting invested in the characters. However, I just can’t justify above a 2 star rating when I felt like this was a quarter of a book marketed as complete. I feel like I just read the intro and we were getting into the meat of the story when it abruptly cut off. Pretty disappointing because I’m not quite invested enough to buy the sequel.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but knew I would be intrigued after reading the blurb. As the story progressed from the start was very intriguing with where it was going. The writing style in this book, I enjoyed. The characters within this book were interesting from the start an with the wat they developed throughout the book made them and the story more intriguing as it allowed you to feel some sort of connection to the characters. With the way in which the story ended it was very interesting.

[Annette Aguilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing adventure, only the best thief would dare to steal from this lion! She is just the one to pull it off! Only she doesn’t really want too! She is treated into taking this dangerous job. She will place herself at risk, be captured, escape, then something goes horribly wrong! What? Read and see! Lots of action, suspense,crazy twists and turns, unexpected surprises, and unpredictable magical mayhem. The characters are awesome!

[Ashante Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

let me just say that this narrator is terrible. Her male voice sounds like when you're a kid playing and you voice your toys, so you high pitch the females and use a deep voice from the back of your throat. It's so amateur. The story was interesting, I like the concept of a thief why basically mission impossibles her way into the Alpha's house to steak a precious gem. Immediately you can feel the chemistry between Mel and Luke (the Alpha).

[Sharon Ryder Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cliff hanger.... pfft. Liked Mel as the thief and Luke as the Alpha, but the plot i could not get into.. i found it hard to understand half the time, what was going on? Not sure if it was the way it was written or the lack of something to keep me engaged in the novel.. Do not expect romance, or steamy scenes - because this novel falls flat on that. Maybe its all in the next novel in the series.

[Rivka · Rating 1 out of 5]

I started to read this "story" in a published compilation free on Amazon and found a fat and obvious repeat in chapter 2 ... ohm... editor?

No chapter headings, just the next paragraph and suddenly you are in another characters head... right...
So I thought, "this is bad" and looked up the writer... ah yes, Kate Rudolph... whenever I come across her writing I give up after a chapter because the quality is so low.

[Jan Janus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little on the boring side with a cliffhanger. Mel is working with someone that wants the Emerald Stone and in order to do so she needs to go into Lion territory to retrieve it. Little did she know she would fall for the Alpha but then escapes only to be tracked once again..off to book 2 to see how it continues.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book

I received the book for joining Kate's email list. I'm happy this was the book I was given because it was a great read. It took a couple of chapters before I worked out who Mother was, I'm still trying to work out what Bob is, I think I worked out Krista straight away, and Mel is awesome. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Sue Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mel is hired to steal and emerald from Luke. Luke is an alpha lion and she is also a shifter. Her two friends help her with magic and some trickery. Mel doesn’t expect the attraction she feels for Luke but she still gets the job done. Only she ends up as his prisoner. In the end she does manage to escape but not without a cost. Fun story so far, looking forward to the next book.

[ebsTx · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good!

Mel is a thief, one of the best, and she just got a challenging job where the payment is a possible key to finding the person that took nearly everything from her. She did not expect the attraction of the alpha she was stealing from to exist, much less be so strong. Can she and her team succeed? Can she beat the attraction and comp!She the job?

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story...

But I hate cliffhangers. So, beware you do have to get 2 other books to get the complete story.

That said I love Mel, she the best at what she does, stealing. If there is an honorable thief she is one. But when she goes against Alpha Luke Torres she bites off more than she knows.

This is a great tale!

[Tim Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the advantages of Kindle and Kindle Unlimited is that sometimes you get free books. And sometimes, like this one, they're outstanding! Good story line, great main characters, a hint of romance and, believe it or not, no in your face sex! I thought it was great! So tired of all the paranormal "romance" books that are really porn. This was a great reprieve!!!