Rising Alpha

by Jen L. Grey

Stand Alone Book

Strong but scarred. Hopeful but realistic.

On the run from an abusive alpha, Savannah must rely on a shaggy blond, brown eyed man that makes her heart beat again.

Resolved to protect his mate, Dom must consider the consequences of not becoming an alpha.

While determined to be together, they must choose between their hearts and the pack they left behind.

Hope(less) meets The Matefinder in RISING ALPHA, a steamy paranormal romance story for readers that love strong women..

Genres: Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Romance, Fantasy, Werewolves, Supernatural Romance, Paranormal Romance

238 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.

My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.

​I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.

I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
​
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Reviews

[♦♣ queen of faerie ♠♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Um, EXTREMELY mixed feelings on this one.

It wasn't the best book for me. The storyline follows a wolf running from being forced to be mated to a horrible shifter, and then she meets her real mate, and they run away.

I mean, the storyline sounded okay but when I read this book I was just trying to hard not to fall asleep. I didn't find this engaging as other shifter stories I have read. And I didn't connect with the characters either (I've already forgotten their names whoops)

I don't know if I was feeling dead when I read this but it didn't invoke emotion.


→ 2 stars

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being an outcast might be better that being abused by your own pack.
Savannah can tell stories about that. Being forced to mate Kevin, an alpha who likes to abuse the women of his pack and treat them like nothing worthy, she plans to make an escape. But before the plans come to realization, she meets Dom - her fated mate. And no sooner than short before her forced mating ceremony. Running away with Dom and the women of Kevin's pack, she is forced to fight for her freedom, love, and maybe a new pack as well.
This is a fast read, with many typical features of a shifter romance - forbidden love, raw emotions, freedom and perks of the animal form, etc. The bond established between Dom and Savannah found purchase the moment their paths crossed, and since then, it only escalated. Though, real bond could only form after understanding and uncovering the other's secret. Savannah is a heroine one likes to see, strong, capable, easy to connect. Her compassion and fierceness make her a great alpha, and Dom is a perfect match for her. For a fan of paranormal romance, this is a very enjoyable read.

[Heather Endsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

On what a gem this was. I finally got to sit down and dive into this. I couldn’t put it down. I’m a huge fan of wolf shifters anyways but this was so good. Savannah and Dom perfectly balance each other’s alpha dominance out. I love the broken and beaten rise to leadership on both sides of this relationship.

[Zen · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

The base story told here is ok. The pacing of the story is a bit off and the dialogue is choppy. The characters are pretty unlikable as they act like idiots a lot of the time. They are pretty one dimensional. Their actions don't make a lot of sense sometimes.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising Alpha is a paranormal shifter romance. The author introduces readers to a young woman shifter by the name of Savannah first. Savannah is about to be mated to a poor excuse for an alpha. He’s a monster and abusive to the other women in the pack and has no qualms taking what it is that he wants. Savannah escaped from being mated to someone like him before, but it seems like this time will regrettably be different. That is until she crosses paths with a loner shifter who has come with a pack representative from another group. Dom has his own past but based on it he doesn’t want a pack, he doesn’t want a mate, and the last thing he wants is to be responsible for anyone other than himself. But once he sets his eyes on Savannah their connection can’t be denied. So when one brutal attack finally is the straw that breaks Savannah’s back (not literally) things will get put in motion that there won’t be any coming back from.
Rising Alpha by Jen L. Grey is a fast-paced paranormal shifter romance. The author expertly gives us background on the main characters in this story in exactly the right places. Savannah has been through a lot but her spirit has never been broken. Understandably when she makes the decision to run and Dom offers to help she’s hesitant. But I’m glad that she doesn’t let what she has been through cloud her to doing what is best. She doesn’t lose her head to the fated mate attraction that looms between them. There are moments of where they resist the pull, but it is only when it is most necessary. But I have to admit that I’m glad that they don’t put up a huge fight about it. But everything isn’t sunshine and carefree moments. Kevin, the evil alpha coward, is angry and intent on reclaiming what is “his.” But I love that there is more going on behind the scenes that come out later in this story.
There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. I’m honestly surprised at this. Haha! I honestly thought that I’d get annoyed when attitudes started flying about and when certain situations lacked the “ideal” reaction, but I understand that it adds to the story and shows the characters in a more realistic setting. Now, I will say that this book might not be for everyone. There are references to abuse and beatings so this might not be a book for those who choose to avoid that. I will say that there aren’t any scenes of where this openly happens, it is simply referenced and shown in the recovery/healing of certain characters. There are some sexual situations, but there is nothing graphic and the scenes aren’t very long. They are just the right amount for this book.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I truly enjoyed this book. This book flows from beginning to end and captivates the reader as the author flows back and from between Dom’s perspective to Savannah’s perspective. The reader gets a HEA all around as well. If you enjoy this author’s work and are a fan of paranormal romance then I think that this book is a good fit for you.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book less than 24 hours ago planning to only read a few chapters before bed, then read a few chapters each day. That so did not happen. I stayed up until I finished it because it was so amazing. This was my first book by author Jen L. Grey and she impressed me with her brilliant writing skills and characters that were lovable and complex. The inner strength some of them were able to find in the midst of hell breaking loose all around them had me cheering and jumping up and down in my seat. Savannah and Dom win for best Alpha Duo ever!
She also wins the award for the sleaziest scumbag character. I am not going to lie, I wanted to rip Kevin's throat out and hide him in my backyard. Just envisioning his stench and arrogant evilness leading a pack of pathetic and cruel wolves gets my blood boiling. Way to go Ms. Grey!

[Kelly Stepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of overcoming oppression and learning to love! Grey isn’t afraid to tackle difficult issues and Savannah was the perfect medium. She’s fierce, selfless, and determined to not only stand up for herself, but others more vulnerable than her. I love the tension between her and Dom and his “partnership” approach had me swooning and falling for his character along with Savannah. I loved the female shifters, especially Shelly, and the confrontations and action were exciting and very well-written. I was drawn into the story from the first pages and loved watching the transformative journey of both Savannah and the other female wolves. As a fan of Grey’s work, this is her best yet and I can’t wait for more from this world!

[Cynthia Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dom and Savannah will have your emotions all over the place with this read. They have both been thru a lot in their past that make them weary of trusting anyone now. As you read this you see what they have to go thru to save the pack of ladies from a very bad situation. Will they be able to stand up to the evil that's chasing them or the be defeated? Awesome read that will having you trying to guess what happens and falling for these two while they try and fight their connection.Can't wait for the next one.

[Telisha Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen's best book yet!

Savannah and Dom are swoon worthy!! They really balanced each other out and were really able to heal together. There was some very delicate subject matter in this book and the author was able to handle everything very well without making it feel like cheap book fodder. She did really well. The villain was easy to hate and the ending was perfect. I am sad it's over because I truly enjoyed this book!

[Sherry Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rising Alpha is the first book in The Fated Mates series. I admit I had a bit of trouble with a female Alpha. I will say that the author gives the reader a different take on the shifter experience. Its different but yet still offers the reader the reader the devotion, protectiveness and love that comes with a pack and with fated mates.

Read to find out how Dom and Savannah handle the mate connection and the protectiveness they have for the abused women.

[Allison Bumpus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun read. There were very serious issues being addressed, but with a strong and just female MC, those issues were dealt with properly. Kevin truly was an awful villain and got his just desserts in the end. The ending was perfect and left me fully satisfied. It had all the action and content of a series, but in one book. It was great!

[Bronwyn Kotze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and loyalty!

Sick of being beaten, raped and treated like dirt by those meant to protect them, Savannah and 3 other females make a break for it with the help of a male stranger.
This book is a love story...not only between Savannah and Dom, but between friends and pack members.
If you love shifter stories....this one is highly recommended.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising Alpha (The Fated Mates Series Book 1) by Jen L. Grey is a story that I have absolutely loved reading very much. This is book number one in this series that I have fallen so in love with that I can not get enough of. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about paranormal romances as much as I do.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Danielle Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed!! I love how this book draws you in from the very beginning. I was so connected to the characters and wanted to know their story. Overcoming adversity and their own fears as love takes over!!

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jen has written another master piece with Rising Alpha. The characters are great and I loved reading their growth through out the book. The women got stronger and I loved reading that. Dom was awesome I loved him a lot and Savannah was the perfect mate for him.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rising Alpha is different from other books that Jen L Grey has written. However, the story is of the same quality as her other works. Savanna and Dom come together in some trigger worthy moments and learn to lead in ways that Jen has not done before. It's a refreshing read for fans of her fantasy.

[Amber Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great story! Love how the abused women grew so strong throughout the book!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall 2.75⭐s

Rising Alpha is a standalone paranormal romance by Jen Grey and Narrated by Daniel Wisniewski. The story follows a twenty-something Savannah as she goes from a mistreated wolf to rise an Alpha.

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I've read a bunch of Jen's later books and loved them, the Royal Heir series is one of my favorites, but I had a few issues with Rising Alpha. At times the things some of the characters said didn't make sense, also when they were saying them as well. Savannah was rude and mean when she didn't have to be, not because she couldn't be mean, I've read plenty of mean characters, it just didn't fit the scene. Then there was Dom whose in head commentary didn't match his actions or his previous statements.

Then there were the repeating lines throughout the story. The narrator was okay, I didn't love him but he wasn't too bad, just seemed like he didn't fit the story that well. Finally, there was the plot, which felt like something was missing or a little off. Kevin managed to pull off a lot with actually being present to do it. How many guys were in the pack compared to females? It's questions like those that need answering.

There were a couple of bright spots. Some of Savannah's commentary was funny. She has some of the best and truest responses to people that I've read. I also like the general concept of a woman who has been mistreated, rising to fulfill the alpha role, just wish she was a little stronger.

Overall, the story was decent just felt like some things needed to be worked out. This review doesn't reflect how I feel about Jen's current work, I love her writing. I'm actually going to start reading the last book in her current series right after this and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[Sue Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Great Story

Abigail is in a pack that really mistreats their females of any age. She ran from the abusive pack she was born into and was found by Kevin thinking he was going to help her she joined his pack. Then six months later he is forcing her to mate him even though they are not true mates. Many come to her before the ceremony and she discovers how much worse things are and decides to take them and run.
Dom is the plus one of a guest to the ceremony but seeing Abigail he knows she is his true mate and he must see her before she makes a mistake. When he goes to try and see her he finds them leaving and offers his help. They are afraid to except it but finally take it. Dom has a past that makes him against being the alpha he was born to be but realizes Abigail is also an alpha but doesn't know it. As they run they are hunted just a few women and one man but by the time the big battle comes their pack has grown. Some men who don't have a pack are sent to them to help protect the women but a bunch of the women from Kevin's pack run to join them... The women are prepared to fight for their freedom too. As Dom works to make them realise they are not weak or low class as Kevin and the mens old packs had treated them till they believed it. The fight would tell if a female Alpha and her mate who agreed to be a leader but not the alpha and the men and women who had joined them have made a real pack. This is a wonderful story of a fight for the freedom and to be treated with respect.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an emotional roller coaster of a book. My thoughts and emotions were pulled in so many different directions. Our heroine was fierce and was capable and very determined as she made hard decisions. Dom was wishy-washy for me. I so badly wanted him to step up and be the alpha. His past wasn't something for him to easily overcome and gifted him with a dose of PTSD. In the end, it's our girl who leads and that's not really disappointing at all. We see this distraught woman being pushed around and mentally abused, blossom into this alpha who won't back down. It's a beautiful journey to her true self that Jen L. Grey has given us. This is self discovery PNR style and that's pretty entertaining!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Jen L. Grey. Her books always hook me in and leave me wanting more! As of right now this book is a stand alone. With saying that I do feel like there was not as much character development as there usually is. I still enjoyed the world this took place in. Plus there is a BAD ASS MC who is FEMALE! I think my favorite thing about the book is how strong the MC is but at the same time she's not too good for anyone, nor is she arrogant. She acknowledged when she needs help and take it when offered.

[Pammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Jen L Grey

This author has a way of pulling you in. I got a little annoyed with one of the guys acting weak, while the women were so strong. Don't get me wrong, I am a strong woman. Was one of the only few women in my field. I just don't like when men are weak. He kind of pulled it together in the end. Which was finally a good save. However, always a great read with this author. Women and men power lol. Strong women, need equal or stronger men. Thank goodness he stepped it up.

[Jeanie Gaslin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Needs trigger warning about rape and abuse. This is a horrible book! I hate that authors think that rape and physical and sexual abuse are appropriate topics for entertainment. This was a horror to read as an overbearing male and group of men physically and verbally abused the women in their pack. Even after their escape the men came looking for their former women to further abuse them. One star is kind. This author does not deserve that she needs to find a new genre!

[Amanda Gillispie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing is terrible!

I’m not sure what happened with this book. I have read other books by her and they were worth the read. This one was not. My advice, don’t waste your time. Nothing complex going on so very simple. Two alphas who act like wimps which I have never experienced in a book before. Neither one really caring when their mate was hurt was also a first for me. Very weird book.

[Heather Nield · Rating 5 out of 5]

so glad I read this one

It’s a short story, compared to her other ones. I read one review critical of the strength of the female lead, but I felt the complete opposite. I really loved these characters. They were wonderful, broken people who had to grow into their own. I love that this story was different, not your typical ‘born different’ (Reaper) or lost heir type story. It was a quick, one day read, but I loved it.

[Rica Dyas · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

I couldn’t finish this story it was so bad. The main guy was awful. He was supposed to be an alpha but the omegas were more alpha then him, the author tried to make a strong female lead whose strength was lessened by her fated manage. Thank goodness this was a free read or I would be mad I wasted my money. Do not read.

[Nicola Simpson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3**

Meh it was alright, fated mates wernt going to claim each other, then they ran with others in the pack the women as they were getting abused. 2 alphas on the run neither really committed to their role.
Relied on women and rogue wolfs for the “battle” ended up binding with a whitch doing the 10 second long ceremony was very anti climatic tbh and boring not my cup of tea.

[Veronica Prowant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great standalone story

I love Jen L Grey's writing. She builds and creates amazing worlds, with characters that captivate. This stand-alone was no different. Packed with action, a kick ass FMC, a swoon worthy male counterpart, and enough drama to keep me hooked. It was everything I needed, all packed nice and tidy into a single book. Awesomeness at its finest!

[Smhlavelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Overall good. I enjoyed the story and the relationships, it was a little dark. At some points I struggled with the dialog, since it switched perspectives and there were a lot of characters talking, and a few minor typos, I couldn't figure out who said what. To me, the relationship and characters developed well, but it was a little jumpy.

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rising Alpha is a book I picked up during my Kindle Unlimited trial. This story had a nice blend of good world-building and interesting plot, but I simply didn't care for Dom, who I found rude. There were a couple of convenient moments that furthered the storyline, but reduced the tension a bit.