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Not Quite #1
Not Quite Human
Not quite human, not quite beast. Not quite female, not quite male. Sometimes hunter, sometimes prey. Always alone. Until them.
Fiend hunter Sam “Sabertooth” Forest is used to being on the outskirts. A cur with a mix of shifter and human blood, Sam can’t fully shift to beast but can’t fully pass as human. Through sheer determination, and a desire to protect the broken shifter woman who raised them, Sam has managed to eek out a place of their own in a world devastated by the rift that allowed monsters to spill into the earth plane. Sam hunts monsters, sometimes curs and mongrels just like Sam. The work might be dangerous, and the humans might want to put the mixed breed hunter on their hitlist, but it’s a job. It’s freedom. Sam works alone and trusts no one.
The next hunt should bring in a big bounty—big enough to pay the pack extortion fee and keep Sam’s adoptive mother safe through winter. But when a Leprechaun horns in on the unicorn hunt and tricks Sam into forming a hunter’s guild, Sam is suddenly burdened by an overabundance of people.
Setting off to hunt one-horned murder beasts with an annoying leprechaun and a nerdy half-ogre is bad enough. But when you add in a betrayal by the seductive siren Sam has loved since childhood, and the machinations of a rich human politician, well…Sam’s simple, lonely little life just got a whole lot more complicated.
Author’s Note:
I love reverse harem, but I got sick of reading the same old tropes. In my books you will find atypical characters and varied sexuality. In general, you probably won’t find many alpha males or fainting females.
The Not Quite series is a harem/reverse harem urban fantasy series of novellas (between 35,000-45,000 words) and contains the following:
*adult language, and lots of it
*moderate levels of violence/gore/action
*graphic sexual situations
*polyamory/ multiple lovers
*LBGTQ and straight themes (the main character is intersex and will have both male and female lovers, and this is a harem, so expect M/F, M/M, F/F, MMMFF etc.)
*as usual, my characters all have their own emotional scars. This means the book MAY contain mentions of abuse, unpleasant situations, etc. Please do not read if you are triggered by things like this.
124 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2020
122 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Kaye Draper
134 books264 followersSometimes our greatest strengths come from our deepest challenges. I write magic and romance, starring a cast of creatures with feathers, fins, and teeth. My books include paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy romance--with the occasional steampunk or alien story thrown in just for kicks. My pan heart firmly believes love is love, so you'll see straight, LGBTQIA, monogamous, reverse harem, and poly relationships in my work. My favorite theme is overcoming our inner demons and the insecurities that hold us back.
I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.)
I love to hear from readers!
Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes:
http://eepurl.com/bG_6dX
Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! https://www.patreon.com/kayedraper
My website: http://kayedraper.com/
Join me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-D...
Or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kayedrapera...
I also advocate for self-development and mental health and dabble in non-fiction as time allows. I love the outdoors and still hope to be abducted by fae! (I may have more in common with my characters than I care to admit.)
I love to hear from readers!
Sign up for my mailing list to get a free RH spoof story that pokes fun at all the tired old tropes:
http://eepurl.com/bG_6dX
Join me on Patreon to help me create, AND get advance access to ebooks, audiobooks, and more! https://www.patreon.com/kayedraper
My website: http://kayedraper.com/
Join me on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaye-D...
Or follow me on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kayedrapera...
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 2, 2020
Something different. The intersex thing was nicely done and Sam is a complex character, short and slightly choppy in its fast pace. Not much romance going on but nice intro. The blurb does pretty much give everything away. I do like the leprechaun but my favourite character was Emerson. It will be interesting to see where things go.
June 10, 2020
So different!!
This author has set the standard for different.... the protagonists are not exactly what would be considered normal fare in this genre, nor are the people who love them. World building is superb and the flow well done. They may be novellas, but they don’t feel short for all the punch they deliver.
Sam isn't quite like everyone else, a fact that is apparent on page 1. As the story progresses, we learn JUST how different Sam is, and what that might mean for the future. It's a bit angsty, action driven and incredibly honest for so few pages.
I found myself wondering things I've never wondered before, asking questions I've never broached and contemplating my own sense of normalcy as the narrative built. That, right there, is the mark of a good author - and one I highly recommend.
Pros:
~Sam. Just Sam.
~There is an emotional punch to the flow, one that reaches out and smacks the reader with harsh
reality.
~The Leprechaun.... can I keep him?
Cons:
~If you are not open minded enough to question yourself and your own sense of acceptance, this is
not the right book for you.
~It's a Novella. Come on.... you knew I was going to dis the length. ;)
Perspective:
~First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type:
~Episodic
Rating:
~Mature
Romantic Dynamic:
~I really have no idea..... MFM? For now? This is in flux, slow build
Character Age Range:
~Adult
This author has set the standard for different.... the protagonists are not exactly what would be considered normal fare in this genre, nor are the people who love them. World building is superb and the flow well done. They may be novellas, but they don’t feel short for all the punch they deliver.
Sam isn't quite like everyone else, a fact that is apparent on page 1. As the story progresses, we learn JUST how different Sam is, and what that might mean for the future. It's a bit angsty, action driven and incredibly honest for so few pages.
I found myself wondering things I've never wondered before, asking questions I've never broached and contemplating my own sense of normalcy as the narrative built. That, right there, is the mark of a good author - and one I highly recommend.
Pros:
~Sam. Just Sam.
~There is an emotional punch to the flow, one that reaches out and smacks the reader with harsh
reality.
~The Leprechaun.... can I keep him?
Cons:
~If you are not open minded enough to question yourself and your own sense of acceptance, this is
not the right book for you.
~It's a Novella. Come on.... you knew I was going to dis the length. ;)
Perspective:
~First Person, Multiple POV
Ending Type:
~Episodic
Rating:
~Mature
Romantic Dynamic:
~I really have no idea..... MFM? For now? This is in flux, slow build
Character Age Range:
~Adult
February 8, 2022
3.5 stars. Half human/half shifter Sam is a bounty hunter and reluctantly teams up with cute but annoying “leprechaun” Finley, and gentle giant half-ogre Emerson on a contract to track down a herd of evil unicorns.
I came across this book on a list of books with intersex main characters and thought I’d give it a try. The audiobook is on Hoopla and pretty short, so I gave it a listen. It’s narrated by the author and she was good! She talks slowly, I had to speed it up a lot, but that’s fine. I’m not sure if the intersex aspect was realistic or not, or if all terminology was correct, but it seemed ok. I liked Sam, the main character. Sam leans into their androgyny and is perceived as being female and male by different characters. Sam seems to be okay with he, she, and they pronouns and it’s never made clear if Sam has a particular pronoun that they want to be referred to as. Sam being intersex is important in that it’s a point of vulnerability and stress when meeting potential sexual partners. Sam is fine with their sexual characteristics, it’s more stress about rejection. Sam seems to be bi or pan and will have sexual partners of various genders throughout the series (it’s harem/reverse harem). The side characters are pretty interesting and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! The plot was pretty simple, but it’s a very short book. There’s definitely potential here, so I’m definitely going to give book 2 a try.
I came across this book on a list of books with intersex main characters and thought I’d give it a try. The audiobook is on Hoopla and pretty short, so I gave it a listen. It’s narrated by the author and she was good! She talks slowly, I had to speed it up a lot, but that’s fine. I’m not sure if the intersex aspect was realistic or not, or if all terminology was correct, but it seemed ok. I liked Sam, the main character. Sam leans into their androgyny and is perceived as being female and male by different characters. Sam seems to be okay with he, she, and they pronouns and it’s never made clear if Sam has a particular pronoun that they want to be referred to as. Sam being intersex is important in that it’s a point of vulnerability and stress when meeting potential sexual partners. Sam is fine with their sexual characteristics, it’s more stress about rejection. Sam seems to be bi or pan and will have sexual partners of various genders throughout the series (it’s harem/reverse harem). The side characters are pretty interesting and I enjoyed this more than I thought I would! The plot was pretty simple, but it’s a very short book. There’s definitely potential here, so I’m definitely going to give book 2 a try.
February 8, 2020
Despite the book being pretty short at 151 pages, the story paused at a reasonable point with a good lead into the next book, without the commonly found cliffhanger. One thing you can always say about Kaye Draper, she does NOT write cookie cutter characters. These are three-dimensional, flawed, odd, weirdos that endear themselves to you within the first few chapters. This is the first intersex character I've and I found the perspective fascinating. I will definitely be continuing this series.
June 25, 2025
Sam
I really enjoyed the nonconventional main character of Not Quite Human, Sam. What really sold me on this character:
I really enjoyed the nonconventional main character of Not Quite Human, Sam. What really sold me on this character:
"Sam!" one of the humans called again. "What the fuck are you doing?" I ignored him. I was hunting, obviously. Moron.
March 27, 2020
Interesting, enthralling and great
I loved this book. I enjoyed the plot, set up and characters. I'm Bi and have to say on a sociological, emotional and physical level this book resonated with me.
I loved this book. I enjoyed the plot, set up and characters. I'm Bi and have to say on a sociological, emotional and physical level this book resonated with me.
February 3, 2020
My Year of the brief review..and wondering why the books I really want are not on KU
Review: Lordy, you can rely on this lady to write weird books!!
Review: Lordy, you can rely on this lady to write weird books!!
June 12, 2021
So interesting
Sam is intersex and I have never read a book whose character was intersex. It's super interesting though. Sam has struggled with their sexuality for a long time but that's not the only struggle that they have had. They are also stuck in the middle when it comes to their beast and not having a complete shift makes them an outcast too. I am hoping that their friends, whether they want them or not, will help them see how amazing they truly are.
Sam is intersex and I have never read a book whose character was intersex. It's super interesting though. Sam has struggled with their sexuality for a long time but that's not the only struggle that they have had. They are also stuck in the middle when it comes to their beast and not having a complete shift makes them an outcast too. I am hoping that their friends, whether they want them or not, will help them see how amazing they truly are.
May 27, 2020
This series has potential
I was intrigued with the uniqueness of the characters and the story however as a result of the short length of the book, there was not enough space and time to really delve more into both. The sex scenes were a bit lackluster but I still enjoyed the book for what it was.
I was intrigued with the uniqueness of the characters and the story however as a result of the short length of the book, there was not enough space and time to really delve more into both. The sex scenes were a bit lackluster but I still enjoyed the book for what it was.
March 23, 2020
3.5 stars
June 8, 2020
I'm sure others will like this one, but it's not for me.
This book is very short, so I was expecting a fast paced story. There is nothing fast paced about it. I'm not sure where the reverse harem comes in, not much happens, the one event that does happen it almost t the end and doesn't seem very important. This short read almost out me to sleep.
This book is very short, so I was expecting a fast paced story. There is nothing fast paced about it. I'm not sure where the reverse harem comes in, not much happens, the one event that does happen it almost t the end and doesn't seem very important. This short read almost out me to sleep.
February 16, 2020
Not Quite Human
I love that the characters are all so different! Most of the guys having their own sob story and not turning out bitter is a relief to the main character. I would love to see where the author is going with this.
I love that the characters are all so different! Most of the guys having their own sob story and not turning out bitter is a relief to the main character. I would love to see where the author is going with this.
Want to read
September 5, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/5/2020)! 🎁
September 6, 2022
To be upfron about, I was not entirely sure if I would like this book - I have a lot of negative ideas on reverse harems (the name, the concept, the stories) but I liked the author's note and other reviews mentioned how it's more a polyam paranormal than a strict rh. And queer monsters will always make me pay attention
And I actually enjoyed myself. I like this Urban Fantasy setting that offers a variety of monsters and worldbuilding, Sam is a good enough protagonist to carry the story and I enjoyed the fast pace. I am sure the themes of outcasts, emotional (un)availabilty and finding your kind of people.
It's only the first novella but I enjoyed the romantic connections we've made so far and especially the fact that they all seem to be unique and personal. Sam has an older friend that is a mother figure to them, Angel is a childhood friend they've always had a crush on, Finley and Emerson are two new acquaintances. It doesn't read contrived or shoe-horned in, none of the characters appear 2D or are just playing into a specific stereotype.
A small note on the language used. This does not fall into the "politically correct" category but I also don't think it's doing anything harmful. For example, Sam does get misgendered often but they are actively playing into male or female stereotypes depending on the situation/setting they are in - and they make no effort to correct people as they are, for example, fine with all their hunter friends assuming they are a man and using he/him pronouns. I am a little more "eh" on the repetitive phrasing of "not a man, not a woman" but it does fit into the overall theme that Sam is struggling with his multiple identities, like his mixed heritage, his literal half-human, half-beast form, and so on. It reads like a singular, personal experience which is not always exactly how you might talk about the intersex community as a whole.
And I actually enjoyed myself. I like this Urban Fantasy setting that offers a variety of monsters and worldbuilding, Sam is a good enough protagonist to carry the story and I enjoyed the fast pace. I am sure the themes of outcasts, emotional (un)availabilty and finding your kind of people.
It's only the first novella but I enjoyed the romantic connections we've made so far and especially the fact that they all seem to be unique and personal. Sam has an older friend that is a mother figure to them, Angel is a childhood friend they've always had a crush on, Finley and Emerson are two new acquaintances. It doesn't read contrived or shoe-horned in, none of the characters appear 2D or are just playing into a specific stereotype.
A small note on the language used. This does not fall into the "politically correct" category but I also don't think it's doing anything harmful. For example, Sam does get misgendered often but they are actively playing into male or female stereotypes depending on the situation/setting they are in - and they make no effort to correct people as they are, for example, fine with all their hunter friends assuming they are a man and using he/him pronouns. I am a little more "eh" on the repetitive phrasing of "not a man, not a woman" but it does fit into the overall theme that Sam is struggling with his multiple identities, like his mixed heritage, his literal half-human, half-beast form, and so on. It reads like a singular, personal experience which is not always exactly how you might talk about the intersex community as a whole.
March 24, 2020
Kaye Draper’s latest urban fantasy/romance series is going to be another hit for me, I think. This author includes a note in her book blurbs about being tired of tropes, and she puts her money where her mouth is — once again, the characters in this story were unique, fascinating, and flawed. As an added bonus, the world-building (both in terms of specific characters and the greater world they live in) was extremely well done.
The premise of this urban fantasy reminds me strongly of the world of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series — but it is nowhere close to being a duplicate or rip-off. Instead, I enjoyed the same vibe of magically post-apocalyptic world where people of all sorts have adapted (mostly) to their new paradigm and are just trying to get by.
Sam is a pretty specific result of this new paradigm themself. The first-person point of view works well for a nonbinary and intersex character, who also happens to be a mixed human/”shifter” hybrid. I look forward to seeing how their relationships develop over the course of this series.
The premise of this urban fantasy reminds me strongly of the world of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series — but it is nowhere close to being a duplicate or rip-off. Instead, I enjoyed the same vibe of magically post-apocalyptic world where people of all sorts have adapted (mostly) to their new paradigm and are just trying to get by.
Sam is a pretty specific result of this new paradigm themself. The first-person point of view works well for a nonbinary and intersex character, who also happens to be a mixed human/”shifter” hybrid. I look forward to seeing how their relationships develop over the course of this series.
August 1, 2024
This book is so unique-- the main character is intersex. The plot is incredibly immersive and the steam is just steamy enough to be compelling. There is:
- betrayal
- badass main character
- Unusual MMCs
- "bounty hunter" trope
I had so much fun reading this book, I'm sure I'm going to end up finishing the series. I didn't think there would be another series as addictive as Kaye Draper's "Sex with Monsters" series but HERE IT IS. The only thing I would ask the author is if she could please make the steamy scenes more descriptive! Other than that I have no complaints (and this really isn't a complaint. The scenes are good. They're just so good I want more detail!)
Thank you!
- betrayal
- badass main character
- Unusual MMCs
- "bounty hunter" trope
I had so much fun reading this book, I'm sure I'm going to end up finishing the series. I didn't think there would be another series as addictive as Kaye Draper's "Sex with Monsters" series but HERE IT IS. The only thing I would ask the author is if she could please make the steamy scenes more descriptive! Other than that I have no complaints (and this really isn't a complaint. The scenes are good. They're just so good I want more detail!)
Thank you!
April 26, 2020
Fascinating read
Finally a fantasy story I could actually relate to. I was skeptical about buying and reading this book, fearing Miss Draper would portray the main character as something like a freak show. But instead I found Sams struggle with themselves really relatable and touching. The description of the environments and the world building is on point. I find myself picturing everything in my mind with a smile on my face and an eagerness to explore this world and series further.
If you love RH-books like me, but are tired of the same molds being applied over and over again and want something else for a change: then I think you’ll like this one!
Finally a fantasy story I could actually relate to. I was skeptical about buying and reading this book, fearing Miss Draper would portray the main character as something like a freak show. But instead I found Sams struggle with themselves really relatable and touching. The description of the environments and the world building is on point. I find myself picturing everything in my mind with a smile on my face and an eagerness to explore this world and series further.
If you love RH-books like me, but are tired of the same molds being applied over and over again and want something else for a change: then I think you’ll like this one!
Read
April 23, 2021Not worth paying more if you are an Unlimited customer.
This was a good story. I would have loved to read the whole series. However, I'm uni lined to pay more than my fee for unlimited to read it.
I felt it was a bit underhanded to make some of the series unavailable to unlimited readers. So, all this author did was alienate a reader, cause I refuse to be forced, and they just aren't that good of a writer. So if you don't want to pay extra to read further don't bother getting started.
This was a good story. I would have loved to read the whole series. However, I'm uni lined to pay more than my fee for unlimited to read it.
I felt it was a bit underhanded to make some of the series unavailable to unlimited readers. So, all this author did was alienate a reader, cause I refuse to be forced, and they just aren't that good of a writer. So if you don't want to pay extra to read further don't bother getting started.
August 5, 2020
Sam doesn't fall under any category of human, shifter, male, or female. Nonetheless Sam is a hunter and they get things done. A hunt is going down to catch a herd of unicorns the pay will be good. Sam has no idea how they're going to get the contract for this hunt. A leprechaun with his luck magic has other ideas. The siren that they care about betrays them and Sam is hurt more then ever. A interesting runnin with the human and Sam does not to think of him.
October 4, 2021
Read: October 4, 2021
Rating: 4 Stars
Not often you come across a book that actually surprises as much as this one did, in a good way.
I can't say I've ever read a book about an intersex person/hermaphrodite before, definitely not a reverse harem but it was done very nicely, as far as I can tell.
I liked the world described in this, bleak but cool, lots of different "beasties" and hybrids and all the possible love interests seems interesting so I'll definitely read more of this.
Rating: 4 Stars
Not often you come across a book that actually surprises as much as this one did, in a good way.
I can't say I've ever read a book about an intersex person/hermaphrodite before, definitely not a reverse harem but it was done very nicely, as far as I can tell.
I liked the world described in this, bleak but cool, lots of different "beasties" and hybrids and all the possible love interests seems interesting so I'll definitely read more of this.
January 25, 2021
Interesting Book
This book was different from what I expected. I like Sam. His chosen profession can seem harsh but he's good at it. I'm curious to see how her relationships with the various people her life turn out.
Sam is a conflicted, strong, powerful, damaged soul that deserves to be loved. I wonder if he'll find that in the upcoming books.
This book was different from what I expected. I like Sam. His chosen profession can seem harsh but he's good at it. I'm curious to see how her relationships with the various people her life turn out.
Sam is a conflicted, strong, powerful, damaged soul that deserves to be loved. I wonder if he'll find that in the upcoming books.
June 27, 2023
This was a fun book. I liked how the author explored the mc's sex and gender in a physical sense but also a mental way. It sets up this universe very nicely with the lore and setting, as well as giving a nice base for the plot to spread from. I will definitely be looking into the rest of this series.
January 31, 2020
New Series
It's a good start to a new series. Although the book wasn't long enough. I got to the end and I wanted a lot more lol! I just discovered this author but I definitely will be adding her to a short list of authors I automatically buy their new book.
It's a good start to a new series. Although the book wasn't long enough. I got to the end and I wanted a lot more lol! I just discovered this author but I definitely will be adding her to a short list of authors I automatically buy their new book.
February 2, 2020
Such a great different character
The only negative was that I wanted it to be much longer! I love this authors characters. They have depth and are definitely not the same old thing.
The only negative was that I wanted it to be much longer! I love this authors characters. They have depth and are definitely not the same old thing.
February 8, 2020
I really liked this book! I’ve read the whole Reluctant Necromancer series so I decided to give this a try- urban romance isn’t something I typically read. This did not disappoint. The character development is so good and I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out.
March 17, 2020
Omg
I cant even.... I want more. I'm in love with the mc. Stuck in between everything. I love that they are a kick ass mc. Looking forward to reading more.... is it wrong I want the last guy they talked to be part of the harem
I cant even.... I want more. I'm in love with the mc. Stuck in between everything. I love that they are a kick ass mc. Looking forward to reading more.... is it wrong I want the last guy they talked to be part of the harem
July 17, 2020
Pleasantly surprised
This author has a way of writing unique characters perfectly. This is a fast read but in such a short span of time I already feel like I've gotten to know the main character and some of the side characters.
Looking forward to seeing what's going to happen.
This author has a way of writing unique characters perfectly. This is a fast read but in such a short span of time I already feel like I've gotten to know the main character and some of the side characters.
Looking forward to seeing what's going to happen.
September 20, 2020
One more for the shelf of faves...
I’m in reread 4 (?) of this series and it’s like my favorite cup of tea at the perfect temperature. I would legit hiss at someone if they tried to take away my kindle while I was reading this. Kaye this one is *chef’s kiss*, bravo!
I’m in reread 4 (?) of this series and it’s like my favorite cup of tea at the perfect temperature. I would legit hiss at someone if they tried to take away my kindle while I was reading this. Kaye this one is *chef’s kiss*, bravo!
March 18, 2021
Finally
Finally a polyamory harem story featuring an intersexual character that doesn't feel like a poorly done porno. Characters have depth and personality that evokes an emotional response (be it positive or negative).
Finally a polyamory harem story featuring an intersexual character that doesn't feel like a poorly done porno. Characters have depth and personality that evokes an emotional response (be it positive or negative).
January 3, 2022
I knew from the description that I would love a lot of the elements in this book, but I really wasn't prepared for how much I would like it as whole. It took a few weeks to read because I got distracted (hello, adhd) but I could've easily read it in one sitting. Will definitely read the sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews