I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M SAYING THIS, BUT I LOVED NOT HER ALPHA!!!
Title: Not Her Alpha
Series: Not This
Author: Annie Nicholas
Designation: Book 6, Full-Length, *Can Be Read As Standalone, Paranormal Romance, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Delightfully Entertaining Stars*****
*Although the author gives ample backstory, this reviewer strongly recommends reading the books of the series sequentially for maximum enjoyment and to avoid possible spoilers.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I loved, loved, loved Not Her Alpha, the sixth outrageously cute release in the Not This Series by Annie Nicholas! Yup, it's true; I really cannot believe I enjoyed it - but I did. Please allow me to explain. I'm a huge Annie Nicholas fan and usually one-click everything she releases. I think I own every single book she's ever published, and this series is one of my all-time favorites, yet I almost didn't purchase this book. Why? Because I disliked the hero. Actually, dislike doesn't even begin to describe how I felt about Chris Jenkins. I literally hated the guy. For anyone following the series, you may remember Jenkins was originally introduced in the second book, Not His Werewolf, as the Alpha of the Riverbend Pack. This dude was such a total jerk. I won't go into details or give any spoilers in case someone hasn't read the other books, but let's just say we didn't know the whole story - until now. I thought it would be impossible to make Chris Jenkins likable, and certainly not redeemable, but I'm a longtime fan, totally addicted to Nicholas' work, and just could not resist the temptation. Soooo, I put my trust in the author, one-clicked and dove in. Best decision ever! I don't mind admitting when I'm wrong (usually), but in this case, I was very wrong, because I LOVED Not Her Alpha and once again, Annie Nicholas didn't disappoint! I snickered, snorted, giggled, sniffled, and sobbed through the entire story but by the end, I was happy, satisfied and well entertained. Hey, don't judge; I'm a very emotional reader! lol... Not Her Alpha is a sexy, fast-paced, easy-to-follow, full-length, standalone paranormal tale filled to the brim with side-splitting humor, endearing characters, heartbreaking angst, dreamy romance and of course, a heartwarming happy ending. The narrative is beautifully written in the third person with his and her perspectives. The dialogue is snappy, hilarious, well-executed, and flows effortlessly. No one appreciates a well-written story better than me, but no matter how great the technical components and execution, without a cast of great characters, it's all for naught. And that's what I adore about the work of Annie Nicholas, she delivers the whole package, time after time. Each time I open a Nicholas book, I'm always assured a satisfying read, and Not Her Alpha was no exception. Werewolf Alpha Chris Jenkins and Dhampir Jade Ellington were such an unlikely couple. Both had heartbreaking histories they were trying to overcome, but the heart wants what the heart wants. Sigh... So romantic and angsty! And their sexual chemistry was smokin' hot! These two lonely souls were so perfect for each other. Although the banter, bickering, and interaction between Chris and Jade were often laugh-out-loud funny, don't let all the humor fool you. Chris and Jade had a difficult journey to find their happy ending.
No spoilers from me but I will say this... A misunderstood Alpha werewolf with the weight of the world on his shoulders, including a lovely cursed dhampir to protect and a ragtag pack of werewolves to provide for-check! A beautiful, lonely dhampir (half human/half vampire) held prisoner by her past and a handsome alpha werewolf who can't admit his feelings but willing to risk everything to protect her-check! An evil grimoire that could cost Jade everything, including her life-check! Vampires, dhampires, dragons, werewolves, gargoyles, witches, and black magic-Check! Danger, heartache, and lots of angst-check! Humor, attraction, passion, steamy sex, and sweet romance-you bet! That and a whole lot more!
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! I really, really did! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am but only for adult readers. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! Just as soon as she releases her next book! And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!