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Dark Mate-Claim #1
Protector: Rage
I want her dead, but for a woman like her there is a far worse fate:
She may hate me.
She will still be mine.
I awoke in hell. I don’t know who I was before, or where I came from. If I ever knew anything but darkness and pain.
What I am now is a machine. A weapon, whose every breath is controlled by the technology fused with my very DNA.
Bound in eternal servitude.
She did this.
Doctor Adelaide Thompson made me into the perfect soldier. A protector, incapable of doing her harm. But all I fantasize about is my hands around her throat. Her soft, pink lips gasping for air, and the drum of her pulse under my palms.
I hate her.
I want her.
And I am the only one who can save her life.
She won’t like the price…
NB: This is part 1 of Nora’s Protector serial. Previously published in the Ruled by the Alpha anthology.
She may hate me.
She will still be mine.
I awoke in hell. I don’t know who I was before, or where I came from. If I ever knew anything but darkness and pain.
What I am now is a machine. A weapon, whose every breath is controlled by the technology fused with my very DNA.
Bound in eternal servitude.
She did this.
Doctor Adelaide Thompson made me into the perfect soldier. A protector, incapable of doing her harm. But all I fantasize about is my hands around her throat. Her soft, pink lips gasping for air, and the drum of her pulse under my palms.
I hate her.
I want her.
And I am the only one who can save her life.
She won’t like the price…
NB: This is part 1 of Nora’s Protector serial. Previously published in the Ruled by the Alpha anthology.
110 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
72 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Nora Ash
44 books1,254 followersI am Nora Ash, and I write a plethora of different romance books. Some of them are really dirty, some of them are only kinda-dirty, some are paranormal, some are contemporary… Basically, I have a rampant imagination and no way of controlling it, except from just writing down whichever idea pops into my head at the time.
The one thing my books always have in common, though? A great story and a guaranteed HEA.
If you’re ever in doubt about what you’re about to read, have a look at my book page. It has a flame rating for each series, so you know what you’re getting yourself into!
I’m originally from the cold North (AKA Scandinavia) but these days I live in rainy England with my amazing fiancé and our two pesty cats. When I’m not writing, I’m probably reading, watching Real Housewives of Wherever (reality tv it’s my shameful addiction) or hiking in whatever bit of woodland I can find.
Three fun facts about me
I once ran away with a traveling circus
I’m bilingual. Almost-kinda trilingual, but my Spanish is terri-bad these days.
I’m a decent rider (English style only, though)
You can (and definitely should!) keep in touch with me via my newsletter or by joining my Facebook group.
The one thing my books always have in common, though? A great story and a guaranteed HEA.
If you’re ever in doubt about what you’re about to read, have a look at my book page. It has a flame rating for each series, so you know what you’re getting yourself into!
I’m originally from the cold North (AKA Scandinavia) but these days I live in rainy England with my amazing fiancé and our two pesty cats. When I’m not writing, I’m probably reading, watching Real Housewives of Wherever (reality tv it’s my shameful addiction) or hiking in whatever bit of woodland I can find.
Three fun facts about me
I once ran away with a traveling circus
I’m bilingual. Almost-kinda trilingual, but my Spanish is terri-bad these days.
I’m a decent rider (English style only, though)
You can (and definitely should!) keep in touch with me via my newsletter or by joining my Facebook group.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 3, 2023
This was a very short audiobook/novella but done well. I really got a feel of the hatred and attraction between the two and the ending was super intense. Will probably continue to part two very soon.
January 21, 2024
•| ⊱✿⊰ |• 2,8 Stars •| ⊱✿⊰ |
In another reality, men are alpha and betas, they have mates.
And Adelaide is a scientist that make super alphas of soldiers alpha wounded to death in combat.
The perfect soldiers, killing machines.
Adelaide doesn't recognize the man, only the machine.
For her, they don't have feelings, so she controls him.
Put throughout enormous pain, and she doesn't care.
Until she is kidnapped by the russians and her father commands her perfect soldier to rescuing her...
Will he arrive on time to save her?
February 26, 2024
I enjoyed this
January 24, 2025
Якось всього було мало, і іноді жгг дратувала.
July 1, 2024
Nora Ash’ Protector:Rage goes back to the world of Alpha.
To the one that sacrificed himself to help everyone escape.
Only to end up the same as AX2….under the cruel command of dr. Addie Thompson.
She sees them only as her creations,not as human.
This is AX2’s story,of how he was her creation,until he became more…..
Every human trait he shows,like an erection,is frowned upon.
Until General Thompson interferes and AX2 finds out he’s not the only one.
Seeing others like him brings back emotions he thought he’d lost.
While that may be good,he still can’t help,but worry what they’re planning for them….
Until the General takes him aside and gives him new orders….
His daughter has been taken by the Russians and he needs to get her back.
Is this the perfect opportunity to get the revenge he wants from her?
Because he wants her to pay for what she made him into….the way she forced him to follow orders…..
Death is too easy for her,no…..he knows exactly what he’ll do to her,and this is his chance…..
This is the first part of AX2’s story,and it sets the stage.
I have to agree with Nora,i hate Addie with a vengeance.
What she made AX2,and other Alpha’s into,and how she treated them?
She deserves what he wants to do to her,and more….
The general is just as bad,if not worse….he doesn’t recognize the work his daughter has done,simply because she’s a woman.
Giving dr. Green the credit Addie deserves stings,and he doesn’t even see it.
He’s too busy with getting his “private” little army ready for anything The Agency wants them to do.
I wonder what that means…..and i fear it at the same time.
Getting the ARC was a real treat,and i have no trouble leaving an honest review.
Because i loved this first part,and need to know what happens after that cliffhanger,badly!
So,Nora…..tell me,please….when is Protector:Treachery coming??
To the one that sacrificed himself to help everyone escape.
Only to end up the same as AX2….under the cruel command of dr. Addie Thompson.
She sees them only as her creations,not as human.
This is AX2’s story,of how he was her creation,until he became more…..
Every human trait he shows,like an erection,is frowned upon.
Until General Thompson interferes and AX2 finds out he’s not the only one.
Seeing others like him brings back emotions he thought he’d lost.
While that may be good,he still can’t help,but worry what they’re planning for them….
Until the General takes him aside and gives him new orders….
His daughter has been taken by the Russians and he needs to get her back.
Is this the perfect opportunity to get the revenge he wants from her?
Because he wants her to pay for what she made him into….the way she forced him to follow orders…..
Death is too easy for her,no…..he knows exactly what he’ll do to her,and this is his chance…..
This is the first part of AX2’s story,and it sets the stage.
I have to agree with Nora,i hate Addie with a vengeance.
What she made AX2,and other Alpha’s into,and how she treated them?
She deserves what he wants to do to her,and more….
The general is just as bad,if not worse….he doesn’t recognize the work his daughter has done,simply because she’s a woman.
Giving dr. Green the credit Addie deserves stings,and he doesn’t even see it.
He’s too busy with getting his “private” little army ready for anything The Agency wants them to do.
I wonder what that means…..and i fear it at the same time.
Getting the ARC was a real treat,and i have no trouble leaving an honest review.
Because i loved this first part,and need to know what happens after that cliffhanger,badly!
So,Nora…..tell me,please….when is Protector:Treachery coming??
April 15, 2023
Read it in the Anthology ‚Ruled by the Alpha‘ and can’t wait to continue with book 2.
I like the writing and story building of Nora Ash it’s razor sharp away from uncomfortable but every time on point right into the heart ♥️
I like the writing and story building of Nora Ash it’s razor sharp away from uncomfortable but every time on point right into the heart ♥️
October 10, 2023
3-4⭐️
Я вам скажу що це було несподівано цікаво 🤔
Хоча це й новела, але більшість речей я зрозуміла, хоча й хотілось би більше дізнатись про природу і причину ненависті, і про спогади.
Взагалі історія просякнута якоюсь безвихідністю і сумом.
Якщо наступна частина буде теж у форматі новели і дасть відповіді на мої питання, я залюбки прочитаю, тим більше стиль письма мені сподобався.
Попередження, настрій після історії буде не дуже радісним 😅
Я вам скажу що це було несподівано цікаво 🤔
Хоча це й новела, але більшість речей я зрозуміла, хоча й хотілось би більше дізнатись про природу і причину ненависті, і про спогади.
Взагалі історія просякнута якоюсь безвихідністю і сумом.
Якщо наступна частина буде теж у форматі новели і дасть відповіді на мої питання, я залюбки прочитаю, тим більше стиль письма мені сподобався.
Попередження, настрій після історії буде не дуже радісним 😅
May 19, 2023
Another great book by Nora Ash
I love this author and this didn’t disappoint. She weaves a futuristic tale that makes me feel like I am watching it unfold. I can see the characters and their world so clearly in my mind, I usually can’t put her books down. Ready for the next one in the series. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
I love this author and this didn’t disappoint. She weaves a futuristic tale that makes me feel like I am watching it unfold. I can see the characters and their world so clearly in my mind, I usually can’t put her books down. Ready for the next one in the series. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
December 21, 2024
That was interesting. I am definitely intrigued
This was a little different and a little refreshing. The fmc was kinda the villain, always calling him an animal, not even human.I think if I was the Mmc, I'd be pissed off too.
Only read if you are a season omegaverse reader. Not once did the book explain what the heck was happening.
This was a little different and a little refreshing. The fmc was kinda the villain, always calling him an animal, not even human.I think if I was the Mmc, I'd be pissed off too.
Only read if you are a season omegaverse reader. Not once did the book explain what the heck was happening.
November 28, 2024
Enjoyed this short audiobook. I immediately downloaded and began the second book after finishing this.
April 20, 2023
ALC review- Nora Ash my omegaverse queen has done it again! Cyborg alphas, omega scientist and true dystopian world building where alpha soldiers are broken and dehumanized. Until…. They are not anymore. And the hated omega who tortured AX2 is kidnapped and he is ordered by her father the general to rescue her…. Prepare yourself for a world of angst and one heck of a cliffhanger. Jason Clarke was born to narrate growly alpha voices and Stella Hunter actually managed to make this awful scientist likeable with her sexy vulnerability . I cant wait for the next book! Nora Ash hurry please ❤️❤️
May 18, 2025
Dnf. I just can’t.
August 19, 2023
I read this already when it was in an Omegaverse anthology and FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. I easily devoured it a second time after purchasing it again. Easily.
I would recommend this even if you don't normally seek out Omegaverse. There's so many other elements to take pleasure in that make this an exciting read, and it's all brought together effortlessly within that realm.
The main love interests are a scientist and her project AX2, the cyborg she's perfecting to become the best weapon for military. She runs experiments and examinations on him with strict routines. He sees her as his cold-hearted tormentor.
The story puts a lot of interest and personality into both the characters' development, without one overshadowing the other. I loved them both.
I would recommend this even if you don't normally seek out Omegaverse. There's so many other elements to take pleasure in that make this an exciting read, and it's all brought together effortlessly within that realm.
The main love interests are a scientist and her project AX2, the cyborg she's perfecting to become the best weapon for military. She runs experiments and examinations on him with strict routines. He sees her as his cold-hearted tormentor.
The story puts a lot of interest and personality into both the characters' development, without one overshadowing the other. I loved them both.
April 16, 2023
*ALC audio review*
I'm still processing what the hell that was I just read. I was prepared for dark, you are definitely given enough warnings, but maybe I was naive in thinking I knew what a "Dark Mate Claim Romance" actually entailed.
I'll be clear I was disorientated and confused and the story is extremely challenging but I still found it really well written and it gets you thinking and questioning yourself about the issues raised in this one. The power dynamics of abuser and victim, the ethics of genetic engineering in the pursuit of security, what it means to be human or machine, can/should technology eradicate and override the biological drives and instincts.
As you can see, not questions I thought I would be tackling when what I thought I was listening to was a romance. But I strangely like it. Its not often I'm completely blindsided like this and I find this whole story surprisingly fascinating.
Dr Adelaide Thompson and her genetically engineered creation of an Alpha super soldier, AX 2, bring a whole new dimension to the word "enemies". In a modern twist on the Frankenstein creator-creature dynamic, they are irrevocably tied to each other and hate each other with a passion. This is understandable on AX 2 part, in her pursuit to create the perfect weapon Adelaide has tortured him to breaking point and is able to control him by a chip taking away his autonomy.
Adelaide is really really unlikeable and I struggled with the uncomfortable power dynamic and the ruthless drive to refuse to see any humanity in AX 2 and treat him as a slave. But, thanks in no small part to the performance of Stella Hunter in the audio, just because she is unlikeable doesn't mean you cannot start to see why she is the way she is. Towards the end of the book it is painful to see her journey and that cliffhanger!!! Yeah as I say I'm hooked.
Jason Clarke is equally superb playing the tormented Alpha soldier struggling to deal with the conflicting emotions roiling inside him and his ending hatred for his tormentor but at the same time an undeniable physical need and longing for her. He can skillfully balance the edges of his fragmented mental state between mindless soldier and the vulnerable vestiges of humanity he is desperate to cling onto.
This is the first in the series and as I say ends on a major cliffhanger which will see a whole new dimension to Adelaide and AX 2 relationship and I CANNOT WAIT to find out more.
If you are not afraid to be challenged and don't have any triggers around dubious consent, abuse, power imbalances then I really recommend you give this a try. It will surprise you.
I'm still processing what the hell that was I just read. I was prepared for dark, you are definitely given enough warnings, but maybe I was naive in thinking I knew what a "Dark Mate Claim Romance" actually entailed.
I'll be clear I was disorientated and confused and the story is extremely challenging but I still found it really well written and it gets you thinking and questioning yourself about the issues raised in this one. The power dynamics of abuser and victim, the ethics of genetic engineering in the pursuit of security, what it means to be human or machine, can/should technology eradicate and override the biological drives and instincts.
As you can see, not questions I thought I would be tackling when what I thought I was listening to was a romance. But I strangely like it. Its not often I'm completely blindsided like this and I find this whole story surprisingly fascinating.
Dr Adelaide Thompson and her genetically engineered creation of an Alpha super soldier, AX 2, bring a whole new dimension to the word "enemies". In a modern twist on the Frankenstein creator-creature dynamic, they are irrevocably tied to each other and hate each other with a passion. This is understandable on AX 2 part, in her pursuit to create the perfect weapon Adelaide has tortured him to breaking point and is able to control him by a chip taking away his autonomy.
Adelaide is really really unlikeable and I struggled with the uncomfortable power dynamic and the ruthless drive to refuse to see any humanity in AX 2 and treat him as a slave. But, thanks in no small part to the performance of Stella Hunter in the audio, just because she is unlikeable doesn't mean you cannot start to see why she is the way she is. Towards the end of the book it is painful to see her journey and that cliffhanger!!! Yeah as I say I'm hooked.
Jason Clarke is equally superb playing the tormented Alpha soldier struggling to deal with the conflicting emotions roiling inside him and his ending hatred for his tormentor but at the same time an undeniable physical need and longing for her. He can skillfully balance the edges of his fragmented mental state between mindless soldier and the vulnerable vestiges of humanity he is desperate to cling onto.
This is the first in the series and as I say ends on a major cliffhanger which will see a whole new dimension to Adelaide and AX 2 relationship and I CANNOT WAIT to find out more.
If you are not afraid to be challenged and don't have any triggers around dubious consent, abuse, power imbalances then I really recommend you give this a try. It will surprise you.
October 17, 2023
Book: Protector (Rage)
Read By: Ebook
Author: Noras Ash
Genre: Omega Verse, Romance
Recommend: Yes
Spice:🌶️️🌶️️
< b>Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
My feelings:
I absolutely gobbled this book up. Its only a short 110 page book but it's filled with action and drama.
“Besides…. I like the knot a lot”
There is something about the Omega-verse that just draws me in.
“Her claiming mark she has been claimed and her alpha he lies dead down the hall”
I love how this was flipped. Most omega-verse books are the alpha claiming the female and that being that. But this time the omega has the power and I love it.
Female power! Hahaha and all that comes with it.
“A single word pounds in his brain reverberating through his body and into the very helix of his DNA mine”
Highly recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
This was a really good read…I’ve been looking for a good cyborg story and this was it…
AX2 is a cyborg and also part human,not forgetting he’s an alpha ..
I really like him and feel so sorry for him and there is Addie who more or less made him and she is a cold hearted bitch to him and how she treats him is cruel..but without giving any spoilers ..Addie ends up in a predicament where AX2 has to save her, ..this is a short book as it is book 1 in the series,so it carries onto book 2..if you like cyborgs,then you might like this 🥰
AX2 is a cyborg and also part human,not forgetting he’s an alpha ..
I really like him and feel so sorry for him and there is Addie who more or less made him and she is a cold hearted bitch to him and how she treats him is cruel..but without giving any spoilers ..Addie ends up in a predicament where AX2 has to save her, ..this is a short book as it is book 1 in the series,so it carries onto book 2..if you like cyborgs,then you might like this 🥰
May 3, 2023
This is a well written book with strong characters and an action packed storyline. The author pulled me in and had me glued to the pages. She brings the heat in this enemies to lovers storyline. It moves quickly and smoothly and I loved reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 10, 2024
Abo/cyborg. A nice twist.
June 2, 2024
This book is part one of a three part story, so it was basically just the set up, but I loved it. This is definitely my favorite book that I've read from this author so far.
July 27, 2023
THIS REVIEW IS BASED ON THE ENTIRE TRILOGY.
THE HEROINE WAS A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW - in the beginning. I kid you not, I struggled to get through what a cold bitch Addie was before reaching the third and final book of the story. I even contemplated to ditch the series even though I love Nora Ash's writings, and I scrolled through reviews just to convince myself why I shouldn't or should ditch the series.
Luckily, I persevered because I truly wanted to know why our heroine was the way she was, AND how on earth the author would ever make their romance work.
Frankly, I'm not sure how their relationship would even unfold had they never forcefully mated without a choice. I honestly doubt they would have gone on the romantic route.
ADDIE was the epitome of a woman struggling to survive in a man's world, and not just any man - an ALPHA infested world. The way she treated the AX soldiers, especially our hero, AX2, really had me second-guessing how they could ever fall in love when she was so...cold and cruel. At some point I thought she didn't deserve AX2 at all, but Nora Ash managed to make me change my mind when Addie fell off her throne of power and authority, allowing us and Ax2 a glimpse of how broken she truly was inside. There were no excuses to the inhumanity she subjected the men to, but at least there was redemption at the end.
AX2 was undeniably one of the better male characters I've ever had the great joy of reading. I've always gotten a thrill of cyborg romances, because it's interesting to fantasize about a robot being able to develop human emotions, let alone fall in love, though Ax2 was anything but a machine. Sure, he may have been brought back to life thanks to cybernetics and technology infused into his biological body, but he was still a human being - a man WHO FELT. Ironically, he was more human than Addie despite being created into a killing machine. Ax2's greatest trait was his patience and devotion (even if instinctual) throughout his forced mating with Addie. He was THE BEST! I mean, someone give the man a gold medal for even being able to feel sorry for his enemy, and not killing her when she was at her lowest.
OVERALL this was a wonderful but CHALLENGING omegaverse read. I agree it was a different spin on the usual traits of what you would find in an omegaverse story. SADLY, there was NO HEAT/RUT mating, and while it wasn't primal, it was instinctual. And yes, there's a distinctive difference between the two if you're a big omegaverse fan. This series was more focused on the emotional and psychological aspect of what omegaverse represents and its challenges. While lusty, it definitely gives one food for thought instead.
THE HEROINE WAS A BITTER PILL TO SWALLOW - in the beginning. I kid you not, I struggled to get through what a cold bitch Addie was before reaching the third and final book of the story. I even contemplated to ditch the series even though I love Nora Ash's writings, and I scrolled through reviews just to convince myself why I shouldn't or should ditch the series.
Luckily, I persevered because I truly wanted to know why our heroine was the way she was, AND how on earth the author would ever make their romance work.
Frankly, I'm not sure how their relationship would even unfold had they never forcefully mated without a choice. I honestly doubt they would have gone on the romantic route.
ADDIE was the epitome of a woman struggling to survive in a man's world, and not just any man - an ALPHA infested world. The way she treated the AX soldiers, especially our hero, AX2, really had me second-guessing how they could ever fall in love when she was so...cold and cruel. At some point I thought she didn't deserve AX2 at all, but Nora Ash managed to make me change my mind when Addie fell off her throne of power and authority, allowing us and Ax2 a glimpse of how broken she truly was inside. There were no excuses to the inhumanity she subjected the men to, but at least there was redemption at the end.
AX2 was undeniably one of the better male characters I've ever had the great joy of reading. I've always gotten a thrill of cyborg romances, because it's interesting to fantasize about a robot being able to develop human emotions, let alone fall in love, though Ax2 was anything but a machine. Sure, he may have been brought back to life thanks to cybernetics and technology infused into his biological body, but he was still a human being - a man WHO FELT. Ironically, he was more human than Addie despite being created into a killing machine. Ax2's greatest trait was his patience and devotion (even if instinctual) throughout his forced mating with Addie. He was THE BEST! I mean, someone give the man a gold medal for even being able to feel sorry for his enemy, and not killing her when she was at her lowest.
OVERALL this was a wonderful but CHALLENGING omegaverse read. I agree it was a different spin on the usual traits of what you would find in an omegaverse story. SADLY, there was NO HEAT/RUT mating, and while it wasn't primal, it was instinctual. And yes, there's a distinctive difference between the two if you're a big omegaverse fan. This series was more focused on the emotional and psychological aspect of what omegaverse represents and its challenges. While lusty, it definitely gives one food for thought instead.
May 3, 2023
This is an emotionally charged, psychologically twisted, and sophisticated rendering of the alpha/omegaverse. Ash takes us on a journey through a labyrinth of modern day intrigue and a battle of wills between a redesigned alpha soldier and the doctor who created him. The elements that figure prominently in this trilogy remind me of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and the “Bourne Legacy”. Compared to the former, Dr. Adelaide Thompson has created a class of soldiers from alphas who suffered near fatal wounds from combat. This first installment is focused on AX2 who has been under her management for the past 3 years. He has spent that time basically in solitary confinement; the only presence in his spartan and sterile environment is Dr. Adelaide. If AX2 exhibits any emotion, the doctor activates the pain sensors throughout his body. It becomes apparent who the “monster” really is. She does not want to believe he is human. She wants to control him - an alpha.
At 6’11” and 411 pounds, AX2 is a million dollar Pentagon project; however, underneath the synthetic flesh-covered metal is a man, not a “thing”, who is hiding his despair and longing for touch. While in recovery, AX2 hears the doctor talk about others of his class. For the first time in 3 years there is a glimmer of hope - he is not alone, and there is no way he will allow his passive expression betray the feeling soaring beneath. He would soon learn that General Thompson, Addie’s father, wants her to modify his programming to include socialization with the other AX’s. Addie is horrified and incensed, while AX2 is secretly overjoyed. Reader will really enjoy the series of events that follow after this. They will allow us to see both Addie and AX2’s hatred for each other. AX2’s reasons are apparent, but Addie’s are cloaked. There is betrayal, political intrigue, and a mission to accomplish. I was fully aware that this ends in a cliffhanger, and it’s a really shocking end to this first in the series. Very exciting, but we will have to wait for the romance part…maybe in the next book? I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily, but I purchased this book and the next…and read them both twice! They are that good! ✨✨✨
At 6’11” and 411 pounds, AX2 is a million dollar Pentagon project; however, underneath the synthetic flesh-covered metal is a man, not a “thing”, who is hiding his despair and longing for touch. While in recovery, AX2 hears the doctor talk about others of his class. For the first time in 3 years there is a glimmer of hope - he is not alone, and there is no way he will allow his passive expression betray the feeling soaring beneath. He would soon learn that General Thompson, Addie’s father, wants her to modify his programming to include socialization with the other AX’s. Addie is horrified and incensed, while AX2 is secretly overjoyed. Reader will really enjoy the series of events that follow after this. They will allow us to see both Addie and AX2’s hatred for each other. AX2’s reasons are apparent, but Addie’s are cloaked. There is betrayal, political intrigue, and a mission to accomplish. I was fully aware that this ends in a cliffhanger, and it’s a really shocking end to this first in the series. Very exciting, but we will have to wait for the romance part…maybe in the next book? I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily, but I purchased this book and the next…and read them both twice! They are that good! ✨✨✨
May 2, 2023
AX2 is a military experiment, a soldier saved from the jaws of death only to be turned into a super soldier, part robot / part human.
Dr Addie Thompson is his creator, she has made him, healed him, owns him - she sees him as anything but human, he is her project. Years of training in isolation, with command chips in his head to ensure his behaviour and that he follows orders.
But AX2 hates her, would like nothing more than to end her life, but of course is unable to follow through with any of this. But he still retains some of his human side, his Alpha side comes through when she touches his skin to make sure she has mended him, smells her shampoo and her scent, his body reacts accordingly - Addie is disgusted by this, a human reaction, which she considers him not to be.
Things change though when the General appears at the base, he just happens to be Addie's father, and he doesn't like what he sees. He sees them as human, as soldiers, and wants them to be treated as such. Addie is furious that all her hard work is going to go to waste, that her father cannot see what a fantastic weapon she has created.
AX2 finds he is not alone in this world, there are more of him, military brothers like him. Mixing and interacting with them brings back some emotions and feelings he has not felt for years. But he is dubious as to what they are going want him to be used for.....
I did enjoy this, loved the omegaverse twist on things. Addie's character is awful, and I feel she gets what she deserves. I feel for AX2 and what he has been through, how he longs to die to be free of what he has become. I love how his Alpha side re-emerges and how devastating the effects are on Addie.
But it is a really short read, a novella in length - I think there are 3 books in this series, which could maybe have been merged into just 1 or two if they are the same length as this! Still I'm very much looking forward to seeing how all this turns out!
Dr Addie Thompson is his creator, she has made him, healed him, owns him - she sees him as anything but human, he is her project. Years of training in isolation, with command chips in his head to ensure his behaviour and that he follows orders.
But AX2 hates her, would like nothing more than to end her life, but of course is unable to follow through with any of this. But he still retains some of his human side, his Alpha side comes through when she touches his skin to make sure she has mended him, smells her shampoo and her scent, his body reacts accordingly - Addie is disgusted by this, a human reaction, which she considers him not to be.
Things change though when the General appears at the base, he just happens to be Addie's father, and he doesn't like what he sees. He sees them as human, as soldiers, and wants them to be treated as such. Addie is furious that all her hard work is going to go to waste, that her father cannot see what a fantastic weapon she has created.
AX2 finds he is not alone in this world, there are more of him, military brothers like him. Mixing and interacting with them brings back some emotions and feelings he has not felt for years. But he is dubious as to what they are going want him to be used for.....
I did enjoy this, loved the omegaverse twist on things. Addie's character is awful, and I feel she gets what she deserves. I feel for AX2 and what he has been through, how he longs to die to be free of what he has become. I love how his Alpha side re-emerges and how devastating the effects are on Addie.
But it is a really short read, a novella in length - I think there are 3 books in this series, which could maybe have been merged into just 1 or two if they are the same length as this! Still I'm very much looking forward to seeing how all this turns out!
April 22, 2023
Protector: Rage
by Nora Ash
Narrated by Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke
This is a quick listen and it my attention immediately. Addie, a strong, smart woman has created the perfect soldier. Helping soldiers on the brink of death and rebuilding them with new parts and wiring that enables her to control everything they do. She is a bit arrogant when it comes to her creations, so when her father, the General, puts a new plan for these men in motion, she is beside herself. AX2 is one of her experiments and when it comes to getting her out of a fix, he is the one man the General can trust to bring her back. Will his distrust of her stop him from his mission? Can she give the commands to override her father? Nora Ash creates a new Omegaverse to sink my teeth into. Addie is a character I can respect, but her personality is hard to like. AX2 has all the sympathy from me, wanting to help him! But they result of it all has left me wanting to know what will happen next in this story! I know there is more coming and I can't wait.
Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke are so good together, and their portrayal of these characters is immpecable. Hunter makes Addie a force to be wreckoned with. She is proud, protective and a bit over the top and Hunter gets it. I had mixed feelings for her, and knowing I am supposed to proves her talent. Clarke gives us the broody, unhappy AX2. He understands his missions, but doesn't like them and how he has been rebult. I could feel his sadness, his frustration and conflict. Perfect tones of voice made him believable. It's a perfect casting.
#ALC #comingsoon #omegaverse #Politicalthriller #darkromance #audioromance #noraash #stellahunter #jasonclarke #audiblyaddicted
by Nora Ash
Narrated by Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke
This is a quick listen and it my attention immediately. Addie, a strong, smart woman has created the perfect soldier. Helping soldiers on the brink of death and rebuilding them with new parts and wiring that enables her to control everything they do. She is a bit arrogant when it comes to her creations, so when her father, the General, puts a new plan for these men in motion, she is beside herself. AX2 is one of her experiments and when it comes to getting her out of a fix, he is the one man the General can trust to bring her back. Will his distrust of her stop him from his mission? Can she give the commands to override her father? Nora Ash creates a new Omegaverse to sink my teeth into. Addie is a character I can respect, but her personality is hard to like. AX2 has all the sympathy from me, wanting to help him! But they result of it all has left me wanting to know what will happen next in this story! I know there is more coming and I can't wait.
Stella Hunter and Jason Clarke are so good together, and their portrayal of these characters is immpecable. Hunter makes Addie a force to be wreckoned with. She is proud, protective and a bit over the top and Hunter gets it. I had mixed feelings for her, and knowing I am supposed to proves her talent. Clarke gives us the broody, unhappy AX2. He understands his missions, but doesn't like them and how he has been rebult. I could feel his sadness, his frustration and conflict. Perfect tones of voice made him believable. It's a perfect casting.
#ALC #comingsoon #omegaverse #Politicalthriller #darkromance #audioromance #noraash #stellahunter #jasonclarke #audiblyaddicted
May 1, 2023
*received an advanced copy before release date and am voluntarily writing this review*
(Is it obvious that it's been years since I've written that statement?) Ash came out with this book and I decided to delve back into her work because of how hot the sex can be, especially with the dark themes added into it. This one... is probably her darkest for me, specifically because of the trigger warnings in the summary/on her page and the way things went down. I was a little worried at first that the triggers would all be coming from the alpha Ax2 but--well, revealing anything else would be spoiling.
It was a fast-paced and easy read with a LOT of world building in one of the most quickly efficient ways possible. Like good books, it gave a basic structure and relied on the reader's ability to fill in the blanks to make the world a pretty cool place. These alphas are wired machines, there's a secret lab hoarding these dudes, and if there's one thing that just can't be programmed out of them, it's the fact that they were men first. So this whole concept of perfect soldiers and the struggles in power over how to best foster these weapons of mass destruction was entertaining. I liked that Addie was set in her ways and refused to back down on anything. I love that for Ax2, it showed a possible future where she could maybe be someone for him that wasn't so breakable or fragile in his hands. And I just love that they're starting out as enemies first. It's one of my favorite tropes.
Overall I thought it was a good read. I hated that the referenced rape was in here at all but I also get that it's one of the triggers, so it's just something you'll have to brace for, or don't read it.
(Is it obvious that it's been years since I've written that statement?) Ash came out with this book and I decided to delve back into her work because of how hot the sex can be, especially with the dark themes added into it. This one... is probably her darkest for me, specifically because of the trigger warnings in the summary/on her page and the way things went down. I was a little worried at first that the triggers would all be coming from the alpha Ax2 but--well, revealing anything else would be spoiling.
It was a fast-paced and easy read with a LOT of world building in one of the most quickly efficient ways possible. Like good books, it gave a basic structure and relied on the reader's ability to fill in the blanks to make the world a pretty cool place. These alphas are wired machines, there's a secret lab hoarding these dudes, and if there's one thing that just can't be programmed out of them, it's the fact that they were men first. So this whole concept of perfect soldiers and the struggles in power over how to best foster these weapons of mass destruction was entertaining. I liked that Addie was set in her ways and refused to back down on anything. I love that for Ax2, it showed a possible future where she could maybe be someone for him that wasn't so breakable or fragile in his hands. And I just love that they're starting out as enemies first. It's one of my favorite tropes.
Overall I thought it was a good read. I hated that the referenced rape was in here at all but I also get that it's one of the triggers, so it's just something you'll have to brace for, or don't read it.
May 2, 2023
“In the same way he is simply a sophisticated weapon to her, she is to him a nameless, faceless cog in the system that created him.
Except when she touches him.”
4.8/5 ⭐️
AX2 is an experimental soldier, more of a weapon than a man, but deep inside he is still an Alpha. Addie is a scientist trying to prove her worth to herself and the world.
AX2 is a former soldier who was brought int the AX project. The AX project is a secret US military experiment trying to create a human weapon without human emotions and setbacks. Addie, the leading scientist in the project, is also the main tormentor. Addie doesn’t see AX2 as more than a weapon and AX2 is not sure how to be a human again. When a triggering interaction causes them to remember their Alpha/omega instincts, they fight against it leading them to more trouble.
“His nose brushes against the tendon in my neck, a small gasp leaving his lungs as he breathes me in, and that something low in my abdomen… softens. Readying me.”
I loved watching them fight their draw to each other and deny any feelings towards each other other than hate. I am super excited to see how their story unfolds.
This is the first book by the author Nora Ash. I love reading omegaverse, especially the dark romance omegaverse books. I really enjoyed how the author set up the world throughout the entire book and did not try to force all the background information into the first chapter. The progression was steady and well executed and left me wanting to read more. I think fans of LeannRyan & Liliana Carlisle would really enjoy this book. Please please always review the CW/TW so you don’t go in blind.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Except when she touches him.”
4.8/5 ⭐️
AX2 is an experimental soldier, more of a weapon than a man, but deep inside he is still an Alpha. Addie is a scientist trying to prove her worth to herself and the world.
AX2 is a former soldier who was brought int the AX project. The AX project is a secret US military experiment trying to create a human weapon without human emotions and setbacks. Addie, the leading scientist in the project, is also the main tormentor. Addie doesn’t see AX2 as more than a weapon and AX2 is not sure how to be a human again. When a triggering interaction causes them to remember their Alpha/omega instincts, they fight against it leading them to more trouble.
“His nose brushes against the tendon in my neck, a small gasp leaving his lungs as he breathes me in, and that something low in my abdomen… softens. Readying me.”
I loved watching them fight their draw to each other and deny any feelings towards each other other than hate. I am super excited to see how their story unfolds.
This is the first book by the author Nora Ash. I love reading omegaverse, especially the dark romance omegaverse books. I really enjoyed how the author set up the world throughout the entire book and did not try to force all the background information into the first chapter. The progression was steady and well executed and left me wanting to read more. I think fans of LeannRyan & Liliana Carlisle would really enjoy this book. Please please always review the CW/TW so you don’t go in blind.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2023
Protector Rage: A Dark Romance - Part 1 – ALC
Written by Nora Ash
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella
Please visit Nora Ash website for a complete listing of Trigger Warnings (listen at your own discretion)
Part 1
Nora Ash never fails with her imagination and writing skill. She develops each character with such detail and the story just flows. I was prepared for a dark read and boy did I get one. In this first installment we meet Dr Addie Thompson a frigid, cold, and cruel scientist who has created a legal weapon known as AX2. This bionic of a man with a lot of human characteristics it was like Matrix meets the 6-billion-dollar man. AX2 is an Alpha in every sense of the word except Addie has done everything in her power to erase any emotion, or anything that could resemble human feelings or thought processes. Her cruel harsh punishments and the intense levels of pain she brings down when AX2 is out of line or does not follow her ever command. I absolutely hated her in this book, but there of course are hidden things we as listeners have not discovered yet. AX2 is not just a machine he is THE ALPHA and Addie will soon discover what that means. We end with one hell of a cliff hanger.
I cannot go into too much detail because I am afraid of spoiling the story, but Nora is an assassin with her imagination, that gives us such a vivid story and the narrators she chose to bring both Addie and AX2 to life are off the charts. I loved EVERY minute of this first installment. I give these 5 stars and reviewed with my honest opinion. Cannot wait for Part 2
Written by Nora Ash
Narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella
Please visit Nora Ash website for a complete listing of Trigger Warnings (listen at your own discretion)
Part 1
Nora Ash never fails with her imagination and writing skill. She develops each character with such detail and the story just flows. I was prepared for a dark read and boy did I get one. In this first installment we meet Dr Addie Thompson a frigid, cold, and cruel scientist who has created a legal weapon known as AX2. This bionic of a man with a lot of human characteristics it was like Matrix meets the 6-billion-dollar man. AX2 is an Alpha in every sense of the word except Addie has done everything in her power to erase any emotion, or anything that could resemble human feelings or thought processes. Her cruel harsh punishments and the intense levels of pain she brings down when AX2 is out of line or does not follow her ever command. I absolutely hated her in this book, but there of course are hidden things we as listeners have not discovered yet. AX2 is not just a machine he is THE ALPHA and Addie will soon discover what that means. We end with one hell of a cliff hanger.
I cannot go into too much detail because I am afraid of spoiling the story, but Nora is an assassin with her imagination, that gives us such a vivid story and the narrators she chose to bring both Addie and AX2 to life are off the charts. I loved EVERY minute of this first installment. I give these 5 stars and reviewed with my honest opinion. Cannot wait for Part 2
April 24, 2023
Note: Please check out Nora Ash’s website for information on the trigger warnings for this series. There are some very sensitive topics covered in this series.
Dr. Addie Thompson has created the perfect soldier, AX2. A deadly machine devoted to serve. She controls AX2’s every move, and painfully punishes the slightest infraction of her orders. It’s like she needs AX2’s submission. For some reason, Addie seems to hate AX2, and the feeling seems mutual, yet there is also an attraction between them. Not quite understanding why, AX2 wants to strangle Addie and make her suffer. Addie is a very smart and successful doctor, and her work with the defense weapons is getting recognized, despite being a female in a male-dominated field. She can’t show any emotions for fear her work will be looked down upon. She figures her hard demeanor will earn the respect of her peers—especially her father the general.
When Addie finds herself in a dire situation, AX2 is sent to save her. When she’s discovered, AX2 sees what she’s been through. To keep her from dying, he’s ordered to do whatever it takes to save Addie. This is when things take a turn, and it gets REALLY interesting.
I was very excited to get a hold of this book. Nora has written a very complicated, sometimes very dark erotic tale, with twists and turns that just pulled me in deeper and deeper. This ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll be immediately starting Protector: Treachery to see what happens next.
This Protector series is part of a larger omegaverse, and I will be going back to get the full story.
Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter are top notch with their job of bringing this story to aural life.
Dr. Addie Thompson has created the perfect soldier, AX2. A deadly machine devoted to serve. She controls AX2’s every move, and painfully punishes the slightest infraction of her orders. It’s like she needs AX2’s submission. For some reason, Addie seems to hate AX2, and the feeling seems mutual, yet there is also an attraction between them. Not quite understanding why, AX2 wants to strangle Addie and make her suffer. Addie is a very smart and successful doctor, and her work with the defense weapons is getting recognized, despite being a female in a male-dominated field. She can’t show any emotions for fear her work will be looked down upon. She figures her hard demeanor will earn the respect of her peers—especially her father the general.
When Addie finds herself in a dire situation, AX2 is sent to save her. When she’s discovered, AX2 sees what she’s been through. To keep her from dying, he’s ordered to do whatever it takes to save Addie. This is when things take a turn, and it gets REALLY interesting.
I was very excited to get a hold of this book. Nora has written a very complicated, sometimes very dark erotic tale, with twists and turns that just pulled me in deeper and deeper. This ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll be immediately starting Protector: Treachery to see what happens next.
This Protector series is part of a larger omegaverse, and I will be going back to get the full story.
Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter are top notch with their job of bringing this story to aural life.
April 17, 2023
This is a fast pace, short first part with major cliffy, so hang tide!
The first chapter blow my mind of how the author made me feel. Told mostly from his POV, AX2 is a machine. Or so he was told, treated and look like it.
So when his pov told so deep of his loneliness, of his need of human touch, of how angry he is to his tormentors for years of solitude, pain and repressed of his Alpha instinct...when it's simmer to almost full blown explode, that scene was strong!
I can feel his Alpha-ness like Addie felt it in her omega soul.
Dark and tempting. Animalistic and raw.
And from his POV, we see how evil Addie is. Hiding behind her doctor suit, her science god, her lust to be a god to the Alpha she keep saying she created... I have to say she disgusted me. She's cruel with her torment. She has ripped him off his memories. She keep violates him over and over again in her blind take of power. In this first book, when she yield to her omega traits, it's satisfying.
But the best part was the end of first book. How humanity prevail when he still sees her as another human being been hurt and broken despite his hate towards her. The animalistic dynamics of Alpha and omega was basic. The savagery in his action was necessary and satisfying ending to start their journey.
For me the feelings the author made me feel was raw and deserved all the stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first chapter blow my mind of how the author made me feel. Told mostly from his POV, AX2 is a machine. Or so he was told, treated and look like it.
So when his pov told so deep of his loneliness, of his need of human touch, of how angry he is to his tormentors for years of solitude, pain and repressed of his Alpha instinct...when it's simmer to almost full blown explode, that scene was strong!
I can feel his Alpha-ness like Addie felt it in her omega soul.
Dark and tempting. Animalistic and raw.
And from his POV, we see how evil Addie is. Hiding behind her doctor suit, her science god, her lust to be a god to the Alpha she keep saying she created... I have to say she disgusted me. She's cruel with her torment. She has ripped him off his memories. She keep violates him over and over again in her blind take of power. In this first book, when she yield to her omega traits, it's satisfying.
But the best part was the end of first book. How humanity prevail when he still sees her as another human being been hurt and broken despite his hate towards her. The animalistic dynamics of Alpha and omega was basic. The savagery in his action was necessary and satisfying ending to start their journey.
For me the feelings the author made me feel was raw and deserved all the stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2023
This is the second or third book of Nora Ash’s that I have read. I enjoyed this story. Nora notifies the reader that this story is part one of a series and ends on a cliffhanger. She also warns that the story contains dark subject matter (e.g., torture, abuse, violence, slavery, and sexual assault), which may trigger some readers. The story, which clocked in at 73 pages on my eReader, contained physical violence between a male and female and slight mind-control. Sexual trauma is implied in the story.
This short story is an Omegaverse story that starts in a science lab to make the ultimate soldier. Most of the story is about the scientific relationship between Dr. Adelaide Thompson and her “creation” AX2. There is some world-building by introducing the other alpha cyborgs and describing the science lab/military base where they are isolated. Dr. Thompson sees the soldiers as “machines” however she cannot control biology as hard as she tries. Neither character is overly likable. Dr. Thompson presents as soulless while AX2 appears as the typical “killing machine.” The story ended on a cliffhanger, but there was a bit of romance. I recommend this novel for Nora Ash fans and others that want a different take on the Omegaverse.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This short story is an Omegaverse story that starts in a science lab to make the ultimate soldier. Most of the story is about the scientific relationship between Dr. Adelaide Thompson and her “creation” AX2. There is some world-building by introducing the other alpha cyborgs and describing the science lab/military base where they are isolated. Dr. Thompson sees the soldiers as “machines” however she cannot control biology as hard as she tries. Neither character is overly likable. Dr. Thompson presents as soulless while AX2 appears as the typical “killing machine.” The story ended on a cliffhanger, but there was a bit of romance. I recommend this novel for Nora Ash fans and others that want a different take on the Omegaverse.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2023
AX2, the male alpha cyborg lead, has no memory before being in a laboratory under the supervision of his creator, Addie, the female omega human lead and lead scientist. He loathes Addie for the things she’s done to him and Addie believes him to be a weapon/machine with no thoughts or feelings.
But when Addie is kidnapped by enemies, AX2 is sent with the explicit command to save her. And when he finds she’s been forcibly bonded and he’s killed her alpha which will lead to her death, the only way to save her is to overwrite the bond by himself…
This short novella is dual POV, well written, and a genuinely dark beginning to a romance serial. I first read this as part of an anthology and was seriously miffed that it didn’t say upfront that it was incomplete but, knowing it’s a serial, it’s an interesting and engaging beginning. Trigger warnings are totally appropriate - please pay attention! I empathised with the struggles of both lead characters. I found the world they’re living in dark. I appreciated the character development and the set up for the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But when Addie is kidnapped by enemies, AX2 is sent with the explicit command to save her. And when he finds she’s been forcibly bonded and he’s killed her alpha which will lead to her death, the only way to save her is to overwrite the bond by himself…
This short novella is dual POV, well written, and a genuinely dark beginning to a romance serial. I first read this as part of an anthology and was seriously miffed that it didn’t say upfront that it was incomplete but, knowing it’s a serial, it’s an interesting and engaging beginning. Trigger warnings are totally appropriate - please pay attention! I empathised with the struggles of both lead characters. I found the world they’re living in dark. I appreciated the character development and the set up for the rest of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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