Team: A.L.P.H.A.:Six battle-hardened alphas with one goal—to save any omega in peril
Preston Tierney, the omega son of a prominent senator, has been taken by a secret group with an ax to grind. Party boy Preston was just out looking for a good time until he was grabbed—plucked right from a party in the middle of a crowd. When he wakes up, he finds himself caged like an animal in a remote cabin far from home.
Noah Perkins is a strong alpha who leads his unit with a strong hand—and a great sense of humor. The last thing he expected when he went to free the sassy little thing in the cage was to scent his own fated mate.
Noah and his crazy crew must free Preston from captivity—from his kidnappers, and again from a source much closer to home than they would’ve imagined—while Noah tries to figure out how to tame his bristly omega and truly embrace the team’s motto: Accept, Love, Protect, Honor—Always.
This is the first in a new series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. You can expect to find naughty, knotty scenes of steamy passion, along with a lot of potty-mouth language and some violence. No jackals were harmed in the writing of this book—unless they kinda deserved it. HEA definitely included, intended for 18+ readers only. Seriously, would you expect anything less from Susi Hawke and Crista Crown?
I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!
I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.
As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.
I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.
This book was hilarious. So, generic Alpha embodies every meathead stereotype.... MISSION FIRST, STAY ON TASK SOLDIER!! He fucks things up, knows he’s fucked things up and the great big ape stands there, scratching his head wondering what could possibly have gone wrong and doing nothing to fix it. He says nothing to the Omega about future plans, becomes standoffish after the mating and then just assumes the Omega will instinctively know he plans for them to live in his house after he completes the mission. Such stereotypes!! Much originality.
But the funniest, funniest part is when .... huge spoiler.... he returns his Omega to his home where he discovers the Omega’s senator father has two options for him, rehab or get married to someone his father has selected. The Omega’s suitor realises he’s pregnant and storms off. Alpha tells the senator the kid is his and he’s claimed the Omega. Senator makes no bones about the fact he’s gunning for an abortion and doesn’t accept the claim. He makes it clear he can have the Omega committed if he so wishes as he has that clout.
Alpha hears all this and thinks “yeah, the Omega will be safe here. Off to finish the mission.” WHAT!!!! Later when he discovers the Omega has, indeed, been committed he’s dumbfounded.... but I thought he’d be safe with his father, he wails. Which father? The one that you witnessed trying to force his son into an arranged marriage? Maybe the father who threatened you with ruin if you tried to go against him? Or the father that threatened to commit the Omega and made no bones about the fact that he was going to insist on an abortion... that father?
Even worse, after a harrowing few days in a facility, being starved, tormented and nearly raped, the Omega looks at the Alpha like he’s his hero for coming to rescue him. Errr, this is the alpha who failed, spectacularly, at protecting you and your unborn child. Yes, he came to rescue you... from a place you’re in because he left you in danger and was too damn stupid to foresee the danger.
Oh man, this was a tragic comedy, right! That’s what you were going for, Hawke?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Started out really well, but at a certain point for me the story seem to go at warp speed. Also, the whole human/shifter problem was a bit confusing for me. I think more time and explanation is needed in this area. However, this could just be a me thing.
I'm not sure if Susi Hawke is trying a new writing style or this is Crista Crown's influence.
I'm the beginning of the book the sexual banter going back and forth between the A.L.P.H.A. group was unexpected. I understand that that can be the way soldiers talk but it seemed out of place. That's just my take on that.
Moving on, the story was interesting shifter politician, money laundering for "humans" and Omega trafficking.
Noah is the "baby" boss man of A.L.P.H.A. who finds his mate on a rescue mission. Preston is an Omega who was kidnapped by an organization that wanted to bring the Senator down. Long story short Noah scented Preston and Preston being who he is have him Uber-attitude. Hi there was no denying that they are Fated Mates.
Overall the story was OK. Was looking for more from these two ladies.
...I don't even know how to begin talking about this. I can say that I didn't rate this book because the simplicity of a rating in no way encapsulates the many feelings I have about this novella.
It's not even that it's just bad. It is, but there's so much more to unpack that dismissing it as bad doesn't feel like enough. That would be a disservice -perhaps to me, who read this thing with my own two eyes, but maybe other readers as well. It’s here that I should point out that I’m not going out of my way to tear down the authors. I have nothing personally against them. It just so happens that this novella had the unfortunate effect of taking me on a rollercoaster of emotions that I feel the need to document.
While I have read many romance novels (my romance shelf is clocking in at 120 right now), I have gone out of my way to avoid reading alpha/beta/omega (ABO) romance novels. There are a few reasons for this. I’m very familiar with this trope thanks to the truly inordinate amount of time I spend reading fan fiction, but ABO fics have never really been my cup of tea. That being said, I’ve read more than my fair share of them for various reasons –a unique premise, a summary that hits so hard it practically forces my hand, desperation when I’ve read every other fic out there, and the incremental lowering of my standards.
Despite my experience, ABO fics have never been my preference. This is due to a few staples of the trope that few authors are able to handle in a way that I enjoy. This includes: strictly defined gender roles and social stratification between alphas, betas, and omegas; the sexism that follows; the nature of a fated bond introduces a whole host of consent issues; the way that social roles tie into sexual roles; the nasty-ass dirty talk; and how same-y all the stories end up being.
The most damning of these problems is the way that the alpha/beta dynamic echoes, reinforces, and glories in extremely defined roles that women have been fighting to escape for fucking ever. Alphas are dominant, muscle-bound, providers and protectors. Omegas are small, “lithe” (everyone is fucking lithe in these books), looking for a big strong man, more than happy to get knocked up, and oftentimes, especially in fanfics, shit on and oppressed by society. They’re bitchy, catty, prissy, and their entire life is fulfilled by finding their fated mate and having his babies.
What makes everything worse is that the alphas and omegas are controlled by their biology. The characters going into a “rut” or “heat” like animals and act…like animals. Often, as with this Grabbed novella, characters who met a few minutes ago discover via scent that they’re “true mates” and then almost immediately have sex and “claim” each other, which is typically more permanent than marriage. Characters typically have little to no control over ruts or heats and when these periods start, the characters give in to their biology and fuck anything that moves in the general vicinity. The consent issues just leap off the page and smack you across your damn face.
If I hate reading about women characters who are treated like this, why would I enjoy the same bullshit being heaped on a man’s shoulders? Part of why I find this so disturbing, apart from the obvious, is that ABO is such a thing. It’s huge in the m/m romance category. It sits somewhere weird with me that women, a main demographic of both writers and readers in the m/m romance category, are so interested in these stories. ABO romances celebrate a biological cementing of dominant/submissive gender roles. Doesn’t it make anyone else uncomfortable? No? Just me over here in my corner?
Wait, you may say, not all ABO romances are like that! There are plenty of feisty omegas and enlightened alphas who don’t just think about sex!
…I mean, I guess. I would call that the exception, not the rule. Or I guess I’d say that no matter the characters’ personalities, when the romance finally boils down the biological needs, their personalities kind of collapse and fall back into the basic trope. There aren’t enough authors deconstructing, mashing up, dissecting, and seriously and intentionally writing in a way that critiques the basic tenets of this trope.
When it comes down to it, I guess no one is obligated to. But I think they should.
I know I’m not some enlightened, liberated genius for having this opinion, but these thoughts definitely affected my experience when I read this novella.
This brings me to why I read this novella in the first place. Why, you may ask, would I voluntarily read a book based on a trope that I generally try to avoid? …I’m not really sure. I’ve hit a rash of bad romance novels lately and I was desperate and kind of apathetic? The book blurb made me laugh out loud a little bit? I thought it might actually not be that bad? I though the romance between the characters might overpower the creepy ABO dynamic?
I was wrong.
It doesn’t seem quite fair to unload on a book due to the basic premise, though I just did and I stand by it. What helps is that I can say with confidence there is so much more to critique about this novella than the fact that it’s ABO.
The writing –somewhere between bad and forgettable.
The characters – hollow stereotypes.
The romance – nonexistent.
While the writing was serviceable –in the sense that I could understand the sentences- there was nothing special there. It’s a credit that there were no egregious habits that made it impossible to read, like comma abuse.
The characters were the barest outlines of people with no substance. Noah, the alpha, was a tough-talking soldier jock with a gentle side but who has problems with feelings. Preston, the omega, was a rich kid whose partying ways were a mask to hide how neglected and unloved he felt.
Preston’s father, a conservative senator, was cartoonishly evil
Preston is constantly a damsel in distress
This novella happened in front of my eyes in a blaze of light. I came out of it feeling baffled, a little concerned, and with questions. Why was this book like this? Why was it the way that it is? Why is the m/m romance genre filled with books that I don’t think are good? How is it that I can read a whole thing that I don’t actively enjoy, but it’s just not-bad enough that I continue to put myself through it?
Why are we here on this planet? Why are books? What’s the meaning of anything, really? Language is just made up squiggles on a page. Language is meaningless.
After I recovered from the unintended existential crisis that this novella sparked, my opinion essentially boils down to this: why would I want to read about two cardboard cut-outs getting together in a situation that smacks of consent issues?
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I’ve never read a Crista Crown book before so this author was new to me. I’m sure I will check out more books from Crista in the future when I see them recommended. I’ve got a bunch of Susi Hawke’s books now though and in my opinion this one was definitely another book in the win column for Susi.
Susi’s books are always light and sweet and fluffy fun to Read and/or Listen to. If you’ve read any of those you could see where the collaboration of another author came into play for this one. I’ve recently started purchasing up all of the Audiobooks coming out from Susi because they are always great in audio with the best narrators. Once again this book was really good and funny in Audio, the narrator really got into the story and that was a major plus for me. He made sure that the correct voices went with the right characters and their personalities and I will happily listen to the next books in the series if he’s narrating those as well.
I thought Omega/Preston was hilarious, I really loved how fun and snarky and outrageous his characters personality was. He is used to being rich and spoiled and doing whatever he wants with little to no repercussions, but he really does step up to do the right thing and take responsibility for his actions when it’s needed. He was the perfect opposite for the Alpha/Noah’s character. Noah was a lot more serious and kind of totally clueless when it came to anything other than the “team” and the “mission”. I mean his actions after Preston’s initial rescue just proved that even Alpha’s aren’t right all the time and they do make mistakes too. Luckily he figured out his mistakes just in time to make it all right with Preston. I really liked this book, I’m looking forward to the next one as well.
Say goodbye to a logical plot or character development/growth because you will not find it here. This had some of the most cliche, awkward writing I have ever seen.
I realized I’d already read this a few years ago but figured I’d keep listening and write a review this time around.
It’s not great. It’s not even good. A very simplistic story with OTT humor, stereotypes, and some action. But… I finished it. So I guess 2. 🤷🏻♀️
Fated Mates so it’s instalove, instamates, instapregnancy. Instaend. Really, neither the Omega or Alpha learn, grow - individually or as a couple. There’s a bunch of plot points that aren’t explored well and are just kind of “resolved” with a sentence.
For free (or as part of KP or KU), sure. But I wouldn’t buy this.
Narration: This is my first time listening to Peter B. Brooke. I liked that he gave all the characters unique voices and personalities to match the writing. Unfortunately, he has a repetitive cadence that grated on me and didn’t always match the emotions. Perhaps he was hindered by the writing. I’d be willing to try him again matched with a different author.
I'm not going to rate this. If I did, it would be 1 star. It's my own fault for continuing, but I've been looking for mate stories, and I feel like I've read all the good ones. This series is recommended a lot when asking for mate books.
First of all, these so-called guys who go in to rescue victims talk like a bunch of high schoolers. Bro, baby bossman, talking about their "weekend with co-ed twinks" Ugh! Disgusting.
Secondly, I wanted to bash Noah upside the head. What ridiculous nonsense was this? It was filled with one of the things I hate most in books...miscommunication. Surely there could be more to the story without all of the crap.
It was a cute instant love story. The story also progressed a little faster than I’m used to. I enjoyed the story and I plan to read more of the series.
hmmm wasn't bad. A bit on the short side but action packed. There is something common with most shifter mpeg books: going lusty when meeting their mates and getting pregnant almost immediately
was the narrator a commander in the army or something?
I never read a book with a detailed explanation on how male omega gave birth
A very quick read that didn't have much more world building and an OK read. Nothing exciting happened, so I am not sure I will continue to read the rest of the series.
I'm not even surprised that I love this book as much as I do. I'm not even surprised that I read it straight through and didn't move my butt off my couch one time (I really have to pee and I can't feel one of my butt cheeks 😞)
This was such a good book. I was completely enraptured from the first word to the last. I didn't skim a single part.
💙Noah was the perfect alpha male. He's somewhat broody, doesn't really think some things through before he acts and is extremely possessive. Now, he did do a few things that had me mind screaming at him. 🤤WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU THINKING YOU CRAZY ALPHA???
💚 Preston is an Omega who likes to party and have fun. But, he's not really that person he portrays. No one can really see him. He's a fiesty one, that Omega. I loved him. No matter how bad things were for him, or how hurt or embarrassed he became he always held his head up high.
Well, one thing led to another. These two meet and things happen. 😉 (That's all the spoilers you're getting from me🤓📚)
There isn't any boring side story. All of the side characters are amazing. I honestly can't wait for their stories. (Does Pax get a book?👨💻)
There is no unnecessary information just hanging around. Everything you read has it's purpose. Which I love. The plot was just fantastic (with a couple of unexpected twists) And the character development was wonderful.
🙈🙉🙊There is a small scene that could possibly be a trigger for some. I'm not sure if their was a warning but I don't remember seeing one. Just be cautious going in and know that there is an attempted rape. If you need to skip that part you won't have to skip very far. It really is a short moment.
Now, how to tell you one of my favorite parts that had me laughing out loud without giving anything away....🤔
So, that one time when Noah and Preston were at that shifter place toward the end, something crazy happened that had Noah kissing an inanimate object. It was so funny and I was not expecting that. 😂🤣😂
If you're into possessive Alphas and fiesty Omega's definitely go give this book a shot.
📚🐶Remember, this review is just an opinion of one single lady who loves her books. I may have rated it 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ but don't take my word for it. Go find out for yourself. 🐺📚
Pretty standard K&R, MPREG shifter romance. I wish there had been more exposition on the shifter 'verse aspect, but I liked the premise of this mercenary team so I will put the next one on the TBR shelf. Peter B. Brooke did a good job with the narration.
I didn't expect anything from it but I really felt entertained by it. I didn't really care about the dynamic between the two MCs in total because I couldn't manage to fall in love with them but the story was easy to read, offered a good setting and some really action-packed, exciting scenes (and I am not talking about sex here xD). I will probably continue the series and definitely recommened the first book to a friend who like this kind of books 🤭
DNF. Dubious distinction of all characters being obnoxious and annoying. Cheesy and gross dialogue (“Can I get down now? I'm sick of smelling your ass. If you fart, so help me… I'm kicking you in the balls so hard you'll sing soprano, brute." Seriously? Was this written by an 8 year old?).
I’ve read both of these authors before and found the stories to just be okay but I thought this one was much better! Maybe their collaboration brings out their bests, or maybe it was just better in audio but it worked for me. It’s a fairly typical omegaverse story. Big beefy dominating alpha and sassy small omega, but I still enjoyed it.
Noah Perkins et Preston Tierney Chef d’unité speciale et fils d’un sénateur Alpha et Omega
Ray Perkins et son mari (deux pères de Noah, créateur de ALPHA, l’agence d’unité speciale) Patrick Tierney (sénateur et père de Preston) Tio Ramirez (meilleur ami de Preston) Zeke et Ezra Dempsey (jumeau, collègues de Noah) Jonah (hackeur de l’unité de Noah) Pax (ami de Jonah, hackeur) Simon « Boomer » Chiarelli () Levi () Joey et Sal (ravisseurs de Preston)
Intéressant.
📖 Équipe : ALPHA : Six alphas aguerris au combat avec un seul objectif : sauver tout oméga en péril
Preston Tierney, fils oméga d'un sénateur éminent, a été enlevé par un groupe secret qui a des comptes à régler. Fêtard, Preston était simplement en quête de bonne humeur jusqu'à ce qu'il soit enlevé – arraché au beau milieu d'une fête, au milieu de la foule. À son réveil, il se retrouve enfermé comme un animal dans une cabane isolée, loin de chez lui.
Noah Perkins est un alpha redoutable qui dirige son unité avec une main de fer et un grand sens de l'humour. La dernière chose à laquelle il s'attendait en allant libérer la petite créature impertinente enfermée dans la cage était de sentir l'odeur de sa propre compagne.
Noah et son équipe de fous doivent libérer Preston de la captivité - de ses ravisseurs, et encore une fois d'une source beaucoup plus proche de chez eux qu'ils ne l'auraient imaginé - tandis que Noah essaie de comprendre comment apprivoiser son oméga hérissé et adopter véritablement la devise de l'équipe : Accepter, Aimer, Protéger, Honorer - Toujours. 📚
Really liked this story. It had all the things I love...action, MPreg, an Alpha rescuing his omega, knotting and mating bites. I love the guys on Team A.L.P.H.A. and can't wait to read more of them. I think I'll love them all just as much. I liked that Noah found his mate during a rescue mission. Although, Preston wasn't very likeable at first. But that changed quickly. I felt bad for how awful his father treated him. And my heart hurt for him when he felt abandoned by Noah. Noah was a good guy but fairly clueless when it came to Preston. I'm glad his dads put him on the right track. There were a lot of ups and downs to their relationship but it all worked out and that's what's important.