My life wasn't great. I worked too much, and I had zero fun. All I wanted to do was escape and start over. One night the universe decided to grant me my wish. It should have been a good thing, right?
Wrong.
My brand new adventure, one that I spent my entire life wishing for, happened because I got abducted by an alien. I mean, the alien is really, really hot and sexy, but still. And that’s not even touching on the fact that he keeps calling me his mate.
My Brutal Alpha is a full-length novel and can be read on its own, apart from the prequel novella Royally Claimed. You don't need to read both to understand the plot, but the world building will be richer if you start at the beginning!
this book was a pleasant surprise! best book in the kindle store? absolutely not. but i was genuinely shocked that this book had a solid plot and characters and pace, even though the writing was predictably cheesy and there wasn't a whole lot of depth to it. but alien omegaverse feels like a genre that could read as very silly or unnecessary, but somehow it worked here?! i'd def give the rest of the books in this series a try just as brain candy.
I had some challenges in connecting with this story and specifically the h, Tally. Might have been the book or just my mood. The story is written in first person, single POV of the h. She’s abducted from a nightclub and, at first, there’s a language barrier so while she attempts to communicate, the attempts aren’t very successful. Lots of pages covering Tally’s thoughts, worries, past, etc. but I just wasn’t as sympathetic towards her as I knew I should be. I also felt like Tally fell apart too easily. There were lots of tears.
She is purchased by a large, hot alien guy, who ends up being her Alpha mate, Anders. I liked Anders, he was protective, caring, down to rut 😂. He wasn’t super informative about what was happening with Tally becoming an omega and what that meant though, major failing. The world building for his planet and society was also spotty and what did come didn’t happen til later into the story than I’d prefer. I felt overall that the story was a bit disjointed with sweeter moments, steamy times, and then a somewhat rushed ending, although another cute epilogue. The focus of the plot is on bringing his newly acquired omega mate home and then acclimating, no big bad or end of world plots in this one. There is a mean girl and a bit of danger close to the end, that gets taken care of easily. No om drama but ow drama from a former potential intended of the H (he has zero interest in her); h was a virgin, H’s history not shared; no bc used and there is a mention of breeding.
I do see potential for the series, and writing in general, strengthening. There are other hot Alphas we saw in passing who’d appreciate an omega of their own too, plus an excerpt for the next in series which I think I’ll try.
While this book had some issues, I also found it very entertaining and compelling.
I appreciated that Tally was actually quite shocked and terrified about what was happening to her, and she didn't take her abduction lightly. It was a nice breath of fresh air compared to many other books in the genre where the abductee comes to terms with their situation very quickly. I also enjoyed reading about how Tally came to terms with her difficult past on Earth. She had a backstory that was fairly well-developed and built upon within the book itself.
The blurb says that the world-building will be richer if you read the prequel novella - and perhaps it is - but I personally think that the world-building should be strong enough to stand within each installation of the series. I found this alien omegaverse world intriguing but we don't learn much about it until later in the book.
Part of me loved this choice because allowed me to see Tally's situation through her eyes, given that this is a single POV book from her perspective only. I felt like I was just as confused, shocked, and awed as she was. The other part of me was frustrated because it made me feel less connected to the book at certain points and less excited about the big reveals.
I feel that we'd have known much more about the world if the MMC's perspective had also been given and it could've tempered Tally's POV nicely. It could've also been an opportunity to learn more about him as he often felt like more of a love interest than a fully fleshed out person of his own.
Also, it could've made all the miscommunication less frustrating. So many of their problems could've been solved if they just talked to one another! To be fair, there is a language and cultural barrier between them. But I still feel like more of an attempt could've been made by both characters, or perhaps the introduction of a stronger barrier that explains why this communication isn't possible.
Overall, this book doesn't have much of a plot to it. It focuses around Tally and the MMC's evolving relationship with a sprinkle of internal and external conflict. The conflict starts really kicking off towards the end of the book, which I was excited about... only to see the book end quickly. There were some plot points I thought could've become more significant, but they ended up being resolved fairly quickly.
But, all of this frustration also points to how much I was drawn in by this book, because if I wasn't, I wouldn't have cared as much about finding out about the plot, the MMC, and the world. It hooked me in and left me wanting more, both in the series and in the book itself.
This is a steamy read. Readers should know that there is also a brief scene that could've led to sexual assault from outside characters (but didn't).
I enjoyed the premise of the story but the ending hopped too much without an explanation and seemed to happen suddenly. I know this was a short novella but it could have done with more explanations and details.
Pros: the plot is well-trod ground, but uses a kind of an onion peeling effect to reveal what's really going on. It was well done, and made a much-repeated storyline more interesting.
The male lead is typical--hunky, royal, excellent in bed, possessive, and bright. He is also sort of unformed. He seemed mature, until his true situation was revealed. Then he seemed much younger in his behavior and the half-truths and subterfuges supported that immaturity. I'd love to see more character study of the ML.
The female lead was surprisingly interesting. Her confusion, defiance, and passion were all on point for the situation. Typically I DETEST the virgin trope and won't read books that use it. But in this case it's handled briefly and tastefully, without the usual histrionics and drama. I would love to have read a longer tale involving both leads to see them evolve.
Cons: pacing of the story was a little off. Lots of expository stuff, lots of traveling in space, then lots of "we're here" and getting to know the new planet. Then we get a little bit of damsel in distress and mean girl action. Suddenly in less than 3 pages all situations were resolved, everyone is ok with the FL. It felt like the story got chopped off and a fast ending got tacked on. Disappointing.
I also felt that Tally (FL) didn't ask the correct questions when the fidelity of her mate was unclear. It felt very deliberate that she didn't straight up ask Anders (ML) whether he had sex with that woman. For such a straight forward woman to not DIRECTLY question her guy was more than suspicious. My feeling is that he had been involved with this previous woman and talked around it. Sure, it was before Tally but he should have been honest and he wasn't. Further, the author didn't allow the FL to ask those directly questions. This really stuck out in my mind.
Hopefully, future stories will be better. I'm looking forward to them.
In general this trope is one of my most favorite when it comes to the ABO genre. I love the idea of alien Alphas taking normal human women and turning them into Omegas. There’s a couple other series out there like that, but not enough in my opinion. Hence why throughout all the faults this book has, I’m willing to read the entire series to feed my obsession, lol!
***SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD***
I feel as though a dual POV would have helped this book - this series, greatly. This book feels flat being told from only the heroines side. Especially because her inner dialogue is somewhat childish incessant. The dialogue of the character just over explained and overdramatized things. I feel like if we would have gotten a point of view from the hero, his thoughts and feelings and motives, I feel as though it would have helped the book very much.
For a 22 year old the heroine was quite immature. In the beginning she seemed mature but as soon as she became an omega she just went into this immature mind state. I think it was really more of the author wanting to show that the heroine being turned into an omega also helped her to open up more and be more free and vibrant but failed in trying to portray that change in her behavior. It passed more as immaturity.
One more thing, and I’ll admit it’s more of a pet peeve than anything but the female main character had this incessant need to run away whenever she got overly upset or angry. Just the blind uncontrollable desire to just run! Even though she didn’t have any destination or direction in which she wanted to run, she just needed to run to get away from it all. That one behavior that the author wrote about her character was drastically annoying and just played up her immaturity even though I’m sure the author wasn’t trying to go for “immature” when it came to her FML.
Definitely more of a smut over plot book. If your simply binge reading this is good option. It's quick and smutty. I will say the plot that was there was a bit inconsistent and messy at some point but a little re-reading and you can figure out what's going on. Tally's decisions are incredibly rash and stupid but I guess it makes since. She was kidnapped and sent to space so in all fairness sane decision probably weren't going to be made. Anders is absolutely adorable, compared to a lot of other book guys, he definitely the biggest sweet heart I've read. He always made sure Tally felt safe, happy, cared for and comfortable in her position. By the 70ish percent mark the book stop making much sense and every issue was basically solved with sex. I will say the only question I really have for this book is, what the timeline of everything?
DNF 60% I got tired of being in Tally's head. Her thoughts were very repetitive. Also, I didn't like Anders. First of all, he was essentially human, only with a knot. Second, he spoke to Tally as if she was a child and had absolutely no right to be freaked out about her situation. He spoke about her as If she was a lamp he bought on a yard sale, and she should be honored to have become his property. He didn't even bother to learn her name, and he ignored her when she told him to call her Tally. He behaved as if Tally was an unreasonable brat for not giving into him immediately. At least he hadn't spanked her at the point I stopped, but I can't be sure that wasn't coming. I got fed up with both of them, so I decided to call it quits.
I’ve enjoyed this one more than the other two I read because it’s longer, has more world-building details, and also shows more time together after they get together.
I started with Book 4 because it was recc’d on a FB group, then I went to Book 1 and I was disappointed that it was almost identical to Book 4. But they’re well-written, short, and spicy, so I continued onto Book 2 (this book). I was not disappointed!
I am now starting Book 3 and I hope it’s just as good.
The only thing I would like to see more of is background and feelings, etc of the MMC. We only get the female POV and background and I feel like that’s limiting.
Better than the first but the ending is a bit disappointing
I loved the writing in this better than the first one, but I was sad with how Tally ended up being accepted at the end. It wasn't anything she did, it wasn't the people of the Palace seeing her as who she was... it was that they could finally smell the mating scent, that's it. They wouldn't give a fig if she was anyone else, they only cared if she had that scent or not. It's sad as heck, the only one who seemed to somewhat like her before was his father. Everyone else was neutral at best. I would hate to live the rest of my life knowing that mating scent was the only thing that got them to like me.
This book is actually good! My reason for the rating is that I actually don’t like how Tally is almost forcing herself to resist & “be strong”. Her character description seems much kinder & open than that so that was a disconnect for me.
Love when a man shuts down an “ex” harshly *chef kiss* Love that he rescues her Love that she’s pregnant
Hope the series develops past the whole abduction & we see more development of the meeting of omegas, raising their children, slaughter of Magi, what caused the plague & how to make it not happen.
There’s so much potential in this series lol. Will be reading the next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok it's a bit sophomoric with some repetition along with a female character that appears to have multiple personalities Ugh. To cry or not to cry, that is the question. She behaved like a 16 year old and really, really Virginal...aww nope. I found her vague, whiney and just not likeable. Gave it 2 stars because I just tried to read one that was even worse. Note to writer, make your characters relatable, likable, capable or just nice and people will buy their story, otherwise the only ones you'll sell will be the freebies.
Honestly could have been better. This is one of those books that has so much potential but is then quickly rounded up.
Still it’s a book I will recommend if you’re looking for a quick read where the male lead has possessive tendencies but tries his best to respect his woman.
The female lead, Tally, did annoy me though but looking at things from her perspective, I can understand some of her reactions. I guess🤷🏽♀️
Anyway give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen🌝
The world building in this novel was inconsistent at best and the "different languages" aspect was especially under-developed. Some words were translated, but others weren't (in both languages) in a way that was inconsistent. "Broodmare" translated okay, but the word "dating" confused the aliens?
Also for like 80% of the book Tally was saying "I don't know what's happening" and crying and Anders would just say "you're my Omega/mate." Literally never explained to her what that meant or entailed and she had to figure it all out from context clues. They were both fine characters, but the story was "meh."
Brilliant story which I absolutely loved and would totally recommend hoping that others enjoy it as well. Imagine going out to party and waking up to find that you have been abducted by frog people then sold to a gorgeous male who states that you are his Omega mate and he is your Alpha. Such a thing happened to Tally and now she had to work out what happens next and can her and Anders overcome the obstacles and be together.
I think that this book was a good book I also think that the smutt scenes were well written however I don’t care for how quickly the author wrapped everything up in the end it just didn’t have that satisfying slow wrap up that I care for and it just felt rushed like the author got bored with it and just hurried up to end the story.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It was steamy. It had the virgin trope. The abducted human female and this female is turned into an omega which means finding her mate with an alpha of an alien race who is very much alpha like and possessive. Touch and die vibe. And that female well she is sassy and finally has a back bone to stand up for herself.
Alien Alpha buying his human Omega. After having a shitty and hard life on earth Tally gets abducted she gets bought by a viking looking like guy who claims her with the mating bond by marking her as his. The spice was good and also was the storyline.
It’s a nice quick read that will make you feel swoon.
This book has more substance than its predecessor, but the book felt very repetitive. The female main character proclaims that they have no idea what's going on, then the smut ensues. This cycle continues for the rest of the book and onto the the third book in this series, which is when I stopped reading. If you are looking for smut with no plot, then this is it.
For me there was too much showing and descriptions that I skipped most pages to get to the dialogue. I thought that she was so whiney and not like taking charge. He was a jerk and didn't explain ANYTHING to her at all.
This series has potential but I won't be continuing.
I will always love a good omegaverse book and for a new author this was crazy good! I do wish it was a bit longer and more things were explained but the story itself was 👍👍 i will for sure be reading the next book!
This was an awesome read. I loved the different take on the alpha and omega storyline. The alpha was very patient with his omega. Her abduction and subsequent turning to an omega could have been explained better. But still a great read.
I love that we got to learn more about Danae, and I loved that we got an omega who was unsure, but didn’t fight the feelings the entire time. That’s annoying!
Ugh I’m so glad Tally got alien napped lmaoooooo. Anders sounds like a hunk. That witch of a woman Mahali can kick a bucket! I loved how this story cane together. I would love to see how a pregnancy plays out but overall great story!
I read Royally Claimed a while back, and I'm not sure why I didn't immediately pick up this next book. This is an enjoyable and easy read that has the coziness of omegaverse with a hint of "other" from the space element.
While the story had an interesting concept and I was excited to read. There was a lack of character development with a believable end to their love story. The ending as rushed after dragging out needless details in the beginning. Unfortunately, this was difficult to get through.
I didn't really have any high expectations from this book but I was enticed by the plot regardless. My only issue was that the ending did feel extremely rushed with the time skip. The MC does get the HEA just sped up.