Darcy Vandergriff is an omega, whose aunt raised him to believe he can be more than just an Alpha’s plaything. When he comes into heat for the first time, she takes him to a frightening, infamous dark witch, who gives him a potion to suppress it forever by taking just a few drops every day. She warns him, though, to “beware of the one they call the beast, for he will kill you if he can. Only the noble warrior has the power to save you, but he will bring about your fate.”
Craving adventure, Darcy joins the King’s army, posing as a beta soldier, but that’s when the trouble truly starts. One of his trainers is a strong, handsome Alpha named Wyatt, cousin and packmate of two powerful kings. Darcy’s immediate, overwhelming attraction to him threatens to expose his omega nature.
When danger threatens in the form of a mysterious enemy, Darcy remembers the deadly part of the witch’s warning. Finding his happy ever after will take unbridled courage, a daring rescue and a dazzling realization that sometimes you find the thing you were wishing for so desperately was the wrong thing all along.
Trigger this is an omegaverse, with strong, dominant Alphas, forced relationships, knotting, possessive Alphas, omega heat but no dubcon, and no multiple partners. Some short scenes of domestic type violence, not involving the main characters.
Wow this was astronomically bad, like this was just terrible, nothing good to say about this book. I know this is supposed to be set ina different time period and all. but literally no one acknowledges all the good the MC does at all and the love interest was so annoying I could describe him in two words, ”sexist” and ”attractive” that’s all. like all the Alphas just pretend Darcy was a fragile flower after they found out his omega status despite them being the ones to train him how to fight in the first place. Did people actually enjoy this book? If I could summarize this entire book in one sentence, it would be: ”You did something good, but you’re still an omega so know your place and get back to the kitchen” like wtf?
What I loved about the first book was the magic. Magic was such an unexpected element for me to discover in an omegaverse that I was amazed by the uniqueness of the concept and how it plays out was what really made me love the first book.
One of my major critiques was that we don't explore the magic nearly enough in the first book and I was hopeful that maybe with more books in the series, we would delve deeper into the magic system of this world but imagine my horror when this book completely does away with that element. No one does any magic in the pages of this book and magic is more implied than explicit in this book which was not what I wanted.
Another thing that really bothered me was Wyatt's attitude towards anyone who was not an alpha. It is understood that his thinking is wrong and something that the narrative seeks to correct but it got on my last nerve. Wyatt has meet Rory who is a very unconventional omega and a very powerful warlock if that didn't change his opinion I literally didn't have much hope for him.
I liked Darcy, he has a lot of spirit and nerve and his character is a good contrast to Wyatt and his expectations of omegas but their relationship is just fine. I wasn't really invested in it. I feel like a part of the reason is the plot of this book which keeps Wyatt and Darcy separated for most of it and that really didn't help their relationship.
The latter part of this book is focused on the disappearnce of a Viscountess (though technically how can she be a Viscountess if she is the daughter of a Viscount unless of course Sudfarma is not a patriarchal society but then again if she marries a Baron she would be his superior if she was infact the Viscountess and in that case wouldn't he move to her estate, my head hurts, I'm going to let this be) who was to marry Baron Dargan of Crillia. Now this Baron is bad news and a powerful warlock to boot but the climax of this book and his defeat is the most anti-climactic moment possible, where is the magic??? I was really hoping Rory would make an appearance and we would have a epic showdown between warlocks or something at least.
I'm disappointed. I really hope the next book is about Asher because Asher is a powerful witch and if his book doesn't feature magic I have lost all hope.
I adored Darcy - he was an omega in an alphas world trying to make a life for himself.
Wyatt wasn’t great with his words - he was intense and at times mean. However, Darcy bought out his softer and more protective side. Wyatt had another thing coming if he thought he was getting a meek and obedient omega. Darcy wasn’t obedient - he was defiant and stood his ground, making him the perfect match for Wyatt.
I really enjoyed this one. Looking forward to the next book.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
This is an exciting and unconventional next story in the Claimed series. In this book, Darcy is an omega who doesn't want to be slotted into a future of subservience to his alpha, staying at home raising children. He approaches a witch for a special potion to mask his omega status and to halt his heats. Then, at the guidance of his aunt and uncle, he joins the King's Guard as an apparent beta soldier, off to live a life of adventure.
Darcy quickly becomes a bit disenchanted with military life. His trainer, Wyatt, is a powerful alpha, aligned with two Kings. Wyatt is tough on him, yet it seems double-edged, as both of them flip between fighting and a strong attraction. Worse of all, Wyatt seems to be less immune to the potion's effects, risking Darcy's outing.
Danger comes looming when people, including a princess, are disappearing near the remote castle of an evil noble beta man. Wyatt and his cousins/pack mates, may be called to get involved. Where does that leave Wyatt? And, is Wyatt really prepared to be a soldier in arm-to-arm combat?
This book has challenges to the stereotypes, danger, magic, extreme passion, and a deep love.
This was a captivating read that defies stereotypes. The narrative beautifully showcases that intelligence and accomplishment aren't exclusive to Alphas. It's heartening to witness the growth of the Alpha character as they learn this valuable lesson. In the story, Darcy Vandergriff, an omega, defies societal norms and embraces his potential beyond being an Alpha's plaything. With the help of a dark witch's potion, he suppresses his heat, setting off a chain of events that lead him to join the King's army, where he encounters danger and unexpected attraction. As the plot unfolds, Darcy's journey toward self-discovery, courage, and finding true happiness offers a refreshing perspective on desires and destiny
I really enjoyed Darcy and how fiercely independent he his despite not really knowing how to be an adult. His time in the army was a lesson in futility and Alpha Wyatt was not a kind man. He's constantly distracted by Darcy but can't understand why because soldiers are betas. Darcy has a secret and he is almost immediately discovered. Wyatt was not a character I liked. Darcy very strongly tried to prove his worth as an individual but Wyatt constantly dismissed him simply because he is an omega. Darcy very bravely proves just how smart and brave he is by the end of the story. I appreciated that Wyatt finally apologized for his behavior but I still have very strong distaste for his character.
Love this author’s book. This is in the same world as Alpha’s Kiss and features Darcy and Wyatt. Darcy enlisted in the military after speaking with his uncle, who is a beta. After his aunt tells him to visit a witch to give him a potion to hide his omega status, he is slightly overwhelmed with the training. One of his trainers is Alpha Wyatt, who needs to train them well. When he sees Darcy, he is surprised by the way he feels. As they get to know each other, Wyatt realizes they are mates but takes it slow. Great world building and chemistry between them. As Darcy surprises the other alphas on the team with how he goes to save them at one point. Cannot wait to read more in the world,
Darcy is an omega who wants to be more. In order to escape his stereotype life, he gets a potion from a witch and enlists in the army. If only he had the physical coordination to succeed. What he does have is intelligence and courage. Alpha Wyatt is confused by his feelings for his problem recruit, Darcy, and attempts to put him back into his traditional omega role. They both have some maturing and growth to do in order to make their mating work. Once again, Shannon West has written a book that will have you wanting to give her characters either a cuddle or a smack to the head, sometimes both at the same time.
Left a bad taste in my mouth. I usually like omegaverse stories, especially ones where they fight all the stereotypes & prove “alpha=beat” ideology wrong. This one, did not do that. The MC was plucky, awesome, a fighter, he fought the omegas are only good for babymaking stereotype. The ML did not. He was mysoginistic to the extreme & never changed his mind or realized at all the the MC had a brain and abilities. For goodness sake, the MC rescues the ML & the ML acts like the MC was a helpless puppy that couldnt get dressed by himself. & he never is shown changing his mind. I hate it. Otherwise the storyline was decent.
The familiar cultural references threw me off. I was struggling with the world building. Probably should have started the series with the first book? But a 5 hour read seemed doable 🥴
The MC was stomp your foot feisty. Which gives me the ick for main characters. I never know what an author is trying to communicate with feisty leads. Strength? Willpower? Idk
I never had a Wattpad phase, but I feel like I got a glimpse.
The ML is a grumpy dude, but not in a fun way for me. The emotional development was not developing
The sexy talk was...not to my taste. 😌
I didn't want to know what happens next. So I stopped 😇🫡
Wyatt- warrior and cousin to King Harrison is training recruits in the King's army when he stumbles across his fated Omega mate. Darcy is beautiful but annoying as hell. Hiding his true self he disguises himself in order to be in the military. No Omegas allowed. Their job is to serve their Alpha and bear children but Wyatt has another thing coming with the spitfire Omega. His aunt raised him to be more. Wyatt finds himself in a predicament and who is there to rescue him? His disobedient Omega. Join Wyatt and Darcy as they navigate their feelings and create something beautiful ❤️
Listen, I gave 5 stars because I really like the writing. The characters and story held my interest for the most part. I wish there was as much attention to the romance as there was to the environment details and I wish there was a bit more interaction between all of the characters. I'm also very disappointed that we got this grand recollection of a previous 'meeting' between Wyatt and Darcy, but not once did Darcy even realize....
Anyway... This and the first book are both great. I love the world and even the hint of pack. I'm just greedy and want much more.
“Could touch be an emotion? Because I think I felt his touch in my soul.” An interesting twist on a folktale. I enjoyed how the author wove A/B/O into it and added even more mystical elements. Though Wyatt and Darcy aren’t my favorites in this world, (personally I’m rooting for Asher), I enjoyed their adventures (or misadventures as they may be), and am looking forward to following along as each of these stubborn alphas fall head over heels in love.
Yes, Darcy is an Omega in disguise, but it is impossible to suppress and hide your true self in this world. I loved how he persevered and took no punches! Wyatt is your typical Alpha who likes everything and everyone to be in their right place. I did enjoy that he could not help himself around Darcy though. I think it was realistic that Wyatt was an Alpha through and through and did not just become all mushy. The in-control Alpha and the headstrong omega created a steamy chemistry though!
Book 1 was definitely much better. There was so much info dumping in this one and I didn't love the dynamic between the two MC's. The way Wyatt treated Darcy always telling him he couldn't do anything on his own was way too over the top. Not enough character development or romance, honestly, for it to be such a short book. Info dump and time skips and a random sex scene in the epilogue.. dang, maybe it was 2 stars 🤔.
Enjoyed the story for the most part and the omega MC was likable unlike the alpha MC who I found very annoying. The story had potential to set up change for the better but fell short in the end. Hopefully if there are any future books with these characters they'll include a stronger and more satisfying conclusion.
I loved Darcy as an omega character because he was doing his best to break the mold omegas are put in. But Wyatt didn't have an acceptance/redemption in recognizing him for what he was until literally the last two pages of the entire book. It's still well written and enjoyable to read but I like a chase and redemption arc.
Alpha’s Touch by Shannon West was such a good story. Exciting. Some serious hotness. Alpha Wyatt was certainly an alpha. Darcy has a little secret. Totally loved him. Shannon West delivered. Kudos!
It was ok it felt a little rushed the whole insta love and no time to really see both character develop a more unique love and grow together. We never get to also read about how they almost met before or emphasis on it.
I loved the first book so much I launched straight into the next one. What a fun, flirty, and sexy story. The storyline flowed nicely. The chemistry between the characters was fabulous. Would recommend.
Loved the story of how they finally got together. Edge of my seat when Darcy went looking for his Alfa. Love conquers all. Thank you for a wonderful 2 book series.
Darcy joins the King's army dreaming of glory while hiding his omega status. Alpha Wyatt is his commanding officer whose scent breaks through the magic hiding Darcy. If you like feisty omegas and dense alphas who each learn a lesson, this book is for you.
It might not have felt as compelling as the first in the series but overall the dynamic between the MCs needed tp exist in that manner for the story that was created to make sense we had to feel Darcy's frustration from Wyatt's condescending manner so we could truly commiserate with him. Granted their dynamic wqs quite different from Lex & Rory, which was very dynamic from the job based off of the setting created around them. Overall this story built on the characters we saw previously so I'm also glad about that.