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Taken by His Alpha #5
Fired at the Heart
Revenge is the plan, but it may cost what’s left of Avery’s heart. Will he forgive the Alpha who left him? Or be the one who digs his grave?
Avery Moore is no stranger to betrayal. As an Omega gun runner, he’s learned not to mix emotions with business. When the Rockfords ask for help, though, Avery is prepared for more than negotiations—he’s ready to settle an old score.
Raphael Rockford, the Alpha who ditched Avery to preserve his family’s reputation, now needs his help and will pay any price. For an Omega like Avery, money takes a backseat to making the man who abandoned him grovel.
But Raphael isn’t just an Alpha. He’s Avery’s Alpha. At least he was until he decided Avery wasn’t good enough. It’s a reminder of the life they could have had, and the pain that defined their end. Avery tells himself he’s only doing this for the money, the power, and the satisfaction of watching Raphael squirm. Yet every charged glance and simmering argument stirs memories Avery thought long buried.
The connection between them isn’t dead. It’s a loaded gun, ready to fire, and Avery finds himself torn between reclaiming his pride and risking his heart for a second shot. Whether Raphael ends up at his side or in the ground, one thing is certain—Avery won’t let him walk away again.
Scroll up to one-click Bound to the Guard, a contemporary Alpha/Omega romance.
Fired at the Heart is a sizzling contemporary gay omegaverse with themes of enemies-to-lovers, revenge romance, second chance at love, and forced proximity.
Avery Moore is no stranger to betrayal. As an Omega gun runner, he’s learned not to mix emotions with business. When the Rockfords ask for help, though, Avery is prepared for more than negotiations—he’s ready to settle an old score.
Raphael Rockford, the Alpha who ditched Avery to preserve his family’s reputation, now needs his help and will pay any price. For an Omega like Avery, money takes a backseat to making the man who abandoned him grovel.
But Raphael isn’t just an Alpha. He’s Avery’s Alpha. At least he was until he decided Avery wasn’t good enough. It’s a reminder of the life they could have had, and the pain that defined their end. Avery tells himself he’s only doing this for the money, the power, and the satisfaction of watching Raphael squirm. Yet every charged glance and simmering argument stirs memories Avery thought long buried.
The connection between them isn’t dead. It’s a loaded gun, ready to fire, and Avery finds himself torn between reclaiming his pride and risking his heart for a second shot. Whether Raphael ends up at his side or in the ground, one thing is certain—Avery won’t let him walk away again.
Scroll up to one-click Bound to the Guard, a contemporary Alpha/Omega romance.
Fired at the Heart is a sizzling contemporary gay omegaverse with themes of enemies-to-lovers, revenge romance, second chance at love, and forced proximity.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2025
49 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Sophie O'Dare
37 books95 followersSophie O'Dare is the alter ego of paranormal and sci-fi author Lyn Forester. She loves writing stories about guys falling in love with each other and all the shenanigans that go along with romance!
When Sophie isn’t writing, she enjoys curling up with a cup of coffee and her cats, when she can convince them to snuggle. Video games and reading are her go-to way to unwind after a long day, offering a perfect escape into other worlds. Between writing, gaming, and cat cuddles, Sophie’s life is fueled by creativity, relaxation, and coffee.
Visit her website to stay up-to-date on future releases and sales:
Follow her Newsletter: https://geni.us/sophie-odare-NL
Visit her website: https://geni.us/sophieodare
When Sophie isn’t writing, she enjoys curling up with a cup of coffee and her cats, when she can convince them to snuggle. Video games and reading are her go-to way to unwind after a long day, offering a perfect escape into other worlds. Between writing, gaming, and cat cuddles, Sophie’s life is fueled by creativity, relaxation, and coffee.
Visit her website to stay up-to-date on future releases and sales:
Follow her Newsletter: https://geni.us/sophie-odare-NL
Visit her website: https://geni.us/sophieodare
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 29, 2025
Giving it 2 stars but in actuality it’s more like 5 stars for potential, 1.5 for execution.
I usually dislike the enemies-to-lovers trope (controversial I know) because a lot of the time, the MCs either aren’t actual enemies and are more like rivals and/or they’re enemies for such a minor/petty thing that I’m confused on why they’re still mad about it. The MC and MLs in this book, however are actual enemies and the MC has a very valid reason to hate the ML so props for that.
However, unlike the other books in the series, the mission the MC and ML are apart of is the majority of the book. MC holding back jabs at the ML for the sake of the missions and playing the part of the ML’s pet goes on way too long.
Another issue I have is how shallow the ML is. We don’t see any of the struggle he has choosing between the MC and his family. I would’ve loved to seen the arguments he had with his family in the fallout of his and MC’s relationship.
Also, the Rockfords are grossly out of character in this book. In the previous books, they were all super caring and concerned about the trafficked Omegas and getting them help. In this book, they literally say that the whole mission which saved at least twenty trafficked Omegas was a failure because Jade wasn’t saved. What??? I know Jade is super important and whatever but the mission was “pointless” only because he wasn’t saved??
The potential this book had was the biggest letdown though. When the mission is finally over, it gets really good all of a sudden. MC chooses to KILL ML and have him be resuscitated in order to get rid of their Mark. What a brutal way to get rid of it! MC takes ML’s car to his safe house to ride out the resulting rejection. Only ML is able to find MC by tracking his car, chains him up, and systematically breaks him down during MC’s rejection triggered Heat. This was the best part of the entire series imo and I don’t care that much about the sex scenes. I loved the raw obsession ML showed and the way he used MC’s heat to force him to beg for ML and his Mark had my heart pleasantly clenching in a way few books do. I’ve been looking for this dark obsession this entire series!
Unfortunately, this dark obsession vanishes basically right after the Heat is over. Since most of the book was devoted to the stupid mission, the ending is very rushed. ML is bland again and his choice to leave his family to be with MC is brushed over (what do you mean Aaiden let him walk away just like that??). I’m so bummed that the dark aspect was just gone. I probably would’ve rated this book my standard 3 stars if it wasn’t for that glimmer of greatness I saw.
I usually dislike the enemies-to-lovers trope (controversial I know) because a lot of the time, the MCs either aren’t actual enemies and are more like rivals and/or they’re enemies for such a minor/petty thing that I’m confused on why they’re still mad about it. The MC and MLs in this book, however are actual enemies and the MC has a very valid reason to hate the ML so props for that.
However, unlike the other books in the series, the mission the MC and ML are apart of is the majority of the book. MC holding back jabs at the ML for the sake of the missions and playing the part of the ML’s pet goes on way too long.
Another issue I have is how shallow the ML is. We don’t see any of the struggle he has choosing between the MC and his family. I would’ve loved to seen the arguments he had with his family in the fallout of his and MC’s relationship.
Also, the Rockfords are grossly out of character in this book. In the previous books, they were all super caring and concerned about the trafficked Omegas and getting them help. In this book, they literally say that the whole mission which saved at least twenty trafficked Omegas was a failure because Jade wasn’t saved. What??? I know Jade is super important and whatever but the mission was “pointless” only because he wasn’t saved??
The potential this book had was the biggest letdown though. When the mission is finally over, it gets really good all of a sudden. MC chooses to KILL ML and have him be resuscitated in order to get rid of their Mark. What a brutal way to get rid of it! MC takes ML’s car to his safe house to ride out the resulting rejection. Only ML is able to find MC by tracking his car, chains him up, and systematically breaks him down during MC’s rejection triggered Heat. This was the best part of the entire series imo and I don’t care that much about the sex scenes. I loved the raw obsession ML showed and the way he used MC’s heat to force him to beg for ML and his Mark had my heart pleasantly clenching in a way few books do. I’ve been looking for this dark obsession this entire series!
Unfortunately, this dark obsession vanishes basically right after the Heat is over. Since most of the book was devoted to the stupid mission, the ending is very rushed. ML is bland again and his choice to leave his family to be with MC is brushed over (what do you mean Aaiden let him walk away just like that??). I’m so bummed that the dark aspect was just gone. I probably would’ve rated this book my standard 3 stars if it wasn’t for that glimmer of greatness I saw.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2025
2 stars because I felt bad giving it 1!!
The theme for this review is going to be frustration. Because that’s all I felt while reading this damn book!!
Now when I first started this book I was excited because Avery is unlike the rest of the Omegas in this series. He seemed more like an Alpha in the way he carried and handled himself and the description of the book makes it seem like he’s going to give Raphael so much shit for leaving him 5 years ago. So I was like yes!! He’s going to make Raphael do all sorts of things to try and win him back. And what do you know? It only took 5 minutes of being in his presence again for them to start having sex!!! I shouldn’t be surprised, this is the reason I hate second chance romances. Avery’s BBS was so freaking bad it made me so…frustrated!!
Oh but it only gets worse from there. After they have sex the first time Avery swears he’s not going to do it again and yet it was decided that having Avery get on his knees for Raphael to put on a show for a SEX TRAFFICKER was a good idea!! Who the hell thought that was a good idea? How in the hell are we to find this scene sexy when they are doing it knowing there are Omegas that have been trafficked in the same building and that you are putting on a show for the guy who has trafficked them? Like wtf???
And omg don’t get me started on the OM drama. It made this book even worse because the drama is for the entire book! You have Avery’s second in command who’s obsessed with him. Avery tells him no when he suggests they sleep together and yet Avery knows his second, Cassian, is still going to ask him again. And what does he do? Let’s the man touch all over him!! Knowing he has an unhealthy crush on him he does nothing to dodge his attempts!! And what does Raphael do when he sees Cassian touch his MATE? Absolutely nothing but glare at him!! What the hell kind of alpha are you to let some other alpha touch all over your mate and not say a damn thing? And then later on Cassian forces himself on Avery, tries to you know basically SA him. And what does Avery do? Keep the man as his second in command!!!! And then later thinks about maybe making Cassian his alpha. Like WTF?!!! This man tries to force you into sex and you keep him in your employ and consider making him your alpha?! There’s no saving the book after this.
It would have been nice to know if Raphael was celibate during their 5 year separation. We know that Avery was but it’s never stated if Raphael was. I can only assume he was but you never know with authors these days.
I wouldn’t even call this a romance. It was heavily plot based with a few sex scenes between the MCs and that’s it. We have no context or background on these two. We have no idea why we should even want them to end up together. We don’t even really know the full story of why they broke up in the first place. I’m sorry but I just disliked this book. It definitely became a rage read for me. The only reason I finished it was because I am not so patiently waiting for Jades book and we still don’t even get it next!!! I’ve been waiting since the first one! Ugh
NO CHEATING
LOTS OF OM DRAMA
SEPARATION 5 YRS BEFORE THE STORY
SEX TRAFFICKING
MURDER
HEA (engaged)
The theme for this review is going to be frustration. Because that’s all I felt while reading this damn book!!
Now when I first started this book I was excited because Avery is unlike the rest of the Omegas in this series. He seemed more like an Alpha in the way he carried and handled himself and the description of the book makes it seem like he’s going to give Raphael so much shit for leaving him 5 years ago. So I was like yes!! He’s going to make Raphael do all sorts of things to try and win him back. And what do you know? It only took 5 minutes of being in his presence again for them to start having sex!!! I shouldn’t be surprised, this is the reason I hate second chance romances. Avery’s BBS was so freaking bad it made me so…frustrated!!
Oh but it only gets worse from there. After they have sex the first time Avery swears he’s not going to do it again and yet it was decided that having Avery get on his knees for Raphael to put on a show for a SEX TRAFFICKER was a good idea!! Who the hell thought that was a good idea? How in the hell are we to find this scene sexy when they are doing it knowing there are Omegas that have been trafficked in the same building and that you are putting on a show for the guy who has trafficked them? Like wtf???
And omg don’t get me started on the OM drama. It made this book even worse because the drama is for the entire book! You have Avery’s second in command who’s obsessed with him. Avery tells him no when he suggests they sleep together and yet Avery knows his second, Cassian, is still going to ask him again. And what does he do? Let’s the man touch all over him!! Knowing he has an unhealthy crush on him he does nothing to dodge his attempts!! And what does Raphael do when he sees Cassian touch his MATE? Absolutely nothing but glare at him!! What the hell kind of alpha are you to let some other alpha touch all over your mate and not say a damn thing? And then later on Cassian forces himself on Avery, tries to you know basically SA him. And what does Avery do? Keep the man as his second in command!!!! And then later thinks about maybe making Cassian his alpha. Like WTF?!!! This man tries to force you into sex and you keep him in your employ and consider making him your alpha?! There’s no saving the book after this.
It would have been nice to know if Raphael was celibate during their 5 year separation. We know that Avery was but it’s never stated if Raphael was. I can only assume he was but you never know with authors these days.
I wouldn’t even call this a romance. It was heavily plot based with a few sex scenes between the MCs and that’s it. We have no context or background on these two. We have no idea why we should even want them to end up together. We don’t even really know the full story of why they broke up in the first place. I’m sorry but I just disliked this book. It definitely became a rage read for me. The only reason I finished it was because I am not so patiently waiting for Jades book and we still don’t even get it next!!! I’ve been waiting since the first one! Ugh
NO CHEATING
LOTS OF OM DRAMA
SEPARATION 5 YRS BEFORE THE STORY
SEX TRAFFICKING
MURDER
HEA (engaged)
May 20, 2025
...I did actually really enjoy this, just wanted more to it, seemed rushed
August 3, 2025
I had to DNF this book, which is a shame as so far I have been enjoying this series. I just found this book a difficult read. We come into this story knowing nothing about either of the MCs, except they dont like each other. we soon find out there was a pivotal moment in their relationship which ruined everything.... annnnnd we don't get to see it, or really get any details about what happened.
the second Avery gets within 5 foot of Raphael, he is sleeping with him, and then decides to KILL HIM to get rid of the bond. at this point I just gave up. I don't care about either of the MCs, suddenly the family we have gotten to know is heartless (the mission to save 20 ish omegas is a failure because they didn't find Jade?) and dont even get me started on the OM drama (which usually I enjoy but not in this case).
the second Avery gets within 5 foot of Raphael, he is sleeping with him, and then decides to KILL HIM to get rid of the bond. at this point I just gave up. I don't care about either of the MCs, suddenly the family we have gotten to know is heartless (the mission to save 20 ish omegas is a failure because they didn't find Jade?) and dont even get me started on the OM drama (which usually I enjoy but not in this case).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2025
I think this book had the potential to be a really engaging read, but unfortunately, it felt underdeveloped in several key areas. The story didn’t give us enough backstory on Avery and Raphael—there were no meaningful flashbacks or scenes that helped us understand how their relationship was before, which left me feeling like an outsider watching their lives without full context.
Raphael’s explanation for his actions came across as weak and confusing, making it hard to sympathize with him or grasp his motivations for the betrayal. The relationship itself felt toxic and unhealthy when he re-entered Avery’s life. Avery’s unwavering love for Raphael was obvious, and it felt like Raphael knowingly used that to his advantage, fully aware that Avery would always be a fallback.
Avery presents himself as a tough Omega, but it’s clear that’s a protective shell shielding him from trauma he never truly faced or healed from. His inability to move on after their breakup made it easy for him to fall back into Raphael’s arms, especially since we know he stayed on suppressants and avoided any other Alphas for years. However, the book gives us almost no insight into what Raphael was doing during that time, which was frustrating and felt like a huge, missed opportunity to try and make us like The relationship itself felt toxic and unhealthy, especially when Raphael re-entered Avery’s life. Avery’s unwavering love for Raphael was obvious, and it felt like Raphael knowingly used that to his advantage, fully aware that Avery would always be a fallback.
Avery presents himself as a tough Omega, but it’s clear that’s a protective shell shielding him from trauma he never truly faced or healed from. His inability to move on after their breakup made it easy for him to fall back into Raphael’s arms, especially since we know he stayed on suppressants and avoided any other Alphas for years. However, the book gives us almost no insight into what Raphael was doing during that time, which was frustrating and felt like a huge, missed opportunity to help us connect with Raphael emotionally.
Most importantly, the betrayal—the pivotal moment in their story—is never shown in a dedicated scene. It’s such a crucial part of the plot, but we only get vague references to it, which left me confused and disconnected from the emotional stakes. Overall, I felt the story lacked depth and clarity, and I wish it had explored these characters and their past in more detail so readers could fully understand their motivations and feelings.
Raphael’s explanation for his actions came across as weak and confusing, making it hard to sympathize with him or grasp his motivations for the betrayal. The relationship itself felt toxic and unhealthy when he re-entered Avery’s life. Avery’s unwavering love for Raphael was obvious, and it felt like Raphael knowingly used that to his advantage, fully aware that Avery would always be a fallback.
Avery presents himself as a tough Omega, but it’s clear that’s a protective shell shielding him from trauma he never truly faced or healed from. His inability to move on after their breakup made it easy for him to fall back into Raphael’s arms, especially since we know he stayed on suppressants and avoided any other Alphas for years. However, the book gives us almost no insight into what Raphael was doing during that time, which was frustrating and felt like a huge, missed opportunity to try and make us like The relationship itself felt toxic and unhealthy, especially when Raphael re-entered Avery’s life. Avery’s unwavering love for Raphael was obvious, and it felt like Raphael knowingly used that to his advantage, fully aware that Avery would always be a fallback.
Avery presents himself as a tough Omega, but it’s clear that’s a protective shell shielding him from trauma he never truly faced or healed from. His inability to move on after their breakup made it easy for him to fall back into Raphael’s arms, especially since we know he stayed on suppressants and avoided any other Alphas for years. However, the book gives us almost no insight into what Raphael was doing during that time, which was frustrating and felt like a huge, missed opportunity to help us connect with Raphael emotionally.
Most importantly, the betrayal—the pivotal moment in their story—is never shown in a dedicated scene. It’s such a crucial part of the plot, but we only get vague references to it, which left me confused and disconnected from the emotional stakes. Overall, I felt the story lacked depth and clarity, and I wish it had explored these characters and their past in more detail so readers could fully understand their motivations and feelings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
DNF
I skipped to the end after six chapters, and the ending felt very odd.
I feel the story has the potential to be great, but the execution isn't there. For instance, we know almost nothing about Raphael besides the fact that he's Aaiden's brother, a lawyer, and a former member of a gang with Avery. This leads to the second problem: Avery and Raphael's history. We never learn the true drama behind why Raphael left Avery, other than a flimsy excuse about trying to clear his family's name. Is this supposed to be a plot point for Jade and Aaiden's book? If so, it was poorly executed.
Throughout the past four books, the Rockford family has been presented as a continued presence in the underworld. And the way Raphael decided to leave his family to be with Avery was completely out of character. In book four, Damien mentions that seeing Avery again made Raphael angry, but in this book, he acts as if nothing ever happened. I know the Rockfords are trying to distance themselves from the underworld, but I don't think Raphael leaving the family was necessary. He could have stayed without faking his death, and Avery could have worked with the Rockfords and remained by Raphael's side without leaving his gang. The decision to have the character remove his tattoo felt so out of character that the story no longer feels like a Rockford family story, but a standalone.
As a previous review noted, the relationship in this story feels very toxic. Instead of trying to make their relationship better, the characters only try to force each other to do things their way. This dynamic makes the story feel more like a standalone novel and less like a part of a larger series.
If Avery were to appear again, I wonder how his interactions with the other Rockford Omegas—Leo, Oliver, Milo, and Seven/Phoenix—would unfold. The story missed a great opportunity for him to interact with them.
The book should have been 30-33 chapters long instead of 22 chapters. With more length, the storyline could have been better developed.
Edit 2: Just skimming to the end, I'd say the two-star rating is accurate. Raphael feels like a side character suddenly thrown into a leading role without any significant development. And Avery's character is so inconsistent that I can't decide whether to like him or hate him. He needs to either let go of Raphael for good or commit to staying with him. Forcing Raphael to choose between him and his family just seems selfish.
I skipped to the end after six chapters, and the ending felt very odd.
I feel the story has the potential to be great, but the execution isn't there. For instance, we know almost nothing about Raphael besides the fact that he's Aaiden's brother, a lawyer, and a former member of a gang with Avery. This leads to the second problem: Avery and Raphael's history. We never learn the true drama behind why Raphael left Avery, other than a flimsy excuse about trying to clear his family's name. Is this supposed to be a plot point for Jade and Aaiden's book? If so, it was poorly executed.
Throughout the past four books, the Rockford family has been presented as a continued presence in the underworld. And the way Raphael decided to leave his family to be with Avery was completely out of character. In book four, Damien mentions that seeing Avery again made Raphael angry, but in this book, he acts as if nothing ever happened. I know the Rockfords are trying to distance themselves from the underworld, but I don't think Raphael leaving the family was necessary. He could have stayed without faking his death, and Avery could have worked with the Rockfords and remained by Raphael's side without leaving his gang. The decision to have the character remove his tattoo felt so out of character that the story no longer feels like a Rockford family story, but a standalone.
As a previous review noted, the relationship in this story feels very toxic. Instead of trying to make their relationship better, the characters only try to force each other to do things their way. This dynamic makes the story feel more like a standalone novel and less like a part of a larger series.
If Avery were to appear again, I wonder how his interactions with the other Rockford Omegas—Leo, Oliver, Milo, and Seven/Phoenix—would unfold. The story missed a great opportunity for him to interact with them.
The book should have been 30-33 chapters long instead of 22 chapters. With more length, the storyline could have been better developed.
Edit 2: Just skimming to the end, I'd say the two-star rating is accurate. Raphael feels like a side character suddenly thrown into a leading role without any significant development. And Avery's character is so inconsistent that I can't decide whether to like him or hate him. He needs to either let go of Raphael for good or commit to staying with him. Forcing Raphael to choose between him and his family just seems selfish.
May 25, 2025
Alpha Raphael Rockford abandoned Avery Moore, an Omega gunrunner and former partner — and mate, putting family above his mate and love. Both have lived their lives separately, Raphael as a lawyer for his family, Avery leading a group of gunrunners and occasional hunters of human traffickers, saving other Omegas from slavery and lives of captivity. When Jade, a Rockford family member, is kidnapped and trafficked, the Rockfords hire Avery and her team to join the hunt for Jade, throwing Avery back into the orbit of Raphael. It has been a long five years of hatred, mistrust, and missing his mate, but Avery agrees. As the joined forces hunt for Jade and break up some traffickers, rescuing about 30 Omegas, the two are drawn together again, the mate bond still strong between Raphael and Avery. When Avery hatches a plot to break the mate bond, not all goes as planned, leading to an unexpected resolution to their relationship and a change for the future. Meanwhile, the hunt for Jade will continue in book 6 of the series.
This books in this series just grab me from the first pages and don’t let me go until the final paragraph, having me read it in one sitting. The characters are compelling and engaging, the story is fast-paced, old supporting characters crop up, and the couple eventually gets their HEA. This series is one that definitely holds my interest and makes me anxious for the next book to come out soon. It is one I would recommend to anyone who likes action, conflict, and very steamy scenes to spice things up. A very good read from my point of view.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This books in this series just grab me from the first pages and don’t let me go until the final paragraph, having me read it in one sitting. The characters are compelling and engaging, the story is fast-paced, old supporting characters crop up, and the couple eventually gets their HEA. This series is one that definitely holds my interest and makes me anxious for the next book to come out soon. It is one I would recommend to anyone who likes action, conflict, and very steamy scenes to spice things up. A very good read from my point of view.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2025
1000 stars… but sadly Goodreads only lets me give it 5. 😭🔥
Fired at the Heart was everything I wanted it to be — raw, emotional, and absolutely addictive. This series just keeps getting better, and while you can read this one as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to truly appreciate the depth behind Avery and Raphael’s story. Their history bleeds through every page — it’s enemies-to-lovers, second chance, and revenge romance all tangled into one explosive omegaverse ride.
Avery is that perfect mix of sharp edges and hidden vulnerability. You can feel every ounce of his pain and defiance. Raphael? The alpha who broke him and now has to earn back his trust — and honestly, I loved watching him grovel. The chemistry between them is molten. Every argument, every look, every reluctant touch drips with tension and regret.
If you love non-shifter omegaverse, rejected mates, forced proximity, and revenge served with a side of emotional chaos, this book delivers it all and then some. The pacing felt perfect to me — intense, high-stakes, and full of heart. Ignore the reviews calling it rushed; those people clearly haven’t read the full series. Sophia O’Dare knows exactly how to balance fire and forgiveness. ❤️🔥.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fired at the Heart was everything I wanted it to be — raw, emotional, and absolutely addictive. This series just keeps getting better, and while you can read this one as a standalone, I highly recommend starting from the beginning to truly appreciate the depth behind Avery and Raphael’s story. Their history bleeds through every page — it’s enemies-to-lovers, second chance, and revenge romance all tangled into one explosive omegaverse ride.
Avery is that perfect mix of sharp edges and hidden vulnerability. You can feel every ounce of his pain and defiance. Raphael? The alpha who broke him and now has to earn back his trust — and honestly, I loved watching him grovel. The chemistry between them is molten. Every argument, every look, every reluctant touch drips with tension and regret.
If you love non-shifter omegaverse, rejected mates, forced proximity, and revenge served with a side of emotional chaos, this book delivers it all and then some. The pacing felt perfect to me — intense, high-stakes, and full of heart. Ignore the reviews calling it rushed; those people clearly haven’t read the full series. Sophia O’Dare knows exactly how to balance fire and forgiveness. ❤️🔥.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2025
The Rockfords were once his family. Raphael Rockford was his Alpha. Then Raphael turned his back on his mate and their business, leaving everything in deadly ruins. But Avery survived. He and a handful of survivors rebuilt the business, and now Avery is an Omega gunrunner. He demands respect in a world of Alphas. Now the Rockfords are coming to him for help, and Avery sees a chance to turn a profit, do some good, and gain his freedom once and for all. So, even though he and Raphael still work well together and clearly still have feelings for one another, this is the end.
This book moved the overall story arc along nicely. The writing was excellent, the action was good, and the pacing was strong. However, this is the first of the Rockford stories I wasn't crazy about. Raphael and Avery didn't work for me like the other couples. I didn't see the level of atonement from Raphael I needed. The emotions weren't there for me. They nailed the hurt and resentment, but I didn't get enough of the softer emotions. There wasn't enough forgiveness for me to see Avery's bitterness dissolve. I needed more groveling and more conversation to accept the renewed connection as more than lust.
This book moved the overall story arc along nicely. The writing was excellent, the action was good, and the pacing was strong. However, this is the first of the Rockford stories I wasn't crazy about. Raphael and Avery didn't work for me like the other couples. I didn't see the level of atonement from Raphael I needed. The emotions weren't there for me. They nailed the hurt and resentment, but I didn't get enough of the softer emotions. There wasn't enough forgiveness for me to see Avery's bitterness dissolve. I needed more groveling and more conversation to accept the renewed connection as more than lust.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2025
4.25-4.5 stars
Five years ago Raphael left his Omega mate, Avery when his family decided to shy away from the more seedy side of their business. Avery was left trying to keep the business running with many people opposed to taking orders from an Omega. While he built his own empire, he still yearned for Raphael to return.
The Rockford family is looking for one of their own who was kidnapped and potentially being sold by Omega slave traders. They ask Avery and his team for their help.
Working together again, Raphael and Avery have a hard time focusing on their jobs because they are too busy focusing on each other. They’re explosive together and Avery hates himself every time he gives in to Raphael’s seduction.
They attempt to bring down the Omega slave traders and find Jade but are only moderately successful.
****
POV… first person (Avery, with the last chapter from Raphael’s POV)
Standalone or series… book 5 in series should be read in order
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… surw
Five years ago Raphael left his Omega mate, Avery when his family decided to shy away from the more seedy side of their business. Avery was left trying to keep the business running with many people opposed to taking orders from an Omega. While he built his own empire, he still yearned for Raphael to return.
The Rockford family is looking for one of their own who was kidnapped and potentially being sold by Omega slave traders. They ask Avery and his team for their help.
Working together again, Raphael and Avery have a hard time focusing on their jobs because they are too busy focusing on each other. They’re explosive together and Avery hates himself every time he gives in to Raphael’s seduction.
They attempt to bring down the Omega slave traders and find Jade but are only moderately successful.
****
POV… first person (Avery, with the last chapter from Raphael’s POV)
Standalone or series… book 5 in series should be read in order
Hangover… slight
Recommend… yes
Reread… surw
August 26, 2025
3.5 stars
I don't know where to start... I liked that Avery wasn't the typical omega, he's such a badass and had to prove himself to be where he is, I do think he seemed to forgive Raphael a little too easily in the end I overall enjoyed the push and pull.
Now this is more for the series overall, it's like one big long edge and damn it I have been waiting long enough! WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO GET JADE BACK! this is ridiculous! the unanswered questions around this series are killing me and if it keeps going like it has been I'm not sure I wanna read the next book because the book after that isn't out yet!! I can handle cliffhangers but this has been like 4 books of them consistently and man I need answers!! 😂
Now after all that because apparently I am a bit of a masochist I'm off to read the next one
I don't know where to start... I liked that Avery wasn't the typical omega, he's such a badass and had to prove himself to be where he is, I do think he seemed to forgive Raphael a little too easily in the end I overall enjoyed the push and pull.
Now this is more for the series overall, it's like one big long edge and damn it I have been waiting long enough! WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO GET JADE BACK! this is ridiculous! the unanswered questions around this series are killing me and if it keeps going like it has been I'm not sure I wanna read the next book because the book after that isn't out yet!! I can handle cliffhangers but this has been like 4 books of them consistently and man I need answers!! 😂
Now after all that because apparently I am a bit of a masochist I'm off to read the next one
May 17, 2025
This is another entertaining story in the Taken By His Alpha world. In this book, Avery, an omega, and Raphael, an alpha, are bonded mates who have been separated by choice for five years. Raphael's family needed to clean up their enterprises and become more lawful. Believing it was the right thing to do, he stopped working with Avery's mercenary group. Avery refused to leave and continued the group as its leader. Now, the two groups have come back together to locate kidnapped omega, Jade. It leads them through the shadiest criminal elements that traffic in omegas. Can Avery and Raphael find a way back to each other when emotions still run high, but they are still in love with each other?
August 18, 2025
Avery and Raphael have history. A history that is full of hurt, family obligations and regrets. Avery is an omega that the head of a crime organization. Raphael is his mate, but he left Avery to be with his family. For five years they’ve been separated. But a missing family member on the Rockford has them reaching out for Avery’s help.
Push and pull… Avery still loves Raphael. He loves him back. But they can’t be together. Part of this really well written series that has kept me thirsty for more! I urge you to read all about the Rockford.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Push and pull… Avery still loves Raphael. He loves him back. But they can’t be together. Part of this really well written series that has kept me thirsty for more! I urge you to read all about the Rockford.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 19, 2025
Fired at the Heart is a steamy omegaverse second-chance romance filled with tension, betrayal, and undeniable chemistry. When Omega gunrunner Avery is forced to work with his former Alpha lover, Raphael, old wounds reopen and old sparks fly. Danger is closing in, but their connection might be the most explosive risk of all.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2025
The action was really good in this book, but the story was lacking. We get very little of Avery and Raphael's backstories and just jump right in. It's also very disconnected from the first 4 books with only one previous MC crossing over. I felt like a book was missing or something with too many new characters and no explanation why the previous MCs wouldn't be involved in the ongoing search for Jade. Loved Avery, Raphael is an a$$, and I was overall disappointed.
November 19, 2025
Book 5 of the Taken by His Alpha series and can be read as a standalone.
The characters were so very well written and compelling and complicated. Plot was well developed and exciting and action packed. World building was well thought out and held my interest. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were so very well written and compelling and complicated. Plot was well developed and exciting and action packed. World building was well thought out and held my interest. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend this series.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2025
Fired At The heart
I could not put this book down. I've read all of them, and I've loved them all. I can't wait for more. And I'm excited for more of Jade. Each book has me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if they rescue him. I can't wait for the next book. The anticipation has me begging for more. I highly recommend this series.
I could not put this book down. I've read all of them, and I've loved them all. I can't wait for more. And I'm excited for more of Jade. Each book has me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if they rescue him. I can't wait for the next book. The anticipation has me begging for more. I highly recommend this series.
May 18, 2025
AMAZING!!!
Avery and Raphael are perfect for each other and fought so hard for their happy ever after! I thought I was gonna know how this book would go and I was blown away by the twists and turns… It was perfect
It is a single point of view from Avery’s perspective, and that was the only slight downside I could find…
Avery and Raphael are perfect for each other and fought so hard for their happy ever after! I thought I was gonna know how this book would go and I was blown away by the twists and turns… It was perfect
It is a single point of view from Avery’s perspective, and that was the only slight downside I could find…
May 18, 2025
Love a fierce Omega
Avery is the fiercest Omega I've read. He's been rejected but rose like a phoenix even if his heart still breaks for the Alpha who mated and left him. This is a bitter sweet story of 2nd chance love ❤️ it's beautifully written.
Avery is the fiercest Omega I've read. He's been rejected but rose like a phoenix even if his heart still breaks for the Alpha who mated and left him. This is a bitter sweet story of 2nd chance love ❤️ it's beautifully written.
May 20, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It was disappointing that they didn't find Jade yet but I really liked how Raphael got Avery back as his mate and how far he went to ensure they could be together.
June 6, 2025
This book was a emotional roller coaster. Dealing with the heartache between Avery and Raphael. The trauma of the omegas that were rescued and hoping that they would find Jade. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2025
Raphael broke his mate Avery's heart, when he left him for his family. After five years, Raphael's family is asking for help against sex traffickers who took Jade one of their own. Avery agrees for a price but has a secret agenda. I really enjoyed this book.
May 17, 2025
2.5 I think…idk I need time to think about this. Kinda annoyed by the ending?? I also feel like the timeline should have swapped this book and the last one…especially based on the ending…?
May 28, 2025
My least fave book so far :s
June 26, 2025
Just Rafael could have stayed with the family. I love all the brothers and cousins.
October 22, 2025
WOW. Avery is a really strong omega character in this book five in this series by Sophie O’Dare. There is so much painful history between these two characters and the story is enlivened as a result. Second chance romance is not one of my favorite tropes, but this one was fantastic and very hot between Avery and Raphael. The action and “ACTION” between these two is terrific. Another great addition to this fun series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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