Saint has never let anyone close. What happens when Gabriel Rockford refuses to stay away?
He learned early that those in power always take, so he keeps life simple. To the public, he runs security at a high-end club where he can hit what needs hitting and no one asks about the bruises. In secret, he takes jobs through the Blue Note Lounge, handling problems for people who need creeps scared off, or disappeared.
It’s a clean system. No feelings. No trust. Until Gabriel Rockford ruins everything. Too polished. Too persistent. Far too dangerous to the walls Saint built to survive. Alphas like Gabriel are only there for a good time, and Saint is the farthest thing from an easy ride. His cracks are filled with cement, and no amount of charm from a rich Alpha is going to break through. So why can’t he just walk away?
When an old enemy resurfaces, hunting the Rockfords and anyone tied to them, Gabriel’s refusal to respect boundaries crosses a line. Secrets are exposed, scars are ripped open, and Saint’s fragile trust shatters.
Now danger is closing in, and the only way out is together. But for Saint, survival has always meant standing alone. Can Saint, who’s only ever survived through control, learn to trust the one man strong enough not to break him?
Scroll up to one-click Tempted by His Touch, a contemporary Alpha/Omega romance.
Tempted by His Touch is a steamy, high-stakes contemporary omegaverse featuring hurt comfort, alpha/alpha, trauma and recovery, rich poor.
Sophie 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.
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My sweet broken boy Saint and the Gabriel who loves him. These two are so special. Their book is just wonderful. There is darkness and trauma. They hurt each other. They are now perfect. They perfect together.
I love the dynamic they have and also for Gabriel relentless pursue towards Saint 😭😭 he totally need that.
The way he just bulldoze his way in a respectful way and at the same time very understanding of Saint space and comfort the best he can 🥹 a green flag alpha all the way ✨ also i am so happy Saint get to have his revenge, my heart drop when both of them are captured fuhh glad no major trauma repeated 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
When I read the blurb about this one I wasn’t sure how an alpha/alpha relationship would go given the previous books have all been a/o (and I think different OV have different in-universe “rules” and I forgot this universe doesn’t have alpha “knots”) but despite Saint’s propensity for fighting/violence as seen in Micah and Sebastian’s book, the tenderness and vulnerability put me most in mind of Seven and Damien’s story. (also, TW at the end) That said, however, this book is nothing like their book.
While the Rockfords and their allies are still fighting the trafficking ring, and that plays a role in this book, when I think about the overarching element of this one it’s the relationship between Gabriel and Saint that drives the plot more than the action. I know I’m traversing universes, but as I’m sitting here thinking about how this book made me feel, and the relationship that’s built, it reminds me of “Topping the Alpha” by Samantha Cole, in which a Navy Seal and retired Navy Seal are the main characters/love interests, and yet it’s very very different.
Saint and Gabriel are on more equal footing than the a/o pairs in the previous books (although as I was reading this one I remembered I haven’t read Avery and Raphael’s book yet), and yet they each have deep wounds as well as deep strength. I hesitate to call any book in a series my favorite, because I feel like sometimes I do it too many times in a given series, but I can say that this is one of my favorite books in the series. I wish I could figure out a way to say why I love it so much without spoilers, but I can’t.
There’s a lot of trauma in this one. Trigger Warnings: These aren’t exactly unknowns as they are present to some extent in the previous books, but it’s dealt with much more specifically and intensely in this one. • SA off page with PTSD flashbacks on page, flashbacks including some imagery • specific reference/naming of the SA on page, • multiple references to self-harm* throughout the book, (I’ll say it specifically at the end of the review) • attempted SA on page, with an element that would be a spoiler
The end notes also introduce a spin-off series and that has me very excited. . . . . . *Long term cutting to cope with PTSD.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and didn’t let go til the last page. We have two men, Saint a product of trauma from the foster and juvie system, an enforcer and club security guard, still haunted by his past, and billionaire Gabriel Rockford, wanting Saint from the first time he saw him, “wooing” him by showing up at his work each night, refusing to take NO for an answer, then changing tactics when Saint’s past threatens, doing everything in his power to protect him whether Saint agrees or not. Both have more in common than they know, each seeing the other for who they are underneath, eventually getting to a point of sharing secrets. But both overstep boundaries of trust, whether good intentioned or not, leading them deeper into danger and a chance to lose each other.
The book has a lot of action and some really tense moments to raise the heartbeat as they literally fight for their lives, but there are tender moments between them, too, as walls are lowered, past traumas shared, and trust built, then shattered, then rebuilt again as the connection strengthens between them, turning to love. Gabe and Saint are realistic and relatable characters, easy to root for to actually accept the person that completes them and sees the whole person rather than just parts, able to accept the broken parts and work to help them heal. Their HFN is well earned, as the threat still remains, to be dealt with in the final book of the series.
Seeing characters from previous books make appearances help tie the whole series together, even though each book focuses on a different couple, as the family grows when each partner to a Rockford is folded into this found family. I look forward to the last book in the series when Jade and Aiden will have to confront their feelings amid a brewing final showdown with a former nemesis. It should be quite a read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Saint learned at a young age to want is to lose, to care is a weakness, and to protect himself at all costs. When the pain gets to be too loud, he has ways of silencing it, violence or controlled pain. He doesn't play nice, and he doesn't do trust. So, why can't Gabriel Rockford get the message and stay away? The polished Alpha won't take no for an answer, and when Saint's past catches up to him, he is right by his side.
I loved this story. Gabriel is exactly who and what Saint needed. Saint could not have existed with a delicate Omega. He didn't need another worry. Instead, Gabriel is a strong Alpha who respectfully flattened every defense Saint threw up until he broke through his walls. He could hold his own in Saint's world. He gave Saint space to face his trauma without judgment or trying to fix him. This dynamic allowed a closeness that would have never developed otherwise. To be seen and valued for who you are, where you're at, is a gift and sets the foundation for love. That this involved two Alphas made it more impactful.
Ok, so before we get into the review let’s go over some Trigger Warnings: Mention of r*pe in juvie, mention of kidnapping, on page killing, severe trauma, feeling like one doesn’t matter and belong, depression. Be aware when reading as there maybe triggers I have missed. Now on to the review. Saint whose an Alpha has lived a life of traumatic experiences. He doesn’t trust anyone. When another alpha, Gabriel, comes long and refuses to leave Saint alone. He shows up everywhere Saint’s at and even offers him gifts, which Saint refuses. When they end up on a mission together Gabriel eases himself into Saint’s life promising Saint he will always be there. They are prefect for one another. It’s 5 stars 🌟 from me. The storyline, characters, plot, the whole nine yards of this story was amazing. Definitely worth the read!💜❤️
This series does not miss, but this book felt different in the best way. Two Alphas means no one backing down, no easy emotional outs—just tension, control, and two men who are used to surviving on their own trying to figure out how to exist together.
Gabriel is exactly the kind of presence Saint needed. Not soft, not overwhelming—just steady, patient, and strong enough to handle him without breaking him. He gave Saint space while still showing up every single time, and that balance made their relationship hit so much harder.
And Saint… he deserved someone who would treat him right. Someone who would see him, respect him, and still choose him anyway.
The build, the dynamic, the emotional payoff—everything landed.
Another easy five star.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ARC review I have read several of the books in Taken by His Alpha series and I love them. After the last one where we got to know Saint better, I have been waiting for his story. And it absolutely met my expectations. Sophie O'Dare has a way to engage and captivate you with her writing. I was really immersed in this story and the excitement level was high. There was so much happening through the book that I couldn't put it down until I finished it. The characters in this series are the best. Some of them will follow you into the next book, even if it's not a big role. I love that they will suddenly pop up again. So, if your like me and love a read with lots of content and surprises to keep you occupied and happy I will recommend any book in this series.
Outstanding! Saint, is in protect mode 24/7. He has a brutal past that severely damaged him, but also made him lethal. Gabriel, is one of the Rockford billionaires and has taken to show up at Saint's job every day for the past 2 months. Saint doesn't do relationships. He doesn't do close. The Rockfords are still diligently pursuing the traffickers. Saint, is still concerned about his bestie, Micah. A bit of violence, hard choices, facing one's trauma, friendships, acceptance and love. Excellent recipe for a fantastic read. Well done, great cover art! I can see reaing this series over and over. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've been reading these books from the beginning, and I've enjoyed them all. This one was really hard because my heart broke for Saint and the trauma that still haunted him daily. I loved Gabriel; he was the perfect amount of tough and vulnerable and was able to make Saint feel safe enough to open up. I was so happy that Saint got the opportunity to confront his past and take care of it. I believe there's only one more book in the series, which makes me extremely sad because I don't want to see the couples go. I've gotten attached to all of them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Saint and Gabriel are both deeply hurt characters and cracks start appearing when they get together. I really enjoyed the alpha/alpha energy in this book and I like the continuation of the main story that is in this series. Sophie O’Dare begins with Gabriel following Saint around and just when you think this will be a stalker story she drops a whole lot of new stuff into the mix and we go off on other adventures. I keep enjoying the books in this series and I like the way that they build on each other.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 8 of the Taken by His Alpha series. Can be read as a standalone.
'Can Saint, who’s only ever survived through control, learn to trust the one man strong enough not to break him?'
The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one was slightly different than the others since it’s alpha/alpha…but it’s still intense! Childhood trauma, family secrets and old enemies that finally give Saint and Gabe their push to be together and to start to heal.
Saints POV No heats since they’re alphas but the steamy scenes were no less intense.
Love the entire series. I cannot wait for Jade to win Aiden over and finally get his own HEA.
I love all these book in this series but this one gets your adrenaline going at peak advantage!!!!! Yes you get loving & sex but this one really shows what kind of family the Rockfords are between the arguments between family members & the fighting of the bad guys younger lots & lots of broken bodied & blood everywhere - you'll find yourself cheering on the good guys!!!!! Loved it read it in one setting Thank you - Lori
SO MUCH DELICIOUS ANGST and finally, FINALLY, ALL the emotional hurt/comfort (and some physical hurt/comfort) a person could ever want, if those are their tropes, and they are most definitely mine! The sex was smokin' hot and tender, the action tense and compelling, the various secondary characters enriching to the central conflict. The found family vibe is also strong in this one. LOVED IT!
Gabriel wanted Saint from the moment he saw him. Saint pushes everyone away because of what happened to him as a child. When he meets Gabriel, he knows he needs to stay away because things feel different with Gabriel. They're thrown together to stop a child trafficking ring, and they get into deep and must trust and rely on each other if they want to get out alive. I really enjoyed this book.
Triggers for this one a lot more than the others in the series. This was an interesting take on two alphas coming together. We were introduced to Saint in the last book and it was interesting to see the continued interaction with Gabriel. We also get more insight into what he faced in his past and how it shaped him into who he is
This one comes with all the Heartbreak feels. Its a pull/push for both MMCs. You can taste their love but its just out of reach. Like behind glass. It almost breaks them to realize how much they love eachother. Another amazing read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I'm glad Gabriel and Saint find love with each other in the end. It wasn't easy but it was worth it. I liked how they each put down their enemies and in Saint's case, his demon as well.
It was good to be back in this world again - this time with an alpha/alpha romance. The darkness of the trafficking ring moves closer to resolution in a book with danger, betrayal, passion, loyalty, and love. Very entertaining read!
We need more of these! Alpha and Alpha romances are so good. Not only was this book entertaining, the entire plot was so well thought out. Saint and Gabriel were the best.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.