Taken

Team A.L.P.H.A. #2

by Susi Hawke, Crista Crown

An MM Mpreg Romance

Team: A.L.P.H.A.:Six battle-hardened alphas with one goal—to save any omega in peril


Cody Evans has spent the past six years hidden from the world. Held by a shifter trafficking ring, he’s been forced to serve any man who paid the right price for a submissive omega. Now, the unthinkable has happened: Cody is pregnant. Desperate to save the life inside him but with only a hint of possible help, he sneaks a phone and places a call to the help number he’d held in his head in case he ever got near a phone.

From the moment Levi Thurman scented the pregnant, emotionally broken omega, he had no doubt: Cody was his mate. He knows the young man will need time to uncover the dark secrets of his past so that he can heal, but they’re both shocked when Levi’s secret is revealed first: his soft, lacy, satin covered secret.

What surprises them even more is Cody’s need to be in charge… and Levi’s pleasure in obeying his commands.

But even as Cody unveils Levi’s softer side and Levi strengthens Cody’s belief in himself, the evil of Cody’s past haunts him—and when it comes to protecting his omega, Levi is all alpha, and there’s no way the men who hurt them can escape his justice.

This is the second book in this exciting series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. You can expect to find naughty, knotty scenes of steamy passion, along with a lot of potty-mouth language and occasional violence. Be prepared for sexy manties and an omega with a need for control. HEA definitely included, intended for 18+ readers only. Seriously, would you expect anything less from Susi Hawke and Crista Crown?

Trigger warnings: graphic violence, attempted rape, mention of past sexual trauma

Genres: M M Romance, Omegaverse, Shapeshifters, Romance, Paranormal, Abuse, Fantasy

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2018

About the author

I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!

I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.

As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.

I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.

I look forward to interacting with everyone here!

Reviews

[namericanwordcat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book in the series was much better.

We get a rescue from and awful situation but Cody is a wonderful hero. We get to see him heal and we get lots of couple time with Levi.

Levi has lots of fun quirks and is always respectful of Cody.

Their dynamic is grand.

So, this is good fun even with the dark events and backstory.

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 2 out of 5]

Updated: Second read. Similar issues. Better this time but the whole Dom thing in a former sex trafficking victim just doesn't work well for me. I get control....but that's not = Dom/submissive.

Original: Unfortunately, I could not engage with this at all. It started strong and then the flip on the dominance happened and it was completely jarring. I could not reconcile the omega being the dominant one when he had been a sex slave for so many years. It just seemed completely off and I ended up stalling out around 50% and every time I went back to try and finish I would read a few pages and then loose interest completely. It was a real struggle to finish. I enjoyed the first one, so perhaps it is just this entry in the series.

This may be a it's not you book, it's me. I don't mind a dominant omega but how it happened here didn't create a connection from me to the story.

[SoCalBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I loved this book. Another great Addition in the Team A.L.P.H.A. series by Susi Hawke and Crista Crown. This has been a great series of books so far and I’m really enjoying the collaboration these two authors have given us in these books.

I think that one of the main reasons is because it’s not the normal Alpha is in charge in all ways and the Omega just obeys every direction. This book was different and has some twists and surprises when it comes to the main characters and I think that’s what intrigued me so much about the premise and blurb of this story. Cody has been in captivity for years, but still hasn’t lost hope that he will be set free, even when all odds are against him. I think he might be one of the strongest Omega’s I’ve read about. His strength comes from within but once he’s free to be himself that strength definitely moves outwards into all parts of his personality. I just loved the dynamic between Cody and his Alpha Levi. Levi, is understanding, patient and a little submissive for an Alpha, allowing Cody to learn who he is and be himself without pushing him, since Cody never got a chance to in the years he was being held. Levi’s way of thinking and just automatically accepting Cody’s baby not even caring that he wasn’t the “bio” parent just shows another part of how amazing Levi is as well. Omg, and Levi’s little surprise was unexpected but totally hot. I really enjoy this series, we get to see all kinds of Omegas being helped and saved by some tough but super fun and really funny Alphas.

Audio – Another great narration from Colin Darcy. I really have fun and smile a lot while listening to the voices he gives his characters. He makes sure that we get to really hear every part of the personalities for each character. I don’t think he’s ever just “read” a story to us, he actually gives us a performance each and every time. And it’s been fabulous each time I’ve heard his narrations so far. I will keep buying his audiobooks as they come out in the future.

[S.R. Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 book.

While these books are not deep thought provoking books, they are cute quick reads.

This series is the series you read when you want something light and fluffy and just a little bit dirty.

This is the second book in the Team Alpha series and I adored Cody. He was adorable and I felt bad for all the trauma he adored. I was happy that he got his happily ever after.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars..

Cody was abducted at 15 and was forced to sell his body for six years under horrible treatment by his captors. He managed to grasp an opportunity to call for help from team alpha who was able to save him from his captors. There was insta love with one of the members because they were fated mates. The story was split between Cody's recovery and the team's desire to find those responsible for his abduction. I like the characters and the plot concept. But sadly, telling wasn't engaging enough for me to enjoy it.

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Taken was a little but better than Grabbed for me. It had several of my kinks: age gap, manties and a switch Omega.

Looking forward to book three.

[Barbara➰]

I think this series isn’t for me. I need the mc’s to communicate and not assume and this seems to be headed down the same path.

[Joanne Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

first I am loving this series.

A team filled with tough big hearted men whose goal is to help and protect omegas from harm. Levi is out on a mission to help find an omega who called their hot line . He is prepared to do his job like always but doesn't expect to find is mate, A mate that has be hurt for many years.

Cody was taken when he was 15 and did what he had to do to survive. One night he sees his change to call the 800 number he never forgot and call for help. When he is saved he didn't know that his attachment to the big alpha that carries him off the plan was because he found his mate.

Can an abused omega find his way back to normal with his alpha

[Yarie ☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

18+ MPREG- RTC-

Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers: None
Love Triangle: No
Cheating: No
HEA: Yes

[♡❀✦☞ Sammy ☜✦❀♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

[P-san~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this book more than the first one, as it was yes short but well developed.
There is the instant realization of them being mates, but I liked how things went more slowly, how there was a story of them knowing each other before anything else.
The plot from a point of view of the slave ring is getting more and more interesting, so I'm looking forward to knowing how things will develop and how each of them will hopefully find a mate.

[Suzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't presume to know how an Omega would deal with being kidnapped, sold into a sex trafficking ring for 6 years, find out they're now pregnant and have the worry over that situation being deal with by their captors and then be rescued only to find out his parents have been dead for years but I don't think I would have dealt with it the way Cody did. I don't think this series is for me.

[Mrs.V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, but kinky!
Loved this book, it's sweet, and it's about hurt/comfort, but it's got a hint of kink too that spices it all up!
Cody and Levi are absolutely perfect for each other, but of course, the Fates wouldn't go wrong with a fated mates pair!

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An omega in need.

Cody manages to make a call while stopped for a break. Levi and the boys ride to the rescue. Here we see the gentler side of the alphas as Levi tries to help Cody heal. Another great read!

[Rolito · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3,5 Sterne*

[MN Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody was kidnapped at 15. Six years later he finds a way to make a call for help. Here comes Team ALPHA, including Levi, who is his fated mate. He's pregnant, newly freed from captivity, and doesn't understand a lot of what is happening to him and between him and Levi.

I enjoyed this story for the most part. Levi is super sweet and understanding. Cody is hesitant and in his brain a lot. I didn't quite get why the power dynamics worked from the get-go with Levi an Alpha. Good story and can't wait to read the rest of the series though.

[Teal Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh an Alpha in lacy Panties

Levi is the sniper for Team Alpha. In a mission to save omega s caught up in sex trafficking, he scents his mate, Cody. Cody was just a teenager on his way home from school when he was abducted and thrown into the world of omega sex trafficking. At 21, he finds himself pregnant and with a renewed determination to get free in order to save his child. He manages to call Team Alpha and in doing so brings many new surprises into his life. Like having a sexy Alpha as a Fated Mate that wears Lacy thongs and spankings from his omega's newly discovered Dominate side.
Levi and Cody are sweet, sexy and perfect... And seeing the other members of our team is a blast to read. Definitely recommend.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Cody, he sure went through hell. I would have liked to have seen him suffer a little more with his healing, he seemed to have come through it a little too quickly. I absolutely loved how Cody took Levi in hand, even though Levi is an Alpha. And Levi's little secret, loved that as well. I would have liked to have seen the claiming (biting). They have sex & then they mention the scars on their necks. I like that closeness & missed it. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[S a n d r a · Rating 1 out of 5]

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Uuuurg

Sometimes I feel like a masochist.

I like omegaverse romances and sometimes feel up to it. But I'm starting to feel the issue is not the book but the authors.

Their style doesn't seem to work with me.

Their plots are rushed and underdeveloped. I'm not mad at the instalove, because when it's about fated mates I expect it and prepare for it (fated mates is the only trope that makes instalove bearable for me). It's the character I don't like.

This started quite good. Cody has spent the last 6 years slaved into sex. He doesn't see an out but then gets pregnant and knows he must do something. He achieves contacting with the A.L.P.H.A. team and soon enough he's out and free. But the trauma won't go as fast.

I love a nice hurt/confort romance, and seeing how he reacts to Levi, to their mate pull even though he doesn't understand what he's feeling, was nice and I wanted more.

Buuuut. But.

Then things go to hell.

I don't mind dominant twinks/omegas nor submissive alphas. Nicely done it can be certainly hot and entrancing. This was not the case.

Cody needing to be in control, considering his situation, is believable. But it was such a big change, too sudden, too surrealist... He goes from being a shaking mess to giving Levi orders, making him call him Sir and calling Levi good boy in exchange. 180° change from one chapter to the other... Without any reason or rhyme.

If given time and depth to his character, time for him to adjust to being free and in control, it could have made sense. But there wasn't such a thing. Levi goes from being the usual alpha to a super submissive one, and as said above, Cody goes from being scared of his own shadow go feeling so confortable as to give orders and dominate in the relationship.

I feel this author duo just doesn't do it for me. I guess is about tastes... Some people like fast and shallow plots. And even if I enjoy fast paced stories, they have to make sense for me to enjoy them.

And it's a pity because I would love to know what will be of the other members... Maybe some time in the future, when I don't remember as freshly as right now that this didn't do it for me (the first one didn't, either lol) I will try the next one. Masochist, that I am.

But not now, that's for sure.

[78sunny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nachdem Teil 1 mich gut unterhalten aber nicht umgehauen hat, hoffte ich, dass es mit dieser Reihe genauso wird, wie mit den anderen Reihen der Autorin. Da hatte sie mich meist auch erst beim zweiten Buch. Hier war dies leider nicht der Fall. Eigentlich ist die Reihe fast identisch mit der Spin-Off Reihe Alphabits. Lediglich die Charaktere sind ausgetauscht und ansonsten verläuft alles nach dem gleichen Schema. Das stört mich zwar nicht allzu sehr, da ich die Alphabits geliebt habe, aber einen kleinen faden Beigeschmack hinterlässt es einfach. Auch bei den Alphabits gab es einen Band, wo das Alpha-Omega-Verhältnis durch einen BDMS bzw. Spanking-Kink verdreht war. Allerdings war es da nicht so extrem wie hier in „Taken“. Ich muss gestehen, dass mich das wirklich abgetörnt und genervt hat. Ich mag das klassische dominanter Alpha/devoter Omega Verhältnis und das ist auch der Grund warum ich gerade dieses Omegaverse Bücher so gern lese. Mir erschließt sich da in keiner Weise, dass es auch Pärchen gibt, die dann in ihrem Liebesleben das ganze anders herum ausleben. Ein Alpha in Spitzenhöschen und einen Omega, der ihn im Bett und teilweise auch im normalen Alltag herumkommandiert, passt für mich einfach gar nicht und daher gefiel mir dieses Buch nicht. Levi ist ein taffer Alpha und Soldat. Er rettet mit seinem Team Cody aus jahrelanger Gefangenschaft und sexueller Versklavung. Dann merken beide, dass sie wahre Gefährten sind und auf Grund von Codys Vergangenheit versucht Levi das ganze langsam anzugehen. Bis dahin passt ja auch alles. Aber gerade mit diesem Sklaverei-Hintergrund kann ich mir dieses dominante Verhalten von Cody einfach nicht erklären und es machte eben keinen Spaß das ganze zu lesen bzw. zu hören.
Trotzdem glaube ich weiterhin, dass die Reihe mir noch viel Freude bereiten wird. Da es auch in Team Alphabits nur ein solches Pärchen gab, hoffe ich stark, dass nun auch in dieser Reihe diese Art Pärchen abgeschlossen ist. Vor allem die Kameradschaft und das Geplänkel zwischen den Teammitglieder und ihrern Familien ist immer sehr unterhaltsam. Ich werde gleich mit dem nächsten Band weitermachen.

Story 3,0/5
Charaktere 3,0/5
Schreibstil 3,0/5
Erotik 1,0/5
Gesamt 2,6/5

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

**********Contains Spoilers**********

Taken -Wow, what a great book. I feel horrible for what Cody had to endure for the 6 years since he was kidn*pped on his way home from band practice and was part of a s*x traffi*king ring. I loved how him and Levi met, it was the perfect time for Cody even though he didn’t fully understand why one of the alpha’s smelt like home and he feels comfortable around. Cody managed to contact Team A.L.P.H.A while at a McDonalds to let them know his name and the name of the motel that they were taking the omegas too. I loved that Levi could give Cody what he needed his power back after having no say in 6 years. I loved that both Cody and Levi kind of worked out the new dynamic that Levi didn’t know he had and Cody got to call the shots since he couldn’t do that while being held captive. It was awesome seeing Cody’s confidence grow when he was telling Levi what to do, it gave him his freedom back. I loved how from basically the first moment when Cody was telling Levi about being pregnant and that he doesn’t know who the father is, and Levi tells him that he knows who it is and that he was meaning himself. I still love how Team A.L.P.H.A members talk to each other, they give each other sh*t. Man, what Papa P and Ray went through before being able to claim each other was heat breaking. I’m looking forward to reading Boomer and David’s story next as it should be funny considering David is his team mates Ezra and Zeke’s younger brother. Poor Boomer I’d hate to get on the twins bad side considering they’re great at using dull kn*ves to extract the information from a bad guy. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and authors to everyone.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

This was a blend of your average MPreg story and a typical special ops tale. It was blended well although the part between the special ops missions was pretty boring, too contemporary but it was sweet. I was uncomfortable with the murder of the bad guys. I especially was bothered with tying men up in a burning building. Two wrongs don’t make a right and that’s torture. But I’m not sure how else it would work given the political situation. I think they did a moderately good job of dealing with Cody’s PTSD and trauma. It could have been better but it was a light book.

I didn’t like that a guy was gross because he was fat. They went over and over about how fat and gross he was and how he needed to stop eating junk, etc. He also had acne and had missing teeth not to mention a small penis. The guy was gross because he didn’t take care of himself? So give him greasy hair and stained clothes (he could afford better if he was using prostitutes) and crass behaviors instead. Don’t shame the body.

I don’t like MPreg and only read this for a challenge. It was pretty innocuous in that there were still women in the world but it’s not my thing.

The narrator, Colin Darcy, was really good. His voices weren’t just different tones, he knew that people have different ways of speaking (think William Shatner). Sometimes they were too jarring though. He also did both white and Black voices beautifully.

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the at he kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey’s books)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class

[Meagan (FranticVampireReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one, but I think it probably could have used a trigger warning at the beginning. I’m reading this as part of the “boxed” ebook set and I didn’t get a super good look at the description before diving into this one. So that’s probably more on me than anything. But besides that! I really, really liked this book.

I loved the role reversal that happened in this one! Levi is the big beefy strong one and Cody is the tiny and traumatized one in this story. But! They are so cute when they switch roles in the bedroom. I really love when this kind of thing happens in book. I love that Cody is taking back the ownership of his body and his sexuality. I loved that he’s learning to trust more and to love again. And that Levi is his perfect person!

The only think I didn’t like about this book was how fast paced it was. I wanted just a little more time to settle into this story; get to know the characters even more. Other than that, this was such a fun read! I love that this series reads a lot like fanfic, it’s kind of addicting. This book is getting a solid four out of five stars!

[(╯`▭´）╯︵ ǝɔnɒꓷ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I definitely enjoyed this better than the first one, but it still had its problems. For one, while I could appreciate the humor in some parts, in others I feel it could be...a bit tasteless at times. I know with this book in particular the humor was used to balance the dark topic being handled, but it could have been executed better. And while I also appreciated the fact that the steamy scenes did take a little longer to get into and that Levi and Cody actually got to know each other first, I still feel like everything was a bit rushed. Cody seemed to get over his trauma pretty quickly considering he'd spent six years in captivity, and honestly while I loved seeing his fiesty side, I just wanted to see a little bit more of him on that path to healing with Levi rather than being told about it. But I did like their relationship a lot more than Noah and Preston's, because while it moved fast it didn't move as fast as theirs. It was sweet and I appreciated the direction it was going in, I just wish their relationship had been developed just a little bit more. But overall this was a quick, fun read and I'm definitely interested to continue this series.

[Carol Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew when I read the first book a few weeks back that I was going to enjoy this whole series. This is one of those series I almost wish I didn't know about until all the books were finished. The waiting time is not bad at all. In fact it's very short. But, I just want to binge read read from the first book to the last.

Taken wasn't as action packed as Grabbed (the first book in this series) was but it was a good book nonetheless. I was actually a little weary going into this book because I like books where the alpha is all alpha. Based on some of the reviews, I was a little concerned. But I had no reason to be concerned because the authors made our Alpha all alpha. Just with a side of kink. And our Omega....I really shouldn't say more.

Like most fated mate books, there was an instant connection between the Alpha and Omega. The chemistry between them was hot. And their roles in the relationship was...well....it was a surprise. I was shocked. But, in a good way.

I can't wait for next book in this series. There's no telling what those two are coming up with.

[MyDoRyS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audio: 3 Stars Better than the first one but still not to my taste.

Story: Entertaining, if you are looking for a quick read. It is not groundbreaking nor original but not totally awful. I did not appreciate the fat shaming, even if it is a bad guy, shaming people because of the way they look is not appropriate. The shaming regarding who is the daddy on the relationship or the lace underwear wearing. I do understand Cody wanting to be in control of the relationship since he had no power for 6 years, BUT I do not buy that control developing into a sub/dom relationship. I do not think this kind of relationship fits his abusive past. I'm pro omega doms but I do not believe it was the right approach for this plot. Cody becomes a total asshole towards Levi outside the "sexual" relationship, that bothered me the most because Levi is the sweetest. Onto the next adventure, Happy Readings!!!

[Kaķis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about Levi, the team’s sniper and Cody, an omega who was kidnapped and sold to sex trafficking ring. The book starts with Cody finding about his pregnancy and trying to search for help. That’s how team ALPHA comes in to his rescue. His story is heartbreaking and after meeting his alpha, Levi, they start a journey to heal and welcome their kids.
I love how patient Levi was with Cody and how old school his soul is. Their house really is the sweetest. I enjoyed the moments with the whole gang and how Papa P came to help Cody. This whole series is about family and bonds and you can feel that in each book.
The only dislike I like about this book is Levi & Cody’s dynamic. In my head, it didn’t make sense and just didn’t work for me. With that being said, I love everything else in the book and enjoyed it.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ALPHA team is back and they're rescuing an omega who called for help.

Cody was taken as a teen and pimped out. Six years later, he's pregnant and scared. If the people who have him find out he's pregnant, nothing good will happen. So when he gets the chance to call a rescue number, he does.

Levi and his team have gotten a call and they are going to go rescue the omega who called. As soon as they find Cody, Levi realizes that he's his mate. But Cody is traumatized, and Levi is worried about how he will take it.

I love the dynamic between Cody and Levi. It works so well for them, even if it's not the typical relationship. It makes them happy and that's the important part. It's a great story.

[Lacrymosa Quiñones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The alpha and omega role reversed

Oh my God did I enjoy this book so much! I had too much fun with it and hardly put it down until the end.

Character breakdown;

Levi: I didn't know what I expected from him but it definitely wasn't what I got. I found it funny yet sexy as all hell that he had "Victoria's secret" on. Lol. But the relationship between him and Cody was beautiful to say the least.

Cody: it wasn't easy to read about his life, it was heart wrenching to say the least. But I loved how quickly he was able to heal his wounds with Levi's help. I enjoyed the weird domination he had over him too.

A great book, humor, steaminess, and some heart wrenching moments. It's a page turner through and through.