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Hart Medical Center #1
Breaking Barriers
Detective Jamal Tuma was used to life not going his way. As an omega in an alpha dominated world, he’d experienced more than his fair share of bigotry when he’d decided to enter the police force. His life had been put in danger more times than he could count for no other reason than alphas above him thought it wouldn’t matter if he’d died on the job. Yet, in the six years he’d been a cop, he’d never come quite so close to death as he did when an alpha doctor didn’t feel it necessary to treat his gunshot wound.
Brace Jacobs had never given much thought to the omegas in their world. As a doctor, he’d taken an oath to heal, no matter their color, creed, sex, or even their omega status. But not everyone felt the way he did. It didn’t sit well with Brace, but he didn’t go out of his way to fix the problem, either. That was until Detective Jamal Tuma came through those doors and nearly died with Brace’s hands deep in his body as he fought to save the omega.
Warning: Hijinx and mayhem will ensue, as these two fight the world around them, as well as their own ridiculous preconceived notions, as they hope to build a future together. But that might be easier said than done when there are stalkers, assholes, idiots, and one very determined Patient Care Coordinator, who will kick everyone’s ass while planning a circus, if that’s what it takes for them to begin Breaking Barriers.
Brace Jacobs had never given much thought to the omegas in their world. As a doctor, he’d taken an oath to heal, no matter their color, creed, sex, or even their omega status. But not everyone felt the way he did. It didn’t sit well with Brace, but he didn’t go out of his way to fix the problem, either. That was until Detective Jamal Tuma came through those doors and nearly died with Brace’s hands deep in his body as he fought to save the omega.
Warning: Hijinx and mayhem will ensue, as these two fight the world around them, as well as their own ridiculous preconceived notions, as they hope to build a future together. But that might be easier said than done when there are stalkers, assholes, idiots, and one very determined Patient Care Coordinator, who will kick everyone’s ass while planning a circus, if that’s what it takes for them to begin Breaking Barriers.
91 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 11, 2020
243 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Shea Balik
155 books264 followersBestselling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Hart Medical Center Series, Miracle Series, and Paranormal Wars Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own spin.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 12, 2020
Dr. Brace and Cop Jamal....
Jamal is an Omega on the police force and treated badly by his fellow cops, except his partner. They are getting coffee when all hell breaks loose, and Jamal is shot. An Alpha doctor in the ER lets Jamal bleed while he treats an Alpha, who is a non-emergency. Dr. Brace steps in, saves Jamal, and takes care of him at the hospital while he’s in a coma.
Jamal has been getting threats from a stalker, so Dr. Brace invites him to stay with him. So, Jamal continues medical leave at Alpha Brace’s.
We have the bad attitudes some have for Omegas, the stalker, plus the new hospital CEO, who is flamboyant and is not prejudice against Omegas.
With the long coma, Jamal has skipped his heat suppressant, and is now overwhelmed by it. Brace comes home and their instincts take over.
I loved each man, and the epilogue is intriguing. The stalker, who moved to a new target, is continuing in book 2, of this trilogy.
Enjoy !
=====
Jamal is an Omega on the police force and treated badly by his fellow cops, except his partner. They are getting coffee when all hell breaks loose, and Jamal is shot. An Alpha doctor in the ER lets Jamal bleed while he treats an Alpha, who is a non-emergency. Dr. Brace steps in, saves Jamal, and takes care of him at the hospital while he’s in a coma.
Jamal has been getting threats from a stalker, so Dr. Brace invites him to stay with him. So, Jamal continues medical leave at Alpha Brace’s.
We have the bad attitudes some have for Omegas, the stalker, plus the new hospital CEO, who is flamboyant and is not prejudice against Omegas.
With the long coma, Jamal has skipped his heat suppressant, and is now overwhelmed by it. Brace comes home and their instincts take over.
I loved each man, and the epilogue is intriguing. The stalker, who moved to a new target, is continuing in book 2, of this trilogy.
Enjoy !
=====
January 13, 2020
This is the first book in the Hart Medical Center series. Jamal is an omega cop in a world where alphas are considered to be superior by most people. He’s faced bigotry his entire life but he’s strong and determined to make a difference. When he is shot and taken to the hospital an alpha doctor doesn’t treat his wound immediately and he almost dies. Another alpha doctor, Brace, steps in and saves his life. When a stalker threatens Jamal’s life Brace offers to help again and the two men get closer and develop feelings for each other.
It was a really strong and heartwarming story, a great start to the series. I thought Jamal was a wonderful character. I got annoyed with Brace once or twice but I understood that the way he acted was part of his journey to become a better person and I loved how he developed as a character.
The secondary characters were also very interesting and I can’t wait to read their stories.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
It was a really strong and heartwarming story, a great start to the series. I thought Jamal was a wonderful character. I got annoyed with Brace once or twice but I understood that the way he acted was part of his journey to become a better person and I loved how he developed as a character.
The secondary characters were also very interesting and I can’t wait to read their stories.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
April 27, 2020
I usually don't rate a book so low, for the author's effort and time spent in writing only, but this book, oh my, it was terrible.
Only ~100 pages and I skimmed a lot, the plot isn't linear at all (where is the story's sense?) and the characters aren't portrayed even a bit. Also, the mystery thing is pretty nonsense.
I am sorry but I wouldn't recommend it, like at all.
Only ~100 pages and I skimmed a lot, the plot isn't linear at all (where is the story's sense?) and the characters aren't portrayed even a bit. Also, the mystery thing is pretty nonsense.
I am sorry but I wouldn't recommend it, like at all.
January 14, 2020
After reading the lead in...book 0, I KNEW this was going to be one hell of a series and I was right! After seeing the omega Shale come in and kick ass to an alpha doctor who deserved it, I knew this was going to be perfect. Once again, omegas are cast in a bad light. They are less than anyone else, although they are the ones that work the hardest and have to fight the hardest for everything. But these omegas are here to prove, they are not only the best at what they are doing, they are much better than the alphas who are trying to demean them.
If you haven’t read the book 0, you need to. It gets you a good setup going into this one. You don’t have to, I suppose, but if you can, it will help. I think it’s with the prolific works. I don’t remember. Anyway, when I read the 0, I knew things were going to be tough. Ronan Hart, is the next Hart to be ‘in control’ of the hospital, and it’s falling apart around him, because his father didn’t care about it when he was in control. And now Ronan’s hands are full trying to fix everything, with the board hounding his every step. And the next bad thing, has now just hit. An asshole alpha refuses to treat a cop who’s been shot in the line of duty, just because he’s an omega. Well, Brace stepped in after treating another gunshot wound and barely saved Jamal’s life. But he’s been a coma and no one knows why. But Shale has implemented some new things at the hospital and now Jamal is awake. And in trouble.
Omegas like Jamal and Shale are what make this book. And the alphas that are the good one, the ones trying to do the right thing and make sure everyone is equal. But Jamal and Shale have a backbone like you wouldn’t believe and they know how to take care of business, no matter what everyone seems to throw their way. And believe me, some days it’s hard. Very hard. Especially for Jamal, being a cop that no one wants to help because he’s omega. Except for his partner, Gal. But even Gal, Jamal is worried for because Jamal is getting crap assignments and stuff that Gal has to put up with for being his partner. So, yeah. I admire these omegas. They are going to prove that omegas are just as good as alphas, even if it kills them on the way out. They are just as good and as important and I love it.
This is going to be one hell of a series. The battle between alphas and omegas, the ensuing drama at the hospital. It’s all adding up to be one hell of a series. And after reading these, I can’t wait for the next one.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
If you haven’t read the book 0, you need to. It gets you a good setup going into this one. You don’t have to, I suppose, but if you can, it will help. I think it’s with the prolific works. I don’t remember. Anyway, when I read the 0, I knew things were going to be tough. Ronan Hart, is the next Hart to be ‘in control’ of the hospital, and it’s falling apart around him, because his father didn’t care about it when he was in control. And now Ronan’s hands are full trying to fix everything, with the board hounding his every step. And the next bad thing, has now just hit. An asshole alpha refuses to treat a cop who’s been shot in the line of duty, just because he’s an omega. Well, Brace stepped in after treating another gunshot wound and barely saved Jamal’s life. But he’s been a coma and no one knows why. But Shale has implemented some new things at the hospital and now Jamal is awake. And in trouble.
Omegas like Jamal and Shale are what make this book. And the alphas that are the good one, the ones trying to do the right thing and make sure everyone is equal. But Jamal and Shale have a backbone like you wouldn’t believe and they know how to take care of business, no matter what everyone seems to throw their way. And believe me, some days it’s hard. Very hard. Especially for Jamal, being a cop that no one wants to help because he’s omega. Except for his partner, Gal. But even Gal, Jamal is worried for because Jamal is getting crap assignments and stuff that Gal has to put up with for being his partner. So, yeah. I admire these omegas. They are going to prove that omegas are just as good as alphas, even if it kills them on the way out. They are just as good and as important and I love it.
This is going to be one hell of a series. The battle between alphas and omegas, the ensuing drama at the hospital. It’s all adding up to be one hell of a series. And after reading these, I can’t wait for the next one.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
October 6, 2021
This was book 1 in the
"Hart Medical Center"
Detective Jamal Tuma is an omega who is bosses is trying to push him out they think its an alphas job. When he is shot protecting his partner he is taken to the hospital where an alpha doctor went to lunch instead of treating him he almost dies. Doctor Brace Jacobs steps in to save him Brace knows its something special about Jamal he visits him while he is in a coma. This was a pretty good read omegas are looked at as second class citizens which I didn't like. I liked that Jamal's partner Gal wasn't like that he had his back. I also liked that Brace wasn't like that he believed in treating people fairly. The secondary characters in this book were great I really liked Shale and the way he was running things at the hospital and putting the other doctors in their place. This was my first time reading this author. This book did have a few errors in it. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 12, 2020
This was one fantastic, grab-you-by-the-feels, poignant, raw, gritty, intense, bittersweet, fascinating, enthralling, smoldering, action packed, emotionally charged, and totally awesome story. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
added-it
December 4, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/4/2022)! 🎁
January 14, 2020
5 Hearts Reviewed by Shorty for MM Good Book Reviews
From the moment Brace meets an omega with a gunshot to the abdomen he has been at the man's side waiting for him to come out of his coma. The new patient coordinator, Shale is a blast as he doesn't crap from anyone. This was a delightful story to read with colorful characters, a mysterious stalker and alphas who are bigots trying hard to stop the changes implemented at the hospital.
I loved how Jamal stood up for himself even against Brace. He's as fierce as Shale when he is determined about something. Jamal and Brace were off the charts cute together. Even though we still don't know who the stalker is I enjoyed the story. I really felt for omegas as some alphas see them as less than. It really angered me that some police and doctors who are sworn to protect and serve everyone shun them.
I am honestly intrigued with this series so far and am looking forward to getting to know the characters more as the series progresses.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
From the moment Brace meets an omega with a gunshot to the abdomen he has been at the man's side waiting for him to come out of his coma. The new patient coordinator, Shale is a blast as he doesn't crap from anyone. This was a delightful story to read with colorful characters, a mysterious stalker and alphas who are bigots trying hard to stop the changes implemented at the hospital.
I loved how Jamal stood up for himself even against Brace. He's as fierce as Shale when he is determined about something. Jamal and Brace were off the charts cute together. Even though we still don't know who the stalker is I enjoyed the story. I really felt for omegas as some alphas see them as less than. It really angered me that some police and doctors who are sworn to protect and serve everyone shun them.
I am honestly intrigued with this series so far and am looking forward to getting to know the characters more as the series progresses.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
January 12, 2020
Breaking Barriers is the first book in Shea Balik's Hart Medical Center series. This book was a fabulous read. The main characters Jamal and Brace will capture your heart with their journey to HEA! You get introduce to some secondary characters that you can't wait for their stories to come out. I'm looking forward to read future stories in this series.
December 14, 2022
ARGHH I am pissed, I don't like open endings and the identity of the stalker never being revealed makes it feel like a shitty end to what could have been a great book. Someone who doesn't like MPreg though would no doubt hate it but I enjoyed the romance for what it was not thinking about everything in great depth.
July 20, 2023
I liked most of the first half of this book. It's not the worst book I've read, but it had so much potential and the ending left me feeling quite disappointed. I fell like there was an attempt at the build up for the plot and then suddenly it crashed. I had to go back to re-start the beginning of the last chapters because I couldn't follow who's pov we were following, or what actually happened because there was a big time jump in between. It would've definitely been a way better book if it focussed more on the mystery part, since the romance was established quite early on in the book anyway. I'll think about wether or not I'll be reading the next book.
April 6, 2020
3/5
Cute story, but the ending felt unfinished with the sub-plot unresolved.
Cute story, but the ending felt unfinished with the sub-plot unresolved.
March 22, 2021
So, good storyline, good writing, but just not sure this genre is for me.
June 6, 2021
This is the first in the Hart Medical Center series. I went into this expecting one thing because of the blurb. It started off like that promise was going to be upheld. I was genuinely drawn in for a while until the accident finally happened. I was even able to look past a good bit of editing errors for the sake of the story, and there’s a fair bit up until this point. But after that, the book derailed so far off course it was hard to ignore much of anything.
Firstly the editing, which I usually try to ignore, was too numerous in its problems. Missing words, wrong words, repeated phrases. Things like the author maybe reworded a sentence and forgot to delete the part that wasn’t needed anymore, incomplete sentences, and other such things. If you’re the type of person that cares about these things this book isn’t for you. I’ve written reviews on books with editing issues and not even mentioned it but even for me, this was way, way too much.
That and the whole relationship dynamic didn’t live up to its expectations. It was like one day the main character was dying, next he’s living with his mate and then dating, pregnant, having a child, and then the author sets up for book two. It didn’t dig deep enough for me to get involved. I was expecting with all of the classism towards Omegas to have this gritty hardcore Omega trying to make it in an Alpha world story but it quickly fell into the usual Omega-Alpha roles that even the main character said he was trying to avoid. The Omega cop trying to break through into an Alpha dominated world plot was completely dropped and his sole purpose was to fall into the very role he was trying to escape from, be liberated from. And the Alpha not being like all Alphas was equally as far away from change.
The stalker angle, which got dropped while months passed during the pregnancy because, you know, stalkers stop stalking so wolves can have babies, was underdeveloped. I was ready to see where this was going then conception happened and nothing. A few months pass, more pass, baby comes out and, the stalker finally returns. Did he go on vacation? Did he get arrested? Hell did he just give up? Where was he for an entire term of pregnancy?
I’m a fan of M/M werewolf fiction and this one had all the workings of the grit and depth needed to jump out of the cliche’s of the even more specific Mpreg genre and promised it would, but in the end, the Alphas won out. The only saving grace was the over the top patient coordinator who managed to bring in some extremely competent Omega surgeons. But even still there was a one-liner about the Alpha male of the book saying they still needed to learn a thing or two that he, of course, was teaching them. Because even when the Omega’s were actually shining we still can’t just let them be great *cue eye-roll*.
My takeaway was the relationship didn’t live up to the challenge of an Omega being more than just this thing belonging to an Alpha, his property because that’s exactly what happened. He lost his job due to petty Alpha antics, got pregnant after the second or third sexual encounter. It could’ve been the first. Don’t know. And thus ended up moving in and becoming exactly what he set out not to be. Mpreg is such an interesting genre but I thought at least this time it would be more about the class dynamics, the stalker angle, and how seeing the Omega as an equal would indeed challenge stereotypes and break barriers. Instead, it was more of the same. Alpha saves omega, omega gets insta-pregnant and becomes a stay at home dependent on his Alpha. Both the stalker plotline and the relationship plotline did not get the depth they deserved. It was disappointing all around for a book that had the potential to actually do what the title said.
I wrote this entire review without a character name because the Omega Cop didn’t police and as you have read above, the entire stalker angle which would require policing was dropped for how he felt about the Alpha. And the Alpha was your typical Alpha but set up like he wasn’t. Just took what he wanted from the Omega who, when being stalked, ran from the safety of someone else’s home to his own house. Like you have a stalker after you, and you’re a police officer and you don’t call anyone to say you’re heading out. Not even your job partner. The amount of sense this doesn’t make is mind-boggling. None of the plotlines were handled well in this story nor did the characters step out into new ground. It was just all over the place from the moment, here comes a name, Jamal woke up after the accident. A slow decline into forgetting the book was about a cop trying to break down barriers and more about an Omega getting pregnant and falling into the arms of a big strong Alpha.
If typos don’t bug you and there is a good bit here, and if Mpreg were-stories are your thing complete with the typical relationship roles they provide, chances are this book will more than deliver for you. But based on the blurb that is exactly what I was not expecting from this read so if you’re on that same page and expecting something more and new, this won’t be for you.
Firstly the editing, which I usually try to ignore, was too numerous in its problems. Missing words, wrong words, repeated phrases. Things like the author maybe reworded a sentence and forgot to delete the part that wasn’t needed anymore, incomplete sentences, and other such things. If you’re the type of person that cares about these things this book isn’t for you. I’ve written reviews on books with editing issues and not even mentioned it but even for me, this was way, way too much.
That and the whole relationship dynamic didn’t live up to its expectations. It was like one day the main character was dying, next he’s living with his mate and then dating, pregnant, having a child, and then the author sets up for book two. It didn’t dig deep enough for me to get involved. I was expecting with all of the classism towards Omegas to have this gritty hardcore Omega trying to make it in an Alpha world story but it quickly fell into the usual Omega-Alpha roles that even the main character said he was trying to avoid. The Omega cop trying to break through into an Alpha dominated world plot was completely dropped and his sole purpose was to fall into the very role he was trying to escape from, be liberated from. And the Alpha not being like all Alphas was equally as far away from change.
The stalker angle, which got dropped while months passed during the pregnancy because, you know, stalkers stop stalking so wolves can have babies, was underdeveloped. I was ready to see where this was going then conception happened and nothing. A few months pass, more pass, baby comes out and, the stalker finally returns. Did he go on vacation? Did he get arrested? Hell did he just give up? Where was he for an entire term of pregnancy?
I’m a fan of M/M werewolf fiction and this one had all the workings of the grit and depth needed to jump out of the cliche’s of the even more specific Mpreg genre and promised it would, but in the end, the Alphas won out. The only saving grace was the over the top patient coordinator who managed to bring in some extremely competent Omega surgeons. But even still there was a one-liner about the Alpha male of the book saying they still needed to learn a thing or two that he, of course, was teaching them. Because even when the Omega’s were actually shining we still can’t just let them be great *cue eye-roll*.
My takeaway was the relationship didn’t live up to the challenge of an Omega being more than just this thing belonging to an Alpha, his property because that’s exactly what happened. He lost his job due to petty Alpha antics, got pregnant after the second or third sexual encounter. It could’ve been the first. Don’t know. And thus ended up moving in and becoming exactly what he set out not to be. Mpreg is such an interesting genre but I thought at least this time it would be more about the class dynamics, the stalker angle, and how seeing the Omega as an equal would indeed challenge stereotypes and break barriers. Instead, it was more of the same. Alpha saves omega, omega gets insta-pregnant and becomes a stay at home dependent on his Alpha. Both the stalker plotline and the relationship plotline did not get the depth they deserved. It was disappointing all around for a book that had the potential to actually do what the title said.
I wrote this entire review without a character name because the Omega Cop didn’t police and as you have read above, the entire stalker angle which would require policing was dropped for how he felt about the Alpha. And the Alpha was your typical Alpha but set up like he wasn’t. Just took what he wanted from the Omega who, when being stalked, ran from the safety of someone else’s home to his own house. Like you have a stalker after you, and you’re a police officer and you don’t call anyone to say you’re heading out. Not even your job partner. The amount of sense this doesn’t make is mind-boggling. None of the plotlines were handled well in this story nor did the characters step out into new ground. It was just all over the place from the moment, here comes a name, Jamal woke up after the accident. A slow decline into forgetting the book was about a cop trying to break down barriers and more about an Omega getting pregnant and falling into the arms of a big strong Alpha.
If typos don’t bug you and there is a good bit here, and if Mpreg were-stories are your thing complete with the typical relationship roles they provide, chances are this book will more than deliver for you. But based on the blurb that is exactly what I was not expecting from this read so if you’re on that same page and expecting something more and new, this won’t be for you.
October 20, 2020
Dislike the cops
I really dislike the cops, other than Jamal, Levan, and Gal. The way they treat Jamal is just terrible and wrong.
I really dislike the cops, other than Jamal, Levan, and Gal. The way they treat Jamal is just terrible and wrong.
March 2, 2020
What just happened
What happened? After Jamal got out of the hospital, he forgot about being a Cop. All he could think about was Brace, not his stalker. They had sex. Was he so weak he couldn't stay away from Brace? How had he made it before Brace? And Strong Alpha Brace, just leave when you know he's in heat. Lock the door at least. Jamal runs home, knowing a stalker is out gunning for him? Would he tell another victim to do that? Makes no sense. Another threat, then back to Brace. Its Almost 4 wks before jamal says "I'm go to start investigating his stalker ". Are you kidding me, that should have started the day his partner Gal called tech guy level into check the first threat. Hospital Administrator Shale got big build up, but no pay off of any kind. The story was going good until Jamal woke up. Is Jamal just going take being fired with out a fight? everything after Jamal woke up was a let down. Hopefully book 2 will be better.
What happened? After Jamal got out of the hospital, he forgot about being a Cop. All he could think about was Brace, not his stalker. They had sex. Was he so weak he couldn't stay away from Brace? How had he made it before Brace? And Strong Alpha Brace, just leave when you know he's in heat. Lock the door at least. Jamal runs home, knowing a stalker is out gunning for him? Would he tell another victim to do that? Makes no sense. Another threat, then back to Brace. Its Almost 4 wks before jamal says "I'm go to start investigating his stalker ". Are you kidding me, that should have started the day his partner Gal called tech guy level into check the first threat. Hospital Administrator Shale got big build up, but no pay off of any kind. The story was going good until Jamal woke up. Is Jamal just going take being fired with out a fight? everything after Jamal woke up was a let down. Hopefully book 2 will be better.
March 10, 2020
This book made me so angry😠😠
Jamal was an omega and was treated like he was worthless. He even was shot and a doctor.was going to let him die. I am sorry but this was way over the top and almost did not go on with the book. I did as I needed the letters for spell challenge 😂😂 Glad I did as the book got better. I liked it by the end. The couple made the story.
Jamal was an omega and was treated like he was worthless. He even was shot and a doctor.was going to let him die. I am sorry but this was way over the top and almost did not go on with the book. I did as I needed the letters for spell challenge 😂😂 Glad I did as the book got better. I liked it by the end. The couple made the story.
April 25, 2020
Why are omegas so discriminated against
All the alpha & omega stereotypes in this book got to me. I only got 1/3 of the way through it. I get wanting to make a statement about stereotypes, but being constantly bashed over the head with it was too much.
Also, the society was baffling! A lot of alpha/omega books make omega like women used to be. Either their husband or father has authority over them. They don't have as many rights, and aren't accepted in many jobs. I get it, but admittedly I don't actually like it. In this book, omegas are seen as garbage. People think nothing of them dying.
IRL, some female death is seen as acceptable (in a "we don't have to worry about that" sort of way). For example, there is a lot more funding for prostrate cancer than breast cancer. That doesn't mean female lives don't matter. I think a female police officer's death would get more attention than a male officer's death. Traditionally, women weren't allowed in the front lines in the military or in police forces. I'd think an omega would be more likely to be given softball cases than more dangerous ones. This instance of opposite day was glaring.
I'd also think Jamal's race would be more important than designation when it came to health care and possibly acceptance by fellow police officers.
Another thing that bothered me was Jamal pushing his partner aside when a perp was shooting. So stupid! Bullets move super fast, and a person moving can't shoot as accurately. Pushing someone out of the way is unlikely to help against a single shot. Also, there was no reason for him to protect his alpha partner, who could apparently expect better health care and presumably has the same training. It would have been better to just try to shoot first accurately. Oh, and why weren't they wearing Kevlar vests?
And that's not even getting into the romance, which is at this point entirely physical and Brace is super clueless about.
I can say the spelling and grammar is pretty good.
All the alpha & omega stereotypes in this book got to me. I only got 1/3 of the way through it. I get wanting to make a statement about stereotypes, but being constantly bashed over the head with it was too much.
Also, the society was baffling! A lot of alpha/omega books make omega like women used to be. Either their husband or father has authority over them. They don't have as many rights, and aren't accepted in many jobs. I get it, but admittedly I don't actually like it. In this book, omegas are seen as garbage. People think nothing of them dying.
IRL, some female death is seen as acceptable (in a "we don't have to worry about that" sort of way). For example, there is a lot more funding for prostrate cancer than breast cancer. That doesn't mean female lives don't matter. I think a female police officer's death would get more attention than a male officer's death. Traditionally, women weren't allowed in the front lines in the military or in police forces. I'd think an omega would be more likely to be given softball cases than more dangerous ones. This instance of opposite day was glaring.
I'd also think Jamal's race would be more important than designation when it came to health care and possibly acceptance by fellow police officers.
Another thing that bothered me was Jamal pushing his partner aside when a perp was shooting. So stupid! Bullets move super fast, and a person moving can't shoot as accurately. Pushing someone out of the way is unlikely to help against a single shot. Also, there was no reason for him to protect his alpha partner, who could apparently expect better health care and presumably has the same training. It would have been better to just try to shoot first accurately. Oh, and why weren't they wearing Kevlar vests?
And that's not even getting into the romance, which is at this point entirely physical and Brace is super clueless about.
I can say the spelling and grammar is pretty good.
July 15, 2020
In a word: Maybe read the thing. I didn’t hate this, but I was quite underwhelmed. Having said that, though, I am interested in reading the next book in the series to see how that shakes out. This is the first book in the Hart Medical Center series, and I think it does a good enough job of introducing the rules of the universe it takes place in. Jamal is an omega police detective in a job – and world, really – dominated by alphas. Dealing with bigotry and sexism are constant occurrences for him, but the most egregious example of that seems to be at Hart Medical Center, where he ends up with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He almost dies because the alpha doctor assigned to him refuses to treat him because he can’t be bothered to work on an omega. Luckily, Dr Brace Jacobs is also on the scene and he and other less-sexist hospital staff work together to save Jamal’s life. It’s a traumatic introduction for the two of them, but it’s how they meet and fall into insta-love (caveat: Omegaverse). Once the danger of the injury has passed, Jamal is then targeted by a stalker who leaves him creepy and threatening notes, which then has him staying with Brace for added protection. I suppose it’s a decent set-up for a story like this, but I feel like the writing kind of let it down. The writing in this book isn’t great, and could’ve definitely benefitted from some editing. Aside from some awkward sentence structure and name swaps, I wasn’t really feeling the romance between Jamal and Brace. This is very insta-love, even for Omegaverse standards, I feel. And there wasn’t really a whole lot of chemistry between them because Jamal tries to keep Brace at arm’s length because of the power imbalance between them and Brace just kind of waits him out on it. They seem happy enough together in the end, though, so that’s something. The thing with the stalker doesn’t get resolved by the end, but I was expecting that because I knew going in that it was supposed to be a mystery that spanned the entire series beyond this book. I am interested to see where that goes, though. Also there were a lot of side characters introduced here that will be showing up in future books, so I am curious to see what the series does with them.
[read the full post at In A Word]
[read the full post at In A Word]
September 25, 2020
As I do when I am doing a "read-a-thon* of a series, I am going to post my review for the first book and then just "rate" the following books in the series as they generally follow a set pattern with slight changes within each book... unless, of course, something "great" happens that needs to be noted! *grin*
This is turning out to be a cute series with the usual M/M issues, which we are all used to... but the whole using the "wrong" name for various characters repeatedly throughout the series was vastly annoying... grrr
I love reading this type of book when my brain has had enough of RL and all of those angsty books that we somehow always end up reading! *grin*
Were they great? NO, but they sure were short, sweet, and entertaining... but, dang it, when will the stalker be revealed? Book 6 and still nothing, but we were given reason to be encouraged that things will be changing in book 7... whenever we GET book 7! *headdesk* LOL!!! Pretty sure I know who they are, though! ;p
ETA: WAIT!!! I have book 7... *headdesk* LOL!!! Starting Shattering Foundations NOW!!! *grin*
This is turning out to be a cute series with the usual M/M issues, which we are all used to... but the whole using the "wrong" name for various characters repeatedly throughout the series was vastly annoying... grrr
I love reading this type of book when my brain has had enough of RL and all of those angsty books that we somehow always end up reading! *grin*
Were they great? NO, but they sure were short, sweet, and entertaining... but, dang it, when will the stalker be revealed? Book 6 and still nothing, but we were given reason to be encouraged that things will be changing in book 7... whenever we GET book 7! *headdesk* LOL!!! Pretty sure I know who they are, though! ;p
ETA: WAIT!!! I have book 7... *headdesk* LOL!!! Starting Shattering Foundations NOW!!! *grin*
March 15, 2020
3,5*
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the 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 books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (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 (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 absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class.
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the 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 books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (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 (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 absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class.
May 22, 2020
Omega First Responders
In this contemporary tale that takes place in the Omega verse of Hartland, Omegas are treated so shabbily is it any wonder that the time period could be mistaken for a few centuries ago. This was pure escapism mpreg fiction. The situations were so outlandish, they were sometimes, comical and other times not so much. The anger & bitterness expressed and experienced by career-minded Omegas was terrible.
The lack of protections, rights, and justice for Omegas was disheartening. The arrogant entitled Alphas with their superiority complexes and openly bigoted ways made life even harder for Omegas and the possibility of change even less likely. How is love even possible in such a society? How is a tough-minded determined Omega able to stand up for him or herself?
Where are the good Alphas? A Medical Center's Emergency Room is where a lot of this drama plays out a microcosym of society.
September 27, 2020
I have to say the cover is sooo bad, and why is the omega on the cover tattoed when the omega in the book is not, it is not mentioned at any point.
I'm a big fan of omegaverse and very critical about it. First, they are trying to find a smart way of explaining why Brace a fucking doctor doesn't know much about omegas. HE IS A FUCKING DOCTOR HE IS WORKING WITH THEM ALL DAY!!!! IF HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND THAT SIMPLE BIOLOGY HE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN HIS LICENSE AWAY!!! He must have had so many rape victims in the ER, that's why omegas life are so goddamn hard, because they secrete pheromones and make the alphas crazy. Again like the other books from Shea Balik "he wasn't sure" have been used to much. In one page Jamal apparently changed name too Shale two time before changing back to Jamal again, why has the editer or beta reader or who ever read it through before publishing not seen that or commented on the other fails in the book.
The ending seemed rushed and unfinished.
I'm a big fan of omegaverse and very critical about it. First, they are trying to find a smart way of explaining why Brace a fucking doctor doesn't know much about omegas. HE IS A FUCKING DOCTOR HE IS WORKING WITH THEM ALL DAY!!!! IF HE CAN'T UNDERSTAND THAT SIMPLE BIOLOGY HE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN HIS LICENSE AWAY!!! He must have had so many rape victims in the ER, that's why omegas life are so goddamn hard, because they secrete pheromones and make the alphas crazy. Again like the other books from Shea Balik "he wasn't sure" have been used to much. In one page Jamal apparently changed name too Shale two time before changing back to Jamal again, why has the editer or beta reader or who ever read it through before publishing not seen that or commented on the other fails in the book.
The ending seemed rushed and unfinished.
August 28, 2021
Fighting for equality
This was a good little read. In this world, omegas are often treated as second class citizens and there are those who are champions for fair treatment and equality among all classes. Jamal is used to fighting for what he wants as a detective in an alpha run police dept but no one would have suspected that he would be cast aside as not worthy of life saving treatment in the ER. When Brace finds just that very thing happening in his hospital, he is enraged and becomes attached to the omega he saves. Brace is part of the fight at Hart Medical Center trying to turn around the hospital’s image but it isn’t easy. And Jamal has trouble trusting the alpha and the stalker sending him flowers isn’t helping. There is an overall mystery of the stalker’s motives and identity but these two characters do get their HEA.
This was a good little read. In this world, omegas are often treated as second class citizens and there are those who are champions for fair treatment and equality among all classes. Jamal is used to fighting for what he wants as a detective in an alpha run police dept but no one would have suspected that he would be cast aside as not worthy of life saving treatment in the ER. When Brace finds just that very thing happening in his hospital, he is enraged and becomes attached to the omega he saves. Brace is part of the fight at Hart Medical Center trying to turn around the hospital’s image but it isn’t easy. And Jamal has trouble trusting the alpha and the stalker sending him flowers isn’t helping. There is an overall mystery of the stalker’s motives and identity but these two characters do get their HEA.
January 18, 2020
A great story highlighting the way certain groups of people have always been maligned and thought of as less than.
Jamel is constantly having to prove his worth, simply because he had the audacity to be an omega and wanted to be considered equal to Alphas.
Poor Brace is absolutely clueless when it comes to matters of the heart.
So when Jamel is injured, almost dying, no one is more surprised than they are at the immediate pull they both feel towards each other.
Add in a touch of mystery in the form of thinly veiled threats against Jamel initially and then just generalized to include Omega along with some hilarious, laugh out loud moments and this was a great book I couldn't put down until the much deserved HEA.
Jamel is constantly having to prove his worth, simply because he had the audacity to be an omega and wanted to be considered equal to Alphas.
Poor Brace is absolutely clueless when it comes to matters of the heart.
So when Jamel is injured, almost dying, no one is more surprised than they are at the immediate pull they both feel towards each other.
Add in a touch of mystery in the form of thinly veiled threats against Jamel initially and then just generalized to include Omega along with some hilarious, laugh out loud moments and this was a great book I couldn't put down until the much deserved HEA.
October 19, 2020
From the moment Brace meets an omega with a gunshot to the abdomen he has been at the man’s side waiting for him to come out of his coma. The new patient coordinator, Shale is a blast as he doesn’t crap from anyone. This was a delightful story to read with colorful characters, a mysterious stalker and alphas who are bigots trying hard to stop the changes implemented at the hospital.
I loved how Jamal stood up for himself even against Brace. He’s as fierce as Shale when he is determined about something. Jamal and Brace were off the charts cute together. Even though we still don’t know who the stalker is I enjoyed the story. I really felt for omegas as some alphas see them as less than. It really angered me that some police and doctors who are sworn to protect and serve everyone shun them.
I am honestly intrigued with this series so far and am looking forward to getting to know the characters more as the series progresses.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
I loved how Jamal stood up for himself even against Brace. He’s as fierce as Shale when he is determined about something. Jamal and Brace were off the charts cute together. Even though we still don’t know who the stalker is I enjoyed the story. I really felt for omegas as some alphas see them as less than. It really angered me that some police and doctors who are sworn to protect and serve everyone shun them.
I am honestly intrigued with this series so far and am looking forward to getting to know the characters more as the series progresses.
Fantastic read and highly recommended.
Reviewed for mmgoodbookreviews.com
September 10, 2023
This was a good read with two likeable characters. Brace was protective and caring but at no point was he overbearing with his 'alpha' traits. Jamal was determined to prove others wrong about his omega status and I enjoyed his friendship with Gal. I thought there were lots of good bits to Jamal and Brace's romance but, for me, there were a few too many loose ends. I know that the stalker aspect is something which will continue in the rest of the series but just felt that some other things (like Jamal's job for example) could have been more clearly resolved. Overall though, a good mpreg romance.
February 2, 2020
A wake up call to discrimination that can really be a difference of life & death, and a chance to see love, a moving story!
Shea Balik writes a beautiful love story that shows the ignorance and destruction hate can do. I felt so moved by Jamal's struggle being a cop & risking his best friend life to do so. Brace the doctor that literally helped save his life. The dynamics of two independent strong men working through obstacles and finding each other and a relationship worth fighting for - priceless. V2, S2
More book reviews please stop over: @my2centsbooklover Thanks
Shea Balik writes a beautiful love story that shows the ignorance and destruction hate can do. I felt so moved by Jamal's struggle being a cop & risking his best friend life to do so. Brace the doctor that literally helped save his life. The dynamics of two independent strong men working through obstacles and finding each other and a relationship worth fighting for - priceless. V2, S2
More book reviews please stop over: @my2centsbooklover Thanks
April 6, 2020
Not sure how I feel bout this story
This story had a great premise but it didn’t really deliver for me. My biggest gripe is the fact that the author gave the some of the characters very unusual names like Brace and Shale and we ended up with a few Bruce’s and Shane’s. The story didn’t really flow either it sort of jumped from this to that then straight into the next thing and left you wondering, ok so what happened there. I’m a little sad as reading the blurb made me excited to read this and it just fell flat for me.
This story had a great premise but it didn’t really deliver for me. My biggest gripe is the fact that the author gave the some of the characters very unusual names like Brace and Shale and we ended up with a few Bruce’s and Shane’s. The story didn’t really flow either it sort of jumped from this to that then straight into the next thing and left you wondering, ok so what happened there. I’m a little sad as reading the blurb made me excited to read this and it just fell flat for me.
October 16, 2021
Terminó muy rápido.
Es decir, la "solución" al problema del acosador persistió durante todo el libro y al final, simplemente pasa a ser de otra persona. El libro nos dice que el acosador estará durante toda (o casi) toda la saga. Pero de todas formas, la solución no llegó de forma satisfactoria para mí.
Ahora, despiden de su trabajo a Jamal... ¿y simplemente se queda molesto? ¿En serio? Ni una lucha, una demanda, una recriminación... nada. Este problema no considero que lo hayan abordado correctamente.
En fin, estoy ansiosa por leer la historia de Oliver Pierce.
Es decir, la "solución" al problema del acosador persistió durante todo el libro y al final, simplemente pasa a ser de otra persona. El libro nos dice que el acosador estará durante toda (o casi) toda la saga. Pero de todas formas, la solución no llegó de forma satisfactoria para mí.
Ahora, despiden de su trabajo a Jamal... ¿y simplemente se queda molesto? ¿En serio? Ni una lucha, una demanda, una recriminación... nada. Este problema no considero que lo hayan abordado correctamente.
En fin, estoy ansiosa por leer la historia de Oliver Pierce.
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