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I should tell him no...

This is wrong.
He’s an Alpha. I’m a Beta.
Our path only leads to heartache.
But his body, possessiveness, and passion fuel my obsession as we consume each other.
I’ve willingly thrown myself into the arms of a Collector, consequences are damned.
But we’re on borrowed time.
If I'm not careful, he'll ruin me.
But maybe I want to be ruined.

Forbidden is the second standalone book in The Alpha Collectors, an M/F Alpha/Omega Romance series that features Knotting, Heats, and Ruts, with a guaranteed HEA.

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 10, 2021

117 people are currently reading
390 people want to read

About the author

Liliana Carlisle

22 books843 followers
Liliana Carlisle is a romance author that loves angst, drama, and passion. The spicier the better!

She resides in Northern California with her husband, stepchildren, and emotional cats. She started her writing "career" in seventh grade, writing Backstreet Boys fanfiction in her notebooks. When she's not writing she can be found studying classical voice, playing Fortnite, or gulping cold brew.

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5 stars
302 (35%)
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277 (32%)
3 stars
213 (25%)
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45 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Meredith is a hot mess.
808 reviews617 followers
July 17, 2021
He kisses the top of my head, and his gentleness is a soothing balm to my soul. “Tell me why it’s like this with you,” I sniffle. He’s silent for a long time, his hands slowly rubbing up and down my back. “I can’t stay away from you,” is the only answer he gives me. “And I can’t…”

Loneliness, bitter and putrid, tugs at me with every slam of my fist against a skull. With every gunshot that rings out, another piece of me craves her. Amelia. Amelia. Amelia. And in between the violence, in between the darkness that takes over my world, I do something I shouldn’t. I use the database.


This was an enjoyable novella fans of lighter Omegaverse will enjoy. I recommend if you're in KU & are in the mood for a lighter, quick Omegaverse read.

If you've read book 1 of this series, you know this series takes place in a contemporaryish-dystopian world where Omegas typically present around age 18. Once they present they are implanted with chips and mated to their Alpha. If they decide to run away? There are 'collectors' - Alphas who collect runaway or missing Omegas.

Book 2 in this series has a different set-up to book 1, because the heroine is a beta . This beta bait and switch so to speak didn't bother me, since I find Beta-Alpha pairings highly unrealistic. Some authors can get away with it, but it requires a ton of thoughtful world-building and character development. I liked that the heroine ended up being an

If you like your Omegaverse on the sweeter side, and are looking for a quick read, both books in this series are solid reads. Keep in mind these are novellas - so there's not as much world-building and characterization as you get in full-length novels. My favorite novellas by this author are:Beauty and the Alpha, Intrusion, & Trapped with the Alpha so far.

I think this author clearly has down plot structure well. The pacing of the plot, heightened action leading to a moment of suspense, and declining action to a HEA all flows smoothly. The prose is easy to read and flows well for me. My advice to the author is that there are aspects of 1) character development 2) world building & 3) adding some spice by subverting reader expectations that would elevate her stories.

1) World-building

The world-building for this series is solid, but I was slightly disappointed there was a minimal amount of the world that I learned about in book 2. Some of my favorite series reveal more about the world as you progress in each book. While we did learn a bit more about the Savior's operations...it seemed minimal and like more could have been explored/revealed in this installment.

2) Character development

The characters are solid, there are no holes in the characterization...but room for more development. In some of my favorite books of each genre (whether New Adult, Historical Romance, Omegaverse, etc) what sets apart my favorites from the ones I simply liked are how unique and well-developed the characters are. In some of my favorite books I know the character's favorite type of food, favorite type of clothing to wear, favorite type of music, their backstory (how they were raised, what their parents/siblings were like, etc). The challenge for authors is to infuse this info into the story in an engaging way. The author clearly has down plot structure regarding action, I'd love to see more development in this area.

3) Subverting reader expectations

This is highly subjective. Liliana is great at creating angsty romances. Since I've read several of her books now, the angst did not compel me as much here, since I *know* there will be a hea at the end. While I understand the Alpha's hesitance towards dedicating himself to the heroine when he believed I wasn't as compelled by this push and pull because I simply knew he would come around. The auction subplot typically would have captured by attention, but it's now a habit that at the height of the danger the Omega faces in the story, Liliana's heroes save the day in time. A way to subvert reader expectations that would have made this more compelling to me, would have been *not* having the Omega be rescued in the nick of time...but there be a continuation of her peril or some other advancement to the plot that's unexpected.

However, those who like lighter Omegaverse and take pleasure in the Hero saving the day and getting an HEA quickly afterwards may not have this same input as I.

...

Trigger Warnings: None really, unless you're incredibly sensitive. Kidnapping, some dubcon (very light), sex trafficking (very light, not experienced by the heroine).

Standalone: Yes.

HEA: Yes

*ARC kindly provided by the author
Profile Image for JD (on semi-hiatus).
984 reviews220 followers
July 15, 2021
This is the author's second Omegaverse set in our contemporary world. The pairings are between Collectors (Alphas who hunt renegade Omegas running from their mates) and the reluctant Omegas they fall in love with. Here, though, Jakob is drawn not to an Omega, but the Beta Amelia. In a world ruled by dynamics, can two people forbidden to be together ever find happiness?

This book was ultimately not for me, which is too bad because Ms. Carlisle has the beginnings of a good storyline here. The cultural, social, and biological norms that prevent Jakob and Amelia from fully embracing their relationship metaphorically recall other lovers separated by similar arbitrary distinctions such as class, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and religion. In addition, it potentially introduces real conflict since their feelings for each go against everything their society, and Jakob's friends and profession stand for.

What a shame that this entire storyline goes south when . Between this, the constant repetition of "it won't work;" "Betas and Alphas can't be together;" and "But I need him/her" (I promise that it's okay if you only read every other page: I did and didn't miss anything), and the truly awful Break Her Heart to Save Her trope, this was, quite frankly, an uninspiring book unalleviated by flat characters. Although they seem likable, we know little about Amelia and nothing about Jakob; their endless internal monologues rarely turn into much-needed dialogue; and they don't do anything except have sex.

I strongly encourage this author to hire a good editor (if she has one, she doesn't mention it in the book). One that will help her with pace, redundancy, and, most of all,"show, don't tell." Because as it stands now, in an indie world filled with Omegaverses, I've no compelling reason to read about two people so disconnected that they never have an actual conversation.

3 stars. The last quarter of the book is more dynamic than what came before and I really appreciated Ms. Carlisle's realistic depiction of the patriarchal medical profession's dismissal of women's health concerns. I also appreciated that Jakob doesn't hurt her physically, but felt that Amelia forgives him far too easily for everything else. Some lines of action are left open so I imagine they'll be a third book.
Profile Image for Set.
2,173 reviews
April 12, 2022
dsfd
I'm really enjoying this series. A collector that doesn't believe he has a match and a omega that believes she is a beta; much fun.
Profile Image for Brenda.
374 reviews5 followers
July 9, 2021
Amelia’s definitely been going through a lot, and like most women even in our reality, she has found little help when seeing her doctor for migraines, fatigue, and the other symptoms she’s experiencing. She’s been told it’s “all in her head,” basically, and that if she’d get out and live her life, everything wil likely resolve itself. Total crock.

Amelia meets Jakob the same night her Beta boyfriend dumps her because he can’t deal with her illness any more. He, too, seems to thinks it’s too much effort to deal with her. Heaven help her if she finds a person in her life that can deal with a sick friend.

Amelia and Jakob fall in lust at first sight. In their society, it’s totally taboo as Alphas and Betas don’t hook up, and certainly don’t fall in love with each other. With the war the Collectors are waging on the Saviors to try to save stolen Omegas from being auctioned or worse, Jakob’s job puts Amelia’s life in jeopardy, and he sends her away. After that. Amelia’s life takes a hellish turn,.

In the end, all’s well that ends well. Jakob and Amelia have quite the adventure to get to their HEA, but it was well worth the struggle for their happiness. This is definitely a page turner. I read the book from start to finish in one go…after looking up the first in the series and reading it first, all in the same day. So far, I’ve found both books in the series well worth the time, but I definitely liked this one the best.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana.
139 reviews7 followers
January 3, 2023
DNF at 70%. Story became boring, rushed, and too predictable as soon as Amelia started presenting as an Omega.

Oof, I’ve really been striking out lately. I read books by new authors and am disappointed, I read books by authors that I read other books by/liked and am disappointed…
117 reviews
July 16, 2021
Better than the first but not amazing

As other reviewers have suggested, an editor would help these books. The plot was obvious and you can tell what’s going to happen by the end of chapter 1. The idea of the taboo relationship is good, but not used to it’s potent. They leave the bar and no one makes a comment? Granted, it doesn’t sound like they are in public often. Then I’m not sure why it’s taboo. I get it. There is a time stamp because alphas and omegas are paired up by the chips, but an adult alpha unmated would need assistance in working off some tension. The book even states that the alpha in question had done just that. He’s 35. Are we supposed to believe society expects him to be celibate this whole time. And why can’t a girl be chipped a second time if it’s been removed? Seems like an important detail in the series. The sex was too close to the first book. I wouldn’t expect that in book 2 of the series. But it’s a quick fun read for a lazy afternoon.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,696 reviews111 followers
August 21, 2023
The couple: Jakob and Amelia

Romance trope: omegaverse
Series: The Alpha Collectors
Length: 169 pages

Plot: Jakob is a feared Collector, but he meets Amelia while out at a bar one night and is drawn to her, despite her being a Beta, not an Omega. He continues to see her in secret until he realizes that seeing her is putting her in danger. But she might be in even more danger without him there to protect her.

Commentary: I thought it was interesting that Amelia's dynamic was the key to her illness and I wonder how many other omegas throughout the world were living as betas with a similar illness. I loved that Jakob was willing to throw all conventions and traditions to the wind and enter a relationship with Amelia - he really loved her and proved it.

Previous book in the series: Hunted
Next book in the series: Owned
Profile Image for Catheryn.
1,355 reviews27 followers
February 2, 2023
I orginally skipped this book when I read the series. I skipped it because Amelia is a beta.

But I'm really glad that I went to read it. Jakob and Amelia have the sweetest romance despite the forbidden aspect of her being a beta. I loved it! Definitely don't skip this one in the series!
Profile Image for Nicole.
258 reviews100 followers
July 28, 2025
Dang! This one was even better than the last one! Not only did it tug at my heartstrings, it also had me on the edge of my seat!
Profile Image for Grisette.
660 reviews82 followers
November 13, 2021
A quick read, full of action. 3.5 stars.

What was good:

- The concept of 'forbidden' relationship between a beta and an Alpha, and all the angst coming from it. The mental torture from both H/h where they fought their mind (and entourage) over their heart, the fact that at one point they both said 'f**ck it, f**k biology' I want to be with him/her, and even the heartbreak when the H was trying to protect her (I thrive on good angst). Basically the 'forbidden' part is like the 'obstacle' trope in many HPs where e.g. the greek H rejects the h because he has the obligation to marry only a greek girl and has to let the h go with painful words - only difference is this in an omegaverse world. But this book was a nice way to freshen up that trope.
- The sex scenes were very well done: steamy, full of raw genuine emotions.


What could have been better:

- This is a novella. Hence, too short for real world building. It was tiring to see all the people around the H/h saying over and over again how impossible and dangerous an Alpha/beta pairing was, how the Collectors do not protect betas, how the h didn't know everything there was to know about the A/O world and couldn't as a beta ever understand... I could have tried to believe all their fears and believe that really the H/h were doing a very forbidden thing...if ONLY it was actually explained, in details, HOW and WHAT made their relationship so dangerous and irresponsible. It is like saying 'Be afraid, be very afraid' without explaining what should you should fear.
- As much as their sex scenes were excellent, I would have liked more scenes of building up their feelings. They did happen, but off text. As it is, it looks more like insta-love and biology wins over heart.

In summary, a book with a good, original premise but which would deserve to be a full novel with solid world building. Still, bravo to the author for the original take on omegaverse.

P.S. the cover is duh. A better one is sure warranted.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
390 reviews22 followers
June 16, 2022
For once, I wanted this to be an Alpha Beta romance in an omegaverse book. I wanted the h to remain beta and no omega in H's life and their love would have been even more special. I wanted Liliana Carlisle to show that Alphas can love Betas too and that biology is not the only thing that decides love. It would have been so much better. But yeah I guess since it's omegaverse we have to stick to the theme...even though I sometimes feel it's unfair and kind of a discrimination and stereotyping. Like Betas are worthless and not worth a look and chance just because they don't have a certain biological trait. And they're considered below the status of Alphas and Omegas in the society strata. It's infuriating. Anyway I chose to read such a book so I shouldn't complain.
But I loved Jakob and Amelia's chemistry. Better than the first book. Way better. There was actual love between them, not attraction based on biology. And it was refreshing and hot at the same time.
Profile Image for Louise H's Book Thoughts.
2,039 reviews317 followers
July 13, 2021
Amelia is a Beta suffering from a mysterious and debilitating disease. Jakob is the sexy alpha who, despite playing havoc with her libido, relives her symptoms. The trouble is Jakob is a Collector and his fight to eliminate the shadowy group who kidnap and sell omegas to the highest bidder puts Amelia at risk.


Forbidden is a high heat, fast paced and entertaining read. I found both characters likeable and was definitely invested in them finding their HEA with one another. The main protagonists were well crafted and had depth whilst a good range of secondary characters added colour to the story. The authors voice is smooth and very readable, her writing style very quickly drew me in and easily held my attention throughout. The chemistry between Jakob and Amelia is scorching hot and I definitely felt the passion and depth of feeling they had for one another.


The plot really unfolded in the second half of the story, with almost non-stop action. Whilst the pace was still good in the first half, personally I felt there was a prevalence of sex scenes that took away somewhat from the story. There were some missed opportunities for other interactions between the protagonists. For example in one of Jakob's internal monologues he thinks -
"I crave our late-night talks and finding out more about who she is. And in turn, I open up to her, telling her about my past.....
..... I tell her everything and she accepts it all, willingly."

Had we been party to one of these conversations - particularly one of the baring of souls and secrets - it would really have elevated this book to a very high standard.


Whilst the storyline touches on the topic of sexual slavery, it doesn't travel very far down that path and their are no detailed scenes of abuse. However my tastes run quite dark so do be aware that my "tame" can be as much as others enjoy! In this case there are mentions of violence, kidnap and assault, though no sexual assault.
714 reviews3 followers
February 3, 2023
I flew through this author’s books. These aren’t what I would consider beginning omegaverse books unless you really like dark romance too. There are situations that would be considered non-con or dubcon, but they’re explained by omegaverse. They really lean into the omega/alpha dynamic and it’s used as most of the reasoning behind the plot.

The books are pretty short, yet cover a lot of story due to summarizing a lot of the plot. I think each book has a line that goes somewhat like “Weeks pass and I’ve spilt more blood than I can count.” There is a lot of danger/violence but it’s mostly in the summarized parts. The plot that’s shown is focused on the couple and their relationship.

These books are spicy. Full of dirty talk, knotting, omega/alpha, “good girl”, forbidden attraction, omega heats, mating/breeding kink, rougher sex (throat grabbing, spanking, light choking, some have a little anal play). The males are alphaholes with full on “I’ll unalive anyone who harms you” energy. But they have the tender caring side just for their omegas to balance it.

This book specifically I loved. I loved Amelia and Jakob. They had such great chemistry and

Highly recommend if you love omegaverse too.
Profile Image for Bo0kSLoth.
1,617 reviews51 followers
July 15, 2021
A love a story that gives the main character a chance to be more; when the storyline shows a hint that there is more than meets the eye. Maybe it's the mystery or the intrigue, but I think it's more the feeling of hope that comes when the characters overcome or come to a realization.

This story has that feeling. Living a life of constant pain, being told there was nothing to do about it, Amelia has given up hope on ever having a normal life. All that changes when she meets Jakob who takes not only her breathe way, but all her pain just by being in his presence. What should be a match in heaven was never meant to be because a beta and an alpha could never be. Right?!?

What follows is a story of finding someone that defies conviction and stirs the very soul to believe in something more - fate. As always LC, brings the pages to life and catches them on fire with the passion of these two characters as they fight the odds and society for each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel Smith Horn.
305 reviews2 followers
April 20, 2024
If you're looking for a fast paced, steamy Omegaverse story, look no further.

Amelia is a beta, but why is she attracted to Jakob who is not only an alpha, but one of the dreaded Collectors. Amelia has some kind of sickness, that the doctor continues to dismiss... from the description, it sounds like auto immune deficiency... always feeling like you have the flu. Jakob wouldn't want to take on the burden of her being a beta and sick.

Jakob struggles with his heart, he's falling for the sweet woman. But what happens when the system finds his mate? Eventually, he accepts he's in love with Amelia no matter her dynamic. Although, it may be too late.

I'm interested in this world. There is no clear cut bad or good guy.. The Collectors chip women like cattle, The Saviors sell them at auction. An Omega's luck is as good as the Alpha she ends up with. The third book is queued up on my Kindle.
Profile Image for Jessika.
363 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2021
I started this book trying to pace myself, to really take in the story, but I ended up devouring it in a matter of hours. Yeah, it's that intense. The characters, Amelia and Jakob, have such a distinct and enormously powerful pull to one another, add in a dash of forbidden romance, and it soars to a whole nother level. I loved the taboo nature of the book, as well is the emphasis on Amelia's struggle with her health. Jakob's protectiveness and obsession, as well as, his willingness to ultimately make sacrifices to do what was best for Amelia was what won me over. That doesn't mean I didn't bawl my eyes out while reading a few scenes.
If you love Omegaverse,like me, and can't get enough of claiming bites, possessive Alphas, and steamy sex scenes (🥵🔥), definitely jump on this book.
44 reviews
July 3, 2025
Such a beautiful ride. I was hooked from the first sentence. I liked how this story is different from the usual Alpha/Omega ones. The action element added a lot to it too.

The leads have insta love and their story wasn't an easy one but they had their happy ending. The angst and struggle to be together was bittersweet but worth it. Both of them are strong willed and couragous. They are a perfect match.

I liked this couple better than the 1st one. Their commitment and love for each other is wonderful considering how biology itself was against them.

I expected the plot twist but not how it was done. I enjoyed that part so much.

In general, it's a quick, fast paced and a beautiful story
9 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2021
One of Liliana’s best works yet

This book was absolutely wonderful. This is the second book the the alpha collectors series, and follows Amelia, a beta plagued with a mysterious common illness that seems to get better when the male lead is around, and Jakob, an alpha collector who just wants to love and protect her despite everything that wants to keep them apart.

I must admit, I was apprehensive about reading this book, as I had read the first book and wasn’t the biggest fan. But I am so glad I read this book. I loved the love story between the two of them. Amelia’s chronic illness made sense, and
112 reviews
February 3, 2022
Just Enough Everything

Jakob and Amelia’s story was really good. Him choosing to love her regardless of her illness was touching. Amelia having lived a life filled with despair and rejection was sad, but being able to find love was one of the best parts of this story (outside of the intense sex she was having).

I love the collector’s and how they are like brothers, and how their love stories tie into their mission to save Omegas. This book is well written, storyline is spot on, romance scenes are really good and their is just enough adventure to keep you hooked. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for ♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases.
1,444 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2022
I give it three stars because I like it. I like the story or the concept of the story. I do find the delivery just a tiny bit lacking, especially when it comes to their reunion. . It is too easily resolved. Too little love-hate. Still, a good one time read. A bit unmemorable.
Profile Image for Cindy Vernon.
384 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2022
Amelia has spent most of her life in pain, experiencing headaches and fatigues. Doctors can't explain why she has these symptoms or what is wrong with her. She meets alpha Jacob and they fall for one another. Amelia knows that it won't last because she's a beta and Jakob has an omega out there somewhere. Of course there is a twist and it's pretty easy to guess what it is. I found this entry to the alpha collectors to be a bit weaker in storytelling than the first. We do still have the smexy times but the story was quite predicable.
Profile Image for Tracy.
35 reviews
December 2, 2021
Better than the first book

This book’s storyline was much better than the first book. It didn’t feel rushed, the author detailed the story more and I could follow along with it easily. There were more editing issues in this story than in the first one but they were just small little errors. I truly enjoy this author because she definitely knows how to include “spice” in her stories! Holy moly!
Profile Image for Yamilette.
100 reviews
September 29, 2024
Another amazing story! I’m such a huge fan of the author that every single book I have read so far has been an automatic 5 ⭐️

I love the story, the possessive and obsession of the MMC. Despite her not being an omega at first, I love his devotion towards her, willing to fight against the normalcy as Long as shes his.

I love the level of spice, it is not too overwhelming, it is a nice balance, and it doesn’t take away from the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rhi.
258 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2025
3.75⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. It was so so addictive, I did not want to put it down. It was definitely darker than the first book but they still got their HEA thank goodness. I loved Amelia, I really felt for her throughout the book. I also really liked Jakob and how he was willing to do anything for her. If you’re looking for short, spicy, and dark books then this series is definitely for you.
Profile Image for Lee Healey.
271 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2021
I love these stories

The story and characters are wonderful, with an ongoing storyline that connects each book. Amelia and Jakob are a great couple and their story is edgy and exciting. I’m loving this series, it’s exciting but they are more novellas which makes them easy to read in a few hours. Well done Lilliana
49 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2022
Typical & expected

Nothing new & not really entertaining. I was more interested at 1st but very quickly I could figure out where we were going. I skipped pages & still completely followed every "twist" Apparently all these Alpha/Omega books - regardless of the writer- are all the same.
Profile Image for N.
177 reviews
January 19, 2023
3.5-4/5

The Alpha Collectors are one of my favorites, but this particular installment is not my favorite book out of the series. I would still recommend giving it a read, because it's a great twist on the usual Omega /Alpha presentation with the inclusion of a Beta FMC. The spice was SO HOT, and Jakob is the perfect mix of caring + all consuming alpha. I needed to fan myself at multiple scenes.

His sweet side: "I'm alright, Princess," he whispers, his eyes still haunted. "Just needed to see my girl."

and his primal side: " Back up, Omega," I command. "And let me watch you fuck yourself on my know."

3,768 reviews12 followers
July 11, 2021
A new author for me and she writes exciting stories. I’ll be looking for more from this author. I think you will like this story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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