Running on Empty

The Wolfverse Dark Side #2

by Sam Hall

I’m the girl next door who looks for love in all the wrong places.
Until the day my smoking hot neighbours who’ve always treated me like a little sister rescue me from the men who hurt me.
They tend my wounds.
They care for me.
They make me whole again.
And now the gloves are off.
They’re my fated mates. And they won’t give me up for anyone.
My enemies are determined to find and enslave me, but my three possessive, dangerous, and slightly unhinged alphas will lay waste to an entire city if that’s what it takes to keep me safe.
And they may just have to.

Genres: Omegaverse, Reverse Harem, Shapeshifters, Dark, Paranormal, Friends To Lovers, Romance

420 pages, Paperback

First published June 18, 2023

About the author

Australian author of paranormal RH novels

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Reviews

[Chef Orro · Rating 1 out of 5]

“ It’s so bad I want to give you a zero, but that’s no possible, so I give you a one”

If her fated pack has been doing surveillance and watching the Spencer pack they surely know they’ve been date rape drugging and sexually assaulting women. They even allude to the fact that they knew about it, but instead give her a halfhearted warning by saying their into dangerous stuff?? So much for wanting her safe 🤮

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

- revenge plot
- SA survivor
- fated mates
- forced proximity
- knife play

Tired of pining after the boys next door, Stevie has spent years looking for love/affection & whatever else she’s been missing wherever she can find it, and sometimes it’s not always somewhere good.

After being drugged and assaulted by a pack of nasty alphas, the very boys she’s been loving for more than half her life FINALLY come to claim her now that she’s in danger. They offer to protect her no matter the cost, promising her that no one can have her but them, and that they’ve kept their distance to protect her—leaving Stevie angry & bitter.

As their enemies come closer, threatening to claim and enslave her for their own, Stevie learns that the boys next door aren’t so sweet. The Kelly Pack are possessive, unhinged, and more bloodthirsty than she could ever imagine, but they’re offering her the one thing really wants—revenge.

I am absolutely loving the darker side of Sam Hall’s Wolfverse series, and cannot wait for more! Stevie achieves what every assault survivor wants, taking her pound of flesh from the very men who used and abused her, and it’s fucking epic!!!

I think out of the three alphas, I have the softest spot for Ronan. Everyone was already afraid of him what he would do since he was a bit of a psychopath and loved him some blood, but he never ever would have hurt Stevie intentionally & would burn the world for her. He was so set on getting her the revenge she deserved and I loved him. Jax was a close second, but I never really ended up connecting with Ash because he was so stubborn!

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Not terrible, but not the best book I’ve read by this author. The beginning of the book was intense and really moving. The back story between the MCs and the final catalyst that got things moving drew me in.
I was a bit underwhelmed by some of the issue resolution toward the end of the book. Like some of the major sticking points weren’t openly discussed, even when an opportunity was clearly presented; the resolution being inferred.
I actually would have preferred a single POV for this book because it would have forced the way issues were brought to the forefront and resolved.

Spice: 4.5/5

Triggers: trigger warning at beginning of book

[Mel B. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than book one…still had a lot of problems

Running on Empty is the second book in the Wolfverse Universe. It tells the story of an insecure Omega who falls in love with her Alpha neighbors, only to pine after them forever while not realizing they’re harboring a deep secret…she’s their fated mate, but she doesn’t know it.

**SPOILERS**

Stevie meets Ash, Ronan and Jax - her three Alpha neighbors when she’s just a little kid hiding in a tree to escape her abusive mother and father. They instantly take a liking to, and feel protective of the sweet little frightened girl. They take her home, and she becomes an honorary member of their family…escaping over to their home whenever her abusive home life gets to be too much.

Fast forward many years…Stevie is now a bartender at a sleazy club/bar, and looking for “love” in all the wrong places. She hooks up casually because she can’t have the wolves that she really wants…her neighbors/best friends, brothers, Ronan, Jax and Ash. She has been pining after them forever, but ever since she heard them refer to her as their “baby sister” (which broke her heart) she has kept them in the “friend zone,” and stopped wishing for a relationship/mating that will not ever happen. Stevie desperately wishes that her fated mates will one day appear to “save her,” from her sad and lonely pining for a love she can’t have, life. Instead the unimaginable happens…and changes her world forever.

After Stevie is drugged and brutally raped, repeatedly, by a Pack of Alphas, the wolves she has always loved take care of her. Ronan, who is definitely unhinged, and quite a bit of a psycho (but my favorite of the brothers) instantly promises Stevie revenge against the men/wolves that raped her. Murder is actually Ronan’s “love language,” and his way of showing Stevie how much he has always, and will always love her. Stevie jumps aboard Ronan’s murder train, and they go after the first person on Stevie’s “Needs to be killed,” list. After successfully dispatching the lowlife scumbag who sold Stevie out to her rapists, Stevie realizes how much she cares for Ronan, and how little she cares about the fact that he’s a potential serial killer in the making, lol - he’s her serial killer, and she falls deeper in love with him. Meanwhile, Jax and Ash let the cat outta the bag…they all knew Stevie was their fated mate but stayed away from her out of some misplaced sense of “gentlemanly decorum.” Their Omega mom had said Stevie was too young to understand their Alpha needs, and they needed to wait until she was “ready” and came to them…

What a load of BS! And that’s exactly how Stevie feels! She’s enraged! She can’t believe that the guys she’s loved forever “allowed” her to “make a fool out of herself,” by going out with, and hooking up with loser Alphas and Betas in search of mates she never thought she’d find, but always wished she would! When she’s raped and beaten and they “take care of her.” She’s thoroughly disgusted when she learns they knew she was their mate but still allowed her to unknowingly go out with the Pack of Alphas that drugged and sexually assaulted her horrifically! She feels betrayed and is furious, especially when Ash, the “ring leader” of the “Stay away from Stevie,” campaign makes it clear that he was the one that strong armed his brothers into going along with his “plan,” and leaving Stevie in the dark about what she IS to them. Thank goodness for psycho Ronan. Who refuses to give her any peace and asks her to go hunt and kill her attackers with him (lol). This pulls her out of her funk long enough for her to realize her “other half” her wolf actually LIKES and finds killing thrilling, and she enjoys killing with Ronan, at least killing the ones who deserve to be killed.

The rest of the book follows the three brothers and Stevie as they navigate a tumultuous relationship-not-so-relationship, and systematically take out the wolves responsible for raping Stevie and dismantling the drug ring.

Although this Wolfverse book was better than the first one, it still had problems, IMO. 1) As much as I wanted to like Stevie’s character, I had issues with how her character was portrayed. I really disliked how “easy” she was. Listen, I’m not judging. Some women, just like some men, have no problem “sleeping around,” especially if they’re shifters, and in this case, a highly sexual Omega. But…Sam Hill portrayed Stevie as this “vulnerable” woman hiding beneath a tough exterior who wanted true love and wanted it with her neighboring Alpha’s. Soooo…running around with different Alpha packs in search of “true love,” when she already loved her neighbors was just kind of stupid, and yes, reckless, since she knew (not only because Ash, Jax and Ronan warned her) that most of these Alpha’s were REALLY bad news, and would most likely just use her because she was an Omega, an “object” to be used sexually, but because her “heart, and wolf side” just wasn’t into being an “easy lay.” When she goes all crazy wolf G.I. Jane, it’s rather the best part of the book, especially since her partner in crime is Ronan, her psycho wolf mate. They are kind of a perfect pair. But once again, just like in Wolfverse book one, Sam Hill creates a story where you end up feeling as if the Omega should only really end up with one of her harem members, a.k.a. one of her wolf mates.

Jax is too placid of a character. He comes off more Beta than Alpha, and only stands up to his brother Ash toward the end of the book. By this point, Stevie and Ronan’s relationship seems to be already established, without room for the rather “boring” Jax and his pitiful “oh I should never have listened to Ash’s,” whining. As for Ash…he’s supposed to be the ultimate Alpha Alpha. The Alpha brother that keeps his brothers in line, makes decisions to better the Pack, and plans the time, place and occasion when they’ll all eventually “woo” or at least come clean with their Omega, Stevie. Unfortunately Ash’s character comes off as, well, he just comes off as an arrogant, high-handed, stupid, knows nothing about Omegas, determined to smash his psycho brothers happiness (because he thinks his “crazy” brother is TOO crazy for Stevie) and an annoying “know-it-all.” None of his Alpha tendencies or characters are endearing, in fact, he is, by far, my least favorite character…although his brother Jax is rather high up on my “I do not like list,” as well. I honestly feel, after reading these two books, that the author would be better off writing f/m books, NOT RH or multiple partner books. She just doesn’t strike the right “balance” between her female and male characters.

**Addendum**

I’m rather glad that the author states at the end of the book, in an “afterthought note,” that she’s pretty certain she’s done writing Wolfverse books, because frankly, they’re extremely dissatisfying!! Oh, and the graphic nature of the rape…I really did not think was necessary. It could’ve been carried on OFF PAGE, and did not need to be relived through graphic traumatizing flashbacks from the FMC, or on video that everyone watched etc. to further an already stupid plot.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The forward described the book as a John Wick story without the dog getting harmed - to be fair, I never watched the movies since gratuitous violence was never my cup of tea, but turns out, there was a lot of that in the FMC's revenge, and as expected, I was not a fan.

I didn't feel like the omega FMC Stevie had a real developed connection and relationship with her harem but rather trauma bonding and final realization of their fated mate/childhood crush bond. I thought it was dumb AF that the men let Stevie go off on her own to get SAed by known shitty men with just a general warning to "be careful" rather than "these people are fucking psycho and r*** and drug women." Their wolves all seemed rather incidental instead of a full part of their personalities and used as an excuse to yearn for each other or act as convenient murdering tools.

The story seemed surface dark to me due to the SA and the consequent graphic murder and torture revenge and a psychopath main character instead of a true dark dystopian setting. I also didn't like how crazy Ronan got all the sympathy, but Ash who was trying to be responsible (and forced by his parents to) got all the blame for his uptightness - if the other two really cared, they could have broken the arbitrary rules earlier.

I felt sorry for Stevie, but I didn't find her very likable. I'm glad she got her revenge plotted out, but I found the story overall to be linear without much depth. I think the author has written some great shifter RH romance books, but I don't think this one worked for me. The author noted in the end that this is likely their last Wolfverse book.

Romance: barmaid omega FMC with 3x alpha brother MMCs - I'm not even sure how to describe their jobs... security company/assassin/honorary biker gang vigilantes?

[Wendy Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running on Empty by Sam Hall is the second in The Wolfverse Dark Side Series. We meet Stevie, a young Omega, who has had a horrible life growing up. She fell in love with the Kelly family that lived next door. But the Kelly boys never returned the affection. So Stevie turned to others to have fun and her needs met. Then she got in over her head when the Spencer Pack came along and hurt her even worse than her childhood. This story is much darker than other Sam Hall books. Lots of TW to watch out for. Loved it. I loved watching both Stevie and the Kelly Pack grow and learn how to take care of each other. Maybe there will be more in this universe one day.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dark reverse harem that is full of action and revenge. The dark themes are abuse/neglect as a child, lack of consent in a date situation and the push/pull of being denied as a fated mate. The author wove these themes in and turned them into an action book full of revenge, violence and murder. It was done pretty well and was a fun read. This is the last in the series, at least for now, and I think it was a good way to end it. The full series is quite good and full of hours of entertainment if you like strong alphas who get tamed (ish) by their omegas.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 58%

I don't have a great reason for dnf'ing this book except that I was bored. I like the author. The story was good and the Omega, Stevie, and her Alphas, Ronin, Ash and Jax were all characters you want to read about. But I was bored. I very much think others will enjoy this much more than I have.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to the dark side of the Wolfverse. Running on Empty is the second book in the Wolfverse Dark Side series and the fifth book in the overall universe. I can see why Sam put this book in the Dark Side category, Sam went pretty dark with this one. The mfc is sexually-traumatized, there's past abuse, alters, and a host of other issues across all the main characters. Not to mention the body count is pretty high. I dug right in.


Stevie had a crappy childhood and an abusive mother all she ever wanted was a family. All grown up Stevie looks for it in all the wrong places. Stevie's actions are very similar to her mother's, I just wanted to talk some sense into her. I have to give it to her, Stevie is scrappy, when she is attacked she doesn't shut down or react the typical way an omega would, no gets even with the help of the pack that's always been in her heart, the Kellys.


The boys' mom really messed them up, they have a lot of issues they have to work on. Too much was put on Ash's shoulders and now he's a control freak who pushes people away. Ronan (who is my favorite person, I absolutely love him) is an absolute psycho who has an alter ego that's dangerous AF but that man has completely and utterly surrendered to Stevie. Then there's poor Jax (who is a bit like a golden retriever), stuck in the middle between two imposing alphas trying to balance them out while feeling overlooked. The guys all love Stevie and due to the attack have finally pulled their crap together enough to admit it and are willing to do whatever it takes to deal with the situation.


This is a revenge story so there was tactical gear, weapons, surveillance, and a killing spree. There was a scene that reminded me of a similar scene in the first John Wick movie, it was epic. The Murder Daddies were involved, they were a hoot, and let me tell you, they are some bad mf'ers, I mean Ronan got it from somewhere. Ronan's whole motto for this book was "they die screaming", so imagine the dads, yeah this was an adventure all right. Best of all Stevie didn't just sit back and let them get revenge for her, no, she got her hands dirty too. It was really interesting seeing Sam's version of Berserkers for the first time. Readers just got a taste and I'm already dying for more.


Well, that was explosive. Running on Empty was a fantastic read and a great addition to the Wolfverse Dark Side. I enjoyed getting to know Stevie and her guys, seeing them coming together against a common enemy and finding their way to each other. I also loved the appearance of so many of the other Wolfverse characters, a great send off considering this might be the last book Sam writes for the series. If it is or if it isn't, either way, I love both sides of the Wolfverse, it's been a wild ride.

[Ky Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very Solid But Mixed FMC feelings

Let’s go…..The writing was exceptional as always. Storyline great. I read a lot of dark romance and don’t have any real triggers. From a darkness perspective it was more 4.5/10 to me. So if you are working your way into that genre this should be doable depending on your triggers.
The story sucks you in. It’s raw and real when it comes to the emotions and trauma surrounding growing up in a broken family, dealing with sa, and mental health issues in general. Big miss to me is Ronan is highlighted/almost glorified for his mental issues and readily accepted by the FMC and dads but Ash doesn’t get the same grace for how Ronan’s mental health and his own issues affected their pack dynamic. Even the dads treated Ronan like the golden child over Ash. While Ash should just ‘get it together’.
BUT I know a lot of people will spend a lot of time not liking Ash. He did need to grow but honestly felt like he really wasn’t treated fairly and it was so easy to paint him as the bad guy. I won’t tell the plot but others did a lot more impulsive things or stood by doing nothing yet that was who the FMC kind of ‘forgave’ easily. Even from the jokes made at his expense, to him being blamed for honestly a collective decision they all made (the are all alphas) does not sit right with me.
I also didn’t care for the FMC. I respected and admired her strength. She went through a lot. But this whole narrative that she was so perfect (as described by the boys) really bothered me. Half the book she had a terribly immature attitude even before the sa. As reflected by her choices to drink and do drugs (not victim shaming) but a lot of I’m my mom’s daughter kind of mentality (her words not mine). Her impulsivity during the murder spree and just some of the things she did to kind of pit the brothers against each other didn’t sit right with me. I don’t recall her age but it felt like dealing with an 18-19 yr old.
Then there was the layer of the wolf, their dads, the drugs to unlock it, and the whole Nordic thing. I just……
Again, the story line was great but the characters left a lot to be desired. Idk maybe this pack could have benefited from a beta in the mix because even with therapy I really didn’t appreciate the pack dynamics or the treatment amongst the characters in the harem by anyone. Outside of lust and forced proximity it really just gave toxic.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had so many realistic pieces of trauma that it may be activating for those processing sexual assault or have previously experienced sexual assault. I will give a broader, possibly spoiler hinting explanation later in the review with spaces for those who would prefer to cold read.

Sam Hall has such an ability to write incredibly different and nuanced characters that feel very unique even within the same literary world. This is an omega novel from her wolfverse series but as she has labeled it, it is a dark side version. She chooses to tackle another set of societal issues, this time date rape and the lack of prosecution against wealthy perpetrators and victim blaming/shaming. That is in no way the entirety of the novel, there is a love story, fated mates that’s nearly second chance romance, mental health and anxiety concerns, drugs mercenaries, bikers, found families and therapy as well! It is well described as a novel of vengeance and redemption with 3 sexy alpha men next door and a fragile yet ferocious girl next door turned femme fatale with the aide of her mates. Possible spoilers (I’ll try to be light with the details) with trigger warnings ahead






























I will say that the sexual assault is portrayed through a series of flashbacks and confrontations where the perpetrators are held more than accountable by the recipient of the sexual violence. Statements about the things she said during her assault, which was facilitated with a drug that eliminated her ability to consent, are repeated to the individual perpetrators as she seeks vengeance and retribution. We know she was assaulted, we know by multiple assailants, we know she was drugged. We get snapshots and snippets of her assault by her verbalizing things said as she confronts her abusers but we never have a 100% accounting, much like a victim may have fractured memories. If you have more exacting questions to ascertain your level of comfort, reach out to one of Sam Hall’s reader groups, or Sam Hall herself. She is excellent about communicating

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is darker and an emotional roller coaster. It has so much depth in the emotions of these amazing characters. Definitely read the triggers as there may definitely be some for some people. This story of Stevie and the family in her life have so many ups and downs. I absolutely loved Stevie and strong she was throughout the story. She deals with so much trauma and darkness in her life. But, she always seems to come out stronger in the end. This story will make you laugh, cry, get angry and sad all alongside of these amazing characters. The journey that we experience in this story is one amazing ride. It has so much action, drama, and suspense. I loved Ronan and his bit of craziness that just completely to this story in a way that you wouldn’t expect. He definitely shows how much he care just by his actions alone. Jax is so incredibly sweet until he isn’t. He shows his protectiveness in everything he does. Ash was a little harder to connect with as he could be such a jerk at times. But at the end of it all we see so much growth between all of these amazing people. This is extremely well written and developed. It will have you on the edge of your seat with anticipation through it. It is absolutely a must read and definitely will not disappoint.

[Mandy Robitaille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, Sam Hall nailed the dark Wolfverse again!

This was so good. I loved seeing Stevie's growth through this series. The whole packs growth as well.

Watching her process her trauma and move forward with healing was wonderful to see. Sam always does a great job in her books of realistically portraying the struggles that people go through. The Kelly boys also grew throughout this book, and it was nice to see them come together as a pack - especially with accepting all of Ronan. (Ronan was my fav - I just love me a psycho)

It was also awesome seeing other packs from the previous Wolfverse books. I let out a little cheer of excitement as the packs were back together.

The drama was perfectly written and the steam was hot hot hot! I couldn't put this book down. Another 5 star read by Sam!

[Oksana Savchenko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea

Well, It was so hard to connect to the MC. Her immaturity and self-centerness were unappealing. Perhaps she changed later, but I quit half way through. What happened to effective communication and appreciation? When people treat you right all your life and you call them neighbors instead of friends? When they are always by your side, when u need them most. But overhearing a conversation that she is just a little sister overrode all their actions? Anyway, I guess I don't have patience for immature characters. I hope she grew up in the end and appreciated people in her life who were always there for her. I love my MC characters troubled but with this golden core inside that outweighs their insecurities with a little push or not from outside and leads them forward to expansion and growth....

[Jennifer H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Who doesn’t love an unapologetic man with love for sharp pointy objects. Each of the MMC’s have different, well developed personalities. Each POV was easy to follow. I always love how Sam’s books portray such a wide variety of personalities. It is very easy to know who is who while reading. I didn’t need to go back to the beginning of the chapter to see whose POV I was reading.

I had an issue with how Ash was treated like he is the bad guy. If the others didn’t want to follow his ideas for dealing with the MFC, then they should have spoken up and gone against him. It is 2 against 1. Ash is the voice of reason in the pack, the planner. He was looked down upon because of this, but every group needs someone to make sure no one ends up dead or in jail.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much darker that the other books and I must say that I enjoyed it very much. I understand that need for revenge and I think that Manny would agree with it. It was so satisfying to see Stevie get her due that it got me thinking that we really have a dark side inside us all. Very well written and very hot too.

[Meka · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible

I'm still very new with the omega verse books, but my god they are incredible. I absolutely loved this book!

The chemistry, the revenge! The way that they all learned how to function as a pack? It's everything that I have ever wanted.

And I always love seeing women get to have revenge!

[Bent Letters · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

[Destynnee Realta · Rating 5 out of 5]

“... This little black duck could only get a lady boner for the kinds of boys you didn’t want to meet in dark alleys.”
-Stevie

Running on Empty
The Wolfverse Dark Side
Book 2
By Sam Hall
422 pages
Currently on Kindle Unlimited in the USA.
Publication date June 18, 2023

I received a copy of this book, and this is my review.
Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Spicy, Dark Romance, Werewolf Shifter Romance, Paranormal Romance, Happily Ever After / Happily For Now, Child Abuse, Death of a Parent, SA, FMC is Drugged, Date Rape Drug, PTSD Flashbacks, Non Consensual Acts, Revenge, Gore, Blood, Murder, Death, Torture, Violence, MMC Self Harms (for the thrill and pleasure), Pain Slut, Scarification, Knife Play, Knotting, Omegaverse, Why Choose, Polyam, Breeding No Pregancy, Stalking, Oral Sex, Anal Sex, Bareback, Kinky, Fated Mates, Bonded Mates, Fated Mates Fucked Up, Domme Goes Undercover, Kidnapping, MC, Murder Daddies, Forced Proximity, Evil Shifter Pack that almost seems like they are Mafia like in the power/money they hold, and possibly more

I have loved every book of Sam’s I have read, and this one is no different.

In the end, this was a 5/5 star read for me, and I think that if you can get past the TW it will be for you as well.

Broken FMC
John Wick like MMC (Specifically Ronan)
Revenge
Murder Daddies
Kinky Pack
Fated Mates

This will be a good once to check out.

This one is dark though. The FMC deals with child abuse from their mom, it is MOSTLY off page but there are some flashbacks and parts of the story when it is spoken about. The FMC’s mom also has abusive BF’s who abuse her and the mother.

The FMC deals with a SA that occurs due to a date rape drug, for lack of a better term for this specific drug. This occurs MOSTLY off page, but there are flashbacks, and parts of the story where it is talked about.

One of the MMC, is a pain slut, and self harms, for the pleasure of it. He even cuts the FMC name into his chest.

SOOOOO, if you can not handle those things, you may want to skip this book.
I have dealt with some of the things, and I was ok. That does NOT mean you will be. Always put your mental and physical health first.

Now, that I have said all of that. I just want to say that I would not only read this book again, I would read more about this pack. It is left in a kind of a HEA/HFN. But, I just love it, when Sam goes dark.

Plotwise, it was great. There were a couple things that I kind of wish were touched on more, like the fact that the MMC’s dads can go Ulfhednar/berserk. The dads even try to get the MMC’s to get there via drink and weed. But, other things happen instead. So, more of that, would have been grand.

More about him would have been interesting. Because he is there before they meet the FMC… Because in the prologue, when the FMC sees the MMC’s for the first time, that smile and look is there.. I like, how he connects so ferally, with the need and love for the FMC but I swear, he was already there. I wonder, if some of that is due to the dad’s being about to go Ulfhednar/berserk, and their sons not being able to yet. And you wont get this, unless you read the book, and I won't spoil this. This MMC is my fav, because I am also a pain slut. So, give me more please. Lol. I would of liked to see the four of them touch more on their kinks, and how they work as a pack now that the Evil Shifter Pack is dealt with. But, what we did get, was not only cute, but spicy.

There are times, when the plot goes fast, and times, when for me, it really slowed down. But, overall I liked the pacing.

I loved/hated the characters and I think with this book, you will either love or hate the characters. Unlike some books, where it might go back and forth, or such, I have a feeling you will either love them or hate them. The only ones I hated were the Evil Shifter Pack, because there was no reason for them to be the way they were, other than just being bad nuts all around.

I understood why the MCC’s mom told them to do what they did, and why Ash followed through on it, but it still sucked. All that heartache, and time without their fated mate… But, hindsight is 20/20.

One of the things that I really liked, and this might surprise you.. Is that, they went to therapy, group and one on one. The FMC needed it due to her childhood, what the MMC’s did and what the Evil Shifter Pack did to her. A lot of times, books go dark on the FMC, and never give her access to therapy, or the resources to heal. I liked that the MMC’s also went, I think that each one of the MMC’s should of done some one on one though. But, having them at least do group with the FMC, and the leader of the pack, Ash, do some one on one was a very nice touch. I liked how at times, the FMC nor the MMC’s knew what to do, or how to handle the things thrown at them. To me, it made it feel more real.

I know that some might find her immature, in the way she handles things, etc. but those people might forget, that since she is a product of a abusive home, how she handles things is not going to be the same as those who didn’t go through that. At times she will, more than likely seem very immature, or have an attitude that may not mesh with what others think should be going on. As someone, who dealt with CSA, DV, and SA I see parts of myself in how she acted and treated things/people. Then add in, that her fated mates were so close, yet not, wouldn’t allow for a good/stable view on love/sex/lust/etc. Because she feels like she can not trust these things. The guys, of course, think the FMC is perfect, because they know that is their fated mate, their twin to their souls, so even when she does wrong, or hurts them, they can understand it in a way that others wouldn’t be able to.

5 / 5
-Destynnee

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Read with caution— there can be spoilers!**

Again, it's not easy to rate this. Like with the last review (Forbidden Fruit), I had my issues with the story and some characters. Normally, I don't even read her books in a row, since they tend to be more 'heavy' sometimes, and it's a toss up, if I will like it or not.

I do like this one better, because there are consequences for the bad guys. Not like Forbidden Fruit, where the whole situation was solved with a near-death experience.

Fair warning: The book is big on revenge in the form of violence and bloody situations. We have SA as well and an unhinged male character, who is in love with knives and has psychotic tendencies.

So, there is that.

Though, for me, it's not really 'dark'. The Darkverse comes mainly with the topics in the book, like with what has happened to her and what they do. But nothing else.

As I said, I had issues with the story in general and the FMC. The entire situation could only happen, because one of her fated mates just didn't warn her properly about the bad guys and being honest with her, that they are her fated mates.

I'm sure, she wouldn't have gone out with those guys, if she knew what they did to women.

Though, the FMC did some stupid stuff as well. I don't blame her for what happen to her. I'm not one to shame anyone or victim blaming. But she often acted more like a child than an adult. Like Ash tells her to be cautious and what she shouldn't do, like she shouldn't take anything from them. And because she doesn't like that, she does exactly the opposite.

So she drinks a lot and smokes the stuff they gave her and so on. I do understand her to some degree. She wanted to forget about her life, which wasn't good to begin with. Thinking of her mother and all. And she wanted to belong to someone and yeah, just trying to forget her life and the Kelly guys.

And of course, she didn't want to be treated that way by the Spencers. It was despicable and I really felt for her. So, I was all for the revenge part.

But there were other situations as well, where she shows, that she is more child than adult. And it always instances, where Ash tries to keep her safe or shield her from something. As I said, I get it, that she doesn't want to be controlled and included like an equal. But you can do that while being smart about it and staying as safe as possible.

And I didn't really get the way Ash was treated. He tried to do everything right and wanted to be responsible. Yeah, he was influenced by his mother in that regard and should have looked more after what Stevie wanted. But still, he didn't do anything 'wrong' in the greater schemes of things. I get it with him being controlling, because that's something you can't force with others, and you have to accept that you can't control everything.

But Ronan shouldn't be the 'role model', though I love the psychopath characters. They love with a total abandonment and will do everything for you. But logically, we all know it's not a good thing in the social scheme of things. And Jax was kind of in the background? He was a good guy, of course, and is caring. He loves Stevie and like Ronan he tried to do everything she wants, but still tries to keep the balance between his brothers. Therefore, the conflict between Ronan and Ash was more noticeable than him in some way. But, I liked all of them. Just the dynamic was really confusing to me.

So, after the revenge is over, there were still questions open for me. Like, what about Rush? It wasn't really solved, in my opinion. Or the MC club and all. We only got implications, but that was it. And then it's all about the mental health. I find it great, that Sam Hall included the aspect, that all the bad stuff isn't just gone, when you solve it in some way or the other. That it's a process for everyone with good and bad days, but it wasn't the most interesting part to me.

Though, I'm glad they worked on themselves and their pack dynamic. And this time there was a bonding scene, which was missing in Forbidden Fruit.

So, it really was a toss up for me. I still give it 4 stars, but same with Forbidden Fruit, it is a close call.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m your knife, and I’ll cut into anyone and anything that messes with you, beautiful. Just tell me who"

Running on Empty is the latest book in Sam Hall's Wolfverse Dark Side. The Wolfverse includes her standalone HEA books. Dark Side books tend to have some dark themes, but they're very dark 'light' compared to super psychological/messed up books.

RoE is more like the John Wick franchise or Sons of Anarchy. There's a lot of running around getting vengeance, and there are a few morally gray characters.

The author's description is accurate, about what the book is about. (I've read some that aren't, so this feels like it needed to be said.)

What I love about this books is there aren't any tropes, other than RH and Alpha/Omega. Although even the Alphas and the Omega are different from other books I've read in the genre.

First, the Alphas are flawed in very real ways that I loved because they didn't feel 'perfect' - sometimes you aren't in the mood for perfection ;)

Ronan's a little crazy, Ash has some control issues - not his fault IMO. Lois pointed him in the wrong direction. Jax pretty much was neutral until he started to find himself.

Second, Stevie is a different omega, too. Or, maybe it's because she's pretty much on her own for so many years. She has some Beta tendencies like Lily had in Problem Child. I liked it because it was a refreshing take on omegas, but not everyone may enjoy it.

This book includes POVs from FMC and all of the MMCs, which usually I don't mind but for some reason it was a little harder for me to connect with the FMC this time. It's not a con, just an observation for anyone that has a love/hate relationship with multiple POVs :)

The Lockwood (Billion Dollar Pack) and Murphy packs (Forbidden Fruit) make a cameo, which I loved! I like getting sneak peeks at what the characters from previous books are doing lol.

You definitely need to read the Trigger Warnings for this book. I don't see it listed as of now, so here it is from the book:
This book was a little hard to classify.
- The guys are not the pricks from Forbidden Fruit, but the content is dark, so please read closely.
- This book deals with: A FMC that grows up in an abusive home. I have kept the flashbacks to the bare minimum and mostly deal with running away from fights between her mum and her mother’s boyfriend, not including the FMC. But she demonstrates a lot of the minimising and trauma of someone who has grown up with this.
- The FMC goes out on a date with a pack who are not her fated mates and a non consensual incident happens. I have tried to include the least amount of detail possible, but this might be triggering for people. The book is largely a revenge trip, like a female led John Wick, so there is a lot of violence.
- The dog does not get hurt!
- One of the male leads self harms for the thrill of it. I would suggest that if you are someone who has a history of this or it’s a trigger, you might want to avoid this book.

**I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review**

[mspotts · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rated up

This one was hard to rate and I was tempted to rate it down to a 3, but changed my mind last minute.

Sam Hall has a unique way of storytelling so when I read the blurb, I was curious to try this book out. In the end, it really wasn't anything like what I expected - in both a good way and bad.

While there were certainly things I took issue with along the way, I definitely appreciated the way the aftereffects of her SA and resulting trauma were handled. The trigger warnings were 100% valid and I'm glad they were included.

The characters were tricky. Stevie was a strong character. She wasn't soft like most RH leads, she had that weary, cynical down-on-her-luck feel that I found very realistic. She was a product of her shitty environment and she'd been let down by so many people in her life, including her stupid mates.

I won't go into too much detail about how dumb they are but honestly, letting your mate, or just any woman frankly, go off on a date with men you suspect to be even remotely connected to illegal date-rape drug activities is pure stupidity.

But worst is the fact they held that information to themselves, their suspicions, and didn't tell her. Even after the assault, the way they reacted felt so mild to me.

I was incensed on her behalf just from reading it all and they were just so calm. It really made me doubt their suitability as alphas at that point.

It took far too long for them to become anything close to a normal pack (still not sure they were by the end either) but I was satisfied by Ash's growth to see how they might start functioning in a non-toxic way. They did improve eventually but I wasn't ever truly won over by them as a pack.

I definitely agree though that Ronan got far too much of the spotlight (even though I loved how devoted he was). Ash deserved more sympathy and recognition from his family and Jax...well I think even the author wasn't quite sure how he fit in tbh.

Ultimately, this was a big messy book, with a lot of story. Not the most satisfying romance or grovel, but you do get a bloody good revenge arc, and some unique characters to keep you interested.

I can't say I'm sad this is the end of the wolfverse - but I will of course continue to pick up Sam Hall's books when I see them.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

So I re read the first one thinking the 2nd one was a continuation of the first one. Nope. It’s a stand alone.

The fmc feels the guys next door are acting like they are closer than they are. The fmc is pissed, doing things she maybe would never do if the guys just treated her normal. Acting out to feel something “real”. This is a feeling even I’ve had before. Maybe not going to this extent but the description of the feelings, I truly felt her.

That spot where the trigger warning is, I’m so glad I read it. It was absolutely needed. I liked how it explains that the author tried to skip over as much as she could without detracting from the story. The chapters where she’s been taken advantage of, is hard to read. It felt like this stuff happens in the real world just maybe without the artificial “heat” meds. Even though I wasn’t a fan of those chapters, everything felt natural. Like nothing was out of place. The character started having flashbacks later on in the book, which I feel is totally normal. She’s pretty vengeful! I loved it! I loved how she finally opened up to the guys, and they to her.
It was confusing when it was talking about the guys dads and the Spencer’s dads. Throw in a few extra first names, and it all seemed to be very confusing. I really enjoyed how the guys all did their best to make up to her, even if it wasn’t their decision in the first place to stay away. I also enjoyed reading that the fmc didn’t just fall into bed with the guys after it was announced they were mates. She made the ones that were more standoffish work for it.
I was sad when the book ended, I hoped for longer. I would rate this a 4.5 stars (if I could rate half a star) due to how confusing it was when reading about the guys dads, they MC names vs their real names, then the Spencer Seniors vs the younger Spencer’s. I got confused on who was who and had to do some back tracking multiple times so I know who they were talking about. Otherwise very enjoyable standalone.

[The Caffeinated Grimoire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5☆ Dark Wolfverse

This is my first book by Sam Hall, I loved the idea of Wolfverse with all the goodness of omegaverse but with them still being shifters 👌 This did have darker elements which was fine for me but definitely check your TWs before proceeding. I thought the guys were dumb for hiding what they were to her for so long and how they weren't possessive of her was strange to me with a shifter romance that she could be with other and only they could sense that she was theirs and not the other way around. Ronan was definitely my favourite of the boys in all his murdery glory.
But a good read, I'll definitely check out more by this author in the future.

Stevie hadn't had the greatest childhood watching her mother go from one abusive partner to the next but the one shining light in her life was the Kelly boys who grew up right next door. They were more of a family to her and always looked out for her. When she revealed as an Omega she had high hopes that they would be her Alphas, she had loved them for so long it only made sense.
But fate was a cruel mistress and had other plans, so she was forced to find solace in other ways especially when going through her heat.
But Stevie became a but reckless in her pursuit of night filled with happiness and despite the protests of the Kelly's she met up with a pack known for all the wrong reasons. She found herself powerless and used but it was her neighbors that came to her rescue. Only problem was the Spencer pack wasn't so eager to let go of the Omega and they would do anything to get her back. But the ultimate betrayal came when Stevie found out the heartbreaking truth the boys had kept from her from the moment they met.
They might stand by her side to help her get revenge but they'd have their work cut out for them if they were ever to stand by her side for good.
Stevie might have been an Omega but she could be ruthless like an Alpha when she needed.

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Hall has truly outdone herself with this one!!! If you thought the first book in the Wolfverse Dark Side series was dark and utterly riveting, you haven’t seen anything yet because Running on Empty will blow everything else out of the water!!!

This is the story of our tough and feisty Omega heroine Stevie—who hasn’t always had the best of life, but was blessed with amazing neighbors. Sexy, protective and attentive alpha neighbors the Kellys! However one conversation overheard as a teenager was enough to send Stevie running, and sadly keep her running all the way into adulthood until she has the misfortune of running into another alpha pack that doesn’t see her as the treasure she is and wants nothing more than to break her.

But luckily she has the Kelly’s and they’re willing to do anything for Stevie to right previous wrongs. Because while Ash, Ronan and Jax may have thought their intentions were honorable, let’s just say they have A LOT to answer for. Because instead of claiming what was theirs early on they way til tragedy strikes and almost lose the one thing they’ve always wanted. Stevie. And man does she make them work for it!

I loved everything about this story and loved how Sam showed us the evolution of Stevie into a true badass after something tragic happened to her, and how even though she had her guys by her side she never hesitated to step in and get dirty herself and seek the revenge she so rightfully deserved. And finally getting to see then FINALLY come together and take down their enemies was absolute perfection!!

If you’ve been a diehard fan of Sam’s or you love the darker side of the Wolfverse world, then this is definitely the one for you! Just be sure to check your triggers before diving in because this one doesn’t hold back.

[Shannan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running On Empty is the 2nd book in the Wolfverse Dark Side and has much darker, confronting themes than the 1st book, Forbidden Fruit, so please before your start reading be sure to check out the content warnings.
As is my go-to strategy these days for reading anything by Sam Hall, I went in completely blind except with the understanding that it would be on the darker side. I was excited and not disappointed in the slightest.

It was darker and grittier and while some of our girl Stevie's trauma is written on the page, I think it's written beautifully and in a way that isn't just for shock value. The highs and lows of emotion before, during and after Stevie's fight for justice, or vengence depending on how you look at it, just felt so real and raw. It tugged at my heart and made me just want to get in there and help Stevie excorcise some demons and then give her the biggest hug after. And boy, Scarlett is the absolute BFF, everything you could want and need all rolled in to one - domineering, supportive, determined, and the best breakfast bringer.

As with all the previous books in the Wolfverse, I still love, love, love the fact that the alpha, beta and omega designations don't strictly follow the typical stereotype of how they are 'meant' to be, and it was awesome seeing some of the characters from the previous books again.

I really do hope that one day in the future there may be more stories come out of the Wolfverse, and hopefully we aren't really saying goodbye just yet. Cos I don't want to. X

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running on Empty is the second book in the Wolfverse Dark Side series by Sam Hall.

💜 FMC with rough past
💜 MMC boys next door
💜 omegaverse
💜 action
💜 mystery
💜 🌶🌶🌶🌶 spicy spice

Stevie did not have the easiest childhood. Her mother often brought home men that would end up in verbal and sometimes physical fights. When the Kelly family moved in next door, things changed. Instead of climbing a tree to escape, she would go to their house. Then Stevie presented as an omega. Not knowing who her fated mate pack was, she would turn to Howlr for alphas to scratch the itch. One night with the wrong pack and nothing in her life would be the same.

This is a dark omegaverse, which means dark themes occur in the book. But there is redemption and a HEA. But what a wild ride to get there! The goal was to have a John Wick style book, and I think that was totally accomplished. I finished this book in less than a day and loved every minute of it. This book can be read as a stand alone, but like any book that sits within an established created world, it’s so much better if read in order. If you read this and haven’t read any other book in the Wolfverse universe, what are you waiting for. There are so many Easter eggs that come from knowing the other characters that make an appearance, you will increase your enjoyment by reading those too.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is what seems to be the finale of the wolfverse. It has cameos from every pack we have seen and has both major trauma and major empowerment. I enjoyed the book but when there are enough pieces that make my logical mind question major plot points, it is hard to stay absorbed in the story. In some ways, if you can go through revenge movies/action movies without getting stuck on how that would even work, you should be ok. There is much talk about self harm in the book. However, it is somewhat skewed as the reaction is a blend between the pleasure a masochist feels and the numbness someone who self-harms tries to push away (or feel) depending on their situation. It is a bit complex and may be a bit confusing to some. The counseling sessions are a little confusing. While each member of this pack has their own issues, it seems like there is more concern over anxiety then an alter from the therapist. While I can see how that could be in relation to their omega, I would think both need further individual treatment rather than just singling out one. I did enjoy the fact that the main character did not try to hide from the threat and wanted to be involved. Ultimately, this book covers some really heavy topics that do actually have a mirror to current real-world issues. It is worth a read, but be prepared to leave with conflicting feelings.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Some men bring their lovers roses, some give them pearls. Well mine brought me the one thing I really wanted and needed. Power.”

Our FMC, Stevie, has been through a lot in life, including an extremely traumatic night out with a pack of alphas. Sam always handles sensitive topics, such as assault, with so much awareness, gentleness, and understanding.

The pacing of the book was great. I thought it would be quicker than it was so I was delighted that the story was intricate, the need for revenge kept coming, and then we got to experience the come down from everything and the healing.

I loved the fierceness and complexity of Stevie, Ash & Jax letting go and fully embracing who they are, and of course I loved Ronan. Who doesn’t want a guy that would burn the world down for you?

I was also excited to see the use of Ulfhednar from Norse mythology, which brought to mind Ulfric from my first Sam Hall books; Reach for the Moon! Love when there is wolf mythology in shifter books.

Also the Murphy and Lockwood packs getting in on the action was so great!

Overall, an amazing book and I do hope to see more from this dark, sexy, and gritty Wolfverse. And if not, I’m content with all that we’ve gotten to experience.

[Ash (so there’s this book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely read content warnings for this one! There is some heavy subject matter that some readers might find triggering!!

Phew! This book was so intense but I loved the feminine rage we see form the FMC, Stevie. A revenge story is always an enthralling read, but I really loved how it fit in with the omegaverse world. And morally gray alphaholes are always a welcome read!

I also really liked the reasoning behind why Stevie and her fated mates never quite connected to begin with. That was a very unique take on alpha-omega struggles and I feel it was thoughtful and, as always, a really interesting reflection on nature/nurture and relationship dynamics.

Stevie is such a badass FMC. I felt for her so deeply, and rooted for her through every step of her revenge and recovery.

As for her alphas, I loved Jax the most, but Ronan was a star in this book. I think Sam did a really good job of writing his character. Ash, the third alpha, had the biggest character arc of the men, but I still didn’t totally forgive him in the end, lol.

My favorite part of this book was the “feral” nature of the MMCs and their fathers. I thought that was a really neat addition to the shifter / omegaverse metrics.

And, there is plenty of delicious spice!