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The Candyverse #2
Gigi and the Gym Rats
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2024
67 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Mona Black
25 books194 followersMona is a changeling living in the human world. She writes fantasy romance and reverse harem romance, and is an avid reader of fantasy and paranormal books. Read her fantasy romance series "Cursed Fae Kings" or her Reverse Harem paranormal romance series "Pandemonium Academy Royals". Follow for updates and new release announcements!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 3, 2024
It was well written…but had no plot, and no real main character
So there were a lot of things that didn’t work in this novel.
1. The main character is supposed to be Gigi, but because her love search leads her to form a pack with single guys who all just pretty much mastered non committed sexual relations before her…and each POV from their perspectives detracts from Gigi, again, making the reader feel as if the FMC is not really a main character at all. She just doesn’t seem important to the author…who wrote her position in these guys lives as pretty much not really necessary. Heck the 2 Alphas already had a Beta (Grey that Ronin had been having sex with for a while before getting with Gigi) and an Omega (Casey, who came off as having as much personality as dry toast) and lead Alpha, Zane, (who had been pining for Gigi, but suddenly is in lust then love with all these men?). It was overcrowded, lol, and honestly I felt as if Gigi was a secondary thought.
2. This book is supposed to be a RH Omega story, but honestly it’s sooooooo polyque and there is just so so much m/m, and m/m/m and m/m/m/m that once again Gigi just seemed squeezed in as an afterthought. All the Omega details came from having Casey in this “soon to be formed pack” and Gigi wasn’t left with anything to contribute to this pack, which when formed, comes off way more MALE POLYQUE than this being a RH story. At the center core of RH you have the male members of the harem completely devoted to the female main character. If they fool around within the harem fine, but it’s always understood that she is the center, the nucleus of the pack/group. Without her you wouldn’t have a functioning RH. I don’t mind a little m/m in my RH books. But once again including major m/m is becoming more regular, and then this book takes it a step forward, having ALL THE MALES SLEEPIMG WITH EACH OTHER. You just never get the idea that Gigi is IMPORTANT and NECESSARY IN THE HAREM FOR THEM. The way the book is written you almost wish that the guys would go off into the sunset together- minus Gigi, and Gigi would get her OWN BOOK where her harem members actually cared, and loved her above the others. For in not doing so, the entire genre is twisted, and the RH really isn’t a RH! It’s very much a head scratcher, and has a very anti lambic ending, which brings me to number 3…
3. THERE WAS NO PLOT! No joke. You have the FMC who because of bad experiences with Alphas, and family pressuring her to find a “nice Beta boy to settle down with,” ends up with her two roommates, one’s an Alpha, one’s an Omega. Her long time gym trainer, and her roommates booty call (lol). Yup. Basically, that was the plot. Having our FMC get pretty much swallowed up by her harem members. And her harem members all (although admitting to feeling attracted to her) ending up together in this polyque relationship where they ALL sleep with one another. This perhaps wouldn’t have bothered me as much if Gigi wasn’t supposed to be the main character, and the guys relationships had been built up to within the entirety of the book- maybe even giving this book a second part a.k.a. a second book in a duology or something. And because the guys spend way too much time with each other and Gigi gets “left behind,” you really truly aren’t reading a RH where the female is the most important thing. And yup, everything is about the sexual relations and “trying to get with each other” in the guys case, that nothing else happens. No, really it’s like NOTHING else happens besides each of the group saying very awkward I love you’s. The plot is just…well so ridiculously flimsy and non-existent.
Yup. This honestly did not read as a RH, and I think there should’ve been a mention that this was a serious m/m/m/m book. I was really annoyed when I realized it was, because I wasn’t expecting it and this level.
So there were a lot of things that didn’t work in this novel.
1. The main character is supposed to be Gigi, but because her love search leads her to form a pack with single guys who all just pretty much mastered non committed sexual relations before her…and each POV from their perspectives detracts from Gigi, again, making the reader feel as if the FMC is not really a main character at all. She just doesn’t seem important to the author…who wrote her position in these guys lives as pretty much not really necessary. Heck the 2 Alphas already had a Beta (Grey that Ronin had been having sex with for a while before getting with Gigi) and an Omega (Casey, who came off as having as much personality as dry toast) and lead Alpha, Zane, (who had been pining for Gigi, but suddenly is in lust then love with all these men?). It was overcrowded, lol, and honestly I felt as if Gigi was a secondary thought.
2. This book is supposed to be a RH Omega story, but honestly it’s sooooooo polyque and there is just so so much m/m, and m/m/m and m/m/m/m that once again Gigi just seemed squeezed in as an afterthought. All the Omega details came from having Casey in this “soon to be formed pack” and Gigi wasn’t left with anything to contribute to this pack, which when formed, comes off way more MALE POLYQUE than this being a RH story. At the center core of RH you have the male members of the harem completely devoted to the female main character. If they fool around within the harem fine, but it’s always understood that she is the center, the nucleus of the pack/group. Without her you wouldn’t have a functioning RH. I don’t mind a little m/m in my RH books. But once again including major m/m is becoming more regular, and then this book takes it a step forward, having ALL THE MALES SLEEPIMG WITH EACH OTHER. You just never get the idea that Gigi is IMPORTANT and NECESSARY IN THE HAREM FOR THEM. The way the book is written you almost wish that the guys would go off into the sunset together- minus Gigi, and Gigi would get her OWN BOOK where her harem members actually cared, and loved her above the others. For in not doing so, the entire genre is twisted, and the RH really isn’t a RH! It’s very much a head scratcher, and has a very anti lambic ending, which brings me to number 3…
3. THERE WAS NO PLOT! No joke. You have the FMC who because of bad experiences with Alphas, and family pressuring her to find a “nice Beta boy to settle down with,” ends up with her two roommates, one’s an Alpha, one’s an Omega. Her long time gym trainer, and her roommates booty call (lol). Yup. Basically, that was the plot. Having our FMC get pretty much swallowed up by her harem members. And her harem members all (although admitting to feeling attracted to her) ending up together in this polyque relationship where they ALL sleep with one another. This perhaps wouldn’t have bothered me as much if Gigi wasn’t supposed to be the main character, and the guys relationships had been built up to within the entirety of the book- maybe even giving this book a second part a.k.a. a second book in a duology or something. And because the guys spend way too much time with each other and Gigi gets “left behind,” you really truly aren’t reading a RH where the female is the most important thing. And yup, everything is about the sexual relations and “trying to get with each other” in the guys case, that nothing else happens. No, really it’s like NOTHING else happens besides each of the group saying very awkward I love you’s. The plot is just…well so ridiculously flimsy and non-existent.
Yup. This honestly did not read as a RH, and I think there should’ve been a mention that this was a serious m/m/m/m book. I was really annoyed when I realized it was, because I wasn’t expecting it and this level.
March 11, 2024
I downloaded the sample of this book and after only reading a small percentage of the sample I said fuck it and bought it for 2.99 on the zon’. Nothing could have prepared me for the mess that was this book🙂 not only did it feel like reading a wattpad story, it also felt like a random dump of thoughts on pages.
1. The main character shamed and judged people left and right. She lives in her friend sawyers apartment and then in her head says how cute he is but he should really go to the gym and build his upper body😐 all because she is a fucking health nut and won’t even eat white bread. Plus gigi is a beta so obviously she’s normal, alphas are bone headed aggressive idiots and omegas are just cry baby girly girls who love flowers and poofy skirts. ???? she even says and I QUOTE “omegas are over the top,alphas are over the top, betas are the golden middle who keep society on its feet” ???? I’m sorry what😅 — like so much shaming meanwhile her friends and roommates are alphas and omegas!!
2. The miscommunication was SO FRUSTRATING amongst many other words within this book. This girl would hump her way to an orgasm then literally bolt away from the room, insisting she couldn’t be with these men then proceed to obsess over them!! Except it wasn’t just Gigi who did this, it was all of the characters, they would make out or dry hump then runaway and avoid each other😐 and this happened for 60% of the book and I’m not exaggerating. It was the 60% mark and all I could think was “really??? we’re still doing this??” It was a waste of a book and it had literally no plot. Like this book was complete chaos and not of the good kind.
3. Who even were the characters cause idk??? we learned little to nothing about them except Gigi and how her mom was jaded and constantly put her fears and biases into her since a child. Also her brother had issues?? which we don’t find out until he randomly calls her after running away. 😐🥱 We learned nothing about Ronin, Grey, Casey or Zayne. Which made no sense when it came to the 3rd act issue because Grey and Casey go missing but they know absolutely nothing about them so they can’t even find them for about 3/4 days. Like they are just boning and running around trying to find them but have nothing to even relay to others for help, but they wanna be a pack😐
Overall this book was a fucking mess and I wish I would’ve just listened to my gut and kept scrolling. There were parts in the book that I did think were funny or enjoyable and had the book been planned out and written better then it could’ve had a lot of potential but it just wasn’t worth the read or money save yourself the time.
1. The main character shamed and judged people left and right. She lives in her friend sawyers apartment and then in her head says how cute he is but he should really go to the gym and build his upper body😐 all because she is a fucking health nut and won’t even eat white bread. Plus gigi is a beta so obviously she’s normal, alphas are bone headed aggressive idiots and omegas are just cry baby girly girls who love flowers and poofy skirts. ???? she even says and I QUOTE “omegas are over the top,alphas are over the top, betas are the golden middle who keep society on its feet” ???? I’m sorry what😅 — like so much shaming meanwhile her friends and roommates are alphas and omegas!!
2. The miscommunication was SO FRUSTRATING amongst many other words within this book. This girl would hump her way to an orgasm then literally bolt away from the room, insisting she couldn’t be with these men then proceed to obsess over them!! Except it wasn’t just Gigi who did this, it was all of the characters, they would make out or dry hump then runaway and avoid each other😐 and this happened for 60% of the book and I’m not exaggerating. It was the 60% mark and all I could think was “really??? we’re still doing this??” It was a waste of a book and it had literally no plot. Like this book was complete chaos and not of the good kind.
3. Who even were the characters cause idk??? we learned little to nothing about them except Gigi and how her mom was jaded and constantly put her fears and biases into her since a child. Also her brother had issues?? which we don’t find out until he randomly calls her after running away. 😐🥱 We learned nothing about Ronin, Grey, Casey or Zayne. Which made no sense when it came to the 3rd act issue because Grey and Casey go missing but they know absolutely nothing about them so they can’t even find them for about 3/4 days. Like they are just boning and running around trying to find them but have nothing to even relay to others for help, but they wanna be a pack😐
Overall this book was a fucking mess and I wish I would’ve just listened to my gut and kept scrolling. There were parts in the book that I did think were funny or enjoyable and had the book been planned out and written better then it could’ve had a lot of potential but it just wasn’t worth the read or money save yourself the time.
March 1, 2024
2.5⭐️
this book made me feel so anxious the entire time bc it felt so chaotic. the overall plot with the different issues they all have was a great story, but i don’t think there was enough development of each of the main characters. esp with why Gigi needed control and to follow the rules. and Ronin’s backstory of being on the streets. it also felt like the beginning with all of Gigi’s quirks didn’t continue the entire book.
if the concept of scent matches were how people determined the pack or mates, i would have been okay with the instalust, but since that’s not how they recognized their packmates, the instalust in this story didn’t make enough sense to me.
i also didn’t understand Gigi’s relationship with her girlfriends, except for with Bea. she seemed like the only actual friend who didn’t only want to talk about men and who they all are interested in.
for some reason, it also felt weird how often they used the word ‘harem’ instead of pack or mates. i have had books joke and use the word ‘harem’ when talking about their partners, but i felt like it took me out of it, esp as an omegaverse. but this is just my personal preference for verbiage.
this quote also made me feel icky and rate the book lower:
”He’s a sweet omega guy, really cute with his dark curls and large hazel eyes, though he really should join a gym and build his upper body strength.”
it felt so unnecessary, esp bc Sawyer has been her friend.
multi-POV
MMMMF ⚔️
male omega
Jacob’s Ladder
age gap
22fmc beta
23mmc omega
27mmc alpha
36mmc alpha
single dad
CW: past physical assault, kidnapping, forced restraint
this book made me feel so anxious the entire time bc it felt so chaotic. the overall plot with the different issues they all have was a great story, but i don’t think there was enough development of each of the main characters. esp with why Gigi needed control and to follow the rules. and Ronin’s backstory of being on the streets. it also felt like the beginning with all of Gigi’s quirks didn’t continue the entire book.
if the concept of scent matches were how people determined the pack or mates, i would have been okay with the instalust, but since that’s not how they recognized their packmates, the instalust in this story didn’t make enough sense to me.
i also didn’t understand Gigi’s relationship with her girlfriends, except for with Bea. she seemed like the only actual friend who didn’t only want to talk about men and who they all are interested in.
for some reason, it also felt weird how often they used the word ‘harem’ instead of pack or mates. i have had books joke and use the word ‘harem’ when talking about their partners, but i felt like it took me out of it, esp as an omegaverse. but this is just my personal preference for verbiage.
this quote also made me feel icky and rate the book lower:
”He’s a sweet omega guy, really cute with his dark curls and large hazel eyes, though he really should join a gym and build his upper body strength.”
it felt so unnecessary, esp bc Sawyer has been her friend.
multi-POV
MMMMF ⚔️
male omega
Jacob’s Ladder
age gap
22fmc beta
23mmc omega
27mmc alpha
36mmc alpha
single dad
CW: past physical assault, kidnapping, forced restraint
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
I don’t normally read books in this genre, but I’m glad I picked this one up. I really liked it! The characters were all interesting and i liked how everything fell into place in the end. Great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2024
Maybe I’m in a Mood
Maybe I’m in a mood. I apologize for that in advance. Gigi is what I imagine being on speed would be like. I’m neurospicy with an internal monologue that can rival a late night talk so monologue but Gigi is exhausting. The girlfriend outings are exhausting. Is that really what having a group of girlfriends who go out for girl’s night do? The entire cadence of this book left me with anxiety and maybe that was the author’s intent.
33% of the way into the book any any character development is done off page. Gigi is not likeable yet she attracts all of these men. She doesn’t seem to care enough to be honest with anyone. She just Dick Van Dyke’s her way into this situationship - which is supposed to be rom com funny (sometimes it is!).
I may change the rating as I get through the book…but overall this one is just all over the place. Probably by design - which is genius…but exhausting.
And at 60%…just when I think everything is finally on track. We have two missing people that everyone is so concerned about yet decide to have a quick fuck. Like c’mon people. You’re so worried that these two men are in a downward spiral that you just want to hop in bed? You were worried for their safety 30’seconds ago. I get the point. This was a climax (no pun intended) and it was gonna happen. But right then?! And after the big finish…NOW you wish the two guys were there.
Again. Maybe I’m in a mood.
Maybe I’m in a mood. I apologize for that in advance. Gigi is what I imagine being on speed would be like. I’m neurospicy with an internal monologue that can rival a late night talk so monologue but Gigi is exhausting. The girlfriend outings are exhausting. Is that really what having a group of girlfriends who go out for girl’s night do? The entire cadence of this book left me with anxiety and maybe that was the author’s intent.
33% of the way into the book any any character development is done off page. Gigi is not likeable yet she attracts all of these men. She doesn’t seem to care enough to be honest with anyone. She just Dick Van Dyke’s her way into this situationship - which is supposed to be rom com funny (sometimes it is!).
I may change the rating as I get through the book…but overall this one is just all over the place. Probably by design - which is genius…but exhausting.
And at 60%…just when I think everything is finally on track. We have two missing people that everyone is so concerned about yet decide to have a quick fuck. Like c’mon people. You’re so worried that these two men are in a downward spiral that you just want to hop in bed? You were worried for their safety 30’seconds ago. I get the point. This was a climax (no pun intended) and it was gonna happen. But right then?! And after the big finish…NOW you wish the two guys were there.
Again. Maybe I’m in a mood.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2024
i really wanted to like this one, and there were some excellent moments.
but in general, it was just too abrupt for me. the whole first half of the book, everyone is so uncertain about their feelings, their futures, their relationships. and then you hit the halfway point and it’s like a light switch flicks on, every person is suddenly all in for the relationship with absolutely no concerns or difficulty.
it just doesn’t really show any gradual development of the characters and their opinions. all of a sudden, they all just change their minds. i thought zayn was kind of going to take charge, since he’s the only one who could see how much everyone wanted everyone else, and i thought he was going to try to guide this family together.
but it’s just incredibly abrupt and there are no problems and everything is fine. and that’s just not a particularly interesting story, nor is it particularly strong writing. please let us get to know your characters, and if you’re making them make important decisions and life changes, let your audience go on that journey with your characters.
less tell, more show.
but in general, it was just too abrupt for me. the whole first half of the book, everyone is so uncertain about their feelings, their futures, their relationships. and then you hit the halfway point and it’s like a light switch flicks on, every person is suddenly all in for the relationship with absolutely no concerns or difficulty.
it just doesn’t really show any gradual development of the characters and their opinions. all of a sudden, they all just change their minds. i thought zayn was kind of going to take charge, since he’s the only one who could see how much everyone wanted everyone else, and i thought he was going to try to guide this family together.
but it’s just incredibly abrupt and there are no problems and everything is fine. and that’s just not a particularly interesting story, nor is it particularly strong writing. please let us get to know your characters, and if you’re making them make important decisions and life changes, let your audience go on that journey with your characters.
less tell, more show.
August 6, 2024
Although this book is a romance book it also shows how our parent's trauma and their beliefs can heavily weigh on their children because Gigi believed she only deserved one partner for life because she was a beta due to the trauma she received as a child. Their pinning for one another was absolutely amazing 🤍 Zayne pretty much saying fuck it I need to protect them was like YESSS PLEASE 😩 I loved every second of the book because together they are all able to overcome the beliefs of their families have instilled in them with the love they have for one another. Being able to see the St. Laurant group was just the cherry on top of this all, throughout the book I felt like I was really in the story not just an outsider. Mona Black has a way of bringing the book to life right in front of me as I read it, I can't wait to read another of her books 💗 I wish the best for both the St. Laurant and Shaw packs in whatever their future may hold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2024
Slow-burn. *Mild Spoilers below*
So, this book was slow going and not just with the spicy scenes, with the character chemistry as well.
GiGi is a beta who is struggling to come to terms with the fact that she's attracted to 4 guys. This was her whole character arc and she didn't even admit she wanted them, a pack, until 57% of the way through the book. After that, it all felt rushed. The way the guys and her all finally fell together? It felt forced because of Casey's heat and the fact that he didn't even know Grey, like, at all beforehand.
Honestly, I skipped through a bunch there at the end just to get to the highlights because it just felt so rushed and forced.
2.5/5 🌶
So, this book was slow going and not just with the spicy scenes, with the character chemistry as well.
GiGi is a beta who is struggling to come to terms with the fact that she's attracted to 4 guys. This was her whole character arc and she didn't even admit she wanted them, a pack, until 57% of the way through the book. After that, it all felt rushed. The way the guys and her all finally fell together? It felt forced because of Casey's heat and the fact that he didn't even know Grey, like, at all beforehand.
Honestly, I skipped through a bunch there at the end just to get to the highlights because it just felt so rushed and forced.
2.5/5 🌶
April 9, 2024
I liked Gigi (FMC) when she popped up in her friends book - Bee and the honey crew (the first book in this series). In her book I'll be honest I struggled slightly with all of the angst and anxieties she had in this book. Which kind of made her oblivious to the fact that Ronin, Zayne, Casey and Grey were all interested in her. Saying that each guy had their own complications which were touched on briefly but not with much depth. I still liked the dynamic Gigi had with the guys after they eventually tried to work out their differences. A sweet and steamy read that I enjoyed reading.
July 12, 2024
4.5 out of 5 stars. This novel is an intriguing take on omegaverse romance, showcasing a unique pack life with fun characters and an engaging plot. My only critique is Gigi's adamant aversion to forming a pack. Despite this, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to everyone! Watch my full review here: https://youtu.be/e5ifdE24slA
- Contemporary Polyamorous Omegaverse Age Gap Romance -
🛍️ Jess' 2024 Reading Book List: https://amzn.to/48qZ1Qq
- Contemporary Polyamorous Omegaverse Age Gap Romance -
🛍️ Jess' 2024 Reading Book List: https://amzn.to/48qZ1Qq
April 3, 2025
Read this as a standalone( I didn't read the first book in the series)
There are so many annoying characters with no goal to go for what they want. Our main character, Gigi, is a beta whos been pining away for her flatmate and a trainer at her gym for years. It's all very melodramatic and a little boring because you know it's going to be a HEA.
Omegaverse, beta, alpha, male omega, flatmates, mm, mfmmm, heat.
There are so many annoying characters with no goal to go for what they want. Our main character, Gigi, is a beta whos been pining away for her flatmate and a trainer at her gym for years. It's all very melodramatic and a little boring because you know it's going to be a HEA.
Omegaverse, beta, alpha, male omega, flatmates, mm, mfmmm, heat.
August 8, 2025
Gigi just wants to do what all betas do and find a nice beta guy and settle down with her white picket fence and her 2.5 kids. But apparently her body did not get the memo.
The group dynamics threw me off a bit, I felt like Grey didn't fit into the group as well as he could have but was delicious anyways.
I love that they came together for Casey and to make sure he was safe and happy. This pack is amazing and will make beautiful babies.
The group dynamics threw me off a bit, I felt like Grey didn't fit into the group as well as he could have but was delicious anyways.
I love that they came together for Casey and to make sure he was safe and happy. This pack is amazing and will make beautiful babies.
March 7, 2024
Meh.. The flow of reading this gave a headache. I thought i liked it in the beginning but the way they speak to each other is beyond rude? I don’t know. It was ok. I really wanted to dnf but I wanted to see if their relationships would grow. It did but in a meh way. Communication issues, the flow of the plot had me soo confused.
March 8, 2024
to pack or not to pack
Not gonna lie, lots of angst in this one as Gigi falls for multiple guys but struggles to fight her own life plan to find another Beta and settle down. Still, the journey is a good one and the resolution was satisfying. And Mona always brings the spice ❤️ MMMFM
Not gonna lie, lots of angst in this one as Gigi falls for multiple guys but struggles to fight her own life plan to find another Beta and settle down. Still, the journey is a good one and the resolution was satisfying. And Mona always brings the spice ❤️ MMMFM
March 11, 2025
While I in general enjoy the lightness of these stories this one definitely had two parts with no bridge in between. one minute they were all in serious denial the next in full acceptance. I also found that Ronin was described one way at the beginning but had a totally different personality at the end.
July 9, 2025
sweet omegaverse rh poly
you could probably start this story at ch20 and not feel like you missed anything, in general I think it was a good idea, just underdeveloped and it really needed polishing. In many ways some of the characterisations felt very naive and the storytelling had a young feel to it. It felt like the writing needed more time to develop or mature.
you could probably start this story at ch20 and not feel like you missed anything, in general I think it was a good idea, just underdeveloped and it really needed polishing. In many ways some of the characterisations felt very naive and the storytelling had a young feel to it. It felt like the writing needed more time to develop or mature.
May 26, 2024
The story was ok
The pace of the story was fine up until the pack started to come together. The last part of the story was rushed and the dialogue of the characters, well wasn't 'in character ' in the last part.
Which was disappointing, a lost opportunity.
The pace of the story was fine up until the pack started to come together. The last part of the story was rushed and the dialogue of the characters, well wasn't 'in character ' in the last part.
Which was disappointing, a lost opportunity.
Read
September 8, 2025Amazon Blurb (Since For Some Reason It's Not On GoodReads):
Georgiana Verity Miller - Gigi for her friends – is a beta and happy with her designation.
No, she has no dreams of waking up one day as an omega with a harem of alphas about to, well, you know… do what it takes to help increase the global population.
Alphas? Harems? Babies? Not her thing.
In fact, she knows exactly what she needs and has a masterplan to get it:
A nice beta man, preferably in accounting or sales, and maybe a nice nuclear family in the future.
It's what her mother expects of her. What society dictates a beta should want. What Gigi herself is convinced she desires.
Then why is she suddenly attracting all the hunks of Hunkville to her doorstep?
And not only. It's happening at the gym, too, with all those hunky gym rats.
A beta girl isn't supposed to lust after two, or three, or wait, make that four hunks.
And most of them not even betas.
No way. That's not happening. She's not out to get a harem. She only needs one man and that's final.
Too bad her body didn't get the memo, and all those sweet men flirting with her seem determined to change her mind, too.
* This is a sweet omegaverse standalone novel with low angst, four gorgeous guys and a funny beta girl who find happiness together, accepting themselves and finding trust and love in each other. This story contains M/M, knotting, heats and ruts. Please check inside the book for more warnings. Also note that this is not a shifter story, but it is set in a world where apart from gender, we have a designation as alpha, beta, omega, or more.*
Re
Georgiana Verity Miller - Gigi for her friends – is a beta and happy with her designation.
No, she has no dreams of waking up one day as an omega with a harem of alphas about to, well, you know… do what it takes to help increase the global population.
Alphas? Harems? Babies? Not her thing.
In fact, she knows exactly what she needs and has a masterplan to get it:
A nice beta man, preferably in accounting or sales, and maybe a nice nuclear family in the future.
It's what her mother expects of her. What society dictates a beta should want. What Gigi herself is convinced she desires.
Then why is she suddenly attracting all the hunks of Hunkville to her doorstep?
And not only. It's happening at the gym, too, with all those hunky gym rats.
A beta girl isn't supposed to lust after two, or three, or wait, make that four hunks.
And most of them not even betas.
No way. That's not happening. She's not out to get a harem. She only needs one man and that's final.
Too bad her body didn't get the memo, and all those sweet men flirting with her seem determined to change her mind, too.
* This is a sweet omegaverse standalone novel with low angst, four gorgeous guys and a funny beta girl who find happiness together, accepting themselves and finding trust and love in each other. This story contains M/M, knotting, heats and ruts. Please check inside the book for more warnings. Also note that this is not a shifter story, but it is set in a world where apart from gender, we have a designation as alpha, beta, omega, or more.*
Re
March 10, 2024
Just ok. Nothing spectacular.
September 22, 2024
Story 4⭐️ Spice 3🌶️
Read
June 6, 2025🔴 This is a poly romance, not a RH 🔴
February 24, 2024
**Please note: I received a free copy of this book, and I voluntarily leave an honest and fair review.**
I have to say, that rating this book is a bit difficult. Not because I didn't like it, or it was bad. But I had my issues. Part are the same issues I had with Bee and the Honey Crew book.
So, I was really annoyed with the first half of the book. That's mostly because of the heavy focus on stereotypes and that the characters are constantly picking that up. The other part is, that they don't properly talk with each other. And things are kind of left hanging and are not really solved.
To deepen that a bit, I explain it a bit more.
So, Gigi is constantly thinking, that the guys will not want her anyway, because she is a beta. And alphas and omegas are supposed to want packs. And that she has to find her 'beta soulmate' and follow the plan. I still don't really understand why she was that way and how this plan of hers entered her mind. It is said in the last few chapters, that it was her mother, who instilled that in her. But it was never discussed more. And the talk she wants to have with her mother in the end never happens.
Therefore, I had issues with understanding her reasoning. I could only conclude, because of the bits and pieces here and there, that it has to do with her father and that he apparently had needed a pack? But even that was very vaguely discussed. So, I'm still not completely sure.
The guys are a bit the same. They, too, have hang-ups, that keep them from truly talking and getting the outcome they really want. Ronin is about that he can't have a pack, because he doesn't deserve it and he is damage goods. Again, his background was very vaguely. And only with the progress of the story it became a bit clearer, that it comes from his father and what he told him all the time. Zayne apparently waited for whatever reason for years. He said to gave her and Ronin more time and all. But he doesn't talk to them. Or avoids the talk and assumes things. For example, in one situation, he said about Gigi, that of course she doesn't want him, because — and here is the stereotype part again — she is a beta and betas stay clear of alphas.
And then there is Grey, who is a beta, but doesn't feel good enough. He, too, has issues with his family, which was mentioned passingly. And last but not least, there is Casey, who did have a whole slew of issues with his family and all. But that was actually discussed more. But at the end it was left open, how he faired in the aftermath. Gigi noted some things, but it wasn't addressed either like her mom.
I definitely liked the second half of the book best, since once they got their hang-ups out of the way and decided on the pack path, it was a great experience to read it. I just don't like the way it ended, since it was too abrupt, that there was a time jump. So, the relationship building could progress without having to write it out. And the first half of the book, because of the mentioned reasons.
Still, I did like it. But it was not to my taste and what I have expected. Therefore, I needed breaks to read through it. So, I would probably give 3.5 stars, but because half stars are not possible, I round it up to 4. It was more on the positive end, than a negative one. Even with all the issues, it was a solid book.
I have to say, that rating this book is a bit difficult. Not because I didn't like it, or it was bad. But I had my issues. Part are the same issues I had with Bee and the Honey Crew book.
So, I was really annoyed with the first half of the book. That's mostly because of the heavy focus on stereotypes and that the characters are constantly picking that up. The other part is, that they don't properly talk with each other. And things are kind of left hanging and are not really solved.
To deepen that a bit, I explain it a bit more.
So, Gigi is constantly thinking, that the guys will not want her anyway, because she is a beta. And alphas and omegas are supposed to want packs. And that she has to find her 'beta soulmate' and follow the plan. I still don't really understand why she was that way and how this plan of hers entered her mind. It is said in the last few chapters, that it was her mother, who instilled that in her. But it was never discussed more. And the talk she wants to have with her mother in the end never happens.
Therefore, I had issues with understanding her reasoning. I could only conclude, because of the bits and pieces here and there, that it has to do with her father and that he apparently had needed a pack? But even that was very vaguely discussed. So, I'm still not completely sure.
The guys are a bit the same. They, too, have hang-ups, that keep them from truly talking and getting the outcome they really want. Ronin is about that he can't have a pack, because he doesn't deserve it and he is damage goods. Again, his background was very vaguely. And only with the progress of the story it became a bit clearer, that it comes from his father and what he told him all the time. Zayne apparently waited for whatever reason for years. He said to gave her and Ronin more time and all. But he doesn't talk to them. Or avoids the talk and assumes things. For example, in one situation, he said about Gigi, that of course she doesn't want him, because — and here is the stereotype part again — she is a beta and betas stay clear of alphas.
And then there is Grey, who is a beta, but doesn't feel good enough. He, too, has issues with his family, which was mentioned passingly. And last but not least, there is Casey, who did have a whole slew of issues with his family and all. But that was actually discussed more. But at the end it was left open, how he faired in the aftermath. Gigi noted some things, but it wasn't addressed either like her mom.
I definitely liked the second half of the book best, since once they got their hang-ups out of the way and decided on the pack path, it was a great experience to read it. I just don't like the way it ended, since it was too abrupt, that there was a time jump. So, the relationship building could progress without having to write it out. And the first half of the book, because of the mentioned reasons.
Still, I did like it. But it was not to my taste and what I have expected. Therefore, I needed breaks to read through it. So, I would probably give 3.5 stars, but because half stars are not possible, I round it up to 4. It was more on the positive end, than a negative one. Even with all the issues, it was a solid book.
February 14, 2024
Never thought I could desire a man so much, and yet here I am, wanting not one but…four of them.
Happy-go-lucky beta Gigi has her life pretty much mapped out and she’s happy…at least she always tries to make the best of her situation.
Gigi's best male friend and flatmate is an alpha with eyes that keep drawing to her. Even escaping to her favourite gym is proving tricky with the alpha male instructor flexing in all the right ways-it also doesn’t help that they have already hooked-up in the past. Now, add the new addition to the apartment: a cute male omega, who seems to be scenting, is catching Gigi’s attention for some unknown reason. Wanting a night out with the girls Gigi wasn’t expecting to bump into a male beta and as perfect as this meeting would have been…she never expected to come full circle seeing her best male friend there too.
It seems Gigi mapped out a plan of finding a beta male to settle down with…is about to expand and go in a totally different direction as she rediscovers herself.
Question is, will Gigi believe that she can have more in life if only she takes a risk with her heart?
And goddammit, it’s obvious they all want one another, and I want them all.
This was a lighthearted, fun and easy read. Of course nothing is ever that easy, the characters seem like they have everything together, but once you really start to get to know them, you can see that not all is as it seems and seeing them overcome their challenges brings them all together as a solid unit.
There is a lot going on with the character’s feelings, but the storyline does pick up and goes a little dark with the omegraves themes entwined within this story. Those moments when the characters are close are very hot, tender and emotional as they let their guards down becoming one.
Happy-go-lucky beta Gigi has her life pretty much mapped out and she’s happy…at least she always tries to make the best of her situation.
Gigi's best male friend and flatmate is an alpha with eyes that keep drawing to her. Even escaping to her favourite gym is proving tricky with the alpha male instructor flexing in all the right ways-it also doesn’t help that they have already hooked-up in the past. Now, add the new addition to the apartment: a cute male omega, who seems to be scenting, is catching Gigi’s attention for some unknown reason. Wanting a night out with the girls Gigi wasn’t expecting to bump into a male beta and as perfect as this meeting would have been…she never expected to come full circle seeing her best male friend there too.
It seems Gigi mapped out a plan of finding a beta male to settle down with…is about to expand and go in a totally different direction as she rediscovers herself.
Question is, will Gigi believe that she can have more in life if only she takes a risk with her heart?
And goddammit, it’s obvious they all want one another, and I want them all.
This was a lighthearted, fun and easy read. Of course nothing is ever that easy, the characters seem like they have everything together, but once you really start to get to know them, you can see that not all is as it seems and seeing them overcome their challenges brings them all together as a solid unit.
There is a lot going on with the character’s feelings, but the storyline does pick up and goes a little dark with the omegraves themes entwined within this story. Those moments when the characters are close are very hot, tender and emotional as they let their guards down becoming one.
February 25, 2024
This book was phenomenal!
Super spicy, oh my gosh, so many wide open door adult scenes that were a delight! We had MF, MM, and 4Ms1F! Delicious. Here for it!!
Lots of omegaverse characteristics - alphas, omegas, betas, deltas, but no shifting. Knotting and marking (bite marking) and scents and glands and knots galore! All the good things.
There’s switching first person perspectives from all the characters, which was so fun! There’s a lot more from the female (a beta), Gigi, so you do feel more connected to her, but you also get enough of the others to super appreciate their motivations and struggles and passion to be in the pack - when that comes together! Eee!!
There was also so much excellent character building happening though for all of our main characters, and plenty of side characters. This book was THICK with super thorough and well grounded characters (with employers and friends and coworkers). It was immersive and so good!
I also read this book first, before the first one, so it does stand alone. I am excited to go back and read the first book too though!
Random thoughts:
-there is a lot of gym references and “healthy food” talk but it’s really short like they go to the gym, they meet at the gym, we’ll catch up after fitness class, I’m eating a salad, but it thankfully never gets pushy or obsessive. So we aren’t pumping iron in every chapter and there is pizza! I read a lot of diverse books including plus size FMCs and I didn’t have any issues with this - I was nervous with that title and the “gym rats” but again, no big deal. The romance and relationship is the focus!
Super spicy, oh my gosh, so many wide open door adult scenes that were a delight! We had MF, MM, and 4Ms1F! Delicious. Here for it!!
Lots of omegaverse characteristics - alphas, omegas, betas, deltas, but no shifting. Knotting and marking (bite marking) and scents and glands and knots galore! All the good things.
There’s switching first person perspectives from all the characters, which was so fun! There’s a lot more from the female (a beta), Gigi, so you do feel more connected to her, but you also get enough of the others to super appreciate their motivations and struggles and passion to be in the pack - when that comes together! Eee!!
There was also so much excellent character building happening though for all of our main characters, and plenty of side characters. This book was THICK with super thorough and well grounded characters (with employers and friends and coworkers). It was immersive and so good!
I also read this book first, before the first one, so it does stand alone. I am excited to go back and read the first book too though!
Random thoughts:
-there is a lot of gym references and “healthy food” talk but it’s really short like they go to the gym, they meet at the gym, we’ll catch up after fitness class, I’m eating a salad, but it thankfully never gets pushy or obsessive. So we aren’t pumping iron in every chapter and there is pizza! I read a lot of diverse books including plus size FMCs and I didn’t have any issues with this - I was nervous with that title and the “gym rats” but again, no big deal. The romance and relationship is the focus!
February 21, 2024
3.5 stars, goodish story.
I enjoyed Gigi's story but didn't, I am not sure how to describe my feelings for this book because I read it and I liked it but walked away unsure if I liked it or not.
Gigi is a beta, she has a belief that due to this she can't be part of a pack as she will never be enough for an alpha. She is attracted to 4 men she meets (2 live with her in the apartment from the first book in the Candyverse), another is her Gym trainer and the goes to her gym and has an unexpected relationship with one of the others. She thinks that maybe she can have just a physical relationship with these men and save her heart but it doesn't go as planned and well, she also did not find out what exactly these men wanted/needed to complete themselves in a relationship or pack. The book has a bunch of smexiness of mf mm and why choose so jump in, it is also funny and deals with some tougher subject matter in the omegaverse.
Extremely interested in the future relationships for the side characters we are getting to know and also Gigi's brother seems like he will play a part in someone's book, not sure who.
I just wish that it wouldn't have been 2 books or maybe longer because I felt like it didn't do justice to the characters and their backstories or Gigi and her mom after she finds herself, who she should be not who society wants her to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed Gigi's story but didn't, I am not sure how to describe my feelings for this book because I read it and I liked it but walked away unsure if I liked it or not.
Gigi is a beta, she has a belief that due to this she can't be part of a pack as she will never be enough for an alpha. She is attracted to 4 men she meets (2 live with her in the apartment from the first book in the Candyverse), another is her Gym trainer and the goes to her gym and has an unexpected relationship with one of the others. She thinks that maybe she can have just a physical relationship with these men and save her heart but it doesn't go as planned and well, she also did not find out what exactly these men wanted/needed to complete themselves in a relationship or pack. The book has a bunch of smexiness of mf mm and why choose so jump in, it is also funny and deals with some tougher subject matter in the omegaverse.
Extremely interested in the future relationships for the side characters we are getting to know and also Gigi's brother seems like he will play a part in someone's book, not sure who.
I just wish that it wouldn't have been 2 books or maybe longer because I felt like it didn't do justice to the characters and their backstories or Gigi and her mom after she finds herself, who she should be not who society wants her to be.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2024
Omegaverse stories aren't really my thing unless if involves shifters but this story was a pleasant surprise. You see the lives of Alpha, Betas and Omegas and how they are trying to find their way. Gigi is a Beta and has her whole life planned out. She doesn't want a Pack because she has been led to believe that as a Beta woman she must find a Beta man to settle down with. If only it was that easy.
This story touches on the inner demons we face when we feel we aren't good enough or not deserving of love. In multiple POVs we see how Ronin (Alpha) struggles with his place as an Alpha. An Alpha who has a desire for Betas moreso than Omegas. Zayne (Alpha) who desires a Pack of his own but taking his time to choose carefully after suffering from previous heartache. Grey (Beta) who has been disowned from his family for leaving his arranged fiancé at the altar and turning his back on his family's command and lastly Casey (Omega), the sweet Omega who is on the run after having his family sell him to the highest bidder for financial gain.
Gigi, Ronin, Zayne, Grey and Casey had a lot of growing pains and needed to get out of their own heads to see what was directly in front of them. Individually they struggles with their inner demons but together they were able to fight and find love, strength and security with one another.
Super sweet story with some laugh out loud moments. A little Angst and tension with a sprinkle of danger.
This story touches on the inner demons we face when we feel we aren't good enough or not deserving of love. In multiple POVs we see how Ronin (Alpha) struggles with his place as an Alpha. An Alpha who has a desire for Betas moreso than Omegas. Zayne (Alpha) who desires a Pack of his own but taking his time to choose carefully after suffering from previous heartache. Grey (Beta) who has been disowned from his family for leaving his arranged fiancé at the altar and turning his back on his family's command and lastly Casey (Omega), the sweet Omega who is on the run after having his family sell him to the highest bidder for financial gain.
Gigi, Ronin, Zayne, Grey and Casey had a lot of growing pains and needed to get out of their own heads to see what was directly in front of them. Individually they struggles with their inner demons but together they were able to fight and find love, strength and security with one another.
Super sweet story with some laugh out loud moments. A little Angst and tension with a sprinkle of danger.
February 26, 2024
Beta Gigi is dead-set against packing up due to her family’s dark past. She just wants to find a nice, responsible beta to settle down with. Nope, no pack for her, regardless of how much she likes and lusts for her alpha roomie Ronin and alpha gym trainer Zayne. And Ronin’s friend with benefits beta, Grey. And Casey, the omega who just moved in with Ronin and Gigi. She doesn’t realize the liking and the lusting and the dreaming of is more than one-sided and she’s so pack-averse that even when told differently, she resists. It’s up to top alpha Zayne to get them all on the same page, but it’s the prospect of losing two of them — perhaps permanently — that changes everything.
I loved this book! I really felt for Gigi, who was trying so hard to convince herself she didn’t want to pack up even after acknowledging that she wanted all of them. Ronin, Grey and Casey have so much insecurity stemming from their pasts that I just wanted to give them all hugs. And then yell at them for not seeing their own worth. Thank goodness for Zayne, who pulls them all together.
And those smexy scenes! Oh my lord, they just about sent me into heat! (Note: All the swords cross, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to steer yourself away.) Reverse harem is one of my fave tropes, and I enjoyed this one so much that I’m filling my TBR list with Mona’s back catalogue as we speak.
I received a free copy of this book and have to chosen to leave a review.
I loved this book! I really felt for Gigi, who was trying so hard to convince herself she didn’t want to pack up even after acknowledging that she wanted all of them. Ronin, Grey and Casey have so much insecurity stemming from their pasts that I just wanted to give them all hugs. And then yell at them for not seeing their own worth. Thank goodness for Zayne, who pulls them all together.
And those smexy scenes! Oh my lord, they just about sent me into heat! (Note: All the swords cross, so if that’s not your thing, you may want to steer yourself away.) Reverse harem is one of my fave tropes, and I enjoyed this one so much that I’m filling my TBR list with Mona’s back catalogue as we speak.
I received a free copy of this book and have to chosen to leave a review.
February 25, 2024
Finding Her Strength In Numbers
After meeting Gigi in Bee’s story, I knew I already liked her character, but I was unprepared for how she would pull at my heartstrings in her own book. This story is a prime example of a FMC getting everything she never knew she needed, and indeed, getting nothing that she actually thought she was supposed to need. In this case, that would be a pack, and Gigi navigating her way to happiness with these guys was a crazy chaotic mess (in all the best ways though). This is more than just a cutesy Omegaverse story. The emotions are deeper & more authentic than you expect, but it just makes it that much better & easier to connect with the emotional roller coaster that all of the characters find themselves on. Add in some AMAZINGLY HOT AF 😳🥵🤯🔥 spice, and you’ll find yourself extremely thankful you took a chance on this book. You can totally read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading Bee’s story 1st so that you get the full effect. I can’t wait for more books in the Candyverse. Mona knows how to build a character driven world that just pulls you in, and makes you want to stay for as long as possible ❤️
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After meeting Gigi in Bee’s story, I knew I already liked her character, but I was unprepared for how she would pull at my heartstrings in her own book. This story is a prime example of a FMC getting everything she never knew she needed, and indeed, getting nothing that she actually thought she was supposed to need. In this case, that would be a pack, and Gigi navigating her way to happiness with these guys was a crazy chaotic mess (in all the best ways though). This is more than just a cutesy Omegaverse story. The emotions are deeper & more authentic than you expect, but it just makes it that much better & easier to connect with the emotional roller coaster that all of the characters find themselves on. Add in some AMAZINGLY HOT AF 😳🥵🤯🔥 spice, and you’ll find yourself extremely thankful you took a chance on this book. You can totally read this as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading Bee’s story 1st so that you get the full effect. I can’t wait for more books in the Candyverse. Mona knows how to build a character driven world that just pulls you in, and makes you want to stay for as long as possible ❤️
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 25, 2024
Gigi and the Gym Rats by Mona Black is book two in The Candyverse Series. This is a contemporary romance in a why choose omegaverse. I’ve read other books by this author and each book just hits differently. (I’m the best of ways) This book was great and I really had a blast reading it. It took me about a day to read, it caught my interest pretty much from the start and kept it to the end. I will mention you can read this book as a standalone. This book has plenty of action and drama to keep you going as well as take your emotions on one heck of a journey. Also check your trigger warnings to be on the safe side. Each of the characters have their own unique personalities and sadly each also has a tragic backstory. Gigi was relatable to me as she had a plan for herself and she was determined to get it. Life had a different plan for her but it was great reading through her development. Loved reading her, Zayne, Casey, Ronin and Grey come together. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I would definitely recommend checking out this book or any books by Mona Black.
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
Final review:
4 out of 5 stars
March 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this one more than I did.
There's a lot going on with the characters that isn't ever really fleshed out, especially since they spend the first third all thinking they can't have this relationship. Then when they reconcile, all the bad behavior is swept under the rug without any conversation or apologies.
At about the 75% mark, they inexplicably speak Spanish? Suddenly talking about novias and novios though there was zero precedent set for that.
One man has sex with the FMC, then later has sex with another man, and in the process wonders what sex with a woman would be like?
There's no discussion of safe sex, which is a thing I can excuse authors hand-waving away except birth control is mentioned (and forgotten) multiple times. Felt kind of like q Chekov's gun situation.
I skimmed the last 5% or so because it started feeling like a slog.
Not an amazing book, but also not absolute trash. Wish it'd been edited a little better, but it's not unforgivably bad.
There's a lot going on with the characters that isn't ever really fleshed out, especially since they spend the first third all thinking they can't have this relationship. Then when they reconcile, all the bad behavior is swept under the rug without any conversation or apologies.
At about the 75% mark, they inexplicably speak Spanish? Suddenly talking about novias and novios though there was zero precedent set for that.
One man has sex with the FMC, then later has sex with another man, and in the process wonders what sex with a woman would be like?
There's no discussion of safe sex, which is a thing I can excuse authors hand-waving away except birth control is mentioned (and forgotten) multiple times. Felt kind of like q Chekov's gun situation.
I skimmed the last 5% or so because it started feeling like a slog.
Not an amazing book, but also not absolute trash. Wish it'd been edited a little better, but it's not unforgivably bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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