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On the Shelf #2
Excess: An On The Shelf Omegaverse Romance
Inika has been given everything, and yet happiness has always felt out of her reach.
Blake has worked for everything he has, and happiness has always felt like an optional extra.
It’s meant to be fun. It’s meant to be easy. Itches will be scratched, and no strings will be attached.
All Blake and Inika have to do is not catch feelings. And considering how very different they are, how hard could that be?
On The Shelf is a series of tongue-in-cheek standalone omegaverse romances, featuring characters over thirty. Suitable for readers 18+
Blake has worked for everything he has, and happiness has always felt like an optional extra.
It’s meant to be fun. It’s meant to be easy. Itches will be scratched, and no strings will be attached.
All Blake and Inika have to do is not catch feelings. And considering how very different they are, how hard could that be?
On The Shelf is a series of tongue-in-cheek standalone omegaverse romances, featuring characters over thirty. Suitable for readers 18+
238 pages, Paperback
First published August 24, 2024
72 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
Colette Rhodes
36 books1,799 followersColette Rhodes is a paranormal romance author from New Zealand. She loves to write about love in all its forms, and adores imperfect heroes and heroines who find perfection in each other. You’ll often find her trying to justify her degree by including ancient history and mythological influences in her work.
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
If she’s not writing, then you’re almost certain to find her reading—ideally with a cup of tea in hand and a scented candle burning to match the mood.
Keep up with Colette here:
Website: coletterhodes.com
Instagram: @coletterhodes_author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 25, 2024
4 There's A Lid for Every Pot Stars ⭐
I wanted love.
I wanted to fall in love with someone that I actually enjoyed spending time with. I wanted them to fuck me like they hated me, then hold me like they adored me. Was that really too much to ask?
Designation plays a major role in their society. Alphas, Omega and social status. But what happens when you're Omega in their 30s, who's required to find a mate (clearly an Alpha of standing) but your holding out for love? Because that's the predicament Inika is in. Except this heiress may have just fallen for an unattainable Alpha, and one who's a lowly tradesman.
He had an abysmal personality, but I’d bet my entire fortune that Blake Alwis could fuck.
Yes to both counts. Initially Blake was a surly, judgemental prick. Contracted by Inika, he assumes that she's rich and spoilt. Rich yes and an absolute slut for his brand of degradation. Initially, I wasn't impressed with the dynamic until I understood how much they were both into it. A lid for every pot? ( I stole that from the book and am keeping it. 🙌)
This was a perfect opposite attracts romance but with mature characters. They were jaded by all the expectations and responsibilities they'd been lumped with. Yet, when they could actually be themselves, Inika and Blake were the perfect fit. A wonderful grumpy X sunshine with an aligned kink!
I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Inika and Blake. Where usually I'm raving about the hero, in this instance it was our heroine Inika that shined brightly. Poised, gracious, witty and kind. She was amazing. And an honourable mention to Blake's niece who was the most adorable child matchmaker. He was pretty upstanding too!
I wanted love.
I wanted to fall in love with someone that I actually enjoyed spending time with. I wanted them to fuck me like they hated me, then hold me like they adored me. Was that really too much to ask?
Designation plays a major role in their society. Alphas, Omega and social status. But what happens when you're Omega in their 30s, who's required to find a mate (clearly an Alpha of standing) but your holding out for love? Because that's the predicament Inika is in. Except this heiress may have just fallen for an unattainable Alpha, and one who's a lowly tradesman.
He had an abysmal personality, but I’d bet my entire fortune that Blake Alwis could fuck.
Yes to both counts. Initially Blake was a surly, judgemental prick. Contracted by Inika, he assumes that she's rich and spoilt. Rich yes and an absolute slut for his brand of degradation. Initially, I wasn't impressed with the dynamic until I understood how much they were both into it. A lid for every pot? ( I stole that from the book and am keeping it. 🙌)
This was a perfect opposite attracts romance but with mature characters. They were jaded by all the expectations and responsibilities they'd been lumped with. Yet, when they could actually be themselves, Inika and Blake were the perfect fit. A wonderful grumpy X sunshine with an aligned kink!
I thoroughly enjoyed the interactions between Inika and Blake. Where usually I'm raving about the hero, in this instance it was our heroine Inika that shined brightly. Poised, gracious, witty and kind. She was amazing. And an honourable mention to Blake's niece who was the most adorable child matchmaker. He was pretty upstanding too!
August 28, 2024
It is so refreshing having mature characters. Not only were they older but they also knew how to communicate with each other. I really liked their relationship. It was hot for sure but I also enjoyed the simplicity in it. They both had a lot of complications in their personal lives so knowing they could come together and just be was really nice. Some things weren’t as fleshed out as I would have liked, but I don’t mind it too much. Instead of jumping to an unrealistic conclusion, the characters knew there were still things to work on at the and that was okay. You can have a happy ending without everything needing to be wrapped up in a pretty bow. I’m really loving these books and can’t wait to see what’s next.
December 6, 2024
I loved this. The romance felt real and thoughtful... even with the omegaverse.
There's some degradation and name calling. It didn't bother me in this one
I love that he treats her with so much respect and makes sure she's able to tell him if the kink is too much. He's lovely and I'm glad his brother steps up and there's not too long of torture of him being overly responsible.
There's some degradation and name calling. It didn't bother me in this one
I love that he treats her with so much respect and makes sure she's able to tell him if the kink is too much. He's lovely and I'm glad his brother steps up and there's not too long of torture of him being overly responsible.
September 9, 2024
4,25 stars
I really enjoyed this one, more than i thought at first ! I just felt like the end was rushed especially spending the all book emphasing on them not being able to be together ...
But still i had a good time and really liked the characters.
Side note, the day after i finished the book i had the chance to meet the author at RARE Edinburgh (i didn't realize she was going to be there ^^)
Anyway, can't wait for other books in the series 😀
I really enjoyed this one, more than i thought at first ! I just felt like the end was rushed especially spending the all book emphasing on them not being able to be together ...
But still i had a good time and really liked the characters.
Side note, the day after i finished the book i had the chance to meet the author at RARE Edinburgh (i didn't realize she was going to be there ^^)
Anyway, can't wait for other books in the series 😀
August 24, 2024
5 stars
I love this series. Although it is set in a A/B/O world, they feel a lot more like they are about feminism. I know that some in power have twisted that term to where it is construed into something negative, but at its heart, its about women being treated equally and fairly, with minds of their own.
I love this series. Although it is set in a A/B/O world, they feel a lot more like they are about feminism. I know that some in power have twisted that term to where it is construed into something negative, but at its heart, its about women being treated equally and fairly, with minds of their own.
November 29, 2024
I love Colette Rhodes for the type of author she is, so it sucks to be writing this… but I just feel like this book had potential but was a let down. The plot itself is like hallmark city girl goes to the country and falls in love with the only hot guy who happens to be a single dad, etc. (although that’s not it, it’s definitely based on that trope just with more sex.) I think the premise was fine, I can lean into that, but it was so rushed and the sex scenes were short and unsatisfying… I liked the kink and dirty talk, but it was just so short, and then the last 3rd of the book just felt like she was tying up loose ends and trying to meet a deadline and it all just kind of got alluded to but dropped off.
I’m sorry Colette. This may be harsh, but I know you can do better and it’s not your best, but it had potential!
I wouldn’t not recommend this as a quick PWP, but I’m not enthusiastically endorsing it like I would the cheeky fairytales—for example.
I’m sorry Colette. This may be harsh, but I know you can do better and it’s not your best, but it had potential!
I wouldn’t not recommend this as a quick PWP, but I’m not enthusiastically endorsing it like I would the cheeky fairytales—for example.
October 13, 2024
Rich girl/working class boy... I couldn't read this fast enough!
I've dabbled in Omegaverse here and there but I was still not all sure about who's who and what's what. But I was really into the proper staid rich heroine who is low key questioning all her life's choices when the hero and his rough worker hands comes in to work on her posh house and sets her all aflutter.
This was a character driven story with decent steam although it was a lot less smutty than I was expecting given the subject matter. The heroine was an experienced woman in her thirties and the hero was a working man with a mooching brother, a niece and a sick elderly father he was responsible for. She was being pressured to find a mate in order to take over her father's empire, he has basically put his life on hold to help his useless brother and ailing father. When he comes to work for her, the chemistry is undeniable so they decide to bang it out until his work is done.
I really liked the author's voice so I'll be reading her other books expeditiously. I was getting so many Good Book feelings about this one until the end, when everything was rushed and tied up so fast, I thought I had missed a chapter. My main problem with it was that the entire book is building up to her "heat" and when it happens it fades to black and he never even loses control 🙄 I was hoping for "oops I bit you because I was so gone for you" type of mating but alas. It was all tied up too easily and the book lost all steam literally and figuratively
Overall, a good read and it helped me understand Omegaverse better and now I'm in the mood for more.
⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Class Difference
Grumpy MMC
Humiliation kink
I've dabbled in Omegaverse here and there but I was still not all sure about who's who and what's what. But I was really into the proper staid rich heroine who is low key questioning all her life's choices when the hero and his rough worker hands comes in to work on her posh house and sets her all aflutter.
This was a character driven story with decent steam although it was a lot less smutty than I was expecting given the subject matter. The heroine was an experienced woman in her thirties and the hero was a working man with a mooching brother, a niece and a sick elderly father he was responsible for. She was being pressured to find a mate in order to take over her father's empire, he has basically put his life on hold to help his useless brother and ailing father. When he comes to work for her, the chemistry is undeniable so they decide to bang it out until his work is done.
I really liked the author's voice so I'll be reading her other books expeditiously. I was getting so many Good Book feelings about this one until the end, when everything was rushed and tied up so fast, I thought I had missed a chapter. My main problem with it was that the entire book is building up to her "heat" and when it happens it fades to black and he never even loses control 🙄 I was hoping for "oops I bit you because I was so gone for you" type of mating but alas. It was all tied up too easily and the book lost all steam literally and figuratively
Overall, a good read and it helped me understand Omegaverse better and now I'm in the mood for more.
⭐⭐⭐.5/5
🔥🔥🔥/5
Tropes:
Class Difference
Grumpy MMC
Humiliation kink
March 1, 2025
3/5 ⭐️ 5/5 🌶️
What an omegaverse palette cleanser. I needed that.
What an omegaverse palette cleanser. I needed that.
August 23, 2024
Holy dirty talkin' hawtness! Blake wins an award for his demanding mouth. His chemistry with Inika is off the charts!
There's a lot of bang for the pages here. I read it quickly but felt very satisfied with the character growth and plot.
I love how Inika gave up control in the bedroom to Blake but found her big girl panties when it finally came to how she wanted to live her life outside of it. The way she was made to feel small by her parents and the board at her father's company unless she found and mated an adequate alpha was infuriating. But she emerged ready to stand on her own two feet, hand in hand with the RIGHT alpha for her.
As for Blake, he put his entire life on hold for his family, and they came through for him in the end. Inika fit seamlessly with all of them.
What a fun read!
There's a lot of bang for the pages here. I read it quickly but felt very satisfied with the character growth and plot.
I love how Inika gave up control in the bedroom to Blake but found her big girl panties when it finally came to how she wanted to live her life outside of it. The way she was made to feel small by her parents and the board at her father's company unless she found and mated an adequate alpha was infuriating. But she emerged ready to stand on her own two feet, hand in hand with the RIGHT alpha for her.
As for Blake, he put his entire life on hold for his family, and they came through for him in the end. Inika fit seamlessly with all of them.
What a fun read!
November 1, 2024
4.25, really good story with great chemistry. I liked the teasing, playful Inika to the grouchy Blake, excellent combo. I loved them for each other. I don't always like the omegaverse world but this one worked for me. I liked how he was a craftsman in his own right and she was well enough off but needing a change.
As usual in this world, a bit "insta" lust with the smells and sex but this one was HOT :) well done. The ending was just right, I wasn't sure how the transition would happen but it worked.
Highlights & Spoilers:
We get to know Inika-
"I was a great disappointment to all of them. Unfortunately for them, I was at least partially fueled by spite, so that fact brought me great joy."
-------------
"I wanted to be at home. On the couch. Ideally, with a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits, and no people around me."
And Blake :)
My face probably didn’t help, though I didn’t mean to look like such an angry fucker all the time.
And when they are together-
“What are you wearing, hm?” I murmured teasingly, shifting my arms to beneath her ass to support her. Whatever she had on under that loose dress felt very… structured.
“Slutty corset,” Inika mumbled.
“Sounds delightful.”
---------
“Let me have this,” she murmured. “I want my nest to smell like you. Just for a little while.”
“We both know this is a bad idea.”
“I enjoy making bad decisions with you.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic.
Before the story wrapped up nicely-
"Maybe it would for Inika. She wanted love, she wanted a mate, she just hadn’t found the right one yet. When she did—and how could she not?
Inika was perfect—she’d remember me as a fond blip in her memories.
I’d remember her as my one great love.
As usual in this world, a bit "insta" lust with the smells and sex but this one was HOT :) well done. The ending was just right, I wasn't sure how the transition would happen but it worked.
Highlights & Spoilers:
We get to know Inika-
"I was a great disappointment to all of them. Unfortunately for them, I was at least partially fueled by spite, so that fact brought me great joy."
-------------
"I wanted to be at home. On the couch. Ideally, with a cup of tea and some chocolate biscuits, and no people around me."
And Blake :)
My face probably didn’t help, though I didn’t mean to look like such an angry fucker all the time.
And when they are together-
“What are you wearing, hm?” I murmured teasingly, shifting my arms to beneath her ass to support her. Whatever she had on under that loose dress felt very… structured.
“Slutty corset,” Inika mumbled.
“Sounds delightful.”
---------
“Let me have this,” she murmured. “I want my nest to smell like you. Just for a little while.”
“We both know this is a bad idea.”
“I enjoy making bad decisions with you.”
I couldn’t argue with that logic.
Before the story wrapped up nicely-
"Maybe it would for Inika. She wanted love, she wanted a mate, she just hadn’t found the right one yet. When she did—and how could she not?
Inika was perfect—she’d remember me as a fond blip in her memories.
I’d remember her as my one great love.
October 8, 2024
This was very easy and fast read, I enjoyed it a lot
November 8, 2024
~3.25 stars — unfortunately this book cannot compare to the first book. i felt like this one was a bit rushed to the point where i didn't know the characters that well. not only that, but it was a bit too 'lusty' for me and i honestly didn't feel a proper connection. HONESTLY, the book definitely could've been 100 pages longer; there were still so many scenes that i wanted to see and didn't. but i still devoured it very quickly: colette rhodes has an amazing writing style so that's the positive side of it :P
October 4, 2024
- 3 stars
- writing not as good as Rhodes’s usual
- God Leo was so useless and such a loser, it seemed out of character that suddenly he wanted to help so Blake could help In with her heat
- What! We missed the rut/heat???
- Okay so it wrapped up as expected. The clear communication after her heat passed with nice.
- Seemed a little insta-love
- I just somehow feel like this was like a first draft of the novel or like it was a good fanfic. Usually Colette Rhodes is so much better than this. Scheme was SO much better than this, I gave it 5 stars! But this was so mid.
✅ some feels
- writing not as good as Rhodes’s usual
- God Leo was so useless and such a loser, it seemed out of character that suddenly he wanted to help so Blake could help In with her heat
- What! We missed the rut/heat???
- Okay so it wrapped up as expected. The clear communication after her heat passed with nice.
- Seemed a little insta-love
- I just somehow feel like this was like a first draft of the novel or like it was a good fanfic. Usually Colette Rhodes is so much better than this. Scheme was SO much better than this, I gave it 5 stars! But this was so mid.
✅ some feels
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2024
feelin’ hot hot hot 🔥🔥🔥
i read this on KU and then immediately bought it.
i read this on KU and then immediately bought it.
August 31, 2024
This is a MF Omegaverse with mature characters (mid 30s).
Inika is a rich Omega who is struggling with family expectations to see her mated to an appropriate man so that her mate can handed the reins to her family’s corporation. This is disappointing to her because she’s qualified for the position herself, but is being discriminated against, and because marrying the “right” guy has left all her friends in unfulfilling relationships.
Blake is a plaster specialist who is taking care of his brother, niece, and father. He’s got big martyr energy.
They end up in a relationship despite their differences, because they share a kink.
I love Colette Rhode’s writing and really haven’t read any books by her that I truly disliked. This one was good. The characters feel normal and believable, but the Omegaverse stuff is still important to the plot.
This one fell a little short at the end. Blake and Inika’s relationship is primarily sexual. They don’t have any dates or even very many conversations about their lives. They love each other… but why? Because of the sex?
The resolution with Inika’s family was also a let down. She just accepts being passed over for leadership and stays working in her job, without a fuss. There’s no real satisfaction there.
Inika is a rich Omega who is struggling with family expectations to see her mated to an appropriate man so that her mate can handed the reins to her family’s corporation. This is disappointing to her because she’s qualified for the position herself, but is being discriminated against, and because marrying the “right” guy has left all her friends in unfulfilling relationships.
Blake is a plaster specialist who is taking care of his brother, niece, and father. He’s got big martyr energy.
They end up in a relationship despite their differences, because they share a kink.
I love Colette Rhode’s writing and really haven’t read any books by her that I truly disliked. This one was good. The characters feel normal and believable, but the Omegaverse stuff is still important to the plot.
This one fell a little short at the end. Blake and Inika’s relationship is primarily sexual. They don’t have any dates or even very many conversations about their lives. They love each other… but why? Because of the sex?
The resolution with Inika’s family was also a let down. She just accepts being passed over for leadership and stays working in her job, without a fuss. There’s no real satisfaction there.
October 31, 2024
A very straightforward Omegaverse romance. Frankly, there wasn't much for the plot, I wasn't swept away by either that or the romance. Maybe it was just me, but I felt like a stranger looking at the characters playacting on stage...and I'm bored.
I much prefer my Omegaverse stories in a fantasy or dramatic setting. Everything here was pretty much modern day and predictable.
I much prefer my Omegaverse stories in a fantasy or dramatic setting. Everything here was pretty much modern day and predictable.
January 2, 2025
“Scheme” was more of a slow burn compared to this. The FMC & MMC, from the first book, were able to build a friendship of sorts before they moved on to being physical with each other. Their chemistry was great. Everything about “Excess” is pretty much forgettable.
August 22, 2024
I love these 2 so much 😍
September 6, 2024
Great smutty omegaverse story. 34 year old omega Heiress meets blue collar alpha. MF.
August 31, 2024
Excellent m/f omegaverse smut
December 30, 2024
The only interesting character in this book was the kid… which is something I never say.
August 24, 2024
There is a page break before each chapter with a picture on it, reducing the page count by 20 or so. One star was deducted from my rating due to the blatant book stuffing.
So this is a 215-220 page book and it goes by quickly.
This was an okay read; nothing new or amazing about the story.
So this is a 215-220 page book and it goes by quickly.
This was an okay read; nothing new or amazing about the story.
August 26, 2024
What omegaverse book has fade to black on all the heat scenes? Annoying
September 1, 2024
Romance:
Read
September 3, 2024DNF 20% - this started out well. Good development of characters and plot, but then the main characters just started ripping their clothes off waaaaay to early for me.
September 16, 2024
3 stars. A fine quick read, skimmed a lot, sex was hot,not overly invested in either MC but also wasn’t bothered dnf’ing
November 1, 2025
This was mostly smut with some plot. Although there wasn't much depth to their emotional connection, I feel like the author did a really great job of writing a submission/degradation kink that didn't bleed into the characters' lives in an abusive or toxic manner.
Plot:
- h is an heir to a massive company. However, she is an unmated omega, and the board doesn't have faith in her. They present the ultimatum of either getting a mate this spring or lose her position.
- H has been hired by h to help renovate h's historic home.
- They're both incredibly attracted to each other and begin a friends with benefits relationship
- they slowly learn more about each other, like how H lives with his father, brother and niece
- h's heat is upcoming, and she wants H to help her through (with the help of an agency that will prevent biting). However, H feels like he has nothing to offer a mate and declines
- They break it off and h goes into her heat without anyone (couldn't bring herself to use someone from the agency)
- h's assistant calls H and he realizes that he loves h and can't bear to not be with her. So he goes and the agency prevents him from biting her
- Afterwards, they confess their love to each other and decide to move into a new house and get mated next spring
Plot:
- h is an heir to a massive company. However, she is an unmated omega, and the board doesn't have faith in her. They present the ultimatum of either getting a mate this spring or lose her position.
- H has been hired by h to help renovate h's historic home.
- They're both incredibly attracted to each other and begin a friends with benefits relationship
- they slowly learn more about each other, like how H lives with his father, brother and niece
- h's heat is upcoming, and she wants H to help her through (with the help of an agency that will prevent biting). However, H feels like he has nothing to offer a mate and declines
- They break it off and h goes into her heat without anyone (couldn't bring herself to use someone from the agency)
- h's assistant calls H and he realizes that he loves h and can't bear to not be with her. So he goes and the agency prevents him from biting her
- Afterwards, they confess their love to each other and decide to move into a new house and get mated next spring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2024
Really needed a nice easy romantic story to read and fall in love with and this book hit every point and then some.
The main two characters, oh my gosh, they were both great characters by themselves, but their chemistry from the very beginning was just jumping off the page and I loved their journey.
It was really good to learn about Blake's family. I liked Inika's interaction with Freya. She was a little cutie.
The heat zoomed past I do have to say. When Blake made the bite it wasn't a special moment like I thought it would be, it passed in a blur. This would've been great to have been in more depth and made more special considering how long they had to wait for this moment.
The last third of the book was a little bit rushed and I feel this could've been stretched out. The special moments of finding the house, moving in, helping Freya with her room,etc etc,
I still very much enjoyed this story and feel these two were a lovely couple, just a little bit more depth would've been great.
Colette has yet again created a world that I very much enjoyed being in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The main two characters, oh my gosh, they were both great characters by themselves, but their chemistry from the very beginning was just jumping off the page and I loved their journey.
It was really good to learn about Blake's family. I liked Inika's interaction with Freya. She was a little cutie.
The heat zoomed past I do have to say. When Blake made the bite it wasn't a special moment like I thought it would be, it passed in a blur. This would've been great to have been in more depth and made more special considering how long they had to wait for this moment.
The last third of the book was a little bit rushed and I feel this could've been stretched out. The special moments of finding the house, moving in, helping Freya with her room,etc etc,
I still very much enjoyed this story and feel these two were a lovely couple, just a little bit more depth would've been great.
Colette has yet again created a world that I very much enjoyed being in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews