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The Omegaverse Case Files #1
Hammer & Gavel
Hot Fuzz meets shifters, meets buddy cop romance in this sexy, high-stakes M/M omegaverse detective novel.
Detective Constable Oliver Reed enjoys two things in life; tea with biscuits and catching bad guys. For twenty nine years he has walked the tight rope between alpha and omega, but that rope is about to snap, when one chilly January afternoon he crosses paths with the devastatingly handsome alpha, Detective Sergeant Lucas White. Tensions skyrocket as the two are forced to work together to take down an omega sex-trafficking ring that is rapidly drowning the sleepy towns of West Newton & High Enfield. However, when the case starts getting out of hand, so too does their desire for one another.
This is a shifter/omegaverse story, set in an alternative version of England where humans are also wolves, men can get pregnant and everyone has a secondary sex. Your mother will probably judge you for reading this, but who cares? Contains M/M, smut, mpreg, alternative human biology, shifting, Brit-cop humour, sarcasm, a traumatised protagonist, child abuse (implied but never described), and, most importantly, copious amounts of tea drinking. If you're a fan of this genre, you'll know what to expect. Mature audiences only (18+).
Part of a series, but each book follows a different pairing. Book two coming soon!
Detective Constable Oliver Reed enjoys two things in life; tea with biscuits and catching bad guys. For twenty nine years he has walked the tight rope between alpha and omega, but that rope is about to snap, when one chilly January afternoon he crosses paths with the devastatingly handsome alpha, Detective Sergeant Lucas White. Tensions skyrocket as the two are forced to work together to take down an omega sex-trafficking ring that is rapidly drowning the sleepy towns of West Newton & High Enfield. However, when the case starts getting out of hand, so too does their desire for one another.
This is a shifter/omegaverse story, set in an alternative version of England where humans are also wolves, men can get pregnant and everyone has a secondary sex. Your mother will probably judge you for reading this, but who cares? Contains M/M, smut, mpreg, alternative human biology, shifting, Brit-cop humour, sarcasm, a traumatised protagonist, child abuse (implied but never described), and, most importantly, copious amounts of tea drinking. If you're a fan of this genre, you'll know what to expect. Mature audiences only (18+).
Part of a series, but each book follows a different pairing. Book two coming soon!
452 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2024
42 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
About the author
C.T. Whistle
2 books52 followersC.T. Whistle is a UK indie author, who is currently running on hopes, dreams and very little sleep. When she isn't typing up a storm and ruining her characters lives, she aspires to take a nap but fails miserably at every turn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
January 28, 2025
So our current timeline might be a depressing hellscape of pain and suffering, but at least we get to see omegaverse transition into published media which is HILARIOUS to me, so we have to take our wins where we can.
Oliver Reed, a countryside detective in the child protection unit, gets bought into an investigation by the Metro police, headed by Lucas White, when it's discovered that there is a child sex trafficking operation happening on their doorstep.
This story started life as an original piece of work on AO3 and is deeply omegaverse. I'm talking the works; A/B/O dynamics, heats, ruts, knots, slick, mpreg....if this was someone's first exposure to this world I can imagine it would be A LOT (the things that come out of fan culture are truly just so fascinating lol).
I found that at times this was a lot of telling instead of showing. Like in one instance during a confrontation early on in the story White literally says “Reed, for once in your life, will you do as I ask?". Which seemed like such a super random thing to say to someone you have known for like three days? Like I can see that the intention of the author is to emphasise that Reeds character is stubborn, obstinent and doesn't take shit, but it seemed like such a out of pocket thing for White to say in given that the context is that this is someone who is not much more than a stranger to you at that point.
Also, weird thing to find myself fixated on, but I'm not sure if the author really considered the logistics of being a big 6"5 dude and how they fit in cars? lol maybe it bothered me so much cause I'm also tall and have found myself sandwiched into some uncomfortable fucking positions so am very aware of the reality. Initially it started off a lot of crossed legs in the passenger seat with an ankle on the knee, which I gave the benefit of the doubt to cause maybe they're big cars. But I call bullshit on a unit of a dude this size being able to fit in the passenger footwell of a citeron c2 and then eating someone out. That just seemed so insanely implausible it kind of spoiled the spice for me lol.
I'm honestly pretty middle of the road on this. There was a lot of potential here but the writing often didn't quite click for me, something about it at times just came off stilted, forced and kind of flat. The sort of spice intensity I'm normally used to with books that incorporate knotting just wasn't really there for me? (Matehub: Legends you just set the bar too high). But this is a debut and I always am pleased to see someone giving a crack at writing something that's out of the box and kind of bonkers. Let's the freak flags fly and all that.
This cover is amazing though. I love the design of it and it's probably my favourite part of the whole package. I know this is meant to be a series but I feel like White and Reeds story is pretty tidily concluded so we'll see how it goes.
CW: implied child abuse and child sex trafficking, grooming, drug use, on page mpreg but no birthing scenes and the MC deals with some past trauma relating to a miscarriages and domestic violence
Oliver Reed, a countryside detective in the child protection unit, gets bought into an investigation by the Metro police, headed by Lucas White, when it's discovered that there is a child sex trafficking operation happening on their doorstep.
This story started life as an original piece of work on AO3 and is deeply omegaverse. I'm talking the works; A/B/O dynamics, heats, ruts, knots, slick, mpreg....if this was someone's first exposure to this world I can imagine it would be A LOT (the things that come out of fan culture are truly just so fascinating lol).
I found that at times this was a lot of telling instead of showing. Like in one instance during a confrontation early on in the story White literally says “Reed, for once in your life, will you do as I ask?". Which seemed like such a super random thing to say to someone you have known for like three days? Like I can see that the intention of the author is to emphasise that Reeds character is stubborn, obstinent and doesn't take shit, but it seemed like such a out of pocket thing for White to say in given that the context is that this is someone who is not much more than a stranger to you at that point.
Also, weird thing to find myself fixated on, but I'm not sure if the author really considered the logistics of being a big 6"5 dude and how they fit in cars? lol maybe it bothered me so much cause I'm also tall and have found myself sandwiched into some uncomfortable fucking positions so am very aware of the reality. Initially it started off a lot of crossed legs in the passenger seat with an ankle on the knee, which I gave the benefit of the doubt to cause maybe they're big cars. But I call bullshit on a unit of a dude this size being able to fit in the passenger footwell of a citeron c2 and then eating someone out. That just seemed so insanely implausible it kind of spoiled the spice for me lol.
I'm honestly pretty middle of the road on this. There was a lot of potential here but the writing often didn't quite click for me, something about it at times just came off stilted, forced and kind of flat. The sort of spice intensity I'm normally used to with books that incorporate knotting just wasn't really there for me? (Matehub: Legends you just set the bar too high). But this is a debut and I always am pleased to see someone giving a crack at writing something that's out of the box and kind of bonkers. Let's the freak flags fly and all that.
This cover is amazing though. I love the design of it and it's probably my favourite part of the whole package. I know this is meant to be a series but I feel like White and Reeds story is pretty tidily concluded so we'll see how it goes.
CW: implied child abuse and child sex trafficking, grooming, drug use, on page mpreg but no birthing scenes and the MC deals with some past trauma relating to a miscarriages and domestic violence
January 9, 2025
Fun and different take on omegaverse and it's a debut!
“I will love you,” he whispered, pushing his face into Oliver’s neck. “God, I will cherish you, if you’ll let me.”
Sigma/alpha pairing, and the sigma has a cute little knot!
“Is this your little knot, Reed?” Lucas said, circling his thumb and forefinger around the base of his shaft.
“Y-Yes,” Oliver moaned, face burning with equal parts embarrassment and desire.
Lucas grinned against his cheek. “It’s adorable.”
Two detectives are investigating an omega sex-trafficking ring, they do get a little frisky quickly and I was wondering how the next 400 pages were going to play out, but it played out nicely.
A couple obvious editing issues in the first chapter or two, but it smoothed out. The sigma secondary sex was interesting, he has some omega-like traits and some alpha-like traits. Sigmas are looked down on, considered inferior and unstable.
Wolf-shifters without any wolf drama, they shift and run whenever they want, and there's a fun chase scene in the woods.
I'd recommend for anyone interested in a new omegaverse spin, detectives (moderate investigative plot), it's on the cuter/lighter side despite having series topics. Lots of tea and biscuits.
Also, lots of scruffing!
Will add more later.
“Is that the dish with offal? Because don’t forget I’m English born and bred. My palate doesn’t extend much beyond beige.” 🤣
Tags: Omegaverse, detective/detective pairing, wolf-shifters, AU England, mpreg (no birth scene), sarcasm, Brit-cop humor, copious amounts of tea, omega sex-trafficking ring, colleagues, alpha/sigma pairing, child abuse (implied but never described), past trauma, investigative, top knot, grey eyes, sparring, small knot (sigma), insta-attraction, height difference (5'9 & 6'5), feeling unworthy, scruffing - back of neck grabbing, washcloth, surprise heat, giant stuffed koala, sweet twin brother, asshole ex
“I will love you,” he whispered, pushing his face into Oliver’s neck. “God, I will cherish you, if you’ll let me.”
Sigma/alpha pairing, and the sigma has a cute little knot!
“Is this your little knot, Reed?” Lucas said, circling his thumb and forefinger around the base of his shaft.
“Y-Yes,” Oliver moaned, face burning with equal parts embarrassment and desire.
Lucas grinned against his cheek. “It’s adorable.”
Two detectives are investigating an omega sex-trafficking ring, they do get a little frisky quickly and I was wondering how the next 400 pages were going to play out, but it played out nicely.
A couple obvious editing issues in the first chapter or two, but it smoothed out. The sigma secondary sex was interesting, he has some omega-like traits and some alpha-like traits. Sigmas are looked down on, considered inferior and unstable.
Wolf-shifters without any wolf drama, they shift and run whenever they want, and there's a fun chase scene in the woods.
I'd recommend for anyone interested in a new omegaverse spin, detectives (moderate investigative plot), it's on the cuter/lighter side despite having series topics. Lots of tea and biscuits.
Also, lots of scruffing!
Will add more later.
“Is that the dish with offal? Because don’t forget I’m English born and bred. My palate doesn’t extend much beyond beige.” 🤣
Tags: Omegaverse, detective/detective pairing, wolf-shifters, AU England, mpreg (no birth scene), sarcasm, Brit-cop humor, copious amounts of tea, omega sex-trafficking ring, colleagues, alpha/sigma pairing, child abuse (implied but never described), past trauma, investigative, top knot, grey eyes, sparring, small knot (sigma), insta-attraction, height difference (5'9 & 6'5), feeling unworthy, scruffing - back of neck grabbing, washcloth, surprise heat, giant stuffed koala, sweet twin brother, asshole ex
August 22, 2025
Re-read August 2025
Still a solid 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Something I noticed this time around though? This is definitely (and if you SQUINT) insta-love or at least insta-attraction? I don’t know, but they’re relationship progressed very rapidly in the beginning which I usually do not like, but this book is still soooo good!
——————————————————
I could write a long winded review about how much I loved this book and how it’ll probably be a top 3 read for this year (despite it only being January).
You can also just pick it up and love it for yourself.
5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and 1 extra for making me teary eyed at the end ⭐️
July 29, 2025
Flawless
A fantastic story for fans of Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara or Valor and Doyle by Nicky James! So much fun (with just a dash of serious crime) & the perfect amount of spice mixed in.
A fantastic story for fans of Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara or Valor and Doyle by Nicky James! So much fun (with just a dash of serious crime) & the perfect amount of spice mixed in.
February 8, 2025
I envy those who have not read this book...because I want to read it for the first time again.
I was smiling like an idiot throughout the book and even got teary eyed in some parts. I can't wait for the next installment in the series.
I was smiling like an idiot throughout the book and even got teary eyed in some parts. I can't wait for the next installment in the series.
August 14, 2025
THIS BOOK WAS SO. GOOD. A friend of mine DMd me out of the blue to say that she'd found an omegaverse shifter cop book and DID I WANT TO READ IT? And, honestly, people will bring book recs to me with some regularity, but something about that combination - I NEEDED TO READ IT IMMEDIATELY. I've been in my detective thriller era for a bit... I just finished reading MateHub for a third time... I've been wishing I could find something along the same lines as the Big Bad Wolf series... BAM! Hammer & Gavel was everything I wanted and more. An exciting police procedural plot, relatively simple omegaverse dynamics, AMAZING banter, and simply wonderful characters. I had the BEST time reading this one, and the entire group of people I read it with loved it too - we ALL binged it. Definitely one to blow up your TBR for!
I LOVE OLIVER AND LUCAS SO MUCH! Oliver is a little prickly thanks to some awful things in his past and his designation as a sigma, something I haven't encountered in omegaverse before (it's kind of in-between an alpha and an omega). He literally runs into Lucas when they are thrown together on a case, and their chemistry (and compatibility) is palpable. There are some pretty funny reluctant mate vibes that I WAS HERE FOR, but there's also quite a bit of lead-up to Lucas and Oliver finally getting together, which I appreciated. Lucas is literal book husband material - he is GONE for Oliver from the very beginning and willing to do whatever it takes to be with him. This kind of opposites attract relationship is my FAVORITE - huge, utterly devoted alpha guy falling for the temperamental chaos monster. Despite all that, these guys really are cute together. Their banter is hilarious, I LOVE the scenes where they are playing together shifted (like puppies!), and OMG, possessive/protective Lucas made me MELT.
If you are looking for a fast, fun read to break you out of a slump, keep you entertained, or to make you forget about all the other books you are SUPPOSED to be reading - this is IT. I'm SO thrilled I took the chance, and I'm over here rearranging my TBR RIGHT NOW so I can read the second book. Another new favorite here my friends!
I LOVE OLIVER AND LUCAS SO MUCH! Oliver is a little prickly thanks to some awful things in his past and his designation as a sigma, something I haven't encountered in omegaverse before (it's kind of in-between an alpha and an omega). He literally runs into Lucas when they are thrown together on a case, and their chemistry (and compatibility) is palpable. There are some pretty funny reluctant mate vibes that I WAS HERE FOR, but there's also quite a bit of lead-up to Lucas and Oliver finally getting together, which I appreciated. Lucas is literal book husband material - he is GONE for Oliver from the very beginning and willing to do whatever it takes to be with him. This kind of opposites attract relationship is my FAVORITE - huge, utterly devoted alpha guy falling for the temperamental chaos monster. Despite all that, these guys really are cute together. Their banter is hilarious, I LOVE the scenes where they are playing together shifted (like puppies!), and OMG, possessive/protective Lucas made me MELT.
If you are looking for a fast, fun read to break you out of a slump, keep you entertained, or to make you forget about all the other books you are SUPPOSED to be reading - this is IT. I'm SO thrilled I took the chance, and I'm over here rearranging my TBR RIGHT NOW so I can read the second book. Another new favorite here my friends!
May 25, 2025
This was FANTASTIC — and not just for a debut either.
WHAT I LIKED
- Different take on omegaverse. There are some secondary sex additions which are not only well explored but seamlessly woven into the plot and characters’ backstories. Beyond that, you get your standard omegaverse-shifter tropes: scenting, marking, mating, bonding etc, all of which I enjoyed immensely.
- Push and pull. I wasn’t feeling it first between the MCs — things were moving a little too fast — but as soon as they started trying to stay away from each other, things got hotttttt
- Plot. It’s good but this is more about omegaverse dynamics than anything else.
- Writing style. Could’ve used a little tightening up — especially in the first 1/3 — but it was very good for a debut.
WHAT I DISLIKED
- POV switches + typos. I had to dock half a star for this. There were a few instances where the author switched POVs mid-scene. It was so subtle they may not even have realised. The restaurant scene immediately comes to mind but there were one or two others as well. There were also several typos but they didn’t ruin my reading experience so no points docked there.
Expect
- Possessive MCs🥵
- Shifter omegaverse
- Scenting
- Marking
- Mating
- Bonding
- Mpreg
- Age gap
- Forced proximity
- Trauma from past abuse
WHAT I LIKED
- Different take on omegaverse. There are some secondary sex additions which are not only well explored but seamlessly woven into the plot and characters’ backstories. Beyond that, you get your standard omegaverse-shifter tropes: scenting, marking, mating, bonding etc, all of which I enjoyed immensely.
- Push and pull. I wasn’t feeling it first between the MCs — things were moving a little too fast — but as soon as they started trying to stay away from each other, things got hotttttt
- Plot. It’s good but this is more about omegaverse dynamics than anything else.
- Writing style. Could’ve used a little tightening up — especially in the first 1/3 — but it was very good for a debut.
WHAT I DISLIKED
- POV switches + typos. I had to dock half a star for this. There were a few instances where the author switched POVs mid-scene. It was so subtle they may not even have realised. The restaurant scene immediately comes to mind but there were one or two others as well. There were also several typos but they didn’t ruin my reading experience so no points docked there.
Expect
- Possessive MCs🥵
- Shifter omegaverse
- Scenting
- Marking
- Mating
- Bonding
- Mpreg
- Age gap
- Forced proximity
- Trauma from past abuse
April 7, 2025
Never heard of a Sigma in my life but I would like more of these funky dudes please and thank you. This was a lot of fun even if the crime we are solving is taking down a child sex trafficking ring (love me some light reading) and I always enjoy getting to see different take on omegaverse and this was definitely one of the better ones I’ve come across. That being said we did have the unfortunate mix of instalove, miscommunication, aggressively independent main character, and whomp whomp the ex lover turns out to be the evil villain which is a bold combo to take on and somehow not make me angry at something. Patrick honestly felt like a mustache twirling villain and was evil for kicks and that is honestly my only complaint besides Lucas and Oliver speedrunning their relationship but I assume based on some context clues that’s kind of the norm for these shifters so you know what fair enough go get married you crazy kids. Considering this is a debut the author certainly came out swinging and somehow managed to not strike out despite the metric fuck ton they decided to tackle in this bad boy so you bet I am absolutely seated for what they put out next 👌
February 9, 2025
Reread #1: THIS IS GOOD. I love this book so fucking much.
———
Man. This was a GOOD one. I started this for the omegaverse, I stayed for the excellent story telling, the world building, the character development, the investigation, all of it. It was so good. DEBUT book!?! I can’t believe. Also, Sigma? It is not often that I read an Omegaverse book with new pieces and new ideas and this was just excellent.
———
Man. This was a GOOD one. I started this for the omegaverse, I stayed for the excellent story telling, the world building, the character development, the investigation, all of it. It was so good. DEBUT book!?! I can’t believe. Also, Sigma? It is not often that I read an Omegaverse book with new pieces and new ideas and this was just excellent.
January 30, 2025
4.5 stars
So this book definitely had its flaws, but I found it so engaging and hard to put down, and in the end I really enjoyed it.
The strongest point for me was the solidity of Lucas and Oliver's bond. Oliver is really unsure of himself, due to past trauma, but Lucas is unwavering. He was so sure of his commitment to Oliver, always understanding, there to provide reassurance whenever needed.
I also thought the worldbuilding was interesting and had a lot of potential. Lucas is an alpha, which is standard, but Oliver is a sigma, which is sort of the worst of both alphas and omegas: he has all the alpha aggression, and the omega physical/pheromonal vulnerability. I'd be interested in more info on how all of this works on a societal level.
The weakest point is probably the mystery, which while I really was interested in, kind of fizzled out. Like, it wasn't really very mysterious, or maybe I'm just cynical because I wasn't really surprised with where it went. I also found it wrapped up a bit too vaguely, but perhaps the threads will be picked up in following books.
There is a brief communication mishap, which I was starting to get concerned about, but manages to be resolved without drama.
Oliver's ex is disgusting, and slimy, and was very well-written - I hated him so much.
All in all, very enjoyable, impossible to put down, and I definitely plan to read the sequel.
So this book definitely had its flaws, but I found it so engaging and hard to put down, and in the end I really enjoyed it.
The strongest point for me was the solidity of Lucas and Oliver's bond. Oliver is really unsure of himself, due to past trauma, but Lucas is unwavering. He was so sure of his commitment to Oliver, always understanding, there to provide reassurance whenever needed.
I also thought the worldbuilding was interesting and had a lot of potential. Lucas is an alpha, which is standard, but Oliver is a sigma, which is sort of the worst of both alphas and omegas: he has all the alpha aggression, and the omega physical/pheromonal vulnerability. I'd be interested in more info on how all of this works on a societal level.
The weakest point is probably the mystery, which while I really was interested in, kind of fizzled out. Like, it wasn't really very mysterious, or maybe I'm just cynical because I wasn't really surprised with where it went. I also found it wrapped up a bit too vaguely, but perhaps the threads will be picked up in following books.
There is a brief communication mishap, which I was starting to get concerned about, but manages to be resolved without drama.
Oliver's ex is disgusting, and slimy, and was very well-written - I hated him so much.
All in all, very enjoyable, impossible to put down, and I definitely plan to read the sequel.
September 9, 2025
Rating - 4.5 Stars rounded up
This was an awesome debut! For a book with 450 pages while I’ve been low-key slumping for months this held my interest the entire time and I never felt like it was a drag to pick up.
It was really fun - the banter, the side characters, the setting, the investigative plotline not to mention omegaverse?! 🔥 I am not the most seasoned omegaverse reader so this really was just hitting all the right spots (scenting, heats & ruts, romping around and cuddling as wolves, even the instalove was great because MATES).
I am already onto book 2 and I’m just really enjoying the writing, and vibes here.
This was an awesome debut! For a book with 450 pages while I’ve been low-key slumping for months this held my interest the entire time and I never felt like it was a drag to pick up.
It was really fun - the banter, the side characters, the setting, the investigative plotline not to mention omegaverse?! 🔥 I am not the most seasoned omegaverse reader so this really was just hitting all the right spots (scenting, heats & ruts, romping around and cuddling as wolves, even the instalove was great because MATES).
I am already onto book 2 and I’m just really enjoying the writing, and vibes here.
August 10, 2025
“But then this five foot nine, foul-mouthed, tempest of a man crossed my path at High Enfield Crown Court. And it was like my heart started beating again.”
HAMMER & GAVEL was different than what I usually read in my Omegaverses (secondary sex, mpeg & shifting) but it worked. Throw in two men who have an instant connection, past trauma, mating and an adorable little boy who stole my heart and this helped slowly get me out of my slump. I wasn't a fan of the surprise pregnancy though because 1. it happened too fast and 2. we as a reader have been told time & again that Oliver is infertile which broke my heart so it didn't work how all of a sudden the infertility is magically cured after one time with their true love. Didn't feel genuine to the story which makes me sound like a scrouge but its how I feel. I also I wanted more focus on Alfie and his adoption because he deserved all the page time. I love that little guy and I hope we see more of him in future books. Was this story perfect? No. But I liked both leads, I loved Alfie and the end made me cry so I'm calling this a win.
Special thanks to my friend Amanda who endured reading this way slower than she wanted to cater to my slump. You are the best for that truly💜
HAMMER & GAVEL was different than what I usually read in my Omegaverses (secondary sex, mpeg & shifting) but it worked. Throw in two men who have an instant connection, past trauma, mating and an adorable little boy who stole my heart and this helped slowly get me out of my slump. I wasn't a fan of the surprise pregnancy though because 1. it happened too fast and 2. we as a reader have been told time & again that Oliver is infertile which broke my heart so it didn't work how all of a sudden the infertility is magically cured after one time with their true love. Didn't feel genuine to the story which makes me sound like a scrouge but its how I feel. I also I wanted more focus on Alfie and his adoption because he deserved all the page time. I love that little guy and I hope we see more of him in future books. Was this story perfect? No. But I liked both leads, I loved Alfie and the end made me cry so I'm calling this a win.
Special thanks to my friend Amanda who endured reading this way slower than she wanted to cater to my slump. You are the best for that truly💜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2025
It really was 446 pages.
December 27, 2024
I binged this book in one day I was so hooked! Oliver and Lucas have such unique memorable personalities; they’re both lovable and flawed that makes all the moments between them really lovely to read. I love all of the support characters; Nancy and Oliver’s antics together were so entertaining. I feel like the story as a whole has really great pacing, and a good mix of funny interaction and drama. Also, I think reading the trigger warning is important for some who are sensitive to certain topics and plots, but the author goes a great job at implying certain events. Overall highly recommend reading!
February 8, 2025
And just like that, history is repeating itself. If by history we mean yesterday. Once again I have started reading this at night and had to stop myself in the middle of the book and kept thinking about it as I was trying to fall asleep and anytime I woke up during the night, once again I was more impressed with the book before going to sleep than when I continued reading after waking up and have now pretty mixed feelings about the whole ordeal.
The premise is rather spectacular - it has all the building blocks to be a real banger: set in Britain (instead of the ever present USofA), about two detectives from different units and cities who are also wolf shifters and while it is omegaverse and Lucas is an alpha, Oliver is actually, drumroll please, sigma! Which is like omega and alpha at the same time. So much juice, so much potential. But not all of it came together quite the way I hoped.
The sigma designation was not a sign of alternative and progressive world built, more of a reason to cast Oliver as the... Outcast (if you pardon the pun). To make him an omega with a temper but throughout the book, he was more and more pushed to the side as being the... weaker one. Look, maybe I have the wrong expectation but at a risk of repeating myself, I come to mm to get Guys. As in, to see a relationship with people who are, even in otherwise unequal social settings, supposed to be equals. I've read too many romance books where the female MC was abused, treated as disposable or a pawn, insulted and... You get the picture. So when I have two guys, I expect an equal footing which is why omegaverse can be such a minefield for me. So hearing this sigma idea, I was thrilled. I was so happy when Oliver kicked ass and took names, when he looked just as capable as the alpha male interest and it seemed his omega characteristics were only going to provide him with a softer side or even just the ability to... Procreate *trying not to make a face* because book gays can't surrogate or adopt, oh no, there's mpreg now! I was stoked when I learned he had alpha parents and Lucas had two omega dads because it spoke of that innovative attitude omegaverse needs (or that I look for in this). Again, I was left disappointed. Oliver just had to had an abusive ex like any good woman I mean omega I mean sigma that ruined his belief in love. The ex had to reappear so that his new squeeze can be all protective about it. He had to confront the fact he is not considered a man I mean alpha by his superior the society and how his gender I mean designation provides a nice glass ceiling to his life and career. Minor spoiler alert but Oliver took Luca's surname. I am not sure if it's just me or if I am seeing things but I just can't wrap my head around the idea that you replace the gender (and race and etc) equality with designation inequality. Like, at this point in time I expect every women in these books to be an alpha because women are badass but omegas are now the new women in this relationship/equation so like, what was tbe point of changing it!? Does that make sense? You know what I am trying to say?
I want to spoiler a lot more to explain just how my hopes were slowly but surely dismantled but let's just say they were, that this had a nice beginning and plenty of potential bit for me, not enough of it was realised. Bonus points for the cover and for the everyone is a shifter world. Probably going to continue but let me lower my expectations first.
The premise is rather spectacular - it has all the building blocks to be a real banger: set in Britain (instead of the ever present USofA), about two detectives from different units and cities who are also wolf shifters and while it is omegaverse and Lucas is an alpha, Oliver is actually, drumroll please, sigma! Which is like omega and alpha at the same time. So much juice, so much potential. But not all of it came together quite the way I hoped.
The sigma designation was not a sign of alternative and progressive world built, more of a reason to cast Oliver as the... Outcast (if you pardon the pun). To make him an omega with a temper but throughout the book, he was more and more pushed to the side as being the... weaker one. Look, maybe I have the wrong expectation but at a risk of repeating myself, I come to mm to get Guys. As in, to see a relationship with people who are, even in otherwise unequal social settings, supposed to be equals. I've read too many romance books where the female MC was abused, treated as disposable or a pawn, insulted and... You get the picture. So when I have two guys, I expect an equal footing which is why omegaverse can be such a minefield for me. So hearing this sigma idea, I was thrilled. I was so happy when Oliver kicked ass and took names, when he looked just as capable as the alpha male interest and it seemed his omega characteristics were only going to provide him with a softer side or even just the ability to... Procreate *trying not to make a face* because book gays can't surrogate or adopt, oh no, there's mpreg now! I was stoked when I learned he had alpha parents and Lucas had two omega dads because it spoke of that innovative attitude omegaverse needs (or that I look for in this). Again, I was left disappointed. Oliver just had to had an abusive ex like any good woman I mean omega I mean sigma that ruined his belief in love. The ex had to reappear so that his new squeeze can be all protective about it. He had to confront the fact he is not considered a man I mean alpha by his superior the society and how his gender I mean designation provides a nice glass ceiling to his life and career. Minor spoiler alert but Oliver took Luca's surname. I am not sure if it's just me or if I am seeing things but I just can't wrap my head around the idea that you replace the gender (and race and etc) equality with designation inequality. Like, at this point in time I expect every women in these books to be an alpha because women are badass but omegas are now the new women in this relationship/equation so like, what was tbe point of changing it!? Does that make sense? You know what I am trying to say?
I want to spoiler a lot more to explain just how my hopes were slowly but surely dismantled but let's just say they were, that this had a nice beginning and plenty of potential bit for me, not enough of it was realised. Bonus points for the cover and for the everyone is a shifter world. Probably going to continue but let me lower my expectations first.
April 30, 2025
“But then this five foot nine, foul-mouthed, tempest of a man crossed my path at High Enfield Crown Court. And it was like my heart started beating again.”
I would like to read this for the first time again, immediately. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. My fucking HEART 😭
I would like to read this for the first time again, immediately. Definitely one of my favorite books of the year. My fucking HEART 😭
February 3, 2025
This was so much fun!! 🐺
January 30, 2025
2,5 stars
This is an entertaining book, but I would like it more if Sigmas didn't exist.
Hopefully, the next book in the series doesn't have any.
This is an entertaining book, but I would like it more if Sigmas didn't exist.
Hopefully, the next book in the series doesn't have any.
December 29, 2024
a truly heartwarming Case
The story had me from the get go, and the characters were beyond endearing. Mind the trigger warnings, but one-thousand percent worth the struggle.
The story had me from the get go, and the characters were beyond endearing. Mind the trigger warnings, but one-thousand percent worth the struggle.
January 26, 2025
Enjoyable book, but I would've liked it more if it the writer left out the shifter/omegaverse part. This wasn't done very well, in my opinion.
July 18, 2025
This book was so delightful and absolutely refreshing!
Usually omegaverse starts to become heat erotica and heavy on the sexual aspect of the relationship but not this one! I LOVED IT.
It focuses on the overarching plot and their romance more than anything else. There was so much intimacy! Lucas had the patience of a saint and poor Oliver just really needed to get his head back on straight. Oliver had so much to work through when it came to his relationship with Lucas but it felt real and didn't get tired. Was I internally yelling at Ollie to get his shit together? Absolutely, but was I also obsessed with how Lucas handled all the issues in a very healthy way? Yes!
This book was sweet with a little spice and had great side characters. There was plot, emotions, and caretaking, and a sweet and possessive Alpha. The text messages at the end were my undoing!
I'll be impatiently waiting for more from this author!
Usually omegaverse starts to become heat erotica and heavy on the sexual aspect of the relationship but not this one! I LOVED IT.
It focuses on the overarching plot and their romance more than anything else. There was so much intimacy! Lucas had the patience of a saint and poor Oliver just really needed to get his head back on straight. Oliver had so much to work through when it came to his relationship with Lucas but it felt real and didn't get tired. Was I internally yelling at Ollie to get his shit together? Absolutely, but was I also obsessed with how Lucas handled all the issues in a very healthy way? Yes!
This book was sweet with a little spice and had great side characters. There was plot, emotions, and caretaking, and a sweet and possessive Alpha. The text messages at the end were my undoing!
I'll be impatiently waiting for more from this author!
April 17, 2025
Cuuuuute. Okay, I had a great time reading that even though it suffered from several issues. Vague gestures at pack dynamics aside, there was no plot reason for them to be shifters at all. It affected literally nothing? Also, calling Lucas a six foot five sexy Mafia boss over and over was cringe as hell, and then he had a belly button piercing with no context or back story? Ick! It also suffered from the overly elaborate tragic backstory problem. Once again we have a dumb reason that an MC believes he can't be loved, but the villain was, though simple, properly disgusting the entire time. Despite these very fanficcy issues, I had a great time, I laughed a decent amount, I was rooting for the characters, and I even enjoyed the side characters. The sigma thing was an interesting way to explore being intersex. I liked the book a lot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
I don't even know where to start. Should I start by raving about it or by letting my frustration out?!
Maybe I start with the bad stuff and end with the good.
I guess Oliver is the frustrating part for me? We only get one pov, which I hate and of course the pov is my least favorite character. I mean I liked him but man his dramatics were annoying. That's the thing I disliked about this book, the relationship drama. Or I can't call it that, because it took so so long for Ollie to finally accept his feelings for Lucas. I would prefer if they got together way quicker and worked together as a team to solve the case. Isn't a pedophile sex trafficking ring enough drama? We really didn't need the will they won't they shit too. I HATE third act breakups but I would have preferred that, because the breakup lasts most of the time only for two chapters or so, instead of hundreds of pages of drama.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Lucas but especially at the beginning, he should have fought more for Ollie. There was a scene where Ollie gets injured and he doesn't even check on him? That irked me.
Though overall I loved Lucas so much. At first I wasn't sure about him but he became sooo lovely and sweet. It surprised me how emotional he is, of course it was a positive surprise. I like me a man, that isn't afraid to cry and talks about his feelings. Honorable mention to his belly button piercing, YES PLEASE.
I LOVED the book as soon as they became mates, ugh the last 150 pages were *chefs kiss. I even started liking Oliver a lot more and I get why he is the way he is. What he went trough is horrible, I just don't enjoy characters that fundamentally refuse love just because they were hurt once.
Overall great book!
The story was heart breaking, just thinking about that there are kids out their in similar or the same situations makes me so mad and it breaks my heart. I was on the edge of my seat when they talked about the crime.
I really loved the side characters, seriously loved them all. Nancy is a hoot. And the ending? Soooo sweet!!
Maybe I start with the bad stuff and end with the good.
I guess Oliver is the frustrating part for me? We only get one pov, which I hate and of course the pov is my least favorite character. I mean I liked him but man his dramatics were annoying. That's the thing I disliked about this book, the relationship drama. Or I can't call it that, because it took so so long for Ollie to finally accept his feelings for Lucas. I would prefer if they got together way quicker and worked together as a team to solve the case. Isn't a pedophile sex trafficking ring enough drama? We really didn't need the will they won't they shit too. I HATE third act breakups but I would have preferred that, because the breakup lasts most of the time only for two chapters or so, instead of hundreds of pages of drama.
Don't get me wrong, I loved Lucas but especially at the beginning, he should have fought more for Ollie. There was a scene where Ollie gets injured and he doesn't even check on him? That irked me.
Though overall I loved Lucas so much. At first I wasn't sure about him but he became sooo lovely and sweet. It surprised me how emotional he is, of course it was a positive surprise. I like me a man, that isn't afraid to cry and talks about his feelings. Honorable mention to his belly button piercing, YES PLEASE.
I LOVED the book as soon as they became mates, ugh the last 150 pages were *chefs kiss. I even started liking Oliver a lot more and I get why he is the way he is. What he went trough is horrible, I just don't enjoy characters that fundamentally refuse love just because they were hurt once.
Overall great book!
The story was heart breaking, just thinking about that there are kids out their in similar or the same situations makes me so mad and it breaks my heart. I was on the edge of my seat when they talked about the crime.
I really loved the side characters, seriously loved them all. Nancy is a hoot. And the ending? Soooo sweet!!
August 27, 2025
I ate this up!! It has literally every trope I love in omegaverse romances -scenting, knotting, nesting, shifting, possessiveness, bonding, heats, heat sex - all paired with an interesting plot surrounding a mystery and police investigation.
Oliver Reed works in the Child Protection Unit of a countryside constabulary. He masks as a beta at work, but is really a sigma struggling to accept himself and heal from a traumatic past relationship that left him almost dead. When he stumbles into a much larger investigation of an international trafficking ring operating out of his county, the Met police is pulled in, which includes the infuriatingly handsome special agent Lucas White, the same alpha Oliver bumped into the day before in court, likening him to a mafia boss. Together they work the case, unraveling the connections, all depending on the recovered children’s memories.
From the jump, Lucas is down bad for Oliver. He’s protective and sweet and sexy, wanting to cherish Oliver. But Ollie is still traumatized by his past and doesn’t believe he can make anyone happy as a sigma (a heavily discriminated against designation) who most likely can’t have kids. He’s fine being alone, happy with his twin brother, brother-in-law and parents as a pack. But Lucas is persistent in a soft, patient way that reassures Oliver he’s not going anywhere - they’re mates and Lucas loves him because of everything Oliver is.
All these sweet tender moments are underscored by the banter and chemistry between them. It’s funny and fun, a wild ride from start to finish that had me giggling and kicking my feet. I wanted revenge for Ollie, justice for Alfie, and happiness for their little pack! I literally couldn’t put this book down!
I was hoping they’d adopt Alfie and I’m so happy they did in addition to one of their own🥰
Oliver Reed works in the Child Protection Unit of a countryside constabulary. He masks as a beta at work, but is really a sigma struggling to accept himself and heal from a traumatic past relationship that left him almost dead. When he stumbles into a much larger investigation of an international trafficking ring operating out of his county, the Met police is pulled in, which includes the infuriatingly handsome special agent Lucas White, the same alpha Oliver bumped into the day before in court, likening him to a mafia boss. Together they work the case, unraveling the connections, all depending on the recovered children’s memories.
From the jump, Lucas is down bad for Oliver. He’s protective and sweet and sexy, wanting to cherish Oliver. But Ollie is still traumatized by his past and doesn’t believe he can make anyone happy as a sigma (a heavily discriminated against designation) who most likely can’t have kids. He’s fine being alone, happy with his twin brother, brother-in-law and parents as a pack. But Lucas is persistent in a soft, patient way that reassures Oliver he’s not going anywhere - they’re mates and Lucas loves him because of everything Oliver is.
All these sweet tender moments are underscored by the banter and chemistry between them. It’s funny and fun, a wild ride from start to finish that had me giggling and kicking my feet. I wanted revenge for Ollie, justice for Alfie, and happiness for their little pack! I literally couldn’t put this book down!
I was hoping they’d adopt Alfie and I’m so happy they did in addition to one of their own🥰
August 11, 2025
I'm fine. You're fine. I'm not screaming into a pillow. nope. In all seriousness, I really enjoyed the dialogue and the change in the dynamics that made the omega-verse-ness of the book honestly really enjoyable. I liked how there were a variety of relationships, dynamics, and QUEERNORM AND IVF IS NORMALIZED!!! Did I almost cry when Alfie was on page? yes. That kid is precious and should be protected. I wish we had more time or a book about Hannah and Nancy because it's so rare to find a sapphic omegaverse book, much less one where the female characters are more than homemakers. Nancy, Matheus and Oliver friendship is wonderful and could be a book in itself that I would read. Very very fun read.
On another chaotic note, I enjoyed that there was a substancial portion of the book focused on the investigation. That being said, I do wish there was more time spent in the workplace and trying to actively solve everything.
4.5/5
On another chaotic note, I enjoyed that there was a substancial portion of the book focused on the investigation. That being said, I do wish there was more time spent in the workplace and trying to actively solve everything.
4.5/5
August 18, 2025
This is an omegaverse romance with a procedural subplot. It’s a more serious and intense story than most omegaverse books I’ve read. On a scale between The Bro and the Beast and The Wolf at the Door, it’s closer to The Wolf at the Door, just definitely more romance focused.
Most of the time, I know a book will likely be a 5 star read within the first few chapters. This one took a little time to grow and get settled in the world and Oliver’s head. I am a seasoned omegaverse reader (like, I’ve been reading it on ao3 for over a decade seasoned), but this book introduced some lore I’d never seen before that had me flipping back to the author’s note at the beginning to reread. I ended up very happy with this worldbuilding, I thought it was well thought out and unique without any dystopian elements (which I loved). Sigmas were a really cool idea, I almost never see any nonstandard secondary genders (ie alpha/beta/omega) in western mm, so that was neat.
However, once I got into the book, I couldn’t stop. I really enjoyed Oliver as a character, he is such a complex character, damaged even, but ultimately so good and brave that he was just a great character to root for. Lucas was also so sweet. He did take more time to develop, and my primary criticism for the book is probably that you don’t get a ton of personality or why he likes Oliver for the first ~100 pages. He definitely does develop though, and I really enjoyed him once their relationship officially started. I love when a big badass alpha is also a big crybaby. It warms my cold, dead heart.
The mystery and investigation, while definitely not the primary focus of the book and somewhat predictable (I honestly wouldn’t even really call it a mystery, you know there was a child trafficking ring and mostly know who was involved, it’s more the twists and turns of the investigation rather than a whodunnit), is well done and well paced. I really enjoyed Oliver working with and for the child victims, his relationship with Alfie both broke my heart and warmed it. I thought the children were well written as well, and I can be very nitpicky about that.
Without spoilers, there was one thing I started getting very worried wouldn’t happen as I was nearing the end of the book, but I was very very happy to see that storyline wrapped in the epilogue. I cried. And I never cry. Will definitely be reading the sequel.
Most of the time, I know a book will likely be a 5 star read within the first few chapters. This one took a little time to grow and get settled in the world and Oliver’s head. I am a seasoned omegaverse reader (like, I’ve been reading it on ao3 for over a decade seasoned), but this book introduced some lore I’d never seen before that had me flipping back to the author’s note at the beginning to reread. I ended up very happy with this worldbuilding, I thought it was well thought out and unique without any dystopian elements (which I loved). Sigmas were a really cool idea, I almost never see any nonstandard secondary genders (ie alpha/beta/omega) in western mm, so that was neat.
However, once I got into the book, I couldn’t stop. I really enjoyed Oliver as a character, he is such a complex character, damaged even, but ultimately so good and brave that he was just a great character to root for. Lucas was also so sweet. He did take more time to develop, and my primary criticism for the book is probably that you don’t get a ton of personality or why he likes Oliver for the first ~100 pages. He definitely does develop though, and I really enjoyed him once their relationship officially started. I love when a big badass alpha is also a big crybaby. It warms my cold, dead heart.
The mystery and investigation, while definitely not the primary focus of the book and somewhat predictable (I honestly wouldn’t even really call it a mystery, you know there was a child trafficking ring and mostly know who was involved, it’s more the twists and turns of the investigation rather than a whodunnit), is well done and well paced. I really enjoyed Oliver working with and for the child victims, his relationship with Alfie both broke my heart and warmed it. I thought the children were well written as well, and I can be very nitpicky about that.
Without spoilers, there was one thing I started getting very worried wouldn’t happen as I was nearing the end of the book, but I was very very happy to see that storyline wrapped in the epilogue. I cried. And I never cry. Will definitely be reading the sequel.
January 9, 2025
Great Start to New Series.
This book really pulled me in. This author is new to me, and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the writing style and connected with the MCs and supporting characters. I think Matty and Alfie were my favorite characters. I hope to see more of them in future books. Looking forward to how the author will expand this world.
This book really pulled me in. This author is new to me, and I was not disappointed. I enjoyed the writing style and connected with the MCs and supporting characters. I think Matty and Alfie were my favorite characters. I hope to see more of them in future books. Looking forward to how the author will expand this world.
August 11, 2025
4.75⭐️
À la base j'adore déjà lire des omégaverses mais là je dois dire que j'ai été agréablement surprise.
C'était vraiment bien ! J'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome 🥰
À la base j'adore déjà lire des omégaverses mais là je dois dire que j'ai été agréablement surprise.
C'était vraiment bien ! J'ai hâte de lire le prochain tome 🥰
August 28, 2025
4 Stars
January 16, 2025
The writing is not good.
„He tried to remain as aloof as a tabby cat“ Yeah right.
„He tried to remain as aloof as a tabby cat“ Yeah right.
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