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The Nasty Truth: A Y2K Betaverse Novella
Everyone in Greenwood is the same.
They have the same clothes, drive the same cars, and hold the same traditional values. It doesn’t matter that we’re in the 21st century. If you’re different from the status quo, you get shunned, just like Axl Ritchie.
Axl is a breath of fresh air. A beta that doesn’t give a crap what anyone thinks about him. He’s everything I want to be; unafraid, adventurous, rebellious. He has always intrigued me, pulling me in with that sinister smile and grungy attitude.
There’s just one problem: I’m determined to blend in.
I have no desire to step into the spotlight or be the center of Greenwood gossip. I just want to survive—get through college and leave before anyone finds out who I really am behind the mask.
But Axl and I have been teetering right on the edge of something transformative for years and, now, it’s coming to a pinnacle. If I can’t muster up the courage to admit who I really am, this town might just keep me from the one person truly meant for me.
--
Betaverse Y2K Novellas is a series of novellas set in the early 2000’s with MF/MM/FF Pairings where every main character is a designated beta. This is not set in the same universe as Fraternizing Omegas and is entirely unique.
They have the same clothes, drive the same cars, and hold the same traditional values. It doesn’t matter that we’re in the 21st century. If you’re different from the status quo, you get shunned, just like Axl Ritchie.
Axl is a breath of fresh air. A beta that doesn’t give a crap what anyone thinks about him. He’s everything I want to be; unafraid, adventurous, rebellious. He has always intrigued me, pulling me in with that sinister smile and grungy attitude.
There’s just one problem: I’m determined to blend in.
I have no desire to step into the spotlight or be the center of Greenwood gossip. I just want to survive—get through college and leave before anyone finds out who I really am behind the mask.
But Axl and I have been teetering right on the edge of something transformative for years and, now, it’s coming to a pinnacle. If I can’t muster up the courage to admit who I really am, this town might just keep me from the one person truly meant for me.
--
Betaverse Y2K Novellas is a series of novellas set in the early 2000’s with MF/MM/FF Pairings where every main character is a designated beta. This is not set in the same universe as Fraternizing Omegas and is entirely unique.
- GenresOmegaverse
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
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March 26, 2026
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐝.“
okay, i loved this. when you think of omegaverse, you think of a pack or if not, at least an omega x alpha pairing. so why would you read an OV where it’s about 2 betas? isn’t that just basically too close to 2 regular people? 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑾𝑶𝑼𝑳𝑫 𝑩𝑬 𝑾𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑮. tbh i loved that this was 2 betas and how it still worked in scents between Stacey and Axl and you didn’t feel like you were missing something.
my favourite thjng about omegaverse is scents, and Layney still incorporated the scents and how Stacey and Axl loved each others scents and how the blended with each other.
this story tho was very Y2K and i loved it. felt so nostalgic about the hot pink razr and listening to Avril Lavigne’s new album.
even tho this was a novella, it felt like the perfect length. there are flashbacks to the past to give a little backstory which i actually liked.
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝.”
also, Axl is one of my fav new betas. is it bc he’s like the alt drummers that i always fell in love with when i was a teenager? maybe 😜 but even as a beta, he was strong and protected Stacey as a partner should.
“𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞… 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞. 𝐀 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫.”
we get introduced to a ton of side character and i can’t wait to read about their own stories.
thank you Layney Jones for an e-ARC of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 🤘🏽🩷🖤
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, beta x beta, 1st person multi-POV
21/22 fmc & mmc
college setting, opposites attract, drummer mmc, cheerleader/queen bee fmc, fake friends, pining, virgin fmc, protective mmc, small town, HEA, epilogue, standalone
safety: cheating (not between fmc & mmc, but fmc does cheat on her bf with mmc. and her boyfriend also cheats on her) no manwhores
okay, i loved this. when you think of omegaverse, you think of a pack or if not, at least an omega x alpha pairing. so why would you read an OV where it’s about 2 betas? isn’t that just basically too close to 2 regular people? 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑾𝑶𝑼𝑳𝑫 𝑩𝑬 𝑾𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑮. tbh i loved that this was 2 betas and how it still worked in scents between Stacey and Axl and you didn’t feel like you were missing something.
my favourite thjng about omegaverse is scents, and Layney still incorporated the scents and how Stacey and Axl loved each others scents and how the blended with each other.
this story tho was very Y2K and i loved it. felt so nostalgic about the hot pink razr and listening to Avril Lavigne’s new album.
even tho this was a novella, it felt like the perfect length. there are flashbacks to the past to give a little backstory which i actually liked.
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝.”
also, Axl is one of my fav new betas. is it bc he’s like the alt drummers that i always fell in love with when i was a teenager? maybe 😜 but even as a beta, he was strong and protected Stacey as a partner should.
“𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞… 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞. 𝐀 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫.”
we get introduced to a ton of side character and i can’t wait to read about their own stories.
thank you Layney Jones for an e-ARC of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 🤘🏽🩷🖤
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, beta x beta, 1st person multi-POV
21/22 fmc & mmc
college setting, opposites attract, drummer mmc, cheerleader/queen bee fmc, fake friends, pining, virgin fmc, protective mmc, small town, HEA, epilogue, standalone
safety: cheating (not between fmc & mmc, but fmc does cheat on her bf with mmc. and her boyfriend also cheats on her) no manwhores
March 19, 2026
The Nasty Truth by Layney Jones
- Book Review
A Y2K Betaverse Novella
Genre - Romance / Omegaverse
Spice - 🌶️🌶️ (Sweet with a little Spice)
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes -
This Beautiful Novella completely felt truely Y2K and the small nod of omegaverse for a Beta x Beta couple to find love naturally pulled together. He falls first but she falls harder for sure. Axl could see beneath the mask from day one and was still completely obsess with the real Stacey. The years
Of desperate pining and yearning finally became to much for Stacey. When she finally let her mask fall and got the first hint of what it would be like to be her true-self to be loved for who she was and have real friends to
Connect with her deeply. It was like a tidal wave washed away all the bullshit and she couldn’t ever go back, once she had a taste of Axl she knew deep down he was it.
The whole novella reminded me so much of my own childhood and the vibe of how the early 00’s were. But it’s beautiful to see how much we’ve change and tho it’s still hard we found the courage to be ourselves and fight back just like Stacey and Axl.
If you grew up in the early 00’s and are obsessed with the Y2K vibes or you just want to read a beautiful story of two people ment to be and don’t let the prejudice of other stand in their way !
- Book Review
A Y2K Betaverse Novella
Genre - Romance / Omegaverse
Spice - 🌶️🌶️ (Sweet with a little Spice)
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes -
This Beautiful Novella completely felt truely Y2K and the small nod of omegaverse for a Beta x Beta couple to find love naturally pulled together. He falls first but she falls harder for sure. Axl could see beneath the mask from day one and was still completely obsess with the real Stacey. The years
Of desperate pining and yearning finally became to much for Stacey. When she finally let her mask fall and got the first hint of what it would be like to be her true-self to be loved for who she was and have real friends to
Connect with her deeply. It was like a tidal wave washed away all the bullshit and she couldn’t ever go back, once she had a taste of Axl she knew deep down he was it.
The whole novella reminded me so much of my own childhood and the vibe of how the early 00’s were. But it’s beautiful to see how much we’ve change and tho it’s still hard we found the courage to be ourselves and fight back just like Stacey and Axl.
If you grew up in the early 00’s and are obsessed with the Y2K vibes or you just want to read a beautiful story of two people ment to be and don’t let the prejudice of other stand in their way !
March 26, 2026
I thought it was going to be bad, but it was actually really cute
February 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
v cute, beta read. review to come
🌶️🌶️
v cute, beta read. review to come
March 26, 2026
I adored this novella. Maybe it was the Avril Lavigne Sk8r Boi coded love story, maybe it's the lack of sleep I've been running on, but I just wanted about 100 more pages. Axl and Stacey were perfect together, with all their flaws.
This story is an early 2000s multi POV betaverse novella. Our trigger warnings are fairly mild, but they do exist at the beginning of the book. There are several flashbacks to keep an eye out for; we get lots of important info about our main characters and how they came to be. We have our standard societal pressures, but add in the additional layer of having alphas and omegas. Oh, and plenty of Avril for a millennial girl to love.
Stacey and Axl grew up in Greenwood, a wealthy city that looked down on Oakson Lake, the average town next door. They have a strained relationship, if you could call it that. Axl is the town freak, maybe a punk or early emo looking back to the 2000s? They got stuck playing 7th Heaven in high school, but that was *most? of their contact with each other.
Until it's not. It's 2004 and everyone is in college at Greenwood University. This includes Stacey's boyfriend Brent, who she isn't sure she likes, and her shitty friends, Gabby, Quinn and Hannah(she redeems herself). All Stacey wants is something different, something where she can FEEL something. A car race, perhaps? Maybe the one in Oakson Lake, that Greenwood residents are banned from attending...if she can find someone to take her. It definitely won't be her rich society friends. So... Axl it is.
They have fun. They have SO MUCH fun. Stacey loves Axl's friends and they love her, and the adrenaline! (This is about where I started swooning! A man who will punch for a girl? Absolutely, count me in.) As Stacey and Axl were leaving, an old classmate starts harassing them and Axl just pounds him into the ground. Stacey LOVES it because of course! They have a nice makeout sesh on the car........ which Stacey then calls a mistake (can I roll my eyes any farther back into my head?)
She isn't getting along with Brent, she doesnt even like him. Her family like isn't good and neither are her friendships. The ONLY person who 'gets' her is Axl, but Stacey has an inner battle to decide if she is ready to be with him or keep up her mask with everyone. To keep appearances so that everyone around her can continue to behave the same way they always have with her, which is poorly, to be honest.
Finally, she snaps, and realizes she wants Axl, and only Axl, and my heart can only sing for them. Axl is a GOOD guy, and he continues to prove it throughout the book(it doesn't matter that I have always been biased towards my sk8r boi). Unfortunately, Stacey can't reach Brent to end things, so the sneaking continues. And continues.
Until Gabby. The absolute worst character in the entire story, worse than Will, the guy Axl beat up at the car show. What she does may be worthy of jail time in 2026, but who knows? Either way, she is a cruel person, and it takes a few decent people to stand up to her and reveal that the nasty truth isn't even that dark or dirty, it was just hiding in the shadows for too long.
I found this to be a fast read, with such an enjoyable plot that I could not put it down. I would like to thank the author for the early copy. I would love to see more of her work in the future.
This story is an early 2000s multi POV betaverse novella. Our trigger warnings are fairly mild, but they do exist at the beginning of the book. There are several flashbacks to keep an eye out for; we get lots of important info about our main characters and how they came to be. We have our standard societal pressures, but add in the additional layer of having alphas and omegas. Oh, and plenty of Avril for a millennial girl to love.
Stacey and Axl grew up in Greenwood, a wealthy city that looked down on Oakson Lake, the average town next door. They have a strained relationship, if you could call it that. Axl is the town freak, maybe a punk or early emo looking back to the 2000s? They got stuck playing 7th Heaven in high school, but that was *most? of their contact with each other.
Until it's not. It's 2004 and everyone is in college at Greenwood University. This includes Stacey's boyfriend Brent, who she isn't sure she likes, and her shitty friends, Gabby, Quinn and Hannah(she redeems herself). All Stacey wants is something different, something where she can FEEL something. A car race, perhaps? Maybe the one in Oakson Lake, that Greenwood residents are banned from attending...if she can find someone to take her. It definitely won't be her rich society friends. So... Axl it is.
They have fun. They have SO MUCH fun. Stacey loves Axl's friends and they love her, and the adrenaline! (This is about where I started swooning! A man who will punch for a girl? Absolutely, count me in.) As Stacey and Axl were leaving, an old classmate starts harassing them and Axl just pounds him into the ground. Stacey LOVES it because of course! They have a nice makeout sesh on the car........ which Stacey then calls a mistake (can I roll my eyes any farther back into my head?)
She isn't getting along with Brent, she doesnt even like him. Her family like isn't good and neither are her friendships. The ONLY person who 'gets' her is Axl, but Stacey has an inner battle to decide if she is ready to be with him or keep up her mask with everyone. To keep appearances so that everyone around her can continue to behave the same way they always have with her, which is poorly, to be honest.
Finally, she snaps, and realizes she wants Axl, and only Axl, and my heart can only sing for them. Axl is a GOOD guy, and he continues to prove it throughout the book(it doesn't matter that I have always been biased towards my sk8r boi). Unfortunately, Stacey can't reach Brent to end things, so the sneaking continues. And continues.
Until Gabby. The absolute worst character in the entire story, worse than Will, the guy Axl beat up at the car show. What she does may be worthy of jail time in 2026, but who knows? Either way, she is a cruel person, and it takes a few decent people to stand up to her and reveal that the nasty truth isn't even that dark or dirty, it was just hiding in the shadows for too long.
I found this to be a fast read, with such an enjoyable plot that I could not put it down. I would like to thank the author for the early copy. I would love to see more of her work in the future.
March 23, 2026
The Nasty Truth - Layney Jones
4.25/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I love me a good omegaverse but when it’s Layney’s books, I just know I’m going to have a really good time. Also, if you’re not looking for your normal alpha/omega pairing, I highly recommend this one because it’s featuring two betas and man, they are perfect for one another.
Axl is so perfect for Stacey. He is known as the town freak when in reality, he’s truly everything that she deserves. He makes her want more and man, the way that he cares for her is everything for me. I really fell in love with this man when he saved her from getting in trouble.
And this girl… Stacey just wants to be herself but this town just makes her hold back. I loved it when she got Nolan. Also, when her supposed friend set her up, I honestly wasn’t surprised. Her dad definitely manned up for me at the end.
I just love the style of how the book is set up. It really gives me Mean Girls vibes and that was one of my favorite movies.
Also, I loved Axl’s dad because he doesn’t make him change for anything. He loves him as he is.
Also, the spice with these two was totally off the charts.
I loved the ending of the book because it was really perfect. They got the happily ever after that they deserve.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.25/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I love me a good omegaverse but when it’s Layney’s books, I just know I’m going to have a really good time. Also, if you’re not looking for your normal alpha/omega pairing, I highly recommend this one because it’s featuring two betas and man, they are perfect for one another.
Axl is so perfect for Stacey. He is known as the town freak when in reality, he’s truly everything that she deserves. He makes her want more and man, the way that he cares for her is everything for me. I really fell in love with this man when he saved her from getting in trouble.
And this girl… Stacey just wants to be herself but this town just makes her hold back. I loved it when she got Nolan. Also, when her supposed friend set her up, I honestly wasn’t surprised. Her dad definitely manned up for me at the end.
I just love the style of how the book is set up. It really gives me Mean Girls vibes and that was one of my favorite movies.
Also, I loved Axl’s dad because he doesn’t make him change for anything. He loves him as he is.
Also, the spice with these two was totally off the charts.
I loved the ending of the book because it was really perfect. They got the happily ever after that they deserve.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 27, 2026
I want to start off by saying I absolutely love this author and her writing style. on top of that she is the sweetest human ever. She has a way of writing emotions and hard things in a way that does not lose the cozy vibe which I find is hard to do. I loved the retro 90s vibe of this book. the pink razor phone scene had me cracking up. The Regina George perfect girl with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks who is always unapologetically himself. He teaches her to be who she really is inside and to stop stifling her personality and making herself small to fit other people's needs and views. while this is a novella length it definitely packed a punch and I am an Axl fan for life.
March 26, 2026
Layney had me hooked with the tropes but the real catch was THAT NICKNAME. Once that was spoken I KNEW I was down bad for Axl and going to be finishing the book instead of sleeping… which is exactly why I’m writing this review at almost 5am after it dropped into my kindle at a couple hours ago!
February 27, 2026
beta read!
Full review to come but this was my favorite Layney book so far!!!!! I am so sorry so excited for everyone to read this!
These characters have such a special place in my heart 💕🫶🏻
Full review to come but this was my favorite Layney book so far!!!!! I am so sorry so excited for everyone to read this!
These characters have such a special place in my heart 💕🫶🏻
February 6, 2026
Beta Read - RTC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ Rating - 5/5
🌶️ Spice - 2.5-3/5
Before I jump into the book, I just want to say how obsessed I am with the cover, the character art, the tropes, and Y2K love story. I can’t get over their entwined pinkies on the cover. Could that be any more precious? I’m usually a reverse harem girlie through and through, but TNT has been speaking to my soul and I’m super stoked to jump in.😍🖤👏🏼
💃🏼We have Stacey Hawthorne, our beta captain cheerleader who has a thrill for adrenaline and loves the color pink. With the pressure from outside influences, she believes she has to present herself as perfect to everyone around her, even if it hurts others in the process.
🕺🏼 And we also have Axl Ritchie, a beta drummer who’s known for being the town “freak” but is an absolute heartthrob with his hopeless romantic tendencies. We love a man who knows exactly what he wants and is a walking green flag.
➕
- Jumping right in to a positive, A1 playlist! 🎧🎶 I’m probably an oddball when I say this, but I love when authors do this. It sets the vibe even more and the songs fit so well with the story. 😍
- I love that their love story gives me such major throwback vibes. Like one day my kids are going to look back and realize we (their parents) had this insane love story and that’s what this reminds me of. A blast from the past with a love that was written in the stars. Sigh, I’m swooning hard with the nostalgic vibes. If you think about the timelines and you jump to the present, they’re probably living their best lives and created a cute life together. Especially with the career choices they both want to pursue. 🥰
- Oh come on Layney! Little Reckoning. 😍
- Axl’s scent being unique and it fit him perfectly. I love how LJ explained it, it’s electrifying.✨
- I enjoyed the flashbacks because it gave a glimpse of their history together and how they were always meant to be.
- Some of the secondary characters were the absolute best and I hope to see them in future books releasing in the Betaverse Y2K series. Ahem, Ledge.
- The ending wrapped up so well especially for a novella. Layney has magic in her fingertips to make it happen. If you plan on picking up this book, you won’t regret it. I would also be okay with it being 1000 more pages because this novella exceeded all of my expectations and I just hate having to pick something else up to read now lol.
➖
- I hate how everyone treats Axl 😩 protect him at all costs. The best beta to ever beta’d.
Spice 🌶️
It’s not extremely spicy but it’s balanced well with the plot and character growth. The scenes were hot and proof that Axl is only a freak in the sheets if you know what i mean. 🤪
Favorite Quotes:
”She’s meant for me, she just doesn’t know it.”
She deserves the world… and I want to be the one to give it to her.
Tropes:
🌸Omegaverse
🌸MF Romance
🌸Y2K - Set in 2004
🌸Beta x Beta
🌸Inexperienced FMC
🌸Angst (light imo)
🌸Opposites Attract
🌸Forbidden Love
🌸Obsessed MMC
🌸Cheerleader x Drummer
🌸Traditional Small Town
🌸Degradation & Praise
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC The Nasty Truth.🖤✨
🌶️ Spice - 2.5-3/5
Before I jump into the book, I just want to say how obsessed I am with the cover, the character art, the tropes, and Y2K love story. I can’t get over their entwined pinkies on the cover. Could that be any more precious? I’m usually a reverse harem girlie through and through, but TNT has been speaking to my soul and I’m super stoked to jump in.😍🖤👏🏼
💃🏼We have Stacey Hawthorne, our beta captain cheerleader who has a thrill for adrenaline and loves the color pink. With the pressure from outside influences, she believes she has to present herself as perfect to everyone around her, even if it hurts others in the process.
🕺🏼 And we also have Axl Ritchie, a beta drummer who’s known for being the town “freak” but is an absolute heartthrob with his hopeless romantic tendencies. We love a man who knows exactly what he wants and is a walking green flag.
➕
- Jumping right in to a positive, A1 playlist! 🎧🎶 I’m probably an oddball when I say this, but I love when authors do this. It sets the vibe even more and the songs fit so well with the story. 😍
- I love that their love story gives me such major throwback vibes. Like one day my kids are going to look back and realize we (their parents) had this insane love story and that’s what this reminds me of. A blast from the past with a love that was written in the stars. Sigh, I’m swooning hard with the nostalgic vibes. If you think about the timelines and you jump to the present, they’re probably living their best lives and created a cute life together. Especially with the career choices they both want to pursue. 🥰
- Oh come on Layney! Little Reckoning. 😍
- Axl’s scent being unique and it fit him perfectly. I love how LJ explained it, it’s electrifying.✨
- I enjoyed the flashbacks because it gave a glimpse of their history together and how they were always meant to be.
- Some of the secondary characters were the absolute best and I hope to see them in future books releasing in the Betaverse Y2K series. Ahem, Ledge.
- The ending wrapped up so well especially for a novella. Layney has magic in her fingertips to make it happen. If you plan on picking up this book, you won’t regret it. I would also be okay with it being 1000 more pages because this novella exceeded all of my expectations and I just hate having to pick something else up to read now lol.
➖
- I hate how everyone treats Axl 😩 protect him at all costs. The best beta to ever beta’d.
Spice 🌶️
It’s not extremely spicy but it’s balanced well with the plot and character growth. The scenes were hot and proof that Axl is only a freak in the sheets if you know what i mean. 🤪
Favorite Quotes:
”She’s meant for me, she just doesn’t know it.”
She deserves the world… and I want to be the one to give it to her.
Tropes:
🌸Omegaverse
🌸MF Romance
🌸Y2K - Set in 2004
🌸Beta x Beta
🌸Inexperienced FMC
🌸Angst (light imo)
🌸Opposites Attract
🌸Forbidden Love
🌸Obsessed MMC
🌸Cheerleader x Drummer
🌸Traditional Small Town
🌸Degradation & Praise
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC The Nasty Truth.🖤✨
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just have to say this book is so good. An Omegaverse unlike anything I have read before. I mean just beautifully written and had so many emotions going. I had tears of happiness and also tears of sadness in parts. I love when a book can bring those emotions out of me. I also really enjoyed the chapters going back to when they were younger.
Stacey and Axl are those characters that have flaws but those flaws make them perfect in my eyes. Just love the beginning of this all the way to the end!
Stacey is the popular cheerleader who wears a mask and acts a certain way because she doesn't want to be seen any other way. Except when she sees Axl, the guy everyone calls a freak for being himself, it seems like he sees through her mask.
Axl is happy being himself despite others calling him names. He notices Stacey and has since they were younger. He feels a connection with her and loves to banter back and forth with her.
Will Stacey ever just let go of the image and be who she wants? Will Axl get what he's always wanted? You need to read this to find out!
Thank you Layney for giving me this ARC. This is my honest review and all of this is my opinion and mine alone.
Stacey and Axl are those characters that have flaws but those flaws make them perfect in my eyes. Just love the beginning of this all the way to the end!
Stacey is the popular cheerleader who wears a mask and acts a certain way because she doesn't want to be seen any other way. Except when she sees Axl, the guy everyone calls a freak for being himself, it seems like he sees through her mask.
Axl is happy being himself despite others calling him names. He notices Stacey and has since they were younger. He feels a connection with her and loves to banter back and forth with her.
Will Stacey ever just let go of the image and be who she wants? Will Axl get what he's always wanted? You need to read this to find out!
Thank you Layney for giving me this ARC. This is my honest review and all of this is my opinion and mine alone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review The nasty truth
Releasing: March 26th
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I've wanted this for a long time, Little reckoning. Even if it decided to pout down rain, I was going to be right here."
Tropes:
Beta FMC x beta MMC
Set in 2004
Mutual pining
Obsessed MMC
Cheerleader x drummer
When Layney writes it, I know i'm gonna absolutely LOVEEE it!. I don't know what she puts in her books but it's something magical! Every character and story has something to it that will speak to someone, like Stacy for example, and I think that really works in a book.
I was in such a slumb, I was reading books, but in almost every single one I could not really get into. Then this book hit my mail and from the very first page, it completely dragged me out of it! It was a very entertaining, quicked and emotion packed story.
I loveee me an insanely obsessed MMC, and Axl definitely hit that mark!. And the MUTUAL PINING, AHHHH, them gazing at each other from afar, deep inside wanting to be together but knowing that could never be. BUT love always wins, and these two characters were no different, they really loved each other and their love truthly won.
Reading about Axl and Stacy was everything, those two together are just written in the stars, and Layney really wrote this story the right way. It was a shorter book, but I missed noting, everything that needed to be in the book was in there, amazingly written!.
I want to thank Layney for letting me read this book in advance, it's always a joy reading your books and I am very exited to see what more you will come up with. If you love a cute quick read with mutual pining, than The nasty truth is the book for you, it releases March 26th!
Releasing: March 26th
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I've wanted this for a long time, Little reckoning. Even if it decided to pout down rain, I was going to be right here."
Tropes:
Beta FMC x beta MMC
Set in 2004
Mutual pining
Obsessed MMC
Cheerleader x drummer
When Layney writes it, I know i'm gonna absolutely LOVEEE it!. I don't know what she puts in her books but it's something magical! Every character and story has something to it that will speak to someone, like Stacy for example, and I think that really works in a book.
I was in such a slumb, I was reading books, but in almost every single one I could not really get into. Then this book hit my mail and from the very first page, it completely dragged me out of it! It was a very entertaining, quicked and emotion packed story.
I loveee me an insanely obsessed MMC, and Axl definitely hit that mark!. And the MUTUAL PINING, AHHHH, them gazing at each other from afar, deep inside wanting to be together but knowing that could never be. BUT love always wins, and these two characters were no different, they really loved each other and their love truthly won.
Reading about Axl and Stacy was everything, those two together are just written in the stars, and Layney really wrote this story the right way. It was a shorter book, but I missed noting, everything that needed to be in the book was in there, amazingly written!.
I want to thank Layney for letting me read this book in advance, it's always a joy reading your books and I am very exited to see what more you will come up with. If you love a cute quick read with mutual pining, than The nasty truth is the book for you, it releases March 26th!
March 26, 2026
I came across a post for this novella and added it right to my TBR list. I’m new to this author’s work. I got right into the Betaverse Y2K world! I enjoyed this novella!
Stacey and Axl’s journey captured my attention! Both betas, Axl is a drummer and Stacey is a cheerleader. As feelings ignite between the two, can they be together?
I so enjoyed going back in time with Axl and Stacey. I adored the fact that they were both betas. It was great to see things build between Stacey and Axl. Stacey was figuring things out in her life which was so real. Axl got right into my heart!
Axl and Stacey had each other and myself feeling so much throughout! The effect they had on one another shined.
The Nasty Truth was such a good beta x beta romance! I am so looking forward to more from this world and author! 🎀💗🥁
Check out the author’s note about the content/triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Stacey and Axl’s journey captured my attention! Both betas, Axl is a drummer and Stacey is a cheerleader. As feelings ignite between the two, can they be together?
I so enjoyed going back in time with Axl and Stacey. I adored the fact that they were both betas. It was great to see things build between Stacey and Axl. Stacey was figuring things out in her life which was so real. Axl got right into my heart!
Axl and Stacey had each other and myself feeling so much throughout! The effect they had on one another shined.
The Nasty Truth was such a good beta x beta romance! I am so looking forward to more from this world and author! 🎀💗🥁
Check out the author’s note about the content/triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Title: The Nasty Truth
🥁Vibe Check: Omegaverse, Beta x Beta, Prep x Punk
🌸Genre: Romance
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✨My Thoughts:
UGHHHH YESSS.
I am always thrilled when I find another good omegaverse read, this is no different. I’m OBSESSED. I’m a big lover of the Regina x Rodrick crack ship and this hits that niche. A preppy rich girl and the “town Freak” set in 2004?!? Yes PLEASE! The writing is stellar, the world building is amazing and easily feels real, the romance is BANGING (and so are the characters.) It’s genuinely an all around great book.
More fun scents please omg.
🥁Standout Elements:
Avril Lavigne for the win!!!
“She tastes like flowers and strawberries and the weed we inhaled at the gig.”
🌸Final Thoughts:
If you love a he fell first and HARD read this asap!!! It comes out the 26th!
🥁Vibe Check: Omegaverse, Beta x Beta, Prep x Punk
🌸Genre: Romance
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✨My Thoughts:
UGHHHH YESSS.
I am always thrilled when I find another good omegaverse read, this is no different. I’m OBSESSED. I’m a big lover of the Regina x Rodrick crack ship and this hits that niche. A preppy rich girl and the “town Freak” set in 2004?!? Yes PLEASE! The writing is stellar, the world building is amazing and easily feels real, the romance is BANGING (and so are the characters.) It’s genuinely an all around great book.
More fun scents please omg.
🥁Standout Elements:
Avril Lavigne for the win!!!
“She tastes like flowers and strawberries and the weed we inhaled at the gig.”
🌸Final Thoughts:
If you love a he fell first and HARD read this asap!!! It comes out the 26th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I may have been 7 in 2004 but I still loved the vibes of this y2k setting. Stacey's Ugg boots got me lol. And who doesn't love Avril Lavigne?
Despite its novella length, the story feels full and not rushed. I don't typically like duel timeline but the pieces of their past are so important to seeing them come together in the present.
This book is my every beta-centric omegaverse, popular girl/outcast boy daydream. Layney does such a good job of making her characters complete and compelling, and balancing humor and heart and hard things. The struggles these characters face with self expression and identity are given respect and so much feeling that's easy to connect to even if you've never been in a similar situation. I am so grateful to Layney for these beautiful stories and characters. Always reccomend!
Despite its novella length, the story feels full and not rushed. I don't typically like duel timeline but the pieces of their past are so important to seeing them come together in the present.
This book is my every beta-centric omegaverse, popular girl/outcast boy daydream. Layney does such a good job of making her characters complete and compelling, and balancing humor and heart and hard things. The struggles these characters face with self expression and identity are given respect and so much feeling that's easy to connect to even if you've never been in a similar situation. I am so grateful to Layney for these beautiful stories and characters. Always reccomend!
March 17, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book. Like I could relate to every aspect of the book. Especially with living in a town like that, during the 2000s. I just loved the evolution of Stacey, playing the part to being who she really was. And how Axl always knew. I loved how we went to the past and then to the present to see all about their relationship, and how they evolved, it was done masterfully. And I loved the people that stood by them in the end.
My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer, but it was perfect as is and I will just have to read it again. Also hoping Ledger gets a story… because seeing him lose his cool… AMAZING 😂. Or even Brent, because I loved him embracing who he was, and Stacey (and Axl) supporting him. It was beautiful.
My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer, but it was perfect as is and I will just have to read it again. Also hoping Ledger gets a story… because seeing him lose his cool… AMAZING 😂. Or even Brent, because I loved him embracing who he was, and Stacey (and Axl) supporting him. It was beautiful.
Review of advance copy
Oh the nostalgia! This brings me back to the early 2000s like Layney Jones intended. This is definitely a different take on writing than Layney usually writes but it is working for me.
Axl is secretly in love with Stacey it seems his whole life and Stacey is absolutely clueless and sticking to the social structure. But once Stacey realizes that she wants what Axl can offer in life and not the box she had herself placed inside of the story takes off. This book showed us how important it is to be true to ourselves and not worry about what other people think. It was a really nice read.
I love reading anything Layney Jones and I can only hope that she continues to write such amazing books. I do hope to see a book on Whitney and Ledger.
Axl is secretly in love with Stacey it seems his whole life and Stacey is absolutely clueless and sticking to the social structure. But once Stacey realizes that she wants what Axl can offer in life and not the box she had herself placed inside of the story takes off. This book showed us how important it is to be true to ourselves and not worry about what other people think. It was a really nice read.
I love reading anything Layney Jones and I can only hope that she continues to write such amazing books. I do hope to see a book on Whitney and Ledger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can I just say Axl is everything? That man had such conviction in his feelings and trust in what they had. Even when they didn't have much. And his attitude towards life and the toxic people of the town was so refreshing. He didn't let anyone change him or make him doubt what he saw in Stacey.
Now Stacey...I get her. I was her in some aspects. We all feel the need to project a certain persona to fit in even if we don't agree with it. I'm happy she finally found a way to be herself. With her little rebellious to finally the big push.
These two together was so sweet until the bedroom...because omg I did not expect THAT. But good show 👏👏👏👏.
Already seeing where some future stories could be coming from and I can't wait!
Now Stacey...I get her. I was her in some aspects. We all feel the need to project a certain persona to fit in even if we don't agree with it. I'm happy she finally found a way to be herself. With her little rebellious to finally the big push.
These two together was so sweet until the bedroom...because omg I did not expect THAT. But good show 👏👏👏👏.
Already seeing where some future stories could be coming from and I can't wait!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhh bring me back to the early 2000's when things were simple. Axl and Stacey gave me that nostalgic feeling of quirky catch phrases and giving a middle finger to "normal" society.
I LOVED Axl! I loved how he knew who he was and didn't apologize for being different. Everyone pinned all their misfortune on him and he just brushed it off and gave a middle finger to them in quiet ways. I loved how strong his convictions regarding Stacey were, even when she didn't deserve his devotion.
Stacey grew on me. She was every "mean girl" during that time period and sometimes didn't deserve the way Axl took care of her. Im glad she eventually became her true self. she was more tolerable then.
I'm excited to see where this series goes :)
I LOVED Axl! I loved how he knew who he was and didn't apologize for being different. Everyone pinned all their misfortune on him and he just brushed it off and gave a middle finger to them in quiet ways. I loved how strong his convictions regarding Stacey were, even when she didn't deserve his devotion.
Stacey grew on me. She was every "mean girl" during that time period and sometimes didn't deserve the way Axl took care of her. Im glad she eventually became her true self. she was more tolerable then.
I'm excited to see where this series goes :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars!!!! thank you so much to layney jones for the arc!! okay y’all this one was SO sweet🥹 i absolutely was obsessed with all the y2k vibes - this truly felt like a movie!!! the pining!? the yearning!? immaculate. i also loved how it still had omegaverse aspects but was a beta x beta pairing since that’s not something you see too much in the genre!
i loved the depth this had & it was a perfect novella length without leaving the story rushed. the side characters were great (or perfectly easy to hate) and i can’t wait to see some of the pairings that were teased👀
if you want a he falls first x she falls harder y2k novella check this one out on march 26💌
i loved the depth this had & it was a perfect novella length without leaving the story rushed. the side characters were great (or perfectly easy to hate) and i can’t wait to see some of the pairings that were teased👀
if you want a he falls first x she falls harder y2k novella check this one out on march 26💌
March 26, 2026
ARC Review
The nasty truth
By Layney Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a fun short read
Stacey and Axel, two betas who couldn't show their love for one another because of the society they came from.
Stacey is a rich popular girl who needs to follow rules and be proper, but she has always wanted Axel, but could never act on it.
Axel being the complete opposite. He plays in a band, has ripped jeans and smokes he's loved Stacey for so long and but he always knew they'd end up together ❤️
Axel's dad is 100% perfection, and everyone needs a dad like him
Also, Avril Lavigne was and still is fantastic
The nasty truth
By Layney Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a fun short read
Stacey and Axel, two betas who couldn't show their love for one another because of the society they came from.
Stacey is a rich popular girl who needs to follow rules and be proper, but she has always wanted Axel, but could never act on it.
Axel being the complete opposite. He plays in a band, has ripped jeans and smokes he's loved Stacey for so long and but he always knew they'd end up together ❤️
Axel's dad is 100% perfection, and everyone needs a dad like him
Also, Avril Lavigne was and still is fantastic
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Nasty Truth, by Layney Jones, is a novella set around Y2K and all the pop culture that goes along with it. Think skater boi’s with chains on their wallets, chokers, mix CD’s and, of course, Avril Lavigne. This was short and sweet with a touch of spice on the side.
It focuses on Stacey and Axl, the former a popular cheerleaders surrounded by “mean girl” frenemies; the latter is a drummer in a band and the butt of the jokes of everyone in the school. As Axl has no fear in being himself, he stands out from the bubble of the “stepford” Greenwood prototype. He’s also been in love with Stacey for years and she’s always had a confusing, inappropriate (to her), and, most of all, secret crush on Axl.
Stacey has always wanted to break out the bubble and thought going to college would be the perfect change - except everyone from high school went to Greenwood University together and stayed the exact same way. Except for Axl and his best friend, Ledger.
While, as the reader, we knew Stacey was a good person deep inside, she was still weighed down by who she was supposed to be, including being bystander within the mean girl group. Upon becoming closer to Axl and learning just HOW he saw her, she realized the power and autonomy she has to be who she wants to be - her true self.
It focuses on Stacey and Axl, the former a popular cheerleaders surrounded by “mean girl” frenemies; the latter is a drummer in a band and the butt of the jokes of everyone in the school. As Axl has no fear in being himself, he stands out from the bubble of the “stepford” Greenwood prototype. He’s also been in love with Stacey for years and she’s always had a confusing, inappropriate (to her), and, most of all, secret crush on Axl.
Stacey has always wanted to break out the bubble and thought going to college would be the perfect change - except everyone from high school went to Greenwood University together and stayed the exact same way. Except for Axl and his best friend, Ledger.
While, as the reader, we knew Stacey was a good person deep inside, she was still weighed down by who she was supposed to be, including being bystander within the mean girl group. Upon becoming closer to Axl and learning just HOW he saw her, she realized the power and autonomy she has to be who she wants to be - her true self.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the story, the vibes and the characters. I grew up in a city like this and it was so hard as a kid to try to act the way everyone expected to I really related to Stacey that way. I loved that Axl knew who he was from the start and was unapologetically himself but also helped Stacey be herself as well and saw her for who she was early on.
The switch from current timeline to the past was really fun to and helped to round out the story. I really enjoyed it, it was a fun change from the typical Alpha/Omega stories and I loved that!
The switch from current timeline to the past was really fun to and helped to round out the story. I really enjoyed it, it was a fun change from the typical Alpha/Omega stories and I loved that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Layney Jones and went into this knowing it was going to be different then her others books but I liked it a lot more than I thought i would. I felt like there was really good chemistry between Stacey and Axl and I adored the side characters a lot more than I originally thought I would. If you are looking for a short and really sweet read, I highly recommend. If you want something unique and based in the early 2000s, i also recommend. I really liked this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I adored this novella and these characters! While on the surface level, they seem to be polar opposites they are the perfect match. Growing up in the 2000s, the media loved an opposites attract trope, so this story was an automatic yes for me. Paired with a nostalgic Playlist and steaming hot chemistry, and its a winner. Perfect for a reading slump evening, this is a quick and fun read
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶/5
Oh. My. God this book is such a sweet one, Axl the man that you are!!! Ahhh i can't express how much I love this one, Layney's book is always...like it gives my heart a hug, my heart is so full afterwards. Such a nostalgic one for Millennials like me, so it's a plus point too! I adore this book so much!!!
🌶🌶/5
Oh. My. God this book is such a sweet one, Axl the man that you are!!! Ahhh i can't express how much I love this one, Layney's book is always...like it gives my heart a hug, my heart is so full afterwards. Such a nostalgic one for Millennials like me, so it's a plus point too! I adore this book so much!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG LAYNEY, how is everything you write just absolutely perfect?!
This is AMAZING, perfect for my little alternative younger Delaney self. The healing and comfort and spice and friendship. FREAKING CHEFS KISS
This is AMAZING, perfect for my little alternative younger Delaney self. The healing and comfort and spice and friendship. FREAKING CHEFS KISS
March 26, 2026
4.75 ⭐️
this book was addicting! the way i read it in under 2 hours needs to be studied. omegaverse done a bit definitely since both of the main characters are betas.
the 2000s vibes are there! from the clothes to the way they talk. i adored axl and stacey’s relationship, literally made for each other! the yearning from both of them. gah!
this book was addicting! the way i read it in under 2 hours needs to be studied. omegaverse done a bit definitely since both of the main characters are betas.
the 2000s vibes are there! from the clothes to the way they talk. i adored axl and stacey’s relationship, literally made for each other! the yearning from both of them. gah!
March 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this beta/beta "betaverse". Almost every chapter starts with a song which is something that I love when authors do this instead of just a Playlist at the beginning or end of a book. This was a cute town darling/wrong side of tracks love story with just the right amount of spice.
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