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Breaking Free #1
Saved
An Omegaverse Story
He didn’t want an alpha to save him, but fate had other ideas…
Braun Etting was raised to know his place as an omega by his alpha father’s cruel words and fast fists, and he expects nothing but violence from the alpha who may one day mate him. His older brother Kell mated a cruel alpha who abuses him daily, and Braun is terrified of that seemingly inevitable future. When Braun’s father dies in a car crash, leaving Braun an orphan, he’s sent to a halfway house for omegas. But on his fourth night there, he witnesses a horrifying crime that sends him fleeing to the streets alone—and edging into his first heat.
Tarek Bloom is settled in his workaholic, single lifestyle, even if it is somewhat embarrassing to be a twenty-eight year-old unmated alpha. He enjoys his job as a constable, helping people and solving problems, so he isn’t prepared for his life to flip upside-down when he walks into his beta friend Dex’s apartment to help with “a problem.”
The problem turns out to be an unmated, nearly in-heat omega orphan who Dex and his husband rescued off the street last night. The even bigger problem is that Tarek feels the mating bond for this terrified omega immediately—and he’s pretty sure the omega feels it, too. But Braun hates alphas as a general rule, and no way is he giving in to the bond. All mating leads to is violence and suffering, so no thank you. But Tarek’s gentle kindness slips under Braun’s emotional shields, and Braun begins to want. To dream. All Braun has ever known is violent alphas, but Tarek is determined to make Braun trust him—and to trust in the idea of their happily ever after.
NOTE: This is a non-shifter Omegaverse story with alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, and mpreg. In this world, omegas are second-class citizens with few civil rights and almost no protections under the law. Trigger warnings for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. 67,000 words.
He didn’t want an alpha to save him, but fate had other ideas…
Braun Etting was raised to know his place as an omega by his alpha father’s cruel words and fast fists, and he expects nothing but violence from the alpha who may one day mate him. His older brother Kell mated a cruel alpha who abuses him daily, and Braun is terrified of that seemingly inevitable future. When Braun’s father dies in a car crash, leaving Braun an orphan, he’s sent to a halfway house for omegas. But on his fourth night there, he witnesses a horrifying crime that sends him fleeing to the streets alone—and edging into his first heat.
Tarek Bloom is settled in his workaholic, single lifestyle, even if it is somewhat embarrassing to be a twenty-eight year-old unmated alpha. He enjoys his job as a constable, helping people and solving problems, so he isn’t prepared for his life to flip upside-down when he walks into his beta friend Dex’s apartment to help with “a problem.”
The problem turns out to be an unmated, nearly in-heat omega orphan who Dex and his husband rescued off the street last night. The even bigger problem is that Tarek feels the mating bond for this terrified omega immediately—and he’s pretty sure the omega feels it, too. But Braun hates alphas as a general rule, and no way is he giving in to the bond. All mating leads to is violence and suffering, so no thank you. But Tarek’s gentle kindness slips under Braun’s emotional shields, and Braun begins to want. To dream. All Braun has ever known is violent alphas, but Tarek is determined to make Braun trust him—and to trust in the idea of their happily ever after.
NOTE: This is a non-shifter Omegaverse story with alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, and mpreg. In this world, omegas are second-class citizens with few civil rights and almost no protections under the law. Trigger warnings for physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. 67,000 words.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2017
300 people are currently reading
968 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Arthur
87 books1,233 followersNo stranger to the writing world, A.M. Arthur has been creating stories in her head since she was a child and scribbling them down nearly as long. She credits an early fascination with male friendships (bromance wasn't a thing yet) with her later discovery of and subsequent affair with m/m romance stories. When not writing, she can be found in her kitchen, pretending she's an amateur chef and trying to not poison herself or others with her cuisine experiments. You can contact her at AM_Arthur(at)yahoo(dot)com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 5, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted and Outlaw Reviews
Braun Etting is a young Omega living in an alternate version of the United States where no females and three classes of males exist – Alphas, Betas and Omegas. Alphas are the most powerful in physical, economic and social spheres. In order to reproduce, an Alpha must mate with an Omega while he is in heat and at his most fertile. Betas enjoy much of the same rights as Alphas, but they are unable to reproduce. Omegas are the nurturing parents, valued only for their ability to bring more Alphas into the world.
In this world, Omegas are treated as third-class citizens. They are unable to inherit property and unable to drive, unless they are mated and then only with their Alpha’s permission. Because the laws disfavor Omegas, they are vulnerable and subject to the whims of cruel Alphas.
When Braun’s abusive Alpha father dies in a car crash, Braun is sent to a halfway house for his own safety as he’s approaching his first heat.
This story explores the injustices and cruelty of this system, Braun’s deep distrust of Alphas and the infinite patience of his future mate, Tarek Bloom, a forward-thinking constable, and a sweet, likable Alpha. It was easy reading, compelling enough, and comfortably unchallenging, perfect for recovering from a bout of bronchitis. Unfortunately, it was also bland and derivative while I was looking for something more thought-provoking and intense.
While I enjoyed the setting, the tension, and the developing romance, I would have liked more nuanced characters, particularly the villains. Tarek was far too perfect and not at all alpha-like. Though he loved and supported Braun, I found him too indulgent and Braun too childish and petulant. I enjoyed the secondary characters, Serge and Dex, quite a bit more.
The events surrounding Braun’s brother, Kell, captured my interest, but I’m not sure if I plan to continue this series.
*This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
Braun Etting is a young Omega living in an alternate version of the United States where no females and three classes of males exist – Alphas, Betas and Omegas. Alphas are the most powerful in physical, economic and social spheres. In order to reproduce, an Alpha must mate with an Omega while he is in heat and at his most fertile. Betas enjoy much of the same rights as Alphas, but they are unable to reproduce. Omegas are the nurturing parents, valued only for their ability to bring more Alphas into the world.
“Only an alpha/omega coupling could create children, and alphas were the top prize. The biggest earners, the CEO’s, the inventors and the powerful. It was considered an honor to be omegin to an alpha offspring, and doubly so to birth two. Only one omegin in history had ever given birth to four alpha children, and he had a small marble bust in his honor at the Museum of Natural History.”
In this world, Omegas are treated as third-class citizens. They are unable to inherit property and unable to drive, unless they are mated and then only with their Alpha’s permission. Because the laws disfavor Omegas, they are vulnerable and subject to the whims of cruel Alphas.
When Braun’s abusive Alpha father dies in a car crash, Braun is sent to a halfway house for his own safety as he’s approaching his first heat.
This story explores the injustices and cruelty of this system, Braun’s deep distrust of Alphas and the infinite patience of his future mate, Tarek Bloom, a forward-thinking constable, and a sweet, likable Alpha. It was easy reading, compelling enough, and comfortably unchallenging, perfect for recovering from a bout of bronchitis. Unfortunately, it was also bland and derivative while I was looking for something more thought-provoking and intense.
While I enjoyed the setting, the tension, and the developing romance, I would have liked more nuanced characters, particularly the villains. Tarek was far too perfect and not at all alpha-like. Though he loved and supported Braun, I found him too indulgent and Braun too childish and petulant. I enjoyed the secondary characters, Serge and Dex, quite a bit more.
The events surrounding Braun’s brother, Kell, captured my interest, but I’m not sure if I plan to continue this series.
*This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
June 15, 2018DNF’d at 30%. It was just too typical of an omega story, with nothing different from the usual stories of the omegaverse trope where the omegas are considered beneath everyone else. I couldn’t deal with the constant negativity... :/
January 2, 2020
3.5 Hearts
It’s a cruel cruel world for omegas in this particular universe, where they’re used and abused to be breeders for alphas to beget more alphas, having very little, if at all, basic human rights.
This is a non-shifter ABO story, and it starts off with Braun being sent to an omega halfway house after his father passes away, as he’s not deemed capable of taking care of himself, let alone have control over his own life. Perhaps fortuitously, Braun witnesses a terrible abuse on one of his fellow omegas which spurs him to escape, fearing that he too, will be up for such a horrible fate. Luckily, he comes across some kind betas who take him in and who happen to be bff’s with Tarek, a constable and rare alpha who’s a strong supporter of omega rights.
Immediately of course, Tarek and Braun realize that they’re potential bond mates, a situation that says they’re pheromone compatible, strongly urging them both to make it official. However, Braun has been brutalized by a cruel alpha father and doesn't trust any alphas, nor wants to be tied to one ever. It doesn't help either that his brother Kell, is mated to a monster whose constant cruelty is accepted with very little backlash. There’s no way in hell Braun is going to just blithely mate with the first alpha that sparks his interest. Tarek definitely has his work cut out for him to show he’s worthy, for it’s going to take a lot more than just pretty words and promises to win Braun over.
As a warning, this contains physical and emotional abuse, attempted rape, non MC rape, and dubious consent (but that’s typically the norm when it comes to most heat cycles). This was also way more than just a romance as it depicts a world where omegas (and betas to a smaller extent) are treated little better than slaves, and there’s some simmering dissent hopefully hinting at some big changes that are on the horizon.
So, in addition to heat cycles, uncontrollable urges with crazy pheromones running amuck, plus KNOTTING, this also had a decent plot regarding Braun and how he becomes empowered to make some much needed change to his life and that of his fellow omegas. This kinda sorta ends on a cliffhanger mostly regarding Braun’s poor abused brother. Be reassured that Braun and Tarek, after going through some tough relationship learning curves, are at a strong point, but the overall arc leaves us hanging. I enjoyed this and am definitely intrigued enough to see how this plays out when the next book arrives!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
It’s a cruel cruel world for omegas in this particular universe, where they’re used and abused to be breeders for alphas to beget more alphas, having very little, if at all, basic human rights.
This is a non-shifter ABO story, and it starts off with Braun being sent to an omega halfway house after his father passes away, as he’s not deemed capable of taking care of himself, let alone have control over his own life. Perhaps fortuitously, Braun witnesses a terrible abuse on one of his fellow omegas which spurs him to escape, fearing that he too, will be up for such a horrible fate. Luckily, he comes across some kind betas who take him in and who happen to be bff’s with Tarek, a constable and rare alpha who’s a strong supporter of omega rights.
Immediately of course, Tarek and Braun realize that they’re potential bond mates, a situation that says they’re pheromone compatible, strongly urging them both to make it official. However, Braun has been brutalized by a cruel alpha father and doesn't trust any alphas, nor wants to be tied to one ever. It doesn't help either that his brother Kell, is mated to a monster whose constant cruelty is accepted with very little backlash. There’s no way in hell Braun is going to just blithely mate with the first alpha that sparks his interest. Tarek definitely has his work cut out for him to show he’s worthy, for it’s going to take a lot more than just pretty words and promises to win Braun over.
As a warning, this contains physical and emotional abuse, attempted rape, non MC rape, and dubious consent (but that’s typically the norm when it comes to most heat cycles). This was also way more than just a romance as it depicts a world where omegas (and betas to a smaller extent) are treated little better than slaves, and there’s some simmering dissent hopefully hinting at some big changes that are on the horizon.
So, in addition to heat cycles, uncontrollable urges with crazy pheromones running amuck, plus KNOTTING, this also had a decent plot regarding Braun and how he becomes empowered to make some much needed change to his life and that of his fellow omegas. This kinda sorta ends on a cliffhanger mostly regarding Braun’s poor abused brother. Be reassured that Braun and Tarek, after going through some tough relationship learning curves, are at a strong point, but the overall arc leaves us hanging. I enjoyed this and am definitely intrigued enough to see how this plays out when the next book arrives!
Thank you to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review
September 10, 2017
I loved the blurb.
My interest was even more piqued when I read the author's introduction in which she names the current political situation in the US and Leta' Blake's Slow Heat (a book I thoroughly loved) as major inspirations.
This first Omegaverse Story takes place in a similar, all male world:
Alphas have got all the say and power, many abusing their status , taking advantage of their situation.
Omegas have no rights whatsoever, are often kept more or less like slaves and are regarded traditionally as 'wombs', mere vessels to produce more alphas.
Betas can lead a more independent life as they haven't got the ability to have children.
Although we get a dual POV (my favourite), this feels more like Braun's story than Tarek's.
Braun has known nothing but degradation and humiliation by his abusive alpha father in his young life, and his mistrust of alphas runs soul-deep. And even worse: his brother Kell is abused and mistreated in every possible way by his alpha. The problem is - Braun needs an alpha to go through his first heat which is imminent at the beginning of the book.
I really liked that scenario which promised quite a bit of angst and tension. How on earth can Braun trust another alpha? How can he give himself to any alpha just when he is most vulnerable?
Well, it all happens rather quickly and uneventfully. Yes, there are some tense moments, but all in all Braun changes his mind for Tarek quite quickly, and to my disappointment the situation was totally resolved at about halfway.
So, what now, I was wondering.
The second half of the book mainly deals with minor problems between Tarek and Braun, saving some omegas from a fate worse than death and trying to help Kell to get away from his horrifying husband. Strangely enough, as action packed as this might sound, it was all a bit slow and detached. And as for Tarek and Braun's love story, I am sorry to say it fell flat for me at that point.
I do have to admit here that the author's writing style and me simply don't gel. In general, there was too much telling and too little showing. And the way the guys communicate with each other caused frequent eye-brow-raising.
For me, Tarek goes way overboard trying to prove to Braun he is unlike traditional alphas. Not so much in his actions (although sending all those presents when he had no money also felt illogical and weird), but with his general behaviour, treating Braun with kid's gloves in an almost 'submissive ' way. I could also not understand why he was so happy go lucky to risk his job just because he 'loves' Braun.
Admittedly, this is a very personal point, and I am sure many people won't have a problem with that.
So while I enjoyed the idea of the book and could see what the author is aiming for, it didn't quite fulfil the promise of the blurb. Even Braun got irritating at one point.
I wonder if A.M. Arthur was trying to put too much into that first instalment of the series. I would have preferred more depth for both MCs.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
My interest was even more piqued when I read the author's introduction in which she names the current political situation in the US and Leta' Blake's Slow Heat (a book I thoroughly loved) as major inspirations.
This first Omegaverse Story takes place in a similar, all male world:
Alphas have got all the say and power, many abusing their status , taking advantage of their situation.
Omegas have no rights whatsoever, are often kept more or less like slaves and are regarded traditionally as 'wombs', mere vessels to produce more alphas.
Betas can lead a more independent life as they haven't got the ability to have children.
Although we get a dual POV (my favourite), this feels more like Braun's story than Tarek's.
Braun has known nothing but degradation and humiliation by his abusive alpha father in his young life, and his mistrust of alphas runs soul-deep. And even worse: his brother Kell is abused and mistreated in every possible way by his alpha. The problem is - Braun needs an alpha to go through his first heat which is imminent at the beginning of the book.
I really liked that scenario which promised quite a bit of angst and tension. How on earth can Braun trust another alpha? How can he give himself to any alpha just when he is most vulnerable?
Well, it all happens rather quickly and uneventfully. Yes, there are some tense moments, but all in all Braun changes his mind for Tarek quite quickly, and to my disappointment the situation was totally resolved at about halfway.
So, what now, I was wondering.
The second half of the book mainly deals with minor problems between Tarek and Braun, saving some omegas from a fate worse than death and trying to help Kell to get away from his horrifying husband. Strangely enough, as action packed as this might sound, it was all a bit slow and detached. And as for Tarek and Braun's love story, I am sorry to say it fell flat for me at that point.
I do have to admit here that the author's writing style and me simply don't gel. In general, there was too much telling and too little showing. And the way the guys communicate with each other caused frequent eye-brow-raising.
For me, Tarek goes way overboard trying to prove to Braun he is unlike traditional alphas. Not so much in his actions (although sending all those presents when he had no money also felt illogical and weird), but with his general behaviour, treating Braun with kid's gloves in an almost 'submissive ' way. I could also not understand why he was so happy go lucky to risk his job just because he 'loves' Braun.
Admittedly, this is a very personal point, and I am sure many people won't have a problem with that.
So while I enjoyed the idea of the book and could see what the author is aiming for, it didn't quite fulfil the promise of the blurb. Even Braun got irritating at one point.
I wonder if A.M. Arthur was trying to put too much into that first instalment of the series. I would have preferred more depth for both MCs.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2019
I really wish this had been different than the usual fare offered up in Mpreg. While it is one of the well written ones it still had the usual “poor lowly Omega” bullshit 😒
Omega Braun treated like crap by Alphas all his life doesn’t want to be mated. When his father and guardian dies he’s placed in the system (because Omegas can’t do anything basic like just take care of themselves). In the home for left behind Omegas Braun comes across something shady and runs. This is where the story begins but ultimately becomes really boring.
Braun meets Tarek and feels the mating bond but Alphas are no good and so he will not just be presenting his ass to Tarek. The Story continues like this, and mostly I was half asleep reading it.
Braun and Tarek lacked heat. Too much violence in order to show how very oppressed Omegas are. I found it unnecessary and just too much. I’m disappointed, because I was really looking forward to the series and I don’t know what I expected, but I wasn’t expecting this. By the home stretch there I was more than ready for it to end, because man did it feel draggy...
:
Then it just ended and I still didn’t give a shit about those dudes. Braun honestly big idiot. Trying to be a strong independent omega also took his brain cells and so he did dumb shit.
Overall, a disappointment and I doubt I’ll continue the series 😩 I really wanted a new series to read. Well written but book was fucking boring as hell 🤷🏽♀️ and played to much into gender roles and toxic masculinity. Which bothers me a lot more when its non-shifter A/B/O verse.
Do not recommend!!
Omega Braun treated like crap by Alphas all his life doesn’t want to be mated. When his father and guardian dies he’s placed in the system (because Omegas can’t do anything basic like just take care of themselves). In the home for left behind Omegas Braun comes across something shady and runs. This is where the story begins but ultimately becomes really boring.
Braun meets Tarek and feels the mating bond but Alphas are no good and so he will not just be presenting his ass to Tarek. The Story continues like this, and mostly I was half asleep reading it.
Braun and Tarek lacked heat. Too much violence in order to show how very oppressed Omegas are. I found it unnecessary and just too much. I’m disappointed, because I was really looking forward to the series and I don’t know what I expected, but I wasn’t expecting this. By the home stretch there I was more than ready for it to end, because man did it feel draggy...
:
Then it just ended and I still didn’t give a shit about those dudes. Braun honestly big idiot. Trying to be a strong independent omega also took his brain cells and so he did dumb shit.
Overall, a disappointment and I doubt I’ll continue the series 😩 I really wanted a new series to read. Well written but book was fucking boring as hell 🤷🏽♀️ and played to much into gender roles and toxic masculinity. Which bothers me a lot more when its non-shifter A/B/O verse.
Do not recommend!!
September 12, 2017
Originally reviewed at Sinfully.
This is a good start to a new series by A.M. Arthur, taking place in an alternate or future time, the world in Saved consists of only men who fall into one of three genders, Alpha, Beta or Omega. The United States is now divided into separately ruled provinces with new laws and rules. Alphas rule, Betas are able to work and live their lives and Omegas have no rights, existing solely to bear the children of the Alphas. Alpha children are coveted and Beta or Omega children are allowed to be put up for adoption, often to Betas. Although the thinking about Omega rights is slowly changing with the younger generation, and Omega rights organizations are making noise, it will be a long uphill battle towards change.
Braun Etting is a 20 year old Omega, only now expecting his first heat. He’s considered by most to be too old to be good for bearing multiple children. He fears and distrusts Alphas with good reason; his father was abusive towards him and his older brother, Kell, another Omega who is mated to a violent and powerful Alpha. They were raised to believe they are burdens who are worthless other than their womb. When their father dies, Braun becomes a ward of the state as an unmated Omega and is sent to a halfway house for orphaned Omegas. Escaping from the halfway house brings him into the path of Tarek Bloom, a constable and an Alpha friend of the Beta couple that takes him in. While Braun can see kindness in Tarek and responds to the Alpha’s scent, he is afraid to believe that a kind Alpha exists, no less one that claims to see Braun as a human just as deserving of rights as any Alpha.
Tarek is a progressive Alpha, who believes in Omega rights. He immediately feels a bonding pull towards Braun, but would never force himself on the traumatized Omega. Instead, he offers to do what he can to help Braun. He’s not only attracted to Braun as a result of the bond, he also finds Braun’s feisty nature appealing. Tarek is so sweet and goes about trying to gain Braun’s trust, but with Braun about to go into heat it’s going to be a true test of his ability to control his Alpha’s base desire to claim Braun as his mate.
Aside from the relationship aspect, there is also quite a bit more going on with investigations into the abuse of Omegas, the pregnancy of Braun’s brother Kell and the cruelty of the Alpha he is mated to. That being said, there are references to past and present abuse, some scenes of assault and part of the storyline deals with human trafficking and sexual abuse so proceed accordingly.
The first part of the book really focuses on the growing relationship between Braun and Tarek. Braun’s trust issues run deep and it’s not going to be easy for him to trust Tarek. Tarek has never had a relationship with an Omega and no matter what, he won’t be able to curb his biological imperative to protect Braun once they have bonded and this causes some difficulties. With Tarek’s love and the support their friends, Braun really comes into his own, far from the scared Omega we meet in the first pages.
The second part of the story gets more involved in the continuing storyline of Omega rights (which clearly parallels what is going on in our world today) and Kell’s relationship with his Alpha following his pregnancy. My heart broke for Kell in every scene. The brothers have such a strong bond regardless of being separated and Kell suffers horribly at the hands of his abuser which, in the eyes of the law, is permitted as “domestic discipline”. It's these aspects of the story that brought a few tears to my eyes. The romance aspect of the main relationship isn’t forgotten here, but it faces a few hurdles where the fragile trust that has built between Tarek and Braun is tested.
Braun and Tarek have good chemistry and their romance is very sweet. Braun does go into heat and there is the irresistible pull of the desire to mate. There is knotting and that frenzied need for sex, but it doesn’t go exactly as I expected in the situation, as Tarek proves just how serious he is about how he feels about Braun.
I liked the world building, the little details that showed how the country has changed from what we know today without an info dump. I had a good feel for how things are set up and the struggle Omegas face in this particular province. I’m still new to reading Omegaverse stories and think this would be a good one to ease yourself into as far as the Mpreg goes, as long as you don’t mind the darker parts of the storylines I mentioned earlier.
Finishing Saved, I am lucky to already have an ARC of the next story, Seen: An Omegaverse Story, which is expected to release September 26th, so you won’t have to wait long either. Saved isn’t a standalone and the story is far from finished so there isn’t yet a HEA, although Tarek and Braun are working toward it. I can’t wait to jump into the next story and find out what is in store for not just Tarek and Braun, but for Kell’s circumstances as well.
This is a good start to a new series by A.M. Arthur, taking place in an alternate or future time, the world in Saved consists of only men who fall into one of three genders, Alpha, Beta or Omega. The United States is now divided into separately ruled provinces with new laws and rules. Alphas rule, Betas are able to work and live their lives and Omegas have no rights, existing solely to bear the children of the Alphas. Alpha children are coveted and Beta or Omega children are allowed to be put up for adoption, often to Betas. Although the thinking about Omega rights is slowly changing with the younger generation, and Omega rights organizations are making noise, it will be a long uphill battle towards change.
Braun Etting is a 20 year old Omega, only now expecting his first heat. He’s considered by most to be too old to be good for bearing multiple children. He fears and distrusts Alphas with good reason; his father was abusive towards him and his older brother, Kell, another Omega who is mated to a violent and powerful Alpha. They were raised to believe they are burdens who are worthless other than their womb. When their father dies, Braun becomes a ward of the state as an unmated Omega and is sent to a halfway house for orphaned Omegas. Escaping from the halfway house brings him into the path of Tarek Bloom, a constable and an Alpha friend of the Beta couple that takes him in. While Braun can see kindness in Tarek and responds to the Alpha’s scent, he is afraid to believe that a kind Alpha exists, no less one that claims to see Braun as a human just as deserving of rights as any Alpha.
Tarek is a progressive Alpha, who believes in Omega rights. He immediately feels a bonding pull towards Braun, but would never force himself on the traumatized Omega. Instead, he offers to do what he can to help Braun. He’s not only attracted to Braun as a result of the bond, he also finds Braun’s feisty nature appealing. Tarek is so sweet and goes about trying to gain Braun’s trust, but with Braun about to go into heat it’s going to be a true test of his ability to control his Alpha’s base desire to claim Braun as his mate.
Aside from the relationship aspect, there is also quite a bit more going on with investigations into the abuse of Omegas, the pregnancy of Braun’s brother Kell and the cruelty of the Alpha he is mated to. That being said, there are references to past and present abuse, some scenes of assault and part of the storyline deals with human trafficking and sexual abuse so proceed accordingly.
The first part of the book really focuses on the growing relationship between Braun and Tarek. Braun’s trust issues run deep and it’s not going to be easy for him to trust Tarek. Tarek has never had a relationship with an Omega and no matter what, he won’t be able to curb his biological imperative to protect Braun once they have bonded and this causes some difficulties. With Tarek’s love and the support their friends, Braun really comes into his own, far from the scared Omega we meet in the first pages.
The second part of the story gets more involved in the continuing storyline of Omega rights (which clearly parallels what is going on in our world today) and Kell’s relationship with his Alpha following his pregnancy. My heart broke for Kell in every scene. The brothers have such a strong bond regardless of being separated and Kell suffers horribly at the hands of his abuser which, in the eyes of the law, is permitted as “domestic discipline”. It's these aspects of the story that brought a few tears to my eyes. The romance aspect of the main relationship isn’t forgotten here, but it faces a few hurdles where the fragile trust that has built between Tarek and Braun is tested.
Braun and Tarek have good chemistry and their romance is very sweet. Braun does go into heat and there is the irresistible pull of the desire to mate. There is knotting and that frenzied need for sex, but it doesn’t go exactly as I expected in the situation, as Tarek proves just how serious he is about how he feels about Braun.
I liked the world building, the little details that showed how the country has changed from what we know today without an info dump. I had a good feel for how things are set up and the struggle Omegas face in this particular province. I’m still new to reading Omegaverse stories and think this would be a good one to ease yourself into as far as the Mpreg goes, as long as you don’t mind the darker parts of the storylines I mentioned earlier.
Finishing Saved, I am lucky to already have an ARC of the next story, Seen: An Omegaverse Story, which is expected to release September 26th, so you won’t have to wait long either. Saved isn’t a standalone and the story is far from finished so there isn’t yet a HEA, although Tarek and Braun are working toward it. I can’t wait to jump into the next story and find out what is in store for not just Tarek and Braun, but for Kell’s circumstances as well.
September 3, 2017
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Not Bad.
Yeah, I'm surprised at how much I liked this. I think I've read one book by this author previously, and didn't care much. That means nothing when I see a book featuring A/B/O Dynamics, Knotting, and MPREG!!!! Yes, count me in! Got to say there was no mpreg in it for me. Yeah, I know the brother was, but he wasn't the main character. I like my mpreg to be full on, when slick dripping down, knotting galore, and the omega filled up to the brig! I'm definitely going to read some fan fiction after writing this review. LOL.
Not to be side-tracked. This book was good. I liked the world a lot. Braun has had a hell of a life. Nothing hasn't gone right for him in 20 years. Well except for his father passing, and the events that lead him to Alpha Tarek. I liked the dynamics between the two. Its written really well, and Braun finds his voice in this book. He's put through the ringer, and doesn't trust anyone. His main goal is for safety, his brother, and trying to be his own man. He succeeds alot, and his omega ways does get on my nerves at certain times, because Tarek deserves a lot more for what he does in this story. He sacrifices to his career, which was the most important thing in his life. He's lead a life of content. He feels so, but when he first smells Braun, his Alpha tendencies rears its ugly head, and attractions & wires gets crossed. From there its hot! They are screaming hot together, and I enjoyed every little dirty minute of it!
I did like how the story was told. It wasn't just a romance, but focused more on the cause surrounding omegas. Its a fight they are going to have to go through being that these characters are in the minority of feeling like this. Braun's character was set-up for future books probably being a face of the cause. He's adamant about omega-rights, and not being used for just a womb. Tarek agrees with him, but there is no precedent for omegas and if so, it happened in the past. I loved Serge & Dex. These were my favorite guys, they were everything. I can tell that Kell & the lawyer will end up together. It might not be next book, but the book after. I really liked what I read. It was such a good, solid story.
September 18, 2017
3.5 stars
I’m glad the next book is coming out next week, because this ends in a cliffy. I need to know what happens to Kell!!
Braun is an unmated Omega in a world of Alphas, Betas and Omegas. Omegas are the lowest of the lowest, and it is totally alright to abuse an omega, since they’re worth nothing in the society A.M. Arthur created.
When Braun’s father dies, Braun feels relieved because his abusive father can no longer hurt him. But now he’s sent to an omega home, where Braun feels bad things will happen. That’s why Braun runs away the first chance he gets. But when he gets cornered by two asshole alphas and is about to be raped, he questions his decision.
Fortunately two Betas intervene. Braun knows one of them since he was his nurse at the hospital he was at recently. Serge and Dex take Braun in and offer their place to stay for a while. Braun is happy to have a place to stay, but he is not happy with the Alpha who is friends with Serge and Dex and comes to visit often..
Tarek feels the mating bond, but also knows Braun is scared to be attracted to an Alpha. But Tarek will just have to be patient to get Braun to trust him...
This was a nice non-shifter mpreg book. I really enjoyed it. I do think we could have used a little more MINE MINE MINE in this. Tarek is trying to be veeeeery civil because Braun is scared. And while that is certainly admirable, I wanted them both to just tear each other’s clothes off and do the nasty some more.
And I felt the relationship got shoved in the back a little beause of all the action happening in the second half. Of course I really loved Braun’s brother Kell, and was eager enough to read more about him, but I also wanted to see Braun and Tarek mated, but there just wasn’t enough time. And since the next book is about Kell, I don’t think we’ll get a proper mating scene from them anymore. Well, I’ll just have to trust that they had hot monkey sex during said claiming and use my imagination.
Don’t worry, we do get enough sexy times, since Tarek helps Braun out with his first heat. We get self lubricating assholes, knotting, the whole works.
So yes, I enjoyed this.
I’m glad the next book is coming out next week, because this ends in a cliffy. I need to know what happens to Kell!!
Braun is an unmated Omega in a world of Alphas, Betas and Omegas. Omegas are the lowest of the lowest, and it is totally alright to abuse an omega, since they’re worth nothing in the society A.M. Arthur created.
When Braun’s father dies, Braun feels relieved because his abusive father can no longer hurt him. But now he’s sent to an omega home, where Braun feels bad things will happen. That’s why Braun runs away the first chance he gets. But when he gets cornered by two asshole alphas and is about to be raped, he questions his decision.
Fortunately two Betas intervene. Braun knows one of them since he was his nurse at the hospital he was at recently. Serge and Dex take Braun in and offer their place to stay for a while. Braun is happy to have a place to stay, but he is not happy with the Alpha who is friends with Serge and Dex and comes to visit often..
Tarek feels the mating bond, but also knows Braun is scared to be attracted to an Alpha. But Tarek will just have to be patient to get Braun to trust him...
This was a nice non-shifter mpreg book. I really enjoyed it. I do think we could have used a little more MINE MINE MINE in this. Tarek is trying to be veeeeery civil because Braun is scared. And while that is certainly admirable, I wanted them both to just tear each other’s clothes off and do the nasty some more.
And I felt the relationship got shoved in the back a little beause of all the action happening in the second half. Of course I really loved Braun’s brother Kell, and was eager enough to read more about him, but I also wanted to see Braun and Tarek mated, but there just wasn’t enough time. And since the next book is about Kell, I don’t think we’ll get a proper mating scene from them anymore. Well, I’ll just have to trust that they had hot monkey sex during said claiming and use my imagination.
Don’t worry, we do get enough sexy times, since Tarek helps Braun out with his first heat. We get self lubricating assholes, knotting, the whole works.
So yes, I enjoyed this.
September 19, 2017
I've never read an A/B/O book such as this one. My only exposure to Alpha/Beta/Omega is in shifter books, but this isn't a shifter book.
In this A/B/O universe, there are no shifters. There are no females. There are Alphas who are in charge, Betas who are barren but are allowed to hold jobs and adopt children (usually Beta and Omega children), and Omegas who are the lowest of the low and whose sole purpose, it seems, is to be mated to Alphas and be good little breeders.
Hmmm... that sounds familiar.
In this dystopian future of the United States, the Federal Government is no more, constitutional rights are a thing of the past, and the country is broken up into small provinces which all have their own rules and laws.
We first meet Braun, an Omega, 20 and close to his first heat, upon his father's death. Now a ward of the state, since omegas are third-class citizens at best, unable to inherit, unable to make any personal choices, Braun is sent to a group home for orphaned omegas. Beaten regularly by his father, abused not just physically but mentally as well, told all his life that his sole purpose is to become some alpha-hole's breeding bitch, Braun is certain that alphas cannot be trusted and that happiness is not something he can expect at all. His own brother Kell is mated to a horrible Alpha, and Braun knows that Kell's lot in life is his future as well.
This was a difficult book to read, and it's just as difficult to write a coherent review without spoilers. I would advise any potential reader to heed the warnings in the blurb. Be prepared to RAGE at the injustices within. There were numerous times when I sat in my chair, my Nook gripped in my hands, and my eyes blinded with tears caused by helpless rage.
Consent isn't required between an Alpha and his Omega. Domestic discipline is within the law. Omegas have no rights to speak of, and little protection from abuse.
Yeah, I raged. A lot.
The themes in this book are rather comparable to our current political climate, and there are many parallels that can be drawn between what happens in the book and what's happening in this world today.
I liked that Braun, despite his circumstances, still had fight left in him. I liked that Tarek (the Alpha who helps Braun) was considerate and kind and patient. He took the time to win Braun's trust, something Braun didn't give easily, and he helped Braun as much as he could. He wasn't perfect, far from it, but he tried and tried to do the right thing by the young man in his care, no matter how hard Braun fought believing that an Alpha could be kind.
I also quite liked the two Betas who take Braun in and conceal him, and who help him through his first heat. It wasn't easy reading to watch Braun go through that.
None of this book was easy reading, though there is reason for hope that things may start to change to make the lives of omegas a little easier.
Kell's book is next. That will likely be even more difficult to get through.
Despite the dark themes inside, I would recommend this series.
** I received a free copy of this book from Indigo Marketing & Design. A positive review was not promised in return. **
In this A/B/O universe, there are no shifters. There are no females. There are Alphas who are in charge, Betas who are barren but are allowed to hold jobs and adopt children (usually Beta and Omega children), and Omegas who are the lowest of the low and whose sole purpose, it seems, is to be mated to Alphas and be good little breeders.
Hmmm... that sounds familiar.
In this dystopian future of the United States, the Federal Government is no more, constitutional rights are a thing of the past, and the country is broken up into small provinces which all have their own rules and laws.
We first meet Braun, an Omega, 20 and close to his first heat, upon his father's death. Now a ward of the state, since omegas are third-class citizens at best, unable to inherit, unable to make any personal choices, Braun is sent to a group home for orphaned omegas. Beaten regularly by his father, abused not just physically but mentally as well, told all his life that his sole purpose is to become some alpha-hole's breeding bitch, Braun is certain that alphas cannot be trusted and that happiness is not something he can expect at all. His own brother Kell is mated to a horrible Alpha, and Braun knows that Kell's lot in life is his future as well.
This was a difficult book to read, and it's just as difficult to write a coherent review without spoilers. I would advise any potential reader to heed the warnings in the blurb. Be prepared to RAGE at the injustices within. There were numerous times when I sat in my chair, my Nook gripped in my hands, and my eyes blinded with tears caused by helpless rage.
Consent isn't required between an Alpha and his Omega. Domestic discipline is within the law. Omegas have no rights to speak of, and little protection from abuse.
Yeah, I raged. A lot.
The themes in this book are rather comparable to our current political climate, and there are many parallels that can be drawn between what happens in the book and what's happening in this world today.
I liked that Braun, despite his circumstances, still had fight left in him. I liked that Tarek (the Alpha who helps Braun) was considerate and kind and patient. He took the time to win Braun's trust, something Braun didn't give easily, and he helped Braun as much as he could. He wasn't perfect, far from it, but he tried and tried to do the right thing by the young man in his care, no matter how hard Braun fought believing that an Alpha could be kind.
I also quite liked the two Betas who take Braun in and conceal him, and who help him through his first heat. It wasn't easy reading to watch Braun go through that.
None of this book was easy reading, though there is reason for hope that things may start to change to make the lives of omegas a little easier.
Kell's book is next. That will likely be even more difficult to get through.
Despite the dark themes inside, I would recommend this series.
** I received a free copy of this book from Indigo Marketing & Design. A positive review was not promised in return. **
September 17, 2017
It was ok
I want to give a quick shout out to my friend Dana who was so super generous and gifted me a copy of this book. I hope to repay her the kindness soon. :)
Which makes it so sad that I didn't like this story as much as I thought I would. This is now the 2nd book this week that I've read by authors I love (and would follow to the end of the earth) where the story didn't work for me. The first book was Wheels Up by Annabeth Albert. My issues are kind of the same with both books.
*Note: You should really read this book without reading any reviews so you can have a clean slate to start.
I do love me some mpreg - it's just something that works for me. But it needs to be done well. And I am NOT saying AM did it wrong. The world building was really quite great, and the explanations of roles and how the civilization came to be were all there. What bothered me is the fact that Omegas are treated so poorly. I've read a lot of mpreg (shifter and non), where the Omega is treated well (sometimes more guarded and segregated than other stories). This is the first Omegaverse story that I can recall where an Omega is treated lower than the dog poop on ones shoe.
I wanted Braun (and Kell) to fight back more. They don't have rights, but there is a group fighting for Omega rights. Braun's role as the Omega was (for me) and very stereotypical portrayal of what the "weaker sex" is like. Obedient, subservient, meek, cowering over everything, waiting for their Prince to save them. I wasn't expecting this of Braun from the blurb, and it really rocked me he acted this way. And he WAS in fact waiting for his Prince to save him because as soon as Tarek enters the picture, Braun is ready to submit to him. He does put up a token struggle, but we all know he is going to give in, and he does.
Overall the book was only ok for. I don't want to reveal too much about what happens because it spoils the story.
3 stars, and it barely squeaked by.
I want to give a quick shout out to my friend Dana who was so super generous and gifted me a copy of this book. I hope to repay her the kindness soon. :)
Which makes it so sad that I didn't like this story as much as I thought I would. This is now the 2nd book this week that I've read by authors I love (and would follow to the end of the earth) where the story didn't work for me. The first book was Wheels Up by Annabeth Albert. My issues are kind of the same with both books.
*Note: You should really read this book without reading any reviews so you can have a clean slate to start.
I do love me some mpreg - it's just something that works for me. But it needs to be done well. And I am NOT saying AM did it wrong. The world building was really quite great, and the explanations of roles and how the civilization came to be were all there. What bothered me is the fact that Omegas are treated so poorly. I've read a lot of mpreg (shifter and non), where the Omega is treated well (sometimes more guarded and segregated than other stories). This is the first Omegaverse story that I can recall where an Omega is treated lower than the dog poop on ones shoe.
I wanted Braun (and Kell) to fight back more. They don't have rights, but there is a group fighting for Omega rights. Braun's role as the Omega was (for me) and very stereotypical portrayal of what the "weaker sex" is like. Obedient, subservient, meek, cowering over everything, waiting for their Prince to save them. I wasn't expecting this of Braun from the blurb, and it really rocked me he acted this way. And he WAS in fact waiting for his Prince to save him because as soon as Tarek enters the picture, Braun is ready to submit to him. He does put up a token struggle, but we all know he is going to give in, and he does.
Overall the book was only ok for. I don't want to reveal too much about what happens because it spoils the story.
3 stars, and it barely squeaked by.
October 24, 2017
Confused
This book really confused me. I don't remember any of Arthur's other books being this melodramatic and cheesy. She's never been a stranger to angst, sure, but when the characters start spewing things like, "you being angry with me was tearing at my soul", you've passed angst and skipped right on into Eyerollsville.
This book really confused me. I don't remember any of Arthur's other books being this melodramatic and cheesy. She's never been a stranger to angst, sure, but when the characters start spewing things like, "you being angry with me was tearing at my soul", you've passed angst and skipped right on into Eyerollsville.
September 18, 2017
EEEEE I was so excited to see AM Arthur diving into the world of mpreg and ABO dynamics and it did NOT disappoint!
This book makes my heart break - the way omegas are treated in this world is especially brutal, some of the worst I think I have read in ABO romance, honestly. However, the romance between Braun and Tarek is some of the sweetest, sappiest, wonderful-est things I have read, and that did help offset the brutal world that omegas live in.
I really want all the omegas to get equal rights - to be people, not just baby-makers, and that needs to start with Kell! Who I'm glad will be getting his own story very, very soon.
This book, although it does end with lots of questions and unfinished plots, gives a happy ending for Braun and Tarek - although I still wanted to read about them mating and having a baby, so I kinda hope that their story will continue in the next book? Lots of questions about Kell, his entire situation, so I CAN'T WAIT for the next book!
This book makes my heart break - the way omegas are treated in this world is especially brutal, some of the worst I think I have read in ABO romance, honestly. However, the romance between Braun and Tarek is some of the sweetest, sappiest, wonderful-est things I have read, and that did help offset the brutal world that omegas live in.
I really want all the omegas to get equal rights - to be people, not just baby-makers, and that needs to start with Kell! Who I'm glad will be getting his own story very, very soon.
This book, although it does end with lots of questions and unfinished plots, gives a happy ending for Braun and Tarek - although I still wanted to read about them mating and having a baby, so I kinda hope that their story will continue in the next book? Lots of questions about Kell, his entire situation, so I CAN'T WAIT for the next book!
September 17, 2017
3.5 stars
I liked this story, though not quite as much as I thought I would. For a story with such dark elements, it was surprisingly fluffy. I did like how hotheaded Braun was and I really loved Tarek.
I think that if it was fleshed out just a bit more, if it delved just a little deeper, this could be a five star read. It has great potential to be a stellar series and I'm looking forward to reading Kell's book.
I liked this story, though not quite as much as I thought I would. For a story with such dark elements, it was surprisingly fluffy. I did like how hotheaded Braun was and I really loved Tarek.
I think that if it was fleshed out just a bit more, if it delved just a little deeper, this could be a five star read. It has great potential to be a stellar series and I'm looking forward to reading Kell's book.
February 21, 2018
This was a good read. Braun Etting is an Omega who was raised by a cruel father who abused him. His older brother Kell mated a cruel alpha who abuses him daily, and Braun is terrified of that seemingly inevitable future. When Braun’s father dies in a car crash, leaving Braun an orphan, he’s sent to a halfway house for omegas. But on his fourth night there, he witnesses a horrifying crime that sends him fleeing to the streets alone and edging into his first heat. Tarek Bloom is an twenty-eight year-old unmated alpha. When he walks into his friend Dex house he meets Braun. Dex and his husband rescued Braun from the streets. Tarek feels the mating bond for Braun immediately and he’s pretty sure that he feels it. Braun hates alphas as a general rule, and no way is he giving in to the bond. This a good read this was my first time reading this author this book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 12, 2017
This is a non-shifter a/b/o set in an parallel universe sometime in the future. There are no females, and alphas and omegas are the breeders, while betas are sterile. Despite being set in the future, I felt like I stepped back in time because Omegas had no rights and were the property of their alpha. In this world, the US is a thing of the past, and cities are spread out and each seems to have its own government.
The MCs are Braun, whose alpha father unexpectedly dies, leaving him a ward of the state, and Tarek, his fated mate. Based on the title, you'd think Tarek is Braun's savor, but B actually first saves himself from a bad situation in the omega halfway house he's sent to; then when he's in a position to, he helps save the others living in the house.
At the beginning of the story, Braun is days away from going into his first heat and is terrified of alphas. His father treated him and his brother poorly, and his brother's mate is worse. Luckily, he runs into 2 betas who take care of him and set him up with Tarek. Tarek is wonderful, doing everything right to earn Brauns trust, from sponsoring his beta friends' guardianship of Braun, to waiting until Braun needs him, instead of forcing a mating when he does go into heat. He even does what he can to help free the other omegas and is supportive of Braun's efforts to get his brother away from his husband.
I really enjoyed this, from the omegaverse Ms Arthur created, to the characters, the MCs and supporting cast as well. I liked seeing their romance bloom, even if it was escalated a bit by Braun's heat, and the few sex scenes were hot!
Recommended
ARC provided by author
The MCs are Braun, whose alpha father unexpectedly dies, leaving him a ward of the state, and Tarek, his fated mate. Based on the title, you'd think Tarek is Braun's savor, but B actually first saves himself from a bad situation in the omega halfway house he's sent to; then when he's in a position to, he helps save the others living in the house.
At the beginning of the story, Braun is days away from going into his first heat and is terrified of alphas. His father treated him and his brother poorly, and his brother's mate is worse. Luckily, he runs into 2 betas who take care of him and set him up with Tarek. Tarek is wonderful, doing everything right to earn Brauns trust, from sponsoring his beta friends' guardianship of Braun, to waiting until Braun needs him, instead of forcing a mating when he does go into heat. He even does what he can to help free the other omegas and is supportive of Braun's efforts to get his brother away from his husband.
I really enjoyed this, from the omegaverse Ms Arthur created, to the characters, the MCs and supporting cast as well. I liked seeing their romance bloom, even if it was escalated a bit by Braun's heat, and the few sex scenes were hot!
Recommended
ARC provided by author
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2017
I'm a little bummed I didn't enjoy this more. Something was just missing for me. Not enough to make it bad but just off. I mostly liked the characters, they were fine. I did feel for them. But the writing felt a little....shallow. There's a lot of serious difficult subjects but it didn't delve into it deep enough for me. There were a couple of political references that made me laugh/cringe. Braun kind of annoyed me towards the end. The groveling he made Tarek do was a little much. Tarek had his own issues. I am interested in reading Kell's book. He went through hell and I need to see him get an HEA.
September 30, 2017
4.0 Stars
Another book I needed to finish, and I'm glad I finally did because it, too, was one I needed reminding of - that there are decent people out there working for the collective good of those oppressed, discriminated against and abused...simply because it's the right thing to do. Even if this is fiction set in an alternate universe/future timeline.
(A little miffed that we didn't get the mate-knot-claiming scene as it ended before Braun's heat kicked in; considering it would be the first one after deciding they were mates, and that they would make their union a permanent one, I thought it would be done up all nice and hot for us. *sadface*)
Another book I needed to finish, and I'm glad I finally did because it, too, was one I needed reminding of - that there are decent people out there working for the collective good of those oppressed, discriminated against and abused...simply because it's the right thing to do. Even if this is fiction set in an alternate universe/future timeline.
(A little miffed that we didn't get the mate-knot-claiming scene as it ended before Braun's heat kicked in; considering it would be the first one after deciding they were mates, and that they would make their union a permanent one, I thought it would be done up all nice and hot for us. *sadface*)
dnf
September 8, 2022Dnf @ 60%. I think the writing just wasn't doing it for me and I didn't care enough to finish.
September 13, 2017
The blurb for this fired my imagination from the start. In a world where omegas are second-class citizens with few civil rights and almost no protections under the law. Bring it on I thought. I'm ready.
Ready to explore issues of omega rights and the challenging experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuses inflicted. The setting provides an opportunity to consider harsh and difficult issues that actually impact our current real life experiences through the lens of life lived in an Omegaverse.
I was further encouraged by the thoughtful introduction by the author in which she explained, 'Parts of this book also came out of my own frustration with what’s happening in the USA in the first half of 2017, and the growing disregard for the rights of women, minorities and LGBTQIA + folks. So I channeled those frustrations into two wonderful love stories...'
The alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, and mpreg add extra spice, and since this is a non-shifter society the world building is intriguing. There are no females whatsoever which is an interesting take, and therefore males can do everything.
The alphas make the major decisions, the betas live within the system and the omegas are almost like chattel and seen mostly as a means for reproduction. Exchanges, asides and everyday interaction between alphas, betas and omegas is interesting and helps to create the setting.
The secondary characters of Serge and Dex (both betas) are charming and provide most of the highlights in the book for me.
Unfortunately, I find it incredibly difficult to warm very much to either of the leading protagonists. Braun Etting, an omega experiencing social injustice as an adult treated often as a child and sometimes like an object; and his love interest Tarek Bloom (a progressive alpha who supports omega rights and yet in his role as a constable may contribute to the general infringement of omega experience).
The strange thing is, several exciting events happen in the book which should have kept me on the edge of my seat but actually I wasn't terribly invested in any of it. I think if I hadn't been committed to finishing the book for review purposes, I would most likely have quit just over halfway (and missed the slightly more interesting final third).
I have been trying to work out why this story doesn't work for me (and that's before I even get to one of my pet peeves, the cliff hanger ending).
I think there are a number of reasons why much as I wanted to I didn't particularly enjoy this book and found it difficult to pick it up again each time I set it down.
1. The storyline has the potential to be very good so my expectations were raised and the actual reading experience is for me disappointing by contrast.
2. The writing style has a lot of telling, not showing, so I feel adrift from the characters and not fully engaged.
3. The protagonists themselves are not endearing. I find Braun to be rude and somewhat obnoxious, not bratty in a charming way. As for Tarek, quite frankly, he is like a wet weekend, with stilted dialogue that often lapses into cheesy hyperbole especially when he's around Braun.
4. Their 'adventures' reminded me of Enid Blyton (I wouldn't have been the least surprised if Braun had 'packed sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer'). It feels like a childish take on adult themes.
I suppose I was hoping for something fairly dark and insightful and I didn't feel that the story lived up to its promise.
I know that my preference is for darker tales and so perhaps this will appeal to those who like a slightly less gritty read. I didn't much care for 'Saved' it felt more like a depiction of a 1950s soap opera. Perhaps this is the vibe the author was going for (where everything is brushed over fairly lightly) but it is a little too bland for my tastes.
I find the characters rather wimpy truth be told. Alpha and omega alike. In the case of Braun and Tarek it makes it difficult to understand their attraction to each other; or why indeed their friends Serge and Dex would bother with either of them.
There are trigger warnings in the blurb. I think it would have been kinder to warn that this is not a standalone novel and that it ends on a pretty significant cliff hanger without resolution.
I have not yet decided whether to read the next instalment, I would quite like to know what happens next, but I am not sure I would enjoy the effort. I think I may quit whilst I am ahead.
** My thanks to the author and to IndiGo Marketing & Design who provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. **
Ready to explore issues of omega rights and the challenging experiences of physical, emotional, and sexual abuses inflicted. The setting provides an opportunity to consider harsh and difficult issues that actually impact our current real life experiences through the lens of life lived in an Omegaverse.
I was further encouraged by the thoughtful introduction by the author in which she explained, 'Parts of this book also came out of my own frustration with what’s happening in the USA in the first half of 2017, and the growing disregard for the rights of women, minorities and LGBTQIA + folks. So I channeled those frustrations into two wonderful love stories...'
The alpha/omega/beta dynamics, heats, knotting, and mpreg add extra spice, and since this is a non-shifter society the world building is intriguing. There are no females whatsoever which is an interesting take, and therefore males can do everything.
The alphas make the major decisions, the betas live within the system and the omegas are almost like chattel and seen mostly as a means for reproduction. Exchanges, asides and everyday interaction between alphas, betas and omegas is interesting and helps to create the setting.
The secondary characters of Serge and Dex (both betas) are charming and provide most of the highlights in the book for me.
Unfortunately, I find it incredibly difficult to warm very much to either of the leading protagonists. Braun Etting, an omega experiencing social injustice as an adult treated often as a child and sometimes like an object; and his love interest Tarek Bloom (a progressive alpha who supports omega rights and yet in his role as a constable may contribute to the general infringement of omega experience).
The strange thing is, several exciting events happen in the book which should have kept me on the edge of my seat but actually I wasn't terribly invested in any of it. I think if I hadn't been committed to finishing the book for review purposes, I would most likely have quit just over halfway (and missed the slightly more interesting final third).
I have been trying to work out why this story doesn't work for me (and that's before I even get to one of my pet peeves, the cliff hanger ending).
I think there are a number of reasons why much as I wanted to I didn't particularly enjoy this book and found it difficult to pick it up again each time I set it down.
1. The storyline has the potential to be very good so my expectations were raised and the actual reading experience is for me disappointing by contrast.
2. The writing style has a lot of telling, not showing, so I feel adrift from the characters and not fully engaged.
3. The protagonists themselves are not endearing. I find Braun to be rude and somewhat obnoxious, not bratty in a charming way. As for Tarek, quite frankly, he is like a wet weekend, with stilted dialogue that often lapses into cheesy hyperbole especially when he's around Braun.
4. Their 'adventures' reminded me of Enid Blyton (I wouldn't have been the least surprised if Braun had 'packed sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer'). It feels like a childish take on adult themes.
I suppose I was hoping for something fairly dark and insightful and I didn't feel that the story lived up to its promise.
I know that my preference is for darker tales and so perhaps this will appeal to those who like a slightly less gritty read. I didn't much care for 'Saved' it felt more like a depiction of a 1950s soap opera. Perhaps this is the vibe the author was going for (where everything is brushed over fairly lightly) but it is a little too bland for my tastes.
I find the characters rather wimpy truth be told. Alpha and omega alike. In the case of Braun and Tarek it makes it difficult to understand their attraction to each other; or why indeed their friends Serge and Dex would bother with either of them.
There are trigger warnings in the blurb. I think it would have been kinder to warn that this is not a standalone novel and that it ends on a pretty significant cliff hanger without resolution.
I have not yet decided whether to read the next instalment, I would quite like to know what happens next, but I am not sure I would enjoy the effort. I think I may quit whilst I am ahead.
** My thanks to the author and to IndiGo Marketing & Design who provided a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. **
0-mm-mpreg-must-stop-i-loathe-it
September 27, 2017Hard pass! Hard HARD pass!! Because FUCKING HELL this is MPreg. What on earth is with the fascination with male pregnancy?!? I dislike reading about FEMALE pregnancy and I am NOT the biggest fan of kids in books, so why on earth would I want to imagine babies coming out of MENS' BUTT HOLES?!!? That's right, I DON'T!!!! NOT everything needs to be a THING!! Severe dislike. SEVERE!!
September 10, 2017
Saved is my first venture into an omegaverse story where mpreg wasn’t the result of the paranormal. I’ve always been a fan of alpha/beta/omega dynamics, but primarily in a paranormal setting so this story was new territory for me. Regardless if this is your first time reading this type of story or not, one thing you’ll want to be aware of from the start—this is the first book in a series, and there is not full resolution at the end of the story. BUT…the author does an excellent job of drawing you in so you become invested in the characters and once done with Saved, you will want to stick around to find out where everything goes from here.
While the oppression and second-class citizen treatment (and worse) of omegas in this society was not just frustrating but actually abhorrent to me as a reader, to see Braun’s spark and dedication to helping was heartening and inspirational. Even though he’s had a difficult life growing up, and then falls into a potentially worse predicament once he father dies, he continues to persevere and fight for himself. It’s understandable that when Tarek comes along that Braun is distrustful and more than a bit hesitant around him.
Tarek is everything that you would want a true alpha to be—supportive, kind, respectful, and on the side of omega rights. The way he treats Braun with reverence and kindness, letting Braun set the pace and following Braun’s cues definitely earned Tarek a spot on my favorite alphas list.
Even though a good portion of the first half of the story bring attention to Braun’s first heat—something that could turn the story heavily into very sexual territory—it actually doesn’t take the focus off the overall relationship development between him and Tarek, which was actually quite sweet at times.
There’s plenty of drama, between Braun’s experience at the halfway house and shortly thereafter, the ongoing situation between his brother Kell (also an omega) and Kell’s alpha Krause (don’t even get me started on this disgusting ass), the other omega’s from the halfway house Braun had stayed in…lots to keep the tension high and for me, keep me riveted to the pages. I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here, and to get Kell’s story coming next.
Saved gets 5 stars from me for the fantastic storytelling and incredible characters. I know the mpreg aspect is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I thought that Saved was more focused on the characters and their situations, and how they get through everything together. This book is definitely still only for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and some scenes of abuse. Now I really need more Braun and Tarek, and to see Kell get some happiness directed his way!
While the oppression and second-class citizen treatment (and worse) of omegas in this society was not just frustrating but actually abhorrent to me as a reader, to see Braun’s spark and dedication to helping was heartening and inspirational. Even though he’s had a difficult life growing up, and then falls into a potentially worse predicament once he father dies, he continues to persevere and fight for himself. It’s understandable that when Tarek comes along that Braun is distrustful and more than a bit hesitant around him.
Tarek is everything that you would want a true alpha to be—supportive, kind, respectful, and on the side of omega rights. The way he treats Braun with reverence and kindness, letting Braun set the pace and following Braun’s cues definitely earned Tarek a spot on my favorite alphas list.
Even though a good portion of the first half of the story bring attention to Braun’s first heat—something that could turn the story heavily into very sexual territory—it actually doesn’t take the focus off the overall relationship development between him and Tarek, which was actually quite sweet at times.
There’s plenty of drama, between Braun’s experience at the halfway house and shortly thereafter, the ongoing situation between his brother Kell (also an omega) and Kell’s alpha Krause (don’t even get me started on this disgusting ass), the other omega’s from the halfway house Braun had stayed in…lots to keep the tension high and for me, keep me riveted to the pages. I can’t wait to see where this series goes from here, and to get Kell’s story coming next.
Saved gets 5 stars from me for the fantastic storytelling and incredible characters. I know the mpreg aspect is not everyone’s cup of tea, but I thought that Saved was more focused on the characters and their situations, and how they get through everything together. This book is definitely still only for readers 18+ for adult language, sexual content, and some scenes of abuse. Now I really need more Braun and Tarek, and to see Kell get some happiness directed his way!
December 15, 2018
Braun was such a pain in the ass and Tarek was such a piece of milk toast that this was a pretty obnoxious read.
September 5, 2017
I got a free copy of this book through IndiGo Marketing & Design for providing an honest review.
4.5 very impressed stars
This was quite unexpected from author A.M. Arthur but I really enjoyed it. One interesting thing, which I've never read in a book before, is that there are no women. Plain and simple, women do not exist in this universe. The people are made up of 3 male genders: Alpha, Beta and Omega. The Betas are sterile so the only fertile couplings are between Alphas and Omegas. The Omegas carry the babies and are completely oppressed and overlooked. They have no rights, cannot live independently and must go from their father's home directly to an Alpha that pretty much owns them.
Braun is sick of being mistreated and is kind of happy when his father dies. Unfortunately, this means that he gets sent to an Omega orphanage where potential Alpha mates can come sniff at him. You see, these people are not shifters but they do possess some wolf traits, like smell, going into heat and yes...knotting!!!
Thankfully Braun escapes and runs into a kind Beta couple that take care of him. When he first meets their friend Alpha Tarek, he freaks out. But a trust slowly develops between these two and, oh my, the passion!!!!
The situation with Kell is still up in the air and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
4.5 very impressed stars
This was quite unexpected from author A.M. Arthur but I really enjoyed it. One interesting thing, which I've never read in a book before, is that there are no women. Plain and simple, women do not exist in this universe. The people are made up of 3 male genders: Alpha, Beta and Omega. The Betas are sterile so the only fertile couplings are between Alphas and Omegas. The Omegas carry the babies and are completely oppressed and overlooked. They have no rights, cannot live independently and must go from their father's home directly to an Alpha that pretty much owns them.
Braun is sick of being mistreated and is kind of happy when his father dies. Unfortunately, this means that he gets sent to an Omega orphanage where potential Alpha mates can come sniff at him. You see, these people are not shifters but they do possess some wolf traits, like smell, going into heat and yes...knotting!!!
Thankfully Braun escapes and runs into a kind Beta couple that take care of him. When he first meets their friend Alpha Tarek, he freaks out. But a trust slowly develops between these two and, oh my, the passion!!!!
The situation with Kell is still up in the air and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
April 13, 2020
I really thought I’d like this, but the characters came across so plain and underdeveloped, I really couldn’t take the story seriously.
probably-not-but-freebie
November 11, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Saved-Omegav...
September 29, 2017
I love Omegaverse stories. Having discovered them quite by chance last year with the "The Country Omega" by Penelope Peters, I am always keen to read new authors in the genre because each approach their world-building differently - hierarchy, function/role, society expectations and even some being just all male - it's exciting to read a variation to a theme. So, having also read Leta Blake's "Slow Heat" (which is referenced in the opening of this book) I was eager to read this - the blurb was good.
The story started out quite stark - an all male universe, Alpha's dominant in power, often abusing and taking advantage of their position, many cruelly taking the upper-hand to their spouses and children. The Omegas are treated "as wombs" with no rights, often "sold" to an Alpha just for breeding. Betas do not have the ability to have children, so are primarily left alone to live and work as they choose. The law and political background is obviously Alpha dominated and extremely supremacist.
Braun is an omega. A late bloomer, not having had his first heat yet and already in his early 20's. His older brother, Kell, also an omega had been married off to a wealthy Alpha who terrorises and abuses him under "domestic discipline". Braun's father dies in a car accident (and frankly, good riddance) has raised his two sons to know they were burdens and "useless omegas". At this point, I questioned reading on - the doom and gloom of these first few chapters were depressing and the overwhelming problem of Braun hitting his first heat with no Alpha around made me shudder to think what would happen to him after the alley incident....
Enter Tarek. An Alpha constable (police) and all round good-guy, keen to show he is different to the other Alpha's, progressive, more caring and understanding and wants omega's to be treated equally. When Braun and Tarek come into contact, it starts off with over the top gallant and sweet gestures, but when the "heat" hits, their mating was sorted toots sweet - I'm not saying Braun was "easy"....but.....
I then struggled through the whole of second half of the book - I am not sure what happened to Barun and Tarek, they had some minor problems to overcome (I would say mainly Braun being a brat and Tarek over use of flowery language *eyerolls*) their romance sort of got lost in the noise. The story veered off into saving kidnapped omega's and rescuing Barun's brother Kell from his awful, awful husband. The writing didn't flow as easily in the second half and it felt like "everything" was being thrown in the pot for added drama!
The book ends on a cliffhanger - Braun and Tarek are in a kind of HFN situation but Kell, not so much and there we hang....
Overall this book had potential, but I think it was trying to do "too much all at once" and I don't think enough time was given over to the world-building and the A/B/O's - surely not all Alpha's were egotistical twats? There were many dark points in the book (I'm still reeling over Kell's baby!!), but this didn't seem to be balanced out with anything hopeful, it just seemed a desperately dark and unwelcoming world to be a part of. I read for entertainment and this just left me sad and unhappy.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
The story started out quite stark - an all male universe, Alpha's dominant in power, often abusing and taking advantage of their position, many cruelly taking the upper-hand to their spouses and children. The Omegas are treated "as wombs" with no rights, often "sold" to an Alpha just for breeding. Betas do not have the ability to have children, so are primarily left alone to live and work as they choose. The law and political background is obviously Alpha dominated and extremely supremacist.
Braun is an omega. A late bloomer, not having had his first heat yet and already in his early 20's. His older brother, Kell, also an omega had been married off to a wealthy Alpha who terrorises and abuses him under "domestic discipline". Braun's father dies in a car accident (and frankly, good riddance) has raised his two sons to know they were burdens and "useless omegas". At this point, I questioned reading on - the doom and gloom of these first few chapters were depressing and the overwhelming problem of Braun hitting his first heat with no Alpha around made me shudder to think what would happen to him after the alley incident....
Enter Tarek. An Alpha constable (police) and all round good-guy, keen to show he is different to the other Alpha's, progressive, more caring and understanding and wants omega's to be treated equally. When Braun and Tarek come into contact, it starts off with over the top gallant and sweet gestures, but when the "heat" hits, their mating was sorted toots sweet - I'm not saying Braun was "easy"....but.....
I then struggled through the whole of second half of the book - I am not sure what happened to Barun and Tarek, they had some minor problems to overcome (I would say mainly Braun being a brat and Tarek over use of flowery language *eyerolls*) their romance sort of got lost in the noise. The story veered off into saving kidnapped omega's and rescuing Barun's brother Kell from his awful, awful husband. The writing didn't flow as easily in the second half and it felt like "everything" was being thrown in the pot for added drama!
The book ends on a cliffhanger - Braun and Tarek are in a kind of HFN situation but Kell, not so much and there we hang....
Overall this book had potential, but I think it was trying to do "too much all at once" and I don't think enough time was given over to the world-building and the A/B/O's - surely not all Alpha's were egotistical twats? There were many dark points in the book (I'm still reeling over Kell's baby!!), but this didn't seem to be balanced out with anything hopeful, it just seemed a desperately dark and unwelcoming world to be a part of. I read for entertainment and this just left me sad and unhappy.
ARC received from author via Indigo Marketing And Design in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2018
The worldbuilding is fabulous and downright horrifying, to be honest. As a white, cisgender female I have never had to deal with much discrimination or hatred toward me for something, i.e. my gender and the color of my skin, that I couldn’t control. In the ‘Breaking Free’ world omegas are less than second-class citizens. They are the lowest of the low with the alphas being at the very top. Omegas can have their first heat anytime after they reach age sixteen and the older they are for their first heat, the less desirable they are found. In medical situations alphas are always treated first with the best care while omegas have to wait. Omegas aren’t allowed to drive unless they are mated and their alpha gives their permission. Unmated omegas can’t live on their own and if they have no one they are placed into halfway houses until they find their mate. Unfortunately, a lot of these omega houses are run by dishonest people and the omegas continue to be abused. The more I read the more horrified I became at Braun’s situation.
“It’s going to take more than simply changing the minds of sexist alphaholes to elicit real change. We need to get everyone to see omegas as real people, and not just available wombs.”
I liked Tarek right from the start. He is a progressive alpha as his alpha father and omegin raised him to be. He is disgusted by the Omega Classifieds and believes omegas are human beings and not just chattel. Too bad there aren’t enough progressives in government to do something about changing the laws. (Sounds familiar to real-life, eh?) It was wonderful to see that Braun’s father hadn’t completely managed to destroy Braun’s backbone - he certainly gave Tarek a piece of his mind which Tarek thoroughly enjoyed. Both men can feel the mating bond wanting to form but Braun is scared and Tarek wants Braun to feel safe and loved.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
“It’s going to take more than simply changing the minds of sexist alphaholes to elicit real change. We need to get everyone to see omegas as real people, and not just available wombs.”
I liked Tarek right from the start. He is a progressive alpha as his alpha father and omegin raised him to be. He is disgusted by the Omega Classifieds and believes omegas are human beings and not just chattel. Too bad there aren’t enough progressives in government to do something about changing the laws. (Sounds familiar to real-life, eh?) It was wonderful to see that Braun’s father hadn’t completely managed to destroy Braun’s backbone - he certainly gave Tarek a piece of his mind which Tarek thoroughly enjoyed. Both men can feel the mating bond wanting to form but Braun is scared and Tarek wants Braun to feel safe and loved.
Please find my full review at Rainbow Book Reviews
September 14, 2017
Interesting premise.. I'm not familiar with mpreg stories, I think this is only my second book but I did enjoy the world building in this book. It was a depressing read at times but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
April 27, 2022
2.5 Stars
This started off well but the story was too long-winded/flowery and more focused on side characters than Tarek and Braun themselves.
Braun is understandably traumatized and untrusting of alphas, so it takes him a while to warm up to Tarek and trust that he won't hurt him. However, when Tarek does something dumb Braun holds it over his head and acts like it was the greatest sin ever - which was unnecessary and ridiculous. There wasn't nearly enough focus on the couple and the ending was rather abrupt and a bit of a cliffhanger. I was also annoyed that we never got to see them .
Overall, a decent read but I don't know if I'll continue the series.
This started off well but the story was too long-winded/flowery and more focused on side characters than Tarek and Braun themselves.
Braun is understandably traumatized and untrusting of alphas, so it takes him a while to warm up to Tarek and trust that he won't hurt him. However, when Tarek does something dumb Braun holds it over his head and acts like it was the greatest sin ever - which was unnecessary and ridiculous. There wasn't nearly enough focus on the couple and the ending was rather abrupt and a bit of a cliffhanger. I was also annoyed that we never got to see them .
Overall, a decent read but I don't know if I'll continue the series.
May 15, 2018
Enjoyed this story. I liked both MCs and that there was other storylines going on other than just their relationship. It kept the story interesting and me excited for more from this series.
I really like mpreg and omegaverse, and it is definitely intriguing in a world such as this one where the omegas have truly no rights. The author did a good job of world building and getting me invested in the plot and rights of the characters.
Braun and Tarek were sweet together and I am ready to get to Kells story.
I really like mpreg and omegaverse, and it is definitely intriguing in a world such as this one where the omegas have truly no rights. The author did a good job of world building and getting me invested in the plot and rights of the characters.
Braun and Tarek were sweet together and I am ready to get to Kells story.
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