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Wolves in the World #1
Omega Required
An alpha werewolf chasing his dream meets an omega fighting for his life in a strictly temporary marriage of convenience...
Alpha werewolf Beau Jeffries has been going it alone ever since he was cast out of his pack as a teenager for trying to help a human and endangering the pack’s secrets during the tumultuous years when the wider world was learning the truth about werewolves. He hasn’t lost his drive to help others, and he’s about to begin a prestigious medical residency--only to learn that, as the first werewolf the program has knowingly accepted, he’ll have to follow special rules, including the one that requires him to be married when he begins his residency.
Omega werewolf Roland Lea is just trying to survive. After escaping the last and worst in a string of abusive relationships that left him scarred and unable to conceive, he’s found safety in a refuge for homeless omegas. But despite the help he’s getting at the refuge, he just keeps getting sicker instead of better, further and further from being able to make it on his own. When he’s offered the opportunity to sign up with a mate-matching agency, he figures he has nothing to lose. No alpha is ever going to want an omega like him.
When Beau sees Roland's profile, he knows at once what's making the omega sick, and he's determined to help. If he can persuade Roland to marry him, he can save Roland's life while Roland helps him get through his residency. But will their hasty partnership be enough to bring them both through what's ahead--and can temporary necessity lead to real love?
Alpha werewolf Beau Jeffries has been going it alone ever since he was cast out of his pack as a teenager for trying to help a human and endangering the pack’s secrets during the tumultuous years when the wider world was learning the truth about werewolves. He hasn’t lost his drive to help others, and he’s about to begin a prestigious medical residency--only to learn that, as the first werewolf the program has knowingly accepted, he’ll have to follow special rules, including the one that requires him to be married when he begins his residency.
Omega werewolf Roland Lea is just trying to survive. After escaping the last and worst in a string of abusive relationships that left him scarred and unable to conceive, he’s found safety in a refuge for homeless omegas. But despite the help he’s getting at the refuge, he just keeps getting sicker instead of better, further and further from being able to make it on his own. When he’s offered the opportunity to sign up with a mate-matching agency, he figures he has nothing to lose. No alpha is ever going to want an omega like him.
When Beau sees Roland's profile, he knows at once what's making the omega sick, and he's determined to help. If he can persuade Roland to marry him, he can save Roland's life while Roland helps him get through his residency. But will their hasty partnership be enough to bring them both through what's ahead--and can temporary necessity lead to real love?
Unknown Binding
First published April 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
August 29, 2018
DNF @70%. I’m done. This book isn’t the most terrible thing ever, but it has nothing holding me to it at this point.
This is the first A/B/O-mpreg-omegaverse novel I’ve read (or, mostly read). I’m rather fascinated by the concept and I’ll definitely try others. The first 30% or so, I was pretty into it and curious about what was going to happen, but since then it has been beyond sloooooow. Even with the extra sexual elements that should make variety a given, it’s already gotten repetitive there, too.
But the worst of it is that the characters are flat and saintly, without a selfish bone in their bodies. I can’t anymore with them treating each other like eggshells and not communicating. Since I don’t really care what happens with them, I’m moving on.
This is the first A/B/O-mpreg-omegaverse novel I’ve read (or, mostly read). I’m rather fascinated by the concept and I’ll definitely try others. The first 30% or so, I was pretty into it and curious about what was going to happen, but since then it has been beyond sloooooow. Even with the extra sexual elements that should make variety a given, it’s already gotten repetitive there, too.
But the worst of it is that the characters are flat and saintly, without a selfish bone in their bodies. I can’t anymore with them treating each other like eggshells and not communicating. Since I don’t really care what happens with them, I’m moving on.
April 1, 2018
3.5 stars
There were a lot of elements I liked about this story. But mostly, the overabundance of hurt/comfort I found in this. I do have to say the book felt too long and some intriguing plot points were never resolved, so that left me a bit disappointed at the end.
Beau is a young alpha who has just finished medical school. He is fully prepared to start his residency at the prestigious Rochester Clinic, when he learns he will only get accepted if he has either pack ties, or a mate. Since Beau never wants to be in a pack again after his own pack kicked him out, his only option is a mate.
Rory is a traumatized omega living in an omega refuge. He has finally broken free from his last abusive alpha and is not looking for an alpha ever again. But then he gets asked if he wants to consider a marriage proposal from a young alpha. Rory will get taken care of, he will get paid and he can leave the marriage at any time, but hopefully after 3 years so that the alpha in question can finish his residency.
Rory isn’t sure what to think of Beau. He seems too good to be true. But he also knows he cannot live at the refuge forever, so this might seem like a decent opportunity to be earn some money to stand on his own two feet after 3 years.
But once these two are married it is clear the marriage doesn’t feel fake to either of them. But Beau doesn’t want Rory to feel obligated to stay, and Rory is sure Beau doesn’t want him for a forever kind of marriage…
I loved the hurt/comfort parts in this. Rory is so hurt and shy, and Beau was this super patient alpha who just wanted to take care of Rory and to make him feel cared for.
I do have to admit that around the 50% mark I was getting just a bit bored since this book is so long. It takes them quite a while to be truly honest with each other about their feelings. Not that they were hiding everything, because both realized there must be feelings on both sides since they did act like a true mated couple. But the true I loved yous only happened near the end.
There were two things I really didn’t like and one was how Beau let himself be manipulated by the father of a young patient of his. And the other thing was how the medical problem with that patient was never resolved. I was so curious to find out what was wrong with the little girl, but we never learned that. Total bummer.
Other than that it was an enjoyable hurt/comfort alpha/omega mpreg story (no mpreg in this one, just the possibility) that might have been a tad too long, but still overall enjoyable. I do recommend this only for the die-hard shifter mpreg hurt/comfort fans, who like the hurt omegas and the super sweet alphas who take care of them.
------------------------------
An ARC of Omega Required was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
There were a lot of elements I liked about this story. But mostly, the overabundance of hurt/comfort I found in this. I do have to say the book felt too long and some intriguing plot points were never resolved, so that left me a bit disappointed at the end.
Beau is a young alpha who has just finished medical school. He is fully prepared to start his residency at the prestigious Rochester Clinic, when he learns he will only get accepted if he has either pack ties, or a mate. Since Beau never wants to be in a pack again after his own pack kicked him out, his only option is a mate.
Rory is a traumatized omega living in an omega refuge. He has finally broken free from his last abusive alpha and is not looking for an alpha ever again. But then he gets asked if he wants to consider a marriage proposal from a young alpha. Rory will get taken care of, he will get paid and he can leave the marriage at any time, but hopefully after 3 years so that the alpha in question can finish his residency.
Rory isn’t sure what to think of Beau. He seems too good to be true. But he also knows he cannot live at the refuge forever, so this might seem like a decent opportunity to be earn some money to stand on his own two feet after 3 years.
But once these two are married it is clear the marriage doesn’t feel fake to either of them. But Beau doesn’t want Rory to feel obligated to stay, and Rory is sure Beau doesn’t want him for a forever kind of marriage…
I loved the hurt/comfort parts in this. Rory is so hurt and shy, and Beau was this super patient alpha who just wanted to take care of Rory and to make him feel cared for.
I do have to admit that around the 50% mark I was getting just a bit bored since this book is so long. It takes them quite a while to be truly honest with each other about their feelings. Not that they were hiding everything, because both realized there must be feelings on both sides since they did act like a true mated couple. But the true I loved yous only happened near the end.
There were two things I really didn’t like and one was how Beau let himself be manipulated by the father of a young patient of his. And the other thing was how the medical problem with that patient was never resolved. I was so curious to find out what was wrong with the little girl, but we never learned that. Total bummer.
Other than that it was an enjoyable hurt/comfort alpha/omega mpreg story (no mpreg in this one, just the possibility) that might have been a tad too long, but still overall enjoyable. I do recommend this only for the die-hard shifter mpreg hurt/comfort fans, who like the hurt omegas and the super sweet alphas who take care of them.
------------------------------
An ARC of Omega Required was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 29, 2018
I don't normally go for mPreg romances, just not to my taste. This one, fortunately has no actual pregnancy, although it is a plot point. Honestly I don't go for the whole secret baby, accidental pregnancy, etc romances tropes in general, gay or not.
However, this one got a stellar review in one of the blogs I follow, so I thought I would give it a try. I do like shifter stuff.
This is remarkably sweet and touching. A very gentle romance of two outcasts with tragic pasts finding and healing each other. My absolutely favorite part happens about 2/3 of the way through and has to do with stitching charms into clothing. Such an adorable idea. It reminded me of my youth (Mum stitched my name into most of my jackets because I was awfully forgetful) and also living in Peru. In Cusco we would take our clothing to a laundry service and they threaded colored yarn markers into everything. Anyway, this book offered a lovely family oriented twist on this simple premence. The ending was slightly abrupt, but otherwise nicely done.
A surprisingly charming and warm book, that will likely turn into a comfort re-read for me. Bit of a tear jerker, but in the best possible way. Sex scenes are San Andreas Shifter level graphic.
However, this one got a stellar review in one of the blogs I follow, so I thought I would give it a try. I do like shifter stuff.
This is remarkably sweet and touching. A very gentle romance of two outcasts with tragic pasts finding and healing each other. My absolutely favorite part happens about 2/3 of the way through and has to do with stitching charms into clothing. Such an adorable idea. It reminded me of my youth (Mum stitched my name into most of my jackets because I was awfully forgetful) and also living in Peru. In Cusco we would take our clothing to a laundry service and they threaded colored yarn markers into everything. Anyway, this book offered a lovely family oriented twist on this simple premence. The ending was slightly abrupt, but otherwise nicely done.
A surprisingly charming and warm book, that will likely turn into a comfort re-read for me. Bit of a tear jerker, but in the best possible way. Sex scenes are San Andreas Shifter level graphic.
probably-not-but-freebie
December 13, 2018Freebie at the zon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Omega-Requir...
March 31, 2018
4 stars that would really be 5 for anyone who likes their Romance with a capital R
I love Dessa's work and have so far followed her down any path she wanted to take. I really enjoyed the Protection of the Pack series but compared to this new series (hopefully) it's clear that it was more focused on the explicit aspects of the a/b/o world. This time around the worldbuilding is still excellent but the focus is a little more broad and I really loved the world that she developed and can't wait to learn more about it!
Omega Required is the kind of a/b/o I prefer for a good long read. Alpha's are entirely able to control their urges to mate and Omega's are not viewed as in any way inferior to the other wolves. The fact that Roland still ended up being awfully abused by a succession of assholes is clearly down to them being assholes and not because he was too weak or their nature.
The hurt/comfort aspect is writ large all over this book. Beau, as a doctor, is already in the perfect position to help and care for Roland and the fact that he is an incredibly kind and thoughtful person only helps. That these two will fall in love over the course of their arranged 'temporary' mating is a given for anyone who has ever read a book in this genre.
The other given is that there has to be some obstacle to overcome before these two can have their well deserved HEA. And that's where Dessa Lux proves that she has been around this block a few times. Without spoiling anything I can tell you that there are no stupid misunderstandings, no entirely and obviously avoidable failures of communication or other tired cliches to threaten this relationship.
It's all really well done and dare I say realistic :) The same goes for the entire progression of the relationship really. No insta-love, no magicial healing cock. Roland is fucked up by the things he experienced and he is not magically ok again by his HEA.
For anyone worried about the specifics of his previous experiences: Do not worry. Anything he experienced is only alluded to in such a way you understand that it was awful but never spelled out in any way. There are no flashbacks. This is very much a story about what happened after he got himself out of the situation he was in and never about what his life was like before.
I guess this is where that 1 star went for me when reading this. As a lover of dark!fic I am definitely the kind of reader who would have jumped to read exactly that story! But Dessa Lux is so good at this that I loved this quiet tale of two loners learning to open their hearts to each other.
I have some idea of who the next books could be about and I am really, really excited about that because I have some spoilery theories that I want to have confirmed.
If you're in the mood for a good a/b/o Romance with the promise of MPreg but not actual MPreg (yet) this is for you!
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love Dessa's work and have so far followed her down any path she wanted to take. I really enjoyed the Protection of the Pack series but compared to this new series (hopefully) it's clear that it was more focused on the explicit aspects of the a/b/o world. This time around the worldbuilding is still excellent but the focus is a little more broad and I really loved the world that she developed and can't wait to learn more about it!
Omega Required is the kind of a/b/o I prefer for a good long read. Alpha's are entirely able to control their urges to mate and Omega's are not viewed as in any way inferior to the other wolves. The fact that Roland still ended up being awfully abused by a succession of assholes is clearly down to them being assholes and not because he was too weak or their nature.
The hurt/comfort aspect is writ large all over this book. Beau, as a doctor, is already in the perfect position to help and care for Roland and the fact that he is an incredibly kind and thoughtful person only helps. That these two will fall in love over the course of their arranged 'temporary' mating is a given for anyone who has ever read a book in this genre.
The other given is that there has to be some obstacle to overcome before these two can have their well deserved HEA. And that's where Dessa Lux proves that she has been around this block a few times. Without spoiling anything I can tell you that there are no stupid misunderstandings, no entirely and obviously avoidable failures of communication or other tired cliches to threaten this relationship.
It's all really well done and dare I say realistic :) The same goes for the entire progression of the relationship really. No insta-love, no magicial healing cock. Roland is fucked up by the things he experienced and he is not magically ok again by his HEA.
For anyone worried about the specifics of his previous experiences: Do not worry. Anything he experienced is only alluded to in such a way you understand that it was awful but never spelled out in any way. There are no flashbacks. This is very much a story about what happened after he got himself out of the situation he was in and never about what his life was like before.
I guess this is where that 1 star went for me when reading this. As a lover of dark!fic I am definitely the kind of reader who would have jumped to read exactly that story! But Dessa Lux is so good at this that I loved this quiet tale of two loners learning to open their hearts to each other.
I have some idea of who the next books could be about and I am really, really excited about that because I have some spoilery theories that I want to have confirmed.
If you're in the mood for a good a/b/o Romance with the promise of MPreg but not actual MPreg (yet) this is for you!
I was provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
I’m going to start this review by saying Omega Required is one of the best Alpha/omega/shifter stories I’ve ever read. This is one of my favorite genres, and when I read the blurb, I knew it would be right up my alley. It didn’t hurt that Dessa Lux was the author. She has written some awesome stories, so I was already a fan. You guys, this one completely blew me away. I think I may have been expecting something different…maybe a little bit of a set up, then insta love, a little conflict, and a fluffy HEA. Instead I got a compelling story with layered characters in a situation that could be nothing more than a business transaction, but turns into something so much deeper. I was so enthralled with it, I read it straight through…no interruptions, no bathroom breaks, and no sleep. I simply did not want to put it down.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
I’m going to start this review by saying Omega Required is one of the best Alpha/omega/shifter stories I’ve ever read. This is one of my favorite genres, and when I read the blurb, I knew it would be right up my alley. It didn’t hurt that Dessa Lux was the author. She has written some awesome stories, so I was already a fan. You guys, this one completely blew me away. I think I may have been expecting something different…maybe a little bit of a set up, then insta love, a little conflict, and a fluffy HEA. Instead I got a compelling story with layered characters in a situation that could be nothing more than a business transaction, but turns into something so much deeper. I was so enthralled with it, I read it straight through…no interruptions, no bathroom breaks, and no sleep. I simply did not want to put it down.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
May 8, 2019
Oh man, this book. I have to admit, it was slow going at first. Excruciatingly so, at times. Heart-breaking, too. But I am so very glad I persevered (it's a long book) because it was a wonderful story, with so much character and relationship development, so tender and romantic. (And also hot; it's a werewolf story, with knotting, so...yeah. Hot.)
I can't wait to read Adam & Casey's book now; I totally kept thinking that they would be thrown together, somehow, even though they don't appear on page together & don't know each other at all. But I felt it. And the preview chapter makes me think I'll love their story, too.
I can't wait to read Adam & Casey's book now; I totally kept thinking that they would be thrown together, somehow, even though they don't appear on page together & don't know each other at all. But I felt it. And the preview chapter makes me think I'll love their story, too.
April 2, 2018
Beau is a werewolf interested in human medicine. He’s just finished medical school and looking to start his residency. The one program willing to work with him wants him to have support either through a mate, or a local pack.
Rory is a sickly omega who Beau thinks he can help and he ends up marrying to satisfy the school’s terms.
What starts off as a marriage of convenience/business transaction slowly turns to one of love. Before they can find their happily ever after, they need to learn to trust each other, and themselves.
I really liked this, I was pulled into the story from the beginning and it held my interest throughout. That said, it did seem a little long, and I wish the conflict had been resolved sooner.
*ARC provided by author
Rory is a sickly omega who Beau thinks he can help and he ends up marrying to satisfy the school’s terms.
What starts off as a marriage of convenience/business transaction slowly turns to one of love. Before they can find their happily ever after, they need to learn to trust each other, and themselves.
I really liked this, I was pulled into the story from the beginning and it held my interest throughout. That said, it did seem a little long, and I wish the conflict had been resolved sooner.
*ARC provided by author
April 27, 2023
4.5 stars
An engaging and touching book that almost had me setting aside my dislike of miscommunication.
CW:
I read this through in one sitting. I barely paused to eat. I read for nearly 8 hours straight, until past 2am - because who needs to sleep, right?
I did have to set this book down a few times just to collect myself, and I cried both sad and happy tears for approximately the last It was cathartic and very satisfying.
_______________________
Beau has been accepted for a medical residency as one of the first wolves to work with humans. The hospital is welcoming but requires that he have support of other wolves, either by joining a local pack or having a partner. Since Beau has no intentions of ever joining a pack again, he decides to find a husband for the duration of the residency.
Rory is living in a shelter after having escaped from another abusive ex. His caseworker at the shelter suggests he find a partner to support him in his goals, and he agrees to sign up for a matching platform just to extend the time he can stay there, fairly sure that he's not going to make it much longer anyway. As soon as Beau sees Rory's profile, he knows what's making him sick and is determined to help. They meet, and Rory is convinced to enter a 3-year marriage with Beau.
_______________________
So we've got a marriage of convenience, a saviour/victim pairing and a lot of hurt/comfort. All things I really like.
One caveat. I'm a bit surprised how much I enjoyed this when you consider how poor the communication is between our MCs. Miscommunication is one of my least favourite tropes, but I was so enamoured with the characters that I made it through this. Rather than one continuous, massive miscommunication, this book is made up of a sequence of small failures to talk which also made it more bearable.
And as painful as it was,
The pacing in this book is quite slow. Their emotional connection grows, and feels very believable, but there's definitely a lull in the middle of the book and I'll admit that I was feeling pretty impatient from 30 to 45%.
But the character development that comes from this snail's pace is very gratifying and I thought they made an amazing pair.
I found the main source of conflict quite frustrating, but it doesn't come in until around of the book and by that point I was hooked anyway. I also wasn't quite satisfied with the resolution of that part of the plot and wonder if it's touched on in the next book or just left hanging like that.
I need a breather after this, but I will definitely read the next book. Unfortunately the author no longer seems to be publishing but there are 1.5 more books in this series still to read.
Sexual content: Explicit, well-written, long scenes.
Kink:
An engaging and touching book that almost had me setting aside my dislike of miscommunication.
CW:
I read this through in one sitting. I barely paused to eat. I read for nearly 8 hours straight, until past 2am - because who needs to sleep, right?
I did have to set this book down a few times just to collect myself, and I cried both sad and happy tears for approximately the last It was cathartic and very satisfying.
_______________________
Beau has been accepted for a medical residency as one of the first wolves to work with humans. The hospital is welcoming but requires that he have support of other wolves, either by joining a local pack or having a partner. Since Beau has no intentions of ever joining a pack again, he decides to find a husband for the duration of the residency.
Rory is living in a shelter after having escaped from another abusive ex. His caseworker at the shelter suggests he find a partner to support him in his goals, and he agrees to sign up for a matching platform just to extend the time he can stay there, fairly sure that he's not going to make it much longer anyway. As soon as Beau sees Rory's profile, he knows what's making him sick and is determined to help. They meet, and Rory is convinced to enter a 3-year marriage with Beau.
_______________________
So we've got a marriage of convenience, a saviour/victim pairing and a lot of hurt/comfort. All things I really like.
One caveat. I'm a bit surprised how much I enjoyed this when you consider how poor the communication is between our MCs. Miscommunication is one of my least favourite tropes, but I was so enamoured with the characters that I made it through this. Rather than one continuous, massive miscommunication, this book is made up of a sequence of small failures to talk which also made it more bearable.
And as painful as it was,
The pacing in this book is quite slow. Their emotional connection grows, and feels very believable, but there's definitely a lull in the middle of the book and I'll admit that I was feeling pretty impatient from 30 to 45%.
But the character development that comes from this snail's pace is very gratifying and I thought they made an amazing pair.
I found the main source of conflict quite frustrating, but it doesn't come in until around of the book and by that point I was hooked anyway. I also wasn't quite satisfied with the resolution of that part of the plot and wonder if it's touched on in the next book or just left hanging like that.
I need a breather after this, but I will definitely read the next book. Unfortunately the author no longer seems to be publishing but there are 1.5 more books in this series still to read.
Sexual content: Explicit, well-written, long scenes.
Kink:
May 28, 2018
4 stars!!
I really enjoyed this! Although, the starts and stops of conversation was a little bit overused throughout the entire book. I was also beginning to get a tiny bit annoyed by Rory’s timidness but it was great that he managed to find his backbone and strength later!
Beau, for all intents and purposes, were really much too perfect. But that didn’t mean he didn’t make mistakes so it was lovely to see him falter and not be such a perfect character since perfection isn’t really part of reality and such.
I like the way they got to know each other. I like the pace of the story, although so much was implied and hinted and alluded to but not really explained. Which I wish was explored because it could have made the story that much richer. Rory had such a layered story that it was such a shame that we didn’t really get to see it in its entirety. Also, his family! And Beau’s family! I wanted them as part of the story too!
All in all, this was a solid read for me. I hope there’s more stories in this universe!
I really enjoyed this! Although, the starts and stops of conversation was a little bit overused throughout the entire book. I was also beginning to get a tiny bit annoyed by Rory’s timidness but it was great that he managed to find his backbone and strength later!
Beau, for all intents and purposes, were really much too perfect. But that didn’t mean he didn’t make mistakes so it was lovely to see him falter and not be such a perfect character since perfection isn’t really part of reality and such.
I like the way they got to know each other. I like the pace of the story, although so much was implied and hinted and alluded to but not really explained. Which I wish was explored because it could have made the story that much richer. Rory had such a layered story that it was such a shame that we didn’t really get to see it in its entirety. Also, his family! And Beau’s family! I wanted them as part of the story too!
All in all, this was a solid read for me. I hope there’s more stories in this universe!
January 23, 2019
A shifter book with an actual story 😂
***3.5 stars***
Just a bit of an FYI: Please know that the book is heavy in regards to angst (non-communication), no Mpreg and IMO low steam for a shifter book. Regardless, it has a wonderful story that kept my attention.
I really enjoyed the story. The author IMO did well with giving the reader detail to make this story believable for a PNR. The only other thing that bothered me was the lack the shifting in the book. The first shift occurs just a bit over the 50% mark. If the author would’ve gave us the reason for the lack of shifting then I would have been okay. However, that really wasn’t the case here. Even with Rory’s past, you would think he would want to. As for Beau...I got nothing as to why he hasn’t.
Other than that, I really did enjoy this story.l and cannot wait to see what is next with Adam :)
***3.5 stars***
Just a bit of an FYI: Please know that the book is heavy in regards to angst (non-communication), no Mpreg and IMO low steam for a shifter book. Regardless, it has a wonderful story that kept my attention.
I really enjoyed the story. The author IMO did well with giving the reader detail to make this story believable for a PNR. The only other thing that bothered me was the lack the shifting in the book. The first shift occurs just a bit over the 50% mark. If the author would’ve gave us the reason for the lack of shifting then I would have been okay. However, that really wasn’t the case here. Even with Rory’s past, you would think he would want to. As for Beau...I got nothing as to why he hasn’t.
Other than that, I really did enjoy this story.l and cannot wait to see what is next with Adam :)
April 27, 2018
So good!
amazing characters, wonderful story. Loved, loved, loved this and I need more immediately. Good thing this author is new to me so I have more books waiting!
amazing characters, wonderful story. Loved, loved, loved this and I need more immediately. Good thing this author is new to me so I have more books waiting!
did-not-finish
June 9, 2018That's it, I'm done. I'm really disappointed because the blurb is right up my alley. But the story drags and drags. I'm missing some basic communication between the MC's and I can 't take it anymore. DNF at 52%
April 20, 2018
Great Read!
Love, love, loved it! This the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. The hurt/comfort was right up my alley. She didn't rush it like most do, I thought the characters developed wonderfully! Can't wait for the next book in this series!
Love, love, loved it! This the first book I have read by this author and I loved it. The hurt/comfort was right up my alley. She didn't rush it like most do, I thought the characters developed wonderfully! Can't wait for the next book in this series!
September 7, 2021
You know that moment when you randomly discover a recommendation from one of your favourite authors and you delve into it without looking too much into the details and then... you find yourself submerged into a book which is part comfy romance and part weird world with strange concepts (which are actually not that strange for the fans of this particular genre but which make your brain go for the "404 error - logic not found moments" from time to time), a book which you partly enjoy and partly still wonder why you read in the first place...?
Yeah, me neither :)
Yeah, me neither :)
March 29, 2019
Hurt and comfort, werewolves, mates.... check check check. But this book was different, too, in a fabulous way. The loving warmth of the female characters, the nuanced bad guy. I loved this and can’t wait to read the next one.
July 25, 2021
3.5
Pretty good but I feel like some things were left unaddressed at the end.
Also everyone somehow has a stuttering speech pattern which is fine but I feel like it could have benefited with more variety.
Pretty good but I feel like some things were left unaddressed at the end.
Also everyone somehow has a stuttering speech pattern which is fine but I feel like it could have benefited with more variety.
May 25, 2018
Omega Required by Dessa Lux doesn’t necessarily break any new ground in the paranormal genre, but it does leap to the top of the pack for its dedication to portraying males as abuse victims who are often kept hidden from society. While this novel does speak of mpreg, there is no pregnancy, per se, nor is there an overabundance of discussion on that elusive practice of werewolf knotting we often read about in mpreg stories. Rather, this story focuses on the role of communication and how it impacts two young, packless wolves who have mated out of necessity rather than for love.
Because of his desire to treat humans rather than his own kind, Beau Jeffries has found his residency schools of medicine narrowed to a bare few. Most have taken one look and never seen past the idea that he is a werewolf and therefore deemed unstable and dangerous to be around humans. But Beau has wanted to help humans since he was young; in fact, he was tossed out of his pack for trying to help his best friend’s sister, who had cancer. Since then he has been alone, eschewing the need for a pack and, instead, viewing his fellow medical school wolves as a pseudo pack. Now he will be on his own, pursuing his residency and the school he desires, which has one stipulation—marry or else. They would also like him to at least consider a pack, but they will not budge on the idea that he must be married in order to attain residency.
Rory has suffered unlimited abuse at the hands of many alphas since an early age. Born to a human father and packless mother, Rory discovers at the age of thirteen that he is an omega and is sent away by his family to fend for himself with a nearby pack. There he is lured by an older wolf into a relationship that will end with him unable to conceive and hooked on a drug, which he uses to suppress his heat cycle and is slowly killing him. It is paramount to Rory that he not go into heat, as that would make him vulnerable to any unmated alpha, and he fears more of the abuse he has already experienced due to those very circumstances. Now at a sanctuary for omegas and trying to make a life for himself, the effects of the drug are causing him to slide into blindness and liver failure. The head of the center convinces him to try finding an alpha mate through a network set up to protect the omega and give them a choice over who they give themselves to, and this is the way that we find Rory and Beau meeting for the first time.
The two lonely wolves begin an arranged marriage together only to find that their mutual attraction blossoms before long. However, there is so much past trauma for Rory to deal with that even the idea of admitting to Beau he is drawn to the alpha is terrifying. For Beau, the stress of being on his best behavior at the hospital so as not to call attention to the fact that he is a lycan, coupled with his growing desire to care for and love Rory, has got the poor wolf exhausted. Unfortunately for both of these men, something will happen at the hospital that will place Beau in a situation that could turn nasty and dangerous for both him and Rory.
There is much to be said about how the book chooses to narrow in on the prejudices that lycanthropes face when dealing with a supposedly enlightened humanity. Unlike most alpha/omega storylines, this story offered up safeguards to help the omega create a life where they can actually be independent if pursuing a mate is not what they desire. It was these elements that I found refreshing in a genre that almost always paints the omega in a weak, “baby factory” light, with little to no backbone. I grant you that no real new ground was broken here, and there were times when Rory was just too immobilized from fear to even consider standing on his own, but he gets there in the end and that is what makes this novel stand out.
I also enjoyed the gradual awareness the two men had for each other. The desire on Beau’s part not to push Rory beyond what he could handle, both emotionally and physically, made the novel slow down enough that we can focus on their relationship and the growing problems Beau was facing at work. There was an easy wrap-up to a major plot point that left me a bit unsatisfied, but overall, I felt for Beau as he struggled to find his place in a human world. I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet romance that took place in the story, particularly when the two men began to date one another. But the winning factor in this book had to be that we stayed away from making Rory just another wolf that lived to make babies for his alpha. Don’t get me wrong, this theme was definitely present and important, but the author chose to focus on healing the omega she created rather than strict adherence to mpreg norms.
Omega Required may not have offered any new earth shattering plot surprises, but it had romance and compassion in spades, making it a lovely paranormal novel that many who follow this genre will enjoy.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
Because of his desire to treat humans rather than his own kind, Beau Jeffries has found his residency schools of medicine narrowed to a bare few. Most have taken one look and never seen past the idea that he is a werewolf and therefore deemed unstable and dangerous to be around humans. But Beau has wanted to help humans since he was young; in fact, he was tossed out of his pack for trying to help his best friend’s sister, who had cancer. Since then he has been alone, eschewing the need for a pack and, instead, viewing his fellow medical school wolves as a pseudo pack. Now he will be on his own, pursuing his residency and the school he desires, which has one stipulation—marry or else. They would also like him to at least consider a pack, but they will not budge on the idea that he must be married in order to attain residency.
Rory has suffered unlimited abuse at the hands of many alphas since an early age. Born to a human father and packless mother, Rory discovers at the age of thirteen that he is an omega and is sent away by his family to fend for himself with a nearby pack. There he is lured by an older wolf into a relationship that will end with him unable to conceive and hooked on a drug, which he uses to suppress his heat cycle and is slowly killing him. It is paramount to Rory that he not go into heat, as that would make him vulnerable to any unmated alpha, and he fears more of the abuse he has already experienced due to those very circumstances. Now at a sanctuary for omegas and trying to make a life for himself, the effects of the drug are causing him to slide into blindness and liver failure. The head of the center convinces him to try finding an alpha mate through a network set up to protect the omega and give them a choice over who they give themselves to, and this is the way that we find Rory and Beau meeting for the first time.
The two lonely wolves begin an arranged marriage together only to find that their mutual attraction blossoms before long. However, there is so much past trauma for Rory to deal with that even the idea of admitting to Beau he is drawn to the alpha is terrifying. For Beau, the stress of being on his best behavior at the hospital so as not to call attention to the fact that he is a lycan, coupled with his growing desire to care for and love Rory, has got the poor wolf exhausted. Unfortunately for both of these men, something will happen at the hospital that will place Beau in a situation that could turn nasty and dangerous for both him and Rory.
There is much to be said about how the book chooses to narrow in on the prejudices that lycanthropes face when dealing with a supposedly enlightened humanity. Unlike most alpha/omega storylines, this story offered up safeguards to help the omega create a life where they can actually be independent if pursuing a mate is not what they desire. It was these elements that I found refreshing in a genre that almost always paints the omega in a weak, “baby factory” light, with little to no backbone. I grant you that no real new ground was broken here, and there were times when Rory was just too immobilized from fear to even consider standing on his own, but he gets there in the end and that is what makes this novel stand out.
I also enjoyed the gradual awareness the two men had for each other. The desire on Beau’s part not to push Rory beyond what he could handle, both emotionally and physically, made the novel slow down enough that we can focus on their relationship and the growing problems Beau was facing at work. There was an easy wrap-up to a major plot point that left me a bit unsatisfied, but overall, I felt for Beau as he struggled to find his place in a human world. I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet romance that took place in the story, particularly when the two men began to date one another. But the winning factor in this book had to be that we stayed away from making Rory just another wolf that lived to make babies for his alpha. Don’t get me wrong, this theme was definitely present and important, but the author chose to focus on healing the omega she created rather than strict adherence to mpreg norms.
Omega Required may not have offered any new earth shattering plot surprises, but it had romance and compassion in spades, making it a lovely paranormal novel that many who follow this genre will enjoy.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
April 8, 2018
This is my second Lux novel: I own a paperback copy of Surrendered to the Sea and a Kindle copy of this story, Omega Required.
Yanno what Lux does well? Hurt/Comfort. My god, does she ever. I was into this story at a physical gut-level, oh yeah. Flip flops, I tell you. Mind and body.
Omega Required has a more detailed world and a fuller development of its characters than Surrendered, but both are entirely enjoyable shifter novels with brain and heart. No insta-whatever stupidity. These are complete, slowly and believably developed stories.
I wobbled a bit in my Total Transport with the introduction of an external conflict into the largely couple-focused conflict of this tale, but it was useful, tied-in quickly, and then the story got back to building what I wanted: Rory and Beau's relationship along with their individual growth.
I look forward to the next book in this series--I'm feelin' a H/C with Adam (Beau's stiff, angry Alpha friend) and Casey (Rory's defensive Omega midwife friend.)
Yanno what Lux does well? Hurt/Comfort. My god, does she ever. I was into this story at a physical gut-level, oh yeah. Flip flops, I tell you. Mind and body.
Omega Required has a more detailed world and a fuller development of its characters than Surrendered, but both are entirely enjoyable shifter novels with brain and heart. No insta-whatever stupidity. These are complete, slowly and believably developed stories.
I wobbled a bit in my Total Transport with the introduction of an external conflict into the largely couple-focused conflict of this tale, but it was useful, tied-in quickly, and then the story got back to building what I wanted: Rory and Beau's relationship along with their individual growth.
I look forward to the next book in this series--I'm feelin' a H/C with Adam (Beau's stiff, angry Alpha friend) and Casey (Rory's defensive Omega midwife friend.)
April 27, 2018
This book was very well researched. All that research the author did made the world she built real and believable. The story was mainly about trust. The Main characters had past experiences that made it easy for them not to trust. However, through very clever plot devices they are thrown together; having to depend on each other. I enjoyed watching the characters grow. I hope the author is able to make the next books in the series just as great!
no spoilers here.
no spoilers here.
April 29, 2018
You get exactly what you expect, and it's an enjoyable read.
Pros: the omega's angsty past doesn't come back to haunt him (i.e. no exes, hooray)
Cons: the message is overwhelmingly "infertile = broken"
I'm personally not into the overly sappy last quarter of the book, but that's a personal preference.
[I received a free copy of this book from the author, without any obligation to review.]
Pros: the omega's angsty past doesn't come back to haunt him (i.e. no exes, hooray)
Cons: the message is overwhelmingly "infertile = broken"
I'm personally not into the overly sappy last quarter of the book, but that's a personal preference.
[I received a free copy of this book from the author, without any obligation to review.]
December 24, 2018
I've read a few other books by this author, and I'll admit I was not sold. However, this book happened to connect with me. I do not think it will for everyone, because the middle dragged a bit and there are a few storylines unfinished. However, I just loved how Beau, the alpha medical student who is soon to be a resident, treated Roland. Roland has been scarred by his experiences in the past - from his family giving him up when he was revealed to be an omega to the alphas in who he had put his trust. It gets to the point that he may not be able to function anymore and that's when Beau comes into his life. Beau is honest with Roland. He needs a mate because of his residency, but he won't demand anything of Roland other than spending three years with him after which he will be free to do whatever he desires. The lack of communication is extremely frustrating, but it makes sense in the context of the book. I also really didn't like the side storyline with the sick child. But overall I liked the story and would read more in the series.
December 21, 2018
3.5 stars.🌟..The start of this book grabbed me right of the characters where great. Even though the book was a long one little things kept happening in the story I had to keep reading. I was a little disappointed with the amount of sexy scenes included maybe two in the hole book and the same with them shifting. Adam's story could be intriguing. Includes knotting scenes, virgin and a Non-mpreg book. Written good for a loooong story..lol. A great ending..
Beau wanted to be a Doctor to help sick humans get better. But some rules to gaining employment stated he needed a mate since he had no pack belong too.
Roland was a very sick man staying at the Omega Refuge.. without a job he was stuck. Hiding his heating sense made him worse. No other choice was to meet Alphas for a pairing.
Beau wanted to be a Doctor to help sick humans get better. But some rules to gaining employment stated he needed a mate since he had no pack belong too.
Roland was a very sick man staying at the Omega Refuge.. without a job he was stuck. Hiding his heating sense made him worse. No other choice was to meet Alphas for a pairing.
June 4, 2019
Really solid a/b/o fic!
I was skeptical going into this about the arranged marriage aspect, but I actually thought it worked really well within the narrative. The world-building was super interesting, and I really loved the characters, both individually and together. The build was slow, but the development of feelings felt quite natural, which is something that I often find lacking with this particular trope. Really interesting and engaging, and definitely a 'verse I'm excited to read more in.
My one qualm, was that I felt that Rory's anger at Beau's mistake felt a little over-blown. Beau was definitely in the wrong, but I didn't feel like he was really *that* bad. But a minor qualm overall.
I was skeptical going into this about the arranged marriage aspect, but I actually thought it worked really well within the narrative. The world-building was super interesting, and I really loved the characters, both individually and together. The build was slow, but the development of feelings felt quite natural, which is something that I often find lacking with this particular trope. Really interesting and engaging, and definitely a 'verse I'm excited to read more in.
My one qualm, was that I felt that Rory's anger at Beau's mistake felt a little over-blown. Beau was definitely in the wrong, but I didn't feel like he was really *that* bad. But a minor qualm overall.
Want to read
December 15, 2018Free on Amazon!
https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Required...
https://www.amazon.com/Omega-Required...
April 6, 2018
1000% pure, grade A Hurt/Comfort (heavy on the comfort side, it's not torture porn).
A great read for anyone who likes ABO stories, much longer and nuanced than I expected, with two great characters doing the best they can, communicating, and failing from time to time in ways that make them feel very human and relatable.
I loved the emphasis on the importance of community and the support system outside of the romantic relationship, and how the relationship evolves along the personal development. Also, hot :)
I wish some of the subplots were resolved in this book, but I'm more than willing to wait for the next ones.
TW for past abuse and medical procedures/illnesses.
A great read for anyone who likes ABO stories, much longer and nuanced than I expected, with two great characters doing the best they can, communicating, and failing from time to time in ways that make them feel very human and relatable.
I loved the emphasis on the importance of community and the support system outside of the romantic relationship, and how the relationship evolves along the personal development. Also, hot :)
I wish some of the subplots were resolved in this book, but I'm more than willing to wait for the next ones.
TW for past abuse and medical procedures/illnesses.
April 10, 2018
Loved this! H/C, marriage of convenience, a bit of blackmail, and found family. Definitely melodrama if the most enjoyable kind. I couldn’t put it down—was actively reading it while walking to/from my responsibilities.
August 20, 2025
3.75 but rounded up to 4.....I liked this story but it dragged at times. I honestly think quite a bit of the slice of life stuff could've been edited out and the story overall would still be fine. The spice is good and the MMCs are good together. I loved the hurt/comfort trope and how it is written here.
December 28, 2018
Excellent.
April 17, 2018
If I’ve only managed to read fanfiction recently why not try to get my groove back with something ridiculously tropey and fanfictiony? Enjoyable. Time will tell if it worked as intended.
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