Runt of the litter

by N.J. Lysk

A young insecure alpha, an older omega determined to keep his freedom, and the injustice neither of them can permit to go on.

Lyall is failing at alphahood like a pro—he’s presented, but he’s still too skinny and too short, and nowhere near aggressive enough to put off his packmates’ constant reminders that he looks a lot like an omega. They have him convinced he’ll never be worth anything.

Tristan doesn’t want an alpha: he wants to give other omegas a chance at the freedom he’s carved out for himself. He’s figured out enough loopholes to keep himself unbonded and free to do it, but he’s still only one person and there are a lot of people who need to hear what he is teaching. When he meets Lyall, he realises the young alpha would make an ideal assistant.

Their meeting is brief, but their connection is undeniable and as they work together with an ocean between them, it gets harder to deny their own lives have been changed forever....

A coming of age romance between a young alpha and the older omega who teaches him to believe in himself and learns to believe in them both in the process.

A/B/O, age gap & other power imbalances between the couple, werewolves, half epistolary, bullying.

Genres: M M Romance, Queer, Omegaverse, Fantasy, Supernatural

ebook

First published August 1, 2019

About the author

N.J. Lysk (pronouns: whatever) is a queer one—in almost every sense of the word—for whom stories have always been their one true home. She studied linguistics and literature (which is to say, someone offered him a genuine excuse to read professionally) and ended up teaching, but writing is their one true love.

Addicted to angst, enamoured of mpreg and always ready to try a new kink (in a book, that’s it!) she became hooked into the Omegaverse through fanfic (but he doesn't have the patience to write other people's characters) and has recently expanded from werewolves to hockey players.

Check out my shelves if you want some recommendations, including books that inspired me ;)


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Reviews

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This started off great. I liked that omegas and alphas get to still choose and not succumb to biology like all other books so far. So for that, I really liked where the story was going. Only..it just kept going on and on and meandering through the story and then, abruptly end. I had no idea when I turned the page that it would be the epilogue!

I don’t know.. I feel like the author needed an editor to tighten up the story and possibly have a more complete story arc. I truly did enjoy it in the beginning but it just didn’t know when to quit and when it did, gah....so abrupt! 🙊

[Kaila · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the abnormal types of books.. this one has older and younger where normally they wouldnt be. it was interesting and sexy.. and so much fun to read.. plus i love darker and even though this wasnt as dark as i thought it would be i loved it.

[**KAYCEE** · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3 stars***

This is only the 2nd book I've read where the Omega is older and I kinda like this atypical arrangement. Where this differs from the other book I've read is here the Omega is not only older, but man and wolf are portrayed as having very different preferences and needs. Where the Omega's (Tristan) wolf is very typical in how it relates and reacts to an Alpha, Tristin himself is not. He wants something completely different.Tristan also physically presents as an alpha, where Lyall looks more like an omega. There are other factors, as well, that influence and complicate the dynamic between Tristan and Lyall. I found this to be very interesting.
Having said that, I have a couple complaints. First I'd suggest to the author to use less pronouns and more character names when characters are interacting. I found myself having to reread sections of paragraphs because I could not tell who was talking, feeling, or acting. The author would go from once sentence to another and I thought I was in the head of one character when it really was another.
Secondly, while this did have sexual elements, I felt that because of the dynamic of the MCs, this could have been described at bit more in detail. Not necessarily the act itself, but I really would have liked to have more an idea of what the characters were feeling (emotionally and physically) during the build up, the main event (lol) and afterwards. It would have made the characters more dimensional.
A lot of the relationship building between the MCs is via email and off page, too.

This is my first by this author and I'm definiately going to be reading more.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meglio del primo.
Poteva essere più curato e mettere in luce personaggi importanti, ma nel complesso mi è piaciuto.

[Kirstin · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many reasons to love this book. Brilliant characters, amazing writing, and the juxtaposition of alpha/omega roles was intriguing.

Lyall is an alpha, but he's small and submissive. He's picked on by his brothers and sisters and is given leftover jobs by his pack. When Tristan, an older omega and doctor, shows up to discuss his research and findings dealing with omega heats, they find a friendship and work compatibility that's effortless. But soon, they have to deal with their roles and what it means for their future.

I absolutely fell in love with Lyall in this story. He was timid and uncertain in social settings, but so smart and able when it came to assisting the doctor. His mind was fresh and he longed to be the person that Tristan could depend on.

Tristan had so much baggage and let typical pack roles keep him from what he wanted. But seeing him open up and accept the love that Lyall offered was beautiful.

This story pulled at my heart and engaged me from the start to the end. I loved the different sibling relationships and the alpha/omega dominance dance between the characters. Truly a wonderful read!

[Love Is All Around · Rating 4 out of 5]

RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Venite a leggerla sul nostro blog!

[Wickedly Sweet & Synful Book Blog Janet Lysk-Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't a typical NJ book. It is still in the Omegaverse universe. But it isn't dark, it is sweet. It is also a quick pace read with a slow burn and an HEA.  NJ is an amazing writer with a brilliant mind. And she proves that once again in this read. I love reverse roles and age differences. I can't wait for her next read!

[Gavin Stephenson-Jackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts In an isolated area near Adelaide, South Australia when Lyall’s pack invites Dr. Tristan Sanders to speak to them about methods of reproductive control for omega werewolves. Lyall is an alpha, but very small for his status. Tristan by comparison is a much larger omega werewolf. Lyall’s interest in Tristan's work brings them into a working relationship which helps build Lyall’s self-esteem so that by the time they are together again in New Zealand, Lyall is conducting a lecture on Tristan's behalf. Despite their age difference and the short time they've spent in each other's company their shared work has brought them together emotionally. What was supposed to be a little fling leaves them both wanting more. Will distance and tradition keep them apart, or will they deffie both to make something new? There are a lot of things that these two need to overcome to make things work. The insecurities Lyall has developed from the bullying he's endured because of his size. Tristan's reluctance to bond in submission to an alpha. The distance between Lyall’s home in Australia and Tristan's in Wales. Then there's the traditions and lore of the bonds of werewolves to their pack and the land. Together they find the strength to find a new way, a way that works for them, and isn't that what it's all about?

[Jean Malherbe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This certainly is a completely different take on the alpha/omega dynamic.
The (almost) Role reversal in this story made for very interesting reading.
An omega wolf who prefers independence and is determined to dominate, and refuses to bond, and a naive young alpha who hasn't quite had the opportunity to come into his place in the hierarchy. These two connect in the "workplace" as Omega Doctor immediately sees the brilliant potential in the young wolf.
What initially manifests as a kind of hero worship for Liall and more of a protective instinct for Tristan, slowly develops into love on both sides.

This is a well, (and intelligently) written book by NJ Lysk.
Excruciatingly slow burn romance with lots and lots of page time dedicated to the work being done by the doctor (Tristan) & assistant (Liall)
Rather than the romance itself.

Steamy times few and far between at about heat level 2.5...only about two scenes as I recall.
Third person dual POV.
Limited Profanity.
No real angst to speak of.
No violence.
Lengthy, dual POV epilogue.

I received an advance reader copy of this book directly from the author and my review is completely voluntary.

[Boyslove · Rating 3 out of 5]

I immediately got this one when I saw it. The blurb sounded pretty different from other shifter/alpha omega books I’ve read.

One thing I liked was that the omega was independent, but not all super “I’m better than alphas.. I can do what they do, better than they do, I’ll never let an alpha touch me and I look down upon alphas” type trope. I mean, I’ve read several books like that and they are incredibly annoying for me.

I rated it 3 stars, almost 2 because there were a good many errors, some of the sentences didn’t make sense, I kept re reading a sentence over and over because I thought I was missing something, but it just never made any sense. (Happened about 3 times) Another time, the format of the book changed from one page to the next, the text got much smaller, so I’m not sure what that was about. And finally, this is a pretty tame book. Not a lot happens, not too many exciting things. Usually those types of books are, as many call them, “fluffy”. And some people love fluffy books with lots of feels and emotions and cute moments etc. BUT I would t say that this book was very fluffy either.

3 Stars

[1000storie1000vite · Rating 4 out of 5]

È una storia delicata, fatta di giorni che si inanellano, di mail che viaggiano, di pensieri che corrono, di sentimenti che crescono.
Lyall e Tristan sono due singolarità che si compenetrano perfettamente. Due uomini unici, che non tutti comprendono, che hanno faticato o faticano a trovare il loro posto, che credono di dover rimanere soli perché non si possono omologare al sentire comune. Le loro solitudini mi hanno commosso, le loro emozioni mi hanno toccato il cuore, i loro animi si sono svelati pian piano e mi hanno fatta innamorare di entrambi.
La narrazione ha un ritmo pigro che ho apprezzato molto, cadenzato dalla crescita emotiva di entrambi, dal susseguirsi dei loro pensieri, dal superamento di paure e limiti molto spesso autoimposti.
Anche i personaggi secondari sono figure che, pur se non fondamentali, arricchiscono il racconto.
Lo stile dell'autrice non è sempre limpidissimo, soprattutto nelle fasi dialogiche, in cui - a volte - dovevo tornare indietro per capire chi stesse parlando, ma nel complesso ho letto il libro con estremo piacere.
Hugs&kisses

[Linda Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this nicely sketched A/B/O world where werewolves have always had a specific soci-cultural structured hierarchy, questioning traditional roles is the basis for this story. This confronts the fear that instinct and hormones are the only guiding force, that sentiments can't be felt otherwise, that control over one's own life can be found only by denying oneself everything ... including love, which could only be loss of control.
Excellent exploration of gender roles, an interesting investigation into self control of sentiments vs relinquishing self to be able to love, and the suggestion that research for the future and traditions from the past can work together when mutual respect is flanked by love if any kind.
Intellectual vs instinctive, male vs female, dominant vs subordinate, control vs yielding - all are questioned and a slow realization that all are present in everyone gradually settles in.

[Viki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough and one of the stories that get better as you get to know the characters and watch them grow (as opposed to getting bored after they reach a certain point and you know they're getting their HEA, which was happening way too often lately in "average" books).

Basically, both the MC has issues and the love interest have issues from the way their society works and they have to work hard to be able to overcome them and accept a relationship. The POV switches were a little frequent for my tastes but at least they weren't one of those stupidly repetitive ones where any situation is recounted by the other one for really no discernable purpose.

Honestly, I am trying to study for final (as in final final) exams and I should not be here but these books are exactly what I can read in the meantime - nice but not so attention grabbing I can't put them down to study.

[Alessandra Alexsub · Rating 5 out of 5]

La storia mi è piaciuta, dal primo incontro al lavorare insieme a distanza, che gli ha dato la possibilità di conoscersi meglio. Ho apprezzato l’evoluzione della storia, il modo in cui Tristan capisce Lyall ed apprezzi il suo potenziale, mi è piaciuto molto. Il modo in cui Lyall si butta giù, anche per colpa di familiari e branco,fa venire voglia di abbracciarlo. Forse Tristan sa che lui non è il classico omega e che Lyall non è proprio cresciuto come alfa, forse lo sa ma non se ne rende ben conto. Mi fanno entrambi tenerezza, hanno caratteristiche che li rendono perfetti l’uno per l’altro.
Avrei preferito leggere prima questo, “Cuori di carta” si svolge successivamente, onestamente pensavo ci fosse un motivo per questo ordine ma non ne ho trovati.

[Luisa Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una storia diversa, rispetto a tanti romanzi letti sul genere, del tipo di rapporto che s’instaura tra Lyall, Alpha di 19 anni e Tristan, Omega di 32 anni.

Sicuramente nell’insieme è stata una piacevole narrazione che ho letto speditamente e che in qualche occasione mi ha preso al laccio più di altre.

Per apprezzare comunque la storia bisogna essere appassionati del genere fantasy paranormal e folli per lupi, mannari ecc…

Una lettura che non va guardata e considerata storcendo il naso, ma dandole la giusta attenzione, oppure lasciare e passare oltre.

Alla prossima

[Tumyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like shifter novels and this is good though only one of the main characters shifted.
I liked the ideas behind this novel and part of it being set within an indigenous setting was excellent.
I found that I was almost going to be a DNF - if it had been shorter it would have been excellent.

[Alan Veren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tristan and Lyall start out formal with a bit of hero worship. But even Lyall feels the draw from the older Omega. As a young Alpha, he know what he wants...just not very secure in how to take it.
Great story. Hot love scenes. I recommend highly!

[Claudia Lezár · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was worth to wait 3 month longer for the story, which should be only a short birthday story.

Thanks that NJ did a complete book of it!!

[Arden · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75*

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes the way it’s written honestly confuses me. Like the word “he” will be used and I can’t tell who we are talking about. It may be just me on that but it made the book less enjoyable :(

[DeltaAlpha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Schematic and too caricatured, especially on the constant requests for consent during the sexual relationship itself.
Good idea at the beginning but in the end is boring.

[Gema Rodríguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a beautiful and sweet story, well written and developed. Besides, I loved the main characters, especially Lyall, but also some of the side ones.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book!

N.J. Lysk is my go-to author for role reversals in characters. And by that I mean his alphas and omegas don't follow what a typical alpha and omega should be. Which for an omega is usually submissive to an alpha and a baby maker and for an alpha is a dominate possessive brute. Tristan and Lyall definitely don't fit those molds.

Tristan definitely isn't a typical omega. He's dominate in bed and he doesn't have an alpha that he's bonded to even though he has a child. In a perfect world he should have been born an alpha. His independence is very important to him and he wants to help other omegas to be just as independent as he is if they want it. He does this by going to different packs and holding seminars. It is at one of these seminars that he meets Lyall.

Lyall is an alpha but he's also the runt of the litter. Being so small he and everyone else figured that he would present as an omega. Unfortunately he didn't and because of his size and that he is naturally more submissive, it leads to bullying from his litter mates. He is instantly attracted to Tristan and wants to help him get his message out to all the packs. Tristan is also effected and wants to protect him from everyone. But he's afraid that Lyall won't accept how dominate he is in the bedroom and it really stalls their potential relationship.

I really liked the book. I just wished that Tristan had been more confident in what he wanted in bed and talked to Lyall about it. Instead of just assuming that there wasn't anybody else out there that didn't fit the roles that they were supposed to play that would be perfect for him. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read for me. I like the idea of the story, but it almost felt un-finished. I’m not sure if that’s the right way to describe it. I found myself having to go back and re-read many parts, confused the first or second time I read something. I felt like I was left trying to guess the meaning of sentences.


I really like the characters, but feel I still don’t know much about them. It really did bother me about their alpha/omega relationship. I feel like thinks were talked around, but not talked about/through. For two guys who were “sex therapists” they sure didn’t talk about their relationship much. Like there really wasn’t a true connection there. That said, I guess, the hopeless romantic in me was waiting for them to bond, I know Tristan said he didn’t want to and Lyall was okay with not, but it feels like they are missing out on something special by not. I mean “I love you” is great, but something seemed to be missing.

[Mim Crenshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book

I was skeptical about this book when I chose it, but if he first few pages caught me and I was hooked. I loved Lyall from the beginning. He was kind, caring, and very intelligent. Tristan I didn't like so much, until I got to know more of his individual story. This book kept me up way past my bedtime, and it was so worth it. It doesn't have the usual happy ending, but I wouldn't expect that to work for this couple. Their happy ending is very perfect for them. I'm just ready for the next couple; I'm hoping that it's Abel it Anton.

[Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could Not Put This Down

This book is a quick paced read with a slow burn romance. I started and couldn't stop. Completely worth it. Lyall & Tristan are great. And cameo from familiar friends was a great surprise!

[Tony Williamson,jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!'

This is my first read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I have always loved shifter books and it is always a great to find an author that writes them so well. Side note: Anton needs a story of his own.... Hint, hint.

[Vintage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet role reversal

Easy to fall in love with Lyall and eventually with Tristan, who is a bit harder to warm up to. Interesting world building and concept of sex ed for A/B/O wolves.