The Omega Within

Alpha's Woman #5

by Carolyn Faulkner

Olly, dressed as a young boy to keep her identity as an unclaimed omega a secret, is searching for food when she is grabbed and taken to Garron, the great commander, to work for him as a bought and paid for servant. But when he discovers who and what she really is, he wastes no time in claiming her for his own.

Now, they must learn to exist as Alpha and omega while fighting the biggest fight of Garron's life as a great warrior.

Enjoy how this fifth and final book in the Alpha's Woman series brings together all the characters of the previous books for a spectacular ending.

Publisher's Note: This action filled Alpha/omega romance contains graphic scenes and a theme of power exchange.

Genres: Omegaverse, Paranormal, Dystopia, Dark

Unknown Binding

First published March 5, 2020

About the author

Carolyn was one of you as a kid, with the intriguing seeds planted in her head of the shivering thrill-thoughts that came with words like spanking, or discipline. As with you, those kinds of words and thoughts connected the heated blush of her cheeks with feelings elsewhere, which got more and more interesting the older she got.

I bet you know just what I'm talking about.

Like some, she started writing down these thoughts, escaping into short stories of reluctant heroes willing to take someone they love in hand when it's for her own good... and more shadowy thoughts as her imagination matured.

And like some, she started sharing her writings in newsgroups once she gained some confidence.

There's nothing like the perfectly-turned phrase, the handful of words that can make a feeling wash over you. And if you're reading this, then you have within you some intense feelings that most of the world doesn't understand -- but Carolyn does, and she writes those passions with wondrous abandon. Her specialties are Spanking Romance and Adult Ageplay, so we've grouped the many examples of her work that way.

Spanking Romance Classics are sweeping love stories which dare (in a very un-PC way) to allow their heroine to feel the special love of a strong man who will take her in hand when it's best for her. Carolyn writes very real, rich characters and stories that aren't just excuses to jump from spanking scene to spanking scene. If the timeless tango of pursuing ardor touches you, and the head-rush of Adoring Discipline intrigues you, then you'll love Carolyn's stories!

Reviews

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this story, the omega is hiding her true nature while surviving in the slums until she gets discovered and brought to the alpha camps. I know that this type of aggressive alpha type is not for everyone but it does it for me A LOT. The alphas are as good as savages; I always imagine them looking like those of the many Germanic tribes. Hilariously enough, I put my DNA ancestry into Mytrueancestry and my ancestors are all from Germanic tribes and Romans. LOL

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have/am a huge fan and follower of Ms. Faulkner's Alpha/Omega series devouring each new book as it is released. To have the privilege to read this ARC version of the 5th book in the series "The Omega Within" had me inhaling the story, the uncompromising, turbulent relationship between Gannon and Ollyah. As with each book prior, this story involves a battle-honed, domineering, ask questions later alpha general Gannon, and a very reluctant, yet admirable Omega Ollyah who has managed to remain unnoticed, even interpreted as a child, among alphas and soldier alike. Sadly, it is Ollyah's starvation that sees her trapped by a slaver, captured and sold to General Gannon as his "tent hand" that has her secret discovered when she refuses to undress for a bath. And, as all alphas before him, when Gannon is presented with an unmarked, unmated Omega, his brain flies south, and Ollyah's window of escape slams shut with Gannon's forced joining. I noticed (sadly and with a pouting lip) that Ms. Faulkner chose to tame the intensity, aggression, obsessive and possessive behaviour of her alpha to accommodate suggestions about previous books in this series and kudos to her for "listening." This "quieter language tone" in no way diminishes the emotions and interactions between Gannon and Ollyah or their journey and in fact, will most likely appeal to a more vast reader market which makes me happy because then (fingers crossed) Ms. Faulkner will continue to add books to this series! For us readers, who enjoyed the edginess of "The Alpha's Women," this newest tale still provides the angst and passion for making it more than worthy of holding its own in this series.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olly is and Omega hidden in a world were shes valued as nothing more then a breading machine in this Post-Apocalyptic world. She gets by hiding as a boy living on the outskirts of camp during war with another camp. She's hungry and lives in fear of being discovered as female but when shes captured and the commander takes her in to take care of him and clean his things her situation will drastically change.

Garren has worked hard to get what he has conquering his enemies until there is only one obstacle left. He has no need for women doesn't understand the need for one but when he discovers his new apprentice is a girl one never taken by another man he is in instant lust and cant stand to be apart from her but during battle he makes one mistake and trust the wrong person now his enemies have her.

I didn't hate this book but I couldn't give it more then 3 stars the constant spanking was just over the top and at the end of the book it wasn't even about Garren and Olly it was a huge recap of the other couples with another sex scene about another couple. At the least it could have ended with Olly and Garren in some kind of epilogue.

I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was quite well edited and cleanly written, with no typos that would detract from the reading experience. The characterization in this novel was quite well done. This was a thoroughly enjoyable novel in this dark BDSM omegaverse series. The world building of this dystopian world was excellent, with the reader being able to feel the grim privation of this world viscerally. The BDSM scenes and development of the romantic relationship between this hero, who serves double duty as the villain of this novel, and the heroine, was excellently done. This series seems to be one of the few dark romance series that include non-con scenes that I am able to enjoy, probably because of the liberal use of aftercare and comforting by the Alpha character. This novel uses the Woman Shortage trope, which is a post-apocalyptic or dystopian variation on the Mars Needs Women trope used in sci-fi romance novels, and also the Mating Bond trope, which is a variation on the Fated Mates trope. I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy m/f omegaverse novels with BDSM elements.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having not read the other 4 books in this series may have caused some context issues for me. I had a hard time figuring out the omegaverse overall. And I am a huge fan of most omegaverse books. I think it would be helpful to read the other books first, again for context and background. That said, Garron and Ollyah's story is at times brutal and unforgiving. He sees her as HIS omega, but has no clue other than beating the crap out of her, to make her crave him as he craves her. Seeking help from his army's doctor, he's told beat her some more. OK, again, I didn't see it. Here is the poor girl who has no idea how to relate to an Alpha and instead of educating her himself, he beats her, some more. I'm was so glad she got the "education"she needed from others, but disappointed with Garron. I really wanted to like him more.
I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Badh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book may be the last one in this series, because it appears to wrap it up well. I would love to see so much more from this world. I would like to see how Garron's side and Zerk's side manage to interact in the next years. Maybe the next generation?

I think that Olly was very aware of what her life was going to be like if something happened, not that she actually had all that much life left, probably. I thought that she hid well, and I felt so sorry for her having to live the way that she did. It must've been so terrible and all she did was try to survive. I think that as she stayed with Garron, she was able to be stronger and stronger and stronger mentally because she didn't have to spend every second of her day trying to survive.

Garron is a very, very alpha alpha, if that makes sense. He's very, very stubborn, wants everything, and has no problem getting exactly what he wants. I think that he's not, overall, too bad.

[PIONEER · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel the need to point out that arousal does not mean consent. But who am I kidding? When are omegaverse books ever consensual? I mean, I felt for Olly the entire time. And if we were supposed to like Garron... whoopsie. Definitely wasn't a fan of that douche canoe.

This one was pure alpha/dom vs omega/sub, no love whatsoever. No feels either. I barely felt any protectiveness, only possessiveness (and barely that too). Garron was just insane, in my professional opinion. I think this was too short to develop the main characters (or maybe because I didn't read the previous four).

1.5 he-basically-raped-her stars. Not a fan.



I may go on a tangent later after I've processed this and realize I hate this (I'm leaning towards this being a "fuck off" story but we'll see).

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I did not like too much of this omega world; maybe because it was already 5th book in series and I was missing understanding of the world… For me it was like a mix of different omega concepts, and none was clear to give definition. I read omega verse romance and usually they are on the darker side or romance; hot but dark and good omega verse usually left you with feeling that ladies are in good hand and will have HEA. Here; I was not convinced of that.
Start was good, had a great development and intro to story; but then suddenly author just started to mix characters from previous books and rushing to finish the story (and even maybe the series).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darkreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Omega Within is book five in Carolyn Faulkner's sci-fi omegaverse series. Much like the other books in the series, The Omega Within is a fairly dark take on a futuristic society where war is king and warriors rule the world. Our reluctant omega Ollie tries to get by in a disguise of a boy but gets found out by the most brutal of alpha's and so begins their total power exchange relationship. I did enjoy that the alpha in this one has some tender sides to him and truly cared for his Omega. I am not as sold on Ollie and just didn't connect with her character. Overall, it was an enjoyable short sci-fi omegaverse featuring a total power exchange relationship.

[Cristina Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I must admit that I struggled a bit with this because it's pure Alpha. As in full-blown female objectification, servitude and breeding.

I'm more used to possessive male characters showing their Alpha side WHILE taking into consideration/respecting the woman's wishes. The book is miles away from this, so beware.

It's a good read for those who want to witness uncontrollable mating instincts and males who don't care about anything but sinking their claws into their females.

Full review available on Book Review Hub.

[Likes Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rape and torture and a stupid ending. So the male character rapes the female repeatedly "for her own good." Then the female character thinks about suicide or goes numb, then the male character beats her with a cane for being to scared to tell the male character she is scared to death of him for beating her. Then all of a sudden it is all good in the end? Really?
This is the worst fantasy world. Who wants torture and book endings that take a 360 degree ending!

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems really strange to have a meet-cute kind of moment at the start of an omegaverse book, but that’s what Olly and Garron’s introduction looks like. I enjoyed most of this story. This is probably my favorite of the Alpha's Woman books. However, it’s in the author’s own words that I find what bothered me the most about this series: “… omegas in particular. They might be rare and precious, but they certainly weren't treated like that…” I prefer to see submission as the gift it is, and we do get to see a little bit of that in here. Garron works extremely hard to make sure Olly gets satisfaction. (Which gives us some wonderful moments of humor as he goes looking for expert advice.) I also enjoyed seeing the previous four Alphas doting and devoted to their pregnant Omegas. (Though why they can only be that stupidly happy over pregnancy I just don’t understand.) My main issue with this book is that the ending felt forced. I realize that a happy ending for all parties was going to take some drastic measures, but this didn’t feel like a natural progression. Instead, I felt the Hand of God moving chess pieces around. I think I can safely say I’m happiest reading the author’s contemporary fare.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Nessa]

MEH. NOVELLA SMUT WITHOUT A WORTHY EMOTIONAL CONTENT.

[lou · Rating 1 out of 5]

the things i read when i’m ov*lating smh

[Heart5 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final book in the series finds all the omegas coming together for one final battle. This book focuses on Olly and Garron, the opposing warlord to the earlier alphas. Olly, an untouched omega, has managed to escape notice until her hunger finally leads to her downfall. Garron has never had an interest in taking an omega, until he realizes the identity of his latest acquisition. This final book seems a bit lighter than earlier books. Although Olly struggles with life and with accepting Garron, the author just doesn't convey the sense of true hopelessness from earlier books. The ending itself worked well with the series, and I loved the omegas role in the final battle. I've enjoyed reading this series, and this one leaves me a little sad to see it end.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JD (on semi-hiatus) · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, let me advise potential readers that this is the fifth in a series. While it's not necessary to read the others to understand the MC and their relationship, characters from the other four books do appear later on and most of the explanations for how this world came to be are in the first book only.

The entire series is hard to rate as it's not as violent as some omegaverse stories and yet it's often too violent for me (the first less so than the subsequent three). Truthfully, I find the omegaverse and fated mates' "givens" -- that the alpha can do anything he wants to the omega because no matter how harsh he is, she's always turned on -- a mark of lazy writing and thinking. As a reader, I can't just suspend my disbelief because a plot point tells me to: the writing has to convince me that the alpha and omega have enough chemistry, connection, whatever, to justify the amount of violence visited on these books' feminine bodies. I realize that this is subjective, so I'll just say that for me, I was invested in the first book's MC, not at all in the middle three, and somewhat in this one since Garron does seem to care at least a little about his omega's well-being (the central irony of these books is that omegas are rare and precious, but all the alphas do is beat them down) and he does change a little for her. For you, your reactions will depend upon how you respond to this advice from Garron's doctor:

"Feed her, sleep with her, dress her—make her wholly dependent on you. Your dominance and her submission should be at the forefront of every interaction between the two of you. Hold her immobile while you take her, even if she doesn't fight you, but expect that she will at some point. Most omegas aren't doormats. Punish her strictly and frequently, even if she hasn't done anything wrong, and even during sex. It's your right, and it's very probably the nudge she needs to come into heat. It sounds as if she's ready, but for that. Make sure you have skin to skin contact as often as possible. She needs to be made to feel that submission, to never be allowed to lose sight of the fact that you require that from her. Hem her in. Confine her. Restrict her, especially during her heat. Even if she fights against it—against you—it'll make her feel safe."

In terms of character, I did like Olly; your heart simply aches for this young woman who has never known kindness, affection, and security. I didn't like Garron (but then none of these alphas are likeable): it's pretty impossible to have any positive feelings towards a man who would beat someone he thinks is a child because said child couldn't lift something that's too heavy. And I fail to see what kind of kink child abuse is supposed to satisfy.

Regarding writing, this was short -- as Ms. Faulkner's books usually are -- with a lot of telling and not showing (I think dialogue only took up about 10% of this book), and too much detail in some parts (the armor) and not enough in others (the background as to why the main alphas want to kill each other and where Olly came from or even what she looks like). By and large, it was well-edited (though "affect" and "effect" aren't used correctly).

2 1/2 stars. I added a 1/2 star because I liked the ending, which depicted the omegas in a stronger, smarter, less subservient light as they resolve in a very Lysistrata way the problems their alphas -- all of whom think with their d*cks -- cannot. But, TBH, the long passages of erotica where no one speaks became tedious because there were too many of them (pretty much the whole book); the punishments were excessively brutal; and much of what these alphas do make no sense (such as parading their naked omegas in front of other men while simultaneously worried that these same men will rape them). Even given all this, however, I would have rated this more highly, but beating a pregnant woman -- which all these men do -- is a hard limit for me.

Side Note: All Ms. Faulkner's books identify her as the best-selling author of Kept. Given that that book came out over fifteen years ago, I strongly advise the author and her publisher to update her bio.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read in this series and I enjoyed it. Ollyah is a rare omega which makes her valuable during a time of war. She disguises herself as a boy and avoids direct contact with others as much as possible. Food is extremely scarce and she is on the brink of starving to death when she suddenly sees scrapes of food which leads to her being captured. Garron, army commander needs a houseboy and buys her not knowing she is a young girl. When he discovers what she is, he decides to mate with her and learns she is a virgin. The book is full of danger as the impending attack on the last holdout is imminent but what all the waring leaders had not expected were the powers their omegas were able to exert on the outcome. There is a great deal of discipline included in this book but not all meant as punishment. It is a good read that includes the unexpected bonding of Garron and Ollyah and the main characters from the previous books and their omegas. I would recommend it as a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read three of the first four books in this series (not sure how I missed one)
This is a a post-apocalyptic omegaverse each book follows a different couple but interlocks with the others in the series
The running background tone keeps the suspense high and the possibilities endless
This is a quick read that has all the juicy goodness of an omegaverse romance with a touch of suspense
- it is omegaverse what more do I need to say?

Olly does not want to be a mindless breeding machine and she is more than willing to choose nothing to the horrors that
would await her should she be claimed. She has heard the stories, seen the vacant eyes of those who were claimed.
But one scrap won't hurt. Just a morsel to stop the grumbling.
Garron has worked his way up the ranks. He has a goal. He is about to go head to head against the man who was once his mentor.
He does not need the burden that comes from owning his own female. He is stronger than that.

How sweet the lies must taste on your tongues.

I truly wish we had more time with the characters - there is so many possibilities within the story that I wanted answers too
I said this about the previous books too -
Maybe I am just being greedy but I want that deeper connection to the characters that I crave in my fiction.
I want more

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ollyah lived as a boy hanging around the army camp then she is tricked and sold to Commander Garron.
Omega Ollyah dressed as a boy survives around the edges of the army camp loosely attached to the camp followers and hanger-ons scavenging through bins and rubbish piles left by the soldiers for food and other usable items. But she is finding it harder and harder to get enough food so when she sees a half eaten apple she grab it and eats then she finds another fruit. This trail leads her further away until she is grabbed and taken to Commander Garron who buys her to be his servant. After she attends him and helps him bathe he insists that she use the water as she smells but when she refuses he rips her clothes off and realizes that she is rare Omega Female and he decides to bond her to him to give him children.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Olly", Ollyah is an Omega who dresses as a boy so she won't be found by the Alpha Men. She is following an army and gets caught while scavenging for food. She is then taken by Garron, an Alpha, who is the commander of the troop. Garron does not find it necessary to have a woman at all times but when he finds out Ollyah is an Omega, he cannot stop himself from wanting her and taking her right away. He goes out of his way to protect her from other Alphas and such tenderness toward her despite his brutal nature. It is a great love story with great characters. I loved how she brought in characters from the previous books and how it ends makes you cheer for all Omegas. You will really enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raecharmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olly was hiding herself from the others because she knew what her fate would be if she was found out. She's an unclaimed omega and when hunger draws her to take food she is caught in a trap. Only they think she's a boy and want to work her like one. She is taken to Garron to be his cabin boy but when he forces her to strip for a bath he learns what she truly is. Olly doesn't want to be used for only breeding but it seems like that's her fate. Will Garron be a better fate for Olly than what she was living? Will she stay with him?

This is a good paranormal story. Its part of a series so I would recommend that you read the first books before you read this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stephanie Bell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate writing negative reviews but I really HATED THIS BOOK.

And the blurb sounded amazing. The little bit of that they let you read intrigued me. However, I was so beyond disappointed in this novella. Its so plain and bleh.

No characters were described: The guy is big. The girl is small. That’s all the author gives us. No eye color. No hair color. I hate not being to picture the characters properly.

The ending was the BIGGEST disappointment. It’s not even about the main couple. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room.

Trust me. This is NOT worth the time worth reading. There are WAY better alpha/omega tropes out there. I deleted it even though I am spitting mad that I paid money for this and it wasn’t KU.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read the first four books in this series but loved this story and want to read the other books. Olly, who is an Omega wants to be kept hidden so as not to attract any Alpha males. If they find out who she really is, not a boy but a woman and an Omega she will be claimed without her consent. Garron finds out Olly is an Omega and claims her to get her into heat. They have to work together as a true team of Alpha and Omega if they want to win the biggest fight of Garron's life as a true warrior. Great story line and now I need to go back read the other books!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Goldienut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olly is portraying herself as a boy and is skin and bones because she has trouble finding adequate
food and that is how she is grabbed. She is taken to the commander of the military and is scared.
Garron quickly finds out that he is a she and an omega at that. There are many twists and turns
and their relationship becomes bonded she finds she does not want to be alone without him. There
are threats of wars and this does not set well with other Omegas and they set out to end it. A must
read, a real page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Irving · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book five in a series and can be read on its own but you will understand more of the back story if you read them in order. Combining omegas with a dystopian future and war between two groups this book wraps up all the stories from the previous books. I understand that this is a “spanking” series but I can’t help wishing that more had been made of the story, which is an interesting one, and less to the domestic discipline. Maybe though that comment will make you more interested in reading this book, like me when someone complains in a review that a book has too much sex in it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good read within this series. This time we get the Omega story of Garron and Olly. Garron being the invader that all the previous Alphas were banded together to ward off. Olly is like the previous females, underfed, underweight and fighting to stay out of sight. After being mistaken for a boy and sold to Garron, her true nature is discovered and he proceeds to claim her.

His claim and his attempt to hide her before the clash of the Alphas all lead up to this moment.

There are a few dub con scenes in this book and they are talked about as such, so be aware of hat

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olly is an Omega who dresses as a boy so she won't be found by the Alpha Men. She is following the army as they march through eating the scraps of food and hiding in small boys clothes. Garron is drawn to the boy and has asked him to assist him with his daily duties. What a mess when Garron finds out that Olly is an Omega and not a boy. As an Alpha he mates her right away as he knows she is his Omega. Characters were very engaging has has a fantastic storyline. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book it was great, the story was well written and the characters are interesting. Once I started I could not put the book down from start to finish you just could not get enough left you wanting more twists and turns, when Gannon bought Ollyah, he thought he bought a male and surprised how long it took to find out different. Can things be better for Olly. Things only get hot and steamy as time goes on.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elizabeth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ollyah dresses as a boy and lives on the outer edges of the encampment where she scavenges for her food so no one will find out that she is an omega. She doesn’t want to be forced into the life of a breeder like her mother. She gets trapped and taken to the commander to be his cabin boy. Garron is the alpha leader of his army and only has his mission on his mind. Until she gets dumped in his lap and then he has to have her at any cost.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ChattyChik21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

it was a good ending

But in th end the issue o have with this serious is that there was ALWAYS pain I feel like the omegas in this world are just sad and horrid and if I were them
I’d eat the arsenic because constantly multiple times a day of the agony and pain described with no end ever just seems like a miserable existence. Nothing I have read in any girls story seems really blissful or happy. Which just makes it all the worse for everyone and they are being baby girls into this misery. Why do that to your kid?