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Lost and Found #2
The Runaway
Can two tormented souls help each other heal from the wounds of the past?
Omegas in the 1800’s are not people; they are property. So when Connor runs away from a cruel and brutal master, he expects a short life of hunger and desperation, followed by a painful death. What he finds instead is refuge on the Calvet estate, and an alpha who seems as tired and broken as Connor himself.
After his discharge from the French army, Sergent Gabriel Calvet is a man adrift. Tormented by the horrors of war and unable to reconcile his own actions with his ideals, he retreats to a quiet estate in the country to attempt to find peace. But even amid the rolling hills and melodious birdsong, his nightmares continue to haunt him, and it seems less and less likely that he’ll ever manage to escape his past.
Connor doesn’t know what to make of Gabriel. He’s never met an alpha like him, who speaks kind words and who listens to Connor like he’s a real person, instead of an object to be used and then tossed aside.
Gabriel is equally confounded by this outspoken runaway, a slave who dares to have opinions of his own and who challenges everything Gabriel ever believed about omegas.
With tensions rising over omegas’ rights and a growing backlash against the repercussions of the war, Gabriel and Connor find themselves at odds with everything society expects them to be. In a world of such turmoil, will either of them ever find a place they can truly call home?
This novel can be read as a standalone, however readers may enjoy it more after reading the previous book in the series to have a deeper understanding of the characters and setting.
Caution: This book contains themes of slavery, graphic violence and descriptions of rape that may be disturbing for some readers.
An MM Omegaverse Romance
Omegas in the 1800’s are not people; they are property. So when Connor runs away from a cruel and brutal master, he expects a short life of hunger and desperation, followed by a painful death. What he finds instead is refuge on the Calvet estate, and an alpha who seems as tired and broken as Connor himself.
After his discharge from the French army, Sergent Gabriel Calvet is a man adrift. Tormented by the horrors of war and unable to reconcile his own actions with his ideals, he retreats to a quiet estate in the country to attempt to find peace. But even amid the rolling hills and melodious birdsong, his nightmares continue to haunt him, and it seems less and less likely that he’ll ever manage to escape his past.
Connor doesn’t know what to make of Gabriel. He’s never met an alpha like him, who speaks kind words and who listens to Connor like he’s a real person, instead of an object to be used and then tossed aside.
Gabriel is equally confounded by this outspoken runaway, a slave who dares to have opinions of his own and who challenges everything Gabriel ever believed about omegas.
With tensions rising over omegas’ rights and a growing backlash against the repercussions of the war, Gabriel and Connor find themselves at odds with everything society expects them to be. In a world of such turmoil, will either of them ever find a place they can truly call home?
This novel can be read as a standalone, however readers may enjoy it more after reading the previous book in the series to have a deeper understanding of the characters and setting.
Caution: This book contains themes of slavery, graphic violence and descriptions of rape that may be disturbing for some readers.
An MM Omegaverse Romance
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2022
70 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Laura Taylor
24 books103 followersLaura Taylor is a pseudonym for Gabriel Danes. Gabriel is a bisexual, transgender writer of fantasy and romance novels. He likes watching ice hockey, reading about vampires and werewolves, cooking, and has fantasies of one day becoming a firefighter.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Gabriel lives on the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 30, 2022
Another solid entry in this series. I appreciate the author's attempts to create interesting parts to the omegaverse world they created. In this book there is mention of the existence of omega baby farms? So interesting (and kind of messed up). The romance in this book was very sweet as well with two characters who were really struggling with the abuse of omegas and how they could change the world they live in. It got kind of messy in the last 25% of the book with points of view from a side couple I wasn't particularly interested in and way too much focus away from the primary characters and their relationship. If this was handled differently it would be a much better book. But even with this main couple was worth struggling through the end. Highly recommend the series to anyone who is interested in omegaverse world building!
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
Read this review and more on my blog: https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
June 20, 2022
An enjoyable follow up to the first, with a lot more expansion on the world itself. Instead of being more on omegaverse biology, this had a much stronger focus on omega rights and the historical problems the characters are facing.
Overall, it worked well for me. Gabriel and Connor were a great pair together, especially as they helped each other through their past traumas and sharing. It was very sweet.
The secondary romance happening alongside...I didn't like that as much. It didn't necessarily take away from the main characters, though they had significant page time. Eh.
I am intrigued enough by Jackelyn's backstory via Connor that I'll actually read an MF story up next! Curious to see where the author takes this next.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
Overall, it worked well for me. Gabriel and Connor were a great pair together, especially as they helped each other through their past traumas and sharing. It was very sweet.
The secondary romance happening alongside...I didn't like that as much. It didn't necessarily take away from the main characters, though they had significant page time. Eh.
I am intrigued enough by Jackelyn's backstory via Connor that I'll actually read an MF story up next! Curious to see where the author takes this next.
Read more reviews on my blog:
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/
January 6, 2025
3 stars ✨
August 2, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up.
For me this book could well have finished at around 60%.
I skimmed all the political issues presented in the 2nd half. Why create such a world and M/s dynamics to later on try and change it all? Wouldn't that be counterproductive to any other new books in this universe?
But that's only me ranting, folks!
Gabriel and Connor's budding affection and 'relationship' was sweet and oh so gentle and I liked both of them a lot. I would simply do without all the dramatics in the final part of the book.
And since book 3 in the Lost and Found series is MF and not MM I rather doubt that I ever reach for Rescue for a Rebel.
For me this book could well have finished at around 60%.
I skimmed all the political issues presented in the 2nd half. Why create such a world and M/s dynamics to later on try and change it all? Wouldn't that be counterproductive to any other new books in this universe?
But that's only me ranting, folks!
Gabriel and Connor's budding affection and 'relationship' was sweet and oh so gentle and I liked both of them a lot. I would simply do without all the dramatics in the final part of the book.
And since book 3 in the Lost and Found series is MF and not MM I rather doubt that I ever reach for Rescue for a Rebel.
March 19, 2022
Almost didn’t finish
The first book was intense, a 5 stars for me and I finished in 2 days. This book took me two weeks and I struggled through the first 75% and skimmed the remaining 25%. I didn’t care about the protests and was bored out of my mind by that point
I adored Dante and Antoine in book 1 but Gabriel and Connor were just…boring. I was so tired of Gabriel’s self-loathing and self-doubt and Connor was bland. Wish I had liked the book more but the storyline and characters didn’t work for me this time.
The first book was intense, a 5 stars for me and I finished in 2 days. This book took me two weeks and I struggled through the first 75% and skimmed the remaining 25%. I didn’t care about the protests and was bored out of my mind by that point
I adored Dante and Antoine in book 1 but Gabriel and Connor were just…boring. I was so tired of Gabriel’s self-loathing and self-doubt and Connor was bland. Wish I had liked the book more but the storyline and characters didn’t work for me this time.
August 25, 2022
The last 30% of this was a struggle. There was enough of a story with just the two broken MCs trying to figure out their lives after large traumas that adding in all the political stuff almost took away from the potential that could have been. Connor saying I love you after his first heat didn't make any sense. That could have been teased out much more.
June 17, 2025
3.75⭐️ 2.5🌶️
📝 Review & thoughts:
The interesting world building and character development continued with the second book in the series.
I truly enjoy the time taken for the trauma to heal instead of being glossed over.
The romance was super sweet, a very sweet and caring alpha was really needed by our Connor. Truly a perfect match.
This second book wasn’t as fast paced as the first, (it’s a bit longer than the first), but it still worked for the trauma these characters had to overcome.
The world in this series is still barbaric and absolutely terrifying. The themes of sl@very can really be tough to read.
This book can be read as a standalone if you want to, as the author still includes some explanations of the world building that were shown in book one, so you’re not thrown in without any explanation. But I highly recommend to read book one to be able to fully enjoy it and the side characters.
I truly appreciate that the author created different story lines and romance for the two books. The second book is not a copy and paste (plot wise) of the first one.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Omegaverse
Setting 1800s France
Forced proximity
Ex military alpha x runaway omega
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: medium
Vibe/mood: dark (not dark romance, but the themes and situations are dark)
Pet names: n/a
HEA: yes
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
Pretty vanilla outside of the usual heat/knotting for omegaverse. Very sweet and caring mating.
Strict top/bottom or versatile: strict top/bottom
Heat: 6 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: yes, the MC is r@ped (not by MC)
PTSD, nightmares, starving, r@pe scenes (recalled on page), graphic v!iolence, v!olent riots
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
📝 Review & thoughts:
The interesting world building and character development continued with the second book in the series.
I truly enjoy the time taken for the trauma to heal instead of being glossed over.
The romance was super sweet, a very sweet and caring alpha was really needed by our Connor. Truly a perfect match.
This second book wasn’t as fast paced as the first, (it’s a bit longer than the first), but it still worked for the trauma these characters had to overcome.
The world in this series is still barbaric and absolutely terrifying. The themes of sl@very can really be tough to read.
This book can be read as a standalone if you want to, as the author still includes some explanations of the world building that were shown in book one, so you’re not thrown in without any explanation. But I highly recommend to read book one to be able to fully enjoy it and the side characters.
I truly appreciate that the author created different story lines and romance for the two books. The second book is not a copy and paste (plot wise) of the first one.
🏷️ Tropes & tags (possible spoilers):
MM
Omegaverse
Setting 1800s France
Forced proximity
Ex military alpha x runaway omega
POV: 3rd person, dual
Angst: medium
Vibe/mood: dark (not dark romance, but the themes and situations are dark)
Pet names: n/a
HEA: yes
🌶️ Spice & k!nks (possible spoilers):
Pretty vanilla outside of the usual heat/knotting for omegaverse. Very sweet and caring mating.
Strict top/bottom or versatile: strict top/bottom
Heat: 6 scenes, medium heat
⚠️ Content warnings (possible spoilers):
Dubcon: no
Noncon: yes, the MC is r@ped (not by MC)
PTSD, nightmares, starving, r@pe scenes (recalled on page), graphic v!iolence, v!olent riots
* Fyi about 🌶️ levels: I rate spice on a combination of quantity, quality, length, intensity and explicitness of the scenes. K!nks are listed separately and generally do not directly affect the steam level to keep it fair for non k!nky books.
January 2, 2024
Gabriel, an alpha, has recently been discharged from the French army following a leg injury and the culmination of the war with England. During the war, he had seen conscripted omegas brutalized in the worst ways and then treated as disposable, not even worthy of medical care for their wounds. Gabriel has lost all hope in a society in which omegas are treated as worthless and he vows to never be a part of the mistreatment of omegas.
Connor is a runaway omega who has fled an abusive household, one of various abusive situations he has lived his entire life. Hiding in a barn, he is discovered by Gabriel, who treats him gently and respectfully. Connor is fed, clothed, and given a place on the estate farm. Slowly, he begins to trust and he is especially drawn to Gabriel.
Gabriel refuses to make any demands of Connor or to treat him in any alpha-typical way. He knows that since Connor is a runaway slave, his owner might show up one day to retrieve Connor. Gabriel is badly traumatized from the war and Connor is, as well, from his own life of abuse. Gabriel is aware that Connor is not able to truly consent and he would rather not ask anything than risk Connor's compliance out of duty and lack of true choice. Can these two men form a bond when society and their own pasts work against them?
This book has well-thought out issues related to social justice, power imbalances, and societal abuses toward one class of citizens. The strength of these men and other characters in the book is truly amazing and transformational. The love that develops transcends barriers and is truly beautiful. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Connor is a runaway omega who has fled an abusive household, one of various abusive situations he has lived his entire life. Hiding in a barn, he is discovered by Gabriel, who treats him gently and respectfully. Connor is fed, clothed, and given a place on the estate farm. Slowly, he begins to trust and he is especially drawn to Gabriel.
Gabriel refuses to make any demands of Connor or to treat him in any alpha-typical way. He knows that since Connor is a runaway slave, his owner might show up one day to retrieve Connor. Gabriel is badly traumatized from the war and Connor is, as well, from his own life of abuse. Gabriel is aware that Connor is not able to truly consent and he would rather not ask anything than risk Connor's compliance out of duty and lack of true choice. Can these two men form a bond when society and their own pasts work against them?
This book has well-thought out issues related to social justice, power imbalances, and societal abuses toward one class of citizens. The strength of these men and other characters in the book is truly amazing and transformational. The love that develops transcends barriers and is truly beautiful. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 20, 2025
Two traumatized people from different social classes find love and solace in a cruel world,
a world where a horse is more valued than a human life.
This story is historical, dystopian, m/m, and m-preg.
Humans have two sexes that are divided into 3 classes, the Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. Omegas are the slave class and are treated deplorably. They are tortured and murdered by the Alphas at their whim. They are used as sex slaves, beasts of burden, and for whatever their masters desire. Except for on the estate of Antoine Calvet where the Omegas are treated like errant children that must help with all of the chores of the estate.
The time period is the 1800's. People drive carriages and live close to nature, eating food they have raised and selling wool and grains at market. They barter with neighbors for different things they can't make on their own farms.
The author is pretty smart about historical practices of hygiene, medicine, and food preservation. I love the description of the farm life.
I love this author's writing style. You will find nary a typo.
Onto the next book in this series
a world where a horse is more valued than a human life.
This story is historical, dystopian, m/m, and m-preg.
Humans have two sexes that are divided into 3 classes, the Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. Omegas are the slave class and are treated deplorably. They are tortured and murdered by the Alphas at their whim. They are used as sex slaves, beasts of burden, and for whatever their masters desire. Except for on the estate of Antoine Calvet where the Omegas are treated like errant children that must help with all of the chores of the estate.
The time period is the 1800's. People drive carriages and live close to nature, eating food they have raised and selling wool and grains at market. They barter with neighbors for different things they can't make on their own farms.
The author is pretty smart about historical practices of hygiene, medicine, and food preservation. I love the description of the farm life.
I love this author's writing style. You will find nary a typo.
Onto the next book in this series
March 28, 2022
Newly discharged from the war and with nowhere else to go, alpha Gabriel makes his way to the family’s Calviet estate.
There he finds a world that he is not accustomed to, one of kindness, care and courteousness
When he comes across runaway, omega slave Connor he is faced with a new a challenge.
Two scarred souls, both suffering in their own way are unexplainably drawn to each other as they both get new starts in life.
This was definitely a more intense, in depth read compared to book one. The slavery topic is addressed more in depth and there is a bit of politics added to this plot as well. The romance is a more slow burn so it takes a back seat in this storyline. I liked that we got to see a lot of the past characters play major roles in this book. Overall, this is a long read that ends more in a HFN.
There he finds a world that he is not accustomed to, one of kindness, care and courteousness
When he comes across runaway, omega slave Connor he is faced with a new a challenge.
Two scarred souls, both suffering in their own way are unexplainably drawn to each other as they both get new starts in life.
This was definitely a more intense, in depth read compared to book one. The slavery topic is addressed more in depth and there is a bit of politics added to this plot as well. The romance is a more slow burn so it takes a back seat in this storyline. I liked that we got to see a lot of the past characters play major roles in this book. Overall, this is a long read that ends more in a HFN.
December 6, 2025
I can’t say I enjoyed this one as much as Book 1 but it’s still a great read.
Gabriel and his melancholy got to me a bit - he’s a retired soldier who was injured and saw all sorts of hellscapes during the war. He has lasting effects from that and while it is understandable, there is just a lot of inner monologuing in this story and I didn’t love that.
Another thing that got to me were Connor’s flashbacks - I don’t enjoy flashbacks usually. I want to be in the present story and move the narrative forward.
Lastly, I skimmed the riot scenes in Paris. I don’t really know why but I just wasn’t into it. I want to be on the idyllic, rural farm estate! Where everybody is happy!
Overall, I really like this series. Not gonna read the last one because it’s MF and I’m not into it. But I love the Calvet estate itself and the characters we’ve met there.
Gabriel and his melancholy got to me a bit - he’s a retired soldier who was injured and saw all sorts of hellscapes during the war. He has lasting effects from that and while it is understandable, there is just a lot of inner monologuing in this story and I didn’t love that.
Another thing that got to me were Connor’s flashbacks - I don’t enjoy flashbacks usually. I want to be in the present story and move the narrative forward.
Lastly, I skimmed the riot scenes in Paris. I don’t really know why but I just wasn’t into it. I want to be on the idyllic, rural farm estate! Where everybody is happy!
Overall, I really like this series. Not gonna read the last one because it’s MF and I’m not into it. But I love the Calvet estate itself and the characters we’ve met there.
October 28, 2023
This gets 4 stars because I think the author was extremely successful in her goal of communicating to the reader, the horrifying yet bleak reality of life for the omegas in this world. This book kept me up at night, my heart was pounding so hard in my chest several times throughout the story. I cried. I woke up anxious about the experiences of the characters in this book several times.
Initially I was disappointed that the sequel was MF, but considering how upsetting this was, it was probably a good thing.
Initially I was disappointed that the sequel was MF, but considering how upsetting this was, it was probably a good thing.
February 2, 2025
I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed this series. It's very dark and definitely emotionally draining, but well-told and with a lot of great characters.
There are just a few places that read awkwardly, and some story choices don't make much sense, but with a good editor those could have been easily resolved.
I don't know why people are mad about the last ~30% being about societal change and political upheaval instead of simple romance. Those themes have literally been present since the start of book 1!
There are just a few places that read awkwardly, and some story choices don't make much sense, but with a good editor those could have been easily resolved.
I don't know why people are mad about the last ~30% being about societal change and political upheaval instead of simple romance. Those themes have literally been present since the start of book 1!
February 12, 2023
Recommend reading Redemption of a Slave first to get a better idea of the time this take place and the estate they are living on. Runaway follows on from Redemption with different MC's but lots of interaction with the characters in Redemption. Its a different story line with its own grit and determination, similar traumas driving reactions and decisions, and an all round great read. Loved the trip to Paris - shame it was necessary - but what validation for the oppressed.
January 4, 2026
well done
Good next installment of this series. It doesn’t take the usual path of similar stores, which makes it that much more compelling. Taylor likes to tackle difficult subjects and ugly realities, but she does it without making the whole story dark and difficult to read or making light of traumatic instances. She has a gift for making stories feel like they are genuine histories yet dramatic enough for entertainment. Well done.
Good next installment of this series. It doesn’t take the usual path of similar stores, which makes it that much more compelling. Taylor likes to tackle difficult subjects and ugly realities, but she does it without making the whole story dark and difficult to read or making light of traumatic instances. She has a gift for making stories feel like they are genuine histories yet dramatic enough for entertainment. Well done.
March 17, 2022
fantastic!!
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series and more from this author. Hopefully we get to see more from Lucas. And I’d love to see stories of the descendants of these characters. How their actions have impacted future generations. This is by far my new favorite series.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series and more from this author. Hopefully we get to see more from Lucas. And I’d love to see stories of the descendants of these characters. How their actions have impacted future generations. This is by far my new favorite series.
August 11, 2022
Absolutely EXCELLENT 😁
I've completely enjoyed this series, this ongoing story has wonderful experiences with multiple characters 😃. Intense emotions, lots of action, bad times and fantastic characters that are all lovable 😍. Thanks again Laura, you're truly an Awesome writer and I can't wait to read more of this series 🤓.
I've completely enjoyed this series, this ongoing story has wonderful experiences with multiple characters 😃. Intense emotions, lots of action, bad times and fantastic characters that are all lovable 😍. Thanks again Laura, you're truly an Awesome writer and I can't wait to read more of this series 🤓.
March 10, 2026
2.5*
I didnt enjoy this as much as the first. I liked conner and his back story. i slightly wish it took him a little more to be comfortable with Gabriel due to his traumatic past but overall i liked him. Gabriel however I felt was a little contradictory maybe. he was slightly preachy about how omegas were treated and got annoyed with those that were trying their best, a bit gung-ho.
it was third person and dual POV. this 2as very forgettable.
I didnt enjoy this as much as the first. I liked conner and his back story. i slightly wish it took him a little more to be comfortable with Gabriel due to his traumatic past but overall i liked him. Gabriel however I felt was a little contradictory maybe. he was slightly preachy about how omegas were treated and got annoyed with those that were trying their best, a bit gung-ho.
it was third person and dual POV. this 2as very forgettable.
February 28, 2022
Great read!
If you love omegaverse this series is a wonderfully different spin on the trope. A book that shows how people can rise above abuse and social disparities and that love can be found even in the darkest of places.
If you love omegaverse this series is a wonderfully different spin on the trope. A book that shows how people can rise above abuse and social disparities and that love can be found even in the darkest of places.
April 28, 2022
Great second book
The second book is just as enjoyable as the first. This is a book is about two men finding themselves and at the same time not thinking they deserve better or each other. Both have been abused and can see the injustice of the system and they want change.
The second book is just as enjoyable as the first. This is a book is about two men finding themselves and at the same time not thinking they deserve better or each other. Both have been abused and can see the injustice of the system and they want change.
May 5, 2022
brilliant
A brilliant storyline set in an omegaverse. Theses are not shifter but that doesn’t detract from the story. It’s a very different book where the omegas are slaves and have zero worth . This is a story if those omegas and the people that love them.
A brilliant storyline set in an omegaverse. Theses are not shifter but that doesn’t detract from the story. It’s a very different book where the omegas are slaves and have zero worth . This is a story if those omegas and the people that love them.
August 30, 2022
Connor is a runaway slave and Gabriel makes sure he can stay on the safe farm, still as a slave of sorts, but more equal than on other farms.
This is a really different world of alphas, betas, and slave omegas.
Love the writing and the character building
This is a really different world of alphas, betas, and slave omegas.
Love the writing and the character building
August 6, 2023
I can't really say if I like this one better than the first book. Definitely a great addition to the series. Gabriel was a breath of fresh air in just a dark, horrible world. Not a story for everyone, but I enjoyed a looot
November 27, 2023
Pretty good
Okay so not as good as the 1st book but also enjoyable. Gabriel story is amazingly written to flow through Connor's. Together they have 1 hell of an adventure finding each other at just a right time and just the right place.
Okay so not as good as the 1st book but also enjoyable. Gabriel story is amazingly written to flow through Connor's. Together they have 1 hell of an adventure finding each other at just a right time and just the right place.
August 7, 2024
5 stars because I loved the book but I'd rate it less because the ending seems like it's missing a few paragraphs?? Or an epilogue?? Did I miss something? I dunno it seems like it just drops off and it left me really unsatisfied.
January 3, 2026
Well written
This is a well written historical omegaverse romance fantasy with likeable characters, bonds/fated mates vibes, trauma bonding, ptsd themes and recovery, trust arcs, emotions, and HEA. I really enjoyed the relationship development in this one.
This is a well written historical omegaverse romance fantasy with likeable characters, bonds/fated mates vibes, trauma bonding, ptsd themes and recovery, trust arcs, emotions, and HEA. I really enjoyed the relationship development in this one.
Read
July 12, 2022Dnf 30%
October 8, 2022
3.5 stars
February 1, 2023
captivating
a emotional rollercoaster I loved every minute of it . couldn’t put it down once i started reading it .
a emotional rollercoaster I loved every minute of it . couldn’t put it down once i started reading it .
December 9, 2023
This was ok. It was way too long, there needed to be an epilogue, and the characterization of most of them was inconsistent and threw me off. The idea was there but the execution was lacking
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews