Leading Love

Marked by His Alpha #5

by Sophie O'Dare

An Alpha co-star. An Omega in hiding. A week alone in a cabin.

After a trauma from his childhood made Remy wary of Alphas, he went into his acting career disguised as a Beta. He knew it was a risk, but with safeguards in place, he should have been fine. But no amount of planning could have prepared Remy for Jude Hendricks, his Alpha co-star.

Remy never expected to fall for Jude, but after almost three films together, the blue-eyed hottie has worked his way past Remy’s usual defenses. He just has to make it through the final scene of their movie without giving into his conflicting emotions, and then he’ll never have to work with Jude on set again.

When they’re sent away together to work on their script, though, Remy’s ability to resist Jude’s allure is put to the test. Especially when the Alpha makes it clear he wants to be more than co-stars. But falling for Jude comes at a high cost.

Is Remy ready to come out as an Omega to the world? Or will he find the will to resist the only man he’s ever truly wanted, even if it breaks both their hearts?

This is an Alpha/Omega story with MM and potential the for mpreg. Themes include: coworkers-to-lovers, secret Omega, and forced proximity.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, Friends To Lovers, Forced Proximity, Novella, Paranormal, Romance

172 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2022

About the author

Sophie O'Dare is the alter ego of paranormal and sci-fi author Lyn Forester. She loves writing stories about guys falling in love with each other and all the shenanigans that go along with romance!

When Sophie isn’t writing, she enjoys curling up with a cup of coffee and her cats, when she can convince them to snuggle. Video games and reading are her go-to way to unwind after a long day, offering a perfect escape into other worlds. Between writing, gaming, and cat cuddles, Sophie’s life is fueled by creativity, relaxation, and coffee.

Visit her website to stay up-to-date on future releases and sales:

Follow her Newsletter: https://geni.us/sophie-odare-NL
Visit her website: https://geni.us/sophieodare

Reviews

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars
If you haven't read the previous books in the series, don't read this, it won't be nearly enough to get a feel for Remy. As it was, this felt pretty lightweight compared to some of the others in the series. I'm hoping the next book won't continue the trend -- Derek and Elijah deserve some nice density to their relationship.

[the kevin (vaguely alive) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute fluffy coworkers to lovers short. Despite some of the potentially heavier themes like coming out (as an omega) and parental abuse (not on page), it stayed pretty angst free. I think the length made it feel a bit rushed at times, but overall I found it very sweet.



Read more reviews on my blog: 
https://horsetalkreviews.blogspot.com/

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, quick, light, low-angst story about an in-the-closet omega and his alpha co-star. Remy has a no-intimacy clause in his acting contract for a reason. Abused as a child, he's not comfortable around most alphas. Since omegas rarely make it in his field, he passes as a beta for his own peace of mind. His alpha co-star Jude has always behaved professionally, but Remy has kept him at arm's length to avoid acting on his attraction and potentially outing himself. What is doesn't realize is that the attraction is mutual. When the two men spend some time alone together, it becomes difficult to figure out what to say and what to keep hidden. Can they let go and risk a relationship?

[Laina Gruver · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-4.25 stars

Remy is ‘pushed’ by his director to spend a week at a cabin with his co-star, Jude. It wouldn’t be a problem if Remy were the Beta everyone thinks he is. Being an Omega stuck in a cabin for a week (during his heat) with his Alpha crush is not going to end well.

Remy’s “coming out” was handled well and that he stood up to his abuser was great.

*****
POV… first person (Remy)

Standalone or series… book 5 in series CAN be read as a standalone

Hangover… no

Recommend… sure

Reread… sure

[Verdelite · Rating 4 out of 5]

What it says in the blurb is exactly what you get. Short, predictable but cozy.
I wish there was more filming though. I'd have gladly read a longer version of this book.

[Shawna (endemictoearth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars - A bit predictable, but cozy and cute with a forced proximity during heat situation. Secret omega!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a traumatic childhood, Remy was afraid of the "typical" Alpha. So, he pretended to be a Beta instead of an Omega. This has served him well in his professional life as an actor but now, paired with an Alpha and expected to get romantic, he has hit a roadblock. If Jude wasn't an Alpha, he would be everything Remy ever wanted. He's handsome, kind, and talented. Remy can barely resist his charm but if he gets any closer to Jude, his secret will be revealed. So, does he come out as an Omega or does he risk his career? Does he have a choice because as he's forced to spend time with Jude, he discovers the attraction isn't one-sided? Will his co-star become his leading man?

Once again this author has created a sweet, sexy, wonderful Alpha/Omega love story. Everyone familiar with me knows how much I love the Omega Outreach Program, and I am thrilled each character seems to be getting their own story. Remy's trauma was simple but the effects were lasting. It was believable. He was scared but so brave hiding in plain sight. He was living out his professional dream while denying himself his personal dreams. Jude broke through his denials, however, by being the perfect Alpha. He was kind, patient, and protective. His ability to meet Remy exactly where he was and never force him made all the difference. Trust led to nature winning out since these two were meant to be on-screen and off.

[Steppikenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Of:
~ Leading Love
(Marked By His Alpha #5)
By Sophie O’Dare

🍌Overall review out of 5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍋Page count: 116
🍊Chapter count: 13, +Epi
🍑Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
🍎Cliffhanger: No
🍉Can it be read as a stand-alone: Yes
🍇Book type: Omegaverse, Secret omega, Romance
🫐Main character/s:
~ Remy, O
~ Jude, A
🥝Relationship type: MM, Coworkers to lovers
🍐M/M: Yes
🥭 Pregnancy mentions/in plot: No

🍓 Character descriptions:

🔴 Remy, Omega
Long black hair

🟡 Jude Hendricks, Alpha
Piercing blue eyes
Light brown hair
Very fit and muscular

[Macrochiroptera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forced proximity, secret omega and an omega topping. Yes please! This was delightful, definitely a 3.5 stars. The characters were behaving so realistically, and I truly enjoy when in omegaverse the whole "omg a heat is coming" is not too dramatic, but more about making sure to take precaution. The only reason why I am not giving a higher score is because I am addicted to angst, and this book was surprisingly less angsty than I expected. I would say it is almost a fluffy relaxed read.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just finished re-reading the Tails x Horns series by O'Dare which is a favorite very underrated series of mine so I was excited to try this one out as well. I feel like it was written by a completely different person! The worldbuilding was nonexistent (even though it says it can be read as a standalone) and it was so insta lovey with little plot. Just not what I was expecting at all.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remy and Jude 🤍🤍🤍 I thought these two were so cute, I loved the support on Jude’s end to make sure Remy felt safe and also how everyone Remy was afraid of telling truly felt so bad they put him in a situation they would have never wanted him to be in. I loved Remy and Derek’s friendship too!!

[Menie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny enough, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book about actors like this before, so the narration was pretty interesting. I kind of hate Derek, so I definitely won’t be reading his book… but overall, it was fun.

[Jennifer Paulet · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good

I like this series it has snarky love interests and a good storyline I Cant wait for the next one

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great book! Easy read and filled with humor, angst and romance!

[Katie Clausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍😍😍😍

What a great story!!!! And I gotta wait forever for the next one!!!! I love how characters from previous books make appealing each new one!!!

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[piss · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is not to my liking. 

[yazaleea · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plots of these books are so bad, why am i doing this to myself? *grabs the next volume*

[Neisha † The Poet † · Rating 3 out of 5]

V.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of anthology. Great story!