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Secret Pack #1
Hide or Die
I'm trapped in a cell with an alpha, and my heat is coming on.
In a world where omegas have no rights, I've managed to carve out a respectable life in the glittering world of beta politics despite the odds. I thought maybe I could do some good here—make things better for our people. But now, after years of hiding my omega status with a toxic cocktail of black market heat blockers and pheromone suppressors, my time is finally up.
When a fellow omega-in-hiding and I are kidnapped by terrorists a week before my heat is due, our only hope lies with the misfit pack of subjugated alphas assigned as our security detail. Jax, Alex, and Flynn are as much slaves to the beta ruling class as we are—but they value omegas the way we're meant to be valued. They'll do whatever it takes to rescue us—though it still may be too late to protect my deadly secret.
If I give into the temptation they represent, my fragile house of cards will come tumbling down. And if I fall that far, will they be able to catch me?
Either way, my life as I knew it is over.
* * *
Secret Pack is a 'why choose' non-shifter omegaverse trilogy. It features a female and a male omega as the main characters, along with three growly alpha protectors. One of those alphas is female. There's no F/F in the first or second book. There probably will be in the third one. M/M is hinted at in the first book, and starts in earnest in Book Two.
The series contains NO non-con or dub-con. HEA guaranteed in the final book. What happens between now and then… not guaranteed. ;)
In a world where omegas have no rights, I've managed to carve out a respectable life in the glittering world of beta politics despite the odds. I thought maybe I could do some good here—make things better for our people. But now, after years of hiding my omega status with a toxic cocktail of black market heat blockers and pheromone suppressors, my time is finally up.
When a fellow omega-in-hiding and I are kidnapped by terrorists a week before my heat is due, our only hope lies with the misfit pack of subjugated alphas assigned as our security detail. Jax, Alex, and Flynn are as much slaves to the beta ruling class as we are—but they value omegas the way we're meant to be valued. They'll do whatever it takes to rescue us—though it still may be too late to protect my deadly secret.
If I give into the temptation they represent, my fragile house of cards will come tumbling down. And if I fall that far, will they be able to catch me?
Either way, my life as I knew it is over.
* * *
Secret Pack is a 'why choose' non-shifter omegaverse trilogy. It features a female and a male omega as the main characters, along with three growly alpha protectors. One of those alphas is female. There's no F/F in the first or second book. There probably will be in the third one. M/M is hinted at in the first book, and starts in earnest in Book Two.
The series contains NO non-con or dub-con. HEA guaranteed in the final book. What happens between now and then… not guaranteed. ;)
309 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
261 people are currently reading
978 people want to read
About the author
Ember Blaze
60 books79 followersEmber Blaze is either three toddlers in a trench coat, or the new reverse harem omegaverse pen name of USA Today Bestseller R. A. Steffan. If you figure out which, let her know. In the meantime, enjoy growly alphas, sweet omegas, and hawt pansexual lovin’—all with a heaping side order of consent, because that shit’s important.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 30, 2021
I’d probably give this book 4.5 ⭐ if I could.
This is the first book in a continuing series, as such even though the story ends at a natural break in the plot, it feels very much like a cliffhanger!
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s an Omegaverse novel and if you don’t know what that is you need to read this . Now you have the basic idea of what Omegaverse is all about, you need to understand this book has a bit a different twist on things. This book is set in a world where alphas and omegas are enslaved, mutilated and chemically controlled. Every alpha and omega must be registered and being unregistered is a death sentence. Betas are in control of the world and they rule with an iron fist.
Leona is an omega who was born of respectable beta parents who decided to hide her gender using their money and contacts to buy black market drugs to suppress all signs of her status. Living as a beta she worked her way up to a high rank in the diplomatic corps and was doing her best to improve the living conditions of alphas and omegas, despite taking her life in her hands whilst she was doing it.
Leona’s assistant Kam, is also an omega in hiding, except he was discovered as a pre-teen and had his reproductive organs removed in punishment for not being a good little omega in the slave pens. He eventually escaped and now he and Leona form their own little lopsided pack. They are unable to live as their instincts tell them, unable to have love the way they want to experience it, never daring to be themselves even in their own homes.
When on assignment they are kidnapped along with one of their alpha guards and they fear their secret will finally be exposed, as Leona goes into heat without her hormones. Their kidnappers are beta fundamentalists and threaten to use a weapon against all alphas and omegas to wipe them off the face of the earth.
There’s a lot going on in this book. There are echoes within the writing of slavery and the fight for emancipation and LGBTQIA+ rights. There is also an intelligent discourse on diplomacy and the way the business of politics is done. At the same time as all the interesting subtext there is a compelling story. The characters are interesting and diverse and they are believable in the context of the world that the author has built. The characters all have interesting backstories which are revealed throughout the course of the book in a natural way.
I really like that this is essentially more of a ‘Sweetverse’ book than a straight ‘Omegaverse’ book, as I’m not a huge fan of those books. There is nothing non/dubiously consensual in this book, which is one of the things I don’t normally like about Omegaverse books, with hormones basically taking away the will of the omega to say no. In this book however, the alphas are protective and nurturing and are trapped within the system as much as the omegas are and take care of the omegas when they are unable to protect themselves.
This is an excellent introduction to a new series and it gives me high hopes for the rest of it, because the intelligent plot structure seems to indicate very interesting things to come, especially when accompanied by the very engaging and sympathetic main characters.
This is the first book in a continuing series, as such even though the story ends at a natural break in the plot, it feels very much like a cliffhanger!
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It’s an Omegaverse novel and if you don’t know what that is you need to read this . Now you have the basic idea of what Omegaverse is all about, you need to understand this book has a bit a different twist on things. This book is set in a world where alphas and omegas are enslaved, mutilated and chemically controlled. Every alpha and omega must be registered and being unregistered is a death sentence. Betas are in control of the world and they rule with an iron fist.
Leona is an omega who was born of respectable beta parents who decided to hide her gender using their money and contacts to buy black market drugs to suppress all signs of her status. Living as a beta she worked her way up to a high rank in the diplomatic corps and was doing her best to improve the living conditions of alphas and omegas, despite taking her life in her hands whilst she was doing it.
Leona’s assistant Kam, is also an omega in hiding, except he was discovered as a pre-teen and had his reproductive organs removed in punishment for not being a good little omega in the slave pens. He eventually escaped and now he and Leona form their own little lopsided pack. They are unable to live as their instincts tell them, unable to have love the way they want to experience it, never daring to be themselves even in their own homes.
When on assignment they are kidnapped along with one of their alpha guards and they fear their secret will finally be exposed, as Leona goes into heat without her hormones. Their kidnappers are beta fundamentalists and threaten to use a weapon against all alphas and omegas to wipe them off the face of the earth.
There’s a lot going on in this book. There are echoes within the writing of slavery and the fight for emancipation and LGBTQIA+ rights. There is also an intelligent discourse on diplomacy and the way the business of politics is done. At the same time as all the interesting subtext there is a compelling story. The characters are interesting and diverse and they are believable in the context of the world that the author has built. The characters all have interesting backstories which are revealed throughout the course of the book in a natural way.
I really like that this is essentially more of a ‘Sweetverse’ book than a straight ‘Omegaverse’ book, as I’m not a huge fan of those books. There is nothing non/dubiously consensual in this book, which is one of the things I don’t normally like about Omegaverse books, with hormones basically taking away the will of the omega to say no. In this book however, the alphas are protective and nurturing and are trapped within the system as much as the omegas are and take care of the omegas when they are unable to protect themselves.
This is an excellent introduction to a new series and it gives me high hopes for the rest of it, because the intelligent plot structure seems to indicate very interesting things to come, especially when accompanied by the very engaging and sympathetic main characters.
September 2, 2024
There is a LOT going on. The OV world here is grim as can be. Most of the characters have been traumatized in one way or the other and their behavior and attitudes reflect that. While there is chemistry, there is no insta-love. It also isn’t a slow burn. While I expected fluff, I’m not at all disappointed.
September 28, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I haven't read an omegaverse book before, but when I ehard that RA Steffanw as writing one under her new pen name Ember Blaze I just knew I had to read this one. And so Hide or Die became my first foray into omegaverse.
I really enjoyed Hide or Die. At first it took me some time to get used to the concepts and idea of the omegaverse setting as this was my first book in the genre that I read. Even with me being new to this genre and needing to find my way this book grabbed my attention from the start. I liked the story and the way Leona and Kam are trying to make life better for the alphas and omegas. There are some interesting developments throughout the book. And the romance is what really sold me on this and the unique omegaverse romance dynamics.
I liked Leona as main characters, she fights for what she believes in and does this all with enormous cost to herself. She has a strong bond and romantic like relationship with her best friend Kam, both are omega's and hiding that fact from the world, they're pretending to be betas. In this world betas reign and alpha's and omega's have a tough life. They get put in breeding camps or are sterilized if they want to have a normal life. The world can be quite dark at times when you hear what these alphas and omega have gone through and what they are still going through. It broke my heart at times reading how cruel this world was for them. On the other hand this book has no darkness in the romance, the romance is sweet, touching and steamy. Which was a nice contract to the darker world.
I really liked the romance in this book. Leona and Kam are already a pack at the start of this book and along the way they meet a pack with 3 alphas. Leona and Kam are just so awesome together, they're both a bit broken, but they're fully there for the other. It was great to see how tight they are and how considerate they are of the other. I also loved how the alphas in this were so protective of the omegas. They aren't the pushy alpha type. Instead they were really considerate and protective and I loved that. There are some great steamy scenes as well. I like how caring these characters are making sure their partner(s) enjoy what they're doing and keeping their distance as well when necessary. I am looking forward to see where the romance goes next. I feel like they have a connection with all 3 of the alphas already and I am excited to see that turn into more.
I quite liked the whole omega and alpha dynamic. It feels a bit like they're humans, but with more animal like tendencies. The omegas go in heat and only alphas can help them then. There is knotting involved and the omegas like to build nests. Only the omegas can become pregnant, but omegas can be both male and female. Same goes for the alphas and there are in fact both male and female omegas and alphas in this book. It made for a very different dynamic than most romance books as I hadn't read any omegaverse books before. I really liked how this author handled the genre and also the poly type of romance that's developing.
To summarize: Hide or Die was my first time reading an omegaverse book and I really enjoyed this one. There is a dark world where alphas and omegas have limited rights and horrible things can be done to them as the betas rule this world. The romance is very sweet and touching and with plenty of steam. I really liked the characters. Leona and Kam are already close from the start and you really feel the depth of their feelings. I enjoyed seeing them meet the pack of 3 alphas and how there is a start of a romance between the two packs. I liked how protective and caring the alphas are. I liked how the author handled the omegaverse genre and how this gave a different dynamic to the romance. I really enjoyed this book and was sad when it ended as I wanted to read more. I can't wait for book 2!
I haven't read an omegaverse book before, but when I ehard that RA Steffanw as writing one under her new pen name Ember Blaze I just knew I had to read this one. And so Hide or Die became my first foray into omegaverse.
I really enjoyed Hide or Die. At first it took me some time to get used to the concepts and idea of the omegaverse setting as this was my first book in the genre that I read. Even with me being new to this genre and needing to find my way this book grabbed my attention from the start. I liked the story and the way Leona and Kam are trying to make life better for the alphas and omegas. There are some interesting developments throughout the book. And the romance is what really sold me on this and the unique omegaverse romance dynamics.
I liked Leona as main characters, she fights for what she believes in and does this all with enormous cost to herself. She has a strong bond and romantic like relationship with her best friend Kam, both are omega's and hiding that fact from the world, they're pretending to be betas. In this world betas reign and alpha's and omega's have a tough life. They get put in breeding camps or are sterilized if they want to have a normal life. The world can be quite dark at times when you hear what these alphas and omega have gone through and what they are still going through. It broke my heart at times reading how cruel this world was for them. On the other hand this book has no darkness in the romance, the romance is sweet, touching and steamy. Which was a nice contract to the darker world.
I really liked the romance in this book. Leona and Kam are already a pack at the start of this book and along the way they meet a pack with 3 alphas. Leona and Kam are just so awesome together, they're both a bit broken, but they're fully there for the other. It was great to see how tight they are and how considerate they are of the other. I also loved how the alphas in this were so protective of the omegas. They aren't the pushy alpha type. Instead they were really considerate and protective and I loved that. There are some great steamy scenes as well. I like how caring these characters are making sure their partner(s) enjoy what they're doing and keeping their distance as well when necessary. I am looking forward to see where the romance goes next. I feel like they have a connection with all 3 of the alphas already and I am excited to see that turn into more.
I quite liked the whole omega and alpha dynamic. It feels a bit like they're humans, but with more animal like tendencies. The omegas go in heat and only alphas can help them then. There is knotting involved and the omegas like to build nests. Only the omegas can become pregnant, but omegas can be both male and female. Same goes for the alphas and there are in fact both male and female omegas and alphas in this book. It made for a very different dynamic than most romance books as I hadn't read any omegaverse books before. I really liked how this author handled the genre and also the poly type of romance that's developing.
To summarize: Hide or Die was my first time reading an omegaverse book and I really enjoyed this one. There is a dark world where alphas and omegas have limited rights and horrible things can be done to them as the betas rule this world. The romance is very sweet and touching and with plenty of steam. I really liked the characters. Leona and Kam are already close from the start and you really feel the depth of their feelings. I enjoyed seeing them meet the pack of 3 alphas and how there is a start of a romance between the two packs. I liked how protective and caring the alphas are. I liked how the author handled the omegaverse genre and how this gave a different dynamic to the romance. I really enjoyed this book and was sad when it ended as I wanted to read more. I can't wait for book 2!
September 22, 2021
A wonderfully unique story! I was riveted first by the blurb and cover, and I am so glad to have read it! There was something so beautiful about the story and with characters that drew me into the story and this world so completely.
“You can be scarred and still be perfect, you can be injured and still be beautiful.”
This story had a very unique, almost dystopian feel to it, with a lot of political and social unrest. It was hard sometimes to feel the connection to that world, but the author was so great at drawing you in, building wonderful characters, and explaining without over doing the details. Such a great balance. Every time I would say “just one more chapter,” I would find myself hooked and unable to put the book down. I finished it in one day!
I can’t wait to see what is next to come in the trilogy!
“You can be scarred and still be perfect, you can be injured and still be beautiful.”
This story had a very unique, almost dystopian feel to it, with a lot of political and social unrest. It was hard sometimes to feel the connection to that world, but the author was so great at drawing you in, building wonderful characters, and explaining without over doing the details. Such a great balance. Every time I would say “just one more chapter,” I would find myself hooked and unable to put the book down. I finished it in one day!
I can’t wait to see what is next to come in the trilogy!
May 19, 2022
3.5/4 stars
This was an interesting take on omegaverse. Alphas and omegas are subjugated in this world by beta fanatics who don't like them being different. Leona and Kam are omegas who are posing as betas until their world gets topsy-turvy during a kidnapping.
I like the start of this series. It's different, and my heart hurts because in the world we live in right now, I could almost believe this subjugation not being far-fetched. We get to meet Leona and Kam, along with the alphas--Jax, Flynn & Alex. They don't come together in more than a cursory way in this book, but the next book should bring big change.
The one critique I really have is that I don't feel super attached to the alphas. I feel like we get a good look into Leona and even Kam, but the alphas just aren't tugging at me as strongly.
This was an interesting take on omegaverse. Alphas and omegas are subjugated in this world by beta fanatics who don't like them being different. Leona and Kam are omegas who are posing as betas until their world gets topsy-turvy during a kidnapping.
I like the start of this series. It's different, and my heart hurts because in the world we live in right now, I could almost believe this subjugation not being far-fetched. We get to meet Leona and Kam, along with the alphas--Jax, Flynn & Alex. They don't come together in more than a cursory way in this book, but the next book should bring big change.
The one critique I really have is that I don't feel super attached to the alphas. I feel like we get a good look into Leona and even Kam, but the alphas just aren't tugging at me as strongly.
September 13, 2024
Omegaverse book 1 in a series.
I haven't got much to say. It was a okay read. The smut was okay too. I just didn't connect with any of the characters enough to care about their story....
Think I will leave reading the rest of the series for now.
3.4 stars
I haven't got much to say. It was a okay read. The smut was okay too. I just didn't connect with any of the characters enough to care about their story....
Think I will leave reading the rest of the series for now.
3.4 stars
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January 13, 2024No rating as this is not my type of book due to the depiction of a world/ society that has slavery, breeding camps, and forced sterilisation. I don't enjoy imagining the feeling of helplessness that faces these characters. I want to feel empowered if a story explores these issues. I didn't want to feel powerless by the end of this book, but I did. There wasn't enough ups or good triumphing to encourage me to tough it out for 2 more books.
November 28, 2021
Amazing Sweet Omegaverse!!
A spin on the sweet omegaverse. I absolutely loved it. I can't wait for the next installment. A new 2021 favorite!
A spin on the sweet omegaverse. I absolutely loved it. I can't wait for the next installment. A new 2021 favorite!
January 4, 2022
Leona and her assistant Kam are living a dangerous life. Leona has risen in the Beta-ruled world of politics championing to restore rights to Omegas and Alphas. They have become masterful at diplomacy and deception because both are secret Omegas. However, when they are kidnapped at a summit, Leona's secret is exposed. Their only hope of rescue is with a group of Alphas. And the Alphas present a totally different type of risk.
I liked the concept but struggled with it. I can't say why exactly but it was missing something. It was difficult to connect to the characters and the characters had no chemistry with one another. Two of the Alphas were instantly smitten with the Omegas for no apparent reason other than biology. The final Alpha was closed off completely due to a past relationship. We didn't get to know any of them. The team handler was a confusing character to me and I never quite figured out his role. The Omegas were a mixed bag. Kam was damaged and so subservient to Leona, he never became his own character. He was only there to support her. Leona was the least sympathetic character in the book, so single-minded and short-sighted. Her ambition came across as selfish instead of altruistic after her first escape. I thought Kam meant something more to her. I had little sympathy for her official outcome.
I have loved discovering the Omegaverse but I don't see myself continuing with this series unless it changes direction.
I liked the concept but struggled with it. I can't say why exactly but it was missing something. It was difficult to connect to the characters and the characters had no chemistry with one another. Two of the Alphas were instantly smitten with the Omegas for no apparent reason other than biology. The final Alpha was closed off completely due to a past relationship. We didn't get to know any of them. The team handler was a confusing character to me and I never quite figured out his role. The Omegas were a mixed bag. Kam was damaged and so subservient to Leona, he never became his own character. He was only there to support her. Leona was the least sympathetic character in the book, so single-minded and short-sighted. Her ambition came across as selfish instead of altruistic after her first escape. I thought Kam meant something more to her. I had little sympathy for her official outcome.
I have loved discovering the Omegaverse but I don't see myself continuing with this series unless it changes direction.
December 19, 2022
TLDR - odd pacing but amazing characters so far! -
I definitely ate this up, the blurb made me think it was captive forced breeding and honestly that’s only a small portion of the book and I still liked it!
The ABO world they build is actually so interesting, all these little things about the society, government and biology was so fun to read. I love seeing how each ABO book doesn’t it differently.
The characters were great. I love all of them eventhough with such a short book we haven’t had much of a chance to get to know anybody. Luckily everyone in our ‘harem’ has unique voices and personalities that I can distinguish them from each other.
In terms of romance honestly I loved seeing the already established romance the most. It seemed like the dynamic was there but not that deep and slowly we got to see all the intricacies of it (would’ve loved a back story on meeting though) so far we don’t have much romance with the harem but I expect a lot more of it in the next book now that everything is established.
For smut this one sits at my mid range despite it seeming like not a lot happened when I broke it down away from heteronormative scaling it sits in my mid range. I am so incredibly keen though to see it go up next book.
Overall I was a sucker for this and can’t wait to read the next one…… in 5 minutes lol
I definitely ate this up, the blurb made me think it was captive forced breeding and honestly that’s only a small portion of the book and I still liked it!
The ABO world they build is actually so interesting, all these little things about the society, government and biology was so fun to read. I love seeing how each ABO book doesn’t it differently.
The characters were great. I love all of them eventhough with such a short book we haven’t had much of a chance to get to know anybody. Luckily everyone in our ‘harem’ has unique voices and personalities that I can distinguish them from each other.
In terms of romance honestly I loved seeing the already established romance the most. It seemed like the dynamic was there but not that deep and slowly we got to see all the intricacies of it (would’ve loved a back story on meeting though) so far we don’t have much romance with the harem but I expect a lot more of it in the next book now that everything is established.
For smut this one sits at my mid range despite it seeming like not a lot happened when I broke it down away from heteronormative scaling it sits in my mid range. I am so incredibly keen though to see it go up next book.
Overall I was a sucker for this and can’t wait to read the next one…… in 5 minutes lol
September 27, 2021
5 stars for being a unique Omegaverse book. Leo lives in a world where omega and Alphas are killed or mutilated their reproductive organs, mating glands all butchered. Leo is hiding her omega along with her assistant omega, omeganess her by taking suppressants that will eventually kill her, him by bulking up to look like a beta as he's already been mutilated. While on a diplomatic mission conference they are kidnapped by beta supremacist group along with an alpha whose hurt that's on their protection detail. Without her medication she goes into heat. The alpha and her pack mate both get her through it but the captors find out and all heck breaks out, they're rescued and recovered. She and her pack mate go back to work trying to further their cause when once again she's taken this time by the committee that kills them. Rescued again she is given a choice to join the underground.
A very fresh take on this trope, not all sweetness and rises, this has heartbreaking elements. It is enjoyable, great world building! Looking forward to the next book!
A very fresh take on this trope, not all sweetness and rises, this has heartbreaking elements. It is enjoyable, great world building! Looking forward to the next book!
October 10, 2021
There's so much to this.
An underground resistance, the dynamic between the many and the few. The nature of relationships between alpha females/males and omega females/males. The greater population trying to eradicate what's different because of what they're lacking and don't understand. The political climate between certain countries over this exact issue. It screams LGBTQ+ community, and how special all of the genders are and how beautiful relationships form. It's polyamory but it's a startling metaphor for so many existing problems in the real world. This was fantastic, and I can't wait for more.
An underground resistance, the dynamic between the many and the few. The nature of relationships between alpha females/males and omega females/males. The greater population trying to eradicate what's different because of what they're lacking and don't understand. The political climate between certain countries over this exact issue. It screams LGBTQ+ community, and how special all of the genders are and how beautiful relationships form. It's polyamory but it's a startling metaphor for so many existing problems in the real world. This was fantastic, and I can't wait for more.
June 6, 2022
This is the first Omegaverse novel of its kind I've read, and while I'm not sure I'd seek out other OV series, I did enjoy this a lot more than I thought I would. I took a chance because I like her other work (this is a pen name for R. A. Steffan), and I was not disappointed. I was also pleasantly surprised to find there is a plot beyond "hidden omega goes into heat", though it does take a backseat to the whole heat part. All in all, it was very enjoyable and I've already started the next book.
January 10, 2024
It took a while for the interesting action to start, but I enjoy this author's character development and unique characters.
Romance:
Romance:
December 29, 2021
Hooked
I got the prequel to this, Laugh or Cry, as a freebie in a Christmas Anthology and was immediately hooked. I usually read normal fantasy and urban fantasy with a smattering of sci fi and mystery thrown in. I was unprepared for how addictive a well written omegaverse novel could be. This is very well written. It has elements of suspense, romance and humour and good characterisation. Can’t wait to read the next book. I’m hooked.
I got the prequel to this, Laugh or Cry, as a freebie in a Christmas Anthology and was immediately hooked. I usually read normal fantasy and urban fantasy with a smattering of sci fi and mystery thrown in. I was unprepared for how addictive a well written omegaverse novel could be. This is very well written. It has elements of suspense, romance and humour and good characterisation. Can’t wait to read the next book. I’m hooked.
September 23, 2021
Omg was this real! This was so so good.
I was lucky to get an arc but now I´m thinking oww I have to wait so much longer for Fight or Fly book 2 to come out!
I would absolutely love to read more about these characters and their world!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
I was lucky to get an arc but now I´m thinking oww I have to wait so much longer for Fight or Fly book 2 to come out!
I would absolutely love to read more about these characters and their world!! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
April 2, 2022
The writing is decent, the relationships are believable. I liked the characters well enough, although Jax, one of the MMCs, felt a little flat.
The relationship between the main characters was earnest, cute, and fully consensual (and not in a pointed, overbearing way, as it sometimes comes across in other books). There was no hint at sexual abuse or controlling behavior, which was honestly refreshing after some of the books I've read recently. The few relationship conflicts between the main characters were never flimsy or annoying - they felt grounded and true to the characters, and the resolutions were satisfying. No "misunderstandings of an overheard conversation" here.
The sex was decent, but nothing to write home about; I wouldn't keep this book on my nightstand, but it was enjoyable to read.
I really liked that the relationship between the two omegas featured prominently. Their care and intimacy with each other was really sweet.
However:
This series features a crapsack world where slavery, rape, and nonconsensual body modification is the norm for alphas and omegas, and all of these things feature prominently in the main characters' backstories. No rape takes place over the course of the books' plot, although there is violence, kidnapping, threatened rape, and off-page torture.
Quite frankly, I could have done with less of the external conflict. I would have loved this more if the relationship had been the main focus of the book, and the world had been less oppressive and depressing. It was well-written and well-handled, with a happy ending at the end of the third book, but still. This was enough of an issue that I probably wouldn't reread this series, and wouldn't recommend it as a straightforward romanced novel - it's more of a dystopia with romance. However, I do look forward to reading other books by this author.
The relationship between the main characters was earnest, cute, and fully consensual (and not in a pointed, overbearing way, as it sometimes comes across in other books). There was no hint at sexual abuse or controlling behavior, which was honestly refreshing after some of the books I've read recently. The few relationship conflicts between the main characters were never flimsy or annoying - they felt grounded and true to the characters, and the resolutions were satisfying. No "misunderstandings of an overheard conversation" here.
The sex was decent, but nothing to write home about; I wouldn't keep this book on my nightstand, but it was enjoyable to read.
I really liked that the relationship between the two omegas featured prominently. Their care and intimacy with each other was really sweet.
However:
This series features a crapsack world where slavery, rape, and nonconsensual body modification is the norm for alphas and omegas, and all of these things feature prominently in the main characters' backstories. No rape takes place over the course of the books' plot, although there is violence, kidnapping, threatened rape, and off-page torture.
Quite frankly, I could have done with less of the external conflict. I would have loved this more if the relationship had been the main focus of the book, and the world had been less oppressive and depressing. It was well-written and well-handled, with a happy ending at the end of the third book, but still. This was enough of an issue that I probably wouldn't reread this series, and wouldn't recommend it as a straightforward romanced novel - it's more of a dystopia with romance. However, I do look forward to reading other books by this author.
January 24, 2022
My review is written voluntarily after listening to the audio version of this book.
This story is like no other I have read or listened to, there are alphas, betas and omegas but whereas I've read about these in shifter stories the ones featured in this book don't shift, they don't have an animal side! This story is set in a world where omegas have no rights, where betas ruIe and even alphas are subjugated and chemically castrated or sent to the breeding pens.
Somehow, Leona and Kam, two unregistered omegas have managed to carve out a respectable life in the glittering world of beta politics despite the odds. Leona has risen to the rank of Ambassador whilst Kam is her trusty assistant. Leona thought maybe she could do some good, perhaps even make things better for omegas. But now, after years of hiding her omega status with a toxic cocktail of black market heat blockers and pheromone suppressors, her secret is discovered and it looks like she'll be executed soon.
Some weeks before her secret was discovered Leona and Kam were assigned a new security team made up of three alphas, Jax, Flynn, and Alex. But on the second day of their assignment Leona, Kam and Jax are kidnapped leading to her secret being discovered by Jax. They are rescued by Flynn and Alex and taken to a safe house where a bond of sorts is formed between them all. Ultimately though Leona and Kam go back to their real lives although neither of them can forget their time with the alphas. When she is arrested and awaiting transfer to a secure facility Leona is rescued by Alex and Beckett, a member of the underground and finds herself once more in a safe house with three alphas and Kam.
Knowing they can never go back to their lives what will Leona and Kam decide to do? This is the first book in a trilogy so I will have to listen to the next book to find out.
This book is made all the more exciting by the wonderfully talented Gwendolyn Druyor who brings all the characters to life so well.
This story is like no other I have read or listened to, there are alphas, betas and omegas but whereas I've read about these in shifter stories the ones featured in this book don't shift, they don't have an animal side! This story is set in a world where omegas have no rights, where betas ruIe and even alphas are subjugated and chemically castrated or sent to the breeding pens.
Somehow, Leona and Kam, two unregistered omegas have managed to carve out a respectable life in the glittering world of beta politics despite the odds. Leona has risen to the rank of Ambassador whilst Kam is her trusty assistant. Leona thought maybe she could do some good, perhaps even make things better for omegas. But now, after years of hiding her omega status with a toxic cocktail of black market heat blockers and pheromone suppressors, her secret is discovered and it looks like she'll be executed soon.
Some weeks before her secret was discovered Leona and Kam were assigned a new security team made up of three alphas, Jax, Flynn, and Alex. But on the second day of their assignment Leona, Kam and Jax are kidnapped leading to her secret being discovered by Jax. They are rescued by Flynn and Alex and taken to a safe house where a bond of sorts is formed between them all. Ultimately though Leona and Kam go back to their real lives although neither of them can forget their time with the alphas. When she is arrested and awaiting transfer to a secure facility Leona is rescued by Alex and Beckett, a member of the underground and finds herself once more in a safe house with three alphas and Kam.
Knowing they can never go back to their lives what will Leona and Kam decide to do? This is the first book in a trilogy so I will have to listen to the next book to find out.
This book is made all the more exciting by the wonderfully talented Gwendolyn Druyor who brings all the characters to life so well.
October 2, 2021
Absolutely brilliant
This has all the elements we all love so much about the Omegaverse, but is also just sooooooo much better. It is disturbingly dystopian, set in a future where to be anything but Beta means breeding slavery, mutilation or death. The political undercurrents, the deeprooted fear, the desperate, fragile hope.... This really is an incredibly written book - but I would expect nothing else from RA Steffan. I could not put this book down. Yet, the more I read the more I felt unsettled expecting worse and worse. Truly, what a read. I absolutely love Kam and Leo, I can't wait to get to know the alphas better, if you are someone with triggers read the warnings so you know what to expect, or if you are someone who doesn't like to read detailed love scenes or MM / gender bending then this book is not for you. If you are someone who loves a truly amazing story and likes reading Omegaverse love for loves sake then do yourself a favour and buy this book - it's only going to get better.
This has all the elements we all love so much about the Omegaverse, but is also just sooooooo much better. It is disturbingly dystopian, set in a future where to be anything but Beta means breeding slavery, mutilation or death. The political undercurrents, the deeprooted fear, the desperate, fragile hope.... This really is an incredibly written book - but I would expect nothing else from RA Steffan. I could not put this book down. Yet, the more I read the more I felt unsettled expecting worse and worse. Truly, what a read. I absolutely love Kam and Leo, I can't wait to get to know the alphas better, if you are someone with triggers read the warnings so you know what to expect, or if you are someone who doesn't like to read detailed love scenes or MM / gender bending then this book is not for you. If you are someone who loves a truly amazing story and likes reading Omegaverse love for loves sake then do yourself a favour and buy this book - it's only going to get better.
October 1, 2021
This book sucked me in right away and did not let me go.
This is an amazing story! Ember's world building is so detailed. She has created an entire governmental structure in a bit of a dystopian environment. This is an "Omegaverse" novel with some imaginative differences. If you are unfamiliar with the term the characters live in a world where humans are Alphas, Betas, or Omegas. They share some similar characteristics and bonds to wolves in a wolf pack but do not shapeshift. The world Ember builds is dark and ruled by Betas it is a world where being born alpha or omega means a life of slavery or death. Ember's characters are
Genuine, imperfect, and risk their lives to improve their world. I fell in love with them.
This book sucked me in right away and did not let me go. I am so excited to read the rest of the series. Also it had a satisfying end, no crazy cliffhanger here!
This is an amazing story! Ember's world building is so detailed. She has created an entire governmental structure in a bit of a dystopian environment. This is an "Omegaverse" novel with some imaginative differences. If you are unfamiliar with the term the characters live in a world where humans are Alphas, Betas, or Omegas. They share some similar characteristics and bonds to wolves in a wolf pack but do not shapeshift. The world Ember builds is dark and ruled by Betas it is a world where being born alpha or omega means a life of slavery or death. Ember's characters are
Genuine, imperfect, and risk their lives to improve their world. I fell in love with them.
This book sucked me in right away and did not let me go. I am so excited to read the rest of the series. Also it had a satisfying end, no crazy cliffhanger here!
February 23, 2022
I really wanted to give it a higher rating but there are things that i don't truly like. Disclaimer: I know that people will think what they want to think but i will say grow the f up.
1 - Was the use of Male omegas.... Not really my thing at all. If it had that in the summary then i wouldn't have bought the novel and that would be the same with book 2.
2- Not longer enough in the world building. Why are the Beta's in control? I don't just believe it was protesters that made that genuine change.
3 Alpha Female's that can get omega female's and I believe males as well. Was also a no go for me.
4-The lack of interesting characters. Leona[ By the way, i don't like her name at all]
1 - Was the use of Male omegas.... Not really my thing at all. If it had that in the summary then i wouldn't have bought the novel and that would be the same with book 2.
2- Not longer enough in the world building. Why are the Beta's in control? I don't just believe it was protesters that made that genuine change.
3 Alpha Female's that can get omega female's and I believe males as well. Was also a no go for me.
4-The lack of interesting characters. Leona[ By the way, i don't like her name at all]
March 16, 2022
YES!
I thought I’d hit my wall with books. There were too many DNF’s to properly count. Nothing caught my interest.
ENTER HIDE OR DIE
This five star is for pure story; no tricks, no stupid rules I impose on myself.
-Plot: Fantastic
-Characters: Well formed and stay true throughout
-Spicy Scenes: Hooked me! They’re not too explicit (like some omegaverse books go) but NOT TAME in the slightest. Just the right balance of steam, action, and description.
-Pacing: BEST I’ve read in a long time. Everyone is given their time to shine and it feels natural. Plot points aren’t brushed by but at the same time they don’t hang around too long.
So unbelievably well done, I cannot wait for to dive into book two.
I thought I’d hit my wall with books. There were too many DNF’s to properly count. Nothing caught my interest.
ENTER HIDE OR DIE
This five star is for pure story; no tricks, no stupid rules I impose on myself.
-Plot: Fantastic
-Characters: Well formed and stay true throughout
-Spicy Scenes: Hooked me! They’re not too explicit (like some omegaverse books go) but NOT TAME in the slightest. Just the right balance of steam, action, and description.
-Pacing: BEST I’ve read in a long time. Everyone is given their time to shine and it feels natural. Plot points aren’t brushed by but at the same time they don’t hang around too long.
So unbelievably well done, I cannot wait for to dive into book two.
January 8, 2024
So much more heartfelt than you'd expect.
What a unique and heart-wrenchibg Omegaverse Ember has created. Where Omegas are treated as chattel and Alphas as nothing but brawn
The ruling party of Betas with their sham governments, creating damning laws that threaten lives and spit out people like Kam, and only if they're lucky.
Kameron Patel, an attractive and influential Beta or a traumatised and scarred Omega with no choice?
The diplomatic attaché to Leona, another Omega hiding in plain site.
These two have decided to change the world, one law at a time if they have to.
But with the ruling class looming over every move they make, one mistep could mean death, or life in the slave pens if you're unlucky.
Queue in Jax, Alex, and Flynn; Alphas. Pack.
We're in for a messy ride!
What a unique and heart-wrenchibg Omegaverse Ember has created. Where Omegas are treated as chattel and Alphas as nothing but brawn
The ruling party of Betas with their sham governments, creating damning laws that threaten lives and spit out people like Kam, and only if they're lucky.
Kameron Patel, an attractive and influential Beta or a traumatised and scarred Omega with no choice?
The diplomatic attaché to Leona, another Omega hiding in plain site.
These two have decided to change the world, one law at a time if they have to.
But with the ruling class looming over every move they make, one mistep could mean death, or life in the slave pens if you're unlucky.
Queue in Jax, Alex, and Flynn; Alphas. Pack.
We're in for a messy ride!
December 23, 2021
I enjoyed it after reading an Omega for Christmas
I discovered Kam and Leo in an anthology. That story covered their coming together and it seemed like they really loved each other by the end of it.
Unfortunately the dynamic of their relationship has changed by the time this book takes place. I don’t get the same chemistry from them and that took it down a star for me. I like the alphas they seem great and I look forward to the dynamic between the 5 of them growing.
As for Leo, I didn’t love how she spent a large part of the book ‘out of it’ whether by heat or shock.
Overall a good story in an interesting world and I’ll be reading the next when it comes out in a week.
I discovered Kam and Leo in an anthology. That story covered their coming together and it seemed like they really loved each other by the end of it.
Unfortunately the dynamic of their relationship has changed by the time this book takes place. I don’t get the same chemistry from them and that took it down a star for me. I like the alphas they seem great and I look forward to the dynamic between the 5 of them growing.
As for Leo, I didn’t love how she spent a large part of the book ‘out of it’ whether by heat or shock.
Overall a good story in an interesting world and I’ll be reading the next when it comes out in a week.
October 6, 2021
Wow! This Omegaverse read was so unexpected! It was definitely not what I am used to reading in the Omegaverse world. And that is not a bad thing! The characters who live in this dystopian world know near constant fear and hatred. They are forced to hide who they are or suffer three equally unacceptable fates. You will love Leona and Kam, but you will find Jax, Flynn,, and Alex bring even more to the mix.. The dynamic world building in this incredible love story makes the book impossible to put down. Amazing!
November 10, 2021
I really enjoyed this different take on what is essentially a shifter hierarchy but without any of the characters being actual shifters but humans. There is a lot of information contained here and you do have to keep your brain engaged to understand it all. Well written with characters that develop gradually and I suspect even more in the next book. The plot is engaging and at times heartfelt, with the fear at atrocities that are committed by those holding power hanging over our MCs.
I look forward to continuing this series.
I look forward to continuing this series.
January 13, 2022
I really wanted to love this book. The premise was so unique and I enjoyed this political view on the Omegaverse.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get with it. At times it felt like nothing was moving forward, while other - super important plot parts - were just tossed aside with half a page.
To me the writing felt clunky and I couldn't find a rhythm with it.
I would have been more interested in the inner workings of the alphas, of Kam. At times the characters felt flat and choices they made could have used some background.
Unfortunately I just couldn't get with it. At times it felt like nothing was moving forward, while other - super important plot parts - were just tossed aside with half a page.
To me the writing felt clunky and I couldn't find a rhythm with it.
I would have been more interested in the inner workings of the alphas, of Kam. At times the characters felt flat and choices they made could have used some background.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2022
Entirely plausible and all the more scary for it
The first chapter hit hard. It is entirely plausible to me that if our world was an omegaverse, it would play out like this.
The characters are nuanced are have gone beyond the 'not like other girls' that some other omegaverse authors use.
Trigger warnings for kidnapping (that was written well - I could feel the fear and desperation) and the killing, mutilation and removal of people from their homes by the government. The xenophobia is real and perfectly described.
The first chapter hit hard. It is entirely plausible to me that if our world was an omegaverse, it would play out like this.
The characters are nuanced are have gone beyond the 'not like other girls' that some other omegaverse authors use.
Trigger warnings for kidnapping (that was written well - I could feel the fear and desperation) and the killing, mutilation and removal of people from their homes by the government. The xenophobia is real and perfectly described.
August 13, 2022
3 1/2 stars... sorry.
Great writing, I really mean that. It had a good plot and world building was fantastic.
Some spots do lag, but I think that’s me not the book.
But sorry I but I don’t think I can finish this series, the female alpha (not the character, she was great) but parts of her anatomy emerging… just… I couldn’t help but think of a male dog’s anatomy, my brain just couldn’t un-think the visual.
If this author writes a different genre I'd definitely read that, because the storytelling is pretty great.
Great writing, I really mean that. It had a good plot and world building was fantastic.
Some spots do lag, but I think that’s me not the book.
But sorry I but I don’t think I can finish this series, the female alpha (not the character, she was great) but parts of her anatomy emerging… just… I couldn’t help but think of a male dog’s anatomy, my brain just couldn’t un-think the visual.
If this author writes a different genre I'd definitely read that, because the storytelling is pretty great.
October 8, 2021
This was an interesting take on Omegaverse where the Beta's have the power.
I will admit, in the first few chapters, I felt like there was so much information and characters coming at me that my brain was going to misfire. Once I got the swing of it, it read quite well.
It was missing something for me though, I didn't feel that oomph factor coming from all of the characters together. That might pick up more in book 2.
I will admit, in the first few chapters, I felt like there was so much information and characters coming at me that my brain was going to misfire. Once I got the swing of it, it read quite well.
It was missing something for me though, I didn't feel that oomph factor coming from all of the characters together. That might pick up more in book 2.
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