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Hired #4

Hired for Research

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Ordered to take over the Alpha Project, Evelyn had no idea that she would be thrown into an unexpected whirlwind of forbidden passion and political agendas.

When she arrives in Eden, Evelyn is faced with the daunting challenge of taking samples and observing the alphas in an environment she is completely unfamiliar with. To make matters worse, she’s been assigned a bodyguard - a hunky alpha she can’t bring herself to keep her hands off of.

The heat between them is undeniable, especially when her cycle comes during a sudden storm and she’s trapped in Jet’s apartment, but Evelyn is determined to stay focused and complete her research. With a specific outcome expected and her refusal to alter her findings to match what’s wanted, she must face the hard truth of returning home and being forced to keep her findings from the public or risk her coveted position.

When she’s one of the few able to fight for the freedom of the alphas, will she be able to sacrifice the man she’s fallen for to fulfill her mission?


***This is the final book in the Hired series, featuring a slow burn romance between a quirky omega and a playful alpha dreaming of claiming her for himself.***

295 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2022

50 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

Leann Ryans

74 books446 followers
Wife and mother of four, my days have been reduced to begging for the littlest to sleep so I can have time to write my books. I'm blaming my reduced schedule on Cupcake.
Facebook is the best place to find me, or you can sign up for my newsletter here (https://leannryans.com) to keep up with current and upcoming projects as well as special promotions and such.

I grew up on Sci-fi and Fantasy books with some of my favorite authors being Anne McCaffery and Mercedes Lackey. In 2013 I discovered paranormal romance and delved into a whole new world. After reading Omegaverse stories from Addison Cain and Nora Ash, I had the idea for The Omega Prize and decided to take a shot at writing a book of my own. The beginning was rough, it took two months to write the first five chapters, but as my 2019 New Year’s resolution I said I was going to finish the story and committed to writing every day. It didn't take long for the book to begin telling itself, and from there I just kept going.

Most of my books are Omegaverse, but they span other genres like Sci-Fi, dystopian, and historical barbarians. There is even a small-town Enemies to Lovers Romance story in there. They main contain dark elements but I wouldn't call them dark romance since my alphas tend to be a little mushy in the center. I promise there's always a HEA.

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5 stars
41 (30%)
4 stars
54 (39%)
3 stars
34 (25%)
2 stars
7 (5%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Bo0kSLoth.
1,617 reviews51 followers
December 10, 2022
This is one of the series that first got be hooked with this author way back when she first started writing. I have enjoyed reading additional books that she has added to the series as they have slowly come out over the years, like getting to catch up with old familiar friends. So needless to say, I was excited about this one.

I thought this was a perfect ending to the series. The Alpha/omega character- dynamic was just the right blend for an omega never meeting an alpha. Just the right amount of possessiveness to protectiveness. So in love with these two. I would love to read a book about the grown children. After all, it's not everyday you get to change someone's world.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,000 reviews30 followers
December 5, 2022
Evelyn, the female omega scientist lead, has been assigned continuing research into an alphas to determine how and why they’re different from other dynamics and whether they’re a risk to the community, as was originally presumed. For a more accurate community simulation, she goes to Eden, an Alpha camp where alphas have significant freedom.

Jett, the male alpha lead, is assigned as Evelyn’s bodyguard because, whilst the alphas at Eden are self controlled, the blood samples Evelyn will draw may cause unexpected reactions. But the most unexpected reaction is his upon meeting her.

Neither of them wants to act on their attraction because of the complications it will cause when she leaves. But when she goes into heat, he tends to her. Then he finds out she’s been hiding the intent of her research and feels betrayed…

This story is dual POV, well written, and a great erotic romance series finale. I REALLY enjoyed where the story finished and the world change that has occurred throughout the series. I think this was a great spot to stop because there will be HUGE world change from the endpoint. I enjoyed Evelyn’s ambition and the effort she’d put into achieving the position she was in. I enjoyed the secondary character integration, and especially her boss and his impact on her choices. I enjoyed Jett and appreciated the self control he put into resisting his attraction to her. I enjoyed the intimate scenes and the contrast between heat wildness and the normal care both characters exerted in interactions. I also enjoyed the cameos from characters earlier in the series.

This series was the first one I read by this author and is still my favourite. It’s bittersweet to see it end, and I wouldn’t be opposed to a few slices of life for any and all the lead characters, but I totally understand why the author is stopping the series here. I recommend reading the series in order, not because this doesn’t stand alone, but because the world building has been continuous and the story will be best enjoyed with a complete understanding of the setting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mary Lynne.
750 reviews
December 10, 2022
It’s a lot of fun to read an omegaverse romance that isn’t full of angst and posturing. Jett and Evelyn are two fundamentally decent people who happen to be an alpha and an omega. I really liked how Ryans has worked in her Hired series to present an omegaverse where the world hasn’t melted down and where omegas aren’t necessarily downtrodden.

I really liked Jett and Evelyn. They have an instantaneous attraction to one another, more than they’ve ever felt before. So I understood how they could come together quickly—it’s a variation of the fated mates trope that leads to early heats and more for these two. But they both work to respect one another’s boundaries, so much so that they don’t quite realize just how attracted the other is. And I loved how Jett’s gentlemanly manner is the catalyst to Evelyn realizing that her research on alphas isn’t meant to benefit them.

If there’s any flaw to Hired for Research, it’s that it builds to a big decision that Evelyn makes concerning her research that just…happens. It’s presented in such a way that the ending isn’t dramatic. In a way, I really liked that—we didn’t get the third-act manufactured tension so typical in many romances. But I felt it was a bit too underplayed, and I’d liked to have seen a bit more of the immediate reaction to Evelyn’s choice to punch home the decision she made.

Hired for Research is the fourth book in Ryan’s Hired series, so I wouldn’t recommend starting with this one. There’s an overarching story about fertility that ties into the research that pharmacologist Evelyn is doing, and it’s better understood if you’ve seen what’s happening in the society that Ryans has created. But it’s a wonderfully enjoyable end to a series with a great take on omegaverse romance.
Profile Image for AWreads.
94 reviews3 followers
December 4, 2022
Leann Ryans writes the most DELICIOUS mutual pining and heart pulling angst! The connection Jett and Evelyn have jumps off the page. The chemistry is there from the start but the slow burn hurts so good.

One of my favorite thing about this book was how jealous Jett and Evelyn got over each other. They tried so hard to keep their feeling about each other to themselves but it always came out.

He is so protective of her even though he knows she’s safe in Eden he just can’t help it, her vanilla cupcake scent drove him WILD. He’s so smitten and obsessed in the best way. Total sweetheart, he just wanted her happy and close to him!

Evelyn is tasked with completing research for the Alpha Project to discover if alphas are as dangerous as the government claims. Jett is her bodyguard since she’s an unbonded omega in the only place alphas can be free.

Unexpected heats is my all time favorite OV trope! The more inconvenient and chaotic the better. Especially when they have been denying their attraction to each other and this one was SO FREAKING GOOD!! Sorry Evelyn, I know you are in pain but I’m giggling and kicking my feet. Seriously, this was my favorite heat scene of all time and I read a lot of OV. The chaos, the longing, Evelyn growling over his laundry. All of it!

It was great to return to Eden and some past characters make fun appearances. I love the world building in the Hired Series where omegas have all the power. The story had the perfect balance of plot and romance. Hopefully there will be more in this series! I would love to see how Evelyn’s research continues to change the their world.

I loved the first 3 books and was delighted at the opportunity for an ARC.
Profile Image for Rachel Smith Horn.
306 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2024
Evelyn is a researcher charged by Big Pharma (I can't remember the acronym for the organization in the book) to find proof that the Alpha Mandates in place are correct. If Evelyn finds anything to the contrary, her research will be buried. All these people making money off the privatized prisons... I mean Alpha Camps... don't want to stop making money from them. Evelyn chooses Eden to conduct her research which is taking blood samples from alphas, swabbing for pheromones, and a MRI and then combing the raw data for differences between the dynamics.

Jett works for Cirlee, the security guy from the other book, and Jett is told to watch over Evelyn since she'll be dealing with dangerous alphas. The thing is, none do anything except mildly flirt. Jett shuts that down quick as he starts to fall in love with Evelyn and her brilliant mind. Except, Jett doesn't know the total reason why Evelyn's bosses want the research done.

When Evelyn gets the data, does she turn it in to her bosses OR to the media because it's time for a change?

Sadly, this is the last book in this series but the author did say that they may come back to the children of Eden. I would definitely read those to see the aftermath of the bans being lifted. No more kids taken from schools when they present as Alphas... well, they weren't dangerous until you ripped them from their family, now they have issues.

Good series, clever author... this was an enjoyable read. While there was the steam you come to expect from Omegaverse, this went a bit deeper than that, digging into people's biases. I know this was a made up world, but when looking at people you should always do your research.
Profile Image for Janice  M .
Author 5 books359 followers
December 3, 2022
Wow… where do I even start?
I have to say that I’m immensely sad this series is over because it’s one of my favorite OV series, period. But what a way to end it!

Leann Ryan’s has an amazing talent of world building and bringing these couples together, and this one did not disappoint!!! I absolutely fell hardcore for Jett and I can’t say I didn’t scream at Evelyn a couple of times like dude…. You need this cinnamon roll alpha in your life! But alas, the angst and the emotions throughout this story, although, more emphasized than the other books in the series, were fantastic!

I very much hope in the future we can see Commander Cirlee or Austin’s kiddos. 😍 Or any of the kids. I’ll take whatever scraps you want to give of these stories lol!

The Hired Series is one I read at least once a year and I don’t think that will change. If you’re looking for a story with a fun twist on Omegaverse this will be right up your alley!

Now onto Tempting a Knight!
Profile Image for Suze Prescot.
Author 12 books31 followers
December 8, 2022
Hired for Research is set in the same Omegaverse as the other 'Hired for' novels by Ryans. This is a time when Alphas have been judged too dangerous to live in normal society; where they are removed from their families as soon as they present and where they are kept as cheap labour in camps (unless they work as studs or as police - Controllers) aside from in Eden where an architect Omega who fell in love with her stud, has set up an experimental society.
Tasked with researching a drug to temper an Alpha's natural aggressive tendencies, and further ordered to take on the Alpha Project, Evelyn finds herself at Eden, meeting her first ever Alpha, Jett, who is ordered to guard her while she is there.
The burgeoning feelings between these two is handled beautifully, and it only her sudden heat which pushes the relationship forward. When it does, the warmth, then sudden discomfort between the protagonists is heartfelt and real.
Brilliant - as ever.
Profile Image for Michelle.
505 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2022
Originally, just going off the title, I thought the storyline was going to be something totally different than what the author had in store for us. It really brings the series full circle and ended it wonderfully. Again, loved that the Omega is someone who's not to be pushed around. Although she does kinds of find herself in a bind with her work. This particular Alpha has a different insight regarding the situation of Alphas. Maybe because of his profession as a Controller that he seems more educated than the others. That's not to say the others aren't. Just that the way the Alpha Camps and Alpha Project works, once you present, there isn't much else use for Alphas but as a work force. The sexual tension between the two though, HOT, HOT, HOT from the first interaction. Anyway...I love this series and I'm kind of sad it's done, but all good things must come to an end. I can't wait to see what this author has next for us though.
Profile Image for Karon Price.
1,248 reviews34 followers
December 8, 2022
Evelyn is an Omega and a researcher hoping to discover the reason for decreasing Beta fertility, but has been asked to transfer her research to the Alpha Project. Drug companies want a drug developed to suppress the Alphas so they can keep them docile and keep their cheap workforce. Jett is an Alpha living in Eden assigned to help Evelyn. With the secrets abounding Jett and Evelyn form a bond as she races to figure out a solution. Jett has hope that Evelyn will be able to free the Alphas, but when he discovers the truth he is devastated. This book has some great dynamic scenes, but I loved the angst of the "what will happen to the Alphas" storyline as well. Good HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for She Dreams In Books.
577 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2024
Absolutely love this last book of the series. Sad that it has come to and end. Evelyn and Jet's story was awsome. the chemistry between these two made for such a great read. Love the independence Evelyn has even during moments when her and Jet connect. Jet is frikkin' hot!
It has been an absolute great time reading this series after first thinking I may not like it. Boy I was so hugely mistaken. Love the Omega/Alpha/Beta dynamic in this series.
I've read a few on Leann Ryans books and I plan to read a heck of a lot more!
Profile Image for Lee Healey.
271 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2022
loved this series

It made me sad to realise this was the last book in this series, each couples story was different but underlaying them was a similar thread. Unlike many ov books Alphas were repressed and their omegas worked at getting the system changed to allow them the same rights as the rest of society. I would definitely read a spin off series to see how our couples and their children fare in the future.
Profile Image for mali.
273 reviews2 followers
April 1, 2025
While I liked this the mmc said a few things that irritated me
Like that it is shameful for an alpha/ man to drink cocktails bc they are girly or that she has him questioning his control to respect her consent. Like wtfffff

And this part here was very weird to me:
“Don’t worry, Ma’am. I’ll be sure you get home safe and sound and unmolested.” Evelyn huffed, her attention on the menu as she muttered, “Well, where’s the fun in that?”

Why would you say that?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly Bugler.
1,868 reviews7 followers
December 6, 2022
Brilliant read. loved this series.
Evelyn has been put in charge of the Alpha project. she has to look into the Alphas and find out what literally makes them Tick. But to do that she needs to go to Eden and see the Alphas in the wild. She has so much work to do and so little time to accomplish this.
Brilliant read.
Profile Image for Abby Lynn.
470 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2022
Now this was a fabulous romance read! This book has everything and I devoured the entire book in a single sitting. This author seriously knows how to write and I loved every second of this story. Definitely a must read! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Izzie.
83 reviews
December 22, 2022
I need more

Please, please, please. I love this series soooo much this cannot be the end I need that spin-off you mentioned. This world is so unique and so interesting. Hired for heat is one of those books in the I wish I could read again for the first time category because of how different it hit me. I love these books so much.
510 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2022
I love this series. I also really like how this book shows Eden. It was great to see the place that everyone basically in the series ends up. I also really liked how things ended up in this book and series. And the 2 MC's were great characters and perfect for each other.
Profile Image for Wendy.
186 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2022
Good read

I always enjoyed this different take on Omegaverse and this was good ending. The couple had great chemistry, angst, and kept you rooting for them. A lighter read with all the feels
6,486 reviews22 followers
December 10, 2022
While I am sad that this series of standalone is coming to a close, I don't think it could have ended any better! It introduces Evelyn and Jett, who have so much chemistry and angst. The slow burn of their romance fit the story very well. Amazing read with so many emotions.
1,070 reviews28 followers
January 27, 2023
Once again author Leann Ryans has produced a story that is addictive and full of emotion and one where I cried for our heroine. Highly recommended read.
1,375 reviews
June 7, 2023
🌶️
Omega verse romance
Profile Image for Andrea Frankel.
283 reviews3 followers
September 1, 2023
I really enjoyed the story (and the series), but the lack of editing made want to dnf. I won't be seeking out this author for more.
Profile Image for Night Reader.
639 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2024
I like the characters and the general storyline. Just found the pacing really slow.
Profile Image for Ashton Butler.
1,088 reviews
December 17, 2022
researcher meets reality…

Liked the story. Each story brought new goals and vision to the Eden community. The Alpha and Omega pair were spot on.
Profile Image for N.
177 reviews
April 8, 2024
4/5

I LOVE this series. Hired For Research I've not read anything like it within the omegaverse genre. Not only did I enjoy the concept of the story line, the Leann Ryans always delivers with the spice and sexual tension. The visuals she creates through her writing are *chef's kiss*.
I will say, though, there were a few sections throughout the story that I felt were filler and were not needed to fulfill the plot. Over all I enjoyed this story and this series as a whole. I hope the author comes out with more from this series!!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews

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