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Jaded Omegas #1
Knot Your Fairytale
The whole world watched me lose it all…
After spending the last three months on My Fairytale, a show that promised I’d find my future pack and finally get my happily ever after, I realized it was too good to be true.
My chosen pack humiliated me in front of the world and now the only thing I can do is outrun the spotlight.
I find myself moving a few hours away, ready to start a new life.
But the past isn’t ready to let me go. Family is using me for their fifteen minutes, I have interviews I still have to conduct, and it’s starting to feel like I’ll never truly get away.
My trust was broken and I’m not sure if I can let anyone in again. The issue is there are several men in this town that don’t care about my past… in fact, they have skeletons of their own.
Can we stop living in the past and give this pack a chance, or will this once again end in heartbreak?
This duet will be full of betrayal, moving on, steam, strong omegas, and will end with a HEA. This is an omegaverse world that includes male omegas, female alphas, a jaded pack that struggles to move on, and one omega who is tired of letting the world tear her down.
After spending the last three months on My Fairytale, a show that promised I’d find my future pack and finally get my happily ever after, I realized it was too good to be true.
My chosen pack humiliated me in front of the world and now the only thing I can do is outrun the spotlight.
I find myself moving a few hours away, ready to start a new life.
But the past isn’t ready to let me go. Family is using me for their fifteen minutes, I have interviews I still have to conduct, and it’s starting to feel like I’ll never truly get away.
My trust was broken and I’m not sure if I can let anyone in again. The issue is there are several men in this town that don’t care about my past… in fact, they have skeletons of their own.
Can we stop living in the past and give this pack a chance, or will this once again end in heartbreak?
This duet will be full of betrayal, moving on, steam, strong omegas, and will end with a HEA. This is an omegaverse world that includes male omegas, female alphas, a jaded pack that struggles to move on, and one omega who is tired of letting the world tear her down.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2023
826 people are currently reading
898 people want to read
About the author
Jarica James
133 books690 followersJarica is an American author. She prefers writing paranormal and fantasy books. When she isn't writing she is playing her xbox with her husband and fellow nerd. She has two crazy boys who make writing a challenge, but one she gladly accepts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
May 27, 2023
Maybe this was just me but this was like, a strangely disjointed read. Like, the flow was off for me.
It wasn’t so much that whatever was going on was Wrong or didn’t make sense as it was like, the pace was weird.
It’s not really something I can critique too harshly here bc what’s happening in the plot makes sense sure, but it stuck out to me that it could have been way better. This just felt rushed. And a bit awkward and forced. For me there were just a lot of leaps this book asked me to take with it.
Like how quickly the FL bounced back from being rejected after the Reality Show. On Chapter 8 she’s already out on a date with one of her mates and it’s only been maybe a week and a half? (Bc the Finale is stressed to be coming out in two weeks after she abandons the set and filming stops.)
I’m not asking her to be a heartbroken mess crying for a pack who were clearly arseholes but I would have loved to have seen her more hurt by her time being wasted, her kindness being taken advantage of, and her feelings being thrown back into her face. I wanted her to grieve more for the total destruction this experience she had would taint all future trust and relationships she might have.
I wanted her to mourn for the true loss of her old self. The self that fought to get away from toxic parents, a terrible ex and then still taking a leap of faith to join a show that basically ended up publicly executing her. Like she had finally hit the limits of her capacity for tolerance, turning the other cheek and looking on the bright side.
It would have been an amazing, worthwhile and a cathartic Phoenix transformation, glow-up arch for her and I would have eaten it up with a spoon. The guys having their own hang-ups about jumping straight into pack life would have just added to this imaginary, smoldering new FL mindset dynamic for me.
Imagine if she was burned on the show, found a safe space with her brother to heal, cried, grieved, moped for a bit, then came out the other side more jaded, world weary and wise. Having the men enter her life THEN, I think would have built more (and better) tension and connection for readers when it comes to understanding or falling in love with these characters. I would have paid to see the ML’s who aren’t falling over themselves to express their interest in the FL or proactively explore their connection as mates and her absorbing that behavior and avoidant interactions from a purely platonic mindset would have been so, so satisfying.
It would have reinforced her need for space from relationships while she further recovered from her Reality TV ordeal and added more intrigue. Bc in her being so freshly hurt like she is and then committing to being more cautious about letting her rose colored glasses and emotions rule her or falling right into pursuing her mates- I imagine it would have eventually been her mates turning around and ask for more. And with genuine longing for her.
I can just imagine them seeing her around town, unaffected, nonplussed and unbothered as she tries to regain her footing after her bad experience and in a new small town community. I can picture them going from unconsciously observing her from a distance all the time, to starting to go out of their way to approach her in small, innocent interactions. Getting to know her, see her, idk, smell her, up close until finally, their initial cautious voyeurism would transform into true wistful longing and desire. Just kindle a fire inside of them to proving they’re different from her last pack.
*sigh*
This book was of course none of that, and I got sick of it at 62% or something where I then skipped to the Epilogue. After reading the pitiful cliff hanger i have absolutely no desire to continue with this series further.
I’m totally bummed this wasn’t MORE. I had a feeling that this wasn’t going to be for me but I kept pulling the wool over my own eyes in the false hope it would all eventually get better. I earnestly think it doesn’t- not that I know that for sure- all I know is that this was absolute weak sauce for me personally.
✨🤗✨ Oh well.
It wasn’t so much that whatever was going on was Wrong or didn’t make sense as it was like, the pace was weird.
It’s not really something I can critique too harshly here bc what’s happening in the plot makes sense sure, but it stuck out to me that it could have been way better. This just felt rushed. And a bit awkward and forced. For me there were just a lot of leaps this book asked me to take with it.
Like how quickly the FL bounced back from being rejected after the Reality Show. On Chapter 8 she’s already out on a date with one of her mates and it’s only been maybe a week and a half? (Bc the Finale is stressed to be coming out in two weeks after she abandons the set and filming stops.)
I’m not asking her to be a heartbroken mess crying for a pack who were clearly arseholes but I would have loved to have seen her more hurt by her time being wasted, her kindness being taken advantage of, and her feelings being thrown back into her face. I wanted her to grieve more for the total destruction this experience she had would taint all future trust and relationships she might have.
I wanted her to mourn for the true loss of her old self. The self that fought to get away from toxic parents, a terrible ex and then still taking a leap of faith to join a show that basically ended up publicly executing her. Like she had finally hit the limits of her capacity for tolerance, turning the other cheek and looking on the bright side.
It would have been an amazing, worthwhile and a cathartic Phoenix transformation, glow-up arch for her and I would have eaten it up with a spoon. The guys having their own hang-ups about jumping straight into pack life would have just added to this imaginary, smoldering new FL mindset dynamic for me.
Imagine if she was burned on the show, found a safe space with her brother to heal, cried, grieved, moped for a bit, then came out the other side more jaded, world weary and wise. Having the men enter her life THEN, I think would have built more (and better) tension and connection for readers when it comes to understanding or falling in love with these characters. I would have paid to see the ML’s who aren’t falling over themselves to express their interest in the FL or proactively explore their connection as mates and her absorbing that behavior and avoidant interactions from a purely platonic mindset would have been so, so satisfying.
It would have reinforced her need for space from relationships while she further recovered from her Reality TV ordeal and added more intrigue. Bc in her being so freshly hurt like she is and then committing to being more cautious about letting her rose colored glasses and emotions rule her or falling right into pursuing her mates- I imagine it would have eventually been her mates turning around and ask for more. And with genuine longing for her.
I can just imagine them seeing her around town, unaffected, nonplussed and unbothered as she tries to regain her footing after her bad experience and in a new small town community. I can picture them going from unconsciously observing her from a distance all the time, to starting to go out of their way to approach her in small, innocent interactions. Getting to know her, see her, idk, smell her, up close until finally, their initial cautious voyeurism would transform into true wistful longing and desire. Just kindle a fire inside of them to proving they’re different from her last pack.
*sigh*
This book was of course none of that, and I got sick of it at 62% or something where I then skipped to the Epilogue. After reading the pitiful cliff hanger i have absolutely no desire to continue with this series further.
I’m totally bummed this wasn’t MORE. I had a feeling that this wasn’t going to be for me but I kept pulling the wool over my own eyes in the false hope it would all eventually get better. I earnestly think it doesn’t- not that I know that for sure- all I know is that this was absolute weak sauce for me personally.
✨🤗✨ Oh well.
May 26, 2023
Read this if you want to read a slow-burn omegaverse with next to no conflict; just a peek into the lives of others for a time.
The conflict in this is a shitty family and a recent public rejection and humiliation. I'm not spoiling, that's in the prologue. And that's all there ever is, really. And it's not debilitating conflict. When you read OMV novels, the conflict is broken packs/omegas, or trafficking, almost always an abduction and some violence, even the sweet ones. This has absolutely none of that. The pack/omega's call themselves jaded, which ends up translating to, they have a normal amount of crappy history in their lives and are somewhat cautious about jumping into a relationship.
Then there's the relationship. If you're the kind of person who needs these books to make sense and follow some kind of natural progression, maybe be as realistic as they can be for the world they're in, you need to lower your bar if you want to read this. Honestly, considering the editing errors found in it, this book is largely for those of you who want a stressless read and you're never commented on or even noticed anything like plot, character building/arcs, mechanics, etc.
This is a duet. No idea what the second part could possibly have been about until the last page. I'll likely read a few chapters of the next, because I'd like to give it a chance, but I don't have faith that I'll last.
The conflict in this is a shitty family and a recent public rejection and humiliation. I'm not spoiling, that's in the prologue. And that's all there ever is, really. And it's not debilitating conflict. When you read OMV novels, the conflict is broken packs/omegas, or trafficking, almost always an abduction and some violence, even the sweet ones. This has absolutely none of that. The pack/omega's call themselves jaded, which ends up translating to, they have a normal amount of crappy history in their lives and are somewhat cautious about jumping into a relationship.
Then there's the relationship. If you're the kind of person who needs these books to make sense and follow some kind of natural progression, maybe be as realistic as they can be for the world they're in, you need to lower your bar if you want to read this. Honestly, considering the editing errors found in it, this book is largely for those of you who want a stressless read and you're never commented on or even noticed anything like plot, character building/arcs, mechanics, etc.
This is a duet. No idea what the second part could possibly have been about until the last page. I'll likely read a few chapters of the next, because I'd like to give it a chance, but I don't have faith that I'll last.
did-not-finish
March 12, 2025DNF at 66%.
I was enjoying myself, but I just don't think I want to keep going.
There are WAY too many partners in this polycule. I appreciate the author has made them different enough to tell apart, but there are too many relationships to develop. The reason I'm stopping now is because she's about to have sexy times with one of her mates and I'm not ready for it. They haven't formed a pack. They haven't had discussions about what is okay or not. So, it just feels super icky for her to move forward with physical intimacy.
It doesn't work for me.
Until now, the story was interesting enough that I was having a good time... but I just can't.
Also, siblings having sex with the same partner is so gross. I really don't like when a polycule includes siblings.
I was enjoying myself, but I just don't think I want to keep going.
There are WAY too many partners in this polycule. I appreciate the author has made them different enough to tell apart, but there are too many relationships to develop. The reason I'm stopping now is because she's about to have sexy times with one of her mates and I'm not ready for it. They haven't formed a pack. They haven't had discussions about what is okay or not. So, it just feels super icky for her to move forward with physical intimacy.
It doesn't work for me.
Until now, the story was interesting enough that I was having a good time... but I just can't.
Also, siblings having sex with the same partner is so gross. I really don't like when a polycule includes siblings.
June 13, 2023
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this story, but it all seemed to happen so fast. We were given all this trauma for all the pack members, but everything resolved itself so easily. All of them. I had to suspend my disbelief even more than usual. This girl moves to a small town and in the span of a couple of days meets four of her fateds? And it just so happens to be the hometown of her arch nemesis? The convenience factor was just a little high in this one. I am finishing the duology, but am not as excited as I was to start this.
I enjoyed this story, but it all seemed to happen so fast. We were given all this trauma for all the pack members, but everything resolved itself so easily. All of them. I had to suspend my disbelief even more than usual. This girl moves to a small town and in the span of a couple of days meets four of her fateds? And it just so happens to be the hometown of her arch nemesis? The convenience factor was just a little high in this one. I am finishing the duology, but am not as excited as I was to start this.
January 18, 2024
knot Your Fairytale
Karina James wrote this book with a unique take on fated mates and omegas. It’s refreshing to see fated mates not instantly fall in love and in bed together. Reading this book a few thoughts that came to mind were: “I see she took inspiration from the bachelor.” “The twins remind me of The Property Brothers, I wonder if she wrote their characters from inspiration from them?” And lastly and trust me I have zero clue as to why “this scene reminds me of the hunger games where Caesar interviews the winner.” I don’t know how much more r what she took inspiration from but those are my personal takes.
I liked all the characters, they are super sweet and attentive once they get over themselves. One thing that annoyed me was Ezra’s big reveal. Honestly I thought it would be an ex mate and child in the grave not who it was. But I get the author didn’t want to go dark with this.
Karina James wrote this book with a unique take on fated mates and omegas. It’s refreshing to see fated mates not instantly fall in love and in bed together. Reading this book a few thoughts that came to mind were: “I see she took inspiration from the bachelor.” “The twins remind me of The Property Brothers, I wonder if she wrote their characters from inspiration from them?” And lastly and trust me I have zero clue as to why “this scene reminds me of the hunger games where Caesar interviews the winner.” I don’t know how much more r what she took inspiration from but those are my personal takes.
I liked all the characters, they are super sweet and attentive once they get over themselves. One thing that annoyed me was Ezra’s big reveal. Honestly I thought it would be an ex mate and child in the grave not who it was. But I get the author didn’t want to go dark with this.
May 21, 2023
needs some work
The story has a lot of potential but the writing was rushed and messy. Information is attainted by the characters before the reader such as names. You’re not going to fall in love with any of the characters bc there is no time too. This isn’t even instant love, I’m not sure what it is.
The characters meet and are standoffish then just decided to give it a go. They all have similar trust issues which was nice but it’s just dropped into the story. Actually most information is dropped into the story. There is no lead in or mystery.
It started off good but then felt like a hurried assignment.
Felt more like an detailed out line than a book.
It definitely needs another good edit, punctuation errors and story holes.
The story has a lot of potential but the writing was rushed and messy. Information is attainted by the characters before the reader such as names. You’re not going to fall in love with any of the characters bc there is no time too. This isn’t even instant love, I’m not sure what it is.
The characters meet and are standoffish then just decided to give it a go. They all have similar trust issues which was nice but it’s just dropped into the story. Actually most information is dropped into the story. There is no lead in or mystery.
It started off good but then felt like a hurried assignment.
Felt more like an detailed out line than a book.
It definitely needs another good edit, punctuation errors and story holes.
March 9, 2023
Loved the story. FMC was a badass!
May 31, 2024
This is a short, low angst omegaverse that you'll probably read in one sitting. The premise drew me in right away, and I had quickly read 50 pages before I looked up again. I liked everything about this except I wish it was MORE. All of the characters were layered and had past heartbreak to deal with, and it seemed like the book was so short that all of their grief was healed with one date/one round of sex with their mate. It all happened so fast that it made the writing feel simplistic. I had to just turn my brain off after awhile to fully enjoy it. I do plan on reading the next book because there are a couple of specific scenes I'm hoping for, but I don't know that I'll read the series past that.
February 18, 2024
This was just ok. The heroine starts out being publicly rejected by a pack on a tv show she was on. She flees and moves to a small town her brother lives in. She immediately starts meeting her fated mates. They aren’t a pre-formed pack and now of them go Gaga for her. Well, one is happy to meet her and goes on a date. Two of them had no reactions and one was hostile. The hostility doesn’t last he was having a bad moment but still ugh.
It’s a romance. They clearly all come together slowly but for a girl who was publicly humiliated I would have expected her fated mates to fall at her feet. I was underwhelmed.
No cheating. Some mild OW drama but they don’t want the OW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
4.5 Stars ~
Ok now listen, I started reading this as a way to feed my current omega verse obsession and OMG was it a comfort read,
The only reason this isn’t five shining stars, is the ending…
I CANT STAND CLIFFHANGERS 😭😭
It was sooo goodddd, and then my fucking stomach DROPPED smh 🥲
I need the next book ASAP !!!!
Ok now listen, I started reading this as a way to feed my current omega verse obsession and OMG was it a comfort read,
The only reason this isn’t five shining stars, is the ending…
I CANT STAND CLIFFHANGERS 😭😭
It was sooo goodddd, and then my fucking stomach DROPPED smh 🥲
I need the next book ASAP !!!!
July 21, 2023
This was a very sweet book. You really feel for Ellie with everything she goes through. Her men all fit in her life perfectly and each have a past that that need to overcome. Really enjoyed this book and can't wait to continue the series
Read
July 27, 2023Not bad. It's easily my best Jarica James book so far, but I don't think it had enough story to split it into 2 parts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
Eh. Didn’t really like the characters.
November 10, 2024
This book was not for me.
March 13, 2023
Knot Your Fairytale by Jerica James is a sweet and exciting omegaverse. Ellie is betrayed on a TV show where 2 omegas are supposed to find a fairytale ending with their pack. However she disappears and goes to stay with her brother in a small town. While there she ends up making new friends, finding the perfect job, and meeting 4 mates with just as much trauma as her. Will they find a way to make a pack or will it prove to be too difficult to trust one another?
This was an interesting story. The characters are all intriguing with pasts that make it difficult for them to trust and consider taking on a mate and a pack. Ellie, despite being somewhat shy and reserved, is pretty amazing with a lot to offer. It's heartwarming to see her step up and discover what she wants and find the assertiveness to go after it. This story has some surprises and twists that I didn't expect.
I rated Knot Your Fairytale with 5 out of 5 stars. It has a sweet story with engaging characters that will keep you reading to ensure this group gets its HEA. This omegaverse also has some spicy moments that will have your toes curling. If you're ready for a sweet and spicy omegaverse with good guys and an incredible girl that deserves a HEA, Knot Your Fairytale will have you begging for more.
This was an interesting story. The characters are all intriguing with pasts that make it difficult for them to trust and consider taking on a mate and a pack. Ellie, despite being somewhat shy and reserved, is pretty amazing with a lot to offer. It's heartwarming to see her step up and discover what she wants and find the assertiveness to go after it. This story has some surprises and twists that I didn't expect.
I rated Knot Your Fairytale with 5 out of 5 stars. It has a sweet story with engaging characters that will keep you reading to ensure this group gets its HEA. This omegaverse also has some spicy moments that will have your toes curling. If you're ready for a sweet and spicy omegaverse with good guys and an incredible girl that deserves a HEA, Knot Your Fairytale will have you begging for more.
March 6, 2023
Before starting "Knot Your Fairytale", I took the time to read the prequel "Knot Your Mate". It put me fully in the 'root-for-Ellie's-HEA' mood, and I enjoyed seeing the story unfold for her. I really love the support she finds with her brother Micah, and how her experiences with reality tv don't leave her jaded. She's struggling with her feelings of betrayal, but in a way that don't limit her future too much. It results in a feel-good story, where Ellie heals from her past, together with the men who are drawn to her.
I truly like these characters, the small town they are living in, and the new friendships Ellie forms along the way. "Knot Your Fairytale" is the first book in a duet, and even though it ends in a small cliffhanger it's actually something I could anticipate happening from the start. Ultimately, it gave me a 'curious to find out what will happen next'-feeling, instead of the hurt that cliffhangers sometimes result in.
I truly like these characters, the small town they are living in, and the new friendships Ellie forms along the way. "Knot Your Fairytale" is the first book in a duet, and even though it ends in a small cliffhanger it's actually something I could anticipate happening from the start. Ultimately, it gave me a 'curious to find out what will happen next'-feeling, instead of the hurt that cliffhangers sometimes result in.
March 7, 2023
If you like omegaverse RH, fated mates. Then stop here and read this! Actually if you can read the prequel first, then I urge you to do that. It gives you the insight and backstory for Ellie since Knot Your Fairytale basically picks up on the aftermath of that reality tv show.
Ellie picked everything up and moved to a small town where her brother now lives and has been raving about. Small town life is where it’s at. Ellie soon meets her fated mates and is living her best life. I loved watching everything unfold for Ellie as she deals with life after reality tv. She’s paid her dues and she’s done. Watching all the relationships blossom and develop was really sweet and amazingly beautiful.
The cliffhanger isn’t horrible but it definitely leaves wanting more. It’s not wicked, it’s just ohhh I’m dying to see what happens next. It’s like watching your favorite show and you just want to watch the next episode.
Ellie picked everything up and moved to a small town where her brother now lives and has been raving about. Small town life is where it’s at. Ellie soon meets her fated mates and is living her best life. I loved watching everything unfold for Ellie as she deals with life after reality tv. She’s paid her dues and she’s done. Watching all the relationships blossom and develop was really sweet and amazingly beautiful.
The cliffhanger isn’t horrible but it definitely leaves wanting more. It’s not wicked, it’s just ohhh I’m dying to see what happens next. It’s like watching your favorite show and you just want to watch the next episode.
March 9, 2023
Oooohhhh…. I really like this one!!!! 😍 Chosen/found family is one of my favorite tropes and this one hits perfect! I know they’re fated mates but the fact that they all have trust issues and have some hurdles to overcome makes it feel like found family, at least to me.
Sooooo. Our girl got did dirty. She went on a reality game tv show and was betrayed by just about everyone involved. She leaves to lick her wounds in private and moves in with her big brother in his small town home.
This small town just happens to be filled with her scent matched fated mates and they slowly start orbiting around each other and forming their own pack. Super cute. Super sweet. Low, low angst. Be prepared for shitty parental packs. Out of all these people, only the twins’ Dad seems to be a decent parent.
There is a teeny cliffhanger. It’s more like a small hill hanger? It’s really not a big deal and just enough to keep interest up until book 2! 💜
Sooooo. Our girl got did dirty. She went on a reality game tv show and was betrayed by just about everyone involved. She leaves to lick her wounds in private and moves in with her big brother in his small town home.
This small town just happens to be filled with her scent matched fated mates and they slowly start orbiting around each other and forming their own pack. Super cute. Super sweet. Low, low angst. Be prepared for shitty parental packs. Out of all these people, only the twins’ Dad seems to be a decent parent.
There is a teeny cliffhanger. It’s more like a small hill hanger? It’s really not a big deal and just enough to keep interest up until book 2! 💜
April 20, 2025
I was excited to see this series was coming to audio because I had been eying them up and was looking for a cute omega verse to sink my teeth into. I listened to the complete duet in a just a couple days, I enjoyed the banter and storyline in this bachelorette type OV whychoose romance.
I like the concept and was intrigued from the very beginning with how the author teed up the story. I feel for Ellie so much, she was humiliated and blindsided and has to hide away so no one can recognize her (or limit her exposure) in her brother's current hometown. I loved picturing this town with the storefronts, diner, bookstore, tea/coffee hangout. It felt like I was picturing like a cute home town like in Gilmore Girls or Sweet Home Alabama. I was happy with the different side characters (I hope some get their own story too!) and see how Ellie finds her new family after what has happened to her and how her family treats her (minus her sister and brother). The dynamics we get to see developing in book 1 of this finished duet was adorable, especially the old man of the town haha. I loved the girl friends Ellie makes, her strengthening bond with her brother, and the guys she slowly adds to her harem.Also we get to hear about and get some flashbacks/scenes from the reality tv show that keep your emotions going all over the place.
We get very different personalities in this harem. We get 2 alphas, one is grumpy and a little broody (you understand his background in this first book so you understand him way better), who loves to ensure his omega is well cared for and fed and protected. Another alpha is the last to get in line and tell Ellie how he feels/ask for a date hehe. He is unsure but a strong alpha with possessive instincts with Ellie and more to come of that in book 2!! Then we get the beta brothers and one is more happy and freeing and goes for what he wants and the other was very upset (dealing with their sick dad who was not getting better) and took out his frustrations with Ellie (thank goodness he groveled and apologized a ton afterward). I loved the dates and the sexy times (more in book 2 though!!) and the relationship development.
A quick thing about the narration, I really wish this was a duet narration and while I know that is more expensive and most authors can't afford that, it's just something to keep in the forefront for future books. I thought the female narrators was OTT in a lot of spots, especially when she was doing the male voices. I think the storyline for me was a 4.5/5 and if the narration was great I would have rounded it up to 5 but because there was some rough scenes where her voice didnt match what the situation called/emotions to be performed and portrayed. I will listen to her in the future but she won't be an automatic one-click purchase from me. Male narrator was fine for his little part, I know book 2 has more POVs for the male characters so we get to hear the narrator more.
I also wasn't a huge fan of some things being dropped, the connections that sometimes skipped some important confrontations. I didnt like how Ellie accepted things/moved on from some. It just felt very rushed. I would recommend this story but not sure if I would the audiobook (I am listening to 1.55X, if I had to listen to it in real time I wouldn't be able to get through it all.
I like the concept and was intrigued from the very beginning with how the author teed up the story. I feel for Ellie so much, she was humiliated and blindsided and has to hide away so no one can recognize her (or limit her exposure) in her brother's current hometown. I loved picturing this town with the storefronts, diner, bookstore, tea/coffee hangout. It felt like I was picturing like a cute home town like in Gilmore Girls or Sweet Home Alabama. I was happy with the different side characters (I hope some get their own story too!) and see how Ellie finds her new family after what has happened to her and how her family treats her (minus her sister and brother). The dynamics we get to see developing in book 1 of this finished duet was adorable, especially the old man of the town haha. I loved the girl friends Ellie makes, her strengthening bond with her brother, and the guys she slowly adds to her harem.Also we get to hear about and get some flashbacks/scenes from the reality tv show that keep your emotions going all over the place.
We get very different personalities in this harem. We get 2 alphas, one is grumpy and a little broody (you understand his background in this first book so you understand him way better), who loves to ensure his omega is well cared for and fed and protected. Another alpha is the last to get in line and tell Ellie how he feels/ask for a date hehe. He is unsure but a strong alpha with possessive instincts with Ellie and more to come of that in book 2!! Then we get the beta brothers and one is more happy and freeing and goes for what he wants and the other was very upset (dealing with their sick dad who was not getting better) and took out his frustrations with Ellie (thank goodness he groveled and apologized a ton afterward). I loved the dates and the sexy times (more in book 2 though!!) and the relationship development.
A quick thing about the narration, I really wish this was a duet narration and while I know that is more expensive and most authors can't afford that, it's just something to keep in the forefront for future books. I thought the female narrators was OTT in a lot of spots, especially when she was doing the male voices. I think the storyline for me was a 4.5/5 and if the narration was great I would have rounded it up to 5 but because there was some rough scenes where her voice didnt match what the situation called/emotions to be performed and portrayed. I will listen to her in the future but she won't be an automatic one-click purchase from me. Male narrator was fine for his little part, I know book 2 has more POVs for the male characters so we get to hear the narrator more.
I also wasn't a huge fan of some things being dropped, the connections that sometimes skipped some important confrontations. I didnt like how Ellie accepted things/moved on from some. It just felt very rushed. I would recommend this story but not sure if I would the audiobook (I am listening to 1.55X, if I had to listen to it in real time I wouldn't be able to get through it all.
June 5, 2023
I truly enjoyed the story, the underlying concept, and the characters in this book. Jarica James stands out as one of the more commendable authors in the Omegaverse. I've read a few of her books, even before her foray into the Omegaverse with the Not So Basic Witch trilogy, which I adored. However, when it comes to her Omegaverse books, it's a hit or miss for me. While none of her books are inherently bad, some captivated me and received a solid 5-star rating, while others left me wanting more and lacking in certain aspects. Thus, I can never accurately predict the outcome of reading one of her books.
This book is no exception. One aspect that could be improved is the pacing of the storyline, given Ellie's circumstances. She goes from completely swearing off dating after a devastating rejection and dreading the final episode, to swiftly finding her mates and diving back into the dating scene. Granted, each character has their own baggage that they need to work through, but we don't get to witness a substantial amount of that up close due to the time jumps interspersed throughout the narrative, which somewhat accelerates the process.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it. The sweet and fluffy vibes, along with the way the characters came together, resonated with me. The supporting characters in the quaint small town also drew me in, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. I could relate to Ellie in many ways and loved witnessing her self-discovery and the formation of her new chosen family.
The male characters were also well-portrayed, with their endearing and supportive natures, each having their own hang-ups and quirks. Ezra, in particular, stood out as the grumpy one, adding depth to the dynamics.
Of course, it didn't deliver the grand and explosive emotions I had initially anticipated. Additionally, since it's part of a duet, I expected a more prolonged exploration of the content. It could have undoubtedly been better with a slower pace and more buildup, allowing for deeper exploration of the characters. However, the story, as it stands, still fits in its own way.
It will be interesting to see how the second part unfolds, considering the mates and bonding aspect has already taken place. While we know the events of the show will remain in focus and the cliffhanger suggests potential drama involving certain characters, it's challenging to envision the exact direction it will take.
This book is no exception. One aspect that could be improved is the pacing of the storyline, given Ellie's circumstances. She goes from completely swearing off dating after a devastating rejection and dreading the final episode, to swiftly finding her mates and diving back into the dating scene. Granted, each character has their own baggage that they need to work through, but we don't get to witness a substantial amount of that up close due to the time jumps interspersed throughout the narrative, which somewhat accelerates the process.
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed it. The sweet and fluffy vibes, along with the way the characters came together, resonated with me. The supporting characters in the quaint small town also drew me in, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. I could relate to Ellie in many ways and loved witnessing her self-discovery and the formation of her new chosen family.
The male characters were also well-portrayed, with their endearing and supportive natures, each having their own hang-ups and quirks. Ezra, in particular, stood out as the grumpy one, adding depth to the dynamics.
Of course, it didn't deliver the grand and explosive emotions I had initially anticipated. Additionally, since it's part of a duet, I expected a more prolonged exploration of the content. It could have undoubtedly been better with a slower pace and more buildup, allowing for deeper exploration of the characters. However, the story, as it stands, still fits in its own way.
It will be interesting to see how the second part unfolds, considering the mates and bonding aspect has already taken place. While we know the events of the show will remain in focus and the cliffhanger suggests potential drama involving certain characters, it's challenging to envision the exact direction it will take.
March 27, 2024
Ok till the ending
This was a slow starter. And I appreciated the slow burn. I would have liked a better connection to the characters. I couldn't even give you a basic description of them, honestly. Ezra=diner, the twins are in real estate, Collin...I know he's working on the renovation with them but couldn't tell you if he has a career outside that. We don't see Ellie making her friendships. Time skips mean we don't see the pack really forming and bonding. We don't see her interact with her brother much. We don't see her learning and enjoying her new job. Does she dance to music while cleaning? No clue. Her favorite color? No clue. The guys have favorite activities? No clue. It's all 2 dimensional and very shallow. And then the ending. It isn't said who has shown up but I'm willing to bet it's Bear, the omega, the only one from that pack with any remorse. And dollars to donuts he's going to join the pack. Which effectively undoes any happy the author tried to build on that already shaky and threadbare foundation. I stuck it out because I enjoyed the slow burn and kept hoping as they all healed emotionally that they'd reveal more about themselves. Something, anything that would help readers bond with the characters. Nope. With no connection I have no interest in the next in the series.
This was a slow starter. And I appreciated the slow burn. I would have liked a better connection to the characters. I couldn't even give you a basic description of them, honestly. Ezra=diner, the twins are in real estate, Collin...I know he's working on the renovation with them but couldn't tell you if he has a career outside that. We don't see Ellie making her friendships. Time skips mean we don't see the pack really forming and bonding. We don't see her interact with her brother much. We don't see her learning and enjoying her new job. Does she dance to music while cleaning? No clue. Her favorite color? No clue. The guys have favorite activities? No clue. It's all 2 dimensional and very shallow. And then the ending. It isn't said who has shown up but I'm willing to bet it's Bear, the omega, the only one from that pack with any remorse. And dollars to donuts he's going to join the pack. Which effectively undoes any happy the author tried to build on that already shaky and threadbare foundation. I stuck it out because I enjoyed the slow burn and kept hoping as they all healed emotionally that they'd reveal more about themselves. Something, anything that would help readers bond with the characters. Nope. With no connection I have no interest in the next in the series.
June 1, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up because GR doesn't have half stars.
I fell into this book because my friend recommended it to me and I didn't fully know what I was getting into with this whole omega verse thing. Yes, I could have read the synopsis or looked into it before throwing myself to the not-wolves pack, but you know I might not have actually read it if I had.
So well Omega-verse isn't exactly my thing, I did not take stars away for that. I recognize that that's my thing, not the books.
As a whole, the writing and the character development kept me interested and going. I really enjoyed the story about Ellie and her mates. However, as someone who loves paranormal and shifters, my brain was very slow to figure out the whole, it's a pack dynamic but they aren't shifters part.
What slowed me down too was that after having her heart broken on the show, in less than two days (at least I think it is) she's already lusting after new men. So really, was your heart honestly that broken? I get romance moving fast because of romance reasons, but it felt a little too fast as a whole. All the boys moved really fast as a whole too, especially after we learn about all of their issues from past relationships as well.
Time is also hard to tack with this book, I don't know if I just missed it, but I didn't really follow the flow of time Great.
I fell into this book because my friend recommended it to me and I didn't fully know what I was getting into with this whole omega verse thing. Yes, I could have read the synopsis or looked into it before throwing myself to the not-wolves pack, but you know I might not have actually read it if I had.
So well Omega-verse isn't exactly my thing, I did not take stars away for that. I recognize that that's my thing, not the books.
As a whole, the writing and the character development kept me interested and going. I really enjoyed the story about Ellie and her mates. However, as someone who loves paranormal and shifters, my brain was very slow to figure out the whole, it's a pack dynamic but they aren't shifters part.
What slowed me down too was that after having her heart broken on the show, in less than two days (at least I think it is) she's already lusting after new men. So really, was your heart honestly that broken? I get romance moving fast because of romance reasons, but it felt a little too fast as a whole. All the boys moved really fast as a whole too, especially after we learn about all of their issues from past relationships as well.
Time is also hard to tack with this book, I don't know if I just missed it, but I didn't really follow the flow of time Great.
March 11, 2023
This is book one in the Jaded Omegas series by Jarica James. There is a prequel (Knot your Mate) to this book that I suggest reading before jumping in. You can enjoy this story without it but I believe that the prequel enhances this story and you will understand the FMC a bit better. I did not know about the Prequel prior to reading this book. That is no fault of anyone but myself and my review does not reflect that issue.
This book follows Ellie, a woman who was on a reality tv show hoping to find her pack. Think the bachelor but with Omegas. Ellie is humiliated and runs to the small town where her brother lives. She is hoping to escape prior to the shows finale where the world will see that she was dumped. Her brother Micah was a fantastic character and loves his sister so much. Their relationship was a great edition to the story. The men who are Ellie's fated mates and who she forms a pack with are all different but love her all the same. I truly enjoyed each mate and how they were so different. They all loved Ellie in different ways but will protect her without batting an eye. This book has most of our questions answered but leaves on a bit of a hangover. Nothing terrible but I am looking forward to seeing how it ends. The only issue I had was that the mates and their relationships all seemed really rushed and pretty dang lucky to find them in such a small town. Having said that, the story was very enjoyable and a fun and easy read. I give this one 4.5 stars and have rounded up.
This book follows Ellie, a woman who was on a reality tv show hoping to find her pack. Think the bachelor but with Omegas. Ellie is humiliated and runs to the small town where her brother lives. She is hoping to escape prior to the shows finale where the world will see that she was dumped. Her brother Micah was a fantastic character and loves his sister so much. Their relationship was a great edition to the story. The men who are Ellie's fated mates and who she forms a pack with are all different but love her all the same. I truly enjoyed each mate and how they were so different. They all loved Ellie in different ways but will protect her without batting an eye. This book has most of our questions answered but leaves on a bit of a hangover. Nothing terrible but I am looking forward to seeing how it ends. The only issue I had was that the mates and their relationships all seemed really rushed and pretty dang lucky to find them in such a small town. Having said that, the story was very enjoyable and a fun and easy read. I give this one 4.5 stars and have rounded up.
May 10, 2023
interesting take on omegaverse
Omegaverse
RH/why choose
MMFMM
Mates
Jaded H(s)/h
Reality tv element
Self growth
Small town
Spice: 1.5/5
FMC: Ellie
MMC: Ezra, Collin, Atlas, Dean
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read this book again? Probably not
Will I continue the duet? Yes
Will I read from this author again? Yes
So normally in omegaverse I’m used to when mates scent each other they kind of go crazy trying to find each other and can’t be normal without the other person. Not the case here. Ellie and all the guys get a whiff of of each other in different parts and they just keep on going about there day like “oh hey, that’s my mate” and just keep going. I feel like it’s more realistic but also weird. I can’t decide if I like it. So they find each other and slowly date and get together when Ellie goes into heat. The spice was ok, I’ve read better but it wasn’t bad. I’m enjoyed the progression of the story. People are saying the cliff hanger was huge but it was obvious it’s Bear, the omega who rejected her on the reality tv show. I am interested enough to continue the story and see what happens. It’s not a super deep story and reads easy enough.
Omegaverse
RH/why choose
MMFMM
Mates
Jaded H(s)/h
Reality tv element
Self growth
Small town
Spice: 1.5/5
FMC: Ellie
MMC: Ezra, Collin, Atlas, Dean
Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read this book again? Probably not
Will I continue the duet? Yes
Will I read from this author again? Yes
So normally in omegaverse I’m used to when mates scent each other they kind of go crazy trying to find each other and can’t be normal without the other person. Not the case here. Ellie and all the guys get a whiff of of each other in different parts and they just keep on going about there day like “oh hey, that’s my mate” and just keep going. I feel like it’s more realistic but also weird. I can’t decide if I like it. So they find each other and slowly date and get together when Ellie goes into heat. The spice was ok, I’ve read better but it wasn’t bad. I’m enjoyed the progression of the story. People are saying the cliff hanger was huge but it was obvious it’s Bear, the omega who rejected her on the reality tv show. I am interested enough to continue the story and see what happens. It’s not a super deep story and reads easy enough.
December 18, 2023
This was an easy read but I’m not sure why it was split into two books. Money? That’s ok. The Zon has created a weird place for authors.
The story is about an omega desperate for a pack who goes onto a reality show to meet and find her chosen pack.
She is humiliated on the show when her chosen pack rejects her for a scheming nasty omega.
She moves out of town and in with her older alpha brother.
She then proceeds to find scent matched mates throughout the tiny town. 🤣🤦🏻♀️
All of them are wounded in some way.
Slow burn as the smexy times don’t start until 60% into the story. The spice was ok-it happened when it needed to. But I almost felt like the passion was flat for me.
I liked the characters but it’s all been done before.
The omega show riff was cute.
But the characters are nothing new.
And that’s fine.
Sometimes i just want to read a low angst book and not have to think too much.
This is that sort of book.
RH ✅
Non virgin fmc✅
MM but none in story ✅ 😒
Finished duet✅
Kindle Unlimited ✅
The story is about an omega desperate for a pack who goes onto a reality show to meet and find her chosen pack.
She is humiliated on the show when her chosen pack rejects her for a scheming nasty omega.
She moves out of town and in with her older alpha brother.
She then proceeds to find scent matched mates throughout the tiny town. 🤣🤦🏻♀️
All of them are wounded in some way.
Slow burn as the smexy times don’t start until 60% into the story. The spice was ok-it happened when it needed to. But I almost felt like the passion was flat for me.
I liked the characters but it’s all been done before.
The omega show riff was cute.
But the characters are nothing new.
And that’s fine.
Sometimes i just want to read a low angst book and not have to think too much.
This is that sort of book.
RH ✅
Non virgin fmc✅
MM but none in story ✅ 😒
Finished duet✅
Kindle Unlimited ✅
February 24, 2024
Elle spent months as a contestant on a reality dating show, My Fairytale hoping to find her perfect pack. Thinking she has, she finds herself humiliated in the final episode. Hurting, she leaves the city and escapes to her brother's small town. Wondering if she will ever find love or trust again after her chosen pack played her, she immediately finds not one but four fated mates in the small town. Not only mates but she makes friends, finds a passion, reclaims herself, and finds happiness. If only she could leave the spotlight completely behind.
I like Jarica James' storytelling. This story wasn't as developed as some of her others, although it was entertaining. I liked the plot and the characters. I love the concept of the reality show and loved the cruel portrayal of Elle. I wasn't crazy about the development of the pack, however. It was disjointed. The character/relationship development just wasn't there. If a little more time was spent building relationships the book would have benefitted.
I like Jarica James' storytelling. This story wasn't as developed as some of her others, although it was entertaining. I liked the plot and the characters. I love the concept of the reality show and loved the cruel portrayal of Elle. I wasn't crazy about the development of the pack, however. It was disjointed. The character/relationship development just wasn't there. If a little more time was spent building relationships the book would have benefitted.
November 20, 2023
The bachelorette meets pack life
I saw an ad for this book and picked it up because it was free. Well it’s currently one am and I’m picking up book 2.
Ellie walked off the set after she realized she had been betrayed and used for entertainment. And began a journey to find herself.
I love how the author then throws in some cute twists of fate and some complex connections. It’s a small world after all. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds in book two, especially with that curveball on the last page.
Plus it was nice having the fated mates build their relationship slowly and heal together. Plus the way the pack comes together is sweet and realistic.
A rh urban Nonshifting omegaverse. Small town romance with fated mates and found family.
Multiple povs told in first person
Characters-
Ellie - omega female
Ezra - alpha
Collin - alpha
Dean and Atlas - twin betas
Micah - Ellie’s alpha brother
Tori - Ellie’s sister
Serenity and Katya - Ellie’s best friends
Steam - slow burn but heat with knots at end
I saw an ad for this book and picked it up because it was free. Well it’s currently one am and I’m picking up book 2.
Ellie walked off the set after she realized she had been betrayed and used for entertainment. And began a journey to find herself.
I love how the author then throws in some cute twists of fate and some complex connections. It’s a small world after all. I can’t wait to see how it unfolds in book two, especially with that curveball on the last page.
Plus it was nice having the fated mates build their relationship slowly and heal together. Plus the way the pack comes together is sweet and realistic.
A rh urban Nonshifting omegaverse. Small town romance with fated mates and found family.
Multiple povs told in first person
Characters-
Ellie - omega female
Ezra - alpha
Collin - alpha
Dean and Atlas - twin betas
Micah - Ellie’s alpha brother
Tori - Ellie’s sister
Serenity and Katya - Ellie’s best friends
Steam - slow burn but heat with knots at end
January 28, 2025
Great intro to Omegaverse book!
I love this! BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO AUTHORS NEWSLETTER SO YOU CAN GET THE SHORT (30 PG) PREQUEL!
This is such a fun book in the way it starts and what brings Ellie to the small town where she finds her mates.
I love the fact that it’s not an established pack when she starts realizing her connection to the guys! I grabbed the prequel, downed this like Ellie downs her morning coffee, and plan to jump right into the second book of the duet - because duh, yeah I can’t handle the cliffhanger even though I think I knew it was coming.
I love these men all so much. The first scene with them coming together is pure *chefs kiss* and I cannot wait for their ongoing happiness!
This is such a good starter omegaverse book as well. These are nonshifters and there are only subtle components like the alpha/beta/omega distinction and their smells. Most of the story is like any other romance!
I love this! BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE TO AUTHORS NEWSLETTER SO YOU CAN GET THE SHORT (30 PG) PREQUEL!
This is such a fun book in the way it starts and what brings Ellie to the small town where she finds her mates.
I love the fact that it’s not an established pack when she starts realizing her connection to the guys! I grabbed the prequel, downed this like Ellie downs her morning coffee, and plan to jump right into the second book of the duet - because duh, yeah I can’t handle the cliffhanger even though I think I knew it was coming.
I love these men all so much. The first scene with them coming together is pure *chefs kiss* and I cannot wait for their ongoing happiness!
This is such a good starter omegaverse book as well. These are nonshifters and there are only subtle components like the alpha/beta/omega distinction and their smells. Most of the story is like any other romance!
March 3, 2025
3.5⭐️
A solid sweet and cozy OV with a good mix of pack members. The group is built gradually, only coming together by the end of the book—which I happen to prefer. Ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll for sure continue the series eventually.
My only gripe is that I feel like the heat scenes were rushed and I wanted a bit more emotional intimacy. Maybe we’ll get that in book two but I’m just picky and wanted it now lol.
I would definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for something with fairly low drama-plot wise. The story opens with the FMC being rejected by what she thinks is her dream pack on a reality dating show. She’s humiliated and very down on herself when she decides to escape to a small town where her brother lives, in an effort to avoid the public scrutiny and embarrassment of how she left the show..and it just goes from there.
This is a good place to start if you’re new to OV and want to dip your toes in!
A solid sweet and cozy OV with a good mix of pack members. The group is built gradually, only coming together by the end of the book—which I happen to prefer. Ends on a cliffhanger, and I’ll for sure continue the series eventually.
My only gripe is that I feel like the heat scenes were rushed and I wanted a bit more emotional intimacy. Maybe we’ll get that in book two but I’m just picky and wanted it now lol.
I would definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for something with fairly low drama-plot wise. The story opens with the FMC being rejected by what she thinks is her dream pack on a reality dating show. She’s humiliated and very down on herself when she decides to escape to a small town where her brother lives, in an effort to avoid the public scrutiny and embarrassment of how she left the show..and it just goes from there.
This is a good place to start if you’re new to OV and want to dip your toes in!
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