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Rivers and Roads #1

Unsteady: A Contemporary Omegaverse Romance

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My father tried to break me, but I’m stronger than he knows.

In a world where alphas, betas, and omegas all enjoy equal rights, I am trapped. For the past two years, my abusive father has kept me locked away while he tries to force my heat and sell me off on the black market. Just when I’ve resigned myself to this horrific fate, I’m saved.

Going to live with my brother at school, I'm determined to work through my trauma and figure out what the hell it means to be an omega after years of brainwashing. I find myself befriending and unexpectedly falling for an amazing pack, but I can’t help feeling equally drawn in another direction. As terrorist groups emerge and omegas start to disappear, I worry I’ll be taken back to the very hell I just escaped. Confused, overwhelmed, but determined to find my strength, everything is…

Fine.

Until suddenly, it isn’t.

Unsteady is the first book in the Rivers and Roads series and ends in a cliffhanger. Full of humor, heart, and drama, this is a college-aged, slow burn, non-shifting omegaverse RH romance. Steam level will grow throughout the series.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2023

196 people are currently reading
398 people want to read

About the author

Everley Falls

2 books28 followers

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5 stars
258 (42%)
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207 (34%)
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112 (18%)
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19 (3%)
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11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Sue Miz .
697 reviews897 followers
July 14, 2023
As a lover of Alpha/Omegaverse books, I am always looking for stories in this genre that do not focus on sex and spice only.
Unfortunately, I can name on one hand the authors who have successfully combined good plots and intriguing storylines with a bit of spice. Let alone when it is a why-choose romance



I am so happy to be adding this book with the selective few

An Omegaverse Romance is different from a shifter romance in that There are "Alphas and Omegas with Betas" but no shifting or turning into an animal form.
another thing that distinguishes this genre is, like its name, it is set in a universe parallel to us. Meaning the setting is that of Earth, but it's a different Earth than ours. One where the population is distinguished by the presence of Alphas, the dominant gene, Betas - their second in command, and Omegas, the sought-after softer females or males.



I love this universe because some creative authors use this multiverse to discuss contemporary issues such as the rule of the patriarchy, the struggle of feminism rights, or slavery, racism and sex trafficking.

If you are new to the Omegaverse genre, this book is an excellent introduction to this world.
We are introduced to Esperanza who is being held and used by a sex cult ruled by an Alpha who seeks to abduct and trade Omegas.

She is rescued by her brother and his packmate. We see her struggling with her trauma and how she is coping by getting back her life. She meets a trio, Cabe, Micka, and Mason who wants to court her but she simultaneously feels attracted to her brother's friend, Lincoln.

What I loved about this book was many things

* First, it was very well written and edited. Even though there were many telling more than showing but I felt this was necessary to introduce the world and characters especially since this is book 1

* The relationship progress was never rushed, as with other Omegaverse books. The Alpha touches her, and the Omega immediately goes into heat spurring several spicy scenes. Here, the focus is on understanding and coping. both packs understand what Espy went through and are trying to give her time to heal with their help

* The humor and witty dialogue between the characters. it will put a smile on your face despite the serious theme.

* That it was not focused on just one pack, again like other similar books. the dynamics inside the two packs are questioned and again we see how choice plays a part.

Having said that, this was extremely slow. I felt that things could have been rushed more and other plots should have been left out to put more action in the story to hook the new reader.
things did quicken by the end, but only by the end

I wished there were more emphasis on explaining how different this world is from our own by focusing more on the dynamics between the Alpha and Omega. However, I felt like reading a normal story of our world.
maybe things will pick up in book 2

-----------------------------------
Themes discussed in this book

1- Cults
2- Sex slavery
3- forced sexual abuse
4- trauma
5- found family
6- choice and acceptance

0.5 on spice
------------------------------------
all in all, I enjoyed this book and looking forward for more
Profile Image for Charlotte.
55 reviews
June 18, 2023
Such a sweet debut novel with amazing characters and intriguing storyline, I couldn’t put it down!!

Everley really managed to create a thrilling story about an abused, but strong girl who has to find her footing in the world after her rescue. I really like the fleshed-out characters; none of them are entirely white or black and have their own problems to work with.
While the book is part of the Omegaverse and focusses on the relationship between the FMC and her guys (omega-alphas/betas), it takes a backseat to the struggles the FMC faces from her trauma and how they impact her everyday life and also the developing relationship with the MMCs.
The multiple POVs really let you “see behind the scenes” and I also like how there’s some tension between the characters while the romance part is mostly sweet. Not like in other books where you know from the first few chapters which men she ends up with after overcoming one problem. I can’t wait for the next book to see if/how the tension gets resolved!

If you’re sensitive to certain topics, check out the TWs: PTSD, anxiety, abuse (in the first few chapters) with attempted sexual assault, confinement, rape threats, danger from a terrorist organisation

However, if you like a sweet romance with unique characters and a compelling story, I definitely recommend this book!
Profile Image for Blair.
56 reviews12 followers
June 20, 2024
I should just stop trying to read omegaverse books because they are just not for me. They make me feel gross in the end because of the controlling nature of the relationships and the body betrayal that normally occurs with the Omega heat. This series was a slow burn and the heat was put off so I thought it might be better than other omegaverse stories I have read and in those ways it was. I give major props to the author for making it somewhat palatable to me. Sadly one of the harem members still gives off that gross alpha hole vibe to me and 2 of the other men were simply forgettable. This was also boring (not something I usually say) and the plot was far too slow while also having time jumps all over the place. Very confusing to jump around so much yet have hardly anything meaningful happen.

Spoilers ahead for books 1&2:

-Far too many time jumps and lack of plot consistency.

-2 of the 4 harem members are forgettable, one is an overeager puppy and the fourth a controlling alpha hole in a world supposedly where everyone is equal. Disappointing and no big differences between most of them.

- multiple inconsistencies in the story (her freaking out about “never being around Alphas before” when she literally had Alphas brought to her home by her father to try to trigger her heat all the time. Another example was her freaking when she first saw one of her guys junk and stating she had “never seen one before”. Excuse me but did you forget about the gross Alpha who was masturbating on top of you after you were beaten by your father?!? You know the one that was so grotesque that it made you vomit and then stab him!?! Nope apparently completely forgot about that. Your brother is a scholarship kid, barely making ends meet and then his finances are stretched even thinner because he is caring for you to the point he is asking you to apply for government aide for the trauma you went through but he all of a sudden can buy a car at Christmas? What?!?) these kinds of inconsistencies happened multiple times in the first two books and it was really frustrating and brought me out of the story.

-I have a huge pet peeve of traumatized heroines (my fav trope in RH) who have been bound during their traumatic pasts not caring when they are bound in sexual situations later on. It is even worse when the author writes something along the lines of “I don’t know why this isn’t bothering me with my past, I know it should but I feel safe with them” or some other bs. Listen if you as an author felt the need to explain yourself it’s probably because it’s not realistic in the slightest. She gets triggered so easily (and rightfully so) by even the mention of the word “heat” or various other triggers. One of them being even going near or mentioning a nest to her because of the ties to the abuse when she was bound in a nest, beaten and then touched by an alpha. Why would “heat”, “nests” and alphas scents/presence trigger her but not being bound while being touched? It does not make any logical sense whatsoever. It makes the trauma seem fake or less severe than it should be for consistency purposes. 3 of her guys are not dominant outside of sexual situations but they all are in the bedroom? With a traumatized omega? Why was this choice made? Especially when they all are supposed to have even less sexual experience than she does and they mention they stray from typical “alpha” urges and beliefs. Why would they all be confident and domineering in bed? It doesn’t make sense and the lack of consistency as well as lack of differences between the guys approach was disappointing to see.

-Her brother is a complete asshole and she lets him off too easily. You were best friends, super close, yet he didn’t try to speak to you or see you for years? He didn’t notice the vague texts were fake? Knowing he left you with a fanatic who thought Omegas should be subservient at the least and controlled/used at worst? No. No excuse is good enough for me to repair this relationship. The fact he says in the second book that he messed up and is sorry is not good enough. She forgives him instantly and no groveling occurs.

-Lincoln is too controlling to fit in with this modern take of equality between the Alphas, Omegas and Betas. He literally tells her what to do, when to do it and how he expects it to be done. Yes he has his moments of kindness but he uses his alpha bark on her frequently which negates it for me. He even tells her at one point that she needs to listen to an alpha who knows better than an omega and can make better choices for her than she can for herself. Gross. This is what I hate in omegaverse books. This makes her more attracted to him for some unknown reason when two seconds before she was rightfully pissed. What happened to the righteous anger at being controlled by an alpha, her worst fear realized? Nothing it disappears due to body betrayal I guess…Also I’m not into BDSM at all in my books (no kink shaming) but with my traumatic background it’s triggering. I cannot stand that in the second book he wants to spank her after she gets scared by security guards because she doesn’t mention to him early on that they make her uncomfortable. Again this makes me feel gross. I will never understand how an Alpha who is supposed to want to protect his omega more than anything, likes the idea of hitting them/ punishing them. It’s degrading in my eyes (again not trying to kink shame) and I cannot fathom why someone who has only experienced pain connected with sexual touch before meeting her mates would ever like to be hit. It just doesn’t feel right to me. I have seen in some books where it makes sense that pain is used to escape for the FMC but that is not the case here. She is an omega who hates pain and would so not be up for this. He only day dreams about it and plans to try it in the future so I don’t know if in book 3 this will take place or not but it was enough to make me uncomfortable.

I tried, I really did. I gave it two books. This was just not for me. I’m out.
2 reviews
June 29, 2023
Unsteady : Rivers and Roads Book 1
Omegaverse
RH: MFMMM
MMC: three alphas + 1 beta
Brothers in the harem
FMC: omega
Spice: 0

Book Takes Place in 2007. (Reference. Lincoln giving detail to his commander on day and time or rescue , September 14 2007)

Esperanza : 18 years old, omega, brown wavy hair, hazel eye, 5”2 , Mexican / American

Lincoln: alpha , military training, 5th year in uni estimated 23/24

Michah: beta, curly brown hair, green eyes (?), estimated 19/20, comp sci major and comic book writer

Cabe: alpha, soccer player, estimated 21/22 , psychology and business major

Mason: alpha, swim team captain, estimated 21/22 , anthropology and biochem major


Ok here we go….

Beta mom & beta dad who live in a small rural town give birth to a beta son Emilio and an omega daughter Esperanza.

The mom passes away due to a complication with anesthesia during a surgery, an allergy.

The dad, become depressed and soon obsessed with BFSO, Betas for Submission and Obedience. A group of betas that want equal rights and representation for betas (righhhhhhht…..).

Emilio leaves for college at 18 and every once in a while will text his sister to check up. He never comes home in the two years he’s in college. He changes his name to Leo, and forms a loose pack with Tanner and Lincoln (yup that Lincoln).

One day…. During a lecture Emilio / Leo hears about BFSO and rushes to save his sister from an extremist group (her dad, Emilio knew his dad was part of this group before he left).

Once rescued Esperanza tells the authorities , and whoever else about her constant abuse: isolation, being leashed, starvation, beating, belittling etc. She is afraid of alphas but soon create a special bond with her family
Pack ( her brothers pack) and Pack Collins (Cabe/Micah/Mason).

Heads up: no one, not even his friends knew much about Emilio / Leo’s family or living situation prior to college. He was vague about it, especially since he never went home on holidays opting to be with Tanners family.

She is trying to navigate her feelings of abandonment and her trauma when it is announced that there have been omega kidnappings by extremists groups.

Pack Collins wants to court her and her brothers pack discusses courting Mackenzie an omega friend of everyone. Lincoln disagrees and him and Leo fight. Espy feels betrayed that her brother would fight so hard to court an omega but couldn’t even fight to keep her safe or fight to see her during those two years she was in captivity.

As she’s on her way to a date with Pack Collins, Lincoln makes his intentions know. This causes a huge fight between pack members and between packs. As this is happening Espy goes into heat and the sirens sound in the campus indicating an attack or a security risk situation.

The end until 2024.


So the reason I gave such a low rating is personal, this had nothing to do with the writing itself.

Although as a native Spanish speaker the Spanish was very literally translated and formal, a bit of editing could have made Espe and Emilio’s dialogue more authentic.


Now… Emilio fucked it up for me, the entire book I wanted to strangle him. Seriously is he ashamed or something ? How Can Espy really look him in the eye everyday knowing he never once went back to see her NOT ONCE.

Then Lincoln being in his pack… to me the entire book everyone mentions how they don’t feel like a pack etc. To me being in a pack means strong bonds and ties. But I get that it needed to happen for the conflict. Still not my cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melanie.
280 reviews1 follower
December 29, 2023
You know what I really hate. When authors try to hard with ethnicity. You can be spanish and not say spanish word while talking to everyone. This author will toss in "oh, Dios mio, these are amazing!" or "No te dices nada". Just stupid stuff like this in EVERY chapter. I get it Espy and Em (Leo) are spanish. I don't need you to shove it down my throat. It got to the point that I just just skip right over those sentences and only read the english words. The spanish sentences or just a few words, if missing didn't kill the sentence so I did get the gist of it. I can read/understand the words anyways but still.

FMC acts more like 14 instead of 18/19. In this world a/b/o don’t really make out or have sex until they form a pack/find a mate. I just can’t ever buy that when it’s in books. It just doesn’t seem believable, lol.
Profile Image for ~♥*Marianna*♥~.
903 reviews57 followers
lost-interest
January 12, 2024
Okay, I’m stopping this read for a very specific reason: it’s full of pop psychology babble. The kind you’ll hear on tiktok where overly self conscious young adults analyse their every impulse and blink, giving it a medical diagnosis and a label. That kind of speak.
Here are two examples of that speak that happened within one page. I’m interested in psychology myself but this .. this is a clique I don’t vibe with. These quotes are innocuous on the surface but if ykyk. I felt it right away when reading this book and it bothers me.
————
““Really. It’s okay.” I sit up straighter and meet her gaze. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it. It’s obviously a bit of a trigger for me, but I don’t want you to feel like you have to walk on eggshells around me.”

—————
“I feel like a baby that’s been swaddled. “How’s that?” “I can’t move!” I laugh, wriggling around a bit to demonstrate and nearly losing my balance. “My mom used to do this for my sister and me when we got overstimulated as kids. I still love it. Makes me feel like I’m being hugged, ya know?””
———

I’m not rating this book because I only got 25% in and this is such a specific and personal issue I’m having with it.
Profile Image for Mimi.Reads.Smut.
605 reviews63 followers
June 19, 2023
Wow!

This is a fabulous OV story! What Espy has been through is so traumatic and I really appreciate the care that the author put into her healing process. It’s not instant or linear, and it takes a lot of effort and an emotional toll. I love that Espy has a support system in place, with people who know what she’s been through without her having to rehash it over and over. The packs are different but have positive effects in different ways. I was worried about potential OW drama but instead, Espy has female friends to lean on and do “normal” things with. I’m super excited to see what happens next! This does end on a tiny cliffhanger.
8 reviews15 followers
June 18, 2023
Loved it!

After multiple dnf I came across this book and thought I'd give it a go. This book drew me in from the very virst page. I don't usually write reviews (I'm not very good at them) but this book deserves one. Please read this book. You won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Traslan.
1,145 reviews6 followers
August 19, 2023
Such a warm and cosy omega story.
Of course, there's drama, conflicts, complications, humour, and tension, but no spice. Which was surprisingly refreshing.

Absolutely worth to pick up!

It was heading towards a solid 4 star, but since it ended on a cliffy, I automatically removed 1 star.
I Do Not Like Cliffhangers!
25 reviews
January 14, 2024
endless cringe

Why oh why do you have to constantly put Em oh wait LEO! We get it, he changed his name and it’s hard to get used to…. But it has nothing to do with the story in any meaningful way. You should’ve just kept it Em or gotten over the confusion quicker. Almost 300 pages of the same thing distracted me from the story which was sub-par. The POV from the men sounds like a young girl. Tried to read second book and gave up. The main character is too dependent and annoying.
1,221 reviews
July 31, 2023
So I am not gonna lie, I can be a snob when it comes to omegaverses and this one was really good for their debut book! I think the only constructive critique I would give is the flow was not the smoothest/it was disjointed in some of the sections. I could tell it was a newer author because of that. It will get better with each book (or maybe the editor/betas used will feel more comfortable making those suggestions). I am hoping book 2 will show that improvement. The lack of transition in some spots didnt deter me from the story, which is why I kept it at 5 stars. The story, characters, and emotions are so great, I ate this story up way too quickly and now have to wait awhile for book 2 😭 I mean I totally am good waiting, I will always support authors, I just got so invested in this characters I want mooooooore haha.

I appreciated the author kept this a slowburn, it makes 100% sense with the trauma Espy has had to endure because of a man who was supposed to love and protect her. I was yelling at my kindle when reading the beginning of this book because of what that horrible excuse for a human did to her. I am so glad she was able to get out of there with the help of the guys. So I reaaaaally appreciate the author making it a big point about how Leo took forever to check up on her, how he didnt check-in/protect her like an older brother should. I liked that the therapist made Espy confront it and she took space from him to try and do her homework so to speak. I hope we get more answers in book 2 about it and she finally confronts him, it’s definitely needed. I just appreciate how the author, despite writing an omegaverse, keeps the feelings and plot realistic and logical. Like she should be questioning this, so I like the author not throwing it under the rug/letting him off the hook so to speak.

I really enjoyed seeing the different guys show interest in Espy but all want to protect her at all costs. I loved how different all the guys are. Cabe to me is he enigma hahaha. Michah is incredibly adorable, I love his antics but how he helps bridge the gap between the alphas and Espy. Mason is one of my favs, I love me a good nerd and awkward hahaha. And Lincoln.....yuuuuuum. He needs to let loose some and get on board with this sharing thing haha. I cannot wait to see how that is handle in book 2. I hope packs don’t have to break up but its going to make for some emotional reading, I can totally tell haha. I even loved the school aspect, with her studying and trying to get in and the cafeteria moments. It reminded me of my college days haha.

And I haven’t even gotten to the main plot of the story with the baddies trying to kidnap and hurt omegas and make them all subservient. I enjoyed that the author brought them back in, made us eager to see what happens next, worried Espy would fall victim to another bad group. I have a feeling it will be an even bigger thing in book 2. Maybe her father’s group has revenge, maybe he gets out, who knows. I am just excited and probably one of the most excited I have been for a book in awhile. This one if probably in my top 5 for the year and I don’t think it will come down. The ending wasn’t exactly a cliffhanger but we know book 2 is going to be explosive because of the situation they are all in now. I cannot wait for Espy and the guys to get even closer, for more omegaverse things to come out (I loved Espy finally giving into the scents and stealing clothes hahaha so adorable).

Definitely would recommend this book and new author. I wish I had heard about them earlier, will be waiting eagerly for book 2 (hopefully not in that far in 2024, maybe we will get lucky and it will be early 2024 or end of 2023 instead haha).
Profile Image for Cynthia.
397 reviews77 followers
June 21, 2023
This book embodies everything that makes the Omegaverse sub-genre my comfort genre.

First off, can we just talk about how this is the author's debut novel?! My favorite thing about reading indie romance is finding new and fresh authors because I find that you can really feel when they put their whole heart into their work, and that's exactly what I felt reading this.

So, the premise is nothing exceptionally new and different--we have an omega who suffers a lot of abuse and trauma at the hands of her father, and is ultimately saved by a big strong alpha; and then we have two packs who become important parts of her healing, all taking place in a new adult/college setting.

First of all, Omegaverse novels with an omega who carries a ton of trauma---I EAT THEM UP! It is what makes Omegaverse so special, because we love to see unconditional care-taking and healing, witness an omega come into her own, and elements of found family. That's exactly what we get in this story. A couple of things that stood out to me is the fact that we have a Hispanic omega--diverse characters is never a bad thing, and we love to see representation even in an alternate universe! Then we have a super slow burn--I mean, so slow that there is no banging at all in this one lol but I'm pretty sure it will all hit in the second book in this series since this one does end on a big cliffy. (We get tons of tension, though--the build-up!)

I also feel like the trauma that this omega suffers is super heavy and hits different from other books with this trope; and politics behind it was very handmaid's tale-esque, which is what had me hooked from the very first page.

This was just a sweet coming-of-age story about healing and learning to love, and although it deals with some heavy topics, it manages to be a comforting and cozy reading experience--a nice departure from your everyday romance novels. I am a little sad that we have to wait for the next book, but once we get it--I am instantly going to devour it because I need to be back in this world! Highly recommend if you love sweet Omegaverse or even if you are new to the genre!
Profile Image for Ashley.
236 reviews2 followers
June 26, 2023
I think this was a very good start to the series. It's a very slow burn, but with Espy's background and lack of knowledge in many instances, it's understandable. I'm glad it's multiple pov so we get to see espy and the guys thoughts. There's been a good job of building relationships between the characters, especially the possible love interests. It's definitely interesting to see the dynamics and wonder how they will shift and work out, especially with one guy being in a completely different pack. Esperanza definitely has a head in the sand mentality when it comes to dealing with problems and feelings and its clearly detrimental to her healing and discovering herself, the people around her and the world. I was kind of glad the therapist pushed her a bit but not enough in my opinion because if she's not making espy aware she can't help her work through anything if she's not honest with herself and the therapist how is that helpful? I cant wait to see how and when she finally confronts her brother about their time apart to get closure and release the hidden resentment, because i have questions too! The craziness going on in between added a layer of thriller/mystery. And that ending had me on edge, hopefully the author moves up the release date because I'm anxious for the next book. The only thing I would change or add is putting the translations of the Spanish words/phrases in italics or something next to them preferably or atleast in a glossary in the beginning or end of the book. I wanted to know what was being said but got tired of googling them. Otherwise, good read and will definitely read the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Little Bee.
355 reviews32 followers
July 15, 2023
Unsteady is a contemporary omegaverse romance. There are dark themes throughout the book and loads of trigger warnings. Please see more information in the book.

This is the first book in an unfinished series, with a cliffhanger at the end. This book is marked as a slow burn, so low on spice and more on story/plot. I would consider it a no burn more than a slow burn. There are only a couple of scenes, and they are rushed and not really much to write about. Spice in the story is almost kind of written off- the designations don't really engage in spice activities until they have a fully formed pack.

I really enjoyed Espy in this story. I consumed it so quickly, I had dreams about it, and I still think about it days after I have finished. I hate having to wait a year before the next book comes out because I can't get it out of my head. Even with no spice, so much creativity went into the plot and character development, that it is alright. I really enjoyed each of the characters in this story. Micah is most definitely my favorite Beta of all time, I think. He had such a fun, carefree personality that it really helped Espy in her healing process.

The story is captivating and well written. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Just as a point of note, Espy and Leo are BIPOC and often use Spanish words and sentences. I got a lot of use out of the translate function, and while that is fine and what it is there for, sometimes it got in the way having to highlight sentences just right so that the translate would work. Some things, it might be nice to add the translation in the sentence too. But at the same time, I absolutely do not want to diminish or reduce the culture within the book for the characters just to make it easier for me to read :)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ines.
1,309 reviews46 followers
June 22, 2023
"Unsteady" is this new author's debut, and it completely blew me away! This is a contemporary RH omegaverse, with a traumatized fmc who slowly needs to learn to trust people again. The start of this book is pretty dark, and the same can be said about the threats from the society where Esperanza lives. But if you love an omegaverse novel with cute and protective men, this is definitely the perfect book for you. The interactions with them are light and lovely, and I just couldn't help falling in love with them a little bit as well.

With this being the start of the series, and Esperanza truly scared of alpha's, this book is a real slow burn romance. This first book is focussed on Esperanza healing and establishing bonds with new people. There is some amazing relationship building, and we get to know the men's characters as well through their own POV's and interactions with the fmc. It was nice to read about an fmc who went through hell, and doesn't immediately turn into a badass. It creates a very realistic story about healing, rebuilding trust and hopefully eventually building a family of their own.

Even though this is a new author, I have to say she managed to write the perfect cliffhanger to make me immediately check the release date for book two. I really hope the current release date is a placeholder, because I absolutely need to know what will happen next.

Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,145 reviews23 followers
July 4, 2023
"What a Stunning Reverse Harem Romance series"

Even though this is a cliffhanger. The storyline is awesome it is exciting, funny, scorching hot, and just very fun to read! I am looking forward to how this series plays out. The characters are fantastic.
In this alternate universe story. Humans don't shift but have characteristics of shifters. There are Alphas,Betas,and omegas. The omegas are very coveted by the alphas. The males form packs and bond , and each pack hope to find their own omega.
Esperanza aka Espy is an omega born to a family of betas. After her mother passes away. Her father joins an evil organization. While her brother Em aka Leo goes to college. Leaving Espy in their father clutches. For two years he doesn't go home to check on her. During this time her father abuses her. Omegas go into heat like shifters. Her father tries to force her into heat. So he can sell her to an evil Alpha!
Leo and his pack mate/friend Lincoln decided to check on Espy. They rescue her from her father. Her father is arrested, and Leo takes her to live with him and his pack at his college. There she meets Tanner their other pack mate. Plus the Collins pack Mason,Cabe ,and Mason's brother Micah. Leo also introduce Espy to Mackenzie who is another omega. Can they help Espy over come her abusive past? You will love this five star plus series!
Profile Image for T.P.A..
723 reviews9 followers
December 24, 2023
Incredibly well written, sweet and captivating story. I am amazed by the fact that this is debut novel as the author has such a superb skill when it comes to developing characters, exploring traumatic experiences and transmitting numerous complex emotions through vivid imagery, splendid word building and attention yo details.
Espy is such a sweet FMC, traumatised by her unpleasant experiences, but still willing to find hope that there is a different life awaiting her. Her relationship with her brother is rather complex and I really admired the fact that not once did she ask him for explanation why he waited two years to check on her. I reckon that more would be revealed as the series progress.
The guys that she meets are quite lovely and each one has a quirky personality that adds to the tenderness in this story. I liked the fact that Espy is not simply discovering the concept behind designations, omega traits and pack functions as she adjusts to her new reality, but she also manages to make some solid friendships and surrounds herself with genuine and caring people, who do not hesitate to support her as she attempts to find her ground.

I am eager to see what happens next as Espy has enchanted me and following her journey is such a divine experience that I cannot wait to explore more of her fascinating story.
Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,859 reviews52 followers
January 20, 2024
After her mother died and her brother left for college, Espy's father became radicalized in a beta terrorist group. He locked her up, starved and beat her, and tried to force her heat to sell her off to an Alpha. For years she endured abuse. And then when she was most desperate, she was rescued. Living with her brother, Espy realizes the damage inflicted on her doesn't just go away but she's determined to have the life she was denied, including having a pack. But even that's complicated. And the danger isn't over yet.

I love the abused past/damaged H trope but I'm picky. I work in BH, so I can't tolerate a lack of knowledge or characters taking ridiculous recovery shortcuts; I also don't want it to get bogged down and become too depressing or boring. Espy's trauma was legitimate and her PTSD was handled with care. It was never minimized and her recovery didn't happen overnight but she was improving. She was easily agitated, hypervigilant, fearful with underlying anger, and often frustrated or unsettled. I thought her character was nicely developed. I liked the complicated dynamics between the characters. There's so much story surrounding them. I also enjoyed the continuing threat and look forward to more.
Profile Image for Isabelle.
442 reviews34 followers
June 21, 2023
Okay, not usually one for omega verse but thought I would give it a go based on the description. I am SO glad, as this did not disappoint. The plot and characters were really enthralling, and I found myself binge reading this in a day as I could not put it down.
I think the only thing I would like more of is some deeper connection between the FMC and each MC. Some of the times are brushed over a bit, and I want more of the relationship development to be experienced by the reader. Even little things like message conversations, phone calls etc. But the scenes within the book that they connect are well thought out and written, and would definitely like more of those.
And there are some things that are repeated e.g explained by one character, and then explained by another character. But other than that I loved it!
Definite cliff hanger on this, so be prepared! I am now left feeling on edge after how it ended and no way to continue. Will definitely be picking up the next in the series once it is out!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mrs T.
378 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2023
Wow, I actually devoured this book, I fell in love with traumatised Omega, Esparanza, she's full of strength yet vulnerable, wanting to live life to the full, but afraid she's too broken.

Esperanza's story is both heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time and when Micah, a Beta, inserts himself into her life, she has warmth and friendship for the first time in forever. It doesn't hurt that Micah is in a pack with the most adorable two Alpha's Cabe and Mason.

And let's not forget Lincoln, who rescued her, another Alpha from a different pack!

Yet its Alpha's who are responsible for Espy's past trauma, will she ever get past that?

Beautifully written, the depth of emotion, both sad and joyful, sorrowful and sassy really drew me in and had me totally invested in Espy's journey. Oh, the ending though, my emotions will be unsteady until book 2!
1,610 reviews11 followers
July 29, 2023
I found Omega Esperanza’s story to be fascinating, from her time with her father, to her rescue by her brother and Linc, to her time on campus with her brother’s pack while building a relationship with Micah’s pack. The campus world is becoming more complex and dangerous as Espy is coming out of her shell, learning more about herself and her interactions with Alphas, and trying to navigate the feelings she doesn’t understand as she learns more about what being an Omega means and the feelings she has for Alphas from two different packs.

I was really getting invested in her story in the book, but had no warning until the last few pages that there would be a BIG cliffhanger!! Now it’s wait for book 2, but not until 2024!! DARN—but I will be waiting for what happens next in her world.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kayleigh.
39 reviews
February 23, 2024
I had this book sitting in my Kindle from when it came out until yesterday, I had waited to start it thinking it would be a duet and wanted to wait until book 2 came out. It is a 3 book series though so it was all for naught, and now I wish I had just read it when the book came out! I feel so bad for everything Espy went through, but I love how realistic the author is with her triggers, therapy and healing. This is a slow burn book, but it allows for realistic and complete story telling, especially with everything that Espy is working through. The book is very deep and through in most ways, but also a little surface level in others, but not in a way that retracts from the story, which is why it gets a 5 from me overall! Can't wait for book 3 (I've already read book 2 at the time of writing this as I immediately started when I finished)!
105 reviews
July 1, 2023
I loved, loved, loved this!
This wonderful omegaverse story completely sucked me in - I honestly couldn't put it down!
Esperanza (Espy) - our FMC - has been kept in an abusive situation by her controlling father, and is rescued by her brother, who had gone away to college and was not aware of how the situation had deteriorated.
What particularly resonated with me is the slow progress she made in healing from the abuse - it felt much more realistic than the sudden 'hey, I'm better now' that you sometimes get, and it meant we got to explore her reactions with the various MCs in a satisfyingly organic fashion. And then that ending...I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bee.
170 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2023
I really enjoyed the start of this new RH series! It was hard to read through the abuse that Espy has endured at the start of the book (and for a few years previously), but the tone of the book is generally quite hopeful. She manages to make healthy connections while living with her brother, meeting both her future packmates and a few friends as well. The road to her recovery isn't easy, however, and she understandably has serious trauma that she needs to work through. There is also the continued threat of increasing domestic terrorism by extremist groups who want to curtail the rights of omegas like our FMC.

If I had any complaints to make, it would just be that I have to wait until next year for the second book! Eagerly looking forward to seeing more of Espy and her guys.
Profile Image for Brooke Nerdy.
396 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2023
Espy has lived a life of abuse, both physically and mentally for the last three years as an Omega. She has been desperate to get out from under her father's clutches, but it seems like the only way would be in a body bag. Hope comes in the form of her brother checking up on her and taking her back to his college/military base. She gets to find her feet again, with loads of therapy and panic attacks. She get to make friends and learn how to people again. She even gets to become comfortable with Alphas again, even if it is a select few. Espy will bring you into the mind of a trauma ridden college aged girl that slowly comes out of her shell with the help of her brother, his packmates, and a pack that wants to court her.
Profile Image for Larissa Matos.
10 reviews
July 31, 2023
I loved that before the story begin, the writer put a mild intro about the world genre she's writing about.

The dinamic of this book is very interesting and different for me. I read a lot of werewolves books, but none with this dinamic (small packs with more than one Alpha, with a Beta, that forms a Bond with an Omega in a reverse harém). Usually the ones that I read are always about fated mates and Alphas and Lunas plots.

Fair warning: It can be very triggering for people who suffered abuse of any kind. I know that If I was the protagonist I wouldn't have the strength and the courage to move on and try again. It's my worst nightmare.

I'm rooting for her and her suitors, but I'm team Lincoln all the way.

I'm also hoping to see more of the other halves(Wolves) on the next book.
Profile Image for Berta Greenleaf Richardson.
1,246 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2023
Unsteady is Book 1 of the Rivers and Roads series by Everley Falls. Omegaverse is new to me. I am used to shifters and such but I wanted to give this book a try. Totally love it. I want more. I can't wait for Book 2 to come out. I love all the characters in this series. Espy is an omega that has suffered terrible trauma, Leo is her brother. Then there is Lincoln and Tanner who are part of Leo's pack. She also meets another pack called The Collins Pack who want to court her. She is dealing with her trauma while trying not to go into heat. At the end of this book there is more for her to deal with. I highly recommend this book to all paranormal romance readers.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Christine G..
215 reviews4 followers
June 24, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I am SHOOK!! What a debut, holy hell this was a good OV. What an interesting twist in the OV world, having Alphas that don't sleep around and sow their wild oats until their omega comes around. Heck, not even having dated or kissed someone before, so sweet and makes everything that much more special. The care, compassion and empathy all the Alphas had for our traumatized FMC warmed my heart. I cannot wait to see how the conflicting feelings get sorted out and who ends up in whose pack... time for some shuffling I'd imagine 😉... but wow that cliffy. Book 2 can't come soon enough!!!

I was given an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
34 reviews
February 19, 2024
This book follows a young woman who is picking up the pieces of her traumatic past.

The story is fine but the thing I am struggling with is it feels as though the story is missing the crucial moments that really let you deep dive into it. The conversations felt skipped over and all of a sudden it was the next day. Those moments that help build the tension in the relationship to me are important. This somehow seemed to be missing them for me. I don't feel the writing is connecting us with her MMC either. She skips most of the meet and great background character information and it doesn't give you a solid connection to them.

Still a decent story I will still continue reading her next book.
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