As a disclaimer, this novel is my introduction to Omegaverse, and I had to look up the genre before I could understand the premise because I was a bit confused in the beginning. This did not influence my rating because this can happen with any genre. I did find it to be a positive since I couldn't have a bias by comparing it to others of the same genre since it had to stand on its own.
Liam, a dominant Alpha, is talked into going to an Omega brothel by his friend Nathan, a recessive Alpha, after a night of drinking and card playing. There, he finds Asher, a recessive Omega, and both feel an instant connection. During their second encounter, when they actually have sex, the dynamic will be quite different than any Alpha or Omega would have together as Asher becomes the dominant person. Their very heated relationship quickly extends beyond the brothel as Liam and Asher begin to have deeper feelings for one another. Asher becomes pregnant almost at the beginning of their real relationship, Asher freaks out since he wants to be a free spirit, and then all bets are off regarding their future.
While I enjoyed the novel, and did not want to stop until I finished it, there were a few things that bothered me, but because they were important to the story, the author was definitely successful in drawing me into that mindset
.How in the world was Liam a dominant Alpha? His friend and coworker Nathan, a recessive, had more of a backbone than he did, and was not very happy his friend was in a relationship with someone so low as an Omega. It wasn't just being the submissive in the relationship with Asher, Liam was kind of weak in his world outside of it as well. He was nervous, insecure, and a people pleaser. The only dominant traits he expressed were when he felt someone was trying to insult Asher, or felt possessive. For the most part, he was with Asher, he only showed his dominant side when he was annoyed, or did not want to deal with any drama.
Asher only seemed to fit the description of the recessive Omega in the physical part, but he was definitely not in any other way. Yes, part of that was because he had some inner demons fighting to prevent any happiness or normalcy to his life. He ruled their relationship. However, he was very selfish, throughout the entire novel. Again, emphasizing his determination to be a free spirit. He refused to let Liam mark him, which would have bonded them for life. However, Liam, being the submissive, and to show his commitment to Asher, asked Asher to mark him, even though it would only be symbolic in nature. Plot twist there.
I will not give any spoilers, but I am happy there was no real description regarding how Asher gave birth. I don't even want to know. So, thank you for that.
Liam almost kept his ears down, and tail tucked beneath him to everything Asher demanded.
I wanted to strangle them both at times. However, this was intentional because at times they both filled their roles as they were born to do. Liam was the dominant as he supported Asher, and gave him the security he needed. Asher himself was very insecure, and needed someone strong to help him become the person he was meant to be.
Yes, they did have their HEA, and it was amusing...in a good way.
This was a very well written novel, and helped introduce and discover how the Omegaverse is as a genre
Instead of the usual epilogue, there was the "side story" of Nathan, and the preview of his story in the next novel of the series. It was definitely VERY eye opening. I am not quite sure how consensual his introduction to Sam was, dubious as best. It is obvious the role in their relationship will also be outside of the typical social construct as well. I am very curious, and will more than likely read that as well.
It is definitely a mature novel. There are quite a few explicit and graphic intimate M/M scenes. One was of a not so consensual encounter, but no connection to the main characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.