A Knotty Bargain: The Claiming of Cadence

Propositions of an Alpha #2

by Leann Ryans

I may have gotten my brother out of trouble with the Galleons, but our situation hadn’t changed. We were still drowning in debt that kept piling up faster than I could pay.
My plan to forget the night with Leo doesn’t work since he won’t leave me alone . He says he has another proposition for me, but can I risk accepting and losing more of myself than I already have?

I still haven’t gotten over the night he owned me.

What starts as a one-time arrangement quickly spirals into something more, and I find myself caught in a web of my own making. Leo won’t let me keep my heart locked away, and I fear it’s too late to turn back.

Denying him seems worse than admitting I want him too.

I have to remember to protect myself from what I fear are lies as I fight to come to terms with such A Knotty Bargain , and I can only hope Leo grows tired of me before my heat comes and leaves me vulnerable.

***This is the second book in the series Propositions of an The Claiming of Cadence. It is a non-shifter omegaverse romance. It must be read after A Knotty Deal and ends on a cliffhanger. The story finishes in A Knotty Bond.

Genres: Omegaverse, Romance, Paranormal

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2023

About the author

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

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

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

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The heat is picking up! Alpha Leo (H) wants more than the one night he shared with omega Cadence (h) but her firm “no” to even talking with him leads Leo to take some drastic steps. And what Leo wants, Leo gets. Cadence and Leo may be keeping their relationship private from those they know, but that doesn’t mean they can’t indulge in a little bit of sex in public view in the public for a small audience. Leo keeps fighting his alpha urges to bite and claim her, and hopes she’ll experience her first heat with him in her arms and between…Ultra-hot and steamy omegaverse quickie that will leave you in knots burning for the next part of Leo and Cadence’s story.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama between Candence and Leo keeps growing. Leo wants Candence. Will he be able to convince her he really wants her? Candence is scared of letting Leo into her heart. But can she still run from him? Cliffhanger can’t wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. Cadence and Leo are back. These short books give readers just enough to want more. I always get to the end and growl because I need more. I want more. Leo is struggling to get Cadence to see him again. She is avoiding him like the plague because she knows the attachment could be devastating when dissolved. She's seen what her mother is going through and does not want to go through that.

Cadence is feeling the pressure of their bills again and her car is making a funny noise. There is no money to fix the car so she is just hoping that it can hold off. Unfortunately, the car doesn't make it and Leo picks that as the perfect opportunity to get Cadence back indebted to him. After the car is fixed, Leo and Cadence make a bargain and come to an agreement.

Leo finally has time to woo Cadence and achieve his ultimate goal of marking her and making her his. Cadence just doesn't believe that Leo could actually want her, want a life with her. They are too different and she must protect her brother and mother. Both are waiting on Cadence's heat for different reasons. Leo wants to mark her then and Cadence wants to take the opportunity to distance herself from Leo.

I really enjoyed the couple they were able to become in this book. They spent time together and talked. Readers will be able to see their feelings grow. Leo has to get Cadence on board because his father is pushing for someone else to be his mate. All of this comes to a head in a cliffhanger at the end of this book. I can't wait for Book 3.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of the Propositions of an Alpha picking up where the first book left off Cadence is sweet, lives her on her own terms allowed herself to be auctioned to take care of her brother’s debt to his father plus a little extra to cover some debt and after the one night with Leo to fulfill her obligation for the debt she goes on with her life. Leo sexy as all get out alpha with a reputation proceeding him but the one night with the women, he knows is going to be his wasn’t enough regardless of if she fulfilled her end of the deal so getting her to agree he is going to have to ger creative. But he has an ace in his pocket by clearing all her debt she is working two jobs to try and cover the remaining debt as well as make ends meet but being with the sexy Leo comes with reservations most because of his criminal lifestyle. He is waiting for her heat giving him the chance to claim her yep it is messed up but all he wants is to show her, give her the life she deserves not working herself to the bone although, she has too much pride to accept his help will he claim her when she goes into heat, will she want to be bound to him, will his father understand why he won’t marry his partner’s daughter, and will they find happiness?.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cadence, the female omega lead, has returned to her regular life after her one night with Leo, the male alpha lead. Whilst she still thinks of him, she’s determined to move on, certain that he’s a playboy.

Leo, however, remains confident he wants her forever. He’s been giving her time to miss him but when he asks her to meet him, she refuses. Determined to force the issue, he clears her debts, knowing she’ll approach him, then he tells her he wants to be repaid with time together. As they spend time together, they explore their intimate relationship. Then Leo takes Cadence to meet his parents and she spontaneously enters heat…

This novella is dual POV, well written, and a great continuation of the story. I enjoyed Leo’s patient persistence and his engagement of Cadence where she was willing to be engaged. I appreciated Cadence’s wariness and concern about Leo’s intentions and long term goals. I enjoyed their intimate scenes. This story needs to be read in sequence and ends on a cliffhanger but it’s clearly noted.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Malini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is real by MeemsAngel82

Oh, girlfriend. Just give IN. My word, is it hot in here?! The continuation of the first book is amazing. This can totally be enjoyed on its own, but it is so good I why not read that one too? The writing is always high heat and the plots are hot. This couple like all of hers are super steamy together and even through the heat there is romance.

She accepted him part way but he had more in mind. She didn't want trouble but he was something she couldn't and didn't want to really resist so she was trying to give in...cautiously.

I love how he wants her for herself, for endgame. The passion they have is fantastic. I admire her so much for staying strong which is SO not easy to do with a man who treats her like a diamond. I wasn't a fan of the public outing, achem, but loved how they respond to one another. Baby girl, he is yours and you are his. Just talk it out and enjoy the happiness just beyond. I am loving everything and cannot wait for more of them. What a sexy and romantic couple, I expected nothing less from this author!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Knotty Bargain: Book 2 The Claiming of Cadence by LeAnn Ryans is a sweet omegaverse.  Cadence has feelings for Leo but refuses to give up her heart to him only to be hurt.  She is responsible for her mother and brother and they are in a lot of debt. Leo wants to be with Cadence but he has to find a way in with her to prove himself.   Can he find a way to show her his true feeling and can sue find a way to trust him?

    I loved this story.  I can't help rooting for this couple and hoping they find a way to make things work.  Leo is amazing all he wants to do is take care of Cadence.  Cadence is a strong intelligent hard working women.  She's also am omega and somewhat a slave to her designation and Leo is an alpha and want to take care of her.

    This is such a a sweet story.  I give it 5 out of 5 stars. It has plenty of spice.  It's a non-shifter omegaverse with some instances love vibes.  If you enjoy hot and spicy stories with alpha and omega lovers A Knotty Bargain is a must read!

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 continues the story of Cadence and Leo. Using the money she earned from allowing Leo to auction her in the first book, she paid off her brother's debt to Leo's father and was able to clear some more debts, but Cadence is still working two jobs and failing to make ends meet. Leo wants to see her again, but she is wary of her feelings for him, and the criminal lifestyle he has.
Leann Ryans has created an admirable heroine in Cadence and a smexy hero in Leo. The reading audience can see what the two protagonists cannot; that Leo is a man in love, a man to trust, a hot alpha any woman would desire; that Cadence is afraid, not just of Leo's lifestyle, but of losing herself and being hurt.
Another brilliant re-write

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second installment in a fast-paced omegaverse with mafia vibes. Cadence Green may have gotten her brother off the hook with the mafia after auctioning her virginity, but they are still financially struggling. Leo can’t seem to stop thinking about Cadence and definitely takes advantage to pursue what he wants. The heat was definitely cranked up in this book and made me swoon! It’s obvious that Leo is a man in love.

This was a short story that ends on a cliffhanger. It was over too soon! I’m looking forward to reading more.

Tropes: Contemporary romance, omegaverse, mafia, age gap, cliffhanger
Heat: 3/5.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in what is now a trilogy. Definitely need to read the first book and this book is left on an enormous cliffhanger.

Cadence is still all about taking care of her family and her pride won't let her accept Leo's help. But Leo doesn't want to 'help', he wants Cadence as his own and he won't stop until he haves her. The added complications of Leo's father wanting him to marry his partner's daughter just throws everything into a muddle. Leo's been waiting for Cadence's heat to start to claim her and now we are there. I am patiently (lol, not really!) waiting for the last piece to this awesome story.

I received an advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Emily Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo has his work cut out for him! Cadence is a rule follower, a role follower, and a normal person. She doesn't see herself on the same level as Leo and thinks he just wants a fling. Leo insists that he wants more and he's serious. This is the second part in at least, A trilogy. It was easy to read and the story is engaging. The characters feel real. The author paints a really good picture of both Cadence's struggles as well as Leo's determination. When his father steps up his demands it's a surprise twist in the story and I'm now left anxious about what will happen between them next! I hope the next part comes out soon before I forget how much I enjoyed this part. I received an ARC of this story but I bought the book anyway, it's that good!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I read it before it was an omegaverse and I loved it then. The changes that were made make it even better. Cadence has the sweet and innocence about her that you just can’t help but love. Leo is smitten with her and you absolutely swoon of the fact that he is willing to do anything to make her happy. The story is extremely well written and developed. It drew me in and didn’t let me put it down until I reached the then. Then we have the really big cliffhanger at the end that has me absolutely wanting the next book as soon as possible. It is definitely a fabulous story that you absolutely need to read.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book and getting to know Leo and Cadence and this book was even better.
Some parts so HOT I felt as if I was in a sauna.
This second book is everything you wanted Dominant Alpha, knots and an Omega who can't resist those. I love seeing how much Leo wants Cadence to be more than just a one night thing but poor Cadence is still struggling to believe it, even though Leo is doing everything he can for her to belive him.
This book ended and I wanted to read more that I shouted at my phone lol.
I really hope book 3 comes out soon.
5⭐️+
I got this book as an ARC and I am leaving an honest voluntary review.

[Bridgett Goodin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd installment to a great series. The word building and a true page turner. This wonderful read is a mind-blowing suspenseful story with main characters that are so delicious. The author satisfies my appetite every time. Each character is so complex and phenomenal. I love Cadence and here men. The main characters are superb. If you are looking for a hard ride in a unique world with twist and turns this will not disappoint. This fantastic journey is mind blowing and wonderfully treacherous. I totally recommend this read to lovers of romance, knotting, steam and hot steams.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karon Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cadence has fulfilled her bargain with Leo in the first part of the story, but he wants more. Initially she denies him, but he wears her down and really, she wants him just as much as he wants her. Leo has his own problems, with his father threatening to marry him off to his partner's beta daughter. I enjoyed their scenes together, both the arguments and the makeups. This story once again ends on a cliffhanger, so we'll need to read the third book in the series for the final resolution.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo wants Cadence again but she's ignoring him. Then he meets up with her one night when her car dies. He takes her home and in the morning when she's explaining to her brother about the car he tells her it's in the driveway. To her further surprise all her debts are gone. Now she feels she owes Leo. Only his dad is planning something that is does go over well with him. Then her heat hits. Now what?
Fantastic second book that brings more of the characters to life.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Leo and Cadence reach a bargin?

This is the continuation of Leo and Cadence’s story. Can Leo get Cadence to agree to another bargain? Leo has fallen for Cadence hard. He promises Cadence he will do everything to keep her and her family safe from his “business associates” and his own family! This hot mafia omegaverse romance ends in a cliffhanger. The story ends with Cadence going into heat. Hoot times are coming. I do recommend reading the first story before you read this one. I recommend this book for omegaverse lovers.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes some people go to any length to get what they want. And what Leo wants is Cadence. Not for a few nights, but all the nights for the rest of her life. But Cadence is one stubborn Omega, one who's not going to fall into line, not unless Leo takes it out of her hands.

This second book is full of hot, sexy times between between Leo and Cadence. I love their possessive of one another, the push and pull between the two of them. I am enjoying this OV version very much and am definitely looking forward to the next book.

[Rahia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since alphas have a reputation, it's not hard to understand why Cadence wants to protect her heart. Nearly impossible to keep herself separated with the relationship they were building. Just when things seem to be moving along smoothly...meeting the parents seems like a curveball from Hell, but she has a bigger surprise (maybe two) headed her way. Ends in a terribly fantastic spot. It's a cliff. Sure to keep you on the edge and waiting for part 3.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[zaire wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo and Cadences’s story just keeps getting better and better. I love the plot twist at the end of this story and can’t wait to see what happens next and how Dimitri and his daughter factor in. Leo’s affections/feeling for Cadence have grown and the only having her doubts about where this relationship is heading is Cadence. Leo is determined to change her mind and get her anyway he can have her. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Taylor Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man… I loved the first book, but my oh my. This book… the second book. This has me in an absolute chokehold. I thought the first one was detailed and steamy? This one is above it! Welcome back my favorite omegaverse romance! With Cadence’s heat coming, her still wanting Leo, but not really wanting to go back as well, it’s a rollercoaster! She says he doesn’t mean forever when he says she’s his. The twists and turns of this book is insane! I loved this book so much!

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed getting back to this couple, Leo is obsessed and won’t give up on having Cadence!

I thought this book will be the final one but there will be one more. A little disappointed since the book was so short and not a lot happened.

The ending sets up what I really wanted to read! Aaah I’ll just have to wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JammieDodger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the second in the series and it was just as fast-paced and steamy as the first! I really enjoyed visiting with Cadence and Leo - Cadence in particular is struggling again with debt and responsibilities, but wary of Leo's support because of the strings attached...I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up about a month after the end of book 1, Cadence has already used up the money she earned in book one paying back due bills. Leo decides enough time has passed and reaches out to Cadence. He struggles with getting her to believe that he is genuinely interested in long term with her, and of course there are bumps along the way. Ends with a bit of a cliffhanger, looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is it getting hot in here, or is it just me?

I love, love, love, Leo!
Ok, this is the second installment in the Prositions of an Alpha Series where we continue the story of Leo and Cadence. I love how stubborn she is in trying to resist Leo and everything that we all want. I love how this steamy omegaverse with mafia vibes is headed. The angst is real. The slow burn is there. And I can not wait for book 3. You just never know where Leann is going to take you, but I am here for it.

[Kelly Bugler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read!
So this book starts shortly after the last one! Not much time has passed but enough that the mind lingers where it shouldnt.
Cadence is still working way too much for little return whilst trying her hardest to look out for her family.
Leo is still king of the roost, lording over his empire, but still his mind just wont stop jumping to memories of Cadence.
This was a brilliant book and i cannot wait for the next!!!

[Shell Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 is just as good as book one if not better. One broke down car and one stalker alpha and Cadence is back in Leo's orbit. Pushy Leo is stalking hisself appointed omega Cadence. Join the story to see how Leo allures Cadence into his bed. Poor, sweet, innocent, hardworking Cadence can you handle the heat of Leo's bed again or will this omega stake her claim. Enjoy 🥰.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ash J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second book in the 'Claiming of Cadence' series. Cadence is still wary about Leo's interest in her and the reasons for all his gifts, while Leo wants her to understand that he is ready to fully claim her. There was a lot of steam and the ending had me anticipating what would happen next. Can't wait for the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Louise purfield-coak · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Knotty Bargain

A good sequel to the first book. These Propositions of an Alpha need to be read in order. If you like non shifting Alphas, this series is a treat not to be missed. I highly recommend this hot series and have given 4 and 5 stars so far. The Characters are a treat, and the Mafia vibes well done. Yes I recommend this book and have the 3 book in the series downloaded and waiting in my library.

[Kelly_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it getting hot in here? 🔥🔥
Leo and Cadence have finally come to an agreement, after so much finagling and manipulation from Leo mind you, but nonetheless I was rooting for this couple to come together and give things a try. Thanks to a Knotty Bargain things seem to be moving in Leo's favor until the ending, and oh what an ending and cliffhanger that was!
I need book 3 like right now!