Haunted by his harrowing past, Omega Kieran Woods finds solace in the shadows, resigned to a life of solitude as an isolated lumberjack. Scarred by the cruel hands of his ex-Alpha, he rejects the notion of a pack or a mate, knowing all too well the suffocating grip an Alpha's ownership can possess. Alpha Terrence may be on the smaller side for an Alpha but his aura is just as deadly. A member of an unconventional pack, he’s acutely aware of the secret he’s hiding—his need to relinquish control, if only in the confines of the bedroom. As Terrence and his pack descend upon Kieran's desolate sanctuary, can they break the chains that bind him to his torment? Will Kieran succeed in convincing Terrence that he’s Omega he needs? In the depths of their shared plight, will these fractured souls be able to heal each other and find solace in the embrace of the woodlands?
Find out in this dark MMMM omegaverse story, the first installment of the Omega’s Preference series - A Slateresque Infinities Original Novella. 18+ MMMM situations; domestic violence, and other triggering scenes.
African American. Indie Author. Chaos Writer. Polyamorous & Found Family Stories Brought to Life. From PRN to fantasy, contemporary to dark & twisted, there's a little something for everyone.
Did this book take completely over my mind the last 2 days? Abso-fucking-lutely. I would've finished this in a couple of hours too if life hadn't been, well, life lol.
This was my first (published) omegaverse work and I was so captivated by it and its characters. Immediately this book threw me back to the years I spent on Wattpad reading M/M werewolf stories lmao, this book was just that and better to me.
Isaias (A), Joel (B), Ren (A), and Kieran (O) were the sweetest and had one of the healthiest fictional relationships I've encountered. Their support and acceptance of each other, especially Kieran an Omega with trauma who doesn't fit social norms of what an Omega should be, and Ren an Alpha who loved to submit and be pampered instead of dominating also healing from his own recent trauma, was touching and spoke of how much they loved each other.
While it was all love, communication, respect, trust, and patience I still felt like Joel was an "extra", like he was there just to complete the pack having a Beta. Joel was often mentioned to be watching, or to the side, and it bothered me because, though the other 3 said he was important and Kieran said he was "the glue", they didn't show him. The one chance Kieran was going to, the bastard interrupted. He also got the least POV chapters, which made me sad cause he was my favorite. Maybe the author was trying to make up for Joel getting the least attention at the end in the excerpt. Still, I hope to see more chapters from his POV, or at least him more involved in the next book.
The writing from the start had my instant gratification brain happy, and while this was a fast-paced story, it didn't feel like it to me. Though the flashbacks could've been incorporated more smoothly and I noticed as well that Kieran said his parents died 10 years ago, but in Isaias' POV he read an article stating they died 15 years ago, so there was that inconsistency unless I misunderstood.
Overall, I loved this angsty but heart-warming story.
The author does provide trigger warnings, they mentioned offscreen sexual assault but didn't list brief on-page sexual assault which caught me off guard. Thankfully I'm not triggered easily, but I think that's a big one that needed to be included.
Ale ta książka była pozbawiona logiki. Z jednej strony mamy dwie ofiary traumatycznych doświadczeń, z drugiej - insta wszystko było tak bardzo nie na miejscu i nie pasowało do całości. Autorka miała też ogromny problem z linią czasową i niejednokrotnie zastanawiałam się, jakim cudem poprzedni Omega zrobił to, co zrobił.
The characters and their retelling of their backstories and trauma were very well done. I really began to feel for the individual characters as the author brought out their stories and their connections.
I really would have loved to see more world-building and descriptions go into this. The author did such a wonderful job with the characters; I hope they work on the settings and culture a bit more in other books.
As a reader, I was left having to assume that this culture was simply the norm in this world. I guess I'm used to Omegaverse being a subsection of a larger world and in this world, it's everything. Once I got past that, I feel like the societal problems our guys ran into (abuse within a relationship, laws regarding control of omegas...etc) were a mirror of what people in our own world experience. I appreciated the connection.
All-in-all, this is a great guilty pleasure sort of read with a LOT of sex included. Please do read the trigger warnings that the author placed up front and if you're cool with those, I say go for it! I have the next book in this set and plan to read it soon!
Got to read this before publication and it definitely doesn't follow the norms of the traditional Omegaverse. However, I think that's what makes it special. I truly enjoy the prose and the way the pack heals together. There were a few dark parts, maybe unnecessarily but it all worked out together in the end. HEA for sure. I can't wait for more from this author.
Genre: Adult Omegaverse Spice: 3/5 🌶️ *spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre* (3/5 means this had average spice for omegaverse)
The Catalog: MMMM dark omegaverse, dominant omega & submissive alpha, traumatized pack, designation dysphoria, forced proximity, surprise heat, heat tending, comfort/care, mpreg, consent kings, mild power play
Kink: 🍆 warming, dominance & submission
CWs: physical and emotional abuse, on page SA (not by MCs), bad BDSM practice (historical, not my MCs)
Synopsis: By societal standards, Kieran is undesirabe. Too big, too dominant, too hard, to be an omega, yet that’s exactly what he is. On the run from the monster that seeks to break him, he stumbles upon a pack that could not be more perfect: Terrence, the submissive alpha with demons he can relate to, Joel, the adaptable beta, and Isaias, the only alpha Kieran has ever wanted to submit to.
Thoughts: So good!! This one has been on my TBR for forever and I am so happy that it was the roll for TBR book that my die chose!
While this is dark and has some on-page trauma, I found the comfort and care scenes to be a much needed, and well written balm for both the characters and me, the reader.
This has to be my favorite iteration of commentary on dominance and submission in any omegaverse romance I’ve read. I adore Kieran and his societal-smashing desires so much!
I love the twist in this omegaverse! Definitely something I haven’t read before! This pack is SO perfect for each other it was so cute. I like that the trauma doesn’t have like WHOLE chapters it’s more flashbacks.
Favorite Quote: “…You are not fragile, Kieran. You hold scars very few people can understand,…”
Recommend if you like… ~ M/M/M/M ~ Dark Romance ~ Omegaverse (w/ mpreg) ~ Knotting/Heats ~ 4 POVs
Interesante Omegaverse poliamoroso, con una dinámica diferente entre los personajes. Pero me parece que la historia debería cerrarse acá, agregar más melodrama del que ya tiene me parece que es innecesario, así que no voy a seguir leyendo el segundo. Me quedo con este HFN.
Did this story take over my mind as I read it? Absolutely!! I was hooked! The dynamic these 4 men have is perfect and a little out of norm which I loved! I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see where they go from here!
Did I just spend 4 hours affectionately live blogging my reaction to the author? ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY.
This book is *chefs kiss* I love me the hell out of some ABO and this one doesn't disappoint. The fact that it's MMMM is the cherry on top.
The content is darker than my typical reads with on page descriptions of Sexual and Physical assaults but the healing they go through is similar to my own growth after trauma which is really refreshing to see.
I love Kieran. He's a man after my own heart. We share similar past traumas and his are healed by the respective parties the same way mine have been healed.
The writing is amazing. I love how the flashbacks aren't solid serious chapters of just TRAUMA. They're broken up by real time things and are even Italicized so you know you're reading a flashback which offers a bit of disconnect from the OH MY WHAT IS HAPPENING to bring it more into the realm of 🥺🥺 OH NO! WE NEED TO FIGHT FOR THIS PRECIOUS BEAN AND SLAY ALL WHO HAVE WRONGED THEM (which we see do get to see in the form of hunky growly men. 😏😏 )
Also, 10/10 would love to be in the middle of a Kieran and Isaias sandwich too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my. I love the way this Omegaverse MMMM throws society norms on it's ears. While I SO VERY MUCH LOVE ME SOME MMMM, I also like the political message hidden underneath. This is a great story w some angsty vibes, sprinkled in w a little trauma, and what it is like for a traumatized person to try to adjust into a loving relationship.
I was so exited to receive this book as an ARC copy. I’m a huge omegaverse fan and this book is a new take that I hadn’t read before.
Kiernan is a big burly manly man who’s an Omega. His story is tragic and heartbreaking and you can’t help but fall in love with him as you watch him heal.
You can really feel the love that develops through each member of the pack as they play to each others strengths.
Slater leaves you with a HEA and just enough questions that I can’t wait for the next book to see where these characters go!!
This book was giving LKH vibes and it kept me intrigued. I have been struggling to find a book that I wouldn't have to struggle to get thru and this one was it. I loved the character back stories and the writing style. Def will read the series. Need to know the back story about Michael's obsession, and that's all I can say about that. I'm not a spoiler... Read in one sitting, because I couldn't put it down.
This was the first polyamorous omegaverse story by this author I have the pleasure to read and it holds a special place in my memories. It says dark, but it isn't the kind of dark with too many triggering topics on page. It's the kind of dark that stems from the challenges and trials a person has to face while looking for a safe place to call home and the most important - people who will turn the 4 walls into the most wanted place to be. This omegaverse story has it all - compelling characters that don't fit the social mold, personal growth and healing, some mild triggering topics mostly off page - bullying, harassment, abusive ex who doesn't know when to give up/ so he needs a crash course/ and the sweetest, gentle pack that embraced Kieran with love and acceptance and provided the safety net he so desperately needed. In the harsh reality of this fictional world, when Kieran presented as an Omega, this was the beginning of his personal hell on Earth. But despite the cruel treatment, the visible and invisible scars that made a canvas on his body and soul, he was the kind of character I always admire in books - a fighter true and true. He escaped the confines of his prison at least physically finding solace in the heart of a forest where he become a lumberjack. And I as a reader was silently hurting with him, following his nightmares, struggles and pain and literally sighed in relief when Isaias, Ren and Joel found him hidden in his woodland sanctuary. Winning the trust and love of someone like Kieran, whose life has been hit after hit, was an uphill battle but the finale - so worth the efforts. The 3 alphas were Kieran's salvation. They had a secret of their own. And Kieran with all of his own bitter experience and the scars to prove it, accepted them with quiet understanding. So it was a perfect union. And while the focus of the story was creating emotional bonds, building up a new life, overcoming trauma and restoring trust in the good that still exist, there was a lot of heat and spice to burn a kindle.
I wanted to write these reviews in order even though I hadn't made this account when I first read this book, but I'm going to start right here.
First off, I mourn the loss of the original cover. It's still on my Kindle library. The new cover is pretty, but boy was there something special about Kieran.
So, this book is uniquely out of my comfort zone. I've been reading omegaverse for over a decade now, and though I've enjoyed more than my fair share of masculine and dominant omegas, I've never really bothered with anything where the omega was dominant enough to be more than a power bottom. I strove to push myself out of my comfort zone with this one, and it really paid off dividends. I enjoyed Kieran immensely, from his struggles to his personality to the way he pushed against his own discomfort and his own boundaries in order to find his happiness.
I also found the dynamic between Isaias, Ren, and Joel to be fun and unique. I love Isaias. He's one of my favorite alphas I have ever read, and everything about him was just so perfect. He was so steadfast, so sure, and so patient with everyone, ensuring that everyone got through their struggles and hang-ups to find places to meet in the middle. I adore this man. I will always adore this man.
The only real thing I would have liked is for the sex scenes to be a little slower/more detailed, though I understand the frenetic pace during Kieran's heat. I still found a lot of it to be enjoyable, and I found it balanced really well with the angst that colored a lot of the story.
This was a pretty fun read. I got through it in one sitting for the most part, and I really enjoyed how everything came to a head at the end. Really fantastic pacing.
I picked this book up for free during one of the Kindle sales. This was a bit of a dubious choice for me because relationships with more than three people involved tend to get very samey with the dynamics and the relationships between the characters. But, strangely enough, the actual dynamics in this book with the alpha/beta/omega thing helped with that.
I had a fun time with this book. I liked how two people in the relationship had serious trauma related to abusive relationships, while the other two had trauma more from seeing someone they love get hurt like that (though one of them also got attacked). I enjoyed how we got a focus on the four of them and how all their relationships with each other differ depending on what they want from the other person and the kind of person they are. The plot itself was good and I'm tempted to carry on with the series to see more of the four of them and how they deal with the events in this book (and what happens to Michael).
I do wish the relationship hadn't developed so quickly, it would have been nice if the three of them had seen Kieran before he went into heat. And I do wish Joel and Isaias got more of an arc, especially since they did get hurt before the story starts. I also didn't find the flashbacks particularly necessary. Since they were scenes of rape and domestic violence, I did skim read these more than not and I didn't feel like I missed anything.
4 stars!
Edit: what on earth do I tag this as. There are no wolves so it's not paranormal but it's not exactly contemporary either.
Plot: 3/5 Spice: 4/5 (just from the sheer amount of scenes, like damn. There is also some kink) Characters: 4/5
Overall reco: I'm in an Omegaverse kind of mood right now and this story was interesting. The plot was suspenseful and thriller-y. I was super invested in what was going to happen. It's short, just over 200 pages but really It didn't feel that long. It covers a lot of abuse and fear and there are flashbacks and violence. It ends in a somewhat satisfying way, but the story isn't over as there is another 2 books (one a novella) in the Omega's story.
Overall this isn't a "holy shit everyone needs to read this" kind of story. It's written well enough but I did occasionally struggle with who was speaking what lines. I did run into a few times where I couldn't figure out who said what and just moved on.
There is a lot of spicy scene's in the book and it does get into some kinks. I was disappointed with the lack of lube but.. OV seems like it's kind of notorious for that. Using slick to basically explain everything away. There is a lot of TALK about kink. Like the one alpha has a wall of toys but because of trauma nothing happens with it. There is sharing (i mean.. its OV), and lots of dominance play (unconventional though). This was enjoyable and a quick read. A solid 3.5 stars
This was so much better than it had any right to be. I’ve read Alpha/Alpha tropes and big Omega before. This had those but so much more. The dynamics were unique and fresh. I feel like the desire to read something like this again will always be an itch on my brain and nothing else would meet those expectations.
The trauma in this pack, left my stomach twisted. I thought maybe the two mates, who were most traumatized by their past were going to have the biggest connection but every member mattered to me. Even without all the details I wanted to see for the healing, just based on who they were I felt like it was always going to happen. I could visualize it without it even being on the page.
Honestly, the worst thing about this book to me that is not long enough. At times it felt like the author had specific ideas of scenes that they wanted to play out and just wrote those. For me, I wanted those small mundane moments that authors usually put in to use as transition or to fluff up the book. Additionally, even if it didn’t need to be in the story, I wanted more background and history for each character. I could understand all of them and who they were but I was so intrigued that I wanted to know how they got there. I loved all of them. Somehow the book ended up, feeling well paced and still too short.
This was my first novel by N. Slater. I have read a few omegaverse novels but this one was definitely those most gritty/raw I've read. I felt for Kieran and everything he had to face as his wants were so different from what "society" deemed as correct. I wanted to wrap both Kieran and Ren in hugs. The relationship between the MCs was sweet and refreshing compared to the tough issues Kieran and Ren had to overcome. Overall, a good read. Check your triggers before reading.
Kieran, Joel, Ren, and Isaias's story is full of understanding, patience, communication, and love. This story didn't go how I was expecting it to, I was surprised by the events that occured within these pages. Kieran is unwelcome and unwanted due to him not being a 'typical' omega, he's not small and dainty, nor does he want to be stuck at home all day. He's built like an Alpha and loves to work and provide for himself. When he meets Joel, Ren, and Isaias, he discovers that there are people out them who loves him and wants him exactly as he is. Plus, he and Ren are similar in the sense that they don't fit into what society expects them to be.
I liked how this was written, I thought it was a unique take on the Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamic and I loved how the designation didn't dictate the character. I thought that was a nice and fresh way to write characters within this omegaverse world.
I do have to say I wish that there were fewer spicy scenes, and more focus on the characters getting to know one another outside of steamy times. They certainly got to know what each other likes when it comes to their bedroom activities but they didn't have any of those 'getting to know you' moments, and I was missing those scenes.
3.5/5. This had me wanting to know what was going to happen next the entire time. Not a lot of slow moments, which I appreciate. I really like Kieran. He's been through a lot both from his former alpha (kind of) and from society since he's large and bulky for an omega. He's a hard worker and he clearly wants a real family so badly. Terrance is delightful. He's an alpha, but he's also so sweet and kind. Joel is precious. He's a beta and he feels a little left out because of his designation, but he really does hold everyone together. And finally Isaias is the alpha of the pack. He can be confident, but he's also so thoughtful. I love how these four work together. It really feels like Kieran is the missing piece. I appreciated that Kieran and Terrance both had complicated pasts that not only haunted them, but drew them together. It created an understanding between the two. I also enjoyed the outside conflict of Michael trying to claim Kieran again. Overall, this was a pretty action packed book.
If you are looking for your standard Alpha/Omega/Beta Omegaverse read, this is not the book for you. Woodland Appeal is an amazing MMMM Omegaverse book with amazing characters living out non-traditional designation roles. This is an angsty, found family, paranormal romance story that has some dark and possibly triggering scenarios, and a few mildly spicy scenes. I highly appreciated the different take on the omegaverse dynamics. There were a couple times I struggled with the plots timeline flow, a couple of times I had to reread a section several times to really understand what was going on. I still loved the overall story, and was able to read on. Being the first book in a trilogy, it did end kind of suddenly, but without a major cliffhanger. I absolutely fell in love with Kieran and Terrence and their quests to find their perfect balance between their designation and true self. I could not get enough of the way Isaias and his pack not only accepted each others non-traditional desires, but also helped each other to heal from past traumas created from these desires.
Favourite Quote: "I could love you so f***ing easily, Kieran. Let us do this. Let us protect you."
Rating: 🪓🪓🪓🪓🪓/5
Why I read it: I'm such a huge fan of reversed dynamics in OV, and Kieran's story was too delicious to pass up.
What I loved: • The adorable insta-love between Ren & Kieran • There were enough small sweet moments to enjoy, but the pacing wasn't dragged out for the sake of more small moments. • Omega branded justice (iykyk)
The vibe & tropes: Kieran's story with Ren's pack is a cozy but dark found family romance and feels like a bear hug in a cottage after a hard day.
Who it’s for: Readers who enjoy OV with MM, a strong male omega, found family and reversed dynamics done right and don't mind dipping into darker territory since life hasn't been totally kind to our sweet MCs. Make sure to read the content warning in the author's note if you have triggers before going in, as many are on page.
Did this book take over my whole life for the last couple of days? yes, yes it did! Did I breeze through the whole series like they were one whole book? Also yes! Am I going to sit here impatiently waiting for the next book? 100% yes!
Okay so I picked up this book not knowing much about it but loving the vibes of the cover! The fact that it was an Omegaverse really made me want to read it that much more.
I loved the pack dynamics and that they were willing to be patient with Kieran and accommodate his needs. The fact that they all didn't fit the standard rolls but found their places was sweet. I also loved that Kieran was so aware of the others in the pack that when his Beta was feeling off he picked up on it!
All the drama with his past and the authorities, Kieran had to learn to trust his pack and they showed him they would be there for him!
So this was ok for me. I was confused a lot by timelines and the fact that this is told from 4 different POVs muddles things. This is one instance when I think I would have been ok with the whole thing being told from Kieran's POV. Moving on from that, I liked the group dynamics between Isias, Ren and Joel and how Kieran seemed to be their missing piece. I did think they let Michael get away with too much and still at the end of this book Kieran is still not claimed. Made zero sense to me. I can't imagine what drama the second book holds but I don't know if it will be for me. Their story seems complete minus the mating bond so any external drama might just piss me off and ruin a good story.
I had to review these back to back because they were so good I couldn’t put them down! I absolutely the pack dynamic and how ‘not the norm’ the members are. Isaias is the dom everyone dreams of, the caregiver and attentive partner you so badly want. Ren is the adorable sunshine on a cloudy day with Joel being the kind soul who checks on everyone first. Kieran is the person you didn’t expect to be best friends with but will be your ride or die and he completes the others so beautifully. These books had everything I craved and even stuff I didn’t know I wanted. The writing is spectacular emotions the emotions and inner turmoil written so well that you can relate to everything that’s happening. This book is going to stay with me for a while. On the list of top favorites for 2024 for sure.
This was my first MMMM omegaverse and I loved it. Isaias, Joel, Ren and Kieran are just the sweetest found family. The trauma bonding between Ren and Kieran was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The acceptance and support Isaias and Joel displayed for the others was emotional and touching showing a level of kinship, maturity, and unconditional love that truly spoke to me. Their entire love story was so comforting and gratifying. They fall quick, but how they stand by each other, how they protect and care for each other made it so perfect, and of course, the spicy scenes were hot, hot, hot!!!
This is my first book by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. There is a lot of backstory going on, but it is quite relevant to the current storyline. Kieran's personality as an Omega is quite outside the norm, as is Ren's Alpha. Isaias' whole pack is a little skewed, and they are absolutely wonderful together. There is some angst, and it is a bit dark based on trauma that happens to some of the characters. It also ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to read the next installment. One word of advice is to make sure you read who's POV the current chapter is from, so you won't get confused.
So I relatively enjoyed the Always Yours series by N. Slater, who was a new-to-me author then. I had a few misgivings but the comforting nature of the books was very rewarding. I mean, a failed kidnapping as a CW/TW was a boon, no angst, no 3rd act breakup, I could breathe. Because of that, I decided to try out her other series. There were just a few bits that came up in that series that also came up in this book that may make me hesitant to continue with the series. In these worlds, the omegas’ treatment is really messed up……it takes me out of the book with so many thoughts that I fail to stay engaged. It’s as if I can’t handle certain negativity at the moment
A completely different take on omegaverse and I’m so here for it!
I loved the pack dynamic here and the break away from usual omegaverse norms was amazing! The background storyline was well done too, I cried so much for them all. On that note please heed the trigger warnings this book isn’t going to be for everyone, but for those who are able to read it you’re in for a real treat!
I can’t wait to read the next book and I’m excited to explore more from this author.