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Unnatural #1
Speechless
I may not be able to speak—yet—but no Alpha bark can silence me.
After being abandoned by her mother and forced into a tortured silence by her sadistic Alpha father, Jade finally found freedom, only to be thrust back into captivity by three new domineering Alphas.
They called their place her home and called her their mate after claiming her against her will. But she didn’t want them or their strange body parts. They tried to use her Omega instincts against her, but Jade knew nothing about instincts, designations, or even gender. She had no clue what it meant to be an Omega and refused to let the designation define her.
She vowed that if she couldn’t escape, she would bring the Alphas misery as their prisoner.
But an unassuming Beta offered a better outcome for them all. One of redemption and forgiveness… even love. He was determined to help mend her damaged heart as she reclaimed the voice her father had stolen from her.
Will he be able to open the Alphas’ eyes to the weaknesses of blindly following tradition? Or will the Alphas’ pride and jealousy prevent them all from becoming a family and making their house a true home?
Speechless is a MMFMM Reverse Harem Omegaverse novel where Alphas shift. It contains explicit sexual scenes and is intended for readers 18+.
The story has a very happily ever after, but starts out dark. Please mind the trigger warnings below.
***Trigger Warnings: references to past abuse, nonconsensual sex
After being abandoned by her mother and forced into a tortured silence by her sadistic Alpha father, Jade finally found freedom, only to be thrust back into captivity by three new domineering Alphas.
They called their place her home and called her their mate after claiming her against her will. But she didn’t want them or their strange body parts. They tried to use her Omega instincts against her, but Jade knew nothing about instincts, designations, or even gender. She had no clue what it meant to be an Omega and refused to let the designation define her.
She vowed that if she couldn’t escape, she would bring the Alphas misery as their prisoner.
But an unassuming Beta offered a better outcome for them all. One of redemption and forgiveness… even love. He was determined to help mend her damaged heart as she reclaimed the voice her father had stolen from her.
Will he be able to open the Alphas’ eyes to the weaknesses of blindly following tradition? Or will the Alphas’ pride and jealousy prevent them all from becoming a family and making their house a true home?
Speechless is a MMFMM Reverse Harem Omegaverse novel where Alphas shift. It contains explicit sexual scenes and is intended for readers 18+.
The story has a very happily ever after, but starts out dark. Please mind the trigger warnings below.
***Trigger Warnings: references to past abuse, nonconsensual sex
423 pages, ebook
Published October 4, 2023
574 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Grey
5 books55 followersRachel is an editor turned author who loves Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, especially Omegaverse.
She's drawn to strong main characters who, despite any trauma or struggle, maintain their control over their bodies and minds and inevitably, end up on top.
Spice is a must, and it must not be typical. No boring stuff allowed.
She's drawn to strong main characters who, despite any trauma or struggle, maintain their control over their bodies and minds and inevitably, end up on top.
Spice is a must, and it must not be typical. No boring stuff allowed.
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October 7, 2023Rating: N/A
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Relationship: Reverse Harem, Poly (MMFMM)
Genre(s): Paranormal Omegaverse
❥
I don’t feel comfortable rating this book because I have such conflicting feelings about it. So this is more of a PSA review.
Whelp…when the author warns that this “begins dark” and contains “non-consensual sex” she’s referring to the fact that the FMC is repeatedly raped by the Alpha MMCs. Except, it’s apparently not considered rape because they’re true mates?!—It’s giving, “you can’t rape your wife” vibes. Yuck.
To add insult to injury, the excuse given for thenon-consensual sex rape—that shifter culture expects Alphas to claim their Omegas in order to protect them—doesn’t even make sense because no one in the pack (including the MMCs later in the book) seem to think that forcing the bond on the FMC was acceptable. It honestly seems like the three MMCs one day decided that the relationship between Alphas and their Omega mate is the same as that between master and slave.
This non-consensual sex wasn’t even like the usual type found in dark romances, where the FMC doesn’t give consent but she still enjoys it against her will. In this case our FMC repeatedly says no, struggles, fights back, cries, and tries to hide; the MMCs have to use their alpha “bark” to compel/force her to stay in place and or remain docile; and the FMC finds the non-con sex to be painful and very traumatizing, to the point where she dissociates in order to cope. Let’s not forget, that even after the bonding, two of the MMCs continued to have non-consensual sex with her in the hopes that her Omega instincts would overpower her and she’d “get on board”.
I had manageable hopes for the Beta MMC, until this garbage spilled out of his mouth after the FMC told him how badly the Alpha MMCs had treated her, “If you say your Alphas have disrespected you, I believe you. But I hope you will believe me, too, when I tell you that they are good Alphas. Whatever they did to hurt you, I promise that hurting you wasn’t their intention. No one is perfect, Jade. Surely you can see that there’s good in them, right?” This reads like the character letters submitted to the judge by Danny Masterson’s “friends and family” (I.e., I know he was found guilty of rape, but the Danny I know is an amazing father and the reason I don’t do drugs.)
I’m all for enemies to lovers, but that wasn’t what this was in my eyes. This was an abuser/victim relationship turned lovers.
What makes this reading experience really confusing is the fact that I actually liked the MMCs once they started treating the FMC with respect. They were totally different people in the second half of the book. But does that make them redeemable? In my opinion it doesn’t.
This story actually has the potential to be really good if thenon-con rape storyline was taken out and replaced with the MMCs just being unbearable narcissistic assholes towards the FMC.
❥
➸ Jade (Omega; 19)
➸ Lucas (Alpha; 31)
➸ Anders (Alpha; 27)
➸ Vaegon (Alpha; 27)
➸ Brody (Beta; 23)
❥
Title: “Speechless” by Rachel Grey
Interconnected Series: TBD
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Abused FMC
➢ Age Gap
➢ Fated Mates
➢ Forced Proximity
➢ Hate to Love
➢ Kidnapping (FMC taken against her will)
➢ Naive FMC
➢ Shifter
➢ Virgin FMC
POV(s): Multiple—First Person
Relationship: Reverse Harem, Poly (MMFMM)
Genre(s): Paranormal Omegaverse
❥
I don’t feel comfortable rating this book because I have such conflicting feelings about it. So this is more of a PSA review.
Whelp…when the author warns that this “begins dark” and contains “non-consensual sex” she’s referring to the fact that the FMC is repeatedly raped by the Alpha MMCs. Except, it’s apparently not considered rape because they’re true mates?!—It’s giving, “you can’t rape your wife” vibes. Yuck.
To add insult to injury, the excuse given for the
This non-consensual sex wasn’t even like the usual type found in dark romances, where the FMC doesn’t give consent but she still enjoys it against her will. In this case our FMC repeatedly says no, struggles, fights back, cries, and tries to hide; the MMCs have to use their alpha “bark” to compel/force her to stay in place and or remain docile; and the FMC finds the non-con sex to be painful and very traumatizing, to the point where she dissociates in order to cope. Let’s not forget, that even after the bonding, two of the MMCs continued to have non-consensual sex with her in the hopes that her Omega instincts would overpower her and she’d “get on board”.
I had manageable hopes for the Beta MMC, until this garbage spilled out of his mouth after the FMC told him how badly the Alpha MMCs had treated her, “If you say your Alphas have disrespected you, I believe you. But I hope you will believe me, too, when I tell you that they are good Alphas. Whatever they did to hurt you, I promise that hurting you wasn’t their intention. No one is perfect, Jade. Surely you can see that there’s good in them, right?” This reads like the character letters submitted to the judge by Danny Masterson’s “friends and family” (I.e., I know he was found guilty of rape, but the Danny I know is an amazing father and the reason I don’t do drugs.)
I’m all for enemies to lovers, but that wasn’t what this was in my eyes. This was an abuser/victim relationship turned lovers.
What makes this reading experience really confusing is the fact that I actually liked the MMCs once they started treating the FMC with respect. They were totally different people in the second half of the book. But does that make them redeemable? In my opinion it doesn’t.
This story actually has the potential to be really good if the
❥
Characters Info for Additional Context
➸ Jade (Omega; 19)
➸ Lucas (Alpha; 31)
➸ Anders (Alpha; 27)
➸ Vaegon (Alpha; 27)
➸ Brody (Beta; 23)
❥
Title: “Speechless” by Rachel Grey
Interconnected Series: TBD
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Abused FMC
➢ Age Gap
➢ Fated Mates
➢ Forced Proximity
➢ Hate to Love
➢ Kidnapping (FMC taken against her will)
➢ Naive FMC
➢ Shifter
➢ Virgin FMC
August 27, 2024
UPDATE! After reading some reviews for the next book, I unfortunately, have decided NOT to read it. And give it a big ole ZERO stars on the principle that it is NOT an RH but, a Poly trying to pass it's self off as an RH. Once again ppl... with feeeling!
REVERSE HAREMS ARE:
ONE WOMAN. THREE OR MORE MALES.
POLY- Females included. NO THANKS!
I have nothing against other women... but, if I were in the "omega" or "females" position, I wouldn't want ANYONE ELSE TOUCHING MY MEN!
Re-read August 2024 on the request of some goodreads friends.
Although I stuck by my ORIGINAL review... The last few chapters were OKAY.
The ending made no sense tgough.
MAYBE I will check out the next book.... Maybe.
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW.....
I made it about halfway through and just lost interest.
We still do not know how old jade actually is.
She is raped constantly so far by her "loving alphas".
They didn't even care enough to ask her fucking name!
They kidnapped her, at least how she sees it, from the only home she has ever known.
Forced her to have sex with them and take their mating claimed, and now they are surprised that not only is she afraid of them and defiant but is attracted to someone that has done nothing but treat her with respect since meeting her? How can this be a surprise? Are they learning disabled?
This book isn't believable.
It doesn't grab my attention and demand I follow through with the story.
If anything, it pisses me off and makes me close my reader and watch TV instead.
Or spend abnormal amount of time on the why-choose website looking for a replacement book.
Do yourselves a favor... don't waste your time... however, if you do... don't have high hopes.
Think... grade school intelligence.
REVERSE HAREMS ARE:
ONE WOMAN. THREE OR MORE MALES.
POLY- Females included. NO THANKS!
I have nothing against other women... but, if I were in the "omega" or "females" position, I wouldn't want ANYONE ELSE TOUCHING MY MEN!
Re-read August 2024 on the request of some goodreads friends.
Although I stuck by my ORIGINAL review... The last few chapters were OKAY.
The ending made no sense tgough.
MAYBE I will check out the next book.... Maybe.
ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW.....
I made it about halfway through and just lost interest.
We still do not know how old jade actually is.
She is raped constantly so far by her "loving alphas".
They didn't even care enough to ask her fucking name!
They kidnapped her, at least how she sees it, from the only home she has ever known.
Forced her to have sex with them and take their mating claimed, and now they are surprised that not only is she afraid of them and defiant but is attracted to someone that has done nothing but treat her with respect since meeting her? How can this be a surprise? Are they learning disabled?
This book isn't believable.
It doesn't grab my attention and demand I follow through with the story.
If anything, it pisses me off and makes me close my reader and watch TV instead.
Or spend abnormal amount of time on the why-choose website looking for a replacement book.
Do yourselves a favor... don't waste your time... however, if you do... don't have high hopes.
Think... grade school intelligence.
November 16, 2023
Worst book I think I’ve read all year!!!! I love a recovery love story. One where the mmc messes up but does all the groveling to gain the fmc love and trust again. This was not that story. We have an omega who was very sheltered and abused by her father (her mother left her alone) she stopped speaking because she lost her voice. Which is the thing that drew me into the story. She gets kidnapped, r*ped and verbally abused by her(alpha barks) “men” then Brody comes along and at fist I loved him for her. Then he proceeds to gaslight her by telling her her alphas don’t harm her and are great men. (Which I could’ve forgiven) but he starts dropping hints that he’s attracted to the main alpha (THE MAIN ONE RAPING AND ALPHA BARKING AT HER!!!!!!!) it’s a no for me. The one man who brings me happiness and actually sounds like he could love and support me is trying to fuck my rapist? No, I’m out.
December 3, 2023
I will NOT read a book that romanticizes the act of rape.
🤬🤬🤬
🤬🤬🤬
October 11, 2023
SPEECHLESS - that's what I am after reading this story! For any Release, let alone a debut, this was absolutely fantastic. However, do take notice of the TW as there is a part that some readers may not be comfortable with.
Jade has lived through hell, and now her abusive father is dead, she thinks she's finally free. Having been kept on the farm with no one else, not even her mother, and no education to speak of, Jade is both innocent and wise to the world. When her home is found by two Alphas, she tries to hide, unsuccessfully. They take her back to their Pack and proceed to claim her - for her own safety, of course. But Jade doesn't want to be claimed and has no knowledge of what is expected from her in their eyes. She can't fight back physically so she shuts them out instead.
What follows is an intricate layering of expectations and reality. Told from multiple perspectives, you get to see the inner workings of all of them. I loved Jade's strength in adversity and the size of her heart when she forgives. I loved all the Alphas (although it was definitely in question for a time!) and Brody was just a cinnamon roll to give you cavities! This little family won me over with their recognition of doing wrong and their attempts to make amends.
One thing to mention - 'that' non-con scene. It's not gratuitous. It's there for a reason, and it's not shock value. It plays an integral part in the story, showing how the Alphas believe they are doing the right thing, but also showing how terrifying it is for Jade, who has absolutely no knowledge of the human body. No, it's not comfortable reading. There's no way in hell it should be. But it is so extremely well-written. If you can, read it, don't skip it.
The ending was simply superb. I adored the last sentence! I really hope we return to this world. I would love to know how they are all getting along, or maybe have cameos from them as we find a new family to tag along with.
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just remember the TWs.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 3, 2023
Jade has lived through hell, and now her abusive father is dead, she thinks she's finally free. Having been kept on the farm with no one else, not even her mother, and no education to speak of, Jade is both innocent and wise to the world. When her home is found by two Alphas, she tries to hide, unsuccessfully. They take her back to their Pack and proceed to claim her - for her own safety, of course. But Jade doesn't want to be claimed and has no knowledge of what is expected from her in their eyes. She can't fight back physically so she shuts them out instead.
What follows is an intricate layering of expectations and reality. Told from multiple perspectives, you get to see the inner workings of all of them. I loved Jade's strength in adversity and the size of her heart when she forgives. I loved all the Alphas (although it was definitely in question for a time!) and Brody was just a cinnamon roll to give you cavities! This little family won me over with their recognition of doing wrong and their attempts to make amends.
One thing to mention - 'that' non-con scene. It's not gratuitous. It's there for a reason, and it's not shock value. It plays an integral part in the story, showing how the Alphas believe they are doing the right thing, but also showing how terrifying it is for Jade, who has absolutely no knowledge of the human body. No, it's not comfortable reading. There's no way in hell it should be. But it is so extremely well-written. If you can, read it, don't skip it.
The ending was simply superb. I adored the last sentence! I really hope we return to this world. I would love to know how they are all getting along, or maybe have cameos from them as we find a new family to tag along with.
Absolutely brilliant and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just remember the TWs.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 3, 2023
December 6, 2023
I don’t know what I find most disturbing, the fact I actually finished this book or the fact so many women have it 5⭐️.
November 8, 2023
It was okay
I read the reviews and honestly was expecting more.
**SPOILERS**
Jade lives on a farm by herself after her father has passed (her mother abandoned her long ago). She’s a rare Omega…the only problem with that…she has NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS! Having being completed isolated and cut off from shifters and other Alphas, Betas and Omegas, Jade is just happy to be free from her father’s tyrant, and able to live on her terms…even if she is alone, and mute (her father rendered her speechless).
Two Alphas stop by the farmhouse when their truck breaks down, they need gas…but they get a helluva lot more. Immediately one of the Alphas scents Jade and knows she is their long awaited scent match, THEIR DESTINED OMEGA! They’re thrilled! They find her cowering in a hidey hole, and without her consent (well she can’t speak, but she tries to run away) they bring her back to their large wolf pack. Lucas, Andras and Veagon have been raised with traditional Alpha beliefs, and believe in the hierarchy of the Alpha, Beta, Omega rankings. They truly believe they have “saved” Jade by forcing her from her home, and literally more or less “raping” her when they first get back to their pack. The only reason I didn’t stop reading right there was because of the guys POV and because I liked Jade’s feisty character! They claim her immediately, and then are furious when she shuts down the emotional bonds and won’t let them in. In addition, after a few more very unsatisfying sexual encounters with their mate they determine that she has to be broken, and are very very upset that fate gave them this willful, defiant, ungrateful, frigid Omega as a scent match.
Then Andras starts to “open up” and teach Jade to speak again. And Jade makes friends with a cute, sweet Beta named Brody who is just serene and happy to listen to her, or just be there for her. Slowly she comes out of her shell with Brody and Andras…and it’s made crystal clear that the three Alphas, Lucas, Andras and Vaegon made some SERIOUS mistakes in their “handling” of Jade!! They had no idea she was ignorant of their world. And they took her ignorance as defiance and it angered them. Eventually with communication and some slight groveling, things work out and Jade stays on as their Omega…they also invite Brody to join their pack too since he was the first to get through to Jade, she loves him, and he loves Vaegon and ok, Jade too *eye roll* (yeah honestly I thought the m/m wasn’t needed, simply because it just wasn’t believable or “explored” well enough). Maybe if Vaegon and Brody had had a prior relationship it would’ve made sense…but this was like BOOM…Vaegon finds his scent match Omega who needs a Beta to ground her, and although he’s obsessed with his Omega he decides totally randomly that the beta is cute. So why not have sex with him?! Huh?! That’s not a relationship, and it honestly wasn’t well explored. One minute both guys are in love with Jade, the next they’re also in love with one another AND claiming each other with bites. It was just too quickly done, and had no backstory!! Sure there are some mentions that Vaegon thinks Brody is cute, and Brody blushes when Jade insinuates that Vaegon likes him, but honestly that isn’t enough for a full on dive into instalove/instalust!!
The book then rushes to the end, where Jade has forgiven all her Alphas (loves her Beta) and they are one happy pack, finally. Honestly this ending would’ve been fine if more thought had been put into the substance that lead us to this ending.
I read the reviews and honestly was expecting more.
**SPOILERS**
Jade lives on a farm by herself after her father has passed (her mother abandoned her long ago). She’s a rare Omega…the only problem with that…she has NO IDEA WHAT THAT MEANS! Having being completed isolated and cut off from shifters and other Alphas, Betas and Omegas, Jade is just happy to be free from her father’s tyrant, and able to live on her terms…even if she is alone, and mute (her father rendered her speechless).
Two Alphas stop by the farmhouse when their truck breaks down, they need gas…but they get a helluva lot more. Immediately one of the Alphas scents Jade and knows she is their long awaited scent match, THEIR DESTINED OMEGA! They’re thrilled! They find her cowering in a hidey hole, and without her consent (well she can’t speak, but she tries to run away) they bring her back to their large wolf pack. Lucas, Andras and Veagon have been raised with traditional Alpha beliefs, and believe in the hierarchy of the Alpha, Beta, Omega rankings. They truly believe they have “saved” Jade by forcing her from her home, and literally more or less “raping” her when they first get back to their pack. The only reason I didn’t stop reading right there was because of the guys POV and because I liked Jade’s feisty character! They claim her immediately, and then are furious when she shuts down the emotional bonds and won’t let them in. In addition, after a few more very unsatisfying sexual encounters with their mate they determine that she has to be broken, and are very very upset that fate gave them this willful, defiant, ungrateful, frigid Omega as a scent match.
Then Andras starts to “open up” and teach Jade to speak again. And Jade makes friends with a cute, sweet Beta named Brody who is just serene and happy to listen to her, or just be there for her. Slowly she comes out of her shell with Brody and Andras…and it’s made crystal clear that the three Alphas, Lucas, Andras and Vaegon made some SERIOUS mistakes in their “handling” of Jade!! They had no idea she was ignorant of their world. And they took her ignorance as defiance and it angered them. Eventually with communication and some slight groveling, things work out and Jade stays on as their Omega…they also invite Brody to join their pack too since he was the first to get through to Jade, she loves him, and he loves Vaegon and ok, Jade too *eye roll* (yeah honestly I thought the m/m wasn’t needed, simply because it just wasn’t believable or “explored” well enough). Maybe if Vaegon and Brody had had a prior relationship it would’ve made sense…but this was like BOOM…Vaegon finds his scent match Omega who needs a Beta to ground her, and although he’s obsessed with his Omega he decides totally randomly that the beta is cute. So why not have sex with him?! Huh?! That’s not a relationship, and it honestly wasn’t well explored. One minute both guys are in love with Jade, the next they’re also in love with one another AND claiming each other with bites. It was just too quickly done, and had no backstory!! Sure there are some mentions that Vaegon thinks Brody is cute, and Brody blushes when Jade insinuates that Vaegon likes him, but honestly that isn’t enough for a full on dive into instalove/instalust!!
The book then rushes to the end, where Jade has forgiven all her Alphas (loves her Beta) and they are one happy pack, finally. Honestly this ending would’ve been fine if more thought had been put into the substance that lead us to this ending.
January 1, 2024
22% in and I have to stop. It might be me. It might be that I can't read about a girl being raped 3x by alphas regardless their species. When a girl is terrified and then lays lifeless and has vacant eyes and the male continues to mate, um... That's just fucked up. I can't support this plot even if I did like the female lead and her string will.
January 22, 2024
4.25 stars
This was surprisingly good. The photo on the cover is pretty but the cover itself is very amateurish looking so I was wary. It was really a pleasant surprise and I couldn’t put it down.
As an avid reader of dark romance and omegaverse I have an affinity for those big bossy alpha males. I also enjoy a reluctant heroine who needs to be pursued. IF an H is good to h then I’m happy to see him steamroll her into submission. Sometimes though, sometimes H can be a jerk or not particularly kind and then I want h to fight him tooth and nail and to break him. This almost never happens and it’s so frustrating when a jerk H ends up winning over an h he doesn’t deserve.
The author includes a note about why she wrote this and I was there for it. This feisty little omega didn’t back down. Her alphas tried to force her submission but she brought them to their knees instead. After how things started with them I cheered on her every win. These were some deeply remorseful heroes by the time she is done. I hope this one gets the attention it deserves. Would I like every omegaverse to be like this? No, but this one was delicious.
There are triggers here including Noncon be sure to check out all the triggers. The initial claiming of h is noncon and a bit after as the 2 of the Hs try to force her submission to no avail.
There’s no real OW/OM drama or cheating. No separation. HEA
Safety - early on one H brings home a female beta to provoke her jealousy but it doesn’t work. She is starstruck by the beta and dotes on her and is not jealous at all when H implies she’s spending the night. She doesn’t and nothing happens - h is completely unaffected much to his frustration.
Then h gets smitten with a male Beta. He’s not initially part of the mate pack but ends up joining so he’s not really an OM. He helps bridge the gap the Alpha’s had created with their idiocy.
This was surprisingly good. The photo on the cover is pretty but the cover itself is very amateurish looking so I was wary. It was really a pleasant surprise and I couldn’t put it down.
As an avid reader of dark romance and omegaverse I have an affinity for those big bossy alpha males. I also enjoy a reluctant heroine who needs to be pursued. IF an H is good to h then I’m happy to see him steamroll her into submission. Sometimes though, sometimes H can be a jerk or not particularly kind and then I want h to fight him tooth and nail and to break him. This almost never happens and it’s so frustrating when a jerk H ends up winning over an h he doesn’t deserve.
The author includes a note about why she wrote this and I was there for it. This feisty little omega didn’t back down. Her alphas tried to force her submission but she brought them to their knees instead. After how things started with them I cheered on her every win. These were some deeply remorseful heroes by the time she is done. I hope this one gets the attention it deserves. Would I like every omegaverse to be like this? No, but this one was delicious.
There are triggers here including Noncon be sure to check out all the triggers. The initial claiming of h is noncon and a bit after as the 2 of the Hs try to force her submission to no avail.
There’s no real OW/OM drama or cheating. No separation. HEA
Safety - early on one H brings home a female beta to provoke her jealousy but it doesn’t work. She is starstruck by the beta and dotes on her and is not jealous at all when H implies she’s spending the night. She doesn’t and nothing happens - h is completely unaffected much to his frustration.
Then h gets smitten with a male Beta. He’s not initially part of the mate pack but ends up joining so he’s not really an OM. He helps bridge the gap the Alpha’s had created with their idiocy.
October 2, 2023
4.5 stars
Thank you Rachel for the ARC copy of your first novel. This story really had me hooked and I didn’t want to put it down.
Speechless is more omegaverse rather than a typical shifter novel with only the alphas being able shift There are many alphas within a pack with the head alpha being called the Prime Alpha. The mate- group that is the focus of the novel is MMFMM.
This book is a journey of forgiveness and learning about ones self. There is no big bad that is a constant threat and no real angst, but is a personal story of growth for each of them within the mate-group. It wasn’t what I was expecting but it is a thoughtful read that I really enjoyed. The story is slow-medium paced and it is important to read the trigger warnings.
Jade (fmc) was abused and forced into silence by her father. She was left with him by her mother who had also been abused but escaped. Jade is 19 but you wouldn’t realise it as she was taught very little about being a shifter or a woman.
I loved some of the nicknames she gives to her mates when she meets them as she doesnt know their names -
- Lucas - mammoth, gorilla, yeti, leviathan, giant, moose man
- Anders - robot, psychopath
- Vaegon - evil creature
The alphas are absolutely clueless that she has been living on her own and knows nothing of biology or being a shifter. Thankfully Brody (a beta) take a liking to her and manages to help her and get more information about her life. In the first half there is several instances of non consensual sex but after Brody helps her to learn and shows her the pleasure she could have, it gets a lot better and the alphas realise what they did was wrong.
I felt that it portrayed very well some sociality/ cultural norms of men not listening or not wanting to listen to a woman as it is the ‘done thing’ but when one makes a change, others have the option to follow. It doesn’t always led to forgiveness but it is the right thing to do. Even though they are often raised by women, sometimes peer pressure/ norms make it difficult for them to accept what should be done rather than was done.
Thank you Rachel for the ARC copy of your first novel. This story really had me hooked and I didn’t want to put it down.
Speechless is more omegaverse rather than a typical shifter novel with only the alphas being able shift There are many alphas within a pack with the head alpha being called the Prime Alpha. The mate- group that is the focus of the novel is MMFMM.
This book is a journey of forgiveness and learning about ones self. There is no big bad that is a constant threat and no real angst, but is a personal story of growth for each of them within the mate-group. It wasn’t what I was expecting but it is a thoughtful read that I really enjoyed. The story is slow-medium paced and it is important to read the trigger warnings.
Jade (fmc) was abused and forced into silence by her father. She was left with him by her mother who had also been abused but escaped. Jade is 19 but you wouldn’t realise it as she was taught very little about being a shifter or a woman.
I loved some of the nicknames she gives to her mates when she meets them as she doesnt know their names -
- Lucas - mammoth, gorilla, yeti, leviathan, giant, moose man
- Anders - robot, psychopath
- Vaegon - evil creature
The alphas are absolutely clueless that she has been living on her own and knows nothing of biology or being a shifter. Thankfully Brody (a beta) take a liking to her and manages to help her and get more information about her life. In the first half there is several instances of non consensual sex but after Brody helps her to learn and shows her the pleasure she could have, it gets a lot better and the alphas realise what they did was wrong.
I felt that it portrayed very well some sociality/ cultural norms of men not listening or not wanting to listen to a woman as it is the ‘done thing’ but when one makes a change, others have the option to follow. It doesn’t always led to forgiveness but it is the right thing to do. Even though they are often raised by women, sometimes peer pressure/ norms make it difficult for them to accept what should be done rather than was done.
September 11, 2023
The footnotes, so you don't have to read a wall of text:
Good read but: holy-rollercoaster-of-emotions... read the trigger warnings, they go HARD into some tough topics.
I'm not sure if the ARC copy I received was the final version, or if content warnings will be added. Either way, there's a laundry list of very hard to read topics and scenes. I don't DNF books often, but I will if a book pushes me past my comfort threshold. This book definitely took that threshold and stomped over it.... but, in a weird way, I'm glad I kept going.
Books should make you feel things, and this delivered. When I said rollercoaster earlier, I meant it. There was a full day of me just raging while washing dishes thinking about the handful of chapters I read. Then later I'm bawling because of the realizations the MMCs started to go though.
Is it worth reading, yes.
Is it a favorite I'll re-read, no.
Will I read more from this author, absolutely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Good read but: holy-rollercoaster-of-emotions... read the trigger warnings, they go HARD into some tough topics.
I'm not sure if the ARC copy I received was the final version, or if content warnings will be added. Either way, there's a laundry list of very hard to read topics and scenes. I don't DNF books often, but I will if a book pushes me past my comfort threshold. This book definitely took that threshold and stomped over it.... but, in a weird way, I'm glad I kept going.
Books should make you feel things, and this delivered. When I said rollercoaster earlier, I meant it. There was a full day of me just raging while washing dishes thinking about the handful of chapters I read. Then later I'm bawling because of the realizations the MMCs started to go though.
Is it worth reading, yes.
Is it a favorite I'll re-read, no.
Will I read more from this author, absolutely.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
dnf
May 16, 2024
I just can't keep forcing myself to finish this story. I made it past the initial graphic rapes from the "Alphas" who knew what was best for this poor speechless heroine. 🙄 It was stomach churning. I made it past 50% of the story, and now this heroine has gone from repulsed by her rapists' (rightfully so) actions, to an instant slut for the Beta of the pack. I think I'm too old for this shit.
December 18, 2023
Hmm
“Learning to Love Your Rap!sts Because They Promise They’re Super Super Sorry” should be the title of this book. I kept reading after being almost traumatized myself, hoping the heroine or some other dude would swoop in and exact vengeance, but nah. She totally forgives them brutally raping her because they’re sowwy.
Kinda made me wanna puke tbh.
“Learning to Love Your Rap!sts Because They Promise They’re Super Super Sorry” should be the title of this book. I kept reading after being almost traumatized myself, hoping the heroine or some other dude would swoop in and exact vengeance, but nah. She totally forgives them brutally raping her because they’re sowwy.
Kinda made me wanna puke tbh.
October 16, 2023
This is a different kind of omegaverse. Jade has been traumatized during her childhood but doesn't realize it. She accepts it as normal as she has no one to compare herself to. When she meets her alphas, she is overwhelmed and unaccepting of their ways. It takes a lot of work on her part to come to understand what an omega is. I applaud the alphas of the story as they have to accept that they were wrong and change their behavior. This is a complex concept for them. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more books by this author.
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.
I received an advance copy, and this is my honest review.
October 22, 2023
This book is from a first-time author and it's one that deserves your attention. I am so impressed! It's a shifter story about an omega who cannot speak, hence the title of the book. Some of her wannabe alphas pick up on a scent match and they charge in to claim Jade, whether she wants them or not.
I can't come up with a better description for this story other than to say it reminds me of "gentling a horse." In this case, it's not only the characters who walk this line with the omega but it's also how the author treats the characters as well. These aren't wide brush strokes that are used to crank out shifter stories in cookie-cutter fashion. These are feathering light touches with a fine brush bringing out the best in each character while still advancing the story. I admire this restraint and feel that the story was infinitely better because of it.
The story is involving, the world rich with detail and the characters diverse and engaging. There is graphic sex including any combination of pack mates you might imagine. There is reference to past trauma. This story, though, ends with a HEA that will have you feeling all kinds of warm and fuzzy.
Rachel Grey's second novel, a non-shifter omegaverse story, will be released in Spring, 2024. It's already on my calendar as a TBR!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't come up with a better description for this story other than to say it reminds me of "gentling a horse." In this case, it's not only the characters who walk this line with the omega but it's also how the author treats the characters as well. These aren't wide brush strokes that are used to crank out shifter stories in cookie-cutter fashion. These are feathering light touches with a fine brush bringing out the best in each character while still advancing the story. I admire this restraint and feel that the story was infinitely better because of it.
The story is involving, the world rich with detail and the characters diverse and engaging. There is graphic sex including any combination of pack mates you might imagine. There is reference to past trauma. This story, though, ends with a HEA that will have you feeling all kinds of warm and fuzzy.
Rachel Grey's second novel, a non-shifter omegaverse story, will be released in Spring, 2024. It's already on my calendar as a TBR!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2023
So many emotions in this book. My first was anger then sadness the rage then hope and love and beauty. Hold tight and don't give up hope is just around the corner. I feel in love with this book from the first page. Something about this book made me feel hope like never before.
October 5, 2023
Wow!
So, new author to me. This is a standalone Omegaverse. It is written really well, with an unusual storyline... The first 1/4 of the book is somewhat difficult to read, especially as Jade shuts down more and more. But the rest is lovely, I had tears a number of times as I read, it's a touching love story, although I do feel very very strongly that the alphas got away with her forgiveness awfully quickly considering what happened. It is a spicy read in the latter 1/2 and definitely for adult readers only. I really enjoyed this Omegaverse!!
So, new author to me. This is a standalone Omegaverse. It is written really well, with an unusual storyline... The first 1/4 of the book is somewhat difficult to read, especially as Jade shuts down more and more. But the rest is lovely, I had tears a number of times as I read, it's a touching love story, although I do feel very very strongly that the alphas got away with her forgiveness awfully quickly considering what happened. It is a spicy read in the latter 1/2 and definitely for adult readers only. I really enjoyed this Omegaverse!!
December 18, 2023
Brutal...
I'm not sure what I should think about this book... Despite the trigger warnings, I didn't expect such digusting behaviour from the harem. I mean, there is bullying and enemy to lover in a lot of books but here, that's totally another thing! The guys, well except one, litteraly kept raping her believing that it would make her behave like a good omega🤮 And of course, when the guys finally realized their "mistake" she ended forgiving them. That's very disturbing...
I'm not sure what I should think about this book... Despite the trigger warnings, I didn't expect such digusting behaviour from the harem. I mean, there is bullying and enemy to lover in a lot of books but here, that's totally another thing! The guys, well except one, litteraly kept raping her believing that it would make her behave like a good omega🤮 And of course, when the guys finally realized their "mistake" she ended forgiving them. That's very disturbing...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2023
Absolutely in love with the story and characters. I'm so sad this is a standalone, and I hope the author gives us more of Jade and her mates in the future. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book in advance for free and I'll be reading everything Rachel Grey writes from this point on!
November 21, 2023
Read the trigger warnings!
Speechless is a character-driven book with chapters alternating between the five main character's points of view. The writing was good, and the story involved some heavy themes. Jade experiences physical and emotional abuse from her parents, and SA at the hands of her alpha as a result of cultural differences (not an excuse but a weak explanation). The men eventually redeem themselves and learn how to recognize the oppressive aspects of their pack culture as they try to make up for their awful behavior with Jade, but they have an extremely rough start. Not all of Jade's love interests were awful to her. Her beta mate Brody was sweet, intelligent, and reliable, the perfect balance to her overbearing and (initially) fumbling alphas. I loved reading how their sweet relationship developed and eventually with Vaegon, the surely alpha with anger management issues.
Despite the dark themes, this is not a dark romance. Since the story is in first person, it allows the reader to follow (but not condone) the male leads motivations and thoughts, which is important because they still have to be likable since the story ends with a HEA. It was interesting to read the characters' thought processes, which helped emphasize the significance of their emotional development. Jade’s point of view was my favorite, because we got to see her grow more confident and emphasize her ever-present strength. I think the author did a fantastic job writing and creating five central characters with complex character arcs. Despite the difficult read, I always wanted to know what would happen next.
While I enjoyed this book, I didn’t like that the alphas never directly apologized to Jade for SA-ing her. They grovel and apologize repeatedly, and it is implied they know they assaulted her and deeply regret it, but they never say the words. If they had confronted their actions directly, I would have respected them more, even though I could see their remorse and regret were genuine. I also did not like that by the end Jade was so heavily influenced by her omega instincts. Jade accepting her omega destination was a huge step for her, and I liked that she stopped fighting herself, was interested in learning more about her world, and began to open up to and trust new people. The majority of Jade’s development was self-motivated, but in the final chapters, her omega instincts overtook her in some instances, and all that strength she displayed in the beginning disappeared. It would have been more in line with her character if once she realized what was happening, she decided to give in or tried to balance her Omega nature with her desire for independence.
Speechless was a hard read at times, but it was a good story with interesting characters and relationship dynamics. It ended with a satisfying HEA, but left room for a sequel I would love to read!
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Speechless is a character-driven book with chapters alternating between the five main character's points of view. The writing was good, and the story involved some heavy themes. Jade experiences physical and emotional abuse from her parents, and SA at the hands of her alpha as a result of cultural differences (not an excuse but a weak explanation). The men eventually redeem themselves and learn how to recognize the oppressive aspects of their pack culture as they try to make up for their awful behavior with Jade, but they have an extremely rough start. Not all of Jade's love interests were awful to her. Her beta mate Brody was sweet, intelligent, and reliable, the perfect balance to her overbearing and (initially) fumbling alphas. I loved reading how their sweet relationship developed and eventually with Vaegon, the surely alpha with anger management issues.
Despite the dark themes, this is not a dark romance. Since the story is in first person, it allows the reader to follow (but not condone) the male leads motivations and thoughts, which is important because they still have to be likable since the story ends with a HEA. It was interesting to read the characters' thought processes, which helped emphasize the significance of their emotional development. Jade’s point of view was my favorite, because we got to see her grow more confident and emphasize her ever-present strength. I think the author did a fantastic job writing and creating five central characters with complex character arcs. Despite the difficult read, I always wanted to know what would happen next.
While I enjoyed this book, I didn’t like that the alphas never directly apologized to Jade for SA-ing her. They grovel and apologize repeatedly, and it is implied they know they assaulted her and deeply regret it, but they never say the words. If they had confronted their actions directly, I would have respected them more, even though I could see their remorse and regret were genuine. I also did not like that by the end Jade was so heavily influenced by her omega instincts. Jade accepting her omega destination was a huge step for her, and I liked that she stopped fighting herself, was interested in learning more about her world, and began to open up to and trust new people. The majority of Jade’s development was self-motivated, but in the final chapters, her omega instincts overtook her in some instances, and all that strength she displayed in the beginning disappeared. It would have been more in line with her character if once she realized what was happening, she decided to give in or tried to balance her Omega nature with her desire for independence.
Speechless was a hard read at times, but it was a good story with interesting characters and relationship dynamics. It ended with a satisfying HEA, but left room for a sequel I would love to read!
I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2023
Wow, this book left me breathless at times, the detailed intricacy of how our main fmc, Jade, both lost and then found her voice is exquisite.
Having led an abusive and sheltered upbringing, Jade is completely unaware of Omega, Alpha and Beta nuances, of pack society in general and her place in it.
Her scent matched mates, Lucas, Anders and Vaegon have no idea of what Jade has been through, they just know she is theirs and they must claim her. This scene is raw and heart-rendingly emotional.
What follows is the sometimes painful, but frequently joyous path of relationships being forged and trust starting to build, all helped along by the sweetest Beta, Brody.
I loved Jade's enthusiasm for learning all things sexual, particularly after her one previous experience. She is fiesty, no pushover and deserves her happy ever after.
The multiple pov's are insightful and well told and, in my opinion, really provide some background to the emotions and subsequent behaviours of the three Alpha's.
5 stars from me!
I received an ARC copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Having led an abusive and sheltered upbringing, Jade is completely unaware of Omega, Alpha and Beta nuances, of pack society in general and her place in it.
Her scent matched mates, Lucas, Anders and Vaegon have no idea of what Jade has been through, they just know she is theirs and they must claim her. This scene is raw and heart-rendingly emotional.
What follows is the sometimes painful, but frequently joyous path of relationships being forged and trust starting to build, all helped along by the sweetest Beta, Brody.
I loved Jade's enthusiasm for learning all things sexual, particularly after her one previous experience. She is fiesty, no pushover and deserves her happy ever after.
The multiple pov's are insightful and well told and, in my opinion, really provide some background to the emotions and subsequent behaviours of the three Alpha's.
5 stars from me!
I received an ARC copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2023
Unfortunately, I am a very picky reader. But my goodness, this one dug its claws in (pun intended) and did not let go. I devoured it in 2 days.
There were some elements towards the beginning of the book I know some might have issue with, so read your trigger warnings. My list of triggers is basically singular so there wasn’t much issue for me.
The book itself, it was extremely well written and had really great structure. I genuinely loved that the whole story was about our MFC and her learning to take back her life and coming to terms with who she is and, of course, the love story. No underlying obstacles or someone to fight. Because it wasn’t necessary. The plot was perfect, and for my smut lovers, there is plenty. Well written love scenes, well written characters . It’s basically perfection for those who like this genre.
Kudos to the author, I will be looking forward to your next work.
This book was revived for free as an ARC read. I’m not being paid to write this.
There were some elements towards the beginning of the book I know some might have issue with, so read your trigger warnings. My list of triggers is basically singular so there wasn’t much issue for me.
The book itself, it was extremely well written and had really great structure. I genuinely loved that the whole story was about our MFC and her learning to take back her life and coming to terms with who she is and, of course, the love story. No underlying obstacles or someone to fight. Because it wasn’t necessary. The plot was perfect, and for my smut lovers, there is plenty. Well written love scenes, well written characters . It’s basically perfection for those who like this genre.
Kudos to the author, I will be looking forward to your next work.
This book was revived for free as an ARC read. I’m not being paid to write this.
September 10, 2023
I voluntarily review an ARC.
This book probably is not suitable for readers who can be triggered by domestic violence or rape.
I was hooked from the first page and literally couldn't put it down to get some sleep.
I liked that the many individual and different characters were not perfect from the start. Each one had a believable character development.
I loved that they were able to genuinely apologize, because that's not too common in real life. This book made me feel with the fmc everything from despair, hatred, mistrust to friendship, love and lust. This is not a typical shifter mating story, it differs regarding the mating bond and gives much insight on what every mate experiences.
I'm generally not a big fan of reverse harem stories, but this one is flaming hot.
This book probably is not suitable for readers who can be triggered by domestic violence or rape.
I was hooked from the first page and literally couldn't put it down to get some sleep.
I liked that the many individual and different characters were not perfect from the start. Each one had a believable character development.
I loved that they were able to genuinely apologize, because that's not too common in real life. This book made me feel with the fmc everything from despair, hatred, mistrust to friendship, love and lust. This is not a typical shifter mating story, it differs regarding the mating bond and gives much insight on what every mate experiences.
I'm generally not a big fan of reverse harem stories, but this one is flaming hot.
September 8, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was amazing I was captivated all through out, wow just wow, it was a medium burn more so on the slow side but every little romantic/ sexual moment made me smile and giddy with excitement for the characters.
This was amazing I was captivated all through out, wow just wow, it was a medium burn more so on the slow side but every little romantic/ sexual moment made me smile and giddy with excitement for the characters.
October 24, 2023
Wow! What a surprise. Ok, so I'm new to the shifter universe but I do love dark romance, and when I'm not feeling possessive, a good reverse harem. This book has it all!
Smut: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Smut: 5/5
Story: 5/5
November 3, 2023
Rachel has written a beautiful, sensual, poignant first novel about Omega Jade who lost her voice from her father’s Alpha barks, living in fear until she gains freedom after his death when she was 19. She lived on her own, hiding from the outside world, until two Alpha shifters stumbled onto her and took her with them to their packlands to be their mate.
Jade has had no teaching about pack or shifter culture or traditions, she doesn’t really understand designations, she doesn’t know what being an Omega means, and she has no knowledge of what mating means between an Alpha and an Omega. She not only has one Alpha, she has three, and since she can’t communicate with them, she is mated against her will. She is very strong emotionally, however, and she blocks the bonding that would normally take place. If she cannot escape, she will retaliate in the only way she can, refusing to bend to their will. Anders discovers she can make sounds and knows how to read, so he painstakingly teaches her to speak again so she may make her thoughts known.
When Brody, a gentle pack Beta, forms a connection with her, and is allowed by Anders, Lucas and Vaegon, her Alphas, to spend time with her, he realizes what she doesn’t know or understand and begins to teach her about those things. When Brody is able to let her Alphas understand why she acted as she did when she was mated against her will, they start to realize that maybe tradition and custom aren’t as important in all situations, and changes must be made.
The book is written from the POV of 5 people — Jade, Lucas, Anders, Vaegon, and Brody— and it is interesting to see how the thoughts and feelings of each change over time, and how each has a different catalyst for that change.
Characters are well written, the story follows a natural progression for each character’s change in outlook and reaction to Jade, there is growth on the part of all characters, and most of the se*ual scenes are seductive and sensual while still being explicit.
I loved the change in Jade as she discovered her own power and her understanding of what it meant to be an Omega, to feel the bond between her and her mates, and to find an enjoyment of the physical parts of the relationships with her 4 mates when the initial mating had been so traumatic.
I read this book pretty much in one sitting, but found it hard to put down. The characters and story drew me in from the first page and didn’t let me go until the last one. Very satisfying read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jade has had no teaching about pack or shifter culture or traditions, she doesn’t really understand designations, she doesn’t know what being an Omega means, and she has no knowledge of what mating means between an Alpha and an Omega. She not only has one Alpha, she has three, and since she can’t communicate with them, she is mated against her will. She is very strong emotionally, however, and she blocks the bonding that would normally take place. If she cannot escape, she will retaliate in the only way she can, refusing to bend to their will. Anders discovers she can make sounds and knows how to read, so he painstakingly teaches her to speak again so she may make her thoughts known.
When Brody, a gentle pack Beta, forms a connection with her, and is allowed by Anders, Lucas and Vaegon, her Alphas, to spend time with her, he realizes what she doesn’t know or understand and begins to teach her about those things. When Brody is able to let her Alphas understand why she acted as she did when she was mated against her will, they start to realize that maybe tradition and custom aren’t as important in all situations, and changes must be made.
The book is written from the POV of 5 people — Jade, Lucas, Anders, Vaegon, and Brody— and it is interesting to see how the thoughts and feelings of each change over time, and how each has a different catalyst for that change.
Characters are well written, the story follows a natural progression for each character’s change in outlook and reaction to Jade, there is growth on the part of all characters, and most of the se*ual scenes are seductive and sensual while still being explicit.
I loved the change in Jade as she discovered her own power and her understanding of what it meant to be an Omega, to feel the bond between her and her mates, and to find an enjoyment of the physical parts of the relationships with her 4 mates when the initial mating had been so traumatic.
I read this book pretty much in one sitting, but found it hard to put down. The characters and story drew me in from the first page and didn’t let me go until the last one. Very satisfying read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2023
First thing I want to tell you about this book is: read the TW. There will definitely be some parts readers may not be comfortable with.
Jade is a child abandoned by her mother, and who lives with her abusive father. When her father dies she thinks she's finally free to live her life, but little did she know they day she designated as omega, she was found by chance by two of her alphas.
In the alphas' society, she can be claimed as theirs and be bonded with right away. She did not know any of these things, as she had no eduation from her parents, so when she was brought back to the alphas' camp, she fought back.
There is one non-con scene, that's what I was referring to, beware of it, but do not feel like you need to stop reading this book. It's there for a reason, it's not shocking, if you know anything about the omegaverse you know what happens when an alpha meets his own omega. And, most importantly, it's an important part of the story and for the characters development.
I have loved this book especially because of that scene, and what comes after that. This is a book about discovering yourself, forgiving others, and admitting when you were wrong even if society gave you permission to act in a specific way.
Jade's strength in finding her voice both literally and figuratively is the cherry on top of the cake this novel is. She found herself. She needed to find herself and who she really was, before being able to even speak to her alphas. And her alphas believed they were doing the right thing, as society tells them to, so they are not even thinking about what Jade could be going through. In their world, she should be grateful to be found by such strong and protective alphas.
They way all of them grow from there and start trusting each other and "give up" things that were thought to be granted though, is one beautifully written piece of literature to read.
Please, please, don't let this book pass you by. I really do hope there's a book 2 in this, I'm so curious about Vaegon's past.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Jade is a child abandoned by her mother, and who lives with her abusive father. When her father dies she thinks she's finally free to live her life, but little did she know they day she designated as omega, she was found by chance by two of her alphas.
In the alphas' society, she can be claimed as theirs and be bonded with right away. She did not know any of these things, as she had no eduation from her parents, so when she was brought back to the alphas' camp, she fought back.
There is one non-con scene, that's what I was referring to, beware of it, but do not feel like you need to stop reading this book. It's there for a reason, it's not shocking, if you know anything about the omegaverse you know what happens when an alpha meets his own omega. And, most importantly, it's an important part of the story and for the characters development.
I have loved this book especially because of that scene, and what comes after that. This is a book about discovering yourself, forgiving others, and admitting when you were wrong even if society gave you permission to act in a specific way.
Jade's strength in finding her voice both literally and figuratively is the cherry on top of the cake this novel is. She found herself. She needed to find herself and who she really was, before being able to even speak to her alphas. And her alphas believed they were doing the right thing, as society tells them to, so they are not even thinking about what Jade could be going through. In their world, she should be grateful to be found by such strong and protective alphas.
They way all of them grow from there and start trusting each other and "give up" things that were thought to be granted though, is one beautifully written piece of literature to read.
Please, please, don't let this book pass you by. I really do hope there's a book 2 in this, I'm so curious about Vaegon's past.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 8, 2024
Despite being a fan of non-con, I felt the way it was handled in this book was awful.
The FMC is terrified of the MMCs and alphas in general for the first 25% of this book, she is a super sheltered Omega with familial abuse similar to Fleeing Fate by Sabrina Day but this FMC is also mute so she can’t even explain her lack of understanding of the world/culture around her, let alone consent to anything.
Once the MMCs get her home (read: kidnap her from her previous prison and put her in new and different captivity) the pack lead believes the best way to help her accept them and come in to her omega designation is to have sex with her. So they run a 🍇 train on her and she spends multiple chapters mentally shattered, withdrawn and distrustful (as you would) afterwards. I have to hand it to the author, her willingness to write actual trauma, disbelief and confusion from 🍇 was admirable, but she failed to resolve that trauma adequately IMHO.
The FMC did not grow as a person or become a strong, competent character by the end. I also felt like she was used as a catalyst for an MM relationship which is just more abuse if you ask me. There needed to be a more even exchange of power in the last half of the book to make reading that literal horror story worth it. There’s a HEA technically, but the book doesn’t reach deep enough to heal the scars from the 🍇 so I wasn’t very happy at the end.
I think there was a lot of potential for a deeper dialogue in this story and it failed to deliver by my standards.
The FMC is terrified of the MMCs and alphas in general for the first 25% of this book, she is a super sheltered Omega with familial abuse similar to Fleeing Fate by Sabrina Day but this FMC is also mute so she can’t even explain her lack of understanding of the world/culture around her, let alone consent to anything.
Once the MMCs get her home (read: kidnap her from her previous prison and put her in new and different captivity) the pack lead believes the best way to help her accept them and come in to her omega designation is to have sex with her. So they run a 🍇 train on her and she spends multiple chapters mentally shattered, withdrawn and distrustful (as you would) afterwards. I have to hand it to the author, her willingness to write actual trauma, disbelief and confusion from 🍇 was admirable, but she failed to resolve that trauma adequately IMHO.
The FMC did not grow as a person or become a strong, competent character by the end. I also felt like she was used as a catalyst for an MM relationship which is just more abuse if you ask me. There needed to be a more even exchange of power in the last half of the book to make reading that literal horror story worth it. There’s a HEA technically, but the book doesn’t reach deep enough to heal the scars from the 🍇 so I wasn’t very happy at the end.
I think there was a lot of potential for a deeper dialogue in this story and it failed to deliver by my standards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2023
So many thoughts
I will keep this brief
Jade is an omega with a background of being abused and abandoned. Her mates find her and instantly there’s problems.
The very ones who are meant to protect her, hurt her to a point of shutting down.
She then offers them redemption that they cling to with every breath in their body.
This story was hard to accept because of what was done to Jade however there were a few things I had to take into consideration.
1. Jaded upbringing/ignorance
2. The Alphas barbaric/animalistic ways
Sigh this is a tough rating for me.
This isn’t your typical dark read, In fact I don’t think it’s dark at all. Just a lot of mistakes that would be hard to forgive.
I can’t even begin to truly express what I felt about the book. It was an emotional rollercoaster.
I will keep this brief
Jade is an omega with a background of being abused and abandoned. Her mates find her and instantly there’s problems.
The very ones who are meant to protect her, hurt her to a point of shutting down.
She then offers them redemption that they cling to with every breath in their body.
This story was hard to accept because of what was done to Jade however there were a few things I had to take into consideration.
1. Jaded upbringing/ignorance
2. The Alphas barbaric/animalistic ways
Sigh this is a tough rating for me.
This isn’t your typical dark read, In fact I don’t think it’s dark at all. Just a lot of mistakes that would be hard to forgive.
I can’t even begin to truly express what I felt about the book. It was an emotional rollercoaster.
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