Detective Hanni Nassar finds himself in enemy territory while investigating a string of robberies. After accidentally crossing the Central Empire’s borderline, he comes face to face with Jaemin Yi, a high-ranking Alpha of the Southern Empire’s Elite.
A cop and a gangster, both Hanni and Jaemin are suspicious of each other at first. Jaemin wants to know what Hanni’s doing on Southern turf, and Hanni wants to know if Jaemin’s notorious boss has any involvement with his case. Their initial meeting is tense, but soon Jaemin starts pursuing him for his own dissolute reasons.
Despite the clandestine rumblings through the streets of Luxor City, this isn’t about a case anymore.
Jaemin Yi is persistent. He thaws Hanni’s frigid airs and shows him there’s nothing wrong with caving to his more primal desires once in a while. As an Omega working in an Alpha-dominated field, Hanni has buried the Omegan side of himself, and Jaemin seems keen to draw it to the surface.
But where did his sudden interest come from? And will the lines crossed be too much for Hanni to handle or will adversarial passions heat up the borders between Empires?
Hanni is stubborn, aloof, dedicated to his job. Not a typical omega. Jaemin is what Hanni would call a knothead (fun insult), and he pursues Hanni pretty hard. There's also a case to solve and gang to take down. The worldbuilding was good, I think I would have liked a little more depth to it. Can all omegas carry babies, for instance? I think I would have liked more love in the romance. The Banter was top-notch, but the love confessions were a bit fast. All in all, entertaining and I'm interested in reading the other books of the series. “Unfortunately, I really do like you.” Jaemin grinned wide only for the expression to be replaced by a frown seconds later. “What do you mean ‘unfortunately’?”
I went into this book expecting a dark gangster x cop story, but what I got was a delightful surprise. Despite being a (way) lighter tone than I anticipated, I absolutely loved this book! The MCs' banter was top-notch, their courting was fun & sweet, and their chemistry was off the charts.
The lighthearted tone worked perfectly with this couple, and I appreciated how their jobs didn't overshadow their relationship progression. While I did miss the action bits, the book delivered in other aspects. However, once the mystery-solving part kicked in, it felt a bit sudden and jarring. Luckily, the focus quickly shifted back to the MCs, and I was happy to be back in their romantic shenanigans.
What impressed me most was the author's skillful handling of the love story evolution. The transition from sour-strangers to sweet-lovers was well-paced. Even their brief separation surprised me, as it felt different from the typical breakup tropes. Overall, I adored this book and the MCs together. The author did an excellent job, and I'm looking forward to more books from her!
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4 hearts. The job of a Police Officer in a lawless city would always be difficult, especially as Hanni was an Omega who tended to break convention, thriving in the process. Following a lead, Hanni accidentally crosses the border into the South, and was promptly pulled up by Alpha Jaemin Yi. However, what happens when, in the eyes of the lawless, Hanni becomes too good at his job? Borders Between Empires is part of the Luxor City Series but can be read as a standalone novel. I have not read any of the others, so I can attest to this. What I encountered was a well-written detective story that contained a balance of work and Alpha/Omega fun. Did it set me on fire – no – but I thoroughly enjoyed a tale that kept me turning the page until the words said – The End. The story is told in the third person, which, other than a few paragraphs, was all from Hanni’s viewpoint. As the copy I read was not the final, I will not comment on any technical aspects. Worldbuilding suited my reading tastes – it gave me enough to form pictures of people and places without going into minute detail. I especially enjoyed the police action. The concept of gangsters policing their own areas, occasionally teaming up with the local cops (without reprisals), was an exciting twist. And this is where Hanni and Jaemin earn mutual respect. Indeed, it could be said that one of their dates was when the men teamed up to thwart a hijacking. There were other less formal ones. Hanni is competent and levelheaded - not one for flighty dramatics, which was good to read. Although, he knows what he wants and, more precisely, what he will not tolerate. The only annoying thing Hanni did was chew his bottom lip, which, since a particular sparkly vampire series, the habit has been my pet hate. As for Jaemin, he is a protective Alph enamored with Hanni. Per his rank within the Southern hierarchy, I have no doubt that Jaemin is lethal – but given the single viewpoint, this aspect is voiced - not explored. Overall, I found Borders Between Empires well worth reading. The road to love is not plain sailing. Could it have been grittier – yes, which would have upped its rating. Nevertheless, the pursuit between Alpha and Omega entertained me with pockets of high drama and police action. This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes.
Unlike a lot of omegaverse stories with a “strong, independent omega”, Hanni actually lives up to that. Smart, competent and good at his job, he’s forced to ignore his more Omegan traits to be a cop in an Alpha-dominated field. Although there is still Omega stereotyping in this world, they also aren’t the typical broodmare/chattel variety, which I like. As the story is told in 3rd person limited mostly from Hanni’s POV, the few aspects of his personality get conveyed in the situations he’s in, and it’s easier to get a feel for him. However, there isn’t much more there than his dedication to the job and drive to prove himself as capable and as strong as any alpha. He’s still a decent character to follow as when he does loosen up, it’s usually to take the piss out of Jaemin or give a hint of a softer side; I just would have liked to see more of his personality.
Though Hanni could have done with a bit more character development IMO, Jaemin mostly boils down to pouts and smirks. Their first interaction has promise as there is some menace beneath the seductive smile he gives Hanni, but for all that he’s a tough enforcer for a crime family, that side isn’t shown. He can hold his own in a fight, but his “gangster” cred is pretty absent other than interacting with his crime lord superiors and reminders from other characters. He’s a two-dimensional flirt—a bit of a clown, a charmer and hot for Hanni; that’s about all the development he gets. He expects Hanni to be impressed by his looks, status and gifts. He enjoys that Hanni doesn’t give him an inch, but I can’t tell if that’s bc he likes Hanni as a person or is just caught up in Hanni’s smell and need to get in his pants.
The turn from being irritated by Jaemin to wanting him is pretty quick. I honestly feel like if Jaemin’s pheromones weren’t so compatible w/his, Hanni would have never given him the time of day, or Jaemin would have actually had to, you know, show some depth. There are reasons for Jaemin to be into Hanni, but I have no idea what Hanni sees in Jaemin. When they start dating, it kinda works bc Hanni’s convinced Jaemin will get bored of him and finally leave him be, but since this is an omegaverse story, being swayed by pheromones is a quick short cut to get MCs to like each other, even annoying ones.
I did enjoy the case and what is going on behind the scenes. I also appreciated that this is a standalone in a series that actually works on its own. While it’s apparent who has their own books, their relationships aren’t shoe-horned in, and this world’s politics and factions are easy enough to follow without a detailed history. The writing is mostly solid, though some of the action scenes aren’t well drawn, and I truly got sick of seeing the word “pout”, with “smirk” running a close second. I also couldn’t stand Hanni’s bff; she was a one note pest. While Jaemin doesn’t feel that fleshed out to me and there could have been more connective tissue in the narrative, all in all it’s a solid omegaverse story.
This is a different take on Omega/Alpha relationships, with Hanni Nassar, a detective in the Central Empire, being equal in ability and intelligence to the Alphas he works with. Jaemin Yi, the man who eventually becomes his Alpha, is a member of the Elite and part of the Alpha's enforcement team in the Southern Empire. Hanni is brusque, sometimes rude, and determined to resist the stereotypes that his status as an Omega in an Alpha-dominated world subjects him to. That resistance makes him interesting and gives his character some substance. However, the problem arises with the man he "falls for", and I truly question that, given what we've been asked to believe about Hanni. Jaemin is presented as a wealthy, entitled, overbearing, sometimes arrogant Alpha with few redeeming adult qualities aside from his respect for Hanni's boundaries and his protectiveness of his Omega to make him appealing. He pouts and smirks a lot, asks stupid questions, and shows very little actual leadership despite his position as a Southern Empire enforcer. Why would Hanni choose someone like him as a life partner? Also, their shift from enemies to frenemies to lovers to life partners gave me a kind of whiplash with their inexplicable speed, again because of how Hanni is presented. These things overshadowed the whodunit parts of the story, though those parts are what raised this from 2.5 to 3 stars.
There is something cool about very different personalities finding one another and going through the courtship dance of seeing if they can be. Hanni is a strong omega and he has to be to make it in his job as a policeman, an alpha dominated job. He works hard to control his omega traits. He meets Jaemin and things get interesting. Hanni has in many ways limited himself in his goal to prove himself competent. He is challenged on a couple of levels by Jaemin who is on the other side of the law and who pushes his buttons and brings out the very attributes he is trying to keep muted. Their verbal exchanges were fun to read and lively and despite wanting to resist they do wind up together, at least for now. I am interested in seeing where things go with this pair. The author did a good job of introducing us to this intriguing pair and the world they inhabit. I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in this series by Sasha Hope that I have read but I had no trouble following along. It has an interesting premise that there three Empires cut up within one city. It starts as opposites with an omega cop called Hanni from one Empire and an alpha gangster called Jaemin from another empire. There are cases that end up bringing them together as well as them both realizing things about their political system that are not what they thought they were. I liked it when they suddenly realized how geographically close their houses were to each other even though they lived in different empires and lead such different lives. Ms. Hope delicately brings up some points about how the role of the government you are living under can make such a difference in your life and how most of us want the same type of things. I’m now interested in reading the rest of the series.
I was given a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest review
* An action packed crime mystery with a real sweet A/O romance* It's been a while since I tucked into a nice A/O story and I fell in love with Hanni's personality from page 1. We meet Hanni, an underrated omega working in field dominated with Alphas but with some sheer willpower hardwork and his quick wit, proves that his secondary gender has nothing to do with his talent. Crossing borders during an investigation, puts Hanni in Alpha Jaemin's radar in a first meet that oozes with steaming chemistry. Jaemin is entralled by the bold and outspoken Omega and tries many a trick to charm his way through Hanni's well built defences. As their love buds, they work together to solve the mysteries that transcend beyond the empires they belong to.
I personally would have liked a little bit of groveling but I would say their adorable flirting and chats do make up for it.
I look forward to more books in this A/O world and to explore more of author Hope's works.
Hanni, an Omega police officer inadvertently trespassed into another part of the Empire and was caught by one of their leader's men, Jaemin. He shared information that helped solve the case and Jaemin tried to make it more personal between them but Hanni kept resisting. Hanni's defiance was hot as was Jaemin ignoring his attempts. The two obviously were going to get together and Jaemin's cockiness was highlighted by Hanni's cool, controlled attitude until they exploded in passion. Working together to solve cases gave them lots of opportunities to work out differences. With a happy for now ending, you could easily see this becoming a series for them. Its a cool fantasy world with lots of potential from a new author for me. I received a copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest opinion.
I found the worldbuilding here to be intriguing and immersive– I would have loved a bit more of it, but I definitely felt like there was enough scaffolding to see how the characters fit (or didn’t) within the society they inhabited. I loved Hanni– he’s driven, stubborn, and determined not to be defined by typical Omega roles and traits. Jaemin is…fine. He comes on strong and his whole personality, at times, seems to be composed of extreme self confidence and his desire for Hanni, but the chemistry is real and the banter is good, so it’s fair to say that he doesn’t really need much more depth than what he has for the story to do its thing. This is also helped by the fact that there’s a plot with enough intrigue and action to nicely buttress the developing connection between the characters. All in all, an enjoyable read.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
An Omega police officer named Hanni was apprehended by Jaemin, a bodyguard for the Empire's ruler, when he accidentally crossed over into enemy territory. Jaemin attempted to become more personal with Hanni after he helped solve the crime, but Hanni resisted. Both Hanni's stubbornness and Jaemin's refusal to acknowledge him were highly attractive. The inevitable romance between them was heightened by the contrast between Jaemin's arrogance and Hanni's calm control up until the point of explosive desire. Casework provided ample time for them to discuss and resolve their issues. With a resolution that seems to satisfy them for the time being, this has all the makings of a successful series. It's refreshing to discover a new author that creates a compelling fantasy universe full of promise. I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
The author has written two other books that take place in Luxor City — The Empires of Luxor City and Between Empires and Continents — but each one is a standalone, dystopian story loosely connected by powerful families and setting. They are Omegaverse books with no shifting, but with scenting, heats, and knotting. They tend to be fairly high heat, low angst, and with a focus on happy couples trading quips back and forth. And this book is no different, as Hanni and Jaemin spend a lot of time flirting.
3,5 stars for an interesting and intriguing story. I really liked the beginning, and although I am normally not sich a big fan of omegaverse books, this was a nice surprise. There are obviously 2 previous books in this universe, but it is not necessary to read them first.
The storyline was well done. Unfortunately, I had a bit of controversial feelings for Hanni. I didn't get the feeling that they were really invested in thus relationship and the sudden explosion of feelings just didn't fit Jaemin was in that regard much easier to understand and to like.
Nevertheless, an intriguing read and one that confirmed my positive opinion on the author
I loved that we got to see more of the more common people interactions between the Central Empire and the Southern Empire! I loved Hanni! He is a total no nonsense omega who has worked his butt off to get to where he is in the Central Empire's police force.
I loved his interactions with Jaemin! Jaemin is probably the goofiest gangster I've ever read. He is dangerous but is so caring when it comes to Hanni! And their romance was cute! I was so sad when the book ended it was over! I hope we get a book about Jaemin's twin or Hanni's bestie, Yas! I would read them in a heartbeat! Actually, I would read any book set in the world. I just need more!
Hanni is not the typical omega, in fact you could even say that he doesn't like being one and obviously hates everything that being one represents. And his personality is to be all grumpy. And on the other side we have Jaemin an Alpha who is all charismatic, somewhat sarcastic and relaxed, all the opposite of Hanni. And let's remember opposites attract. A certain case leads them to work together as representatives each of his section, and despite Hanni being reluctant to have any contact more than what is strictly necessary, he cannot help but succumb to the alpha's charms. My favorite character was Jaemin, I loved the way he was, although certain decisions he made disappointed me. The truth is that I was intrigued with the secondary characters and I would like to know more about them, especially those from the southern section of the border. It is read in one sitting, recommended if you are looking for something quick and light.
3.5⭐️ I recommend reading the other books in this series first I unfortunately did not so I felt like I was playing catch up with the world building for a large portion of the time. I really love the a/b/o genre so I wanted to give this author a try. This take was on interesting and I appreciate when omegas are strong and intelligent and Hanni definitely was. I found Jasmine arrogant and at times unlikable. Overall all I did like the approach of the storytelling and the writing was solid.
Loved this mix of genres especially the Alpha gangster and the omega detective blend. Hanni and Jaemin clearly have an attraction, but the reader is nicely held in suspense about whether their relationship can become more than that and how the case Hanni is working on will tie into Jaemin and his boss' enterprises. Hope the author has more planned for this world.
I enjoyed the world building. This author is new to me and I'm a only a beginning in the Omegaverse too. I enjoyed the book. I don't have the expectations others may have. That said this book is an enjoyable read and I suggest you read it as well.
He is about to enter enemy territory where he will meet them, they re very different to him. Life is not going to be easy for either of them as he tries to find the clues he needs. What is going to happen? Will he get back home? Follow them to see just how it will all go
First book I’ve read by this author, I enjoyed the story it was well written and the characters and world building was good, i would try more from this author in the future.
I really didn't know what to expect with this novel, but I was pleasantly surprised!
Hanni is a detective working in the Central Empire, who constantly feels like he needs to prove himself as he is an omega seemingly in a force full of alphas. His world shifts when he meets Jaemin, an alpha from the Southern Empire's Elite.
Hanni tries quite hard to dissuade Jaemin, but he is persistent and what I quite liked, Jaemin was relatively quite cute with his persistence. I've not read many omega/alpha stories, but usually, alphas are super masculine and shove their weight around, so it was fun to read Jaemin be different from that. His text messaging was especially amusing!
Overall a good, exciting read. I do feel their relationship was a tad bit rushed, but I didn't really mind. I actually want to read more about them! I wanted the book to be a bit longer so I could read more about them as a couple.