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Forbidden Desires Spin-off #5
Raven: Part One: A Forbidden Desires Spin-Off Story
Bertram Drake, the most mysterious Drake brother, leads a life shrouded in secrecy. Taken from his brothers at a young age and shaped into a weapon to be used by the dragon council, he has one sole obey the orders given to him, no matter what they might be.
Once a perfect jewel of the Pedigree, Sorin’s sparkle has been dulled. Taken from his cloister and sold regularly to the highest bidder, he has learned two vital truths.
The that dragons are monsters who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
And the second, most terrible truth of that egg madness is a lie—omegas are not saved from a lifetime of pain even when they are separated from their eggs.
When Sorin’s newest buyer mysteriously dies, Sorin sees it as his chance to escape from the hellish life he’s been forced to lead. The only obstacle? A handsome agent of the council who has been tasked with ending his life.
… and who has custody of his eggs.
Part One is a 100,000 word omegaverse mpreg-ish romance set prior to the events of the Forbidden Desires series. It contains action, adventure, heartbreak, laughter, and more than its fair share of steam. For maximum enjoyment, Part One is best read following the events of Clutch, Bond, Mate, Swallow, Magpie, Finch, and Peregrine.
Please use the Look Inside or Download Free Sample feature to read the Content Warning for possible triggers.
Once a perfect jewel of the Pedigree, Sorin’s sparkle has been dulled. Taken from his cloister and sold regularly to the highest bidder, he has learned two vital truths.
The that dragons are monsters who will stop at nothing to get what they want.
And the second, most terrible truth of that egg madness is a lie—omegas are not saved from a lifetime of pain even when they are separated from their eggs.
When Sorin’s newest buyer mysteriously dies, Sorin sees it as his chance to escape from the hellish life he’s been forced to lead. The only obstacle? A handsome agent of the council who has been tasked with ending his life.
… and who has custody of his eggs.
Part One is a 100,000 word omegaverse mpreg-ish romance set prior to the events of the Forbidden Desires series. It contains action, adventure, heartbreak, laughter, and more than its fair share of steam. For maximum enjoyment, Part One is best read following the events of Clutch, Bond, Mate, Swallow, Magpie, Finch, and Peregrine.
Please use the Look Inside or Download Free Sample feature to read the Content Warning for possible triggers.
360 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2023
185 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Piper Scott
56 books1,044 followersPiper Scott debuted as a trio of authors looking to write together for fun. Their collaboration led to three novella-length books (Love Me, Save Me, and Keep Me,) before life sent them in different directions, leaving just one author with an omegaverse plot bunny that wouldn’t leave her alone. Obey was born several months later… but the plot bunny never left—it multiplied.
Left to her own devices, Piper Scott writes scorching but heartfelt contemporary omegaverse romance about men you can’t help but fall in love with.
Also writes under the pen name Emma Alcott.
Left to her own devices, Piper Scott writes scorching but heartfelt contemporary omegaverse romance about men you can’t help but fall in love with.
Also writes under the pen name Emma Alcott.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 3, 2023
WHAT AN EPIC JOURNEY WE’RE TAKEN ON IN THIS FORBIDDEN DESIRES PREQUEL
While I knew this was going to be a two-part instalment, I don’t think I’d quite realised just how many years back we were going to go with this one!
It’s a prequel to all we’ve subsequently read in the Forbidden Desires series and its spin-off and do we finally get the behind the scenes insights into just what Bertram Drake has been up to on behalf of the Dragon Council and the Amethyst Clan.
Of course, we also finally meet the mysterious Raven and get the whole tragedy of his early life and abuses at the hands of a number of dragons and learn about what life was like before all the huge leaps of information we’ve seen in the rest of the stories.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. I’ve always thought there was more to Bertram and Raven than the snippets we’ve seen and yes, there is.
This is an epic story of love growing from an intense initial hatred and distrust and its a painful journey for both omega and dragon.
But, there’s now just a couple of weeks to go before we hopefully get to see these two dedicated and devoted mates fully welcomed and embraced for the work they’ve carried out, mistakes and all.
I cannot wait!
While I knew this was going to be a two-part instalment, I don’t think I’d quite realised just how many years back we were going to go with this one!
It’s a prequel to all we’ve subsequently read in the Forbidden Desires series and its spin-off and do we finally get the behind the scenes insights into just what Bertram Drake has been up to on behalf of the Dragon Council and the Amethyst Clan.
Of course, we also finally meet the mysterious Raven and get the whole tragedy of his early life and abuses at the hands of a number of dragons and learn about what life was like before all the huge leaps of information we’ve seen in the rest of the stories.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. I’ve always thought there was more to Bertram and Raven than the snippets we’ve seen and yes, there is.
This is an epic story of love growing from an intense initial hatred and distrust and its a painful journey for both omega and dragon.
But, there’s now just a couple of weeks to go before we hopefully get to see these two dedicated and devoted mates fully welcomed and embraced for the work they’ve carried out, mistakes and all.
I cannot wait!
November 13, 2023
This book was simply amazing. Amazing.
I've rated 2 books so far with almost 5* in this series, but this one takes the throne, y'all . This one's IT.
Well written, a beautiful love story between two surprisingly endearing MMCs you'll absolutely fall in love with, a heartbreaking duet with two true mates, who've been forced to live apart for centuries and sharing not only that special bond, but a clutch!
This story is just so incredibly sad - and yet beautiful at the same time. I've never in a million years expected for Bertram's story to turn out to be the best in the series. Because it is, it's the best book in this series and I personally would've loved to read it prior to Clutch, it would paint a very different picture of this world very early on.
🟣 Omegaverse, dragons
🔵 Mpreg
🟢 Timeline : 500 years ago
🟡 Low/medium angst
🌶️ Great spice; t/b
So this is the ever evasive Bertram's story. Bertram is one of the Drake brothers and he has quite a tale of woe himself. He's been taken from his brothers when he was very little, was raised away from the family to become Grimbold's second hand man, the secret agent for the dragon council, representing the Drake clan. He had to develop a whole new persona and did countless ruthless things in the name of peace and safety for the dragon world.
Not the cover, but this was my Bertram.
Bertram comes to find out a lot of what he's been led to believe to be true in the draconian world, was in fact a complete lie and he finds that out by being sent on a mission to kill the secret Omega of his late estranged uncle, the Omega who also gave him an unsanctioned clutch.
You'll remember what the draconian society used to believe in - and that was the egg madness, since they had no idea Omegas could feel and hear their laid eggs, they were brutally separating them and in theory sending them to luxurious houses for the rest of their lives, but as it turns out, Omegas were often trafficked and used sexually or for reproduction, they were also killed and cast aside with noone knowing, so that was pretty hard to read, especially since the authors did a splendid portrayal along the way of the position of women during the past centuries, at least that's how I saw it. It was saddening to read.
Sorin, the Omega who survived the crazy uncle, is left alive, but again separated from his clutch, but as determined as he is, he's travelling for months - on foot, to get to his eggs and that's how he winds up in Bertram's castle, where he's again kept from his clutch. He's suffering, crying, he hears his eggs calling him, feels their loneliness, but he somehow has to work with Bertram in order to get what he wants.
This was my Sorin.
Sorin was the true hero in this story. With him being almost 20 years old and having such a hard life behind him already, he's a very strong character. He's tough, a survivor. Reading his journey was heartbreaking and I felt all the injustice he had to go through in order to get just a shred of kindness and human decency.
Determined, loyal and loving, Sorin finally gets to hold his eggs, but something else happens along the way. Bertram starts believing in Sorin's story and he's letting his guard down, so Sorin gets to spend more and more time with Bertram and his eggs. They get intimate and go from just sex to falling in love, to finally both raising Sorin's eggs.
The relationship development was so organic, it went from quiet, sincere presence to deep attachment and I personally loved Bertram and Sorin's relationship best so far. These guys are real, they're having real life problems, they don't live in a fairytale and they're very mature about sorting out their lives.
They fall more and more deeply in love and have that effortless intimacy with absolutely no pretension. They're simply wonderful together.
Bertram and Sorin's story expands through decades and in those years only the first 10 are happy. When Bertram has to go back to his duties, everything simply falls apart. Sorin, the omega that had to die, lives with Bertram against all rules, and not only that, he's set to be killed. With Bertram trying to protect Sorin and the eggs while Sorin's having an internal turmoil of his own, these two simply cannot be together, it's not possible.
Even when they realize they're mates and live in pain of having to be separated from each other and the family they could've had together, they don't give up. Decades, centuries go by and yet, they stay loyal to each other and find little moments in time to meet and cherish their love.
Bertram is helping Sorin with a noble cause in freeing the Omegas from the Pedigree program, so he's going actively against the draconian council - and he's doing it for Sorin. I never liked Bertram but in this book, he's quite outdone himself. He's the odd one out in this family. A hidden benefactor, someone you never thought could be a hero.
I was quite intrigued as to why Sorin keeps hearing voices in his head. Is that his inner dragon? Something they knew nothing about, yet in the present time we find out Omegas are in fact dragons aswell. Is it something else? Is it his other eggs he had to part from? I kept thinking about those eggs and if Sorin will ever be able to meet them later on?
I cannot tell you how much I love these two. Bertram and Sorin have an amazing story, they're amazing characters and in their second book we're finally getting their happy ending. It makes me cry just thinking about it, this book has touched me and it has been quite the journey.
Sorin and Bertram went through hell by themselves and together. And yet they kept their connection and their love alive. They kept meeting in different places around the world, sending each other letters, waiting for that point in time when they could finally share a home.
I can't wait to read the rest of their story.
On Friday.🥳
I've rated 2 books so far with almost 5* in this series, but this one takes the throne, y'all . This one's IT.
Well written, a beautiful love story between two surprisingly endearing MMCs you'll absolutely fall in love with, a heartbreaking duet with two true mates, who've been forced to live apart for centuries and sharing not only that special bond, but a clutch!
This story is just so incredibly sad - and yet beautiful at the same time. I've never in a million years expected for Bertram's story to turn out to be the best in the series. Because it is, it's the best book in this series and I personally would've loved to read it prior to Clutch, it would paint a very different picture of this world very early on.
🟣 Omegaverse, dragons
🔵 Mpreg
🟢 Timeline : 500 years ago
🟡 Low/medium angst
🌶️ Great spice; t/b
So this is the ever evasive Bertram's story. Bertram is one of the Drake brothers and he has quite a tale of woe himself. He's been taken from his brothers when he was very little, was raised away from the family to become Grimbold's second hand man, the secret agent for the dragon council, representing the Drake clan. He had to develop a whole new persona and did countless ruthless things in the name of peace and safety for the dragon world.
Not the cover, but this was my Bertram.
Bertram comes to find out a lot of what he's been led to believe to be true in the draconian world, was in fact a complete lie and he finds that out by being sent on a mission to kill the secret Omega of his late estranged uncle, the Omega who also gave him an unsanctioned clutch.
You'll remember what the draconian society used to believe in - and that was the egg madness, since they had no idea Omegas could feel and hear their laid eggs, they were brutally separating them and in theory sending them to luxurious houses for the rest of their lives, but as it turns out, Omegas were often trafficked and used sexually or for reproduction, they were also killed and cast aside with noone knowing, so that was pretty hard to read, especially since the authors did a splendid portrayal along the way of the position of women during the past centuries, at least that's how I saw it. It was saddening to read.
Sorin, the Omega who survived the crazy uncle, is left alive, but again separated from his clutch, but as determined as he is, he's travelling for months - on foot, to get to his eggs and that's how he winds up in Bertram's castle, where he's again kept from his clutch. He's suffering, crying, he hears his eggs calling him, feels their loneliness, but he somehow has to work with Bertram in order to get what he wants.
This was my Sorin.
Sorin was the true hero in this story. With him being almost 20 years old and having such a hard life behind him already, he's a very strong character. He's tough, a survivor. Reading his journey was heartbreaking and I felt all the injustice he had to go through in order to get just a shred of kindness and human decency.
Determined, loyal and loving, Sorin finally gets to hold his eggs, but something else happens along the way. Bertram starts believing in Sorin's story and he's letting his guard down, so Sorin gets to spend more and more time with Bertram and his eggs. They get intimate and go from just sex to falling in love, to finally both raising Sorin's eggs.
The relationship development was so organic, it went from quiet, sincere presence to deep attachment and I personally loved Bertram and Sorin's relationship best so far. These guys are real, they're having real life problems, they don't live in a fairytale and they're very mature about sorting out their lives.
They fall more and more deeply in love and have that effortless intimacy with absolutely no pretension. They're simply wonderful together.
Bertram and Sorin's story expands through decades and in those years only the first 10 are happy. When Bertram has to go back to his duties, everything simply falls apart. Sorin, the omega that had to die, lives with Bertram against all rules, and not only that, he's set to be killed. With Bertram trying to protect Sorin and the eggs while Sorin's having an internal turmoil of his own, these two simply cannot be together, it's not possible.
Even when they realize they're mates and live in pain of having to be separated from each other and the family they could've had together, they don't give up. Decades, centuries go by and yet, they stay loyal to each other and find little moments in time to meet and cherish their love.
Bertram is helping Sorin with a noble cause in freeing the Omegas from the Pedigree program, so he's going actively against the draconian council - and he's doing it for Sorin. I never liked Bertram but in this book, he's quite outdone himself. He's the odd one out in this family. A hidden benefactor, someone you never thought could be a hero.
I was quite intrigued as to why Sorin keeps hearing voices in his head. Is that his inner dragon? Something they knew nothing about, yet in the present time we find out Omegas are in fact dragons aswell. Is it something else? Is it his other eggs he had to part from? I kept thinking about those eggs and if Sorin will ever be able to meet them later on?
I cannot tell you how much I love these two. Bertram and Sorin have an amazing story, they're amazing characters and in their second book we're finally getting their happy ending. It makes me cry just thinking about it, this book has touched me and it has been quite the journey.
Sorin and Bertram went through hell by themselves and together. And yet they kept their connection and their love alive. They kept meeting in different places around the world, sending each other letters, waiting for that point in time when they could finally share a home.
I can't wait to read the rest of their story.
On Friday.🥳
November 5, 2024
The intrigue
April 29, 2024
This review covers both Raven: Part One and Raven: Part Two
I've had some time to think about it, and to say I'm disappointed in this final installment would be an understatement. Overall, I loved this series. There have certainly been ups and downs in my enjoyment along the way, but wow this ending could not have been more disappointing. I don't want to bash anything unnecessarily, so I'm going to try to be brief, but for my own sanity, I need to get some things off of my chest. If you feel like reading my laundry list of complaints, you can find them under the spoiler👇🏻
Before that though, I want to praise Michael Ferraiuolo for his outstanding job with the audiobooks for this entire series 👏🏻 He did a brilliant job start to finish. Honestly, I'm not sure I would have made it through the Raven books had it not been for him. He was my downfall because if I hadn't wanted to listen to him, I could have easily skimmed the books and saved myself a lot of time. So bravo Michael Ferraiuolo on once again saving a book from the fate of skimming or being DNF'd 😂
I've had some time to think about it, and to say I'm disappointed in this final installment would be an understatement. Overall, I loved this series. There have certainly been ups and downs in my enjoyment along the way, but wow this ending could not have been more disappointing. I don't want to bash anything unnecessarily, so I'm going to try to be brief, but for my own sanity, I need to get some things off of my chest. If you feel like reading my laundry list of complaints, you can find them under the spoiler👇🏻
Before that though, I want to praise Michael Ferraiuolo for his outstanding job with the audiobooks for this entire series 👏🏻 He did a brilliant job start to finish. Honestly, I'm not sure I would have made it through the Raven books had it not been for him. He was my downfall because if I hadn't wanted to listen to him, I could have easily skimmed the books and saved myself a lot of time. So bravo Michael Ferraiuolo on once again saving a book from the fate of skimming or being DNF'd 😂
January 29, 2023
Spoilers for earlier books below……
I have loved the entire series (in both ebook and audio) and can’t wait for this one. From the earlier scenes, I’m sure Raven thinks Perry and Sebastian have been discarding their omega dragonets, not having almost a hundred miscarriages due to the damage that Bertram inflicted trying to save Raven. I doubt Bertram knows it, either.
That’s going to derail this vendetta pretty hardcore. A visit from Misha, his sharp tongue, and his prosthetically enhanced fledgling should be the one-two punch to end his omega terror spree. But how you will lead him back to Bertram? What happened in the first place, and how is their clutch? Do they ever have another? What about the rest of the family? This series has been a full on delight and I eagerly await the final chapter.
I have loved the entire series (in both ebook and audio) and can’t wait for this one. From the earlier scenes, I’m sure Raven thinks Perry and Sebastian have been discarding their omega dragonets, not having almost a hundred miscarriages due to the damage that Bertram inflicted trying to save Raven. I doubt Bertram knows it, either.
That’s going to derail this vendetta pretty hardcore. A visit from Misha, his sharp tongue, and his prosthetically enhanced fledgling should be the one-two punch to end his omega terror spree. But how you will lead him back to Bertram? What happened in the first place, and how is their clutch? Do they ever have another? What about the rest of the family? This series has been a full on delight and I eagerly await the final chapter.
January 9, 2024
I wish I remembered everything from the prior books because this story is so woven into them. I really do feel for everything Sorin went through. It was horrendous and he is suffering the consequences of his abuse daily. I do love how Bertram began questioning everything he was brought to believe and how he was so willing to father Sorin's eggs/whelps and the way he cared for Sorin.
I did struggle a bit with the pacing of the book. There is just so much going on here - it's a long book and will depend on the next to complete the story - and I have so many questions. It covers a long time period, and we get to know a lot more about the Drake clan, however I felt like some important things in Bertram and Sorin's early lives together were just skipped completely. There are things that don't make sense to me and I am hoping they will be cleared up in the next.
I did struggle a bit with the pacing of the book. There is just so much going on here - it's a long book and will depend on the next to complete the story - and I have so many questions. It covers a long time period, and we get to know a lot more about the Drake clan, however I felt like some important things in Bertram and Sorin's early lives together were just skipped completely. There are things that don't make sense to me and I am hoping they will be cleared up in the next.
November 28, 2023
I am torn between loving and hating Sorin but... I decided on 4.5 stars rounded up!
My goodness. This long-awaited story for Raven and Bertram was amazing if not heartbreaking at times and this was only part one! I understand now why there had to be two parts for their story. This first half only told their beginning or what kind of life they had before all the reforms in the clans and cloisters happened. All of Sorin's struggle and madness and eventually, Bertram's risky actions as well.
What I love about this story so far:
- Sorin's courage, survival instinct, and fighting spirit.
- Bertram's love for the clutch and eventually love for Sorin.
- Bertram and Sorin's relationship development despite all the challenges and guilt.
- Piers' loyalty to his family.
- Everard's unchanging willingness to help despite his nosy personality.
What I hate about this story it's so frustrating sometimes:
- Grimbold's coldness and tendency to turn a blind eye to the situation. (His guilt about his neglect for the cloisters, as he mentioned in Swallow, was an understatement! I wanna strangle him!)
- Unwin, Osbert, and all those other despicable dragons.
- Bertram's dragon for hurting Perry that caused 500 years of repetitive heartbreak.
- Sorin's pride and stubbornness.
I admire Bertram's dedication to do everything for Sorin and his found family, even at the expense of his own family. But I also hurt for all the damages and hurt he, in association, inflicted on the Drakes and their omegas. At the end of Peregrine, they were branded as a pair of villains and a part of the family they have lost. 😭
The angst in this book! I can imagine how hard it would be to reconcile with the family, especially those who were only innocent bystanders - Misha, Finch, and Perry especially. I can only feel joy with the fact that their sons grew well, they're mates, and that they decided to weather all the storms together in this book. It might be a different story in part two. We'll find out.
The end came so abruptly, Bertram didn’t know to expect it, and it all started with a rumor: Alistair had sired an unsanctioned clutch.
My goodness. This long-awaited story for Raven and Bertram was amazing if not heartbreaking at times and this was only part one! I understand now why there had to be two parts for their story. This first half only told their beginning or what kind of life they had before all the reforms in the clans and cloisters happened. All of Sorin's struggle and madness and eventually, Bertram's risky actions as well.
What I love about this story so far:
- Sorin's courage, survival instinct, and fighting spirit.
- Bertram's love for the clutch and eventually love for Sorin.
- Bertram and Sorin's relationship development despite all the challenges and guilt.
- Piers' loyalty to his family.
- Everard's unchanging willingness to help despite his nosy personality.
What I hate about this story it's so frustrating sometimes:
- Grimbold's coldness and tendency to turn a blind eye to the situation. (His guilt about his neglect for the cloisters, as he mentioned in Swallow, was an understatement! I wanna strangle him!)
- Unwin, Osbert, and all those other despicable dragons.
- Bertram's dragon for hurting Perry that caused 500 years of repetitive heartbreak.
- Sorin's pride and stubbornness.
Someday, his ambition might steal his happiness away.
I admire Bertram's dedication to do everything for Sorin and his found family, even at the expense of his own family. But I also hurt for all the damages and hurt he, in association, inflicted on the Drakes and their omegas. At the end of Peregrine, they were branded as a pair of villains and a part of the family they have lost. 😭
It was wrong to want Bran like he did, and worse to act on his forbidden desires, but with him, Bertram did not feel like an expendable pawn in someone else’s game. With Bran, he was just himself. A dragon, a father, a lover. With Bran, he was more than he’d ever been before, because with Bran, he was free.
The angst in this book! I can imagine how hard it would be to reconcile with the family, especially those who were only innocent bystanders - Misha, Finch, and Perry especially. I can only feel joy with the fact that their sons grew well, they're mates, and that they decided to weather all the storms together in this book. It might be a different story in part two. We'll find out.
November 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐️’s
Bertram turned out to be a real sweetheart and Sorin I felt so bad and angry 😠 with how he was treated and used by dragons. This book was definitely part one because it ended with many questions and had to be the longest relationship trying to be together that I’ve ever read! The saddest part was Sorin never seemed to get his hea with his kids and was always on the run. It did seem like his priorities were divided between his own hea and other abused omegas which made some of my sympathies towards Sorin wane. Hope the next book doesn’t seem to be so drawn out. 🥺
Bertram turned out to be a real sweetheart and Sorin I felt so bad and angry 😠 with how he was treated and used by dragons. This book was definitely part one because it ended with many questions and had to be the longest relationship trying to be together that I’ve ever read! The saddest part was Sorin never seemed to get his hea with his kids and was always on the run. It did seem like his priorities were divided between his own hea and other abused omegas which made some of my sympathies towards Sorin wane. Hope the next book doesn’t seem to be so drawn out. 🥺
September 18, 2022
this needs to come out sooner!!! I am so curious
April 29, 2024
"He would love him with all his heart, as broken as it was and as dark as it could be.
He would give him everything."
I did not know if an omega's horrid past could rival Peregrines, but Sorin's is close. The difference is that Sorin's mistreatment has festered into anger. It lit a fire under him to want to make things right for all the omegas who have been wronged. Even if it meant his own happiness suffered. Even if it means he will have to leave his beloved clutch behind. Or his beloved dragon.
Bertram sure knows how to keep a secret. The mysterious Drake brother definitely has his reasons and it broke my heart to know them. He's been kept from the man he loves for decades due to dragon laws he's spent his entire life dedicated to. I wanted to cheer when he finally decided enough was enough and took action. Sadly, no matter how hard he fought, his efforts still fell short of securing what he wanted most. His Sorin.
"And I will love you until the end of time...because my heart is yours for good."
This one ends right as book 1 in the Forbidden Desires series begins. I'm on the edge of my seat wanting to get the next one because after everything I read I need these two to get their HEA. I know much of the information we have learned throughout the series is going to come into play and I look forward to Bertram and Sorin reuniting, for good this time.
AUDIO
Michael Ferraiuolo was such a good choice in narration. I've always enjoyed his work on Alice Winter's audiobooks and now I can say he does a great job with this series as well!
He would give him everything."
I did not know if an omega's horrid past could rival Peregrines, but Sorin's is close. The difference is that Sorin's mistreatment has festered into anger. It lit a fire under him to want to make things right for all the omegas who have been wronged. Even if it meant his own happiness suffered. Even if it means he will have to leave his beloved clutch behind. Or his beloved dragon.
Bertram sure knows how to keep a secret. The mysterious Drake brother definitely has his reasons and it broke my heart to know them. He's been kept from the man he loves for decades due to dragon laws he's spent his entire life dedicated to. I wanted to cheer when he finally decided enough was enough and took action. Sadly, no matter how hard he fought, his efforts still fell short of securing what he wanted most. His Sorin.
"And I will love you until the end of time...because my heart is yours for good."
This one ends right as book 1 in the Forbidden Desires series begins. I'm on the edge of my seat wanting to get the next one because after everything I read I need these two to get their HEA. I know much of the information we have learned throughout the series is going to come into play and I look forward to Bertram and Sorin reuniting, for good this time.
AUDIO
Michael Ferraiuolo was such a good choice in narration. I've always enjoyed his work on Alice Winter's audiobooks and now I can say he does a great job with this series as well!
November 8, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Raven is the final book in the Forbidden Desires series, or more accurately, this is part one of the final two-book set. This book tells the first half of the story and covers the time from the men meet (in what I think is around the 1700s in Scotland) through about the start of the main series timeline. The series books are very interconnected, both from a character standpoint, as well as the plot and world building, so this one is best read by those familiar with at least the basics of the series (and ideally who have read the original first three books). The most recent book in this series (Peregrine) came out in 2021 and the series started way back in 2018 with Clutch, so I have been eagerly anticipating this final story. I will admit that this one started rough for me, however, and I struggled a lot with about the first quarter of the book. However, once it settled down, I found myself enjoying this one overall.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Raven is the final book in the Forbidden Desires series, or more accurately, this is part one of the final two-book set. This book tells the first half of the story and covers the time from the men meet (in what I think is around the 1700s in Scotland) through about the start of the main series timeline. The series books are very interconnected, both from a character standpoint, as well as the plot and world building, so this one is best read by those familiar with at least the basics of the series (and ideally who have read the original first three books). The most recent book in this series (Peregrine) came out in 2021 and the series started way back in 2018 with Clutch, so I have been eagerly anticipating this final story. I will admit that this one started rough for me, however, and I struggled a lot with about the first quarter of the book. However, once it settled down, I found myself enjoying this one overall.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 23, 2024
Oh my gosh, Raven: Part I is such a stunning story!!! Piper Scott and Virginia Kelly bring all the feels in this magnificent romance. I'm so incredibly thankful I have the audio version of Raven: Part Two cued up and ready to go. You absolutely need to have read the previous books in this series to fully enjoy the Raven story.
It's not just for Raven and Bertram's heartbreaking love affair, but Scott and Kelly include tons of explanations of the dragon / omega history as well. This novel is just everything I could have asked for!
Fans of Michael Ferraiuolo know what an extraordinary voice actor he is, and his performance in Raven: Part One is exceptional. The accents, the variety of different voices he comes up with for this huge cast of characters.This audiobook is completely enthralling!
an audiobook copy of Raven: Part One was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
It's not just for Raven and Bertram's heartbreaking love affair, but Scott and Kelly include tons of explanations of the dragon / omega history as well. This novel is just everything I could have asked for!
Fans of Michael Ferraiuolo know what an extraordinary voice actor he is, and his performance in Raven: Part One is exceptional. The accents, the variety of different voices he comes up with for this huge cast of characters.This audiobook is completely enthralling!
an audiobook copy of Raven: Part One was provided for the purpose of my honest review, all opinions are my own
June 19, 2024
I'm invested. This one's are definitely bound to be heavier and more exciting than all of the past books combined. I really like Sorin and Bertram, which I had a hard time thinking I would. It's set to be angst heavy in the next one too
November 12, 2023
IT'S FINALLY HERE! I am The Office gif of "it's happening" - the final book in the Forbidden Desires world is here, and it's SUCH a book that the authors had to split it into two parts.
The first half of Raven and Bertram's epic love story starts centuries before the very first book. In this one, we get to see what brought them together, how they're actually the first of the family to become mates, and everything that has happened between the two up to Clutch.
There is so much emotion between the two - unease, unsure trust, to love and then the emotional fall out when decisions have to be made. I adore Sorin, my heart breaks for him and I love his courage and strength. And I love that he really brings out all the good to Bertram, and ultimately makes Bertram into a better man.
I'm also SO glad the wait for the second part isn't that long! Now I can't wait to see more moments that we have gotten to see in the other stories from Sorin/Betram's POV, and really find out what is going on during the earlier books. I can't wait for the final book (although I'm sad it's THE final book) but I know it's going to be amazing.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The first half of Raven and Bertram's epic love story starts centuries before the very first book. In this one, we get to see what brought them together, how they're actually the first of the family to become mates, and everything that has happened between the two up to Clutch.
There is so much emotion between the two - unease, unsure trust, to love and then the emotional fall out when decisions have to be made. I adore Sorin, my heart breaks for him and I love his courage and strength. And I love that he really brings out all the good to Bertram, and ultimately makes Bertram into a better man.
I'm also SO glad the wait for the second part isn't that long! Now I can't wait to see more moments that we have gotten to see in the other stories from Sorin/Betram's POV, and really find out what is going on during the earlier books. I can't wait for the final book (although I'm sad it's THE final book) but I know it's going to be amazing.
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2024
*the deepest sigh I have ever sighed*
What is this? What are we doing?
For the life of me, I have yet to understand this series. And each book we stray farther from sense. Everything has continued to devolve into madness.
Apparently there is no escape. There’s only one book left, and my hope withered away around book two, so all I’m left with is my headache and my sadness. I never should’ve gotten attached to the characters. That was my bad.
The mechanics were the same level as usual, inconsistency and weirdness everywhere. The constant contradiction and confusion (say that three times fast) overshadow the good parts of the romance that STILL doesn’t quite work without some mental gymnastics.
2.5/5. I’m so glad there’s only one book left. I should’ve stopped giving a review and rating books ago, but I see all of the reviews that don’t talk about the extremely glaring issues and I know that as *that guy*, I have to do my part. I wish I could read at surface value like everyone else, but alas, I haven’t quite figured out how, so here we are.
What is this? What are we doing?
For the life of me, I have yet to understand this series. And each book we stray farther from sense. Everything has continued to devolve into madness.
Apparently there is no escape. There’s only one book left, and my hope withered away around book two, so all I’m left with is my headache and my sadness. I never should’ve gotten attached to the characters. That was my bad.
The mechanics were the same level as usual, inconsistency and weirdness everywhere. The constant contradiction and confusion (say that three times fast) overshadow the good parts of the romance that STILL doesn’t quite work without some mental gymnastics.
2.5/5. I’m so glad there’s only one book left. I should’ve stopped giving a review and rating books ago, but I see all of the reviews that don’t talk about the extremely glaring issues and I know that as *that guy*, I have to do my part. I wish I could read at surface value like everyone else, but alas, I haven’t quite figured out how, so here we are.
April 21, 2024
Looking Forward to Part Two
I have enjoyed the rest of this series and just could not wait to get to this. There is alot to take in from this one and it is only part one. It is quite long but it is worth taking the time especially when you listen to the audiobook. Michael Ferraiuolo's great narration helps to bring the story to life.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I have enjoyed the rest of this series and just could not wait to get to this. There is alot to take in from this one and it is only part one. It is quite long but it is worth taking the time especially when you listen to the audiobook. Michael Ferraiuolo's great narration helps to bring the story to life.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
June 22, 2025
Raven: Part One
Sorin and Bertram
Ahh... finally we get to see where it all began with Raven. Who he is and why he's been the way he has with every appearance in the previous books. My heart hurts for him. I hope things go well in Part Two.
Sorin and Bertram
Ahh... finally we get to see where it all began with Raven. Who he is and why he's been the way he has with every appearance in the previous books. My heart hurts for him. I hope things go well in Part Two.
June 18, 2024
So bittersweet seeing Sorin's origins, how he became this agent trying to save omegas from the pedigree. He and Bertram were just so good together.
I'm interested to know if Sorin's powers were a result of the experiments done on him and also the whereabouts of his other eggs
I'm interested to know if Sorin's powers were a result of the experiments done on him and also the whereabouts of his other eggs
December 25, 2023
3.75 stars
I can always trust this pair of authors to take my mind off the world for the admittedly short while it takes me to read their works. And I have been eagerly awaiting Raven's release since I finished Peregrine over a year ago. Don't let my rating fool you - I devoured this book and enjoyed it. I especially liked getting to see Whelps grow up and I kinda wish we had more of THEM. Give me more childcare, damnit!
But just because I enjoyed a book doesn't mean it was perfect, and there were some things that just made me... pause.
First, the timeline for this is so messed up. In Peregrine, we have dated chapters so we can follow where we are at. I guess that was made more because the book itself jumped between periods because Raven did not do the same. Without having read Peregrine, I would have no idea about when we are in time since, linguistically, their speech felt very modern. The lack of that detail made it very hard to grasp the timeline because they would write as if months and years had passed, but simultaneously as if whatever happened, happened yesterday. It was extremely confusing at times, and made it a little hard to follow.
Second, I struggled with Sorin's character quite a bit, mostly because he's made to be "correct," and he certainly is about most things - but not about everything, and the whole "all dragons are evil monsters" was hard to read repeatedly for multiple reasons. One, we've spent 7 full books with dragons who were certainly no monsters, even if they were certainly not perfect. Two, this man had not only bore several dragons he would destroy the world for--he is in love with one. This whole "everyone but you" felt very hypocritical.
He is also wrong to force "liberation" onto everyone. Does the system, as it is, need to change? Absolutely. Are all Omegas suffering? Do all of them hate their dragon partners? No. The problem I had wasn't with his argument so much as with his refusal to listen even to other omegas. It was his refusal to listen that caused Peregrine injury and not a small amount of heartache . Why does the only one who needs to learn to listen is Bertram? I was equally baffled that Bertram made absolutely no attempt to give his partner food for thought. Why did he never talk to him about Peregrine and Sebastian being in love and happy together? Mated? He had a living, breathing example of an omega that was loved and cherished, and yet let Sorin continue to believe that he was likely either dead or abused by a horrible, evil monster. I don't get it. I feel like had he did, maybe some of the things that happened in Peregrine's book could've been avoided. I feel like we'll probably learn they didn't happen the way we think they did. At least, I hope. Because otherwise... I don't think it's forgivable.
I can always trust this pair of authors to take my mind off the world for the admittedly short while it takes me to read their works. And I have been eagerly awaiting Raven's release since I finished Peregrine over a year ago. Don't let my rating fool you - I devoured this book and enjoyed it. I especially liked getting to see Whelps grow up and I kinda wish we had more of THEM. Give me more childcare, damnit!
But just because I enjoyed a book doesn't mean it was perfect, and there were some things that just made me... pause.
First, the timeline for this is so messed up. In Peregrine, we have dated chapters so we can follow where we are at. I guess that was made more because the book itself jumped between periods because Raven did not do the same. Without having read Peregrine, I would have no idea about when we are in time since, linguistically, their speech felt very modern. The lack of that detail made it very hard to grasp the timeline because they would write as if months and years had passed, but simultaneously as if whatever happened, happened yesterday. It was extremely confusing at times, and made it a little hard to follow.
Second, I struggled with Sorin's character quite a bit, mostly because he's made to be "correct," and he certainly is about most things - but not about everything, and the whole "all dragons are evil monsters" was hard to read repeatedly for multiple reasons. One, we've spent 7 full books with dragons who were certainly no monsters, even if they were certainly not perfect. Two, this man had not only bore several dragons he would destroy the world for--he is in love with one. This whole "everyone but you" felt very hypocritical.
He is also wrong to force "liberation" onto everyone. Does the system, as it is, need to change? Absolutely. Are all Omegas suffering? Do all of them hate their dragon partners? No. The problem I had wasn't with his argument so much as with his refusal to listen even to other omegas. It was his refusal to listen that caused Peregrine injury and not a small amount of heartache . Why does the only one who needs to learn to listen is Bertram? I was equally baffled that Bertram made absolutely no attempt to give his partner food for thought. Why did he never talk to him about Peregrine and Sebastian being in love and happy together? Mated? He had a living, breathing example of an omega that was loved and cherished, and yet let Sorin continue to believe that he was likely either dead or abused by a horrible, evil monster. I don't get it. I feel like had he did, maybe some of the things that happened in Peregrine's book could've been avoided. I feel like we'll probably learn they didn't happen the way we think they did. At least, I hope. Because otherwise... I don't think it's forgivable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2025
Riletti tutti i precedenti volumi! 🤩
Una prima parte, meravigliosa e sofferente, della storia di Sorin, dove tutto ha inizio!!
Un omega-vergogna del Pedigree di Costantinopoli, venduto al miglior offerente drago,per le sue covate.
Ha messo al mondo tre covate che subito sono state portare via, e con la 4 ha deciso di scappare dalle grinfie di un drago ametista inglese del clan Drake. Succederà una tragedia e sarà invitato un consulente governativo del Consiglio dei Draghi.
Frederick-Bertram Drake, si trova nel castello di suo zio ucciso da un omega impazzito dalla follia delle uova. Ha l'incarico di ucciderlo e prendere in custodia le uova.
La storia di Sorin e Frederick-Bertram Drake, nella prima parte, si svolgerà nell'arco di cinquecento anni e succederanno tantissimi fatti, incluso il primo incontro tra Sorin, Peregrine e Sebastian, dove il caro Perry verrà ferito dagli artigli di Bertram.
💖💖💖💖💖
Una prima parte, meravigliosa e sofferente, della storia di Sorin, dove tutto ha inizio!!
Un omega-vergogna del Pedigree di Costantinopoli, venduto al miglior offerente drago,per le sue covate.
Ha messo al mondo tre covate che subito sono state portare via, e con la 4 ha deciso di scappare dalle grinfie di un drago ametista inglese del clan Drake. Succederà una tragedia e sarà invitato un consulente governativo del Consiglio dei Draghi.
Frederick-Bertram Drake, si trova nel castello di suo zio ucciso da un omega impazzito dalla follia delle uova. Ha l'incarico di ucciderlo e prendere in custodia le uova.
La storia di Sorin e Frederick-Bertram Drake, nella prima parte, si svolgerà nell'arco di cinquecento anni e succederanno tantissimi fatti, incluso il primo incontro tra Sorin, Peregrine e Sebastian, dove il caro Perry verrà ferito dagli artigli di Bertram.
💖💖💖💖💖
October 4, 2025
La prima parte della storia di Sorin/Raven e Bertram è ambientata molto tempo prima degli eventi che aprono il primo libro della serie, e ripercorre in modo intenso e appassionante il momento in cui si sono conosciuti e innamorati.
Ho apprezzato molto la scelta di dividere il libro in due parti, perché permette di approfondire meglio i personaggi e di comprendere come le loro vite si intreccino con quasi tutti gli eventi raccontati negli altri volumi.
È stato molto interessante vedere le origini del loro legame e come le scelte fatte in passato abbiano influenzato tutto ciò che è venuto dopo.
Non vedo l’ora di leggere la seconda parte❤️
Ho apprezzato molto la scelta di dividere il libro in due parti, perché permette di approfondire meglio i personaggi e di comprendere come le loro vite si intreccino con quasi tutti gli eventi raccontati negli altri volumi.
È stato molto interessante vedere le origini del loro legame e come le scelte fatte in passato abbiano influenzato tutto ciò che è venuto dopo.
Non vedo l’ora di leggere la seconda parte❤️
December 29, 2023
There's a scene in this book that made me cry. I am not a crier so fortunately I was at work and was forced to quickly pull myself together. This is an excellent book about one of the most intriguing - and sympathetic - characters in the series.
December 11, 2023
Dragon
Oh the emotion our omega feels drawn into the story. These two see something bigger then themselves is the eggs
Oh the emotion our omega feels drawn into the story. These two see something bigger then themselves is the eggs
November 7, 2024
Hi. I’m heartbroken and immediately starting the next book
November 4, 2023
Killed me down dead
This book killed me down dead. It was worth the wait, but the heartbreak is real. I can't wait for part 2.
This book killed me down dead. It was worth the wait, but the heartbreak is real. I can't wait for part 2.
April 18, 2024
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this first half of the novel. At first I wasn't too thrilled. Part of what I love about this series is the group of guys we've gotten to know in each of the prior books. This on the other hand takes place ages before. Bertram is the secret force behind his family, he's been trained all his life to handle quickly and quietly all things his family needs handled. When there's a problem with a egg mad omega, Bertram's the one sent into make sure the situation is handled. But Sorin isn't exactly what Bertram expected of an omega who has gone egg crazy, but his eggs do need to be protected and Bertram can't help himself, he knows he needs to take care of those eggs.
I wasn't sure whether to love or hate Sorin for a lot of his storyline, no matter how much I did feel for him. He's been through hell and just wants to be able to be around his children. There was so much for Bertram and Sorin to handle and deal with while also keeping a big huge secret. They certainly don't have it easy. But, I did love the relationship between these two as it grew. And they were adorable with the dragonets. :)
I wasn't sure whether to love or hate Sorin for a lot of his storyline, no matter how much I did feel for him. He's been through hell and just wants to be able to be around his children. There was so much for Bertram and Sorin to handle and deal with while also keeping a big huge secret. They certainly don't have it easy. But, I did love the relationship between these two as it grew. And they were adorable with the dragonets. :)
April 23, 2024
I knew I would cry, but I didn't really know just how much I would feel for this one. This couple might just become my favorite of the Drakes, but I guess we'll have to see with part 2. Hoping I can squeeze in a reread of all the other books before it drops! (And highly suggest everyone reads Forbidden Desires and Forbidden Desires Spin-off prior to this one)
November 15, 2023
This is part one of the most anticipated read of 2023. I said what I said!
A hugely powerful story with a lot of feelings. Not many books bring me to tears, but I teared up several times through this epic read.
Definitely NOT a standalone - you need to read from Clutch onwards to comprehend the events depicted in this book.
I highly recommend the whole series.
A hugely powerful story with a lot of feelings. Not many books bring me to tears, but I teared up several times through this epic read.
Definitely NOT a standalone - you need to read from Clutch onwards to comprehend the events depicted in this book.
I highly recommend the whole series.
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January 15, 2024I love this series but I struggled to like Sorin after reading Peregrine's book. All I kept thinking about was all the children he lost and how heartbroken Peregrine was due to his injuries caused by these two. Hope the next one really blows me away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
June 23, 2024We read all books in the series and reviewed them together. Find more at Clutch, Bond, Mate, Swallow, Magpie, Finch, Peregrine, Raven: Part One, Raven: Part Two, and our full review can be read at The Smut Report.
Heat Factor: There’s so, so much. Lotsa. At every opportunity.
Character Chemistry: Varies a little bit, and with a good mix of humor and light angst
Plot: Dragons never have eggs! How is it that these random humans keep laying them after boinking this one clutch of brothers!?
Overall: It starts out SO ENTERTAINING that I couldn’t stop reading, and then it gets all angsty because, let’s be honest, the dragon omegas have been getting the short end of every stick for thousands of years.
Raven: Part One is essentially Bertram and Sorin’s origin story. It is honestly a beautiful, sweeping romance set in medieval Scotland, one like we’d get in some of those middling-older historical romances (not full-on 90s or bodice rippers—early aughts maybe) in which the couple comes together against the odds. As a Pedigree omega who is known to deliver clutches (even though he’s a Disgrace), Sorin has had more than one clutch taken from him. Theoretically this is against the rules—omegas are supposed to retire to a life of ease after bearing a clutch, but that’s not the reality. When Sorin tries to save himself and his clutch from the alpha who is torturing him, the alpha dies, and Bertram is dispatched to mete out draconic justice.
Bertram has been a shadowy figure who is an agent of the council, which basically makes him the Amethyst assassin. Though he is a product of his upbringing, and he can’t fully bring himself to turn his back on that, when he actually talks to Sorin, he learns that what most dragons believe may not be true. He takes Sorin’s clutch to protect it from being destroyed by the council but tells Sorin that he’ll die the next time Bertram sees him. Sorin is not into the idea of having yet another clutch taken from him, and he storms Bertram’s castle anyway. Like I said, this is a lovely, sweeping romance. And then it has a cliffhanger ending.
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Heat Factor: There’s so, so much. Lotsa. At every opportunity.
Character Chemistry: Varies a little bit, and with a good mix of humor and light angst
Plot: Dragons never have eggs! How is it that these random humans keep laying them after boinking this one clutch of brothers!?
Overall: It starts out SO ENTERTAINING that I couldn’t stop reading, and then it gets all angsty because, let’s be honest, the dragon omegas have been getting the short end of every stick for thousands of years.
Raven: Part One is essentially Bertram and Sorin’s origin story. It is honestly a beautiful, sweeping romance set in medieval Scotland, one like we’d get in some of those middling-older historical romances (not full-on 90s or bodice rippers—early aughts maybe) in which the couple comes together against the odds. As a Pedigree omega who is known to deliver clutches (even though he’s a Disgrace), Sorin has had more than one clutch taken from him. Theoretically this is against the rules—omegas are supposed to retire to a life of ease after bearing a clutch, but that’s not the reality. When Sorin tries to save himself and his clutch from the alpha who is torturing him, the alpha dies, and Bertram is dispatched to mete out draconic justice.
Bertram has been a shadowy figure who is an agent of the council, which basically makes him the Amethyst assassin. Though he is a product of his upbringing, and he can’t fully bring himself to turn his back on that, when he actually talks to Sorin, he learns that what most dragons believe may not be true. He takes Sorin’s clutch to protect it from being destroyed by the council but tells Sorin that he’ll die the next time Bertram sees him. Sorin is not into the idea of having yet another clutch taken from him, and he storms Bertram’s castle anyway. Like I said, this is a lovely, sweeping romance. And then it has a cliffhanger ending.
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