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Sweet Alps Mates #7
His Gentle Omega
Shay Pierce
How could I love my fated mate when I couldn’t love myself?
Escaping with my young son from an abusive relationship, I had one plan to keep my son and I safe. Getting to the safety of my estranged brother and mending our rift. I never imagined I would find my fated mate at the worst possible time in my life. My priorities had to be rebuilding my life, breaking the mate bond that had been an epic mistake, keeping my son safe, and putting all my broken pieces back together. Easier said than done. My life was a train wreck and dragging Bennett into my mess wasn’t fair to either of us. I was barely hanging on, and I knew I couldn’t be the Alpha he deserved. So, I had to let him go.
Bennett Maxwell
They say you find love in the most unexpected places.
Finding my fated mate in the bruised and battered Alpha lying in the Emergency Room wasn’t the stuff my dreams were made of. But one look into Shay’s haunted eyes and I knew he and his adorable son were my future. Giving him the space he asked for was the hardest thing I had ever done, especially with him being my new next-door neighbor. I promised to give him the time he needed to heal, even if it meant keeping my pregnancy from him. But when his ex finds him, I’ll fight for what is mine.
His Gentle Omega is book 7 of the Sweet Alps Mates series. It can be read as a standalone, but previous characters do pop in to say hello. It features rejected fated mates, Mpreg, an alpha trying to get his life back, a sweet omega willing to wait for him, an adorable six-year-old, a ton of hurt/comfort, and a guaranteed HEA. Please take a look at the TW & CW’s before proceeding. This book deals with sensitive topics that might be hard for some readers.
TW/CW’s: This book contains domestic violence (some on page briefly) and the aftereffects of surviving DV, emotional abuse, alcohol abuse (secondary character – briefly on page), drunk driving (secondary character-off page), estrangement from family members, therapy sessions, PTSD, and anxiety.
How could I love my fated mate when I couldn’t love myself?
Escaping with my young son from an abusive relationship, I had one plan to keep my son and I safe. Getting to the safety of my estranged brother and mending our rift. I never imagined I would find my fated mate at the worst possible time in my life. My priorities had to be rebuilding my life, breaking the mate bond that had been an epic mistake, keeping my son safe, and putting all my broken pieces back together. Easier said than done. My life was a train wreck and dragging Bennett into my mess wasn’t fair to either of us. I was barely hanging on, and I knew I couldn’t be the Alpha he deserved. So, I had to let him go.
Bennett Maxwell
They say you find love in the most unexpected places.
Finding my fated mate in the bruised and battered Alpha lying in the Emergency Room wasn’t the stuff my dreams were made of. But one look into Shay’s haunted eyes and I knew he and his adorable son were my future. Giving him the space he asked for was the hardest thing I had ever done, especially with him being my new next-door neighbor. I promised to give him the time he needed to heal, even if it meant keeping my pregnancy from him. But when his ex finds him, I’ll fight for what is mine.
His Gentle Omega is book 7 of the Sweet Alps Mates series. It can be read as a standalone, but previous characters do pop in to say hello. It features rejected fated mates, Mpreg, an alpha trying to get his life back, a sweet omega willing to wait for him, an adorable six-year-old, a ton of hurt/comfort, and a guaranteed HEA. Please take a look at the TW & CW’s before proceeding. This book deals with sensitive topics that might be hard for some readers.
TW/CW’s: This book contains domestic violence (some on page briefly) and the aftereffects of surviving DV, emotional abuse, alcohol abuse (secondary character – briefly on page), drunk driving (secondary character-off page), estrangement from family members, therapy sessions, PTSD, and anxiety.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 23, 2024
48 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Raiven Matthews
14 books175 followersRaiven Matthews lives in the Mid-West, with her very spoiled cat, Declan. An avid reader from a young age, she discovered MM romance while reading fan fiction, and never looked back. Her days are fueled by lots of coffee and cuss words, and often plots her books on her commute to her RL job. She has always believed in happily-ever-after, but she was always the girl with follow-up questions. What happened when Cinderella put on that shoe and rode off to the castle? What came after Beast turned into a handsome prince? While she loves when her characters fall in love, she also believes in sprinkling in a big dose of reality, and real-life situations, (even if she is writing omegaverse mpreg) to get there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 28, 2024
⭐︎
4.5 stars rounded up!
⭐︎
Second Buddy Read in a row with the wonderful and amazing Lilly ❤️
I absolutely loved this, it sucked me in from the start. It was such a quick, fast read that I never wanted to put down.
In this world, Alphas and Omegas have the role of men and women in our real world. If anyone is abused, majority of the time it is an omega, and the alpha is doing the abusing, just like men are usually the ones abusing women.
But women sometimes abuse men in romantic relationships, too. It's rarer, but it happens.
And in this world of A/B/O, it's rare for alphas to be the ones abused, and by omegas.
Shay is one such alpha. For 12 years, he's been in an abusive relationship with Edward, an omega who is absolutely monstrous, but has his rich parents behind him, covering up all his misdeeds and letting him get away with practically anything he wants. Only the threat of them cutting him off (many, many times over the years) causes him to get in life with something they want.
Shay and Edward have a son, Lucas, a sweet 6 year old boy who Shay does everything he can to protect from Edward at all costs. Shay may also be a 6'4", broad and muscly alpha, but he was taught to never hit omegas, and he never does, even in self defense (which I think in this case it the better option, because then Edward could say he was being abused by Shay and many would probably believe it) and so he's been taking abuse, physical and otherwise, for years upon years.
Before Lucas, even, he was totally and completely baby trapped by Edward, who was pregnant only weeks after they met (when Shay was only freshly 18 btw - Edward was 21 which isn't too bad, but still, Shay was young, sweet and naive when they met) but lost to baby due to his heavy drug and alcohol use.
Shay became completely cut off from his family - his father and his older brother, Asher - and now when Edward takes things to far and it seems like he is going to kill Shay, Shay can't take it anymore and runs with Lucas to Sweet Alps in the hopes of finding his brother Ash to help him and Lucas.
In comes Bennett, who works as a hospital....person, idk what exactly he does, but he isn't a doctor or nurse. But he's arranges things for patients inside and outside the hospital. When Shay, who is very sick with bronchitis (and still heavily beat up from Edward) is admitted, Bennett is brought in, and there they discover they're fated mates.
But...Shay has just left a highly abusive relationship, and he has to work on making sure Edward and his very rich parents with fancy lawyers don't take Lucas away from him, so he has that to deal with and trauma on top of that. As drawn as Shay and Bennett are to each other, Shay has a lot to work through in therapy - which I was so happy he started going to in this - to be able to be ready to date again.
Only, before Shay took a step back from Bennett to better himself, he and Bennett had a passionate night together, and fate is gonna do what it's gonna do with fated mates, and even with a condom, Bennett becomes pregnant.
And Edward is still out there, and he's so evil that he could come to hurt Shay and Lucas at any time - and even Bennett, if he's in Shay's life. Edward doesn't love or care about Shay or Lucas, but he does see them as his toys, his property to do with what he will...so he'd have a problem with Bennett in that regard.
Even though the plot didn't allowed for a ton of sex, what we did get was great and I loved the chemistry between these two. I loved Shay and Bennett so much, and Lucas was an absolute sweetie pie. All I wanted was for them to be safe and happy, with Bennett. They deserved it after all they went through.
So, why did I give .5 stars off? Well...I had a problem with Seth, Bennett's bestie. He annoyed me, a lot. I understood that for a time he didn't truly understand the full scope of the situation, as Bennett didn't want to betray Shay's trust and privacy by blabbing about what Shay had been through, so Seth didn't have the whole picture and all he could see was his heartbroken friend for a good portion of this - even though Bennett *tells* him that he understands why Shay took a step back and that Shay has been through a lot.
But he got on my nerves several times. I understood his initial protectiveness of Bennett, over him being hurt, of course I get that. But I didn't like his treatment of Shay, especially after he learned about the abuse he suffered with Edward. Especially at the end, he crosses a major line and I seriously wanted to slap him.
I also got a tad annoyed with Bennett when it came to Seth at the end. I get it's your bestie, but you have Shay at the end and you're having SHAY'S baby, NOT Seth's. So his insisting that Seth be there for his delivery was a tad baffling, especially with Shay right there. Like I'm sorry, but this is SHAY'S child and you are very much obsessed over him and was heartbroken for months over him, and now you want to shove Seth into everything having to do with the baby? Like learning that Shay had to struggle to be Bennett's Lamaze coach because Seth was there baffled me. This is Shay's child! He 100% should be included in it all. Even as his bestie, Seth doesn't get to take precedent over the father of Bennett's child, he just doesn't.
It bothered me and I commend Shay for putting up with that crap. Like I get that he hurt Bennett with having to take a step back, but it was necessary for his own mental health and healing journey and once he was ready, he was ALL in and he was there for every step after he found out about the baby, so like...Seth crossed a line, and Bennett 100% let him most of the time, and even encouraged it or participated in it.
Like I don't think I've ever read a story where the best friend has been there for the birth (unless the father or mother wasn't there for whatever reason, in which case that does make sense. But if both parents are there, fully present, I really don't understand it)
And honestly? Seth wasn't a good enough character to warrant the importance he was given. Idc that he was Bennett's bestie, sorry.
I so hope that he gets redeemed in his own book, or we get to understand where he's coming from and his motivations more, because for right now he's on my naughty list. I'm not fond him atm and we'll see if that changes with his own book or not.
Buttt other than my gripes with Seth (and Bennett's behavior in regards to Seth at the very end), I loved this. And I only gave .5 off for the whole Seth mess because Seth was still, at the end of the day, a secondary character and not as important to the overall story (and he only truly got on my nerves near the end, too).
The rest of the story was just SO well done and I was so happy with it. The epilogue was wonderful too, it made me so so happy. It would be nice to get a bonus story or something like that one day that shows either of these options: Or all three, I'm not picky 😉
Buttt if we never get any of that, I can just imagine how it happens or assume it happens at some point down the road. Orrr even if we just get mentions of it in future books in the series (or the spin-off series? The end mention we were going to get a Sweet Alps Legacy series coming next year, so I have to assume it's a new spin-off series coming, which I'd be very excited for!)
So I definitely, HIGHLY recommend this one. It's honestly one of my favorite of the series, for sure. It was firing on almost all cylinders for me, I loved it so much. Can't wait for the next book in this series, or spin-off series as it were. I wonder if Shay's lawyer will be the Alpha for Wyatt's omega father, Robert...or will he he Seth's alpha? Hmm, I'm very curious to find out!
Onto the next! 😍
My Ratings for the Sweet Alps Mates Series:
⭐︎ His Sassy Omega: 5 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Bratty Omega 4.5 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Precious Omega: 4 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Dangerous Omega: 5 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Daddy Omega: 4 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Innocent Omega: 4 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Gentle Omega: 4.5 stars
Second Buddy Read in a row with the wonderful and amazing Lilly ❤️
I absolutely loved this, it sucked me in from the start. It was such a quick, fast read that I never wanted to put down.
In this world, Alphas and Omegas have the role of men and women in our real world. If anyone is abused, majority of the time it is an omega, and the alpha is doing the abusing, just like men are usually the ones abusing women.
But women sometimes abuse men in romantic relationships, too. It's rarer, but it happens.
And in this world of A/B/O, it's rare for alphas to be the ones abused, and by omegas.
Shay is one such alpha. For 12 years, he's been in an abusive relationship with Edward, an omega who is absolutely monstrous, but has his rich parents behind him, covering up all his misdeeds and letting him get away with practically anything he wants. Only the threat of them cutting him off (many, many times over the years) causes him to get in life with something they want.
Shay and Edward have a son, Lucas, a sweet 6 year old boy who Shay does everything he can to protect from Edward at all costs. Shay may also be a 6'4", broad and muscly alpha, but he was taught to never hit omegas, and he never does, even in self defense (which I think in this case it the better option, because then Edward could say he was being abused by Shay and many would probably believe it) and so he's been taking abuse, physical and otherwise, for years upon years.
Before Lucas, even, he was totally and completely baby trapped by Edward, who was pregnant only weeks after they met (when Shay was only freshly 18 btw - Edward was 21 which isn't too bad, but still, Shay was young, sweet and naive when they met) but lost to baby due to his heavy drug and alcohol use.
Shay became completely cut off from his family - his father and his older brother, Asher - and now when Edward takes things to far and it seems like he is going to kill Shay, Shay can't take it anymore and runs with Lucas to Sweet Alps in the hopes of finding his brother Ash to help him and Lucas.
In comes Bennett, who works as a hospital....person, idk what exactly he does, but he isn't a doctor or nurse. But he's arranges things for patients inside and outside the hospital. When Shay, who is very sick with bronchitis (and still heavily beat up from Edward) is admitted, Bennett is brought in, and there they discover they're fated mates.
But...Shay has just left a highly abusive relationship, and he has to work on making sure Edward and his very rich parents with fancy lawyers don't take Lucas away from him, so he has that to deal with and trauma on top of that. As drawn as Shay and Bennett are to each other, Shay has a lot to work through in therapy - which I was so happy he started going to in this - to be able to be ready to date again.
Only, before Shay took a step back from Bennett to better himself, he and Bennett had a passionate night together, and fate is gonna do what it's gonna do with fated mates, and even with a condom, Bennett becomes pregnant.
And Edward is still out there, and he's so evil that he could come to hurt Shay and Lucas at any time - and even Bennett, if he's in Shay's life. Edward doesn't love or care about Shay or Lucas, but he does see them as his toys, his property to do with what he will...so he'd have a problem with Bennett in that regard.
Even though the plot didn't allowed for a ton of sex, what we did get was great and I loved the chemistry between these two. I loved Shay and Bennett so much, and Lucas was an absolute sweetie pie. All I wanted was for them to be safe and happy, with Bennett. They deserved it after all they went through.
So, why did I give .5 stars off? Well...I had a problem with Seth, Bennett's bestie. He annoyed me, a lot. I understood that for a time he didn't truly understand the full scope of the situation, as Bennett didn't want to betray Shay's trust and privacy by blabbing about what Shay had been through, so Seth didn't have the whole picture and all he could see was his heartbroken friend for a good portion of this - even though Bennett *tells* him that he understands why Shay took a step back and that Shay has been through a lot.
But he got on my nerves several times. I understood his initial protectiveness of Bennett, over him being hurt, of course I get that. But I didn't like his treatment of Shay, especially after he learned about the abuse he suffered with Edward. Especially at the end, he crosses a major line and I seriously wanted to slap him.
I also got a tad annoyed with Bennett when it came to Seth at the end. I get it's your bestie, but you have Shay at the end and you're having SHAY'S baby, NOT Seth's. So his insisting that Seth be there for his delivery was a tad baffling, especially with Shay right there. Like I'm sorry, but this is SHAY'S child and you are very much obsessed over him and was heartbroken for months over him, and now you want to shove Seth into everything having to do with the baby? Like learning that Shay had to struggle to be Bennett's Lamaze coach because Seth was there baffled me. This is Shay's child! He 100% should be included in it all. Even as his bestie, Seth doesn't get to take precedent over the father of Bennett's child, he just doesn't.
It bothered me and I commend Shay for putting up with that crap. Like I get that he hurt Bennett with having to take a step back, but it was necessary for his own mental health and healing journey and once he was ready, he was ALL in and he was there for every step after he found out about the baby, so like...Seth crossed a line, and Bennett 100% let him most of the time, and even encouraged it or participated in it.
Like I don't think I've ever read a story where the best friend has been there for the birth (unless the father or mother wasn't there for whatever reason, in which case that does make sense. But if both parents are there, fully present, I really don't understand it)
And honestly? Seth wasn't a good enough character to warrant the importance he was given. Idc that he was Bennett's bestie, sorry.
I so hope that he gets redeemed in his own book, or we get to understand where he's coming from and his motivations more, because for right now he's on my naughty list. I'm not fond him atm and we'll see if that changes with his own book or not.
Buttt other than my gripes with Seth (and Bennett's behavior in regards to Seth at the very end), I loved this. And I only gave .5 off for the whole Seth mess because Seth was still, at the end of the day, a secondary character and not as important to the overall story (and he only truly got on my nerves near the end, too).
The rest of the story was just SO well done and I was so happy with it. The epilogue was wonderful too, it made me so so happy. It would be nice to get a bonus story or something like that one day that shows either of these options: Or all three, I'm not picky 😉
Buttt if we never get any of that, I can just imagine how it happens or assume it happens at some point down the road. Orrr even if we just get mentions of it in future books in the series (or the spin-off series? The end mention we were going to get a Sweet Alps Legacy series coming next year, so I have to assume it's a new spin-off series coming, which I'd be very excited for!)
So I definitely, HIGHLY recommend this one. It's honestly one of my favorite of the series, for sure. It was firing on almost all cylinders for me, I loved it so much. Can't wait for the next book in this series, or spin-off series as it were. I wonder if Shay's lawyer will be the Alpha for Wyatt's omega father, Robert...or will he he Seth's alpha? Hmm, I'm very curious to find out!
Onto the next! 😍
My Ratings for the Sweet Alps Mates Series:
⭐︎ His Sassy Omega: 5 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Bratty Omega 4.5 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Precious Omega: 4 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Dangerous Omega: 5 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Daddy Omega: 4 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Innocent Omega: 4 stars (my review)
⭐︎ His Gentle Omega: 4.5 stars
December 6, 2024
this is the proof that i actually have feelings because i cried my way through this. wonderful experience, would recommend.
August 6, 2024
"Thank you for saving us."
"Bennett, you're the one who saved me."
Let me start by saying how much I loved this book! It was so full of emotion and it broke my heart more than once. Yes, there is still the sweet and lovely humor that Miss Matthews sprinkles throughout her books, but unlike her previous stories, this one gets a bit angsty. It was absolutely necessary based on the context of Shay's story and it made the story more realistic, in my opinion. Intimate partner violence is not an easy subject to write about, but it was handled with care and I applaud the author for shedding light on the subject.
As an alpha who is a survivor of abuse, Shay begins the story with his self esteem basically in the toilet. What kind of alpha lets his omega mate treat him that way? And for years? These were the kind of thoughts that ran through Shay's head on repeat, so when he unexpectedly meets his fated mate in Bennett, he is well aware he is in no shape to add a new relationship on top of his emotional pile. Even if doing so will break poor Bennett's heart.
"I would have waited for you forever, my fated."
Bennett was such a light in this book. He was so kind and caring. It warmed my heart watching him fall for Lucas, Shay's son, just as much as he did with Shay. He longed for both of them when they weren't with him. And Shay and Lucas missed him just as much. I couldn't wait for them to become a family, but Shay had a long road ahead of him and a lot of emotional baggage to work through before he could be the man he believed Bennett deserved.
It wasn't easy for either of them, but Shay put in the hard work to better himself. He became an alpha that not only himself, but he felt his son could be proud of. The journey may have been rough, but in the end I think the couple was stronger for it and it set them on the path for the beautiful HEA they all deserved!
"Bennett, you're the one who saved me."
Let me start by saying how much I loved this book! It was so full of emotion and it broke my heart more than once. Yes, there is still the sweet and lovely humor that Miss Matthews sprinkles throughout her books, but unlike her previous stories, this one gets a bit angsty. It was absolutely necessary based on the context of Shay's story and it made the story more realistic, in my opinion. Intimate partner violence is not an easy subject to write about, but it was handled with care and I applaud the author for shedding light on the subject.
As an alpha who is a survivor of abuse, Shay begins the story with his self esteem basically in the toilet. What kind of alpha lets his omega mate treat him that way? And for years? These were the kind of thoughts that ran through Shay's head on repeat, so when he unexpectedly meets his fated mate in Bennett, he is well aware he is in no shape to add a new relationship on top of his emotional pile. Even if doing so will break poor Bennett's heart.
"I would have waited for you forever, my fated."
Bennett was such a light in this book. He was so kind and caring. It warmed my heart watching him fall for Lucas, Shay's son, just as much as he did with Shay. He longed for both of them when they weren't with him. And Shay and Lucas missed him just as much. I couldn't wait for them to become a family, but Shay had a long road ahead of him and a lot of emotional baggage to work through before he could be the man he believed Bennett deserved.
It wasn't easy for either of them, but Shay put in the hard work to better himself. He became an alpha that not only himself, but he felt his son could be proud of. The journey may have been rough, but in the end I think the couple was stronger for it and it set them on the path for the beautiful HEA they all deserved!
August 23, 2024
Have been curious to hear of Ashers' long lost brother since HIS DADDY OMEGA. What was not prepared for was this emotional journey that simply put pure raw brilliance. You are thrown right into the journey Shay must take with his son Lucas to be free from the man who had broken him for so long. Bennet is that perfect man to help Shay learn to be whole once again. Their is some spice, but this is a slow burn as it should be. These men do fall for each other, but that doesn't mean Shay is completely okay at the end. Guess what, though he shouldn't be he has endured too much for this to be not a long journey. I hope that in future books from this series, we will he able to see more of his growth.
This is not an easy read, but it's a powerful and lasting one. Raiven handled these tough issues in a manner that respects these characters and shows that it takes time to heal. You may get those resources to move forward, but that doesn't make it easy to do so. Truly amazing read.
This is not an easy read, but it's a powerful and lasting one. Raiven handled these tough issues in a manner that respects these characters and shows that it takes time to heal. You may get those resources to move forward, but that doesn't make it easy to do so. Truly amazing read.
August 25, 2024
so needed!
First off I want to thank the author for writing this. I know this is a fantasy book, but Domestic violence towards men doesn’t get talked about enough, especially when the man is perceived as the “stronger” one or the more “dominant” one.
As person whose father was quietly a victim of DV, who was taught something very similar to the MC about being the “stronger” partner. Who stayed because of us and sadly never got to see freedom. As a person who is raising 3 boys and teaching them DV is DV no matter who your partner is. Thank you. Thank you for hearing and giving this voice a mic.
This has triggers so please check them before reading. I loved this story. It held all the things I love about omegaverse books. I loved how this couple found each other, I loved how even though they were fated and felt the pull they had choices. I loved the found family and loved the story of surviving. The writing was good I stayed up too late reading. The smexy was hawt and the side character were amazing. This is my first book but I’m hoping in a spin off that Seth gets a story.
For future me:
While insta lust it’s not first meeting
No sharing/mm+ (cheating is questionable mc broke up and left ex but waiting for legal to get it together)
Mpreg
First off I want to thank the author for writing this. I know this is a fantasy book, but Domestic violence towards men doesn’t get talked about enough, especially when the man is perceived as the “stronger” one or the more “dominant” one.
As person whose father was quietly a victim of DV, who was taught something very similar to the MC about being the “stronger” partner. Who stayed because of us and sadly never got to see freedom. As a person who is raising 3 boys and teaching them DV is DV no matter who your partner is. Thank you. Thank you for hearing and giving this voice a mic.
This has triggers so please check them before reading. I loved this story. It held all the things I love about omegaverse books. I loved how this couple found each other, I loved how even though they were fated and felt the pull they had choices. I loved the found family and loved the story of surviving. The writing was good I stayed up too late reading. The smexy was hawt and the side character were amazing. This is my first book but I’m hoping in a spin off that Seth gets a story.
For future me:
While insta lust it’s not first meeting
No sharing/mm+ (cheating is questionable mc broke up and left ex but waiting for legal to get it together)
Mpreg
August 24, 2024
Wow. This is the first book in quite a while that has brought tears to my eyes, very much deserved from Raiven's writing but the situation was heartbreaking.
**Please read the trigger warnings for this book**
Shay is an alpha being abused by their omega, Edward. He has stayed to protect his son, Lucas, and as such has experienced nearly twelve years of physical and mental abuse. That final straw comes and they escape, to find and hopefully reconcile with Shay's older brother, Asher. Collapsing when they made was just one more thing that wasn't a part of his plan.
Bennett has always believed in and wanted his fated mate but finding him battered and bruised, escaping what appears to be an awful situation with a young child, was not how he envisioned things happening. But, he makes the best of what he can only see being a bad situation by offering to help them, providing a room until Asher's back in town.
Hoo boy. I cannot tell you the strength of emotions that I went through in reading this story. Raiven doesn't pull back from hard hitting story telling by going straight in on a bad situation. My heart hurts from the outset but you can feel the inner strength that both Shay and Lucas have having survived that. There is one hell of a lot of work that goes from that point to the end of the story and their HEA but it's so worth reading and I'm so proud of this fictional character, taking what they needed to protect their son, but also themselves. Taking the time to work on themselves to be better so they can live again, be a good father but also to be a better mate, if Bennett still wants him. Bennett is torn between completing being understanding of what Shay needs to do but also feeling a mate bond that Shay isn't ready for. An honourable mention as well for Lucas. For a six year old, he's wise beyond his years but it's hard understanding why children have to grow up quickly in those situations. Reading him just get to be a six year old, having fun or even just going to the store, had me smiling wide and sharing his joy.
I also cannot believe this is the last of the series!! I think the lowest I've rated a book in this series is 4.5. They're all fantastic with entertaining characters and storylines whilst managing to be emotional and impactful. I hope we come back occasionally to catch up with all of the wonderful characters we've met but I also look forward to what the author has coming up next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**Please read the trigger warnings for this book**
Shay is an alpha being abused by their omega, Edward. He has stayed to protect his son, Lucas, and as such has experienced nearly twelve years of physical and mental abuse. That final straw comes and they escape, to find and hopefully reconcile with Shay's older brother, Asher. Collapsing when they made was just one more thing that wasn't a part of his plan.
Bennett has always believed in and wanted his fated mate but finding him battered and bruised, escaping what appears to be an awful situation with a young child, was not how he envisioned things happening. But, he makes the best of what he can only see being a bad situation by offering to help them, providing a room until Asher's back in town.
Hoo boy. I cannot tell you the strength of emotions that I went through in reading this story. Raiven doesn't pull back from hard hitting story telling by going straight in on a bad situation. My heart hurts from the outset but you can feel the inner strength that both Shay and Lucas have having survived that. There is one hell of a lot of work that goes from that point to the end of the story and their HEA but it's so worth reading and I'm so proud of this fictional character, taking what they needed to protect their son, but also themselves. Taking the time to work on themselves to be better so they can live again, be a good father but also to be a better mate, if Bennett still wants him. Bennett is torn between completing being understanding of what Shay needs to do but also feeling a mate bond that Shay isn't ready for. An honourable mention as well for Lucas. For a six year old, he's wise beyond his years but it's hard understanding why children have to grow up quickly in those situations. Reading him just get to be a six year old, having fun or even just going to the store, had me smiling wide and sharing his joy.
I also cannot believe this is the last of the series!! I think the lowest I've rated a book in this series is 4.5. They're all fantastic with entertaining characters and storylines whilst managing to be emotional and impactful. I hope we come back occasionally to catch up with all of the wonderful characters we've met but I also look forward to what the author has coming up next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
August 16, 2024
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
This story was an excellent conclusion the the Sweet Alps Mates Series. The story is heavy in its trauma and journey to love but Raiven Matthews tackled the tough topics with grace. Shay and Bennett captured my heart and I'm so happy they found the HEA they deserve.
So lets get to what I liked, literally everything about Shay and Bennett. This story is so much more than a romance; its a redemption arc, its a journey of self healing, and its a test in patience. Shay is broken in so many ways and the fact is....he needs to find himself first; especially for his son, Lucas. I adored how Shay put in the effort, not only into himself but mending his relationship with his brother. And while at moments Bennett and the romance were on the backburner, it was necessary for Shay to grow as a person before truly diving into his relationship with Bennett.
Then there is sweet Bennett who has a heart of gold and is the perfect patient mate. I loved everything about this warm, kind-hearted man. I would say my only gripe about the book is Raiven needs a stronger editor. The real crux for me is there are sometimes chapters that almost feel like ramblings where no dialogue is said, we are just in the characters head. But these chapters don't progress the story forward they are just giving more insight into the characters mind (when we already know where they are mentally) but they are completely unnecessary and honestly boring. They take me out of the story when I am immersed in the world and as a reader I find myself frustrated when this happens. I am hopeful that as she grows as an author, that these chapters will become fewer and further between (or go away completely).
This story was an excellent conclusion the the Sweet Alps Mates Series. The story is heavy in its trauma and journey to love but Raiven Matthews tackled the tough topics with grace. Shay and Bennett captured my heart and I'm so happy they found the HEA they deserve.
So lets get to what I liked, literally everything about Shay and Bennett. This story is so much more than a romance; its a redemption arc, its a journey of self healing, and its a test in patience. Shay is broken in so many ways and the fact is....he needs to find himself first; especially for his son, Lucas. I adored how Shay put in the effort, not only into himself but mending his relationship with his brother. And while at moments Bennett and the romance were on the backburner, it was necessary for Shay to grow as a person before truly diving into his relationship with Bennett.
Then there is sweet Bennett who has a heart of gold and is the perfect patient mate. I loved everything about this warm, kind-hearted man. I would say my only gripe about the book is Raiven needs a stronger editor. The real crux for me is there are sometimes chapters that almost feel like ramblings where no dialogue is said, we are just in the characters head. But these chapters don't progress the story forward they are just giving more insight into the characters mind (when we already know where they are mentally) but they are completely unnecessary and honestly boring. They take me out of the story when I am immersed in the world and as a reader I find myself frustrated when this happens. I am hopeful that as she grows as an author, that these chapters will become fewer and further between (or go away completely).
August 18, 2024
His Gentle Omega is the 7th book in the Sweet Alps Mates series. This book can be read as a standalone but characters we have met in other books in the series show up so why not enjoy the whole series. Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. This is Shay an alpha who has been abused and Bennett an omega who wants his mate's story. I love all the books in this series but this one just grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. This book just hit all the feels for me. I loved that Raiven Matthews flipped the script and gave us an alpha who is abused instead of it being the omega like most would assume. I wasn't able to put the book down once I started it because I needed to find out what was happening next. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
August 25, 2024
Final book in this wonderful series and it pulled on my heartstrings. The subject matter was full of hurt/comfort...things I normally don't enjoy reading...I don't do angst well but I love this series and Shay and Bennett had me as their cheerleader through out their hard earned journey to HEA. I highly recommend this book and the others in this series. You will fall in love with all the sweet, delightful and hilarious characters. I can't wait to see what Raiven Matthews has up next...I know its gonna be great.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 6, 2025
**This review has been electronically translated into English.
* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It wasn't the pair I liked the most, but it was the book I liked the most. It was the most balanced. Even though the author continued with his excess of internal monologues, especially in moments when it simply didn't make sense to exist, this was still the book with the best development and balance.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this was a more intense, emotional, trigger-happy and heavy read. And even though I don't like such heavy themes in the books I read (Even though I fall into these traps constantly, mainly due to the lack of responsibility of some authors who don't put content warnings at the beginning of the books, and especially in the synopses to warn readers before buying their books and coming across themes that often cause an impact that won't be erased anytime soon, if they are erased at all. I say this from personal experience.), the author dealt with the theme of domestic violence and abuse in a light way, at times too light, I was able to read this book and I can say without a doubt that it deserved a few more chapters, there was a lot to unpack, besides the relationship of the main couple. We had the relationship between brothers that needed more emphasis. The troubled relationship between father and son, which even if it is explained in a future story (if it is), was left very much to chance in this book. The grandson's relationship with the omega father's grandparents, which despite being complicated, still had weight and relevance to the story, but had a convenient ending for the author. This was a book at the end of a series and as such, I always expect more details, more interaction between the characters in that cycle in which the MCs are inserted. Asher should have been more prominent, just as the Sinclair brothers had one in the other brother's book and here we still had the weight of a reconciliation and closeness between brothers that was superficial for the weight it had.
This story was intense, the beginning was heavy, with the description of the violence experienced by Shay, it was heavy. But I managed to read it. That desire to see the character who suffered, get up and turn things around kept me hooked on this book. His few conversations with his brother were the most emotional moments in the entire book. I cried in every one. Bennett and Josh's relationship was beautiful, I wasn't bothered by it as I saw some people pointing out in some comments. Yes, I found some parts exaggerated, but their friendship was beautiful. However, I found Josh, as an individual character, a caricature of Wade and that bothered me a little, because if he's going to have a book and be like that, I already know I won't read it. I liked Wade, but throughout the series he was transforming into a character that I didn't like at all and seeing that Josh is actually a version of him raised to the third power only irritated me more. It's a no for me.
The relationship between the MCs was more sensible, more plausible, more real, we didn't have a magical cure for dick (thanks for that) and even though I wanted to see the two of them together, it was important to see them apart. I was a little annoyed by this thing of them moving away and sniffing each other with their asses dripping, looking like two hormonal teenagers, but that happened throughout the series, unfortunately. In this story, it was also more acceptable that there weren't so many transformations. It didn't seem like the author didn't include it because he didn't know or because he forgot about this detail and didn't know how to fit it into the development.
What I didn't like about the book, but I won't discount it in my rating:
* Shay was sexually abused by his ex and this was suggested by the abuser himself at the time of the fight. And even though I understand that the author didn't want to delve into the subject, it was too important to just leave it to chance and be forgotten like a dandelion in the wind.
*And I didn't like the ex's ending. It was an easy way out. Oh, right! Do you think there's anything worse than death? Yes. For some people, yes. He needed to suffer, pay for what he did and maybe in a future book it will be said that he died. But he died, it was easy and, once again, convenient for the author. He could have become paraplegic in the accident, been convicted, lost full custody of his son and had his image ruined, completely dependent on the will of his parents and caregivers. I think that was my biggest disappointment in this book.
Dual POV. Shay and Bennett.
Omegaverse. Shifter. MPreg. Paranormal. Fantasy.
Small Town (which was small at the beginning of the series, but at the end it wasn't so small, but it was and wasn't). A fresh start. A "Single" Father. A family found.
Domestic Violence. Aggression in the pages. Abuse of all kinds. Violence. PTSD. Emotional and self-confidence issues. Trauma. Alcoholism. Use of illicit substances. Death of a violent ex-partner in a car accident. Edward (the ex) seduced Shay when he was still a minor, in addition to influencing him to use alcohol and drugs. Death of his parents.
Couples in order of what I liked most in THEIR BOOKS:
1º Lachlan Sinclair and Quinn Rafferty
2º Finn Sinclair and Wade Monroe
3º Asher Pierce and Gabe Carmichael
4º Brendan Sinclair and Ryan Foster
5º Grayson Beckett and Wyatt Cooper
6º Shay Pierce and Bennett Maxwell
7º Jamie Sinclair and Sebastian Hollingsworth
Books I liked most, in order:
1º His Gentle Omega
2º His Bratty Omega
3º His Dangerous Omega
4º His Sassy Omega
5º His Daddy Omega
6º His Innocent Omega
7º His Precious Omega
I had no interest in reading the eighth book, His Gingerbread Omega. I didn't like it just by reading the synopsis.
I'll wait for the spin-off series that the author said he would release this year (2025). Praying that the repetitive internal monologues will be reduced. And so that the books are classified as continuous and not independent (even if they are in a series), so that it ends the need for the author to repeat in each blessed book the role of each character from the previous book and their story. This is irritating to say the least.
* ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It wasn't the pair I liked the most, but it was the book I liked the most. It was the most balanced. Even though the author continued with his excess of internal monologues, especially in moments when it simply didn't make sense to exist, this was still the book with the best development and balance.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this was a more intense, emotional, trigger-happy and heavy read. And even though I don't like such heavy themes in the books I read (Even though I fall into these traps constantly, mainly due to the lack of responsibility of some authors who don't put content warnings at the beginning of the books, and especially in the synopses to warn readers before buying their books and coming across themes that often cause an impact that won't be erased anytime soon, if they are erased at all. I say this from personal experience.), the author dealt with the theme of domestic violence and abuse in a light way, at times too light, I was able to read this book and I can say without a doubt that it deserved a few more chapters, there was a lot to unpack, besides the relationship of the main couple. We had the relationship between brothers that needed more emphasis. The troubled relationship between father and son, which even if it is explained in a future story (if it is), was left very much to chance in this book. The grandson's relationship with the omega father's grandparents, which despite being complicated, still had weight and relevance to the story, but had a convenient ending for the author. This was a book at the end of a series and as such, I always expect more details, more interaction between the characters in that cycle in which the MCs are inserted. Asher should have been more prominent, just as the Sinclair brothers had one in the other brother's book and here we still had the weight of a reconciliation and closeness between brothers that was superficial for the weight it had.
This story was intense, the beginning was heavy, with the description of the violence experienced by Shay, it was heavy. But I managed to read it. That desire to see the character who suffered, get up and turn things around kept me hooked on this book. His few conversations with his brother were the most emotional moments in the entire book. I cried in every one. Bennett and Josh's relationship was beautiful, I wasn't bothered by it as I saw some people pointing out in some comments. Yes, I found some parts exaggerated, but their friendship was beautiful. However, I found Josh, as an individual character, a caricature of Wade and that bothered me a little, because if he's going to have a book and be like that, I already know I won't read it. I liked Wade, but throughout the series he was transforming into a character that I didn't like at all and seeing that Josh is actually a version of him raised to the third power only irritated me more. It's a no for me.
The relationship between the MCs was more sensible, more plausible, more real, we didn't have a magical cure for dick (thanks for that) and even though I wanted to see the two of them together, it was important to see them apart. I was a little annoyed by this thing of them moving away and sniffing each other with their asses dripping, looking like two hormonal teenagers, but that happened throughout the series, unfortunately. In this story, it was also more acceptable that there weren't so many transformations. It didn't seem like the author didn't include it because he didn't know or because he forgot about this detail and didn't know how to fit it into the development.
What I didn't like about the book, but I won't discount it in my rating:
* Shay was sexually abused by his ex and this was suggested by the abuser himself at the time of the fight. And even though I understand that the author didn't want to delve into the subject, it was too important to just leave it to chance and be forgotten like a dandelion in the wind.
*And I didn't like the ex's ending. It was an easy way out. Oh, right! Do you think there's anything worse than death? Yes. For some people, yes. He needed to suffer, pay for what he did and maybe in a future book it will be said that he died. But he died, it was easy and, once again, convenient for the author. He could have become paraplegic in the accident, been convicted, lost full custody of his son and had his image ruined, completely dependent on the will of his parents and caregivers. I think that was my biggest disappointment in this book.
Dual POV. Shay and Bennett.
Omegaverse. Shifter. MPreg. Paranormal. Fantasy.
Small Town (which was small at the beginning of the series, but at the end it wasn't so small, but it was and wasn't). A fresh start. A "Single" Father. A family found.
Domestic Violence. Aggression in the pages. Abuse of all kinds. Violence. PTSD. Emotional and self-confidence issues. Trauma. Alcoholism. Use of illicit substances. Death of a violent ex-partner in a car accident. Edward (the ex) seduced Shay when he was still a minor, in addition to influencing him to use alcohol and drugs. Death of his parents.
Couples in order of what I liked most in THEIR BOOKS:
1º Lachlan Sinclair and Quinn Rafferty
2º Finn Sinclair and Wade Monroe
3º Asher Pierce and Gabe Carmichael
4º Brendan Sinclair and Ryan Foster
5º Grayson Beckett and Wyatt Cooper
6º Shay Pierce and Bennett Maxwell
7º Jamie Sinclair and Sebastian Hollingsworth
Books I liked most, in order:
1º His Gentle Omega
2º His Bratty Omega
3º His Dangerous Omega
4º His Sassy Omega
5º His Daddy Omega
6º His Innocent Omega
7º His Precious Omega
I had no interest in reading the eighth book, His Gingerbread Omega. I didn't like it just by reading the synopsis.
I'll wait for the spin-off series that the author said he would release this year (2025). Praying that the repetitive internal monologues will be reduced. And so that the books are classified as continuous and not independent (even if they are in a series), so that it ends the need for the author to repeat in each blessed book the role of each character from the previous book and their story. This is irritating to say the least.
August 15, 2024
His Gentle Omega by Raiven Matthews is book 7 of the Sweet Alps Mates series.
« single dad »
« rejected fated mate »
« hurt x comfort »
« domestic violence survivor »
« mental health rep »
« sibling issues »
« sweet alpha »
« mpreg »
Shay takes his son and flees from a domestic violence relationship to Sweet Alps to seek help from his estranged brother, Ash. Shay makes it there but falls ill and collapses at the hospital when he asks them to call Ash. Bennett works at the same hospital, and it does not take Bennett long to know he just found his fated mate, who is ill but also hurt and covered in bruises. This story was heart-wrenching and emotional, but also beautifully realistic is all of its complexities and the messiness of real life.
What I did like:
I liked how there were heavier themes to this book than the previous book in the series. I loved the unfiltered and realness of this story, and how raw Raiven had written it that shows the complexities and heart-wrenching emotions that come along with domestic violence relationships. In many stories with fated mates we see couples jump headfirst in mating. I appreciated how in this story it was more realistic about how important timing is in relationships. I loved seeing Shay work on himself, taking steps to heal, and for him to stand on his own for the first time in his life. I think if they would have gotten together in the beginning with Bennett wanted to it would have been an extremely toxic relationship.
I also loved Bennett and Shay as characters. Shay may be an alpha but he is actually very gentle and sweet and not your typical alpha, while still having moments of dominance and possessiveness. Bennett is so sweet, gentle, and extremely patient. He is so understanding of the situation and gives Shay the time he needs, even though it hurts him to be away from his alpha. Seeing Bennett and Shay’s son, Lucas, bond so effortlessly made me melt! They were so sweet together.
I also have to mention Bennett’s and Seth’s friendship. I loved them! They have been added to my favorite book friendships.
What I didn’t like:
I will preface that I am a social worker and therapist, so the few issues I had with this book probably wouldn’t notice/bother someone who isn’t a mental health professional or someone who hasn’t gone through the therapeutic process.
I do hope we eventually get a story about Seth. It will take a special someone to tie that one down!
[I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.]
« single dad »
« rejected fated mate »
« hurt x comfort »
« domestic violence survivor »
« mental health rep »
« sibling issues »
« sweet alpha »
« mpreg »
Shay takes his son and flees from a domestic violence relationship to Sweet Alps to seek help from his estranged brother, Ash. Shay makes it there but falls ill and collapses at the hospital when he asks them to call Ash. Bennett works at the same hospital, and it does not take Bennett long to know he just found his fated mate, who is ill but also hurt and covered in bruises. This story was heart-wrenching and emotional, but also beautifully realistic is all of its complexities and the messiness of real life.
"Thank you for saving us."
"Bennett, you're the one who saved me."
What I did like:
I liked how there were heavier themes to this book than the previous book in the series. I loved the unfiltered and realness of this story, and how raw Raiven had written it that shows the complexities and heart-wrenching emotions that come along with domestic violence relationships. In many stories with fated mates we see couples jump headfirst in mating. I appreciated how in this story it was more realistic about how important timing is in relationships. I loved seeing Shay work on himself, taking steps to heal, and for him to stand on his own for the first time in his life. I think if they would have gotten together in the beginning with Bennett wanted to it would have been an extremely toxic relationship.
I also loved Bennett and Shay as characters. Shay may be an alpha but he is actually very gentle and sweet and not your typical alpha, while still having moments of dominance and possessiveness. Bennett is so sweet, gentle, and extremely patient. He is so understanding of the situation and gives Shay the time he needs, even though it hurts him to be away from his alpha. Seeing Bennett and Shay’s son, Lucas, bond so effortlessly made me melt! They were so sweet together.
I also have to mention Bennett’s and Seth’s friendship. I loved them! They have been added to my favorite book friendships.
What I didn’t like:
I will preface that I am a social worker and therapist, so the few issues I had with this book probably wouldn’t notice/bother someone who isn’t a mental health professional or someone who hasn’t gone through the therapeutic process.
I do hope we eventually get a story about Seth. It will take a special someone to tie that one down!
[I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.]
August 23, 2024
I haven't read every single book in this shifter series but I have read a few and have enjoyed the ones I have read. This book is no exception, I absolutely loved this one. I'm sad this series is coming to an end but what a beautiful way to end it.
Shay and Bennett are the main characters of this story, along with Lucas who is absolutely adorable! Shay has been in a toxic relationship for years, he's been too scared to leave due to the fact that his 'mate' has money and can make problems disappear, He also stayed to protect his son. When Edward gets exceptionally violent, Shay realizes it's time to leave, and with the help of the elderly couple who lives in Edward's mansion, they are able to leave the place that became his prison.
Shay didn't expect his arrival to Sweet Alps would end up with him in the hospital, nor did he expect to meet his fated mate. But life throws us curve balls, and all we can do is try our best to adjust to them. That's what happens throughout this story.
Shay and Lucas's story is heartbreaking, I cried several times while reading this incredible story. In the beginning of the book Raiven mentioned how her story is similar to Shay's, and you could tell that is true with how Shay was written. His character and his story was so raw and real, what he went through due to the hands of the man he thought he loved was heart wrenching. His character is sweet, kind, gentle, and loving. Even when he is guarded and a bit jaded, that doesn't stop him from being a decent human being. I absolutely loved Shay, as well as adoring Lucas.
Bennett also has a piece of my heart. He put what he wanted and needed aside to listen and respect what Shay and Lucas needed. That scene specifically made me cry, you could feel both Shay's and Bennett's hearts breaking, while simultaneously knowing they were doing the right thing. Even though it didn't feel that way. I think what I loved most is how Raiven didn't have these characters automatically get together, she had Shay's character focus on healing himself first before getting into another relationship, which I thought was important. While the scene itself is sad and gut-wrenching it was important that it happened. The story wouldn't have been believable if it hadn't of happened.
I thought this book was written exceptionally well. There's wonderful characters with realistic experiences and attributes. The flow of the story was smooth, things progressed nicely, not too fast, not too slow. I loved the bit of angst this story had, as well as having found family be such a profound focus in the story. I hated Edward as well as his parents, they are cruel and are the 'villains' of this story. I'm glad Shay, Bennett, Lucas and Brodie got their happy ever after. They deserved it. Overall, a really incredible book!!
Shay and Bennett are the main characters of this story, along with Lucas who is absolutely adorable! Shay has been in a toxic relationship for years, he's been too scared to leave due to the fact that his 'mate' has money and can make problems disappear, He also stayed to protect his son. When Edward gets exceptionally violent, Shay realizes it's time to leave, and with the help of the elderly couple who lives in Edward's mansion, they are able to leave the place that became his prison.
Shay didn't expect his arrival to Sweet Alps would end up with him in the hospital, nor did he expect to meet his fated mate. But life throws us curve balls, and all we can do is try our best to adjust to them. That's what happens throughout this story.
Shay and Lucas's story is heartbreaking, I cried several times while reading this incredible story. In the beginning of the book Raiven mentioned how her story is similar to Shay's, and you could tell that is true with how Shay was written. His character and his story was so raw and real, what he went through due to the hands of the man he thought he loved was heart wrenching. His character is sweet, kind, gentle, and loving. Even when he is guarded and a bit jaded, that doesn't stop him from being a decent human being. I absolutely loved Shay, as well as adoring Lucas.
Bennett also has a piece of my heart. He put what he wanted and needed aside to listen and respect what Shay and Lucas needed. That scene specifically made me cry, you could feel both Shay's and Bennett's hearts breaking, while simultaneously knowing they were doing the right thing. Even though it didn't feel that way. I think what I loved most is how Raiven didn't have these characters automatically get together, she had Shay's character focus on healing himself first before getting into another relationship, which I thought was important. While the scene itself is sad and gut-wrenching it was important that it happened. The story wouldn't have been believable if it hadn't of happened.
I thought this book was written exceptionally well. There's wonderful characters with realistic experiences and attributes. The flow of the story was smooth, things progressed nicely, not too fast, not too slow. I loved the bit of angst this story had, as well as having found family be such a profound focus in the story. I hated Edward as well as his parents, they are cruel and are the 'villains' of this story. I'm glad Shay, Bennett, Lucas and Brodie got their happy ever after. They deserved it. Overall, a really incredible book!!
August 24, 2024
Loved a lot but some things annoyed me
I loved most of this book, so much.
Shay, Bennett, and Lucas' characters were perfect.
The depiction of the abuse Shay survived was done extremely well and sensitively. I really appreciated that, in this, it was the Alpha character who was the survivor and the Omega that was the one who helped them. It enabled some thought to be paid to the difficulties atypical domestic abuse survivors face when trying to seek help, as well as the additional mental challenges faced when the outwardly "stronger" one is the person being abused.
Lucas was just adorable and the way he connected with Bennett was so lovely.
I also loved seeing Bennett and his bestie getting roped into Wade's found family.
However, there were a few things that bugged me.
Number 1: The OBGYN lying to the birthing parent about not being able to see the genitalia on the ultrasound and then telling their friend the baby's sex. WTAF? Even with the consent of the other parent, this is not okay. And - having seen as a doula how devastating people sharing details of a pregnancy or birth without permission can be - this absolutely needed a trigger warning. It was also completely unnecessary for the plot.
Number 2: A gender reveal baby shower. Just no. Wasn't needed either.
Number 3: What felt like a misunderstanding of The Spoon Theory. A concept thought up to explain the energy limitations or budgeting of someone with chronic illness, being "low on spoons" does not mean the equivalent of "the straw that broke the camel's back". It could be used to explain why someone with burnout is only able to deal with so many things in a day. But, here, it felt misunderstood and un-attributed, and that was both frustrating in itself and felt like a missed opportunity. The Spoon Theory can be found on butyoudontlooksick.com by author Christine Miserandino.
So check the content warnings, I've tried to list them here. But maybe read for a brilliant description of surviving domestic abuse.
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Omegaverse PNR
✨️Fated mates
✨️MPreg
✨️Alpha survivor of domestic abuse, escaping with his son
✨️Omega hospital worker who takes them in
✨️White tiger shifter + Wolf shifter
✨️On page descriptions of violent abuse, including attempted murder
✨️Mentions of past r@pe
✨️Respiratory illness
✨️Homelessness
✨️Family estrangement
✨️Poor treatment of domestic staff
✨️Alcohol abuse + Drug addiction
✨️Cheating (in past by MC's ex)
✨️Child of an abusive parent
✨️Assault of a pregnant person
✨️Being lied to by an OBGYN
✨️Friends getting pregnancy medical details before they should
✨️Gender reveal baby shower
✨️Found family
✨️Blended family
✨️A HEA
I loved most of this book, so much.
Shay, Bennett, and Lucas' characters were perfect.
The depiction of the abuse Shay survived was done extremely well and sensitively. I really appreciated that, in this, it was the Alpha character who was the survivor and the Omega that was the one who helped them. It enabled some thought to be paid to the difficulties atypical domestic abuse survivors face when trying to seek help, as well as the additional mental challenges faced when the outwardly "stronger" one is the person being abused.
Lucas was just adorable and the way he connected with Bennett was so lovely.
I also loved seeing Bennett and his bestie getting roped into Wade's found family.
However, there were a few things that bugged me.
Number 1: The OBGYN lying to the birthing parent about not being able to see the genitalia on the ultrasound and then telling their friend the baby's sex. WTAF? Even with the consent of the other parent, this is not okay. And - having seen as a doula how devastating people sharing details of a pregnancy or birth without permission can be - this absolutely needed a trigger warning. It was also completely unnecessary for the plot.
Number 2: A gender reveal baby shower. Just no. Wasn't needed either.
Number 3: What felt like a misunderstanding of The Spoon Theory. A concept thought up to explain the energy limitations or budgeting of someone with chronic illness, being "low on spoons" does not mean the equivalent of "the straw that broke the camel's back". It could be used to explain why someone with burnout is only able to deal with so many things in a day. But, here, it felt misunderstood and un-attributed, and that was both frustrating in itself and felt like a missed opportunity. The Spoon Theory can be found on butyoudontlooksick.com by author Christine Miserandino.
So check the content warnings, I've tried to list them here. But maybe read for a brilliant description of surviving domestic abuse.
In this, you'll find:
✨️MM Omegaverse PNR
✨️Fated mates
✨️MPreg
✨️Alpha survivor of domestic abuse, escaping with his son
✨️Omega hospital worker who takes them in
✨️White tiger shifter + Wolf shifter
✨️On page descriptions of violent abuse, including attempted murder
✨️Mentions of past r@pe
✨️Respiratory illness
✨️Homelessness
✨️Family estrangement
✨️Poor treatment of domestic staff
✨️Alcohol abuse + Drug addiction
✨️Cheating (in past by MC's ex)
✨️Child of an abusive parent
✨️Assault of a pregnant person
✨️Being lied to by an OBGYN
✨️Friends getting pregnancy medical details before they should
✨️Gender reveal baby shower
✨️Found family
✨️Blended family
✨️A HEA
August 28, 2024
I'm just going to come out and say this upfront: "His Gentle Omega" is one of the best books of 2024. The writing is just fantastic! The plot was beautifully paced and developed, and I was very impressed with the depth and care that Raiven Matthews obviously put into building the characters and addressing some very difficult issues. Raiven writes so eloquently and honestly that the characters' growth out of trauma and hurt feels authentic and very personal.
As such, I experienced all-of-the emotions while reading this story-- I laughed, I cried, I became annoyed and sometimes enraged... I'm telling you: this book is excellent! Did I love everything about it: No. But I don't have to love everything in a story to identify its greatness. Honestly, my only complaint about this book is that I felt the last 15% of the story seemed rushed. Granted, this book is HEFTY; but I would have liked for the last bit of the story (after many of the conflicts had been resolved) to have gotten the same energy that the previous 85% received. I have been following Raiven Matthews's growth as an author since her first book, and truly, Shay and Bennett's story is a clear example of Raiven's talent.
I don't often compare authors or books, as I think each author has their own style and strengths, and they produce their books/characters for many different reasons. That said, I want to make a comparison here because I feel like a whole group of romance readers may miss out on this truly awesome book if they don't read Omegaverse. If you are someone who loves the Plum Valley Cowboys Series by Emmy Sanders, you will enjoy "His Gentle Omega." Raiven and Emmy are very distinct in their writing, but this book has a similar hurt/comfort, slow burn, relationship building, supportive partner, found family, long journey to a HEA feeling that is often found in Emmy's books. Please be aware, however, that the themes in this book and the Plum Valley series are dissimilar-- "His Gentle Omega" deals with very heavy, traumatic subject matter, so definitely check the trigger warnings.
I have so many positive thoughts and feelings that I want to gush about in this review, but I also don't want to write any spoilers. So, I will end with this: My heart and mind will stay with Shay and Bennett in Sweet Alps for a long time. Truly, I have a book hangover because this story is so well-written. Lastly, I don't care what type of romance you prefer; this is one of those books that transcends genre. If you can handle the trigger warnings, do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!
***I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
As such, I experienced all-of-the emotions while reading this story-- I laughed, I cried, I became annoyed and sometimes enraged... I'm telling you: this book is excellent! Did I love everything about it: No. But I don't have to love everything in a story to identify its greatness. Honestly, my only complaint about this book is that I felt the last 15% of the story seemed rushed. Granted, this book is HEFTY; but I would have liked for the last bit of the story (after many of the conflicts had been resolved) to have gotten the same energy that the previous 85% received. I have been following Raiven Matthews's growth as an author since her first book, and truly, Shay and Bennett's story is a clear example of Raiven's talent.
I don't often compare authors or books, as I think each author has their own style and strengths, and they produce their books/characters for many different reasons. That said, I want to make a comparison here because I feel like a whole group of romance readers may miss out on this truly awesome book if they don't read Omegaverse. If you are someone who loves the Plum Valley Cowboys Series by Emmy Sanders, you will enjoy "His Gentle Omega." Raiven and Emmy are very distinct in their writing, but this book has a similar hurt/comfort, slow burn, relationship building, supportive partner, found family, long journey to a HEA feeling that is often found in Emmy's books. Please be aware, however, that the themes in this book and the Plum Valley series are dissimilar-- "His Gentle Omega" deals with very heavy, traumatic subject matter, so definitely check the trigger warnings.
I have so many positive thoughts and feelings that I want to gush about in this review, but I also don't want to write any spoilers. So, I will end with this: My heart and mind will stay with Shay and Bennett in Sweet Alps for a long time. Truly, I have a book hangover because this story is so well-written. Lastly, I don't care what type of romance you prefer; this is one of those books that transcends genre. If you can handle the trigger warnings, do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!
***I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.
August 16, 2024
And we're back!
When I read His Innocent Omega, I enjoyed it, but there was a little bit of distance for me. It didn't grab me as much as the others did, especially with it following Gabe & Asher's story, which was *chef's kiss*.
His Gentle Omega brought back that little bit of love I was missing, and it pulled me right in from the very beginning. Honestly, it reignited that itch in me to reread the whole series, so that's just what I did after I finished it.
There are serious topics within each of the Sweet Alps books, but I think HGO has some of the heaviest in the depths of what Shay experienced at the hands (and mouth and feet) of his abusive omega partner. Be mindful of putting your needs before your reads, and if it's triggering for you to see abuse on page or read about recollections of it, just take care of yourself.
Like others, I liked seeing Matthews feature the alpha as the survivor of the abusive relationship. I think it was a good avenue to explore how everyone, no matter their perceived strength or role in life, can endure something unexpected. From my reader's perspective, with no personal experience in this area, I felt like she did justice to his character and his experience, with realistic development of how he comes to terms with the life he lived and what he both permanently and temporarily lost thanks to his relationship. He's a sweet, likable character, and I wanted nothing more than to see his healing journey take place.
Bennett, his omega, is also quite lovely. Bennett is a little more of a Wade than a Quinn, in terms of personality, though Matthews' title is spot on - he's gentler, and, like Shay, there's sweetness that makes him so endearing. It made me smile to read about his interactions with Shay and Shay's son, and it provided some of that cozy romance that makes Sweet Alps earn its name.
Alongside Bennett is Seth, who is a whole experience. Matthews doesn't let him totally steal the show, but his personality comes through loud and strong whenever he's in a scene, and I think the author did a great job of putting one of her next leading men into the spotlight to pique some interest and attention. Seth needs some tempering, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Matthews works out his well-fitting HEA, just like the rest of the Sweet Alps omegas and alphas.
When I read His Innocent Omega, I enjoyed it, but there was a little bit of distance for me. It didn't grab me as much as the others did, especially with it following Gabe & Asher's story, which was *chef's kiss*.
His Gentle Omega brought back that little bit of love I was missing, and it pulled me right in from the very beginning. Honestly, it reignited that itch in me to reread the whole series, so that's just what I did after I finished it.
There are serious topics within each of the Sweet Alps books, but I think HGO has some of the heaviest in the depths of what Shay experienced at the hands (and mouth and feet) of his abusive omega partner. Be mindful of putting your needs before your reads, and if it's triggering for you to see abuse on page or read about recollections of it, just take care of yourself.
Like others, I liked seeing Matthews feature the alpha as the survivor of the abusive relationship. I think it was a good avenue to explore how everyone, no matter their perceived strength or role in life, can endure something unexpected. From my reader's perspective, with no personal experience in this area, I felt like she did justice to his character and his experience, with realistic development of how he comes to terms with the life he lived and what he both permanently and temporarily lost thanks to his relationship. He's a sweet, likable character, and I wanted nothing more than to see his healing journey take place.
Bennett, his omega, is also quite lovely. Bennett is a little more of a Wade than a Quinn, in terms of personality, though Matthews' title is spot on - he's gentler, and, like Shay, there's sweetness that makes him so endearing. It made me smile to read about his interactions with Shay and Shay's son, and it provided some of that cozy romance that makes Sweet Alps earn its name.
Alongside Bennett is Seth, who is a whole experience. Matthews doesn't let him totally steal the show, but his personality comes through loud and strong whenever he's in a scene, and I think the author did a great job of putting one of her next leading men into the spotlight to pique some interest and attention. Seth needs some tempering, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Matthews works out his well-fitting HEA, just like the rest of the Sweet Alps omegas and alphas.
September 2, 2024
A wonderful book that, even though it is fiction, is relevant to our world.
This is the last book in the Sweet Alps Mates series. Each book follows a different couple, so technically you could read this one as a standalone. However, I think it’d be best if you read the previous ones, or at least book five, His Daddy Omega. This book is not like the others in the series; while the other books are mostly funny and sweet—some more angsty than others—they have a relatively low level of triggers, heartbreak, and tears. His Gentle Omega dials that level up, and by a lot.
I found this book to be much deeper, darker, and more psychological than the others. There is comic relief, mostly provided by a wonderful secondary character, Seth, who could be Wade’s brother in arms. Seth lightens the tone of the book and makes you laugh, bringing out the funny side of the main character, Bennett. He is an essential character to help you navigate an intense book.
The book is amazing, it shows such a great development of Raiven as an author. I feel like she took higher risks with each book, testing how far she could take us as readers. With this one, she took a big leap. The story is powerful, gritty, deep, and painful yet hopeful. The characters, both primary and secondary, are interesting, lovable, well-developed, and consistent.
Raiven’s writing beautifully reflects all the psychological battles and struggles that goes on in the head of someone who has been both victim and survivor of an abusive partner, without being repetitive. Many books with a more psychological approach tend to repeat the internal monologue time and again, to the point where it becomes annoying and unnecessary. That is not the case here.
I had my doubts about how Raiven was going to handle this plot. The blurb starts by saying the Omega finds a bruised and battered Alpha in the ER, which made me wonder how an Alpha could end up in such shape, I mean, he could easily overpower or at least protect himself against an Omega, right? I’ll just say that her handling of this situation is genius. It is a sound and logical path that, as a reader, you can easily understand and accept.
One thing I loved about this book, and believe is quite relevant in our world, is that the abused character is not the Omega but the Alpha. Wait, what? Yes, the abused one is the big, strong, and ‘dominant’ Alpha. In our modern world, where the focus of domestic violence often centers on abused women, we often forget that men can be abused as well, that the psychological damage done to a person does not depend on their gender, size, or physical strength. In our race to protect females, I believe we have forgotten men can be vulnerable too. Just because historically they have been seen as the strong gender doesn’t mean they can’t be the subject of abuse, whether from a male or female partner.
All in all, if you are a fan of the Omegaverse, vulnerable characters, angst, and happily ever afters, don’t miss this book.
This is the last book in the Sweet Alps Mates series. Each book follows a different couple, so technically you could read this one as a standalone. However, I think it’d be best if you read the previous ones, or at least book five, His Daddy Omega. This book is not like the others in the series; while the other books are mostly funny and sweet—some more angsty than others—they have a relatively low level of triggers, heartbreak, and tears. His Gentle Omega dials that level up, and by a lot.
I found this book to be much deeper, darker, and more psychological than the others. There is comic relief, mostly provided by a wonderful secondary character, Seth, who could be Wade’s brother in arms. Seth lightens the tone of the book and makes you laugh, bringing out the funny side of the main character, Bennett. He is an essential character to help you navigate an intense book.
The book is amazing, it shows such a great development of Raiven as an author. I feel like she took higher risks with each book, testing how far she could take us as readers. With this one, she took a big leap. The story is powerful, gritty, deep, and painful yet hopeful. The characters, both primary and secondary, are interesting, lovable, well-developed, and consistent.
Raiven’s writing beautifully reflects all the psychological battles and struggles that goes on in the head of someone who has been both victim and survivor of an abusive partner, without being repetitive. Many books with a more psychological approach tend to repeat the internal monologue time and again, to the point where it becomes annoying and unnecessary. That is not the case here.
I had my doubts about how Raiven was going to handle this plot. The blurb starts by saying the Omega finds a bruised and battered Alpha in the ER, which made me wonder how an Alpha could end up in such shape, I mean, he could easily overpower or at least protect himself against an Omega, right? I’ll just say that her handling of this situation is genius. It is a sound and logical path that, as a reader, you can easily understand and accept.
One thing I loved about this book, and believe is quite relevant in our world, is that the abused character is not the Omega but the Alpha. Wait, what? Yes, the abused one is the big, strong, and ‘dominant’ Alpha. In our modern world, where the focus of domestic violence often centers on abused women, we often forget that men can be abused as well, that the psychological damage done to a person does not depend on their gender, size, or physical strength. In our race to protect females, I believe we have forgotten men can be vulnerable too. Just because historically they have been seen as the strong gender doesn’t mean they can’t be the subject of abuse, whether from a male or female partner.
All in all, if you are a fan of the Omegaverse, vulnerable characters, angst, and happily ever afters, don’t miss this book.
August 14, 2024
This is a story of survival, love, and patience. This story was hard because you just wanted to scream and fight for Shay, to take away even just an ounce of pain.
Shay is an alpha who only knows how to live in fight or flight mode, and in his and Lucas' most desperate moment, he meets Bennett, who is the epitome of calm and patient.
My heart broke over and over for Shay in the first few chapters, knowing how much pain he endured, suffering, all the planning and emergency planning he taught Lucas, ugh. Lucas is such a strong little guy, even though he shouldn't have to be, but his Daddy raised him right.
When Bennett comes in, he realizes Shay is his fated, but he can't do anything about it in his condition. So, he does his best. He protects them, he houses them, and he supports them emotionally, mentally, and physically. We see Shay learn who he is after leaving the abuse, who he wants to be, and can be; we also watch Bennett have an unconditional amount of patience for this broken Alpha. Sometimes, these characters feel like real people because these are real things that happen, and finding compassion in your darkest moment is a lifeline that is immeasurable. You spend the entire book saying, "Yes! You can do this!" Instead of "Ugh, hurry up!" And "I know it hurts, let it out." Instead of "This again?" While this is a very HEA, this isn't a conventional insta-love, Fated Mates, lovey-dovey story. This is heartbreak, loving from afar, and truly unconditional patience and understanding. This is found family, support, learning to find yourself even when it feels like you have nothing left.
Shay is an alpha who only knows how to live in fight or flight mode, and in his and Lucas' most desperate moment, he meets Bennett, who is the epitome of calm and patient.
My heart broke over and over for Shay in the first few chapters, knowing how much pain he endured, suffering, all the planning and emergency planning he taught Lucas, ugh. Lucas is such a strong little guy, even though he shouldn't have to be, but his Daddy raised him right.
When Bennett comes in, he realizes Shay is his fated, but he can't do anything about it in his condition. So, he does his best. He protects them, he houses them, and he supports them emotionally, mentally, and physically. We see Shay learn who he is after leaving the abuse, who he wants to be, and can be; we also watch Bennett have an unconditional amount of patience for this broken Alpha. Sometimes, these characters feel like real people because these are real things that happen, and finding compassion in your darkest moment is a lifeline that is immeasurable. You spend the entire book saying, "Yes! You can do this!" Instead of "Ugh, hurry up!" And "I know it hurts, let it out." Instead of "This again?" While this is a very HEA, this isn't a conventional insta-love, Fated Mates, lovey-dovey story. This is heartbreak, loving from afar, and truly unconditional patience and understanding. This is found family, support, learning to find yourself even when it feels like you have nothing left.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2024
This is a hard read but not only an important story but an incredibly well written one. I love the Sweet Alps Mates series but this one definitely both broke and mended my heart. I cried a lot during this one and I wanted to wrap both Shay and Bennett (and Lucas) up in blankets. After an intense alteration with his abusive mate, Shay packs up his son, Lucas, and makes his way to Sweet Alps to ask his brother, Asher, for help. A brother he hasn't seen in a super long time. What's special about this story is that Shay is an alpha. So we get to see how systems that are in place to help omegas in this situation crumble when it's an alpha who needs this support. My heart hurt for Shay because he has a lot to deal with before he's ready to drop into a relationship, even one that is fated. Bennett is the best mate for Shay but the timing is not right. Bennett has always wanted to find his fated mate and his path crosses Shay through his job at the hospital. Since there's nowhere else to go, Bennett takes Shay and Lucas back to his place to recoup until Asher comes back from visiting his in-laws. Bennett and Lucas hit it off and Lucas is the one of the best characters in this story. He is incredibly polite and yet can give the attitude like only a six year old can. Lucas' bluntness pulls on the heartstrings with how much he has also bonded with Bennett. I loved these guys and am so happy that they get the happy ending that is much deserved.
Sweet Alps is a truly special place and I hope we're not done with these guys yet. Bennett's best friend Seth is a firecracker. He's definitely an act first find the deets later kinda guy. The support he gives Bennett is special and I'm glad that Bennett has someone in his corner.
Sweet Alps is a truly special place and I hope we're not done with these guys yet. Bennett's best friend Seth is a firecracker. He's definitely an act first find the deets later kinda guy. The support he gives Bennett is special and I'm glad that Bennett has someone in his corner.
September 24, 2025
His Gentle Omega by Raiven Matthews
5/5 ✨🌟
* * * SPOILERS * *
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢. 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘵, 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥,” 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩.
Oh my goodness. I love finding new authors, especially when it comes to alpha/beta romances. Raiven Matthews sucked me in this book from the first book. I’ve never ever read a book about an alpha as the traumatized one versus the omega and this book was so good. Ugh, I need to go back and read the entire series!
From him reconnecting with his brother, Asher, god, I fell in love with their brother love. I love how Asher calls him his little big brother. So adorable.
The things that Edward did to Lucas and Shay, I just wanted to cry and give the dad and the brilliant six year old boy a damn hug.
And Seth is the best friend that Bennett could ever ask for. I always died laughing when Seth acted like he was going to hurt someone just to make Bennett laugh because we all know that Seth is the sweetest.
I couldn’t stop laughing when Shay and Bennett talked about Halloween and Christmas decorations. That was just perfect. Such a sweet and an adorable scene.
I loved this whole book from the beginning to the end. The ending was so sweet from breakfast in bed to the proposal to Lucas practically begging Bennett to keep them.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
5/5 ✨🌟
* * * SPOILERS * *
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢. 𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘺𝘦𝘵, 𝘉𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴. 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥,” 𝘐 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥, 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩.
Oh my goodness. I love finding new authors, especially when it comes to alpha/beta romances. Raiven Matthews sucked me in this book from the first book. I’ve never ever read a book about an alpha as the traumatized one versus the omega and this book was so good. Ugh, I need to go back and read the entire series!
From him reconnecting with his brother, Asher, god, I fell in love with their brother love. I love how Asher calls him his little big brother. So adorable.
The things that Edward did to Lucas and Shay, I just wanted to cry and give the dad and the brilliant six year old boy a damn hug.
And Seth is the best friend that Bennett could ever ask for. I always died laughing when Seth acted like he was going to hurt someone just to make Bennett laugh because we all know that Seth is the sweetest.
I couldn’t stop laughing when Shay and Bennett talked about Halloween and Christmas decorations. That was just perfect. Such a sweet and an adorable scene.
I loved this whole book from the beginning to the end. The ending was so sweet from breakfast in bed to the proposal to Lucas practically begging Bennett to keep them.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
August 16, 2024
This is the final book in the Sweet Alps Mates series and Raiven Matthews saved the best for last.
Shay Pierce is an Alpha who was taught that you never raise your hands nor lay them on an Omega no matter what. Something his Omega mate has learned to use against him in the worst possible of ways. Shay has put up with a lot in the years since he met and married "the Omega of his dreams", (more like his nightmares) but when his husband turns his anger towards their son, Shay knows that it's truly over.
He digs deep, gathers up the last of his strength and leaves with his son, heading for Sweet Alps and his estranged brother Asher.
Bennett Maxwell is a sweet Omega, who works at the hospital when Shay and his son turn up. One touch and Bennett know that Shay is his Fated Mate, but what has the Alpha been through? And will he be ready for a mate anytime soon? He lives in Quinn/Wade/Ryan....the magical match making house :)
Through a forced vacation, needed recovery and "fate" - Bennett and Shay get a few weeks together that are both sweet and heartbreaking as Bennett becomes attached to both his Alpha (and his sweet son) and Shay realizes how desperately he needs to heal.
But the past comes a knocking and Shay needs to protect what Fate has given him.
All the couples we love pop in and we get a glimpse of how life goes on in Sweet Alps.
Please check your TW as the beginning of this book is very realistic and hurts.
Shay Pierce is an Alpha who was taught that you never raise your hands nor lay them on an Omega no matter what. Something his Omega mate has learned to use against him in the worst possible of ways. Shay has put up with a lot in the years since he met and married "the Omega of his dreams", (more like his nightmares) but when his husband turns his anger towards their son, Shay knows that it's truly over.
He digs deep, gathers up the last of his strength and leaves with his son, heading for Sweet Alps and his estranged brother Asher.
Bennett Maxwell is a sweet Omega, who works at the hospital when Shay and his son turn up. One touch and Bennett know that Shay is his Fated Mate, but what has the Alpha been through? And will he be ready for a mate anytime soon? He lives in Quinn/Wade/Ryan....the magical match making house :)
Through a forced vacation, needed recovery and "fate" - Bennett and Shay get a few weeks together that are both sweet and heartbreaking as Bennett becomes attached to both his Alpha (and his sweet son) and Shay realizes how desperately he needs to heal.
But the past comes a knocking and Shay needs to protect what Fate has given him.
All the couples we love pop in and we get a glimpse of how life goes on in Sweet Alps.
Please check your TW as the beginning of this book is very realistic and hurts.
August 30, 2024
This is book 7 of the Sweet Alps Mates series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I have been really enjoying this series and every time I think that it can't get any better, this author proves me wrong. I loved this book. This is the story of Shay Pierce and Bennett Maxwell. Shay is an alpha tiger shifter and Bennett is an omega wolf shifter. Shay and his son are on the run to get away from an abusive relationship. The two meet at the hospital when Shay collapses while searching for his doctor brother. Bennett is called in as he deals with abuse patients in an administrative capacity. As Shay is an alpha, he can't go to the usual omega shelter. When Bennett and Shay first meet Bennett immediately knows that Shay is his fated mate. Both Shay and his son Lucas are supposed to be part of Bennett's world. So Bennett brings them both home to recover at his house as he is on vacation leave for a month. Once Shay's brother gets back home, things may change. This is their story. The book is very well written and easy to read. The chemistry and the dynamics between all the main characters will keep you enthralled with the story. I especially enjoyed that in this case of domestic abuse, it was the alpha who is being abused by the male omega. It is different from the typical DV story and I appreciated the difference. I really loved this book.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2024
This book was such an emotional roller coaster! It had me in tears within the first few chapters and several other times throughout the story. But there is a hard earned HEA, and plenty of laughs and sweet moments along the way too
We are back to fated mates that really have to put in effort to make it work. Shay especially has a lot he has to work through. It's amazing he was able to be that honest with himself and Bennett, and I really admired his strength throughout the story. Lucas, like the rest of the kids in this series, was super sweet and added a great element to the book
I found this book to be fairly low heat, especially compared to the rest of the series. We get a couple scenes, but the couple isn't together for the majority of the book (and are at times trying to avoid each other). There's plenty of drama going on, so extra heat wasn't needed to keep my attention.
I'm really sad to see this series end. Matthews did a fantastic job with world building and creating an amazing found family for her characters. I was happy to see there's a spin off series coming, so hopefully we will still get to revisit some familiar faces. I've got a guess where this new series is going, and I can't wait to see if I'm right!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
We are back to fated mates that really have to put in effort to make it work. Shay especially has a lot he has to work through. It's amazing he was able to be that honest with himself and Bennett, and I really admired his strength throughout the story. Lucas, like the rest of the kids in this series, was super sweet and added a great element to the book
I found this book to be fairly low heat, especially compared to the rest of the series. We get a couple scenes, but the couple isn't together for the majority of the book (and are at times trying to avoid each other). There's plenty of drama going on, so extra heat wasn't needed to keep my attention.
I'm really sad to see this series end. Matthews did a fantastic job with world building and creating an amazing found family for her characters. I was happy to see there's a spin off series coming, so hopefully we will still get to revisit some familiar faces. I've got a guess where this new series is going, and I can't wait to see if I'm right!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review
August 26, 2024
Shay Pierce escaped with his young son from an abusive relationship, with the plan to get to the safety of his estranged brother and mending their rift. He never imagined he would find his fated mate at the worst possible time in his life. His priorities had to be rebuilding his life and breaking the mate bond that had been an epic mistake plus keeping his son safe, and putting all his broken pieces back together. Bennett Maxwell found his fated mate in the bruised and battered Alpha lying in the Emergency Room but one look into Shay’s haunted eyes and he knew he and his adorable son were his future. Giving him the space he asked for was the hardest thing he had ever done, especially with him being his new next-door neighbour. He promised to give him the time he needed to heal, even if it meant keeping his pregnancy from him. But when his ex finds him, he’ll fight for what is his.
I loved this story with an abused Shay who did everything that he could to protect his son Lucas from his father. The in-laws were unbelievable in their blindness and tolerance of what was happening. There is some powerful writing at times and you will cry when you feel everything for Shay, Lucas and Bennett. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings
I loved this story with an abused Shay who did everything that he could to protect his son Lucas from his father. The in-laws were unbelievable in their blindness and tolerance of what was happening. There is some powerful writing at times and you will cry when you feel everything for Shay, Lucas and Bennett. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
** Please read the trigger warnings
December 12, 2024
Oh my god? This is probably one of the best omegaverse books I've ever read.
Istg, it has to be the definition of "don't judge a book by its synopsis." Just jump into the story headfirst and blind, and get swept up in the angst.
I'm taking back every negative comment I made about previous books in this series - I'm going back to thoroughly read them all after this. I'm genuinely shocked by how easily I threw in the towel for other novels by Raiven Mathews. Please accept my formal apology😭🙏 Whatever made me mark them as DNF or less than 4 stars was clearly a severe personal lapse in judgement (or unfair lashing out caused by laziness), and I'll fix that ASAP. I can't remember the last time a shifter/omegaverse novel had a PLOT that made me feel something.
Honestly kinda happy that I jumped from book 1 to book 7 so I could see which couples were the most interesting. So happy that I now have 5+ more books that I'm looking forward to reading.
going to take a 10 minute happy cry break before starting another because WHEW😭🫂 was that heartwrenching
Istg, it has to be the definition of "don't judge a book by its synopsis." Just jump into the story headfirst and blind, and get swept up in the angst.
I'm taking back every negative comment I made about previous books in this series - I'm going back to thoroughly read them all after this. I'm genuinely shocked by how easily I threw in the towel for other novels by Raiven Mathews. Please accept my formal apology😭🙏 Whatever made me mark them as DNF or less than 4 stars was clearly a severe personal lapse in judgement (or unfair lashing out caused by laziness), and I'll fix that ASAP. I can't remember the last time a shifter/omegaverse novel had a PLOT that made me feel something.
Honestly kinda happy that I jumped from book 1 to book 7 so I could see which couples were the most interesting. So happy that I now have 5+ more books that I'm looking forward to reading.
going to take a 10 minute happy cry break before starting another because WHEW😭🫂 was that heartwrenching
August 29, 2024
I knew going into this book I was going to cry. My friend told me so. I was prepared. What I was not prepared for was exactly how much this story resonated with me. Shay is me. Shay is so many thousands of people. This book was everything to me. The writing was true to the topic of DV.
My heart literally ached for these two. Shay is a beautiful soul who loved the wrong person. He did nothing to deserve the pain and suffering he went through. I was rooting him on from the start. I was so proud of him.
My heart broke for Bennett. He wanted to love Lucas and Shay but he respected Shay's decision but it broke his heart.
I cried myself through this book. It was so therapeutic for me. I hope that it helps others as it did me. This is my top read of this year, possibly of all time.
If you've suffered DV there's help out there for you. Please reach out when it is safe for you.
(800) 799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.
My heart literally ached for these two. Shay is a beautiful soul who loved the wrong person. He did nothing to deserve the pain and suffering he went through. I was rooting him on from the start. I was so proud of him.
My heart broke for Bennett. He wanted to love Lucas and Shay but he respected Shay's decision but it broke his heart.
I cried myself through this book. It was so therapeutic for me. I hope that it helps others as it did me. This is my top read of this year, possibly of all time.
If you've suffered DV there's help out there for you. Please reach out when it is safe for you.
(800) 799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788.
August 19, 2024
I have loved this series since the first book came out. We have a fantastic found family. This one is no exception. While you are going to make sure to read the trigger warnings in this book. It is so worth the read. I did need tissues for this book. I loved Shay and everything that he fought for. He knew his son was the first person he wanted to fight for, the second was himself. It took a little more for him to fight for his fated mate Bennett. The pair came together unexpectedly but it took time for them to accept their bond. Our favorite friends do make an appearance and accept Bennett as a part of the gang. For once the quick humor didn’t come all from our favorite brat Wade. Please tell us Seth will find someone to tame him. This is a series that I will always adore. I am so ready to start back at the beginning.
August 16, 2024
This was a great emotional read. I'm emotionally broken, but could understand and feel for the characters in my weird way.
My Feelings Squad book group are going to bawl their eyes out & I'm here for it.
This is very much a check your triggers & content warning before it begins; the things Shay survives is not for the faint of heart. He is truly a strong character to overcome & strive for a better life for himself & his tiny person.
Bennett was the perfect mate for Shay & parent for Lucas. He was everything they needed, but didn't know they needed. They at Shay's lowest & all Bennett saw was a bright future for the three of them.
It was sad to see Bennett take a step back and let Shay work on himself, but you know Fate always has different plans.
Great all around story.
My Feelings Squad book group are going to bawl their eyes out & I'm here for it.
This is very much a check your triggers & content warning before it begins; the things Shay survives is not for the faint of heart. He is truly a strong character to overcome & strive for a better life for himself & his tiny person.
Bennett was the perfect mate for Shay & parent for Lucas. He was everything they needed, but didn't know they needed. They at Shay's lowest & all Bennett saw was a bright future for the three of them.
It was sad to see Bennett take a step back and let Shay work on himself, but you know Fate always has different plans.
Great all around story.
August 23, 2024
Shay, an alpha, is married with a child but a survivor of domestic abuse. He takes his child after a beating and runs to his brother Asher in Sweet Alps. There he meets Bennett after collapsing at the ER. In the last book of the Sweet Alps series, your heart breaks for Shay's circumstances, the fear of leaving he felt and the trauma and self guilt from the abuse. Bennett recognizes his fated mate but Shay can't deal with it. This is such an emotional book, I had tears running down my face reading it. I love when a writer can make me feel so much, a book that can touch me. The moment when Asher comforts Shay broke me. Everyone needs to read this book! I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
August 13, 2024
Having reached his breaking point, alpha Shay finally takes a stand and removes himself and his son from their home environment and seeks out the only family he has left.
His journey brings him to Bennett, the omega that fate meant for him and so begins their journey of healing, love and happiness.
This was an emotional read at times as it is a story that deals with a realistic aspect of life. I loved the connection between the characters and the way Bennett bonded with Shays son. The ending was lovely and I’m sad to see this series come to an end.
His journey brings him to Bennett, the omega that fate meant for him and so begins their journey of healing, love and happiness.
This was an emotional read at times as it is a story that deals with a realistic aspect of life. I loved the connection between the characters and the way Bennett bonded with Shays son. The ending was lovely and I’m sad to see this series come to an end.
August 19, 2024
It's taken me a while to find the words to describe this book, to say it's fantastic would be an understatement. It tackles some very serious and hard issues with depth and compassion (please read the TW before reading). The characters are beautifully written and are easy to empathise with and to love. I enjoyed seeing some faithful friends with other characters from previous novels popping in and out. Basically, I love this book, just like I've loved all the others in this series but be warned you will need tissues.
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