Psycho Alphas: Part One

An Unhinged Reverse Harem Duet #1

by Marie Mackay

Dark, deranged, unhinged...

No one's ever gonna want us Bunny, not really.
I’m the kind of Omega only good for keeping Alphas out of ruts.
Rejected by my own mate.
Unwanted.
Even though all I dream of is a sketchbook and an alpha to cuddle.
Now, I've been kidnapped and dragged on stage for auction: to be sold like a trophy. Everything seems hopeless until I scent match an alpha hidden in the crowd.

He’s gotta be the highest bidder, right?
He won't leave me like the last one did…

But the Alpha who takes my chain isn't the one I want. Knox Wilde might have spent a fortune for my collar, but only because he owns the scent match I just discovered. Insane, cruel, and controlling, Knox wants to use me like his plaything to punish my mate—the Alpha he's keeping muzzled in the basement.
But he doesn't know the kind of crazy he's messing with, Bunny.
He wanted a pet he could ruin without a thought?
But I might just become his worst obsession.


This is the first part of a dark MFMM omegaverse romance duet. Please check trigger warnings. Set in the same universe as Queen of Diamonds, with some crossover characters, but books can be read in any order.

Genres: Omegaverse, Dark, Romance, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Why Choose, Fantasy

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 12, 2024

About the author

A British-Canadian writer, artist, and ex nurse currently living in BC, Canada. All the art-from the cover, to the illustrations within the pages-are her own.

I'm a self-proclaimed angst queen, and I write omegaverse and fantasy romance, most often with many lovers per lady. I have a strong preference toward enemies to lovers, bully, and dark romance.

The voices I bring to the paper draw from the distinct social settings in which I have lived, the many places I have travelled, and from my time in health care.

I maintain a commitment not to write pregnancy in my books (including epilogues). While I have nothing against the beauty of babies, my leading ladies find HEAs outside of children <3

Reviews

[KierstenReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not exaggerating when I say I have absolutely no idea what is going on in this book.

[chelle (serial downvoter) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is wild… I almost dnf’d a bunch just because the first half is… intense to say the least. Without spoiling anything I’ll say this: I never want to be in the same room as thistle EVER, she’s not even real and she fucking scares me.


(Note to future me, please do not read the sequel)

I need a drink.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I needed Thistle Maverick to belong to me; my toy to use however I wanted, to ruin in every way, knowing that destruction was mine to witness, to keep or share however I wished.

I think I lost count of the number of times I said, “OH SHIT!” while reading this book. If you’ve read Marie’s other OVs, you know she excels at writing broken characters. These are probably her best ones yet - everyone is damaged. Everyone’s hands are bloody.

Be prepared for a mind fuck. You won’t know which way is up, who is the villain (TBF, they all are….), and what’s coming next.

I was instantly hooked, right through that cliffhanger ending. Holy moly, that was a rough one! I am dying for Part II.

This is a mixed-burn and spicy why choose omegaverse romance.

Highly recommended to all you OV lovers!

[britta ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dramatic purple prose word salad shit show 😂 wtf is going on???!

[Spice and Shelf Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very erratic, and honestly I still don’t know what was going on.

I guess they were all human traffickers? So Rogue and Ace were too? Really struggled to feel any sort of real connection, and Thistle was … a lot to take in.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second read. 2 stars.

Did I just re-read a book I rated 2 stars? Yes, yes I did. You might question my sanity for re-reading a book with so many red flags. I didn't think I would. But I wanted to read the 2nd book to find out what happens and it's been so long since I first read this book and the 2nd book didn't answer everything so I re-read. This time, I listened to the audiobook and it was excellent duet narration.

Below is full of spoilers... and if you've read this, please join me in this impromptu book club conversation.

1. Who are the heroes? Are they actually villains?
- Ace: He's part of a gang that does what? I can't tell other than he's a very violent person who treats Thistle like trash in all the past memories. In book 2, he goes from hating her to loving her and I'm still not sure why.
- Rogue: His parents were garbage and he's determined to not be a piece of garbage, too. He's the best man to Thistle and in book 2, he has the best lines about sex not being a necessity and he'll cuddle Thistle as much as she needs. It's probably the most beautiful part of this story. But... he sees Knox and cannot help but claim him. Sadly, he then traps him and beats him until the tables are turned. It seems like he might be in love with Knox in a weird way.
- Knox: He was a victim and killed his brother in some twisted games (I think... but this duet is so confusing that I'm trying my best to connect the dots and I'm not sure I understood this correctly). He's determined to ruin the slavery ring that had originally captured him. And it's awesome that he does so much. BUT, he not only keeps Rogue in a cage, as a pet, he treats Thistle like CRAP because she's Rogue's scent match?

2. Thistle. She's a victim and a psychopath. She loves killing/cutting and matches Ace in a lust for blood. She's tiny and cute but also deadly. She's cunning and crazy. I HATE that she falls in love with men who abuse her. But I love that she gets her way.

3. The plot. This is such a dark world where people are sold and used and the main characters are part of it more than I'd like. I appreciate that they work to dismantle the system, but it's also not enough.

Safety deets
- It isn't safe. There is abuse, non-consent, dubious consent. Ace sleeps with other omegas.
- They get their HEA at the end. In the most bonkers way.

Questions I still have
- Where was Ace this whole time!?
- Why did Knox treat Rogue so badly? Why did he treat Thistle so badly?
- Why did Rogue hurt Knox?
- Did they end up dismantling the system?
- How could they remove Rogue from the records? People would remember him!

---

First read. No rating.

This is the most twisted book. Why am I reading it?

I can't give this a star rating.

Ugh. Dark romance but so intriguing.

What have I done!? The second book isn't published yet!!!!???? I have condemned myself without meaning to. I NEEEEEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!!!

[Mildred · Rating 2 out of 5]

Logic was not consulted in the making of this book.

So Knox was going to punish Rogue by destroying Thistle. But the destroying of her was done by giving her orgasms?

If I never read the term “violet galaxies” it will be too soon.

The point I actually started to hate this book was when a man who had been raped and tortured for years was… raped. Yes, women can and do rape men.

Part two of this book doesn’t come out for another year. By then I will have completely forgotten who is who. Future self, don’t read the sequel. It’s not going to be worth it.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled alot. I love dark romance when it doesn't feel contrived for shock value. I won't even get started on the mental health rep [or lack of healthy mental health portrayal]

[Stacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I signed up for this ARC going in mostly blind.
I saw the tropes and title and signed up immediately!

I was so happy, as I’ve read Queen of Diamonds, and I was so heartbroken for Thistle!

This is part one, so there is a cliff hanger, but this book was near impossible to put down!

How Thistles brain works as an Omega is so fascinating to me and I love her so much! My sweet girl just wants to be loved for once in her life 😭

Her alphas, woof, what a bunch.
One in particular (no spoilers) will be so interesting to see how it all pans out come book two. There was a major twist I was NOT expecting!

Impatiently waiting for part two, but absolutely adored part one!

[Michael K · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @21%.

It's just a lot of demeaning jargon.
I really thought with the time-skips that we'd see a different outcome for the main lead--but it's just a lot for a reader like me. I can do some, but the constant beat of plot seeped in negativity is rough.

Good luck!~

[Klyne McComas · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have no idea what I just read. Genuinely confused 🤔

[Cassandra]

DNF @ 36%

I was trying to power through because I like the author and I love an omega who doesn’t know how to omega. Thistle was fun. And Rogue was intriguing. But I really didn’t like Knox. And there were also some scenes that went too far for my tastes.

[Morgan Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

what just happened

Omg I told myself I didn’t want to read this yet because the second one isn’t out.

I should have listened lol

This was so good! I can’t deal! Dark, twisty.. made my brain work.

Love the characters. I can’t wait for their HEA!
But how will it happen?

[Conner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My god Thistle is insane. This was so fun but also the most stressful Marie Mackay I’ve read (in a fantastic way). I feel like I spent the whole book in a total state of despair for Thistle. The flashbacks were so well done. You start off the book with fairly clear opinions of the two male leads, and the flashbacks beautifully challenge and complicate those opinions. Super morally grey, toxic men that honestly don’t stand a chance against this crazy FMC. Thistle is a very unique underdog and though I thought I might struggle with her as a character because of the crazy, she totally endeared me to her. My heart wept for her throughout the whole book. Flashbacks were devastating. Her coping mechanisms were devastating. At the same time because of her little quirks this book had so many light and funny moments that balanced out the horrible situation the characters are in. This was delish.

The ending. Jesusssss. I didn’t expect the big reveal at the end at all to be honest. I’m dying for part 2. This is the first time I’ve read a Marie Mackay where I’ve had to wait for the next book and I’m going to collapse with that cliffhanger.

[ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay listen.
This plot seems a little all over the place and I really only stayed bc thistle seemed like my kind of psycho. And I think it could’ve shined through more and made more sense if the plot wasn’t everywhere. This is the kind of behavior I want when others write books about psychotic FMCs but then never deliver.
Will I read the second one? Probably. Just to see what happens.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I literally have no idea what I just read. Everyone needs a psych eval asap… that’s the only thing I’m sure of.

[Taylor Wittman · Rating 2 out of 5]

No… just no

Now I normally love dark romance, especially omegaverse ones but this is just not it.

Super choppy time skips and the plot is all over the place. I felt like I needed a whiteboard and some red string to help me piece together some parts. I could not be bothered to finish reading the last 3 pages because nothing made sense and I just wanted it to be over.

[*-The Pink Dahlia -* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Uhhhh…*nervous laughter* I’ll just…uh…leave this review here for you *backs out of room slowly*

That was…a thing…*more nervous laughter*

I, uh, well I don’t really know what the fuck to say about it.
The FMC is an omega who has been so badly neglected and abused by everyone she has ever been in contact with that she’s mentally broken. Not a little. Like, a couple sandwiches short of a picnic.
The MMC’s are all bad. They’ve all done bad things to others. Some more so than the rest.

Is there a plot? Meh…she’s trafficked, and then taken back to the home of an alpha who wants to use her against another alpha who is her scent match. Who he’s holding prisoner as well.
But it all sort of gets convoluted along the way.
And she’s nuts.

It was a bit sad to be honest. She’s been so abused that she’s lost the plot.

⭐️ Plot: 2,5/5
🌶️ Spice: 2/5
📖 Genre: Dark Omegaverse
🏞️ Setting: Mansion
🗣️ POV: Multiple
🛏️ Tropes:
- Trafficking
- Abuse (read the TW’s)
- Mentally unstable FMC
- Psycho MMC’s
- Non Con. Lots of it.
- Dub Con - lots of that too.
- revenge

[Britney ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, very first thing. That cliffy? Criminal.

Every time I read something by Marie Mackay I'm like, okay, this is the best thing she's ever written, and somehow she topped it?? Again??

Im in love with Thistle. She's unlike any other omega I've read. She's a tad ✨️crazy✨️ but we love that for her. It breaks your heart a little bit reading through what goes on in her head so seeing her fight for her alphas is 🤌🤌. You're gonna giggle and kick your feet at some of the absolute off the wall stuff she does you just can't help it.

The dynamic between Knox and Rogue was so interesting. There's hints about why they are the way they are throughout the book but you don't really get to the meat of it until towards the end and by that point you're like holy heck?? They're both kind of awful but Knox they could never make me hate you.


It gets your attention from the first chapter and trust me it's gonna have you in a chokehold the entire way through.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Omegaverse, if you don’t know what it is, please take the time to look it up before you judge this book. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s DEFINITELY Mine.
*Grins*

I Give this Book a 4.5/5 Star Rating, Listing as High 4.

Cliffhanger(?): Well Yeah, you know going in (hence Part 1). And It Was FANTASTIC!

Relationship Type: RH>Reverse Harem: MFMM
M/M(?): No
Dark(?): 2.5/5, this may be darker for others.
Heat: 4.5/5
Pacing: Mid-ish
Romance: 4-4.5/5
Suspense: 4.5-5/5
Drama: 4-4.5/5

Going into Heat(?): Does Occur
Nesting(?): Does Occur
Knotting(?): Does Occur, Yes!!!
MPREG(?): Not in this Book, but in this Bookverse? Possibly? 🤷‍♀️
Purring: kinda, but more rumbling.
Biting: Yes LOTS!
Mate Marking(?): Does Occur
Marking I suppose? By Bite(?) Does Occur.
Scent Marking(?): Does Occur
Slick(?): Does Occur.
Obsessive Behavioral Signs: I’d say so yes.
Group Heat Scenes(?, if RH): Not exactly(?) but I’m thrilled to see what’ll happen in Book 2!
Alpha Dominance and/or Aggression(?): Does Occur
Omega Submissive Behavior(?): Does Occur

This was a pretty captivating read, that’s pretty much all I want to say.
Thistle is without a doubt my one of top favorite female omegas, she was so freaking adorable and most definitely one of the most precious omegas I’ve ever read. I can’t wait to see where this is heading! 😍

[TheBookPlatypus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love when I randomly stumble upon a new to me author on Instagram and love a piece of artwork made for one of their books and I download that book to give a try and then I end up freaking loving that book. That is what happened with Psycho Alphas!!
I love my omegaverse combined with dark romance. Thistle is an omega who has been relentlessly, abused and thrown to different alphas multiple times. She is like an unhinged, Bambi or Winnie the Pooh lol. She is sweet and innocent and also murderous. She has a stuffed animal that she talks to like it’s real. And all she really wants is cuddles and an alpha who wants her and loves her.
When she finally finds her scent match, she realizes that he is a prisoner to another alpha and kept muzzled and behind bars.
As each characters, backstory unfolds, I literally cannot stop reading to understand what was going on. I read this book and one sweep. It had my adrenaline rushing and rooting for these unhinged morally gray characters.

I find this author really set up a unique world within the omegaverse genre. And I’m absolutely obsessed. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book. The twist turns at the end had me spiraling!

[DarcieReadsALot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of the Psycho Alphas duet SO MUCH! Poor Thistle has really been through it and I was immediately endeared to her. There's so much mystery and intrigue around what really happened that brought everybody to where they are in this book. You get to meet each of the characters and slowly learn their histories, which made me hate them one minute and go "awwww" the next! Despite the dark nature of the world and the seemingly poor choices everyone was making, I irrevocably fell in love with the characters.

And listen, based on some of the reviews I've read for this, some people need to manage their expectations when it literally says it's an "unhinged reverse harem duet." If you're going to judge this book harshly based on its unhinged nature, why did you even pick it up?! I completely adored the unhinged aspects - they kept me on my toes and had me shocked one moment and laughing out loud the next! I was endlessly entertained!

I've read a lot of omegaverse and this world has some unique concepts like soul matching and heat bonding that have been really interesting! The ending was chaotic and heartbreaking in equal measure. That cliffhanger had me jumping into part two immediately! If you're wanting to get your hands on a dark, reverse harem omegaverse with angst and an abundance of AO instincts, but ONLY if you're interested in unhinged behavior, you're going to love this duet!

[Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 - 3 stars (honestly, impossible to pin down more precisely, because some things i hated and others i loved lol).

this was absolutely unhinged 😂 but i can't say i wasn't warned.

the heroine was probably THE most traumatized heroine ive ever come across 🙈 it was... a lot. the amount of abuse she had suffered through was extreme.

at around ~60% the story really softened and the heroes too. i smiled so hard at some scenes (thistle sobbing in the art supplies store omg).
i wanted more of that. the sweetness and the heroes' devotion. the lack of all that is why i struggled with the first half.
the first half was very dark and there were a lot of sex scenes that were dub con or non con. but i got through it, and was rewarded with how completely the heroes fell for the heroine.

i have soo many questions about the hero Ace, and i can't imagine what his relationship with the heroine will look like in the next book.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Thistle! Ava Max said it best when she sang “oh she's sweet but a psycho” - and it’s just so dang endearing! Paired with alphas at war with one another - why are morally grey monsters so hot - the interactions were utter perfection!

Marie has outdone herself with these characters and her writing. I don’t think my heart got a break, between moments of elation and humour at Thistle’s antics, to soul crushing sadness for what each character (main and side) had endured.. I was holding on for the entire ride!

And that sneaky little epilogue - I never thought you would catch me changing my mind!

I need book two immediately! 🙏🙏

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Marie Mackay’s writing! It’s chaotic with a purpose and intense. It never feels like I’m reading about an FMC that is similar to any of her other FMCs, which means I’m never bored.

I love Thistle and Bunny 💜 I think she might potentially be my favorite Omega that Marie has written because yes—she is a little nuts—but she’s also a fighter, and she somehow manages to maintain a level of optimism that I know I sure wouldn’t have if I went through half of what she’s experienced.

I’m glad I held out on reading this until book two was ready, because that cliffhanger..yeah I’m definitely jumping into book 2 immediately!

[Kelly Scissons · Rating 2 out of 5]

What did I just read? Unhinged, not in a good way. What's going on with Thistle? The girl is NOT ok.

[&#x1f407; · Rating 5 out of 5]

THATS FR ME

[HellsBellsnSexySpells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this is one of the most fun and interesting FMCs I've read in this genre. She's not just a rip off of a million other stories. I loved the characters, plot, pacing, and spice. Can't wait for part 2

[tane'a · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ you know what, i’m intrigued

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thistle and Bunny

Psycho Alphas is a wild ride. It's a little confusing and erratic, but I think that represents Thistle's splintered mind.