Sawyer and the Bookworms

The Candyverse #3

by Mona Black

Omega Sawyer O'Connell is one proud owner of the Book Café, a cat called Potato, and a bevy of awesome friends. He participates at the book club of the local library, plays videogames and reads books, and isn't lonely.

Never. Not ever. How could he be lonely? He's so super busy all the time and he's surrounded by lovely people.

And yet…

cats and books can't fill the void of a mate in your life.

So no matter how cute Potato is, he can't replace the need of a pack.

Not to mention that Sawyer's parents have given him an choose a pack and tie the knot, or lose your business.

Enter Brinlee, fellow bookworm and sweet, pretty girl, hiding secrets and staying distant—and the McGraw Pack which consists of three otherworldly hunks who think they don't need more mates.

Perfect, huh? Not complicated at all.

Cue scent-match, interests-match, personality-match, and full-out fatal attraction, and everyone's well-thought-out plans go down the drain.

What happens when the pull is so strong your rational brain decides to go on vacation, leaving primal instincts behind the wheel?

A crash.

A disaster.

A chance to change direction?

With his first heat coming on, Sawyer has to decide between losing everything and gaining a pack, between taking a leap of faith and taking control of his life, giving into his feelings, or hiding in yet another book's pages forever.

Can he trust that love will find a way?
 

* This is a sweet omegaverse standalone novel with low angst, four gorgeous guys and a delta girl who find happiness together, accepting themselves and finding trust and love in each other. This story contains M/M, knotting, heats and ruts. Please note that this is not a shifter story, but it is set in a world where apart from gender, we have a designation as alpha, beta, omega, or more. Omegas are more submissive and are generally paired with dominant alphas. This is an oversimplification of course, I hope that in the course of the story it all becomes clear.*

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance, Polyamory, Romance, Found Family

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2024

About the author

Mona is a changeling living in the human world. She writes fantasy romance and reverse harem romance, and is an avid reader of fantasy and paranormal books. Read her fantasy romance series "Cursed Fae Kings" or her Reverse Harem paranormal romance series "Pandemonium Academy Royals". Follow for updates and new release announcements!

Reviews

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Polyamarous MMMMF Omegaverse romance with book lovers!
I haven't read the other books in this series, but I love to read about Male Omegas so of course, I was gonna give this a try. I liked that Sawyer & Brinlee both get focused, we get more Sawyer POVs - I loved that. Would have liked to get more of the alphas POVs too tho!

I was just gonna check this out as I hadn't read the other books, so I skipped & skimmed some scenes here & there. Then I just kept reading till end & completed this within 5hrs! The writing did feel stilted on some scenes to me 🤔.

Omega Sawyer is our character of focus who owns a book cafe, values his independence with a major crush on Delta (1st time I've read it!) Brinlee who is sweet & cautious. Kyrian is broody & Archer's take-charge, both Alphas are a pack with Beta Roman, they also work together at a bar. Ky pisses off Sawyer at 1st meet lol.

I liked that they all had their struggles to deal with here, the mental health rep is appreciated. Roman (like most betas, lol) is like a bridge & balance. This book was more angsty than I expected, with confusion & new-ness plus a dash of bad communication (generally, not my fav trope but understandable). And, family pressure(s)! I did yell twice to "JUST TALK" but even I run from awkward convos 😅. They're all sweet when they get together, & the smut is good🔥 (3/5 🌶️). Things get emotional at times too!

Overall, the book was a good time! I gotta give this series a try.

(Short bursts read: 12 July 2024).

[Icegaze · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is misleading and in my opinion if you have to fight this hard to get a chance to START a relationship, it’s not worth it.

Sawyer: a massively anxious Omega with OCD and an overbearing family who are pressuring and financially abusing him so that he’ll bend to their will and get with a pack they approve of. The only alternative he has is a pack of men who only verbally state interest in when it’s nearly too late and a woman who keeps rejecting and running away from him. Oh and he owns a cafe that offers up books to read. He doesn’t sell them. He doesn’t loan them out like a library. They’re there as a gimmick and to satisfy his OCD urge to organize them by color.

Brinlee: an exotic dancer who has been forced into light, socially acceptable levels of sex work to pay for her brother’s hospital bills. The brother isn’t important enough to get much on page time because he’s just an excuse for her to keep rejecting the pack and Sawyer. Oh, and she likes to read.

Kyrian: an illiterate alpha who thinks he’s a big dumb ol’ asshole because foster care so he acts like one to even his own pack that he professes to love, honor and cherish whenever anyone gets too close to his not-secret. Oh and he’s like super hot and good deep down so it’s all okay.

The other Alpha and pack Beta are good, no complaints for either of them, though I wouldn’t say they were bookworms exactly. They like to read and Roman is definitely more of a fan boy than Archer, but bookworms? That’s a stretch.

It isn’t until 90% of the way in that they all even decide to give a relationship together a chance. There’s very little spending time together getting to know each other because the omega and the delta spend so much time running away. How am I supposed to root for them when I’m so absolutely frustrated with them?

[Melonenbrot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of have a love-hate-relationship with the Candyverse books of Mona Black. On the one hand, the writing style is pleasant and the characters are quite vivid and (mostly) likeable. On the other hand, there is too much inner monologue usually repetitively circling personal insecurities, anxieties etc. I'm all about inner monologues but there needs to be a balance between plot, character interactions and inner monologue. It probably wouldn't bother me so much if it wasn't usually just a pity party. I get that Sawyer, Brin and Ky have their problems, resulting in insecurities and anxious thoughts but it was just too much! Reading Sawyer's inner monologue alone gave ME anxiety after a while. Now multiply that by three characters who are all spiraling around their own problems. I'm not trying to downplay OCD, anxiety, the strain of having a sick relative you are responsible for, illiteracy etc. but I don't need to read about it again and again and again to get the gist. It really bothered me that the three characters ran away from their problems for about 90 % of the story. There was hardly any plot if there was any because the story mainly consisted about Sawyer being anxious all the time while mooning over Brin and the pack, Brin running away for ridiculous reasons and Ky being grumpy because he felt he wasn't good enough for his pack.

There were also major continituity inconsistencies. For example, I'm pretty sure Ky had already met Brin in the library, but he had no big reaction to her. Later on in the Book Café he is like immediatly amazed by her, but appartenly doesn't recognize her?! At the end of the story Sawyer's brother says he has met Ky in the gym and that Ky told him that Saywer bonded with the pack. However, up to that point Eric had never been introduced to the pack so how would he know and recognize Ky? Moreover, Roman says rather early in the story that Archer has a theory about Ky - which readers assume would be about his illiteracy. Then in the banana condom scene he is joking - I quote “Can’t you read, man?”, so reader thinks: Okay, maybe they don't know about the analphabetism, after all. In the end they knew though... Why did Roman make that kind of joke then? That is damn cruel and doesn't suit the picture of the pack's love for each other. And by the way: They never used the banana condoms and just had unprotected sex! And then in Ky's big talk to Brin he came clean about his illiteracy - I quote: “I’m illiterate, but I didn’t tell them. I was afraid they’d figure it out, I was sure they’d ditch me the minute they knew, but again they didn’t.” You basically just told them about it! From what you know they didn't know! So how were they supposed to ditch you before unless they have a time machine? There were so many things in this story that just didn't make sense it leaves you dizzy.

Another issue I have is Brin being a delta. Up to this point I've only read omegaverse stories with the usual alpha, beta and omega designations so I found the delta thing kind of intriguing at first. However, in the end Brin could have just been a beta because it made absolutely no difference. We had maybe 3 sentences describing what made a delta a delta and it didn't clarify anything. Okay so her scent is sweet and spicy instead of just sweet, but other than that she was exactly like a beta except that her looks were more omega-like. It is not like she could take a knot or even evoke an alpha's knot and there were no designation-unique physical attributes. So I kind of didn't get the deal behind the delta thing. What's the point?

Furthermore, the scent match thing was rather unclear in my opinion. It was mentioned in passing. No big reactions and immediate recognition like in other omegaverse stories which made me wonder for most of the time: Are they all a scent match or not? Didn't help that for most of the characters no distinct description of their scents were made and the ones that were made were partly changed throughout the book. I remember being confused because Brin's scent was later on described differently than it was before. Seeing as scent is playing such an important role in omegaverses, that was kind of irritating.

Brin's reasons for running away were ridiculous in my opinion. I get the emotional stress considering her situation, but why not just talk to the guys and explain it? What was all the secrecy about? Okay, the brother didn't want her to tell anyone about his condition but I'm pretty sure he meant the people he knows - not some strangers his sister is crushing on. Brin thinks she has no right to tell anyone. Why? You are directly affected and it burdens you, so of course you can share it! All the time she is selfishly running away and hurting Sawyer because she feels she is not good enough. Again: Why? You're brother's condition is not your fault and the financial burden is nothing to be ashamed of. Taking care of someone like that is something that deserves respect and admiration, but Brin basically treats her brother like a dirty secret. Moreover, the reader is totally misled by the author throughout the book. For example, Brin's former boss is hinting that she did something wrong that would be the cause of the debts she has. I quote: “Do they (the pack) know what you need all the money for? Do they know who you are, and why you have debts?” In how far is her reason a questionable one? And what do you mean by "Do they know who you are?". You would think she is a criminal on the run. That whole question was totally ridiculous and made me think the author's original idea behind the debt was a different one but later on she changed it and forgot to edit the existing parts. Also, Brin was quite the hypocrite when she got angry at Sawyer. She reflected a bit later on but it still felt lacking considering how self-righteous she was while just running away again a minute later. She basically had sex with the pack and then ran without any explanation even though she was angry at Sawyer for doing something similar just a few minutes ago. Felt like she just wanted to be chased. Sorry to say this but considering all this I kind of don't like her.

Sawyer's way of handling his problem is also quite questionable. In the first place: He inherited the building from a relative so there is no rent to pay for the café or his own appartment. Also, he is renting at least one apartment in the building to other people so he even generates an income from that apart from the café. I know the equipment, inventory, energy etc. costs money but how big can the debt be, all things considered, if the café is not doing too badly? How much money are we talking about that he would rather "sell" himself to a pack he doesn't like than for example sell the café (and maybe try again at another location later on) or to try take out a loan from a bank or even ask is friends who are also business people so that he can pay back his parents? Why not talk to at least one of your hundreds of friends to share the emotional burden? Again: Why the secrecy? In the end Sawyer's debt problem was "magically" solved... That defenitely seemed too easy considering the whole drama throughout the book.

That basically describes the whole story: A lot of fake drama about nothing. Every drama queen running away from their problems instead of facing them head-on and being honest. No one trying to find a real solution or at least communicate the problem so others are not affected. They all simply resigned and felt sorry for themselves while hurting others with their bullshit. That annoyed me to no end, but of course at the end everything was speed-solved. A few mushy words and a heat were the omega is immediately bitten instead of maybe talking it through first without the influence of crazy hormones...

These are only the major problems I had with the story. There are a few smaller ones but I already grouched enough.

In the end I can only say that the story in itself had potential but the execution was lacking and quite frustrating. Too bad, because I kind of liked Sawyer as a character.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 86% I Really Tried

I really wanted to enjoy this book. Brin is not even a fully developed character. I get having a character with secrets. I even get having someone who’s scared to let someone in. But 86% of this book is Brin saying maybe 4 sentences and running off like the mafia is after her. We get it. She has debts. Someone is sick. Probably her brother. Whether it’s legit or not? Who knows? We never really get to know her. We barely get to know Sawyer. And the McGraw pack? They’re compelling but also paper thin. I almost tossed this book at 35% because no one seemed to be willing to talk. Then I was pretty sure that the pack actually made it clear they wanted both…but for the next 20% of the book everyone seemed to be confused. I don’t even know what is happening and honestly, I’ll probably avoid this author in the future.

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 2 out of 5]

What started out as a seemingly good Omegaverse story, ended up being a chaotic kind of mess with a less than satisfying ending. The story has good elements: a male Omega, multiple designations, a formed pack with all males that are all "together," a heat, appropriate amount of drama, and a HEA. But when added all together, it kind of just fell flat. Plus, the spice wasn't even that great to fill in the gaps of the plot. Maybe a 1.5/5 peppers on the spice scale at best.

The lack of communication between so many adults was kind of astonishing. We have the FMC and the Omega MMC who run away and push others away because they think that people will find them too difficult to deal with. Not giving anyone a chance and dealing with their feelings in very childish ways. Then we have miscommunication within the pack, specifically with one member who has a lot of self doubt and concerns about being kicked out of his pack. And more to the point, those members know that he's been keeping a secret and letting him stew about it, AND that he has doubts about adding members to their pack. Instead of reaching out to him and calming those doubts or having a heart to heart with him, they wait until he comes to them. But at that point, he's worked himself up into a frenzy and he's almost lost it. Seemed unnecessarily cruel to do to him.

There is also so much hype and build up behind what's "wrong" with Sawyer (Omega MMC) and what secret Brinlee (FMC) is keeping that when those things do come to light - there's not a lot of effort that goes into explaining or resolving those issues. There was so much surrounding those issues and then all of a sudden, they're fixed like it was no big deal. It felt like the climax of the story was in the wrong place or there should have been more after all that was revealed. The pack takes so damn long to get their shit together that we don't see a lot of them all together and their dynamics, which would have been nice to see since I read so much to get to that point! Having their secrets come out like halfway through the book and then getting to see the pack all together would have been a better flow for the book I feel. That way the issues could have had more explanation or development after coming to light and maybe we'd get to read some spicier scenes. Because the vague way that the heat was described and the general lack of spice was a little disappointing.

If you read Omegaverse stories for the build up and pack formation, then this is a good story for you. If you read it for the smut and pack dynamics after they get together, then this isn't a great choice. Like I said, I really thought it had a lot of potential and I was hooked for the first 60%, but when I realized we weren't going to be getting the ending that I was hoping for in terms of plot development, the story wasn't as great.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As for omegas, I loved Sawyer. He was relatable, interesting, and still held a masculinity even with being an omega. I liked the fact that he claimed women as being his preference in attraction until he met the pack. It always feels that male omegas, tend to have only have a strong sexual attraction to males and usually have none to little experience or attraction to women until they meet a woman the pack is interested in, and usually that is with dual omega stories rather than a delta or female beta. It was also nice to see yes, the pack was interested in him but wanting to also have Brin as well ( even though it seemed more for him than themselves). Let’s face it, they didn’t claim her with a bite, even though she mentioned being their scent match or at least Ky‘s, Ky, didn’t really seem to feel a pull to her as strong as he did Sawyer. Ro, also felt a stronger pull to Sawyer as he became upset at one point when Sawyer, seemed more interested in talking about Brin (as he sensed her being in trouble), than acknowledging that they were trying to show interest in him. The truth of the matter is the story is boring. Frankly, it made no sense that she couldn’t share with them that her brother was sick so she had financial difficulties. I can’t imagine her brother feeling like no, stay by yourself, only work to pay my bills and never find a pack. Did we really need to go through that many Uber rides and club visits to find out she had a sick brother and then to meet him right then on spot as to where he was open and joking with her mates? I expected him to lose his mind having them there but he seemed to have not known his sickness was a secret. It was ridiculous and felt a bit juvenile to be honest. I do plan to read another of the series just because I have time and sometimes, series become better or worse but it couldn’t hurt to give it a try, but this is not a book I would recommend. If not for sawyer and potato, it would have been a one star review. It was simply because potato and Sawyer seemed like a match made in heaven and between the mention of coffee and the cafe actually led me to one today. That was enough to add two more stars for me.

[Susan McWhinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant read by Mona Black. A story with all the feels. Sawyer, a quiet Omega, with his OCD tendencies, trying to find his way in life. Boy meets girl....Brinlee, a Delta, wanting so much more in life but has lots of obstacles to overcome. Trying to make ends meet, she feels she is not good enough for anyone to want to take notice of her or invite her into a pack. But Sawyer does notice her, and tries way too hard to make her notice him, and frightens her away!
Loved the push and pull of these two MC and the slow burn of trying too hard but too shy to come forward with their feelings.
Then there is Kyrian, Roman and Archer, who had already decided they did not need an Omega or Delta to complete their pack. They were happy and secure in their relationships, until Kyrian meets Sawyer at his book cafe and definitely leaves a lasting impression on Sawyer. Kyrian hiding a secret of his own finds himself at the library and stumbles across Brinlee.....and yeh she leaves an impression on him too.....and he is like WTH!!
Everything is going along fine, until it isn't! When Kyrian, Archer and Roman all meet Sawyer, they see something in him that were not looking for. They soon set their sights on Brinlee too, and want to find out all about her secrets and needing to get close to her too. This slow burn Omega-verse story gets you in it's grip and doesn't let go until the final chapter!
It has you wanting more until you finally get your release from them finally making it to their HEA, but oh what a ride! It's hot, steamy and passionate in all the right places!! I loved it as am sure you will too!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are a lot of people in this book. Especially in the beginning, and from Sawyer's POV there are an almost overwhelming amount of side characters. But once everyone meet cutes and the book settles into the main pack-to-be it's a bit more focused and easier to follow. This is definitely a hard fought romance with plenty of questions and feelings of inadequacy. It's also really sweet.

I wish we had gotten to know some of the characters a bit better, but Sawyer is a good focus and I like how complex and well written he was. Also I can very much relate to some of his anxiety issues. This was a lovely pack and I like how they were so caring, not just to Sawyer and Brin, but each other. A lovely light read for a weekend afternoon.

Also, I just have to say about her family. Her brother is a total jerk to not only saddle her with his debt but tell her she cannot discuss it with anyone, so she is emotionally and financially crippled. I get his sick but he doesn't seem to care about her at all. And I can't help but wonder about the world building with Deltas Is Brin actually part of the pack the same way the other are? Or just pack in name. They didn't do the whole claiming bite thing to her or Roman so is it just the Omega anchors the pack and that's why it's not legal without one? And Roman bit him, but Sawyer said her bite wouldn't take so does she not get the same claim because she's a delta? They are clearly still a pack anyway but kind of interesting.

[Steppikenka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Of:
~ Sawyer and the Bookworms
(Candyverse #3)
By Mona Black

🍌Overall review out of 5: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🍋Page count: 338
🍊Chapter count: 46
🍑Heat: 🔥🔥🔥
🍎Cliffhanger: No
🍉Can it be read as a stand-alone: Yes
🍇Book type: Omegaverse, Romance, Polyamory
🫐Main character/s:
~ Sawyer, O
~ Brinlee, D
~ Kyrian, A
~ Archer, A
~ Roman, B
🥝Relationship type: MMMMF, Already established pack, Scent matches
🍐M/M: Yes
🥭 Pregnancy mentions/in plot: No

🍓 Character descriptions:

🔵 Sawyer O'Connell, Omega
•Scent: Melted marshmallows, Sweet apple cider
Big honey-green eyes, Long black lashes
Dark hair curling at ears and neck
Slender body, Short, Narrow shoulders
Pretty face, Chiseled jaw, Full mouth, Narrow hips, Slight muscled

🟣 Brinlee Grissom, Delta
•Scent: Sweet strawberries, cherries, Vanilla cream, Warm cinnamon
Large dark eyes
Wild blonde hair, Dark brows
Tiny
Plump cheeks

🟡 Kyrian, Alpha
•Scent: Leather polish, Aromatic smoke
Large frosty blue eyes, Pale lashes
Short military-cut blonde hair
Tattooed arms
Tall, Broad shoulders and chest, Muscular arms, Narrow hips, Thick thighs
Cut jaw, High cheekbones, Lush mouth

🟢 Archer McGraw, Alpha
•Scent: Musk, Pine, Anise
Hooded sky-blue eyes
Dark hair, Dark thick brows, Five o’clock shadow
Built, Tall, Muscular build
Square jaw, Lean cheeks, Fine lips, Roman nose, High forehead

🔴 Roman Valero, Beta
•Scent: Caramel, Tobacco
Bright brown eyes, Long dark lashes
Dark hair cut short
Tall and slender, Willowy athletic frame, Long legs
Angular face, Lush mouth

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer and the Bookworms by Mona Black is book three in The Candyverse Series. I’ve enjoyed the previous books in this series so I was looking forward to be able to dig into this one. It took me about a day to read, each chapter just drew me in more. This can be read as a standalone but to get a full feel of the world I say to read the other books but that’s just me! If you’re a fan of a sweet why-choose romance stories than this is definitely a tale for you. I absolutely loved the characters in this story with Sawyer and especially Kyrian: I related so much to him. The others were great and had interesting personalities. There’s a lot of lead up to their relationship but I still feel like I didn’t get enough time with them. Like for them to all just be together and just be. I will say the spicy scenes were so on point. There were also times I wished I could reach through my kindle and shake them. Ah! I will say that I 100% loved Potato. Overall I thought it was a good book that was written well with a plot that can capture your attention. I would recommend this author and this book.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Gale MR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet but very angsty, the core of this slow burn Omegaverse story is overcoming serious trust issues, building meaningful relationships and learning the hard way that sometimes you have to take the risk and hope that you will be able to fly before you crash. It can be read as a standalone but the previous books are an interesting introduction to this particular fictional world and the side characters, who are Sawyer's friends. Archer, Roman and Kyeran - one almost established pack - thought they have found the recipe for contentment and happiness until their world collides with Sawyer and Brin and every aspect of their life turns upside down. A big part of the story felt like one very long and absolutely spectacular game of Hide, seek and chase and I wasn’t sure the pages will be enough for a HEA. A pack that thinks they don't need an Omega or Delta; One Omega and one Delta who thought they aren’t worth to be in one - seems like an impossible equation. Or may be not? I found it quite entertaining, just a teeny-tiny bit dragging while waiting for Brin and Sawyer to stop running and start fighting for their happiness because nothing good in life comes on a silver platter.

[Teresa Juckett (Love Dark Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again this arthur brings a story to life that will have you turning pages just to find out what's going to happen next. I absolutely love stories from the Omegaverse world. I liked how these characters made me feel like they were real with real life problems and those mm, mf, and group scenes, phew bring a fan.

Sawyer is an Omega who suffers from OCD and Anxiety owns a bookstore/coffee called Book Cafe. He's been feeling the pressure from his parents about finding a pack, but he's been thinking about the cute lil delta girl (Brinlee) that comes in his store. She's a cute little blonde pixie who's keeping a secret and thinks she's not enough, but Sawyer wants to know her, but will her insecurities scare him off? Then enter the McGraw pack Kyrian, Roman and Archer these three aren't looking to add anymore to their pack, but all that changes when they meet Sawyer and Brinlee and thing's get a lil complicated and misunderstandings happen, but they eventually work thing's out.

I have to say it's potato for the win though 100%.

[Becky Dreyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer and the Bookworms is the 3rd book in The Candyverse series. It is highly suggested to read this series in order to be able to fully understand and enjoy this series as characters in the other books do make cameo appearances and are brought up in the different books. This is Sawyer's story. I absolutely love Sawyer and have been waiting for his HEA. Sawyer is an Omega, who has watched his friends find their packs and has been dreaming of the day he finds his own. Sawyer has never been drawn to anyone until Brinlee saunters into his cafe. He also finds himself drawn to Archer, Kyrian and Roman. Unfortunately for Sawyer, he believes he is broken and nobody would want him. Will Sawyer get over his insecurities and make his own path forward or will he let his family make the choices for him and force him into a situation he doesn't want? Fantastic addition to the series and I can't wait to see what comes next!!!.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

After featuring in all of the previous books in the series we finally get to read Sawyer’s happily ever after.
This is not a simple read as it has all of the elements to get you engrossed so make sure that you have plenty of time to appreciate the story!
I loved how the character of Sawyer was fleshed-out. I thought I knew what to expect as I had read so much about him before but, I couldn't be more wrong as there was so much more to him.
I got invested straight away and wanted him to find his HEA but, knew that he had to reach his milestones first so he would be ready for his relationships to develop.
I loved reading about the new characters as they all were individual and so well-rounded. My favourite was Brinlee as she was kind, caring, and spoke her mind but only when she felt comfortable with someone. She was not who I expected her to be and had a darker side that suited the packs dynamic which was a welcome surprise.
I loved this book from start to finish. 5 stars!

[Mrs T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to be reading Sawyer's story, he's been such a sweet character in the other books in this series.

However,  it appears Sawyer has been holding a lot in.  He suffers from OCD and anxiety.  Yes he's an Omega but he's proud of himself for opening his cafe and hates the fact that his parents are holding a loan over his head,  forcing him to find a pack.

Sawyer is a book worm through and through and when he keeps bumping in to Brinlee, a female Delta and also a book worm, the attraction is mutual.

Then enter the McGraw Pack. None of them are looking for an Omega but the attraction to Sawyer and also Brinlee is too strong.

Enter a lot of confusion and mistrust,  some of which I personally found unnecessary and slightly repetitive.  However alls well that ends well.

I really enjoyed the dynamics between these characters,  the spicy scenes were hot, mm, mf and group scenes.

[Laura O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer is an Omega with OCD and Anxiety. (Could be a trigger for some.) He owns a coffee shop financed by his parents. There he meets Brinlee, a sweet Delta with a secret. Both, at separate times, run into the McGraw pack. Between the five people involved, so much could have been solved with a little trust and communication. I loved each of these characters. All have very different personalities that just seem to work together. Once I started reading about Sawyer and the pack I couldn't put the book down. I had to know the problems and miscommunication was solved with an HEA. The spice was very good, but scenes were few and far between. It's more about the growing relationships between Sawyer, Brinlee, Kyrian, Roman, and Archer. As expected with an all male pack, lots of MM content. Overall, this is definitely a book that will be added to my favorites shelf

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I absolutely loved this book because I've been reading since the beginning with Bee. So I already had a strong love for sawyer. His parents made me really angry trying to force him into picking a pack that he didn't want. Brinlee triggered my own protective instincts. I completely can relate to her taking care of her brother. My heart broke for Kyrian and his struggles was Self Doubt. His inability to be able to read. I couldn't imagine not being able to enjoy books. Roman was a total Rockstar. He was just so adorable and lovable. And Archer is every woman's dream. Strong possessive loving what's not to love about him. I hope that Sawyer's brother Eric will get a book. And can't forget potato as a cat lover I adore potato.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

—

75% of the book is the alphas chasing a delta and omega that are both hella skittish. The alphas claim to “love” them (specifically Brinn who is introduced to them via Sawyer), but spend next to zero time with her and don’t actually know jack about her.

I found Roman to be a complete asshole. Sawyer and Brinlee have a moment in Sawyer’s bookstore and Roman literally wolf whistles them, interrupting the moment. He also makes a few immature comments that bring obvious discomfort to the two very awkward and shy characters. 🤷🏻‍♀️

The end felt super rushed as did the relationships. Book ends with no real “forever” confirmation or resolution for Brinlee.

I flat out loved Sawyer and his sass. I liked him in Gigi and the Gym Rats so I was thrilled we got to see more of him. I just didn’t particularly care for any of the alphas and felt like the ending was rushed.

[Cassandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have not been having the best luck with books lately. I did like how this started, hence me buying it after reading the sample, but somewhere along the way I stopped enjoying it.

I think there was too much angst for me. Three of the five involved parties were super angsty and constantly worried that the others wouldn’t want them even when they were constantly being told the opposite. They all had secrets that they didn’t want to share. That lasted through 85-90% of the book. It was draining for me. Especially when we learn that Archer and Roman knew Kyrian’s secret but just never told him. This really annoyed me because they were constantly antagonizing him about not reading when they apparently knew all along that he couldn’t, which I think is a super messed up thing to do.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few things

So you spend all book building these issues in Sawyer and Brin's lives, these huge insurmountable issues that make it so they can't possibly be part of a pack then when they're revealed they completely disappear with pretty much zero struggle and while you get some spicy scenes you get zero of the five of them in an actual relationship getting to know each other and all the other nonsexual parts of a real relationship. Not to mention the fact that Brin is the most cliché of physical female stereotypes because who doesn't need another blonde heroine like what seems like at least 95 percent of all romances like to spit out.

I was really interested in the begging build here but from the climax on to say I was disappointed was an understatement.

[Maddon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay... this story was slow-paced. The characters just ran away from their problems, which didn't allow time to properly develop the relationship. The main characters are cool, but the lack of communication within the group was truly awful. Bri is the worst female character ever; she's rude, cowardly, and extremely irritating, besides making absolutely no sense. I didn't want her to be part of the group, and it would have been better if they had given up on her 🤷🏾‍♀️ but I could ignore her and skip her POVs, so I wasn't too annoyed. Besides that, the steamy scenes are bland. What I liked: the author's writing is incredible; she handles the themes of OCD and illiteracy well, and the characters (except for Bri) have good chemistry.

[Laura Spinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet read! What is the chance of a slightly OCD Omega and an indebted, orphaned Delta to be together? Moreover, would a pack ever want them? Enter the McGraw trio (not quite a pack...yet), and it's attraction at first sight! But it's not that easy for the McGraw pack; do they want an omega to make a pack; do they want both? Can they accept the baggage that comes with making a pack? Can love at first sight overcome all obstacles?? This is a really sweet story with some surprising twists that will keep you reading to the end. Enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to see Sawyer getting his own story and pack after first meeting him in the previous Candyverse books.

But early on we learn that there is so much more to this omega and that he has a lot to overcome before he will be able to find a pack - and lets hope this is before he goes into heat!
Brinlee and the McGraw pack are perfect for him but everyone has secrets from their past that make them all deny the scent matches.
I quickly found a liking for all of these characters and of course the story has various twists in it - some that I was expecting and some that I could only guess at.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sawyer owns the coffee/bookshop and has some OCD/anxiety so when one of the guys from a pack shows up and messes up the way he organizes his books in his bookshop (which makes sense ONLY to him) Sawyer is more than a bit unhappy...yet confused because he finds himself attracted to this alpha. Meanwhile, Brinlee is a delta and dances at a strip club to help pay off debt. Sawyer has noticed Brinlee in the coffee shop and hasn't had the courage to pursue her. The pack want Brinlee and Sawyer but both are really hesitant.

This is the third book in Mona's Candyverse series which is great because I love seeing previous characters pop up on occasion. On one hand, it has some of your typical alpha/omega interactions that we have all come to love but Mona has added Brinlee's delta designation (not often seen) as well as some heavy topics which give the characters even more depth.

[Blair Bolopue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorites and this book may be my new favorite. I have been waiting for Sawyer to get a book since the beginning. He meets Brinlee at his coffee shop and is enamored with her, she is very skittish and has some secrets. Brinlee is a Delta and has a lot going on in her life and not much trust in people. The McGraw Pack, Archer, Roman and Kyrin meet Both Sawyer and Brinlee separately and want them both. I loved seeing the pull between the characters and how the McGraw pack wanted both. I loved Sawyer and Brinlee’s story just the two of them as well. This book was so good!

[Terra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 3rd story in the Candyverse...an interesting omegaverse. Sawyer owns a coffee shop that Brinlee likes to go into to read and she fancies Sawyer. In different places, both Brinlee and Sawyer run into members of the McGraw pack who are 2 Alphas and a Beta. They all feel a connection with each other and we get a lot of secrets that finally come out and make the relationship so much stronger. We get smexiness, heats, knots, and some bad guys that get pushed out of the way quite easily. It is a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sawyer and the bookworms - book 3 in The Candy verse series and this book focuses on The Book Cafe owner - Sawyer. Who popped up in the other two books before this one. Sawyer is a sweet guy with OCD and plenty of anxieties but he tries to work through all of that to make his attraction to Delta - Brinalee known. Who has her own problems as well as being shy which complicates getting involved with Sawyer. Add to that Archer, Roman & Kyrian who are already a pack but seem to like the idea of adding Sawyer & Brinlee to it. All of them do have a lot to contend with on the road to happiness but I really liked all of them and wanted them to get their HEA ending. An enjoyable read.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books, Coffee and Chance Encounters

Sawyer is a omega who owns a coffee shop / bookstore; with great friends and books, life should be grand, right? Brinlee is in a spot of trouble herself. Both separately run into Archer, Kyrian and Roman - let the dance begin. I love how this story builds; both Sawyer and Brinlee have chance encounters with Archer/Kyrian/Roman, building the tension and giving a chance to get to know the characters. There’s plenty of snark to go with the sweet, just the perfect combination. Another enjoyable read in the Candyverse.

[Jenn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a read alone but there are characters from the previous books that are still present so pre-reading the prior books aren’t required but are helpful. Sawyer is a cafe/bookstore owner omega who is being pressured to find a pack chosen by his parents or else lose everything. Torn between wanting Brinlee and the McGraw pack ~ Archer, Kyrian, & Roman or a pack with wealth that his parents approval. Or does he have to? Can this bookworm find his happily ever after?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one so much. It brings insight in the relationship and pack between every pack member and it is well done. The love is all around and not centered around one person. I adored that in this book so much. I particularly loved the relationship between Sawyer and Kyrian but love Brinnlee too even though she's skittish in behavior. For those that don't like MM this might not be the one for you.