The Purrfect Pack

Pack Pets #1

by Galadreal Simmons

The party never starts for Candice Manning, a complete social introvert who suffers from anxiety and depression. Almost never leaving her house, and passing as a beta whenever she has to be in public, she lives with her aging cat and stunted iguana. Unfortunately, omegas are legally required to live with their family or in an omega community; but she's been making it on her own since her guardian died three years ago.

Her current goal in life is to avoid people and ensure no one connects the beta down the street, who never moved away from her hometown, with her online persona, Candy Man, a fairly popular NSFW artist who draws a lot of dicks. Things aren’t great, but they could be worse.

That is until an online stalker and a scent match throw Candice together with Pack led by the overprotective alpahole Gabe, hunky but reserved vet Leo, intelligent and laid-back Xan and his best friend and lover Jacks.

Can one sweet and spicy omega in hiding and her scaly green companion find a way to stop her inner voices enough to let four damaged alphas take care of her?

Genres: Omegaverse, Why Choose, Romance, Fantasy, M M Romance, Polyamorous, Contemporary

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2024

About the author

Galadreal Simmons was born at a very early age. She doesn't remember much of at, as she was tiny and squishy. Regardless, after 45 years…she is still short and squishy.

She was named after an elf proving that nerd genes run in her family. It's spelled differently, because try teaching a five year old how to spell that. When she was of an adult age, she had it legally changed to include the misspelling.

She lives in a not overly remote location in the southern United States with her husband, two small creatures that share her genetic material, and a cat named Nyx.

She enjoys reading, avoiding human interaction, and feeding crows in the hopes that they will form a crow army and do her bidding. So far, that hasn't worked out, but she continues to do it anyway—because they might be hungry.

Reviews

[Migeldy Mauri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

✅ Fated Mates
✅ RH
✅Spicy
✅Omegaverse
✅Obsessed MMC's
✅Knotting
✅Sword crossing
✅They fall first
✅ Pieced 🍆

Let me just start by saying I didn't think I would like it as much as I did.
Jacks has to be my favorite out of the four of them he really is like a giant teddy bear 🫠 who loves to cook and purr until his little heart is content.
Candy was alright though, i really couldn't connect with her. I usually like my fmcs to be stabby and a bit unhinged but naive with anxiety issues works to 😅
Though I wish the book had a little more of a plot twist, it was still a fun read.

[Whitney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wanted to read this book as it sounded like it was a break from the usual buff, rich, overbearing alpha pack. This book did not disappoint, the pack was a group of regular guys - a veterinarian, 2 mechanics, and a house husband who codes in his spare time. Candice is an Omega with anxiety and an extreme introvert who is hiding as a beta as Omegas are not allowed as much freedom. This was a nice break from the regular and made them easier to relate to - because I am certainly not rich! HAHA

This story had it all, a little drama but not too much, humor, sadness, and angst. There was of course the token bad guy who allowed this beautiful pack to prove that communication and love can conquer all when given the chance.

I wanted there to be more pages so I could keep experiencing life with this pack! You will not be disappointed if you dive into this book!

[Alice Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a nice change from the usual suave and billionaire packs! Instead, Candice is an anxiety ridden omega trying to pass as a beta because omegas are not allowed to live alone, much less own a home. She meets her pack accidentally while taking her cat to the vet. The guys all have their own sets of issues and were perfectly happy until they meet their scent match! A veterinarian, 2 garage mechanics/owners and a house husband! Candice is exactly what they didn’t know was missing from their lives. This story has humor, sadness, anxiety, angst and fear. But mostly it shows how love can conquer it all. Of course there is an evil guy trying to kidnap Candice and ruin her joy. But she is too feisty for him! You will laugh and cry throughout this book! You will also wish it wouldn’t end! And the spice is delicious!! Read this book and thank me later!! 💕💕

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ This is pretty standard!! At least for me...

Don't let people deter you into not reading this lovely little Omegaverse story. Jacks is lovely and gorgeous and just this side of unhinged! Perfect!

[Sophie Bojo · Rating 2 out of 5]

i didn’t hate it but didn’t love it? i truly have no idea how i feel about this one

[Mettesknit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook narrated by
Elle Sonali
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Derek Prince
⭐️⭐️⭐️

First, this book starts with killing the cat.
Wtf!
I cried my eyes out!!!

The rest is okay.
Not great, but not bad.

The narrators also did a decent job.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

….I cannot with this cover, it truly does a disservice to an otherwise not bad book. It’s… off putting to say the least

2.5 kinda cute but kinda felt too long while also a bit undeveloped. I would absolutely read the author again, but I’m 100% serious that the covers of this series make me want to avoid it.

[Aria Maze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I love the pack dynamics and an omega in hiding. I loved all the references to mental health and how each alpha kept messing up in some way or another. It felt more realistic. I also enjoyed the witty humor and of course, Jacks. He was such a sweetie and his past made my heart hurt for him.

[Kate McDougall Sackler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this super sweet 📖book about a bunch of damaged people who are perfect for each other. It made me giggle and cry. I will definitely be looking for more from this author.
A Pop of Joy reading challenge -joy (first 📖book in a series)

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candice has just lost her pet cat of 18 years and the veterinarian is feeling the strangest urge to comfort her. When her car has to be towed, the mechanic immediately feels protective of her. It's not until the next morning they learn why. Candice is an omega illegally living alone and she's their scent match.

This pack, particularly Jacks was the star of the show for this one. While there were some very real moments of danger and honest representations of grief, anxiety, and depression; there was also a good bit of comedic relief. And, of course, knots. Lots and lots of knots.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so fun, I couldn’t put it down! I love when one of the MMCs is slightly unhinged (Jacks), but everyone loves him anyway. The special bond between Jacks and the FMC (Candice) is one of my favorite relationships of the book.

I loved all the main characters. They each had unique and interesting personalities that managed to mesh well in surprising ways. They weren’t perfect, which made it more realistic.

I figured out who the villain was really early on, but the details of how and why still managed to surprise me, which was nice.

I loved the portrayal of depression and anxiety in this story, and mental health in general. I particularly appreciated that all of Candice’s issues didn’t suddenly go away once she met her pack.

Overall, definitely recommend this book, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for this author’s next works!

[Juanita Mullens · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet, steamy, adorable.

Such a cute, sweet, loveable, sad group. I love the pets, I do wish there was an update about the kittens at the end. I even loved the sad, and the bad scary parts. Jacks is my favorite, but I love the whole group. I want an iguana like Iggy now too. Can't wait to see what's next in the series!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of these characters are amazing. I enjoyed how they all were together. I love Pack Asher!!!!

[Brittany · Rating 1 out of 5]

What....

I don't even know if I have twenty words to say about this book, but the first word that comes to mind is it was... WEIRD. I will give a praise to say that my favorite sentence from the book was "I don't know what he needs but sign me the fuck up".

[Mya Emond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love me a good omegaverse book. This had everything I wanted in it, the rh, the slight drama that wasn’t too much but added to the plot, the spice, and obviously the alphas.

[Jessica Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how they say don't judge a book by the cover? This book is a pretty good example as to why that saying exists and why it's an erroneous saying all at once. The cover led me to expect more punk/grunge/eccentric guys at minimum. Instead we get really mainstream guys, nothing too crazy except one has tattoos. The cover also made me think this would be a weird read and in some ways it was very odd, leaving me with several questions but no desire to read about these characters further for answers).

I will give credit for a couple of things the author did well: this was not overly complicated, the arc of the main plot flows well, and the off balance antagonist is clearly presented. Beyond this point there are vague spoilers so read with caution:


We never learn much about the universe/society beyond omegas have little if any rights. No reason why, no idea what happens when they get to a sanctuary or why sanctuary would be undesirable. No idea why the alpha grandfather told the FMC to avoid alphas at all costs. Just society bad, let's hide. Speaking of the society, law enforcement is baffling in this book. I'm not sure if we're expected to believe they're all useless or just the two that keep popping up.

We never learn why Jacks isn't trusted to leave the house alone, why he doesn't have a license, why retail workers and the general public are terrified of him. Something bad happened when he was a teen and he is less than extroverted due to the event but it doesn't support the level of fear from his pack; he didn't do anything violent or illegal or land in a psych ward as far as I can tell. There isn't justification for tattoos being so incongruous in their society to support security being called on a customer asking for assistance either. And wth happened to his parents after the event in his teens? No idea, but we're supposed to believe they just sort of poofed out of existence.

Xan is the only truly likeable (dare I say loveable) character. He's smart, funny, truly caring and competently supportive for all of his pack and Candice. He has a slight dark side but I'm willing to say his darkness is well intentioned for society so forgivable!

Gabe is just a jerk and never goes about anything in a pleasant manner. Even when being protective, I rooted for Candice to smack him down to size.

Leo is.... Ridiculous. I have no other words for him. Oh wait, unreliable. His clients need to find a new vet. He namby-pambies around, can't make a decision to save his life, and just bugged me.

And that brings us to our FMC. I can't stand when authors write idiotic main females and this chick is an idiot in my book. The antagonist points out the world's most obvious alias and, despite hating him and knowing he's evil, you can't fault him making fun of her for that. Candice is a whiney, wussy, incompetent who can't handle anything despite having been raised to stand on her own and given several advantages by her grandfather. The only thing she does well is pet care. This isn't about mental health; her anxiety and agoraphobia would not prevent her from planning her work and finances better. She made multiple poor choices, was flighty and unreliable for certain clients, and folded like a house of cards the minute she saw a pretty boy (based on the cover art she also has questionable taste but I digress).

[smutreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

God i love this book so much!!

[goodgirl_meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay debut book 👏🏻 You made me cry within the first 5 chapters, but this book was so good! I love all things omegaverse, and this book was no exception. There’s drama, there’s spice, there’s trauma and comfort- everything I want in Omegaverse.

Anxious girlies unite-the FMC totally gets us. She’s shy, apologizes too much, and struggles with some body image issues, but our MMCs are OBSESSED with her. She’s an artist who sells NSFW art online and hides away from the world in her home. Trauma pulls her out of her shell and straight into the arms of our four MMCs.

Speaking of, they are an already established pack of alphas, together since childhood. I dare you to read and not fall in love with our slightly unhinged MMC, Jacks. He’s so sweet and caring, despite having SO much trauma that could have hardened him. And then there’s his bonded partner Xan. He’s the perfect foil to Jacks and they compliment each other so well. Leo is a vet and a GIANT teddy bear (all 6 foot 7 of him). And then there’s Gabe- he’s a fierce protector and grumpy to boot, but he loves his pack like no one else.

If you love omegaverse, you have to check this book out!

[Lonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So freaking good!

This Omegaverse has it all! It will make you laugh, cry and cheer!
Candace has been hiding her designation in plain sight, she meets her new vet alpha Leo who doesn't understand why he can't stop wanting to be inappropriate with her. After a heartbreaking moment at the vet Candace's bad day goes from bad to worse, leaving Leo to call for help from packmate Gave
Finding out that Candace has a stalker has Gabe rushing to tell her the problems he has found only to find out she's an Omega...and a scent match to his entire pack...
Candace's stalker isn't happy about this and things start escalating

Candace is super relatable for those like me who have severe anxiety, depression and a touch of PTSD. And insecurities to boot. The guys have it cut out for them.
I love this book and cannot wait to read more by this author.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend posted that she was cackling while reading this. I read another book she mentioned reading and it was really good so I thought I’d give this a go.

Very detailed trigger warnings. It sorta made me smile. But it’s nice to warn people up front I guess.

The first 7-8% of the book had me in tears. I was maybe in a vulnerable place emotionally or something? But I did cry. The story is good - classic omega meets alpha pack situation.

I enjoyed the character development for the alphas. This story telling involved a lot of ptsd/past trauma. Lots of anxiety described - and the social impacts when people react to that anxious behavior.

I rated it a 5 because I liked the characters and the backstories and the points of action.

It’s an easy read with decent spice.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really enjoyed this book. Full disclosure, I received an arc copy but had to stop reading at the death of the pet. I came back to it a month or 2 later, and I’m very glad I did. I love every one of these characters. Jacks is the best, I can’t understand why people are wary or scared of him. He’s a little manic at times but he adores Candice from the first moment and dotes on her. Xander, Leo, and Gabe are a little more reserved but they are all in from the first scent of their omega. There’s a lot of drama, but not within the relationship. I thoroughly enjoyed Candice and her pack and I’m so glad I came back and finished this!!

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut

I really loved the characters. Definitely a good first book. There’s areas to work on being more detailed and clear but overall it was lovely to read. I enjoyed the characters and the story. I wish I hadn’t had the warning in the beginning for one of the characters because it kind of ruined some plot for the book. That being said overall well written well done. I can’t wait to see what else this author can create. I give it a 4/5 and would recommend. Easily see this being one of my favorite authors

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these characters

I will reread this periodically as a warm fuzzy pick me up, so after borrowing on KU, I one-clicked it.

Candice is a joy, moving from a life without many people in it (but with a cool iguana) to having friends and lovers.

All of the four people she falls for feel three dimensional. They make sense both as a group and as individuals, and adding Candice to the mix doesn't move at light speed; they give her time to adjust and decide what she wants and when.

The suspense plot works, and the town has great sequel potential.

But even if all that wasn't the case, the book would be worth reading just for Jacks.

[Sherdan Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Omegaverse with HEA!

I loved this book, it had all the sweetness and just enough conflict that I had to put it down but only for a short time! (For those sensitive to the conflict). If you typically read dark this maybe cavity inducing but I found it very refreshing! I love how the author was able to accurately describe the mental conversation the narrator was having without being too wordy! I felt the characters anxiety but I didn’t feel as if I was drowning in it! Very well done!

[Gina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and spicy

I really enjoyed this book—Candace is a curvy, nerdy omega with a strong independent streak, despite her anxiety (but really, who DOESN’T have anxiety these days?) She doesn’t fit the mold of the “typical” omega, and inadvertently finds her band of merry misfits. Together they help heal each other while also dealing with grief and a crazy dude. There was plenty of spice, lots of sweet moments, some badassery, and plenty of humor.

While I do think some stuff could be explained better those are minor details in the overall story.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I enjoyed this storyline and the characters in this omegaverse RH novel. Jacks was a definite favorite for me, and I loved the way Candice just went with the flow when it came to his loving, protective ways.

I enjoyed seeing the sensitivity and bits of vulnerability within the other alphas. That is not something we always see in this genre, and it was a nice twist. I can't wait to see more from this debut author.

[Michael K · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the cover is cheese beyond all cheesy. Mostly due to anatomy. BUT. The story is GREAT. This book was DELIGHTFUL. It was very creatively assembled and the characters all felt like actual identities with reasonable justifications.

The layout felt a little strange about 80% in, but not enough to irritate or dissuade me from completing the story. I was mentally committed at that point.

Solid. Recommend.
Happy reading!!

[Jesslynxreay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iggy’s the MVP in this story - that’s all I’ll say on that lol. I really liked this book! It’s got 4 awesome guys and 1 girl which is a recipe for success. The FMC is sweet, not overly whiny, omega without being annoying, can be funny. Gabe doesn’t give me much lead alpha vibes but is cool, Leo is serious, Xan is great, Jacks is the star MMC, I love him. The book is well written, it has good pacing, has some drama, ends in a happily ever after. It’s entertaining and has plenty of spice, including a satisfying omega heat scene. Enjoyed the book. I got an arc and am leaving a review of my own volition.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, fair warning, if you have ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet, you will be bawling in the first few chapters. (The TW mentions on-page death of a pet, but I missed it.) Anyhow, here we have an independent omega FMC meeting and falling for her sweet mates. Overall enjoyed the story, especially all the bantering, but felt it went on a bit long. Cute epilogues.

[Michelle Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and Jacks was a fabulous alpha. However, I felt like there wasn’t a lot of story here. There was no follow through as to why a certain someone wasn’t kept in jail. Didn’t tell us anything about that. Plus the dead guy at the end, no info on that at all. Just well that’s over, back to naked times. If this is this authors first book, I think she will be amazing and will get better because this was good. If this was her fifth and then she has peaked at decent.