Pain

by Natalie Sloan

Book 2 of the Omaera Playfair Chronicles
A RH/Why Choose paranormal romance.

A bear shifter, a vampire and a fire mage … oh my!

It was weird enough coming to terms with the idea of a magical realm with hunky immortal beings, but being bound to three of them for eternity is something I still can’t wrap my brain around.
Add in the fact that my uncle wants me dead so he can be king, and my mates and I have no idea who we can trust, we find ourselves constantly waiting for someone to stab us in the back—not that that would kill us.
Off to Hell we must go, to meet with a grumpy demon who can help me understand my new demon powers, so I can harness them for good—and uncle murd3r.
But my mates remain at odds with each other. And the vampire is keepings secrets that could put us all in serious danger.
Hell was supposed to bring us answers, bring us together, instead, it’s creating more problems, and when news of a devastating betrayal comes to light, we find ourselves in a panic to get back to Earth and end this war once and for all.
If my mates don’t k!ll each other first.


*Book 2/4 of a why choose/RH paranormal romance with dark themes, explicit content, violence, morally gray characters and one woman with three love interests. This book will have a happily for NOW and possibly a cliffhanger.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2025

Reviews

[Drishika Bikraj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book had so much going on, and it was insanely intense! I couldn’t put the book down, and the fast pace had me on the edge of my seat. Their trip to Hell brought them all closer. The growth between Omaera, Maxar, and Zandren was cute to see. Drak, being the stubborn vampire he is, has a secret he won’t share, and Omaera won’t bond with him until he does. I felt bad for him with the Mate’s Ache but also not really… The cliffhanger had me needing more! I absolutely can’t wait for the third book to come out.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤 Reverse Harem / Why Choose
🔥 Fated Mates
🦇 Vampire Love Interest
🐻 Bear Shifter Love Interest
🔥 Fire Mage Love Interest
😈 Demon Powers
🏹 Strong, Fierce Heroine
👑 Royalty & Betrayal
🗡️ Battle for the Throne
🌍 Journey to Hell
💀 Deadly Secrets
❤️‍🔥 Enemies to Lovers Tension
💔 Mates at Odds
⚡ Magic & Mayhem
🌶️ Spicy & Steamy Moments

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Pain is the second book in The Omaera Playfair Chronicles and an electrifying addition to this RH/Why Choose paranormal romance series. With its mix of intense action, supernatural intrigue, and fiery romance, Natalia Sloan keeps readers hooked with a story that’s equal parts danger, passion, and magic.

Omaera is still adjusting to her new reality—one where she’s bound to three powerful mates for eternity. A bear shifter, a vampire, and a fire mage should be enough to handle, but when her uncle plots to eliminate her and claim the throne, survival becomes the priority. With trust running thin and betrayals looming, the only hope of gaining control over her newfound demonic powers lies in a journey to Hell itself.

Between dodging enemies and uncovering secrets, tension simmers—not just from the dangers that lurk in the shadows, but within her own group. Her mates are at odds, the vampire is hiding something dangerous, and the threat of war looms ever closer. Instead of finding unity and answers in Hell, they face more chaos than ever before. And when a devastating betrayal comes to light, the race to return to Earth becomes urgent before all is lost.

This book is packed with tension—from the steamy, possessive energy between Omaera and her mates to the high-stakes battle for survival. The romance is just as intense as the action, delivering a perfect balance of spice, danger, and emotional depth. Each mate has a distinct personality that adds to the dynamic, and the jealousy, banter, and undeniable chemistry between them make for a thrilling read.

If you love reverse harem, supernatural realms, and fierce heroines who refuse to back down, Pain is a must-read. It’s dark, deliciously steamy, and full of twists that will leave you desperate for the next book. Fans of Jaymin Eve, K.F. Breene, and Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti will devour this one!

[MKat1214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
-fantasy romance
-why choose
-fated mates
-shifters
-vampires
-mages
-demons
-FMC is the queen of the realm
-strong FMC

Wow, things are really ramping up in book 2. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the sly humor. That cliffhanger was brutal, and I need book 3 ASAP.

I loved the progress the relationships made. Omaera and Maxar bonded, and I was thrilled we got to know him more in this book. I felt there wasn’t much time with him in the first book. He is a sweetheart with a dark side. His kinky side is hilarious. He is always game to try anything. The scene with Omaera, Maxar, and Zandren was HOT.

I am going to need Drak to get his head out of his ass in the next book. I can’t with him keeping secrets and not telling Omaera how he feels. I can tell it is coming, though. I can’t wait until they all come together. It is going to be incredible and probably funny, too. Considering they all tolerate each other for Omaera and nothing more.

Zandren was his usual broody yet lovable self. He is possessive and protective, and I loved watching him learn to share. His relationship with his dad was everything.

This book is available on KU. It is not a standalone. The first book in the series is Heir. I have enjoyed this series so far, and I can’t wait for more. I hope you read it and love it, too. Let me know what you think!

Quotes:
“You’ve gotta keep your wits about you here, babe. Everything is trying to kill you. It’s like Australia, but not as pretty, and with no wombats or joeys to snuggle.”
“So, more like Florida.” He smirked. “Exactly. Florida without the beach, and bigger, scarier monsters than crocs and gators. Same kind of crazy people though.” (My husband is from Flordia, so this made me chuckle)

“Morally gray is a fantastic fucking shade on you, babe.”

[Ana Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

And here we go again.
Natalie Sloan has become one of my favorite paranormal writer, and I can't get enough of her books.
Have you had the chance to read her books? Just go and see for yourself. You won't regret it.
Pain is her latest release and it's the second book from the Omaera Playfair Chronicles series.
This book explores the lives of Omaera and her three mates, Drak, Zandren, and Maxar.
I advise you to read book 1 first, Heir, and only then start this book.
Thank God I didn't have to wait long, lol.
Once I finished reading Heir, I knew that I had to start reading this book right way because I had so many questions, and honestly, I wanted more.
As you know, Omaera is a Queen, a life she's getting used to, along with all the problems and uncommon things that happen.
She's adjusting, but sometimes, the unknown is hard to understand and comprehend.
She's in danger, because someone wants to do her harm, and at the same time, she's discovering her powers and...
I can't say more because I refuse to spoil.
What I can say is that once I started to read this book, it was impossible to stop.
Things were happening, and the need to know more made me keep reading until the sun was up.
And now... a cliffhanger made me even more insane.
Seriously Natalie... You want to kill me with the suspense, right?
I need to know more. Need to know what will happen and who? Why? What???
You're lucky that I adore you... Just saying.

[Amilia Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book for a year and it DID NOT disappoint!! I just immediately fell back in love with these characters and I absolutely loved the path that this story took! Omaera slowly coming into her own through this story was so beautiful to see, and I loved how she just blossomed into her powers as they evolved with the mate-bonds growing! Seeing how she connects with all kinds of people throughout the realm and how they are drawn to her is just amazing and I love seeing her navigate that on top of the anxiety of being thrust into this position of with zero knowledge of her lineage. She is truly such a strong FMC and I really just love her so much!! And all of these MMC's are amazing in their own ways!! They all support her so immediately and unwaveringly, and it is just so beautiful to see! And seeing her relationships with them in this book just grow at their varying speeds is so wonderful! Especially seeing Drak slowly letting his feelings out and letting Omaera in is just really heartwrenching. I love this ridiculous little foursome so much and I absolutely CANNOT wait for the next book to come out so we can see what happens next!!! 4.75 stars; 4 chili peppers

Tropes:
- Why Choose
- Shifter/Mage/Vampire
- Paranormal Romance
- Secret Keeping (for her own good?)
- Path to the Throne
- Training Her Powers

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will be honest in saying that I struggled to get into the first book and had to push through a bit. But!! That's because there are a lot of tropes I'm not an enormous fan of.
However, I do have a lot of good things to say about it. And not only that - the second book was a huge improvement for me!!

Natalie Sloan does a great job with the multiple POVs. I had a hard time getting used to them, but she did such a nice job with each POV's writing style really reflecting the personality of the character. Not just an author writing for the character, but the character's vibe could really be felt in the way the chapters were written.

Each character has a hugely different personality, and it adds a fun element when they all interact. Initially, in book one, the FMC has a clear preference for one of her mates, but this shifts - especially in book two. FMC is a strong, snarky, feisty woman, and man, she made me laugh at times.

Book one felt as if it were significantly more focused on character development and interaction, whereas book two was WAY more plot driven. Book two, we get to meet more fun side characters as well as learn more about the magic system and hellish creatures. The magic system is unique and has some...spicy uses!

It's definitely worth the read if these are tropes of interest to you, and I promise it's worth reading both books!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say that I hate cliffhangers it is because of all the waiting that I have to do when it ends….this book was worth the wait.

Now let’s break down the mates:

Omaera and Zandren ~ protective “daddy” bear vibes but only with her. He loves her with everything he has he will do anything she asks he will follow her to hell and back 😏 but he will also protect her from ANYONE. He is still struggling with sharing. But he is learning SLOWLY

Omaera and Maxar ~ this fire mage is insane and psychotic in all the best ways and he loves her with all the passion. He knows that she is capable of many things and reminds her at every turn what she can do. His pet name game may need some work but he knows sharing is caring and he knows the joy of making his girl happy

Omaera and Drak ~ the slowest is slow burns… the edging is real FYI!!!!! He has a secret that he doesn’t want to share. She won’t bond him until he does. I believe their love will be the strongest. Not because he loves her more but because he has worked for it and they will have gone through the very worst and made it out alive before they bond!!!!

This was perfection. Now to wait again for the next one how will I survive?

[Ellen Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

I loved book one but this one had me almost reading it in one sitting. Omerea's powers are growing stronger as she is with her mates Zandren & Sparky but she knows Drax is hiding something & until he tells her why she will not mate with him. I understand the his reasoning to a point but the pain he is putting himself through is stopping both of them denying the love they could be sharing.
We see the four of them go to hell....literally to find out who is betraying them & find away to help her control her powers. There's a lot of emotional parts during their time in hell aswell as danger & betrayal not knowing who they can trust. After learning & finding out what they did whilst in hell they'd arranged a meeting with the other leaders but there were some more unexpected betrayal.
Although this book has lies, pain, darkness , steam there's also a lot of sass, fun & i love the names she has given her mates Pooh Bear, Sparky & Fangs.

I can't wait for the next book as I know that with her mates by her side she is going to be an amazing Queen I just wish I didn't have to wait so long for it.

[Amy Reierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bears and Vampires and Mages oh my! But there's no Dorothy and Ruby red slippers, no there's Omaera and her sword! Well and her protectors and mates Zandren, Maxar and Drak.
Let me tell you this story is so much more entertaining than the Wizard of Oz!
Now I read through both the Heir and Pain in the last four days they are fairly fast paced but even though they are fated mate stories it's no instant swoony love. Which is good considering where a good portion of the story takes place.
These characters are fun and complex but not complicated. Which makes the sarcasm, boyish immaturity and jealousy even funnier at times. The new characters are great and the new creatures are disgusting and I loved it! These were my first two books by Natalie Sloan and I'm ready for book three! I hope that Drak finally stops being a pain and gets where he needs to be.
I have voluntarily left this review.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was a very slow read for me. It just kind of sucked me in bit then it would become boring and I had to force myself to keeping reading and then it'd become interesting again, but then it would bore me again... You get the point.
I liked that we finally got to know Maxar and Drak more. I still think Drak will be my favourite. So far I like him the best. I just wish he'd open up and share his thoughts and feelings. But at the same time I understand why he isn't.
They went to Hell, which was very interesting experience. I liked Kenvin Jol, finally someone who Omaera could trust, as well as King Ryden, I loved how open he was to Omaera.
Despite the slow pace and at times the book boring me, the author has a way of writing that makes me wanna read the next book. So I think I'll still read the last book, just to see Drak and Omaera mate and them finally beating her uncle and the vampire king.

[Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars!

Pain is the second installment in the Omera Playfair chronicles, and I found this story just as enjoyable as the first but for different reasons. The first book, Heir, leaned more into the humorous side of finding out that there are other species of magical creatures on this planet and, surprise!, you are one of them. Where this second book, Pain, was filled with more suspense and relationship building since it focused more on the weight of stepping into a new role that not many want you to because you’re not fully like them either.

This book was one that I had a hard time putting down because I was so invested in what would happen next. It wasn’t all fast paced though, and I really enjoyed some of the heart warming moments between Omera, her mates, and a few allies they make along the way.

This book definitely left on a bit of a cliffhanger that has me very excited for the next book, Bite, to come out this year!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:



I couldn't wait to read this book, I fell in love with the first book 'Heir' immediately and slowly got to know each character. I loved 2 of the YC more than the 3rd but that's a personal choice... but coming into this book - I knew what to expect... but I didn't expect to be put on the edge of my seat for a certain storyline with one of the characters... I loved every single second of this - I really did love it. I loved how the FMC was written and I adored how the snarky and sarcastic one of the MMC's were too. It may have taken me 5 days to read, but I can assure you... I devoured this book up. I would've read it in like 2, maybe 3 days... but you know, single mother and life.

Loved it, am I happy I need to wait just under a year for the next one? No, but I am hopeful the next one will have something I want ;)

[Morgan Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second installment in this paranormal why choose romance follows Omaera with her three Fated Mates, Zandren, Maxar, and Drak. Drak continues to hide his feelings from Omaera, which results in her difficulty in trusting him and wanting to mate-bone. Luckily, she’s got the love of Zandren and Maxar to build her powers. Lerris, her blood thirsty uncle, visits Hell at the same time Omaera does, and she learns just how deep the bigotry runs with species looking down on humans. She needs to figure out a plan to take him out and secure her throne that she doesn’t want.
I really enjoyed this! I loved getting a glimpse into her relationships with all her mates and loved learning more about her kindness that’ll help her be a great ruler. I wish there was more discovery as opposed to being told what’s happening, but overall I love this series!

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

🔸️I must sincerly say that I had expected something different from this part, probably something darker.
🔸️This story concentrates around relationship and building a harem around Omaera and as there is nothing wrong with that per se, I had found that all 3 guys are simply too sweet, too cute, too caring and too supporting. It's a strange complain, right? 😉
I just have hoped to get more wicked dark fantasy, without so many cozy things. It simply didn't match the vibes I had expected to find in this story.
🔸️Extra points for:
- inteteresting universe and side characters
- hot and juicy spicy scenes
- the nicknames
🔸️For all fans of RH who have preferences for guys whi are 100% smitten by the FMC

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man I totally forgot how funny this shit is! Omaera is fucking hilarious and I think Maxar has become my favourite of the boys! He has the best dirty mouth and I LOVE IT! I cannot explain enough how much I love this series so far. It’s got tension, banter, sassy characters and lots of love! 🫶

Vampires, Demons and Shifters…..oh my! is so spot on! I love seeing all the types of paranormal entities and creatures in this world and the character development for some of these characters….*cough, cough*….Drak…..is actually wonderful. I swear he is a completely different vampire at the end of this book compared to how he was in book 1. I love him and my heart hurts for him 🫶!

I honestly cannot wait to see how this series continues! Love Omaera and her mates!!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Maurisa Risareads221 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This shifter why choose romance is an adventure story so be prepared for a cliffie ending! But what a ride!!

You have a fire mage, bear shifter and vampire all fated mates to the queen who also just happens to be a demon… you can imagine the chaos and hilarious story that follows.

Omera must get control of her new powers before they can fight the uncle that wants her dead. They head to hell to find a grumpy helper. But if they do start to work together will the mates destroy themselves?

#pain #nataliesloanauthor #omaerachronicles #book2 #reverseharemreaders #shifterromance #fantasybooks #fantasyromance #ParanormalRomance #Pain #WhyChooseRomance #ParanormalRomanceBooks #ParanormalRomanceReaders #ReverseHaremRomance #NatalieSloanBooks

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pain is the 2nd installment in the Omaera Playfair Chronicles and as it continues straight on from 'Heir', they have to be read in order. Omaera and her three mates are getting deeper and deeper into the war for her throne and the sense of danger and doom increases dramatically. So does the heat level as Omaera's bonds with her mates strengthen, although there's no true reverse harem yet. There's heartache, heartbreak and betrayal, but in the end, the four secure an important victory - but the war is not over yet and will continue in the next book, where can't come too soon!
I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not normally a huge fan of fantasy or paranormal romance, however, I am a HUGE fan of this series!! I couldn't wait to read this one after book one. The romance, adventure, and plot just thickens in this one and I loved it. Getting to read about how Omaera is juggling her new position, learning her powers, and dealing with not 1, but 3 fated mates was so entertaining. The plot is amazing and there is so much action. I love Maxar, the fire mage, but I have a really soft spot for Drak, the vampire. I can't wait until the next book to see how much more she comes into her true self and power. I hope in the next book her and Drak become more close. Highly recommend giving this series a read!

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Omaera Playfair Chronicles and after that cliffhanger we are back with Omaera and her mates. We have development in the growth between her and her mates, as she needs to mate to grow her powers. Drak is holding back something, but I think once he opens up he will be one of my favourites. They take a trip to hell so she can hopefully learn to control her powers. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book and I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t wait for the third book to come out.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a good paranormal romance. It was the second book in this trilogy and it needs to be read in order for anything to make sense. I was a bit underwhelmed by this book, not to say that I didn’t enjoy it or it wasn’t good but I just didn’t love it the way I did the first one. I did get to know both Drak and Maxar a bit better but Zandren is still my favorite. I am however still excited to see what the conclusion to the story will be.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
🔥why choose (MFMM)
🐻fated mates
🔥chosen one
🐻a shifter, fire mage, and a vampire
🔥HFN

I've been waiting for the second book in the Omaera Playfair Chronicles to be released after reading and loving the first book in the series! To the underworld this ragteam gang go to help Omaera help wield her powers after the unfortunate betrayal and end with her last mentor. This book was fast paced and such a fun read seeing Omaera form stronger bonds with her mates and coming into her own as queen.

Thank you to Natalie for the eARC

[Jennifer VanDriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omaera has three mates that she needs to bond with in order to make her powers stronger. Well she has with two of them but the third is being difficult. They have to take an unexpected trip to Hell to strengthen her powers and also learn to control them. When they come back they have a meeting with other leaders and it has some amazing moments and some that are downright scary.
I really like where Natalie is going with this series and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story moved quickly and easily kept my interest!
There was betrayal, secrets, danger, action, and spice!
Omaera has so much on her plate. Dealing with her mates, not knowing who to trust, and just trying to survive!
I was glad to see some of the relationships between Omaera and her mates changing and growing. However, some of her mates don't get a long the best. It does provide a bit of humor though.
This was a great addition to Omaera's series! Now I can't wait for book 3!!

[Nita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The whole book my heart ain't for Drak. Out of all the guys he probably was literally the most noble because despite the pain that he was in he did not want to tell Omaera about the heart ache. Because he wanted her to fall for him because she wanted to not because she felt obligated to stop his pain. Granted he's very closed off and very broody so that didn't help him but he's by far my favorite and he out of all the guys has been hurt the most with betrayal I can't wait for book three.

[Becky Mansur · Rating 4 out of 5]

another good story

I read book 1 last summer and enjoyed it. The way the author built the world in both books was great. I like that Omaera didn’t just automatically know what she is doing nor she she just accept her fated mates. The only thing I would have changed is that I wish I had read the books closer together for a refresher on what happen at the end of the 1st book. I will definitely be rereading both books before book 3.

[Ally Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok yeah this book so did the first one it’s justice and then some. I literally skipped sleep cause I needed to know what was gonna happen next the whole time!
We’ve got development for our fierce FMC and her Mates the spice spicing of course lol and can I just say I loved the character development of each one including and especially her mates since book 1.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is there always one that just needs to be difficult and go his own way? Omera is slowly coming to know her mates and what it means to be alone with them, but something still seems off... her powers only become stronger the closer she gets to each of her men. Will she not become the woman needed until all 3 have mated? Book 2 in the series.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, this is such a good read. A lot goes on in this book. I love the relationship development and how it brings them together. Omaera, Zandren, Maxar and Drak are such great characters and I got totally absorbed in the story (again). The only downside is that there is another cliff and I will have to wait to find out what happens next!

[Books & Hooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen of the Realm, Omaera Playfield, is ready to take her rightful place with her three King consorts by her side. This book keeps you entertained from cover to cover with a trip to hell, a magical cave, meeting other royals, and of course a fight for crown. Natalie has managed to write a really good cast of people and I can’t wait to read more about them.

[Brenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to be back in Omaera's world with her and her boys! This book was another "read in one sitting" for me and I loved getting to see more of Maxar and Drak's stories and to see Omaera step more into her role as queen. The only complaint I had was Zandren - at some point I wanted him to stop being so whiny and annoying to/about the other guys. Still I can't wait for the next book!!