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Rockwood Valley Omegaverse #1
Talk about... History
One destroyed nest, two exes, and a long drive back to the town I never wanted to see again…
Seeing my exes rutting an omega in our living room was not how I expected to spend my anniversary. But I’m not an omega that is willing to forgive and forget. Instead, I call my alpha brothers and head back home, leaving everything behind.
Rockwood Valley is the tiny town I ran from the moment I turned eighteen. Anything to escape our family tragedy, and the expectations everyone set for me.
But my hometown has changed and the family business is in tatters. I’m determined to help in any way I can. If I dive into a new job and help rebuild the family business, at least I can’t dwell on the past, right?
I never expected to find mates while trying to put the pieces of my life back together. Cohen, Mason, Ford, and Arden are everything an omega could dream of, but this omega has been hurt too deeply to let them in.
Will I risk letting history repeating itself, or can this pack show me that our chemistry is undeniable?
Talk about… History, is a standalone mmfmm why choose omegaverse, with sweet packs, stubborn but strong omegas, and the small town that they call home. Please note, there are mentions of Domestic Violence and former abuse in this book.
Seeing my exes rutting an omega in our living room was not how I expected to spend my anniversary. But I’m not an omega that is willing to forgive and forget. Instead, I call my alpha brothers and head back home, leaving everything behind.
Rockwood Valley is the tiny town I ran from the moment I turned eighteen. Anything to escape our family tragedy, and the expectations everyone set for me.
But my hometown has changed and the family business is in tatters. I’m determined to help in any way I can. If I dive into a new job and help rebuild the family business, at least I can’t dwell on the past, right?
I never expected to find mates while trying to put the pieces of my life back together. Cohen, Mason, Ford, and Arden are everything an omega could dream of, but this omega has been hurt too deeply to let them in.
Will I risk letting history repeating itself, or can this pack show me that our chemistry is undeniable?
Talk about… History, is a standalone mmfmm why choose omegaverse, with sweet packs, stubborn but strong omegas, and the small town that they call home. Please note, there are mentions of Domestic Violence and former abuse in this book.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
1126 people are currently reading
694 people want to read
About the author
Jarica James
136 books692 followersJarica is an American author. She prefers writing paranormal and fantasy books. When she isn't writing she is playing her xbox with her husband and fellow nerd. She has two crazy boys who make writing a challenge, but one she gladly accepts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
September 14, 2024
DNF at 72%
Avery and her mates are only getting physical at 72%, so it’s a slow burn. I found this one a little boring, tbh. I found Avery a tad annoying, her back and forth over being scared to move forward with her mates just dragged on and on. And it was very small town vibes. We got more info about the town this books takes place in than we did about the guys. I also didn’t like that as soon as Avery was ready to get physical, they didn’t even wait for Cohen before starting. I stopped reading in the middle of that scene since it wasn’t doing anything for me anyway. Just nothing very compelling about this one. Two stars since I can see this being just right for a lot of readers, it’s just not right for me.
Avery and her mates are only getting physical at 72%, so it’s a slow burn. I found this one a little boring, tbh. I found Avery a tad annoying, her back and forth over being scared to move forward with her mates just dragged on and on. And it was very small town vibes. We got more info about the town this books takes place in than we did about the guys. I also didn’t like that as soon as Avery was ready to get physical, they didn’t even wait for Cohen before starting. I stopped reading in the middle of that scene since it wasn’t doing anything for me anyway. Just nothing very compelling about this one. Two stars since I can see this being just right for a lot of readers, it’s just not right for me.
October 3, 2024
Talk About Boring
The story was sweet, but some things just didn't gel. First, the likes:
I like that the pack was formed as the book progressed. Avery had a super supportive and protective circle of family and friends, and she did grow a bit during the course of the book. I loved the small town feel and the sweet take on a budding pack relationship.
Now, the dislikes:
Im confused as to how Avery was raised with her brothers by an omega mother, and also part of a family pack (before her dads died); Yet, somehow, Avery seemed to know very little about being an omega, pack dynamics, or about the standard expectations of how alphas should treat their omega. Her exes were caught cheating on her with her friend in front of her very eyes. Even going so far as to "finish" while she stood frozen. Yet her reaction to the situation was sub-par at best and somewhat unrealistic. Despite being the first mate found and the most respectful, poor Cohen seemed to get the shaft in comparison to the alphas in the pack. Then Ford was added as a mate to Cohen, and their relationship flourished much faster than the relationship with Avery when she and Choen met first and got to know each other much better. Not to mention, Avery was the omega and should have been their center.
Overall, the story was just okay to me. Nothing to noteworthy occurred, and it was just a bit dull. Odd, considering how much I usually enjoy Jarica James' stories.
The story was sweet, but some things just didn't gel. First, the likes:
I like that the pack was formed as the book progressed. Avery had a super supportive and protective circle of family and friends, and she did grow a bit during the course of the book. I loved the small town feel and the sweet take on a budding pack relationship.
Now, the dislikes:
Im confused as to how Avery was raised with her brothers by an omega mother, and also part of a family pack (before her dads died); Yet, somehow, Avery seemed to know very little about being an omega, pack dynamics, or about the standard expectations of how alphas should treat their omega. Her exes were caught cheating on her with her friend in front of her very eyes. Even going so far as to "finish" while she stood frozen. Yet her reaction to the situation was sub-par at best and somewhat unrealistic. Despite being the first mate found and the most respectful, poor Cohen seemed to get the shaft in comparison to the alphas in the pack. Then Ford was added as a mate to Cohen, and their relationship flourished much faster than the relationship with Avery when she and Choen met first and got to know each other much better. Not to mention, Avery was the omega and should have been their center.
Overall, the story was just okay to me. Nothing to noteworthy occurred, and it was just a bit dull. Odd, considering how much I usually enjoy Jarica James' stories.
September 15, 2024
Really enjoyed
I really enjoyed reading this book. It didn’t show her being abused just showed how she coped with her abuse and how she came to love her alphas. Totally recommend this book
I really enjoyed reading this book. It didn’t show her being abused just showed how she coped with her abuse and how she came to love her alphas. Totally recommend this book
September 14, 2024
Talk About…History is the first book in the Rockwood Valley Omegaverse Series. It is a slow-burn, standalone, why choose, small town, omegaverse romance.
This was such an awesome story and I loved the characters. Avery, Arden, Ford, and Mason are all terrific together. I loved all the different aspects of the storyline. I also loved how understanding, patient, and loving that the guys are with Avery. Their road to a HEA is a bit bumpy due to Avery’s past, but in the end they do prevail.
The writing, pace, and flow of the story are terrific, as are the storyline, plot, storytelling, characters, character development, relationship development, and world building. If you love the whole Omegaverse genre then I’d definitely recommend this book.
This was such an awesome story and I loved the characters. Avery, Arden, Ford, and Mason are all terrific together. I loved all the different aspects of the storyline. I also loved how understanding, patient, and loving that the guys are with Avery. Their road to a HEA is a bit bumpy due to Avery’s past, but in the end they do prevail.
The writing, pace, and flow of the story are terrific, as are the storyline, plot, storytelling, characters, character development, relationship development, and world building. If you love the whole Omegaverse genre then I’d definitely recommend this book.
September 22, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Despite the off-page trauma Avery had been through at the hands of two unscrupulous alphas this was a really sweet and loving book. Avery had been through enough so after witnessing betrayal she went home to recover and rebuild her life. Her mama and brothers were so loving and supportive of her.
Arden, Ford, Mason & Cohen were all wonderful alphas and beta. So extremely supportive of her, going at her own pace, ensuring she always knew they were there for her. Such a lovely romantic story.
🔸Burn = Slow/med,
🔸OW/OM Drama = No,
🔸Alpha Men = A wonderful mix,
🔸Heat = 6/10,
🔸Angst = Very Low,
🔸MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔸RH/ Poly = RH,
🔸POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Human Contemporary,
🔸Tropes = Small town romance, why choose, MMFMM, sword crossing,
🔸Triggers = Past abuse, drugging, scent abuse, cheating - not with the harem!
🔸Book = Standalone bk 1 (with interconnected characters)
Despite the off-page trauma Avery had been through at the hands of two unscrupulous alphas this was a really sweet and loving book. Avery had been through enough so after witnessing betrayal she went home to recover and rebuild her life. Her mama and brothers were so loving and supportive of her.
Arden, Ford, Mason & Cohen were all wonderful alphas and beta. So extremely supportive of her, going at her own pace, ensuring she always knew they were there for her. Such a lovely romantic story.
🔸Burn = Slow/med,
🔸OW/OM Drama = No,
🔸Alpha Men = A wonderful mix,
🔸Heat = 6/10,
🔸Angst = Very Low,
🔸MM/FF = Yes, MM
🔸RH/ Poly = RH,
🔸POV = 1st Person, MPV,
🔸Genre = Human Contemporary,
🔸Tropes = Small town romance, why choose, MMFMM, sword crossing,
🔸Triggers = Past abuse, drugging, scent abuse, cheating - not with the harem!
🔸Book = Standalone bk 1 (with interconnected characters)
December 31, 2024
I honestly thought through most of the book that this would be a duet because it seemed like the first act was really never ending. She left her cheating, crazy exes and flourished in her hometown but my issue is that there was very little relationship development and Avery not putting an effort until the very end of the book. The book focused more on her work engagement vs her relationships with her actual scent-matched pack. I was hoping that Avery would bring back her brothers mate for a surprise as well and there were just so many things that fell through. Opportunities of pack development, family development, more drama from her old pack since they begged her like weasels in the beginning, more could have been thrown in and made this book so much better. Oh and more one on one scenes and more details of the heat vs snippets. It was a good book but it stretched in places it didn’t need to stretch and fell short in spots that needed more attention or attention in general.
September 30, 2024
Good Read
Talk About… History is the first book in the Rockwood Valley Omegaverse series and sees Avery come home on her anniversary to find her pack cheating on her which leads to her moving back to her home town to be closer to her family. But not everything is rosy, especially when questions are raised about how she was treated by her last pack. She also meets her scent matched mates but can she let go of the past and trust them?
I really liked this book, I liked the premise and how it started off. I felt that it added an extra layer to the story, because not only did Avery have to learn to trust again but she also had to deal with what had happened in her past. I loved the characters and how they all contrasted against each other but at the same time fit together so well.
Overall, this was a really good read and a different spin on your typical omegaverse novels. I would recommend giving it a read.
Talk About… History is the first book in the Rockwood Valley Omegaverse series and sees Avery come home on her anniversary to find her pack cheating on her which leads to her moving back to her home town to be closer to her family. But not everything is rosy, especially when questions are raised about how she was treated by her last pack. She also meets her scent matched mates but can she let go of the past and trust them?
I really liked this book, I liked the premise and how it started off. I felt that it added an extra layer to the story, because not only did Avery have to learn to trust again but she also had to deal with what had happened in her past. I loved the characters and how they all contrasted against each other but at the same time fit together so well.
Overall, this was a really good read and a different spin on your typical omegaverse novels. I would recommend giving it a read.
December 27, 2024
4.5 stars
This book was super sweet, and I loved watching Avery get more confident as she found herself again. There are two things I wish we had more of. The first is that so much of the book was dedicated to seeing them all come together, I wish we saw more of them functioning as a pack and seeing friendships build between the members. Also, my vengeful little heart wishes we would have seen more retribution directly for the two alphas in the beginning. I get that the story is focusing on the future and positivity, but I kind of feel like sometimes choosing violence is alright too.
This book was super sweet, and I loved watching Avery get more confident as she found herself again. There are two things I wish we had more of. The first is that so much of the book was dedicated to seeing them all come together, I wish we saw more of them functioning as a pack and seeing friendships build between the members. Also, my vengeful little heart wishes we would have seen more retribution directly for the two alphas in the beginning. I get that the story is focusing on the future and positivity, but I kind of feel like sometimes choosing violence is alright too.
October 7, 2024
This was a cute and cozy small-town romance, and I enjoyed the slow burn. However, I didn’t really connect with Avery, the FMC, and I wished the characters had more depth given the length of the book. There were too many things happening at once, which made it harder to focus on the relationships. Still, it was an easy, low-stakes read, and I’m curious about the next book in the series.
November 4, 2024
Really liked this story and characters and the small town community. It was not deep and things moved fast but it was a nice easy enjoyable read. Will read others in series.
November 13, 2024
3.75⭐️ 2🌶️
Read
March 11, 2025DNF’d @ 67% I just wasn’t feeling the characters or the story. There’s nothing wrong with it, other than it’s not for me.
December 19, 2025
2.75⭐️
March 30, 2025
Stopped at about 50%.
September 13, 2024
Jarica James will always be my go to for omegaverse. I loved her jaded omegas series and of course her Holiday Hollow series she did with Chloe Gunter. I am certainly not about to miss this new small town series. Rockwood Valley was the home for Avery but she left her small town life in exchange for a life in the big city where she seemingly had it all. And it came crashing down in fell swoop. And she returns to her hometown with no alphas, no job.
In true Jarica fashion, she sets for us a new small town with that Hallmark movie type vibe but with the added bonus of a an MM romance. In this book, Avery doesn’t meet an established pack. She is scent matched to these 4 guys on separate occasions and they build their relationships naturally. It was a nice change of pace and I truly enjoyed the story. I can’t wait to read the next story!
In true Jarica fashion, she sets for us a new small town with that Hallmark movie type vibe but with the added bonus of a an MM romance. In this book, Avery doesn’t meet an established pack. She is scent matched to these 4 guys on separate occasions and they build their relationships naturally. It was a nice change of pace and I truly enjoyed the story. I can’t wait to read the next story!
November 13, 2024
⭐⭐ 2.5 stars
Avery is cheated on by a pack she was with for five years. She realizes following the dissolution of said pack how toxic and controlling they were. They tricked her into thinking they were scent-mates and then slowly isolated her from everyone in her life. She moves back home where she helps her three brothers increase business to their brewery and their town. Back home, she meets four mates, Cohen, Arden, Ford, and Mason. She's very insecure and untrusting when it comes to meeting these mates. However, she quickly accepts them and they eventually claim her and live HEA.
There is no conflict in this story whatsoever. It was quite boring. Her family and mates are all supportive but low-key tell her she needs to get over these concerns for her new pack. I can understand not blaming your new partner for the sins of your old one, but it's only natural for Avery to be insecure and unsure because she meets her new pack weeks after leaving her old one. This is the basis of the plot but it ends up being resolved fairly quickly and the rest of the book is just bleh. It's not good or bad, just boring.
Avery is cheated on by a pack she was with for five years. She realizes following the dissolution of said pack how toxic and controlling they were. They tricked her into thinking they were scent-mates and then slowly isolated her from everyone in her life. She moves back home where she helps her three brothers increase business to their brewery and their town. Back home, she meets four mates, Cohen, Arden, Ford, and Mason. She's very insecure and untrusting when it comes to meeting these mates. However, she quickly accepts them and they eventually claim her and live HEA.
There is no conflict in this story whatsoever. It was quite boring. Her family and mates are all supportive but low-key tell her she needs to get over these concerns for her new pack. I can understand not blaming your new partner for the sins of your old one, but it's only natural for Avery to be insecure and unsure because she meets her new pack weeks after leaving her old one. This is the basis of the plot but it ends up being resolved fairly quickly and the rest of the book is just bleh. It's not good or bad, just boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2024
2.5 stars
The book had a lot of repetition, and we don't get a lot of information about the men in her pack.
Avery was also so very wishy washy and at times, the story was slow.
We don't need to read about everyone's diner order. We also don't need to hear the same "story" 3 or 4 times from different people.
With a proper editor, this book could be trimmed down to 315 pages or so but contain more depth and character involvement.
The book had a lot of repetition, and we don't get a lot of information about the men in her pack.
Avery was also so very wishy washy and at times, the story was slow.
We don't need to read about everyone's diner order. We also don't need to hear the same "story" 3 or 4 times from different people.
With a proper editor, this book could be trimmed down to 315 pages or so but contain more depth and character involvement.
November 29, 2024
I liked the premise a lot! Cohen, Ford, Arden, and Mason are all great characters… it just needed to be flushed out more. There is no character growth or depth. I didn’t get emotionally attached to anyone. I didn’t care for Avery at all…. Honestly this book should have been about the four male characters and it would have been much better. They seemed more interested in each other anyway. The side plot (if you can call it that) with Avery’s mom and brothers doesn’t really lead anywhere.
This book somehow just wasn’t enough and it was too much at the same time. It was overall a very boring and dull book.
This book somehow just wasn’t enough and it was too much at the same time. It was overall a very boring and dull book.
September 15, 2024
This was good, not great. The writing felt repetitive at points, the characterization wasn't entirely consistent, the amount of time the story took place over was too short to be believable (after trauma), the spicy parts were fine enough but not very hot. Cute and straightforward but you do need to not read it so closely to enjoy it. I did like that the emphasis was on Avery, the Omega, healing and reclaiming her life, and that the relationships progressed at her pace. The Alphas were very respectful and supportive. I liked it enough to continue the series.
November 3, 2024
even hallmark movies don’t have this much small town propaganda
November 4, 2024
DNF. The writing style, dialogue, and characters were all a bit too immature for me.
December 31, 2024
Ok but I wasn't aware that there was MM in this book. As it's not my favourite trop, it bothered me a bit.
Except this, it was a pleasant story with cute and funny moment.
Except this, it was a pleasant story with cute and funny moment.
December 16, 2024
This book was a delightful and heartwarming pick-me-up that I couldn’t put down. Set in the omegaverse, it offers a refreshingly sweet take on the genre, steering clear of the over-the-top drama often found in similar stories. Instead, it delivers a heartfelt tale of healing, growth, and love.
The story centers around Avery, a courageous Omega who has endured more than her fair share of pain in the last few years. After discovering her supposed scent-matched Alphas with another Omega, Avery’s world is shattered. Their betrayal and abuse force her to flee, she finds herself retreating to the comfort of her beloved small mountain town and the love of her family. It’s here, amidst familiar surroundings and the promise of a fresh start, that she begins to piece her life back together.
What makes this story truly shine is the way it balances emotional depth with hope. As Avery embarks on the journey to rebuild her life, she stumbles—quite literally—into the people who will become her new pack: three Alphas and a Beta. Each of them brings something special to the table, and their growing bond with Avery is equal parts tender and uplifting. Through their love and support, Avery finds the strength not only to heal from her past but also to dream of a brighter future.
In addition to her personal journey, Avery takes on the challenge of revitalizing her small town, pouring her energy into breathing life back into the place she loves so much. Her determination to help the community mirrors her inner transformation, making her growth feel all the more authentic and inspiring.
By the end, everything comes together in a beautifully satisfying HEA that left me smiling even after I turned the last page. I really like this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and uplifting omegaverse story. It’s the perfect blend of emotional depth, lovable characters, and a touch of small-town charm.
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Genre: Contemporary Omegaverse
Relationship(s): MMFMM
Romance: Medium Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, first person
Platform: Digital, Kindle Unlimited
Length: 345 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🩶
Series/Standalone: Rockwood Valley series, book one
Cliffhanger: No
Themes/Tropes: Mates, Reverse Harem, Abuse, There’s No Place Like Home!, Pack, Heats, Knotting
Check Triggers⚠️: No
The story centers around Avery, a courageous Omega who has endured more than her fair share of pain in the last few years. After discovering her supposed scent-matched Alphas with another Omega, Avery’s world is shattered. Their betrayal and abuse force her to flee, she finds herself retreating to the comfort of her beloved small mountain town and the love of her family. It’s here, amidst familiar surroundings and the promise of a fresh start, that she begins to piece her life back together.
What makes this story truly shine is the way it balances emotional depth with hope. As Avery embarks on the journey to rebuild her life, she stumbles—quite literally—into the people who will become her new pack: three Alphas and a Beta. Each of them brings something special to the table, and their growing bond with Avery is equal parts tender and uplifting. Through their love and support, Avery finds the strength not only to heal from her past but also to dream of a brighter future.
In addition to her personal journey, Avery takes on the challenge of revitalizing her small town, pouring her energy into breathing life back into the place she loves so much. Her determination to help the community mirrors her inner transformation, making her growth feel all the more authentic and inspiring.
By the end, everything comes together in a beautifully satisfying HEA that left me smiling even after I turned the last page. I really like this book and recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet and uplifting omegaverse story. It’s the perfect blend of emotional depth, lovable characters, and a touch of small-town charm.
Follow me for more Book reviews, recommendations and releases dates on all social media via the link in my bio.
Genre: Contemporary Omegaverse
Relationship(s): MMFMM
Romance: Medium Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, first person
Platform: Digital, Kindle Unlimited
Length: 345 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🩶
Series/Standalone: Rockwood Valley series, book one
Cliffhanger: No
Themes/Tropes: Mates, Reverse Harem, Abuse, There’s No Place Like Home!, Pack, Heats, Knotting
Check Triggers⚠️: No
February 28, 2025
Honestly??? I was really rooting for this one when i first started reading it, and I've read and liked a few books from this author before, but the more I read the more disappointed i was. The story by no means was bad at all, it was good in that it was low angst and that the characters all had appealing personalities... but there were several issues that I had with it that made me enjoy in less.
The first issue that I have is that there are no full steamy scenes with Cohen and Avery, who is her beta scent match. Out of all the steam in this book Avery sleeps with all 3 of her Alphas several times each... but then when it came to Cohen she gave him a blow job twice, a single hand job, and then one time he assisted her with and alpha by using his hand. That was the only steam we had between Avery and Cohen, meanwhile there's a full chapter about how Cohen gets dicked down by Ford. That was just super annoying to me when this story is supposed to be Avery's... like yeah, there's multi-POV but it's not their story, it's still Avery's story and yet there's no full pack representation with the steam?? Frustrating to say the least.
The second issue I have is that there wasn't really a connection between Avery and all of her pack mates. Like I understand the idea that they are strangers to each other, but I found that even with them all going on singular dates with each other there was not much information passed between each of them. I think the most information we get from literally any of them is their jobs and about their family dynamics growing up, and that's it, nothing actually about who they are as people. There's no deeper knowledge of the characters, and that just lent to their whole relationship as being very shallow in my eyes. The pack were able to comfort Avery during her struggles and trauma, but that was a very current situation that was occurring, not something deeply rooted so we could see into it. Everything was just so surface level without actually developing an understanding of each character yet somehow it's supposed to be believed that they love each other and that it's a true scent matched connection.
For those reasons I'm giving it 3 stars, and quite frankly if I didn't genuinely like the idea behind the plot and the built world itself (plus her brothers), then i would actually have given this 2 stars. Nothing pisses me off more than shallow connection/weak pack dynamic and pack members who are left out or not equally represented.
The first issue that I have is that there are no full steamy scenes with Cohen and Avery, who is her beta scent match. Out of all the steam in this book Avery sleeps with all 3 of her Alphas several times each... but then when it came to Cohen she gave him a blow job twice, a single hand job, and then one time he assisted her with and alpha by using his hand. That was the only steam we had between Avery and Cohen, meanwhile there's a full chapter about how Cohen gets dicked down by Ford. That was just super annoying to me when this story is supposed to be Avery's... like yeah, there's multi-POV but it's not their story, it's still Avery's story and yet there's no full pack representation with the steam?? Frustrating to say the least.
The second issue I have is that there wasn't really a connection between Avery and all of her pack mates. Like I understand the idea that they are strangers to each other, but I found that even with them all going on singular dates with each other there was not much information passed between each of them. I think the most information we get from literally any of them is their jobs and about their family dynamics growing up, and that's it, nothing actually about who they are as people. There's no deeper knowledge of the characters, and that just lent to their whole relationship as being very shallow in my eyes. The pack were able to comfort Avery during her struggles and trauma, but that was a very current situation that was occurring, not something deeply rooted so we could see into it. Everything was just so surface level without actually developing an understanding of each character yet somehow it's supposed to be believed that they love each other and that it's a true scent matched connection.
For those reasons I'm giving it 3 stars, and quite frankly if I didn't genuinely like the idea behind the plot and the built world itself (plus her brothers), then i would actually have given this 2 stars. Nothing pisses me off more than shallow connection/weak pack dynamic and pack members who are left out or not equally represented.
September 15, 2024
cute small town romance
I was kind of craving a small town romance and it was made even better when the pack was built rather than having already been formed. It was rather cute and low risk so it was a nice calming read. I did expect a bit more from this just based on the synopsis. I was especially expecting to feel more connection to the characters and between the characters but it just didn’t seem to have enough depth for me or maybe the FMC just didn’t fit with me. I was also a little disappointed that the FMC wasn’t more inquisitive or outraged about what happened, I mean if I was her I would want an explanation for why they were making me blackout during my heat. I think that is the main thing that just bothers me with the plot.
I also think that there was a bit too much going on between her new job, the ex’s situation, her mama, and her new pack. It would have been better if more of it was concluded as the story went on rather than all at the end, removed some of it, or maybe saved some of it for future books because I’m assuming the next ones will be about the brothers. Or the book could have been made longer. I think since there was so much going on it was hard to delve deep into a single plot point or build the relationships between the characters up in a more meaningful way. Cause of all this and the fact I have read several of her other books, I felt a little disappointed with this one.
However, if you are just looking for a cozy, cute small town romance that has little stake and is easy to read I would definitely recommend this book. It is perfect for those who have been deep into the dark and heavy books and just need to step into the light for a bit. Or for those who are stressed and need something low stakes and relaxing to read at the end of the day.
I was kind of craving a small town romance and it was made even better when the pack was built rather than having already been formed. It was rather cute and low risk so it was a nice calming read. I did expect a bit more from this just based on the synopsis. I was especially expecting to feel more connection to the characters and between the characters but it just didn’t seem to have enough depth for me or maybe the FMC just didn’t fit with me. I was also a little disappointed that the FMC wasn’t more inquisitive or outraged about what happened, I mean if I was her I would want an explanation for why they were making me blackout during my heat. I think that is the main thing that just bothers me with the plot.
I also think that there was a bit too much going on between her new job, the ex’s situation, her mama, and her new pack. It would have been better if more of it was concluded as the story went on rather than all at the end, removed some of it, or maybe saved some of it for future books because I’m assuming the next ones will be about the brothers. Or the book could have been made longer. I think since there was so much going on it was hard to delve deep into a single plot point or build the relationships between the characters up in a more meaningful way. Cause of all this and the fact I have read several of her other books, I felt a little disappointed with this one.
However, if you are just looking for a cozy, cute small town romance that has little stake and is easy to read I would definitely recommend this book. It is perfect for those who have been deep into the dark and heavy books and just need to step into the light for a bit. Or for those who are stressed and need something low stakes and relaxing to read at the end of the day.
November 5, 2024
Rating- 3
Heat- 3
Tropes- sweet omegaverse, MMFMM, scent match, prior abusive relationship
This was very sweet, small town romance that is as much about Avery finding herself again after leaving an abusive relationship as it is about love. We watch her return to her family and hometown and slowly begin to realize just how horrible her ex pack had been. She has to learn to trust her own instincts again after they betrayed her last time. Despite this being a fated mate, scent match story, it is a slow burn due to her trauma.
Overall, I enjoyed it but I felt like James made a conscious decision to keep the story fluffy when she had a more intriguing plot line on the sideline. The book opens with Avery walking in on both of her alphas doing a friend of hers. To make matters worse, she quickly learns that they had used illegal pheromones to fake their scent match. The guys end up being part of a larger scheme and aren’t the only people who betrayed Avery, but all of the action with this takes place off page. I have read many omegaverse books, and this is the first time I have seen a world where scent matches can be and are faked. I want to know more. We get endless pages about Avery’s new job and the town they live in, but we never see the endlessly more fascinating drama with her ex’s. I’m a karma girl. I like to SEE characters get their karma. Instead I just got told it happened which is far less satisfying.
Heat- 3
Tropes- sweet omegaverse, MMFMM, scent match, prior abusive relationship
This was very sweet, small town romance that is as much about Avery finding herself again after leaving an abusive relationship as it is about love. We watch her return to her family and hometown and slowly begin to realize just how horrible her ex pack had been. She has to learn to trust her own instincts again after they betrayed her last time. Despite this being a fated mate, scent match story, it is a slow burn due to her trauma.
Overall, I enjoyed it but I felt like James made a conscious decision to keep the story fluffy when she had a more intriguing plot line on the sideline. The book opens with Avery walking in on both of her alphas doing a friend of hers. To make matters worse, she quickly learns that they had used illegal pheromones to fake their scent match. The guys end up being part of a larger scheme and aren’t the only people who betrayed Avery, but all of the action with this takes place off page. I have read many omegaverse books, and this is the first time I have seen a world where scent matches can be and are faked. I want to know more. We get endless pages about Avery’s new job and the town they live in, but we never see the endlessly more fascinating drama with her ex’s. I’m a karma girl. I like to SEE characters get their karma. Instead I just got told it happened which is far less satisfying.
December 11, 2025
I think I knew this was going to be a bunch of contrived bs from the get go.
Started off on a bad note just a few pages in when the FMC proclaims that her pack "knew she was off work" - you know, off work as in perhaps she just got off and was on her way home - then a dozen pages later states that she has no job. Then later talks about not having a job for a while since her pack basically made her quit.
Frickin nuts. The reader shouldn't already be questioning why the story doesn't seem to make sense - it's the first chapter ffs. It read like the author was scrambling to explain their own made up situation, but just kind of slept through it all with some half-assed, one-dimensional explanations.
And it didn't get any better from there - the whole story appears to follow the same flaw-riddled, trite path. A lot of conversations where people are somehow discussing facts they were never actually told, a lot of plot that proceeds way too instantaneously and without any foundation or buildup, the subtlety and complexity necessary to build depth are nowhere in sight, and life is just a little too seamless and black&white. Like... Ah HA! Look at these illegal pheromones they were using - but wait! They conveniently left a receipt right next to them, because everyone knows that it's vital to get a receipt for ILLEGAL THINGS.
All in all, it was horrible, boring, and horribly boring.
Started off on a bad note just a few pages in when the FMC proclaims that her pack "knew she was off work" - you know, off work as in perhaps she just got off and was on her way home - then a dozen pages later states that she has no job. Then later talks about not having a job for a while since her pack basically made her quit.
Frickin nuts. The reader shouldn't already be questioning why the story doesn't seem to make sense - it's the first chapter ffs. It read like the author was scrambling to explain their own made up situation, but just kind of slept through it all with some half-assed, one-dimensional explanations.
And it didn't get any better from there - the whole story appears to follow the same flaw-riddled, trite path. A lot of conversations where people are somehow discussing facts they were never actually told, a lot of plot that proceeds way too instantaneously and without any foundation or buildup, the subtlety and complexity necessary to build depth are nowhere in sight, and life is just a little too seamless and black&white. Like... Ah HA! Look at these illegal pheromones they were using - but wait! They conveniently left a receipt right next to them, because everyone knows that it's vital to get a receipt for ILLEGAL THINGS.
All in all, it was horrible, boring, and horribly boring.
September 25, 2024
Attention! This is a slow burn romance. This isn’t a story when the love interests connect and bite on the spot. There was not a lot of drama/action. There was things that the character had to overcome, but it wasn’t as dramatic as some books are. Please don’t read or expect something super fast pace, full of thrills, full of drama because that’s not what this is. This is a very sweet book.
Our main character is going through a huge life-changing development. She is cheated on,manipulated, destroys her nest, etc. In omegaverses we all know that scent matching and nesting is a huge factor in omega-verses in some stories. This Omega is going through a huge emotional change. She’s moving back home. She’s rediscovering herself. There’s no room for a straightforward romance right off the chopping block. If that’s what you want that’s not what the story is. She is very strong woman that’s learning how to take that strength back with the support of the new men in her life plus family she’s reconnecting with.
This was a great story I liked the plot,the timing of things,the pace,the world building. This is not something fast pace that’s going to jump into a lot of action. This is a slow romance story/her rediscovering herself. I highly recommend this book. It’s very sweet. There is also MM scent matching which was adorable. All the characters had their own personalities so it wasn’t hard to distinguish them all. Overall was a great reverse harem and omegaverse.
Our main character is going through a huge life-changing development. She is cheated on,manipulated, destroys her nest, etc. In omegaverses we all know that scent matching and nesting is a huge factor in omega-verses in some stories. This Omega is going through a huge emotional change. She’s moving back home. She’s rediscovering herself. There’s no room for a straightforward romance right off the chopping block. If that’s what you want that’s not what the story is. She is very strong woman that’s learning how to take that strength back with the support of the new men in her life plus family she’s reconnecting with.
This was a great story I liked the plot,the timing of things,the pace,the world building. This is not something fast pace that’s going to jump into a lot of action. This is a slow romance story/her rediscovering herself. I highly recommend this book. It’s very sweet. There is also MM scent matching which was adorable. All the characters had their own personalities so it wasn’t hard to distinguish them all. Overall was a great reverse harem and omegaverse.
March 11, 2025
Has great potential, but…
Honestly I struggled with this book. From the very beginning it didn’t make sense to me. She was coming home with food and cake to celebrate their anniversary. No other backstory, so everything sounded like it was a great relationship then bam straight to finding her two alphas banging her best friend upon entering the house. I mean she didn’t have a job, or that was confusing because it sounded like she did have one since she says they knew she was off work. Then she pretty much ransacked the place, made some phone calls all while what they finished her friend off then came bagging for her to stay? I mean to say this FMC was naive is an understatement because reading through the story the red flag brigade would have to have mowed her over in that relationship. I think the premise of the story has promise. It just felt stilted and not enough emotion put into the characters so at time it felt hollow. One minute she angry, but no she is scared, she is brave and determined, but then sad and ashamed. It was all over the place. This isn’t like any omegaverse I’ve ever read either (why it has such promise!) the omegas aren’t kept apart or guarded from alphas, they pretty much just get to freely find their way in life and that was refreshing.
Honestly I struggled with this book. From the very beginning it didn’t make sense to me. She was coming home with food and cake to celebrate their anniversary. No other backstory, so everything sounded like it was a great relationship then bam straight to finding her two alphas banging her best friend upon entering the house. I mean she didn’t have a job, or that was confusing because it sounded like she did have one since she says they knew she was off work. Then she pretty much ransacked the place, made some phone calls all while what they finished her friend off then came bagging for her to stay? I mean to say this FMC was naive is an understatement because reading through the story the red flag brigade would have to have mowed her over in that relationship. I think the premise of the story has promise. It just felt stilted and not enough emotion put into the characters so at time it felt hollow. One minute she angry, but no she is scared, she is brave and determined, but then sad and ashamed. It was all over the place. This isn’t like any omegaverse I’ve ever read either (why it has such promise!) the omegas aren’t kept apart or guarded from alphas, they pretty much just get to freely find their way in life and that was refreshing.
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