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Rockwood Valley Omegaverse #2

Talk about... Rivalry

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I’m an omega destined to never find her mates…

I can’t scent potential mates, my heats are messed up, and my own scent is nonexistent, meaning scent-matches are not in the cards for me.

The worst part is that I’m in love with my best friend’s brother, Maverick, and Taylor, a sassy omega I can’t get enough of. Even if they were interested, I can’t stand the thought of being left heartbroken when they do find their mates.

When Maverick is asked on a date… and he accepts, I know I have to do something. I recruit Taylor to help me sabotage this date before it’s too late.

He agrees, but the only problem is he brings his best friend Leo along, and the new beta in town makes it very clear he wants a date in exchange for his help.

My world is thrown into chaos as we all grow closer and small slips of scents start to hit me. They think there’s hope, I’m too scared to agree.

My doctor thinks he has a solution, but am I willing to risk the potential heartbreak if he’s wrong?

Talk about… Rivalry, is a standalone mmfmm why choose omegaverse in the Rockwood Valley Series, with sweet packs, stubborn but strong omegas, and the small town that they call home.

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2024

408 people are currently reading
323 people want to read

About the author

Jarica James

136 books696 followers
Jarica 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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5 stars
689 (40%)
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642 (37%)
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310 (18%)
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52 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
59 reviews
February 20, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than the first one in the series. A lot of the FMCs trauma and backstory was very relatable for me. I love the stories in this series and I want to see how Nash and Cameron get their packs, but both of the books I’ve read so far felt just okay overall. I’m on the fence about continuing this series.

I feel like we didn’t really get to see the pack actually happy instead of just in the constant state of fear that Sidney would run. There were so many things mentioned that seemed to be forgotten about until they got were briefly mentioned in the epilogue (the leather working, her cat, the horse, Leo’s mom, etc…) Also I was slightly put off by Sidney being dead set against having children and then the author having her pregnant in the epilogue. I would’ve rather she had just stuck to not having kids or not made it as big of a deal throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melo.
852 reviews23 followers
December 10, 2024
Heart warming.

I enjoyed the realist feel of this omegaverse. Sydney had real thoughts of insecurities, for once it wasn't just about weight but deep routed feelings of inadequacies. We are sometimes our own worst enemies. Tackling mental health in an omegaverse... Interesting take. The best bit was that it wasn't solved in two paragraphs.

Her mates are absolutely perfect for her. Wish more authors would write packs like these. Attentive, patient, encouraging, understanding and completely in love with her in practical showing ways not just and overload of smut and calling it a day.

Recommend.
Profile Image for H.
971 reviews
December 7, 2024
Another good story in this small town omegaverse.
Profile Image for Freya.
475 reviews134 followers
April 26, 2025
3⭐️ 2🌶️

• MMFMM poly / reverse harem
• contemporary non-shifter omegaverse
• small town
• 2 omegas x beta x 2 alphas
• mutual pining (between the fmc and two mmcs)
• heat
• mates and bonds
• a bit of a slow burn but fast paced (if it makes any sense…lol)
• vibes: sweet
• 1st person pov
• multi pov

The premise of the story was really intriguing: an omega that cannot scent and doesn’t have a scent of her own, making it impossible for her to find her scent (fated) mate(s).

That part of the plot was different from all other omegaverse books I’ve read, so I think this was an original take in this genre, which I appreciated.

Although it fell a little flat for me as for the majority of the book we have a very insecure fmc, who is understandably traumatized by her mother abandoning her as a child. I get all the abandonment issues mixed with the scent issues created a very strong insecurity and low self esteem, but in my opinion this could have been resolved sooner, it felt too repetitive as the guys had to keep trying to make her understand she’s who they want. The book could’ve been cut a bit shorter avoiding all this repetition.

I got annoyed by this at a certain point and I personally couldn’t care much about her anymore. Plus the guys were all about her, everything seems to be about her. Like we don’t even have a backstory on the guys, only her, always her.

She’s the center of the attention of everyone, and it all happens quite suddenly. And that annoyed me after a bit.

Lastly, for a reverse harem omegaverse with four guys, I was expecting the book to be a bit spicier and a bit more focused on that aspect and lust. Not that it’s bad it wasn’t, it just was not was I was expecting. I think there are 5/6 scenes in total, but they’re not very long or hyper descriptive/explicit (in my opinion, for example if you come from dark romance or other omegaverses you might find the sexy times mild). Plus I felt like there was not much lead up to them or tension. They just kinda happened.

All in all it’s a nice read, I recommend it if you want something easy to read, with nice hot guys that are obsessed with this sweet omega girl. It could be a good fit for someone new to omegaverse or reverse harem as it’s pretty tame and sweet.
Profile Image for Kelly.
247 reviews6 followers
March 30, 2025
Breezed through this in a day. Not bad at all, but I wish we would have learned more about Sidney’s dynamic with her dad. I felt like that was really glossed over when it was the main reason for a lot of her struggles.

2.5/5 ⭐️✨
Profile Image for Mad.
315 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2025
It was a little boring, too “will they/won’t they”
Profile Image for Theresa.
690 reviews11 followers
July 17, 2025
My heart hurt for Sidney. She doesn’t have a scent and her sense of smelling other scents is dormant and doesn’t have regular heats like other omegas and won’t be triggered until she meets her mates. But the sad thing is, she’s so focused on meeting her scent matches that she doesn’t want to take into consideration that she can have a mate who isn’t her scent match because she’s afraid if they meet their scent matches, they’ll abandon her. Which is understandable; her mom left her and her dad when she was ten years old, her doesn’t show her the affection she needs as an omega, so she’s very closed off.

Sidney has been in love with Maverick, her best friend Avery’s older brother for years and he’s been pining for her just the same.

Taylor is the floor manager at his parent's restaurant The Landing and pretends to be a waiter every time Sidney comes in because he feels pulled towards her.

Leo is Taylor’s best friend and is opening a lounge which leads to Maverick and Leo having a slight rivalry because Maverick thinks they’re competing to the same clientele. Leo used to have a rivalry with Sidney growing up as well.

Lastly, we have Bennett, who is a representative for Sinclair Vinyard, his family’s company. He wants to talk to Maverick about wine suppliers at Maverick’s family bar and Leo’s new lounge he’s opening in name of his grandfather. He has a one night standing with Sidney when he gets a scent of Sidney, only for a second.

After Maverick agrees to a date with someone from out of town, Sidney is absolutely destroyed, she accepts a one-night stand with Bennett. Which leads to Leo taking Sidney on a date at The Landing at the exact date and time as Maverick, in hopes of destroying his date. But then Sidney begins scenting her mates, only for a second and she runs distraught. Then Bennett randomly shows up and finds out he’s also mates with Taylor.

Things quickly come about, the guys all move into Leo’s house in the hopes of showing Sidney they are a united front. As Sidney’s heat gets closer to more of a nervous wreck she is. Again, she’s got some trust and abandonment issues, and she still thinks they’re going to leave her after they repeatedly tell her they are all in with her.

I’m so glad Maverick and Sidney are finally together! Maverick really needed to get his head out of his butt. And Bennett and Taylor together 🥵 I absolutely loved them together. I loved the support Sidney received from Mama Whitaker; I love their relationship so much. I liked the fact that Sidney was able to find something she was passionate about and bring it to life with the help of her wonderful, supportive mates.

There’s incredible banter, spice, and hot as hell mates!
Profile Image for Kimberlea Richardson.
646 reviews14 followers
November 8, 2024
Letting Go Of Fear & Letting Love In

After seeing so many OV stories about scent matches, it was nice to see one coming at scent matches from a different angle…a lack of scent to develop a match. Yet when you’re dealing with a feeling of abandonment, going all the way back to childhood, as well as other deep seated emotions, feeling like someone will leave as soon as their “real” mate comes along would be enough to make anyone keep potential love interests at arm’s length. This book will drive home the importance of remembering that our perception of the truth, and the ACTUAL truth may not always be the same. You never truly know what’s going on in someone’s mind that drives their actions, and the best way to know is to TALK to them lol. This pack did not just magically come together. There were so many internal conflicts & struggles for them to work through, but once things started moving forward, I loved seeing the support they all gave Sydney AND each other ❤️ I’ll admit though, out of all the guys, Taylor just completely stole my heart. He never wavered in knowing that he wanted Sydney, or in pursuing her. He was perfection 🥰 Granted, Bennet worked hard to make sure she knew how worthy she was, with or without a scent, and made sure all the guys in the pack focused on what she needed & deserved. So yeah, he was a close second, and Leo & Maverick (once they got their heads on straight) made for the rest of a strong, loving, supportive pack. Jarica skillfully weaves a warm & fuzzy, yet touching & emotional, omegaverse story filled with characters that will have you wrapped around their fingers before you know it. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this series ❤️
Profile Image for Ines.
1,356 reviews48 followers
November 6, 2024
* 4.5 stars

"Talk About Rivalry" is a new standalone in the small town of Rockwood Valley, with our fmc Sidney who we already met briefly in the first book in this series. Sidney defines herself as a broken omega: an omega without her own scent and without the ability to scent others. In her head, this means she can never safely bond with her own pack because she's certain they will leave her the moment they eventually meet their scent match. My heart really broke for her at times; this is an fmc with a brave face who carries around a lot of hurt and trauma, but somehow still keeps the spark going that maybe one day things will change for the better.

This book is about that day, and the days following that one, where things finally start to change for the better. But those better times don't come easily. With two of her potential mates being rivals, and Sidney having a past rivalry with one of her own potential mates, the struggle to form a pack is real. Thank the heavens for an alpha swooping in from outside the town, who knows how to keep a level head and who knows how to manage the hotheads Sidney loves. I enjoyed the dynamic between all these characters. At times it felt like things maybe got resolved a little too quickly, but I think it's the logical consequence of writing a standalone and wanting to keep the words limited.

If you love small town omegaverse, this book is definitely a nice addition to the genre. Sidney deserves all the love...
Profile Image for Tiggysbookthings.
27 reviews
November 3, 2024
I only discovered this author just before her last release of Talk About ...History.

I absolutely devoured that book and could not wait to be brought back to Rockwood Valley and find out all about the fiesty Omega that is Sidney Vance.

Sidney Vance is an Omega without a scent.
She can't scent anyone else either.

After resinging herself to a lonely packless future, things start to take an unexpected turn.

Suddenly those unrequited feelings for her best friends brother aren't so unrequited.

That one night stand is going to turn into quite a few more.

Her school nemesis might not be her nemesis for much longer.

Did I also mention the hot Omega waiter that wants to date her?

Throughout all the trials and tribulations, we watch Sidney blossom into the Omega she was meant to be with the Pack she always deserved.

"There was just something about the stoic alpha that drew me in. I couldn't scent him, but I could imagine how amazing he probably smelled. I bet it was something rugged and perfect- something I'd want to drown in."

I was very very lucky to be granted an ARC of this book and I cannot wait till the rest of you get the opportunity to read it.

Whilst this is book two in the series, each book can be read as a standalone. But why would you do that? The first book is amazing too!
367 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2024
This book was so heartbreaking at times, but the author really did a good job with the storyline of this book. Sidney, the FMC, is an omega with a serious medical condition. She can’t scent anybody, and doesn’t have a scent to others. In the world of omegas, where mates are found by smell, this is a big deal. Watching Sidney struggle with this issue throughout the book is hard and heartbreaking at times, but it really influences who she is and her actions and is an integral part of the story.

This is the second book in this series and while it is a stand alone, I would definitely read the first book also. Maverick is the older brother of Sidney’s best friend, Avery. Maverick is really just everything to Sidney and they deserve their happiness after everything they have been through.

I like the author’s approach in this series, where the omega builds her pack. In this book, the pack struggled to form a cohesive unit for Sidney. But once they did, they really created a special family for each of them.

I am really loving this series. Yes, there is a little drama due to Sidney’s scent issues, but no real dark themes. Jarica James did a great job with this book and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,522 reviews56 followers
November 8, 2024
Talk About Rivalry is the second book in the Rockwood Valley Omegaverse Series. It is a standalone, best friend's brother, sisters best friend, why choose, omegaverse romance.

Sidney has had a pretty emotionless life, and as an Omega, that's the worst. The only tenderness she's received is from her best friend and her best friend's mom. Sidney also has the challenge of not having a scent, and is unable to scent others.

Sidney is adamant that she will never have a pack. She will never let herself be hurt by letting a pack in, then them finding their true scent matches. But, what happens when two alpha's, a beta, and an omega insists she is theirs? Will she take the risk? Or will she stick to her guns and live a life of solitude?

I loved this book. Sidney broke my heart and the guy's' protectiveness, willingness to go above and beyond to make her feel safe, and their loving ways toward her, simply melted me. I could not have enjoyed this story more.

This was a fabulous omegaverse read. It is an emotional and heart wrenching page turner that I'd absolutely recommend. I will be excitedly awaiting the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Michelle Ann.
720 reviews30 followers
November 9, 2024
so what happens when you are an omega who has no scent? When you can't scent. You have lingering anxiety and the nagging fear of abandonment. You also live and work on your family ranch when your passion lies elsewhere. You also have self-doubt and look at the hot alpha bar owner (your best friend's brother) with longing glances and make no move when he says yes to a date even though you've been in love with him for half your life but you don't say anything because you feel he's not your scent match and he will just leave you. This is also the reason why you won't do anything with the good looking male omega that works at your favorite restaurant. But for funsies, let's also throw in a traveling wine rep alpha and the male omega's best friend (who you knew in middle school). Let's go!

Just face facts here. Jarica James is my go to for omegaverse. She just does it so well. The emotional connection, the palapable tension. I'm done.

Have I summed everything up? Just go. Just read it.
Profile Image for Carrie.
895 reviews5 followers
November 19, 2024
There's just something about this town...
Sidney's mom abandoned her and her father when she was younger so OF COURSE she has some issues. On top of that, as omega, she struggles because she can't smell other people's scent and her scent hasn't come in. Her doctor is confident it will when she finds her pack but it doesn't keep her from freaking out. Meanwhile, she's been pining for her best friend's brother, Maverick (her bff being Avery from book 1) for years and likes Taylor, the omega who works at the restaurant she frequents. But again, because of her scent issue, she's decided she can't have them for fear they'd leave her when they meet their scent match.

This is a story about personal struggles (not just with Sidney), forming a pack of a variety of people (Leo and Taylor are the only ones already established...sort of), and it was NOT easy doing so.

I loved how the pack was NOT instantly all ok with each other and they had to work their issues out, which would be more realistic.
Profile Image for Richelle Zirkle.
2,177 reviews13 followers
November 9, 2024
I adored this beautiful story. Sydney was such a relatable character. She was so terrified of finding love and being abandoned. The struggles the group faced as they dealt with Sydney’s issues and past trauma felt very realistic. Taylor was a blessing and stole my heart with how 100% in he was for our girl from the very beginning, but she still kept him at arm’s length. The addition of Bennett, with his take charge personality helped to push the narrative and move the pack to put Sydney at the center of all their actions, exactly where she needed to be and setting them on the right course. I loved him for this. It allowed Leo and Maverick to step up and into the roles they are meant to fill. This was definitely a more emotional read in the series, but I’m so glad to see the transformation happening in Rockwood Valley. I can’t wait to see what happens next for the community that’s growing more and more vibrant all the time.
Profile Image for Adri.
173 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2024
Omegaverse and small town romance?? Sign me up!

This was more like a 3.75 for me so I rounded up.

There were so many layers to Sidney and her story. With her alone we see her struggles with a severe medical condition, childhood trauma, trust issues, insecurities, the lot.

This was a heavier book. Still, towards the end, it did lighten up and we were able to see the characters find their happiness.

We also saw the complex relationships between the men, with each other and Sidney. I do like that there was turmoil and it took a while for the pack to settle.

I love that we saw so much of the pack from the previous book as well. Sidney really leans on her friends which many of us do and it’s nice that their relationships aren’t forgotten or thrown to the side.

All in all it was a nice omegaverse, I’ll definitely be back for the next release.
35 reviews
November 17, 2024
I absolutely loved Sidney’s story! It was so great to see how all the characters were connected back to the first book—it made everything feel like one big, cohesive world. What I really appreciated about Sidney’s character is how cautious she was throughout most of the book. She didn’t rush into anything, and I think that made her journey feel more genuine. Even though it could’ve been easy to rush things at the end, it never felt forced. The ending was perfect—totally satisfying but still felt earned and true to her character.

Sidney and Avery’s storylines were so engaging, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. There was a great balance between both of their personal growths and their connection with each other. Overall, it was a wonderful continuation of the series, and now I’m super excited to dive into the next book! I’m definitely hooked!
59 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2024
Loved the sweetness of it and how each person was different and I didnt get people mixed up, but I wanted more. The push/pull took too long with Sydney not being able to scent and being scared of joining back, and then got resolved too quickly? The I love yous and pack convo happened so quick, nothing got really talked about. And I feel like we didn’t get to enjoy enough time of them being happy together. At like 80% they were still awkward with each other. I think if I had more time with the pack learning about each other, working through things, and being happy it would be a 5 star! There were 2 omegas in this pack but didn’t really feel like it, would love to have seen this explored more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
194 reviews
November 8, 2024
Such a good book! We got a little of Sidney’s background in Avery’s book, but I’m so happy to finally read her and Mavericks story. After her mom walked out when she was young, and then growing up on her family ranch with a father who hardly shows any emotion, Sidney thinks she is broken since she doesn’t have a scent and can’t scent others. Enter Maverick, Taylor, Leo and Bennett. Between a business and personal rivalries, the name for this book couldn't be more on point. Will this found family work through said rivalries or will they crumble? Well written with just the right amount of angst. I can’t wait to read Cameron’s story next!
Profile Image for Kathryn Barr.
497 reviews10 followers
November 9, 2024
Here we have Sidney’s story. It was excellent!!! I love all these small town omegaverse tales! Sidney has basically been living her life for everyone else, especially since her mother walked away from her and her father. Wi th scent, no real heats, and being unable to scent others, she thinks she’ll be alone forever. I adore her men. There’s something amazing about a group that struggles to fit together, it’s almost more realistic. Sure it’s nice when everyone just melds together like puzzle pieces, but it’s also really nice to see the internal struggles and dynamics playing off each other. Bring on book 3! 💜
Profile Image for Charlotte Battersby.
210 reviews11 followers
November 9, 2024
I absolutely adored Sidney’s journey overall! I felt her trauma and her reactions through her mates’ attempts to date her were realistic and made me feel for her. Their whole dynamic unfolding and seeing them reach their happy ending was wonderful and I was hooked from the start!

So glad Maverick finally got his happy ending with Sidney though both were oblivious for ages. Bennett and Taylor together was just the icing on top of the cake for me! Love the 2 omegas in one pack trope! Leo went through his own issues and finally realised the errors of his way. Bennett is my fav overall, who doesn’t love a dominant alpha!

Can’t recommend this enough!
Profile Image for NicoleReadsRomance.
333 reviews
November 13, 2024
This book had me feeling things.

Jarica and me go way back (Safe Haven) and I'd clearly forgotten how she could wrap me up in a book and the world. This was a good story.

We get two omegas *SCREAMS IN JOY* and I loved every minute of them. It was a journey given the various rivalries with the people in the pack (they work through it), and by the end I was giggling and kicking my feet at this pack.

I didn't read book one and didn't feel like I missed anything for the story.

I will likely read the next book too because the brother and his rejected mate situation is going to be so good. He wasn't on page a ton, yet I already know it's going to have me WEAK.
2,639 reviews15 followers
November 13, 2024
This new series Rockwood Valley Omegaverse is amazing and this is the second instalment and such a great one! The combination of small town and omegaverse? Sign me up! Sidney ah yes gotta love her. She can't scent her mates and that makes this one a tad different as you almost always see ones where they can and here the fmc can't. So what's a girl to do? Taking things in her own hands and fight for the guys she wants right? The guys are all great in letting Sydney know they are there for her and are really awesome. Though two take a little bit longer but for the story I get it. Can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Michael K.
787 reviews30 followers
November 21, 2024
I've never seen my pregnancy story on page before, so this was so neat. I was HUGE, 'aunt only' energy, but decided 'meh, whynot' along the line. I left it up to fate and now I've got two and they're super crazy little superheroes. So that was so, so cool.

Also.
I HATE books where the person already knows the people. I don't want friends to romantic partners. I don't want old enemies to modern lovers--I don't think the reader gains anything by losing out on all that interaction building.
But I love this book. Mav's a fav, so I'm glad his romance felt history inclusive.

Great read. I'm a fan of this series!
Merry reading!
Profile Image for LeeAnne McCabe.
132 reviews3 followers
November 4, 2024
This book was cute. I actually liked it a lot more than the first book in the series. It’s a clever idea to have a scentless omega who also can’t scent others forcing potential mates to fall in love with her as a person, not just a scent match.

This book pulls out all the stops including mutual pining, rivalry between the omega and a potential partner, rivalry among potential pack mates, and even TWO OMEGAS. That’s right. You get an adorable male omega. And he is seriously the most precious.

I love sweet omegaverse and this book checked my boxes.
Profile Image for Sue Harbers.
1,437 reviews13 followers
November 9, 2024
I loved this Omegaverse story! Sidney is a sweet young woman but is holding herself back and denying herself true connections to people. She has had a lot of pain in her past that’s led her to where she is now. Mav and Taylor are the first of the guys we meet and quite possibly my favorites. Mav and oblivious and Taylor is relentless but so sweet. Eventually we do meet the rest of the pack and it’s really interesting to see who they are and how they all come together. I really enjoyed the plot and characters!
Profile Image for Ivy Wilson.
350 reviews
November 11, 2024
loved this hea

Imagine being an omega and not being able to scent your potential mate and being constantly passed over, while being made to feel like your broken. Then add being in love with your best friends brother for years but him never noticing you? That was Sidney and my gosh my heart was there either her. She was strong despite the pain she held onto. The pack that naturally grew together was perfect and I loved watching how they showed her constantly that she was loved, despite her self sabotaging her own happiness. Love the story!
Profile Image for A.R. Lines.
Author 3 books17 followers
February 24, 2025
I devour pretty much any and all OV that I can get my hands on and I went into this series without looking at the blurb.

I was not disappointed! Such an excellent omegaverse series. Each book is a different pack but they're all interconnected and its quite sweet to see how the town supports each other.

So many sweet moments and a lot of hurt/comfort in each book. It was exactly what i was craving in my next read!

If you love OV you should definitely jump into the Rockwood Valley Omegaverse!
Profile Image for Bonnie McKinney.
420 reviews3 followers
October 31, 2024
Sidney has a unique issue. That coupled with a rough childhood has her seeing herself as less than. She has some serious doubts when her pack starts to come together. While understandably, I loved watching them help her navigate through. Rivalry is definitely the name of the game. There are some issues for the pack to work through. I liked that things weren’t immediately perfect. I really enjoyed this. I am looking forward to more in this series. This town is so special.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews

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