Knot Ready

Hiddenverse #3

by A.J. Moran

Chad
Omega in Paradise was supposed to change my life.

Instead, it left me packless, back at my parents' mansion, far from the flashing lights and reality TV drama. Peace and quiet—time to figure out who I really am.

But Blue Ridge is full of unexpected surprises. My old obsession, Dean, is still lingering around the country club, and there's this sweet, innocent beta, Lakelyn, who’s taken up tennis lessons with him. And then there’s Mason—the alpha from the wrong side of the tracks who’s got a way of getting under my skin… in more ways than one.

I thought I could keep my heart out of it. But when my past, present, and future collide, staying neutral won’t be an option.

Lakelyn
Growing up as a beta with an alpha twin, I knew I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. Love and pack? They were never part of the plan.

Until Chad walks into my life, turning everything upside down. Now, I’m questioning everything—especially when he makes me want the kind of future I never thought I’d have. But with Dean and Mason in the picture, what I want may not even matter anymore.

This isn’t just a love square. It’s a dangerous game of hearts, and I’m right in the middle.

Knot Ready is an Omegaverse why-choose/polyam romance that includes MM within the polycule. None of these characters will have to choose between their love interests. This book is intended for readers 18+ due to language and content.

Genres: Omegaverse, M M Romance

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2025

Reviews

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

This MFMM omegaverse had me squeeing, because it was packed full of the relationship dynamics and microtropes I love! We had second chance, brother’s best friend/off limits, flirty MMC vs blushy FMC, jealous but also attracted to the person you’re jealous of (🤣), ice prince(ss) where the bitchy exterior hides insecurities, hurt/comfort… ALL OF THEM.

It was quite instalove and had soapy drama (I also love!), but my main quibble was that some scenes for the external plot happened off-page, which made the transitions a bit uneven — especially in the third act. Overall, still a really enjoyable read, as it ticked so many of my boxes!

[Gale MR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply perfection! The beautiful writing, the interesting characters, the captivating way past and present collided in one highly emotional story, the gradual build up of spice that wonderfully corresponded to the angst level, what else can a reader want? Nothing! Because every detail was well thought and placed, exactly in the right spot. I haven't read other books from this author but was able to enjoy the book all on its own. Chad and Lakelyn were like a fascinating musical with the way their love ignited and how their relationship bloomed, forming the heart of their future pack. But my soft spot is definitely Chad - this wounded, beautiful soul, carefully concealed in a Pandora box, who drew me in from the very beginning. If you want to feel your heart cracking, search for the pieces and then put them back together in one really hard, but fitting healing process, this is your story. There are men, loving each other to the point of self destruction and a woman cherished and loved by all of them, so proceed with caution if all encompassing, polyamorous content isn't your cup of tea. It's exactly my cup though and I loved every word I read - all the angst, fear, heartbreak, hope, love, trauma,eletation, tangled in a flawless Knot ready!

[Lotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional, Chad's and Lakelyn's relationship felt very deep. I liked that Chad's insecurities came up repeatedly and weren't too easily solved (probably still aren't) and I feel like only for that I liked the book as much as I did. Their dynamic was pretty normal for an omegaverse poly-relationship, basically V polyamory, but instead of one with two partners it was two with two partners, as Dean and Mason weren't actually romantically together and it didn't seem like it would change in the future.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A couple things were confusing, like how at first a one sided mark only transferred feelings, but later was used to get locations and how there was a moment when it was said the bond was complete, but isn't a bond/link completed when everyone has marked everyone? (or maybe some of the markings were done off-page? but there was no way to confirm it, as they weren't mentioned).

I also didn't get why Lakelyn changed when Chad's heat hit, it felt like it happened for no reason at all and didn't give anything more to the plot. It was also surprising how no-one got pregnant with all that unprotected intimacy (even in heat).

And though it was Chad's story, it felt like Lakelyn got a bit more attention than him, which I understand as her personality brought out the others' need to care and protect as opposed to Chad's whose first instinct was to hide his feelings and present a mask to everyone.

[Missie Barger · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 61%

Includes spoilers...
I understand this is Chad's story and he's the omega, but was led to think he and Lakelyn would be equals in the relationship. It makes sense for Chad and Dean to be intimate first as they were together as teenagers. Likewise, Lakelyn and Mason were close since a young age and Mason only met Chad like five minutes ago. I'm sure you'll note kissing is a big theme in this story and is mostly what happens with them until about 60%. So I cannot understand why Mason never actually kisses Lakelyn other than her temple, ear or neck but he's always kissing Chad. Even goes so far as being intimate with Chad before Lakelyn , all before he ever kisses the girl who has loved him forever. She seems to take no issue with it at all and basically doesn't think she deserves more I guess since she's a beta. Anyway, I have loved every book in this Hiddenverse series and am awaiting the next I just couldn't finish this because I got so angry at Mason. I hope things worked out in the end for all of this pack, but couldnt get past my own issues with that detail, or the fact that it was never addressed that he acted possessive of Lakelyn even though a few moments before he meets Chad that he had just rejected Lakelyn. Just , I had expeced more equality with the omega and beta as was insinuated in the blurb and previous reviews.

[Christine G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chad's character truly intrigued me when he was introduced in Knot Broken. He clearly had his trauma, and I wanted to know more about this sassy Omega. He continued to draw me in in Knot Ready. His sassy comebacks and quick wit were part personality, but part armor. He has been hurt, betrayed, broken, and keeps everyone at a distance to protect himself. That is until a beautiful little beta Lakelyn catches his eye (and heart). Throw in 2 sexy Alpha's - 1 he has history with, and the other whose complicated relationship with Lakelyn adds an added twist to the story and we have ourselves a rather good omegaverse recipe. I enjoyed the majority of this book, the relationship building and devotion Chad and Lakelyn had for one another was rather sweet. The storyline was, however, extremely predictable, the big "twist" not surprising at all, certain scenes were over the top and unrealistic, and I felt there were quite a few loose ends that felt unfinished. Despite my aforementioned issues, I would still recommend this book if you're in the mood for a sweet omegaverse with no third act breakup!!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series rocks, and this is the best

one yet..

You first meet Chad in knot broken, and to be honest, I didn't particularly like his character. But in this book, we get to see what makes Chad the way he is...

After the reality show, Chad finds himself running back to his hometown, Blue Ridge, where his past collides with his future.

He meets Lakelyn, the beta that pulls him in from the second he sees her, Mason an Alpha that tugs on his instincts and Dean, the Alpha from his past.

I adored seeing Chad in a new light, finding out exactly why he became the way he is...Bring the tissues parts of his story will make you want to cry, as seen in one of my favorite quotes.

"Maybe I am useless. Maybe that's why it's so easy for people to discard me for the next best thing."

This book has it all, sadness, heartbreak, angst, building friendships, and relationships that hopefully will beat all the odds against them.

If you like omegaverse, heats, knots, drama and angst, twists and turns you don't see coming, this is the book, and series for you.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chad's story is a good story. We first meet Chad in Knot Broken. When he goes into a TV show to meet Alphas's

Chad is a blunt and honest Omega who takes no cr@p from anyone. He knew Dean, who is his Scemt match.

He goes to a country club with his mom, and that is when he says Lakelyn and he just knew he wanted her from the first time he laid his eyes on her.

Then he meets Mason, who is Lakelyns brothers' best friend.

let's just say this book ate it. I loved the whole story and felt like I was pulled into the story.

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶.5

Tropes:

•MMMF

•Heat

•Nesting

•Parental verbal Abu$e

•and more

My favorite quotes:

"Maybe I am useless. Maybe that's why it's so easy for people to discard me for the next best thing."

“No one ever wanted me for who I am. I’m blunt, I’m honest, and I’m probably never going to change. And I need you both to understand that. If you’re choosing to be bound to me, you’re binding yourselves to a smart-mouthed omega who doesn’t always think before he speaks.”

#ajmoran #bookreview #book3inaseriesofstandalones #MMMF

[TheheartofBrigid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knot Ready is the third book in the Hiddenverse series by A. J. Moran.

💜 omegaverse
💜 small town
💜 second chances
💜 male omega
💜 why choose
💜 🌶🌶🌶 spice

Chad had to play his part on the show even though he’s not that person. Play it up for the audience all the while developing strong friendships with Lilah and Willow. But now? Now he really has nothing, so he might as well go home to Blue Ridge to figure things out. But, will he figure things out? Will he finally find a sense of direction? Will he find his alpha or pack?

This was a good addition to this series. I liked how it’s connected in the same world, but each book has a different main character. Chad is really good at the sassiness especially if it’s for defense mechanisms. I do like the other main characters in this story and how they add their own depth. I can’t wait to see who’s story will be next in this universe.

[Lea Gesser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this story was beautifully written, very different from other stories about the packs and the ranks. The characters were really lifelike and you just felt for them. Chad, with his traumatic childhood and the events he experienced with the Alphas he encountered. His family that was so cold and didn't actually accept him. And then he meets Lakelyn, who he has an immediate connection with. And then there is Dean, his ex, who still hasn't forgotten and certainly doesn't want to forgive what happened in the past. And of course Mason, who is more or less the center of the entire group. We see these characters grow and blossom, all with their certainties and insecurities. It's beautiful when everything fits together and makes it clear that without each other they are actually nothing. But together they can handle anything. Easy to read story and highly recommended.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when you are an omega and no one wants you? Your first heat was a disaster. You are living with an alpha who you try to do everything right just to have it thrown back in your face. You are on Omega in Paradise and are rejected by all. You go home just to have your dad kick you out and he is very disappointed in you. Where do you go? Who do you turn to? Living in a small town everyone knows everything. But when you run into Lakelyn and you know she is yours., and she is with Dean who helped make your heat a disaster. Then you meet up with Mason and he smells so good it is hard to keep your head on straight. But our scents together is glorious. Chad wants them all. Does this mean pack? How will it happen? Will they be on board?

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four in the Hiddenverse series is a quick, poly/why choose story. A chaotic good time. This is omega Chad's story. He appears snarky and always has a quick comeback. But that's only surface. Underneath he's a bit broken. Lakelyn, a beta, is just what he needs. And then alphas, Dean and Mason are added to the plot. Chaos reigns. Lots of steam Sometimes in the form of kisses. Sometimes a bit more…

There's some parts that are angsty. Rating that a one or two tissue needed. But there's also fun. And quite a bit of spice.

A quick read. It can be read alone, with little stumbling. But it's better when read in series order.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lourene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chad's story

I loved seeing Chad in this book. We saw his vulnerabilities, everything he hid under the snark and confidence in the last book. In this book, he goes home to hide and lick his wounds; instead, we see him dealing with his past and what caused him to be who he is.
He meets Lakelyn, and they fall for each other. Then he starts back to his old ways of scheming to get Dean and Mason for her and himself. They're a sent match, but Dean still believes he's not worthy. The book goes through working through all of their insecurities, but in the end, it's beautiful.
The author wrote Chad perfectly and his insecurities where they stemmed from. The flashbacks were in the appropriate places and easy to follow. I highly recommend this book.

[Camila Novelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Chad he was sassy and super sarcastic, the storyline was great, but I think that it wasn’t necessary to add Lakelyn as an Omega, don’t get me wrong I love when there’s both female and male omega, is just that she was so fineee as a beta, so fierce and so protective. Also the situation with Dean and Chad I felt like it didn’t resolve, just continue as if never happen I don’t know. Apart from everything ,I did enjoy the book, it was an easy read for me.
3.5 round to 4⭐️

Thank you booksirens for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[ajscenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chad was the sort of character that you love to hate. He comes across as super-confident, unrelenting and a diva. Yet, I was still lucking forward to read his book, and I was not disappointed. The Chad that is presented to the world is just an act and the real him is the total opposite. I love Chad in this book, but the other gem is Lakelyn as she is just what he needs. She is a nurturer and is very protective of him. Mason and Dean are also great characters, Mason is confident and steady, whilst Dean is tortured by his history. Together they make up one of the sweetest and most romantic packs that I have read about.
This is a great 5 star read!

[FARAH MAHMOUDI · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Chad is a blunt, no-nonsense Omega who we first met in Knot Broken, but you don’t need to read that one first (though I recommend it!).

From the moment Chad saw Lakelyn at the country club, he knew he wanted her. Their chemistry was amazing—she balanced him out perfectly, and together, they drew the Alphas in.

Chad’s journey was frustrating at times (his self-sabotage had me yelling at my book!), but seeing him finally get his pack was so worth it. My only gripe? I didn’t quite get why Lakelyn had to be an Omega.

Overall, this book was amazing ! It pulled me in completely, and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend!

[PN_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chad was introduced to us in the previous book Knot Broken. No worries, you don't need to have read the previous book to enjoy this story, but I would recommend that you do coz it's a good book. In this book you get to understand why Chad is the way he is. I got so frustrated with this character and his self sabotaging ways, but was really happy to see him get his pack. Despite the frustrations I did enjoy the book and would recommend it. I'm looking forward to the next book in this "Knot" series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chad wears his sarcastic, sassy persona as a suit of armour and it was sooo good to see the small chinks start to appear during his story.

When he moves back home and we find out more about his past, its easier to see why he is, like he is.

Introduce a gorgeous beta named Lakelynn and two Alpha's, one of which has a past with Chad, and it all gets tense and tingly very soon.

Chad is a little bit whiny for me, however this is fully balanced by the strength of Lakelynn, the storyline as a whole and all the relationship twists and turns to get their happy ending.

[Julie Camino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely knot ready

Woah this was a world wind of emotions and I loved it!
Chad going back home trying to heal from another heartbreak only to find his soul mate and his scent match pack 😍

His complicated past with Dean, his attraction to Lakelyn and Mason made for some very sweet and some very spicy scenes. That had me at the edge of my seat with all the drama, heartache, love, understanding and stubborn resilience that showed Chad that he was wanted not just by Lakelyn but by Dean and Mason as well.
Their HEA was hard fought and it is just so special 😍

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knot Ready, book 3 of the Hiddenverse series, by A.J. Moran. I have loved all the books from @aj_moran_author that I have read!

I adored this book about Chad, Dean, Lakelyn & Mason! Tropes: Contemporary, Omegaverse, Why Choose, MM, Male Omega, Brothers Best Friend, Brother’s Friend, late presenting Female Omega, Virgin MC, Scent Match/Soul Match, Slow/Medium Burn, 2 Male Alphas, Little Twist & HEA!

[Sara Irons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely slow burn story. It takes a ton of twists and turns along the way. The four main characters are done fairly well and try to keep your attention.

There is one thing I think was missing though. There needed to be a discussion between Chad and Dean for them to make since of thier past. They both believed something that wasn't true. Just my opinion though.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't take me long to recognize chad from the previous book. And that's when my heart immediately started to break. From experience I understood Chad and how he would use snark and false confidence as a shield to cover up his insecurities and his hurt. Dean got on my nerves as did Mason. I absolutely love lakelyn.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy Chad got his HEA! I know he was the 'competition' in Lilah's book, but I loved him from the beginning. Chad has been through a lot. But Dean, Mason, and Lakelyn help him see he is worth the love they have for him. You could probably read this as a standalone in the series. But it is best read in order. Characters and events from the previous book are mentioned multiple times. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh lordy was this good. I thought it was only MM but it is not thankfully so I am a happy camper. Love Chad and his story as we had met him in a previous book. Now he meets Lakelyn and this sets the story really into motion. A blast from the past is Dean, an alpha he can't forget but there's also Mason who is protective of Lake. I overal enjoyed reading this story and can't wait for more to come.

[Emzy Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book. I read the previous in the series and I fell in love with Chad and I was so happy that he got an HEA. The thing s that the MCs have to go through is so tough. My heart wept for them. The world building is extremely well done. The plot was a very interesting one. A lot of layers and things to be dealt with both internal and external. I had one question at the end of the book. Other than that this is an amazing book. Please check it out!

[Jessica L Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book! I didnt expect it to make me cry though! I loved the relationship between Chad and Lakelyn and how Chad slowly felt comfortable opening up to her. I loved how the pack came to be. It was so hard to see how much pain Chad was in all the time. I highly recommend this book!!!

[Crystal Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Loved reading Chad's story. Delving into his character more thoroughly in this book shows us how Chad came to be who we saw him as in the last book. The dynamics between Lakelyn, Chad, Dean and Mason were fun to read.. the banter had me gasping and sighing. I'd recommend this whole series!

[Ann Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Chad. We got to know the real him as he returned home. Lakelyn was so sweet and protective of him. Chad has a second chance with Alpha Dean and Mason is added to make their pack. A beautiful, emotional angsty romance with captivating characters.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. Loved this story!! Exciting well written book full of twists and turns to keep my attention throughout. Chemistry and passion between main characters was hot. Lots of attention to details. Definitely recommend.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knot Ready for such a sweet but angsty read. What starts out as charming second chance and humbling romance, turns into something more intense with the medium burn, drama and intrigue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lollybobbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great great great omegaverse book with a fantastic character driven plot. This book was a suprise like on how much I liked it.

Will be doing by a reread in the future!

I received this arc for free, and leave my review voluntarily.