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Darling Diana
“Because you are mine, and I am yours.”
In the ruins of this broken world, omegas are currency—I’ve stayed off that particular radar by pretending I’m not one, utilizing the resources as a nurse in a neutral zone to suppress everything about my scent.
Then he shows up.
He smells something on me that shouldn’t be possible. Something that I’m still grappling with.
Judge doesn’t let go of what’s his, and he’ll burn the whole damn world down to chase after me.
Darkly intense, brutally seductive, and charged with emotional heat. Darling Diana is a dystopian omegaverse novel. For fans of slow-burn obsession, morally black power plays, and heroines who refuse to break.
What type of Omegaverse is this?
-No shifters- -M/F- -scents are everything- -he bites without permission- -estrous- -purring- -knotty times- -craving... so much craving-
Dystopian Wastelands setting, in the frigid winter. Perfect for December <3
TRIGGER: Coerced bite mark, dub-con explicit scenes, graphic violence, assault attempts (nothing on page), substance use + substance used on people, taking people, mental collapse, emotional breakdown, manipulation, betrayal, some stockholm
This is book 1 of 2, and the second book is a guaranteed HEA.
In the ruins of this broken world, omegas are currency—I’ve stayed off that particular radar by pretending I’m not one, utilizing the resources as a nurse in a neutral zone to suppress everything about my scent.
Then he shows up.
He smells something on me that shouldn’t be possible. Something that I’m still grappling with.
Judge doesn’t let go of what’s his, and he’ll burn the whole damn world down to chase after me.
Darkly intense, brutally seductive, and charged with emotional heat. Darling Diana is a dystopian omegaverse novel. For fans of slow-burn obsession, morally black power plays, and heroines who refuse to break.
What type of Omegaverse is this?
-No shifters- -M/F- -scents are everything- -he bites without permission- -estrous- -purring- -knotty times- -craving... so much craving-
Dystopian Wastelands setting, in the frigid winter. Perfect for December <3
TRIGGER: Coerced bite mark, dub-con explicit scenes, graphic violence, assault attempts (nothing on page), substance use + substance used on people, taking people, mental collapse, emotional breakdown, manipulation, betrayal, some stockholm
This is book 1 of 2, and the second book is a guaranteed HEA.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2025
42 people are currently reading
347 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 9, 2026
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
Have y'all seen how pretty the Hardcover is??? I am in loveeee 🤧🤧
Omg this was a really good roller-coaster 🤭🤭
quotes:
••
“𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙, 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖌𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖎𝖓 𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖊𝖊 𝖎𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊 𝖑𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖞 𝖊𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍 𝖙𝖔 𝖌𝖊𝖙 𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖗 𝕵𝖚𝖉𝖌𝖊? 𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊 𝖘𝖆𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖞 𝖕𝖚𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖉𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙. 𝕳𝖊’𝖘 𝖆𝖑𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖞 𝖌𝖔𝖙 𝖊𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖊.
𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖉𝖊𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖈𝖐, 𝕴’𝖉 𝖇𝖊 𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖞 𝖙𝖔 𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖊.”
“𝖂𝖊’𝖗𝖊 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖆𝖓𝖞𝖔𝖓𝖊’𝖘 𝖈𝖔𝖈𝖐!”
“𝕯𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖚𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖕𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖜𝖔 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖜𝖔 𝖙𝖔𝖌𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗, 𝖗𝖔𝖆𝖉 𝖉𝖔𝖑𝖑. 𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖊𝖑𝖞 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖈𝖔𝖈𝖐.”
“𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖗𝖆𝖘𝖍 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖘𝖐𝖚𝖑𝖑 𝖔𝖓 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖊 𝖔𝖗 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌? 𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖚𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖊, 𝖜𝖊𝖎𝖗𝖉 𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖑𝖊.”
“𝕲𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖑𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙. 𝕸𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖆𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖉𝖗𝖔𝖕 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖕𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖇𝖊𝖓𝖉 𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖔 𝖌𝖊𝖙 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉.”
••
“𝓢𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓪 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓰𝓪. 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓼 𝓭𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓽, 𝓓𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓪. 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓫𝓮 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷.
𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓽.”
“𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓶𝓮.”
“𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽”
“𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝓶𝓮.”
“𝓤𝓼𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓮.”
“𝓕𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝓶𝓮, 𝓙𝓾𝓭𝓰𝓮,”
••
tropes:
☆🍁omegaverse
☆🍁dystopian
☆🍁biker gang
☆🍁he kidnappes her
☆🍁he falls first
☆🍁scent match
☆🍁captor x captive
☆🍁age gap
☆🍁"you're mine"
☆🍁"who hurt you"
Have y'all seen how pretty the Hardcover is??? I am in loveeee 🤧🤧
Omg this was a really good roller-coaster 🤭🤭
quotes:
••
“𝖂𝖍𝖆𝖙, 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖌𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖎𝖓 𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖊𝖊 𝖎𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊 𝖑𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖞 𝖊𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍 𝖙𝖔 𝖌𝖊𝖙 𝖓𝖊𝖆𝖗 𝕵𝖚𝖉𝖌𝖊? 𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖑𝖑 𝖇𝖊 𝖘𝖆𝖉 𝖙𝖔 𝖐𝖓𝖔𝖜 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖕𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖙𝖞 𝖕𝖚𝖘𝖘𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖉𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖈𝖔𝖚𝖓𝖙. 𝕳𝖊’𝖘 𝖆𝖑𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖞 𝖌𝖔𝖙 𝖊𝖓𝖔𝖚𝖌𝖍 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖔𝖘𝖊.
𝕴𝖋 𝖞𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙 𝖉𝖊𝖘𝖕𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖙𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊 𝖈𝖔𝖈𝖐, 𝕴’𝖉 𝖇𝖊 𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖕𝖞 𝖙𝖔 𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖌𝖊.”
“𝖂𝖊’𝖗𝖊 𝖓𝖔𝖙 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖆𝖓𝖞𝖔𝖓𝖊’𝖘 𝖈𝖔𝖈𝖐!”
“𝕯𝖔𝖓’𝖙 𝖙𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖆 𝖌𝖊𝖓𝖎𝖚𝖘 𝖙𝖔 𝖕𝖚𝖙 𝖙𝖜𝖔 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖜𝖔 𝖙𝖔𝖌𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖗, 𝖗𝖔𝖆𝖉 𝖉𝖔𝖑𝖑. 𝖄𝖔𝖚’𝖗𝖊 𝖉𝖊𝖋𝖎𝖓𝖎𝖙𝖊𝖑𝖞 𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖙𝖔 𝖘𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖈𝖔𝖈𝖐.”
“𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖈𝖗𝖆𝖘𝖍 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖘𝖐𝖚𝖑𝖑 𝖔𝖓 𝖈𝖔𝖓𝖈𝖗𝖊𝖙𝖊 𝖔𝖗 𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖌? 𝕷𝖊𝖆𝖛𝖊 𝖚𝖘 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖆𝖑𝖔𝖓𝖊, 𝖜𝖊𝖎𝖗𝖉 𝖆𝖘𝖘𝖍𝖔𝖑𝖊.”
“𝕲𝖔𝖔𝖉 𝖑𝖚𝖈𝖐 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖆𝖙. 𝕸𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙 𝖆𝖘 𝖜𝖊𝖑𝖑 𝖉𝖗𝖔𝖕 𝖞𝖔𝖚𝖗 𝖕𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖘 𝖆𝖓𝖉 𝖇𝖊𝖓𝖉 𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖗 𝖜𝖍𝖊𝖓 𝖍𝖊 𝖙𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖘 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖙𝖔 𝖌𝖊𝖙 𝖋𝖚𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖉.”
••
“𝓢𝓾𝓬𝓱 𝓪 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓰𝓪. 𝓘’𝓵𝓵 𝓽𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓸𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭𝓼 𝓭𝓾𝓻𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓽, 𝓓𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓪. 𝓨𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓼 𝓬𝓪𝓷 𝓼𝓪𝓯𝓮𝓵𝔂 𝓫𝓮 𝓭𝓸𝔀𝓷.
𝓘 𝔀𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓵 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓫𝓮𝓰 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓲𝓽.”
“𝓨𝓸𝓾’𝓻𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓹𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 𝓽𝓸 𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓮 𝓶𝓮.”
“𝓘 𝓼𝓽𝓲𝓵𝓵 𝓼𝓽𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓫𝔂 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽”
“𝓘 𝓷𝓮𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓽𝓸 𝓯𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝓶𝓮.”
“𝓤𝓼𝓮 𝓶𝔂 𝓷𝓪𝓶𝓮.”
“𝓕𝓾𝓬𝓴 𝓶𝓮, 𝓙𝓾𝓭𝓰𝓮,”
••
tropes:
☆🍁omegaverse
☆🍁dystopian
☆🍁biker gang
☆🍁he kidnappes her
☆🍁he falls first
☆🍁scent match
☆🍁captor x captive
☆🍁age gap
☆🍁"you're mine"
☆🍁"who hurt you"
January 2, 2026
3.5⭐ / 3🌶️
[📱] ebook
— vibezz
☣️ dystopic setting
⚕️ alpha biker/omega nurse
☣️ pining/craving
⚕️ ott jp mmc
☣️ flighty fmc
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Diana's worse nightmare is about to happen when Judge's gang takes control of the territory.
Being an omega means submitting to their Alpha, and Diana values her independence too much to be subjected to such life, she's willing to risk it all to escape, but Judge is willing to burn the world to chase her.
//
sooo... I didn't thought this was that much dystopic, this genre isn't really my cup of tea idk why is that, probably because no matter the plot/description I'll always imagine in my head this desolated land of no man with orange/grey filter where people go around with goggles and leather jackets, lmao.
I was right on the jackets tho ☝️.
All things considered, there where certain things I liked, the plot was really interesting, and I was more and more curious while reading what would happen and how the story would go from there.
Lots of secrets to be discovered, we don't know the half of it and I'm dying to discover moreeeee.
On the other hand I felt like I was dumped in this universe with zero knowledge of this world, I didn't know who of what was name-dropped, if it was a person, an entity, a place(?) I was basically clueless I'd say for certain things 'till the end of it.
We've got a place that's like this dark blight forest that's inhabited(?) WHY and those people are infected in some way? But there's also some sort of animal-thing there?
LMAO I KNOW NOTHING OF IT
But great *romance* lmao, I hate that shit up 🫦🫦🫦
[📱] ebook
— vibezz
☣️ dystopic setting
⚕️ alpha biker/omega nurse
☣️ pining/craving
⚕️ ott jp mmc
☣️ flighty fmc
mini blurb — ✍🏻
Diana's worse nightmare is about to happen when Judge's gang takes control of the territory.
Being an omega means submitting to their Alpha, and Diana values her independence too much to be subjected to such life, she's willing to risk it all to escape, but Judge is willing to burn the world to chase her.
//
sooo... I didn't thought this was that much dystopic, this genre isn't really my cup of tea idk why is that, probably because no matter the plot/description I'll always imagine in my head this desolated land of no man with orange/grey filter where people go around with goggles and leather jackets, lmao.
I was right on the jackets tho ☝️.
All things considered, there where certain things I liked, the plot was really interesting, and I was more and more curious while reading what would happen and how the story would go from there.
Lots of secrets to be discovered, we don't know the half of it and I'm dying to discover moreeeee.
On the other hand I felt like I was dumped in this universe with zero knowledge of this world, I didn't know who of what was name-dropped, if it was a person, an entity, a place(?) I was basically clueless I'd say for certain things 'till the end of it.
We've got a place that's like this dark blight forest that's inhabited(?) WHY and those people are infected in some way? But there's also some sort of animal-thing there?
LMAO I KNOW NOTHING OF IT
But great *romance* lmao, I hate that shit up 🫦🫦🫦
When I glance back over, he’s leaning back in his chair, arms stretching across the sides like a damn throne. “Go ahead, Diana. Wash off the stench of Trinity.” His voice darkens, laced with something far more primal. “So I can properly smother you in mine.”
And then I smell it.
“No,” I whisper, horrified. “No, no, no.”
“Don’t worry,” he murmurs, voice a dark velvet. “I won’t touch you. Not until you’re on your knees, whimpering for me.”
November 30, 2025
ARC Review - Darling Diana by Scarlett Finch
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 Stars – Really Liked It I had a great time reading this! The characters were strong, the story was engaging, and I’d happily recommend it to others.
This book was so much fun to read. I liked the characters and setting…. But that ending… I was not ready! Can’t wait for the next book!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 Stars – Really Liked It I had a great time reading this! The characters were strong, the story was engaging, and I’d happily recommend it to others.
This book was so much fun to read. I liked the characters and setting…. But that ending… I was not ready! Can’t wait for the next book!
December 22, 2025
I am absolutely dying from that ending?? March can't come soon enough 😭 There's so much stuff left up in the air and I need to know what happens because like is Judge a big fat liar?? Was Diana set up? Is who's involved?? I need to know 🥲
December 10, 2025
This was a quick read for me. I like the main characters, and I especially love how the alpha/omega part was written
December 14, 2025
Judge in all his dark possessive Alpha glory had me pinned to the pages, slowly peeling back his truths revealing the man behind the myth, dangerous not only for his power but for his morals.
I haven’t read a book with my name before so Diana had me living my FMC dream 😂 I enjoyed her feisty, relentless character and the way she never backed down from a challenge, always pushing boundaries with both wit and heart.
She doesn’t trust easily, so when Judge shows even an ounce of kindness, we see her battle her own doubts in a world built by lies and loss.
It’s a quick read that swallowed me whole. It gave me Mad Max meets omegaverse with a unique plot. Such a fun read until the ending had me ripping my hair out, gnawing at the bit for book 2.
“I have a feeling your days unmated are rapidly dwindling, nurse. You need a good knotting to cull that attitude.”
4.5⭐️
I haven’t read a book with my name before so Diana had me living my FMC dream 😂 I enjoyed her feisty, relentless character and the way she never backed down from a challenge, always pushing boundaries with both wit and heart.
She doesn’t trust easily, so when Judge shows even an ounce of kindness, we see her battle her own doubts in a world built by lies and loss.
It’s a quick read that swallowed me whole. It gave me Mad Max meets omegaverse with a unique plot. Such a fun read until the ending had me ripping my hair out, gnawing at the bit for book 2.
“I have a feeling your days unmated are rapidly dwindling, nurse. You need a good knotting to cull that attitude.”
4.5⭐️
December 3, 2025
Where to begin?! This author has done it again, love all her books and highly recommend reading this one. I soared through it in a few evenings as it left me wanting more!
If you like Steam Punk - Mad Max type with dark vibes in an omegaverse you’ll love Darling Diana. The plot is so unique and the characters are nail biting fun! Diana is a kick a** FMC, who is independent who unfortunately meets Judge, the all fearing MMC that is brutal, savage and concise. As thier world collides Judge finds himself in a predicament but of course has his soul set on dominating and worshipping Diana. Now Diana wants no part of this so it’s up to Judge to win her over. Whether by brute or gentleman Judge has his work cut out for him and the ending is a doozy! Can’t wait for book 2, thank you so much for the opportunity to read an ARC Scarlett Finch for my honest feedback.
If you like Steam Punk - Mad Max type with dark vibes in an omegaverse you’ll love Darling Diana. The plot is so unique and the characters are nail biting fun! Diana is a kick a** FMC, who is independent who unfortunately meets Judge, the all fearing MMC that is brutal, savage and concise. As thier world collides Judge finds himself in a predicament but of course has his soul set on dominating and worshipping Diana. Now Diana wants no part of this so it’s up to Judge to win her over. Whether by brute or gentleman Judge has his work cut out for him and the ending is a doozy! Can’t wait for book 2, thank you so much for the opportunity to read an ARC Scarlett Finch for my honest feedback.
December 15, 2025
(Spoiler-free, feral-reader approved)
Darling Diana was such a damn good time. I’d been in a full slump spiral when I picked this up and this book is the one that finally yanked me out of it. Dark dystopian omegaverse romance… thank you for your service. I absolutely inhaled this thing. It’s just under 300 pages and packed with some of my favorite tropes.
Let me start with the real reason I was locked in… Judge. I’m obsessed with this man. The name alone is perfection. He’s the alpha of alphas. Dominant, growly, violent to literally everyone but her. He’s got this chaotic, heartbreaking past we only get glimpses of and I need so much more. Every scene with him was absolutely delicious.
Diana, on the other hand… girl tested every ounce of my patience. I get it… she’s exhausted by this broken world, hiding her omega status, carrying so much fear. But the nonstop mistrust toward Judge for basically the entire book had me wanting to shake her. This man bares his soul, shares pieces of his tragic past, softens for her in ways he shouldn’t… and she is still deep in her me-me-me era. Gahhh 😂 she got on my nerves.
But not enough to stop reading. Not even close. I love dark dystopian vibes and I’ve always been an omegaverse girlie, so mixing those two together make this an automatic win for me. It’s well written, the plot goes down smooth, the world is icy and brutal in the best way, and the mmc is everything. This one is a quick, addictive read that I genuinely recommend.
Book two is supposed to deliver that HEA and I will be waiting with all the bated breath because Judge owns me now 🥵
Darling Diana was such a damn good time. I’d been in a full slump spiral when I picked this up and this book is the one that finally yanked me out of it. Dark dystopian omegaverse romance… thank you for your service. I absolutely inhaled this thing. It’s just under 300 pages and packed with some of my favorite tropes.
Let me start with the real reason I was locked in… Judge. I’m obsessed with this man. The name alone is perfection. He’s the alpha of alphas. Dominant, growly, violent to literally everyone but her. He’s got this chaotic, heartbreaking past we only get glimpses of and I need so much more. Every scene with him was absolutely delicious.
Diana, on the other hand… girl tested every ounce of my patience. I get it… she’s exhausted by this broken world, hiding her omega status, carrying so much fear. But the nonstop mistrust toward Judge for basically the entire book had me wanting to shake her. This man bares his soul, shares pieces of his tragic past, softens for her in ways he shouldn’t… and she is still deep in her me-me-me era. Gahhh 😂 she got on my nerves.
But not enough to stop reading. Not even close. I love dark dystopian vibes and I’ve always been an omegaverse girlie, so mixing those two together make this an automatic win for me. It’s well written, the plot goes down smooth, the world is icy and brutal in the best way, and the mmc is everything. This one is a quick, addictive read that I genuinely recommend.
Book two is supposed to deliver that HEA and I will be waiting with all the bated breath because Judge owns me now 🥵
January 20, 2026
Scarlett Finch is a pen name of Charlotte Mallory, whose *Secrets of Jane* I discovered randomly thanks to Anthony Palmini’s narration. I’ve been low-key stalking her online ever since, waiting for the audiobook of book #2 to be released. Reading *Darling Diana* definitely made the waiting easier.
What I liked:
- This book was pretty fast-paced and compulsively readable. I don’t read with my eyes much anymore due to lack of time (audiobooks for the win), but I didn’t regret the time invested into this one. It kept my attention well – I needed to know what would go wrong with these two.
- The sexy scenes were mid, but they did move the story forward, which I find rare nowadays.
- The twist at the end added an extra star in my eyes. I was mentally shitting on the foreshadowing the whole time and then completely ate my words in the last few pages. I’m hooked and desperately need book #2.
What I didn’t like:
- The worldbuilding was lacking. Historical events are mentioned, some people are called “echoes” for reasons, the name “Scarlett Offering” is dropped, yet nothing is properly explained. I often felt like I’d missed a prequel and now had to stitch together nonexistent pieces.
- Overuse of omegaverse words and repetition of phrases. My omega heart, his alpha dominance, my omega hormones. It pulled me out of the story more than once and I cringed occasionally. That said, I’ve read much worse – if you’ve read omegaverse before and didn’t care, you’ll be fine.
- The romance doesn’t feel genuine. This is dark romance: the FMC is basically kidnapped and raped (it’s non-con due to heat, take it as you will). That’s a rough starting point for a swoony romance, and the rest of the story didn’t really help this feeling. I’m tentatively positive and hoping Judge can be redeemed in my eyes, because I do need the HEA.
- We don’t really know any of the main characters. We get crumbs, but no real backstory.
ARC from author
I am leaving this review voluntarily
What I liked:
- This book was pretty fast-paced and compulsively readable. I don’t read with my eyes much anymore due to lack of time (audiobooks for the win), but I didn’t regret the time invested into this one. It kept my attention well – I needed to know what would go wrong with these two.
- The sexy scenes were mid, but they did move the story forward, which I find rare nowadays.
- The twist at the end added an extra star in my eyes. I was mentally shitting on the foreshadowing the whole time and then completely ate my words in the last few pages. I’m hooked and desperately need book #2.
What I didn’t like:
- The worldbuilding was lacking. Historical events are mentioned, some people are called “echoes” for reasons, the name “Scarlett Offering” is dropped, yet nothing is properly explained. I often felt like I’d missed a prequel and now had to stitch together nonexistent pieces.
- Overuse of omegaverse words and repetition of phrases. My omega heart, his alpha dominance, my omega hormones. It pulled me out of the story more than once and I cringed occasionally. That said, I’ve read much worse – if you’ve read omegaverse before and didn’t care, you’ll be fine.
- The romance doesn’t feel genuine. This is dark romance: the FMC is basically kidnapped and raped (it’s non-con due to heat, take it as you will). That’s a rough starting point for a swoony romance, and the rest of the story didn’t really help this feeling. I’m tentatively positive and hoping Judge can be redeemed in my eyes, because I do need the HEA.
- We don’t really know any of the main characters. We get crumbs, but no real backstory.
ARC from author
I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 19, 2025
It’s been a minute since finding a book that’s MF omegaverse. Reminded me a lot of Addison Cains born to be bound series. I’m digging this though and can’t wait for book 2.
December 18, 2025
5 STARS
I am suing. SUING I tell ya. Suing for emotional damages because what do you MEAN you're going to leave us like this, Scarlett Finch? My flabbers are gasted my even cannot. This is the kind of emotional damage a reader doesn't come back from and the sheer audacity to write it so nonchalantly? I bow down to your evil genius. But I digress.
I discovered Charlotte Mallory earlier this year and was immediately hooked. If you haven't read The Improper Bastards series yet, change that immediately. So when I saw she's releasing an omegaverse dystopian romance under her pen name, Scarlett Finch? Suffice it to say I couldn't get on it quick enough. There is just something about the way this woman writes an MMC that is absolute chefs kiss. And she did not disappoint with Judge. Holy walking red flag and morally gray epicness!
When I tell you that I devoured this book, I mean I couldn't set it down from cover to cover. I was so wholly immersed in this world, that I dreaded finishing. And with good reason too, since that cliffhanger damn near killed me. But I digress. If you like hate lust, enemies to lovers vibes, fierce FMCs and morally gray MMCs, you'll need this in your life.
In the dystopian wasteland world, Omegas are a currency between powerful and corrupt alpha led gangs. It's like Mad Max meets romance sort of vibes and I was here for it. Diana has spent years hiding her Omega self by purchasing illegal suppressants that hide her true sent. In a desperate bid for more of the drugs, she stumbles into the crosshairs of one of the most dangerous alphas and a force to be reckoned with, Judge. Judge is the leader of the biker gang and notorious for his violence and ruthlessness. And she also just so happens to be his scent match. Sounds utterly delicious right? It really was!
This is very much a slow burn romance and I loved their chemistry filled journey. I also loved the way that Diana, while in impossible odds, doesn't back down and holds her ground against a man who makes grown men tremble in fear.
I haven't read as much omega verse romance and I have no idea why because this book hit the spot so well and so hard that now I'm craving more knotty times. But if you're looking for something dark, gritty, sizzling, with plenty of tension and deliciously fun banter, look no further.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go die a slow death until the sequel comes out on March 23.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Oh fuck you,” I manage out. He smiles slowly and sits down on the couch. “In due time, nurse.”
I am suing. SUING I tell ya. Suing for emotional damages because what do you MEAN you're going to leave us like this, Scarlett Finch? My flabbers are gasted my even cannot. This is the kind of emotional damage a reader doesn't come back from and the sheer audacity to write it so nonchalantly? I bow down to your evil genius. But I digress.
I discovered Charlotte Mallory earlier this year and was immediately hooked. If you haven't read The Improper Bastards series yet, change that immediately. So when I saw she's releasing an omegaverse dystopian romance under her pen name, Scarlett Finch? Suffice it to say I couldn't get on it quick enough. There is just something about the way this woman writes an MMC that is absolute chefs kiss. And she did not disappoint with Judge. Holy walking red flag and morally gray epicness!
When I tell you that I devoured this book, I mean I couldn't set it down from cover to cover. I was so wholly immersed in this world, that I dreaded finishing. And with good reason too, since that cliffhanger damn near killed me. But I digress. If you like hate lust, enemies to lovers vibes, fierce FMCs and morally gray MMCs, you'll need this in your life.
In the dystopian wasteland world, Omegas are a currency between powerful and corrupt alpha led gangs. It's like Mad Max meets romance sort of vibes and I was here for it. Diana has spent years hiding her Omega self by purchasing illegal suppressants that hide her true sent. In a desperate bid for more of the drugs, she stumbles into the crosshairs of one of the most dangerous alphas and a force to be reckoned with, Judge. Judge is the leader of the biker gang and notorious for his violence and ruthlessness. And she also just so happens to be his scent match. Sounds utterly delicious right? It really was!
This is very much a slow burn romance and I loved their chemistry filled journey. I also loved the way that Diana, while in impossible odds, doesn't back down and holds her ground against a man who makes grown men tremble in fear.
I haven't read as much omega verse romance and I have no idea why because this book hit the spot so well and so hard that now I'm craving more knotty times. But if you're looking for something dark, gritty, sizzling, with plenty of tension and deliciously fun banter, look no further.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go die a slow death until the sequel comes out on March 23.
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
January 21, 2026
This book has a ton of potential to find the right reader.
The world is very interesting, giving post-apocalyptic omegaverse in a dystopian Fallout/Last of Us style setting. I would have loved for more of the world to be fleshed out, as there were some confusing aspects surrounding how we got here, why, and what some of the specific terminology used to reference this world means. There were many references made to things we have no background on, which took me out of the world a bit. I'm hoping it will be further fleshed out in book two.
There wasn't a whole lot of substance to the plot, which I believe was trying to lean more into the spice of it all. I can summarize the entire book in one sentence: Alpha leader kidnaps scent-match Omega in an attempt to get her to trust him. That's the entire plot of the book right there.
This wasn't my style personally, as I wanted more background on the world and a little more action outside of the romance, especially when there are heavy hints at so much happening politically, but I know this will find its right reader. That said, I wish the spice had been better fleshed out if it was going to be the main focus of the book. It was somehow vague and a bit repetitive.
Here are a couple of things that didn't sit with me. Italics were often used to emphasize words that didn't particularly make sense to emphasize. The internal monologue and general dialogue felt repetitive and monotone – there was a lot of circling. I had a hard time believing either character, as both lacked enough back story or character traits to connect with. There were too many unanswered questions, like who certain characters were, what the blight was, the relevance of echos, who some of the characters and places being referenced were, and some of the motivations. Also, in my opinion, when you have both POVs, it would be nice to actually get some of the information from one character or the other. Judge keep talking about how Diana would trust him and understand him once she knew his why, and maybe I would have felt that trust he referenced for him if some of his thoughts had been shared with me, the reader, too. Right now, I'm left with as much info and trust as Diana, which isn't much. It was too vague and gave me zero reason to put faith in his reasoning or character, let alone have belief in their relationship. As for Diana, I knew she was on the run, but again, why? Not enough background given. Too much teasing about the fact she had a messed up past at home, full of betrayal, but for all of the teasing, it really gave us nothing. I don't understand why she has the trust issues she has at all. Also, there's so much emphasis on her being a nurse with barely any application of her skill. Show that off, let me see what makes her her! I needed more foundation to connect with these characters. There were so many apples being dangled, trying to suck us into book two, that I started to lose interest. I'm hoping book two gives me a little more.
Thank you to the author, Scarlett Finch and Grimm & Co. for gifting me this book.
The world is very interesting, giving post-apocalyptic omegaverse in a dystopian Fallout/Last of Us style setting. I would have loved for more of the world to be fleshed out, as there were some confusing aspects surrounding how we got here, why, and what some of the specific terminology used to reference this world means. There were many references made to things we have no background on, which took me out of the world a bit. I'm hoping it will be further fleshed out in book two.
There wasn't a whole lot of substance to the plot, which I believe was trying to lean more into the spice of it all. I can summarize the entire book in one sentence: Alpha leader kidnaps scent-match Omega in an attempt to get her to trust him. That's the entire plot of the book right there.
This wasn't my style personally, as I wanted more background on the world and a little more action outside of the romance, especially when there are heavy hints at so much happening politically, but I know this will find its right reader. That said, I wish the spice had been better fleshed out if it was going to be the main focus of the book. It was somehow vague and a bit repetitive.
Here are a couple of things that didn't sit with me. Italics were often used to emphasize words that didn't particularly make sense to emphasize. The internal monologue and general dialogue felt repetitive and monotone – there was a lot of circling. I had a hard time believing either character, as both lacked enough back story or character traits to connect with. There were too many unanswered questions, like who certain characters were, what the blight was, the relevance of echos, who some of the characters and places being referenced were, and some of the motivations. Also, in my opinion, when you have both POVs, it would be nice to actually get some of the information from one character or the other. Judge keep talking about how Diana would trust him and understand him once she knew his why, and maybe I would have felt that trust he referenced for him if some of his thoughts had been shared with me, the reader, too. Right now, I'm left with as much info and trust as Diana, which isn't much. It was too vague and gave me zero reason to put faith in his reasoning or character, let alone have belief in their relationship. As for Diana, I knew she was on the run, but again, why? Not enough background given. Too much teasing about the fact she had a messed up past at home, full of betrayal, but for all of the teasing, it really gave us nothing. I don't understand why she has the trust issues she has at all. Also, there's so much emphasis on her being a nurse with barely any application of her skill. Show that off, let me see what makes her her! I needed more foundation to connect with these characters. There were so many apples being dangled, trying to suck us into book two, that I started to lose interest. I'm hoping book two gives me a little more.
Thank you to the author, Scarlett Finch and Grimm & Co. for gifting me this book.
December 6, 2025
⭐ 4.5 stars | 🔥 Spice: 3/5
Darling Diana had me locked in from the first chapter. Diana is an omega hiding her true nature, working as a nurse who quietly treats shifters in need. Her trips to the New Bunker become her cover, gathering medical supplies while also hunting down suppressants for herself and the vulnerable omegas in the Enclave where she lives. She blends in, stays small, stays smart… until Judge ruins every ounce of her careful planning.
Judge, the Dominion’s feared Alpha ruler, bans suppressants for everyone. And the moment he catches the scent she’s been fighting to hide? He snaps. He goes scorched-earth searching for the omega who turns out to be his fated mate, determined to shield her from Titan, the monster who collects omegas like breeding playthings for himself and his men.
Diana believes all Alphas are the same: cruel, controlling, obsessed with turning omegas into breeding machines. But Judge is nothing like the stories. He elevates omegas, protects them, treats them like respect when they find their mate, and gives the unmated ones freedom and safety in his territory. His gentleness with Diana, even while hiding her in the Omega House to keep Titan’s spies off her scent, was everything.
I need the second book immediately. This is a must-read for anyone who loves shifter romances, fated mates, obsessive Alphas, political danger, and worlds built with claws and teeth.
🗡️ Trope List:
🐺 Fated Mates
🩸 Alpha/Omega Dynamics
🔥 Obsessive, Overprotective Alpha
🌘 Hidden Identity / Secret Omega
🧪 Banned Suppressants / Forced Reveal
🏚️ Forced Proximity
🏛️ Political Power Struggles
🔪 Touch her and die
🚨 Cliffhanger Ending
Thank you to BookSirens for the eARC.
Darling Diana had me locked in from the first chapter. Diana is an omega hiding her true nature, working as a nurse who quietly treats shifters in need. Her trips to the New Bunker become her cover, gathering medical supplies while also hunting down suppressants for herself and the vulnerable omegas in the Enclave where she lives. She blends in, stays small, stays smart… until Judge ruins every ounce of her careful planning.
Judge, the Dominion’s feared Alpha ruler, bans suppressants for everyone. And the moment he catches the scent she’s been fighting to hide? He snaps. He goes scorched-earth searching for the omega who turns out to be his fated mate, determined to shield her from Titan, the monster who collects omegas like breeding playthings for himself and his men.
Diana believes all Alphas are the same: cruel, controlling, obsessed with turning omegas into breeding machines. But Judge is nothing like the stories. He elevates omegas, protects them, treats them like respect when they find their mate, and gives the unmated ones freedom and safety in his territory. His gentleness with Diana, even while hiding her in the Omega House to keep Titan’s spies off her scent, was everything.
I need the second book immediately. This is a must-read for anyone who loves shifter romances, fated mates, obsessive Alphas, political danger, and worlds built with claws and teeth.
🗡️ Trope List:
🐺 Fated Mates
🩸 Alpha/Omega Dynamics
🔥 Obsessive, Overprotective Alpha
🌘 Hidden Identity / Secret Omega
🧪 Banned Suppressants / Forced Reveal
🏚️ Forced Proximity
🏛️ Political Power Struggles
🔪 Touch her and die
🚨 Cliffhanger Ending
Thank you to BookSirens for the eARC.
December 13, 2025
The world was shattered in the bloom, leaving behind a lawless wasteland where survival is the best anyone can hope for. Diana has spent years in hiding. As an Omega, she is always hunted, relying on suppressants to mask her scent from Alphas who exploit and abuse Omegas, treating them like property.
Working as a nurse at the Enclave, Diana is sent into the dangerous New Bunker to secure the suppressants the Enclave’s Omegas desperately need. What she finds instead is Judge, savage, ruthless, and marked by a dark intensity she cannot ignore. He is the Alpha leader of the Dominion biker gang and rules with absolute authority.
When Judge arrives at the Enclave asking questions, Diana believes her only hope is to run. What she does not know is that her scent has already caught his attention. It is instinctual, overwhelming, and possessive, and Judge will stop at nothing until he claims her as his mate.
Something about this read was so addictive. Maybe it was the dark, desolate dystopian world. Or maybe it was the damaged and scarred characters, or the heart-pounding story itself.
When Diana is captured, Judge has quite the challenge trying to prove his good intentions. Living this life for so long, trust does not come easy, and maybe not at all. Diana’s body cannot help but betray her base instincts, but that does not mean her heart has to be involved.
Judge is vicious and violent, no stranger to death and killing, yet he has become the Alpha leader while trying to keep Omegas safe, all while enforcing his rule without mercy. Now that he has found his scent match, his mate, he will do whatever it takes to keep Diana safe, even if it means acting against her will to ensure her protection.
I loved seeing them slowly, very slowly, start to open up and build a connection. It didn’t come easy, and the trust is still extremely delicate. But you see them beginning to allow the bond to take hold, imagining what it could be like, relaxing, and taking comfort in each other. And then that ending… ohhhh!! My heart was pounding, and my chest was in knots. I need to know what happens next! Book two cannot come soon enough!
Working as a nurse at the Enclave, Diana is sent into the dangerous New Bunker to secure the suppressants the Enclave’s Omegas desperately need. What she finds instead is Judge, savage, ruthless, and marked by a dark intensity she cannot ignore. He is the Alpha leader of the Dominion biker gang and rules with absolute authority.
When Judge arrives at the Enclave asking questions, Diana believes her only hope is to run. What she does not know is that her scent has already caught his attention. It is instinctual, overwhelming, and possessive, and Judge will stop at nothing until he claims her as his mate.
Something about this read was so addictive. Maybe it was the dark, desolate dystopian world. Or maybe it was the damaged and scarred characters, or the heart-pounding story itself.
When Diana is captured, Judge has quite the challenge trying to prove his good intentions. Living this life for so long, trust does not come easy, and maybe not at all. Diana’s body cannot help but betray her base instincts, but that does not mean her heart has to be involved.
Judge is vicious and violent, no stranger to death and killing, yet he has become the Alpha leader while trying to keep Omegas safe, all while enforcing his rule without mercy. Now that he has found his scent match, his mate, he will do whatever it takes to keep Diana safe, even if it means acting against her will to ensure her protection.
I loved seeing them slowly, very slowly, start to open up and build a connection. It didn’t come easy, and the trust is still extremely delicate. But you see them beginning to allow the bond to take hold, imagining what it could be like, relaxing, and taking comfort in each other. And then that ending… ohhhh!! My heart was pounding, and my chest was in knots. I need to know what happens next! Book two cannot come soon enough!
December 7, 2025
In a dystopian wasteland, Diana has kept herself safe by hiding her omega nature. But when the leader of a nearby gang, Judge, discovers she's his scent match, her days of pretending to be a beta are over. Diana doesn't trust Judge, and doesn't really believe in scent matches. But Judge is willing to do whatever it takes to make her his, even use her biology against her.
Darling Diana is a dark omegaverse story with a lot of psychological warfare between the two main characters. Diana wants her freedom, and this desire truly colors all of her decision making. We spend the majority of the time from her perspective, but unfortunately do not learn exactly what horrifying thing happened between her and her family (though we do learn enough to have a general suspicion). The continued tension between her desire for freedom and her body's biological responses gives an intriguing dynamic throughout the book.
Judge is extremely calculating, and his position makes him have contingency plans for everything. He sees his connection to Diana as a weakness, but cannot allow her to live without his protection. He is truly obsessed with her, but unfortunately does a poor job of showing that to Diana. As he tries to control for every possible threat, he finds himself making unfortunate decisions. I actually wish we spent more time from Judge's point of view, somewhat because Diana spends a lot of time locked up in one way or another, but also to help give greater understanding to Judge's decision making. We do see some signs of the threats Judge is trying to mitigate, but a little more information for what exactly he's hoping to do with his plan would have been a little helpful. Instead, when the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, I was largely confused by what exactly Judge thought he was going to accomplish.
Overall, the book was a very interesting dark romance read with interesting world building and secretive characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the duology.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Darling Diana is a dark omegaverse story with a lot of psychological warfare between the two main characters. Diana wants her freedom, and this desire truly colors all of her decision making. We spend the majority of the time from her perspective, but unfortunately do not learn exactly what horrifying thing happened between her and her family (though we do learn enough to have a general suspicion). The continued tension between her desire for freedom and her body's biological responses gives an intriguing dynamic throughout the book.
Judge is extremely calculating, and his position makes him have contingency plans for everything. He sees his connection to Diana as a weakness, but cannot allow her to live without his protection. He is truly obsessed with her, but unfortunately does a poor job of showing that to Diana. As he tries to control for every possible threat, he finds himself making unfortunate decisions. I actually wish we spent more time from Judge's point of view, somewhat because Diana spends a lot of time locked up in one way or another, but also to help give greater understanding to Judge's decision making. We do see some signs of the threats Judge is trying to mitigate, but a little more information for what exactly he's hoping to do with his plan would have been a little helpful. Instead, when the book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, I was largely confused by what exactly Judge thought he was going to accomplish.
Overall, the book was a very interesting dark romance read with interesting world building and secretive characters. I look forward to reading the next book in the duology.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 10, 2025
Before I start this review let me just start off by saying that it is imperative that you read those trigger warnings. If you don't, then enter at your own risk. LOL. This book is a total different vibe. The story takes place in a dystopian world caused by the "bloom", which the military had a hand in creating. As I read this story the world building kind of made me think of a Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome kind of world. In this world there are Alphas and there are Omegas. The Alphas dominate the Omegas in pretty much every way, but there are also good pairings of Omegas and Alphas known as Scent Matches. Oh yes, I didn't mention that the scent of another human being can quite literally determine how your life plays out. The scent of an Alpha and an Omega are EVERYTHING to them. Our FMC's name is Diana, who is an Omega. Diana has had a very hard time of it so far. She has spent the majority of her life on the run just so she does not become the property of some "Alpha-hole". Enter the MMC, Judge, who is THE Alpha. He is the head of a very large and dangerous gang. Judge is a MMC that you will literally loathe in the beginning and then a little more than half a way through the book you start to feel for Judge and I dare to say, like him and then by the end you hate him again. To say that the "relationship " between Diana and Judge, at times is complicated, would be an understatement. All Judge wants to do is control everything to do with Diana and all Diana wants is her freedom- or at least she thinks that's what she wants. I found this book to be a little slow in the beginning, but ooh baby just hang in there! Because then I couldn't put it down! It does leave you on a cliffhanger, just a warning. But I think the sequel is not too far behind this one, so not too long to wait. Good story and I had a fun time reading this one.
January 28, 2026
Darling Diana is a dystopian-leaning omegaverse romance with biker-gang vibes and enough danger to keep things interesting. This is book one of a duet and does end on a cliffhanger, so fair warning. Some prior knowledge of the omegaverse helps, since the story jumps right in without much explanation.
The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths. It’s fast, addictive, and very easy to binge. Diana’s inner conflict—especially how her past trauma clashes with her current situation—feels natural and believable. Her thought process makes her decisions easy to follow, even when they’re frustrating, which adds a lot of realism.
The romance and spice are on the milder side, but I liked that the intimate scenes actually served the story instead of feeling like filler. The ending twist made sense and fit the storyline, but it wasn’t completely devastating. I enjoyed it, though I wasn’t wrecked—maybe I’ve just been burned too many times by duet cliffhangers 😅
Where the book fell short for me was the worldbuilding. Big ideas are mentioned—historical events, “echoes,” witch doctors, and the larger dystopian setup—but they aren’t fully explained. At times, it felt like I was missing important pieces.
Character depth was another issue. We get small hints about the main characters, but not enough backstory to fully connect with them or feel deeply invested in what happens next.
Overall, Darling Diana is a quick, entertaining read with strong pacing and emotional logic, but it would have benefited from deeper worldbuilding and more developed characters. I’ll keep reading the duet out of curiosity and hope book two fills in the gaps.
I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review from BookSirens.
The pacing is one of the book’s biggest strengths. It’s fast, addictive, and very easy to binge. Diana’s inner conflict—especially how her past trauma clashes with her current situation—feels natural and believable. Her thought process makes her decisions easy to follow, even when they’re frustrating, which adds a lot of realism.
The romance and spice are on the milder side, but I liked that the intimate scenes actually served the story instead of feeling like filler. The ending twist made sense and fit the storyline, but it wasn’t completely devastating. I enjoyed it, though I wasn’t wrecked—maybe I’ve just been burned too many times by duet cliffhangers 😅
Where the book fell short for me was the worldbuilding. Big ideas are mentioned—historical events, “echoes,” witch doctors, and the larger dystopian setup—but they aren’t fully explained. At times, it felt like I was missing important pieces.
Character depth was another issue. We get small hints about the main characters, but not enough backstory to fully connect with them or feel deeply invested in what happens next.
Overall, Darling Diana is a quick, entertaining read with strong pacing and emotional logic, but it would have benefited from deeper worldbuilding and more developed characters. I’ll keep reading the duet out of curiosity and hope book two fills in the gaps.
I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review from BookSirens.
December 12, 2025
🖤 ARC Review 🖤
Darling Diana by Scarlett Finch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Omegaverse
Fated Mates
OTT/JP Alpha MMC
Strong FMC
Dystopian world
Let me start by saying I will read ANYTHING she writes, under this name and her other 😅 I also have not read too much omegaverse. I usually am turned off by the idea of the betas, but love a good alpha male in any story. I did not have the negative experience with betas in this one, so I call that a huge win!
I love the setting of this story/world, and believe that all of the marketing she did to advertise it as Mad Max, bikers, dystopian matched so perfectly. It was a really unique story concept for me!
I love our main characters as well. Diana is a strong woman who doesn't need a man! ... well, until she does (and she is definitely upset at herself for it). And as for Judge... we'll I am gonna need him to be on his hands and knees begging in the next book.
And that ending... yeah, I am gonna need the sequel STAT. I almost threw my Kindle across the room after that one.
Overall, this book kept me entertained, engaged, and I read through it really quickly. It was fast paced, and I felt surprised at everything that happened. I cannot say that any major lines/quotes stuck with me and were tugging at my heartstrings like I had hoped for. I would love to see more emotion pulled out of me in the next one.
Thank you endlessly to Scarlett Finch and team for providing me with the opportunity to read this one.
Darling Diana by Scarlett Finch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶🌶🌶
Tropes:
Omegaverse
Fated Mates
OTT/JP Alpha MMC
Strong FMC
Dystopian world
Let me start by saying I will read ANYTHING she writes, under this name and her other 😅 I also have not read too much omegaverse. I usually am turned off by the idea of the betas, but love a good alpha male in any story. I did not have the negative experience with betas in this one, so I call that a huge win!
I love the setting of this story/world, and believe that all of the marketing she did to advertise it as Mad Max, bikers, dystopian matched so perfectly. It was a really unique story concept for me!
I love our main characters as well. Diana is a strong woman who doesn't need a man! ... well, until she does (and she is definitely upset at herself for it). And as for Judge... we'll I am gonna need him to be on his hands and knees begging in the next book.
And that ending... yeah, I am gonna need the sequel STAT. I almost threw my Kindle across the room after that one.
Overall, this book kept me entertained, engaged, and I read through it really quickly. It was fast paced, and I felt surprised at everything that happened. I cannot say that any major lines/quotes stuck with me and were tugging at my heartstrings like I had hoped for. I would love to see more emotion pulled out of me in the next one.
Thank you endlessly to Scarlett Finch and team for providing me with the opportunity to read this one.
January 12, 2026
Huge thank you to Grimm & co as well as Scarlett finch for the ecopy in exchange for my honest review!
Darling Diana is part of an omegaverse which is a genre that I want to read more about. So when I saw that this was indeed classified as omegaverse, I definitely wanted to give it a chance. I instantly really liked the concept of scents being the strongest thing to distinguish if you are an alpha, beta or omega. That’s where we meet our FMC, Diana, who is an omega that has to take these suppressants in order to block out what she smells like. She has been getting away with it for awhile, especially since Omega’s are being hunted down. However, that all changes when she has a little run in with an alpha named Judge, who has been rounding up omegas from the surrounding areas. When he meets Diana, her scent is different than anything he has ever smelled before…and he is determined to keep her as he declares her scent matches his..and that means she is his. Judge is super possessive and will do anything in his power to keep Diana close to him.
This was a pretty entertaining and quick read for me! The pacing was great and the concept of omegaverse definitely kept my attention and I felt like the book did its justice. Not only is it a fun read but it also brings a lot of dark vibes to the table with a unique type of world that immerses you into it. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see more books from this author!
Darling Diana is part of an omegaverse which is a genre that I want to read more about. So when I saw that this was indeed classified as omegaverse, I definitely wanted to give it a chance. I instantly really liked the concept of scents being the strongest thing to distinguish if you are an alpha, beta or omega. That’s where we meet our FMC, Diana, who is an omega that has to take these suppressants in order to block out what she smells like. She has been getting away with it for awhile, especially since Omega’s are being hunted down. However, that all changes when she has a little run in with an alpha named Judge, who has been rounding up omegas from the surrounding areas. When he meets Diana, her scent is different than anything he has ever smelled before…and he is determined to keep her as he declares her scent matches his..and that means she is his. Judge is super possessive and will do anything in his power to keep Diana close to him.
This was a pretty entertaining and quick read for me! The pacing was great and the concept of omegaverse definitely kept my attention and I felt like the book did its justice. Not only is it a fun read but it also brings a lot of dark vibes to the table with a unique type of world that immerses you into it. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see more books from this author!
January 12, 2026
I knew judge was suspicious. I didn’t think he was actually gonna entertain Roxy. OMG. I feel so bad for Diana. She was literally trapped in an attic for like two months while judge is doing God knows what. I didn’t really like the body betrayal and I didn’t really like how Diana would hate him one second but then really like him the next, but I guess that’s realistic because she’s literally trapped. I’m kind of mad. I read this book knowing that the sequel does not come out for a couple months because I need to know all the stuff Rebecca was talking about. Like why was Roxy sitting on judges lap in a ceremony? What is happening with the scraps who is spying on Diana? There’s just so much. I didn’t hate judge up until after he started hiding that they were mates. Because after that, he was letting a lot of people disrespect Diana. And I need to know Diana’s past because what happened with her mom and dad and why did they betray her and where is her brother at? Why is judge so suspicious of Selena. And I need all the tea about the witch doctor like what deal did Judge make with her. Literally so many questions.There’s just so much but this is a great book. Can’t wait for the sequel. I really hope that Diana makes Judge grovel a lot and doesn’t just fall in love with him because of their biology.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2025
Holy crap on a cracker, fudge nuggets and banana shenanigans! This was such an amazing read!
This is not a sweet lovestory, nor is it a pretty fairytale. It’s gritty, foul, angsty, dirty and dangerous. The story has it’s own take on the fated mates trope (scent matches), and I love it! It completely sucked me in from the very beginning and utterly wrecked me at the end.
I loved Diana and how she grew more feisty with each page I turned. Judge is a character you will love to hate, and he has some serious groveling to do in the next book if you ask me. The fear, the betrayal, the romantic suspense, it had me completely hooked. It’s so well written that I wasn’t sitting on my couch with a cup of tea, I was there in that attic with Diana.
At the end of the story Scarlett let’s us know that maybe she should have called the story “Dirty Diana”, because she feels like she did her readers dirty with that cliffhanger. Yes, Scarlett, yes you did! I have no idea what it feels like because (luckily) I do not have a nutsack, but I imagine this is what a nutpunch must feel like.
So when I say that I cannot wait for the next book, that’s an understatement. Luckily we do not have to wait too long, since book 2 is set to release on March 23. Making this the perfect birthday present for me, since that is actually my birthday. 💜
This is not a sweet lovestory, nor is it a pretty fairytale. It’s gritty, foul, angsty, dirty and dangerous. The story has it’s own take on the fated mates trope (scent matches), and I love it! It completely sucked me in from the very beginning and utterly wrecked me at the end.
I loved Diana and how she grew more feisty with each page I turned. Judge is a character you will love to hate, and he has some serious groveling to do in the next book if you ask me. The fear, the betrayal, the romantic suspense, it had me completely hooked. It’s so well written that I wasn’t sitting on my couch with a cup of tea, I was there in that attic with Diana.
At the end of the story Scarlett let’s us know that maybe she should have called the story “Dirty Diana”, because she feels like she did her readers dirty with that cliffhanger. Yes, Scarlett, yes you did! I have no idea what it feels like because (luckily) I do not have a nutsack, but I imagine this is what a nutpunch must feel like.
So when I say that I cannot wait for the next book, that’s an understatement. Luckily we do not have to wait too long, since book 2 is set to release on March 23. Making this the perfect birthday present for me, since that is actually my birthday. 💜
December 10, 2025
I am not a big omegaverse lover but this book right here had me pleasantly suprised. first lets get the obvious out of the way,
spice 3.5/5
there are some triggers so read authors notes… heavy on the body betryal but I loved every second of it.
The story is brilliant i feel l ike it revealed more with every chapter yet i still have so many questions.
The FMC had me on edge because I was hoping every second that SOMETHING would work out for her. What i loke about her that stand out from ither omegaverse FMC is she doesn't lose herself completely and isn't foolish just because of her omega genes. In this world she understands everything is to be questioned and nothing is to be trusted.
The MC is yummy and trouble. I have my doubts and distrust with him but I love how obsessed he is.
Overall would recommend this book to anyone that likes an omega with some bite and not just a give in type pf FMC. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because I felt some parts with the world building needed better explanation, and could be better explained throughout the book not just towards the intro.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
spice 3.5/5
there are some triggers so read authors notes… heavy on the body betryal but I loved every second of it.
The story is brilliant i feel l ike it revealed more with every chapter yet i still have so many questions.
The FMC had me on edge because I was hoping every second that SOMETHING would work out for her. What i loke about her that stand out from ither omegaverse FMC is she doesn't lose herself completely and isn't foolish just because of her omega genes. In this world she understands everything is to be questioned and nothing is to be trusted.
The MC is yummy and trouble. I have my doubts and distrust with him but I love how obsessed he is.
Overall would recommend this book to anyone that likes an omega with some bite and not just a give in type pf FMC. The only reason this isn't 5 stars is because I felt some parts with the world building needed better explanation, and could be better explained throughout the book not just towards the intro.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 7, 2026
A raw, deeply relatable journey through the "Flight" response.
I recently finished an ARC of Darling Diana by Scarlett Finch, and I am officially obsessed with the Blackstem Universe. While this is a Dark Omegaverse story with high stakes and an intense "Alpha’s Prison" setting, what struck me most was the emotional authenticity of the characters.
As someone who also heavily leans toward the "flee" response when faced with fight, freeze, or flee, Diana felt like a mirror. Her struggle with PTSD—the agonizing gap between desperately wanting to trust and her body physically screaming at her to run—is easily the most relatable portrayal of trauma I’ve read in a long time. Scarlett Finch handles this internal battle with incredible care.
Then there is Judge. For an Alpha, his patience is his greatest asset. I loved watching him navigate Diana’s boundaries; he gives her the space she needs to feel safe even while keeping his own secrets (and he definitely has his reasons!). Their dynamic is a beautiful, tense slow-burn that feels completely earned.
I am already manifesting a lot for Book 2: I’m hoping for maximum groveling, endless mugs of hot chocolate, and the continued rebuilding of their trust. And if we’re super lucky? Maybe a new puppy to help with the healing. ☺️
If you are looking for a dark romance that balances gritty intensity with a hero who truly knows how to wait for his heroine to find her footing, put this on your TBR immediately.
I recently finished an ARC of Darling Diana by Scarlett Finch, and I am officially obsessed with the Blackstem Universe. While this is a Dark Omegaverse story with high stakes and an intense "Alpha’s Prison" setting, what struck me most was the emotional authenticity of the characters.
As someone who also heavily leans toward the "flee" response when faced with fight, freeze, or flee, Diana felt like a mirror. Her struggle with PTSD—the agonizing gap between desperately wanting to trust and her body physically screaming at her to run—is easily the most relatable portrayal of trauma I’ve read in a long time. Scarlett Finch handles this internal battle with incredible care.
Then there is Judge. For an Alpha, his patience is his greatest asset. I loved watching him navigate Diana’s boundaries; he gives her the space she needs to feel safe even while keeping his own secrets (and he definitely has his reasons!). Their dynamic is a beautiful, tense slow-burn that feels completely earned.
I am already manifesting a lot for Book 2: I’m hoping for maximum groveling, endless mugs of hot chocolate, and the continued rebuilding of their trust. And if we’re super lucky? Maybe a new puppy to help with the healing. ☺️
If you are looking for a dark romance that balances gritty intensity with a hero who truly knows how to wait for his heroine to find her footing, put this on your TBR immediately.
December 5, 2025
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First let me say, the enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites! Throw in forced proximity/captivity and “fated mates” and you’re in for a wild ride! I love a good alpha male and this book gave me a literal one. The chemistry between FMC and MMC, with the banter? I couldn’t wait to see who would make the next move and how far they would go.
If you want a cliffhanger that’s going to have you rushing out to get the next book, then this is for you! I have my suspicions as to what’s going to happen so I’m going to just feign for the next few months until the sequel is released.
If there is anything I could say about this book that could use some improvement, it would just be maybe a little bit more world-building or just some insight into the backstory. I was a little confused about some of the alpha terminology (what is an echo?). Some of the details may have had a little more significance if I had a better understanding of what some of it meant.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even with my not knowing what some of the things meant, it didn’t take away from the basis of the story.
First let me say, the enemies to lovers trope is one of my favorites! Throw in forced proximity/captivity and “fated mates” and you’re in for a wild ride! I love a good alpha male and this book gave me a literal one. The chemistry between FMC and MMC, with the banter? I couldn’t wait to see who would make the next move and how far they would go.
If you want a cliffhanger that’s going to have you rushing out to get the next book, then this is for you! I have my suspicions as to what’s going to happen so I’m going to just feign for the next few months until the sequel is released.
If there is anything I could say about this book that could use some improvement, it would just be maybe a little bit more world-building or just some insight into the backstory. I was a little confused about some of the alpha terminology (what is an echo?). Some of the details may have had a little more significance if I had a better understanding of what some of it meant.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Even with my not knowing what some of the things meant, it didn’t take away from the basis of the story.
December 6, 2025
I didn’t think I would ever be attracted to omegaverse, but I changed my mind. The concept of bonding, possessiveness, spice, and an established set of traits for a species is so attractive.
{Omegaverse dystopia; M/F; explicit open-door scenes; dual POV}
I love that Diana is a nurse after an apocalyptic collapse where society is rebuilding. She has spent years on suppressants and on the run with her best friend, Selene, a Beta. The two have a believable, strong sister vibe going on. I really like Selene.
The Dominion is one gang that has been conquering local areas. When their alpha arrives for healing, Diana reluctantly leaves to keep her freedom. But it’s too late. He recognizes her as his scent match, and nothing will keep her from him.
Expect chasing. Expect a captive romance. Expect wooing. Expect drugging. Expect gaslighting. Sometimes I absolutely hate how slowly Diana reacts, but her reactions match what an omega is supposed to have.
There is a cliffhanger, so I would wait until the next book is almost ready (March, 2026) before I would devour this.
{Omegaverse dystopia; M/F; explicit open-door scenes; dual POV}
I love that Diana is a nurse after an apocalyptic collapse where society is rebuilding. She has spent years on suppressants and on the run with her best friend, Selene, a Beta. The two have a believable, strong sister vibe going on. I really like Selene.
The Dominion is one gang that has been conquering local areas. When their alpha arrives for healing, Diana reluctantly leaves to keep her freedom. But it’s too late. He recognizes her as his scent match, and nothing will keep her from him.
Expect chasing. Expect a captive romance. Expect wooing. Expect drugging. Expect gaslighting. Sometimes I absolutely hate how slowly Diana reacts, but her reactions match what an omega is supposed to have.
There is a cliffhanger, so I would wait until the next book is almost ready (March, 2026) before I would devour this.
December 26, 2025
**4.5 stars**
Wowowow what a story. I’ve read quite a few omegaverse books but this was my first dystopian/post apocalyptic story. I really liked it and I cannot wait for the next one! I’m enjoying the world building and the slow burn between Judge and Diana. I did find some parts a bit slow and skimmed some parts but wow that cliffhanger.
**spoilers ahead as a summary for myself when the 2nd book releases**
Set in a dystopian post apocalyptic world, Diana, a nurse, is an omega that is on suppressants to mask her omega scent. Omegas are not treated well in this world and are often treated poorly by Alphas. She travels to another territory to get more suppressants, but it turns out they are now banned by the leader of the Dominions: Judge. Judge realizes that him and Diana are scent matches and needs to keep her safe from his enemies. Diana wants nothing to do with him but she eventually starts to trust him. It ends with another omega,
Rebecca, tells Diana the truth of what Judge is really up to, or so she is lead to believe. Rebecca helps Diana escape. It ends with Judge realizing that Rebeca’s alpha is the one that is the mole to his greatest biggest threat, Titan.
Wowowow what a story. I’ve read quite a few omegaverse books but this was my first dystopian/post apocalyptic story. I really liked it and I cannot wait for the next one! I’m enjoying the world building and the slow burn between Judge and Diana. I did find some parts a bit slow and skimmed some parts but wow that cliffhanger.
**spoilers ahead as a summary for myself when the 2nd book releases**
Set in a dystopian post apocalyptic world, Diana, a nurse, is an omega that is on suppressants to mask her omega scent. Omegas are not treated well in this world and are often treated poorly by Alphas. She travels to another territory to get more suppressants, but it turns out they are now banned by the leader of the Dominions: Judge. Judge realizes that him and Diana are scent matches and needs to keep her safe from his enemies. Diana wants nothing to do with him but she eventually starts to trust him. It ends with another omega,
Rebecca, tells Diana the truth of what Judge is really up to, or so she is lead to believe. Rebecca helps Diana escape. It ends with Judge realizing that Rebeca’s alpha is the one that is the mole to his greatest biggest threat, Titan.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
ARC review, unpaid and unaffiliated.
Dystopian style story with twists, drama, violence, and ALOT of intrigue. Great story with edge of your seat situations. I'm looking forward to book 2.
However, I felt there were too many cards being to the author's chest, so to speak. I felt too much was kept from the reader, I would have loved more expansion on how the world got the way it was and more on how it operates and the hierarchy of how everyone fits into the new society.
But I say all that with an inkling that the author may be holding some of that back to give the readers epic truth bombs at the correct times in her story so for that reason alone I will read the rest of the series.
As this is my first novel involving non-shifter Omega/Beta types, it did take a minute to understand some of the terms used and would have probably liked a glossary or something, so I didn't have google. But if you've delved into Omega novels prior and need no translations on terms, this will definitely be a good read.
Overall, I enjoyed the realness of the characters. The writing flowed and added enough depth to the characters to make me care.
Dystopian style story with twists, drama, violence, and ALOT of intrigue. Great story with edge of your seat situations. I'm looking forward to book 2.
However, I felt there were too many cards being to the author's chest, so to speak. I felt too much was kept from the reader, I would have loved more expansion on how the world got the way it was and more on how it operates and the hierarchy of how everyone fits into the new society.
But I say all that with an inkling that the author may be holding some of that back to give the readers epic truth bombs at the correct times in her story so for that reason alone I will read the rest of the series.
As this is my first novel involving non-shifter Omega/Beta types, it did take a minute to understand some of the terms used and would have probably liked a glossary or something, so I didn't have google. But if you've delved into Omega novels prior and need no translations on terms, this will definitely be a good read.
Overall, I enjoyed the realness of the characters. The writing flowed and added enough depth to the characters to make me care.
December 6, 2025
I really wanted to love this. And there are parts that I really enjoyed. The omegaverse is fairly new for me and I was actually quite fascinated with it all. I really liked all of that. My favorite genre is fantasy so I've read a lot. For this book, I was a little overwhelmed in the beginning because it felt like I jumped in mid conversation. Alot of gang names were dropped, a lot of locations were dropped and it had me feeling a bit overwhelmed. On top of that, this is supposed to be a dystopian, which is another genre I love and yet there is hardly any world building. The characters were okay but I didn't connect to them because I didn't know them. There's no back story or any insight into the main character so I don't feel like I really know her. Same with the mmc. From the very beginning they are just put into action and for me, there wasn't enough personal info for me to connect with them.
Overall, I liked the omegaverse stuff, being a newbie to it, I think that was the most interesting part of the book.
Overall, I liked the omegaverse stuff, being a newbie to it, I think that was the most interesting part of the book.
December 25, 2025
This is my very first Omegaverse that I have completely finished. The scent match gives me fated mates vibes and I am digging that! Then mix in Motorcycle Club and distopian world and I got sucked right in.
Our MMC Judge realizes how important Omagas are to returning the world to some kind of order. That without them Alphas don't have something to focus on, making the world a safer place for all. But my man has secrets in his closet and I NEED to know what they are. And of course all this comes to fruition at the end with that cliffy!!! Ugh!!!!
Come on March, I have questions that need answered!
Our FMC Diana is a nurse and Judge's scent match. However, omegas aren't safe, and all she wants is to get rid of being an omega. Dought she should be trusting this witch doctor but we shall see. Honestly, I went back and forth between yas you bad ass and ugh you are annoying!! Lol!
After this book I pretty much trust no one and am in desperate need of book 2.
Our MMC Judge realizes how important Omagas are to returning the world to some kind of order. That without them Alphas don't have something to focus on, making the world a safer place for all. But my man has secrets in his closet and I NEED to know what they are. And of course all this comes to fruition at the end with that cliffy!!! Ugh!!!!
Come on March, I have questions that need answered!
Our FMC Diana is a nurse and Judge's scent match. However, omegas aren't safe, and all she wants is to get rid of being an omega. Dought she should be trusting this witch doctor but we shall see. Honestly, I went back and forth between yas you bad ass and ugh you are annoying!! Lol!
After this book I pretty much trust no one and am in desperate need of book 2.
February 14, 2026
Darling Diana follows Diana, an enclave nurse & Omega, as she tries in vain (mostly) to get away from the dangerous Alpha leader of a biker gang known for taking Omegas and bonding them to Alphas within their rank. First off, the world-building in this book (series) is so interesting. If you like faction politics and an apocalyptic setting, then this is right up your alley. DD gets a four-star from me mainly because the spice could have been more individual, i.e. the scenes could have been more varied. I also liked that Diana was so defiant, it makes sense for her character, even if it causes us as the reader to get a little frustrated with her, as we mostly know Judge's motives. I liked Judge as an MMC. I also liked that he was an echo, and I'm interested in seeing the motives behind his plans in the next book!
Overall, I'm really excited to read the next book and see what happens next!
Overall, I'm really excited to read the next book and see what happens next!
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