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Defective
An Omega thief disguised as an Alpha and a Pack Alpha determined to get her stolen goods back.
Cleo has been taken hostage before. She knows what to expect. It’s the whole reason she agreed to steal from the farm in the first place.
What she didn't expect was for the farm’s Pack Alpha to be the most alluring person she has ever met. Alphas are supposed to be buff and wear leather and smell of city smoke. Yet, this Pack Alpha, Tori, sends Cleo’s mind into a frenzy with her reassuring presence.
So, Cleo makes a deal with seven months of farm work and the debt will be called off. Even when Tori throws out Cleo’s suppressants and with it, any hope of Cleo keeping her secret hidden, Cleo is still determined to bide her time until she can escape. Once she’s free she’ll return to the familiarity of the city.
But as time starts running out, she questions if leaving is even the right thing to do.
“Defective” is an FF Post-apocalyptic Omegaverse that tells the story of Cleo’s struggles with trauma, self-love, and compassion as she navigates an unfamiliar landscape determined to expose her for who she is.
*Features seven interior illustrations by Brandi Warren.
Trigger/Content Captivity (ropes/being tied up), Anxiety, Panic attacks, OCD, PTSD, Injuries, Systemic loss of reproductive rights (for Omegas), Implied sexual content, Dehumanization (by side characters), Classism/sexism, Internalized misogyny, Nightmares/hallucinations, Disassociation, Medication (including disposal without consent)
Cleo has been taken hostage before. She knows what to expect. It’s the whole reason she agreed to steal from the farm in the first place.
What she didn't expect was for the farm’s Pack Alpha to be the most alluring person she has ever met. Alphas are supposed to be buff and wear leather and smell of city smoke. Yet, this Pack Alpha, Tori, sends Cleo’s mind into a frenzy with her reassuring presence.
So, Cleo makes a deal with seven months of farm work and the debt will be called off. Even when Tori throws out Cleo’s suppressants and with it, any hope of Cleo keeping her secret hidden, Cleo is still determined to bide her time until she can escape. Once she’s free she’ll return to the familiarity of the city.
But as time starts running out, she questions if leaving is even the right thing to do.
“Defective” is an FF Post-apocalyptic Omegaverse that tells the story of Cleo’s struggles with trauma, self-love, and compassion as she navigates an unfamiliar landscape determined to expose her for who she is.
*Features seven interior illustrations by Brandi Warren.
Trigger/Content Captivity (ropes/being tied up), Anxiety, Panic attacks, OCD, PTSD, Injuries, Systemic loss of reproductive rights (for Omegas), Implied sexual content, Dehumanization (by side characters), Classism/sexism, Internalized misogyny, Nightmares/hallucinations, Disassociation, Medication (including disposal without consent)
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2025
30 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 25, 2025
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
TROPES:
🐈⬛ Non-shifter omegaverse
𓆟 Post-apocalyptic
🐈⬛ Found Family
𓆟 Mental health rep
🐈⬛ Enemies to lovers
𓆟 Hidden identity
🐈⬛ Sapphic
Defective was an awesome read, complete with pretty artwork and a flowery writing style that maybe took a while to get used to, but ultimately made me love this story even more.
Even though I like to think I’ve read every kind of genre there is in this world, I hadn’t yet stumbled upon a sapphic omegaverse romance.
Along with the post-apocalyptic setting, the complex world-building, the interesting characters, the lovely artwork — Defective felt pretty unique.
The only part I found a little lacking was the romance. I loved Cleo, the way the author depicted her struggles with OCD and PTSD, Cleo’s reluctance to accept love, the cats, the tranquility of the farm opposed to the chaos of the city, the pack family. But the romance didn’t have enough feels for me. For how much I loved Cleo, I didn’t feel the connection between her and pack Alpha Tori. They were cute, and Cleo was just a prickly growly kitten that needed cuddles (and the scent of lemon), but I would’ve liked to see more of them together.
Even though I felt disconnected from the romance, the rest was honestly spectacular, and I loved so many things about it I couldn’t possibly list them all. {Number one has to be the cats, though.}
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Captivity
- Anxiety & panic attacks
- OCD
- PTSD
- Classism/sexism
- Internalized misogyny
- Disassociation
- FTB/no spice
“There’s more to life than simply being alive.”
TROPES:
🐈⬛ Non-shifter omegaverse
𓆟 Post-apocalyptic
🐈⬛ Found Family
𓆟 Mental health rep
🐈⬛ Enemies to lovers
𓆟 Hidden identity
🐈⬛ Sapphic
Defective was an awesome read, complete with pretty artwork and a flowery writing style that maybe took a while to get used to, but ultimately made me love this story even more.
Even though I like to think I’ve read every kind of genre there is in this world, I hadn’t yet stumbled upon a sapphic omegaverse romance.
Along with the post-apocalyptic setting, the complex world-building, the interesting characters, the lovely artwork — Defective felt pretty unique.
“Are you scared to be seen as you truly are?”
“Not if you’re the one looking at me.”
The only part I found a little lacking was the romance. I loved Cleo, the way the author depicted her struggles with OCD and PTSD, Cleo’s reluctance to accept love, the cats, the tranquility of the farm opposed to the chaos of the city, the pack family. But the romance didn’t have enough feels for me. For how much I loved Cleo, I didn’t feel the connection between her and pack Alpha Tori. They were cute, and Cleo was just a prickly growly kitten that needed cuddles (and the scent of lemon), but I would’ve liked to see more of them together.
Tori extends her arm, and Cleo wraps around it like a tree—sloth mode activated.
Even though I felt disconnected from the romance, the rest was honestly spectacular, and I loved so many things about it I couldn’t possibly list them all. {Number one has to be the cats, though.}
“I don’t know who decided the bottom of the heart contained the most amount of love. But whatever part of my body contains the most amount of love genuinely cares about you, Cleo.”
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Captivity
- Anxiety & panic attacks
- OCD
- PTSD
- Classism/sexism
- Internalized misogyny
- Disassociation
- FTB/no spice
August 10, 2025
3 ⭐️ - interesting world building. I liked the characters and the trauma/mental illness rep. For those interested, the spice is fade to black.
March 10, 2025
5/5stars
I've never read a Sapphic omegaverse before but I LOVEDDD this - I definitely need to pick up more! We follow such interesting, complex and lovable characters in this story - although I loved the romance, I'd say just the character dev overall was great. I ADORED Cleo and as someone with OCD/GAD I think her representation of both of those disorders was VERY well done. I also really loved the character Kael and honestly I just really enjoyed Cleo's relationships with everyone in this story.
The world building is also really interesting - I personally am not a huge fan of super complex worlds and prefer just kind of being thrown into a story and given time to figure it out myself (I hate nothing more than lengthy paragraphs/pages of world building - that's the easiest way for me to start skimming lol) so I liked that we were slowly introduced to this world over time
Overall I really REALLY loved this book!!
*thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book - check it out when it is released April 19, 2025!!
I've never read a Sapphic omegaverse before but I LOVEDDD this - I definitely need to pick up more! We follow such interesting, complex and lovable characters in this story - although I loved the romance, I'd say just the character dev overall was great. I ADORED Cleo and as someone with OCD/GAD I think her representation of both of those disorders was VERY well done. I also really loved the character Kael and honestly I just really enjoyed Cleo's relationships with everyone in this story.
The world building is also really interesting - I personally am not a huge fan of super complex worlds and prefer just kind of being thrown into a story and given time to figure it out myself (I hate nothing more than lengthy paragraphs/pages of world building - that's the easiest way for me to start skimming lol) so I liked that we were slowly introduced to this world over time
Overall I really REALLY loved this book!!
*thank you to the author for an ARC copy of this book - check it out when it is released April 19, 2025!!
April 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and publishers for allowing me access to this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cleo an Omega pretending to be an Alpha in order survive life in the tower. An apocalypse sweeps through the world mutating the humans into having secondary genders, Omegas being able to breed, and the Alphas who do the breeding.
Cleo, in an attempt to gain protection from her pack by being useful, volunteers on a mission to steal supplies from a farmland pack who was supposedly rich in food stuffs.
Two other Alphas go with her and in a twisted form of events, Cleo gets caught by the Farm inhabitants and held hostage while the other Alphas abandoned her without a backwards glance.
For whatever reason, I went into this story thinking it was about werewolves. The worshipping of the Moon, the term Luna, Alpha, Omega etc.. but it is indeed not a Werewolf story. It would be if it was everything except for the shifting part. There's no shifting.
I liked this for the most part, I did find it to be repetitive and monotonous in the middle but I found the rest of the story to be interesting enough.
I appreciate the PTSD, Anxiety and OCD representation within, it was not subtle and something people forget that these can get really really bad if the person experiencing them doesn't feel like they are in a safe space.
Cleo does make a stupid decision at the end imo, but it all worked out.
When Cleo went into heat, that has got to be one of the Sweetest scenes I have read in awhile, it made me misty eyed at how cute and adorable they were.
I would recommend this and I can't wait to actually buy my own copy.
Cleo an Omega pretending to be an Alpha in order survive life in the tower. An apocalypse sweeps through the world mutating the humans into having secondary genders, Omegas being able to breed, and the Alphas who do the breeding.
Cleo, in an attempt to gain protection from her pack by being useful, volunteers on a mission to steal supplies from a farmland pack who was supposedly rich in food stuffs.
Two other Alphas go with her and in a twisted form of events, Cleo gets caught by the Farm inhabitants and held hostage while the other Alphas abandoned her without a backwards glance.
For whatever reason, I went into this story thinking it was about werewolves. The worshipping of the Moon, the term Luna, Alpha, Omega etc.. but it is indeed not a Werewolf story. It would be if it was everything except for the shifting part. There's no shifting.
I liked this for the most part, I did find it to be repetitive and monotonous in the middle but I found the rest of the story to be interesting enough.
I appreciate the PTSD, Anxiety and OCD representation within, it was not subtle and something people forget that these can get really really bad if the person experiencing them doesn't feel like they are in a safe space.
Cleo does make a stupid decision at the end imo, but it all worked out.
When Cleo went into heat, that has got to be one of the Sweetest scenes I have read in awhile, it made me misty eyed at how cute and adorable they were.
I would recommend this and I can't wait to actually buy my own copy.
April 21, 2025
Ivy Lovell’s Defective was a unique read for me. I haven't had much reading experience with the Omegaverse genre, and my limited information had me thinking they were all related to shifters. This non-shifter Omegaverse story takes place after an apocalyptic climate event decimates the Earth. Humans have evolved and adopted a pack mentality and characteristics, revolving around fertility. They believe that becoming an Alpha or Omega is determined by blessings from the sun and moon goddesses.
Lovell skillfully constructs a rich world and complex characters while exploring themes such as mental health, pack dynamics, survival instincts, urban-rural social structures, and the human need for family and belonging.
I believe Cleo is neurodivergent and suffers from OCD, PTSD, and panic attacks, and her experiences make it difficult for her to trust. I appreciate the dynamic between Tori and Cleo; however, as another reviewer noted, their connection could have been more explicitly developed within the narrative. They are both likable for their differences. As harsh as the dystopian environment is in this novel, it is filled with so much gentleness and nurturing. The farm pack dynamic is lovely.
I was confused a little in the beginning, but by the third chapter, I was committed to the journey. There were a few places where I felt like I was missing something, but it wasn't enough to prevent me from enjoying the story.
Oh, and cats!
The cover and the illustrations are beautiful and add a little something extra.
Once I realized the characters weren't shifters, I was skeptical, but I ended up enjoying this a lot more than I thought I would. I would put this on my "buy a physical copy" list. I am giving it 4.5 stars, rounded up.
#omegaverse #nonshifter #dystopian #postapocalyptic #neurodivergent #OCD #PTSD #survival #panicattacks #copingmethods #catsonthecover
I received a free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
Lovell skillfully constructs a rich world and complex characters while exploring themes such as mental health, pack dynamics, survival instincts, urban-rural social structures, and the human need for family and belonging.
I believe Cleo is neurodivergent and suffers from OCD, PTSD, and panic attacks, and her experiences make it difficult for her to trust. I appreciate the dynamic between Tori and Cleo; however, as another reviewer noted, their connection could have been more explicitly developed within the narrative. They are both likable for their differences. As harsh as the dystopian environment is in this novel, it is filled with so much gentleness and nurturing. The farm pack dynamic is lovely.
I was confused a little in the beginning, but by the third chapter, I was committed to the journey. There were a few places where I felt like I was missing something, but it wasn't enough to prevent me from enjoying the story.
Oh, and cats!
The cover and the illustrations are beautiful and add a little something extra.
Once I realized the characters weren't shifters, I was skeptical, but I ended up enjoying this a lot more than I thought I would. I would put this on my "buy a physical copy" list. I am giving it 4.5 stars, rounded up.
#omegaverse #nonshifter #dystopian #postapocalyptic #neurodivergent #OCD #PTSD #survival #panicattacks #copingmethods #catsonthecover
I received a free ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
March 12, 2025
Omegaverse? Sapphic romance? Apocalyptic setting??? All of these are reasons why I wanted to read this book. It was a bit of a mixed experience for me.
The writing is clunky. Even in the very first scene it felt like the sentences needed tightening up. There's a silly tone to the narration that I find disruptive, especially in those first few scenes. It mellows out when Cleo gets caught by Tori but I almost DNF'd this book before the 10% mark because of narrative choices early on.
And I can't help but feel like the author made a mistake by waiting til *checks notes* chapter 4 to introduce our love interest??? You don't ALWAYS have to introduce the love interest in chapter 1, especially if your book is heavy on plot. But from what I've read, for many good romance novels the relationship IS the plot a lot of the time, you aren't doing the usual Hero's Journey. So if you wait multiple chapters to introduce them, you might be wasting time. Again, I won't say that's true for all romance novels, but I feel like this story doesn't really start until Cleo meets Tori.
This book had tonal issues when it came to the whole captor/captive story beat. Cleo shouldn't have been tied up as long as she was if this was supposed to be a sweet and consensual romance. She's tied up like a dog (Cleo's words!!!!) and she's not wrong. AND YET. People have the audacity to lecture her on needing to tell the pack her needs. Why would she when her needs are being ignored???
Don't get me wrong! I love dark romance. But Defective fails to fully deliver there as well because it doesn't go hard enough. I'm not entirely sure what the author was going for but regardless.... it didn't fully land for me.
Also, to people sensitive to consent issues: Tori doesn't just accidentally throw out Cleo's suppressants, she does it knowing DAMN WELL that Cleo wants them back. Now, for me this doesn't ruin a book. But it does add a complicated layer to everything that I don't think was properly laid out in the trigger warnings. Not only does Cleo never get her suppressants back, but we get some backstory on Tori's perspective, as if this is supposed to somehow make what happened ok. For me it didn't. Tori is allowed to not take suppressants herself or view it as unhealthy. But it's not up to her to decide for anyone else what they do with their body!!! I could stomach the lecture if it was a darker book, but it's the "I'm doing what's best for you" thing that bothers me.
And to those who care: there isn't an explicit/open door sex scene. Not a dealbreaker for me but it was definitely a bummer.
Despite all my bitching, I enjoyed aspects of this story. I liked the world. I liked some of the characters even though they pissed me off. I just feel like there was potential for it to be SO MUCH MORE, so that made my disappointment harder to handle.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC!
The writing is clunky. Even in the very first scene it felt like the sentences needed tightening up. There's a silly tone to the narration that I find disruptive, especially in those first few scenes. It mellows out when Cleo gets caught by Tori but I almost DNF'd this book before the 10% mark because of narrative choices early on.
And I can't help but feel like the author made a mistake by waiting til *checks notes* chapter 4 to introduce our love interest??? You don't ALWAYS have to introduce the love interest in chapter 1, especially if your book is heavy on plot. But from what I've read, for many good romance novels the relationship IS the plot a lot of the time, you aren't doing the usual Hero's Journey. So if you wait multiple chapters to introduce them, you might be wasting time. Again, I won't say that's true for all romance novels, but I feel like this story doesn't really start until Cleo meets Tori.
This book had tonal issues when it came to the whole captor/captive story beat. Cleo shouldn't have been tied up as long as she was if this was supposed to be a sweet and consensual romance. She's tied up like a dog (Cleo's words!!!!) and she's not wrong. AND YET. People have the audacity to lecture her on needing to tell the pack her needs. Why would she when her needs are being ignored???
Don't get me wrong! I love dark romance. But Defective fails to fully deliver there as well because it doesn't go hard enough. I'm not entirely sure what the author was going for but regardless.... it didn't fully land for me.
Also, to people sensitive to consent issues: Tori doesn't just accidentally throw out Cleo's suppressants, she does it knowing DAMN WELL that Cleo wants them back. Now, for me this doesn't ruin a book. But it does add a complicated layer to everything that I don't think was properly laid out in the trigger warnings. Not only does Cleo never get her suppressants back, but we get some backstory on Tori's perspective, as if this is supposed to somehow make what happened ok. For me it didn't. Tori is allowed to not take suppressants herself or view it as unhealthy. But it's not up to her to decide for anyone else what they do with their body!!! I could stomach the lecture if it was a darker book, but it's the "I'm doing what's best for you" thing that bothers me.
And to those who care: there isn't an explicit/open door sex scene. Not a dealbreaker for me but it was definitely a bummer.
Despite all my bitching, I enjoyed aspects of this story. I liked the world. I liked some of the characters even though they pissed me off. I just feel like there was potential for it to be SO MUCH MORE, so that made my disappointment harder to handle.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC!
March 29, 2025
Thank you netgally and BooksGoSocial for letting me read this in return for an honest review.
I loved this book! A sapphic omegaverse book about a girl getting caught stealing and slowly feeling more at home at the pack (and don’t forget falling in love with the packs alpha)
This book hit me right in all the feels. I really liked reading about how Cleo built a friendship with every one in the pack. How Jenny was the first one she really felt safe with and how she slowly let Tori in afterwards. The conversation she had with Soren also felt really special, I didn’t think they would end on friendly terms
What also felt very special is how everyone did their best to accommodate Cleo the best they could. How they made her food differently so the different foods aren’t touching. How they stopped using alarm clocks because Cleo can’t stand the loud noice.
I would have loved to see more of Lukas, him and Kael were very babygirl and I love them for that
Lastly, the artwork inside this book is absolutely stunning!!!!
I loved this book! A sapphic omegaverse book about a girl getting caught stealing and slowly feeling more at home at the pack (and don’t forget falling in love with the packs alpha)
This book hit me right in all the feels. I really liked reading about how Cleo built a friendship with every one in the pack. How Jenny was the first one she really felt safe with and how she slowly let Tori in afterwards. The conversation she had with Soren also felt really special, I didn’t think they would end on friendly terms
What also felt very special is how everyone did their best to accommodate Cleo the best they could. How they made her food differently so the different foods aren’t touching. How they stopped using alarm clocks because Cleo can’t stand the loud noice.
I would have loved to see more of Lukas, him and Kael were very babygirl and I love them for that
Lastly, the artwork inside this book is absolutely stunning!!!!
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Basics
Author: she/her (Canada?)
Genre: post-apocalyptic cosy fantasy
Setting: post-apocalyptic omegaverse
Themes: hierarchy, trust, family
Vibes: prickly then cosy
Characters
Main
🍋🟩 Cleo - prickly omega-disguised-as-alpha thief (smells like lime)
🍋 Tori - gentle alpha pack leader (smells like lemon)
Farm Pack
🍒 Jenny- omega who likes to cook and care for others (smells like cherries)
🍆 Kael - Jenny's alpha mate (smells like roast eggplant)
🥒 Soren - alpha who likes to bicker (smells like cucumbers)
🌿 Lucas - alpha who loves to help (smells like basil)
Pros
+ romance tropes: hidden identity, alpha/omega, f/f, captive/captor, cosy romance, fade-to-black
+ f/f omegaverse is rare to read! I'm happy this exists ☺️
+ found family vibes in the new farm pack (5 members + 1 thief)
+ hydroponic garden system 🌱🌿 (love to see it, especially in post-apoc/dystopian genres)
+ surly, prickly omegas are one of my favorite character types 🐈⬛️
+ neurospicy rep: hair-plucking (trichotillomania), OCD tendencies (food/item sorting), autistic tendencies (texture issues, aversion to loud noises, bluntness, not understanding nuance/social cues)
+ no suppressants! uh oh 😏
+ when one person courts the other, but they don't realize it 🤭💝
+ other nice elements: puzzles, cooking, cats, chickens, plants, crocheting/knitting, whittling, cuddling
Neutral
/ For post-apoc, it is very cosy. I think people who like cosy romances with cats would like this.
/ Constant daydreams/comments/dreams about lemons and thick thighs. I'm not against that in theory, just the amount they are repeated.
/ Love pheromone scents in omegaverse. But basil, cucumber, roast eggplant? What???
/ 🌶 = fade to black
Cons
- the author over-explains a lot
- a few spelling/punctuation errors
- too much use of the verb "screaming" for the tone and genre
- the writing could use more polishing (cut down repetition, rephrase awkward lines, tighten verbose sections)
- inconsistent tone (sometimes joking in very serious scenes, sometimes screaming for no reason)
TW
hair-plucking (trichotillomania), OCD tendencies, disassociation, trauma, autistic tendencies, kept captive, rope burn wounds, death of a parent (off-page), danger/threat of death
**Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
Basics
Author: she/her (Canada?)
Genre: post-apocalyptic cosy fantasy
Setting: post-apocalyptic omegaverse
Themes: hierarchy, trust, family
Vibes: prickly then cosy
Characters
Main
🍋🟩 Cleo - prickly omega-disguised-as-alpha thief (smells like lime)
🍋 Tori - gentle alpha pack leader (smells like lemon)
Farm Pack
🍒 Jenny- omega who likes to cook and care for others (smells like cherries)
🍆 Kael - Jenny's alpha mate (smells like roast eggplant)
🥒 Soren - alpha who likes to bicker (smells like cucumbers)
🌿 Lucas - alpha who loves to help (smells like basil)
Pros
+ romance tropes: hidden identity, alpha/omega, f/f, captive/captor, cosy romance, fade-to-black
+ f/f omegaverse is rare to read! I'm happy this exists ☺️
+ found family vibes in the new farm pack (5 members + 1 thief)
+ hydroponic garden system 🌱🌿 (love to see it, especially in post-apoc/dystopian genres)
+ surly, prickly omegas are one of my favorite character types 🐈⬛️
+ neurospicy rep: hair-plucking (trichotillomania), OCD tendencies (food/item sorting), autistic tendencies (texture issues, aversion to loud noises, bluntness, not understanding nuance/social cues)
+ no suppressants! uh oh 😏
+ when one person courts the other, but they don't realize it 🤭💝
+ other nice elements: puzzles, cooking, cats, chickens, plants, crocheting/knitting, whittling, cuddling
Neutral
/ For post-apoc, it is very cosy. I think people who like cosy romances with cats would like this.
/ Constant daydreams/comments/dreams about lemons and thick thighs. I'm not against that in theory, just the amount they are repeated.
/ Love pheromone scents in omegaverse. But basil, cucumber, roast eggplant? What???
/ 🌶 = fade to black
Cons
- the author over-explains a lot
- a few spelling/punctuation errors
- too much use of the verb "screaming" for the tone and genre
- the writing could use more polishing (cut down repetition, rephrase awkward lines, tighten verbose sections)
- inconsistent tone (sometimes joking in very serious scenes, sometimes screaming for no reason)
TW
hair-plucking (trichotillomania), OCD tendencies, disassociation, trauma, autistic tendencies, kept captive, rope burn wounds, death of a parent (off-page), danger/threat of death
April 17, 2025
3,5⭐️
[Scroll down for the English review]
🇪🇸Este libro me dio lo que más amo del omegaverse; las desigualdades sociales. Me gustó mucho la construcción del mundo, en la parte del omegaverse y en la parte postapocalíptica, aunque quizá faltó un poco más de profundidad en esta última.
Amé los personajes, todos tenían sus personalidades distintivas y me encantaron sus relaciones. Se sentía como si fueran familia de verdad. Me cayeron bien las protagonistas y su romance se me hizo bastante creíble.
La representación de los problemas de salud mental fue increíble y aprendí mucho sobre el TOC leyéndolo.
Lo que no me gustó fue el final, se sintió súper apresurado y como que muchas de las cosas que pasaban eran por pura conveniencia para la trama. Algunas no tenían sentido alguno.
En resumen, disfruté mucho del libro hasta el 80%, luego se me fue un poco pero igualmente es una lectura que merece la pena.
¡Gracias a Netgalley y la editorial por el ARC!
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
🇺🇸 This book gave me what I love most about omegaverse; the social issues. I loved the worldbuilding, the omegaverse side and the postapocaliptic side even though I would've liked a little more depth on that last one.
The characters were amazing, they all had distinctive personalities and I really liked their realtionships. They were the perfect found family. I also liked the romance, I could feel the chemistry they had.
The representation of mental health problems was incredible and I learnt a lot about OCD.
The thing I disliked was the ending, it felt rushed and like a lot of the things that happened were for plot convenience. Some of them even lacked coherence.
In conclusion, I enjoyed the book up until the 80% mark but I still think it's a book that's worth reading.
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC!
[Scroll down for the English review]
🇪🇸Este libro me dio lo que más amo del omegaverse; las desigualdades sociales. Me gustó mucho la construcción del mundo, en la parte del omegaverse y en la parte postapocalíptica, aunque quizá faltó un poco más de profundidad en esta última.
Amé los personajes, todos tenían sus personalidades distintivas y me encantaron sus relaciones. Se sentía como si fueran familia de verdad. Me cayeron bien las protagonistas y su romance se me hizo bastante creíble.
La representación de los problemas de salud mental fue increíble y aprendí mucho sobre el TOC leyéndolo.
Lo que no me gustó fue el final, se sintió súper apresurado y como que muchas de las cosas que pasaban eran por pura conveniencia para la trama. Algunas no tenían sentido alguno.
En resumen, disfruté mucho del libro hasta el 80%, luego se me fue un poco pero igualmente es una lectura que merece la pena.
¡Gracias a Netgalley y la editorial por el ARC!
｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆
🇺🇸 This book gave me what I love most about omegaverse; the social issues. I loved the worldbuilding, the omegaverse side and the postapocaliptic side even though I would've liked a little more depth on that last one.
The characters were amazing, they all had distinctive personalities and I really liked their realtionships. They were the perfect found family. I also liked the romance, I could feel the chemistry they had.
The representation of mental health problems was incredible and I learnt a lot about OCD.
The thing I disliked was the ending, it felt rushed and like a lot of the things that happened were for plot convenience. Some of them even lacked coherence.
In conclusion, I enjoyed the book up until the 80% mark but I still think it's a book that's worth reading.
A big thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC!
August 6, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and to the Editor. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
In this book, there are some illustrations, I think there are 7 of them (if I don't misremember), and they were sooo cute!
This was also my first omegaverse, and I was a tad confused for a good part of the reading, mostly because I thought we would be dealing with werewolves, or werewhateveranimalshaveyou, and it took a bit to process that the characters, all of them, were humans. But that's on me, not on the book.
And it wasn't really a big deal, I mean, the story works, and the worldbuilding is sufficient for what we're getting here. Sure, it's not the most complex and developed worldbuilding, and I would have loved a tad more explanations here and there, but overall, it's good enough.
This is a post-apocalyptic book, with some deeply traumatized characters in a deeply traumatizing world, and people are not helping matters here at all.
But our group of characters managed to build something that works, and the found family here is pretty good.
This was, for me, an okay book. I wasn't overly taken by anything, but everything worked fine together, so even if it didn't make a lasting impression, I am not regretting the time I spent reading it.
Cloe is an interesting character and I loved her bluntness, it was refreshing, but I think my favorites were Kael and Jenny, they are two great characters and together they are just sooo cute!!
In this book, there are some illustrations, I think there are 7 of them (if I don't misremember), and they were sooo cute!
This was also my first omegaverse, and I was a tad confused for a good part of the reading, mostly because I thought we would be dealing with werewolves, or werewhateveranimalshaveyou, and it took a bit to process that the characters, all of them, were humans. But that's on me, not on the book.
And it wasn't really a big deal, I mean, the story works, and the worldbuilding is sufficient for what we're getting here. Sure, it's not the most complex and developed worldbuilding, and I would have loved a tad more explanations here and there, but overall, it's good enough.
This is a post-apocalyptic book, with some deeply traumatized characters in a deeply traumatizing world, and people are not helping matters here at all.
But our group of characters managed to build something that works, and the found family here is pretty good.
This was, for me, an okay book. I wasn't overly taken by anything, but everything worked fine together, so even if it didn't make a lasting impression, I am not regretting the time I spent reading it.
Cloe is an interesting character and I loved her bluntness, it was refreshing, but I think my favorites were Kael and Jenny, they are two great characters and together they are just sooo cute!!
March 24, 2025
This was my first sapphic book I have read and I definitely enjoyed it.
The book started as an omega disguised as an alpha from the city. She goes on a quest to steal from another pack, unfortunately it fails and she is caught and imprisoned. She meets tori and eventually starts working on the farm to pay off her debt and it goes from their.
I truly still don't understand why Tori took her medication??
The way Cleo had thought and acted was truly heartbreaking, she even had to sort everything in category (Foods, Clothes, Etc..).
I loved and enjoyed this book from start to finish and happy to say I was never bored.
I loved Jenny as the side character and how she helped cleo through times of despair like cleaning her wounds on her wrists and helping her make a nest out of tori's clothes👀.
I liked the writing style and it makes me want to definitely read Ivy's next books in the future!
I'm happy I got to experience this book considering it was a very fun read and heartbreaking all in one.
I loved how there relationship developed in the end and was so surprised to find there was illustrations because the art is truly beautiful.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!🫶🏻
The book started as an omega disguised as an alpha from the city. She goes on a quest to steal from another pack, unfortunately it fails and she is caught and imprisoned. She meets tori and eventually starts working on the farm to pay off her debt and it goes from their.
I truly still don't understand why Tori took her medication??
The way Cleo had thought and acted was truly heartbreaking, she even had to sort everything in category (Foods, Clothes, Etc..).
I loved and enjoyed this book from start to finish and happy to say I was never bored.
I loved Jenny as the side character and how she helped cleo through times of despair like cleaning her wounds on her wrists and helping her make a nest out of tori's clothes👀.
I liked the writing style and it makes me want to definitely read Ivy's next books in the future!
I'm happy I got to experience this book considering it was a very fun read and heartbreaking all in one.
I loved how there relationship developed in the end and was so surprised to find there was illustrations because the art is truly beautiful.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this free copy in exchange for an honest review!🫶🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
September 25, 2025dnt at 12%
April 23, 2025
I was really excited about this one, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
I loved the sapphic romance, how different each of the various characters felt, and how the author explored Cleo's trauma from how she has been treated by her old pack and how she comes to terms with being around a pack so incredibly different from what she is used to. The world was also interesting.
However, the writing style wasn't for me. It felt a bit clunky, awkward at times, and repetitive. I also felt like the pacing was off. For the most part this felt more of a cozy style of book, but then you get to the end and it felt rushed and like a few things were thrown in just to make it more interesting. It's not an overly long book, and I felt like the last parts could have been fleshed out a bit more.
Side note, I absolutely loved the illustrations in this book!! They were beautiful and I feel like they really added to the experience of reading the book.
I loved the sapphic romance, how different each of the various characters felt, and how the author explored Cleo's trauma from how she has been treated by her old pack and how she comes to terms with being around a pack so incredibly different from what she is used to. The world was also interesting.
However, the writing style wasn't for me. It felt a bit clunky, awkward at times, and repetitive. I also felt like the pacing was off. For the most part this felt more of a cozy style of book, but then you get to the end and it felt rushed and like a few things were thrown in just to make it more interesting. It's not an overly long book, and I felt like the last parts could have been fleshed out a bit more.
Side note, I absolutely loved the illustrations in this book!! They were beautiful and I feel like they really added to the experience of reading the book.
April 17, 2025
4/5 ★
I really enjoyed this book, especially the depth of Cleo's character. Her struggles with OCD and PTSD were portrayed in such an authentic way and it was really enlightening to read about it.
The artwork throughout the book was another highlight. The illustrations were beautifully drawn and added to the overall reading experience.
I would have loved a few chapters from Tori's perspective to give the readers a fuller understanding of the story from both sides. While the romance in the story was enjoyable, I did wish it had started a bit sooner. Alternatively, I would have appreciated if the book had been longer so that the romance between Cleo and Tori could have been explored further.
Overall, defective was a really enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this book, especially the depth of Cleo's character. Her struggles with OCD and PTSD were portrayed in such an authentic way and it was really enlightening to read about it.
The artwork throughout the book was another highlight. The illustrations were beautifully drawn and added to the overall reading experience.
I would have loved a few chapters from Tori's perspective to give the readers a fuller understanding of the story from both sides. While the romance in the story was enjoyable, I did wish it had started a bit sooner. Alternatively, I would have appreciated if the book had been longer so that the romance between Cleo and Tori could have been explored further.
Overall, defective was a really enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
March 5, 2025
Absolutely adorable! I love the trust built between the two FMCs & the care they give in to throughout the course of the story.
I understand the instinct to protect yourself by keep others at an arms length, just as I get the feeling of not fitting in.
To be loved exactly as you are, and to have an outlet upon which you can return that affection is so lovely; beyond the well-paced storytelling & digestible world building, this is the greatest thread that has led to my love for this story.
Thank you #NetGalley for this digital ARC
I understand the instinct to protect yourself by keep others at an arms length, just as I get the feeling of not fitting in.
To be loved exactly as you are, and to have an outlet upon which you can return that affection is so lovely; beyond the well-paced storytelling & digestible world building, this is the greatest thread that has led to my love for this story.
Thank you #NetGalley for this digital ARC
August 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for a copy of this book!
I had a fun time with this. Cleo and Tori were so homey. I really liked Cleo’s relationship with Jenny too. So wholesome.
The illustrations were very beautiful, I loved seeing some of the scenes drawn out.
Two things that made this a 3 star rating:
The emotional factor. I didn’t fully connect with the characters. I wasn’t torn up over sad or emotional moments.
Confusion. Are they werewolves, because they are alphas and omegas in a pack? Or are they something else?
-Read trigger warnings before reading
-Alphas and omegas
-Queer
-Apocalyptic
-Neurodivergent MC
I had a fun time with this. Cleo and Tori were so homey. I really liked Cleo’s relationship with Jenny too. So wholesome.
The illustrations were very beautiful, I loved seeing some of the scenes drawn out.
Two things that made this a 3 star rating:
The emotional factor. I didn’t fully connect with the characters. I wasn’t torn up over sad or emotional moments.
Confusion. Are they werewolves, because they are alphas and omegas in a pack? Or are they something else?
-Read trigger warnings before reading
-Alphas and omegas
-Queer
-Apocalyptic
-Neurodivergent MC
April 8, 2025
** Thank you Netgalley for the ARC **
“Defective” is a post-apocalyptic omegaverse sapphic story of Cleo, an omega in hiding, whose only concern is surviving, and Tori, the alpha leader of a farm who is trying her best in her role.
While this is an omegaverse, I need to warn the reader that this is a very closed door romance. They barely kiss and I got an asexual vibe from Cleo (and that’s awesome). She clearly sees Tori for the first time and her scent is immediately appealing to her, but Cleo does not understand why. She’s got so much trauma for her own pack and Tori is a terrible person from the beginning, that it is understandable that intercourse is not her focus, but while in heat, it is clear they don’t do a lot. The story suggests they may have touched, but nothing more.
The plot mainly focuses on Cleo and her hiding in an alpha instead of her omega, since omegas in her pack are constantly being bred and Cleo does not wish that fate for her. Jenny helps Cleo understand that not all omegas and not all packs are as horrible and ruthless as hers. The book also has some art that helps us see the characters and Jenny is as nice and approachable. Unlike Cleo, she wishes to have kids, and she’s in a happy relationship.
I enjoyed the slow development of Tori and Cleo’s romance. Tori’s lemony scent calmed Cleo, and it was heartwarming to see Cleo, who had previously focused only on survival and trusted no one but herself, lower her guard and overcome her fears with Tori’s help. This was one of the reasons why I suspected Cleo was asexual, she loved Tori and cared for her but in the end she didn’t feel any desire for her even during her heat. Cleo could identify as a lesbian and asexual. I also suspected that Cleo’s trauma from witnessing her pack’s treatment of Omegas made certain intimate touches repulsive to her.
The worldbuild is quite solid and while sometimes a lot can be happening, it is clear the elders are the villains of the packs. It is clear that Ivy wanted to focus more on Cleo rather than the romance, so the first few chapters are establishing the world and Cleo as the main character. While written in the 3rd person, Cleo’s perspective is the one that the author focused on and it is clear from the beginning this is Cleo’s journey through a post-apocalyptic and destroyed world.
“Defective” is a solid omegaverse with a lot of important themes such as survival, feeling lost and wanting to belong somewhere.
“Defective” is a post-apocalyptic omegaverse sapphic story of Cleo, an omega in hiding, whose only concern is surviving, and Tori, the alpha leader of a farm who is trying her best in her role.
While this is an omegaverse, I need to warn the reader that this is a very closed door romance. They barely kiss and I got an asexual vibe from Cleo (and that’s awesome). She clearly sees Tori for the first time and her scent is immediately appealing to her, but Cleo does not understand why. She’s got so much trauma for her own pack and Tori is a terrible person from the beginning, that it is understandable that intercourse is not her focus, but while in heat, it is clear they don’t do a lot. The story suggests they may have touched, but nothing more.
The plot mainly focuses on Cleo and her hiding in an alpha instead of her omega, since omegas in her pack are constantly being bred and Cleo does not wish that fate for her. Jenny helps Cleo understand that not all omegas and not all packs are as horrible and ruthless as hers. The book also has some art that helps us see the characters and Jenny is as nice and approachable. Unlike Cleo, she wishes to have kids, and she’s in a happy relationship.
I enjoyed the slow development of Tori and Cleo’s romance. Tori’s lemony scent calmed Cleo, and it was heartwarming to see Cleo, who had previously focused only on survival and trusted no one but herself, lower her guard and overcome her fears with Tori’s help. This was one of the reasons why I suspected Cleo was asexual, she loved Tori and cared for her but in the end she didn’t feel any desire for her even during her heat. Cleo could identify as a lesbian and asexual. I also suspected that Cleo’s trauma from witnessing her pack’s treatment of Omegas made certain intimate touches repulsive to her.
The worldbuild is quite solid and while sometimes a lot can be happening, it is clear the elders are the villains of the packs. It is clear that Ivy wanted to focus more on Cleo rather than the romance, so the first few chapters are establishing the world and Cleo as the main character. While written in the 3rd person, Cleo’s perspective is the one that the author focused on and it is clear from the beginning this is Cleo’s journey through a post-apocalyptic and destroyed world.
“Defective” is a solid omegaverse with a lot of important themes such as survival, feeling lost and wanting to belong somewhere.
March 2, 2025
Oh, hell yeah, I've been desperate to read a sapphic omega verse book, and this was such a fun one! I really enjoyed how some of those traditional themes were incorporated, but it was also a super original execution. The post-apocalyptic setting, with the way the city operated and the toxic storms, was a really interesting addition and added a lot to the wider story of the way city alphas are abusing their power and omegas are being treated as breeders. It almost felt a little bit handmaiden tale vibes.
The romance was really sweet, and I enjoyed how we got to see Cleo and the pack slowly start trusting each other, it wasn't overnight, which felt realistic. Same with the way the relationship between Tori and Cleo developed slowly and realistically.
I think the plot of the elders was a bit unnecessary and didn't add much - it could have easily just been the pack who made her stay to work off her debt. They felt like an added layer that was unnecessary since they didn't serve any purpose to the plot. Their only real impact was them trying to force Soren and Tori to mate, but they pretty much gave up on that as soon as Cleo asked so.... what was the point? Sure, it stoked some jealousy, but Cleo was already jealous of him anyway, and it didn't prompt her to act, so it seemed a bit unnecessary. Having said that, they were so minor that it didn't matter that they were included.
But overall, it was such a fun read, and now I really need to go find some more sapphic omega verse
Thank you so much to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
The romance was really sweet, and I enjoyed how we got to see Cleo and the pack slowly start trusting each other, it wasn't overnight, which felt realistic. Same with the way the relationship between Tori and Cleo developed slowly and realistically.
I think the plot of the elders was a bit unnecessary and didn't add much - it could have easily just been the pack who made her stay to work off her debt. They felt like an added layer that was unnecessary since they didn't serve any purpose to the plot. Their only real impact was them trying to force Soren and Tori to mate, but they pretty much gave up on that as soon as Cleo asked so.... what was the point? Sure, it stoked some jealousy, but Cleo was already jealous of him anyway, and it didn't prompt her to act, so it seemed a bit unnecessary. Having said that, they were so minor that it didn't matter that they were included.
But overall, it was such a fun read, and now I really need to go find some more sapphic omega verse
Thank you so much to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an arc.
This book was an absolute delight! Cleo has a very clear voice, and all of the characters were really compelling. I really loved how Cleo’s mental health struggles were portrayed. It didn’t feel like her OCD and PTSD were sugarcoated, but they also didn’t feel played up for shock value. I also really appreciated how much of an emphasis there was on healthy communication in the farm pack as a whole.
The only thing that stopped this book from being 5 stars for me, is that I don’t really love the omegaverse lore in this book. In Defective, all female alphas and male omegas are infertile (betas don’t exist). Now, I don’t particularly care for pregnancy tropes, and I do think it makes sense in the lore of the world (plus it’s really important for Cleo); however, I think one of the fun things about omegaverse is the fact that it’s extremely bioessentialist without actually relating to real life biological sex. Admittedly, this is my first omegaverse book (I have read some fics previously) so maybe this is standard in the book community. Additionally, while I didn’t care for this choice in the lore, I do think the lore of both the omegaverse and the post-apocalyptic world were very interesting and well written!
Overall, a stellar debut and I will definitely be checking out Ivy Lovell’s next work (which I believe is an m/m friends to lovers spy romance!!).
This book was an absolute delight! Cleo has a very clear voice, and all of the characters were really compelling. I really loved how Cleo’s mental health struggles were portrayed. It didn’t feel like her OCD and PTSD were sugarcoated, but they also didn’t feel played up for shock value. I also really appreciated how much of an emphasis there was on healthy communication in the farm pack as a whole.
The only thing that stopped this book from being 5 stars for me, is that I don’t really love the omegaverse lore in this book. In Defective, all female alphas and male omegas are infertile (betas don’t exist). Now, I don’t particularly care for pregnancy tropes, and I do think it makes sense in the lore of the world (plus it’s really important for Cleo); however, I think one of the fun things about omegaverse is the fact that it’s extremely bioessentialist without actually relating to real life biological sex. Admittedly, this is my first omegaverse book (I have read some fics previously) so maybe this is standard in the book community. Additionally, while I didn’t care for this choice in the lore, I do think the lore of both the omegaverse and the post-apocalyptic world were very interesting and well written!
Overall, a stellar debut and I will definitely be checking out Ivy Lovell’s next work (which I believe is an m/m friends to lovers spy romance!!).
July 28, 2025
Apparently a few things need to be cleared up because I noticed a theme in several of the lower ranked reviews. Omegaverse does not equal werewolves. This unique take on omegaverse is only alphas and omegas, and there is no girlc*ck.
I really enjoyed this interpretation of the omegaverse, it was unique and kinda fun. I really enjoyed the characters. Cleo felt like authentic OCD and PTSD rep. It isn't just a quirky window dressing, both aspects greatly affect her life. Sometimes more than even she realizes. She doesn't even notice how much the pack is doing to mitigate her triggers until they're pointed out, and she gets embarrassed about it. It's also interesting to read about an omega who isn't baby crazy.
Tori was a great alternative to Cleo's understanding of what it means to be an alpha, let alone a pack alpha. I loved how obsessed she was with Tori's thighs and her scent. There's always that something that grabs our initial attraction, and it was so much more realistic than the standard, "she was just the most beautiful woman in the world" stuff.
There is no third act breakup or anything, but there is perhaps a section at the end where they are separated because of Cleo's poor decision making skills. However, I feel like the decision was in character with Cleo who doesn't always think through her decisions and the natural consequences that are bound to occur because of them.
I really enjoyed this interpretation of the omegaverse, it was unique and kinda fun. I really enjoyed the characters. Cleo felt like authentic OCD and PTSD rep. It isn't just a quirky window dressing, both aspects greatly affect her life. Sometimes more than even she realizes. She doesn't even notice how much the pack is doing to mitigate her triggers until they're pointed out, and she gets embarrassed about it. It's also interesting to read about an omega who isn't baby crazy.
Tori was a great alternative to Cleo's understanding of what it means to be an alpha, let alone a pack alpha. I loved how obsessed she was with Tori's thighs and her scent. There's always that something that grabs our initial attraction, and it was so much more realistic than the standard, "she was just the most beautiful woman in the world" stuff.
There is no third act breakup or anything, but there is perhaps a section at the end where they are separated because of Cleo's poor decision making skills. However, I feel like the decision was in character with Cleo who doesn't always think through her decisions and the natural consequences that are bound to occur because of them.
April 6, 2025
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for this E-Arc! All opinions are my own.
I enjoyed reading this book and found the premise both interesting and refreshing. This is probably one of the most unique Omega-verse books I’ve read! We have a post apocalyptic world, with ecological terrors, dystopian packs and a girl trying to survive through it all. Cleo has gone through trauma before story start and is affected deeply by it (I believe anxiety, PTSD and OCD are represented). I appreciated the story telling not playing it up but instead letting us the reader see her reacting and what her reality looked like.
My heart ached for Cleo as we find out more of how she thinks of the world and her place in it. I was so happy to see her grow and change her outlook while gaining a better understanding of who she was. I loved the rest of the characters in the pack and they all seemed so interesting! I wish we could’ve gotten more opportunities to get to know them. My only gripe is the last 10% of the book where we had a small …let’s say detour and I found it very abrupt. I understand why it was necessary but it was jarring.
Side note the illustrations were beautiful and I loved looking at them and all the details! They really added to the reading experience thank you!
I enjoyed reading this book and found the premise both interesting and refreshing. This is probably one of the most unique Omega-verse books I’ve read! We have a post apocalyptic world, with ecological terrors, dystopian packs and a girl trying to survive through it all. Cleo has gone through trauma before story start and is affected deeply by it (I believe anxiety, PTSD and OCD are represented). I appreciated the story telling not playing it up but instead letting us the reader see her reacting and what her reality looked like.
My heart ached for Cleo as we find out more of how she thinks of the world and her place in it. I was so happy to see her grow and change her outlook while gaining a better understanding of who she was. I loved the rest of the characters in the pack and they all seemed so interesting! I wish we could’ve gotten more opportunities to get to know them. My only gripe is the last 10% of the book where we had a small …let’s say detour and I found it very abrupt. I understand why it was necessary but it was jarring.
Side note the illustrations were beautiful and I loved looking at them and all the details! They really added to the reading experience thank you!
May 1, 2025
This was cute! I didn’t really enjoy the start and found it pretty info-dumpy, but ended up really liking Cleo as a character. I have no way to judge how accurate it was, but I also enjoyed the depiction of her PTSD and OCD.
So this is a kind of semi-post-apocalyptic omegaverse wlw. It’s a lot. Starving thief Cleo has always hidden her true nature as an Omega to escape the brutal treatment at the hand of her pack. When she volunteers on a mission to steal food from a nearby farming pack, she doesn’t expect to met the people who will become her family.
So yeah, the start was a little rocky, and I do feel like the plot dragged a lot, especially as I didn’t really understood why Cleo was planning to return to the city. But yeah, cute! Really liked Jenny, the pack’s other alpha, she was cute. Tori, the love interest and pack alpha was alright, not very interesting but so pretty. The other side characters sadly didn’t get much spotlight. The romance was okay, but again, nothing extraordinary. I did really enjoy the illustrations though!
So this is a kind of semi-post-apocalyptic omegaverse wlw. It’s a lot. Starving thief Cleo has always hidden her true nature as an Omega to escape the brutal treatment at the hand of her pack. When she volunteers on a mission to steal food from a nearby farming pack, she doesn’t expect to met the people who will become her family.
So yeah, the start was a little rocky, and I do feel like the plot dragged a lot, especially as I didn’t really understood why Cleo was planning to return to the city. But yeah, cute! Really liked Jenny, the pack’s other alpha, she was cute. Tori, the love interest and pack alpha was alright, not very interesting but so pretty. The other side characters sadly didn’t get much spotlight. The romance was okay, but again, nothing extraordinary. I did really enjoy the illustrations though!
April 1, 2025
The thing that I enjoyed most about this book is that it's a self published debut sapphic/queer novel by a young author. As an early 40s reader, it was interesting insight into how younger folks are viewing many of the political and social issues affecting us all.
What the book is:
🔘 A post-apocalyptic FF Omegaverse story with a very strong and satisfying theme of found family about a city Omega named Cleo and an Alpha named Tori who leads a small farm pack.
🔘 A well written and nicely edited book with a sweet sapphic first love .
🔘 A debut that could easily be the first of a series of novels where the subsequent dive more into world building, the other packs, and side characters.
🔘 A book that read more like YA to me because much of the narrative seemed to be missing a maturity that one might expect folks in a post-apocalyptic dystopian society to possess.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What the book is:
🔘 A post-apocalyptic FF Omegaverse story with a very strong and satisfying theme of found family about a city Omega named Cleo and an Alpha named Tori who leads a small farm pack.
🔘 A well written and nicely edited book with a sweet sapphic first love .
🔘 A debut that could easily be the first of a series of novels where the subsequent dive more into world building, the other packs, and side characters.
🔘 A book that read more like YA to me because much of the narrative seemed to be missing a maturity that one might expect folks in a post-apocalyptic dystopian society to possess.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 2, 2025
Though I wasn't sure what the omegaverse was, after a quick google search I pretty much realized I was in the wrong aisle at the book store. That is, I probably wouldn't have gotten this if I knew, but because I already had it, I absolutely did, and I'm glad I did. A book about humans who live in packs like wolves, Everyone has their own place on the pyramid, and their own special territory that they create for themselves. Unfortunately, where Cleo, our main character lives, it's rough out there, and she's desperately looking for a way to survive.
Check out my full review here!
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
Check out my full review here!
https://mutatedlibrary.wordpress.com/...
March 11, 2025
"Defective" by Ivy Lovell delivers post-apocalyptic awesomeness with a gripping plot and strong character development. Tori and Chloe’s journey from enemies to understanding each other feels authentic and emotional. The world-building is immersive, and the unique take on a sapphic Omegaverse story adds depth and originality. This isn’t the kind of story you typically find within the Omegaverse trope, making it a refreshing read. Really hope to see more from this author!
March 14, 2025
ARC-reader.
3.5 Stars.
This was a fun, fast-paced read with interesting characters and a decent plot. The ending could have been a bit stronger, but, overall, the romance was sweet and the world interesting. I would have loved to have seen a bit more in-depth world-building, because it seemed like scratching the surface of a very interesting post-apocalyptic world. The mental health issues were handled well and the main character compelling.
3.5 Stars.
This was a fun, fast-paced read with interesting characters and a decent plot. The ending could have been a bit stronger, but, overall, the romance was sweet and the world interesting. I would have loved to have seen a bit more in-depth world-building, because it seemed like scratching the surface of a very interesting post-apocalyptic world. The mental health issues were handled well and the main character compelling.
May 4, 2025
A reading that made me explore a little more other types of themes such as the omegaverse and that touches on relevant issues such as disability, trauma and disease.
It's been a jumble of emotions reading this story and exploring different circumstances in which the characters are involved, and how this herd system works in which they have implemented for survival.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.
It's been a jumble of emotions reading this story and exploring different circumstances in which the characters are involved, and how this herd system works in which they have implemented for survival.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.
August 24, 2025
It's a cute little story and a good debut novel. I felt invested in Cleo.
I hated when Cleo described her food. If there is four sections it need to either be Top right, bottom right, bottom left, top left (clockwise) or top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right (reading). The order that Cleo described her food on the plate literally made me stop reading for a minute. (pls explain why u put it in that order because i am sure that you have a good reason)
I hated when Cleo described her food. If there is four sections it need to either be Top right, bottom right, bottom left, top left (clockwise) or top left, top right, bottom left, bottom right (reading). The order that Cleo described her food on the plate literally made me stop reading for a minute. (pls explain why u put it in that order because i am sure that you have a good reason)
January 12, 2026
A really solid concept, it just needs quite a bit more polishing. Clunky dialog and stiff/choppy writing overall made for difficult reading. The highlight for me was the characters who were well developed and relatable. I ultimately ended up DNFing the book at 65%, but am definitely interested in checking out Lovell’s future work to see how she grows as a writer.
I received an arc on NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
I received an arc on NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
March 27, 2025
Defective is a sapphic, post-apocalyptic, trauma-filled romantasy. It was interesting being inside Cleo's mind as she deals with OCD, PTSD, and anxiety in this strange and dangerous world. The writing is lighthearted though, even though the situations Cleo has to go through will probably make you cry!
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