Dodging Bullets

Offbeat Omegas #2

by Grace McGinty

Sometimes, life spirals out of control without you even noticing.

For instance, Rio and Max went from being bachelor Alphas and retired veterans rattling around in a house that was too big for them, to having it filled to the brim with a parrot that called them at c*cksuckers at every opportunity, a three-legged dog that looked more dead than alive, and an emotionally wounded Omega who had been sequestered away in a cult for her entire life before they rescued her from a warehouse downtown.

Paloma thought she knew who she was, but when she was auctioned off to strangers by the man who was meant to be their family's protector, she realized she knew nothing about anything. She knew nothing about the world she lived in, the motivations of the people who inhabited it, and worst of all, she knew nothing about herself.
Now she was living in a house with two Alphas who moved like weapons, and her heat was circling her like the sharks she read about in the thirty year old National Geographic magazines. She was lost, and she didn't know if this house and those Alphas were a safe harbor or even more treacherous waters.

DODGING BULLETS is the second book in the Offbeat Omegas series. Each book can be read as a standalone, however characters from RUFFLED FEATHERS do appear and therefore it may contain spoilers. This book is a rom-com, why choose Omegaverse, and contains swear words and a lot of heat. A full list of TW will be available closer to release.

Genres: Omegaverse, Romance, Why Choose, M M Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Abuse

291 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2025

About the author

When I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
​
Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
​
Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?

Reviews

[Luna ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

»I'm in control, Rio. I swear. Having her is like a gift I didn't expect, or even deserve. I'll protect her with my life.«

★ ★ ★ ★

❥ 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
She‘s fucking brave and strong. She suffered so much and needs to rebuild her life. Really liked her.

❥ 𝑹𝒊𝒐, 𝑨𝒖𝒈𝒖𝒔𝒕, 𝑴𝒂𝒙 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑳𝒍𝒆𝒘𝒍𝒍𝒚𝒏 ࣪⋆✮
All of them are likeable and hot in their own way. Rio and Llewllyn are the dangerous but loving alphas. Max is a cocky and funny beta and August is a soft but confident omega.

✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This book was such a fun read although there are triggering topics. I really like the books by this author. She writes reverse harem like no other.
The plot is interesting and thrilling. It is emotional and a real rollercoaster. There are funny moments, sad moments and some smutty moments. The perfect mixture to keep me glued to my kindle.
Polly and her pack are adorable. They just fit perfectly with each other. It was heartwarming to read how the men care for Polly and how she begins to trust them. The reverse harem was done well and despite the short amount of pages there was a relationship between all of them and as a reader you can feel the love and passion.
Overall an enjoyable omega verse romance.

𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes, if you‘re in the mood for a short but well done omega verse romance.

𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 4/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 4/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: yes

𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
possessive and protective hero, why choose, omega verse, found family, instant attraction, romcom, slow burn, traumatic past, instant attraction, grief and healing, friends to lovers

𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Ruffled Feathers ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Dodging Bullets ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Davina Herondale · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dnf @ 49%

[Elizabeth]

DNF at 5%.

This beginning is way too traumatic for a "rom com". Nope.

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just dull, no world building and no connection between the characters. The relationship was not believable.

[Cat H · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.6 stars.
This was so sweet and full of fluffy goodness, even with all the darkness that Polly came from.
I really had a good time reading it.
I would say, I could’ve used more Rufio moments though.
All the animal moments were definitely favorites for me.

[Froggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book had an interesting premise, the romance of it felt way too similar to the first book. It also got pretty boring toward the end so I skimmed the last 15% or so of the book.

[Annelie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 47%

Didn't make it for me. It was a bit too much on the weird side.

[LMR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

Definitely worth the wait. I really enjoyed the story and finding out what happened to these characters after the teaser at the end of book one.

[Emms-hiatus(ish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Super sweet.

[Natalie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

June 2025
Kindle edition

Hurt comfort fluff. Action wise the story was a bit flat with everything already done. Polly was rescued, the guys were in recovery and August was waiting on the side lines to be added in. It felt like an ending rather than a beginning, along with an easy erasing of the bad guys. Henry being her twin was cool, giving her family. Nim was an interesting character and it felt like a set up for the next one already in motion. I liked Llew and lengths he'd gone to in the past.

[Paige · Rating 1 out of 5]

Trash the guys were already interested in the male omega at that point they should have just went for him and not her, The book didn't need there be 2 omegas to make it work, Not to mention the girl had enough trauma and deserved to have all the attention on her.

[Julianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept. It's hard to find decent reverse harems with a cult aspect.

I do wish there had a bit more to the conclusion with the cult aspect. It just felt a little rushed especially considering all the build up to it.

I also think the relationships should have been a bit slower. Considering where the fmc was coming from and how she grew up it was a little wild that she kind of seemed to jump right into bed with these men.

Also... why was August courted more than the fmc? Suddenly it felt like it was becoming the August show. His relationship with the guys made it feel like Polly was just icing. Would have been a lot better if August had been an alpha and Polly was all of their focus. Instead of adding the unnecessary MM that made it feel like fmc wasn't as important. Honestly his part in the story ruined it for me.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this.

It's actually quite refreshing to see an Omega relying completely on her instincts instead of what society has taught Omegas.

Edit;

Only thing that's extremely confusing is the relationship between the three Alphas? I know two of them lost their virginity to each other. But that's it? They didn't touch each other at all. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Karyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think i like this one more then ruffled feathers to be honest.

I really enjoyed the cult and mental health rep for this book. Grace has a way of writing mental health issues that speaks to me.

loved it!

[Daphnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read

I have been looking forward to this one! It was full of heart, giggly moments, outrage, and the sweetest, most romantic moments that we've all come to.enjoy from a Grace book. I read it in one day because I couldn't imagine putting it down.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet omegaverse story featuring some heavy stuff: trafficking, escaping a cult, and PTSD issues. I enjoyed it and if you're into omegaverse, then its a great story, but it didn't do anything for me, though I think think I've grown out of the omegaverse trope (?) now.

[Naiomi Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you check your trigger warnings for this book as it can get dark.

Omegaverse at is best. Grace has done it again. With Alphas and a Beta who help friends Otellie-James and Lance’s pack to finding 2 Omega’s who turns their world upside down but in the best way possible.

For a pack who were broken Rio, Max and Llewllyn never thought Paloma and August along with a 3 legged dog and a parrot who sewars like a troper would be what the need to come out the other end.

Tropes: omegaverse, why choose, strangers to lovers, fated love, age gap, grumpy/sunshine, childhood friends, protector/nurturer dynamic, found family, chosen family vs blood family, cult,

Triggers: PTSD, violence, gun, drugs, abuse, child abuse, human trafficking, cults, deception, murder, fire, fear, physical assault, animal cruelty, blood, gore

Jess made me choose: Llewllyn

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading and loving OJ's story, I knew I wanted to give this a go (and immediately binged it all). Whilst it is a slightly fluffy read, there are defintely elements of heartache and pain. The characters are all so vulnerable, with relatable emotions that had me rollercoastering along the way with them.
I thought I loved OJ the most because of how much I connected with her, but Paloma is...heartbreaking with how much she has been lied to and betrayed. How everything she grew up being told and taught was a lie, that it just created such a wave of empathy that I wish I could be her friend.
The MMCs are such an interesting mix, and they feel so well created that it felt easy to imagine them. They all have such strength to them, but also riddled with vulnerabilities that just make them endearing.
Really loving this series so far, especially the inclusion of adopting animals into the packs, and hope that it continues!

[Lindsay Crook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

I didn't like this one has much as the first book it felt rushed in some parts. I feel like Rio and August didn't get as much love as the deserved but that might just be me.

[Chichi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read many books about cults, especially ones that focus on how victims adjust to the outside world afterward, so it’s still a little hard for me to wrap my head around that kind of insanity—and even more unsettling to think that some of it reflects reality in parts of the world. Just the thought makes me uneasy.

I really tried to connect with Polly’s character and understand her, and while she’s portrayed as smart, strong, and quick to adapt, I felt like her trauma responses weren’t entirely realistic. Things seemed a bit too easy for her, especially in how quickly she adjusted to life with the guys. Just because she absorbed knowledge from books like a sponge didn’t feel like enough to explain how smoothly she came out of her trauma. I think I would’ve liked more focus on her struggles and the process of navigating her healing—both on her own and with her guys. The pacing just felt too fast for me.

That said, I still enjoyed this, though not as much as the first book. I did love the little glimpses and mentions of OJ and her guys—it felt like a nice thread connecting the stories.

For all the readers who use books to find a connection in this chaotic world.

I was nodding before she’d even finished. “Of course.” I’d bring home the entire animal hoard if it made her more comfortable. A three-legged dog that looked more like a wire brush was an easy thing to give her, if it put her at ease.

“I’m in control, Rio. I swear. Having her is like a gift I didn’t expect, or even deserve. I’ll protect her with my life.”

“You’re welcome here anytime. Just walk in.” And never leave. Stay forever. (Panting men? Yes please. 🥵)

“Wearing a hole in the carpet. Even I can smell your combined scents from the hallway, and it's a heady damn elixir. You could bottle it and put Viagra out of business.”

‘There’s nothing as strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength’.

“We will love you so fiercely, August O’Hare. The sun will rise and set with your happiness. We will be your lovers, partners, a place to hone your strengths, and a place to protect your weaknesses. Do you believe me?”

[theappleisledreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐
3🌶️

Such a good continuation from book one, it backtracks slightly in the timeline to cover a major event (no spoilers) from the POV of two of this books MMCs, Max and Rio, instead of Lance from Ruffled Feathers, which was an amazing introduction to their dynamic in a familiar setting.

This book was amazing, but it was hard to read for the wife of a veteran. Grace did such an amazing job with explaining the reality of living with PTSD, and there were several points during the story that I had to stop and process just how seen I felt when the MMCs were dealing with the side effects of their trauma.

The character development throughout the story was beautiful as they all processed and lived with their individual trauma as well as the pack trauma from the past. The storyline was fantastic, as always and dealt with some very dark topics in such a beautiful way, so definitely check the trigger warnings before going into it!

Tropes:
Forced Proximity, soulmates, opposites attract, why choose, who did this to you, polyamorous, grumpy/sunshine, protector/nurturer dynamic, fated mates, omegaverse, found family, animal sidekick, plot twist

Triggers:
Abandonment, abuse, anxiety, bodily fluids, bullying, burning/burns, child abuse (in past), confinement, control, cults, death, fear, guns, harassment, human trafficking, mental abuse, military service, mutilation, nightmares, nudity, pain, PTSD (major feature throughout book), scars, self-hate, shaming, sexual discrimination, suicidal ideation, threats, torture, violence, war (mentioned military service in war), weapons.

[Ah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great standalone addition to the universe!

I’m so glad we’re getting the story teased at the end of the last book. Our FMC had been through some traumatic events and gained a new understanding of the reality of the world that was hidden from her. Having been sequestered her whole life and fed lies about the world the MMCs do everything they can to teach her about this new reality and make sure those that lied to her are brought to justice.

I thought the progression of the FMCs understanding of the world and growth as a character was very well portrayed. She found her strength, although some of her actions were said to be instinctual, it was great to see the determination. The MMCs were all going through their own internal issues, but once again they were only addressed in brevity and I wasn’t convinced of the solution being what it is. There definitely should’ve been far more conversations, both internal and between all the MCs of their pasts and how they’re overcoming their traumas.

The relationship was very much a slow burn as everyone was hesitant of the trauma around the FMC and some of the MMCs. It was slow until it wasn’t, as with most omegaverse books when the spice hits. Even with all the spice it had so many cute romance moments.

It is definitely a romance book before anything else, so although we had characters searching for answers to the FMCs past it was something that was rather quickly figured out. The resulting events and fallout of the information found didn’t stray far from the FMC, but we did meet quite a few new characters.

I’m curious if we will be back in this universe and what stories the author would want to tell.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 4.2

Not as funny as the first, but still really good. The feel good vibes after reading this are the best!

What is it about double omegas, because I love it.

I think I have two favourite parts.
1. The feeling I got when Polly saved Llew when they bonded.
2. Reading this quote (which made me cry):

‘There’s nothing as strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength’.
I have boys who are big and tall, and I love that they are so kind. Gentleness is strength, so seeing Grace acknowledge that in this book hit home.

The cult in the beginning made me uncomfortable.
Watching Polly flower in the real world was a blessing.
Seeing men who empowered her, adored her, boosted her, was beautiful. Exactly what I read omegaverse for. I want that feeling. The unconditionality and breadth of their love for each other. Gimme those endorphins! 😁🤗

Our poor, broken Alpha. Sacrificed himself to save his packmate. I am so happy he got his happily ever after. He did nothing wrong. Nothing. He deserved to be loved. I cried when his mum met Polly and thanked her for saving him. That hit deep.

Rio and Max almost felt like a single entity. Both great characters.

August was adorable! Loved a dom male omega, although it was a shame we didn’t get to explore that aspect, but to be honest, there was enough spice in here despite that. I would say any more would have detracted from the enjoyment of the story.

Rufio and Doodles were so funny. Probably the funniest part for me.

Thank goodness the cult was taken down satisfactorily, with the Leader storyline ending for good.

Loved this. I have high hopes for any future books in this series.

[Stephanie Eccles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so I went into this book not really knowing what Omegaverse was….like, at all, so I had no clue if it was my thing. Turns out? Totally my thing. Dodging Bullets hooked me with its possessive, adoring Alphas, Betas and Omega (my new fictional crushes) and their sweet, traumatised Omega, Paloma (Polly). The way these three tough-as-nails ex-military guys and VE Therapist just worshiped her? Beautiful.

Polly’s backstory had me feeling for her straight away. Raised in a cult, sold off, and then thrown into this chaotic new life with two intense Alphas, a Beta, a parrot that swears like a sailor, and a three-legged dog? Girl had no idea what hit her. That cult storyline? Surprisingly gripping. The PTSD storyline was so well done, I felt their fear, their confusion, their tiny steps toward trust and rebuilding.

Then BAM—plot twist! Polly has a twin?! Did not see that coming, and I loved it. Also, can we talk about how perfect the name "Polly" is for a reverse harem book? Because yes.

I haven’t read the first book (Ruffled Feathers), but this worked fine as a standalone. That said, I liked it enough that I’m absolutely going back to read book one. And if there’s more coming in this series? Sign me up.

Final thoughts? If you’re Omegaverse-curious (like I was), this is a great intro—steamy, funny, and with just enough emotional punch to keep it from feeling like pure fluff. The mens possessive streak? Delicious. Polly’s journey? Heartwarming. The chaos of their household? Iconic. Definitely recommend!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – New fan over here!

[Sarah D · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet Omegaverse about Polly, who grew up in a cult. She’s rescued after being trafficked, and ends up with Llew, Rio, and Max. Then later August.

The story is pretty good, and Polly is likable, but the men are poorly developed.

Rio and Max. One is a beta and one is an alpha. One was a soldier and the other… I don’t recall that he has a background. I can’t for the life of me tell you which one is which. Neither one has a personality.

At the start of the book, Llew is crazy because Max and/or Rio was once tortured as a soldier and Llew saved him with his super bond, but then the bond broke. He is immediately cured when he meets Polly, who bonds him spontaneously. Llew is 100% stable with no long term issues, even though he hasn’t left the house for years or been lucid.

August is Rio and/or Max’s therapist. They start courting him despite the ethical issues with therapists dating their patients. It’s hinted that August might have a personality, or may like to top his sexual partners, but hints are all we get.

Momentarily, at the beginning of the book, there is a funny bird and funny dog. They disappear for the rest of the book until the epilogue.

This book probably would have been better if August and one of Rio or Max was eliminated it. Llew plus his broken bond mate plus Polly, with proper character development, would have been much more enjoyable.

[Paige Ridler · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐾Dodging Bullets by Grace McGinty🍦

“I once threw my clock out the window, because the ticking sound made me irrationally grumpy”

“There’s nothing as strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as strength’. I thought it would fit our little pack well.”

I don’t quite know where to start for this review, this whole book was wholesome and healing at the same time. Polly being rescued from trafficking, involvement with a religious cult (dw everyone gets what they deserve 🫶), finding her home, her family and building a life that she is happy.

Then the otherside, Llew, Max and Rio 🥹. This trio deserve the world and I’m so glad they got that and more. These three went through hell and back but still pulled through and tried to heal. Then there’s August ☺️, the therapist, lives in a bad neighbourhood because he cares more about his VA patients than money.

Sorry anyway, these 5 are stuck in my brain at the moment, they are adorable, cute and deserve the world 🫶. Go read this gorgeous book, it is apart of an interconnected standalone however you can read it by itself (there are some spoilers from book 1 though 👀).

Tropes:
Why Choose - MMMMF
Religious Cult
Past Trauma
Omegaverse
Ex-Military
Rescue Mission

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/out of 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/out of 5

[lu’s library ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.25
🌶️ 1 / 3

medium romance (not contemporary per se, not dark either)
RH with MM
grump x sunshine
omegaverse
multi POV
hacker LI
pining
set in a small town
cult
revenge plot
damsel in distress

so this book is a lot darker a heavier than the last one in the series, which is not something i love, but it did not affect my reading experience in the sense of the star rating. i believe that the dynamic between the group wasn’t as good as in ruffled feathers, which is understandable, since this book has considerably more plot. regarding the plot, i thing found the ending a little unsatisfactory, not that it was bad, i just expected more. but it was very good, how llew and polly came together was so beautiful. the rest was a little patchy but still good. like im sorry if this review it’s not great, trust me, the book is good, it’s just that ruffled feathers set the bar very high. one thing that really bothered me is that in the last book, lance didn’t want to kill in order to not expose otillie to it through the bonds which for me, it was a wonderful exploration of both murder and the bond. it bothered me not what the guys did in this book but how it wasn’t explored beyond the fact that the decision was made.

[Jordan Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a delight

This was such a delightful second book to the Offbeat Omegas. I loved seeing OJ, Lance and Truett. I do wish we had seen Sonny and Strat but that’s fine.

Llew was a shock! I remember Lance referencing two alphas in book one and assumed it was a typo because Max is a Beta, so what a surprise. August was a wonderful addition as well.

I wish there had been a bit more about their broken pack bond but it was a good addition and it made sense to what was going on with the guys. I’m not sure if Max had any baggage or just went to group for Rio.

The backstory of the doomsday cult was so interesting, if I had found out that my cult leader was some retired finance bro, that would be my 13th reason.

This story literally was so good and the characters were a delight. I wish I could spend more time with all of them. I understand that heats are a part of the omegaverse but I wish we had seen more of Polly getting acclimated to the real world or reconnecting with Nim and Henry. Polly didn’t need to know the sentencing to the cult leaders, but I would’ve liked to know.

Overall, a great read.

[Krystal R Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐ 3🌶️

Paloma was raised in a cult, her Omega nature was beaten and suppressed then eventually she's sold off like cattle.
Rescued by chance she moves in with a broken pack of military veterans; Rio and Max plus their wounded Alpha Llewellyn.
August is a VA therapist and has been working with Max and Rio for years so when they ask him to come help with a traumatized Omega he doesn't hesitate.
Together they work to seek security, justice and maybe some healing and love along the way.

I loved this book, my first taste of the omegaverse was last year with book one and at the time I wasn't expecting another book so was super excited to see the world that Grace built grow even more. This book contains a bunch of trauma but our MCs do a lot of work on getting through it together. The FMC grows into her nature beautifully and taking the ride with her to learn about the world was fun. The MMCs are the rough on the outside but sweet inside, they definitely have their wounds and faults but don't deny them. Suspense, romance, spice, animal activism, a fight for human rights and overall a journey of love and healing plus a swearing parrots and three legged dog.

Highly recommend this book, it could be read as a standalone but to get the full effect and proper timeline I'd suggest reading Ruffled Feathers first.