Knot That Difficult

Bittersweet Omegas #6

by Liliana Carlisle

Every Omega has a pack...
So why am I having such a hard time finding mine?!

My best friends and even my boyfriend tell me I don't need to be scared, and that I should follow my heart.
But that's easier said than done--I'm terrified out of my mind.
I've always wanted a family, but growing up in foster care taught me I may not be worthy of one.
When I finally open up to Connor and Ace, I start to think impossible things. Like maybe I deserve a pack of my own.
But a mating bond I'm not ready for changes everything.
Will we be able to move forward as a pack, or will everything fall apart as soon as it starts to come together?

Knot That Difficult is a standalone WHY CHOOSE featuring three sweet boyfriends and no third act breakup! Includes MM within the pack.

Genres: Omegaverse, Romance, Why Choose, Fantasy, M M Romance, Polyamory

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2025

About the author

Liliana Carlisle is a romance author that loves angst, drama, and passion. The spicier the better!

She resides in Northern California with her husband, stepchildren, and emotional cats. She started her writing "career" in seventh grade, writing Backstreet Boys fanfiction in her notebooks. When she's not writing she can be found studying classical voice, playing Fortnite, or gulping cold brew.

Reviews

[Lyrik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh man, I do not want to rain on anyone’s parade, but this was not it. This started out cute, sweet, and spicy. It was fast-paced and straightforward. I thought I was signing up for an easy-breezy kind of book and then BAM! A super melodramatic story choice that made no sense. I know that part of it is my fault for not reading the synopsis closer, but the other part is the set up and characterization did not support the plot point (IMO). I’ve not read any of the other books in this series so maybe there’s more to the FMC than what we got in this book. There’s also a huge lack of communication after the “problem”. She basically ignores the men for nearly two weeks because the bonding wasn’t “perfect”. The synopsis may say it’s because she’s not ready, but the text says it’s because it wasn’t perfect and she’s worried people will judge her for how it happened. I also skimmed the makeup-sex scene - and that is a really bad sign for me. Also, in this world heats seem to happen monthly which never makes sense. Who has that kind of time?! I will not be reading more from this author. I think other people will like this more, but I can’t think of who I’d recommend this to just now.

[Julianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's so bad..

I think this might just be the WORST fmc I have ever read about. This was a fucking ride.

First of all, Ben deserves better. He has been with her for over a year and is willing to do ANYTHING to make sure she is happy and healthy, he even made sure to look out for her and not bite her during her heats because that isn't what she wanted when she was lucid. But then she lets an alpha she met a week ago bite her? Wild. Insane. Selfish. Despicable.

The alphas are no better, they deserve her because she is just as selfish as she is. They bite her even she she is in the throws of heat and isn't lucid? Because she is "their's". Unbelievable.

She essentially made Ben wait for NOTHING.

Then after they are bonded she secludes herself from all of them. Including poor Ben. And even after being told that being away from her is making them sick, she still spends days away from them? Despite feeling sooo bad and "not wanting to hurt them". To say that and then continue to do the same thing is crazy.

"Even though it's my own fault, I still cry like I wasn't the one that placed the distance between us." pg. 218. Lmao. At least she is self aware in her mind even if her actions don't show it?

When she is panicking in the parking garage and Ben tries to switch over to call Connor she FREAKS, two seconds later Ace is calling and she quickly switches to talk to him leaving Ben hanging. I was LAUGHING, it was absurd how selfish she was. I think it was just made worse that it just kept happening that she made herself the center of attention and screw everyone else.

When she got to her THIRD heat in a month, I laughed. It felt like it was just forced plot for the story to make sense.

As for her trauma, it feels like.. Click bait? Read bait? I'm not even sure. It's never fully discussed and again feels like it is only added as an afterthought to justify the fmc's overall shitty personality.

[Angelic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, def read the other books in this series before this beauty. This one was so wholesome and cute 🥹🥹. It was just what I needed, the bond between Dev and her mates is so pure and wholehearted. Plus the way they love her?!!! Obsessed. They absolutely cherish and respect her too! 🥹

Y’all need to save this to your tbr if you’re a sweet smut omegaverse romance loving girlie!! 🤭 especially if you’ve read any of Liliana’s work before!!! This is in the same world as the Knot Trace duet! If you’ve read that duet and loved it then you’ll love this book.

I absolutely binged this book and couldn’t put it down except for anything but sleep. Now I’m anxiously waiting for her next book release! 😮‍💨

[Read.and.Blossom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay Devyn’s story!
I was excited when I saw that even she got a book!
Seeing her in the previous books has me loving her.
Learning of her backstory broke and warmed my heart.

I loved the relationship she had with Ben and how he encouraged her! The alphas 😮‍💨

Reading their story was so cute and I love how similar some of them were lol

What a way to conclude the series!

[morganinpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
This book was absolutely so cute and I’m in love with Devyn and her sweet pack! I literally ate this book up and left NO CRUMBS! It was so cute to see how caring, adorable, and obsessed her whole pack was! The little moments between them all were my absolute fav and I need more of them! I loved seeing little cameos of characters from past books and loved the ending to this sweet series! I cannot wait to see what comes next!

[Ace · Rating 1 out of 5]

wasn't my cup of tea

[*L* · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started off well but fell flat. There was no depth to the characters, both Dev and Ace's past are mentioned numerous times and especially how Dev's causes her to struggle but no details are ever given. I felt like the conflict was ridiculous and that is because her past is never explored in detail so as a reader you don't understand why she reacts the way she does and it just felt annoying.

I also felt sorry for Ben, he deserved way better. You feel their connection at the beginning but as soon as she meets the alphas you lose that and it feels like he's just there to support her not that he's fully embraced in the pack. Connor could have honestly been anyone, no character development there at all. He was just bland.

[Michelle Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked a couple of the other books in this series but couldn’t get into this one. Will say it starts off naked, and that is most of the “story”. Didn’t like the characters, and even previous characters I had liked were unpleasant in this book. The previous FMCs which were supposed to be her friends really weren’t.

[Lolo · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7⭐️
Too much sex

[Mwaba · Rating 1 out of 5]

Welp this book was disappointing and I did have high hopes and expectations for it before I read it
It has absolutely no plot and it was the cringest book I've ever read
I don't even want to read the other books from the series
Any other person would have dnfed it but I didn't and I read through the cringe
This book has left me traumatized
Like I was frowning when reading it because What. Was. That.
I didn't even know if it was a fantasy or what

Inner Omega...what...

This is just chapter 1... CHAPTER 1 and the book already has me cringing

Mine, my inner Omega purrs. Mine, mine, mine.
-no... just...no

Feed me! my inner Omega roars.
-so like I'm cringing right now🥲

I don't even know if this is a fantasy or not

What is this thing for beta? Omega? Like I'm confused!?

Am I going to survive this book...I don't think so🙃
Because the amount of cringe I'm getting from this is just enough to make me dnf it

Umm excuse me Ace, who is "we"...and "our omega"
"She’s our Omega. I know she is.
I won’t let Connor mess this up."

Excuseeeee meee Ace likes devyn????

I have no words over this book🙃
Why is Ace acting as if he doesn't have a partner?!

The way my eyes widen and jaw drops at what is happening is unhealthy

Oh no, devyn no, please stop✋ you cannot be thinking about Ace

What!!!!!?
"Goosebumps pebble on my skin as I think of him and Connor together and how I would handle both of them at once.
Ben would love to watch me take them both. I just know it.
I shiver at the thought."
....no comment

Girl you can't be telling your date, and this is a first date btw , that he smells like beans🤦‍♀️

I'm thinking of reading Skylar's story now(on second thought, No)

I can't deny, the fact that he remembered when she was explaining to him about how wax is made is so cute❤️

You know how books say that "he growled" to emphasis how angry a person is, yeah in this book they actually growl and by 'they' I mean both the FMC and MMC(s)...

Wow imagine going on a date with another guy while being in an active on going relationship with your boyfriend and he is totally ok with it and when I say totally I mean totally oh and also your date's partner is ok with it

"But the truth is, I’m slightly nervous. I’ve been dying all week to see Devyn, and I’m amped up on espresso shots over ice, making me a bit
jittery.Making a good impression with Devyn is important. We spoke briefly at the café, but I need to find a happy balance while obsess over her.
I can’t scare her away, because the worst part is that if she tries to run, I will chase after her.
I’m not sure how Connor would feel about that."- Ace
Uhmm....

Ansel and river are weird names, Skylar and April are acceptable

The worst thing about reading this book is that when they growl/hiss/bark/purr they are actually doing those things 😐

Ok she was in a foster home where she wasn't loved so of course she would have stolen things from the rich

Ace and Connor remind me of Nikolai and Brandon (in another world they would be best friends) they are literally the same
-Ace and Niko both have tattoos, piercings, dark hair and blue eyes, are laid back and chill
-Connor and Brandon are introverted, dress all prim and proper, are neat freaks

I feel like Connor has been completely ignored and now the main focus is Ace, wasn't Connor the main attraction??😭

Oh so an omega can have more than one alpha bite her
Wait, so does it matter if Ben bit her, because he's not an alpha?

Oh my gosssssh are they all proposing to her, at the same time?!?(Oh false alarm, it's just a symbol of their "love" for her)

Aww Tammy deciding to adopt her as a birthday present is cute🥹

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Highly disappointed. At first glance, understanding there was not going to be any external problems for this pack, I assumed there would be a bigger issue between the hopeful to be packmates. What is confusing is only Ben, truly knows about Devyn's past. Her fears about violence and why she has a fear of losing the ones she loves and what family means. Mind you, throughout the book, although, he states, to her she should go into an explanation about this, (not a deeper one) but just to explain, there is no real clarity about her time in foster care or her life beforehand. It makes no sense, to use that as the biggest issue to keep the pack apart from solidifying yet no one understands their omega's fears. Then we again go into the coupling issue. We have the beta Ben concerned but still supportive that he has nothing to offer her so she promises, all she needs is him and how special he is just being Ben, her beta, yet as soon as the two Alphas boyfriends step into her life, it's as if he is there more for comfort than anything else. The intimate scenes including all three of her men seems disjointed and/or disconnected. It's always her going between both alphas and Ben watching because, "he enjoys it." It never seems to be her pleasing or participating with all members at the same time. What did it for me, was during two intimate moments, the alpha boyfriends each stopped it to please each other over her. The first, was to use the fact that Connor wanted to taste her from Ace...the other was after she finished with Ace he decided it was more important to take care of Connor over his omega. Then, Devyn, recalls Ben is there and decides, she would need him to help her while the two Alphas spend their time together. As Connor said, Ace was his first and will always be. As far as I can tell, Ben has no reason to worry, she will always need him as emotional backup because the Alphas need for each other will always come first. As for Devyn, she was a stronger and more interesting character throughout the series but flopped when she finally got her own book. She came across immature, whiney, self-deprecating yet spoiled (if that can be possible) and ungrateful. She did not come across as someone traumatised from childhood, or family meaning the most outside of her friends and Tammy. The 2 star rating was due to Ace who I would have liked to have seen his past explored a bit more because he seemed to be the only relatable and interesting character. They gave him this criminal past which could have given the author so much to work with. I almost assumed he was going to be a part of the ring and kidnapping-indirectly from books 2# & 3#. I also assumed maybe from that, an outside conflict might have come from this in helping the pack to draw closer to protect their omega. Outside of that, Connor and Ben were a flat and boring types It was a forced read, I wish
I had stopped at book 5# in the series. I wouldn't recommend this read, just reread books 2-5, 1# and 6# you can pass on.

[JosieM · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

Apologies to the author for the late review. Had a little trouble with the ARC file, but I was able to finish reading with my purchased copy. Thank you for sending an advanced copy. Always happy to read a Liliana Carlisle book earlier.

We’ve come to the end of the series. Finally it’s Devyn’s turn to find her own family. We’ve already been introduced to Ben. He has been the MVP in this book. He’s been a constant support for Devyn through out the series. Who needs an alpha. I want a Ben!!! He’s spicy all by himself. I think she would have been just fine with him, but he wanted her to have more, a pack of her own. The alpha’s come as a package deal. Connor and Ace are already mates and are fiercely loyal to each other. Devyn met Connor first, and Ben pushed for her to pursue a relationship. There is conflict once they all get together, but they try to work through it for Devyn sake. The spice is flaming…. An unexpected heat escalates the mating. They barely know each other, there’s been no time to get comfortable with each other and talk about the future. The heat and mating is quick. This leads to misunderstandings and jealously that set them back, but they eventually work it out and are better for it. She deserves a pack that will love and accept her no matter what, and she’s got that with these guys.

I like that this story wasn’t as heavy as Skylar and April’s story. We also got to see Harper and Wilson again. Love how they’ve been woven into each story. I’m sad to see the series end, but it has been a joy to read.

[Read with J · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review Knot that difficult

“Connor smells like freshly roasted beans; like sipping a latte next to a fireplace. I’m not sure ‘hi, you smell like beans’ is the best way to start a conversation, though.”

Tropes:
baker fmc
cinnamonroll boyfriends
found family
M/M
sweet omegaverse

I was so exited for Devyn's book, and I was definitely not dissapointed!. From the teasers we got in the previous books, I just knew this was gonna be amazing.

I liked that the in this book the fmc already has a beta boyfriend (Ben), there are not a lot of books where that's the case. It was something different that I really liked. And the M/M in this book was also amazing I love when the mmc has more relationships too.

I fell in love with Devyn and Ben's relationship from the moment we met them, Like I was obsessed!. He was the sweetest I'm literally obsessed with him omg, I need a Ben in my life!. And the relationship between Connor and Ace was just perfect too, this pack fits together perfectly. There were some bumps in the road to that perfect pack, but that made the story very entertaining. All these MMC's were just perfect for Devyn's, with her past and trauma's she deserves the world and to be taken care of and doted on!.

If you love a good sweet omegaverse book with cinnamonroll mmc's than Knot that difficult is the book for you. But before you start this read the knot a trace duet and knot a good idea duet to get the full story, and if you loved these you can read Knot inn love, you met some characters in this book too. Knot that difficult comes out May 10th.

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing

Honestly wavered between a 2 and 3 rating for this story. Despite the reviews, I was tempted to see how all the other packs of the series were doing, but I could have probably ended with April's story and still been about the same. Lots of spice but not a lot of meaningful plot.

Devyn was adorable in the other stories, but this one made her really unlikable the moment she gets what she has been wanting. Literally, the omega gets exactly what she wanted, then freaks out because it wasn't perfect enough, making everyone around her miserable for an extended period of time, which doesn't seem to fit the character we've been presented with. All the characters have their trauma and anxieties, but how this one works out just feels inauthentic to what Devyn was for the other books and the first half of this one.

Plus the random grammar errors in the story, this was pretty meh. And the way heats work in this series is a crappy plot device compared to most Omegaverse series, a little too overused and it makes it all underwhelming, especially in this story. I mostly rushed through the last 20% of the story just to finish it.

Also, do we really never get to know the deal with Tammy and April's missing father? That was a dangling carrot... Overall, even with the HEA, this just was (k)not a satisfying story. Poor Dev (and Ben, who for the record, is the MVP and seems like a sweetheart).

[Rachel Smith Horn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devyn had to mature at a very young age, because she had only herself to rely on. However, she seemed to hold on to some of that child-like wonder and happiness, even after being bounced around from foster home to foster home. She was lucky when she landed sweet beta Ben, who cares very deeply for this sweet girl. He even encouraged her to go after what she wanted, despite his own insecurities of being only a beta when his omega needs an alpha. He knew he had to share her.

When Devyn decides to date Connor, Ace, Connor's boyfriend is part of the package. Too bad he has a criminal past, and Ben is a detective which is a sore point of contention for the fledgling pack. Ace and Ben are constantly at each other's throat. Ace never did anything violent, just some robbery to survive. Things go better when Devyn points out to Ben, she had to do the same thing when she was younger.

Some reviews I read said Devyn was immature... I don't see her that way. I see her as a complex character who always tries to be happy and people pleasing, so she won't be abandoned. I'm so happy she found her pack!

[Chante Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought April's story left me an emotional wreck, this story, Devin's story made me bawl from 38% in until the very ending, can we all say awwww while crying our eyes out and trying to shovel chocolate in to ease the emotions of this book!


I have loved every book in this series and each one packs a punch this one is no different and its freaking fantastic.  


Devyn's character has sparked an interest from the first time I read about her; her sunny, adorable personality that had such overwhelming hints of the trauma and pain hiding behind her tugged on my heartstrings. So I was half pie expecting to have my heart ripped out, in the best way possible.


I love, love books that have more emotional depth and connection to them, and this author is one of the best I've read at leaving you emotionally wrecked while also sending you on an amazing journey of hope, love and found family.  This is a must-read! Seriously, read the whole series; they are fantastic.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different twist compared to the previous stories in this series. Instead of one Omega finding her pack, we have two couple coming together to form a pack. Devyn is already in a committed relationship with her Beta boyfriend Ben. But she's also attracted to Connor who is the coffee seller for the bake shop she works at. Connor just so happens to be in his own committed relationship with another alpha, Ace. When Connor and Devyn decide to try things out, Ben and Ace are along for the ride. Too bad they are on opposite sides, with Ben in law enforcement and Ace a former criminal. When things come to a head the three decide they'll put their differences aside to do anything for the omega they all love. A great story of compromise, willingness to give and opening yourself to possibilities. I loved how Devyn was different with each man, but still loved them all. Ben was maybe one of my favorites though because he was open to her finding the alpha(s) she needed. Great HEA.

[Susan Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A baker + Detective + Coffee king + Ex-con = Pack?

Liliana brings this series to a wonderful ending. We finally got to know how Devyn and Ben’s story ends. Devyn has always wanted a pack, but she is very insecure about herself that she shies away from anything that will change her life. She loves Ben with all her heart, but something is missing in their relationship. Devyn is afraid if she finds an alpha that something will happen between her and Ben. She has a secret crush on Conner, the coffee king (he has his own brand that the cafe sells). Connor is in a relationship with another alpha, Ace, who is an ex-con. Ace wants an omega for him and Connor. Connor finally asks Devyn on a date. The date goes well. Devyn heat is coming soon and she needs to decide what to do about it. Will Devyn ever get her pack and a happy ending? Can she conquer her insecurities and find a pack? There are some triggers so read the warnings. It’s a great book!

[B Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Devyn has been such a pivotal and precious part of Skylar and April’s lives. We got a glimpse of her chaotically cheerful nature in the previous books in this series, but Knot that Difficult showed the true depth and complexity layered in Devyn’s trauma and resilience. She has endured so much and the love and acceptance she finds is truly deserved.

I loved the way Ben, Connor and Ace worship her and how patient and tender they are with their care. Trauma is fickle and can impact in new and unexpected ways despite our healing. And yet, there is never any judgement among her pack mates. Their joining was rocky but their desire to strive to be the best versions of themselves was admirable.

The softness perfectly punctuated the sensuality the duality of their growing bond. My only wish was that we’d gotten more deeply into the pasts of this new pack. I feel like they were all shaped (both positively and negatively) by past trauma and it all just felt a bit piece-meal and glanced over. The emotional impact would have added depth to who they are and what they have to work through to overcome.

I had such a fun time dipping my toe back into this world and hope you will take a chance on Devyn when this book releases.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great Omegaverse book in The Bittersweet Omegas series.

Devyn was a great character in earlier books in this series, so I was happy to see her get her own book. Her story was a good one, making me both laugh and cry at times. I was thrilled that she found her family. There are common characters from earlier books in the series, but this could be read as a stand alone.

Ben, her beta boyfriend, was honestly the best part of this book. He was quite literally, the best character. He was so perfect and so devoted to Devyn at all times.

Overall, this was another great Omegaverse book by Liliana Carlisle.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, Sweet Omega!

Knot That Difficult turns out to be very difficult for the sweetest Omega that we have come to love throughout the Bittersweet Omega series. You can definitely read this as a standalone however I do recommend that you read this series from the beginning. The characters in this wonderfully written world are special, so start from the beginning and enjoy an exciting binge read!

Knot That Difficult follows Devyn on her journey to find a pack that she has always desired to have. We also get to know Beta Ben more and if you have not fallen for him already during this series you definitely will now. I loved the complex Alphas she finds herself attracted to and the hot and heavy yet tenuous relationship that evolves and brings all kinds of trouble. You will find strong friend support and a lovely found family element. Devyn is like a breath of fresh air and now I need to go find a cup of coffee!

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I had so much fun with this series and this one was no different. I loved the dynamic between the four of them, it was a little different than Skyler and April’s which was amazing!! The friendship between the girls is still one of my favorite things about these books, they may not share dna but they are sisters. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Liliana KNOWS how to write spice and those moments were unbelievable!! Highly recommend every book in this series, they’re so fun and entertaining!!

[Kylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed!

I was excited to get Devyn’s story finally. I had loved seeing her in other books and she finally gets her HEA. It was worth the wait and read!

I really loved Devyn the FMC and wanted to wrap her in a bubble and hug her sometimes. I love how Ben is with her and how accepting of pack life they are (Devyn eventually). The alphas are so sweet and had me swooning sooo much. They are so cute with Devyn.

Overall I recommend this book if you love omegaverse. It was a cute story and good read!

[She Dreams In Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! Liliana Carlisle just turned this hard hearted woman into one soppy mess, and I don't mind one bit! 💕💕 Loved every sweet, spicy second of Knot that Difficult. Devyn is just such an adorable fmc, with so much positive energy. Ben, Connor and Ace? 🫠🖤🔥 They are the ultimate pack mates. Ben, GAHHH! We need more like him in the real world! Devyn's book is the cherry on top to finish off a wonderful series.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for the perfect little omegaverse fluffy palate cleanser, this is the one. All of Liliana Carlisle books are enough to cure any of my book slumps, to the point that I was holding on to a few unread in the backlist for when a bad book slump hits. 😅
It's so cute to see all of the other characters from past books interacting, and all the Wilson references we got from Knot Inn Love! I can't wait to see what Liliana has planned for her next book 🥰

[Jessica L Morton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, low angst read. I really enjoyed the characters and I love seeing the characters from the previous books in this one. I'll be honest, it took me starting this review before i realized that there Omega from the inn was the omega from knot inn love. lol. I differently recommend this book, especially as a palette cleanser. I cant wait to see what comes next.

[Susanna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book. It is a series, so you may want to read the prior books to understand the other people's back stories. This doesn’t end on a cliffy. Alpha and Omega dynamics, RH, MMFM, MM pair, Omega builds her pack, AAOB. The leading Lady is the sweetest person. And she found some cinnamon roll men.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devyn’s story was so good. She’s had such a hard life and deserves all the love and happiness! She already had Ben, and despite her love for him, knew she needed a little more. Connor and Ace have been patiently waiting to complete their pack. There were some bumps and bruises along the way, but they get their happily ever after. Loved it!

[Serena · Rating 3 out of 5]

not a true standalone

This is my first book by this author and despite the blurb claiming that it is a standalone, I still felt like I was starting in the middle of the story and missing several key pieces. What was there was super simple, cute and sweet. Definitely not bad, but not really the stand on its own story that was promised.

[Deja Cruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehh

It was a cute read but nothing really stood out to me compared to other omega verse books. Plus I kept getting annoyed at the FMC for over thinking everything with getting her pack together, I know she was scared of change but it was getting irritating how much reassurance she needed from others.