Knot Unwanted: Part One

Pack Salvation Duet #1

by Tessa Rain

Six years in a "Reform Academy" taught me exactly what an omega like me nothing.

Too curvy. Too loud. Too broken to be wanted.

When I escape with nothing but the clothes on my back and the scars on my skin, I expect to die in the wilderness. Instead, I stumble onto Pack Ironwood's territory—and into a fairy tale I was never meant to have.

Three alphas who look at me like I'm something precious. Stone with his amber eyes and pine scent that whispers of freedom. Jax, whose cedar and calm strength slip past my defenses. Ren, fierce and protective, his sandalwood presence both terrifying and intoxicating.

And then there's Finn—an omega like me, but everything I'm not. Strong. Confident. His sage scent and storm-gray eyes see right through the walls I've built.

They claim I'm their missing piece. Their scent match. Their true mate.

I know better than to believe them.

Because omegas like me don't get happy endings. We don't get alphas who cradle instead of control. We don't get packs that feel like home.

But when my pre-heat symptoms begin—subtle yet undeniable—their protective instincts surge to life. Suddenly, I'm surrounded by growls of possession, by touches that border on reverence, by promises whispered against my skin. And the knowledge of what will happen when my full heat finally arrives hangs between us like a gathering storm.

Mine. Ours. Stay.

The Academy couldn't break me, but this pack's tenderness might. Because the most dangerous thing isn't their alpha strength—it's the way they make me want to surrender.

How can I trust a mate bond when I've never trusted anyone?

How can I be wanted when I've always been too much?

Knot Unwanted (Part One) is a raw, emotional reverse harem omegaverse romance featuring one damaged female omega, three possessive alphas, and the male omega who bridges their worlds. Expect heat-driven passion, found family healing, fated mates, hurt/comfort, MM, and a pack that will fight to protect what's theirs. This book ends on a cliffhanger that will be resolved in Knot Part Two.

[Includes references to past abuse, trauma recovery, and intense heat scenes]

Genres: Omegaverse, Why Choose, Romance, Fantasy, M M Romance, Forced Proximity, LGBT

776 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2025

Reviews

[Sissy Beer · Rating 1 out of 5]

monotonous pace and repetitive

I almost loved this story. Unfortunately, the pacing was rough as it drug on and to the point of tedium. Plot points=dead horse. Some of the reviews mention it is very high angst, and it is definitely too much of a good thing. The story focuses oh so much more on poor Finn, broken and insecure male omega. The spicy parts, 99.9% Finn. Our fmc is a plot device, foil for Finn’s angst, more than a main character. Frankly, it’s like an automatic turn off anymore in OV and is getting really boring to see this same formula over and over.

[Miranda Mangum · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is my first DNF of the year. I tried I tried so hard to love it. But I just can’t. I get the MFC went through a lot along with the MMCs but Jesus. 75% thru and I feel like I have gotten no where. There is a lot of potential here it’s just way too drawn out with no additional substance for my taste.

[Vic · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was way too long for no reason

[˚•—S—•˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is so long, and it feels long, but the plot is, timewise, really short.
Also imprinting seems to be both how ducks imprint and twilight wolves imprinting? And that feels iffy for me, especially the duck imprinting part.

[Gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way too long, but pretty good literally could’ve been like 400 pages less than it was. I didn’t realize it was like 700 pages but whatever

[Sarah Macleod · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the storyline and the characters, but it went on for too long. The pace was really slow. I stopped at chapter 41, and haven't read (nor plan to) read the second book right now

[Tuesday · Rating 2 out of 5]

too much drama, too emotional, too many misunderstandings and WAY TOO LONG. I took off one more star bc this book is a word jumble (it seriously needs to be edited)

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two stars, but I was hooked enough to read both books, after thinking about giving up halfway through book 1, so one more star. I wanted to know what would happen to the heroine. The two strong points of the story are Finn and Ren; they're the best-developed characters. Jax and Stone are the least well-developed. Hailey... it was promising at first (the run through the forest, the first days with Stone), but then she recovers far too quickly from six years of abuse and incarceration. All the characters should have been in therapy from the start. Many elements lack credibility (two years of ignoring their omega? Come on. Hailey's lightning-fast resilience. The alphas of the pack who are basically businessmen and suddenly have the skills of ex-military men—okay for Ren, but the others? Hmm...).
There's potential: the author writes well. Tighten the plot, better develop the characters, work on plausibility. I hope Vi will be the heroine of the next book. I'd love to know how she does.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Snoozefest

Why was this book so long. I’m dreading book 2 at this point and I’m only at 47% of this one. I thought for sure it had to be almost over when I saw chapter 33. It’s an interesting concept, but you can tell that Hailey is just a side note in Finn’s pack. She’s just a silent person and her lack of personality shows that she couldn’t carry the book as a full FMC. If you wrote this without Hailey and made it one book, I’d have enjoyed it more. If you wrote the book without Finn, it never would have worked. This is his story. Everything is about him and his feelings. It’s just not enough for me to finish this book or bother with the next. I’m so utterly bored.

[Paula Dos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had all the elements I love about this genre. Angst, growly grumpy Alphas and the spice. it was quite long but I didn't think it was much too much. Hailey wasn't my favourite character but Finn was lovely and Stone 🥵.
My main issue was that the relationship between Hailey and Finn was awesome, as were the relationships between Finn and his Alphas, you really felt their deep love for each other but her relationship with the rest of the pack was lacking. Hailey was their scent match but it didn't translate into a love relationship except with Finn who was her mate.
I was hoping I would see it develop in the second book but no.... the Alphas definitely seemed more interested Finn and we're obsessed with him. Hailey seemed more like they were together due to biology....

[Marissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This whole book is just .. no one talking to each other. That literally feels like the basis of the entire book. This "pack" is not talking about their past, their worries, what they are feeling or thinking, not informing others about the very real and life-threatening danger that is around them, etc. dumb as hell, slow as hell, DNF ~70%.

[Ames · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 71%. Legit could not do it anymore. Was trying to push through for a reading challenge for the pages, but could not waste my time anymore. There was no reason for this book to be this long. Could have been a 200 page book. The fact that there’s going to be a second part, BLOWS me away. Like HOW!?!

[Chrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

1st time I have read this author

So as the title states: This is the 1st time I’ve read this author. I’m very finicky about Omega-verse reads — I think there are only 3 other books I have read where I legitimately enjoyed the writing; so I wasn’t sure how this would turn out.
I don’t like bullying, or FMC’s/MC’s that don’t stand up for themselves or offer forgiveness within a paragraph or chapter.

I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this, though it had all the hallmarks of possibly grabbing my attention. Wounded FMC and strong MC’s willing to burn down anything to protect those they love.

With that being said: this definitely grabbed and held my interest — hence the 5-star rating. I typically leave 4-star at best lol.

This was a traumatized FMC Omega that has gone through some serious horrors and learning to overcome/deal with what was done to her. So make sure to CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS

I’m glad that the author showed the progression from start to finish. No immediate healing — or, you’re my scent match and everything is ok now. That’s not how true trauma works. It’s not something you can just get over, and it stays with you in some form or other for the rest of your life.

I appreciated how the Alpha’s and male Omega do their best to approach and show Hailey that not all Alpha’s are a POS, and that the way she was “trained” was wrong.

Hailey’s trust for Finn was quick (due to the fact that he’s an Omega; and Omega’s never hurt her — it was always an Alpha or Beta) and absolute. I wasn’t sure how that would work in the beginning because Finn was hurting and his Alpha’s had some serious work to do to repair their mess-ups. I was glad to find that while he absolutely loved his Alpha’s, he started to stand up for himself and let them know what he thought of them.

It’s rare in ANY book where an MC will make a mistake and be made to WORK toward forgiveness and/or redemption (or it’s resolved within a chapter or 2, at best — NO, just. No — that’s not real life). In the end this shows that the trust is being rebuilt but it wasn’t FULLY repaired (and the Alpha’s understood they had a long way to go before they could get back to where they were, and were willing to put in the hard work to get there).

So; the question is: Did I enjoy this book? Absolutely!

And I was thrilled to find that while it was a duet, the 2nd book was already available — so I was able to read both back-to-back and get my ending.

Now I just have to wait for VI’s book…

[Alyssa Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 stars

Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Execution ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
FMC ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
MMCs ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Quick overview

Our FMC is an omega who has just escaped this “academy” that trains omegas then sells them. Everything she learns here is wrong and caused a bunch of trauma, but she doesn’t know it’s wrong. She is told she is a reject and unwanted. Finally one day she gets bought and is being transported to her new master. There is a car accident and Hailey escaped. She finds a cabin and ends up sleeping there. This cabin is a hideout for stone (one of our four MMCs).

Turns out they are scent matched. BUT the pack already has an omega, Finn. Things happen and Finn discovers Hailey and they connect quickly.

Jump a little more and the academy is after Hailey. The pack goes through some hard stuff and learns to trust one another again.

What I liked:

- I liked how the trauma wasn’t just ghosted over. In a lot of books, often times the trauma will be there for the first half of the book then it’s gone and no one remembers it. With this book the author does a really good job of slowing working Hailey out of her trauma but still leaves parts and triggers like would happen in real life.

- I liked Finn and the relationship he had with Hailey. That was where I found the strongest connection romantically. I’m having a hard time finding the connection between Hailey and stone tho.


What didn’t work for me:

-this could just be me, but I often got confused (especially in the beginning) of all the MMCs. I feel like their names are all so close (Finn, Jax, Stone, Ren) that I often confuse them. They all (besides Finn) have very similar personalities so it was hard to distinguish each of them.

-I think there where a few spelling errors but that’s besides the point 😂


Overall I’m obsessed. I loved the relationship between Hailey and Finn and I’m slowly starting to like the relationship between her and the others.

I will be starting the next part as soon as I’m done writing this.

P.S at the end of the book it says part two won’t be out until august and I had a mini panic attack so thank you for that 🥲

P.S.S the second part is out tho🙂

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for an angsty omegaverse, try Tessa Rain's Knot Unwanted. MFC Hailey is an omega who just escaped a reform academy with nefarious intentions. I've never encountered a character with such a traumatic life who was completely innocent and vulnerable yet incredibly caring and brave. Hailey just broke my gods darned freaking heart. I cried, for goodness’ sake.


When Hailey meets the guys, they're already an established pack with male omega. However, the pack is fractured. Tessa kept alluding to an incident that had happened years before, which seemed to be where their problems had started. The mystery of the incident kept me hooked. There were clues the entire way, and I got a good idea about what happened pretty early, but things weren't confirmed until near the end. I liked the pack, but they were a dumpster fire for sure. Each lost in their own heads and emotions. Out of everyone, I liked Finn the best. He was open, caring, and had a big heart. He was another one that had me tearing up. So many emotions in this book.


This was a good read. My only complaint was that it was a little too long; it could have been trimmed down, and there was some repetitiveness. Other than that, I enjoyed getting to know the pack and Hailey and seeing all of them start to heal from their wounds. What surprised me the most was that this was both equal parts of Finn's story as it was Hailey's. Everyone had a POV, but the story was mostly about the omegas. Although Ren's mysterious past kept drawing my eye. I can't wait to uncover that.


Things got really good at the end. The scene was set, the twist revealed, and there was a heart-stopping cliffhanger. I'm dying to know what happens next. I'm hoping Knot Unwanted Part Two comes sooner rather than later.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'My alphas have found another omega. One who isn’t broken. One who smells like everything an omega should be.
And I’m still here, in the dark, falling apart.'

I loved this book. Great world building and wonderful characters. This story has pain and scars and trauma. But it also has healing, love, and home. I loved omegas Hailey and Finn, and alphas Stone, Jax, and Ren. All had distinctive personalities and I liked that there were different dynamics between them not just as a whole. But I was most fascinated by Finn and Hailey together. Finn's pack is fractured and he feels nothing but pain and fear of replacement when he discovers Hailey. But her obvious fear and trauma and pleas for help draw his own comforting and protective instincts.

“Something about you feels right and my instincts aren’t usually wrong. I’ve learned to trust those feelings.”

“Because you deserve kindness, Hailey. Because no one deserves what you’ve gone through and no one should have to face their demons alone.”

Omegas are supposed to be territorial against each other. Finn bringing Hailey to his nest was such a powerful scene for me. Because in that moment, they were two damaged souls comforting each other when they needed that support and connection.

'Here we are, two people who should be at each other’s throats, and instead she’s finding comfort in me. As if she’s forgotten we’re supposed to be enemies. As if it never even occurred to her.'

This was a very long book, but I was hooked so it didn't feel dragging or drawn out. The way trauma was written was realistic. Emotional ups and downs and I wanted nothing but happiness and peace for all of them. But God that cliffhanger! I wait with bated breath for part two! 5 stars.

[Lisa Maddison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book.

This was everything I wanted in a good book, there's a love story, angst, spice, fully developed characters, and enough twists and turns to keep me reading. I started reading Omegaverse about 6 to 7 months ago and I have read good, bad, and a few great stories, I think this is one of the few great stories. The author takes their time to move the story forward with such vivid descriptions, you just fall in love with the main characters, poor Hailey, and her pack with Jax, Stone, Ren, with their male omega Finn. Each character is so well developed, I feel like I could pick them out of a crowd.
The story focuses on Hailey who has never had a chance in life, when she presents as an omega, her father sells her to the Reform Academy, and for six years she is put through an abusive training to become a submissive slave to some alpha. On the day she is sold, the transport has an accident, and she takes the chance to run. She is found by Stone one of the alphas from the Ironwood pack, but their pack is slowly disintegrating because of a car accident that happened over two years ago with Finn being the most hurt, almost dying. When Hailey and Finn meet, there is an instant connection and he becomes very protective of Hailey. The way the author demonstrates Hailey's PTSD and panic attacks is well written and show the depth of relating to the characters.
I can't wait to start the second book, but it is available so no worries about needing to wait. Take a chance, this was a great read.

[Adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️

Read if you like:
Omegaverse
Traumatized FMC
Why Choose
Scent Matches/Mates
Omega x2


Hailey has been beaten down and forced into submission for years but she still has the tiniest spark of hope inside her.

When she gets the chance to run from the life chosen for her there’s no plan, no supplies, just the small possibility of freedom.

Unlearning all her lessons isn’t easy. Trusting alphas? Probably the hardest part. Trusting Finn?? As easy as breathing.

Finn has the picture perfect life. Too bad his bonds with his alphas are frayed and Hailey? Might just mean the end of his place in Pack Ironwood for good.

They were so heartbreakingly broken separate and even more so together. Their bond healed parts of their souls that were left cracked and bruised. I cried a LOT reading their scenes.

Their emotions were written so beautifully, they were raw and honest.

Jax, Stone and Ren are falling apart at the seams. An accident years ago plagues their pack, slowly killing their bond.

Things change the instant Hailey crashes into their lives. They’re shaken from their avoidance tactics and work to fix things with Finn while proving to Hailey she also belongs with them.

The pack isn’t even close to healed or fixed. Bonds are still cracked, tensions are still high and hearts are still broken.

There’s so much more healing that needs to be done, waiting till August for the next one is going to be torture.

[Crystal Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart broke for Hailey but Finn put it back together. The plot was gripping from page one and was so well done. We meet Hailey after being in the academy for 6 years, she’s broken and ends up being sold but is able to escape and we get to see the first glimpse of her inner strength. She’s terrified of alphas but how Stone slowly encourages the trust to build is so touching. Her instant but hesitant affection towards Finn- a fellow omega, is so heartwarming. I loved watching him provide a sense of safety while also encouraging her strength. Two omegas in a pack is one of my favorite omegaverse tropes and this book does not disappoint. The bond between Finn and Hailey is so beautiful and so strong. The pack dynamics are so intricate and blossom with each page. There’s tension between Finn and his three alphas, tension between the alphas, there’s Hailey’s fear of alphas but also her pull towards her scent matches, tension from Finn caring towards Hailey but also struggling with the scent match. The plot really allows these dynamics to be explored and grow in such an organic way. Ugh and that cliff hanger!?!? This is part one of a duet and the pack is finally starting to settle together when drama occurs and the book ends. I will be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for part two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found "Knot Unwanted" by accident (for once I can say "thanks Kindle Unlimited, for recommending something I actually liked!"), and I was so excited to find such a sweet, well-written and edited debut novel by Tessa Rain. My only complaint is I didn't realize that the second half of the duet doesn't come out until August, but even with only the first book out, I already know it's a winner.

Hailey, our female omega, runs away from the "academy", where she was held captive for six years when her transport crashes in the woods. Traumatized and terrified, she runs into the Ironwood pack and is quickly taken under wing by Finn, the pack's equally traumatized male omega.

Their pack has been fracturing for years after a deadly car accident, but the relationship between Finn and Hailey helps heal them both as well as begin to reveal the hidden truths about the accident that had been slowly destroying their pack.

The alphas are equally struggling, but as their own inner conflicts come to light, they slowly begin to put in the work to heal the damage caused to both of their omegas, and I look forward to seeing how they show up in the second part of the duet.

I love omega x omega pairings, and this one handled the relationship between those two wounded people so sweetly that I can't wait to see how it all resolves after the brutal cliffhanger we were left with!

[Polli.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a duet that ends on a CH, and a pretty good one at that! Runs with a familiar back story which includes an ill treated omega escaping some sort of training/correctional facility only to be saved by a small pack who would give their lives to protect her. The difference here is in them already having an omega and the two omegas bonding. (There's so much more to this but I don't want to give away too much, you'll have to read it).
To keep it brief all I can say is these guys get it bad for her, even when her past catches up with her.

The story has enough action and intrigue to keep you wanting to read, and the spicy moments are steamy, emotional, chemistry fuelled distractions. The multiple points of view give the reader deep insights into the packs past traumas and the reasons for their present behaviours, though there were odd moments when I did feel Finn overplayed the unwanted omega role too often, especially as the Alphas were trying so hard to reassure him of his role in the pack. That said this is still a damn good read and I will be reading the second book when it's released.
A well earned high four stars!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PoleKat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I DNF@70% , this book had so much potential and interesting plot...

This had such promise and the background of the FMC was explained, however it was just filled with endless internal monologue and repetitive, so so much repetition. The FMC didn't actually feel like the main character at all, rather it felt like it was Finn the other omega. The alphas seemed not fleshed out and hints of some trauma within the pack but almost 400 pages later we still don't know what exactly happened. Stone was introduced early and he made some impact but I didn't feel like I knew him or any of them. Jax definitely not, other than he was the lead. The only alpha that actually interested me was Ren, he seems a complicated character, but alas I just couldn't keep swimming through the molasses of the story to find out if anything more happened. 350 pages and only at a preheat. There was some actual action hinted at alongside but I just couldn't muster the energy to figure out who was in the car tho I've a fair idea.

definitely could have done with an editing and cut at least 300 pages from this 750+ brick.
definitely had potential...I might return to it but for now, I just don't have it in me. And this is only book one of two.

[Karen Sorg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hailey was sold to the Academy for $5K at the age of 16. She lived in a cell and was blindfolded and kept naked. She did not know anyone there and at 21 was finally sold to a master. They were on their way there when they had an accident and Hailey and Vi ran. Hailey still blindfolded, in a tiny little see through top and panties with her hands tided behind her back ran through a woods, climbed a fence and fell exhausted on the ground. She was found by Stone and he placed in her a cabin. Brought her food and kept her warm. Hailey was deathly afraid of everything. She had been punished with a whip for infractions like speaking. How would this work out? How can she say anything if it is not directed at her? How is Stone going to introduce her to the Ironwood pack? Will they all get along? Hailey is an Omega and so is Finn? Will they try to kill each other? The loving, fighting, killing, back stabbing is great in this book. You are woven into the very fabric of the characters. You are right there watching them. Great writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mimi.Reads.Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous, angsty, emotional AF story and I am here 👏🏻 for 👏🏻 it 👏🏻

Hurt/comfort to the MAX, this story grabbed my heartstrings and gave them a solid yank. The emotional rollercoaster didn’t stop until just before the most climactic part, lulling me into a false sense of security. I absolutely adore Hailey and Finn. I love that Finn is complicated. This isn’t a typical damsel-in-distress hurt/comfort storyline. They are all hurting and searching for comfort. The alphas are unique individuals, each easily distinguished from the others, and none of them feel like cookie-cutter character tropes.

The spice is perfect, plenty to keep the blood pressure up but makes sense for the characters. The relationships are different for each set, rather than being treated as one singular relationship- both Finn and Hailey have separate relationships with each other and each alpha and they all go at different paces.

The plot is just nonstop emotions, action, and twists. I couldn’t have put this book down if someone paid me. It does end on a fairly brutal cliffhanger but I have no regrets!

[Julianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - 58% In case you didn't notice... 58% is page 444!!! YUP! This book is LONG.

Perfect example of why mm/male omegas ruin books... The poor FMC deserves so much better after everything she has been through. But instead she ends up with a broken pack - a neglected omega, and a bunch of selfish damaged (nothing wrong with being damaged as long as it doesn't damage someone that loves you...) alphas that can't manage to talk about their feelings. If they can't take care of their current omega how are they supposed to take care of a second one?

I tried SO hard to get through it because I liked the general idea of the book. And to be clear... I have nothing against mm if it's done right. But I definitely prefer when the main character means at LEAST AS MUCH as the male... The alphas in this make it clear they don't need her and would choose Finn over her. Not my cup of tea.

In general the alphas suck. They don't deserve either omega and this could have been even better if they just ended up together just the two omegas. They don't need those punks.

On top of that... it's just super long and drawn out.

Wish it had worked out but no such luck.

[Charlotte Battersby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words for how captivated I was with this book. I didn't know the emotional rollercoaster this book would take me on but I have no regrets what so ever! Everyone's character development and how the relationships develop was done so well, I love it.

How the relationships develop between the fmc and the love interests is always a big thing for me and this did not disappoint in the slightest. Hailey and Finn's relationship had me wanting to kick my feet in the air and giggle like a lovesick teen, they are so cute together! I love female x male omega pairings and this one is one of my favourites of the year so far. Ren, Jax and Stone do have some grovelling ahead of them even if they have started to make amends already. I can't wait to see more of Ren working towards self forgiveness overall.

I don't want to spoil anything more but if you love omegaverse, male omegas in the pack and five star relationship development then pick this up! Can't recommend this enough, absolutely can't wait for book two!

[Jo Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you ask the MMCs to answer a simple question about the FMC they would struggle.

1. Hailey got drowned out by Finn (the other omega). But they leave it up to him to care for her.

2. She has been brutalized but they do nothing to make her feel cared for.

3. If not for Finn she would have nothing. No clothes, no nesting materials of her own.

4. She is their scent/fated mate but they always put Finn before her. Even though at the start they were avoiding him like the plague.

5. Finn keeps telling her that the MMCs want, They tell her they want her in the pack, but then ignores her for most of the book.

Memorable mentions

Ren chokes her out
Stone tries to hook up with Finn in front of her making her feel uncomfortable
They know all of Finns favorite things but doesn't try to know her likes
Ren tries to send her to a heat clinic instead of trying to help her
She always comes off as second best

I do not like other relationships in the harem because 8/10 the FMC is not center in all aspects.

[Smut Me Up, Buttercup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Knot Unwanted” is a beautifully angsty, emotional journey that had me hooked and heart-wrecked in the best ways.
The hurt/comfort elements were top tier — this book is a dream for anyone who loves watching characters slowly heal.
The emotional stakes kept me on my toes from start to finish, and I truly connected with the rawness of the story.

That said, the length made the journey feel a little overwhelming at times.
At over 750 pages, there were moments where the pacing dragged and I found myself wishing for a tighter, more focused narrative.
There’s so much powerful material here — the characters, the angst, the deep emotional beats — and with a bit more trimming, I believe it could have been even more impactful.

I’m really looking forward to seeing what the author does next — and hoping book two keeps all the amazing emotion while feeling a little more streamlined.
With this much heart behind their writing, I know they’re just getting started.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so emotional!

Hailey has spent six years of her life at a “reform academy” where she was taught how to be a good omega for her master. When an unexpected opportunity allows her to escape, she ends up in the territory of Pack Ironwood. Hailey doesn’t immediately realize that the pack is fractured, but they think she could be the missing piece to reconnect all of them. But how can she trust alphas when everything she has learned only demonstrates their cruelty? And why is she so drawn to Finn, Pack Ironwood’s omega?

I really loved the way that the pack had to slowly work to earn Hailey’s trust. Her spirit has been broken down for years, but there are glimpses of the kind, loving person beneath. I also appreciated that she didn’t walk in to a perfect pack. They also have issues and secrets. I am really intrigued by Ren’s mysterious past and I can’t wait to get more in part two! The cliffhanger was a little predictable, but still very effective. Can’t wait for part two!

[Carol Demmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different story. A programmed omega, Hailey, who has escaped via an accident, finds herself a cabin to rest. She is found by Stone who tries to hide her from his pack but Finn, their omega,finds her. He instantly has a connection to her and is protective. Hailey doesn't trust the alpha's, Stone, Jax and Ren, and they will have to give her space to accept them since she is their scent match. This story is emotional as Hailey learns to trust, Finn has to accept that she is good for the pack and the Alpha's will try to find out who kept Hailey caged. This story is full of danger, high emotions and is part one of two books. I look forward to reading the conclusion of this amazing story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.