When Princess Reiyana unexpectedly presents as an Omega at age twenty, her future is no longer her own. Once a Beta with dreams of love and adventure, she is now a political prize—coveted by Alphas across the Nine Kingdoms.
But two half-brothers change everything.
Prince Kaelendrin and Prince Alarik of Asadia enter the royal tournament to claim her hand. Their strength and charm awaken something forbidden within Reiyana, unraveling not only her carefully guarded heart but also the beliefs she’s clung to her entire life.
Determined to reclaim control of her fate, Reiyana plots her escape. But betrayal leaves her stranded in a world where power is reserved for the chosen few—and no position is more perilous than that of an Omega. Now, she must navigate dangerous alliances, confront hidden truths, and embrace the desires she’s long denied—before her destiny is decided for her.
Whisked Away is a why-choose omegaverse romantasy filled with secrets, power struggles, and slow-building passion. It is Book One in the Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms series.
While this series explores shared love, there is no M/M romance between the brothers.
This was a lovely book by a lovely author. I especially enjoyed the FMC's journey towards self acceptance as an Omega, and the brothers' back stories that lead to their bond pact.
The first half was especially engaging and the omegaverse elements didn't bother me; it walked a fine line and it was interesting to see.
The slow burn was great and I loved to see them make sure their getting together wasn't all about the heat.
The last quarter of the book didn't feel as engaging as the beginning and I would have liked to see more of the conspiracy and politics, but maybe it was just me being in a mood!
5 Things I loved about this book 1 Reiya's journey of self acceptance 2 The brothers and their bond 3 How the omegaverse didn't take center stage all the time, and didn't take over personalities 4 Reiya's adapting to simple life and reflecting on freedom and identity 5 This book was the exact opposite of the miscommunication trope among MCs
5 Things: minor icks 1 Some parts in the last quarter seemed a bit long winded 2 Might be me but the pacing in the beginning was great but at the end it felt a bit instalovey 3 I wasn't feeling the spice too much, not sure if it's on me though 4 Always at the end, everything seemed wrapping up a bit too cleanly 5 Some of the sentences felt a bit cheesy sweet
Pre-read Yes, I'm starting another omegaverse after running away from that other one. I was promised this was not heavy on those words like pack or nest that really are a hard line for me. I wish the omegaverse variations were better catalogued like fantasy that has so many subgenres!
Anyway, I have so many reason why I'm hell bent on loving this one, starting with the fact that the author is so nice and playful, and ending with OMG HAVE YOU SEEN THIS COVER?? COME ON!
So wish me well, cause I'll be sad if this didn't become a favorite and had me beg the author to be in their ARC team forevermore.
[Update] Ok after sitting on this book for a while I’ve decided to bump my star rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. I feel like a big part of whether I think a book is well written is based on how much the book lingers in my mind after I’ve finished it and this book definitely has! I think I’d just like to add that the world building is beautiful and I love the attention to culture in this book. I feel like the writing style pays a lot of attention to the details of how things look, smell, and feel in a way that makes me feel like I was there.
While I’m not sure I’d recommend this book to everyone (hi grandma) I do think I’d recommend it to all my spicy romance/fantasy girly friends.
[Original Review] ARC read! The very first thing that caught my eye about this book is the cover artwork. It’s literally stunning. I can’t get over how pretty it is.
This is a MFM/why choose/omegaverse romance. I will say this is the first omegaverse romance book I’ve ever read and while I’m not sure it’s totally my style, I won’t yuck anybody’s yum and say don’t read this. Overall, I think it was an interesting book with lots of great moments and I definitely enjoyed it.
I thought the plot was interesting and engaging. I think it started off really strong with a lot of action and excitement but as time went on the suspense dwindled a little bit for me. Especially towards the end as we fell into more of a royalty/political setting. Although some of the political stuff felt drawn out and slightly boring at times, it also felt very immersive into the world of court dynamics. If you’re a lover of princesses and princes and a fight for power and justice this is a good book for you.
The overall theme of found family was well done. I loved so many characters in this book that were part of the FMCs new found family.
While some of the omegaverse stuff is not totally my style, the romance aspect itself did actually pull through for me. I love some loyal and devoted MMCs. And the spice was spicyyy. lol I read a good chunk of this book on an airplane and let me tell you there were a few times I had to shrink my font size very tiny because I didn’t want people around me snooping at what I was reading. 😂 There are about 4 different “spicy” scenes in this book just for reference. (Which we love)
One of my biggest hang up about this book is that after the initial action that jumpstarted the main conflict, the stakes never felt super high again. I think the nature of having two big strong MMCs who would do anything to protect their princess means I was never really worried anything bad would really happen to her once they showed up. Which is sweet from a romance side, but from a fantasy side it lacked some suspense.
All of that aside, I did actually really enjoy this book and I’m so glad I was able to receive an ARC copy!
“The best stories don’t have endings. They grow. They change. And everyone involved gets to write them”. - Kaelen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received this book as an Arc from NetGalley and Victory Editing.
Whisked Away is my first foray into an Omegaverse. Basically a world where there is a genetic hierarchy (Alpha, Beta and Omega). And even a sub-hierarchy within the Alpha/Omega category of SunBorn or Moonfire being at the top of the tier. In the Whisked Away world, Omegas are very rare and it’s only through an Alpha and Omega pair that a Sunborn or Moonfire can be conceived, therefore not only making Omega’s rare but in high demand. So much so, there is even a black market for Omega’s.
Our main FMC Princess Reiyana is a late blooming Omega. We meet our MMC’s Prince Kaelandrin and Prince Alarik when they decide to compete in a tournament to showcase their Alpha status for Princess Reiyana’s eventual choosing of an Alpha husband.
But fearing being considered property and losing her autonomy, our FMC makes a series of decisions that leads her on a path of self-discovery that challenges her royal upbringing as well as her prejudices, allowing for the Princes’ to prove themselves. Through the book, the biggest repetitive theme is freedom.
This is where I took a star off. I personally love a strong and smart FMC. Both are qualities Princess Reiyana possesses until she keeps putting herself in ridiculous situations that she is not equipped to handle…all in the name of feeling free. There is freedom in intelligence and as women, we know when we need to be smart for self-preservation but Princess Reiyana continuously goes off alone knowing she’s being hunted for a large sum, being followed and watched while also being constantly surrounded by not so friendly Alphas with little ability to protect herself.
The banter and ease of the Princess and her two Princes was fun. The spice literally had me blushing it was so good. The author did a wonderful job creating distinct personalities of the main characters. I loved the supporting characters of this book as well. The book carried itself easily and gave a clear picture of the societies politics and strife within the nine kingdoms of this fantasy world. Setting us up for the second book in this series.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to continuing the series.
Tropes you’ll find in this book:
Slow Burn Why Choose Found Family Multiple POV MFM Omegaverse
This was such a good surprise for me and I loved it! I always thought omegaverse and polyamorous romances weren’t my thing, but this book proved me otherwise. It was well written and well balanced between romance and plot, and the political intrigue kept me on edge throughout the book. We have a multiple POV and the romance dynamics gave me all the feels! I also loved Reiya’s journey overall, her finding her own self and freedom through love when she always thought it would enslave her. The ending left me wanting more though, and I was not ready to say goodbye to our characters yet, especially with that hinting at the end of the epilogue.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC!!!
I was hooked from the very beginning. It was fun to read about wolves (omega alpha beta) without the wolf element. I also loved that spice was not an overall theme, yes there were elements but it did not overpower the general plot and Reiyana’s (FMC) fight for the freedom to make her own choices.
And a great choice she made! A great story about not trusting that which is simple and easy but fighting for and wishing for things to be better even if it is the rougher path. Our MMC’s Kaelen and Alaric are true examples of being Alphas without being alpha-holes 😂. Letting our FMC make her own decisions and understanding that even if they don’t agree (which most of the time they do) it is her choice to make.
Cannot believe I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this wonderful book!
Whisked Away is the perfect title for this book in more ways than one. The author literally whisked me away to this rich & vibrant fairytale kingdom!
Tropes- 🌞 Omegaverse 🌝 Found family 🌞 Why choose 🌝 Slow burn 🌞 Royal romance 🌝 Self discovery 🌞 Second chance at love
This book was slower paced than I am used to. It was a breath of fresh air. The rich & descriptive writing spoke to all of my senses. When I tell you this author is a master of setting the scene… no detail was spared and every word seemed to be written with intention. It really made me cherish what I was reading, place myself inside the story, see the sea or the desert in my mind, feel the sand beneath my feet, smell and taste the wood smoke & citrus blossoms in the air… I mean… GORGEOUS writing.
Princess Reiya begins her journey as a sheltered Omega princess bound by duty. An asset to be traded for political gain. With the comforts of court life stripped away, she finds her true grit on the road to safety. Her upbringing as a princess gives her the perfect balance of thoughtfulness and restraint, while her found family on the road teaches her to break out of her shell and learn what she is truly made of.
I cannot find the words to accurately portray how perfect Prince Kaelen and Alarik are. They are synchronized opposites, both so different, yet complimentary to each other and to Reiya. The foundation of their budding relationship turned into a bond of solid stone and their dynamic turned out to be so tender and healing. They are the sun and moon to her sky and vice verse.
All that lush writing made for some heart-stopping, breath-catching spicy scenes. I legitimately got butterflies during Reiya, Kaelen & Alarik’s first sweet kisses & wholesome moments of intimacy. It just got better from there. The spicy scenes had me breaking a sweat 🥵 but it was more than just spice! The immense love Reiya and the Prince’s develop throughout the story was eventually pouring from the pages.
Castiel, Johdar & Annais are the villainous characters you love to hate. They all forced Raiya to come into herself in different ways. Castiel’s betrayal cut deep and left me in tears for her. The underlying mystery of the disappearing Omegas added an element of danger and secrets.
I would highly recommend this story of learning to trust, having the courage to grow and most importantly, choosing love 🖤 I am thankful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book! All opinions are my own.
2.75⭐️ This was too long and too full of descriptions and filler. I found myself skipping paragraphs, which I never do, and we’d still practically be on the same thought. I have to call out something here that made me uncomfy….which is did we need our love interests to be brothers? Am I the only one that thinks that’s weird? I liked Kaelin and Alarik, but really wish they were just best friends and that I didn’t have to try to forget the fact that they’re brothers banging the same girl…at the same time...
Raeya was insufferable to me. She got better toward the end but the entire first half she was selfish and naïve. I get that you want freedom, but hello you’re a princess! You have to think about your kingdom, not just yourself! She up and left without caring how it could affect anyone.
Random thought about Omegaverse at large. I’m finding that I prefer Omegaverse when the people are shifters and actually turn into wolves? Then at least the instincts and tropes make sense to me.
The cover of this book is beautiful. The story premise, setting, and writing is fantastic. Then it sort of falls off from there. Around 25% through I start skimming A LOT... Then I dnf around 50% What happened?! It gets so boring and I cannot find anything interesting enough to continue sadly..
I always love fantasy books where the main character goes on a journey throughout the land because you get to see great world building that way. This book does that! The world building was so much fun. There’s even the sweetest found family too! I really hope we get to see all those characters again in future books. This is a why choose omegaverse so you know the spice was spicing. I love all 3 main characters and the way they slowly formed their bond. The way choice and consent was always involved. The brotherly bond was also really sweet. I wouldn’t be able to choose between Kaelen and Alarik either. I loved them. This book had a lot more to it though. The FMC had a lot of character growth and I enjoyed her journey. There’s lots of political and power struggles. It was a really great introduction into this world the author is building and I can’t wait to see more of it in the next book.
If these tropes interest you then I’d def recommend this one! ✨Why choose? (M/F/M) ✨Royalty romance ✨Court intrigue ✨Slow burn ✨Reluctant Hero ✨Damaged Hero ✨He falls first ✨Found family ✨Protective Heroes ✨Forced Proximity
The idea behind this book was really interesting, and the setting seemed promising at first. I was curious to see where the story would go, and the writing style was easy to follow in the beginning.
But after a while, I started to lose interest. The pacing felt very slow, with a lot of long descriptions and scenes that didn’t really move the story forward. I found myself skimming more and more, hoping something would grab my attention again — but sadly, that didn’t happen.
The romance didn’t work for me either. It felt a bit flat and lacked tension or chemistry, which made it hard to feel invested in the relationships.
Overall, this book just wasn’t for me. I think some readers might enjoy it if they’re into very slow-burn fantasy with lots of world building and unusual romance dynamics — but I couldn’t stay engaged enough to enjoy the ride.
Thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing and Enola M. Douglas for the free copy.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Whisked Away by Enola M. Douglas. In this story Enola immerses you in a world of adventure and intrigue. The world building is wonderful and you feel like you're at the ocean, traveling with a caravan, smelling and tasting all of the wonders at a desert market, and hitting the high seas. Each location is well brought to life. The characters are on point, as well. The main character, Reiyana is an amazing FMC. She has so many wonderful sides to her. She's tender yet tough and grows and learns from all of her mistakes. I love that the two MMC's compliment each other and her. They help her grow and break out of her rigid beliefs and embrace her freedom. Many of the other characters shined as well! Little Mei Mei was a big favorite. If you want a story of growth, freedom, adventure, and love that takes place in the Omegaverse, then this is a great read for you!
Thank you to Enola M. Douglas and Netgalley for providing me with an arc! I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Actual Rating: 4 ⭐ What to expect: -Omegaverse -Royals -Fleshed-out word -Very descriptive writing (especially of scenery!) -MFM -Character-arc -Spice 3/5 🌶️
My thoughts:
It has been a while since I last read an omegaverse book, and this one was the perfect choice to draw me back into the genre! While it included some traditional elements of omegaverse—like a female main character who reveals herself late, the looming presence of a heat, and the need to find alphas—it also offered something quite different from any other books I've read. Omegaverse is often seen as just spice, but this book is much more than that. It features a clear, well-defined plot, deeply developed characters, and a richly fleshed-out world. The romance is a slow burn, which is quite rare for this genre. It felt genuine rather than just lust, showcasing real connections between the characters.
I also want to highlight the amazing world the author created. The story is set in nine kingdoms, each with its unique climate and culture, vividly depicted throughout the narrative. The author's writing style and descriptions significantly enhance the story and help it stand out. I truly felt as if I were right there with Reiya, experiencing the world for the first time!
Lastly, you might wonder why I didn’t give it 5 stars. While the beginning hooked me immediately, I started to lose interest towards the middle and end. The only thing really driving the plot forward was the impending heat. Although Castiel was meant to create suspense, his ending felt very underwhelming. There were no surprising reveals that made me gasp; in fact, I saw the ending coming from a mile away.
Overall, this book is perfect for fans of omegaverse and romantasy!
Okay so I wanted to love this book. Why choose/omegaverse novel. It has all the things I love. The book opened well and pulled me in. Up until we got to about the 50% mark. This is where it started to drag. It was awful. The romance was dull. There wasn’t any banter. It was all “it’s okay, you are so amazing.” Just back and forth from character to character. It was really boring tbh. The book should have been cut a lot shorter, 100 pages less. The story just got lost in random enemies, training montage, bad villianry. I found myself skimming and I didn’t lose anything from it.
The spice, the one thing you look forward to in books like this was so awkward and cringe. The author used the word womb way too many times in the sex scenes. Oh and the being so large she could see it and feel it from inside her belly? Not possible. The postions. I actually made my husband stand up and help me try to figure out a position the author was describing because I was like girl there ain’t no way (much hilarity ensued 😂.)
So TLDR: Beginning was great, sex cringe, draggie draggie drag drag, villians being villainous, long end, with weird cliffy.
Thank you so much to Enola M. Douglas for making me a part of your ARC team ❤️🔥
4.25/5 ⭐ — 3.75🔥/5 🌶️ — 2.5/5 💀
The short version of the review ? I LOVED THIS BOOK! From the characters (MCs, villains and SCs were all memorable and well thought out); to the storyline, romance, political intrigue & plot that were on point; to the beautiful setting that made you feel like you were right there seeing & feeling & smelling & tasting everything that world had to offer; and finally the spice that had me bluuuuushing. Everything had me hooked and yearning for MORE !! I am very excited for the rest of the series to come out 🔥
Now if you want the longer version here it goes :
First of all, I can’t not mention the insanely GORGEOUS cover!!!!! It’s what first drew me to the ARC submission and once I read the blurb I was hooked 💛 I am definitely buying a physical copy as soon as I can get my hand on one!
The story : This was my very first Omegaverse book and goodness am I glad it was ! When I initially signed up I didn’t really know what to expect and, not gonna lie, when I started reading was a bit put off by the whole Alpha/Omega power dynamic (my feminism was screaming)… At the end of the day, the strong desire/need of an Omega for an Alpha reminds me a lot of the desire/need fated mates have for each other in faery realms so i was able to get over myself haha 😂 and while there were definitely moments where those traditional A/O power dynamics were represented (and made me very angry), the storyline revolves on REDEFINING what those relationships should actually look like were the sacredness of the bond upheld.
I LOVED how the relationship between the MCs focused on respect, consent and choice; how they were all about both giving her the space to figure out what she truly wanted while also challenging her deeply ingrained beliefs; how even though the MMCs had the power to take that bond and do what they wished with it, they actually didn’t want it unless it was 100% mutual.
As much as the story revolved a lot around the A/O dynamics, the plot was absolutely plottttting and I was sooo greedy for more; but we ended on a cliffhanger ☹️ however since I know there are more books to come, I will (im)patiently wait for my curiosity to be sated and not complain one bit 🫣 ok maybe just a little… I just know the political intrigue is going to get intense and with there being NINE Kingdoms, we’re looking at large scale world and character building, and complex plot !!
I would say that the only downside is that I wish we would have gotten more of MMCs’s side of the story during that initial adventure… It would have been thrilling to read their side of the quest to find her ! Maybe in the next book ? 🥹 I also feel like that last plot twist happened a little too fast for my taste, and would have wanted more action and intrigue.
The characters : Reiyana : What can I say, I love me a sheltered but fierce and fearless FMC who’s willing to get out of her comfort zone (without whining!) and will do everything she can to fight for her beliefs, even if it might cost her everything 😌 Her character development was just beautiful and I can not wait to get more of it in the upcoming books ! Kaelendrin : now listen!!! yes, he IS blond but trust me when I say you will forget about that very quickly because he is absolutely delightful 🤭 behind the cool and charming exterior is actually a heart of gold !!! Alarik : broody, quiet, emotionally damaged, observant & utterly dedicated? i was hoooooooked as soon as he was introduced 🫠 I definitely have a huge soft spot for him ! The two brothers complement and complete both eachother and Reiya beautifully. The side characters : Enola has a real talent for writing gripping characters because let me tell you !!! all of the important SCs were really memorable, and I hope to see some of them in the rest of the series! Big soft spot for wonderful and fierce little Mei Mei 🥹 The villains : OH THEY WERE VILLAINING ALRIGHT 😡 that is all I will say...
The setting : Oh damn, the world that Enola has built and described so was so freaking lush and GORGEOUS!!! She definitely has a way with words that conveys the etherial beauty of the Nine Issoirea Kingdoms, and I know that what’s in store for the rest of the series will be just as magical ! You could feel the sand and heat of the desert & salty spray of the ocean, smell and taste the mouthwatering dishes of the markets & bonfires, feel the excitement & anguish & tension of the adventures.
The Spice : I meaaaaan 🤭 what can I say other than the spice was SPICING ! For one, she made consent even hotter than it already is; two, the tension and yearning and slow burn was on freaking point 😮💨; and three, those spicy scenes were absolutely delicious 🥵
You can find this review of Whisked Away on my blog, Heart's Content!
A BIG shout out and heartfelt thank you to the author for gifting me a complimentary copy of Whisked Away in exchange for an honest review!
There was something about the blurb of Whisked Away that drew me in the minute I read it, and from my (albeit, short) experience of being a book blogger I’ve learned to listen to/trust that soft, but sure voice that always sounds at the back of my head. It never leads me wrong.
Spoiler Alert: I was right.
*throws confetti all around*
(Yes this is a celebration of my inner intuition as well as the book. There is space for both, believe me.)
I’m always both, daunted and excited, when I notice that the book I’m about to read is thicc; which is usually because this potentially marks the beginning of an adventure that’s long, immersive and stays with you long after the last page.
Spoiler Alert v2.0: It was.
From the first moment the book dropped on my reader, I’ve been thinking about it. It never left my mind even before I started it. I was so excited and happy to finally dive into it this month. It was a long time coming…
(Yes, we quote Taylor Swift too sometimes on this blog.)
From page one of Whisked Away I found myself rooted to the story. I cannot explain the number of times I’ve made little annotations and highlights marking a moment for how well done, well thought, well planned or just for how beautiful the writing was. The draw of fantasy is, of course, often entrenched in how much it removes the reader from reality; however what makes it work (ironically) is how authentic the main character/s are, in their choices, their actions and their emotions. The author has done a fantastic job of threading these aspects together: the fantasy of being in a world you don’t recognise and the reality of a character whose emotions you can … understand and a story you flow with and grow into your love for.
While I’ve never been a fan of switching/dual perspectives, I’ve started to appreciate everything that they lend to the story. In WA—while the world slowly but eventually expands and requires only the FMC’s voice the most—initially showcases the thoughts of all three main characters. Given that this book was balanced on the subject of trust and vulnerability, I personally enjoyed the insight into all three of the protagonists’ minds. A glimpse into their perceptions of the world, the reasoning behind their actions and the ever tightening noose of duty and its effect on their individual personalities were all wonderful to witness, experience and/or watch heal.
The characters in this story are many, however the author has planned this book in a way to ensure that no more than three (important) characters are introduced at the same time. I enjoy, enjoy, enjoyed a FMC that was, young yes, but so so smart to learn from her mistakes. No single person exists who does not make decisions in haste, fear and panic. But how we learn from the consequences of it, how it shapes us and how we conduct ourselves in the future based on this hard earned wisdom is what true character growth is. This. Book. HAS. That. I was so so overjoyed to watch a character think, contemplate and never just react impulsively after finding her footing. All the typical counterintuitive dramatics that come with a character not growing was all avoided! This means that there was so much room for everything else that a book actually needs!
I was hugging the author in my mind the whole time and I’ve likely written the word “smart” on my reader nearly a dozen times in so many moments where the characters aren’t blind to blatant lies and strategies. I’ve noticed characters in books skipping over realisations that anyone in their situation would’ve picked up on immediately. This is often used as a plot device, but I enjoyed that Douglas never did this! She sustained that her characters were smart and sharp and worked hard to build and sustain their trust in one another.
Thank you, God.
The main plot of this story is certainly one that is going to span across the series. I enjoyed that the author did such a fantastic job taking her time to build the larger plot slowly but surely in the background, even while allowing the more immediate plot linked to the characters, the world and their development take the required space it needs. I loved the journey Douglas takes us on in this book and reading it was truly like nursing a warm drink beside a warmer fire on a cold, storming night.
The world—much like the plot—has so much space and time to evolve. I was never lost, never confused and forever comfortable with whatever was happening on scene. I enjoyed how real the world felt even while being fantastical. There was a vein of vulnerability that threads through the whole book that keeps us connected to every aspect of the story and involved us further in the workings and rules of the world.
The pace in this book is comfortably even. I personally felt a dip around the 60% mark, where the author was clearly shifting gears to reorganise the setting and get the readers reacquainted with it. However, in less than ten percent, it picks up again, evening out and weaving complexities that add so much beauty to the tapestry created by the author.
Five stars! As always please do check trigger warnings before reading as there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some! Happy reading!
Whisked Away by Enola M. Douglas is an addictively enthralling and immersive dive into a why-choose, omegaverse romantasy.
There’s thick tension, political and court intrigue, deep substantial romance, and an incredible balance between the plot and romance. Everything had intention, everything was poised perfectly, and the characters were personable and likeable. As a side note, it was such a breath of fresh air to see the monarchs, pointedly the Asadia King and the fmc’s parents, not be cruel toward the fmc.
With a strong willed fmc who is desperate to break free from the confines of a destiny decided for her, Reiyana is both admirable and alluring. She is so strong, determined, defiant, smart and wise. Watching her growth in character from being a timid, but strong willed omega to someone who is powerful and desires to set a different example in societal standards was so interesting and awe inspiring.
The mmc’s, half brothers Kaelendrin and Alarik, are rare among alphas in this world, seeking an omega that is an equal to both of them. Immediately from their introductions as being stark contrasts from each other made them very alluring in a way that had me intrigued to learn more about them.
‼️Slight Spoilers . . . . . .
Castiel is gross. That is all I can offer on him. A true villain in this book with horrible morals and a nasty manipulative streak. Everytime that man opened his mouth, even from the get go, I had the ick. . . . . . .
As a whole, this book was an incredible introduction to this world and what it has to offer involving the unfathomable potential with world building, cultural diversity, and so much more. With inspiring and compelling themes, it is a journey of self-value and self-discovery. I will be patiently waiting for the next installment of this world!
Sometimes books just sound too good. I actually have to request fewer review copies, but when I came across this book on Netgalley I just couldn't help myself. The author granted me one and after the initial shock, since this is quite a big book, I started reading.
Although this is quite a big book I was intrigued from start to finish. I was always looking forward to continuing reading. I was always curious what was gonna happen next. It's quite a commitment to start this book, but it's absolutely worth it. The pacing also feels quite natural. I wouldn't have wanted the book to be faster. I for sure wouldn't have wanted the author to rush things more. After all, especially the heroine has quite some growing to do and that simply takes time.
I also loved how this book was written in such a way that we got to see quite a lot from the world it's taking place in. The world is a lot bigger and I'm already curious about the kingdoms we haven't heard or seen anything of. However, I never felt lost, I never felt overwhelmed. The author painted clear and beautiful pictures of the kingdoms we do get to see. I like how they each have their own custom and culture and how there are so many people with their own dreams and wishes inhabiting them.
The true stars of the story were the characters, though. The heroine grows a lot throughout the story. Although the circumstances are forcing her to grow and learn, it does feel natural and realistic. I also loved the connection between her and her alphas. Their dynamic was touching, respective and also developed naturally. All three of them were also layered and complicated. Most of all they were all easy to like and root for. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Don't judge me for how long it took me to finally sit down and write this review–because as awesome as this book is, she's a thick one.
Where do I begin? I'm a sucker for Omegaverse stories, I really am. But I do think that, especially in the published space, those books often fall short on an actual story to tell. A lot of authors tend to follow the same script and reduce their stories to only the most generic lore, which often makes it hard to read something deep and meaningful, something new, while still having those A/B/O elements. It's why I usually tend to lurk in the fanfic realm whenever I crave a good Omegaverse, because I feel like those are often much more unique in the aspect of plot devices and characterisation.
Well, I am so, so glad, this is not one of those books. Whisked Away is every bit the fantasy book I hoped it'd be and more. This book is certainly a ride. It's full of extensive world-building, well-thought-out political climates, and a rich history. Especially, in terms of lore, this one might just be one of the best Omegaverse stories I've ever read.
The author has really done a lot of work in regard to world-building, setting the stage for all the sequels to come in this story, while we follow our heroines through their (still mostly unexplored) world. I really think this book manages to combine it all: action, adventure, fantasy realms, and court intrigue, A/B/O elements, an,d really well, tasteful written smut. Throw in the absolute fantastical prose, and you have yourself a must-read.
And the best part? The author still lets us guess after finishing book 1. It ends with a bang, and I absolutely cannot wait to dive back into the Nine Kingdoms.
I will start with thanking Net Galley and the author that provided me with this ARC ! I first saw Whisked Away on the author´s Instagram page and I was very intrigued.. Whisked Away is a romantasy book that combines romance with omegaverse elements.I think that was one of the things I liked most , because it wasn't your typically fantasy book. The world building was involving the whole time and we had the chance to discover new things and places (We will see more in the next book) , I found very interesting the social hierarchy of the book and how well it was introduced to us without slowing the pace of the book.I also liked the whole religion thing and the different cultures we discovered through ceremonies,trips or even clothing! As for the romance, when you hear about an omegaverse book, your mind instantly thinks about insta-lust, but that was not it. The author achieved through her writing such a perfect slow-burn, we understood how the bond between the two mmcs works and how our fmc goes through a self discovery journey. The relationship between the three was so precious each one of them found a part of them in this bond. Additionaly, I found this very suitable for polyamory romance beginners because the author explained with a beautiful way how the brothers and the fmc complete each other and her! As for the plot I would say it´s very politcs based and an mystery is going on , I won´t say something more cause I don´t want to spoil anything. And something I couldn´t forget is the found family trope it was so sweet, their moments together made such a cozy atmosphere.
Whisked Away (Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms #1) by Enola M. Douglas Omegaverse High Fantasy ARC Review
4.25🌟 3🌶️
This book had me hooked from the first chapter. The writing was captivating and it left me wanting more. The suspense and anxiety it inspired were awesome, and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I love a good why-choose romance, and the fact that it's an omegaverse story made me pretty excited for this book. Needless to say, it did not disappoint.
Reiyana is such a compelling FMC. She is strong competent and firm in her convictions. She undergoes such a journey of growth and realization. In addition to that, it is so refreshing to see an FMC who stands in her power and doesn’t shy away from her faults. The MMC's Kaeden and Alarik are equally as compelling and two sides of the same coin. They compliment each other so well and their cohesiveness and brotherly bond only enhances the plot. The depth of their characters is shown time and time again, by their interactions with the FMC and other side characters. Additionally, their POV and internal monologue give us insight into who they are and their motivations.
I think it was a very smart and strategic choice for the author to use multiple POVs to tell the story, it gave us all the information we needed to be fully immersed in the world. Consequently, the political intrigue helped add extra depth to the plot and got us all coming up with conspiracies 1/4 of the way through the book.
Add in Villains we love to hate, *cough cough* Castiel *cough cough*, and you have a recipe for a great book.
Praise to Enola M. Douglas for a compelling, suspenseful, and well-written book! Thank you for choosing me to be one of your ARC readers! I look forward to book 2!!
Additional praise for the cover art. It is truly gorgeous and catches the eye in just the right way.
My favorite genre is Romantasy, and I’m also CRAZY for a good MFM romance, now put that all together with OMEGAVERSE and you get this GEM that is Whisked Away 😱💕
This is a slow burn why-choose romance where the Omega is reluctant and the Alphas have to slowly win over her heart and trust, it’s seriously so sweet and the build up to spice is slow but worth it! 🔥It focuses heavily on choice and consent which is refreshing to see in a subgenre so driven by primal instincts and alpha/beta/omega dynamics. The world building is so captivating! Omegas are super rare in the kingdoms, specially an alpha-omega pair. The bulk of the population is Beta and for a small island kingdom with Beta rulers, an Omega princess means prosperity and salvation, as Alphas from the entire realm race to compete for the princess’ hand. However, Princess Reiyana is not interested in marriage, even less so to an Alpha.
If you aren’t convinced by the stunning cover and artwork alone, trust me when I say GO READ THIS you will thank me later 😘
What you can expect: 👑Royalty romance 👑Omegaverse 👑runaway Princess 👑why choose MFM 👑arranged marriage 👑forced proximity 👑protective Alphas 👑found family 👑 Betrayal and shocking twists!
Whisked Away is one of those books that grabs you and won't release you for a breath until you're finished ! Give it the time it deserves, you won't be disappointed. I devoured it in a week, and it left such an impression in my mind, when I crossed paths with the market, I thought of Reiyana, and how she might have loved the local fares. Don't mistake this for a simplistic omega/alpha dynamic. This book is about so much more; it speaks of freedom and choices, of how to find your place in the world with the hand you're dealt with, about how to trust when you've been betrayed, about how to find self worth and hold onto it, even though others may not approve of your choices. It is a journey; Reiyana's journey, first, laden with culture and introspection. And for the reader, a journey of the soul. That the author's writing sometimes feels like poetry weaved into scenes is just a bonus, but a very welcome one. It takes a special kind of skill to pull this off.
I read a 600+ page fantasy romance omegaverse novel and searched ‘knot’ before I started (as one does). Like a fool I thought I’d be getting LOTS of them but there was (k)not a single anatomical knot to be found. I really enjoyed Whisked Away. It was the perfect marriage of omegaverse and fantasy romance. I loved both Reiya’s journey of self and her relationship with Alarik and Kaelen. This book should have been heavily edited down (especially the first 175ish pages) but it was a solid debut and I’m eager for the next!
“I know you want a choice, Sáel.” His voice lowered, a quiet gravity pulling her in. His thumb ghosted over her bottom lip, lingering. He leaned in until their foreheads touched. “But imagine what it’s like to not have to choose at all. Imagine two hearts devoted to you. Two souls bound to yours—wholly, fiercely, without hesitation.”
This book was so immersive! I loved Enola's world building and rich, descriptive language.
I've not read a lot of omegaverse outside of a few shifter books, but I enjoyed the way it was handled in this one. The side characters were delightful and I enjoyed the dynamic between the FMC and the two MMC.
The pacing felt a little off, particularly with how quickly things resolved at the end. But overall I would say this was a good start to a series and I'm intrigued to see what happens with the next book.
Whisked Away completely swept me off my feet! This book delivers everything I love in a story—and then some.
If you're into: • Omegaverse • Why Choose • Found Family • Slow Burn • Political Intrigue • MFM dynamics …then you're in for a treat.
Enola M. Douglas crafts a rich, immersive world in the Nine Kingdoms, where Omegas are highly coveted—especially by highborn Alphas. When Princess Reiyana unexpectedly presents as an Omega, her life is turned upside down.
Reiya’s character arc is one of my favorite parts of the book. She’s smart, strong, and deeply self-aware. Her desire for freedom and her resistance to being caged by tradition or power dynamics is compelling and relatable. Torn between duty to her kingdom and her own autonomy, she’s thrust into a tournament where Alphas from across the realm compete for her hand.
Enter Kaelendrin and Alarik—half-brother princes who challenge everything Reiya thought she knew about Alphas. Their dynamic with her is respectful, tender, and rooted in consent and equality. Watching Reiya learn to trust and open herself to the possibility of love without losing herself was incredibly satisfying.
This book is a slow burn in the best way, with emotional depth, political tension, and a romance that feels earned. I can’t wait to see where the series goes next!
This was such a delicate thrill. How do I even begin to explain that? It had such warm, tender, and inviting moments like a cozy romance but with a really exciting story to go along with it and with intriguing stakes. Enola is a fabulous storyteller.
I was blown away with the vulnerabilities the characters reached with each other. You don't find many books that can get so DEEP into feelings and express them so well. It was ultimately my favorite part of the book. Each character had a well-defined arc and some serious growth alone and together. Each character with their own identity and each well developed. They came to life 1000%.
I am usually not an omegaverse person, but this was a great read, and I enjoyed the omega/alpha parts to the best of my ability.
PERFECT!! This is everything I love about romance and fantasy put together! Beautiful writing, lush world, capturing plot (literally) I can't wait for book 2! I was whisked away by this book. Firstly I don't normally read omega verse or why choose (especially in dark romance) not my cup of tea. But when its written like this! WOW! I need intimacy, comfort, trust, healing and sloooooow burn for my romance and it delivered! (lots of !!!!, I loved this book!) I am just so excited I tried something new, trusted my gut and read it! The plot with the 9 kingdoms political intrigue is what I enjoy about fantasy.
Being an Omega doesn’t mean giving everything away. It means choosing who’s worthy of the parts you offer.”
This book pulled me in with its slow build of trust and the strengthening bond between the characters. Watching their connection grow layer by layer had me completely hooked, and the ending was perfect—emotional, hopeful, and so satisfying.
One of my favorite aspects was Reiya’s character growth. Her shifting perspective on what true freedom means was beautifully written and made her journey feel powerful and personal. The emotional weight of her decisions really stayed with me even after I closed the book.
The world itself was engaging, and while it had all the intrigue and romantic intensity I hoped for in an omegaverse romantasy, it also carried strong themes of identity, choice, and self-worth.
If you enjoy romantic tension, deep character arcs, and emotional payoffs, this book is absolutely worth picking up. It’s romantic, intense, and heartfelt—a combination I’ll always love. 💫
Tropes you’ll find: 👑 royalty 🕵️ secret identity 🔥 slow burn 👨👩👧👦 found family 💘 he falls first 🏰 forced proximity 💍 arranged marriage 🤍 why choose