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The Beholden Duet #1
A Savage Debt
Three nights of submission. To pay her father’s debt.
No one knows his face, but his name is whispered with dread.
Maddoc. A dark outlaw, bound by no laws, feared by all.
When he appears at the royal court, he demands repayment for a debt no one knew existed. His price?
The princess.
Ana, the treasured daughter of the king, has lived a life dictated by duty—protected, revered, and betrothed to another. She is content to meet all of her father’s expectations.
Until she expected to pay his debt with her own flesh and give three nights to the merciless outlaw.
Maddoc orchestrates a dark chaos, dragging her deep into his shadowed desire.
But Ana glimpses the man behind the monster. A man that could unravel everything she has ever known.
And as the walls of her perfect life crumble, Ana is forced to confront a terrifying reality: the safety she has always known is an illusion, and her heart may belong to the one who seeks to destroy her.
BEWARE: This story is for those who love an extremely possessive antihero who is inspired by a dark Robin Hood. See author website for full warnings.
No one knows his face, but his name is whispered with dread.
Maddoc. A dark outlaw, bound by no laws, feared by all.
When he appears at the royal court, he demands repayment for a debt no one knew existed. His price?
The princess.
Ana, the treasured daughter of the king, has lived a life dictated by duty—protected, revered, and betrothed to another. She is content to meet all of her father’s expectations.
Until she expected to pay his debt with her own flesh and give three nights to the merciless outlaw.
Maddoc orchestrates a dark chaos, dragging her deep into his shadowed desire.
But Ana glimpses the man behind the monster. A man that could unravel everything she has ever known.
And as the walls of her perfect life crumble, Ana is forced to confront a terrifying reality: the safety she has always known is an illusion, and her heart may belong to the one who seeks to destroy her.
BEWARE: This story is for those who love an extremely possessive antihero who is inspired by a dark Robin Hood. See author website for full warnings.
Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2020
211 people are currently reading
1017 people want to read
About the author
Zoey Ellis
31 books1,873 followersZoey Ellis is a Dark Romance author who unites Omegaverse and Epic Fantasy into intensely primal romances. With her signature blend of high steam, dark angst, and magical worlds, her work satisfies a thriving international community of bold-hearted, antihero lovers.
She lives in London, England, and spends most of her free time with family, collecting pretty fountain pen inks, and wrangling her TBR pile.
She lives in London, England, and spends most of her free time with family, collecting pretty fountain pen inks, and wrangling her TBR pile.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
July 17, 2020
3 Smut Scale Stars
I enjoyed this...but I feel like I should have enjoyed it more.
For a short book, the beginning was fairly clunky, although I loved the smut once things got going...however, the main reason for me not rating this any higher is the simple fact that I don't feel very driven to read the next book in the duet.
I enjoyed this...but I feel like I should have enjoyed it more.
For a short book, the beginning was fairly clunky, although I loved the smut once things got going...however, the main reason for me not rating this any higher is the simple fact that I don't feel very driven to read the next book in the duet.
July 16, 2020
Ana is an omega and a princess and heir to the kingdom of Allandis.
Maddoc is an Alpha and notorious criminal.
When he calls forth the royal promise on account of a debt he believes he's owed Maddoc demands three nights with Ana as his payment.
Setting things in motion and on a course that cannot be averted.
So this was seriously hot with a dose of initial humiliation and reluctance that soon starts to morph into something much more.
Ana initially seems so sweet, compliant and biddable but underneath the surface of her calm outer layer is a spitting wildcat just waiting to be released and taken in hand by her Alpha.
Maddoc is rough, dominant and oh so very male, he also takes what he wants no apologies given.
Their chemistry here is delicious and oh so combustible it actually projects its heat off the page with its raw intensity.
There are also definitely secrets being kept here and I can only speculate to what they are.
What I will say is this Ana seriously needs to take a good look around her and start thinking for herself instead of allowing herself to be so complacent and naive to the games and wills of others.
So with that finale, I Seriously need the next part of this like right now sigh.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of A Savage Debt (Beholden Duet, #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 29, 2020
Ana is a sheltered princess living in a world where her parents dictate her life. As a rare Omega and of high status Ana knows nothing of the outside world except what the books she reads. She trusts her parents. Now ready to marry to a perfect Alpha mate chosen by her to secure the royal line, a bad villian barges in and demands for her rights.
Maddoc is an Alpha so rough and demanding. Known for his reputation as a notorious criminal, an outlaw who has been escaping from getting captured. Calling for the debt owed to him by the King he demands three nights with the princess.
What started with humiliation turned into something more for Ana. Their nights together was delicious and combustible. Ana believes she knows about the outside world by reading the books in the library, but after spending time with Maddoc she questions her beliefs. Maddoc is an overwhelming and sly Alpha, I can sense he has a reason to get into the Kingdom.
There is a little mention of The Lox Empire from the Myth of Omega series. I like the world build and complex plot which will flourish more in the next book. What ruins my attention after a few pages into the book was "fuck", as in use of mordern language in a medieval period, which is a common problem in historical books.
The book ends with a cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to the unravel of the mysteries.
Maddoc is an Alpha so rough and demanding. Known for his reputation as a notorious criminal, an outlaw who has been escaping from getting captured. Calling for the debt owed to him by the King he demands three nights with the princess.
What started with humiliation turned into something more for Ana. Their nights together was delicious and combustible. Ana believes she knows about the outside world by reading the books in the library, but after spending time with Maddoc she questions her beliefs. Maddoc is an overwhelming and sly Alpha, I can sense he has a reason to get into the Kingdom.
There is a little mention of The Lox Empire from the Myth of Omega series. I like the world build and complex plot which will flourish more in the next book. What ruins my attention after a few pages into the book was "fuck", as in use of mordern language in a medieval period, which is a common problem in historical books.
The book ends with a cliffhanger. I'm looking forward to the unravel of the mysteries.
April 25, 2020
Whilst I did like the story I found the characters a bit stilted. Ana was a little annoying to be honest but hopefully her character develops more in the next book as in this one she was a bit dull. Maddoc’s character was more likeable but again the book wasn’t long enough to get a true feel of him yet. I do like Zoey Ellis’s omega verse stories so I definitely will look out for the other one. This book also had quite a few grammar and spelling mistakes which I know might impact some readers enjoyment but for myself even though it was noticeable I managed to get through it. Good start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
A very short but fun read. A sheltered princess must succumb to a brutish criminal that has saved her father and attained the royal promise to be granted anything he desires. He desired three nights with the princess. =]
April 1, 2022
Edit: I initially rated this 4 stars, but in all honesty this was more a 3.5 star read for me.
The smut was A+ and I enjoy Omegaverse fairytale retellings but idk. This just feels more like a 3 to 3.5 read to me. However I chomping at the bit to get the side characters next story.
“I am not asking you to give up your kingdom, your wealth, or your reign. I’m not even asking you to give up your alliances or make use of them for my cause. Just three nights with your daughter.”
So asks Maddoc, notorious outlaw, to King Orick in exchange for a debt he's owed. What a 3 nights those were too! *fans self* Throughout the course of those 3 nights surprising turn of events occur, which is where this book leaves off. I want to read the next book now! I didn't find the cliffhanger too harsh at all. Kudos to the author for being considerate to her readers and pricing her duet appropriately for the length! :)) I'm fine with duets not being the same exact length, and this seemed like a good stopping place for book 1; like a natural ending point.
This was a good Omegaverse fairytale romance. Recommend for Omegaverse fans wanting something a bit lighter, but still very steamy with a strong Alpha.
Was it just me, or did anyone else find the smut hilarious? Especially with lines like this:
“You’ve had me plenty of times,” Ana murmured, her mouth tight with annoyance. The Alpha grunted, the sound coarse. “Indeed. You have almost restored my faith in royalty.” 😂 I was cracking up while reading the sex scenes
This is mostly from the heroine's POV, and the author promised we'd get more from Maddoc's POV in the next book. I don't mind books with only 1 POV, because I like mysterious male main leads and slowly learning more about them as I read on. What I'd really like to see is an evolution in Ana's POV. There's room for growth from her. I'm looking forward to learning more about Maddoc - his past and exactly what he's up too in the next installment.
Trigger Warnings:
Safety:
Constructive Criticism:
3.75 stars
The smut was A+ and I enjoy Omegaverse fairytale retellings but idk. This just feels more like a 3 to 3.5 read to me. However I chomping at the bit to get the side characters next story.
“I am not asking you to give up your kingdom, your wealth, or your reign. I’m not even asking you to give up your alliances or make use of them for my cause. Just three nights with your daughter.”
So asks Maddoc, notorious outlaw, to King Orick in exchange for a debt he's owed. What a 3 nights those were too! *fans self* Throughout the course of those 3 nights surprising turn of events occur, which is where this book leaves off. I want to read the next book now! I didn't find the cliffhanger too harsh at all. Kudos to the author for being considerate to her readers and pricing her duet appropriately for the length! :)) I'm fine with duets not being the same exact length, and this seemed like a good stopping place for book 1; like a natural ending point.
This was a good Omegaverse fairytale romance. Recommend for Omegaverse fans wanting something a bit lighter, but still very steamy with a strong Alpha.
Was it just me, or did anyone else find the smut hilarious? Especially with lines like this:
“You’ve had me plenty of times,” Ana murmured, her mouth tight with annoyance. The Alpha grunted, the sound coarse. “Indeed. You have almost restored my faith in royalty.” 😂 I was cracking up while reading the sex scenes
This is mostly from the heroine's POV, and the author promised we'd get more from Maddoc's POV in the next book. I don't mind books with only 1 POV, because I like mysterious male main leads and slowly learning more about them as I read on. What I'd really like to see is an evolution in Ana's POV. There's room for growth from her. I'm looking forward to learning more about Maddoc - his past and exactly what he's up too in the next installment.
Trigger Warnings:
Safety:
Constructive Criticism:
3.75 stars
October 4, 2020
Spoilers ahead
Review for books 1 and 2, book 1 ends on a cliffhanger
I wrote a detailed review and exited the app without clicking save!!! fFS!
Anyways I almost gave up on this author after Kardos but I like the Omegaverse world and finding books without sharing is a bit tough
So the h is an Omega princess betrothed to an Alpha from a different house in the kingdom, until one night the most wanted man in the kingdom comes to claim his debt for saving the king's life. He wants three nights with the princess and her parents reluctantly agreed. He rocks her world though she's resistant to the fiery connection between them. He gives cryptic clues that all's not well in the kingdom but she's been drinking the company koolaid for too long to believe him. She goes off with her betrothed before the 3 nights are up causing attacks and almost death to her Father as he and the H try to get her back.
Down to the sexy times reads as similar to this author's previous books
Drama, drama, drama just to make this into 2 very unnecessary books(at really RIDICULOUS prices), something this author seems to be unfortunately sticking too.
Anyway this author relies heavily on lack of communication and Omegas who bury their heads in the sand to power her books and it can become frustrating. I liked that the h fought back in her own way, Omegas by their very dynamic can be doormats but this one tried to have her own mind even though her body betrayed her. However her refusing to see what was in front of her eyes until almost the end of the second book was very annoying. Maddoc was an ok H though him being cryptic just to prolong the story irked me.
All in all I enjoy many aspects of this author's story telling but the multiple books just lead to frustration because it stretches the story too thin, making the mcs go round and round and round. One thing in particular I like is that the Omegas are not affected by the dominance of every Alpha. I read one where the growl of ANY Alpha caused the Omega to produce slick and that upset me so I'm pleased that doesn't happen here.
All in all I may continue trying this author, hopefully she's able to condense the books and NEVER produce another Alpha like Kardos(no I won't ever forget😂)
Maddoc was with others over the years but he's wanted her for about 5 years so I think he wasn't with anyone else after
h was a virgin and kissed OM after being with the H(nothing too bad though)
***I definitely wasn't going to forgive her parents, that was some bs
***Interestingly enough OM gets his own book hmmmmm
Review for books 1 and 2, book 1 ends on a cliffhanger
I wrote a detailed review and exited the app without clicking save!!! fFS!
Anyways I almost gave up on this author after Kardos but I like the Omegaverse world and finding books without sharing is a bit tough
So the h is an Omega princess betrothed to an Alpha from a different house in the kingdom, until one night the most wanted man in the kingdom comes to claim his debt for saving the king's life. He wants three nights with the princess and her parents reluctantly agreed. He rocks her world though she's resistant to the fiery connection between them. He gives cryptic clues that all's not well in the kingdom but she's been drinking the company koolaid for too long to believe him. She goes off with her betrothed before the 3 nights are up causing attacks and almost death to her Father as he and the H try to get her back.
Down to the sexy times reads as similar to this author's previous books
Drama, drama, drama just to make this into 2 very unnecessary books(at really RIDICULOUS prices), something this author seems to be unfortunately sticking too.
Anyway this author relies heavily on lack of communication and Omegas who bury their heads in the sand to power her books and it can become frustrating. I liked that the h fought back in her own way, Omegas by their very dynamic can be doormats but this one tried to have her own mind even though her body betrayed her. However her refusing to see what was in front of her eyes until almost the end of the second book was very annoying. Maddoc was an ok H though him being cryptic just to prolong the story irked me.
All in all I enjoy many aspects of this author's story telling but the multiple books just lead to frustration because it stretches the story too thin, making the mcs go round and round and round. One thing in particular I like is that the Omegas are not affected by the dominance of every Alpha. I read one where the growl of ANY Alpha caused the Omega to produce slick and that upset me so I'm pleased that doesn't happen here.
All in all I may continue trying this author, hopefully she's able to condense the books and NEVER produce another Alpha like Kardos(no I won't ever forget😂)
Maddoc was with others over the years but he's wanted her for about 5 years so I think he wasn't with anyone else after
h was a virgin and kissed OM after being with the H(nothing too bad though)
***I definitely wasn't going to forgive her parents, that was some bs
***Interestingly enough OM gets his own book hmmmmm
May 11, 2020
An interesting start to the story
This is a very pleasant read with a high heat level and lots of mystery. Whist it is part of a duet, the ending isn't a dramatic cliff-hanger, more of a natural break point. The author also informs us that this break point is not midway through the story and #2 will be the longer book.
Whilst the story maybe didn't grip me in quite the same way that the Myth of Omega books did, it is still a very enjoyable read. I didn't feel my emotions were engaged in as much depth as when reading the trilogies, though I very much enjoyed the world building, character development and overall story telling.
Ana is a very pampered and sheltered Princess, very naive in the truth of life but not spoilt or selfish. Her struggles following the first night were well portrayed, though I personally needed more fear, more anger, more sense of injustice in Ana prior to those events. She felt a little like a characterless doll, and I don't care how eager to please she was, where was her anger at her parents for failing to protect her?
I really loved the last chapter, from Maddoc's point of view. I wish we'd maybe had a few more 'mini chapters' from him to balance the story a little more, though I can understand why we didn't. He is a man of mystery and that is emphasised not only by NOT hearing his voice but by not hearing his motives for so many things. I'm betting he's somehow .
Whilst there are some incredibly steamy scenes between Ana and Maddoc, my lack of emotional connection to him as a character made them feel a little perfunctory at times. They lacked a bit of chemistry and zing, but again I'm expecting that passion to explode once this pair get to genuinely know each other. I interpreted that feeling of slight removal as a reflection of the distance between them at the moment. That said the balance between the smut and the plot was perfect, and the story moved with good pace.
Ana really does undergo some growth in quite a short time, mainly due to the machinations and manipulations (or is it actually support and help?) of Maddoc. She clearly isn't going to believe what he tells her, so he has to find ways to open her eyes and see for herself. We get inklings and foreshadowing throughout that all is not rosy in the garden (particularly Milly's 'fall') and I'm really looking forward to discovering hidden truths along side Ana. Though that girl certainly needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Roll on book #2!
This is a very pleasant read with a high heat level and lots of mystery. Whist it is part of a duet, the ending isn't a dramatic cliff-hanger, more of a natural break point. The author also informs us that this break point is not midway through the story and #2 will be the longer book.
Whilst the story maybe didn't grip me in quite the same way that the Myth of Omega books did, it is still a very enjoyable read. I didn't feel my emotions were engaged in as much depth as when reading the trilogies, though I very much enjoyed the world building, character development and overall story telling.
Ana is a very pampered and sheltered Princess, very naive in the truth of life but not spoilt or selfish. Her struggles following the first night were well portrayed, though I personally needed more fear, more anger, more sense of injustice in Ana prior to those events. She felt a little like a characterless doll, and I don't care how eager to please she was, where was her anger at her parents for failing to protect her?
I really loved the last chapter, from Maddoc's point of view. I wish we'd maybe had a few more 'mini chapters' from him to balance the story a little more, though I can understand why we didn't. He is a man of mystery and that is emphasised not only by NOT hearing his voice but by not hearing his motives for so many things. I'm betting he's somehow .
Whilst there are some incredibly steamy scenes between Ana and Maddoc, my lack of emotional connection to him as a character made them feel a little perfunctory at times. They lacked a bit of chemistry and zing, but again I'm expecting that passion to explode once this pair get to genuinely know each other. I interpreted that feeling of slight removal as a reflection of the distance between them at the moment. That said the balance between the smut and the plot was perfect, and the story moved with good pace.
Ana really does undergo some growth in quite a short time, mainly due to the machinations and manipulations (or is it actually support and help?) of Maddoc. She clearly isn't going to believe what he tells her, so he has to find ways to open her eyes and see for herself. We get inklings and foreshadowing throughout that all is not rosy in the garden (particularly Milly's 'fall') and I'm really looking forward to discovering hidden truths along side Ana. Though that girl certainly needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Roll on book #2!
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April 23, 2020A Savage Debt is now LIVE!
When notorious outlaw Maddoc arrives for an audience with the king, demanding repayment for a debt no one knew existed, he only wants one thing.
The Omega princess. For three nights.
Get your copy!
AMAZON
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KOBO
NOOK
When notorious outlaw Maddoc arrives for an audience with the king, demanding repayment for a debt no one knew existed, he only wants one thing.
The Omega princess. For three nights.
Get your copy!
AMAZON
APPLE BOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY
KOBO
NOOK
Read
July 21, 2023Ehem. What? Don't mind me.
April 25, 2020
Along a similar vein to authors other books but this one is based around the royal family so it's slightly different.
The author says it is a good place to stop at the end and that the second book is longer.
She admits this is a shorter book but I have to say it felt very short.
Other author wouldn't have had it as a duet but a single novel, though obviously as yet I am unsure of the length of part 2. £3.49 for such a short book is pretty steep.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Usual alpha and omega battle that this author usually writes.
Cliffhanger.
The author says it is a good place to stop at the end and that the second book is longer.
She admits this is a shorter book but I have to say it felt very short.
Other author wouldn't have had it as a duet but a single novel, though obviously as yet I am unsure of the length of part 2. £3.49 for such a short book is pretty steep.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Usual alpha and omega battle that this author usually writes.
Cliffhanger.
July 16, 2020
Despite his intentions Maddox is evil and a rapist
I almost want to buy the next book to see him die.
I understand that the king is not innocent in this and I am sure Maddoc has reasons that the commoners support him, but that doesn’t mean he can rape Ana and abuse her.
Debating whether to buy next book. Just to see what happens with Ana, but don’t think I can stomach Maddox - there is no excuse for what he did to her.
It was not consensual.
I almost want to buy the next book to see him die.
I understand that the king is not innocent in this and I am sure Maddoc has reasons that the commoners support him, but that doesn’t mean he can rape Ana and abuse her.
Debating whether to buy next book. Just to see what happens with Ana, but don’t think I can stomach Maddox - there is no excuse for what he did to her.
It was not consensual.
July 25, 2020
The smut was okay but I liked the world building. Ana was a character that grew in the small amount of pages we had until the end... thought that was a regression of character. Sadly, there was nothing to Maddox except being a hot alpha, but maybe with part 2 we will see more of his inner thoughts and desires.
I was intrigued enough to want to read part 2!
I was intrigued enough to want to read part 2!
June 21, 2020
Ana is a sheltered princess who has been trained her whole life to be the perfect omega mate to her alpha. However, when the infamous criminal Maddoc demands the king fulfill a Royal Promise — anything a commoner wants in exchange for saving the king’s life — he decides on having Ana for 3 nights.
This book is sort of hard to review. Ana is forced to have sexual interactions with Maddoc and I wouldn’t classify it as dubious consent, but more so straight up non-consent. And every character in the book treats it like it’s normal to essentially sacrifice someone to be sexually assaulted repeatedly. Ana is disgusted and ashamed of what Maddoc makes her do, and Maddoc is genuinely an asshole. He treats Ana with little respect other than wanting to fuck her.
With that being said, after a few rounds of sex Ana is so swept up in the passion that she’s more agreeable to it. By the second night, she’s conflicted over how much she does like how Maddoc makes her feel. So... I guess it turns from non-consent to dubious consent pretty quick. It’s weird but this is erotic fiction so I’ll allow it.
Besides all that I did like the smut scenes. I trust the author with that much. What I didn’t like was that it ended on a cliffhanger. Boo. Don’t understand why authors splice their books into little unsatisfying novella chunks that disjoint the overall story, instead of just putting it all together as a complete one? I’d nick a star for that alone.
Wouldn’t recommend this until the other half of the story comes out, but so far it was okay. Also more suitable for those into darker storylines.
This book is sort of hard to review. Ana is forced to have sexual interactions with Maddoc and I wouldn’t classify it as dubious consent, but more so straight up non-consent. And every character in the book treats it like it’s normal to essentially sacrifice someone to be sexually assaulted repeatedly. Ana is disgusted and ashamed of what Maddoc makes her do, and Maddoc is genuinely an asshole. He treats Ana with little respect other than wanting to fuck her.
With that being said, after a few rounds of sex Ana is so swept up in the passion that she’s more agreeable to it. By the second night, she’s conflicted over how much she does like how Maddoc makes her feel. So... I guess it turns from non-consent to dubious consent pretty quick. It’s weird but this is erotic fiction so I’ll allow it.
Besides all that I did like the smut scenes. I trust the author with that much. What I didn’t like was that it ended on a cliffhanger. Boo. Don’t understand why authors splice their books into little unsatisfying novella chunks that disjoint the overall story, instead of just putting it all together as a complete one? I’d nick a star for that alone.
Wouldn’t recommend this until the other half of the story comes out, but so far it was okay. Also more suitable for those into darker storylines.
May 11, 2021
This was a story set in the omegaverse.
Maddoc is an Alpha gone rogue. He is a criminal who attacks and steals from the different houses in the land Allandis. The royal family wants him to pay for his crimes but he comes to court and demands the Royal Promise from the King after saving his life. He wants 3 nights with the Omega princess.
At first I didn’t like Maddoc. I like an Alpha, but I like him to be at least somewhat caring towards the heroine. And his first encounter with her, I didn’t like him at all.
I don’t even understand how I started liking him. Maybe it’s because the Princess, Ana, sort of fought back. She still submitted but she also withheld things he wanted from her. I liked that. I like that she had some spirit. So maybe that is what changed my opinion of the story, but by the end I was routing for them to be together.
Maddoc is an Alpha gone rogue. He is a criminal who attacks and steals from the different houses in the land Allandis. The royal family wants him to pay for his crimes but he comes to court and demands the Royal Promise from the King after saving his life. He wants 3 nights with the Omega princess.
At first I didn’t like Maddoc. I like an Alpha, but I like him to be at least somewhat caring towards the heroine. And his first encounter with her, I didn’t like him at all.
I don’t even understand how I started liking him. Maybe it’s because the Princess, Ana, sort of fought back. She still submitted but she also withheld things he wanted from her. I liked that. I like that she had some spirit. So maybe that is what changed my opinion of the story, but by the end I was routing for them to be together.
May 8, 2020
Please keep em coming Zoey!!
I love love love your books! So ruthless, sexy, and harsh. You bring about the absolute best Alphas! Please keep these books coming!
I love love love your books! So ruthless, sexy, and harsh. You bring about the absolute best Alphas! Please keep these books coming!
April 28, 2020
This is a lighter read when compared to Myth of Omega, a fairytale type of omegaverse story that takes place in the kingdom of Allandia, the FMC (Ana) being the Omega Princess and the MMC (Maddoc) is- allegedly - the big bad Alpha villain.
Ana is a sheltered, naive young princess, her world is within the castle walls and her world has been carefully controlled by ther parents in order to prepare her to be the perfect little omega princess. We're told that Omegas are born exclusively to the royal family and their marriage is arranged to procure them their perfect mate and also to ensure that the royal line is protected.
So Maddoc becomes a huge threat when he goes to the palace demanding to be rewarded with The Royal Promise; Maddoc has had a reputation for being an evil outlaw responsible for pillaging, raping and killing for over 20 years, an Alpha capable of unspeakable atrocities demands now to spend three nights with the princess, meaning truly that he asks for her virginity.
Most of the story is told through Ana's POV, so we only see things from her perspective; since her beliefs are restricted by what she's been taught all her life, through Maddoc she starts to question everything and everyone around her. Maddoc is a character shrouded in mistery, underestimated by the royals but clearly a cunning adversary. He hints at all the lies involving himself, the court, the kingdom, and ultimately omegas/alphas relationships (there's even mention of The Lox Empire from Myth of Omega); what seemed a simple world at the beginning is starting to unravel as a huge cover-up.
There is smut in this book, but it was not the main event to the story but an integral part of it. There is chemistry between the main characters but the sex was not as hot as I expected, perhaps because it's so sudden and they barely know each other.
The ending in a cliffhanger left me needing to know the rest of their story, the plot and characters are evolving in a very clever way, Zoey Ellis always writes smart and complex plots. I am so looking forward to reading the second book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ana is a sheltered, naive young princess, her world is within the castle walls and her world has been carefully controlled by ther parents in order to prepare her to be the perfect little omega princess. We're told that Omegas are born exclusively to the royal family and their marriage is arranged to procure them their perfect mate and also to ensure that the royal line is protected.
So Maddoc becomes a huge threat when he goes to the palace demanding to be rewarded with The Royal Promise; Maddoc has had a reputation for being an evil outlaw responsible for pillaging, raping and killing for over 20 years, an Alpha capable of unspeakable atrocities demands now to spend three nights with the princess, meaning truly that he asks for her virginity.
Most of the story is told through Ana's POV, so we only see things from her perspective; since her beliefs are restricted by what she's been taught all her life, through Maddoc she starts to question everything and everyone around her. Maddoc is a character shrouded in mistery, underestimated by the royals but clearly a cunning adversary. He hints at all the lies involving himself, the court, the kingdom, and ultimately omegas/alphas relationships (there's even mention of The Lox Empire from Myth of Omega); what seemed a simple world at the beginning is starting to unravel as a huge cover-up.
There is smut in this book, but it was not the main event to the story but an integral part of it. There is chemistry between the main characters but the sex was not as hot as I expected, perhaps because it's so sudden and they barely know each other.
The ending in a cliffhanger left me needing to know the rest of their story, the plot and characters are evolving in a very clever way, Zoey Ellis always writes smart and complex plots. I am so looking forward to reading the second book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2020
I will forever be grateful for Ms. Ellis showing me the world of Omegaverse. It was years ago when I first read "Crave To Conquer"that my mind was first blown away by the Alpha and Omega dynamic. She has since become one of my go-to authors (and turned me into a little bit of a fanatic, but I digress ).
So when I see there is going to be another Apha-hole added to her Omegaverse shelf on my reading list, sign me up for that read. I know it will live up to what, we book nerds look for in a Omegaverse trope book - dominating Alpha, fiesty Omega, knotting, mates, and some dub-con steamy scenes. This is Ms. Z so I know it will have them all (it so does).
So for the book, perfect princess Ana lives the life of a coddled Omega. She thinks she knows what goes on in her kingdom because she has read everything there is in the palace library. She trusts her parents when they don't tell her something for "her in good". But when the notorious outlaw, Maddox comes to claim the Royal Promise from the Crown, she starts to question everything. Especially when Maddox demands 3 nights with her and her parents give in stating she doesn't understand and that it is "for her own good."
But not all things are as they appear. Lies and loyalty are easily twisted into truths and betrayal. After one night with Maddoc, Ana has to question the very foundations of her beliefs. She no longer knows who to believe. She can't even trust her own body. So she fights but it may have further reaching consequences than she knows.
This story is already shaping up to have a lot of twists and turns as this intriguing plot unfolds. Can't wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So when I see there is going to be another Apha-hole added to her Omegaverse shelf on my reading list, sign me up for that read. I know it will live up to what, we book nerds look for in a Omegaverse trope book - dominating Alpha, fiesty Omega, knotting, mates, and some dub-con steamy scenes. This is Ms. Z so I know it will have them all (it so does).
So for the book, perfect princess Ana lives the life of a coddled Omega. She thinks she knows what goes on in her kingdom because she has read everything there is in the palace library. She trusts her parents when they don't tell her something for "her in good". But when the notorious outlaw, Maddox comes to claim the Royal Promise from the Crown, she starts to question everything. Especially when Maddox demands 3 nights with her and her parents give in stating she doesn't understand and that it is "for her own good."
But not all things are as they appear. Lies and loyalty are easily twisted into truths and betrayal. After one night with Maddoc, Ana has to question the very foundations of her beliefs. She no longer knows who to believe. She can't even trust her own body. So she fights but it may have further reaching consequences than she knows.
This story is already shaping up to have a lot of twists and turns as this intriguing plot unfolds. Can't wait for the next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2020
As she does best, Zoey Ellis knows how to draw you into a story right away. This story involves a royal omega and an outlaw Alpha who demands that the King repay his debt via 3 nights with the omega. The author's world building early on is always appreciated with rich descriptive language and a sense of each individual character, even the minor ones. Also, this was the closest I got as a Zoey Ellis fan, to having a book boyfriend who comes to really close second to Drocco from the Myth of Omega novels. We know that there is more to Maddoc than meets the eye since this is the first installment but this is an incredible scorcher for just a first installment. The love scenes are darkly intense and of the con non-con variety but you feel the depth of the emotions early on between them so the interactions become less harsh with each scene. The chemistry between Maddoc and Analisa is undeniable even though Analisa doesn't completely recognize or acknowledge it the way Maddoc wants her to. And as usual, I got to the last page lightning fast and already can't wait for installment 2!!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book*
October 13, 2025
Ahhh I loved this and I'm desperate for more!
Poor Analisa is so sheltered and has WAY too much faith in her surroundings. It's clear she is severely sheltered and it's both encouraging and heartbreaking when she starts pushing boundaries and trying to learn for herself the pieces of the puzzle that have been omitted in her teachings.
Maddoc has a panty melting sense of command. I LOVE a strong fierce Alpha. I appreciate how he is trying to open her eyes without being direct to the fact that she's being kept in the dark. It's clear if he comes straight out with her that she won't be receptive so these little breadcrumbs he's leaving for her to figure out on her own.
I am so anxious to read book 2. Although this doesn't end on some major cliff hanger, its very clear the story is incomplete. Not only does the story end with the preparation for what is going to happen in book 2, but we also have A LOT of secrets that still need to get sorted out. I am not planning to put any predictions here with fear of spoiling the fun for others, but I have my theories of what is happening in part 2 :)
Poor Analisa is so sheltered and has WAY too much faith in her surroundings. It's clear she is severely sheltered and it's both encouraging and heartbreaking when she starts pushing boundaries and trying to learn for herself the pieces of the puzzle that have been omitted in her teachings.
Maddoc has a panty melting sense of command. I LOVE a strong fierce Alpha. I appreciate how he is trying to open her eyes without being direct to the fact that she's being kept in the dark. It's clear if he comes straight out with her that she won't be receptive so these little breadcrumbs he's leaving for her to figure out on her own.
I am so anxious to read book 2. Although this doesn't end on some major cliff hanger, its very clear the story is incomplete. Not only does the story end with the preparation for what is going to happen in book 2, but we also have A LOT of secrets that still need to get sorted out. I am not planning to put any predictions here with fear of spoiling the fun for others, but I have my theories of what is happening in part 2 :)
April 25, 2020
I'm so excited about reading another series from Zoey's Omegaverse. All of her books suck you right into the story. I couldn't put it down.
Ana is a sheltered Omega princess of Allandis who has been raised to follow her duties to the Crown.
Maddoc is an outlaw Alpha full of anger and resentment.
The princess is forced to spend three nights with the warrior to fulfill a debt. The characters have an amazing chemistry. I don't want to spoil too much, but as the plot thickens you realize there's something going on in the kingdom that Ana isn't aware of. Maybe Maddoc does have rightful reasons for behaving the way he is.
This book is filled with steamy sex, angst and a feisty heroine. No cheating and some rough scenes at the beginning which are my favorite as the characters gradually develop something more.
Can't wait for the next one!!
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the author via Bookfunnel, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ana is a sheltered Omega princess of Allandis who has been raised to follow her duties to the Crown.
Maddoc is an outlaw Alpha full of anger and resentment.
The princess is forced to spend three nights with the warrior to fulfill a debt. The characters have an amazing chemistry. I don't want to spoil too much, but as the plot thickens you realize there's something going on in the kingdom that Ana isn't aware of. Maybe Maddoc does have rightful reasons for behaving the way he is.
This book is filled with steamy sex, angst and a feisty heroine. No cheating and some rough scenes at the beginning which are my favorite as the characters gradually develop something more.
Can't wait for the next one!!
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the author via Bookfunnel, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 23, 2024
I have a lot of conflicting thoughts about this book. I really enjoyed the plot—it reminded me of a dark Robin Hood retelling, and I binged it in a day. This would have easily been a 5 star read if it had been executed differently. The writing style relies heavily on lots of telling, long paragraphs of dialogue with over-explaining, and the overuse of certain words (all of the characters really loved the term ’fucking’—including the royal queen, and virgin princess). Those issues caught me off guard several times while reading the book. The dialogue seemed odd for royals, and it didn’t seem natural in any way. I am intrigued by the anti-hero Maddoc, but I’m unsure if I’ll continue to read book 2.
November 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review for A Savage Debt by Zoey Ellis
A Savage Debt might be short, but it’s absolutely packed with intensity and dark allure. From the very first page, Zoey Ellis creates a world pulsing with danger, dominance, and raw emotion. The story simmers beneath a mysterious undercurrent of an alpha’s rage, perfectly balanced by the tension between control and surrender.
The tropes include dubcon, forced proximity, and knotting and give every spicy scene reasons to make you squirm. The chemistry crackles, the stakes are high, and every encounter leaves you wanting more.
Though brief, the book delivers a powerful punch and is dark, primal, and sensual. I can’t wait to see where Ellis takes this story next!
A Savage Debt might be short, but it’s absolutely packed with intensity and dark allure. From the very first page, Zoey Ellis creates a world pulsing with danger, dominance, and raw emotion. The story simmers beneath a mysterious undercurrent of an alpha’s rage, perfectly balanced by the tension between control and surrender.
The tropes include dubcon, forced proximity, and knotting and give every spicy scene reasons to make you squirm. The chemistry crackles, the stakes are high, and every encounter leaves you wanting more.
Though brief, the book delivers a powerful punch and is dark, primal, and sensual. I can’t wait to see where Ellis takes this story next!
May 11, 2025
Let me tell you this book caught me by surprise. It started off with a bang I did not see coming. It’s a short story, and ends in a cliffhanger. It makes for a quick read.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters. The story pulled me in right away and didn’t let go. Now I’m off to dive straight into book two because I have to know what happens next.
I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters. The story pulled me in right away and didn’t let go. Now I’m off to dive straight into book two because I have to know what happens next.
May 6, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I found it quite different from the norm of Zoey's other books, which I really appreciated. I liked the princess/outlaw concept, the 3-days deal was quite interesting and intriguing, and the suspense, intrigue, secrets and all dark elements inside the book were captivating. Of course, the sex was explicit and extremely hot. I liked both characters for what they were. Ana is presented as an innocent Omega raised to be the perfect princess, whereas Maddoc is a ruthless, hard, vicious, unyielding Alpha. They couldn't be any more different, yet it seems that they might be perfect for each other. There are several questions to be answered, which I guess we will learn in the second book. Also, I really liked the cover for this book. It's mysterious and intense. I did notice the reference to Lox Empire as well. I wonder if that book refers to any of our previous couples? :)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to get this get this as an ARC. This short story packed a punch, the only issue I saw was the back story to the Alpha/Omega, I just needed a little more detail but other than that it was great and the Spice was on point. Running to the next....
February 18, 2024
Robin Hood with an omegaverse flair=so good!!!
October 31, 2025
OMG, I just finished this book and it's EVERYTHING! 🤩 It's a dark Robin Hood retelling with a twist you won't see coming. The FMC is incredibly strong, even though she's been kept sheltered her whole life. And the love interest? Totally dark and morally grey, but in the best way! 😉 I'm obsessed with this story and can't wait for more. Seriously, add this to your TBR! 📚
July 4, 2020
Really quick read.
Love the omega verse worlds this author creates. I read one review where the main complaint was the speech the characters used and at the time I thought they were just being sensitive about it. However after reading the book I have to agree. I would expect the outlaw to talk like he did but not the King and everyone else. So many ‘f’ bombs were dropped and everyone spoke like kids playing at being tuff thugs.
Wasn’t much Alpha/omega stuff going on and it ended abruptly.
Despite all that I did enjoy this one. Especially the first night and the window scene. Looking forward to the next one.
Love the omega verse worlds this author creates. I read one review where the main complaint was the speech the characters used and at the time I thought they were just being sensitive about it. However after reading the book I have to agree. I would expect the outlaw to talk like he did but not the King and everyone else. So many ‘f’ bombs were dropped and everyone spoke like kids playing at being tuff thugs.
Wasn’t much Alpha/omega stuff going on and it ended abruptly.
Despite all that I did enjoy this one. Especially the first night and the window scene. Looking forward to the next one.
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