Alpha knight-in-training, Rowena is expected to find pleasure only with Omegas, but her body burns for her cold Alpha master Callum, whose own forbidden desires are buried beneath years of shame and secrecy.
Steamy Omegaverse Alpha/Alpha master apprentice forbidden love romance. Contains some violence and intimate adult scenes.
In a Guild shaped by legacy and hierarchy, Rowena is a female Alpha apprentice fighting to earn her place among the knights. Her path shifts when her mentor is killed in a brutal ambush, and she’s reassigned to cold, deadly Master Callum, a stoic Alpha with a harsh reputation, haunted by secrets and a past he won’t face.
Callum’s goal is to break her down and rebuild her, but Rowena won’t yield. Training becomes a clash of wills, but the heat between them is harder to battle than any blade. The line between master and student blurs. Every spar simmers with tension, and every glance threatens to ignite what neither dares name.
Rowena learns strength isn’t just about how well she fights, it’s about truth, choice, and the courage to want the forbidden. With monsters at the borders and sharp judgments around them, desire becomes a dangerous distraction. Callum’s past, shaped by betrayal, exile, and a lover lost to snow, casts a long shadow. Rowena's instincts rebel against tradition and Alpha roles, pulling her toward the man she shouldn’t want.
Her first rut forces them to face what they’ve tried to suppress. What follows is a breaking point they can’t walk back. The Guild was never built for a bond like theirs.
The emotional tension hits as hard as the battles. Each moment is steeped in guilt, restraint, and unspoken want. Rowena becomes more confident, ready to challenge everything. Callum begins to face the past, even while hiding a significant secret Rowena. Their dynamic evolves from resistance and mistrust into raw vulnerability and loyalty. What starts as discipline becomes a bond forged through pain, truth, desire, and defiance.
A forbidden, tension-filled omegaverse romance exploring power, identity, loyalty, shame, survival, vulnerability, and the cost of breaking rules. It’s about what happens when control snaps and two Alphas stop running from what they want. Need more...
This quick read was an unique take on the omegaverse cannon. I really enjoyed the non-stereotypical monster mythology and unique storyline. The main characters were charming and supporting characters were well built. A little slow getting into things, but overall a great read!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I'm always interested in stories about female alphas so when I read the blurb for Alpha Knights I knew I'd check it out.
Pros - Arden's writing style throws the reader into the action quickly. You develop a good understanding of who the main players are early on and how they relate with each other - The medieval/historical setting was done well, despite the relatively light world-building - The tension between the main leads builds slowly, so it's not an immediate attraction (more like enemies-to-lovers) - Adding Callum's POV really improved the story overall. He starts off as a real alphahole so I wasn't a fan of him until I got to learn his side of the story. His actions up till that point make so much more sense now.
Cons - For a book with 'spicy' in the title, it was incredibly tame. There was only one scene between the main leads and that happens right at the end. - While the master/student vibe didn't squick me out in this story, learning who the female lead reminds Callum of (and who he had prior romantic history with) definitely did. She's basically a replacement for his first love. It would have been nice to have her be wanted for her own personality and merit, not just as a reminder of someone else.
Summary This was a fun MF read and I'd definitely recommend it to those who enjoy the tropes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ALPHA KNIGHTS is the first book in the series of the same name and takes you into a medieval-style world where Alphas, Betas, and Omegas are together. Admittedly, Betas aren't mentioned that much, but they're still there.
Rowena is our MFC and an Alpha Knight-in-Training. The Master she is assigned to is killed while protecting the realm, and she is reassigned to the one Master she didn't want, and the one with mystery surrounding him like a shroud.
Callum is our MMC and his story comes out slowly... and what a story his is. The thing is, I want more of it! I want to know everything about Callum - from his past, present, and future (hopefully, with Rowena!)
There is an unspoken law in their world, a taboo of Alphas wanting other Alphas, but that's what you get here. It is slowburn, so don't expect them to be jumping each other in the first few pages. You get a lot of tension, one way or another, and it will keep you turning the pages.
I read this in one sitting and can't wait to read more in this series. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books! May 5, 2025
Overall I found this an enjoyable book. It was a quick read for me, and I managed to finish it in one night.
I felt like the story cut off pretty abruptly at the end, but I'd also already figured it was going to happen by the time I was two chapters from the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series when it's available.
The writing style at times comes across a bit YA for my preferences, but it's not a bad thing in and of itself, so I didn't take points off for that. And while this book does have some "open door" scenes, they tend to either use euphemistic language or lean fade-to-black-ish. Spice-wise, I'd give this book a 2/5. It's no LORDS series, but it's more than just hugs and kisses.
Honestly, as much as the FMC and MMC were meant to be the stars of the book, the FMC's best friends stole the show every time they were on the page. I just loved their friendly antagonistic relationship with each other, and I home they get more page time in future books for this series
If you're looking for a fairly quick, relatively light-hearted book with clear queer allegorical themes, this is a great choice and I'm glad I gave it a chance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alpha Knights is quite suspenseful and a page turning romance. The story is captivating from start to finish, entertaining and an enjoyable read. This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it. I absolutely did NOT want to set this book down until I read the last page. Alpha Knights is amazingly written, exceptionally balanced and beautifully executed by Beatrix Arden. She continues to showcase what a phenomenal author she is with each book I’ve read by her thus far. In my opinion, she creates and writes incredible romances that I always enjoy reading and look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Alpha Knights follows the adventures of Callum and Rowena. The chemistry between these two characters is forbidden and smoking hot. I absolutely enjoyed getting to know both Callum and Rowena as well as seeing the feelings they have for one another grow stronger as their story progresses forward. I do hope that we get to see more of Callum and Rowena in another book. I would absolutely give this book as a recommendation for anyone to checkout and give it a read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alpha knight-in-training Rowena was practicing since the apprentice assignment selections would be occurring soon. Gareth told her that he heard Master Aldrich had requested her, and she was thrilled. He had been one of the first masters who encouraged having female Alphas in the Guild. Percival told him choosing was based on merit so this might not be true. But she was finally ready to show them what she was capable of. Martha, a castle maid, helped style Rowena’s hair into neat braids and she looked perfect for the ceremony where she and her two friends would be assigned to a master to guide them toward knighthood. Percival was assigned to Master Roland; Gareth was assigned to Master Hugh; Rowena was assigned to Master Aldrich!
Unfortunately, Master Aldrich whom Rowena was assigned to ends up killed while fighting in defense of the realm. She had to be reassigned to Master Callum who is not easy to deal with and who doesn't really want an apprentice to teach. Will Rowena end up falling for her newest master, a situation which is frowned upon between alphas? Will she find out his secret of why he is so “cold” and disinterested?
This book was primal, taboo, and teeming with er*tic tension towards the end. Rowena’s growth is embodied. She trusts her gut—whether in combat or in heat—and doesn’t wait for permission to lead.
Callum’s arc is slower and more fractured, but ultimately compelling as grief and past love haunt his every interaction. Their relational tension is high-stakes and deeply felt, which I could appreciate once the story got going as it moved the relational arc as well as the needed exposition on his background.
I will say that this book is *actually* a 3.5; however, I rounded it up to a 4 as there is an entire Omegaverse that this book introduced me to and I can appreciate learning more. The learning happened outside of the book but I did enjoy how this is different from shifter stories with similar verbiage.
The slow intro and cliffhanger ending really affected having a pleasurable payoff for this book. I’m curious for more as it’s not HEA, it’s not even HFN - a solid TBS book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rowena needed her two friends, and fellow Knight Apprentices, Gareth and Percival, when she was assigned her Master Knight trainer. Gareth’s mischievousness and Percival’s straight-man personalities were just what she needed. That is until she gets a new Master. Watching the evolution of Callum and Rowena’s relationship was nothing short of a roller coaster ride. Knowing Callum carries such pain, and reaching that place where Rowena ‘sees’ him, is magical.
Looking forward to the next book. Definitely Recommended!
HEA/Cliffhanger: * Cliffy Series: * Book 1 of Alpha Knights Epilogue: * No MMC: * Callum FMC: * Rowena Tropes: * Paranormal Romance * Omegaverse * Forbidden Love * Alpha x Alpha * Enemies to Lovers * Age Gap * MM * MF Triggers: * 18+ * On Page Sex * Graphic MM and MF * Animal injury and death-by wolf Burn Speed: * Slow - Medium Spice Level: * 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2.
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4/5 stars -Enemies to lovers -Mentor/Student -Training Sessions -Forced Proximity -Forbidden love -Grouchy MMC -Badass FMC
I received an advance copy of this book on Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
A super quick read for me! Overall light world building, but I was still able to get into the story quickly. Due to it being more of a novella with an actual storyline, there wasn't a ton of spice in it- there's only so many pages for plot development :) This book reminded me of The Legends of Thezmarr series (which I also enjoyed). I wish this first book was longer; I finished the last scene and when I turned the page, I was shocked to see a "to be continued"! At times the storyline felt a bit rushed, but I feel like that is to be expected when it's a shorter novel.
Enjoyed the story & would definitely recommend it for people looking for a quick read.
★“This was the reality of a knight's life, duty always came first.”★
Named traitor and exiled for five years, Master Callum never wanted nor expected to have an Alpha knight apprentice, but when legendary Master Aldrich dies protecting the realm, the Guild Master orders him to take over the training of Rowena of Millbrook. But for Callum, taking on this nineteen-year-old was not the problem, it was the fact that she brought back his past, one that has haunted him ever since his exile ended. And now, he finds himself unable to keep her from his thoughts while awake nor from his dreams. One reputation to repair, one knighthood training to achieve, two Alphas trying to resist a forbidden pairing. This story was engaging in its pull - looking forward to seeing what happens with Rowena and Callum in the next installment!
Where do I start? I liked the idea of this story. It has a plot concept I think could be really good. The idea that alphas aren’t allowed to be together is intriguing. I kept wondering how did this come about and what do the priestess have to do with it? The characters are okay, I think they could’ve had better development and dialogue overall. They seemed a little dense at times. The writing in this book was somewhat lackluster, at time I found myself adding in words as I read due to the fact that so many sentences felt incomplete or lacking. I think the spice was well written and more detailed than any other aspect of this book.
If you’re looking for a book that has spice and not a bunch of detailed and interesting plot than this book is for you. However, if you want a plot that’s going to suck you in and keep you coming back for more I’d skip this read.
I love that she was a strong female lead and an alpha. She's quite young, only 19. I didn't like Callum at first. He was just another typical ‘grumpy’ arrogant jerk. He didn't like the fact that he was the one that would be training her. There were other omega men here that she did. Apparently there's an omega temple that alpha's go to when it's their turn… Callum likes both genders apparently. I like that this story had more length than her usuals. It also has a plot and not just pwp. The romance and attraction came a little late in the story. Apparently there's another part. I was surprised actually. I don't think I'll be reading that one. It was okay but a bit boring.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As usual Beatrix sucks you right into the story and refuses to let you go. Rowena is a knight apprentice that had everything until her Master is taking down during a battle. Now Rowena must deal with Master Callum, the younger master knight with a chip on his shoulder. Rumors are passing around about Master Callum. They are calling him the master with ice in his veins, the ice prince and the traitor. Now Rowena has to deal with his additude and figure out if the rumors are true, is he a traitor to the Knighthood and why does he hate the temple. Enjoy 🥰.
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Rowena is hoping to become a knight and when she's chosen by the alpha knight master she was hoping for as an apprentice she's over the moon. But he was often away on missions and had little time to train her and on one mission he ends up losing his life. So Rowena is reassigned to another master who doesn't want an apprentice. Master Callum isn't like the other alpha knights, he's a loner and secretive. He's only attracted to other alphas which in his world is seen as wrong and taboo. But once Rowena finds out she starts to fall for her master and it makes things complicated.
This book is different from any I've ever read. Yes, it is super steamy and has a lot of action. Rowena is an apprentice knight assigned to Master Callum after her master dies in combat. Neither of them is happy to be forced to work together. There are several twists that keep the plot fresh. The only thing I don't like is that it's a cliff-hanger. It ends in a spicy place, and that's frustrating! But still, it's a good book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Callum and Rowena. Hes a cold Alpha Master. Shes his apprentice. Shes only to be with Omegas but she desires her Master. Her two apprentice buddies, Gareth and Percival are amazing. She and Callum have a chemistry like static electricity. Their getting there is oh so heart melting saying come on already you know you are going to. They both have obsticles to overcome. And watching them overcome them is magical. To be continued...cant wait.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an unusual story for me. I’ve typically only read of female Omega, not Alpha. It surprised me how much I enjoyed it.
There was a bit of crude humour (as expected considering they’re ‘warriors’). The story has a bit of mystery and intrigue and a looonnnggg build to get to a ‘relationship’.
Be aware - we get to the good bit and we finish on a cliffhanger… Now to wait….
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not a bad story but I wish there had been more on page mutual attraction between Callum and Rowena rather than the cold shoulder and constant bickering. I wasn't sure how I felt about him in the beginning but then as his story started to unravel my heart broke for him. And I love that she wasn't going to back down from a challenge. I'll be waiting to find out what happens after their night together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rownea is a night in training, all is going well until she is given a new Master, Callum is cold, grumpy and now she has a crush on him witch is forbidden Alphas only mate with Omegas. This story has a great plot and I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Beyond Brilliant! This story is amazing, well written, perfectly paced, setting was like watching a movie in my mind, seamless, effortless, Omegaverse at its’ best. I highly recommend this book. Brilliant storytelling, strong MCs, I was hooked! Thank you 😊 I received this book as advanced readers’ copy & voluntarily leave my review.
I thought this was well written and I enjoyed reading it I couldn't put it down. Beatrix Arden does it again, I always look forward to reading her books. I can't wait to read more. This is the first book in this series. I recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have a hard time understanding the Alpha and Omega stories but this one helps me understand. It may be a slow burner but it gets steamy and erotic. The idea of an Alpha female knight is fascinating. I can't wait for the next installment of their story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hot and steamy five star story!!! Grabbed my interest from the first page. Well written book full of drama, secrets, and suspense. Banter between characters was entertaining. Definitely enjoyed reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was not expecting how intense the book really is. There was so many twists and turns. The romance was so exciting to read that it was draw dropping. I highly recommend if you love fantasy romance books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.