Eden North was doing perfectly fine on her own, thank you very much. She completed her two-year childhood education degree, got a job as a teacher's assistant, and was keeping the plants in her apartment healthy and thriving. It wasn't easy as an unbonded omega with no family, but she wasn't interested in alphas or bonds. The pickings out there are slim and she's better off alone.
That is, until she gets caught up in a human trafficking conspiracy and she finds herself thrown in a private men's prison in a campaign to calm the alpha populations. Unbonded omegas with no family or mates are nothing more than prey for the taking, and a female omega in a prison full of violent alphas is nothing more than meat in the grinder.
Until Luke, Julius, and Tenor step in to keep her from getting raped and murdered on her first day in the prison. They protect her, soothe her, and claim her as their own. But when her heat spikes with potent omega pheromones, Eden finds herself wondering whether these three powerful alphas might be more than just her protectors.
They might be her mates.
This is a standalone why choose/reverse harem MFMM (AΩAA) omegaverse novel with dark themes and a guaranteed HEA.
But i had to just skim the last portion as it's just page after page of smut. Normally, I wouldn't mind. However, the fmc can barely string 5 words together. Seriously, she barely speaks in full sentences. Several times, the mmcs have to tell her to use her words because she's either f,cking nodding, or she gets 1 word out. Super annoying FMC as she's like this the entire book, I could see why she would be a bit traumatized in prison but not outside where she has a job & has to function alone in society.
Honestly, the men were perfect, very protective, and tried to take care of her in the best way they could while in prison. It's the fmc that needed to be better i think - all 3 men are dirty talkers which was awesome & very much into the fmc & her pleasure.
The fmc, though, is a doormat. Even worse, she doesn't complain, doesn't ever say no, or hey, that hurts. You have to use clothing to sit on like it's a donut for your a$$ on the car ride home from a conjugal prison visit with your mates because you were just like, "use me" you might have a problem.
Unfortunately, even near the end, the FMC really doesn't improve as she is still letting the guys use her over & over & over backdoor & all & no amount of the guys showering her makes up for it. Why is she more awkward than her 3 guys that have been in prison for 5 years? Seriously, she's that quiet & awkward being in public. The problem with an fmc that is like this entire book makes everything less hot between all mcs, like they are taking advantage of her (she was a virgin).
I don't base my rating on spelling or other errors. But the female attorney's name changed from Caroline to Catherine. Would definitely read more from the author.
Title aside this plot read a lot like another book I read a few months ago. Prison or asylum books are not new in omega verse. Normally you see omegas that have been imprisoned long term either to be tested on or have drugs tried on them. I never read one where omegas were kidnapped and put in cells with feral alphas until I did.
I got to read it again here. It could just be me but Iʼm craving unique plots I havenʼt read before. O/V in general has let me down lately.
The title seems problematic considering the current state of the world.
The first half of the book was alright, not the most amazing but a fine enough read, but then by the second half it kinda just went downhill. The second half was especially just porn with no real plot until the absolute end. There's nothing wrong with having it as porn with no plot, but at least make it good and this was not good. Essentially the entire second half of the book was the guys trying to fuck away Eden's negative emotions... like if she way upset, they fucked her; if she was overwhelmed, they fucked her; if she was tired, they fucked her etc etc etc. It wasn't really a good look, in my opinion, because it felt very much like a toxic relationship regardless of them being sweet to her.
The steam itself, while very humanized in the thoughts and reactions involved, there's nothing sexy about reading how a girl is sore to the point of swollen/bleeding, or how nearly every time the men stick it in it's marginally painful, etc etc. While those may be accurate and well thought of in a legitimately human way, it doesn't make for a very nice thing to read -more so heart wrenching in an empathetic way- when it's about the fmc with the mmcs. Not something I wanna read in a steamy book.
There was also something very weird about Eden being a plus sized woman. The way in which she was written made it clear that the author is definitely not plus sized herself. The many points of Eden being "chubby" with a "chubby tummy" was in a way that no actual plus sized woman would think, and even when the mmcs talked about her chubby tummy it was in a way that was quite unrealistic to what someone actually thinks. Also... saying Eden is chubby and then following it with "even her 🐱 is chubby" is just weird as fuck. Which is another reason as to why I'm certain this author is not plus sized herself.
Over all, this book left me confused. I'm also wondering where the title even comes from because there's no reference at all.
Hangman's Knot had me snorting in laughter several times, often during or right after a sex scene (of which there were many). It's filthy, it's flippant and when it's an MMC's POV, it often really seems like a guy's thinking. I went into it expecting something dark and angsty but got something totally different that I am actually a lot happier with.
Very NSFW funny quotes:
Also, it's pretty hot:
There is definitely some darkness (three attempted rapes and some gropey prison guards), but those scenes are short and fairly non-graphic. The tone overall lacks the sense of hopelessness you'd expect in this kind of plot and the MMCs are good about protecting and providing for the FMC while in prison. The MMCs never pressure or force the FMC into anything. They ask for consent and they tell her regularly she can call for a stop. The darkest tone actually occurs in the prologue, which is a flash-forward to the FMC visiting the MMCs while they are still in prison and she is not. They're in rut and the sex scene has some pretty dark overtones because the FMC is upset that it's happening in prison and that she's separated from them afterwards (not because they're in rut or doing anything she doesn't want).
If you're wanting a scary prison romance, this probably won't quite hit the notes you're wanting. But if you just want something smutty with a little bit of humor in a dark setting, it will. (Seriously though, it's very smutty.)
I enjoyed this story, but I think the FMC might have been my least favorite part.
Eden was going through life quietly and keeping her head down. She had a job working as a teacher's assistant and wasn't interested in letting anyone know she was an omega. After a violent reaction when she is attacked by a new school officer, she is arrested and caught up in a trafficking ring. She ends up in a private men's prison with the goal of calming the alphas. Thankfully for Eden, Luke quickly steps in when others try to get to her and puts her with his packmates - Tenor and Julius. They protect and soothe her, but when heat spikes hit she has to rely on them and realizes that they be more than just friends or protectors. They may actually be her mates.
This story was not quite what I expected, but I did enjoy it. I really liked Luke, Tenor, and Julius. They had really distinct personalities and all worked together to protect and care for Eden. There were definitely humorous moments especially right before or after spicy scenes. The one thing that really bothered me was how very timid and uncommunicative Eden was. She tends to just nod or use one word. The men did make it clear that they were asking for her consent before and during sex scenes and that she could withdraw consent at any time. It did seem though that she didn't communicate well with them even when she was in pain. The ending of the book seemed a little bit rushed and very little detail was given. I felt like they could have spent a little less time on the spice towards the end and focused a little more on the trafficking if Eden was truly that concerned about other victims.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hangman's Knot by Lavinia Arbor is not for the faint of heart—and that’s exactly what makes it so captivating. This dark reverse harem omegaverse sinks its claws into you from the start, pulling you into a shadowy world of secrets, desire, and dangerous power plays. It’s one of those reads where you feel like something is always lurking just beneath the surface—watching, waiting, tightening the noose.
The atmosphere is deliciously eerie, with writing that wraps around you like fog—rich, immersive, and just a little bit suffocating in the best way. Lavinia Arbor crafts a world that feels both intimate and deadly, where every touch, glance, and whispered promise carries weight. The omegaverse elements are woven in with care, adding a primal edge to the already thick tension between characters.
The heroine is compelling—a mix of vulnerability and sharp-edged strength—and the men drawn to her? Dangerous, enigmatic, and each hiding secrets of their own. You’re never quite sure who to trust, which only heightens the suspense. There’s a constant push and pull, emotionally and physically, that keeps the pages turning and your heart in your throat.
This book definitely leans into the dark, and it doesn’t hold back. While that might not be for everyone, readers who crave morally gray dynamics, psychological intensity, and high emotional stakes will find it deeply satisfying. If you like your romance with claws, shadows, and a heavy dose of danger—Hangman’s Knot delivers.
Eden has always been careful, especially with being an unbonded omega, that's until she finds herself cornered by someone who is supposed to uphold the law. From there, things go south very quickly, and within the blink of an eye, she finds herself in a situation she never thought she'd be in.
Julius, Luke, and Tenor have been in prison for a few years and have had their share of fights. But when Luke comes across Eden, cornered, he thinks nothing of saving her from the throng. Eden, for the first time, feels safe in the presence of an Alpha and also the rest of his pack. From there, the Alphas make it their business to keep Eden safe from the general population.
Eden soon finds out what it means to be taken care of by Alphas; nothing is too much for them, and they will take care of her every whim. Especially when they find out why she has been put in prison and also without due process, they will fight to get her released.
But Eden misses her Alphas; they saved her, and she will find a way to save them right back. Her Alphas can't believe that their mate has fought in their corner for them. These Alpha males become pussycats around her, and they will do anything and everything to make her happy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When I say that this book is HOT...I mean like set the world on fire hot.
And these Alphas would not even bat an eye at burning the world down for their omega.
This author immediately starts this story off with a bang...IYKYK.
But that's not what had me staying up way past my bedtime to read...
It was the crazy and unique plot that this author created.
I really had no idea what to expect going into this story... and honestly I'm so glad.
I really enjoyed all the little surprises. And there is nothing more fun than reading a book with scenarios that you haven't read before.
These Alphas were so very different, yes they had their pack, their found family that they managed to build together... but they each had such strong personalities that were so different and fit together perfectly.
Their Omega, this poor girl couldn't have had a more tragic and traumatic story. My heart just broke for her. The things that she endured was awful and yet these big broody alphas came in and ever so delicately helped her heal.
This author managed to give me some of the hottest scenes and yet also gave me some of the most sweet and endearing scenes.... it was like a form of wizardry!
I seriously cannot wait for the next book in the series!
Hangman’s Knot by Lavinia Arbor is everything I want in a dark reverse harem omegaverse—intense, emotional, and full of twists that kept me glued to the pages. This story pulls you straight into a world where danger and desire are constantly battling for control, and the author balances both so well. The FMC is fierce, resilient, and so easy to root for, especially as her past comes back to haunt her in ways she never saw coming. The men in her orbit? Each one brings something different—power, obsession, loyalty, and that delicious edge of unpredictability. Their dynamic is complicated, tense, and electric in all the best ways. The pacing is tight, the stakes are high, and the darker elements are woven into the plot with purpose rather than shock value. I loved how the author slowly revealed secrets, building a sense of dread and anticipation that made every chapter hit harder. If you’re a fan of omegaverse with grit, emotional depth, and a heroine who refuses to break no matter what the world throws at her, Hangman’s Knot is a must-read. This is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There were some things to enjoy… like the smut. Mostly just the smut… and mostly because there was a lot of it. It is well written smut though, especially for the situation these characters are in. I like the exploration of ABO dynamics, easy to follow for anyone new to the concept. Eden is a fine FMC, but she’s a little bland. The guys were also a bit bland, mostly because they don’t have much individuality. Sometimes while reading, I’d have to look back at the beginning of a chapter to see whose POV it was supposed to be… because none of them were really distinct. I did appreciate their bond though. There was some good humor and sweet moments as well.
Some typos, could have used an editor, but overall a fine read. I would have enjoyed more elements of the prison being explored.
Struggled with this one a little more than I was happy with as I love Omegaverse and I felt like I ready didn’t have much character development that I normally like. I enjoyed the banter between the MMCs but also their dirty talk but the FMC Eden is supposed to have a degree and be a teacher’s assistant, but she comes off almost like she is uneducated and that left a bad taste in my mouth for her portions. About half of the storyline was just heat spikes and spicy scenes but this book had a fantastic opportunity/concept/plot that I felt could have been built out more. This book didn’t really hit the tone I was looking for based on the title.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book since this was Lavinia Arbor’s first book, but I am so glad I read it! This was a dark and twisty omegaverse that deals in trafficking of omegas and a corrupt prison system. Luke, Tenor and Julius were the alphas of all alphas. Super strong and growly!! Eden’s story was just tragic. I mean, seriously…what kind of deranged mind thinks it’s ok to put an omega in prison with a bunch of alphas? I really enjoyed this story and will definitely be checking out more of Lavinia’s books as they come out!
The world building was terrible, there wasn’t much plot or political machinations, the characterization was flat. None of that would have been an insurmountable problem in erotica if the spicy scenes were top notch, but instead the spicy scenes were cringe-inducing bad. Which was a problem considering spicy scenes were 85% of the page count. I gave it two stars instead of one star because there weren’t too terribly many typos or egregiously incorrect sentence structure.
If you're in the mood for a dark omegaverse with a lot of smut then this one is for you. It literally starts with a bang! I was definitely entertained, for all the dark themes involved I found myself giggling at the outrageousness and some of the dirty talk. It's a relatively fast/easy read that held my attention and kept me turning pages. I loved the alphas Julius, Luke, and Tenor. They are all the morally grey, protective, dirty talkers that I crave in a filthy read.
Tropes: Dark Omegaverse Why-choose MFMM Prison setting Multiple POV
When I think about this book the first word that comes to mind is “primal”. The FMC was stunted in her life in many ways and the author chose these men and the filthiest of smut to heal her. There was the underlying theme of sex trafficking that was admirable to tackle. I will say I HATED the ending that leads into a new FMC’s story. I didn’t need it and it left me with too many questions about one of the MMCs. Left a bad taste in my mouth after a book that I moderately fond feelings for. Must enjoy “insta-love” which I think is kind of required to enjoy any omegaverse I think
This was a new Omegaverse author for me but it certainly won't be my last. What a great book. A prison full of Alphas barely containing their instincts, a wrongly convicted Omega thrown into the jail - how will she survive! Three Alphas come to her rescue and save Eva - Luke, Julius and Tenor. She found her pack but there are others like her who have been stolen. The start of a really good series, I am looking forward to the next book.
3.5 stars. Finally a book that is what you'd think it is. A good palette cleanser, though I wouldn't say it is dark at all, feels very sweet and fluffy overall. I wish it was way darker though, especially given how it is set in a prison, but it wasn't bad overall. The MMCs' internal dialogue was pretty funny, so maybe the author would do better with romcom omegaverse RH, with something that is even more cozy and slower burn.
Eden North, is an unbonded omega who has carved out a quiet, independent life. She’s working as a teacher’s assistant, tending her plants, and deliberately avoiding the complications of alpha bonds. But her world collapses when she’s swept into a human trafficking conspiracy and thrown into a men’s prison as part of a campaign to “calm” the alpha populations, she's in a mans prison...
Eden is a hidden Omega. She is hiding her scent and is a teacher's assistant. She is happy with her work. But she is terrified of Alphas. When the SRO at her school corners her she does what she has to be safe. When the police come and take her away, do a fake trial and throw her into a hsigh secruity prison, how will she survive? They are all males and she is the only female. What will she do?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Dark and twisted but it made you feel I really liked that it wasn't heat that cookie cutter omega story Omega finds pack Pack like omega Conflict Omega leaves heartbroken
Nope This story is gripping spicy and really pulls you into what this FMC is going through. The feeling you get when reading angst makes you feel for her
Ok first off - love how this book starts with a rut. So many Omegaverse’s always focus on the heat or heat spike. And barely anything about ruts.
So much angst and smut! Not a ton of plot, but there is the underlying omega/human trafficking ring in the background/ the basis for them meeting in the first place. But the concept of this story was totally new for me. Omega being trafficked to a prison to “subdue” prisoners. Finding her mates within the prison. So dark! Unique perspective for me. But throughout the dark, the internal monologues of the alphas was quite funny. Great comic relief for such a dark setting. I gobbled it up!
Looking forward to book 2! Bee’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wanted so much more!! This book definitely gets your attention and keeps you hooked. High spice, I’m talking 5 chili peppers. I would have loved to have seen more of where they are now and how the guys are adjusting to life outside of prison. I just want to be selfish and have more of this pack!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a very insta lust motivated book. I rather enjoyed the plot and story line. It’s a good book for those that enjoy an instant read with some sexy alphas that know how to care for their omega!
3.5 stars rounded up. Feels reasonable to me that the FMC is traumatized. I did have some trouble figuring out where the prologue fit in, so 1/2 star removed there. (I was sick, but probably not that sick.)
I was pleasantly surprised and easily fell into this Omega/Prisonverse. Miss Arbor spins a spicy tale filled with danger, angst, and delicious Alpha mates. Despite the rhyme 😊, if you've never ventured into the Omegaverse this is a great book to start with.
Could not put down this dark twisty reverse harem. I enjoyed every min of the deadly pages. I loved all the dangerous men involved and wanted more. Crazy plot and spicy times.