Nests and Nuptials

Scent Valley University #2

by Polly Maple

She doesn’t want a pack. They plan to change her mind.

Kady Sinclair prides herself on being a strong, independent omega. She practically lives in the library, works for the college paper, and has her entire future mapped out. A future that doesn’t involve any alphas distracting her from her goals.

However, when her controlling father tries to force her into an arranged marriage, Kady has to take drastic action to avoid walking down the aisle.

While Kady fights to retain the freedom she’s worked so hard for, she meets the Valen Pack, who believe she’s destined to be theirs.

Ezra… The sexy professor with a fear of commitment.

Calder… Her quick-witted editor who loves a challenge.

Hale… An animal lover with a heart of gold.

Riven… The math genius who makes a mean cup of cocoa.

Despite their undeniable connection, it’ll take more than amazing chemistry for Kady to admit her true feelings. The Valen Pack wants to prove to their omega that being taken care of isn’t a weakness, but Kady’s stubborn resistance will be hard to break.

Will she accept that they’re her scent match or subject them all to a lifetime of loneliness?

***

Nests and Nuptials is a sweet, standalone, omegaverse romance set in the quirky world of Scent Valley University. Get ready to swoon over four hot alphas, meet your new fictional BFFs, gasp at spicy knotty heats, and giggle along with their banter. This low-angst, why choose romance series will hit you in the feels like a warm hug and comes with a guaranteed HEA.

Genres: Omegaverse, Fantasy, Romance

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2026

About the author

Polly Maple writes sweet omegaverse romance filled with all the fuzzy feels. Her fated mate love stories feature swoon-worthy alphas, characters you'll want to befriend, and a side of fun banter, all wrapped up in knotty heats that feel like coming home.

When Polly isn't dreaming up love stories, she's chasing her feral toddler, pestering her husband to make her chai lattes, and snuggling up under blankets watching reruns of her favorite comfort shows.

Reviews

[Chelsie Lucas · Rating 1 out of 5]

No.
Nope.
No.
I can’t stand the trope where one of the main male characters comes in and act, rude and immature, and like a complete ass for literally no reason.
The FMC had been working her butt off to become the editor, and then one of the main characters comes in, takes the spot and acts like a dick from the start.

Plus, we have the fake dating trope, but it’s not even with the fact that she’s going to end up with so it’s extra drama added in for no reason
Then there’s also the drama with the Dad

So it’s just a pack that’s not great and one of them is not even nice to her in the beginning, another fact that she doesn’t like and also treats her kind of like shit, and then her dad that treats her like crap

You’re telling me that every man in the story is pretty much a pile of trash and I’m supposed to want to keep reading it ?????

Nah.

[Maria F · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Letting go, even for a little while, may be exactly what I need.”

I really like this series for the unique and well-developed college setup built around designations. The scent sororities are the coolest thing and the network of best friends that develops out of it is just perfection! I am so invested in all of these girls!

This book feels a touch more angsty given the dispositions of several of our main characters! But it is still solidly in cozy territory for me! I love when pack members all have individual meet cutes and these were fantastic meet cutes with great variety and lots of sparks. My heart melts for our boy Riven! So swoony! I think he is my fave and definitely has my fave temperament.

I really enjoyed Kady’s story and greatly enjoyed the pack that she fell for!!!!

What’s Inside
❤️ Omegaverse
❤️ MFMMM
❤️ College Romance
❤️ Meet Cutes falling from the sky!
❤️ Scent Matches
❤️ Scent Sorority - the best Gal Pals!
❤️ Knotting special feature (my jaw dropped)
❤️ Arranged Marriage gone wrong


The Vibes
Cozy comfort with a sprinkling of angst

I think this was perhaps a bit longer than I would have preferred for the amount of action taking place. At times it felt a bit repetitive and slow but then would pick back up. Some internal monologues felt repetitive.

Definitely a nicely cozy read (as is Bonds and blooms!) that I really enjoyed. AND LET ME TELL YOU!!! I may have peeked at the ‘zon to see if the next book was being teased yet and I AM SO GLAD I DID- I NEED HER STORY!!!! (You will just have to go check yourself- I’m not spoiling anything here).

Overall 4.25/5 Stars

I was gifted a copy of this book by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you!

[Ash (so there’s this book) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Genre: New Adult / Adult Omegaverse
Spice: 2.5/5🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*

The Catalog: MFMMM omegaverse, fake dating gone very wrong, independent omega, scent-matches, neurodivergent rep, rival journalists, angst, inconvenient heat, alpha with a double knot, commitment phobic alpha, heat tending, inexperienced alpha

Kink: public sex, power exchange, bondage, temperature play, sensory deprivation (blindfold), DP, DVP

Pack Dynamics:
α Ω α α α
• Ezra (α): commitment phobic professor
• Kady (Ω): independent omega that doesn’t want a pack
• Hale (α): the pack leader continuing his family’s legacy
• Riven (α): the sweetheart alpha with neurodivergence
• Calder (α): the cocky newspaper editor that gets off on competition

Synopsis:
Being a Sinclair isn’t easy. Kady’s life is often controlled by her father, curated by PR people, and otherwise dissected by the public. So when her dad promises her to a pack, despite not wanting to ever bond, she becomes desperate and fake dates the worst pack on campus. However, while she’s fighting to gain her freedom, she meets the Valen pack, and all those things she’s always tried to avoid—a pack, alphas, bonding—come knocking.

Thoughts:
I’m so happy to be back at Scent Valley University! I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Bonds and Blooms, and really loved the little sneak peeks of Faye and her pack in this one! Kady Sinclair is one of the Stella sorority omegas we meet in book one, and I was really eager to see what she was going to do with her father’s forced engagement!

Kady is an independent, over achieving, boss babe omega that doesn’t want to lose her freedom by getting a pack. However, maybe what she needs are partners that will support her, not stifle her. There are also some interesting family dynamics between her and her ultra famous/ultra wealthy father, which added to the overall conflict. Kady’s desperation to remain unattached was commendable, but at times frustrating.

Pack Valen was a lot of fun. There’s Hale, the leader, that’s trying to find balance after inheriting his father’s legacy, Calder, the alpha that took a job that was all but promised to Kady, Ezra, the severely commitment phobic professor, and Riven, the sweetest alpha imaginable. Their dynamic as a pack is a little confusing, but they all love and support each other, which was very sweet, specifically concerning Riven and his neurodivergence.

The romance portion is what I would describe as medium-fast burn physical relationship, but slow burn feelings. I wish there had been more time for emotional development between Kady and her pack in the last third. I enjoyed the time she got to spend with each of them in the later part of the book (their dates were cute).

This story started out with a bang, and I wasn’t expecting all of the angst, but I was living for the drama at the start. The first 40% was really engaging, and I binged it quickly. However, at times it did feel a little drawn out. Also, I wish there had been more time at the end to see the Valen pack together. It felt like a lot of their issues remained unresolved, and parts of the story feel very incomplete:
• To me, the final resolution with Ezra didn’t feel adequate. I’m not sure he did enough to prove himself to Kady, or to me.
• I wish more had been said about Hale and the “family business vs veterinary school” conversation
• While I can appreciate that Kady wanted things to go slowly, because she never made a bold decision/declaration, their love story doesn’t feel complete. If there had been more time devoted to their emotional relationship, maybe she would have gotten to the same level as the guys, and it wouldn’t feel so up in the air.

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this world so much and I was so excited to jump back in and read Kady's story.

Kady, she is a very strong, independent and fiery omega. She feels as though she doesn't need help and rarely asks for it. I love her, she loves her friends deeply but her father isn't that great.

Our mmc's are Riven, Ezra, Hale and Calder. These guys, I love them so much. Hale is Lead Alpha and has such a grounding presence. Ezra is all charm and doesn't do commitment. Calder is an alpha who likes to be in control and Riven, he is my favourite, he is just the cutest and loves science and maths. Riven is my favourite for sure!

The plot was incredible. When Kady is stuck is a sticky situation, she enlists the help of a pack to keep up a certain facade. Problem is, Kady meets 4 alphas that flip her world upside down. I really liked how Kady and her alpha's relationship progressed. It felt so real and organic and it was really respectful of them to give the space Kady needed to find her footing in this new dynamic and just let her feel what she was feeling. I also loved that Kady just understood and accepted them for who they are. I could go on and on but don't want to spoil it for anyone 😊

Shout out to The Stella's and Larry, love you all!!!

Amazing read! Can't wait for Delilah's story 🩷🩷🩷

Thank you so much Polly and your lovely team for the opportunity to read this story and to be a part of your ARC team. I am forever grateful 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶🌶🌶🌶

🐈 why choose
🩷 multiple pov
🐈 omegaverse
🩷 independent fmc
🐈 fake relationship
🩷 age gap
🐈 innocent mmc
🩷 forbidden
🐈 scent matches / fated
🩷 spice
🐈 so much more...

[Whitney Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an engaging read with a strong, capable omega at its center, and I really enjoyed Kady’s determination to protect her independence while navigating the pull of the Valen Pack. The chemistry is definitely there, and each member of the pack brings something distinct to the table. Hale’s love of animals was especially charming, Riven’s quiet sweetness was a standout, and the group dynamic kept the story moving at a steady, enjoyable pace.

That said, a few threads never quite tied themselves into a bow. The conflict with Ezra, in particular, felt like it never truly resolved. It didn’t evolve or conclude so much as quietly fade into the background and become “a thing,” which left me wanting more clarity and emotional payoff.

Similarly, Hale’s shift toward staying in the family business instead of pursuing vet school lacked explanation or closure, making that arc feel unfinished rather than intentional.

Kady’s role also felt inconsistent. She seemed firmly against the relationship for most of the book, and that resistance never fully softened in a meaningful way, even by the end. Because of this, the conclusion felt a bit abrupt and not as complete as it could have been.

Overall, this was a solid, enjoyable story with compelling characters and a fun premise, but the unresolved conflicts and missing explanations kept it from reaching its full potential. I still had a good time reading it, I just wished the ending had delivered a bit more resolution and emotional closure.

[Heather Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nest and Nuptials 🩷

Nest and Nuptials
By Polly Maple
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Returning to SVU for Kady’s story didn’t disappoint. The Stella Girls truly captivated my heart in book 1 (with Bounds and Blooms - Faye’s story) and I couldn’t wait to return for the next story.

Kady is an independent and strong omega who doesn’t want a pack let alone a scent matched pack and yet, she finds just that within the Valen pack. The Valen pack throws Kady for a loop and everything changes while other elements that are out of Kady’s control are in play.

The Valen pack - Ezra, Calder, Riven, and Hale. All strong alphas who each share independent relationships and bounds with Kady. They care deeply for Kady and love her independence and don’t try to tame her or change her. Which is one of the reasons I love this story so much. Kady has a backbone from beginning to end of this book and her pack loves her even more because of it.

I’ve been saying this a lot lately, to be seen is to be loved and these alphas see Kady and love her and encourage her and do not try to change her.

I cannot wait to return to SVU for book 3. I got a feeling it’s going to wreck me and put me back together again and I can’t wait!

[Katie Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nest and Nuptials is a high heat, slow burn Romance, where we get all the great spice but eases us into the characters' love in a really wonderful way.
I was initially wary of Kady as our Omega. She is extremely independent and was adamant she resolutely did not want a Pack, even fighting her instincts for her Scent matches, almost to the bitter end.
we got to definitely see the sweeter side to Kady, how she fit into the pack and with the Alphas, giving each of them exactly what they needed to feel whole.
This was sweet, cosy, and a gorgeous read. Seeing into the Stella's sisterhood again was a particularly favourite part of the book for me.
Having insight into SVU from Bonds and Blooms made the read easier to get into the story straight away. We already knew and loved Kady. Making it a lot easier to root for her to find her HEA in her own book!
Fiercely independent Omega ✔️
Protective Cinnamon Roll Alpha ✔️
Cocky Reformed Playboy Alpha with a sweet side ✔️
Competitive Slightly Grumpy Alpha with a fierce protective streak ✔️
Sweet, Lovable, Puppy Alpha ✔️
And a Grumpy Cat to Boot!
they complemented each other so well that it was hard not to fall in love with the Valen Pack!
(Also, we must protect Riven at all costs🖤)

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nests and Nuptials completely stole my heart. What I expected to be a fun, fluffy romance turned out to have so much more depth, especially when it comes to hyper-independence and the terrifying art of letting people in.

Kady is fiercely self-reliant to the point of hyper-independence. She’s built her life around not relying on anyone, and Polly Maple handles that aspect of her character with so much care. Watching her slowly unravel that armour, not because she’s weak, but because she finally feels safe enough to be vulnerable, was honestly one of the most beautiful parts of the story.

I also really appreciated the neurodivergent representation woven into the book. It felt thoughtful and human rather than tokenistic, characters were allowed to exist fully as themselves, with their quirks, coping mechanisms, sensitivities, and strengths treated as part of who they are, not something to be fixed or labelled. There’s a quiet validation in seeing that kind of portrayal inside a romance that’s still swoony and sexy and joyful.

This book balances banter, heat, found family, and genuine emotional growth so well. It’s soft where it needs to be, intense when it counts, and deeply comforting by the end. A guaranteed HEA that feels earned.

[BobbiJo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, because I absolutely loved the first book of this series. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. The writing is great, but this book and Kady’s story wasn’t for me.

For those of you who live for all the angst in a romance, this book will be up your alley. But if you are like me and possibly get reading anxiety, this may be too much angst for you. I can deal with some angst, but this book had me stressed the entirety of it, which made it not too enjoyable. This is a preference and I have to reiterate, the writing is GREAT! Just probably not for anxious readers.

Another issue for me is I love the almost instalove that usually comes from scent matches, the bonding, creating a home together, all that. It’s what makes omegaverse such a cozy read for me. You will not get that in this book, specifically, you will not get that from this FMC. Again, that’s preference and I’m positive many of you will love this book.

So if you love angst and you don’t have the above listed needs from omegaverse, you will probably absolutely love this book, but to the ones like me, I would read with caution.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kady isn’t like other omegas. Fiercely independent and career driven, she doesn’t have time for a pack or bonds. But when her father sends her an invitation to her own wedding, her plans have to change, & quickly.
However, she doesn’t plan on her scent matches slowly working their way into her heart.

Hale, Ezra, Riven, & Calder are all quite different, but their pack is strong, and most of them are willing to make it work. Eventually lol. Even her cat Larry has strong opinions! 🐈 🤣 It was great to experience their relationships developing individually and as a pack!
There’s definitely spice, but also some slow burn romance, stubbornness that fades into acceptance and vulnerability; all leading to Kady and The Valen Pack’s happily ever after!

I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
The Stella House omegas are such a fun group! I loved their appearances in this book!

Thank you to the Author for the ARC! 🫶🩷 She is quickly becoming one of my favorite omegaverse authors!

[Anna Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to ARC read this author's first book and then ARC for this book as well and I can seriously say that I have loved both of them, maybe even loved this one more!

I identified so much with the fmc and her desire to be in control and to be the best that she could be! It It totally reminded me of myself in college. I definitely had my assignments done a month early!

This book was seriously fabulous. I especially loved the addition of a MMC that was not neurotypical. It was handled in such a good way. I loved how all the characters treated him with such love and patience.

If you're looking for a boss Omega who is reluctant for a pack, but yet finds one to be a fake one... then this book is for you! Bonus point for the fact that she's not afraid of challenging an alpha!

I've basically begged to be on her Street Team at this point! Thus author is an auto read author for me!

[goodgirl_meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book, got a little mad at a main character for behaving a certain way, then realized you do the exact same thing in real life? Well, now I have. Kady and her pack have taught me that you need to allow people to be in your corner and take care of you sometimes. AND that just because society wants you to behave one way, it doesn’t mean that’s what will work for you or what YOUR people will expect of you. So for all the control freak girlies out there, therapy is in session with Nests and Nuptials. 😂

Polly Maple is fantastic at writing very diverse personalities into her packs, but making every single character relatable too. I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship and character development here. Most important take away: if your grumpy menace of a cat takes a shine to your new boyfriends, they’re keepers!

[books_know_rh · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐️

I really enjoyed this book!
Kady was a great protagonist: independent, fierce, and determined to fight for what she wants. She comes across as cold and guarded at first, but that attitude clearly works as a shield to hide her vulnerabilities, which made her feel very real and layered.
I liked how clearly distinct Hale, Calder, Riven, and Ezrae felt, with their own personalities and dynamics with Kady. Ezra, the one that keeps his distance the longest, add some nice tension to the group dynamic. The spicy scenes were well done and fit naturally into the story. Overall, this book felt even more polished, and you can really see the author’s growth in both the writing and the story development.

For more details, tropes, spice, darkness, and TWs, check out my IG page: @books_know_rh ✨

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kady!!!!! Miss Polly had nailed it once again with Nests and Nuptials. When Kady's dad tries to pack Kady up with an arranged marriage, Kady refused to sit on the sidelines and let someone else run her life. I loved Kady's wit and quick responses. I loved Riven's innocence and intelligence. Calder and his banter and fighting spirit. Hale…..Mr. Double Knot, family man and lover of animals? Yes please. And Finally…..Ezra, I loved his personal reflection and how he and Kady understood each other's need for independence. Add in the rest of the Stella girls and this was a blast to read.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok I love the scent valley books so far. This is Kady her story and she didn't want alphas but she got them now as she requested help from them to help her with a situation. These alphas are in it when they release what Kady is to them and prove to her they are worthy to be her alphas. Kady needs convincing as she doesn't let biology lead her so the Valen Pack have their work cut out. I really love this story and I can't wait for the next one already. A must read for omegaverse lovers. It is on the cozy side of things which I love.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok. I liked the 1st book more. I felt like the instalust was there but there wasn’t a ton of emotional growth between Kady and the pack as the book went on. I felt like 3/4 of the boys were outspoken with their feelings, but she and Ezra never really open up. She still felt kinda cold still by the end of the book and continued to annoy me with her stubbornness throughout it. Their story just feels unresolved to me. Having said that, I adored Riven and like the neurodivergent representation. Hale and Calder I also liked.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I loved being back at SVU. Kady was a breath of fresh air for an omega. Headstrong, stubborn and can take care of herself-as evidenced by her breaking a guys nose. Despite all that I loved the Valen pack showing her it’s ok to have others care and help. Hands down, Riven was my favorite. His sweet, innocent, research driven mind made me swoon.

While I enjoyed the book overall, at some points I did this it was dragged out. It came to a point I kept thinking it was the end but would realize there was still more. I also wish there was better groveling from a couple of the alphas

[Kerri Kiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute

I really enjoy this series and getting more of the stories. This one really was not my favorite, I just could not connect with Kady. And the story kind of felt unfinished? Like what about hale and veterinary school? Did she meet anyone else’s family? And bonds? I guess I just enjoy a book to fully wrap up and then see more as the series progresses with others stories but to me I just needed more. I enjoyed it but it would not be one I reread. I can not wait until Delilah’s book :)

[Lexee · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked the first one a little better, but this was super good too! like something about this author scratches my brain & its legit the best omegaverse writing ever. so i’m loving the SVU world and legit cannot wait a whole year for the next one!!!! 😖 please release sooner if possible 🥺 (also small note - why was Calder so mean to Riven, like legit every comment he made to him was sarcastic & condescending, my precious baby didn’t deserve that ? ☹️)

[Jemma Newby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I just loved Kady and her pack. This book was just such a sweet read that I devoured in one. I fell hard for all of Kady's Alphas but I definitely have more of a soft spot for one of them. I loved the found family moments and also the Sister's from another Mister with all the girls , I just love their friendship so much. With the ending I can't wait for what's next to come in series. Amazing five star read that I would definitely recommend.

[EllieGraceReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a sweet series and I love the idea of a scent sorority! The Stellas have such a cute friendship!

Oh Riven, my previous autistic angel!!🥹
I love this man with my whole heart and he needs to be protected at all costs!!
I love this whole pack and the way they’re not trying to change Kady in any way!
They all fit so well together.

Also, a double knot?!👀

I can’t wait for cameos of this pack in the next book!

Shout out to Larry the cat!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Smut level: 🌶️🌶️ out of 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Wow. I absolutely loved this spin on an omegaverse, and when I say spin, I mean our FMC. She is unlike what you typically see: she’s strong, independent, and most uniquely, fiercely opposed to bonding or scent matches.

This pack didn’t form easily, and it definitely didn’t form quickly. But the respect and understanding the characters build with one another is amazing to read. The story is left fairly open, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if there’s another book down the line to close out a few lingering threads. That said, it also ends in a way that feels deeply satisfying all on its own.

The smut? So hot. One-night stand turned more, surprise heat assist, virgin MMC, greenhouse scenes, dirty talk, DP, DVP… I mean, it really had so much.

I won’t spoil anything, but I truly adored the ending of this book. And I’m not just talking about the tease for book three, which… oh my goodness, give it to me now! The ending felt fresh and different, and I loved what it meant for our FMC.

I cannot wait to read the next story in this universe!!

[Sarah Hollon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay the first book in this series was AMAZING. But honestly this one? Meh. The plot was rushed and the conflicts were so randomly resolved they seemed pointless and unbelievable. Also, lowkey did not like Kady, her whole “I refuse to bond or have a pack bc I’m independent” thing got so obnoxious she kinda just came off as stuck up.

[Samantha Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Polly! You done amazing job with Kady's book. You really got us to feel every emotion while reading this book. It was a very great tag along to read
I don't want to give any spoilers away I will say I am absolutely excited to read the next book.

[Cat the RH Safekeeper]

🟢 This is a reverse harem 🟢

[Savannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

No I didn’t know that double knots were a thing. No you cannot see my twitter & AO3 search history.

[Hiba · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.50 stars

[Kassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story 4.25⭐️ Spice 3.25🌶️
A great addition to the SVU universe. It feels almost like a happy for now, but they are happy nonetheless. Looking forward to all of the Stellas’ stories.

[Brittany Neuman · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF… YUCK

I’m tired of this social engineering bs being forced down our throats. This author is a NO for me now that I know she’s a just another puppet.

[Emily Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read, spicy and heartfelt. Definitely one to add to ur tbr!!