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Scent Valley University #2

Nests and Nuptials

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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.

508 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2026

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About the author

Polly Maple

5 books114 followers
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.

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5 stars
541 (30%)
4 stars
663 (37%)
3 stars
447 (25%)
2 stars
79 (4%)
1 star
22 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsie Lucas.
1,186 reviews25 followers
February 10, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
478 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2026
DNF at 15%
What the heck happened?
I loved the first book and had hoped that I found a new favorite series, but this book was completely off.
The FMC is very hardworking and works as a journalist. She is very interested in Omega rights and independent. When her dad wants to force her into a marriage with a pack she claims that she is already being courted by one.
The set-up of this scene was so off. She wasn't at her own home, but one of her friend's home and her father's butler found her, entered the home and gave her a wedding invitation to her own wedding. How did that man find her?
Her father then calls her and she tells him the lie so that he will stop. The heck. There was no talk about how she can't just refuse because of money or something else. She then comes up with the idea to ask a pack to pretend to court and then break up with her.
Due to her job she gets to know about a pack that tried to manipulate an omega's choice in a speed scenting event... The pack is misogynistic, foul smelling and disgusting. She convinces the pack to be the one to pretend to court her, because she could expose them for what they did and being seen with her will make them interesting for other omegas. Wtf.
Is this what an honest journalist that stands her ground on omega rights would do? No! She could have tried to convince any other pack and not partake in this humiliation ritual that is bound to explode in her face.

Also, she singled out her friend Sabs so often in her inner monologue that it got weird and felt mean. I thought that maybe it was because Sabs could be the main character in the next book, but she is not.

The first interaction with one of the MMCs is also ugh. She goes to a bar alone and there she meets this guy. They click and talk. They don't talk blankly with each other so they don't know that she is a student and he is a new professor at her university. They go to find privacy. They start a full on bar brawl, because she stands up for her omega rights and then they have sex against a wall outside in public and she dismisses the guy after. The guy goes home to his pack and is introduced to the reader as a lothario that fucked up their move on day one for having a one-night stand when he was supposed to only get groceries. Instead he saw the FMC through the window and wanted to meet her. Ugh. So their meet cute wasn't even natural.

All in all, the main characters felt like unlikable characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for katie ⭐️.
197 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2026
It was fine up until they referred to a woman’s cl!t as a ‘love button’ 🤢
224 reviews15 followers
February 9, 2026
“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!
Profile Image for Aine_ Murphy97.
47 reviews
February 25, 2026
Nest and Nuptials Book Review -
Scent Valley University #2

Genre - Omegaverse
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating - 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Vibes -

Diving back in with the Stella House Girls, Kadys father is forcing her into an arrange mating with a pack she doesn’t want. Kady has always been a strong independent omega who decides her own fate and takes charge. In the hopes of getting rid of her father she agrees to fake date this horrendous pack of slimy alphas but in the middle of all this she runs into 4 Alphas all of whom are her Scent Matches, in a suprise heat spike she seeks their aid.

The Valen Pack is Ezra the professor, Calder her new newspaper editor, Hale secret CEO,
Riven the Autistic and Sweet Genius. Each one of them charms and intrigues Kady in a different way, half the pack know she’s special while half the pack want to deny their feelings for her. After a bumbling off random meetings they convince Kady that these Alphas her Scent Matched deserve a chance to prove themselves worthy of her. A weekend away in a small town with a heat thrown in for some sweet scenes and excellent spice. Kady fights to keep the Valen pack when her dad steps in but love prevails.

Kady learns that her new pack and letting her alphas caring for her doesn’t take away from her independence and career goals for the future. A beautiful story of taking a chance of true love. Can’t wait for the next book. Would highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Jordan Bailey.
981 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2026
terribly mid

It honestly might be two stars simply because it dragged.

“Those with independent, strong spirits tend to be the ones who are in the most need of love.”

Love Riven. Love Hale. Like Calder. Kady and Ezra are really insufferable and I swear this is the longest book known to man because of it. I’ve been held hostage because I kept putting it down, because it’s miserable.

Chapter 35 is when Ezra and Kady stop wearing their @$$es as hats. 80% and I think we’re finally getting somewhere. Somehow… I even like her blowhard dad.

From the beginning, the concept of the fake dating with THAT pack, was insane and then until didn’t amount to anything. They were just expelled and went quietly?! I find that hard to believe, they were willing to get rid of the cat…

Kady stayed annoying to the end. There are some questions left unanswered but I suppose maybe book 3 will close those loose ends.

Delilah’s book will probably be the best of them all. I hope.

Overall, Kady was iffy at best in Faye’s book and insufferable the majority of this book. Even Ezra came around. Like how are we still not sure when bonding is or even if it ever will happen??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SnowyReads.
65 reviews13 followers
February 13, 2026
Nests and Nuptials by Polly Maple
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⤷I’m absolutely obsessed with this series, Polly Maple is a must-read for me! Kady’s and Pack Valen's story exceeded my expectations & definitely made it to my favorites for this year!
⤷I adored all the characters, they were all unique, relatable & had incredible chemistry! Kady’s feisty independence, Hale’s protectiveness & care, Ezra’s fun & professor sexiness, Calder’s passionate ambition, and River’s extra sweet neurodiverse personality stole my heart!
⤷You must read this sweet, spicy, low-angst, and cozy university omegaverse romance! I can’t wait for Delilah & Sabs next, the foreshadowing for their books got me so excited & wanting to hug Delilah!

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
🩷 Why Choose - AOAAA
🩷 Omegaverse
🩷 Found Family
🩷 Cozy College Setting
🩷 Scent Matches
🩷 Fake Dating Gone Wrong
🩷 Independent FMC
🩷 Cat Buddy - Larry
🩷 Neuro Spicy MMC
🩷 Best Friend’s Professor
🩷 Sorority Sisterhood

𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬:‘babygirl’(E), ‘pumpkin star boy’, ‘little fighter’ (H), ‘Mr. Hotshot Editor’ (K),
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
📌Kady (O): The Hyper Independent & Feisty law student, who isn’t looking for love.
“I look back at the cabin and see the outlines of my four alphas inside the cozy cabin, reminding me that I have another choice. A life that’s filled with excitement, laughter, and people who care about me. For the first time, a future with them feels a lot less scary than a future without them.”

📌Hale (A): The Protective & Responsible Pact Lead with a heart of gold, soft spot for animals, & wants to prove that being Kady’s pack will work out. (🪢🐓)
“Those with independent, strong spirits tend to be the ones who are in the most need of love.”

📌Ezra (A): The New Laidback Botany Professor, who has No-Strings fun & meets her at a bar first.
“But I thought you didn’t believe in scent matches.” “I didn’t.” Ezra’s teeth graze along his bottom lip. “Until I met you.”

📌River (A): The Sweet Math Genius & Neuro Spicy Viking Alpha, who is passionate about stargazing & makes the best hot chocolate.
“Kady?” I pretend to be so engrossed in my book that I can’t hear him. “Just because you can take care of yourself doesn’t mean you always have to.”

“Even though a once in a lifetime constellation phenomenon is happening, I can’t bring myself to look away from her. Kady Sinclair is all I ever want to see. I carefully map her face like it’s the sky—her large, aquamarine doll eyes, cute nose, the slight sheen of her pink lips, and pointed chin. I’ll never get tired of looking at her.”

📌Calder (A): The New Editor at The Valley Voice, who is passionately competitive with Kady.
“Good.” Calder takes my chin, looking deep into my eyes. His fingers on my skin create a heat that travels down to my toes. “For however long we’re in here, you’re mine. You follow my orders. No questions asked. If you let me, I’ll worship every single inch of you. On my terms.”


📌Sorority - Stella House: Book 1 Faye & Pack Silverwood, Delilah and Sabs

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚: Beautiful Character Art
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
📍Scent Valley University
⤷Halloween ‘Monster Masquerade’, Club Knotty, Appleby Farm - Rose Harbor (Hale’s parents), Fair,
────────────────
Profile Image for Belle Jean.
167 reviews
March 1, 2026
LOVE!

Love Kady even though her scheme at the beginning of the story was so silly. But she is bad ass because of her mind.
Love the neurodivergent rep.
Great to see the friendship moments still with the girls.
All of her alphas were great but two stand out. Riven is the sweetest with his honesty and innocence. And Hale the way he makes sure everyone is taken care of is lovely plus he cares for animals need I say more.

Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Danielle.
55 reviews23 followers
February 11, 2026
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.
Profile Image for Natalie.
66 reviews
April 7, 2026
eh 🤷🏻‍♀️. I read all of it and enjoyed half the MMCs but the other half were eh and the FMC didn't sit right with me. I guess I'm just not her kind of person. I understood where she was coming from to a point but really she just got in her own way for most of it. The two MMCs I wasn't as fond of both had positions of power over her to a specific degree and both were just as reluctant as her at first. I feel like after all the back and forth everything was just magically fixed which kind of cheapened it. Also her dad was like that too. Plus in the end she starts coming around to the idea of finalizing their relationship after being adamant against the idea of it as a whole the whole book. I think if she got over it why not just do it at that point? But eh. I liked the first book more but that had more to do with the characters than the writing. The writing was good but the collection of characters this book follows just wasn't for me. I'm excited about the next book though. I like the FMC of that one since book one and I'm excited to see how she gives her guy a second chance and what that's like.
Profile Image for Karleigh Kocar.
10 reviews
February 17, 2026
I really enjoyed Kady and her packs story. The emotional development they all had to work through to get on the same page and believe in each other to make things work was so good.
Profile Image for ash ✨.
617 reviews
April 10, 2026
kindle: 2.5⭐️ rounded up because i knew what i was signing up for and i’m sure the things i didn’t love, are reasons others may love it — this was perfectly fun/fine for an omegaverse read, I just didn’t love the premise/some of the characters, entirely for reasons of personal preference (so much extra/unnecessary drama). will i read the next one when it comes out though? almost definitely haha
739 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2026
For me, a father that wants to sell you to a pack that will rape and abuse you, and take away all your rights - is literally trying to drag you away and alpha bark you into compliance - and then, despite having been horribly unreasonable all the way through the book , suddenly goes oh okay then. And the fmc, the victim, is oh he is not a bad guy really you know….. this felt like a seriously lazy plot hole. Never addressed the alpha hating his role as ceo. Ignored the fact that the omega was in line for a new senior position that got just handed to some random alpha.

Lots of plot holes, and besides Riven, just unpleasant or boring alphas.

I did not enjoy this book but I did finish it.
Profile Image for Anya.
132 reviews2 followers
March 21, 2026
(This review is absolutely NOTHING against the writing or author. I simply just didn’t vibe with the character/story. The writing was great.)

This one was a bit hard for me to get into and finish. I didn’t really vibe with Kady, I like a strong fmc but this one honestly was just annoying to me. I liked the mmcs though, they put up with a lot.
Definitely go into this book with the mindset that there really won’t be a full HEA. The pack doesn’t fully bond, live all together, and we don’t really get to see them say they love each other.
The fmc in this one is probably more commitment-phobic than one of the mmcs (and his entire character was based on being a playboy who’s terrified of commitment).
Kady is literally so dead set on being independent and not needing anyone that most of the time she comes off a bit bîtchy.
⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5

Hopefully the next book in the series will be more of my vibe.
Profile Image for Alexandria G.
Author 8 books220 followers
March 9, 2026
I have to admit, this entire series is working up to being one of my favourite omegaverse romances. This series follows four women referred to as “the Stella’s” and basically follows them as they build their friendship at college… and their forever mates.

I’m not going to lie, this book started off with me being nervous. Kady is headstrong and determined, but her actions in this one? Nerve wracking. And then things started to get better and better as she slowly met all her mates and their story began to take off.

Each character had their own issues and hesitations, but they were all so… them. I love how each character is different, has their own likes and dislikes, but ultimately come together to ensure their omega is taken care of.

If you don’t have this series on your radar, I highly recommend adding it if you’re a fan of:

Omegaverse (duh)
Found Family
Scent Matches
Fake Dating Gone Wrong
Why Choose Romances
Profile Image for Maya.
1,798 reviews
March 23, 2026
Nope, don’t like Kady. What a headache she is. Way too much drama around this chick. Fixed myself to
Finish this, which is sad as I just discovered this author. I will continue to read future stories but
This one really put me off. Won’t be picking this one up again.
Profile Image for Nova.
93 reviews
March 17, 2026
I loved this book but I HATED the beginning, it gave me the strongest second hand embarrassment ever and made me want to dnf so bad, I had to skim all the interactions she had with the Blandon pack.. the only thing keeping me going is the knowledge that this wouldn’t be her pack and wouldn’t last long. Thank god for her being fucking smart and ditching them.

I love Larry, he’s such a stupid troublemaker.

But this book was overall great(not including the beginning) I love Riven so much and the entire pack dynamic is just amazing, Hale and his animals just Rah, Calder and his sassy banter with Kady is wonderful and Ezra in all his stubbornness is precious.
Overall great book but terrible start!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cool Aunt Jacki.
40 reviews
February 15, 2026
I don’t know….. I liked a lot about this story. But, some things just didn’t hit the mark?

The Good:
Kady is an independent omega, wanting to do life her own way. Her characterization stays the same throughout the story. Love that.

As stated in my review of the first book in the series, I absolutely love the Stellas as a group. I’m glad that Faye is still a part of the group. And my main man Larry obviously had a larger part in this one.

Riven was just the sweetest. I couldn’t help but smile during their solo time. Gentle giants with a dash of neuro-spiciness might be my kryptonite. His tenderness was endearing.

And don’t get me started on the double knot sitch Hale has going on. Get it girl 🥵. Hale was a great lead alpha, especially for Kady. If anyone could relate to her upbringing, and being known in the corporate world, it was him.

The Not So Good:
While being a “cozy” story, there was definitely more angst and tension than the first book. But, some of the tension was just sort of….. drama?

One alpha only wanted Kady for a one night stand, pushing her away for the rest of the book only to immediately change his tune at the last second. It happened so fast, that it didn’t have the emotional impact that I wish it had. He was let off the hook way too easily. (I might be a certified Ezra hater.)

Kady’s dad’s little lackey was gross. The entire interaction where the lackey gets the Valen Pack arrested, and basically gaslighting Kady when she tries to say nothing was wrong was gross. Her dad not giving her agency until an alpha confirms they are scent matches? Gross. I know this was the point, so good job, I guess.

Then, once she finally starts spending time with Valen Pack, she’s very rude to them. She has multiple inner thoughts of telling herself that she’s “being a bitch” to them. A lot of this stems from Ezra being a douchebag (see above), and Calder being just a bit too arrogant.

Then there’s the Fake Dating trope. It was interesting to do a misdirect, and have it be a pack Kady doesn’t end up with. But, they were already set up in the first book as terrible alphas. I’m sorry, but Kady’s character is written as smart, and very well media trained from her father. Picking that pack just seemed dumb. Unnecessarily dumb.

Finally, I’ve never read an ov book where they don’t bond. Like, what? I’m glad Kady didn’t fold on her convictions, and the story points out *it’s coming* but… come on. It could have been an epilogue.

I would say the true rating is 3.5 stars, but we don’t round up. I will still be continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Buchanan.
106 reviews2 followers
February 19, 2026
This one was hard for me to finish.

First, We have an FMC who’s been treated like shit from all the men in her life, who does not want to pack or a bond, and doesn’t seem to grasp that she could really hurt these guys by stringing them along. There was a lot of drama surrounding a fake dating type situation, but as others have mentioned that that’s not even the pack that she ends up with so it seems a little convoluted for no reason.

Next, we have a pack that is new to the university and there is a lot of friction between the pack and our FMC that I didn’t feel like got resolved. There’s my least favorite trope of a woman who has worked very hard to get recognized and promoted in her job only to be set aside for a man with connection connections. This man also comes in and treats her like a bag of garbage and never really apologizes for using his wealth and connection to get something that she worked hard for. There’s no resolution to this plot line other than they just….share it? Also, in this pack is a fuck boy player who does not want any type of commitment but knows his pack wants an omega, but he continues to fight against it and nobody seems to do anything about it. The rest of the guys are fine if not forgettable.

I still enjoy this world and the tight female friendship that’s being portrayed in the Stella house. I love that we still see Faye around even if she’s packed up. I’m really interested in Delilah’s story coming next so I do plan on continuing. This one just wasn’t my cup of tea.

Profile Image for Michele.
120 reviews4 followers
March 4, 2026
disappointed

Very disappointed with this one. Celebrating bad behavior in anyone is a sign of a strong character. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but couldn’t finish this one.
114 reviews
Read
February 20, 2026
On a scale of No to Yes, I will give this book a:
❗️❗️ Maybe.❗️❗️
This is a maybe leaning towards yes.

I did enjoy this book overall. In comparison to the first one, this felt more packed.

However, there are a lot of things that bothered me:

• Ezra’s stupid behavior. Seeing her dad almost take her away was what made him realize his stupidity? Uhm. Seriously.

• Kady’s silly decision of fake courting the Blandon pack. Girl, you mean to tell me, that the Blandon pack was the only pack you could find to fake date?

• The Blandon pack themselves. They irritated me. So full of themselves. & they broke poor Riven’s telescope.

Now, even with all that, I still enjoyed it & I would recommend.

Love Larry 🐈.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
50 reviews
February 13, 2026
I was really excited for this book—and the series overall—but between the angsty elements at the beginning and the way it ultimately ended, I was left wanting more. It didn’t feel like a true “sweet omegaverse,” as their story didn’t really deliver a satisfying HEA.

Some might argue that this makes sense in a college setting. However, this particular college is structured around bondings taking place during the academic term, so I expected that element to feel more complete.

I read omegaverse books specifically for their cozy tone and guaranteed HEA, so that’s the perspective I’m coming from with this review.

Will I read the next in the series? Yes! And I better get a HEA 😂

I’m giving it 3.5 stars.
35 reviews
March 12, 2026
DNF. I so enjoyed the first book in this series and had high hopes for this book. I was very disappointed early on.

Main FL is supposed to be this super smart, logical person. She proceeds to makes dumb choice after dumb choice. Also, the men are trash.

I did not make it far (chapter 6) before finally dropping. I was getting so annoyed with her utter dumb-assery.
Profile Image for Ash .
633 reviews94 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
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.

Profile Image for Mikaela (risqué.romance).
581 reviews22 followers
February 18, 2026
Nest s and Nuptials - Polly Maple
5/5✨🌟

* SPOILERS *

I really wish I knew what Polly put in her books because just like the first book, I was sucked into her amazing world. The first book was super cute but this one is my favorite. Is every book just going to get better and better?

I knew there was going to be one alpha that was going to be hard to love. That’s just Polly’s style. Ezra and Kady were both so hardheaded about not wanting a pack. Even though, they had the same beliefs, it was so beautifully to see them open up their hearts.

I loved how the neurodivergent was really well written because you didn’t expect it at all. The fact that he had the look of a viking made it even more special because he was just so sweet. I just loved how Riven wanted to look up everything and him buying hers star…. Like ohmygod!

From Hale’s mom making me laugh to almost walking in on them, to Riven literally falling into Kady with his telescope, Calder’s allergic reaction and the cutest moment of giving Larry 2.0 to a little girl, and Ezra’s moment of getting all th snacks for heat and freaking out, this book was just super cute.

I was very pleased when Kady’s dad finally gave up when he realized that these special guys were her scent matches. All he wanted was the best for her. If it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have met her scent matches. The moment of Ezra finally giving in of her being his scent matches was probably my favorite part in this book. He was not about to let her dad take her away.

If you’re looking for something super sweet and low angst with all the emotions, this book is certainly for you. With all the vibes from her best friends, a little bit of angst from a pack an just all the feel, definitely check this sweet and cute book.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
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