Knot What You Expected

by Holly Monroe

He's known her for ten years.

She's about to find out she doesn't know him at all.


For the last ten years, Ariana Cooley has been in love with a man on a screen. Sax is everything she could ever want in a partner. He's gorgeous, funny, sensitive, flirty, and supportive. Most importantly, he's a Beta.


From the moment Ariana lost her brother to Foresaken Omega Syndrome, a degenerative disease that affects Omegas who have lost their packs, she swore off Alphas and the world outside her home for good. She can’t scent match and find a pack if she never meets any Alphas.


When she's accepted onto the reality television show Knot What You Expected, she decides that it's time to take the leap and finally meet Sax. The show promises to facilitate the two coming together, but there's a catch. After they meet, they have to live together, on camera, for a week.


It all seems like a dream, but Ariana is in for a rude awakening the moment she walks through the doors of the Expected house and finds out that Sax truly is not what she expected.


He's an Alpha.

And he's not alone.


------------------------------------------
Knot What You Expected is a MMMF contemporary Omegaverse set within the Cirque de Mordu universe.

Genres: Omegaverse

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 26, 2026

About the author

Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida with her husband, two kids, and two rescue pups. She's never met a character she couldn't traumatize, but she always gives them their happily ever afters.

They just have to work for it.

Reviews

[Confuzedxneko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! I loved the characters in this one. Ariana is a chronically at home omega ignoring her designation in fear. Sax is hiding his own secrets. Our MCs end up on a reality TV show where they meet for the first time and secrets are revealed causing all kinds of trouble and also breaking all of the trust between Ariana and Sax. There is plenty of pining in this one as well as a healthy dose of hurt/comfort. The grovel from our MMC was worth every tissue and tear (it may have also been the cause for some of those tissues). So much raw emotions was packed into this book and while there are light moments with banter and laughs, it does have a very heavy overall tone. I love Holly's books and can't wait to see what happens next in the Cirque De Mordu world!

[Crystal Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about reality TV more than watching it in real life! Holly, your version of this show did not disappoint! Each "episode" was dripping with emotion and tension. Ariana had so much happen to her at an early age and she was so brave to come on the show..

I loved the drama of it all. Definitely will read this again!

[SnowyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knot What You Expected by Holly Monroe
⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️
⤷ This was not my first roller coaster with Holly Monroe! I was expecting the angst and emotionally gripping story that could make me cry, and she always delivers that, and then comforts us with a well-deserved HEA. Ariana’s journey with grief/healing, and love was beautifully written, that touched my heart and made me empathize with her.

⤷ I highly recommend preordering the book to get the prequel for FREE, which adds more depth and understanding of Ariana's struggles. I will definitely remember “Grief doesn’t have a timeline” mentioned in there for a long time.

⤷Knot What You Expected was a fun and touching reality TV omegaverse romance with angst, drama, love, spice & healing. I am already looking forward to the next book in this series featuring Marlie, the foreshadowing made me chuckle!

✨📺 Premieres February 26. 📺✨

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
✦ Contemporary Omegaverse
✦ MMMF - AABO⚔️
✦ Catfish x Big Brother Reality TV
✦ Groveling
✦ Forced Proximity
✦ Grief & Healing
✦ Friends to Lover
✦ Agoraphobic FMC
✦ Preorder Bonus Origin Story!
✦ Cirque de Mordu World
✦ Scent Matches

𝐕𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐬: High Angst, All the feels, grief/healing, spicy & kinky
𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬: “honey”(D), “sweetie” (I), “baby” (G),
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
📌Ariana(O): The agoraphobic & grieving omega, who doesn’t want alphas

“This can’t be happening. Sax is my scent match. My scent match. I know that as surely as I know my own name. And that isn’t the scent of a Beta. It’s too intense, the reaction it produces in me too primal. He’s an Alpha.”

📌Derick (A): The Physical Therapist, who is the face of Dax, gotta grovel & has passionate fights with Ariana.

“You were never idle gossip, Onion. You were our obsession. Our greatest desire. You were what drove us to do better, to be better. It got out of hand. I never should have let it go on so long."

📌Ivan (A): The Pencil Pusher Cook, who can make her laugh & is a golden retriever
📌Grant (B): The Model/Pharma Sale Rep, who is in a relationship with Derick, has exhibitionist tendencies & gives Ariana comfort

“I can tell myself it’s because he’s a Beta and that means he’s safe all I want, but it’s more than that. He’s mine. He was always meant to be mine. He will always be mine.”

"I’m in love with a woman who didn’t know I existed."

📌Marlie (O): Ariana’s Best Friend
𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:
✦ Sizzling Phone Call with Derick
✦ Beta MMC
✦ The Brother’s letter

𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚: Beautiful Character Art!
────────────────
🚨𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬 & 𝐓𝐖🚨:
Please read all the author warnings, as some themes/events in this book may be triggering.

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knot What You Expected is the first book of the Reality TV Omegas series and centers around a reality TV show where characters who only know each other online meet in person. Sort of like a cross between Catfish and Big Brother This book takes place in the authors Cirque de Mordu universe but you do not need to have previously read any books from that world. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.

Tropes and themes include:
✨Omegaverse (aabo)
✨Reality TV inspired: Catfish x Big Brother
✨Why choose (mmmf)
✨Forced proximity
✨Groveling
✨Angst & healing & grief
✨Prior trauma
✨Agoraphobic FMC
✨Scent matches
✨Slowburn-ish
✨Betrayal /secret keeping
✨Multi, first person POV

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars 4/5 Flames
Nicknames: Sweetie, Baby, Honey

The Lovely: Was I teary eyed by the 100 page mark? Yes. Did I message the author to thank her for the tears? Also yes. The FMC has been through a lot before the story even starts and then everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. The balance of angst and tension is stunningly perfect in this story and had me needing to see them get their HEA.

Recommendation: Fun fact - I don't watch reality TV. So, I wasn't sure how much I would understand some of this book. But I saw "grief & healing " + omegaverse + Holly Monroe so here l am. Side note, you don't need to have prior knowledge of reality TV. I thought there was a nice setup for the next book in the series, too. If you're in the mood for a reality TV themed omegaverse heavy on the emotional feels and an ultimate betrayal early in the story, think you would like this book.

[Annalee Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: Knot What You Expected by Holly Monroe

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
🌶️🌶️🌶️
MMFM | Omegaverse | Forced Proximity | Reality TV Romance

Okayyyy so overall? I really enjoyed this one.

As someone who is deeply, spiritually, emotionally invested in reality TV, this premise had me immediately. A dating show setup in an omegaverse? Say less.

Our sweet FMC hasn’t left her house in over 10 years…but she has been talking to “Sax” on an online forum for eight of those. Enter: catfish vibes. Her best friend (iconic behavior) decides it’s time to rejoin society and secretly signs her up for a dating show so she can finally meet Sax in person.

Except.

Sax isn’t Sax.
Sax is actually Derrick… and Grant… and Ivan.

Cue chaos. Cue forced proximity. Cue tension.

What unfolds is honestly such a tender story about grief, anxiety, and learning how to live again. Yes, it’s spicy (solid 🌶️🌶️🌶️), but the emotional core really carried this for me. Watching her navigate leaving her safe space, confronting betrayal, and still choosing connection felt really grounded despite the larger-than-life premise.

The dynamic between all four characters worked for me, and the growth felt earned. The reality TV element added fun drama without tipping into ridiculous territory.

A great read overall, and it premieres February 26. 📺✨

[konjo reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Holly Monroe took us back into her unique omegaverse with this adorable and spicy reality TV inspired book. I literally could not put it down. Monroe adapted and put a fresh spin on a hugely popular industry and made it absolutely worth the reader's time.

I LOVED the relationships and dynamics between each of our love interests. They each have their own special moments where we see their connection and love grow individually.

Forgiveness was such an important part of this book that made me tear up more times than I'd like to admit. Forgiving each other, forgiving themselves, and forgiving family members. It didn't just pull at my heart strings, it tore at them viciously.

Holly Monroe never fails to impress me with her handling of sensitive topics and inclusion of spice in a way that doesn't feel gratuitous. She moves the plot forward at a believable pace and does not skip the hard parts of building trust and genuine relationships between her characters.

Thank you, Holly, for the opportunity to read this beautiful book early! ❤️

[BrittNeedsBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 5/5
🌶 5/5 - (Explicit and plentiful)

These characters are so fleshed out. I think that when it comes to why choose, sometimes characters don’t always get fully fleshed out, or someone gets less light than the other characters. Holly has an amazing ability of not doing that. Each of these characters, even the TV show hosts, felt very real to me. I’m absolutely obsessed. I shouldn’t have favorites, but Grant… guys, I love this sweet beta has my heart.

As with most Holly books, I was fully immersed in this world. I absolutely love the Cirque de Mordu Omegaverse world and the way scent matching works, and the different scent-related illnesses in this world are so cool. It’s a very refreshing take on OV that keeps me wanting more books in this world.

The plot of this book... I can't tell you much about it without spoilers. Just know, you haven't read an OV book like this before, and having an OV reality TV show was so insanely fun.

Also, this will sound so nerdy, BUT the formatting, chapter headers, and page breaks are so amazing. I love how this book is structured in TV show episodes and how the headers look like something we'd see on a TV show. It just ties everything together so beautifully.

I cannot wait to see what else comes from Reality TV Omegas!

[Mica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I beta-read this book and really enjoyed all the ✨drama✨

It was so messy MESSY!!! There were so many secrets and surprises that had my jaw on the floor. I legit felt so bad for Ariana at all the revelations she had to contend with.

She had the rug literally pulled from under her multiple times!!! My baby’s already so anxious and her only safety net turned to ash. I was so upset for her and was yelling at the alphas, especially at Derrick!!!

I was so SO mad at him for so long, I almost wondered if I would ever forgive him lol but he did redeem himself in the end, especially after giving her ~THAT~ option.

My favorite is Ariana but among her alphas, I loved Ivan the most! I think he was so cute and fun!

The themes of grief and healing in this book was point and center and I think it was done really, really well. This was always a difficult topic and it was obviously written with great care.

Oh and the cameo of the circus pack??? I loved that so much!!

[Raychael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book had the feels,
Heartache, and the loss of a favorite sibling, love, betrayal, and best of all redemption.

We start with Airana, an agoraphobic omega who after the loss of her brother stopped leaving her home for the fear of meeting her scent match. He brother lost his pack and died due to an omega disorder and she isolated herself to save herself.

But computers are wonderful things and Sax a beta she fell in love with and stayed true to for 10 years is finally getting his chance to meet her, thanks to a meddling best friend. But plans seem to fall apart from the start as Sax is not one man but 3, Grant, beta, Ivan and Derrick both Alpha's. Will Ariana 's heart be shattered before it's even healed??

This author always brings the heat and storyline. Making her characters all but leap off the page, so glad I was an ARC reader

[Reader Drew Crossley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given the great privilege of receiving this book as an ARC read. I have been a fan of Holly Monroe for a while now so I had high expectations and she definitely exceeded them. This OV was so much different than any other I have read and I have read a lot of them so I’m giving myself the title of “expert”. The setting of this book is on a reality tv set probably similar looking to the Big Brother house but smaller. Our FMC, Ariana, suffers from agoraphobia due to a loss in her family. We learn early on that she has been in an online relationship with a beta name Sax and she’s finally going to face her fears and meet him on the show. However, like with great story there’s several bumps in the road. There’s so much emotion in this book and I definitely cried several times. If you love OV, second chances, and emotional reads then you definitely need to read Knot What You Expected!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! I really enjoyed this book, I loved the way it was laid out, it felt like I was actually reading a reality show. I went through so many tissues, it pulls at your heartstrings with everything Ariana has gone through mentally. We are following Ariana who has hidden away after her brother passed, afraid of meeting an alpha. When she is accepted onto the reality show helping people meet, she thinks this is the perfect opportunity to meet Sax, who she’s been talking to for ten years online and never met. Except he’s not what she was expecting. So on the cameras she has to come to terms with everything she has learnt from meeting Sax. I enjoyed the growth that Ariana went through with the help of the guys, and how respectful and caring they were to help her through everything. I can’t wait to see what’s next with Marlie’s story.

[Katie Welder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariana has been essentially a hermit since her brother past years ago. His condition has made her fearful of meeting alphas and finding her scent match(es). But her friend Sax has been her lifeline. She has wanted to meet him forever but was too fearful. Little does she know she is about to get a helping hand from her friend Marlie....

The whole premise is absolutely bonkers but what reality tv isn't. Had you hooked right from the beginning. Even had me crying when the brother's letter was read. Goodness it pulled right at the heartstrings. Though the boys were stupid, they definitely redeemed themselves. Any the spice 🥵.

I can't wait to see Marlie's story because the ending gives us some hints... 😏

[Kate Fordham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not ok after reading this book..... I think I cried for 85% of this book. I devoured this book well into the night I needed to see what happened in the end.

You felt the anguish, betrayal and grief Ariana felt, when she finally met her online Love Sax. I loved the idea of the reality show you felt like a part of the audience watching the show and I enjoyed that part.

We meet Derrick, Ivan and their beta Grant. They are all madly in love with Ariana, but trauma from her past makes her afraid to leave her house, and one secret will destroy their world. please make sure to check the trigger warnings as there is a lot of grief in this book due to the death of a sibling.

I really enjoyed reading this book, and I really want to see what will happen to Maisie int the next book.

[R. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I loved the reality TV format, which gave the plot a certain levity despite some of the less lighthearted subject matter (sorry for being vague - I just don't want to give any spoilers on accident). This book did a good job of balancing the humorous with realistic, non-exploitative trauma rep--something Holly has consistently done well in her other omegaverse books, too.
I also liked the length of this book. It was on the shorter side (not quite novella length, but close), and I liked that I was able to read it in 1-2 sittings. I also felt like Holly packed in A LOT of plot for something that was <200 pages.

Noting that I received an ARC of this book, hence the rating/review prior to official launch date.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing, different story idea for omegaverse. There were still the same dynamics that come with it, but the reality idea finally brought something new from anything else I’ve read! It was rude to have me literally crying by the second chapter, but I will let it slide. There was just so much depth into the story and why what was happening was happening. I find her feelings and anxiety for the whole situation completely valid. I wanted even more from Pack Sax. I thought they were all amazing to get to know, I just wanted even more! There’s definitely a little spice, but even briefly getting to see what each of them were into was drool worthy!

[Kerri Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading about this reality TV show in the Circe de Mordue Series I have been super excited for this book and it did not disappoint. I loved the way the story was structured with the different episodes and the audience reactions. The storyline really drew me in and had me sobbing while also rooting for the characters to work everything out. I loved Ariana. She felt real and, resilient, even while crippled with fear. Sax, wow what a surprise, but also so relatable. Definitely a must read.

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this with absolutely zero expectations. I was just excited for another reality dating show themed romance story as they’re definitely one of my favorite storylines right now. Holy freaking shit. This book was everything. The interpretation of grief and how Ariana handled it was amazing, the way pack Sax handled it as best as they thought they could hurt my heart. The groveling!!!! I had so many lil chest pangs for Ariana and how hurt she was that I thought I may need to go see a doctor🤣 Their story was perfect and I cannot wait to see what else comes from this series!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is perfect if you love reality tv but wish it was less scripted. It’s like Catfish, Big Brother, and Bachelorette had a baby. KWYE features people that have never met in person and usually there has been a big secret that one or both parties have been keeping. They are locked in a house to see if they can deal with the fallout and still be together. This story features Onion and Sax. They met online as teens and have been close for 10 years.
It hooked me and I found myself laughing and crying while reading this one.

[Emi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

I ate this up. I loved the reality tv show plot. It was very different and fun to read about. The struggles the FMC went through was very unique too. I haven’t read much about agoraphobia. Her pushing through and going on this show for a chance to live was a lot. But shows her growth a lot. The MMC’s were also great. The way they handled her after telling the truth showed the compassion and patience she needed. Their romances blossomed into something very beautiful and was fun to read about. Another banger by Holly.

[Nita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely had me all in my feelings but in the best possible ways. Ariana struggled so much after the lossing he big brother is such a devastating way. Throughout it all Sax was in her corner giving her the support she needed from afar. Little did she know Sax wasn't what she expected. Thanks to he meddling best friend and a reality show Ariana found out the unbelievable truth about Sax.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been so emotional reading a book EVER!!! my heart hurt for each of them. It was such a wild roller coaster of emotions but I loved every single bit of it. Holly is a new author to me so this was my first book by her so I had no idea what I was walking into but I'm so glad I did. This book had me hooked and is definitely a page turner I couldn't wait to see what was coming next and was so sad when it came to the end, I wish I could meet them all over again.

[The Rampant Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, it was a quick read with lots of plot. This is an MMMF novel.

This book is set in the same universe as Cirque de Mordu. It is a standalone contemporary Omegaverse. For those looking for a cozy read this is not for you.

This book is high angst and I recommend reading the TWs. Without giving too much away the majority of this book is set in a reality tv show scenario and includes catfishing.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have a lot of experience reading about Alphas, Betas, and Omegas but this was so good! I could not put it down! I needed to know what was going to happen!!
I wanted to hug Ariana so many times throughout this!!
I think Holly did a fabulous job on this!!
The way it was set up, the audience reactions between chapters was a great touch!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again, Holly is the reason I was awake until 2am reading and completely screwed up my sleep schedule 😂 I couldn’t put this book down! It’s so good! There are heart-wrenching parts, foreshadowing where you just keep thinking, “no no no no no,” and the sweet and spicy parts that put you back together and keep you coming back for more.

[ChristiLovesBooks_smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knot What You Expected, book 1 of the new series Reality TV Omegas by Holly Monroe @authorhollymonroe

This was a great book about Ariana, Derrick, Grant & Ivan! Tropes: Contemporary, Omegaverse, Why Choose With MM, Reality TV Show, FMC is an Omega, Male Beta & 2 Male Alphas, Lies To Forgive, Mild Groveling, Found Family & HEA!

[Milagros · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book probably hit my top five of favorite books. All the characters had a little spunk to them. I love how she represented anxiety in the way that she did and this book was just a masterpiece and I loved it. There were many cry sessions. And saying what the fuck lol but it’s a very entertaining book and I love it

[Michaela K · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.75
🌶️ 2.5
This felt like I was watching a dating show. I’ve never read anything like this before! I did feel a little detached from the characters at times, but it never felt drug out. I could have read an entire book just on her and her brother’s story. 😭

[Julie Simpkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
MMFM - The boyfriends are boyfriends

This book made me cry… any book that has me catching feelings is a dang good book.

Secrets and deceptions always get brought to the light. And, this one comes out in a huge way.

I. Cried.

[Ashley Luning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story line about grief and healing. Not all roads to healing are the same and this showcases it beautifully. Loved the story line and loved the interaction between the pack. I’m a sucker for a good, angsty omegaverse storyline, and this was perfect. Thanks so much for the arc! 🩷

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride this book was. It was emotional, heartfelt, spicy and really makes you think about what love really means. Also what would you do for those you love? Can you keep a secret? Would you lie to them to save them? Would you go in reality tv for them?