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The Nasty Truth: A Y2K Betaverse Novella
Everyone in Greenwood is the same.
They have the same clothes, drive the same cars, and hold the same traditional values. It doesn’t matter that we’re in the 21st century. If you’re different from the status quo, you get shunned, just like Axl Ritchie.
Axl is a breath of fresh air. A beta that doesn’t give a crap what anyone thinks about him. He’s everything I want to be; unafraid, adventurous, rebellious. He has always intrigued me, pulling me in with that sinister smile and grungy attitude.
There’s just one problem: I’m determined to blend in.
I have no desire to step into the spotlight or be the center of Greenwood gossip. I just want to survive—get through college and leave before anyone finds out who I really am behind the mask.
But Axl and I have been teetering right on the edge of something transformative for years and, now, it’s coming to a pinnacle. If I can’t muster up the courage to admit who I really am, this town might just keep me from the one person truly meant for me.
--
Betaverse Y2K Novellas is a series of novellas set in the early 2000’s with MF/MM/FF Pairings where every main character is a designated beta. This is not set in the same universe as Fraternizing Omegas and is entirely unique.
They have the same clothes, drive the same cars, and hold the same traditional values. It doesn’t matter that we’re in the 21st century. If you’re different from the status quo, you get shunned, just like Axl Ritchie.
Axl is a breath of fresh air. A beta that doesn’t give a crap what anyone thinks about him. He’s everything I want to be; unafraid, adventurous, rebellious. He has always intrigued me, pulling me in with that sinister smile and grungy attitude.
There’s just one problem: I’m determined to blend in.
I have no desire to step into the spotlight or be the center of Greenwood gossip. I just want to survive—get through college and leave before anyone finds out who I really am behind the mask.
But Axl and I have been teetering right on the edge of something transformative for years and, now, it’s coming to a pinnacle. If I can’t muster up the courage to admit who I really am, this town might just keep me from the one person truly meant for me.
--
Betaverse Y2K Novellas is a series of novellas set in the early 2000’s with MF/MM/FF Pairings where every main character is a designated beta. This is not set in the same universe as Fraternizing Omegas and is entirely unique.
- GenresOmegaverseRomance
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 2, 2026
I'm not gonna lie, the cover is what drew me to this book, so even if I don't normally care for omegaverse, I decided to give it a try.
To me, said aspect felt so out of place, but maybe that's because I'm not used to reading it in general, and especially not in a more contemporary setting.
But every time something along those lines was mentioned, I couldn't take the story seriously, and it definitely affected my rating.
The romance was cute though!! I learned that I like this pairing, not just through the art I saw on Twitter, but in book form too. Some of the dialogue/banter was cringey, but I'm willing to overlook it.
Also, The Nasty Truth felt like it was set in high school, then at one point college was mentioned and I was like huh?? Even with the flashbacks, the way they acted was more in line with high school than college.
Then again, they did end up going to college with the exact same people they went to high school with, so one could argue that High School Never Ends (please tell me you got that reference).
This reminds me, the playlist!! So fetch!! And the overall vibes were truly Y2K so I'm settling on a 3.5.
To me, said aspect felt so out of place, but maybe that's because I'm not used to reading it in general, and especially not in a more contemporary setting.
But every time something along those lines was mentioned, I couldn't take the story seriously, and it definitely affected my rating.
The romance was cute though!! I learned that I like this pairing, not just through the art I saw on Twitter, but in book form too. Some of the dialogue/banter was cringey, but I'm willing to overlook it.
Also, The Nasty Truth felt like it was set in high school, then at one point college was mentioned and I was like huh?? Even with the flashbacks, the way they acted was more in line with high school than college.
Then again, they did end up going to college with the exact same people they went to high school with, so one could argue that High School Never Ends (please tell me you got that reference).
This reminds me, the playlist!! So fetch!! And the overall vibes were truly Y2K so I'm settling on a 3.5.
April 19, 2026
—𝘐𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘈𝘹𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦. 🩷🖤
March 26, 2026
“𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞, 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈’𝐦 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐝.“
okay, i loved this. when you think of omegaverse, you think of a pack or if not, at least an omega x alpha pairing. so why would you read an OV where it’s about 2 betas? isn’t that just basically too close to 2 regular people? 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑾𝑶𝑼𝑳𝑫 𝑩𝑬 𝑾𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑮. tbh i loved that this was 2 betas and how it still worked in scents between Stacey and Axl and you didn’t feel like you were missing something.
my favourite thjng about omegaverse is scents, and Layney still incorporated the scents and how Stacey and Axl loved each others scents and how the blended with each other.
this story tho was very Y2K and i loved it. felt so nostalgic about the hot pink razr and listening to Avril Lavigne’s new album.
even tho this was a novella, it felt like the perfect length. there are flashbacks to the past to give a little backstory which i actually liked.
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝.”
also, Axl is one of my fav new betas. is it bc he’s like the alt drummers that i always fell in love with when i was a teenager? maybe 😜 but even as a beta, he was strong and protected Stacey as a partner should.
“𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞… 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞. 𝐀 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫.”
we get introduced to a ton of side character and i can’t wait to read about their own stories.
thank you Layney Jones for an e-ARC of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 🤘🏽🩷🖤
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, beta x beta, 1st person multi-POV
21/22 fmc & mmc
college setting, opposites attract, drummer mmc, cheerleader/queen bee fmc, fake friends, pining, virgin fmc, protective mmc, small town, HEA, epilogue, standalone
safety: cheating (not between fmc & mmc, but fmc does cheat on her bf with mmc. and her boyfriend also cheats on her) no manwhores
okay, i loved this. when you think of omegaverse, you think of a pack or if not, at least an omega x alpha pairing. so why would you read an OV where it’s about 2 betas? isn’t that just basically too close to 2 regular people? 𝒀𝑶𝑼 𝑾𝑶𝑼𝑳𝑫 𝑩𝑬 𝑾𝑹𝑶𝑵𝑮. tbh i loved that this was 2 betas and how it still worked in scents between Stacey and Axl and you didn’t feel like you were missing something.
my favourite thjng about omegaverse is scents, and Layney still incorporated the scents and how Stacey and Axl loved each others scents and how the blended with each other.
this story tho was very Y2K and i loved it. felt so nostalgic about the hot pink razr and listening to Avril Lavigne’s new album.
even tho this was a novella, it felt like the perfect length. there are flashbacks to the past to give a little backstory which i actually liked.
“𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥, 𝐡𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝.”
also, Axl is one of my fav new betas. is it bc he’s like the alt drummers that i always fell in love with when i was a teenager? maybe 😜 but even as a beta, he was strong and protected Stacey as a partner should.
“𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐚 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞… 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧’𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞. 𝐀 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐫.”
we get introduced to a ton of side character and i can’t wait to read about their own stories.
thank you Layney Jones for an e-ARC of 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒚 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 🤘🏽🩷🖤
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
M/F, beta x beta, 1st person multi-POV
21/22 fmc & mmc
college setting, opposites attract, drummer mmc, cheerleader/queen bee fmc, fake friends, pining, virgin fmc, protective mmc, small town, HEA, epilogue, standalone
safety: cheating (not between fmc & mmc, but fmc does cheat on her bf with mmc. and her boyfriend also cheats on her) no manwhores
April 13, 2026
omg i enjoyed it a lot 4/5
the couple is based off of rodrick and regina with OMEGAVERSE?? but it don’t even matter cuz they’re both BETAS LMFAOAOOAOA LIKE WHY THE NEED TO MAKE THIS IN AN OMEGAVERSE SETTING
honestly a basic quick cute fun romantic read, but bruh instead of highlighting omegaverse, the author should’ve highlighted:
- mutual pining
- queen bee and the freak
- secret lovers
LLMCAOAOAAO like there was no need for the omegaverse setting
the couple is based off of rodrick and regina with OMEGAVERSE?? but it don’t even matter cuz they’re both BETAS LMFAOAOOAOA LIKE WHY THE NEED TO MAKE THIS IN AN OMEGAVERSE SETTING
honestly a basic quick cute fun romantic read, but bruh instead of highlighting omegaverse, the author should’ve highlighted:
- mutual pining
- queen bee and the freak
- secret lovers
LLMCAOAOAAO like there was no need for the omegaverse setting
March 19, 2026
The Nasty Truth by Layney Jones
- Book Review
A Y2K Betaverse Novella
Genre - Romance / Omegaverse
Spice - 🌶️🌶️ (Sweet with a little Spice)
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes -
This Beautiful Novella completely felt truely Y2K and the small nod of omegaverse for a Beta x Beta couple to find love naturally pulled together. He falls first but she falls harder for sure. Axl could see beneath the mask from day one and was still completely obsess with the real Stacey. The years
Of desperate pining and yearning finally became to much for Stacey. When she finally let her mask fall and got the first hint of what it would be like to be her true-self to be loved for who she was and have real friends to
Connect with her deeply. It was like a tidal wave washed away all the bullshit and she couldn’t ever go back, once she had a taste of Axl she knew deep down he was it.
The whole novella reminded me so much of my own childhood and the vibe of how the early 00’s were. But it’s beautiful to see how much we’ve change and tho it’s still hard we found the courage to be ourselves and fight back just like Stacey and Axl.
If you grew up in the early 00’s and are obsessed with the Y2K vibes or you just want to read a beautiful story of two people ment to be and don’t let the prejudice of other stand in their way !
- Book Review
A Y2K Betaverse Novella
Genre - Romance / Omegaverse
Spice - 🌶️🌶️ (Sweet with a little Spice)
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes -
This Beautiful Novella completely felt truely Y2K and the small nod of omegaverse for a Beta x Beta couple to find love naturally pulled together. He falls first but she falls harder for sure. Axl could see beneath the mask from day one and was still completely obsess with the real Stacey. The years
Of desperate pining and yearning finally became to much for Stacey. When she finally let her mask fall and got the first hint of what it would be like to be her true-self to be loved for who she was and have real friends to
Connect with her deeply. It was like a tidal wave washed away all the bullshit and she couldn’t ever go back, once she had a taste of Axl she knew deep down he was it.
The whole novella reminded me so much of my own childhood and the vibe of how the early 00’s were. But it’s beautiful to see how much we’ve change and tho it’s still hard we found the courage to be ourselves and fight back just like Stacey and Axl.
If you grew up in the early 00’s and are obsessed with the Y2K vibes or you just want to read a beautiful story of two people ment to be and don’t let the prejudice of other stand in their way !
March 26, 2026
I thought it was going to be bad, but it was actually really cute
February 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
v cute, beta read. review to come
🌶️🌶️
v cute, beta read. review to come
April 1, 2026
Genre: Adult / New Adult Omegaverse
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: F/M, beta x beta, Y2K nostalgia, bad boy x popular princess, fighting as foreplay, mutual pining, it’s always been you, dual timelines, touched starved FMC, found family, self discovery, first time
Synopsis:
Stacey has always protected herself by hiding inside the status quo, but she yearns for a life where she can be her authentic self. However, with the horrible friends she surrounds herself with, and a boyfriend that feels more like an obligation than a partner, she’s trapped. Wanting some excitement, she asks Axl, the town eccentric, to help her go to a race, but being near him revitalizes a decade worth of repressed feelings and she has to choose between the life she has and the one she wants.
Thoughts:
I have so much love for this novella! It feels like such a nostalgic mix of early 2000s romcom vibes and the golden age of tech, but add in omegaverse dynamics 😱
The FMC, Stacey, is at a serious crossroads in her life: maintain the status quo, stay socially safe, but be secretly miserable, OR take a chance to find happiness in being different. She’s the kind of character you want to throttle while also hugging, because goodness gracious, she needs a friend.
The dual timeline worked really well to build up tension and pining between Stacey and Axl, the MMC. Speaking of Axl, he’s perfect. He’s so supportive, patient, and kind despite all the crap his peers have put him through. I’m obsessed with his worldview, and I loved the way he softly guided Stacey.
The romance is very much a mutual pining with tension and a decade of almosts. It was so sweet and so good. I’m obsessed with the MC’s dynamic and I loved that both of the characters were betas; it was such a fun change from my usual OV reads.
Definitely recommend this nostalgic, sweet and spicy omegaverse novella, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
*spice ratings are relative to similar books in the same genre*
The Catalog: F/M, beta x beta, Y2K nostalgia, bad boy x popular princess, fighting as foreplay, mutual pining, it’s always been you, dual timelines, touched starved FMC, found family, self discovery, first time
Synopsis:
Stacey has always protected herself by hiding inside the status quo, but she yearns for a life where she can be her authentic self. However, with the horrible friends she surrounds herself with, and a boyfriend that feels more like an obligation than a partner, she’s trapped. Wanting some excitement, she asks Axl, the town eccentric, to help her go to a race, but being near him revitalizes a decade worth of repressed feelings and she has to choose between the life she has and the one she wants.
Thoughts:
I have so much love for this novella! It feels like such a nostalgic mix of early 2000s romcom vibes and the golden age of tech, but add in omegaverse dynamics 😱
The FMC, Stacey, is at a serious crossroads in her life: maintain the status quo, stay socially safe, but be secretly miserable, OR take a chance to find happiness in being different. She’s the kind of character you want to throttle while also hugging, because goodness gracious, she needs a friend.
The dual timeline worked really well to build up tension and pining between Stacey and Axl, the MMC. Speaking of Axl, he’s perfect. He’s so supportive, patient, and kind despite all the crap his peers have put him through. I’m obsessed with his worldview, and I loved the way he softly guided Stacey.
The romance is very much a mutual pining with tension and a decade of almosts. It was so sweet and so good. I’m obsessed with the MC’s dynamic and I loved that both of the characters were betas; it was such a fun change from my usual OV reads.
Definitely recommend this nostalgic, sweet and spicy omegaverse novella, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
March 30, 2026
I adored this novella. Maybe it was the Avril Lavigne Sk8r Boi coded love story, maybe it's the lack of sleep I've been running on, but I just wanted about 100 more pages. Axl and Stacey were perfect together, with all their flaws.
This story is an early 2000s multi POV betaverse novella. Our trigger warnings are fairly mild, but they do exist at the beginning of the book. There are several flashbacks to keep an eye out for; we get lots of important info about our main characters and how they came to be. We have our standard societal pressures, but add in the additional layer of having alphas and omegas. Oh, and plenty of Avril for a millennial girl to love.
Stacey and Axl grew up in Greenwood, a wealthy city that looked down on Oakson Lake, the average town next door. They have a strained relationship, if you could call it that. Axl is the town freak, maybe a punk or early emo looking back to the 2000s? They got stuck playing 7th Heaven in high school, but that was *most? of their contact with each other.
Until it's not. It's 2004 and everyone is in college at Greenwood University. This includes Stacey's boyfriend Brent, who she isn't sure she likes, and her shitty friends, Gabby, Quinn and Hannah(she redeems herself). All Stacey wants is something different, something where she can FEEL something. A car race, perhaps? Maybe the one in Oakson Lake, that Greenwood residents are banned from attending...if she can find someone to take her. It definitely won't be her rich society friends. So... Axl it is.
They have fun. They have SO MUCH fun. Stacey loves Axl's friends and they love her, and the adrenaline! (This is about where I started swooning! A man who will punch for a girl? Absolutely, count me in.) As Stacey and Axl were leaving, an old classmate starts harassing them and Axl just pounds him into the ground. Stacey LOVES it because of course! They have a nice makeout sesh on the car........ which Stacey then calls a mistake (can I roll my eyes any farther back into my head?)
She isn't getting along with Brent, she doesnt even like him. Her family like isn't good and neither are her friendships. The ONLY person who 'gets' her is Axl, but Stacey has an inner battle to decide if she is ready to be with him or keep up her mask with everyone. To keep appearances so that everyone around her can continue to behave the same way they always have with her, which is poorly, to be honest.
Finally, she snaps, and realizes she wants Axl, and only Axl, and my heart can only sing for them. Axl is a GOOD guy, and he continues to prove it throughout the book(it doesn't matter that I have always been biased towards my sk8r boi). Unfortunately, Stacey can't reach Brent to end things, so the sneaking continues. And continues.
Until Gabby. The absolute worst character in the entire story, worse than Will, the guy Axl beat up at the car show. What she does may be worthy of jail time in 2026, but who knows? Either way, she is a cruel person, and it takes a few decent people to stand up to her and reveal that the nasty truth isn't even that dark or dirty, it was just hiding in the shadows for too long.
I found this to be a fast read, with such an enjoyable plot that I could not put it down. I would like to thank the author for the early copy. I would love to see more of her work in the future.
This story is an early 2000s multi POV betaverse novella. Our trigger warnings are fairly mild, but they do exist at the beginning of the book. There are several flashbacks to keep an eye out for; we get lots of important info about our main characters and how they came to be. We have our standard societal pressures, but add in the additional layer of having alphas and omegas. Oh, and plenty of Avril for a millennial girl to love.
Stacey and Axl grew up in Greenwood, a wealthy city that looked down on Oakson Lake, the average town next door. They have a strained relationship, if you could call it that. Axl is the town freak, maybe a punk or early emo looking back to the 2000s? They got stuck playing 7th Heaven in high school, but that was *most? of their contact with each other.
Until it's not. It's 2004 and everyone is in college at Greenwood University. This includes Stacey's boyfriend Brent, who she isn't sure she likes, and her shitty friends, Gabby, Quinn and Hannah(she redeems herself). All Stacey wants is something different, something where she can FEEL something. A car race, perhaps? Maybe the one in Oakson Lake, that Greenwood residents are banned from attending...if she can find someone to take her. It definitely won't be her rich society friends. So... Axl it is.
They have fun. They have SO MUCH fun. Stacey loves Axl's friends and they love her, and the adrenaline! (This is about where I started swooning! A man who will punch for a girl? Absolutely, count me in.) As Stacey and Axl were leaving, an old classmate starts harassing them and Axl just pounds him into the ground. Stacey LOVES it because of course! They have a nice makeout sesh on the car........ which Stacey then calls a mistake (can I roll my eyes any farther back into my head?)
She isn't getting along with Brent, she doesnt even like him. Her family like isn't good and neither are her friendships. The ONLY person who 'gets' her is Axl, but Stacey has an inner battle to decide if she is ready to be with him or keep up her mask with everyone. To keep appearances so that everyone around her can continue to behave the same way they always have with her, which is poorly, to be honest.
Finally, she snaps, and realizes she wants Axl, and only Axl, and my heart can only sing for them. Axl is a GOOD guy, and he continues to prove it throughout the book(it doesn't matter that I have always been biased towards my sk8r boi). Unfortunately, Stacey can't reach Brent to end things, so the sneaking continues. And continues.
Until Gabby. The absolute worst character in the entire story, worse than Will, the guy Axl beat up at the car show. What she does may be worthy of jail time in 2026, but who knows? Either way, she is a cruel person, and it takes a few decent people to stand up to her and reveal that the nasty truth isn't even that dark or dirty, it was just hiding in the shadows for too long.
I found this to be a fast read, with such an enjoyable plot that I could not put it down. I would like to thank the author for the early copy. I would love to see more of her work in the future.
March 23, 2026
The Nasty Truth - Layney Jones
4.25/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I love me a good omegaverse but when it’s Layney’s books, I just know I’m going to have a really good time. Also, if you’re not looking for your normal alpha/omega pairing, I highly recommend this one because it’s featuring two betas and man, they are perfect for one another.
Axl is so perfect for Stacey. He is known as the town freak when in reality, he’s truly everything that she deserves. He makes her want more and man, the way that he cares for her is everything for me. I really fell in love with this man when he saved her from getting in trouble.
And this girl… Stacey just wants to be herself but this town just makes her hold back. I loved it when she got Nolan. Also, when her supposed friend set her up, I honestly wasn’t surprised. Her dad definitely manned up for me at the end.
I just love the style of how the book is set up. It really gives me Mean Girls vibes and that was one of my favorite movies.
Also, I loved Axl’s dad because he doesn’t make him change for anything. He loves him as he is.
Also, the spice with these two was totally off the charts.
I loved the ending of the book because it was really perfect. They got the happily ever after that they deserve.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.25/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
I love me a good omegaverse but when it’s Layney’s books, I just know I’m going to have a really good time. Also, if you’re not looking for your normal alpha/omega pairing, I highly recommend this one because it’s featuring two betas and man, they are perfect for one another.
Axl is so perfect for Stacey. He is known as the town freak when in reality, he’s truly everything that she deserves. He makes her want more and man, the way that he cares for her is everything for me. I really fell in love with this man when he saved her from getting in trouble.
And this girl… Stacey just wants to be herself but this town just makes her hold back. I loved it when she got Nolan. Also, when her supposed friend set her up, I honestly wasn’t surprised. Her dad definitely manned up for me at the end.
I just love the style of how the book is set up. It really gives me Mean Girls vibes and that was one of my favorite movies.
Also, I loved Axl’s dad because he doesn’t make him change for anything. He loves him as he is.
Also, the spice with these two was totally off the charts.
I loved the ending of the book because it was really perfect. They got the happily ever after that they deserve.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
March 27, 2026
I want to start off by saying I absolutely love this author and her writing style. on top of that she is the sweetest human ever. She has a way of writing emotions and hard things in a way that does not lose the cozy vibe which I find is hard to do. I loved the retro 90s vibe of this book. the pink razor phone scene had me cracking up. The Regina George perfect girl with the boy from the wrong side of the tracks who is always unapologetically himself. He teaches her to be who she really is inside and to stop stifling her personality and making herself small to fit other people's needs and views. while this is a novella length it definitely packed a punch and I am an Axl fan for life.
March 26, 2026
Layney had me hooked with the tropes but the real catch was THAT NICKNAME. Once that was spoken I KNEW I was down bad for Axl and going to be finishing the book instead of sleeping… which is exactly why I’m writing this review at almost 5am after it dropped into my kindle at a couple hours ago!
March 31, 2026
Cute and angsty !
March 31, 2026
What a cute novella
February 27, 2026
beta read!
Full review to come but this was my favorite Layney book so far!!!!! I am so sorry so excited for everyone to read this!
These characters have such a special place in my heart 💕🫶🏻
Full review to come but this was my favorite Layney book so far!!!!! I am so sorry so excited for everyone to read this!
These characters have such a special place in my heart 💕🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️ Rating - 5/5
🌶️ Spice - 2.5-3/5
Before I jump into the book, I just want to say how obsessed I am with the cover, the character art, the tropes, and Y2K love story. I can’t get over their entwined pinkies on the cover. Could that be any more precious? I’m usually a reverse harem girlie through and through, but TNT has been speaking to my soul and I’m super stoked to jump in.😍🖤👏🏼
💃🏼We have Stacey Hawthorne, our beta captain cheerleader who has a thrill for adrenaline and loves the color pink. With the pressure from outside influences, she believes she has to present herself as perfect to everyone around her, even if it hurts others in the process.
🕺🏼 And we also have Axl Ritchie, a beta drummer who’s known for being the town “freak” but is an absolute heartthrob with his hopeless romantic tendencies. We love a man who knows exactly what he wants and is a walking green flag.
➕
- Jumping right in to a positive, A1 playlist! 🎧🎶 I’m probably an oddball when I say this, but I love when authors do this. It sets the vibe even more and the songs fit so well with the story. 😍
- I love that their love story gives me such major throwback vibes. Like one day my kids are going to look back and realize we (their parents) had this insane love story and that’s what this reminds me of. A blast from the past with a love that was written in the stars. Sigh, I’m swooning hard with the nostalgic vibes. If you think about the timelines and you jump to the present, they’re probably living their best lives and created a cute life together. Especially with the career choices they both want to pursue. 🥰
- Oh come on Layney! Little Reckoning. 😍
- Axl’s scent being unique and it fit him perfectly. I love how LJ explained it, it’s electrifying.✨
- I enjoyed the flashbacks because it gave a glimpse of their history together and how they were always meant to be.
- Some of the secondary characters were the absolute best and I hope to see them in future books releasing in the Betaverse Y2K series. Ahem, Ledge.
- The ending wrapped up so well especially for a novella. Layney has magic in her fingertips to make it happen. If you plan on picking up this book, you won’t regret it. I would also be okay with it being 1000 more pages because this novella exceeded all of my expectations and I just hate having to pick something else up to read now lol.
➖
- I hate how everyone treats Axl 😩 protect him at all costs. The best beta to ever beta’d.
Spice 🌶️
It’s not extremely spicy but it’s balanced well with the plot and character growth. The scenes were hot and proof that Axl is only a freak in the sheets if you know what i mean. 🤪
Favorite Quotes:
”She’s meant for me, she just doesn’t know it.”
She deserves the world… and I want to be the one to give it to her.
Tropes:
🌸Omegaverse
🌸MF Romance
🌸Y2K - Set in 2004
🌸Beta x Beta
🌸Inexperienced FMC
🌸Angst (light imo)
🌸Opposites Attract
🌸Forbidden Love
🌸Obsessed MMC
🌸Cheerleader x Drummer
🌸Traditional Small Town
🌸Degradation & Praise
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC The Nasty Truth.🖤✨
🌶️ Spice - 2.5-3/5
Before I jump into the book, I just want to say how obsessed I am with the cover, the character art, the tropes, and Y2K love story. I can’t get over their entwined pinkies on the cover. Could that be any more precious? I’m usually a reverse harem girlie through and through, but TNT has been speaking to my soul and I’m super stoked to jump in.😍🖤👏🏼
💃🏼We have Stacey Hawthorne, our beta captain cheerleader who has a thrill for adrenaline and loves the color pink. With the pressure from outside influences, she believes she has to present herself as perfect to everyone around her, even if it hurts others in the process.
🕺🏼 And we also have Axl Ritchie, a beta drummer who’s known for being the town “freak” but is an absolute heartthrob with his hopeless romantic tendencies. We love a man who knows exactly what he wants and is a walking green flag.
➕
- Jumping right in to a positive, A1 playlist! 🎧🎶 I’m probably an oddball when I say this, but I love when authors do this. It sets the vibe even more and the songs fit so well with the story. 😍
- I love that their love story gives me such major throwback vibes. Like one day my kids are going to look back and realize we (their parents) had this insane love story and that’s what this reminds me of. A blast from the past with a love that was written in the stars. Sigh, I’m swooning hard with the nostalgic vibes. If you think about the timelines and you jump to the present, they’re probably living their best lives and created a cute life together. Especially with the career choices they both want to pursue. 🥰
- Oh come on Layney! Little Reckoning. 😍
- Axl’s scent being unique and it fit him perfectly. I love how LJ explained it, it’s electrifying.✨
- I enjoyed the flashbacks because it gave a glimpse of their history together and how they were always meant to be.
- Some of the secondary characters were the absolute best and I hope to see them in future books releasing in the Betaverse Y2K series. Ahem, Ledge.
- The ending wrapped up so well especially for a novella. Layney has magic in her fingertips to make it happen. If you plan on picking up this book, you won’t regret it. I would also be okay with it being 1000 more pages because this novella exceeded all of my expectations and I just hate having to pick something else up to read now lol.
➖
- I hate how everyone treats Axl 😩 protect him at all costs. The best beta to ever beta’d.
Spice 🌶️
It’s not extremely spicy but it’s balanced well with the plot and character growth. The scenes were hot and proof that Axl is only a freak in the sheets if you know what i mean. 🤪
Favorite Quotes:
”She’s meant for me, she just doesn’t know it.”
She deserves the world… and I want to be the one to give it to her.
Tropes:
🌸Omegaverse
🌸MF Romance
🌸Y2K - Set in 2004
🌸Beta x Beta
🌸Inexperienced FMC
🌸Angst (light imo)
🌸Opposites Attract
🌸Forbidden Love
🌸Obsessed MMC
🌸Cheerleader x Drummer
🌸Traditional Small Town
🌸Degradation & Praise
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to ARC The Nasty Truth.🖤✨
April 2, 2026
Alexa play "Dirty Little Secret" by All American Rejects.
This is SO GOOD! The playlist is amazing and it brings back all the high-school punk phase vibes we all had. Axl had me SWOONING.
The dual timeline makes the story so much more emotional than you'd think! Stacey and Axl have been dancing around each other for like 10 years, from middle school to college. They have an attraction that they don't ever act on (think Troy and Gabriella, two different "worlds").
There is a an underlying theme of choosing yourself and your own happiness. Allowing yourself to be who you truly are instead of the person the world wants or expects you to be.
Mild Spoiler!
Stacey does begin a sexual relationship with Axl before breaking things off with her current boyfriend, Brent. It's clear from the beginning that Stacey and Brent are very wrong for each other, but it does not make Stacey's choice right. She does try to break things off but Brent is dodging her calls and she doesn't try super hard to wait to begin things with Axl. While this mistake is NOT the main conflict of the story, Stacey does address the cheating and takes appropriate measures to make genuine amends. I know this trope scares a lot of people off, so please know that this topic is handled in a very delicate way-it's very clear that Stacey knows it is wrong and feels immense guilt about her decision.
This is SO GOOD! The playlist is amazing and it brings back all the high-school punk phase vibes we all had. Axl had me SWOONING.
The dual timeline makes the story so much more emotional than you'd think! Stacey and Axl have been dancing around each other for like 10 years, from middle school to college. They have an attraction that they don't ever act on (think Troy and Gabriella, two different "worlds").
There is a an underlying theme of choosing yourself and your own happiness. Allowing yourself to be who you truly are instead of the person the world wants or expects you to be.
Mild Spoiler!
Stacey does begin a sexual relationship with Axl before breaking things off with her current boyfriend, Brent. It's clear from the beginning that Stacey and Brent are very wrong for each other, but it does not make Stacey's choice right. She does try to break things off but Brent is dodging her calls and she doesn't try super hard to wait to begin things with Axl. While this mistake is NOT the main conflict of the story, Stacey does address the cheating and takes appropriate measures to make genuine amends. I know this trope scares a lot of people off, so please know that this topic is handled in a very delicate way-it's very clear that Stacey knows it is wrong and feels immense guilt about her decision.
April 8, 2026
I read this because I fell for the Rodrick and Regina propaganda. And honestly, this book delivered, but my enjoyment was severely dampened by the cringe 💔😔
At first, I was like, ok, a little corniness never killed anyone, and then the book said, ok bet💀💀
Besides that, I did really enjoy the story. I liked Stacey and Axl as individuals and I thought they were really cute together.
I kinda wish it was a full length novel so we can see a more in depth build-up of Stacey and Axl's relationship. Which I'm not mad at, but it would have been SOOOO much more satisfying if they had more obstacles before getting to that point (all the more reason to make it full length 👽).
Speaking of obstacles,
Overall, cute short read if you aren't afraid of a little (lot of) cringe dialogue!
At first, I was like, ok, a little corniness never killed anyone, and then the book said, ok bet💀💀
Besides that, I did really enjoy the story. I liked Stacey and Axl as individuals and I thought they were really cute together.
I kinda wish it was a full length novel so we can see a more in depth build-up of Stacey and Axl's relationship. Which I'm not mad at, but it would have been SOOOO much more satisfying if they had more obstacles before getting to that point (all the more reason to make it full length 👽).
Speaking of obstacles,
Overall, cute short read if you aren't afraid of a little (lot of) cringe dialogue!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I just have to say this book is so good. An Omegaverse unlike anything I have read before. I mean just beautifully written and had so many emotions going. I had tears of happiness and also tears of sadness in parts. I love when a book can bring those emotions out of me. I also really enjoyed the chapters going back to when they were younger.
Stacey and Axl are those characters that have flaws but those flaws make them perfect in my eyes. Just love the beginning of this all the way to the end!
Stacey is the popular cheerleader who wears a mask and acts a certain way because she doesn't want to be seen any other way. Except when she sees Axl, the guy everyone calls a freak for being himself, it seems like he sees through her mask.
Axl is happy being himself despite others calling him names. He notices Stacey and has since they were younger. He feels a connection with her and loves to banter back and forth with her.
Will Stacey ever just let go of the image and be who she wants? Will Axl get what he's always wanted? You need to read this to find out!
Thank you Layney for giving me this ARC. This is my honest review and all of this is my opinion and mine alone.
Stacey and Axl are those characters that have flaws but those flaws make them perfect in my eyes. Just love the beginning of this all the way to the end!
Stacey is the popular cheerleader who wears a mask and acts a certain way because she doesn't want to be seen any other way. Except when she sees Axl, the guy everyone calls a freak for being himself, it seems like he sees through her mask.
Axl is happy being himself despite others calling him names. He notices Stacey and has since they were younger. He feels a connection with her and loves to banter back and forth with her.
Will Stacey ever just let go of the image and be who she wants? Will Axl get what he's always wanted? You need to read this to find out!
Thank you Layney for giving me this ARC. This is my honest review and all of this is my opinion and mine alone.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review The nasty truth
Releasing: March 26th
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I've wanted this for a long time, Little reckoning. Even if it decided to pout down rain, I was going to be right here."
Tropes:
Beta FMC x beta MMC
Set in 2004
Mutual pining
Obsessed MMC
Cheerleader x drummer
When Layney writes it, I know i'm gonna absolutely LOVEEE it!. I don't know what she puts in her books but it's something magical! Every character and story has something to it that will speak to someone, like Stacy for example, and I think that really works in a book.
I was in such a slumb, I was reading books, but in almost every single one I could not really get into. Then this book hit my mail and from the very first page, it completely dragged me out of it! It was a very entertaining, quicked and emotion packed story.
I loveee me an insanely obsessed MMC, and Axl definitely hit that mark!. And the MUTUAL PINING, AHHHH, them gazing at each other from afar, deep inside wanting to be together but knowing that could never be. BUT love always wins, and these two characters were no different, they really loved each other and their love truthly won.
Reading about Axl and Stacy was everything, those two together are just written in the stars, and Layney really wrote this story the right way. It was a shorter book, but I missed noting, everything that needed to be in the book was in there, amazingly written!.
I want to thank Layney for letting me read this book in advance, it's always a joy reading your books and I am very exited to see what more you will come up with. If you love a cute quick read with mutual pining, than The nasty truth is the book for you, it releases March 26th!
Releasing: March 26th
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"I've wanted this for a long time, Little reckoning. Even if it decided to pout down rain, I was going to be right here."
Tropes:
Beta FMC x beta MMC
Set in 2004
Mutual pining
Obsessed MMC
Cheerleader x drummer
When Layney writes it, I know i'm gonna absolutely LOVEEE it!. I don't know what she puts in her books but it's something magical! Every character and story has something to it that will speak to someone, like Stacy for example, and I think that really works in a book.
I was in such a slumb, I was reading books, but in almost every single one I could not really get into. Then this book hit my mail and from the very first page, it completely dragged me out of it! It was a very entertaining, quicked and emotion packed story.
I loveee me an insanely obsessed MMC, and Axl definitely hit that mark!. And the MUTUAL PINING, AHHHH, them gazing at each other from afar, deep inside wanting to be together but knowing that could never be. BUT love always wins, and these two characters were no different, they really loved each other and their love truthly won.
Reading about Axl and Stacy was everything, those two together are just written in the stars, and Layney really wrote this story the right way. It was a shorter book, but I missed noting, everything that needed to be in the book was in there, amazingly written!.
I want to thank Layney for letting me read this book in advance, it's always a joy reading your books and I am very exited to see what more you will come up with. If you love a cute quick read with mutual pining, than The nasty truth is the book for you, it releases March 26th!
March 26, 2026
I came across a post for this novella and added it right to my TBR list. I’m new to this author’s work. I got right into the Betaverse Y2K world! I enjoyed this novella!
Stacey and Axl’s journey captured my attention! Both betas, Axl is a drummer and Stacey is a cheerleader. As feelings ignite between the two, can they be together?
I so enjoyed going back in time with Axl and Stacey. I adored the fact that they were both betas. It was great to see things build between Stacey and Axl. Stacey was figuring things out in her life which was so real. Axl got right into my heart!
Axl and Stacey had each other and myself feeling so much throughout! The effect they had on one another shined.
The Nasty Truth was such a good beta x beta romance! I am so looking forward to more from this world and author! 🎀💗🥁
Check out the author’s note about the content/triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Stacey and Axl’s journey captured my attention! Both betas, Axl is a drummer and Stacey is a cheerleader. As feelings ignite between the two, can they be together?
I so enjoyed going back in time with Axl and Stacey. I adored the fact that they were both betas. It was great to see things build between Stacey and Axl. Stacey was figuring things out in her life which was so real. Axl got right into my heart!
Axl and Stacey had each other and myself feeling so much throughout! The effect they had on one another shined.
The Nasty Truth was such a good beta x beta romance! I am so looking forward to more from this world and author! 🎀💗🥁
Check out the author’s note about the content/triggers.
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨Title: The Nasty Truth
🥁Vibe Check: Omegaverse, Beta x Beta, Prep x Punk
🌸Genre: Romance
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✨My Thoughts:
UGHHHH YESSS.
I am always thrilled when I find another good omegaverse read, this is no different. I’m OBSESSED. I’m a big lover of the Regina x Rodrick crack ship and this hits that niche. A preppy rich girl and the “town Freak” set in 2004?!? Yes PLEASE! The writing is stellar, the world building is amazing and easily feels real, the romance is BANGING (and so are the characters.) It’s genuinely an all around great book.
More fun scents please omg.
🥁Standout Elements:
Avril Lavigne for the win!!!
“She tastes like flowers and strawberries and the weed we inhaled at the gig.”
🌸Final Thoughts:
If you love a he fell first and HARD read this asap!!! It comes out the 26th!
🥁Vibe Check: Omegaverse, Beta x Beta, Prep x Punk
🌸Genre: Romance
⭐ Rating: 5/5
✨My Thoughts:
UGHHHH YESSS.
I am always thrilled when I find another good omegaverse read, this is no different. I’m OBSESSED. I’m a big lover of the Regina x Rodrick crack ship and this hits that niche. A preppy rich girl and the “town Freak” set in 2004?!? Yes PLEASE! The writing is stellar, the world building is amazing and easily feels real, the romance is BANGING (and so are the characters.) It’s genuinely an all around great book.
More fun scents please omg.
🥁Standout Elements:
Avril Lavigne for the win!!!
“She tastes like flowers and strawberries and the weed we inhaled at the gig.”
🌸Final Thoughts:
If you love a he fell first and HARD read this asap!!! It comes out the 26th!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I may have been 7 in 2004 but I still loved the vibes of this y2k setting. Stacey's Ugg boots got me lol. And who doesn't love Avril Lavigne?
Despite its novella length, the story feels full and not rushed. I don't typically like duel timeline but the pieces of their past are so important to seeing them come together in the present.
This book is my every beta-centric omegaverse, popular girl/outcast boy daydream. Layney does such a good job of making her characters complete and compelling, and balancing humor and heart and hard things. The struggles these characters face with self expression and identity are given respect and so much feeling that's easy to connect to even if you've never been in a similar situation. I am so grateful to Layney for these beautiful stories and characters. Always reccomend!
Despite its novella length, the story feels full and not rushed. I don't typically like duel timeline but the pieces of their past are so important to seeing them come together in the present.
This book is my every beta-centric omegaverse, popular girl/outcast boy daydream. Layney does such a good job of making her characters complete and compelling, and balancing humor and heart and hard things. The struggles these characters face with self expression and identity are given respect and so much feeling that's easy to connect to even if you've never been in a similar situation. I am so grateful to Layney for these beautiful stories and characters. Always reccomend!
April 17, 2026
This book absolutely delivers on tension and chemistry. The back-and-forth between the characters is incredible, and the emotional push and pull had me in a choke hold.
The music references were top tier: Gethsemane by Sleep Token was probably my favorite. It just fit the scene so perfectly.
The romance and spice were written beautifully. Axl is deliciously bold, unapologetic, and quickly became a top contender for the #1 space for fictional book boyfriends.
Sometimes you just need a feel-good romance with that irresistible will they won’t they energy, balancing fluff and drama in all the right ways.
This book nailed it because the spice is spicy, the fluff is incredibly fluffy, and the drama is delightfully dramatic. Overall, such a fun and satisfying read!
I hope there's more to come because I would love to see things play out with a few other potential couples.
The music references were top tier: Gethsemane by Sleep Token was probably my favorite. It just fit the scene so perfectly.
The romance and spice were written beautifully. Axl is deliciously bold, unapologetic, and quickly became a top contender for the #1 space for fictional book boyfriends.
Sometimes you just need a feel-good romance with that irresistible will they won’t they energy, balancing fluff and drama in all the right ways.
This book nailed it because the spice is spicy, the fluff is incredibly fluffy, and the drama is delightfully dramatic. Overall, such a fun and satisfying read!
I hope there's more to come because I would love to see things play out with a few other potential couples.
March 17, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book. Like I could relate to every aspect of the book. Especially with living in a town like that, during the 2000s. I just loved the evolution of Stacey, playing the part to being who she really was. And how Axl always knew. I loved how we went to the past and then to the present to see all about their relationship, and how they evolved, it was done masterfully. And I loved the people that stood by them in the end.
My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer, but it was perfect as is and I will just have to read it again. Also hoping Ledger gets a story… because seeing him lose his cool… AMAZING 😂. Or even Brent, because I loved him embracing who he was, and Stacey (and Axl) supporting him. It was beautiful.
My only complaint was that it wasn’t longer, but it was perfect as is and I will just have to read it again. Also hoping Ledger gets a story… because seeing him lose his cool… AMAZING 😂. Or even Brent, because I loved him embracing who he was, and Stacey (and Axl) supporting him. It was beautiful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Can I just say Axl is everything? That man had such conviction in his feelings and trust in what they had. Even when they didn't have much. And his attitude towards life and the toxic people of the town was so refreshing. He didn't let anyone change him or make him doubt what he saw in Stacey.
Now Stacey...I get her. I was her in some aspects. We all feel the need to project a certain persona to fit in even if we don't agree with it. I'm happy she finally found a way to be herself. With her little rebellious to finally the big push.
These two together was so sweet until the bedroom...because omg I did not expect THAT. But good show 👏👏👏👏.
Already seeing where some future stories could be coming from and I can't wait!
Now Stacey...I get her. I was her in some aspects. We all feel the need to project a certain persona to fit in even if we don't agree with it. I'm happy she finally found a way to be herself. With her little rebellious to finally the big push.
These two together was so sweet until the bedroom...because omg I did not expect THAT. But good show 👏👏👏👏.
Already seeing where some future stories could be coming from and I can't wait!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhh bring me back to the early 2000's when things were simple. Axl and Stacey gave me that nostalgic feeling of quirky catch phrases and giving a middle finger to "normal" society.
I LOVED Axl! I loved how he knew who he was and didn't apologize for being different. Everyone pinned all their misfortune on him and he just brushed it off and gave a middle finger to them in quiet ways. I loved how strong his convictions regarding Stacey were, even when she didn't deserve his devotion.
Stacey grew on me. She was every "mean girl" during that time period and sometimes didn't deserve the way Axl took care of her. Im glad she eventually became her true self. she was more tolerable then.
I'm excited to see where this series goes :)
I LOVED Axl! I loved how he knew who he was and didn't apologize for being different. Everyone pinned all their misfortune on him and he just brushed it off and gave a middle finger to them in quiet ways. I loved how strong his convictions regarding Stacey were, even when she didn't deserve his devotion.
Stacey grew on me. She was every "mean girl" during that time period and sometimes didn't deserve the way Axl took care of her. Im glad she eventually became her true self. she was more tolerable then.
I'm excited to see where this series goes :)
April 20, 2026
I didnt realize how much I needed and nostalgic Y2K omegaverse in my life, but here we are.
Stacey is popular and rich, in a tow where popular and rich is the only thing that goes.
Axl is a town pariah, all because he dresses punk and doesn't fit the mold.
Stacey and Axl have been dancing around each other for most of their lives. Both presented ad beta, but Stacey is expected to be with an Alpha, one who fits her world.
As they get older, it becomes impossible to ignore each other, and Stacey gets tired of putting on an act that doesn't fit who she is inside.
I LOVED this story. These characters were adorable and fun. The y2k feels were so real and make me want to delve into more y2k themes.
Thank you, Layney, for taking me on another fun journey.
Stacey is popular and rich, in a tow where popular and rich is the only thing that goes.
Axl is a town pariah, all because he dresses punk and doesn't fit the mold.
Stacey and Axl have been dancing around each other for most of their lives. Both presented ad beta, but Stacey is expected to be with an Alpha, one who fits her world.
As they get older, it becomes impossible to ignore each other, and Stacey gets tired of putting on an act that doesn't fit who she is inside.
I LOVED this story. These characters were adorable and fun. The y2k feels were so real and make me want to delve into more y2k themes.
Thank you, Layney, for taking me on another fun journey.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4 stars!!!! thank you so much to layney jones for the arc!! okay y’all this one was SO sweet🥹 i absolutely was obsessed with all the y2k vibes - this truly felt like a movie!!! the pining!? the yearning!? immaculate. i also loved how it still had omegaverse aspects but was a beta x beta pairing since that’s not something you see too much in the genre!
i loved the depth this had & it was a perfect novella length without leaving the story rushed. the side characters were great (or perfectly easy to hate) and i can’t wait to see some of the pairings that were teased👀
if you want a he falls first x she falls harder y2k novella check this one out on march 26💌
i loved the depth this had & it was a perfect novella length without leaving the story rushed. the side characters were great (or perfectly easy to hate) and i can’t wait to see some of the pairings that were teased👀
if you want a he falls first x she falls harder y2k novella check this one out on march 26💌
March 26, 2026
ARC Review
The nasty truth
By Layney Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a fun short read
Stacey and Axel, two betas who couldn't show their love for one another because of the society they came from.
Stacey is a rich popular girl who needs to follow rules and be proper, but she has always wanted Axel, but could never act on it.
Axel being the complete opposite. He plays in a band, has ripped jeans and smokes he's loved Stacey for so long and but he always knew they'd end up together ❤️
Axel's dad is 100% perfection, and everyone needs a dad like him
Also, Avril Lavigne was and still is fantastic
The nasty truth
By Layney Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was such a fun short read
Stacey and Axel, two betas who couldn't show their love for one another because of the society they came from.
Stacey is a rich popular girl who needs to follow rules and be proper, but she has always wanted Axel, but could never act on it.
Axel being the complete opposite. He plays in a band, has ripped jeans and smokes he's loved Stacey for so long and but he always knew they'd end up together ❤️
Axel's dad is 100% perfection, and everyone needs a dad like him
Also, Avril Lavigne was and still is fantastic
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews