The Lights of Avendene

by Isabel Murray

Jack. The duke. An alpha in love with two very different men—his prickly young alpha servant, and the shy omega childhood friend he vowed to stay away from...but just married.

Beckett. The servant. An alpha from the slums made good. Stupid enough to go and fall in love with a duke. Mad about it. Now Jack's up and married an omega. Mad about that, too.

Arden. The omega. Betrayed by his brother on their father's death, whisked to safety by the only man he's ever loved, and apparently not too old and withered to go into heat for the first time.

Unfortunately, his new husband's stuck in town and there's only one suitable alpha at Avendene who can help: Beckett.

The servant who loves Jack, and hates Arden.

How can a beginning this bad possibly end in happily ever after?


The Lights of Avendene is an MMM omegaverse fantasy romance set in a Georgian/Regency-esque world, with an alpha couple, the inexperienced omega who ends up between them, a lot of hurt feelings, a hint of danger, and a love worth fighting for.

Genres: Omegaverse, Fantasy, M M Romance, Romance, Historical, Polyamory, LGBT

415 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 17, 2026

About the author

Isabel is a writer, a reader, and a lover of love. She couldn’t stick to a subgenre if her life depended on it, but MM romance is her jam. She lives in the UK, reads way too much, and cannot be trusted anywhere near chocolate.


Website: https://isabelmurrayauthor.com

Other links: https://isabelmurray.carrd.co

Reviews

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty different from everything else I have read, and really charming: a mmm love omegaverse love triangle, kind of, where a duke in a alpha-alpha relationship with his very proud alpha footman has to marry a childhood omega friend. Very historical feel, British but by another name, so much cozy aristocratic estate vibes. I loved two of the characters, the alpha footman now replaced by the omega husband and the new husband. I would have loved the duke also, if I felt I had a better grip on his personality. Non toxic all, very very likeable.

But like mentioned above I never really had as strong a feeling about one of the characters (the duke) as I had of the other two and the structure of the book was, IMO flawed, saggy particularly in the middle part. We got tons of sex scenes (omegaverse, of course), and of characters feeling or outloud expressing feelings but I missed some scenes which are only mentioned in flashback, like when Jack (duke) tells Arden (the new husband) the purpose of the dinner and the exact betrayal his brother was planning. Or a better epilogue. And some actions are not clear also, why would they leav Arden alone in the coastal estate and go back to the capital and chapters later they are both sure they would never leave him alone (except they did, some chapters ago). Not just that, but more of that kind of thing, the structure and plot not quite holding up to close scrutiny.

But the vibes and universe are fantastic, the characters evoke feelings and all, and I would totally read more books with this feel, or in this universe. It felt fresh also and that is something I value.

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok WOW, that was GOOD! MMM omegaverse fantasy with some Bridgerton vibes, I looooooved this book. Jack is a duke and an alpha. He's been hooking up with his footman, Beckett (also an alpha) for years. Obviously with the class difference, Beckett isn't really a marriageable option, so they are, like, dancing around their feelings for one another. BUT WAIT. Jack finds out that his childhood friend Arden, an omega, is being auctioned off for marriage by his scheming brother. Rather than subject Arden to marriage with a stranger, he marries him. Then he sends Arden to his manor without him, where Arden promptly goes into heat, and the only alpha around is Beckett who is super bitter about ALL of this.

So, that's the setup for the book... the rest of the story is honestly pretty low angst, and it's just about them trying to figure out a way for their relationship to work. There's some lingering tension and fear for several reasons (Jack is notably only into alphas, Arden is quite possibly the most innocent and shy person on earth and he's TERRIFIED of Beckett, Beckett is hopelessly in love with Jack and resentful of Arden), but they really take the time to build a relationship with each other that they are all happy with. THIS IS HOW A POLY BOOK SHOULD BE. I'm so picky about this dynamic because it so often feels like the characters aren't all on equal footing, but I don't feel that here.

This was my first book by Isabel Murray and I'm HOOKED. Really hoping for a follow-up novel to this one, but I think I'll go look through her backlist now too. SO GOOD, highly recommend!

[Shelby | Spicy.booknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and the characters were so well done. This is 100% a character driven story, with very little plot other than the logistics of the relationship and how to move forward. It's not slow at all though, as it starts off with a bang and some drama and just flows from there.

Beckett is a footman that is in love with his Duke, Jack, but forced into an insane predicament right away when his Duke's new husband goes into heat... with Jack away. Beckett, being an Alpha, is requested to help the little Omega through it even though he holds a lot of resentment towards the husband of his Duke. So there's that drama, plus the navigation of an Alpha x Alpha established relationship and juggling an Omega that is just too sweet and timid for his own good.

I'm not doing the book justice, so I would say if you like Omegaverse, or Historical Fantasy, or lovely character driven love stories to read this. Its got so much emotion, you just FEEL for these characters. Loved it, very satisfying read.


Historical Fantasy
MMM Omegaverse
Alpha x Alpha x Omega
Arranged Marriage
Hurt / Comfort
Grovelling & Wooing
Lovable Characters
Virgin MC
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[Renée · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second half much better than the first.

3.5 stars

[S.J. Himes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Fantastic take on the omegaverse that doesn't fall into the overwrought tropes of the genre. Endearing characters with great side characters, a hint of danger, and lots of mutual pining, romance, and emotional reckoning.

[A Low Nicole]

DNFing for now at 25%. I just can’t get into it. The emotional dynamics are weighty and it’s just so centered on their sexual dynamic…sometimes in romances, the MCs sexual relationship feels like it’s working out issues between the characters—Heated Rivalry, and, similar to Lights of Avendene, Fox of Fox Hall. To me, this doesn’t feel like that, and I’m just sitting here, reading, being like, no wait! Take some time to talk and feel your feelings people! Beckett just accepted that Arden would be a part of his relationship with Jack and I guess magic heat sex would make him forget that he was heartbroken at the beginning of the book? And Arden is kinda just being pushed along at a faster pace than he can process and it’s ok? I just didn’t feel that. I’m bummed because I normally really like this author—Gary was hilarious and sweet—but it made me go back and read Fox, which helped everything enormously.

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 3 out of 5]

the very epitome of a 3-star read. non-mpreg omegaverse that leans hard into rather than subverts the gendered tropes; a high-handed duke who doesn't properly grovel for his previous bad behavior; and an evil brother subplot that never really generates any menace. but easily readable and mostly enjoyable, if overly long.

(also: not fantasy beyond the demands of omegaverse, in case anyone expects worldbuilding or magic)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! It's a throuple that wouldn't seem to work on the surface, but it works exceptionally well in reality. Jack, the Duke, is an alpha who prefers other alpha in very rough-and-tumble encounters. He's had a long-standing affair with his footman, Beckett, who has similar preferences and responds more as Jack's equal, as they both prefer.

Arden is an omega who has always been sheltered and kept apart from others by his family, ostensibly for his own safety. Innocent, he doesn't realize the danger to him until after his father dies and his older brother attempts to assume guardianship. Arden has dreamed of a life with Jack, but knows it isn't a possibility - or is it?

This book has high heat, some drama, and much love, which changes and heals all three men. Recommended!

[Courtney Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, angsty, sweet, and satisfying.

I was so engrossed in this story! I wasn’t sure how things would happily work out for everyone involved, but oh, they did! I loved seeing Arden blossom under the affection and attention from his two alphas (the way he’d “happily shriek” while being chased was adorable).

I’m hoping there will be more in this world because I really want to know more about Nolan and Crewe!

[isthisakink · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5. I really, really loved this one.

The book drops you right in the middle of the shit and it’s all-out from the first sentence. There are a myriad of things that don’t make much sense until you get to the point where you’re given all the details—that’s a-lotta bit frustrating at first—but the more you dive in, and the more you start to understand, the more you love it.

I won’t lie, I really didn’t like Beckett continually being called their lover (and I got annoyed with Arden so much, and I feel like Jack didn’t get enough page time), but there wasn’t any action that showed him as less-than or unequal in the relationship so I just ignored it and put it behind how much I loved their dynamic. It’s a seriously well done take on poly romance that you don’t see too often, which means it mirrors reality and isn’t some weird straight-folx fetish bomb. They all want and need different things, they all get them from different partners, and they love that for each other, with each other. They’re thrilled to see one with the other and it’s fucking lovely. It’s exactly what a poly relationship should be, and if my biggest gripe whilst reading was that I didn’t like them constantly referring to Beckett how he would’ve been referred to just because I was indignant on a fictional character’s behalf from ~the future times~, then I consider that a W.

It had some need for a bit more editing/proofing love but it was phenomenal. (The added little bonus scene was nice, too, so I wouldn’t skip it.) Basically, if you like to-the-point, really great poly romances that just happen to be omegaverse, this one is for you. It was definitely for me, and gave me the least amount of ick (read: n o n e) I’ve ever gotten from that particular sub genre. For real, if you don’t fuck with typical omegaverse, try this one—looking at my gaybies that don’t like when things get too cis-coded, same as me.

OH! And that nonsense with Lassit? I wasn’t the biggest fan of it, either. It felt like it could’ve been dropped and not missed at all, especially with that lackluster conclusion. But that’s just my unwanted opinion. Gross ass dude that he was… ugh. CARRY ON.

[Kickhy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only problem with this book is that Arden’s brother didn’t get his lick-back (I’m petty, sue me) and we didn’t get to see the Jack, Beckett and Arden more settled into their relationship. Otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable read and loved the multi-pov. 3.5 stars

[Sherry F · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ended up skimming through it. There really isn't much story or plot to it. Just a lot of different threesomes.

[BookGeek1987 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, just to confirm, as I know it crops up in Alpha/Omega (no shifting) books, there’s no mpreg.

Others books I’ve read by this author have been single POV so I was glad this was multiple given we’ve got three MCs (Jack, Beckett and Arden). It’s not alternating which I liked as you got more into an MCs mindset by reading 3/4 chapters in a row as to their view.

Now, I consider this to be a ‘slice of life’ book. There’s no real plot outside of their relationship development. I was fine with that, but I know not everyone likes that type of book, so I thought best to mention it.

It is also heavy sex but almost in blocks, like we get a few chapters of sex stuff, then relationship development, then more sex. Having straight up Alpha x Alpha (without anyone turning into an Omega) was a nice change. Like it’s a full on battle for dominance at times. Then we have adorable and sweet Arden who really doesn’t know his body and has been treated badly - emotionally - by his family. So it’s clear he needs a lot of TLC to blossom.

Beckett massively messes up with Arden, who due to his sweet character actually goes to sacrifice his happiness for Jack and Beckett. Fortunately Beckett does get his act together - he apologises and his behaviour isn’t swept under the carpet.

Now I’m a vengeful soul and frankly Arden’s shitty brother needed some comeuppance, and there wasn’t any. Yes Jack got Arden away before anything happened, but I just needed more for it to be satisfying. The author did a good job at implying the darkness in the brother without outright saying what clearly would have happened to Arden in the long run.

All in all it was solid but not as good as other books I’ve read by this author.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll happily read anything by Isabel Murray. So my initial reservations about an alternative Regency omegaverse world were swiftly allayed. The author managed mentions recognisable Regency elements; landed estates and country houses, the rigid class system, the appalling roads and so on. At the same time, she creates an entirely imaginary backdrop. The capital city and political system might be parallel to but are clearly different from early 19th century England. And in that setting, she places Alphas, betas and omegas of both genders.
Due to the impeccable worldbuilding containing both the familiar and the new, it's easy to get involved with Jack, Arden and Beckett, especially as the author puts the reader in the middle of their dilemma before explaining why alpha and duke Jack has married omega and childhood friend Arden while he's already in love with his footman Beckett (also an alpha).
I really enjoyed how the story unfolded and the three characters developed an equal relationship, especially how gentle Arden's unwitting influence on his alpha partners to become more emotionally giving. Thoroughly engaging and a satisfying read.

[Dekaydreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

While still a lovely read, not my favorite of Isabel Murray's works, for several reasons. The thing that bothered me most was Beckett's portrayal in terms of speech patterns; most of the time his dialog was in perfectly normal, everyday British English. Then, every so often, he would devolve into this horrid, hybrid, uneducated wrangle that came off more like a parody of illiterate American than what I might expect from a less well-educated Briton. "I've ain't"? Really?

The other factor is the setting: the Omegaverse is most definitely not my favorite imaginary universe, because it seems to vaunt every single thing that embodies wealth, power, and gender/sexuality/class stratification over humanity---something that is already too prevalent in the world today, and goes against my desire to escape reality in a book. I have to give credit to Ms Murray for making the genre less obnoxious, but I far prefer all of her other work to this, but it simply does not bring nearly as much of the magic as everything previous.

[Cabert A · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this and had trouble putting it down. Omegaverse plus poly in an alt-Victorian setting is a combination of tropes that has me super engaged. There was a lot of chemistry and sex on page to help keep things interesting. The hurt/comfort was satisfying.

I do have a number of minor caveats. Most of Isabel Murray's other works is humorous or comedic at times. This one is very different and leans into hurt/comfort with at least medium angst.

The other caveat is that there is a love triangle here, but the communication is so poor up front that it leads to some miscommunication and broken hearts. That's relatively unusual in poly romances, and the number one thing that made me drop the rating by a star. I personally prefer my poly romances where everyone is all in, and that is not the case here. Although they do get there by the end, of course.

I finished the book and just really wanted to see more with these 3. It seems like there is so much more to explore in this world and relationship. I would kill for a sequel!

[Mika Mix · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm obsessed with Alpha x Alpha romance and love this authors writing very much, so I was hyped for this book. It did deliver, but in an unexpected way. It was very low on drama and high on feel-good-energy. I was a bit frustradet, that Beckett took out his anger on the new husband and not his lover, who brought the new addition into the relationship, but apart from that it was a lovely read. The dynamics between the three men are beautifully written and the alpha/alpha sexy times are a lot of fun. I very much hope there will be a second book with the beta secretary as MC. All in all many thanks to the author for showing, that Alpha/Alpha dynamics can be beautiful and rewarding to read - this is an amazing addition to the few books with pairings like this.

[amanda rana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoony!

Ooof. It starts off angsty. Then it's hot, then sweet, then angsty again for maybe the first third of the book. It kept making me cry, but bare in mind I'm particularly sensitive to sweet characters getting their feelings hurt. After they work things out, it's incredibly sweet. They have a really well balanced dynamic. Excellent nurturing caretaker vibes. I'm not sure if the author plans to write more in this genre, but I hope she does. It's a touch long with not too much plot outside of their relationship, but I don't mind more time spent establishing poly dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

[Hani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many omegaverse romances, it starts out dubious with an unexpected heat, but it ends up feeling like we derailed genres into a cozy romance. There were no other heats on-page after that first one. The story feels unfinished; like we stopped at Act Two, without Act Three and the final challenge. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed every individual scene that had at least two of the three main characters.

[marvellouslysangfroid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really really enjoyed this one, syrupy sweet and full of lovely touching moments. Quite well written too, imo. Still not entirely sure how it was over 400 pages, as it didn’t have a lot of plot to speak of, but for whatever reason it just worked for me and honestly I could have read 400 more pages of Jack and Beckett and Arden. This was my first book by this author, and I’m gonna go now to download everything else!!

[Shyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Angsty and Adorable

This book was amazing! It did regency and omegaverse without getting so lost in those themes that it overpowered the story. (Yes, they're there and they're relevant, but they're PART of the story, not the whole story.) This trio had an unexpected start and some rough moments, but completely earned their HEA. I would actually love to read more about their journey, even if only as side characters in some other story in this same universe.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

I really enjoyed this one, but the ending was abrupt and there were a few items left open-ended. I’m assuming this must be the first in a series, but there was no mention of more in the author’s note, and Goodreads has no more info to share. Am I missing something?

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super dooper sweet!

This was a new to me author and I loved this book! The pacing of the story was excellent and the overall story line definitely kept my interest. I loved how sweet it was but also spicy! Arden was the most precious omega and I loved his HEA.

[Zuckerplum · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Romping & Tussling!

The best kind of story that is spicy but with fully developed characters and backgrounds. Lots of place detail to put you into the scenes.

It was a great read!

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a ride!

I’m pretty sure this is Isabel’s first book in the omegaverse and I hope there’s more coming because it was incredible. So angsty, lots of yearning, so hot. Go read it!!!

[HAYLEY SMITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adored!

Oh my! A perfectly written MMM story! Loved Arden, Jack and Beckett's story.
Absolutely adored The Lights of Avendene, another fabulous read from Isabel Murray.

[Dani B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much, it started right into the action and gave the backstory as it went along. Great pacing, sweet and sexy with love and caring throughout. Always love this author.

[The Word Nerd Reviews Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A bit of a different story than the author's usual, but the same lovely characters and beautiful storytelling.

[Cindaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabel Murray and OV? Yes, please! Isabel Murray and OV and MMM?! Yes, a thousand times yes! Fr. What a perfect book. Will absolutely be rereading, as I do all of Isabel's books.

[Good Girl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read M's review. You'll find it among the 4-star reviews.

I may come back and add some tidbits regarding my thoughts, but that review sums my thoughts up pretty well.