Omega Freed: A Fantasy Omegaverse Novella

by Lyonne Riley

An omega imprisoned for what she is. A kind man who rescues her, never suspecting the truth.

Selene was kept in a locked, dark room for years, hidden by her father to keep her safe from dangerous alphas. Until the day she’s forced to find a way out, leaving her life of captivity behind.

When Harry finds a woman running through the woods, lost and confused, he takes her home to nurse her back to health. Little does he know he’s found a rare, prized omega—one who will desperately need his help when she goes into heat.

But there's nothing Harry can do to sate her needs, as much as he wishes he could. He's just a beta.

Or is he?

This is a soft, cozy omegaverse novella about a shy woman with a dark past and the big, cinnamon roll man who wants to help her return to a normal life. It's a quick and steamy read in a gaslamp fantasy setting, with a sprinkle of thrill and a well-earned happily ever after.

Genres: Omegaverse, Romance, Fantasy

132 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2026

About the author

Lyonne Riley writes super steamy monster romance, fantasy romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere with her spouse and two dogs, writing spicy fairy tales.

Reviews

[Cas ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyonne popped up with this one as a surprise comfort write and promised cozy, sweet vibes and I think she really delivered on those promises! The setting/world for this one was like an old-timey omegaverse AU and while I love omegaverse I am not a huge historical romance fan, so I had a little bit of a harder time getting into it. BUT the characters draw you in; Harry was the epitome of a knight in shining armor for our girl Selene, rescues her, tends to her wounds, cares for her, provides for her — all without expecting anything in return, simply because he’s a good man, and yes of course they fall for each other, its a romance after all, but it was really refreshing that he was so… good? A pure, protective soul. And once again, love Lyonne Riley for her body diversity dedication, because he wasn’t your run of the mill adonis, he was a bear of a man and I love that. I also adored that Selene, despite her circumstances and justified fears, she wasn’t a doormat or a mouse. She was timid at first because she was scared but you really see her blossom as Harry takes care of her and I enjoyed that a lot too. I also enjoyed the intimacy scenes, especially the careful, patient way that Harry tends to Selene in her needing. Omegaverse sometimes leans too heavily on the feral frenetic fucking trope, so it was again quite refreshing that Harry was determined to take his time, to lavish her with attention and make sure that she’s comfortable and not in any pain. I loved that even when they were frantic for each other he was still as much of a gentleman as possible because he felt that was what Selene needed and what was right (and then listened to her when she said she could handle more, shocking, a man listening! lol).

I will say mind the TWs if the very real, very close threat of SA will bother you (and ofc, avoid the small epilogue if you don’t do well with pregnancy). But overall its a mostly cozy, very sweet story of an abused woman stumbling upon the best possible man and they live happily ever after, lol. Its a “make a mug of tea and settle in for a cozy read” kind of story imo, so I recommend it for that!

Thank you to Lyonne for the advanced copy! Always a pleasure 💙

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella revolves around Selene, who lost her mother at a very young age and was raised by her father. Shortly after her eighteenth birthday Selene presented as an omega, and in response her father literally locked her in a windowless room with a dirt floor, where she stayed for an indeterminate number of years, dirty, hungry, and isolated from anyone else in their remote cottage. On successive days, her father’s visits to drop off food cease, and although Selene is very weak and dehydrated, she is able to break the door down and escape. Lost in the woods, she runs into Harry, a constable of sorts who patrols the woods for wolves, bears, and other threats to the hamlet’s residents. He’s alarmed by her malnourished and disheveled appearance, as well as the injuries to her bare feet, so he brings her to his home to convalesce.

Harry’s a beta, and gentle, kind, and caring. He worries that he’s not what Selene needs when she goes into heat, but he gamely offers to help.

I’m an avid reader of Lyonne Riley’s books, so I was excited to read this one, even though I’ve been over omegaverse stories for quite some time. This is okay, but I didn’t love it: three and a half stars rounded to four. To be fair, it’s likely my disenchantment with this entire genre and not the author’s talent that’s responsible for my indifference toward this novella. I was generously furnished an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4 ⭐️
3.5 🌶

This was such a perfectly sweet novell AND SO SPICY!!! I enjoyed the dynamic between the two MCs and the hints of the bigger world that Riley created for this story.

Even though this is short and sweet and spicy, please pay attention to the TWs for your peace of mind 💜

☆omega-verse
☆knotting
☆former captive

[Aliza Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene, an omega shrouded in secrecy, has endured years of concealment, her spirit held captive by her father's cold obsession. Then, one fateful day, he doesn’t arrive—her world shatters, and with a heart pounding with hope and fear, she breaks free. She races into the forest, desperation burning in her chest, desperate for freedom and salvation. Harold, a gentle beta on patrol, spots her trembling form and, driven by compassion and a fierce protective instinct, takes her under his wing. He’s determined to help her heal, to give her hope where there was none.

Both Selene and Harold are such tender souls—so sweet, so pure—and yet, their innocence is laced with vulnerability. I was utterly captivated to see into their minds, to feel their hopes, fears, and quiet reasoning pulse through the pages. And oh, how I adore a sizzling story, especially when woven with such profound love and tenderness between two charming souls. This book is a whirlwind of heat and softness, and I couldn’t put it down—devoured it in just a few hours. The plot is beautifully simple, crystal clear in its emotion, with barely a moment of tension, just pure, effortless joy from start to finish. It’s like that perfect quickie—so satisfying, so exhilarating—that leaves you craving more, wishing for the next escape into their world.

[Roselia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never before read an omegaverse work, though I was aware of the existence of the realm and some of the tropes. I have said it before and I will say it again - I may not have read and trope or genre before but if Lyonne Riley writes it, I WILL read it!
This was a sweet read with a lovely HEA and a generous helping of spice.
Selene's perspective of fear of the unknown feels very appropriate for her experience, and Harry approaches her much like a frightened animal. His gentleness in the face of her anxiety is delightful, and though the book is short, their relationship's development is perfect.



Selene has spent all her adult life in a cell. Her warden? Her own father. Selene is an omega, and her father is convinced that to keep her locked away is to keep her safe from the alphas of the world, whose attentions he fears for his daughter. But captivity proves to be dangerous to Selene, and she must find a way to gain her freedom.

Harry is a town guard, on his rounds when he discovers a filthy, frazzled, and famished woman running in the woods. Kind-hearted and gentle, he brings her to the safety of his home so she may recover. But safety and security brings a new challenge: Selene's heat cycle. And no matter how badly Harry wants to help her, he will not be able to as a beta. Unless....


#omegaverse #lyonneriley #omegafreed

[Vedece Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content warning. Kidnapping and attempted assault, not by MMC.
Selene has been locked away for her "protection" but as the day goes by and her father hasn't come to feed her she realizes that she's been left alone. Trapped in her prison and he's not coming. If she doesn't escape, she'll perish!
Harry is a guard for his town. While out on patrol one night, he comes up on a. . .woman? He chases her, telling her that he won't harm her and seeing that she's injured he tends to her and feeds her.
Although she's afraid, she is more injured and hungry so she goes with the big man. He's kind as well as attentive and the more her body heals, the more her "need" comes up on her.
He can't help her because he's just a Beta.
She thinks that he can because she just wants him and all he is.
Is she right?
With an unclaimed Omega, no Alpha can be trusted and the one who takes her from him will find out what happens when he goes to hand out his own form of justice!
This is short, sweet and steamy. I felt sorry for Selene but I'm glad she was with Harry because they both needed each other.
This review is my opinion and is not AI generated.

[JML · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 terrific🌟's for Omega Freed 💖🔥🌟

I'm going to be honest omega verse stories are not always n my favorite. I can't pinpoint why I Traumatizing love them there is just something about the genre that doesn't make them my go to stories. However I do enjoy lyonne Riley So I took a chance on this short story. It was good, solidly written with truly likable characters Harold was just a big cinnamon roll leading man who finds Selene after a traumatizing event.He takes care of her and wants what's best for her all while holding back his own feelings. Selene has been hidden away by her father after he found d out she was omega. He believed he was protecting her but hiding her was more traumatizing than anything else. When her father doesn't bring her a meal and then he misses another she finds herself in a situation that always her to escape. Then she meets Harold and her life changes. Their relationship is one of tenderness, support and learning. They both fight their feelings but those feeling turn out to be real and life saving. I enjoyed if you like this genre you'll love this short story.🌟🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🌟💖🌟🔥💖

[Shelf Whispers · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄✨

✨ Locked away for years, Selene finally kicks down the door—only to discover freedom comes with friendship, trust, and one very patient township worker who might just be her perfect match. ✨

Content Warnings
⚠️ Isolation and Imprisonment
⚠️ Food Deprivation
⚠️ Threat of Sexual Assault

Summary
Selene has spent years locked away by her father, who claimed he was protecting her from the dangers of the outside world. When he disappears, leaving her without food or water, she finally escapes and crosses paths with Harry, a township worker whose kindness and patience help her begin to heal. Their relationship grows slowly, built first on trust and friendship before blossoming into something deeper.

Personal Reaction
I loved how this novella focused on emotional recovery and the slow build of intimacy. Selene’s fears and Harry’s doubts made their romance feel authentic, and the suspense of her kidnapping added a thrilling edge. Even in such a short read, the characters felt layered and real, and the payoff of their eventual honesty and connection was deeply satisfying.

Closing Impression
This is a quick but powerful read, perfect for anyone who enjoys tender slow‑burn romance with a touch of danger and transformation. It left me invested in both Selene and Harry, and I genuinely enjoyed watching their bond evolve.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5/3

[Lisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️
Tropes: omegaverse • physical and emotional neglect • hurt/comfort • omega x beta...?

I received an advance review copy (ARC) and am sharing my honest, unbiased review.

I read somewhere that Lyonne Riley wrote this book unplanned, and just because she felt like it - and you wouldn't know it. This book is a great novella, easy to read, but surprisingly suspenseful.

It's also darker than what I’ve read from Lyonne Riley before (I know she's written some darker stuff, but I haven't read it), dealing with emotional and physical neglect, even torture, and the journey of healing from trauma for Selene, the omega.

The main story between Harold/Harry and Selene is sooo good and warm, I lived for it.

And while the ending hardly was a surprise, it was still all I wanted from the story ❤️

This book is for you if you are looking for a short omegaverse read, but still want the drama!

[Bookfairymel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good mix of omegaverse and romance. I usually don’t reach for omegaverse books but this was such a good balance that I ended up really enjoying it. There wasn’t a big power dynamic in day to day life that’s usually present in omegaverse. Yes, you have to be careful if you’re an omega, there’s a registry and alphas can be aggressive, which is all standard. But other than that, life was normal for them. I loved seeing Selene and Harry do domestic stuff together. Grocery shopping, making dinner and him buying her new clothes. He was such a gentle bear of a man, I couldn’t help but love him.

I also loved seeing Selene come into her own and find her footing again after everything she’d been through. I loved seeing the heat push them together, what it brought out in each of them. Their spicy scenes were so sweet, and then tinged with a bit of feral once Harry came into himself. I really loved them together and enjoyed this Omegaverse read!

[Sarah Uram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyonne wrote a great take on omegaverse. The FMC has been locked away by her father, presumably to keep her safe from prowling alphas a never-do-wells out in the world. When he stops bringing her food she manages to break free and just keeps running. A kind and gentle guard finds her and offers her food and safety in his home. While she is hesitant and afraid he will hurt her or take advantage of her, she takes him up on her offer. For such a quick little novella, the slow burn is delicious. The MCs' relationship blooms as their trust and desire slowly grow, though the FMC is afraid to reveal her secret of being an Omega. And our MMC has a secret of his own, one HE doesn't even know about! This definitely reminds me a bit of a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but I don't think it was the intention, but could also be a Bodyguard trope (a la Whitney Houston and Kevin Coster, hellooooooooo nurse, please come revive me????). Excellent work Lyonne!

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful and cozy read that brings together guardsman, Harry, and newly escaped omega, Selene. She's been locked in her father's basement, for her protection, but her father was not the most generous with things like comfort, food, plumbing... 😢 After some time with no visits by her father, she figures she needs to save herself. On the run and terrified of the big world and all things alpha, she gets 'caught' by Harry. He's not looking to hurt her but she definitely needs care and feeding. I loved seeing the trust and love bloom between these two, but turns out, her father was right about the dangers. She gets kidnapped while Harry is at work. Yikes! (Definitely check the TWs for a safe reading experience..) Thankfully, Harry is all-in and ready to save her for true. I loved their spicy romance, the chemistry and wonderful connection they built together. I'm looking forward to what's next by this author.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. This novella is dual POV, well written, and a character-focused, historical fantasy-feel, omegaverse romance between Selene, the female omega lead who has been locked in her father’s basement for years, and Harry, the male beta-presenting town guard lead who finds her when she escapes and offers her protection. I enjoyed Harry’s gentle, sincere compassion, and his determination to provide what Selene needed regardless of personal preference/desire. I enjoyed Selene’s growing confidence that allowed her to start asking for what she wanted. I also appreciated her desire for independence. I enjoyed the steamy gentle intimate scenes building to higher intensity ones. I enjoyed the cheerful ending and the character contentment.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Daijhanna Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super fun surprise novella! I really enjoyed that it had darkness to it, and took the time to really build the relationship between the protagonists to a place where it felt realistic that they come to love each other. I loved the omegaverse aspect of this novella, and the MMC Harry is truly a sweet baby angel that should be protected at all costs!! All that aside, it was kind of a lowkey novella, there are personal stakes for the characters, particularly Selene, who is healing from abuse and dealing with the dangers of being an omega in this universe, but overall it isn’t an action-packed story. I don’t say that as a detriment, I’ve seen several reviews call this novella cozy and I think that is a very accurate description! It doesn’t need all the glitz and glamour to be a good story.

Thank you to Lyonne Riley for sharing this surprise arc!!

[Elaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.
Selene is an omega who has been hidden away for years by her father. One day he doesn’t show up and Selene manages to escape and runs into the Forrest. Harold is a beta on patrol when he spots Selene and takes her in to help her heal.
These two are both so sweet and quite naïve in different ways. I loved that we seen both character’s POV and inner thoughts and reasoning.
In true Omegaverse way, it takes the omega being taken for the man to realize his true wants and feelings.
The epilogue was a nice bow on the story and a peek at a HEA.

CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Confinement, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Kidnapping, Pregnancy

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good smutty story, and when it's written in the context of an incredibly loving relationship between two endearing characters, well I love it all the more. And that is precisely what this novella was.

Short as this novella was, it was packed with lots of heat and tenderness that I finished reading it in a few hours. The plot is fairly simple yet clear, and reading it involved the most minimal amount of tension. It was really a pleasure read from beginning to end. It's like a very satisfying quickie, one that you'd definitely want to have more of next time.

I loved the characters, too, especially the MMC, Harry, who was just in incredibly gentle and kind and protective. He definitely deserved that transformation he experienced in the end as a result of his protective instincts over Selene I just wish a few more paragraphs were written to describe their future outcomes after mating.

I was granted an advanced review copy of this book. This review is offered voluntarily.

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After being trapped away by her father because she is an omega, Selena finally escapes and finds freedom. She quickly comes across a man named Harry. I was very suspicious of him at first, but he grew on me so fast. Harry is every bit of a gentleman and treats Selene as she deserves.

I loved how close they grew as they spent more time together. Everything seemed to blossom so organically. The spicy scenes between the characters were so good! After all the tension between the two, neither of them can take it anymore once Selene goes into heat for the first time 🔥

I really loved both characters and am so happy that they got their happily ever after that they deserved. Thank you to Lyonne Riley for an ARC of this book!

[Tabitha Malinowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to become one of her permanent ARC readers. Then, too be with something like this. Always amazing work! No matter how many pages, it's always good. She came through with all her promises in this old time omega-verse. It was such a super sweet love (of course with the spice too).

Harry is a gentle giant. A super sweet teddy bear beta who is smitten for our FMC, Selene. Although he isn't super confident in himself that he can give her everything she needs in her heat. Due to the fact he isn't an alpha. Which doesn't matter to Selene; because Harry does fine. DAMN FINE.

Although there first encounter is unfortunate. Everything else is set up to be a super sweet romance. Spicy is 2.5. Rating is 5 stars. As always, her written work in romance is done so well.

[• Dan reads books • · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect novella for all of the Omegaverse lovers!

With a medieval ambience, a hidden omega, an impeding heat and an honorable man who’s just trying to do the right thing… this story gives us all the elements we love in a OV book and oh did I mentioned that there’s just one bed? Haha

Selene has been neglected and abused but she has a fighter in her, all with an innocence and a loving heart, she’s so easy to love! And Harry? This man is hardworking, caring and so damn cute, and when he found this lost woman… he just wanted to help her but soon he’s starting to learn that maybe he’s not just a beta simply beta…

This is such a cozy and lovely read! I enjoyed Selene and Harry love story so much, the connection and the yearn were so good!

[Chy Heartfilia ❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Cottage Core! 🪽💌
Honestly so in love with how well written this novella was…for such short pages it really told a story worth of about 400! I really enjoy the damsel in distress trope when it comes to romance novels so this hit the spot for sure! Locked up, starved and left for dead, Selene fought hard to escape and thankfully her knight in shining armor was patrolling that night…whisking her off to safety in his small cottage. Harry is such a wholesome, sugar bear and that’s exactly what she needed in a partner after years of torment.

I’m happy her beta grew a knot for just her at the end and that they were able to live happily ever after as a married pair of alpha and omega.

#ARCREADER 👼🏾

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off: CHECK YOUR CONTENT WARNINGS. There are definitely some that could trigger people, so take care of yourself first.

On that note: wow. I adore Lyonne Riley's work and this novella lives up to the rest.

For such a short story (117 pages) there is so much character development and a good paced relationship between the two main characters. Their dynamic (no pun intended) was just really cute. The story didn't feel rushed at all, and though I would adore having more of these two's story, I think it ended at a really good place for them.

As an FYI: There is the miscommunication trope in here, but I think it is done very well and has a good reason.

Overall, I adored this novella and cannot wait to see what Lyonne Riley puts out next!!

[A.L.Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

🫖 Harry & Selene

ARC Review

Omega Freed by Lyonne Riley is a short slice-of-life story about a very innocent young woman Selene that has been locked up by her Father for years. She finally escapes and one of the town guard Harry finds her. Harry is a hero! Both of them find out surprising biological features about themselves and share with each other. There are exploratory ṣëxƴ tïmës that lead to more. I do not quite agree with all parts of the online book description summary. Selene doesn't have a dark past, her Father imprisoned her. I didn't feel/read this was a Gaslamp Fantasy setting book. This definitely could have a Book 2. It has an HEA & future epilogue. 💕

[Eloise Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into Omega Freed: A Fantas.
Omegaverse Novella expecting a quick, tropey read, but it surprised me with its emotional depth. Lyonne Riley does a great job blending classic omegaverse dynamics with a fantasy setting that feels immersive despite the novella length. The pacing is tight, but the characters still manage to feel layered especially the protagonist's journey toward autonomy and trust.
The chemistry and tension kept me hooked throughout. It's a satisfying, character driven read that hits the right balance between angst and comfort.
Definitely worth picking up if you enjoy fantasy romance with omegaverse elements.

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selene is an omega that has been locked away for years by her pessimistic father when the inevitable happens—her father doesn't come to her locked room for two days. Realizing it might be her only chance she escapes and this is when her life begins. She meets a gentle soul named Harry is beta who is kind and gentle, taking care of her and wanting nothing in return. As she gets acclimated to reentering a changed world the thought of leaving Harry begins to disturb her. Neither are bold enough to share how they feel for one another. Then, when the unthinkable happens, Harry proves that there are consequences for those who dare to harm any hairs on her head. Recommended: Read It!

[lora-liest-romance since Y2K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley enttäuscht nicht; ich mag die relativ simplen Charaktere, und doch pointierten Geschichten von ihr! Die Haltung ist oft nachvollziehbar, und es werden selten Standard-Klischees reproduziert, sondern oft mit Twist, was mich immer wieder zu ihr zurückzieht.

Auch hier mochte ich das lose Drumherum; von den Charakteren und deren Umfeld erfährt man gerade so viel, wie es für die Geschichte notwendig ist. Vielmehr geht es hier um das Setting, die Story, und das „Zusammenwachsen“, den Beziehungsaufbau - für mich immer wieder spannend! Aber auch den nötigen Handlungsbogen hab ich hier nicht vermisst, damit genug Drama dabei ist. Eine rundum gelungene Kurzgeschichte im OV-Universum.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic omegaverse! Quick, enjoyable read back in the day of horseback riding, letter writing, visiting a tailor for clothes and a butcher for meat. Selena has been through some terrible experiences from an abusive parent, but fortunately she is found by the most kind and noble man who wants nothing more than to see her healed and happy. I loved seeing how Harry cared for her and how their love developed. Sweet, but still with blazing spice, knots and nests. Can’t wait to read more by this author!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I screamed when I got this surprise arc in my inbox!!

I’m still SUPER new to omegaverse and let me tell you this just showed me why I love this genre!! This is my first Omegaverse with just MF and let me tell you it was DELICIOUS.

this is a super short read but it was so good! Selene is an omega who was trapped by her father and one day escaped and meets Harry!

Harry isn’t an alpha but he’s sweet, caring, possessive and overall perfect for Selene!

Yes yes yes! Love this!

[Between pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novellas are usually hit-or-miss for me, but Selene and Harry's story has every element I look for in a short romance. It has the perfect balance of chemistry, steam, and the 'fighting for love' trope—all topped off with a happy ending. I’m not a fan of books that tear me apart or leave me emotionally exhausted; I just don't have the patience for that kind of angst. I love how the author wove these elements into just 13 chapters without making the plot feel rushed or scattered. And i love books with epilogue😊🥰.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like this is the first Omegaverse story from Lyonne Riley and it features some of the typical tropes from that genre - knotting, heats, Alpha/Beta/Omega designations. Featuring a cinnamon roll savior with a captive/sheltered omega who escapes her abuser. It is super quick paced as it is novella length yet contains some spicy scenes along with pining between the main characters. As usual, I enjoyed this but wanted it to be longer.

I received an advanced copy for free, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Queerbookdad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selene is trapped by her father for being an Omega, but what will happen when she finally escapes

Harry is a night watchman who comes across an injured and scared woman in the forest and attempts to help her

When Selene goes into heat Harry desperately tries to sate her needs but how is he supposed to really help as a Beta … I guess you’ll have to read it and find out

This book is filled with sweetness and spice and a fantastic HEA Lyonne Riley really smashed it out of the park again with this one