Examining the Bond

by R.K. Pierce

Riann Saunders is an anomaly.

Despite perfuming at eighteen, she has unexplainable alpha and beta attributes that concern her professors and call her designation into question. Something is clearly wrong and she needs answers.

To prove she's an omega and secure her place at the academy, Riann seeks out a heat specialist, but she gets far worse news than she could have imagined.

She isn't an omega at all.

What's worse? No one seems to know what she is.

Now, she must travel to the top designation research center in the country if she wants answers. But what she finds there is much more than she bargained for.

Female alpha, Skylar Morales, has dedicated her life to designation research, and she's just about seen it all. So when Riann shows up with baffling test results, it shakes everything she knows about her field.

Not to mention, there's something magnetic about her newest patient that she can't explain. A bone-deep sense of yearning that would typically be reserved for a scent match...

But Riann isn't her match, and making a move could jeopardize the validity of her work, as well as her job at the research center.

Will solving the mystery of Riann's designation bring them closer together? Or will it ruin everything between them?

Examining the Bond is a sweet standalone age-gap FF omegaverse romance. If the story feels familiar, that's because it was previously published with a different Delta. Since then, it has undergone extensive revisions and rebranding, but it has the same tropes and basic story line.

Genres: Omegaverse, Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Queer, Adult, Contemporary

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2026

Reviews

[hope]

my kindle recommendations did not deliver on this one sadly 💔 honestly was not a fan of how it felt like skylar was using rainn to further her career. and she'd flat out admit it to herself, it tainted the romance from the start. at first i tried not to let it bother me but then the conflict at the end threw me 💀 skylar did grovel but the damage was already done imo.

[Elske]

The premise was interesting, but the book got repetitive fast. Lots of sex and really very little story. That made me skip read and give this 2 stars. Not for me, but the much higher ratings from other readers show they feel differently.

[MJ]

I really enjoyed it! I saw some art on Instagram and was sold! I’m really enjoying reading more omageverse. If you haven’t read any before, this is a great book to start with. It was such an easy read 😍

Written in First Person with 2x POV’s. Sapphic Omegaverse, Doctor/Patient, Mates, Femme/Masc, Instant Attraction. 7x Spicy Scenes.

[Sarah S.]

Thank you so much to the author for the ARC of this book! I took a chance because it was omegaverse and sapphic…little did I know that I was going to be blown away and find a new auto-read author!

RK Pierce’s writing is so good and the story was genuinely so interesting.

Riann is our FMC attending an omega college. She assumed she was an omega since she perfumed, but she has also experienced the equivalent of an alpha rut. The college makes her go to these clinics to get answers because if she isn’t an omega, she cannot attend the college anymore.

She finds herself going to Boston to a clinic that potentially has the ability to figure out what’s wrong. Enter our delectable other FMC, Skylar Morales. Riann’s doctor.

The tension is palpable and they cannot deny their attraction to each other.

From there it’s the journey of these two navigating their feelings while also trying to determine Riann’s diagnosis.

This really was exceptional. I enjoyed every minute of it…even the drama. I will be needing a shelf trophy and I cannot wait to read more from this author!

[Poppy || Monster Lover]

I enjoyed the exploration of designation in this book. Riann had presented as an omega, but then started showing signs of being an alpha too. Her journey for answers led her to Dr Skylar Morales, a muscle mommy who had had her own struggle with her designation as an alpha. The lust between them was fast and furious and their relationship crossed the ethical boundaries between doctor and patient. Riann was a mix between awkward and assertive. Skylar was attentive, genuine, but insecure because of past relationships where she wasn’t “enough”. They both made mistakes, but owned up to them and adored each other.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: doctor and patient sexual relationship, designation discrimination, past death of parents, financial insecurity

[Elizabeth Knowles]

Nice pallet cleanser. More spicy than I thought it would be, but then again it's omegaverse so that's on me haha.

[Rowan Womble]

As a long-time ao3 user, I love a good smutty omegaverse fic. This is that, but without it being fanfic, but keeping the adorable relationship.

I'm also a total s|ut for the love at first sight thing (and lust at first sight) so this filled a lot of roles for me.

I'm a little bit upset about the mention of a strap without it ever getting used, but I can 100% look past that in favor of the adorableness between these two idiots (affectionate)

[chris]

this is an hr violation and tradwife fantasy in one 😔 crazy how dr morales has time to pull her patients into her office to get eaten out (and the nurses don’t notice?! And she’s taking blood samples after hours in a hotel room? ) also riann is so obsessed with staying at the academy for omegas the WHOLE book and then immediately leaving after being bitten ohhhhh my god 😭 also don’t pmo with “preciosa? Oh it means precious” OBVIOUSLY RIANN… lmfao another book infected with the I have a character who isn’t white/american and the only way I can show it is by having them intermittently use words in their language

The overall plot was. Fine. Mostly a vehicle for their instalove(aka scent match bonding). Again it was weird that Skylar was doing all that dna collection off hours but she was seriously being led by her pussy and all that 😭

Also let’s get more creative with female alphas LET THEM KNOT

[Char Dafoe]

Marshmallow sweet with a side of hot spice

[Mady Dudrear]

I’m glad that in 2026, lesbians finally can have shitty, poorly written romance too. And gonna be honest, this hit all of the tiktok modern straight romance tropes. Glad the lesbians can have that too.
My mind felt like it was melting bc of the first person present tense but we powered through, and well I finished. That’s about all I can say. There’s a lot of nonsensical stuff that happens in this book, like for some reason the MCs parents are dead and it doesn’t matter at all really. The author says that she’s distinctly anti-ai on her ig and discord, and if that’s true, than this is a relic of a bygone age where shitty literature was written by real humans.

The delta plot was kind of mid, only vaguely touched on an interesting idea when Riann was scared of her alpha instincts but didn’t really get into the body/psychological horror that could be. Also, why female alphas can’t knot/impregnate omegas in this universe is beyond me. The purpose and interest of omegaverse is to have an excuse to make any biology you want, so to just not even change anything feels purposeless. Especially when there wasn’t any other specific aspects of omegaverse being explored instead. Also marshmallows as a scent is not very sexy.

[Betty]

Did not disappoint

I love the original book Delta and this revamped one was so much better definitely a must read I just wish this author had more Sapphic books than what she does. She currently has a new one coming out but not for another whole year.

[Erica]

🩵 FF Omegaverse
🩵 Masc/Femme
🩵 Doctor/Patient
🩵 Slight Age Gap (7 years)

This is my first sapphic omegaverse, and I really, really enjoyed it! It’s so different from anything I’ve read before, but I’d definitely recommend it if you’re curious about omegaverse.

Riann is attending an omega university and assumes she’s an omega after she perfumed, but also is experiencing Alpha and beta traits. She goes to Boston, meets Skylar, a female alpha and her doctor, who’s trying to figure out what’s going on with Riann.

This is kind of insta-love-ish, with a LOT of tension, chemistry, attraction, and sexual tension 👀 Even though they didn’t know each other for very long, I still felt like they got to know each other and built a relationship along the way. From there, they navigate their feelings while trying to figure out Riann’s diagnosis. I really enjoyed it!

[Merle]

Pine trees and Marshmallows? Such an incredibly clever and complimentary scent pairing!

I've had this on my watchlist for several weeks, so when it was finally released, I was so excited. It definitely did not disappoint!

The chemistry between Riann and Skyler is *hot*. Their dialogue is so flirty, and the way they check in with each other is swoon-worthy. I wanted to see more and more of their relationship, and was always excited to pick up the book to see what happened next.

Riann and Skyler are fantastic characters. Riann is a young but determined omega who smells like marshmallows. Skyler is a slightly shy and introverted alpha who smells like pine trees. They are perfect for each other, and compliment each other not just in personality, but also in scent. I mean, pine trees and marshmallows? I've literally never read such a complimentary scent pairing among omegaverse couples. It was so clever. And it shows the thought and care written in these words.

They have much more depth than just alpha and omega. Skyler, for being an alpha, has self-confidence issues that Riann helps sooth. And Riann has many of her own personal dilemmas that I won't spoil, that Skyler helps work her through. It was very, very nice to see their relationship develop through their feelings, and to see them solve the driving mystery of the book, and not just be a PWP book like many other omegaverse books.

I bought the Kindle edition, but I'm definitely diving to the author's site right now to buy a physical copy.

[Lexi]

5⭐️!!! I absolutely loved Riann and Skylar and I want a Skylar of my own!
Everyone writes omegaverse so differently but I genuinely loved and found this version so interesting! I loved how even though both Riann and Skylar had doubts and knew they shouldn't be together because of the age gap and also being patient and doctor; they couldn't resist each other! I loved how sweet and caring Skylar was, but also so hot and dominant at the same time I highly highly recommend if you love age gap, spice, and omegaverse! Such an amazing book! A big thank you to R.K. Pierce for the ARC!! And of course all thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Gabrielle]

This is a super cute story and I especially love that it’s an FF omegaverse because FF is rare enough and even more so in such a niche subgenre. With that said, I was lucky enough to have read an ARC for both the original and this new edition.

Riann is enrolled at an omega academy and has been struggling to get an accurate diagnosis of her designation because she’s always believed she’s an omega but also experienced an alpha rut and some other alpha traits. Because of this, after numerous tests with no answers, she’s sent to a specialty clinic where we meet Skylar, a young female alpha and the doctor in charge of her case. They feel an extreme and instant mutual attraction but so much is at stake so they try to hold back. Naturally, problems and slight chaos ensue.

What to expect:
Hot chemistry
A bi-awakening
Yearning
Age gap
Forbidden (doctor/patient)
Hurt/comfort
Miscommunication
Supportive BFF/older sister
2/5 spice
Latina representation
HEA

I rated the original 4 and I would give this a 4.5 because I feel like it flowed a little better. I loved the original so much that I thought about it frequently but this just feels more cohesive as a whole. I like the little changes made as well. For example, I think Riann used to have a short blonde blunt bob and now she has wavy red hair and that seems to suit her character better. She and Skylar have amazing chemistry and I love how supportive their friends/family are.

Overall, a sweet fairly low angst (not no angst, just not too much) read with cute MCs! As I mentioned, I did read an ARC of this but that did not bias my opinion.

[Marta]

Cute story

I really liked this book. I didn’t read many omegaverse stories, but it started to appeal to me more and more. It wasn’t too complicated and it had good vibes. The story was cute and pleasant to read. There were a few spicy scenes and a lot of chemistry between the main characters. I loved the support from frineds/family both characters had in their lives. It was a wonderful light read which definitely will leave you with a smile on your face.

[Addie Pieters]

This was SO. FREAKING. GOOD. OV, but different enough that everything felt fresh and exciting. Loved!

[cloud_9_reads]

Okayyyy this was cute, sweet, and WAYYYY hotter than that adorable cover conveys, so prepare yourself for some spicy fun!! Yes, there’s a meet cute and plenty of feelings and emotions involved, but R.K. Pierce knew exactly when to be like “okay that’s fun and all, but now let’s make it fucking filthy”. AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE. I had zero shame sending them a DM and fangirling like a fool after basically inhaling the first half of the book 🤣 I really liked Skylar and Riann, and their story had everything you’d expect from an omegaverse (minus the pesky boys) including scents, bonding, alphas and omegas, heats, all that good stuff! Plus a couple of twists I’m leaving out because they’re way more fun to discover for yourself. Definitely have fun with this one… just maybe don’t start it before bed if you actually need to get up early… 4.5 ⭐️

[Jessica]

This book is unique and captivating. I loved seeing a different take with the omegaverse and a well done FF romance is captivatingin my book. The two main characters are relatable. Their relationship was quick, steamy, and comforting all together. Skylar is my favorite. Even when she had insecurities, she was able to work through them and she knows what she wants. Riann is a loving but also determined woman. No matter how inexperienced she might be, she was willing to put herself out there and try. By the end, I was kicking my feet and so happy to see this story come together. This book kept me up reading and not wanting to put it down. If you love an omegaverse book, then I definitely recommend this to you.

[Hannah]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I really couldn't get enough and had it read within a couple of days. Skylar and Riann are well written and the chemistry between them is palpable. I have read a few omegaverse FF stories and this one is very good. I cannot wait to read R.K. Pierce's next story

[Karyn Defoe]

Thank you to the author for the ARC copy.
This was a cute cozy read - which is not something you would usually say to describe an Omegaverse book. While it was predictable in a lot of places it was very enjoyable. I would recommend it if you’re looking for something quick to read or if you’re looking for a less intense intro to Omegaverse.

[Jazzlyn Bush]

Omg I loved this so much! This was my first time reading omegaverse and I absolutely ate it up. The instant connection and chemistry between Riann and Skylar was so beautiful. I loved how we got to see how each of them felt in every moment throughout the story versus just one or the other. Don’t let the cover fool you either because the spice is spicinggggg😮‍💨. This is definitely a book I will come back to for a re-read!

[Michaela Cunningham]

perfect

This was a perfect balance between heat and sweet! Skylar and Riann are perfect for each other, their intense chemistry was amazingly written

[Danielle Lyons]

Received an ARC copy and omg! This story was so sweet, more pining and romance than spicy but such a cute read. I really loved the small glances of side characters and the main characters just absolutely oozed adorkable energy. Hope for more in this universe.

[ayla lilith]

Oh. My. GODDD!!

I am a huge fan of a well-written FF omegaverse, but I only managed to find ones I didn’t want to stop reading on AO3, and now there is this?? I had to sign up the moment I saw it on my feed, and I have NO regrets.

I’ve never read 500+ pages (that’s what Apple Books says) faster. Like ever. Didn’t want to put it down at all, ignored everyone and everything, completely blown away by Riann’s and Skylar’s story. I was half asleep, but I pushed through, because I needed to know how it ended.

Riann is a 19 year old enigma. Though she perfumed at 18, she also has unexplainable alpha and beta attributes. It concerns her professors at Omega-only university. So, she visits a heat specialist, only to hear results she wasn't expecting. All her life, she saw herself as an omega, only to find out that the chromosome simply isn’t there.

She travels to Boston, to the best designation research center, to get answers she desperately needs. Her education is on the line. When Riann meets Dr. Morales, a rare female alpha, both women feel the spark instantly. The two of them experience yearning and need for one another, as if they were scent matches, only it’s not possible. Or is it?


AHDSJDOSEDMDOM.

!!!!!!!!!

Honestly, holy FUCK. Riann, no matter how inexperienced, sure knew what she was doing with Skylar. I am so glad that mates can’t stay away from one another in omegaverse, which thankfully didn’t make me wait too long to get things going.

I am obsessed. Like, I can’t even explain.

Skylar… she tried, okay? But you wouldn’t be able to stay away from Riann either. She smells like marshmallows; how is that not enough already?! To me it is.

I loved that there were no big time jumps throughout the story, and that chapters just followed up scene by scene, from both MC’s POV’s. It was so important for me to read what both of them felt in every moment they both had together and apart. The chapters split in perfect places.

Oh, to find someone like that irl. 😭

We have the lake house, Skylar being a muscle mommy, amazing side characters, Riann obsessing over a body wash, and most importantly — a true sapphic relationship. From my experience in every FF omegaverse work I’ve read, all female alphas usually had male genitals. There is nothing wrong with that, and I never minded reading it, but it was so refreshing to get two biological women in this trope. I was excited to find out how Skylar would knot Riann. I wasn’t disappointed.
​
10/10!!!

It is definitely a book I will go back to, and it’s safe to say it’s now one of my favorites.

[SullenSapphic]

Spice Level: 3.5/5 Explicit Open-Door

Riann Saunders has her life figured out, or at least she thinks she does. She perfumed at the age of eighteen and is enrolled in the Woodside Omega Academy. But then her life starts taking a turn for the odd. She starts exhibiting alpha and beta traits that the doctor can’t explain. She finds her way to Boston in hopes the leading designation research center will help her find answers on what is happening to her.

Doctor Skylar Morales has dedicated her life to designation studies and thought she had seen it all until Riann Saunders walked into the research center’s doors. Skylar is an Alpha and feels an undeniable pull towards Skylar, thinking that it might be a scent match, but it isn’t. How close will Skylar allow herself to get with Riann? Will this destroy the research she has tirelessly worked on for Skylar?

I received this book as an ARC from the author, R.K. Pierce. This was my first toe dip into the Omegaverse and I find myself surprised at how much I liked it. One thing that drew me to this Omegaverse book, besides it being a sapphic book, is that this is a light Omegaverse book. So, someone like me, who hasn’t read these types of books before and wanted to give it a try, it was an easy read and terms familiar with Omegaverse were given definitions and explanations. So, kudos to the author for this because now I am open to exploring more Omegaverse books because this intro into the Omegaverse was a pleasant experience.

I wouldn’t say this is a spoiler but something more about Skylar and Riann’s scents. Riann’s scent is described as smelling like marshmallows over a campfire. Skylar’s scent is described as smelling like summer nights and bonfires. They’re described as not being a scent match but, to me (just my opinion), this would be a scent match. To me, the scents of marshmallows over a campfire and summer nights and bonfires would 100% go together. Whether this is a scent match or not, you’ll just have to read and find out.

Again, I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It is a low stress, easy to read book. It usually takes me a while to read a book because I’m a slow reader and I read this book in like 3-days. If I read a book that quickly, then it’s good.

🩺 Omegaverse
🐺 Sapphic Romance
🩺 Age Gap
🐺 Doctor / Patient
🩺 Masc / Femme
🐺 Designation Mystery
🩺 Forced Proximity
🐺 Sweet Omegaverse
🩺 Brat

[Alice Higgins]

I think I read this in just under 2 hours because I physically couldn't pause, R. K. Pierce's writing style is amazing and so addicting. I never wanted this book to end, the story line was truly incredible, and one I'd never read before. Don't get me wrong this wasn't my first omegaverse, but it was my first Sapphic omegaverse (and not my last) and on top of incredible writing and a gripping story line, she also wrote characters that felt very real, they were relatable in ways and so easy to love and connect with.

I mean, I can't imagine how stressed, angry and probably scared Riann must have been, doctor after doctor having no answers for her, until the one and only Dr Skylar, but I don't wanna spoil it, because you absolutely HAVE to read this book. We know I'm a sucker for an age gap, and this one did not disappoint honestly, love me a forbidden romance and who can resist a doctor x patient book, cause I know I can't.

Skylar was truly an amazing doctor, incredibly patient, understanding and so fucking smart, and while she may not have been the most... professional doctor shall we say. I wouldn't have it any other way. (I'm actually looking to book an appointment with her soon, I don't suppose you know how I can contact her?) I loved how she handled the whole situation once they finally got the answer. While neither of them handled it all that well, that was what I loved. they handled it in a way that felt very real. and okay, idk if this is a spoiler but the whole 'I'm her alpha' mf I screamed, my neighbours must hate me, that was so hot honestly.

I'm gonna shut up now, but yeah, go read it!! once it's out anyways.

[Queenhack]

Skylar, thee alpha, the sweetest. God, I loved her. She was so down bad I could feel it off my screen. Like damn! Even though her insecurities reared their ugly head at some point, this woman knew what she wanted, and God, did she take it. She was an alpha, a damn good one, and she was enough no matter what anyone said or thought. Lana was so supportive; thank God she talked some sense into Skylar.

Riann, our sweet, sweet omega, she would pout if I called her anything else. She struggled so much with her identity, so I understood why she eventually exploded. She deserves to be the omega that she wants to be, and she is; who cares what some lab results say, and the academy can go to hell. Ziel, our sexy diva, thank you for being there for our girl.

It was honestly endearing anytime they got shy, even though they said some of the filthiest things, like, who are you kidding? I know what you say when you are turned on!

My heart was in my mouth the whole time after the incident, iykyk. I was like, just talk!

I enjoyed reading this so much, like give me 15 of these. You guys need to read this book. It has a lighthearted plot and will give you a dreamy kind of feeling, trust me. This book put me in a good mood. This was an ARC Read.

[Shauna]

I was given an ARC copy of Examining the Bond by author R.K. Pierce. Thank you R.K. for the chance to be an ARC reader.

Examining the Bond is a rewrite of the book Delta. I enjoyed both versions so very much.

Examining the Bond is an age gap sapphic omegaverse with forbidden doctor/patient romance. Riann Saunders is 19 years old and has believed for most her life that she is an omega until something weird happens at college and she displays alpha traits she should not have. In order to figure out what is going on she goes to desigation research center where she meet Skyler Morales, a rare alpha female, who is a researcher at the center. It is love or should I say lust at first sniff. As possible scent matches they are drawn together and navigate the issue of what desigation Riann is while also juggling their blooming yet forbidden romance.

The journey these two go though is a roller coaster, but it keeps the story moving at a perfect pace. Also the romance between them is smoldering. Overall this book is a must read if you like sapphic omegaverse books. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to R.K. Pierce next sapphic omegaverse book.

[Solely Sapphic Reads]

ARC REVIEW
Duel 1st Person POV. 5🌟 4🌶️. 303 pages
6 Spicy Scenes

I’m an absolute sucker for an Omegaverse story and I absolutely adore the fact that every author has a unique take on the genre. R.K Pierce has introduced me to another new version of Omegaverse and I was absolutely in love from the first chapter.

Because what do you mean this book was both cute and fluffy, while also packing that level of heat? The instant tension and chemistry between Skylar and Riann was delicious, the spice was down right sinful and that little touch of angst was just the right amount of heart breaking.

I especially loved the idea of a new designation in the ABO universe and was fascinated by the lore that went with it. This book honestly has the right amount of everything that kept me hooked from beginning to end. And I cannot wait for more from this author

Examining the Bond will be released August 12th. If you’re a fan of omegaverse or simply want to dip a toe into a new genre, then do yourself a favour and check out this delightfully fluffy and deliciously spicy book.

Things to LOVE:
📚Omegaverse
💕Age Gap (7 years)
😇Virgin FMC
💪Muscle Mommy
🌈Bi Awakening
👃Scent Match(ish)