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Boy Next Door
Tanner has always felt like a normal college student. Maybe a little too normal. He’s a C-student, a mid baseball player, and the only one in his family of alphas who never presented. But he’s made his peace with it. Mostly.
He can deal with his father’s disappointment that he’s not as tough as his brothers. He’ll live a normal life, marry a normal woman who his dad approves of, and they can all pretend it’s fine.
Until his dad’s childhood best friend–and the star of all his old war stories–shows up. Gray is the epitome of manhood, according to Dad, and everything that Tanner will never be. It’s natural for Tanner to be impressed by him. Gray is impressive, and that sucks you in.
But when Gray tells him the real reason there’s a tension between them–that Tanner is on the cusp of a late-bloom presentation as a rare male omega–it doesn’t seem real.
It can’t be. If there’s one thing Tanner’s father would never forgive him for, it’s that. But if Gray is telling the truth, then this too-sexy, intimidating stranger might be the only ally he has.
~
Boy Next Door is Book 1 of 3 in the Last Ditch Omegaverse series. Last Ditch is non-shifter omegaverse, in a world where mpreg exists but with no on-page pregnancies. Each book follows a different interconnected couple, and ends with an HEA. Each story is self-contained, but they are best enjoyed when read in order. Only suitable for adult readers.
He can deal with his father’s disappointment that he’s not as tough as his brothers. He’ll live a normal life, marry a normal woman who his dad approves of, and they can all pretend it’s fine.
Until his dad’s childhood best friend–and the star of all his old war stories–shows up. Gray is the epitome of manhood, according to Dad, and everything that Tanner will never be. It’s natural for Tanner to be impressed by him. Gray is impressive, and that sucks you in.
But when Gray tells him the real reason there’s a tension between them–that Tanner is on the cusp of a late-bloom presentation as a rare male omega–it doesn’t seem real.
It can’t be. If there’s one thing Tanner’s father would never forgive him for, it’s that. But if Gray is telling the truth, then this too-sexy, intimidating stranger might be the only ally he has.
~
Boy Next Door is Book 1 of 3 in the Last Ditch Omegaverse series. Last Ditch is non-shifter omegaverse, in a world where mpreg exists but with no on-page pregnancies. Each book follows a different interconnected couple, and ends with an HEA. Each story is self-contained, but they are best enjoyed when read in order. Only suitable for adult readers.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
Review of advance copy
4 🌟
Tanner and Gray 🖤
Again, LOVE that authors are bringing back chapter titles. It’s so underrated, and it’s just one of those small things I love 💕
Omegaverse is newer to me, but I really enjoyed this one! Gray was so fiercely protective, and I loved how calm and reassuring he was. He never forced or pressured Tanner in anyway, and he allowed room for Tanner to figure himself out.
The progression of the name changes in the phone 🤣 looooved it. Again, it’s literally the smallest things that I’ll love and remember forever.
I would have liked to see a bit more of their feelings developing. I struggle with omegaverse because sometimes it relies on their “baser instincts” and scenting and heats and everything else, but I want to see them choose each other, not just choose someone of convenience because they have to. At times I wasn’t sure which side Tanner fell into with his feelings towards Gray.
I would have liked more from Gray’s POV also. I was curious about his thoughts and feelings about everything, especially early on in the story and would have appreciated knowing his rationale at times.
I’m super intrigued with Atlas and can’t wait for his story!
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— non-shifter omegaverse
— alpha x omega
— veteran x college athlete
— dad’s best friend
— age gap
— first times / first heat
— hurt / comfort
— found family
— surprise / delayed presentation
— “good boy”
— “sweetness”
— “just the tip”
— praise
— scenting
— hands free 💦
— phone sex
— toys
— knotting
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Tanner and Gray 🖤
Again, LOVE that authors are bringing back chapter titles. It’s so underrated, and it’s just one of those small things I love 💕
Omegaverse is newer to me, but I really enjoyed this one! Gray was so fiercely protective, and I loved how calm and reassuring he was. He never forced or pressured Tanner in anyway, and he allowed room for Tanner to figure himself out.
The progression of the name changes in the phone 🤣 looooved it. Again, it’s literally the smallest things that I’ll love and remember forever.
I would have liked to see a bit more of their feelings developing. I struggle with omegaverse because sometimes it relies on their “baser instincts” and scenting and heats and everything else, but I want to see them choose each other, not just choose someone of convenience because they have to. At times I wasn’t sure which side Tanner fell into with his feelings towards Gray.
I would have liked more from Gray’s POV also. I was curious about his thoughts and feelings about everything, especially early on in the story and would have appreciated knowing his rationale at times.
I’m super intrigued with Atlas and can’t wait for his story!
.
.
.
.
‼️⚠️ Potential spoilers ⚠️‼️
Dynamic: MM — strict
Sharing? No
Cheating? No
Breakup? No
Sex scene with OM or OW No
‼️⚠️ Content ⚠️‼️
— non-shifter omegaverse
— alpha x omega
— veteran x college athlete
— dad’s best friend
— age gap
— first times / first heat
— hurt / comfort
— found family
— surprise / delayed presentation
— “good boy”
— “sweetness”
— “just the tip”
— praise
— scenting
— hands free 💦
— phone sex
— toys
— knotting
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5 ⭐️
As a complete sucker for omegaverse, I was sat for Erin’s foray into the genre, but I’m a bit on the fence.
I really enjoyed Tanner and Gray’s story—it’s emotional and sweet and definitely steamy, but something just felt like it was missing. I think maybe it’s the lack of Gray’s POV, but overall can’t complain too much 🤷🏻♀️
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- nonshifter omegaverse
- alpha x omega
- veteran + college athlete
- dad’s best friend
- age gap
- found family
- surprise presentation
- first heat
- systemic discrimination
- hurt x comfort
As a complete sucker for omegaverse, I was sat for Erin’s foray into the genre, but I’m a bit on the fence.
I really enjoyed Tanner and Gray’s story—it’s emotional and sweet and definitely steamy, but something just felt like it was missing. I think maybe it’s the lack of Gray’s POV, but overall can’t complain too much 🤷🏻♀️
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- nonshifter omegaverse
- alpha x omega
- veteran + college athlete
- dad’s best friend
- age gap
- found family
- surprise presentation
- first heat
- systemic discrimination
- hurt x comfort
October 27, 2026
After ages, I finally decided to pick up a real book again (I've been reading nothing but fanfics until now) and what did I get? Pure disappointment 🫠.
I don't even know where to start, because I honestly didn't like a single thing about this book.
The writing and dialogue had me cringing the whole way through, and the characters felt completely flat. As for their relationship-what relationship?
There was no development at all!! It was just randomly there. The whole vibe of the book felt off, too.
If I'm being honest, it read like a Wattpad story written by a 13-year-old. I ended up DNFing it at 25% because I couldn't suffer through the cringe anymore. Maybe it's just me, but I'm so, so disappointed and honestly mad at myself for picking this up 😭
I don't even know where to start, because I honestly didn't like a single thing about this book.
The writing and dialogue had me cringing the whole way through, and the characters felt completely flat. As for their relationship-what relationship?
There was no development at all!! It was just randomly there. The whole vibe of the book felt off, too.
If I'm being honest, it read like a Wattpad story written by a 13-year-old. I ended up DNFing it at 25% because I couldn't suffer through the cringe anymore. Maybe it's just me, but I'm so, so disappointed and honestly mad at myself for picking this up 😭
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a massive fan of both of Erin Russell’s series - Possum Hollow and Sins of the Banna are both top tier and favourites of mine so i was quite excited to see them tackle the omegaverse under this pen name and i really loved a lot about it. Russell sets up a unique socio political heirarchy where the alpha beta omega designations are concerned and this lends a huge amount of depth to the story without becoming overwhelming making everything more interesting. It also in many ways then tackles gender & sexuality issues in a very nuanced way which i really appreciated. As usual Russell gives us very interesting characters- not just the MCs - i adore Gray and i am heartbroken for Tanner - but also the other characters that are introduced - Alyssa Atlas Colby.
The story deals with many sensitive issues covering a variety of abuse, discrimination and assault and was very tough to read in parts and I’m glad that Russell chose to tackle it all perfectly giving us the true happy ending we needed
This is a very intense high heat story so expect a lotta lotta alpha omega smex 😄
I think for me the key point I struggled with was the building connection between the MC - while there is a lot of push and pull from Tanner’s end and Gray gives him space somehow this stagnated for me and then suddenly shifted to love and that was a bit of a leap for me personally.
The story deals with many sensitive issues covering a variety of abuse, discrimination and assault and was very tough to read in parts and I’m glad that Russell chose to tackle it all perfectly giving us the true happy ending we needed
This is a very intense high heat story so expect a lotta lotta alpha omega smex 😄
I think for me the key point I struggled with was the building connection between the MC - while there is a lot of push and pull from Tanner’s end and Gray gives him space somehow this stagnated for me and then suddenly shifted to love and that was a bit of a leap for me personally.
September 5, 2026
3.5 stars, rounded down to 3 because this was a nice, easy read, but I’m not sure I’ll remember all that much about it six months from now.
Almost every time I read an Erin Russell book, I’m reminded that I enjoy Erin Russell. Her writing style works for me, the storytelling usually keeps me engaged, and the steam is generally pretty solid. This one was good, but I kept thinking about how much better it could have been.
As other reviewers have mentioned, Tanner and Gray spend a lot of the book apart. It’s a short book, so this never turned into a slog, but the setup was interesting and, at least for me as a moderate omegaverse reader, the framework felt a little different. Which meant there were all these very obvious opportunities for hot, tense interactions between them that just weren’t taken. Green fields everywhere!
I really liked the idea that male omegas are rare and discriminated against. Because let’s be honest, male omegas in a lot of omegaverse are basically women with dicks, so making that presentation something embarrassing and looked down upon in a patriarchal society actually makes a certain amount of sense. Also, it apparently comes with dick shrinkage, which really is insult to injury.
I also appreciated that the book touched on the homosexuality aspect, because most omegaverse books don’t and I personally prefer when they do. I completely understand why some readers would rather immerse themselves in a world where same-sex attraction is as natural and universally accepted as heterosexuality. What a utopia that would be, and it certainly eliminates a lot of angst.
But my own preference is that it’s at least acknowledged as a specific inclination. It doesn’t have to be condemned, but I find something compelling—and, yes, hot—about the fact that some people are simply born attracted to the same gender and living that truth has not always been the easiest path. This book touched on that but I thought it could have gone further.
Russell leaned heavily into Tanner’s external and internalized omega-phobia, which made sense, but I wanted more self-discovery around what being an omega might actually feel like when it isn’t filtered entirely through shame. Give me a little more of Tanner realizing there are things about himself worth embracing.
And give me more Gray being possessive and protective. There’s a scene toward the end where I thought an absolutely over-the-top response was warranted, and while Gray did intervene, I wanted more. My man, this is your omega. Behave accordingly.
Some of the sex was hot in ways that hit my extremely specific buttons because I am, apparently, an absolute dog for age gap/older and more experienced/D/s/instructive/pet names/borderline patronizing sexual dynamics. There was SO much room to go feral with that combination, and I would have eaten it up.
Same with Tanner’s scent. I wanted more of Tanner’s specific scent driving Gray out of his mind. Too often it felt like Gray was reacting to generic omega scent rather than Tanner, specifically, and that distinction matters to me. The scent thing is possibly the most gloriously animalistic part of omegaverse. Lean the fuck in.
So overall, this was an easy read about a fairly stressful subject that missed the opportunity to be a lot more fun. I’ll definitely read Atlas’s book. Probably not Alyssa’s, because while she was cool as shit—and thank you for giving us a genuinely likable female character—I am an MM romance exclusive reader.
P.S. I didn’t mind the cover model for Tanner. Maybe Russell is atoning for the truly awful model on the cover of 68 Whiskey, whom I still refuse to believe resembled either MC in any way.
Almost every time I read an Erin Russell book, I’m reminded that I enjoy Erin Russell. Her writing style works for me, the storytelling usually keeps me engaged, and the steam is generally pretty solid. This one was good, but I kept thinking about how much better it could have been.
As other reviewers have mentioned, Tanner and Gray spend a lot of the book apart. It’s a short book, so this never turned into a slog, but the setup was interesting and, at least for me as a moderate omegaverse reader, the framework felt a little different. Which meant there were all these very obvious opportunities for hot, tense interactions between them that just weren’t taken. Green fields everywhere!
I really liked the idea that male omegas are rare and discriminated against. Because let’s be honest, male omegas in a lot of omegaverse are basically women with dicks, so making that presentation something embarrassing and looked down upon in a patriarchal society actually makes a certain amount of sense. Also, it apparently comes with dick shrinkage, which really is insult to injury.
I also appreciated that the book touched on the homosexuality aspect, because most omegaverse books don’t and I personally prefer when they do. I completely understand why some readers would rather immerse themselves in a world where same-sex attraction is as natural and universally accepted as heterosexuality. What a utopia that would be, and it certainly eliminates a lot of angst.
But my own preference is that it’s at least acknowledged as a specific inclination. It doesn’t have to be condemned, but I find something compelling—and, yes, hot—about the fact that some people are simply born attracted to the same gender and living that truth has not always been the easiest path. This book touched on that but I thought it could have gone further.
Russell leaned heavily into Tanner’s external and internalized omega-phobia, which made sense, but I wanted more self-discovery around what being an omega might actually feel like when it isn’t filtered entirely through shame. Give me a little more of Tanner realizing there are things about himself worth embracing.
And give me more Gray being possessive and protective. There’s a scene toward the end where I thought an absolutely over-the-top response was warranted, and while Gray did intervene, I wanted more. My man, this is your omega. Behave accordingly.
Some of the sex was hot in ways that hit my extremely specific buttons because I am, apparently, an absolute dog for age gap/older and more experienced/D/s/instructive/pet names/borderline patronizing sexual dynamics. There was SO much room to go feral with that combination, and I would have eaten it up.
Same with Tanner’s scent. I wanted more of Tanner’s specific scent driving Gray out of his mind. Too often it felt like Gray was reacting to generic omega scent rather than Tanner, specifically, and that distinction matters to me. The scent thing is possibly the most gloriously animalistic part of omegaverse. Lean the fuck in.
So overall, this was an easy read about a fairly stressful subject that missed the opportunity to be a lot more fun. I’ll definitely read Atlas’s book. Probably not Alyssa’s, because while she was cool as shit—and thank you for giving us a genuinely likable female character—I am an MM romance exclusive reader.
P.S. I didn’t mind the cover model for Tanner. Maybe Russell is atoning for the truly awful model on the cover of 68 Whiskey, whom I still refuse to believe resembled either MC in any way.
August 16, 2026
This had so much potential to be amazing but the MCs hardly spend any time together in this book. That’s what was missing. I definitely needed more on page hurt/comfort scenes, protectiveness, etc. The majority of the book they’re separated and even though the phone calls/texts were good it wasn’t enough to keep me from getting bored. There were so many scenes where I had an idea of what could happen or what it could be setting up for, only for nothing to come of it. The scenes where they’re together were great it just wasn’t frequent enough.
August 27, 2026
Umm, not the biggest fan of this one. I mean, it was okay (I guess), but that’s about it. Overall, it felt pretty surface-level, and I never really connected with the characters or the story.
I liked that it explored what Tanner went through with his dad and the way society treated male omegas, but even those aspects felt somewhat lacking. I also wasn’t convinced by Tanner and Gray’s relationship. Yes, Tanner struggled with internalized, learned homo- and omegaphobia, but I didn’t love how he seemed to turn to Gray whenever he felt desire, only to pull away and reject him afterward. Meanwhile, Gray remained so distant throughout most of the book that we never really got to know him. And honestly, I don’t think they ever really got to know each other properly either. They’re definitely one of those couples I could totally imagine breaking up right after the book ends 😂
And since this is an Omegaverse book, “heat” is obviously a pretty big deal, but sadly, I was disappointed with those scenes. There was barely any build-up—they just suddenly happened and were over almost as quickly. And there was no nesting whatsoever. Also, why are we bringing his father into this..? Ugh.
Anyway, this just didn’t manage to win me over or make me feel much for the characters. I was mostly left feeling a bit indifferent.
That said, I am a little curious about Atlas’s story, so I’ll most likely still read the next one. Hopefully it’ll manage to pull me in a bit more🤞🏽
I liked that it explored what Tanner went through with his dad and the way society treated male omegas, but even those aspects felt somewhat lacking. I also wasn’t convinced by Tanner and Gray’s relationship. Yes, Tanner struggled with internalized, learned homo- and omegaphobia, but I didn’t love how he seemed to turn to Gray whenever he felt desire, only to pull away and reject him afterward. Meanwhile, Gray remained so distant throughout most of the book that we never really got to know him. And honestly, I don’t think they ever really got to know each other properly either. They’re definitely one of those couples I could totally imagine breaking up right after the book ends 😂
And since this is an Omegaverse book, “heat” is obviously a pretty big deal, but sadly, I was disappointed with those scenes. There was barely any build-up—they just suddenly happened and were over almost as quickly. And there was no nesting whatsoever. Also, why are we bringing his father into this..? Ugh.
Anyway, this just didn’t manage to win me over or make me feel much for the characters. I was mostly left feeling a bit indifferent.
That said, I am a little curious about Atlas’s story, so I’ll most likely still read the next one. Hopefully it’ll manage to pull me in a bit more🤞🏽
September 9, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
"Boy Next Door" had some really good ideas. I liked Tanner’s struggle with identity, family expectations, and the stigma around male omegas. Gray was also a highlight for me patient, caring, protective, and respectful of Tanner’s choices.
My biggest issue was that Tanner and Gray spent way too much time apart. Their scenes together were good, but there were too many texts and phone calls, which made their relationship feel a little distant. I also wanted more of Gray’s POV and more depth in Tanner’s self-discovery.
Overall, an enjoyable and emotional read with an interesting take on omegaverse, but I think it had the potential to be even better.
"Boy Next Door" had some really good ideas. I liked Tanner’s struggle with identity, family expectations, and the stigma around male omegas. Gray was also a highlight for me patient, caring, protective, and respectful of Tanner’s choices.
My biggest issue was that Tanner and Gray spent way too much time apart. Their scenes together were good, but there were too many texts and phone calls, which made their relationship feel a little distant. I also wanted more of Gray’s POV and more depth in Tanner’s self-discovery.
Overall, an enjoyable and emotional read with an interesting take on omegaverse, but I think it had the potential to be even better.
August 25, 2026
This is a dad’s best friend to more omegaverse romance, featuring Gray and Tanner, and is book one in the Last Ditch Omegaverse series.
Tanner has always felt like the odd one out in his alpha family, especially because he never presented. When Gray reveals to Tanner that he may actually be a rare male omega, Tanner turns to Gray for help while trying to hide the truth from his dad.
This was a great first book in this new series. It was a slow burn, but I loved how it gave time for Tanner and Gray to get to know each other and develop deep feelings. I loved Tanner’s brother too, Atlas, I hope he gets a book.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM omegaverse romance
Slow burn
Dad’s best friend
Late presenting omega
Age gap
Size difference
Hurt / comfort
POS dad
Push / pull
Spicy times
Video s*x
Knotting
Calls him sweetness
Mates
HEA
Tanner has always felt like the odd one out in his alpha family, especially because he never presented. When Gray reveals to Tanner that he may actually be a rare male omega, Tanner turns to Gray for help while trying to hide the truth from his dad.
This was a great first book in this new series. It was a slow burn, but I loved how it gave time for Tanner and Gray to get to know each other and develop deep feelings. I loved Tanner’s brother too, Atlas, I hope he gets a book.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 1 in series
MM omegaverse romance
Slow burn
Dad’s best friend
Late presenting omega
Age gap
Size difference
Hurt / comfort
POS dad
Push / pull
Spicy times
Video s*x
Knotting
Calls him sweetness
Mates
HEA
October 3, 2026
Erin is a great writer. I get so involved in the books. This book in particular is less romance and more about someone finding themselves essentially against all odds. A dad who hates him, a society working against him all while figuring out his new designation. Not easy!
August 26, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ 2.75🌶
Soft and sweet, with some hurt/comfort. Tanner kind of drove me nuts with his denial, but who could blame him. Pretty easy read, really enjoyed Erin's omegaverse in this one and looking forward to book 2 for Atlas's story.
Soft and sweet, with some hurt/comfort. Tanner kind of drove me nuts with his denial, but who could blame him. Pretty easy read, really enjoyed Erin's omegaverse in this one and looking forward to book 2 for Atlas's story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
- ARC REVIEW -
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️.5
This is obviously a romance but more than that it’s sort of a coming of age story. Tanner is a late bloomer who has to deal with being an omega in a world where male omegas are extremely stigmatized. It’s so hard to watch his emotional journey unfold - to see how cruel the world is to him. But Grey is his rock. The older man with a steady, calming presence who also happens to be a massive, hot alpha 🥵
I really did enjoy this book but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It’s mostly single POV (which I missed in the trope list) so we barely get anything from Grey which does limit the plot a bit for me. I’d still suggest reading it for sure and I think it’s gonna be a great series. I do just wish we got more of Tanner and Grey actually together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️.5
This is obviously a romance but more than that it’s sort of a coming of age story. Tanner is a late bloomer who has to deal with being an omega in a world where male omegas are extremely stigmatized. It’s so hard to watch his emotional journey unfold - to see how cruel the world is to him. But Grey is his rock. The older man with a steady, calming presence who also happens to be a massive, hot alpha 🥵
I really did enjoy this book but it wasn’t quite what I was expecting. It’s mostly single POV (which I missed in the trope list) so we barely get anything from Grey which does limit the plot a bit for me. I’d still suggest reading it for sure and I think it’s gonna be a great series. I do just wish we got more of Tanner and Grey actually together.
August 16, 2026
Wow, okay, this was actually not quite what I expected. It was even better. I really really loved it!
As it is omegaverse I expected a lot of spice, and there was a lot of spice. But I didn’t expect the depth there was to the story. It was very much about not being accepted for who you are and also about learning to accept yourself. I liked both MCs and their chemistry was great!
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next books in the series to come out. 😍
What to expect from this book:
🩷Omegaverse
🩶MM romance
🩷Discrimination (not by any of the MCs)
🩶Big age gap
🩷Dad’s best friend
🩶Veteran x college athlete
🩷Hurt/comfort
🩶Found family
🌶️Open door (spicy!)
As it is omegaverse I expected a lot of spice, and there was a lot of spice. But I didn’t expect the depth there was to the story. It was very much about not being accepted for who you are and also about learning to accept yourself. I liked both MCs and their chemistry was great!
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next books in the series to come out. 😍
What to expect from this book:
🩷Omegaverse
🩶MM romance
🩷Discrimination (not by any of the MCs)
🩶Big age gap
🩷Dad’s best friend
🩶Veteran x college athlete
🩷Hurt/comfort
🩶Found family
🌶️Open door (spicy!)
September 17, 2026
Here's Erin Russell's "Boy Next Door." It's the first book in the Last Ditch Omegaverse series.
["Tanner has always felt like a normal college student. Maybe a little too normal. He’s a C-student, a mid baseball player, and the only one in his family of alphas who never presented. But he’s made his peace with it. Mostly.
He can deal with his father’s disappointment that he’s not as tough as his brothers. He’ll live a normal life, marry a normal woman who his dad approves of, and they can all pretend it’s fine.
Until his dad’s childhood best friend–and the star of all his old war stories–shows up. Gray is the epitome of manhood, according to Dad, and everything that Tanner will never be. It’s natural for Tanner to be impressed by him. Gray is impressive, and that sucks you in.
But when Gray tells him the real reason there’s a tension between them–that Tanner is on the cusp of a late-bloom presentation as a rare male omega–it doesn’t seem real.
It can’t be. If there’s one thing Tanner’s father would never forgive him for, it’s that. But if Gray is telling the truth, then this too-sexy, intimidating stranger might be the only ally he has."]
The quote that made me almost immediately download this book (by Tanner): "I’m sure I’m giving him goddamn cartoon bottom eyes right now, like the bitch I am, but I can’t stop it.”
Well, hated Tanner's father (and most of his family) from the very first page. Excepted that to be honest. Gray was equally as captivating as he should have been from his very first page. And I wanted to protect the fuck out of Tanner from page one.
These two were amazing. Granted they (*cough* Tanner *cough*) were a hot mess, they were amazing. The instant chemistry and undeniable connection was there. The heat was there. The angst was there. Soo much pining and hurt/comfort (mostly Tanner—to Gray and to himself).
I really liked this universe. The discrimination sucked, but it was a fresh layer to omegaverse, as was the rarity of male omegas and female alphas.
It sucks (spoiler alert) that Tanner ended more physically “messed up” then when the boom started, but he also grew emotionally/mentally and now has a solid foundation family that he can actually trust as he continues on his healing (physical and emotional/mental) journey.
Trigger Warnings: systematic discrimination, discriminatory events, discriminatory language, homophobia, internalized homophobia, mental health issues, self-hatred, medical issues, family violence and abuse, medical abuse, medical assault, small town bullshit, and more.
#boynextdoor #smokedout #scartissue #erinrussell #lastditchomegaverse #lastditchomegaverseseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Tanner has always felt like a normal college student. Maybe a little too normal. He’s a C-student, a mid baseball player, and the only one in his family of alphas who never presented. But he’s made his peace with it. Mostly.
He can deal with his father’s disappointment that he’s not as tough as his brothers. He’ll live a normal life, marry a normal woman who his dad approves of, and they can all pretend it’s fine.
Until his dad’s childhood best friend–and the star of all his old war stories–shows up. Gray is the epitome of manhood, according to Dad, and everything that Tanner will never be. It’s natural for Tanner to be impressed by him. Gray is impressive, and that sucks you in.
But when Gray tells him the real reason there’s a tension between them–that Tanner is on the cusp of a late-bloom presentation as a rare male omega–it doesn’t seem real.
It can’t be. If there’s one thing Tanner’s father would never forgive him for, it’s that. But if Gray is telling the truth, then this too-sexy, intimidating stranger might be the only ally he has."]
The quote that made me almost immediately download this book (by Tanner): "I’m sure I’m giving him goddamn cartoon bottom eyes right now, like the bitch I am, but I can’t stop it.”
Well, hated Tanner's father (and most of his family) from the very first page. Excepted that to be honest. Gray was equally as captivating as he should have been from his very first page. And I wanted to protect the fuck out of Tanner from page one.
These two were amazing. Granted they (*cough* Tanner *cough*) were a hot mess, they were amazing. The instant chemistry and undeniable connection was there. The heat was there. The angst was there. Soo much pining and hurt/comfort (mostly Tanner—to Gray and to himself).
I really liked this universe. The discrimination sucked, but it was a fresh layer to omegaverse, as was the rarity of male omegas and female alphas.
It sucks (spoiler alert) that Tanner ended more physically “messed up” then when the boom started, but he also grew emotionally/mentally and now has a solid foundation family that he can actually trust as he continues on his healing (physical and emotional/mental) journey.
Trigger Warnings: systematic discrimination, discriminatory events, discriminatory language, homophobia, internalized homophobia, mental health issues, self-hatred, medical issues, family violence and abuse, medical abuse, medical assault, small town bullshit, and more.
#boynextdoor #smokedout #scartissue #erinrussell #lastditchomegaverse #lastditchomegaverseseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
September 1, 2026
Pudo ser mejor. Mucho mejor.
Tanner se tomó demasiado tiempo para tomar una decisión decente y coherente, si es que dejar que las circunstancias sean quienes dicten el rumbo de sus vidas y acomoden todo en su lugar cuenta como tomar una decisión (no cuenta, Tanner en un pendejo).
Pasaron la mayor parte de la historia separados, solo hablando por teléfono, y cuando finalmente están juntos, no es durante mucho tiempo, y sinceramente esperaba un mejor cierre. Gray solo tiene dos pov's y uno de ellos es el epílogo (esperaba más). También la falta de comunicación me molestó, fue desesperante ver como Tanner huye de todo y simplemente deja esperando a todo y todos.
Su relación fue superficial ya que Tanner solo buscó a Gray cuando necesitaba sexo. Gray por su parte solo estaba ahí, una figura constante pero en segundo plano, esperando pacientemente a que Tanner tomara una decisión/acciones (lo cual no hizo) y lo necesitara. A menos que la situación fuera extremadamente crítica para que él interviniera por su cuenta.
Atlas me causa curiosidad, pero siento que es medio estúpido para ciertas cosas (hermanos tenian que ser), supongo que en su historia lo averiguaré (espero que tenga).
Tanner se tomó demasiado tiempo para tomar una decisión decente y coherente, si es que dejar que las circunstancias sean quienes dicten el rumbo de sus vidas y acomoden todo en su lugar cuenta como tomar una decisión (no cuenta, Tanner en un pendejo).
Pasaron la mayor parte de la historia separados, solo hablando por teléfono, y cuando finalmente están juntos, no es durante mucho tiempo, y sinceramente esperaba un mejor cierre. Gray solo tiene dos pov's y uno de ellos es el epílogo (esperaba más). También la falta de comunicación me molestó, fue desesperante ver como Tanner huye de todo y simplemente deja esperando a todo y todos.
Su relación fue superficial ya que Tanner solo buscó a Gray cuando necesitaba sexo. Gray por su parte solo estaba ahí, una figura constante pero en segundo plano, esperando pacientemente a que Tanner tomara una decisión/acciones (lo cual no hizo) y lo necesitara. A menos que la situación fuera extremadamente crítica para que él interviniera por su cuenta.
Atlas me causa curiosidad, pero siento que es medio estúpido para ciertas cosas (hermanos tenian que ser), supongo que en su historia lo averiguaré (espero que tenga).
August 25, 2026
If you never thought omegaverse could be thought-provoking well let me introduce you to Boy Next Door by Erin Russell.
I adored Tanner - who doesn't know he's babygirl but trust me, he is. How he navigates presenting as an omega in a family full of alphas was kind of heartbreaking, and Gray's protective sweet spot for him got me goooood.
What I didn't expect but absolutely loved was how much this digs into consent and choice, identity, discrimination, and the expectations tied to gender and presentation - all wrapped up in the hot hot feels of omegaverse.
Big fan. Huge fan. It was hot, there were feelings, my brain was braining - and I'm left very curious about what's coming for Atlas and Alyssa.
𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵:
• alpha x omega • dad's bff • age gap • veteran x college athlete • found family • hurt comfort • first heat •
I adored Tanner - who doesn't know he's babygirl but trust me, he is. How he navigates presenting as an omega in a family full of alphas was kind of heartbreaking, and Gray's protective sweet spot for him got me goooood.
What I didn't expect but absolutely loved was how much this digs into consent and choice, identity, discrimination, and the expectations tied to gender and presentation - all wrapped up in the hot hot feels of omegaverse.
Big fan. Huge fan. It was hot, there were feelings, my brain was braining - and I'm left very curious about what's coming for Atlas and Alyssa.
𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵:
• alpha x omega • dad's bff • age gap • veteran x college athlete • found family • hurt comfort • first heat •
September 6, 2026
This was my first omegaverse and I was surprised at the depth of thinking this took me on. There’s social commentary about bodily autonomy, consent, toxic masculinity, gender (it’s complex!), discrimination, and confusing body changes that happen whether welcomed or not (similar to what girls go through at menarche). This is very much about Tanner’s identity and who he is in the world so, even though he’s early 20s, it reads like a coming of age story. The MCs are apart for a chunk of the book but they need to be as Tanner needs discs to really work stuff out, on his own, without being rescued. This is what I like about Erin Russell’s books- the MCs rescue themselves & the relationship is a bonus.
August 13, 2026
ARC Read :
4.25 ⭐️ 4.25 🌶️
Loved it. It was a fun time & a good story. HATE Tanner’s dad omg.
Absolutely LOVE Gray 🥹😩 Such a Green Flag Daddy. Always there for Tanner & consent & caring 😭 cause my baby Tanner needed it. With how he had been conditioned to feel before that.
(Also NEEED Atlas’s story 😏)
But honestly this book checked all the boxes for me
Omegaverse
Dads best friend
Age gap 😮💨
First time
Kinda hate to love
**couple words (that I myself) personally didn’t like but did not take from the story.
4.25 ⭐️ 4.25 🌶️
Loved it. It was a fun time & a good story. HATE Tanner’s dad omg.
Absolutely LOVE Gray 🥹😩 Such a Green Flag Daddy. Always there for Tanner & consent & caring 😭 cause my baby Tanner needed it. With how he had been conditioned to feel before that.
(Also NEEED Atlas’s story 😏)
But honestly this book checked all the boxes for me
Omegaverse
Dads best friend
Age gap 😮💨
First time
Kinda hate to love
**couple words (that I myself) personally didn’t like but did not take from the story.
August 27, 2026
So Unsatisfied
This book was extremely unsatisfying for me. The MC and his love interest have a whole 5 face-to-face scenes together for the first 85% of the book. Then when he finally, legitimately gets together with his man, his DAD interrupts them before they even finish?! I love a good hurt/comfort trope but it felt like all hurt, no comfort. Their relationship felt forced and underdeveloped. No chemistry. The MC was a defensive grouch and the love interest was a simp with no real personality to speak of. Disappointed.
This book was extremely unsatisfying for me. The MC and his love interest have a whole 5 face-to-face scenes together for the first 85% of the book. Then when he finally, legitimately gets together with his man, his DAD interrupts them before they even finish?! I love a good hurt/comfort trope but it felt like all hurt, no comfort. Their relationship felt forced and underdeveloped. No chemistry. The MC was a defensive grouch and the love interest was a simp with no real personality to speak of. Disappointed.
August 17, 2026
Thank you so much to Erin Russell for an early copy of this book.
This is my first book by this author and I found it so easy to read, the writing style just flows really well and the MCs are so likable.
It was definitely more hard hitting than I thought it would be, but it definitely added more depth and I liked that.
I enjoyed that it was actually such a personal journey for Tanner, from finding out he’s not the person he always expected to be, to trying so hard to make his dad happy, to finally finding ways to accept and love himself and admit that he can be his own person and create a life that he’s genuinely happy with 🥹
I have allll the time for Gray, he was so patient and understanding with Tanner and all of his freak outs 😂 and I love that he gave Tanner all the space he needed to come to terms with his new life and didn’t smother him, but was still protective 🥲 and the couple of chapters from Gray’s POV gave us an insight into things from his perspective which I so appreciated!
I really did enjoy this book and will definitely be wanting to read the next in series!
This is my first book by this author and I found it so easy to read, the writing style just flows really well and the MCs are so likable.
It was definitely more hard hitting than I thought it would be, but it definitely added more depth and I liked that.
I enjoyed that it was actually such a personal journey for Tanner, from finding out he’s not the person he always expected to be, to trying so hard to make his dad happy, to finally finding ways to accept and love himself and admit that he can be his own person and create a life that he’s genuinely happy with 🥹
I have allll the time for Gray, he was so patient and understanding with Tanner and all of his freak outs 😂 and I love that he gave Tanner all the space he needed to come to terms with his new life and didn’t smother him, but was still protective 🥲 and the couple of chapters from Gray’s POV gave us an insight into things from his perspective which I so appreciated!
I really did enjoy this book and will definitely be wanting to read the next in series!
August 26, 2026
Well, this was fun and heavy, my favorite combo. I'm really enjoying how different authors are branching out into omegaverse, because everybody has their unique view on it. I love how layered this book is when it comes to various issues that are not limited to omegaverse... The characters were good and so was the story. I'll admit that I expected it to be more spicy, but I'm actually really happy with this book and can't wait for more!! 🩷
September 1, 2026
Another depressing Gilead-style OV where omegas are treated as subhuman abominations wholly subservient to their alpha masters. And there wasn’t even any respite in the form of romance—the two mc’s spent barely any time together. 80% of their “romance” was via texting and calls, and the few times they were together in person, all they did was have sex. I have no idea how or why they fell in love because the story didn’t show any of it.
August 30, 2026
4⭐️ 3🌶
Having read very few omegaverse books i found this fun and had a great time reading it. It was a deeper story than I was expecting but I loved the depth. Tanner goes through so much growth and intersection. I really liked his story arc. Tanner is so sweet and broken thankfully he has Alyssa and then Grey. Grey is such a green flag Alpha Daddy. He gave everything he could to Tanner but at Tanners pace. The support and understanding he gave Tanner was everything. And lets not forget the delicious spice between them...so good.
Can't wait to get the next sory in this series. Im hoping for Atlas.
Thank you to Erin Russell for this ARC. These are my honest opinions and feelings.
Having read very few omegaverse books i found this fun and had a great time reading it. It was a deeper story than I was expecting but I loved the depth. Tanner goes through so much growth and intersection. I really liked his story arc. Tanner is so sweet and broken thankfully he has Alyssa and then Grey. Grey is such a green flag Alpha Daddy. He gave everything he could to Tanner but at Tanners pace. The support and understanding he gave Tanner was everything. And lets not forget the delicious spice between them...so good.
Can't wait to get the next sory in this series. Im hoping for Atlas.
Thank you to Erin Russell for this ARC. These are my honest opinions and feelings.
Read
August 14, 2026ARC Review soon
September 4, 2026
3⭐️ nada nuevo, hasta inclusive me dieron ganas de releer la saga de omegaverse de mi queen Alessandra Hazard
October 4, 2026
Tanner 💔 absolute babygirl.
Appreciated the systemic issues surrounding omega rights and the patriarchal system, also enjoyed the discussion around sexuality alongside the ABO dynamics.
Appreciated the systemic issues surrounding omega rights and the patriarchal system, also enjoyed the discussion around sexuality alongside the ABO dynamics.
August 6, 2026
Tanner + Gray
-mm omegaverse
-reluctant omega
-dads best friend
-hurt/comfort
-age gap
-first heat
man this story was deeper than i expected it to be...tanner's dad is an ASSHOLEEE but i love that gray was just there for tanner for everything!! they were perfect for each other!
-mm omegaverse
-reluctant omega
-dads best friend
-hurt/comfort
-age gap
-first heat
man this story was deeper than i expected it to be...tanner's dad is an ASSHOLEEE but i love that gray was just there for tanner for everything!! they were perfect for each other!
October 4, 2026
DNF @ 19%.
It’s very clunky, and the uber Alpha military in charge dude is giving very hand-wringing, fretful vibes.
It’s very clunky, and the uber Alpha military in charge dude is giving very hand-wringing, fretful vibes.
September 3, 2026
I wanted to like this more than I actually ended up liking it 🤷♀️
I tore through the first 43%, but then he goes back to college and the back half of the story kind of fell apart.
I tore through the first 43%, but then he goes back to college and the back half of the story kind of fell apart.
August 30, 2026
4.5⭐️
Dad’s best friend x age gap romance x Omegaverse x hurt comfort x mm romance
I had no idea what to expect with this - I think I randomly saw an excerpt and had to get the ARC and I’m glad I did.
This honestly took my breath away in certain parts. I fully bought Tanner’s character arc. Fully internalizing his dad’s emotional abuse and not realizing it’s not normal and learning to want for himself. I understood why he was so resistant to truly wanting Gray and not just because of the omega heat stuff (do love the begging/whimpering that happens). I liked there was a “natural” progression to their relationship and it wasn’t they were immediately together. They had to work SO HARD for their HEA.
This was a single POV and I was wanting Gray’s perspective, but by the end it totally works, as this really is about Tanner learning about himself and coming to terms with everything. But he does get 2 chapters at the end and they are so gorgeously done and sensitive and made me love him even more.
I’m not well versed in the Omegaverse and if I do it’s usually shifter x human or in a seemingly utopia with no discrimination if it’s between humans. But this was a great starter book. I really enjoyed the explaining of the different subsets and this did a really good job of explaining the physiological changes Tanner was going thru, ie him not realizing that’s what was going on, lol. Also - the systemic discrimination that’s steeped into society: doctor office/college/erc related to the different rank/role/hierarchy(?) was well done. The scene with the coach: chef’s kiss.
I can’t wait for the rest of the series. Book 2 is Atlas, Tanner’s alpha younger brother who was kicked out of the army for REASONS. Hopefully he’s queer and gets with Caleb, Alyssa’s baseball player twin brother who seems chill. Alyssa, who’s a rare alpha female gets book 3!
“Hey,” he says, his voice getting a little softer and more sincere as he turns to face me. Which is unlike him and tells me just how much my mood must be bringing everybody down. “I get that certain things are easier once you present, but don’t give up hope. You’re 21, that’s not too late. You might just be a late bloomer.”
Technically, men can be omegas and women can be alphas, but it’s an abomination according to the old man and weird as fuck to the rest of the world. There are a handful of male omegas at my school, although it’s not the biggest, but you can see them a mile away. They carry their softness around them like armor.
“Tanner, I think you’re going to present very soon, but as an omega.”
“You’re not sick. You’re presenting… Trust your instincts. Be near an alpha for scenting comfort, if you can. It doesn’t have to be sexual. A family member or pack mate will work the same.”
“I have excellent control, Tanner. For an alpha. And you’re Frank’s son. I already want to protect you so much more than I thought I would…”
“Breathe in deep for me, sweetness,” Gray says, putting his hand over my chest when he finally finishes coming.
F*ck it. I’ve already crossed the line once; does it really matter if I do it again?
He’s just as much a slave to his animal instincts as I am. I know it. He’s better at hiding it, is all.
“God, Tanner. The things you fucking do to me,” he says, his voice hoarse.
“Maybe we’re supposed to be lost together.”
“It fucks you up being in a world that lowkey hates you. Especially if you don’t have people to remind you otherwise. We are friends, Tanner. Actual, real, human friends. But I think you’ve never really had one before, so it feels weird.”
When I look at him this time, he’s spread out beneath me, and for the first time in our entire ‘relationship’, I see the vulnerability in his face.
I can feel how wet I am. How desperate for him.
“Omega,” he moans in a helpless voice.
Dad’s best friend x age gap romance x Omegaverse x hurt comfort x mm romance
I had no idea what to expect with this - I think I randomly saw an excerpt and had to get the ARC and I’m glad I did.
This honestly took my breath away in certain parts. I fully bought Tanner’s character arc. Fully internalizing his dad’s emotional abuse and not realizing it’s not normal and learning to want for himself. I understood why he was so resistant to truly wanting Gray and not just because of the omega heat stuff (do love the begging/whimpering that happens). I liked there was a “natural” progression to their relationship and it wasn’t they were immediately together. They had to work SO HARD for their HEA.
This was a single POV and I was wanting Gray’s perspective, but by the end it totally works, as this really is about Tanner learning about himself and coming to terms with everything. But he does get 2 chapters at the end and they are so gorgeously done and sensitive and made me love him even more.
I’m not well versed in the Omegaverse and if I do it’s usually shifter x human or in a seemingly utopia with no discrimination if it’s between humans. But this was a great starter book. I really enjoyed the explaining of the different subsets and this did a really good job of explaining the physiological changes Tanner was going thru, ie him not realizing that’s what was going on, lol. Also - the systemic discrimination that’s steeped into society: doctor office/college/erc related to the different rank/role/hierarchy(?) was well done. The scene with the coach: chef’s kiss.
I can’t wait for the rest of the series. Book 2 is Atlas, Tanner’s alpha younger brother who was kicked out of the army for REASONS. Hopefully he’s queer and gets with Caleb, Alyssa’s baseball player twin brother who seems chill. Alyssa, who’s a rare alpha female gets book 3!
“Hey,” he says, his voice getting a little softer and more sincere as he turns to face me. Which is unlike him and tells me just how much my mood must be bringing everybody down. “I get that certain things are easier once you present, but don’t give up hope. You’re 21, that’s not too late. You might just be a late bloomer.”
Technically, men can be omegas and women can be alphas, but it’s an abomination according to the old man and weird as fuck to the rest of the world. There are a handful of male omegas at my school, although it’s not the biggest, but you can see them a mile away. They carry their softness around them like armor.
“Tanner, I think you’re going to present very soon, but as an omega.”
“You’re not sick. You’re presenting… Trust your instincts. Be near an alpha for scenting comfort, if you can. It doesn’t have to be sexual. A family member or pack mate will work the same.”
“I have excellent control, Tanner. For an alpha. And you’re Frank’s son. I already want to protect you so much more than I thought I would…”
“Breathe in deep for me, sweetness,” Gray says, putting his hand over my chest when he finally finishes coming.
F*ck it. I’ve already crossed the line once; does it really matter if I do it again?
He’s just as much a slave to his animal instincts as I am. I know it. He’s better at hiding it, is all.
“God, Tanner. The things you fucking do to me,” he says, his voice hoarse.
“Maybe we’re supposed to be lost together.”
“It fucks you up being in a world that lowkey hates you. Especially if you don’t have people to remind you otherwise. We are friends, Tanner. Actual, real, human friends. But I think you’ve never really had one before, so it feels weird.”
When I look at him this time, he’s spread out beneath me, and for the first time in our entire ‘relationship’, I see the vulnerability in his face.
I can feel how wet I am. How desperate for him.
“Omega,” he moans in a helpless voice.
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