Peppermint Spiced Omega

The Hollydale Omegas #3

by Susi Hawke

Tom Collins is a lonely omega. One by one, Tom's watched his friends pair up and find their forever mates while Tom goes out alone to flirt with randos at the Big O. Manager of Sweet Ballz, the popular candy shop in downtown Hollydale, Tom has his career on track. Now if he could just find an alpha to stick around for longer than a night.

Dr. Colin Samuels is busy. As an alpha specializing in emergency medicine, he keeps a punishing schedule. He doesn't have time, patience or even the energy to take up with an omega. Especially not a sassy little brat like the one he keeps running into. All he wanted was one hot night with the guy, not forever. So why can't he get the frustrating twink out of his mind?

Will Tom finally find love? Will Dr. Samuels get that speculum dislodged from his rear pocket and give them a chance? And who is the little girl that hits both men right smack in the feels? And what's the story with Tofer O'Toole, the new cage dancer at the Big O?

This is the third book of The Hollydale Omegas series. This book is about 30k and most likely contains an HEA. 18+ readers only please! And yes, this book contains M/PREG, adults adulting in sexy grown-up ways, and way more than an occasional use of potty mouth language.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Omegaverse, Paranormal, Fantasy, LGBT, Christmas

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 14, 2017

About the author

I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!

I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.

As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.

I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.

I look forward to interacting with everyone here!

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppermint Spiced Omega is book three in The Hollydale Omegas series by Susi Hawke. This is Tom and Colin’s book. I know Tom from the previous books and thought that this might be my least favorite. Tom has a bit of an annoying habit of talking about himself in the third person. But let me just admit to you all how very very wrong I was. My heart is bursting with love right now. This is my very favorite so far of this series. It’s just about the sweetest thing I have ever read and I wish I could give it a million stars.

Tom Collins is twenty six years old and is an omega. He is the manager of Sweet Ballz, the candy store in Hollydale. Tom has been a bit mysterious so far. We just know that he’s maybe a bit lonely and is generous with his love and devotion to his friends, who are his made family. Tom does wish he could find love with someone that would put him before their career but that hasn’t happened. So he is happy with his job and his volunteering at the local children’s ward.

Dr. Colin Samuels is the head of the emergency department at the hospital. His job takes up every minute of his life. There is no time for him to devote to any kind of relationship. So when he gets lonely, he allows himself a one night stand. He’d noticed the adorable ginger haired omega before but this particular night at the club, they leave together and enjoy their night, only to wake alone the next day.

But fate has other plans for these two. Along with a very sick little girl who is currently residing in the hospital.

This book is sweet, touching, wonderful, and full of Christmas love. My heart is so full right now and I can honestly say my eyes filled up more than once. With happy tears to be sure. I am loving this series so much. I have something else to read next but then I hope to come back to the next book, book four, Champagne Spiced Omega.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Barbara➰]

Maybe I'll come back to this later but right now I just can't deal with Tom talking about himself in the third person.

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book 3 in "The Hollydale Omegas" series. Tom Collins is a lonely omega he is the flirty sarcastic friend of Milo who has been on again off again with Ian for a few years he has had enough. Dr. Colin Samuels is going through the motions of life he is an ER doctor and that gets in the way of his love life. Colin has seen Tom around the club Big O when Tom sees Colin talking to Ian he goes over with the intent to make Ian jealous he winds up going home with Colin. Tom was very annoying to me talking about himself in the third person which I realized was a coping mechanisms. After having sex "the condom gets stuck" Tom leaves he knows that its time for him to find an alpha settle down. Colin can't stop thinking about Tom and when he runs an errand for his assistant he goes to Sweet Ballz where he finds Tom and ask him out which Tom agrees if he plays Santa for him at the children's wing of the hospital that Colin works at and Tom volunteers at. Turns out Tom is a very wealthy he inherited millions when his parents died and he has a foundation that helps kids. When Colin tells Tom about a little girl who is sick and was abandoned by her foster family he steps up and agrees to foster the little girl Allie who looks like him. This was a good read that I liked Tom was funny and has a really big heart. These two start to date but while trying to find a bone marrow match for Allie Tom and Colin learn a few things first Tom finds out that Allie is his daughter that his parents told him was born still born and that he is pregnant. This was a good read I liked Tom once he started talking without the third person and I liked Colin. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

It's not Debra, it's Tom. Perhaps this was not the best book to pick up for Debra's introduction to Susi Hawke's books.

The story may have turned out to be enjoyable, but I just can't keep going. The third-person dialogue is just not my thing. I won't be rating and will look for another of the author's books to try.

[Badh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom is awesome

This is a great little series that's super sweet too. Tom is totally awesome, and probably my favorite of all the characters.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh so sweet. What a lovely story.

[Fani *loves angst*]

Tom speaks in 3rd person about himself ALL THE TIME. All his phrases are like "Tom didn't say that" or "Give some sugar to Tom". If that's not mental, I don't know what is.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

*1 star*

I read this book on kindle unlimited and for once I wasn't upset to return a book...

I could not get into this book from the very beginning. The writing was jarring and almost like someone's earlier fan fiction - without beta readers and some serious editing.

I especially hated that Tom spoke about himself in the third person - all the time - including his foster child. Who does that? I was shocked by the number of 5 star ratings/reviews that don't mention this particular characterization choice at all, let alone find it off putting. I would have understood if he was at the club putting on a persona to distance himself from club patrons, but in everyday life it felt unnecessary.

That and Toms referral to Colin as the "hot daddy", his "daddy", "daddy alpha".... In his head/ during roleplaying that would have been fine - chances are I would have welcomed it, but he said that stuff while he was working at his day job - to what should have been assumed was a paying customer. It was too much.

Final notes:
- Told in alternating POV
- mentions of sick children (cancer)
- children in the foster care system
- mpreg

[Jesslan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peppermint Spiced Omega
By Susi Hawke

Tom is an Omega with a heartbreaking past. All he wants is to find an Alpha that will put him first, before a career, like all his friends have. Instead he keeps getting involved with workaholics. When he meets Colin he knows he could easily fall in love with him, but alas, Colin is an ER Doctor and yet another workaholic so he quickly shuts down any hope of a relationship.

Colin can't seem to get the ginger headed Omega that smells like peppermint out of his head. So when an opportunity comes along that might just change their circumstance, he has to decide whether to take it.

The story includes a very sick little princess who needs a family, supportive friends, a male pregnancy, and a cute but stoic Santa's elf.

I only have one area in the book that I'm unhappy about concerning this book... for a large portion of it, Tom talks in the 3rd person. It gets really irritating after a while. If you can get past that, it's a wonderful Christmas story.

Triggers: An MC drugged and raped in the past.

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn... I am so incredibly happy that I gave this book the benefit of the doubt and stuck with it rather than DNFing it and moving on to something else. I am still in awe of the author's brilliance in the way that she took the very thing that almost made me DNF the book (Tom's habit of always talking about himself in the 3rd person) and ended up with it being one of the things I found so incredibly endearing about him. This story about killed me between all the sad tears, the happy tears and even the tears from laughing. Colin and Tom are deliciously complex, warm and wonderful. The chosen family that surrounds them are wonderfully supportive. The whole Christmas magic aspect is so awesome and adds so so much to the success of this story. Beside the magic get ready for some ups and downs and several unexpected twists that will keep you on your toes! This book was beyond enjoyable and is one I will be revisiting again and again!

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up because I may have cried in this one, it was so sweet and sad and beautiful, and I LOVED Tom, and Colin, too...but mostly Tom.

I had been looking forward to Tom's story since the beginning and I just loved his story. His past was heartbreaking, and his defense mechanism was his quirky attitude and way of talking. I kinda loved when Colin started breaking through that wall and getting to him, and then with the kids added to the mix...oh man, I just loved it. My favorite in the series so far, for sure.

[Diane Dannenfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my sweet Tom, what you went through was the worst. No one should ever have to go through that. This was another sweet addition to this series. I cried a lot of tears in this one as it was so full of feels. Loved these two!

[Ed Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I grew to like this book, I started out hating it and especially Tom. Talking about yourself in the third person is down right creepy. I also am not very into calling your boyfriend Daddy. If these things don’t bother you it’s at least a four star read. So even though it was ultimately a very sweet story I knocked off a star.

[Chappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little reluctant to read this installment because of Tom and his annoying way of talking.
It actually wasn't so bad and we learn why he talks like that...he even starts talking normally once his trust in Colin increases.
Too much drama but still very nice.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfect book to get in the holiday spirit. Full of acts of good will, poor orphan children, and coming together as a family. Just makes you tear up. The romance was cute, standard omegaverse cute. I didn't mind the whole 'Daddy' thing since it was fairly low played, but if you're into that you might be disappointed. I even liked the idea of an elf playing cupid/wingman. But my gosh after a while it was like, ' I get it! He's an elf. Stop whacking me over the head with the hints.' I hope the other books have more subtlety. I'm totally going to read the other books, but I'm going to wait for each associated holiday. I'm guessing next book is Valentine's?

[Natasha Lynn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet & Sexy

I cried, I laughed, I loved, so far the best in the series. Tom is so cute and sassy that you can't help but to fall in love with him. OMG his story just broke my heart, I'm so happy he got his HEA.and can we give a shout-out to Santa's little helper Tofer.

P.s Tom is a spinner.....😄😄😄

[Stephan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this one so much.

I just have to point out:

Tom is Colin's Collins.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

One should not refer to oneself in the Third Person, no matter why the affectation was adopted; there are other ways to tell the story and develop a character's shell/armor against emotional pain. Michaelle found this to be very annoying and Michaelle almost DNF'd the book because of it. (Annoying, isn't it?) Luckily, I did like the rest of the tale...even the clearly Contrived Coincidence of Allie being Tom's biologically daughter.

[Wendy❤Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline, but oh man, it took everything in me to grit my way through reading Tom’s speaking style (he talks about himself in third person). It seems as though that may have come about partly as a defense mechanism and that the right Alpha could break through the veneer to the vulnerable omega underneath. The care and concern that both Tom and Colin showed for the sick little people (and the twist in plot that came with it) broke and warmed my heart.

[Jenn (not Lily) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story -- I loved reading the chapters written from Tom's POV! Yes, it's silly fluff, but it's pretty good fluff!

[SoCalBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was SOOOOOO ANNOYED with Tom in the first two books when we met him. So I was extremely hesitant about even reading this book let alone getting the audio for it.

But Holy Crap this book changed my mind 100% about Tom.

This is now my favorite book of the series. I loved Tom in this one. I think that his irritating mannerisms were really toned down in this book compared to the snippets we saw of him before. Once he let his walls come down a bit, the annoying third person way of speaking totally fell away too. I was fascinated with his relationship with Colin, they had a pretty instant connection and I loved their Pet Names for each other. It was super cute. Tom has all these extra little layers to him that you don't even see coming. The added kids to the mix was adorable and I love their little made up family. I hated what his parents did and was glad they were out of the picture. And I am Glad that Colin didn't even hesitate to do what was needed to stand by Tom. Really cute book and my mind has been fully and completely changed...

Audio - What can I say... Another Great narration done by Drew. He's really hitting these out of the park and getting fully into character to give all of these guys and their personalities a great voice. I really enjoyed this one a lot, and I cant wait for the next one now.

[Deirdre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom's Story

This third book in the Hawke's Hollydale Omegas series is Tom's story. He's been an ever present secondary character for the entire series. It is great that he is finally getting his feature story. Properly we are now getting a peak into whom Tom really is. Beyond his quirkiness: not using pronouns, being promiscuous, and a huge flirt. His back story is quite a surprise.

We meet the real Tom "Collins". His smiles & cheerfulness hiding sadness, anger, disappointment, and a desire to be truly accepted & loved. He appears to be the life of the party, but most don't look beyond the mask & behaviors he wants them to see. He has suppressed a great deal of pain & grief. Only his closest friend knows.

Who he lets them see he can be a really nice guy varies. He keeps his various selves compartmentalized. Those that know him as a hospital pediatric volunteer aren't aware of his reputation at the nightclub The Big O. His friends know what a great guy already he is from the many wonderful things he does without even being asked. He can be flamboyant and a drama king, but his heart is in the right place.

It is Tom's turn to win the HEA lottery. And though he meets his knight in shining armour, he runs. He befriends a quirky weird cage dancer who likes to dress like an elf. Topher returns his friendship tenfold. He is a hit in particular with the children / "family" in Tom's life. His magical presence brings smiles and much needed childcare.

Dr. Colin the other main character wanted a normal life, but he had a 70 to 80 hour work week. He was a great catch, but he got thrown back or wouldn't allow someone who wanted to, to get close. He didn't have the time. Then Tornado Tom blew into & out of his life. Colin was shocked and overwhelmed by the meteor that struck him. He wished he had time for the gorgeous red "ginger" head. For the first time he wanted to try, but Tom wanted guarantees not tries. Colin had to find a way to make Tom believe he was worth taking a risk on.

This is a sweet story of children in need, of men wanting to change their lives for the better, of family/friends who are there when needed, and Christmas magic. It's such an entertaining book. When I smell peppermint from now on I will think of Tom and all the others & mine.

[Christy Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little Christmas Magic

I have been looking forward to this one with Tom's story, but for me it wasn't as good as could have been. I out right hate daddy/little, daddy/boy books. They creep me out and make me cringe which is what this did. There was no reference this would be that and most the book was ruined for me.

Tom meets Colin and they hit it off, but Tom refuses to be with another workaholic guy. Colin gets him to give him a chance though. He hates that works so much and changes jobs so he can have a life instead of being married to his job as doctor. He's still a doctor but in different department of.hospital.

Allie is nine and was just let go from her foster family when.found out she has cancer. Tom volunteers in children's wing of hospital. He takes Allie in wanting her to have a home since she has no one. Her adaptive parents died when she was four. There is a bog shock on who Allie really is which I started guessing that before is revealed. Its definitely a storyline that was great.

Warning to reference to past rape for anyone needs trigger warning. This has Christmas theme but takes place from one Xmas to the next. Happy ending too. Just really wish was no daddy references could have loved this then.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Be very careful reading other reviews because you don't want any spoilers for all Tom's surprises! Tom has always come across as a fun but rather shallow and good-time boy, but Tom has depth and is ready to settle down. There is a lot of sweetness, a little sadness, and a lot of heart in this entry in the series. Tom was always my favorite so I couldn't wait for his story. I wasn't sure how Susi was going to write it with Tom's odd way of talking, but it turns out (luckily for us) he doesn't speak in third person in his own thoughts. I thought it was interesting that Tom didn't actually wind up with Ian (who Susi said in a recent review will be getting his own story next), but I completely approve of Tom's "hot daddy". The sexiness meter is high in this one and the two definitely make a connection outside the bedroom as well. It's fun to see Tom pregnant! We have lots of cameos from characters from the other two stories which is nice. The editing is good on this one too. I did a KU read and had to go back and buy it. I read it the first day it was out and now, just days later plan to read it again as a warm fuzzy after a hard. Can't wait for the next in the series!

[Angela Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom is someone who I did not think I would like. Through out this series he has grown on me and in this book we get to see what made him be who he is. He had a traumatic past and the fact he is sane shows a lot about who he is. When we met Tom he is a bit of a free spirit. He enjoys having a good time but he also protects and cares about the people closest to him. He hides his inner self with layers of jokes and smiles that only a select few know the real Tom.

Colin is a workaholic and someone who is not looking for a forever. Tom on the other hand is ready to settle down and have loads of babies. When they first get together it is superficial and Tom accepts that. Colin on the other hand is not okay with that and wants more but does not realize it until he starts to get to know Tom more.

I loved Tom in this book. He was sweet and fun and had the biggest heart. I am glad that he got his happily ever after. After all the hell he was put through it is about time. I am looking forward in continuing this series!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the Hollydale Omegas thus far. Tom's story is absolutely amazing and I am so glad he got Colin as an alpha because he is perfect for him. I never would have guessed at Tom's history from reading the first couple of books but his past and his deep devotion to the things he cares about shows that there is a lot more to Tom than we realized. Colin is a dream come true for Tom and I was actually glad to see that Ian didn't end up being Tom's HEA because Colin fits the bill so much better. His tolerance and acceptance of everything that makes Tom who he is heartwarming and swoon worthy. This installment was filled with so much that it's impossible to nail down my enjoyment of the book to just one thing. I know that I hope we get to see more of Tofer in the other books because he was just awesome, and possibly a little magical "wink wink". I very much looking forward to the next book in this series. You can't really go wrong with this author or with this narrator.

[JoAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know I dnf book two in this series, but I just had to read Toms story. And although I enjoyed it, even though it wasn’t what I was expecting, I will probably end the series here. It was a good run and I do enjoy the light and fluffies these books have but it’s not enough to keep me coming back.

“Ian! Tom is so, so sorry! Tom would never flaunt the hot daddy in front of Ian, even if Ian did make stupid choices.”

“Wow, Tom never realized how often the words nuts and ballz get said around here during an average day. Tom feels as though hot daddy has ruined Tom’s innocence now.”

I thought about it for a second, then decided to roll with it. We were already full up on crazy around here, what was wrong with adding more nuts to the barrel? I grinned over at him as I pulled into the hospital parking lot. “Tofer is a weird little dude. Tom approves. Tofer may stay with Tom.”

[Lacrymosa Quiñones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom gets his biggest wish!

Of my God how much did I adore this book! Not only was Tom my favorite in the series already but seeing the vulnerability in him crushed my heart! Holy hell I didn't know he had it so bad.

Character breakdown;

Tom: my over the top flamboyant omega, funny and very charismatic. I never thought he hid so many dark secrets about his life. I was crushed when I read about them, but the happy ending he got? Worth it!

Colin: I think he complemented Tom so well, especially his moves in the bedroom. I think he is perfect for Tom, I also loved how easily he accepted Tom and made changes for him.

This is the book to steal your heart and grab your full attention, Tom alone would be reason enough to read it!

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this third book in the series. Tom caught my attention in his own special way at the beginning of the series and I enjoyed getting to see him finally getting his HEA. He's full of surprises. He has a lot more going on than he lets on. He's smart, giving and always looking out for his friends. Colin meets Tom and can't get the man out of his head. I liked that he kept pursuing Tom, realizing along the way that he wanted way more out of his life. I loved getting to see all the guys from the previous books and the new cast of side characters was great. There's a bit of intrigue in this one, but all comes together beautifully. The last chapter had me laughing several times.

[Joelle Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just get better and better

I never would have guessed when I met Tom, that I would fall so hard for him. OMG! He's been so much fun to read. But this book just shredded my heart. I would say that I want to take him in my arms and try to take his pain away but he's got a hot alpha daddy for that now. I wasn't sure that I'd like Tom with someone other than Ian but Colin proved himself to be the perfect alpha for him. I loved them together. I loved sweet little Allie and Tofer and seeing Milo, Rafe, Christian, Liam and Kent again. I really love this magical world and can't wait to see who finds their HEA next.