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Ruthless Warlords #1
Ruthless King
He's the most brutal Alpha crime boss in the galaxy—and she belongs to him now. Payment for a debt owed. Pawn for an act of vengeance. Property to be used, knotted, and bred.
Irresistibly gorgeous mafia king Nikolai Skolov is dominant, hard, possessive—and determined to bend innocent omega Dahlia Lundin to his will. But she is equally determined to resist. The lives of those she loves depends upon it.
Except Dahlia isn't prepared for the insatiable hunger the Alpha's discipline awakens. Or her soul's recognition that her new master is also her fated-mate.
As dangers mount and betrayals loom, all Dahlia knows is turned on its head. Allegiances are tested. Secrets exposed. Until Dahlia is not sure if her ruthless enemy is the monster who will destroy her or the only one left who can save her...
Irresistibly gorgeous mafia king Nikolai Skolov is dominant, hard, possessive—and determined to bend innocent omega Dahlia Lundin to his will. But she is equally determined to resist. The lives of those she loves depends upon it.
Except Dahlia isn't prepared for the insatiable hunger the Alpha's discipline awakens. Or her soul's recognition that her new master is also her fated-mate.
As dangers mount and betrayals loom, all Dahlia knows is turned on its head. Allegiances are tested. Secrets exposed. Until Dahlia is not sure if her ruthless enemy is the monster who will destroy her or the only one left who can save her...
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 2021
778 people are currently reading
4392 people want to read
About the author
Alison Aimes
33 books860 followersAlison Aimes is a USA Today bestselling author of Sci-Fi, Fantasy, & Omegaverse Romance. Her books are on the steamy side and full of strong heroes, brave heroines, loads of action, and happy ever-afters. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, her dog and a serious stash of chocolate.
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January 2, 2021
Ruthless King is the first book in Alison Aimes’s brand new series, Ruthless Warlords. This book takes place in Anarcheim, a parallel Alphaverse galaxy in a dark future seeded with various forms of alien life. But in this world, there are two constants. All inhabitants are Alpha, beta or omega. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. I just this minute finished this book and am staring at the computer trying to find the words to tell you how amazing this book was and the words are not coming to me. Other than to just say just that, this is an amazing book you do not want to miss.
Dahlia Lundin is twenty four years old and is an omega. To her father, she is simply a pawn to be given to the highest bidder. But when her father has a large debt that needs to be paid, his plans change and his daughter now becomes a way to pay his debt. When Dahlia sees who she is being given to, she comes face to face with a man she met once before as a little boy. A connection was formed that day that she has never forgotten, that has helped to get her through her darkest days. But this alpha is no little boy.
“His past and her future were linked, but it seemed increasingly clear that only one of them would survive the battle coming.”
Nikolai Skolov barely survived his childhood, his soul purpose was keeping his siblings alive. Nikolai is an alpha and has amassed great wealth. The one thing besides taking care of his brothers and sister that kept him going was that he would someday take possession of the omega he met when he was a boy. He would possess her and never let her go.
“She might be his pawn, but she was his salvation too.”
Nikolai needs something from Dahlia, something that would make her betray her family. They may never have shown her love or compassion but they are still her family. Her alpha now owns her, but she is determined not to give him what he needs. What she hadn’t counted on is the bond that is quickly forming between them. They are very rare fated mates. The more time they spend together, the deeper the bond becomes, until it becomes impossible for her to determine where she ends and he begins. Where a hunger for the passion her alpha introduces her to becomes the center of her world. But also, where her loyalties are continuously challenged, and she discovers a strength within her she never knew existed.
“He was her leader, her master, her mate, her treasure, and her love.”
“You are my beginning and my end, my wildest obsession, my greatest purpose.”
This book pretty much rocked my world. Alison Aimes words are pure magic. This is dark, yes. But, it’s also beautiful. The bond between these two was so powerful. It went against everything that was believed possible between an alpha and his omega. Nikolai was ruthless. He was powerful and feared. There was one tiny little omega, though, that he didn’t want to fear him, that he wanted to trust him. One tiny little omega that he would burn down the universe to keep her safe if he had to. His Dahlia.
After reading this, now I’m on pins and needles to get the next book. It will focus on another of Nikolai’s siblings but I don’t know which one. It will be entitled Savage Prince.
“My treasure, my mate, my queen.”
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...
Dahlia Lundin is twenty four years old and is an omega. To her father, she is simply a pawn to be given to the highest bidder. But when her father has a large debt that needs to be paid, his plans change and his daughter now becomes a way to pay his debt. When Dahlia sees who she is being given to, she comes face to face with a man she met once before as a little boy. A connection was formed that day that she has never forgotten, that has helped to get her through her darkest days. But this alpha is no little boy.
“His past and her future were linked, but it seemed increasingly clear that only one of them would survive the battle coming.”
Nikolai Skolov barely survived his childhood, his soul purpose was keeping his siblings alive. Nikolai is an alpha and has amassed great wealth. The one thing besides taking care of his brothers and sister that kept him going was that he would someday take possession of the omega he met when he was a boy. He would possess her and never let her go.
“She might be his pawn, but she was his salvation too.”
Nikolai needs something from Dahlia, something that would make her betray her family. They may never have shown her love or compassion but they are still her family. Her alpha now owns her, but she is determined not to give him what he needs. What she hadn’t counted on is the bond that is quickly forming between them. They are very rare fated mates. The more time they spend together, the deeper the bond becomes, until it becomes impossible for her to determine where she ends and he begins. Where a hunger for the passion her alpha introduces her to becomes the center of her world. But also, where her loyalties are continuously challenged, and she discovers a strength within her she never knew existed.
“He was her leader, her master, her mate, her treasure, and her love.”
“You are my beginning and my end, my wildest obsession, my greatest purpose.”
This book pretty much rocked my world. Alison Aimes words are pure magic. This is dark, yes. But, it’s also beautiful. The bond between these two was so powerful. It went against everything that was believed possible between an alpha and his omega. Nikolai was ruthless. He was powerful and feared. There was one tiny little omega, though, that he didn’t want to fear him, that he wanted to trust him. One tiny little omega that he would burn down the universe to keep her safe if he had to. His Dahlia.
After reading this, now I’m on pins and needles to get the next book. It will focus on another of Nikolai’s siblings but I don’t know which one. It will be entitled Savage Prince.
“My treasure, my mate, my queen.”
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...
March 16, 2021
3.5 Stars
I liked this, but for some reason I thought I would like it more...I have a feeling I will like it more after another re-read.
Still, a super solid omegaverse and I look forward to the next one in the series.
I liked this, but for some reason I thought I would like it more...I have a feeling I will like it more after another re-read.
Still, a super solid omegaverse and I look forward to the next one in the series.
April 1, 2022
Edit: 4 stars is my honest rating, but my more technical rating is 3.75 stars, because this book was too long. I'm being brutally honest with myself and my ratings and going back reevaluating them. I initially rated other books in this series 4 stars, but in all honesty they were more a 3 star read for me because of the length. A valid criticism is these books are too long.
I am left stunned. Alison Aimes' writing is fast-paced, energetic, and vibrant. With her debut Omegaverse book she's already established herself as a top tier Omegaverse author. For those familiar with her Condemned series this won't come as a surprise, but for Omegaverse readers new to Alison Aimes you're going to want to check this one out. The alien/sci fi element is strong--for sci fi romance lovers who may not be attracted to mafia, don't let the mafia element scare you away from the story. I thought the combination was fab. This is basically mafia in outer space. This book is a standalone that ends with a satisfying HEA :)
Aimes is a new to me author, I requested an ARC when I noticed Ruthless King up for pre-order on Amazon based on the cover and word mafia alone. I was a bit worried the book wouldn't deliver on the promises in the blurb, but there was no need to worry - this book delivers.
✦ The setting
Anarcheim, a parallel Alphaverse galaxy in a dark future seeded with varied forms of alien life. There are, however, two immutable constants. The first is that all inhabitants are Alpha, beta, or omega. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. That is the way. The second is that violence is a way of life, power is essential to survival, and crime is king.
The author did an amazing job of setting up her Omegaverse world, and it's clear enough that I can wholly recommend it to those new to Omegaverse. If you like sci fi romance, but haven't tried Omegaverse yet, this book would be a great place to start.
The author's descriptions of the various planets and areas within Anarcheim were stunning. I noticed this after reading a couple books in her Condemned series, but she has a way of bringing the setting to life. Much of this book takes place on an icy planet, Abzal, and the descriptions were to die for.
✦ Nikolai
“Your chance for freedom ended fifteen years ago. Your fate set the moment we met.”
Nikolai was swoon worthy. The type of Alpha who is an @hole but ends up caving to his Omega and doing anything to protect her. My favorite mafia aspect of this book was how loyal Nikolai treated his family. He was willing to do anything to avenge the ones he lost and protect the ones he loved. His back story was gut wrenching! Props to the author for writing *that* scene so early in book, my jaw dropped. But going back to family, in Omegaverse there is such emphasis on the Omegas' ability to breed, I'm always surprised to not see as many children or families depicted in the stories. This book depicted how important family lines are within the Brotherhood.
While I'm shelving this as dark Omegaverse, this is on the lighter side of dark. There are heavy, dark themes, but Nikolai was not a cruel Alpha like in the darkest Omegaverses. He had his moments, he was certainly an asshole at times, but there was an overarching theme of both MCs learning how to respect and trust each other.
✦ Dahlia
Dahlia was snarky without crossing into bratty territory (something I always appreciate). Those who like strong heroines who push back against the Alpha will like Dahlia. Another pet peeve I have is authors writing 'strong' heroines but all they do is talk back to the hero (it's like the author thinks that's enough to advertise a 'strong heroine'). Dahlia had her own goals, took action to meet them, and came into her own power by the end of the book.
I wouldn't describe this book as enemies to lovers per se - this ended up being a childhood meet cute to separation to love story which I ate up. Both protagonists come from families with an ongoing blood feud, and Dahlia is key to how Nikolai will enact his revenge upon her family. This created an angsty push and pull between the two.
“I see.” “I doubt you do. This is going to get uglier before it gets better. War is coming, the full extent of the player involved still to be determined, and you’re at the center of it all."
This is a standalone, but there's still a lot going on this world and I can't wait for more. It looks like each book in this series will be Nikolai's brothers being paired with their Omegas (and I'm eager for what will either be Nikolai's sister or Dahlia's sister's story!).
Trigger Warnings:
Safety:
Wordcount: 97K! This is a lengthy book. So many Omegaverse books are on the shorter side, it's awesome to find a quality, full length Omegaverse story. I felt fully satiated after reading.
This is a standalone and ends with a HEA No cliffhanger :)
Notes:
I am left stunned. Alison Aimes' writing is fast-paced, energetic, and vibrant. With her debut Omegaverse book she's already established herself as a top tier Omegaverse author. For those familiar with her Condemned series this won't come as a surprise, but for Omegaverse readers new to Alison Aimes you're going to want to check this one out. The alien/sci fi element is strong--for sci fi romance lovers who may not be attracted to mafia, don't let the mafia element scare you away from the story. I thought the combination was fab. This is basically mafia in outer space. This book is a standalone that ends with a satisfying HEA :)
Aimes is a new to me author, I requested an ARC when I noticed Ruthless King up for pre-order on Amazon based on the cover and word mafia alone. I was a bit worried the book wouldn't deliver on the promises in the blurb, but there was no need to worry - this book delivers.
✦ The setting
Anarcheim, a parallel Alphaverse galaxy in a dark future seeded with varied forms of alien life. There are, however, two immutable constants. The first is that all inhabitants are Alpha, beta, or omega. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. That is the way. The second is that violence is a way of life, power is essential to survival, and crime is king.
The author did an amazing job of setting up her Omegaverse world, and it's clear enough that I can wholly recommend it to those new to Omegaverse. If you like sci fi romance, but haven't tried Omegaverse yet, this book would be a great place to start.
The author's descriptions of the various planets and areas within Anarcheim were stunning. I noticed this after reading a couple books in her Condemned series, but she has a way of bringing the setting to life. Much of this book takes place on an icy planet, Abzal, and the descriptions were to die for.
✦ Nikolai
“Your chance for freedom ended fifteen years ago. Your fate set the moment we met.”
Nikolai was swoon worthy. The type of Alpha who is an @hole but ends up caving to his Omega and doing anything to protect her. My favorite mafia aspect of this book was how loyal Nikolai treated his family. He was willing to do anything to avenge the ones he lost and protect the ones he loved. His back story was gut wrenching! Props to the author for writing *that* scene so early in book, my jaw dropped. But going back to family, in Omegaverse there is such emphasis on the Omegas' ability to breed, I'm always surprised to not see as many children or families depicted in the stories. This book depicted how important family lines are within the Brotherhood.
While I'm shelving this as dark Omegaverse, this is on the lighter side of dark. There are heavy, dark themes, but Nikolai was not a cruel Alpha like in the darkest Omegaverses. He had his moments, he was certainly an asshole at times, but there was an overarching theme of both MCs learning how to respect and trust each other.
✦ Dahlia
Dahlia was snarky without crossing into bratty territory (something I always appreciate). Those who like strong heroines who push back against the Alpha will like Dahlia. Another pet peeve I have is authors writing 'strong' heroines but all they do is talk back to the hero (it's like the author thinks that's enough to advertise a 'strong heroine'). Dahlia had her own goals, took action to meet them, and came into her own power by the end of the book.
I wouldn't describe this book as enemies to lovers per se - this ended up being a childhood meet cute to separation to love story which I ate up. Both protagonists come from families with an ongoing blood feud, and Dahlia is key to how Nikolai will enact his revenge upon her family. This created an angsty push and pull between the two.
“I see.” “I doubt you do. This is going to get uglier before it gets better. War is coming, the full extent of the player involved still to be determined, and you’re at the center of it all."
This is a standalone, but there's still a lot going on this world and I can't wait for more. It looks like each book in this series will be Nikolai's brothers being paired with their Omegas (and I'm eager for what will either be Nikolai's sister or Dahlia's sister's story!).
Trigger Warnings:
Safety:
Wordcount: 97K! This is a lengthy book. So many Omegaverse books are on the shorter side, it's awesome to find a quality, full length Omegaverse story. I felt fully satiated after reading.
This is a standalone and ends with a HEA No cliffhanger :)
Notes:
January 11, 2021
I have never read from Alison Aimes before, but after reading Ruthless King, I'm definitely adding her to my must-read list!
Here are the reasons why you should read this and why it got five stars...
❤️ fated mates
❤️ organized crime shenanigans
❤️ fierce warrior who was insanely hot
❤️ strong and stubborn omega who tried to give as good as she got
❤️ revenge plot
❤️ brilliant storytelling and incredible world building. I could feel the cold of ice planet Abzal.
❤️ tons of hot sex. TONS!!
❤️ enemies-to-lovers trope that blossomed into something truly beautiful
❤️ redeemable characters and huge hints to what's to come...
Nikolai Skolov is an Alpha - dominant, fearless, gorgeous - and he was the glue that held the Skolovs together. A horror from the past has gone unavenged and unanswered, and now's the time for justice. For truth. And Dahlia Lundin, daughter of his greatest enemy, is the key. Traded to pay her father's debts, she expects abuse, unkindness, and unending punishment. Nikolai wants to use her gift to make her family pay. She is willing to sacrifice anything to keep her family safe. They're at odds until she realizes she's fighting the wrong thing and the wrong person.
While she grew up treated as trash, Nikolai treated her as his treasure. They were supposed to be on opposite sides, enemies, but with his every move, every thought, every touch, Nikolai proved to Dahlia that everything she knew was wrong. And she gave him the most ultimate prize - her heart. With her, he found all that he was missing.
I fell in love with these characters so easily. I loved when they fought, I loved when they bantered, and I loved when they loved. Most of the bad guys got just what they deserved, the good guys kinda won, and I'm looking forward to the next hunt.
Here are the reasons why you should read this and why it got five stars...
❤️ fated mates
❤️ organized crime shenanigans
❤️ fierce warrior who was insanely hot
❤️ strong and stubborn omega who tried to give as good as she got
❤️ revenge plot
❤️ brilliant storytelling and incredible world building. I could feel the cold of ice planet Abzal.
❤️ tons of hot sex. TONS!!
❤️ enemies-to-lovers trope that blossomed into something truly beautiful
❤️ redeemable characters and huge hints to what's to come...
Nikolai Skolov is an Alpha - dominant, fearless, gorgeous - and he was the glue that held the Skolovs together. A horror from the past has gone unavenged and unanswered, and now's the time for justice. For truth. And Dahlia Lundin, daughter of his greatest enemy, is the key. Traded to pay her father's debts, she expects abuse, unkindness, and unending punishment. Nikolai wants to use her gift to make her family pay. She is willing to sacrifice anything to keep her family safe. They're at odds until she realizes she's fighting the wrong thing and the wrong person.
Every filthy, arrogant pronouncement only made her wetter.
She fought it as best she could.
"This isn't me. You're triggering my heat. You're using my weakness against me."
"Weakness? It's not some flaw inside you. It's all you are, omega. This is what you were made for. Your body knows exactly what it was designed to do. Give."
While she grew up treated as trash, Nikolai treated her as his treasure. They were supposed to be on opposite sides, enemies, but with his every move, every thought, every touch, Nikolai proved to Dahlia that everything she knew was wrong. And she gave him the most ultimate prize - her heart. With her, he found all that he was missing.
With Dahlia, he was reborn.
Freed.
Unburdened.
He was content.
It was more, in fact, than anyone had ever given him before.
I fell in love with these characters so easily. I loved when they fought, I loved when they bantered, and I loved when they loved. Most of the bad guys got just what they deserved, the good guys kinda won, and I'm looking forward to the next hunt.
January 21, 2021
Oh wow this was so good I’m blown away with how much I enjoyed this and I couldn’t put it down I was that invested.
This is a new series for this author set in the Anarcheim universe it’s a brutal hierarchy of Alpha Betas and Omegas and the Alphas rule it all with an iron fist.
This one is such a genre mash-up which I adored the Brotherhood which rules this universe is made up of various crime syndicates and this is a combination of Darkness, Sci-Fi, Mafia and omegaverse all rolled into one.
The Omega here Dahlia is the daughter of Olan Lundin he is the head of the Lundin syndicate.
Because of prior events, the Lundin’s and Skolov’s are at war and The Ruthless king, Nikolai Skolov and head of the Skolov syndicate is gunning for the whole Lundin clan and the key to there total annihilation may just lie with one little Omega one who also just happens to be Nikolai’s fated mate.
Dahlia finds herself being used as collateral to pay a debt owed from her father to her mate and being redefined as his property.
But her alpha also has plans to unlock and access her special gift one that has lain dormant for years.
This one definitely had a dark vein running through it but being omegaverse it also was easier to accept.
The connection between Alpha and Omega was intense and sizzled off the page and this one was scorching hot in temperature.
This is essentially an enemy to lovers trope with the lover's bit, because of the alpha and omega dynamic happening fairly swiftly.
But though her alpha may have her body she still tries to stay strong against his magnetic allure.
Nikolai himself is quite brutal and crude but this a lot is due to his past and just what he has had to overcome to keep his family safe.
He’s not always that nice to Dahlia initially in his actions and words and this instantly sets them up as adversaries.
initially, he tries to fight his new emotional bonds believing them a weakness he can’t afford but at the same time he also craves the closeness and connection, it doesn’t come naturally to him being so vulnerable to another and he initially fights his feelings.
By contrast, Dahlia is much softer her gentler nature offsetting her mates.
But this softness doesn’t affect her strength and Dahlia has a core of steel when it comes to protecting those she cares about.
She may be an omega in dynamic but she doesn’t allow this to define her character and refuses to be cowed and defeated.
Even going as far as to make desperate choices that will only open her Alphas eyes further regarding her true worth to him.
This had some fabulous world-building and great secondary characters.
It’s very well written and this author's books just keep on getting better I’m seriously impressed.
I can’t wait to read more set in this fascinating new world and will definitely be picking up the next book in this series this really was fabulous and I highly recommend.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Ruthless King (Ruthless Warlords #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 25, 2021
Thank you Meredith for encouraging me to read this Omegaverse. I saw this book and turned a blind eye but I'm glad you brought this book to my attention again. 💜
A wonderful Omegaverse mash with aliens plus a fat dose of mafia genre, so different and interesting.
Set in a parallel Alphaverse universe, Anarcheim is a galaxy seeded with different alien species. The inhabitants - Alphas who lead, Beta's serve and Omega's submit. In this dark, currupted place among the many galaxies only the strong survives.
Another low growl erupted as he skimmed his lips along the curve of her shoulder. “I’ve wanted you like this since I first saw you.”
Another shiver. More slick pearled on her folds. “I was a child.”
“I never was.” His every dominant gesture only triggered her heat higher. “And thank fuck, you’re not any longer.”
15-years later 24-year-old Dahlia Lundin and 28-year-old Nikolai Skolov meet again this time with different intentions. Nikolai seeks revenge from Dahlia's father and he needs something from her that would make her betray her family.
His growl shifted to a purr. “My property. My prize. Your bastard of a father sold you to me to pay for his sins—and I intend to collect.”
“I’m not just some rut toy.”
“You’re whatever I want you to be."
Dahlia is an Omega, unfortunate, for she was a mere pawn to bargain against odds and of a power society by her father. A large debt has her father sold her which brings her face to face to a man she once met as a little girl. Having never forgotten him she unexpectantly realises that this Alpha is no more the little boy.
"Wait.” Her heart slammed in her throat. “I . . . I need a weapon.” It was worth a try.
His fangs flashed. “You have one.” He slammed his chest with his fist. It was such an Alpha declaration. Primitive. Primal. Entitled.
Her traitorous clit throbbed harder.
Nikolai is a possessive, arrogant, and outrageous Alpha. Faced with a horrific past he seeks revenge and he wants justice through his enemy's daughter. Barely surviving his childhood his purpose was to take care of his siblings. Now an Alpha of large wealth he waits to take posssession of his omega whom he met when he was a boy.
"A ruthless king needs an equally fierce queen by his side."
Dahlia's family has never shown her compassion. She expected to be abused and mistreated but not the care her Alpha showers her with. Nikolai is determined to use Dahlia's powers for his own use. He is fearless and is unapologetic about what he wants. When it comes to his omega he doesn't want her to fear him. Their bond is strong, he would do anything to protect his fierce omega. Dahlia's loyalties are challenged, she is willing to sacrifice for her family but what if her loyalties are misplaced.
This organized crime mafia Alphaverse world was amazing. I'm bored with the usual Omegaverse ritual but this book hold the 'interesting' word boldly. If you enjoy Omegaverse and you're searching for more to read this series is a must pick up.
A wonderful Omegaverse mash with aliens plus a fat dose of mafia genre, so different and interesting.
Set in a parallel Alphaverse universe, Anarcheim is a galaxy seeded with different alien species. The inhabitants - Alphas who lead, Beta's serve and Omega's submit. In this dark, currupted place among the many galaxies only the strong survives.
Another low growl erupted as he skimmed his lips along the curve of her shoulder. “I’ve wanted you like this since I first saw you.”
Another shiver. More slick pearled on her folds. “I was a child.”
“I never was.” His every dominant gesture only triggered her heat higher. “And thank fuck, you’re not any longer.”
15-years later 24-year-old Dahlia Lundin and 28-year-old Nikolai Skolov meet again this time with different intentions. Nikolai seeks revenge from Dahlia's father and he needs something from her that would make her betray her family.
His growl shifted to a purr. “My property. My prize. Your bastard of a father sold you to me to pay for his sins—and I intend to collect.”
“I’m not just some rut toy.”
“You’re whatever I want you to be."
Dahlia is an Omega, unfortunate, for she was a mere pawn to bargain against odds and of a power society by her father. A large debt has her father sold her which brings her face to face to a man she once met as a little girl. Having never forgotten him she unexpectantly realises that this Alpha is no more the little boy.
"Wait.” Her heart slammed in her throat. “I . . . I need a weapon.” It was worth a try.
His fangs flashed. “You have one.” He slammed his chest with his fist. It was such an Alpha declaration. Primitive. Primal. Entitled.
Her traitorous clit throbbed harder.
Nikolai is a possessive, arrogant, and outrageous Alpha. Faced with a horrific past he seeks revenge and he wants justice through his enemy's daughter. Barely surviving his childhood his purpose was to take care of his siblings. Now an Alpha of large wealth he waits to take posssession of his omega whom he met when he was a boy.
"A ruthless king needs an equally fierce queen by his side."
Dahlia's family has never shown her compassion. She expected to be abused and mistreated but not the care her Alpha showers her with. Nikolai is determined to use Dahlia's powers for his own use. He is fearless and is unapologetic about what he wants. When it comes to his omega he doesn't want her to fear him. Their bond is strong, he would do anything to protect his fierce omega. Dahlia's loyalties are challenged, she is willing to sacrifice for her family but what if her loyalties are misplaced.
This organized crime mafia Alphaverse world was amazing. I'm bored with the usual Omegaverse ritual but this book hold the 'interesting' word boldly. If you enjoy Omegaverse and you're searching for more to read this series is a must pick up.
January 16, 2021
WOW!!
This was sooooooo good!!
So this is my Omegaverse solid gold or kryptonite, however you want to look at it, I love a strong, ruthless, ALPHA who has a sweet side for his omega. Who will tear the world apart and bathe in it's blood for his omega. And slaps her ass and knots her good too. Nikolai was that and more.
So this is Nikolai in my head:
and this is Dahlia:
and when they're together:
and that's all I have to say about that except I can't freakin wait for the next one!!!
This was sooooooo good!!
So this is my Omegaverse solid gold or kryptonite, however you want to look at it, I love a strong, ruthless, ALPHA who has a sweet side for his omega. Who will tear the world apart and bathe in it's blood for his omega. And slaps her ass and knots her good too. Nikolai was that and more.
So this is Nikolai in my head:
and this is Dahlia:
and when they're together:
and that's all I have to say about that except I can't freakin wait for the next one!!!
July 19, 2023
Combining my two favorite subgenres—alien and mafia romance—has forever altered my mind.
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Dahlia Skolov née Lundin (24) | Nikolai Skolov (28)
FEATURES
∘ alien romance
∘ omegaverse
∘ revenge (enemy’s daughter)
∘ sold as payment of debt
∘ fated mates
∘ matebond where they can feel each other’s emotions and presence
REVIEW
I devoured this novel. A revenge plot and fated mates is just too powerful of a combination. It’s always going to be a hit for me.
I fully sympathized with both Dahlia and Nikolai. Both had had very different but equally hard lives. I adored when they first met, especially how she was his anchor through his suffering.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I am wholly optimistic about it.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none — worth mentioning he was intimate with other women after meeting her (when they were both children) but this is due to him being an alpha and having to control aggression
THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of — separate to protect kind of thing
ENDING HEA — couple is happy and settled, but threat remains large
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4.5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Dahlia Skolov née Lundin (24) | Nikolai Skolov (28)
FEATURES
∘ alien romance
∘ omegaverse
∘ revenge (enemy’s daughter)
∘ sold as payment of debt
∘ fated mates
∘ matebond where they can feel each other’s emotions and presence
REVIEW
I devoured this novel. A revenge plot and fated mates is just too powerful of a combination. It’s always going to be a hit for me.
I fully sympathized with both Dahlia and Nikolai. Both had had very different but equally hard lives. I adored when they first met, especially how she was his anchor through his suffering.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I am wholly optimistic about it.
OW/OM DRAMA none
CHEATING none — worth mentioning he was intimate with other women after meeting her (when they were both children) but this is due to him being an alpha and having to control aggression
THIRD ACT BREAKUP sort of — separate to protect kind of thing
ENDING HEA — couple is happy and settled, but threat remains large
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4.5 / 5
RATING 4.5 / 5
October 5, 2021
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Style: Dark Mafia Romance (Sci-Fi)
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: Yes
Male: Intense, Sexy and Alpha
Series: book 1
Pages: 380
Audio: GOOD(m/f)
Kindle Unlimited: No
STORY:
I have read Omegaverse books, but I didn’t know what to expect from an Omegaverse Mafia Romance. I really liked this one and the blurb was eye catching as well. You have the story between Nikolai and Dahlia, and the story of what Nikolai is trying to uncover with his family and their past. This was a payment debt/mated theme, and it held true to that. Nikolai, was very Alpha in this book. Intense and at times, and soft when he needed to be, but not in a way that is off putting. Nikolai came from nothing, so his ruthlessness is born from that. Dahlia was a very likable character. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her father, however, he uses her to get what he needs. I liked that Dahlia had special powers, and it evolved as her character evolved. This was dark, but it wasn’t hardcore dark.
I really love the male actor who does Nikolai’s voice. I think that's a big part of why I love this. He brought his character to life for me.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were good for my liking. In Omegaverse, I always find it appealing when betas can’t control their needs to their mated Alphas.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Dahlia’s family, mmmmm the nicest way to describe them, crazy. However, Nikolai’s family love them. Maxheim sexy. Hopefully I get to read his story soon.
OVERALL:
I love the characters and I really enjoyed the plot of the story.
TRIGGERS: violence
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
Style: Dark Mafia Romance (Sci-Fi)
Story: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: SEX-CITINGLY GOOD
Triggers: No
Violence: Yes
Male: Intense, Sexy and Alpha
Series: book 1
Pages: 380
Audio: GOOD(m/f)
Kindle Unlimited: No
STORY:
I have read Omegaverse books, but I didn’t know what to expect from an Omegaverse Mafia Romance. I really liked this one and the blurb was eye catching as well. You have the story between Nikolai and Dahlia, and the story of what Nikolai is trying to uncover with his family and their past. This was a payment debt/mated theme, and it held true to that. Nikolai, was very Alpha in this book. Intense and at times, and soft when he needed to be, but not in a way that is off putting. Nikolai came from nothing, so his ruthlessness is born from that. Dahlia was a very likable character. She doesn’t have the best relationship with her father, however, he uses her to get what he needs. I liked that Dahlia had special powers, and it evolved as her character evolved. This was dark, but it wasn’t hardcore dark.
I really love the male actor who does Nikolai’s voice. I think that's a big part of why I love this. He brought his character to life for me.
SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were good for my liking. In Omegaverse, I always find it appealing when betas can’t control their needs to their mated Alphas.
SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Dahlia’s family, mmmmm the nicest way to describe them, crazy. However, Nikolai’s family love them. Maxheim sexy. Hopefully I get to read his story soon.
OVERALL:
I love the characters and I really enjoyed the plot of the story.
TRIGGERS: violence
****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.
June 15, 2021
14 June 2021 (Re-Read)
Reread this awesome book in the preparation for Savage Prince! Omg, It's delight, I can see even more clues now lol😍. This story makes me so emotional still & my heart all Fluttery❤. #MustRead
4 January 2021 (Read)
"Every Ruthless King Needs an Equally Ruthless Queen."
An Enchanting Start to this Epic series!
A Sci-Fi Blockbuster Story with Emotional pasts, Heart-gripping Suspense, Loads of Drama, Betrayal, Action, Secrets, Lies, Hurt, Steamy times, Truth, Happiness, Swoony Love, Laugh-out-loud Fun, Surprising Twists, Kept me on Edge Showdown, A Gorgeous HEA AND I want more!
This book made me feel all sorts of emotion, I read it till the wee hours of night! I love Nikolai & Dahlia so much, Their Strength inspires me. DEVOURED this story in 8hrs. Once again Alison has shown why she's my fav sci-fi author!
This story takes place in Anarcheim, a parallel Alphaverse galaxy, With Varied Alien life. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. Where violence is a way of life, power is essential to survival, and crime is king.
(The world building is so Great!)
Nikolai & Dahlia, Both had hard lives. Her as this place is so damn cruel to omegas; Him after Her father killed his dad, took over his planet & made Nik's (& His siblings) life hell.
🔥Nikolai Skolov (eldest brother) & Dahlia Lundin met at one fated Night 15 years ago. The night that changed Everything. That forged him on a path of Revenge against her dad, which marked that Nik'll come for her.
"The Skolov crime boss might be a ruthless Alpha beast, but he hadn’t been born that way. He’d been made, molded by shame and rage and each horrific brutal thing that had been done to him by her family."
Now, Her Dad (I hate the guy!) owed Debts, Gave her away as payments to... Nikolai. But Nik isn't her Savior anymore. She's a pawn in his Revenge, BUT she'll become his Salvation.
Their Fated mate bond, Her seemingly gone but now Back Omega Power (Past Visions), & Happiness is the key.
Love will Save them, but for the safety of their family, they can't submit. Them going toe-to-toe is so fun!
"He was determined to conquer her mind as well. He wanted her to see him as her master and protector, ruler and champion, defender and disciplinarian."
When she almost dies, Everything Changes. It Reminds him of the feelings he'd always harboured For her. From that moment on, making her smile mattered the most. He also finds a way so that Her innocent sister won't get caught in his Revenge. His siblings were reluctant, but soon accepted Dahlia!
"He was her Alpha and her protector. Her end and her beginning. Her torment and her greatest pleasure."
Their Happiness had my heart soaring, It was pure & beautiful, They grew closer, & the sexy times were Fiery. Her Visions gave her (& us) an insight to everything Nik endured for his Family's well being. I fell for Nik & Dahlia so hard!
"With Dahlia, he was reborn. Freed. Unburdened. He was content. That had to be enough. It was more, in fact, than anyone had ever given him before."
But Dangers & Attacks are growing.. Only showing the truth of that fated night can save them, Now She even wanted to help him BUT he finds that the truth may hurt her..So he refuses the help he wanted so much earlier.
"I don’t see you as a monster anymore. Far from it....I see an Alpha who is brave and selfless and fierce. A fated mate who has brought me joy and laughter, and shown me a power within myself I had no idea existed."
And When Danger comes too close, He chooses her & their family over vengeance.
"His omega was different. She was goodness and light. Too fucking perfect for the likes of him. Yet he loved her with every dark, twisted piece of his soul....The fated-mate bond wasn't a trap. It had set him free."
The Depth of his feelings broke the last restraint within her. She shows everyone that She's powerful, not Weak as many thought of omegas. Cue Heart-racing Scenes..
"He’d considered her needs over his, and rather than using her for his own agenda, as was his initial plan, he’d done the exact opposite. He’d chosen her life over his...He was a true Alpha...He was her leader, her master, her mate, her treasure, and her love."
And at last, Heart-aching Twist happens & Surprising truths are found. Her vision saves Them all *Happy Tears*. And the True Villain here, who's actually just someone's pawn in the greater schemes, is found! *Fist-pump!*
The ending's beautiful, the love, belief & respect Nik has for Dahlia makes me so happy! Now the other crime bosses owe her *Snicker*.
The epilogue & Bonus Epilogue were Fun, Sexy & Gorgeous! (I loved seeing Nikolai & Dahlia's HEA!)
I can't wait for Maxheim's (2nd Skolov brother) story & see where this series takes us, hope to get clues about the Real Mastermind & Their endgame!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
FB Page | Instagram | Bookbub | FB group
Reread this awesome book in the preparation for Savage Prince! Omg, It's delight, I can see even more clues now lol😍. This story makes me so emotional still & my heart all Fluttery❤. #MustRead
4 January 2021 (Read)
"Every Ruthless King Needs an Equally Ruthless Queen."
An Enchanting Start to this Epic series!
A Sci-Fi Blockbuster Story with Emotional pasts, Heart-gripping Suspense, Loads of Drama, Betrayal, Action, Secrets, Lies, Hurt, Steamy times, Truth, Happiness, Swoony Love, Laugh-out-loud Fun, Surprising Twists, Kept me on Edge Showdown, A Gorgeous HEA AND I want more!
This book made me feel all sorts of emotion, I read it till the wee hours of night! I love Nikolai & Dahlia so much, Their Strength inspires me. DEVOURED this story in 8hrs. Once again Alison has shown why she's my fav sci-fi author!
This story takes place in Anarcheim, a parallel Alphaverse galaxy, With Varied Alien life. Alphas lead, betas serve, and omegas submit. Where violence is a way of life, power is essential to survival, and crime is king.
(The world building is so Great!)
Nikolai & Dahlia, Both had hard lives. Her as this place is so damn cruel to omegas; Him after Her father killed his dad, took over his planet & made Nik's (& His siblings) life hell.
🔥Nikolai Skolov (eldest brother) & Dahlia Lundin met at one fated Night 15 years ago. The night that changed Everything. That forged him on a path of Revenge against her dad, which marked that Nik'll come for her.
"The Skolov crime boss might be a ruthless Alpha beast, but he hadn’t been born that way. He’d been made, molded by shame and rage and each horrific brutal thing that had been done to him by her family."
Now, Her Dad (I hate the guy!) owed Debts, Gave her away as payments to... Nikolai. But Nik isn't her Savior anymore. She's a pawn in his Revenge, BUT she'll become his Salvation.
Their Fated mate bond, Her seemingly gone but now Back Omega Power (Past Visions), & Happiness is the key.
Love will Save them, but for the safety of their family, they can't submit. Them going toe-to-toe is so fun!
"He was determined to conquer her mind as well. He wanted her to see him as her master and protector, ruler and champion, defender and disciplinarian."
When she almost dies, Everything Changes. It Reminds him of the feelings he'd always harboured For her. From that moment on, making her smile mattered the most. He also finds a way so that Her innocent sister won't get caught in his Revenge. His siblings were reluctant, but soon accepted Dahlia!
"He was her Alpha and her protector. Her end and her beginning. Her torment and her greatest pleasure."
Their Happiness had my heart soaring, It was pure & beautiful, They grew closer, & the sexy times were Fiery. Her Visions gave her (& us) an insight to everything Nik endured for his Family's well being. I fell for Nik & Dahlia so hard!
"With Dahlia, he was reborn. Freed. Unburdened. He was content. That had to be enough. It was more, in fact, than anyone had ever given him before."
But Dangers & Attacks are growing.. Only showing the truth of that fated night can save them, Now She even wanted to help him BUT he finds that the truth may hurt her..So he refuses the help he wanted so much earlier.
"I don’t see you as a monster anymore. Far from it....I see an Alpha who is brave and selfless and fierce. A fated mate who has brought me joy and laughter, and shown me a power within myself I had no idea existed."
And When Danger comes too close, He chooses her & their family over vengeance.
"His omega was different. She was goodness and light. Too fucking perfect for the likes of him. Yet he loved her with every dark, twisted piece of his soul....The fated-mate bond wasn't a trap. It had set him free."
The Depth of his feelings broke the last restraint within her. She shows everyone that She's powerful, not Weak as many thought of omegas. Cue Heart-racing Scenes..
"He’d considered her needs over his, and rather than using her for his own agenda, as was his initial plan, he’d done the exact opposite. He’d chosen her life over his...He was a true Alpha...He was her leader, her master, her mate, her treasure, and her love."
And at last, Heart-aching Twist happens & Surprising truths are found. Her vision saves Them all *Happy Tears*. And the True Villain here, who's actually just someone's pawn in the greater schemes, is found! *Fist-pump!*
The ending's beautiful, the love, belief & respect Nik has for Dahlia makes me so happy! Now the other crime bosses owe her *Snicker*.
The epilogue & Bonus Epilogue were Fun, Sexy & Gorgeous! (I loved seeing Nikolai & Dahlia's HEA!)
I can't wait for Maxheim's (2nd Skolov brother) story & see where this series takes us, hope to get clues about the Real Mastermind & Their endgame!
**ARC Received for a Honest Review.**
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April 22, 2024
Steamy alien mafia omegaverse romance!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😊😅🥹😟🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration
The Hero: Nikolai Skolov - he was born an alpha like his farther before him. His father was a small-time criminal in the Galaxy but a pretty big one on the frozen planet where they lived, until Olin Lundin, the alpha of the Lundin family came to their planet, killed his father and took his mother as one of his harem of omega’s and took their home as his base. Nikolai was just a teen, but was in charge of his siblings, they lived in a sewer drain and worked for his greatest enemy. Until Olin Lundin killed his mother, another leader of the brotherhood and his twin baby siblings and started a fire in his former home. He planned revenge against Lundin.
The heroine: Dahlia Lundin - she met Nikolai when she was young. She was an omega and hero worshipped him after he brought her gift to the surface. She was able to see the past and show it to others. The one time her gift ever worked was when she touched him. She didn’t know why it worked at that time and never again. She had been mistreated by her father and was seen only for what she could be used for. She was an omega, meant to be submissive to an Alpha and would only be useful to her father as a tool to make a deal with another brotherhood boss.
The Story: Nikolai knew as soon as he first met Dahlia that she was his fated mate. Fated mates were almost unheard of in this time, and though they make the alpha look weak, he knew he would someday have her as his own. For the next sixteen years, he built up himself, his family and his world until he was one of the most successful bosses in the brotherhood. He owned all the many debts of the Olin Lundin and used his leverage to get Dahlia. Nikolai also brought charges against Olin Lundin for the murder of another boss of the brotherhood, the one law the brotherhood upholds. Though he needs Dahlia’s gift to be able to prove what her father did that day. Her gift was dormant, and he had to find a way to make it active again.
This was my first book about an omegaverse. Where the alphas are in charge and ultra dominant. Betas are used as servants for the alphas, and omegas are submissive. Whenever an alpha asserts their dominance on an omega, her nature will not allow her to defy the orders. The omegaverse and the mafia world they live in was pretty complicated and there were a lot of players mentioned in the beginning of this book. Though the story was a good one and I really wanted Nikolai to get his revenge agains Dahlia’s father who was cruel, selfish and sadistic.
I liked the fact that Dahlia found ways to assert her independence despite being an omega and the fact that her nature forced her to be submissive at times and follow orders that Nikolai gave her, especially in bed. This book was super steamy and all about male dominance and superiority. It seemed that all alphas were men, all omegas were female, and betas could be either, though they were pretty much the servant class. So, the omegas had no control over their lives at all, which pisses me off to no end, but is certainly hot in the steamy scenes. There were a ton of steamy intimate scenes. It seems when an alpha finds his fated mate, he thinks about little else but the kinky things he can do to her and they do them more often than not, wherever they happen to be at the time, which is often to the frustration of Nikolai’s family.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via duet narration and was narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter. They are two of the best narrators and I love that this was done in duet narration. Jason has a deep gravelly voice which is perfect for a mafia boss, and he is fantastic at dirty talk, which I love. Stella has a soft but clear voice which is very pleasant, and she sounds age appropriate for Dahlia. I really like her voice as well and the narration was terrific.
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The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💙❤️💚💜
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📘📙
World building: 🌏🌍🌏🌍🌎
Character development: 😊😅🥹😟🥰
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Duet Narration
The Hero: Nikolai Skolov - he was born an alpha like his farther before him. His father was a small-time criminal in the Galaxy but a pretty big one on the frozen planet where they lived, until Olin Lundin, the alpha of the Lundin family came to their planet, killed his father and took his mother as one of his harem of omega’s and took their home as his base. Nikolai was just a teen, but was in charge of his siblings, they lived in a sewer drain and worked for his greatest enemy. Until Olin Lundin killed his mother, another leader of the brotherhood and his twin baby siblings and started a fire in his former home. He planned revenge against Lundin.
The heroine: Dahlia Lundin - she met Nikolai when she was young. She was an omega and hero worshipped him after he brought her gift to the surface. She was able to see the past and show it to others. The one time her gift ever worked was when she touched him. She didn’t know why it worked at that time and never again. She had been mistreated by her father and was seen only for what she could be used for. She was an omega, meant to be submissive to an Alpha and would only be useful to her father as a tool to make a deal with another brotherhood boss.
The Story: Nikolai knew as soon as he first met Dahlia that she was his fated mate. Fated mates were almost unheard of in this time, and though they make the alpha look weak, he knew he would someday have her as his own. For the next sixteen years, he built up himself, his family and his world until he was one of the most successful bosses in the brotherhood. He owned all the many debts of the Olin Lundin and used his leverage to get Dahlia. Nikolai also brought charges against Olin Lundin for the murder of another boss of the brotherhood, the one law the brotherhood upholds. Though he needs Dahlia’s gift to be able to prove what her father did that day. Her gift was dormant, and he had to find a way to make it active again.
This was my first book about an omegaverse. Where the alphas are in charge and ultra dominant. Betas are used as servants for the alphas, and omegas are submissive. Whenever an alpha asserts their dominance on an omega, her nature will not allow her to defy the orders. The omegaverse and the mafia world they live in was pretty complicated and there were a lot of players mentioned in the beginning of this book. Though the story was a good one and I really wanted Nikolai to get his revenge agains Dahlia’s father who was cruel, selfish and sadistic.
I liked the fact that Dahlia found ways to assert her independence despite being an omega and the fact that her nature forced her to be submissive at times and follow orders that Nikolai gave her, especially in bed. This book was super steamy and all about male dominance and superiority. It seemed that all alphas were men, all omegas were female, and betas could be either, though they were pretty much the servant class. So, the omegas had no control over their lives at all, which pisses me off to no end, but is certainly hot in the steamy scenes. There were a ton of steamy intimate scenes. It seems when an alpha finds his fated mate, he thinks about little else but the kinky things he can do to her and they do them more often than not, wherever they happen to be at the time, which is often to the frustration of Nikolai’s family.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via duet narration and was narrated by Jason Clarke and Stella Hunter. They are two of the best narrators and I love that this was done in duet narration. Jason has a deep gravelly voice which is perfect for a mafia boss, and he is fantastic at dirty talk, which I love. Stella has a soft but clear voice which is very pleasant, and she sounds age appropriate for Dahlia. I really like her voice as well and the narration was terrific.
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December 4, 2021
DNF 55% because I got tired of the author trying to set up for her future books in the series. I don’t give a shit about the 4 siblings who will be in the future books. If the book I bought is good, then I will read the other books naturally, please keep the focus on the plot and the 2 MCs. sigh. Speaking of plot, the book dragged.
So what’s this about?
Spaceship Omegaverse mafia Romeo and Juliet. I was intrigued.
Add in childhood friendship, pining away for each other for 15 years, crazy J/P H, fated mates, and author who can actually write, steamy AF smut scenes, hot dirty talk and I thought this would be a solid 4/5 stars book. I was wrong…I got bored because the plot went no where after an amazing start.
Spoilers
Her father is a powerful mafia boss, and he’s pure evil. He’s holding her sister and mom hostage to keep the h in line.
When the H was 13, her dad came to his planet and killed his father, then took his wife for his mistress and ends up killing her and 2 of the H siblings few months later.
The H after seeing his twin sibs dead in their crib, took the rest of his brothers and sisters and raised them on the streets before becoming a powerful mafia guy himself.
The story starts:
Her father owes the H lots of $$, but is unable to pay the debt, so he gives the h away in exchange. For 15 yrs, he’s been trying to find a way to get the h because she’s MINE and to avenge his family. So after he collect the h from the evil dad, they have lots of hot nasty sex - the good kind (dub con but she’s in heat like always)….
Or he’s trying to get her to use her omega gift of showing past memories. He needs evidence of her dad murdering some mob guy so he can put him away and her gift is needed but she’s resisting. He wants to help but she has to protect her mom and sister who’s still with her evil dad.
So half the book where I DNF, is them having sex and him trying to make her use her gift…so expect lots of annoying AF flashbacks of their past, and you get to learn about all his family members for their future books.
I hate flashbacks…
The writing is excellent. I’m shocked I never heard of this author but I hated how the story didn’t move, there was not enough angst, drama or something to keep my interest.. I don’t read romance just for sex.
4 stars for the writing
2 stars for the plot that went no where.
Pros
Beautiful, strong vulnerable h.
Strong, obsessed jealous possessive alpha H, who grew up tortured and abused to protect his family.
The authors writing style was just 💕.
The smut was hot!🥵
🚩Safety
This is not going to be helpful since I only read half the book, but he said he thought of her when he was with other omegas while he was away from her.
They met when he was 13. Apart for 15 yrs. He knew h was his fated mate at 13, so unlike other mafia guys, he didn’t have a harem.
The h was a virgin.
Dub con
People said this was dark? Lol I must be so warped because I didn’t find this dark at all.
So what’s this about?
Spaceship Omegaverse mafia Romeo and Juliet. I was intrigued.
Add in childhood friendship, pining away for each other for 15 years, crazy J/P H, fated mates, and author who can actually write, steamy AF smut scenes, hot dirty talk and I thought this would be a solid 4/5 stars book. I was wrong…I got bored because the plot went no where after an amazing start.
Spoilers
Her father is a powerful mafia boss, and he’s pure evil. He’s holding her sister and mom hostage to keep the h in line.
When the H was 13, her dad came to his planet and killed his father, then took his wife for his mistress and ends up killing her and 2 of the H siblings few months later.
The H after seeing his twin sibs dead in their crib, took the rest of his brothers and sisters and raised them on the streets before becoming a powerful mafia guy himself.
The story starts:
Her father owes the H lots of $$, but is unable to pay the debt, so he gives the h away in exchange. For 15 yrs, he’s been trying to find a way to get the h because she’s MINE and to avenge his family. So after he collect the h from the evil dad, they have lots of hot nasty sex - the good kind (dub con but she’s in heat like always)….
Or he’s trying to get her to use her omega gift of showing past memories. He needs evidence of her dad murdering some mob guy so he can put him away and her gift is needed but she’s resisting. He wants to help but she has to protect her mom and sister who’s still with her evil dad.
So half the book where I DNF, is them having sex and him trying to make her use her gift…so expect lots of annoying AF flashbacks of their past, and you get to learn about all his family members for their future books.
I hate flashbacks…
The writing is excellent. I’m shocked I never heard of this author but I hated how the story didn’t move, there was not enough angst, drama or something to keep my interest.. I don’t read romance just for sex.
4 stars for the writing
2 stars for the plot that went no where.
Pros
Beautiful, strong vulnerable h.
Strong, obsessed jealous possessive alpha H, who grew up tortured and abused to protect his family.
The authors writing style was just 💕.
The smut was hot!🥵
🚩Safety
This is not going to be helpful since I only read half the book, but he said he thought of her when he was with other omegas while he was away from her.
They met when he was 13. Apart for 15 yrs. He knew h was his fated mate at 13, so unlike other mafia guys, he didn’t have a harem.
The h was a virgin.
Dub con
People said this was dark? Lol I must be so warped because I didn’t find this dark at all.
March 25, 2022
*3.75* I liked it, no wimpy alphas here!
Alphas dominated while betas served, and omegas submitted.Nikolai and Dahlia have such a wonderful dynamic.
"Love is too weak a word for what I feel for you."While Nikolai annoyed me a few times with his ott behavior, he's survived the only way he knows how. Dahlia is a wonderful h, strong but unable to fight the biological pull to Alpha Nikolai. A perfect escape-the-real-world read!
April 14, 2021
Omegaverse in space 💫🌌 sprinkled with mafia vibes 🔪and throw in a bit of a mystery 🕵️♀️ with fated soul mates👩❤️💋👨= 🥰
Didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as I did. Well written, fast paced and MCs that you root for (no matter the “miscommunication”).
Looking forward to read more about the other members of the Skolov family.
Didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as I did. Well written, fast paced and MCs that you root for (no matter the “miscommunication”).
Looking forward to read more about the other members of the Skolov family.
January 11, 2021
This book and the MCs were super unexpected. I've always been unsure of this genre and was uncertain if this alpha-omega read would be my cup of tea, my worries were for nothing. I found myself getting lost in the world and MCs Aimes had created, finished this thinking bloody hell I want book two.
Fated mates, organised crime, revenge, a possessive and dark Alpha male, a fab heroine, and murder and intrigue make this one great ride.
I loved Dahlia Lundin - she's a fierce and resilient omega that shows the perceptions of omegas as weak is horribly wrong. Nikolai Skolov is a formidable and uber dominant Alpha, determined to protect his family and make the monster of their childhood pay. Finally getting his hands on his fated mate who happens to be the daughter of his enemy, he has no plans to become an 'Alpha-bitch' consumed by his mate, but what he does not count on is Dahlia, how she makes him feel and what she makes him crave.
Going in my re-read pile.
Warning/Potential Trigger:
Fated mates, organised crime, revenge, a possessive and dark Alpha male, a fab heroine, and murder and intrigue make this one great ride.
I loved Dahlia Lundin - she's a fierce and resilient omega that shows the perceptions of omegas as weak is horribly wrong. Nikolai Skolov is a formidable and uber dominant Alpha, determined to protect his family and make the monster of their childhood pay. Finally getting his hands on his fated mate who happens to be the daughter of his enemy, he has no plans to become an 'Alpha-bitch' consumed by his mate, but what he does not count on is Dahlia, how she makes him feel and what she makes him crave.
Going in my re-read pile.
Warning/Potential Trigger:
January 5, 2021
Holy HOT Alpha!!
Alison is an amazingly talented writer. She has once again WOWed me with her masterfully penned story in the Omegaverse world with the sexiest of Alphas and the most beautiful omegas who are just a tad bit on the defiant side. Which makes the Alphas a little more aggressive. But is that really such a bad thing? *heart eyes*
Ms. Aimes created a world that felt so real, with rich and vivid descriptions, I swear I was watching a movie play out in front of me.
This well-written story was full of powerful moments that made my heart beat faster, and fantasize about being a certain red-skinned, horned Alpha’s obedient omega. It made me want to purr. I would submit and beg in a heartbeat if I had an Alpha like Nikolai.
You know those heroes we love that are all jealous and possessive and growly and protective? Yeah, that’s Nikolai. And you guys...he literally growls.
All.
The.
Time.
And that makes Dahlia shiver and tingle and swoon...among other things. And you guys...it made ME shiver and tingle and swoon, too.
Big ol’ growly, possessive Alpha?
YES. PLEASE.
And the feels...they were everywhere in this story! Pretty much every page was filled with something that made me feel way deep down inside. With every turn of the page I was feeling one emotion or another...pain or passion or love or heartache or anger or tingles or fear or happiness...there was always something. This story has it all.
I could feel the power, I could hear those growls, I could feel that bond.
Is there anything hotter than a strong, possessive, protective alpha who is brought to his knees by an omega that he loves with all his heart and would die for?! GEEZ. These two were FIRE. The connection and chemistry and intoxicating passion between them made my Kindle sizzle.
I was ready for the dark and gritty.
I was ready to devour.
But I was not ready for my heart to be stolen. But that’s okay, Nikolai can have it.
I absolutely loved this fabulously written Sci-Fi romance with tons of dark and delicious alpha goodness.
It was intense.
It was intoxicating.
It was scorching and sexy and utterly filthy.
It was UNPUTDOWNABLE.
And the best part? It rocked my fucking socks off. I love when that happens.
Alison is an amazingly talented writer. She has once again WOWed me with her masterfully penned story in the Omegaverse world with the sexiest of Alphas and the most beautiful omegas who are just a tad bit on the defiant side. Which makes the Alphas a little more aggressive. But is that really such a bad thing? *heart eyes*
Ms. Aimes created a world that felt so real, with rich and vivid descriptions, I swear I was watching a movie play out in front of me.
This well-written story was full of powerful moments that made my heart beat faster, and fantasize about being a certain red-skinned, horned Alpha’s obedient omega. It made me want to purr. I would submit and beg in a heartbeat if I had an Alpha like Nikolai.
You know those heroes we love that are all jealous and possessive and growly and protective? Yeah, that’s Nikolai. And you guys...he literally growls.
All.
The.
Time.
And that makes Dahlia shiver and tingle and swoon...among other things. And you guys...it made ME shiver and tingle and swoon, too.
Big ol’ growly, possessive Alpha?
YES. PLEASE.
And the feels...they were everywhere in this story! Pretty much every page was filled with something that made me feel way deep down inside. With every turn of the page I was feeling one emotion or another...pain or passion or love or heartache or anger or tingles or fear or happiness...there was always something. This story has it all.
I could feel the power, I could hear those growls, I could feel that bond.
Is there anything hotter than a strong, possessive, protective alpha who is brought to his knees by an omega that he loves with all his heart and would die for?! GEEZ. These two were FIRE. The connection and chemistry and intoxicating passion between them made my Kindle sizzle.
I was ready for the dark and gritty.
I was ready to devour.
But I was not ready for my heart to be stolen. But that’s okay, Nikolai can have it.
I absolutely loved this fabulously written Sci-Fi romance with tons of dark and delicious alpha goodness.
It was intense.
It was intoxicating.
It was scorching and sexy and utterly filthy.
It was UNPUTDOWNABLE.
And the best part? It rocked my fucking socks off. I love when that happens.
dnf
April 19, 2022DNF @ 65% - I liked most of the first half - I love Omegaverse, and this did a good job of not cleaning it up too much with Political Correctness (at first) … but then this just simply ran out of steam. The romance between the MCs has basically been resolved at 50%… now it’s all about the drama between families and family members and I’m super bored. The sex is repetitive and getting annoying with its emphasis on consent and equality. That’s not why I’m reading Omegaverse. 😬😅 Once the MCs are basically mooning over each other with heart eyes and running through fields of daisies, holding hands, I’m ready to wrap it up. 🤷🏼♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
This book is a little wordy for an omega book. The omegas have powers that are activated to serve their alphas. If they don't have these powers, they are not of the ruling class and can be cast aside to the whorehouses. The alphas are part of the alpha brotherhood and they must follow their rules. I felt that there was just too much politics and unnecessary mumble jumbo history but it's still a pretty decent omega book.
"Olan Lundin", his nemesis, sounds a lot like "Oli London" and I couldn't get that image out of my head. lol
This alpha has red skin and horns... Yeah, a bit of a turn off don't you think? lol Let's just pretend he is human instead.
February 17, 2021
OMG! This Book Will Burn You!
The first thing you have to do is to put aside your thoughts that these creatures are human. They are not. They are alien and primal beasts. They function on pure animal instict with all the trappings of a civilization but violent, territorial, and sexual.
There world is ice and cold and brutal... as are the males
The Alphas are cruel, vicious, mean, violent, aggressive, and possessive, and very Ruthless. This is Nikolai Skolov.
And his newest possession is Dalhia Lundin. The daughter of his greatest enemy. She is his obsession.
The Omega’s are born to bend to the will of the Alpha. They have no power to resist the call to submit and give their body to their Alpha. They are born to serve, to be knotted, to be bred. That is their lot in life.
Wow! That is a lot to process. And to wrap your mind around. I’m pretty stubborn. I have a mind of my own. I don’t like to be bossed around. At the same time, I can relate to Dalhia. It’s all instinctual. It’s chemical and sexual. And you are helpless.
I went in certain that I was going to hate the hero, Nikolai Skolov . But... He’s complicated. He’s shaped by all that he has lived through. He’s made himself Alpha for his family. For his woman. For his people. I thought I would really dislike him. But I fell in love with him. How could I resist? He is Alpha. He is everything. He has a tender heart. He has a soul that has been hurt, and beaten, and left alone for too long. He is wonderful.
Dalhia is kindhearted and sweet and good. Too good for the violent world she lives in. Too good for the violent man who would own her heart and her soul. She is naive and trusting of family that would use her for their own goals. She fell in love long ago with a handsome boy who needed her help. She never stopped loving him. She is stronger than she knows. She has steel in her soul. She can endure for the ones she loves. Her love finally sets Nikolai free. She calms him, sooths him, excites him, and submits to his every command.
This book will make your panties melt! This book is scorching. This book makes me obsessive about the characters and the world and I want more!
Alison Aimes sends her readers into a hot, sexy, new world... and I want more!
The first thing you have to do is to put aside your thoughts that these creatures are human. They are not. They are alien and primal beasts. They function on pure animal instict with all the trappings of a civilization but violent, territorial, and sexual.
There world is ice and cold and brutal... as are the males
The Alphas are cruel, vicious, mean, violent, aggressive, and possessive, and very Ruthless. This is Nikolai Skolov.
And his newest possession is Dalhia Lundin. The daughter of his greatest enemy. She is his obsession.
The Omega’s are born to bend to the will of the Alpha. They have no power to resist the call to submit and give their body to their Alpha. They are born to serve, to be knotted, to be bred. That is their lot in life.
Wow! That is a lot to process. And to wrap your mind around. I’m pretty stubborn. I have a mind of my own. I don’t like to be bossed around. At the same time, I can relate to Dalhia. It’s all instinctual. It’s chemical and sexual. And you are helpless.
I went in certain that I was going to hate the hero, Nikolai Skolov . But... He’s complicated. He’s shaped by all that he has lived through. He’s made himself Alpha for his family. For his woman. For his people. I thought I would really dislike him. But I fell in love with him. How could I resist? He is Alpha. He is everything. He has a tender heart. He has a soul that has been hurt, and beaten, and left alone for too long. He is wonderful.
Dalhia is kindhearted and sweet and good. Too good for the violent world she lives in. Too good for the violent man who would own her heart and her soul. She is naive and trusting of family that would use her for their own goals. She fell in love long ago with a handsome boy who needed her help. She never stopped loving him. She is stronger than she knows. She has steel in her soul. She can endure for the ones she loves. Her love finally sets Nikolai free. She calms him, sooths him, excites him, and submits to his every command.
This book will make your panties melt! This book is scorching. This book makes me obsessive about the characters and the world and I want more!
Alison Aimes sends her readers into a hot, sexy, new world... and I want more!
March 8, 2024
to quote the author, my reading experience was “indescribable pleasure and unbearable shame”
🛸🪢🧊🔺
She is prime omega with an awful father and a forgotten Omega gift. He is the enemy Alpha & the crime boss of the Skolov syndicate. Nikolai and Dahlia embark on a tumultuous path of self discovery, betrayal and of course plenty of knots 🪢 extra spicy fated mates!!
Nikolai
-eldest of 7 siblings
-leader & Alpha crime boss leader
-looking for his childhood sweetheart 💕
-emotionally intelligent & available (AMEN!!)
-fiercely protective
-has a knot!
Dahlia
-gifted Omega with special powers
-imprisoned by daddy dearest!
-recently acquired a fated mate
-super loyal!
✨🪐💖🚀
THIS IS THE YEAR OF OMEGAVERSE AND I’M LOVING IT! I was absolutely FEENKING for the premise of this book. Omega’s special gifts only manifest if she finds her Alpha mate but in order for Alphas to use the gifts the Omega must like him. 💖 The only way to power omega’s gift is through her happiness and contentment!! ✨ so in this one Alphas have to know how to make their mates happy AND SATISFIED!!
”I’m going to fuck you so hard I leave an imprint on your soul. One that will make it impossible for you to simply throw yourself away without thinking of me.”
🚨My new fav trope: barely leashed Alpha crime boss trying his hardest to make his omega happy
“What I feel for you is timeless. Vast. Infinite. It is past, present, and future. It is need and rage and pain and lust. It is every dirty sin, every ruthless act, every brief flicker of goodness and light in me. It is all for you. It has always been for you.” i mean how can i not die reading this 💀
I mean spice is off the charts BUT THE PLOT is great too! Very unpredictable and makes me want to immediately pick up the next book in the series.
omegaverse
forced proximity 👯
sweet but terrifying mmc
body betrayal
virgin fmc
dub con encounters
fated mates ✨
found family
HEA
🛸🪢🧊🔺
She is prime omega with an awful father and a forgotten Omega gift. He is the enemy Alpha & the crime boss of the Skolov syndicate. Nikolai and Dahlia embark on a tumultuous path of self discovery, betrayal and of course plenty of knots 🪢 extra spicy fated mates!!
Nikolai
-eldest of 7 siblings
-leader & Alpha crime boss leader
-looking for his childhood sweetheart 💕
-emotionally intelligent & available (AMEN!!)
-fiercely protective
-has a knot!
Dahlia
-gifted Omega with special powers
-imprisoned by daddy dearest!
-recently acquired a fated mate
-super loyal!
✨🪐💖🚀
THIS IS THE YEAR OF OMEGAVERSE AND I’M LOVING IT! I was absolutely FEENKING for the premise of this book. Omega’s special gifts only manifest if she finds her Alpha mate but in order for Alphas to use the gifts the Omega must like him. 💖 The only way to power omega’s gift is through her happiness and contentment!! ✨ so in this one Alphas have to know how to make their mates happy AND SATISFIED!!
”I’m going to fuck you so hard I leave an imprint on your soul. One that will make it impossible for you to simply throw yourself away without thinking of me.”
🚨My new fav trope: barely leashed Alpha crime boss trying his hardest to make his omega happy
“What I feel for you is timeless. Vast. Infinite. It is past, present, and future. It is need and rage and pain and lust. It is every dirty sin, every ruthless act, every brief flicker of goodness and light in me. It is all for you. It has always been for you.” i mean how can i not die reading this 💀
I mean spice is off the charts BUT THE PLOT is great too! Very unpredictable and makes me want to immediately pick up the next book in the series.
omegaverse
forced proximity 👯
sweet but terrifying mmc
body betrayal
virgin fmc
dub con encounters
fated mates ✨
found family
HEA
January 29, 2021
4.75 Smutty Omegaverse Light Stars!
This is the first book in Aimes' Mafia Omegaverse series and I really loved this story about Nikolai and Dahlia. I'm always hesitant to pick up an Omegaverse because some are entirely too dark for me. But I would classify this as light with just the right amount of heat.
Nikolai and Dahlia meet at a young age and recognize what they are to each other - fated mates. However, due to the circumstances of their families and their age, they part ways but not before Nikolai says he will be back for her one day.
Several years later, Dahlia has suffered and grown up feeling like a pawn within the world her father is a part of and with no control over her future. She despises her omega nature and wants to be free. Free to make her own choices and save her sister the fate of also being a pawn. It quickly becomes clear to Dahlia that her father owes money to Nikolai (who has risen high in power) and ends up as payment for his debts, becoming the property of Nikolai. There is a long standing fued between Nikolai and her father and he plans to have and keep her, as well as use her gift (the sight) to bring justice to his family.
However, Nikolai quickly realizes that having a fated mate proves to be much different than he was expecting and their relationship can either make their bond strong and resilient or crumble and ruin them. It's evident to both of them that their fated mate bond can be a strength in their fight against Dahlia's father and their quest to find out who is behind some nefarious actions should they choose to nurture it. But the matter of trusting one another is more difficult than either one of them expected.
Without giving too much away, the suspense and action revolving around their budding relationship is exciting and very well written. I was only annoyed a few times at Nikolai for being so stubborn which is where my rating came from. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen and I truly enjoyed the twists and turns.
Dahlia was such a great heroine. I loved that she was strong in her own way and really shined by the end. She was kind, loyal, compassionate, persevering and tender-hearted. I also loved Nikolai's siblings and I'm interested in their stories.
What I loved most about Nikolai is that he recognized Dahlia's worth and strived to make her see that as well. Nikolai taught her that the lioness does not try to be the lion. A lioness embraces her role as the lioness. He helps her to see that she is powerful and strong and should never mistake her meekness for weakness. He was such a typical alpha but so swoon worthy. I loved his controlling and possessive nature and his almost teddy bear change in character with Dahlia.
Overall, a great read with a wonderful ending that left me smiling and rooting for this couple.
This is the first book in Aimes' Mafia Omegaverse series and I really loved this story about Nikolai and Dahlia. I'm always hesitant to pick up an Omegaverse because some are entirely too dark for me. But I would classify this as light with just the right amount of heat.
Nikolai and Dahlia meet at a young age and recognize what they are to each other - fated mates. However, due to the circumstances of their families and their age, they part ways but not before Nikolai says he will be back for her one day.
Several years later, Dahlia has suffered and grown up feeling like a pawn within the world her father is a part of and with no control over her future. She despises her omega nature and wants to be free. Free to make her own choices and save her sister the fate of also being a pawn. It quickly becomes clear to Dahlia that her father owes money to Nikolai (who has risen high in power) and ends up as payment for his debts, becoming the property of Nikolai. There is a long standing fued between Nikolai and her father and he plans to have and keep her, as well as use her gift (the sight) to bring justice to his family.
However, Nikolai quickly realizes that having a fated mate proves to be much different than he was expecting and their relationship can either make their bond strong and resilient or crumble and ruin them. It's evident to both of them that their fated mate bond can be a strength in their fight against Dahlia's father and their quest to find out who is behind some nefarious actions should they choose to nurture it. But the matter of trusting one another is more difficult than either one of them expected.
Without giving too much away, the suspense and action revolving around their budding relationship is exciting and very well written. I was only annoyed a few times at Nikolai for being so stubborn which is where my rating came from. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen and I truly enjoyed the twists and turns.
Dahlia was such a great heroine. I loved that she was strong in her own way and really shined by the end. She was kind, loyal, compassionate, persevering and tender-hearted. I also loved Nikolai's siblings and I'm interested in their stories.
What I loved most about Nikolai is that he recognized Dahlia's worth and strived to make her see that as well. Nikolai taught her that the lioness does not try to be the lion. A lioness embraces her role as the lioness. He helps her to see that she is powerful and strong and should never mistake her meekness for weakness. He was such a typical alpha but so swoon worthy. I loved his controlling and possessive nature and his almost teddy bear change in character with Dahlia.
Overall, a great read with a wonderful ending that left me smiling and rooting for this couple.
Want to read
January 5, 2021This book is a combination of my two favorite themes: mafia and Omegaverse. The writing was excellent, as was the plot. I liked how the Alpha/Omega roles were explored and I especially loved how the h and H fought each other in the first half of the book. My one complaint was that it would have been nice if the H stayed celibate while waiting for the h instead of getting plenty of action. I still think the book deserves five stars though, it was written so well and kept me hooked to the end. The twist at the end was one I did not see coming. There was plenty of action and suspense and the sex scenes were ultra hot. I can't wait to see what's to come with the brothers' books too, especially after reading that bonus epilogue!
December 6, 2024
Another one I read well before the holiday, so this isn’t the freshest. It’s a unique/odd world that wasn’t totally fleshed out, but it sounded like there are different alien species (maybe) that form some sort of mobster committee of crime lords. I’m not sure if they’re all alphas, but many of them are and they have stables of Omegas with a Prime Omega that (I think) he has his kids with. As common in most Omegaverse reads, the alphas are on top with all the power and the omegas are on the bottom and largely controlled by their body responses. She will eventually “tame” her alpha, but it takes a while. So, FYI if that isn’t you’re thing.
Nikolai met Dahlia when they were kids when he was in a desperate situation with his siblings. The two knew they had a connection, and he vowed to return for her. The book opens many years later with him fulfilling that pledge. Within the first few chapters, we learn which is very rare, but not surprising with what we had been told and shown up to that point.
The rest is a lot of smut and some tension because Nikolai wants Dahlia to use her Omega gift to help him finally get his revenge on her abusive, murdering father which she is resistant to. At first this made sense because she was trying to protect her sister, but I started to lose patience with her after he resolved that for her, and she still continued to be obstinate.
My biggest grump was how long the push pull went on. I prefer it when my H and h work as a team against the baddies rather than battling each other, and this dynamic started to drag at times. Dahlia waffling for her abusive family that has treated her like crap and Nikolai being an ass because he’s pissed that she’s prioritizing her terrible family. On and on… blah blah blah. With loads of BBS and sex.
Bottom Line- I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I thought it ran too long for a book heavily smut based, and Dahlia REALLY pushed my patience with her dumb devotion to assholes. I thought the twist was fairly obvious and guessed correctly mid-book.
It looks like the next book will follow the same formula, another omega that is torn between her fated mate that has 100% been wronged by her evil family or friends (in this case murdered H’s mother and kidnaped his siblings) and her waffling between loyalties… no thanks.
Safety- Unlike most of the Alpha crime heads, he had no stable of omegas, indentured or otherwise, and no long line of official offspring or bastards, either. At age twenty-eight, that was almost unheard of. He fucked when he needed release, but until now he’d never had an omega of his own. He’d known, after meeting her, no one else would do.
Nikolai met Dahlia when they were kids when he was in a desperate situation with his siblings. The two knew they had a connection, and he vowed to return for her. The book opens many years later with him fulfilling that pledge. Within the first few chapters, we learn which is very rare, but not surprising with what we had been told and shown up to that point.
The rest is a lot of smut and some tension because Nikolai wants Dahlia to use her Omega gift to help him finally get his revenge on her abusive, murdering father which she is resistant to. At first this made sense because she was trying to protect her sister, but I started to lose patience with her after he resolved that for her, and she still continued to be obstinate.
My biggest grump was how long the push pull went on. I prefer it when my H and h work as a team against the baddies rather than battling each other, and this dynamic started to drag at times. Dahlia waffling for her abusive family that has treated her like crap and Nikolai being an ass because he’s pissed that she’s prioritizing her terrible family. On and on… blah blah blah. With loads of BBS and sex.
Bottom Line- I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I thought it ran too long for a book heavily smut based, and Dahlia REALLY pushed my patience with her dumb devotion to assholes. I thought the twist was fairly obvious and guessed correctly mid-book.
It looks like the next book will follow the same formula, another omega that is torn between her fated mate that has 100% been wronged by her evil family or friends (in this case murdered H’s mother and kidnaped his siblings) and her waffling between loyalties… no thanks.
Safety- Unlike most of the Alpha crime heads, he had no stable of omegas, indentured or otherwise, and no long line of official offspring or bastards, either. At age twenty-eight, that was almost unheard of. He fucked when he needed release, but until now he’d never had an omega of his own. He’d known, after meeting her, no one else would do.
January 2, 2021
A great start to the series!!! Nikolai and Dahlia's story was more than Alpha and Omega!
******
Rating: 4 Stars
Steam: 4 flames
Genre: Sci-fi / Alien / Omegaverse / Fated Mates
******
Nikolai, the Ruthless King, Alpha. He has suffered and sacrificed for years to protect his family and get to where he is now. There is only one thing missing. Taking the Omega daughter from the man that ruined his childhood.
Dahlia, sassy, strong, Omega. She has suffered at the hands of her Prime Omega mother and Alpha Father. Her father has lost some wagers and in order to pay his debt, he is giving Dahlia to his debt holder. Is it worse to be at home and confined to the house and treated like dirt or given away to an unknown Alpha...or is he unknown?
This book was filled with betrayal, deceit, darkness, danger, and determination. Both Nikolai and Dahlia are trying to protect themselves, but should they be protecting themselves from each other, or are their outside influences that are much more dangerous.
There were twists, turns, steam, intrigue, romance, and growth between the two characters. These two definitely grew! Ruthless King had a fantastic story that kept me engaged well into the night. I read this in one sitting because I was so enthralled I couldn't put it down. I just knew there was something going on, but just couldn't put my finger on it. It was suspenseful and did I mention steamy?
As one of the only Omegaverse books I have ever read, and only my second book by Alison Aimes I was pleased with the writing, story, characters, and I am a sucker for fated mates. I will definitely keep reading this series. Also, DO NOT FORGOT TO DOWNLOAD THE BONUS EPILOGUE it will give you insight into the next book and it was great! I look forward to more Ruthless Warlords and can't wait for book 2!
This gets a big thumbs up recommendation from me!
******
Rating: 4 Stars
Steam: 4 flames
Genre: Sci-fi / Alien / Omegaverse / Fated Mates
******
Nikolai, the Ruthless King, Alpha. He has suffered and sacrificed for years to protect his family and get to where he is now. There is only one thing missing. Taking the Omega daughter from the man that ruined his childhood.
Dahlia, sassy, strong, Omega. She has suffered at the hands of her Prime Omega mother and Alpha Father. Her father has lost some wagers and in order to pay his debt, he is giving Dahlia to his debt holder. Is it worse to be at home and confined to the house and treated like dirt or given away to an unknown Alpha...or is he unknown?
This book was filled with betrayal, deceit, darkness, danger, and determination. Both Nikolai and Dahlia are trying to protect themselves, but should they be protecting themselves from each other, or are their outside influences that are much more dangerous.
There were twists, turns, steam, intrigue, romance, and growth between the two characters. These two definitely grew! Ruthless King had a fantastic story that kept me engaged well into the night. I read this in one sitting because I was so enthralled I couldn't put it down. I just knew there was something going on, but just couldn't put my finger on it. It was suspenseful and did I mention steamy?
As one of the only Omegaverse books I have ever read, and only my second book by Alison Aimes I was pleased with the writing, story, characters, and I am a sucker for fated mates. I will definitely keep reading this series. Also, DO NOT FORGOT TO DOWNLOAD THE BONUS EPILOGUE it will give you insight into the next book and it was great! I look forward to more Ruthless Warlords and can't wait for book 2!
This gets a big thumbs up recommendation from me!
July 26, 2023
3.5 stars
April 15, 2021
This is the first in the author's Omegaverse/Sci-Fi/Mafia series centering on five siblings, their efforts to avenge childhood tragedies, and the partners they meet along the way. While it's a standalone in terms of the MC, certain lines of action will continue in subsequent books. While this has "dark" moments (the H's memories of past traumas), he doesn't harm his Omega. Side Note: In terms of genre, I don't understand the difference between "Fated Mates" and "Omegaverse;" I realize that the former can apply to other sub-genres, such as "Shifter."
Here, we get family head Alpha Nikolai and his efforts to indict the rival mob boss he thinks killed members of his family. Part of his revenge plan includes taking the latter's Omega daughter, Dahlia, rumored to have the gift of second sight that will enable Nikolai to finally prove her father's guilt. If he starts to have feelings for her, well, that's not going to deter him -- or will it?
I enjoyed and highly recommend this book, and will be reading the rest of the series. Five aspects in particular appealed to me:
1) The worldbuilding is excellent: the geographical, economic, political, and social aspects are defined, detailed, and well-explained.
2) While all the usual Omegaverse tropes exist (heat, knotting), Ms. Aimes' intervention -- each Omega possesses a "gift" similar to an X-Men superpower -- allows Dahlia more agency and power than is usual in this genre. In addition, the "cinematic" nature of Dahlia's sight was an interesting angle. Side Note: Her race's physical characteristics resemble Tokein's elves.
3) The conflict between the couple is seemingly insurmountable since both are loyal to their own families; this creates organic, high-stakes tension.
4) Both were likeable, fully-fleshed out characters with complex backstories, and achieved growth.
5) The prose was well-edited with no errors that I saw and detailed enough without turning into info-dump.
I did have two problems. First, the length is unnecessary: after a while, Nikolai and Dahlia's back-and-forth became repetitious as we heard more than once about his inability to feel and hers to trust. Second, the ending was too stuffed with OTT plot points: . Often authors think that more is "more," when actually it's often "too much," and, ironically, "not enough" since the sheer multitude of events and speed at which they unfold don't allow for development. In this case, for example, given all the story space devoted to Dahlia's father, it felt anti-climactic .
4 stars. While the twist at the end isn't a complete surprise given the hints we're given, it was still clever. I believe we'll get one of the brothers' stories next.
Here, we get family head Alpha Nikolai and his efforts to indict the rival mob boss he thinks killed members of his family. Part of his revenge plan includes taking the latter's Omega daughter, Dahlia, rumored to have the gift of second sight that will enable Nikolai to finally prove her father's guilt. If he starts to have feelings for her, well, that's not going to deter him -- or will it?
I enjoyed and highly recommend this book, and will be reading the rest of the series. Five aspects in particular appealed to me:
1) The worldbuilding is excellent: the geographical, economic, political, and social aspects are defined, detailed, and well-explained.
2) While all the usual Omegaverse tropes exist (heat, knotting), Ms. Aimes' intervention -- each Omega possesses a "gift" similar to an X-Men superpower -- allows Dahlia more agency and power than is usual in this genre. In addition, the "cinematic" nature of Dahlia's sight was an interesting angle. Side Note: Her race's physical characteristics resemble Tokein's elves.
3) The conflict between the couple is seemingly insurmountable since both are loyal to their own families; this creates organic, high-stakes tension.
4) Both were likeable, fully-fleshed out characters with complex backstories, and achieved growth.
5) The prose was well-edited with no errors that I saw and detailed enough without turning into info-dump.
I did have two problems. First, the length is unnecessary: after a while, Nikolai and Dahlia's back-and-forth became repetitious as we heard more than once about his inability to feel and hers to trust. Second, the ending was too stuffed with OTT plot points: . Often authors think that more is "more," when actually it's often "too much," and, ironically, "not enough" since the sheer multitude of events and speed at which they unfold don't allow for development. In this case, for example, given all the story space devoted to Dahlia's father, it felt anti-climactic .
4 stars. While the twist at the end isn't a complete surprise given the hints we're given, it was still clever. I believe we'll get one of the brothers' stories next.
December 28, 2020
Alison Aimes is one of my favorite authors and Ruthless King is now on my top 3 list. While many authors just play around with the concept of an “alpha,” this story takes it to a whole new level of commitment. In this particular book, across the galaxy, beings are either alphas, betas, or omegas, with betas and omegas being the serving class (in different ways). There are other sub-castes, which the book doesn’t go to far into but among the omegas, a female can be a “prime omega” which is an omega of great worth to her “owner.” This is Dahlia. She is a complex being - not an empty-headed waif. My point being that the world building is very good (not that I expected anything else)! The Alpha, Nikolai, was definitely the stuff of fantasy and blended a lot of what we readers love into one being - alpha, strong, commanding, virile, red skinned, horned, knotted, protective, loving, fated... hopefully you get the idea! The love scenes were hot, but the beginning when Dahlia is first on “display” and Nikolai’s reaction really was a fanning moment! :-D
I am SO looking forward to the next book (Alpha has delicious Alpha brothers)!
Put this series on your reading list to toast up on those cold winter nights!
(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.)
I am SO looking forward to the next book (Alpha has delicious Alpha brothers)!
Put this series on your reading list to toast up on those cold winter nights!
(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.)
October 30, 2023
5 stars
While listening to the audiobook I went from thinking “oh, this set up is delicious” to “hmm might dnf” to “omg loved this so much”.
The set up: Dahlia (the FMC) is given to mafia crime boss Nikolai Skolov (the MMC) as payment for a debt owed by her abusive father. And even though Nikolai knows she’s his fated mate, he plans to use her as a pawn against her father. The potential for angsty and soapy drama hooked me almost immediately.
The might dnf moment: this is a dark mafia AND alien omegaverse romance… and what do those have in common? Women and omegas basically have no agency. I find it hard to read that in a romance, especially if the MMC also treats the FMC like property without her own thoughts and feelings.
The omg I loved it so much: I’m so glad I stuck with this book because Dahlia’s agency and power was dealt with in a satisfying way, and Nikolai stayed ruthless throughout the book but towards the end there was no doubt that he put her first.
Loved this so much. Can’t wait to read the next book!
While listening to the audiobook I went from thinking “oh, this set up is delicious” to “hmm might dnf” to “omg loved this so much”.
The set up: Dahlia (the FMC) is given to mafia crime boss Nikolai Skolov (the MMC) as payment for a debt owed by her abusive father. And even though Nikolai knows she’s his fated mate, he plans to use her as a pawn against her father. The potential for angsty and soapy drama hooked me almost immediately.
The might dnf moment: this is a dark mafia AND alien omegaverse romance… and what do those have in common? Women and omegas basically have no agency. I find it hard to read that in a romance, especially if the MMC also treats the FMC like property without her own thoughts and feelings.
The omg I loved it so much: I’m so glad I stuck with this book because Dahlia’s agency and power was dealt with in a satisfying way, and Nikolai stayed ruthless throughout the book but towards the end there was no doubt that he put her first.
Loved this so much. Can’t wait to read the next book!
September 25, 2021
I was 100% honored to obtain an ARC copy of this book. This sexy as f**k sci-fi, Alpha-verse romance is one of my favorite reads of 2020 and my favorite Alison Aimes book by far. It made me smile, bawl my eyes out, wet my panties, growl in anger, and howl in grief. This book clamped me into an emotional rollercoaster car, set the damn thing to "f**k her up", and hit the GO button. Nikolai stole my heart, Dahlia stole my soul, and this first book in the Ruthless Warlords series stole my money for the next few years--take it! Take my money!
That said I LIVE for this book. Gimme more, Alison!
That said I LIVE for this book. Gimme more, Alison!
April 5, 2025
DNF 59%. Couldn’t stand he hero. Or his family. Can’t get behind the whole omegas have no control of their bodies shit. Plus he screws all those omegas after meeting her and KNOWING she’s his fated. Off page but already mentioned several times. I course she’s a v which I understand in this context. Idk why all these authors gotta ruin the mate bond like this every effing time.
Nope. Not for me.
Nope. Not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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