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The Hartwell Sisters Saga #1
Omega's Gambit
A perfectly melded remix of historical and omegaverse romance.
~~ It is a knotty problem, and it will take some slick moves to mate these two together. ~~
London, 1795
Miss Viola Hartwell has one mission: ensure the Omega Property Rights Act becomes law. However, as an omega she is prohibited from participating in politics. Viola refuses to let her dynamic stand in her way and makes the risky decision to masquerade as her alpha twin sister. All she needs to do now is convince the reclusive Duke of Orley to support her cause.
In another part of town, Syon, Duke of Orley, has chosen the widowed Countess of Kellingham as his future bride in a marriage of convenience. But the omega widow refuses to meet any alphas. When the duke's beautiful new secretary offers a unique solution to his problem, he accepts.
What begins as a simple exchange of votes for a bride becomes a dangerous game of illicit desire and temptation.
~~ Omega’s Gambit is a romantic comedy combining genres for a fresh take on the omegaverse set in the late 18th century. ~~
The Hartwell Sisters Saga follows four sisters determined to overcome society's strictures and exceptions. It is set in an alternate history with omegaverse dynamics and a guaranteed HEA. Each book can be read as a standalone, but readers are encouraged to read them in order to avoid spoilers.
~~ It is a knotty problem, and it will take some slick moves to mate these two together. ~~
London, 1795
Miss Viola Hartwell has one mission: ensure the Omega Property Rights Act becomes law. However, as an omega she is prohibited from participating in politics. Viola refuses to let her dynamic stand in her way and makes the risky decision to masquerade as her alpha twin sister. All she needs to do now is convince the reclusive Duke of Orley to support her cause.
In another part of town, Syon, Duke of Orley, has chosen the widowed Countess of Kellingham as his future bride in a marriage of convenience. But the omega widow refuses to meet any alphas. When the duke's beautiful new secretary offers a unique solution to his problem, he accepts.
What begins as a simple exchange of votes for a bride becomes a dangerous game of illicit desire and temptation.
~~ Omega’s Gambit is a romantic comedy combining genres for a fresh take on the omegaverse set in the late 18th century. ~~
The Hartwell Sisters Saga follows four sisters determined to overcome society's strictures and exceptions. It is set in an alternate history with omegaverse dynamics and a guaranteed HEA. Each book can be read as a standalone, but readers are encouraged to read them in order to avoid spoilers.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2021
172 people are currently reading
924 people want to read
About the author
Flora Quincy
11 books156 followersFlora Quincy is British-American author currently living in Glasgow with her Scottish Terrier, collection of stationery, and a daily pot of coffee. She fell in love with books at a young age. Reading romance, fantasy, and science fiction to escape into worlds far more exciting than real life.
With an overactive imagination, she had dozens of stories begun and discarded, before she decided to take writing seriously. Now those characters and worlds are finding their way to the page.
When she isn't reading or writing, she has a *healthy* relationship with the characters in her head. So far she hasn't been alarmed too many people while conversing with imaginary men and women as she takes the dog for a walk.
Other necessary facts:
Natural ginger, who recently discovers she likes having pink hair.
Food lover who hates olives and will always eat ice cream when it is well below freezing.
And is a proud addict to writing lists... soooo many lists.
With an overactive imagination, she had dozens of stories begun and discarded, before she decided to take writing seriously. Now those characters and worlds are finding their way to the page.
When she isn't reading or writing, she has a *healthy* relationship with the characters in her head. So far she hasn't been alarmed too many people while conversing with imaginary men and women as she takes the dog for a walk.
Other necessary facts:
Natural ginger, who recently discovers she likes having pink hair.
Food lover who hates olives and will always eat ice cream when it is well below freezing.
And is a proud addict to writing lists... soooo many lists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
August 4, 2024
2.5 'This was just okay for me' Stars...
*May contain slight spoilers*
Look I grew up cutting my teeth on historical bodice rippers, and I also love Jane Austin. I felt like this was trying to be the Jane Austin's version of an Omegaverse and it just fell too wordy and too flat. You don't have to write in the style of those from that time period in a historical fiction, the colloquialisms and vernacular are just fine. I feel like it was trying so hard to have the literary feel of Austin and Shakespeare with their sparkling dialogue and smart quips. It was too much, too wordy. There was a point of long inner monologue where I realized over one whole page was still the same paragraph. It came across as just a little pretentious.
I almost DNFed at 25% because I was struggling to really get engaged with all the little characters that were being introduced and dangled in our faces, whose roles in the story would be revealed at a later date. All the foreshadowing, all the little nuggets sprinkled throughout that I was supposed to gobble up to build the tension just felt tedious and some started getting repetitive. I felt the author was trying to build the tension, just a little more, just a little more that it ended up dragging and seemed to need a good edit to shave some of that back.
The story itself was ridiculous, which I don't mind ridiculous, but then it went extra. It started with Viola, an omega disguising as her female alpha twin Iris, to go to work for the main Alpha H, Syon. Then Viola pretends to be Iris pretending to be Viola, to woo another omega on behalf of Syon, who Viola secretly loves, and that omega to fall in love with Viola/Iris just got way too convoluted. The whole premise of the tension in the later half as to why the omega h, Viola couldn't have Syon was so contrived with this other inserted omega. There was really no obligation or any reason why Viola and Syon couldn't be together.
Then to top it all off, it came down to my biggest pet peeve of all time: tension/conflict built on no or mis-communication. When it came time to finally lay it all out, it got drawn out even further, again the author trying to build the tension a little bit more (it didn't need it!!). Anger led to separation, separation led to missed letters, missed letters led to wrong assumptions and then back to anger, you see how this goes.
Then don't get me started on the Alpha Omega component of it. Due to the whole omega parading as an Alpha, it took away a lot of the Alpha behavior of the H, Syon, and him struggling feeling like he's a pervert. I don't mind strong, fiesty, omegas who fight for what they believe is right. In fact I prefer them. But Viola was made to be more Alpha then almost every other Alpha in the book. The whole point of Omegaverse was almost completely erased. Even to the point of Syon and Viola finally being together for the first time and Syon letting Viola be on top to lose her virginity, because he knew she needed to be in charge. What the hell?! Why not just cut off his balls and hand them to her while he's at it. I love Alphas that will compromise and give in to their Omegas but sheesh don't completely emasculate them by having the Omega more Alpha than they are.
So again this was just okay for me. I did like Syon but felt bad for all the crap he was put through by Viola. He was a good man and Alpha. I did like Viola but she was self-centered and thought her assumptions on everything were always correct. She imposed them on everyone, never giving them the chance to show her differently. That's why I'm giving this 2.5 Stars. This was tedious to read, too wordy, and too long. It tried too hard to be Shakespeare and Austin and came across too pretentious for my liking.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*May contain slight spoilers*
Look I grew up cutting my teeth on historical bodice rippers, and I also love Jane Austin. I felt like this was trying to be the Jane Austin's version of an Omegaverse and it just fell too wordy and too flat. You don't have to write in the style of those from that time period in a historical fiction, the colloquialisms and vernacular are just fine. I feel like it was trying so hard to have the literary feel of Austin and Shakespeare with their sparkling dialogue and smart quips. It was too much, too wordy. There was a point of long inner monologue where I realized over one whole page was still the same paragraph. It came across as just a little pretentious.
I almost DNFed at 25% because I was struggling to really get engaged with all the little characters that were being introduced and dangled in our faces, whose roles in the story would be revealed at a later date. All the foreshadowing, all the little nuggets sprinkled throughout that I was supposed to gobble up to build the tension just felt tedious and some started getting repetitive. I felt the author was trying to build the tension, just a little more, just a little more that it ended up dragging and seemed to need a good edit to shave some of that back.
The story itself was ridiculous, which I don't mind ridiculous, but then it went extra. It started with Viola, an omega disguising as her female alpha twin Iris, to go to work for the main Alpha H, Syon. Then Viola pretends to be Iris pretending to be Viola, to woo another omega on behalf of Syon, who Viola secretly loves, and that omega to fall in love with Viola/Iris just got way too convoluted. The whole premise of the tension in the later half as to why the omega h, Viola couldn't have Syon was so contrived with this other inserted omega. There was really no obligation or any reason why Viola and Syon couldn't be together.
Then to top it all off, it came down to my biggest pet peeve of all time: tension/conflict built on no or mis-communication. When it came time to finally lay it all out, it got drawn out even further, again the author trying to build the tension a little bit more (it didn't need it!!). Anger led to separation, separation led to missed letters, missed letters led to wrong assumptions and then back to anger, you see how this goes.
Then don't get me started on the Alpha Omega component of it. Due to the whole omega parading as an Alpha, it took away a lot of the Alpha behavior of the H, Syon, and him struggling feeling like he's a pervert. I don't mind strong, fiesty, omegas who fight for what they believe is right. In fact I prefer them. But Viola was made to be more Alpha then almost every other Alpha in the book. The whole point of Omegaverse was almost completely erased. Even to the point of Syon and Viola finally being together for the first time and Syon letting Viola be on top to lose her virginity, because he knew she needed to be in charge. What the hell?! Why not just cut off his balls and hand them to her while he's at it. I love Alphas that will compromise and give in to their Omegas but sheesh don't completely emasculate them by having the Omega more Alpha than they are.
So again this was just okay for me. I did like Syon but felt bad for all the crap he was put through by Viola. He was a good man and Alpha. I did like Viola but she was self-centered and thought her assumptions on everything were always correct. She imposed them on everyone, never giving them the chance to show her differently. That's why I'm giving this 2.5 Stars. This was tedious to read, too wordy, and too long. It tried too hard to be Shakespeare and Austin and came across too pretentious for my liking.
Even though this is an ARC review, I will always shoot you straight. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2021
I have read most of the published corpus of m/f omegaverse books, and this debut offering is a wonderful example of genre romance which hits the expected tropes, whilst also adding a new and refreshing twist. I'd been hoping for a while that somebody would start writing omegaverse versions of some classic reads, and Quincy certainly delivered.
Omega's Gambit opens with the famous lines from Twelfth Night, the Shakespeare play on which it is based, but from that point on, the writing takes a delightfully modern bent on regency romance. It's not a purely historically accurate use of language, rather, the writing conveys the emotional accuracy of regency romance. I would compare the effect to the music choices in the film A Knight's Tale, or the costuming in the recent Bridgerton series. The author moves away from strict adherence to history in favour of sharing the spirit of the era.
As far as the omegaverse aspect, I would say this falls more into the 'sweetverse' side of the genre. The characters' relationship is enthusiastically consensual, and there is no more inherent violence in this AU than in 'real' history. Perhaps less- the society is not patriarchal, nor is it heteronormative. There is a power split along alpha-omega lines, which serves as a substitute for the more traditional male/female power dynamics in regency romance. However, the best tropes of omegaverse are all present, accounted for, and spicy- knotting, nesting, heats and bites.
If you're a fan of Austen's complex characters, Shakespeare's plots, and extremely hot omegaverse, absolutely get in on this book! Am very much looking forward to what I assume will be future books following the remaining sisters.
Omega's Gambit opens with the famous lines from Twelfth Night, the Shakespeare play on which it is based, but from that point on, the writing takes a delightfully modern bent on regency romance. It's not a purely historically accurate use of language, rather, the writing conveys the emotional accuracy of regency romance. I would compare the effect to the music choices in the film A Knight's Tale, or the costuming in the recent Bridgerton series. The author moves away from strict adherence to history in favour of sharing the spirit of the era.
As far as the omegaverse aspect, I would say this falls more into the 'sweetverse' side of the genre. The characters' relationship is enthusiastically consensual, and there is no more inherent violence in this AU than in 'real' history. Perhaps less- the society is not patriarchal, nor is it heteronormative. There is a power split along alpha-omega lines, which serves as a substitute for the more traditional male/female power dynamics in regency romance. However, the best tropes of omegaverse are all present, accounted for, and spicy- knotting, nesting, heats and bites.
If you're a fan of Austen's complex characters, Shakespeare's plots, and extremely hot omegaverse, absolutely get in on this book! Am very much looking forward to what I assume will be future books following the remaining sisters.
December 29, 2022
DNF at 25%. I really wanted to like this book but it needed a good edit to remove scenes that added nothing to the story. I’m not a big fan of Shakespeare so haven’t read Twelfth Night, on which this is based, but it didn’t feel like a good retelling. By that I mean the plot frequently felt forced, not really making an awful lot of sense. It also felt as though the author was trying just a touch too hard to be clever.
I didn’t warm to the characters because I didn’t feel as though I knew who they really were. There was too much telling rather than showing and I realised I just didn’t care about what would happen next. I’ve too many books to keep reading one that hasn’t captured my attention.
1st May 2022
I didn’t warm to the characters because I didn’t feel as though I knew who they really were. There was too much telling rather than showing and I realised I just didn’t care about what would happen next. I’ve too many books to keep reading one that hasn’t captured my attention.
1st May 2022
July 17, 2021
This is the first in an Omegaverse series set in an alternate England c. 1795; each book follows one of the four upper-crust Hartwell sisters as she searches for love and fulfillment. Here we get youngest Omega daughter, Viola, who disguises herself as her Alpha twin in order to convince a powerful Duke to vote for Omega rights. But, as Shakespeare Shakesperia once said: "O, that way madness lies."
Short Version: This gender-bending, Regency Omegaverse cross between Pride and Prejudice, Twelfth Night, and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, with nods to Much Ado About Nothing, Life and Death of the Wicked Lady Skelton, Mary Cassatt (I believe; she's not of this era), William Pitt the Younger, and the French Revolution will not be for everyone.
Long Version: This is difficult for me to rate because although I really liked the idea, the execution was at times problematic. For a first book, however, it's quite a decent effort and I do ultimately recommend it -- particularly for those who enjoy Omegaverse, but prefer the kinder, gentler, consensual version.
Let me begin with what I liked. By marrying Twelfth Night's gender-bending masquerade madness to Pride and Prejudice's comedy of manners and social satire, Ms. Quincy employs a cohesive tone and voice (unmarred, thank god, by Americanisms) to create a vibrant world with well-described social, economic, and political environments; an intricate historical background; and strong secondary characters (who will, I'm sure, appear in later books since a few lines of action remain open here) with close ties to our protagonists. In addition, Viola and Syon are intelligent, likeable characters whose conflicts are organic and high-stakes (she's fighting for her dynamic's freedom; he needs an heir for his duchy), and who achieve growth at the end. While Omegaverses are usually insta-lust, this is very much a slow-burn romance. Though it didn't need to be this slow (see below), I personally prefer my MC to connect via something other than hormones; since Viola and the Duke are thrown together over several months when she serves as his secretary, we get to see the relationship blossom (the last scenes before the epilogue are beautifully done since they are as much a meeting of minds as bodies).
I also appreciated the author's Omegaverse intervention. Though all the usual generic tropes are present (knots, slicks, ruts, nests, etc), the dynamics aren't connected to biological sex; rather, both men and women can be Alphas, Omegas, and Betas. While the MC are traditional Alpha & Omega, other characters are not; thus, we see MM and FF pairings, as well as plural relationships. Since Twelfth Night (the author's biggest inspiration) is Shakespeare's most extensive meditation on gender identity and sexual attraction (no fewer than five characters are involved with those of the same biological sex or are masquerading as such), it follows that her plot points would turn on sexual ambiguity and that her characters would display some androgyny.
That said, this book is unnecessarily long and complicated. Twelfth Night is an enormously complex play since almost every character at one point or another is either disguised as someone else and/or in love with someone in disguise. Indeed, as Viola herself notes, “O time, thou must untangle this, not I. It is too hard a knot for me t'untie.” Ms. Quincy goes one step further: while Shakespeare's Viola was a woman disguised as a man, her Viola is an Omega disguised as an Alpha often disguised as an Omega -- there were times when it took too much energy to ascertain which version of "Viola" I was following at the time.
In addition, the book was highly repetitive. How many times must we see Syon and Beatrice's two Alphas commiserate? How often did Syon and Viola need to walk away from each other -- either in anger or barely controlled desire? Or discuss their plans regarding Olivia? And many scenes could have been jettisoned to tighten the narrative -- particularly towards the end when Syon .
Many remember Twelfth Night's best-known line: “If music be the food of love, play on." But, in crafting her next book, I hope the author remembers the rest: "Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” In other words: less is more -- unless you want to turn off your readers.
Finally, there were several small typos, times when the dialogue suddenly changed topic without explanation, and a few ellipses in the action (how is it that Polly suddenly appears at the beginning?). The book needed one more edit.
3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 for the complexity in plot and world-building. Oldest daughter Beatrice will get the next book. I hope we get fewer bon mots and more heart-felt moments such as:
=
Short Version: This gender-bending, Regency Omegaverse cross between Pride and Prejudice, Twelfth Night, and A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, with nods to Much Ado About Nothing, Life and Death of the Wicked Lady Skelton, Mary Cassatt (I believe; she's not of this era), William Pitt the Younger, and the French Revolution will not be for everyone.
Long Version: This is difficult for me to rate because although I really liked the idea, the execution was at times problematic. For a first book, however, it's quite a decent effort and I do ultimately recommend it -- particularly for those who enjoy Omegaverse, but prefer the kinder, gentler, consensual version.
Let me begin with what I liked. By marrying Twelfth Night's gender-bending masquerade madness to Pride and Prejudice's comedy of manners and social satire, Ms. Quincy employs a cohesive tone and voice (unmarred, thank god, by Americanisms) to create a vibrant world with well-described social, economic, and political environments; an intricate historical background; and strong secondary characters (who will, I'm sure, appear in later books since a few lines of action remain open here) with close ties to our protagonists. In addition, Viola and Syon are intelligent, likeable characters whose conflicts are organic and high-stakes (she's fighting for her dynamic's freedom; he needs an heir for his duchy), and who achieve growth at the end. While Omegaverses are usually insta-lust, this is very much a slow-burn romance. Though it didn't need to be this slow (see below), I personally prefer my MC to connect via something other than hormones; since Viola and the Duke are thrown together over several months when she serves as his secretary, we get to see the relationship blossom (the last scenes before the epilogue are beautifully done since they are as much a meeting of minds as bodies).
I also appreciated the author's Omegaverse intervention. Though all the usual generic tropes are present (knots, slicks, ruts, nests, etc), the dynamics aren't connected to biological sex; rather, both men and women can be Alphas, Omegas, and Betas. While the MC are traditional Alpha & Omega, other characters are not; thus, we see MM and FF pairings, as well as plural relationships. Since Twelfth Night (the author's biggest inspiration) is Shakespeare's most extensive meditation on gender identity and sexual attraction (no fewer than five characters are involved with those of the same biological sex or are masquerading as such), it follows that her plot points would turn on sexual ambiguity and that her characters would display some androgyny.
That said, this book is unnecessarily long and complicated. Twelfth Night is an enormously complex play since almost every character at one point or another is either disguised as someone else and/or in love with someone in disguise. Indeed, as Viola herself notes, “O time, thou must untangle this, not I. It is too hard a knot for me t'untie.” Ms. Quincy goes one step further: while Shakespeare's Viola was a woman disguised as a man, her Viola is an Omega disguised as an Alpha often disguised as an Omega -- there were times when it took too much energy to ascertain which version of "Viola" I was following at the time.
In addition, the book was highly repetitive. How many times must we see Syon and Beatrice's two Alphas commiserate? How often did Syon and Viola need to walk away from each other -- either in anger or barely controlled desire? Or discuss their plans regarding Olivia? And many scenes could have been jettisoned to tighten the narrative -- particularly towards the end when Syon .
Many remember Twelfth Night's best-known line: “If music be the food of love, play on." But, in crafting her next book, I hope the author remembers the rest: "Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” In other words: less is more -- unless you want to turn off your readers.
Finally, there were several small typos, times when the dialogue suddenly changed topic without explanation, and a few ellipses in the action (how is it that Polly suddenly appears at the beginning?). The book needed one more edit.
3 1/2 stars which I'm raising to 4 for the complexity in plot and world-building. Oldest daughter Beatrice will get the next book. I hope we get fewer bon mots and more heart-felt moments such as:
If the world was yours, but the person you loved was out of reach, how would you tell them that you loved them but you must leave them? When you had yet to hold them but knew by the way they moved and smelt that they were the only one for you and you for them? But still, you must set them aside for reasons, principles impossible to ignore. Tell me, Viola, please tell me.
=
February 17, 2022
✨3.75 stars✨
This had none of the things I usually read omegaverse for: the brutality, roughness, smut. Most likely, if it had not been available for free on kindle, I doubt I had picked it up.
But dare I say, it was not bad. It certainly could've been better. There were useless narrations and repetitions along with continuity errors and a few typos.
I admit I wanted to drop it after a few pages but didn't. I specially liked the fact that she showed variety with her alpha-omega pairings. Many authors hint at but then don't show alpha women pairings.
The romance is a slow burn.
This had none of the things I usually read omegaverse for: the brutality, roughness, smut. Most likely, if it had not been available for free on kindle, I doubt I had picked it up.
But dare I say, it was not bad. It certainly could've been better. There were useless narrations and repetitions along with continuity errors and a few typos.
I admit I wanted to drop it after a few pages but didn't. I specially liked the fact that she showed variety with her alpha-omega pairings. Many authors hint at but then don't show alpha women pairings.
The romance is a slow burn.
July 26, 2021
My first regency omegaverse! And I LOVED it.
Sneaky Identity-Theft Shenanigans
Viola is an omega with an alpha twin. First off, that's a trope I love if only for the comparisons both will make with one another in terms of their standing in society. Here in this book, Flora Quincy takes it one step further and makes a game of their differences and ressemblances that was highly entertaining to follow. The entire premise of Viola pretending to be her sister and then having extra layers of deception going on when she's pretending to be Iris pretending to be Viola... it's exactly the sort of fun, convoluted situation you would find in a regency-era book, and the complications of it all were a joy to read. The countess falling for her when she's meant to be wooing her for the duke - that was great. And of course, the duke himself advancing and retreating according to what his instincts are telling him about his secretary... I loved it!
Omegaverse applied to Regency
One of the things I liked most about this book was the vocabulary used to help set the scene, and the time spent to set up the world & stakes & general etiquette that our characters follow. Because that way, the dynamics of omega/alpha/beta are properly, seamlessly woven in and are complicated by the laws that bind each dynamic to a certain behaviour and a certain social standing. It all feels quite real and considerably raises the stakes when characters start behaving in the irrational kind of way you expect from OV. I was a tiny bit thrown by the way the characters would sometimes casually refer to a female alpha's "tie" or slick and knots etc when the rest of the vocab was so very prim and proper, but other than that, this is a functional and well-oiled society that is fully adapted to the irrational behaviours of the dynamics and, while having strict laws in place to limit their excesses, also allows things like alphas/omegas needing 6 days off from their entire lives when they get a heat/rut. (Because hey, one of the best things about OV is that whole feral side where you literally ignore the world and get overcome with your Mighty Needs, and in a regency-era OV, this is made even more appreciable by how much it contrasts with the regular functioning of "polite society".) The well-dressed servants politely asking whether to bring "supplies" for their duke's moment of glory in the duchess's nest cracked me up; you better have a master poker face to work at an alpha's manor!!
The Hartwell sisters
"Do not make my mistake, though. Claim your Hartwell. Or cut yourself free before you are burnt."
I really appreciated the secondary characters and their role in this; it was once again very regency-novel for the FMC to have so many sisters and for there to be a constant fear of "causing scandal". I absolutely loved the scandalous painter Beatrice, or at least every time she got mentioned I liked what was implied about her lol. AND HIPPOLYTA THE HIGHWAY BANDIT?! Be still my heart.
The Romance
This had some great goddamn tension, especially when Syon & Viola were working together. I appreciated that they could have discussions about politics together; I always think it adds solid foundations to a relationship for them to be involved in a joint venture/passion like that.
It took me a while to warm up to Syon but once enough had been revealed about his motivations, I appreciated his character. (This was in no part affected by the fact that I was mostly imagining Domnall Gleeson as his faceclaim. Nope) And Viola of course was great, especially when she allowed herself to get snarky with him under her alpha guise (and then, once the masks were down, when she was herself with him). The push and pull of Syon's attraction became a little hot-cold-hot-cold and confusing towards the end, but he was going into rut so it could be excused as his thoughts just getting jumbled up due to that. I loved the OV characteristics that were included in their bonding; turning to show the neck in submission, the way it was all very primal. Every time they were alone together somewhere they shouldn't be, it gave off such a heady sort of mood of sexual abandon, it was great.
AND THE KNOTTING SCEEEEEENE AAAAAAAAAH
It was my alpha who had put me in control even as he made my body sing. I was going to be able to do this as I wanted and he was there to hold me steady.
"Hold my hands," he said.
When I felt his strong fingers interlace with mine, a surge of confidence enveloped my body, and I lowered myself.
THEY WERE HOLDING HANDS!!! THEY WERE HOLDING HAAANDS SDKFJHSDKFJH
"Come. Come here." He hugged me, rolled us over and slowly began to rut into me. "Wrap your legs..."
SYON TURNING SO GENTLE AND COMMANDING AT THE SAME TIME. I AM DECEASED
I think I might stop here because there are so many things I want to point at and so many notes I took while reading but this would turn into even more of an essay if I went through it all lol. All in all, it was a great fun read, pretty slowburn-ish with a very satisfying climax, and I'm sure fans of regency will love it.
Sneaky Identity-Theft Shenanigans
Viola is an omega with an alpha twin. First off, that's a trope I love if only for the comparisons both will make with one another in terms of their standing in society. Here in this book, Flora Quincy takes it one step further and makes a game of their differences and ressemblances that was highly entertaining to follow. The entire premise of Viola pretending to be her sister and then having extra layers of deception going on when she's pretending to be Iris pretending to be Viola... it's exactly the sort of fun, convoluted situation you would find in a regency-era book, and the complications of it all were a joy to read. The countess falling for her when she's meant to be wooing her for the duke - that was great. And of course, the duke himself advancing and retreating according to what his instincts are telling him about his secretary... I loved it!
Omegaverse applied to Regency
One of the things I liked most about this book was the vocabulary used to help set the scene, and the time spent to set up the world & stakes & general etiquette that our characters follow. Because that way, the dynamics of omega/alpha/beta are properly, seamlessly woven in and are complicated by the laws that bind each dynamic to a certain behaviour and a certain social standing. It all feels quite real and considerably raises the stakes when characters start behaving in the irrational kind of way you expect from OV. I was a tiny bit thrown by the way the characters would sometimes casually refer to a female alpha's "tie" or slick and knots etc when the rest of the vocab was so very prim and proper, but other than that, this is a functional and well-oiled society that is fully adapted to the irrational behaviours of the dynamics and, while having strict laws in place to limit their excesses, also allows things like alphas/omegas needing 6 days off from their entire lives when they get a heat/rut. (Because hey, one of the best things about OV is that whole feral side where you literally ignore the world and get overcome with your Mighty Needs, and in a regency-era OV, this is made even more appreciable by how much it contrasts with the regular functioning of "polite society".) The well-dressed servants politely asking whether to bring "supplies" for their duke's moment of glory in the duchess's nest cracked me up; you better have a master poker face to work at an alpha's manor!!
The Hartwell sisters
"Do not make my mistake, though. Claim your Hartwell. Or cut yourself free before you are burnt."
I really appreciated the secondary characters and their role in this; it was once again very regency-novel for the FMC to have so many sisters and for there to be a constant fear of "causing scandal". I absolutely loved the scandalous painter Beatrice, or at least every time she got mentioned I liked what was implied about her lol. AND HIPPOLYTA THE HIGHWAY BANDIT?! Be still my heart.
The Romance
This had some great goddamn tension, especially when Syon & Viola were working together. I appreciated that they could have discussions about politics together; I always think it adds solid foundations to a relationship for them to be involved in a joint venture/passion like that.
It took me a while to warm up to Syon but once enough had been revealed about his motivations, I appreciated his character. (This was in no part affected by the fact that I was mostly imagining Domnall Gleeson as his faceclaim. Nope) And Viola of course was great, especially when she allowed herself to get snarky with him under her alpha guise (and then, once the masks were down, when she was herself with him). The push and pull of Syon's attraction became a little hot-cold-hot-cold and confusing towards the end, but he was going into rut so it could be excused as his thoughts just getting jumbled up due to that. I loved the OV characteristics that were included in their bonding; turning to show the neck in submission, the way it was all very primal. Every time they were alone together somewhere they shouldn't be, it gave off such a heady sort of mood of sexual abandon, it was great.
AND THE KNOTTING SCEEEEEENE AAAAAAAAAH
It was my alpha who had put me in control even as he made my body sing. I was going to be able to do this as I wanted and he was there to hold me steady.
"Hold my hands," he said.
When I felt his strong fingers interlace with mine, a surge of confidence enveloped my body, and I lowered myself.
THEY WERE HOLDING HANDS!!! THEY WERE HOLDING HAAANDS SDKFJHSDKFJH
"Come. Come here." He hugged me, rolled us over and slowly began to rut into me. "Wrap your legs..."
SYON TURNING SO GENTLE AND COMMANDING AT THE SAME TIME. I AM DECEASED
I think I might stop here because there are so many things I want to point at and so many notes I took while reading but this would turn into even more of an essay if I went through it all lol. All in all, it was a great fun read, pretty slowburn-ish with a very satisfying climax, and I'm sure fans of regency will love it.
December 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I'm kicking myself that it took me so long to get to this one but it just means I don't have to wait for the next in the series!
Read this if you're into:
❤️ Leading lady disguises her identity to be hired by a grouchy duke to get votes on a bill
❤️ Forbidden tension
❤️ High stakes
❤️ Possessiveness on both sides
❤️ A betrayal!
🍆 Knotting and heats
❤️ Sword fights and pistols
🔥Slowburn that burns hot
This one is a MF but the next one is a MMF and I can't wait to read it!
Read this if you're into:
❤️ Leading lady disguises her identity to be hired by a grouchy duke to get votes on a bill
❤️ Forbidden tension
❤️ High stakes
❤️ Possessiveness on both sides
❤️ A betrayal!
🍆 Knotting and heats
❤️ Sword fights and pistols
🔥Slowburn that burns hot
This one is a MF but the next one is a MMF and I can't wait to read it!
July 11, 2021
Historical omegaverse
This book had all the things I like about recency romances and also omega verse novels. The nod to Twelfth Night,which is my favorite Shakespearean plays contributed to the fun in this novel as well.
This book had all the things I like about recency romances and also omega verse novels. The nod to Twelfth Night,which is my favorite Shakespearean plays contributed to the fun in this novel as well.
August 22, 2021
This one has taken a lot of thought, and I'm still not sure I know exactly what I want to say about it. So this might end up being a list if I can not find it in me to flesh it out.
+ This was a very ambitious undertaking that largely worked.
But also.
- This tried too hard to be smart—it could be long, muddled, and confusing. I had a very hard time following the language choices used in it, including older grammar. At times I couldn't tell if something were just old or if it was an error that missed being addressed.
Related.
- This book has a rather niche target audience and assumes you are familiar with Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and other works. Which felt a bit, I dunno...snobby/elitist to me at times, as if the presumption were, "If you're a Reader™, you will be familiar with all of these works to see just how smart I was!" As someone who has never read TN or many of the works others have said were referenced in here—honestly, I had to Wiki TN and realized that with the exception of one movie I haven't even seen that was a reworking of the tale, I haven't heard of or been exposed to this story at all; it lacks the cultural presence that, say, Romeo and Juliet has, or Pride and Prejudice. Even if someone hasn't seen them, they usually have heard of them and have a rough idea of the big plot/premise. It felt like I was intruding on an inside joke or private conversation at times, which was off-putting. Note: this doesn't mean I do not believe this should have been attempted or done, but rather some kind of notes of literary inspiration at the beginning would have been nice—maybe with reasons the author loves them or chose them as inspiration to encourage others to read them? Once I read the plot synopsis on Wiki, it was a lot easier to follow what was going on and being attempted in this story.
+/- Now throw in a feminist bent. Truly, a lot was going on in this book that would have caught readers who are here for the sexy times and not much else off-guard. I enjoyed Viola's discomfort at her realization that she viewed her fellow Omegas as inferior and silly and maybe she wasn't as great an ally to them as she thought. This aspect of the story felt very second wave-y to me, . And I liked the exploration of one's privilege without using the terminology. To realize one has had barriers removed to access of things that others are denied based on rigid social hierarchy.
+ I loved how the dynamics were treated in this. There was a nice subtlety to OV tropes that made it recognizable but new. There's some wank in other reviews that Viola isn't Omega enough, but really, wasn't that one of the big points for her character in this book? That she's not a perfect and ideal Omega? And others didn't think Syon was Alpha enough because he was okay with not being on top 100% of the time.
If you need to have OV a very certain way and can not handle a thoughtful interpretation of it then...well, go find the other hundreds of books that are to your taste.
+ I loved the play between biological instinct/drive and the self's ability to override it. There's a lot of consent in here for an OV tale, and I really enjoy the newer OV offerings coming out that are able to incorporate it.
+ There was a healthy sized cast of female side characters, all having varied motivations and views on mating, relationships, and dynamics. And no Jealous Bitches™. Thank you!
+ The casual queerness and normalcy of all types of relationships without casting any as deviant—with the possible exception of Alpha/Alpha or (my then implied) Omega/Omega pairings, but that came off more as they were uncommon because they're difficult and do not result in the end goal of children, which is a big driving motivation both here and in OV in general. It did my heart good.
+ OG is genuinely funny with some very Shakespearean banter...in a more Regency-ish setting. Like I said, this got confusing at times. 🤷♀️
And I think that pretty well sums up the big points for me. It took me a while to warm to this story, but after reading TN's Wiki page and getting more comfortable with the prose and language choices it became very enjoyable and fun. I plan to read future installments of the story and I especially look forward to Iris' tale, if we get one. That hint at the end of this one was pretty intriguing.
+ This was a very ambitious undertaking that largely worked.
But also.
- This tried too hard to be smart—it could be long, muddled, and confusing. I had a very hard time following the language choices used in it, including older grammar. At times I couldn't tell if something were just old or if it was an error that missed being addressed.
Related.
- This book has a rather niche target audience and assumes you are familiar with Shakespeare's Twelfth Night and other works. Which felt a bit, I dunno...snobby/elitist to me at times, as if the presumption were, "If you're a Reader™, you will be familiar with all of these works to see just how smart I was!" As someone who has never read TN or many of the works others have said were referenced in here—honestly, I had to Wiki TN and realized that with the exception of one movie I haven't even seen that was a reworking of the tale, I haven't heard of or been exposed to this story at all; it lacks the cultural presence that, say, Romeo and Juliet has, or Pride and Prejudice. Even if someone hasn't seen them, they usually have heard of them and have a rough idea of the big plot/premise. It felt like I was intruding on an inside joke or private conversation at times, which was off-putting. Note: this doesn't mean I do not believe this should have been attempted or done, but rather some kind of notes of literary inspiration at the beginning would have been nice—maybe with reasons the author loves them or chose them as inspiration to encourage others to read them? Once I read the plot synopsis on Wiki, it was a lot easier to follow what was going on and being attempted in this story.
+/- Now throw in a feminist bent. Truly, a lot was going on in this book that would have caught readers who are here for the sexy times and not much else off-guard. I enjoyed Viola's discomfort at her realization that she viewed her fellow Omegas as inferior and silly and maybe she wasn't as great an ally to them as she thought. This aspect of the story felt very second wave-y to me, . And I liked the exploration of one's privilege without using the terminology. To realize one has had barriers removed to access of things that others are denied based on rigid social hierarchy.
+ I loved how the dynamics were treated in this. There was a nice subtlety to OV tropes that made it recognizable but new. There's some wank in other reviews that Viola isn't Omega enough, but really, wasn't that one of the big points for her character in this book? That she's not a perfect and ideal Omega? And others didn't think Syon was Alpha enough because he was okay with not being on top 100% of the time.
If you need to have OV a very certain way and can not handle a thoughtful interpretation of it then...well, go find the other hundreds of books that are to your taste.
+ I loved the play between biological instinct/drive and the self's ability to override it. There's a lot of consent in here for an OV tale, and I really enjoy the newer OV offerings coming out that are able to incorporate it.
+ There was a healthy sized cast of female side characters, all having varied motivations and views on mating, relationships, and dynamics. And no Jealous Bitches™. Thank you!
+ The casual queerness and normalcy of all types of relationships without casting any as deviant—with the possible exception of Alpha/Alpha or (my then implied) Omega/Omega pairings, but that came off more as they were uncommon because they're difficult and do not result in the end goal of children, which is a big driving motivation both here and in OV in general. It did my heart good.
+ OG is genuinely funny with some very Shakespearean banter...in a more Regency-ish setting. Like I said, this got confusing at times. 🤷♀️
And I think that pretty well sums up the big points for me. It took me a while to warm to this story, but after reading TN's Wiki page and getting more comfortable with the prose and language choices it became very enjoyable and fun. I plan to read future installments of the story and I especially look forward to Iris' tale, if we get one. That hint at the end of this one was pretty intriguing.
November 28, 2021
5 FREAKING STARS JUST FOR BEING A HISTORICAL OMEGAVERSE! I WISH MORE AUTHORS WROTE STORIES LIKE THIS, IT WAS ROMANTIC, SWOON WORTHY AND OH-SO-DELICIOUS! Here we have an Omegaverse story with a little politics but, that makes this never a dull moment because IT'S AN ORIGINAL TELLING OF AN OMEGAVERSE STORY. Fans shouldn't miss this one out!
SYON is the Duke of Orley and also a politician of his time who has the power to change lives by passing a bill for the Omega's Act Rights which is the reason why our heroine seeks him out in the first place. It is believed that he's not a looker but, will have to rely on his title and power to find a wife. If you're an avid reader on Omegaverse romance, you get the idea of it BUT this one was different, to me at least, because the author introduced the Alpha and Omega dynamics in a society that is rather...intriguing. There's same sex Omega-Alpha bonds, and even Alpha-Alpha bonds and of course, heterosexual Alpha-Omega bonds. It's quite an interesting mix, but I'm just glad this was a M/F Omegaverse stories. Reverse Harem has never been my genre. Anyways, I liked Syon. He's exactly what you can imagine a serious, responsible duke to be, and it makes it all the more exciting for him to fall for a rule breaking Omega like Viola. Because of his family's past tumultuous marriage made in scandal, he prefers to marry a wife he isn't inclined to mate (bite mark), wanting a calm and practical marriage. Alas, the heart always wants what it wants. His stubbornness to claim Viola grated a little but then again, we can't expect him to be perfect right? It would be so unfair.
VIOLA has dressed as her alpha twin sister, Iris and is working for the Duke as his secretary. The man doesn't know that she's truly an Alpha, because one whiff of Viola's true scent and he's raging hard. Note that Syon has lost his sense of smell at a young age, so for him to peg onto Viola's scent is some feat. I liked that they started off from friends and gradually falling in love for each other's personality and character than to be ruled by their nature. Of course, the sexual attraction is there to spice things up but, they it was clear that Syon enjoyed having Viola around as his carefree secretary and friend - a rarity for him to be sure. And for Viola to meet an Alpha who doesn't make her feel restrained. What started off as a trick and mission turned into their unconventional courtship for as Viola spends more time with Syon, she can't help but appreciate the man he is. And it gets worse when she has to woo his future wife for him! You won't be disappointed to know there will be some mild angst for awhile. A necessary evil, mind you.
As Omegaverse stories go, it's always a battle and struggle for the Omegas who seem oppressed by the Alphas, especially not being treated right, or being treated as a mere commodity without feelings and being cruelly dominated.
OVERALL this was beautiful, even if I admit I'm a little biased because it's a historical romance and one of the first I've ever encountered in my reading experience. BUT the characters were well drawn, the interactions were sweet, emotional and genuine. Like I said, NEVER A DULL MOMENT! I'll be looking forward to more from the author. If you're interested for more similar stories, check out author Merel Pierce.
SYON is the Duke of Orley and also a politician of his time who has the power to change lives by passing a bill for the Omega's Act Rights which is the reason why our heroine seeks him out in the first place. It is believed that he's not a looker but, will have to rely on his title and power to find a wife. If you're an avid reader on Omegaverse romance, you get the idea of it BUT this one was different, to me at least, because the author introduced the Alpha and Omega dynamics in a society that is rather...intriguing. There's same sex Omega-Alpha bonds, and even Alpha-Alpha bonds and of course, heterosexual Alpha-Omega bonds. It's quite an interesting mix, but I'm just glad this was a M/F Omegaverse stories. Reverse Harem has never been my genre. Anyways, I liked Syon. He's exactly what you can imagine a serious, responsible duke to be, and it makes it all the more exciting for him to fall for a rule breaking Omega like Viola. Because of his family's past tumultuous marriage made in scandal, he prefers to marry a wife he isn't inclined to mate (bite mark), wanting a calm and practical marriage. Alas, the heart always wants what it wants. His stubbornness to claim Viola grated a little but then again, we can't expect him to be perfect right? It would be so unfair.
VIOLA has dressed as her alpha twin sister, Iris and is working for the Duke as his secretary. The man doesn't know that she's truly an Alpha, because one whiff of Viola's true scent and he's raging hard. Note that Syon has lost his sense of smell at a young age, so for him to peg onto Viola's scent is some feat. I liked that they started off from friends and gradually falling in love for each other's personality and character than to be ruled by their nature. Of course, the sexual attraction is there to spice things up but, they it was clear that Syon enjoyed having Viola around as his carefree secretary and friend - a rarity for him to be sure. And for Viola to meet an Alpha who doesn't make her feel restrained. What started off as a trick and mission turned into their unconventional courtship for as Viola spends more time with Syon, she can't help but appreciate the man he is. And it gets worse when she has to woo his future wife for him! You won't be disappointed to know there will be some mild angst for awhile. A necessary evil, mind you.
As Omegaverse stories go, it's always a battle and struggle for the Omegas who seem oppressed by the Alphas, especially not being treated right, or being treated as a mere commodity without feelings and being cruelly dominated.
OVERALL this was beautiful, even if I admit I'm a little biased because it's a historical romance and one of the first I've ever encountered in my reading experience. BUT the characters were well drawn, the interactions were sweet, emotional and genuine. Like I said, NEVER A DULL MOMENT! I'll be looking forward to more from the author. If you're interested for more similar stories, check out author Merel Pierce.
June 26, 2021
She Will Be Heard . . .
Viola Hartwell has an intense goal she is fighting for. She wants to make certain the Omega Property Rights Act becomes law. Omegas are not permitted to meddle in politics, nor even to vote, so Viola risks everything by pretending to be her alpha twin sister Iris. The next step is to get Syon, the Duke of Orley to support her cause. It helped her deception that, through boxing in his youth, his nose could not scent an omega anymore. He did, however, read body language well, so she would have to remain alert around him.
The Duke of Orley has chosen Clare, the widowed Countess of Kellingham, as his future bride. But the omega widow refuses to meet any alphas at least until the Duke’s lovely new secretary, an alpha of course, begins to court her on behalf of the Duke. Little did they know Clare would fall in love with the charming Viola who was posing as her alpha sister Iris. And the Duke himself found himself more and more attracted to the intelligent, strong, beautiful secretary who kept adding in her endorsements for the Omega Property Rights Act into his speeches. What does the future hold for everyone drawn into this deception? Would they ever get all the feelings sorted out to discover which person loved which? And when Viola’s deception is revealed, will Syon ever forgive her?
Viola Hartwell has an intense goal she is fighting for. She wants to make certain the Omega Property Rights Act becomes law. Omegas are not permitted to meddle in politics, nor even to vote, so Viola risks everything by pretending to be her alpha twin sister Iris. The next step is to get Syon, the Duke of Orley to support her cause. It helped her deception that, through boxing in his youth, his nose could not scent an omega anymore. He did, however, read body language well, so she would have to remain alert around him.
The Duke of Orley has chosen Clare, the widowed Countess of Kellingham, as his future bride. But the omega widow refuses to meet any alphas at least until the Duke’s lovely new secretary, an alpha of course, begins to court her on behalf of the Duke. Little did they know Clare would fall in love with the charming Viola who was posing as her alpha sister Iris. And the Duke himself found himself more and more attracted to the intelligent, strong, beautiful secretary who kept adding in her endorsements for the Omega Property Rights Act into his speeches. What does the future hold for everyone drawn into this deception? Would they ever get all the feelings sorted out to discover which person loved which? And when Viola’s deception is revealed, will Syon ever forgive her?
June 23, 2021
The perfect blend of regency and omegaverse, Omega's Gambit takes you on a slow burn adventure of intrigue, disguise, rejection, and finally, love. Miss Viola Hartwell is an omega determined to set right the wrongs that society at large commits against her dynamic. The only problem is that she needs an Alpha of the peerage to support her quest, so she sets her sights on Syon, Duke of Orley. The unbelievable chemistry between Viola and Syon had me squirming for a good part of the book - slow burn is my kryptonite! The push and pull, deception and revealed truths, the overpowering sense of "MINE" tied me up in knots. And as each of these disparate parts came together, a complete and satisfying ending came to be. 5 stars!
September 7, 2021
Not my favorite
Not my favorite omegaverse. I loved the idea of a historical omegaverse, this was like little women meets Jane Austin of the omegaverse. my issue was how long the ruse lasted, and how the alphas proceeded to act after finding out. I just couldn't even look at him the same after the way he treated violet. And then he just comes back when he wants. He lost me and I didn't find him redeemable just because he up and decided he did want violet.
Not my favorite omegaverse. I loved the idea of a historical omegaverse, this was like little women meets Jane Austin of the omegaverse. my issue was how long the ruse lasted, and how the alphas proceeded to act after finding out. I just couldn't even look at him the same after the way he treated violet. And then he just comes back when he wants. He lost me and I didn't find him redeemable just because he up and decided he did want violet.
June 27, 2021
What an interesting take on late 18th Century England. This is a new author and new concept for me, so it me took a bit to get the ‘dynamics’ right. However, at some point it all clicked and became quite a fascinating story about deception, determination and mating. So, stick with it because this is a really good start to what promises to be a wonderful new series. This alternate universe has Alphas, Betas and Omegas and there are strict rules regarding their actions. It is set up a bit like an animal hierarchy regarding mating, thus making this book one of a highly sexual nature, which may not be for everybody. I found it to be clever, imaginative and full of surprises.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 27, 2021
Syon and Viola.
There was a touch of fantasy in this lovely story that had so many different sides to it that it will be hard to put down. Viola is an Omega her twin Iris is the alpha and Clare is the widow who is also an Omega who falls in love with Viola who is pretending to be her sister. Are you seeing a problem that is being created oh and I almost forgot the Duke of Orley who has chosen Clare. That is not all the twists plus there is the Omega Property Rights Act that needs to be dealt with too. Set in the regency time period this book was unique and interesting and really good! I liked the writing style, the plot, and the characters. High praise for the book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
There was a touch of fantasy in this lovely story that had so many different sides to it that it will be hard to put down. Viola is an Omega her twin Iris is the alpha and Clare is the widow who is also an Omega who falls in love with Viola who is pretending to be her sister. Are you seeing a problem that is being created oh and I almost forgot the Duke of Orley who has chosen Clare. That is not all the twists plus there is the Omega Property Rights Act that needs to be dealt with too. Set in the regency time period this book was unique and interesting and really good! I liked the writing style, the plot, and the characters. High praise for the book and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 20, 2021
I was, in no way, expecting to love this book as much as I did! I am not a fan of most Omegaverse books I've read, but I do love a good historical romance and I loved the idea of a more equal Omegaverse story...
...oh, I am so glad I have this story a chance! I absolutely loved it. I was so nervous to read it, but I just fell in love with Viola and Syon! I appreciated their respect an a appreciation for eachother all while battling their own thoughts and demons. I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for the next!
...oh, I am so glad I have this story a chance! I absolutely loved it. I was so nervous to read it, but I just fell in love with Viola and Syon! I appreciated their respect an a appreciation for eachother all while battling their own thoughts and demons. I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for the next!
April 17, 2022
was it entertaining?
this was so silly. that's not a bad thing, just a statement of fact. if you'd asked me how i felt about omegaverse regency romance before reading this, i probably would have rolled my eyes and walked away but this works. it just does. i never considered that "omega rights" would be a great parallel for the sociopolitical concerns of early regency era europe but consider me converted. this was also really well researched so even the liberties taken (shakespearia?) make as much sense as thing could in this world. this honestly gives me classic sister lit (think pride & prejudice or sense & sensibility) but all the sisters are a little bit deranged and extremely likely to shoot you.
the FMC is very much a collection of tropes and i was a little annoyed with her -- but i didn't hate her. the entire book is predictable from the moment she first dreams up her harebrained scheme to the end when they
this was so silly. that's not a bad thing, just a statement of fact. if you'd asked me how i felt about omegaverse regency romance before reading this, i probably would have rolled my eyes and walked away but this works. it just does. i never considered that "omega rights" would be a great parallel for the sociopolitical concerns of early regency era europe but consider me converted. this was also really well researched so even the liberties taken (shakespearia?) make as much sense as thing could in this world. this honestly gives me classic sister lit (think pride & prejudice or sense & sensibility) but all the sisters are a little bit deranged and extremely likely to shoot you.
the FMC is very much a collection of tropes and i was a little annoyed with her -- but i didn't hate her. the entire book is predictable from the moment she first dreams up her harebrained scheme to the end when they
January 28, 2022
Another omegaverse recommendation from the RHR group. I like historicals, as long as it isn't arranged marriages and believe they should be read in peaceful silence to enjoy the slowness. Unfortunately I didn't have that, maybe another time. I liked the Hartwell sisters apart from Iris, I just couldn't warm to her. It was funny how oblivious Syon was. I liked Viola and how she fought for what she wanted, standing up to Alphas and Betas. The The breakup was messy, but I did enjoy how they sorted that out. Looking forward to Beatrice's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
Good Start
This was honestly a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be. The writing was weird at times but it didnt bother me too much. I've read Omegaverse books before and I liked that this one was actually pretty wholesome compared to the variety I've read. I'm super interested in seeing how the rest of the series goes and can't wait for the next book!
This was honestly a lot more enjoyable than I thought it would be. The writing was weird at times but it didnt bother me too much. I've read Omegaverse books before and I liked that this one was actually pretty wholesome compared to the variety I've read. I'm super interested in seeing how the rest of the series goes and can't wait for the next book!
June 27, 2021
Historical romance is something I used to read frequently, omegaverse is something I've started reading in the last couple years. Omegas Gambit was a great mesh of those two worlds... I enjoyed Syon and Viola's story and where the series leads next with those Heartwell Omegas... It's a good premise that I'm looking forward to!
June 25, 2021
I am a big lover of omegaverses and Omega's Gambit is unlike any other that has crossed my path. It is filled with romance and suspense and provides us with a strongwilled omega and an alpha who isn't the typical alphahole. Overall, refreshingly new to me with the 18th century and a new take on something I adore.
I cannot wait for the next installment. Very well done!
I cannot wait for the next installment. Very well done!
June 25, 2021
Never thought I would enjoy a omegaverse historical piece but here I am. This was very unique story where two unlikely genres collide but this author managed to tell an interesting story with good characters and some intriguing world building. I well be keeping my eyes on this series and I can't wait for the next one.
June 19, 2021
*Overall: 4.5/5*
Let me begin by saying that omegaverse romance stories are a particular love of mine and this novel will easily hold its own against any of the existing stories in the genre. Viola is such a stubborn and outspoken omega who will make you cheer for political wins (in a romance novel? yes!) and sigh as she fights her instincts. The Duke was a likable, though removed, character who did not sit stagnant in his ways, bringing some refreshing growth and support to both himself and Viola.
*Originality: 5/5*
*Characters: 4/5*
*Story development: 4.5/5*
*Writing quality: 5/5* the voice maintained throughout was vibrant and really brought the world to life
*Steam level: plot forward, though this should be an 18+ read
Let me begin by saying that omegaverse romance stories are a particular love of mine and this novel will easily hold its own against any of the existing stories in the genre. Viola is such a stubborn and outspoken omega who will make you cheer for political wins (in a romance novel? yes!) and sigh as she fights her instincts. The Duke was a likable, though removed, character who did not sit stagnant in his ways, bringing some refreshing growth and support to both himself and Viola.
*Originality: 5/5*
*Characters: 4/5*
*Story development: 4.5/5*
*Writing quality: 5/5* the voice maintained throughout was vibrant and really brought the world to life
*Steam level: plot forward, though this should be an 18+ read
July 4, 2021
This was my first omegaverse book and I was not disappointed! I loved that it was set in the 1800's. The world building, along with the attention to details, made this into a book I couldn't put down. Syon and Viola's yin and yang relationship was perfect! I found myself laughing through some of the twists and turns, leading them toward their HEA.
June 22, 2021
wonderful characters, well written, page turner, easy to read, captivating, 18th century setting, omegas, all the knotty's. happy ever after
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2021
Nice omegaverse romance with a strong heroine, an adaptable alpha with plot, suspense and romance all around. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2021
Yes, yes, yes. I've been looking for this type of omegaverse where instincts do not rule dynamics. Of course they have an impact on how people react but alphas, omegas and betas are not only defined by their dynamics.
I loved the historical context and the society the story is based on. I loved Viola's political ambitions, etc.
I cannot wait to read her sisters' story!
I loved the historical context and the society the story is based on. I loved Viola's political ambitions, etc.
I cannot wait to read her sisters' story!
July 4, 2021
Loved it!
I’m thoroughly impressed by this newbie author’s ability to draw you into her created world. Historical fiction can be both way overdone or barely acknowledged enough in the writing to be noticeable, but this book struck just the right balance between the two. I also applaud how realistically she brought the protagonists together. Their relationship and affection for each other grew in a very believable manner which helped the tension between them to grow in a delicious way. I’m looking forward to reading more about these unruly sisters’ plots and the hearts they catch along the way.
I’m thoroughly impressed by this newbie author’s ability to draw you into her created world. Historical fiction can be both way overdone or barely acknowledged enough in the writing to be noticeable, but this book struck just the right balance between the two. I also applaud how realistically she brought the protagonists together. Their relationship and affection for each other grew in a very believable manner which helped the tension between them to grow in a delicious way. I’m looking forward to reading more about these unruly sisters’ plots and the hearts they catch along the way.
August 2, 2021
I enjoyed the way the author provided intricate details for this alternate society she created. The specifics she gave us: the way the characters dressed, the manners required when socializing in various circles, their obligatory behaviors and the rules that were essential in their polite society—gave the reader a satisfying picture of the world the characters inhabited. Right down to quotes taken from “Shakesperia,” the famous female playwright—oh I had a few laughs over that!
When partnering, sexual choices were open to any gender in this society. Couples could be MF or FF or MM. Logically, I would have thought full-spectrum choice in sexual partners/mates would be too liberal for a society that was, in other ways, so constricted and controlling. However, this author made it fit quite nicely in a very entertaining way.
If you’ve read the blurb you know that the FMC, who is Omega, masquerades as a female Alpha. It is difficult for her to accomplish. She must struggle against her biology and against the biochemical nature of her brain to pull it off. Where her Omega nature tells her to incline her head to an Alpha, she must force herself to lift her chin and stare into his eyes. It was fun to watch her undertake the role she’d sworn to play!
The only hiccup, I felt, was that Viola’s masquerade went on a little too long. With her switching clothing and personas so frequently, I was a little confused in a couple of the scenes and had to reread sections for clarity. However, I did love the relationship that developed between Syon and Viola. He was a strong Alpha's Alpha, but he also had a very strong moral backbone. He was not a bully or a martinet and he knew how to honor and care for Viola. Loved that! The book was a delightful read. I was happy to see this new Omegaverse author and I’m looking forward to her next book.
When partnering, sexual choices were open to any gender in this society. Couples could be MF or FF or MM. Logically, I would have thought full-spectrum choice in sexual partners/mates would be too liberal for a society that was, in other ways, so constricted and controlling. However, this author made it fit quite nicely in a very entertaining way.
If you’ve read the blurb you know that the FMC, who is Omega, masquerades as a female Alpha. It is difficult for her to accomplish. She must struggle against her biology and against the biochemical nature of her brain to pull it off. Where her Omega nature tells her to incline her head to an Alpha, she must force herself to lift her chin and stare into his eyes. It was fun to watch her undertake the role she’d sworn to play!
The only hiccup, I felt, was that Viola’s masquerade went on a little too long. With her switching clothing and personas so frequently, I was a little confused in a couple of the scenes and had to reread sections for clarity. However, I did love the relationship that developed between Syon and Viola. He was a strong Alpha's Alpha, but he also had a very strong moral backbone. He was not a bully or a martinet and he knew how to honor and care for Viola. Loved that! The book was a delightful read. I was happy to see this new Omegaverse author and I’m looking forward to her next book.
July 26, 2021
Omega's Gambit was just meh for me, and a lot of that is personal. I love, love, love the idea of regency OV. But Omega's Gambit is clearly based on Twelfth Night, and that's one of my least fave Shakespeare comedies. I've never been a fan of the "woman disguised as man" plot. I avoid this plot line, popular though it is, when I'm reading romance, and that's the heart of this book. Add to it the "falling in love and then switching to the sibling" element from Twelfth Night, and I struggled with Omega's Gambit.
It also took too long to move forward. I felt like there was a lot of Viola and Syon circling around each other for just pages and pages. I would have enjoyed physical interaction far earlier than it happened. Honestly, I ended up skimming a fair portion in the middle.
So, what did I like? I loved the world Quincy has created. I loved the idea of fighting for omega rights through laws and the work Viola was doing to get those laws passed. I love the balance and focus on female omegas. I love the ideas of classic histrom being played out in the OV. I saw Syon as a Darcy-like character (as well as having the imperiousness of Shakespeare's Duke Orsino), and I loved the fiery strength of Viola (one of the best things taken from her namesake character). I think Quincy is a strong writer. She gets the Regency world, and that's a true asset.
So would I read Quincy again? Definitely. I look forward to the next book in the series to see if it works better for me when I move away from a plot that's just a struggle for me personally to read.
It also took too long to move forward. I felt like there was a lot of Viola and Syon circling around each other for just pages and pages. I would have enjoyed physical interaction far earlier than it happened. Honestly, I ended up skimming a fair portion in the middle.
So, what did I like? I loved the world Quincy has created. I loved the idea of fighting for omega rights through laws and the work Viola was doing to get those laws passed. I love the balance and focus on female omegas. I love the ideas of classic histrom being played out in the OV. I saw Syon as a Darcy-like character (as well as having the imperiousness of Shakespeare's Duke Orsino), and I loved the fiery strength of Viola (one of the best things taken from her namesake character). I think Quincy is a strong writer. She gets the Regency world, and that's a true asset.
So would I read Quincy again? Definitely. I look forward to the next book in the series to see if it works better for me when I move away from a plot that's just a struggle for me personally to read.
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