In a world where Omegas are cherished, Alphas are revered, and Betas are forgotten I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
Growing up in foster care, my friends and I took care of each other. Ares, Killian, Rafe, and Nox, were my everything: my first loves, my only family, my pack.
The same night they told me we’d be together forever, I presented as an omega, and everything changed.
They betrayed me and turned me over to the institute where Omegas are auctioned off to the highest bidder. I thought I’d never see them again…
But four years later, they came back for me.
Four alphas. One omega. A pack bond that couldn’t be broken.
Kate King is an author, coffee addict, and avid reader from Boston, Massachusetts. She lives in a converted church with her husband and two cats, and often writes in cemeteries.
In addition to romance, she writes YA thrillers with a magical twist and wants to publish thirty books before turning thirty.
Frustrating. This book was super frustrating, the back and forth emotions giving me whiplash. I gave it two stars even though it had the potential to be a 4-5 star read.
There’s a few plot holes that I didn’t get. The biggest one being How the guys didn’t pick up this was a trafficking situation? They were literally there when the bidding took place? Why were they surprised that the omegas didn’t mingle or hadn’t agreed to their mate, when they saw for themselves that they were presented in a glass box, their attributes listed off? The fact they kept acting like it was such a surprise when they were right there and the men there were older 40s+ with high profile jobs, should’ve led them to believe something wasn’t right. The fact people had to sign a NDA. That kind of ruined the book for me.
I needed more about the FMC’s life in school. I think that there should’ve been something in there about the four years that were glossed over in passing. I really wanted to know what the school was like, how she became friends with her roommate, and ect. dynamics, how her roommate evolved to not take the pills, I needed more of a base, by not having that, it felt weird just getting the briefest blurb about their last few days, and including the girl they took on a tour. Just made it feel odd and unfinished.
I didn’t feel like the book was really developed. I wanted to understand the dynamics of the guys, when did they decide to get physical when was that initiated? It sounded like it was always underlying but never acted on? How did their bonds evolve into something more as well. It was barely touched on. How was it alright and had they ever crossed that line before? I love me some m/m but I want to know when that comes about? That was left out and never talked about- it felt like missing a dynamic that was integral to the book.
There was so much emotional angst and back and forth lack of communication- I get that builds the story but it just gave me such emotional whiplash. I’ll read the next one but I don’t feel like I need to run out and get it when it’s out.
This was such a disappointment. There were so many inconsistencies throughout the story, it was hard to just ignore and try to enjoy myself.
The “romance” (if we can call it that) was almost nonexistent, all because the miscommunication trope was used over and over, with no real character development whatsoever.
The whole idea of Alphas buying Omegas from an organization that basically keeps them prisoners and drugged was interesting but the execution was sloppy. And no suspension of disbelief could make me believe no one else knew what was happening to all the Omegas.
Especially the four main Alphas. They literally sold the drug to the Institute that was used to subdue Omegas. And they had no idea what it did or what was happening. Come on.
I just don’t see how I could ever find these four idiots remotely attractive. They had four years to prepare for the Omega auction and “rescue” the main character. To do so, they became drug dealers to make enough money to buy her back. But turns out, they suck and couldn’t save enough money. So these geniuses decided to let another Alpha buy the main girl and then kidnap her.
Something that personally bothered me: The four Alphas hadn’t hooked up while waiting for the main girl. But the moment she’s back (I’m talking literally minutes) they are blowing each other without even a conversation. It’s one of the worst cases of gay fetishization I’ve ever read. They never discussed their feelings for one another, just kept having sex whenever they were with the girl, in an obvious attend from the authors to make things hotter.
Granted, the smut scenes are the reason this gets 3 stars and not 2. Those group sex scenes were hot af. But the characterization and plot outside were a mess. And it was hard to tell the four Alphas apart.
Overall, I loved the short prequel and I guess I was hoping for something more. Will read the conclusion out of curiosity.
This Omegaverse had potential and an interesting setup for the society it’s created where it seems like Omegas are revered and precious but really they’re treated like exotic zoo animals. However, the execution (particularly in the romance department), made the story feel flat compared to what it could have been.
The romance doesn’t just have the miscommunication trope, it’s defined by it. Most of the conflict that prevents their relationship from really progressing is every single person (all 5 of them) being determined to misunderstand each other. To interpret each other’s actions and words in the worst possible way to provide maximum conflict - so Bliss thinks her guys not pushing her to mate is because they don’t want her and they think her wanting to leave because of that is because she doesn’t care for them. Over and over again this happens so their relationship doesn’t truly develop until the very end. And even then, there’s another topic that they haven’t communicated about and it’s set up to be a conflict in book 2 so miscommunication/no communication is the theme of the entire story it seems. It feels very contrived and forced, not angsty or like tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
While I understand the point of this being a duet is to give Bliss room to develop into a stronger character, there’s a difference between her being someone growing into a stronger character and her being unbelievably stupid. You don’t need to be a strong character to know that wandering out in public smelling like an unclaimed Omega is insanely foolish when you’re in hiding and live in a society where Omegas are rare and only claimed ones go out in public freely and unescorted. The guys also left a lot to be desired. They didn’t feel like fully developed characters - they read as caricatures of archetypes (the book smart one, the grumpy one, etc) but had little depth to them outside did that. That made the relationship itself feel equally bland so what little tension existed in the relationship from the betrayal of the prequel fizzled out quickly and even the spicy scenes didn’t spark enough interest in me to compensate.
The prose itself was well written but it overall felt very boring.
4 stars Love anything these authors write. I recently finished their Gentlemen series and was super excited for Pack Bound. Bliss and the guys were great characters. Seeing Bliss' character growth was great. This has probably got to be one of my favourite OV books. Really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
3.5 stars. I’ve been anticipating this book ever since I read the prequel novella Pack Origin– there are too few second chance RHs out there. Plus, the “childhood friends to enemies to lovers” trope is just catnip for readers who love Angst (like me).
As told in the prequel novella, Bliss grew up with a group of 4 Alpha guys. When they were 17, they betrayed her and sent her away, making her think they rejected her (but really, they wanted her to be safe, and made a stupid choice about how to do that). They partly Bonded before sending her away, which means that even though they’ve been apart for 4 years, they feel each other’s emotions. This book starts when Bliss is 21 and has been living in the Omega Institute, getting trained to be an obedient wife for whatever rich guy buys her. Meanwhile, the guys have spent the last 4 years become powerful criminals. They regret sending her away, so they’re trying to get her back.
Just like these authors' other series, The Gentlemen, this isn't the best RH I’ve ever read, but it’s a solid read that hits the spot. The characters could have been more vivid – Bliss’s personality feels a bit vague, and the guys don’t give a strong sense of their personalities aside from being The Nice One, The Nerd/Punk Aesthetic One, The Angry Mean One, and The One who’s Similar to the Angry Mean One but has Darker Hair and is Less Mean. But, they’re all likeable. For ONCE, I didn’t hate “the mean one” in an RH, because this did a good job of conveying that Ares really did love her and was just being dumb (plus, him being "mean" was pretty tame). In RHs, I usually hate "the mean one" forever and NEVER come around. So, this is impressive that I don't hate Ares!
But, this should have had 3 guys in the group, not 4. These authors did a MUCH better job at making each guy feel more distinctive and better developed in their Gentlemen series, and that's a 3 guy RH. In that series, Beck, Rush, and Nico all felt very different from each other, and they all had pizzazz. In this book, the guys don't feel that distinctive from each other (except maybe Ares) and they feel pretty generic without having stand-out qualities. So, it seems like having 4 guys in the group was biting off more than these authors could chew. I think I'd be more impressed with this book if I didn’t KNOW that these authors can do better on the character front. So, if you skip the Gentlemen series, you might like it more.
But the plot is decent. The overarching conspiracy mystery about what’s REALLY going on with the Omega Institute is engrossing. And, I like how there’s a side plot with Bliss having a friend she’s trying to rescue, since a lot of RH stories spend so much time on the main relationship that they drop the ball on the heroine having girl friends.
I think my expectations were too high after the prequel novella. I expected this to deliver a lot of “second chance” angst, and it does have SOME, but not nearly as much as the premise made me think it would. In the angst and emotion department, this pales in comparison to the best "second chance" RH, which is Freestyle. But, it still does scratch the itch for that trope. And, it seems like we’ll get more angst in book 2, after that cliffhanger. I’m glad we don’t have to wait long for it.
I’m rounding up to 3 literally only bc I like the cover.
This book was weird as hell. It was like werewolves ONLY no one was actually a werewolf or shifter. They all just called eachother alpha and omega and the women went into heat and were sold basically into sex trafficking so then 20 year old girls were forced to mate with old ass successful dudes. IDK I get some “kidnapping scares” or whatever but to literally have the whole book essentially about glorified sex trafficking eh. I’m not a “triggered” person it was just ew.
Honestly, there was a few times the book made me so mad I put it down and started / finished other books lol. Ultimately I went back just so I could leave a review.
So, if you’re triggered by sex trafficking don’t read this, it’s not like hinting at it. It’s the entire book.
I am so sick of Alphas treating Omegas like cum dumpsters they then set on fire.
I loved Bliss & her growth throughout this entire book. From tepid, almost meek, to finding some semblance of strength after being forced into the institute & her rejection. She’s witty, and adorable and finding herself and I can’t wait to see what happens to her in the next instillation of this series.
Now these stupid Alphas. Ares, I fully plan on locking in my room, but that’s not important. The Alphas are broken, but redeemable, and they tried to do what was best for Bliss, even if it broke them, some more than others. They built a small empire just for her. To bring her home, but it turned out to be an entire hot mess of a mission, plans failed, plans changed & it’s messy AF.
Bliss is purchased to a ruthless Alpha who is not deserving of an Omega, and yet she’s back in his clutches. Real nice boys, real nice. They couldn’t protect her then, they’re doing a bang up job now.
The twist with Flora - authors hear ya girl now, she NEEDS her own story after Bliss’s is finished. Because my sad panda pants are on for her & she deserves redemption and a HEA!
Rafe, Nox, Ares & Killian are idiots, make bad decisions, have horrible judgement, and have the worst timing ever. But they love Bliss, enough to risk their lives for her, but is it going to be enough?
But y’all, this book was riveting, and heartbreaking, and at the end, my heart broke just as Bliss’s did. She’s been lied too, rejected, sold. Omegas deserve better. The SPICE, 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵 - so good. Definitely a page turner!
Plot: 4.5/5 Spice: 5 Characters: 4/5 (I’m still annoyed with Ares.)
Any possible potential laid out in the prequel was wasted. I have so many problems with this but I just don’t care enough to spend any more of my time and energy on this book.
3.5⭐ With a hearty dose of suspension of disbelief, and as long as you don't look too closely at the plot, should you be in the mood for an omegaverse, this will likely scratch that itch.
Keep in mind that book two of the duology was a letdown; proceed with caution.
Fast paced, intense, and absolutely scorching hot, Pack Bound had me completely captivated.
This book is a complete emotional rollercoaster. Full of all the feels, from sadness, rejection and dejection to hope, love and heartbreak, Bliss and her guys' story is a whirlwind. I loved the growth that Bliss shows throughout the plotline, and even though the boys frustrated me to no end, their hearts and intensions were always in the right place. I need more from this story now.
4.5 stars and a bond
p.s. This is a message to Kate and Jessa - I demand Flora gets her very own HEA. She (and we) deserve it after everything you've put us through!
This is why Omegaverse is extremely hit or miss with me. Omegas tend to be driven very strongly by their instincts. It's frustrating when our FMC was treated extremely poorly by the men and has every justifiable right to be really pissed but her Omega instincts almost don't allow her to be upset. I'm left feeling unfulfilled by the lack of her fighting back or even expressing her hurt to the guys because the Omega in her just makes her body crave theirs. Yes, they feel bad, but 90% of the book is them being internally regretful and not actually trying to make amends.
🔹 To be fair: there is a note at the beginning of the book from the authors stating that Bliss may not be the strong FMC we are looking for and she needs time to develop as a character. Even with the warning though the eye roll was STRONG at times.
I also felt like the MM was a bit disingenuous. It isn't even hinted at during the prequel novella and makes it sound like the guys are only interested in each other that way due to their bond with Bliss. So I'm not sure if the authors included it because it is somewhat expected out of an Omegaverse story or if the authors felt the guys would care for each other in that way and maybe didn't explain it enough to the reader?
I'll at least start the next book to see what happens, but overall this was not my favorite Omegaverse story.
The smut was hot, and I enjoyed the mini plot of saving from her abusive mate, but the relationship between the FMC Bliss and her alpha harem was quite stagnant and a little frustrating for most of the story until a sudden random change of heart in the last few pages of the book. The book ended on a cliffhanger.
The TSTL behavior of Bliss was also super annoying (e.g. leaving the warehouse unprotected as an unmated omega - like what did you expect would happen???) and how the men didn't find that omegas were abused by their purchasers from the auction was quite unbelievable.
I still plan on checking out the next book, but I hope that their relationship makes much more progress, and that the characters are actually developed further. A lot of the men were characterized by their behavior towards Bliss rather than actual backstory and history. --- Ratings - abandoned series: #0.5 Pack Origin: ★★★★☆ #1 Pack Bound (this book): ★★★☆☆ #2 Pack Bliss: ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
This book was pretty good. It had a bit of emotional back and forth and conflicts that I don’t love. The ending was basically what I expected as well. The characters were fine but I felt like we didn’t really get to know any of the guys that well. They all read very similarly to the point that I would get confused about who’s POV I was reading from. I’ll continue the series and would probably read more from these authors. This was certainly entertaining and definitely not bad, there were just a few things that didn’t quite work for me.
Pack Bound was a solid 3.5 for me, but I rounded up. This review will contain spoilers for Pack Origin and a bit for Pack Bound as well.
Pack Bound picks up 4 years after Pack Origin. At this point we see Bliss at the institute and getting ready to graduate along with fellow classmate Flora. Although we don’t get a lot of background on their entire time at the institute we do get that Flora and Bliss became quick friends and are also roommates. Since Bliss accidentally scent bonded with the guys before she came to the institute, we quickly learn that she is a bit different than the other omegas there. Enter them going to the Agora ceremony where they are to meet their future mate. Meanwhile the guys haven’t forgotten about Bliss and they are determined to get her back, whatever it takes.
Ways this universe is different and stands out from other omegaverses I’ve read: -It doesn’t seem like the norm or common for alpha’s to form packs. It seems like that’s what they used to do in the past but not anymore. -A lot of secrets surrounding omega’s and even though they are at this institute it’s not like they are learning a lot about their designation, which adds to the plot and gives it some mystery. -Betas aren’t able to scent things like alphas and omegas can and a lot of betas came off weak.
There were some issues I had with this book such as the amount of plot holes I noticed. One of which was the Agora ceremony. I feel like it’s pretty obvious to the reader what that ceremony actually is. Bliss figures it out pretty quickly and even the guys seem to piece everything together as well. But then when Bliss and the guys are talking about everything, it’s like the guys had no idea even though they were there, saw everything, and came to the same conclusions. Also Bliss understands (or at least should since it was mentioned in the prequel and the guys remind her) how dangerous it is to be an unmated omega and out in society and yet she goes out in public alone. Also the guys’ lack of understanding what these scent blockers do to omegas. Even if the institute lied to them or didn’t give them all the information, there comes a time I think when Bliss explains to the guys what the blockers actually do to omegas and it isn’t until towards the end when they decide they are done with the institute. I don’t know why they wouldn’t be after they saw what happened at the Agora ceremony and then again when Bliss tells them how the institute keeps them drugged.
One of the other big issues I had with this book was the miscommunication trope. I get that it plays a pretty big role in the plot, but it definitely grates on my nerves. The fact that they interpret things instead of just talking things through. And always interpreting the worst rather than trying to see both sides of the coin. I also feel like this contributed to the plot holes for me as well because Bliss literally says something about how they are only doing this because they have to because of the bond and the guys don’t correct her and there is even once when they do correct her and she still thinks ‘oh it’s because of the bond.’ They clearly all care about each other and love each other. And it was evident in the prequel novella as well so it’s just weird that she still feels rejected.
I do wish that the characters were a bit more flushed out as well. I wish there was a bit more backstory on Bliss’ time at the institute, how Wes became a trusted member of the pack and the guys’ relationship as well. Especially since we learn the guys are fractured and broken and yet still made their way back to each other but I was left with too many questions. There is a comment made in the beginning about them grazing arms or touching and how it sparks something amongst the guys. Then another comment about how ‘they have been denying themselves this’. So were they ever intimate with each other while Bliss was at the institute? What was going on with them and their side of the bond for the last 4 years? Were they intimate and then stopped or was it lingering feelings they didn’t act on? Again I just wish this would’ve been flushed out a bit more rather than having lingering questions. I think if these guys were a bit more flushed out too then I wouldn’t feel like Killian and Nox would read the same to me. Nor would Rafe and Ares. Killian and Nox are more light hearted and go with the flow type of characters, Nox is the smart one and Killian is like the big teddy bear but still about the same. Then Rafe is serious and so is Ares, just Ares is a bit more brooding and an overall ass. So basically two of the same just slightly different variations but too close together in my opinion.
With that said…I did still enjoy this book and there is a good amount of spice and if I’m being honest it is what had me rounding my rating up. The spice scenes were done very well and I loved the MM interaction. I honestly loved all the sexual tension and moments they had. Another thing I liked about this book was Wes and his interaction with Flora and everything that basically happens in Wes’ POV. I really liked his character and really want to read more of him in the future. And when FINALLY the miscommunication ended and Bliss literally told Ares how she feels, that’s when I felt like I was devouring this book. Since it does happen towards the very end (and I literally mean around 90%) I was just waiting for a bomb to be dropped and a cliffhanger. Not a huge cliffhanger, but it did make me want to immediately pick up the next book. I’m also wanting to get to the mystery behind these omegas and what the actual story is and if all of that will ever be revealed. I have ideas on where the last book is going to go from here so I hope it won’t be too predictable.
This book was all over the place. There wasn’t enough focus at all. Not enough romance either and too much focus on side characters. I really didn’t care about Flora. Side characters as plot devices just don’t work for me, especially this early into the book. So grovel through help with said side character really really didn’t work me. This story needs editing so so so badly.
Wow. This was not good. One dementional. The characters are not flushed out and you don’t care for them or about them. I need GROVEL. Like. YOU MESSED UP SO BAD. And we get. One. Maybe TWO sorry and that’s it. Like. WHAT ?! She’s upset but doesn’t lay into them or make them talk about it. Ugghhhh. Frustrated enough to just want to be done.
Such a good novella and i cannot wait until we get more of the story! Bliss is going to be one of my favorites . This world is probably one of my top favorites. love me some pack men!
I love Omegaverse and the good ones are so hard to find! I’ve been anxiously awaiting Pack Bound from @katekingauthor and @jessawilderauthor and it didn’t disappoint!!
Let me first say, if you haven’t read the prequel to this duet called Pack Origin, I highly recommend it! The back story really sets the stage for the history and angst in this book.
We meet Bliss again, four years later and about to graduate from the Institute (or the creepy cult as I referred to it 😆) with her friend Flora and meeting their alphas. As with all things tied to this culty establishment, the Agora, or the alpha mating ceremony, is sketchy as all hell with the girls all on blockers and sold to the highest bidder.
Enter Nox, Killian, Rafe, and Ares, Bliss’s childhood best friends who didn’t part on the best terms but are there to win/buy her back. As I’ve not so subtly alluded to, the Institute and Government relations between alphas and omegas play a huge part in dictating a role based society and the drama that unfolds with the guys and Bliss is a wild rollercoaster.
The good news - the steam was HOT and the shared histories really helped strengthen the connections. The bad news - that cliffy … seems our HEA will have to wait til part two!
I’ve been waiting for this forever and the wait was soooo worth it. I loved the authors note at the beginning. Letting us know that Bliss wouldn’t magically become a bad ass that it would take time. After reading what Bliss went through at the institute and with her feelings of betrayal I saw just what they were saying. The feelings Bliss had being around them was felt as I read the book. Her feelings of betrayal fighting against the feelings of the bond they shared was great and I could see it. Although I knew why the guys did what they did because I read the novella I was still pissed at them LOL….. BUT I saw where they loved her truly. I wanted to kick Ares in the ass though. I loved seeing how Bliss and the guys learned together how the bond worked when it came to the feeling they had for each other even before the bond. I absolutely loved Wes and the different approach that he as a beta, didn’t understand how the dynamics of the alpha/omega relationship worked. And said the alphas didn’t understand how hard it was for betas especially with their "bark" I can’t wait to see how him and Flora work out. So glad we don’t have to wait long for next one.
And can I say that this book was STEAMY!!!!! OMG it was so hot and written soooo good.
I freaking love omegaverse and this one did not disappoint. I will start out by saying, I think it is important you read Pack Origin (novella) before starting this series. It will give you insight to the conflict that starts immediately in the book!
This follows Bliss who was ripped away from her best friends and pack when they realized she was an omega and couldn't be cared for by them. She was taken to the Institute where everyone thinks they are learning to own being an omega, when really there are some sinister things at play.
When the guys get her back, can she forgive them for the betrayal and be a pack, and do they even truly want her?
I loved Bliss. I loved her as a strong teen in the novella, but this book was fun getting to watch her re-find herself after 4 years of being told what to eat, say, and how to act. The SMUT in this book.......... dang it's good! Sword crossing, group activities, and a heat all in one book? Thank youuuuuuu!
The one thing I wish we got more of was the guys' personalities. Aside from Ares who is the brooding artist, there wasn't much to differentiate between the other 3 guys. Their appearance is different for sure (and thank you for a Jacob's Ladderrrrrrr), but I didn't feel much of their own personalities while reading. There were bits and pieces and I really enjoyed them, I just want a little more! I am hoping in the final installment we get to see all 4 guys having their own hobbies and spending some more alone time with Bliss to see how each of them is different in the way they love her.
Also if they do not GROVEL, I will lose it... because that cliffy!!!!!!
Overall really enjoyed, its a fast quick read!
4.25/5 stars plot 4/5 spice
Triggers are listed at the beginning of book, please read them before starting this story :)
I found the overall setup for the society/the way things happen in this world to be interesting, but oh my fucking god these characters are idiots. Every 5 seconds there’s miscommunication about something or some sort of misunderstanding cause one of them isn’t actually explaining anything to the others.
Also I understand Bliss’s desire for some independence and lack of trust in the guys, but even if things with the Institute aren’t as they seem to the outside world she HAD to know running off by herself as an unmated omega was a terrible idea???
I also have a small issue with how the FMC is portrayed on the updated cartoon covers. She says she’s a size 12, there’s several mentions of her curves and rounded stomach. But then the character on the cover is drawn fairly thin. Why approve art like that when you’re describing her as more curvy/full figured?
This is just…not what I want from an omegaverse. I found myself stopping at multiple points throughout the book where usually I devour abo in one sitting.
I think I was really struggling with the excessive miscommunication/total lack of communication in conjunction with all of the alphas saying that they are compelled to do anything to make her happy - ok, so then just tell her the whole truth instead of making assumptions that you KNOW are hurting her. I wanted to scream every time one of them made an inch of progress just to fully give me whiplash back into angst.
Personally, I like the consistency and certainty that the omegaverse trope tends to lean into (even if there’s a rocky start), and this missed the mark for me. I can appreciate that it was doing something different, it just wasn’t what I was looking for. DNF around 70%.
I don’t normally get so far through a book before taking the plunge to decide not to finish it, but I pushed myself through the 40% mark and wish I hadn’t
Back and forth internal monologues and lack of communication are not my cup of tea unfortunately
3.5 stars- it would have been 4 but Bliss made so many decisions that made me angry and they all seemed a bit TSTL.
I like the relationship building and dynamic and the premise is pretty interesting. I wasn’t a fan of how gullible and naive Bliss is, especially at the end. I also found it a little hard to believe that these guys managed to take control of a gang because they seem incredibly disorganized and sloppy especially when it comes to cleaning up after their criminal activities. I’m not surprised by the mess they got themselves into. The entire reason they sent Bliss away in the first place was because they wanted time to become strong enough to protect her and they managed to mess that up in like a span of a week.
The cliff hanger isn’t the most brutal that I’ve seen, but it’s still not great. If you don’t do well with cliffhangers, I’d wait for book 2 to release.
They have done it again!!! Kate and Jessa killed it ! Not only did they suck me in but they keeped me wanting more from start to finish! I can not wait to see what happens next!! So many twist and turns with this I just loved it!!! 5 stars for sure. And 10/10 recommend!!!