Surely, an omega wouldn't have been so careless with her whereabouts if she didn't want us to take her.
Finders keepers, right?
We thought the talk in the town about the crazy cult that lived in the woods was just a bunch of close-minded gossip, until we realized there was more to the story. So we angled ourselves inside their compound, let them take one of my pack brothers, and in turn, we took their prized omega.
Only, she doesn't know what being an omega means.
She's never seen a male, and doesn't quite know what to do with us. She is thoroughly brainwashed and in need of some serious real-life education, and we're just the alphas to give it to her.
Kelsey Soliz is a homeschooling mama of four and army wife, and when she's not drinking copious amounts of tea or playing bassoon, she is dreaming up all kinds of romance story scapes or reading them like a maniac.
I really wanted to like this book and was super excited to start it. The beginning started off really good and kept me intrigued but once they kidnapped her it all went down hill. It’s like the guys were constantly forgetting she was just taken from the only home she has ever know and trying to force her into so many different situations. On the way to their house after the store incident one comments about chaining her to the bed like come on. Once home she clearly voices she is very uncomfortable and would rather sleep on the couch but they start forcing her to sleep with them and that’s where I gave up. Also I forgot but THE GUY LEGIT FORCES A MATING MARK ON HER she literally just escaped a cult doesn’t know men doesn’t know about alpha and omegas and what not and then forces a life time bond!!??!! like wtf it like a different version of r@p€! I definitely don’t recommend this book!
Content warnings including language like “unalive” “grape” are a huge red flag. Tik tok language has no place in books and an author who can’t say killed, murder or rape should not be writing about those topics.
Additionally, including gay and sapphic relationships as potentially “triggering” content that needs a warning is disrespectful and concerning. Implying that gay relationships are similar to rape and murder in needing a trigger? Huge red flag.
I’ll be honest, the beginning of the book made me uncomfortable. I even put it down and picked something else up. But then I came back to it. I pushed through, it doesn’t take long. Push through it. The beginning is hard with Calai in the cult. She’s brainwashed in a cult of all females. Hence a bit of ff in the beginning. It’s not my thing, but it had its place in the story. The way they handled the first fertile time of the month for the girls grossed me out. I won’t lie. But it only furthered the cult feel. Hang in there. The story gets better. It helped shaped who Calai is. This is an Omegaverse story at its heart, where Omegas are rare. And alphas form packs (some platonic, some more than that- there is mm in this one). Calai doesn’t even know what she is, and doesn’t even realize that there are others beyond the walls of where she grew up. I like that she doesn’t fit the stereotype of an Omega, because besides the instincts that are blooming in her, she doesn’t have any reference to how she is supposed to act. There is a huge push and pull with her instincts- some dubcon between what her instincts want vs. what she wants. Eventually those align, but its touch and go there. I love the character of the beta August. I have a soft spot for any deaf character. It’s a little convenient as to how she can communicate with him, but I accepted it. This was a different angle on an Omegaverse than I’ve read before, and I really liked it. Did it get me out of my comfort zone, yep. But I also enjoyed the fact that it did. I found the story engaging, despite being turned off in the beginning. So, stick with it, you won’t be disappointed!
I have to say, this book was such a massive rollercoaster ride. It definitely starts off more on the darker (although not too dark) and problematic side regarding Calai's life in the compound--the heavily regulated rules, food, and duties. Keep in mind the triggers listed in the blurb as well. If you're not a fan of f/f, either skip this one or depending on your tolerance, stick it out as it doesn't last long and is before the harem finds her. I promise the story is well worth it.
Also notice the dubcon situation as well. Some people don't prefer this, but I think it worked out well for the situation that Calai and her alphas were in once they rescued her from the compound. Let's be clear, the alphas are idiots and have one thing on their mind when it comes to their omega: make her theirs. I think where many people might have issues with this is some of their actions in showing their claim on her as well as how they decide to prevent her from running away. I will admit that these things did kind of annoy me, but stick it out. They make a complete 180 after a short amount of time.
The main issue with the alphas in the beginning is the lack of communication. Not so much between each other, but with their omega. Because of the escape mission she attempted, they basically pushed her needs and wants aside, making their priority to keep her with them so she can't run again. But don't worry! Calai makes sure to voice her opinion when given the chance and really makes them question and regret every action they have made towards her, realizing that they focused too much on their own wants and needs instead of asking her about her own. Despite her past, she isn't someone who is malleable, that conforms to a standard or a set of rules simply because someone who claims her wants her to. She is her own person with her own thoughts and feelings. They completely disregarded those things, making no real effort to get to know her as a person.
You'll see huge changes in the pack as Calai adapts to her life with them. I think being together for so long, they forgot about everything that truly needs to go into a relationship when it is just developing. After time, even the guys had become distant, pulling away from each other as they searched for the missing piece in their pack, and even a bit lazy in their efforts with one another. Calai slowly brought their focus back towards each other and to the family that they had created. She made unknown issues more obvious to them the more she was around them. Being able to recognize their faults, so they could work on correcting them, made them into better mates. They easily go from guys that you want to punch to men that you like for their humor, support, and softness towards each other and their omega.
The beta, August, was a curveball I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed how unique Calai's relationship with him was. She was able to give him so many things that he was unable to get anywhere else: someone who could communicate with him through signing, was willing to put effort into getting to know him, and provided a pack of accepting packmates for him. Their relationship was such an easy one for them to fall into as opposed to the alphas. There were by far less issues with each other and more taking care of one another. It was a nice contrast to the beginning of her relationship with her alphas. Introducing a beta into the mix provided the balance that the pack had been needing for a long time, even after Calai came into the picture. He was the level head, the caretaker, and the support system.
Calai and her pack's journey was an eventful one in this book. Tons of bumps in the road, sweet moments along with heartbreaking ones. It's definitely a story that keeps you interested as you follow along with Calai as she adapts to this brand new world around her and see her grow as a person who is able to live freely for the very first time.
It's not the best book I have read from Kelsey Soliz. But it's not the worst, either.
My favorite series, so far, is Hemlock Academy. I didn't read the follow-up with Gabby's brother, because it wasn't finished last when I looked it up. But okay. Back to topic.
Hidden is definitely a unique plot, mixed with Omegaverse. The beginning is certainly something else, and not for everyone, for sure. I'm mostly not a huge fan of FF, too. But I don't mind reading it. So, that was okay. But the cultish and creepy feeling was absolutely there.
I did like Calai, the FMC. Though, a lot of the process was skipped and felt like it comes on the spur of the moment. Everything happens within a month. The guys… yeah, what should I say? A lot of stuff went south at first, but lastly they all come around and actually listen/understand her.
August was one of my favorite characters. He felt the most genuine. And her twin, Parker, wasn't a huge part. I kind of thought that there would be a deeper connection. Don't forget the one mate he had at first.
So, I like the book, but considering all the jumps/not all things are much explained, I couldn't really get into it. Like about the "Great Mother"? I still don't know what the reason was for the compound. How did she alter the memories of the children? What about all the women at the end? I kind of thought it would be part of the epilogue. But the epilogue mostly was an extra sex scene. I still don't know much about her father or her Mom. I had hoped for more bonding. I, at least, like the sentimental with the change of her name. It made sense.
So, even though the story is unique and all. And I liked it. But it wasn't enough for 5 stars. And even the 4 stars, are more between 3.5 to 4 stars. But I didn't want to round down.
I hope there will be maybe a story about Dara.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I wanted to like this, but I couldn't get past the alphas horrible behavior. The blurb warns that there's dubcon but I really thought it would only be from the female cultists. It's not. The alphas are horrible to her. They kidnap her l, expose her to a new and confusing world, and then get mad and punish her for running to try save herself. They never try to explain things to her and they definitely never offer her a choice. When she tries to run they bite her to force the bond so that everyone knows she belongs to them. They never check that she's okay after nearly being assaulted, it's all about their own anger at her. Then they're all confused when she says they're killing her spirit by literally chaining her to their bed and treating her like an animal.
The first time she's knotted by one of the alphas isn't even her choice. He assaults her in their sleep. I was so icked out here. Just because he "made it good for her" does not make it okay.
She meets her Fated beta mate and they alphas decide to not tell her that he's her mate for her own good. Grr. I hate that trope. If you're keeping something from the FMC there better be a really good reason for it. Anyway, their decision to not tell her indirectly results in the beta and her getting injured and she runs away with her beta mate.
Right here, I would have been pretty happy if the book just ended with her staying with August and never coming back. But, of course she decides to give them another chance. And basically the whole rest of the book is one giant sex scene that felt vaguely icky because she forgot all about forgiving them when her heat hit.
I don't recommend this one at all. I've read this author's Hemlock series in the past and I mostly enjoyed it. But this one I can't recommend at all. I feel less I need a shower after reading this.
As an avid reader & lover of Omegaverse, this book definitely hit a little different. This book also starts off so differently, our FMC Calai is in a cult, which leads to a heap of problems. She’s completely brain washed, it’s all females (some f/f in the beginning only), Calai has no idea what she is. Worst part? She has no idea what is real in the outside world beyond the walls she currently lives in.
There’s a bit of dub-con, between Calai and her pack, which goes in hand with the Omega/Alpha pull. Alphas brains are all “claim/mine”, omegas are meant to “bend” to alphas wants or “bark” like a command? It’s very much a grey area, if you’ve never read an omegaverse, this may be a shock? I’ve read plenty where the alpha “bark” was used on an omega or even a beta.
After a few happenings… the Alphas & Calai came to blows of sorts. They didn’t really listen & set their own needs above Calais. I am happy AF that Calai stood her ground, even with all she went through, she’s strong and will not be conformed into what “they want”. There’s also a cute little Beta that’s really amazing and I like their relationship. Vegas are usually the ones able to keep their heads “on” with all the Alpha / Omega stuff. So he’s there for Calai, which she needs in this story.
Even though this is a different take on the ABO world, that’s exactly why it’s a great read! It’s so different and I truly appreciate what Kelsey did! I ended up loving this story and the characters after they got their stuff in order.
Calai (Cal-ee) is our FMC in this omegaverse. She grows up in a cult knowing nothing about the outside world that isn't the lies fed to her by "Great Mother". In fact, she doesn't even know there are two genders because she's never seen a man, nor does she know about a/b/o designations or dynamics. She is lovers with her roommate, Eln, so there's some ff in the beginning before the harem meets her, though...the story makes sure she won't be a problem in the most abrupt and hilarious way. I did like that the author low-key never pointed it out but Calai is not white. It specifically points out her curly hair and darker skin tone. It's nice to have an fmc of color because it isn't often seen.
The alphas (Kit, Colter, and James) find Calai on the compound through rumors of the cult's existence (it's hidden in the woods/mountain) and kidnap her. In this world, Omegas are extremely rare and there's a lot of alphas that try to forcibly claim omegas even if they aren't scent matches. The guys are scent matches with Calai, but they also have a mm relationship prior to meeting her.
In the beginning, I didn't really like the alphas at all because of how high-handed and dub-con their behavior was (sometimes bordering on non-con). Eventually she tells them off and makes them grovel. There's also a beta that joins the pack (my personal favorite) and he helps her heal and them realize the error of their ways.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It wasn't my favorite Kelsey Soliz book, but it still kept me hooked the entire book!
I loved this book and it’s story line. I loved how Calai develops over the course of the book beyond the trauma she goes through. The reason for the 4 stars instead of 5 is that the author confused the names of ml in some of the POV’s. For example, in the library chapter that is in James’ POV - James is separated from the rest of the pack but it later mentions that James and Kit are with Calai despite it being clear that it is actually Colter with her. This type of typo is replicated in various sections of the book in addition the there being sections where Colter is referred to as Colton. This detracts from the reading experience as you can get confused as to who is meant be the one the author is referring to. But despite this, the story line itself and the characters is amazing and it’s well worth the read if you can look past the editing errors. Additionally I especially liked how you could see Calai/Darcy’s relationship develop with her long lost family. So if you like a book that can make you laugh as well as emotional this book is definitely for you.
TW: on page death of a side character, violence, sexual assault, physical assault, kidnapping, cult/religious trauma, non-con that turns into con (he's sleeping and slips it in?? and she eventually just rolls with it)
I enjoyed the book more when Calai found her voice to talk back to the Alphas and how they made her feel, and I did like August (though her just happening to know sign language was a convenient coincidence). Idk about this one overall. Some grammar issues too.
I read the first 30%, then skipped to the last 90%, and don’t feel like I missed anything
I skipped because it kind of dragged, but I personally believe that I am not overly into omegaverse at the moment, and to catch my attention it would have had to be pretty amazing
The issues: - James and Colter’s characters seemed to get mixed up with each other, and sometimes one would do something uncharacteristic for themselves, but would have make heaps of sense if the other had done it - The alphas were good, but I feel like the author was undecided as to whether they were alpha-holes or cinnamon rolls, and that was frustrating- I feel like maybe she couldn’t have kept Kit more alpha-y and grey, with the balance being the other two alphas, and the beta - don’t know, the story was just a jumble of different types of omegaverse stories without committing to anything
I feel this could have been excellent, but fell short The story premise, and the plot with the cult stuff was awesome - otherwise it was just a bit meh
Okay, so I started off the story feeling very uncomfy with the cult development, but honestly that’s a natural reaction, I think.
Then I was super salty about how the alphas were treating Calai.
But after that, when she started to stand up for herself and put them in their place?!? Absolutely glorious!! I love watching a weaker FMC discover their inner strength and grow to be the queens they are!!
The four men were very interesting, and I adore the relationships between them. Nothing makes me happier than a well connected and balanced Harem. Jacob was certainly my favorite, but August was a very close second. I love soft-for-you mates, and especially ones with great senses of humor!
Overall this story was very emotional and breathtaking! I hope that we get to continue in this world! Whether that is Parker’s story, or maybe one of the other Omegas from the cult.
I’ll start this by saying I’m not usually a fan of alpha/omega so I added an extra star to counteract my own negativity based on that. I read this based on recommendations from others and, as it was a standalone it was longer than usual and I did try to drift away at times. As a non-fan of the trope I did like that this didn’t spend too much page time dedicated to explaining to newbies all about the feelings and needs of each category, which can get tedious. It did take a little while to get to the good stuff especially with where Calai starts and how she gets introduced to her pack. I enjoyed this in parts but it’s not one that I would read again or seek out further books in the series but I do love the authors other books and will continue to read the ones that sound like they’re more ‘my thing’.
So... I honestly wanted to give this 5 stars because I love the author. I just didn’t really love this book. Told from all POV. The storyline was pretty f’ed up and creepy...which was a bit depressing. There was definitely a lot of dub-con in the first half. I couldn’t really connect with the alpha’s because the author didn’t spend a lot of time with getting to know them...besides their one track mind. I also don’t really enjoy stories that have an existing relationship prior to meeting their omega. I’m all for some hot MM...just like it to develop with the others as it goes. I definitely would have preferred the violence against the people who deserved it to be more graphic and detailed...it seemed to just skim over it which didn’t make a lot of sense if you are outlining dubcon, why shy away from that? I did finish it, lol...but was sort of let down by the ending.
I really really really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn’t sure what was going on, but it became clear pretty quickly. Calai has had a really terrible life, even though she doesn’t agree at first. Even with the way she was raised, I love that she stands up for herself against her alphas. She will not stand for them controlling her, and it takes awhile but they finally get with the program. The character growth is wonderful, especially Kit and Colter, they come a long way from the controlling, take what they want with no regard to Calai’s feelings, alphas they are in the beginning. James too but not to the same extent. I wish we got to see more of Parker and Calai and their relationship, but maybe in the future we will?
Well... This was different, but nice. I really liked the first few chapters and believed for a short time that the book might have been post apocalyptic RH omegaverse, but to learn it was a cult and that she was a kidnapped child. That broke my heart. Calai is an emotionally strong self assured character who when faced with huge upheaval, embraces it with grace. It's something magical about Kelsey Soliz' fmc they're all really self possessed women who don't have time to fall apart, they process their pain and trauma in healthy ways while still progressing the plot. My favourite character was August and his tattoos and could easily have spent more time with him. Overall this was a pleasant fun take on omegaverse.
4.5 stars. I absolutely love Kelsey’s writing style; the humor, the spice, the story line; chefs kiss. I enjoyed this book. I’ll try not to spoil it for anyone, but let’s just say; cults, alphas, omegas, a sprinkle of beta, mute m, some sword crossing, some action, some violence, and a whole lot of knots; plus a trip to Target! What could go wrong? The humor was great; as always. The characters were developed pretty well. The steam was high. The reactions from our fmc were relatable and the way she handled herself in situations was understandable. The men were a mess but they tried their best to redeem themselves. Overall; I recommend if you’re looking for a spicy omegaverse stand-alone.
Another fascinating take on Omegaverse - the whole cult thing - absolutely brilliant. I loved this book, August for me was the saving grace, I absolutely adore him. Calai - what a strong, fierce woman! Loved it - congrats Kelsey! And I think I'd rather read a book about Dara than Parker tbh - I would love to know how she manages the real world, does she continue more of a leadership role in the women's lives in their new reality, does she stay in touch with Darcy? Anyhoooo.... Get this book - it's scorching hot, heartbreakingly beautiful and wildly sweet....
This book may not be for everyone as the story is good but it does have triggers but the author warns about them clearly. I really enjoyed this book. It's well written and while the FMC is naive I know this is because she was being held captive over an extended period of time and knows nothing of the modern world. It was a cult for sure. Yes she captured but I didn't mind it here. I think it really takes of and brings some new things for sure so it isn't just another omegaverse but has it's own unique feel.
Was a great twist on an Omegaverse!! Calai is raised by cult leader “Great Mother”. In this cult, GM has convinced all the girls that the outside world is desolate and has no other life. They also have no idea what an Omega or men are. The book LITERALLY starts with blood …. IYKYK! 👀 Calai is up to be chosen as the breeder for the cult. This is when Kit, James, and Colter enter the picture. All they want to do is find an omega for their pack. Don’t even get me started on August…. Instant swoon 🥰. BUT there is more to Calai and this cult than meets the eye. Totally worth the read!! 4⭐️ & 3.5🌶️
This book had so much potential, but it just fell flat. No spark whatsoever. The idea of a compound cult of omegas hidden away from the world? I'm so into it. But despite being indoctrinated and having no idea that the outside world exists, Calai adapts seamlessly into society with not flaws or hiccups (I'm looking at you tattoos that she somehow knows what you are!). Like I said, there was just no spark in this book.
You might like this book if you don’t mind the males being not as charming?
It’s was a lot of - your ours and I don’t care what you want to do but your not leaving my bed. She literally has never seen a man before so it was annoying when they got frustrated or angry at her for her literally being confused/overwhelmed.
I care about you but - not your mental health or what you must be going through and how crazy this must all be.
I didn't like this one at first, but I picked it back up and started over. Once I gave it a second chance, I was able to love the weird beginning. After I got into the different characters, I loved the cultish people and wanted to know more. Great pack beginning. Sweet pack add-on and storyline. As always, there's plenty of steam, plenty of smiles, and a handful of tears.
This is a story about a woman that was abducted as a child and brainwashed her whole life. Then she is rescued by a pack and the story surrounds her learning to live in society and as an omega and a member of a pack. I wish there was more to this book showing what happened to the other girls in the compound. I think more stories in this world would be very interesting.
I haven’t read a Kelsey Soliz book that I didn’t love, so going in I had such high expectations, and it totally lived up to those expectations, so if your looking for a steamy omegaverse read with some alphas that are constantly working to redeem themselves this is the book for you, some mm, also a mute mmc. Overall the plot was engaging and the spice was great. Definitely recommend!
This was kind of different than most omegaverses that I have read. I did like it. I thought the men were way too mean and annoying at the beginning. They never seemed to want to take the time to explain anything to her and just assumed she would trust them. But they did get better and the FMC got stronger which I liked.
I really enjoyed this book, and the setting it was in. I found that the book had some endings that were quick to complete, and I’d have preferred them be a bit more drawn out. But overall Calai and her men had quite the journey and I’d highly recommend this book for people who enjoy the omegaverse world.
Unexpectedly complex, an actual full length novel (I rarely remember to check page counts so this is always a nice surprise), and it wasn't a smooth sailing insta anything fluff. If you're a stickler for consent it might not be your thing, but they did her right with the groveling. Well done.
The book club discussion notes at the end were hilarious and delightful.
I liked this a lot. And yes, please do give Parker a book. And others from the compound! Anyway, this book had me pissed, but I loved it in the end. The only thing that bothered me was the dubcon the author mentioned. To me it was noncon. Period. It was handled well though.