What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dark Omegaverse #1
All's Fair in Ruts and Heats
After defense attorney Caleb Reed is trounced in court by a rookie lawyer - an Omega no less - he knows one thing and one thing only. She was meant to be his mate…whether she wants to be or not.
Tags: Rape/Non-con elements, Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics, Emotional manipulation, Stalking, Violence, Suicide, Bittersweet HEA.
Tags: Rape/Non-con elements, Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics, Emotional manipulation, Stalking, Violence, Suicide, Bittersweet HEA.
Paperback
Published October 22, 2022
85 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 25, 2023
The Worst Book, Seriously The Worst Book Ever!!!
Honestly, this is probably the worst book I’ve ever read!!! I’m sorry but you don’t write a “romance” novel if it’s not romantic and also if it’s not even tragically romantic!! This book has only TWO POV’s and yet the heroine ends up with a SECONDARY CHARACTER, hell, not even secondary…the villain is more a part of this novel than the guy the heroine ends up with!!!
**SPOILERS** seriously hope you haven’t even gotten this far! That’s how bad this book is!!
Let’s try and “cut this short,” so I can basically tell you more about how AWFUL THIS BOOK IS, and what a WASTE OF MONEY IT IS!! Seriously do not buy this book! Unless it’s a free read, seriously do not buy it!! It honestly does nothing with the synopsis to let on that this book will be BEYOND TRAGIC!! I’m not kidding. This book isn’t like a Romeo Juliet scenario, or romantic tragedy, it’s just plain ol’ AWFUL!
Ari, an Omega, is a pro-bono lawyer who wants to win a big case against an Alpha corporate defense lawyer who NEVER loses. So of course she CHEATS! I should’ve already seen the red flags about this book right then and there, however I thought the two of them could redeem themselves as the book went on!! So Ari cheats by stopping her suppressants and making sure she purposefully TEMPTS, the ruthless alpha attorney, Caleb. She wins, but at what cost??
Caleb HAS NEVER LOST! And he certainly has never lost to a mousey Omega lawyer before. He’s enraged but also EXCITED because he found his MATE, his SOULMATE!! In tricking him, Ari sent Caleb into a rut AND unknowingly made him SCENT HER AS HIS MATE! So Caleb becomes obsessed with Ari, and Ari even though she says he ALMOST smells perfect, is equally engaged with Caleb. Sure, she doesn’t show THE SAME 100% obsessive behavior that Caleb displays, but I assumed that that would be resolved as the book continued, even when the huge hurdle is thrown in.
Ari’s parents died in a car wreck, turns out, coincidentally (yeah right) that the driver that killed her parents is her new mates TWIN BROTHER who has been in a coma since he crashed into Ari’s parents car and killed them. Caleb is working for the MAN WHO HAS BEEN MOLESTING HIM FOR YEARS, because he’s been paying for his comatose brother’s care!! Turns out, again coincidentally (again right?!!) that Ben, the comatose brother is actually Ari’s REAL SOULMATE, but you see he’s only the real one because Ari recognizes his scent as perfect…but she’s mated and married to Caleb, who IS HER SOULMATE but only on HIS SIDE, due to the fact that Caleb recognizes her scent as perfect and knows 100% that she’s his soulmate even if Ari is slightly unsure.
So if you’ve kept up so far you understand that the author has set up a “rough” situation for our main characters!! Again POV is only from Ari and Caleb’s perspective!! You’ll have come to the conclusion by my review so far (at least I hope you have) that even though this situation is really messed up, these two characters, one Alpha and one Omega, are THE MAIN CHARACTERS, so even if it’s twisted, eventually they’ll END UP TOGETHER, no matter what! Hell, even DARK ROMANCES where the heroine is tortured, raped and goes through horrible things, ends up with the main male character or characters!! Soooo does Ari realize that she loves Caleb the way Caleb loves her? Do they end up together? Do they persevere? Do they take care of Ben (who is BARELY PRESENT IN THIS NOVEL) while they live the life they DESERVE? The life that Caleb has planned for throughout the book? Nope, no, nada, Niet!!!
Caleb GIVES his soulmate to his brother, who miraculously wakes up from a 12 year coma because Ari is HIS mate. After he basically throws the two of them into a LOCKED ROOM DURING ARI’S HEAT, he goes off and commits suicide!! Uh-huh! Soooo Ari gets her HEA with her true soulmate that we know NOTHING ABOUT and haven’t had any time spent on him, and Caleb ends up dead. Hmmmmm…yeahhhh that is a greeeat Alpha, Omega romance!! *big eye roll* you have got to be kidding me! What a waste of time and money!!!!
I still read on even when Ari was “torn” about her feelings, because she KEPT GOING BACK TO CALEB! And she even said she loved him but was confused. I assumed eventually something would happen, like Ben’s scent would change or something, ANYTHING so that Caleb and Ari would end up together!! For heck’s sake for most of the book Ari becomes enamored at how Caleb is so tuned into her, and is falling in love with him. It’s only when the book is more than halfway finished and Caleb takes Ari to say GOODBYE to his comatose brother (since Caleb and Ari have found love, and Caleb is finally ready to “let Ben go” pull the plug so to speak. This was going to be the “defining moment” the “start” of Caleb’s real life where he could open his own office getting away from his rapist) - he’s only still there because he’s being “blackmailed” by the slimeball rapist and he loves his brother so much even if he’s in a coma!! Choosing to let his rapist, his molester continuing to “use him” because the evil villain owns the hospice where Caleb’s brother is getting care!! I mean, oh my gosh, I cried! I felt so sorry for Caleb, and fell even more in love with him because of his dedication to his brother AND soulmate!
Heck, so maybe I would of been more “accommodating” about the horrible ending, if Ben (the brother to Caleb we know nothing about) had woken sooner, or we got some of his POV, or if Caleb didn’t know (like Ari) 100% that she was his soulmate! Again, anything!!! But you don’t pull readers along making them believe that the two main characters will overcome the challenges and have a HEA if that is not what you intend to do!! If the author wanted Ari and Ben to get together Ben should’ve been PRESENT in the book, not just mentioned, or told through Ari’s POV that he smells right to her, that she loves Caleb, but really loves his comatose brother. Ben should’ve had some POV time, woken sooner. Or Caleb should’ve realized that Ari wasn’t his soulmate the way Ari decided that Caleb wasn’t hers, and actions should’ve been taken for the reader to be at least a teeny bit ready for the twisted horrible ending!!
But. No. The author purposefully misleads the reader! IT. IS. ON. PURPOSE!!!!! Then she throws the “twist” at THE VERY END OF THE BOOK! Listen, I don’t mind twists, often they’re great, and even necessary to keep readers “on their toes” but you don’t go about it this way! You don’t purposefully mislead your audience, stringing them along, making them sympathize and FALL IN LOVE with the male main character only to KILL HIM OFF AT THE END and throw his soulmate at a brother you know nothing absolutely nothing about!! Reading (in Ari’s case leaving flowers that die at his bedside) or talking at the comatose brother’s side DOES NOT COUNT AS KNOWING THE CHARACTER!
Even worse (yes it gets worse!!) the author GAVE Ben, the coma brother, the LIFE Caleb, the main character, envisioned for himself and his mate. I mean, heck, Caleb and Ari were ALREADY BEGINNING TO LIVE THAT ENVISIONED LIFE TOGETHER. They were making plans in the book when before you know it the book is finished and somehow we’ve ended up with a dead male main character and a female main character that you had, up until the ended really liked…found kinda adorable, but end up DESPISING!!!
Literally, I could not help but absolutely despise Ari by the very end of the book. She just spent the entire book with Caleb, and helping to “make Caleb a better man,” telling him SHE LOVED HIM, only to not even bat an eyelash when Caleb is dead, having sacrificed his life for her? I mean how sick and twisted can you be? She names one of her triplets (again, babies that Caleb wanted and planned on having with her) after Caleb!! You heard me right! The author has Ben suddenly wake up, get thrown into a heat room with Ari, Ari and Ben mating each other, nullifying her mating to Caleb (our beloved tormented dark hero), go on to live the PERFECT life AND have babies with this stupid coma brother we knew next to nothing about, and then add insult to injury name one of her kids after the main character, Caleb, we spent the entire book getting to know and love.
And somehow the author thinks this is okay, she even justifies herself in the authors notes at the very end. But her explanation is asinine!
She writes, I know some people might be disappointed, (disappointed?!!! Are you joking?!! Let’s try absolutely furious!!!) I’d had planned a different ending but while I was driving (DRIVING, seriously?!) I just knew that Caleb needed to kill himself! - So while she was just driving along in her car she had an epiphany that Caleb needed to commit suicide and leave Ben and Ari together, after he had spent 12 years keeping Ben ALIVE? But oh, he’s so ready to get rid of his own life?) And then she goes on with some more nonsense about how we (the readers) will “understand” because Caleb was always “tortured.” So because he did some morally gray things, was molested and tortured, and soulmates with his COMATOSE BROTHER’S mate - the brother who is absent in this book he HAD to die, an in that awful manner? WHAT?!! You have tortured heroes and anti-heroes ALL THE TIME who are the focus in books that don’t Kill themselves, and end up with the girl, even in some unconventional situations. The authors note is as HORRIBLE as her book!!! Pathetic! Just pathetic!!
So, yes, I would absolutely NOT RECOMMEND this book. It is, honestly, one of THE WORST BOOKS I HAVE EVER EVER EVER READ!!!!! Do not pay one penny for this disaster!! If I could have written a review and leave negative stars I would have!!!!
Honestly, this is probably the worst book I’ve ever read!!! I’m sorry but you don’t write a “romance” novel if it’s not romantic and also if it’s not even tragically romantic!! This book has only TWO POV’s and yet the heroine ends up with a SECONDARY CHARACTER, hell, not even secondary…the villain is more a part of this novel than the guy the heroine ends up with!!!
**SPOILERS** seriously hope you haven’t even gotten this far! That’s how bad this book is!!
Let’s try and “cut this short,” so I can basically tell you more about how AWFUL THIS BOOK IS, and what a WASTE OF MONEY IT IS!! Seriously do not buy this book! Unless it’s a free read, seriously do not buy it!! It honestly does nothing with the synopsis to let on that this book will be BEYOND TRAGIC!! I’m not kidding. This book isn’t like a Romeo Juliet scenario, or romantic tragedy, it’s just plain ol’ AWFUL!
Ari, an Omega, is a pro-bono lawyer who wants to win a big case against an Alpha corporate defense lawyer who NEVER loses. So of course she CHEATS! I should’ve already seen the red flags about this book right then and there, however I thought the two of them could redeem themselves as the book went on!! So Ari cheats by stopping her suppressants and making sure she purposefully TEMPTS, the ruthless alpha attorney, Caleb. She wins, but at what cost??
Caleb HAS NEVER LOST! And he certainly has never lost to a mousey Omega lawyer before. He’s enraged but also EXCITED because he found his MATE, his SOULMATE!! In tricking him, Ari sent Caleb into a rut AND unknowingly made him SCENT HER AS HIS MATE! So Caleb becomes obsessed with Ari, and Ari even though she says he ALMOST smells perfect, is equally engaged with Caleb. Sure, she doesn’t show THE SAME 100% obsessive behavior that Caleb displays, but I assumed that that would be resolved as the book continued, even when the huge hurdle is thrown in.
Ari’s parents died in a car wreck, turns out, coincidentally (yeah right) that the driver that killed her parents is her new mates TWIN BROTHER who has been in a coma since he crashed into Ari’s parents car and killed them. Caleb is working for the MAN WHO HAS BEEN MOLESTING HIM FOR YEARS, because he’s been paying for his comatose brother’s care!! Turns out, again coincidentally (again right?!!) that Ben, the comatose brother is actually Ari’s REAL SOULMATE, but you see he’s only the real one because Ari recognizes his scent as perfect…but she’s mated and married to Caleb, who IS HER SOULMATE but only on HIS SIDE, due to the fact that Caleb recognizes her scent as perfect and knows 100% that she’s his soulmate even if Ari is slightly unsure.
So if you’ve kept up so far you understand that the author has set up a “rough” situation for our main characters!! Again POV is only from Ari and Caleb’s perspective!! You’ll have come to the conclusion by my review so far (at least I hope you have) that even though this situation is really messed up, these two characters, one Alpha and one Omega, are THE MAIN CHARACTERS, so even if it’s twisted, eventually they’ll END UP TOGETHER, no matter what! Hell, even DARK ROMANCES where the heroine is tortured, raped and goes through horrible things, ends up with the main male character or characters!! Soooo does Ari realize that she loves Caleb the way Caleb loves her? Do they end up together? Do they persevere? Do they take care of Ben (who is BARELY PRESENT IN THIS NOVEL) while they live the life they DESERVE? The life that Caleb has planned for throughout the book? Nope, no, nada, Niet!!!
Caleb GIVES his soulmate to his brother, who miraculously wakes up from a 12 year coma because Ari is HIS mate. After he basically throws the two of them into a LOCKED ROOM DURING ARI’S HEAT, he goes off and commits suicide!! Uh-huh! Soooo Ari gets her HEA with her true soulmate that we know NOTHING ABOUT and haven’t had any time spent on him, and Caleb ends up dead. Hmmmmm…yeahhhh that is a greeeat Alpha, Omega romance!! *big eye roll* you have got to be kidding me! What a waste of time and money!!!!
I still read on even when Ari was “torn” about her feelings, because she KEPT GOING BACK TO CALEB! And she even said she loved him but was confused. I assumed eventually something would happen, like Ben’s scent would change or something, ANYTHING so that Caleb and Ari would end up together!! For heck’s sake for most of the book Ari becomes enamored at how Caleb is so tuned into her, and is falling in love with him. It’s only when the book is more than halfway finished and Caleb takes Ari to say GOODBYE to his comatose brother (since Caleb and Ari have found love, and Caleb is finally ready to “let Ben go” pull the plug so to speak. This was going to be the “defining moment” the “start” of Caleb’s real life where he could open his own office getting away from his rapist) - he’s only still there because he’s being “blackmailed” by the slimeball rapist and he loves his brother so much even if he’s in a coma!! Choosing to let his rapist, his molester continuing to “use him” because the evil villain owns the hospice where Caleb’s brother is getting care!! I mean, oh my gosh, I cried! I felt so sorry for Caleb, and fell even more in love with him because of his dedication to his brother AND soulmate!
Heck, so maybe I would of been more “accommodating” about the horrible ending, if Ben (the brother to Caleb we know nothing about) had woken sooner, or we got some of his POV, or if Caleb didn’t know (like Ari) 100% that she was his soulmate! Again, anything!!! But you don’t pull readers along making them believe that the two main characters will overcome the challenges and have a HEA if that is not what you intend to do!! If the author wanted Ari and Ben to get together Ben should’ve been PRESENT in the book, not just mentioned, or told through Ari’s POV that he smells right to her, that she loves Caleb, but really loves his comatose brother. Ben should’ve had some POV time, woken sooner. Or Caleb should’ve realized that Ari wasn’t his soulmate the way Ari decided that Caleb wasn’t hers, and actions should’ve been taken for the reader to be at least a teeny bit ready for the twisted horrible ending!!
But. No. The author purposefully misleads the reader! IT. IS. ON. PURPOSE!!!!! Then she throws the “twist” at THE VERY END OF THE BOOK! Listen, I don’t mind twists, often they’re great, and even necessary to keep readers “on their toes” but you don’t go about it this way! You don’t purposefully mislead your audience, stringing them along, making them sympathize and FALL IN LOVE with the male main character only to KILL HIM OFF AT THE END and throw his soulmate at a brother you know nothing absolutely nothing about!! Reading (in Ari’s case leaving flowers that die at his bedside) or talking at the comatose brother’s side DOES NOT COUNT AS KNOWING THE CHARACTER!
Even worse (yes it gets worse!!) the author GAVE Ben, the coma brother, the LIFE Caleb, the main character, envisioned for himself and his mate. I mean, heck, Caleb and Ari were ALREADY BEGINNING TO LIVE THAT ENVISIONED LIFE TOGETHER. They were making plans in the book when before you know it the book is finished and somehow we’ve ended up with a dead male main character and a female main character that you had, up until the ended really liked…found kinda adorable, but end up DESPISING!!!
Literally, I could not help but absolutely despise Ari by the very end of the book. She just spent the entire book with Caleb, and helping to “make Caleb a better man,” telling him SHE LOVED HIM, only to not even bat an eyelash when Caleb is dead, having sacrificed his life for her? I mean how sick and twisted can you be? She names one of her triplets (again, babies that Caleb wanted and planned on having with her) after Caleb!! You heard me right! The author has Ben suddenly wake up, get thrown into a heat room with Ari, Ari and Ben mating each other, nullifying her mating to Caleb (our beloved tormented dark hero), go on to live the PERFECT life AND have babies with this stupid coma brother we knew next to nothing about, and then add insult to injury name one of her kids after the main character, Caleb, we spent the entire book getting to know and love.
And somehow the author thinks this is okay, she even justifies herself in the authors notes at the very end. But her explanation is asinine!
She writes, I know some people might be disappointed, (disappointed?!!! Are you joking?!! Let’s try absolutely furious!!!) I’d had planned a different ending but while I was driving (DRIVING, seriously?!) I just knew that Caleb needed to kill himself! - So while she was just driving along in her car she had an epiphany that Caleb needed to commit suicide and leave Ben and Ari together, after he had spent 12 years keeping Ben ALIVE? But oh, he’s so ready to get rid of his own life?) And then she goes on with some more nonsense about how we (the readers) will “understand” because Caleb was always “tortured.” So because he did some morally gray things, was molested and tortured, and soulmates with his COMATOSE BROTHER’S mate - the brother who is absent in this book he HAD to die, an in that awful manner? WHAT?!! You have tortured heroes and anti-heroes ALL THE TIME who are the focus in books that don’t Kill themselves, and end up with the girl, even in some unconventional situations. The authors note is as HORRIBLE as her book!!! Pathetic! Just pathetic!!
So, yes, I would absolutely NOT RECOMMEND this book. It is, honestly, one of THE WORST BOOKS I HAVE EVER EVER EVER READ!!!!! Do not pay one penny for this disaster!! If I could have written a review and leave negative stars I would have!!!!
September 12, 2023
now that was a dark omegaverse
I kinda want to stand up and clap for all to see because this has been the best omegaverse book I’ve read in a long while. Not since my first Kathryn moon novel have I felt as deeply for characters as I do now. Oh my heart broke but in the best of ways. I’m not mad at the ending it was fitting but I wish I could’ve had it all if only to see how it would play out!!!
I kinda want to stand up and clap for all to see because this has been the best omegaverse book I’ve read in a long while. Not since my first Kathryn moon novel have I felt as deeply for characters as I do now. Oh my heart broke but in the best of ways. I’m not mad at the ending it was fitting but I wish I could’ve had it all if only to see how it would play out!!!
May 11, 2023
I read the original Reylo fanfic but that’s not on here to rate and review so all this is for the fanfic, not the book.
Wow, just wow. This author really knew what she was doing. This whole thing is basically a PSA go fanfic girlies saying 🚨 it’s fun in the books but not in real life 🚨.
The plot twists!!! Omg, god-tier.
This whole fic was so tender and heartbreaking. Bittersweet is the word for sure.
I could go on and on but suffice to say this isn’t only excellent smut; this is brilliant writing. Bravo!!
**spoilers ahead**
The ending was devastating but I understand. It was logical. It made sense. Still, I wish so badly Kylo could have been saved by *someone*. He was so wounded. So hurt. It doesn’t excuse his behavior, but I’m a bleeding heart so naturally I wish he could have gotten his happy ending too.
Splitting Ben/Kylo into twins with a yin/yang vibe? Soo brilliant. Genius. *chef’s kiss*
Wow, just wow. This author really knew what she was doing. This whole thing is basically a PSA go fanfic girlies saying 🚨 it’s fun in the books but not in real life 🚨.
The plot twists!!! Omg, god-tier.
This whole fic was so tender and heartbreaking. Bittersweet is the word for sure.
I could go on and on but suffice to say this isn’t only excellent smut; this is brilliant writing. Bravo!!
**spoilers ahead**
The ending was devastating but I understand. It was logical. It made sense. Still, I wish so badly Kylo could have been saved by *someone*. He was so wounded. So hurt. It doesn’t excuse his behavior, but I’m a bleeding heart so naturally I wish he could have gotten his happy ending too.
Splitting Ben/Kylo into twins with a yin/yang vibe? Soo brilliant. Genius. *chef’s kiss*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
Nope. Not This
Spoiler below….
I did not care for the heroine. But Caleb? Someone so desperate for love, and to be loved in return, deserved a HEA and not to become a martyr.
Ben revealing that he changed his mind in the car, did not absolve him from his original intent, or the consequences after. How Ari was just able to look past all that, with the death of her parents and then the death of her husband? For her and Ben to just have a HEA? Girl, naw. The only one who deserved a HEA was the one who didn’t get it.
Spoiler below….
I did not care for the heroine. But Caleb? Someone so desperate for love, and to be loved in return, deserved a HEA and not to become a martyr.
Ben revealing that he changed his mind in the car, did not absolve him from his original intent, or the consequences after. How Ari was just able to look past all that, with the death of her parents and then the death of her husband? For her and Ben to just have a HEA? Girl, naw. The only one who deserved a HEA was the one who didn’t get it.
December 15, 2022
This story beautifully straddles the line between love and obsession. Filled with angst and yearning, one can't help but be torn on who to root for. Nix does a fantastic job of grounding us in both characters' POV as we watch the development of this intense relationship. With plenty of sexy and serious moments, this story is one that will stick with you long after you finish reading! You will not regret this read.
(ARC Reader)
(ARC Reader)
February 10, 2023
I don’t even know what to say about this book other than “oh my God”
That’s a heartbreaker. When I saw “bittersweet HEA” in the book description, I wasn’t sure what that would mean……but yeah, that was a pretty apt description. At no point, up until the very end, did I know what was happening or going to happen.
This was so deliciously angsty, it might be a contender for my top book of the year already.
That’s a heartbreaker. When I saw “bittersweet HEA” in the book description, I wasn’t sure what that would mean……but yeah, that was a pretty apt description. At no point, up until the very end, did I know what was happening or going to happen.
This was so deliciously angsty, it might be a contender for my top book of the year already.
November 8, 2022
Review? Where do I start? Oh, I know. First off, I am personally not an angst person but when Nichol writes something (and oh, how she writes many things), even people like me have to come along for the ride.
Enough chatter, I'll get on to why I had to come here (look, I personally don't come here because I hardly read books but when a certain someone writes... let's just say, rules, even ones you make for yourself, are meant to be broken right?)
On with it. If you like angst, compelling story-telling where plot twists are weaved so perfectly you don't see them coming but will embrace them whole-heartedly because of how good they are, heart-wrenching feels in a book, omegaverse and all the amazingly satisfyingly delicious aspects that come with omegaverse as well as some bitter-sweet ending, you've come to the right place!
Nichol's writing of this amazing book will not only suck you in immediately with the instant chemistry of our main characters, but it will call to you on a much deeper level, a call you can't help but answer because you want to because it's so dang tantalizing.
She did such an amazing job and we clearly see it at play with our flawed but beloved characters as they navigate life, their mutual attraction and what's right and what's wrong while trying not to lose themselves completely in the process.
She's the uber driver, taking us to a place we wish to go, but at her own pace and through routes only she knows of and we will enjoy every minute of it until we reach our destination.
All in all, if you need amazingly built plot, perfectly sensible plot twists, flawed but developing characters that will get better, the sinful seduction of the romance and delectable s*x scenes, angst galore as well as an ending that will leave you mystified yet wanting more, you've come to the right place.
Let's just say "love at first sight gone wrong" and "dark fantasy romance" have never been truer but I promise, you'll enjoy every minute of it until the bittersweet end.
whatcha waiting for? go and read the book if you haven't!<3
Enough chatter, I'll get on to why I had to come here (look, I personally don't come here because I hardly read books but when a certain someone writes... let's just say, rules, even ones you make for yourself, are meant to be broken right?)
On with it. If you like angst, compelling story-telling where plot twists are weaved so perfectly you don't see them coming but will embrace them whole-heartedly because of how good they are, heart-wrenching feels in a book, omegaverse and all the amazingly satisfyingly delicious aspects that come with omegaverse as well as some bitter-sweet ending, you've come to the right place!
Nichol's writing of this amazing book will not only suck you in immediately with the instant chemistry of our main characters, but it will call to you on a much deeper level, a call you can't help but answer because you want to because it's so dang tantalizing.
She did such an amazing job and we clearly see it at play with our flawed but beloved characters as they navigate life, their mutual attraction and what's right and what's wrong while trying not to lose themselves completely in the process.
She's the uber driver, taking us to a place we wish to go, but at her own pace and through routes only she knows of and we will enjoy every minute of it until we reach our destination.
All in all, if you need amazingly built plot, perfectly sensible plot twists, flawed but developing characters that will get better, the sinful seduction of the romance and delectable s*x scenes, angst galore as well as an ending that will leave you mystified yet wanting more, you've come to the right place.
Let's just say "love at first sight gone wrong" and "dark fantasy romance" have never been truer but I promise, you'll enjoy every minute of it until the bittersweet end.
whatcha waiting for? go and read the book if you haven't!<3
November 9, 2022
I loved every minute of this! The A/B/O dynamics are one of my favorite tropes and this hit all of the marks! Caleb and Ari are both perfectly flawed in their own ways and they both fucked around and found out. The twists and turns kept me from putting this down until I was done! This was one I was sad to finish because I just wanted more! I can’t wait to read more by this author!
October 30, 2022
incredible
Such a complex story!! I was not expecting to be taken on such an emotional rollercoaster but BUCKLE UP!!!!
It’s hot, sexy, disturbing, sobering, hopeful and heartbreaking!!!
Such a complex story!! I was not expecting to be taken on such an emotional rollercoaster but BUCKLE UP!!!!
It’s hot, sexy, disturbing, sobering, hopeful and heartbreaking!!!
August 23, 2025
To be fair I did skip a few chapters 8-13. From what I did read: essentially Caleb’s parents were awful to him and Ben. The you have Sloane (the molester)who then blackmailed and threatened Caleb with pulling the plug (financially) on his comatose brother (Ben). Caleb is damaged and has felt that way his entire life,
Which others have apparently done nothing but confirm for him that he is damaged, unlovable in some way.
Then there is Ben the brother Caleb loved and weathered YEARS of abuse to keep alive while he was comatose. Only to once again realize he is damaged or lacking in comparison when Caleb finds out that although Ari is his soulmate, Ben is Ari’s soulmate and Ari is Ben’s soulmate. So yet AGAIN Caleb is lacking, damaged, unlovable because he has no soulmate. He is cursed with have a soulmate that would never pick him or even love him, because her soulmate is his Ben.
So after all this time of Ben wakes from his coma he says the reason he did what he did was to give Caleb a reason to keep on living?!?!? Ben’s actions trapped Caleb is a never ending hell, so I guess thanks????
Nothing makes sense in this book - the author mentioned writing this book in the span of only 2 months, I feel like it shows.
I think I’d be a villain too. I hate this book, 10 out of 10 CANNOT recommend.
Which others have apparently done nothing but confirm for him that he is damaged, unlovable in some way.
Then there is Ben the brother Caleb loved and weathered YEARS of abuse to keep alive while he was comatose. Only to once again realize he is damaged or lacking in comparison when Caleb finds out that although Ari is his soulmate, Ben is Ari’s soulmate and Ari is Ben’s soulmate. So yet AGAIN Caleb is lacking, damaged, unlovable because he has no soulmate. He is cursed with have a soulmate that would never pick him or even love him, because her soulmate is his Ben.
So after all this time of Ben wakes from his coma he says the reason he did what he did was to give Caleb a reason to keep on living?!?!? Ben’s actions trapped Caleb is a never ending hell, so I guess thanks????
Nothing makes sense in this book - the author mentioned writing this book in the span of only 2 months, I feel like it shows.
I think I’d be a villain too. I hate this book, 10 out of 10 CANNOT recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2023
I am new to the ABO genre, even though I was aware of it before. To be honest I was put off by many of the covers, and the hint that it was to do with werewolves.
Having read All's Fair in Ruts and Heats, it wasn't what I was expecting - which is a good thing, and it was a really enjoyable read. Nichol has given the storyline an interesting twist, and the ending stayed true to the main character Caleb, and his deeply wounded psyche.
The back and forth of Ari, the leading omega in the story, showed us the second guessing of many of us when entering a relationship, especially when we know something doesn't quite fit. Is it us? Is it just worry, or anxiety, or is it just never going to work?
With a quick read pace, and a story line that keeps you guessing, Nichol has written something that I read in just a few evenings.
If you are single and enjoy pleasing yourself, then reading this at bedtime by yourself is a great option. If you are in a relationship and enjoy reading together, then this could be something which ignites the flame for a night or nights of passion.
Not knowing much about the ABO genre, I am now intrigued to discover more, hopefully more from Nichol!
Having read All's Fair in Ruts and Heats, it wasn't what I was expecting - which is a good thing, and it was a really enjoyable read. Nichol has given the storyline an interesting twist, and the ending stayed true to the main character Caleb, and his deeply wounded psyche.
The back and forth of Ari, the leading omega in the story, showed us the second guessing of many of us when entering a relationship, especially when we know something doesn't quite fit. Is it us? Is it just worry, or anxiety, or is it just never going to work?
With a quick read pace, and a story line that keeps you guessing, Nichol has written something that I read in just a few evenings.
If you are single and enjoy pleasing yourself, then reading this at bedtime by yourself is a great option. If you are in a relationship and enjoy reading together, then this could be something which ignites the flame for a night or nights of passion.
Not knowing much about the ABO genre, I am now intrigued to discover more, hopefully more from Nichol!
December 31, 2023
I picked up this book after seeing reviews that it was "heartbreaking", and dark omegaverse, which are data points almost guaranteed for me to enjoy a story. And overall it was a good read that I enjoyed. The 3rd person omniscient POV was a struggle for me, mostly because I felt like I never really connected with the characters while reading it. I wanted to be inside their heads and I don't feel like I ever really got there, so the ending I think didn't hit me as hard as I would have liked it to/was looking forward to.
I saw somewhere that this started as a Reylo fanfic, which gives it some extra leeway for me. I felt while I was reading it there wasn't a solid understanding of where some of the character choices were coming from. With that background I feel like there's more depth to the characters that I would have liked to see within the book narrative, especially with how it ended. I initially was fairly annoyed with it, but after knowing the Reylo origin, it does make much more sense for the character.
I saw somewhere that this started as a Reylo fanfic, which gives it some extra leeway for me. I felt while I was reading it there wasn't a solid understanding of where some of the character choices were coming from. With that background I feel like there's more depth to the characters that I would have liked to see within the book narrative, especially with how it ended. I initially was fairly annoyed with it, but after knowing the Reylo origin, it does make much more sense for the character.
dnf
May 23, 2025DNF @ 56%
OK, so basically, by this point I am not seeing how this could be a romance. MMC is crazy major red flags, seems pretty damn unredeemable imo. And yet I was willing to go with it to see how the author could possible redeem him.
And then we find out FMC's true soulmate is his comatose brother??? LMAO THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE
I decided to read some spoiler reviews and can happily say she doesn't end up with MMC, she does indeed end up with her soulmate who miraculously awakens from his 12 year coma.
Like, I'm glad that FMC ends up with her true mate and frankly I'm glad MMC yeets himself from aliveness because HE WAS NOT REDEEMABLE. But I'm not gonna waste my time reading the details. Firmly throwing this in the DNF pile.
Also... the writing style was so.... weird? Like I don't know how to describe it. I am someone who does in fact like 3rd person POV books, but this one felt off. Like it was half omniscient or something. IDK. But it threw me off a lot.
1/10 would not recommend, mad I spent money on it
OK, so basically, by this point I am not seeing how this could be a romance. MMC is crazy major red flags, seems pretty damn unredeemable imo. And yet I was willing to go with it to see how the author could possible redeem him.
And then we find out FMC's true soulmate is his comatose brother??? LMAO THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE
I decided to read some spoiler reviews and can happily say she doesn't end up with MMC, she does indeed end up with her soulmate who miraculously awakens from his 12 year coma.
Like, I'm glad that FMC ends up with her true mate and frankly I'm glad MMC yeets himself from aliveness because HE WAS NOT REDEEMABLE. But I'm not gonna waste my time reading the details. Firmly throwing this in the DNF pile.
Also... the writing style was so.... weird? Like I don't know how to describe it. I am someone who does in fact like 3rd person POV books, but this one felt off. Like it was half omniscient or something. IDK. But it threw me off a lot.
1/10 would not recommend, mad I spent money on it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
I’m not even sure how to rate this book. The third person storytelling was personally hard for me to get through. The story itself was good in some ways. I absolutely wouldn’t call this romance. I love a dark romance, but the way he was obsessed with her gave me HH/ Lolita vibes in the worst way. If you’ve ever wondered how abusive/ manipulative men hook women, here’s your story. Idk how I feel about any of this. The end really felt rushed. The epilogue left a lot to be desired. All the neither of the men’s actions made sense. This book has a lot of triggers…this is definitely one I didn’t have to read. Everything Caleb did right until the end was selfish and cruel. He was just sad and broken like an angry child in a way that gave me the ick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2022
I loved this story. I don't know how many times I gasped or cried, but I came away loving ever moment. Complex characters with dark themes that kept your attention every step of the way. Caleb Reed is a character you want to root for but no matter how hard he tries, his questionable choices seem to muck up the waters of his reality. And when his secret is revealed, that causes the latest complication with his new relationship with Ari. This story keeps you guessing all the way to the dramatic end. Would totally recommend it!
September 27, 2024
Bittersweet doesn't cover it
I hate this book. It made me cry so hard.
Caleb is a horrible person, and the amount of pure sludge he put Ari through is above and beyond a dark romance. It comes across as abusive.
Ari is a weak person, and allows Caleb's behavior rub off on her.
Why not just allow Ari and Ben to connect without having Ari and Caleb together romantically?
There is no redemption in this novel. It's a bunch of broken people causing trauma to each other. And the HEA is non existent.
I hate this book. It made me cry so hard.
Caleb is a horrible person, and the amount of pure sludge he put Ari through is above and beyond a dark romance. It comes across as abusive.
Ari is a weak person, and allows Caleb's behavior rub off on her.
Why not just allow Ari and Ben to connect without having Ari and Caleb together romantically?
There is no redemption in this novel. It's a bunch of broken people causing trauma to each other. And the HEA is non existent.
July 23, 2024
Amazing!
This book was amazing. The characters grab you from the beginning and months later still haven't let go of my psyche. I read a lot and the books often blend together but this one stands out like a lighthouse beacon on a dark, cloudless night saying, "Come to me and I'll keep you safe. But come carefully or you may be dashed upon my rocks never to leave my shores again." Once she has her hooks in you, you'll follow Nichol through all her books.
This book was amazing. The characters grab you from the beginning and months later still haven't let go of my psyche. I read a lot and the books often blend together but this one stands out like a lighthouse beacon on a dark, cloudless night saying, "Come to me and I'll keep you safe. But come carefully or you may be dashed upon my rocks never to leave my shores again." Once she has her hooks in you, you'll follow Nichol through all her books.
December 29, 2023
Wow...dark in a very different way
At first I thought this was going to be a straight forward redemption enemies to lovers kinda story. Boy I think I was wrong. Very heartbreaking and no joke on the bittersweet "happy" ending. Just wow yeah made me definitely feel things. There will be tears if you make it to the end. "is it worth it? Yes, if you're strong enough."
At first I thought this was going to be a straight forward redemption enemies to lovers kinda story. Boy I think I was wrong. Very heartbreaking and no joke on the bittersweet "happy" ending. Just wow yeah made me definitely feel things. There will be tears if you make it to the end. "is it worth it? Yes, if you're strong enough."
January 3, 2025
HATE the ending
I don’t read fantasy romance to get a dose of reality. I read it to ESCAPE reality. Thank you for the wasted afternoon I spent reading this book.
Don’t read this book if you want a sweet ending. BTW, it’s not a cliffhanger. Everything is wrapped up by the end of the story-even though it stinks.
I don’t read fantasy romance to get a dose of reality. I read it to ESCAPE reality. Thank you for the wasted afternoon I spent reading this book.
Don’t read this book if you want a sweet ending. BTW, it’s not a cliffhanger. Everything is wrapped up by the end of the story-even though it stinks.
April 16, 2024
What!? The Trauma
I don’t even know how to describe this Omegaverse. I am still crying. Sure the MMC is a manipulative POS but I loved him. This book really hurt my feelings and I was not expecting that. Perfect job making a very lovable villain.
I don’t even know how to describe this Omegaverse. I am still crying. Sure the MMC is a manipulative POS but I loved him. This book really hurt my feelings and I was not expecting that. Perfect job making a very lovable villain.
September 7, 2024
Pure OMG and WOW!
I’ve never read an Omegaverse like this, made me want to hope and cry and get angry, all within a few minutes of each other! Kudos to the author for an outstanding read, def a keeper!
I’ve never read an Omegaverse like this, made me want to hope and cry and get angry, all within a few minutes of each other! Kudos to the author for an outstanding read, def a keeper!
October 24, 2024
Dark and heartbreaking. Read it from the perspective that some relationships are so complicated that people will go to desperate measures to fix what they believe needs fixing. I wish the story could have been happy for all, but being new to the Omegaverse I can see how the drama works here.
January 1, 2024
Emotional roller-coaster
Bittersweet ending. Bring tissues. I'm truly sorry for how the MMC felt his story had to end. He deserved better
Bittersweet ending. Bring tissues. I'm truly sorry for how the MMC felt his story had to end. He deserved better
March 2, 2024
This one was not for me personally. It is written in third person. I expected a dark omegaverse answer this was that. I won’t spoil the story but almost DNF.
June 20, 2024
Spoiler!!!
This was bullshlt! Caleb didn’t deserve that ending and I’m pi$$ed! What a cruel life the author wove for him, for him to get NOTHING in the end!?! So MEAN! 😭
This was bullshlt! Caleb didn’t deserve that ending and I’m pi$$ed! What a cruel life the author wove for him, for him to get NOTHING in the end!?! So MEAN! 😭
June 24, 2024
ruined
This book destroyed me.. i understand Caleb’s pain.. fml
Please read trigger warnings. 5 stars.. it’s a ride and my heart has been totaled.
This book destroyed me.. i understand Caleb’s pain.. fml
Please read trigger warnings. 5 stars.. it’s a ride and my heart has been totaled.
January 18, 2025
This confusion rests,
like fog upon weary shores—
clarity drifts far.
like fog upon weary shores—
clarity drifts far.
April 20, 2025
It was entertaining enough to finish, but I really don't know how I feel about a book that tries to redeem a character as cruel and twisted and outright abusive as the male protagonist.
November 9, 2025
I was not expecting the ending!
April 22, 2023
I only completed this book because it was originally Reylo, otherwise I would’ve put it down much sooner. Caleb and Ari never seem to really care about the other. Caleb is in fact hateful towards her frequently. Most of the “love” he shows her is manipulative to get her to stay with him or just pure instinct taking over. There’s a big difference in reading a manipulative, gaslighting stalker who is obsessed with the ground the FMC walks on and this. When the Ben twist was revealed it all made sense. I stuck through holding out hope that Ben would awake and she would be with him. Honestly, if Ben had woken up in the first third and there was drama with that and Ben being the opposite of his brother, that would’ve been interesting. The way Caleb was removed from the picture was unnecessary and felt like a cop out. We get to see one small chapter of their ending, so there’s a scrap of a happy ending. I wanted to like it, but I didn’t. 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews