What do you get as a gift for the pack that has everything? An omega, of course.
The Gift – seriously, the concept was marketed perfectly, tied up with pretty ribbon too, and packs around the country fell for it. Although how anyone thought buying an omega as a gift was a good idea, I’ll never understand. But packs did fall for it, trust me, I know they did firsthand.
Since my escape I have been hiding in plain sight, right under their noses as Bailey Henderson, successful television reporter. It’s been easy to do too. A swipe of red lipstick, some flashy designer clothes and a pair of banging heels and the only thing people see is what they want to see.
And now years later, Exposé Media has come up with the concept of doing a documentary on The Gift. We’ve got cameras poised, secured interviews with packs that missed out on receiving their gift, and the mad scientist involved. We’ve also been granted full access to the new omega wellness resort. Oh, and let’s not forget Pack Bailey, three gorgeous alphas and a stunning beta have been assigned to help us uncover the hidden omegas.
I hope I’ve packed enough scent blocker. Or my secret will be out, and my fans will get the scoop of the year!
This is an Omegaverse romance, and our main character has adopted the why choose way of life - not limiting who she loves, or how many people that includes. *Recommended 18+ due to mature language, adult situations including mm, sensitive content and spice. A full list of TWs is detailed on my website and they are also listed in the Readers Consideration at the front of the book.
Lucy's female leads are strong, intelligent, feisty bombshells who always get the happy ever after they deserve. After a bit of drama and angst, of course.
And when Lucy's not writing, she's reading about strong FMC's finding their happy ever after.
I'm a little confused why this book has such high ratings, because the writing is really spotty. Yes, the plot is interesting and unique enough (the main reason I decided to pick this up), but at this point, I'm just too confused about what is even happening in this book to bother continuing. There are so many plot points that glossed over or not explained until later. If something is not spoiling future events, PLEASE explain the context within the same scene because I never want to experience the shock, horror, and discombobulation of the unknown alpha jizz encounter again. (Another review stated that context was explained around 40% but whyyyyyyyy was it not included in the original scene!!!!)
The concept of space and time is really throwing me too. I don't know where the FMC is half the time, she'll be in one location and practically teleport to another within the same scene, and people who were never even acknowledged to be in a location will suddenly appear in the dialogue. Additionally, there is no concept of time passing? Like she got sick and was supposed to go on leave for a few days (she was literally recovering from poison I think?), but the next chapter, she's back to work but the dialogue makes it sound like things have been happening? I feel like I would have to reread scenes at least three times to puzzle together what is happening and when, and that's too much thinking for this type of book.
Finally, there are just things that are set to be major plot points but are not explained well. What is the Alpha Alliance (if I'm recalling that name correctly). How did it form, who is involved, how is the main pack associated with them? Obviously not all of these questions need to be answered off the bat, but some context would be fantastic because otherwise, that group becomes forgettable. Additionally, what happened to the omegas? It was glossed over so quickly in the beginning and I'm sure its expanded on later in the book, but if this organization has been mostly apprehended and omegas aren't aware that someone is hunting them down (at least I think that's what's happening?), why are they still in hiding? What was the scale of omegas affected, what does the public know happened to them? This all needs to be explained much earlier in the story because yes, this sounds like a horrific experience for the omegas but there's not enough information to even know why we the reader should be afraid of this organization's influence on the omegas.
I wish this had been distinguishable with better character development and clarity. The concept is great, but the execution was what killed it for me.
The Gift was an entertaining and unique take on the omegaverse trope. In the face of dwindling omega numbers, a scientist had created a program to increase their numbers through genetic manipulation (and a good measure of psychological and physical t0rture). The Regalo project promised perfect DNA-matched omegas who would be docile and tractable to all alpha packs who joined the program. Once the true nature of the program was revealed, the public was appalled, and the program was quickly shuttered. In the aftermath, the surviving omegas went to ground, and the alphas who were promised omegas became two camps – one camp demanding they get the omega they purchased, the other camp standing up for omega rights and creating a sanctuary for those omegas to live their lives in peace. But first, the omegas must be found.
I loved the FMC, Bailey. Bailey is one of the hidden omegas. She is doing a great job using suppressants and scent blockers to absolutely dominate the world as a video journalist but being assigned to do a show on the Regalo project is pushing her limits. She is one of those people who has mastered the art of a public face and private self as she starts relaxing into being an omega once she meets the pack. The true test is if they can get her to relax enough to completely accept her omega status and accept them as pack. Watching her transformation is what made this book such a standout from others in this genre (I can’t say more without ruining it.)
The men of Pack Bailey are great. Three alphas and one beta. They know before Bailey does that she is the one for them, and they do everything right (for once, a pack that doesn’t mess up every five seconds) to try to convince her. They have their possessive sides and little quirks, but it only enhances their characters.
There is loads of great steam. We have a couple pre-heat spikes and an epic heat cycle to enjoy, plus one of the s3xiest car scenes I have ever read. The alphas have a bit of an obsession with marking her with their spent (for scenting purposes, of course). There is MM action (two of the alphas were in a s2xual relationship before Bailey joined the pack), but it is not explicit. As in any good omegaverse, there is plenty of knotting, slick, scent marking, mate biting, and nesting.
The Gift was a great standalone, and I recommend it to omegaverse lovers. It is a hefty book coming in at over 500 pages, so get ready to tuck in for the long haul.
Oh, man that I want to like this book, but I just couldn’t. It felt so disjointed. You got all of these perspectives, but none of them were telling you anything if that makes any sense. So you have a female main character that clearly went through a very emotional traumatic experience. However, we don’t actually get any of that emotion or traumatic experience until one small chapter at the very end. We do get a lot of something bad happened to me but I don’t really remember it but we’re supposed to feel bad for her, but I was just more frustrated because I didn’t understand why she was so put off and not wanting to be herself if she couldn’t really remember what happened. They were all of these characters thrown at you, but no one was really given any time to become anything so by chapter 15. We have all of these main characters inside characters, but I would still can’t differentiate between any of them. I can’t tell you what any of them look like or smell like which is a big part of omega verse and I also can’t really tell you any of their standout traits or personality traits. So that was super frustrating and also this book is over 500 pages so it just drags. I didn’t get any connection between them. I really like the idea of this book. I just felt like it was really lacking and extremely boring.
Imagine reading a book or article in a language you’re only half fluent in. There would be paragraphs and sections you just can’t figure out, but you’d probably get the gist of what was happening. That’s exactly how this book felt.
There were paragraphs and statements throughout that simply didn’t make sense—ideas that were never fully explained. I was so confused by some of the things that happened.
More than half the chapters written from the guys’ POV had conversations where they talked about terrible things they had planned, awful things they’d done, and horrible things they were still plotting. But it was all so vague! Even after finishing the book, I still don’t really know what they were talking about half the time.
And it wasn’t just the guilt-ridden, mysterious conversations. The whole story was filled with statements and dialogue that felt like they didn’t translate. I’m a native English speaker, so this shouldn’t have been an issue, but this book made me feel like a brain-dead cucumber.
I’m not sure if I’m the dummy, or if the author is, but I didn’t enjoy this at all. It gave me a headache trying to decipher all the disjointed conversations, random topics, and overall confusion.
With a great premise, I found myself struggling with characters, plot, pacing, and writing. I wanted to like it. Truly. I absolutely didn't. Some passages felt like reading a foreign language that you sort of understand a word of here and there, but you fail to get what the sentences are supposed to mean. The writer included scenes at the start of the book that weren't explained until much later, and the scene at the start wasn't necessary to begin with, it just left me baffled.
The relationship between two of the alphas came right out of the blue and felt a bit like it was included simply because MM seems to be liked by readers, and not because it made sense for the characters. Now, I really like MM so it's definitely not an issue for me in books, but I really disliked how it was introduced in this book.
At almost 50%, not much had happened in the book and it dragged a lot. The writing was very spotty and would in my opinion need a lot of editing to be more readable and flow better.
I'm sad to say I was very disappointed, because the premise and the fmc seemed so promising.
I loved the slow-burn, but it was a little unsatisfying to not have major plot lines resolved like who the FMC Bailey's stalker was and some more details about the abuse and who she had been in the Regalo program. The writing was disjointed at times, with basic information withheld unnecessarily, but not enough for me to write off the book entirely. I'm definitely looking forward to reading Lennon's story and exploring more of the world though.
This book was freaking hot! When I say hot I mean those scenes with the pack and Bailey had me wiggling in my seat. I loved how I got so wrapped up in this book and couldn’t put it down. That omega was super sneaky in hiding the fact she was an omega Im just so glad she ended up with the pack she did. I can’t wait to read the next book in this omega verse.
I really enjoyed this story. I did read these out of order, reading The Deal before this one, not realizing they are in the same universe., so I wish they were not aged as a series. I enjoyed the characters in this one. One complaint I did have about the novel is that it feels like it needs to be trimmed some. I was getting to a point that it felt like the book was building to a conclusion soon and it was only 46%. I felt the same way with The Deal, but less so. I'm hoping for more stories in this universe.
This book is flipping spectacular! I found the story to be immensely intriguing and emotion provoking, it easily pulled me in from the very beginning and once I started reading there was no stopping! Bailey is such an amazing and strong FMC, I absolutely love her! And the guys, yes please!
The writing, world building, characters, character development, relationship development, and storyline are incredible. I would 100% recommend this book and I will definitely be excitedly awaiting Lennon’s story!
I love this author's writing and was super excited to see her first take on an omegaverse, and what a novel take on the trope. Bailey lives in a world where being an omega was anything but a gift and when that was exposed omegas were able to hide. But now someone's hunting them and pack Bailey is set on protecting any omega they can find. With Bailey and pack Bailey (yes, can you see where this is going? ahah) working together to expose further of what was previously like to be an omega and to try and find omegas her secrets come to light and pack Bailey will to anything to protect her.
*I started my review prior to finishing book so that I do not miss anything*
Thoughts at 38%:
The sentences are structured like: part 1 of statement, *side note, unnecessary anecdote or symbolism*, part 2 of statement only containing 2-3 word, *more side notes*, part 3 of statement. Like my god, by the time I finish reading the sentence I’m lost as to its meaning. Unfortunately, this occurs nearly every sentence.
There is also this strange undercurrent of added depth to every conversation and internal monologue the characters have that I as a reader am missing because I was not apart of the original world building. I did not walk into this book with any knowledge of the Regalo project or it’s affect upon this world or people. Instead I’m am fed disjointed pieces as if I’m supposed to already have the context to understand them.
Thoughts at 53%:
Maybe I’m not familiar with the writers English dialect? Maybe it was originally written in a different language and translated to a dialect of English I am unfamiliar with?
I am really struggling with the whiplash of the characters having a very serious conversation then boom *insert trashy, disgusting comment* not at all appropriate for the scene. Look I love my smutty smut books, dirty talk, and challenging character personalities but as always they must be relevant to time and place within the scene. Some of the comments just explode into the conversation and it is extremely off putting. This is especially true when the plot seems to be moving forward only to come to a complete and screeching halt because of the wildly out of place comment.
92% AAAAAAAAND this, this is where I said oh hell I’m out, just so out. They shoot people in an upscale restaurant and it is like nothing happens, no police, nothing. After this ENTIRE book is setting up court battles, fights for basic rights, and changes in law…but it is totally okay to just shoot people in public places without any consequences.
It’s been awhile since I have read an omegaverse book and I am so glad I decided to read this one. Lucy Scott Bryan did a fantastic job writing a book in this world. I seriously look forward to reading more books like this by her. Absolutely phenomenal.
Bailey and her pack of 3 alpha men and a beta were perfectly paired, the heat and the chemistry between Bailey, Ashton, Reno, Henley and Koda was off the charts. Bailey has a past that is absolutely tragic and truly heartbreaking and it was so beautiful to see how she healed with the help of her pack.
I have always loved how the dynamic is in the omegaverse world and the high steam that comes with it. The packs in this world are always so protective, caring, loving and OTT possessive. The best qualities of a true perfect match pack. I highly recommend this book and am looking forward to the next one Lucy writes in this world.
I throughly enjoyed this book! I really love omegaverse and how it took a little bit of a different approach to the omegaverse world. This book brought out a lot of emotions in me lol. I was so intrigued if just kept me going lol. Everything from the characters to the plot line was incredible to read about.
I really loved the FMC Bailey! She is strong and very independent with who she is. I absolutely adore her. And don’t even get me started on her men! I love the way they help her to learn it’s okay to be an omega and do what you love. I love how possessive and protective they are of Bailey.
Spice? Heck yes!!!! I couldn’t get enough! I love the way it fit in so well with the story. So good!
Overall, I really loved the book. I would definitely recommend this book to any and all omegaverse lovers! I throughly enjoyed this book and it will be one I buy on book to add to my omegaverse collection I have growing.
I have absolutely no words to describe how fantastic this book was! I have read every book by this author so going in I was expecting moody alpha shifters, funny sidekicks, protective mates, and a whole lot of heartbreak. This novel gives you all of that but the shifter part! I know what you’re thinking how is it OV without shifters?!? Honestly, once I started reading and discovered no one actually shifted into wolves I was a tad put out and confused. But man o man, let me tell you Lucy delivered it ended up being everything I didn’t know I needed!! This book will pull at your heartstrings one minute, to have you cackling like a loon the next, to your palms sweating right after! I adore how well done this was with no actual wolves yet managed to have all the characteristics that shifters normally do, 10 outta 10 would recommended to anyone!!
Lucy Scott Bryan does it again with her creative writing that is beautifully depicted even in times that are tragic. The writing is beautifully done and the story draws you from the very beginning. It has you on a roller coaster of ride of emotions that are easily felt throughout the story. We journey alongside of Bailey. Her journey is not always easy but throughout it we can see her strength and determination. The pack is fascinating as they are strong, protective, and caring. We get to journey into their lives and see things from their point of view at times. I love how beautifully different this story is as it is descriptive throughout it. At times you will feel Bailey’s pain and happiness, her anger and sadness. It is an outstanding story and it absolutely is a must read.
Oh man I don’t even know where to begin with this wild and emotional ride. This is one of those books you need to just dive in head first and hold on for the ride because it is one amazing journey. Bailey is brilliant, beautiful, strong and vulnerable even though she never shows it. This author has such an amazing way of making feel like you are in Bailey’s shoes you feel everything she is going through and you can help but have your heart go out to her. Baileys journey is not easy to get through but it was worth every single moment to see her with her men and them get their HEA. Her pack is truly something else they go in as one they always have each others back and are fiercely protective. Absolutely amazing story you can’t help but fall in love with!
I received a copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review. This is my first time reading an omegaverse, and I absolutely LOVED IT. This was a binge worthy page turner that I could not get enough of. The plot and character development were fantastic and had me dying for more after the final page. Bailey’s story was poignant and beautiful. While her story of her past is heart breaking and tragic, finding her pack and having them piece her back together was beautiful. I couldn’t believe the spice level in this book. Omegaverse really takes the heat up a notch! I am so excited for this world to continue into Lennon’s story! It can’t come quick enough ! I need so much more ! So glad I found this author, this is the first of many I will be reading of hers. 5 ⭐️ !
A different take on the Omegaverse RH romance i thought. The gift in this book is not a gift at all if your an Omega as Bailey (FMC) knows all to well. Sold as a way to gain an Omega, Alphas/Packs signed up to this quick fix but what it was was a glorified way of using and abusing Omegas.
Bailey is a strong, sassy Omega living her life as a Beta who works in a TV company that want to chase up all the players and Omega's involved with The Gift. You couldnt help but feel for Bailey and everything shes been through in this book. I loved how compassionate, careful and protective all the guys were with Bailey. They made the book for me. It was a cracking read and im looking forward to Lennon's book now
Suspense, thriller, action, romance, comedy, mad scientist, all the makings of hitting ever single emotion in this beautifully written story about Bailey.
Bailey is a one of a kind journalist, who talks fast, gets the story, and can get the facts without over sensationalizing it. She’s adored by fans, stalked by the deprived, and thoroughly an accomplished gal.
Pack Bailey is a prime alpha pack. They have the looks, the smarts, the goodness, and well rounded dynamic of what makes them bonded and worthy of an omega.
Please read the warnings given to by the author. This is an amazing book, with an heartwarming story, please be aware of your own limitations.
The Gift tells us Bailey’s emotional story. Bailey is an omega hiding as a beta. In this world omega’s are hunted and experimented on and so many are in hiding. But things change for Bailey when she is put on the path of growly alpha’s. This was an amazing, emotional story and I recommend reading it!
Excellent! I loved Bailey's story! It gave me all the feels. There was was humor, angst, a bit of suspense and lots of steam! The steam was hot too!!!🔥 🥵 Bailey was such a great FMC. She was a survivor, and her sass, humor and affectionate nature made her perfect. The guys were all wonderful too, but my favorites were Koda and Reno. A definite 5 star read!!! I loved it! I can't wait for Lennon's story!
This story absolutely blew my mind!!! From page one I was hooked and just couldn’t put it down. Loved that Bailey was a strong character. The world the author created was phenomenal. Be prepared to be sucked right in. Storyline was so so good. I really love longer stories. So was happy that this was a bigger book to read. Definitely a must read. No spoilers here. I just loved it!!!
Lucy Has done it again. She wrote one of my favorite Female characters Baily! She is one of the strongest female characters that I have read! I loved the storyline line and the complex life experience that she had and the Alphas who tried to right the wrongs that were done to the Omegas! Totally different omegaverse and I loved it!
Wow, just wow...this story had everything you could want. Bailey and Pack Bailey give you everything you could want in a new universe and I'm excited for Lennon's story. Lucy Scott Bryan is a wizard with words and she makes you feel everything she writes. Definitely recommend reading, once you start you won't be able to put it down.
Loved this, it's a great hidden omega story, with a pretty dark experimentation of omegas backstory. I loved the fact that most of the people who deserved it, lost everything, lives, liberty, every penny they own! It also sets it up for another story with supporting characters. Brilliant!
Bailey Henderson shines in her role at Expose. In front of the camera, she's confident and in control. Off camera, she's afraid of everything. We get to watch as she conquers her fears and "finds" herself. Some unexpected and dire events turn her world on its axis.
Lucy is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors after each new fabulous series she writes. She has written about all the popular genres but at the same time it’s completely different from what you’ve read before. Omega books are very popular right now and I think I’ve read almost everything that’s come out, but this storey was a 180 from what you normally read and it was a great surprise.
Bailey is an omega hiding as a beta. After years of Omegas being hunted down for experiments, Omegas have gone into hiding. Bailey is a little different from the norm though, she’s a famous news caster and when her boss brings her the story of a lifetime, she has no choice but to accept even if it means she has to be around growly alphas who might be on to her.