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The Wolfverse #3
Forbidden Fruit
I don’t want an alpha.
I don’t want the legendary Murphy pack as stepbrothers.
I don’t want to share a house with the four boys every girl in school wants.
And I definitely don’t want their breath on my skin
Their scent in my nose
Their marks on my neck.
Their father told them to look after me.
But he doesn’t realise just how they’ve decided to twist that directive.
I’m a pet omega for them to play with.
And they’re about to give me everything they decide I need.
I don’t want the legendary Murphy pack as stepbrothers.
I don’t want to share a house with the four boys every girl in school wants.
And I definitely don’t want their breath on my skin
Their scent in my nose
Their marks on my neck.
Their father told them to look after me.
But he doesn’t realise just how they’ve decided to twist that directive.
I’m a pet omega for them to play with.
And they’re about to give me everything they decide I need.
ebook
First published October 22, 2022
2262 people are currently reading
1181 people want to read
About the author
Sam Hall
74 books2,020 followersAustralian author of paranormal RH novels
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
December 11, 2022
A miss for me :(
I want to start with, I love Sam Hall. 90% of Sam’s books are a hit for me. I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. But this one was a miss for me. Which was really upsetting because I was really looking forward to a plus-size “beta” getting her HEA. But I didn’t enjoy or connect to the characters in this book. I felt that the pacing was super weird. At times it felt like random scenes the author liked were just patched together. The symposium seemed like a big plot point in the book and then it was just pushed to the back ground to make room for sexual tension. Honestly at about 75% I just skimmed to the end. I was no longer invested in the story. Also some triggering fat-phobia, parental abuse, bad self image/ severe insecurities, attempted assault, ow drama, kidnapping… Most of these are mentioned on the TW page <3
I want to start with, I love Sam Hall. 90% of Sam’s books are a hit for me. I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series. But this one was a miss for me. Which was really upsetting because I was really looking forward to a plus-size “beta” getting her HEA. But I didn’t enjoy or connect to the characters in this book. I felt that the pacing was super weird. At times it felt like random scenes the author liked were just patched together. The symposium seemed like a big plot point in the book and then it was just pushed to the back ground to make room for sexual tension. Honestly at about 75% I just skimmed to the end. I was no longer invested in the story. Also some triggering fat-phobia, parental abuse, bad self image/ severe insecurities, attempted assault, ow drama, kidnapping… Most of these are mentioned on the TW page <3
July 23, 2023
well done
This book had the one night stand with a future boss trope, which has never been my favorite. However, I was a fan of how the book progressed in general. The connections between characters progressed over time and at different paces, rather than being instalove.
Sage dealt with a lot of negative body image issues, largely from a verbally/emotionally abusive mother, but certainly not improved upon by societal standards. The book was certainly made to be body positive.
There were a few things that bothered me and kept it from being 5 stars. I had a hard time seeing how successful their company was if they were such a hot mess when Sage showed up. Like… they are “self made” billionaires that should be pretty competent. Also, I have a hard time emotionally investing in the idea of a billionaire being the leader in combatting climate change. I think we all know it’s the billionaires of the world that are kicking and screaming when anyone tries to do something good for the environment. I also felt like there was at least one pretty big issue that was glossed over that I would have liked answers about.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: emotional and verbal abuse, kidnapping, attempted SA
This book had the one night stand with a future boss trope, which has never been my favorite. However, I was a fan of how the book progressed in general. The connections between characters progressed over time and at different paces, rather than being instalove.
Sage dealt with a lot of negative body image issues, largely from a verbally/emotionally abusive mother, but certainly not improved upon by societal standards. The book was certainly made to be body positive.
There were a few things that bothered me and kept it from being 5 stars. I had a hard time seeing how successful their company was if they were such a hot mess when Sage showed up. Like… they are “self made” billionaires that should be pretty competent. Also, I have a hard time emotionally investing in the idea of a billionaire being the leader in combatting climate change. I think we all know it’s the billionaires of the world that are kicking and screaming when anyone tries to do something good for the environment. I also felt like there was at least one pretty big issue that was glossed over that I would have liked answers about.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: emotional and verbal abuse, kidnapping, attempted SA
October 26, 2022
My favorite of this series
But good LORD how hard is it to not have all your queer characters (3 out of 6 given names) hate heterosexuality?
As a queer person, this is a trend I REALLY wish would stop. Yes, we often poke fun at how ridiculous some het relationships can get, especially in the current political climate where people are returning to weirdly toxic western gender roles, but it didn't feel like that's what any of this was.
Also, having the 1/2 of your unnamed bi characters be someone who was a cheater, sleeping around between at least 3 partners in a non-poly way, being a spreader of an STD is harmful and biphobic.
But good LORD how hard is it to not have all your queer characters (3 out of 6 given names) hate heterosexuality?
As a queer person, this is a trend I REALLY wish would stop. Yes, we often poke fun at how ridiculous some het relationships can get, especially in the current political climate where people are returning to weirdly toxic western gender roles, but it didn't feel like that's what any of this was.
Also, having the 1/2 of your unnamed bi characters be someone who was a cheater, sleeping around between at least 3 partners in a non-poly way, being a spreader of an STD is harmful and biphobic.
November 2, 2022
Not my thing
I don't have a problem with plus-sized FMCs. I have read several books with them. My problem with this book was that the only defining characteristic was that she was pkus-sized. The author did state it would be a main component, but I wanted more for Sage.
I don't have a problem with plus-sized FMCs. I have read several books with them. My problem with this book was that the only defining characteristic was that she was pkus-sized. The author did state it would be a main component, but I wanted more for Sage.
May 16, 2024
Went on a Sam Hall shifter binge this week and have no regrets
December 28, 2022
Started off great then lost my interest. Most of that has to do with me because I read to escape so I don't really want to read my own insecurities written in a book lol. But also that particular plot point became the FMC's entire personality and really the focus of the whole book. The symposium started off as a great way to show her skills and why she was great at her job, and then it took a back seat to her insecurities, self worth, the random OW drama that mixed with a kidnapping arc at one point. Also way too much BDSM rules and safety talk for my liking when they hardly got anywhere with it on page.
‼️‼️‼️‼️ BIG FCKING SPOILER
And speaking of the OW drama:
I would NEVER forgive them??? He literally bit another woman and marked her as his mate! It talked earlier in the book that an alpha could only get it up for his mate, so even though she was his "true mate," he shouldn't have been able to get it up for her after biting another woman to make her his mate. And how could they all keep that from her? So there's just this other woman out there forever with his mate mark on her. And it never addressed whether or not she bit him back? I'm irrationally angry about that. I feel like he went out of his way to make it up to her, and that's great, but he should have done those things long before. And I wouldn't ever have forgiven the bite, honestly.
‼️‼️‼️‼️ BIG FCKING SPOILER
And speaking of the OW drama:
I would NEVER forgive them??? He literally bit another woman and marked her as his mate! It talked earlier in the book that an alpha could only get it up for his mate, so even though she was his "true mate," he shouldn't have been able to get it up for her after biting another woman to make her his mate. And how could they all keep that from her? So there's just this other woman out there forever with his mate mark on her. And it never addressed whether or not she bit him back? I'm irrationally angry about that. I feel like he went out of his way to make it up to her, and that's great, but he should have done those things long before. And I wouldn't ever have forgiven the bite, honestly.
December 6, 2022
2 stars ONLY because the book was really good for the first half.
Yikes. What started out really good, took a nosedive around 60 ish percent. From then on, it was just pages filled with crap that just added more pages and words to make it excruciatingly boring and awkward.
I didn’t understand what others were talking about with their comments about sexuality until it popped up. Why on earth would anyone say shit like “eew yuck, don’t do that hetero stuff in front of me!”
What the hell? I’ve never once met or heard of anyone in the lgbtq community talk like that. And why would they? They understand how it feels to be looked at and spoken to like that! It really screwed up the entire book having those bits added in.
I skimmed a lot of the last half of the book and actually gave up trying to skim to good parts at 84% because it was just eyeroll annoying at that point. Lucien and Sage already have a little history and they fly off to Paris ALONE to get her some clothes. Their “date” was so ridiculous. Especially after reading the other books in this series. The other mates would be flipping out because they haven’t connected yet. This all makes no sense! Even the scenes where they’re all together are awkward. The whole pack relationship didn’t flow at all!
The author kept bringing up 50 shades of grey and about how horrible it is and how it screwed up the views of BDSM. Okay, I get that. But quit bringing it up and lord you’re totally not making it any better with your own awkward telling of this BDSM club and what the people choose to do. I just don’t imagine people going into a club like this, getting drunk with their bestie and waltzing around seeing what everyone is doing and asking all these questions in front of the people doing their thing. MAYBE if there was a glass wall or something. But this wasn’t like that. (Also, the 50 shades comments popped up again at 84% which is where I finally gave up. Quit ragging on other authors in your book, thinking it will help make it better. It makes you look salty.)
So, all in all… this book didn’t work for me. I loved the story up until they whisk off to Paris. Well… aside from the first comment from Joey about the “hetero sex”. Then it was a train wreck.
Also… I’m not even sure what any of the character look like aside from the sexy abs, her being plus sized “Apple shaped” but actually more “hourglass shaped” and the silvery wolf eyes. I’m not even sure what color Sages hair was. I think Max has dark hair and glasses? Not entirely sure since it’s not brought up much…….
I don’t recommend this book.
Yikes. What started out really good, took a nosedive around 60 ish percent. From then on, it was just pages filled with crap that just added more pages and words to make it excruciatingly boring and awkward.
I didn’t understand what others were talking about with their comments about sexuality until it popped up. Why on earth would anyone say shit like “eew yuck, don’t do that hetero stuff in front of me!”
What the hell? I’ve never once met or heard of anyone in the lgbtq community talk like that. And why would they? They understand how it feels to be looked at and spoken to like that! It really screwed up the entire book having those bits added in.
I skimmed a lot of the last half of the book and actually gave up trying to skim to good parts at 84% because it was just eyeroll annoying at that point. Lucien and Sage already have a little history and they fly off to Paris ALONE to get her some clothes. Their “date” was so ridiculous. Especially after reading the other books in this series. The other mates would be flipping out because they haven’t connected yet. This all makes no sense! Even the scenes where they’re all together are awkward. The whole pack relationship didn’t flow at all!
The author kept bringing up 50 shades of grey and about how horrible it is and how it screwed up the views of BDSM. Okay, I get that. But quit bringing it up and lord you’re totally not making it any better with your own awkward telling of this BDSM club and what the people choose to do. I just don’t imagine people going into a club like this, getting drunk with their bestie and waltzing around seeing what everyone is doing and asking all these questions in front of the people doing their thing. MAYBE if there was a glass wall or something. But this wasn’t like that. (Also, the 50 shades comments popped up again at 84% which is where I finally gave up. Quit ragging on other authors in your book, thinking it will help make it better. It makes you look salty.)
So, all in all… this book didn’t work for me. I loved the story up until they whisk off to Paris. Well… aside from the first comment from Joey about the “hetero sex”. Then it was a train wreck.
Also… I’m not even sure what any of the character look like aside from the sexy abs, her being plus sized “Apple shaped” but actually more “hourglass shaped” and the silvery wolf eyes. I’m not even sure what color Sages hair was. I think Max has dark hair and glasses? Not entirely sure since it’s not brought up much…….
I don’t recommend this book.
August 19, 2023
TW: BDSM, sex club, hero who had already mate marked another omega (collared her too 😬), hero who had been an irresponsible Dom to a previous omega (left her collar on for years and lost the key), hero who owned a sex club with a private room for him (and I'm assuming many playmates), heroes who were horrible to a brother/pack mate with no redemption arc (they continued to treat him badly with no apology), heroes that seemed apathetic to anyone (including each other) who wasn't the heroine.
The plot was all over the place. Things that seemed like they were going to be big plot points then just got white-washed away. Like the convention, the transition into an omega (surely Sage had some more thoughts about her safety as an omega after being attacked in the park, about turning into a wolf [from previous books the first transition is supposed to be hard?], about her heats...?), the kidnapping, the previous omega and her mate mark (does a mate mark really mean so little that it's so easily dismissed?), Miranda & John, the boss/employee issue, her mother's hatred of her... there were little bursts of plot everywhere and I couldn't get a grasp on where the book was going and what the focus was supposed to be. There was also the carrot of Fabian and his alphas tossed in without resolution - did they end up together? Was he going to get a book? What happened?
I often didn't even know what location we were now in - Sydney? Adelaide? Which house? There were several. Did Lucien only use the top floor in the apartment building at the beginning for hookups - we never went back there? Later he had a wing of a house somewhere? Tobias sold the house in Sydney and bought another house that he showed pictures of to Sage. Was that new house in Sydney or Adelaide? Did they ever go to that new house? Was it the same house the brothers all had a wing of near the end? I didn't feel like I ever found out if Sage had a wing or even a nest in whichever house that was? There were so many locations I got so confused.
The plot was all over the place. Things that seemed like they were going to be big plot points then just got white-washed away. Like the convention, the transition into an omega (surely Sage had some more thoughts about her safety as an omega after being attacked in the park, about turning into a wolf [from previous books the first transition is supposed to be hard?], about her heats...?), the kidnapping, the previous omega and her mate mark (does a mate mark really mean so little that it's so easily dismissed?), Miranda & John, the boss/employee issue, her mother's hatred of her... there were little bursts of plot everywhere and I couldn't get a grasp on where the book was going and what the focus was supposed to be. There was also the carrot of Fabian and his alphas tossed in without resolution - did they end up together? Was he going to get a book? What happened?
I often didn't even know what location we were now in - Sydney? Adelaide? Which house? There were several. Did Lucien only use the top floor in the apartment building at the beginning for hookups - we never went back there? Later he had a wing of a house somewhere? Tobias sold the house in Sydney and bought another house that he showed pictures of to Sage. Was that new house in Sydney or Adelaide? Did they ever go to that new house? Was it the same house the brothers all had a wing of near the end? I didn't feel like I ever found out if Sage had a wing or even a nest in whichever house that was? There were so many locations I got so confused.
May 4, 2023
DNF at 75% but I mark books I get more than halfway through as read. This was way, way too long and I was so bored. I like this author but this was a miss.
November 24, 2022
Plus size heroine with body insecurities-Latent Omega
4 alpha brothers wanting to claim their mate
Sex scenes🌶🌶🌶
My opinion…. 4 mates just doesn’t work. I never feel like I get to see the relationship develop between each couple. It seems like Max and Tobias were given the most character development. Lucien was ok and Beau felt like an afterthought.
Heroine got annoying at times with her stubbornness and insecurities.
Outside drama seemed forced
HEA✅
4 alpha brothers wanting to claim their mate
Sex scenes🌶🌶🌶
My opinion…. 4 mates just doesn’t work. I never feel like I get to see the relationship develop between each couple. It seems like Max and Tobias were given the most character development. Lucien was ok and Beau felt like an afterthought.
Heroine got annoying at times with her stubbornness and insecurities.
Outside drama seemed forced
HEA✅
July 26, 2025
Every single damn thing that I love about Omegaverse, and then some.
Goddamn this was good. Everything I love:
::A strong, smart, talented omega
::She is also a very plus-sized omega, and her body hatred is so sensitively handled
::Alphas that are commanding and dreamy, but also not perfect
::SUCH pining
::Wealth is not clichè: no Lamborghinis or ridiculously expensive watches, they even fly on a commercial airline (first class of course)
::Lusty, satisfying, romantic courtships
::The corporate office they work in is so well done; it’s so refreshing to see true project management nerds in a romance
::Great settings and a sense of place (different parts of Australia)
::Vivid side characters
::Perfectly done kink — this is so unusual, especially in Omegaverse; Hall gets everything right.
Goddamn this was good. Everything I love:
::A strong, smart, talented omega
::She is also a very plus-sized omega, and her body hatred is so sensitively handled
::Alphas that are commanding and dreamy, but also not perfect
::SUCH pining
::Wealth is not clichè: no Lamborghinis or ridiculously expensive watches, they even fly on a commercial airline (first class of course)
::Lusty, satisfying, romantic courtships
::The corporate office they work in is so well done; it’s so refreshing to see true project management nerds in a romance
::Great settings and a sense of place (different parts of Australia)
::Vivid side characters
::Perfectly done kink — this is so unusual, especially in Omegaverse; Hall gets everything right.
June 27, 2024
Sage meets Lucian, an alpha, on a dating app and they seem to hit it off. She goes out to dinner with him and she’s overcome with desire. They spend a hot night together but Sage knows she can’t be what he needs because she’s only a beta, right? She sneaks out without a goodbye, deletes her profile and blocks him. But it seems fate is stepping in on her behalf. When Sage gets hired at a new company she never thought that her hot one night stand would be one of her new bosses.
Lucian, Tobias, Beau and Max are gorgeous and rich, they could have any omega they want so why do they seem to want a beta like Sage. Well turns out Sage is a latent omega just like Riley from the first book in the series. It was nice to get to see Riley, her alphas and Candy a couple of times in this book.
Sage is insecure, she’s a big girl and does not believe she is worthy of the Lockwood pack. There is lots to unpack here, the alphas must prove to Sage that she is their true mate but when they jump one hurtle another gets put in it’s place. They have a history that sends Sage into turmoil. Will they be able to win her over?
I’m really enjoying this series! Each book has unique circumstances and a different spin in the Omegaverse world.
Lucian, Tobias, Beau and Max are gorgeous and rich, they could have any omega they want so why do they seem to want a beta like Sage. Well turns out Sage is a latent omega just like Riley from the first book in the series. It was nice to get to see Riley, her alphas and Candy a couple of times in this book.
Sage is insecure, she’s a big girl and does not believe she is worthy of the Lockwood pack. There is lots to unpack here, the alphas must prove to Sage that she is their true mate but when they jump one hurtle another gets put in it’s place. They have a history that sends Sage into turmoil. Will they be able to win her over?
I’m really enjoying this series! Each book has unique circumstances and a different spin in the Omegaverse world.
January 1, 2023
Unfortunately, this wasn't a hit for me for many of the same reasons others have outlined already.
Pros:
- overweight heroine
- responsible portrayals of BDSM
- heroine was a professional/working woman
- enjoyable grovelling (though not long enough in my opinion)
- the opening smutty scenes were amazing
Cons:
- unsexy BDSM scenes
- the stereotypical evil skinny woman trope was used with at least two different characters
- heroine's insecurities about her size (I prefer when overweight characters aren't so obsessively self conscious)
- the men were immature and inept (hard to believe they were such successful businessmen when they acted like kids)
- the men caused most of the drama by being idiots (sleeping with your personal assistants is so yucky...)
Pros:
- overweight heroine
- responsible portrayals of BDSM
- heroine was a professional/working woman
- enjoyable grovelling (though not long enough in my opinion)
- the opening smutty scenes were amazing
Cons:
- unsexy BDSM scenes
- the stereotypical evil skinny woman trope was used with at least two different characters
- heroine's insecurities about her size (I prefer when overweight characters aren't so obsessively self conscious)
- the men were immature and inept (hard to believe they were such successful businessmen when they acted like kids)
- the men caused most of the drama by being idiots (sleeping with your personal assistants is so yucky...)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
Warning: Incoming rant!
I am so mad and so disappointed.
I thought I had found an actual romance (which are few and far between these days with so much of the 'romance' genre focused on woman being dominated by self-serving and/or abusive aholes).
'It can be.” His voice was almost a buzz in my ear. “You made yourself very vulnerable to me. Alphas like that very much. Everything in us wants to see problems and fix them, make everything better. Are you going to let me make everything better, Sage?'
Isn't that romantic? And hot? He shared an intimate detail about himself with her, made it clear he wanted to help her and left the choice in her hands, let her decide to hand him her trust freely.
Lucian sounded like an amazing man and I was excited to read more about him.
Except he wasn't an amazing man.
He turned out to be a selfish manipulative prick who turned a strong, independent female beta into a dependent, needy omega without her knowledge, let alone her consent, so she almost ended up gang-raped, had her autonomy stripped from her and was not allowed a life independent of him and his brothers because they were her mates and, outside of sweetheart Max, had no respect for her as a person (hilariously highlighted when she says to Max: 'They’re much closer to fucking things up than you are. You talk to me and treat me like I have a brain, not just an omega pussy.').
And Lucian never takes responsibility, makes reparation or even just apologies, not even when he was suppose to be 'confessing his sins' against her. The closest he comes is: 'I wanted you, needed you, and I didn’t care who or what I hurt to get to you.' 'Only I didn’t understand that it was going to be you who would bear the brunt of that.' , the second part of which is a huge fucking lie unless he is so delusional he honestly thought destroying a woman's self was no biggie (although with how far his head was up his ass he might have thought that). Then he just turns into a wolf and fucks off into his bedroom, no apology, nothing (and she stupidly follows and curls up with him because apparently those crumbs were enough for the broken woman he has made her). And then later there was this 'Because I pushed you into every damn thing. This, you and me, the job, mating… where he doesn't even include how he pushed her into becoming an omega as one of things he has pushed her into, let alone responsibility and apologize for it.
Why do people write this crap?
The story would have been so much better if Lucian had been honest with her, promised her his unconditional support and protection regardless of any outcome, presented her with a list of options and let her come up with a rational plan before she became a hormonal, easily manipulated mess.
That is a romantic fantasy.
Men manipulating and lying by omission? That's not a fantasy, that is a reality that can be found in any Friday night at you local club.
It was especially disappointing because before all that was revealed, the female lead was smart and likable, the male leads were entertaining and the little bit of relationship-building between the female lead and male leads had been solid.
But all that was all flushed down the toilet.
And then there were other issues like uneven pacing, illogical world-building (so if alpha and omega live in small communities separate from everyone else but secondary sex doesn't present until teens how does that work? and does that mean betas run everything nationally? how do alpha cope with that?), things that didn't make sense (ie the board would have known about the arrest and circumstances days before as it would have been splashed everywhere), how inconsistent her omega traits were, the board sub-plot and the mother sub-plot were never flushed out properly on-page, the whole symposium thing appeared to have been just forgotten, Riley was useless (let me tell you my story; fuck your story and give the woman some hard facts and medical options!), that Candy person was Navi-level obnoxious, the ending seemed to just drag on and on and we won't even get into how BDSM was weirdly injected into the relationships.
Okay, rant over. You may now return to your regularly scheduled program.
I am so mad and so disappointed.
I thought I had found an actual romance (which are few and far between these days with so much of the 'romance' genre focused on woman being dominated by self-serving and/or abusive aholes).
'It can be.” His voice was almost a buzz in my ear. “You made yourself very vulnerable to me. Alphas like that very much. Everything in us wants to see problems and fix them, make everything better. Are you going to let me make everything better, Sage?'
Isn't that romantic? And hot? He shared an intimate detail about himself with her, made it clear he wanted to help her and left the choice in her hands, let her decide to hand him her trust freely.
Lucian sounded like an amazing man and I was excited to read more about him.
Except he wasn't an amazing man.
He turned out to be a selfish manipulative prick who turned a strong, independent female beta into a dependent, needy omega without her knowledge, let alone her consent, so she almost ended up gang-raped, had her autonomy stripped from her and was not allowed a life independent of him and his brothers because they were her mates and, outside of sweetheart Max, had no respect for her as a person (hilariously highlighted when she says to Max: 'They’re much closer to fucking things up than you are. You talk to me and treat me like I have a brain, not just an omega pussy.').
And Lucian never takes responsibility, makes reparation or even just apologies, not even when he was suppose to be 'confessing his sins' against her. The closest he comes is: 'I wanted you, needed you, and I didn’t care who or what I hurt to get to you.' 'Only I didn’t understand that it was going to be you who would bear the brunt of that.' , the second part of which is a huge fucking lie unless he is so delusional he honestly thought destroying a woman's self was no biggie (although with how far his head was up his ass he might have thought that). Then he just turns into a wolf and fucks off into his bedroom, no apology, nothing (and she stupidly follows and curls up with him because apparently those crumbs were enough for the broken woman he has made her). And then later there was this 'Because I pushed you into every damn thing. This, you and me, the job, mating… where he doesn't even include how he pushed her into becoming an omega as one of things he has pushed her into, let alone responsibility and apologize for it.
Why do people write this crap?
The story would have been so much better if Lucian had been honest with her, promised her his unconditional support and protection regardless of any outcome, presented her with a list of options and let her come up with a rational plan before she became a hormonal, easily manipulated mess.
That is a romantic fantasy.
Men manipulating and lying by omission? That's not a fantasy, that is a reality that can be found in any Friday night at you local club.
It was especially disappointing because before all that was revealed, the female lead was smart and likable, the male leads were entertaining and the little bit of relationship-building between the female lead and male leads had been solid.
But all that was all flushed down the toilet.
And then there were other issues like uneven pacing, illogical world-building (so if alpha and omega live in small communities separate from everyone else but secondary sex doesn't present until teens how does that work? and does that mean betas run everything nationally? how do alpha cope with that?), things that didn't make sense (ie the board would have known about the arrest and circumstances days before as it would have been splashed everywhere), how inconsistent her omega traits were, the board sub-plot and the mother sub-plot were never flushed out properly on-page, the whole symposium thing appeared to have been just forgotten, Riley was useless (let me tell you my story; fuck your story and give the woman some hard facts and medical options!), that Candy person was Navi-level obnoxious, the ending seemed to just drag on and on and we won't even get into how BDSM was weirdly injected into the relationships.
Okay, rant over. You may now return to your regularly scheduled program.
September 28, 2024
Alphas make me swoon!
Alright so, this took me longer to finish than usual due to life getting in the way, BUT!!!! Overall, I loved it..the storyline was great. I loved how the Lockwood's built Sage up. I also enjoyed the struggles she went through, because SAME GIRL, SAME. Id rate this as a 4 star spice/smut novel though. There were lots of sex scenes, ranging 1-2 chapters depending on the moment. don't get me wrong, it was HOT, however personally, I wanted to get on to the plot of the story. If you're looking off lots of spicy/smutty scenes mixed with a solid plot??? Then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS. it's a really good story. I love seeing how sage and the Lockwood's grew together.
Alright so, this took me longer to finish than usual due to life getting in the way, BUT!!!! Overall, I loved it..the storyline was great. I loved how the Lockwood's built Sage up. I also enjoyed the struggles she went through, because SAME GIRL, SAME. Id rate this as a 4 star spice/smut novel though. There were lots of sex scenes, ranging 1-2 chapters depending on the moment. don't get me wrong, it was HOT, however personally, I wanted to get on to the plot of the story. If you're looking off lots of spicy/smutty scenes mixed with a solid plot??? Then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS. it's a really good story. I love seeing how sage and the Lockwood's grew together.
September 7, 2024
This one wasn't for me.
I was planning to go through Hall's entire backlist since I've enjoyed everything she's put out in the last year or so, since I discovered her late last year.
This one might be too early in her career for me. The plot was unstructured, the 'villain' was defeated in 4 pages in the middle of the book, I hated the obsession with shoving anything into everyone's mouths, and although I knew this was ABO I did not enjoy the dom/sub stuff which was not mentioned in the blurb.
I also have no idea why Sage was so reluctant to accept her fated mates. I mean, I would have been telling them to fuck off because they kept saying, "You're in charge, Sage," and then making all the decisions and bossing her around, but Sage didn't really have a reason that I could tell. Part of her submission was supposed to be the sub/dom thing where subs have all the power which was explored in detail, but I think it was applied inconsistently.
Hall has gotten much better at the family trauma stuff, which in the book seemed to turn her mother into an unrealistic over the top after thought.
It started really strong and it had a good ending that wrapped up nicely.
I know this sounds like a negative review but it isn't. I finished the book. I liked the guys, and their characterisation. I just think Hall is a better writer now.
I was planning to go through Hall's entire backlist since I've enjoyed everything she's put out in the last year or so, since I discovered her late last year.
This one might be too early in her career for me. The plot was unstructured, the 'villain' was defeated in 4 pages in the middle of the book, I hated the obsession with shoving anything into everyone's mouths, and although I knew this was ABO I did not enjoy the dom/sub stuff which was not mentioned in the blurb.
I also have no idea why Sage was so reluctant to accept her fated mates. I mean, I would have been telling them to fuck off because they kept saying, "You're in charge, Sage," and then making all the decisions and bossing her around, but Sage didn't really have a reason that I could tell. Part of her submission was supposed to be the sub/dom thing where subs have all the power which was explored in detail, but I think it was applied inconsistently.
Hall has gotten much better at the family trauma stuff, which in the book seemed to turn her mother into an unrealistic over the top after thought.
It started really strong and it had a good ending that wrapped up nicely.
I know this sounds like a negative review but it isn't. I finished the book. I liked the guys, and their characterisation. I just think Hall is a better writer now.
November 20, 2022
DNF at 85%. This story had so much potential, but just went off on too many tangents. At 85% she had only matted 2 of her 4 Alphas. I just got incredibly bored and didn't even care about the rest. Skipped to the epilogue to hopefully get some closure, but it was lacking as well. Great idea, loved the BBW, hated the actual execution. Marking it as read, because I deserve 100% credit for getting that far
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2022
Another incredible book by Sam Hall!
This world is easily one of my favorites! Each book gives an entirely new adventure while all coming together in some way.
You have a female beta who’s world gets turned upside down basically overnight. She starts to experience things she never would have thought possible.
I absolutely loved seeing Sage’s character growth. Spending your life feeling like you’re not good enough, that you will never meet the standards the world sets for women, being uncomfortable in you’re own skin is rough. Sage is a prime example of all of that and then some, so when things start to take a turn towards looking up for her she can’t seem to let those insecurities that have plagued her for most of her life go, so she can see herself as the alphas do.
Those alphas are something else! Each one of them is so different in their own way, aside from one thing. Their devotion to Sage and helping her see herself as they do. I loved that they all had their own issues personally and weren’t just the typical “hot alpha” yes they had the alpha physique, but their interests and their hearts is really what set them apart. They wanted to better the world, not just be billionaires. They wanted to be happy and loved and appreciated by their omega, not just wanted for their looks and wealth.
Each of them was so easy to connect with and when things started to get dicey I found myself wanting to yell at them to get it together and fix it because Sage is their missing piece.
This book portrays what it’s like as a plus size woman so well, it’s not just about self hate and insecurities. It goes so much deeper than that. And Sam Hall really embraces the trauma Sage went through that added to her self doubt. When it comes to her character and what she’s good at, she has no doubts. But when it comes to her physical appearance she can’t see past those harsh words that she’s always been told and that she’s told herself. Until her alphas show her what it really means to be loved and appreciated for who you really are inside and out.
This world is easily one of my favorites! Each book gives an entirely new adventure while all coming together in some way.
You have a female beta who’s world gets turned upside down basically overnight. She starts to experience things she never would have thought possible.
I absolutely loved seeing Sage’s character growth. Spending your life feeling like you’re not good enough, that you will never meet the standards the world sets for women, being uncomfortable in you’re own skin is rough. Sage is a prime example of all of that and then some, so when things start to take a turn towards looking up for her she can’t seem to let those insecurities that have plagued her for most of her life go, so she can see herself as the alphas do.
Those alphas are something else! Each one of them is so different in their own way, aside from one thing. Their devotion to Sage and helping her see herself as they do. I loved that they all had their own issues personally and weren’t just the typical “hot alpha” yes they had the alpha physique, but their interests and their hearts is really what set them apart. They wanted to better the world, not just be billionaires. They wanted to be happy and loved and appreciated by their omega, not just wanted for their looks and wealth.
Each of them was so easy to connect with and when things started to get dicey I found myself wanting to yell at them to get it together and fix it because Sage is their missing piece.
This book portrays what it’s like as a plus size woman so well, it’s not just about self hate and insecurities. It goes so much deeper than that. And Sam Hall really embraces the trauma Sage went through that added to her self doubt. When it comes to her character and what she’s good at, she has no doubts. But when it comes to her physical appearance she can’t see past those harsh words that she’s always been told and that she’s told herself. Until her alphas show her what it really means to be loved and appreciated for who you really are inside and out.
December 28, 2022
ARC Read/Finished: 10/31/22
| DISCLAIMER: May contained vague spoilers
Overall Ratings:
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
4/5 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️
Sam Hall always gets me in my heartstrings whenever I read her books. And this definitely knocked it out of the park! 🥲💗
We meet this wonderful woman named Sage, who one day goes out with this guy named Lucian. They had a fun time together. But then Sage decided that this whole thing might not work out & bam she ghosted Lucian and deleted her dating app 🥲
Then one day, you may say that fate might intertwined because Sage gets hired at this new company & low behold, that hot guy turned out to be one of Sage’s new bosses.
Besides Lucian being her boss, we also have: Tobias, Beau & Max.
I loved all the alphas & they each brought something to Sage that she didn’t see in herself. And I just love all their devotion to Sage since I know she has some trauma from her childhood.
I’m glad Sage was able to grow & learned that she is an amazing person + very strong🥰
| DISCLAIMER: May contained vague spoilers
Overall Ratings:
5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
4/5 🔥🌶️🔥🌶️
Sam Hall always gets me in my heartstrings whenever I read her books. And this definitely knocked it out of the park! 🥲💗
We meet this wonderful woman named Sage, who one day goes out with this guy named Lucian. They had a fun time together. But then Sage decided that this whole thing might not work out & bam she ghosted Lucian and deleted her dating app 🥲
Then one day, you may say that fate might intertwined because Sage gets hired at this new company & low behold, that hot guy turned out to be one of Sage’s new bosses.
Besides Lucian being her boss, we also have: Tobias, Beau & Max.
I loved all the alphas & they each brought something to Sage that she didn’t see in herself. And I just love all their devotion to Sage since I know she has some trauma from her childhood.
I’m glad Sage was able to grow & learned that she is an amazing person + very strong🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2023
Whoa Baby
This was ridiculously long. I can’t tell you what shouldn’t have been there because it was all so good but man it felt like it was never going to end. The pace was moderate so it didn’t drag but it kind went fantasy level on the length and details. I sort of love how none of Sage’s “issues” were solved but I didn’t think l it made sense that the guys started to see a therapist but she didn’t. Other than that, this was just what the Mood Doctor ordered and I’m once again mad at myself for waiting so long to read a Sam
Hall story.
This was ridiculously long. I can’t tell you what shouldn’t have been there because it was all so good but man it felt like it was never going to end. The pace was moderate so it didn’t drag but it kind went fantasy level on the length and details. I sort of love how none of Sage’s “issues” were solved but I didn’t think l it made sense that the guys started to see a therapist but she didn’t. Other than that, this was just what the Mood Doctor ordered and I’m once again mad at myself for waiting so long to read a Sam
Hall story.
January 6, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't quite what I had expected as it didn't follow the traditional formula for an omegaverse/pack romance. I loved how Sage had unique relationships with each of the guys before we were thrown into the deep end. The kink aspects of the story were well written, and it was refreshing to see it being dealt with in a real-to-life way rather than the usual 'me alpha, you omega' way.
April 21, 2025
Loved it!
Read all 3 in the series, loved how all 3 were slightly different and as a plus size lady this one def hit a bit close to home sometimes but in a good way 🥰
Read all 3 in the series, loved how all 3 were slightly different and as a plus size lady this one def hit a bit close to home sometimes but in a good way 🥰
January 12, 2024
3.5 rounded down.
March 7, 2023
A book that's deeper than just Alpha / Omega / mating stuff!
First, the important parts:
This book is ... wow. This book is REAL. Primarily, it doesn't just touch on body image - it DIVES in. It hits you like a tsunami in the BEST way. The FMC (female main character) is a plus sized woman, and from the description, not a "smaller sized" plus woman. She's self-conscious due to being put down for so much of their life because of their body, the worst of which came from her own mother. She has trouble finding clothes to fit her properly, and even mentions she can't just go into and store to buy off the rack, generally. She suffers with her image throughout most of the book, but her future men and the friends she meet throughout this book all try to help her see past that.
This book also talks about BDSM. It doesn't just throw you into deep end with the characters having BDSM scenes, but rather it actually TALKS about it. The truth behind it, what it actually means, the connections between a Dom and Sub, etc. I'm no expert in it by any means, though I have an interest in it (and no, I certainly don't mean "50 Shades" - they mention that firmly in the book, too!), but I loved reading about it in this book. It's amazing how it's brought up and put in the story line, as one of the guys and his friend / employee slowly and properly introduces the FMC to the BDSM world!
- I was confused a couple of times when it sounded like she was having s*x with the guys before mating with them, when originally I was under the impression she wanted to take her time to get to know them. They talked a lot about taking care of her 'needs', but it always seemed they found other ways to do that (as was always described in scenes of the book when they happened). After getting to about 83% through in particular, it's said by one of the guys "I breathe it in (her scent) post s*x or just when we're cuddling on the couch.". Then at about 90% in, it's mentioned they had only ever gone so far. So, I'm assuming they consider s*x in this case as intimate physical acts? Not a big deal, just minor confusion!
BIG SPOILER ALERT - I was disappointed there wasn't more talk or tension from Sage towards Tobias about Chloe. He freaking marked her in the past. I get they dealt with the collar and stuff, but - HE MARKED ANOTHER OMEGA. She's not still a bit upset about that? There's another omega out there with his mark! She also knew him less than the other three at that point, so I was surprised at the order of her mating him and somewhat how suddenly it happened. I had been looking forward to a bigger ordeal about it, a real heart to heart conversation besides the one they had when he gave her the gifts after she shifted back (due to her trauma), or perhaps an argument, or him really showing more remorse about what went down in the past.
Another very small detail I caught as well: Sage purposely never told the men about her mother and her toxicity, yet Beau brings it up to her when convincing her to do something in the last quarter of the book. I don't think I missed her telling him about it, but honestly, that COULD be my mistake. The reason it stands out is because I had been admittedly waiting for her men to meet her mother and give her a piece of their mind. I'm glad at the end that the mother didn't suddenly do a 180, and that everyone stepped in to stand up to her, but I would have kind of loved to see what the men had to say about her. I felt the conversation at the end with her father was pretty random, too. He wasn't ever mentioned until walking her down the aisle, so you'd think they weren't that close. Plus, it says he never stood up to his wife about her treatment to their daughter. Not exactly father of the year material, in my opinion.
Out of the WHOLE book, though, these were the only two things that I would have liked changed. Otherwise, it was great!
First, the important parts:
This book is ... wow. This book is REAL. Primarily, it doesn't just touch on body image - it DIVES in. It hits you like a tsunami in the BEST way. The FMC (female main character) is a plus sized woman, and from the description, not a "smaller sized" plus woman. She's self-conscious due to being put down for so much of their life because of their body, the worst of which came from her own mother. She has trouble finding clothes to fit her properly, and even mentions she can't just go into and store to buy off the rack, generally. She suffers with her image throughout most of the book, but her future men and the friends she meet throughout this book all try to help her see past that.
This book also talks about BDSM. It doesn't just throw you into deep end with the characters having BDSM scenes, but rather it actually TALKS about it. The truth behind it, what it actually means, the connections between a Dom and Sub, etc. I'm no expert in it by any means, though I have an interest in it (and no, I certainly don't mean "50 Shades" - they mention that firmly in the book, too!), but I loved reading about it in this book. It's amazing how it's brought up and put in the story line, as one of the guys and his friend / employee slowly and properly introduces the FMC to the BDSM world!
- I was confused a couple of times when it sounded like she was having s*x with the guys before mating with them, when originally I was under the impression she wanted to take her time to get to know them. They talked a lot about taking care of her 'needs', but it always seemed they found other ways to do that (as was always described in scenes of the book when they happened). After getting to about 83% through in particular, it's said by one of the guys "I breathe it in (her scent) post s*x or just when we're cuddling on the couch.". Then at about 90% in, it's mentioned they had only ever gone so far. So, I'm assuming they consider s*x in this case as intimate physical acts? Not a big deal, just minor confusion!
BIG SPOILER ALERT - I was disappointed there wasn't more talk or tension from Sage towards Tobias about Chloe. He freaking marked her in the past. I get they dealt with the collar and stuff, but - HE MARKED ANOTHER OMEGA. She's not still a bit upset about that? There's another omega out there with his mark! She also knew him less than the other three at that point, so I was surprised at the order of her mating him and somewhat how suddenly it happened. I had been looking forward to a bigger ordeal about it, a real heart to heart conversation besides the one they had when he gave her the gifts after she shifted back (due to her trauma), or perhaps an argument, or him really showing more remorse about what went down in the past.
Another very small detail I caught as well: Sage purposely never told the men about her mother and her toxicity, yet Beau brings it up to her when convincing her to do something in the last quarter of the book. I don't think I missed her telling him about it, but honestly, that COULD be my mistake. The reason it stands out is because I had been admittedly waiting for her men to meet her mother and give her a piece of their mind. I'm glad at the end that the mother didn't suddenly do a 180, and that everyone stepped in to stand up to her, but I would have kind of loved to see what the men had to say about her. I felt the conversation at the end with her father was pretty random, too. He wasn't ever mentioned until walking her down the aisle, so you'd think they weren't that close. Plus, it says he never stood up to his wife about her treatment to their daughter. Not exactly father of the year material, in my opinion.
Out of the WHOLE book, though, these were the only two things that I would have liked changed. Otherwise, it was great!
February 9, 2023
3.5 stars
This was a pretty decent read for the most part. I had the impression that the h was going to be very resistant to the mating but I didn’t think she was extremely resistant.
There was a fair bit of angst towards the end. Dreaded OW drama was a real downer for me. I appreciated that the h was legit plus sized not just *curvy*. I also really appreciated the h is represented on the cover as truly plus sized, so many books have models that aren’t even remotely plus sized representing a supposedly plus sized h. The h had some esteem issues. I get it as a plus sized woman it’s hard living in a world where thin is the standard all women are held too. I didn’t think it was too much but maybe a bit to depressingly real lol. The ow is a stunningly beautiful skinny ho.
I really lost steam when she showed up. Ultimately we only get a few pages of her in real time but that ho packed a punch. In minutes she wrecked the h. Then when the Hs are groveling Tobias takes a big old left turn from being the dom to asking h to collar him. She didn’t but it was so out of left field. I get what the author was trying to do but it really felt so contrived and out of character. I muddled my way through the rest but I’m pretty meh.
Safety - The Hs we’re seriously involved with an omega previously. She had 3/4 convinced she was their true mate at one point. She wasn’t interested in one of them and eventually one of the others caught onto her too. Tobias the dom one had actually collared her and given her a mating bite though. It was all a big manipulation though. All of them were completely over her but she still showed up when the Hs were all indisposed and wrecked the h. It was super annoying.
This was a pretty decent read for the most part. I had the impression that the h was going to be very resistant to the mating but I didn’t think she was extremely resistant.
There was a fair bit of angst towards the end. Dreaded OW drama was a real downer for me. I appreciated that the h was legit plus sized not just *curvy*. I also really appreciated the h is represented on the cover as truly plus sized, so many books have models that aren’t even remotely plus sized representing a supposedly plus sized h. The h had some esteem issues. I get it as a plus sized woman it’s hard living in a world where thin is the standard all women are held too. I didn’t think it was too much but maybe a bit to depressingly real lol. The ow is a stunningly beautiful skinny ho.
I really lost steam when she showed up. Ultimately we only get a few pages of her in real time but that ho packed a punch. In minutes she wrecked the h. Then when the Hs are groveling Tobias takes a big old left turn from being the dom to asking h to collar him. She didn’t but it was so out of left field. I get what the author was trying to do but it really felt so contrived and out of character. I muddled my way through the rest but I’m pretty meh.
Safety - The Hs we’re seriously involved with an omega previously. She had 3/4 convinced she was their true mate at one point. She wasn’t interested in one of them and eventually one of the others caught onto her too. Tobias the dom one had actually collared her and given her a mating bite though. It was all a big manipulation though. All of them were completely over her but she still showed up when the Hs were all indisposed and wrecked the h. It was super annoying.
November 6, 2022
I normally enjoy Sam Hall, but this one had a weak storyline which dragged on for around 150 pages past its viability.
It felt like Sage's body issues were the only plotline and everything else was an afterthought... which became rather tedious, quite frankly. It wasn't even the number of times it was brought up necessarily, but rather that every mention appeared like a blunt force object ready to make a loud, painful point. As a reader I can only take so many smacks to the face before I feel like screaming "We freaking get it already, ffs."
I didn't even find Sage likable. While an obscene amount of time was dedicated to the men proving their worthiness, I kept waiting for Sage to show why she was worth it beyond her pheromones and treating Max like a human being (which apparently is a big deal?).
For the first time, I abandoned one of her books.
It felt like Sage's body issues were the only plotline and everything else was an afterthought... which became rather tedious, quite frankly. It wasn't even the number of times it was brought up necessarily, but rather that every mention appeared like a blunt force object ready to make a loud, painful point. As a reader I can only take so many smacks to the face before I feel like screaming "We freaking get it already, ffs."
I didn't even find Sage likable. While an obscene amount of time was dedicated to the men proving their worthiness, I kept waiting for Sage to show why she was worth it beyond her pheromones and treating Max like a human being (which apparently is a big deal?).
For the first time, I abandoned one of her books.
August 29, 2023
Another stellar addition to Sam Hall’s Wolfverse series. Plus size FMC Sage is portrayed with heart and a sense of realism in a world full of fantasy. Adored following her pack of Alphas; Max, Lucian, Beau and Tobias (our Pleasure Dom and Daddy Dom respectively - yes please!!) as they struggle to prove their worth. And as always the side characters are perfection - Nikki is divine, a little deranged and hysterical in equal measure.
January 13, 2024
One of my favourite billionaire boss, omegaverse, reverse harem type stories. Other themes - plus-size woman, Shifter mates, brothers as pack (so no m/m)
November 9, 2022
Disclaimer: YMMV and what concerned me about the story may not be an issue for you. Despite it all, I'd still say this is a decent ABO book and worth reading.
There are also a ton of spoilers, so have fun with that.
Onto the review:
I have conflicted feelings about this book. It was promising and the writing was enjoyable for a time, however there were some glaring issues for me.
The book would have been a lot more cohesive if it had settled on one of the following:
- being an office romance where the conflict was accepting the relationship
- being an office romance where the conflict is the intrigue going on, the romance being a harmonious and supportive aspect.
- being a story about overcoming fatphobic related trauma and learning to love herself with her alphas and confronting her abusive mother.
- being a story that focuses solely on the transition from beta to omega with either romantic conflict or harmonious romance.
As it is, the above mentioned plot lines are all in here and not done very well, plot threads will be dropped and picked up at random times, dropped again and then resolved in a way that left me personally unsatisfied. I think the book tried to do too much.
Characterisation is also a weakness of the book. All of the side characters felt like plot devices rather than fleshed out, dimensional people. They turned up when it was convenient and then forgotten. Nikki was one of the few who consistently turned up but even then, the relationship felt so very one sided because all she did was show up when Sage needed a pep talk. How can we believe they're bffs when Sage never wants to talk to her, hang out with her or ask how Nikki's life is?
This is also very present in the main characters, Sage supposedly loves checklists and yet spends a good chunk of the book not making checklists. Her strongest aspect was her trauma from fat phobic people, it felt incredibly real to me as someone who experiences similar things. Yet the development to gaining self confidence and healing from the trauma was... lacking. Her mother is one of her abusers and you'd think she'd have more of a presence in the story to reflect that, something for Sage to challenge and overcome. Yet her confrontation with her mother at the end of the book felt hollow. Her support and inspiration came from a random side character rather than her bff and lovers.
While the sex scenes were kinky at first, the sheer abundance of them made them lose their appeal after a while. By the 75% mark my eyes were glazing over and I skipped a lot to see if there was any further plot.
The final thing I had concerns with was how the alpha interactions were almost always about sex or conflict. There wasn't really anything that showed me that this was a relationship that would work on a daily basis. Sure, orgasms are fun but at the end of the day I want to know what the conflict resolution going to look like for minor things. How are they going to act when they're just hanging out after a long day of work? How do they respond when one of them gets some bad news? What will they do on weekends?
Relationships are more than just sex and wild adventures for shopping sprees and romantic dinners, and it would be nice to see that portrayed in the story.
Also the alphas really need to stop dropping major life changes on Sage without her knowledge or consent. Making her the director of the company without asking first is an incredibly shitty thing to do and just shows they haven't learned a damn thing.
There are also a ton of spoilers, so have fun with that.
Onto the review:
I have conflicted feelings about this book. It was promising and the writing was enjoyable for a time, however there were some glaring issues for me.
The book would have been a lot more cohesive if it had settled on one of the following:
- being an office romance where the conflict was accepting the relationship
- being an office romance where the conflict is the intrigue going on, the romance being a harmonious and supportive aspect.
- being a story about overcoming fatphobic related trauma and learning to love herself with her alphas and confronting her abusive mother.
- being a story that focuses solely on the transition from beta to omega with either romantic conflict or harmonious romance.
As it is, the above mentioned plot lines are all in here and not done very well, plot threads will be dropped and picked up at random times, dropped again and then resolved in a way that left me personally unsatisfied. I think the book tried to do too much.
Characterisation is also a weakness of the book. All of the side characters felt like plot devices rather than fleshed out, dimensional people. They turned up when it was convenient and then forgotten. Nikki was one of the few who consistently turned up but even then, the relationship felt so very one sided because all she did was show up when Sage needed a pep talk. How can we believe they're bffs when Sage never wants to talk to her, hang out with her or ask how Nikki's life is?
This is also very present in the main characters, Sage supposedly loves checklists and yet spends a good chunk of the book not making checklists. Her strongest aspect was her trauma from fat phobic people, it felt incredibly real to me as someone who experiences similar things. Yet the development to gaining self confidence and healing from the trauma was... lacking. Her mother is one of her abusers and you'd think she'd have more of a presence in the story to reflect that, something for Sage to challenge and overcome. Yet her confrontation with her mother at the end of the book felt hollow. Her support and inspiration came from a random side character rather than her bff and lovers.
While the sex scenes were kinky at first, the sheer abundance of them made them lose their appeal after a while. By the 75% mark my eyes were glazing over and I skipped a lot to see if there was any further plot.
The final thing I had concerns with was how the alpha interactions were almost always about sex or conflict. There wasn't really anything that showed me that this was a relationship that would work on a daily basis. Sure, orgasms are fun but at the end of the day I want to know what the conflict resolution going to look like for minor things. How are they going to act when they're just hanging out after a long day of work? How do they respond when one of them gets some bad news? What will they do on weekends?
Relationships are more than just sex and wild adventures for shopping sprees and romantic dinners, and it would be nice to see that portrayed in the story.
Also the alphas really need to stop dropping major life changes on Sage without her knowledge or consent. Making her the director of the company without asking first is an incredibly shitty thing to do and just shows they haven't learned a damn thing.
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