Omega's Mission: Hood Ridge Omegas, Reegan Lynch

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This started out with a pretty hopeless situation.  You've got an Omega on the run from his brothers because of a twisted plan of deception as well as a sick idea of fun and sport.  These things combine to give a pretty accurate description of Ira's upbringing.  He's the youngest brother and presented as Omega despite being born to a family filled with sadistic Alphas.  Their land borders a pack known for a weak and easily manipulated Alpha.  Thus the reason for the "hunt" that sends Ira onto the rival pack's land.  Nothing is as he's been taught, though, and despite knowing that freedom lies only with completing his mission, his mind and heart are being turned toward Mal and away from his father's plot.

Mal is blindsided by his attraction for the Omega.  He knows he should be firm in his distrust and distance but he can't help but be drawn to Ira.  Unsure of how much Ira says is the truth he gives him the benefit of the doubt, especially when he learns of what life is like in the Hood Ridge pack for Omegas.  Determined to protect him and make Ira feel comfortable in his new home all while attempting to keep his lusts controlled, he makes the effort to get to know him and introduce him to his family.  Except there's a lot that Ira's holding back.

When enemies are revealed, threats are made, mercy is granted, and lusts fulfilled, both Mal and Ira are creating both a bond and a situation where the truth could tear apart everything good Mal is trying to achieve with Ira and also with his entire pack.  Enemies are everywhere and Ira's role could be taken by someone more determined to carry out his mission.  The cliffhanger ending is a real shock, not one I was expecting, and puts you on the edge of your seat for book 2.

I like Ira and his fierce need to protect himself as well as his desire to do what's right despite what he's been tasked with.  He's a good¢ man brought up in a world of twisted family.  Mal is also a good man.  He's trying hard to be everything his father was even though he's so young.  He has dissenters in his pack and is discovering that achieving a balance between everyone and everything is exhausting.  I like that he's such a good Alpha and that he's being honorable toward Ira.  His joy at their eventual union is so tender that I grow to like him even more.  I'm very interested to see what happens next.

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After four blissful days in the cave mating with Ira and forging the bond between us, everything begins to fall apart. All I want to do is reveal to my mate what I sensed, lying there with him: that he’s pregnant. That together, we’re going to have a child. But the moment we return to town, a different truth comes to light.

My mate, the one I vowed to protect until my dying day… has come to my pack to kill me.

And he’s not the only one.

Two more Hood Ridge Omegas have come to Three Rivers, sent as a trade: the two of them will stay and bear children for me… in exchange for Ira. Regardless of how the truth of Ira’s mission is tearing us apart, that’s a trade I refuse to make.

Even if refusing starts a war.

Omega's Choice: Hood Ridge Omegas, Reegan Lynch

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Just as intense as the first, this picks up right where Omega's Mission left off with the scene after the cave.  I can honestly say that this was not the complication that I saw coming.  It was both good and slightly not as good as I continued reading this story.  I'll start with the not-so good part first.

When two omegas and a lot of pack chaos is waiting for them when they return there are a lot of ways this could go.  What I didn't love was that Ira suddenly lost his alpha attitude in the face of two omegas he had no love for as well as his chosen mate.  Not that I wanted him to get snippy or forceful and therefore undermine Mal, but I wasn't expecting him to crumple at the face of Mal's reaction.  There is a way I can think that he could have gone about it but for the sake of not spoiling what did happen, I'll just let you come up with your own reaction.  So anyway...  I wish the steel in Ira's spine were there and it's missing through much of this book.

Another thing I didn't love was that there wasn't nearly enough of Cecil and Luke's story because of this particular book's length.  That should be taken care of with Omega's Heart because the twins' story is no where near complete, though, so it's a minor issue.

Now for what was great.  Ira and his brain and guts.  He's determined to think things through and not be so reactionary like his mate.  In the name of protecting all Mal is a little hot-headed and runs off to do what he thinks is best without taking enough time to pool his resources and think things through before acting.  Sure, he's decisive and intelligent, but he would be more of a true alpha if he used his pack to the best of their abilities.  Ira, however, is the best of both worlds here because he uses his brain and gets the assistance of someone who he knows doesn't like him or fully trust him.  He uses logic, planning, thinking, and action to cover what his mate cannot.  It puts him in danger, yes, but he's willing to sacrifice his well-being (not his life, don't confuse that here) for the sake of his chosen pack and his resolve is stunning.

I also like the way Mal's own resolve concerning Ira and his role changes.  He opens his mind and thinks of what should be rather than what others think should be.  Drama comes on the heels of that resolve, but because of his new-found determination, he's not derailed.  I'm excited to see how he and Ira grow together in the next book because things are coming to a serious place and their partnership needs to flourish amidst all the adversity.

So from our main couple with Ira and Mal we now move to the new couple with Cecil and Luke.  I have to say, Luke is coming up in the world for me.  I was constantly annoyed at his attitude and lack of willingness to get to the truth of Ira instead of making judgments and then continuing on in his harsh assessment rather than using his brain about the situation.  His trust is hard-won here and he's still working on that with Ira.  With Cecil, though, he's making more of an effort.  The attraction he feels sure helps with softening him to making Cecil feel safe, but he goes out of his way to accommodate and boost Cecil's confidence, safety, and enjoyment of his new life.  He knows there's more to Cecil than what he's seeing but he acknowledges that there's something deeper, a connection that might surpass his previous loyalties.

Cecil is shy, quiet, and sweet.  I look forward to getting to know him more as the series progresses.  Who he is independently from his twin.  Cyril is harder to pin down and I'm curious to see if he's hiding something genuine and good under his bluster, crassness, and attitude.  Will he continue or will he and his twin be torn apart by changing loyalties?  I'm eagerly anticipating Omega's Heart and what will happen with the twins' mission and hearts.

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After narrowly surviving a kidnapping attempt by Hood Ridge, Mal’s words when he sweeps me into his arms rock me to my core. I came to Three Rivers to bring death; instead, my mate and I have created life.

I’d do anything to protect my unborn child… and that’s easier said than done when there are still two other Hood Ridge Omegas in our midst, Omegas whose motives I don’t trust. Do I dare trust that Cyril and Cecil’s hearts are in the right place, when the lives of my mate and child are on the line?

Quick Reads and Quick Reviews 14

  

• Stay A Little Longer, Jess Bryant
• Chase, Candice Blake
• And Then The Devil Cried, Ellie Fox

I really, really liked how sweet, sexy, and simple this story was. Luke is super deep in the closet with a history of man-whoring.  Trent is newly outed, not by his own choice, and is struggling to find solid ground in a world he doesn't know if he belongs in anymore.   Together they have similar histories, fears, and desires.  They area great match for one another and give one another strength to be true to themselves.  They're also really hot together.  With passion and honesty these two men grow close and even in their short acquaintance, they fall deeply.  Having the epilogue took this from an HFN to an HEA and was a good way to cap things off and have Luke and Trent switch roles a little.  It showed that they both willingly supported one another when they needed it most.  Luke and Trent form a great partnership of love and support and more than a little chemistry.  4.5 stars.

The first 2/3 of this book was pretty good, the last 1/3 was where things diminished in quality a bit for me.  Starting strong with Chase who is an uber confident man that had no idea he was anything other than straight and a younger Justin who is just starting out in his career journey.  They have both led incredibly different lives but have somehow found their way to one another despite the vast differences.  Chase is successful, rich, self-assured, yet somehow still empty.  Justin is adventurous, fun, chill, and yet he is also a bit empty.  Something is missing for each of them and only by involving themselves with one another are they able to find what they never knew they needed.  Justin fills Chase's life with spirit, life, and a different perspective on success and happiness.  Chase gives Justin a sense of grounding, stability, and heart.  There's drama with issues of coming out as well as Justin being suddenly incredibly naive with a "casting couch" situation, but despite that, they overcome what might keep them apart and find great strength and love together.  On the way to the end each of them deal with issues in a rather simple way.  It's not that the issues are simple or that the solutions are either, it's just a general feeling that the story was being rushed to a completion that left things overly simplified and kind of a juvenile writing style that wasn't really there in the beginning.  Overall, the story was good and the MC's were really good for one another.  3 stars.

This was not a happy story.  With the synopsis I was assuming that we would see the things Adam went through and that Rho had to witness.  Instead, this was actually more of a back story book and we'll probably get more of the dark stuff in Episode 2...at least, I hope so.  We get a good understanding of how Rho and Adam came to know one another and how things went so terribly wrong.  What we don't get a good understanding of is the love.  The relationship they have in this story is dark, dysfunctional, and in the past.  There is an intense relationship that Adam calls love but we're seeing that his affections and devotion might be mislabeled.  It doesn't mean that they can't grow a deep love within this darkness that they live in, but it's unlikely that what they feel before Marcus has his way is actual love.  I'm interested to see how dark things get and how they might find light, hope, and healing together over the course of this story.  2.5 stars.

Quick Reads and Quick Reviews 13

  

• Christmas Opportunities, Sydney Blackburn
• Crush on the Alpha Bear, Emilia Hartley
• Forgetting Jack Cooper: The Stuntman Edition, Erin McCarthy

For such a short story it grabbed me and sucked me right in.   I loved both of these men and despite the length of this story, they were both engaging and their interplay was touching.  I actually wish this story were longer because I grew attached to these men.  Eric caught me more than Brady did, mostly because of his honesty.  He knew where he was in his life, knew what he needed to change, and had the strength to do what needed to be done.  He had the courage to bear his heart even if he knew things were temporary between him and Brady.  Unfortunately, that courage wasn't appreciated and Brady's reaction left quite a lot to be desired.   Eric's reaction in the airport during his departure was honest and real. Brady was caught in his head a little too much, more concerned with what he couldn't give than with what he could.  He gets over it, but only the fear that things might be too late spurs him to make the grand gesture.  I enjoyed the confessions, the heart, the tenderness, the promise of love and forever.  With the most charming boy and a truly spectacular dog that thinks he's a person, this book was heartwarming and perfect for the season and any other time of the year.  5 stars.

The MC's were young and inexperienced with life.  They were reactionary and immature as well.   When I say immature I don't mean snarky, irresponsible, or unpleasant, just that they come off as being late teens rather than early twenties.  Their pack is quite sheltered and it's pretty clear that all shifter packs are that way though some may be larger and some smaller.  Being sheltered means that their social skills and interpersonal relationships are immature as well.

As I read I was hoping that there would be some leveling out in their reactions but there was just so much that was more exaggerated than things needed to be.   I expected those types of reactions from high schoolers.  The drama between packs is off to an intense start and there is some interest to see how things play out, new characters that will be introduced, how Kelly gets a grip, and how Adam matures into the alpha he has the potential to become.  Emily has potential as well and her strength is spoken of but when things really come to a head that strength kind of flops.  Her innate sense of justice and caring for those who need help is there and I feel like that should take a pivotal role in helping to support and whip Adam into the shape he needs to be in.

 Overall, the book had some interesting points and has potential as a series though I wish the characters were more mature and better developed.  2.5 stars.

This was feisty, flirty, and definitely fun.  I enjoyed Toni and her realistic view of herself and what she presents to the world.  She's real and not everyone's ideal for beauty and career but she owns every part of herself.  I liked that she found someone that she wouldn't have ordinarily fallen for because of one of her stunts.  It put her in a position to find a love that had actual potential because it put both people out of their element and made them take more than a second look.  Chase was a good partner for all of Toni's vivaciousness because he could be very grounding for her.  He did get bent out of shape after the incident with the fan, though, and while I don't blame him for feeling the way he did, I think he could have handled things better.  Same with Toni.  She was so quick to make a decision about their relationship without thinking things through.  Once they were in a position where cooler heads prevailed, though, they were mature and honest which bodes well for their future.  They both have good hearts and are willing to grow and learn about the other person.  I enjoyed this story and it was a good way to start the Jack Cooper series.  4 stars.

Out, Cara Dee

Immediately engaging.  I liked Zachary right away and despite all of of Henry's hesitance, I enjoyed him too.  The entire cast has personality that grabs you and won't let you go.  I wish that I had found this author sooner so I could have been enjoying her writing for a lot longer.  The length of this story was pretty spot-on because it gave ample time for all aspects of Zach and Henry's relationship to be addressed.  A couple things weren't completely resolved, but that's what Out For the Holidays is for.  The book ended on a happy, committed, hopeful note.  There was so much change for just about every character, especially the MC's, that it brought so much more meaning to the title of the book.  Out is much, much more than a sexuality statement, it's more of a statement of being.  Being free and open and out in every way that can matter.

There are a lot of excerpts to choose from but I like this one best because it kind of sums up a lot of the crazy, humor, and stress that Zach experiences and this is kind of the icing on the cake.  In a fit of pique and hurt feelings he snatches up Eagle and all his cat paraphernalia and makes the trek home only to be stopped in hot-as-freak Bakersfield.  While sitting there he catches a glimpse of his crazy and also what he could have had if Henry had enough faith in Zach to believe in his level of commitment.  There's a lot that goes on with that lack of faith but with Zach's youth Henry piles the age gap onto his fear and he ends up sabotaging himself and the future that Zach wants to much.

I was so impressed by Zach.  He's incredibly insightful and mature for his age.  His life hasn't been easy and he had to grow up really quickly.  Along with having to raise his younger brother and run a convenience store all while figuring out life, he came out surprisingly awesome.  He finally gets the chance to explore a part of himself that he'd been neglecting for a couple of years and is incredibly lucky to happen upon the perfect people to become his support.  It helps that one of them was a sexy older man that captivates and arouses him more than any other man before.

Sexy man Henry is also impressive because even though he tries to give Zach an out over and over again, he doesn't push him away.  He does his best to communicate and is open with how much he wants Zach.  Their interplay is both tender and incendiary.  They have awesome chemistry and also fit together like an old married couple.  So much win when they get things right.

And then there's the supporting cast.  Martin in all his flamboyance and pastries provides a really great foil for the more brooding Henry.  He is lightness and humor and honesty and insight.  Mattie is all kinds of acceptance and unconditional love for his brother.  He is also tremendously patient and just as insightful as Zach is.  With his love and snark they have the best sibling relationship.  Tyler is a bit more trouble but he's working through his own difficulty with his past.  As he stumbles along he has a great support system in every one else.  All in all, I'm in love.  All of these men are fantastic!  There are appearances by Noah and Julian as well as Dominic and Adrian that round out the cast.  I haven't read their stories but I absolutely will!

Overall, this is  an amazing story with healing, freedom, humor, craziness, new friends, and a lot of Purple Haze.  Zach truly gets Henry and Henry comes alive for Zach.  Definitely one of my new favorite books.