
Abel's Omega
Mercy Hills Pack, Volume 2
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $24.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Nick J. Russo
-
By:
-
Ann-Katrin Byrde
About this listen
Bax is desperate. Recently widowed, he takes his pups and flees his pack to avoid a new mate who wants him - but not his babies.
At Mercy Hills, he finds the help he'd hoped for, but also a man who both attracts and unnerves him. He doesn't want another alpha mate, or even any mate, though he knows an omega has to have one. But Abel is unlike any other alpha he's ever met, and the hope that had been crushed out of him begins to grow again in the warmth of Abel's kindness and strength.
Bax is a dream come true for Abel - smart, loyal, strong, and loving. Everything Abe's ever looked for in a mate. Except the independent omega has no reason to trust an alpha, and Abel's going to have to work his way through layers of hurt if he wants to convince Bax he's safe opening his heart.
But to keep him, he'll have to fight for him.
©2016 Ann-Katrin Byrde (P)2018 Ann-Katrin ByrdeListeners also enjoyed...
-
Mercy Hills Pack - Bundle One
- Books 1 - 3 Plus Extras
- By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
- Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
- Length: 29 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Come explore the world of Mercy Hills and the lives of the shifters who live among us. Watch as they struggle against oppression and prejudice, yet still find their way to love and happiness and strange new friendships within the walled enclaves that make up their home. This bundle contains the first three books of the epic urban fantasy series, and four never-before-seen bonus stories that explore life both inside and outside the enclaves.
-
-
Mercy Hills Pack - Bundle One
- By Gabrielle on 12-04-20
By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
-
Just Like in the Movies
- Hollywood Hearts Series, Book 1
- By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following in his starlet grandmother's footsteps, Micah West left for the bright lights of Hollywood right after high school. He's spent the last five years building a name for himself as a young and rising star and his career is definitely going places. When his grandmother passes away, Micah finally comes home again and he’s terrified. It’s the first time he’s set foot in Longwood since he wooed and won and dumped his high school sweetheart. And now he has to face his biggest critic - the man he still loves.
-
-
Slowburn Romance
- By L.D. on 01-31-21
By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
-
Slow Heat
- By: Leta Blake
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 14 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Vale Aman has crafted a good life for himself. An unbonded omega in his mid-30s, he's long since given up hope that he'll meet a compatible alpha, let alone his destined mate. He's fulfilled by his career, his poetry, his cat, and his friends. When Jason Sabel, a much younger alpha, imprints on Vale in a shocking and public way, longings are ignited that can't be ignored. Fighting their strong sexual urges, Jason and Vale must agree to contract with each other before they can consummate their passion.
-
-
✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫
- By ❤️Cyndi Marie❤️🎧Audiobook Addicts🎧 on 06-04-20
By: Leta Blake
-
Team A.L.P.H.A. Books 1-4
- Team ALPHA Bundle, Book 1
- By: Susi Hawke, Crista Crown
- Narrated by: Colin Darcy
- Length: 20 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Team A.L.P.H.A. is an mpreg wolf shifter series full of protective alphas, side splitting moments of laughter, dangerous missions, pregnancy, babies, and endless feels. Grabbed, Taken, Struck and Hacked. Included with the first four stories of this series are four brand new epilogues, for more of your favorite team's crazy antics!
-
-
Robo narrator , did not really enjoy Colin Darcy
- By longtime customer on 07-02-20
By: Susi Hawke, and others
-
Exhale: An MM Shifter Romance
- Flesh and Bone Series, Book 1
- By: Joel Abernathy
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two men haunted by the same ghost...Falling for "the other man" in my marriage was never part of the plan. Then again, according to Nicolae Ursache, I am the other man, and human wedding vows don't apply. Not to werewolves. Nicolae is a smug, arrogant alpha male stereotype - and I do mean alpha in the literal sense - but when the same people who killed my wife kidnap my teenage daughter, he's my only chance at getting her back. The fact that Nicolae was my wife's rightful mate means that we share a mutual interest in bringing Ellie home.
-
-
Take a deep breath
- By Annika on 10-23-18
By: Joel Abernathy
-
Boyfriend Goals
- By: Riley Hart
- Narrated by: Iggy Toma
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Milo. Unusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life. Turns out I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store but my apartment too. Gideon. I wasn’t looking for a roommate, but it’s not like I can stay at Milo’s place while he’s banished to a hotel. According to Milo, we’re bestie goals. And if he doesn’t wear pants at home, who am I to complain?
-
-
Loved Milo!!!
- By NedraJ 81 on 08-03-22
By: Riley Hart
-
Mercy Hills Pack - Bundle One
- Books 1 - 3 Plus Extras
- By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
- Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
- Length: 29 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Come explore the world of Mercy Hills and the lives of the shifters who live among us. Watch as they struggle against oppression and prejudice, yet still find their way to love and happiness and strange new friendships within the walled enclaves that make up their home. This bundle contains the first three books of the epic urban fantasy series, and four never-before-seen bonus stories that explore life both inside and outside the enclaves.
-
-
Mercy Hills Pack - Bundle One
- By Gabrielle on 12-04-20
By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
-
Just Like in the Movies
- Hollywood Hearts Series, Book 1
- By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Following in his starlet grandmother's footsteps, Micah West left for the bright lights of Hollywood right after high school. He's spent the last five years building a name for himself as a young and rising star and his career is definitely going places. When his grandmother passes away, Micah finally comes home again and he’s terrified. It’s the first time he’s set foot in Longwood since he wooed and won and dumped his high school sweetheart. And now he has to face his biggest critic - the man he still loves.
-
-
Slowburn Romance
- By L.D. on 01-31-21
By: Ann-Katrin Byrde
-
Slow Heat
- By: Leta Blake
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 14 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Vale Aman has crafted a good life for himself. An unbonded omega in his mid-30s, he's long since given up hope that he'll meet a compatible alpha, let alone his destined mate. He's fulfilled by his career, his poetry, his cat, and his friends. When Jason Sabel, a much younger alpha, imprints on Vale in a shocking and public way, longings are ignited that can't be ignored. Fighting their strong sexual urges, Jason and Vale must agree to contract with each other before they can consummate their passion.
-
-
✫✫ 4 Stars ✫✫
- By ❤️Cyndi Marie❤️🎧Audiobook Addicts🎧 on 06-04-20
By: Leta Blake
-
Team A.L.P.H.A. Books 1-4
- Team ALPHA Bundle, Book 1
- By: Susi Hawke, Crista Crown
- Narrated by: Colin Darcy
- Length: 20 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Team A.L.P.H.A. is an mpreg wolf shifter series full of protective alphas, side splitting moments of laughter, dangerous missions, pregnancy, babies, and endless feels. Grabbed, Taken, Struck and Hacked. Included with the first four stories of this series are four brand new epilogues, for more of your favorite team's crazy antics!
-
-
Robo narrator , did not really enjoy Colin Darcy
- By longtime customer on 07-02-20
By: Susi Hawke, and others
-
Exhale: An MM Shifter Romance
- Flesh and Bone Series, Book 1
- By: Joel Abernathy
- Narrated by: Kirt Graves
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Two men haunted by the same ghost...Falling for "the other man" in my marriage was never part of the plan. Then again, according to Nicolae Ursache, I am the other man, and human wedding vows don't apply. Not to werewolves. Nicolae is a smug, arrogant alpha male stereotype - and I do mean alpha in the literal sense - but when the same people who killed my wife kidnap my teenage daughter, he's my only chance at getting her back. The fact that Nicolae was my wife's rightful mate means that we share a mutual interest in bringing Ellie home.
-
-
Take a deep breath
- By Annika on 10-23-18
By: Joel Abernathy
-
Boyfriend Goals
- By: Riley Hart
- Narrated by: Iggy Toma
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Milo. Unusual. Quirky. Different. I’ve heard it all. I’ve accepted I’m not for everyone. When I find out I inherited a bookstore and apartment on a small East Coast island, I jump at the chance for a new life. Turns out I’ve also inherited a sexy, tattooed guy who not only rents the space next to my store but my apartment too. Gideon. I wasn’t looking for a roommate, but it’s not like I can stay at Milo’s place while he’s banished to a hotel. According to Milo, we’re bestie goals. And if he doesn’t wear pants at home, who am I to complain?
-
-
Loved Milo!!!
- By NedraJ 81 on 08-03-22
By: Riley Hart
-
Perfectly Imperfect Pixie
- Perfect Pixie Series, Book 1
- By: MJ May
- Narrated by: Tor Thom, Cooper North
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pixies are supposed to be petite, beautifully lithe creatures with gossamer wings. Sporting luscious, ombre pink hair and fluttering pink wings, Phil meets two out of three of those criteria. At over six feet tall, no one would dare call Phil petite. As a home-and-hearth pixie, Phil yearns to find a home and family he can bond to. When no one's willing to hire a pixie of his stature, Phil is forced to find work elsewhere. Turns out, pixies make terrible bouncers.
-
-
I love a good finding your place story
- By Jovan on 10-12-23
By: MJ May
-
Northern Pines Den Alphas Books 1-3
- Northern Pines Den Bundle, Book 1
- By: Susi Hawke
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 11 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This three audiobook bundle contains the first three books in the best-selling Northern Pines Den series and is guaranteed to give a serious case of the feels. When the wolf pack and the bear den initiate an exchange program to help shifters find their fated mates, adventurous omega Taylor is the first to volunteer, drawing the attention of the den’s lonely alpha, Mikael. Mikael knows the tiny, colorful omega will either breathe new life into their stilted bear community or cause an outrage. Either way, it won't be boring to have him around.
-
-
A cute threesome
- By The Book Wench on 04-06-19
By: Susi Hawke
-
HIM
- By: Sarina Bowen, Elle Kennedy
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Jacob Morgan
- Length: 8 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jamie Canning has never been able to figure out how he lost his closest friend. Four years ago, his tattooed, wisecracking, rule-breaking roommate cut him off without an explanation. So what if things got a little weird on the last night of hockey camp the summer they were 18? It was just a little drunken foolishness. Nobody died.
-
-
An amazingly pleasant surprise!
- By Nicholas Lynge Pedersen on 04-18-16
By: Sarina Bowen, and others
-
It’s Not Unusual to Be Loved by an Alien
- Tentacular Tales, Book 1
- By: Chloe Archer
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A sexy alien living incognito on Earth meets a sci-fi loving nerd who wants to rock his universe. What could possibly go wrong? Besides the unexpected tentacles and the accidental Mating Courtship Ritual, that is....
-
-
A lot of popculture references
- By Rachel on 02-27-23
By: Chloe Archer
-
Northern Lodge Pack Omegas Books 1-3
- By: Susi Hawke
- Narrated by: John Solo
- Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Northern Lodge Pack was founded when one brave alpha and his ragtag group of buddies went on a mission to rescue his twin sister - an omega who was being held as a captive sex-slave by an evil alpha. The alpha and his buddies found five other omegas in the evil alpha's harem - and rescued them all. Along the way, the omegas are reunited with children they'd birthed in captivity and thought were lost to them forever. This bundle contains the first three books in this best-selling series.
-
-
Excellent Storytelling from Alpha to Omega!💗
- By Sharonica on 10-27-19
By: Susi Hawke
-
Unnatural
- The Wrong Alpha, Book 1
- By: Alessandra Hazard
- Narrated by: Devlin Wylde
- Length: 6 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Kingdom of Pelugia and the Republic of Kadar have been at war for decades. Peace isn’t popular, but the planet can’t survive without it. Forced to marry an enemy prince for the sake of peace, Senator Royce Cleghorn doesn’t like his husband, his alpha scent, or his damned pretty blue eyes. More than anything, Royce hates what Haydn makes him become.
-
-
Thrilled to see this on Audible!
- By MayBae on 06-17-21
-
Of Secrets and Wolves
- Winsford Shifters, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
My whole life, I’ve been taught to despise shifters. So when I’m hired to track two escaped convicts, I’m suddenly thrust into the world I hate - or thought I did. Yet I’m inexplicably drawn to the alpha of the pack, whose land the convicts may be hiding on. He’s different than any shifter I've ever met - laidback and quick to laugh, caring, and protective. As secrets are revealed, I start to wonder if everything I’ve been raised to believe was a lie, though it may not matter, because it seems like someone wants us dead.
-
-
Not Charming
- By Amazon Customer on 05-03-21
By: Alice Winters
-
Until Him
- Inevitable Series, Book 1
- By: Cora Rose
- Narrated by: Nick J. Russo, Iggy Toma
- Length: 7 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I’m Logan Lewis: popular, charming, and athletic. All the girls love me. Yep, I’ve really got it made. Then I find myself in danger of failing my chemistry class and losing my sports scholarship. I know the only person who can save me is the smartest science tutor on campus. Theo Reign is brilliant. He’s also cold, antisocial, moody, and mean. He looks at me like he hates me, but touches me like he wants me. There’s something just beneath the surface that draws me in. His secret pain mirrors my own, and I suddenly find myself craving him.
-
-
Logan and Theo stole my heart!
- By Sky on 04-30-23
By: Cora Rose
-
Nixing the End of the World
- Phoenix's Quest, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever. Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense.
-
-
Started off great
- By T.L.M. on 08-18-21
By: Alice Winters
-
The Alpha King
- By: Victoria Sue
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Kingdom of Askara has been torn apart by conflict for centuries, where humans exist as subservient beings to their werewolf masters. Legend says it will only be able to heal itself when an Alpha King and a pure omega are mated and crowned together, but a pure omega hasn't been born in over a thousand years. Luca is an Alpha-heir eagerly awaiting the choosing ceremony on his 25th birthday and the gifts granted by whichever omega he mates.
-
-
The best MPREG book I've read so far!
- By Deanna Weatherstein on 06-17-17
By: Victoria Sue
-
Pine Cove: The Complete Series
- By: HJ Welch
- Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
- Length: 59 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Welcome to Pine Cove, where true love lives happily ever after! This box set contains all six novels as well as all five companion short stories. Safe Harbor: Robin Coal needs a fake boyfriend for his high school reunion. He asks his housemate: A gorgeous, totally straight ex-Marine. What could go wrong? There’s only one bed, and Dair might not be so straight after all...When Robin’s past threatens their future, only Dair can save him.
-
-
Great characters, but can't finish
- By Janie.ohio on 05-01-22
By: HJ Welch
-
Cast in Shadows
- Shadow's Lure, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the light-magic users known as Casters took everything from me, I vowed to make them pay. Little did I know the perfect opportunity would show up in the form of a sweet Caster the moment I took his arrow to the heart…literally. Bastian knows that I’m made of dark magic, the very thing he’s been taught to destroy. But instead of turning away from me, he takes a chance on me, leading me behind the walls of the group out to kill me.
-
-
I have many questions
- By Maryellen in Metsland on 08-08-23
By: Alice Winters
What listeners say about Abel's Omega
Highly rated for:
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Cyndi Culhane
- 12-03-23
Great story!
Love this second story of the series. Thoroughly enjoyed the journey of Bax and Abel's love story. Can't wait for the next book! Nick j. Russo was awesome!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lori
- 12-18-20
My favorite Omega-Alpha MM story.
I dont usually listen to an audiobook more than once but there’s something about Bax and Abel’s story that calls to me. I just finished my 3rd listen. It’s a keeper!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Loyia T. Lopez
- 09-22-19
Story SUPERB, narration SUPERB.☆☆☆☆☆🤗
This is one of the best series I have listened to. Ann-Katrin Byrde is a genius with her writing, imagination, and creating her characters. Each story just keeps getting better and better. I love the way she continues to incorporate each past characters into the new storyline. Bax & Abel a true love story. Nick J. Russo is a beast with his narration, one of the best voice actors out here. He gives each character, and story life. Now, the only complaint I have is that the wait for the next installment of this series to become available on audible is way to long. Especially for us who only listen to their books on audible. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend this series. It's worth the wait!👍
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Katy Beth
- 07-19-20
Life's Surprises
Baxter has had a hard life but his strength has gotten him through so much. He has the courage to see a way out. He arrives at Mercy Hill and of course the pack doesn't out his initial deception. Abel is still overwhelmed by all that is going on. But as he and Baxter continue to spend time together it is clear that each one is interested. They also are a perfect match and they bring out the best in each other. I love the give in take between these two men. There is also the ongoing angst between the other packs and the humans.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tammy M
- 08-30-18
Great Shifter series that I'm obsessed with!
I had to have a copy of this book when I saw Nick Russo was continuing with the narration as I truly fell in love with these Shifter's in book 1. This is Abel's book, his turn at finding his true mate. I would urge you to either read/listen to book 1 before this one because events in that book directly play into this story.
Sold off to an older, abusive alpha when he was barely a teenager, Bax doesn't have time to consider the freedom he could have when his mate dies. His pack wants to turn right around and do the same thing to the sweet, beautiful omega. Once again giving him no choice in his own life. So he takes his pups and runs, right into the arms of an Alpha built to respect him.
Abel almost mated Jason simply to protect the omega from the same pack Bax was born into and he quickly welcomes Bax into his pack. The spark and attraction is there from the start, but Abel recognizes the fear and apprehension that exudes from Bax in waves, so he takes his time, hoping that once he shows the skittish omega that he's safe in Mercy Hills that they can take their budding relationship to the next level.
I was pulled into this story from the start, could literally feel Bax's pain and desperation within the first chapter. When he found his way to Mercy Hills and a pack that respected him and gave him a choice when it came to how he and his pups would live their life, it took a long time for Bax to come to believe it, he'd been mistreated and abused for so long, it's all he knew. I loved how Abel took his time, breaking away a little more of the wall Bax hid behind and courted him, protected and respected him. Russo did an amazing job of ensuring that each character had their own voice, their own tone in the story. He poured emotions into the story as he told it, truly bringing not on the characters, but things like Bax's fear and Abel's determination to life in my mind.
This is definitely a shifter series I would recommend. I cannot wait for the next book and am hoping and praying Russo continues to tell the stories.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- (Mimi) Johnson
- 03-20-19
This story!! I'm in love with it.
I really am loving this story. The ongoing mystery of the True Omega. The author is really keeping us drawn in.
My only issue is how long the book is. Don't get me wrong. I love reading a long book. I just don't think these stories in this particular series need to be this long without a clearer explanation of the whole Omega situation. If it delved more into that, I could understand it. Having said that, I love the depths of these characters. From Jason in the first book and now Bax.
The issues, while fictional, are relevant to real life and the way people tend to hate what they don't understand. The same ignorance that Omegas and shifters period face is the same ignorance that many groups of people faced throughout history.
Well written. I already have the next book in my library and can't wait to read it.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- B.McGrath
- 02-28-20
abel's omega
Baxter was beyond resourceful and thankfully it helped save him abuses and his pups from predators. Baxter's pack and alphas made me wretch with their lack.of care for omegas and poor treatment of them. They were treated as less than chattel !! Abel had a heart of gold and fought for omegas rights. I loved hiw accepting and open the Mercy Hills pack was to Bax. I felt empathy for Bax still having problems with his old pack after his mating. Never a safe place because of greed. Kudos to Abel for all his integrity and foresight. Such an emotional hard won love story. The narrator did a great job. I voluntarily listened to this and am giving an honest review.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- DianaP
- 08-07-18
Excellent second entry in a great series
I read a lot of shifter romances. Ann-Katrin Byrde's Mercy Hills series stands head and shoulders above the average for the genre. Her characters are appealing, and their romances are fun, but the real stand-out is her world-building. In her universe, shifters are a feared and hated underclass, living inside the walls of enclaves they were herded into several generations before.
This particular entry in the series focuses on Bax, an omega - a male shifter who can bear children - in a loveless mating. When his mate dies, he and his children lose status and the new Alpha plans to adopt the pups out to multiple families and mate Bax off to his own political advantage. Bax flees, and ends up at Mercy Hills, an enclave where things work quite differently from his previous home.
The romance between Bax and Abel, the Alpha of Mercy Hills, is a lovely, slow growing thing. In addition to the love story, though, the treatment of omegas parallels the treatment of women in our own history, and the oppression of the shifters has echoes of Nazi Germany (the yellow collar tabs that are worn to identify shifters "outside walls" instantly reminded me of Star-of-David patches.) Not that the author preaches at you; it's all organic to the story.
I love the story - I've read it several times - but the audio version is a great enhancement. Nick Russo uses a soft Southern accent for most of the characters - they all hail from the South: Mississippi, Texas or Tennessee - with enough variation that you can keep track of who's speaking without much trouble. I HIGHLY recommend both the print and audio versions of the series (and I hope the whole series makes it to audio eventually!) A very, very good use of a credit!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- L.D.
- 02-18-20
A Second Chance at Happiness
Before you read this book, make sure you read Mating the Omega, Book 1 of the Mercy Hills Pack series. This book could possibly read as a standalone, but to really enjoy it, you need to read the first book.
Shifters are a minority class that are discriminated against and feared by humans. Forced to live inside pack enclosures that are spread across the United States, the packs are kept isolated from each other. Inside the pack enclosures, shifters live by the accepted Pack Laws as well as the customs and traditions that sprung up in the 100 years the shifters have been forced behind the walls. In this world, Omegas are chattel – they have no voice and they have no autonomy. They are expected to mate an Alpha and be the perfect homemaker. An Omega’s opinion on his own life is not something other shifters consider, after all, Omegas need protection and guidance from Alphas in order to flourish. Bax is an Omega who’s learned the hard way how hollow and false that viewpoint is. Stuck in a loveless, emotionally abusive mating, Bax does the best he can to raise his pups and survive a life he was forced into. When his Alpha dies without leaving any backup plan for Bax and the pups wellbeing, Bax is once again forced into a life he didn’t choose. Omegas don’t get to choose their lives, but Bax refuses to allow any future where his pups are not safe, happy, and in his care. When another mating is decided for him, one that would have his pups forcefully adopted by other families, Bax realizes that Omega or not, he has to take control of his life for the protection of his pups. Using all his wiles and wit, Bax creates an escape plan that allows him to run to Mercy Hills to find sanctuary for his pups and himself.
I love how well Ann-Katrin Byrde develops their characters and have them grow throughout the story. Bax makes an amazing transformation from an abused victim to a confident shifter, but I liked that Bax’s strength and determination is apparent throughout that development. He may have been a victim to circumstance, a victim to a bad mating he couldn’t escape, but he was never broken. Abel is one of my favorite characters. He’s an Alpha, but he’s more than just the protector and pack leader – he has a vision for the pack’s future, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that vision come true. Their dynamic relationship was beautiful, from the way they fell in love, to the family interactions, I loved every moment of it. The pups were fun, adorable, and felt real. They misbehaved, they had meltdowns, and they asked complicated questions – they felt like real children and not just props for the plot.
This book provides further world building for the series. It becomes more apparent how much the packs struggle to survive in a human world that’s stacked against them. But it also shows that there is hope for change, and not only do shifters need to fight against old pack traditions that make Omegas into chattel, but they also must fight against the injustices the human world has imposed on them. I love all the details of this world building, and find the political, social, and cultural interaction between shifters and humans fascinating. These details in the world building are what makes this not just a series, but a true saga.
I’ve read this book multiple times as well as listened to Nick J. Russo’s narration. Both the kindle book and the audiobook are fantastic. I love how expressive Nick’s voice is during the narration, and how well he does the different voices. The love scenes feel tender, the sex scenes are hot, and the action scenes are exciting.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Crazybookfanatic
- 02-06-19
4.5 Stars!
This is definitely my favorite of the series. I absolutely adore Abel and even after reading this book 3 times I had to have it on audio.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!