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oceaneanagonye's review
4.0
"Dominate Me" is my second read by Eve Healy. I really liked "The Mourning Dove and His Snow Sparrow" and was excited to get my hands on a copy of this book. Let's quickly set the scene. This book takes place in a non-shifter omegaverse with three classes: alpha, beta, and omega. There is also a secondary sex characteristic of being dominant or recessive. The book includes mpreg, and trigger warnings apply for miscarriage, abortion, prostitution, abandonment, and strong BDSM elements. There is also a brief mention of a non/dub-con type of kink play in the very beginning.
On to the plot! We follow our main character and only POV Liam, a dominant alpha, as he goes to an omega brothel on a dare. He's incredibly uncomfortable with the concept even though it's considered normal for betas and alphas to partake. He's drawn for unknown reasons to an aloof omega named Raven and spends their first meeting simply talking. He's immediately smitten and returns over and over to Raven for more than just friendly conversation. Over time, the two forge a sort of relationship that extends beyond the walls of the brothel. While Liam is addicted to Raven's presence, the omega is quite capricious, longing only for freedom despite his attraction. But one mistake threatens both of their dreams and happiness.
I really liked this book! I found myself coming back to it repeatedly throughout the day just to see what happened next with our MCs. The relationship was at times heartbreaking and full of trials. I even found myself getting a little frustrated with one of the MCs based on how they were treating the other. But to me, that's a good sign because it means the author did a good job of making me care about the characters. This book also has lots of steam, as you can imagine and I found it rather enjoyable!
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy omegaverse MM romances with lots of steamy moments. I'm giving it 4/5 stars as it needed another pass by an editor to fix some grammar mistakes that took me out of the story.
Special thanks to Eve Healy and NetGalley for giving me access to this book in exchange for honest feedback!
On to the plot! We follow our main character and only POV Liam, a dominant alpha, as he goes to an omega brothel on a dare. He's incredibly uncomfortable with the concept even though it's considered normal for betas and alphas to partake. He's drawn for unknown reasons to an aloof omega named Raven and spends their first meeting simply talking. He's immediately smitten and returns over and over to Raven for more than just friendly conversation. Over time, the two forge a sort of relationship that extends beyond the walls of the brothel. While Liam is addicted to Raven's presence, the omega is quite capricious, longing only for freedom despite his attraction. But one mistake threatens both of their dreams and happiness.
I really liked this book! I found myself coming back to it repeatedly throughout the day just to see what happened next with our MCs. The relationship was at times heartbreaking and full of trials. I even found myself getting a little frustrated with one of the MCs based on how they were treating the other. But to me, that's a good sign because it means the author did a good job of making me care about the characters. This book also has lots of steam, as you can imagine and I found it rather enjoyable!
I would recommend this book to fans of fantasy omegaverse MM romances with lots of steamy moments. I'm giving it 4/5 stars as it needed another pass by an editor to fix some grammar mistakes that took me out of the story.
Special thanks to Eve Healy and NetGalley for giving me access to this book in exchange for honest feedback!
lady_perfictionist's review
3.0
Although I love a good Omegaverse, I wasn't thrilled with this one in the way I wanted to be. I loved the idea of finding your bandmate in a brothel and the Omega dominating the Alpha but I did not like how Asher stepped all over Liam. Liam gave up or would have given up everything for him and it was a very emotionally abusive relationship in my eyes.
However, the short part f book two at the end with Nathan was FIRE! I cannot wait to start that one right away!!
However, the short part f book two at the end with Nathan was FIRE! I cannot wait to start that one right away!!
kbbroday's review
4.0
I was put out of my comfort zone with this novel but overall it is a well written book. The author skillfully crafted a world in which the dynamics between alpha, beta, and omega characters are complex and nuanced. The main characters were well-written and had distinct personalities that drew me into their story. The erotic scenes were steamy and well-paced. Even though mpreg is definitely a bit wild for me, I still thought it was done tastefully.
The relationship between Liam and Asher was very interesting to me. I loved how captivated Liam was with Asher and how Asher felt the same but refused to let go of who he wanted to be. (Even if it lead to unhealthy decisions)
For those who are into BL and the omegaverse, this book is well done and perfect for the genre.
The relationship between Liam and Asher was very interesting to me. I loved how captivated Liam was with Asher and how Asher felt the same but refused to let go of who he wanted to be. (Even if it lead to unhealthy decisions)
For those who are into BL and the omegaverse, this book is well done and perfect for the genre.
missaudreymcfvibes's review
4.0
While I was interested in the premise of the book, the content was pretty average for me. I usually love any a/b/o story I think the reason it wasn’t my absolute fave is that the dynamics were switched. If it was a dominant alpha character and a submissive omega I probably would have adored it even more. It wasn’t awful by any means but it’s not one I would rave about
angelas_book_nook's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sunshineandstarlight's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
This book was an interesting romp through the omegaverse. We follow Liam as he meets Asher who works at a omega brothel, and they quickly develop an infatuation. Unfortunately, this book does not really feel like a love story. The two main characters didn't feel like they were ultimately good for each other. Liam is very new to love, and hasn't had a chance to be in a relationship with someone who would treat him well. Asher wants freedom and somewhat gets it, but mostly ends up trapped in a domestic life that seems exactly the opposite of something he'd want. I would not believe these two would be together still except for the fact that they're bondmates .
ABO invites a lot of discourse about control, and this one doesn't constructively contribute to it. On the spice level, I realized that rope play isn't my favorite, and the rest of the spice didn't really feel super intimate. It's okay if you just want a quick romp with a topping from the bottom dynamic.
ABO invites a lot of discourse about control, and this one doesn't constructively contribute to it. On the spice level, I realized that rope play isn't my favorite, and the rest of the spice didn't really feel super intimate. It's okay if you just want a quick romp with a topping from the bottom dynamic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
raven9949's review
emotional
lighthearted
slow-paced
2.0
It had potential but didn’t deliver…. The MM side of AbO universe is super complicated and I find that to be overly so…. Nothing is really explained and for me the heat/steam wasn’t delivered. The sex scenes seemed very clinical and dry? I think I’ll just stick to the FF AbO universe instead, it’s not overly complicated.
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