In a post-apocalyptic world where humans have evolved into packs with Alpha and Omega roles, Cleo, an Omega hiding her identity, is caught stealing and forced to work off her debt on a rural farm led by the gentle Alpha, Tori. As Cleo navigates trauma, mental health struggles, and the complexities of found family, she must decide whether to return to the harsh city or embrace the acceptance and compassion she finds among the farm pack.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a post-apocalyptic world where society has reorganized into packs based on Omegaverse dynamics, the story follows Cleo, an Omega who disguises herself as an Alpha to survive in a city that dehumanizes and exploits Omegas. After a failed theft from a rural farm pack, Cleo is captured and forced to work off her debt under the watchful eye of Tori, the farm’s Pack Alpha. The narrative explores Cleo’s struggles with trauma, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety, as she gradually adapts to the farm’s gentler environment and forms connections with its members. The book features a sapphic romance, found family themes, and includes seven interior illustrations by Brandi Warren. The worldbuilding incorporates elements such as hydroponic gardens, scent-based dynamics, and a social hierarchy that impacts reproductive rights and class structure.

Readers praised the depiction of mental health, particularly Cleo’s experiences with OCD, PTSD, and anxiety, noting that these aspects were handled with authenticity and depth. The relationships between characters, especially the gradual trust and care built between Cleo, Tori, and the rest of the pack, were frequently highlighted as strengths. Many appreciated the found family dynamic, the inclusion of neurodivergent traits, and the way the pack accommodated Cleo’s needs, such as adjusting food preparation and avoiding loud noises. The interior illustrations were repeatedly mentioned as a positive addition, enhancing the reading experience. Side characters like Jenny and Kael were also singled out for their warmth and supportiveness.

Some readers found the writing style to be clunky, repetitive, or awkward, particularly in the early chapters, and noted issues with pacing and tone. The romance was described by several as underdeveloped or lacking emotional intensity, with some wishing for more scenes between Cleo and Tori or an earlier introduction of the love interest. The ending was criticized by multiple reviewers as rushed or driven by plot convenience, and some felt that side characters and worldbuilding could have been explored in greater depth. Concerns were also raised about consent issues, particularly regarding Tori’s disposal of Cleo’s medication, and the handling of the captor/captive dynamic. The lack of explicit romantic scenes and the closed-door nature of the romance were noted as disappointments by some.

The book is a debut collaboration between Brandi Warren and Ivy Lovell, scheduled for publication in April 2025, and has received an average rating of 4.04 from 48 readers. It is categorized as lesbian, LGBT, science fiction, and dystopia, and is notable for its non-shifter Omegaverse setting. The narrative is primarily focused on Cleo’s personal journey and mental health, with the romance and worldbuilding serving as secondary elements. Trigger and content warnings include captivity, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, PTSD, systemic loss of reproductive rights, dehumanization, classism, internalized misogyny, and medication disposal without consent.