Henry’s new job as maintenance man in the prestigious Baudlin Towers should be a piece of cake, but when he meets Will, the young, haughty omega living in the top floor, that idea goes out the penthouse window. After Will leaves Henry trapped in an elevator, orders him around for no reason, and rudely dismisses him, Henry is ready to hit the bar with his alpha buddies and forget all about his problem tenant. Except the cold omega prince in his lonely tower won’t get out of Henry’s head.
On paper, Will has the perfect life: he’s a world-renowned artist, wealthy enough to control his heats with suppressors and engaged to a man even richer than he is. He doesn’t need protecting or saving, and especially not by a middle-class, blue-collar alpha. Except there is something in Henry’s gentle eyes and strong arms that wakes Will up in a way that he can’t ignore.
Henry can’t stop feeling like Will needs him, wants him...like Will is his. When he takes a chance and offers Will his friendship, both men are surprised when Will accepts. Even more surprising is how much they both need it. It doesn’t take long before their friendship becomes more, and Henry must claim and protect what is his or risk losing his mate forever.
*I have voluntarily reviewed an ARC generously provided by the author.*
This was a good story, quite simple and nothing to give you a heart attack over. Henry was the ideal alpha, he gentle and kind nature made him a swoon-worthy hero. The way he looked past Will’s cold personality to his hidden pain and true nature and tried to protect him from the onset was a great thing to read about.
Will was truly living like the tortured ice prince up in his ivory tower, not feeling any enjoyment in his life until the day Henry popped up in his life. It was heartwarming to see his own journey from being a closed-off, stuck in the past, resigned to his fate type of character into someone who was slowly and surely discovering himself anew, figuring out what things excited him and what were out of his skill set, so to speak.
The copy had a lot of typos, though, and the other thing which bugged me a lot is the overuse of the term ‘alpha urges’ in the beginning. It brought a sour taste to my mouth like some omegas are accused of having ‘omega urges’ in other MPREG books. I wish the author would rethink that.
Apart from all this, it was a really sweet story, signature of Kiki Burrelli. Strong characters, sweet story, and an endearing HEA.
3.5 redondeando a cuatro porque aunque es una especie de almagama de todos los clichés asociados al omegaverse! no está mal escrito y los personajes son realmente adorables, me ha gustado cómo lleva el tema de los 'supresores' y cómo afectan/controlan a los Omega. La relación entre ellos es preciosa y muy tierna, sobre todo el chico alpha me encantó de verdad, es protector sin llegar a ser creeepy, que a veces (mucho) pasa en este subgénero. Hay bastante equilibrio entre ellos y si te gusta el tema o tienes curiosidad, me parece que es una buena historia con la que empezar. Aviso por el Mpreg, que no a todos les gusta, pero que aquí suele venir de la mano. Muy buena sorpresa.
There were parts in this I really liked and some parts that annoyed me.
Henry has just started his new job as a maintenance man when he gets a call from the penthouse apartment. It is there that he meets beautiful Omega Will. Henry thinks Will is nothing but a spoiled brat with the way he treats Henry. But after they run into each other a couple more times Henry isn’t so sure about his theory anymore. It looks like Will is almost a prisoner there. And Henry really wants to rescue him…
I liked Henry and Will together, they were sweet. But I especially loved that Henry wasn’t a typical arrogant Alpha, but a considerate guy, who genuinely cared about people. Henry wanted to keep Will save, no matter the risk, but Will didn’t want other people to get hurt. While I loved the hurt/comfort angle of this, Will and his thoughts about everything being his fault got a little old near the end.
But what annoyed me the most was that both Henry and Will were 25, but I had no idea why Henry was still living at home. I had a really hard time that they were not allowed to sleep in the same room since they weren’t mated yet. What is this? 1950? I understand that Will didn’t have that much to say as an Omega under the thumb of his father and fiancé, but I would expect Henry as an 25 year old Alpha to be able to make his own decisions about that and not having his fathers interfere in his love life.
I did enjoy it though. I just thought it could have been better with some things left out.
A new series from someone who is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! With this story, Kiki takes us to a new world of non-shifter ABO mpreg, and I just ate this up and fell in love with the characters. This story has lots of emotion, some humor and sweetness, and grabs your attention from start to end.
I love the whole opposites attract/blue collar+privileged rich kid trope and how things are more than what they seem in this story - Henry thinks that Will is just a cold ice prince living in his castle being pampered, when he discovers that Will doesn't love the life he has, he has been forced into it actually, and just needs some love and freedom to make his own choices.
Enter the alpha protectiveness from Henry as he tries to help Will, but I also loved that he wasn't a hard-headed testosterone driven alpha, he truly cared and made sure he didn't give into the anger or sexual drive. I also loved Henry's family, his supportive fathers, and his awesome sister, who also wasn't your typical omega.
I do wish that there had been a little bit more with Henry and Will at the end - it seemed a bit abrupt with no epilogue or closure? Overall, I think that this was a very strong start to a new series and I can't wait for the next one!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! It has everything that I look for in an MPREG/non-shifter story. It is well-written and full of interesting and engaging characters. You don't have to look far to find out why Henry is such an incredible person. His father and dad are true mates and have a beautiful and equal relationship. They raised Henry to be a strong alpha who treats everyone with caring and compassion. Once he meets Will, an omega, his protective instincts are fired up and he is compelled to help him and get him away from his controlling and overbearing father and the fiancé who only thinks of him as a possession. Henry and his family are willing to do anything to keep Will safe and happy. They don't have an easy path to their HEA but Henry and Will are determined to be together as they are true mates. I loved the ending but I want more as I don't think their story is finished yet. I look forward to reading more books by this author. I was given an ARC to review by the author.
This was amazing.. it was so much fun.. i laughed so many times.. and the feelings.. omg kiki writes all the feelings. lol and i felt like i was a part of their lives while reading it because i felt with them.. the good and bad.. the scary and the happy.. it was all amazing.. i am so glad i got to review this one
Very interesting for a non shifter Mpreg story. Had some aspects of fairy tale thrown in. Henry your normal red blooded Alpha falls for a rich, snobby stuck up Omega who are mates. Good read not Great but good.
4.5 stars rated up my first series by this author and i abolultely loved it it was recommended by an review friend of mine and i have to say she sold me! i am already scouting out other series by this author!
The “cold” omega Will, is not at all cold, he just needs some love, and Henry is the perfect alpha to warm his soul. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and all the characters, and the bad guy got what he deserved. I’m hoping for more of these guys, their family and their new friends. This is a non-shifter a/b/o story. ARC generously provided by author for an honest review
Wasn’t this just adorable. It’s cute, funny and very very sweet without being sickly. Picked it up on a whim when it showed up as recommended in KU and wasn’t disappointed.
I love alpha men who find real strength in love and support and freedom for their omegas and omegas that have personality, wants, and desires of their own outside of mating and procreation. These men both have what I'm looking for in a perfect pairing. Will is playful, creative, and determined. Henry is gentle, understands true strength, and protective without smothering. Together they make such a perfect pairing.
Will is engaged to a high-powered alpha that is more old school in terms of superiority of alphas and might makes right. Henry is employed by the building's owner where Will lives. With a meet-cute in an elevator and a tense first encounter the sparks fly and their draw to one another is unmistakable. They both try to deny what they're feeling but are helpless to ignore it for too long especially when Henry subtly shows his interest in a rather insightful way. He listens and remembers. Will can't help but give in to Henry's gentle strength because it calls to his soul. Through craziness, drama, corporate maneuverings, and supportive side characters Will and Henry find their hard-won HEA.
The side characters are what round out this story and make it feel so much more full of life and complete. Hazel, the outrageous twin to Henry who has such a strong sense of self that she makes no excuses for how she wants to live her life. She is powerful and empowered and with the love and support of her family her craziness is tolerated and even celebrated, albeit behind their hands and under their breaths. Her antics win Will's admiration and friendship and continue to endear her to her brother and parents. Henry and Hazel's parents, David and Hank, are charming and so sweet to one another. They show Will another way to be a partnership, a true mating. They show him love and acceptance from the beginning despite what they can see as significant barriers to his and Henry's relationship. With their love and support they've created a safe haven for their children and anyone they bring home. They're warmth and contentment where Will has none of that. I also love that David knew Will's birth mother and could give him greater insight into where he came from and what his father was like before the loss of his true mate. His father was annoying in the beginning but with his grief and regret over the situation he put his son in I forgave him rather quickly.
Waking Up is a sweet story full of strong characters, a solid pairing, tenderness, passion, and triumph over seeming insurmountable odds. Such a good read.
Read and willingly reviewed this ARC for the author.
You know, if I hadn't liked Kiki Burrelli before I definitely would now. But as it happens, I adore her and her books and this one is no exception. I am in love with the alpha/omega trope and it fills my heart with such Joy to be able to read these. And this book was perfect. I could not put it down. I was on the edge of my seat during most of the book.
Alpha male Henry is on his first week at his job, first day by himself. He is paged to go to the penthouse apartment, where he has never been, when he makes a startling discovery. The young man that lives there is not at all what he expects. In fact, he’s quite annoying. But something about him keeps drawing him in. And even after leaving, he still can't get that young man out of his head. He feels like he’s needed. Like he needs to be protected and taken care of, and it draws on every part of his alpha instincts. When Will first sees, Henry he is floored, almost panicked at how Henry makes him feel. He feels like a part of him has finally awakened and he doesn’t know what to do. As an omega, he has been taught that it’s his place to not speak out or rock the boat, but something about Henry makes him want to take a stand against all that is happening to him. Henry does all he can to run into Will and Will is doing the same. Soon Henry is in the middle of all that’s going on and he will do everything he can to keep his little omega safe.
Oh my gah. Little Will. I want him. He can be another one of my growing pile of book besties. Will has had such a hard life, but he’s so special. He is incredibly talented but more than that there is a fire to him to be something for someone. To be a better him. But his own father he thinks hates him, is forcing him into things he doesn’t want to do, and he can’t make a stand without there being consequences. He’s so lost. And i hate it for him because he is such a sweet soul. He’s so beautiful. He’s never been allowed to just be him and my heart breaks for him. So when Henry comes along, even with a bad rough start, I’m excited. Because now maybe Will can have a chance to be all he wants to be. And Henry I adore because he take his job as alpha seriously. When he finally sees what is happening to Will, he steps in. He takes over and refuses to let anyone hurt Will. And some try. Henry recognizes what Will really is to him and it makes it all that much more sweet. What I love even more though, is how Will finally starts to realize his worth, and starts to bloom. With a little love and encouragement, he begins to grow into all he has wanted to be and it’s amazing.
Life is full of adversities. When beaten down and bullied or abused, it’s hard to be who you are supposed to be. It’s hard to be anything but down. But when someone shows you goodness and love, and believes in you, then it makes life finally seem like it’s worth living. Sometimes it’s too hard to be strong on your own and knowing that someone has your back makes all the difference. This book is wonderful. I definitely recommend it. I hope you enjoy it as much I have!
This is just the type of story I enjoy. It takes place in the Omegaverse. There are strong Alphas of all types including some world class Alphaholes. There is also a spectrum of Omegas from the subjugated & voiceless to a hellraiser. One was bearly tolerated and the other loved by her caring family.
Ironically Will has no will of his own. He was bethrothed at an early age to a powerful and cruel Alpha, a bargaining chip in a merger deal. Even though Will had all the trappings of wealth he had no say in his own destiny. His life was controlled even down to what he had for breakfast - something he didn't like, but no one cared. He was only an Omega. Guarded and monitored constantly, Will was so oppressed he had all but shut down, especially as his wedding date approached.
Then a simple man - a bright compassionate Alpha who labeled Will the Ice Prince upon meeting him. Well apparently he (Henry) had ignited some kindling inside Will. To begin a slow thaw. It was shocking that an Alpha - a middle class maintenance man who still lived with his parents & Omega sister could gradually begin to wake up his "polar" opposite: a wealthy young man who carried the weight of the world on his frail shoulders. It was as if a Blue Collar Prince Charming kissed the rich Sleeping Beauty. But Henry couldn't just whisk Will away from his tower prison...oh I meant to say penthouse.
Once he was awakened, Will began to experience real life again and from the right perspective, the world was a big open place. He learned other families actually loved each other. Friends had each other's backs. And where knights rode the city bus. That same knight stirred up feelings Will had buried deeply. But his awakening wasn't all fun, there was pain, defiance, fear, sweet kisses & touches, and a glimpse of how wonderful life would be like in a never imagined romance novel.
Then the Hammer came down on Will as if he was a recalcitrant nail. But after tasting how sweet a simple life could be - was Will prepared to risk everything rather than be forced into another somnambulistic state with a real life nightmare fiance / husband?
Henry has landed what he thinks is an easy job at the very prestigious Baudlin Towers as a maintenance man. Things become not so simple after meeting not only a tenant, but the tenant, Will. He is the owner's son, is an omega and has a reputation for being quite cold. And after Henry first meets Will, he dealt with that coldness first hand. Not only did Will leave Henry stranded in the elevator, but he orders him around like Henry is his own personal assistant without even blinking an eye. After leaving work Henry goes out for a much needed drink with his buddies. Despite his horrible encounter with Will, he can't seem to get the omega out of his head.
Will has fortune and prestige as a successful artist. He is engaged to a man who's richer than he is and he is lucky enough to be able to take heat suppressors that control his heat. If Will has everything, then why does he feel so empty? Will hasn't been excited about anything in quite some time. He goes through the motions of life because it's expected of him. All that changes when he meets the maintenance man, Henry. Even though their first meeting didn't go quite so well, it was the first time Will had a spark of interest in anything or anyone in years.
Henry feels that Will somehow needs him, so they start a friendship. It does not take long for Henry to realize that Will does in fact need his protection and is more than happy to oblige. He feels as though Will somehow belongs to him and he has an overwhelming urge to protect Will.
This was a great story. It did start off a little slow for me, but eventually got into a good flow and it was easier to get into the story. I loved how Henry and Will's relationship grew from friendship to so much more. Very well done.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I received this book from the author for an honest opinion.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting it engrossed me. This book reminds me of a fairytale with one of the main characters Willougby up in his cold empty apartment under the rule of an absentee father and the heavy handed fiancee Melvin plotting in the background. In a world of absolute bleakness and no one to turn too he's become remote and cold to anyone until a meeting to fix a light bulb brings him his knight in shining armour or repair man in this case Henry. Henry is an affable alpha who protects those that are weaker and feels a kinship with Willoughby even though he's frosty to him
"like a cursed prince from a fairytale. Hair white as clouds, lips red as berries and eyes that looked into— "I don't have all day here; can you do your job and get out?" —that looked into his crotchety black soul.
I enjoyed there interaction and with the secondary characters, it was funny, sweet but with a hint of sadness
"Will sniffed. "I feel so small around them. Inconsequential as a wisp. How does a wisp fight back?"
This was a book how the downtrodden can overcome (along with there mate) villains and live happily ever after. The only reason I've not given this book 5 stars was due to I felt the story wasn't quite finished off meaning it was a mpreg story but we didn't have the baby born and but for the off hand mark that he was pregnant there weren't a lot said about it. But that saying it was a good book and hopefully we're get to see the couple in the next book with possibly Grayson story.
Will and Henry and completely different. Will lives in the penthouse of the building where Henry works. When Henry is dispatched for maintenance, he meets the aloof and cold Will, but not everything he sees is the truth. Henry feels a pull toward Will and they become friends. Henry asks Will to tell him if he is in danger, but Will had reasons for not asking for help, including from Henry.
I thought the dynamic between the two men made them perfect for one another. Henry is a rugged Alpha who protects those he cares about, and Will is quickly rising to the top of that list. Will is afraid of being hurt and believing that he is unlovable and destined for a life he doesn't want.
I loved how Will came out of his shell around Henry. They act on their attraction but his old life keeps intruding on their new one, and they find an ingenious, albeit stressful way to solve their problems. Will and Henry are unique characters and I loved every moment of the story!
Henry is a maintenance man in the Baudlin Tower. His first day on the job he is called up to the penthouse. He gets stuck in the elevator because you need a special code to get in the penthouse. He talks to a man through the door who finally let's him in. He finds an attractive man who acts like he is a snob. But Henry sees through the attitude and feels protective. Will is an artist who has been engaged to be married to a pharmaceutical company owner since his mother died and he was still in primary school. His fiancee is abusive both emotionally and physically. His fiancee, Melvin Shrek is responsible for a lot including giving him an untested heat suppressor drug, that causes him to shut down all feeling. It is quite a ride from beginning to end with so many different types of people with so many different attitudes. It was an enjoyable read if you like MPreg stories.
Progressively improving character sense of humor...
It is obvious the writer is putting conscious effort into characters and their dialogue, evident from her male omega pregnancy series (I especially enjoyed Farley's inner monologues and overall blurts of inane conversation). Henry is a perfect Alpha for Will's Omega uniqueness. He's strong, gorgeous, muscled, and as intelligent as Will, but with altogether different yet complimentary characteristics from Will's less traditional talents. A gifted artist and hopeless as a domestic engineer, Will nevertheless fulfills Henry's every need and desire. They make the heart smile with how perfectly they fit together and invoke absolute happiness in each other. The book is absorbing and entertaining, with a very satisfying outcome for Will's conniving, blackhearted ex-fiance Melvin. I love when loose ends are tied up so perfectly, which makes this book even more of a satisfying read!
I received an ARC from the author for a honest review. This is a story about Henry, an alpha, who's a blue collar worker and Willoughby, an omega, who's a billionaire. Henry is trying not to be a typical alpha who is prone to anger and agression. Will is stuck in his "snow tower" acting aloof and cold. We learn that Will is actually a prisoner to his uncaring father and arranged fiancee. They decide to become friends and come together organically. This is a sweet, very slow burn story. My only issue is it wasn't long enough for me and I wanted more of them together once they were on their own. All in all it was a good story.
Delightful story of looking below the social masks of people. Well written with delightful characters, some drama, incredible supporting characters and some awesome humor. The story was unique and interesting and I loved it!
Henry and Will are the other halves of their souls and fit so well, even when it doesn't look like they should be together. Interesting story about societal norms, about power that has corrupted some men and businesses and men that are good and strong and that is their power. Just a fun and interesting story! Highly recommend!
I love the cover but I think it has been changed on Amazon. The two men kissing in the sun is very nice. Kiki has another great story on hand. The characters are really interesting. It is set in an omegaverse. Henry is a ordinary mild mannered alpha and Will is a rich artist omega. Will is off snarky towards Henry. They come from different worlds but it works for them. They have a great chemistry for each other. I liked the dialogue in the book. Henry gets along great with his friends. The dialogue there I found easy to read. It was a very enjoyable story. I received it as an arc.
I finished this book with a HUGE smile on my face! Any time that I feel this happy at the ending of a book automatically makes it a 5 star book.
I loved Henry and Will. They fit together so well, while being so completely different in almost every aspect of their lives. I was also glad that Will’s dad was given the opportunity to redeem himself with both Will and Henry after everything fell out at the end.
I’m not entirely sure where this series is going to go in future books, but I’m certainly excited to see.
I have enjoyed all of Kiki's mpreg shifter series, so I gave this a try. It is a series in a world that is mpreg but not shifter, and heirarchy of alpha beta omega is very much observed in this series. I enjoyed Henry and Will together, Will was a little tougher to get to like but his issues were definitely there because of how his life has guided him. When he let himself come out of that world, and move into Henry's things came together nicely. Lot's of good secondary characters. Am looking forward to following this series.
When Kiki started it was cute, and she has grown so much is amazing. The more she writes the more the stories varies and the characters evolve. But the flow remains choppy, the grammar lacks, the sexual encounters are tacky, after 9+ books it feels boring and annoying, and the embellishments like flashbacks, etc are so badly done it's giving me headaches. I love her books and I want to keep reading but this book in particular made me want to ask for a reinvestment.
I really liked this one, especially in the beginning where Henry and Will meet for the first time. There's real chemistry between those two, a meaty plot but unfortunately the last part wasn't up to the beautiful beginning; Issues with the ex-fiance are dealt too swiftly, while a lot of time is spent with the MCs trying to have sex but getting interrupted. Will's 'heat' was unlike anything I've read in mpreg so far, and though Hazel was lovely, she stole the show from Will and Henry, which I didn't like at all. Still, I enjoyed it very much as I do most of Burrelli's books.
I really enjoyed this story written from both POV. It was well balanced including a great deal of feelings, action, a low heat level, a little angst and a sweet HEA. Compared to other books set in non-shifters alpha/omega worlds, in this story the division between the three genders is very relevant and defines their education, their jobs and their expectations for personal development and fulfilment, almost like the Hindu castes.
Another great start to a new omegaverse series! This book is set in a non-shifter world. I always enjoy the way this author develops characters and dialogue. You can feel yourself step into the story. Hazel may be a "secondary" character but loved her so much. Good books can really make the reader enjoy the whole world and all the characters - not just the main ones.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series in the future!
Loved this book. Great storyline that kept captivated all the way through to the end. Henry and Will are wonderful characters with lots of chemistry and a strong connection. I felt really bad for Will and everything that he went through with his father and his "fiancee." Henry was absolutely wonderful, a very protective alpha but extremely caring and loving towards Will. Looking forward to reading more from Kiki Burrelli. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Henry is an alpha working as a building maintenance/repair guy in a swanky building. He is surprised to get a call to the penthouse. Will is an omega who is sheltered and is engaged to an alpha. Henry feels and instant connection to Will and two start an unlikely friendship.
Great use of the alpha/omega trope. I liked how Henry was protective but not controlling. Will blossomed with Henry and his family’s care. Steamy and swoony. Very enjoyable read!!
I really liked Waking Up: The Omega of His Dreams. It had plenty of action, heat, and alpha protectiveness. I thought Henry and Will were likable and interesting characters. I also thought the secondary characters, Henry’s family were great, especially Hazel. The story was fast-paced and easy to read. I would totally recommend this story.