No rating since 1) I skimmed a lot, 2) it's not something that appeals to my tastes, so I might be unfairly biased. Normally I'm not a fan of ABO, but this one piqued my interest due to the Beta protagonist (generally I encounter A/O, with a minority of A/A).
Overview only slightly spoilerish:
ML is an Alpha who has been "in love" with his childhood friend/neighbor for most of their lives. I use scare quotes because his feelings seem more like a fanatical obsession, which doesn't indicate a healthy mindset.
MC is a Beta who struggles to form emotional connections—though while it's not entirely healthy, it's not as extreme as to be considered pathological; more like the typical "low EQ" found in many novel protagonists to fuel misunderstandings.
They enter into a marriage of convenience (from MC's perspective) as per state regulations. Despite being a lifelong friend and closer to her than anyone but her closest relatives, MC cannot trust that ML won't betray their marriage, believing that all Alphas will eventually seek an Omega partner. Most of the novel revolves around ML trying to prove his trustworthiness and win her affection.
The story seems designed to appeal to the fantasy of having a powerful Alpha male reduced to a submissive role, literally offering himself as a doormat. ML abases himself in front of MC, pleading not to be abandoned, cosplaying in servant's uniforms and canine accessories, and even offering to wear chastity devices and handcuffs. The parts I read were suggestive rather than explicit, but none of these elements appealed to me, and there wasn't enough else to keep me engaged.
ML's whining, clinginess, and outright stalking annoyed me, but MC ultimately annoyed me more. Despite her rational fears, someone so determined to remain indifferent shouldn't get to indulge in jealousy and paranoia to such a degree. Whether he ever asserts himself or she relaxes her guard, I can't say, as I didn't finish the book.
Popular Reviews
Overview only slightly spoilerish:
ML is an Alpha who has been "in love" with his childhood friend/neighbor for most of their lives. I use scare quotes because his feelings seem more like a fanatical obsession, which doesn't indicate a healthy mindset.
MC is a Beta who struggles to form emotional connections—though while it's not entirely healthy, it's not as extreme as to be considered pathological; more like the typical "low EQ" found in many novel protagonists to fuel misunderstandings.
They enter into a marriage of convenience (from MC's perspective) as per state regulations. Despite being a lifelong friend and closer to her than anyone but her closest relatives, MC cannot trust that ML won't betray their marriage, believing that all Alphas will eventually seek an Omega partner. Most of the novel revolves around ML trying to prove his trustworthiness and win her affection.
The story seems designed to appeal to the fantasy of having a powerful Alpha male reduced to a submissive role, literally offering himself as a doormat. ML abases himself in front of MC, pleading not to be abandoned, cosplaying in servant's uniforms and canine accessories, and even offering to wear chastity devices and handcuffs. The parts I read were suggestive rather than explicit, but none of these elements appealed to me, and there wasn't enough else to keep me engaged.
ML's whining, clinginess, and outright stalking annoyed me, but MC ultimately annoyed me more. Despite her rational fears, someone so determined to remain indifferent shouldn't get to indulge in jealousy and paranoia to such a degree. Whether he ever asserts himself or she relaxes her guard, I can't say, as I didn't finish the book.