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Knot Stepping Down
Tonight is the night they auction off the Winter Alphas.And I’ve got my eyes on Declan Wolfe
The #1 esports player at Knotlocke Academy
He’s also my stepbrother.
I shouldn’t be fantasizing about what those big hands could do to me.
Or the way he’d make me hurt so deliciously.
But I’ve saved up for this moment.
He’s all mine.
I just hope I'm also his.
Knot Stepping Down is a standalone 18+ MM Sweet & Spicy Sports Novella set at Knotlocke Academy.
The #1 esports player at Knotlocke Academy
He’s also my stepbrother.
I shouldn’t be fantasizing about what those big hands could do to me.
Or the way he’d make me hurt so deliciously.
But I’ve saved up for this moment.
He’s all mine.
I just hope I'm also his.
Knot Stepping Down is a standalone 18+ MM Sweet & Spicy Sports Novella set at Knotlocke Academy.
109 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2025
184 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
N. Slater
142 books320 followersAfrican American. Indie Author. Chaos Writer.
Polyamorous & Found Family Stories Brought to Life.
From PRN to fantasy, contemporary to dark & twisted, there's a little something for everyone.
Current Taboo Romance ~ Vows and Venom Links:
Preorder here ~ https://tinyurl.com/vowsandvenom
Buy here (Releasing April 1st) ~ https://books2read.com/u/bwleNy
Polyamorous & Found Family Stories Brought to Life.
From PRN to fantasy, contemporary to dark & twisted, there's a little something for everyone.
Current Taboo Romance ~ Vows and Venom Links:
Preorder here ~ https://tinyurl.com/vowsandvenom
Buy here (Releasing April 1st) ~ https://books2read.com/u/bwleNy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Every month Knotlocke Academy holds an alpha auction, and this month Avery's new stepbrother and crush, Declan, is up for bid and he's determined to win him. Little does he know that Declan feels the same way, and their dinner 'date' brings the chemistry between them to light.
Knot Stepping Down was super short, sweet, and steamy! I will say the 'forbidden' aspect of this made no sense since they're literally not related and didn't grow up together, but I still had a good time lol
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- omegaverse
- college romance
- stepbrothers
- alpha "date" auction
- fated mates
Every month Knotlocke Academy holds an alpha auction, and this month Avery's new stepbrother and crush, Declan, is up for bid and he's determined to win him. Little does he know that Declan feels the same way, and their dinner 'date' brings the chemistry between them to light.
Knot Stepping Down was super short, sweet, and steamy! I will say the 'forbidden' aspect of this made no sense since they're literally not related and didn't grow up together, but I still had a good time lol
𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗧:
- omegaverse
- college romance
- stepbrothers
- alpha "date" auction
- fated mates
June 15, 2025
This novella includes a number of my favourite tropes: MM, omegaverse (OV), forbidden romance, stepbrothers. Perfect for a quick read and I adored it!
Avery and Declan are such a cute couple and I both loved their characters and their connection. They have a whirlwind romance but as they're recently stepbrothers, they did already know each other, and their feelings for each other have been growing for a while, so they quickly become a strong couple.
I really loved the fact that Avery's the one to go for what he wants, bidding for Declan at the auction. It's great that the omega is making the first move when normally in OVs it's an alpha (or beta) who does that.
I also love Declan as an alpha: he's protective, kind and supportive of Avery, and will put his omega first, no matter what. He's happy to be open about their relationship straightaway despite the rumours, and I adore that his nickname for Avery is 'pretty boy'.
This book is short but still manages to squeeze plenty in - a bit of spice, a bit of angst and a lot of love. I think it could have certainly been a longer book if N Slater desired it - not saying it should have been at all though - and I'd have been happy to have spent more time with these two characters, whom I found really endearing. I was certainly happy with how it was though as a novella.
I will say I was a bit sorry that there wasn't a heat included, because I feel like that would have just been the cherry on the top of this sweet read, but I loved it anyway without it.
Avery and Declan are such a cute couple and I both loved their characters and their connection. They have a whirlwind romance but as they're recently stepbrothers, they did already know each other, and their feelings for each other have been growing for a while, so they quickly become a strong couple.
I really loved the fact that Avery's the one to go for what he wants, bidding for Declan at the auction. It's great that the omega is making the first move when normally in OVs it's an alpha (or beta) who does that.
I also love Declan as an alpha: he's protective, kind and supportive of Avery, and will put his omega first, no matter what. He's happy to be open about their relationship straightaway despite the rumours, and I adore that his nickname for Avery is 'pretty boy'.
This book is short but still manages to squeeze plenty in - a bit of spice, a bit of angst and a lot of love. I think it could have certainly been a longer book if N Slater desired it - not saying it should have been at all though - and I'd have been happy to have spent more time with these two characters, whom I found really endearing. I was certainly happy with how it was though as a novella.
I will say I was a bit sorry that there wasn't a heat included, because I feel like that would have just been the cherry on the top of this sweet read, but I loved it anyway without it.
August 22, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Where do I start? Maybe I should start with, that I liked it, uhm kinda?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, it was a quick and cute read but that's all it was. A sweet lil' novella.
I had some issues though. At first Declan came of as super arrogant. I freaking hate arrogant characters, luckily that lasted only a few pages and he became sweet super quick. I wish he got a few more chapters.
They all acted like teenagers, so much so, that I wasn't sure what kind of school they went to.
The whole drama with their parents was so, SO stupid. First of all, I guess they were 21 or 22. If my parents would have tried to give me house arrest at 22, I would have laughed. They are ADULTS, why the fuck are their parents trying to tell them who to love and give them stupid fucking rules?! I don't know if I wanted to laugh or roll my eyes.
Some drama came so quickly, I got whiplash. One moment everything is good, the next, Avery is heartbroken? What happened? No clue. If you want to add so much drama, the book should be a bit longer.
Some things were also weird, like they didn't add up, BUT if I ignored these things, I liked it. If I didn't think to hard about some before mentioned facts it was great!
I was also a bit confused, they weren't shifters but they purred and build a nest? I don't know, it confused me but maybe I'm just not that knowledgeable.
The really good part though? The pining! Ugh, yes please! They liked each other as soon as they met, I love it.
I also really enjoyed that it was E-Sport. It's really unique, at least to me. I'm glad that the author included a esports team as a legit sport team.
Where do I start? Maybe I should start with, that I liked it, uhm kinda?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, it was a quick and cute read but that's all it was. A sweet lil' novella.
I had some issues though. At first Declan came of as super arrogant. I freaking hate arrogant characters, luckily that lasted only a few pages and he became sweet super quick. I wish he got a few more chapters.
They all acted like teenagers, so much so, that I wasn't sure what kind of school they went to.
The whole drama with their parents was so, SO stupid. First of all, I guess they were 21 or 22. If my parents would have tried to give me house arrest at 22, I would have laughed. They are ADULTS, why the fuck are their parents trying to tell them who to love and give them stupid fucking rules?! I don't know if I wanted to laugh or roll my eyes.
Some drama came so quickly, I got whiplash. One moment everything is good, the next, Avery is heartbroken? What happened? No clue. If you want to add so much drama, the book should be a bit longer.
Some things were also weird, like they didn't add up, BUT if I ignored these things, I liked it. If I didn't think to hard about some before mentioned facts it was great!
I was also a bit confused, they weren't shifters but they purred and build a nest? I don't know, it confused me but maybe I'm just not that knowledgeable.
The really good part though? The pining! Ugh, yes please! They liked each other as soon as they met, I love it.
I also really enjoyed that it was E-Sport. It's really unique, at least to me. I'm glad that the author included a esports team as a legit sport team.
August 26, 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
I mean, it was pretty good. Do I feel I’m being extra with a 4 star rating? Yep. BUT the author seems to be relatively new so I’m hoping they can only improve.
And, I mean, this story is better than some seasoned stories. A bit cut and paste and the spicy scenes were a bit bland and SHORT, but the storytelling was pretty good and it has all the elements we need.
Avery and Declan were hot and heavy. I liked how Declan just didn’t care. He took care of his omega and Avery needed that so badly.
Some rocks left stuck in the ground but for a quick, spicy read, you can’t really go wrong y’all.
I mean, it was pretty good. Do I feel I’m being extra with a 4 star rating? Yep. BUT the author seems to be relatively new so I’m hoping they can only improve.
And, I mean, this story is better than some seasoned stories. A bit cut and paste and the spicy scenes were a bit bland and SHORT, but the storytelling was pretty good and it has all the elements we need.
Avery and Declan were hot and heavy. I liked how Declan just didn’t care. He took care of his omega and Avery needed that so badly.
Some rocks left stuck in the ground but for a quick, spicy read, you can’t really go wrong y’all.
August 26, 2025
3.5⭐
I'm relatively new to the world of omegaverse... I'm loving it and understand the structure and hierarchy enough to start diving deeper. Overall I enjoyed this novella - it did give me a little whiplash though if I'm totally honest.
i can accept a novella and the shortness of the story but I felt things could have been given a longer build up and development. I also felt I had to make a few assumptions early on... the biggest being their age. at the start they're at home and I thought late teens...grade 12ish... so 18/19...
Then they have dorms and tell us that they're adults so I'm thinking 21/22. at either age they're old enough to decide what they want themselves...
regardless, I did enjoy the story, I would have liked a deep dive into character development, especially Avery as I, personally l, didn't like him, I could connect to the 'weakness' of his character and I understand, to a degree, it's a omega trait, but i just didn't meld with him
Declan I liked when he stopped being a dick early on and started acting like a sweet alpha.
I can't say yet if I'll read more in the world, but I'm interested enough to be open to the possibility 😉
I'm relatively new to the world of omegaverse... I'm loving it and understand the structure and hierarchy enough to start diving deeper. Overall I enjoyed this novella - it did give me a little whiplash though if I'm totally honest.
i can accept a novella and the shortness of the story but I felt things could have been given a longer build up and development. I also felt I had to make a few assumptions early on... the biggest being their age. at the start they're at home and I thought late teens...grade 12ish... so 18/19...
Then they have dorms and tell us that they're adults so I'm thinking 21/22. at either age they're old enough to decide what they want themselves...
regardless, I did enjoy the story, I would have liked a deep dive into character development, especially Avery as I, personally l, didn't like him, I could connect to the 'weakness' of his character and I understand, to a degree, it's a omega trait, but i just didn't meld with him
Declan I liked when he stopped being a dick early on and started acting like a sweet alpha.
I can't say yet if I'll read more in the world, but I'm interested enough to be open to the possibility 😉
June 8, 2025
Loved the spice and tension in this forbidden romance between step brothers. You could see the tension simmering between them with the flirting and glances, and I loved how caring and protective Declan was, and how Avery pushed for what he wanted. It's a fab MM omegaverse romance.
September 28, 2025
for sure the most realistic step brothers romance i’ve read as far as family dynamics go and then the dad changed his tune BOOOOOO double down sir don’t be a coward!
August 20, 2025
Knot deep, knot new, but, fun! I was entertained.
I just felt like I was reading the core of the story without a lot of development around it, but, hey, if you're in the mood for a bit of omegaverse? This is a good quick bite of romance.
Avery and Declan are steptbrothers, omega and alpha. They attend Knotlocke Academy, and every month (or season? Can't remember exact frequency), the academy holds a highly unlikely and inappropriate auction of alphas for other students (or whoever? Not sure) to buy a date...or more, if the alpha is willing.
Ever since his father came home with Declan and Declan's mom, Avery has been in a kerfuffle over his gorgeous stepbro. And he's going to buy Declan in this month's auction, which features the esports team, and Declan as it's best player/leader.
Shenanigans ensue. Turns out Avery's not alone in his little obsession...!
It's stretches belief, with the way the parents react, and there's a cliche OW jonesing to also get Declan and who wants his attention, nothing fresh here, but, hits those beats hard and keeps tension high, even if the conflict seems a bit silly. The boys are hot together.
HFN (they're young, but, seem HEA bound), college student stepbrothers to lovers, auction/buy a date, forbidden (by the parents) relationship. Safe for me, while both have experience, neither has any interest in anyone else in the timeline of the story. They're quickly obsessed. Recommended.
I just felt like I was reading the core of the story without a lot of development around it, but, hey, if you're in the mood for a bit of omegaverse? This is a good quick bite of romance.
Avery and Declan are steptbrothers, omega and alpha. They attend Knotlocke Academy, and every month (or season? Can't remember exact frequency), the academy holds a highly unlikely and inappropriate auction of alphas for other students (or whoever? Not sure) to buy a date...or more, if the alpha is willing.
Ever since his father came home with Declan and Declan's mom, Avery has been in a kerfuffle over his gorgeous stepbro. And he's going to buy Declan in this month's auction, which features the esports team, and Declan as it's best player/leader.
Shenanigans ensue. Turns out Avery's not alone in his little obsession...!
It's stretches belief, with the way the parents react, and there's a cliche OW jonesing to also get Declan and who wants his attention, nothing fresh here, but, hits those beats hard and keeps tension high, even if the conflict seems a bit silly. The boys are hot together.
HFN (they're young, but, seem HEA bound), college student stepbrothers to lovers, auction/buy a date, forbidden (by the parents) relationship. Safe for me, while both have experience, neither has any interest in anyone else in the timeline of the story. They're quickly obsessed. Recommended.
January 6, 2026
Okay I might do sports romances now
Okay so I might do sports romances now. If they stack up like this one! I actually found N Slater from 2 recommendations and Im glad I finally leapt on reading one of the books.
I absolutely adore Avery. Hes just so sweet and adorable. Supportive. And made one bold move that changes his world.
Declan is a gamer which is perfect since I am too. Hes also awkward along with Avery which creates some misunderstandings but also opens up communication for them. Hes bold to though and knows what he wants. Hes sweet and protective. Everything you'd want in an alpha.
I loved the forbidden romance that we get here and the sweet moments through the story. I am definitely gonna be reading more of these books!
If you're looking for an MM omegaverse with a sweet plot, and overcoming obstacles, and not just focused on heats I'd recommend reading this one.
Okay so I might do sports romances now. If they stack up like this one! I actually found N Slater from 2 recommendations and Im glad I finally leapt on reading one of the books.
I absolutely adore Avery. Hes just so sweet and adorable. Supportive. And made one bold move that changes his world.
Declan is a gamer which is perfect since I am too. Hes also awkward along with Avery which creates some misunderstandings but also opens up communication for them. Hes bold to though and knows what he wants. Hes sweet and protective. Everything you'd want in an alpha.
I loved the forbidden romance that we get here and the sweet moments through the story. I am definitely gonna be reading more of these books!
If you're looking for an MM omegaverse with a sweet plot, and overcoming obstacles, and not just focused on heats I'd recommend reading this one.
June 18, 2025
Omegaverse, step brothers, fast burn, and a forbidden crush? Sign me up! Knot stepping down was such a quick and fun read that had me wanting more. Adding in the omegaverse aspect of fated mates tickled a need I didn’t know I needed and consumed this book in one sitting. I honestly really liked that the step parents didn’t automatically accept the relationship like you see in many books. I’ve been a fan of Slaters books for a while, she never disappoints, and this one is going into the top Slater reads for me. Loved it!
June 30, 2025
Step Brother Omegaverse Short Story
What an amazing Omegaverse short story. This was a short and spicy story, but it still packed a punch. Avery and Declan are step brothers who both have been crushing on each other secretly. Avery plans to buy Declan at the auction to make his feelings known. This was a sweet and spicy read. Their parents don't approve, but they still stick it out as their fated mated. Cannot wait for more books on this series!
What an amazing Omegaverse short story. This was a short and spicy story, but it still packed a punch. Avery and Declan are step brothers who both have been crushing on each other secretly. Avery plans to buy Declan at the auction to make his feelings known. This was a sweet and spicy read. Their parents don't approve, but they still stick it out as their fated mated. Cannot wait for more books on this series!
August 27, 2025
Forbidden romance/ MM/ forced proximity/ stepbrothers/ knotting/ fated mates/ omegaverse/ college/ sports romance/ OW drama/ HEA
Trigger warning: bullying/ neglectful parenting/ verbal abuse/ emotional abuse/ violence
I enjoyed this one. It was short and spicy but there was still a decent amount of substance. The relationship between the MCs was adorable and I wish we had gotten epilogues about their relationship after graduation.
Trigger warning: bullying/ neglectful parenting/ verbal abuse/ emotional abuse/ violence
I enjoyed this one. It was short and spicy but there was still a decent amount of substance. The relationship between the MCs was adorable and I wish we had gotten epilogues about their relationship after graduation.
September 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5⭐️
I loved this short MM Step-Brother Romance books, okay! This was my first real MM romance & I ate this down. Between Avery shy & sweet side and Declans flirty & extrovert side they were absolutly match made. Although it was only 94 pages I feel satisfied with the story telling & plot. The SPICE 🥴? I loved it. I only wish it was linger because I loved their story so much 🖤. I'm ready for the next book in this Omegaverse.
You should absolutely positively read it!
I loved this short MM Step-Brother Romance books, okay! This was my first real MM romance & I ate this down. Between Avery shy & sweet side and Declans flirty & extrovert side they were absolutly match made. Although it was only 94 pages I feel satisfied with the story telling & plot. The SPICE 🥴? I loved it. I only wish it was linger because I loved their story so much 🖤. I'm ready for the next book in this Omegaverse.
You should absolutely positively read it!
June 20, 2025
I loved this, two stepbrother finding true mated love.
These two are great but what was really refreshing was there was just ive found you im keeping you. No lying, no gameplaying just your mine.
The parents need work, but the guys are amazing.
A really quick read with love and lots of spice whats not to like.
These two are great but what was really refreshing was there was just ive found you im keeping you. No lying, no gameplaying just your mine.
The parents need work, but the guys are amazing.
A really quick read with love and lots of spice whats not to like.
August 8, 2025
MM
🌶️🌶️
College
Omegaverse
Stepbrothers
Avery and Declan have been stepbrothers for a short time. Declan is being auctioned off for a school fundraiser and Avery decides it’s time to shoot his shot. And he can’t believe Declan wants him too.
I wish there was an epilogue. The story was good. Little spice.
🌶️🌶️
College
Omegaverse
Stepbrothers
Avery and Declan have been stepbrothers for a short time. Declan is being auctioned off for a school fundraiser and Avery decides it’s time to shoot his shot. And he can’t believe Declan wants him too.
I wish there was an epilogue. The story was good. Little spice.
October 1, 2025
I’m actually dead 💀 bro I’m not real. Just a short novella saw omegaverse and thought I try another one. I like the heat and scent shit takes me back to my prime werewolf days! I’m lowkey highkey not new to this omegaverse shit AT ALL bro wtf was I reading back then. The neediness of Avery was od but I think that’s the point, his Alpha was super nurturing I approve
November 2, 2025
meh
I wanted to love this book. At first it was awesome and I loved it, but by the end, when the family found out about their relationship? It felt like it just moved too fast and there was nothing really at stake. If I hadn’t liked the first part as much this would get two stars because the last 40% of the book just really dragged it down for me.
I wanted to love this book. At first it was awesome and I loved it, but by the end, when the family found out about their relationship? It felt like it just moved too fast and there was nothing really at stake. If I hadn’t liked the first part as much this would get two stars because the last 40% of the book just really dragged it down for me.
June 23, 2025
Avery and Declan are step-brothers and when Declan is part of the auction Avery bids on him. Secretly they have both been crushing on each other. The auction bid is just the excuse they need to take the step for more.
Family drama, fated mates and a hard fought HEA.
Family drama, fated mates and a hard fought HEA.
September 2, 2025
Forbidden Romance, step-brother, omegaverse all wrapped in a university, e-sport setting. Not a lot of spice, short but sweet. Long time crush turned into something more after a monthly date auction off, where our sweet, awkward omega bids his saving for the flirty, social alpha.
June 10, 2025
Such a sweet love story between stepbrothers. Everyone sees it as wrong but Declan and Avery know it is right, they just have to prove it to everyone.
Did not finish
August 14, 2025It was the writing style
August 23, 2025
🎮alpha/omega
🎮stepbrothers
🎮fated mates
🎮heats, nesting, knotting, mpreg (possible/not on page)
🎮”pretty boy”
🎮unsupportive family (dad comes around)
🔥🔥
🎮stepbrothers
🎮fated mates
🎮heats, nesting, knotting, mpreg (possible/not on page)
🎮”pretty boy”
🎮unsupportive family (dad comes around)
🔥🔥
September 3, 2025
3.5 stars
A short spicy read! it's cute and has a bit of drama but overly so though!
A short spicy read! it's cute and has a bit of drama but overly so though!
October 14, 2025
If you want something short and easy, and don't mind instalust, predicable plot and everyone thinking of sex all the time - this is for you.
2 1/2 stars
2 1/2 stars
November 9, 2025
Story 3.5⭐️ Spice 3.25🌶️
November 10, 2025
Wow! This was an amazing story! From beginning to end I couldn’t put it! It was so well written by an incredible author! I loved all the characters in this book! I can’t wait to read more!
December 9, 2025
Wattpad book with wattpad dialogues. They kept saying they were adults and could do what they want but they’re getting grounded and separated so easily by their parents like real teenagers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews