Hunter Omega

by Liv Rider

Hunting werewolves is hard. Falling in love with one is harder.

When Seth left for college, he was a bookish geek pining for his best friend, Riley. Now he’s home again, armed with silver bullets and an iron will, to hunt down the werewolf that attacked him. Seth’s determined not to let anyone else get hurt—especially Riley.

But Riley has a secret. He’s an alpha werewolf without a mate. He needs an omega, but all he wants is his human best friend. Seth’s return is a second chance for Riley to reveal his feelings—and his secret—if he dares.

Now best friends find themselves on opposite sides, and their secrets might just tear them apart. But when Seth’s attacker strikes again, Seth and Riley need each other more than ever to survive.

Hunter Omega is a standalone M/M paranormal alpha/omega werewolf romance with no cliffhangers.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Friends To Lovers, Werewolves, LGBT

ebook

First published March 20, 2017

About the author

Liv Rider is the combined pen name of a group of friends with a shared love of M/M paranormal romance. Jump into one of Liv's books for a steamy paranormal journey, always with a Happily Ever After.

Reviews

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5 stars*

I'm going to be honest here: I only wanted to read this book because I was promised knotting.

I got knotting... and that's pretty much all I can say about this one.

No, that's not true, I can say more, if I have to. I read A LOT of paranormal books, and shifters are no big thang for me. I love a good shifter story, and it's the only genre where I'll accept an insta-lovey kind of romance.

Hunter Omega isn't instalove, but more like a friends-to-lovers story where there is a past between the two guys. I'm never a big fan of stories where a lot of the relationship development takes place in the past before we meet the two MCs in the story, and that's the type of situation we have here. There isn't much relationship building, and the jump from simple attraction to omg-i-can't-live-without-you was just too sudden and misplaced for me.

I read a lot of romance, and I'm the first to admit that I'm PICKY. If you are giving me a paranormal world, you really have to wow me. I felt very "meh" about the world-building here, and I found the thriller aspect to be a little too cartoonish.

The sex was pretty bland, which is a shame because it's hard to find a great knotting story. I mean, knotting should be SMOKING hot, if you are including it at all. I was also wondering how the F/F couple bonded without the knotting because it seemed sort of important in the process.

Not a bad story, in fact, but this picky reader has read better. Still, I'd read this author again in the future because there were some good tidbits there and the story flowed easily.

*Copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Really, a simple shifter story but a well written one at that. Nothing too cheesy or over the top, this delivered on all the aspects I assume lovers of this genre would expect. Bonus points for being of the alpha/omega dynamic plus KNOTTING!

Riley is a werewolf and has forever loved his best friend Seth, but he regrets never having had the guts to tell him the truth, fearing he’d lose him. He lost Seth anyway when he panicked and ran from a kiss a few years back. However, now that Seth’s back, he’s even more determined to make things right despite the fact that Seth is human.

Seth is on a mission. He was attacked by his ex-boyfriend Caleb, who turned out to be a werewolf, and he knows what he has to do - find the bastard and make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else. However, Seth’s plans are thwarted when he’s lured back to his hometown, forcing him to confront his old crush Riley. Though his feelings for Riley have never dimmed, he understandably freaks when he discovers Riley is the same as his ex - a “monster” that needs to be dealt with, right?? These two need to get their ducks in a row and quick, because Seth’s ex has no intention of letting him go, despite the fact that Seth and Riley are destined mates.

Again, easy reading that doesn’t break any barriers but overall enjoyable. Basically a friends-to-lovers-to-mates story that was pleasantly, surprisingly sexy and full of the hot claiming, possession, and marking seen in such a trope. It’s totally what I’d expected, and I’m ok with that. I just wanted more of everything!!

Thanks to the author/publisher for a copy in exchange for a honest review

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Awesome read where the action and romance didn't let up until the very end of the book. The author did a good job of getting into the heads of these two young men who were mates since their teenage years. Her writing style was so descriptive and sensual it just made it feel like a 3-D reading experience. And there is KNOTTING sex!

[Makhda · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I think the main plot is the action stuff. Not the romance. Well, too bad. I'm in the mood for romance now. So a lot of action just makes me tired.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review will be spoiler free.

Well, well. What a ride.Your are thrown into the story without much warning, and off you go.
You follow Seth as he returns home, ready to deal with the werewolf that attacked him, and, maybe, Riley, who in turn hasn't left for college, and who has kept secrets all of his own.

What I liked:
- It was fast paced, the writing was (except some minor mistakes) very good, and what I've come to expect from Mrs. Rider.
- I loved how the pack was portrayed (mates, family, etc.), the rules explained, but without overshadowing the feelings of a werewolf in a stable pack.
- the Alpha/Omega dynamic that's not the usual status quo with a few surprises that one might not even realise if one doesn't read Alpha/Omega stories quite as often as I do.
- I'm not usually a fan of dual POV, but here, it worked. (no endless repetitions, wuhu!)
- Even though I already feared the worst - it's not a sex feast!! (There's two, and those are well written and vital to the story!)
- There's no relationship angst, and no misunderstandings, and no big reveal or so. The MC's talk! They are adults!
- The second half of the book! Really - I loved everything about it.

What I didn't like at first:
- You are thrown into this book! There's no great backstory you learn before everything sets off - you learn things as the story proceeedes, and I do like this approach, but what I don't necessarily like is when the UST, the tension between the MC's is missing, because of that "backstory" you know nothing about. It's also not really delved into, so don't expect some great sexual tension or "falling in love" scenes. However, and that's the big however where I learn to like this part(!), is that there's wooing. It's not wooing as in grand gestures etc. It's about choices, mutual respect, it's about explaining things, the intention to go slow and TALK, and this part wouldn't have been quite as believable if the MC's haven't met before.
- The "l" word happened too fast, and I didn't buy it until the very end, but then I was satisfied.

All in all - I wasn't sold on this book until it crossed the 50% mark (it was more 3,5-4Stars), but then it hit ALL of my buttons as the story took really off - and in another road than I'd assumed! Even though some things still were predictable, others totally weren't and I LOVE THAT! I love being surprised in the good way, and I couldn't stop reading until I'd finished it.
In conclusion - I love this book, and I do hope there's a second book featuring a certain werewolf ;)

*A copy of Hunter Omega was given to me by Liv Rider for an honest review*

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Riley and Seth together. I like the connection they have through their friendship, it makes the mate part a bit easier to believe without it feeling too much like insta-love.

I wish there had been a bit more explanation on some of the pack structure. I really wish there was more about Jasper, I could quite get a feel for him in the dynamics of the pack (though maybe I'll get lucky and he'll get his own book later).

I'm really hoping we'll see more books set in this world, I think there is lots of room for more stories!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked Hunter Omega by Liv Rider. It was a cute story about two high school best friends, Seth and Riley, that secretly wanted to be more but weren't able to because on of them had a secret and so they lost touch when Seth went away to college. While away Seth is set on a path that will lead him back to his hometown and the love he left behind, Riley. But will Seth and Riley still want each other when they find out each other's secrets? You will just have to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter Omega doesn't let up! This well-written tale hooked me from the first page and didn't let go. This one has a little of everything - 2nd chance romance, werewolves, lots of action, steam, and a bit of suspense. I won't go into details so as not to give spoilers, but Seth and Riley are so good together and obsessed Caleb adds just enough of a creep factor to keep your heart racing. This is my first read by Liv Rider, but it certainly won't be my last.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily received and reviewed an advance readers copy of this book..... This was a very riveting and beautifully written read. The characters were well developed and even the villain, Caleb, was fascinating (since he was obviously a wolf with a mental problem). I was totally immersed into this enthralling story and I thought that the execution was great. Seth was a werewolf hunter and Riley was a werewolf so they had some big hurdles to get over. I actually loved how Seth found out about Riley and his pack, but I won't reveal a spoiler. :) This was ultimately a very gripping read. :)

[Steph ☀️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars :)

[Katrina Passick Lumsden · Rating 1 out of 5]

Annnnnd DNF. I think I was around 40%, and I just couldn't take any more without falling asleep. Such a tired, cliched trope.

[The Novel Approach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this story down. Recently I have been on an alpha/omega kick. I mean, pretty badly. It’s most of what I had been reading for a while, and I think this story triggered that. I know, the trope is sometimes overdone, but I truly loved this story and the characters. I could easily read more about Seth and Riley. I wish Liv Rider would write more!

Seth and Riley have secretly had a crush on each other for years. That’s pretty common in many m/m stories, but what took this secret crush to the next level is the fact that Riley is a werewolf. Having to keep this a secret, he also couldn’t tell Seth how he felt.

Fast forward to the present: Seth’s ex-boyfriend Caleb, a werewolf, attacked him. Now he’s hell-bent on hunting Caleb down and getting rid of him before he can curt anyone else. He’s been trained, and he is equipped, and he is ready. Unfortunately—or fortunately, in the end—his hunt brings him back to his hometown where he meets with Riley again. Feelings are revealed and so is Riley’s werewolf status.

Being on the shorter side, the story is understandably fast-paced, and it really takes you for a ride. Seth is left to deal with his complex emotions while hunting down a monster. He loves Riley, but how can he when he has sworn to hunt the same monster as he is? And how can Seth deal with the fact that his best friend kept such a huge secret from him?

Oh, and I should probably mention the sex. Because it is hot. I was very excited when I selected this book because I was told there would be knotting. And yes, there was knotting. And marking. And claiming. Have I mentioned I’m a fan of knotting in alpha/omega stories? Because I’m a huge fan, and this book did not disappoint. In fact, I really should re-read this again right now…

Fans of shifter stories, books with alpha/omega dynamics, and friends-to-lovers tales will enjoy this book by Liv Rider. My only disappointment is that there is not more with Seth and Riley, but hey, I can hope, right? Until then, I will have to be content with checking out the author’s other books!

Reviewed by Jennifer for The Novel Approach

[Qin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb promised an estranged best friends from lovers story of the werewolf variety, and the book delivers exactly that. There sure are better novels about MM shifters out there, ones that do not tend to rely so much on that old canard the rogue, crazy alpha fixated on his poor human sod of an ex; if Hunter Omega never subverts any of the paranormal tropes and as such must indeed be called derivative and formulaic, it compensates that lack of originality by its smooth execution (beware of two scores or so typos and of a somewhat heavy reliance on purple prose during the extended love scene). Additional bonuses are the really great chemistry between both heroes, whose gender polarities never verge on ridiculousness (we stand very far from the caveman alpha versus chick-with-a-dick omega divide that disfigures the entire production of Lynn Hagen, Stormy Glenn, Stephani Hecht or Charlie Richards!); the strong pack dynamics, including that still-rare commodity in MM stories, a female Alpha; and Riley being a redhead. I liked too the tasteful, that is: restrained, way in which the knotting happens. On the whole, this did not give the impression of too shallow a romance; Mrs Rider had set modest goals, and she exceeded them. End of story.

[Alina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've noticed lately that I haven't been much into werewolf stories for some reason, but 'Hunter Omega' renewed my interest. I loved the dynamic between the two main characters and found myself immersed in their world and pack. I was really intrigued by the many pack members, we were introduced to, but I do feel like we needed more explaination on how their world worked. I'm hoping that this will be a series, even if only another book or two to get a chance to dive even more into this pack, and the characters in this novel, as I feel this book had only touched the surface. I felt a little unsatisfied, but still wound up enjoying this book and would recommend.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gay werewolf/human story. Of course it's about finding your mate. Two childhood friends reconnect. They each had a crush on the other but failure to communicate creates problems for both. The one twist here is that there's a rogue werewolf causing trouble.
There's a comfortable connection between the two main characters, so their interactions are fun to read.
Typos: vocal chords (should be cords), one or two others whose notes disappeared on my Kindle.

[Shawn Cha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice sweet story

Is it weird that the alphas name is Riley? It seemed a little too feminine for me but overall it was sweet. Riley is an Alpha werewolf who has been in love with Seth since forever. Seth has loved Riley but due to chasing down a werewolf who wants to mate with him he meets Riley again. Riley regretted not kissing Seth that night and over a course of 4 days they already say I love you to each other. It was just ok for me

[Elizabeth I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read by Liv Rider.

I love the way this author writes. Their stories grab you and pull you in. I'm always sad when their books end because I miss the characters immediately and want to know more about their lives. This book was no exception. I was so happy when I found this book, I thought I had already read them all.😊

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, fun, and enjoyable

Different, fun, and enjoyable! Really enjoyed this story, mystery, love, and comedy, but also sweet and with just enough angst

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75*

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review will be submitted at Love bytes Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited
Very enjoyable quick read with adorable characters

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was somewhere between a "like" and a "really like" for me, leaning more toward a four star than a three star review. One thing I really liked was the Supernatural-hunter vibe--I love the whole mindset and paraphernalia of dealing with the evils of the supernatural. For those who like those stories there is also the stalker angle, the ex who smothered you during the relationship and won't let go afterwards. The werewolf part itself was pretty much standard fare. The alpha/omega dynamic was NOT an mpreg story but included many of the usual physical components. Front and center is the second chances story of Riley and Seth. Riley chose to let Seth slip away rather than reveal his werewolf nature to him. They kept in touch but Seth has let the contact lapse during the hunt for the evil/stalker werewolf Caleb. There are plenty of episodes of action and drama to keep the story moving along a a quick pace. I liked that Seth had to choose Riley, and all that that meant, all over again. It really made their relationship more solid to me and was a great plot device. I have consistently liked Liv's stuff and wasn't disappointed here.

[Caroline Brand · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEWED FOR LOVE BYTES

3.5 Stars

Hunter Omega is one of those stories that throws you into the action from the beginning. I felt as though I was missing a bit of the back story during the first few chapters, in fact I actually checked to make sure I wasn’t reading part of a series and that I had missed the beginning of Riley and Seth’s story in a previous book. It does become clearer a bit further on when you realise that Seth and Riley, who were childhood best friends, were also mates but Seth knew nothing about werewolves and Riley was too scared to tell him.

Roll forward a few years and Seth has finished college but that isn’t the only knowledge he has gained; he is now more than aware of werewolves because he ended up dating a bad one and getting attacked. He is armed to the hilt with everything silver and returning to his home town to try and kill a rogue that is going round attacking people. Of course he runs into his old friend and crush Riley who has remained in town because that’s where his pack is, of course old feelings still run deep and of course there is no way Riley can continue without letting Seth know who and what he is. That little piece of information goes down like a lead balloon as Seth sees all werewolves as monsters and it leaves him struggling with the question of how he can be in love with one.

Seth has devoted everything for the last few months of his life to tracking down the rogue that he is left blindsided by his strong feelings for Riley when they are finally back in each other’s lives. This is further compounded when he is attacked once again and this attack looks set to change everything he knows and believes in and leaves him struggling with what he wants and what he believes. Riley is being pulled strongly towards Seth as his wolf recognises his mate and wants to claim him but he is an absolute gent and gives Seth the time and space he needs. Once Seth admits he wants him though all bets are off and this author can write hot steam! I really enjoyed my first book by Liv Tyler and I look forward to reading more from this author.

[~nikki the recovering book addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually very good...

[Jennifer Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy hell. I couldn't put the book down and lost sleep because of it. So worth it though. Loved the characters and the story. Full review to go up on The Novel Approach.

[Ari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that their love was so strong. 3.5 stars!

[Sarah L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of cute, but it really didn't give me everything I want in a shifter novel. I wouldn't reread it, but I'm not upset that I did read it.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Werewolves and hunters; old but interesting

A sweet story that manages to work on taking the pain of a past relationship and working it towards a hopeful future.

Seth has had a rough year, starting with a relationship that became controlling and abusive, and spiralling when that relationship turned out to be with a werewolf hellbent on changing and controlling him. Seth survived an attack and has since been hunting his ex down. When he ends up in his old hometown, meeting up with his childhood crush, he worries he is too changed and broken. Riley, Seth's crush, is thrilled at Seth's return but trying to figure out how to tell Seth that he's a werewolf. The two worlds quickly collide.

Seth is struggling to adapt to a major life change. Since it has been an encounter with the supernatural, he didn't exactly have great resources. Cops and paramedics thought he was just an exhausted college student who saw things. The only person who did believe him, a hunter, taught him that werewolves were monsters that only lead to death. He can be forgiven for thinking that all weres are monsters, what with his own attack and the teaching he received. Watching him find out about Riley is sad but understandable. He is very relatable as he has his life go through yet another change, trying to make up his mind as he learns new information.

Riley ha s always tried to protect Seth. This continues when Seth comes back into town, trying to keep him from the rogue. It also keeps him from seeing that Seth could handle more, and that Seth could be involved. He has to rework his own life image, though his is so hopeful that now Seth can truly be with him. Letting Seth make his own decisions while having all available information is hard on him, but he wants that for Seth, and it makes them a good match.

The story is sweet and I would love if there was ever a follow up in this world. A really fascinating idea was set forth near the end of the story and I would love to see that continued. Otherwise, this was an interesting werewolf story with a couple I really eenjoyed