A Holiday Arrangement: Arranging Love Book Two by Jacey Davis

An Alpha committed to never having a mate and the fated omega that won't give up on him. Jett knows his mate when he sees him, but Emerson has never forgiven himself for mistakes from his past. Does Emerson have the strength to claim his mate before he is married off to another? A Holiday Arrangement is the second book in the Arranging Love series.

From the blurb:

When a strict alpha who never wanted a mate meets a young omega who wants nothing more, they soon discover that fate is inevitable.

Emerson: The only thing I disliked more than crowds was High Society social events. If I could avoid both altogether I’d be happy. But when Orion Strongfire approached me to assist him in recruiting alphas to his cause in fighting for omega rights, I knew it was inevitable. That was how I ended up attending a holiday ball surrounded by the who’s who of society.

If that wasn’t terrible enough, there’s this feisty little omega who captured my attention from the moment I saw him from across the dance floor. I don’t do relationships and I certainly don’t claim mates. Especially not omegas who are way too young for me and the half-brother to my boss. I tried to ignore the attraction, however, when Jett Strongfire cornered me and claimed I was his fated mate, he was nearly impossible to resist.

Jett: Running away from my aunt was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was taking a major risk, but my brother and his husband have been nothing but kind and showed me a whole new world and possibilities I never even considered. But, my first heat is coming–quickly. Orion might be reluctant to approve a mate for me, but I refuse to be a burden for longer than necessary. Besides, it had always been a dream of mine to have a mate of my own. So when it was suggested to use the big holiday ball as a way to meet a potential mate, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.

In my wildest dreams, I never expected someone like Emerson to be the alpha I’d want. He was significantly older than me, stiff, strict and had walls around his walls. And yet— I was drawn to him in a way that was impossible to ignore. Emerson was meant to be my alpha. Now I just need to convince him.

A Holiday Arrangement is book two in the Arranging Love series. Each book features new MCs, and a HEA for the couple, but does have an overarching plot that will continue throughout the series. It is strongly recommended to read the series in order. It features a holiday ball, a secret mission, an older damaged alpha who wants no part of a relationship, and a young omega who’s ready to fight for his fated mate no matter what it takes.

It is an alternate reality omegaverse with adult themes and explicit content. It is not meant for those under 18. While MPreg is possible it does not occur in this book. This is a world where omegas have very little rights and are essentially owned by their alpha guardian or mate. There is also a biological kink element where alphas are biologically inclined towards dominance while omegas are inclined towards submission.

Content warning: societal repression of a group of people, large age gap, dub-con spanking and sexual scenes, rough sexual encounters, binge drinking, and rejected fated mates. Please see book for more a more detailed warning.

SNik's Review:

Second in series (Arranging Love), best if read in order due to world build and overarching plotline. Alpha/omega. Fated mates. Age gap. Light BDSM. Dual POV. 

Luckily, Jett is now under the protection of his powerful half-brother and so he has a choice about how to handle his heats and whether to find a mate. When Emerson and Jett first see each other, there is no denying they are fated mates, but Emerson fears his past and rejects the bond devastating Jett. 

Fate made sure that Emerson and Jett complemented each other, and so the older Alpha could be sweet but also spicy with his younger mate, while Jett was mature and supportive while being patient with Emerson and his doubts. 

I enjoyed that Jett was a feisty omega, no matter the societal norms, and that he was willing to go after what he wanted, but he also respected Emerson’s decisions. 

The underlying secretive goal to help omega rights gives the story a little danger, and I look forward to meeting more supportive characters that allow their omegas to shine.

Rating: 4 Stars

Jacquie's Review:

This started out really strongly for me. There is an ongoing plot, so this really needs to be read as part of the series.

Orion, from book 1, is working with Emerson and several other alphas to improve rights for omegas. They have to do it secretly and very, very carefully because others have tried this before and paid with their lives.

I am all about this plot! The intrigue, the secret meetings, everything all hush-hush. Fantastic! Especially since omegas can't do a thing without a guardian. They can't go out alone, work, they aren't even supposed to have phones; I think.

Jett came from another district, escaping his guardian alpha aunt to come to his half-brother for sanctuary. Orion takes him in and treats him well. He's a great brother to Jett and with Lyric there, Jett has a new family.

Then he meets Emerson, his fated mate.

I loved the initial angst of the rejection and refusal from Emerson to accept Jett. It leads to some steamy times, too.

Then I kinda... didn't like Emerson anymore. This is probably on me, but I preferred the arrangement Jett had with another alpha. I'm glad they are getting their own book. It made sense for the plot, but I wanted more groveling!

Everything else, though, perfect! I cannot wait for Arden's book!

Rating: 4.5 Stars

A Holiday Arrangement is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.