A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Sam Hall

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Growing up, I had nothing but my good grades and them: the Vanguard brothers.

They are the golden boys of our school, destined to be the alphas of our pack. They’re possessive, scaring away everyone else who might get close to me—until the night of their first shift. I’d been told over and over I could never be their mate, but the boy’s wolves had other ideas….

So, I’m whisked away, told to forget them—and I do, right up until they walk in through my door, telling me all the things I’d secretly dreamed of: that I’m their fated mate and that they refuse to settle for anyone else. But I’m forced to push them away.

Why? Because their parents were right to send me away. I’ll never be what they need me to be, but these guys? Back then, they never knew how to take no for an answer, and now they’re coming for me, whether I’m ready or not.

A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Australian Wolf Shifters!

Five Alphas, One Beta, and a Seven-Year Wait — A Steamy, Frustrating Omegaverse Reunion

If you’re into Australian wolf shifters, tangled pack politics, and slow-burn second chances, this standalone from Sam Hall’s omegaverse series delivers a compelling setup — even if the execution occasionally howls off-key.

The worldbuilding is classic omegaverse: alphas rule, omegas are revered, and betas? They’re the overlooked middle class — shifters who can’t shift, relegated to servitude and silence. Identity is revealed at puberty, but the first shift doesn’t happen until near adulthood, adding a layer of tension to every teenage friendship.

Enter Riley, a beta with brains, ambition, and heartbreak baked into her bones. She’s grown up inseparable from the five Vanguard brothers — sons of the pack alphas, protectors, best friends, and the boys she’s secretly loved. But once they shift and discover they’re alphas, the pack’s rigid hierarchy slams into Riley’s reality: betas don’t get alphas. Especially not these five. Especially not when three pack omegas are waiting to go into heat and claim them.

Riley’s response? Escape. She heads to college, determined to carve out a future in medical research, studying the very dynamics that broke her heart. It’s a smart twist — her academic curiosity mirrors her emotional wounds, and her desire to understand mating bonds feels both personal and profound.

Seven years pass. The guys shift, search for omegas, and fail to bond with anyone. Then they show up in Riley’s lab, volunteering for her study — and for a second chance. It’s a juicy setup, but the seven-year gap feels more like a plot device than organic growth. The fact that it took them that long (and a parade of failed dates) to realize Riley was their one? Frustrating. Especially since she’s still emotionally stuck, afraid they’ll choose someone else again.

The reverse harem dynamic is steamy but crowded. Five alphas is a lot, and while their devotion is sweet, it’s hard to connect deeply with each one. Riley’s hesitation — though understandable — drags a bit too long once the guys make their intentions clear.

Narration by Sofia Lette and Rupert Channing is a highlight. Their Australian accents add texture and charm, and they bring emotional depth to both the intimate and action-packed scenes. I’ve enjoyed them in other Sam Hall titles, and they don’t disappoint here.

Sam Hall’s writing remains engaging, with well-developed characters, sizzling chemistry, and a world that invites exploration. While this book didn’t fully satisfy my reverse harem preferences (four is my sweet spot), I’m still intrigued by the series and plan to check out more standalones set in this universe.

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