Forbidden Fruit

Sam Hall brings us a new book in the Wolfverse series, and it touches on a sensitive topic. Plus-sized women are everywhere, but that does not mean that they are portrayed in romance novels, especially as the main character, or portrayed well. I've come across some books where the author doesn't give them the story they deserve, or makes their weight and size something the love interest learns to see past, or ultimately accept "no matter what." Sam? She writes this book in such a way where you can feel Sage's character growth as your own. As someone who would be categorized as a plus-size woman by industry standards, if not borderline, I have felt a lot of the same emotions as Sage in regards to my size, and my stomach. I really appreciate how Sam touched on this, making it authentic and validated, while also making sure the love interests look at Sage like she hung the moon, not even caring if she has a fluffier belly. They want her just as she is right from the start, and it's refreshing.Sage believes she is a beta, something that gets put into question after she meets the guys. Things start to change the more she is around the Lockwood pack, and for a while, she's not sure if she's okay with it. Lucien, Max, Beau, and Tobias help her begin the transition to becoming an omega - their omega - albeit a little on the demanding and pushy side. All while we get visits from Riley and the gang. The guys know their limits and don't push Sage too hard, knowing that ultimately, she is the one who needs to accept her transition, accept their attentions, and accept their desires for her to become their mate. This book is big into consent, and I like that.I do like that the conflict also comes earlier than I was expecting, giving more time for things to play out and be made right.However, there were a couple of phrases I didn't like, "if you do this, I'll stay;" "if you do this, I'll love you forever;" for example. My immediate thought to both was, "you should anyways." Now, I know the particular phrasing was necessary for the plot development, character growth, etc, I just personally am not a fan of the way it sounds. I was really mad at one of the characters when it was said the first time, but don't worry, he made up for it!The ending? I'm applauding Sage. Her character growth to who she ended up becoming by the end of the book is phenomenal.