Tag Archives: romance

Book Review: Tiger Claimed, by Harper A. Brooks

I received a copy of Harper A. Brooks‘ Tiger Claimed for review from Lady Amber’s Reviews & PR. It was promoed on Sadie’s Spotlight. But more importantly, it is kind of part of my Wolf Marked Reading Challenge (where I’m reading three books titled Wolf Marked); in the sense that my third, and last, Wolf Marked book is second in the Shifters Unleased series, with Tiger Claimed being book one. I was told the books stand alone and, in theory, that means I didn’t need to read Tiger Claimed before diving into Wolf Marked. But I don’t always trust that to be true. So, I went head and read Tiger Claimed before my final Wolf Marked. And while I would normally review them together, I’m posting reviews separately since I don’t actually have a copy of Brooks’ Wolf Marked in hand yet (though I expect to soon). I hope all of that makes as much sense on screen as it does in my head!

Centuries of hate and a legendary love to overcome it all…

One untimely trip to the marketplace makes Cara, a panther shifter, the prime suspect in the king’s murder. The tiger prince is set on seeing her rot in a prison cell, but she’ll do anything to keep her family from starving. Even agree to be imprisoned by the handsome tiger, who’s also her enemy.

Prince Kael is determined to claim vengeance for his father’s murder. He thought he could put his vendetta aside for the ceremonial Hunt, but one whiff of the panther suspect, and his inner tiger becomes unleashed. But in a cruel twist of fate, the magnetic bond he feels with Cara is one he can’t deny. And suddenly, he aches to claim her as his own.

The hatred between tigers and panthers is all their people know. If Kael and Cara follow their hearts, it could mean treason and death. Will they be blinded by the prejudice and sorrow of their pasts or will love finally reign free?

This was fluff—short on plot, depth and world development, high on drama and feels. But sometimes a little fluff is what a body needs. I liked both Cara and Kael. Cara was a strong heroine, self-sacrificing and up front in her beliefs. Kael was an endearing hero, large and imposing but no alpha-a-hole. The reader sees his insecurities and very real desire to do the right thing. True, the ‘love’ is all but instant. The couple goes from strangers…less than strangers (enemies really) to eternal, bonded, loving mates in about two days. And then they manage to undo the snarls of hated, self interest, and racism in seemingly just about as much time. So, maybe there’s not anything approaching believably here. But Brooks does make you feel for the couple and root for their success all the same. Lastly, mine was a ARC copy and might not have had it’s final copy edit, so I can’t comment on editing, but the writing is quite readable. I’m not disappointed to be committed to reading book two.

Book Review: Wolf Marked, by Veronica Douglas

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Veronica Douglas‘ Wolf Marked was promoed on Sadie’s Spotlight. And when I received the book tour packet from Xpresso Tours, it included a free ecopy of the book. Though I didn’t agree to review it for the tour, I did decide to read it. It’s the first book titled Wolf Marked that I am reviewing for my mini Wolf Marked Reading Challenge. I’m reading three books with this same title.

Werewolves are hunting me.

I was just an ordinary girl waiting tables in a small-town bar. I had no idea magic was real. That was, until I backed my car over a werewolf a couple times.

In my defense, the wolf was trying to murder me, and I was all out of mace.

Now I’ve got a cult of rogue wolves on my heels, and the only one who can protect me is Jaxson Laurent—the leader of the Chicago pack.

He suspects I’m special and can’t take his eyes off me, but the problem is—he’s the sworn enemy of my family. Every time we get close it feels like something is going to rip out of my soul, but the heat between us is irresistible.

With danger around every corner and wolves howling in the night, I need to master my magic and stand my ground, or I’ll be dead before the next moon rises.

An action-packed urban fantasy, Wolf Marked features a kick-ass heroine, a dangerous hero, and a steamy slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance.

This story is set in the wider Dragon’s Gift universe created by Linsey Hall, and if you enjoyed the archaeology, history, and daring in her books, this adventure is for you!

Review:
I largely enjoyed this, but thought it was a little unfocused; depending on the back and forwards between Sav and Jax to carry the tension. But I just felt a little whip-lashed between their supposed attraction and overt dislike of one another. I didn’t particularly feel their chemistry. But I liked them both. I liked how independent Sav was and how willing she was to go out on her own. And I liked that Jax was legitimately trying to protect his people and Sav, even if he wanted to strangle her too. I also thought Casey was hilarious and appreciated the abundance of strong female pack members, especially since jealousy over male attention wasn’t included as a plot device.

The book is set in a world created and opened by another author, Linsey Hall apparently. I suppose that makes this a spin-off of a sort and you feel it. Certainly, the death of Jax’s sister felt like it is the plot of another book somewhere. I don’t know if it is, mind you, but it feels like it is. The book is perfectly readable though, just kind of has that spin-off feel.

I found the villain easy to guess and the mystery around Sav is fairly obvious, even if we’re not technically told what it is here in this book. Plus, there’s some annoying repetition in the writing, All in all though, I had fun and will happily read another book in the Magic Side: Wolf Bound series.