Title: Claimed
Series: Outlaws #1
Author: Elle Kennedy
Release Date: October 6, 2015
The bestselling author of the Killer Instincts novels “knows how to write scorching sexual tension” (USA Today). Now she really sets it on fire in a new series about men and women living on the edge of violence, sex, and life and death.
After a devastating war decimated most of the world, Hudson Lane has only known the oppressive life under her own father’s tyranny. She finally escapes, branding herself an outlaw and hunted by the Enforcers. Her best chance at survival is Connor Mackenzie, an aggressively sensual fugitive who opens her eyes to the wicked possibilities of a world without rules.
As the leader of a band of outlaw fighters, Connor can’t resist the beautiful stranger who asks for his protection. Despite his reservations, he agrees to introduce her to a whole new way of life. But when Connor discovers Hudson’s connection to the enemies of liberty, he wonders how far he can trust the woman who has abandoned all inhibitions to challenge every forbidden desire.
The world is different but love and desire still thrive…
“He hadn’t asked to be in charge, and he resented his men for placing this much faith in him.”
Connor MacKenzie is a natural born leader. Decades after the world was torn apart, decimated by war and bombing, he is an Outlaws leader. He might not like it but there it was. While the cities are inhabited, they are tightly controlled and Enforcers patrol the colonies and the outlying areas for anyone fighting against their “government”. Forced to move constantly, staying one step ahead, they forge no new ties except for the ones already made. Rylan, Pike, Xander and Kade look up to Connor and together they are a band of brothers. Until the woman showed up…
“Because the woman was tough as nails – Connor could see it just by looking at her.”
Hudson Lane was on the run and forced to hide her real identity for her own safety. Stumbling onto a bar with the unlikely history of being a morgue was good luck she never even hoped for. Meeting Connor and his group had Hudson on a mission to join them. But first she had to ensure they trusted her.
“Because she wasn’t an Enforcer. She was a nurse, and she helped people. She was a good person, damn it.”
After a bit of a slow start, the characters seemed to find their groove and really bring the story to life. A post-apocalyptic world is not a new idea but Hudson and Connor, the whole band of brothers and their friends, brought a unique flavor and spin to the story.
The heat between Hudson and Connor was unmistakable, though at first I wasn’t too sure where this attraction was going. Things are different in this new world where “living in the moment” takes on new meaning, and the concepts of sex and love are more elemental.
“No shame, no fear, just people letting go of their inhibitions and giving in to…everything.”
And there were a lot of moments where hesitation, if there was any at all, was thrown right out the window. The sex is intense, raw and even better when feelings and emotions were involved. And where there is love and uncertainty, there are misunderstandings; unfortunately, in this new reality, bad choices could mean the difference between life and death.
The camaraderie and loyalty between the Outlaws, Honor and their circle of friends became more apparent as threats to one of their own brought out everyone’s protective instincts. I loved the humor, the heat and the story that is far from over. While Connor and Hudson have their HEA (yeah!) I can’t wait for the rest of the ‘boys’ to get their stories. I hope Rylan is next. Oh wait, Pike. Definitely, Pike. Or maybe….
~ Review by Diane
I thought I had my blushing game down until Claimed came along, but now blushing has taken on a whole new meaning. Not only was I sporting a cheek blush, I experienced a whole body blush while reading this deliciously gritty and hotter-than-sin novel.
Did I mention how panty drenching it is? It's worth mentioning twice. Those sexy outlaws will have you panting for more while simultaneously begging them to stop. Not only are the men absolutely edible but Hudson, dear sweet Hudson, learned how to not be so sweet. Hudson will manage to make you think thoughts you've never thought before. Ever thought about switching sides? You will now.
Even with all the sexy, very sexy and extremely sexiness aside—Elle Kennedy wrote an actual story worth reading. There was suspense, thrill, humor, and loss. There was so much companionship and beauty in their darkness. While they were living in a time where their society was extremely controlled, they found freedom. The story kept me turning pages and while the sultry vibes kept me light-headed and craving more. This book is the total package!
~ Review by Kelly
A USA Today bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
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