Claimed by Elle Kennedy Series: Outlaws,
Published by Signet Publication Date: October 6th 2015
Pages: 368
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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.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from Galley Sites, NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
Claimed is a dystopian setting where war has devastated most of the planet. Basically Utah is the western end of the United States caused by a massive earthquake. The people who survived either live inside of walled cities or are nomads who live in the wasteland. The world is run by a Global Council who sends out Enforcers to keep the nomads in check. Hudson has escaped the city and escaped from a precarious situation. I can’t say more b/c it spoils the plot. She is a survivor, a fighter and definitely not a wimpy female. She recognizes Connor and his band of men as exactly what she needs. She needs protection, a place to stay and some back up.
Hudson and Connor had a lot of chemistry and passion, but I am not sure how I feel about their relationship. Connor is extremely controlling almost to the point that I didn’t like him. I understand being protective and I also understand where it comes from once you get his backstory but at times it was too much. Hudson started out exactly how I like my female MC: stubborn, tough, smart and plenty of backbone. Once sex with Connor was involved, I felt like she changed too much and maybe a little too weak for my liking.
This is an erotic novel so I can’t complain. However, I loved where this storyline was going. I thought it had a ton of potential and it still may in the rest of the series. The sex overwhelmed the storyline at times and I wanted more plot, less sex. I really enjoy Elle Kennedy, but I was a bit disappointed in Outlawed. I do hold out that the rest of the series with expand the storyline. I loved the concept and just wanted more meat to the story.
What I enjoyed about this book was the action, the dystopian society, and the suspense. I say this is a decent start to a series and I have faith in Elle Kennedy for the next book. If you enjoy an erotic suspense set in a post apocalyptic world, pick this one up!
