CLAIMED (Outlaws #1) by Elle Kennedy-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 6, 2015

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.

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REVIEW: CLAIMED is the first installment in Elle Kennedy’s adult, post-apocalyptic/dystopian Outlaws erotica, romance series. This is Outlaw leader Connor Mackenzie, and nurse Hudson Lane’s storyline.

NOTE: CLAIMED contains scenes of M/F and M/F/M sexual situations and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from dual third person perspectives CLAIMED focuses on the post-apocalyptic USA where the country is now divided into a number of respective territories without government control. There are various factions of bandits, enforcers, outlaws, and the people from the city. Life on the outside is hard; there are no laws, no law enforcement, and death is often the better option.

Hudson Lane is on the run and needs protection-enter Connor Mackenzie-leader of the local Outlaws-and the man who would break Hudson’s heart. Connor is a reluctant leader but a man who commands and demands the respect of the small band of Outlaws he oversees and controls, and with it comes the decision making that could make or break the cohesiveness of their small family unit. When Hudson asks for help, Connor demands something in return and Hudson is willing to give Connor what he wants to ensure her future protection. Connor is a man whose past is dark; he has lost everything to the enforcers, and with it comes betrayal, distrust and a heavy heart. Our hero is on a mission, and he isn’t afraid to use whatever means necessary to get what he wants.

CLAIMED has a large cast of secondary and supporting colorful, charismatic, animated and energetic characters-an ensemble storyline with graphic and aggressive sexual situations, dystopian style lawlessness, and a barter system where nothing is for free and payment can be whatever the seller demands. We are introduced to Connor’s band of Outlaws: Rylan, Pike, Xander and Kade; as well as several different factions of Outlaws, bandits and people who go it alone. Connor’s Outlaws are the epitome of sexually aggressive alpha males who make no excuses for their wants and needs.

The world building focuses on the lawlessness of the Global Council’s control where the self appointed people in charge are evil, dangerous and not afraid to destroy everyone who questions their controlling ways. OUTLAWS primary focus in on the area once known as Utah, and with it comes a disturbing scenario about the power and control of people, places and things. Survival is never a guarantee. My only concern is the lack of history and information as to what happened to incur the wrath of a destructive force that all but destroyed what was once the US of A.

As an erotica storyline CLAIMED is heavily weighted in graphically detailed $ex scenes such that the actual story gets lost in the numerous sexual situations; where nothing is off limits; and $ex is often a commodity used to barter for one’s life, a favor or for food. If you have issues with questionable or coerced consent and detailed aggressive $ex scenes, CLAIMED may not be your first choice in reading material. Connor is a man whose initial sexual aggression towards the storyline heroine makes for some dubious acceptance and compliance but in the end Hudson knows what she wants, and she wants Connor all to herself.

CLAIMED is a provocative storyline with a passionate heroine, an intense hero, and a powerful need for revenge and retribution in a world of desolation and pain. The characters are challenging and hopeful; the romance is uncertain and sometimes angry but in the end Connor and Hudson will get their happily ever after but the path is lined with desperation, rejection and pain.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy