Rave Romance Review

Everyone knows JR Ward is one of the best-known paranormal authors out there. Talented and clever, she creates unforgettable characters that never fail to deliver. While I’m not personally a big fan of vampires—which do feature in a lot of her work—I loved the Fallen Angel series with the construction working angel, the great ‘dog’ character and the demon with a lipstick obsession talking to her therapist. Great fun! Just the right mix of humor and danger. Oh and sexual tension. Can’t forget that.

Claimed – Book 1

Anyway, I was delighted to discover that her new book Claimed – Book 1 – The Lair of the Wolven is about wolves in the Adirondack mountains!  It was a real kick that the story had so much in common with the Rabbit River Saga! What can I say? Brilliant minds think alike…

Of course, that’s where the similarities ended, so they’re not really that similar at all. Except for the labs. But shhh… Don’t mention the labs!

Anyway about the book. Claimed is the first book in her new series and I sincerely hope she is busily working on book 2, because all I can say (no spoilers here) is that enquiring minds need to know. But true to form, Claimed introduces great characters and gives us glimpses of familiar figures— for those who have read her Black Dagger Brotherhood series, which is always great fun.

Mystery, Danger & Romance…

The book has a very well-developed central mystery, as well as some very intriguing side dilemmas, romance, danger and more plot twists than the switchbacks along Pacific Coast Highway 101. This one literally kept me guessing until the very end, and as an author familiar with all kinds of plot devices, that almost never happens.

I loved the male character, Daniel, with his quiet intensity— truly a case of still waters run deep. And of course, he’s totally hot, which never hurts. Don’t even get me started on Lydia. Smart, determined and a fellow wolf lover. Need I say more?

As things heat up, danger seems to be lurking around every corner. Lydia, our female lead, finds herself in charge of the wolf study program. Somehow she must solve the mystery of who is endangering the wolves, and why the program is suddenly in such dire straits. But when danger targets her personally, things really get dicey. And what about Daniel, the study program’s newest employee? Is Mr. Tall, Dark and Mysterious truly who he seems to be? Or is he hiding something?

Also Available on Audio

I listened to this on audio, as I often do. I’m not generally a fan of the single male narrator for romance. Usually, they have trouble with the female voices, making the women sound strange and/or flat in dialogue. Or even stupid. Now that’s not the case with this book. Jim Frangione is an excellent narrator. I did think his somewhat staccato style impacted the flow of the story (for me anyway) and lessoned the impact of Ward’s beautiful prose, which is quite noteworthy. And because he does the male and female voices so similarly, it is sometimes difficult to tell who’s talking. But only sometimes. It in no way makes the book unlistenable. If you are an audiobook listener, do try the sample. I really enjoyed it in spite of those two minor complaints, and I have found most people are less picky than I am.

So definitely a Rave Romance Review for this one. Now I know what you’re thinking. “But Elyce, what happens?” Probably you already know what I’m going to say.

I’m not going to tell you that! You have to read the book for that. So check it out, people. An excellent paranormal romance. Can’t wait for book 2. Bring it on!

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