amyreadsitall's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Super raunchy, interesting story that I mentally pictured as a cross between Deadwood and The Walking Dead. I think the only missing element is that I didn't really connect with the characters.
alexisroserichards's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
suey_library's review against another edition
5.0
I have the biggest book boner for anything written from Elle Kennedy at this point. Seriously I was absolutely in love with the Off Campus Series that I obviously had to continue this obsession throughout other series by her. I mean, that is the only logical thing to do. I have to admit when I saw the Outlaw series I couldn't believe my eyes - it is a combination of sci-fi backbone, dystopian atmosphere with the most sexiest of erotic romance to melt your nickers right off your thighs.
Well duh, obviously some of my favorite things? Who doesn't like melting nickers?
Before I dive right into the main characters and the beaver drool worthy chemistry that hits a peak of book porn, I will say something that I loved about this first book is the atmosphere. The overall placement and description to the world, I really enjoyed the backbone. I didn't think it would be possible to balance a dystopian with sci-fi aspects into a romance based novel, but this was done smashingly. Surrounding the characters, Kennedy left nothing short for the imagination - a desolate land, the Outlaws verses the Enforcers in the battle of survival against one another. Enforcers are basically the law, they are what controls the society while the Outlaws are more the resistance, they fuck, drink, raid for supplies and make up their own rules, their own code. It is like a modern day western of sorts. All good things smashed into one genius masterpiece.
With that being said, Conner is an Outlaw, as a matter of fact, he is the leader of his pack and by god this man is delicious. I loved Conner's dominate personality. His brutality, basic primal brute with a callous exterior. He is rough, hard in all the right ways. Then you have Hudson. I was extremely fond of her. When she meets the group she is obviously hiding secrets but is taken with Conner instantly. As the novel continues, she goes from innocence to a more awakened personality, someone meant to stand for something more.
Because of how their personalities clash, there is an intimidate sexual tension build. Conner and Hudson are definitely the perfect clash together. Their push and pull of one another it is squirt worthy. I cannot describe it, Kennedy makes a damn good sex scene. Is it hot in here? Whew. Conner is obviously the dominate, but he allows Hudson to have some level of control, but only when he allows it. Makes their connection very hot to say the least. I loved their chemistry.
Can I also say I was not expecting the sexual encounters to play out the way they had. There is more taboo and lustful things that leaves me begging to be in this world, not even going to lie about that. Which is something I thought was really fun aspect involving the supporting cast. Even though we are more focused on the relationship blossoming between Conner and Hudson, which is steamy delicious, the supporting cast do not take a back seat in all of the action. As a matter of fact, they are all up in the mix. What adds to Conner's dominate sexual hold on Hudson is that he controls their relationship to appease their sexual appetite. In just one sentence of laying down the ground rules, Conner stats simply: 'I call the shots...and that rule extends to the bedroom. I decide how fast we go, what we do, where we do it, who joins us - I have total control.' I mean.... seriously sliding off my chair sweating.
Ultimately I don't know what else to say to encourage picking this series up. At this point Kennedy has me wrapped around her delicate, and creative fingers - please take all my money now, it's yours, I am a slave to your words. Main characters were deliciously presented, the chemistry is off the charts fucking hot, the supporting cast was damn near brilliant, hell for a romance, the world building and dynamics of society boiled into this phenomenal premise was just an amazing read. Plain and simple - perfect masterpiece. But at this point, I expect nothing less than perfection from Elle Kennedy.
Well duh, obviously some of my favorite things? Who doesn't like melting nickers?
Before I dive right into the main characters and the beaver drool worthy chemistry that hits a peak of book porn, I will say something that I loved about this first book is the atmosphere. The overall placement and description to the world, I really enjoyed the backbone. I didn't think it would be possible to balance a dystopian with sci-fi aspects into a romance based novel, but this was done smashingly. Surrounding the characters, Kennedy left nothing short for the imagination - a desolate land, the Outlaws verses the Enforcers in the battle of survival against one another. Enforcers are basically the law, they are what controls the society while the Outlaws are more the resistance, they fuck, drink, raid for supplies and make up their own rules, their own code. It is like a modern day western of sorts. All good things smashed into one genius masterpiece.
With that being said, Conner is an Outlaw, as a matter of fact, he is the leader of his pack and by god this man is delicious. I loved Conner's dominate personality. His brutality, basic primal brute with a callous exterior. He is rough, hard in all the right ways. Then you have Hudson. I was extremely fond of her. When she meets the group she is obviously hiding secrets but is taken with Conner instantly. As the novel continues, she goes from innocence to a more awakened personality, someone meant to stand for something more.
Because of how their personalities clash, there is an intimidate sexual tension build. Conner and Hudson are definitely the perfect clash together. Their push and pull of one another it is squirt worthy. I cannot describe it, Kennedy makes a damn good sex scene. Is it hot in here? Whew. Conner is obviously the dominate, but he allows Hudson to have some level of control, but only when he allows it. Makes their connection very hot to say the least. I loved their chemistry.
Can I also say I was not expecting the sexual encounters to play out the way they had. There is more taboo and lustful things that leaves me begging to be in this world, not even going to lie about that. Which is something I thought was really fun aspect involving the supporting cast. Even though we are more focused on the relationship blossoming between Conner and Hudson, which is steamy delicious, the supporting cast do not take a back seat in all of the action. As a matter of fact, they are all up in the mix. What adds to Conner's dominate sexual hold on Hudson is that he controls their relationship to appease their sexual appetite. In just one sentence of laying down the ground rules, Conner stats simply: 'I call the shots...and that rule extends to the bedroom. I decide how fast we go, what we do, where we do it, who joins us - I have total control.' I mean.... seriously sliding off my chair sweating.
Ultimately I don't know what else to say to encourage picking this series up. At this point Kennedy has me wrapped around her delicate, and creative fingers - please take all my money now, it's yours, I am a slave to your words. Main characters were deliciously presented, the chemistry is off the charts fucking hot, the supporting cast was damn near brilliant, hell for a romance, the world building and dynamics of society boiled into this phenomenal premise was just an amazing read. Plain and simple - perfect masterpiece. But at this point, I expect nothing less than perfection from Elle Kennedy.
jj7twin's review against another edition
5.0
I like this new series. A post apocalyptic war torn world but life is still going on, even with the restrictions placed by the GC. The preview of the future character couples is intriguing and I'm excited to see what happens with Dom. Hopefully he still gets mentioned even though Hudson isn't the central character anymore.
alexperc_92's review
3.0
ooohhhkay this was...good, in a light too sexual way, with me having many questions about shaving, the hard days of the month, STDs and much more...
melissasfandomworld's review against another edition
3.0
When I started this book I definitely wasn't expecting such an intense read. Some parts of this book were a nice surprise but I also had some remarks though. Or well, rather the 1 really and it's the reason as to why I didn't rate this book higher than a 3-star rating.
The reason I rated it with a 3-star rating is basically because of the lack of story-line-depth in the first part of the book and a bit into the second part as well. There was enough of character development present though, but depth in the story-line itself just lacked at first. I feel like this was basically because there was almost non-stop-sex going on. And I'm not exaggerating though; it was like all the time, instead of there being a story-line-developing happening as well, lol. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE sex scenes and especially ones written like this because I have to be honest; it was HOT.. OMFG, THIS WAS JUST HOT AF. But it also got in the way of the story-line development at first and that was a shame, really.
When I was like 60% in it got way better though and from then on, the story developed quite good actually and towards the end it got really exciting and thrilling and I just couldn't stop reading any more until I finished it - I did this in between cooking, getting my hubby from work, spending time with my son.. I was reading every free second I got and took the book with me everywhere I went. It was addictive! I don't know what it is exactly about Elle's writing, and whether or not it's new adult or this adult romance book, she has me hooked when reading her books!
Getting back to the sexiness of this book because I just have to talk about it again; HOT-DAMN! I think this is one of the sexiest books I've ever read! Despite the fact of the sexy times being present a bit too much and therefore getting in the way of a decent development throughout the first part of the book, in particular, I was so hooked on it all, right away. I liked the characters right from the start, so there not being a romance at first but a lot of hot sex, was definitely something I wasn't opposed to hehe.. It just worked for me. I won't go into details but; CAN I BE AN OUTLAW AS WELL AND LIVE WITH CONNOR AND HIS GROUP OF FRIENDS? PRETTY PLEASE?!
I also like it a lot that there's definitely a romance development as well later on when we've gotten to know the characters a bit better. Thanks to the Connor POV available as well, the romance turned out to be quite amazing I think in the end.
This book is a perfect pick though if you're looking for a light read with lots and LOTS of steamy scenes, combined with an addictive writing style. The characters are really likable and the world was really interesting I think, and something I'd definitely want to read more of! I also liked a lot of minor characters and I can't wait really to read more of them as well in the next books.
The reason I rated it with a 3-star rating is basically because of the lack of story-line-depth in the first part of the book and a bit into the second part as well. There was enough of character development present though, but depth in the story-line itself just lacked at first. I feel like this was basically because there was almost non-stop-sex going on. And I'm not exaggerating though; it was like all the time, instead of there being a story-line-developing happening as well, lol. Don't get me wrong; I LOVE sex scenes and especially ones written like this because I have to be honest; it was HOT.. OMFG, THIS WAS JUST HOT AF. But it also got in the way of the story-line development at first and that was a shame, really.
When I was like 60% in it got way better though and from then on, the story developed quite good actually and towards the end it got really exciting and thrilling and I just couldn't stop reading any more until I finished it - I did this in between cooking, getting my hubby from work, spending time with my son.. I was reading every free second I got and took the book with me everywhere I went. It was addictive! I don't know what it is exactly about Elle's writing, and whether or not it's new adult or this adult romance book, she has me hooked when reading her books!
Getting back to the sexiness of this book because I just have to talk about it again; HOT-DAMN! I think this is one of the sexiest books I've ever read! Despite the fact of the sexy times being present a bit too much and therefore getting in the way of a decent development throughout the first part of the book, in particular, I was so hooked on it all, right away. I liked the characters right from the start, so there not being a romance at first but a lot of hot sex, was definitely something I wasn't opposed to hehe.. It just worked for me. I won't go into details but; CAN I BE AN OUTLAW AS WELL AND LIVE WITH CONNOR AND HIS GROUP OF FRIENDS? PRETTY PLEASE?!
I also like it a lot that there's definitely a romance development as well later on when we've gotten to know the characters a bit better. Thanks to the Connor POV available as well, the romance turned out to be quite amazing I think in the end.
This book is a perfect pick though if you're looking for a light read with lots and LOTS of steamy scenes, combined with an addictive writing style. The characters are really likable and the world was really interesting I think, and something I'd definitely want to read more of! I also liked a lot of minor characters and I can't wait really to read more of them as well in the next books.
chroniclesofabookreader's review against another edition
4.0
**4.5 Stars**
A wildly sexy, and darker look into a world that's very different than ours. Ms. Kennedy takes the harshness of a communistic new world and weaves a love story inside of it. A love story of two people on different sides of the line; one out for revenge, and one out for freedom.
Hudson is running for her freedom and away from everything she's ever known. Outside of the city for the first time, she's forced to rely on what little training she has to stay alive. Outlaws and bandits are both protecting their own or fighting for what others have in the bleakness that surrounds them. People that have been forced to hide away for just wanting to be free. There she'll run across Connor with his friends, and having seen their ability to defend, asks for their protection. Hudson was both naive and strong-headed. She's thrust into something she knows nothing about and yet she continues to adapt and fight for what she believes. She's a fighter in every sense of the world; she won't go back to the city, and she won't take no for an answer from Connor.
Connor has never lived in the city. He's only known the destruction and death that can be experienced on the outside. He's lost the things he holds closest to his heart leaving him closed-off, and defensive. Having grown his party to a few men that he protects as they protect him, he's not willing to chance what they have by adding another member. Especially another member who is as addictive and alluring as Hudson. He doesn't trust her, can see that she's not telling them everything, but the effect she has on him is too hard to resist. His heart will break open for this woman, and for the first time he'll be able to just let go.
CLAIMED is highly erotic. In a take-what-you-can-while-you-can world, Hudson will transform sexually into something that rivals her fierceness for survival. With intricate world-building along with a sexy, sweet love story, Ms. Kennedy creates a fascinating apocalyptic-like story. A well-written romance that features many enjoyable characters (that'll leave you wanting their books, too), and a great romance between Hudson and Connor. I can't wait to see where this rag-tag team of misfits will go further into the series.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest opinion**
A wildly sexy, and darker look into a world that's very different than ours. Ms. Kennedy takes the harshness of a communistic new world and weaves a love story inside of it. A love story of two people on different sides of the line; one out for revenge, and one out for freedom.
Hudson is running for her freedom and away from everything she's ever known. Outside of the city for the first time, she's forced to rely on what little training she has to stay alive. Outlaws and bandits are both protecting their own or fighting for what others have in the bleakness that surrounds them. People that have been forced to hide away for just wanting to be free. There she'll run across Connor with his friends, and having seen their ability to defend, asks for their protection. Hudson was both naive and strong-headed. She's thrust into something she knows nothing about and yet she continues to adapt and fight for what she believes. She's a fighter in every sense of the world; she won't go back to the city, and she won't take no for an answer from Connor.
Connor has never lived in the city. He's only known the destruction and death that can be experienced on the outside. He's lost the things he holds closest to his heart leaving him closed-off, and defensive. Having grown his party to a few men that he protects as they protect him, he's not willing to chance what they have by adding another member. Especially another member who is as addictive and alluring as Hudson. He doesn't trust her, can see that she's not telling them everything, but the effect she has on him is too hard to resist. His heart will break open for this woman, and for the first time he'll be able to just let go.
CLAIMED is highly erotic. In a take-what-you-can-while-you-can world, Hudson will transform sexually into something that rivals her fierceness for survival. With intricate world-building along with a sexy, sweet love story, Ms. Kennedy creates a fascinating apocalyptic-like story. A well-written romance that features many enjoyable characters (that'll leave you wanting their books, too), and a great romance between Hudson and Connor. I can't wait to see where this rag-tag team of misfits will go further into the series.
**Received an early copy in exchange for an honest opinion**