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“Conditioned to hate him but I can’t stop craving him.”

On the verge of bloodlust, vampire Sorley breaks into wolf shifter Gethin’s home. Gethin, who’s been indoctrinated to avoid and even despise bloodsuckers, wants to turn him over to higher ups in the Evergreen Council and forget about him. If only it were that simple! Sorley seems to be a victim of a mysterious attack, pinging Gethin’s protective instincts. He’s also devastatingly gorgeous, and Gethin is thrown by the attraction. As a wolf he has no business getting entangled with an immortal malevampire. Even if they give in to their desire, it can only ever be a fling.

Sorley just wants to go home and bury his pretty head in the proverbial sand, but however much he hates it, he needs Gethin’s help. He might even get some benefits out of the deal. The infuriating, furry hunk of a shifter has kind eyes, and his scent is unexpectedly delicious. He also, curiously, makes Sorley feel safe. But Sorley is definitely not developing any feelings for the man. That would be absurd.

When it becomes apparent Sorley is not the only victim of an unknown assailant, the entire Council must pull together to stop the attacks. Egos clash as tension rises, and you could even say there’s a lot at stake.

Claw’d is the second book in the Evergreen Council series, featuring a chaotic mess of a gay vampire and the closeted, long-suffering, wolf-shifter charged with keeping him safe. HEA. Can be read as standalone.

482 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2023

32 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

Vin George

7 books63 followers
Vin George is a queer author of contemporary and paranormal MM romance.

He lives in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands with a long-suffering spouse and their teenage offspring.

Vin is powered by caffeine, and is a slave to the voices in their head, which he tries – with the help of said caffeine – to turn into books.

Vin’s pronouns are they/them and he/him.

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5 stars
84 (60%)
4 stars
32 (23%)
3 stars
17 (12%)
2 stars
5 (3%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
1,304 reviews33 followers
January 31, 2024
Good. These books are better than the blurbs suggest. Going to read book 1 soon. Book 2 alludes to much that happened in book 1, and sort of ?spoils? it? Not that I care.

These are thorough good quality paranormal romances. Very British.

...and I'm rereading it having only recently finished it 5 weeks ago. I read Fang'd, the first book, and then somehow had to move right on to this book again. I am enjoying the reread.
2,866 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2023
excellent storytelling with one quibble

Rating: 4.5🌈

Claw’d (Evergreen Council Book 2) by Vin George is the only book I’ve read in the series. I rarely agree when it’s stated in a description that a book in a series can be read as a standalone because it always turns out that so much information and universe building is missing. But here, I felt that I was on fairly solid ground with the world I entered into, and the characters the author had created.

Am I going back and picking up the first book? Yes. Do I feel it’s necessary for this one? No.

George has a large cast of characters already in place as the story starts. It’s a universe of paranormal beings that live along side human beings who are unaware of them.

Evergreen Council, a new governing group of shifters, vampires, Fae, etc, working together to police their own, is something I believe might have happened in book one.

But we meet a disheveled, broken vampire, Sorley, who’s been arrested for breaking into a house of a wolf shifter. Gethin, the wolf who happens to work for the Evergreen Council, and upon his questioning of Sorley in the Council’s jail, realizes that something is seriously wrong.

This initial encounter sets in motion an investigation that continues throughout the story, bringing together multiple paranormal races and characters as more incidents and horrifying events happen.

I particularly enjoyed how George developed the relationship between Sorley and Gethin, two complicated characters who have a prejudice towards each other’s race. The author builds barriers between them only to then explore their own experiences, reveal their long histories, and make their own decisions to form a new bond with each other.

It’s well defined, somewhat torturous path, very emotional, and well thought out.

Both Sorley and Gethin have their own friends and families that push/pull them through the difficult decision making process of these events. Whether it’s the newly forming relationship, or the investigation, there is multiple voices and pressures impinging upon them.

One issue? That’s a supporting character that’s been abducted, sexually assaulted (off page) , then and released. His reaction to being kidnapped and assaulted is, imo, underplayed. He’s traumatized and yet it doesn’t translate into emotion as do other victims. That’s a failure in the story and more, imo. FYI.

It’s been a while since I’d read Vin George and now, based on the excellent work here in Claw’d, I’ll be going back to pick up Fang’d. There’s so many great elements here that carry through beautifully. Fine details, and still there is some interesting questions left over for the author to make the reader think about going forward.

I can’t wait to see what happens next. A definite recommendation for lovers of paranormal fiction and romance.

Evergreen Council:
- [ ] Fang’d #1
- [x] Claw’d #2
Profile Image for Rannveig.
83 reviews1 follower
December 11, 2023
Paranormal romance with shifters is a genre I like to read. Add the fact that it also includes vampires and suspence and you have the mix for a perfect story and Vin George does not disappoint.

The world building is amazing, both for the actual world and for the characters. There's a debth to especially the main characters that reveals throughout the story. Layer by layer you get to understand them and the reason for them to act the way they do. Sorley and Gethin have a lot to overcome to find their HEA and the twists and turns made the book really hard to put down.

The side characters need need a paragraph of their own - I very seldom like books with many side characters because they steal the focus from the main characters. Not so in this book. They have their little stories going on next to the main story, and there's even development for them between book 1 and book 2 in the series.

Claw'd is spicy, full of heat, lot's of banter, vampires, and delicious Bristish humor and language. You might also get a book hangover, I definitely did.

The book can be read as a standalone, but to get the full experience of the world building should book 1 Fang'd be read first.

I received and ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Fearne Hill.
Author 28 books348 followers
Want to read
January 2, 2024
This was worth the wait, lovely Vin George!! If vampire and shifters are your thing, then look no further, because Vin makes these characters sexy, hot and with a nuanced plot. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Olivia Ganzenmuller.
435 reviews
September 22, 2024
I liked the investigation and the satisfying injury tropes, but the slow pacing dragged it for me personally, but not a bad book.

How much did I like it? 3 Stars
Ideas - World Building: 4 Stars
Ideas - Plot: 4 Stars
Emotional highs and lows: Above Average
Character Depth: 4.5 Stars
Character interactions: Above Average
Animal Characterisation: minimal
Non-human Characterisation: n/a
Content Warning: explicit sex scenes
Execution: 5 Stars
Profile Image for Kate.
225 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2024
This book was just long and too slow and then when it finally wrapped up it was anticlimactic. It took me days to read it which is really unusual because i just could not get into it. Sorley was not an engaging character and I really could not understand why anyone would stalk him.
370 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2024
The plot was interesting and the writing was decent but the placing was awful.
The book was 200 pages longer than it should be and the unnecessary elaborations bored me to death. It was a pain to finish.
Profile Image for Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡.
1,555 reviews104 followers
November 29, 2023
"I can't bear the thought of anyone else even breathing on you, let alone falling in love with you. You're mine Princess."

I read the first book in the series, Fang’d, a little over a year ago so it took me a bit to get back into the world and remember who everyone was, apart from Charley - There is no way anyone can forget such a memorable MC as him. There was a lot going on in Claw'd. The MCs are another unusual interspecies pairing where someone with vampirism falls for a shifter wolf. It's unusual because wolves tend to smell awful to vampires which in turn leads to them to avoiding shifters for the most part. The exception, it seems, is for mates.

Gethin and Sorley's meet cute was definitely not one you'd brag about to your friends. In fact, poor Sorley wasn't even in his right mind at the time. Thank goodness the house he chose to break into was owned by Gethin, who works for the council, or the entire book could have turned out very differently. It wouldn't be illegal for a someone in the supernatural community to protect their home from an intruder with lethal force if necessary.

These two had a lot of hurdles to overcome in order to get their HEA, and I'm not just talking about the fact that Sorley was the victim of some deranged stalker who seems to not be done with their plans. There were long standing prejudices, self-esteem issues, and even an old unrequited love. The one place these two definitely did not have any issues was the bedroom. This book was steamy AF, which made me one happy reader on that front.


"You look so pretty impaled on my cock."


I enjoyed meeting a lot of the side characters in this book. Alexander was a favorite and I truly hope he has his own book in this series. He's just so kind. I want him to have someone who appreciates him for who he is, even if he insists he's happy alone. I'll also tell you this book was long. Like I said there was a lot going on, though I'll be honest and say I do think this could have been a bit shorter without compromising the story. But I'm no author so what the hell do I know. I still loved the book and enjoyed seeing Gethin and Sorley get the HEA they worked so hard to attain.
1,034 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2023
So worth the wait!! This gripping, action-filled enemies-to-lovers romance brings together two very unlikely fated mates as they desperately try to catch a dangerous psycho who’s going after supes and humans alike. Gethin is thrust into the role of protector to Sorley, and they immediately have such great chemistry, even though their first meeting is not exactly meet-cute material. They are an age-gap couple, though with the great shifter genes and the vampire’s immortality, that plays out differently than that trope usually does.
Gethin is a wonderful, protective, older alpha wolf shifter who is very much closeted at the beginning of the story.
There’s definitely a learning curve for him to go through, when it comes to his prejudices against vampires and even a bit of internalised homophobia, and it’s written so well. I loved his caring nature and the way he is so all-in, once he admits his own feelings. The lengths he is willing to go to for Sorley, and so easily too… love him for it!
Initially, Sorley comes accross as a little bit mean sometimes, and frustrating, a bit speciesist certainly, but most of that is just a front. He is prickly, protecting his vulnerable heart. I loved seeing him fall and start to believe in something real and lasting for him and Gethin.
The writing is compelling, and I loved how each character’s personality shines through in their voice and mannerisms. The worldbuilding is amazing, rich in detail and with so much potential for new stories. There’s such a brilliant cast of fascinating characters, hints at intriguing politics and cultural differences. The secondary characters are all great, especially Charley, and I can’t wait to read more about all of them. Dalziel and Alec really stand out to me, but Edwin seems in need of a story of his own too. Fingers crossed!
Profile Image for DMCechak.
1,792 reviews26 followers
December 15, 2023
Claw’d - Princess & Puppy

“I’m happy. Like, really full to the brim of happy. I never considered I’d ever want someone to grow old—” He laughed, “—to grow as a person with, but now you’re here, and I’m here with you, and I know you love me, and…Gethin, I am really sh!t at explaining stuff at times but I love you more than I know how to put into words and it seems like my entire body might just burst from how I feel about you and mmmfffph—”

After waiting for the second book in Vin George’s Evergreen Council series, I can very happily share that the wait was so very much worth it!!!! Claw’d moves ahead from book one, Fang’d (also an amazing story that you will want to start with!) and the characters and storyline are just as exciting!

Yes, you are seeing lots of exclamation points because I can heart fully endorse both Vin as a powerful author (in both contemporary and paranormal MM romance) and as an extremely talented relationship author.

Vin knows the way to this reader’s heart through a sense of joy when characters must work toward finding their special one.
Read everything Vin writes!!!
Profile Image for Kitty.
786 reviews16 followers
November 29, 2023
4.5 stars

I was intrigued by this, paranormal isn't usually my thing but there was something about this one that called to me and I was delighted to download it. It's got an awful lot going for it, a strong plot and great worldbuilding.

I loved the writing in this. It somehow has a great style with plenty of one-liners and sarky comments. The author is definitely talented and I enjoy their style very much. I also appreciated the Britishisms in this, it's not something I get to see a lot of and it's great to see familiar language and syntax represented in a realistic way.

I also loved the characterisation. Not only the MCs but all the side characters were clearly drawn and distinct. I loved the interactions and banter between them, and and how their relationship developed.

Definitely go for this if you enjoy books with strong characterisation and plenty of plot.
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,121 reviews
December 15, 2023
Claw’d by Vin George is book 2 in the Evergreen Council series. I had not read book 1, but I am intrigued enough to go back and read it. Sorley, vampire, and Gethin, wolf shifter, meet when Gethin restrains Sorley after he attempted to break into Gethin’s home. They soon come to find out that Sorley had been enchanted and the mystery begins. Sorley and Gethin are fated mates but don’t really know it right away. I found that aspect fascinating. Most fated mates books have the two paranormal creatures knowing the moment that they meet. It definitely gave them time to get to know each other. Sorley was sarcastic and prickly. He pushes people away and Gethin was no exception. Once these two gave in and realized what their attraction meant, they were actually a pretty good match. I am also interested in seeing more from the side characters (James, Edwin, Alec, and Dalziel to name a few). Definitely read the TWs and heed them. This is also a very long book and had an almost a slow burn feeling. There is sex that happens early, but the feelings part is very much a slow burn. It was an enjoyable read!

I received an ARC for my honest review
Profile Image for K-Me.
2,853 reviews
December 15, 2023
I have been biting my nails waiting for this second installment of the series! This is a standalone pairing, but this is such an intricately built fantasy world full of interesting characters that I say start with Fang'd! I cannot even express how much I appreciated that these fated mates did not behave as such in the beginning. Sorley our "break in" vampire was full of bristly banter, and Gethin was kind of just trying to do the right thing. I adored their dynamic and I laughed despite the lurking danger and all the obstacles. These two spice it up but the slower build to romance, was well simply romantic. Ah the things Sorley that finally come out of Sorley's mouth, swoon along with how Gethin can be so protective! Very entertaining story all around and I already have my sights set on someone who needs the next story!
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
December 14, 2023
Claw’d is the second in the Evergreen Council series. I had to do a quick reread of Fang’d just so that my mind was fresh with these characters. Seriously adored Sorley (although I thought he was kinda a jerk in the first book), he really grew on me. Gethin is a wolf shifter and is part of the council. He finds Sorley who is a vampire trying to break into his home going through bloodlust. This sets off a chain of events that sucked me right into the story. Fantastic world building (lots of layers) with a lot of secondary characters, lots of spice, great banter and mystery to solve! If you loved the first book, you’ll love this one even more. The story is engaging and all encompassing, pulled me into it and didn’t let go. Well written!
24 reviews
April 2, 2024
Another one you don't want to end.
Sorely and Grethin meet in the strangest of ways, by Sorely breaking into Grethin's home.

From the start they are attracted to each other but not willing to admit it.

Sorely whilst 300 years old is really a child at heart. One who is hurting and doesn't think he is worthy of anyone's love.
Sorely is also a diva, a brat of the highest order and an absolute gobshite.

Grethin is much younger in years than Sorely but older in every other way. He is also massively in denial about his sexual orientation.

Will these two polar opposites be able to overcome their issues?
52 reviews
July 19, 2024
Outstanding supernatural romance adventure

I love this series. The cast of supernatural beings continues to expand, and every character feels like they could have an entire book devoted to them.

A lovesick vampire pining over his sire, and an older than he looks closeted shapeshifter have a lot working against them, even before you factor in the machinations of the big bad who is reaking havoc, a threat to both the supernaturals and humans.

There is a love story running through it with plenty of spicy scenes, but there is also a fantastic, engrossing plot full of action and suspense.

Can't wait to read more of this series!
158 reviews1 follower
December 5, 2023
ok, I'll start by saying I loved the first book in this series and have been eagerly awaiting the follow up. With that much build up and anticipation, it's hard to live up to expectations - but this one totally did! Sorley and Gethin are such lovely MCs, both well developed and appealing in their own ways, yet definitely flawed and interesting. The supporting characters are also lots of fun and well developed, and it was nice to see a community among the vamps and how they supported one another. There's a lot of room for new chapters in this series as I was left wanting to learn more about these other characters and their stories (and hopefully HEAs). Yes, the transition from mutual irritation to love was quick, as were certain life-altering decisions, but given how great the rest of the story was I could easily overlook these minor points. Now I can't wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,949 reviews15 followers
December 15, 2023
An excellent lengthy read packed full of a wide variety of intriguing supernatural characters. I haven't read the first book so this certainly works well as a standalone. The MCs were beautifully complicated and really had quite a few hurdles in their way (external and internal), making the HEA very meaningful. There were a lot of other characters deserving of their own book so I can't wait to find out who will be the focus of the next story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
890 reviews4 followers
December 16, 2023
This is only the second book I’ve read by Vin George and I am so thrilled to have found a new author that I love. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Sorley after the first book but he was absolutely brilliant. Enter Gethin and the sparks flew. The unfolding mystery was beautifully written, with so much action, heat and energy. The characters have such depth of emotion and the world building rich. So many things to say but what I’ll tell you is - if you like vampires, shifters and magic you need to read this series. It’s amazing!
Profile Image for Suzanne Irving.
2,739 reviews24 followers
February 4, 2024
More great claws and fangs

More great claws and fangs from Vin George with this story about vampire Sorley breaking into wolf shifter Gethin’s home. Thus begins a tale you will follow with interest but you won’t see this this convoluted plot coming. I didn’t and I can usually figure anything out. I loved how Vin George was able to do this without it feeling like he had just pulled a fast one at the end because it all made sense in hindsight. Isn’t that the way it is in real life? Very enjoyable tale.
270 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2023
This is my first in this series and by this author, and I'm totally in love with this world and characters. It's so refreshing to read Paranormal Fantasy in a British setting and voice, especially one done so well. We've got bits of regional and era-bridging slang and everything and I LOVED that about it. So much snark, and fun, and emotion, and action, I can't remember the last time I highlighted so much brilliant dialogue. Can't wait to go back and read book 1 now.
Profile Image for Beverly.
10 reviews
December 30, 2023
This earns a five⭐ for intricate paranormal world building in a contemporary setting. DO read the books in order! (Fang'd, Evergreen Council Book 1)

MCs are interesting on their own, but secondary characters are intriguing enough you want to know them better. The story line is a mystery involving a stalker with inexplicable talents who targets victims from both the paranormal and mundane communities. So... what's the connection?
Profile Image for ShelfLife.
557 reviews
dnf
April 30, 2024
DNF at 8%. Literally nothing pulled me into this book. By 8%, I didn’t like either character or care about their story. The sudden kiss and then alley sex was just odd and lacked any kind of connection or passion. Or reasoning… I’ve got too many books on my TBR list to stick with something that doesn’t suck me in by the first few chapters.

I read book one. Although I don’t recall anything about it, I must have liked it enough to continue the series. But, alas, it wasn’t meant to be.
Profile Image for Melissa Polk.
Author 10 books70 followers
December 18, 2023
Fabulous. These books are always so very involved--like a whole series in one book but it never feels too long or tedious in the slightest. Took me a bit to warm up to Gethin and Sorely, but I did in the end. I can already imagine the books that might follow with some of the other characters and am super excited about it.
Profile Image for Helen Smith.
449 reviews5 followers
May 17, 2024
Claw'd was a terrific addition to Vin George's Evergreen Council series! The story was filled with mystery, action, romance, and plenty of spice. I enjoyed getting to know MCs Sorley and Gethin, plus a whole host of interesting supporting characters. The universe of this series is well fleshed out, and I look forward to returning via the next book in the series, Teas'd.
Profile Image for Janireadsmm.
154 reviews7 followers
December 9, 2024
Woweee

I absolutely adored the world vin has created, Sorely and Gethin are INCREDIBLE, packed with adventure, brilliant side characters begging for their own books and a love story that just shatters you. I can't wait to read more!
Profile Image for Shannon Joy.
151 reviews
dnf
January 26, 2025
DNF 78%
I wanted to like it. I loved book 1, but these characters seemed a bit flat. There are parts I did really enjoy, and there is some good spice. But now it's dragging so much and I just don't have enough invested in either of these characters to read another 100 pages.
Way too long for me.
Profile Image for IAASA.
548 reviews2 followers
January 5, 2024
It was a good story but it was soooo long and draggged so much! Would have been so much better if some chapters had been cut.
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