A Tainted Claim

The Beholden Duet #2

by Zoey Ellis

He will take what he is owed
And she will not escape him

Ana is determined to put her nights with Maddoc behind her, but one thing becomes clear.

The Alpha outlaw won’t let her go.

Infuriated by Ana’s disobedience, Maddoc uses all his resources to reassert his claim, no matter what violent destruction it causes. But Ana is no longer the Omega she once was.

And as she launches a rebellion of her own, she begins to wield her true power.

Not as a princess or a prize, but as an Omega to an Alpha.

A TAINTED CLAIM is the second and final installment of the Beholden Duet, a fantasy Omegaverse romance that explores justice, punishment, and dark, tainted love. For fans of Alpha anti-heroes and sassy heroines. HEA included. This story features romance and situations of a dark nature.

Genres: Omegaverse, Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Paranormal, Magic, Dark Romance

Kindle Edition

First published July 16, 2020

About the author

Zoey Ellis is a Dark Romance author who unites Omegaverse and Epic Fantasy into intensely primal romances. With her signature blend of high steam, dark angst, and magical worlds, her work satisfies a thriving international community of bold-hearted, antihero lovers.

She lives in London, England, and spends most of her free time with family, collecting pretty fountain pen inks, and wrangling her TBR pile.

Reviews

[⚔Irunía⚔ · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you enjoy reading books that feature weak heroines with no personality and the plot revolving around sex, by all means, welcome on board, don't forget to buckle your seatbelts and 👉👌💤

Ana is a princess but NO ONE, not a single fucking soul in this omegaverse takes her seriously. No wonder, though, she makes a solid impression of being gloriously stupid, incomparably dense and dependent on men. To top it off, she possesses no ability whatsoever to control her sexual urgings. Her body betraying syndrome made it difficult for me to keep my bad girl antics at bay and not cuss out aloud. 🤬

Hero *kills her father*
Heroine *sees it*...
Also heroine *lets the hero fuck her at the tree nearby 5 mins later *

Me *censored*

By the way, later she decides that that the *worst * thing she can do in order to punish our Prince charming is... yeah, stop talking to him! You ass you were supposed to punish him and not make his life so much easier. 🙄

¿¿¿Is this a porn or a kindergarten drama or???

Screw my earlier non toxicity policy()

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the concluding part of this Alpha and Omega duet.
It was fast-paced and well written with some majorly scorching chemistry.
I was an easy page-turner that I read in one sitting and though this was the conclusion of Maddox and Ana’s story I can’t wait to delve more into this fascinating fantasy world maybe with Raine next.
Here Ana finally had her eyes opened in regards to the corrupt houses and her people’s plight.
Though initially resistant she can’t help but realise that what she’s been told all her life has been to keep her in the dark and compliant.
Even Madoc hasn’t been completely honest with her mostly because he wants her to work things out for herself.
When she does finally realise the truth of things she steps up to the plate and embraces Maddoc’s and her future wholeheartedly.
I adored Maddoc getting his thoughts and impressions this time around gave me such an insight into his overall character and also tempered those first initial impressions I had of him.
You really get a sense of who he is and why he has done certain things.
It just brought a more human aspect to him and his whole image.
This entire story taken as a whole is a five-star read and I do think it works better as one novel rather than separated into two parts.
I think it lessens the impact slightly being split up into two.
So yep really enjoyed this one and I’m giving it five stars for the entire experience read back to back rather than separately which would be my preference.
Big thumbs up from my camp.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of A Tainted Claim (Beholden Duet #2)



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I liked it better than the first one. I could see myself upgrading it upon rereading at a later date.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much delicious action and punishment for her betrayal of Maddoc. She created an outright war. This is a fast paced story and a fast read; thankfully because I can't stand long fictional history classes. She had escaped her alpha, Maddoc, and went back to her bethroed. The naive princess was going to marry "the perfect prince" even though he had a plan to overthrow her parents and marry her future children off to powerful men. Maddoc crashed the wedding and killed the traitors, including her father the king, or so she thought. The father had broke the royal promise he gained after saving his life so he simply took his life in return. She gave him the silent treatment to his torment. haha She later realizes that her father was the villain and a horrible king. I really enjoyed these two books, highly recommend.

[Birjis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The conclution part of the Alpha and Omega duet finally brings answers to Ana's overflowing mysteries in life. She struggles to place her feet in a world that is her enemy. A fiancé who has a different agenda and parents who have lied to her throughout her life brings questions in her confrontations with Maddoc.

Ana finally realises the truth/nature of her dynamic, Maddoc is more possessive of her. I love their first intimate scene in this book. I love them rough. 😉 I enjoyed this duet and had amazing time with all the twisted revelations. Now I'm excited that there is another Omegaverse story coming out featuring Raine and Ryden!

[Meredith is a hot mess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun Omegaverse take on Robin Hood

A Tainted Claim starts out where A Savage Debt left off, with Ana & Ryden together. She falsely believes they're fated mates and they're planning their future together. This doesn't last long and a tumultuous set of events brings Ana & Maddoc back together. From there Ana starts to learn the truth about how the Kingdom has been run under her father's rule.

Ryden

I liked Ryden from the beginning. Partly because I immensely disliked King Orrick in book 1, and anyone planning to usurp King Orrick gets a few points in my book. It makes sense to me Ryden would have ambition for the throne and would try to rescue Ana from the situation she was forced in A Savage Debt, even if Ana is ultimately being used by Ryden as well.

Speaking of King Orrick,

I just have to say it: I have no respect for him. No one has really talked about this in reviews, but it still blows my mind that the King allowed his daughter to fulfill "The Royal Promise" in such a way, basically whoring her out with the hopes to maintain peace across the kingdom. *shakes head* I actually think Maddoc was showing the King's true colors by propositioning the King is such a way and essentially manipulating him. I was afraid the author would try to make King Orrick a sympathetic character in this installment, but she didn't.

Maddoc

I really enjoyed learning his backstory and his true motivations. At times (especially in the beginning) Maddoc seemed immensely cruel. He's an Alpha that does not make idle threats and takes what he wants without apology...but his noble side came out as well.

I also liked getting to see Ana come into her own and witness her growth.

I think Raine might be my favorite FMC in this world and I'm very much looking forward to her story. I can't wait for the origin story as well.

All in all this was a very enjoyable fairytalesque Omegaverse. I'm really liking these fairytale Omegaverses and hope to read more.



Quick notes for myself :)

I saw an improvement in dialogue and inner povs in this book vs. book 1. There wasn't too much telling or exposition in the dialogue. It felt authentic for all the characters. I know I criticized the use of modern curse words in the first book, but I changed my mind. I think curse words are fine within a historical setting..what I loved in this book was getting to see the regional dialect from Maddoc's people. Inner povs seemed authentic as well. Action vs. telling issue was balanced well.

*I think this is partially because this is book #2. I think this author still needs to watch exposition in dialogue when beginning stories and setting the scene.

Loved loved loved the Robin Hood theme. I'm really enjoying this trend of fairytale Omegaverses that I'm seeing. I'm going to read L.V. Lane's Omegaverse Cinderella story next. I also really like the medieval setting and hope more authors write Omegaverse using a medieval fantasy setting. At this point the market is oversaturated with reverse harem science fiction dystopians. I'm putting off the Reign trilogy because I know after i finish it, that's it. No more medieval fantasy Omegaverses will be left for me to read.

[Zoey Ellis]

The Beholden Duet is complete!

AMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | GOOGLE PLAY | KOBO | NOOK



“Stop trying to make this about me!” Her voice sounded shrill in her ears but she didn’t care. “All you want to do is turn this entire kingdom to chaos and upend the royal structure. You want everyone to be at the mercy of you and your men. I want no part of it.”

“It has always been about you.” Maddoc hooked his hand under her thigh and lifted her leg. “You have no choice, Princess.”

The conclusion of this Omegaverse Fantasy Romance duet is available now!

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review at book 1

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 4 out of 5]

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing finish

The book carried on immediately where the first book, A Savage Debt, ended. I couldn’t wait to read this book and I was not disappointed.
The chemistry between them is hot, This was a good Omegaverse fairytale romance.
I can’t wait for your next release! Super amazing book with an incredible story. Loved it...Five star

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd hoped that book 2 would answer the questions book 1 left and redeem all the non chemistry. It didn't. I just forgot why I cared about the answers in the first place.

[Annica ⚡️ annica_reads_books ⚡️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure if I’d read this book, but I ended up feeling curious and decided to read it. But, the writing didn’t improve, and I ended up skimming in some spots because it dragged. Bummer.

[Kristy Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picked up right where the last book ended. It moved along pretty quickly and I liked that we had some chapters from Maddoc’s POV. It was nice getting into his head.

I ended up not liking him again for a portion of this book. But again, I liked that Ana fought back in her way. And in the end he grew on me.

One thing that didn’t sit well with me though, was the beginning of the first book. He undressed her in front of the window for everyone to see. But in this book he has been pining for her for 5 years. With how possessive and territorial Alpha’s are with their mates, I just didn’t think that part fit his character. I don’t think he would want everyone to see her. I didn’t like it when it happened, but I also thought she meant nothing to him at the time, so it was more acceptable I guess. But knowing that even then, he knew she was his mate, it makes that scene worse and out of character for an Alpha mate.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s finally here, the end of the tale of our MC’s, Maddoc and Ana. It’s almost bittersweet — as every story you fall in love with is. You’ve come to enjoy spending time with our heroes, that you don’t want to say goodbye to them.

As always, Zoey does a phenomenal job of closing the door on this tale. I’m excited to see what else is on the horizon, because she’s become one of my all-time favorite authors and I seem to fall for every book she has written.

*I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Lisa Rae Roman]

DNF @ 51% I cannot get past what H allowed to happen to the people at the farm just to prove a point to our heroine—who also did nothing to stop it

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.... wow. Ana rides away with Rydan , her fated mate in the first book. Leaving Maddoc to discover that she has left him, and fury engulfed him. In this book, Maddoc and Ana are united again but under an Alpha anger that seeks to get back what is rightfully his.

What did I like? This author is amazing... when the beholden debt came out it captured my attention, after reading it I was ensnared. Thank god this one is a duet...I’m not sure I could stand another cliffhanger. Maddoc was extremely possessive over Ana, and Ana soon realizes that she doesn’t respond to anyone like she does Maddoc. I couldn’t put this one down, and read it in one sitting. Maddoc and Ana will have you on the edge of your seat, this series is unique but like her other omega series.

Would I recommend or buy? Best compliment you can pay an author is to buy their book. I got a copy, wish it had been a paper copy but looks like they’re not out yet. Loved both books and I can’t wait for more. If you love omegaverse then this is an amazing one, or if your new to this author, and like alpha men then this is a great book. Omegaverse is not for everyone, the concept has non consensual stuff in it but the dynamic omega always submit to their alpha.

Thoughts for the author? I can’t wait for your next release! Super amazing book with an incredible story. Loved it...Five stars.

I received an ARC to read and offer an opinion but I also bought a copy, the book was amazing, and I support this author because I want her to write more!

[Carol 27 · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Ana’s escape from the palace provides some breathing space from the intensity of Maddoc and his wild claims, it doesn’t take long for her to begin to question all that she’s been led to believe. As yet more secrets are revealed, she struggles with knowing where to place her trust – in her parents who love her, but who’ve lied to her repeatedly… in Ryden, her fiancé, who wants her for his own agenda… or with Maddoc, who infuriates her just by being himself, but who also might just be telling the truth.

I admired Ana’s desire to set things right as she came to understand the grim reality of life beyond the palace walls. I enjoyed this couple’s dynamic – their push and pull and their heated confrontations as Ana embraced her natural instincts as an Omega. This fantasy Omegaverse romance is well written, with plenty of action, drama, deception, secrets, mystery, and anguish, along with many explicit Alpha/Omega encounters. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maddoc has tainted his own life

Author weaves an interesting story where she rewards a brutal rapist and killer with Ana who is suffering from Stockholm syndrome.

Maddoc is a brutal rapist and murder who while does good things for people that is incidental to his task of revenge.

Ryder is an ego maniac out for the throne.

Both should’ve been killed

Ana is naive and has been lied to by everyone and I feel sorry for her. This is not a happy ending she basically has been brainwashed

Ana’s father is complicit in being a tyrant

Ana’s mother I feel sorry for too because she has empathy but she is blinded as well thinking her husband has their best interest at heart

Raine the other omega is sacrificed to Ryden for no reason.

All the men in this book are evil and the women are abused so much that they believe they are happy.

Author writes a good story but completely misses the point of love and happiness.

This plot line is not for me. This is not a dark romance which implies at least love on both sides not just being a controlling tyrant.

I should’ve gone with my gut about the first book, but was interested in what Ana would do. Which was nothing.

Will not be reading anymore from this author.

[Jackie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the conclusion to Maddoc and Ana's story. I really liked how everything comes together in the end to explain everything. Mainly because you are left with a lot of questions about things Maddoc is hinting at and not telling Ana in the first book and you finally get those answers. I enjoyed Ana's character even more in this one. She really wants what is best for her country's people. And she tries to educate herself when possible to make the right decisions. Although thay doesn't always happen the way she thinks. There are hints towards the end of the book about more to possibly come and I think it would be awesome if there was another book that follows this one. Raines is another great character that deserves to be happy.

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had been looking forward to reading this after really enjoying the first book in the series. Without giving anything away there are some surprising plot twists that will keep you guessing right to end! It’s a very original story with some great world building and characters. There is plenty of action, toe curling romance and a subtle unveiling of various characters’ true motives and intentions before the longed for HEA. It’s an absorbing read, but important to note that the first book in the series must be read first.

[JL · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have been waiting to be able to read the ending to Maddoc and Ana's story!! Zoey Ellis never fails to totally suck me in, where i can't put the books down until i'm done. i absolutely love this universe of hers! i can't wait to read whatever comes next. i am an obsessed fan! LOL

*happily received an ARC copy for my honest review!

[Crystal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in compensation for my honest review. I need more. I absolutely LOVE this series! I could not even begin to explain how blindsided I was to the new approach she took on the alpha/omega connection but it was amazing! The only thing negative I could say about this is that I definitely need more.

[Juliet Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved Ana and Maddoc! 😍 This book was everything I expected from Zoey Ellis!
But I did feel the ending was a bit rushed. Or maybe it's just me used to trilogy from Zoey!

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana comes to grips with the truth about Ryden, Maddoc, and her parents throughout the book. Raine is awesome!

I received a copy of the book from the author via bookfunnel, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Zoey doesn't disappoint. Her Omegaverse is fascinating.

It's a great book, but I would've loved a trilogy so we could get more content. I felt it was too short and had potential for a lengthier story.

At the beginning Analisa got on my nerves. There's just no way you can be that naive, even if you are a sheltered princess. She is supposed to rule someday for God's sake. After a while we finally see her becoming more feisty and showing some backbone. Maddoc on the other side, was so hateful with Ana. But there's a reason for everything, bear with him for a while. I can't get into it too much without spoiling the plot.

I hope we can see more of this world with a few other couples.

I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Killian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hurm, 2.5 - rounding to a 3. I had hope for this story, especially since I enjoyed the beginning of this second installment. Everything was good until near the end where I got incredibly confused. Clearly there are threads of the next books in this series set up at the end, and I get why the author made some of the choices near the end due to that, but from the pov of just this story... For all the talk the FMC and especially the MMC did about caring for their people, and wanting to help their people, and leading their people... They sure are quick to abandon everyone and jump on a boat down the river to their new kingdom. Like, there wasn't even a token resistance so it. They are just leaving this kingdom that's about to go to war, intentionally leaving a bad king in place to lead them, and doing nothing to dismantle the awful hierarchy that has been torturing people. In fact, they are just leaving them in place to do whatever, because they don't care - they're going somewhere else. And I guess the only people who mattered were already shipped down the river to the new kingdom and everyone else who may be suffering that they didn't know about or will suffer in the future are just sol. I don't get it.

Not to mention the scene where MMC is showing FMC the heinous acts of the aristos, but he lets those people be raped and killed and maimed... just to prove a point to her. Like, dude - I think you could have brought out some scared folks to testify and tell their stories and it would have been just as impactful. We didn't need to use these peoples pain as a learning moment for FMC.

So yeah, had a few major issues, but I did enjoy the writing as usual. Just really conflicted about how things wrapped up and that one awful scene that undermined a lot of what MMC said he was fighting against.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lied this ending to this two parter. Can’t wait for the next couple. Much less cursing in this one and that was better for me. The reasons behind everything was a bit of a stretch but good in the end. Always like this author for giving us COMPLETE omega verse stories and not short story additions over a long period of time.

[Mar-Mar bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biased bitch gives it 5 and a clap stars. I love love love love Zoey Ellis. Truly she's my nr 1 Omegaverse writer and how she writes, oh my god! I just love her style!

Don't ever stop writing! Ever! Never!

Now epic saga continues with Ana and Maddoc. I love when author has a formula how she writes but throws curveballs into them to become predictable but at the same time you look back and see some formula what she used in her previous Omegaverse books.

But this was so different from previous Omegaverse world she built, I feel like Game of Thrones vibes going on here. This world feels like centuries from last one. There is magic but not that extensive as it was. I even prefer it like this, it would otherwise suffocate court dramas.

Oh.. Oh.. Court dramas- I mean cmon who hasn't seen The Tudors? If you haven't then chop chop go and see because it was so good.

I feel I am way too excited to write a normal review.

Bring me Raine and Ryden. He is so damn sexist I just cannot! Can't wait to see how Raine will beat him few notches down! And damn they will get all the shitstorm..


Winter is coming..
Wink wink

[Ms reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

As disappointed as I was with the last book I was almost hesitant to start this one, but boy am I glad that I did! This was FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC!!! It was very much like her Myth of the Omega series, but still different enough to be interesting. This is definitely a book that I will read again!

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, she is a 1 star and he is 5 star! She is stupid, in the first book was naive in here she is infuriating. She ruined the whole story for me...