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Rockwell Academy – The Claiming

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If you love reading the darker side of romance, where the scene is set underground in dark ancient dungeons. Where more than one predator is chasing you, one with noble intent, one with none. Where mysteries unravel and relationships burn. Where life is cruel, heartless and impossibly romantic, interwoven with betrayal.
If this is what you love – welcome to Rockwell Academy.



Cassandra King has spent her life locked behind the iron grip of a motorcycle club and the overbearing watch of her father. Rockwell was supposed to be her escape—a prestigious academy buried in the mountains, where she could finally breathe.



But Rockwell is no ordinary school—it’s a fortress of power, decadence, and ancient rites soaked in candlelight and sin.



Protected by her best friend Jack, Cassie thought she could survive anything.

Until she meets Frankie Majerio.



He’s beautiful. Poisonous. Unholy.


A boy born of fire and ruin, with eyes like a storm and a smile sharp enough to scar.

He’s danger wrapped in velvet, all wicked charm and haunted eyes. The kind of boy who makes you forget who you are—and tempts you to become someone else entirely. Someone reckless. Someone his.



When Frankie wants something, he takes it—and now he wants Cassie.

To have her, he resurrects a dark The Claiming.



Beneath Rockwell lie twisted tunnels and cruel games. Five girls. Five masked hunters. One night beneath the academy in a labyrinth of shadows, where the only way out is to be caught.

But the real danger isn’t in being claimed.

It’s in wanting to be.



As Cassie is forced to play a game where power, lust, and obsession blur, she must decide who to trust—the best friend sworn to protect her, the devil who wants to own her, or the masked stranger stalking her steps with secrets of his own.

Because at Rockwell, nothing is ever what it seems.

And the most dangerous predator might already be inside her heart.



Not all monsters hide behind masks. Some kiss you first.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2025

238 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
578 reviews5 followers
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April 25, 2025

Ingenious!!

The Claiming is the starter book in the Rockwell Academy Series and, be prepared, you're in for a ride!
Stella brings together the second generation of two beloved series, Twisted Reapers and Club Mafia, and their endeavours in Rockwell Academy. If I could, I had a lot to say about this introductionary tale but, at the risk of giving spoillers, I'll just focus on some aspects.
One of the things I loved most was how entertwined our protagonists were with their secondary partners, all important pieces in something born out of Frankie Majerio's boredom and the fact that he has a peculiar interest in Cassandra King. So, what better strategy to catch a bee than setting the trap himself?!! But Cassie is not just a bee, she's a future queen one that rises to the challenge and strikes as good as she gets. Competitive, strong-willed, confident, beautiful she bows to no one but herself, not in Rockwell, after so much effort to get out of her father's protective/overbearing presence. Rockwell is for experimenting, to get a real taste of freedom and no one will control her.....unless she says otherwise.....
These two...provoking, defying, rising to each other's dares, baits and subtility, growing closer with reciprocal admiration, lust and something more, but it's not Frankie's first year or rodeo and Cassie had already been caught without even knowing.
Siri and Jackson made for a great pair and also a kind of source of internal conflict to Cassie and Frankie, between hurting her friends' feelings and wanting things to be the same and him worried about what lies behind such close friendship.
The Claiming, successful in its purpose brought another world of problems and, since Stella wouldn't have it any other way, an ominous threat no one knows much about, just that a very inconspicuous someone is on the prowl and pulling dangerous strings.
The narrative runs fast and furious with vivid descriptions, actions and reactions, inviting the reader to live vicariously through the events and our protagonists thoughts, wants and wills, energetically and completly absorved!
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,445 reviews5 followers
October 11, 2025
Decent.
Didn’t read the original books this spin off is based on but since this is a new generation of college age kids I guess it’s not needed.

Cassie is from a MC family composed of ex-military bikers, and Frankie is the child of a mafia don with several uncles who are also dons. They make for the perfect pair as they both like danger and mystery, and each other.

Frankie rules the school. And is the most wanted guy. Cassie acts unaffected, but she isn’t. Her best friend, Jack, is with her at the academy, and Siri, Frankie’s younger cousin has just started with Cassie as her newest friend, and roommate.

Frankie makes up a challenge for guys and girls to sign up for where the men hunt the girls and claim them for a semester. They’ll be couple. And at the end of the semester can decide to stay together or “twist” and enter the Claiming challenge again.

But here’s the dumb parts:
The entire first half of the book, both Cassie and Jack are repeatedly saying and thinking about how they’re like siblings to each other. Cassie thinks this over and over.
Then at the end of Chapter 30, Cassie is all, “He is still a huge part of me that I always thought the man I would end up with is him.” WTF!? So she’s been secretly believing she’s going to end up with the guys she claims is her brother, the guy she once called her “twin” - I repeat, WTF!!

Then there’s the inconsistencies, or lack of logic(…?) bits:
The girls are hooded and spun in circles to disorient them, but they are then guided to a narrow tunnel to crawl through, so uh how is that going to keep them disoriented? That’s just stupid. Especially as the hoods are taken off and they’re no longer dizzy after crawling through the tunnel they were guided to.

Frankie handcuffs Cassie’s hands behind her back, and in the next scene he’s pushing her handcuffed hands up over her head. So imagine that. Unless you can dislocate your arms to accomplish this feat, that’s going to be impossible.

Overall it’s a story that’s somewhat focused on the developing lust/love between Frankie and Cassie, but also the mystery and dangers that come out because of a secret cult that uses the academy to find recruits. And ends in a soft cliffhanger where you aren’t sure about the longevity of the relationship between Cassie and Frankie, the budding one between Jack and Siri (though pretty sure Jack has harbored real feelings for Casie all along), and Jesse (one of Frankie’s best friends) being groomed to become a cult member.
337 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2025
Welcome to the next Generation of Reapers and the men of Club Mafia, who meet at Rockwell Academy where their Fathers met many years before.
Cassie, daughter of the MC president, brought up in the world of bikers and finally allowed to fly free.
Frankie, the son of a Mafia Don, dark, dangerous and merciless, he has Cassie in his sights and isn't going to let go.
It is decided to re-start an old tradition " The Claiming", banned by the school, a mysterious Rite that is played out in the old tunnels beneath the school. Many of the pupils sign up to join and few have any real idea of what they are letting themselves in for.
Frankie and his friends soon find there are other forces in play and he and Cassie find themselves in a race against unseen dangers, needing to stop them before the school finds out what is going on in the dark places beneath them.
A great story, full of secrets and twists. The heat between Frankie and Cassie will set fire to your pages as they fall deeper into each other while trying to protect their friends. Stella winds up the story so cleverly while also managing to keep us hanging with unanswered questions that will have us diving into the next book. A fantastic read, I can't wait for book two, well played Stella, thank you.
1,172 reviews6 followers
April 28, 2025
Having read both the Reapers and Club Mafia series, this was a fantastic story bringing the next generation together at Rockwell Academy where the mafia fathers met.
Cassie is the daughter of Ryder King, the Reapers MC president and is keen to explore some freedom at Rockwell along with Jack who is the son of another Reaper family. As well as being best friends, they have some history together that both are struggling to let go of as they meet new people. Frankie is a Club Mafia son and is tasked with looking out for his cousin Siri by his uncle. He is tired of the relentless partying and decides to revive a Rockwell Academy ritual, The Claiming.
However, the first event doesn't go according to plan. As Frankie and his fellow students try to discover the identity of the person that ruined it, an unexpected threat to their future at Rockwell comes to light. An intriguing start to this series with many twists and turns, some hot, steamy scenes as well as an intricate storyline that leaves you impatient for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Joy Niemeier.
75 reviews
April 21, 2025
Don't want to ruin or give anything away so will keep this short and sweet. This next generation is just as dark and suspenseful as their parents from Club Mafia and The Twisted Reapers. Frankie Majerio definitely starts off just being an arrogant/cocky playboy and King of Caldwell Academy but when he meets Cassandra King, protected princess but very independent, his demeanor and direction changes to being a control freak. The enemy proves to include an insider from the academy and will be a challenge. Have no fears we do see a fair amount of the first generation which made the book amazing. Yes there are cliffhangers and recommend reading Club Mafia Series before this book for background regarding the history of Rockwell Academy and the traditions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kate.
378 reviews18 followers
May 8, 2025
SPICE: 🌶🌶🌶🌶, RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25, VIBES: Dark romance, primal chase, ancient secrets, and a fierce heroine ⚔️✨🔥

Oh, we definitely have a potential new dark romance hit on our hands! From page one, I was hooked — I couldn’t put this book down if I tried.

Cassie, our FMC, is an absolute force: no-nonsense, determined, and a total fighter. You do not want to cross this woman. Meanwhile, Frankie, our MMC, is all brooding charm — handsome, manipulative, and wrestling with his own hunger for something deeper. Swoon alert!

And then there’s The Claiming — an ancient, resurrected fraternity ritual that brings mystery, danger, and one heck of a primal chase to the table. It’s dark, it’s twisty, it’s deliciously addicting.

Book two, I’m coming for you — and I need it NOW!

Final thoughts: Buckle up, dark romance lovers — this one’s a wild ride.

⚡️🔥💥🖤🏃‍♀️💋
Profile Image for Suzanne Normandeau Legault.
378 reviews6 followers
May 19, 2025
Compelling and addictive is an accurate description of Stella Andrew’s books 📚! You are captured from the very first page. And this book is no exception. We are back at Rockwell Academy: an old monastery with secret tunnels where games of power, seductions and commitments are played. We’ve met Frankie and Cassie’s parents in previous books and now it’s their time at Rockwell Academy. A good thrilling and suspenseful reading: Frankie is as bad as his father with his very dark mind and possessive nature and Cassie’s stubbornness makes this couple and match made in heaven. They definitely want to « claim » each other unconventionally of course but definitely worth it! Stella you’re Amazingly talented in bewitching everyone who read your books 😉! Can’t wait to read TWIST !
Profile Image for Debra.
806 reviews18 followers
April 17, 2025
Casie is finally able to go away to school from under her father’s watchful eyes. Her best friend, Jack, will be there, and she meets a new friend, Siri. Casie catches the eye of Frankie, leader of The Elusives, and I haven’t decided if that is a good or bad thing.
We see little of the classes, but the plot is more about their lives outside of the classroom. There are a lot of partying, bedroom shenanigans, secrets, unanswered questions, and hidden agendas that won’t be answered until the next book. A really great book.
I like to tell Stella Andrews and Booksprout for the ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
125 reviews2 followers
April 21, 2025
Stella Andrews delivers again with The Claiming! I absolutely loved how she wove in characters from her past books, it felt like a reunion with old friends. The chemistry, the passion, the emotional depth, everything I love about her writing was turned up a notch. The main characters had such strong connections, and the plot kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s always a treat when an author builds a world that stays with you, and Stella does that effortlessly. If you’ve read her other books, this one will feel like coming home, but with even more steam and suspense. Five stars all the way!.
Profile Image for GKP2460 .
4,321 reviews73 followers
April 17, 2025
Cassandra King came to Rockwell Academy to escape the confines of her father and his MC.

"Rockwell was supposed to be her escape - a place where she could finally breathe."

Frankie Majerio has other ideas. Once he has Cassie in his sights there's no escape.

"He’s beautiful. Poisonous. Unholy."

When he starts back up the age old tradition of The Claiming, all bets are off. This book is absolutely fantastic and completely consuming. It doesn't take much at all to get caught up in this world. I can't wait to see what's to come in The Twist.
Profile Image for Angela Parker.
589 reviews4 followers
April 29, 2025
Secrets galore

Frankie and Cassie are magic together. On paper they shouldn’t work, being too similar but the way they challenge each other makes the sparks of attraction fly.
This is a fantastic new series with links to previous ones, was hoping we’d see more Ryder King tho but nether the less it was an enjoyable read.
Love the building mystery of the hidden tunnels and the serpent society. This book isn’t a standalone and I’m keen to see where we go next. Will Frankie and Cassie stick or twist and will secretsbe shared?
A great read
Profile Image for Peggy Henstra.
698 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2025
OMG who knew 2nd generation could be a good as 1st. Frankie sets his sights on Cassie and sparks fly. He has set up a challenge that Cassie cannot pass up. As the story evolves other sinister things come to play as Cassie worries about her friend and Frankie worries about his. Great tension and drama and of course the lovely hot sceens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
April 26, 2025
The Claiming is a thrilling story filled with secrets, intrigue along with obsession fueled by lust and power. Cassie and Frankie are the dominant characters with supporting characters that bring this story alive and filled with twists and turns that draw you in and keep you glued to the pages from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
914 reviews6 followers
April 27, 2025
Revival of old traditions. This next generation of MC and Mafia. The "claiming" is an old tradition and Frankie, a Mafia boss's son wants to resurrect the tradition. Cassie and Frankie have incendiary chemistry together and it makes the book exceptionally great to read. The questions that arise while reading this book sets up for the next book perfectly, cannot wait for more in The Rockwell Academy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tina Howell.
695 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2025
This is the first book in the Rockwell Academy series and the first second generation book for the Twisted Reapers. This book is amazing and dives right in. I love how strong Cassie’s character is and how she holds her own against Frankie. There is so much going on in this book and it was amazing. There are lots of twists and turns. I love that we get to see characters from the first generation. Amazing and I can’t wait to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
36 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2025
I'm so excited to get meet the kids or rather the next generation. Stella has this interconnected world that makes you want to immerse yourself. All of her stories are not only well thought out, but interesting, thrilling, sexy, romantic and steamy. I absolutely loved this and can't wait for more. It has claimed me!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mindy Lopez.
2,313 reviews13 followers
May 11, 2025
This is Book 1 in the Rockwell Academy Series by this author. It is a suspenseful romance between Cassie and Frankie. These flawed but likeable characters and the unique plot make for an intriguing read. It is a love story with drama, danger, steam, suspense, mystery, twists and turns, and appealing secondary characters. An engaging page turner with a cliffhanger ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
807 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2025
Interesting

MC meet Mafia.......Cassie and Frankie make a good match which could become a power couple. They are both challenging in their goal to win. They are resourceful, smart, and are up to any challenge. They don't like losing. If they survive Rockwell Academy, who knows how far they can go. After all this a school of higher education with a very shady past as well as some very shady educators. Stay tune for the next installment.... Twisting
82 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2025
Highly recommend. Lots of twists & turns throughout this book you’re constantly kept on the edge wondering what will happen next. It’s thrilling, gripping & brutal as well. Love the relationships starting to be built and look forward to the next book in the series as there are so many questions still unanswered.
2,844 reviews14 followers
April 21, 2025
The next generation has big shoes to fill. The offspring of the Rubicon and the different Bratva seem more than capable of leading the next generation. The Claiming seemed to have worked wonders for Cassie and Frankie. I cannot wait to read about the rest of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
261 reviews2 followers
April 22, 2025
Chef’s kiss to Stella on The Claiming! This is the next generation from Club Mafia and The Twisted Reapers and it is just as dark and suspenseful. I could not put this down I was hooked.
The chemistry between Frankie Majerio and Cassandra King is off the charts. You have got to read. I wish I could have given it more than 5 stars it is so worth more!
Profile Image for Diane Born in UK, now living on Spain.
694 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2025
What a start to the next generation.
It had intrigue, drama, mystique, chemistry. It was fabulous from beginning to end.
I loved the new characters and how we were introduced to them.
How Stella does it every time is amazing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
2,529 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Cassie the daughter of Ryder King the president of the Mc comes to Rockwell academy for freedom but what happens next when she meets dark, sexy Frankie things get very interesting. Will Cassie be attracted to his dark and elusive ways or will she run?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
20 reviews
April 27, 2025
Once again Stella Andrews has written such an awesome book. The characters Frankie and Cassandra have such great chemistry. The claiming brings us the next generation from the Club Mafia series and I am so here for it ❤️ Be ready for a good and mysterious story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mystisith.
697 reviews10 followers
May 5, 2025
Dnf chapter 20/52. I wanted to leave earlier even but tried to give it a fair chance. Alas, it felt like a sanitized & uninspired rehash of the Vitality saga by Chani Lynn Feener (groups of interests, secret societies etc). The story had zero bite tho, just dumb & pretentious cliché teenagers acting like they are all handsome, smart & edgy. Yawn.
2,850 reviews18 followers
May 9, 2025
Ready, set.......

A school that is not quite what it seems, ruled by the elite, and now Frankie, the leader, has set his sights on Cassie. They are from similar backgrounds, though their lives were diverse.
When an ancient tradition is revived, will their be consequences beyond their control or a future ahead for them?
2,143 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2025
Rockwell Academy- The Claiming...

No spoilers from me. This is a must read. The next generation steps in. If you liked their parents you'll love the kids. It also loosely connects two series together cause of the kids connecting. It gabs from the cover and doesn't let you go. WTF craziness, high drama, extra angsty, twisty darkness and steamy AF. A fanfreakingtastic read.
Profile Image for Connie Fogg-Bouchard.
512 reviews4 followers
June 23, 2025
dungeon play

Franke is a bit twisted; no, very twisted, and oh, so dark. Cassie is the yin to his yang. but sometimes even their darkness is challenged by an unexpected evil.

so much fun in an unexpected location. great characters all the way around and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
450 reviews
July 24, 2025
THE CLAIMING.

This is a very interesting read with lot of twists ,and turns..The violence in this book would make your mind explode for an academy school.Frankie is a twisted young man and is only using Cassie.WOULD THESE TWO STAY TOGETHER OR ONLY UNTIL FRANKIE FINDS ANOTHER VICTIM











Profile Image for Melissa Doss.
192 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2025
This book caught my attention and I need more! There were many grammatical errors that made it harder for me to read, but I just pushed through. The plot of the book is so good! The claiming ceremony is positively depraved and it’s no wonder it draws the girls in. The spice was there but not over the top. I may be falling down a rabbit hole and reading about club mafia and the reapers too. 🙈
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