Reaped and Unclaimed

by J.L. Hawick

In a time when the werewolf population is declining, the wolfen leaders enacted a law that would have devastating consequences. This law drastically affected women and their place within packs and in the world.

This law was called the Reaping Tenant.

Join Fallon, a magically gifted human, who must tread carefully in a world where she is seen as a means to an end. The end being the continuation and empowerment of the wolfen bloodlines. Tired of fighting and fleeing to survive, Fallon joins a shifter pack for protection from Reapers. But things are not what they seem. When a wolfen prisoner arrives at the pack, Fallon's world is about to change. Can she remain free from the Reapers, or will she be forced to submit under the Reaping Tenant?

170 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 7, 2026

About the author

J. L. Hawick is a Canadian indie author of dark romance and erotica. She writes complicated, dark romances with deep psychological profiles, slow-burn spice, and scenes with unique twists to draw out the tension. For behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and live updates, follow her @j.l.hawick on Instagram.

Reviews

[Sandra Aranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifted Humans. Werewolves with and without special powers. Other animal shifters. J. L. Hawick has created a world that will excite yet chill you with the dangerous undertones. This book caught my interest from page 1, yes shifters are a favorite of mine, yet it was more than that. I was drawn into the world and devoured it in 2 days!

This book follows Fallon, a young female gifted human, as she joins a shifter pack for protections from the Reapers. In this world the werewolf population is dwindling and a conclave of three mighty packs have enforced the Reaping Tenants to try to help this downslide in population. In this Book 1 we are introduced to Reaping Tenant 1 through 7a, and each one is more chilling than the one before it.

Fallon is weakened in some sense by her power as well as in a treacherous position due to being beautiful in a world where men have the power. We see her struggle with , and grow in, her own sense of identity and her beliefs about the Reapings. She realizes as the book goes on that her world may not be as she always thought it was. Or is it?

When Fallon joins a shifter pack she makes some good friends in Sandy and Bjorn. She also learns the joy of working with young shifter children. She starts to wonder of her future will ever hold a love of her own, a child of her own. Yet even within this pack that is supposed to protect her lies evil that she must face every day.

Her world is shaken to the core when she meets Riker a large grey werewolf shifter with gold black eyes. He challenges her thoughts, and beliefs in so many ways. Yet can she truly trust him?

When this book comes out on 3/7/2026 be sure to read it and get shaken to the core in this brave new world! I know I am ready for Book 2 as soon as it come out!

I received a free copy of this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reaped and Unclaimed is a gritty, emotionally charged shifter story that takes familiar paranormal tropes and twists them into something darker, more political, and deeply unsettling in the best way.

The concept of the Reaping Tenant is the real hook here. A law created to save a dying species that ends up stripping women of autonomy? Chilling. The worldbuilding leans into that uncomfortable tension, showing how fear of extinction can justify cruelty and how systems built for “survival” often trample the vulnerable.

Fallon is a compelling heroine. She’s human, magically gifted, and painfully aware that in this world she’s seen as a resource rather than a person. Her exhaustion from constantly running, fighting, and hiding feels raw and real. When she joins a shifter pack for protection, you feel that fragile hope right before the story reminds you that safety in this world is never guaranteed.

The arrival of the wolfen prisoner is where things really start to simmer. There’s intrigue, shifting power dynamics, and that delicious slow-burn tension that makes you question everyone’s motives. Allies feel uncertain. Enemies feel complicated. And the looming threat of the Reapers keeps the stakes high at every turn.

This book leans more into dark paranormal fantasy with strong social commentary than fluffy shifter romance, and I loved that. It asks uncomfortable questions about control, survival, and what freedom really means when laws are stacked against you.

If you enjoy morally gray worlds, strong but vulnerable heroines, and shifter stories with teeth and political bite, Reaped and Unclaimed is absolutely worth picking up. It’s tense, thought-provoking, and leaves you desperate to know whether Fallon can truly stay unclaimed or if the world will force her hand. 🐺✨

[Jennifer Amaral · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaped and Unclaimed introduces an intriguing supernatural story that blends darker themes with compelling character dynamics. As the first book in the series, it does a strong job of establishing the world and setting the tone for what’s to come.

One of the things I enjoyed most was the unique concept behind the story. The supernatural elements create an atmosphere that feels mysterious and intense, adding depth to the unfolding narrative.

The characters bring emotional weight to the plot, and their interactions help drive the story forward. As their journeys develop, new layers of the world and the conflicts surrounding them begin to emerge.

For me, this earns 4 ⭐ because the premise was interesting and the story kept me engaged, though there were a few moments where additional detail could have made certain scenes even stronger.

Overall, it’s a promising start to the series that leaves you curious about what will happen next.

This is a 4 ⭐ for me because:

• the supernatural premise feels unique and intriguing
• the darker tone adds intensity to the story
• the characters help carry the narrative forward
• the story sets up the series in an engaging way

Dark. Mysterious. Engaging.

Read this book if you like:

• supernatural or paranormal romance
• darker fantasy themes
• character-driven stories
• series that build an evolving world

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review*

Reaped and Unclaimed follows Fallon, a gifted human, hiding from the Reapers and whispers of white rooms and breeding programs. When she finally agrees to join a pack for safety, she realizes it isn't exactly the safe haven she was promised.

She is already on Alpha and Pack Leader Zavior's radar, but when she is caught showing kindness to a captured wolf she knows it's time to run. What she doesn't know is that captured wolf, Riker, is also a Reaper and possibly more.

Be warned. This book ends on a cliffhanger.

I found Fallon, the FMC, to be strong and brave in the face of danger, and her empath nature gave her kindness and compassion that made her even more likeable.

Riker, the MMC, was a frustrating mix of alpha and sincerity. But that doesn't mean I didn't want to punch him right in his stupid, handsome face.

This novel features dual POV. But it's interesting that we only get Fallon's and another male character, Bjorn's, but not Riker's POV. I'm interested to see where this goes in book 2.

If you enjoy a PNR, you should give this one a try. However, if you have triggers that center around sexual assault; eugenics; reproductive rights; dubious consent; or misogyny and oppression, this book might not be for you.

[Courtney 🖤 · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

Reaped & Unclaimed was a quick and fast paced paranormal romance, with tension, mystery, and spice. The whole Reaping Tenant and breeding program situation added this really traumatic, heavy layer to the werewolf world that made everything feel darker and way more emotionally intense.

Fallon is the kind of heroine I love. She’s strong, but you still see her vulnerable moments. And the imprisoned wolf? He brought all the intrigue and that possessive energy that just works in this kind of story. Then him as a man *chefs kiss. He will make all the dark haired loving girlies swoon.

The chemistry was definitely there, and I actually laughed at a few lines. The dialogue had some funny, memorable moments mixed in with all the angst. The cliffhanger though?? It absolutely left me needing more. It does get heavy at times, and the dynamics with how woman are seen and treated, won’t be for everyone, but the suspense and the slow unraveling of secrets had me hooked the whole time.

All I can say is… I’m ready for the next book.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaped and Unclaimed is book 1 in the Reaper series.
Now, I don't really do well with shifter books, but I wanted to give it a shot because it's J.L. Hawick, so I knew it was going to be good and I didn't want to miss out. And I am so glad that I gave it a try.
This was a dystopian, paranormal, shifter, romance. Fallon is a magically gifted human who is trying to survive in a world where the werewolf population is declining. Due to the decline, the wolfen leader enacts a law that has devastating consequences for women. If they are caught by a werewolf, they can be reaped and claimed, becoming the property of that werewolf.
Now, I thought the connection with Fallon and Riker was really strong. There was tension and chemistry there, so imagine how far my jaw dropped when that ending hit? What???? J.L. Hawick..... you got me. I'm here, hanging at the edge of the cliff. I need book 2 like yesterday! I need to know what happens next.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an ARC from the author.

we meet gifted human Fallon, who is with a pack who promised to keep poeple same from the Reapers. The leader is every bit of a misognyistic jerk who has eyes on her but luckily she told him she is underage. There is a werewolf in the basement locked up and she brings him food and water eventho he is being brutish. Fallon has plans of leaving the pack bc she is scared of what will happen to her if she stays. her friend is a bear shifter and he worries for her. When the leader catches her in teh basement he tells her that she will be in his bed tonight whether she likes it or not. Plus he tells the caged werewolf his demands for his rescue. The werewolf, aka Ryker, is the son of the Blood Moon Reaper pack and his will claim the silver haired beauty once he gets out. His pack comes for him and Fallon makes a deal with Ryker, her for leaving her friend and the children alive. Whats the worst that can happen??

[Anna Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even know how to start rating this book. It was a crazy, maddening ride. The author’s writing made me feel so many things at once, and I’m still figuring out how I feel about it.

First, the writing itself is strong. The FMC is great, and I enjoyed the story as a whole—it’s a solid fantasy romance (sort of) read. Where I find myself torn is in the sheer cruelty of the world and the position the FMC is forced into: one evil or another, with only a “lesser evil” as the alternative. Still, the author does an excellent job of pulling you into the turmoil, the suspense, and the chase.

Please, definitely check the trigger warnings for this one. That said, for a book to make me feel this much rage and anger toward the villains means the writing is doing its job. I really want to know what happens next.

[Jennifer Pickles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I already need the next part of this series! I’m invested in Fallon and what becomes of her in this world. She is fierce even in the face of everything she’s been through and what she is facing. While I was intreaged by the ‘reaping’ premise I feel like I wasn’t given enough in this book to fully understand. Then again, I’m not sure that Fallon fully understands the scope of this world. She and the reader need answers and that leaves me wanting more.

In the end, I really was like “wait, what just happened, is that it? I need more.” I was a little unsettled by how suddenly everything ended and I feel like the bonus epilogue provided by the author gives something that is needed.

Over all it is spicy, but I didn’t feel like the CNC scene delved deep.

Waiting for the next one!

[Jaz Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book honestly I loved it so much. It’s a new take on the shifter world and how things work and I love the gifted humans take on the world. And the separation and hierarchy and dynamics of men to women really is harsh to read but it keeps you enthralled nonetheless. But god when I finished the book I wanted to throw my phone and hit something because what the fuck with that ending and the cliffhanger?!?! Honestly tho the primal parts and the hunt were so freaking good. It’s a slow burn he’s supposed to be the enemy and the ending kills you but damn it’s a good freaking book! 5 stars ⭐️

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! this book was thrilling, it was captivating and I couldnt out it down until I devoured it. the characters and how the story played out. From magical/ gifted humans to wolf shifters to the reaping. I'm speechless. I have many emotions towards how I feel right now,but I absolutely love this book. I'm not thrilled about how it left on a suspenseful cliffhanger,but at the same time it was worth the read. soo good!! I'm dying to know what happends next.

This is a new author for me, and I absolutely love there writing style and the way there writing and story just consumed me with so many emotions. Cant wait to read more.

thanks for letting me be apart of your ARC team.

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don’t know how to feel about this book. I like Fallon and her fierceness. I also really liked Bjorn and hope there is more with him, but I am unsure how I feel about Riker atm…… I understand the way the system is in the book, but I have some major mixed feelings about it all. Usually, the MMC has some redeeming qualities that, even though they follow the current laws and rules, you still see that he is not a big fan of the current system. I’m not getting those feelings from him, and I am seriously questioning the MMC. Not vibing with it, to be honest. Not sure if I will read on as I need to have some kind of redeeming hope to grab me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but felt like it left a bit to be desired. I’d be interested to keep reading the series and see where it leads, but I felt like I came into an already established world that I was missing pieces of. It may be part of a bigger universe I’m not aware of, but I don’t think so. I was confused by some of the scenes and how the characters got there, but overall it was an enjoyable book and I’d like to read the next ones to see if the story makes a bit more sense the further along it goes. Thank you to the author for this arc copy for an honest review!

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review


The world that J.L Hawick has created is one where werewolves are at the top of food chain. Specifically three ruling packs. At bottom of the food chain, humans specifically female humans. Fallon the FMC is a gifted human that joins a pack for protection. There’s a lot of tension, with darker themes. Crazy cliffhanger.

I love a good wolf shifter book and this one is fast paced with a strong story line. definitely worth the read

Please read trigger warnings before reading.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

So my first question at the end of the book was. Why? And the second question was, when does book 2 come out. This book was awesome. I read it in de one go. The werewolves, the humans with special gifts and the story behind the reapers. It is a dark slow burn, that got you leaving with questions of the bond the two main characters share.

The only thing I did not like was that the book was kind of short. I wanted so bad to have my questions answered.

[Mary Dennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book! The FMC is the perfect mix of soft and vulnerable while still being a badass. The conflicts were original and pushed the plot forward. The ONLY main downside to this story is that it ends on a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for book 2!

[Mackenzee Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was soooo good. Made me cry at the ending and I can’t wait for the next book. That cliffhanger was the death of me 😩

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was dark, and the breeding program is so problematic. I am interested to see what happens next. Definitely hated the ending was a total wtf moment lol so well done to the author.

[Monica Quintana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Need book two asap. Wish book was longer. love Fallon, hope she gets a happy ending.

[Kyla || _readingwithky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reaped and Unclaimed is such an emotional, gritty story with paranormal aspects and twists you wouldn’t expect. I devoured in one sitting!

This story offers a dark and compelling take on a werewolf world shaped by survival and control. The concept of the Reaping Tenant adds a heavy, almost dystopian edge, especially in how it impacts women and their autonomy. Fallon is easy to root for - her resilience and determination to stay free, and fight for change, in a world that constantly tries to claim her make her a strong and engaging main character, and one that I couldn’t get enough of. 🖤

The plot builds tension well, especially with the arrival of the wolfen prisoner (enter Riker 🥵) and keeps you questioning who can be trusted (tbh I still don’t know who to trust). While some elements feel familiar, the darker themes and emotional stakes make it an engaging read! And that ending - my jaw was on the floor and I still haven’t picked it up. Ms Hawick does it again folks!! 🤩

Thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC 🫶🏼 can’t wait to see where this series goes! 🐺✨🖤

“𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵.”