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The Forbidden Claim
They called it The Harmony Accord.
A system built on order. On obedience. On silence.
After the Collapse, when the world burned and drowned in equal measure, humanity begged for structure. The Dominion answered, reshaping society into something efficient. Controlled. Unquestioning.
Women were no longer citizens.
They were Companions.
Registered at birth. Trained to submit. Given as rewards to powerful men. Stripped of choice, identity, and voice. The world called it harmony.
But beneath the surface, something dangerous still lingered.
Defiance.
Marcus Hale is everything the Dominion created him to be ruthless, disciplined, untouchable. He does not question the system. He enforces it.
Until he is assigned her.
Woman 0302 was never meant to resist. Never meant to look him in the eye and say the one word the system was built to erase.
No.
That single act of defiance is enough to fracture everything. Because if one woman can refuse, others might remember how.
And if one man begins to listen… the entire world could burn for it.
This is not a love story.
This is not a revolution.
Not yet.
This is where it begins.
A system built on order. On obedience. On silence.
After the Collapse, when the world burned and drowned in equal measure, humanity begged for structure. The Dominion answered, reshaping society into something efficient. Controlled. Unquestioning.
Women were no longer citizens.
They were Companions.
Registered at birth. Trained to submit. Given as rewards to powerful men. Stripped of choice, identity, and voice. The world called it harmony.
But beneath the surface, something dangerous still lingered.
Defiance.
Marcus Hale is everything the Dominion created him to be ruthless, disciplined, untouchable. He does not question the system. He enforces it.
Until he is assigned her.
Woman 0302 was never meant to resist. Never meant to look him in the eye and say the one word the system was built to erase.
No.
That single act of defiance is enough to fracture everything. Because if one woman can refuse, others might remember how.
And if one man begins to listen… the entire world could burn for it.
This is not a love story.
This is not a revolution.
Not yet.
This is where it begins.
441 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 20, 2026
In the beginning I found it to be very repetitive , using the same verbiage several times in each chapter back to back. It made it very uninteresting for me to read, the book overall was very slow and hard for me to get into.
There is some spice, it was good. And I like the dystopian factor and the idea of the world system they are trapped in and breaking away from. Even tho it states what chapters are flashbacks, I did find it hard to know where at in the timeline we were which made it even harder to read and be interested
There is some spice, it was good. And I like the dystopian factor and the idea of the world system they are trapped in and breaking away from. Even tho it states what chapters are flashbacks, I did find it hard to know where at in the timeline we were which made it even harder to read and be interested
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book caught me off guard in the best way. I expected something dark, but I didn’t expect it to feel this tense the whole time. From the start, the world just feels… heavy. It has a strong dystopian feel—everything is controlled, structured, and honestly a little unsettling because it doesn’t feel that far-fetched.
The part that stayed with me most was how the story unfolds. It doesn’t rely on big, dramatic moments right away—instead, it builds through smaller, quieter shifts that slowly start to matter more and more. There’s a point where you realize something has changed, and it doesn’t feel forced or overdone—it just is. That steady build is what kept me hooked.
Marcus is exactly who the system made him to be. He doesn’t question anything, and you believe that. So even the smallest change in him feels big. It doesn’t happen all at once, which I appreciated—it feels more real that way.
And 0302… she doesn’t come across as reckless or overly defiant. It’s more controlled than that, which somehow makes it stronger. The tension between them is there in every scene, and it definitely leans into that enemies-to-lovers vibe without rushing it.
I also liked that the book doesn’t try to rush into anything. It’s not suddenly a love story, and it’s not some huge rebellion right away. It really feels like the very beginning of something that could turn into a much bigger problem for that world.
By the end, I just sat there for a second like… yeah, this isn’t over.
If you like darker, dystopian stories with slow-building tension and an enemies-to-lovers edge, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
And a big thank you to the author for allowing me to review an advanced copy of The Forbidden Claim.
The part that stayed with me most was how the story unfolds. It doesn’t rely on big, dramatic moments right away—instead, it builds through smaller, quieter shifts that slowly start to matter more and more. There’s a point where you realize something has changed, and it doesn’t feel forced or overdone—it just is. That steady build is what kept me hooked.
Marcus is exactly who the system made him to be. He doesn’t question anything, and you believe that. So even the smallest change in him feels big. It doesn’t happen all at once, which I appreciated—it feels more real that way.
And 0302… she doesn’t come across as reckless or overly defiant. It’s more controlled than that, which somehow makes it stronger. The tension between them is there in every scene, and it definitely leans into that enemies-to-lovers vibe without rushing it.
I also liked that the book doesn’t try to rush into anything. It’s not suddenly a love story, and it’s not some huge rebellion right away. It really feels like the very beginning of something that could turn into a much bigger problem for that world.
By the end, I just sat there for a second like… yeah, this isn’t over.
If you like darker, dystopian stories with slow-building tension and an enemies-to-lovers edge, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
And a big thank you to the author for allowing me to review an advanced copy of The Forbidden Claim.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have just finished The Forbidden Claim by M. Allydark and this book was so good! A dark, dystopian book full of control, this book is very hard hitting but the story just gripped me and didn’t let go until the end.
After the collapse, a new ruling body took control, known as the Dominion. The Dominion created new commandments for the society to follow, they were called The Rule. Rule One was ‘A woman shall not belong to herself’. Women are no longer citizens, they are no called Companions, chipped at birth and conditioned to be a perfect Companion through harsh methods. When men reach a certain rank/age they are awarded a companion. Marcus Hale is a perfect citizen, everything that he should be, when he is awarded a Companion, Woman 0302 (Liora) and when she says no, a word she shouldn’t be able to say, his life changes forever. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes a book with a strong plot, a slowburn, enemies to lover story with hints of darkness, I devoured this as quickly as I could.
What to expect:
- Virgin FMC
- Squirter
- Blood play
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity/Captivity
- Touch her and die
- Cult like control
- HEA
After the collapse, a new ruling body took control, known as the Dominion. The Dominion created new commandments for the society to follow, they were called The Rule. Rule One was ‘A woman shall not belong to herself’. Women are no longer citizens, they are no called Companions, chipped at birth and conditioned to be a perfect Companion through harsh methods. When men reach a certain rank/age they are awarded a companion. Marcus Hale is a perfect citizen, everything that he should be, when he is awarded a Companion, Woman 0302 (Liora) and when she says no, a word she shouldn’t be able to say, his life changes forever. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes a book with a strong plot, a slowburn, enemies to lover story with hints of darkness, I devoured this as quickly as I could.
What to expect:
- Virgin FMC
- Squirter
- Blood play
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity/Captivity
- Touch her and die
- Cult like control
- HEA
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Forbidden Claim by M. Allydark is an Enemies to Lovers, Dark Slow Burn Romance following Liora and Marcus.
🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
My thoughts 💭
This is the debut novel for M. Allydark and what a way to enter the book community!! This book is heavy, dark, and at times even hard to read but it was so good. The ending is hard fought and despite the journey these two are put on for freedom, they never gave up. My heart broke for Liora, being a woman in the world today is a scary place and you can’t help but get emotional with everything done to her. Marcus has his own trauma and he truly makes it hard not to instantly love him. This does have a dystopian feel to it so if you enjoy reading that genre with the tropes enemies to lovers that have trauma and a healing journey then you will devour this one. I look forward to reading future books from M. Allydark.
✨I would like to thank Author M. Allydark for the opportunity to read and review The Forbidden Claim.
🚩This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
My thoughts 💭
This is the debut novel for M. Allydark and what a way to enter the book community!! This book is heavy, dark, and at times even hard to read but it was so good. The ending is hard fought and despite the journey these two are put on for freedom, they never gave up. My heart broke for Liora, being a woman in the world today is a scary place and you can’t help but get emotional with everything done to her. Marcus has his own trauma and he truly makes it hard not to instantly love him. This does have a dystopian feel to it so if you enjoy reading that genre with the tropes enemies to lovers that have trauma and a healing journey then you will devour this one. I look forward to reading future books from M. Allydark.
✨I would like to thank Author M. Allydark for the opportunity to read and review The Forbidden Claim.
Review of advance copy
This is very much a dystopian story, and the book leans into that from page one. The world is intentionally bleak and controlled, and the tight focus on Liora and Marcus makes it feel even more closed in — not in a bad way, just very contained.
I expected Marcus to be the type I’d dislike for a while, but that didn’t really happen. He’s more layered than the setup suggests. Liora, on the other hand, is easy to care about from the start, and her reactions fit the world she’s been forced into.
Their dynamic builds slowly, with tension that doesn’t need to be loud to be there. The intimate scenes work, they’re hot enough, but they don’t take over the story.
Toward the end I had a couple of moments where the timeline made me pause. The flashbacks are marked, but I still had to reorient myself once or twice.
The author’s note and playlist at the beginning were a nice touch and set the tone for the kind of dystopian world we’re stepping into.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity — I appreciated getting to read this early.
I expected Marcus to be the type I’d dislike for a while, but that didn’t really happen. He’s more layered than the setup suggests. Liora, on the other hand, is easy to care about from the start, and her reactions fit the world she’s been forced into.
Their dynamic builds slowly, with tension that doesn’t need to be loud to be there. The intimate scenes work, they’re hot enough, but they don’t take over the story.
Toward the end I had a couple of moments where the timeline made me pause. The flashbacks are marked, but I still had to reorient myself once or twice.
The author’s note and playlist at the beginning were a nice touch and set the tone for the kind of dystopian world we’re stepping into.
Thank you for the ARC opportunity — I appreciated getting to read this early.
May 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
okay… this book???
From the very beginning there’s just this heavy, tense feeling that doesn’t go away, and that’s what made it impossible to stop reading.
The world building was phenomenal and you could really get the picture of the world Liora and Marcus live in which made it so much harder to put the book down.
The looks, the small moments, the silence… it all feels loaded and tense making you need to know what happens next.
The chemistry is intense. It’s not soft or sweet, it’s addictive and a little toxic, but it works.
I also really liked that nothing felt rushed. it builds slowly, and then at some point you realize you’re completely invested and there’s no getting out of it.
and the characters?? they feel real. the way things shift with them isn’t dramatic all at once, it’s gradual, which sucks you in even more.
by the end I just sat there for a second like…
how is this over 🥲
if you like darker and messed up romance… definitely read this.
okay… this book???
From the very beginning there’s just this heavy, tense feeling that doesn’t go away, and that’s what made it impossible to stop reading.
The world building was phenomenal and you could really get the picture of the world Liora and Marcus live in which made it so much harder to put the book down.
The looks, the small moments, the silence… it all feels loaded and tense making you need to know what happens next.
The chemistry is intense. It’s not soft or sweet, it’s addictive and a little toxic, but it works.
I also really liked that nothing felt rushed. it builds slowly, and then at some point you realize you’re completely invested and there’s no getting out of it.
and the characters?? they feel real. the way things shift with them isn’t dramatic all at once, it’s gradual, which sucks you in even more.
by the end I just sat there for a second like…
how is this over 🥲
if you like darker and messed up romance… definitely read this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“This wasn’t love… it was possession.”
The Forbidden Claim by M. Allydark is the kind of book that doesn’t ask for your attention—it takes it.
Dark. Controlling. Addictive.
The world is cold, suffocating, and built on rules you’re not supposed to break… which makes every glance, every touch, every moment between them feel dangerous.
He’s not soft.
He’s not safe.
And that’s exactly the problem.
The tension? Unbearable.
The chemistry? Toxic in the best way.
The vibe? Straight-up “I shouldn’t want this… but I do.”
This isn’t a sweet romance—it’s obsession, power, and that delicious line between control and surrender.
And trust me… once it hooks you, you’re not getting out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was flying through the pages and couldn’t put it down, so trust me when I say you do not want to sleep on this one !
The Forbidden Claim by M. Allydark is the kind of book that doesn’t ask for your attention—it takes it.
Dark. Controlling. Addictive.
The world is cold, suffocating, and built on rules you’re not supposed to break… which makes every glance, every touch, every moment between them feel dangerous.
He’s not soft.
He’s not safe.
And that’s exactly the problem.
The tension? Unbearable.
The chemistry? Toxic in the best way.
The vibe? Straight-up “I shouldn’t want this… but I do.”
This isn’t a sweet romance—it’s obsession, power, and that delicious line between control and surrender.
And trust me… once it hooks you, you’re not getting out.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was flying through the pages and couldn’t put it down, so trust me when I say you do not want to sleep on this one !
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Forbidden Claim is a book that demands your attention. This is M.allydark her debut and what a debut it is!
The tension is unbearable.
The chemistry is toxic but in a way it just feels right.
The vibe, dark, delicious and addictive.
This isn’t a book for the fainthearted, but so damn worth it. The story flows, pulls you in and doesn’t let go till the pages end. It’s an emotional story, raw and powerful. And even though it hits hard it's so worth it.
Be sure you know what you start reading that's one advice I give. Other than that go and read it yourself. It will not dissapoint!!
The tension is unbearable.
The chemistry is toxic but in a way it just feels right.
The vibe, dark, delicious and addictive.
This isn’t a book for the fainthearted, but so damn worth it. The story flows, pulls you in and doesn’t let go till the pages end. It’s an emotional story, raw and powerful. And even though it hits hard it's so worth it.
Be sure you know what you start reading that's one advice I give. Other than that go and read it yourself. It will not dissapoint!!
May 4, 2026
I loved how this story builds it up as it goes. It doesn’t throw everything at you from the beginning. You go through the motions as the characters are. I thought that was really great. It made it flow nicely. There wasn’t a lot of “because this happened, so they…” it just flowed. I loved the intensity of this. It builds up and doesn’t let go. You’re literally on the edge of your seat the entire time. I loved the depth and the world building. The way they changed the system by chancing something different. The description was beautiful. The spice was perfect. And the suspense was captivating. I really loved reading this story. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC read here are my thoughts.
No spoilers!!
Let me start with the dedication. Had me from the start!! Also the playlist great touch!! Well done!!
Dystopian, dark, slow burn but in the best way!!
My favorite line…
“ that’s what sparks do they don’t ask permission.. they ignite” also this one “ sparks.. enough of them to burn everything they built.. even if I burn with it”
This was a great read and I say check it out!!
Thank you to M.Allydark for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this amazing piece!!
No spoilers!!
Let me start with the dedication. Had me from the start!! Also the playlist great touch!! Well done!!
Dystopian, dark, slow burn but in the best way!!
My favorite line…
“ that’s what sparks do they don’t ask permission.. they ignite” also this one “ sparks.. enough of them to burn everything they built.. even if I burn with it”
This was a great read and I say check it out!!
Thank you to M.Allydark for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this amazing piece!!
May 1, 2026
..
Let me just say she did that. It was soooo good between the Secrets and things that leave you wanting to dive deep in the back story of how they got here. This is her debut and I’m beyond proud of her and this huge accomplishment. I highly recommend everyone to read it because you’re gonna fall and need more and all the mental fights you’ll have are worth it
HAPPY RELEASE DAY SIS!!!
Let me just say she did that. It was soooo good between the Secrets and things that leave you wanting to dive deep in the back story of how they got here. This is her debut and I’m beyond proud of her and this huge accomplishment. I highly recommend everyone to read it because you’re gonna fall and need more and all the mental fights you’ll have are worth it
HAPPY RELEASE DAY SIS!!!
June 26, 2026
I love anything dystopian, and The Forbidden Claim was an extremely dark and spicy dystopian book that I fell in love with. I was hooked from the first chapter. The tension and brutally high stakes in this story made it so addictive. I could practically see the whole plot playing out in my mind while I read, and now I need it played out on the big screen😂 This was great.
May 1, 2026
This was so good! The plot was intriguing and kept me wanting to read more all the way through. Marcus and Liora's chemistry was undeniable, and the slow-burn enemies to lovers storyline keeps you completely hooked. Packed with emotion, obsession, and secrets.... this is a definite recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is an emotionally raw, powerful and beautiful story. It became my must read and I can’t recommend it more🖤
May 18, 2026
This book had a lot to enjoy!
From the angst between the mmc and fmc.
The breaking of the system and
most definitely the smut!
I enjoyed adding this one to my list.
From the angst between the mmc and fmc.
The breaking of the system and
most definitely the smut!
I enjoyed adding this one to my list.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(I was given an ARC copy for this book. All thoughts are my own)
Close and claustrophobic, were my main thoughts on this book, I mean it in a way the story felt very closed in on Liora and Marcus, their thoughts and experiences in a way that is different to other things I have read. This book doesn’t necessarily follow the same formula as others I have read, I expected to hate Marcus for the first half of the book but that is not the case. I liked him quickly, though I had many questions and all were answered by the end of the book. I liked Liora instantly and felt sadness for her as soon as we meet her. Though I felt sad and angry for both of them and what they had been through. But together they are both a force, their chemistry is great. (I want to say more but that would be spoilers)
Their spice was steamy and not at all too much or in your face, it was well placed and intense.
The world is empty and bleak, because that it how it was made to be. The other characters we see are interesting and I would have liked to learn a little more about them especially the main Enemy, though I am not sure how that would have worked given the closeness to Liora and Marcus points of view. The story moved quickly yet slowly at the same time, things I thought would be later happened earlier and that kept it unpredictable and interesting.
My only slight negative is that I would have liked to have had more idea of where we were in the time line, the flashbacks are clearly shown but I got a little confused towards the end that could also have just been me.
Extra notes I loved the note to the reader at the beginning it was very personal from the author as well as the soundtrack which was awesome! in
Close and claustrophobic, were my main thoughts on this book, I mean it in a way the story felt very closed in on Liora and Marcus, their thoughts and experiences in a way that is different to other things I have read. This book doesn’t necessarily follow the same formula as others I have read, I expected to hate Marcus for the first half of the book but that is not the case. I liked him quickly, though I had many questions and all were answered by the end of the book. I liked Liora instantly and felt sadness for her as soon as we meet her. Though I felt sad and angry for both of them and what they had been through. But together they are both a force, their chemistry is great. (I want to say more but that would be spoilers)
Their spice was steamy and not at all too much or in your face, it was well placed and intense.
The world is empty and bleak, because that it how it was made to be. The other characters we see are interesting and I would have liked to learn a little more about them especially the main Enemy, though I am not sure how that would have worked given the closeness to Liora and Marcus points of view. The story moved quickly yet slowly at the same time, things I thought would be later happened earlier and that kept it unpredictable and interesting.
My only slight negative is that I would have liked to have had more idea of where we were in the time line, the flashbacks are clearly shown but I got a little confused towards the end that could also have just been me.
Extra notes I loved the note to the reader at the beginning it was very personal from the author as well as the soundtrack which was awesome! in
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews