What do you think?
Claimed: The brand new devilishly seductive vampire romance with a dark romance bite and an unholy fated mates soul bond from Zara Cox for 2026
Not yet published
Expected 25 Oct 26Discover the next BRAND NEW dark, captivating paranormal romance from Zara Cox Praise for Zara
'Zara Cox is a sizzling new voice' Kitty French, USA Today best-selling author
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘I love a badass dirty talking mafia man’ Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘The dirty talk was filthy 🥵' Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘This is what mafia romance is made of' Reader Review
'Zara Cox is a sizzling new voice' Kitty French, USA Today best-selling author
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘I love a badass dirty talking mafia man’ Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘The dirty talk was filthy 🥵' Reader Review
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ ‘This is what mafia romance is made of' Reader Review
- GenresVampires
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 25, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
With the first book ending on a cliffhanger, I was feral to read this book to see what happens. This was a great second book and I could not put it down. I loved seeing Eira and Valentin's character and relationship progress and of course the spicy scenes were excellent. If you liked the first book in this series, you are definitely going to want to pick this one up because it is amazing.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Holy hell!! Once again devoured in a single sitting of an evening!! The pace and the banter just locks you in!!!
I loved this second book a lot! The spice was spicing! The storyline got deep! We saw huge emotional growth in both Valentine and Eira and I loved it!!
Such a good conclusion to this duology!! Our FMC and MMC have 0 skills in the decision making matrix but it makes for a very fun read!!
I hope Cox continues to write paranormal books because she does it so well!! While I did enjoy book one slightly more I still think this was an excellent read!!
Thank you Boldwood Books, Netgally and Cox for this ARC!!
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved this second book a lot! The spice was spicing! The storyline got deep! We saw huge emotional growth in both Valentine and Eira and I loved it!!
Such a good conclusion to this duology!! Our FMC and MMC have 0 skills in the decision making matrix but it makes for a very fun read!!
I hope Cox continues to write paranormal books because she does it so well!! While I did enjoy book one slightly more I still think this was an excellent read!!
Thank you Boldwood Books, Netgally and Cox for this ARC!!
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
More Than Fated Mates
A cursed vampire king and the bounty hunter who refuses to lose herself to him: Claimed gave me the tension, heat and character growth I wanted from this finale.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 5/5
Dedication: For the readers who came for the fangs, stayed for the bloodshed, and still expect him to kneel by the end. Same.
Claimed by Zara Cox is a dark, very spicy paranormal romance that concludes Eira and Valentin’s story in The Five Blood Thrones duology. It picks up directly from Hunted’s cliffhanger: Valentin has drunk Eira’s blood, his curse is worsening, and even the vampires closest to him don’t understand what has happened. I enjoyed Hunted’s cat-and-mouse setup, but I enjoyed Claimed even more because I wanted the secrets, the danger and their attraction to become something deeper.
Back in Moretti Tower, Valentin’s collapse has immediate consequences for everyone around him, while Eira is caught between wanting to help him and fearing what her blood has done. She is still the capable bounty hunter I liked in Book One, but she is also frightened, guarded and increasingly aware of how little control she has over the truth of her identity. I found her even funnier here. Her jokes feel like a way of managing fear, so the humour gave me breathing room without making the danger feel smaller.
Valentin became more interesting to me when his control started to slip. He is still a powerful, possessive vampire Don who is used to getting his way, and that power affects Eira’s freedom. At the same time, seeing him vulnerable made his fear for her easier to believe. Early on, he protects her even while struggling himself, and his decision to use bagged blood when he cannot trust his hunger stood out to me. I cared about him, but I also wanted the story to take seriously the difference between protecting Eira and deciding for her.
For all their intense attraction and sharp banter, what made the romance work for me was the tension between Valentin’s desire to protect Eira and her need to make her own choices. The intimate scenes are closely tied to the curse rather than feeling separate from the plot, but the fated-mate bond was never enough on its own to convince me they belonged together. I wanted Eira to be able to choose what happened to her, and I wanted Valentin to know and value the woman she had become during her six years in hiding. The emotional honesty the story eventually gives them was the payoff I had been waiting for. Their connection felt strongest to me when they had to listen to each other, even when the truth hurt.
As Eira questions the effects of her blood, the mystery kept me just as invested as the romance. Bride’s Mercy makes her concealed identity more troubling because it interferes with what she can say, and my distrust of Selphine grew from there. Morrighan’s presence gives the danger a larger shape, while Eira’s grief for Tezra keeps the stakes personal. The Twelve brought welcome flashes of humour and made the alarm inside Moretti Tower feel more immediate. The wider Five Blood world left me curious about the other brothers without pulling my attention away from this couple.
Zara Cox’s dual POV gives Eira and Valentin distinct voices. Eira’s sharp, defensive narration made me laugh; Valentin’s perspective helped me understand his vulnerability without asking me to excuse every choice he made. The pace suited the escalating danger, and the final stretch had me so engrossed that I forgot to take highlights. Claimed gives Eira and Valentin a satisfying HEA while leaving larger threats in the Five Blood world open. For me, it delivered the emotional conclusion I wanted from this duology.
Tropes
Fated mates
Vampire king × supernatural bounty hunter
Hidden identity
Forced proximity
Possessive, protective hero
Blood bond and ancient curse
Sharp banter and dangerous attraction
Supernatural politics
Content warnings
Blood drinking and vampire bites
Blood, graphic injuries and gore
Combat, murder and decapitation
Poisoning
Painful magic and ritual harm
Death and revival
Captivity, imprisonment and restraints
Threats and physical intimidation
Coercive interrogation and attempted mental intrusion
Loss of bodily autonomy
Betrayal
Grief
I’d recommend Claimed to readers who love dark, spicy paranormal romance, fated mates, sharp banter and a heroine determined to choose her own future. Read Hunted first: its cliffhanger leads straight into this book, and Eira and Valentin’s romance gets the emotional payoff I was hoping for. I enjoyed this conclusion even more than the first book.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cursed vampire king and the bounty hunter who refuses to lose herself to him: Claimed gave me the tension, heat and character growth I wanted from this finale.
⭐ 4/5
🌶️ 5/5
Dedication: For the readers who came for the fangs, stayed for the bloodshed, and still expect him to kneel by the end. Same.
Claimed by Zara Cox is a dark, very spicy paranormal romance that concludes Eira and Valentin’s story in The Five Blood Thrones duology. It picks up directly from Hunted’s cliffhanger: Valentin has drunk Eira’s blood, his curse is worsening, and even the vampires closest to him don’t understand what has happened. I enjoyed Hunted’s cat-and-mouse setup, but I enjoyed Claimed even more because I wanted the secrets, the danger and their attraction to become something deeper.
Back in Moretti Tower, Valentin’s collapse has immediate consequences for everyone around him, while Eira is caught between wanting to help him and fearing what her blood has done. She is still the capable bounty hunter I liked in Book One, but she is also frightened, guarded and increasingly aware of how little control she has over the truth of her identity. I found her even funnier here. Her jokes feel like a way of managing fear, so the humour gave me breathing room without making the danger feel smaller.
Valentin became more interesting to me when his control started to slip. He is still a powerful, possessive vampire Don who is used to getting his way, and that power affects Eira’s freedom. At the same time, seeing him vulnerable made his fear for her easier to believe. Early on, he protects her even while struggling himself, and his decision to use bagged blood when he cannot trust his hunger stood out to me. I cared about him, but I also wanted the story to take seriously the difference between protecting Eira and deciding for her.
For all their intense attraction and sharp banter, what made the romance work for me was the tension between Valentin’s desire to protect Eira and her need to make her own choices. The intimate scenes are closely tied to the curse rather than feeling separate from the plot, but the fated-mate bond was never enough on its own to convince me they belonged together. I wanted Eira to be able to choose what happened to her, and I wanted Valentin to know and value the woman she had become during her six years in hiding. The emotional honesty the story eventually gives them was the payoff I had been waiting for. Their connection felt strongest to me when they had to listen to each other, even when the truth hurt.
As Eira questions the effects of her blood, the mystery kept me just as invested as the romance. Bride’s Mercy makes her concealed identity more troubling because it interferes with what she can say, and my distrust of Selphine grew from there. Morrighan’s presence gives the danger a larger shape, while Eira’s grief for Tezra keeps the stakes personal. The Twelve brought welcome flashes of humour and made the alarm inside Moretti Tower feel more immediate. The wider Five Blood world left me curious about the other brothers without pulling my attention away from this couple.
Zara Cox’s dual POV gives Eira and Valentin distinct voices. Eira’s sharp, defensive narration made me laugh; Valentin’s perspective helped me understand his vulnerability without asking me to excuse every choice he made. The pace suited the escalating danger, and the final stretch had me so engrossed that I forgot to take highlights. Claimed gives Eira and Valentin a satisfying HEA while leaving larger threats in the Five Blood world open. For me, it delivered the emotional conclusion I wanted from this duology.
Tropes
Fated mates
Vampire king × supernatural bounty hunter
Hidden identity
Forced proximity
Possessive, protective hero
Blood bond and ancient curse
Sharp banter and dangerous attraction
Supernatural politics
Content warnings
Blood drinking and vampire bites
Blood, graphic injuries and gore
Combat, murder and decapitation
Poisoning
Painful magic and ritual harm
Death and revival
Captivity, imprisonment and restraints
Threats and physical intimidation
Coercive interrogation and attempted mental intrusion
Loss of bodily autonomy
Betrayal
Grief
I’d recommend Claimed to readers who love dark, spicy paranormal romance, fated mates, sharp banter and a heroine determined to choose her own future. Read Hunted first: its cliffhanger leads straight into this book, and Eira and Valentin’s romance gets the emotional payoff I was hoping for. I enjoyed this conclusion even more than the first book.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fated mates story, but make it informed consent? Yes please!
After the first book, *Hunted*, ends on a diabolical cliffhanger, *Claimed* by Zara Cox picks up right where readers left off—which I LOVE in a book. I don't want to skip over the drama from the last book, I want to be there for it!
Eira and Valentin have banter, chemistry, and trust issues in spades. What I found particularly impressive about this book is that the characters spend most of the story in one place, and yet the plot continues to develop and their relationship absolutely explodes (in the best way). It never felt stagnant or like we were simply waiting around for the next big plot point.
Valentin just wants to find his mate and break a curse, while Eira is just trying to survive, maintain some semblance of control over her life, and definitely *not* fall in love with Valentin. Naturally, things do not go according to plan.
I also really enjoyed how the fated-mates trope was handled. There is an inherent lack of choice that can come with the trope, but *Claimed* manages to give us all that delicious inevitability while still emphasizing Eira's autonomy and consent. Valentin may know what he wants, but that doesn't mean he gets to make the decision for her. The result is a relationship that feels much more satisfying as it develops because the connection isn't simply explained away by fate.
What follows is fun, spicy, full of tension, and super consensual—love to see it!
After that cliffhanger in *Hunted*, I needed answers. Now I'm just even more invested in this world and these characters. Give me banter, curses, fated mates, and enthusiastic consent any day.
After the first book, *Hunted*, ends on a diabolical cliffhanger, *Claimed* by Zara Cox picks up right where readers left off—which I LOVE in a book. I don't want to skip over the drama from the last book, I want to be there for it!
Eira and Valentin have banter, chemistry, and trust issues in spades. What I found particularly impressive about this book is that the characters spend most of the story in one place, and yet the plot continues to develop and their relationship absolutely explodes (in the best way). It never felt stagnant or like we were simply waiting around for the next big plot point.
Valentin just wants to find his mate and break a curse, while Eira is just trying to survive, maintain some semblance of control over her life, and definitely *not* fall in love with Valentin. Naturally, things do not go according to plan.
I also really enjoyed how the fated-mates trope was handled. There is an inherent lack of choice that can come with the trope, but *Claimed* manages to give us all that delicious inevitability while still emphasizing Eira's autonomy and consent. Valentin may know what he wants, but that doesn't mean he gets to make the decision for her. The result is a relationship that feels much more satisfying as it develops because the connection isn't simply explained away by fate.
What follows is fun, spicy, full of tension, and super consensual—love to see it!
After that cliffhanger in *Hunted*, I needed answers. Now I'm just even more invested in this world and these characters. Give me banter, curses, fated mates, and enthusiastic consent any day.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 stars rounded up
Claimed was such a satisfying conclusion to Eira and Valentin’s story. After that cliffhanger in Hunted, I was desperate to see what would happen next, and I loved being thrown straight back into their dark, dangerous world. Eira was my favorite part of this book. I loved seeing her become more confident in who she is while dealing with everything her blood, identity, and connection to Valentin forced her to confront. Her humor also made me laugh so much, especially when she was clearly using it to cope with terrifying situations. And Valentin? I was completely obsessed with the tension between these two. His possessiveness and obsession were intense, but I especially loved seeing his vulnerable side and watching him realize that protecting Eira also meant respecting her choices. Their chemistry was absolutely fire and the spicy scenes felt connected to the story rather than randomly thrown in. I also loved the mystery surrounding Eira’s blood, the curse, the vampire politics, and the side characters. There was so much danger and chaos that I flew through this. The ending gave me the emotional payoff I wanted, and I loved seeing Eira and Valentin finally get their happy ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Claimed was such a satisfying conclusion to Eira and Valentin’s story. After that cliffhanger in Hunted, I was desperate to see what would happen next, and I loved being thrown straight back into their dark, dangerous world. Eira was my favorite part of this book. I loved seeing her become more confident in who she is while dealing with everything her blood, identity, and connection to Valentin forced her to confront. Her humor also made me laugh so much, especially when she was clearly using it to cope with terrifying situations. And Valentin? I was completely obsessed with the tension between these two. His possessiveness and obsession were intense, but I especially loved seeing his vulnerable side and watching him realize that protecting Eira also meant respecting her choices. Their chemistry was absolutely fire and the spicy scenes felt connected to the story rather than randomly thrown in. I also loved the mystery surrounding Eira’s blood, the curse, the vampire politics, and the side characters. There was so much danger and chaos that I flew through this. The ending gave me the emotional payoff I wanted, and I loved seeing Eira and Valentin finally get their happy ending.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the heavily anticipated sequel to Hunted and it delivered in every way! Claimed takes readers back to the world of the Five Bloodthrones. Coming off the cliffhanger that was book 1, Eira and Valentin's story continues oozing with page-turning seduction from the first page. Their dynamic and explosive chemistry is put at the forefront and I absolutely love it.
The tension builds up as readers become immersed in the dangerous magic at play. Both characters have extensive development beyond book 1 and for a conclusion, this is rewarding to read. Eira coming to terms with her past and present is cathartic to read. Meanwhile, Valentin's obsession with Eira had be on the edge of my seat. The aspects of found family appear and the side characters never disappoint. I was laughing and crying simultaneously throughout.
Zara Cox creates an amazing world that not only pulls readers in but it makes them want to stay for more. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
The tension builds up as readers become immersed in the dangerous magic at play. Both characters have extensive development beyond book 1 and for a conclusion, this is rewarding to read. Eira coming to terms with her past and present is cathartic to read. Meanwhile, Valentin's obsession with Eira had be on the edge of my seat. The aspects of found family appear and the side characters never disappoint. I was laughing and crying simultaneously throughout.
Zara Cox creates an amazing world that not only pulls readers in but it makes them want to stay for more. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW. This was quite the rollercoaster. So-called protectors are more like traitorous users, betrayals aren’t all deliberate or even known, alliances are made and frayed, and all of this makes for an utterly enthralling tale from start to finish.
Sure, both Valentin and Eira almost died along the way. More than once. And anger was strong. But regret and love prove to be stronger, as does help from the one who likes to antagonize while she finds a solution. I sort of adore her, honestly. And I’m pretty sure she and an Irish guy have a story to share, so maybe we’ll get that soon enough. But she’s been busy here, making sure Eira survives the truths she’s desperate to tell. Making sure Valentin survives to have his forever fated mate. And as it all comes out into the open, I also see that another brother is facing a similar fate. Or might be. Pretty sure on that one, though.
This was absolutely fantastic and I look forward to the next brother, since I’m pretty sure the Windy City is waiting to share some secrets also.
Sure, both Valentin and Eira almost died along the way. More than once. And anger was strong. But regret and love prove to be stronger, as does help from the one who likes to antagonize while she finds a solution. I sort of adore her, honestly. And I’m pretty sure she and an Irish guy have a story to share, so maybe we’ll get that soon enough. But she’s been busy here, making sure Eira survives the truths she’s desperate to tell. Making sure Valentin survives to have his forever fated mate. And as it all comes out into the open, I also see that another brother is facing a similar fate. Or might be. Pretty sure on that one, though.
This was absolutely fantastic and I look forward to the next brother, since I’m pretty sure the Windy City is waiting to share some secrets also.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC!
I about passed out when this ARC hit my kindle.
I read Hunted (book 1 in this series) a few weeks ago and I have been checking NetGalley everyday since.
I am a hoe for a fated mates trope 👏
Eira (Lyra) may be one of my favorite FMCs that I’ve read in a while. Her sarcasm, wit and banter were unmatched. And who doesn’t love a lady that can bring a centuries old vampire to his knees.
Oh and when she said “this sucks donkey balls” I about died 🤣
Valentin bro I needed you to get a clue here. But actually I dig a man who struggles to acknowledge his weakness for a woman until he’s pushed to his breaking point. (Probably super red flag-y of me) 🚩
The plot line for this duet was intriguing and multi layered without being difficult to follow.
And the spice, it was spicing.
If you’re looking for a
•vamp x mortal
•fated mates
•magical beings and creatures
•romantic suspense
I would 100% recommend this series.
I about passed out when this ARC hit my kindle.
I read Hunted (book 1 in this series) a few weeks ago and I have been checking NetGalley everyday since.
I am a hoe for a fated mates trope 👏
Eira (Lyra) may be one of my favorite FMCs that I’ve read in a while. Her sarcasm, wit and banter were unmatched. And who doesn’t love a lady that can bring a centuries old vampire to his knees.
Oh and when she said “this sucks donkey balls” I about died 🤣
Valentin bro I needed you to get a clue here. But actually I dig a man who struggles to acknowledge his weakness for a woman until he’s pushed to his breaking point. (Probably super red flag-y of me) 🚩
The plot line for this duet was intriguing and multi layered without being difficult to follow.
And the spice, it was spicing.
If you’re looking for a
•vamp x mortal
•fated mates
•magical beings and creatures
•romantic suspense
I would 100% recommend this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC REVIEW
So i got the chance to read this from Netgalley and it was a less than 24 hours read.
I love it, everything
I did not read the firts book but i'm going to right now
It wasnt that necessary because the writing is great and give You the important information right away.
The characters: Valentín thinks he is this greatest male and owner of the city but inside is a puppy and when Eira is next to him is a tiny baby cat and i love it
So protective and obsessed.
Eira is power, so delightfull to see a female character to be this strong in fight and in life.
The fact that we know who she is gives the story a powerfull tool. And is because the great writing that we don't suffer because in a moment (just like Valentin says somentimes) You forget about Lyra and only focus on Eira and her Will to live.
A fantastic read! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
So i got the chance to read this from Netgalley and it was a less than 24 hours read.
I love it, everything
I did not read the firts book but i'm going to right now
It wasnt that necessary because the writing is great and give You the important information right away.
The characters: Valentín thinks he is this greatest male and owner of the city but inside is a puppy and when Eira is next to him is a tiny baby cat and i love it
So protective and obsessed.
Eira is power, so delightfull to see a female character to be this strong in fight and in life.
The fact that we know who she is gives the story a powerfull tool. And is because the great writing that we don't suffer because in a moment (just like Valentin says somentimes) You forget about Lyra and only focus on Eira and her Will to live.
A fantastic read! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Book two in a vampire x hunter series. You do need to read book one before this book. It does finish of the duology of the romance between Eira and Valentin. This book picks up directly after the cliffhanger of book one.
This book continues to follow Eira and Valentin. I loved seeing their relationship progressing in this book. The spice was so good. These two had amazing chemistry. I didn’t want to stop reading. I needed to know what will happen next. I was dying for Eira to finally tell Valentin her secrets.
I am excited to see where else this book series goes.
Tropes
-mafia
-vampire x vampire hunter
-fated mates
-secret identity
-second book in a series
-hea
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Book two in a vampire x hunter series. You do need to read book one before this book. It does finish of the duology of the romance between Eira and Valentin. This book picks up directly after the cliffhanger of book one.
This book continues to follow Eira and Valentin. I loved seeing their relationship progressing in this book. The spice was so good. These two had amazing chemistry. I didn’t want to stop reading. I needed to know what will happen next. I was dying for Eira to finally tell Valentin her secrets.
I am excited to see where else this book series goes.
Tropes
-mafia
-vampire x vampire hunter
-fated mates
-secret identity
-second book in a series
-hea
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
GUUUUUUUUYS ! I was so excited to read this book number 2 and boy I was not disappointed at all ! That story was so addictive ! The yearning is crazy and the. Tension between them two is so delicious ! I recommend Ifyou like a hot spicy shadow daddy haunting your dreams !( please who doesn’t ? ) I devored this one up ! I had the best time ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75/4⭐️
Thank you to Boldwood Books, as always for spoiling and inviting me with another fantastic read!! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
When I realised that this was a duology (perhaps now, a series) I quickly downloaded Hunted, and omgg what a rollercoaster that was, and how it ended quite literally had my jaw on the floor, I didnt' hesitate to pick this up right after finishing, because I absolutely NEEDED to know what happened next.
And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!! Wow, it was such a rollercoaster of a read that I couldn't help but root for both Valentin and Eira's quest for vengeance, or was it vengeance, when she got to know the formidable vampire that was Don Valentin Moretti. Their insane chemistry and tension followed them into this book, and I was quite literally waiting in anticipation for Eira to reveal her identity.
Thank you to Boldwood Books, as always for spoiling and inviting me with another fantastic read!! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
When I realised that this was a duology (perhaps now, a series) I quickly downloaded Hunted, and omgg what a rollercoaster that was, and how it ended quite literally had my jaw on the floor, I didnt' hesitate to pick this up right after finishing, because I absolutely NEEDED to know what happened next.
And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint!! Wow, it was such a rollercoaster of a read that I couldn't help but root for both Valentin and Eira's quest for vengeance, or was it vengeance, when she got to know the formidable vampire that was Don Valentin Moretti. Their insane chemistry and tension followed them into this book, and I was quite literally waiting in anticipation for Eira to reveal her identity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this book.. had me on the edge of my seat but the ending was wild
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews