Claim: A Dark Rival Romance

by S. M. Racie

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2026

Reviews

[Nicole Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claim was a quick, addictive addition to the Birmingham Boys world that perfectly complemented Fallen Star. Even as a novella, it packed in plenty of tension, angst, and chemistry, and I flew through it in one sitting.
I really enjoyed getting Chance and Garrett's perspectives as their friendship begins to fracture over the same woman. Knowing this story runs alongside Fallen Star made it even more interesting because it added extra context and depth to characters I was already invested in. Seeing events unfold from a different angle made the world feel even richer.
The chemistry was intense, the emotional tension was high, and both MMCs brought completely different energy to the story. S.M. Racie did a great job making me understand each of their motivations while keeping me eager to see how everything will play out.
Overall, Claim is a steamy, emotionally charged companion novella that expands the Birmingham Boys series in a meaningful way. If you've read Fallen Star, I definitely recommend picking this up. It adds another layer to the story and will leave you even more excited for what's to come.

[Sarah Reapz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the ending I wanted as both were amazing in their own right but we were warned.

Despite my own issue of not liking the ending I loved it.
Both MMC's were sneaky and lovable, the more I learned about them the more I wanted them both for her, yes they did unhinged stuff but this isn't a rom com we are reading but dark romance so our men are unstable and obsessed.

Claire was pretty amazing too she deserved these two lucky women haha. She's smart, feisty and is willing to take what she wants.

I really enjoyed this novella I'm hoping to see more of them in the next book but if not I'm glad I got to see this side of them all. I will miss them.

[Cierra · Rating 1 out of 5]

A short novella with some mediocre spice.

I honestly had to put this book down twice because I wasn't sure if I had missed some chapters or events. It has the potential to be good, but it definitely needs some work. The FMC works for a company with some questionable side quests, and ends up being thrown into a why choose with two coworkers but ends up choosing one only to be blackmailed by his brother that just kind of gets thrown into the loop. It needs a lot of supporting details and background to help tie it all together.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Drama Enfolds

I went in knowing it was a Rival themed story. The stars are for the writing and content. I just wasnt a fan. Saying that takes nothing from the writer ir thr story she talently penned.
A three way with big drama, intense and lit of emotions. I didn't think it was dark as much as angsty and just a tad bit childish. That's just my take on a complicated co-worker/friend relationship.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so I really liked this book! I finished it in 24 hours ! It was a short read but still I really enjoyed it .! I am not going to lie I do wish it did not end like that because I want more !!! I am hoping there will be more because I really liked the trio ! Maybe a book 2 ;)

Lots of smut , competition between best friends , tons of secrets , Rival/ romance.

There is a love triangle involved and a lot of feelings. I wish I

[Kayleigh Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claim SM Racie
Stars ✨✨✨✨
Chilli 🌶️🌶️

Wow! This was short but packed a punch🤣 we love a short king and this has genuinely made me kick my feet and scream!!
The slow burn. The tension between them. The EUGHHHHH!!!
This was sweet but slow. A slow burn is definitely what I needed!
The plot….. the goddamn plot…..
The ending….
Claim was quick and short but definitely packed a lot! Tensions were HIGH!
So ready for more Chance and Garret and more of the Birmingham boys!

[Melanie Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was an arc reader for this gem. I recommend reading the first two books before diving into to this one so you can feel the connection to these three characters. for a novella it was exactly what i hoped for and the ending absolutely sucker punched me. i can't wait for the next possible book in this series and i love the found family in this series!

[Isabelle | Reading.withiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claim was a quick addictive read, this is a novella giving an addition to the Birmingham Boys. I really enjoyed getting the perspectives of Chance and Garret, their friendship starting to crumble over a woman (Claire)

The author did a good job at showing both their motivations and the writing was really well done

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book as an ARC copy, recieved by the author.


Wait,, what??
How can it end like that!
I need more!

Okay, okay, save to say i love it!
It was like a hurricane, fast and wrecking!
Lots of competition,
Lots, and lots of smutt (!)
Twisted feelings, burried secrets, and non of them could let go...

✨️Chance: the "softer" one,, at least so it seems... protective stalker kinda guy
✨️Garret: somewhat unhinged, but in the right ways...obsessive and morally grey, buth truthfull!
✨️ Claire: thorne between the both of them.. a triangle she knew couldn't work, but still couldn't let go either one of them...

Its a somewhat short and fast story (like i said, a hurricane) but it will leave you wanting more!! NEEDING more!!