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A Dark Wolf-Shifter Romance

Shy, sexy Claudia is one of the last shifter-brides left at the Alma Venus Boarding School who have yet to be bought and claimed by a shape-shifter. Raised and educated to become the wife of a bear-shifter, she is painfully aware that the latest political changes are affecting the peace treaty between humans and shifters, and the way in which shifters choose their brides. She’s afraid no Alpha will ever want her, and if she isn’t married by the time she turns 25, she doesn’t know what she’ll do with her life.

Karl Blackmane has never wanted a mate. After what happened during the War of the Six Factions, he isn’t ready to love and protect a human. He might never be. But his sister-in-law, Avelyn, insists he should claim her best friend, Claudia, because she is perfect for him. As a favor to Avelyn, Karl makes Claudia his bride. What he doesn’t expect is to fall madly in love with her. But she is so innocent and fragile, and he has done so many terrible things… He can’t let her in, can’t let her see who he really is.

Karl keeps pushing Claudia away, Claudia only wants to heal her Alpha’s wounds… Will he find the courage to tell her the truth? Will she be strong enough to forgive him?

Author’s Note: Taming the Alpha is a full, standalone novel with no cliffhangers. However, it is a sequel to Sold to the Alpha, The Hidden Alpha, and Claimed by the Dragons. Reading these three books first will help you understand the characters and their backgrounds better.

141 pages, ebook

First published June 2, 2016

423 people are currently reading
186 people want to read

About the author

Cara Wylde

144 books637 followers
Cara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.

When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.

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5 stars
185 (48%)
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109 (28%)
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65 (16%)
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17 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,545 reviews52 followers
June 13, 2016
Claudia is the last of her room-mates standing! The others have found their mates and are even having children. She has been trained as a bear-shifters bride but her match may be just what she never dreamt of. She is placid and tame and doesn't think much of her own attributes but she may be just what this alpha needs!

Karl Blackmane learned of Claudia from Avelyn, his sister in law. She may be just what his unruly beast needs to calm down. He has always been fearful his other half would get away from him and he would destroy his love. But is keeping Claudia arms length the way to do it. He will only touch Claudia when she's tied up and blindfolded cos he's not just ugly on the inside, he has external scars too. Will Claudia continue to want him when she finds out the truth he has been trying to redeem himself from?

Claudia is just the balm that Karl needs! He's so fearful of letting his beast loose and Claudia is obviously the centre and anchor he needs. Wonderfully written and enjoyable story!
Profile Image for kay reads.
1,294 reviews24 followers
June 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book because it has one of my favourite tropes, which is an arranged marriage where the hero is fucked up because of the person he was in the past then upon a moment when he realises he will lose her he confesses his guts out to her and tells her everything, very specific. It's the good kind of cliché for me. Because it is a sequel to a series the world is the same so we don't get much development on the world building but I enjoyed reading the characters.
it is more of romance than paranormal romance because it focuses on the romance only.
I specifically loved the text messages exchanged between Matt and Karl about Claudia. I turned into absolute mush.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
June 4, 2016
TAMING THE ALPHA-HEART-MELTING & SIZZLING PASSIONATE ROMANCE

This story focuses on; KARL BLACKMANE a well built strikingly handsome powerful Alpha to the Dark Wolves; CLAUDIA a sexy, sweet-tempered, intelligent gracious beauty.

What you'll find in this story; a cast of remarkably impressive and engaging characters, spectacular storyline, picturesque and dynamic scene descriptions, phenomenal banter, camaraderie, family love, gut-wrenching moments, gripping suspense, earth shattering heart-pounding sensual romance, and a heart-melting conclusion leaving you wanting more.

Claudia at twenty-two is still an unclaimed bride and is having somewhat of an alone pity party wondering why she has not been chosen. To appease his sister-in-law Karl has gone to the Alma Venus Boarding School for shifter-brides to meet her best friend. Meeting Claudia brings out burning desires he thought died years ago. Karl has ghastly memories that plague him daily from the War of the Six Factions {a war between humans and shifters}. Karl takes Claudia as his bride and brings her back to London. Claudia’s fondness for Karl escalates, but his cold non-communicative demeanor unleashes her alpha-like temper hoping she can break the invisible chains that hold him captive in the past.

WOW/SPECTACULAR-fast paced well written memorable shifter read by a truly gifted author. The heart-rending emotions in this story are mixed with a bit reality and fantasy. The author shows with meaningful dialogue that communication and letting go of the past is extremely important in a loving relationship. The cast of characters are certainly praise-worthy and spring to life with the intriguing plot, lively humor, and breathtaking vivid scene descriptions. Claudia indeed was Karl’s match, and their romance is filled with fiery passion and undying devotion. I so love when a story touches your heart; relished this story a most gratifying read. If you treasure shifter romance this is a must-have book for your library. {I was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review}. In the world of fantasy romance, the possibilities are endless and always fascinating. Without reservations. I recommend this book.

2,259 reviews6 followers
June 3, 2016
Claudia is the last room mate still at the Alma Venus Boarding School. Her three room mates have all been bought by shifters, and are happily married. She is depressed because she is now 22, and if she is not bought by age 25, she will be turned out into the world to fend for herself. She has been trained to be a bear shifter's wife, but Kark Blackmane, a wolf shifter, comes to the school to buy her on the suggestion of his sister-in-law (and also Claudia's friend). Karl immediately feels an intense attraction for Claudia, but he is reserved and aloof. Claudia agrees to marry him, as she has given up on a bear shifter wanting her. What Claudia doesn't know is that Karl is a tortured soul, and has scars figuratively and emotionally, from choices he made many, many, years ago. He has never dealt with his past. Claudia falls in love with Karl, but she is hurt and confused. One minute Karl is all over her, the next he keeps his distance, and he won't let her touch him. Claudia must use her love, gentleness, forgiveness, and strength of character to break down Karl's walls and get him to open up to her. I loved Claudia's character. She was a gentle, calm, laid back woman, but she fought for her marriage. Matt, Karl's beta was funny, goofy, and quite the character. There is a story there as to why he is so different from the typical beta. I hope there is a book about him in the future.
Profile Image for Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart.
2,441 reviews26 followers
August 10, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, even though it's 4th in the series you can read it as stand alone. But you will get spoilers about previous characters, which is fine for me as I read so much I will forget.
The story was short and sweet, I read it over my daily commute. The plot was well written and kept me intrigued, the characters were fun and sexy with some drama. Claudia will need to get to the bottom of Karl Blackmane's issues of why he doesn't want to be seen or touched while naked. Why he is afraid to share his feelings with her. You'll start to care and wonder yourself as you read the story. Will they end up mating and spending their lives together and will they get their HEA?
Profile Image for Michelle Fortune.
1,706 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2016
This brings the main girls from Alma Venus to their happy endings. Claudia has been chosen and it is a perfect match. Karl gets his happy ending as well.
Profile Image for Kristi.
255 reviews
March 10, 2017
This book felt like an after thought. I felt like the author just wanted to tie up lose ends and threw the last two people in the serie together.
Profile Image for Stephanie Mendoza.
26 reviews1 follower
August 30, 2017
Just alright...

This installation of the Alma Venus series has its ups and downs. It had sexy, exciting scenes, but it also had parts that made me go, "Whaaaat...?" When the hero is being a jerk, I like to see him grovel. Karl Blackmane is not my favorite character in this universe, but a lot more groveling may have redeemed him in my eyes. I do feel like the author was going in that direction, but Claudia was too quick to forgive him in my opinion. Both their characters could've been developed more in this sense; it could've shown Claudia's strength as both a woman and the Alpha's mate and equal, and Karl could've proven himself worthy of her love. Overall, it's a lovely read, but the turning point happened too fast, and the H&h's claims that they fell in love with each other at first meeting was just not believable.
Profile Image for Anna Low.
266 reviews6 followers
May 21, 2017
Claudia's book is the last in the Alma Venus Shifter Brides series and it makes me sad. She was meant for a bear but ends up with a wolf that she needs to be strong for as he has a very dark past that he feels he still needs to atone for after 200 years. I recommend this series to anyone who loves strong, resourceful, determined women. Each book can be read alone but to understand the entire back plot. they should be read in order
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,638 reviews25 followers
December 19, 2016
Great Series

This is one of my favorite paranormal romance series. The last of the friends finally gets her mate. He has a lot of secrets that makes it difficult for them to really bond. She might be the quiet one of the group but she is not afraid to stand up for what is important to her. Her love helps him heal. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend the whole series.
143 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2018
Born to mate

Claudia finally meets her best friend brother in law knowing that this maybe her last chance of being mated. Karl has a very dark past he can't get over. Together they find that they are truly made for each other. This story was well told. Cara Wilde did a fine job.⚘⚘⚘
1,007 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2020
Healing her Alpha mate

Claudia is starting to doubt that anyone will choose and buy her to be their shifter mate. Karl Blackman's doesn't think that he deserves a mate but as soon as he sees Claudia he realises she is what he needs. Readers should enjoy this book which I would thoroughly recommend. Can these two discover each other and become perfect together.
968 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2017
Good read

Claudia doesn't seem to have the confidence of the other girls, but she is definitely getting her way or it will be no way. Great way to bring the wolf heel, the story could have been longer, this one felt like an I want to be done with this series so it was rushed.
69 reviews
July 19, 2021
Helping and healing together

Enjoyed This book glad Karl/Claudia where able to get together. They were able to work though his issues and her wellness to do what ever to be with him forever.
Profile Image for Holly.
24 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2017
Excellent

I loved every minute of this book. Last one in the series. A must read. Just so good 👍👍👍. Romantic.
Profile Image for Sandra.
368 reviews15 followers
December 9, 2017
Love story with Claudia is one the last shifter-bride ,and whom she wedding is Karl Blackmore sexy wolf shifter, Wonderful stories!
326 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2020
Hot

Hot and sexy stories but also tear jerkers as a lot of sad before happy ever after. Enjoying reading this series
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews123 followers
Want to read
November 13, 2020
🎁 Books 3 & 4 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (11/13/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Christy.
411 reviews
January 19, 2022
good story

Good romance. I Loved the characters but it needs more suspense. That is the only thing I feel was missing.
49 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2024
Different pace

Of all the books so far the pace was different. It was a nice change. I love how the story was building. Good read.
Profile Image for Wendy Bailey.
79 reviews
November 2, 2024
Enjoyable

Loved reading about how Karl was coping with his past and how Claudia became his wife. It's a fabulous short story.
281 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2017
Excellent Shifter Romance

This was a sweet and thoughtful book, the characters were lovable and made the story that much more enjoyable. The plot was steady and had an interesting premise, I found the school for shifter bride's to be an original concept and I will enjoy reading the rest of this series.

If you enjoy a sweet paranormal romance you will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for iliana G.
1,687 reviews26 followers
November 1, 2016
A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.


Shy, sexy Claudia is one of the last shifter-brides left at the Alma Venus Boarding School who have yet to be bought and claimed by a shape-shifter. Raised and educated to become the wife of a bear-shifter, she is painfully aware that the latest political changes are affecting the peace treaty between humans and shifters, and the way in which shifters choose their brides. She’s afraid no Alpha will ever want her, and if she isn’t married by the time she turns 25, she doesn’t know what she’ll do with her life.

Karl Blackmane has never wanted a mate. After what happened during the War of the Six Factions, he isn’t ready to love and protect a human. He might never be. But his sister-in-law, Avelyn, insists he should claim her best friend, Claudia, because she is perfect for him. As a favor to Avelyn, Karl makes Claudia his bride. What he doesn’t expect is to fall madly in love with her. But she is so innocent and fragile, and he has done so many terrible things… He can’t let her in, can’t let her see who he really is.

Karl keeps pushing Claudia away, Claudia only wants to heal her Alpha’s wounds… Will he find the courage to tell her the truth? Will she be strong enough to forgive him?



Though this is a standalone i do not suggest reading it before you have read the previous books in the series so you can better understand the world and the characters and what is going on.
Once more Cara Wylde has outdone herself and has given us a fantastic book that i really couldn't put down.
A complex story with an emotional rollecoaster ride and sexy to down right panty melting hot hot hot moments this book is simply amazing and it completes the story of the 4 friends at Alma Venus Boarding School.
Profile Image for Kristy.
680 reviews
June 13, 2016
I was hoping after finishing her "Sold to the Alpha" & "The Hidden Alpha" series, then the 'Claimed by the Dragons' that Cara would continue on somehow & tell the stories of Avelyn's last friend from the Alma Venus Boarding School. So when I started reading this, you can imagine how happy I was when that's exactly where I found myself again. This time reading about Claudia FINALLY getting her mate....

I would highly advise you to read Cara's "Sold to the Alpha" then "The Hidden Alpha" & "Caimed by the Dragons" before you start to read 'Taming the Alpha' ... there are spoilers for the previous stories in this series. Cara has added as much detail in this as she has with Avelyn, Amelia & Delyse's story, you almost feel like it's you there & your not just reading it.

With only a few years till her 25th birthday, Claudia is starting to freak out that she will never be chosen for as a mate for an alpha, so when Karl Blackmane, Avelyn's brother in-law asks to see her, Claudia thinks it's to update her on how her friend is going. Karl Blackmane has decided to find a mate, having his sister in-law talk non-stop about her best friend Claudia, Karl finds himself wanting to meet the girl & sets up an interview at Alma Venus....

What a fast paced read, I loved finally being able to read Claudia's journey, as well as Karl's history... with a Blackmane being the love interest, there was bound to be some type of history. I really wish there was more to the series... please let there be more.
1,097 reviews2 followers
Read
June 6, 2016
Given to me for an honest review. This story can stand alone but it is the sequel to Sold to the Alpha, The Hidden Alpha, and Claimed by the Dragons. If you have read these, you will know the spoilers. If you haven't read all three, the spoilers will ruin some really good books. Claudia is all alone in a room designed for four and trying not to feel lonely. While in this school, she can't have contact with the outside world. Today, she has a visitor, but he can't be here for a bride because he hasn't looked at the catalogs and she hasn't been told so she could be her best during the interview. She finds out that Karl Blackmane was one of her friend's brother-in-law. It seems he decided that it was time to have a wife and his sister-in-law had mentioned Claudia. As their conversation continues, Claudia decides it is an interview. Karl's interview didn't go as planned, but he was still pleased with Claudia. When they reach home, things don't go well. Will Claudia be able to find the trouble and fix it?
Profile Image for Virginia Lee.
2,457 reviews35 followers
June 10, 2016
Cara Wylde always deliver with a wonderful action pack story. Karl is Alpha of the Wolves and still has terrible memories that will pop up about the war. Karl does not know if he can get past these nightmare, but when Avelyn suggested that he claim a bride. Karl agree that he will marry Claudia from Alma Venus Barding school. Claudia is a quiet and shy girl, with all of her friends getting bought as bride she is all that is left. She wonders will see never find a husband in time before she must leave the school for good. Both Karl and Claudia have insecurity that they must face. Will they truly be able to move past things and make their marriage a good one? Highly recommend this book and the others if the series to have a full understanding of all the characters.
How would you describe the plot of this book? some twist
Which of these words best describes the mood? Suspenseful
How would you describe the pace? steady
How would you describe the characters? developed
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Profile Image for Book Review Virginia Lee.
95 reviews29 followers
June 10, 2016
Cara Wylde always deliver with a wonderful action pack story. Karl is Alpha of the Wolves and still has terrible memories that will pop up about the war. Karl does not know if he can get past these nightmare, but when Avelyn suggested that he claim a bride. Karl agree that he will marry Claudia from Alma Venus Barding school. Claudia is a quiet and shy girl, with all of her friends getting bought as bride she is all that is left. She wonders will see never find a husband in time before she must leave the school for good. Both Karl and Claudia have insecurity that they must face. Will they truly be able to move past things and make their marriage a good one? Highly recommend this book and the others if the series to have a full understanding of all the characters.
How would you describe the plot of this book? some twist
Which of these words best describes the mood? Suspenseful
How would you describe the pace? steady
How would you describe the characters? developed
* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *
Profile Image for Tanja.
736 reviews16 followers
June 15, 2016
Avelyn was the first of the girls to be bought as a shifter bride. it set a lot in motion for a lot of people. but years have passed and things have settled down somewhat. now avelyn has been urging Karl, her brother-in-law, to go and check up on Claudia. she's raised and tought to be a bear-bride but Karl is a wolf, an alpha wolf. he knows very well what claudia is to him and he doesn't realy hesitate to buy her and bring her with him but then it all goes to shambles because Karl can't forget his own past and he doesn't want that kind of future for claudia.
what he didn't count on was the perseverance of the woman his wolf recognized as his true mate.

join us in this part as a few of the loose ends get tied up, how pasts are confronted and futures are build! lovely read and addition to this world created by Cara.

free copy given in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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