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Alpha's Claim #2
Born to be Broken
Claire has a score to settle.
Unwilling mate to the brute who viciously conquered her city, she has once again escaped from her Alpha. Hardened by betrayal, cold as the ice outside the Dome, Claire becomes the mission. The Omegas must be freed, no matter the cost.
The price on her head will not deter her; after all, mated and subjugated her life no longer retains value. She can’t eat, she can’t sleep, and she’s running out of time before the inevitable end.
For once, Shepherd finds himself facing an adversary he cannot simply crush, the situation far out of his depth. Desperate to draw his mate back, racked and restless, he is forced to acknowledge that his pregnant Omega is willing to sacrifice her life for her false notion of a greater good.
He holds the key to her compliance and his dying mate’s survival—all he must do is give her exactly what she wants.
Born to be Broken is the second book in Addison Cain's bestselling Alpha's Claim trilogy, an unabashedly dark tale with explicit sexual themes and complete power exchange. If you enjoy gritty fiction and suspense that sticks long after you've finished reading, this series is not to be missed.
Unwilling mate to the brute who viciously conquered her city, she has once again escaped from her Alpha. Hardened by betrayal, cold as the ice outside the Dome, Claire becomes the mission. The Omegas must be freed, no matter the cost.
The price on her head will not deter her; after all, mated and subjugated her life no longer retains value. She can’t eat, she can’t sleep, and she’s running out of time before the inevitable end.
For once, Shepherd finds himself facing an adversary he cannot simply crush, the situation far out of his depth. Desperate to draw his mate back, racked and restless, he is forced to acknowledge that his pregnant Omega is willing to sacrifice her life for her false notion of a greater good.
He holds the key to her compliance and his dying mate’s survival—all he must do is give her exactly what she wants.
Born to be Broken is the second book in Addison Cain's bestselling Alpha's Claim trilogy, an unabashedly dark tale with explicit sexual themes and complete power exchange. If you enjoy gritty fiction and suspense that sticks long after you've finished reading, this series is not to be missed.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2016
1342 people are currently reading
2337 people want to read
About the author
Addison Cain
56 books4,531 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author and Amazon Top 25 bestselling author, Addison Cain is best known for her dark romances, smoldering paranormal suspense, and twisted alien worlds. Her antiheroes are not always redeemable, her lead females stand fierce, and nothing is ever as it seems.
Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.
Visit her website: addisoncain.com
Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/AddisonCainNewsletter
Amazon: amzn.to/2ryj4LH
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AddisonCain
Bookbub Deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cain
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AddisonlCain/
Addison Cain’s Dark Longings Lounge Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/DarkLongingsL...
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!
The Golden Line
The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)
Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced
The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)
Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic
A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark
Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun
Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate
Deep and sometimes heart wrenching, her books are not for the faint of heart. But they are just right for those who enjoy unapologetic bad boys, aggressive alphas, and a hint of violence in a kiss.
Visit her website: addisoncain.com
Sign up for her newsletter: http://bit.ly/AddisonCainNewsletter
Amazon: amzn.to/2ryj4LH
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/AddisonCain
Bookbub Deals: www.bookbub.com/authors/addison-cain
Facebook Author Page: www.facebook.com/AddisonlCain/
Addison Cain’s Dark Longings Lounge Fan Group: www.facebook.com/groups/DarkLongingsL...
Don’t miss these exciting titles by Addison Cain!
The Golden Line
The Alpha’s Claim Series:
Born to be Bound
Born To Be Broken
Reborn
Stolen
Corrupted (coming soon)
Wren’s Song Series:
Branded
Silenced
The Irdesi Empire Series:
Sigil
Sovereign
Que (coming soon)
Cradle of Darkness
Catacombs
Cathedral
The Relic
A Trick of the Light Duet:
A Taste of Shine
A Shot in the Dark
Historical Romance:
Dark Side of the Sun
Horror:
The White Queen
Immaculate
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
February 22, 2017
I only read this book to find out why Shepherd cheated. Then come to read that he cheats again in this book!
Facts:
-Beginning of book, he fucks his mistress AGAIN and "realizes" she is bad/EVIL and doesn't want her anymore. (oh goodie... now you can be a real man and stop cheating on your mate.)
- Also told his mistress that he planned on ruling with her while he keeps his mate locked up. lol Are you kidding me right now? And I'm supposed to like this guy after he still calls his mistress his beloved? Does the author want me to hate his character or something? lol
-75% into the book, he tells his mate "I wouldn't have been with her (mistress) even if she was good to me." LIES LIES LIES. Either he's a confused idiot or the author messed up while typing up his dialogue lol.
This guy is a lying douchbag and I hope he dies. Also hope this poor girl comes to her senses and ends up with the Enforcer dude.
Can't believe I will read the third book to find out if she ends up with this cheating animal.
Facts:
-Beginning of book, he fucks his mistress AGAIN and "realizes" she is bad/EVIL and doesn't want her anymore. (oh goodie... now you can be a real man and stop cheating on your mate.)
- Also told his mistress that he planned on ruling with her while he keeps his mate locked up. lol Are you kidding me right now? And I'm supposed to like this guy after he still calls his mistress his beloved? Does the author want me to hate his character or something? lol
-75% into the book, he tells his mate "I wouldn't have been with her (mistress) even if she was good to me." LIES LIES LIES. Either he's a confused idiot or the author messed up while typing up his dialogue lol.
This guy is a lying douchbag and I hope he dies. Also hope this poor girl comes to her senses and ends up with the Enforcer dude.
Can't believe I will read the third book to find out if she ends up with this cheating animal.
March 25, 2022
Review to come.
February 14, 2022
Re-read: 2/13/22
Love. This. Series.
Love. This. Series.
October 11, 2018
Alphas and omegas
Born to be broken certainly didn't disappoint.
I started this book so epically angry at shepherds previous actions: in a word the idiotic gullible fool obviously doesn't realise when he's being played.
Just shows how absorbing and expertly written this book is that I could continue reading and still rate it so high as I did when this sort of behaviour is usually a complete no-no for me.
I like my anti-hero's to be loyal to a fault: even when they're at there most wicked.
So this book mainly deals with the consequences of shepherds actions and his attempts to woo Claire back to him.
We also see shepherd try to open up and be more transparent even slightly mellowing.
That's All I'm going to say on this other than do yourself a favour and pick this series up like yesterday.
This series is up there with my all-time favourites and considering how much I read that is a feat all in itself: cannot praise this authors work enough she just does it for me every single time.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
Born to be broken certainly didn't disappoint.
I started this book so epically angry at shepherds previous actions: in a word the idiotic gullible fool obviously doesn't realise when he's being played.
Just shows how absorbing and expertly written this book is that I could continue reading and still rate it so high as I did when this sort of behaviour is usually a complete no-no for me.
I like my anti-hero's to be loyal to a fault: even when they're at there most wicked.
So this book mainly deals with the consequences of shepherds actions and his attempts to woo Claire back to him.
We also see shepherd try to open up and be more transparent even slightly mellowing.
That's All I'm going to say on this other than do yourself a favour and pick this series up like yesterday.
This series is up there with my all-time favourites and considering how much I read that is a feat all in itself: cannot praise this authors work enough she just does it for me every single time.
All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
February 23, 2019
"You are also foolish enough to think you must bear the burden of others' sins… That is your true flaw. The psychological trauma you are causing yourself is both immature and pointless. It does nothing to change the scenario. And though I am honored you would consider the thought of my redemption as worthy, it is your own peace you need to focus on now. Self-pity and playing the martyr help no one." ~Shepherd
There is a good reason this series comes with a warning in the book description. Oh yes, serious lines are crossed! Even though it is a fictional world, the novel will still careen the reader into dark corners of the mental psyche. If you can go beyond that, there are some amazing lessons to be learned from reading this novel. Addison Cain does a phenomenal job of creating a captivating story while allowing the reader to question his or her own ethical stance in society. . . .needless to say, if the reader allows it, the novel is not skin deep.
PROS:
🔥 - Oh lord, the character development! Talk about a few intense characters that stick to their personality depth. The protagonist (Claire) and the antagonist (Shepherd) are clearly defined. However, Miss Cain does not put an emphasis on one character over the other with undertones of compassion or loyalty. This allows the reader figure out on their own which character they identify or empathize with.
Why is this important? Each character clearly stands for an aspect in our current life and the society surrounding us. Depending on where your own personal ideals lie, you will begin to form an opinion on the characters and ultimately place your allegiance to one or the other. Questions the reader might begin to explore could go along the lines of:
Are you an anarchist?
Do you put faith in democracy?
Do you feel as though all humans have primal rights and/or freedoms?
Are laws created to help or hinder?
Are your virtues defined by man or by nature?
Sooooo a dystopian dark erotica novel that allows the reader to explore those concepts almost on a subconscious level? fuck yea . . . .
🔥 - Shepherd, Shepherd, Shepherd. Did I say Shepherd? Ok so this might not be popular opinion and most readers might not find our twisted antagonist extremely satisfying but I did. I couldn't help myself. I want him to conquer the world. Maybe it's my rebellious, wild mind at play but I found myself relating to him, understanding his motives and ultimately rooting for him. Which character did you relate to more and why? (let me know in the comments!)
🔥 - If you love or in the mood for a DARK dystopian novel, look no further than this series. (You must read the series in order, "Born to Be Bound" is the first novel.)
CONS:
☠️ - For me, there were no cons but I felt the need to put this here . . . DO NOT even attempt to pick up this novel if you have issues with authors using rape, manipulation, cheating, or violence in their plot development. If any of those things upsets you, do yourself (& the author) a favor and DON'T READ it, period. Pass it right over and then, luckily, you get to keep your mouth shut about all the things you hate (it's the reason why the book comes with a warning).
BOTTOM LINE:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Book description: "An unabashedly dark tale with explicit sexual themes and complete power exchange. If you enjoy gritty fiction and suspense that sticks long after you've finished reading, this series is not to be missed." I couldn't have said it any better! If all of that applies to you as a reader: READ IT NOW!
February 6, 2017
Claire's hero complex had me like
At first I was team Claire , she saved many lives, but then it got too much. Shepherd started to make more sense than she did, and that's saying something. Like the whole plan to kill herself.
What would she change by killing herself? The suicide thing just go on my last nerve. What would that change? ugh.
Open your eyes woman, the world is shit. She ignored everything Shepherd said, like WOMAN YOU AND HIM HAVE THE SAME GOAL. Shepherd was also hard headed. They just talk to talk with out actually listening. She has more power alive then she did dead, it doesn't take a genius to figure this shit out, yet Omega's are intelligent.
You are the mate of the most powerful man in the world!
Lastly, WTF is knob? Is this a penis reference?
At first I was team Claire , she saved many lives, but then it got too much. Shepherd started to make more sense than she did, and that's saying something. Like the whole plan to kill herself.
What would she change by killing herself? The suicide thing just go on my last nerve. What would that change? ugh.
Open your eyes woman, the world is shit. She ignored everything Shepherd said, like WOMAN YOU AND HIM HAVE THE SAME GOAL. Shepherd was also hard headed. They just talk to talk with out actually listening. She has more power alive then she did dead, it doesn't take a genius to figure this shit out, yet Omega's are intelligent.
You are the mate of the most powerful man in the world!
Lastly, WTF is knob? Is this a penis reference?
October 8, 2019
WTH?!
That was my final thought as I read the last pages. WTH?!
Claire is in a deep dark despair. She takes a risk to fight against Shepard and his followers knowing it would target her for death. Death is the one thing she longs for and it can not come soon enough. Her rape, capture, and heart break have given her no reason to live. Only the threat of the last ones she loves keeps her moving. Makes her concede to being a prisoner yet again.
Completely blind is how I would describe Shepherd. Even hearing his story has appeased me little in regards to his treatment of Claire. There are times he tries to convince her of her ignorance yet I can’t help but believe a reckoning is coming for him.
Dark. Dark. Dark series. Compelling storyline. Usually not the kind I would get hooked on but I am hooked.
Happy reading! DD💕
That was my final thought as I read the last pages. WTH?!
Claire is in a deep dark despair. She takes a risk to fight against Shepard and his followers knowing it would target her for death. Death is the one thing she longs for and it can not come soon enough. Her rape, capture, and heart break have given her no reason to live. Only the threat of the last ones she loves keeps her moving. Makes her concede to being a prisoner yet again.
Completely blind is how I would describe Shepherd. Even hearing his story has appeased me little in regards to his treatment of Claire. There are times he tries to convince her of her ignorance yet I can’t help but believe a reckoning is coming for him.
Dark. Dark. Dark series. Compelling storyline. Usually not the kind I would get hooked on but I am hooked.
Happy reading! DD💕
February 2, 2018
3.5 to 4*
After the cliffhanger ending on the previous book I was so glad I’d waited until these were all out and I could move straight onto this one.
That said I have to be honest and say I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the last one mainly because for most of this book Shepherd and Claire are apart.
I was fully with Claire for the first part of this book, she’s been destroyed by what happened but she’s pulled herself together enough to do what she believes in.
This wore thin after a while and Claire annoyed the hell out of me. This whole martyr complex became a bit much especially when her main goal seemed to be to kill herself and her unborn child because she could. Okay, maybe I’m being a bit unfair but she seriously started to get on my nerves.
I worked my way through this book as fast as I could because I’m hooked and I need to know what happens.
I’m moving straight onto the third and final book my only hope is that Claire has grown up and is less annoying in this one.
So fingers crossed I’m going in...
December 15, 2019
Well, that was awesome
Love Maryanne
Svana has to go
Love Maryanne
Svana has to go
June 5, 2016
★★★★★ 5 Stars ★★★★★
Characters
Claire & Shepherd are seriously one fcked up couple. Damaged and complicated doesn't even begin to cover it.
I love how vehemently and passionately Claire fights for what she believes in. I also hate her, just a little, for plans she made with Corday (side character). Something about it just feels worse than anything Shepherd has done. Although, it is unknown at this time if those plans will come to fruition.
Shepherd is still the same sexy growling possessive alpha male from book one. Also, the same a-hole villain that makes very bad choices. However, there is something vulnerable about him that's very endearing.
Claire is the one portrayed as the victim (which she has been at times), but I think Shepherd has been one all his life and just doesn't know it. That is just my perception though, others may view him differently.
Warnings
Like book one in the series, there are possible triggers. Some basic & general ones without being major spoilers (imo) are:
Major spoiler: Most definitely NOT for everyone as this can be a very emotional subject to some readers.
Overall
A fantastic series that I have been blown away by. I know I'll be rereading this series again from start to finish in the future.
Review
My review of Born to be Bound (Alpha's Claim, #1).
Buy Links
Amazon ♦ B&N ♦ All Romance
(Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Review is on ARC version.)
Characters
Claire & Shepherd are seriously one fcked up couple. Damaged and complicated doesn't even begin to cover it.
I love how vehemently and passionately Claire fights for what she believes in. I also hate her, just a little, for plans she made with Corday (side character). Something about it just feels worse than anything Shepherd has done. Although, it is unknown at this time if those plans will come to fruition.
Shepherd is still the same sexy growling possessive alpha male from book one. Also, the same a-hole villain that makes very bad choices. However, there is something vulnerable about him that's very endearing.
Claire is the one portrayed as the victim (which she has been at times), but I think Shepherd has been one all his life and just doesn't know it. That is just my perception though, others may view him differently.
Warnings
Like book one in the series, there are possible triggers. Some basic & general ones without being major spoilers (imo) are:
Major spoiler: Most definitely NOT for everyone as this can be a very emotional subject to some readers.
Overall
A fantastic series that I have been blown away by. I know I'll be rereading this series again from start to finish in the future.
Review
My review of Born to be Bound (Alpha's Claim, #1).
Buy Links
Amazon ♦ B&N ♦ All Romance
(Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Review is on ARC version.)
October 26, 2019
3.5 ⭐'s
Claire has been bonded to an Alpha that she hates and all that he represents only to meet his beloved and realize that she has far surpassed her feelings of hatred. Now she is broken but she is not down.
Events get pretty political as Claire is wont to do. She knows she can't win the war but she fights her battles anyway, winning more than she realized.
Shepherd has a lot of healing to do with Claire. She's able to make him see things in a way no one else has ever been able to do. And by them sharing and being together, they grow to understand each other more and more.
Claire comes across a copy of The Art of War by Sun Tzu and begins using many of his techniques on Shepherd. Shepherd is very intelligent and well versed in the book as well so he knows exactly what she is doing and welcomes it.
Meanwhile, Shepherd's "beloved" is stirring up all kinds of crazy drama in the war and circumstances get even more amped up.
There was an interesting twist with Shepherd's first in command, Jules. I was really intrigued by him. I was excited to find out his story starts at the end of Stolen.
Claire has been bonded to an Alpha that she hates and all that he represents only to meet his beloved and realize that she has far surpassed her feelings of hatred. Now she is broken but she is not down.
Events get pretty political as Claire is wont to do. She knows she can't win the war but she fights her battles anyway, winning more than she realized.
Shepherd has a lot of healing to do with Claire. She's able to make him see things in a way no one else has ever been able to do. And by them sharing and being together, they grow to understand each other more and more.
Claire comes across a copy of The Art of War by Sun Tzu and begins using many of his techniques on Shepherd. Shepherd is very intelligent and well versed in the book as well so he knows exactly what she is doing and welcomes it.
Meanwhile, Shepherd's "beloved" is stirring up all kinds of crazy drama in the war and circumstances get even more amped up.
There was an interesting twist with Shepherd's first in command, Jules. I was really intrigued by him. I was excited to find out his story starts at the end of Stolen.
September 7, 2017
5 emotional stars!!
I admit that when I started this series, I expected, at best, a dark and smutty romp, and at worst, something written just for shock value. I couldn't have been more off on both counts. I was impressed after book 1, but now I realize just how much I underestimated this author's work.
I loved this installment of Alpha's Claim. It had such an air of sadness to it. That may sound depressing but it was actually . . . poignant. Claire's anguish and quiet resolve drip off the pages - I loved her as a heroine.
But what I loved even more was the opportunity to spend more time in Shephard's head. His utter narcissism and warped sense entitlement are shaken as the story progresses. As he is forced to face the repercussions of his actions, his long-held belief system takes a big hit. Though he continues to manipulate Claire, his new self-awareness really added to the complexity of the plot.
I am now 100% invested in these two - I can't wait to dive into the third book!
I admit that when I started this series, I expected, at best, a dark and smutty romp, and at worst, something written just for shock value. I couldn't have been more off on both counts. I was impressed after book 1, but now I realize just how much I underestimated this author's work.
I loved this installment of Alpha's Claim. It had such an air of sadness to it. That may sound depressing but it was actually . . . poignant. Claire's anguish and quiet resolve drip off the pages - I loved her as a heroine.
But what I loved even more was the opportunity to spend more time in Shephard's head. His utter narcissism and warped sense entitlement are shaken as the story progresses. As he is forced to face the repercussions of his actions, his long-held belief system takes a big hit. Though he continues to manipulate Claire, his new self-awareness really added to the complexity of the plot.
I am now 100% invested in these two - I can't wait to dive into the third book!
February 7, 2017
Amazing.
I was so proud of our heroine throughout this book. She impressed the fuck out of me.
Stepping into this world has been like being strapped in to a tilt-a-whirl ride that takes you into a world beneath a bleak and dreary hungry place rife with pain, down through dirt and decay, into absolute filth and .... beyond. And you're tilting and whirling and you can't get un-strapped because the author won't release her grip on you until the tale is told.
Forget work and housework and sleep and life because this story is taking over your life.
I sat in a restaurant with my family last night and was supposed to be celebrating something but I was in my head, thinking about getting back home to this book.
And Shepherd? I'm rooting for you! You're the alpha-est alpha ever and I'm afraid to jinx it by saying it but I'm just gonna say it. I see possible redemption on the horizon...
I was so proud of our heroine throughout this book. She impressed the fuck out of me.
Stepping into this world has been like being strapped in to a tilt-a-whirl ride that takes you into a world beneath a bleak and dreary hungry place rife with pain, down through dirt and decay, into absolute filth and .... beyond. And you're tilting and whirling and you can't get un-strapped because the author won't release her grip on you until the tale is told.
Forget work and housework and sleep and life because this story is taking over your life.
I sat in a restaurant with my family last night and was supposed to be celebrating something but I was in my head, thinking about getting back home to this book.
And Shepherd? I'm rooting for you! You're the alpha-est alpha ever and I'm afraid to jinx it by saying it but I'm just gonna say it. I see possible redemption on the horizon...
April 21, 2020
In this book, Shepherd’s main focus is to re-establish the bond with Claire. I loved how he learned to compromise for her. There are lots of dark and depressing moments. I am enjoying the couple's current situation and status. I hope Shepherd doesn't mess up with Claire and I really enjoyed the grovel.
We also get to know more about Shephard's past and his actions make a lot of sense now. I know he does awful things and Claire endured everything and accepted his harsh demands. I am pretty much ignoring his awful actions and curious about what happens next. This book ends with a cliffhanger. I don't like it when books end with a cliffhanger but it's a series, and it makes sense. This book is good but the plot takes in a very different world. You have to understand the world first so that you can understand the story. Then you will be able to enjoy it.
We also get to know more about Shephard's past and his actions make a lot of sense now. I know he does awful things and Claire endured everything and accepted his harsh demands. I am pretty much ignoring his awful actions and curious about what happens next. This book ends with a cliffhanger. I don't like it when books end with a cliffhanger but it's a series, and it makes sense. This book is good but the plot takes in a very different world. You have to understand the world first so that you can understand the story. Then you will be able to enjoy it.
June 5, 2016
Three stars for the heroine!
January 6, 2019
While this one still had one particular thing I really had a hard time accepting, Shepherd’s desire to re-establish the bond with Claire becomes his focus. I loved watching him learn to compromise with her and providing things that bring her happiness. I’m pretty sure he’s probably still going to mess it up at some point but until then I’m enjoying the grovel.
There are a lot of dark, depressing moments here and I hurt for Claire because she carries the weight of her world on her shoulders. I’m curious to see how things turn out for the citizens of Tholos. I like the way things are going between this couple at this point, but I’m still not completely sold on the series. However, I’ve been able to keep the hero’s awful actions pretty much out of my mind and I’m curious enough about what’s going to happen to attempt the next book as well.
POV gets a little wonky at points – mostly heroine but occasionally hero
Safe
Triggers
There are a lot of dark, depressing moments here and I hurt for Claire because she carries the weight of her world on her shoulders. I’m curious to see how things turn out for the citizens of Tholos. I like the way things are going between this couple at this point, but I’m still not completely sold on the series. However, I’ve been able to keep the hero’s awful actions pretty much out of my mind and I’m curious enough about what’s going to happen to attempt the next book as well.
POV gets a little wonky at points – mostly heroine but occasionally hero
Safe
Triggers
October 10, 2017
Not really that redeemable. Shepards feeling for his beloved and him sleeping with her again were just gross and disappointing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2016
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Well, I failed at playing the hero."
In a voice that was hard and assertive, Shepherd snarled, "But you didn't, and you know it. Forty-three people are alive because you had the nerve to stand up to me. You won, Claire. No single adversary has ever beaten me before. Ever. Take your victory."
Oh my god, I enjoyed this book so much more than the first one.
Mainly because:
1. We saw such a badass side of Claire. She was already feisty but she really shined in this book. Also she still hasn't given up.
2. We know more about Shepard now. What he really is aiming for. More about the dome culture even before the coup.
3. The naivety Claire had is slowly lifting as she comes to the truth about the dome, still she is trying to stay true to her ideology. But I was happy to see Claire realizing that the world wasn't rose colored before either. I want to see her grow in terms of this. I want her to stay true to herself but at the same time shed that innocence so she can think more clearly and become stronger.
4. The plot is thickening. Damn, I am so excited for the next book.
This book, I absolutely loved the dynamics between Shepard and Claire. Claire is the light to Shepard's darkness (and I know that sounds so cliche). Their banters were so cute. ;A; I want to hate Shepard for what he has done but at the same time he is starting to become so endearing to Claire. The book reveals so much about how he came to be such a man. Honestly both are starting to grow as characters. Claire more because Shepard is still being a bit stubborn.
There are many trigger warnings. But if you are up for some dark story with a good paced plot line, then you are likely to enjoy this.
August 30, 2016
This book could have been really good, but it's really essentially a chapter or outline and not a full book. My reason for saying this is because the world in which this book takes place is not developed. Any information you have about it is incidental, as opposed to being written for the sole purpose of world-building. So we have a Dome called Tholos, which is where this story takes place. But what's a Dome? Is it a planet or just one of several contained biospheres within a planet? And why doe these Domes exist in the first place?
So there's a revolution that occurred and all the criminals from the Underground rose up and overthrew the existing corrupt government. Again, what's the Underground? Of course, I know that it's where the criminals are sent, but explain this to me. How does this system work?
Then we have a society of alphas, betas, and omegas. What in the world? Are we talking about humans here? Because the characters seem to be human, except for when the author mentions claws and fangs. But, these claws and fangs are just thrown in randomly and then don't appear in the story again, almost as if the author copied something from somewhere else.
The plot is good, especially if you're in the mood to read about a dominant (and stupid) alpha male who forces his sex and partner bond on a weaker female. But, and this is a huge "but" for me, this plot takes place in a very different world. You have to understand the world in order to understand the story that this author is trying to sell. Only, the author just drops us into the middle of a world with no explanation.
Then there's the cliffhanger. Readers should know that for $4.99 (kindle) they are only buying 1 of three chapters. You can't just read this book, you have to read the next one. This is not a series, it's only 1/3 of a book. You know what I mean. It's the type of book where it ends with no resolution, on a major cliffhanger the way that a chapter in a book will end. The next "book" is also $4.99, and I'm presuming that "book" 3 will also be $4.99. Readers should know that the full price of this book is going to be $14.97. Doesn't sound like such a good price now.
So there's a revolution that occurred and all the criminals from the Underground rose up and overthrew the existing corrupt government. Again, what's the Underground? Of course, I know that it's where the criminals are sent, but explain this to me. How does this system work?
Then we have a society of alphas, betas, and omegas. What in the world? Are we talking about humans here? Because the characters seem to be human, except for when the author mentions claws and fangs. But, these claws and fangs are just thrown in randomly and then don't appear in the story again, almost as if the author copied something from somewhere else.
The plot is good, especially if you're in the mood to read about a dominant (and stupid) alpha male who forces his sex and partner bond on a weaker female. But, and this is a huge "but" for me, this plot takes place in a very different world. You have to understand the world in order to understand the story that this author is trying to sell. Only, the author just drops us into the middle of a world with no explanation.
Then there's the cliffhanger. Readers should know that for $4.99 (kindle) they are only buying 1 of three chapters. You can't just read this book, you have to read the next one. This is not a series, it's only 1/3 of a book. You know what I mean. It's the type of book where it ends with no resolution, on a major cliffhanger the way that a chapter in a book will end. The next "book" is also $4.99, and I'm presuming that "book" 3 will also be $4.99. Readers should know that the full price of this book is going to be $14.97. Doesn't sound like such a good price now.
July 25, 2018
The first half 3 stars, the second half 4 stars, overall 3.5 Stars
There’s something about this series that keeps me reading. I just want to know what is going to happen. The first half of the book was somewhat hard to get through. It was kind of boring and dragged a bit. There’s a lot of the politics that go on, but for some reason I liked it more in the second book than in the first book.
Claire is good, she is also a martyr. I have a love / hate relationship with her. I feel for her and I know horrible things were done for her, but her need to save people that don’t even want to be save OR are ungrateful for being saved is hard to stomach. Usually in a dystopian society the oppressed and poor want to be saved and are grateful, but here they are cautious, wondering where the next shoe will drop.
I’m on the fence on this society I guess. Everyone is too mean and I’m not sure what side I need to be on. The powerful are awful, yet they are justified in their actions, you will see a little bit on that. The suppressed or awful, but do nothing to make change. Where do you stand?
I have a love / hate relationship with Shepard. Because well, he had sex with the other girl. In this book I wanted to understand why. I think we get it a little more insight to him, but I’m not fully forgiving. He’s slowly trying to redeem himself, but it’s not like a 100% transformation. I’m not sure if that is frustrating or good. It does keep you glued to the book.
I guess it’s hard for me to love a book where both characters and the world is flawed. Sometimes I like a clear cut good and wrong or a redeeming quality.
There’s something about this series that keeps me reading. I just want to know what is going to happen. The first half of the book was somewhat hard to get through. It was kind of boring and dragged a bit. There’s a lot of the politics that go on, but for some reason I liked it more in the second book than in the first book.
Claire is good, she is also a martyr. I have a love / hate relationship with her. I feel for her and I know horrible things were done for her, but her need to save people that don’t even want to be save OR are ungrateful for being saved is hard to stomach. Usually in a dystopian society the oppressed and poor want to be saved and are grateful, but here they are cautious, wondering where the next shoe will drop.
I’m on the fence on this society I guess. Everyone is too mean and I’m not sure what side I need to be on. The powerful are awful, yet they are justified in their actions, you will see a little bit on that. The suppressed or awful, but do nothing to make change. Where do you stand?
I have a love / hate relationship with Shepard. Because well, he had sex with the other girl. In this book I wanted to understand why. I think we get it a little more insight to him, but I’m not fully forgiving. He’s slowly trying to redeem himself, but it’s not like a 100% transformation. I’m not sure if that is frustrating or good. It does keep you glued to the book.
I guess it’s hard for me to love a book where both characters and the world is flawed. Sometimes I like a clear cut good and wrong or a redeeming quality.
January 19, 2022
This is one of those stories where it's so incredibly dark and depressing that it drags your emotions through the dirt, and yet you keep reading because of the writing. You continue on because you see this tiny glimmer of hope in the future.
Shepherd is so misguided in his exploration of this relationship and what it actually means to truly care for someone else, it's painful to read. It's the worst kind of sexual and emotional manipulation, yet he’s almost childlike in his quest to get her back. He doesn’t see the harm he’s doing, because he’s so focused on the outcome. I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy this, but I really did! I might not have enjoyed the feelings I had while reading it, but I can absolutely appreciate the author's talent for how this story is woven.
I do wish there was more world building, I don't really understand what the Dome is, or why everyone lives there. The political battles and the flagrant, brutal collateral damage of the innocents was hard to understand, especially when you don’t understand the why’s of everything. In reading reviews of the next couple books, it sounds like a few things will get explained. But I need to read some fluff before I dive into book three.
Shepherd is so misguided in his exploration of this relationship and what it actually means to truly care for someone else, it's painful to read. It's the worst kind of sexual and emotional manipulation, yet he’s almost childlike in his quest to get her back. He doesn’t see the harm he’s doing, because he’s so focused on the outcome. I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy this, but I really did! I might not have enjoyed the feelings I had while reading it, but I can absolutely appreciate the author's talent for how this story is woven.
I do wish there was more world building, I don't really understand what the Dome is, or why everyone lives there. The political battles and the flagrant, brutal collateral damage of the innocents was hard to understand, especially when you don’t understand the why’s of everything. In reading reviews of the next couple books, it sounds like a few things will get explained. But I need to read some fluff before I dive into book three.
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February 7, 2017
January 2017 -- ***CLIFFHANGER***
So, this is a 1 Star rating because it ends in a cliffhanger. But, that's not all ... a series that was supposed to end at book 3 [so you think you can read the series because it's complete], is now being extended.
I don't play that game, so at 50% through this one, I put it down and refuse to read more. I returned the book noting the reason as "other >> series incomplete"
I'm taking this author off my list and marking other books as "not interested."
You have been warned.
So, this is a 1 Star rating because it ends in a cliffhanger. But, that's not all ... a series that was supposed to end at book 3 [so you think you can read the series because it's complete], is now being extended.
I don't play that game, so at 50% through this one, I put it down and refuse to read more. I returned the book noting the reason as "other >> series incomplete"
I'm taking this author off my list and marking other books as "not interested."
You have been warned.
October 2, 2016
TW: RAPE, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN, DEATH, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
I hope Shepherd dies in the next one and (I know this is a terrible thing to say) that Claire doesn't have to have that baby.
I love her so much, she is so strong and unwilling to fall for all the sick manipulation, she deserves better.
I hope Shepherd dies in the next one and (I know this is a terrible thing to say) that Claire doesn't have to have that baby.
I love her so much, she is so strong and unwilling to fall for all the sick manipulation, she deserves better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2022
We have an explanation of the reasons the hero is the way he is, his childhood and sufferings, his trauma.
We understand why he loves ow, because she saved him and was the first one to be really interested in him. Of course she had an agenda.
We still have the hero cheating on the heroine because.
Because.
We could do without this one.
The heroine acts like an idiot, she does things that endanger her and still do nothing to save other people.
I liked she doesn't really forgive the hero's abuse, and that she make him pay for his betrayals.
The hero is not smart at all, he's not able to see that his "beloved" is working against him until it's too late.
Another cliffhanger.
We understand why he loves ow, because she saved him and was the first one to be really interested in him. Of course she had an agenda.
We still have the hero cheating on the heroine because.
Because.
We could do without this one.
The heroine acts like an idiot, she does things that endanger her and still do nothing to save other people.
I liked she doesn't really forgive the hero's abuse, and that she make him pay for his betrayals.
The hero is not smart at all, he's not able to see that his "beloved" is working against him until it's too late.
Another cliffhanger.
March 6, 2017
After the monster of a cliffhanger in book 1, I was anxious to start Born to be Broken. Because this didn't have very much of Claire and Shepherd together, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one, but I still tore through it in just hours. Claire finds her purpose and shows true strength in standing up for what she believes in and fighting against Shepherd... Her martyrdom gets a bit tiresome, though, and by the end, I kept thinking she should be smarter than that. Still, it was enough for me to be excited about book 3.
October 12, 2016
It keeps coming
This is very interesting and dramatic series. In the first book I really didn't know what to think. Some of the scenes are steamy, but not in the usual way a sex scene is like. The future world is very dark which adds to the story
This is very interesting and dramatic series. In the first book I really didn't know what to think. Some of the scenes are steamy, but not in the usual way a sex scene is like. The future world is very dark which adds to the story
May 9, 2021
3.5 stars
As the first book, Born to be Broken is a real page-turner full of dark themes and grit. I need to say though that Shepherd annoyed me even more in this book. I can’t feel anything for him besides anger and disgust. I know that he is an anti-hero and he is meant to be flawed, but he is such a jerk and his reasoning annoys me too much to continue reading about it.
This book is mainly about the consequences of Shepherd’s poor choices in the previous book and his attempts at winning Claire’s affection back. He is more open than in the first book, but even so, I felt that he and Claire were going around in circles for the second half of the book. Claire trying to make Shepherd see that his actions are wrong and him telling her that the habitants of Tholon are responsible for their own situation and trying to justify what he did saying that it was the only choice left.
I do not know if I will continue with this series, even though I really liked Born to be Bound and Born to be Broken, I just don’t see how the story can evolve in a way that I will like. Claire is stuck in a hopeless situation, Shepherd is too stubborn to change his ways and I simply can’t stand him anymore…
Born to be Bound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
As the first book, Born to be Broken is a real page-turner full of dark themes and grit. I need to say though that Shepherd annoyed me even more in this book. I can’t feel anything for him besides anger and disgust. I know that he is an anti-hero and he is meant to be flawed, but he is such a jerk and his reasoning annoys me too much to continue reading about it.
This book is mainly about the consequences of Shepherd’s poor choices in the previous book and his attempts at winning Claire’s affection back. He is more open than in the first book, but even so, I felt that he and Claire were going around in circles for the second half of the book. Claire trying to make Shepherd see that his actions are wrong and him telling her that the habitants of Tholon are responsible for their own situation and trying to justify what he did saying that it was the only choice left.
The choice you made was not the only way; it was the way you chose. You chose to do that horrible thing…
I do not know if I will continue with this series, even though I really liked Born to be Bound and Born to be Broken, I just don’t see how the story can evolve in a way that I will like. Claire is stuck in a hopeless situation, Shepherd is too stubborn to change his ways and I simply can’t stand him anymore…
Born to be Bound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 25, 2020
A classic case of Stockholm syndrome. The feminist in me really hates this book. I like books with a strong female character with an even stronger alpha male who dotes on her. This is definitely not that kind of book. Shepherd literally rapes Claire (more than once), threatens the life of her friends, imprisons her, and roughs her up to the point of leaving bruises, but all that is forgiven because when he’s not raping her, he’s just so damn good in the sack!
Edit: I originally gave this book 3 stars, but once I finished the series I was filled with such loathing that I had to go back and change the rating to all the all the books to 1. The disclaimer says that this book is “dark” but I still expected a romance novel with a HEA, which you DO NOT get with this series.
Edit: I originally gave this book 3 stars, but once I finished the series I was filled with such loathing that I had to go back and change the rating to all the all the books to 1. The disclaimer says that this book is “dark” but I still expected a romance novel with a HEA, which you DO NOT get with this series.
November 13, 2021
I like Claire and Shepherd's encounter in this book. even though I'm still not fully forgiven Shepherd's behaviour in book 1.
Regarding Claire POV, understanding how Claire snuggling. but I have complicated feelings about Shepherd.
He is cruel, ruthless, tenacious, savage，persuasive，In another hand, he is patient, tolerate whatever Claire throw his way, he even claims that he loves her. Claire disbelieves him because of the last event in book 1. Shepherd still has a long way to redeem himself.
I look forward to the third book how they regain their relationship
Regarding Claire POV, understanding how Claire snuggling. but I have complicated feelings about Shepherd.
He is cruel, ruthless, tenacious, savage，persuasive，In another hand, he is patient, tolerate whatever Claire throw his way, he even claims that he loves her. Claire disbelieves him because of the last event in book 1. Shepherd still has a long way to redeem himself.
I look forward to the third book how they regain their relationship
August 13, 2020
Just no words really. The cheating did continue I couldn't understand how he could say he loved Claire and you could feel the relief when he had her back in their nest but he speaks to Svena with such adoration. I am just a wreck! The characters are so complex but it hurts.
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