Clawed

Were-Soldier Warriors #1

by Kym Dillon

Heart pounding, knees weak, stomach fluttering… being hunted through the jungle isn’t the only thing affecting her. The sexy panther shifter calls to her in a primal way that cannot be denied.

Dr. Jessica Delaney is on a mission to save lives deep in the wilds of sub-Saharan Tanzania. When her small transport plane crashes, she finds that the untamed jungles of Africa are more savage than anything she could have imagined.

Luckily, she’s not alone.

Marcus Van Den Berg, the attractive pilot with her, knows all kinds of survival secrets. Marcus is capable not only of protecting her, but of keeping her warm and satisfied throughout the night.

The secret he guards, however, is something beyond belief. Something that will leave Jessica’s life forever changed.

Warning: Clawed contains adult language and situations. It is intended for adult readers only. It has an HEA with no cheating.

Genres: Paranormal Romance, Amazon, Romance, Audiobook, Shapeshifters, Paranormal

140 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 31, 2017

Reviews

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

This was a really enjoyable story...until the ending that turns into a cliffhanger. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I may read more of her work but the unexpected ending of this book does give me pause.

Jessica is a Doctor with the WHO, the World Health Organization. She's in Tanzania to collect samples of a disease that is causing issues in the area so hopefully, the WHO can find the cure. Jessica travels a lot and doesn't have time for relationships.

Marcus is a black panther shifter that is in Tanzania on a mission. Marcus buys a small plane to fly to a village he needs to get to but finds himself volunteered to give a Doctor a ride into the depths of Tanzania. He'd have refused but Marcus found himself drawn to the Doctor, Jessica, and couldn't leave her behind.

The pilot that was contracted to take Jessica to where she needed to go cancelled on her but does introduce her to Marcus. Jessica isn't sure whether to trust Marcus but she's desperate for a ride so she goes with him. Unfortunately, the plane Marcus purchased wasn't in the best of shape and they end up going down in the jungle. With the situation they're in, Marcus' panther side comes out but fortunately, Jessica is able to accept it/him. They try to make their way to some sort of civilization but there's trouble on their heels that causes some issues for them. Jessica and Marcus do bond on the trip, finding a relationship that seems to work pretty well and both become reluctant to separate once everything is concluded. So, just when you think Jessica and Marcus are going to be together and heading for a HEA, they confess their mutual love and admit they want to be together...but the time isn't right so they go their separate ways with tentative plans for a reunion at an unknown future time.

This was a very enjoyable story...except for the unexpected ending. If not for that, I'd have easily given this story 4 stars but the ending was jolting and with no set reunion it just felt too unfinished. I looked at book #2 and it seems to be about a completely different couple...maybe Jessica and Marcus' story will be concluded in it but maybe not, I have no clue. So while I liked the characters and the story, I'm not really sure if I'd recommend this story.

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (4/17/2018)!💝

[Diana Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me say this series has massive potential to be great. Jessica works for the World Health Organization and Marcus is just a pilot ( she thinks) who can get her to the city in the jungle where a bad outbreak has happened and she needs to get samples back to the lab to formulate a cure. Murphy's Law shows up and everything that can go wrong does, especially while dealing with multiple kinds of shifters !! There is a skirmish, Marcus and Jessica survive, but as much asthey profess their love for each other, they must at this time part, so it has a very abrupt ending, I'm hoping the author Kym Dillon jumps right back into the story with the second book Pounce. So I'm giving this book a 3.5⭐ Rating only due to the abruptness of the ending and not being told why the shifters are at war. I received a gifted copy of the book and am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of suspense, intrigue, action, and a sexy shifter with a sense of humor in the wilds of Tanzania. What's not to like? Clawed is a fast-paced read that kept me turning pages. Marcus and Jessica each have their own reasons for being in Tanzania and the attraction between them isn't exactly part of the plan. The book is well-written with engaging characters and an interesting storyline. The only drawback for me is that the blurb guarantees a HEA, and while it isn't a bad ending, I certainly wouldn't call it a happily ever after. In fact, it's a bit of a cliffhanger with one part of this couple's quest still being uncertain.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great! Loved the jungle setting, and loved all the different types of shifters! The romance is really great too! Jessica needs to get medicine to some tribe in the middle of nowhere. Marcus ends up helping her get there, but these 2 end up in some very dangerous situations. Marcus is a jaguar shifter, and has some enemies after him. Marcus and Jessica have some hot chemistry, and they are too adorable! Love the adventure! Entertaining! Need to read the next books! Excited to read them! There's more story to tell!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to the series. Jessica and Marcus meet by accident and are stranded together when their plane crashes in the Jungle. They have a connection that neither wants to admit but neither can deny. Marcus is a werepanther and Jessica is a human who doesn't know were exist together they have to find a way out of the jungle but trouble is following them.

[Hbeebti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out ok , good even. But then it just left me confused. I liked the writing and the story line. I enjoyed the characters. But why did it end that way. When I checked out the last two books they are not about this couple. But then I read that the last book ties all three together. I'm not sure how I feel about that. This book ended and needed an epilogue or something.

[M.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Marcus is a wearpanther and Jessica is a human who doesn't know shifters exist. She was a strong heroine who was struck down in The bush of Tanzania. I loved the lore behind these people. This ends on a cliffy!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a strong heroine and a man that has a sense of humor without making the heroine feel small or laughed at or needled. These two were a great match because of their fierceness, loyalty, determination, strength, compassion, tenderness, and passion for their causes as well as one another. This was a quick read and not only because of its length, it was compelling and moved so well I didn't realize I'd come to the end until I got to the cliffhanger. Ok, so yes, I recognized the winding down and set up for the next book, but it didn't really register until I got to the end of the book. I was wrapped up in the story just as the author intended.

There was plenty of drama, but the drama was from outside sources. The foes not revealed until after passing the halfway mark, the plane crash, the differences in locations they were needed...these things conspire against them but none of it took away from the developing relationship. It all enhanced it. And I will say that there's a Speed-like situation here, the intense situations drawing people close only to have the relationship fail thing, and I suspect we'll see a bit more of this in the books to come, but with the shifter nature of bonding and the way these two particular people are matched all will turn out just fine.

I really enjoyed reading this story. There were things that I don't particularly care for, though, such as the missing information that may not be explained in the series. The black magic thing may not get touched, though I hope it will. The sword thing will probably feature a bit. Marcus' enemies, that seems vital to cover. I'm hoping to get some questions answered as we continue the series. I will admit that the suspense of not knowing these answers kept me reading at a quick pace, I just hope those answers will be revealed at some point.

Overall, I really like where this is going and am excited to read more. I read and reviewed this ARC from the author most willingly.

[B. Sinsational · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a easy, very appealing read. Set in the hot, moist djungles of Africa. Jessica is a woman with a very important mission, but she finds her self crashing into the realm of shifters (pun intended, read the book and you will get it). Marcus is smexy as few, with a catlike grace and a body to drool over, any normal woman would happily follow where ever he leads. No spoilers beyond that, ill just simply state that the jungle definitely got hotter and steamier. To keep it intriguing there is the twists and turns, unexpected events and "I didn't see that comming". Over all I'd give it 3 🌶🌶🌶 ( 3/5 chiliś) for heat. And thats a good thing, because it means its not just raw eroticism there is more to this book than just that (balanced heat). And 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5) for character and plot, story and over all impression. This is the first book from this author I've read, it will be very interesting to see where this series takes of, And as for all authors, how their writing gets tighter and more characteristic with time. (In this book the writing is smooth, but not too tight and precise, compared to seasoned authors who tend to have tight and very precise style and wording, or typical style of expression.). This is not a downside, in my opinion because it gives a softer less sharp touch to this book ( it would have been a disaster with crispness in this setting, and the easy air about it would have been ruined).

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from another author and ask to read and give an honest review. I have to say this book had me page three and from then on there was attraction action and adventure and some interesting new shifters for me but Marcus was a feline and he was magnificent and he and the woman that he agreed to take in land to the village where sickness is affecting the villagers when he first saw the woman Jessica he thought she wouldn't be able to handle herself but he was wrong and he agreed to fly her in his plane to the village but while in route they touched and realized that it was something between them and when the plane was going down for a crash landing he was protecting her and when she woke up after the crash she realized that she was looking at a big cat and she was very upset and tried to run until she saw the cat do something that her mind couldn't comprehend so she fainted but she learned to deal with Marcus in so many different ways and showed him that she was strong and would have his back as he had hers they had to walk to the village across the vast forest of Tanzania it was very dangerous because Marcus was on the run. They got to know each other and went through some serious situations. This was an excellent read but it is a series and this is book 1. I seriously hope book 2 is as good. I received a copy as a gift from author for an honest voluntary review.

[Denise H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a series that leaves you wanting more. It is a story that grabs you in the few pages and has you holding on for the ride.

I love that it contains a strong heroine that can handle herself and speak her mind. She is not portrayed as the damsel in distress needing a big strong man to help her. She is quick witted, smart, determined and helpful. The hero is great, as well. He is quiet, secretive, and little gruff around the edges. He sizes her up at the beginning and realizes later that he seriously underestimated her. He lets her be herself, does not try to dominate or control her; knowing she has a job to do. And they work well together to overcome the obstacles in their way.

The story, for the most part, flows very well; aside from leaving a few unanswered questions, which I hope will be answered in the continuing stories to come. He has enemies following them, trying to kill them, along with a magical sword he can make disappear that he needs to get to safety among his people. And then there is the dark magic that comes out of nowhere. These few things, however, do not take away from the story as a whole.

It has a good combination of drama, action/adventure, romance and suspense and I am excited to see how the adventure continues.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great first book and I cannot wait for what comes next. Jessica is on a mission to go and help save lives. The man she hired to help get her there won't take her but says he can find someone who can. When she looks up to see who he is speaking to, she can't take her eyes away from him. Marcus is a very attractive and sexy man. He is also the pilot that is going to help her get her medicine and take tests on the people of Africa. When their plane comes down though, both of their lives are going to change. Marcus is a panther and when Jessica first finds out she's not sure what to make of this and feels that she is seeing things. When she comes to the realization that it's true, she is completely fine with it. These two have an attraction to each other from the beginning and it just gets stronger as their treck through the jungle continues. Can they make it somewhere safe before the people following Marcus finds them? How will Jessica do in a jungle full of dangerous animals and bugs? Can you love someone you just met, do you believe in fate? This is a fairly quick read, well written, i loved the storyline and the characters. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Mary Getz · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC. BRAVO ! 😍 HOT SEXY YUMMY ALPHA PURRRFECT SOLDIER AND HOT SEXY FEISTY WOMAN
First time reading from this author Kym Dillon , I am very impressed with the story about Jessica Delaney ,who works for WHO (World Health Organization) and were-soldier warrior Marcus der Berg, they are both to Tanzania. There is instant attractions and first touch is electrical. Marcus buys a plane , and Jessica is traveling with him. Problems start with the plane, going down in the jungle, from there on nothing but problems , obstacles hurdles and feelings for each other . Do they get , where they are going ? Is there a HEA, for a human and shifter ? Are they fated mates ? I can't wait for the next book to read "POUNCED" in the series. I love and recommend this book to everyone 😆 😙 . The strong structure storyline and well developed characters and supporting characters brilliant exquisitely well written . The story is fast paced drama rom-com adventure provocative hot captivating streamy animalistic sex emotional rollar coaster sizzling provocative chemistry strength of character action hostilities suspense and captivating from start to finish 💋 💖 . I voluntarily ARC for honest review .

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica and Markus make a great team. At the start of the book, they don't know quite what to make of each other. But once they have only one another to depend on in the darkest reaches of the the African continent they discover a connection that neither of them can deny. A bond that only strengthens during their time together. I love that Jessica is such a capable and fierce woman. And even when she knows she's out of her element, she still wants to contribute whatever she can to help. I completely adore that Markus values her strength and sees it as a compliment to his own. The care he takes to look after her but still honor her independence is not always seen in stories where both the hero and heroine are alphas. This book is set up to pull you forward into the next one. the ending isn't a cliff-hanger, but it certainly isn't the happily-ever-after I was expecting. There's also a lot of questions that still need answers that I will be reading the next book in order to find.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Jessica Delaney works with the World Health Organization and needs a pilot to fly her to a village where the people are dying so she can bring medical supplies and take some samples. Were panther Marcus Van der Berg agrees to fly the gorgeous Jessica on the condition that if things go wrong, she'll listen to whatever he say without question. After crash landing in the forest, Jessica passes out and wakes up to see a panther shift into the strikingly handsome Marcus before passing out again. Marcus and and Jessica get to know each other and develop feelings for each other as they hike through the forest and fight off enemies. Will Marcus and Jessica be able to part ways when they reach their destination?

Clawed is action-packed, suspenseful, steamy and full of twists and turns. Kym Dillon has paired an intriguing story with engaging characters for a book that's a page-turner. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read Pounced, Book 2 of Were-Soldier Warriors series

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

The World Health Organization send Jessica to Tanzania where a deadly illness is taken a lot of lives. She needs to run some test and take samples to put an end to it. After a plane crash, she discovers a different world that is not to everybody to know.
Marcus is a were-panther who knows how to survive in difficult situations. He is also on a mission to protect a secret from falling into wrong hands.
I like shifters stories and this one has twists and turns I have never seen before in similar stories. I like Marcus, he is honest and protective of Jessica. And I like his sense of humour, how he teases Jessica, for example, about the food he cooks for her.
I like Jessica also, she is strong and brave. However, her training has nothing to do with the situations she lives in the jungle.
The book is well-written. It quick to read and very enjoyable. I want to know what happens next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great start to what I'm sure is going to be a wonderful series! Kym Dillon is a new author to me (and the first author I've ever seen that uses the same first name spelled like mine) and one that I will definitely read more of!

The storyline is refreshingly new for a shifter story. I especially enjoyed the way Jessica was a strong dedicated woman who faced challenges without becoming overwrought. No real handwringing here even when she discovers all is not what it seems not only with Marcus but the variety of other shifters she meets along their journey. And that too was very interesting; the cultural aspects Kym created for the other shifter groups in the story. Jessica asks intelligent questions about shifters and their world - and gets interesting, imaginative answers!

I can't wait to read the next story in this series, Pounced. I'm eager to see what happens next in this shifter world!

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Gale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of questions with this story, some are answered, some are still out there to be answered…know that this book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger BUT it does have a ‘the next book will continue the story’ type of ending. I liked the characters, and the story, as once again an author has made up her own rules for shifters. Little different take on the whole world but I enjoyed. Won’t go into great detail so there aren’t any spoilers but Jessica Delaney works for the World Health Organization and we meet her when her pilot decides to ditch her and her scheduled transport. He does, however, find her a new pilot, who we meet as Marcus Van der Berg. Their adventure starts, even before takeoff, and it is a wild…ride. I enjoyed the story and look forward to the next book in the series, not just to have those outstanding questions answered.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new shifter series and another new author for me. When the small plane she is in goes down Jessica Delaney knows she is probably dead....when she wakes up still in one piece in the plane she sees a black panther and no sign of the handsome pilot at all...as she watches the panther shimmers and were it had been was the pilot....Jessica has just seen a were-panther and now she must travel through the Tanzanian jungle with him to deliver her medicines and gather her samples of a deadly virus to return to the World Health Organization....come along on Jessica's journey and meet were snakes and were chimpanzees as together she and sexy Marcus the were panther get her to were she needs to be and get him to the village he is going to as well.....different but interesting book 2 in called Pounced and I'll be giving it a listen soon

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great start both for the author and the series. Literally read it straight through!
I love all shifter stories but large cats are definitely my favorite type. Marcus is a were-panther who meets his mate and match in human Jessica. Marcus is an alpha hero on a mission who takes one look at Jess and decides he can help her on her own mission for the WHO to get to a remote African village. Nothing goes as planned but together they are able to make it through and achieve both of their goals. I love how Jessica is portrayed as a strong, sassy heroine.
I recommend this story for anyone who loves paranormal romances with a bit of action. I look forward to the rest of the series and discovering more about the world that the author has created!

[Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good little shifter romance, by the looks of it this will be either a 2 or 3 parter. The storyline was strong and the characters were entertaining and sweet, the book only took a couple of hours to read and was pleasant and easy to follow, this is a nice book to read from start to finish. If you are looking for a sweet and yet entertaining shifter romance with a cast of interesting characters then I believe you will enjoy this book. I am looking forward to seeing what this author has to come in the future, but this is most definitely a good start.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.

[CarrieA · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh. Just no. Don't think you are going to read this book and find anything remotely satisfactory in the ending because it JUST ENDS. There is little to no understanding of the background for these "shifters" or any indication of what they are trying to accomplish. This book is so underdeveloped, just in midstream (and I had to read it twice) the H pulls an invisible sword out of thin air that actually does nothing and relates to the story in NO WAY.

Just pass on this one. The second in the series "Pawed" is no better and I only read it to try to figure out what the heck was going on with this one.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like shape shifters, this book is for you. If you like action and adventure, this book is for you. If you like nice hot yet beautiful sex, this book is for you. If you like romance, this book is for you. If you like a steady flowing plot line and story, this book is for you. But, if you're looking for a HEA, this book is NOT for you. That may come around in the second book of the series, but I don't know that for sure either. What I do know if that the writing moves the story along from the first to the last page. This is a very very late voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great shifter romance with a sensitive alpha male and a strong, determined heroine. I enjoyed the interaction between Jessica and Marcus and liked learning more about the were-panthers although Marcus was reluctant to discuss much about his people. I'm hoping we will get more about their civilization in the next book. There was a bit of a cliffhanger at the end so I cannot wait to read the next book and see how it ends up. I really enjoyed this book and if you love shifter romances, you need to add this book to your TBR pile.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I tried from this author and I thought it was well written and I was addicted by the end of the first chapter. Full of action and a few light steamy scenes (not nasty), Jessica and Marcus's characters were easy to like and root for. Plus Marcus had a magical sword! Add in shifters and a bit of a mystery (what/who is Marcus running from), I was hooked and cannot wait for more in the series since it reads more as a serial then a series. My honest opinion is - Great story and easy characters to like, this book is worth reading.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off - Absolutely Loved the world building !!
The different shifter societies and their villages and homes - beautifully done
This series begins with Marcus and Jessica's story - they take us on a journey that is filled with danger and suspense where they discover love and acceptance - Not given out any spoilers
Somewhat HEA - it is a series I know so no complaining - just curious to see where Dillon takes us next
I received a free copy of this book and chose to leave a voluntary review

[Terry Sasada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I receive this book free, and I loved it. Actually ordered the other two books in the series right away. The story of Jessica on a mission to help people, working for he world Health Organization. The dangers of Tanzania would not stop this head strong woman. Her need for a pilot introduces her to Marcus, a black panther shifter, also on a mission. Once their plane crashes their adventure of danger and love begins. Great story with strong characters and amazing descriptions of places and other shifters I never encountered in my reading before. This was a quick but exciting read.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing what we feel when we are alone and in danger, Jessica learned to trust and depend on Marcus. Yes, she loves him. He protected her and cared for her out in the jungle. Can they continue this romance with them being so different?  I question that and the author is going to have to work in the rest of the series to convince me that this is true love. This shifter world that the author has created is really dangerous and one that I don't believe Jessica can survive in. The characters are well developed and I believe the author can make something of this world she has created.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica needs to get medical supplies to the WHO as they are in desperate need. Her pilot's greed gets the better of him so she's offered to go with a new person. A very hot, new person named Markus. As they are flying out, the plane goes down. They journey together and surprises are unleashed.

The book ends with a HEA but leaves the option open for book two. If you love shifter/jungle books, this is a decent read.