Claimed

by Jenika Snow

The world that was once known is gone. In its place is a society where the rich rule and the female population is auctioned off to the highest bidder.

CLAIRE

Xavier saved me, purchasing me off the auction block and making me feel human again. Although I knew he wanted me, could see it in the way he watched me, he never touched me.

But I wanted him to.

I wanted to feel what it would be like to have his big body over mine, his strong hands running over my bare flesh. I shouldn’t want a man like him: rich, dangerous … one of the elite.

But I did.

Maybe it was time to break free from my shell and give myself something I deserved … him.

XAVIER

I had money and power, and I used those to my advantage, to purchase women from the auction under the guise that they were for me. But they weren’t. I purchased them to set them free. I’d been doing it for years without romantic attachment to any of them … until Claire came into my life.

And once I saw her, I knew she’d be the one I couldn’t let go. She’d be my downfall, but I was more than ready to fall to my knees and worship the ground she walked on.


Warning: Set in the same world as Mine To Keep, but a total standalone, this story is a safe read with a happily ever after. It might be short, but it promises to make you blush and reach for a fan. There is no OW/OM drama, just one alpha hero who knows what he wants … the heroine.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Dystopia, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Contemporary

54 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 24, 2018

About the author

Jenika Snow is a USA Today Bestselling Author, and has been a published writer since 2009.

She can be found at:

www.jenikasnow.com
FB: www.facebook.com/jenikasnow
Twitter: twitter.com/jenikasnow
Email: Jenika_Snow@yahoo.com

Reviews

[♡Tonya♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Live!

This story was so so good. Set during a time where women were treated as property, to be used and sold at men's will.

HERO~ Xavier- true hero in every sense of the word. He was rich and powerful, sexy and dominant. He also was a man with integrity who, while other men were buying and using women, he was freeing them. Something about Claire called to him and he could not see ever letting her go.

HEROINE~ Claire- she was scared of what her fate would be. Not knowing who would buy her, or what their plans for her would entail. Likable and I loved how proud she was to be with Xavier.

SEXUAL HISTORY~ Xavier had been celibate for 10 years and Claire was a virgin

OM/OW DRAMA ~ zero!

STEAM decent about of steam, but they were loving. Xavier was patient and let Claire have time to adjust to living him. He was perfect.

VIOLENCE none

SECONDARY CHARACTERS No secondary characters

SAFETY Safe!

ENDING~ Good epilogue 1 year and then 2 years later.

[Dri ✰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

★ 2.5-3 stars!!! ★

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the blurb to Claimed I knew I had to have it. There is something about alpha males in a dystopian society that I am obsessed with and can't get enough of. Claire and Xavier were amazing. Their story was hot AF, sexy and soooo fantastic. I did not want it to end.

Claire lives in a society where fertile women are sold in the auction block to be claimed as property. She unfortunately finds herself being sold in an auction with no White Knight in sight. Or so she thinks. Xavier is one of the rich elite men who could buy her for nefarious reasons. But instead he purchases women with the intent to set them free. But with one look at Claire he knew she would be different. She was going to be his!

Gahhh!! This story was amazing!!! While being a short novella set in the world of Mine to Keep, this is a complete standalone. I really enjoyed this story. I love that it did not have the typical slave/auction/master concept and the woman in a way held power as she knew who she wanted and went after it. I was so hooked. I loved Claire and Xavier's passion and loved this story! I can't wait for more from this author in the future! Bravo! 4 stars ~Ratula

[Flo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenikas books always do what they say in the blurb. If you are familiar with Jenika then you know she's gonna bring the heat! Claimed was a very fast, safe read.

[May Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Safe Read

-Insta love
-Virgin h
-Celibate H
-no Ow Drama
-no pushing away
-HEA with epilogue

[Biondatina · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a dystopian future where the fertile women are sold in the auction block to be bought and claimed as property Xavier "buys" Claire to save her.

[Heather C · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, can we talk about this cover? She looks fierce and I would love to have that arm wrapped around me!

Claimed is a super short and sweet (you heard that right) story that will make your body tingle and your heart feel full. Sure, there's a dark premise here but rest assure, it's mostly full of amazing intentions and deeply devoted love. 

Claire is up for a silent auction, where she will be sold to the highest bidder as their property. While she's terrified, she's strong and fierce and is able to hold on to some of her strength. She was prepared that this could go very badly but what she wasn't prepared for was Xavier. 

From the moment Xavier laid eyes on Claire, he wanted her forever. Normally he sets these girls free but something about her makes him want to claim her for his own. He can't possibly see how he could ever let her go. 

If you aren't a fan of dark books, don't worry! This really isn't about that. At all. It's a love story that allows two people to find their true love. It has all those safe topics like insta love, dirty mouthed semi-alpha and a virgin. If you are looking for something short, sweet and dirty, then this is the book for you! 

*ARC kindly provided*

[DeeReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a world where the rich can buy anything and anyone, hero Xavier made it his business to protect and set free these women he had purchased on the auction block... until he meets Claire. With Claire he wants to claim her as his own... and she feels the same after time.

"Claire could still bring me to my knees. She’d always do that, always be my weakness … and my strength." - Xavier


4 she's mine stars ****!!!!!!!!

[BleuBelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should stop reading short stories.

It was a sweet and safe read with likable MC but I just need more. More background, more information, more story, more falling in love.

This felt very superficial. I know it can't be avoided because the book is so short. There isn't any info on Goodreads about the page count, so I just assumed it to be longer. My bad.

[Sydney M Neblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unexpected joy

This author is fantastic at writing those stories that are super fast reads that are filled to the brim with emotion. I love that in a world full of unjustness and greed there’s a savior looking for someone to save. The characters in this book were wonderful and the instant connection drew me right in. Before I knew it the story was over and I was wishing for more. This book was well written and entertaining, I am looking forward to reading more books by the author.

[fulano · Rating 3 out of 5]

TW/CW:
Misogynist dystopian, forced breeding, slavery, oppression, gendered language, derogatory phrases “females”.

It was fine but it needs a resolution to the fucked up world it’s set in. The epilogue should have been them at least mentioning that they would do something to destroy the horrible government. The hero is a wealthy and powerful man that could’ve done so much more. You can’t just ignore the oppression that is happening just because it doesn’t affect you.

[Kade Gulluscio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claimed was a super quick read. Being that it was a novella, it was easy to get into, easy to follow, and easy to finish in one sitting. It was definitely a fast burn, very fast. For such a short read, it really did draw you in and get you super invested into the plot line. I loved the general storyline of the book, and due to that, I will be picking up the other book that is connected to this one!

Jenika Snow is definitely talented, and I can't wait to read more by them.

[Lindsay · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 35%

Snow’s a hit or miss for me.

[Sofia´s Beddable Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "Mine to Keep" and really liked the idea of another book set in the same world.


Xavier purpose in life was to buy as many women as he possibly could and give them freedom.
That is until Claire comes around.
He just can't seem to let her go.
And Claire doesn't want to either.


"Claimed" is short, hot and sweet.


I loved the ending; wouldn't mind meeting Claire and Xavier again.
And maybe another book in the same setting.

[Brandy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok any one else in love with this cover it has to be one of my favorite describes the couple perfectly and gives you a taste of whats to come . I love Jenika Snows books she has to be one of my all time favorite authors if you haven't had the chance to read anything by her I suggest that you do stat . The hero is amazing powerful , HOT , protective , and very dominate lets not forget his talents in and out of the bedroom (wink ) . Claire is very likable my hear hurt for the fear that she is faced with loved how she could be sassy at times . This author epilogues always get me there always well done and leave with a permanent smile .
copy provided for honest review 
****************************************
hero=10 heroine=10 Chemistry=10 steam= 8
cover=10 stars=4.5
would I recommend this book=yes
would I re read this book= yes
would I read future books by this author= yes

[Janice Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has the ability to grab your attention right from the beginning of the story. Once I started reading I was so involved that I forgot that I had food in the oven until I smelled it burning. Oh Well it didn't detour me from finishing the story though.

Claire is on the block and there are men bidding on her. She doesn't get to live a free life, she just hopes she goes to someone that will treat her good and not abuse her. But she also knows that this society doesn't believe a woman is nothing but chattel, property nothing but something to possess.

Xavier is at the auction of the women and he is determined to be the highest bidder for this woman.
He doesn't care if the rest of them think he has a harem, so long as he can save another woman that is all that matters. Once he gets her into the limo... There is something about this one.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Xavier and Claire

Romance genre: insta-love; apocalypse
Length: 64 pages

Plot: It's post-apocalypse, and women are commodities. Xavier has been buying women, but with the purpose of getting them to safety. That is, until he meets Claire. He wants to keep her - by keeping her with him.

Commentary: Claire is understandably confused at first, thinking that Xavier is one of the bad guys. He sure seems like it - buying women. But then she finds out that he's actually helping the women he's buying, in a way that most people would not. He's not just buying their freedom but he's also helping them get away from the area and make their way to a better life. I like this sort of story - a good guy who seems bad at first; to combine it with a post-apocalyptic trope is even better!

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Xavier buys Claire in an auction and takes her home with him, she has no idea what to expect. The minute he saw he, he knew she would be his. Even though the story is predictable , I still loved it. I wish it would have been a bit longer so we could get more to Xavier background but I loved this story. Jenika is a one click author for me and I will still buy her books. Oh, did I mention the cover is smoking hot!!! A quick and short read that is good if you have a couple of hours.

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this is my last super short story by this author. They’re all starting to seem too alike. Alpha man saves a virgin girl and they are instantly in love. Not really any back story at all. Not really anything other than them meeting, gazing at each other wantingly, doing the deed and then happily ever after. All the inner dialogue is repetitive and consists of saying the same thing over and over just a different way. The stories are all just too similar.

[Melissa Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was hot and sexy and all alpha saving the day! It was a quick read I couldn’t put down! What’s not to love about Xavier, he is a savior in dark armor saving girls who are auctioned off to men with money. But Xavier saw something in Claire and their chemistry was off the charts! I love how it ended, a bond they shared to help others! My first read by Jenika and not my last!

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Against the rules

Xavier has spent the last decade or so doing what probably many in his world will not: save lives. His wealth and power gives him the means to purchase women sold at auction and give them a safe haven to heal and thrive. His mission is catch and release, until he meets Claire.

She isn’t really any different from the women before. Her rights are forfeit because she’s a female. Her fear is palpable at not knowing who bought her. But Xavier is nothing like she imagined him to be. His size is intimidating and power emanates from him, but there is something about that lulls Claire in to want him, to need him, to trust him.

That thing that exists between Xavier and Claire is real and defiant. It leads them down a path neither have dared dream of traveling but for each other they would take that risk.

Overall, this story is remarkably warm and sweet. True to Ms. Snow form, the sex between the main characters is explicit as are some to-be expected remarks between them. Yet that warmth and sweetness that built beforehand rolls through the sheets with Xavier and Claire, magnifying their lovemaking by a thousand.

I can appreciate a short steamy novella like the next reader, but when an author maintains sweet warmth throughout, it makes the story that much more meaningful to me. If you’re a Ms. Snow fan, you’ll enjoy this one.

[Rachel S · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a dystopian world where women are auctioned off to the highest bidder like cattle - we meet Claire & Xavier in this novella. This read is hot, spicy, & dreamy all at the same time!

Claire has been free & on her own for as long as she’s been able to. Finally, she’s been caught. An informational bracelet with an item number has been put on her wrist as she’s fancied up enough to be put up for sale. She has no idea who bought her, for how much, or for what purpose. The only thing she can do is hope for the best. She’s dressed up even more & taken out to a limo where we meet Xavier - her buyer.

Xavier is everything I could have dreamed in a guy who ‘looks like bad boy but has a heart of gold’. He only buys women to give them a healing place before setting them free to simply exist in the world. He’s been doing it for a decade & has never had an issue with getting attached. No problem to be found until Claire came into his path.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is short, fast paced and a nice read. I read this book in one sitting. I found the writing style easy to follow and the characters likeable. I did find the story slightly slow at times but other than that, I enjoyed this story. I really liked Xavier. I liked that he used his riches for good. He saved a hell of a lot of women. He wasn’t once selfish. I truly believe that if Claire really wanted to leave. Xavier would have helped her still despite his feelings for her. The chemistry between Xavier and Claire was clear to see. I liked them as a couple. Overall, I liked this short story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read.

[Joy Pryor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Freeing slaves is always a good thing.

This theme touched my heart. Slavery, in any form is horrible. It was nice to read about a character that respected human life, regardless of gender and genuinely wanted to help keep the, safe. In terms of romance, this book falls short. Jenika had Claire repeatedly asking Xavier to be with her so much during foreplay, that I started skipping forward in the story. There needed to be more to this story.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sort of an apocalyptic romance...

Hood story, as always I wish it were longer. I liked the plot going on here, characters were interesting and likeable. I didn't like how there wasn't enough backstory on certain things. I just wish this author would write a full length novel instead of the storties she normally does lol. She has everything at her grasp to make one, just a little more thinking through things to make it happen!

[Sherilyn Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love tjese society dystopia type stories!!!

Its been a while since I've ready a society type book that I could actually get behind. Ilove a good dystopia story that isnt about what we've already read about. It was refreshing, disturbing, and plenty of sexy scenes to leave you satisfied!!!

[T Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Using Power for Good

Xavier is a rich guy who decided to use his wealth to do a bit to knock at the system, but when he sees Claire he wants to bend his own rules. Claire has a choice to make, between freedom, and what she really wants. It's a steamy short with a decent amount of character work for the length.

[Diana Tidlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it thought it took me a couple to get used to the future , I loved the characters and the love story of these characters.The bools by Jenika Snow always capture the readers attention with everything she writes. Talented author who is thoroughly engaging. If you like her Real Men series you’ll love this !

[Melinda Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

She Belonged To Him

Talk about heat 🔥🔥🔥!

Xavier was a part of the elite crowd but he didn't fit in. He worked to save it rather than destroy it. Claire existed, she was merely an object to be rationed and sold. Until Xavier made his greatest acquisition... Her!

Insta love, insta smoke, insta everything. Sexy ready with a HEA!

[Liz L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five beautiful stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a good love story set in terrible times. Because it just goes to show how much love conquers all. A short sweet story with a lot of love and a HEA. I wished the story was longer because I didn’t want to be done with Claire and Xavier so soon. ❤️❤️