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Alpha's Claim #1-3
Shepherd: Alpha's Claim Box Set One
The intriguingly dark and dangerous SHEPHERD is at your fingertips in this rich reading experience by USA TODAY bestselling author, Addison Cain. This thought-provoking collection of the first three novels of the celebrated Alpha’s Claim series will draw you into the journey of an obsessive and powerful antihero who has met his match in resistant Claire. One look and he knew she would be his. Willing to do anything for his morally incorruptible, idealistic and innocent captive, Shepherd’s resolve is unshakable, even to his unwilling mate’s pleas.He rules the world, he rules Claire, and the entire city will burn before he might let her slip away.Binge read this passionate series and discover the angst, steam, drama, and beauty of a villain who falls in love and a heroine unwilling to bend. Thousands of five-star reviews. Available in eBook and hardcover.
- GenresOmegaverseDark Romance
482 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2021
43 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Addison Cain
56 books4,534 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 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 24, 2024
Feeling like I've been in a bit of a book rut, I decided to go off script in search of something different and this was exactly what I needed. Shepherd is actually the first three books in the Alpha's Claim series although honestly, with the length of each book, this could have been one book instead of three. People seem to either love or hate this series. Some people will dislike or even hate Shepherd, but I found him so interesting and always looked forward to his POV.
This is NOT a happy romance with the perfect HEA, it is bleak and very dark with LOTS of trigger warnings and will most definitely not be for everyone. This was my first Omegaverse book so I went in blindly not knowing what to expect. What I got was a very interesting story with lots of world building and strong character development. I'm quite tired from staying up late the last few nights unable to shut my Kindle down and needing to read just one more chapter. I was a mess reading the last 25% of book three. It was absolutely gut-wrenching, I could feel every emotion the characters experienced. Kudos to Addison Cain for making me feel so much for these characters. With each book ending on a cliffhanger (not my favorite thing), I am glad I didn't have to wait for the next book to be published. I've already started book 4 because I just need to know what happens next. 4.5 stars rounded up because even though there were a few unanswered questions, I really just LOVED Shepherd, Claire and Jules.
Thank you @Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ for recommending this series. 💖
This is NOT a happy romance with the perfect HEA, it is bleak and very dark with LOTS of trigger warnings and will most definitely not be for everyone. This was my first Omegaverse book so I went in blindly not knowing what to expect. What I got was a very interesting story with lots of world building and strong character development. I'm quite tired from staying up late the last few nights unable to shut my Kindle down and needing to read just one more chapter. I was a mess reading the last 25% of book three. It was absolutely gut-wrenching, I could feel every emotion the characters experienced. Kudos to Addison Cain for making me feel so much for these characters. With each book ending on a cliffhanger (not my favorite thing), I am glad I didn't have to wait for the next book to be published. I've already started book 4 because I just need to know what happens next. 4.5 stars rounded up because even though there were a few unanswered questions, I really just LOVED Shepherd, Claire and Jules.
Thank you @Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ for recommending this series. 💖
July 15, 2021
Dark and brutal
Born to be Bound: 3 Stars
This series has been on my kindle for quite awhile and I decided to dust it off and give it a read because I have been totally into sci-fi romance lately.
This book is dark. It is uncomfortable. It will push boundaries like no other. Shepherd is no hero... not even a little bit.
Shepherd is the Alpha of all Alpha's and is controlling the city. He is ruthless and intent on ridding the city of the evil within...even though he could be considered just as evil.
Claire is an omega and can no longer see her other omegas suffer. Their fate is either to starve or be ripped apart by alpha's. Their fate is not one to envy. Claire, who is on heat suppressors, decides to ask the Alpha to help the omegas, she wants to plead for food and safety for her friends...but what happens next is terrible....
This book is well written and the visualizations will stay in your head for a while. I am not sure I like either character yet, but I am going to continue reading because I am curious to see if Shepherd can be redeemed...even a little bit. Personally, I don't know if I would classify this book as romance, and there are triggers galore. Be warned if you have issues with cheating, dubcon/noncon, violence, or alpha/omega dynamics this book is not for you. If you don't have issues...pick up this book. I am going to continue on with the series.
************
Born to be Broken: 3 Stars
Book two in the Alpha's Claim series is a dark one.
Claire escaped Shepherd and is on a mission. A mission to make a difference regardless of the cost. She is pair-bonded to the Alpha and she knows she is living on borrowed time, but she is determined to do what it takes to try to get Tholos to rise up against Shepherd and the Followers.
Shepherd is still an anti-hero and I see glimmers of humanity in him but they are brief. He is determined to get his omega back but is he willing to compromise to get her?
Again, this book is dark, very dark. There is cheating, violence, dubcon/noncon, and the lives all these characters lead is bleak, and I will again say I don't think this is a romance. It is a brutal tale of an alpha and an omega, tied together, and at odds with their beliefs. The only way out of their pair-bond is death and at the rate they are going, death it may be.
Here is the strange thing, I am not sure I like either of the characters. I think they are both so extreme it is hard for me to connect with either of them. But the story is well written and intriguing that I am in it for the long haul now.
I am going to finish this set up because I have to see if the cracks in Shepherd can redeem him...and I wonder if Claire may actually be his downfall. I need to know.... will they survive their bond or will one of them die. Seriously…
************
Reborn: Unable to rate
I honestly don't know how to rate this. I am angry and I am sad.
I thought that books one and two were dark, violent, and brutal...but this book was gut-wrenching.
I am not one for spoilers...so I will say this. The brutality is upped a notch and I am angry at the ending.
It was well written, this book elicited emotions, the visualizations will be long lasting, but I am not sure if this series is for everyone. I am not even sure if it was for me. I love dark books but when I read, I need a light at the end of the tunnel, a glimmer of hope, and at least a smidge of happiness....folks, this book is no sunshine and rainbows and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
I think I will just leave my review at that.
Born to be Bound: 3 Stars
This series has been on my kindle for quite awhile and I decided to dust it off and give it a read because I have been totally into sci-fi romance lately.
This book is dark. It is uncomfortable. It will push boundaries like no other. Shepherd is no hero... not even a little bit.
Shepherd is the Alpha of all Alpha's and is controlling the city. He is ruthless and intent on ridding the city of the evil within...even though he could be considered just as evil.
Claire is an omega and can no longer see her other omegas suffer. Their fate is either to starve or be ripped apart by alpha's. Their fate is not one to envy. Claire, who is on heat suppressors, decides to ask the Alpha to help the omegas, she wants to plead for food and safety for her friends...but what happens next is terrible....
This book is well written and the visualizations will stay in your head for a while. I am not sure I like either character yet, but I am going to continue reading because I am curious to see if Shepherd can be redeemed...even a little bit. Personally, I don't know if I would classify this book as romance, and there are triggers galore. Be warned if you have issues with cheating, dubcon/noncon, violence, or alpha/omega dynamics this book is not for you. If you don't have issues...pick up this book. I am going to continue on with the series.
************
Born to be Broken: 3 Stars
Book two in the Alpha's Claim series is a dark one.
Claire escaped Shepherd and is on a mission. A mission to make a difference regardless of the cost. She is pair-bonded to the Alpha and she knows she is living on borrowed time, but she is determined to do what it takes to try to get Tholos to rise up against Shepherd and the Followers.
Shepherd is still an anti-hero and I see glimmers of humanity in him but they are brief. He is determined to get his omega back but is he willing to compromise to get her?
Again, this book is dark, very dark. There is cheating, violence, dubcon/noncon, and the lives all these characters lead is bleak, and I will again say I don't think this is a romance. It is a brutal tale of an alpha and an omega, tied together, and at odds with their beliefs. The only way out of their pair-bond is death and at the rate they are going, death it may be.
Here is the strange thing, I am not sure I like either of the characters. I think they are both so extreme it is hard for me to connect with either of them. But the story is well written and intriguing that I am in it for the long haul now.
I am going to finish this set up because I have to see if the cracks in Shepherd can redeem him...and I wonder if Claire may actually be his downfall. I need to know.... will they survive their bond or will one of them die. Seriously…
************
Reborn: Unable to rate
I honestly don't know how to rate this. I am angry and I am sad.
I thought that books one and two were dark, violent, and brutal...but this book was gut-wrenching.
I am not one for spoilers...so I will say this. The brutality is upped a notch and I am angry at the ending.
It was well written, this book elicited emotions, the visualizations will be long lasting, but I am not sure if this series is for everyone. I am not even sure if it was for me. I love dark books but when I read, I need a light at the end of the tunnel, a glimmer of hope, and at least a smidge of happiness....folks, this book is no sunshine and rainbows and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
I think I will just leave my review at that.
December 14, 2024
DR: What the fuck is this. The MMC just fuck an OW through the entire book and I'm pretty sure he's in live with the OW. He asks the FMC to go wait in the washroom for him so he can go fuck the OW. The OW also kidnaps and molests the FMC, and gets other men to gang rape the FMC and she has a miscarriage?
This is some romeo and juliet shit and no hea... which is good... because I probably wouldn't accept a HEA for this couple after reading the book.
This is some romeo and juliet shit and no hea... which is good... because I probably wouldn't accept a HEA for this couple after reading the book.
December 17, 2024
Terrible ending. I would not have started if I knew it ended like that. Over 500 pages in we are told he may be 10 years or more older than her. Why wait 500 pages to tell us how large their age gap is? I have a hard cut off of 10 years max age gap. Anything over 10 years grosses me out, so major deduction that it took 500 pages to bring this up and it was pointless because we don’t know if it’s 10 years exactly or a little more.
It also took over 500 pages to tell us the male lead was bald. At this point in the book he is only ever described as huge with silver/grey eyes and special marking he got in the undercroth. Waiting over 500 pages to give us more descriptors is insane because the reader already has an image of their male lead, filling in all other attributes other than huge, markings and grey eyes. Major sign of bad off the cuff writing.
NEVER would I recommend this author. It seems she just writes whatever comes to mind without any regard for the things she previously wrote. Hate writers who write off the cuff and try to pass it off as creativity or plot twist, it’s lazy undisciplined writing is what it is. After 3 books, I felt like I wasted my time.
It also took over 500 pages to tell us the male lead was bald. At this point in the book he is only ever described as huge with silver/grey eyes and special marking he got in the undercroth. Waiting over 500 pages to give us more descriptors is insane because the reader already has an image of their male lead, filling in all other attributes other than huge, markings and grey eyes. Major sign of bad off the cuff writing.
NEVER would I recommend this author. It seems she just writes whatever comes to mind without any regard for the things she previously wrote. Hate writers who write off the cuff and try to pass it off as creativity or plot twist, it’s lazy undisciplined writing is what it is. After 3 books, I felt like I wasted my time.
February 3, 2021
If you are interested in Addison Cain's books, this is a good place to start. Previously separate, now they are homed together in one neat title for your enjoyment and satisfaction. While the Omegaverse is the main draw for many, the storyline and growth of the characters is what drew me. Utterly captivated, Addison Cain deftly handles the emotional maturity and transformation in a believable way belying the delicate nature of them.
Shepherd finds Claire and forges her anew. He's definitely not a good person; this is raw brutality and ravishment wrapped up in single minded intensity. Here for a good time, this series will ensnare you and the pages will fly. A fantastic bout of escapism, I enjoyed the distinct story arcs and for users new to the author's writings, you will get to see glimpses of these characters in other Omegaverse books which is just the cherry on top of an already rewarding storyline.
Shepherd finds Claire and forges her anew. He's definitely not a good person; this is raw brutality and ravishment wrapped up in single minded intensity. Here for a good time, this series will ensnare you and the pages will fly. A fantastic bout of escapism, I enjoyed the distinct story arcs and for users new to the author's writings, you will get to see glimpses of these characters in other Omegaverse books which is just the cherry on top of an already rewarding storyline.
January 29, 2021
Beautifully written & so devastatingly real. A dark erotic romance set in a deeply corrupted society, being torn apart by its own greed & battle for power over the fragile, disenfranchised people of Tholos. Addison’s descriptions of the motivations & philosophies & the lives led by the main protagonists is masterful & highly engaging. A breathtaking story which kept me in suspense till the last sentence. I was so devastated by the final chapter where all seems lost then hopeful again when I read the first chapter of Book 4. Once I catch my breath I will read this next book & continue to be both entranced & broken hearted by this wonderful story.
August 18, 2021
Dark & Deadly
Wow! So, I was reading the last 45 minutes of this book thinking why would there be other books in this series?? Why would I want to read them?? Oh, ok...I see. Some pretty messed up stuff happens in these books! The author keeps your interest with multi dimensional characters. If you've read Addison Cain's books, you know they're dark. If you can stomach the parts that make you cringe, you'll be surprised by how well the author weaves her tales to keep you coming back for more.
Wow! So, I was reading the last 45 minutes of this book thinking why would there be other books in this series?? Why would I want to read them?? Oh, ok...I see. Some pretty messed up stuff happens in these books! The author keeps your interest with multi dimensional characters. If you've read Addison Cain's books, you know they're dark. If you can stomach the parts that make you cringe, you'll be surprised by how well the author weaves her tales to keep you coming back for more.
July 21, 2022
I don't know if I can go back to "regular" dark romances after this masterpiece. An addicting blend of romance, horror, and sci-fi. I devoured the first 3 books of this series for Claire and Shepherd. The ending of this book is ambiguous and thus can be unsatisfying, so I immediately started book 4 for happier times with Claire and Shepherd.
WARNING: This book has vivid descriptions of themes of torture, rape, and miscarriage.
WARNING: This book has vivid descriptions of themes of torture, rape, and miscarriage.
April 6, 2025
Dead Dove: Do Not Eat.
I got half way through book 2 and I am putting this down.
It’s so depressing and I read some other reviews, only to find out this series doesn’t end well.
For my peace of mind, I’m choosing not to finish this series.
I wouldn’t recommend this series. It’s just pain, abuse, and hopelessness.
I got half way through book 2 and I am putting this down.
It’s so depressing and I read some other reviews, only to find out this series doesn’t end well.
For my peace of mind, I’m choosing not to finish this series.
I wouldn’t recommend this series. It’s just pain, abuse, and hopelessness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Some books remain with me long after they’re over. Shepherd and Claire’s story was one of them.
Before it was trendy, Ms. Cain introduced us to #darkverse and broke the mold.
If you want the epitome of an antihero, and dark and dirty paranormal romance, this is the series.
Before it was trendy, Ms. Cain introduced us to #darkverse and broke the mold.
If you want the epitome of an antihero, and dark and dirty paranormal romance, this is the series.
March 26, 2023
Read this!
It is at book three been a rollercoaster ride! Lots of misdirection, emotional highs and lows! And very dark! I love this series!
Skmabry
It is at book three been a rollercoaster ride! Lots of misdirection, emotional highs and lows! And very dark! I love this series!
Skmabry
April 15, 2024
Nothing has ever been so deeply disturbing and equally captivating
August 19, 2025
cant believe i finished this
December 29, 2021
I can't get enough of Shepherd! When I'm at a standstill or a loss for what to read I always reach for these books!
January 28, 2025
A Traumatic and Unsettling Experience
I went into this book expecting a dark romance with alpha-omega dynamics and the typical tension and drama that comes with mates. I assumed it wouldn’t be that bad, but unfortunately, I was wrong. The series quickly turned into something much more disturbing than I anticipated.
At first, I held onto hope that things would get better, but as the story progressed, it only escalated into deeper levels of trauma. The protagonist is subjected to non-consensual situations [R] and ongoing abuse throughout, and the so-called romance is toxic and one-sided.
I kept reading, thinking there might be some kind of redemption or resolution toward the end, but the final chapters left me feeling worse than ever. The ending was gut-wrenching, the darkest kind of tragedy, and just when I thought it was over, the author added more layers of pain and suffering. It felt like the story was designed to break you emotionally, and I was left feeling drained, disturbed, and heartbroken.
I’ve read my share of dark romance and gritty stories, but this one pushed me past my emotional limits. If you're someone who enjoys reading darker themes, please be warned: this series is incredibly heavy, with soooo little moments of relief.
If you're still determined to read it, I highly recommend seeking out spoilers first, so you can decide if you're prepared for the emotional toll. This was not worth it, and I regret investing my time in such a traumatic experience.
I went into this book expecting a dark romance with alpha-omega dynamics and the typical tension and drama that comes with mates. I assumed it wouldn’t be that bad, but unfortunately, I was wrong. The series quickly turned into something much more disturbing than I anticipated.
At first, I held onto hope that things would get better, but as the story progressed, it only escalated into deeper levels of trauma. The protagonist is subjected to non-consensual situations [R] and ongoing abuse throughout, and the so-called romance is toxic and one-sided.
I kept reading, thinking there might be some kind of redemption or resolution toward the end, but the final chapters left me feeling worse than ever. The ending was gut-wrenching, the darkest kind of tragedy, and just when I thought it was over, the author added more layers of pain and suffering. It felt like the story was designed to break you emotionally, and I was left feeling drained, disturbed, and heartbroken.
I’ve read my share of dark romance and gritty stories, but this one pushed me past my emotional limits. If you're someone who enjoys reading darker themes, please be warned: this series is incredibly heavy, with soooo little moments of relief.
If you're still determined to read it, I highly recommend seeking out spoilers first, so you can decide if you're prepared for the emotional toll. This was not worth it, and I regret investing my time in such a traumatic experience.
January 31, 2021
I love this series so much! It is one of my most intense reading experiences ever and my introduction to Omegaverse.
I fell in love with Addison Cain’s writing. ❤️
Every little word carries so much weight, and I found myself going back again and again, knowing how much of an emotional read this is and jumping right in regardless because it’s the kinda book that leaves a lasting imprint.
This is Claire and Shepherd’s story. And in the dark broken world they were born in to, they fought for change, they fought to live.
I fell in love with Addison Cain’s writing. ❤️
Every little word carries so much weight, and I found myself going back again and again, knowing how much of an emotional read this is and jumping right in regardless because it’s the kinda book that leaves a lasting imprint.
This is Claire and Shepherd’s story. And in the dark broken world they were born in to, they fought for change, they fought to live.
July 24, 2025
DYSTOPIAN PERFECTION! Addicted to Shepherd 😈 - couldn't look away. This story was DARK, TOXIC, and GRITTY. Addison Cain is an incredible writer—she weaves worlds so vivid and intense, they linger in your mind long after the last page.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews