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Savage Empire #3
Claim
Lyon Antonov knows he shouldn’t trust his wife.
Their arrangement was meant to be purely business. Then he fell in love and Kira betrayed him, as he should have known she would. But calling her the enemy was easier when she was far away. Now that she’s back — in his home, in his bed — keeping her out of his heart is another matter entirely.
Kira Baranov married the man they call the Lion for one reason: to gain power of her own.
Her ambition cost his father her life. Falling in love with Lyon Antonov only made her more ashamed. Living in the lap of luxury with a controlling and breathtakingly gorgeous bratva boss wasn’t nearly enough to assuage her guilt — but that was before she found out she’d pregnant with the Lion’s baby.
Now she doesn’t know who he is: cold-blooded monster or the one person left she can trust.
As they circle each other warily, powerful enemies are revealed, including a significant one from Lyon’s past. But as the turf war escalates, the one question neither can seem to answer is whether they can truly trust each other — or whether they’re sleeping with the one person most capable of bringing about their ruin.
Their arrangement was meant to be purely business. Then he fell in love and Kira betrayed him, as he should have known she would. But calling her the enemy was easier when she was far away. Now that she’s back — in his home, in his bed — keeping her out of his heart is another matter entirely.
Kira Baranov married the man they call the Lion for one reason: to gain power of her own.
Her ambition cost his father her life. Falling in love with Lyon Antonov only made her more ashamed. Living in the lap of luxury with a controlling and breathtakingly gorgeous bratva boss wasn’t nearly enough to assuage her guilt — but that was before she found out she’d pregnant with the Lion’s baby.
Now she doesn’t know who he is: cold-blooded monster or the one person left she can trust.
As they circle each other warily, powerful enemies are revealed, including a significant one from Lyon’s past. But as the turf war escalates, the one question neither can seem to answer is whether they can truly trust each other — or whether they’re sleeping with the one person most capable of bringing about their ruin.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2022
40 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Michelle St. James
117 books587 followersMichelle St. James is a Southern California expat now living in New York's Hudson Valley.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
She is the critically acclaimed author of over fifty published novels and seven novellas. Her first series (under her not-so-secret real name) received starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist and was one of Booklist's Top Ten Debut novels. Her work has also been an Indie Next selection and has appeared on prestigious lists such as the Lonestar List, New York Public Library's Stuff for the Teen Age, and Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best. Her books have been published in over thirty countries and translated into over twenty languages.
Michelle lives in a converted barn with a leaking roof, a 70-pound puppy, and three perpetually annoyed cats. She spends her free time doing yoga, watching Love Island UK, and anxiously awaiting the next season of Ozark and the Great British Baking Show.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
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July 21, 2022Part 3
Have you ever dnf a book only after reading the contents???
I just did!
Dnf @ 2%!!!
Savage Empire series was supposed to be a trilogy. While in gr it was not clearly listed as one, in amazon it was (and is up to date. Savage Empire: books 3 of 3).
So, I started reading it, since the 3rd part had already been released, hence completed. Because, I never read series that have not been completed, due to the fact I hate cliffhangers.
As I flipped through the first pages, purely by luck I saw that in the contents there was no chapter entitled as EPILOGUE!!!
I went to the last page of the book and there was a paragraph in the end where the author wrote that there will be a fourth book!!!!!! 😱😱 because she hasn’t finished with the mcs yet — or maybe they have not finished with her!!!!!! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
REALLY!!!!!!!! 🤨
Well, thank you very much!!!!
How nice of you to inform the reader of the cliffhanger on the last page of the supposed last part!!!!!
Guess what!!! I have just finished with this series!
I hate when authors never specify that their book will be part of a series or the exact number of parts!!!
I consider it unacceptable and lack of respect towards readers.
Have you ever dnf a book only after reading the contents???
I just did!
Dnf @ 2%!!!
Savage Empire series was supposed to be a trilogy. While in gr it was not clearly listed as one, in amazon it was (and is up to date. Savage Empire: books 3 of 3).
So, I started reading it, since the 3rd part had already been released, hence completed. Because, I never read series that have not been completed, due to the fact I hate cliffhangers.
As I flipped through the first pages, purely by luck I saw that in the contents there was no chapter entitled as EPILOGUE!!!
I went to the last page of the book and there was a paragraph in the end where the author wrote that there will be a fourth book!!!!!! 😱😱 because she hasn’t finished with the mcs yet — or maybe they have not finished with her!!!!!! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
REALLY!!!!!!!! 🤨
Well, thank you very much!!!!
How nice of you to inform the reader of the cliffhanger on the last page of the supposed last part!!!!!
Guess what!!! I have just finished with this series!
I hate when authors never specify that their book will be part of a series or the exact number of parts!!!
I consider it unacceptable and lack of respect towards readers.
Read
July 3, 2022Thanks so much for reading Claim! Lyon and Kira have absolutely captivated me, which is why for the first time ever, there will be a fourth book in a Michelle St. James series. I’m just not finished with them yet — or maybe they’re not finished with me! Read Crown, the final book in the Savage Empire series, and get the HOT suspenseful conclusion to their story.
Yeah not impressed when an author isn't up front how many books in the series to get a HEA.
Cliffhanger ending.
This is why I don't read a series until its all been completed, I broke my rule on this series, now I know why I shouldn't have.
Yeah not impressed when an author isn't up front how many books in the series to get a HEA.
Cliffhanger ending.
This is why I don't read a series until its all been completed, I broke my rule on this series, now I know why I shouldn't have.
Read
March 24, 2023Rating and review coming soon!
June 29, 2022
I have loved every series. I loved each one so much that I hated to see them finish. I truly enjoy, the way the pass, much loved, characters are not lost forever. They keep cropping up into other stories. Claim does not disappoint. This love story between Kira and Lyon follows behind a long list of love stories.
Claim is one of the best. Kira is a strong woman who loves her husband, but because of pass mistakes, she has lost his trust. She wants that love back and she works to regain it by using not only her strength but also her softer side.
Lyon loves his wife, but doesn't know how to trust her again. He fights against it as hard as he can, but his love for her, weakens this strong stubborn man's resolve.
There are people who want to remove him from being the head of the Chicago bratva. He knows it will be a hard fight to keep this from happening. He realizes that his wife is a strong and intelligent asset. Claim has left me with a need to hear more of this journey with Kira and Lyon.
Claim is one of the best. Kira is a strong woman who loves her husband, but because of pass mistakes, she has lost his trust. She wants that love back and she works to regain it by using not only her strength but also her softer side.
Lyon loves his wife, but doesn't know how to trust her again. He fights against it as hard as he can, but his love for her, weakens this strong stubborn man's resolve.
There are people who want to remove him from being the head of the Chicago bratva. He knows it will be a hard fight to keep this from happening. He realizes that his wife is a strong and intelligent asset. Claim has left me with a need to hear more of this journey with Kira and Lyon.
July 9, 2022
5 Stars for Claim by Michelle St James
This is Book #3 in this series and cannot be read as a standalone.
Claim ends in an unexpected cliffhanger so lucky readers are getting more of Lyon and Kira’s story in Book 4 Crown.
This book picks up immediately with the on going trust issues between this couple sadly it is impacting the closeness in their initially arranged marriage.
Throw in an unexpected visit from Lyon’s mother Aksana and well she just needs to go. Aksana clearly does not love her son in the way a mother should.
Kira is certainly coming into her own with the strength and grace that should be expected in someone that holds the title of queen. Kira is an asset to Lyon in every way.
This is a spoiler free review but there is a huge plot twist I did not see coming ! I can’t wait to see how this story ends for this couple.
Great read !
This is Book #3 in this series and cannot be read as a standalone.
Claim ends in an unexpected cliffhanger so lucky readers are getting more of Lyon and Kira’s story in Book 4 Crown.
This book picks up immediately with the on going trust issues between this couple sadly it is impacting the closeness in their initially arranged marriage.
Throw in an unexpected visit from Lyon’s mother Aksana and well she just needs to go. Aksana clearly does not love her son in the way a mother should.
Kira is certainly coming into her own with the strength and grace that should be expected in someone that holds the title of queen. Kira is an asset to Lyon in every way.
This is a spoiler free review but there is a huge plot twist I did not see coming ! I can’t wait to see how this story ends for this couple.
Great read !
July 9, 2022
OMG!! What a ride this was from start to finish! Michelle had me totally mesmerized as Lyon an Kyra burned up the pages with their intense heat and magnetic chemistry. I fell in love with this couple all over again as they peeled their baggage away and bared their heart and soul to each other. The bond is now solid and with a growing family they stand to lose so much more with the enemy literally at their doorstep.
This was one action packed, dangerous, intense, steamy, romantic story filled with suspense from start to finish. I can’t wait for the final conclusion but let’s just say some slithering characters came out of the woodwork. Kyra knows just how far the Lion will go to protect her and he was reminded of how brilliant his wife is. This kept me so engaged I’m ready to do a reread.
Absolutely brilliant!!!!
This was one action packed, dangerous, intense, steamy, romantic story filled with suspense from start to finish. I can’t wait for the final conclusion but let’s just say some slithering characters came out of the woodwork. Kyra knows just how far the Lion will go to protect her and he was reminded of how brilliant his wife is. This kept me so engaged I’m ready to do a reread.
Absolutely brilliant!!!!
December 28, 2022
Intriguing
Almost gave up on series but this book was a page turner for me. Book has meat, substance, fire and action. So much better than first two books. There is backstabbing, undercutting, secrets, lies, deceit, surprising twists and multiple events that put life in the story. Lyon and Kira finally admit their feelings for each are evolving and exhibit such intimacy outside bedroom. Kira discovers she is pregnant and subsequently the couple decides to renew their vows and include the word love in their statements. While the second wedding creates an alibi for Lyon and his group while they have an enemy murdered, another enemy chooses to attack them and abduct Lyon.
Really enjoyed this book and the multiple events that made it exciting and interesting. I only mention a few so I will not spoil story for other readers. This is well written so I recommend it.
Almost gave up on series but this book was a page turner for me. Book has meat, substance, fire and action. So much better than first two books. There is backstabbing, undercutting, secrets, lies, deceit, surprising twists and multiple events that put life in the story. Lyon and Kira finally admit their feelings for each are evolving and exhibit such intimacy outside bedroom. Kira discovers she is pregnant and subsequently the couple decides to renew their vows and include the word love in their statements. While the second wedding creates an alibi for Lyon and his group while they have an enemy murdered, another enemy chooses to attack them and abduct Lyon.
Really enjoyed this book and the multiple events that made it exciting and interesting. I only mention a few so I will not spoil story for other readers. This is well written so I recommend it.
July 6, 2022
In this third book of the Savage Empire series Kira is trying to make up for her mistake that caused a rift in their marriage, but Lyon is struggling to trust her again. For years Lyon Antonov has planned and worked hard to be the boss of the Chicago bratva and now that he has achieved that goal, there is an unknown enemy working in the shadows to take over and destroy all that he has achieved. Lyon and Kira must stand together against this enemy that is threatening their future and life together, but maybe it is too late. This book has all the romance, passion, and suspense you can expect from a Michelle St James story. But Kira and Lyon’s story is not completed, so Claim ends in a cliff-hanger.
July 17, 2022
Not the last installment! Deviating from Michelle’s usual 3-book series, this book is not the last in this series and leaves us with another cliffhanger and more questions! In the aftermath of the last book, this one focuses on Kira trying to make up for her part in the problems in their marriage, and we see Lyon struggling to accept that and trust her again. That all gets resolved for the most part when Lyon’s mother arrives from Russia with ulterior motives towards both of them, and they realize quickly that they need to work together and learn to trust each other again in order to make it out alive. I’m interested to see where this story leads in the next book and to finally get a happy ending for these two!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 29, 2022
Ahhhhhh…. My nerves are shot lol! Let me start by saying Michelle’s writing just keeps getting better and better! Holy grail by far my favorite book!
Kira and Lyon are scorching hot in this book! The way they come back from what Lyon sees as Kira’s betrayal is what true love stories are made of!
The complexity of the threat against Lyon and his Bravata was so well written. I can’t wait to see how Lyon’s mother plays into all of this.
Something I’ve never had before but I had two favorite scenes the one outside the hotel and the one between Lyon and Kira at the Lake Forest house ♥️!
The anticipation for the final book is real!
Kira and Lyon are scorching hot in this book! The way they come back from what Lyon sees as Kira’s betrayal is what true love stories are made of!
The complexity of the threat against Lyon and his Bravata was so well written. I can’t wait to see how Lyon’s mother plays into all of this.
Something I’ve never had before but I had two favorite scenes the one outside the hotel and the one between Lyon and Kira at the Lake Forest house ♥️!
The anticipation for the final book is real!
June 30, 2022
POSITIVELY Amazing!!
The Savage Empire Series is so very Captivating and the third book definitely held true to the previous books! Lyon and Kira are so very engaging, enticing and intense characters that share the pages to this gripping, alluring and passionate book. I was hooked from book 1 in this series and this book was even more incredible.
However, Michelle is sneaky and decided Lyon and Kira’s story wasn’t finished so this book dries end with a tantalizing and OMG cliffhanger.
I’m a addict for Michelle’s book and this one is another remarkable rush.
Congratulations luv 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The Savage Empire Series is so very Captivating and the third book definitely held true to the previous books! Lyon and Kira are so very engaging, enticing and intense characters that share the pages to this gripping, alluring and passionate book. I was hooked from book 1 in this series and this book was even more incredible.
However, Michelle is sneaky and decided Lyon and Kira’s story wasn’t finished so this book dries end with a tantalizing and OMG cliffhanger.
I’m a addict for Michelle’s book and this one is another remarkable rush.
Congratulations luv 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
July 2, 2022
That was quite the Cliffy. I’m here for this book and absolutely love Lyon and Kira! The chemistry, the steamy scenes, the sweet pillow talk - their version of pillow talk is plotting dangerous moves, and just getting over the hurdles of the past to move forward in their relationship. Ugh, I don’t want to say much on the pleasant mother in law from hell, I’ll let you read about it.
I enjoyed the pace of this book and the writing really kept you glued to each page or swipe it on e-reader. Goodness how I love the direction this is moving and so glad there is another book. Bring it on because I look forward to the ending!
*I voluntarily accepted an advance reader copy for my honest review*
I enjoyed the pace of this book and the writing really kept you glued to each page or swipe it on e-reader. Goodness how I love the direction this is moving and so glad there is another book. Bring it on because I look forward to the ending!
*I voluntarily accepted an advance reader copy for my honest review*
June 28, 2022
Wow! I couldn’t wait for this book and it was so worth the wait! I could not put this book down! The story has love and intrigue and absolutely wonderful characters! Not to mention appearances by favorite Syndicate characters! The story had me hooked from book one and I thought it couldn’t get any better but WOW! The last part of the book had me breathless. This is a MUST READ! You won’t be disappointed! I cannot wait for more of Lyon’s and Kira’s story!
Michelle, thank you for writing such captivating stories and fantastic characters! You topped yourself with this one!
Michelle, thank you for writing such captivating stories and fantastic characters! You topped yourself with this one!
September 27, 2022
Lion and Kira
Another book in the series all about Lionya as the leader of the Bratva. This has been a wonderful series involving an arranged marriage of two people who didn’t
know each other and had no trust either. Beside that there is a fair amount of violence as the Bratva and others juggles to take the lead position. It’s a very worthwhile series and each book is so entertaining. I feel like I personally know
the main characters so well. Thank you Michelle St. James for this series that is so well written.
Another book in the series all about Lionya as the leader of the Bratva. This has been a wonderful series involving an arranged marriage of two people who didn’t
know each other and had no trust either. Beside that there is a fair amount of violence as the Bratva and others juggles to take the lead position. It’s a very worthwhile series and each book is so entertaining. I feel like I personally know
the main characters so well. Thank you Michelle St. James for this series that is so well written.
June 28, 2022
Extraordinary and Scorching Hot! This will be my favorite book by Michelle. It is one steamy love story between the Lion and Kira. Add in danger coming at them from all sides and it is a riveting story. Plus, a baby to come. Wow oh Wow! This book will abduct you and you will not be able to put it down. I love the Lion and how much he loves Kira. And we get to see some other Syndicate men. Five Stars to Michelle St James for writing this captivating story.
July 3, 2022
The Savage Empire Series continues with Kira & Lyons story. Can they find their way back after Kira’s betrayal? They both want love but at what cost? Lyon has a threat against his Bravata can he hang onto his power and can they find there way back to each other as it was in the beginning? This book has an ending of a cliffhanger…. Be prepared for Passion,Love,excitement and a roller coaster ride in this book!
July 7, 2022
Part 3 of Kira and Lyons (usually I would say trilogy but Michelle has thrown a curve ball!!) The fourth and final book will follow - soon I hope!!
Loving this couple. Great twists and turns. It's great that the other syndicates are involved too.
Michelle knows how to bring her characters to life - Lyons mother had me wishing for her to befall a very nasty accident!!!
Come on Michelle I need Crown!!
Loving this couple. Great twists and turns. It's great that the other syndicates are involved too.
Michelle knows how to bring her characters to life - Lyons mother had me wishing for her to befall a very nasty accident!!!
Come on Michelle I need Crown!!
June 29, 2022
OMG!!!!! This book is packed full of action, plotting and hotness. Lyon and Kira are trying to get back to where they were before she left, after her fathers death. Lyon has others who are plotting against him and he works with the Syndicate to find out who it is. However, be warned, this is a four book series, so you’ll have to wait for the next book to find out what’s going to happen!
June 30, 2022
I don’t think I could be more obsessed with a fictional couple than Lion and Kira. Arranged marriage is one of my favorite, and when the sparks really start to fly, hold on! As alway, this book has the right amount of heat, suspense, and action, to keep you turning the page. November can’t come fast enough for the finale!
July 3, 2022
MSJ's best series ever!
Lyon and Kira are so amazing.
They're getting their marriage back on track, working on their trust, but they're still fighting off the yet unknown enemy trying to take down Lyon as the pakhan of the Chicago bratva.
This is so intense! I love it!
The Savage Empire series is my favorite from Michelle St. James!
Lyon and Kira are so amazing.
They're getting their marriage back on track, working on their trust, but they're still fighting off the yet unknown enemy trying to take down Lyon as the pakhan of the Chicago bratva.
This is so intense! I love it!
The Savage Empire series is my favorite from Michelle St. James!
July 14, 2022
I love that Lyon got his girl back! I love this story and I love the characters. Together, they have a really great chamestry. This book is a great read, but I do hate that we are left with an unexpected cliffhanger, but that also tells us that we will be seeing more of Lyon and Kira, and hopefully we will get our HEA in the 4th book of this series.
March 29, 2025
I love to see a FMC step into their strength and really take the world on!!
Kira was scared of what they bratva would do but with Lyon by her side she could take on the world.
Their love grew so much in this book and I loved every minute of it.
That finally fight/ kidnapping at the end….omg!!! So good!
Kira was scared of what they bratva would do but with Lyon by her side she could take on the world.
Their love grew so much in this book and I loved every minute of it.
That finally fight/ kidnapping at the end….omg!!! So good!
June 28, 2022
I received this book as an ARC and I couldn’t put it down! No spoiler but this book took a turn I wasn't expecting and just let me say it left me wanting more. Lyon and Kira had all the same passion and fire as prior books but it's taken to a new level with new enemies to wonder about!
June 30, 2022
Once again I feel this author knows how to create an amazing story that is engaging from Start to finish with plenty of fun surprises. I cannot wait until Crown is released! The relationship between Lyon and Kira is so well thought out and complex. The Bratva never looked so good.
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July 8, 2022No stars due to cliff hanger and release of next book not until November, if then. I hate it when authors do this. I would not have started this series had I known it wasn't even finished. No anticipation here. This is my last book by this author.
July 10, 2022
Claim is the third book of the series and everything I expected. Kira and Lyon are not sure whether they can trust each other, but with each day they let a little more of their guard down. As they work together so Lyon can keep control of the Bratva they discover who is betraying him.
July 12, 2022
I loved this book! Lyon and Kira are great together. It’s a well developed storyline as are the characters. But we know this from the past books. Thank you so much Michelle! Great story!
July 18, 2022
Omg so love series i need next book asap ❤🎊🎉
July 24, 2022
This was an intense and sexy read
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November 20, 2022Under the stress pepole done something mabe regard it later. And love collect what a shutter souls become.Anger feer abandon and love thats all
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews