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Ruthless Claws #1
Ivory
I own this town.
My parents built an empire. Their enemies killed them and took what was theirs.
They made a mistake; they didn't kill me. When I took back everything my family built, I made them all pay for that. I expanded the empire on the blood and bones of my family's enemies.
My enemies want revenge.
I refuse to let distractions keep me from holding on to my power, but those distractions keep getting under my skin. And into my bed.
They want my heart, while my enemies want me dead.
This is a paranormal reverse harem with wolf shifters, mafia and darker themes. Please regard trigger warnings.
My parents built an empire. Their enemies killed them and took what was theirs.
They made a mistake; they didn't kill me. When I took back everything my family built, I made them all pay for that. I expanded the empire on the blood and bones of my family's enemies.
My enemies want revenge.
I refuse to let distractions keep me from holding on to my power, but those distractions keep getting under my skin. And into my bed.
They want my heart, while my enemies want me dead.
This is a paranormal reverse harem with wolf shifters, mafia and darker themes. Please regard trigger warnings.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2022
184 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 31, 2022
Gawds I do love a good paranormal mafia story and Maggie Alabaster has given me one with Ivory the first book in the Ruthless Claws series, a single perspective paranormal reverse harem. It was dark, violent, snarky, and glorious.
Who rules the world? Girls! Ivory is the leader of the Ivory Claws pack and she is ruthless but not crazy. Ivory owns an empire and everyone knows not to cross her cause she is not above getting her point across in the most violent way possible. Can't really blame her after the murder of her parents and traumatic childhood. I love the fact that while Ivory is dark she isn't mean, she's fair and thinks through all her decisions. Ivory is a smart woman who knows her worth and has all the power and the guys in her life know it.
Jake is the long-term partner that she keeps at arm's length but is there for her no matter what and is just waiting for her. Copper is the adorable murder-puppy with a bright personality and fits in with Ivory and Jake fantastically well, the banter is great. Finally, there's Ben the long-term bodyguard who Ivory is intimate with, and Hutton who a connection sparks with. All the guys are dark, and dangerous, have a connection to Ivory, and are willing to do anything for her and her being the boss has nothing to do with it.
The story is dark, with two wolf packs at war, hits, torture, murder, spies, and a whole lot more going on how could it not be? This book is everything, fast, hot, with lots of action, a powerful woman, and loads of supernaturals running a criminal empire right under the humans' noses. Of course, there's a schmuck who is determined to destroy everything and wants to take everything, he won't find it easy to do though.
What a great kickoff to a new series. Ivory was a great read with dark characters and the beginning of an interesting plot. I loved the mafia undertones and that a strong woman was the leader of a dangerous group. The story ended on an "oh crap" cliffhanger of an ending that I'm looking forward to being resolved.
Who rules the world? Girls! Ivory is the leader of the Ivory Claws pack and she is ruthless but not crazy. Ivory owns an empire and everyone knows not to cross her cause she is not above getting her point across in the most violent way possible. Can't really blame her after the murder of her parents and traumatic childhood. I love the fact that while Ivory is dark she isn't mean, she's fair and thinks through all her decisions. Ivory is a smart woman who knows her worth and has all the power and the guys in her life know it.
Jake is the long-term partner that she keeps at arm's length but is there for her no matter what and is just waiting for her. Copper is the adorable murder-puppy with a bright personality and fits in with Ivory and Jake fantastically well, the banter is great. Finally, there's Ben the long-term bodyguard who Ivory is intimate with, and Hutton who a connection sparks with. All the guys are dark, and dangerous, have a connection to Ivory, and are willing to do anything for her and her being the boss has nothing to do with it.
The story is dark, with two wolf packs at war, hits, torture, murder, spies, and a whole lot more going on how could it not be? This book is everything, fast, hot, with lots of action, a powerful woman, and loads of supernaturals running a criminal empire right under the humans' noses. Of course, there's a schmuck who is determined to destroy everything and wants to take everything, he won't find it easy to do though.
What a great kickoff to a new series. Ivory was a great read with dark characters and the beginning of an interesting plot. I loved the mafia undertones and that a strong woman was the leader of a dangerous group. The story ended on an "oh crap" cliffhanger of an ending that I'm looking forward to being resolved.
September 12, 2022
3.5 stars
I've grown a little tired with some of the paranormal shifter RH offerings lately but this book really hooked me from the start. I'm really surprised this has so few reviews.
Pros:
- strong alpha FMC
- interesting MMCs in developing harem, final count TBC
- paranormal mafia world is intriguing, I enjoyed the mix of demons, magic and shifters, though I hope we get more details about it in the next one
- fast burn without being ridiculous, there was still some build up to each scene, not just wham bam sex out of the blue
Cons:
- while I had a few things I disliked (the weird blood sex vibe icked me out, also the instalove with the young MMC was annoying) my biggest con is that the FMC doesn't really act like she's experienced being a mafia leader at all.
She's constantly underestimating her enemies and dismissing threats and is totally shocked and unprepared when shit hits the fan (despite multiple attempts on her life).
Her behavior is more like someone new to the reins, so it's a shame the author presented her as this great leader who apparently took down a whole group by herself because what we see doesn't match up to that image.
That said, it was definitely entertaining, and I can see a lot of people enjoying this read, so I will probably pick up Part 2 when I see it.
I've grown a little tired with some of the paranormal shifter RH offerings lately but this book really hooked me from the start. I'm really surprised this has so few reviews.
Pros:
- strong alpha FMC
- interesting MMCs in developing harem, final count TBC
- paranormal mafia world is intriguing, I enjoyed the mix of demons, magic and shifters, though I hope we get more details about it in the next one
- fast burn without being ridiculous, there was still some build up to each scene, not just wham bam sex out of the blue
Cons:
- while I had a few things I disliked (the weird blood sex vibe icked me out, also the instalove with the young MMC was annoying) my biggest con is that the FMC doesn't really act like she's experienced being a mafia leader at all.
She's constantly underestimating her enemies and dismissing threats and is totally shocked and unprepared when shit hits the fan (despite multiple attempts on her life).
Her behavior is more like someone new to the reins, so it's a shame the author presented her as this great leader who apparently took down a whole group by herself because what we see doesn't match up to that image.
That said, it was definitely entertaining, and I can see a lot of people enjoying this read, so I will probably pick up Part 2 when I see it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 12, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/27/2022)! 🎁
October 7, 2023
"Ivory" by Maggie Alabaster was my first foray into the realm of reverse harem, but it definitely won't be my last! I went into the first instalment in the Ruthless Claws series not knowing too much except that it was a reverse harem, paranormal shifter romance, but that (and along with that cover 😏😍) definitely drew me in when I first stumbled upon Maggie Alabaster's stall at the Fiction and Friction book signing! It's funny, because I vividly remember Maggie's was the first stall I saw and I was feeling completely hyper excited at being at the Signing - and also lowkey overwhelmed so I tried to calm down by asking Maggie about her books, and then I was sold upon hearing about "Ivory". Now, I definitely can't wait to continue this series, which i definitely will be doing sooner rather than later, because I loved how utterly bingeable and addictive "Ivory '' was! The main character is completely fierce and badass, and there's the perfect blend of playfulness and tenderness between her and Jake, which I absolutely loved, though admittedly I quite enjoyed Cooper's dynamic with Ivory…and Jake, if I'm honest! 🫢 The plot moved along quite steadily in "Ivory", not once did it feel tedious or tiresome, the chemistry between Ivory and her pack was definitely addictive, its' funny though, I thought I had a hunch where the story was going but I was definitely wrong, thankfully - and was definitely mildly surprised by that ending, golly! The stakes definitely feel high at the helm of "Ivory", so will be equally excited and intrigued to pick up book 2!
June 15, 2023
How not to start a book! 40% and I still feel like I've missed a book n this is book 2. The first 3 chapters I couldnt tell what was going on and it was so stilted n weird I almost dnf after the first chapter...
What a bizarre way to write a book.
Also she has all this power but we dont know how she got it. Yeah we know she sold her virginity but thats it. How did she go from that to leading her pack.
Annoying af to read tbh. At this rate I doubt I'll finish! Sigh
Dnf chapter 12
Ok I give up. This story just doesn't ring true, elodie we keep getting told she's this powerful alpha leader but I've seen nothing to prove it. Its soulless, there's no foundation for any of it so non of its believable.
The writing style I do not like at all. Not only does it exclude me from the story, there's a coldness, detachment to it that leaves you not in the story but also not connecting with the characters.
Weird tbh.
Not for me
What a bizarre way to write a book.
Also she has all this power but we dont know how she got it. Yeah we know she sold her virginity but thats it. How did she go from that to leading her pack.
Annoying af to read tbh. At this rate I doubt I'll finish! Sigh
Dnf chapter 12
Ok I give up. This story just doesn't ring true, elodie we keep getting told she's this powerful alpha leader but I've seen nothing to prove it. Its soulless, there's no foundation for any of it so non of its believable.
The writing style I do not like at all. Not only does it exclude me from the story, there's a coldness, detachment to it that leaves you not in the story but also not connecting with the characters.
Weird tbh.
Not for me
August 14, 2023
this was a fun time i won’t lie
i dead snorted at some of the lines
now i know this won’t be everyone’s writing taste and some of the lines were a little corny but i ate it up like it was nobody’s business. i love some ridiculousness in my stories
it low key kinda reminded me of the hades series by tate james mainly bc of cooper and jake so if you liked the vibe of those characters and want something that reminds you of them but paranormal, try this one
now i do feel like i’m missing some of the backstory and i would’ve liked to know a bit more about ivory and how she came to be in charge of everything but i still had a fun time
it was also a little insta-y with cooper but i was just vibing and have a fun lil time
smutty scenes were also a fun time and they were pretty abundant
anyways i hope the fun time continues with book 2
i dead snorted at some of the lines
now i know this won’t be everyone’s writing taste and some of the lines were a little corny but i ate it up like it was nobody’s business. i love some ridiculousness in my stories
it low key kinda reminded me of the hades series by tate james mainly bc of cooper and jake so if you liked the vibe of those characters and want something that reminds you of them but paranormal, try this one
now i do feel like i’m missing some of the backstory and i would’ve liked to know a bit more about ivory and how she came to be in charge of everything but i still had a fun time
it was also a little insta-y with cooper but i was just vibing and have a fun lil time
smutty scenes were also a fun time and they were pretty abundant
anyways i hope the fun time continues with book 2
August 8, 2022
Loved Ivory's story!
Ivory was introduced in book... and i was really intrigued with her story. So I'm glad that this book is her story. I love Jake and Coopers characters. They fit ivory perfectly, but we haven't had much interaction with Ben and Hutton yet.
Ivory, or Elodie, is the leader and spa alpha of the Ivory Claw pack, and she is one tough chick who doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. There is a rival pack that is trying to attack her again- black wolves vs white wolves. This story is the perfect set up for this series and i can't wait to see what happens next!!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
Ivory was introduced in book... and i was really intrigued with her story. So I'm glad that this book is her story. I love Jake and Coopers characters. They fit ivory perfectly, but we haven't had much interaction with Ben and Hutton yet.
Ivory, or Elodie, is the leader and spa alpha of the Ivory Claw pack, and she is one tough chick who doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. There is a rival pack that is trying to attack her again- black wolves vs white wolves. This story is the perfect set up for this series and i can't wait to see what happens next!!
I received an ARC for my honest review!
August 4, 2022
Hot and spicy mafia, shifter queen!
I loved this, I love mafia rh and combined with shifters, this was awesome. Ivory is a kick a$$ fmc and the guys, oh my!!! Jake and Cooper, separately are as hot af, but together, my kindle caught fire. Interesting to see if the other two options make the cut. The writing's really good, with a strong story and its so spicy! Thoroughly recommend!
I loved this, I love mafia rh and combined with shifters, this was awesome. Ivory is a kick a$$ fmc and the guys, oh my!!! Jake and Cooper, separately are as hot af, but together, my kindle caught fire. Interesting to see if the other two options make the cut. The writing's really good, with a strong story and its so spicy! Thoroughly recommend!
October 21, 2022
This book has shifters (mainly wolves) and witches, why choose romance. There are 2 packs who have fought against one another for a while.
Ivory (fmc) seemed to be a little repetitive about certain topics, which was difficult to read at times. The relationships were beginning to develop more towards the end but they seemed a bit rushed. However, the spice was spicing so that’s fine lol.
Overall I liked the book and will read the 2nd one!
Ivory (fmc) seemed to be a little repetitive about certain topics, which was difficult to read at times. The relationships were beginning to develop more towards the end but they seemed a bit rushed. However, the spice was spicing so that’s fine lol.
Overall I liked the book and will read the 2nd one!
January 1, 2023
Good series starter
Mafia romance is generally not my trope but add in shifters and this book grabbed me from the beginning. Ivory is a very engaging female and her crew are all hot handsome and all highly entertaining.With action intrigue and drama aplenty this book was easy to read.The coordinated ending was a little annoying but to be expected these days. Look forward to completing the story
Mafia romance is generally not my trope but add in shifters and this book grabbed me from the beginning. Ivory is a very engaging female and her crew are all hot handsome and all highly entertaining.With action intrigue and drama aplenty this book was easy to read.The coordinated ending was a little annoying but to be expected these days. Look forward to completing the story
August 7, 2022
This is the first in the Ruthless Claws series. This dark reverse harem romance was hard to put down. Lots of action, violence, revenge, and of course STEAM. It’s a combination of a mafia and shifters story. The characters are dark and sexy. Can’t wait for the next part of the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2023
I'm pretty sure I received this ebook as a part of the stuff your eReader event. I loved the badass, unapologetic FMC! however....watch out, there is a cliffhanger! This gave a new look into a shifter world and how they made money for themselves and their pack. Absolutely going to find the next in the series! 🤞
January 4, 2023
Not really a complete story.
Purchased as a romance, but sort of doesn't feel like that, either. She definitely has sex with several guys that she has feelings for. She also owns a sex club.
It's mostly a story about two packs/gangs/families as they battle for control of the town.
Purchased as a romance, but sort of doesn't feel like that, either. She definitely has sex with several guys that she has feelings for. She also owns a sex club.
It's mostly a story about two packs/gangs/families as they battle for control of the town.
October 12, 2022
It's good
I'm new to this author. I was curious if I would like this book. But once the story started, I didn't put it down.
I'm new to this author. I was curious if I would like this book. But once the story started, I didn't put it down.
February 22, 2023
It’s good don’t get me wrong. Just a little more world building, history would make this more. The spice is nice too.
August 5, 2023
Finished at 6% - I found our fmc to be insufferable
November 21, 2024
Epic
What a cliffhanger! Epic start. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2. There are so many questions and so few answers.
What a cliffhanger! Epic start. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2. There are so many questions and so few answers.
October 10, 2025
Unfortunately not for me. It felt very all over the place and disjointed. I didn’t enjoy anything.
December 2, 2024
What a ride
This one will have you on the edge of your seat great plot
Epic character development
And love interest development
This one will have you on the edge of your seat great plot
Epic character development
And love interest development
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews