Title: Claimed
Series: n/a
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Tarah Scott
Genre: Historical Romance
Blurb: Sometimes, the hero must be the villain...

Fourteen months ago, Lady Rhoslyn lost her husband and infant son to a fever. Now, by order of King Edward I, she is yanked from the healing tranquility of a convent to marry the king’s favored bastard knight. Rhoslyn has no intention of returning to the home where her husband and child died. Neither does she intend to hand over her fortune to the ‘Dragon’—no matter his sweet promises and warm kisses.

Talbot St. Claire tires of war. Seventeen years is enough. King Edward will never release him from service, but the king promises Talbot will find some peace in front of his own hearth. Talbot expects to find a horse-faced, hostile woman in the Scottish heiress Edward commands him to marry. Instead, he discovers a fiery Highland beauty worthy of a man’s respect... and love. Talbot determines to do anything to win his new bride’s acceptance. Anything except the one thing she demands: betray his king and embrace his Scottish heritage.
Thoughts: So, I’m usually not much for historical books, but every now and again I’m compelled enough to pick one up. This one wasn’t a total loss for me – there is a lot of political maneuverings and things going on and manipulations by various parties in the beginning that it lent an air of intrigue to it – certainly enough to keep you reading. I initially liked the characters, and I liked where the story seemed to be going. There was certainly the potential there.
The downside? At times there was a bit too much going on and too many characters that it did make it a little confusing. That wasn’t the main issue for me though. My issue was that the emotions to these characters and the romance just never went far enough for me. It was decidedly lacking in this area, which is a big reason why I read a romance to begin with.
Again, the potential was there, but fell a little short.
Rating: C+/B-

Claimed is a novel first published in 2015 and republished in May this year, taking place in Scotland in the 13th century. We meet Lady Rhoslyn when she learns she must marry, at the behest of King Edward the 1st of England, one of his favorite English knights.

I’ll begin by saying the political context is very present from the beginning, the author explains through the characters’ conversation the problems that led Edward on the Scottish throne at the great displeasure of the official pretenders. By the way there’s a moment where the political plot even seems to take the upper hand on the romance. And everything is more complicated by the fact that the many important male characters, whether they have a role in the story or are just mentioned, are named in turns either by their name or by the name of their title, which makes more difficult to follow who’s who and does what.

The medieval atmosphere is just as we imagine it, with violence very present from the start and all through the story, including toward the heroine, so I don’t recommend this novel to those who are sensitive.

The heroine is easily verbally aggressive, obstinate; she always finds something to reproach the hero even when it’s clear it has nothing to do with him or when he finally does something good for their people. Anyway she’s annoyed with him to start with because he’s English and she’s Scottish. Other authors have already used this plot with more success, here the heroine ended up getting on my nerves by being a pain. She intersperses her moments of animosity toward him by moments of reflection a bit more deep where she admits to herself he has qualities, but she comes back quickly to her first ideas. I admit I didn’t really see how she came to love him, and I didn’t really care at this point. However she recovers quite fast from her abduction from the hero’s brother, except for worrying regularly about the consequences of what he’s done to her, which is not very realistic in my opinion.

The hero as for him is the total opposite. He’s nice, patient, understanding especially toward her. He wants the peace after years of battles and is ready to do a lot of things to get it. He’s even ready to recognize his wife’s child even if he’s not the father, fact he repeats to her several times (and she goes on doubting till the end or so…). He admires the heroine very quickly, but there again I didn’t understand how he ended up loving her seeing her behavior toward him. Or else he’s a masochist… Of course he’s not perfect, he’s stubborn about some things and it’s only when he’s back into a corner that he changes his mind. But let’s say it’s not as serious.

The secondary characters are numerous and very present, especially Rhoslyn’s grandfather, and their actions often have important consequences on the couple, for better or for worse.

It’s too bad the (numerous) typos were not corrected before the republication. As a result of all of this I didn’t even complain when I saw the last 25 pages where a sneak peek of another book by the author because I couldn’t wait to be finished.

I love all things Scotland, especially in a historical setting and this more than delivered! I loved the setting, but it seemed a bit flat, and under detailed. There wasn't a tremendous amount of character development, but what there was fit into the story line. It had a nice pace for the majority of the story, though it did have a few spots where it dragged a bit. Overall it was a solid work, and a nice way to spend an afternoon after a long week. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this work.

3.5-4 Stars! I loved the first half of this book. The second half, not as much & the ending-not at all! This was a really good story & had me very interested! The story had a lot of parts I wasn't expecting & that was a refreshing change from most other romance books! I hate how the story just ends-I wanted to scream!! The story was about halfway rapped up but a lot was left, I'm guessing for a second book? So much was left open & unsaid! So many questions! Cliffhangers should be against the law!! At times I would be confused about who this person was or what that character was to the story. So many characters to remember, I felt like I needed to write it all down! Plus, I didn't know what a lot of the characters even looked like. A couple sad parts but life isn't always happy so I actually liked that! I wish there was more romance between the 2 main characters. I kind of felt like they hardly talked. I would have liked an update on Andreana too. Is she happy? What's been happening to her? Even with all these frustrating parts of the book, it was still a really good book & I hope there is a 2nd book on its way.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the book. The story of Rhoslyn and St. Claire was well written and interesting. The book is full of action and intrigue. I would recommend the book.

I received a copy of this e-book and am voluntarily leaving an honest opinion.

Lady Rhoslyn been in a convent for over a year after suffering the deaths of her husband and infant son from illness. Then she receives word that her hand in marriage is to be given to a Knight from King Edward's army. She tries to run away but is caught.

The King has declared them married already but Talbot wants it done with a Priest to really cement it. Rhoslyn and Talbot battle over politics but they are indeed attracted to one another and finally give in to that attraction.

The political climate is tense and Talbot could be called out to war at any time. As the couple begin to have feelings for one another their political opposition is a big thorn. Both expected the other to be totally different people, thinking that once the duty of an heir was done they could basically ignore one another but these two could never ignore one another!

Can Rhoslyn and Talbot come to a truce, one that will allow them to live and love together?

Loved this couple! Rhoslyn was spunky and could never melt into the woodwork. Talbot was a strong warrior, an alpha male who would take care of what was his. The writing was well done and the story had a nice flow.

What a good story. Totally enjoyed it. I have found a new author to read.

This was just an okay read for me. The story is fast paced with plenty of drama and suspense. I found the characters interesting but with no chemistry and the ending is not what I hoped for.

After losing her husband and infant son within months of each other, Lady Rhoslyn retreats to the tranquility of a convent to heal. But in the dark of night, she is awakened to the news that King Edward has decreed that she is to be we'd to his favored knight, Talbot St. Claire. Despite her attempts to escape, Lady Rhoslyn is forcibly delivered to her former home where she finds her groom and his soldiers already entrenched. Fearsome knight Talbot St. Claire has wearied of war and wants only to marry and settle down. Determined to do his duty no matter how "horse-faced" his bride. In the maelstrom of violence, betrayal and shifting loyalties that characterizes Scotland in this time, St. Claire is shocked to realize that it is his heart that may be in the most danger when he meets his new bride for the first time. But while Lady Rhoslyn's beauty takes his breath away, her insistence that he turn his back on his King and fully embrace his Scottish heritage seems destined to set them at odds. Yet St. Claire is determined to make their marriage work. But just when St. Claire gets all he has ever wanted, enemies emerge from all sides to try to take it away. But neither Lady Rhoslyn nor St. Claire will simply step aside ...
I am voluntarily submitting my honest review after receiving an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley.

This is an excellent historical romance with a lively and exciting plot. I literally stayed up all night long to read this book because I couldn't put it down! While some scenes were difficult to read, they lent a sense of historical veracity to the tale--13th century Scotland was a violent and dangerous time, particularly for women, and the knight in shining armor didn't always arrive in time (if at all). The characters are extremely well-drawn with depth and sensitivity to the era in which they exist. For readers who love historical fiction, this book is not to be missed!

I actually read this book a few years ago, though I don't recall this ending, nor did I recall an actual sexual assault. I had liked this book, the first I read by Tarah Scott, and I subsequently read several more of her books. I'm not an expert on the history of the time, so can't speak to historical accuracy of the story, but it was interesting, and difficult to read how women were just chattel many times. My recollections of my prior reading is definitely of a more resolute ending, and would certainly have preferred one. But did still enjoy the book.

It felt like any other Scottish romance novel. I didn't mind but I feel like I have read this type of story before.

This book was quick and easy. I enjoyed the historical setting. My main annoyance was that for me the romance was lacking something. They seemed to come together and the end as more of a partnership than to lovers. But the story was well written, unfortunately just not for me on the romance side of things.

Sometimes the best love is unwanted and fought hard against. St.Claire is an honorable man but he is English and therefore not good enough for the Scots. However his love and dedication to Rhosyln shines through even when she is being a stubborn spit fire. Something unfortunate happens to Rhosyln and St. Claire is there to pick up the pieces and show her that their love is worth going to war over. I was a little disconcerted at the ending of the book but it was a good read.

Nice and hot, the hero is Sexy and his lady awesome. A good read!!

This wasn't the first time that I've read this book and it probably won't be the last time because, on the whole, I enjoyed reading this book. It is well-written, captivating and fast-paced. The latter is the problem though. Even though I really enjoyed reading this book, it is rather too fast-paced and sometimes I just wondered how much could happen in such a short time. It felt as if our hero was always running or rather riding somewhere to fight and then there was this intrigue and that and these people to fight and those and well, you get the point, right?

I really liked the hero and the heroine and I was happy to see them find love and so on after everything especially Roslyn has been through but somehow the characters lacked some depth. And, well, let's just say that I was fascinated by the story of the tattoo because....well, because tattoos usually don't tend to be very realistic or accurate and as a big part of the story is based on a tattoo of a person...okay, you'd better read that for yourself, I think. Just know that I'm a bit wary and that I don't accept that twist easily.

Nevertheless, it is a nice and entertaining read that I enjoyed.

Tarah Scott can certainly spin a seamlessly unfolding, rich in historical details Scottish vs.English tale, folks. I felt she did a great job with character development and capturing the political rivalries/uncertainties of this era. Unfortunately, she chose a path I do not like to travel in my romantic reads. The sexual assault of the heroine and the subsequent result were repulsive to me. “Why? Oh, why?” do this to us avid romantic at heart readers in the first place. It just felt unnecessary and certainly not fair to the main couple, especially Rhoslyn, the heroine. I also wasn’t keen on finding out the heroine was only 15 when she was first wed to Alec, her deceased husband. Tarnishing his good guy image memory is the fact we discover Alec was a cheating husband. Again, just didn’t think the author needed to add that unsavory element.

I would equate this book to being served what could have been a delicious meal then discovering something repulsive smack dab right in the middle of it. Sure, you can remove it but your appetite is now completely ruined and resentment sets in because you know it could have been great otherwise.

Rating: Was dramatically affected by an unwelcome plot elements.

Unwelcome plot element: 1 star
Writing: 3.5 stars
Heroine: 4 stars
Hero: 4 stars

Title: Claimed, Author: Tarah Scott, Pages: 262, stand-alone, English Knight good guy hero, widowed Scottish heroine whose child died, rape scene, evil family relative, don’t know who the daddy was lots of political talk.

(I received a free advanced reader copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. No type of compensation was given to the reviewer. There is no relationship/affiliation between the reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

Three and a half
I've read a lot of stories with a strong paranormal twist this week so thought I'd shake things up with an historical romance and the beautiful cover of this one caught my eye. Plus I've seen this authors name crop up frequently so thought it high time I investigated her work.
Set in Scotland during the war that brought such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to prominence we meet Rhoslyn a young widow who understands her position in the society she's been raised in. Shackled by her gender and little more than a brood mare to some she's horrified to learn that the English King has married her off to one of his favourite Knights. Then to compound the issue her grandfather decides she should instead marry an ally of his and you start to understand just how little power over her own destiny Rhoslyn has.
Talbot wants to finally settle down and live in peace and if that means marrying some unattractive harridan then so be it but what he won't stand for is anyone taking what he considers is his. The couple get off to a bad start as Rhoslyn is following her grandfathers orders but Talbot isn't the barbarian Rhoslyn had expected. When Talbots jealous half brother kidnaps Rhoslyn he follows their trail but like with everything else in life there are always consequences.
Well this went in a completely different direction to what I had expected. Talbot is without a doubt a hero and I'm stunned at just how noble and honourable he is. Perhaps too perfect? The contrast of Rhoslyn who is definitely flawed made for a slightly for me disjointed story. Yes she's suffered and indeed during this story is violated but her reaction just astounds me. Anger is her weapon of choice and yes certain things are glossed over so I applaud the author for not glorifying ignoble, vile acts but come on no woman would be that calm!
Yes it has a strong historical setting and I really enjoyed all the details and research that has clearly gone into this book. The second half particularly brought more characters and action into the story. There was a slightly lighter moment involving a goat and a dress but for this reader it lacked any real emotion. I think what I'm trying to express is that whilst the couple seem to reach an understanding I didn't feel any love and now I think about it I don't recall any declarations of love between them! Surely a romance needs romance? This ended abruptly so I'm guessing there's another book to come and if so I sincerely hope for a stronger romance aspect because to my mind agreeing to a peaceful marriage with apparently spectacular between the sheets action isn't what I'd call love.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair