I was given to the Wolf King to repay a blood debt.
Stellan Varen is ruthless, feared, and built of ice and instinct. I expected a captor, not the truth hidden in my blood.
I’m an Omega. His perfect match. His greatest temptation.
As my suppressants fail and my heat ignites, the bond between us becomes impossible to deny. But surrendering to an Alpha means losing my freedom or claiming a power I never knew I had.
And the Wolf King will burn the world before he lets me go.
As a USA Today bestselling romance author, Delta James aims to captivate readers with stories about complex heroines and the dominant alpha males who adore them. For Delta, romance is more than just a love story; it’s a journey with challenges and thrills along the way.
After creating a second chapter for herself that was dramatically different than the first, Delta now resides in Florida where she relaxes on warm summer evenings with her loveable pack of basset hounds as they watch the birds, squirrels, and lizards. When not crafting fast-paced tales, she enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and white-water rafting.
Her readers mean the world to her, and Delta tries to interact personally with as many messages as she can. If you’d like to chat or discuss books, you can find Delta on Instagram, Facebook, and in her private reader group https://www.facebook.com/groups/34898....
I found the prologue captivating; it really sheds light on the origins of the blood debt.
Iris is undeniably significant as the first omega to emerge from the Carswell bloodline in six generations, a rare genetic link to the power her ancestor sacrificed on a desolate battlefield. Unbeknownst to her, Iris's true nature has been obscured by her grandmother, who carefully crafted a web of lies to keep the truth hidden.
Stellan Varen is a figure of fear and ice, driven by instinct and ruthlessness. Despite his formidable presence, a few members of his pack still question his decisions, particularly when it comes to his choice of mate.
The tension between the two main characters is palpable. Iris grapples with her feelings, torn between her desires and the fear that surrendering to Stellan could lead to her own downfall under the alpha's rule.
In the midst of Stellan and Iris's thrilling game of cat and mouse, there's a lot of pack drama and other tensions simmering beneath the surface. This adds an intriguing layer to the story, keeping readers engaged with the unfolding dynamics.
However, one aspect that might feel a bit disappointing is the lack of clarity regarding a traitor feeding information to the enemy. The identity of this character remains a mystery throughout the book, which could leave some readers wanting more. Despite this, the overall experience is an enjoyable and spicy paranormal read.
Fabulous! The friction and tension between Stellan and Iris was stellar. She's there to complete a blood debt that was made generations previous. They both have solid stances on this, but Iris' fiery spirit, despite her body's sudden insubordination, highlighted her determination and grit. She would need those eventually. At times Stellan came off as harsh, but given the years he had waited, I can understand his short tolerance for delay. I give him props for how he handled the heat - but not the initiating part. He really was a solid Alpha who cared for her, just struggled in showing it (and maybe that was best initially). His youth didn't exactly prepare him ideally for woeing his Omega.
Throughout, readers get visceral descriptions of this isolated "new world" Iris was thrust into. Going from a college setting to a mountainous region and a keep had to have been a culture shock. That's not even mentioning her being the only human - at least the onky one mentioned. I have to wonder if this will transition into a series. There are other pack members, and other packs, mentioned that could take this and run. It wouldn't have the overarching arc that many of Delta's series do (at least not including this book), but it would still be a great series.
I'm greatful to BookSirens for a gift copy and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Wolfe shifter alpha man very strong woman. Iris is bound by an old bond her ancestors made. Reluctantly she travels where she is expected to arrive. What happens after you will have to find out by reading this story. Strong alpha pack vividly written and the setting is beautiful. Secrets and unexpected revelation's. Stallen is waiting for her, but she is so much more than he expected. Awesome read.
I need this book It has been awhile since I've read a book that truly captured my Attention this one has succeeded in every way the Main Characters are front and center from being to the End and the supporting Characters though not as present have enough development I want to hear more about them Bravo Delta definitely a keeper
Omw this bowled me over. I was mesmerised start to finish. A blood pact of decades ago between a human Tobias and Alpha Erasmus Varen demanded that one of Tobias's bloodline is offered the the Northern pack in marriage. That fell on Iris. Defiant and feisty, but unable to call off the Pact, she travels to Fenrir's Height, the fortress of Alpha Stellan. Not all his wolves are happy about her bringing a human into the fold as their Luna. Unbeknownst to her, the vitamins supplied by Helena, the now dead grandma who trained her to be a warrior, were in fact suppressants of her omega nature. The change is gradually as the pills became ineffective and then she goes on heat. Stellan, a strong, disciplined Alpha, won't claim her while on heat, he wants her to come willingly. Then Koran, Alpha of Blackridge declares war, he wants the territory and the omega. Things are heating up and changes are imminent. The storyline, the wordbuilding, fated mates and a HEA, hell yes Delta at her best once again. I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you BookSirens
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
I really wanted to love this book, because the premise was genuinely interesting and promising. Unfortunately, something felt off throughout most of the story. While the plot and characters had potential, the lack of character development (and the relationship) made it hard to stay fully invested. Some plot points were introduced only to be ignored, and I also didn’t connect with the writing style, which made it harder for me to stay engaged.
The last few chapters (the battle and the ending) were strong and engaging, but they didn’t quite make up for the overall “meh” feeling that came before.
I really liked this one. It felt different than most of the authors different books. It did not hit any certain time or was over the top with pinning it to one place. I know an area was given but it still left a feeling of almost being other-worldly. She came to the Kings fortress with a lot knowledge but at the same time no knowledge. Her grandmother had only given her part of the picture so everything looked dark and overbearing and dangerous when she got there. It did not take long for her to see that as usual there was two sides and the side she knew was not the side she wanted.
I received this ARC from the author for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5 stars. Phew! This novella packed a lot into its 172 pages! I enjoyed following Stellan and Iris’s journey from the attention-grabbing prologue that introduced key elements of this ‘world’, through their non-‘meet cute’, early challenges, forging of trust and eventual unification. I wish this was a full length novel (and there were plenty of tangents that could have evolved into strong plot points).
In the beginning I wasn't sure about this book if I would like it. I am glad I kept reading because it did become more interesting and I did enjoy reading it
3.75stars-CLAIMED BY THE WOLF KING by Delta James is a contemporary, adult, paranormal, omegaverse fantasy romance stand alone focusing on Wolf shifter and thirty-four year old, king Stellan Varen, and twenty-four year old, Omega Iris Carswell.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Stellan and Iris) CLAIMED BY THE WOLF KING follows a payment for a debt. Years earlier, one of Iris’ ancestors known as Tobias Carswell saved the North Pack of wolf shifters from a hoard of walking dead but in doing so, left a blood debt in his wake, a debt that has been called in by the current wolf king of the Northern Cascades. Iris has prepared most of her life for the inevitable yet our heroine will quickly discover that she is much more than human, but the fated mate of Stellan Varen. A threat is on the horizon, Iris is the target but our heroine is determined to protect the wolves she will learn to call her own.
The world building focuses on several pathways including the claiming of our story line heroine, an Omega whose reality has been hidden all of her life. Not everyone is please that a human will one day be the Alpha’s mate but Stellan has been watching his luna for as long as he can remember.
The relationship between Stellan and Iris is one of fated mates predicated on payment for a blood debt incurred six generations earlier. Iris’ grandmother has prepared our heroine for a life she knew nothing about but a life in which she will discover her own happily ever after. The $ex scenes are provocative and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, supernatural secondary and supporting characters including Stellan’s beta Torben, healer Signe, blacksmith Dag, and shifter Ragnar.
CLAIMED BY THE WOLF KING is a story of secrets and lies,betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and fate, acceptance and love. The character driven, action packed premise is dramatic and engaging but there is a familiarity with regards to the conversion ; the romance is edgy ; the characters are magical and determined
Oh I love PNR and with a dash of Omega-verse to keep you vested just ticks all the boxes for me. And Delta James knocks with one out of the park! A pact made centuries ago is enforced between Iris and the Wolf shifter King, Stellan. A Blood pact that is paid in full with the marriage between them. Not on Iris's watch, or so she thinks!! Iris has grown up sheltered by her Grandmother, Helena. Not realising what she truly is, when she enters Fenrir, her body begins to betray her. Her true being trying to release itself from the confines of the suppression tablets her grandmother has had her on since puberty. Being close to her Alpha was awakening her in ways she could not explain.....preparing her body for her first heat as an Omega. The temperature spikes and pains became constant. Stellan knew Iris was his mate and he made sure to enact the blood oath and had her brought to him so he could ready her to become his Luna. But Iris was not going to submit quietly! She fought Stellan at every turn. There was unrest with in the Pack. I loved the angst. Iris, a strong Warrior in her own right, taught by her grandmother on how to fight and defend herself, was not going to give Stellan what he wanted. Her first heat hits, and whilst in the throes of her unhinged hormonal ride, she screams for Stellan, needing her Alpha to help her through her heat. To knot her, to make him hers. A Very Strong willed Stellan was made of tougher stuff!! He refused to enter her rooms until the heat passed. His respect for her was incredible, not taking what he could have as he wanted her to want him the same way he wanted her. It was an amazing ride as Stellan needs to go and fight a war with an opposing pack, leaving Iris at the Keep. Not realising the trap they are about to enter, Stella and Iris fight their own battles to keep their home and pack safe. When she realises it is not fate of the fact she is an Omega that is making her feel something towards Stellan, they finally come together and mate!! Yay! Always with a HEA and Stellan gets more from Iris than he ever hoped. AN amazing story! Loved the epilogue too!!
The prologue for this book was rich with details on the genesis of the blood debt between Tobias Carswell (human) and Erasmus Varen (wolf shifter alpha); and their partnership to end the necromancers. I was captivated by the possibilities of this prologue.
The blood debt doesn’t get called for 6 generations, I’m guessing 150+ years later. The main portion of the book doesn’t really tie back to the prologue other than the blood debt was ‘called’ or ‘activated’ - which isn’t explained.
The interactions between Iris and Stella are somewhat cat & mouse-like. He’s determined to break her and force her to accept him, but she’s in a completely different environment with little understanding of what’s really going on between them. Iris is completely in the dark on her true nature as an Omega or that she has been taking suppressants to prevent her from going into heat.
I enjoy wolf shifter romances and this book fits with Stellan being the typical determined and controlled alpha. Iris is atypical due to how her grandmother raised/trained her to think strategically, in weapons and personal defense. Curious how her grandmother knew these skills to teach them or how they would be important for Iris to learn.
For a Delta James’ book I was surprised the physical relationship between Iris and Stellan doesn’t happen until well past the 50% mark. The first half of the book has these two in a mental battle over Iris accepting her new role and her willing submission to Stellan. Unlike most alpha’s Delta has written Stellan is extremely hands off and instead relies on Iris’ own body to coerce her into accepting him.
Despite a minimal amount of romance, the story is pretty compelling with mental battles between Iris and Stellan, a rival pack threatening the Northern Pack’s territory, inner pack rumblings and resistance to accepting Iris as Stellan’s mate and the transition of Iris from college graduate human to a wolf shifter, Luna and mate to a strong alpha.
I received a free ARC from the author; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
This is Stellan and Iris's book. I'm rating it a four because the story did pull me in and the characters had a few layers. The lack of any real character development for the secondary characters was a disappointment. The traditionalists were a blimp. They were actually better bad guys than the rival alpha. The healer and the beta had potential, but they didn't go anywhere.
The story itself started a bit confusing in that there was no idea where on the timeline it was. It seemed a long time in the past, but it seemed to not be later. There was a blood pact made and that was important to explain but the lack of time context was bothersome. When Iris is brought to Stellan's home, it feels as if her grandmother was not that far removed from the original time frame. The reader is confused because the timeline also in parts seems far removed. The lack of reality context is also an issue. The author has written both current "reality" and alternative. That said the story does draw the reader in even though some belief has to be suspended. Iris is fighting the bond while finding out her grandmother had reported to Stellan throughout everything and that Stellan has kept watch. She manages to come to the understanding that her submission to the bond isn't losing. Stellan realizes what Iris really is which makes him want her more. His actions before she accepts things do make him out to be quite a jerk, but his acceptance of her help does help make him better in the readers eyes. The pack seemed to not accept her and yet suddenly they do. Just a bit more reviews before the release so the author could tweak things would have helped.
Long to short, a bit of suspend belief and the story is good. The reader is drawn in even though the arc doesn't quite flow as smoothly as some of her others. Character development needs work but isn't all bad. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This novella took me by surprise, and the second half stepped it up from 3 stars to 4.
To start, the writing was good and descriptive, the world easy to follow. I liked the prologue, getting the r background of the blood pact was a good foundation for the story to come.
I didn’t particularly love with MC at the beginning. Iris was a little too stubborn and fierce, fighting Stellan at every turn. But in her defense he was a bit of a prick 🤣 I couldn’t get a read on him at first, he seemed to only want to possess Iris, to watch her break, and that’s not a turn on. He had to sympathy for her situation, being taken from her life and thrown into an entirely new culture of wolves at an accent keep. Finding out her grandmother kept insanely important secrets from her, upending her entire identity, was rough to read, and Stellan wasn’t all that comforting about it. Still, reviews were positive and I wanted to see how it progressed.
Their bond once they both pulled their heads out of their asses was really quite sweet and healthy. I enjoyed Stellan admitting she was a partner and equal and not something owed to him. I enjoyed her letting herself fall for him and integrate into pack society. But what was missing for me was the time in between. I wanted more scenes of them getting to know each other. Growing into affection and respect. It felt a bit like Iris woke up one day and just resigned herself to being his omega, and the steps it took to gain respect for him and this new world we’re absent. Their bond would have felt more authentic and earned if we’d gotten to witness them falling in love.
But still, this was a sweet story with good action, decent spice, and a nice romance arc. I’ll check out more of the author’s works for sure.
Iris has been brought to Stellan’s castle to pay a debt by one of her ancestors, The debt owed was to mate Iris with Stellan, a wolf shifter and Alpha of his pack. She had been trained by her late grandmother to be a warrior and to understand strategic war planning. Unbeknownst to her, her grandmother had her take daily pills to hide her true nature, that of an Omega. When she meets Stellan, she is very angry and resistant, refusing to be with him, despite her body telling her brain otherwise.
Initially, Stellan appears harsh and unfeeling but that changes over time, as does Iris’s feelings. Adding to the drama is an Alpha from another territory who wants to capture Stellan’s. It’s fascinating to see how Iris acts during the battle. The only part that could have been addressed was who the traitor in the pack was. It was introduced but never followed through. I really wanted to know! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Entertaining, if predictable, story about a woman whose grandmother raised her to be a warrior while simultaneously keeping a secret about her genetics. Iris Carswell has been 'escorted' to the stronghold of the Northern Pack to mate with the alpha to repay a blood pact debt made centuries before her birth. Alpha Stellan Varen has been waiting for Iris for many years. He has basically stalked her ever since catching her scent years ago. He knows what she is even if her grandmother tried to hide it and never revealed it to Iris. Now, her grandmother is dead and the measures she took to mask her granddaughter's true nature are about to end. Things are going to get interesting.
Rivalries, both within the pack and outside it, will play a part in this story. Stellan has a plan, but no plan survives first contact with the enemy...or the woman you want. I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
Years before, human Tobias Carswell used his gift of foresight/magic to stop a coven of necromancers who were killing inhabitants of Cascade Mountains, turning them into army of the dead. He needed help, and made blood debt with Varen wolf pack to combine their lines through a marriage when Varen's called debt in… now generations later, Alpha Stellan Varen has called in debt to marry Iris Carswell, a human omega… Iris knew of the promise, but not that she was Omega… and had been trained to fight throughout her life by her grandmother who also gave her suppressants to mask her true self… Stellan knew Iris was his one true mate and advised his pack that she was his and nobody else's… but a rival pack knows about the omega and wants what Stellan has… Iris… but will her true nature show before a war breaks out??? You will need to read this paranormal thriller to see what happens… I voluntarily read this book through an Advanced Reader Copy
Let's start with the positive. The writing was very good. The pacing was perfect in my opinion. However the plot and characters didn't makes sense to me. The wolf shifters ancestors wanting a marriage bond for their help in taking down a common enemy, why? The traditions of the wolf shifters is to keep their blood lines pure and the oweing family line is human. That just doesn't make sense. If there was a secret reason, that would make the story more well rounded. I suppose the mmc made sense that he wanted her for years and decided he was going to do whatever it took to claim her. But the fmc, she was adamant that she didn't want to be forced into a marriage and that she would stay strong and even after the mmc treats her like a possession, she just wakes up one day and gives in. There is no transition. And the mmc didn't earn her submission. I just didn't like the relationship and that ruined the story for me.
This was a captivating read, strong characters and a plot that held me riveted from the offset This was a captivating read and I thought that the main characters made very interesting reading and I was simply blown away buy this collection of characters and a storyline that had me riveted from the start. This book was simply full of wonderful characters and their connections, when love quickly develops between them both along with danger and action it is obvious that the chemistry between the main characters is growing along with their love which embraced the main character. This is a very action filled, sexy and with a complex interaction between the main female character and and the dominant character who I adore. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.
Iris arrives in the Keep of the Northern Pack feeling like a prisoner, a victim of a blood debt not of her choice and a political pawn to the alpha. While her grandmother had done an excellent job training her to be a weapon, she really did a disservice to Iris in waiting too long (she died first) to really explain what the blood debt could mean. Stellan was kind of a b**tard, always couching his conversations with Iris in terms of “breaking” her. Who would want to sign up for that? But proximity and the incomplete bond start the process of Iris and Stellan seeing and valuing each other as more than just one dimensional “alpha and omega” but as people who can share not only leadership but a rich and loving life. Good read. Rich story.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I absolutely love this story. Enemies to lovers that go above and beyond. The desperation and conviction that Stellan exudes is mind blowing. From the very beginning of this story his obsession commands attention. It isn't just about ownership its a commitment that leaves your heart racing. 💜
Iris has been groomed in preparation for something she didn't ask for or want. The way the story unfolds breaks every barrier for her. Not knowing who to trust or what to believe in causes rifts of the heart.
The walls that this amazing couple break through is without a doubt invigorating. A beautiful romance that leaves your heart pounding and goosebumps on your skin. A patient male who took the meaning of Alpha to a whole new level. 💜💜
This was an intoxicating read that I know I'll be reading again soon!!
I enjoyed the prologue. I enjoyed the part of the book where Iris came to terms with being the Luna and all of the after affects. The part where she was in conflict with Stellan was ok.
I wish that there had been scenes with her grandmother training her. For me, that would have been more interesting. I'm not a big enemies to lovers fan. There is enough conflict going on in reality so I don't enjoy it much when I am reading for relaxation.
I loved the skill set Iris exhibited to Stellan and the other wolves. Her independence, talent, strength, and loyalty joined with Stellan's is what made this book entertaining for me.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I love the paranormal, especially shifters and this was one that captured and held my attention. I loved the strong woman that Iris became under her grandmother’s tutelage, even when she did not fully understand what was coming. Stellan, the Alpha was coming for her but she would make him work for any concession she allowed. I enjoyed watching how they came together when danger was coming for her and the pack. There were a few surprises along the way and some strong secondary characters that added to the story. There is a HEA but it did not come easy and at times the journey was dangerous. With all of this and much more happening, it is definitely a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksirens and are voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a very intense story. I loved both Iris and Stellan.
Iris has been trained by her grandmother all her life. I loved that what she was taught became essential to her survival. Her knowledge of warfare and weapons, and her grit and defiance was phenomenal. What she endured from Stellan will want to make you hate him until you read the reasons why he did what he did. I loved the transformation of her mindset . I was an emotional wreck at times.
I also loved the way everything was explained . Why Stellan did what he did to her.
POV of each. (loved that also). Steam to the eventual romance. and the perfect HEA for them. I loved that they could feel each other even with the partial bond.
I received a free advanced copy via Booksiren and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Claimed by the Wolf King is an entertaining Wolf Shifter romance that begins in the past when a blood debt is made between Human and Shifter that now in the future has come due.
Iris Carswell has been summoned to Alpha Stellan Varens’s fortress where she will become his bride and the ancient pact between their bloodline’s fulfilled.
I enjoyed this dark and spicy story that was filled with the dramatic, supernatural, danger, suspense, action, mate bonding, pack dynamics, and adventure that kept the narrative hot and engaging along with the excellent writing, and perfectly crafted characters who delivered a dynamite read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was such a great story I loved it so I had to read it twice wishing for more, the story was written well and the characters were fantastic. Stellan Varen is an Alpha of the North, he has fought to keep his territory for years he is ruthless he will do anything to protect his pack and territory. Iris Carswell, is a human Omega she has had fighting lessons in all aspects, she loves her freedom and would fight for it again and again. She doesn't believe that she is his fated mate and she won't except it until things start happening.
Really got into this book, a slightly different take on enemies to lovers and I did enjoy it a lot. The characters are really well written, the deeper emotions really come through and you really understand what's going on. The world Delta James builds is a bit different from other paranormal romances i've read but she does it so well. The power dynamic with Iris and Stellan is soooo good, a little angsty and hard at the beginning, but as the story builds you get all the feels. Love these pair will definitely read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dark, primal, really spicy—and just as “alpha-aggressive” as the title suggests (it is Omegaverse, after all). Iris is taken to the Wolf King's mountain fortress because of a blood pact, where she meets Stellan: dominant, possessive, convinced that she belongs to him. Add to that pack politics, external threats, and plenty of heat. What I liked: strong, not helpless protagonist, cool setting, enough plot alongside the spice, dual POV brings dynamism. Why “only” 4 stars: the emotional development is a little too fast for me in places and some power/consent moments are very “dark” – you have to like that. If you want dark Omegaverse + Alpha King + heat, you'll almost certainly enjoy this.
This was a fantastic read from page one. Tobias made a blood pact with Erasmus, the wolf king, a pact that would be taken on by his relatives until it became due. Today Iris has to pay that price and is not happy about it. Stellan the Wolf King has been waiting for her, but now the waiting is over. These two have a very rocky start, and it keeps on being that way for quite a while. I loved the interaction between Stellan and Iris and the various wolves. There is plenty happening that kept me interested and reading on when I should have been sleeping! Loved it! I voluntarily received and reviewed an ARC copy of the book.
Iris Carswell is the descendent of a man who agreed to a blook debt with an Alpha wolf shifter. Now, as it turns out, she is the payment agreed upon by her ancestor and the current alpha of the Northern Pack. Stellan Veran has known since he first saw her that Iris might be human, but she is also an Omega, and his perfect match. Wonderful characters! Iris and Stellan are both strong personalities with a stubborn streak, and the sparks will fly from their first meeting. Steamy paranormal shifter romance with bloody battles some fascinating twists in the plot, and a happily ever after. A must-read!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens and the author.