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Royal Claws Book 1
***Standalone***

Natalie Barsotti is on a mission. She wants to prove the existence of shifters in a small community. Getting a job as a nurse in Winterland, Alaska, is only the first part of her plan. If only a certain mayor wasn’t so irresistible and so damn grumpy, it would make her operation so much easier.

Tucker Kearney is a simple wolf shifter. All he wants is to watch over his community of Winterland and stop the disappearances happening all around Alaska. The last thing he wants is a mate. He has reasons for keeping Natalie at arm's length. Even if she is his mate. Even if he desperately wants her.

No matter how hard they try, Natalie and Tucker can’t seem to stay away from each other. But there are more dangerous things than the past lurking in the wildlands. It might destroy them before they even begin…

Reader's Note: This is an ice-melting new series that is sure to heat up your nights. Enjoy!

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2021

272 people are currently reading
167 people want to read

About the author

Milly Taiden

479 books4,256 followers
Milly Taiden (also writes as April Angel) was born in the prettiest part of the Caribbean (to her) known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, she resides in New York City with her husband, bossy young son and their little dog Speedy.

When she’s not working full-time, texting with her best friend Heidi in England, chastising her son for pulling the dog’s ears, shopping with her sister Jewel or watching scary movies with her husband, she can be found writing on her laptop.

She’s addicted to shoes, chocolate, Dunkin Donuts coffee and JIMMY THOMAS covers!!!

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5 stars
440 (49%)
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247 (27%)
3 stars
145 (16%)
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44 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
26 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2023
He definitely calls her mommy but I’m glad I didn’t have to hear that said into my eardrums
Profile Image for Sarah.
2,113 reviews30 followers
April 25, 2021
Book one in new series Royal Claws by Milly Taiden
Tucker is a partner Mayor and lives in Alaska and hires a nurse hoping she’s a mate to one of his co Mayors or friends/family but get a massive shock when it’s him she’s a mate to. Ticket and Natalie have a lot to work through especially fear.
Natalie is a nurse from California that wants to prove shifters exist but doesn’t expect to meet Tucker that changes everything for her.
I love that Natalie doesn’t just let Tucker lay down law and give him attitude.
This has a slight cliffhanger but not about the main characters so I’m happy with this because I hate cliffhangers. Looking forward to next book in series.
Absolutely love Milly Taiden book. She’s the queen of paranormal shifter books.
Profile Image for Sydney M Neblett.
2,655 reviews23 followers
April 22, 2021
Sunshine on the frozen tundra
I really enjoyed this book! I love the way both characters are driven by a deep seated fear and only the strength of the other can soothe them. The author kept the story engaging with a fantastic love story and the danger that seems to haunt this small community. And what a wonderful community it is, the characters rally together perfectly and made me wish for a small town of my own. This story is fresh and new and now I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,414 reviews3 followers
April 21, 2021
He was trying to find mates for others not wanting one himself. We don't always get what we want. He hired Natalie as a nurse and hoped she was a mate. She was but not for who he thought. This one has drama, suspense, kidnapping and a hea. It doe have a slight cliff hanger but not about the main couple.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy.
2,670 reviews16 followers
April 20, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and the narrators did a good job (I preferred the female narrator). Quick low angst listen. You need to read/listen to the books in order as this series has a continuation story arc.
Profile Image for Florence.
463 reviews8 followers
May 17, 2021
This was a good story about looking for answers, finding them and so much more.. Tucker was looking for a mate for his friends and found his own.
Profile Image for Shifter Haven.
216 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2021
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Snowkiss begins the Royal Claws series with a granddaughter’s quest to learn the truth of her grandmother’s ramblings before her death from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Nana swore she saw shifters, men who could change into animal forms (wolves for her)… but was this simply a mind trick by a horrible disease that steals loved ones away long before their physical bodies give out, or could it possibly be true? Natalie is determined to find out. And if it involves a little bit of subterfuge, skimming the lines of truth then so be it. She simply has to know for certain.

And one of the co-mayors of the tiny, remote Alaskan town of Winterland who might have needed a medical professional for the town but also is hoping that the nurse he hired might be the mate for one of the other two men who also govern their town. For himself, Tucker knows he’ll always be alone, he’s been told that his entire life, and through unwarranted guilt, he believes it as truly as he knows he is a wolf shifter. Stubborn man.

But Tucker is in for one huge surprise, an unwelcomed surprise when he discovers that Natalie is indeed his mate. How is he supposed to deny himself this lovely lady and keep a rein in on Sawyer and Colin, let alone discover who is behind the disappearances of people and shifters in the area surrounding Winterland? No, Natalie cannot be for him… until he discovers that he is powerless to resist a spunky, sexy, equally stubborn human.

Snowkiss is sizzling sexy, full of dangerous undercurrents, funny as we watch one stubborn man give in to what everyone around him already knows, and intriguing as we slowly uncover what or who might be behind the disappearances that are plaguing Winterland. I had fun with this story which sets up the next story in a way that will have me waiting for the release date of Frostbite (May 28, 2021). If you love a story with two stubborn lovers, a bit of danger, engaging secondary characters you’ll want to learn more about, and definitely sexy sizzle… then Snowkiss and the Royal Claws series would be perfect for you.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Profile Image for Marie.
4,785 reviews50 followers
May 5, 2021
She's looking for answers....

....but finds so much more!
I love this new series....Winterfell may be in the middle of desolate, snowy wasteland but it is a town that is so much more, it is a family. The three Alpha Mayor's are total opposites in personality, but they are as close as brothers, they may squabble and goad each other, but they have each other's backs 100%.
Tucker is the most serious and uptight of the three Alpha's, due to his past he feels an extra burden to prove himself, to keep the town safe and to right any wrongs. He feels the need to punish himself for his mother's death, is convinced he doesn't deserve a mate or happiness...so Natalie is a complete surprise and she destroys all his plans and future intentions. Tucker fighting his wolf for control is hilarious but him fighting his fears of loss is heartbreaking. The threats to both humans and Winterfell help him see sense and convince him to claim Natalie, but these threats will not be easy to overcome and could destroy everyone and everything. I look forward to book two to see just how the town rally and fight the latest threat and which of the Alpha's gets his mate next, I read this book on Kindle Unlimited.
3,000 reviews
April 24, 2021
This is a wonderful read once started impossible to put down
Natalie had left her home after the death of her beloved grandmother and her Grandfather who had been left bitter and somewhat twisted after she had discussed her life before she had met him and the shifters she had loved and the way they had saved her life.
Natalie a qualified nurse had known that she had to find out if the stories her grandmother told her had actually been factual and she had accepted a job working in the frozen wilds of Winterland, in Alaska and she is somewhat nervous about the whole enterprise.

Tucker is actually her Fated Mate and is totally thrown through a loop about what he should do, however it soon becomes clear that when nature villagers have accepted her in the humans and shifters alike have to go with the flow and this is what he actually knows that she becomes part of the community it is obvious that the it was her destiny to work and live in Alaska.
When they find a little boy near to death and people working in the miners continue to go missing and so continue to try and discover who the abductees are, however Peter is their priority and he is such a sweet little boy and all of the community come to Natalie’s aid and help Peter to gain confidence and know that he is loved and that he has people that care about him.
The end of the book is wonderful and leaves an opening for the following title and what is going to happen to both of them and the new families they both have been taken in by. Tucker and Natalie have both fallen in love and it is highly obvious that he wants to make his mate a shifter by mating her and claiming her with the usual bite.
You are left waiting for the next book in the series and I personally cannot wait.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
Profile Image for Sandy Kelly.
1,248 reviews12 followers
May 4, 2021
This is book 1 in the Royal Claws series. And I definitely enjoyed this one! Natalie has come to Winterland, Alaska not to start a new job or life-but to prove the existence of shifters! But the grumpy mayor is making things difficult for her. Tucker considers himself a simple wolf shifter who just wants to take care of his community, and figure out what is going on with the disappearances happening. He doesn't have time for a mate. He has his own reasons for keeping Natalie away, besides her being his mate. But can he keep her safe while danger is lurking in the background?

So Natalie sucked me in right from the start! I loved her character and just her outlook in general. Tucker is definitely grumpy but you quickly learn why. I loved their interactions together, along with the interactions with the side characters. There is definitely a bigger story arc going on, other than just their romance. So be prepared because that part of it is left with a cliffhanger of sorts. However, the main couple does get their HEA-so it's the perfect type of series for me since I love ones that have a bigger story involved! Can't wait to read the next one!
3,398 reviews19 followers
April 22, 2021
Tucker & Natalie

She was a nurse from sunny California. What was she doing in upper Alaska? She had to find out if what she'd been told was true about shifters being real and living there. He wanted to get his partner mayors mated. Hopefully, she'd match with one of them--SURPRISE--she was the mate of a mayor but neither one of his friends.

Trying to ignore their feelings--going both ways--was aided by missing citizens and finding a little boy who seemed to be mute and couldn't tell them who he was or where he came from.

Another good shifter story with characters who not only entertain and move the story but give fans some life lessons such as unity in a community. There are secrets on each side of the couple that could keep them apart. Are their feelings from the mate connections strong enough? Will the dangers of the missing people descend on them and keep them apart?

Enjoy good characters, good world-building, plenty of steam, and a story to satisfy fans. I'm ready for the other two mayors to find their mates as well.
Profile Image for Sandi Ramirez.
1,864 reviews13 followers
April 27, 2021
This is the first book in a new series by author Milly Taiden. Natalie has heard stories all her life from her grandma about shifters. She thought they were just that stories made up to keep her attention. When her grandma is in the late stages of her life she tells her about life in Alaska with her wolfmen. This makes her grandpa very upset. But Natalie needs to know if this is real or if her grandma would be going crazy as well as dementia. So she takes a job in Alaska to find out. So Nat heads there from Cali. The BIG change in climate LOL
Tucker is one of three mayors of Winterland, Alaska. He is helping to bring in humans from outside the area to see if they can find mates for those shifters who are there in Winterland and also of course they needed a nurse. Well, he had no intention of being the first one to find his mate but fate had other ideas. This book was really good. It has mystery, romance, and yes more mystery. I hope we get to find out just who are the wolfmen Natalie's grandma told her about.
Profile Image for Miriam.
928 reviews
May 4, 2021
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

3.5 stars

The story was good and was a decent setup for a new series, but I just felt like it was missing something to make it great. I think Natalie's past was doled out in pieces, so it felt odd. I kept expecting some real mystery to be revealed that once we got the whole story, it felt really anti-climatic. Tucker was a bit of a jerk at the beginning, but he pretty quickly seemed to realize that he'd screwed up. (there was a minor time jump, but since it's mentioned rather than us really seeing it it didn't have the same impact). I felt like the issues between Tucker and Natalie were built up to be something, and then were over too quickly (and ended up rather anti-climatic). Honestly, I'm more curious about the other two mayors, Sawyer and Colin. There is still a bit of a story arc that will need to be continued from this book and I'm looking forward to seeing how that works out.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Thaggard.
764 reviews2 followers
Read
May 3, 2021
Natalie travels to a remote Alaskan town to work as a nurse.
But work isn't Natalie's true goal.
Natalie is trying to find proof of stories her grandmother told all her life.
Natalie's grandmother ceventually told Natalie these weren't just stories but truth after being diagnosed with dementia.
Natalie wants to validate get grandmother's words.

Tucker is a co-mayor of the town Natalie arrives at.
Tucker is a wolf shifter.
He's focused on the well-being of the town and it's inhabitants.
Members of the community are being abducted.
It's got everyone on edge.
The last thing Tucker expects is to find his mate.
He's got enough on his plate, too many responsibilities, too many worries.
Fate won't be denied.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Eliana Martin.
407 reviews8 followers
March 23, 2022
What a sweet love story, I really enjoy shifter books of all kinds. I needed a short light read and this fit the bill nicely.
This is the story of Natalie a California girl getting a Job as a nurse in a small town in Alaska, to prove her nana’s stories of shifters were true and not of her illness taking her mind.
Tucker is one of the mayors in winterland Alaska, he’s a shifter and is hiring a female nurse for his small town in hopes of finding a mate for one of the other two mayors ( shifters like himself) helping him run the small town.
Their small town has been experiencing abductions of humans and they need to find out who is behind it and why.
This is a short book, nicely written. Wonderful characters. An amazing little town with warm close knitted people. A bit of suspense with the kidnappings. I absolutely adored it .

I give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🥰
Profile Image for Chantelle Bouffanie.
1,215 reviews11 followers
May 1, 2021
Loved it! Snowkiss is the first book in a brand new series called Royal Claws.This is Tucker and Natalie's story. Tucker is one out of three mayors for Point Hope community. Natalie is a nurse that just took a job in Point Hope community. Milly Taiden does not disappoint in this book. I couldn’t put it down. This story has it all from action, adventure, danger and love. Can Tucker and the other mayors figure out whats' happening in town? Definite a must read for all Milly Taiden fans. Can't wait to read the next book in this series. Keep up the amazing work!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
244 reviews9 followers
May 1, 2021
I fell in love with Tucker and Natalie. Natalie is a California girl heading to Alaska to put her demons to rest. She hopes shifters exist but little does she know, she's heading to a town filled with them. Tucker is one of three alphas in this town. He is trying to keep his people safe and together. He keeps bringing in women hoping to settle his other two alpha friends down. He doesn't realize he just brought his mate, the one he doesn't want to ever find, to town. The sparks and chemistry between them is amazing. Each with their own secret to hide while a third unknown entity threatens the town and Natalie's life.

I could not put this book down and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Wickla.
314 reviews2 followers
May 3, 2021
With wonderfully created characters a couple which will have you loving this new series from the Queen of Paranormal Milly Taiden. Tucker is one of 3 Mayors who has recruited Natalie to join their community in the hope that she will be a fated mate of the other Mayors. Tucker is a grumpy Wolf Shifter and is clear in his own mind he does not wish to find his mate. On their initial introduction he discovers Natalie is his mate, she gives as good as she gets and is no pushover. These two each have different views on what they think they want but fate has other plans for these two and a community of supporters.

Set up for book 2 in the series, excitedly look forward to it.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,516 reviews12 followers
May 4, 2021
Ermine

Millie Taiden is one of my must buy, go to authors that always gives me a good read. This book did not disappoint. Tucker, Colin and Sawyer are “co-mayors” of the town of Winterland. While trying to find a mate for his co-mayors as fate would have it Tucker brings in his own mate. This is the first book in this series and it has a lot going on. Series first often include a lot of information to set the stage, but can be overwhelming with too much information. This one bordered a little bit on the too much side, but was still an enjoyable read. I can’t wait to read the next installment.
1,391 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2021
Steamy story about Natalie, a nurse, who decides to move to a small town in Alaska because of the stories her grandmother told her. She meets Tucker, one of the mayors of Winterland, who is a shifter and he is the one who hired her as the new nurse for the community. This community of shifters and some humans is not well known. Tucker's wolf immediately knows Natalie is his mate but he does his best to resist that pull. How long can he last? Natalie also feels this pull towards Tucker and is not sure why. Their story pulls you in from the beginning and already downloaded the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Angela Malone.
686 reviews10 followers
April 12, 2023
I spent so much time chuckling while reading this. It definitely wasn’t funny on purpose but there was almost no substance to this and the spicy scenes were so predictable and cliché. The insta-love didn’t work because no time was spent building the characters or their personalities so the reader had no supporting background to believe the MCs would click. It was pretty short so lots of missed opportunities to expand on scenes where the MC bonds with the community and do more showing than telling. I have a pretty low threshold for what I’ll accept as decent in the smut/romance genre and unfortunately this didn’t even reach that.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
612 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2021
This is Tucker and Natalie's story . Natalie is in Alaska working and wants to prove shifter exist . Tucker is trying to find mates for his fellow Mayors when he finds Natalie . Tucker is trying to keep his hands to himself and deny what he is feeling but when trouble comes calling these two will be depending on each other and all I will say is have some ice near you ! Because holy hotness this story ROCKS ! Well written and recommended to all .

I was given this ARC and love it so much I wanted to leave a review .
Profile Image for Lory.
3,224 reviews30 followers
April 29, 2021
This was a very enjoyable and entertaining read. I absolutely loved Tucker & Natalie story it gave me all the feels. The push and pull between them was a interesting form of foreplay. I will admit that at time I wanted to shake the both of them. If they would've only communicate with each other things would of been less complicated. But besides the this was a helluva read. Can't wait for the next book in the series. I received a free copy via Booksprout and as always my reviews are totally voluntarily and no monetary compensation was received and the opinions I have expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
56 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2021
Ill be honest right off the bat I enjoyed the book dont get me wrong it was well written and the whole story was really easy to get into, It was the ended that I had the most problem with. It might just be me but I do not enjoy books that leave you wanting more in the end and leave you hanging I wish that there was a bit more to the book. I will be reading every book I can from Milly I dont think ill be re-reading this one as much as I do her others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,443 reviews23 followers
June 2, 2021
Winter mystery

Loved Tucker and Natalie's story. The plot is interesting. People are disappearing from the small Alaska town. The three mayors are trying to figure things out and keep The I community safe. While Tucker is trying to find his co-mayors mates. Fate switches things up though. There is a big dangerous mystery going on. Natalie is on a quest of her own. This California nurse needs answers. Great first story in this new series! I look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Leslie.
2,107 reviews23 followers
April 11, 2025
She has to prove shifters are real because otherwise her grandmother was insane, and that might be inherited.

He just wants to keep those he loves safe, to be the best leader he can be, and to atone for the death he caused before he ever drew a breath.

Somewhere out there, in the frozen wastes, there is a nebulous danger that snatches away young women, and leaves shifters sick and mad.

The bones are good. The writing is ok. It’s a weird juxtaposition, the perfect, peaceful, shifter settlement, and the nebulous evil lurking in the snow.
39 reviews
April 26, 2021
This book almost had me booking airfare to Alaska! I absolutely loved the push and pull between Natalie and Tucker. There were moments where all I wanted to do was smack them both upside the head and make them talk to each other! It's amazing what happens when two people have an actual conversation with each other rather than making random assumptions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
20 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2021
The steamy, passionate love scenes are enough to melt the tundra in this novel. The rough and tough exterior Tucker uses to shield his tender heart is no match for Natalie who demolishes his walls and steals his heart as he has stolen hers. The love scenes are sprinkled through suspenseful action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I cannot wait to read the other mayors’ stories!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,824 reviews8 followers
April 28, 2021
This was a very enjoyable story! It had so many feels! Tucker was a grumpy lovable wolf and Natalie was a caring and strong woman. They made an awesome couple! They both had been through so much. I loved how this story had so many great characters and how the community was all there for each other! This was a great beginning to a new series and I can’t wait to read more! Highly recommend

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ObsessiveReader.
1,269 reviews
May 2, 2021
Not a favorite.

Natalie has come to Winterland under false pretenses. She is hoping to prove shifters exist and that her Nana isn’t crazy. Tucker is really grumpy, which can be kind of annoying. Danger and mystery surrounding them as they work through telling each other their truths.

It was a bad story, it just didn’t make me want it to never end. It didn’t capture and hold my attention.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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