There are times in your reading life where certain books just hit you between the solar plexus and knock the wind out of you. Savage Kingdom is just one of those books for me. It came out of nowhere just like those bulls in the Running of the Bulls. Before I even had a chance to commit to memory what I was reading I was chapters in and did not want to stop.

SK was haunting, ethereal, and take your breath away stunning. Considering the topic of the book, one might suggest that stunning is a questionable choice of words, but I will challenge you to read this dark, almost taboo, romance and see how you feel afterwards. What makes Savage Kingdom ‘stunning’?  It is how easily the wicked, the tempting, sorrowless not only stand and fight for themselves, but also others. The plot line, story line, and flow were melded so well, they just wrapped you up in all three in sheer perfection. The emotions are all forthright with an undercurrent of “the only one to truly have my back is me.”  This phenomenal storytelling is all due to the sheer mind of Claudia and her ability to encompass multiple personalities, situations, scenarios, and emotions.

“We could defy time, but we could never defy death.”

Gideon is the hero of this story, while Daphne is the heroine. Some may say, ‘are they heroes/heroines’? The answer is in fact, YES!! Are they your cotton candy, fluffy clouds, break out into musical about their hero status? Absolutely, not. If you thought so, this is not it.

Daphne is unlike any character I have read about before. She is vicious, mean, tough, almost heartless, yet I want her to find herself and her HEA. I’ve had girl crushes on other leading ladies before and Daphne has co-commandeered this spot. Daphne makes no exceptions, but blatantly admits that she is a monster, yet she is still somewhat lovable in her sad, hostile and unpleasant situation.

“Run petal, run as fast as you can, in the end, I will be there to capture you.”

Gideon was FIRM, HARD, and 🔥 as hell for me leading man. No matter the outcome of this book, Gideon is the bad boy that every good, little girl wants. Much to the chagrin of her parents.

I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND Savage Kingdom and If possible, I would give this kingdom, 10 ‘Savage’ stars. It is excellent and I feel that Claudia has found her niche.  I am eagerly awaiting SK’s follow up book, CC. After that ending, momma needs some answers! 😉😉