From USA Today best-selling author, Willow Winters, comes a tempting tale of fated love, lust-filled secrets and the beginnings of an epic war.
There was never a question of whether or not I would be his. It’s simply what fate demanded.
There’s a knowing when the werewolves find their mates. It’s an aching need, a desperation… one they would die for. But for their mates, it’s a trance, a pull, a submissive desire that’s at odds with the shadows of my past and how I’ve learned to survive.
I didn’t know how hard I’d fall. I didn’t know what destiny would bring. I didn’t know it then that I would die for him as he would me.
This is book 2 of the To Be Claimed Saga. Wounded Kiss is book 1 and should be read first.
Willow started writing after having her little girl, Evie, December 2015. All during her pregnancy with Evie she continued to read and she only wanted to read romance. She was reading a book a day — sometimes two.
In January 2016 Willow was staying up late with Evie and just thinking of all these stories. They came to her constantly so she finally sat down and just started writing. She always wanted to do it so she figured, why not? Today Willow cannot be happier for making that decision!
This instalment pretty much picks up where Willow Winters left in Wounded Kiss
In this new world that MS Winters created we find Werewolf Shifter/Vampire/of course Humans
So, we pretty much pick up where we left off in Wounded Kiss
In this particular installment we find, the Alpha (Devin ) Werewolf mated with a human female(Grace);two Betas ( Caleb & Dom ) Werewolves mated with a latent wolf ( Lizzie ) … And we even got a Vampire in the mix (Veronica)
Careful what you ask for- Grace asked Devin to share more of himself with her… So, he did, and your heart will go out for Devin…. I know his story broke my heart
As for Dom and Lizzie’s past, I believe that’s going to take bit more time for them to open up to each other
To say that I was surprised to see Veronica and Vince as fated mates is putting it mildly… but once you get past the initial shock, they are my favorite couple
Now I can’t say I’m huge fan of cliffhangers, but I can say , I will now be anxiously awaiting the third book in this series!
I’ll leave you with that, but I’ll tell you this, I truly enjoyed this book, I liked the idea of this new world & the characters that W Winter has created… of course I love pure thought of being introduced to more vampires, witches & other shifters in future books. …………….. ⬇ With that said ⬇
Review : I have been waiting for this book for so long! This is the first time I have read this particular genre by this author. I have read Mafia books by her before and contemporary romance too but this one was a new genre for me. I binged both the books of this series together and it was such an amazing ride!
This one is a dark fantasy take with a lot of characters and a couple of stories going parallel. The author has done an amazing job of merging them all and making us feel all the emotions with these characters! The ending just about destroyed me and I can't wait for the next installment! I can tell that there is a lot more to come.
Definitely recommending this one to all the dark romance loving people out there!
This book is filled with: multiple POVS (but you don't get confused strangely), steam, no romance as of yet, BDSM, triggers, a united of sorts pack, secrets, deviousness, etc, polyamory (MMF).
And the cliffhanger at the end...damn cannot wait for Primal Lust! It's gonna be hell of a clincher for this trilogy.
I loved the writing as always, had trouble liking Grace and Lizzie and her MM crew, but Veronica and Vince the latest couple, were my absolute favorites in this latest novel. And those plot twists, damn they just kept hitting and I kept batting I mean rooting for them!
So good this one was! Can't wait for the next one.
Truth be told, I am not a massive PNR/fantasy fan, but in saying that, I didn't know what to expect going into this series but Woah! What a ride! This book has it all! As always Willow Winters delivered an amazing continuation from Wounded Kiss with Gentle Scar.
Following the lives of Vince and Veronica, Lizzie and Dom and Devin and Grace, this book was written in multiple POVs, which isn't something I am used to, but I must say that the author artfully weaved her words together throughout each POV. She has created a world I can't get enough off. I managed to read this book in just one sitting. I couldn't put it down!
It's full of mystery, suspense, thrill, passion and kink! Oh boy... It was HOT AS FUCK!!
I cannot wait to see where Ms Winters takes us with Primal Lust, but what I do know? If it's anything like the first two books in the series then I know it's going to be just as amazing!
Sit back, grab a glass of wine and fall into this beautifully written world!
𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄: I am absolutely loving this series...so many characters, so many stories taking place at the same time...and so much thrill.
Paranormal Romance have never been this better...just imagine, Love...soulmate...between two breeds who are never meant to be together...Vampire and Werewolf...Can you see the drama that will take fold? No! It's unimaginable. The twists, Author Winters has created her is unfathomable with jaw dropping moments.
I love how all the stories are merge together but still we are able to distinguish the characters with their unique trait. Vince, Veronica...Grace, Devlin...Lizzie, Dom, Caleb...these characters are bringing the steadier Romance ever..
I am just loving this PNR series and this was another excellent addition to it. This is the second book and you really should (and I highly recommend!) that you read book one, Wounded Kiss first. There is an ongoing storyline playing out and the characters reappear throughout, so believe me when I say you will get a much deeper and more pleasurable reading experience if you do. This book puts the main focus on Vince and Veronica. I thought these two were utterly delicious and brought a whole different flavor profile into this oh, so tempting mix. Sizzling heat is combined with intriguing drama, tension, raw emotions, twists and generous splashes of enticing kink. This book/series is the kind that has your heart fiercely invested, your emotions put through the wringer, your temperature on the rise and your jaw hitting the floor when that cliffhanger leaves you stunned and breathless (which it does and will!). I don't know about anyone else but I need book three ASAP!!! Of my own accord I'm posting an objective review.
Book 2 in this pnr/shifter/vampire romance series is here. Have some ice water around for this steamy read. Vince & Veronica are fated to be together but coming from completely two different worlds can they find a way to work? This begins at the offering from Wounded Kiss but follows Vince’s POV from there. We also get the other couples POV’s so you need to read these in books order. Get ready for action, spice and mates fated to find each other in this multi species romance. Oh and a little MFM, BDSM & reverse D/s too ;) be prepared as this ends on another cliffhanger so we can follow the pack to the continuation of their lives. Told in multiple POVs.
Grade A werewolf smut!!!!! I love this series by Willow Winters!!! The addition of the sexy bad ass vampiress Veronica was fabulous!!! She dangerous and dominant which is sexy as hell and she's a perfect match for her wolf boy Vince!!!! Veronica is all about the one being in control and Vince is man enough to let her lead and the chemistry between these two is combustible!!! Vince knows his mate needs to be in charge and rolls with the punches because what the hell! He's found his other half and the sex is real fucking good! And he doesn't mind playing along with her games. But what he doesn't know is Veronica has a secret and its why she became a wolf hunter in the first place. When it comes time for Vince to claim her all those memories she keep hidden come to a head and she freaks out and its then that Vince realizes that his sexy mysterious lover Veronica hasn't been playing a game at all and where will they go from here now that the truth is out. Also things are heating up for Lizzie and her two mates Caleb and Dom! Holy shit! This three some is intense! Caleb and Dom are trying to help Lizzie shift into her wolf form so she can emotionally heal and they are pushing her past her limits and helping her to learn to start trusting them and as she lets go her wolves are their to catch her fall and their mating and lovemaking is a dark sensual pleasure that has this little wolf craving more and more! I really loved Gentle Scars!!! And I love how Willow Winters writes not only sexy good looking alpha wolf's who have a strong mind set and are totally alpha but the females are equally strong and equals to their mates!!! I love a strong confident woman who isn't afraid to say what she thinks or feels at all times. Women like Grace and Veronica are fierce and power houses and their not about to let their mates call all the shots and even Lizzie is coming back even stronger then before! Winters is a awesome storyteller and writer who can write some really damn good smut!!! And I can't wait to read more from this world she's created! Things are starting to really heat up and I want to see all the main players find their mates. Until Next Time Luv's💕💋
This series has intrigued right from book 1 and remains to do so. After book 2, there are now all the more questions to be answered for.
We get to meet Veronica in this one. She's dark and alluring, a vampire and we find that she is also Vince's mate.
Vince can't wait to see his mate now that he has not only sensed her but seen her too. But he has his duties to his alpha and his pack first.
When he follows her scent and finds her amidst an attack, he goes to her rescue only finding she doesn't actually need it.
Veronica is woman who needs control and Vince has to decide if he can shred his strong wolf persona and submit to his mate to have her. It was fun watching this different dynamic for sure.
There's also grace and Devin struggling to accept each other's differences in the sense that Grace wants Devin to be more open towards her and Devin wants her to simply trust him.
Then there's the trio of lizzie and Dom and Caleb... And oh my goodness... HOTNESS AMPLIFIED... 😳😳😍😍😍. The Chemistry between these trio is freaking BLAZING FIRE FOR SURE. But I also liked the fact that they are also helping lizzie to not think about herself as broken.
Then there's something going on. A conspiracy of vampires that Devin and his pack find out. Who is behind this and why do they want to do this. Not only that Devin has to also decide about Veronica and her proposition from the vampires.
Amongst all this they have to smooth their image with the humans and cool down the aftereffects of the chaos that happened during the offering.
So much is going but before I knew it the book was done and I was like I need more especially after that claiming between Vince and Veronica where things totally changed for them both and what would happen with them. Yep.. So many questions. I already need the next book like right now. 😭😅 Loved this one. ❤️❤️
What an intriguing and enthralling saga!! The characters are so captivating, enticing and intense. Each of them brings an appealing dimension to this fascinating story. Escaping into this paranormal world is so incredibly addictive. These characters draw you in and the storyline is absolutely alluring. I positively enjoy the fantasy of these alpha males and their mates. Wonderfully written Willow. Congratulations on another amazing book👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 The cover to this book is so beautiful❤️
I absolutely love the addition of new POV’s—Veronica and Vince! I love the growth that happens between Lizzie and Dom, as well as the growth between Devin and Grace. This book is just as beautifully written as the first book! My heart broke for Devin as he told his past to Grace. My heart broke for Veronica and for Vince at the end of the book. I just want to hug them all in one big giant group hug! I will now be anxiously awaiting the third book! Willow, reading Wounded Kiss and Gentle Scars has instilled a love for Werewolves in me that I didn’t have before—so thank you!
DNF at 30%..Such a shame because I adored book 1. This was a case of 'its not the book, it's me'. I didn't realise the dynamic was F/m. I'm not into femdom at all, it's not my thing so I just couldn't get through this.
Book 2 in the To Be Claimed series and it was just as fast paced as book 1. This book continues the stories of Dom, Caleb and Lizzie, Devin and Grace and Vince and his mate, Veronica (who is introduced in this book). The stories that Willow is able to create for these characters will take your breath away. I need to the last book now because I need to know how it ends for these couples. You will need to read book 1 before this one since it is a continuation but let me say, you won’t be disappointed when you do. Another great read from Willow. Highly recommend.
GENTLE SCARS by Willow Winters is book Two in the To Be Claimed Series. This continues the story of Gracie, Lizzie, Devin, Dom, Caleb but this book added Veronica and Vince. So, you really need to read the previous book 'Wounded Kiss' before starting this one. This book does end with a cliffhanger setting us up for the next installment. That book is called "Primal Lust". This book does a deeper dive into Devin who is the alpha when Gracie asked to learn something more of him. Lizzie is still trying to completely trust and to help her inter wolf but this will take some time. I am leaning towards thinking I really like Veronica and Vine's story a little more. But I can't wait to see what is next for us. Enjoyed.
I am absolutely loving this series🖤 Wounded Kiss set us up for the steaming hot Gentle Scars🔥. GS is multi-pov & we get to see everyone’s pov leading up to ‘the claiming’.
Vince has found his mate & she is a ‘controlling’ vampire on a mission!! Veronica has a few secrets that will rock Vince to his core😕
September 2022 can’t get here soon enough! I need Primal Lust asap🙏🏻
Book 2 definitely kicks things up for the pack and I didn’t think things could get hotter but I was wrong!
Book 2 is hotter than book 1 and takes some turns I didn’t see coming. I am fully invested in these books can not wait for the next one! I haven’t read a shifter book in a long time and I’m happy that these books were my reintroduction because Willow did an amazing job crafting this world and an intriguing story that sucks you in from the start.
In the second book of the series, Willow introduces us one more mated couple MF. I thought she spent much more time with the other two existing ones that with Veronica and Vince and I’d like to know more about them. What I realized until now is that she wrote all her FMCs as women who suffered from severe traumas. Apart from this, I also realized each book covers only a small interval of time, so nothing big really happens. Here we discover new enemies and conspiracies. All books end in a cliffhanger, so be prepared.
Each of the To Be Claimed saga's books so far are hot, fast reads. The plot of Gentle Scars, following in the footsteps of Wounded Kiss, is fueled by lust and I love it. This series is especially great for a spicy read to break up heavier books or an intense world building series.
I will say I enjoyed Wounded Kiss a little more than Gentle Scars, but maybe that is because Devin was a bit thick-headed in this book and I was expecting to fall further head-over-heels for him. I'm proud of Grace's character arc, still standing up for herself and Lizzie even under the spell of her mate. While I do love a good pushy alpha, Devin's unfilled promise of explaining his world to Grace without incessant prompting was annoying. I'm excited to see more of their story as they grow as a partnership *cough cough* Devin.
I love the dynamic with Lizzie, Dom, and Caleb, especially some of Caleb's more "freaky" preferences. I do think Lizzie got over Dom's look-a-like issue a little too quickly considering her intense fear in Wounded Kiss, but I'm okay with it because Dom pulls at my heartstrings.
On to the new characters... Veronica is just WOW. I love some strong women, and I found her backstory endearing and important. Romance books are so empowering for women, both in terms of sexuality and also reclaiming aspects of trauma to regain control. Veronica and Lizzie definitely bring some of that to light without making the book feel too heavy/hard to read. I love a good healing story cloaked in spicy romance. Vince being an absolute doll to his mate is just the cherry on top.
All I'm going to say is, I expect a quick resolution to that cliffhanger AND immediate gratification of the others' perspectives of the claiming ceremony because that is definitely hot hot hot. I am eagerly awaiting the continuation of this saga. Willow Winters simply cannot miss.
4/5 ⭐️ 3.5/5🌶 Thank you Candi Kane Pr for being kind enough to send me an ARC in return for an honest review! - Now I'll be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of the first book nor am I the number one fan of Grace and Lizzie with their mate storyline. In this book, I wish I got more of an insight on the connection other than just the fact they're mated. But let's unpack this, shall we? - For Grace and Devin, I wish the conflict wasn't thrown under the rug and I felt more of Devin's love for Grace. I could tell he loved her from the start but I'm not sure if it was "love" or just "mating bond". - For Lizzie and her two mates, I wish we got less mating and more of Lizzie's history. Especially with Dom. I feel like her story would be amazing and I wish she and Dom had a little more time to fully understand each other. - NOW FOR MY FAVORITE COUPLE. VERONICA AND VINCE. They are my favorite. I felt the chemistry and the connection with them. I loved how Vince knew how to control himself with Veronica. She's a vamp with a lot of history we unpacked and I hope we get to see more in the third book. - As for the writing, I have to be honest, I'm not a huge fan of the three plot storyline with multiple povs. I'm sure many people like it but for me, I wish each couple got their own book so that they would have more time to tell each story. Sometimes it feels like watching a movie where most of the acting is done off-screen. - Now, I did give this four stars because I couldn't put it down since I wanted to read Veronica and Vince's story. And the plot is getting better with some overall conflict. The writing was good and easy to follow. And like I stated before, it was definitely better than the first.
Normally, PNR is not my favorite genre, but I must say, Willow Winters has hooked me into another world of hers, and she takes you on a wild ride full of twists and turns. You are left with a cliffhanger—cursing that you have to wait until the next book to find out what happened next! This is the second book in the ‘To Be Claimed Saga’ and the first book, Wounded Kiss, needs to be read first. This tale of fated love is an expansion of the author’s elaborate world builds on its own mythology while introducing new characters and revisiting previous ones. This book focuses on Vince and Veronica’s story as well as encompassing several other characters. You won’t be bored, and you won’t want to put it down. While reading this book, you will love some, be frustrated with others, and dislike some. This is a spicy read with very hot love scenes that don’t overshadow the growing love between Vince and Veronica. I enjoyed the whole dynamic of reluctant mates, and the protective Alpha werewolf heroes appealed to me. While I admit my averseness for PNR, I must applaud Willow Winters in her creativity with this book to keep my interest, but damn if W. Winters doesn’t keep your heart racing with this book. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Book Two of the To Be Claimed Series, I am so happy that I read this book because it was a continuation from book one and we got more insight into the characters and what the character's attitudes and personalities are like.
Very fast-paced and enjoyable, I read this book within only 2 hours, I will say that I would have prefered some more world-building within this one but I was not disappointed by the amount of spice this book had to offer, within every page my heart pounded with excitement at who or what will happen next.
Like the first book, this was split into several viewpoints from nearly all characters involved, we also got introduced to a new character (Veronica) a fierce dominating female vampire with a heartbreaking past, I absolutely adored her and found her chapters rather enjoyable.
This little beauty is taking its place within my favourite sexy supernatural reads, it's perfect for a quick little spice to ones reading list and ends on a little cliffhanger so book 3 is something I am definitely looking forward to.
Once again thank you to Willow Winters, Queen of the sexy and alluring supernatural males.
Gentle scars is a paranormal dark romance story and is the second book in the To Be Claimed series. Book 1 should be read first. It’s written in multiple POV. Gentle scars picks up where Wounded Kiss left off.
It continues following the lives of Grace and Devin, Vince and Veronica, and Lizzie and Dom. The characters are great, there’s a lot of sizzling chemistry between the wolves and their mates and we get a deeper look into their relationships and stories. Things definitely pick up for the pack in this book.
I enjoyed reading this story. It’s a quick, steamy read that’s easy to follow. It’s full of passion, mystery and suspense. I loved the cliffhanger and can’t wait for the next book in the series. Like Wounded Kiss I was pulled in from the start and I read it in one sitting.
I am usually not a PNR reader but when it comes to Willow Winters, I always know I am going to get a story worthy of my time! She did not disappoint with this second installment. There is always something you don’t see coming in her stories and not being big on cliffhangers, her books are well worth the suspense of waiting on the next book. I cannot wait to see how she wraps this one up. If you are a fan of paranormal, this is a series you have to grab, a must read. ~Helen
When I read the first book of this saga, I couldn't wait for book two. With Gentle Scars the wait was well worth it. I loved reading and following Veronica and Vince’s story. I love shifter romances, and Willow Winters has another winner with this series, and can't wait for book three. ~Dawn
Gentle Scars is book two in the To Be Claimed saga and it's twice as spicy and twice as hot as the first.
When Grace asks Devin to be more open and honest with her, she gets a bit more than expected but we get his back story and find out how he came to be alpha of the Shadow Falls pack. Dom, Caleb and Lizzie get more comfortable with each other and start to figure out how their relationship would work. We also get new couple Vince and his vampire mate Veronica, who was at the offering but for other reasons.
I love the multiple POV's and that this installment runs alongside Wounded Kiss and then gives us more. Gentle Scars leads up to the full moon and the events that surround it and then leaves off with a cliffhanger that left me shocked and wanting more.
This book suffers from the exact same thing that I thought the first book suffered from. And that’s simply that I wanted a longer book. All of the spice here I really enjoyed and the characters gave me more which I liked. But I do want more time to get to know them I do one more time to really dig into their lives and I want to see more of what’s going on in that greater world that we’re starting to get glimmers of but not full immersion yet. That said I am excited for the next one and I will be reading it as soon as I am able. Also really hoping Miss Winters decides to give us a bind up of the entire series when it is all said and done so that I can reread the whole thing at my leisure.
Please note that I was given an arc copy to review for everyone and these are all of my honest opinions.
"Gentle Scars" is another great book Willow Winters wrote once again. I love her has an author because she never disappoint you in her stories. Even when it's a PNR genre. I really enjoyed this story and each chapter that was made.
I wasn't expecting to see another hot couple in this book. I liked Vince so much. Hot werewolf to makes us weak and wet. Veronica has a strong personality and we see how she knows her place in Vince's heart.
As always Devin and Grace were steamy like Liz, Caleb and Dom.
What a spicy story we have in this second book and I can't wait to read the third one to see how this will end.