Review: Could have been better
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 5, 2013
Title:  ClaimedSeries:  Brides of the Kindred Book #1Author:  Evangeline AndersonRating:  B-Review:  Claimed was an interesting book to say the least.  It's an original read that definitely won't bore you!  The idea behind it, the differences between the varying 'worlds' and their aliens species, and the storyline are interesting.  I particularly liked the whole "courtship" or "claiming period", with each week having certain limitations and expectations of what would happen.  However, there were quite a few things that annoyed me throughout the book.The main issue with the book is Olivia herself.  Her character is annoying for the most part, whiny at others, and childishly when she doesn't get her way.  And unfortunately, it doesn't get any better as the book progresses - if anything she gets even more irritating.  While I understand that leaving her family behind - as well as her career - are not ideal, she did not handle it very well at all.  Instead of keeping an open mind, or even just eventually accepting the changing of her feelings for Baird, she turns things around and tries to blame him instead.  She even acts all betrayed when she finds out that his body makes a pheromone that is tailored to her DNA - even going so far as to accuse him of "drugging her"!  I mean, come on!  The guy has just as much choice as she does in this mating - it's not like he is "drugging her" on purpose!  She went way over the top in her reaction.  And he had told her that - maybe not clear enough for her satisfaction, but to be honest as soon as you found out about this "bride draft" (even if you thought chances were slim that you would be called up) it was her responsibility to find out all she could about it.  Definitely so when she found out she was chosen!  And once she finally gets her way - she's not happy with that either!The neediness of her twin sister, Sophie, was also irritating.  They have never went more than a day without seeing each, but the sheer neediness that comes across is just ridiculously annoying!  They would eventually get married and be separated...but they act like they are never going to see each other again!Baird was the saving grace of this book.  Not only is he this big, tough, warrior male, but he is the sweetest and most caring alpha male you have ever seen.  The patience he shows in trying to win Olivia over is just so amazing - and the chemistry between these two is explosive.  There were also some fairly humorous parts when it came to the differences between their lifestyles.  They are a little ridiculous, but amusing enough to bring a laugh or two.  All in all, a fun, interesting book.