The Claiming of the Shrew (The Survivors, #5)

This author never disappoints! I’ve loved The Survivors series from the very first book and I’ve loved every book since then – including this one. Draven has been a continuing character in each of the books and he’s been a bit of an enigma. He is always there, always supportive, but also always somewhat aloof – mostly because he feels so responsible for the survivors of his group of soldiers from the war. So, it was wonderful to meet the woman who could make him do what is the only impulsive thing he’s ever done. They are opposites in so many respects – but alike in so many others – they are the perfect match. She’s wild, impetuous and free and he is staid, stoic and contemplative. I am so happy that I got to learn his background and see his HEA. BTW – the book included an excellent little short story at the beginning of the book. It is the story of how Draven and Catarina meet. Definitely, don’t skip that part.

In the middle of the previous book, Unmask Me If You Can, Ms. Galen dropped a bombshell and I have been anxiously waiting with bated breath for Draven’s book to find out how that came to be! Draven’s wife unexpectedly showed up at his flat. That is Draven the BACHELOR’s wife. Say what! I could hardly wait to begin reading, then I couldn’t put the book down until I read the last word.

Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Draven was tasked with forming what was basically a suicide squad to defeat Napoleon at any cost. The squad consisted of thirty men – all unmarried and basically expendable. Draven has thought of the eighteen men who didn’t survive each and every day and he feels responsible for the twelve who did survive. He opened The Survivors Club so those survivors would have a place to gather, find solitude – whatever they needed. They are a very tight-knit group, but Draven has never really considered himself a part of the group because he didn’t have to go on those missions – he only had to send them out to die. The survivors don’t feel that way, but somehow, Draven isn’t aware that they feel the way they do.

** From the short story ** While in Portugal, just before he actually formed the suicide squad, Draven found himself in his tent with a young woman pointing a gun at him. She wanted him to marry her! She was looking for a way to escape her abusive father who was trying to marry her off to an even more abusive older man. To say she was desperate would be an understatement. Her plan was to marry Draven and then they’d go their separate ways because the marriage, performed by a Catholic priest, wouldn’t be recognized in England – so basically, Draven would still be a bachelor. Draven, of course, said no and the girl left – only to turn up again trying to marry one of his men. Draven ended up agreeing to marry her – as I said – the only impulsive thing he’d ever done. They married – he kissed her and immediately rode away and he and his soldiers left the next morning.

Five years later, Catarina Ana Marcia Neves Draven is in trouble – again. She’s in London to see Draven to ask him to sign the papers for an annulment. Draven believes there is something more going on – besides, he doesn’t want an annulment, so he declines. She’s persistent – he stands pat – and finally, the full story comes out. He will protect her no matter what – and maybe, just maybe – she’ll decide she wants to stay with him as much as he wants her to.

In the five years they’ve been apart, Catarina has become a very successful lace maker. She makes a nice living and is making a dent in the lace market – much to the detriment of other lace makers. One of those comes up with a creative and dastardly way to counteract that dent in his business.

It is a wonderful journey to their HEA – long in the making – and I loved every minute of seeing Draven find his HEA. I highly recommend the book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For those of us who follow this series (as I do), Draven has always been a confirmed bachelor until his long lost wife popped up in a scene in the previous book. Since then I’ve been dying to know more about the Colonel so I was very much looking forward to this book and thrilled to receive an ARC.

Colonel Benedict Draven has finally retired from the army and now works as a consultant for the Foreign Office and spends his free time at his club with the surviving members of the suicide squad he commanded during the Napoleonic Wars. Even after five years worth of war he still can’t rid his mind of the fiery Portuguese woman he married (in name only) to save her from the abusive man her father had promised her to.

Catarina Neves has used her skills at making lace and the independence afforded her by her married status to become a successful businesswoman. But eventually she finds herself in danger again and seeking out Benedict in London. She hasn’t seen him since their hasty wedding in war-torn Portugal and he’s never sought her out so she is shocked when he refuses to grant her the annulment she asks for. When he tells her that he did in fact try to find her after the war, she begins to wonder if she can truly come to know and trust him, maybe even enough to ask him for the help she really needs.

I’ve always been so curious about Draven and I thought it was great to have a hero who is much older than the heroine but isn’t content to act the part of the doddering old fool. He’s still in good shape and he’s very easygoing, but also strong, stubborn, and very protective of his own, which includes Cataraina. It was very refreshing. He’s not even afraid to admit when he’s wrong, a trait that endeared him to me early on. He’s always been this stoic character moving in the background and quietly helping the other survivors with their happy endings so it’s great to see him getting one himself. I loved that he was brutally honest and not willing to waste time on games or power plays. His blatant honesty was surprising given the mystery that has always surrounded his personal life in the previous books. It was just adorable to see Benedict actively courting Catarina and trying to get to know her.

I loved the little pop-in moments featuring some of my favorite characters from previous books.
We also meet a couple new characters whose stories I’m always salivating for.

This was a very highly anticipated book for me and it did not disappoint. Each book is just so unique and each character so well-written. This is definitely one of my favorite series, I can’t wait for more, and I’m already dreading its end.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars, rounded up.

Lt. Colonel Benedict Draven has been introduced to readers as the stoic, serious and dedicated to King and Country leader of the “Survivors” – but at the end of the last book, readers got a shock when they learned the seemingly “confirmed bachelor” was married!!

Draven met Catarina Neves five years ago in Portugal, where he was on campaign. She enters his tent and holds him at gun point – demanding a husband. He disarms her, refuses to marry her and sends her on her way. But Cat is desperate to escape an unwanted match and refuses to give up her idea to marry. When days later, Draven catches her trying to lure one of his men out of the camp, he intervenes. He takes her back to his tent to talk and then learns why she needs to marry – in a spur of the moment decision, he agrees to wed her – knowing the marriage won’t be considered legal in England. They marry, share a kiss and part – neither truly expecting to see the other again.

Five years later – Cat shocks Draven by showing up unannounced at his home, she completely misinterprets the scene and leaves in a rage – Draven follows her and she agrees to meet with him the next day. She wants an annulment of their marriage so she can remarry. Draven refuses and says they should spend time together before they decide if they should annul.

Cat needs the annulment, not because she truly wishes to remarry, but because she is being blackmailed by Juan Carlos – a rival lace-maker in Barcelona. Cat has come a long way in the last five years, she left home with her younger sister Ines and became a renown lace-maker, leaving Portugal and settling in Spain. Juan Carlos had tried for years to buy her business, but she steadfastly refused, but when he witnesses her saving herself from a rapist, he helps her cover up the incident and then demands that she marry his son and give him control of her business. Cat feels she has no choice, but Draven isn’t cooperating and soon learns the truth. He vows to help her and when the threat of Juan Carlos is done, they can decide how to proceed with their “marriage”.

Draven is and always has been attracted to Cat, but he is surprisingly insecure regarding his age, he is much older than Cat (almost 20 years) and is sure that she wouldn’t want to shackle herself to an old man. But the more time he spends with her, the more he wants and he is not sure he can let her go. For her part, Cat is grateful to Draven and his age doesn’t concern her, she is attracted to him and wants him, but she is not willing to forfeit her freedom to be with him – or any man. But the more time she spends with him, she begins to wonder if with Draven she can have it all.

This was a wonderful May-December romance, with lots of cameos from previous (and dare I hope, future) “Survivors”, featuring a feisty heroine, a swoon-worthy hero, a really nasty villain, a bit of action, some steamy love scenes, a cat that you will not soon forget and a delightful HEA! The only reason I didn’t give the book 5 stars is because I felt that Draven’s obsession about his age got to be a bit repetitive, thankfully, he finally gets over it, but not before I got tired of hearing about it. This book is the fifth book in the series, but I believe it can be read as a stand alone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*

After the bombshell that Shana Galen had previously dropped about Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Draven having a secret wife, I was thrilled to read how it would unfold. While in Portugal during the war, Draven had married Catarina Neves to save her from being wed to a violent man, and almost forgot about it. Almost. Catarina found her place in the world crafting her exquisite lace, but being a successful businesswoman, her life was fraught with peril. Five years later, she travels to London to ask Draven for the annulment he had initially agreed to. That little something that has been in the air in Portugal has not vanished, and Draven is not convinced an annulment is the best solution. Neither is Catarina, but do they have a future together, or is it only that she feels safe with him?

THE CLAIMING OF THE SHREW is such a lovely, subtle romance amidst the danger that surrounds Catarina. Draven is quite a bit older than she is, and while those of us who have read the previous instalments knew he wouldn’t make a fool of himself – he is much too cool, calm, and collected for that – he showed an irresistibly romantic nature. Catarina displays a fiery Latin temper, but thankfully no undue stubbornness; and she is in a serious pickle! The mood and the atmosphere give this novel that inexplicable little something extra: cold and grey London alternating with the colourful warmth of Barcelona; fear and danger that bring about the kindness of a relative stranger; the fire and ice of the protagonists’ natures.

Draven is a superb hero, and I loved that nothing was rushed, and that they valiantly tried to do the right thing, even if it did not always work the way they wanted. The romance remained at the forefront throughout, and the suspense was satisfactorily resolved, although one detail seemed highly unlikely towards the end. It was also a great to have glimpses of some Survivors: Duncan and Phineas, but where had the adorable Survivor Colin FitzRoy been hiding all this time? There is still so much more to look forward to!

I enjoyed reading this story…a lot. Shana Galen writes such fun heroines and dashing heroes. I love this stuff.

I love the front cover of this series, they are so colorful. I’m so happy that Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Draven has his own book! He shows up in the previous books of the series just enough to make you curious about him. This book shows his thoughts and concerns on having to form a group of soldiers, called the Survivors, that would take on suicide missions. He wasn’t happy about forming the group, but he was ordered to do so. He chose men who showed strength and talent in previous battles, which lead to the name of the group, “The Survivors.” Previous books in the series, make you to think of him as a serious, honest, and a strong leader of his men. A man who had and still has the respect of his fellow soldiers. I liked how the Survivors from previous books showed up in the story to help Draven protect his wife Catarina and her sister. Catarina and her sister provide plenty of amusement through out the book. Also some new members of the Survivors were introduced into his story. I can’t wait to read their stories! I love how the series is bringing all the members of the Survivors back in contact with each other and how they are still working as a group and so supportive of each other in the personal lives. The book is well written and seems to flow so easily from scene to scene that is was so easy to get lost in. I didn’t want to put it down once I started. Even though it is part of a series it is written so well that you can read any of the books and not feel like you need to read the previous books to understand it. Although I highly recommend reading them all!

“What I want-no, no-what I need,” she said coolly, is a husband.”
After reading this sentence, I knew I was going to adore Benedict Draven and Caterina Neves story. While serving in the army in Portugal, Draven marries Caterina to save her from an arranged marriage. After the service, they share a passionate kiss and Draven leaves Caterina at her aunt’s home and rejoins his men.
Draven is surprised when Caterina appears in London and requests an annulment. Shana Galen writes strong heroines—and the passionate, talented Caterina is one of her best. In five years, Caterina has become a successful business woman. Caterina lace with its intricate patterns and soft thread is famous throughout Europe. Draven senses that Catarina isn’t telling him why she wants the annulment and he avoids giving her an answer.
I loved how this couple fell in love. The sparks between Draven and Caterina were even stronger now than when they first met. Loved that the author paired an older hero with a younger heroine. Draven referred to himself as older and Caterina countered back each time by telling him he was strong and virile. Pairing the strong willed, independent Caterina with the honorable, calm Lt. Colonel Draven worked. Their journey from friends to lovers was perfectly written and lovely to read.
Enjoyed that several of Draven’s dozen appeared in the novel and loved Ines and Tigrino. There was conflict, a villain and danger—just enough to make the story interesting. Loved that the author focused on the romance in this story. Both Caterina and Draven deserved their HEA-and it was so enjoyable to read their journey.
Kudos to Shana Galen for writing a fabulous story for Draven! The Claiming of the Shrew is the perfect weekend read—once you read the first page you will be captivated by Ms. Galen’s characters and the their story. Am looking forward to the next book in this series!

After finally finding out why Benedict wasn’t married I was excited about his story. I knew it was going to be interesting and different and it doesn’t disappoint. Their first meeting was a shocking one and five years later the next one was just as shocking. I wasn’t sure how the danger was going to end but loved how the cat was involved. The ending was perfect.

Catarina is a very skilled lace maker and loves her independence. She was afraid of love because it meant losing control. Her temper had a tendency to control her which lead to problems.

Benedict has loved her and took his marriage vows seriously for five years. There is something about him that you love from the first time you meet him and his story just makes you love him more. I loved that because he is older he knows his mind and heart.

Copy provided for an honest and voluntary review

I loved everything about this book. Caterina and Benedict’s marriage may have started off as an inconvenience, but it’s clear that theirs was a love at first sight. She is feisty and spirited, but has an enormous capacity for love. And Benedict is the most kind and honorable hero to come out of the Napoleonic wars. Together they clash like steel blades, but their obvious feelings for one another shine through on almost every page.

I truly hope this is not the last we’ll see of the Survivors. Overall it’s a terrific series, and each book is better than the last.

I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions. The Claiming of the Shrew is Shana Galen’s fifth instalment of The Survivors. Everyone familiar with Ms. Galen’s series surely knows about Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Draven. In fact, he is wildly sought after by matchmaking mamas. What is unknown to all, including his Survivors, is that Benedict married a fiery Portuguese ‘peasant’ girl, Catarina Neves, and left her behind in Portugal in order to help her from an abusive arranged marriage. Although he had tried to get in touch, she had moved away from her native village. Little did Benedict expect to return home one evening and find Catarina waiting for him.
Catarina was too intelligent and intense for the dull peasant life her father had chosen for her. Her determination was what made her succeed at getting married and succeeding at her job, that of lacemaking. Under the guidance and tuition of a kind soul, Catarina managed to create a wildly sought-after art. However, the greed of others was the main factor in her reunion with her husband. Together with her sister Ines, her “business partner” and his son, they travel to London so that Catarina could get an annulment. But when she is in danger, Benedict and his men come to the rescue.
Benedict has been a recurrent character in the Survivors’ books. Obviously, he is the reason for the whole troop. It is lovely to finally see him get a chance at love. Those matchmaking mamas never stood a chance! Ms. Galen found his perfect match in Catarina. A strong leader deserves a strong woman. The thing I like the most is that despite his extensive war experience, Benedict was constantly doubting himself and his abilities with regards to Catarina. This is to show that although a person might seem invincible, they too can be vulnerable at times. Will Catarina find she prefers the life of a businesswoman to that of a wife?
This book can be read on its own, but it is more fun if the previous books are read beforehand.