Claimed by me
Claimed by me
Author : Inaara Sheikh
Book Reviewed By - Sameeksha Manerkar

Claimed by me by Inaara Sheikh – A Second Chance Romance That Redefines Love & Marriage
Some romance novels don’t just tell you a love story.Tey remind you how love should feel. Claimed by Inaara Sheikh is one such book, blending the sweetness of second chances with the grounded realities of marriage, equality, and emotional healing.
This story reinforces the idea that a woman’s choices – her career, family decisions, and identity are just as important after marriage as before. It’s a romance that goes beyond passion, showing partnership in its truest form.
The Story – Love, Loss, and a Chance to Begin Again
After winning hearts in Book 1, Zuhair Khan, the younger brother of Azlan finally takes center stage. Known for his mysterious charm, Zuhair’s story was teased earlier through glimpses of his college love, Fariyal.
In college, their love was pure and unshakable… until a misunderstanding tore them apart. Fariyal married and moved to the US, leaving Zuhair with a heartbreak that still haunts him. Now, years later, fate brings them together again under unexpected circumstances through a marriage of convenience.
Why Claimed Stands Out in Romance
Unlike many contemporary romance novels that glorify the “alpha male” stereotype, Claimed offers us a male lead who is strong yet deeply nurturing. Zuhair isn’t about dominance, he’s about partnership, care, and respect.
The book explores:
Second Chance Romance & Marriage of Convenience Tropes – executed with emotional depth and maturity.
Friendship & Relationship Dynamics – showing both the beauty and challenges of reconnecting.
Marriage & Gender Equality – breaking the stereotype that only women must compromise after marriage.
Themes of Identity & Self-Independence – showing how love can empower rather than diminish individuality.
The Emotional Pull
The chemistry between Zuhair and Fariyal is slow-burn perfection layered with past pain, unresolved feelings, and the forced proximity that makes every interaction sizzle. The emotional build-up feels real, with love blossoming alongside mutual respect.
The side characters, especially Zuhair’s family, are not just fillers, they each play a role in shaping the story, adding realism and richness to the narrative.
What Could Have Been Better
While the book delivers on emotional depth, the reveal of the misunderstanding from the past could have been more intense. A slightly more elaborate backstory might have made the heartbreak even more impactful.
Final Verdict – A Romance with Heart and Substance
Claimed is more than just a romance – it’s a reminder of what love and marriage should be. It’s about husbands who respect their wives, families that embrace new members with warmth, and the power of letting go of control to find empowerment.
If you love heartfelt second chance romances with well-developed characters and a modern take on love after marriage, Claimed by Inaara Sheikh should be on your reading list!