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Bound #3
Bound Forever
BDSM LGBT Historical
Previous Bound to Him
Lord Oliver Marsden’s life is perfect...well, almost perfect. His bookshop is doing well, his bank account isn’t empty, and his nights are filled with a deliciously dominant man...who tends to be a bit too domineering outside of the bedchamber. But Vincent loves him and that’s all that should matter. Right? And of course, Vincent still firmly holds the reins of control. Yet while Oliver feels Vincent is finally ready to give himself fully to him, to make good on the offer Oliver refused a year ago, the looming threat his lover could someday be forced to marry keeps him from tugging the reins from Vincent’s grasp.
Then Vincent receives a letter that changes everything. Oliver seizes the moment and pushes Vincent toward a night neither of them will ever forget. Yet come dawn, Oliver awakens to an empty bed. Lord Vincent Prescot knows he loves Oliver. The man’s his best friend and he trusts him. So why does submitting to Oliver leave him so shaken? It doesn’t take him long to find the answer, yet his solution could drive his lover away for good.
Previous Bound to Him
Lord Oliver Marsden’s life is perfect...well, almost perfect. His bookshop is doing well, his bank account isn’t empty, and his nights are filled with a deliciously dominant man...who tends to be a bit too domineering outside of the bedchamber. But Vincent loves him and that’s all that should matter. Right? And of course, Vincent still firmly holds the reins of control. Yet while Oliver feels Vincent is finally ready to give himself fully to him, to make good on the offer Oliver refused a year ago, the looming threat his lover could someday be forced to marry keeps him from tugging the reins from Vincent’s grasp.
Then Vincent receives a letter that changes everything. Oliver seizes the moment and pushes Vincent toward a night neither of them will ever forget. Yet come dawn, Oliver awakens to an empty bed. Lord Vincent Prescot knows he loves Oliver. The man’s his best friend and he trusts him. So why does submitting to Oliver leave him so shaken? It doesn’t take him long to find the answer, yet his solution could drive his lover away for good.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2011
16 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Ava March
27 books761 followersAva March is a bestselling author of sexy, emotionally intense M/M historical erotic romances. She loves writing in the Regency time period, where proper decorum is of the utmost importance, but where anything can happen behind closed doors. With over fifteen works to her credit, her books have been finalists in the Rainbow Awards and More Than Magic contest, and deemed ‘must-haves’ for Historical M/M romance by RT Book Reviews readers. Visit her website at www.AvaMarch.com to find out more about her books or to sign-up for her newsletter.
Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
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Blog: www.avamarch.blogspot.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/avamarchbooks/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ava_march
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/avamarch/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
February 16, 2019
5 stars for the Audiobook
3.5 stars for the story
Reading this series was somehow a fresh of breathe read air. I think i should read more mm-historical books.
This last book, finds Vincent and Oliver settled and doing well in their little secret bubble. It was hard to read about them hiding, something that brought a little angst to the story, i thought it was well done and the author didn't dwell on dragging that issue through out the book.
The sex is still hotter and kinky. Oliver and Vincent are fire together.
Highly recommended.
3.5 stars for the story
Reading this series was somehow a fresh of breathe read air. I think i should read more mm-historical books.
This last book, finds Vincent and Oliver settled and doing well in their little secret bubble. It was hard to read about them hiding, something that brought a little angst to the story, i thought it was well done and the author didn't dwell on dragging that issue through out the book.
The sex is still hotter and kinky. Oliver and Vincent are fire together.
Highly recommended.
June 11, 2020
I loved the three books in this series. Passionate, hot an emotional. I recommend you download all three at once as you will want the thrill to continue.
August 17, 2018
**4.5 stars** for the whole series
Yes, it’s definitely a HOT historical romance between Oliver and Vincent, friends since they were at school despite their differences in status and wealth.
See, Oliver is in love with Vincent but afraid to admit he discovered that Vincent "buggers" some men in a brothel. In a desperate attempt to have at least a nugget of intimacy with Vincent, he decides to impersonate a brothel’s employee for one night with Vincent.
Stating like that, it doesn’t seem really thrilling but hold on : this steamy deception is the start of altering changes for Oliver and Vincent.
Not going to lie : the beginning with this really hot deception scene picked my… interest (LOL), but it’s what follows that got me addicted : the way the relationship between Oliver and Vincent shifted, the unfaltering desire of Oliver for Vincent, ready to fight but without losing himself, and the crumbling of Vincent, realizing that he needs to review his priorities if he doesn’t want to lose Oliver.
It’s hot, it’s full of feels, it’s a delicious struggle between love and societal rules. The pace is perfect and the writing is enticing.
This series is now among my favorite historical romances (on the podium with the enlightenment series from J.Chambers and the Turner series from C.Sebastian) . Recommended.
Yes, it’s definitely a HOT historical romance between Oliver and Vincent, friends since they were at school despite their differences in status and wealth.
See, Oliver is in love with Vincent but afraid to admit he discovered that Vincent "buggers" some men in a brothel. In a desperate attempt to have at least a nugget of intimacy with Vincent, he decides to impersonate a brothel’s employee for one night with Vincent.
Stating like that, it doesn’t seem really thrilling but hold on : this steamy deception is the start of altering changes for Oliver and Vincent.
Not going to lie : the beginning with this really hot deception scene picked my… interest (LOL), but it’s what follows that got me addicted : the way the relationship between Oliver and Vincent shifted, the unfaltering desire of Oliver for Vincent, ready to fight but without losing himself, and the crumbling of Vincent, realizing that he needs to review his priorities if he doesn’t want to lose Oliver.
It’s hot, it’s full of feels, it’s a delicious struggle between love and societal rules. The pace is perfect and the writing is enticing.
This series is now among my favorite historical romances (on the podium with the enlightenment series from J.Chambers and the Turner series from C.Sebastian) . Recommended.
September 14, 2018
I really enjoyed the deeper exploration of Vincent and Oliver’s relationship.
There is, no doubt, a social and financial imbalance between them. but does that automatically mean that there is also a power imbalance? Are they equals in their relationship?
If you throw in Vincent’s natural domineering behaviour (and not only in the bedroom) and Oliver’s strong determination to be his own man, you know that things are going to be quite complex.
Oliver‘s special night for Vincent was absolutely beautiful and I really adored how everything worked out in the end.
A fabulous historical series!
Really recommend it!
There is, no doubt, a social and financial imbalance between them. but does that automatically mean that there is also a power imbalance? Are they equals in their relationship?
If you throw in Vincent’s natural domineering behaviour (and not only in the bedroom) and Oliver’s strong determination to be his own man, you know that things are going to be quite complex.
Oliver‘s special night for Vincent was absolutely beautiful and I really adored how everything worked out in the end.
A fabulous historical series!
Really recommend it!
August 18, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Rounding up to 5 stars for the series. Thank you to my GRs friend Christelle for alerting me to this series. I'll definitely be checking out some of Ava March's other stuff....right away. ;)
This series was HAWT. Like seriously HAWT. But there was some substance too. I really liked the development of the relationship between Lord Vincent and Lord Oliver from friends to lovers.
Sad to say bye to these two!
Rounding up to 5 stars for the series. Thank you to my GRs friend Christelle for alerting me to this series. I'll definitely be checking out some of Ava March's other stuff....right away. ;)
This series was HAWT. Like seriously HAWT. But there was some substance too. I really liked the development of the relationship between Lord Vincent and Lord Oliver from friends to lovers.
Sad to say bye to these two!
June 30, 2014
Well, I feel like I've been here before...
and that I'm repeating myself.
In fact, I know that I am.
These two were still hot...like they were in the last two books. And I still felt like Vincent only loves Oliver because they are perfectly compatible in bed. Based on Vincent's thought process, I still did not discern what else he sees in Oliver than their physical affinity for one another. And you know what? Performing wonders in one of these
does not equate to a solid, believable relationship in my book.
*gasp* Say it isn't so!
Yes, I say it is so!
Oh, and then we had some melodrama added in that was quickly resolved! Yippeeeeee!
Final Verdict:
-★ for lack of a convincing connection between MCs
-★ for melodrama
+★ for good world-building
+★ for great writing
+★ for hot smex
___________________________________
3 STARS
and that I'm repeating myself.
In fact, I know that I am.
These two were still hot...like they were in the last two books. And I still felt like Vincent only loves Oliver because they are perfectly compatible in bed. Based on Vincent's thought process, I still did not discern what else he sees in Oliver than their physical affinity for one another. And you know what? Performing wonders in one of these
does not equate to a solid, believable relationship in my book.
*gasp* Say it isn't so!
Yes, I say it is so!
Oh, and then we had some melodrama added in that was quickly resolved! Yippeeeeee!
Final Verdict:
-★ for lack of a convincing connection between MCs
-★ for melodrama
+★ for good world-building
+★ for great writing
+★ for hot smex
___________________________________
3 STARS
February 23, 2018
Easily my favorite book of the series. Oliver and Vincent are insanely hot together and the sex scenes are sizzlingly steamy, but what I really loved about this book is the place where Oliver and Vincent find themselves, emotionally and otherwise.
A year and a half into their relationship and they are finally free to be together forever (as long as they continue to shield their relationship due to it being illegal in England at the time). Vincent's brother and his wife have a son, Oliver has a successful business, and Vincent is confident in his sexuality. Vincent learns that while Oliver is completely happy to be submissive in the bedroom, he doesn't appreciate giving up control outside the bedroom, but the two men communicate so beautifully and love each other so deeply and the ending is pretty much perfect. 5 stars.
A year and a half into their relationship and they are finally free to be together forever (as long as they continue to shield their relationship due to it being illegal in England at the time). Vincent's brother and his wife have a son, Oliver has a successful business, and Vincent is confident in his sexuality. Vincent learns that while Oliver is completely happy to be submissive in the bedroom, he doesn't appreciate giving up control outside the bedroom, but the two men communicate so beautifully and love each other so deeply and the ending is pretty much perfect. 5 stars.
April 28, 2020
The story was good. It was even steamier and angstier than the previous in the series. I enjoyed their dynamics and simple way of life both men preferred. What really threw me off was the abrupt ending. This was one of those books that would have greatly benefited from an epilogue. Since Oliver and Vincent talked about forever, I wished to see them 20 years down the road or something like that. Despite author tying everything neatly, the story felt unfinished to me.
August 23, 2018
Enjoyed this - Vincent and Oliver continued to be hot together in this, and sweet together. There was some angst, but not a lot and it was resolved well. This was mostly just getting Oliver and Vincent to a for sure place of being together for the rest of their lives, even if they have to do it in secret.
I enjoyed this series, a definite recommend from me :)
I enjoyed this series, a definite recommend from me :)
August 20, 2018
What a great series! The second book was my favorite but I enjoyed all three immensely. Thanks Christelle for putting these on my radar!!
January 27, 2025
Very sweet established romance MM love story.
January 4, 2014
3.5 stars
If you take out ALL of the sex scenes here, the story just came down to Vincent and Oliver finally tackling down issues that both have been going on for quite awhile. On how Oliver thought Vincent didn't treat him as equal -- especially related to financial arrangement -- because he was the submissive one in the bedroom.
On that particular plot, I was really happy with this. I loved that both men actually TALK about it in the end, and to read how they both came from different perspective and way to deal with their insecurities. I had no doubt that they both would be happy, and the arrangement of two bachelor friends in that period would bring the HEA.
So why not 4-stars for this? Well, except for that one scene where Olive finally topped Vincent, the other sex scenes was just slowing the story down for me. They were nice, but personally, I thought they weren't as significant as story 1 and 2. I ended up skimming them...
Personal MM historical challenge January 2014: story #4
If you take out ALL of the sex scenes here, the story just came down to Vincent and Oliver finally tackling down issues that both have been going on for quite awhile. On how Oliver thought Vincent didn't treat him as equal -- especially related to financial arrangement -- because he was the submissive one in the bedroom.
On that particular plot, I was really happy with this. I loved that both men actually TALK about it in the end, and to read how they both came from different perspective and way to deal with their insecurities. I had no doubt that they both would be happy, and the arrangement of two bachelor friends in that period would bring the HEA.
So why not 4-stars for this? Well, except for that one scene where Olive finally topped Vincent, the other sex scenes was just slowing the story down for me. They were nice, but personally, I thought they weren't as significant as story 1 and 2. I ended up skimming them...
Personal MM historical challenge January 2014: story #4
March 20, 2011
Final statement of the Bound serie....
And how can I express my feelings reading it? Something like that...
Adorably novella, and I really LOVED all the serie. It's not in my BDSM shelf (the first two are) for the lack of it, and I really don't care! With or without BDSM scenes Vincent and Oliver are an adorable couple and certainly deserve my 5 stars!
I want to cry... the serie finished.... I'm in a state of bliss,
and sad...
because I'll miss them so MUCH!
June 18, 2023
4 stars
A satisfying conclusion to the series.
Oliver and Vincent are well-rounded characters, they have their flaws and insecurities, and this book is about them learning to communicate effectively.
Oliver stands up for himself, Vincent finally comes to understand how his caretaking might be seen as demeaning. They talk it out and find balance.
I completely buy it, think they’re a great couple.
I do think it's curious that the author didn't show their BDSM dynamic in this book. They clearly do still play, and the emotional development was much more important than the sex in this instalment, but I kinda missed it tbh.
A satisfying conclusion to the series.
Oliver and Vincent are well-rounded characters, they have their flaws and insecurities, and this book is about them learning to communicate effectively.
Oliver stands up for himself, Vincent finally comes to understand how his caretaking might be seen as demeaning. They talk it out and find balance.
I completely buy it, think they’re a great couple.
I do think it's curious that the author didn't show their BDSM dynamic in this book. They clearly do still play, and the emotional development was much more important than the sex in this instalment, but I kinda missed it tbh.
June 7, 2011
Oliver finally has nearly everything he’s ever wanted but just can’t help pushing for that last thing. After years together Vincent is able to profess his love and devotion for Oliver. Even if it’s only in the privacy of their bedroom, Oliver finally knows where he stands with Vincent. Yet Oliver can’t help pushing for just a bit more. When he gets it though, the results may push Vincent away forever.
Bound Forever is the third book in the Bound Trilogy. You can read this as a standalone but it’ll mean so much more to devoted fans that have been following the series. This is also the final book in the series so fans get out your hankies because it’s romantic and a tear jerker. It’s absolutely worth it as the journey these two characters have been on finally get a very solid, almost uncharacteristically romantic ending. The series has stayed very true to the historical setting in both detail and sensibility. Yet in this final installment, that strays slightly to bring a touch more romance into the relationship.
This isn’t something any fan will mind as Oliver and Vincent focus on each other and their relationship. The story is character driven and lets their occasional miscommunications be the source of mild conflict. Yet when the feelings are that intense the smallest issue may seem life changing. The tension and drama are definitely there in full course as is the expected and truly delightful sex scenes. Ms. March writes smoking hot erotica and this last novella delivers on that promise and then some.
The writing is smooth, elegant, and rich. The details are wonderfully descriptive without being awkward or obvious and the tone is always sumptuous. There’s a tenor to the writing that makes you want to indulge and just experience the story, hoping it never ends. Unfortunately this beloved series has come to a close and what a wonderfully apt close that is. It’s romantic, lovely, charming, warm, and so sexy you’ll squirm in delight. If you haven’t read this series, start at the beginning. If you’re a long time fan pick this up immediately and then start over.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
Bound Forever is the third book in the Bound Trilogy. You can read this as a standalone but it’ll mean so much more to devoted fans that have been following the series. This is also the final book in the series so fans get out your hankies because it’s romantic and a tear jerker. It’s absolutely worth it as the journey these two characters have been on finally get a very solid, almost uncharacteristically romantic ending. The series has stayed very true to the historical setting in both detail and sensibility. Yet in this final installment, that strays slightly to bring a touch more romance into the relationship.
This isn’t something any fan will mind as Oliver and Vincent focus on each other and their relationship. The story is character driven and lets their occasional miscommunications be the source of mild conflict. Yet when the feelings are that intense the smallest issue may seem life changing. The tension and drama are definitely there in full course as is the expected and truly delightful sex scenes. Ms. March writes smoking hot erotica and this last novella delivers on that promise and then some.
The writing is smooth, elegant, and rich. The details are wonderfully descriptive without being awkward or obvious and the tone is always sumptuous. There’s a tenor to the writing that makes you want to indulge and just experience the story, hoping it never ends. Unfortunately this beloved series has come to a close and what a wonderfully apt close that is. It’s romantic, lovely, charming, warm, and so sexy you’ll squirm in delight. If you haven’t read this series, start at the beginning. If you’re a long time fan pick this up immediately and then start over.
originally posted at http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...
November 20, 2017
This felt like an epilogue, honestly. Or one of those bonus stories that authors put out. I don't know that it added much. Also, this one was historical like going to the renn faire is historical. I know that historicals are always written through the lens of modern-day sensibilities, but this one took that idea a bit far imo.
The characters say multiple times that sodomy is illegal and could lead to them being hanged. And yet.
I'm all for alternate histories, but this story is pretty fucking nonchalant about the fact that people died and lives were utterly ruined by those laws. It wasn't like sneaking out of your parent's house at night or a minor inconvenience to be overcome through a legal loophole. They wouldn't just be ostracized or create a "scandal", they could die if someone found them out. I didn't think the book took that quite seriously enough. "We're just really good friends. Who have sleep overs. And will never get married." ... ok. Yeah, sure. No one will suspect. *eye roll*
The characters say multiple times that sodomy is illegal and could lead to them being hanged. And yet.
I'm all for alternate histories, but this story is pretty fucking nonchalant about the fact that people died and lives were utterly ruined by those laws. It wasn't like sneaking out of your parent's house at night or a minor inconvenience to be overcome through a legal loophole. They wouldn't just be ostracized or create a "scandal", they could die if someone found them out. I didn't think the book took that quite seriously enough. "We're just really good friends. Who have sleep overs. And will never get married." ... ok. Yeah, sure. No one will suspect. *eye roll*
March 21, 2011
I have fondly followed Oliver and Vincent’s romance through the past two books, and now the third, and last of this series just makes me smile. They have come so far – from just a sexual relationship, to true love. Every time they say “I love you” in this book, and it is said many times, I couldn’t help but grin. Although they already have had their happily ever after, it is not quite smooth sailing for these two. Since their lifestyle is against the law, they must keep their physical relationship a secret. Vincent is always on edge that his brother will not produce an heir, and then he may be forced to marry a female which would destroy what he has with Oliver. Oliver loves to play the submissive for Vincent, but at the same time, he yearns to hear Vincent say four words – four words that would mean this time Vincent would submit to him.
Ava March always packs such emotions in her short stories and I am so glad she gave these two a final book that shows us such love and tender emotions. This book doesn’t have much conflict, but I liked that because these two have already been through their struggle. This is a nice, quiet goodbye to Oliver and Vincent. Oh and we get plenty of hot smutty scenes too!
I definitely say read these books in order – they are all novellas and read quick.
Rating: B+
Ava March always packs such emotions in her short stories and I am so glad she gave these two a final book that shows us such love and tender emotions. This book doesn’t have much conflict, but I liked that because these two have already been through their struggle. This is a nice, quiet goodbye to Oliver and Vincent. Oh and we get plenty of hot smutty scenes too!
I definitely say read these books in order – they are all novellas and read quick.
Rating: B+
June 4, 2017
The last instalment of The Bound Series. Although we still get a further glimpse at Oliver and Vincent in Deliberately Bound, Bound Forever is the last full-length novella in the series.
As Oliver and Vincent find their refuge in Rotherham (where they can relax and truly be together on a daily basis), they also find a new way in their bedroom (surprise, surprise!!) :)
I think this part belongs to Vincent (as the previous one brought out Oliver's character more fully). The heavy burden he bears daily on his shoulders and his ultimate devotion to Oliver just shine through the story. It was simply beautiful!
The scene where...
All in all, Oliver and Vincent stole my heart and became one of my favourite mm couples! I will definitely come back to their beautiful story! And Ava March's writing is so compelling that she's become my "must-read" author. Well done!
As Oliver and Vincent find their refuge in Rotherham (where they can relax and truly be together on a daily basis), they also find a new way in their bedroom (surprise, surprise!!) :)
I think this part belongs to Vincent (as the previous one brought out Oliver's character more fully). The heavy burden he bears daily on his shoulders and his ultimate devotion to Oliver just shine through the story. It was simply beautiful!
The scene where...
All in all, Oliver and Vincent stole my heart and became one of my favourite mm couples! I will definitely come back to their beautiful story! And Ava March's writing is so compelling that she's become my "must-read" author. Well done!
November 10, 2018
"It was ok." This author usually does a good exploration of kinks in historicals and this trilogy was no exception, but I frequently dislike her conflict resolution. This is not the first of her books where one partner acts really controlling towards the other, makes decisions for them without discussing it first, interferes with their business or independence and forces unwanted financial aid on them, then acts really hurt when the partner tries to address how disrespected that makes them feel, explains they only did it out of love, and the other partner ends up accepting it all and feeling guilty and mean for having had (very valid!) concerns in the first place. This was definitely the case with Vincent's behaviour here (I have to admit I never warmed to him at all) and I kinda hated that Oliver ends up feeling in the wrong about it, giving in, and then it ends very abruptly.
There were also more anachronisms in this one than I'm really ready to ignore. (At one point the 19th century aristocrat uses the word "nope"!). Overall I think this story could've made one decent book; I don't think it had enough plot for a trilogy.
There were also more anachronisms in this one than I'm really ready to ignore. (At one point the 19th century aristocrat uses the word "nope"!). Overall I think this story could've made one decent book; I don't think it had enough plot for a trilogy.
August 25, 2018
This third book in the "Bound" series didn't quite measure up to the first two (which I gave 4 stars each). The review that follows is for all three books:
The series, set in the 1800's in England, is about two lifelong friends, one secretly, desperately in love with the other but afraid he is out of his league. When he discovers that his friend secretly uses the services of a male prostitute at a bordello, the desperate one manages to replace his friend's regular prostitute with himself (a little unbelievable that the lifelong friend didn't recognize him, but the lights were very dim). Lo and behold he discovers that his friend is into D/s and BDSM and is now even more desperately in love.
The three book set covers the original doings at the bordello, discovery of who the prostitute really is and the agonizing prospect that the higher titled friend will have to marry a woman to please his father. Books #1 and #2 were really good, but I think #3 just lot a little steam. But a good read if you like 1800's England, MM and some steamy BDSM goings on.
The series, set in the 1800's in England, is about two lifelong friends, one secretly, desperately in love with the other but afraid he is out of his league. When he discovers that his friend secretly uses the services of a male prostitute at a bordello, the desperate one manages to replace his friend's regular prostitute with himself (a little unbelievable that the lifelong friend didn't recognize him, but the lights were very dim). Lo and behold he discovers that his friend is into D/s and BDSM and is now even more desperately in love.
The three book set covers the original doings at the bordello, discovery of who the prostitute really is and the agonizing prospect that the higher titled friend will have to marry a woman to please his father. Books #1 and #2 were really good, but I think #3 just lot a little steam. But a good read if you like 1800's England, MM and some steamy BDSM goings on.
October 20, 2012
I've quite thoroughly enjoyed the first two instalments of this series, and the denouement of the story arc is--plotwise--quite well done.
This is however only 3.5* and the reason for this is that my inner editor suddenly jumped into gear and almost constantly wanted to urge March to stop using cliched m/m terminology and verbiage which I have grown very jaded and leery of:
worshipping cock
threading (fingers through hair or other fingers)
salty tang
tongue tangling
That's just to name a few, there are more, and they come over as shorthand and mechanical writing. Which jars particularly with March, as her storylines are meticulously laid out and individualistic. Thus it's quite disruptive when she resorts to "m/m language".
That's of course my only niggle, well, except as usual the short length.
This is however only 3.5* and the reason for this is that my inner editor suddenly jumped into gear and almost constantly wanted to urge March to stop using cliched m/m terminology and verbiage which I have grown very jaded and leery of:
worshipping cock
threading (fingers through hair or other fingers)
salty tang
tongue tangling
That's just to name a few, there are more, and they come over as shorthand and mechanical writing. Which jars particularly with March, as her storylines are meticulously laid out and individualistic. Thus it's quite disruptive when she resorts to "m/m language".
That's of course my only niggle, well, except as usual the short length.
November 7, 2015
Review originally posted on The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange :)
To read my review on the full Bound series, please see it here or on my blog :D
To read my review on the full Bound series, please see it here or on my blog :D
March 31, 2013
Vincent gives himself to Oliver and the next day, it seems like he's pulling back. And then he does some things that make Oliver feel less like an equal partner.
I liked this series and plan to read more from this author.
I liked this series and plan to read more from this author.
December 7, 2019
Not as good as book 2, but still a leather clad treat wrapped in chains. 😉🎁 The couple still has issues to hammer out but this time Oliver is the asshole. But fret not, we still get a rather lovely HEA. As a whole I loved this series and I'm eager to check out more of Ava March's work.
April 25, 2013
Slow, no new ideas, nothing hapenned. First and second books were much better.
April 13, 2019
It was fine, it's that I've read so much better that makes this average at best. The issues were handled reasonably well, but perhaps not realistically.
Narrator is decent, he just has a tendency to go overboard.
Narrator is decent, he just has a tendency to go overboard.
Want to read
December 5, 2018I missed one. The wonderful and sweet Elf sleuthing a la Elmer Fudd gifted me this awesome book. Thank you so much! xxx
August 26, 2019
I really enjoyed the audiobooks for this series! A very satisfying conclusion to Oliver and Vincent's story!
April 25, 2013
1.5 - 2 stars
So...
I had every expectation of liking the Bound series by this author:
1) This author was widely recommended as one of the few who wrote historical m/m, and I'd known of her for a few years.
2) I'd just finished a few historical m/m romances by the writing duo Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon on a high note, and was confident that I'd enjoy these as well.
3) Based on my reivew of the short story following this book, which I had picked up as a freebie and read before the other books, I should have enjoyed myself.
I didn't.
"Bound Forever"
It's 1823 in Rotherham, England. After an improbable start to their sexual relationship in "Bound by Deception", Lords Oliver and Vincent are together - forever - at last...or are they?
It appears that each book focused on a different point in their relationship. In "Bound by Deception", Oliver just wants any sexual relationship with his best friend, Vincent. He's not picky about what he gets. In "Bound to Him", Oliver is not content with just anything now. He's growing some pride and backbone. Huzzah! He walks away when he realizes that being treated like an embarrassing whore isn't enough for him. One would think that the reconciliation at the end of book 2 would be enough, but apparently, Vincent was still not there yet so we have book 3, "Bound Forever". Both Vincent and Oliver learn something more about each other: Vincent acts like a domineering ass because, well, he's a domineering ass motivated by love he can barely acknowledge to himself and fear, and Oliver doesn't tell Vincent he's being an ass because he's minimizing his own irritated feelings.
I was able to believe that the books took place in England, 1800s. Although he occasionally annoyed me by what seemed to be a lack of pride in himself, when looked at more objectively, I felt that Oliver really was the stronger character of the two despite his lack of fortune and wire-rimmed glasses. He had the strength of character to go after what he wanted in book 1, to confess his deception although it was possible that he would lose his best friend, to leave Vincent when he was not being treated well in book 2, to not care so much what society thinks of him as much as what Vincent thought of him, and to get Vincent to see why what he was doing was upsetting him in book 3. I did not feel as if Vincent showed as much strength or change in development. Furthermore, his domineering attitude toward Oliver reminded me of so many of those domineering alpha heroes of m/f romances that it became really annoying - fast. If it were not for the last scene in this book where he seemed to show the most vulnerability, I don't know whether I would have cared for this HEA at all. Anyway, I really appreciated how the author showed the submissive bottom being the stronger one rather than the dominant top, Vincent, through their actions. Although we were also told this via Vincent, it was more convincing that he believed this when we had already been shown Oliver's strength.
I suppose that if I looked at all three books as one, I would appreciate the transitioning of their relationship more. Since they are not one book, these changes in their relationship are not as evident which lends to the feeling of lack of additional depth to the romantic arc of their story.
I think, though, that what bothered me most about these books, including "His Client" which I had read before starting "Bound by Deception", was this commonality that did not fail to irritate me: all have some act that one of the characters refused to do throughout the book because he deemed it too "feminine" or "submissive" only to be willing to do that act at the end to "prove his love". These "grand gestures" appeared too contrived for me to be emotionally affected by them.
So...
I had every expectation of liking the Bound series by this author:
1) This author was widely recommended as one of the few who wrote historical m/m, and I'd known of her for a few years.
2) I'd just finished a few historical m/m romances by the writing duo Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon on a high note, and was confident that I'd enjoy these as well.
3) Based on my reivew of the short story following this book, which I had picked up as a freebie and read before the other books, I should have enjoyed myself.
I didn't.
"Bound Forever"
It's 1823 in Rotherham, England. After an improbable start to their sexual relationship in "Bound by Deception", Lords Oliver and Vincent are together - forever - at last...or are they?
It appears that each book focused on a different point in their relationship. In "Bound by Deception", Oliver just wants any sexual relationship with his best friend, Vincent. He's not picky about what he gets. In "Bound to Him", Oliver is not content with just anything now. He's growing some pride and backbone. Huzzah! He walks away when he realizes that being treated like an embarrassing whore isn't enough for him. One would think that the reconciliation at the end of book 2 would be enough, but apparently, Vincent was still not there yet so we have book 3, "Bound Forever". Both Vincent and Oliver learn something more about each other: Vincent acts like a domineering ass because, well, he's a domineering ass motivated by love he can barely acknowledge to himself and fear, and Oliver doesn't tell Vincent he's being an ass because he's minimizing his own irritated feelings.
I was able to believe that the books took place in England, 1800s. Although he occasionally annoyed me by what seemed to be a lack of pride in himself, when looked at more objectively, I felt that Oliver really was the stronger character of the two despite his lack of fortune and wire-rimmed glasses. He had the strength of character to go after what he wanted in book 1, to confess his deception although it was possible that he would lose his best friend, to leave Vincent when he was not being treated well in book 2, to not care so much what society thinks of him as much as what Vincent thought of him, and to get Vincent to see why what he was doing was upsetting him in book 3. I did not feel as if Vincent showed as much strength or change in development. Furthermore, his domineering attitude toward Oliver reminded me of so many of those domineering alpha heroes of m/f romances that it became really annoying - fast. If it were not for the last scene in this book where he seemed to show the most vulnerability, I don't know whether I would have cared for this HEA at all. Anyway, I really appreciated how the author showed the submissive bottom being the stronger one rather than the dominant top, Vincent, through their actions. Although we were also told this via Vincent, it was more convincing that he believed this when we had already been shown Oliver's strength.
I suppose that if I looked at all three books as one, I would appreciate the transitioning of their relationship more. Since they are not one book, these changes in their relationship are not as evident which lends to the feeling of lack of additional depth to the romantic arc of their story.
I think, though, that what bothered me most about these books, including "His Client" which I had read before starting "Bound by Deception", was this commonality that did not fail to irritate me: all have some act that one of the characters refused to do throughout the book because he deemed it too "feminine" or "submissive" only to be willing to do that act at the end to "prove his love". These "grand gestures" appeared too contrived for me to be emotionally affected by them.
October 18, 2018
Really? This is the HEA? Vincent is ruled by fear and that never changes. There’s no growth in his character after admitting he needs Oliver in book one.
In this instalment, the dominant partner runs roughshod over his submissive partner’s autonomy (I am Jack’s total lack of surprise) and then emotionally manipulates him into accepting it, to the point of gaslighting, while making no compromise of his own. Finally allowing the man into his bed after over a year together is just another example of Vincent giving Oliver table scraps and Oliver falling all over himself to praise his magnanimity. Yeah, no.
Plus - the sex is really only good in the first book.
In this instalment, the dominant partner runs roughshod over his submissive partner’s autonomy (I am Jack’s total lack of surprise) and then emotionally manipulates him into accepting it, to the point of gaslighting, while making no compromise of his own. Finally allowing the man into his bed after over a year together is just another example of Vincent giving Oliver table scraps and Oliver falling all over himself to praise his magnanimity. Yeah, no.
Plus - the sex is really only good in the first book.
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