Fated Mates. I thought it was something that only happened in romance books. Until I met Archer Walters. One third of the rock band, Alchemy Myth; beautiful, broken, repressed. I offered him a way to explore who he was and in the knots I tied, he found his release. I didn’t expect to fall so hard. He was my everything. Until I rewrote history. I thought I had all the answers, although I’d only given myself half the story. But my soul… she remembers it all.
Esme is a 40 something romance author from the North East of England. She started writing romance during lockdown and developed a love of crafting stories about tattooed broken boys and the relationships that help them heal. Esme writes all sorts of tropes, but one theme runs through her books - love comes in all shapes and sizes and her stories celebrate that.
It is so hard to put into words just how blown away I was by this book. I am a huge fan of Esme Taylor. She writes broken male main characters in a way that will bring you to tears one minute and bring you absolute joy the next when she fixes them. Even though going in, I assumed I was going to enjoy this book I was not prepared for how I fell in love with both characters.
Archers backstory is heartbreaking. This is something you are going to need to check the trigger warnings on because of what happens to him. Some of it is on page and it is necessary for the plot.
When Archer meets Ionee, firstly it’s hilarious as meet cutes go, but secondly, it is unbelievably refreshing how at ease they are with each other, and how they communicate. From the minute they start seeing each other, the reader knows what they’re experiencing might as well be fated mates. They are soulmates.
I’m not going to reveal what happens other than I promise whatever Esme breaks - she fixes. And you will adore the journey to the HEA.
I also need to let you know that the spice in this is truly next level. 5🌶️. This book is a responsibly written exploration of shmink and how with honesty and communication, you can work through trauma to find emotional release and peace with someone who truly supports you.
Top Level Overview: Rockstar Romance Tropes: fated mates, soul mates Content Warnings: shibari, shmink exploration, soft femdomme, praise, degradation, 🍑 play, o denial, 😮💨 play, dirty talk Trigger Warnings: SA (to MMC), parental illness, PTSD, healing from trauma
This is the first book I have read by Esme, and I had no idea what to expect. I went in totally blind and boy, was I surprised. I absolutely loved it, even the bits that made me cry. It was so well written, and the attention to detail on everything was so good brilliant, I was hooked and didn't want to put it down. Archer and Ionee's story is heartbreaking, and there's a twist in there that you could never predict or even expect. It may have some triggers, so check them out prior, I will definitely be recommending. The spice is next level 🥵 I will certainly be reading more of Esme's books that'd for sure. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ are just not enough for this read.
Bind Me by Esme Taylor is a Rock Star Romance with soul mates and kinks galore, and it was beautiful. You can read the full list on the authors website.
Archer Walters is in a famous band called Alchemy Myth and Ionee Miller is an artist. They meet at Ionees first erotic art show.
This is a beautifully written and captivating love story that has all the feels – scorching chemistry, some angst, humor, twists and turns that you do not expect, and characters that you will fall in love with
There were things in this story I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed being surprised, and not figuring everything out. I loved how strongly these two felt for each other. I don’t want to go on too much about their love story, because you really do need to read it yourself. I recommend this book.
First book from this author for me, so didn't know what to expect. I was not disappointed at all! Love a broken MMC that has the FMC put him all back together.
This book revolves around Archer and Nee who cross paths at an art show. Fated connections with a little insta love thrown in. This could have ended in a too sweet love story for me. However, the spice drives this into a perfect storyline that keeps you invested! Archer has a negative past experience, which Nee helps overcome while also having a lot of fun. Shibari, Praise, soft/loving femdom and loads and loads of k!nk exploration. It's not over the top k!nk play that's unrealistic, as all the scenes could happen with consensual partners. You'll find no dark dungeons here.
I got to 50% thinking OK, HEA! Oh, hell no, this starts bringing you on an emotional roller-coaster that I couldn't stop reading. The fated mates lose each other in a heartbreaking way. The road back has its unique twists, which made this book amazing to read.
What made this book unique (which is a key driver for me) is that Archer wants Nee to take control in the bedroom. She's the one that initiates the spice, and he loves it. This might be a good book for partners to read together to get some ideas? Just sayin.
This is not a dark book, but it does touch on a few topics that some might find difficult. TW’s to be aware of SA (MMC only once), parental illness, parental death, PTSD.
This was such an absolutely amazing read!!! I love when a book not only has spice and romance but also has so much love and heart.
While there’s dirty talk, breath play, shibari ect. there’s so much more. There’s fated soulmates, healing from trauma and grief.
Archer is such a sweetie. He’s been through so much but his heart is so pure. His love for his family and friends is so precious.
Ionee is a true gem. She’s fierce, compassionate and such a strong woman. She’s comfortable with who she is and I’m here for it.
When they meet at Ionee’s art show you can feel the instant attraction. They will have you falling in love with them instantly. You will laugh, cry, hold your hand over your heart in awww and possibly smile more than you ever have.
I have so much I could say about Bind me but just know I will be rereading this as soon as I can. Definitely one of the best books of the year!
I was very privileged to Beta and Arc read this book. This is a Rock Star Romance and it left me lost for words.
It is a fabulous story featuring Archer part of Alchemy Myth Band and Ionee who is an artist.
It takes you on an incredibly sweet, romantic, heartfelt and emotional journey with a twist. It tears you apart and then puts you back together.
I really enjoyed this story very much. It had some incredibly intense and eye watering moments. It is also humorous with plenty of spice. Plus there's a character I would seriously love to slap in it too. This book has it all!
I highly recommend giving this book a read, please check trigger warnings as it is intense in places. I absolutely adore Archer and I'm looking forward to reading more on Alchemy Myth.
I enjoyed reading the book and have read other books by this author. There are triggers in the book, and these are mentioned at the beginning. I found the book well written and thought that the author dealt with the issues of memory loss in a sensitive way.
I liked Archer and Ionee and the way they interacted. The story is told from both points of view, and I think this gives the characters a greater depth. It was good to see characters from the author's previous books as well.
There are plenty of hints as to what may be coming in future books in the series, and I can't wait to read them!
I finished this book over a week ago and have been chewing on my review. I don’t feel I have the words that can truly honour this work of art! Esme Taylor has reached a new stratosphere with Bind Me. This book has it all - great story line, amazing characters, broken people that tear your heart out, kink and heat turned up to inferno level. Archer is the moody musician who finds his everything in Nee. Unfortunately for them, the road to happiness is not an easy one and the twists and turns that this author takes you on will have you crying and cheering, sometimes at the same time. This is an easy one click read for me!
This book created a whirlwind of emotions within me. It’s full of personal growth, exploration, and characters I couldn’t help but love! That twist??? Excuse me, I was not ready. The way Ionee and Asher were meant to be from the start but their path to finding each other had its ups and downs. I loved watching them learn together, to trust and explore. Battling their grief with one another and just being what the other needed at different times.
I couldn’t get over how strong Ionee was. She is an FMC that really stands out to me. Especially when she took control of situations with Asher.. in the bedroom. Those scenes.. wow!! Couldn’t get enough!
Am I going to buy ropes today? Possibly. K!nk unlocked ✅
Kidding - kinda 😂 The spice in this book is a 15/10 the dirty talk these characters have. 🥵🥵 The trauma each charter goes through is really heartbreaking. The growth and love and trust that they put into each other to help mend the broken pieces. 🥹 I got teary eyed multiple times. Archer & Nee we’re without a doubt soul mates. You read it on every page. After each event watching these two never give up on their relationship! 🖤🖤 SERIOUSLY SO GOOD !
Esme Taylor never misses with beautiful stories about broken boys, and Archer is no different. His journey of healing from his trauma and assault was phenomenally written. I also appreciated how Ionee’s character had an amazing ability to help Archer work through his issues without compromising her happiness.
I don’t want to spoil the story, because it was fantastic, but Archer and Ionee’s journey as a couple proves that they’re the definition of soul mates. Bind Me was a fantastic start to a new series and I cannot wait for more!
-Degrading -🍑 Play -O Denial -😮💨play -Dirty Talk -Praise -Shibari
This is my first book by Esme Taylor and it won’t be the last!
I went into this book blind and it was amazing, but my heart definitely broke reading this book! You’ll be hot and bothered one minute and sobbing the next.
But for anyone that loves these kinks/ tropes and the rockstar romance, this is a must read.
Ok, so I'm a bit lost for words. This story is everything. Heartbreakingly sad but so bleeding Beautiful! I was a mess at points whilst reading this. These two will forever have my heart. The love, care, attention, chemistry, tension and emotional connection these two have was simply stunning to read! The twists and turns had me gasping. But also the sadness of their trauma and how much they helped eachother. I can't wait for more of your words 🖤
Wow! This book is such an emotional rollercoaster and it was all dialled up to the max, the spice, heartbreak, healing and love. There were tears, rage, internet searches, lost sleep, mind blowing moments and so much love for Archer and Ionee. They go through so much and still come through it stronger.
This was my first Esme Taylor book, a friend had recommended her and so I went into this book blind, I’m glad I did, this story of soul mates should be experienced without spoilers. I’ll now be making sure I go back and read the rest of her books.
Oh my goodness! My heart broke for Archer and Nee. The twist was totally unexpected and broke my heart. I loved this book so much and it made me so happy to find out it was a rockstar romance. I went into this book basically blind, I had to read it because Esme wrote it and I loved every minute of it, even the parts that made me cry.
Absolutely amazing I don’t usually get sad or cry at books but this tested me so much it was beautifully heartbreaking in parts. If you get emotional at books please make sure you have an endless supply of tissues.
Woah, what a rollercoaster of a book! Amazingly written, the plot is intricate and detailed. There are so many ‘moments’ in this book, I read it so quickly, I’m still out of breath😂.
With the pressures of being a young adult before his time. Archer has struggled with trust issues, not made any better or easier by a bad sexual experience. Can love bridge the divide and gap for Archer and Ionee? Can they be made whole again? A very good read.
This was a DNF. This book combined a few romance tropes that made the main characters feel really inconsistent. I got through the first half and it was okay, but when the amnesia trope was introduced, I lost interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was privileged to have Beta read and Arc read this beautiful book. Esme has tickled my heart, massaged it, ripped it apart, trodden on it and then given it a Chinese burn and then got some medical tape and stuck it together before putting it all together again in the correct order. I’m a big fan of Esme’s books, having read the Gods of Melody series and I just loved the connection this book has with that series as Addison manages the band, Alchemy Myth which Archer the MMC is a member of.
Archer goes off with his sisters to an art show, but it’s a sexy art show and he doesn’t know what to think. He finds himself chatting to the artist herself but he doesn’t know this until he’s told her basically he doesn’t get it and doesn’t like it. She likes his honesty and they get talking but Archer keeps people at arms length usually but there’s something different about Ionee. He’s been burnt before from a crazy situation which has put him off sex for life!! They somehow get on well and end up spending time together. She sees him! She gets him. She believes she can help him heal. She shows him shibari and how it can help him. He’s such a powerful person on stage but he’s so happy to let Ionee be in control of his mind and body. As life is at a high, it all takes a turn and there’s a twist. You will not see this coming. No chance! And oh my god my heart plummets with it all and I can’t put the book down as I hope the next chapter is the HEA, and there’s twists and turns at every corner and people who need a good shake and slapping. Archer is such a caring man, he loves his sisters and mum to bits and has always put them first. He’s a truly beautiful soul. Don’t worry, you will love the ending but be prepared to have your heart battered.
I love the way Esme Taylor writes so this was an instant buy for me. Plus, that cover! It's gorgeous. Esme Taylor explores kinks in her books so responsibly and in a relatable way, so I recommend her books if you want to explore taboo romance or kinks. This book is no different. Shibari (rope tying) and soft Femdomme are at the forefront of this book. Please take the time to read the authors note at the beginning. It is necessary to read the prologue keeping in mind that it is the example of Dom/sub gone bad, and explains why he is the way he is. Do check your TWs on this one. It features SA for the MMC, PTSD and other medical issues.
The story quickly gets going when Archer meets Ionee, and their first interaction is sweet and hilarious. Archer is the sweetest man and I loved him instantly. Ionee is perfect for him. She is patient, kind and gives him exactly what he needs. Their love story is beautiful and steamy and so enjoyable to read. I loved how Shibari was used in this.
There is a HEA. I would also say this is two books in one. Archers story and Ionee's story.
If you want an introduction into Femdomme and shibari, this is the book for you.
Be warned. You'll fall for Archer so hard!
I also can't wait to read the next in the series. The friendship and banter in this books is brilliant and the next book, I hope, features a potential Why Choose and there is one scene that is hinted at in this book that I need to read in full. It sounds brilliant!!
Bind Me promises a fresh twist on the rockstar romance trope with its unique soft femdom dynamic and fated soul mate angle. The chemistry between Archer Walters, the brooding rockstar, and the narrator is undeniably electric, with intimate, steamy scenes that deliver on the book’s premise. Esme Taylor’s exploration of self-discovery and vulnerability through Archer’s journey is both tender and intriguing, setting up a compelling emotional foundation for the story.
However, while the premise has potential, the execution leaves something to be desired. The narrative is riddled with typos and grammatical errors, which disrupt the flow and immersion. These technical flaws make it difficult to fully invest in the story, especially during pivotal moments.
Additionally, the lack of significant conflict or tension undermines the emotional stakes. While Archer’s internal struggles are explored, the plot feels too straightforward, missing the highs and lows that make a romance truly gripping. The fated soul mate aspect, while intriguing, is underdeveloped, leaving more questions than answers.
Despite these flaws, Bind Me shines in its depiction of vulnerability and intimacy, and fans of unconventional romance dynamics may still find it enjoyable. With stronger editing and more layered conflict, the series could reach its full potential. For now, it’s a decent start to the Alchemy Myth trilogy, but it left me wanting more depth and polish.
Not sure if I am going to finish the book or not. I loved the different angle of the guy being bound and how sweet Arch was, but the more I read, the more rushed everything seemed. It just felt like there were so many miss opportunities to go into detail of the 🌶️🌶️ scenes -they felt a bit more like an outline. It’s not every day you find a soft fem dom book. It wasn’t bad, just not great. Then there were just these side stories with his mom and sisters and Nee’s friend Lea, and I just felt zero connection to them and found myself skimming to Arch and Nee again. The whole thing just felt like it needed to be filled in.
*****SPOILER****** once Nee lost her memory and just ran away from her Fiancé to “spare him” from having to deal with her brain tumor/dying-i was done. I hate when actions are portrayed as self-sacrificing to “spare” the other person, when in reality it is just a really selfish-immature move. Let the other party decide for themselves unless you see them as a kid too (which is how Nee was acting). Let’s run away from all conflict and believe that somehow avoiding hard things is the right solution bc facing them is hard. 🙄 Also what world famous superstar has such lax security? I may know nothing about rockstar security but it seemed another choice would’ve made besides pushing through the crowd of people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Archer is singer in a popular band, wanting to explore his submissive side. He has very bad experience with pay for hire dominatrix, that almost lands him in the hospital. Ioness is an erotic art creator. They meet at her first show. I liked everything that was done in the bedroom and hated all the drama outside the bedroom. Ioness is confident and sexually adventurous. She pulls the information out of Archer, regarding his fantasies and desires. Their communication is excellent, discussion surrounding safe words and contracts didn't sound clinical or out of place. Sex was plentiful and varied enough, that it didn't sound repetitive. I liked how desperate Archer was during sex. Family drama about Archer's mother and Lea's love life drama was tedious. Archer and Ioness has perfect relationship that quickly progressed to 'I love you' and 'lets get married'. Considering both of them claimed not to want long term relationship, this was unrealistic. Lea was having more issues with her love life than the main couple. This is where the story stalled for me, there was no conflict moving the main couple along. Everything was just perfect, I felt the story was done. This was too soap opera for me and I lost all interest in what would happen next.
If I could give this 10 stars I would. This book has stolen my words and my heart. Archer is a rock star but even with all his fame he is lost and desperate for someone to take control from him just for awhile. A childhood looking after his Mum and sisters has left him completely broken. Ionee is an artist, the maker of Erotic art and showing her work at a gallery show. She to is pretty disillusioned with life and relationships. Archer and Ionee meet at the showing and Archer is frankly quite rude about her work. Ionee offers to show him how some of the concepts n her work can help him let go, no strings attached. I won't say more as it will ruin the story for you. Esme is a firm favourite for me. She writes about broken men and the women who fall under their spell. This book has taken this up more than a few notches and Archer and Ionee tore me apart and had me in tears more than once. That said the heat is ramped up to super hot so be warned, you will melt. I wish I was better with words because none of this does this book justice. I can only tell you I can't recommend this book highly enough, read it you won't regret a single minute.
Zonder dat ik het verhaal te veel verklap, wil ik vooral zeggen dat dit een emotioneel, liefdevol verhaal is met spice.
Archer heeft veel mee gemaakt en zodra hij zijn soulmate Nee ontmoet, is er een speciale klik en samen gaan ze op seksueel gebied dingen uitproberen. Er ontstaat een vriendschap, liefde en een relatie. Maar daar stopt dit verhaal niet...Ik heb tijdens het lezen op meerdere punten van het verhaal gelachen en gehuild.
Mocht je opzoek zijn naar een Rockstar romance, 2 soulmates, liefde, spice en een emotionele rollercoaster...dan is Bind Me absoluut een aanrader.
Ik heb Bind Me ontvangen als een ARC review, mijn mening en rating is 100% oprecht en eerlijk.