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Bound To You
A night of passion has forever bound Jenna Morgan to a man she thought she would spend her future with. Instead, he dumped her with barely a word of explanation and left the state. Three years later, she’s a single mom struggling to provide for her son and young sister, and harassed by an obsessed stalker. After leaving home three years ago to run his aging grandfather’s ranch in Texas, Sam Strickland returns to Tennessee to discover a child he didn’t know existed. He thought he was saving Jenna’s future when he left home, and left her behind. He never dreamed he’d return to see a child with eyes the same shade as his own - and Jenna in serious trouble. Sam thinks his only dilemma is whether he can earn back the trust of the woman he loves and commit to the responsibility of fatherhood. But Jenna’s life is more complicated than he could have imagined and he finds himself involved in a dangerous situation that could threaten his new son’s life.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
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962 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 28, 2015
I was in the mood for a second chance with a baby surprise.
However after reading this book I was disappointed.
Jenna our heroine got pregnant after seeing a guy a month; now three years later her babydaddy is back in town to visit. And what does she do? She practically stalks him when she finds out he is at their local park, she packs her sister and kid up and picnics not 50 feet away..staring at him! Psycho much? Yes.
See, Jenna's dad was this crook mayor who left her with two mortgages and her sister to raise, she is broke and desperate.
Sam the babydaddy sees her and acts like he didn't dump her three years ago, the first time he sees the kid? "Cute Kid, how long are you babysitting for?
So when she finally tells him he is the dad, what does he do? He runs again! Then he tells her to look him in the eyes and tell him it's his and he will believe her.
Now as you can tell I hated both characters! Sam, the babydaddy was a punk and just a straight up wimp. Jenna was whiny and needy!
So after trying the parenting thing for two days they decide to get married since they love each other. Again, let me remind you that Sam has visited his hometown over the past three years several times, he never seeked Jenna out so how in love are you really?
I wasn't happy!
May 28, 2012
One night of passion and in an instant, life changes . . .
Sam Strickland returns home three years later to discover he has a two-year old son. He doesn’t lash out at Jenna Morgan, the mother of his child, for keeping the baby a secret. Sam steps up and takes responsibility for his part in their problems and sets out to resolve the situation. I found this to be a refreshing and out-of-the ordinary approach from the usual in dealing with the “secret baby” theme. Jenna and Sam get a second chance at love and their journey to happily-ever-after is both realistic and touching.
A very pleasant surprise awaited me inside the pages of “Bound to You” – and one I really wasn’t expecting. Both Jenna and Sam are very likable characters. They both are portrayed naturally and in a believable manner. There was no hurried repeat performance of what got them into this situation in the first place. But when it happened, it was very moving and heartfelt. There’s some intrigue and a touch of suspense to this story as well. It involves a very creepy stalker that created some intense moments for this couple and their young son. An especially wonderful and supportive secondary cast made up mostly of Sam's large and devoted family gives this story an extra boost of delightful realism.
I enjoy trying new-to-me-authors that offer something a little unique. This beautiful story qualified on both counts. Both Sam and Jenna are easy to cheer on and in the end you’re truly convinced that theirs is the “forever after” kind of love. A near-perfect Sunday afternoon’s read.
Sam Strickland returns home three years later to discover he has a two-year old son. He doesn’t lash out at Jenna Morgan, the mother of his child, for keeping the baby a secret. Sam steps up and takes responsibility for his part in their problems and sets out to resolve the situation. I found this to be a refreshing and out-of-the ordinary approach from the usual in dealing with the “secret baby” theme. Jenna and Sam get a second chance at love and their journey to happily-ever-after is both realistic and touching.
A very pleasant surprise awaited me inside the pages of “Bound to You” – and one I really wasn’t expecting. Both Jenna and Sam are very likable characters. They both are portrayed naturally and in a believable manner. There was no hurried repeat performance of what got them into this situation in the first place. But when it happened, it was very moving and heartfelt. There’s some intrigue and a touch of suspense to this story as well. It involves a very creepy stalker that created some intense moments for this couple and their young son. An especially wonderful and supportive secondary cast made up mostly of Sam's large and devoted family gives this story an extra boost of delightful realism.
I enjoy trying new-to-me-authors that offer something a little unique. This beautiful story qualified on both counts. Both Sam and Jenna are easy to cheer on and in the end you’re truly convinced that theirs is the “forever after” kind of love. A near-perfect Sunday afternoon’s read.
June 4, 2012
Anne OK - Thanks for the review/rec. Loved it, 4.5 stars. Sam Strickland goes on my favorites list. A hot guy and a baby (Ethan) - swoon...gets me every time. Loved his dialog, mannerisms and laid back attitude. Jenna was a great h, not whiney or suffering, nicely independent but not to extremes.
July 20, 2016
I loved this book! I was hooked from the first scene and didn't want to put the book down. I fell in love with the very real, down-to-earth and three-dimensional characters. This is one of the best books I've read in a very long time.
March 25, 2025
Too thin of a pretext for the "secret baby."
June 2, 2012
Blah.. I made myself read through 58% but I just couldn't take anymore.. Both of these characters were bores and neither were likeable... Neither was her sister or his family and the child was gearing up to be a spoiled, spoiled handful of a child.. Another secret baby plot that I simply couldn't stand.. I seriously think I have changed my ways because secret baby plots are NOT okay. Half of the time, this book included the heroine doesn't tell the H because he dumped her. So what. Just because he broke up with you does NOT mean he doesn't or would'nt want a child. This one is also full of misunderstandings or misconceptions.. Everybody is assuming things and we all know what assuming does-- (Makes asses out of you and me) I also have a feeling this is one of those bitchy "independent" heroines- another strike. They are fixing to have the little witch of a sister (who like most teens thinks she knows everything about everything) babysit their child for the ninety-millionth time.. They are never ever around the boy and he *still* 56% through doesn't know the H is his father. I'm gonna skim the rest and delete.. Personally I'd rate it a one star but to be "fair" I'm giving it two stars..
ETA-- So I ended up sticking it through and it did get easier but to me it's just a little bit too late. I still couldn't like the characters and they both are so wishy-washy. and would change their minds fifteen times.. Also 94% in and their son *STILL* doesn't call the H daddy.
ETA-- So I ended up sticking it through and it did get easier but to me it's just a little bit too late. I still couldn't like the characters and they both are so wishy-washy. and would change their minds fifteen times.. Also 94% in and their son *STILL* doesn't call the H daddy.
June 18, 2012
Poignant and heartfelt, a pleasurable read from beginning to end. I loved the development of the characters and appreciated the plays on "what if?" high school nostalgia. Jenna and Sam have a passionate, fleeting summer romance and Jenna falls in love. After an intimate night on a lake, Sam unexplainably breaks up with Jenna and leaves for Texas. Badda bing, badda boom, soon after, Jenna finds herself pregnant with Sam's baby. Two years pass before Jenna and Sam are reunited, only this time they're joined by the product of their summer lovin': baby Ethan. Oh, and a crazy stalker named Brandon who is as creepy as he is annoying. Can Jenna and Sam rekindle their love despite, or perhaps because of, the present circumstances?
As for characters, Sam was the perfect male lead and I found myself rooting for him from the beginning; he was genuine and dreamy and a quasi-cowboy...hello, yes please! Jenna's character annoyed me initially, but I found myself liking her more and more as the story went on and she loosened up and found her "reckless" roots. I also ended up really liking Brianna's character, and while I first believed her to be vapid and angst-y, I applauded her sassiness and efforts to help Jenna rediscover the fun she was missing in her life. All in all, great read. I'll definitely be looking for more work from Holland!
As for characters, Sam was the perfect male lead and I found myself rooting for him from the beginning; he was genuine and dreamy and a quasi-cowboy...hello, yes please! Jenna's character annoyed me initially, but I found myself liking her more and more as the story went on and she loosened up and found her "reckless" roots. I also ended up really liking Brianna's character, and while I first believed her to be vapid and angst-y, I applauded her sassiness and efforts to help Jenna rediscover the fun she was missing in her life. All in all, great read. I'll definitely be looking for more work from Holland!
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August 13, 2012I got this from Amazon's Prime lending library. It was an easy, quick read. As the book progressed I became more invested in the characters and how everyone came together. What I most appreciated is how the author takes what might be a stereotypical plot line and takes a slightly different approach. Where most authors take the will they get together or won't they road for the entire book, this author has them give each other a chance early on but still face the obvious obstacles together. There still is that question of will they keep trying together but I liked that they tried to fight for things while mostly together. Also, while they both made/make mistakes I like that they both own up to their mistakes and use it to grow rather than wallow in them. I was ready to not like Sam because of his choices in the past but I actually really liked him once I got to know him. There was a little too much description of his "perfect" looks for my taste, but a lot of people like that.
This is a self published book. The author shows promise. I think with a good editor she could be really good. The book wasn't perfect but I was satisfied with it. I will keep an eye out for the author's next book.
This is a self published book. The author shows promise. I think with a good editor she could be really good. The book wasn't perfect but I was satisfied with it. I will keep an eye out for the author's next book.
June 12, 2012
I couldnt get into this book. It was just a little far fetched to me and I didnt feel the chemistry between the characters. The herion has a two year old that she has kept a scret from her first love who moved away the day after they slept together. I just seemed crazy to me that he would come back, find out about the child (with no anger really), and then step right in to take care of all her problems. Of course you had the stalker thrown in for dramatic effect. I finished it but I just didnt feel the connection between the two characters.
June 22, 2012
I liked this book, it had potential to be really good, but every now and again there would be a section of really cheesy dialogue. More than anything, there was just so much going on that it was hard to tie up all the loose ends in a smooth way-- hence, the cheesy parts.
Overall, not bad for a freebie.
Overall, not bad for a freebie.
June 4, 2014
Sweet story! loved this book, the love story, the family dynamics, the little bit of mystery...so good!
September 3, 2014
Love this kind of stories and the HEA.
March 2, 2024
I’m not sure why but Jenna got on my nerves.
I felt like the span of their love stories is unrealistic also.
They dated once for five weeks and then didn’t see or hear from each other for three years, but two weeks after their reunited their living together and engaged to be married?
The excuse “they’ve loved each other all that time” is used but let’s be serious THREE YEARS went by they barely knew each other when he left let alone three years of change between them.
I felt like the span of their love stories is unrealistic also.
They dated once for five weeks and then didn’t see or hear from each other for three years, but two weeks after their reunited their living together and engaged to be married?
The excuse “they’ve loved each other all that time” is used but let’s be serious THREE YEARS went by they barely knew each other when he left let alone three years of change between them.
November 18, 2017
Very Good 📚
It’s a love story but also has a reason behind the love story. With that being said it kept me interested. I’m not usually a “Love Story” reader unless there’s action or some sort with it AND this book did !!
It’s a love story but also has a reason behind the love story. With that being said it kept me interested. I’m not usually a “Love Story” reader unless there’s action or some sort with it AND this book did !!
September 9, 2025
Family is everything
I chose this rating because I truly enjoyed this book. I recommended this to.my daughter. I love how they found each other again and with the exception of one instance, they never let go again.
I chose this rating because I truly enjoyed this book. I recommended this to.my daughter. I love how they found each other again and with the exception of one instance, they never let go again.
January 10, 2021
Sam and Jenna had one night that she thought was perfect, but the next day he broke it off with her and left town. Three years later he comes back and discovers he has son. Very good read.
May 25, 2022
Excellent read!!
January 10, 2013
I'm so glad I chose this book, it's so lovely! Jenna finds herself in a bind when the man who got her pregnant three years ago shows up in town without a clue about his being a father. Sam finds himself in a shocking situation when he learns the girl of his dreams had bore his child and is only now telling him. This story is full of promises, family, and a stalking lunatic set out to ruin their lives.
I enjoyed this story because its lack of predictability and failure to upset me. I love that there is a book that does not make me angry in a sense that is cliche. I love the characters! They are so honest and strong, they know what they want he is the one to make sure it happens, unexpectedly and selflessly.
He opens his heart, home and arms to his new-found son, who he adores, and his long lost love. He creates the perfect family out of sheer finality, it's beautiful.
This story stole my breath and dabbed a few tears from my face, but it's oh-so lovely! I highly recommend this book to all who love romance!
I enjoyed this story because its lack of predictability and failure to upset me. I love that there is a book that does not make me angry in a sense that is cliche. I love the characters! They are so honest and strong, they know what they want he is the one to make sure it happens, unexpectedly and selflessly.
He opens his heart, home and arms to his new-found son, who he adores, and his long lost love. He creates the perfect family out of sheer finality, it's beautiful.
This story stole my breath and dabbed a few tears from my face, but it's oh-so lovely! I highly recommend this book to all who love romance!
July 29, 2012
I, after reading so many chicklit books this month, actually liked this book quite a bit. I was surprised!
It's kind of the same story floating out there in chicklit world - boy and girl are together, break up, there's a secret baby, boy reenters the picture after "x" number of years. Gasp. What to do now? What I liked about this story that varies from the usual is that Jenna, girl, gives, Sam, boy, a honest chance instead of the infuriating cat and mouse game that most authors usually have them go through. She actually behaves like an adult, as does he, and because of that I found the book a pleasure to read.
Holland writes well enough, this seems to be her only book but should she publish anything else I may give it a chance.
It's kind of the same story floating out there in chicklit world - boy and girl are together, break up, there's a secret baby, boy reenters the picture after "x" number of years. Gasp. What to do now? What I liked about this story that varies from the usual is that Jenna, girl, gives, Sam, boy, a honest chance instead of the infuriating cat and mouse game that most authors usually have them go through. She actually behaves like an adult, as does he, and because of that I found the book a pleasure to read.
Holland writes well enough, this seems to be her only book but should she publish anything else I may give it a chance.
May 31, 2012
Jenna and Sam shared a night of passion three years ago. He left and she had their love child. Three years later, he comes back to town and finds out he has a son and Jenna's once pampered life is falling apart.
This was a quick and fun read. I loved the relationship Jenna had with her sister Brianna. I feared that Sam was going to come back into their lives and hurt Jenna (and now Ethan) by leaving again. I was pleasantly surprised by the father/lover Sam became throughout the book. As a mother this book made me smile. Jenna's best interest was always her son and she deserved a man who would take care of them. I was happy that Sam could now be that rock for them.
This was a quick and fun read. I loved the relationship Jenna had with her sister Brianna. I feared that Sam was going to come back into their lives and hurt Jenna (and now Ethan) by leaving again. I was pleasantly surprised by the father/lover Sam became throughout the book. As a mother this book made me smile. Jenna's best interest was always her son and she deserved a man who would take care of them. I was happy that Sam could now be that rock for them.
September 14, 2013
Info dump. That's what the first 1/4 of the book was. There was nothing there to hook me or keep me reading. I found the actions, reactions, dialog very bland. At one point the hero asks his brother what is wrong with them. Well, One of the first problems I found was that theses grown characters spoke and acted like teenagers. I was very let down because I really, really wanted to like this book. I love reunion plots, I love stories set in the south, especially TN (born and raised) and I love secret babies. But, there was nothing really happening. Sure, I was told as I read that things were happening, but I never felt them.
June 19, 2014
I thought this was a great story! I love stories that is not a love triangle. It starts out Jenna is looking at the man she loved Sam from afar he up and left her. Only he didn't leave her empty handed, he left her with his child that he no clue about until he came back three years later. Jenna is struggling financially and she almost enters a contract with the devil to get out of debt but thinks better of it. Mean while Sam is trying to get back with her and finds out about his son and almost runs again but decides to stay everything actually turns out pretty good until the devil comes around again.
November 4, 2014
Not really a book for me. A few typo errors, and it felt as it the story was all over the place a little fast pace for me. It lacked any real emotion, some sections dont make any sense, for eg; one mins they are saying i love you, the next they are apart then they get back together and get engaged, then Jenna she apparently worked in a law office, and got promoted to a paralegals position, so when shes being blackmailed she would use the legal route right? wrong she goes to her family patriarch! i mean come on? put some thought in to it, some things like that dont add up. Its a light story but it wasnt one i enjoyed, sorry.
June 2, 2015
You won't find any recipes or witches or other silly romance novel cliches here. Just wonderfully crafted characters who act like real people would when placed in an extraordinary situation. Jenna could be your sister, daughter or best friend, just an ordinary woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is buckling under that weight when someone from her past turns her world upside down. Is her savior or too good to be true? And just when she thinks she has it all figured out, a sinister character threatens everything she holds dear. If you love good story telling and relatable characters, look no further than "Bound to You"
May 26, 2013
boy grows up to be one a man, comes back to find his girl is now the mother of his child. he freaks out a bit but then stands by her and his son through bills, stalkers and doubts.
2 things I was so not convinced about - which pregnant teenager or her parents do t try to get in touch with the father?
secondly, which mother doesn't, in the internet age, research her child's father and figure what he's upto?
the twists and turns where all there as was the emotion, but this story totally lacked the raw appeal or empathy towards the lead characters.
not a great read, but not bad either.
2 things I was so not convinced about - which pregnant teenager or her parents do t try to get in touch with the father?
secondly, which mother doesn't, in the internet age, research her child's father and figure what he's upto?
the twists and turns where all there as was the emotion, but this story totally lacked the raw appeal or empathy towards the lead characters.
not a great read, but not bad either.
May 29, 2012
I really enjoyed this book--Jenna and Sam were teenage lovers who were torn apart by family pressures (mainly her dad) and circumstances. Jenna gave birth to Sam's son without his knowledge.
Flash forward, 3 years later, Sam is back in town and meets his long lost son. He and Jenna start trying to build a family again despite his fears of commitment, her stalker, and other pressures.
It is a charming book of how two people who love each other find a way back to each other.
Flash forward, 3 years later, Sam is back in town and meets his long lost son. He and Jenna start trying to build a family again despite his fears of commitment, her stalker, and other pressures.
It is a charming book of how two people who love each other find a way back to each other.
June 2, 2012
Got this when it was a freebie on Amazon and finally picked it up last night.
It was a good quick read and the characters were like-able.
However, it didn't really do that much for me, I couldn't get emotionally involved as there was not enough depth. I actually do think this could have been an great story if certain bits of it hadn't been so rushed and skimmed.
But good enough for a quick read on the beach this summer...
It was a good quick read and the characters were like-able.
However, it didn't really do that much for me, I couldn't get emotionally involved as there was not enough depth. I actually do think this could have been an great story if certain bits of it hadn't been so rushed and skimmed.
But good enough for a quick read on the beach this summer...
October 11, 2012
This is a very sweet love story with a HEA ending. Vanessa Holland created some very likable characters who you'll really want to route for. It does include both hero and heroin POV's which really helps you feel personally involved with both characters. It kept my attention and I didn't want to put it down. The only negative is that there were a few editing issues (one being a repeated paragraph that threw me for a minute). Overall, it was a good romantic read.
December 31, 2012
I enjoyed this book. My heart was RACING at some of the climactic events! Great love story and a reminder how some people are so influenced by others around them that they are forced into doing things that they would not have ever done on their own. It is also a great reminder that a house of cards will always fall. So no matter what things may look like from the outside, that doesn't mean things are that way on the inside. Great lessons in this book!
October 16, 2016
Past, Present, and Future
This was a very easy read. HEA.
Not my typical genre, I personally think I 1-clicked due to he "Bound", thinking it was BDSM, it was not! This is more of a Young Adult read.
Great story line.
Offers a little mystery with why Brandon was so fixated on Jenna, not because he loved her, but because he wanted to destroy.
Samson and Jenna have a love that was and is, everlasting. At points I was worried if they could find their future.
This was a very easy read. HEA.
Not my typical genre, I personally think I 1-clicked due to he "Bound", thinking it was BDSM, it was not! This is more of a Young Adult read.
Great story line.
Offers a little mystery with why Brandon was so fixated on Jenna, not because he loved her, but because he wanted to destroy.
Samson and Jenna have a love that was and is, everlasting. At points I was worried if they could find their future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews