What do you think?
Rate this book
Bound by Sin
Chicago’s most sought-after Domme, Tara Weatherly, has fame and fortune, but the one thing she wants she can never have–him. It’s been over eighteen years since she’s seen her mentor and former Dom, Valentino Cavallaro. He helped her navigate her love for pain and in return he captured her heart. Then he abruptly left taking her heart and a piece of her soul with him. When he makes a surprise appearance at Club Desire, Tara’s not sure how to deal with his return. She knows he’s the love of her life. Yet, no matter how much her body belongs to him, can she give her heart the one person that can make it whole again?
Don of the Cavallaro family, Valentino Cavallaro burned many bridges once he took over the Family, but one always stuck with him–Tara Weatherly. As a sadist very few people understood his need to inflict pain, but Tara happened to be one of those people who understood it more than he ever believed possible. While he cut off all contact with her for her safety, Tara was never far from his mind or his heart. Now the death of a Don has brought him to Chicago. Back to the love of his life.
Will Tara give into the love they share, or will she turn her back on Valentino forever, regardless of what’s at stake? They are Bound by Sin.
For mature 18+
Don of the Cavallaro family, Valentino Cavallaro burned many bridges once he took over the Family, but one always stuck with him–Tara Weatherly. As a sadist very few people understood his need to inflict pain, but Tara happened to be one of those people who understood it more than he ever believed possible. While he cut off all contact with her for her safety, Tara was never far from his mind or his heart. Now the death of a Don has brought him to Chicago. Back to the love of his life.
Will Tara give into the love they share, or will she turn her back on Valentino forever, regardless of what’s at stake? They are Bound by Sin.
For mature 18+
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2023
29 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 17, 2023
I Am Loving This Series !!
They were in love, or so she thought … then why did he leave without an explanation or so much of a goodbye ?
Tara found herself a single mother of a beautiful girl who is now 17 years old, because of who her father was she kept it a secret, however secrets never stayed secrets forever…
Tara needs to blow some steam after a horrible day… and what better place than Club Desire and guess who is waiting for him ?!
Valentino did his best to protect Tara by letting her be, but he learned that he has a daughter … all baits are off!!
They were in love, or so she thought … then why did he leave without an explanation or so much of a goodbye ?
Tara found herself a single mother of a beautiful girl who is now 17 years old, because of who her father was she kept it a secret, however secrets never stayed secrets forever…
Tara needs to blow some steam after a horrible day… and what better place than Club Desire and guess who is waiting for him ?!
Valentino did his best to protect Tara by letting her be, but he learned that he has a daughter … all baits are off!!
July 28, 2023
Deviant Soul Connection
Tara and Valentine had instant chemistry, that took them in a direction not many can understand or comprehend. But, they truly love each other and Valentino is in everyway a strong, dominant protector and lover!
Tara and Valentine had instant chemistry, that took them in a direction not many can understand or comprehend. But, they truly love each other and Valentino is in everyway a strong, dominant protector and lover!
July 9, 2023
Valentino and his Stellina!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Whewwwweeee Chile this book was fire 🔥🔥🔥! Since Mistress Tara was introduced in Laila and Eli's story in Submit to Love I couldn't wait until her story was told. And OMG Courtney Dean has done it again! I was always curious about some aspects of the BDSM lifestyle. What was the fascination of sadomasochism? What made it such a turn on for some Doms and Subs. Well Valentino and Tara's story answered every last question I had. I loved and appreciated the back story of how Valentino and Tara started and what took place that tore them apart. Then Tara finding out she was pregnant and raising Nia on her own while still being the most sought after Dommes in chi town. Then Valentino showing up just made this story go from 10 to 1 million in the🔥🔥🔥 department. What I loved especially was that both characters were telling the story in their pov. I never liked one sided stories. But I digress. The book was passionate, sexy, nasty, eye opening and definitely pearl clutching. And the surprise at the end? Jaw dropping. But funny as heck. I gave this book 5 stars cause I was entertained and was on the edge of my wheelchair through the whole story. Valentino and his Stellina were most definitely Bound By Sin. And it's sooo worth reading. Season 2: Summer of Sin is wickedly HOT and I'm here for all of it. ❤️❤️❤️
Whewwwweeee Chile this book was fire 🔥🔥🔥! Since Mistress Tara was introduced in Laila and Eli's story in Submit to Love I couldn't wait until her story was told. And OMG Courtney Dean has done it again! I was always curious about some aspects of the BDSM lifestyle. What was the fascination of sadomasochism? What made it such a turn on for some Doms and Subs. Well Valentino and Tara's story answered every last question I had. I loved and appreciated the back story of how Valentino and Tara started and what took place that tore them apart. Then Tara finding out she was pregnant and raising Nia on her own while still being the most sought after Dommes in chi town. Then Valentino showing up just made this story go from 10 to 1 million in the🔥🔥🔥 department. What I loved especially was that both characters were telling the story in their pov. I never liked one sided stories. But I digress. The book was passionate, sexy, nasty, eye opening and definitely pearl clutching. And the surprise at the end? Jaw dropping. But funny as heck. I gave this book 5 stars cause I was entertained and was on the edge of my wheelchair through the whole story. Valentino and his Stellina were most definitely Bound By Sin. And it's sooo worth reading. Season 2: Summer of Sin is wickedly HOT and I'm here for all of it. ❤️❤️❤️
July 13, 2023
Love & Hate
I have likes and dislikes about this book. The book was okay overall, but I wish the author would’ve made their age clear. I also wish more details where give about how the characters look. This is just my preference when reading books.
You can tell the author did her research on this specific aspect of BDSM.
What I didn’t like is the fact that it was written as if it was his fault he didn’t know he had a child, and how Tara kept saying it was both their fault that Nia didn’t know. Well I disagree don’t get me wrong Valentino was wrong for how he left, but she didn’t leave him a message letting him know that he has a daughter. She didn’t send the message through Brian either. Basically, that’s what I dislike the most about the book.
All and all the book was a decent read
I have likes and dislikes about this book. The book was okay overall, but I wish the author would’ve made their age clear. I also wish more details where give about how the characters look. This is just my preference when reading books.
You can tell the author did her research on this specific aspect of BDSM.
What I didn’t like is the fact that it was written as if it was his fault he didn’t know he had a child, and how Tara kept saying it was both their fault that Nia didn’t know. Well I disagree don’t get me wrong Valentino was wrong for how he left, but she didn’t leave him a message letting him know that he has a daughter. She didn’t send the message through Brian either. Basically, that’s what I dislike the most about the book.
All and all the book was a decent read
July 9, 2023
It’s Never Too Late For Love 💕
Valentino and Tara never forgot the love that they shared between the two of them, or the child that he didn’t know about. Valentino was just as fierce in protecting Nia and her Mother once he found out he had a child. Valentino only desire was for them to be a family, and to make that happen, they would have to uproot their lives from Chicago to Philadelphia in order to be a family.
This is the first time I’ve read this author, and she did a very good job with this book.
Valentino and Tara never forgot the love that they shared between the two of them, or the child that he didn’t know about. Valentino was just as fierce in protecting Nia and her Mother once he found out he had a child. Valentino only desire was for them to be a family, and to make that happen, they would have to uproot their lives from Chicago to Philadelphia in order to be a family.
This is the first time I’ve read this author, and she did a very good job with this book.
March 26, 2025
Alright y’all, let me just say this book was EVERYTHING! From the moment Mistress Tara was hinted at in "Submit to Love," I knew her story was gonna be something special, but whew, I was NOT ready for this ride. Courtney Dean absolutely delivered with "Bound By Sin." If you’ve ever been curious about the BDSM world or just wanted to know what makes it tick, this book spills all the tea — and then some.
Valentino and Tara’s backstory? Crazy good. I loved how the book really dived into what tore them apart and the fact that Tara raised Nia on her own while still being that chick in Chi-town’s BDSM scene? Chef’s kiss. Then Valentino comes back, and let me tell you, the heat went from a solid 10 to off-the-charts REAL quick.
What I really appreciated was how both Valentino and Tara told the story. I’m not a fan of one-sided narratives, so having both perspectives made this feel super personal. Plus, the passion, the intensity, and some straight-up jaw-dropping moments had me clutching my nonexistent pearls. And that ending? Let’s just say I laughed way harder than I expected.
What I really appreciated was how both Valentino and Tara told the story. I’m not a fan of one-sided narratives, so having both perspectives made this feel super personal. Plus, the passion, the intensity, and some straight-up jaw-dropping moments had me clutching my nonexistent pearls. And that ending? Let’s just say I laughed way harder than I expected.
Valentino and Tara’s backstory? Crazy good. I loved how the book really dived into what tore them apart and the fact that Tara raised Nia on her own while still being that chick in Chi-town’s BDSM scene? Chef’s kiss. Then Valentino comes back, and let me tell you, the heat went from a solid 10 to off-the-charts REAL quick.
What I really appreciated was how both Valentino and Tara told the story. I’m not a fan of one-sided narratives, so having both perspectives made this feel super personal. Plus, the passion, the intensity, and some straight-up jaw-dropping moments had me clutching my nonexistent pearls. And that ending? Let’s just say I laughed way harder than I expected.
What I really appreciated was how both Valentino and Tara told the story. I’m not a fan of one-sided narratives, so having both perspectives made this feel super personal. Plus, the passion, the intensity, and some straight-up jaw-dropping moments had me clutching my nonexistent pearls. And that ending? Let’s just say I laughed way harder than I expected.
April 15, 2025
There’s something about second-chance romances that just get me every time, and Bound by Sin is one of the best I’ve read in a long time. The history between Tara and Valentino is absolutely gripping—you can feel the weight of their past in every interaction, the hurt, the desire, and the undeniable connection that time and distance could never erase.
Tara is fierce and unapologetic, a woman who has carved her own path despite the heartbreak she endured. She’s Chicago’s most sought-after Domme, yet the one man who truly owned her heart is the one she can’t forget. And Valentino? He’s everything you’d want in a dark romance hero—commanding, powerful, and utterly devoted to the woman he had to walk away from. Their chemistry is undeniable, and every scene between them is filled with raw emotion and tension.
I loved how this book wasn’t just about romance—it was about redemption, about making peace with the past and fighting for what truly matters. The mafia backdrop adds another level of danger and excitement, making the stakes feel even higher. This isn’t just a love story; it’s a battle of wills, a test of trust, and an exploration of love in its most intense form.
If you love stories with strong heroines, powerful heroes, and sizzling chemistry, do yourself a favor and grab Bound by Sin!
Tara is fierce and unapologetic, a woman who has carved her own path despite the heartbreak she endured. She’s Chicago’s most sought-after Domme, yet the one man who truly owned her heart is the one she can’t forget. And Valentino? He’s everything you’d want in a dark romance hero—commanding, powerful, and utterly devoted to the woman he had to walk away from. Their chemistry is undeniable, and every scene between them is filled with raw emotion and tension.
I loved how this book wasn’t just about romance—it was about redemption, about making peace with the past and fighting for what truly matters. The mafia backdrop adds another level of danger and excitement, making the stakes feel even higher. This isn’t just a love story; it’s a battle of wills, a test of trust, and an exploration of love in its most intense form.
If you love stories with strong heroines, powerful heroes, and sizzling chemistry, do yourself a favor and grab Bound by Sin!
April 16, 2025
I couldn’t put Bound by Sin down! From the moment I started reading, I was completely immersed in the intense, emotionally charged relationship between Tara and Valentino. This isn’t just a simple second-chance romance—it’s a story filled with passion, longing, and the kind of love that never truly fades, no matter how much time has passed.
Tara is such a compelling character—strong, independent, and a powerhouse in her own right. She’s built her own empire, yet her heart still belongs to the man who walked away all those years ago. And Valentino? He’s the kind of alpha male that makes you swoon and shudder at the same time. He’s ruthless when it comes to protecting those he loves, yet vulnerable in the way he still aches for Tara.
The tension between them is electric. Every scene crackles with intensity, whether they’re fighting their feelings or giving in to their deepest desires. And the way their shared past in the BDSM world is woven into the story adds an extra layer of depth—it’s not just about dominance and submission, but trust, love, and healing.
If you love dark, steamy, and emotional romances that push boundaries, Bound by Sin is a must-read. It’s gripping, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable!
Tara is such a compelling character—strong, independent, and a powerhouse in her own right. She’s built her own empire, yet her heart still belongs to the man who walked away all those years ago. And Valentino? He’s the kind of alpha male that makes you swoon and shudder at the same time. He’s ruthless when it comes to protecting those he loves, yet vulnerable in the way he still aches for Tara.
The tension between them is electric. Every scene crackles with intensity, whether they’re fighting their feelings or giving in to their deepest desires. And the way their shared past in the BDSM world is woven into the story adds an extra layer of depth—it’s not just about dominance and submission, but trust, love, and healing.
If you love dark, steamy, and emotional romances that push boundaries, Bound by Sin is a must-read. It’s gripping, beautifully written, and utterly unforgettable!
March 26, 2025
If you haven't read Courtney Dean before, let this be your first! "Bound By Sin" is such a powerful story of love, loss, and redemption. Tara and Valentino were in love once... or so she thought. When he left without a word, she was left heartbroken and raising their daughter, Nia, on her own. Fast forward 17 years later, secrets don’t stay buried forever. When Valentino finds out about Nia, all bets are off.
The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and the emotional journey they go on is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved how Valentino came back with a vengeance to protect the family he never knew he had. The backdrop of the BDSM lifestyle was written so tastefully, focusing on trust and communication. It’s not just about the heat (though there’s plenty of that!); it’s about the relationships and the lessons we can all learn from them.
Oh, and that ending? Let’s just say it left me laughing and smiling. If you're a fan of second-chance romance with a little spice and a whole lot of heart, pick this one up. And while you're at it, check out the whole Summer of Sin series. Courtney Dean is officially on my must-read list!
The chemistry between these two is undeniable, and the emotional journey they go on is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I loved how Valentino came back with a vengeance to protect the family he never knew he had. The backdrop of the BDSM lifestyle was written so tastefully, focusing on trust and communication. It’s not just about the heat (though there’s plenty of that!); it’s about the relationships and the lessons we can all learn from them.
Oh, and that ending? Let’s just say it left me laughing and smiling. If you're a fan of second-chance romance with a little spice and a whole lot of heart, pick this one up. And while you're at it, check out the whole Summer of Sin series. Courtney Dean is officially on my must-read list!
March 27, 2025
Courtney Dean really knocked it out of the park with "Bound By Sin." This book isn't just about heat (and trust me, there’s plenty of that), it's about love, growth, and learning to trust again. Tara and Valentino's journey is raw and emotional, and I felt every bit of it. From the highs to the heartbreaking lows, it was impossible to put this book down.
What stood out most was how tastefully the BDSM lifestyle was portrayed. It wasn’t just about the kink; it was about the connection, the communication, and the trust — lessons that apply to any relationship. And y'all, when I say the love scenes were next-level? Whew! Get ready to clutch your pearls.
I also loved the bigger message in this book. It reminded me that love is messy, but when it’s real, it’s worth every challenge. Plus, the ending was a total jaw-dropper with a side of laughter. I highly recommend not just this book but the entire Summer of Sin series. Even the most reserved readers might walk away with a few new insights — and maybe a few things to share.
What stood out most was how tastefully the BDSM lifestyle was portrayed. It wasn’t just about the kink; it was about the connection, the communication, and the trust — lessons that apply to any relationship. And y'all, when I say the love scenes were next-level? Whew! Get ready to clutch your pearls.
I also loved the bigger message in this book. It reminded me that love is messy, but when it’s real, it’s worth every challenge. Plus, the ending was a total jaw-dropper with a side of laughter. I highly recommend not just this book but the entire Summer of Sin series. Even the most reserved readers might walk away with a few new insights — and maybe a few things to share.
April 3, 2025
Alright, I gotta give props to Courtney Dean because ""Bound By Sin"" was straight-up amazing! Tara and Valentino brought all the feels in this one. From love and heartbreak to passion and redemption, this book had me hooked. I felt like I was right there with them, feeling every ounce of pain and joy they went through.
What I really appreciated was how this book wasn't just about the steamy stuff (though trust me, it's HOT). It was about trust, communication, and friendship — things that matter in every relationship. I loved how the BDSM lifestyle was presented in a way that was both respectful and eye-opening. I definitely learned a thing or two!
And let me tell you, that ending? Hilarious and unexpected in the best way possible. I couldn’t put this book down, and I 100% recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with depth. Also, if you haven't checked out the other books in the Summer of Sin series, you're seriously missing out. Go read them all!
What I really appreciated was how this book wasn't just about the steamy stuff (though trust me, it's HOT). It was about trust, communication, and friendship — things that matter in every relationship. I loved how the BDSM lifestyle was presented in a way that was both respectful and eye-opening. I definitely learned a thing or two!
And let me tell you, that ending? Hilarious and unexpected in the best way possible. I couldn’t put this book down, and I 100% recommend it to anyone who loves a good romance with depth. Also, if you haven't checked out the other books in the Summer of Sin series, you're seriously missing out. Go read them all!
July 11, 2023
Yes!
Ms Dean does it again. First off the cover matches the vibe of the book perfectly. I was immediately drawn into this book. I’m a big fan of Ms Dean’s writing and BDSM. I’m not so big a fan of pain, but I’m not going to kink shame. This book did a great job of explaining it. The storyline was awesome, I cried a couple of times. I loved seeing old friends from previous books. Very nice work and read.
Ms Dean does it again. First off the cover matches the vibe of the book perfectly. I was immediately drawn into this book. I’m a big fan of Ms Dean’s writing and BDSM. I’m not so big a fan of pain, but I’m not going to kink shame. This book did a great job of explaining it. The storyline was awesome, I cried a couple of times. I loved seeing old friends from previous books. Very nice work and read.
August 10, 2023
This was okay. I have read other books written by Courtney Dean and although I am not interested in the BDSM lifestyle, the other topics of mafia and criminal elements are more interesting to me. I am glad that Tara and Valentino got their HEA and Valentino established a relationship with their daughter and 18 years apart is quite a stretch in a relationship! Whew!
July 10, 2023
Boring…
Lots of narration but not a lot of dialogue. Also the 18 year time gap was a stretch. Tara and Laila were extremely close but Tara never said anything to her about her secret?!?! Nope. Not buying it.
I like this writer…but not this book.
Lots of narration but not a lot of dialogue. Also the 18 year time gap was a stretch. Tara and Laila were extremely close but Tara never said anything to her about her secret?!?! Nope. Not buying it.
I like this writer…but not this book.
March 14, 2024
Entertaining read!
I expected more action to occur in this story. However, I had to remind myself that this is primarily about BDSM although he was a mafia don. It was not what I was hoping for, but it was entertaining.
I expected more action to occur in this story. However, I had to remind myself that this is primarily about BDSM although he was a mafia don. It was not what I was hoping for, but it was entertaining.
November 14, 2024
Inevitable!
Inevitable was the word Valentino used to describe the love he and Tara shared. They were still inevitable 18 years later.
I’ve read several books in the Club Desire series and this one was the hottest. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 and pushed the boundaries.
Inevitable was the word Valentino used to describe the love he and Tara shared. They were still inevitable 18 years later.
I’ve read several books in the Club Desire series and this one was the hottest. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 and pushed the boundaries.
July 9, 2023
Loved it!
I loovvvved this book! It had all the feels for a quick read. I love some court ey Dean! Can't wait for the next book
I loovvvved this book! It had all the feels for a quick read. I love some court ey Dean! Can't wait for the next book
July 14, 2023
ok
It was short read kind of predictable, but because I like the author.this story was very dark and bsdm in here too.
It was short read kind of predictable, but because I like the author.this story was very dark and bsdm in here too.
July 25, 2023
Second chances
This book was so good. Im so glad in the end Nia's sister got her well deserved happy ending. I cant wait to read more from this author.
This book was so good. Im so glad in the end Nia's sister got her well deserved happy ending. I cant wait to read more from this author.
August 7, 2023
King and Queen
It my first book I read from this author I
enjoy now I find other book there got be lot thing be answered for them .so much left unanswered
It my first book I read from this author I
enjoy now I find other book there got be lot thing be answered for them .so much left unanswered
December 28, 2023
This was fire, loved the story line
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews