What do you think?
Rate this book
Bound Together #1
Bound Together
Layla Jennings is a fiery, independent and level headed nineteen year old. Always playing by the rules and doing what’s right, she has been the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s treasure. But moving to college in Long Beach is about to turn Layla’s world upside down. With the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver living across the hall, Layla finds herself thrown into a world of music, money, torn friendships and blood simmering sexual tension.
But on taking a job in a local coffee shop she meets the deliciously handsome Jared Garrett. Convincing herself that he is a waste of oxygen she tries to put the young successful business man out of her mind. But when he continues to show up she finds herself constantly thinking of him. Dazzled by his boyish good looks and discovering a whole new world of carnal and erotic pleasures, Layla finds herself falling head over heels in love but with Jared hiding a vital secret can she ever truly trust him?
But on taking a job in a local coffee shop she meets the deliciously handsome Jared Garrett. Convincing herself that he is a waste of oxygen she tries to put the young successful business man out of her mind. But when he continues to show up she finds herself constantly thinking of him. Dazzled by his boyish good looks and discovering a whole new world of carnal and erotic pleasures, Layla finds herself falling head over heels in love but with Jared hiding a vital secret can she ever truly trust him?
614 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2012
98 people are currently reading
7039 people want to read
About the author
Marie Coulson
9 books809 followersI’m Marie Coulson, writer and creator of the Bound Together series.
Born and bred in England, I discovered my love for writing when I was a mere child. Beginning with poetry and short stories, I soon discovered my flare and passion for the written word.
After pursuing a career in childcare, education and the care of the elderly, I left my job in the summer of 2012. It was at this point I finally sat down to write a novel that had been plotted for nearly three years. Only three months later…Bound Together was born.
Born and bred in England, I discovered my love for writing when I was a mere child. Beginning with poetry and short stories, I soon discovered my flare and passion for the written word.
After pursuing a career in childcare, education and the care of the elderly, I left my job in the summer of 2012. It was at this point I finally sat down to write a novel that had been plotted for nearly three years. Only three months later…Bound Together was born.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews
February 2, 2013
Oh, awesome - a story about a college girl who is swept off her feet by a young zillionaire Dom with a bangin' body and a tragic backstory. She's SO sweet and SO beautiful and SO sexy, and she's also SO good at "standing up for herself" with irrational, dramatic reactions every time an issue arises. And what? The guy also forces gifts on her, acts like a total control freak, lies by omission and has deep, dark secrets?
How refreshing!
Total "Fifty Shades" knockoff, with worse grammar and punctuation. The "love triangle" was completely superfluous... there was never a question about how that was going to shake out. All it did was reinforce how freakin' selfish, whiny and immature our "heroine" truly was. The book could have been cut in half and tightened up into an edgy, sexy (if not unique) read. Instead it's a bloated, poorly edited rewrite of a story I've already read a dozen times.
P.S. Four words I never want to read again: "milky white love potion." Vomit.
How refreshing!
Total "Fifty Shades" knockoff, with worse grammar and punctuation. The "love triangle" was completely superfluous... there was never a question about how that was going to shake out. All it did was reinforce how freakin' selfish, whiny and immature our "heroine" truly was. The book could have been cut in half and tightened up into an edgy, sexy (if not unique) read. Instead it's a bloated, poorly edited rewrite of a story I've already read a dozen times.
P.S. Four words I never want to read again: "milky white love potion." Vomit.
December 10, 2012
Hi guys!
This is my facebook page. Come like for teasers, give away's and updates.
Author Page:
http://www.facebook.com/authormarieco...
P.S Two things to note.
1.The rumor that you don't find out the ending?? You do. Look for the clues. It's not a cliffhanger as such. You will know who she chose...and depending who's team you are on, you will be happy or not so happy.
2. I'm getting lots of feedback from people saying that they don't like Layla at all. Fear not readers! I trust you will understan her a lot more by the end of book 2. Maybe even like her a little ;) It is by design.....see you in Torn Apart!
Look out for Ollie's Novella in December. Last Christmas.
This is my facebook page. Come like for teasers, give away's and updates.
Author Page:
http://www.facebook.com/authormarieco...
P.S Two things to note.
1.The rumor that you don't find out the ending?? You do. Look for the clues. It's not a cliffhanger as such. You will know who she chose...and depending who's team you are on, you will be happy or not so happy.
2. I'm getting lots of feedback from people saying that they don't like Layla at all. Fear not readers! I trust you will understan her a lot more by the end of book 2. Maybe even like her a little ;) It is by design.....see you in Torn Apart!
Look out for Ollie's Novella in December. Last Christmas.
July 7, 2020
Falling in love is like leaping from a cliff. Your brain screams that it’s not a good idea and that hurt and pain will inevitably come to you. But your heart believes you can soar, glide and fly. And thats exactly how I felt about...
Before I get into my feelings on the book, here is the gr summary... I know mine would be much too long.
Layla Jennings is a fiery, independent and level headed nineteen year old. Always playing by the rules and doing what’s right, she has been the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s treasure. But moving to college in Long Beach is about to turn Layla’s world upside down. With the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver living across the hall, Layla finds herself thrown into a world of music, money, torn friendships and blood simmering sexual tension.
But on taking a job in a local coffee shop she meets the deliciously handsome Jared Garrett. Convincing herself that he is a waste of oxygen she tries to put the young successful business man out of her mind. But when he continues to show up she finds herself constantly thinking of him. Dazzled by his boyish good looks and discovering a whole new world of carnal and erotic pleasures, Layla finds herself falling head over heels in love but with Jared hiding a vital secret can she ever truly trust him?
Okay, the first thing I want to say is wth? How could this author make it so difficult to decide between Ollie and Jared? Not just for Layla, but the reader as well. I finished the book last night, and I’m still not sure if I’m excited or upset about the ending. I still can’t pick a team... that has never happened to me before! I was team Ollie, then Jared, then Ollie again, then Jared again, then completely undecided! Oh boy. I cried at the end... I think that would have happened no matter how it ended because one of my boys was left with a destroyed heart.
Ollie is a sweetheart, a great best friend, and his song made me swoon. My heart broke for him a lot of this book. And he was a hottie... tattoo, piercings, rockstar... yum! Then there is Jared. Jared is intense. He is also romantic, overprotective, secretive and generous. And sexy of course! I liked Layla’s character most of the book... she annoyed me at times but I did like her. Her best friends Amy and Mel were a hoot!
I am really excited to read book 2 this spring. Even though Layla made her choice, it will be nice to see what happens with the happy couple, and see how the other one is coping. I just hope she stays with who she chooses, I don’t think my poor heart could handle the back and forth again!
“No matter where I am, however far apart, I carry you with me. You are never too far from my heart. We’re bound together.”
Before I get into my feelings on the book, here is the gr summary... I know mine would be much too long.
Layla Jennings is a fiery, independent and level headed nineteen year old. Always playing by the rules and doing what’s right, she has been the apple of her father’s eye and her mother’s treasure. But moving to college in Long Beach is about to turn Layla’s world upside down. With the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver living across the hall, Layla finds herself thrown into a world of music, money, torn friendships and blood simmering sexual tension.
But on taking a job in a local coffee shop she meets the deliciously handsome Jared Garrett. Convincing herself that he is a waste of oxygen she tries to put the young successful business man out of her mind. But when he continues to show up she finds herself constantly thinking of him. Dazzled by his boyish good looks and discovering a whole new world of carnal and erotic pleasures, Layla finds herself falling head over heels in love but with Jared hiding a vital secret can she ever truly trust him?
Okay, the first thing I want to say is wth? How could this author make it so difficult to decide between Ollie and Jared? Not just for Layla, but the reader as well. I finished the book last night, and I’m still not sure if I’m excited or upset about the ending. I still can’t pick a team... that has never happened to me before! I was team Ollie, then Jared, then Ollie again, then Jared again, then completely undecided! Oh boy. I cried at the end... I think that would have happened no matter how it ended because one of my boys was left with a destroyed heart.
Ollie is a sweetheart, a great best friend, and his song made me swoon. My heart broke for him a lot of this book. And he was a hottie... tattoo, piercings, rockstar... yum! Then there is Jared. Jared is intense. He is also romantic, overprotective, secretive and generous. And sexy of course! I liked Layla’s character most of the book... she annoyed me at times but I did like her. Her best friends Amy and Mel were a hoot!
I am really excited to read book 2 this spring. Even though Layla made her choice, it will be nice to see what happens with the happy couple, and see how the other one is coping. I just hope she stays with who she chooses, I don’t think my poor heart could handle the back and forth again!
“No matter where I am, however far apart, I carry you with me. You are never too far from my heart. We’re bound together.”
December 3, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this debut novel....3.5 stars...
I liked Marie Coulson's writing style and found it engaging and easy to read.
I both loved and hated the characters alternately in the book. I liked them all in the beginning. There were sparks, confrontation, flirting and it was fun. Especially between Jared and Layla. It was easy to like both Jared and Ollie at first and see their potential as love interests for Layla.
Layla: A girl trying to make her way newly living away from family in a dorm. Pretty, sweet, hard working, and popular. Also stubborn, immature, unforgiving, and insensitive. She drove me absolutely nuts at times. I hated how she strung the guys along and was so indecisive. She preached about lying while she did it herself. She acted like a child and threw temper tantrums. She would whip the guys into a frenzy and then act like the martyr.
Jared: He had some really good traits: Hot, charismatic, rich, sarcastic, funny, loving, thoughtful, romantic, and generous. But he was also possessive, domineering, overprotective, Jealous, secretive, and overly gushy and lovey. I swear no man would declare his undying love in romantic poem like paragraphs over and over like this man does. It was sweet the first few times, but about the 20th time it lost it's appeal and he just appeared kind of sad. I felt bad for him though because he could never seem to make her happy no matter how hard he tried.
"You're my new addiction, my obsession and I'm hooked on you."
"A gorgeous turquoise eyed blonde came crashing into my life and knocked me off my feet. She's fiery, strong and infuriatingly stubborn. I was hooked. She stained my shirt and stole my heart right in that shop and I haven't been able to get her out of my mind since. She's amazing and I've fallen head over heels in love with her. She's my happily every after."
"I love you. I've never met anyone that affects me the way you do. I feel like I could conguer the world, bench press a bus, and run a marathon when I'm with you. You make me feel alive and so happy I can't even think straight."
"I can't help feeling possessive over you Layla. You're the most valuable thing in my life and I won't share you with anyone, ever."
Ollie: Rock Star. Looks like a bad boy but has a sweet heart and lots of love to give. He could not stop his feelings no matter how he tried or how hurt he was. I could not help but like him and want him to to be happy. They had chemistry but more of a smolder rather than the fire.
Jared: "I'm serious Layla. I will not have that fucking little monkey trying to climb by tree! You're mine and he needs to get used to it."
I liked the character development in that you really see what the characters all feel and you surely know what they are thinking. I think she did a good job developing the love triangle with Jared, Ollie and Layla. Lots of tension, jealousy, hurt, confusion, longing, and despair. Her friend Mel and room mate Amy were also fun and supportive to the story. His band mates evened things out.
In the beginning, I really liked both guys and switched teams once or twice. But the whole 2nd part of the book, I was Team Jared. And I felt like it started really dragging.
My emotions were all over the place and were changing so rapidly it gave me whiplash.
"Falling in love is easy, letting that love go, is hard. But your heart will always have the right answer. You just have to listen to it and figure out what it's telling you."
My biggest problem with this book was that it WAY too long. I think half the length would have completely been enough to cover this story. Especially since we have to wait to book 2 to even really get to the rest of the story. I stayed up til 2 am trying to finish this book just so I would not have to spend a 3rd night working on reading it and to try to get to the resolution. And we got a little one, but the story is far from finished. There were so many sex scenes and so many fighting scenes that they just started to run together. And the back and forth just got to be too much.
So looking back at the book, the characters got to me and I liked the story. I liked her writing style. I think she delivered the depth of feeling of the characters. But sometimes less is more.
I will probably read book 2 to see how the story progresses with the man she chose. I just hope it is shorter so you can really enjoy all the good parts.
http://tammyandkimreviews.blogspot.co...
I liked Marie Coulson's writing style and found it engaging and easy to read.
I both loved and hated the characters alternately in the book. I liked them all in the beginning. There were sparks, confrontation, flirting and it was fun. Especially between Jared and Layla. It was easy to like both Jared and Ollie at first and see their potential as love interests for Layla.
Layla: A girl trying to make her way newly living away from family in a dorm. Pretty, sweet, hard working, and popular. Also stubborn, immature, unforgiving, and insensitive. She drove me absolutely nuts at times. I hated how she strung the guys along and was so indecisive. She preached about lying while she did it herself. She acted like a child and threw temper tantrums. She would whip the guys into a frenzy and then act like the martyr.
Jared: He had some really good traits: Hot, charismatic, rich, sarcastic, funny, loving, thoughtful, romantic, and generous. But he was also possessive, domineering, overprotective, Jealous, secretive, and overly gushy and lovey. I swear no man would declare his undying love in romantic poem like paragraphs over and over like this man does. It was sweet the first few times, but about the 20th time it lost it's appeal and he just appeared kind of sad. I felt bad for him though because he could never seem to make her happy no matter how hard he tried.
"You're my new addiction, my obsession and I'm hooked on you."
"A gorgeous turquoise eyed blonde came crashing into my life and knocked me off my feet. She's fiery, strong and infuriatingly stubborn. I was hooked. She stained my shirt and stole my heart right in that shop and I haven't been able to get her out of my mind since. She's amazing and I've fallen head over heels in love with her. She's my happily every after."
"I love you. I've never met anyone that affects me the way you do. I feel like I could conguer the world, bench press a bus, and run a marathon when I'm with you. You make me feel alive and so happy I can't even think straight."
"I can't help feeling possessive over you Layla. You're the most valuable thing in my life and I won't share you with anyone, ever."
Ollie: Rock Star. Looks like a bad boy but has a sweet heart and lots of love to give. He could not stop his feelings no matter how he tried or how hurt he was. I could not help but like him and want him to to be happy. They had chemistry but more of a smolder rather than the fire.
Jared: "I'm serious Layla. I will not have that fucking little monkey trying to climb by tree! You're mine and he needs to get used to it."
I liked the character development in that you really see what the characters all feel and you surely know what they are thinking. I think she did a good job developing the love triangle with Jared, Ollie and Layla. Lots of tension, jealousy, hurt, confusion, longing, and despair. Her friend Mel and room mate Amy were also fun and supportive to the story. His band mates evened things out.
In the beginning, I really liked both guys and switched teams once or twice. But the whole 2nd part of the book, I was Team Jared. And I felt like it started really dragging.
My emotions were all over the place and were changing so rapidly it gave me whiplash.
"Falling in love is easy, letting that love go, is hard. But your heart will always have the right answer. You just have to listen to it and figure out what it's telling you."
My biggest problem with this book was that it WAY too long. I think half the length would have completely been enough to cover this story. Especially since we have to wait to book 2 to even really get to the rest of the story. I stayed up til 2 am trying to finish this book just so I would not have to spend a 3rd night working on reading it and to try to get to the resolution. And we got a little one, but the story is far from finished. There were so many sex scenes and so many fighting scenes that they just started to run together. And the back and forth just got to be too much.
So looking back at the book, the characters got to me and I liked the story. I liked her writing style. I think she delivered the depth of feeling of the characters. But sometimes less is more.
I will probably read book 2 to see how the story progresses with the man she chose. I just hope it is shorter so you can really enjoy all the good parts.
http://tammyandkimreviews.blogspot.co...
December 12, 2012
*I received an ARC for an honest and open review*
Long before reading this book, I noticed an intriguing, hot cover come through on a media feed. I immediately was on a hunt for this book and anything tied to it. Sadly, it was somewhat of an enigma for a bit. Daily, i searched for the author behind this fab cover. I just knew that I had to read this story-- HAD TO READ IT!!! So when Marie Coulson gave me the opportunity to read Bound Together.... Let's just say I was more than excited. I will say I had absolutely no idea what the story was about. i went in completely blind and unaware. I will not go into the story at all as I had so much fun not knowing when I started to read that I think, other than the synopsis given, you should begin this story just as naive. ;) Marie Coulson propelled me into the worlds of Jared Garrett and Ollie Green. Two completely opposite in every way kind of guys yet so amazingly the same. Let's see whose team you decide to jump on.
I have heard some say this book seemed a little longer than others. However, this did not dilute the story nor did it lag or make you want to put the book down. The fluidity of the story was smooth and the transitions and shifts in the sub stories were very well done. The secondary characters were hilarious and supported the main characters wonderfully. I felt myself being drawn into their stories just as much as the main characters. The character of Layla was refreshingly portrayed. She was real and she was identifiable in every way. By this, I mean she was immature, naive and at times I wanted to smack her upside the head. I suppose when I was 19/20 yrs old, I was somewhat like this and played games with the ones you were supposed to like and love. There will be many who will not be able to relate to her or will find a complete disconnect from her and not relate in any way, shape or form. I however, could picture myself in my college days, hanging out with my friends and enjoying life. As for Jared and Ollie's characters, i won't give too much away... there were things you wanted to absolutely love and there were things you wanted to give them a smack upside the head -- so in other words just like the guys we love in our real worlds. I will say there were times that Jared's character did not fit what I pictured to be a 22 yr old guy. I'm hoping things will be clearer with the second book.
I know whose team I'm on... Who will you choose?
Bound Together is LUSTFUL! SWEET! LOVING! FUN! and MADDENING! -- Marie Coulson just gained herself a spot in the romance/contemporary romance world. Bound Together is her debut novel. Can't wait for book two! Bound Together is bubblegum for the mind and is not out to end world hunger or bring peace to the world. It is simply for fun and escape. There were things that may have been over the top and quite possibly laughable but the book is a work of fiction and a break away from the daily grind that is life.
Long before reading this book, I noticed an intriguing, hot cover come through on a media feed. I immediately was on a hunt for this book and anything tied to it. Sadly, it was somewhat of an enigma for a bit. Daily, i searched for the author behind this fab cover. I just knew that I had to read this story-- HAD TO READ IT!!! So when Marie Coulson gave me the opportunity to read Bound Together.... Let's just say I was more than excited. I will say I had absolutely no idea what the story was about. i went in completely blind and unaware. I will not go into the story at all as I had so much fun not knowing when I started to read that I think, other than the synopsis given, you should begin this story just as naive. ;) Marie Coulson propelled me into the worlds of Jared Garrett and Ollie Green. Two completely opposite in every way kind of guys yet so amazingly the same. Let's see whose team you decide to jump on.
I have heard some say this book seemed a little longer than others. However, this did not dilute the story nor did it lag or make you want to put the book down. The fluidity of the story was smooth and the transitions and shifts in the sub stories were very well done. The secondary characters were hilarious and supported the main characters wonderfully. I felt myself being drawn into their stories just as much as the main characters. The character of Layla was refreshingly portrayed. She was real and she was identifiable in every way. By this, I mean she was immature, naive and at times I wanted to smack her upside the head. I suppose when I was 19/20 yrs old, I was somewhat like this and played games with the ones you were supposed to like and love. There will be many who will not be able to relate to her or will find a complete disconnect from her and not relate in any way, shape or form. I however, could picture myself in my college days, hanging out with my friends and enjoying life. As for Jared and Ollie's characters, i won't give too much away... there were things you wanted to absolutely love and there were things you wanted to give them a smack upside the head -- so in other words just like the guys we love in our real worlds. I will say there were times that Jared's character did not fit what I pictured to be a 22 yr old guy. I'm hoping things will be clearer with the second book.
I know whose team I'm on... Who will you choose?
Bound Together is LUSTFUL! SWEET! LOVING! FUN! and MADDENING! -- Marie Coulson just gained herself a spot in the romance/contemporary romance world. Bound Together is her debut novel. Can't wait for book two! Bound Together is bubblegum for the mind and is not out to end world hunger or bring peace to the world. It is simply for fun and escape. There were things that may have been over the top and quite possibly laughable but the book is a work of fiction and a break away from the daily grind that is life.
February 23, 2013
WHAT.THE.MOTHER??!! Marie you're killing me....
December 5, 2012
Ok so I just finished this book and I feel the need to write a quick review of it while its fresh with feeling before I go to bed. MOTHER FUCKING CRAPPING PIECE OF SHIT ALL TO HELL! Whew! I feel better. haha No seriously. I don't even know what to say. I had a TON of ups and downs with this book. And I had a ton of wishy washy feelings about ALL the characters in the book through the whole darn thing. I've NEVER felt that way in a book before. N-E-V-E-R.
I swear to god I thought I was team Jared, then I swapped to Oliver, then Jared, then Ollie...my poor brain was as frazzled as Layla's was by the last chapter. I have to say it was quite clever that the author used the tactic that she did to "get" Layla to realize who she wanted the most and make a choice. But I'm frustrated and pissed off that the book ended the way it did. Her man wasn't even waiting for her to run too when she got to her final destination. Seriously? lol And then another part of me was so upset with her choice that I kept thinking, well crap! I don't want HIM to be broken hearted. WTH! Started tapping my kindle yelling at it wondering where in the hell my Prologue was. lol But fortunately I saw there is another book. Jesus holy Mary I seriously was about to blow a gasket if there wasn't antoher one to calm my beating and abused heart. I guess I"m just still not satisfied with her decision and I need to find out what happens with her and who she chose, and I need to know how the other one is coping, since well, I seem to be a masachist or something. Either way, I rate this one a 4.5. Good job!
I swear to god I thought I was team Jared, then I swapped to Oliver, then Jared, then Ollie...my poor brain was as frazzled as Layla's was by the last chapter. I have to say it was quite clever that the author used the tactic that she did to "get" Layla to realize who she wanted the most and make a choice. But I'm frustrated and pissed off that the book ended the way it did. Her man wasn't even waiting for her to run too when she got to her final destination. Seriously? lol And then another part of me was so upset with her choice that I kept thinking, well crap! I don't want HIM to be broken hearted. WTH! Started tapping my kindle yelling at it wondering where in the hell my Prologue was. lol But fortunately I saw there is another book. Jesus holy Mary I seriously was about to blow a gasket if there wasn't antoher one to calm my beating and abused heart. I guess I"m just still not satisfied with her decision and I need to find out what happens with her and who she chose, and I need to know how the other one is coping, since well, I seem to be a masachist or something. Either way, I rate this one a 4.5. Good job!
December 4, 2012
Nope, not for me.
I've read 25% and have yet to connect to any of the characters. I don't get Layla at all, and her relationship with Jared feels forced and rushed. It's like a "Fifty shades"-lite, but a bad one.
You can't write a book with lots of detailed sex scenes, and then just throw in a lame story around it to make it into a book. It just doesn't work that way for me.
Layla is totally empty for me, and I feel myself strangely uninterested in what goes around in her life and the choices she makes.
Jared seems to have some huge issues, but I couldn't care less to find out what they are.
Ollie is the only good part in this book, but it's just not enough.
Sorry, I don't even want to finish reading this one, so I won't. I'm usually not this harsh when I write reviews, but I had high hopes for this one, and was deeply disappointed.
Nine bucks down the drain, and two hours of my life that I'll never get back. Total waste of time.
I've read 25% and have yet to connect to any of the characters. I don't get Layla at all, and her relationship with Jared feels forced and rushed. It's like a "Fifty shades"-lite, but a bad one.
You can't write a book with lots of detailed sex scenes, and then just throw in a lame story around it to make it into a book. It just doesn't work that way for me.
Layla is totally empty for me, and I feel myself strangely uninterested in what goes around in her life and the choices she makes.
Jared seems to have some huge issues, but I couldn't care less to find out what they are.
Ollie is the only good part in this book, but it's just not enough.
Sorry, I don't even want to finish reading this one, so I won't. I'm usually not this harsh when I write reviews, but I had high hopes for this one, and was deeply disappointed.
Nine bucks down the drain, and two hours of my life that I'll never get back. Total waste of time.
Want to read
December 9, 2012Gahhhh! Why do I do this to myself? I'm all primed and ready to read this and find out it ends in a cliffy. Do I really want to read a 500+ page book and NOT KNOW THE ENDING!!?? Yea, NO. Gonna hold off til book two comes out. Ugh!
December 12, 2012
Let me start of by saying I love a good love triangle.....it's my favorite kind of book! That being said, I have never been so torn between to male characters in my life! Team Jared or Team Ollie.....ughhh I'm still undecided though I'm leaning toward Jared! I give this one 4 stars.
Bound Together is the story of Layla Jennings, when moving to college in Long Beach Layla's world get's rocked when she meets the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver and then the handsome, rich, controlling, oh-so-yummy Jared. Throughout the story Layla falls in love with both guys and is forced to make a choice. I experienced so much frustration with Layla. I don't want to give away any of the story but know that my emotions were thrown all over the place and I could not put the book down so be prepared for the ride!
I think that Bound Together is a great debut novel, there is a very promising story line here. Of course there were little things that irritated me like Layla's repetitive running all the time and the length of the book but I don't feel like the issues were big enough to take away from the story. I've seen mixed reviews on this book....I read for fun and to entertain myself, and Bound Together def entertained me! If your looking for a sexy love triangle with lot's of angst Bound Together is for you!
Bound Together is the story of Layla Jennings, when moving to college in Long Beach Layla's world get's rocked when she meets the gorgeous, pierced, guitar playing, wannabe rock star Oliver and then the handsome, rich, controlling, oh-so-yummy Jared. Throughout the story Layla falls in love with both guys and is forced to make a choice. I experienced so much frustration with Layla. I don't want to give away any of the story but know that my emotions were thrown all over the place and I could not put the book down so be prepared for the ride!
I think that Bound Together is a great debut novel, there is a very promising story line here. Of course there were little things that irritated me like Layla's repetitive running all the time and the length of the book but I don't feel like the issues were big enough to take away from the story. I've seen mixed reviews on this book....I read for fun and to entertain myself, and Bound Together def entertained me! If your looking for a sexy love triangle with lot's of angst Bound Together is for you!
December 1, 2012
I wish I had good things to say about this book. Unfortunately, that's not the case. I flounced this after just a few chapters, though I give myself credit for making it as far as I did. It reads like a poorly written fan fiction. Apparently, this book had an editor. I couldn’t tell. I am no grammar expert, but even I know proper nouns should be capitalized, though that's only one of its problems. Maybe I would’ve enjoyed the book had it been properly edited, though considering it’s over 600 pages, that’s doubtful. What little I managed to read was nothing but drivel. Personally, I found it to be a very boring read. The book failed to engage my interest, and I wasn't invested in any of the characters. In fact, I couldn't have cared less about them.
December 19, 2012
Wowooooooga!!! TEAM OLLIE!!! Love this triangle of love and trust and musical hotness!! Can't wait for Ollie's novella :)
November 27, 2012
Firstly, I would like to start off by congratulating Marie Coulson on her AMAZING Debut novel, Bound Together. I have completely loved this read and getting to know the brilliant characters, I can’t wait for the next novel in this series ☺ My partner in Flirty and Dirty crime, D, had been all over this novel as soon as she saw the cover so I can now blame her for my newest book hangover!
Right from the very beginning Bound Together had my complete and undivided attention. I have to admit, I was a little nervous when I realized that this was a rather large novel but let me assure you that once you finish, you will be left wanting more! I couldn’t put Bound Together down!
I can honestly say that I have absolutely enjoyed all of the characters that Marie Coulson has created; you can tell that a lot of time was spent on character development. I love the main character of Layla; she has reminded me of what it was like to be young and starting out in life. Layla is fun yet responsible, she’s also completely devoted to her family and friends. Then we have Ollie Green and Jared Garrett ~swoons~! I will start by telling you all mitts off, D and I have first dibs on these guys ☺ LOL! More BRILLIANT characters!!! Ollie is a fun loving, kind-hearted marshmallow, any and every girl would swoon over a sweetheart like Ollie <3 Jared, what can I say about my newest Book Boyfriend Obsession… Jared is intense and passionate. When Jared sees something he wants, he will do anything and everything in his power to make it happen.
Bound Together has become my newest book obsession. The story is fun, yet intense, and HOT! For those of you looking for a fabulous read Bound Together by Marie Coulson is your next read!!! ~ N 5/5
Right from the very beginning Bound Together had my complete and undivided attention. I have to admit, I was a little nervous when I realized that this was a rather large novel but let me assure you that once you finish, you will be left wanting more! I couldn’t put Bound Together down!
I can honestly say that I have absolutely enjoyed all of the characters that Marie Coulson has created; you can tell that a lot of time was spent on character development. I love the main character of Layla; she has reminded me of what it was like to be young and starting out in life. Layla is fun yet responsible, she’s also completely devoted to her family and friends. Then we have Ollie Green and Jared Garrett ~swoons~! I will start by telling you all mitts off, D and I have first dibs on these guys ☺ LOL! More BRILLIANT characters!!! Ollie is a fun loving, kind-hearted marshmallow, any and every girl would swoon over a sweetheart like Ollie <3 Jared, what can I say about my newest Book Boyfriend Obsession… Jared is intense and passionate. When Jared sees something he wants, he will do anything and everything in his power to make it happen.
Bound Together has become my newest book obsession. The story is fun, yet intense, and HOT! For those of you looking for a fabulous read Bound Together by Marie Coulson is your next read!!! ~ N 5/5
December 7, 2012
WOW!!! Just finished Bound Together & my stomach is in knots!!! What an emotional roller coaster ride...& I loved every minute of it!! Bound Together is a love triangle where Layla Jennings has to chose between "smoldering sex God", Jared & the "rock star", Ollie! I'm on Jared's team 100 percent but my heart did ache for Ollie...heck, it ached for Jared too!! There were parts where I laughed out loud & parts where I cried like a baby!! Marie Coulson did an AMAZING job drawing you in...I could NOT put the book down! I literally felt love sick all day today & have encouraged my co-workers & friends to read this book so they can experience my pain :p! Seriously, Bound Together is an AMAZING read...Emotional but AMAZING ;))
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND...It's right up there with Kellan Kyle for me & anyone who knows me...knows exactly what that means!!!
6 STARS ;)))
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND...It's right up there with Kellan Kyle for me & anyone who knows me...knows exactly what that means!!!
6 STARS ;)))
dnf-p50-rule
March 20, 2013No. No, no, no, no and no. Absolutely not. If you're considering reading this, don't do it. Save yourself. I didn't pay attention to the signs and I blithely waded into this mire of crap. Can I please have some bleach for my brain?
December 17, 2012
Okay so I bought this cause there is a hot guitar player, Ollie, in the book. I mean I'm all for a guy with a lip ring and tattoo. That's just my thing. Yep, Ollie has a band DOA that he plays with on open mic night and he also is a college student who lives across the floor from Layla.
The book is told from Layla's POV. Layla is freshman at Cal State having moved to Long Beach from Pasadena where she resided with her father. Her parents were divorced and her mother lived in San Francisco. It was obvious Layla had trust issues and I have to say there were times when I wanted to do this to her......
Layla literally runs into Jared on her way to work at Lorraine's coffe shop where she started working and was late. The way the two met was amusing and her smart ass take no prisoners attitude was awesome but somewhere along the way I lost her she seemed so wishy washy that I got frustrated with her.
Jared is a millionaire 22 year old sexy playboy. He has a reputation of never dating until he meets Layla. Jared senses she is different from what he was used to and the two of them begin a very serious relationship that is..........
yes the between the sheets with these two was HOT & frequent ;) But you feel somethings coming and when you keep secrets what do you expect. Layla confronts Jared at this hous and what she found had me........
So Layla turns to her friends Mel, Amy and of course Ollie. See there's something more there with Ollie than she is willing to admit but is it enough? I swear there was one part of the story where she agrees to a dinner, personally I think shouldn't have, and I wanted to.............
I did and if she was standing in front of me I would've. There's hint of a love triangle but I didn't feel it was in the sense one might expect. Of course, there was Ollie & Jared and the end leaves you questionning what happened but there's another book so you have to wait to find out....
Overall this book was a 3.5-4 star read to me. Some parts were definitely a 4 star read! I loved Ollie, Mel & Amy and heck I liked Jared but Layla didn't do it for me. If felt like things would be going great and then she would say something sabotage the whole time she was with the person. I think the next book might explain more about Layla which probably help me immensely since some of her actions were the reason I was at 3.5. I wonder if her high school boyfriend Josh and the limited information we have abou their dating and breaking up has anything to do with her hesitancy or perhaps her own parents relationship? Which you get to be a part of in the book!
I'll read the next in the series and as for me I'm Team Ollie! But I like a hot, sexy, singing guitar slinging rocker :)
The book is told from Layla's POV. Layla is freshman at Cal State having moved to Long Beach from Pasadena where she resided with her father. Her parents were divorced and her mother lived in San Francisco. It was obvious Layla had trust issues and I have to say there were times when I wanted to do this to her......
Layla literally runs into Jared on her way to work at Lorraine's coffe shop where she started working and was late. The way the two met was amusing and her smart ass take no prisoners attitude was awesome but somewhere along the way I lost her she seemed so wishy washy that I got frustrated with her.
Jared is a millionaire 22 year old sexy playboy. He has a reputation of never dating until he meets Layla. Jared senses she is different from what he was used to and the two of them begin a very serious relationship that is..........
yes the between the sheets with these two was HOT & frequent ;) But you feel somethings coming and when you keep secrets what do you expect. Layla confronts Jared at this hous and what she found had me........
So Layla turns to her friends Mel, Amy and of course Ollie. See there's something more there with Ollie than she is willing to admit but is it enough? I swear there was one part of the story where she agrees to a dinner, personally I think shouldn't have, and I wanted to.............
I did and if she was standing in front of me I would've. There's hint of a love triangle but I didn't feel it was in the sense one might expect. Of course, there was Ollie & Jared and the end leaves you questionning what happened but there's another book so you have to wait to find out....
Overall this book was a 3.5-4 star read to me. Some parts were definitely a 4 star read! I loved Ollie, Mel & Amy and heck I liked Jared but Layla didn't do it for me. If felt like things would be going great and then she would say something sabotage the whole time she was with the person. I think the next book might explain more about Layla which probably help me immensely since some of her actions were the reason I was at 3.5. I wonder if her high school boyfriend Josh and the limited information we have abou their dating and breaking up has anything to do with her hesitancy or perhaps her own parents relationship? Which you get to be a part of in the book!
I'll read the next in the series and as for me I'm Team Ollie! But I like a hot, sexy, singing guitar slinging rocker :)
May 27, 2013
4 Save the Drama For Your Momma Stars
SO MUCH DRAMA. Oh My Gawd. Somebody slap her. Seriously.
Layla is a college Freshman. FRESHMAN. Like 19 years old. The first day on campus she meets her hunky, music-loving, across the hall neighbor. Ok...its going to be that kind of book. Then she meets the equally hunky young businessman who is a jerk to her. Ohhhh..so it THAT story. NOOO.. It is all those stories.
The young hunky rick jerk falls instantly in love with her and starts to lavish her with expensive gifts. And introduces her to light bondage. And won't let her sleep in his bed. No warning bells there.
Back to hunky neighbor at the dorms. He is so in love with her he writes her emo songs. She walks around campus holding his hand while telling him she is in love with jerk businessman who has now morphed into overprotective jerk business man. With unlimited access to diamonds.
Who will she pick? It doesn't matter 'cause everyone is screwing around behind everyone's back. So much drama. You can't go 2 pages without someone getting screwed up against a wall (actually a point in their favor) and/or walking in on someone else getting screwed up against the wall. There is soooo much "how could he/she/them do that to me?" You know the minute someone goes out of town that someone is cheating.
What kept coming to my mind, besides, OMG Cut. The. Drama., was the fact that she is a freshman. Doesn't she think she is too young for all this "make a life changing decision NOW" stuff. Holy Crap...go do a keg stand like everyone else.
Layla, Layla, Layla....get thee to a nunnery. I loved the guys but I kept thinking...why do they put up with her crap? I recommend twice a week therapy for everyone.
And just to clarify. I am One-Clicking the sequel right now. I never said I didn't need therapy too.
SO MUCH DRAMA. Oh My Gawd. Somebody slap her. Seriously.
Layla is a college Freshman. FRESHMAN. Like 19 years old. The first day on campus she meets her hunky, music-loving, across the hall neighbor. Ok...its going to be that kind of book. Then she meets the equally hunky young businessman who is a jerk to her. Ohhhh..so it THAT story. NOOO.. It is all those stories.
The young hunky rick jerk falls instantly in love with her and starts to lavish her with expensive gifts. And introduces her to light bondage. And won't let her sleep in his bed. No warning bells there.
Back to hunky neighbor at the dorms. He is so in love with her he writes her emo songs. She walks around campus holding his hand while telling him she is in love with jerk businessman who has now morphed into overprotective jerk business man. With unlimited access to diamonds.
Who will she pick? It doesn't matter 'cause everyone is screwing around behind everyone's back. So much drama. You can't go 2 pages without someone getting screwed up against a wall (actually a point in their favor) and/or walking in on someone else getting screwed up against the wall. There is soooo much "how could he/she/them do that to me?" You know the minute someone goes out of town that someone is cheating.
What kept coming to my mind, besides, OMG Cut. The. Drama., was the fact that she is a freshman. Doesn't she think she is too young for all this "make a life changing decision NOW" stuff. Holy Crap...go do a keg stand like everyone else.
Layla, Layla, Layla....get thee to a nunnery. I loved the guys but I kept thinking...why do they put up with her crap? I recommend twice a week therapy for everyone.
And just to clarify. I am One-Clicking the sequel right now. I never said I didn't need therapy too.
February 11, 2013
A MUST READ!!!
I seriously had a major mind fuck with this one that I think I'm going to need intense therapy sessions.
As for the characters, don't even get me started with Layla, oh god! I hate her to the very core of my being. My hatred for her is too damn high. It's not just cause two hot men are bat shit crazy about her. I don't get how someone who is supposedly of little experience with men and a "good girl" could have done the things she did. She had a great introduction but it never once showed on the way she acted all through out the book. Gah!
Jared, I'm still not sure about him. I have a few scenes from the book where I totally awwwwed and oohhhed but Im just not feeling anything deep with him. Yeah he's filthy rich, hot, young, controlling, possessive, the kind I usually fall inlove with as for book bfs go but nothing. No connection. No sparks. And I think their only real connection was great sex. I didn't feel the love at all.
And then there's Ollie.. Sweet, caring, crazy hot, singing, guitar playing, forgiving, smart, understanding... Oh man! I'm head over heels. I cried for Ollie when they first made love and he left. I cried and cried for him everytime Layla chooses Jared. My heart was shattered for the terrified little boy he once has been but still managed to be an amazing guy.My heart broke a little more when she sent that damned text. Who the hell does that to someone you said you loved and cared deeply about?
This was one hell of a ride. You'll fall inlove, get your heart broken too many damn times to last a lifetime, you'll learn to fight for what you love and stand back and learn and try to move on and forgive if in the end it wasn't for you.
I loved this book as much as I hate it and its amazing! It's life. It's not perfect and it'll be alright.
I seriously had a major mind fuck with this one that I think I'm going to need intense therapy sessions.
As for the characters, don't even get me started with Layla, oh god! I hate her to the very core of my being. My hatred for her is too damn high. It's not just cause two hot men are bat shit crazy about her. I don't get how someone who is supposedly of little experience with men and a "good girl" could have done the things she did. She had a great introduction but it never once showed on the way she acted all through out the book. Gah!
Jared, I'm still not sure about him. I have a few scenes from the book where I totally awwwwed and oohhhed but Im just not feeling anything deep with him. Yeah he's filthy rich, hot, young, controlling, possessive, the kind I usually fall inlove with as for book bfs go but nothing. No connection. No sparks. And I think their only real connection was great sex. I didn't feel the love at all.
And then there's Ollie.. Sweet, caring, crazy hot, singing, guitar playing, forgiving, smart, understanding... Oh man! I'm head over heels. I cried for Ollie when they first made love and he left. I cried and cried for him everytime Layla chooses Jared. My heart was shattered for the terrified little boy he once has been but still managed to be an amazing guy.My heart broke a little more when she sent that damned text. Who the hell does that to someone you said you loved and cared deeply about?
This was one hell of a ride. You'll fall inlove, get your heart broken too many damn times to last a lifetime, you'll learn to fight for what you love and stand back and learn and try to move on and forgive if in the end it wasn't for you.
I loved this book as much as I hate it and its amazing! It's life. It's not perfect and it'll be alright.
November 14, 2012
I got to beta read this!
The author was able to make you fall in love/lust (and even hating them at times) with these characters in a very believable way! I remember being a young adult and having all of these emotions running through me and Ms. Coulson got this totally right!
Do you fall for the boy that has the bad boy image or do you actually fall for the bad boy? I got very emotionally invested in these characters and found myself yelling, crying, screaming and having to put my Kindle in time-out for making me so angry!
Add this to your "to-read" shelf! You won't be disappointed!
The author was able to make you fall in love/lust (and even hating them at times) with these characters in a very believable way! I remember being a young adult and having all of these emotions running through me and Ms. Coulson got this totally right!
Do you fall for the boy that has the bad boy image or do you actually fall for the bad boy? I got very emotionally invested in these characters and found myself yelling, crying, screaming and having to put my Kindle in time-out for making me so angry!
Add this to your "to-read" shelf! You won't be disappointed!
Want to read
November 3, 2012 Received ARC to review.
July 19, 2014
The first 50% of this story drove me nuts; near the point of giving up. But the last 50% made up for all of it. This was looking to be a few star rating, but the drama and the last part of the story kicked this into high gear and I ended up loving it...who knew?
Jared: PERFECT
Oliver: Nice, but annoying and so over it.
Layla: Hate, Dislike intensely, loathe, dispise, deteste, etc (you get the point).
[image error]
This book drove me nuts. I pushed through the first part of the story, finding joy only in my moments I could share with my Jared. Layla was childish and unreasonable. I don't think I have ever hated a character more than I hated her. Now Layla finds herself arriving at college, day one she meets the nice guy - rocker who lives across the hall. She is attracted to him, he falls in love with her but...
Layla also meets Jared, the hot - asshole - alpha male that is also uber rich who gets the most drastic reactions out of her; both sexually and emotional.
She feels friendship with Ollie and attraction - but she falls into love with the crazy romance she is going through with Jared. Although Jared has opened up a bit there are some secrets that he is hiding. And as Layla is throwing a tantrum over these; she is keeping her own secrets and little white lies. Now I understand that an intense relationship can be out of control and make you act like an raging idiot. But Layla was completely childish and unreasonable. She acted like a spoiled little brat that fought with everyone.
Jared is caught, but he can't risk explaining why it isn't what it seems - and Layla storms off. Now enter Ollie; who was by all counts a nice guy...but the minute this douche decides to disregard his 'friends' relationship and continues to pursue her - he is no longer the nice guy. But even though Layla still loves Jared she is more than willing to string along one of her best friends with the hope of maybe just maybe falling in love with him.
Well you guessed it - now we have a freaking love triangle and a chick you want to throttle. At no point in this book could I even like her a bit. I was clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth at parts when her and Ollie were happy - I hated her that much. I could not even stand reading that she was experiencing joy. (I know I have a freaking problem).
Then the freaking ending. Shit - I think I even yelled at my husband to stop talking to me so I could finish it. I was hoping she was going to make the right choice. I was holding out hope that maybe she wasn't a complete idiot after all. I can honestly say that I was so wound up after this book and was 100% wrong about my initial dislike for it. I am now anticipating and dreading book 2's release.
Jared: PERFECT
Oliver: Nice, but annoying and so over it.
Layla: Hate, Dislike intensely, loathe, dispise, deteste, etc (you get the point).
[image error]
This book drove me nuts. I pushed through the first part of the story, finding joy only in my moments I could share with my Jared. Layla was childish and unreasonable. I don't think I have ever hated a character more than I hated her. Now Layla finds herself arriving at college, day one she meets the nice guy - rocker who lives across the hall. She is attracted to him, he falls in love with her but...
Layla also meets Jared, the hot - asshole - alpha male that is also uber rich who gets the most drastic reactions out of her; both sexually and emotional.
She feels friendship with Ollie and attraction - but she falls into love with the crazy romance she is going through with Jared. Although Jared has opened up a bit there are some secrets that he is hiding. And as Layla is throwing a tantrum over these; she is keeping her own secrets and little white lies. Now I understand that an intense relationship can be out of control and make you act like an raging idiot. But Layla was completely childish and unreasonable. She acted like a spoiled little brat that fought with everyone.
Jared is caught, but he can't risk explaining why it isn't what it seems - and Layla storms off. Now enter Ollie; who was by all counts a nice guy...but the minute this douche decides to disregard his 'friends' relationship and continues to pursue her - he is no longer the nice guy. But even though Layla still loves Jared she is more than willing to string along one of her best friends with the hope of maybe just maybe falling in love with him.
Well you guessed it - now we have a freaking love triangle and a chick you want to throttle. At no point in this book could I even like her a bit. I was clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth at parts when her and Ollie were happy - I hated her that much. I could not even stand reading that she was experiencing joy. (I know I have a freaking problem).
Then the freaking ending. Shit - I think I even yelled at my husband to stop talking to me so I could finish it. I was hoping she was going to make the right choice. I was holding out hope that maybe she wasn't a complete idiot after all. I can honestly say that I was so wound up after this book and was 100% wrong about my initial dislike for it. I am now anticipating and dreading book 2's release.
January 1, 2013
2.5 Stars
I have mixed feelings about Bound Together. I really wanted to like it, at times I did, but simply put, I can’t stand Layla. I enjoyed some of the sexy/romance scenes, however, it just seemed a little too over the top even for me, the romance junkie.
Layla’s immaturity was a HUGE stumbling block for me. She professed over and over and over (no, really) that she’s a “grown woman.” Really? You could have fooled me, sweetie. All I saw was a whiny, overly sensitive brat. That’s putting it mildly, folks. Her whole, I-don’t-really-know-Jared-and-he’s-not-honest-with-me routine seriously got old quick since it didn’t stop her from continuing to sleep with him. Hello, can you say idiot? I could go on about all her annoying qualities, but I’ll stop there.
The guys need serious psychiatric evaluations since they’re both in love with Layla. WHAT DO THEY SEE IN HER?! Yes, Jared is a sexy beast. He’s a possessive alpha male, and let’s face it, that’s hot in books (not so much in real life). There were moments when I liked him. For the most part, though, his repetitive declarations of undying love had me wanting to stab my eyes out. For me, the only good parts involving Jared were in the bedroom. Well, sometimes other impromptu places also.
Oliver *happy sigh*. I am all for Ollie. That guy has the sweetest heart and sexiest look. Motorcycle… Need I say more? He’s WAY too good for Layla and she doesn’t deserve him at all, in my opinion. I found myself smiling whenever Ollie was around. Love him. Amy and Mel are hilarious and too much fun. They made Layla tolerable when they were all together.
The cliffhanger bugged me because I needed closure since I don’t plan on reading the second book. If Layla gets killed off, however, I would totally read it.
I have mixed feelings about Bound Together. I really wanted to like it, at times I did, but simply put, I can’t stand Layla. I enjoyed some of the sexy/romance scenes, however, it just seemed a little too over the top even for me, the romance junkie.
Layla’s immaturity was a HUGE stumbling block for me. She professed over and over and over (no, really) that she’s a “grown woman.” Really? You could have fooled me, sweetie. All I saw was a whiny, overly sensitive brat. That’s putting it mildly, folks. Her whole, I-don’t-really-know-Jared-and-he’s-not-honest-with-me routine seriously got old quick since it didn’t stop her from continuing to sleep with him. Hello, can you say idiot? I could go on about all her annoying qualities, but I’ll stop there.
The guys need serious psychiatric evaluations since they’re both in love with Layla. WHAT DO THEY SEE IN HER?! Yes, Jared is a sexy beast. He’s a possessive alpha male, and let’s face it, that’s hot in books (not so much in real life). There were moments when I liked him. For the most part, though, his repetitive declarations of undying love had me wanting to stab my eyes out. For me, the only good parts involving Jared were in the bedroom. Well, sometimes other impromptu places also.
Oliver *happy sigh*. I am all for Ollie. That guy has the sweetest heart and sexiest look. Motorcycle… Need I say more? He’s WAY too good for Layla and she doesn’t deserve him at all, in my opinion. I found myself smiling whenever Ollie was around. Love him. Amy and Mel are hilarious and too much fun. They made Layla tolerable when they were all together.
The cliffhanger bugged me because I needed closure since I don’t plan on reading the second book. If Layla gets killed off, however, I would totally read it.
November 30, 2012
Ack where to start?
OK I wanted so much to like Layla but I found her to be dishonest, cruel, very selfish and just a little too self absorbed althoughed at some points she was portrayed as always thinking of others. This seemed too faceted and I got frustrated by this. I'm sorry but I don't find stringing someone along a nice trait at all especially when they think the suns shines out of their arse. Tormented or not it is not a side I like reflected by anybody, that makes people no more than deceitful.
I absolutely loved Ollie but I wanted to kick him so bad sometimes and tell him to get with the program and see the wood for the trees but nope it wasn't going to happen!
I kinda liked Jayden although I found him to be irritatingly overbearing and forceful.
Sometimes though the characters seem to have a battle with themselves as to how they were being presented, it was as though the author hadn't quite decided and that was just confusing.
There is also A LOT of typos and if this book has been edited then I would fire the editor!
All the above said though the book did evoke feelings out of me whether they were good or bad it showed the author has potential but this book could have been a couple of hundred pages shorter and still had the same story but it would have been punchier and less drawn out and maybe more connected? I felt the story lagged quite a few times and some of the text un-necessary.
I really wanted to like this book more, but the main character is not my cup of tea and not a person who I would associate myself with in real life and hence the connection just wasn't there for me in the story.
OK I wanted so much to like Layla but I found her to be dishonest, cruel, very selfish and just a little too self absorbed althoughed at some points she was portrayed as always thinking of others. This seemed too faceted and I got frustrated by this. I'm sorry but I don't find stringing someone along a nice trait at all especially when they think the suns shines out of their arse. Tormented or not it is not a side I like reflected by anybody, that makes people no more than deceitful.
I absolutely loved Ollie but I wanted to kick him so bad sometimes and tell him to get with the program and see the wood for the trees but nope it wasn't going to happen!
I kinda liked Jayden although I found him to be irritatingly overbearing and forceful.
Sometimes though the characters seem to have a battle with themselves as to how they were being presented, it was as though the author hadn't quite decided and that was just confusing.
There is also A LOT of typos and if this book has been edited then I would fire the editor!
All the above said though the book did evoke feelings out of me whether they were good or bad it showed the author has potential but this book could have been a couple of hundred pages shorter and still had the same story but it would have been punchier and less drawn out and maybe more connected? I felt the story lagged quite a few times and some of the text un-necessary.
I really wanted to like this book more, but the main character is not my cup of tea and not a person who I would associate myself with in real life and hence the connection just wasn't there for me in the story.
December 5, 2012
This book gave me a headache. So much drama - dishonesty, sexual romps, sexual tension, physical violence, almost rape, girl fights, bar brawls, personal shoppers, jewelry galore and just when I thought there couldn't be anymore this also became part of the plot
I don't think I've ever read a female lead whom I dislike more than Layla. I couldn't stand her whiny and childish tantrums. And while I was Team Jared, I couldn't stand his "my lady" talk. Sometimes he spoke like he was from another era. He is supposed to be a hot millionaire who is only 22 years old.
I thought the ending was interesting though. There is a cliffhanger in the end but you do see who her choice is. The next book is entitled Torn Apart. I can just imagine the drama that's going to unfold there.
I don't think I've ever read a female lead whom I dislike more than Layla. I couldn't stand her whiny and childish tantrums. And while I was Team Jared, I couldn't stand his "my lady" talk. Sometimes he spoke like he was from another era. He is supposed to be a hot millionaire who is only 22 years old.
I thought the ending was interesting though. There is a cliffhanger in the end but you do see who her choice is. The next book is entitled Torn Apart. I can just imagine the drama that's going to unfold there.
December 4, 2012
I was undeniably in love with the book from the first chapter to the last. This is by far one of my most favorite books of the year and I cannot wait to read the next. I absolutely could not put the book down, the anticipation of what was going to happen in each chapter kept me going. It was so great I finished the book in 2 days. I can honestly say this book has it all; love, lust, comedy, intimacy, drama and action. While reading the book I was either laughing, smiling, or yelling at Layla to get her act together. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone and everyone and it is worth every dollar. You will not be disappointed! Marie Coulson's book Bound Together has completely bound me to all of her future books without a doubt. This is an abso-frickin-lutely must have book.
December 24, 2012
Hmmmm... Not my favorite book by far,the first 3/4 kinda drug along. Normally, I always root for the bad boy, but honestly Jared's behavior set off all my alarms and I found myself rooting for the Rockstar (which I thought his character could have been much more intriguing if she hadn't had made him out to be such a goody goody..I mean really, what rocker just sits back and waits patiently for the girl to land in his lap without putting himself in a few risky situations?!?) It just felt all wrong to me.
December 6, 2012
God Layla is soo fucking annoying! Kiera is no where near as annoying as Layla. Layla is for sure the most aggravating, whiny, self centered poor me ..poor me bitch I have read this year!! Wow I feel better..
I just finished this book and over all I did really like the book and I would definitely read the next One. I think the author should have found a way to break the book into 2. You certainly get your money worth in this read.
I just finished this book and over all I did really like the book and I would definitely read the next One. I think the author should have found a way to break the book into 2. You certainly get your money worth in this read.
January 8, 2013
Must read.
December 23, 2012
2.5 Stars
I really like Marie Coulson’s writing style, it’s easy to read and I thought it was a good first novel from an Author with loads of potential. The premise of the story and the quality of the writing had me hooked from the start and I loved the dilemma of two very different, almost night and day, male leads as the love interests of our heroine.
I have to applaud the Author and her writing on the intensity of my feelings for the characters in this story. I have never liked yet detested characters so much and so on and off throughout a book before. At the beginning, I liked them all and I enjoyed the connections, the flirting, the banter and the yummy scenes. Then the ride went crazy and the angst was turned onto G-Force levels that left me dizzy and unable to keep up.
So in this story we have our heroine, Layla.
Layla is a few months away from her 20th birthday and is leaving the home she shares with her divorced Dad to go to College. Here she meets Amy her roomie and Oliver across the hall. Layla immediately finds a job at a local coffee shop where she meets the elusive slightly older Jared.
So what did I think about Layla? To begin with I really liked her. She was sweet, outgoing and an independent hard-working girl.
As the story continued however, I have to be completely honest here and admit that she started to drive me crazy. As she herself proclaimed, she thought she was a very mature, honest and like-able woman. Yes I got that too in the beginning, however as the story unfolded and she became the object of Jared and Oliver’s desires and love she turned into a stroppy and selfish teenager. Granted, she is 19 when the story begins, yet nearly 20 but she acted very immature for that age. I know it was a long time ago for me, however, I do remember being 19. So here’s where I am thinking it was a personality thing not an age thing. She was unforgiving and insensitive; threw over the top tantrums and was quite the hypocritical and dishonest little madam. How Jared didn't get whiplash I don’t know. Then she’d go do something nice and I’d think oh maybe she is not so bad…yeah no! She just didn't redeem herself to me at all. Even when her friends Mel and Amy had news about themselves or their life, Layla managed to turn it back to herself, her troubles or dilemmas. I feel awful here because I really liked her to begin with and I tried so hard to keep liking her, I wanted to like her, but the final nail in that one was the way she played both Ollie and Jared. It just didn't sit well with me at all. Considering the fact that she herself was the culprit of what she accused them off…yeah no!
Now, I don’t think I have ever read a book before where I switched from one team to the next, so this was a first for me. I must have switched about 3 times through this book as our main guys Jared and Oliver characters developed. I’d think I had them figured out, then they would go and do or say something which made me think hang on…that is not in line with your characterization and I’d turn to the other, I guess I was confused. I think unfortunately this made me dis-connect with them slightly and in the end I actually wouldn't even know what team I was on though I lean towards team Ollie! I’ll get back to you on this one once I read the sequel! I have to say though that overall I thought both Jared and Ollie were delicious and yeah I wouldn't say no to either of them but only once I’d given them a kick up the arse!!
Okay so we have Ollie. I have to say I loved him. He was the bad boy, tattooed and pierced rocker with a huge heart. This huge heart had me really feeling for him in certain scenes and I wanted to give him a bit of a kick up the arse in regards to his leniency of Layla! I thought the Author actually wrote him really well but he deserved so much better! He was a great character.
Now Jared, I loved him from the start. He was a romantic, gorgeous, hot and funny guy. So protective and he loves fiercely. I completely started off on 100% Team Jared, that was until he became a bit too mushy and did something which after the short amount of time and an extremely bumpy ride just didn't make any sense. At times he sounded a bit like a woman…the prose he uses to write Layla was not in keeping with his character in my opinion. However, I really felt for the guy because no matter what he did it just wasn't right.
To sum up, despite my personal feelings about the heroine which was an integral part to how I felt about this story, I have to say that it was very well written. There was just too much angst and so many misunderstandings which in the end I put down to Layla’s immaturity.. Now, the ending, I thought was really well-written, it completely caught my attention – which one would she go to….
I really like Marie Coulson’s writing style, it’s easy to read and I thought it was a good first novel from an Author with loads of potential. The premise of the story and the quality of the writing had me hooked from the start and I loved the dilemma of two very different, almost night and day, male leads as the love interests of our heroine.
I have to applaud the Author and her writing on the intensity of my feelings for the characters in this story. I have never liked yet detested characters so much and so on and off throughout a book before. At the beginning, I liked them all and I enjoyed the connections, the flirting, the banter and the yummy scenes. Then the ride went crazy and the angst was turned onto G-Force levels that left me dizzy and unable to keep up.
So in this story we have our heroine, Layla.
Layla is a few months away from her 20th birthday and is leaving the home she shares with her divorced Dad to go to College. Here she meets Amy her roomie and Oliver across the hall. Layla immediately finds a job at a local coffee shop where she meets the elusive slightly older Jared.
So what did I think about Layla? To begin with I really liked her. She was sweet, outgoing and an independent hard-working girl.
As the story continued however, I have to be completely honest here and admit that she started to drive me crazy. As she herself proclaimed, she thought she was a very mature, honest and like-able woman. Yes I got that too in the beginning, however as the story unfolded and she became the object of Jared and Oliver’s desires and love she turned into a stroppy and selfish teenager. Granted, she is 19 when the story begins, yet nearly 20 but she acted very immature for that age. I know it was a long time ago for me, however, I do remember being 19. So here’s where I am thinking it was a personality thing not an age thing. She was unforgiving and insensitive; threw over the top tantrums and was quite the hypocritical and dishonest little madam. How Jared didn't get whiplash I don’t know. Then she’d go do something nice and I’d think oh maybe she is not so bad…yeah no! She just didn't redeem herself to me at all. Even when her friends Mel and Amy had news about themselves or their life, Layla managed to turn it back to herself, her troubles or dilemmas. I feel awful here because I really liked her to begin with and I tried so hard to keep liking her, I wanted to like her, but the final nail in that one was the way she played both Ollie and Jared. It just didn't sit well with me at all. Considering the fact that she herself was the culprit of what she accused them off…yeah no!
Now, I don’t think I have ever read a book before where I switched from one team to the next, so this was a first for me. I must have switched about 3 times through this book as our main guys Jared and Oliver characters developed. I’d think I had them figured out, then they would go and do or say something which made me think hang on…that is not in line with your characterization and I’d turn to the other, I guess I was confused. I think unfortunately this made me dis-connect with them slightly and in the end I actually wouldn't even know what team I was on though I lean towards team Ollie! I’ll get back to you on this one once I read the sequel! I have to say though that overall I thought both Jared and Ollie were delicious and yeah I wouldn't say no to either of them but only once I’d given them a kick up the arse!!
Okay so we have Ollie. I have to say I loved him. He was the bad boy, tattooed and pierced rocker with a huge heart. This huge heart had me really feeling for him in certain scenes and I wanted to give him a bit of a kick up the arse in regards to his leniency of Layla! I thought the Author actually wrote him really well but he deserved so much better! He was a great character.
Now Jared, I loved him from the start. He was a romantic, gorgeous, hot and funny guy. So protective and he loves fiercely. I completely started off on 100% Team Jared, that was until he became a bit too mushy and did something which after the short amount of time and an extremely bumpy ride just didn't make any sense. At times he sounded a bit like a woman…the prose he uses to write Layla was not in keeping with his character in my opinion. However, I really felt for the guy because no matter what he did it just wasn't right.
To sum up, despite my personal feelings about the heroine which was an integral part to how I felt about this story, I have to say that it was very well written. There was just too much angst and so many misunderstandings which in the end I put down to Layla’s immaturity.. Now, the ending, I thought was really well-written, it completely caught my attention – which one would she go to….
December 1, 2012
*Major spoiler alert!* ~ Sorry, I just can't keep it to myself.
I have been looking forward to this book being released for a while now, so I was so excited when I received an ARC from the author. I don't even know where to begin ~ this book was frustrating, and infuriating, but in the best kind of way!
I love stories with love triangles, and this one was one of the best I have ever read. When reading a book like this, you normally make your own decision over who you want the heroine to be with, and I did that. However, unlike in most stories there was never really one clear choice of who she was going to end up with, and it frustrated me, but it is also the thing that kept me reading.
I really liked Layla at the start of the book, she was strong, independent, and wasn't afraid to say exactly what she though. However, as this book went on and she spent more and more time with Jared, I really didn't like her as much. Constantly crying and whining, I understood that she was in a difficult situation, but the longer it went on the more I wanted her to suck it up and just choose... preferably Ollie.
Ollie was by far my favorite character in this book, he just seemed like such a nice guy ~ funny, sweet, and genuine, he is the kind of person everyone would want to be friends with. All through the book I desperately wanted Layla to choose Ollie, and don't feel he ever got a fair chance. Where Jared would throw money at things in order to show Layla affection, Ollie was much more sweet and simple about how he did things ~ carving their names in a tree, writing songs for her, and setting up a sunrise picnic on Christmas morning. It was all really sweet and personal, and even though Layla didn't (well not enough anyway), I loved him for it!
I think it's pretty clear which guy I was rooting for, and I'm afraid that what I say about Jared is only going to further back that up. I really didn't like him, and at times couldn't figure out if I was supposed to. When they first got together I loved the banter between Jared and Layla, but as they got further in to a relationship, I found him to be way to pushy and demanding ~ not liking that Layla was friends with Ollie (who she was friends with before she met Jared), demanding she don't drive her own car (which her dad got her), and he was far too possessive, even in the beginning (you don't own her). I just didn't really like his character... or attitude.
The one thing I will say for Layla and Jared's relationship ~ it was smokin' hot! The intimate scenes were very descriptive (which I loved), my personal favorite being the Skype sex. Marie Coulson can definitely write a sex scene!
I loved the supporting characters in this book, specifically Amy and Mel ~ they were the kind of friends which everyone wished they had. They were always there for Layla, even when she was was annoyingly emotional, and crying all the time, and they weren't afraid to tell her exactly what they thought, which I especially liked about them. What happens at the end of the book for them is very unexpected, and is a bit different from the norm, which I also really liked.
For me it was really hard to not spoil this book for others by revealing spoilers, for the plain fact that Layla didn't end up with who I wanted her to, and I am gutted because of it (I think it's pretty clear that I'm team Ollie) ~ I just had rant! This book infuriated me with the back and forward as Layla tried to choose who to be with, but honestly it is what kept me reading ~ this book is pretty long, but having that big question in my head of who she is going to end up with, I couldn't stop reading!
The only things that I didn't like about this book was 1) the length ~ although I was hooked wanting to know how it was going to end, and it did create great character development, it was just a bit too long towards the end, 2) the back and forward between Jared and Ollie was frustrating, and I think is what made me dislike the character of Layla so much towards the end ~ JUST PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY! (However, that was just me being impatient).
Overall I really enjoyed this book and think it is a great debut novel. It was hot, infuriating, and honestly, pretty gripping as you root for who you want Layla to end up with. I will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out, in the hopes that Ollie steals Layla away from Jared (fingers crossed), and would highly recommend it!
Check out Behind the Book with Marie Coulson, where the author answered some of my questions about the Bound Together! ~ http://blameitontherain1.blogspot.co....
Check out more of my book reviews on my blog, Blame it on the Rain Reviews ~ http://blameitontherain1.blogspot.co.uk/
I have been looking forward to this book being released for a while now, so I was so excited when I received an ARC from the author. I don't even know where to begin ~ this book was frustrating, and infuriating, but in the best kind of way!
I love stories with love triangles, and this one was one of the best I have ever read. When reading a book like this, you normally make your own decision over who you want the heroine to be with, and I did that. However, unlike in most stories there was never really one clear choice of who she was going to end up with, and it frustrated me, but it is also the thing that kept me reading.
I really liked Layla at the start of the book, she was strong, independent, and wasn't afraid to say exactly what she though. However, as this book went on and she spent more and more time with Jared, I really didn't like her as much. Constantly crying and whining, I understood that she was in a difficult situation, but the longer it went on the more I wanted her to suck it up and just choose... preferably Ollie.
Ollie was by far my favorite character in this book, he just seemed like such a nice guy ~ funny, sweet, and genuine, he is the kind of person everyone would want to be friends with. All through the book I desperately wanted Layla to choose Ollie, and don't feel he ever got a fair chance. Where Jared would throw money at things in order to show Layla affection, Ollie was much more sweet and simple about how he did things ~ carving their names in a tree, writing songs for her, and setting up a sunrise picnic on Christmas morning. It was all really sweet and personal, and even though Layla didn't (well not enough anyway), I loved him for it!
I think it's pretty clear which guy I was rooting for, and I'm afraid that what I say about Jared is only going to further back that up. I really didn't like him, and at times couldn't figure out if I was supposed to. When they first got together I loved the banter between Jared and Layla, but as they got further in to a relationship, I found him to be way to pushy and demanding ~ not liking that Layla was friends with Ollie (who she was friends with before she met Jared), demanding she don't drive her own car (which her dad got her), and he was far too possessive, even in the beginning (you don't own her). I just didn't really like his character... or attitude.
The one thing I will say for Layla and Jared's relationship ~ it was smokin' hot! The intimate scenes were very descriptive (which I loved), my personal favorite being the Skype sex. Marie Coulson can definitely write a sex scene!
I loved the supporting characters in this book, specifically Amy and Mel ~ they were the kind of friends which everyone wished they had. They were always there for Layla, even when she was was annoyingly emotional, and crying all the time, and they weren't afraid to tell her exactly what they thought, which I especially liked about them. What happens at the end of the book for them is very unexpected, and is a bit different from the norm, which I also really liked.
For me it was really hard to not spoil this book for others by revealing spoilers, for the plain fact that Layla didn't end up with who I wanted her to, and I am gutted because of it (I think it's pretty clear that I'm team Ollie) ~ I just had rant! This book infuriated me with the back and forward as Layla tried to choose who to be with, but honestly it is what kept me reading ~ this book is pretty long, but having that big question in my head of who she is going to end up with, I couldn't stop reading!
The only things that I didn't like about this book was 1) the length ~ although I was hooked wanting to know how it was going to end, and it did create great character development, it was just a bit too long towards the end, 2) the back and forward between Jared and Ollie was frustrating, and I think is what made me dislike the character of Layla so much towards the end ~ JUST PUT ME OUT OF MY MISERY! (However, that was just me being impatient).
Overall I really enjoyed this book and think it is a great debut novel. It was hot, infuriating, and honestly, pretty gripping as you root for who you want Layla to end up with. I will definitely be reading the sequel when it comes out, in the hopes that Ollie steals Layla away from Jared (fingers crossed), and would highly recommend it!
Check out Behind the Book with Marie Coulson, where the author answered some of my questions about the Bound Together! ~ http://blameitontherain1.blogspot.co....
Check out more of my book reviews on my blog, Blame it on the Rain Reviews ~ http://blameitontherain1.blogspot.co.uk/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews