What do you think?
Rate this book
Elemental Bonds #1
Accidental Bonds
an alternative cover edition can be found here
It was meant to be temporary. Fate had other ideas.
Victor Mills would do anything to protect his pack, even work with magic he detests. When the wards safeguarding his territory start to deteriorate, he's forced to hire a local mage to fix them. He could tolerate the abrasive stench of sorcery, if only the mage didn't also smell like everything his wolf has ever wanted.
Elijah Lauring has no intention of tying himself to a shifter pack; his neutrality pays the bills. Repairing the Mills pack wards should be a one-off job, but the spell he casts to tap into Victor's energy stubbornly refuses to fade. The intoxicating connection that lingers between them plunges his magic into chaos right when he needs it the most.
As they grapple with their conflicting desires, they soon discover the wards aren't the only thing decaying. An evil is infecting the pack land, and they must learn to trust each other and their growing bond to defeat it. If they fail, Victor's pack will pay the ultimate price.
Accidental Bonds is a steamy 115k M/M paranormal romance featuring a broody wolf shifter, a headstrong mage, meddling friends, a perpetually unimpressed cat, and knotting. It's perfect for readers who love simmering slow burns, characters who rub each other in all the wrong ways before they realize the right ones are much more enjoyable, and shifter stories with a healthy dose of found family, thrilling action, and snarky banter. While it guarantees a happy ending for its main couple, the overarching plot does contain cliffhangers. Please look inside for content warnings. (This series does not contain mpreg.)
It was meant to be temporary. Fate had other ideas.
Victor Mills would do anything to protect his pack, even work with magic he detests. When the wards safeguarding his territory start to deteriorate, he's forced to hire a local mage to fix them. He could tolerate the abrasive stench of sorcery, if only the mage didn't also smell like everything his wolf has ever wanted.
Elijah Lauring has no intention of tying himself to a shifter pack; his neutrality pays the bills. Repairing the Mills pack wards should be a one-off job, but the spell he casts to tap into Victor's energy stubbornly refuses to fade. The intoxicating connection that lingers between them plunges his magic into chaos right when he needs it the most.
As they grapple with their conflicting desires, they soon discover the wards aren't the only thing decaying. An evil is infecting the pack land, and they must learn to trust each other and their growing bond to defeat it. If they fail, Victor's pack will pay the ultimate price.
Accidental Bonds is a steamy 115k M/M paranormal romance featuring a broody wolf shifter, a headstrong mage, meddling friends, a perpetually unimpressed cat, and knotting. It's perfect for readers who love simmering slow burns, characters who rub each other in all the wrong ways before they realize the right ones are much more enjoyable, and shifter stories with a healthy dose of found family, thrilling action, and snarky banter. While it guarantees a happy ending for its main couple, the overarching plot does contain cliffhangers. Please look inside for content warnings. (This series does not contain mpreg.)
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2023
232 people are currently reading
1547 people want to read
About the author
Marie Reynard
7 books452 followersMarie Reynard is an American in Japan, teaching English by day and writing M/M paranormal romance by night. Her steamy, snarky stories will take you from first kiss to forever with a few Fs in between—including found family, flirty banter, fake dating, and a fair amount of fu...n. Check out her website for more information on her books, and join her mailing list to get a free story or two and be the first to know about upcoming releases!
Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/KYQoS1
Social Media: https://mariereynard.carrd.co/
Website: https://www.mariereynard.com/
Newsletter: https://subscribepage.io/KYQoS1
Social Media: https://mariereynard.carrd.co/
Website: https://www.mariereynard.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
December 27, 2024
This book had potential, but it ultimately didn't meet my expectations. I can’t quite identify what was lacking, but it wasn't as enjoyable as I had hoped it would be. Despite having elements that typically appeal to me, it just didn’t resonate as it should have.
The side characters were all engaging, and there were genuinely funny moments. The romance between Victor and Elijah showed promise, but the back-and-forth tension of wanting each other while holding back became repetitive.
Additionally, the characters were so horny—seriously, what was going on with that? Even though this book didn’t deliver the fun I anticipated, I still found aspects that I liked, and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
The side characters were all engaging, and there were genuinely funny moments. The romance between Victor and Elijah showed promise, but the back-and-forth tension of wanting each other while holding back became repetitive.
Additionally, the characters were so horny—seriously, what was going on with that? Even though this book didn’t deliver the fun I anticipated, I still found aspects that I liked, and I’m looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
July 17, 2023
What a great debut novel ! If you’re a fantasy and slow burn fan this will hit the right spot for you. I enjoyed it quite a lot (and I don’t even like fantasy that much) and it was closer to 4 stars but unfortunately by the end of the book the fantasy bits were way way too intense for me while the romance was just a tease and the slow burn became frustrating. I loved the writing and the characters very much though and the plot was interesting so I still think that for the right readers this could be a 5 stars read.
January 17, 2024
this is somehow a combination of very slow burn and also very fast burn….bc it takes forever for them to get together, but when they do, it’s zero to 60 immediately😂😂 like they’ve had 2 or 3 kisses before they they fucked, and the first time they fuck, they’re like yeaaaa let’s mate for life💀💀 like what!!!😂 so yea i felt like the slow burn dragged a little and the payoff was disappointing, too quick to be taken seriously like how is it possible to have a slow burn feel like insta love😭 and then the book pretty much ended after that….bc it took so long for them to get there tho, i got more invested in the other elements like their friends(!!), the mystery of the rot, wtf victor’s dad is up to, the possibilities of the next book, than the romance. but the sexual tension was pretty good for the whole slow burn part of the book bc they were pining like crazy, from jerking off to fantasies of each other to vivid magic-like shared sex dreams😂 i kinda thought victor’s dad and his asshole mage were gonna fuck some shit up or even some drama with the other packs….all the drama was basically about the rot….i’m super excited for kade and liam tho🤞 liam is a massive worrier and the rot has infected kade…..bitch i’m already there!!!! plus sounds like the drama with dear old dad and possibly the other packs will be popping off next book. overall had fun, but wish the romance was a little better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this! However, it was the slowest of slow burns and then the payoff was too fast and overwhelming. The way this was written, I’m very surprised the next book isn’t also about these two because it just didn’t feel like enough given how long we had to wait for them to get together.
I loooooved Elijah and the plot and side characters were so engrossing.
Another reviewer wrote about this author’s other book, MateHub, saying that the author kind of forgot about the bottom’s dick and that the sex scenes got a bit too MFish. I have to agree here, during the one sex scene, there’s zero foreplay. It felt a bit odd. Where’s the blowjobs? Never thought I’d be saying that 😂
Regardless, I’m really looking forward to more from this author.
I loooooved Elijah and the plot and side characters were so engrossing.
Another reviewer wrote about this author’s other book, MateHub, saying that the author kind of forgot about the bottom’s dick and that the sex scenes got a bit too MFish. I have to agree here, during the one sex scene, there’s zero foreplay. It felt a bit odd. Where’s the blowjobs? Never thought I’d be saying that 😂
Regardless, I’m really looking forward to more from this author.
January 18, 2024
4 stars.
I had loved MateHub Legend and was happy to read the author's other book.
Although it's set in the same world as MateHub Legend, Accidental Bonds has a totally different vibe and pace.
Victor, a pack leader and shape shifter wolf, needs help from a mage, Elijah, to ensure his pack's safety.
I enjoyed the slow development of the romance, and loved how Victor and Elijah's reluctance to get closer very slowly receded.
I rarely read fantasy books and was surprised how much I enjoyed reading about this world. I loved that the author centered most of the storyline in the forest and nature on Victor's pack's land.
I would have loved to get closure for the pack, though. Many questions are going to be answered only in the next installment.
Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for Kade and Liam's story. I'm really curious how these two will connect.
I had loved MateHub Legend and was happy to read the author's other book.
Although it's set in the same world as MateHub Legend, Accidental Bonds has a totally different vibe and pace.
Victor, a pack leader and shape shifter wolf, needs help from a mage, Elijah, to ensure his pack's safety.
I enjoyed the slow development of the romance, and loved how Victor and Elijah's reluctance to get closer very slowly receded.
I rarely read fantasy books and was surprised how much I enjoyed reading about this world. I loved that the author centered most of the storyline in the forest and nature on Victor's pack's land.
I would have loved to get closure for the pack, though. Many questions are going to be answered only in the next installment.
Hopefully I won't have to wait too long for Kade and Liam's story. I'm really curious how these two will connect.
January 29, 2024
Loved it!
The plot line that will be continuing in the next book was really engaging and I'm eager to see what happens next.
Loved the mention of Richard and Hunter's 'Mage Knotting' scene 😂 Can I just say how happy I am that the MateHub series is a thing, I love those characters!!!
Victor and Elijah were cute and I love how their relationship was a slow burn, but their intertwined dreams gave glimpses of what they would be. So refreshing from all the books that seem to get characters together immediately with no true bond between them.
Can't wait for more from this author!
The plot line that will be continuing in the next book was really engaging and I'm eager to see what happens next.
Loved the mention of Richard and Hunter's 'Mage Knotting' scene 😂 Can I just say how happy I am that the MateHub series is a thing, I love those characters!!!
Victor and Elijah were cute and I love how their relationship was a slow burn, but their intertwined dreams gave glimpses of what they would be. So refreshing from all the books that seem to get characters together immediately with no true bond between them.
Can't wait for more from this author!
April 28, 2025
this is so Sterek coded and i love that for me.
I love me an inbalance of mage and weres and a meddling pack.
add in a found family or weirdos with a group chat that's an absolute mess and it's *chef's kiss*
I'm really excited for the rest of this series.
I love me an inbalance of mage and weres and a meddling pack.
add in a found family or weirdos with a group chat that's an absolute mess and it's *chef's kiss*
I'm really excited for the rest of this series.
July 24, 2023
DNF @ 22%.
Someone described this as a very slow slowburn. I loooove a slowburn. The slower, the better. But, imo, this wasn’t a slowburn, it was just slow.
It’s almost 100 pages for these two to accidentally bond, and at 22%, they still aren’t aware of it. They’ve only interacted 3 or 4 times. There’s a grocery shopping scene that last longer than at least one of their interactions, ffs.
And I was promised snarky banter. I have seen no snark, I have seen no banter. I have also seen no personality. If there has been any snarky banter, it’s coming solely from Victor’s second-in-command.
I love the idea of this book, but the pacing in this is glacial. 446 pages is probably double what this needs. I did take a break from this at 20%, left it for a few days and then begrudgingly read 2% more, but honestly, I just needed more plot, more character, more snark after 105 pages. Instead, things are just starting to happen, and that’s 15% too late.
And a dream sequence? 😑
Someone described this as a very slow slowburn. I loooove a slowburn. The slower, the better. But, imo, this wasn’t a slowburn, it was just slow.
It’s almost 100 pages for these two to accidentally bond, and at 22%, they still aren’t aware of it. They’ve only interacted 3 or 4 times. There’s a grocery shopping scene that last longer than at least one of their interactions, ffs.
And I was promised snarky banter. I have seen no snark, I have seen no banter. I have also seen no personality. If there has been any snarky banter, it’s coming solely from Victor’s second-in-command.
I love the idea of this book, but the pacing in this is glacial. 446 pages is probably double what this needs. I did take a break from this at 20%, left it for a few days and then begrudgingly read 2% more, but honestly, I just needed more plot, more character, more snark after 105 pages. Instead, things are just starting to happen, and that’s 15% too late.
And a dream sequence? 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2024
Victor Mills X Elijah Lauring
Honestly, yeah this worked for me. I was really in the mood for some plot and it delivered. This book excels at building up the characters and their relationships, dialogue, and the feelings of belonging to a pack.
Wolf shifter/mage
Slow slow burn
Eating with the pack
Roughing around with the pack
Scenting
Traipsing around the forest
Detailed descriptions of magic
A mysterious kitty
Kade ♥️
Reynard is quickly becoming an author I’m keeping my eye on. Great debut. I’m hoping for a book about Aran in this series - A plant loving, bad boy mage, with full sleeves of tattoos? Yes, please.
3.5 stars
Honestly, yeah this worked for me. I was really in the mood for some plot and it delivered. This book excels at building up the characters and their relationships, dialogue, and the feelings of belonging to a pack.
Wolf shifter/mage
Slow slow burn
Eating with the pack
Roughing around with the pack
Scenting
Traipsing around the forest
Detailed descriptions of magic
A mysterious kitty
Kade ♥️
Reynard is quickly becoming an author I’m keeping my eye on. Great debut. I’m hoping for a book about Aran in this series - A plant loving, bad boy mage, with full sleeves of tattoos? Yes, please.
3.5 stars
January 23, 2024
a solid debut novel, especially for the magical part. however the romance part was severely lacking.
i enjoyed matehub so much more
i enjoyed matehub so much more
February 3, 2024
This was quite a surprise in alot of ways. Having come into this one blind after reading Matehub first I probably had some preconceived notions about what to expect from this debut and it’s ended up being a bit of a different reading experience than I anticipated.
Firstly, if you have taken the same pathway of discovery that I have, it’s worth being aware that this story is a bit more serious into tone and content than the Matehub series (although I use that work loosely cause there are still plenty of fun and flirty moments). The Elemental Bonds series is obviously going to have a larger overarching story, that will need to be read in order, that will focus on a different character in each installment.
Due to being unaware of this fact, my biggest grievance with this book initially had been to do with the pacing of the story and wanting more out of the investigation, but it makes more sense in the context of it being one part of a larger whole with the story still being very open.
I really enjoyed Elijah and Victor as characters and their relationship and dynamic was fun. This is also a lot less spicy than Matehub so adjust your expectations there too. This was much more relationship first then spice, which is like a complete flip to MH
Ultimately I would forgive these books a lot of its sins because the world building and laws around shifters, mages and magic is so on the money for my tastes. It’s simple but satisfying in a way that’s super easy to consume and I really enjoy my time in this world.
The development in craft you can see between this debut and her second book has made Reynard an autobuy author for me now. I’m incredibly excited to see what she can bring to the table next with Kade and Liam.
P. S. The little Easter egg in the Richard/Hunter reference made me cackle.
Firstly, if you have taken the same pathway of discovery that I have, it’s worth being aware that this story is a bit more serious into tone and content than the Matehub series (although I use that work loosely cause there are still plenty of fun and flirty moments). The Elemental Bonds series is obviously going to have a larger overarching story, that will need to be read in order, that will focus on a different character in each installment.
Due to being unaware of this fact, my biggest grievance with this book initially had been to do with the pacing of the story and wanting more out of the investigation, but it makes more sense in the context of it being one part of a larger whole with the story still being very open.
I really enjoyed Elijah and Victor as characters and their relationship and dynamic was fun. This is also a lot less spicy than Matehub so adjust your expectations there too. This was much more relationship first then spice, which is like a complete flip to MH
Ultimately I would forgive these books a lot of its sins because the world building and laws around shifters, mages and magic is so on the money for my tastes. It’s simple but satisfying in a way that’s super easy to consume and I really enjoy my time in this world.
The development in craft you can see between this debut and her second book has made Reynard an autobuy author for me now. I’m incredibly excited to see what she can bring to the table next with Kade and Liam.
P. S. The little Easter egg in the Richard/Hunter reference made me cackle.
December 25, 2024
Slowburn romance with interesting story and ended with a cliffhanger. Rating it 3.5 but I'm going for the next in the series right now.
July 18, 2023
Wow, I can't believe this is a debut novel! I desperately need the next book now! The story & creativity is out of bounds, the magic here - I Haven't read anything like that before. It's great!
Elijah - the mage & Victor - the alpha, loved the growth throughout. The relationship is slooooww burn (only actually happening around 90% - self restraint is epic man), but the pining is good heh. The sex when it does happen is HOT, love me a vers couple (can I get a bonus with E topping V, please?). I love the pack & Eli's friends.
That Rot, goddamn was it a headache & it's still now completely gone! I'm so f'ing curious about that shit!
So excited for the next book! Kade's fun, looking forward to meeting Eli's friends.
Story ratings: (Enjoyed 5/5)
POV: 3rd person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters & relationships: 5/5
2) The feels: 😏🙄🧐🤨😝🤫🤭😲😧😥😩😘😊🥰😍
3) Story & world: 5+/5
4) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: high Angst, so Cute, mild Dark
6) Writing style: 4.7/5
Elijah - the mage & Victor - the alpha, loved the growth throughout. The relationship is slooooww burn (only actually happening around 90% - self restraint is epic man), but the pining is good heh. The sex when it does happen is HOT, love me a vers couple (can I get a bonus with E topping V, please?). I love the pack & Eli's friends.
That Rot, goddamn was it a headache & it's still now completely gone! I'm so f'ing curious about that shit!
So excited for the next book! Kade's fun, looking forward to meeting Eli's friends.
Story ratings: (Enjoyed 5/5)
POV: 3rd person, DUAL POV
1) The Characters & relationships: 5/5
2) The feels: 😏🙄🧐🤨😝🤫🤭😲😧😥😩😘😊🥰😍
3) Story & world: 5+/5
4) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 2/5
5) Levels: high Angst, so Cute, mild Dark
6) Writing style: 4.7/5
November 5, 2023
I'm not disappointed, not really. Maybe this mediocre rating is because I looked for a fast paced paranormal adventure with some good romance while Accidental Bonds focus is on the romance part? Don't know because in the end I have my issues with the adventure and the romance.
Let's start with the part I liked. We're in that setup where magic creatures exist in secret and each group is governed by their own council. So far that has not much impact on the story, just white noise in the background. Same for the info that there are other being than mages and shifters. Maybe we see fae in one of the sequels but this time it's only about the mentioned 2. Which is completely okay because the author gives them a history of mutual abuse and therefore a big package of trust issues but also the option for a lot of power if they can establish a true bond. I really enjoyed her twist on the fated mate topic. So with that base conflict I had no issue that neither Victor nor Elijah didn't want a bond and their individual history would made such a notion even more problematic. It's just that a romance has to overcome such issues at some point with both parties working together but that point came quite late and because of that the romance part dragged. I would have needed a bit more drama for such a long waiting time but only got doubts and denial and stubbornness. The meddling pack and the obnoxious friends weren't able to balance it though they were a nice addition.
Usually if the drama necessary for such a slow burn stretch can't be based on the internal conflict, it has to come from the adventure and yes, it's a fine setup with that spreading rot on Victor's pack land and a while it captured my curiosity but it failed to hold it. Don't believe how unprofessional Elijah was acting and in the end even Victor wasn't able to think one step further than solution of the current case. Though, what I terribly missed was some tension build-up, some hook to get me emotionally involved. It was more like “Hm, that rot is really bad. Would be a pity if they all die.”. I was never on my toes or in danger of gnawing on my nails, if you know what I mean. Suppose it was because we only ever get the case at hand and the attempt to solve it at that time and then we wait until it starts again. No build up, no attempt at solving the real threat, not even an idea about that threat. Yes, we have a suspect but he's only mentioned but is anyone looking for him? We also have those strange appearance of Victor's father but Victor doesn't care much about it and the author doesn't do anything with it in case of suspense. I get it, the de-masking of the villain is part of the series arc but at the end of book 1 there should be something to show but as it is we only see a half-assed ending.
Let's start with the part I liked. We're in that setup where magic creatures exist in secret and each group is governed by their own council. So far that has not much impact on the story, just white noise in the background. Same for the info that there are other being than mages and shifters. Maybe we see fae in one of the sequels but this time it's only about the mentioned 2. Which is completely okay because the author gives them a history of mutual abuse and therefore a big package of trust issues but also the option for a lot of power if they can establish a true bond. I really enjoyed her twist on the fated mate topic. So with that base conflict I had no issue that neither Victor nor Elijah didn't want a bond and their individual history would made such a notion even more problematic. It's just that a romance has to overcome such issues at some point with both parties working together but that point came quite late and because of that the romance part dragged. I would have needed a bit more drama for such a long waiting time but only got doubts and denial and stubbornness. The meddling pack and the obnoxious friends weren't able to balance it though they were a nice addition.
Usually if the drama necessary for such a slow burn stretch can't be based on the internal conflict, it has to come from the adventure and yes, it's a fine setup with that spreading rot on Victor's pack land and a while it captured my curiosity but it failed to hold it. Don't believe how unprofessional Elijah was acting and in the end even Victor wasn't able to think one step further than solution of the current case. Though, what I terribly missed was some tension build-up, some hook to get me emotionally involved. It was more like “Hm, that rot is really bad. Would be a pity if they all die.”. I was never on my toes or in danger of gnawing on my nails, if you know what I mean. Suppose it was because we only ever get the case at hand and the attempt to solve it at that time and then we wait until it starts again. No build up, no attempt at solving the real threat, not even an idea about that threat. Yes, we have a suspect but he's only mentioned but is anyone looking for him? We also have those strange appearance of Victor's father but Victor doesn't care much about it and the author doesn't do anything with it in case of suspense. I get it, the de-masking of the villain is part of the series arc but at the end of book 1 there should be something to show but as it is we only see a half-assed ending.
February 3, 2024
For me personally this book had a very slow start. Maybe a bit surprising considering the events occurring in the beginning of this story but I knew about those already because of the blurb. I was slightly bored and didn’t immediately find a connection to either characters or the plot. Lots of rather repetitive inner dialogues didn’t help either.
All that said I did get quite invested after about 30%. At least in the plot. I really, really needed to know what was happening to the pack land and its wards. And I’m a big fan of fantasy and this book most definitely delivered in this department. The plot was good. I liked it.
The romance was lacking though. Big time. I normally love slow burn romances but in this instance it didn’t work for me at all. It was just so damn frustrating. I wasn’t a fan.
It was overall a good book. I will definitely continue this series. I mean, the plot isn’t actually over yet, so of course I will be coming back for more.
All that said I did get quite invested after about 30%. At least in the plot. I really, really needed to know what was happening to the pack land and its wards. And I’m a big fan of fantasy and this book most definitely delivered in this department. The plot was good. I liked it.
The romance was lacking though. Big time. I normally love slow burn romances but in this instance it didn’t work for me at all. It was just so damn frustrating. I wasn’t a fan.
It was overall a good book. I will definitely continue this series. I mean, the plot isn’t actually over yet, so of course I will be coming back for more.
December 16, 2024
This was really fun, if you ignore the pall of supernatural menace. I loved Reynard's MateHub and, while this was more ambitious in terms of worldbuilding and the overarching storyline, it was written in the same confident, clever style, with plenty of humor and (eventually) heat. The tease went on a bit too long for my tastes -- and, relatedly, there was some fat on the bone that could easily have been trimmed -- but the ending made up for it, with plenty of unresolved issues to solve and the arrival of more hot mages to pair off.
It's been a while since I've added authors to my auto-buy list, but on the basis of this and MateHub, Marie Reynard has earned herself one-click status.
It's been a while since I've added authors to my auto-buy list, but on the basis of this and MateHub, Marie Reynard has earned herself one-click status.
November 10, 2023
The issue with this book is the lack of a B Plot. There are distinct moments where Elijah will have “solved” the problem and there are 3-4 chapters of inane inner thoughts and flashbacks until a “new” problem arises.
Another issue is that while Elijah and Victor have a character flaw/wound that’s relevant to the story, the author doesn’t explore that at all. For example, Victor doesn’t trust mages. Great character wound! However the issue is that he only has had one bad experience with them and uses that bad experience to stereotype all mages. Elijah has done nothing (intentional or unintentional) to hurt Victor. A stronger writer would have let Elijah make mistakes that increased Victor’s fear of mages. It’d be way more compelling when they finally bonded.
Lastly, there are no POCs in this book. I don’t think race or skin color is brought up at all. Also, this book doesn’t pass the Bechdel test.
Overall, the book isn’t shitty like some others I’ve read in this genre. But the author leaves a lot of potential on the table.
Another issue is that while Elijah and Victor have a character flaw/wound that’s relevant to the story, the author doesn’t explore that at all. For example, Victor doesn’t trust mages. Great character wound! However the issue is that he only has had one bad experience with them and uses that bad experience to stereotype all mages. Elijah has done nothing (intentional or unintentional) to hurt Victor. A stronger writer would have let Elijah make mistakes that increased Victor’s fear of mages. It’d be way more compelling when they finally bonded.
Lastly, there are no POCs in this book. I don’t think race or skin color is brought up at all. Also, this book doesn’t pass the Bechdel test.
Overall, the book isn’t shitty like some others I’ve read in this genre. But the author leaves a lot of potential on the table.
August 23, 2024
Victor, a magic shy alpha, hires a local mage to fix his packs failing wards, only for it to reveal further blight on the pack lands. In order to stop the decay and save his pack from destruction, Victor must trust Elijah and his magic to save them.
Despite how much he detests Mages, putting his trust in Elijah comes easily, especially with the explosive chemistry between them, Elijah's delicious scent, and the accidental bond (hehe) tethering them together.
Honestly, I went about this a bit backwards, Matehub: Legend was my first read by Marie and I fell in love... I'm talking like obsessed levels, have read the book more time than I can count, will love it forever... That kind of obsessed.
Of course, because I love Hunter and Richard so much, I obviously need to read everything else Marie has written, and honestly wasn't quite sure what to expect from Accidental Bonds. With Matehub being very heavily spiced, obviously given that it's a story about two porn stars, I wasn't entirely sure if Accidental Bonds would follow similarly--hint, it doesn't, but when the spice hits it's fantastic.
Victor and Elijah's story has an action packed overarching plot, is filled with hilarious side characters, has tons of snarky banter, and a delicious tension filled slow burn romance. Very much looking forward to more of this series, and cannot wait for Kade and Liam's story in Impulsive Connections!
Despite how much he detests Mages, putting his trust in Elijah comes easily, especially with the explosive chemistry between them, Elijah's delicious scent, and the accidental bond (hehe) tethering them together.
Honestly, I went about this a bit backwards, Matehub: Legend was my first read by Marie and I fell in love... I'm talking like obsessed levels, have read the book more time than I can count, will love it forever... That kind of obsessed.
Of course, because I love Hunter and Richard so much, I obviously need to read everything else Marie has written, and honestly wasn't quite sure what to expect from Accidental Bonds. With Matehub being very heavily spiced, obviously given that it's a story about two porn stars, I wasn't entirely sure if Accidental Bonds would follow similarly--hint, it doesn't, but when the spice hits it's fantastic.
Victor and Elijah's story has an action packed overarching plot, is filled with hilarious side characters, has tons of snarky banter, and a delicious tension filled slow burn romance. Very much looking forward to more of this series, and cannot wait for Kade and Liam's story in Impulsive Connections!
September 7, 2025
RTC 🩷
July 27, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
Accidental Bonds is the first book in the Elemental Bonds series by author Marie Renard. It’s set in rural America and the action flip-flops between our two main characters, Victor and Elijah. I thought the alternating perspectives offered a great depth of insight into these two men. This is especially true of Victor, because although he loudly and vociferously discusses how much he hates magic and distrusts mages, seeing him interact with his pack and seeing his pack interact with Elijah reveals a deeper truth. I delighted in seeing layer after layer of Victor’s get peeled away to explain why he is the way he is and how Elijah manages to rise above Victor’s distrust.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
Accidental Bonds is the first book in the Elemental Bonds series by author Marie Renard. It’s set in rural America and the action flip-flops between our two main characters, Victor and Elijah. I thought the alternating perspectives offered a great depth of insight into these two men. This is especially true of Victor, because although he loudly and vociferously discusses how much he hates magic and distrusts mages, seeing him interact with his pack and seeing his pack interact with Elijah reveals a deeper truth. I delighted in seeing layer after layer of Victor’s get peeled away to explain why he is the way he is and how Elijah manages to rise above Victor’s distrust.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 19, 2024
That wasn’t at all what I was expecting! I read MateHub not long ago and while that was more like a (weird but awesome) contemporary MM-romance, this one felt utterly different and much more like full on fantasy and mystery. The completely different vibe didn’t make me love it any less though.
‘Accidental Bonds’ was an awesome, well written slow burn with two lovable and interesting MCs, brilliant and funny side characters, a gorgeous setting and a hefty amount of suspense that kept me turning page after page. Definitely recommend! 4⭐️ Be aware though, it ends with a massive cliffhanger (not regarding the couple - they get their HEA - but the overall story arch will continue in the next books), AND I NEED TO KNOW NOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT THE WAITING WILL BE TORTURE
‘Accidental Bonds’ was an awesome, well written slow burn with two lovable and interesting MCs, brilliant and funny side characters, a gorgeous setting and a hefty amount of suspense that kept me turning page after page. Definitely recommend! 4⭐️ Be aware though, it ends with a massive cliffhanger (not regarding the couple - they get their HEA - but the overall story arch will continue in the next books), AND I NEED TO KNOW NOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT THE WAITING WILL BE TORTURE
March 14, 2024
Loved the premise and slow burn romance of a werewolf shifter fearful of magic and a mage determined not to belong to a pack.
The world building was great and I liked the characters. The motivations behinds the actions of both MCs made sense and were compelling. It was the pacing of several scenes and the deep dive into details that weren’t as interesting that felt off. Quite a lot of the most important moments dragged and made me want to skim. I felt like a lot of this book might have benefited from a bit more editing.
The world building was great and I liked the characters. The motivations behinds the actions of both MCs made sense and were compelling. It was the pacing of several scenes and the deep dive into details that weren’t as interesting that felt off. Quite a lot of the most important moments dragged and made me want to skim. I felt like a lot of this book might have benefited from a bit more editing.
June 17, 2024
Rounded up to a 4 since it’s a debut, but could’ve used a trim to be a tighter story.
Interesting and likable flawed characters, plausible obstacles, solid world-building. The types of magic and tools used and the history between shifters and mages was interesting. The magical mystery and conflict in the story was engaging.
The author provided their own takes on paranormal being types and things like bonds and tethers. I liked that it was their own spin and ideas while still being familiar to the sub-genre (e.g., magical connection when bonded, bonding requiring sex and biting, etc.).
Well-written sexual tension and eventual scenes first occurred in dreams to provide some spice and tension while maintaining a slow-burn for the ultimate culmination of a relationship. Like we are well-aware how thirsty they are the whole book, mission accomplished.
Overall it would’ve benefitted from some editing and trimming, give us a couple more of those late night convos that got referenced so we could feel and see them open up more, and a bit more picking up the pace and trimming some repetitive moments. It could’ve been a solid 4 vs rounded up to a 4 for a debut.
Glad I read MateHub Legend first, because that was just phenomenal and so fun. I’d recommend trying that first unless you are seeking out plot-heavy with few spicy scenes.
I’ll definitely read the sequel to both series when they are out, but don’t think I’d reread this one or buy audio like I would in a heartbeat for MateHub.
Interesting and likable flawed characters, plausible obstacles, solid world-building. The types of magic and tools used and the history between shifters and mages was interesting. The magical mystery and conflict in the story was engaging.
The author provided their own takes on paranormal being types and things like bonds and tethers. I liked that it was their own spin and ideas while still being familiar to the sub-genre (e.g., magical connection when bonded, bonding requiring sex and biting, etc.).
Well-written sexual tension and eventual scenes first occurred in dreams to provide some spice and tension while maintaining a slow-burn for the ultimate culmination of a relationship. Like we are well-aware how thirsty they are the whole book, mission accomplished.
Overall it would’ve benefitted from some editing and trimming, give us a couple more of those late night convos that got referenced so we could feel and see them open up more, and a bit more picking up the pace and trimming some repetitive moments. It could’ve been a solid 4 vs rounded up to a 4 for a debut.
Glad I read MateHub Legend first, because that was just phenomenal and so fun. I’d recommend trying that first unless you are seeking out plot-heavy with few spicy scenes.
I’ll definitely read the sequel to both series when they are out, but don’t think I’d reread this one or buy audio like I would in a heartbeat for MateHub.
January 17, 2024
Reading slowburn after a decade was a little painful for me but amazing writing and storyline. I loved both of the characters even when they were being kind of annoying I loved where it came from. I have read very few books with shifters with non-shifters as mate. And tbvh the last book I read, I seemed to enjoy the element just as much. I did hope I could read the end of the whole "disease" from Elijah's and Victor's pov, but I am actually excited for Kade and Liam. Which by the way, I did not expect at all.
March 23, 2024
A new fav author
I enjoyed this book so much! The rich prose, the humor, the slow burn, and the mystery! Can't wait for more!
I enjoyed this book so much! The rich prose, the humor, the slow burn, and the mystery! Can't wait for more!
July 23, 2023
This book was phenomenal. Just wow! I don’t know where to start: The story, the world building, the characters, the plot, everything was amazing! I started it yesterday and I couldn’t put it down for one second.
Victor and Elijah were 🔥 together. This is a slow burn book , but so Hot 🥵. You can feel the tension between them since the beginning. Great chemistry and great story and character development. Ugh! I need the next book more than everything. I loved the atmosphere and the pack and their relationship with each other. I loved Lady 😼I need to read the second book asap. I’m sure it’ll be as great as this one. Also Kade and Aran? Please? Or is it gonna be another of the mages? I can’t wait. The extra bonus at the end was so hilarious. I just loved this book!! ❤️
Victor and Elijah were 🔥 together. This is a slow burn book , but so Hot 🥵. You can feel the tension between them since the beginning. Great chemistry and great story and character development. Ugh! I need the next book more than everything. I loved the atmosphere and the pack and their relationship with each other. I loved Lady 😼I need to read the second book asap. I’m sure it’ll be as great as this one. Also Kade and Aran? Please? Or is it gonna be another of the mages? I can’t wait. The extra bonus at the end was so hilarious. I just loved this book!! ❤️
December 7, 2023
not as amateurish as I expected from the cover.
May 7, 2024
Too much magic sex,
but compelling world and friends.
Will surely read more.
but compelling world and friends.
Will surely read more.
July 22, 2023
Color me impressed! This is a debut novel, if it wasn't explicitly mentioned I would have never guessed. The book was much more thought out and interesting and structured than a lot of other books by more experienced authors I've read.
The plot is really interesting and introduces us to a world of magic and shifters in a way I haven't read yet before. I loved that being an Alpha doesn't go hand in hand with the typical stereotype one would expect but what an Alpha is supposed to be at their heart - a rock to their pack, a shoulder to lean on, a problem solver, someone who is aware that they fill a position greater than themselves, who realize that they are fallible and that it is showing Alpha behavior to seek help if you need it, that submitting doesn't make one less of an Alpha, amongst other things.
Elijah also is quite the complex character, headstrong, loyal, focused and fierce. He knows what he wants and doesn't wait for people to cater to him. Still, he is not so smallminded as to not be open to amending his position or changing the direction of his focus.
Together they are a power couple who is going to surly take the pack to new heights.
I also love the side kicks and am curious about what is going to happen when the three mage friends meet the pack.
The author also doesn't overwhelm you with too much information about the world. There is just enough information to not feel lost but leaves room for development and maybe future adjustment.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
The plot is really interesting and introduces us to a world of magic and shifters in a way I haven't read yet before. I loved that being an Alpha doesn't go hand in hand with the typical stereotype one would expect but what an Alpha is supposed to be at their heart - a rock to their pack, a shoulder to lean on, a problem solver, someone who is aware that they fill a position greater than themselves, who realize that they are fallible and that it is showing Alpha behavior to seek help if you need it, that submitting doesn't make one less of an Alpha, amongst other things.
Elijah also is quite the complex character, headstrong, loyal, focused and fierce. He knows what he wants and doesn't wait for people to cater to him. Still, he is not so smallminded as to not be open to amending his position or changing the direction of his focus.
Together they are a power couple who is going to surly take the pack to new heights.
I also love the side kicks and am curious about what is going to happen when the three mage friends meet the pack.
The author also doesn't overwhelm you with too much information about the world. There is just enough information to not feel lost but leaves room for development and maybe future adjustment.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
September 6, 2024
Oh my goodness, I am in my reluctant mates era, and I am LOVING it! I figured I'd continue my obsession with Marie Reynard's shifter books by trying out Accidental Bonds, and y'all, this book was SO FREAKING GOOD. The story is dark and a little angsty with lots of character development and mystery vibes, but there's also fantastic humor and banter to balance everything out. If you need a great shifter book for your spooky season TBR, give this one a read!
What's so fun about Marie's books is that EVERYONE always seems to see that the MCs should be together EXCEPT for the MCs themselves, I LOVE it. It's pretty obvious from VERY early on that Elijah and Victor are mates, and they are completely delusional about it. Both guys are so serious about fixing the problems that Victor is having with his pack wards, trying to be super professional with each other, that they miss the obvious solution.
Yet again, the hilarious side characters really steal the show whenever they pop up. Victor's best friend and second Kade is HILARIOUS - I am SO thrilled we get more of him in the second book. And omg, Elijah's group text with his friends constantly had me rolling. The silly innuendos, the fantastic banter, everyone constantly trying to push Elijah and Victor together - I loved every minute of it.
If you haven't tried these books yet, get on it RIGHT NOW. There's a reason why I haven't shut up about them since I read the first one - these are shifter romance GOLD.
What's so fun about Marie's books is that EVERYONE always seems to see that the MCs should be together EXCEPT for the MCs themselves, I LOVE it. It's pretty obvious from VERY early on that Elijah and Victor are mates, and they are completely delusional about it. Both guys are so serious about fixing the problems that Victor is having with his pack wards, trying to be super professional with each other, that they miss the obvious solution.
Yet again, the hilarious side characters really steal the show whenever they pop up. Victor's best friend and second Kade is HILARIOUS - I am SO thrilled we get more of him in the second book. And omg, Elijah's group text with his friends constantly had me rolling. The silly innuendos, the fantastic banter, everyone constantly trying to push Elijah and Victor together - I loved every minute of it.
If you haven't tried these books yet, get on it RIGHT NOW. There's a reason why I haven't shut up about them since I read the first one - these are shifter romance GOLD.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews