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Souls in Bondage #2
Bitter Bonds
Dominant Jake Conrad isn’t going to get involved in another relationship with a submissive. Burned by two former submissives, Jake vows never to collar one again. Then his best friend Ray brings him a sub like no other. Finn is damaged and bitter, although not as bitter as Jake. The white haired submissive has secrets and talents Jake never dreamed of and the lure of Finn’s need to submit calls to Jake’s soul.
Everyone Finn has ever loved walked away from him. He fears caring for anyone when he knows the outcome will shatter his heart again. When Finn falls for Jake, he gives his lover the ultimate gift, a chance to have the dreams he set aside years before even though he knows that if Jake accepts the gift, he’ll walk out of Finn’s life forever. A slave to his love for his Dominant, the submissive finds his true strength in easing Jake’s bitterness even at the cost of his own happiness.
Everyone Finn has ever loved walked away from him. He fears caring for anyone when he knows the outcome will shatter his heart again. When Finn falls for Jake, he gives his lover the ultimate gift, a chance to have the dreams he set aside years before even though he knows that if Jake accepts the gift, he’ll walk out of Finn’s life forever. A slave to his love for his Dominant, the submissive finds his true strength in easing Jake’s bitterness even at the cost of his own happiness.
ebook
First published June 9, 2013
7 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Lex Valentine
83 books198 followersAward-winning author Lex Valentine writes across genres from contemporary to urban fantasy but mostly M/M these days. A native of California, Lex lives in Orange County, with her husband Rott and a bunch of cats she collectively calls “babies.” She's a 17 year employee of a 100+ year old cemetery, builds her own computers and is generally considered the IT geek at work and to her family and friends.
A member of the Romance Writers of America, Lex is active in her local Orange County chapter and is a past treasurer for PASIC. Her publishers include Loose Id, Ellora's Cave, and MLR Press. She's the author of the self-published ARe and Amazon best selling series Souls in Bondage.
Lex loves to hear from her readers. Her door is always open at lex@lexvalentine.com or on her personal or author Facebook pages.
Website: http://lexvalentine.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lexvalentineauthor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cemeterywinter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lexvalentine
A member of the Romance Writers of America, Lex is active in her local Orange County chapter and is a past treasurer for PASIC. Her publishers include Loose Id, Ellora's Cave, and MLR Press. She's the author of the self-published ARe and Amazon best selling series Souls in Bondage.
Lex loves to hear from her readers. Her door is always open at lex@lexvalentine.com or on her personal or author Facebook pages.
Website: http://lexvalentine.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lexvalentineauthor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cemeterywinter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lexvalentine
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 6, 2017
2.75 Stars
I like the characters and the overall premise however there's just too much repetitious explaining and not enough interaction. I skimmed large portions solely because they were just repeating explanations of why the man acted and felt the way that he did. SMH.... we readers aren't stupid, we understand the first time and if a story is written well we can read between the lines and understand the reason for someone's behavior without having it explained to us.
I like the characters and the overall premise however there's just too much repetitious explaining and not enough interaction. I skimmed large portions solely because they were just repeating explanations of why the man acted and felt the way that he did. SMH.... we readers aren't stupid, we understand the first time and if a story is written well we can read between the lines and understand the reason for someone's behavior without having it explained to us.
May 5, 2017
Overall book rating 4 angel music stars
Audio book: Narrator - Chris Chambers 4.5 Amazing singing Stars
Book cover rating: 4 Stars
At first I thought this was going to be very weird but it was sweet and special I just love Jake and Finn.
My heart broke for the way Finn was treated I just wanted him to be loved.
Audio book: Narrator - Chris Chambers 4.5 Amazing singing Stars
Book cover rating: 4 Stars
At first I thought this was going to be very weird but it was sweet and special I just love Jake and Finn.
My heart broke for the way Finn was treated I just wanted him to be loved.
March 15, 2018
3.5 stars rounded down because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and while I enjoyed this one a lot, I enjoyed 'Broken Bonds' a tiny bit more so rounded up for that one and down for this one.
And Kristoff and Raphael are back...
Once again the angels Kristoff and Raphael are back and they've got a new DOM and sub to fix and once again Chris Chambers is providing the voices for our angelic host and their mortal co-stars. Keeping things constant not only with this story but from book to book which simply adds that much more to me enjoying the audio book.
Jake a DOM who's lost faith in his abilities to care for his sub. Finn's a sub who's afraid to care for anyone because whenever he cares for someone they walk out of his life.
It's going to take more than just Rafe and Kristoff to make these two men see that they each need to risk their hearts one last time to get it right because what they both need is standing right in front of them...they need each other.
'Bitter Bonds' was a sweet second chance story for these two men and I enjoyed the relationship that developed between them as they got to know each other. Both men showing the other small glimpses of themselves that they'd kept hidden from the rest of the world.
I loved having Nick and Micah, Keller and Haven around to help the angels play matchmaker and we met a new character by the name of Ray and yes, I do want a story for Ray but sadly I'm not sure that there are anymore stories forthcoming from this series as 'Subs for Lunch' was the last story released back in 2014 for this series but one can always hope, right? and in the meantime I can always check out 'Subs for Lunch' to see what Micah, Haven and Finn are up to.
And Kristoff and Raphael are back...
Once again the angels Kristoff and Raphael are back and they've got a new DOM and sub to fix and once again Chris Chambers is providing the voices for our angelic host and their mortal co-stars. Keeping things constant not only with this story but from book to book which simply adds that much more to me enjoying the audio book.
Jake a DOM who's lost faith in his abilities to care for his sub. Finn's a sub who's afraid to care for anyone because whenever he cares for someone they walk out of his life.
It's going to take more than just Rafe and Kristoff to make these two men see that they each need to risk their hearts one last time to get it right because what they both need is standing right in front of them...they need each other.
'Bitter Bonds' was a sweet second chance story for these two men and I enjoyed the relationship that developed between them as they got to know each other. Both men showing the other small glimpses of themselves that they'd kept hidden from the rest of the world.
I loved having Nick and Micah, Keller and Haven around to help the angels play matchmaker and we met a new character by the name of Ray and yes, I do want a story for Ray but sadly I'm not sure that there are anymore stories forthcoming from this series as 'Subs for Lunch' was the last story released back in 2014 for this series but one can always hope, right? and in the meantime I can always check out 'Subs for Lunch' to see what Micah, Haven and Finn are up to.
February 14, 2014
I just love this series but wish I would've waited to start until all the books were available. I get too frustrated. This one did make me a little teary but not like the snot-fest the first book created. We have a damaged sub (though not as f'd up as you'd think) and an insecure Dom trying to figure it out in this book and they did pretty well without too many unnecessary misunderstandings. Okay, I'd like book #3 now, please. I said please!!!
June 12, 2017
This is an enjoyable D/s tale, but with a silly paranormal slant I wasn't too fond of. (Purely a personal preference. It did not affect my rating.) Two emotionally shattered MCs find love and acceptance with one another. I love that shit! I can certainly recommend this to all M/M romance fans who have a taste for BDSM, hurt/comfort and a bit of angst. I hope you enjoy!
January 8, 2015
This sweet story with mild BDSM elements centers on the angels helping Jake and Finn, but also gives a re-visit and follow up with the MCs from book one. Plenty delicious angst, but without being the total heartwrencher that book one was. An enjoyable read if you like angsty, not too long stories with damaged guys. I look forward to book 3.
February 26, 2016
Overall book review : 3.5
Audio book: Narrator – Chris Chambers - 3.5
Book Cover: 3.8
So I like the idea of the story right? But it got a little bit overly “sappy” or “cliché” there for me at times. Maybe my mood was a bit off. Don’t know but yeah. Not sorry I read it though. Nice short read.
Audio book: Narrator – Chris Chambers - 3.5
Book Cover: 3.8
So I like the idea of the story right? But it got a little bit overly “sappy” or “cliché” there for me at times. Maybe my mood was a bit off. Don’t know but yeah. Not sorry I read it though. Nice short read.
May 9, 2015
Repetitive wording needs better editing. The narrator needs to lay off emoting as with the text emoting all over the place it gets dragged out.
The story would probably appeal to those who seek "heart wrenching" (as in straightforward slap-dash angsty) plot with kinky flavor. For me it was boring and too saccharine.
Also, Jake had never done vanilla? Orly? He's about forty, so when he was a teenager in mid-80s, he was not only gay but kinky since his very first sex encounters? oh well.
The story would probably appeal to those who seek "heart wrenching" (as in straightforward slap-dash angsty) plot with kinky flavor. For me it was boring and too saccharine.
Also, Jake had never done vanilla? Orly? He's about forty, so when he was a teenager in mid-80s, he was not only gay but kinky since his very first sex encounters? oh well.
December 21, 2014
This was nice, with reasonable angst by a Dom who has failed with two previous subs. Also some great musical scenes. The relationship just didn't grab me quite like I'd hoped.
June 18, 2020
Overall: 4 Stars
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 3 Stars
"Bitter Bonds" is a hurt/comfort age-gap story with a guardian angel element and BDSM club backdrop that links the characters in this series together. With prodding from his friends, Dom Jake hesitantly agrees to take in Finn, a sub and music prodigy who was badly mistreated and recently abandoned by his former master.
Thinking his lifestyle not conducive to having a sub after two failed D/s relationships, Jake is reluctant to forge one with the much younger Finn despite Finn's willingness and their strong mutual attraction. Offering glimpses of their emotional scars and bonding over a shared love of music, their relationship evolves from roommates to "vanilla" lovers to - with some angel intervention - the D/s relationship they both truly long for.
I have listened to several audiobooks narrated by Chris Chambers, and he delivers another very good performance. His narration elevated the story overall, and he even sings (very well)!
Even with some emotional angst in this book, it is a much lighter listen overall than Book 1 ("Broken Bonds") in the "Souls in Bondage" series. Helping in that regard is the loving friendship formed between Finn and fellow subs Micah and Haven, who were featured in Book 1. While the guardian angel aspect and some characters appear in both books in this series, "Bitter Bonds" can easily be read/listened to as a standalone (I listened to them in reverse order and had no issues following along.)
[*Review cross-posted on Audible on 15May2020.*]
Performance: 4 Stars
Story: 3 Stars
"Bitter Bonds" is a hurt/comfort age-gap story with a guardian angel element and BDSM club backdrop that links the characters in this series together. With prodding from his friends, Dom Jake hesitantly agrees to take in Finn, a sub and music prodigy who was badly mistreated and recently abandoned by his former master.
Thinking his lifestyle not conducive to having a sub after two failed D/s relationships, Jake is reluctant to forge one with the much younger Finn despite Finn's willingness and their strong mutual attraction. Offering glimpses of their emotional scars and bonding over a shared love of music, their relationship evolves from roommates to "vanilla" lovers to - with some angel intervention - the D/s relationship they both truly long for.
I have listened to several audiobooks narrated by Chris Chambers, and he delivers another very good performance. His narration elevated the story overall, and he even sings (very well)!
Even with some emotional angst in this book, it is a much lighter listen overall than Book 1 ("Broken Bonds") in the "Souls in Bondage" series. Helping in that regard is the loving friendship formed between Finn and fellow subs Micah and Haven, who were featured in Book 1. While the guardian angel aspect and some characters appear in both books in this series, "Bitter Bonds" can easily be read/listened to as a standalone (I listened to them in reverse order and had no issues following along.)
[*Review cross-posted on Audible on 15May2020.*]
December 1, 2020
2nd book in a series and I suggest reading the 1st one as they are better in order (but not totally necessary). There is a short after this ("Subs for Lunch") and then room for more!
Staying on my "to be read again" Christmas shelf.
Staying on my "to be read again" Christmas shelf.
July 28, 2019
Sweet, but shallow, and I could really have done without the angels.
October 11, 2019
Quick read very melodramatic, kind of like a soap opera.
Read
November 23, 2019Audible
July 15, 2013
Short, Sexy and Steamy.. my three favorite colors. Bitter Bonds is the story of two emotionally bankrupt men that can only be themselves and be accepted for who they are with each other.
Finn finds himself at a local BDSM bar with all intentions of selling himself to the highest bidding dominant. He’s exhausted, lonely, malnourished and broke. To spite everything he still has a haunted beauty in his presence. Tall but slender due to the neglect he’s suffered, his white blonde hair and steal grey eyes still draw attention.
The story starts with Ray, a dom and co-owner of the bar, taking Finn to his friends house for shelter and a job. Jake has his own recording studio and is need of someone to help him and he has a safe environment for Finn to get back on his feet as well. Ray has more in mind for the young submissive though, he thinks Finn and his friend and fellow dom Jake would be the perfect fit. But Jake refuses to dominate anyone ever again after two failed relationships. Not to mention Finn still carries the scars from his previously abusive dominate, and Jake refuses to take advantage of the beautiful young man, no matter how badly his body aches for Finn.
Finn falls in love with Jake almost immediately. The tall muscled man with dark hair and amber eyes makes him feel safe, that alone is reason enough to love him as far as Finn’s concerned. The two enter into a consensual ‘vanilla’ relationship while each one secretly wants more. When Jakes friends point out how willing Finn is to submit and push him on the subject of making him his submissive, Jake panics and runs. Will he be able to push past his issues with being himself, being the dominate he wants to be, the dominate Finn needs? Or will he end up breaking the young subs heart like everyone Finn’s ever loved has done?
I’m not usually a BDSM fan, but Valentine hooked me! I was engrossed in this story from the first page, I was invested in Finn’s character and wanted him to be safe. Valentine did an excellent job of creating a back story of abuse and misery for him, all the while weaving a present and future full of love and happiness. Jake was conveyed as a big teddy bear with a dominate side that just wanted to wrap Finn up in his arms and protect him, keep him safe regardless.
Highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of BDSM it’s conveyed to the reader in a non-violent way, it’s more of a love story between and dom/sub than a chains, whips and flogger kind of story. Valentine has a new fan and I can’t wait for book 3!
Finn finds himself at a local BDSM bar with all intentions of selling himself to the highest bidding dominant. He’s exhausted, lonely, malnourished and broke. To spite everything he still has a haunted beauty in his presence. Tall but slender due to the neglect he’s suffered, his white blonde hair and steal grey eyes still draw attention.
The story starts with Ray, a dom and co-owner of the bar, taking Finn to his friends house for shelter and a job. Jake has his own recording studio and is need of someone to help him and he has a safe environment for Finn to get back on his feet as well. Ray has more in mind for the young submissive though, he thinks Finn and his friend and fellow dom Jake would be the perfect fit. But Jake refuses to dominate anyone ever again after two failed relationships. Not to mention Finn still carries the scars from his previously abusive dominate, and Jake refuses to take advantage of the beautiful young man, no matter how badly his body aches for Finn.
Finn falls in love with Jake almost immediately. The tall muscled man with dark hair and amber eyes makes him feel safe, that alone is reason enough to love him as far as Finn’s concerned. The two enter into a consensual ‘vanilla’ relationship while each one secretly wants more. When Jakes friends point out how willing Finn is to submit and push him on the subject of making him his submissive, Jake panics and runs. Will he be able to push past his issues with being himself, being the dominate he wants to be, the dominate Finn needs? Or will he end up breaking the young subs heart like everyone Finn’s ever loved has done?
I’m not usually a BDSM fan, but Valentine hooked me! I was engrossed in this story from the first page, I was invested in Finn’s character and wanted him to be safe. Valentine did an excellent job of creating a back story of abuse and misery for him, all the while weaving a present and future full of love and happiness. Jake was conveyed as a big teddy bear with a dominate side that just wanted to wrap Finn up in his arms and protect him, keep him safe regardless.
Highly recommend this book. Even if you aren’t a fan of BDSM it’s conveyed to the reader in a non-violent way, it’s more of a love story between and dom/sub than a chains, whips and flogger kind of story. Valentine has a new fan and I can’t wait for book 3!
November 16, 2013
Night Owl Review
Original Review Published here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
‘Bitter Bonds’ is the second book in the Souls in Bondage series by Lex Valentine. Jake Conrad is not interested in another submissive after his last two submissive left him. However, his best friend Ray brings him Finn. Finn is a submissive who is talented in ways Jake is amazed by. Can these two deal with the past and make a future together?
Finn is a white haired submissive who has had a tough life. His parents disowned him when they found out he was gay, and his last master kicked him out for a younger submissive. Finn falls for Jake at first sight.
Jake is a Dom whose last two subs left because he did not spend enough time with them. Jake does not want to open his heart again to be hurt. He is also not sure he wants a full time submissive. Jake does not deny his attraction to Finn. They enter into a ‘vanilla’ relationship.
The chemistry between Jake and Finn is blistering hot. The sex scenes were sizzling. While the sex scenes were mostly vanilla it’s apparent that both want more. It seems both Finn and Jake can talk to each other very well.
I loved the beginning and ending with the two angels looking over everyone. I like the idea of an angel looking out for you. I also enjoyed the fact that everyone is interconnected to a degree with each other. Overall, this was a wonderful sweet story that does overboard on the BDSM elements. Even if you not a big fan of BDSM you will still like this book.
Original Review Published here: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Rev...
‘Bitter Bonds’ is the second book in the Souls in Bondage series by Lex Valentine. Jake Conrad is not interested in another submissive after his last two submissive left him. However, his best friend Ray brings him Finn. Finn is a submissive who is talented in ways Jake is amazed by. Can these two deal with the past and make a future together?
Finn is a white haired submissive who has had a tough life. His parents disowned him when they found out he was gay, and his last master kicked him out for a younger submissive. Finn falls for Jake at first sight.
Jake is a Dom whose last two subs left because he did not spend enough time with them. Jake does not want to open his heart again to be hurt. He is also not sure he wants a full time submissive. Jake does not deny his attraction to Finn. They enter into a ‘vanilla’ relationship.
The chemistry between Jake and Finn is blistering hot. The sex scenes were sizzling. While the sex scenes were mostly vanilla it’s apparent that both want more. It seems both Finn and Jake can talk to each other very well.
I loved the beginning and ending with the two angels looking over everyone. I like the idea of an angel looking out for you. I also enjoyed the fact that everyone is interconnected to a degree with each other. Overall, this was a wonderful sweet story that does overboard on the BDSM elements. Even if you not a big fan of BDSM you will still like this book.
March 14, 2015
Jake and Finn. Finn and jake. Finn has been used, abused, and abandoned by everyone who has ever been in his life. Nick has been taken advantage of and had his choices questioned by everyone in his. Sounds like a perfectly dysfunctional relationship. There is an instant attraction, but it scares Jake to the point of him trying to suppress who he really is.
In a longer format we could have explored deeper the damage that had been wrought by his abusive former Dom. However, this story wasn’t about overcoming the specific programming so much as overcoming the fears brought about by the unceremonious way he was tossed aside by both his parent and his former Dom.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
In a longer format we could have explored deeper the damage that had been wrought by his abusive former Dom. However, this story wasn’t about overcoming the specific programming so much as overcoming the fears brought about by the unceremonious way he was tossed aside by both his parent and his former Dom.
Find the Full review at Prism Book Alliance http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...
May 16, 2020
Second reading--Audiobook--3 stars for the story; 3.5 stars for the narration
3.5 stars--This second book in the series is very similar in flavor to the first. It's short, fun but overly sappy and emotional. I loved the first book, even with all it's faults, and this one was good, but the first one was definitely better. In addition, this is not the type of book I should make a steady diet of. I think I would have enjoyed it much more had I not read it immediately after the first. These are like extremely sweet candies--a little is wonderful but too much takes away from the whole experience. I'm not sorry I read this one, I just wish I had allowed more time in between.
3.5 stars--This second book in the series is very similar in flavor to the first. It's short, fun but overly sappy and emotional. I loved the first book, even with all it's faults, and this one was good, but the first one was definitely better. In addition, this is not the type of book I should make a steady diet of. I think I would have enjoyed it much more had I not read it immediately after the first. These are like extremely sweet candies--a little is wonderful but too much takes away from the whole experience. I'm not sorry I read this one, I just wish I had allowed more time in between.
January 7, 2014
What a delightful read! Two emotionally damaged men are brought together through some good-intentioned scheming by a club owner as well as some divine intervention. They have both gone through a lot in their lives and been let down and hurt by people who were supposed to care for them. They both feel that the other deserves something better and try to fight the attraction they feel towards each other.
Really enjoyed reading this book! Simply couldn't put it down once I started. Waiting with interest for further stories in this universe.
Really enjoyed reading this book! Simply couldn't put it down once I started. Waiting with interest for further stories in this universe.
July 17, 2014
Loving this series. Finn is such a beautiful soul. You fall in live getting to know all the characters. I think what I love most is Cris and Rafe, they carry so much weight on their shoulders, know what they know, never losing hope in the humans they watch over. Without them, would be losing half of makes these books so emotional, loving and strong
May 3, 2014
Compared to the first book. This one was sweeter, there was no tissues needed in this one. Characters were revisited and I really enjoyed getting to know Jake and Finn. The relationship between the two was light and it was just fun seeing them interact.
January 9, 2016
Enjoyable story, well written.
I liked the characters, and the story line.
I just never really connected to anyone.
I liked the characters, and the story line.
I just never really connected to anyone.
June 20, 2013
3.75 stars
September 19, 2013
Liked the previous book but this one was close to a did not finish for me. Not bad, just not enough there to make me invest in the characters.
January 22, 2014
I like this one better than the first...Jake and Finn were natural for each other with their love of music...a very sweet story x
August 29, 2014
Somewhat disapointed with this one. The character's were great but the story itself lacked the heart wrenching quality the first one had. Still, eagerly waiting for sequels.
July 27, 2014
Jake and Finn are perfect for each other. Everyone knows it even Finn, everyone but Jake. This strong dom needs to overcome his own insecurities and decide what he really wants to move forward.
July 14, 2015
CUTE BOOK.. LOVED FINN...
May 18, 2015
Good
I like the way the story helps the pull between the two that is what makes it good. The sex is good too
I like the way the story helps the pull between the two that is what makes it good. The sex is good too
June 29, 2014
Rating 2.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews