What do you think?
Rate this book
Fallen #2
Unsterbliche Sehnsucht
Zer ist der Anführer der gefallenen Engel und auf der Suche nach seiner Seelengefährtin. Als er der hübschen Wissenschaftlerin Nessa begegnet, ist er augenblicklich von ihr fasziniert. Doch Nessa hat nicht vor, ihre Unabhängigkeit zu opfern und sich dem Engel hinzugeben – auch wenn er noch so verführerisch ist.
350 pages, Klappenbroschur
First published January 31, 2012
19 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Anne Marsh
166 books968 followersAnne Marsh is a sucker for a grumpy hero who falls hard, a sunshine heroine who won't back down, and small towns where everyone knows your business (but shows up with casseroles anyway).
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with 30+ romance novels, Anne writes contemporary and paranormal stories full of banter, steam, heroines navigating real challenges (chronic illness, anxiety, all the messy parts of being human), and happily-ever-afters you can believe in.
Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Talia Hibbert, and Olivia Dade.
Anne lives in rural North Carolina with rescue cats who barely tolerate her and neighbors who are real-life heroes—fixing cars, hauling mulch, pulling you out of ditches without even being asked. Her books are love letters to small-town kindness and big-hearted romance.
COMING SOON: Hot for Preacher (Harlequin Afterglow) - February 24, 2026
Grumpy preacher. Sunshine country singer living with rheumatoid arthritis. Second chances. Small-town meddling. So. Much. Heat.
Newsletter: https://anne-marsh.com/newsletter/ (join for bonus scenes, early covers, and book news)
FOLLOW ANNE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_anne...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annemarshau...
TikTok: Coming soon!
A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with 30+ romance novels, Anne writes contemporary and paranormal stories full of banter, steam, heroines navigating real challenges (chronic illness, anxiety, all the messy parts of being human), and happily-ever-afters you can believe in.
Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Talia Hibbert, and Olivia Dade.
Anne lives in rural North Carolina with rescue cats who barely tolerate her and neighbors who are real-life heroes—fixing cars, hauling mulch, pulling you out of ditches without even being asked. Her books are love letters to small-town kindness and big-hearted romance.
COMING SOON: Hot for Preacher (Harlequin Afterglow) - February 24, 2026
Grumpy preacher. Sunshine country singer living with rheumatoid arthritis. Second chances. Small-town meddling. So. Much. Heat.
Newsletter: https://anne-marsh.com/newsletter/ (join for bonus scenes, early covers, and book news)
FOLLOW ANNE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_anne...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annemarshau...
TikTok: Coming soon!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
March 7, 2015
Impressive... just as good as the first book. In all honesty, I didn't think I would like this series. After all Marsh's hand at paranormal story telling with "The Hunt" and "Pharon's Demon" was as good. It almost as natural written as her chic-lit books. Off to read book 3 now...
August 25, 2016
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: This incredibly hot romance has fabulous world building, bad boy angels, and is packed with paranormal action scenes.
Opening Sentence: Three thousand years ago, rebellion ripped apart the Heavens.
The Review:
Once again we’re back in 2090, following the Fallen into dystopian Moscow–now called M City. The Fallen used to be angels, the Dominions of Heaven charged with defending the Celestial Throne, until they were betrayed and rebelled against the Archangel Michael. Michael cast them out of the Heavens, stripped of their wings and softer emotions. But Michael left the Fallen a loophole. If they can find their soul mates, the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack, they can regain their wings. So for three thousand years they’ve been searching, bonding with every woman they can in the hopes of finding their soul mate. But Cuthah, Michael’s lieutenant, knows about the soul mates too. And his place in the Heavens is reliant on the Fallen staying Fallen. The potential soul mates that Cuthah’s rogues find first end up dead. Until finally Zer finds Nessa St. James, a professor at M City’s leading university, before Cuthah’s rogues can kill her.
I really enjoyed reading Zer’s story. He’s the alpha male, the sire, the leader of the Fallen. Zer is also the one responsible for getting the Dominions thrown out of Heaven. He’s wracked with guilt. Not only for his brothers, but for the women that are dying at Cuthah’s hands. All Zer wants is for Nessa to bond with one of his brothers, to save one of them and give them back their wings. But of course Nessa has plans of her own. She’s a geneticist, and her work has upended her entire life. Not only because it’s exposed her as a paranormal, but because she’s a descendant of the thirteenth tribe of Isreal. A tribe history has long forgotten about. According to her research, this thirteenth tribe is the key to finding the Fallen’s soul mates. She’s a strong heroine, and more than a match for Zer’s alphaness.
This book is filled with action scenes. I’m always confused with the guns and gernades, but Marsh did a great job of laying out the action for the reader without being confusing. I love the Fallen and their unbending loyalty, which is what made them such great soldiers in Heaven. The plot from Bond With Me finally reaches its conclusion in this installment, but not perhaps in the way the reader might expect. Marsh’s attention to detail also crosses over into her love scenes, making them hot, steamy, and close to explicit. Zer has three thousand years of sinful experience to share with Nessa, an uptight professor if you ever met one, and Nessa’s repressed fantasies begin to come to fruition. Zer and his brothers are highly sensual characters, use to sin as well as getting everything they want. In G2, Brend’s elite club, they can find sex whenever they need it. This lends a voyeuristic layer to the book. Zer feeding on human emotions has an almost threesome feel to it because he can’t feed without being under the watchful eye of one of his brothers. If he feeds too much he could drain the soul completely and that would result in going rogue.
I read this book in a night. I fell completely in love with the world Marsh created, particularly Zer and Nael, the two Fallen this installment really focuses on. There were a few instances where the word choice bothered me, or I thought a conversation seemed a bit repetitive, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. Her characters had depth, especially as the story evolved, and the plot while not exactly new–what war story is?– was different enough that I didn’t know what to expect next. I can’t wait to read the next installment! I hope we get to see more of Nael in the next one.
Notable Scene:
He needed her to listen to him. Needed her to obey.
Fortunately for them both, he was very, very good at making humans do what he needed them t do.
Deliberately, he crowded her with his large body, trapping her against the expensive leather seats. Immediately, she tried to slide away from him, but he wasn’t having that. Inexplicably, he wanted her–he needed her–just as close as he could get her. This close, he could taste the delicious heat and scent of her skin. He didn’t want her to be afraid of him. No, what he wanted was to stroke his thumbs along the sweat-slicked line of her collarbone. Follow that feminine shadow with his tongue. His teeth.
The Fallen Series:
1. Bond With Me
2. His Dark Bond
FTC Advisory: Kensington Publishing provided me with a copy of His Dark Bond. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: This incredibly hot romance has fabulous world building, bad boy angels, and is packed with paranormal action scenes.
Opening Sentence: Three thousand years ago, rebellion ripped apart the Heavens.
The Review:
Once again we’re back in 2090, following the Fallen into dystopian Moscow–now called M City. The Fallen used to be angels, the Dominions of Heaven charged with defending the Celestial Throne, until they were betrayed and rebelled against the Archangel Michael. Michael cast them out of the Heavens, stripped of their wings and softer emotions. But Michael left the Fallen a loophole. If they can find their soul mates, the equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack, they can regain their wings. So for three thousand years they’ve been searching, bonding with every woman they can in the hopes of finding their soul mate. But Cuthah, Michael’s lieutenant, knows about the soul mates too. And his place in the Heavens is reliant on the Fallen staying Fallen. The potential soul mates that Cuthah’s rogues find first end up dead. Until finally Zer finds Nessa St. James, a professor at M City’s leading university, before Cuthah’s rogues can kill her.
I really enjoyed reading Zer’s story. He’s the alpha male, the sire, the leader of the Fallen. Zer is also the one responsible for getting the Dominions thrown out of Heaven. He’s wracked with guilt. Not only for his brothers, but for the women that are dying at Cuthah’s hands. All Zer wants is for Nessa to bond with one of his brothers, to save one of them and give them back their wings. But of course Nessa has plans of her own. She’s a geneticist, and her work has upended her entire life. Not only because it’s exposed her as a paranormal, but because she’s a descendant of the thirteenth tribe of Isreal. A tribe history has long forgotten about. According to her research, this thirteenth tribe is the key to finding the Fallen’s soul mates. She’s a strong heroine, and more than a match for Zer’s alphaness.
This book is filled with action scenes. I’m always confused with the guns and gernades, but Marsh did a great job of laying out the action for the reader without being confusing. I love the Fallen and their unbending loyalty, which is what made them such great soldiers in Heaven. The plot from Bond With Me finally reaches its conclusion in this installment, but not perhaps in the way the reader might expect. Marsh’s attention to detail also crosses over into her love scenes, making them hot, steamy, and close to explicit. Zer has three thousand years of sinful experience to share with Nessa, an uptight professor if you ever met one, and Nessa’s repressed fantasies begin to come to fruition. Zer and his brothers are highly sensual characters, use to sin as well as getting everything they want. In G2, Brend’s elite club, they can find sex whenever they need it. This lends a voyeuristic layer to the book. Zer feeding on human emotions has an almost threesome feel to it because he can’t feed without being under the watchful eye of one of his brothers. If he feeds too much he could drain the soul completely and that would result in going rogue.
I read this book in a night. I fell completely in love with the world Marsh created, particularly Zer and Nael, the two Fallen this installment really focuses on. There were a few instances where the word choice bothered me, or I thought a conversation seemed a bit repetitive, but nothing that pulled me out of the story. Her characters had depth, especially as the story evolved, and the plot while not exactly new–what war story is?– was different enough that I didn’t know what to expect next. I can’t wait to read the next installment! I hope we get to see more of Nael in the next one.
Notable Scene:
He needed her to listen to him. Needed her to obey.
Fortunately for them both, he was very, very good at making humans do what he needed them t do.
Deliberately, he crowded her with his large body, trapping her against the expensive leather seats. Immediately, she tried to slide away from him, but he wasn’t having that. Inexplicably, he wanted her–he needed her–just as close as he could get her. This close, he could taste the delicious heat and scent of her skin. He didn’t want her to be afraid of him. No, what he wanted was to stroke his thumbs along the sweat-slicked line of her collarbone. Follow that feminine shadow with his tongue. His teeth.
The Fallen Series:
1. Bond With Me
2. His Dark Bond
FTC Advisory: Kensington Publishing provided me with a copy of His Dark Bond. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
January 31, 2012
His Dark Bond, Fallen #2, by Anne Marsh
Grade: B
“You got to feel, Vkhin, to have a soul mate. Me, I don’t have anything left.”
Nessa St. James is not having a good day. First, the Dean of the university she works at cuts her funding and tells her to work for a professor who gets way too handsy and then she is kidnapped by the leader of the Fallen while giving a lecture. The Fallen believe that the only way to win back their wings and get back into Heaven is to find their lost soul mates on Earth. Nessa’s name happens to be on a list of soul mates and the Fallen, especially their leader Zer, will do whatever it takes to get Nessa to save one of them.
Three centuries ago Zer lead a rebellion of the Dominion angels, warrior angels, against the Archangel Michael after three Dominion females were found brutally murdered. The Dominions lost and were banished to earth and forced to make bargains with human women to feed off their souls to stay alive. Now that soul mates are starting to be found the Dominions have hope and as their leader Zer is determined to save all of his brothers. What Zer never expected was Nessa St. James. Nessa is not only just the key to saving one of the Fallen but she might be able to uncover the secret of soul mates and be able to identify more in the future and she might be the key to saving Zer and getting him his wings.
I have been reading a lot of fallen angel type books lately but this is one of my favorites so far. It was action packed and fast paced from the very first pages and maintained that flow until the very end. I am a sucker for all things soul mate so this book had me before I even started but the fact that it’s a really great story and so well written kept my interest and made it so easy to love. There is a big mixture of science and religious doctrine woven together and done in such a way that they really helped the story and never got boring which sadly sometimes happens.
I really, really, really, really liked Nessa St. James. I thought she was super smart and very feisty. She refuses to let anyone use her or walk all over her even Zer who she is very attracted to. I love that she doesn’t let Zer hide himself or his possibilities and she makes he face up to his own reality and see the truth. The scenes between Nessa and Zer are smoking hot and I actually blushed at one in the beginning. This is not my first rodeo so I was very surprised when this happened and it’s not very often that I have to fan my face while reading a romance novel.
The only problem I had with the entire book was with Zer and it’s not even a very big problem just an annoyance. Zer calls Nessa “baby” in almost every single sentence and it drove me crazy. For some reason the endearment was used way to much for my liking and to me came off condescending. I think that if the use of the word “baby” had been cut in even half I would have been okay but it was way too much and really rubbed me the wrong way.
I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see which Fallen’s story we get next. I loved the action, dialogue and the romance that Mrs. Marsh gave us and I think the new world she created is wonderful. Great book in a great series that everyone should be reading.
Grade: B
“You got to feel, Vkhin, to have a soul mate. Me, I don’t have anything left.”
Nessa St. James is not having a good day. First, the Dean of the university she works at cuts her funding and tells her to work for a professor who gets way too handsy and then she is kidnapped by the leader of the Fallen while giving a lecture. The Fallen believe that the only way to win back their wings and get back into Heaven is to find their lost soul mates on Earth. Nessa’s name happens to be on a list of soul mates and the Fallen, especially their leader Zer, will do whatever it takes to get Nessa to save one of them.
Three centuries ago Zer lead a rebellion of the Dominion angels, warrior angels, against the Archangel Michael after three Dominion females were found brutally murdered. The Dominions lost and were banished to earth and forced to make bargains with human women to feed off their souls to stay alive. Now that soul mates are starting to be found the Dominions have hope and as their leader Zer is determined to save all of his brothers. What Zer never expected was Nessa St. James. Nessa is not only just the key to saving one of the Fallen but she might be able to uncover the secret of soul mates and be able to identify more in the future and she might be the key to saving Zer and getting him his wings.
I have been reading a lot of fallen angel type books lately but this is one of my favorites so far. It was action packed and fast paced from the very first pages and maintained that flow until the very end. I am a sucker for all things soul mate so this book had me before I even started but the fact that it’s a really great story and so well written kept my interest and made it so easy to love. There is a big mixture of science and religious doctrine woven together and done in such a way that they really helped the story and never got boring which sadly sometimes happens.
I really, really, really, really liked Nessa St. James. I thought she was super smart and very feisty. She refuses to let anyone use her or walk all over her even Zer who she is very attracted to. I love that she doesn’t let Zer hide himself or his possibilities and she makes he face up to his own reality and see the truth. The scenes between Nessa and Zer are smoking hot and I actually blushed at one in the beginning. This is not my first rodeo so I was very surprised when this happened and it’s not very often that I have to fan my face while reading a romance novel.
The only problem I had with the entire book was with Zer and it’s not even a very big problem just an annoyance. Zer calls Nessa “baby” in almost every single sentence and it drove me crazy. For some reason the endearment was used way to much for my liking and to me came off condescending. I think that if the use of the word “baby” had been cut in even half I would have been okay but it was way too much and really rubbed me the wrong way.
I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to see which Fallen’s story we get next. I loved the action, dialogue and the romance that Mrs. Marsh gave us and I think the new world she created is wonderful. Great book in a great series that everyone should be reading.
January 5, 2012
Feeling like a failure for letting down the men that chose to follow a decision he made over 3,000 years ago, Zer feels overwhelmed with the need to correct the situation. He looks to a list of women that are matches to become a soul mate for one of his fallen brothers. Determined to help, he find Nessa St. James, a sexy professor he can't help fantasizing about. But there is no way she is meant to be his. Not only does he not deserve a soul mate, he has no soul of his own which is why he struggles not to go rogue everyday. To make matters worse, Nessa is being hunted by a serial killer out to get rid of all the fallen's soul mates.
Nessa realizes quickly that the tall drink of water in her lab means business. After saving her life, he kidnaps her and brings her to G2, the nightclub owned by Zer where she is supposed to decided which man to bond with. It sounds great except Nessa wants no part in it. She just wants to go back to her old life which includes her lab and her research. Having been forced to choose, one of Zer's brothers, Nael, convinced her to take a chance on Zer even though he tells her he won't bond. Scared about everything that is going on, Nessa escapes and goes to the one place that always gave her peace. And then all hell breaks loose.
There are a lot of people commenting that there are a lot of books with angel themes. I honestly have only heard of two series and this is definitely my favorite out of the two. I was extremely excited when Ms. Marsh herself contacted me to see if I would like a copy of her latest book. My eyes literally bugged which was then proceeded by a squeal that made my cat jump off the couch beside me with a startled hiss. That's a feat for my kitty cow too. Lol. I love how Anne didn't make them necessarily "good" but they have a darker side than you would initially think. I love dark reads that have light at the end. Give this book and series a chance. Of course I can't guarantee you will get much sleep! :)
Nessa realizes quickly that the tall drink of water in her lab means business. After saving her life, he kidnaps her and brings her to G2, the nightclub owned by Zer where she is supposed to decided which man to bond with. It sounds great except Nessa wants no part in it. She just wants to go back to her old life which includes her lab and her research. Having been forced to choose, one of Zer's brothers, Nael, convinced her to take a chance on Zer even though he tells her he won't bond. Scared about everything that is going on, Nessa escapes and goes to the one place that always gave her peace. And then all hell breaks loose.
There are a lot of people commenting that there are a lot of books with angel themes. I honestly have only heard of two series and this is definitely my favorite out of the two. I was extremely excited when Ms. Marsh herself contacted me to see if I would like a copy of her latest book. My eyes literally bugged which was then proceeded by a squeal that made my cat jump off the couch beside me with a startled hiss. That's a feat for my kitty cow too. Lol. I love how Anne didn't make them necessarily "good" but they have a darker side than you would initially think. I love dark reads that have light at the end. Give this book and series a chance. Of course I can't guarantee you will get much sleep! :)
January 7, 2012
Anne Marsh has created a world of Fallen Angels in M-City that I can only describe as having an equivalent to the residents of Caldwell, NY. If you are looking for angelic men who only do good deeds, these men are not for you. These Fallen are men who fight their inner beasts on a daily basis, while policing those that have given into their inner beast. They conduct heated sexual encounters with any number of women (or men) who line up to have a favor granted in return for the feeding off their soul. All this while holding onto hope that their true salvation is out there...a soul mate.
In this second installment to the Fallen series, our focus is on the Fallen leader, Zer. He's clinging to the edge and certain he's about to turn rouge. He's ready for the end as soon as he can ensure his brothers have their soul mates and salvation. He doesn't think he deserve any of this, even when he kidnaps genetic researcher, Nessa St. James, and can't take his eyes off her. Zer is harsh, but that harshness is generally aimed at himself.
Nessa St. James thinks she's nothing more than the research that she conducts. With the threat of that research being taken away from her, she fears her identity will be gone to. She fights Zer tooth and nail as he insists she needs to bond with one of his brothers in order to ensure her safety. Despite her constant need to fight with Zer, she's also incredibly attracted to him but also positive he doesn't want her because she is a nothing.
With Nessa and Zer doubting anyone could ever want them, is it any surprise that they would be perfect for each other?
This series will suck you immediately. Even with all the details around the methods Nessa uses when researching DNA (and it's descriptive) you still devour the pages wanting to find out what happens next. Anne Marsh is now an author that will be on my must buy list.
In this second installment to the Fallen series, our focus is on the Fallen leader, Zer. He's clinging to the edge and certain he's about to turn rouge. He's ready for the end as soon as he can ensure his brothers have their soul mates and salvation. He doesn't think he deserve any of this, even when he kidnaps genetic researcher, Nessa St. James, and can't take his eyes off her. Zer is harsh, but that harshness is generally aimed at himself.
Nessa St. James thinks she's nothing more than the research that she conducts. With the threat of that research being taken away from her, she fears her identity will be gone to. She fights Zer tooth and nail as he insists she needs to bond with one of his brothers in order to ensure her safety. Despite her constant need to fight with Zer, she's also incredibly attracted to him but also positive he doesn't want her because she is a nothing.
With Nessa and Zer doubting anyone could ever want them, is it any surprise that they would be perfect for each other?
This series will suck you immediately. Even with all the details around the methods Nessa uses when researching DNA (and it's descriptive) you still devour the pages wanting to find out what happens next. Anne Marsh is now an author that will be on my must buy list.
January 2, 2012
Zer and his brothers are Fallen Angels a thousands of years ago they fought against the very angel they protected, for doing the right thing. Since the Fallen rebelled against Archangel Micheal he condemned them to near-eternity of punishment. He banished them to earth not to returned to the heavens and stripped them of there wings. The only way for a Fallen to regain his wings and return to the heavens was to find their sole mate and love, but she also has to be the one to redeem his dark side.
Zer has been on earth for thousands of years and lost all emotions all the Fallen had and when they were thrown out of heaven they still needed to fight and protect humans because that was what they were born to do they were warriors. Being without emotions causes all Fallen to seek out a woman’s aura and souls. The best way to do this is through sex, they feed off it. There is also a catch for doing so. But if a Fallen just keeps taking like a addict they can turn rogue and kill the very thing they seek to survive.
Nessa St James is a Scientist who created a DNA testing Kit to see if humans possess a gene of paranormal heritage. What Nessa didn't know was Cuthah already knew she was not a normal human and wanted to kill her. Zer and the Fallen could not let that happen because sole mates were there last chance at redemption. But when Nessa first meets Zer what will happen, because she has no idea of this other world she is a part of. Will Cuthah get to Nessa and the Fallen be condemned forever?
I love stories of lost soles that need redemption. Zer has so much weight on his shoulders and wants to do right by his brothers. Nessa wants her life back but has to come to realized that she is a part of it now weather she likes it or not.
Zer has been on earth for thousands of years and lost all emotions all the Fallen had and when they were thrown out of heaven they still needed to fight and protect humans because that was what they were born to do they were warriors. Being without emotions causes all Fallen to seek out a woman’s aura and souls. The best way to do this is through sex, they feed off it. There is also a catch for doing so. But if a Fallen just keeps taking like a addict they can turn rogue and kill the very thing they seek to survive.
Nessa St James is a Scientist who created a DNA testing Kit to see if humans possess a gene of paranormal heritage. What Nessa didn't know was Cuthah already knew she was not a normal human and wanted to kill her. Zer and the Fallen could not let that happen because sole mates were there last chance at redemption. But when Nessa first meets Zer what will happen, because she has no idea of this other world she is a part of. Will Cuthah get to Nessa and the Fallen be condemned forever?
I love stories of lost soles that need redemption. Zer has so much weight on his shoulders and wants to do right by his brothers. Nessa wants her life back but has to come to realized that she is a part of it now weather she likes it or not.
June 24, 2012
I hadn't fallen for Bond with Me. And I didn't enjoy reading His Dark Bond.
I found it so boring I skipped chunks of it (including the steamy bits). As a rule of thumb, I feel cheated by this fake heroines who seem always this strong and clever and smart, but roll over 2 seconds after meeting the guy. He is by the way a jerk (to be nice). I have nothing against alpha jerks... if the heroine rips them a new one :D Otherwise where's the fun?
Does she do anything, anything at all? Nope, she whines and runs scared in circle 'cause she doesn't know if he loves her. Groan. Make it double.
Truly, I understand duty. I also understand "no, thank you. I'm no martyr" and the action-reaction relationship...(which I don't see here. He never pays for his choices. Well, I guess falling is a penance enough... not).
On a bit more serious note, this book suffers from character schizophrenia. What we are told (what I read) and what we are shown (what I saw) are pretty different. The background story isn't that fresh either: military bros fighting other more fallen bros, soul mates, angels. The only different nuances I found are the setting, Russia, and the goblin angle.
But maybe any and everything can be reduced to this: this book could not force me to suspend my disbelief. As a consequence all the little details become unbearable nix.
I found it so boring I skipped chunks of it (including the steamy bits). As a rule of thumb, I feel cheated by this fake heroines who seem always this strong and clever and smart, but roll over 2 seconds after meeting the guy. He is by the way a jerk (to be nice). I have nothing against alpha jerks... if the heroine rips them a new one :D Otherwise where's the fun?
Does she do anything, anything at all? Nope, she whines and runs scared in circle 'cause she doesn't know if he loves her. Groan. Make it double.
Truly, I understand duty. I also understand "no, thank you. I'm no martyr" and the action-reaction relationship...(which I don't see here. He never pays for his choices. Well, I guess falling is a penance enough... not).
On a bit more serious note, this book suffers from character schizophrenia. What we are told (what I read) and what we are shown (what I saw) are pretty different. The background story isn't that fresh either: military bros fighting other more fallen bros, soul mates, angels. The only different nuances I found are the setting, Russia, and the goblin angle.
But maybe any and everything can be reduced to this: this book could not force me to suspend my disbelief. As a consequence all the little details become unbearable nix.
January 23, 2012
Zer is one of the Fallen. Thrown out of heaven by Michael. Cursed to live the life of a goblin. Unless he can find a women who can love and redeem his soul. His Soul Mate.
Dr. Nessa St. James is on list of potential females that are compatible for the Fallen. She wants nothing more to continue her research and make tenure. But in walks a raging storm by the name of Zer, with his man handling ways and her world is forever changed.
I loved this story. Zer is a force. Intense, dominate and simply yummy. Nessa is his opposite in many ways - but they seem to fit very well together. His Dark Bond is a delectable, engaging read. Fast paced action and enough sexy to keep your wanting more. Ms. Marsh's world-building is excellent. The Fallen has become a fast favorite. If you love fallen angel stories you won't want to miss this one.
Dr. Nessa St. James is on list of potential females that are compatible for the Fallen. She wants nothing more to continue her research and make tenure. But in walks a raging storm by the name of Zer, with his man handling ways and her world is forever changed.
I loved this story. Zer is a force. Intense, dominate and simply yummy. Nessa is his opposite in many ways - but they seem to fit very well together. His Dark Bond is a delectable, engaging read. Fast paced action and enough sexy to keep your wanting more. Ms. Marsh's world-building is excellent. The Fallen has become a fast favorite. If you love fallen angel stories you won't want to miss this one.
December 3, 2011
Rated 4.5 Blue Ribbons
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies:
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies:
http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
February 22, 2012
Originally posted at: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/02/16/...
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: Purchased
HE HUNGERS FOR HER BODY . . .
Zer is no angel—well, not anymore. He’s explored every flavor of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood…a woman like Nessa St. James.
AND HER SOUL
Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer’s bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved, and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, this is one job Zer’s going to nail.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
E: After I finished reading Bond With Me book 1, a couple of years ago I eagerly went to Ms Marsh’s website hoping I could get information on an upcoming book 2. Unfortunately at the time there wasn’t much if anything out there so I kept hoping and waiting. Then one of the times I checked back Ms Marsh had provided a title and a release date. As I am sure you can imagine I was pretty excited so when Has and I started chatting about upcoming books and decided we would review His Dark Bond I couldn’t wait.
Has: I felt the same way! I really enjoyed Bond With Me which had an intense and erotic romance but in a paranormal setting which I really liked. I am not a huge fans of fallen angels and the mating trope which is beginning to feel pretty derivative, but Anne’s take on them was sublime and sexy, so I was definitely looking forward to the followup! His Dark Bond, follows Zer who is the leader of the fallen Dominion angels and now they are that aware of their only hope to regain their wings, which is to find their soul-mates have been subverted by a faction of rebel angels and rogues who have been killing their mates over the centuries. I liked the fact that we actually got the leader’s story very early in the series. Usually it is held off right towards the end or starts off a series, which empathizes that the leader type hero holds more importance than the people who follow him. I also liked that Zer was in many ways, was unsure had real doubts about the mistakes he made as being a leader and felt very responsible for the Dominion becoming fallen angels. I found that really refreshing, and it added some depth to his character. So when they come across Nessa St James, a soul-mate who is also a geneticists/researcher who has the keys to find more potential soul-mates it is imperative for the angels to protect her from their enemies.
E: Like Has I found it interesting to see the leader despite all of his good intentions get stuck with his soul-mate. In a way I think that was a really good thing because I got the impression he was on the borderline of becoming a Rogue which would have been a really BAD thing. As long as their leader was still “sane” some of the Fallen would retain hope. Plus now that a small group of them knows it is possible to regain their wings legitimately and that they have enemies in Heaven they really need their leader. It also made sense that Nessa, with the knowledge of how to find potential soul mates, would need to pair up with Zer. I also *ahem* loved how Nael one of Zer’s lieutenants andbodyguard convinced Nessa to choose Zer. I am really looking forward to his story especially since he is hinted at being umm more into smexy variations then the others…
Has: It was pretty obvious to everyone BUT Zer and Nessa they were attracted and drawn towards each other, although I did wish there was more time in developing that transition from being reluctant to admitting their love for each other. But I did like how they felt reluctant – the bonding trope can be a lazy way to excuse romantic tension, however Anne Marsh has a great way to convey this and sizzles up the heat factor by a 100 degrees with the love scenes. I really like how she incorporates emotions and sex into the world-building with the Angels who need to feed off this to fend off from being a rogue. Both Zer and Nessa share hot sexual tension, but I did wish there was more time expaning on the emotional element, because so much time was spent them fighting off their feelings and trying not to get invested. However when they do realise what they mean towards each other, it was sweet and passionate. I have to quote this passage, because it sums it up perfectly.
“I love you, too,” he said roughly. “You’re part of me, body and soul, Nessa. And I wish—” He hesitated, then kept right on going. “I wish all my brothers had found their soul mates. Because, what we have … it’s more than the wings. What we have, it’s me and you and …” His voice trailed off. “I’m no poet. You’re the heart of it all. The heart of me. And that,” he said forcefully, “is why I have my wings back and we’re even having this goddamn conversation.”
E: Great quote! I did enjoy the relationship build-up more in the first book. This one seemed almost like I hate you but I want you, then just because you DON’T want me to I will choose you, then since you are bound and determined to hold back on me I will make you open up without much if any emotional caring before hand. Yet if you looked at some of the subtleties Nessa did have trust that Zer would rescue her on more then one occasion. She also could have picked something very superficial as the bonding favor and instead she went for something deep. Then she had a very special conversation with another individual that I am hoping will pay off in later installments. I did like the glimmer of hope that remained in the Rogue preserves but I think the Fallen are going to have their hands extremely full later on. I also really like how Ms Marsh puts holes in the stereotype that all Angels are good and all Fallen are bad. This was a satisfying installment an I am looking forward to the next. I give His Dark Bond a B-.
Has: I totally agree about the subtleties between Zer and Nessa. I loved that she was a scientist and he was a figure of mythology which added another level to their dynamics. I also LOVED how science was added into the story, it was realistic and detailed and that was an interesting dichotomy with the paranormal factors. I do think that the ongoing plot-line with the angelic war and rogues is really starting to cement the series and I love the gritty nature and tone of this world. His Dark Bond, is an erotic and fast paced entry to this series and I am definitely in line for the next book!
I give His Dark Bond a C+
Interested in learning more then check out Anne Marsh’s Guest Post with us and E’s review of The Fallen book 1, Bond With Me.
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Out Now
How we got this book: Purchased
HE HUNGERS FOR HER BODY . . .
Zer is no angel—well, not anymore. He’s explored every flavor of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood…a woman like Nessa St. James.
AND HER SOUL
Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer’s bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved, and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, this is one job Zer’s going to nail.
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
E: After I finished reading Bond With Me book 1, a couple of years ago I eagerly went to Ms Marsh’s website hoping I could get information on an upcoming book 2. Unfortunately at the time there wasn’t much if anything out there so I kept hoping and waiting. Then one of the times I checked back Ms Marsh had provided a title and a release date. As I am sure you can imagine I was pretty excited so when Has and I started chatting about upcoming books and decided we would review His Dark Bond I couldn’t wait.
Has: I felt the same way! I really enjoyed Bond With Me which had an intense and erotic romance but in a paranormal setting which I really liked. I am not a huge fans of fallen angels and the mating trope which is beginning to feel pretty derivative, but Anne’s take on them was sublime and sexy, so I was definitely looking forward to the followup! His Dark Bond, follows Zer who is the leader of the fallen Dominion angels and now they are that aware of their only hope to regain their wings, which is to find their soul-mates have been subverted by a faction of rebel angels and rogues who have been killing their mates over the centuries. I liked the fact that we actually got the leader’s story very early in the series. Usually it is held off right towards the end or starts off a series, which empathizes that the leader type hero holds more importance than the people who follow him. I also liked that Zer was in many ways, was unsure had real doubts about the mistakes he made as being a leader and felt very responsible for the Dominion becoming fallen angels. I found that really refreshing, and it added some depth to his character. So when they come across Nessa St James, a soul-mate who is also a geneticists/researcher who has the keys to find more potential soul-mates it is imperative for the angels to protect her from their enemies.
E: Like Has I found it interesting to see the leader despite all of his good intentions get stuck with his soul-mate. In a way I think that was a really good thing because I got the impression he was on the borderline of becoming a Rogue which would have been a really BAD thing. As long as their leader was still “sane” some of the Fallen would retain hope. Plus now that a small group of them knows it is possible to regain their wings legitimately and that they have enemies in Heaven they really need their leader. It also made sense that Nessa, with the knowledge of how to find potential soul mates, would need to pair up with Zer. I also *ahem* loved how Nael one of Zer’s lieutenants andbodyguard convinced Nessa to choose Zer. I am really looking forward to his story especially since he is hinted at being umm more into smexy variations then the others…
Has: It was pretty obvious to everyone BUT Zer and Nessa they were attracted and drawn towards each other, although I did wish there was more time in developing that transition from being reluctant to admitting their love for each other. But I did like how they felt reluctant – the bonding trope can be a lazy way to excuse romantic tension, however Anne Marsh has a great way to convey this and sizzles up the heat factor by a 100 degrees with the love scenes. I really like how she incorporates emotions and sex into the world-building with the Angels who need to feed off this to fend off from being a rogue. Both Zer and Nessa share hot sexual tension, but I did wish there was more time expaning on the emotional element, because so much time was spent them fighting off their feelings and trying not to get invested. However when they do realise what they mean towards each other, it was sweet and passionate. I have to quote this passage, because it sums it up perfectly.
“I love you, too,” he said roughly. “You’re part of me, body and soul, Nessa. And I wish—” He hesitated, then kept right on going. “I wish all my brothers had found their soul mates. Because, what we have … it’s more than the wings. What we have, it’s me and you and …” His voice trailed off. “I’m no poet. You’re the heart of it all. The heart of me. And that,” he said forcefully, “is why I have my wings back and we’re even having this goddamn conversation.”
E: Great quote! I did enjoy the relationship build-up more in the first book. This one seemed almost like I hate you but I want you, then just because you DON’T want me to I will choose you, then since you are bound and determined to hold back on me I will make you open up without much if any emotional caring before hand. Yet if you looked at some of the subtleties Nessa did have trust that Zer would rescue her on more then one occasion. She also could have picked something very superficial as the bonding favor and instead she went for something deep. Then she had a very special conversation with another individual that I am hoping will pay off in later installments. I did like the glimmer of hope that remained in the Rogue preserves but I think the Fallen are going to have their hands extremely full later on. I also really like how Ms Marsh puts holes in the stereotype that all Angels are good and all Fallen are bad. This was a satisfying installment an I am looking forward to the next. I give His Dark Bond a B-.
Has: I totally agree about the subtleties between Zer and Nessa. I loved that she was a scientist and he was a figure of mythology which added another level to their dynamics. I also LOVED how science was added into the story, it was realistic and detailed and that was an interesting dichotomy with the paranormal factors. I do think that the ongoing plot-line with the angelic war and rogues is really starting to cement the series and I love the gritty nature and tone of this world. His Dark Bond, is an erotic and fast paced entry to this series and I am definitely in line for the next book!
I give His Dark Bond a C+
Interested in learning more then check out Anne Marsh’s Guest Post with us and E’s review of The Fallen book 1, Bond With Me.
August 10, 2019
Ness St. James was a DNA scientist who discovered that her own DNA carried an extra chromosone that meant she was a paranormal. While she was giving a speech to her students the doors came crashing in. Little did she know that some of them were fallen Angels, there to save her.
Zer was a fallen angel with a bad attitude, he had a chip on his shoulder and was seeking revenge against those that made him fallen... His wings were cut off and he was told that if he found his soul mate he would get his wings back. Little does he know that someone is sabotaging his efferts of finding his soul mate. Any female that is found with the extra chromosone in her DNA is ordered to be killed so there is no chance of any of the fallen angels to get their wings back and reenter heaven.
This story could have been much better than it was. Im just not into a woman seeing a handsome guy across the street and thinks wow hes cute, I want in his pants and then 15 minutes later its happening when you hardly know the guys name. and the sex is in such great detail it takes several pages to discuss it.... I think I know how ....There is no chase, no romance, nothing leading up to the sex...At times the story dragged on and was getting so boring I almost didnt finish it... This was my first angel book and I was greatly disappointed, I wont let that deter me from reading other angel stories... Sorry Anne Marsh, but this one just didnt work for me.
Zer was a fallen angel with a bad attitude, he had a chip on his shoulder and was seeking revenge against those that made him fallen... His wings were cut off and he was told that if he found his soul mate he would get his wings back. Little does he know that someone is sabotaging his efferts of finding his soul mate. Any female that is found with the extra chromosone in her DNA is ordered to be killed so there is no chance of any of the fallen angels to get their wings back and reenter heaven.
This story could have been much better than it was. Im just not into a woman seeing a handsome guy across the street and thinks wow hes cute, I want in his pants and then 15 minutes later its happening when you hardly know the guys name. and the sex is in such great detail it takes several pages to discuss it.... I think I know how ....There is no chase, no romance, nothing leading up to the sex...At times the story dragged on and was getting so boring I almost didnt finish it... This was my first angel book and I was greatly disappointed, I wont let that deter me from reading other angel stories... Sorry Anne Marsh, but this one just didnt work for me.
November 9, 2022
Das ist mein zweites Buch aus dieser Reihe und da ich für den anderen Teil nur 3 1/2 Sterne vergeben habe, vergebe ich für diesen hier jetzt 4 Sterne! Vielleicht konnte es mich schon von Beginn an besser abholen, weil ich bereits wusste, was von der Geschichte und vom Schreibstil her auf mich zu kommt! Die Story der Autorin gefällt mir und es ist schade, dass 2 weitere Bände nicht ins Deutsche übersetze wurden! Ich habe aber auf jeden Fall vor sie auf Englisch zu lesen.
![Profile Image for Jennifer [LeseninLeipzig].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1520267943i%2F77446888._UX200_CR0%2C50%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 3, 2020
Leider lässt die Story zur Mitte etwas nach. Trotzdem ganz unterhaltsam
June 25, 2012
HIS DARK BOND has a promising story line yet a somewhat disappointing execution. Paranormal fans may get their fix, but could still be hard pressed to find a fan favorite.
Nessa St. James is having a normal day lecturing at the university, when suddenly a group of lethal warriors crash in to kidnap her. They are the Dominions, the fallen angels of Heaven and they are as dangerous as they are attractive. Their leader Zer is the most lethal of them all and has Nessa in his sights. He knows she is a soul mate, so if he has to kidnap her to keep her safe and gain her compliance, so be it. The Dominions' enemies want Nessa dead and Zer will do everything he can to prevent that from happening because Nessa is the salvation for one of his brothers. She is the means to gain back their wings and redemption. Zer and Nessa share a sizzling attraction, but he knows it will go no further. He has long since lost his emotions and belief that a soul mate exists especially for him. Yet everything about Nessa is showing him he may be completely wrong...
The premise of this book really hooked me in. I was truly excited and ready to read about it, but early on I began to realize there may be a few problems. The first half of the book really makes no progress. In a way it made me question the characters' intelligence. Both Nessa and Zer acknowledge a sexual attraction towards one another, but they think that could never mean they're ‘bonding' material. As the book goes on, you realize this attraction is obvious to everyone (reader included) but they still refuse to acknowledge its potential. What personally became irksome to me was the repetitiveness of the characters' thoughts. If a character said or thought something once concerning their potential to be soul mates, or lack of, it was rehashed over and over again.
To expect HIS DARK BOND to be sexy would be stating the obvious. In a way it was, but it was also weird. In some parts, Anne Marsh tries to make it kinky but it just ends up being awkward. It was lust with no feelings attached. Which I guess in a way suits the ‘Fallen' characters since they really aren't supposed to have feelings, but it just didn't seem right. You don't really get a full understanding of what it's like for one of the Fallen or how they experience anything, if at all. It's possible more has been explained in the first book to help readers understand these characters. I will honestly admit I have not read the first book to this series, so I cannot say with certainty whether or not that previous novel would have improved my enjoyment of the second.
As for the characters, I became overwhelmingly frustrated with Nessa. She seemed smart and independent, but when kidnapped by Zer and the Fallen, she just loses her identity. While it is true that her character sees few options that could change her fate, once you get to know her personality, you realize she just gave in too easily on some matters. She didn't like it, didn't want to do what they ask of her, but she did it. It just made no sense to me. To complicate matters, her personality becomes extremely fierce after she concedes to some very important decisions. Finally, after it's too late, she grows a backbone. At this point, I just didn't know what to think about her.
It's possible there is something from the first book I'm missing and it's possible that this just isn't the type of paranormal I enjoy. Either way, I can't say I loved this book which is slightly disappointing since I was really looking forward to it. The characters just didn't connect with me and the story line was either repetitive or confusing. It seems like the building blocks for a great story are there, it just has an uncertain foundation. I will say the ending picked up and became the novel I was expecting from the start.
Unfortunately at that point I was just so confused about my feelings towards these two characters that I didn't know what to think. As dismayed as I am to write this review, I still found it intriguing enough to pick up the first novel or next to be released in this series. I am hoping that being left unsatisfied after reading HIS DARK BOND was just a fluke and that I will have more to look forward to from Anne Marsh in the future. Because after all is said and done, there is much potential and promise to be found in Ms Marsh's writing and I still have high hopes for this series.
Originally posted at The Romance Reviews
Nessa St. James is having a normal day lecturing at the university, when suddenly a group of lethal warriors crash in to kidnap her. They are the Dominions, the fallen angels of Heaven and they are as dangerous as they are attractive. Their leader Zer is the most lethal of them all and has Nessa in his sights. He knows she is a soul mate, so if he has to kidnap her to keep her safe and gain her compliance, so be it. The Dominions' enemies want Nessa dead and Zer will do everything he can to prevent that from happening because Nessa is the salvation for one of his brothers. She is the means to gain back their wings and redemption. Zer and Nessa share a sizzling attraction, but he knows it will go no further. He has long since lost his emotions and belief that a soul mate exists especially for him. Yet everything about Nessa is showing him he may be completely wrong...
The premise of this book really hooked me in. I was truly excited and ready to read about it, but early on I began to realize there may be a few problems. The first half of the book really makes no progress. In a way it made me question the characters' intelligence. Both Nessa and Zer acknowledge a sexual attraction towards one another, but they think that could never mean they're ‘bonding' material. As the book goes on, you realize this attraction is obvious to everyone (reader included) but they still refuse to acknowledge its potential. What personally became irksome to me was the repetitiveness of the characters' thoughts. If a character said or thought something once concerning their potential to be soul mates, or lack of, it was rehashed over and over again.
To expect HIS DARK BOND to be sexy would be stating the obvious. In a way it was, but it was also weird. In some parts, Anne Marsh tries to make it kinky but it just ends up being awkward. It was lust with no feelings attached. Which I guess in a way suits the ‘Fallen' characters since they really aren't supposed to have feelings, but it just didn't seem right. You don't really get a full understanding of what it's like for one of the Fallen or how they experience anything, if at all. It's possible more has been explained in the first book to help readers understand these characters. I will honestly admit I have not read the first book to this series, so I cannot say with certainty whether or not that previous novel would have improved my enjoyment of the second.
As for the characters, I became overwhelmingly frustrated with Nessa. She seemed smart and independent, but when kidnapped by Zer and the Fallen, she just loses her identity. While it is true that her character sees few options that could change her fate, once you get to know her personality, you realize she just gave in too easily on some matters. She didn't like it, didn't want to do what they ask of her, but she did it. It just made no sense to me. To complicate matters, her personality becomes extremely fierce after she concedes to some very important decisions. Finally, after it's too late, she grows a backbone. At this point, I just didn't know what to think about her.
It's possible there is something from the first book I'm missing and it's possible that this just isn't the type of paranormal I enjoy. Either way, I can't say I loved this book which is slightly disappointing since I was really looking forward to it. The characters just didn't connect with me and the story line was either repetitive or confusing. It seems like the building blocks for a great story are there, it just has an uncertain foundation. I will say the ending picked up and became the novel I was expecting from the start.
Unfortunately at that point I was just so confused about my feelings towards these two characters that I didn't know what to think. As dismayed as I am to write this review, I still found it intriguing enough to pick up the first novel or next to be released in this series. I am hoping that being left unsatisfied after reading HIS DARK BOND was just a fluke and that I will have more to look forward to from Anne Marsh in the future. Because after all is said and done, there is much potential and promise to be found in Ms Marsh's writing and I still have high hopes for this series.
Originally posted at The Romance Reviews
January 31, 2012
Three thousand years ago, Zer and his fellow Demonions were charged with the task of defending the Celestial Throne. After being tricked into rebelling against the Archangel Michael, he and the men who followed him were stripped of their wings and most of their emotions and sent to earth. Any chance of salvation lies in the Fallen finding their soul mates.
Nessa St. James is one of the few remaining soul mates and though the thought of her with someone else makes his blood boil, Zer will do what it takes to convince her to bond with another. Nessa has been kidnapped from the university where she teaches and told by the wickedly seductive Zer that she needs to bond with a Fallen so they can protect her from their enemies. Nessa doesn't have a death wish but Zer has another thing coming if he believes she'll simply submit to his demands.
His Dark Bond takes place in a alternate Moscow in the future where if you're willing to trade pieces of your soul to the emotion hunger Fallen, you can have any one wish you desire. The Fallen can become addicted to emotions to the point where they turn rogue and feed off of humans until they die. Zer's own addiction and guilt of leading his men into a failed rebellion has made him think he doesn't deserve one of the remaining soul mates. I love Zer, not just because he's a fine example of what an alpha should be but for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to his men. It was their choice to stick by him all those years ago but he takes on the full burden of their fall and would give everything, even his chance to have a mate, to give them what they had back. I think Nessa is a great match for Zer, even if he doesn't believe so at first.
Zer and Nessa's first encounter is when he barges into her class and kidnaps her and she gives him attitude the entire time. Zer is very dominate and accustomed to having things his way. Nessa's stubbornness and refusal to ever take the easy way out is downright sexy to him and her naughty side makes it impossible to keep his hands off her. Nessa is a intelligent, strong willed woman whose genetic research has led to her uncovering a forgotten tribe of people that have a direct link to the soul mates the Fallen are searching for. Her work is important to her and she doesn't have time for a distraction like Zer. Nessa is a great heroine. I not only loved the sass she'd throw Zer's way but also that she wants to give him more of her, more than he thinks he deserves. This unlikely combination really worked and when things got hot and heavy, which at times involved elevators and voyeurism, I had a hard time not blushing.
The pool of candidates for soul mates is so small because of Cuthah. He is the lieutenant to Michael and has known of the Fallen's road to redemption the entire time. He has no desire to see the Demonions once again defending the Celestial Throne, something he wants for himself, so he has gathered rogues and spent years tracking down and killing as many soul mates as he can. Cuthah is vile and a worthy adversary to the Fallen. A few times I thought the fights between them were drawn out more than necessary but they gave the reader some action and really showed how dangerous the world of fallen angels can be.
Anne Marsh did a great job creating a cast of characters you can't help but love and a story that hooks you in from the start. This is a darker paranormal romance with an alpha that is rough around the edges and unapologetic in everything he does. If this is the right combination for you then I say definitely check out His Dark Bond. This is book 2 in Anne Marsh's Fallen series and I suggest if you have time, go back and read book 1. It's not necessary story wise but I think Mischka and Brends' story is worth reading.
- Stephanie
Nessa St. James is one of the few remaining soul mates and though the thought of her with someone else makes his blood boil, Zer will do what it takes to convince her to bond with another. Nessa has been kidnapped from the university where she teaches and told by the wickedly seductive Zer that she needs to bond with a Fallen so they can protect her from their enemies. Nessa doesn't have a death wish but Zer has another thing coming if he believes she'll simply submit to his demands.
His Dark Bond takes place in a alternate Moscow in the future where if you're willing to trade pieces of your soul to the emotion hunger Fallen, you can have any one wish you desire. The Fallen can become addicted to emotions to the point where they turn rogue and feed off of humans until they die. Zer's own addiction and guilt of leading his men into a failed rebellion has made him think he doesn't deserve one of the remaining soul mates. I love Zer, not just because he's a fine example of what an alpha should be but for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to his men. It was their choice to stick by him all those years ago but he takes on the full burden of their fall and would give everything, even his chance to have a mate, to give them what they had back. I think Nessa is a great match for Zer, even if he doesn't believe so at first.
Zer and Nessa's first encounter is when he barges into her class and kidnaps her and she gives him attitude the entire time. Zer is very dominate and accustomed to having things his way. Nessa's stubbornness and refusal to ever take the easy way out is downright sexy to him and her naughty side makes it impossible to keep his hands off her. Nessa is a intelligent, strong willed woman whose genetic research has led to her uncovering a forgotten tribe of people that have a direct link to the soul mates the Fallen are searching for. Her work is important to her and she doesn't have time for a distraction like Zer. Nessa is a great heroine. I not only loved the sass she'd throw Zer's way but also that she wants to give him more of her, more than he thinks he deserves. This unlikely combination really worked and when things got hot and heavy, which at times involved elevators and voyeurism, I had a hard time not blushing.
The pool of candidates for soul mates is so small because of Cuthah. He is the lieutenant to Michael and has known of the Fallen's road to redemption the entire time. He has no desire to see the Demonions once again defending the Celestial Throne, something he wants for himself, so he has gathered rogues and spent years tracking down and killing as many soul mates as he can. Cuthah is vile and a worthy adversary to the Fallen. A few times I thought the fights between them were drawn out more than necessary but they gave the reader some action and really showed how dangerous the world of fallen angels can be.
Anne Marsh did a great job creating a cast of characters you can't help but love and a story that hooks you in from the start. This is a darker paranormal romance with an alpha that is rough around the edges and unapologetic in everything he does. If this is the right combination for you then I say definitely check out His Dark Bond. This is book 2 in Anne Marsh's Fallen series and I suggest if you have time, go back and read book 1. It's not necessary story wise but I think Mischka and Brends' story is worth reading.
- Stephanie
January 24, 2013
Setting: M-City (old Moscow) – G-2, angel run now; the club; her laboratory on campus..
Theme:
Redemption; giving ones whole self into the caring of another, and receiving their whole self into your caring; love;
Characters:
Zer: head of the fallen angels; bears the burden of guilt in having defied Michael and leading the others, even though felt justified in defending the women angels wh were being attacked and brutally killed; can’t personally have sex/absorb the emotions of a woman because afraid will go rogue and kill her, taking it all – so siphons off from Nael when he is having sex/drawing emotions from a woman. Though feels an immediate pull to Nessa, he is convinced he cannot be worthy of a soulmate, and that she must belong to another - and for the 3 days before she is to choose, he keeps her in his rooms, enjoys her attraction, only kisses her once, but holds her in sleep – sharing his bed with her.
Dr. Nessa St. James: geneticist; has identified a gene and a test that indicates the paranormal - and she is tracing the 13th tribe of Abraham – where she believes this gene originated. She is on the list of 4 potential soulmates (because she has that gene) and is a target – but Zer and company snatch her (from her lecture room) just before the rogues come for her.
Archangel Michael: though can see the error in his judgement in taking the wings of the Dominion, it is too late to rectify, but at least he sees the true enemy – Cuthah. He gave the Fallen a way back to heaven and to get their wings – to find their soul mate in the 13th tribe of Abraham (with the paranormal gene).
Brends, Vkhin and Nael: Zer’s lieutenants; became Fallen with Zer when he would not obey Michael, and when he believed Michael had killed Brend’s ‘sister’; have fought with Zer, stopping Rogues, for 3,000 years.
Mischka Baran: Brends soulmates; Mischka extends friendship to Nessa, but doesn’t clue her in… she is hope for the Fallen – if one found his soulmate and got his wings back, maybe they will too…hmmmm
Cuthah: he wants to overthrow heaven… killed the women angels, planting evidence that it was Michael… and watched the Dominion and Michael overreact… he has been tracking and killing the women of the 13th tribe, interfering with the Fallen finding their soulmates… now I’m wondering why it took him 3,000 years to make his next move? And it ends up to be too late – he whips the rogue Fallen into a frenzy against Zer, but… his head is taken as Zer and his men confront him.
Summary: I’m not into how Zer kidnapped Nessa, holding her against her will, and her easy capitulation… skipped over much of that… but when given her choice (a limited choice of course, just the Fallen) she chooses Zer…
And then when Cuthah is at the university wreaking havoc and torturing her students… when Cuthah is being distracted to another side of the university… the two of them decide to fully bond… she does so to try to give him his wings, and the possibility of success over Cuthah – he because he cannot resist her… but come on… sex in her tiny office with machine guns etc on the otherside of the door? But it works – he gets his wings, and they defeat Cuthah, and she confronts Michael and tells him off (as Zer stabbed Cuthah by going through her – almost knowing she could not die if he was alive)… and after a 2 week hiatus, he finally comes back to her, offering her his heart… ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
“He might be dark, but he was still a male of worth. A fighter. Her warrior. He’d made hard choices, and he’d made hard choices, and he’d kept on fighting.”
Theme:
Redemption; giving ones whole self into the caring of another, and receiving their whole self into your caring; love;
Characters:
Zer: head of the fallen angels; bears the burden of guilt in having defied Michael and leading the others, even though felt justified in defending the women angels wh were being attacked and brutally killed; can’t personally have sex/absorb the emotions of a woman because afraid will go rogue and kill her, taking it all – so siphons off from Nael when he is having sex/drawing emotions from a woman. Though feels an immediate pull to Nessa, he is convinced he cannot be worthy of a soulmate, and that she must belong to another - and for the 3 days before she is to choose, he keeps her in his rooms, enjoys her attraction, only kisses her once, but holds her in sleep – sharing his bed with her.
Dr. Nessa St. James: geneticist; has identified a gene and a test that indicates the paranormal - and she is tracing the 13th tribe of Abraham – where she believes this gene originated. She is on the list of 4 potential soulmates (because she has that gene) and is a target – but Zer and company snatch her (from her lecture room) just before the rogues come for her.
Archangel Michael: though can see the error in his judgement in taking the wings of the Dominion, it is too late to rectify, but at least he sees the true enemy – Cuthah. He gave the Fallen a way back to heaven and to get their wings – to find their soul mate in the 13th tribe of Abraham (with the paranormal gene).
Brends, Vkhin and Nael: Zer’s lieutenants; became Fallen with Zer when he would not obey Michael, and when he believed Michael had killed Brend’s ‘sister’; have fought with Zer, stopping Rogues, for 3,000 years.
Mischka Baran: Brends soulmates; Mischka extends friendship to Nessa, but doesn’t clue her in… she is hope for the Fallen – if one found his soulmate and got his wings back, maybe they will too…hmmmm
Cuthah: he wants to overthrow heaven… killed the women angels, planting evidence that it was Michael… and watched the Dominion and Michael overreact… he has been tracking and killing the women of the 13th tribe, interfering with the Fallen finding their soulmates… now I’m wondering why it took him 3,000 years to make his next move? And it ends up to be too late – he whips the rogue Fallen into a frenzy against Zer, but… his head is taken as Zer and his men confront him.
Summary: I’m not into how Zer kidnapped Nessa, holding her against her will, and her easy capitulation… skipped over much of that… but when given her choice (a limited choice of course, just the Fallen) she chooses Zer…
And then when Cuthah is at the university wreaking havoc and torturing her students… when Cuthah is being distracted to another side of the university… the two of them decide to fully bond… she does so to try to give him his wings, and the possibility of success over Cuthah – he because he cannot resist her… but come on… sex in her tiny office with machine guns etc on the otherside of the door? But it works – he gets his wings, and they defeat Cuthah, and she confronts Michael and tells him off (as Zer stabbed Cuthah by going through her – almost knowing she could not die if he was alive)… and after a 2 week hiatus, he finally comes back to her, offering her his heart… ahhhh
Memorable scenes:
“He might be dark, but he was still a male of worth. A fighter. Her warrior. He’d made hard choices, and he’d made hard choices, and he’d kept on fighting.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2012
I knew dark angels were bad, but I had no idea!
Zer is the leader of the Fallen and he will redeem his fellow angels, no matter what he needs to do. Finally, things are looking up for the Fallen and he is determined to ensure that he and his brethren will be back where they belong, in heaven. One human woman is not going to get in his way. He is bigger and stronger and she will do what he says.
Nessa St. James is a brilliant woman who has no idea what she is in store for. All she wants to do is continue her research on the mysterious thirtieth tribe, but that has now been taken away from her. Suddenly her world is filled with danger, death and angels. She is being forced into a world she has no desire to be part of and Zer will regret the day he kidnapped her.
Time is running out for the Fallen. They are weakening and they need their soul mates to earn their wings back. For centuries they have searched for these women, but as time progressed and no soul mates were found, the Fallen started to believe that this option for redemption was a lie concocted by the archangel Michael. Now that a soul mate has been discovered, it is a race to find other women that can save the Fallen. Nessa very well may hold the key to their salvation. Too bad she has no desire to become involved.
Anne Marsh’s take on fallen angels is just wonderful. She has taken an old tale and put a whole new spin on things. The Fallen were wrongly accused and cased out. Now they are living life to the fullest, waiting for the right time to seek their revenge; if time and madness don’t take them down first.
Let me just say, even though His Dark Bond is about angels, there are no religious connotations. I’m not sure how Ms. Marsh does it, but she does. The Fallen are bad boys to the core, but she has an ability to make them loveable, ok that might just be pushing it a bit, likeable.
At first glance, these men are pure evil. They have turned their corner of Russia into their own and they rule with an iron fist. Guns, murder, and lust are all theirs and they own it. It’s not until you are allowed into their secret world that you can comprehend their reasons and see that things are not always as they appear. But make no mistake, they don’t care what you think of them and they will do anything to get their wings back.
Zer feels he is not worthy of redemption and will sacrifice Nessa to one of his brothers. No matter how he feels about her. Nessa will not go down without a fight and Zer has misinterpreted the wrong woman. Their power play was fun to read. I was completely drawn into this fascinating corner of Russia.
Ms. Marsh has filled this novel with amazing action sequences and steamy sexual tension. Even though I found some faults with the probability at the end, I enjoyed the book as a whole. She has written a wonder new universe and I can’t wait to see what is next for these delightfully evil angels.
February 2, 2012
His Dark Bond
By Anne Marsh
Copyright February 2012
Publisher Brava
Zer is no angel - well, not anymore. He's explored every flavour of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood...a woman like Nessa St. James.
Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer's bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, Zer will do whatever it takes to change her.
Nessa is one of the country’s leading geneticists. So she is more than a little upset when she is called into the Dean’s office and told that her funding was cancelled and her lab was being closed. It was her own research that was coming to bite her in the backside. She’d developed a fast system of DNA testing. Just like a pregnancy test, you peed on the stick and it would tell you if you were human or paranormal. Now the answer to that test is being used against her by someone who was not an academic. He was a bean counter.
Nessa was given 3 days to find new funding or she had to vacate her lab. Desperate to find an answer she heads to the building where her lecture hall is and pulls out her cell phone, dialing while she walked. She is contacting a company called Genecore which had contacted her with an interest in her research. She is determined to find her own funding and keep her lab open.
Zen is the leader of the Fallen (called Goblins on earth). They had been Angel’s and Heaven’s front line troops against evil, who rebelled against the Archangel Michael and were stripped of their wings and sent to Earth as punishment. He left them one out. For each fallen there is one Soul Mate. In the three thousand years they’ve been banished they have found only one true Soul Mate. This is because there is someone who is destroying them as soon as they are located.
Zen has managed to get a list of names which were stolen from their greatest enemy and now it was a race to find these women, who were destined to be the Soul Mates of his people.
Now we get to the crux of the story. When Zen finds Nessa and basically kidnaps her, the true battle begins between them. Zen to have her mate with one of his Fallen, and Nessa to regain her freedom and independence. This is a romance that will rock the fabric of Zen’s existence and have Nessa tied up in emotional knots.
As the first book in a new series it has all the elements of love, lust, anger, hate, and a kickass number of fights taking place. I love it. I think you will too.
FTC Full Disclosure: This book was offered to me by the publisher who only requested a fair and impartial review.
By Anne Marsh
Copyright February 2012
Publisher Brava
Zer is no angel - well, not anymore. He's explored every flavour of sin imaginable, drinking in the pleasures of humanity. But now he must find the woman who carries his salvation in her very blood...a woman like Nessa St. James.
Nessa has considered the bargain the Fallen offer. Anything she wants in exchange for accepting Zer's bond? No way. Not her. Not when she finds out about the mind-blowing ritual involved and the marks of surrender that will ink her skin. But with a serial killer to stop and centuries of experience on his side, Zer will do whatever it takes to change her.
Nessa is one of the country’s leading geneticists. So she is more than a little upset when she is called into the Dean’s office and told that her funding was cancelled and her lab was being closed. It was her own research that was coming to bite her in the backside. She’d developed a fast system of DNA testing. Just like a pregnancy test, you peed on the stick and it would tell you if you were human or paranormal. Now the answer to that test is being used against her by someone who was not an academic. He was a bean counter.
Nessa was given 3 days to find new funding or she had to vacate her lab. Desperate to find an answer she heads to the building where her lecture hall is and pulls out her cell phone, dialing while she walked. She is contacting a company called Genecore which had contacted her with an interest in her research. She is determined to find her own funding and keep her lab open.
Zen is the leader of the Fallen (called Goblins on earth). They had been Angel’s and Heaven’s front line troops against evil, who rebelled against the Archangel Michael and were stripped of their wings and sent to Earth as punishment. He left them one out. For each fallen there is one Soul Mate. In the three thousand years they’ve been banished they have found only one true Soul Mate. This is because there is someone who is destroying them as soon as they are located.
Zen has managed to get a list of names which were stolen from their greatest enemy and now it was a race to find these women, who were destined to be the Soul Mates of his people.
Now we get to the crux of the story. When Zen finds Nessa and basically kidnaps her, the true battle begins between them. Zen to have her mate with one of his Fallen, and Nessa to regain her freedom and independence. This is a romance that will rock the fabric of Zen’s existence and have Nessa tied up in emotional knots.
As the first book in a new series it has all the elements of love, lust, anger, hate, and a kickass number of fights taking place. I love it. I think you will too.
FTC Full Disclosure: This book was offered to me by the publisher who only requested a fair and impartial review.
February 5, 2024
New Review (2.5.2024)
12 years ago (woah that seems so long ago!) I won an ARC of this book (I was a teen keep in mind). I decided to re-read this book to get myself hyped back into the reading lifestyle. My taste has evolved as I did not care for this book as much as I did the first time I read it. This is book #2 and I did not read book #1 so maybe that's part of the issue.
I thought the beginning was too aggressive. Nessa & Zer had never met before but yet he just kidnaps her to keep her "safe" and then they have this strong heat between them. My younger self was really into that, but this time around, I felt that was very unrealistic and got Stockholm Syndrome vibes. At times I was confused with the bouncing around of different perspectives between Nessa, Zer & Cuthah. Cuthah was ridding the world of soul mates for the fallen to get their wings back. Maybe I missed something in the beginning, but I didn't get the whole 3 days to chose a soul mate for life. Most of Nessa's time was spent with Zer which obviously would make her want to chose him...he's the only "comfort" she'd known since being kidnapped and held hostage in his club. The sex parts seemed to take multiple pages. While it was hot and spicy, I felt it could have been a little shorter. It wasn't until they finally admitted they loved each other that the sex really had an impact on the story. The bonding "ceremony" with the brother watching was just really creepy to me. I've read other paranormal/fantasy with bonding and this was the first where it was sex with someone watching/overseeing the bond much less.
I still give it 3 stars as the story line was decent.
Original Review Below (2012)
Nessa St.James= genetics professor, Zer=Fallen Angel; how they meet, he bursts into her lecture hall, kidnapps her, and takes her to his club. Nessa is on a list of possible soul mates for the fallen. Cuthah had rid the world of them execpt for one, Nessa. Zer kidnapps her and tells her everything he can about him, his club, and the bond/sould mates. Nessa has 3 nights to think over what Zer had told her. On the 3rd day she has until midnight to roam the club and look for a bond mate. At preciously midnight he tells her to choose. In order for Zer and the other Fallen to get their wings back, they need to become soul mates. Cuthah finds Nessa and fights Zer. Cuthah takes Nessa and in order to kill Cuthah he needs to stab Nessa. It breaks his heart to just think about hurting her, because he has mixed emotions for her. I loved this book SOOOOOO MUCH! I'm glad I won it! If you read this book I really hope you love it! It was tremendously outstanding!
12 years ago (woah that seems so long ago!) I won an ARC of this book (I was a teen keep in mind). I decided to re-read this book to get myself hyped back into the reading lifestyle. My taste has evolved as I did not care for this book as much as I did the first time I read it. This is book #2 and I did not read book #1 so maybe that's part of the issue.
I thought the beginning was too aggressive. Nessa & Zer had never met before but yet he just kidnaps her to keep her "safe" and then they have this strong heat between them. My younger self was really into that, but this time around, I felt that was very unrealistic and got Stockholm Syndrome vibes. At times I was confused with the bouncing around of different perspectives between Nessa, Zer & Cuthah. Cuthah was ridding the world of soul mates for the fallen to get their wings back. Maybe I missed something in the beginning, but I didn't get the whole 3 days to chose a soul mate for life. Most of Nessa's time was spent with Zer which obviously would make her want to chose him...he's the only "comfort" she'd known since being kidnapped and held hostage in his club. The sex parts seemed to take multiple pages. While it was hot and spicy, I felt it could have been a little shorter. It wasn't until they finally admitted they loved each other that the sex really had an impact on the story. The bonding "ceremony" with the brother watching was just really creepy to me. I've read other paranormal/fantasy with bonding and this was the first where it was sex with someone watching/overseeing the bond much less.
I still give it 3 stars as the story line was decent.
Original Review Below (2012)
Nessa St.James= genetics professor, Zer=Fallen Angel; how they meet, he bursts into her lecture hall, kidnapps her, and takes her to his club. Nessa is on a list of possible soul mates for the fallen. Cuthah had rid the world of them execpt for one, Nessa. Zer kidnapps her and tells her everything he can about him, his club, and the bond/sould mates. Nessa has 3 nights to think over what Zer had told her. On the 3rd day she has until midnight to roam the club and look for a bond mate. At preciously midnight he tells her to choose. In order for Zer and the other Fallen to get their wings back, they need to become soul mates. Cuthah finds Nessa and fights Zer. Cuthah takes Nessa and in order to kill Cuthah he needs to stab Nessa. It breaks his heart to just think about hurting her, because he has mixed emotions for her. I loved this book SOOOOOO MUCH! I'm glad I won it! If you read this book I really hope you love it! It was tremendously outstanding!
February 6, 2012
Thousands of years ago, an elite class of angels were tricked into turning on the archangel Michael. As punishment, they were cast out of heaven, forced to live a nearly mortal existence on earth, without their souls. Their only chance to return to heaven would come if they found their soul-mates and bonded to them.
In the first book of the series, Bond With Me, the first soul-mate was discovered after nearly 3000 years. And now, many of the Fallen have hope. Of course, several of their kind have already given up. No longer content just to sip off the souls of humans, they are sucking them dry, twisting into dark versions of their former selves. It's those twisted Fallen that Zer and his men must fight.
Zer was the leader of the warrior angels who attacked Michael all those years ago, and has never gotten over his guilt for his actions. And when the beautiful scientist Nessa comes into his life, as a potential soul-mate for one of the Fallen, he doesn't even consider that he might be the one for her. Of course he is, though. The story follows Nessa and Zer as they find their way to each other --and work to keep her out of the clutches of the very man who orchestrated the angels' fall all those years ago.
This book was really, really hot. Zer is a sexy, dominating alpha who does a really fantastic job of sexing up our heroine. His band of angel-brothers is also a big win. Especially Nael and Vkhin. The men are all well-drawn, with distinct (and swoon-worthy) personalities.
However, the book was not without problems. My biggest issue was that I often felt like I did not have a complete grasp on the world-building. Some of my questions cleared up over the course of the book, but others never completely went away... especially when it came to the nuances of bonding and soul-sipping -- as well some questions about the Fallen who went rogue and the Preserves where they were ?imprisoned? --Maybe some of this was explained more fully in the first book, but I found myself scratching my head too many times, and sadly that kept pulling me out of the story. In addition, I felt like there were some abrupt shifts in the story telling that I found jarring.
It's a dark book with a lot of angst and a generous helping of sexy times. I just wish I hadn't felt lost so many times during the read. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by author for review
In the first book of the series, Bond With Me, the first soul-mate was discovered after nearly 3000 years. And now, many of the Fallen have hope. Of course, several of their kind have already given up. No longer content just to sip off the souls of humans, they are sucking them dry, twisting into dark versions of their former selves. It's those twisted Fallen that Zer and his men must fight.
Zer was the leader of the warrior angels who attacked Michael all those years ago, and has never gotten over his guilt for his actions. And when the beautiful scientist Nessa comes into his life, as a potential soul-mate for one of the Fallen, he doesn't even consider that he might be the one for her. Of course he is, though. The story follows Nessa and Zer as they find their way to each other --and work to keep her out of the clutches of the very man who orchestrated the angels' fall all those years ago.
This book was really, really hot. Zer is a sexy, dominating alpha who does a really fantastic job of sexing up our heroine. His band of angel-brothers is also a big win. Especially Nael and Vkhin. The men are all well-drawn, with distinct (and swoon-worthy) personalities.
However, the book was not without problems. My biggest issue was that I often felt like I did not have a complete grasp on the world-building. Some of my questions cleared up over the course of the book, but others never completely went away... especially when it came to the nuances of bonding and soul-sipping -- as well some questions about the Fallen who went rogue and the Preserves where they were ?imprisoned? --Maybe some of this was explained more fully in the first book, but I found myself scratching my head too many times, and sadly that kept pulling me out of the story. In addition, I felt like there were some abrupt shifts in the story telling that I found jarring.
It's a dark book with a lot of angst and a generous helping of sexy times. I just wish I hadn't felt lost so many times during the read. 3 stars.
*ARC Provided by author for review
February 22, 2012
Zer is leader of the Fallen a group of angels that fell from Heaven. For Zer and those like him, they must find their soul mate if they ever want to get their wings back. Unfortunately, there are some that will do anything to keep Zer and his followers from finding their mates. A soul mate bond is one that can never be undone and it is to be treasured. Zer and his fallen search for their soul mates in this unforgiving world.
Dr. Nessa St. James is a leader among her field of DNA research. With her own invention she discovered that she is part paranormal. Since her discovery she has expanded her research into that of her paranormal origins. She never expected to find out she is a coveted soul mate of a Fallen.
While danger strikes from every turn Nessa must choose a Fallen for her mate but there is only one that makes her melt. Unfortunately, Zer seems content to pass her off to one of his brothers. Can she make this Fallen angel see the error of his ways?
This is my first foray into the world of Anne Marsh’s Fallen and I’m digging it! It is not necessary to have read the first book to fall in love with this one but you will probably want to go back and read it when you are finished with His Dark Bond. The action leaps off the pages of His Dark Bond. Zer and Nessa are combustible together. I could not get enough of these two. I found the plot surrounding the Fallen and their soul mates to be thrilling. I just love Nessa’s insistence on pushing all of Zer’s buttons. These two make a great match. The baddies’ of His Dark Bond are perfectly evil and make this story more interesting. His Dark Bond is a unique and captivating suspenseful joyride. I will definitely be tuning into Anne Marsh’s next story!
Reviewed by Miranda
For Joyfully Reviewed
Dr. Nessa St. James is a leader among her field of DNA research. With her own invention she discovered that she is part paranormal. Since her discovery she has expanded her research into that of her paranormal origins. She never expected to find out she is a coveted soul mate of a Fallen.
While danger strikes from every turn Nessa must choose a Fallen for her mate but there is only one that makes her melt. Unfortunately, Zer seems content to pass her off to one of his brothers. Can she make this Fallen angel see the error of his ways?
This is my first foray into the world of Anne Marsh’s Fallen and I’m digging it! It is not necessary to have read the first book to fall in love with this one but you will probably want to go back and read it when you are finished with His Dark Bond. The action leaps off the pages of His Dark Bond. Zer and Nessa are combustible together. I could not get enough of these two. I found the plot surrounding the Fallen and their soul mates to be thrilling. I just love Nessa’s insistence on pushing all of Zer’s buttons. These two make a great match. The baddies’ of His Dark Bond are perfectly evil and make this story more interesting. His Dark Bond is a unique and captivating suspenseful joyride. I will definitely be tuning into Anne Marsh’s next story!
Reviewed by Miranda
For Joyfully Reviewed
January 13, 2015
Zer is the leader, the sire, of the Dominions. Now that they are Fallen Angels he is still their leader and for over 3,000 years he’s led them on Earth. 3,000 years is a long time to hope that they will find their soul mates and be admitted back into the Heavens. Many of his brothers have turned rogue and he’s had to imprison or kill them. Zer discovers that Cuthah, the lieutenant of Michael the Archangel, has been tracking and killing the soul mates through the years because he has an agenda all his own and it does not include allowing the Fallen back to guard the celestial throne. It’s a race for Zer and his brothers to find the rest of the soul mates before Cuthah does.
Nessa St. James is an Assistant Professor at one of M City’s universities, holds degrees in genetics and biblical studies, developed a pee-on-the-stick DNA test and has the extra chromosome in her DNA that marks her as a potential soul mate. Little does she realize her life is about to be turned upside down.
This second book in The Fallen series is another winner. I’m still hooked and waiting for the next one. The plot is gut clenching, the story flows smoothly and the characters are interesting and well-developed. I am a little concerned that there is not more mention of Pell and Dathan. They seem to be forgotten most of the time. Is this deliberate or an oversight? I’d like to see a bit more of them in future books.
While I really enjoyed Zer and Nessa’s story I have to admit to some serious intrigue about a rogue that was briefly introduced in the scene where Cuthah was recruiting in the Preserve. Who is he? And, most importantly, will we see him again? I certainly hope so!
*The publisher provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Nessa St. James is an Assistant Professor at one of M City’s universities, holds degrees in genetics and biblical studies, developed a pee-on-the-stick DNA test and has the extra chromosome in her DNA that marks her as a potential soul mate. Little does she realize her life is about to be turned upside down.
This second book in The Fallen series is another winner. I’m still hooked and waiting for the next one. The plot is gut clenching, the story flows smoothly and the characters are interesting and well-developed. I am a little concerned that there is not more mention of Pell and Dathan. They seem to be forgotten most of the time. Is this deliberate or an oversight? I’d like to see a bit more of them in future books.
While I really enjoyed Zer and Nessa’s story I have to admit to some serious intrigue about a rogue that was briefly introduced in the scene where Cuthah was recruiting in the Preserve. Who is he? And, most importantly, will we see him again? I certainly hope so!
*The publisher provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
February 16, 2012
I love this book. I was truly hooked just after the first chapter. For me if I can get into a book that fast I know I’m in for a great story! After reading I realized it was book two, so I plan to go back and read book one. This book had a lot of great sub characters that I want to know more about.
I love that this series has fallen angels that are not your typical good guys. Yes deep down they have a good heart and want to go home back to heaven, but they will take what they can get and however they can get it. Mainly using sex to bond with a woman and grant her a favor in return to feel emotions for a short period of time.
Zer their leader is a dark sexy fallen who is unwilling to bond with any woman ever. I love learning about him and his role in the fallen’s past. Right from the beginning of the book you can feel the sexual vibes he gives off and I was sucked in wanting more of what he can offer!
Nessa is a strong willed woman who wants no part of the fallen’s world or what they can offer her. I love how she finally learns to let go and just enjoy herself and what life has to offer. Always being focused on work it was nice to see her relax.
Near the end of the book I felt like things were a little rushed and maybe that was because I just didn’t want the book to end. I am looking forward to reading book one and for any future book that comes out in this series to learn more about some of the other fallen.
I love that this series has fallen angels that are not your typical good guys. Yes deep down they have a good heart and want to go home back to heaven, but they will take what they can get and however they can get it. Mainly using sex to bond with a woman and grant her a favor in return to feel emotions for a short period of time.
Zer their leader is a dark sexy fallen who is unwilling to bond with any woman ever. I love learning about him and his role in the fallen’s past. Right from the beginning of the book you can feel the sexual vibes he gives off and I was sucked in wanting more of what he can offer!
Nessa is a strong willed woman who wants no part of the fallen’s world or what they can offer her. I love how she finally learns to let go and just enjoy herself and what life has to offer. Always being focused on work it was nice to see her relax.
Near the end of the book I felt like things were a little rushed and maybe that was because I just didn’t want the book to end. I am looking forward to reading book one and for any future book that comes out in this series to learn more about some of the other fallen.
November 9, 2012
I was quite literally taken by surprise by this book as it was shelved with in the Sci Fi section at our local library. The cover art made me a bit leery to pick it up and my husband was convinced before I was that it was a romance novel.
And so it was. I enjoyed it despite the distractingly frequent intimate scenes. I'm not a big fan of romance or erotica, but I loved the concept of the Fallen, the corrupt Lieutenant, the 13th tribe and the science/genetic components of this universe. I am a sucker for Sci Fi/Fantasy so this book had enough to stand on without the sexual aspects of the story to keep even this reader entertained.
My only complaint was some minor redundancy that could have been easily fixed by a better editor. Some major offenders were lines by Zer such as, "I'm no poet..." and "Romance. True Love. You females love that ***. You buy it by the truckload." The latter repetition bothered me more as it was so blatant and... well, quite long to not even paraphrase. Get this lady a better editor and she'll shine like many other skillful authors. :)
While I won't be letting my kids pick this up until they're about 50, I will probably be interested in finding other books set in this world and other novels by this author. Not bad for a random choice on a day at the library.
December 31, 2015
Zer ist der Anführer der gefallenen Engel und auf der Suche nach einer Seelengefährtin für einer seiner Leute. Als er auf die Wissenschaftlerin Nessa trifft, ist er fasziniert von ihr. Doch er will das sie aus einer seiner Leute jemand wählt, nicht ihn. Aber Nessa will ihre Unabhängigkeit nicht opfern, außerdem ist noch jemand anderes hinter ihr her.
Band 2 einer Reihe, die mich gefesselt hat. WOW, ich habe Band 2 genauso verschlungen wie Band 1. Ich konnte einfach nicht das Buch aus der Hand legen. Zer ist ein Mann, der immer das bekommt was wer will. Er denkt immer zuerst an seine Männer, nicht an sich. Was ihn total süß macht und sexy ist er auch noch. Nessa weiß das sie ein Teil Dämon sich hat und kämpft weiter um ihre Karriere. Eine Frau die genau weiß was sie will und darum kämpft. Ihre Ansichten werden auf dem Kopf gestellt, als sie neue Informationen bekommt und die andere Seite kennen lernt. Die Streitereien zwischen den beiden sind heiß, explosive und spannend. Ich war an dieser Geschichte gefesselt und konnte mich erst wieder lösen als ich am Ende angekommen bin. Düster, heiß, spannend und Gefühlvoll ist die gesamte Geschichte. Ich freue mich auf die anderen Bänder.
Band 2 einer Reihe, die mich gefesselt hat. WOW, ich habe Band 2 genauso verschlungen wie Band 1. Ich konnte einfach nicht das Buch aus der Hand legen. Zer ist ein Mann, der immer das bekommt was wer will. Er denkt immer zuerst an seine Männer, nicht an sich. Was ihn total süß macht und sexy ist er auch noch. Nessa weiß das sie ein Teil Dämon sich hat und kämpft weiter um ihre Karriere. Eine Frau die genau weiß was sie will und darum kämpft. Ihre Ansichten werden auf dem Kopf gestellt, als sie neue Informationen bekommt und die andere Seite kennen lernt. Die Streitereien zwischen den beiden sind heiß, explosive und spannend. Ich war an dieser Geschichte gefesselt und konnte mich erst wieder lösen als ich am Ende angekommen bin. Düster, heiß, spannend und Gefühlvoll ist die gesamte Geschichte. Ich freue mich auf die anderen Bänder.
May 14, 2013
His Dark Bond by Anne Marsh
Fallen Series Book 2
Zer is the leader of the Fallen and carries the guilt for them being where they are. He believes he has nothing but coldness left in him and that he is walking the thin line between sanity and rogue. When they find a potential soul mate he refuses to consider himself in the running….that he don’t deserve redemption. And yet he feels drawn the beautiful professor.
Nessa St. James has just found out her job is in jeopardy unless she wants to work for a man she dislikes or if she can raise funds. As if that doesn’t make her day suck….she is now being kidnapped by the Fallen! And they want her to bond with one of them. To confuse her more the leader, Zer, seems to run hot and cold. Acting as if he’s drawn to her but wanting her to choose one of his brothers and not him to bond with. And her life seemed to be going so well.
**Strong sexual situations and language
Fallen Series Book 2
Zer is the leader of the Fallen and carries the guilt for them being where they are. He believes he has nothing but coldness left in him and that he is walking the thin line between sanity and rogue. When they find a potential soul mate he refuses to consider himself in the running….that he don’t deserve redemption. And yet he feels drawn the beautiful professor.
Nessa St. James has just found out her job is in jeopardy unless she wants to work for a man she dislikes or if she can raise funds. As if that doesn’t make her day suck….she is now being kidnapped by the Fallen! And they want her to bond with one of them. To confuse her more the leader, Zer, seems to run hot and cold. Acting as if he’s drawn to her but wanting her to choose one of his brothers and not him to bond with. And her life seemed to be going so well.
**Strong sexual situations and language
February 9, 2012
Three and half stars.
Full review to be posted soon:
I really enjoy this series. Anne Marsh combines smexy erotic love scenes with PNR really well and the world-building is very solid which has a gritty and dark edged tone. With this entry to the series, I did enjoy Nessa and Zer's story, although not as much compared to the first book, Bond with me.
However, I loved how science was used and how realistically to the series and how that related to Nessa's characterisation. The romance was hawt between Nessa and Zer, although I did think there was something missing while they were bonding over their relationship and I wished there was more time spent on Nessa and Zer's reluctance over their mating. Nonetheless, this was a steamy, action packed and I am definitely looking forward to the next book!
Full review to be posted soon:
I really enjoy this series. Anne Marsh combines smexy erotic love scenes with PNR really well and the world-building is very solid which has a gritty and dark edged tone. With this entry to the series, I did enjoy Nessa and Zer's story, although not as much compared to the first book, Bond with me.
However, I loved how science was used and how realistically to the series and how that related to Nessa's characterisation. The romance was hawt between Nessa and Zer, although I did think there was something missing while they were bonding over their relationship and I wished there was more time spent on Nessa and Zer's reluctance over their mating. Nonetheless, this was a steamy, action packed and I am definitely looking forward to the next book!
July 29, 2012
It was great to continue the series with a character who was prominent in the first book. I'm hoping Ms. Marsh will continue the series with both of Zer's guards, Nael & Vkhin.
A little difficult to believe angels were fighting a war with modern weaponry, such as grenades & military-issue flak jackets. Somehow I expect more from angel status, fallen or not. A sex scene in the middle of a building being blown up was another difficult part to buy into.
However, overall I really enjoyed this book. I can never put down Ms. Marsh's books, and tend to read them through the night til morning comes (talking 4:30 a.m.). I like the fact that we got to see the two main characters from Book 1 re-enter into this story. Ms. Marsh, please continue to weave past characters into the new books in this series as you write.
A little difficult to believe angels were fighting a war with modern weaponry, such as grenades & military-issue flak jackets. Somehow I expect more from angel status, fallen or not. A sex scene in the middle of a building being blown up was another difficult part to buy into.
However, overall I really enjoyed this book. I can never put down Ms. Marsh's books, and tend to read them through the night til morning comes (talking 4:30 a.m.). I like the fact that we got to see the two main characters from Book 1 re-enter into this story. Ms. Marsh, please continue to weave past characters into the new books in this series as you write.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2012
His Dark Bond took me a while to read because of school, work and other responsibilities. That in itself let me enjoy the book more, usually I can gobble up a book in a day. I won the book on the Goodreads website and was ecstatic, even more so when I saw what type of book I had gotten. Just my type!
I absolutely loved Anne marsh's character Nessa. Smart, full of life and conviction towards her goals, she and I absolutely hit it off from the start! She showed a passion for her work and study that I could relate to in a way that had me torn from the beginning. Adding in the historical background and the 'Angels' I was hooked! Zer was a thug at first but I grew to like him as much as she did.
All in all a Great book!
Thanks Goodreads!
I absolutely loved Anne marsh's character Nessa. Smart, full of life and conviction towards her goals, she and I absolutely hit it off from the start! She showed a passion for her work and study that I could relate to in a way that had me torn from the beginning. Adding in the historical background and the 'Angels' I was hooked! Zer was a thug at first but I grew to like him as much as she did.
All in all a Great book!
Thanks Goodreads!
May 7, 2012
I'm not sure why this book worked for me, but it did. I liked Zer and Nessa together. He was so set against feeling and falling in love, such a bad ass but Nessa brought him to his knees. Nessa was very smart and didn't take any crap from Zer.
This is the second in the series, and I wounder if my confusion would have been cleared up if I had read the first book. There is no physical description f the characters, I'm very visual so I would have liked to know what the characters looked like. I know the time is in the futer but where is M city? Russia? Scenes changed rapidly, so I couldn't place where the characters were and what they were doing.
Even with those issues I still enjoyed the book.
This is the second in the series, and I wounder if my confusion would have been cleared up if I had read the first book. There is no physical description f the characters, I'm very visual so I would have liked to know what the characters looked like. I know the time is in the futer but where is M city? Russia? Scenes changed rapidly, so I couldn't place where the characters were and what they were doing.
Even with those issues I still enjoyed the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews