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Dragon Bound #3
Dark Promise
I just learned who and what I really am. And dude, is it changing my entire world.But while I'm trying to master my terrifying true powers, I'll have to help Cayne, Willow and August track down the next dark artifact that's messing with Los Angeles. But honestly. What's new.And then there's the matter of Huxley Cayne.I might be convinced that our bond is real, but Cayne seems to be hanging on to a secret that makes me wonder. What else could the Butcher of Rimini have to hide from me?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2021
234 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Annika West
6 books131 followersAnnika hails from the glorious suburbs of Long Beach, California, blundering through life alongside her husband, three bonus children, and four cats.
She's a sour-candy enthusiast. She's shit at decorating. It's unlikely that she'll remember her appointments, but she makes up for it by writing urban fantasy books full of romance, feel-good friendships, and probably a lot of absurd humor that will most likely make you laugh.
Come for the spice. Stay for the chaos!
She's a sour-candy enthusiast. She's shit at decorating. It's unlikely that she'll remember her appointments, but she makes up for it by writing urban fantasy books full of romance, feel-good friendships, and probably a lot of absurd humor that will most likely make you laugh.
Come for the spice. Stay for the chaos!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 2, 2022
Great ending to the series!
Still not a lot of heat, but the storyline picked up! Much more action and excitement than book 2. You will find you are invested in Oz, Willow, and August by the end. I am hoping they will have their own stand alone.
Enjoyed this trilogy!
Happy reading,
DD 💕
Still not a lot of heat, but the storyline picked up! Much more action and excitement than book 2. You will find you are invested in Oz, Willow, and August by the end. I am hoping they will have their own stand alone.
Enjoyed this trilogy!
Happy reading,
DD 💕
November 12, 2021
I almost dropped this but I was curious on how Cayne would explain himself. It was kind of lackluster tbh. I wanted more groveling and less horny scenes from both. Theirs was bordering on toxic relationship with the guy very manipulative, hurtful and lacked empathy.
And I must say by the third book, it became exhausting to read. It was like every page has someone (mostly the heroine) giving off a snarky response, an attitude, nonsense rambling, disrespectful banter, people acting like children (smh), some lie to hide his/her true feelings... it was exhausting. It became irritating to me. Way too over the top immaturity.
And I must say by the third book, it became exhausting to read. It was like every page has someone (mostly the heroine) giving off a snarky response, an attitude, nonsense rambling, disrespectful banter, people acting like children (smh), some lie to hide his/her true feelings... it was exhausting. It became irritating to me. Way too over the top immaturity.
October 11, 2022
4.5 ✨
I really highlighted 48 times, that has to be a record for me.
Book 3 was better than book 1 in the series, how often does that happen.
The female mc had a really funny snarky personality all through the 3 books in this series. The best part is she remained funny but was not repetitive with things. Sometimes authors will reuse the same jokes or phrases they decide are funny and that is incredibly annoying but this author did not do that. She was able to think up funny / snarky / unique dialogue for each book.
It’s a 4.5 but I didn’t rate up to 5 bc I think the end was rushed. The entire book was going really well then about 90% in the author decides to wrap it up but def felt rushed and could’ve been another 100 pages or so to get the full story for the ending.
Anyway, the whole series is def worth a read if you like shifter / paranormal / fantasy books. There is a love interest in this and their relationship is funny but it’s not the whole book. I wouldn’t consider this a romance read, def more of a fantasy. (There is a few smut scenes though, but I’ve read a whole lot of filth so it was nothing to me)
I really highlighted 48 times, that has to be a record for me.
Book 3 was better than book 1 in the series, how often does that happen.
The female mc had a really funny snarky personality all through the 3 books in this series. The best part is she remained funny but was not repetitive with things. Sometimes authors will reuse the same jokes or phrases they decide are funny and that is incredibly annoying but this author did not do that. She was able to think up funny / snarky / unique dialogue for each book.
It’s a 4.5 but I didn’t rate up to 5 bc I think the end was rushed. The entire book was going really well then about 90% in the author decides to wrap it up but def felt rushed and could’ve been another 100 pages or so to get the full story for the ending.
Anyway, the whole series is def worth a read if you like shifter / paranormal / fantasy books. There is a love interest in this and their relationship is funny but it’s not the whole book. I wouldn’t consider this a romance read, def more of a fantasy. (There is a few smut scenes though, but I’ve read a whole lot of filth so it was nothing to me)
February 17, 2022
Aster's personality in the first book was cute and funny. By the third book she became irritating and tiring, throughout the trilogy she had absolutely no character growth. Hux was also not a great love interest, he was manipulative and toxic, I expected more guilty groveling from him.
June 18, 2021
I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book, as I loved the first two books. Thank you Annika West for allowing me to read the advance copy. This author was nothing but amazing. I don't want to give the story away for book 3, but it was fun, hot and adventurous. I couldn't put the book down, I kept reading because I wanted to know how Aster's Adventure was going to play out. There is some twist and turns and some oohh hot dam I didn't see that coming at all.
We are introduced with new characters and they bring a whole new level of funny.
All I can say Annika please please with Aster' sugar addiction let Autumn have her story with you know who. That will be entertaining and hot when the chemistry hits the sky.
So for all you fans of Paranormal romance books, I want you to know that Annika makes you want to be part of Asters and Huxley's world, she sticks to the characters from start to finish and makes it swoony but funny to read. I highly recommend this series!
We are introduced with new characters and they bring a whole new level of funny.
All I can say Annika please please with Aster' sugar addiction let Autumn have her story with you know who. That will be entertaining and hot when the chemistry hits the sky.
So for all you fans of Paranormal romance books, I want you to know that Annika makes you want to be part of Asters and Huxley's world, she sticks to the characters from start to finish and makes it swoony but funny to read. I highly recommend this series!
March 12, 2023
3.5 stars
October 19, 2021
so you mean to tell me its already out and i am waiting for no bloody reason ?👀🤦🏻
Oct 19, 2021
Okay now this is hard. I loved the ending, it couldn't be better, but the rest was lacking a bit. Hux was a bit too broody and EWW sometimes.
The book wasn't that epic actual, sometimes draged and exaggerated but the ending was so cute and I always have a soft spots for good endings... but what about the unrequired smut scenes?
Despite everything I love Aster, she is everything I love in a fantasy Character and this book trilogy is still one of my favorites and I am not even saying anything about the dragon shifter things, we all love it.
3.5⭐⭐⭐✨
Oct 19, 2021
Okay now this is hard. I loved the ending, it couldn't be better, but the rest was lacking a bit. Hux was a bit too broody and EWW sometimes.
The book wasn't that epic actual, sometimes draged and exaggerated but the ending was so cute and I always have a soft spots for good endings... but what about the unrequired smut scenes?
Despite everything I love Aster, she is everything I love in a fantasy Character and this book trilogy is still one of my favorites and I am not even saying anything about the dragon shifter things, we all love it.
3.5⭐⭐⭐✨
September 21, 2021
Aster is annoying.
The heroine seriously sucks. I have never read a dumber and more self serving female lead. I tried to finish but she's SO immature
The heroine seriously sucks. I have never read a dumber and more self serving female lead. I tried to finish but she's SO immature
Read
March 18, 2022I feel like I wasted my time in this book. I liked this series interestingly enough. It was a fun quick read. This book though, it seemed to bring out and exaggerate all the ridiculousness that her character embodies. I just find it hard to believe that Willow was the only sane person willing to call out Aster.
We were often subjected to Aster rambling out loud and in her inner monologue. I mean I have ping-ponging thoughts but even I struggled to follow what was going on. There was no explanation when several scenes abruptly led to something else and I was often confused or annoyed.
She threw an apple in the face of a much needed ally and the king of the winter court and proceeded to tell him how much she tried so she was the best person for the job. I know there will probably be a 4th book, I am just not sure I will be there to read it.
We were often subjected to Aster rambling out loud and in her inner monologue. I mean I have ping-ponging thoughts but even I struggled to follow what was going on. There was no explanation when several scenes abruptly led to something else and I was often confused or annoyed.
She threw an apple in the face of a much needed ally and the king of the winter court and proceeded to tell him how much she tried so she was the best person for the job. I know there will probably be a 4th book, I am just not sure I will be there to read it.
September 7, 2021
The writing just keeps getting better. Book 3 was my favorite in the series.... book 4 anyone? 🙏🐉💗
July 17, 2021
Fun, but a little disjointed. A whole lot is packed in here and the crazy hyperactive heroine gets exhausting. Great series though, which I'll recommend to friends.
February 1, 2022
“What do you mean? Willow just convinced me that I am responsible. You just told me I have zero control whatsoever. What the fuck am I supposed to do now?”
Adair didn’t hesitate. “Make a logical decision.”
But the thing is, nothing about these character’s actions make any sort of sense. nothing about this story really makes sense. there’s gaps in detail, leaps in explanations. At one point action happens that the reader is not informed of and we’re left trying to put the pieces together. The whole “we can’t be together thing” between her and Huxley was so confusing. i don’t really know why they couldn’t be together in part because it was never *really* explained and in part, when there was an allusion to an explanation, it was buried beneath casual narration and ambiguities that it just didn’t make sense.
I really really really don’t know why I ready this entire series.
Adair didn’t hesitate. “Make a logical decision.”
But the thing is, nothing about these character’s actions make any sort of sense. nothing about this story really makes sense. there’s gaps in detail, leaps in explanations. At one point action happens that the reader is not informed of and we’re left trying to put the pieces together. The whole “we can’t be together thing” between her and Huxley was so confusing. i don’t really know why they couldn’t be together in part because it was never *really* explained and in part, when there was an allusion to an explanation, it was buried beneath casual narration and ambiguities that it just didn’t make sense.
I really really really don’t know why I ready this entire series.
November 5, 2022
This book was fine and this series was fine. There was more romance in this installment (still almost no smut), but I found it hard to get into.
Aster is basically in the ultimate power imbalance relationship with Hux. He’s super rich, super magical, lies all the time, manipulates her life, owns her as a slave, and when he touches her she’s overwhelmed with magical attraction and can’t think or speak… she has to leave to a whole other world to try to get space from him, and even that lasts less than 24 hours. And when he turns up, he accuses her of betrayal when she only left because he refused to release her from slavery. It wasn’t an unreasonable request. She still has to ask three times before he agrees.
All’s well that ends well, I guess. But really, did she ever have a choice about being with Hux? Did he actually do anything to win her over? His big act was to release her from slavery (at her repeated request), which he orchestrated and plotted to trap her into in the first place.
Aster is basically in the ultimate power imbalance relationship with Hux. He’s super rich, super magical, lies all the time, manipulates her life, owns her as a slave, and when he touches her she’s overwhelmed with magical attraction and can’t think or speak… she has to leave to a whole other world to try to get space from him, and even that lasts less than 24 hours. And when he turns up, he accuses her of betrayal when she only left because he refused to release her from slavery. It wasn’t an unreasonable request. She still has to ask three times before he agrees.
All’s well that ends well, I guess. But really, did she ever have a choice about being with Hux? Did he actually do anything to win her over? His big act was to release her from slavery (at her repeated request), which he orchestrated and plotted to trap her into in the first place.
September 28, 2025
I want to start by saying I enjoyed the first 2 books in the series - but I'm not sure what happened with this one and where it lost me along the way. I ended up skimming through the last 30% just to finish it off.
Aster has always had a charged, intense personality throughout the books. In this one it felt like it was taken to a new level but not in a good way and quickly got exhausting while showing no character growth.
Hux - he was... a disappointment. He was toxic, never really truly apologised (Just a super quick apology and suddenly everything was better) or made amends and I felt just to make them properly come together, his personality very suddenly did a bit of a switch up after being an absolute ass the whole book. I also thought they were alluding to there being more of a plot around why he wanted to break the bond... but no? After his actions in the book I just couldn't get into the relationship again.
The plot - I get where it was trying to go, but it just felt a bit disjointed and hard to follow in some parts. A lot of unanswered questions at the end.
Aster has always had a charged, intense personality throughout the books. In this one it felt like it was taken to a new level but not in a good way and quickly got exhausting while showing no character growth.
Hux - he was... a disappointment. He was toxic, never really truly apologised (Just a super quick apology and suddenly everything was better) or made amends and I felt just to make them properly come together, his personality very suddenly did a bit of a switch up after being an absolute ass the whole book. I also thought they were alluding to there being more of a plot around why he wanted to break the bond... but no? After his actions in the book I just couldn't get into the relationship again.
The plot - I get where it was trying to go, but it just felt a bit disjointed and hard to follow in some parts. A lot of unanswered questions at the end.
July 25, 2024
I just learned who and what I really am. And dude, is it changing my entire world. But while I'm trying to master my terrifying true powers, I'll have to help Cayne, Willow and August track down the next dark artefact that's messing with Los Angeles. But honestly. What's new. Then there's the matter of Huxley Cayne. I might be convinced that our bond is real, but Cayne seems to be hanging on to a secret that makes me wonder...
This series was such an entertaining read! Aster is struggling with her new found powers and dealing with the bond between her and Cayne. He is being a pain with her feelings so she takes herself off to think about things and as usual lands herself in another bundle of trouble. We are introduced to a few more characters that elevates the story. The banter hits an all time high as Aster reaches new levels of snark and laugh out loud moments. I could have slapped Cayne quite a few times but he melts my heart at the end. A great finale to round off the series.
This series was such an entertaining read! Aster is struggling with her new found powers and dealing with the bond between her and Cayne. He is being a pain with her feelings so she takes herself off to think about things and as usual lands herself in another bundle of trouble. We are introduced to a few more characters that elevates the story. The banter hits an all time high as Aster reaches new levels of snark and laugh out loud moments. I could have slapped Cayne quite a few times but he melts my heart at the end. A great finale to round off the series.
June 24, 2021
Good
Picking up a short while after the ending of book two… so go read the first two books if you haven’t already.
Aster King II has a lot on her plate. There is her dragon shifter boyfriend, who might just be a manipulative liar, her Fae father, and her indentured servitude.
But when one more betrayal sends her running, she finds herself in an even bigger battle than before…
Aster is a crazy character, which only goes to make these books even more entertaining. A few new characters populate this particular book, and a few more secrets are revealed. Lots of issues are resolved, and some big plot points are exposed.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read filled with snark, a few laugh out loud moments, and a couple of romantic ones.
An enchanting read for fans of urban fantasy, and in particular, crazy, snark-spouting heroines.
Picking up a short while after the ending of book two… so go read the first two books if you haven’t already.
Aster King II has a lot on her plate. There is her dragon shifter boyfriend, who might just be a manipulative liar, her Fae father, and her indentured servitude.
But when one more betrayal sends her running, she finds herself in an even bigger battle than before…
Aster is a crazy character, which only goes to make these books even more entertaining. A few new characters populate this particular book, and a few more secrets are revealed. Lots of issues are resolved, and some big plot points are exposed.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read filled with snark, a few laugh out loud moments, and a couple of romantic ones.
An enchanting read for fans of urban fantasy, and in particular, crazy, snark-spouting heroines.
December 4, 2023
I liked the first book, managed to make it through the 2nd, but couldn't tough it out with the 3rd and had to drop it halfway through.
Aster was just too much in this one, her attitude and dialouge was very annoying and childish. The author tries really hard to make her super "quirky" and "not like other girls" throughout the series. I was able to look past it in the first 2 books in the hope that Aster would have major character development and maturing, but she never does. Her narration was painful to read at times, especially with the nonsensical things she'd say and how "quirky" she tried to be. There could never be a serious or genuine moment if she was around, and she was just overall extremely obnoxious. I was interested in seeing how her relationship with Cayne played out, but even that proved to lack proper development.
Aster was just too much in this one, her attitude and dialouge was very annoying and childish. The author tries really hard to make her super "quirky" and "not like other girls" throughout the series. I was able to look past it in the first 2 books in the hope that Aster would have major character development and maturing, but she never does. Her narration was painful to read at times, especially with the nonsensical things she'd say and how "quirky" she tried to be. There could never be a serious or genuine moment if she was around, and she was just overall extremely obnoxious. I was interested in seeing how her relationship with Cayne played out, but even that proved to lack proper development.
July 13, 2021
This series entry didn't hold up to the first two.
The author seems to have written this book without a outline. The story was disjointed. It stuttered. A content editor could have recommended transition paragraphs. Instead, they didn't exist, leaving the reader juxtaposed from one setting to another with no explanation or lead up. It was jarring. The author also pushed our hyperactive lead character too far role wise. There was no need to push the future of fairy on Aster's shoulders. It wasn't a good fit. Again, lack of transitions on the authors part made for poor credibility on the story's part. I won't be moving on with the series although the first two books were amusing.
The author seems to have written this book without a outline. The story was disjointed. It stuttered. A content editor could have recommended transition paragraphs. Instead, they didn't exist, leaving the reader juxtaposed from one setting to another with no explanation or lead up. It was jarring. The author also pushed our hyperactive lead character too far role wise. There was no need to push the future of fairy on Aster's shoulders. It wasn't a good fit. Again, lack of transitions on the authors part made for poor credibility on the story's part. I won't be moving on with the series although the first two books were amusing.
October 31, 2021
Hilarity
This was a new to me author. I waited to give my review at the last book because I couldn’t put them down. I had to know more and definitely felt like Aster a few times and got stabby! Haha! This was HILARIOUS! A great urban (?) fantasy paranormal read. There was romance (not as much as I’m used to but it was nice). Definitely worth the read. I’ve laughed and been at the edge of my seat the entire time. The snark and sass that Aster has had me stuck. I love me a snarky idgf heroine. There is something liberating about those reads and I get hooked. This series is great! Please give it a chance and read it!
This was a new to me author. I waited to give my review at the last book because I couldn’t put them down. I had to know more and definitely felt like Aster a few times and got stabby! Haha! This was HILARIOUS! A great urban (?) fantasy paranormal read. There was romance (not as much as I’m used to but it was nice). Definitely worth the read. I’ve laughed and been at the edge of my seat the entire time. The snark and sass that Aster has had me stuck. I love me a snarky idgf heroine. There is something liberating about those reads and I get hooked. This series is great! Please give it a chance and read it!
July 12, 2024
I couldn't put it down!
I had so much fun reading this series! I laughed so hard people wanted to know why. And I had to tell them. Although honestly they couldn't understand as most of them are not readers! (As if that's normal). Anywhere! I encouraged them to pick up a copy and try to put it down... the only problem I had with this series was that I enjoy multiple ppv, and found myself constantly wondering what Huxley had to say... still it duchy detract from the series though it was funny it was sarcastic and totally irreverent and competition fun to read BRAVO! I will be reading more of Ms West books!!
😉😉😉
I had so much fun reading this series! I laughed so hard people wanted to know why. And I had to tell them. Although honestly they couldn't understand as most of them are not readers! (As if that's normal). Anywhere! I encouraged them to pick up a copy and try to put it down... the only problem I had with this series was that I enjoy multiple ppv, and found myself constantly wondering what Huxley had to say... still it duchy detract from the series though it was funny it was sarcastic and totally irreverent and competition fun to read BRAVO! I will be reading more of Ms West books!!
😉😉😉
February 5, 2024
Great finish
Aster is still trying to navigate her new found powers, all the while trying to feel herself on an equal footing with her bonded mate. She’s feeling stifled by Huxley and is needing a break. When the opportunity arises she takes it and then everything goes sideways and she finds herself involved in way more than she bargained for. Once again great story with enough laughing out loud moments and action to keep you glued to the pages. I was truly sad to see this crowd adventures finished. I will most definitely be looking for other books from this author.
Aster is still trying to navigate her new found powers, all the while trying to feel herself on an equal footing with her bonded mate. She’s feeling stifled by Huxley and is needing a break. When the opportunity arises she takes it and then everything goes sideways and she finds herself involved in way more than she bargained for. Once again great story with enough laughing out loud moments and action to keep you glued to the pages. I was truly sad to see this crowd adventures finished. I will most definitely be looking for other books from this author.
November 29, 2021
3.5 stars
I had a hard time discerning one characters personality from other supporting characters. Some of the conversations made me confused on who was saying what to whom. Looking at this book as a third, it works well. There are many threads left undone, but the ending was not singularly unsatisfying one; the unresolved sections could be left for other books with supporting characters as leads.
I had a hard time discerning one characters personality from other supporting characters. Some of the conversations made me confused on who was saying what to whom. Looking at this book as a third, it works well. There are many threads left undone, but the ending was not singularly unsatisfying one; the unresolved sections could be left for other books with supporting characters as leads.
July 26, 2023
Dark Promise
Really enjoyed this series conclusion. Master and company were entertaining. They all act a little immature, but in a funny way. Questions were answers, battles were waged, family was united. Some good life lessons were given along the way. I was glad each person found a measure of closure and peace. Laughs, steam, fights and more.
Series end, no cliffhanger. Told from h POV.
Really enjoyed this series conclusion. Master and company were entertaining. They all act a little immature, but in a funny way. Questions were answers, battles were waged, family was united. Some good life lessons were given along the way. I was glad each person found a measure of closure and peace. Laughs, steam, fights and more.
Series end, no cliffhanger. Told from h POV.
April 10, 2024
Strong MC , lots of laughs and totally hooked
This series had me hooked like a fish to a pole from the very few chapters of book 1.
✅ Strong main character
✅ Intense but slow burn love interest
✅ Love scenes that were thankfully not too detailed (I am not a fan of sex scenes that go on and on and on)
✅ Literally laugh out loud moments throughout
✅ Lots of plot twists
100% recommend
This series had me hooked like a fish to a pole from the very few chapters of book 1.
✅ Strong main character
✅ Intense but slow burn love interest
✅ Love scenes that were thankfully not too detailed (I am not a fan of sex scenes that go on and on and on)
✅ Literally laugh out loud moments throughout
✅ Lots of plot twists
100% recommend
July 3, 2021
Super cute last book
I smiled a lot in this book. It was a little repetitious but still a fun read. Some of the solutions could have been fleshed out more…they happened so abruptly that I had to re-read at times. In the end We had a cute story. I’m glad I discovered this author while waiting for my Fav authors new books to drop.
I smiled a lot in this book. It was a little repetitious but still a fun read. Some of the solutions could have been fleshed out more…they happened so abruptly that I had to re-read at times. In the end We had a cute story. I’m glad I discovered this author while waiting for my Fav authors new books to drop.
July 4, 2021
I liked this for the most part, but for some reason around 70% I no longer cared. I seriously had to force myself to finish the book, even though it wasn't bad. It took me a week to finish reading the book when really it was a 1/2 a day read. For this reason, I knocked my rating down to a 3 star.
August 4, 2021
Funny, action packed!
I really loved these books!!! Very funny, snarky, underdog heroine! I The vampire was a bonus, loved their interactions! I was looking for more books when I got done! Maybe the brother will have a spin off, I definitely will be checking! I don't usually leave reviews, so if you need a good laugh and a great story read these books!
I really loved these books!!! Very funny, snarky, underdog heroine! I The vampire was a bonus, loved their interactions! I was looking for more books when I got done! Maybe the brother will have a spin off, I definitely will be checking! I don't usually leave reviews, so if you need a good laugh and a great story read these books!
December 20, 2023
DNF at 76%. I just…. couldn’t stomach the MC anymore. Her verbal diarrhea and sarcasm and irreverence and stupidity?! They weren’t cute. At all. They were overdone and I was sick of it. As for the rest… the whole plot just seemed dumb and contrived. I don’t know. I lost complete and total interest and decided not to waste any more of my time on it.
March 5, 2024
Great series
I enjoyed all 3 books in the series. Aster is a smart mouthed maniac who somehow always manages to live through all the crazy stuff that happens. Her relationship with Hux is full of tension but in a delightful way. The cast of side characters and Asters interactions with them are so funny. What a great series
I enjoyed all 3 books in the series. Aster is a smart mouthed maniac who somehow always manages to live through all the crazy stuff that happens. Her relationship with Hux is full of tension but in a delightful way. The cast of side characters and Asters interactions with them are so funny. What a great series
February 14, 2025
I enjoyed the first two books quite a lot! Aster is a little on the immature side, and her backstory and behavior/personality are clashing, but now she will mature and be funny, but also competent, right?...right?
if anything, she's worse. Her cute 'quirky' qualities are played to the absolute maximum, and it makes her into a caricature. DNF at 40%
if anything, she's worse. Her cute 'quirky' qualities are played to the absolute maximum, and it makes her into a caricature. DNF at 40%
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews