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The Binding #2
Fractured Bonds
Blurb Coming Soon!
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2023
223 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Rathe
28 books1,068 followersDeliciously dirty, delightfully neurotic, ratchet mess of a daydreamer.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
See www.rebeccarathe.com for a full list of books, social media, and trigger warnings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
November 16, 2023
breeding kink is truly the worst thing to ever happen to us as a society
October 28, 2023
5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 4.5/5
Strong Language: 3/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Fractured Bonds in the second book in The Binding series. The books must be read in order for maximum enjoyment.
This book picks up right where the dramatic cliffhanger of The Binding Book One left us. Our favorite characters are in peril while attempting a rescue mission. While they manage to save some of the innocent, they also leave one of their own behind. When I say that someone just flipped Calista’s witch switch, it is no exaggeration. She does not take kindly to being separated from her mates and she delivers a blow the opposition will not soon forget.
In the meantime, Draven must deal with his more primal instincts. It’s a delicate balance to both feed his shade or vampire nature, while maintaining enough control not to harm those he is becoming to care for.
Seth must seek out the Bright elders for their assistance and their judgement of his new partners is not everything he had hoped for.
Hawthorne struggles with the new mages they are forced to work with and with the bond that was partially severed by Calista in an attempt to save him from any further pain.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I definitely would. It was dramatic, spine-tingling, had amazing twists and turns, searing heat, and the characters were absolutely amazing. The series keeps getting better.
Steam: 4.5/5
Strong Language: 3/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Fractured Bonds in the second book in The Binding series. The books must be read in order for maximum enjoyment.
This book picks up right where the dramatic cliffhanger of The Binding Book One left us. Our favorite characters are in peril while attempting a rescue mission. While they manage to save some of the innocent, they also leave one of their own behind. When I say that someone just flipped Calista’s witch switch, it is no exaggeration. She does not take kindly to being separated from her mates and she delivers a blow the opposition will not soon forget.
In the meantime, Draven must deal with his more primal instincts. It’s a delicate balance to both feed his shade or vampire nature, while maintaining enough control not to harm those he is becoming to care for.
Seth must seek out the Bright elders for their assistance and their judgement of his new partners is not everything he had hoped for.
Hawthorne struggles with the new mages they are forced to work with and with the bond that was partially severed by Calista in an attempt to save him from any further pain.
If I could give this book more than five stars, I definitely would. It was dramatic, spine-tingling, had amazing twists and turns, searing heat, and the characters were absolutely amazing. The series keeps getting better.
October 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Fuck, I never want to stop sucking and fucking this woman. She's so fucking perfect, so fucking delicious. So fucking mine.
Book two in The Binding series packs a punch! It was a one-sitting read that pulled me right back into the action after that intense cliffhanger in book one. Twists and turns abound as we dive further into the background of the organization that tried to sacrifice Calista and has been kidnapping those they thought possessed magic for decades.
This book was firmly the Draven show! I loved his fall into blood lust upon discovering Calista was being visited by her least favorite aunt (IYKYK). It was a unique take on a heat cycle, with the male being the one driven mad with pheromones and pulling the female into his web with lots and lots of dirty, depraved, sexy time. Possessive Draven is my favorite!
Fractured Bonds is ultra fast-burn and spicy, with multiple darker kinks (specifically blood-play) and MF, MM, and group scenes.
Another killer of a cliffhanger! I can't wait to see what's next.
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance
Tropes/Features: Age gap, forced proximity, forced bonding, soul mates, grumpy mage MMC, touch-starved angel MMC, vampire MMC, witch FMC, magical awakening, all-in MMC, golden-retriever, amnesia, morally grey MMCs, blood-lust induced heat
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MMFM, fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Book Two in The Binding Series, cliffhanger
TW/CW: Available in book and through author’s website
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️½
Fuck, I never want to stop sucking and fucking this woman. She's so fucking perfect, so fucking delicious. So fucking mine.
Book two in The Binding series packs a punch! It was a one-sitting read that pulled me right back into the action after that intense cliffhanger in book one. Twists and turns abound as we dive further into the background of the organization that tried to sacrifice Calista and has been kidnapping those they thought possessed magic for decades.
This book was firmly the Draven show! I loved his fall into blood lust upon discovering Calista was being visited by her least favorite aunt (IYKYK). It was a unique take on a heat cycle, with the male being the one driven mad with pheromones and pulling the female into his web with lots and lots of dirty, depraved, sexy time. Possessive Draven is my favorite!
Fractured Bonds is ultra fast-burn and spicy, with multiple darker kinks (specifically blood-play) and MF, MM, and group scenes.
Another killer of a cliffhanger! I can't wait to see what's next.
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance
Tropes/Features: Age gap, forced proximity, forced bonding, soul mates, grumpy mage MMC, touch-starved angel MMC, vampire MMC, witch FMC, magical awakening, all-in MMC, golden-retriever, amnesia, morally grey MMCs, blood-lust induced heat
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why Choose MMFM, fast burn, spicy
Book Type/Ending: Book Two in The Binding Series, cliffhanger
TW/CW: Available in book and through author’s website
August 16, 2024
I was hoping for somewhat of a resolution toward the end, but there wasn’t, and it ended with even more problems. It’s a 3 part series so probably in the last book… but give me something ya know?? I still like that it’s from 4 points of view and the characters are interesting.
October 29, 2023
Omg this book has broken my soul. The ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the spice - holy moly, the spice 🥵 I loved getting to know Calista and her men more, especially getting to see more of the guys’ backgrounds. We also get a more in-depth look into the other supernatural species and that has some surprises. I absolutely love the way the relationships are developing and I’m excited (and a little wary) of the new people we meet. The plot and the world-building, the magical structure, all of it is just fascinating and continues to draw me in. I am incredibly intrigued about where the story goes next!
December 18, 2023
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Total: 4.5
Omg I devoured this book in one sitting!!! I can’t get enough of this magic system and I need the next book pronto!
Spice: 🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵
Total: 4.5
Omg I devoured this book in one sitting!!! I can’t get enough of this magic system and I need the next book pronto!
February 27, 2024
*chefs kiss*
October 26, 2023
An amazing adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. So incredible to see her bonds and powers growing. Watching Mage Daddy coming into his softer side was a the best. The twists, turns, and cliffhanger will have your jaw skimming the floor. Fantastic read!
June 6, 2024
Maybe even 4.5⭐️ for this one!
It was definitely more action packed than I remember the first book being and that made me breeze through it. And the spice?! Fuck yes. I’m here for it!!!
It was definitely more action packed than I remember the first book being and that made me breeze through it. And the spice?! Fuck yes. I’m here for it!!!
October 30, 2023
This book picks up right where we left off with The Binding. And y’all, it. is. so. good! Beware the cliffhanger though. It’s a big one!
Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for book three!
Absolutely loved it and can’t wait for book three!
November 6, 2023
Look, I loved the first book, absolutely devoured it. So I was pretty pumped for this book. But, I found it kinda, lacking? I dunno.
First off, this book had a huge increase in smut, like, so much. And I love good smut. But when it comes at the cost of plot? That's where my opinion changed.
For the first part of the book Hawthorne is like captured and a prisoner and I just felt like that wasn't taken seriously enough. No one seemed overly concerned. Like at first it seemed like Calista was, but then her and Draven go thru their mating frenzy thing and even after that it just seemed like all was forgotten when it came to Hawthorne.
And the plot seemed very stagnant and then we got like an avalanche of plot in the last 20%. And it drives me crazy when books do that. Like you open a book with tons of action, then it's like 50% just smut, and then like 20% of plot in the end.
I also felt like we didn't really get to "see" the relationships grow. Like we're told they all feel closer and more connected, but I didn't feel like we got shown.
Also, wtf with Ada and Hawthorne. Like he got his freaking daughter back, and there is no attempt at like a relationship building. There are no moments of them together, him trying to talk to her, or her even trying to get to know him. We got more with Ada and Calista that Ada and Hawthorne. And her like dealing with all the inappropriate sexual shit between Calista and the guys? It was just so weird and gross for what I wanted to be like a touching family reunion and then friendship for Ada and the others.
To me, book one had so much plot and so much potential for world building, but this book in the series was just smut smut smut and little plot.
First off, this book had a huge increase in smut, like, so much. And I love good smut. But when it comes at the cost of plot? That's where my opinion changed.
For the first part of the book Hawthorne is like captured and a prisoner and I just felt like that wasn't taken seriously enough. No one seemed overly concerned. Like at first it seemed like Calista was, but then her and Draven go thru their mating frenzy thing and even after that it just seemed like all was forgotten when it came to Hawthorne.
And the plot seemed very stagnant and then we got like an avalanche of plot in the last 20%. And it drives me crazy when books do that. Like you open a book with tons of action, then it's like 50% just smut, and then like 20% of plot in the end.
I also felt like we didn't really get to "see" the relationships grow. Like we're told they all feel closer and more connected, but I didn't feel like we got shown.
Also, wtf with Ada and Hawthorne. Like he got his freaking daughter back, and there is no attempt at like a relationship building. There are no moments of them together, him trying to talk to her, or her even trying to get to know him. We got more with Ada and Calista that Ada and Hawthorne. And her like dealing with all the inappropriate sexual shit between Calista and the guys? It was just so weird and gross for what I wanted to be like a touching family reunion and then friendship for Ada and the others.
To me, book one had so much plot and so much potential for world building, but this book in the series was just smut smut smut and little plot.
October 30, 2023
Fractured Bonds is a great second part of The Binding Series I gave it 4.5 stars simply because book one was just that little bit better. For me, this one took me a bit to get hooked back into again but I new Rebecca wouldn't let us down and by the second half I was in deep again.
After the cliffhanger in book one, there were plenty of unanswered questions and danger for the group and while it picked up right where they left off and dealt with some things there were other parts that Rebecca held back on for a while. All part of her evil plan I’m sure to have as anxious and hanging on for her to unveil each piece.
Hawthorne and Calista are the ones suffering the most, between Calista breaking the bond and Hawthorne being captured. Calista is suffering with guilt and the pain of the broken bond.
Draven and Seth are doing what they can to help her pain and get Hawthorne back.
Hawthorne is being haunted by his past, the distance from Calista and the pain of the broken bond.
There were plenty more puzzle pieces that dropped into place with the breadcrumbs Rebecca left and it was great to figure some of it all out. We’re still left with a lot we don’t know or how they will beat the bad guys.
I can’t wait for book 3 and the conclusion of this series.
.
.
.
Calista and the guys might have saved a heap of the captured witches/humans but The Sanctum Society is even more evil than they were prepared for. When they have to leave without Hawthorne, Calist’s pain and guilt only increase.
Draven is finding his place with Calista more volatile and he can’t understand why. He thought they were finally managing to find their place with each other and now he’s out of control.
Seth is trying his best to get the bright elders to step up and help, but they only see Calista’s power as dangerous and unnatural. Seth has his own questions about what is happening to him after he bonded with Calista.
Hawthorne is captured and he’s trying to figure out what the torture is they are playing at with him. He’s hurting without the bond and being alone with his memories is a pain all its own.
While Draven and Calista figure out their problems it only makes them stronger and with Seth’s understanding the three find a happy place in their pain with their missing piece.
"Damn, she's terrifying," Seth whispers. "Yeah, she is," Draven agrees, adjusting himself. "Oh good, I'm not the only one with a fear boner, then."
Reunited with the start of a plan forming, things start to look up but as they learn more about the evil surrounding them and exactly how dangerous things are about to get.
"I broke us," I sob out. We'll fix it and no matter what, you are still by pulse, Calista."
When they think they know how to fix their bond and reunite them as one, a new danger is after Calista and there might not be anything Draven, Seth, or Hawthorne can do.
Happy Reading.
After the cliffhanger in book one, there were plenty of unanswered questions and danger for the group and while it picked up right where they left off and dealt with some things there were other parts that Rebecca held back on for a while. All part of her evil plan I’m sure to have as anxious and hanging on for her to unveil each piece.
Hawthorne and Calista are the ones suffering the most, between Calista breaking the bond and Hawthorne being captured. Calista is suffering with guilt and the pain of the broken bond.
Draven and Seth are doing what they can to help her pain and get Hawthorne back.
Hawthorne is being haunted by his past, the distance from Calista and the pain of the broken bond.
There were plenty more puzzle pieces that dropped into place with the breadcrumbs Rebecca left and it was great to figure some of it all out. We’re still left with a lot we don’t know or how they will beat the bad guys.
I can’t wait for book 3 and the conclusion of this series.
.
.
.
Calista and the guys might have saved a heap of the captured witches/humans but The Sanctum Society is even more evil than they were prepared for. When they have to leave without Hawthorne, Calist’s pain and guilt only increase.
Draven is finding his place with Calista more volatile and he can’t understand why. He thought they were finally managing to find their place with each other and now he’s out of control.
Seth is trying his best to get the bright elders to step up and help, but they only see Calista’s power as dangerous and unnatural. Seth has his own questions about what is happening to him after he bonded with Calista.
Hawthorne is captured and he’s trying to figure out what the torture is they are playing at with him. He’s hurting without the bond and being alone with his memories is a pain all its own.
While Draven and Calista figure out their problems it only makes them stronger and with Seth’s understanding the three find a happy place in their pain with their missing piece.
"Damn, she's terrifying," Seth whispers. "Yeah, she is," Draven agrees, adjusting himself. "Oh good, I'm not the only one with a fear boner, then."
Reunited with the start of a plan forming, things start to look up but as they learn more about the evil surrounding them and exactly how dangerous things are about to get.
"I broke us," I sob out. We'll fix it and no matter what, you are still by pulse, Calista."
When they think they know how to fix their bond and reunite them as one, a new danger is after Calista and there might not be anything Draven, Seth, or Hawthorne can do.
Happy Reading.
October 30, 2023
Fractured Bonds: The Binding 2
"Whatever the sacrifice, she is worth it."
Calista, Seth, Draven, Hawthorne. The powerful witch, the light mage, the blood mage, and the earth mage. Once a complete bond has now been shattered in pieces. This book is alluring, sexy as hell, and totally addictive!
"Dmn, she's terrifying," Seth whispers. "Yeah, she is," Draven agrees, adjusting himself. "Oh good, I'm not the only one with a fear b0ner, then."
After book 1 left me with my jaw on the floor, and the intense need to scream into a pillow, I was so very eager and thrilled to read this book the moment it came out!!
Hawthorne has been captured, and they urgently need to rescue him! But Hawthorne’s past is catching up to him while he has nothing but time to worry while suffering in his cell, deprived of food and water and mistreated by the guards.
Calista’s magic is emerging more and more every day, but her broken bond is taxing her system to the point she needs almost constant affection from her two mates. It is a burden that works out quite well though, because Draven has gone into a blood lust that must be satisfied. Meanwhile, when Seth went to the Archives to find the names of the Elders in order to get in touch with the council, he was informed that his meddling had dire consequences, and an ominous prediction was given.
They need to find the Elders and bring together the Council. They need to figure out how to stop the Sanctum Society before they unalive more innocent people in search for the ones with power. And they really need to keep the Sanctum Society from getting their hands on any magic, otherwise the entire world population may be in trouble! But first, they need to collect Hawthorne and get him back so the group can mend the fractured bonds to keep all of their magic working to its full potential!
This book is so captivating, I was up all night and couldn’t put it down! It was a witty, engaging, wild ride that I never wanted to end. I was in the rollercoaster at the end of the ride screaming, “More!! More please!!”
Came for the light mage, stayed for the f3ar b0n3r.
If you are a bean 🫘 flicking, kitty 🐱 clenching type of book lover, this book is where it is at, and you couldn’t ask for more!
"Whatever the sacrifice, she is worth it."
Calista, Seth, Draven, Hawthorne. The powerful witch, the light mage, the blood mage, and the earth mage. Once a complete bond has now been shattered in pieces. This book is alluring, sexy as hell, and totally addictive!
"Dmn, she's terrifying," Seth whispers. "Yeah, she is," Draven agrees, adjusting himself. "Oh good, I'm not the only one with a fear b0ner, then."
After book 1 left me with my jaw on the floor, and the intense need to scream into a pillow, I was so very eager and thrilled to read this book the moment it came out!!
Hawthorne has been captured, and they urgently need to rescue him! But Hawthorne’s past is catching up to him while he has nothing but time to worry while suffering in his cell, deprived of food and water and mistreated by the guards.
Calista’s magic is emerging more and more every day, but her broken bond is taxing her system to the point she needs almost constant affection from her two mates. It is a burden that works out quite well though, because Draven has gone into a blood lust that must be satisfied. Meanwhile, when Seth went to the Archives to find the names of the Elders in order to get in touch with the council, he was informed that his meddling had dire consequences, and an ominous prediction was given.
They need to find the Elders and bring together the Council. They need to figure out how to stop the Sanctum Society before they unalive more innocent people in search for the ones with power. And they really need to keep the Sanctum Society from getting their hands on any magic, otherwise the entire world population may be in trouble! But first, they need to collect Hawthorne and get him back so the group can mend the fractured bonds to keep all of their magic working to its full potential!
This book is so captivating, I was up all night and couldn’t put it down! It was a witty, engaging, wild ride that I never wanted to end. I was in the rollercoaster at the end of the ride screaming, “More!! More please!!”
Came for the light mage, stayed for the f3ar b0n3r.
If you are a bean 🫘 flicking, kitty 🐱 clenching type of book lover, this book is where it is at, and you couldn’t ask for more!
January 14, 2024
The Binding Trilogy, Book 2
✨Mild Spoilers✨ Choices were made, truths exposed and damaged bonds are just some of the unintended consequences. The Binding left us with Hawthorne’s capture after Calista’s choice to set him “free” of their mate bond by way of a spell. The resulting pain from this shattered bond makes it challenging for Calista to function as well as utilize her magical abilities. Her two remaining bond-mates Seth and Draven face their own unique struggles while trying to support and stabilize Calista. Betrayal and regret war inside Hawthorne as he uncovers a shocking truth regarding trauma from his past while trying to escape and reunite with Calista.
I really loved how supportive and loving Seth was towards Calista while she was in so much pain. Learning more about Draven and Hawthorne’s backstories, seeing how they faced past trauma, and grew emotionally more mature. Exploring the magic systems further and all of their growing powers, Draven’s especially. The spicy scenes continued to be wild, which I could appreciate more as their relationships deepened. 🔥Seth and Draven are totally HOT together!🔥
I didn’t care for Hawthorne’s feelings of betrayal towards Calista, like REALLY dude!? You shouldn’t be that shocked with the results of your cutting words and negativity towards her! Also sometimes the period scenes were just a little much. 🤏🏻
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance 18+
Relationship(s): MMFM, M/M
Romance: Fast Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multi-POV, First person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 335 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Series or Stand Alone: The Binding Trilogy, completed
Cliffhanger: ✔️Yes
Themes or Tropes: Sheltered FMC, witches, bond-mates, grumpy sunshine, age gap, “daddy” kink, bad boy, vampire, shifter, breeding kink, golden retriever energy, angel, MMFM, M/M, BDSM, secret societies, mental/emotional trauma, found family
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes!😳
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
✨Mild Spoilers✨ Choices were made, truths exposed and damaged bonds are just some of the unintended consequences. The Binding left us with Hawthorne’s capture after Calista’s choice to set him “free” of their mate bond by way of a spell. The resulting pain from this shattered bond makes it challenging for Calista to function as well as utilize her magical abilities. Her two remaining bond-mates Seth and Draven face their own unique struggles while trying to support and stabilize Calista. Betrayal and regret war inside Hawthorne as he uncovers a shocking truth regarding trauma from his past while trying to escape and reunite with Calista.
I really loved how supportive and loving Seth was towards Calista while she was in so much pain. Learning more about Draven and Hawthorne’s backstories, seeing how they faced past trauma, and grew emotionally more mature. Exploring the magic systems further and all of their growing powers, Draven’s especially. The spicy scenes continued to be wild, which I could appreciate more as their relationships deepened. 🔥Seth and Draven are totally HOT together!🔥
I didn’t care for Hawthorne’s feelings of betrayal towards Calista, like REALLY dude!? You shouldn’t be that shocked with the results of your cutting words and negativity towards her! Also sometimes the period scenes were just a little much. 🤏🏻
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance 18+
Relationship(s): MMFM, M/M
Romance: Fast Burn 🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multi-POV, First person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: 335 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤🖤
Series or Stand Alone: The Binding Trilogy, completed
Cliffhanger: ✔️Yes
Themes or Tropes: Sheltered FMC, witches, bond-mates, grumpy sunshine, age gap, “daddy” kink, bad boy, vampire, shifter, breeding kink, golden retriever energy, angel, MMFM, M/M, BDSM, secret societies, mental/emotional trauma, found family
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes!😳
Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
November 10, 2023
I was more than ready to get back into Calista and her men’s world, especially after that ending we was left with in book 1. We get to pick right back up from there!
Calista is absolutely distraught as only her Draven and Seth are the only ones that return back home after their attempt to save innocents, which they are mostly successful at. Although she tries to break Hawthorne free from their bond thinking it’s best for him, she feels every bit of the time he was not there with him! Furthermore , seeing all of their different bonds strengthen, along with their relationships, and seeing Calista grow further an stronger in her powers was a delight & so exciting! We start to see some uncertainty and questionable things happen with Draven. His natural instincts are clashing between his vampire/shade sides. An he struggles to not put the others in danger.
Seth tries to bargains with the Elders of the Brights, but they are only reluctant as they aren’t very approving of Calista and his new bonded mates.
While we get many answers we are left wondering after book 1, we still have some things unanswered- but that just adds to the twists, a mystery an keeps you on the edge of your seat!! Right when we think we see a light at the end of the tunnel, we find just how much danger is truly lurking! I loved that we got to learn more history/background of each of the guys, especially about Hawthorne! We got quite an increase in smut in the book! I can honestly say I love all three of the guys, but I would go ABSOLUTELY feral for Daddy Draven 🥵🥵
Calista is absolutely distraught as only her Draven and Seth are the only ones that return back home after their attempt to save innocents, which they are mostly successful at. Although she tries to break Hawthorne free from their bond thinking it’s best for him, she feels every bit of the time he was not there with him! Furthermore , seeing all of their different bonds strengthen, along with their relationships, and seeing Calista grow further an stronger in her powers was a delight & so exciting! We start to see some uncertainty and questionable things happen with Draven. His natural instincts are clashing between his vampire/shade sides. An he struggles to not put the others in danger.
Seth tries to bargains with the Elders of the Brights, but they are only reluctant as they aren’t very approving of Calista and his new bonded mates.
While we get many answers we are left wondering after book 1, we still have some things unanswered- but that just adds to the twists, a mystery an keeps you on the edge of your seat!! Right when we think we see a light at the end of the tunnel, we find just how much danger is truly lurking! I loved that we got to learn more history/background of each of the guys, especially about Hawthorne! We got quite an increase in smut in the book! I can honestly say I love all three of the guys, but I would go ABSOLUTELY feral for Daddy Draven 🥵🥵
August 19, 2025
Overall, I was disappointed in this series. Book 2 Fractured Bonds dropped to 2starts, down from 2.5
Credit Where Credits Due: Rathe has presented a unique take on bonds, magic and dynamics of found family.
However: This felt like a complete mismatch between writing style and “spiciness The writing Style really threw me off. I even went back to Goodreads to check if I’d missed the “young adult” label.
• Lots of repetition. Concepts laid out again-and-again. Events told from first one POV then again from another. I found myself skimming past whole chunks of the book begging for something to progress.
• The author does a lot of “telling.” A master storyteller has mastered the art of “Show don’t tell” unfolding events, concepts and plot via action, dialogue, subtext. The book felt immature due to all the “telling,” as a reader I felt like the material was lacked depth as a result. If you stripped out all the sex scenes this would be a YA for sure.
I slugged through book 1 “The Binding” (2.5stars.) As I was in a reading slump thought to give the author the benefit of the doubt, maybe once the world building was laid down things would get better. Sadly book 2 “Fractured Bonds” (2 start) was no better. Almost worse as the author ended up spent chapters re-covering events from book 1. I will not be picking up book 3. I’ve lost all interest in the plot or MC’s.
Credit Where Credits Due: Rathe has presented a unique take on bonds, magic and dynamics of found family.
However: This felt like a complete mismatch between writing style and “spiciness The writing Style really threw me off. I even went back to Goodreads to check if I’d missed the “young adult” label.
• Lots of repetition. Concepts laid out again-and-again. Events told from first one POV then again from another. I found myself skimming past whole chunks of the book begging for something to progress.
• The author does a lot of “telling.” A master storyteller has mastered the art of “Show don’t tell” unfolding events, concepts and plot via action, dialogue, subtext. The book felt immature due to all the “telling,” as a reader I felt like the material was lacked depth as a result. If you stripped out all the sex scenes this would be a YA for sure.
I slugged through book 1 “The Binding” (2.5stars.) As I was in a reading slump thought to give the author the benefit of the doubt, maybe once the world building was laid down things would get better. Sadly book 2 “Fractured Bonds” (2 start) was no better. Almost worse as the author ended up spent chapters re-covering events from book 1. I will not be picking up book 3. I’ve lost all interest in the plot or MC’s.
October 30, 2023
Fractured Bonds is book two in the Binding series and I’ve been counting down the days for the release because of the cliffhanger we were left on at the end of book one! This series ticks so many of my boxes: : paranormal, why choose, multiple POV, super spicy, sword crossing, no one is remotely close to high school age….it’s got everything! The steam in this book is through the freaking roof and yet the characters are so well developed and the plot is fantastic. This book answers so many questions about Hawthorne (and thank goodness he is finally coming to his senses) and about why the world is in the state that it is in. The bond is so much closer in this book and I feel like the group is finally making progress on essentially saving the world. And then all heck breaks loose and the book ends on another cliffhanger that came out of left field and left me reeling! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 3!!
October 29, 2023
Heat: 3.5/5
A continuation of The Binding, Fractured Bonds picks up right where book 1 ended on a cliffhanger. This one is also action-packed, with lots of history being laid down along with plot-forwarding events. It’s a doozy and so is the cliffhanger at the end.
Rebecca Rathe injects great humor and heart into the four main characters: there is so much love, compassion, and devotion swirling in each being, it’s almost overwhelming. And Seth is just funny as he!!. Him and Draven together never cease to crack me up, and the way they both get Mage Daddy’s fire going is so funny to me 😆 we love a giant, surly and burly man, and Hawthorne does not disappoint us there. He is the Mage Daddy, after all.
I’m really rooting for this group, and I love falling deeper into their found family. Excellent sequel to The Bjnding and excited for the next book.
A continuation of The Binding, Fractured Bonds picks up right where book 1 ended on a cliffhanger. This one is also action-packed, with lots of history being laid down along with plot-forwarding events. It’s a doozy and so is the cliffhanger at the end.
Rebecca Rathe injects great humor and heart into the four main characters: there is so much love, compassion, and devotion swirling in each being, it’s almost overwhelming. And Seth is just funny as he!!. Him and Draven together never cease to crack me up, and the way they both get Mage Daddy’s fire going is so funny to me 😆 we love a giant, surly and burly man, and Hawthorne does not disappoint us there. He is the Mage Daddy, after all.
I’m really rooting for this group, and I love falling deeper into their found family. Excellent sequel to The Bjnding and excited for the next book.
September 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book picks up right where it left off in The Binding. I am LOVING this series so far! It has a very interesting plot, and don’t even get me started on these cliffhangers!!! It leaves me wanting to start the next one right away. The spice is eating up as it was the first book too and I’m can’t even find myself getting annoyed that the book has so much spice to it, when I usually do steer clear from books like that. It annoys me and I find myself just wanting to skip the scenes because it happens like every chapter, but this book is just too good to even mind it!(As I said in my review for the first book, it still applies for this book too!) I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a why choose romance with supernatural beings!
-Why Choose?
-Supernatural Beings
-Bonded/Mates
-MMMF
-Engaging Plot
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This book picks up right where it left off in The Binding. I am LOVING this series so far! It has a very interesting plot, and don’t even get me started on these cliffhangers!!! It leaves me wanting to start the next one right away. The spice is eating up as it was the first book too and I’m can’t even find myself getting annoyed that the book has so much spice to it, when I usually do steer clear from books like that. It annoys me and I find myself just wanting to skip the scenes because it happens like every chapter, but this book is just too good to even mind it!(As I said in my review for the first book, it still applies for this book too!) I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a why choose romance with supernatural beings!
-Why Choose?
-Supernatural Beings
-Bonded/Mates
-MMMF
-Engaging Plot
October 28, 2023
🖤❤️ Fractured Bonds had my emotions fracturing. If you thought The Binding was full on, wait until you read this! There is so much action, emotions, revelations and loin tingling action I was on the edge of my seat. There’s magic in abundance. Some new faces. There is so much happening throughout the book, you wonder if there is any time to breathe.
Calista, Seth, Draven and Hawthorne are all going through their own issues on top of the craziness surrounding them but somehow they keep going. Despite Calista’s emotional and physical pain, she is one strong woman. Draven is madness time 100 and I loved it.
Is there steam and spice? NO! There is though, Pepper X (hottest chilli in the world) heat through the whole book! 🌶️🔥Be prepared to work up a sweat. You know the kind I’m talking about people. 😏😏
Leaving me with heart palpitations, I cannot wait to read what I know is going to be an epic conclusion to a story series I wish wouldn’t end.
Calista, Seth, Draven and Hawthorne are all going through their own issues on top of the craziness surrounding them but somehow they keep going. Despite Calista’s emotional and physical pain, she is one strong woman. Draven is madness time 100 and I loved it.
Is there steam and spice? NO! There is though, Pepper X (hottest chilli in the world) heat through the whole book! 🌶️🔥Be prepared to work up a sweat. You know the kind I’m talking about people. 😏😏
Leaving me with heart palpitations, I cannot wait to read what I know is going to be an epic conclusion to a story series I wish wouldn’t end.
October 30, 2023
I’m invested in the story, and I love where this is going. I have to say it took me a little to get it, as the place where we find Calista in the beginning of the book, is not in a good place. Narrowly escaping her physical capture, she’s stuck in mental torture of her severed bonds with Hawthorn. Neither Draven nor Seth know how to soothe her, and she wouldn’t let them in at first. The reader is also stuck wondering what is happening with Hawthorn as well. So this book is a lot of emotional motion, with a lot of connection between the group developing. Don’t get me wrong, RR adds plenty of spice as well and I can’t wait until we get the next book that will save us from another cliffy and hopefully bring us the HEA that Calista and her men desperately need.
October 30, 2023
･༓☾Fractured Bonds The Binding ☽༓･
"Whatever the sacrifice, she is worth it,"
This is the second book in The Binding series, and we have been promised not having to wait too long for the third book.Especially after that brutal cliffhanger ! This book picks up right where we left off, continuing with a fast pase, fast burn read filled with lots of angst and twists and turns that you don't see coming.Of cause the heat index is turned up a few quiet a few notches. I was captivated with this book and can't wait to see what happens next.
༓☾ Paranormal Why Choose
𖤐 Age Gap
༓☾ Forced Proximity
͙𖤐 Spicy MMFM
༓☾ Magical Awakening
͙𖤐 Vampires, Witches,Angels & Mage
༓☾ Blood Play
This story does have sensitive themes
Please check trigger warnings⚠️
"Whatever the sacrifice, she is worth it,"
This is the second book in The Binding series, and we have been promised not having to wait too long for the third book.Especially after that brutal cliffhanger ! This book picks up right where we left off, continuing with a fast pase, fast burn read filled with lots of angst and twists and turns that you don't see coming.Of cause the heat index is turned up a few quiet a few notches. I was captivated with this book and can't wait to see what happens next.
༓☾ Paranormal Why Choose
𖤐 Age Gap
༓☾ Forced Proximity
͙𖤐 Spicy MMFM
༓☾ Magical Awakening
͙𖤐 Vampires, Witches,Angels & Mage
༓☾ Blood Play
This story does have sensitive themes
Please check trigger warnings⚠️
December 19, 2023
Magic. M.M.F.M. Age Gap. Forced Proximity. Grumpy. Blood Play. Breeding.
Fracture Bonds picks up where The Binding left off. Hawthorne has been captured by the enemy. Calista is in pain from the fracture bond with Hawthrone. Seth is struggling with his celestial form and Draven is battling his bloodlust. Will the Elders help them combat this evil or will they be on their own?
This is the second book that I have read from Rebecca Rathe. I have loved every chapter! Her world building is amazing. The characters continue to develop beautifully. The plot twists and turns help to keep you entertained all the way to the end of this book.
These cliffhangers!! OMG! I cannot wait for the next installment of this series to come out. Gimmie! Gimmie!
Fracture Bonds picks up where The Binding left off. Hawthorne has been captured by the enemy. Calista is in pain from the fracture bond with Hawthrone. Seth is struggling with his celestial form and Draven is battling his bloodlust. Will the Elders help them combat this evil or will they be on their own?
This is the second book that I have read from Rebecca Rathe. I have loved every chapter! Her world building is amazing. The characters continue to develop beautifully. The plot twists and turns help to keep you entertained all the way to the end of this book.
These cliffhangers!! OMG! I cannot wait for the next installment of this series to come out. Gimmie! Gimmie!
January 6, 2024
okay this one is better than the last one. calista seems to be getting smarter, even though her weird jealousy is annoying. but i do respect that she acknowledges that it’s annoying and stupid and tries to keep a lid on it.
i do like that we actually get to meet more characters in this one. having ada here really helps to make it interesting and more fun instead of just being “four people fucking in a farm house” which was basically what book 1 was.
so getting to see ada’s past helps, as do the visits to the elders and for draven to meet with the shades.
i’m mad that i’m gonna have to read the next one, only because these books could be so good. they’re just…a little lackluster.
the cliffhanger is good though and i’m very curious about what’s next.
i do like that we actually get to meet more characters in this one. having ada here really helps to make it interesting and more fun instead of just being “four people fucking in a farm house” which was basically what book 1 was.
so getting to see ada’s past helps, as do the visits to the elders and for draven to meet with the shades.
i’m mad that i’m gonna have to read the next one, only because these books could be so good. they’re just…a little lackluster.
the cliffhanger is good though and i’m very curious about what’s next.
October 23, 2023
Oh wow! What a freaking amazing follow up to The Binding! We pick right up where we were left and wow, do we learn so much this book! There’s tons of action, steam, answers, and even more questions. Calista, Seth, Draven, and Hawthorne are up against an enemy that they didn’t even understand or truly know about. We meet a few new people, see new sides to old characters, and also see how relationships are growing and evolving. I absolutely loved this installment, well up until that left field cliffy which almost made me throw my phone!!! Even that was excellent though, even if I don’t like having to wait for Eternal Bonds, which thankfully will be released in a couple of months.
October 30, 2023
I always love book 2 out of trilogies!
It always has the most of everything… drama, spice, excitement and surprises.
Fractured Bonds is no different. I felt all the emotions shared between the group as if I was watching it happen in real time.
The development of the characters and story were both slow and fast, I couldn’t get enough of it.
I was honestly stunned by the extent of the spicy scenes like dang people I was fanning myself.
I was having a hard week but once I was able to get back into this book, it took the cake and pulled me in and gave me the best ride of my life. I absolutely loved it and already know book 3 will be just as good if not better!
It always has the most of everything… drama, spice, excitement and surprises.
Fractured Bonds is no different. I felt all the emotions shared between the group as if I was watching it happen in real time.
The development of the characters and story were both slow and fast, I couldn’t get enough of it.
I was honestly stunned by the extent of the spicy scenes like dang people I was fanning myself.
I was having a hard week but once I was able to get back into this book, it took the cake and pulled me in and gave me the best ride of my life. I absolutely loved it and already know book 3 will be just as good if not better!
November 2, 2023
I am so in love with this world!!!
Fractured Bonds is book #2 in The Binding series. It's a dark paranormal why choose.
Rebecca always leaves me with my mouth hanging open, staring at the wall, and wanting to throw my Kindle with her cliffhangers 😂
And can I just say .... Draven in this book has my whole entire heart!!!
We pick up where we left off in book 1 and it's full steam ahead right from the start! Calista, Draven, Seth and Hawthorne will have you completely invested and not wanting the story to end. And that cliffhanger!?!? Ahhhhh!!!
I can not wait for the next book!!! Go read this series right now!!!!
Fractured Bonds is book #2 in The Binding series. It's a dark paranormal why choose.
Rebecca always leaves me with my mouth hanging open, staring at the wall, and wanting to throw my Kindle with her cliffhangers 😂
And can I just say .... Draven in this book has my whole entire heart!!!
We pick up where we left off in book 1 and it's full steam ahead right from the start! Calista, Draven, Seth and Hawthorne will have you completely invested and not wanting the story to end. And that cliffhanger!?!? Ahhhhh!!!
I can not wait for the next book!!! Go read this series right now!!!!
November 8, 2023
Heat level: 5/5. This one ends on another cliffhanger, this one maybe even more worrisome than the first! I could've sworn I was on the ARC list for this and when I found out I wasn't I ran and nabbed a copy to read this! This was one of the books I was waiting for recently. Man, does this story take an interesting turn. The world building and information brought in woven through some super spicy scenes, I am here for it. Now, breeding kink isn't really my thing but that didn't stop me one bit from enjoying just how truly f#cked Calista was at the end of that cycle. Hot damn. Better drink up that tea, woman. The upcoming battle is no time to be growing a goblin. I need the next one asap!
July 3, 2024
I really love all of the characters in this series, although I think I love Hawthorne the most. This story, just as the first, is well written. I feel like there’s even more story development happen in this book than the first, even with the vast amount of spice. I think the most refreshing part about this story is the maturity levels of the characters involved in the bond. It is nice to read a story where the characters are consistent and do not suddenly change into a whiney brat or worse. I love that the characters have developed into understanding despite the differences. Excited to read the last installment!
October 24, 2023
As expected, this was the perfect continuation to The Binding. As their story continues, so do their challenges. I enjoyed the brief time Calista, Draven, Seth, and Hawthorne were able to spend in their little slice of bliss; but of course fate had other plans! I’ve enjoyed watching Calista become more comfortable and proficient with her powers in the first book and this one. Naturally, that power makes her a pawn in everyone’s schemes. I can’t wait for the final book and to hopefully see the bonded finally get their happily ever after!
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