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The Crimson Creed #1
These Crimson Bonds
Danger lurks everywhere, especially in the places you feel safest.
There was no denying the gravitational pull Lily and Adrian have always felt towards each other. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right for these childhood sweethearts. After going through the unimaginable, they drifted apart—only staying in-touch through occasional messages. They allowed the trauma to fuel their spirits, both vowing to never let themselves feel weak ever again.
A chance encounter five years after they graduated high school seemed to have finally given them the opportunity for their happily ever after. Surely, the new, stronger versions of themselves would help them through the tribulations of life.
Unfortunately, there may be one too many skeletons in their closets to let them be happy, let alone happy together. And those skeletons are out for blood—their blood.
Will their lies and secrets, that have haunted them for years, bring them closer together? Or tear them apart for good?
These Crimson Bonds is the first book in the Crimson Creed series and can be read as a standalone novel. Please read the trigger warnings that can be found on author website and in the authors note in the beginning of the book as needed.
There was no denying the gravitational pull Lily and Adrian have always felt towards each other. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right for these childhood sweethearts. After going through the unimaginable, they drifted apart—only staying in-touch through occasional messages. They allowed the trauma to fuel their spirits, both vowing to never let themselves feel weak ever again.
A chance encounter five years after they graduated high school seemed to have finally given them the opportunity for their happily ever after. Surely, the new, stronger versions of themselves would help them through the tribulations of life.
Unfortunately, there may be one too many skeletons in their closets to let them be happy, let alone happy together. And those skeletons are out for blood—their blood.
Will their lies and secrets, that have haunted them for years, bring them closer together? Or tear them apart for good?
These Crimson Bonds is the first book in the Crimson Creed series and can be read as a standalone novel. Please read the trigger warnings that can be found on author website and in the authors note in the beginning of the book as needed.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2024
3 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Annie Gray
3 books39 followersAnnie Gray was born and raised in the heart of the Big Apple, New York City. As a licensed master of social work, Annie spends her days supervising a dedicated team of social workers, providing essential support to at-risk individuals in her community. Her vibrant surroundings and deep understanding of human nature and emotions have played a significant role in shaping her unique storytelling style.
When she's not penning her next gripping tale, you'll often find Annie with her head buried in a book, gathered around her loved ones for intense board/card game sessions, or exploring her creativity with different mediums of art.
This is just the beginning of Annie Gray's literary journey. Stay tuned for so many more morally gray characters coming to your shelves soon.
When she's not penning her next gripping tale, you'll often find Annie with her head buried in a book, gathered around her loved ones for intense board/card game sessions, or exploring her creativity with different mediums of art.
This is just the beginning of Annie Gray's literary journey. Stay tuned for so many more morally gray characters coming to your shelves soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 1, 2024
This is a very powerful story . It shows you the dark and depraved side of humanity that we don’t normally think about , and it really opens your eyes to what evil people are truly capable of .
Lily was such a resilient and strong female lead . The things that she overcame are just unimaginable . You will be amazed as she is quite a force to be reckoned with .
Lily reconnects with a former love, Adrian after some time apart and some pretty painful memories . Their love story is deeper than superficial bond , and a powerful connection on more levels than purely romance and attraction.
This is hands down a 5 star read , and I cannot wait to read more books by this author . A big thanks to Annie for giving me the honor of reading this ARC copy .
Lily was such a resilient and strong female lead . The things that she overcame are just unimaginable . You will be amazed as she is quite a force to be reckoned with .
Lily reconnects with a former love, Adrian after some time apart and some pretty painful memories . Their love story is deeper than superficial bond , and a powerful connection on more levels than purely romance and attraction.
This is hands down a 5 star read , and I cannot wait to read more books by this author . A big thanks to Annie for giving me the honor of reading this ARC copy .
February 11, 2024
“Can’t really be like ‘Hey, I’m a serial killing vigilante’ during the first date.”
💫REVIEW💫
What a book this was. This story covers very dark concepts, including sexual abuse and sex trafficking so it I strongly advise reading the trigger warnings before you dive in. But damn, this was a great story. The main characters are everything you could want in your morally grey leads, and I love the fact that it's the FMC as well as the male that exhibits these traits in the story.
The character development and plot throughout this book were exceptional, and whilst the content is dark, it is done very well. Anyone who is a fan of the mind f*ck series will absolutely devour this book. The story contains the perfect level of romance and spice whilst being predominently plot driven, and I have to admit I couldn't put it down.
I look forward to more from this author and highly recommend it.
💫REVIEW💫
What a book this was. This story covers very dark concepts, including sexual abuse and sex trafficking so it I strongly advise reading the trigger warnings before you dive in. But damn, this was a great story. The main characters are everything you could want in your morally grey leads, and I love the fact that it's the FMC as well as the male that exhibits these traits in the story.
The character development and plot throughout this book were exceptional, and whilst the content is dark, it is done very well. Anyone who is a fan of the mind f*ck series will absolutely devour this book. The story contains the perfect level of romance and spice whilst being predominently plot driven, and I have to admit I couldn't put it down.
I look forward to more from this author and highly recommend it.
August 1, 2024
3.75
A dark romance following a crazy plot, what more could you ask for?! 😇
This really dives in to the f*cked up world and the absolute scum of the earth. It is very Mindf*ck series, Butcher and Blackbird, vibes so if you enjoyed those, I definitely think you’ll love this!!
Lily and Adrian were high school lovers, having to split amicably for reasons neither really divulged to each other. Years later Lily comes back to her home town, only to run into Adrian. They pick up quite literally right where they left off, the time was not wasted on those two and reuniting. Both Lily and Adrian are living a double life of vigilanty secrecy, only to run into each other on their separate missions. Finding out they’re on the same side they ban together.
Lily is a therapist who uses her past traumas as fuel for her care towards her patients, which ends up biting her in the butt after she breaks it off with a patient that doesn’t respect boundaries. Lily is pushed to the limit when she’s stolen and the things her and the girls have to endure in that cabin. Disgusting. 🤮
Overall i really enjoyed this, it was fast paced, action packed, kept you engaged the entire time. I however was routing for Ronan and am pissed that he was not the happy ending. Literally an uproar. I also think there was not really that much romance for it being a romance, but it was a good dark suspense if you go in expecting minimal romance!!
What to expect:
✌🏼 Second Chance
❤️🩹 Trauma/Healing
🔪 Vigilanty Sh!t
💪🏻 Badass FMC
🫂 Found Family
🙅🏻♀️ Dark Secrets
💀 Touch Her and D!3
A dark romance following a crazy plot, what more could you ask for?! 😇
This really dives in to the f*cked up world and the absolute scum of the earth. It is very Mindf*ck series, Butcher and Blackbird, vibes so if you enjoyed those, I definitely think you’ll love this!!
Lily and Adrian were high school lovers, having to split amicably for reasons neither really divulged to each other. Years later Lily comes back to her home town, only to run into Adrian. They pick up quite literally right where they left off, the time was not wasted on those two and reuniting. Both Lily and Adrian are living a double life of vigilanty secrecy, only to run into each other on their separate missions. Finding out they’re on the same side they ban together.
Lily is a therapist who uses her past traumas as fuel for her care towards her patients, which ends up biting her in the butt after she breaks it off with a patient that doesn’t respect boundaries. Lily is pushed to the limit when she’s stolen and the things her and the girls have to endure in that cabin. Disgusting. 🤮
Overall i really enjoyed this, it was fast paced, action packed, kept you engaged the entire time. I however was routing for Ronan and am pissed that he was not the happy ending. Literally an uproar. I also think there was not really that much romance for it being a romance, but it was a good dark suspense if you go in expecting minimal romance!!
What to expect:
✌🏼 Second Chance
❤️🩹 Trauma/Healing
🔪 Vigilanty Sh!t
💪🏻 Badass FMC
🫂 Found Family
🙅🏻♀️ Dark Secrets
💀 Touch Her and D!3
February 17, 2024
I am undone… This book has so many elements – super hero, truly dark themes, second chance romance and a couple of others — and it is brought together so well… I'm in love with this book and these characters.
Lily is such a force to be reckoned with. The amount of strife this woman has been through? It’s astonishing! I want to reach through the pages and hug her. She has old and new friends alike in her journey and they become a found family. I'm excited to learn about their stories in future books!
Please look at the content warnings with great care before reading, dear ones. This story has twists and turns and surprises around every corner. What I enjoyed most? it is a gorgeous book about survival.
Lily is such a force to be reckoned with. The amount of strife this woman has been through? It’s astonishing! I want to reach through the pages and hug her. She has old and new friends alike in her journey and they become a found family. I'm excited to learn about their stories in future books!
Please look at the content warnings with great care before reading, dear ones. This story has twists and turns and surprises around every corner. What I enjoyed most? it is a gorgeous book about survival.
February 18, 2024
If dark romance and thrillers are your cup of tea, you will love this book. The characters are written with so much heart, and their interactions provided much needed comic relief, as well as raising the stakes on the action. I found myself thinking about them all long after I finished. I am so happy this is going to be an ongoing series!
Please be mindful of content warnings, as this book can get quite dark and heavy. I want to give props to Gray for handling these sensitive topics with so much care and nuance!
Please be mindful of content warnings, as this book can get quite dark and heavy. I want to give props to Gray for handling these sensitive topics with so much care and nuance!
February 19, 2024
I did love Adrain and Lily reuniting after years of being apart. I also love that they had so much in common when it came to "giving back to their community" ...
The only thing I was hesitant about reading was about what happened to Lily midway through the book ... it was heartbreaking to read, just can NOT say it was my favorite.
I was NOT expecting the major twist in this, so the author won me over at the end.
The only thing I was hesitant about reading was about what happened to Lily midway through the book ... it was heartbreaking to read, just can NOT say it was my favorite.
I was NOT expecting the major twist in this, so the author won me over at the end.
February 4, 2024
This dark romance would be great for people who enjoyed the Mindf**k series or Butcher & Blackbird.
This book is dark, it doesn’t shy away from covering some really serious topics and showing the impact trauma has on people. Make sure you check trigger warnings.
The characters in this book are great. Lily and Adrian are fab, really strong and everything you would want from a morally grey hero/ine. The side characters feature heavily in this book and were great as well. Charlie is definitely my fave.
There is a good balance of plot and characters in this book. There’s some unexpected turns along the way and I didn’t anticipate the twist at the end. A great read
This book is dark, it doesn’t shy away from covering some really serious topics and showing the impact trauma has on people. Make sure you check trigger warnings.
The characters in this book are great. Lily and Adrian are fab, really strong and everything you would want from a morally grey hero/ine. The side characters feature heavily in this book and were great as well. Charlie is definitely my fave.
There is a good balance of plot and characters in this book. There’s some unexpected turns along the way and I didn’t anticipate the twist at the end. A great read
October 14, 2024
**No spoilers included**
Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of trauma, including both sharing and actively experiencing trauma throughout the narrative. Reader discretion is advised.
Annie Gray’s "These Crimson Bonds" is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, friendship, and love amidst LIFE. I absolutely love the relationship between Lily and Charlie; it resonates deeply with me. Together, they embark on a mission to make the world a better place, showcasing the strength that comes from genuine connection and trust.
Lily’s reunion with her high school boyfriend, Adrian, adds another layer to this beautiful love story. Adrian, along with his best friend Damon, balances their regular jobs while also striving to make a positive impact in the world. The four of them come together to take down some bad people, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative full of surprises.
And let’s just say, we all have our feelings about Darcey—IYKYK!
If you loved "These Crimson Bonds," be sure to check out the next installment, "Emerald Vow," That Emerald Vow available on 10/17/2024. This series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories filled with heart and adventure; and are dying to know what is going on with Charlie and Damon!!
Tropes:
💋 Found Family
💋 Touch Her & Die
💋 Second Chances
💋 Action
💋 Slowish Burn
Fav Quotes:
"mi reina"
I will survive this. And I will burn it all down once I do.
Skillet Smasher
"You are a lot of things, baby girl. But being weak is not one of them. You are a survivor. You wear those scars like battle armor and fight again. And right now that armor is stronger than ever and fueled for tomorrow."
"Welcome to team kill the bitch."
"I want you here with me. I want to come home to you every night. I want to fight crime with you. I want to read your dirty books with you. I want to get to know you more. See you grow. I want everything. All of it. With you."
Trigger Warning: This book contains themes of trauma, including both sharing and actively experiencing trauma throughout the narrative. Reader discretion is advised.
Annie Gray’s "These Crimson Bonds" is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, friendship, and love amidst LIFE. I absolutely love the relationship between Lily and Charlie; it resonates deeply with me. Together, they embark on a mission to make the world a better place, showcasing the strength that comes from genuine connection and trust.
Lily’s reunion with her high school boyfriend, Adrian, adds another layer to this beautiful love story. Adrian, along with his best friend Damon, balances their regular jobs while also striving to make a positive impact in the world. The four of them come together to take down some bad people, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative full of surprises.
And let’s just say, we all have our feelings about Darcey—IYKYK!
If you loved "These Crimson Bonds," be sure to check out the next installment, "Emerald Vow," That Emerald Vow available on 10/17/2024. This series is a must-read for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories filled with heart and adventure; and are dying to know what is going on with Charlie and Damon!!
Tropes:
💋 Found Family
💋 Touch Her & Die
💋 Second Chances
💋 Action
💋 Slowish Burn
Fav Quotes:
"mi reina"
I will survive this. And I will burn it all down once I do.
Skillet Smasher
"You are a lot of things, baby girl. But being weak is not one of them. You are a survivor. You wear those scars like battle armor and fight again. And right now that armor is stronger than ever and fueled for tomorrow."
"Welcome to team kill the bitch."
"I want you here with me. I want to come home to you every night. I want to fight crime with you. I want to read your dirty books with you. I want to get to know you more. See you grow. I want everything. All of it. With you."
January 29, 2024
Thank you so so much to the author and Bound by Mischief for sharing an ARC of this book with me!!!
“Can’t really be like ‘Hey, I’m a serial killing vigilante’ during the first date.”
“Anything you want, Lils. The world is yours for the taking and I’ll help you conquer it all.”
What a book!!! The trigger warnings were necessary I have to say to get through this one!! This dark romance book is perfect for fans of the Mindfuck series. She is Lilith and after being a SA victim, she decides to help other victims while also becoming a vigilante of sorts for those same other people who can’t defend themselves. She meets again her childhood sweetheart, who is an a$$a$in working under the leader of a $&x trafficking organisations only he wants to help people get out of it. Here is Adrian everyone!!! Terrible trauma they both went through in the past aside, these two characters were truly powerful. I loved how the author showed the truth and the reality of recovering for her and how he was all throughout … the things he did and said … despite how morally grey he might have been … he is the right one for her. Apart from the romance that was spicy, I really appreciated the fact that this book was really plot driven and the side characters were not very much side characters after all. Old friendships are strengthened and new friendships blossom born out of trauma!! And many twists and turns in the plot line made out of these characters trying to do the right things in impossibly terrible and dangerous circumstances. I am a fan !!
“I will survive this.
And I will burn it all down once I do.”
“These crimson bonds turned us into a family, a fortress of power that no one could ever break.”
“Can’t really be like ‘Hey, I’m a serial killing vigilante’ during the first date.”
“Anything you want, Lils. The world is yours for the taking and I’ll help you conquer it all.”
What a book!!! The trigger warnings were necessary I have to say to get through this one!! This dark romance book is perfect for fans of the Mindfuck series. She is Lilith and after being a SA victim, she decides to help other victims while also becoming a vigilante of sorts for those same other people who can’t defend themselves. She meets again her childhood sweetheart, who is an a$$a$in working under the leader of a $&x trafficking organisations only he wants to help people get out of it. Here is Adrian everyone!!! Terrible trauma they both went through in the past aside, these two characters were truly powerful. I loved how the author showed the truth and the reality of recovering for her and how he was all throughout … the things he did and said … despite how morally grey he might have been … he is the right one for her. Apart from the romance that was spicy, I really appreciated the fact that this book was really plot driven and the side characters were not very much side characters after all. Old friendships are strengthened and new friendships blossom born out of trauma!! And many twists and turns in the plot line made out of these characters trying to do the right things in impossibly terrible and dangerous circumstances. I am a fan !!
“I will survive this.
And I will burn it all down once I do.”
“These crimson bonds turned us into a family, a fortress of power that no one could ever break.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2024
Book: These Crimson Bonds by @authoranniegray
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
These Crimson Bonds is a dark, emotional read that really shows a reader a side of humans that most try to avoid. And Annie did it in such a beautiful way. Lily and Adrian went through something traumatic together that separated them from each others lives. And years later, they have a second chance to reconnect. Annie does an incredible job navigating their inner turmoil and truly letting us feel what the characters feel.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. And seeing how strong Lily is, it’s a testament to the writer to be able to write something so powerful. Lily was extremely resilient and honestly a complete bad ass! And don’t even get me started on Adrian! Damn do I love this man. He is definitely one of my most favorite parts about this book. And to have not only a morally grey MMC, but also a morally grey FMC, it had me hooked.
This book had so many twists and turns and I loved how some parts took me by surprise. If you liked the Mindf**k series, I really think you’ll love this book! There are A LOT of triggers in this novel. So please check those before reading and take care of yourself 🫶
Annie! You should be so proud of this debut novel! It was incredible and I loved reading it. I cannot wait to see what you come out with next!
#debutnovel #indieauthor #indieauthors #bookstagram #darkromance #thesecrimsonbonds #emotionalreads #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookreader #booksbooksbooks #bookaddict
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
These Crimson Bonds is a dark, emotional read that really shows a reader a side of humans that most try to avoid. And Annie did it in such a beautiful way. Lily and Adrian went through something traumatic together that separated them from each others lives. And years later, they have a second chance to reconnect. Annie does an incredible job navigating their inner turmoil and truly letting us feel what the characters feel.
I really enjoyed getting to know these characters. And seeing how strong Lily is, it’s a testament to the writer to be able to write something so powerful. Lily was extremely resilient and honestly a complete bad ass! And don’t even get me started on Adrian! Damn do I love this man. He is definitely one of my most favorite parts about this book. And to have not only a morally grey MMC, but also a morally grey FMC, it had me hooked.
This book had so many twists and turns and I loved how some parts took me by surprise. If you liked the Mindf**k series, I really think you’ll love this book! There are A LOT of triggers in this novel. So please check those before reading and take care of yourself 🫶
Annie! You should be so proud of this debut novel! It was incredible and I loved reading it. I cannot wait to see what you come out with next!
#debutnovel #indieauthor #indieauthors #bookstagram #darkromance #thesecrimsonbonds #emotionalreads #bookreview #bookrecommendations #bookreader #booksbooksbooks #bookaddict
February 10, 2024
A story of abused Misfits that try and stop crime in their own way as they battle internal turmoil, constant craziness, and terror. A story of found family with twists that will have you grasping for straws and needing to flip the pages.
You follow Lily whose A social worker and an advocate for the abused. Her BFF Charlie is a nurse and her rock. By night, their crime fighting vigilantes called the Furies, who take down low-life scum and protect innocent victims. You meet Ade, who is Lily's childhood friend and crush, who seems to have it all figured out. Little does she know he's got his hands in more than his little mechanic shop. With his partner Damon, they work for a secret organization called X, who specializes in trafficking. With danger lurking around every corner, an unlikely alliance, murder, kidnapping, trauma, abuse, rape, bandage, blood play, death, grief, assassins, tension, crazy patients, revenge, and some spiciness. This will become your next series to watch!!!
You follow Lily whose A social worker and an advocate for the abused. Her BFF Charlie is a nurse and her rock. By night, their crime fighting vigilantes called the Furies, who take down low-life scum and protect innocent victims. You meet Ade, who is Lily's childhood friend and crush, who seems to have it all figured out. Little does she know he's got his hands in more than his little mechanic shop. With his partner Damon, they work for a secret organization called X, who specializes in trafficking. With danger lurking around every corner, an unlikely alliance, murder, kidnapping, trauma, abuse, rape, bandage, blood play, death, grief, assassins, tension, crazy patients, revenge, and some spiciness. This will become your next series to watch!!!
February 25, 2024
All I have to say is, it was truly a dark and powerful read. I was immediately drawn in by the intense and captivating premise, and the book did not disappoint.
One of the most striking aspects of the book was its exploration of revenge and the lengths one will go to for justice.
What I loved most about the book was its message of fighting for others and standing up against injustice. It's a dark and brutal story, but at its core, it's about standing up for what's right and protecting those you care about.
The writing in this book was exceptional. The descriptions were vivid and the author did a fantastic job of transporting the reader into the dark and eerie world.
The action scenes were intense and had me on the edge of my seat throughout. The pacing was spot on, keeping me engaged and eager to see what would happen next.
One of the most striking aspects of the book was its exploration of revenge and the lengths one will go to for justice.
What I loved most about the book was its message of fighting for others and standing up against injustice. It's a dark and brutal story, but at its core, it's about standing up for what's right and protecting those you care about.
The writing in this book was exceptional. The descriptions were vivid and the author did a fantastic job of transporting the reader into the dark and eerie world.
The action scenes were intense and had me on the edge of my seat throughout. The pacing was spot on, keeping me engaged and eager to see what would happen next.
January 31, 2024
Oh. My. Goshhhh.
This book was the wildest roller coaster I’ve read in awhile!! It reminded me of Hunting Adeline in all the best ways.
I really loved Lily and Charlie’s friendship and back and forth banter. They reminded me a lot of me and my bestie LOL Lily was a strong FMC and I saw a lot of myself in her thought processes and feelings throughout the book.
Adrian was a dream boat and absolutely a “I’ll burn the world down for her” kinda man. Lily is a lucky lady 👀
I don’t want to go into too much detail to avoid spoilers but this book had me double guessing who Lily could trust and just what was gonna happen to her. I seriously had to put down my kindle and just sit there with my jaw hanging open because I didn’t see the twists and turns coming!!
This book was the wildest roller coaster I’ve read in awhile!! It reminded me of Hunting Adeline in all the best ways.
I really loved Lily and Charlie’s friendship and back and forth banter. They reminded me a lot of me and my bestie LOL Lily was a strong FMC and I saw a lot of myself in her thought processes and feelings throughout the book.
Adrian was a dream boat and absolutely a “I’ll burn the world down for her” kinda man. Lily is a lucky lady 👀
I don’t want to go into too much detail to avoid spoilers but this book had me double guessing who Lily could trust and just what was gonna happen to her. I seriously had to put down my kindle and just sit there with my jaw hanging open because I didn’t see the twists and turns coming!!
February 13, 2024
Social worker and sexual assault survivor Lily is an advocate for the abused; just not always in the traditional sense. She spends her time taking down trafficking organizations. When she reconnects with her former love, Adrian, their bond is as intense as ever.
You know I love morally grey characters and these leads are everything! All of the characters are so well developed and I immediately felt an attachment to them. With a mix of trauma, suspense, spice, and healing, Gray created a truly remarkable read. It’s a dark dive into a dangerous world and I could not put it down! Check your TW and hold on for the ride.
Thank you Annie Gray and Bound by Mischief for this amazing ARC and debut!
You know I love morally grey characters and these leads are everything! All of the characters are so well developed and I immediately felt an attachment to them. With a mix of trauma, suspense, spice, and healing, Gray created a truly remarkable read. It’s a dark dive into a dangerous world and I could not put it down! Check your TW and hold on for the ride.
Thank you Annie Gray and Bound by Mischief for this amazing ARC and debut!
February 14, 2024
Well damn, I was shook! This book was very dark and right up my alley. Annie presented some great morally gray characters, and you can’t even be mad at yourself for rooting for them.
Lily and Adrian had a second chance at love after a traumatic event separated them their last year of high school. Five years later, their connection was still evident and fueled by their stronger versions, they were excited to reconnect and see what more they could become.
Lily is a badass! She has taken her trauma and become a stronger version of herself while also helping others through her social work and other unconventional methods. Adrian is a bit of a mystery at first but he himself is doing some unconventional, shall we say, altruistic work.
I must say that although Adrian was definitely swoon-worthy, there’s a certain other male character that stole my heart. I hope to see him again soon.
This story was an adrenaline-fueled ride with the twists and turns. You discover certain things right away but some others, Annie snuck in and smacks you in the face with them. There was just the right amount of spice for a story that was primarily plot-driven.
Lily and Adrian had a second chance at love after a traumatic event separated them their last year of high school. Five years later, their connection was still evident and fueled by their stronger versions, they were excited to reconnect and see what more they could become.
Lily is a badass! She has taken her trauma and become a stronger version of herself while also helping others through her social work and other unconventional methods. Adrian is a bit of a mystery at first but he himself is doing some unconventional, shall we say, altruistic work.
I must say that although Adrian was definitely swoon-worthy, there’s a certain other male character that stole my heart. I hope to see him again soon.
This story was an adrenaline-fueled ride with the twists and turns. You discover certain things right away but some others, Annie snuck in and smacks you in the face with them. There was just the right amount of spice for a story that was primarily plot-driven.
February 20, 2024
This book was dark but so freaking good! I loved Lily and her resilience to everything that happened to her. I loved her so much. Charlie may have been my favorite side character. She was hilarious and literally the best friend ever. Honestly they remind me of my daughters!
Again, this book is dark and has a whole laundry list of triggers but it was so well written. I found myself cheering for Lily, Ade, Charlie and Damon to take out those nasty humans! Oh and can we just mention Rowan real quick?? I wouldn’t mind seeing more of him!
I’m so glad there’s more books coming!! I definitely wasn’t ready to be done!
Overall a solid 4.5 stars!!
Again, this book is dark and has a whole laundry list of triggers but it was so well written. I found myself cheering for Lily, Ade, Charlie and Damon to take out those nasty humans! Oh and can we just mention Rowan real quick?? I wouldn’t mind seeing more of him!
I’m so glad there’s more books coming!! I definitely wasn’t ready to be done!
Overall a solid 4.5 stars!!
February 1, 2024
What a book!! Definitely read the trigger warning before starting it! Has topics of SA, violence and trafficking. It's a book about childhood friends going through unimaginable trauma and coming out of it on the other end! The story definitely had me on my toes. When I thought I knew where it was going, it would switch directions. The author had you rooting the main characters and cheering for them when they took the bad guys out. Great debut novel by Annie Gray. I can't wait to read what she writes next!!!
February 16, 2024
Great Debut and Ready for Book Two
Here’s my take on it - These Crimson Bonds is a faced paced dark romance, it has dark themes that touch on real life circumstances throughout the book.
She’s done an incredible job with her debut novel. I enjoyed reading Lily and Adrian’s story of finally getting the chance at their HEA only to have the worry of it all being snatched away at some point. And when it does HONEYYYYYY 💩 hits the fan…things get dark fast.
You’ll enjoy TCB if you like:
🥣 cereal unalivers
🥣second chance
🥣touch her and 💀
🥣emotional scars
🥣found family
🥣spice
Here’s my take on it - These Crimson Bonds is a faced paced dark romance, it has dark themes that touch on real life circumstances throughout the book.
She’s done an incredible job with her debut novel. I enjoyed reading Lily and Adrian’s story of finally getting the chance at their HEA only to have the worry of it all being snatched away at some point. And when it does HONEYYYYYY 💩 hits the fan…things get dark fast.
You’ll enjoy TCB if you like:
🥣 cereal unalivers
🥣second chance
🥣touch her and 💀
🥣emotional scars
🥣found family
🥣spice
October 11, 2024
Wow what a book.
I had fun reading/listening this book. I loved reading about our fierce FMC and how she and her bestie were killers haha.
I did feel nervous when she was a tough situation and worried for her. It was good that her friends and bf helped her out after the situation and that she gained a new friend from that place. Thankfully they were able to bring down that organization.
Will check out the second book when it comes out! It follows her bestie and her bfs bro hahah.
I had fun reading/listening this book. I loved reading about our fierce FMC and how she and her bestie were killers haha.
I did feel nervous when she was a tough situation and worried for her. It was good that her friends and bf helped her out after the situation and that she gained a new friend from that place. Thankfully they were able to bring down that organization.
Will check out the second book when it comes out! It follows her bestie and her bfs bro hahah.
March 10, 2024
This book was so good! Dark romance isn't normally my jam! But the character building in this was amazing! And the tension!
Twists and turns I really had no idea where this story was going but I'm so glad I read it! Cannot wait for the next one.
Check the Authors instagram page for a really cool trigger warning guide!
Twists and turns I really had no idea where this story was going but I'm so glad I read it! Cannot wait for the next one.
Check the Authors instagram page for a really cool trigger warning guide!
October 11, 2024
These Crimson Bonds follows Lily, who as a teenager was r**** by her boyfriends dad. Years later she returns to her hometown and runs into her ex at his shop when she gets into a bump up with a local. From there the two decide to rekindle a relationship that was broken up by circumstances. But both have a secret they're hiding about who they really are.
When Lily is taken Adrian will stop at nothing to get her back.
If you loved Butcher and Blackbird and Hunting Adeline this book is for you. Annie blends the two together seamlessly. I can't wait for the next book by her. What a debut novel!
Trigger Warnings for
on page SA
Unaliving
SA of a minor
Violence
and more
When Lily is taken Adrian will stop at nothing to get her back.
If you loved Butcher and Blackbird and Hunting Adeline this book is for you. Annie blends the two together seamlessly. I can't wait for the next book by her. What a debut novel!
Trigger Warnings for
on page SA
Unaliving
SA of a minor
Violence
and more
February 10, 2024
I loved this book! It’s got great dark romance elements that are different than what I’ve seen out there with a mix of thriller and suspense. The plot twists I didn’t see coming and Annie continually kept me on my toes. I loved this book and I cannot wait to see what happens in this world
February 11, 2024
Great debut novel from Annie Gray.
There are so many twists and turns in this novel. If you like morally grey characters, you'll be a fan of this one!
****Please check the trigger warnings as there are many dark topics showcased/discussed
There are so many twists and turns in this novel. If you like morally grey characters, you'll be a fan of this one!
****Please check the trigger warnings as there are many dark topics showcased/discussed
June 4, 2025
A definitely dark but totally encapsulating romance! I don’t want to give too much away but such a cool concept. The twists caught me completely off guard. Looking forward to reading the next in the series!
February 12, 2024
This debut novel is the first book of a new series by author Annie Gray. It is filled with a rollercoaster of emotional and physical trauma that has followed these characters since high school and threatens to up-end their chance at happily ever after. The author has applied her knowledge of social work to our main character, Lily, whose personal and professional life goal to help others has molded itself into something more...making Lily more than just a pretty face. This novel will pull at your heartstrings, make you blush from the spice, and will have you going back to re-read some of the bloody details because, yes, there is blood, violence, and girl power moments that deserves a re-read. Annie has introduced me to my new book boyfriend, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of him as the series continues...by the end of the book, you'll know who he is.
February 10, 2024
This was a really good read, dark and twisty, read the triggers! This has some serious topics. The characters were strong, even the side characters had me in my feels. I'd recommend!
February 13, 2024
Dark and spicy. 🌶️ Extra points for the plot twists on top of plot twists.
February 19, 2024
The twist at the end was great but the rape scenes and sex trafficking was too much for me!
August 23, 2025
Lots of high ratings for this book but this was not my cup of tea - at all. Eek.
February 9, 2024
A total rollercoaster of emotions! Every time I thought I figured out something there was another twist in the story! Equally I liked that the story was a perfect mix of romance and mystery/thriller!
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