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Bitten and Bound #2
Stolen
With the bonds I forged in the vampire court shattered, I seek refuge in a foreign kingdom. Surrounded by questionable allies, I long to forget the past. But every time I close my eyes, I see the men I left behind. My dreams haunt me, stirring up feelings and desires I’d rather forget.
And then there’s Midian, a king who shouldn’t exist. He whispers in my mind, hinting at power that could be mine for the taking. Enticing me with the promise of true freedom.
Showing me Laurent in peril…and Varick trapped in a cage.
As I venture deep into the heart of the old elven kingdom, I risk getting ensnared in a trap far more powerful than I ever imagined. Will I be able to break the chains that bind me and save the men I thought I loved, or will I succumb to the darkness that calls my name?
Author's note: The Bitten and Bound Series is best read in order. Mind the cliff.
And then there’s Midian, a king who shouldn’t exist. He whispers in my mind, hinting at power that could be mine for the taking. Enticing me with the promise of true freedom.
Showing me Laurent in peril…and Varick trapped in a cage.
As I venture deep into the heart of the old elven kingdom, I risk getting ensnared in a trap far more powerful than I ever imagined. Will I be able to break the chains that bind me and save the men I thought I loved, or will I succumb to the darkness that calls my name?
Author's note: The Bitten and Bound Series is best read in order. Mind the cliff.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2023
510 people are currently reading
1818 people want to read
About the author
Amy Pennza
59 books810 followersAmy Pennza is a USA Today Bestselling Author of steamy fantasy romance. After becoming a lawyer because everyone insisted writing wasn’t a “real job,” she stubbornly wrote anyway—and is delighted to have proved them wrong. She’s grateful to spend her days crafting dirty, swoony books about magic, swords, and unforgettable characters. She lives in the Great Lakes region with her husband and five children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
July 19, 2023
Vampires, Mages, and Demonic Elves....oh my!!
Okay now I'm pissed.
Yeah, the overarching story is good. I like how it's unfolding, BUT the chick Given being treated like a left out of the loop side chick got worse in this one. Given had to become the literal savior of the guys and herself, but probably also the whole fucking world...and yet she was so left out of the relationship there were times I wanted her to leave these assholes and ride off into the sunset with the yummy bandit king.
Again, this was overly heavy on the MM. Just pages and pages of very drawn-out MM smut. Which is fine if you want MM but this is supposed to be MMF. Even at the end when the guys are supposed to be making things all about her, it ended up feeling like they were just using her to fuck and feel each other at the same time. They stared into each other's eyes over her shoulder the whole time before sensually making out, again over her shoulder after they all came. I was just fucking angry on her behalf, not hot and bothered. You made her this prophesied world saving badass but at the same time just a cumbucket doormat for the guys. NOT COOL!!
Okay now I'm pissed.
Yeah, the overarching story is good. I like how it's unfolding, BUT the chick Given being treated like a left out of the loop side chick got worse in this one. Given had to become the literal savior of the guys and herself, but probably also the whole fucking world...and yet she was so left out of the relationship there were times I wanted her to leave these assholes and ride off into the sunset with the yummy bandit king.
Again, this was overly heavy on the MM. Just pages and pages of very drawn-out MM smut. Which is fine if you want MM but this is supposed to be MMF. Even at the end when the guys are supposed to be making things all about her, it ended up feeling like they were just using her to fuck and feel each other at the same time. They stared into each other's eyes over her shoulder the whole time before sensually making out, again over her shoulder after they all came. I was just fucking angry on her behalf, not hot and bothered. You made her this prophesied world saving badass but at the same time just a cumbucket doormat for the guys. NOT COOL!!
September 6, 2023
The MM relationship overshadows the FMC to the point that I pity her. She's forgotten in every exchange. When they finally remember to include her for a threesome, they stare into each other's eyes, hold each other's hands, tell each other 'I love you', and simply use her as an extra hole. She isn't important to them & it feels like the story has chosen a new main character due to the number of scenes she's excluded from.
February 10, 2025
I made it halfway. Am I supposed to cheer for these MMCs? I'm halfway through the book and:
- Laurent promises he won't take Given to bed unless Varick is with him
- Varick likes women but only when in bed with Laurent
Sure sounds like Given has an equal, balanced role in this relationship to look forward to 👌
Again, am I supposed to cheer for these characters? They're talking about her as if she's a toy and not a real f*cking person. They've shown exactly zero interest for Given other than slightly marveling or drooling at her beauty, tall frame, big boobs and ass. It feels like I'm going crazy, am I the only one who tire of reading paragraph after paragraph how men want women only for their looks? They view her as a piece of meat.
Laurent and Varick of course both know how to use their charm to their advantage. Meanwhile Given is just sooooo beautiful but since she's a woman, she's humble about it. And since she's a woman, she's expected to be "pure" or "innocent" while they have plenty of experience 🙄 Edit: LAURENT CALLED HER UNTESTED?????? PLS 😭💀
This book is a pile of misogyny. I'm tired of women being brought into MM only as a means to further develop a pre-existing MM relationship or for the woman to be used as a baby making tool while getting crumbs of affection at the very best.
- Laurent promises he won't take Given to bed unless Varick is with him
- Varick likes women but only when in bed with Laurent
Sure sounds like Given has an equal, balanced role in this relationship to look forward to 👌
Again, am I supposed to cheer for these characters? They're talking about her as if she's a toy and not a real f*cking person. They've shown exactly zero interest for Given other than slightly marveling or drooling at her beauty, tall frame, big boobs and ass. It feels like I'm going crazy, am I the only one who tire of reading paragraph after paragraph how men want women only for their looks? They view her as a piece of meat.
Laurent and Varick of course both know how to use their charm to their advantage. Meanwhile Given is just sooooo beautiful but since she's a woman, she's humble about it. And since she's a woman, she's expected to be "pure" or "innocent" while they have plenty of experience 🙄 Edit: LAURENT CALLED HER UNTESTED?????? PLS 😭💀
This book is a pile of misogyny. I'm tired of women being brought into MM only as a means to further develop a pre-existing MM relationship or for the woman to be used as a baby making tool while getting crumbs of affection at the very best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2023
I didn’t like this book, at all. There’s was a lot going on but the plot really just fell flat because the spice was above the plot. I’m all for spicy, extra spicy but seriously? I was skipping PAGES of single spicy scenes just because I was tired of the repetitive stuff.
I’ve already wrote my review once and it got deleted somehow so this one won’t be as extensive but…
Here’s really all you need to know about the characters at this point..
Given accepts any attention that she can get because she’s never been loved before.
Laurent? Fuck Laurent honestly. I don’t like him, I think he’s narcissistic. He makes everything about himself, he lies to Varick constantly and literally Manipulated him into sleeping with Given in the hopes that he would get her pregnant and he could sacrifice their child.
But hey, they moved passed that because he’s just that good in bed.
It really irritates me that Varick claims to love Given and claims that he would put Given before Laurent but Varick never has anything to do with Given at all. He’s always with Laurent and there’s one scene at the end of the book where they just finished… plowing each others fields (all three) and Laurent and Varick tell each other that they love each other and Given is just laying there. Nobody gives her a caress, or says they love her. Just nothing. She literally only being kept around because the prophecy. I REALLY wish she would ditch these dudes and get herself a new and improved love triangle. Seriously.
I’ve already wrote my review once and it got deleted somehow so this one won’t be as extensive but…
Here’s really all you need to know about the characters at this point..
Given accepts any attention that she can get because she’s never been loved before.
Laurent? Fuck Laurent honestly. I don’t like him, I think he’s narcissistic. He makes everything about himself, he lies to Varick constantly and literally Manipulated him into sleeping with Given in the hopes that he would get her pregnant and he could sacrifice their child.
But hey, they moved passed that because he’s just that good in bed.
It really irritates me that Varick claims to love Given and claims that he would put Given before Laurent but Varick never has anything to do with Given at all. He’s always with Laurent and there’s one scene at the end of the book where they just finished… plowing each others fields (all three) and Laurent and Varick tell each other that they love each other and Given is just laying there. Nobody gives her a caress, or says they love her. Just nothing. She literally only being kept around because the prophecy. I REALLY wish she would ditch these dudes and get herself a new and improved love triangle. Seriously.
April 26, 2023
This series just gets better and better. I loved how this explored BOTH relationships and gave a better glimpse into how the betrayal from the last book would affect both Varick and Given. I do feel like the makeup between Laurent and Given was a bit rushed. Although, she does go on to say she won’t fully trust him again, maybe ever. I wish this was explored more, but assuming it will be for the next book.
I also love how the magic system is complex, but not complicated (looking at your world-building Crescent City). New additions are brought in and explained, but not ad nauseam.
Will absolutely be recommending this book to my friends!
I also love how the magic system is complex, but not complicated (looking at your world-building Crescent City). New additions are brought in and explained, but not ad nauseam.
Will absolutely be recommending this book to my friends!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
This is book two of the Bitten and Bound trilogy written by Amy Pennza. I rented this book through Kindle Unlimited as well and found it very much worth it.
After the events of the first book, we find Varick in the former home of the Elves. Given hopes to get out of Wesyfedd and into the elven homeland to get Varick out. She knows how dangerous it is and that she is wanted by Laurent but she knows she can't escape from the elves' clutches without Varick.
However, there's a huge catch-0.22 involved: Midian, the king of the elves. He has a demon inside of him and he now claims to know a different side to the story everyone is told about the destruction of his homeland. This puts Given and Varick both in more danger, as he uses his power over Given.
Varick is able to see through the charade the demons pose over Given but she isn't so lucky. She falls for Midian's tricks at first until Varick is able to get through to her. Getting out with their lives is not going to be easy but Given isn't going to give up.
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Holy shit, again with the cliffhanger! I was NOT expecting that. I'm not going to post the cliffhanger here so I won't reveal too many spoilers. I'm not surprised to find that Varick has a history of SA or that both him and Given are demon-spawn. (Literally. No joke.)
I'm not usually one to enjoy a book with prophecies since the prophecies tend to be the same when it comes to fantasy romance novels. Seeing all the different interpretations of the prophecy at play in this trilogy, though, is quite amusing to me.
I'm sure we'll get the truth of the prophecy, or something close to it, in book three. I'm sure something huge will happen and it'll all fall into place. I'm expecting it to be something I should have expected from day 1. Meh, alright.
BUT, I will say I do like the love story unfolding between Varick and Given. She does need someone to protect her like it sounds like Varick is hoping to. She deserves to be treated like the queen she is in title. I'm hoping Laurent will step up to the plate more than he has in the previous book.
Here's to hoping, I suppose. Now, on to book three!
After the events of the first book, we find Varick in the former home of the Elves. Given hopes to get out of Wesyfedd and into the elven homeland to get Varick out. She knows how dangerous it is and that she is wanted by Laurent but she knows she can't escape from the elves' clutches without Varick.
However, there's a huge catch-0.22 involved: Midian, the king of the elves. He has a demon inside of him and he now claims to know a different side to the story everyone is told about the destruction of his homeland. This puts Given and Varick both in more danger, as he uses his power over Given.
Varick is able to see through the charade the demons pose over Given but she isn't so lucky. She falls for Midian's tricks at first until Varick is able to get through to her. Getting out with their lives is not going to be easy but Given isn't going to give up.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Holy shit, again with the cliffhanger! I was NOT expecting that. I'm not going to post the cliffhanger here so I won't reveal too many spoilers. I'm not surprised to find that Varick has a history of SA or that both him and Given are demon-spawn. (Literally. No joke.)
I'm not usually one to enjoy a book with prophecies since the prophecies tend to be the same when it comes to fantasy romance novels. Seeing all the different interpretations of the prophecy at play in this trilogy, though, is quite amusing to me.
I'm sure we'll get the truth of the prophecy, or something close to it, in book three. I'm sure something huge will happen and it'll all fall into place. I'm expecting it to be something I should have expected from day 1. Meh, alright.
BUT, I will say I do like the love story unfolding between Varick and Given. She does need someone to protect her like it sounds like Varick is hoping to. She deserves to be treated like the queen she is in title. I'm hoping Laurent will step up to the plate more than he has in the previous book.
Here's to hoping, I suppose. Now, on to book three!
April 26, 2023
That cliffhanger though..... Loved it
July 31, 2024
I honestly liked this one better than the first, because there's more action and because we see the relationship between Given and Varick develop.
However, I didn't love it and I confess that right now, I'm still reading simply because I'm curious to know how the story ends.
I saw some comments saying that Given was a third wheel in Varcik and Laurent's relationship and unfortunately, after reading this book I agree.
Both guys live very much for each other and she ends up being just there.
The author tries to get around this by connecting her more to Varick, but for me it fails because when Laurent reappears in their lives, Varick forgives him very quickly and doesn't even mention Given. Varick confesses to given that he loves her but doesn't defend her to Laurent? He doesn't call Laurent to account once about his actions towards Given? I'm sorry, it was disappointing.
Both Varick and Given go through a lot, they're held hostage, yet Laurent asks to see Varick alone and talks to Given as they return home on a horse ride in front of everyone?
Not good enough for me.
He should show her more respect and Varick should make him see that somehow, not jump on his co*k just because Laurent said he loved him AFTER YEARS OF RELATIONSHIP.
I think the story, and the plot had potential. The first book was very interesting and I thought it would get better, however... I don't think that will be the case because the relationship between these three characters is dry.
A lot of sex and very little conversation, and believe me, I appreciate SMUT, but this is taken too far.
Final thoughts:
Given is just Given.
Laurent promised and didn't deliver it.
Varick didn't promise but delivered something (although not perfect).
My favorite character in this series is brother Jordan. ahaha
However, I didn't love it and I confess that right now, I'm still reading simply because I'm curious to know how the story ends.
I saw some comments saying that Given was a third wheel in Varcik and Laurent's relationship and unfortunately, after reading this book I agree.
Both guys live very much for each other and she ends up being just there.
The author tries to get around this by connecting her more to Varick, but for me it fails because when Laurent reappears in their lives, Varick forgives him very quickly and doesn't even mention Given. Varick confesses to given that he loves her but doesn't defend her to Laurent? He doesn't call Laurent to account once about his actions towards Given? I'm sorry, it was disappointing.
Both Varick and Given go through a lot, they're held hostage, yet Laurent asks to see Varick alone and talks to Given as they return home on a horse ride in front of everyone?
Not good enough for me.
He should show her more respect and Varick should make him see that somehow, not jump on his co*k just because Laurent said he loved him AFTER YEARS OF RELATIONSHIP.
I think the story, and the plot had potential. The first book was very interesting and I thought it would get better, however... I don't think that will be the case because the relationship between these three characters is dry.
A lot of sex and very little conversation, and believe me, I appreciate SMUT, but this is taken too far.
Final thoughts:
Given is just Given.
Laurent promised and didn't deliver it.
Varick didn't promise but delivered something (although not perfect).
My favorite character in this series is brother Jordan. ahaha
October 5, 2024
4.25 ⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Yes I started this immediately after finishing the first and yes I read this in one day!
I love the way the plot has progressed and unfolded in this book! I got more answers but there’s still that mystery and puzzle to it. The prophecy is still a huge question as to how it’ll play out. But, holy crap! The Elves, the demons, learning about the mages, her developing powers! So much!
We got to see a more badass side of Given in this second book as well 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You slay those demons and swing that sword you bad, pretty, b****!! My respect for her grew immensely the way she fought so hard when she was captured. She did accept and struggle with emotions brought out by the demon king, rightfully so as I actually felt sad for her too, that I was actually CRYING! Her feelings of being unloved, a tool in everyone’s game, just a means to an end 😭 I was not expecting to feel so strongly about that but I did! But, she still fought back & she still fought to save Varick too!
We did get emotional and physical development between Given & Varick in this one, THANK THE LORD! Bc my girl deserves LOVE! ❤️ And he’s finally realizing it too.
Not going to lie, I was really frustrated and disgusted with Laurent almost this whole book! It was so frustrating to read him constantly worrying about Varick, fantasizing about him, saving him, and not even acknowledging Given! I wanted to SCREAM! I understand they’ve known each other for 2 decades… and he is a schemer. He never intended for their relationship to really be anything it was political and forged by the prophecy but COME ON!! I was really getting angry that Given was being pushed to the side while Varick and Laurent worked their shit out, made up, and made love 🙄🙄🙄🙄
BUT we finally got a moment of clarity & epiphany from Laurent, pushed by Varick, to SEE Given. And it was a beautiful moment. The blood rite scene and then the rose room 🥵👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 THANK YOU!
And then CLIFF HANGER!!! So, yes I will be starting the third book rn!
Yes I started this immediately after finishing the first and yes I read this in one day!
I love the way the plot has progressed and unfolded in this book! I got more answers but there’s still that mystery and puzzle to it. The prophecy is still a huge question as to how it’ll play out. But, holy crap! The Elves, the demons, learning about the mages, her developing powers! So much!
We got to see a more badass side of Given in this second book as well 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 You slay those demons and swing that sword you bad, pretty, b****!! My respect for her grew immensely the way she fought so hard when she was captured. She did accept and struggle with emotions brought out by the demon king, rightfully so as I actually felt sad for her too, that I was actually CRYING! Her feelings of being unloved, a tool in everyone’s game, just a means to an end 😭 I was not expecting to feel so strongly about that but I did! But, she still fought back & she still fought to save Varick too!
We did get emotional and physical development between Given & Varick in this one, THANK THE LORD! Bc my girl deserves LOVE! ❤️ And he’s finally realizing it too.
Not going to lie, I was really frustrated and disgusted with Laurent almost this whole book! It was so frustrating to read him constantly worrying about Varick, fantasizing about him, saving him, and not even acknowledging Given! I wanted to SCREAM! I understand they’ve known each other for 2 decades… and he is a schemer. He never intended for their relationship to really be anything it was political and forged by the prophecy but COME ON!! I was really getting angry that Given was being pushed to the side while Varick and Laurent worked their shit out, made up, and made love 🙄🙄🙄🙄
BUT we finally got a moment of clarity & epiphany from Laurent, pushed by Varick, to SEE Given. And it was a beautiful moment. The blood rite scene and then the rose room 🥵👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 THANK YOU!
And then CLIFF HANGER!!! So, yes I will be starting the third book rn!
August 4, 2025
I can honestly say that there’s nothing else like this. Unfortunately, there is a reason for that.
This is not a reverse harem. It’s two men with endless obsession for graphically describing their buttholes, what they like to do with them, and then there’s also a girl.
A poor girl who is put on the wayside and sporadically tapped in to join in their mediocre ménage.
It’s just wild to me because the writing style is really good, but what she chooses to do with these words is just so disappointing.
The storyline is unpredictable, I’ll give her that.
I wouldn’t be able to follow her train of thought for anything.
It’s interesting enough fantasy world building and plot to keep me going, but there were multiple large chunks that I easily skipped over as they went on too long and/or were entirely unnecessary.
They are genuinely obsessed with asses. Even hers.
I even found myself skipping over a scene with her actually included for once just because I couldn’t take it anymore.
But the ending? Ugh. Now I have to read the next one because these butt obsessed freaks just got interesting.
This is not a reverse harem. It’s two men with endless obsession for graphically describing their buttholes, what they like to do with them, and then there’s also a girl.
A poor girl who is put on the wayside and sporadically tapped in to join in their mediocre ménage.
It’s just wild to me because the writing style is really good, but what she chooses to do with these words is just so disappointing.
The storyline is unpredictable, I’ll give her that.
I wouldn’t be able to follow her train of thought for anything.
It’s interesting enough fantasy world building and plot to keep me going, but there were multiple large chunks that I easily skipped over as they went on too long and/or were entirely unnecessary.
They are genuinely obsessed with asses. Even hers.
I even found myself skipping over a scene with her actually included for once just because I couldn’t take it anymore.
But the ending? Ugh. Now I have to read the next one because these butt obsessed freaks just got interesting.
December 31, 2023
This book flew by! The plot is incredibly intriguing now, and I'm loving it. It's definitely a little cliché, but I don't mind it at all. On to the third one!
August 12, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book but in this one you could clearly see a divide in the relationship. I get the king had more time with Varick but at the same time Varick really didn't care to choose time with laurent over given over and over. It erked me to no end and I'm not even finished with this book yet. Like I'm already foreshadowing and kinda hoping honestly she'd jump into the rift already cuz at this point I think that's the only thing that would get the guys to notice her more than " oh she's my wife" or "my queen" like no the dynamic is so wacked in this book (so far but I doubt I'll change my mind on this).
Yeah no there's only one scene with the group that I felt as though there was an equal distribution of care and love and even then the guys kinda centered on one another too. Idk it's still good I'll continue on to the next. And she doesn't jump the rift in this book to get away from the relationship she was kinda forced to intrude on ...
Yeah no there's only one scene with the group that I felt as though there was an equal distribution of care and love and even then the guys kinda centered on one another too. Idk it's still good I'll continue on to the next. And she doesn't jump the rift in this book to get away from the relationship she was kinda forced to intrude on ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
Loved to see the story progressing and to see more of the world the story is set in. The potential of the story was graspable, but couldn’t fully deliver in my opinion.
Given felt like a third wheel, which went as far as me wondering why she was even there. All the scenes between Laurent and Varick were fleshed out and the chemistry between them was sizzling. But I couldn’t find the chemistry between Varick and Given, Laurent and Given and between all three of them. There was too much focus on the relationship of Varick and Laurent for this to be a three person relationship.
There were too much sex scenes for my taste as well. I caught myself skipping some parts of them because it just felt repetitive.
I want to see how the story ends, so I will read part three. But my expectations for the next book are lower than at the beginning of this book.
Given felt like a third wheel, which went as far as me wondering why she was even there. All the scenes between Laurent and Varick were fleshed out and the chemistry between them was sizzling. But I couldn’t find the chemistry between Varick and Given, Laurent and Given and between all three of them. There was too much focus on the relationship of Varick and Laurent for this to be a three person relationship.
There were too much sex scenes for my taste as well. I caught myself skipping some parts of them because it just felt repetitive.
I want to see how the story ends, so I will read part three. But my expectations for the next book are lower than at the beginning of this book.
December 21, 2023
There was already an imbalance in the relationship between the characters in the first book and it only gets worse. How does the FMC become the side character to their love story?
It annoyed me so much how quickly and easily Given and Varick forgave Laurent.
This throuple is not written well.
It annoyed me so much how quickly and easily Given and Varick forgave Laurent.
This throuple is not written well.
August 12, 2024
Poor FMC, she’s the third wheel at literally all times. I honestly really like the world and the lore. If this author came out with this book with some improvements and a little less smut, I’d see the ACOTAR girlies going head over heels with this series.
July 18, 2024
I find it fascinating such a short book has managed to pack all that lore between the sex scenes, and make it convincing. Now I wish it was longer. I find myself more invested in the world rather than the characters which tbf are too tropey. But I’m having a great time so who cares.
April 26, 2023
And so the plot thickens!
I can’t help but get fully immersed with the story, the characters. How relationships develop. The first half of the book really does focus on plot development, answering questions in book 1 and leaving questions to be answered, hopefully down the line. The next half of the book is all things spicy and hot, The author still manages to capture the full ambience of the… encounters, and you do feel engrossed, rather the usual wooden spice scenes regurgitated in many other books, the passion is well scripted.
I would have liked more time spent in the Elven Kingdom, but this could also be an awesome plot for a different novel. I don’t feel this is as polished as the first story. But It’s not far off the mark. Read in one sitting! And again… the cliffhanger!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can’t help but get fully immersed with the story, the characters. How relationships develop. The first half of the book really does focus on plot development, answering questions in book 1 and leaving questions to be answered, hopefully down the line. The next half of the book is all things spicy and hot, The author still manages to capture the full ambience of the… encounters, and you do feel engrossed, rather the usual wooden spice scenes regurgitated in many other books, the passion is well scripted.
I would have liked more time spent in the Elven Kingdom, but this could also be an awesome plot for a different novel. I don’t feel this is as polished as the first story. But It’s not far off the mark. Read in one sitting! And again… the cliffhanger!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2025
A hidden gem fr
April 24, 2023
Only negative feedback i have is that Laurent needs to grovel more, after the truth is revealed in the first book i truly want him to treat her so much better. He only says that he's going to earn her trust back but doesn't actually do anything except have sex with her and him. He gave a very heartful apology to his other lover V but not to the fmc. I guess that's the other issue i have they have loved each other for years , and it seems as the fmc bond and love for these two character will never be enough because they will always love each other before. I'm not the biggest fan of m/m because i feel like the fmc doesn't get put in center, like in this book. But i really loved how V said that he will protect her even from his king. My Laurent is still not forgiven in my book and has done nothing except having sex, so he needs to earn and grovel for his forgiveness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this sequel. The plot got more intricate, and the horror vibe was real. The emotional beats got more heartfelt. Overall, a very enjoyable experience. As apposed to Given (book 1), where the male protagonists had all the agency, this book starts in a situation where all the agency belongs to the female protagonist. It gives her a good opportunity to catch up to her male counterparts in terms of power level and character development.
The world building in this one was better done than the first book although the world still feels ridiculously small in population and size but I’m willing to let that go. So far, the fantasy ‘Chosen One Power Creep’ hasn’t taken over the plot in a bad way but I’m starting to worry about how it will continue. I don’t want the plot to get into ‘how convenient’ territory. So far, the female protagonist has not felt over-powered because in most cases her powers cause more problems than they solve which is how it should be, and I really appreciate that. I know this is a romance, but I still want the fantasy parts to be good.
As for the romance, the story kicks up a gear and there are many great emotional moments helped along by excellent plot devices that serve to hurt you emotionally without actually cheapening the characters themselves. Most of the emotional beats do feel well earned by the end and some brought tears to my eyes.
I do have a small problem with the story towards the end. An event happened that I expected based on previously setup relationships to have a large impact on the female protagonist. Instead, the book treats this event as a small fact and moves on from it with no reaction from her. That didn’t seem right to me. I hope the final book addresses this. I’m willing to accept that everything happening in the span of two days at the end may not give a person long enough to truly absorb bad news but if it ends up ignored again, I would consider it a promise in narrative with no payoff and lay that at the feat of the author.
I conclusion, I did really enjoy the first two books of this story and do recommend them, and I already have the third on preorder. I can’t wait to see how it ends.
The world building in this one was better done than the first book although the world still feels ridiculously small in population and size but I’m willing to let that go. So far, the fantasy ‘Chosen One Power Creep’ hasn’t taken over the plot in a bad way but I’m starting to worry about how it will continue. I don’t want the plot to get into ‘how convenient’ territory. So far, the female protagonist has not felt over-powered because in most cases her powers cause more problems than they solve which is how it should be, and I really appreciate that. I know this is a romance, but I still want the fantasy parts to be good.
As for the romance, the story kicks up a gear and there are many great emotional moments helped along by excellent plot devices that serve to hurt you emotionally without actually cheapening the characters themselves. Most of the emotional beats do feel well earned by the end and some brought tears to my eyes.
I do have a small problem with the story towards the end. An event happened that I expected based on previously setup relationships to have a large impact on the female protagonist. Instead, the book treats this event as a small fact and moves on from it with no reaction from her. That didn’t seem right to me. I hope the final book addresses this. I’m willing to accept that everything happening in the span of two days at the end may not give a person long enough to truly absorb bad news but if it ends up ignored again, I would consider it a promise in narrative with no payoff and lay that at the feat of the author.
I conclusion, I did really enjoy the first two books of this story and do recommend them, and I already have the third on preorder. I can’t wait to see how it ends.
April 2, 2024
not for me. didn't make it all the way to the end but I made it far enough I am considering it read. The direction this story is going just doesn't work for me. I hate Laurent at this point, misogynistic priest king who took Given without her knowing what she was getting herself into. She is constantly in a shit situation where she doesn't have much information or any options. Her slowly figuring out her magic is interesting at least. The Laurent/Varick relationship constantly overshadows Given's relationship with them, they barely address how she is feeling less than and excluded and used. everyone has an agenda which could be interesting but its just aggravating more and more as the story progresses. I wanted more time in the bandit kingdom (which has a name I cant stand) but that too became not an option basically immediately. The time imprisoned with the elves was traumatizing and the pay off of escape wasn't enough for me.
June 30, 2024
FMC is still on the outs
I still feel like Given is the outsider of this trio. At 50%, Laurent is still worried about Varick’s forgiveness and not Givens. She’s a means to an end for everyone. Even when Varick professed his love, it was after she got them out of captivity. Laurent asking to see Varick instead of his wife. Crazy. But the author wrote it that way on purpose. Then they just started including her on things and I guess most was forgiven. It was also interesting to see Given knew what to do sexually. But anyway I loved finding out that Given was a queen in her own right. The author also wrote Given to be somewhat of an airhead this book and happened upon success by chance.
I still feel like Given is the outsider of this trio. At 50%, Laurent is still worried about Varick’s forgiveness and not Givens. She’s a means to an end for everyone. Even when Varick professed his love, it was after she got them out of captivity. Laurent asking to see Varick instead of his wife. Crazy. But the author wrote it that way on purpose. Then they just started including her on things and I guess most was forgiven. It was also interesting to see Given knew what to do sexually. But anyway I loved finding out that Given was a queen in her own right. The author also wrote Given to be somewhat of an airhead this book and happened upon success by chance.
July 3, 2024
3.5⭐️ — the first ~50% of this book was exactly what I had hoped for! The actual plot is so interesting and well developed. HOWEVER, I literally cannot bear to read another version of the exact same sex scene that Laurent and Varick have 19283829 times per book!!!!!!! I can’t tell if I just don’t like this romantic trope or if it’s just so repetitive in this work specifically, but I ended up skipping through the last several instances of this because ENOUGH!!!!!!
All said, this author is the queen of ending on such a crazy note that you can’t possibly stop now, so I will be finishing this series ✅
All said, this author is the queen of ending on such a crazy note that you can’t possibly stop now, so I will be finishing this series ✅
September 27, 2023
*3.5 stars
I’m still really enjoying this series, especially the world building and magic. However, the pacing felt a bit off. The bits with Given and Varick trapped in the Thickett was so riveting that the chapters after that felt boring and anti-climactic in comparison. I also absolutely hated how quickly both Given and Varick forgave Laurent, and it felt like Varick basically abandoned Given as soon as Laurent showed up. I’m looking forward to see how much stronger Given becomes as a character because her whole arc in this book was awesome.
I’m still really enjoying this series, especially the world building and magic. However, the pacing felt a bit off. The bits with Given and Varick trapped in the Thickett was so riveting that the chapters after that felt boring and anti-climactic in comparison. I also absolutely hated how quickly both Given and Varick forgave Laurent, and it felt like Varick basically abandoned Given as soon as Laurent showed up. I’m looking forward to see how much stronger Given becomes as a character because her whole arc in this book was awesome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2024
2.5⭐
The FMC continues to bite off more than she can chew and still gets more plot armor than an anime character named Joestar. The MMCs are carrying this book thou both tend to share the stupid stick back and forth.
Thankfully there's only one more book and I'm gonna give it a shot to finish strong as the story itself is quite interesting.
The FMC continues to bite off more than she can chew and still gets more plot armor than an anime character named Joestar. The MMCs are carrying this book thou both tend to share the stupid stick back and forth.
Thankfully there's only one more book and I'm gonna give it a shot to finish strong as the story itself is quite interesting.
February 20, 2024
ok maybe i’m crazy but the way that every single scene involving given has to mention her “creamy” skin and how blonde her hair is and how blue her eyes are and how pink her nipples are is giving “aryan princess” LMAO…also there’s not a single POC character + this was boring so I feel no need to finish the series
June 21, 2024
sex sex sex my good put them things away and lets get to the plot!
December 29, 2024
DNF at 80%, I couldn’t take it anymore. It’s a MM romance where the FMC is an after thought. That’s fine if it’s your thing, but I just felt heartbroken for the FMC the whole time.
April 22, 2023
This is the second book in the series and you really do need to read the first book before you dive into this one. Also, this book ends in a cliff hanger, so be warned.
Without trying to give away any spoilers, in this book Given starts to learn more about what's going on and about the story and history around the prophesy. New character's come into play, she makes some startling discoveries about herself and must figure out who to trust. Although the first book ended in betrayal, she still has feelings for Laurent and Varick and eventually they try to mend their relationship.
I liked the development of Varick and Given's relationship. They endure a lot together and form a bond. There is still some ways to go in mending the relationship between Laurent and Given, but hopefully we see that in the next book. I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the 3rd (and I think last) book of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Without trying to give away any spoilers, in this book Given starts to learn more about what's going on and about the story and history around the prophesy. New character's come into play, she makes some startling discoveries about herself and must figure out who to trust. Although the first book ended in betrayal, she still has feelings for Laurent and Varick and eventually they try to mend their relationship.
I liked the development of Varick and Given's relationship. They endure a lot together and form a bond. There is still some ways to go in mending the relationship between Laurent and Given, but hopefully we see that in the next book. I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to the 3rd (and I think last) book of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2023
CONTENT WARNING: Mentions of sexual assault
I started June off by waiting to finish some of the series I had started. One of those was Bitten and Bound. I truly enjoyed the first book in the series (apart from the ending) and the world building was so much fun to read. The second book’s strength is definitely building even more on what we already knew. This book is incredibly dark in some spots, especially since it deals with mind control and demons trying to infiltrate civilization.
It was nice (and necessary) to see Given come into her own powers and place in the world more. In the first book her dynamic with Varick and Laurent is not quite equal but in the second book they are getting there.
Reminder that this book is still a porn with medium plot. While the fantasy plot is there and interesting, expect sex just around the corner…. always. Also, since I read it in a few hours and immediately jumped into the third book after. I don’t have that much to add to this specific one. More of my series thoughts in the review for Kept.
FULL REVIEW: https://wolfsbanebooks.wordpress.com/...
I started June off by waiting to finish some of the series I had started. One of those was Bitten and Bound. I truly enjoyed the first book in the series (apart from the ending) and the world building was so much fun to read. The second book’s strength is definitely building even more on what we already knew. This book is incredibly dark in some spots, especially since it deals with mind control and demons trying to infiltrate civilization.
It was nice (and necessary) to see Given come into her own powers and place in the world more. In the first book her dynamic with Varick and Laurent is not quite equal but in the second book they are getting there.
Reminder that this book is still a porn with medium plot. While the fantasy plot is there and interesting, expect sex just around the corner…. always. Also, since I read it in a few hours and immediately jumped into the third book after. I don’t have that much to add to this specific one. More of my series thoughts in the review for Kept.
FULL REVIEW: https://wolfsbanebooks.wordpress.com/...
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