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Boundless
Daega d’Gayeh is the oldest daughter of the leaders of the Istarii Drakan horde. All her life, she's trained for war, but in the end, her fate is peace. She's to marry the crown prince of her people’s longtime enemy, which will cement the treaty that finally ends the bloody war that’s plagued their land for generations.
Lenlethael Felthenethor is a horrible disappointment, but as the only son of the Elf King Haedelon, it is his duty to marry the barbarian princess. There's no fate worse than being shackled to one of the huge, monstrous brutes his people have been fighting for decades. But when he meets his bride he begins to realize that the reality of the Istarii Drakan people is very different from the tales he’s been told about them.
It’s not long before Daega and Len are thick as thieves, determined to see their marriage work and lift their people out of the mire of war. But there’s someone out there who wants them to fail, and they’ll need to be careful and clever to keep the peace…and their lives.
THE FULL CONTENT WARNINGS AND TROPES LISTS FOR THE BOOK CONTAIN SIGNIFICANT SPOILERS! Thus, I’ve decided to divide the lists into spoiler-lite and spoiler-max versions. If you have strong triggers, I urge you to read both lists!
Spoiler-Lite
Content Warnings: MMC with chronic but nonlethal cardiac illness, emotionally abusive parent, ableism, misogyny, MC with a parent who died during their childhood, anxiety depicted on page, gaslighting and manipulation, violent combat that results in injury and death, temporary disablement, mention of war and wartime propaganda, xenophobia, a homophobic and transphobic monotheistic society, economic disparity, foul language, graphic depictions of consensual sex.
Tropes: marriage of convenience/political marriage, MF romance, hurt/comfort, introvert x extrovert, fun with gender roles, pegging, found family, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, female monster, size difference, murderously protective love interest, squishy cinnamon rolls, gentle femdom x dainty subby man, light bondage, spanking, edging, HEA.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
/ / / / / / / / /
Content Warnings: patricide (child kills father—but I promise he has it coming!), MMC drugged and kidnapped, bodily harm through torture that happens to a side character (torture is off-page), a poisoning attempt which affects a side character (non-lethal), body modification that results in a cis male character growing breasts (for nursing a child exclusively), pregnancy, discussion of family planning options that include termination.
Tropes: surprise pregnancy.
Lenlethael Felthenethor is a horrible disappointment, but as the only son of the Elf King Haedelon, it is his duty to marry the barbarian princess. There's no fate worse than being shackled to one of the huge, monstrous brutes his people have been fighting for decades. But when he meets his bride he begins to realize that the reality of the Istarii Drakan people is very different from the tales he’s been told about them.
It’s not long before Daega and Len are thick as thieves, determined to see their marriage work and lift their people out of the mire of war. But there’s someone out there who wants them to fail, and they’ll need to be careful and clever to keep the peace…and their lives.
THE FULL CONTENT WARNINGS AND TROPES LISTS FOR THE BOOK CONTAIN SIGNIFICANT SPOILERS! Thus, I’ve decided to divide the lists into spoiler-lite and spoiler-max versions. If you have strong triggers, I urge you to read both lists!
Spoiler-Lite
Content Warnings: MMC with chronic but nonlethal cardiac illness, emotionally abusive parent, ableism, misogyny, MC with a parent who died during their childhood, anxiety depicted on page, gaslighting and manipulation, violent combat that results in injury and death, temporary disablement, mention of war and wartime propaganda, xenophobia, a homophobic and transphobic monotheistic society, economic disparity, foul language, graphic depictions of consensual sex.
Tropes: marriage of convenience/political marriage, MF romance, hurt/comfort, introvert x extrovert, fun with gender roles, pegging, found family, friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, female monster, size difference, murderously protective love interest, squishy cinnamon rolls, gentle femdom x dainty subby man, light bondage, spanking, edging, HEA.
SPOILERS BELOW!!!
/ / / / / / / / /
Content Warnings: patricide (child kills father—but I promise he has it coming!), MMC drugged and kidnapped, bodily harm through torture that happens to a side character (torture is off-page), a poisoning attempt which affects a side character (non-lethal), body modification that results in a cis male character growing breasts (for nursing a child exclusively), pregnancy, discussion of family planning options that include termination.
Tropes: surprise pregnancy.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2024
39 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 24, 2024
I read the author's note at the end of this book where she talks about originally writing this book as a novella but it morphed into a full length novel and I am so glad that it did! Because I didn't want to stop reading about these two MCs! I fell in love with Dae and Len immediately. Their romance is so sweet...like almost too sweet 😂 if I was around them I probably would have yelled at them to get a room or something. I am a big fan of the big dom femme monsters and the teeny sub males...I need more of this world ASAP!
The world building was interesting and there are some couples that are already starting to form so hopefully that means lots of future books! I loved the Istarii Drakan culture and how queer positive they are. Their humor was great, too. The only thing I struggled with was Granny's accent. I had to go over her speaking parts a few times to figure out what the heck she said. But she was such a supportive, loving character I still enjoyed reading about her!
Can't wait to get more!
The world building was interesting and there are some couples that are already starting to form so hopefully that means lots of future books! I loved the Istarii Drakan culture and how queer positive they are. Their humor was great, too. The only thing I struggled with was Granny's accent. I had to go over her speaking parts a few times to figure out what the heck she said. But she was such a supportive, loving character I still enjoyed reading about her!
Can't wait to get more!
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July 9, 2024I won't rate this. Because there are genuinely many things I like about this book, however, I am also incredibly bored. Maybe it's just the wrong time for me with this book. I've chosen to DNF at 53% for now.
🐉 It is very queer positive! I love that so much
🐉 Role-reversal with a big, strong, "monsterly" FMC and a small, cute elf MMC
🐉 Femdom! :D
🐉 Altar diplomacy where they are kind towards each other
I know it doesn't seem like much, but all of these things are like catnip to me. I search far and wide for these tropes - especially together.
So why is it not working for me???
Well...
🐉 Insta-love and insta-love. The two of them immediately adore each other. They are quick to fall in love. Now, I have said many times that I do not mind insta-lust. But I struggle more with insta-love. Because it often removes a lot of the tension. Now we're solely relying on the B-plot to keep that going... which speaking of...
🐉 The B-plot moves at a glacial pace and I never fear that the characters are in danger. It is incredibly lacking in tension. We spend more time just goofing around with side characters
🐉 The length. This book is 300-something pages. Which to be fair isn't actually all that long. However, when you are lacking this much tension, and the pacing is that slow. It is too long. So much could be tightened and trimmed to make for a better reading experience
🐉 It is very queer positive! I love that so much
🐉 Role-reversal with a big, strong, "monsterly" FMC and a small, cute elf MMC
🐉 Femdom! :D
🐉 Altar diplomacy where they are kind towards each other
I know it doesn't seem like much, but all of these things are like catnip to me. I search far and wide for these tropes - especially together.
So why is it not working for me???
Well...
🐉 Insta-love and insta-love. The two of them immediately adore each other. They are quick to fall in love. Now, I have said many times that I do not mind insta-lust. But I struggle more with insta-love. Because it often removes a lot of the tension. Now we're solely relying on the B-plot to keep that going... which speaking of...
🐉 The B-plot moves at a glacial pace and I never fear that the characters are in danger. It is incredibly lacking in tension. We spend more time just goofing around with side characters
🐉 The length. This book is 300-something pages. Which to be fair isn't actually all that long. However, when you are lacking this much tension, and the pacing is that slow. It is too long. So much could be tightened and trimmed to make for a better reading experience
September 17, 2025
3.5/5 rounding up.
I really enjoyed the role reversals in this and thought it was a sweet and fairly unique read. I did think it was a bit too instalove and I would have liked a bit more tension as every single problem was very easily solved. I also thought it got a bit repetitive but overall a very fun read.
I really enjoyed the role reversals in this and thought it was a sweet and fairly unique read. I did think it was a bit too instalove and I would have liked a bit more tension as every single problem was very easily solved. I also thought it got a bit repetitive but overall a very fun read.
March 18, 2024
Len must be protected at all costs
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with a very tall FMC and very short MMC. It’s rare to see that representation. Len was dealing with chronic illness, emotional abuse, and insecurity about his stutter. Daega was confident in herself, but nervous about their marriage. They were perfect for each other, both physically and emotionally, demonstrating a give and take in their relationship. They had outside forces making life difficult for them, but they were the calm in one another’s storm.
The world building was interesting and engaging, with a long history of war between 2 peoples and the prejudices that brought. A good portion of the book had cozy vibes, but there were several instances where their safety and peace were threatened. It was consent heavy, a lil bit kinky, and a pleasure to read.
Spice: 5/5
*****SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS******
Triggers: transphobia, chronic illness, torture (off page), dismemberment (off page), captivity, abduction, emotional abuse, grief, war (off page), murder, death, pregnancy, violence, gore
I thoroughly enjoyed this book with a very tall FMC and very short MMC. It’s rare to see that representation. Len was dealing with chronic illness, emotional abuse, and insecurity about his stutter. Daega was confident in herself, but nervous about their marriage. They were perfect for each other, both physically and emotionally, demonstrating a give and take in their relationship. They had outside forces making life difficult for them, but they were the calm in one another’s storm.
The world building was interesting and engaging, with a long history of war between 2 peoples and the prejudices that brought. A good portion of the book had cozy vibes, but there were several instances where their safety and peace were threatened. It was consent heavy, a lil bit kinky, and a pleasure to read.
Spice: 5/5
*****SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS******
Triggers: transphobia, chronic illness, torture (off page), dismemberment (off page), captivity, abduction, emotional abuse, grief, war (off page), murder, death, pregnancy, violence, gore
January 17, 2024
Excellent fantasy romance/erotica
Fair warning: there is a lot of graphic, sometimes kinky, consensual sex, and Daega and her family have a definite love of cursing (and I don't mean the magical kind). The worldbuilding is excellent, the good characters are loveable (Daega and Len are adorable), and the story is great. Most importantly, there is a great story; the book isn't just about the sex.
Fair warning: there is a lot of graphic, sometimes kinky, consensual sex, and Daega and her family have a definite love of cursing (and I don't mean the magical kind). The worldbuilding is excellent, the good characters are loveable (Daega and Len are adorable), and the story is great. Most importantly, there is a great story; the book isn't just about the sex.
June 11, 2024
I'm on a hunt to find a book to fill a hole in my heart left by His Secret Illuminations and Surrendering to Scylla and this book is trying really hard to fit onto the same shelf. It did an adequate job.
What I liked:
Fiery fmc / shy mmc pairing. Arranged marriage. Fmc is badass draconid and fights well and is never sidelined to uplift the mmc. Mmc is more of a thinking / diplomatic type with some healing magic (an elf).
Casually queer side cast. There are trans characters (called "changers"), gay couples, poly relationships, etc.
Fmc's family is very wholesome and work as an example of a non-toxic family system.
Sex was varied and kinky. Dominant fmc. Use of toys like strap-on, butt plugs, impact play with implements.
The pregnancy trope was handled well.
The worldbuilding was fine. The nations were different enough, and the wider political background left room to expand. There was one side character who was a half-draconid and hinting at another, third fantasy race playing role in this world. I reckon there are multiple fantasy races on this continent, even though this book focuses on elves and draconids.
The romance was insta-lovey but showed great communication and consent.
What I didn't like:
Weak plot tension. Every time the characters get into trouble or a problem is presented, it's solved very fast and without much struggle. "High stake" scenarios are brushed off or even develop off-page. The culmination of the main struggle with the villain is solved in a blink.
The characters have worries and internal dilemmas but these are hard to get invested into when we're seeing everything come so easy for them.
The world is very black and white where the villains are cartoonishly evil and everyone else is super wholesome. This is my constant issue with romantic fantasy. The characters lack nuance, good people are good, evil people are evil, and characters' flaws are the level of "quirks" rather than something impeding them in the plot or making them morally grey.
I feel one of the issues why we get "wholesome quirky side cast" is that authors treat them as a backup box of protagonists for sequels. So of course they all need to be "likeable", otherwise readers would go "I'm not reading a book about that a-hole side character!"
Which also means so many redundant or barely there / given a handful of scenes side characters planted as the seeds for sequels. Did we really need 4 side couples mentioned for potential sequels in an under 300 page book?
The grandma's written out fake Scottish accent. I swear I skimmed all her lines because I couldn't understand anything. It got tedious fast.
Unrelated to the contents of the book, why is the cover so low-rez and blurry? Other books of this author have very clear, readable designs.
Anyway I feel this was a good attempt at a gender role reversal / femdom fantasy romance, and the sub-genre is already slim pickings so I shouldn't demand too much. Mmc had so many similarities to Ophelos (blonde, stuttering) and Lucian (healing magic) - also short, lithe, shy, cinnamon roll, having past trauma affecting self-esteem (abusive father vs bullying vs religious trauma) that I start to wonder if there's a "blueprint" for femdom fantasy that mmc needs to be small, kind and shy. I'd love if one of these books had mmc who was a bit more feisty and bratty and not a doormat whom fmc needs to uplift out of his inferiority complex.
Maybe I just ask too much, and that's the downside of a niche that's so small nobody has it figured out what's obligatory for it to work and what isn't.
Also maybe the fantasy romance (vs romantic fantasy) isn't my thing, because I want either in-relationship tension or external plot tension, and I'm getting neither, and it's not just this book. A lot of others were either shorter and I just sat through weak plots, or they were longer and ended on my dnf pile.
Anyway I wish I could rate this higher because it's so rare to get a full length novel in this niche (a lot of femdom fantasy / monsters / paranormal are novellas), and I wish to support the author because c'mon, how come this has around 20 ratings 5 months after release, that's nearly criminal. I've seen worse books have hundreds if not thousands of ratings. But when I compare the plotting and writing to His Secret Illuminations and Surrendering to Scylla I enjoyed the other 2 more. If it was just a smutty novella, I would have probably rated it 5, but from a full novel... I kinda expected more.
Finally, I'm annoyed the author makes it so hard to find the link to the newsletter subscription, I tend to check goodreads bio / amazon bio / author's twitter and it was in neither of those places (only on instagram). Please don't make it harder for the reader to connect.
What I liked:
Fiery fmc / shy mmc pairing. Arranged marriage. Fmc is badass draconid and fights well and is never sidelined to uplift the mmc. Mmc is more of a thinking / diplomatic type with some healing magic (an elf).
Casually queer side cast. There are trans characters (called "changers"), gay couples, poly relationships, etc.
Fmc's family is very wholesome and work as an example of a non-toxic family system.
Sex was varied and kinky. Dominant fmc. Use of toys like strap-on, butt plugs, impact play with implements.
The pregnancy trope was handled well.
The worldbuilding was fine. The nations were different enough, and the wider political background left room to expand. There was one side character who was a half-draconid and hinting at another, third fantasy race playing role in this world. I reckon there are multiple fantasy races on this continent, even though this book focuses on elves and draconids.
The romance was insta-lovey but showed great communication and consent.
What I didn't like:
Weak plot tension. Every time the characters get into trouble or a problem is presented, it's solved very fast and without much struggle. "High stake" scenarios are brushed off or even develop off-page. The culmination of the main struggle with the villain is solved in a blink.
The characters have worries and internal dilemmas but these are hard to get invested into when we're seeing everything come so easy for them.
The world is very black and white where the villains are cartoonishly evil and everyone else is super wholesome. This is my constant issue with romantic fantasy. The characters lack nuance, good people are good, evil people are evil, and characters' flaws are the level of "quirks" rather than something impeding them in the plot or making them morally grey.
I feel one of the issues why we get "wholesome quirky side cast" is that authors treat them as a backup box of protagonists for sequels. So of course they all need to be "likeable", otherwise readers would go "I'm not reading a book about that a-hole side character!"
Which also means so many redundant or barely there / given a handful of scenes side characters planted as the seeds for sequels. Did we really need 4 side couples mentioned for potential sequels in an under 300 page book?
The grandma's written out fake Scottish accent. I swear I skimmed all her lines because I couldn't understand anything. It got tedious fast.
Unrelated to the contents of the book, why is the cover so low-rez and blurry? Other books of this author have very clear, readable designs.
Anyway I feel this was a good attempt at a gender role reversal / femdom fantasy romance, and the sub-genre is already slim pickings so I shouldn't demand too much. Mmc had so many similarities to Ophelos (blonde, stuttering) and Lucian (healing magic) - also short, lithe, shy, cinnamon roll, having past trauma affecting self-esteem (abusive father vs bullying vs religious trauma) that I start to wonder if there's a "blueprint" for femdom fantasy that mmc needs to be small, kind and shy. I'd love if one of these books had mmc who was a bit more feisty and bratty and not a doormat whom fmc needs to uplift out of his inferiority complex.
Maybe I just ask too much, and that's the downside of a niche that's so small nobody has it figured out what's obligatory for it to work and what isn't.
Also maybe the fantasy romance (vs romantic fantasy) isn't my thing, because I want either in-relationship tension or external plot tension, and I'm getting neither, and it's not just this book. A lot of others were either shorter and I just sat through weak plots, or they were longer and ended on my dnf pile.
Anyway I wish I could rate this higher because it's so rare to get a full length novel in this niche (a lot of femdom fantasy / monsters / paranormal are novellas), and I wish to support the author because c'mon, how come this has around 20 ratings 5 months after release, that's nearly criminal. I've seen worse books have hundreds if not thousands of ratings. But when I compare the plotting and writing to His Secret Illuminations and Surrendering to Scylla I enjoyed the other 2 more. If it was just a smutty novella, I would have probably rated it 5, but from a full novel... I kinda expected more.
Finally, I'm annoyed the author makes it so hard to find the link to the newsletter subscription, I tend to check goodreads bio / amazon bio / author's twitter and it was in neither of those places (only on instagram). Please don't make it harder for the reader to connect.
September 9, 2024
Y’ALL — Don’t sleep on this book! I’ve been itching for large dominant women and submissive men and THIS BOOK DELIVERED! (And then some!) I loved how Sapphire approaches gender and sexuality throughout the book and even the simple mechanics of the living body that usually aren’t addressed in romance novels. Shitting while giving birth? ✅ Gassy when pregnant? ✅ Normalizing breastfeeding and the associated connection with your baby as a legit reason for masc characters to grow breasts? ✅ I AM HERE FOR IT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2024
This was such a sweet story, and the banter was hilarious. I liked seeing a flip of what you usually find in monster romance....the FMC is the "monster", there's femdom, the MMC being the emotional one.
The story wasn't a favorite, though, because I'm not into insta-lust. But if you had to have insta-lust, this was done in such a heartwarming way that it made sense.
Also, the drama of the book was boring. The entire thing was just about who was trying to sabotage the peace treaty and their marriage. It wasn't particularly enticing to me.
The story wasn't a favorite, though, because I'm not into insta-lust. But if you had to have insta-lust, this was done in such a heartwarming way that it made sense.
Also, the drama of the book was boring. The entire thing was just about who was trying to sabotage the peace treaty and their marriage. It wasn't particularly enticing to me.
August 7, 2024
giving this a VERY generous 4 stars because it's far more memorable and creative than anything I've rated 3 stars. that being said, it is rather underdeveloped, particularly the relationship between the main characters.
September 29, 2025
Where do I even start...I loved it. Len! Omg such a sweetie. I wanted to hug him! He needed all the love and Daega gave it and more. I loved how dainty he was compared to her, I've searched for characters like that where the woman is more dominant in looks than the man. This book gave me that. The spice y'all, it was steamy...I enjoyed it a whole lot. Don't even get me started on the sweet affections moments they had, I caught myself tearing up! Not many books do that to me. Anyways, 10/10 I cannot wait!!!!! For Maleom and Yollyn. Please! Dear Author I hope we get their book soon.
February 12, 2024
I enjoyed this book SO MUCH!!
As soon as I saw it I was intrigued and it exceeded my expectations!! The relationship and love between the main characters was soo cute it had me kicking and screaming quite a bit. The story had a great plot to spice ratio, the world building and political intrigue was very interesting. His in-law are the best and all the side characters were amazing!! I'm so excited for the other books in this series!
As soon as I saw it I was intrigued and it exceeded my expectations!! The relationship and love between the main characters was soo cute it had me kicking and screaming quite a bit. The story had a great plot to spice ratio, the world building and political intrigue was very interesting. His in-law are the best and all the side characters were amazing!! I'm so excited for the other books in this series!
February 24, 2024
fell in love with these characters in chapter 2 and never looked back. I don't think I can remember a series where I CRAVED all the stories of the ones who paired up on the side. I'm so ready for more of this series!
September 9, 2025
this was sweet
it got a little uhhh interesting at the end, but otherwise it was a really sweet romance with a villain you’ll absolutely hate and a couple you’ll root for.
it got a little uhhh interesting at the end, but otherwise it was a really sweet romance with a villain you’ll absolutely hate and a couple you’ll root for.
July 13, 2024
I liked that this book subverted the usual trope of the giant ferocious man and the small fragile woman, it was cool to have a large muscular women FMC and a more physically fragile MMC, and that aspect I really liked!
What I struggled with is over half of the book details a character surprise pregnancy. It was still well written and I still enjoyed the characters but that story line just wasn’t for me. I also struggled with the MMC making himself lactate and then feeding breast milk to a fellow captive prisoner. 100% not my jam, but the epilogue and the overall story was cozy and nice!
What I struggled with is over half of the book details a character surprise pregnancy. It was still well written and I still enjoyed the characters but that story line just wasn’t for me. I also struggled with the MMC making himself lactate and then feeding breast milk to a fellow captive prisoner. 100% not my jam, but the epilogue and the overall story was cozy and nice!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
I'm not the right audience for this one. The non-stop cursing really took me out of the story. I'm also American so calling someone the C word really doesn't do it for me, where maybe it's not a problem for others.
I'd heard good things about this book, but like I said the cursing was way too OTT and much for me. Others might be fine and enjoy it.
I'd heard good things about this book, but like I said the cursing was way too OTT and much for me. Others might be fine and enjoy it.
May 24, 2024
this could be 3 stars but i’m feeling generous
June 25, 2024
This was super good, but the word "cunting" replacing "fucking" caught me off guard
January 18, 2025
A tedious affair with a chronic case of tell-don't-show. I also found the male lead growing breasts and nursing to be gross and repellent - subjective, yes, but should be noted.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews