Kissed by the Sun

Bound by the Veil #3

by Helen Scott

I survived being thrown into the veil that should've killed me. I managed to live through the even more dangerous trip to the capital. Just when I thought I'd found somewhere I could belong, my whole world shifts. Again.

Trouble has plagued my every step, and the biggest cause of it all? The man I’d foolishly given my heart to. Thorn.

By fae law we were forbidden from being together, but what happens when they realize that our souls have bonded?

Not only do I have to figure out how to get rid of this damn bond under penalty of death, but now I have to learn how to wield the sacred moon blades and banish the blight from the fae lands. Only the blight isn’t what it seems, and it’s looking for me too…

Kissed by the Sun is the third book in the Bound by the Veil series. It's filled with steamy enemies-to-lovers romance, mystery, a heroine who will fight for everything she has, and a hero who might just be a villain. Perfect for romantic fantasy fans who love Sylvia Mercedes, LJ Andrews, and Elise Kova. One-click this epic adventure of magic, love, and betrayal today!

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Audiobook, Magic, Romantasy, Spicy

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Helen Scott spends her time alternating between fantasy and reality. She likes to think she’d be sorted into Hufflepuff and would have been a Physical Kid from Brakebills. Her days are fueled by tea and cuddles from her four-legged kids and amazing husband in their home in the Chicago suburbs.

When not reading or writing, Helen can be found baking, enjoying a walk in the woods, crafting, or playing video games. She’s a lover of sushi and K-Dramas and is convinced there is magic in the world if you know where to look.

Whether paranormal or contemporary, Helen loves writing sassy, kick-butt heroines and drool-worthy love interests. She's the author of the House of Wolves and Magic series, the Cerberus series, and the Of Demons and Dragons series.

Subscribe to Helen’s newsletter for a free book to get started on the adventure today! https://geni.us/HelenScottNewsletter

Reviews

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

I thought this would be the finale to the series and let me just say I am so over authors writing short books to have more books in the series. Just release a duology that’s 500 pages long for each one. When so little plot progression happens over the course of a book that you’ve been waiting months to tie off, it just doesn’t excite you to wait for another book to drop.

The pacing felt very jumpy (pacing of book 1 was fantastic).

The whole being seized by the elves and Thorn giving her the “don’t fight just trust me” look, but then both of them get tortured and the shit beat out of them? Where the only reason they get out is because of the Elven lord committing patricide?

Probably won’t be finishing off this series as at this point I just don’t care. Maybe if I’d come into this series reading it as a completed series a year from now, I’d have a different view point.

[Nicole · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book in a long time that I’ve given up on midway through.
The pacing, the language, the tone, and the story were all massively disappointing. It’s abundantly clear an editor has never touched this book. There are mistakes everywhere. Thorne is called The one at one point instead of Thorne, while in Serana’s POV she refers to something happening to her as his, spelling issues, grammatical issues, continuity issues… I’m so let down because book 1 filled me with such high hopes and I’d hoped the disappointment of book 2 was just a hiccup.
Some self published authors do it well, and make sure they are putting something good out there… honestly, this feels like it would have been more at home on Archive of our Own or Wattpad.

I’m glad this was on KU, because if I had paid for this I’d be furious.

[Rae (semi-hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
This book was a bit of a struggle for me to get thru even tho it was kinda short. I really loved the very first book in this series and I was hoping that this would be the last book, so we’d have answers and a finished plot line. However it seemed to drag and have angst for the sake of angst, drama for the sake of drama, yknow?

I loved Sanara, like expected, but have yet to change my feelings on Thorne. He doesn’t deserve her and I’m not that thrilled he’s the MMC lol.

As for the rest, it was good, a bit predictable but that’s fine as long as the book series comes to a close in the next one. I don’t mean that rudely but it feels drawn out for no reason other than to have multiple short books in a series? At this point I kinda want the bond bw the FMC and MMC to switch to be platonic so Sanara can go after someone who truly loves and will fight for her no matter what.

[Jesse Lemire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really need to learn to just DNF, because why did I just put myself through 3 books. 🫠

2.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3🌶🌶🌶

Triggers
✅️Fated Mates
✅️Chosen One
✅️Forbidden Love
✅️Fae/Humans/Elves

Triggers
☑️Imprisonment
☑️Torture

I thought the editing in the second book was bad. THIS? Embarrassing. 😳
The writing contradicts itself. One moment, a characters eyes are green, and the next, they are blue.
Some characters aren't even described at all.

OH, and now there is this mysterious Void Dragon Empress? Nope, I'm good. It's too late to introduce a major player like that now. I can just see the hot mess that's coming in the next book.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed Senera and Thorne. Knew they were Fated Mates from the start. Now that they've accepted the bond, I'm just going to end it here and not continue to the 4th book.

[Elisha Weirmeir · Rating 3 out of 5]

All three books should have been one book. I hope there is more in the series as this book has no resolution... not worth paying for three separate credits on Audible to listen to.

[Miranda Markham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and series so much. And it’s sad that there’s no more in the series. I really hope there is more coming. This book series has been amazing. I’ve read all three books within 3/4 days. I couldn’t put the book down. The adventure and love story was so captivating and sucked me in. I really enjoyed how we got an insight into Thorns mind and thinking of what was going on. I really loved Thorns character, being tough when he needed to be and thoughtful and honest.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senara and Thorn
Book 3 picks up right after the previous and kept me captivated throughout.
Senara and Thorn face lots of challenges in this book. We also get a few answers to some of our questions.
It was filled with action, so many feels, some edge of your seat moments, and a lot more!

[Belinda Clemons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so much action and chaos. Senara and Thorne are going thru some tough things just to be together. I'm loving all the growth the characters are going through on their journey as well.

[Randi Orrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating based on spice

[Kaitlyn Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75🌟

definitely the best so far -- i'm also slowly starting to hate thorne's narrator less and less with each book i listen to, so that helps XD

[Kristin Usher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but inconsistencies

I have read all 3 of the current books one after another. This is the first review I'm leaving for this series so I'm doing it with all 3 books in mind.

I would say that the storyline is pretty good with a decent premise. The storyline feels unique and not just a rehash like so many books are.

The series is let down with inconsistencies and typos that should have been picked up in proofreading and editing.

The biggest inconsistency is in relation to the elves, and it appears that the author forgot what they wrote about the relationship between elves and fae in book 2 and also changed their appearance.

I also feel that there is a bit of a disconnect in the story progression for Senara and Thorn. People and events introduced but then no explanation, claims of devotion followed by distance.

There are other issues with typos, wrong words used which takes a moment to work out which word was supposed to be there.

Don't misunderstand, the storyline is pretty good, but the quality is lacking which does impact on engagement for me as a reader.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! This was fantastic!!

Kissed by the Sun is the third book in the Bound by the Veil series, and I was sucked in from the beginning. Took me just a few minutes to remember which series this fell in, but once I did, I was like OMG I’ve been waiting on this!

Senara, now living in the Moon Court, is Moon Blessed, but Thorn is Sun Blessed and they had created a soul bond which is a big no-no between courts. When they had tried to separate, they had both fallen into a coma of sorts, and now that they are awake, they are fighting their feelings for one another especially since a much larger problem is going on. The Blight seems to be getting even worse, taking over huge chunks of the Fae Realms. And for some reason, when they encountered a village overrun with blight infested, they were being managed by some type of weird mage who really wanted Senara to come with them.

When they told the Kings and Queen and said that maybe they should seek help from the Elves, they refused for them to go. Soooo of course Thorn talked Senara into sneaking out to make their own way to the Elf kingdom – which ended up being HUGELY perilous.

I don’t want to give away the story, but let’s just say that things didn’t go quite as planned in the Elf Kingdom initially…. Wow that part was crazy! But this gave Thorn and Senara time to decide that they wanted each other regardless of their courts… (soooo sweet!)

If you haven’t started this series, you should! Definitely worth the read.

[Crissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**May Contain Spoilers**

OMG!! I don't know why I thought this was the last book in the series, but it was a good read, and it left me wanting to read the next book in the series. I just wish authors didn't feel the need to stretch out some series as much as possible. Anyways, this book picks up where the previous book left off with both Senara and Thorne unconscious but needing to touch each other because of the forbidden bond that was formed between them. The King and Queen of the Sun Court refuse to ask the elves for help so Senara and Thorne take matters into their own hands, but they never expected their choice to lead to devastating consequences for both of them. The elves might be beautiful but darker motives can lie under beautiful things, and they learn that quickly. However, help comes from an unexpected ally, but can he really be trusted after everything they've been through. A deal is made, and now that both Senara and Thorn are ready to accept their bond, they realize that The Goddess's blessing is more than they ever could imagine, and they will play a big part in fighting The Dragon Epress and her blight. They must travel to Moonweaver's Groove to seek out ancient artifacts hoping it will provide them with ways to defeat the blight. This story was full of need, desire, action, survival, steamy scenes, torture and more.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissed by the Sun by Helen Scott is book three in the Bound by the Veil Series. So after reading the previous entries in the series I was really looking forward to this one. So needless to say you must read these books in order. But I found myself having a hard time connecting with the book. I seemed to flip flop on my feeling of liking it to thinking it was just a filler entry into the series. Like some things were drawn out like a scene or two Thorn and Senara. Then other scenes were just there, it felt like (to me) were just there to be there. There were moments to me that just didn’t have the same flow that the other books had. But at the same time there were parts that had me intrigued to see what was coming next. Overall as a series as a whole I’m enjoying it but I will say I just had a hard time connecting with this one. The parts I did like I thought were written well and had me interested but this book did take me longer to get through at the same time. I am looking forward to the next book; since I do like the characters. Would recommend this series as a whole.

Final review:
3.5 (rounded up to 4) out of 5 stars

[Julorie Siefert · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Senara and Thorn are trying to figure out about their soul bond, with Senara having the mark of the Moon Goodness and Thorn 's mark is of the Sun King, supposedly it is forbidden for them to act upon their bond. Both Senara and Thorn are confused as how or want they want from each other. The fear of either of the Fae Courts finding out and maybe putting one or the other to death has them struggling. Along with the blight that is destroying the Fae lands. Thorn has a plan to go to the Elves for help with the blight and also with their soul bond. As they both leave quietly the land of the Fae heading to the Elves, it does not go as planned. Of course, the the king of the Elves does not trust them. The truth that comes out and the quest the two of them are required to do leads us to the next chapter. The author has a great deal of character development, the opening of hearts, and a leap of faith. The intriguing aspect where and what will happen as Senara and Thorn try to find the answers to well....lets hope that next book does not take took long.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissed By The Sun: Bound By The Veil Book 3 by Helen Scott is a paranormal romance that is part of a series where you must read the other 2 books first. Senara and Thorne have discovered they are soulbound. However, since they are from different courts, the Sun and Moon, their relationship is forbidden, and they must fight the bond. With a blight crossing the fae lands, can they find a way to work together to save their world?
I have enjoyed this series, and this makes a great addition. The chemistry between these two is perfect and impossible to fight, even when they try. I love both characters. Senara has this inner strength that just flows out of her despite the things she has had to overcome in her life. Thorne is loyal to his court but also cares about Senara putting him in quite the predicament. The world-building in this series is amazing with vivid descriptions that fuel the imagination. This book has some new surprises and twists that were unexpected.
If you like books with magic, supernatural creatures, good versus evil, and plenty of spice with bonded mates, you'll love Kissed By The Sun and the entire Bound By The Veil series. These books are hard to put down and not super long, making them perfect binge-reads for a magical adventure-filled weekend.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension between Senara and Thorn is a sharp and wicked thing that is hard to ignore no matter how hard Thorn tries. I understand it's because he understands the consequences better but I'm beyond ready for him and Senara to their HEA.


And the Goddess speaks. Finally, the Moon Goddess revealed some pertinent things to Senara but like all gods she was cryptic as heck. Although it was enough to lay down some groundwork that I'm hoping is gonna pay off soon. The plot was good. Senara and Thorn battling zombies (I can't believe I forgot about the hordes of zombie fae) and going on a treacherous journey that takes the story to unexpected places and interesting new characters. Things got intense but also revealed an even bigger plot.


Kissed by the Sun was great. That final chapter revealed a rather epic plot twist. Now I have no clue as to where the rest of the story will go but I want to find out. Up next is Favored by the Stars.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Senara survived being thrown into the veil, but surviving Thorn's temper and stubborn rejection might be harder than that. Determined to prove her worth, she trains to become part of the regular missions. After an attack of the horde, the corrupted mages and the blight seem to be spreading through the fae realm faster, and Senara together with Thorn decide to leave in secret to secure help from the elves... who are not exactly trusting and friendly.
The third book in this story shows more presence of the moon goddess and the sun god, increasing ominous presence of the threats around, and a nice twist in the relationship between Senara and Thorn. Finally accepting there might be a bond between them, they start to tentatively explore what it might mean, gradually accepting their own feelings too. I loved how they finally found the way to each other and the magic awakening, and now I am waiting to see how the newfound power will come into the fight against the evil.

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Senara awakens from her "illness" to find Thorn is also suffering from the same thing. A soul bond has formed between them - a soul bond that must be kept secret as a union between the sun and moon courts is forbidden and could mean their deaths if discovered. This means while the bond is new they cannot be far apart which is why they both became ill. Thorn is determined to fight the bond every step of the way while Senara is struggling to keep her feelings (and libido) in check around him. But they must come together to fight the horde- the corrupted fae and the blight that is threatening to wipe out their whole realm only to find out it is much worse than they oringinally feared.

This was so good! What it lacked in length it made up for in content. There wasn't a dull moment, and I am hooked on Senara and Thorn's story. It isn't over yet and I can't wait for the next part of their adventure

[Kimberly Gordon-Bercich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alliance

Senara needs allies. Thorn is a disappointment thus far. Beats the sense out of her in the last book. Pledges to train her in sword play then bails in this book, among other shady disrespectful before because he is scared. Senara only has Wyn and she is on a separate path. She can't trust the royals or the aristocracy. When she and Thorn almost died due to a soul bond snapping, they have to find a way to work together. I still don't like his character. He blames the victim and attacks when he should praise because he can't control his fear. He is a decent leader. So when he and Senara take off to negotiate with the Elves he gets a big dose of humble pie. Too bad it comes at Senara's expense. However, with a solid twist at the end we finally learn who the ultimate bad guy is. Now the moon goddess just needs some more soldier's and she will have the makings of a war with an old/new enemy.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kissed by the Sun” is the third (not the final) book in the Bound by the Veil series, and picks up right where the second book ended. Even though there is no synopsis of the previous book, it was quite easy to get sucked into the story once again, and it was fun to get back to this world.

I am happy with how the relationship building evolves in this third book, and I think the author managed to create the perfect mix between that, action scenes and world building. My favorite part about this book are definitely the action scenes; there is so much in them I love reading about and they had me at the edge of my seat.

Once again, I was sorry to reach the end of this book. There is so much more I want to explore, both in the world and with the characters. I’ll definitely be following this author around to get news about book four!

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The intrigue this story has is absolutely incredible. It pulled me in right from the beginning and didn’t let go. We meet up with Senara and Thorn where the last book left off and there is a constant pull and tug on them as they try to figure out their bond. We see the fight between them to stay in the guidelines set forth for them. The land is in chaos with the blight and the corrupted fae. There is magic, action, drama and suspense. We meet the elves in a unique way but unfortunately things do not go as planned. I love the story and it is all coming together. It is extremely well written and developed. Helen Scott easily pulls you into a world with so much intricacies and makes you feel like you are part of this world. We get to the end of this book and we have so many questions that I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kissed by the Sun continues the story of Senara and Thorn. Where book two left off, book three picks up the ball and keeps on running. Senara and Thorn have crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed. Now, they are bound together and that is not exactly a positive thing in the eyes of either of their respective courts.
Things are only getting more complicated though. They can't be apart for long distances, and now the blight is showing signs of intelligence?! What?! This is bigger and deeper than they could have imagined.
A quest for help could be their own choice, but with their respective royals against it it's a dangerous choice. But what other choice do they have?
Prepare for change, drama, steamy, and some jaw-dropping surprises because this book has them all. Something big is coming and we can't wait to find out what it is.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really loving this series! This is the third book, and it takes Senara and Thorn to yet more unexpected places.

I've always loved the trope of humans finding out they're so much more than they are and Senara is a perfect example. She has taken the woman she was when we first met her and developed into something extraordinary.

I love the growing relationship between her and Thorn, but again, I've always been a sucker for the I want you but I can't have you story, too! But when we finaly get the spice? So worth the wait!

The worldbuilding is fantastic, this time meeting the elves. Not to mention all the court politics in the various realms. They never quite know who to trust, and I love that it keeps you off balance and makes the story less predictable.

Can't wait to see where the next book takes us!

[Samantha Silensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I saw this book was releasing, and it was eagerly awaited.
We got to see the full extent of what being bonded means, and just how much it affects them. The dangers of it are definitely made clear throughout the book, with qualms on both sides for the other, but we also get to see just how much they should give in to it.
We also see Senara and Wyn come into their Fae sides, and what that means for both of them throughout the book. But also just how much the corruption has taken hold in the Fae lands. Which leads to a dangerous adventure that could very well spell disaster for them, in more ways than one. The repercussions are plenty but so are their discoveries along the way.
I’m really excited for the 4th book, and can’t wait to see what the result of all their efforts are, and how it all comes together.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.65 stars....

For some reason I went into this one thinking it would be the last book in the series and it most certainly was not. Book 1 in this series was absolutely amazing and I fell in love with the characters but things are progressively getting worse with each book. I cannot for the life of me understand why things are falling apart, the potential for this story and then to watch it fall flat? No, thanks.

The plot was extremely jumpy. I fully expected some push and pull and instead got "ta-da" with no context or explaination. Thorn cannot defy the kings and queen for a soul bond but suddenly decides to defy them to go to the elves? What? I'm sorry but its been 2 days and I'm still scratching my head over this book. Please stop dragging out stories so that you have a long series, only to lose the whole plot along the way. I may or may not read the 4th book in this series.

[Daniele Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this amazing series. Senara and Thorne are trying to find a way to deal with their connection and not let the moon court find out about their connection. They are trying to help figure out what is causing the blight and corrupted fae in the fae lands but seem to keep coming up with nothing. Towards the end of the book though we finally get some answers and I was not prepared for what was happening and how it involves Senara and Thorne. I’m excited to see what will happen in the next book. Like we finally got some answers but I am going to need some more to see how this plays out. I’m excited to see how things are turning out for both of them. It was a struggle through most of the book but towards the end we start to see some changes. I’m really getting into this series and am excited to see what will happen as we get further into the story

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension between Senara and Thorn is sharp and palpable, making it impossible to ignore, no matter how hard Thorn tries. While I understand his reluctance, I’m eagerly awaiting their happily ever after. Throughout this installment, Thorn and Senara seem perpetually in battle mode as they search for a cure for the blight affecting the corrupted fae. Thorn believes they should seek help from the elves, who initially appear intriguing but quickly reveal a more complicated nature. As events unfold, they discover they are part of something much larger, setting the stage for an epic confrontation. I can’t wait to see how this all develops!

As always, my book reviews are totally voluntary, and no monetary compensation was received; the opinions expressed are completely my own."

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kissed by the Sun is the third book in the Bound by the Veil series, and while I was eager to see how Senara and Thorn’s story progressed, this one didn’t fully hit the mark for me. The action scenes were exciting, and there’s plenty of tension between the two leads as they struggle with their soul bond, but the pacing felt off. Some scenes dragged, while others were over too quickly.

I did enjoy the world-building, especially the introduction of the Elven realm, but the story didn’t have the same flow as the previous books. It felt more like a setup for the next part of the series rather than a satisfying continuation. I’m still interested in where the story is headed, but this one left me wanting more from the characters and plot.

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it took me a while to get my bearings straight with this series, once I “got” it, it was an enjoyable story.
It’s a continuation of where to previous book left off, and started from the get go. I still like the premise of the series and the storyline of this book was fairly good for me. Good world building, interesting characters, and of course, the reliable enemies-to-lovers trope (that I like!)
I enjoy books from this author, and stories are usually well told.

A bit of a rocky start, some betrayal and mistrust, and overall, a captivating story.
Good character development and growth, too.
A decent read, but perhaps better for me if I had read the books in short order after each other.