Unchained

by Jayda Marx

Over one hundred years ago, Viggo was betrayed, cursed by dark magic, and buried alive. He’s been chained inside a small, dark box, fueled only by his hope that one day, his fated mate will hear his cries for help through their bond. He calls out constantly, receiving only silence in return…until one day, a voice answers back.

On his 21st birthday, Skyler is dealing with disappointment when he is stood up by a date (again). Men always want the fire he brings to the bedroom, but claim his fiery personality is too hot to handle. Time and time again, he ends up feeling used and discarded. But everything changes when he hears a desperate cry. Instead of unlucky in love, he finds himself eternally bound to a centuries-old, cursed vampire. What could go wrong?

*This low angst, insta-love paranormal story is for readers 18 and up! It is a blend of humor, heat, and heart. It contains no cheating or cliffhangers, and a very happy HEA!

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Vampires, M M Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Queer, Romance

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

I live in rural Ohio with my husband and two sons who drive me nuts, but I love them with all my heart. I enjoy reading and writing romance of all types, but gay romance is my forte and favorite! Twice the sexy men? Yes, please! My books tend to be low angst because it hurts my heart, but they do contain lots of heartfelt moments, steamy scenes and a healthy dose of humor. Thank you to everyone for checking out my page and I hope you enjoy my books. Happy reading!

Reviews

[SJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 I’m giving this the sentimental stars because it’s Jayda and her books were my first foray into ‘comfort reads’. I had a wonderful time reading all her back oeuvre when I discovered this author. The modern day books were excellent and the PNRs were, too. I tried not to compare this vampire fated mates to ones like the ‘Love Bites’ series and my favorite PNRs, ‘The Duff Coven.’
Scottish vampires in kilts for the win!
I liked the feisty MC with the funny f bombs. This author knows how to use that word humorously and not gratuitously. Skyler’s vampire soulmate calling out for help telepathically was a good plot device. Viggo was a handsome hero MC and who wouldn’t fall for all that slavish devotion, but mixed with intelligence.
The story did end a bit abruptly, and I think the entire plot line was within a 24 hour period, so there wasn’t a lot of relationship building, even within the insta.
It was a nice, quick read and I am always glad to see a new Jayda Marx.

[Li Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

good

Good story would like more. It seemed to end abruptly tbh.

A human is the soul mate of a vampire that’s be imprisoned in a coffin for over 100 years

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

💜💜💜💜

This is a paranormal queer romance, the first in a series that should be read in order. It was a good book with insta love and I recommend it.
💜💜💜💜

[Stephanie Windon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry I didn't enjoy this at all. Skylar was not fiery, Skylar was obnoxious.

[mellismoodreads · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its giving toxic, its giving red flags 💥

[ShelfLife · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I've read almost everything Jayda has published. At first, I found her books to be sweet and a great palette cleanser. But lately, I have been underwhelmed with the storylines, romance/heat level, and cookie-cutter framework. Not to mention that the "books" tend to get shorter and shorter...what's below a novella-length book?? That's these.

Anywho. I just got pretty bored with this book, but I did finish it, so it gets 2 stars. But there was so much telling versus showing, and in such a short read, that's the kiss of death for me. So while I read it entirely, I did skim some.

I may be done with this author's novellas, but I'd reconsider if something more substantial is published...like Head Over Wheels.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟 Such a great story!

As always Jayda Marx makes insta-love anything but boring! There are definitely all the feels but there is also action and adventure. The adventure for me was in these two learning about and blending very different time periods. There is a lot of humor in this one, I especially love Skyler's wicked sense of humor. While this is a sweet, hot, fun read there is depth as well but you would have to discover that for yourself since anything more said from me would lead to spoilers. I am looking forward to the next book in what I hope will become a longer series!

[Diana M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

just okay


This one OK… I know it was short so that allowed for a lot of liberties taken for no character development no plot development no real anything other than right now and the meeting of these two.

Viggo was buried alive by his evil vampire father … Only his mate would be able to hear him telepathically and come and save him. Skylar turn 21 in immediately heard Viggo yelling for him and went to save him.

Low rating purely due to very low heat/slow burn
Dual 1st by person pov
Mild mild stream.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This story was so good. I loved how feisty and snarky Skyler was. And poor Viggo, cursed to live for eternity buried in the ground. I really enjoyed this version of vampires and fated mates. This was a quick, fun story that I will definitely read again and again. I really hope Remy gets a story.

[joani · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple

Very simple and quick. Everything happened easily. Vigo waz buried alive and his beloved finds him. Remy his best friend saved all his money and assets for him no problem. Sky takes him all over to see all the things he missed in the century he was buried. Daddy problems? Taken care of! All that's left is to live happily ever after. The End!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

gotta love the one-liners

I have some new phrases to use!!! Skylar is hilariously sassy and poor Viggo is along for the ride!!
These two would be fun to watch together. I’m just disappointed that Sky didn’t get to enact his punishment for dear old Dad…

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet

This was a cute, sweet, short story. I love Jayda Marx books. They always hook me and hold me. This book was no different.

Instalove, fated mates, revenge, steamy.

[JILL Stock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

Enjoyed it was good but not on par with Javier Coven series, but who knows may get there as the series progresses.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instant love with a vampire

A very nice quick read with a vampire. I am hoping to read Remy's happy ever after. Very hot and quick.

[Tala · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

Felt like it ended just as the story was getting started.

[Fangirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't feel the emotions between the main characters.

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I enjoyed this book. I’m a big fan of this author and especially low angst romance. I can’t wait for Remy’s book

[Showarst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started well but the ending seemed rushed. Everything happened at super speed so I didn’t get invested in the characters. Interested in Remy’s story though.

[Chelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was nice pallet cleanser, if you’re in a funk and need something light and cute 😊

Author please utilize em dashes instead of ordinary dashes please 🙏

[Jen Chen]

DNF 26%

[Valkyrie_Queen]

63

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe that’s why I’m soulmates with a vampire; I’m too fucked up in the head to be with another human. - Skyler

Warnings: Death (don’t worry they deserve it), Homophobia, Attempted Murder of a MC, Violence & Gore-ish


Main Character Information:
Viggo: 632, Vampire, long dark hair & hazel eyes, loyal & protective
Skyler: 21, Human, blue hair & eyes, feisty & in need of Viggo’s love

My Ratings:
Spice: 2/5
Angst/Stress: 1.25/5
Fluff: 3.5/5
Structure/Format/Flow: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Intimate/Spicy Moments Include:
Strict Roles, Handjobs, intimate shower washing scene, blowjob, rimming, anal sex

Stuff I Want To Mention:
The clock strikes midnight and Skyler’s life is forever changed. His fated love needs rescued after so many years trapped and Skyler is the only one who can save him. We get the insta love, fated mates, mushy gushy love that I definitely needed. This is the second time I’ve read this and I enjoyed taking my time and going slower. It’s a fast read at or under 100 pages. When Viggo made his “confession” that had him all bent out of shape? What a sweetheart. The level of jealousy that overcomes them immediately is honestly hilarious. Neither of them have filters and I love it. OMG at the end with Skyler and the grave?? Same, Skyler, same. I’d do it too.

Notable Side Characters:
Remy: Viggo’s best friend, loyal, dependable, seems like he is sweet and caring, so ready for a Remy book, he needs his fated love!

He told me that home was wherever I was, but for me, Viggo was my home. He was my hope, my happiness, and my fortress. - Skyler

It can be safely assumed all of my reviews are from books that are 1st Person, have a HEA, and have no intimate or spicy scenes with anyone/thing other than MC(s). I try to rate books objectively if they have something I don’t typically like (i.e. Break Ups, SA, 3rd Person, Single POV, Sharing Partners). If it’s still written well the author deserves the praise but I will make note to avoid for myself in the future. I do my best to mark different triggers/warnings as well as the intimate acts performed in case anything listed/done might not be something you would want to read. If M/M, Age Play, Interspecies, Insta Love, Erotica, MPreg, or Incest are something you actively avoid, you are probably better off avoiding most of the books I review.

DNF: Something off, couldn’t finish because of it.
1 Star: No, thanks. Something super wrong.
2 Stars: Oh that was something but it was not something for me.
3 Stars: Decent, some things didn’t sit or read right but it was worth the effort.
4 Stars: Really enjoyed it, might read again even.
5 Stars: Super duper enjoyed, written well and read well.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. Skyler was such a fireball and Viggo not understanding modern terminology was hilarious. Very fast instalove, but I didn't mind it. Marx's books are hit or miss for me and this was a hit. Solid for a novella.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

********** Contains Spoilers**********

I rated this book 4.5 stars, so I rounded it up to 5 stars. Jayda’s books are always filled with sunshine, sweetness and little to no angst. They just make me smile. I enjoyed this book but wish that it was longer so we could get more of Viggo and Skyler. I thought that they were perfect for each other and their chemistry was off the charts.

I can’t believe what Viggo went through and by who. I’m glad that fate gave him and Skyler the extra ability to talk telepathically before bonding, as they most likely knew that they would need it so Skyler can help rescue Viggo from the prison he’d spent over a hundred years in. I liked seeing Skyler’s protective side some come out where Viggo is concerned.

Even though Skyler is just a human and Viggo is a vampire. As Viggo deserves to have someone who finally cares about him after being alone with only his thoughts to keep him company. I enjoyed meeting Viggo’s best friend Remy and I’m looking forward to reading his book when it’s released. I’d recommend this book and author to others.