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Fate shattered my world in a heartbeat.

As a bounty hunter, I’ve hunted the supernatural, yet nothing prepared me for the truth about my bloodline.

Exiled by a harsh twist of fate, I’m thrust into the cold heart of Norway. Here, amid ancient forests and icy waters, I’m supposed to start over. But shadows from my past cling tighter than ever.

A mission that was supposed to be my redemption throws me into the path with him—a man as dangerous and mysterious as he is infuriating. He’s hiding secrets that will get me killed, revealing he’s my fated mate.

Unbelievable!

His touch sparks a flame inside me, leaving me questioning everything.

Together, we stumble upon a dark conspiracy, centuries in the making, binding our fates together. As truths surface, we’re forced to work together.

As lines blur between us, I’m faced with a choice. Can I trust the man who awakens my soul but might be my ultimate undoing?

Bind Me is a spicy standalone fantasy romance set in the Immortal Vices and Virtues Universe. Every book is a guaranteed happily ever after with a satisfying ending and no cliffhangers. Perfect for fans of Immortals After Dark, Black Dagger Brotherhood, and the Demonica series.

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

443 people are currently reading
623 people want to read

About the author

Mila Young

155 books2,102 followers
Mila Young tackles everything with the zeal and bravado of the fairytale heroes she grew up reading about. She slays monsters, real and imaginary, like there's no tomorrow. By day she rocks a keyboard as a marketing extraordinaire. At night she battles with her mighty pen-sword, creating fairytale retellings, and sexy ever after tales.

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5 stars
310 (54%)
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168 (29%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
Profile Image for Laura❄️&#x1f4da;.
261 reviews
October 14, 2025
I really liked this series, I’ve read most of the books but this one was my favourite. I really love how supernatural books with fated mates so this one didn’t disappoint.

Mermaid shifter Sasha is haunted by her father’s death at the hands of her mother, she does not want to end up with her mother’s fate as a siren. When a mission she is working on goes wrong she is moved to a different branch in Norway, when she meets her fated mate the all powerful Kracken shifter Kaden. Sasha does not a mate but Kaden is determined she will be his, Kaden is investigating his past and trying to find out who was responsible for his grandfather being thrown into Tartarus. When the case Sasha is working on has links to Kaden’s past, the two are pulled together.

Out of all the books in the multiple Immortal Vices and Virtues series’s this book was my favourite, I loved that the two leads were both strong characters and that they had well fleshed out back stories. This book wasn’t all action and no plot, there were equal amounts of action and plot. He falls first in this book while Sasha really does not want a mate, Kaden’s determined not to let her push him away. I loved the ending and I just really enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Shirley.
988 reviews232 followers
August 19, 2024
4.5/5*

Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Heather Renee!

Bind Me is the seventh standalone book in the third season of the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds,  and tells the story of Sasha and Kaden.

I'm always so excited to start a book from the Immortal Vices and Virtues world! The Immortal Vices and Virtues world is an amazing Romantasy world with currently 3 seasons. Each book is a standalone written by a different author/author duo, but they're all set in the same world. So each story is different, with different characters, but they all end with a happy ending. Sometimes, like with Bind Me, you get to read bits about previous or future characters, which is also really nice if you've read all the other books in the Immortal Vices and Virtues world.

Bind Me is already the seventh book in the third season, Shadow Shifter Bonds. I can't believe we're already at the seventh book. I'm also kinda sad because the third season will be over soon. Bind Me tells the story of Sasha and Kaden, they're both water shifters. Sasha is a mermaid shifter and Kaden is a kraken shifter. I've never read a book about a kraken shifter, so that was fun (if you know what I mean). I really liked Sasha and Kaden, and it was fun to see Billie, Eryx, Khaos and Tallis from Mark Me (second season) again. Chowder was also really cute!

Bind Me was another amazing book in the Immortal Vices and Virtues world! This book was fun to read, it had the perfect mix of different tropes. I'm a big fan of Romantasy books, especially fated mates books. I really enjoy reading standalones with a happy endings so these are just amazing. I'm excited to read the next book in the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds series, and I just know it's going to be another great read!
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,110 reviews91 followers
August 17, 2024
Bind Me

A fun addition to the series! The story pulled me in from the start and I loved all the various creatures ranging from mermaids to sirens, to wolves to hybrids!

The characters were fantastic as well. First there’s Sasha. She’s a fierce bounty hunter who has so many walls built around her heart. She’s not some pushover and she’s an easy character to relate to and root for.
Then there’s Kaden! Ahh now he was definitely someone I’d want worshiping me! And he does with Sasha; from the moment they meet he’s hooked. I loved how protective and possessive he was.
Their relationship was fun to read and of course there’s so spicy times and tentacles… need I say more?

Tropes to look out for here are; fated mates, reluctant mermaid bounty hunter FMC, morally grey protective kraken MMC, mermaids, sirens, shifters, spice, mystery, action, and cute animal side kicks too!!
Profile Image for Darcy’s Good Opinion.
507 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Steam: 4.5/5

MF
High Heat
Kraken MMC
Mermaid (plus extras) FMC
Fated Mates
Mystery
Animal Sidekick
He Falls First

Bind Me is a standalone book in the Immortal Vices & Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds series. They can be read in any order.

Sasha is a mermaid with a traumatic past. She’s fierce and strong but also compassionate. She makes decisions with her heart, something that isn’t always ideal for an investigator. She’s also wary and gets caught up in her head, something that isn’t great for love. Not that she’s looking.

Kaden is a kraken with an equally damaged background. He’s trying to discover who betrayed his family. He’s immediately struck by Sasha and decides that nothing, and no one, will keep him from his fated mate - not even her.

This is a high heat, fun read about fated mates with a mystery to solve. There were plenty of steamy scenes, “you’re mine”, and great banter. Extra points for the amazing Chowder - the absolute best animal sidekick.
Profile Image for XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX.
1,158 reviews74 followers
September 8, 2024
Bind Me is the seventh book in the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds series. This is a standalone and also a multi-author shared universe.

This was sooo freaking good!! I was hooked from the very beginning. It's been a long while since I've read a mermaid themed story and this was a sign that I need to read more. Sasha and Kaden were everything!! I also really loved Sasha. She was a fun, sassy, and very likable character! If you love fated mates, shifters, Mermaid/Kraken pairing, MF, cute animal sidekick, and HEA, then you would absolutely love this!
Profile Image for acupofteaandabookplease.
201 reviews14 followers
September 1, 2024
I really liked this paranormal romance : the story was interesting, the characters well described and a great mix between possessiveness (red flag in real life but so sexy in a book!) and steamy scenes! And can we talk about Chowder? I LOVE him ❤️ You have to read that book to discover why... 😉
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,350 reviews132 followers
August 18, 2024
Usually, I'm not one for water books, you know the ones I'm talking about with mermaids, sirens, pirates, and whatnot. However, there have been a few that have captured my attention. So when Mila Young decided to write a mermaid Immortal Vices and Virtues book I had no choice but to jump in. Bind Me had one of the darkest beginnings in IMVaV I've ever read and it captivated me. I knew if a story starts off like that then rest would be just as good.


Sasha is a kickass bounty hunter (so cool) but she has the vulnerability due to some trauma from her past. Of course, she is resistant to the bond (I'd expect nothing else) but she gives in as much as she fights it. I liked the fact that for once the MFC actually considered the bond, she was wary but that was more because of her than him. Which is a little surprising because Kaden is as intense as they come. He's the "Make her mine" type plus his stalkerish behavior is enough to make me swoon. I love that he's excited about finding her and how nothing was going to detour him.


The Norway backdrop really gave this book a mood that I was loving it. Then add in a couple of mysteries, I can't say no to a mystery (hello Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, I'm looking at you, haha) and I was in heaven. Both Kaden and Sasha were working to solve their own mystery. Kaden is diving into his grandfather's past trying to work out what happened when his grandfather was imprisoned in Tartarus. Meanwhile, Sasha is looking into the deadly siren attacks that have been occurring. I loved following the clues alongside them, coming up with my own theories.


Oh my gosh, I loved the heck out of Sasha's and Kaden's story. Bind Me was captivating, with the mysterious element, threats of attacks, bounty hunting, and visions, all of it just drew me in. Plus, it was great catching up with a few familiar characters, and some new ones too. I have to give a shout-out to Chowder, the adorable otter (my favorite sea animal) who won my heart. I certainly will give more thought to the kind of stories with water elements from now on.
Profile Image for Taylor Loewe.
333 reviews15 followers
August 22, 2024
A standalone in a shared universe series. You don’t need to read any other books to understand this one, but there is a surprise harem that is seen again.

I love a fated mates, insta love book. The FMC in this book did have a harder time allowing herself to fall which is totally in line with her past. She allowed the relationship though so there isn’t much angst. The MMC is trying to uncover the truth behind his grandfather’s imprisonment that banished his entire lineage as well until the MMC was able to get approval to return home.

The desire to uncover the truth leads the couple down a dangerous path. Cant say much without ruining everything but I definitely recommend this book! A super great MF supernatural fated mates novel.

Can we all agree that Chowder was the best part? Without a doubt.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,136 reviews85 followers
August 14, 2024
This author is one I’ve read before, so I knew what I was getting when I read this latest by her. I really liked Sasha because she is someone who can definitely take care of herself, and yet she’s still someone who can be soft. I admit that I was not exactly fond of Kaden because he is a tad too pushy for me. That is a personal preference, though, not the fault of the author. Other than that, I enjoyed the romance, the suspense and everything in between. A well-written, enjoyable paranormal romance sure to please fans of both this author and the genre. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
August 16, 2024
The plot and the mystery and the romance kept me engrossed in this book, but it was Chowder that kept me reading and laughing to the very end. He was hands down the absolute best character in this story. Don’t get me wrong, I loved Kaden and Sasha. The chemistry between them fairly crackled off the page. It’s just that Chowder was so incredibly, amazingly over the top, and I desperately want one of him for my very own. It breaks my heart that I have to let go of him now that the book’s over.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for JackaayReadsallday .
768 reviews17 followers
September 6, 2024
This book was just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. I always love reading Mila’s work but this was fantastic and I think Chowder just made it that much better. Also, how cute is it that there are recipes at the end of the book. It’s the little details that matter and this author shines so bright in the supernatural romance world. The spice was fantastic, the action was nonstop and I loved how strong this FMC was. I will absolutely be reading it again soon.
Profile Image for Ashley Clark.
752 reviews19 followers
August 26, 2024
This book was about Sasha and Kaden. How they meet and how Sasha ended up exiled and made me feel captivated from the start. My favorite part was Sasha and Kaden meeting. My favorite character was Sasha because she’s sassy like me sometimes. I recommend this book for people who love men with tentacles and sassy FMC.
Profile Image for Jayd.
10 reviews2 followers
August 23, 2024
What a journey to be taken on with bounty hunting , fated mates, finding the real truth about the past and a little bit of smut

Also the playlist is a must listen and love that Mila went to the extra effort
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gabriela.
543 reviews15 followers
August 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book, Sasha and Kaden had me so engrossed in it and the storyline!! I don’t want to give any spoilers but I do recommend you read this book!
Profile Image for Naiomi Cox.
395 reviews32 followers
September 3, 2024
Paranormal Romance, violence, sirens, krakens, spicy, shape shifters, bounty hunters.

Mila has done it again. Mixing worlds really well as well as telling the story without going too far. Found this one hard to out down. Not to much spice but enough to keep you wondering.
1,255 reviews
August 25, 2025
This was the final audiobook in this 3rd season of the IVV shared world and I liked it but again wasn't my favorite in this series. I think for me I wasn't a fan of the audio as much, especially the female narrator. I think it was the same female narrator as the previous one which I didnt like either. The reason I went with 4 stars on this one was because I liked the FMC way more in this one than in Forbid Me (character and storyline).

I want a Kaden of my own BTW! He is so yummy and the narrator did a fabulous job creating this kraken and big possessive man who would do anything for his fated mate. I will I wasn't a fan of him making big decisions without talking to Sasha first, like moving her and Chowder in to his home. I liked Sasha giving it right back to him though, she was pretty feisty and a BA herself with her training and everything. I think their dynamic was fun, I just felt like I could have had another hour or so listening to see how they were at the end after the big ending and getting to see them in their forms together or whatever. I just felt like they finally got together and were on good terms then the back twist happened and he had to come save her and then yayyy and then quick epilogue haha.

In terms of the side characters, I loved Chowder but I hated the audio for him, it sounded so weird and off. Yes I know he shouldn't be able to speak anyway but it was weird how the was portrayed and the odd high pitched alien voice haha. I loved getting cameos from season 2 characters!! I mean it makes sense, it's the same author so they know their characters best and can interconnect the stories easily. I loved seeing those from Mark Me having their HEA and getting a check in with them. And the same antics from their story transcended this one with a certain griffin hahaha.

Storyline was pretty good, I liked the mermaid vs siren game (I laughed at how the narrators pronounced this haha). I felt so bad for Sasha in the beginning with how her mom became one and the other sirens in this story and their resolution or lack there of. I liked getting the little flashbacks from his grandfather so he could figure out what happened to his family and how they got thrown into Tartarus. I am interested what happened to Kaden's bestie haha, did he get his own story and fated mate? We got some more airtime with a certain Queen who we don't really like and a King from a different area who we do like haha.

I appreciate the chemistry in this one, I liked the pace and how things went for them was interesting. Seeing Kaden's more creature-like forms was different hahaha. I don't read a lot of books with tentacles/similar appendages so I was devouring this book when it got to the ways he used them with Sasha haha. I also loved the vulnerable moments and how he turned over every stone to figure out a way to save her and to get her back after bad things happen. I won't spoil it but Kaden has a short window to make everyone ok again, no pressure haha.

Overall narration was alright, about 3.5 stars from me. I loved the male narrator doing Kaden, I wasn't a huge fan of the female narrator doing Sasha (but way better than in Forbid Me!) and I wasn't feeling Chowder's speaking voice. I liked his personality though and his quirks the narrator did well. Storyline was more like a 4-4.5 star ratings, which is why I rounded this overall rating to a 4 stars. I am wondering what happened to the rest of the books though, I thought there were 2 more books in this series but can't find anything about them :(

🎧 Audiobook Obsession Reviewer - Flock Team 🎧
Profile Image for Courtney Delgado.
95 reviews6 followers
August 21, 2024
A Captivating Dive Back into the Immortal Vices & Virtues Universe

Mila Young’s latest installment in the Immortal Vices & Virtues series will enchant fans of paranormal romance with its blend of gritty drama and passionate storytelling. From the emotionally intense prologue, readers are plunged into a tale that is as intriguing as it is thrilling. I was locked in. However, prospective readers should be aware that the story opens with a distressing scene involving the death of the female protagonist’s family member, which might be unsettling for some. This raw beginning is one reason for my four-star rating, as it might not appeal to every reader. Additionally, the start bears a slight resemblance to Young's previous work, Mark Me, which could feel repetitive to fans of the series. Nonetheless, the serious tone is well-balanced, preventing the narrative from becoming overwhelmingly dark. Plus, Chowder, the endearing animal sidekick, is a delightful highlight, stealing the show.

While the story's fast pacing—necessary for a standalone novel—might impact the depth of character and relationship development, the plot remains engaging despite a few predictable elements. The novel features several compelling twists and turns, maintaining interest throughout. Bind Me successfully combines fantasy and mystery within its captivating narrative, making it a solid recommendation for readers seeking a quick, spicy adventure with a touch of grey rather than pure darkness.

The highlight reel:

🧜‍♀️Length: Novel

🦦Genre: Paranormal romance/dystopian fantasy – shifters, kraken, mermaids, sirens, magic, etc.

🐙POV: First person, alternating between the female & male main characters

🧜‍♀️Age: Adult

🦦Warnings: Language, violence/murder, details of death, torture, grief, death of a family member/parent, spice

🐙Spice: On page and tentacles...

🧜‍♀️Violence: There are some descriptive moments, while not a dark story overall, this could be triggering for some

🦦Editing: No glaring issues

🐙World: Post-supernatural-apocalypse Earth

🧜‍♀️Series: Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds (Season 3) - interconnected standalones

🦦Tropes: Fated mates, instalove, cute animal sidekick, morally grey characters

🐙Ending: It’s a wrap for these characters – standalone, complete novel

🧜‍♀️Reread? Probably
Profile Image for Leslie || original book nerd.
923 reviews43 followers
August 21, 2024
𝓑𝓲𝓷𝓭 𝓜𝓮 - 𝓘𝓶𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓪𝓵 𝓥𝓲𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓥𝓲𝓻𝓽𝓾𝓮𝓼: 𝓢𝓱𝓪𝓭𝓸𝔀 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓯𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓑𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓼 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 7 - 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀

Author: Mila Young

Couple: Sasha & Kaden

Tropes: magical society, dark curses, shifter romance, fated mates, instant hate-lust, fantasy romance, heroine in danger, mermaid x kraken, evil mother vibes

Review: Bind Me is the next book in the third year of Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds and I DEVOURED IT! Mila blew my mind with this book. Sasha was a fierce character and I loved every bit of her character. From the get-go she is a fierce FMC and the way she rebelled against her darker nature but also embraced her mercenary career path was a conundrum I loved diving deeper into.

Sasha’s book was more intense than previous books in this universe and can I just saw CHOWDER!! I LOVED that otter and he was the perfect addition to this book. The bond he and Sasha shared was adorable and yet very fulfilling since her was a beloved pet and bodyguard. I think I found their side chats to be one of my favorite parts of this book and I laughed at how Chowder saw right through her regarding Kaden. Sasha’s story is a complicated one and the way she battles over her mermaid and siren side was riveting. Mila was able to capture her turmoil perfectly and also provide just enough tension with her Siren mother returning to make this book hard to put down.

Kaden was a shock. There are no words to describe him perfectly yet his shifted form of a kraken fits him to a T. I enjoyed how he went all in once he realized she was his mate. I also found him to be maddening and yet I wanted him to win her over anyway. I did LOVE how him and Chowder bonded though…again that otter was my character in this book!

This book is HAWWT. Mila delivered on the angst, banter and tension in spades and these two were explosive. The battle of wills was epic since neither were good at ceding control. I also found that when everything came to a head with her mother that Kaden was exactly what Sasha needed! I enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next!

Rating: 4.5/5, Sasha and Kaden may take the cake on the best couple yet…especially with Chowder!

Thank you Mila & PaperMyths for the eARC copy!
Profile Image for Sandi.
692 reviews46 followers
August 19, 2024
4.25 stars! You really can’t go wrong with any of the Immortal Vices and Virtues books. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all. This time around we get something we haven’t gotten much of yet, water-based shifters. Sasha is a mermaid shifter, and Kaden…..well he’s something else entirely! Their relationship is sweet and spicy and has a touch of angst, and their story was definitely engrossing.

Kaden, freshly released from Tartarus, is searching for two things, his fated mate, and the individual responsible for sending his grandfather to Tartarus a millennia ago. As fortune has it, he finds his fated mate rather quickly, when Sasha shows up in Norway after a work mis-step gets her relocated. Meanwhile, Sasha, a bounty hunter by trade, is focused on redeeming herself with her employer, and the last thing she expects is to meet her fated mate. But it’s not so easy for her, because with her parents’ history, she is not sure that is something she wants. But Kaden is determined, and persistent, and slowly (but kind of quickly) starts to win her over.

This is a pretty medium to fast burn, with plenty of spice, and definitely a healthy dose of instalove. But at the same time, they find ways to get to know each other, because Kaden refuses to walk away from his fated mate, so he takes to a bit of wooing. There is also an adorable otter in a vest, adding in an unexpected cuteness factor. Oh, and did I mention the tentacles? Yeah.

The story kept me intrigued, with lots of interesting twists, flashes between the past and the present, and some surprising connective tissues. Overall, I very much enjoyed it, and the spice was definitely spicing, with some more unique scenarios, given the water based nature of the shifters. There were also some fun interconnected cameos from prior books, so if you’ve read them, that just adds to the enjoyment (if you haven’t, it doesn’t detract, they’re just characters we’ve met before). Definitely another great IVAV story, keep ‘em coming!
Profile Image for theappleisledreamer.
132 reviews57 followers
August 24, 2024
3.75⭐
3.5🌶️

What a great story, so many elements intertwined to create a full, well rounded storyline with great flow and likeable characters.
This was the first book from the Immortal Vices and Virtues series that I have read, and I can confirm that it can be read as a standalone without having read any of the previous novels.
The development of the relationship between Sasha and Kaden was wonderful. They were both very much individually minded at the beginning of the book, but as the story progressed, they slowly let their walls down and took the other person into consideration, developing a wonderful well-balanced relationship by the end.
The way Sasha's story was written, beginning with her childhood trauma, made her thought process and actions understandable throughout the book and allowed me as a reader to develop a connection with her as the FMC. You really felt her struggle to allow herself to get into a relationship, not necessarily for her own safety, but to prevent her future mate from suffering the same fate as her father.
Kaden as the tall, dark, handsome, moody alpha MMC was exactly what was needed to balance Sasha out, and his ego was suitably inflated to cushion the both of them at the beginning before it began to deflate.
The highlight of the book, for me, was 100% Chowder 🦦, any story that has a cute animal sidekick is a winner for me!
Will definitely be adding the author to my must reads list, and can highly recommend reading this book!

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Love at first sight, Fated mates, elemental magic, magical creatures, magical transformation, shapeshifters, magical creatures in the modern world, HEA, Cute animal sidekick

Triggers: Animal cruelty (only mentioned not described), Blood, Bodily fluids, Burning/burns, Child abuse (neglect), Death, Domestic abuse (parents), Drowning, Family conflict, Kidnapping.
Profile Image for Wandering Bear.
156 reviews8 followers
August 29, 2024
Bind Me by Mila Young is one of 9 standalones in the Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds world, and as always, she does not disappoint me.

In this instalment we have Sasha, a dual shifter, who is a fierce bounty hunter with a tragic past, and Kaden, an intensely possessive kracken shifter, who was born in the prison world of Tartarus - and wasn't he a lot of fun (IYKYK).

After being sent to Norway as punishment for rescuing animals who were about to perish during an illegal animal smuggling case, Sasha starts to investigate some Siren attacks, while Kaden has managed to leave Tartarus and is determined to find out why his grandfather was imprisoned there in the first place.

I absolutely loved the chemistry between the two of them, and his absolute determination to have his fated mate, even though she is reluctant.

And can we please have a standing ovation for Chowder! I want a Chowder! He is hands down the best animal sidekick ever, and I laughed so much when he was involved in the story. I simply adored him!

If you have read 'Mark Me' from the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Her Monstrous Mates world, you will also see some familiar names in Bind Me.

5 binding stars!

Tropes: fated mates, morally grey MMC, fierce FMC, paranormal, shifters, mermaids, wolves, kracken, sirens, conspiracies, mystery, action, he falls first, forced proximity, found family, generational memory, redemption of family name, standalone, dual POV, breeding, touch her and byebye, animal sidekick.

Triggers: violence, torture, death of parent (on page), animal testing (off page), abduction, family trauma
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,125 reviews
January 16, 2025
I knew this would be good, simply because Mila Young wrote it but wow—it was truly epic and exceeded all of my (very high) expectations.

While this isn’t a particularly dark read, it does get off to a very dark start—it’s so heart-wrenching and so beautifully portrayed all at the same time.

It’s written in alternating, first-person, POVs and hits a ton of fun tropes—they all seem to just naturally occur, which makes it even more fun.

I loved hating the villains, they were extra fun, and there is just so much going on here, I expect there’s truly something for everyone. Especially loved the crossover with King Caspian and his reign, as a massive Lexi C. Foss fan. These authors’ worlds mesh SO WELL together.

🌊 Mermaids and sirens.
🦑 FMC with trauma.
🦦Bounty-hunting.
🌊Shifters.
🦑 Set in Iceland.
🦦 Tentacles 😈.
🌊 Partially set under water.
🦑 Partially set in Tartarus.
🦦 Excellent world-building.
🌊 Dystopian.
🦑 Mysteries.
🦦 “Touch her and d!e” hero.
🌊 The most adorable otter friend you’ll ever ‘meet’, I promise.
🦑 Fated mates.
🦦 Wrongfully accused..
🌊 Royalty.


Overall:
This gripped me off the bat and held onto me tightly throughout—in fact, I don’t think it’s let go of me even now that I’ve finished. This one will live rent-free in my head for a long time and is definitely re-read worthy.

4 stars.


🎧 Audio:
Very smooth production overall, flawless sound quality and amazing cast. The 2 narrators pretty much made it sound like a full-cast production. I did struggle to understand some of Chowder’s parts, but at the same time, appreciated the excellent voice acting. 5 stars. 🦩
Profile Image for Victoria.
600 reviews14 followers
August 16, 2024
Oh, this was a rollercoaster, so good!
Straight from the get-go, we got sucked into the action and the story.

Worldbuilding is great! Of course, we already know and love the world (and we visit Billie and her three mates from 'Mark Me' *happy dance*), but through flashbacks, we get more information about what's going on, which keeps the story going at a high pace. I loved the mystery and how Sasha and Kaden's goals came together.

As for the characters, Sasha and Kaden are one of my favorite couples in the series. Yes, they feel the instant attraction, and Kaden is all for it, but he also respects Sasha's reluctance and her need to take it slow(er). Sasha has good reasons why she doesn't want to fully commit, no matter how much Kaden is getting under her skin. He doesn't always listen, but he cares and is there for her. They are so awesome together and well, throw in Chowder and omg... the best! He's the cutest, funniest, bestest sidekick EVER!

The romance... is sizzling :D As I've said, Kaden is hellbent on making Sasha his and keeping her, and he will do everything he can to achieve that.

I read the book in one sitting. It kept me on my toes throughout. I just wanted to know more and read more about the cute Chowder (he truly stole the show now and then!).
I voluntarily read this installment, and all I can say is that I love this series!
I can't wait to read Asher's story next!
Profile Image for Kendra Klapheke.
74 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2024
Oh My Chowder!

You must read this book! I am obsessed with Chowder! Bind Me, we get to dive into the story of Sasha and Kaden. Both haunted by the past of their families. It is obvious in their characters how it affected them. I did find it hilarious how they first meet, face to upside down face. You could say she fell into his trap.

Sasha kept pushing against the mate bond, while Kaden was desperate for it, for her. It was so frustrating with the push and pull between them, but I could not get enough of them and well neither could they. Add in Chowder and this book really came to life. He was so adorable and brought comedic relief throughout the book. Oh, and I really want to live in Kaden’s mansion, it sounds beyond amazing.

There were a couple times in this book, I pumped the sky feeling vindicated I was right on a couple of my theories. One thing that drove me crazy though. They mentioned Kaden’s tattoos a few times in the book but never told us what they were, just where on his body. Not the end of the world, just a little niggle in my brain that I still do not know. The end of the book was an absolute awe fest, and I loved it. Only one more thing would have made it an epic awe fest. I do not want to give anything away; you will just have to read for yourself to find out. You will not regret it.

Oh, and one more thing. Billie and her fated mates, Tallis, Khaos, and Eryx from Mark Me, make an appearance in the story. Plus, two new additions. Little cuties!
Profile Image for jennifer morton.
320 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2024
Mila always has this wonderful way of drawing your attention straight into a fantasy full of magical creatures. With a mystery that needs to be solved and a fate that will lead Sasha to her fated mate
Kaden. Sasha was such an amazing character and I loved how strong she was even though she's not had it easy in life and then we see this lovable side after she's sent to Reykjavik, iceland on a new mission after rescuing Chowder who was such a cute and funny little otter who adored sasha and went everywhere with her. The story was action-packed, and I loved her reaction when she found her fated mate. Kaden, who's all powerfully and has come from Tartarus to find his fated mare. He has these visions that will help along the way. I loved his sense of humour, and i loved how he called her his little mermaid. The chemistry was off the charts and a bit naughty, and I literally couldn't put this story down. And I loved how bright their love shone between each other. Loved the guest appearance with Billie and her mates with even one in particular, showing Chowder what it's like to fly, which was so funny. But every story has a villain, and i really didn’t like that Lilia. There was something funny with her. So I'm glad what happened. And i have to say I was a bit worried at first, but I'm glad things turned out ok. Then you give us the most happiest ending that i just loved with a swoon worthy and such a great end to the story.
517 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2024
Bind Me by Mila Young is a fantasy romance with lots of mystery. Sasha is a mermaid bond, and that is sent to Norway for punishment. However, in Norway, she meets Kaden, a kraken that has escaped from Tartarus to find his fated mate and try to discover who set up his grandfather and cursed his family line to Tarturus. Can the two work together and help each other or will be each others demise.
The world-building is amazing with a complete alternate reality with magic and supernatural creatures. I loved the characters. Shasha is such a badass but also has a soft spot for the ones she loves, like Chowder( her otter) and Billie (her BFF). Kaden has major alpha vibes but is completely sweet to Sasha. There are quite a few mysteries throughout the story, leading to plenty of adventure needed to solve them. A good amount of steam between Sasha and Kaden that was oh so perfect.
If you enjoy stories of fated mates, shifters, found family, fantasy romance, and plenty of spice, then Bind Me is a must-read for you. It is a standalone, but there are a few appearances from another book called Mark Me, part of the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Her Monstrous Mates. This book is part of the Immortal Vices and Virtues: Shadow Shifter Bonds series. So you have plenty of other choice to read one you finish with Bind Me.
Profile Image for Caylee T..
976 reviews13 followers
August 21, 2024
Oh my gosh....Sasha & Kaden's story was so dang good!

Sasha has a very history with her mermaid side. Her mother doing horrible, unthinkable things to her father when she transformed from a mermaid to a siren. This has always haunted Sasha leaving her with the need to help those in need & bring those who have done bad things to justice.

When a mission goes south, she is sent off to Norway as her punishment. There she is immediately put on another mission but comes across someone else who she can't seem to keep from her mind, leaving her distracted about her new job. Thankfully she has her trusty otter sidekick, Chowder, to keep up with the cute & funny antics.

Kaden has just been released from Tartarus after being there his whole life for a crime his grandfather committed. Upon release, he is determined to find his fated mate so she can help with his control of his Kraken. When he stumbles upon Sasha, he knows she is the one meant for him.

When Kaden finally confronts Sasha, their immediate connection is palpable & despite her trying to ignore it, it's inevitable & they start to really trust one another.

They end up looking more into Kaden's grandfather's past & how he ended up in prison & soon finds out that it is much darker then either anticipated. When it all comes to a head at the end of the book, Kaden ends up saving Sasha from becoming a siren & they release the other sirens who were affected.

The ending was super sweet as well, apart from the rescue mission, but also seeing both of them get their happy endings they so deserve made me smile uncontrollably. Plus when you throw in Chowder, you can't help but smile.

Their epilogue was so dang sweet too & a part of me wishes I could see more of their future as well because yeah babies lol.

Such a good book & so dang worth it!

Amazing job!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
549 reviews5 followers
August 19, 2024
Bind Me - Immortal Vices & Virtues - Shadow Shifter Bonds
Mila Young

It’s been a minute kids! But we’re back with another banger from Mila Young.


I am thankful to be on the ARC team cause I get a sneaky peak before everyone else but it does mean I can rave about how good the series is and not a lie passes my lips because I have not read a bad one from this series and I’ve been on board since series 1, book one baybeeeee!

I say this in every review (cause I care for you and don’t want you to miss anything, with the IVV world) here we have a series of books that link in together but can be read as standalone books but better read in order so you get the in jokes, references and glimpses of past or future main characters!

SOUNDTRACK WE HAVE A SOUNDTRACK!!
Sound track is on let’s start reading!

I can say, the soundtrack is on point.

The book was a great read! I read it over two sittings.
I love Chowder I think he is the secret star of this story!

Nice to check in on Billie et al too! Always nice to see Eyrx’s Griffin!

There was a lot of emotions in this book, I liked how the author dealt with them in realistic ways too.

Another great instalment of this series.

Oh and the recipes…! Yes girl!

5⭐️

Profile Image for Christine Rains.
Author 57 books245 followers
August 19, 2024
Sasha is sent away from her home in South Africa to Norway because her partner messed up a bust and blamed it on her. She's determined to make the best of it until a tall, dark, and handsome kraken shifter comes into her life. Kaden recently escaped Tartarus and is searching for whomever set up his grandfather all those centuries ago. What he doesn't expect to find is a beautiful mermaid and have her steal his heart. Yet when her case and his past tangle together, it could mean death for the both of them.

This amazing romantasy is one of my favorites from Mila Young. Sasha is not only super capable on the job, she has a huge heart. She saves a sea otter who had been experimented on from an explosion, and Chowder becomes like family to her. Chowder is cute and hilarious! Kaden is sizzling and a rare powerful kraken with a dark family history. The tension between him and Sasha is tight, and their hot scenes left me needing to be dunked in the cold northern sea. Their fates were tied together before they were even born, and I loved the way the plots came together in such a wonderful way.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
185 reviews3 followers
August 24, 2024
Who knew tentacles could be so....🥵

Sasha is a mermaid shifter who experienced a very very traumatic event in her childhood. As a result, she has sworn off relationships and puts all her focus into her job, which being a bounty hunter for the supernatural. Due to "allowing" a target to escape and choosing the life of a magically altered, chatty otter, Sasha is demoted and sent to a different kingdom. Unbeknownst to her, she is thrust into a new set of problems, one involving a mother she thought lost, and morally dark gray shifter who is claiming her as his own.

Kaden is a Kraken shifter who has a familial curse placed on his bloodline, which resulted in him being born in a prison world for shifters. He escapes (though he sees it another way) with a fellow inmate in hopes to find out the truth behind his family's curse and to find his fated mate.
As you can imagine, growing up in a prison leaves him morally ambiguous and has no problem getting what he wants and protecting those he deems as his, in anyway.

Spicy: 3/5 (Seriously, tentacles)

MF

Triggers: Parental murder, light kidnapping, attempted assault (not *ape), and maybe a few others.

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