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All her life, Jasmine has dreamed about a life found only in the yellowed pages of old books in her home on New Eden, a settlement on the brink of extinction until help arrived in the form of a starship crewed with cyborgs.

A forgotten planet five stops past the edge of nowhere would have been the perfect place to start his life over, if the cyborg designated SP29 could be the emotionless machine he sometimes wishes he could be. Caught between his feelings for Jasmine and fellow cyborg, Darius, with whom he spent one unforgettable night a long time ago, he doesn’t want to choose between them.

But Jasmine and Darius have other ideas about how to make a relationship work, so no one has to be excluded.

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

3 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Jessica Marting

37 books39 followers
Jessica Marting is a sci-fi and paranormal romance author, art enthusiast (not quite an artist, despite all that time in art school), an avid reader, and makeup collector. She lives in Toronto.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Janis.
567 reviews12 followers
June 5, 2024
This is an 18+ themed book with themes of explicit sex involving multiple partners at the same time. This could be triggering for some readers. If this is you, do not read this book.

This book is the second in the series and the characters are well established, allowing the plot to flow easily. This also, gives the writer the opportunity to introduce two new mysteries - one concerning the cyborg crews past and the other surrounding the original New Eden settlers, who were they really?! Just as things begin to settle down and everyone starts to find their domestic groove, a new race shows up- what are their intentions? This second in the series is a HEA but it does end in a cliff hanger. Again if that’s not your thing, don’t buy the book. I’m looking forward to book three and to seeing who will be the next New Eden couple.

I received an advanced review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,302 reviews207 followers
May 5, 2024
BONDED is the second instalment in Jessica Marting’s contemporary, adult NEW EDEN erotic, sci-fi, fantasy series. This is Darius, Jasmine and Simon’s story line, BONDED can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading book one CONTACT for back story and cohesion.

SOME BACKGROUND: Approximately two years earlier, a devastating earthquake destroyed most of New Eden, and in doing so, killed all but twenty-one of the original inhabitants. Desperate for help, Hanna Forsyth sent out an SOS, and was shocked when a ship and its’ crew of cyborgs arrives, searching for a new home since an ion storm wiped out the planet where they had been living.

Told from three omniscient third person perspectives (Darius, Simon, Jasmine) BONDED follows in the wake of Jasmine’s first flight into space with cyborgs Simon (SP29 aka Samuel), and Darius (DL16). The people of New Eden are desperate for supplies, and Simon and Darius volunteered to journey to the nearest space station in an effort to obtain some of what New Eden needed but Darius and Simon never expected a stowaway, of a sort, in the guise of human female Jasmine, the woman with whom both Darius and Simon would fall in love. As the trio ventured on a journey towards retrieval, they would discover their mutual attraction to one another, an attraction already predicated upon Simon and Darius’ previous dalliance aka one-night stand. What ensues is the building relationship between Simon, Darius and Jasmine, as our threesome entertain thoughts of the future, and the unknown.

The world building continues to focus on the breakdown and rebuild of New Eden-the infrastructure, the people, the lack of supplies, as the sole remaining twenty-one original inhabitants struggle to survive. The secrets from the past reveal a potential betrayal for not only New Eden but the Cyborgs as well.

The relationship between Darius, Simon and Jasmine is one of mutual attraction. Darius and Simon’s original friendship aka relationship has stalled in the wake of their arrival on New Eden but with collective interest in our story line heroine, Darius and Simon offer a new potential for a future with Jasmine, and their new home. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

Once again, we are reintroduced to Hannah and Rhys (Contact), as well as Rodelle, Ollie, and the new arrivals known as Si’laar.

BONDED is a story of wonder and imagination, friendships, relationships, acceptance and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is intriguing and entertaining; the characters are interesting and charismatic; the romance is seductive and fated. BONDED ends on a bit of a cliff hanger.

copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Shelley G.
871 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2025
wonderful story of love and acceptance of relationships that might not be the norm to most ppl but are still worth sharing and accepting. darius and simon are clones that land on a dying dystopian plant seeking a new home and meet jasmine one of the few survivors on New Eden. together they are trying to build a new life along with the rest of the clones on their ship all men and the survivors of new eden who have no technology or way to care for themselves and were in very bad shape when the ship arrived after picking up a distress message.

darius and simon had feelings for each other they explored once but when they both meet jasmine they each also have feelings for her and don't know jasmine also likes both of them as well. but no body shares their feelings so they each separately do not know how they can have what they want without hurting one of the others. they don't want to have to choice between anyone. they also deal with feelings of not being accepted by the others they live with due to a relationship of 3 being not accepted as normal so they hide their feelings from each other unsure on what to do or how to handle things. as time wears on and feelings deepen esp as they are all working together then end up going off world together on the ship things become more complicated as each struggles to find their way in how to handle the complication of their feelings.

wonderfully written to handle a relationship that is outside the acceptable norms of the society they live in and the emotional toll not being honest and sharing your feelings, wants and desires takes on ppl trying to hide behind convention and societal standards. richly developed characters and incredible world building. wonderful supporting characters to the mains as well. the author brings the world to life thru words so you can imagine yourself living and working right there with the characters.
I received an arc copy and this is my honest voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Moonburst.
434 reviews7 followers
May 7, 2024
Confused by his attraction to both Jasmine and fellow cyborg Darius, SP29 capitalizes on the chance to make a much needed supply run to get some time to himself. Unfortunately both Jasmine and Darius insist on joining SP29 on his outing, and they aren't content to leave him alone with his thoughts. Is there a way for the three of them to make a relationship work without someone being hurt?

SP29 is prone to being dramatic as he angsts about his circumstances. He struggles with the knowledge that his progenitor was a very greedy, bad man and wants to distance himself from his origins. He is also unsure how to move forward when he wants both Jasmine and Darius. By comparison, Darius is more relaxed about the situation, and is more than willing to engage in light manipulation to encourage the three of them into a relationship. His dominant but casual nature evens out SP29's drama and Jasmine's emotional needs. Jasmine does a good job confronting SP29 on his cold and contradictory behavior towards her. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to insist on open communication. Overall, the somewhat awkward development of relationship between the three of them is relatable and fun to experience.

Bonded takes place almost immediately after the conclusion of Contact, and will be much more appreciated if Contact is read first. As a short story, Bonded is mostly about the romantic elements, though some major developments about the past of New Eden and the cyborgs do occur. A fun, short continuation of the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
April 30, 2024
Bonded is a sci-fi futuristic romance by Jessica Marting and is the second book in the New Eden series.

The series is set in a future where humans have settled an outpost planet called New Eden. A few generations later the children of the original settlers are living a tough, frontier like life - and part of the plot is unfolding the why and how of that. When the humans sent out an SOS, it was answered by a ship of cyborg clones, each clone a new number of the original human with mechanical components.

Now the humans and the cyborgs are finding romance as they begin to repair New Haven, unravel the secrets of the human settlers and the original clones from over a hundred years ago.

I enjoyed cyborgs SP29 (he does name himself later and gives reasons) and Darius learn to deal with emotions. It's almost reminds me of Data from Star Trek The Next Generation (who I love). Of course, when you have two clearly bisexual cyborgs confused and worried that they have to choose between each other or the human female is entertaining. Julia, the human female from New Haven has a similar dilemma except that her dilemma is the two male cyborgs. I really enjoyed exploring the universe through Julia's eyes, while getting the emotions from all three characters.

There's some interesting things happening on New Eden and I look forward to reading more from this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,006 reviews30 followers
May 2, 2024
Jasmine, the female human lead, is one of the remnant of a colony that was settled with the theoretical intent of being low tech. The planet they’re on is earthquake prone and literally shaking their world apart. She’s been surviving by being upbeat and optimistic but also leaped at the first chance to explore off planet with the cyborgs who answered a mayday call from another colonist. She also thought Simon, one of the male cyborg leads, was interested in more than friendship.

Simon and Darius, the second male cyborg lead, were created in vats on a spaceship and do not know their own history. They only know that their predecessors explicitly destroyed all that information. They also know their interpersonal and interrelationship skills are lacking and Simon pulled away after one night because he was afraid.

Now the three of them need to work out if they can manage a relationship together. No one wants to choose but no one knows how to make a relationship work either…

This novella is dual POV, and a simple character driven sci fi ménage romance. I enjoyed watching the characters move from stumbling around each other to becoming comfortable and confident in their relationship.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,646 reviews15 followers
August 21, 2024
Standalone sequel in New Eden saga
As with the last book which gave us a hint of this book, the end of this book hints at the next book. I hope it comes out soon because I cannot wait to find out what they found! This book is about the fledgling relationship among Jasmine a New Edener; SP29 cyborg clone who has chosen the name Simon; and his co-cyborg and one-time lover formerly DL16 and now Darius. After receiving the SOS signal from New Eden, the cyborg/humanoids have helped reconstruct New Eden after a catastrophic earthquake that killed most of New Eden’s population. Unfortunately, due to their primitive ways the population was dying off anyway.
This book was intriguing, steamy and touching in places. I wish there had been anything remotely approaching MMF in this book. It is obvious however that there are feelings between Simon and Darius with touches and looks. They both love Jasmine. I believe the next book will be about Jasmine’s good friend Rodelle and Brandon who is much younger in body but is the 16th iteration (clone) of his “original” who had the initials of Brayden Emerson. Brandon did not like the name Brayden. In his mind Brandon could be 100yo! So looking forward to reading that book. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
Profile Image for Anushka Bagde.
232 reviews2 followers
July 18, 2024
I really liked this book, it was a nice dystopian storyline, with a bit of a mystery in it. I liked the characters, their growth through the book and watching them fall in love. I liked Jasmine as she had an energy about her that was easy to like and her personality was warm and caring, plus she's an avid lover of books and sewing, which are two of my favorite things. Darius was the comic relief, always making them smile and lightening the mood. Simon was half grumpy half sweet and it was nice to see both sides of him melt as the people he loved fell in love with him and each other. I liked seeing that part of Simon, always making sure Jasmine felt safe, comforting her when she was in the room. I liked seeing Hannah and Rhys's relationship play in this as well, and seeing the hints of one for Rodelle and Brandon. I really hope there'll be a third book because this one ends on a big cliffhanger! Looking forward to more books from this author!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Susan Klipp.
463 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2024
This is the second book in the New Eden series and the first one I've read. It did just fine as a standalone, but I definitely can see the benefits of reading Contact first.

The story is told from all three main characters point of view, Simon, Darius, and Jasmine. There is some previous history between Simon/SP29 and Darius although the two are not a couple at the beginning of the story.

The spice was nice without being over the top. I enjoyed the friendship between Jasmine and her two friends, Hannah and Rodelle. I caught on to the overarching story quickly and found it to be pretty interesting. It was my favorite part of the story in all it's mystery and intrigue.

I loved the low-angst. Overall, I just couldn't fall into these three characters. I'm 99.4% sure it's all me though. I think I'll go back and read Contact and then check out the next installment.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Bee.
426 reviews6 followers
April 30, 2024
Loved Darius, Simon, and Jasmine’s story. Started off as a teasing slow burn. But, once they decided to commit, I loved how the author brought a sensitivity and humanity to their budding relationship. Oh, and the spicy parts were pretty spicy. Loved these characters and their HEA.

This series is addictive. It reads more like a Netflix miniseries where each episode ends in a cliffhanger and you can’t wait to watch the next episode to see what happens next. So far, each story has ended with an HEA, but there is an overarching mystery that need to be solved and I can’t wait to find out what it is. 🤗

I think Hannah and Jasmine’s friend, Rodelle, gets her story told next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,257 reviews71 followers
May 22, 2024
This was a fab follow up to book one and continues seamlessly from where it left off. This story is about Simon, Darius and Jasmine. These three have fab chemistry but heading into a relationship is very much an unknown for all of them and it takes work and communication to sort things out. Of course, we move further along in the overarching plot but I love that we get an HEA at the end of this book. There is mystery, the rebuilding of New Eden, supply issues, steamy romance and so much more. I read this in one sitting, so you know it's engaging, interesting and exciting ;D I really am looking forward to the next book to see what else we learn - and what else crops up ;) Good fun!
205 reviews
May 27, 2024
A well balanced thruple

Jessica has done a great job balancing the relationship in this story. It can be tricky to balance a thruple, and she’s done that well in Bonded. There are a few spots where it was tricky to remember who’s POV we are viewing the story from, and that POV seems to swap around unexpectedly at times. This was compounded by the guys’ personalities and headspaces being similar.
This is a very enjoyable story, with no major ups or downs, during which the overall plot arc moves forward a bit - although not quite as or when expected.
I continue to look forward to reading more in this world and seeing where the overall arc leads us.

Full disclosure: I was given an ARC of the book, however this review is my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for Anij.
1,330 reviews12 followers
June 16, 2024
"I care about you and Jasmine in ways I've never felt before..."

Let me say upfront that while this can technically be read without reading Contact I strongly discourage it. There is too much about the background of both the cyborgs and the New Edeners as well as their introduction that just isn't covered in Bonded and I believe if I hadn't read Contact first I would have been lost and confused.

We knew Simon and Jasmine were both torn due to the fact that they had feelings not just for each other but also Darius. This book basically picks up where the epilogue in Contact left us and moves forward. In addition to the growing relationship between the three of them there is also a lot of plot about the changes going on on the planet.

I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I did Contact. I felt the connection between the three main characters wasn't as close and their story was short of true emotions. The writing itself seemed stiffer and didn't flow as naturally as the first book did. Not that it's a bad book, it's just not as good

One final warning, while the trio fall in love its more HFN than HEA and felt very rushed. Plus the end of the book has a huge, unexpected development followed by a giant series cliffhanger. I don't mind teasing or introducing the next book in a series but I like to have the current story get true closure which I feel was lacking here. Still, I liked it enough that I will probably read the next book. I just hope it manages to recapture some of the magic the first book had. Three and a half stars I rounded up because it didn't seem right to go down.
Profile Image for DENICE.
1,385 reviews5 followers
November 20, 2024
SP29 (SIMON), DL16 (DARIUS), AND JASMINE

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

This story is a menage-a-trois that begins with jealousy and denial. Jasmine, Simon, and Darius are in love with each other and won’t admit it. It takes a trip through space and some indulgences that finally get them together on a world with no eligible men of age for the young women on a planet where everyone is dying and there aren’t many people left until the twenty cyborgs show up. This story tells how things begin to look up and progress as the cyborgs help the people and find a home for themselves. A very gripping story of a woman and two cyborgs finding themselves where society is at its lowest.
Profile Image for Lea Gesser.
313 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
Bounded/New Eden, book 2. The story continues. Now about Simon, Darius and Jasmine. Their relationship is something different and also a step into the unknown for them. Developments are now moving quickly on New Eden, especially now that the cyborgs are helping. Rodelle's character is also given some depth. I am very curious about its history. This book is exciting, you just want to know what is going to happen, so it is not easy to put down. Content is well described and the tension is also well increased. Another earthquake occurs and there is also a trek to the caves. And new settlers on Nw Eden. Well written, easy to read, good characters, so I really recommend this book for SF fans
143 reviews
May 30, 2024
The second book in the New Eden series follows Jasmine and androids Simon & Darius as they navigate their feelings for each other. Simon especially feels guilty for liking Jasmine since he initially sparked interest in Darius. Although Simon is anxious and unsure about things, Jasmine and Darius have quite spunky personalities and get on very well with each other.

It's a slow burn romance with little drama until the final pages, which end on a big cliff-hanger. The introduction of new mysterious settlers to the planet brings new interest to the series, and I'm looking forward to unravelling it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
379 reviews
June 1, 2024
This throuple does get their HEA but as my headline implies there is a cliffhanger for the whole story arc. Simon has been confused by his feelings for both Darius and Jasmine. Darius, being the extreme extrovert that he is, says "why choose?" The book begins kind of slowly in developing their relationship and as Jasmine's first journey away from New Eden. It does pick up once they return and then it seems to fly into the cliffhanger. I felt like I was on a rollercoaster that isn't quite long enough!!!! I can't wait for Rodelle's story. So much is promise for the inhabitants of New Eden.
I received a review copy for free. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for Sandra Sanches.
688 reviews21 followers
April 30, 2024
The story follows the same lines of Contact,the first book of the series, cyborgs and humans trying to adapt and thrive in New Eden.
A new bond surges between Jessica, Darius and Simon after struggling to accept their feelings.
To spice the tale,secrets ,misteries and a travel to the unknown in the North.And new aliens that arrive......
I'm very curious to know what's going to happen,the author left hints in the air and secrets to unravel!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for JoAnn W..
163 reviews4 followers
May 8, 2024
I had the pleasure of reading "Bonded" by Jessica Marting, just after finishing up with New Eden book one. This story follows the inhabitants of New Eden, particularly the story of Darius, Jasmine and Simon. I really enjoyed the writing style. The plot was easy to follow and I was hooked instantly. The world building is extensive and easily imaginable! Now this is a MMF book and the pairing and relationship was actually very well written and imaginable. I can't wait to continue this series and read more of the stories of New Eden. 
613 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2024
An interesting sequel to New Eden's first book Contact with more clues about both societies' histories while they both learn to live and work together. It also has an ending that suggests more stories to come. I look forward to them.

I'm not a huge romance fan so some of the intense sex scenes were not my cup of tea but that is just my personal preference and didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5,940 reviews30 followers
May 28, 2024
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This was a slow heat mmf, They are in the spaceship on their way home to New Eden, Simon and Darius are cyborgs, Simon has feelings for Darius since they were born, Jasmine likes Simon she has had him sleeping on her couch, it was on the spaceship when Simon comes clean about having feelings for Darius and Jasmin, will they workout what happens between them.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Beata Beatrix.
444 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2024
Low angst, cozy, cyborg menage story.

🔸️For all readers who are looking for romance in which most of the plot concentrates around figuring out characters emotions and how MMF relationships works.

🔸️Spice is very consensual, involves all 3 characters.

🔸️ Decent world building.

🔸️ Writing style is not my cup of tea, but for sure will find many fans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Leanne Bryson.
5,204 reviews22 followers
May 30, 2024
Disappointing.... As much as I loved book 1, I was disappointed with this one. I just didn't connect with these 3 characters and there are times this book drags. The sizzle between cyborgs Darius, Simon, and human Jasmine is hot, but there was something missing in this book that wasn't missing from book1. I am definitely interested in Book 3 and look forward to that book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jeanéva Christie.
Author 2 books111 followers
June 3, 2024
When one is enough, two are perfect.
Jasmine never expected to have one boyfriend, let alone two. But as luck would have it, she is one lucky woman to attract two men. Not only do they want her, but they want each other too. Simon and Darius are absolutely perfect for her. While they are busy discovering each other, New Eden and the cyborgs are finding out more about their predecessors. Prepare yourself for the unexpected.
6,168 reviews58 followers
June 17, 2024
I read Bonded right after the first book Contact New Eden. The story is about Jasmine, Simon, and Darius. Simon has strong feelings for Darius, as they were both born at the same time. Simon not only wants Darius but he also wants Jasmine. Darius says, "Why choose." I like his attitude. The story ends up ending with a cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
77 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2024
Loving these sweet books and even more the larger story and mystery of the New Edeners and their cyborg pals. I really like the rebuild society aspect so would've enjoyed even more, there was less than Hannah's book but understandably. Can't wait for the next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,232 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2024
Bonded is the second book in the New Eden series. I hadn't read the first book because Jessica Marting is a new to me author. But I am glad that I chose this book. It's a SiFi romance between a human woman and two cyborgs. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Janet.
1,991 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2024
I do hate cliffhangers. They just STOP in the middle of something. Well all is going good with Jasmine, Darius, AND Simon. Now we have something else happening. Good story. I have enjoyed it very much. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Angelica.
142 reviews
September 27, 2024
ARC review leaving as my own opinion.

Jessica done us good with the next book in the series!! I think I loved this one even more than the last one. Excellent plot and story line with a few twists and turns. Mucho spicy enjoyed that! Good balance between spice and plot.
Finished it and went I NEED THE THIRD BOOK STAT.
73 reviews
May 23, 2024
I didnt realize it was gonna be a cliffhanger type of ending that was disappointing but enjoy the main characters and the relationship between them. As well as the detailed description ofhe scene. It was good enough to visualize it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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