Eric Beautiful, enigmatic, and timeless. From the moment I laid my eyes on him, I knew he was my soulmate. But as my guardian and protector, he seems oblivious to my love.
Bhas I could not let myself love him and he ran away. Now that he’s come back to me, will I have courage to hold onto my love?
Danger follows us as we embark on an adventurous journey to the past to help our friends. As we fight the darkness, will there be enough time for us to align our two souls?
This is part 2 of the series set in the universe of Tasier, a secret organization of people with supernatural abilities. Can be read standalone, but some of the background story about Tasier would be better understood if read in sequence.
Arian lives in the nostalgic rainy city of Seattle in the Pacific Northwest of the US with their loving partner, five adorable stuffed penguins, all with their own proper names, and one imaginary Maine Coon cat.
They began writing romance novels in high school primarily to entertain their romance reading buddies, but it soon became their hobby and passion. They've just never been confident enough until later in their life to put themself out there.
They love to live in their own head and vicariously experience the lives of their characters. How else would they be able to live half a dozen lives at once?
They're grateful for their caring partner who’s been nothing but encouraging despite them spending hours inside their head.
Souls Aligned is the second book in the Tasier series. This book can be read standalone, but some of the background story about Tasier would be better understood if read in series order. This is Eric and Bhas' story. I loved getting to know more about Eric and his snarky and witty sunshiney personality. Bhas just irritated me even though I could see he had his reasons for being like he was. This book was just an amazing story. I can't wait for the next one in the series because I am really enjoying this story arc and world that Arian Williams has created. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
This book is the second in the series, and for context on previous events, the characters themselves, and the universe the characters inhabit (Humans with powers. Other beings, not human, also with powers. Intrigues and shadowy organizations and complicated relationship dynamics, oh my) it definitely helps to start with the first book. This one continues the overall plot arc, but also focuses on the relationship dynamic between Eric and his erstwhile guardian Bhas. Eric has been in love with Bhas for ages, but Bhas has them stuck in a “will they/ won’t they” holding pattern that Eric just can’t seem to break through. Quite a lot of angst results from Bhas’ decision, and while he has reasons for his choices-- traumatic events in his own history, the significant age gap between the two of them, secrets about his own place in the world they both inhabit-- it was hard not to share Eric’s confusion and frustration with his choices. I’m not a fan of characters who unilaterally make decisions for people they’re supposed to care for, and my irritation with Bhas over that was hard to get past sometimes, even with the mitigating factors. The angst is real, and prolonged, so when the chance comes for them to move past it, finally, it’s a welcome relief, but also, unfortunately, complicated by those pesky larger plot events. The “finally get together” parts of their relationship are all filtered through various states of emergency, and because of this, felt a bit more rushed than the parts where they’re constantly pining. The ending in particular felt a bit abrupt: while Eric and Bhas seem to be in a good place, relationship wise, it also still feels a bit nebulous-- the larger story clearly has further to go, and since so much has been happening with rescues and plots and navigating the fabric of time over the course of this installment, our two protagonists don’t quite get to have all the moments of emotional catharsis and bonding I’d have liked to see. Overall, however, this book is another really engrossing installment in a truly interesting series.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second in the Tasier series, I'd highly recommend you read the first one before this as it will set up everything nicely and you'll get so much more from this book if you read the first one.
I really liked the first book, but I think I liked this one more. I wasn't sure about Eric in the first book but getting to know him here, I really liked him. I liked his snark, his wit and mostly positive attitude despite his loveless childhood. I was so rooting for him to find his HEA and I'm glad he did. He and Bhas were so great together, I don't think I've read anything with quite such a big age gap ( not really a spoiler ;) ) and my heart really broke for Eric more than once during this. The author really put poor Eric through the wringer here.
I loved finding out more about Tasier, and did not see that reveal about Bhas and the others coming, I was a little blindsided by it in the very best way. It opens up a whole realm of possibilities and I'm here for it.
I loved that this was a direct continuation of the first book, seeing Joon, Trey, Ash, Sett, Nial and Naz again was great, and seeing how Joon continues to grow in confidence and with his powers too, that's what I wanted for Joon in the first book.
This is Eric and Bhas' story, though. I loved them together, they were the perfect foil for each other once Bhas opened himself to the possibility of actually being able to be with Eric. Eric coming to terms with his powers and growing them too and helping not only Bhas, but others too is the perfect growth for Eric and him coming to terms with his powers.
I loved this book, but can you say cliffhanger? I need more, NOW. (Thankfully I don't have long to wait for the next one!)
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
This is an excellent follow up to the first instalment in the series. In Dream Bound Arian introduced us to a fascinating world full of mystery, special abilities and complex characters. Souls Aligned expands on that world giving us even more reasons to immerse ourselves in it and root for the Tasier gang.
The main characters in this instalment are Eric and Bhas - a duo with a complicated past and unresolved feelings. What’s really great is that we are being sucked right back into the events of the first book, but the author found a perfect balance, where neither it nor the romance take a back seat. The chemistry between E and B is palpable and real. Yet there is so much more to it, they have to put in the work to have a chance for their happily ever after.
The world of the Tasier organisation and its members is very detailed and thought through with many mysteries to come, yet being already so full of action. We also get to spend a lot of time with the other members of Tasier, they aren’t just filler characters, they all have their role in the story. Definitely prepare yourself for a wild ride that will span multiple millennia and will have you perched right at the edge of your seat.
If you’ve enjoyed Dream Bound you’re sure to love this book too. It is a bit faster-paced which was my only problem with the first book in the series. If you’re new here however I’d suggest starting at the beginning, the story is so much better if read in order. Don’t forget about the free short story too, it is as enjoyable and sheds a bit more light on the Tasier universe.
(I’ve been fortunate to have access to this book some time before its release, however the review is fully my own with no involvement from the author or any other party.)
A compelling paranormal romance, faster-paced and steamier than the first book in this series, Dream Bound. I love books where there’s lots of pining and angst-filled longing for the other person, and this story had that in spades!
Souls Aligned starts from Eric’s pov, and it’s only later on that we also get Bhas’s, which is actually brilliant because as a reader, we’re in the same boat as Eric and equally mystified by Bhas. I adored Eric and Bhas together. There’s something very alluring about the depth of their feelings for each other. Flirty, sarcastic Eric has a lot more depth and hidden pain than I could have imagined from the first book in the series. He’s very easy to root for. He has pretty amazing (and original!) abilities, which come in very handy along the way. I was also stoked that Eric was so persistent and take charge when it came to his relationship with Bhas, even though he is quite a bit younger than his soul mate. Bhas is incredibly mysterious, but it was also a lot of fun to try and piece everything together. It really made me read very carefully, trying not to miss anything.
There’s an ongoing story arc that links Souls Aligned to Dream Bound, which works really well and has me curious for more. It was fun to reconnect with Joon and Trey, as well as with the other secondary characters from Dream Bound and to get to know new intriguing characters, who I hope to see more of in future stories. The Tasier worldbuilding is unique, surprising, and even more detailed than before. Can’t wait to read more in this fascinating universe!
My Recommendation: This was a good continuation of the Tasier series, but I'm not sure it's going to keep me engaged if it goes longer than a third book. The entire first half of this story was giving us Eric and Bhas' backstory which was useful to know, but it dragged on a little too long for me. When the story shifted back to the main storyline around Joon's parents the pacing picked up drastically and I finished it a lot faster. I'm assuming the third book will be about Nial and Niki, but we'll see when it comes out.
My Response: What a dangerous opening line! For some reason when I said yes to this book, I mean I did read the first one after all, I didn't realize a chunk of it would be taking place in Boston.*
It's always a gamble with me when it's in a town I've lived in or have been to frequently. Thankfully, Williams didn't disappoint, but that's because she kept everything super vague and general, which I'd rather an author do than screw up something everyone who's been in the city for more than an hour knows.
This is the second book in the Tasier series and in my opinion not a book to be read as standalone. But it is a very well written and good follow-up to the first book, Dream bound.
Eric and Bhas are a great couple and there is a lot of angst in it. But for me there was never a question if Bhas wanted Eric but contrary to many other reviewers I rooted for Bhas and felt for him. It couldn't have been easy for him. Nor was it easy on Eric, but he was a bit of a spoiled brat at the beginning.
The overall storyline is interesting and there is a whole lot of plots and politics which we still have to discover. I love that part. The last third was hard on our heroes and I really felt for them ... but for me that was a slight cliffhanger at the end and now I am waiting for the next one. I have no clue which couple will be next... maybe we will stay with Trey/Joon and Bhas/Eric. Which would fit for the storyline. But I can't wait to get more on Sett and Ash ... it will be interesting to see with whom they end up.
So a lot of open questions and anticipation to the next book.
An ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review
It's been a while since I read the first book in this series, so it took me some time to remember all the little details. That, combined with all the time jumps, made the beginning a bit overwhelming, but I'm glad I got to experience all the different stages of Eric and Bhas's relationship. I'm still not sure I understand what catalyst finally made Bhas change his mind about pursuing a romance with Eric, but it was hard to be bothered when it led to such touching moments. Their connection was delightful once they let themselves be open to it, and I thoroughly enjoyed their passionate nights together. The Tasier/time travel action in this story didn't come to the most satisfying conclusion, but I'm hoping all this buildup will have a much more impactful resoluton in the final book of this trilogy. I still feel like I'm pretty in the dark about what Ari's true motivations are, but it's kinda exciting to have so many secrets left to explore.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
This was the intriguing continuation of the Tasier series, there's an ongoing storyline, so I suggest starting with book 1, Dream Bound.
Now it's Eric and Bhas's story, an age gap, slow-burn romance. I liked Eric and Bhas, even if they frustrated me a bit, still they were really good together once they finally got with the program.
The ongoing storyline is enthralling, maybe a bit more than the romance portion, and I'm looking forward to discovering more in this world.
Overall the book was well-written, although the start of it felt like it dragged a bit, especially in comparison to when we continued with Joon and Trey and the rest of the fantastic cast of characters that Ms. Williams has introduced us to. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
This book was super confusing at first, since it’s been a while since I read the first one, and just a bit more explanation of the concepts/premise of this world would have been helpful! I was finally able to figure out what was going on for the most part, and once it finally happened, I liked the love story between Eric and Bhas. But before that…whew! Talk about unrequited love! The author is slowly building an epic world, the story arc just needs a bit more refinement to truly stand out. Give a bit more backstory on the world in the first few chapters next time, it would make a huge difference and lessen confusion. Fractured Souls by Ava Marie Salinger does this pretty well, I hope the author checks it out! Was anyone else wondering whether there is some mpreg in the future?
First of all this is not a standalone book, you definitely need to read book one Dream Bound so that this makes sense to you. I also recommend the free book for which you get a link at the end of the book.
Love is love and true love of soul mates will not be denied as this book details for the reader. There is plenty of hot action in this book, together with excellent progression of the storyline from book one. I was really disappointed when I reached the last page as I could easily have kept reading about this pair for much longer.
I loved this book and totally recommend this series to you for your kindle today xx
I received a copy of this book from the Gay Romance Reviews and provide my honest review voluntarily
I loved Trey and JOON in book one and Eric and Bhas are just a great a couple. Initially, we have one of the main characters who does not seem interested in the other and Eric leaves Bhas behind to try to build a life without him. The forces conspiring against Tasier in book one are still acting, however, and these two come back together to fight against them. Their relationship develops as they work together, but the road is a bumpy one due to both the outside forces and the emotional landscape the author has written into each character. Again, while the super powers and action is absorbing, it is the depth of characterization in the relationships in this series that brings me back.
This is book 2 in the series and features Eric and Bhas. After years of corresponding with Bhas, Eric finally meets him when he was 16 after his parents passed and he was named as his guardian. It was love at first sight for Eric. Fast forward a few years and Eric and Bhas have a sort of rocky relationship. You find out they are soulmates but Bhas has his reasons for not pursuing it. Like the first book, this one contains lots of action and supernatural abilities. Loved it and cannot wait to see what’s next.
I enjoyed Eric and Bhas, but the pining almost did me in and made me want to knock Bhas around a little. While I understood his reasons for for the things he did (and didn't) do, it still made my heart ache for Erik. This is a great series. The world-building is detailed and intriguing, and the characters are well-developed and engaging. While not absolutely necessary, your understanding of the world and its people will be enhanced if you've read Dream Bound (Tasier Book 1).
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Eric and Bhas are the next couple that we meet in this time travel story. At first, it seemed to be that the feelings are one sided and that Eric is pining in vain for Bhas and he decides to leave to try to move on. The over arching story that continues in this story from the first book serves as a catalyst for bringing them back together to not only fight the threat against the group they are a part of. It also gave them a chance to begin the love part of their relationship. And still the story continues into the next book. I received an ARC from GRR for an honest review.
Souls Aligned,the second book in the Tasier series,had me hooked right from the beginning and I am more than happy to say that I loved this book! The world building,as with the first book,is superb. Both main characters are likable,relatable and engaging,and it's safe to say,that I loved them both. I don't want to say too much about this story as I don't want to spoil this absolute delight for anyone. I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
I think I loved this one even more than Dream Bound. The world building is fantastic, it’s really fascinating! This one is about Eric and Bhas. They were friends from teenagers and when they finally meet, its love at first sight. Loved it. Overall, fantastic! This was a really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
As with book 1, this is a captivating story that you won't want to put down. While it focuses on a different couple, this is a continuation of the main Tasier story line from book 1, so the books need to be read in order. The world and characters that Arian have created are incredibly imaginative, and it all comes alive with her descriptive story telling. I'm already anxiously waiting for book 3!
chapter 1 : oh, my heart … it aches!! [𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦]
As with the first & bonus books, 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘴 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘥 is a captivating story that will urge the reader to 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦. The world and characters that Arian Williams have created are beautifully imaginative, and her delicious story telling will immediately draw you in.
This is book two in this wonderful super engaging series! This author continues to create a world that is so intriguing and fascinating! New characters are the focus of this book but the secondary characters are important too! I loved book two and I can't wait to read more by Arian Williams! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
OMG, this book was such a good second of this series, it completely had me enthralled from beginning to end. This author has created a world of such wonderful characters. This is not a standalone and even if you read the first book when it came out, I recommend reading it again so you really get the storyline better.
He knew as soon as he saw them that they were his soul mates. They will be pushed away before being pulled back together. They will need to work together to get through the adventures they will need to face. What will they need to do? Will they get together? See just how they get on
If you haven’t read the first book in the series I urge you to do that before reading this book. The characters and storyline groundwork was laid there. That being said I enjoyed these characters and the overall tale.
This is book 2 in the Tasier Series. WE continue with the characters and their mystery journey. We get to see more into Eric love story. Now need to read book 3 to see if this romance bloom s fully
I really enjoyed this book and thought that it was another good addition to the Tasier Series. I thought that Eric and Bhas were great together when they finally got their sh*t together. The first half of the book pretty much focuses on Eric and Bhas’s past which I enjoyed but man I wish that Bhas pulled his head out of his a*se a lot sooner, instead of constantly pushing Eric away hurting them both in the process. I understood Bhas’ reason as he knows how lethal his power can be.
The second part of the story was more interesting. I’m really enjoying being able to immerse myself into the Tasier world that Arian has created and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next. I enjoyed meeting Chael and I hope that it’s not the last we get to see of him, as I really want to see if my theory about him will end up being on the right track? I’ve already pre-ordered Ryan and Nikki’s book and I’m looking forward to reading it when it’s released in November. I’d recommend this book, series, universe and author to others.
******I received a complimentary copy of this book through GRR. I would still happily review this book even if I purchased it myself. My thoughts and feelings about this book are completely unbiased******
"Souls Aligned" is Book 2 of the Tasier series. The blurb for this book says it can be read as a standalone. But really, it's more engaging if Book 1 is read before reading this Book 2. Like Book 1 there is a major cliffhanger in this book. A glossary and a list of the characters and their abilities is included at the end of the book.
It's a bit confusing in the beginning because of how the story and events jumps between different times. You need to keep track of the different but simultaneous storylines. Also, there's multiple POVs.
The story itself is compelling because of the intriguing storyline; it's entirely captivating enough that I read this in about five hours. The scenery and imagery are vividly and magnificently painted. The cast of characters are well-developed and used well and creatively. Their connections to the other characters can be tricky.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this installment of the Tasier series. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book. I enthusiastically recommend it.