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Dark Bonds
Good Girls Hide the Darkest Secrets
I used to think monsters lived in the dark. Now I know better—they live inside me.
My powers are growing stronger, more volatile with each passing day. I can raise shields of pure darkness, command shadows like they're extensions of my soul. But with each new ability comes a terrible the truth about who—and what—I really am. If I can't control the darkness within, I risk losing not just myself, but the fragile love I've built—and perhaps even the fate of both realms.
The four men in my life are both salvation and
Leo, whose golden light battles my darknessMatteo, who'd burn the world to keep me safeDorian, whose ancient curse mirrors my ownBishop, who knows exactly what I'm becoming—and fears itA legendary beast stalks the edges of our world, its gaze fixed on me, while forgotten magic resurfaces, threatening to unravel everything we've fought to protect. The shadows aren't just whispering anymore. They're screaming. And what they're revealing about my heritage could destroy everything—including the fragile bonds I'm forming with my men.
They say good girls hide the darkest secrets. But mine might just destroy both realms.
Contains morally grey characters, dark themes, and a slow-burn reverse harem romance that will leave you breathless.
Dark Bonds is Book Two of Shadow Locke Shifters Trilogy, a Why Choose Academy, Paranormal Romance, I'm a slow burn series. This book ends on a cliffhanger. To view all content warnings please visit ElleLincoln (dot) com
I used to think monsters lived in the dark. Now I know better—they live inside me.
My powers are growing stronger, more volatile with each passing day. I can raise shields of pure darkness, command shadows like they're extensions of my soul. But with each new ability comes a terrible the truth about who—and what—I really am. If I can't control the darkness within, I risk losing not just myself, but the fragile love I've built—and perhaps even the fate of both realms.
The four men in my life are both salvation and
Leo, whose golden light battles my darknessMatteo, who'd burn the world to keep me safeDorian, whose ancient curse mirrors my ownBishop, who knows exactly what I'm becoming—and fears itA legendary beast stalks the edges of our world, its gaze fixed on me, while forgotten magic resurfaces, threatening to unravel everything we've fought to protect. The shadows aren't just whispering anymore. They're screaming. And what they're revealing about my heritage could destroy everything—including the fragile bonds I'm forming with my men.
They say good girls hide the darkest secrets. But mine might just destroy both realms.
Contains morally grey characters, dark themes, and a slow-burn reverse harem romance that will leave you breathless.
Dark Bonds is Book Two of Shadow Locke Shifters Trilogy, a Why Choose Academy, Paranormal Romance, I'm a slow burn series. This book ends on a cliffhanger. To view all content warnings please visit ElleLincoln (dot) com
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
234 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Elle Lincoln
41 books243 followersElle Lincoln has been writing out her dreams and even nightmares for over a decade. She believes in magic in all forms, and oftentimes you’ll find her daydreaming in the oddest of places. Her passion is Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance, where the men are a little bit real and a dash of mythical.
When Elle isn’t writing she’s probably chasing around her four children, child-like husband, and a rambunctious Australian Shepherd. All who keep her on her toes. Nice try with the distractions, but mommy still got those books written and published. She resides in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania with lore and legends, and a whole lot of cornfields.
When Elle isn’t writing she’s probably chasing around her four children, child-like husband, and a rambunctious Australian Shepherd. All who keep her on her toes. Nice try with the distractions, but mommy still got those books written and published. She resides in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania with lore and legends, and a whole lot of cornfields.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 15, 2024
Overly complicated
I'm not sure what to make of this..... i love the unique systems and whatnot. Book 1 was amazing but this just felt..... overly complicated with moments - many moments - where I felt like I should know something, that it should have already been explained but wasn't. There's a huge disconnect like maybe things were edited out without the realisation of the implication that without those scenes later scenes wouldn't make sense. I spent pretty much the whole book confused. There were so many plot points and it was bars enough trying to keep track of who knew what and when without this disconnect making me feel more confused. Also incredibly repetitive like the exact same phrasing used over and over again within a small amount of lines..... like dorian holding the weight of centuries was said by matteo like 5 times in about 3 paragraphs. And also information repeated a few lines later.
Storyline wise, the first half was kinda slow, boring and annoying with Frankie being mad at the world because of this so called betrayal but everyone kept telling her they literally couldn't tell her but she still kept up the betrayal everyone is against me narrative. The later half starts to pick up and we get a boat load of information in the last quarter or so. The relationships were so annoying with next to zero romance or spice, just 3 scenes all in the early parts of the book and even that - she sleeps with Matteo during break but is then still insisting to Chloe and Amanda that they're just friends was a head scratcher. And refusal to claim them to those girls was so annoying. I really disliked Frankie to be honest she just bad this whole vibe of the whole world is out to get me so I'm just gonna ignore my instincts and everything and push everyone away.
The twin twist was not altogether unexpected nor the parentage twist. The ending wasn't particularly a cliffhanger more just a natural place to end with the events of this book mostly tied up and the groundwork for the last book laid. Which I can only hope will make more sense and have more cohesion.
I'm not sure what to make of this..... i love the unique systems and whatnot. Book 1 was amazing but this just felt..... overly complicated with moments - many moments - where I felt like I should know something, that it should have already been explained but wasn't. There's a huge disconnect like maybe things were edited out without the realisation of the implication that without those scenes later scenes wouldn't make sense. I spent pretty much the whole book confused. There were so many plot points and it was bars enough trying to keep track of who knew what and when without this disconnect making me feel more confused. Also incredibly repetitive like the exact same phrasing used over and over again within a small amount of lines..... like dorian holding the weight of centuries was said by matteo like 5 times in about 3 paragraphs. And also information repeated a few lines later.
Storyline wise, the first half was kinda slow, boring and annoying with Frankie being mad at the world because of this so called betrayal but everyone kept telling her they literally couldn't tell her but she still kept up the betrayal everyone is against me narrative. The later half starts to pick up and we get a boat load of information in the last quarter or so. The relationships were so annoying with next to zero romance or spice, just 3 scenes all in the early parts of the book and even that - she sleeps with Matteo during break but is then still insisting to Chloe and Amanda that they're just friends was a head scratcher. And refusal to claim them to those girls was so annoying. I really disliked Frankie to be honest she just bad this whole vibe of the whole world is out to get me so I'm just gonna ignore my instincts and everything and push everyone away.
The twin twist was not altogether unexpected nor the parentage twist. The ending wasn't particularly a cliffhanger more just a natural place to end with the events of this book mostly tied up and the groundwork for the last book laid. Which I can only hope will make more sense and have more cohesion.
April 13, 2025
Ok
I want to like this series, but it's so up and down. Sometimes it gets exciting and I can't wait to see what will happen next. Other times I'm bored out of my mind! I don't really like Frankie. In the beginning of the series she seems like a strong character, even though she has her trauma to deal with. But I feel like instead of getting stronger, she gets weaker as the story progresses. For example, when this story starts out, Frankie is basically a vigilante. Yet, now that she's at this school, everything makes her freeze in fear. It's just weird. She may not have known what her shadows were in book one, but she was aware that there was something going on with shadows she could control. But she's terrified when she finds out the reality of the shadows and what she is? I don't get it. I just feel like she went from being a strong woman vigilante to a whimpering scared baby. I like progress, not regression.
But, I will say that there are exciting things that happen as well, which is probably why I keep reading. I would like to see some progression of the harem relationships. Yes, she's had sex with most of them, but it's been VERY slow in happening and the harem isn't even all together yet. I think one of the reasons I'm bored is because we get very little progress in the relationships or in the plot. It just drags.
I want to like this series, but it's so up and down. Sometimes it gets exciting and I can't wait to see what will happen next. Other times I'm bored out of my mind! I don't really like Frankie. In the beginning of the series she seems like a strong character, even though she has her trauma to deal with. But I feel like instead of getting stronger, she gets weaker as the story progresses. For example, when this story starts out, Frankie is basically a vigilante. Yet, now that she's at this school, everything makes her freeze in fear. It's just weird. She may not have known what her shadows were in book one, but she was aware that there was something going on with shadows she could control. But she's terrified when she finds out the reality of the shadows and what she is? I don't get it. I just feel like she went from being a strong woman vigilante to a whimpering scared baby. I like progress, not regression.
But, I will say that there are exciting things that happen as well, which is probably why I keep reading. I would like to see some progression of the harem relationships. Yes, she's had sex with most of them, but it's been VERY slow in happening and the harem isn't even all together yet. I think one of the reasons I'm bored is because we get very little progress in the relationships or in the plot. It just drags.
December 13, 2024
Book 1 was really well done and had an interesting premise. I really got into the story and I could overlook some plot holes/story holes. Dark Bonds is … confusing. There’s a disconnect between the story, the POVs, character behaviors… and I’m having a difficult time overlooking them. I feel like there’s information that required background and we don’t have that? It jumps around a bit, and there’s inconsistencies where those disconnects are. It makes me wonder if I lost track of the time they were in, if that makes any sense. Dialogue can be repetitive which leads to another disconnect for me.
I’m still interested in where the story will go, and hopeful to bridge these gaps in 3.
I’m still interested in where the story will go, and hopeful to bridge these gaps in 3.
November 10, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️.5/5
I loved diving back in and spending more time with Frankie and her guys! There was so much character and relationship development in this book, as well as the world becoming bigger and more complex. Honourable mention to Tori, I utterly adore her, and to Matteo for being a consent king!
Despite the development in the book, I’d still have liked to see a bit more of Frankie with the guys, and more of the guys in general. We only get a few chapters from their POVs again, and I’d still love to get more time in their heads, as well as really see the pack relationships forming. And there’s always room for more spice!
Some of the twists I saw coming, some I didn’t, but I can’t wait to see what happens next - it seems like there’s a whole lot to fit into the final book! But I can’t wait to get my hands on it and find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
🌶️🌶️.5/5
I loved diving back in and spending more time with Frankie and her guys! There was so much character and relationship development in this book, as well as the world becoming bigger and more complex. Honourable mention to Tori, I utterly adore her, and to Matteo for being a consent king!
Despite the development in the book, I’d still have liked to see a bit more of Frankie with the guys, and more of the guys in general. We only get a few chapters from their POVs again, and I’d still love to get more time in their heads, as well as really see the pack relationships forming. And there’s always room for more spice!
Some of the twists I saw coming, some I didn’t, but I can’t wait to see what happens next - it seems like there’s a whole lot to fit into the final book! But I can’t wait to get my hands on it and find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
Good Continuation
This books starts right where the first left off. We see some more of Frankie’s memories of her past and the things she went through. She once again feels broken and unsure of herself and her future. Secrets once again threaten her and test her. It’s a lot. Frankie has moments of growth and strength and setbacks as well. I did think this was a good continuation of the first book. We have developments in the relationships between Frankie and her guys, plus Tori as well. I will say that sometimes the flashbacks did feel a bit drawn out and it felt like after these moments we had a lot of self doubt and regression for Frankie. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series and see where this world takes our characters. Side note: Leo is like a little ball of sunshine that I want to carry in my pocket for rainy days. Just saying.
This books starts right where the first left off. We see some more of Frankie’s memories of her past and the things she went through. She once again feels broken and unsure of herself and her future. Secrets once again threaten her and test her. It’s a lot. Frankie has moments of growth and strength and setbacks as well. I did think this was a good continuation of the first book. We have developments in the relationships between Frankie and her guys, plus Tori as well. I will say that sometimes the flashbacks did feel a bit drawn out and it felt like after these moments we had a lot of self doubt and regression for Frankie. I will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series and see where this world takes our characters. Side note: Leo is like a little ball of sunshine that I want to carry in my pocket for rainy days. Just saying.
October 7, 2024
Wow! What a journey book 2 of the Shadow Locke Shifters was.
I enjoyed this book, the first half of Dark Bonds was a little slow, I felt like storyline and character wise there was not much happening. I did get a little bored.
The second half of the book was much better, once it picked up the pace it flew.
The characters bond was something I really loved, the element of found family. Frankie deserved that after all she had been through.
I enjoyed the big reveal, and the plot really opened up I to something I'm excited about.
Can't wait for book 3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book, the first half of Dark Bonds was a little slow, I felt like storyline and character wise there was not much happening. I did get a little bored.
The second half of the book was much better, once it picked up the pace it flew.
The characters bond was something I really loved, the element of found family. Frankie deserved that after all she had been through.
I enjoyed the big reveal, and the plot really opened up I to something I'm excited about.
Can't wait for book 3
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2024
Shadow locke shifters
Book two of this series just wasn't for me. I admire any author who can produce a novel and want to encourage Ms. Lincoln, but I couldn't get into this one. I think it needs an edit to trim it down. The plot is convoluted and complex. Book two is repetitious and unnecessarily wordy. The various relationships are unrealistic and pretentious. Dorian Gray? Valerie? The ponderings are over the top and dramatic. There are too many unexplained plot lines that are just confusing. The evil character is obvious, but his motive is wtf. the ending just promises more of the same in book three.
Book two of this series just wasn't for me. I admire any author who can produce a novel and want to encourage Ms. Lincoln, but I couldn't get into this one. I think it needs an edit to trim it down. The plot is convoluted and complex. Book two is repetitious and unnecessarily wordy. The various relationships are unrealistic and pretentious. Dorian Gray? Valerie? The ponderings are over the top and dramatic. There are too many unexplained plot lines that are just confusing. The evil character is obvious, but his motive is wtf. the ending just promises more of the same in book three.
December 2, 2024
This book does an excellent job of increasing the sense of darkness and peril. As you read, you feel the chill of the shadows and can almost hear the roar of the beasts. There are a couple of reasons it’s not a 4 or 5 stars is review: the flashbacks where we learn more of what’s happened in the past seem overly long; the trust put in a character seems pretty unbelievable; and the last quarter of the book seems choppy — maybe some info missing, some info repeated like the last edit wasn’t the version uploaded.
I really enjoy the author’s books and have, in fact, pre-ordered the 3rd book. I will be waiting eagerly to see if some of my unanswered questions get answered.
I really enjoy the author’s books and have, in fact, pre-ordered the 3rd book. I will be waiting eagerly to see if some of my unanswered questions get answered.
October 3, 2024
Very well written book. I truely enjoyed both books I have read in this trilogy. I’m hoping Tori and Finn get together to start their own pack along side of Frankie, Leo,Matteo.Dorian and Bishop. I think that Valerie will still cause trouble along with Chloe and Amanda. I think Tori’s mom and aunt know more than Frankie and the gang realize but they all need to have strong packs that join into one big family to win the upcoming battle.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Read
October 19, 2024I enjoyed this second book, the story pulls you in and is well told. I found Frankie started to grate on me a bit, the way she holds grudges and can’t move past certain things got a bit tiresome for me. I liked that her and Tory became closer and how her relationship with Leo and mateo progressed. I’m looking forward to the 3rd book to see how the story ends.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 18, 2024
Amazing!
These characters and the world created in this story are above and beyond great, they transcend the pages of the book, grab you and pull you into their world and you don't want to escape. There is so much emotion, action and continuous plot twist that you'll never get bored. The story keeps you searching for answers as though you are as invested as the characters themselves. I loved this story and can't wait to see what happens next!
These characters and the world created in this story are above and beyond great, they transcend the pages of the book, grab you and pull you into their world and you don't want to escape. There is so much emotion, action and continuous plot twist that you'll never get bored. The story keeps you searching for answers as though you are as invested as the characters themselves. I loved this story and can't wait to see what happens next!
October 15, 2024
This is the next book in a trilogy for Shadow Locke. Frankie just found out what is happening in the world around her. Can Frankie learn her powers? Will Leo, Matteo. Dorian and Bishop become her pack? This book was so intense with everything that I could not put the book down and was on the edge of my seat throughout it all. And that cliffhanger ohhhh I can't wait for book three.
October 31, 2024
I could not put this book down. It was even better than the first. How the story evolves and some secrets are brought to light but brings more questions. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. Elle Lincoln has written a masterpiece full of twists & turns. Drama. Spice. Everything you could want in a book. If you haven’t started this series yet I highly recommend it.
November 13, 2024
Dark Bonds, book two of the Shadow Locke Shifters series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I enjoyed the continuation of the series, but this book had too much repetition and too many instances of the heroine suddenly understanding things and making weird connections to solve mysterious events/actions. Two books was enough for me.
December 15, 2024
This one was a tad better because you didn't have the pesky stupidity that no one could tell her about shadow shifters. Also we totally saw coming the thing with blackwood and also about the shadow beasts. What I couldn't understand though is why she didn't kill the two bullies and valerie. Like I know she's a good person but come on.
P.s. numerous typos found easily in the book....
P.s. numerous typos found easily in the book....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
This book was quite complicated, and the MC became somewhat annoying. She was stronger in the beginning, but now she seems easily afraid. It's not bad, however it isn't what you would expect in terms of character growth. The plot started to become tired, to the point where at the last twist, I didn't really care.
I am no longer interested in the rest of this series.
I am no longer interested in the rest of this series.
October 22, 2024
😻
This felt kinda like it dragged on forever. It seemed to get good then would slow down to molasses speed. I’m actually ready for her to toughen up and actually be bad arse. Not just tough to get through all the bad crap.
This felt kinda like it dragged on forever. It seemed to get good then would slow down to molasses speed. I’m actually ready for her to toughen up and actually be bad arse. Not just tough to get through all the bad crap.
November 14, 2024
Oh that was dirty
Oh my that cliffy lol. I cant wait for more. I have been putting off the last few chapters cause I knew there would be another. Now the agony if waiting. Great job Miss Lincoln. Cant wait for more .
Oh my that cliffy lol. I cant wait for more. I have been putting off the last few chapters cause I knew there would be another. Now the agony if waiting. Great job Miss Lincoln. Cant wait for more .
November 18, 2024
Oh my lanta! This was really good. I enjoyed that it picks up right where the last one left off, giving me more of this wonderful world and storytelling. It's gripping, and I devoured it in one sitting, eagerly awaiting more!
December 20, 2024
DNF. Too many plots. I also hate cheating (from previous book). The Heroine is TSTL and for some reason, instead of learning all she can, takes two months to f-off and spend her entire time at a spa refusing to deal with things. Nah.
April 8, 2025
I really liked the first book.
This book was rather slow. I normally read straight through a series and I try to not even begin one unless it is finished, but I may take a break before starting the next (and I think final) book in this series.
This book was rather slow. I normally read straight through a series and I try to not even begin one unless it is finished, but I may take a break before starting the next (and I think final) book in this series.
October 13, 2024
This series is so good! Book two is filled with action and intrigue, its non stop and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more about Finn and what happens with Frankie and her mates.
Read
August 3, 2025DNF 14%
December 17, 2024
While I enjoyed this book I felt that it was a bit drawn out. I have started to understand the FMC but there are still many mysteries to uncover in this series. The world is unique and the author has the ability to convey that in vivid detail. I am looking forward to book 3…just hoping that all of the mysteries can be wrapped up!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews