Aria awakens in a morgue with no memory of her past or how she got there. Thrust into a world of shadows and secrets, she grapples with her newfound existence as a vampire. Guided by the enigmatic clan leader Adrian, Aria embarks on a treacherous journey to uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. As her memories resurface, a trail of betrayal and vengeance emerges, leading them on a quest for retribution. Meanwhile, Adrian's dark past resurfaces in the form of a malevolent figure determined to destroy them both. Amidst this supernatural storm, Aria and Adrian must confront their haunted destiny's, fighting for survival and the unyielding bonds of love and loyalty.
This is book one, in a three-book series. All are standalone's and can be read in any order. If you like Alpha males, Dark and Tortured heroes, slow burn, and of course Vampires than this is the story for you!
K.D. Martin leads a dynamic professional life as a police dispatcher during the day and a prolific writer specializing in dark romance with a focus on the paranormal genre during her off-hours. Her creative pursuits delve into the intricacies of the supernatural, adding depth and intrigue to her storytelling. When she isn't engrossed in a writing project or fulfilling her duties at the police station, Kristin cherishes moments spent with her family, relishing quality time with her two daughters.
I’ve been ready for a vampire romance—‘tis the season. “Bound by Shadows” not only gave me the romantic vampire story I was looking for but also provided me with the mystery, darkness, and a bit of angst and a set-up of future books.
Adrian is a leader of the “orphan” vampires who have been turned but abandoned. He has taken them in, cared for them, and trained them. When Aria is turned and abandoned, coincidently by the same person who not only turned Adrian but the one that he has been after for hundreds of years, he senses there is a reason she has been brought to him. Things get pretty wild when Adrian’s past connects with Aria’s present. Not only that, but romantic feelings also grow between the two. Those spice scenes are out of this world—vampires bite.
I very much enjoyed “Bound by Shadows” and didn’t want to put this one down.
If you are into vampire romances, this is one that definitely needs to move up your TBR! Now,I am usually not the biggest fan of slow burns but I was so invested in Aria and Adrian right from the beginning that this slow burn was very enjoyable! This really had those Twilight and Vampire Diary vibes I haven't read since high school! This book ended in a great segway into the next book and I look forward to reading more on Aria and Adrian as well as more from KD!
Thank you to K.D. Martin for allowing me to read a copy of this book. This book had me hooked from the first word to the last word. Aria and Adrian's relationship was fascinating and captivating. The found family within this book as well was just chef's kiss. Each member in the cast felt real, even though this is a paranormal romance. I loved reading this book and I cannot recommend this book enough. I hope to see more of this universe and more from K.D. Martin in the future.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶 I absolutely love this book! KD Martin's debut is vampire romance perfection. Adrian and Aria are 🤌 and I was completely invested in this story from the moment it began. I have always loved vampires, and this book fulfilled every one of my desires when it comes to a spicy vampire romantasy. KD Martin 's writing was impeccable, and I have already reread this book once! 10/10 recommend this book. It is a must-read!
Bound By Shadows is a hot & spicy story of vampire romance, lust, family, and power! I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this story as I've never read a vampire style romance book before.
I absolutely fell in love with the MMC, Adrian, as I kept turning the pages. This book is one I recommend, even if you don't read vampire stories. It may just bring something out in you like it did for me.
I'll be waiting for KD Martin's next book without a doubt.
3.75🌟 3.5🌶️ If you're a vampire girly thats looking for a new blood sucking world to sink your teeth into then you should check out this book. This felt like adult vampire books for the ones that loved Twilight but were like "We don't need the werewolves, make it more violent, and make the MMC actually hot and worth reading. Oh and spice, we want spice" I liked this book and I am interested in seeing where the second in duology goes. I really liked the concept of the feral vampires. It was nice that there was a strong FMC and girl friendship. The action sequences were cool and the spice was spicing 🥵🥵 There were 2 main reasons for this not being a 5 star read for me. The first was that there were a couple pacing issues in my opinion. It just seemed to go really fast and then slow. I felt that way with the relationships a little bit too. The second was just that I had some questions about the world and vampire powers that I would've liked a little more defined. However maybe those get answered in the second book 🤷♀️🤷♀️ One thing to note - check your trigger warnings - there is SA on page. It is not between the FMC and MMC. It's not very graphic and it's over pretty quickly but it is there. Overall I will read the second one for sure and I would recommend this to my vampire girlies
Adrian and Aria. Where to begin with them. There is so much tension between the two of them. Aria has been tossed into the world of vampires without having clue about her past nor what her future will look like as a vampire. Adrian is there to rescue her, teach her, guide her. It’s what he does. He guides the lost souls abandoned by their creators or left behind by others. He gives them a home, a sense of family. He wants to help those that need it. Aria is the newest one he takes under his wing, but something about her is different. Maybe it could be because she reminds him so much of his late wife, but he has a feeling she was sent to him for a reason. She pushes and tests him in ways he hasn’t had to experience in a long time. I have really enjoyed reading of Aria growth as an individual and as a vampire. Getting her memories back slowly hasn’t been easy but she’s more determined than ever to be of help to Adrian and the others. I really like her determination and grit. Really good story. The tension between of the two of them just builds until it explodes and I enjoyed every moment of it along the way.
Wow, this was a great read. Bound by Shadows was written so well and kept me wanting more. I am obsessed with anything vampire or supernatural-related, so I was really excited to start this. The entire time I was reading, I felt like a movie was playing in my head. Each flashback and memory from Adrian and Aria was so emotionally gripping. The chemistry between the two was instant and when they finally got all down and dirty that spice did not disappoint!! The found family trope in this was something that I adored. K.D. does a great job at making you fall in love with the side characters. This spicy, slow-burn, vampire romance is definitely one you’re gonna want to read this fall. If you’re a fan of Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Diaries, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, True Blood, or literally any vampire show/movie READ THIS!! I can’t wait for the next installment!
This is a book that has helped to remind me why I love reading so much. KD Martin is able to pull you into her world with such efficiency and magnetism that you don’t want to leave.
It’s not necessarily in the characters ( I do love them don’t get me wrong) but how she describes them and their emotions, feelings, expressions.
I loved the protective alpha vibes Adrian gives off, he’s very much confident in himself and when his dominance makes an appearance 👌
This is a slow burn, and trust that the spice is worth the wait.
Aria is a bad a$$ whom is assertive but also submissive when need be. I loved her friendship with Raina. It was genuine and wholesome.
I am so looking forward to the next book and to see what else happens in this world.
The book definitely had my heart from the start I love Aria and Adrian from the beginning to the end. Aria learning to trust again and Adrian learning to love again really made the story come together in a magical dark way. Their pasts brought them together and it was such a good story to have the honor of reading
If you’re into vampire paranormal romances and not reading this book then WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! I cannot recommend this book enough, I normally don’t like slow burns but the plot of this one makes you forget that it’s even a slow burn!! This is beautifully written, one of my favorites of this year, and I’m DYING for book 2 already!! Idk what you’re waiting for GO READ THIS BOOK ALREADY!!
Wow! Hard to believe this is a debut novel! KD wrote an incredible story with a well developed plot, and amazing descriptive language. This story is a slow burn, especially in the romance department but it pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading the romance develop between Adrian and Aria. I cannot wait to read the next one!
This book was absolutely amazing!!! Between the character development and world build I could not put it down! The writing style in itself sucked me in. I can't wait for book 2 because oh my god that ending!
This book starts off with a very interesting plot. The backstory is really well written. I lost interest about midway and it felt like the second half of the book was just filled with sex. Spice level 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Bound by shadows gives you a good mix between romance and darkness. This adult vampire romance that swallows you whole and sends you into a world of mystery, darkness and heat! Aria and Adrian are amazing and I loved feeling like I was a part of their world. Great read!
Keeping on with my vampire kick, this was a great read from a new author! FMC, Aria wakes up one day on a table in the morgue.. she was dead & now she’s not. What happened? I love all vampire books but I really enjoyed the magic side of it all, what the characters were able to do and see their progression throughout the story. The spice was spicy AND those vampire bites??? <3
KD Martin debuts with a slow burn paranormal vampire romance. Within the confines of this novel, you will find beautifully written prose and descriptions that will pull you in allowing you to visualize the world she’s crafted 😍🩷🥹 There is plenty of action and romance 🩷🩷🫠and steam sprinkled throughout the book and it ends on a note that’ll leave you desperate for the second one. For fans of the vampire diaries and twilight, you will love this world that KD has created. I was eager to know what would happen and when the two MCs would finally seal the deal lol making it a page turner. This is book one of three in a world of interconnected standalones, and I am excited to see where this authors career will take her.🧛🧛🧛
Bound by Shadows is a gripping supernatural tale that pulls you into a world of mystery and dark allure right from the start. Aria’s journey, as she wakes up in a morgue with no memory, instantly had me hooked. Her struggle to understand her new reality as a vampire, alongside the enigmatic and patient Adrian, made for an intriguing slow-burn romance that felt just right—building at a perfect pace without dragging on too long.
What I especially loved was how the author made Adrian’s clan feel more like a family than just a group of vampires. Their loyalty and bond gave the story depth and warmth amid the darker elements of betrayal and vengeance. Adrian’s gentleness with Aria, allowing her to discover herself without pressure, really added to his appeal as a character. This book balances suspense, romance, and supernatural intrigue in a way that kept me eager to see what would happen next.
I absolutely love vampire romances!! Author K.D. Martin writes a beautiful detailed story with lovable characters! This book is definitely a he falls first and in this slow burn story the spice gets hot once our FMC gives in to her desire for the MMC. I loved the growth of her FMC and I love how she set up her next books! I can’t wait for the next book to come! Alexander was my favorite character 🤭
Tropes: 🖤Dark and Tortured Heroes 🖤Redemption and Healing 🖤Alpha Male 🖤Vampire 🖤Found Family 🖤Slow Burn 🖤Blood 🖤Rebellion 🖤He Falls First Triggers: 🖤Blood & gore depiction 🖤Graphic violence/murder 🖤Sexual Assault 🖤Spankings 🖤Graphic Death 🖤Abandonment 🖤Depression 🖤Breath play 🖤Rope play
You had me at ‘Vampire’s’… I was hooked from the get go and absolutely consumed this book. It defines the word… unputdownable!
The entire storyline is completely captivating and immensely intriguing from the moment you start to the absolute very end.
It’s hard to believe that this is K.D. Martin’s debut novel. It is so elegantly and beautifully written. And with this she only proves that she is a force to be reckoned with! This is no doubt one of the absolute, very best Vampire Romances I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
A spectacular and elegant story that will draw you into the elaborately complex narrative. Bold, mysterious and expertly devised plotline and worldbuilding! This is simply put… Outstanding and pure brilliant.
Avia. Our FMC. Is thrust into a world is didn’t know existed! A world of Vampires and monsters. And she deals with this exceedingly well considering! She a fantastic character with a well of depth and an elaborate array of emotions! I absolutely adored her.
Adrian. Our MMC. Is a super hot, instinctively protective Vampire with a heart of gold! With a tragic backstory that could’ve easily made him into a bad guy. It has actually driven and shaped him into a wonderful deep character who only wants to help those in a similar situation: creating a safe haven for those of his kind, training them, keeping them safe and educating them in their new found world.
He is super swoon worthy! With a bit of a Dom complex… which is all kinds of hot! Yummy!! Yes, please, Daddy!
A super slow burn that will have you wanting to push these two stubborn vampires, together. I love the dynamic between these characters… An electric attraction that was meant to be. Although Avia fights it. Her past dictating her unwillingness to submit to these instinctual feelings.
The overall tempo of the narrative was perfectly paced in my opinion.
And as the plot thickens and we discover more, truths are uncovered. We find these two have more in common than we first imagined.
The sexual tension is undeniable and utterly palpable between Adrian and Aria. And as her saviour Adrian has a sense of responsibility toward her, to see her through and educate her, initiate her into this new world that she has found herself in. But the pull they feel toward each other is undeniable… And inevitable! I loved every minute of their push and pull dynamics. And the steamy spicy scenes were superbly balanced and sizzlingly delicious.
I would love more… Please! I cannot wait for the next instalment. Bravo, K.D. Martin… bravo.
Quotes: “You were made for my ropes, doll.”
“You poor thing, you need it so bad dont you.”
"He was a sinister force that threatened to consume me whole."
"Please adrian," She begged so beautifully. It made me want to devour her completely.
Bound by Shadows marks an impressive debut for K.D. Martin, plunging readers into a gripping narrative that begins with Aria waking up in a morgue, only to discover she has been transformed into a vampire. This unique premise sets the stage for a story rich in suspense and emotional depth.
The chemistry between Aria and Adrian is one of the standout features of the book. Their relationship develops gradually, with tension that is both slow-burning and intensely passionate. It's refreshing to see Aria grow as a character throughout her journey, navigating her new reality while grappling with her past. Adrian's unwavering support adds a layer of complexity to their dynamic, making their bond feel authentic and relatable.
The plot is expertly crafted, filled with twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The unexpected turns in the story are both shocking and satisfying, making for an engaging read that I couldn't put down.
However, it's important to note that the book delves into heavy themes and trauma that the characters experience. Readers should be mindful of the trigger warnings included, as they provide context for the emotional weight carried throughout the narrative.
Overall, Bound by Shadows is a captivating read that showcases K.D. Martin's talent for storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the opportunity to work with such a promising author. If you're looking for a vampire tale that combines romance, suspense, and character growth, this is a book you won't want to miss!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This novel is so well written and starts right off on a hook. The world building and character building is executed exquisitely. For a debut novel, I was blown away.
Aria is a newly changed vampire who gets picked up by Adrian, the leader of one of the clans. Unbeknownst to her, she was chosen by Adrian’s sire for a specific reason: she looks like Adrian’s late wife Eliana.
An immediate pull is felt by Adrian, but Aria is still coming to terms with her new life and doesn’t want to admit to any feelings. This leads this book into a slow burn that is soooo worth it towards the end! I love a good push and pull, will they or won’t they. You can feel the emotions and tension through the writing, which in my opinion is so powerful.
I think one of my favorite things in this story is how Adrian honors his late wife, while still moving on and being happy.
A love story along with a revenge plot is how I would describe this if asked for a short version. I’m excited to see what else happens in this universe.
My only critic is the timing seemed a bit off with the pacing of how fast things were just accepted. I feel that if I was turned it would take me a lot longer to come to terms but that’s just me.
This book was so good! I am new to paranormal romance and dark romances and this was a great book to read as someone new to the genre.
The murder mystery plot was really cool and I loved how the author wrote the two main characters - their love story was incredible but their back stories and their healing and growth that occurs, is so well written that it was emotional to read at times. The love story was unique in that it didn’t just happen, it was slowly built as the main characters healed, and learned to trust each other. It was very relatable (not the vampire part lol).
This book has spice, and I mean LOTS of it, but it did not overshadow the story at all. That was one thing I loved so much about this book - you gave me what I like, lots of spice but a good plot. The mixture of vampire blood lust, plus the building physical tension between Adrian and Aria, was such a good combination. It kept me wanting more - more story and more spice.
I got to the last 40 pages and did say this was too HEA … of course you know then that something is going to hit the fan and did it ever … I won’t say more but it was a great ending and I wasn’t expecting that.
This book was great! I definitely would recommend it to anyone wanting to read a paranormal dark romance with vampires
I sat on this review for a while. I hate when I don’t vibe with a book that on the outside seems like it’s perfect for me.
I didn’t dislike the book but didn’t love it either. The beginning of the book grabs you and pulls you in and pacing was ok but I lost interest halfway through.
There were some things in the story that didn’t quite pan out for me. Aria meets Raina for the very first time and in the next few minutes says things like she’s my only good friend. You just met, minutes ago. Raina also tells Aria how long she’s been at the compound twice but it isn’t until the second time that Aria acts shocked. Girl, you’ve heard this before.
The timeline seemed to move fast and it seems like Aria is a vampire for a month tops but she’s saying things like “the fire gave you life.” As if she’s so well versed on the ways.
The spice was ok but the dom/sub dynamic felt a bit forced. Aria couldn’t keep her eyes open from “the subspace I was in.” Sigh.
Overall a good book for many as I can see from the reviews. It just wasn’t for me unfortunately.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED this book!! It’s no secret, I love vampires. I literally would let one turn me right now if they wanted to.🫢
I loved that it felt like there was a real connection between the two main characters. It was a little bit of insta love but it was BELIEVABLE insta love. I know, i know. KD Martin is a wizard for being able to write that.🫶
Every single character was WELL THOUGHT OUT! They were all real people (vampires) who had their own thoughts, mannerisms, and personalities. ✨
The plot was so so so GOOD! Martin had me in INNER TURMOIL multiple times in this book! She did not spare any feelings around here. She wanted me to be STRESSED!😅
You should definitely read this book! I cannot wait for what she does with book 2!👀
What a great first book for this amazing author! I love a good vampire story. Aria becomes a vampire because she murdered but Adrian rescues her from the morgue to help teach her the ways of being a vampire. Their connect is instant electric even though Aria tries to fight it for a long time. There is a great slow burn that just makes you tingle. Rouge vampires threaten the way of life under the command of Jonathan who is Adrian’s maker. There is great spicy and some awesome fighting scenes but the store does end with a little be of a cliffhanger so I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Adrian and Aria... just wow. The push and pull and sloooooow burn are so good but the plot and the world building were solid, too. There are some moments that had me question side characters but you know how that goes. I love paranormal books and this was definitely a winner! This wasn't just about the spice, which don't get me wrong, I love some good spice but this goes a lot deeper and it's emotional at times. I absolutely recommend this!
Book one, in a three-book series. I will also point out this is a slow burn and I am not normally into reading slow burn books, however this one got me. Twisted, Intense and emotional., this book is amazing. Adrian and Aria are great characters for this vampy paranormal book. I am not a fan of paranormal/fantasy myself but this was really something that I recommend. K.D Martin got me hooked on her books and writing style! 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'s.
Adrian and Aria melted my (black) heart - and that isn't easy to do, in this beautifully descriptive love story. Centuries old vampire Adrian finds Aria newly turned by his maker and her traumatic past prevents her from submitting to him, despite their connection and craving for one another. This story is filled with angst, turmoil, tragedy, slow burn, and some good spice. The cliff hanger though!