Unbinding Fate

Unbinding Trilogy #2

by Maelana Nightingale

As Alexis and her roommates navigate the aftermath of trauma, dealing with familial drama from her toxic mother and an extended visit from her best friend, their bond deepens. The throuple expands as others embrace the unconventional aspects of their dynamic. While not all the men involved with Alexis are keen on group intimacy, they cherish their individual connections with her. When one roommate's girlfriend becomes intrigued by their dynamic and the more adventurous BDSM side of their relationships, she unwittingly threatens to unravel everything-the romantic ties, the friendships, and the business. The story leaves readers with some resolution but a tantalizingly unresolved overall story.

Genres: Why Choose

387 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2024

About the author

Bestselling author Maelana Nightingale writes romance that bleeds, breathes, and burns—stories where love is messy, healing is hard, and desire is sacred.

Her novels span contemporary found-family romances, dark and taboo stories, and sweeping romantic fantasy, united by raw emotion and unflinching realism. Known for intimate, character-driven storytelling, her work explores connection, power, and trust in ways that feel lived-in rather than performative—and never shies away from the complicated edges of love.

A nurse by trade and storyteller by soul, she brings authenticity to every page—from medical precision to the psychology of trauma, trust, and connection. When she’s not writing, she’s usually wrangling one of her five children or navigating the controlled chaos of her corporate healthcare day job.

Reviews

[Keri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so many things all of them being the best of every world they belong in!! I love that Lex is emotional and not afraid to be. Most women who are into this kinda thing are either a loose cannon or are very unemotional and reactionary. It's my favorite part about Lex that she's got real emotions and shows them. Maelena is a genius, get in on the ground level people, is this book isn’t made popular I might revolt!!!! This series is in my top 3 of all time!!!! READ IT…PERIOD!!!

[Nicki🩷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are with book 2 of the series. After leaving off on the soft cliffhanger at the end of book one, I was so excited to see how the story unfolded and to explore the dynamics and relationships between the characters.

I felt so emotionally invested from book one, that when I started this story I knew that I couldn’t put it down. Again, we find ourselves really exploring the human connection and relationship dynamics involved between all of them. I really loved exploring each of their personalities more, and really diving deep and getting to see not just the physical and sexual connection, but really how each guy fits into Alexis’s life and what each relationship means to her. Each relationship has a different connection for her, whether it be on an emotional level, a physical level, a spiritual level, or just pushing the boundaries and exploring what’s possible.

Just as with unbinding desire, I fell in love with these characters the more I got to know them and really dive deep into their family and their connection. The writing and the characters are so beautiful, I loved this story wasn’t about them competing for her, but how each of them gives her something that she needs and she gives them something right back. It’s the passion and the connection and I love the way that Maelana writes out this story.

Again, we do end on a small cliffhanger, but it really sets up the tone to propel us into book 3, and I am so excited to see what happens next. If you have not read book one, definitely add this to your TBR.

Thank you so much to Maelana for the opportunity to ARC Read this story.

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC BOOK REVIEW

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues in this next installment of the Unbinding Trilogy by Maelana Nightingale!

Unbinding Fate picks up where Unbinding Desire left off.

Alexis's parents are a real trip and to say that I hated her Mom would be an understatement with way she treats and puts the blame on Alexis for how her previous relationships ended.

But thankfully Alexis has a group of guys and a best friend, Georgia in her corner.

I love the slow burn and the relationship that developed between Alexis, Shawn and Holden in this book. This book is so tastefully written and the plot kept me invested, turning the pages so fast because I had to know what was going to happen next and with whom!

Definitely another five star read for me and solidification that I will read anything written by this author!

[J.D. Crist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this girls past with romantic relationships is...heartbreaking is not a strong enough word. This book did not disappoint. You get to know more about her past and watch as her relationships continue to grow. Definitely left me wanting more.

[Michaella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early ARC Review

5⭐️ and 3.5🌶️

Yesss book 2 was amazing. First always check triggers because everyone is different. Next make sure to read book 1 so you aren’t confused in what is going on and who each character is.

This book is addicting. It’s like once you start you can’t put it down. So, Lex has 5 roommates and they are all very hot men. Two of them are already hers and they are okay with sharing her. However she loves all 5 men in her own way. While more joking in in their poly relationship, 1 fights it. There is drama in this book but the spice is amazing as well. The one that hasn’t joined his found brothers/ best friends in with Alexis because he has his own things going on. As time goes on you see what each guy gives her in the relationships that the others don’t. She really hits the ultimate jackpot.

I can’t wait to read book 3 because I need to know what happens next. I need to know if they all fall or will they lose her.

PLEASE READ THIS TRILOGY, I PROMISE IT WINT DISAPPOINT 🫦😈

[Kaila Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!

Thank you Maelana for the chance to be on your ARC team. I loved this book so much! I think it is so great when readers can read relatable content with everyday life and situations. I love Alexis and her strong will and mindset. I loved hearing more about Alexis's background and dive more into her relationships with the guys. I did get so frustrated towards the end but then that cliffhanger you left us on! Can't wait to finish the trilogy and see where book 3 takes us on!

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing part two in this trilogy! This book, just like the last one, is such a great pallette cleanser if you are used to reading dark romance like me. You still have your suspense and emotions, but it has such a great flow. Everything is so evenly paced. The spice is so good, and it grew so much since book one. Each new man that comes into the fold has their own personality and relationship with Alexis. Each has their own accomplishments, family, desires, and hopes for the relationship. They all communicate so well! Well, almost all of them. The Blue Room is still lots of fun and so spicy. That last scene in there...wow! The cliffhanger is great. It's just enough to leave you wanting more but not like furious and throwing your book. I feel like I can say this book was good for my mental health. As a neurodivergent who always feels broken and unable to keep up with life's expectations, I ran to my husband on several occasions while reading this to tell him I felt so seen. I can't wait to see how it all ends!

[CAS CA Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here we are again, absolutely floored by this trilogy!

The support and communication between these main characters is unprecedented, especially in most of our romance reads, but also quite possibly by any real life expectations (lol). In book 2 we dive deeper into more of the characters personal lives/histories and how that has shaped them individually, their friendships with each other, and now their relationship(s) with Alexis. The more we grow her harem the more we see the intentionality between each of the characters; each guy with Alexis, Alexis with each of them, and each of them with their friendships.

Maelana has a knack for leaving us on the edge… so if your heart was anxious with the “soft cliffhanger” at the end of book 1, hold on to your panties bc book 2 is going to leave you desperate for book 3 (in all the best ways 🥵).

10/10 recommend! 5⭐️ 5🌶️
(MUST read Unbinding Desire first, this is a continuous series)

[Victoria Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maelana Nightingale.......


You have done it again!

I was once again lucky enough to receive this as a ARC read and wow just wow.

The way that the first book ended and how this picked up didn't have me wondering or trying to remember what I read previous, it was a smooth transfer over. I love the characters in this book from Lex, to the "roommates" to her "Best Bitch" bestie. The character development and openings they all had was well written and you could feel the emotions from each one as you read. Which at this point I expect nothing less coming from Maelana!

I love how realistic things between Lex and the boys are and especially the tension between her and "Sir" and lawd that cliff hanger !!!!

I need to ASAP in physical form and am counting the days down till I get to read the last one. I'm not sure how exactly this will end but I happy to say Im pretty sure I will love it all the same!

now let me go join the patreon

[Jamie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book and this series as a whole. It has honestly become one of my favorite RH romances. I love Alexis and the relationships that she has with all her guys. The amount of communication and trust they have is amazing. And I love how all the relationships progress at a very natural feeling pace…nothing feels forced or rushed. This book picks right up after the cliffhanger of the first one, and we saw how Alexis and the guys navigate through everything. The harem grows in this book, and the spice is excellent. And the ending is…👀!! Give this series a try if you haven’t already…I really think you’ll enjoy it!!

[Savanna Vandusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maelana has done it again! I can't get enough of this growing harem. All of the men are so unique and provide different things for Alexis. (Personally, I'm a Holden fan 😉). I love seeing their relationships continue to grow and how they approach any difficulties or disagreements. We finally say goodbye to a particular character in this book, and I am so thankful. This book ends on yet another cliffhanger, but it sets up for a wonderful beginning to book 3. I can't wait to see what is in store for these characters I've come to love, but I'm also not ready for it to end.

Thank you, Maelana, for providing me an ARC to another masterpiece.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
Fate starts off after Desire's cliffhanger. We see Alexis heal from her accident and afterwards, two more of the guys develop a relationship with her.
Carter, Ethan, Shawn and Holden all offer her different love and support in their individual relationships. There is still so much tension between Jeremiah and Alexis that finally leads them to the blue room.
A disagreement between the guys makes Jeremiah leave and that leaves Alexis distraught.
This book ends on a cliffhanger as well.

[LivingReadGirl666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in a RH trilogy featuring Alexis, Carter, Ethan, Shawn, Holden, and Jeremiah that focuses on the healthy potential of the poly dynamic plus attempts to bring realistic SSC(safe, sane, consensual) to BD$M on page. I felt sad, endeared, spicy, and enraged at different parts of the story and I think the range of emotions I experienced illustrates how well-written this is. “You have taught me that when it comes to the heart, love can expand infinitely without dividing its depth. Which is part of the meaning behind this.”
I received a free copy and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Meg’s Filthy Fictions · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first chapter, the allure of "Unbinding Fate" wraps around you like silk, inviting you into an exploration of the tender yet tantalizing dynamics that leave your imagination running wild.

As the plot unfolds, the author masterfully explores the growth of our siren. She is our delicious cupcake who is not only learning to embrace her sexual desires but also skillfully testing (or maybe not) the boundaries of her complex relationships. The chemistry between her and the group of men crackles with energy, making every interaction feel electric. Tension hangs in the air, thick and palpable, leaving me yearning, wanting, needing for more with each page turned.

But brace yourself! Just when you think you've finally untangled the threads of desire, the story throws you for a serious plot twist. Seriously, I almost threw my book across the room in outrage! It’s as if the author said, “Oh, you thought you knew how this was going to end? Surprise! Let’s dangle you over a precipice of uncertainty and leave you hanging!”

So, if you enjoy heart-pounding romance mixed with laughter and even some dark tension this is the book for you. Just be prepared for an ending that will have you screaming, “Wait, what?! Where’s the next book?!” You'll be left enraptured, laughing at your own cliffhanger-induced predicament. I am literally just dangling here like a cat on a curtain rod! I can NOT wait for the next book! Fabulous read!!!!!!5/5

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW! I’ve been looking forward to this book. We are where the last one left off and it was great. Her parents have shown up and her mother is a piece of work. Holden has realized there is more to her and it’s worth sharing her just to be with her. I love that she has a different relationship with each of the guys. And she is different for each of them while still being herself. I love getting more back stories for the guys and meeting some family. Georgia is a great addition to the house. The way Jer is written with his emotions is well done, and I like how that played out even though it required a handful of tissues. I can’t wait to see the third and final book in the trilogy.

[bariatricbookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come! 😇

[Iulia]

Too much smut