Bound by Obsession

Shadowed Souls #2

by Maddison Cole

Wyatt thought Avery was the root of all problems.

He thought wrong.

A shocking revelation has torn the Shadowed Souls apart, splintering them from within. Now fractured and facing unseen dangers, the remaining members are forced to make an impossible choice: search for Wyatt, their self-destructive leader, or protect the feisty ballet dancer they’ve all come to cherish—Avery.


Avery swept into their lives and captured their hearts, becoming the embodiment of everything these damaged men have always craved—a love to hold on to, a family to call their own. But as evil lurks in the shadows and emotions spiral out of control, loyalties will be tested. Who will thrive, and who will fall apart? One thing is certain—Nixon has a lot to answer for.

Genres: Dark Romance, Why Choose, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, College, M M Romance

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2024

About the author

Maddison Cole is a married mum of two, and a serial daydreamer. As a huge fan of fantasy romance novels for the past 7 years, she has finally decided to put pen to paper (finger to keyboard doesn't sound as poetic) and begin to write her own.

As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.

Reviews

[Nantia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexa play "I cry by Westlife"

I cannot. I seriously cannot.

My biggest problem through the whole book was Wyatt refusing the attraction and then the last 7 chapters just ripped my soul and now its a hostage to book three.
The writing? Captivating.
The guys? I loved how Garrett grows in this book and face his demons and the feelings he refused but suffocated.

But Wyatt? I feel as hollow as him. This book left me hollow and screaming. I cannot wait until March 14th. I will die. I am already dead by Maddison Cole's writing.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ so many moments in this that gave me all the feels!! I wish I had read it straight after the last book that would be my only suggestion to everyone!

Axel and Garrett have my whole heart!! ⚔️

[Lucy Mason · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was boring, like really boring - nothing happens, there’s no drama, nothing exciting, there’s just a lot of fucking.

The ‘relationships’ are so two dimensional, they’re flat and besides having trauma as something in common they know nothing about eachother. The love you scene between Avery and Dax was so cringe, this girl can hardly recognise emotions but suddenly she’s in love, never mind that this isn’t ’real’ and she keeps saying she won’t be around forever - it’s all just so flat. There’s a lot of mental health rep in this series but it’s SO poorly done, and a lot of the guys just come across as whiny since it’s so badly written. The whole relationship or lack of one between Avery and Wyatt is so forced - they don’t like each other, just stop forcing it, everytime he’s present for a sex scene or she says something obscene I get second hand embarrassment - just let them be friends or something but stop forcing them to be a thing.

Can I also say that one I called Meg being her twin but also once she found out that Wyatt wasn’t her twin she wasn’t even the slightest bit interested in who was until it was revealed it was Meg. Like unless it involves Avery she’s really not that bothered - she comes across as really self involved actually. I keep waiting for a kidnapping or some serious drama to happen and there never is - it’s so boring to read, even finding Wyatt’s real family just felt so forced and just felt really disappointing.
The ending really sums up Avery’s character, she literally just found out that Wyatt had handed over Meg her best friend, her twin and she tried to fuck him. If that doesn’t tell you who Avery is as a person I don’t know what will. She thinks with her fanny 24/7 - ALSO TOTALLY CALLED WYATT BEING XO so yeah, still wish they’d stop forcing that ‘attraction’ but whatever.

[S. Morgenstern]

“- Avery, pégame.

- No voy a pegarte, Huxley.

- Sí lo vas a hacer. Vas a pelear conmigo o a f*llar conmigo, pero en cualquier caso, no saldremos de esta cocina hasta que hayas encontrado la liberación que buscabas ahí fuera.”

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that this book picks up right wheee Forged by Shadows ended. And my my at the bombs dropped in this book! I already can’t wait to start/finish the next book to see how it all ends!!!

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5

THE GROUP SCENE!!!! With step bro Wyatt watching ing the corner!!! 🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠🫠 no I simply cannot.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many five star moments. And can I just say how refreshing it is that these males are honestly like “yeah we have no actual ability to help you, no idea how to use guns, or deal with professional kidnappeds etc” lmao. I don’t know why but that’s one of my favourite things about this series.

Mr XO was far too obvious from the first book but that’s fine. The other shock factors where pretty decent…. Kind of.

I was so, so very excited to see more of Meg and hoped to see more of the sorority from her old dorm-mate. But dam there’s nothing worse than a book when all the females just hate on the FMC. And that is 100% what this turned into. Zero female connections. Megs moments are far to fleeting.

That said, I did throughly enjoy it and already picked up the next book.

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cliffhanger! I’m already counting down the days until book 3 is released. This story picks up right where Forged by Shadows left off, throwing you straight into the fallout from Wyatt’s shocking departure. After uncovering a game-changing secret in the previous book, the group is left fractured and reeling, with everyone feeling lost. Avery is forced to step up and take charge—an incredible feat given the circumstances.

Is it wrong that I’m still feeling some kind of way about Wyatt? He’s definitely rough around the edges, and I can see why he’s hard to love, but something about him makes me look forward to his redemption arc. It’s coming, and it’s going to be incredible.

The other guys—Huxley, Dax, Garret, and Axel—are equally compelling. Each of them has their own brokenness, but we get to see their lighter, more vulnerable sides in this book, which I really appreciated. Learning more about their individual struggles and witnessing their growth was heartwarming. Their pasts are devastating, yet they’re true survivors, each carrying their burdens with strength.

Of course, this book delivers another jaw-dropping reveal at the end—one I didn’t see coming at all. I’m still processing it, but I love it. It explains so much and sets the stage for what’s to come.

If you’re looking for a book full of suspense, adrenaline, and jaw-dropping twists, this one is for you. These characters have completely stolen my heart, and their shared trauma has only brought them closer. I can’t wait to see how things unfold in the next book. And yes, be prepared for another cliffhanger—so buckle up, because it’s going to be one wild ride!

As always, my reviews are completely voluntary, and I haven’t received any monetary compensation. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jacklyn B · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book was so good!! It has so many twists and turns and secrets but also so much emotion and humor and spice!

This picks up right where Forged By Shadows ends…with the huge secret. I can’t tell you exactly where this story goes, or really any details in the plot, except be prepared go feel like you are on a roller coaster of emotions!

These characters have so many layers to them and are so well written. All of them have experienced trauma and are trying to figure out how to move forward. There are some really emotional and tough moments. Did I sometimes get mad at them? Yes. But do I also love them so much? Absolutely!

There are so many sweet and funny scenes - there is a certain holiday celebration that is one of my favorites! I really love the banter and the love between these characters. We also get some really steamy scenes 🔥🔥

The ending!!! No spoilers but what??? I can’t wait to read the third book!

✨What to Expect:
🖤Dark Academia Romance
🚫Forbidden Romance
⚔️Why Choose w/ MM
❤️‍🔥Enemies to Lovers
🩰Forced Proximity
💋Badass FMC
🏀Protective MMCs
🥀St@lker & Assass1ns
🎭Secret Identity
📓Dark Family Secrets
❤️‍🩹Emotional Scars
🌤️Grumpy/Sunshine
🩶Morally Gray MCs

[jenn_loves_2_read · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
4🌶️

I struggled so much with this. I enjoyed the first book and felt it kept a decent pace, but this one seemed to drag on and on. There were a few parts here and there that would grab my attention, but mostly it was hard for me to stay in the story. It did pick up around 75% in, but even then I kept wondering when it would end and praying there would not be a third installment - news flash - there will be another. I usually like a good enemies to lovers or hate to love trope, but Wyatt really tried my patience. Avery wasn’t innocent in their friction either. There is a lot of mental health rep in this, perhaps a bit overdone in my opinion. Over all, I’m not mad I stuck with it, but I’m not sure I would recommend it either. If you choose to read, definitely check the trigger warnings.

[Brittany Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it. The spice and plot weee both amazing. I loved the twists that were in this one and the cliffhanger has me with my jaw dropped haha. I have definitely fell head over bells in love with the characters who are amazing and the character development is off the charts amazing. I can’t get enough of this series. If you want to read please make sure to read Forged By Shadows (Book 1 of the Shadowed Souls series), as this one pick up in a cliffhanger left by book 1. Spice is a definite 5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ and plot is a hands down 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️tropes include: RH/Why choose, had MM in the mix, step-siblings, dark, college romance, enemies to lovers, bully romance. If you like these then I’m sure you’ll love this one. Is it part of a series though and is leave off on a cliffhanger. As it is a dark romance please be sure to check TW’s before reading. TW’s include: d3ath of a parent, bullying, st@lking, blackmail, gaslighting, invasion of privacy, dub-con, v0yeurism, exhibitionism, implied incest, sp@nking, eyes open/eyes on me scenes, possessive behavior, mention of body dysmorphia, su!cidal thoughts, mentions of childhood abüse, mentions of negl3ct/poverty, therapy sessions, depression, drügs/@lcohol use, flashbacks/nightmares of s3xual trauma. Again please be sure to check TW’s before reading.

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy heck what a rollercoaster of emotions and whiplash this book was. Wyatt disappeared and found some secrets that made his head spin and put anger and hatred in his heart. When secrets start to come out no one knows who can be trusted, least of all Nixon. The man tore so many lives apart and yet we still don't truly know why. Avery has her work cut out for her with the Shadowed Souls. Each member has their own demons they're still trying to work through, but they're all in agreement when it comes to protecting her. There's so much spice and steam in this book and the emotions are raw and heated and delicious in so many ways. I love the relationships blossoming, especially with Garrett and axel. Those two are endgame for sure. Seeing Garrett be vulnerable was heart-warming and I cant wait for more in the next book. What a shocking twist at the end too! Forever obsessed with this world and these characters.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely read the first book, “Forged by Shadows,” before diving into this story. It picks up where Wyatt left the group after they discovered a crucial secret in the previous book, leaving them in a state of disarray.
We delve deeper into the characters’ lives, revealing their secrets and struggles. Avery discovers her twin, Garrett’s tattoos shed light on his past, Axel’s perpetual fatigue is explained, and Huxley’s competitive and protective nature is explored. Dax remains quiet and fades into the background. The author addresses sensitive topics of mental and physical abuse with respect.
Then the author throws a curve ball with several unexpected twists at the end. Kept me glued to the book until the end.

[Rylee.booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Umm what the fuck was this book?! It must have been crack. The cliffhanger?!?!?! My jaw was on the floor!!!!

I need the next book immediately. I loved seeing Dax get closer with Avery. I was really sad when Axel got hurt. I’m gonna say it, I love Wyatt. Finding out that’s he is Xo!!!!!! Hello, I would have never thought that. But also it makes sense. But in the end why he did what he did.?!!! I get it but Whyyyyy. Axel and Garrett. 😍😍😍 I think my fav guy is Huxley. I think he is the best. But overall I need more of them. I need them like air.

The way Wyatt felt when he was with his mom Rachel. Like the validation that he has been wanting, was cute. But also sad.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic follow-up to book one! I loved that the author picked right back up from where she left us, reeling in the crazy secret revealed and the insane cliffhanger! I am absolutely loving this series!
So many secrets and twists kept coming; it had me at the edge of my seat throughout the book!
Each character is so different but integral in the dynamic of their relationship. Each brings something different to the table and completes them as a whole. The author doesn’t let the reader or characters off easily without wringing all the different emotions out!
I think this is setting up to be an unforgettable series and I just want it all ASAP!
Def ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The shadowed souls are fractured after how the last book ended with Wyatt leaving to go his own journey of discovery. Finding out the real truth about himself and his family. Avery (FMC) and the guys were going through their own problems and trying to work through them. Some of the plot twists and turns definitely take you on a rollercoaster ride especially with that what-the-bloody-hell ending which left me wanting to stop kick my Kindle (lol). It left me jaw droppingly seething but my word was it brilliant as well. I can't tell you how much I'm loving this series. So good!!

[dais · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly… I AM UNWELL.
Those goddamn plot twists man- istg my heart was ready to burst outta my chest.
That freakin’ cliffhanger… All I can say is: WTF WYATT?!
Not just that but fuck me, my heart cannot handle the amount of pain and suffering these characters have all been through. I lost count of the amount of times I cried.

Secondly… Lorddddd have mercy that harem of men is hot as helllllll. I’m like a bitch in heat. The shower scene with Wyatt>>> holy smokessss iykyk (I was happy with Wyatt during that scene but now I’m super pissed at him)

THANK GOD FOR SMALL MERCIES- I am editing book 3- starting from today, so I can immediately find out wtf has happened next lol.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t put my finger on why I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first instalment. It dragged a little in places, and sometimes some of the character actions felt forced or out of character. Saying that Wyatt’s story was very interesting and I found the writing and plot strong around this. Looking forward to seeing how it ends and hopefully the last book will feel more cohesive to me. Top marks again to Garrett for bringing the banter.

[Mona Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by Obsession

What a ride....I got answers to questions and then kept getting more questions.
A lot of truths come out and not all of them are pretty. This book is intense, hot and hard to put down

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wyatt needs to GET OVER HIMSELF. He’s so dark and broody but has a massive amount of money and fantastic friends who love him. God forbid his family life sucks, join the club!

[Amanda Crossland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

I have to say, I didn’t predict XOXO was who it turned out to be. We got to read their point of view many times this book, and their thoughts and feelings never matched the things spoken of in the letters to Avery. Those words, she held them when things became to tough, and I’m flabbergasted over the identity. Maybe it was a cop out? I don’t know. I love books where we get to read multiple point of views, as it allows the reader to understand where a character has come from, why they act the way that they do, making it easier for the reader to connect with them. That didn’t happen here. It just doesn’t make sense. Plus, giving up her twin to the monster of a birth father to Avery? How could she forget how upset she was with him when she found out he traded Meg for her.
There was another spot in the book that didn’t connect, maybe because the characters are super rich and it doesn’t need to be said they have ppl who would do the little things. Meg ran away from the safe house, in the middle of the night in Huxleys SUV, their only vehicle there. They weren’t worried about the need to get food and supplies from town a ways away. Plus look for updates from Nixon. Then a few days later, it’s mentioned Huxley gets in his SUV and drives to town. Like huh? There was a few other things as well like this but not this obvious. I had to re read a few times thinking I missed something. Nope.
Finding out that Nixion is not Wyatt’s father, was a suspicion in the first book but confirmed in this one. It’s also mentioned that Garret was super smart and dna tested Avery, Cathy her adoptive mother who passed from a car accident just before the first book started and Wyatt. Turns out Cathy had an affair with Frederick something, became preg with twins, and was friends with Wyatt’s mom who was pregnant at the same time. Something happened, nothing described but in the end, Nixon had Wyatt in his care and wouldn’t or Wyatt’s birth parents didn’t want him. Nixion and Cathy, one of the twins was stolen from her bed and they hid the other with someone she met at the pregnancy clinic. The relationship with Nixon and Wyatt was severely strained and Wyatt didn’t give Nixon time to even defend himself, just took what they said a face value and hated Nixon even more. He was like a little kid, wanting a parent to love him so much, give him praise and tell him what a good boy he was, while also allowing him to beleive his side of the story. All the while his birth mother is supplying him with drugs aka Vitamins. Gets him high off his rocker, it was like a really long bratty temper tantrum. There’s always more to the story and we haven’t heard Nixions full side yet. Just small bits and pieces. Her relationship with the guys, in this book almost to extreme. Pages and pages of them doing the many versions of the “tango” in and out of the sheets. Some of it was just hinted at what was done the night before. Avery made up for lost time for sure. Garrett admitted his feelings for Axel, so did Avery, Huxley felt like the entire burden of protecting Avery was on him and he couldn’t even leave the frat house after getting shot, then Wyatt disappears (to his real birth parents place getting high and having his hair stroked by his absent mother who supplies his pills). Huxley couldn’t eat, or sleep, he pushed them all away including Avery. He was forced to go outside and be the protector Avery needed as Nixion asked him too, while he battled his own demons. Needing Avery’s praises after only eating a few bites. Axel gets beat up by the football team, Garrett gets arrested for fighting them back, which I would have too since it was a team against poor Axel, using racial slurs and other demeaning taunts. Finally Avery speaks up to the Dean about making sure the campus is a safe place since she been attacked twice. While allowing his own students to bully someone. Typical blame the victim bs. When Avery stands up for herself or others, I can feel the power of her words, she’s growing for sure in this book. There was a lot of petty drama, and barely any effort to moving the plot along until 60-70% of the book. I would rate it 3.5 stars if I could. It’s worth more than 3 stars though. The storyline kept you interested, the point of views allowed me to fall for each of the guys. Wyatt not being included in that. Especially after drugging her. I can’t imagine what he’s up to now.

[Lexie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never anticipated a book as much as this one—counting down the days until I could finally dive in.

The way Forged by Shadows (book 1) ended was nothing short of brutal—but it pales in comparison to the heartbreak and chaos that Bound by Obsession delivers.

Right from the start, you’re hit with a cascade of plot twists. If you thought you could settle in with a cozy blanket and a warm cup of tea to lose yourself in Avery and her men’s world, think again. With Maddison Cole’s writing, you can never let your guard down.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat, tension coursing through you, as you wait for a moment to exhale. My tip? Swap that cup of tea for a glass of pink gin—and be ready for some very pink vibes.

I won’t dwell too long on each character’s evolution, but let me just say this: they’re all incredible, each in their own unique way. It feels like the deep dives into their pasts in the previous book seamlessly picked up where we left off. The transition between the two books is so smooth and natural that it’s like I never left Waversea at all.

The character insights and developments are masterfully balanced. We’re given just enough to grow even more attached to the men, yet there’s still an air of mystery that keeps us on edge.

As a why choose, this book nails it. The author does an exceptional job of giving equal attention to each character. There’s no “more of this one” or “not enough of that one” feeling here. We’re utterly spoiled from start to finish, and the decision to pick a favorite is downright impossible.

The rhythm of BbO mirrors that of FbS. The inclusion of “everyday” life scenes gives readers a chance to deepen their understanding of the main characters, their dynamic connections, and their independent stories.

The smut is flawlessly woven into the plot, occasionally taking center stage, and let’s just say I’m here for it. Once again, the author delivers in the most creative and very h07 ways, ensuring our cravings for “sack time” (or “anywhere else time,” really) are more than satisfied.

There were a moment or two when I felt like I needed a twist to break the rhythm. Then, almost as if reading my mind, Avery voiced the same sentiment—and the story delivered. This, to me, highlights the author’s incredible skill in maintaining a flow that feels both natural and realistic.

To wrap it up, I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys why choose romances, intense manifestations of love, and dark desires. Add in obsessive villains and enigmatic stalkers to shake up the otherwise-too-calm routine, and you have a recipe for a thrilling read.

A word of caution: the ending of BbO serves up a brutal cliffhanger. Be prepared to scream—possibly at a certain morally grey (or is it pitch black?) character.

If dark bully romance is your thing, paired with an academic setting, a fearless female lead, and four to five men ready to move heaven and earth to keep her safe... Read the Trigger Warnings and dive into this series now. And keep an eye out for those mysterious letters signed by Mr. XO...

[Queen Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that was quite the twist at the end. I kinda was expecting it but not to the extent that we got it. Like there were a lot of reveals in this book. I really thought that I figured one of them out but the other one was a surprise. I'm going to let you marinate on which one of those it is until later. Come back and let me know in the comments which reveal was the most surprising to you. There is enough character development that happens that you kind of don't notice that things feel a little stagnant otherwise. Like, finally getting some confessions from some of the characters felt almost cathartic after everything that has been happening. Other than that though, the storyline of things doesn't really feel like it's moved alot. Which left you feeling almost like nothing really happened here. Frederick is still on the hunt for his daughter, they still have no idea how they are being found and lets add on top of that the mystery of why exactly Nixon did what he did. I mean we know the basics but I really want to know what ACTUALLY happened. They just give us the basic story and I feel like the real story is somewhere inbetween those two stories. Nixon is still on the run and not able to tell them anything. That's probably going to happen in the next book. Then I feel like we're going to get some type of resolution with Wyatt. Things are really just intense right now with the group, especially with how things ended in this book. I loved how the dynamics have basically been set, with just a few of them left to fix their issues.

The spice was nice!! I really enjoyed getting a change to have a group scene with all of the guys! I definitely didn't think that it would happen!! It kicked the spice level up way high. So this was definitely a 4 out of 5 for me. Overall, the spice and the reveals were really what carried this book for me. It took awhile for me to finish it since there were moments where things were a bit slow. So overall, I gave it a low 4. Like if it wasn't for the last reveal, I might have given this a 3. I really want to know how things are going to end in the third book and look forward to it. As always, give this book a try yourself if you enjoy Why Choose academy type romance. There is a little mystery thrown in as well. I would recommend this to those who like that genre!

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the first book in the War at Waversea series, Deafened by Silence, hooked you with its brooding enemies-to-lovers tension and shadowy academy intrigue, Burned by Sin cranks the heat to inferno levels.

Rhys, the heir to a crumbling empire, is no longer just the villainous instigator, he’s a man unraveling, torching his own world in pursuit of revenge, only to find his carefully laid plans upended by the one person he never saw coming….Harper.
What starts as a calculated infiltration of Waversea Academy devolves into a personal apocalypse, blending high-stakes sports drama, forbidden “why choose” romance, and the kind of emotional gut punches that leave you breathless.

Maddison Cole, continues her signature style here….filthy mouthed anti-heroes, feisty heroines who bite back, and twists that hit like a sucker punch.
Clocking in at around 350 pages, delivers fast-burn spice amid the slow simmering angst, making it a binge worthy follow up for fans of bully romance with heart.

With Clayton Michaels out of the picture, the path to destruction seems clear… poison the elite halls of Waversea Academy, make the privileged pay, and walk away unscathed. Right? But Harper? She’s the wildcard no one, least of all Rhys, could anticipate. She strips him bare, exposes the ruins beneath his armor, and leaves him haunted by a single, soul shredding line: “Rhys Waversea is nothing, and he knows it.” (That had an OMG moment I won’t forget in a hurry!)

The story spirals from triumphant sabotage to devastating isolation, as Rhys grapples with the hollow victory of his schemes. It has clandestine hookups that blur hate and hunger, and a campus war that escalates from whispers to full blown chaos!

The author weaves in threads from book one….Harper’s resilience, the jock feuds, the undercurrent of family secrets, while propelling the series toward an explosive cliffhanger that demands book three.

This isn’t a slow burn, it’s a wildfire! The plot hurtles forward with short, punchy chapters that mirror Rhys’s chaotic mindset, building to revelations that add to book one’s events.

It’s the kind of rollercoaster that leaves you with “sooooo many questions,”

If revenge tastes this bittersweet, sign me up for the fallout. Grab it …. your TBR (and your heart) will thank you.

🦋

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound by Obsession by Maddison Cole

🖤 Dark RH · Enemies to Lovers · Found Family (with fangs) · Trauma Bonds

If Forged by Shadows cracked your heart open, Bound by Obsession rips it clean out of your chest and holds it hostage for book 3. This sequel takes everything you loved: obsession, tension, morally grey chaos and turns the volume up until it screams.

Avery didn’t just enter their world…
She became the center of it.

And now?
The Shadowed Souls are fractured, furious, grieving, spiraling and desperate.

Wyatt is gone.
The guys are unraveling.
And Avery is somehow the glue holding together men who have never learned how to be whole.

This book delivers:
🔥 More tension. More longing. More possessiveness.
🔥 Found family, but dark and bruised and bleeding.
🔥 Avery stepping into her power, even when she’s breaking.
🔥 Garrett finally facing his demons and his feelings.
🔥 Wyatt’s emotional spiral that leaves YOU hollow right along with him.
🔥 Secrets, betrayals, revelations that punch you in the throat.
🔥 Cohesion shifting, loyalty cracking, obsession deepening.
🔥 A cliffhanger that deserves jail time.

This is the book where:
✨ The men fall harder.
✨ Avery becomes theirs in more than name.
✨ Obsession becomes the love language.
✨ Pain becomes the binding force.
✨ WYATT becomes the problem, the heartbreak, the addiction, AND the answer.

Who should read this:
👤 Readers who crave emotionally damaged MMCs who love like it’s the only thing keeping them breathing
👤 Why-choose girlies looking for actual relationship development
👤 Dark romance fans addicted to slow-unfolding emotional destruction
👤 Anyone who screamed “WYATT, GET IT TOGETHER” at least once
👤 People who love books that wreck them and somehow make it feel good

For fans of:
🔸 Shadow Grove
🔸 Hannaford Prep
🔸 Madison Kate
🔸 The Sainthood
🔸 Boys of Ash & Fire

Bound by Obsession is the messy, angsty, unhinged, beautifully broken continuation we all signed up for and the ending?? Yeah… your heart won’t survive it.

#BoundByObsession #ShadowedSoulsSeries #MaddisonCole #DarkRH #WhyChooseRomance #DarkCollegeRomance #ObsessiveMen #EnemiesToLovers #BookstagramReads #DarkBooktok

[kaylaschapterchats · Rating 5 out of 5]

That cliffhanger was insane!!! I'm going to be counting down the days until book 3 is released.

Wow, what a journey Avery and the guys take in this installment. In Bound By Obsession we pick up where Forged By Shadows finished off.

After the events that occured, Wyatt disappears to avoid what happened between Avery and himself. Things go down and Wyatt finds himself learning what really happened all those years ago between his parents. It was so sad learning what actually happened, I know he can be a bit of a d*** but I did feel for him, I think he was robbed of so much love. I actually do like Wyatt and I'm starting to see through his facade but he definitely has a lot of explaining to do.

Avery, I love her so much, she goes from strength to strength, no matter if her world is shattering around her, she will always find happiness. Her and the guys grow so much closer which I really enjoyed because we did get to see a more vulnerable side to all of them including Wyatt to a degree. It was so sweet that we did get to learn more about Huxley, Dax, Garret and Axel. What these beautiful individuals have gone through is so devastating but they are true survivors. Avery's world is kind of turned upside down when more shocking revelations are made. I have questions though because there were some things that were said that didn't add up and i need more information (You'll know what I mean when you read it).

I can't wait to book 3 comes out because I know it'll be explosive. Maddison, as always, your worlds are amazing and I love immersing myself into them.

Thank you so much to Maddison, her team and the wonderful team at Choatic Creatives for giving me the opportunity to read this story. I am forever grateful 🙏

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

🩰 why choose with mm
🩰 Forced Proximity
🩰 Enemies to lovers
🩰 stepbrother
🩰 stalking
🩰 Academy setting
🩰 spicy

[Rebecca Kalstrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMGGG it was Wyatt all along…..I always knew Avery and him was gonna find their way together just smoothly BUT oh no…. Turned out it was the BIGGEST PLOT OF MY LIFE. MADDISON COLE you COOKEEEDD. Can’t WAIT for the next one.


The other characters in the book:
Axel: started loving him more. After finding out about his nightmares and his and Garrett relationship development,I just felt more closer to Axel’s character.

Garrett: he was on another level. When it was mentioned in the book that he was hiding stuff and he felt ruined and broken, also his tattoos. I was happy to finally see the more deeper level in his character, after in the first book he was more always left to the side.

Dax: He was very caring and relaxed though out this book. Saw a lot of development in his and Avery’s relationship ( I love them ). All I have to say about him, is that he is an amazing character and has a great development too.

Meg: oh Meg. At first I was like, what is Meg doing here cause it seemed kinda odd. But oh did she trick me. After finding out ( yk ) I was shocked. But at some times during the book it was kind of weird that she was popping up in one scene and disappearing for the next 10, like where did my girl go. ( maybe I missed something help)

Huxley: don’t have much to say about him. Love him. Idk he was not the character that got the most scenes, because of Avery and Wyatt sooooo yeah, but love him. He’s so cute when he’s overprotective of Avery.

Wyatt: in the first book I was loving the enemies vibe and he was my favorite character. but oh damn did he twist that ( I’m lying he is still my fav ) he was so HOT and EVERYTHING in this book. Even though he did do something bad and definitely deserved a slap in the face, somehow he still managed to stay in top. ( oh boy I need professional help lmao )



( hopefully my review makes sense, im second language sorryyyyyyy )

Madison Cole ( PLEASEEE release the new book as fast as possible )

[Daniele Stephenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has me hooked. This book has just dragged me in further and I am just loving it. First of all Wyatt is just absolutely my favorite and I am loving getting to see more of him in this book. He is definitely rough around the edges and makes it hard to love him but man I am looking forward to his redemption. I can see it coming and it is goi g to be amazing. Now the other guys are adorable and all of them are broken in their own ways and I enjoy their lighter sides too but I tend to lean towards these darker harder to love characters and Wyatt is just the perfect example. The more I read about him the more I’m falling. I’m so glad Avery has pushed him to the point she has as he really needed it. Garrett has also helped push this along and is probably my second favorite with his antics that make me laugh out loud. I was glad that we took care of that bit of a cliffhanger ending from the first book quickly in this book. I knew that it couldn’t be true. Granted I was not prepared for the actual reveal of the secret and was shocked. Now don’t even get me started on her bestie Meg. Like how is she gonna be like that with Avery. I get she is trying to save herself but I was not happy with her decision. Now again we were left with another big reveal at the end of the book that I wasn’t expecting. I’m still working through those feelings but I’m kind of loving it. It explains so much. Now I’m absolutely excited to see the next book and see how things unfold. Wyatt is really going to have to redeem himself and I am looking forward to seeing this and hopefully getting to see Avery get her group settled and maybe get that HEA. Please give this series a try it is so well written and has just the right amounts of mystery, steamy, and fun to balance the story and make it just drag you in.

[iamnotcamiluch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enamorado de tí? El amor es una palabra para sentimientos agitados y gestos dulces. Es para calidez e intimidad. No estoy enamorado de ti, Avery.
Estoy jodidamente obsesionado contigo, Es dura y amarga, esta necesidad de tenerte completamente a mi merced,
No puedo amarte, porque eso implicaría hacer algo noble como liberarte. No. Quiero poseerte, controlarte hasta que no puedas respirar sin mí. Si fuera por mí, te doblaria y te rompería hasta que estés tan vacía como yo. Hasta que finalmente pueda creer que soy digno de al menos un pedazo de ti.

acá podemos ver cómo avery descubre la relación con cada uno de los chicos, y cada uno de los chicos trata de subsanar los daños y demonios que tiene que son chicos. También podemos ver como Garrett y Alex empiezan a aceptar sus sentimientos y demonios, con ayuda de ella y también es un harem entre todos y todos como que lo aceptan. Este libro mayormente sucede en una cabaña aislada donde Nixon los protege, también conocemos la relación de wyatt con sus verdaderos padres, el padre verdadero fallece y la madre es su acompañante durante gran parte del libro. Sin embargo Nixon lo hace volver y estar cuidando a Avery.
También podemos descubrir cómo en realidad se desarrolla el odio y amor que se tienen, y ella da el paso final para estar con él. Se descubre que él es el acosador X o de toda su vida y que toda la vida estuvo enamorado va obsesionado
Al final del libro se descubre que mega es la hermana gemela de ella, y que la protegieron a Meg enviándole a otra familia. Entonces al final del libro Wyatt la entrega al verdadero padre que estaba extorsionando y estaba preso por maltratos a su hija así deja de molestar a Avery.
Claramente Avery no va a ser fácil que lo perdone aunque se aman

[Princess Petty · Rating 2 out of 5]

FMC INTOLERABLE

I don’t know if it’s intended but there’s a serious issue with the dynamics of this book. The FMC being intolerable for one. For 2, Wyatt deserving better than every single one of them. Your going to have his best friends practically choose her over him, it’s been proven through these overly long DRAWN OUT 2 books that he is severely neglected by his own friends and always an afterthought over a girl that they hadn’t known for that long. Her personality is so mid that I find it hard to believe she’s the center of everyone in the books attention. She’s a horrible best friend (not to put a spoiler alert on here) and when something is going to happen to her “best friend/family it barely talks about her feelings about it or what she’s going to do and focused more on the romantic Involvement with Wyatt.
The storyline is predictable and to have a 3rd book when the first 2 books were 400+ pages is insane especially for a mid storyline that isn’t that interesting. Look reverse harems aren’t for every author, it’s not an easy thing to write and this author clearly wasn’t equipped for it because I sped read through the 2nd book and only read it because the first left on a cliffhanger. I don’t plan on reading the 3rd because almost a 1000 pages to get a romantic involvement with the only interesting MC in the book is a big NO for me. Not to mention there in college but somehow there never there. The MCs literally being on a basketball team but only played like once the entire series. So unrealistic for college students to have as much time off as they do in the middle of a school year.
2 stars was me being kind.