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Squad Six #1

Bound by Valor

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"Let me decide who I choose to lose."

Leora

A single decision to save a stranger thrusts me from my role as a psychologist at the Toronto South Detention Center into a shadowy world of espionage. I find myself entangled with Zarek, a covert intelligence unit leader whose presence sparks a fire within me. He’s everything I shouldn’t want—distant, secretive, and haunted by the battles he fights.

Zarek
Control is everything in my line of work, but Leora disrupts it all. She didn’t just save my life; she dragged herself into the line of fire. She becomes my obsession, a mission I can’t afford to fail. As our desires collide, the lines between duty and passion blur, making her safety my biggest gamble yet.

“Bound by Valor” delivers a high-stakes tale of danger and desire. When lives are on the line, can two fiercely independent spirits trust each other enough to survive?

This is the first book in the Squad Six Series by Bakul Sharma. An action-packed steamy military romance.

*Content warning*


This book contains themes and scenes that may be triggering for some readers. It features explicit sexual content, as well as an obsessive, protective, and sometimes controlling hero with stalking behavior towards the heroine.

Trigger Violence, kidnapping, blood, murder, grief, stalking, and mentions of physical assault, death, slavery, and human trafficking.

Welcome to Squad Six!

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2024

98 people are currently reading
1349 people want to read

About the author

Bakul Sharma

3 books30 followers

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5 stars
46 (25%)
4 stars
58 (31%)
3 stars
40 (21%)
2 stars
20 (10%)
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19 (10%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for R_Diksha.
138 reviews3 followers
September 16, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
ARC Review of Bound By Valor

Honestly, I have to mentally prepare myself to write this Review and that too spoiler free.
I mean ??😭 I have so much I want to say about this book but I don't know how to do that without giving any spoilers.
Still I will try my best!
I absolutely loved the book!! Every single characters were amazing on their own but my favorite is, and will always be Logan 🤌😭
My baby. I will love you forever😘
You know when you read a book from a hyped or an author you have already read, you have a certain expectations from them and you feel disappointed when the book don't live up to it.
But on the other hand, when you read a book from an author you have not read, you just dive into the book without any expectations and when it turns out good, it doubles the joy and excitement!!!
That's what happened to me while reading this book. I just saw its post one day and the new 'military' trope, which haven't read before, excited me so I just signed up for the ARC and when I started reading it, I didn't really had any high expectations but DAMN... the book turned out so well. I am absolutely in love with it.
And now I am gonna read Every single book by Bakul Sharma 🤌🥹 you made my expectations high and I can't wait to read more of this series!
I hope Sebastian also have his own book, he was really hot and I want to read his story👀

I can't wait for you all to read and fall in love with this book and every characters in it🥹❤️
Profile Image for Niya.
8 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2024
Bound By Valor is a fast-paced action romance revolving around Leora and Zarek. The book is a combo package of action, romance, spice, and a lot of angst. As someone who enjoys slow burn more than fast-paced books, I was HOOKED on this story. The author executed the plot amazingly and it doesn't seem like a debut work. It delivers everything that it should and I am so grateful that I got to read an ARC for the book.

My favorite character in the book was Logan, a side character, who took my heart from the beginning. I am so excited for the second book in the series! The action scenes in the book were written with expertise and the dark aspect in the beginning is perfect for dark romance readers who like books with stalkers👀 I can't wait for the release of this book. If you like dark action romance with a lot of smut, this book is for you!🤭🎀
Profile Image for Catarina Águas.
2,342 reviews205 followers
January 18, 2025
I liked this one, it wasn't bad at all for a debut.
Leora wanted to be strong again and she found that strength and courage in the squad six, she found a family. I loved their bonds and how they could have fun on moment but be serious in the other.
Zarek wanted her the moment he saw her. That man was down bad for her. He wanted to keep her safe but in the end what made her happy and complete was working with the team.
The book ended in a cliffhanger and I just can't wait for more
Profile Image for Kohinoor .
49 reviews
December 25, 2024
OMG what I read!

the beginning was somehow boring and not what usually happens when i expect something from a book. indeed till chapter ten I was waiting for the perfect moment i could say, YASSSSS! And god the thing is, this book didn't disappoint me at all.

yes for me this book isn't really a five star but you guys should go for it, makes every chapter interesting, for me at least after chapter ten. one thing that i truly admired was the friendship between Leora and Logan, i love Zarek but couldn't stop falling for Logan. he made the entry and I knew he would be the one I'd like the most, most of the chapter i only waited for him.

FMC and MMC were really sweet. the chemistry was indeed not that good yet they were a bit more than okay. literally their scenes made me laugh, cry and sometimes angry like why that's not me, oh gosh. after all, this book spoiled me like yes standards are necessary. On the contrary, I'm so happy that I read about them, the other characters and all the care they shared for each other. I'm feeling a part of Squad Six family.

and lastly out of everything I have say, I'm all over screaming for BITE THE PILLOW 🤭

action was on the peak, sometimes again my jaw dropped for Mr. Gunner. i can't wait to read his book!!
Profile Image for Hubreads.
98 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2024
Starting this book I did not expect it to be this good at all but ohmygod you guys i actually love this book so freakibg much the whole squad the whole found family trope literally have my heart. I personally hate when they rush to the whole found family thing but this author did this trope so perfectly. The whole book was a little rushed but in a good way it was not boring at all, it was always high stakes. And if you love battles, secret missions, the military squad thing then this book is perfect. The romance was also so good like zarek is the standard you all and even though some of the things he said would’ve made me cringe if someone else said it but from zarek it just made me blush abd giggle. And don’t get me started on leora that woman is perfection I seriously don’t know if i wanna be her or be with her she’s just so fucking badass. I also love how the author wrapped up this couple in one book because other authors would’ve given them 3 books dragging the plot making it boring but bakul wrapped it up so nicely in one book and the next book for otger characters. I don’t have anything bad to say about this book the only reason it’s not a 5 star its bcz that rating is reserved only for the most most special books but we also never know bcz there are 3 more books in the series and I seriously cant wait fir them to get released.
Profile Image for Fallon.
343 reviews7 followers
October 2, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The premise of this book was great - a secret agent type of group going after bad guys - but the entire thing felt a bit rushed. It’s under 300 pages, so a very quick and easy read but this is an occasion when a 500 page book would have worked better. I wanted more character depth, longer action scenes, more of the banter between the people in the group and more of the romance.

This is the first book in a series, but the pacing felt like a novella. That said, the writing itself was good and I was overall entertained. I will more than likely read the rest of the series as it is released.

So don’t write this off if you’re looking for a quick action-romance told in dual first-person POV.
Profile Image for Hallie Walters.
36 reviews
February 2, 2025
one star, solely because the last chapter was almost good. almost. i finished reading this book solely for the sweet revenge of being able to write this review. this book obviously never saw an editor and should have definitely never seen a publisher, or my very own eyes. this was actually recommended to me and that crazy bitch must have been paid a bajillion dollars to lie like that. despicable. i have seriously read wattpad written by middle schoolers with more vision and forethought. every thing was just actually so random, weird, beyond unrealistic. i speculate this was written by AI, or the author has never spoken to a human being - ever. truly just unreal, i am shocked in the worst way.
Profile Image for Book_Lovers_Quest.
138 reviews3 followers
September 4, 2024
This book was such a captivating read. It effortlessly combines elements of action, adventure, and emotional depth.
✨The plot is well-paced, with a perfect balance of suspense and resolution which kept me engaged from start to finish. One of the standout aspects of this book is the author's ability to create vivid and immersive settings. The descriptions are so detailed and evocative that readers can easily visualize every scene.
✨Overall, "Bound by Valor" is a compelling read that is sure to appeal to fans of action-packed adventures with a heart
Profile Image for Ana.
100 reviews1 follower
December 28, 2024
Damn! I sobbed like an idiot when I completed this book!!! 😭❤️‍🩹 I NEED book 2!!!

Why was this the easiest, the smoothest, and one of the most addicticing read ever!? Don't even ask me about the PLOT. It's everything. PERIOD.

From the start, the way this book grabs your attention and keeps you hooked till the end is insane! And don't even get me started about THE END. I mean why?!!!!!😭

Our FMC, Leora is a hell of a strong woman! She's Everything and anything she wants to be! I love her! She's an idol! 😩

Our MMC, Zarek! What a MAN. Strong, bossy, stubborn yet care for his squad! The way, this man walks, talks, breathes and just exists is so damn HOTTT. 🥵

And them together is like a time bomb waiting detonate and I love that so much!! The chemistry, the push & pull and definitely the Spice is so damn good, I bet you can feel it yourself while reading! And the fact that he calls her - "Mi Corazón" is so damn HOTT asf!!🔥

Overall! DAMN! This book is GOOD-GOOD! It has everything you'll ever need! Little bit of stalking, obsessed MMC, Found Family, Forbidden Romance, full of action, Sassy FMC, Good spice and a gut-wreaking PLOT & TWISTS. 😭✨️🤌🏻
Profile Image for Simran.
117 reviews68 followers
September 20, 2024
This book was Fireeeee
It also has to be one of the best "found family" trope books I've read in a very long while.
This book actually had a new trope for me aka "military romance". The closest I've read to this trope is the monster trilogy by Rina Kent but this was a whole other experience and I absolutely loved every bit of it. This is the first book in the Squad Six Series and it was the perfect combinations of romance, action, suspense and spice that it had me finishing this book in no time.

I love a possessive mmc who also lets his woman do whatever she wants and Zarek was the perfect guy for Leora and he was such a simp for her. I absolutely loved their chemistry and their spice left me sweating and I loved how he was protective of her but also let her join them on missions. What started off as insta attraction turned into going to missions together and having each other's back.
I also love how Leora was a badass and knew how to stand up for herself. Her friendship with Logan was something I didn't see it coming but absolutely adored. Logan actually turned out to be the best character for me in this book though I also loved every side character and the personality they bought to the group.
I'm really excited to read books of other characters and I already got the chance to BETA read Bound by Thorns which I kid you not it's soooooo freaking good and the plot twists are gonna leave you gasping, you guys are not ready for it omgggg !!!

A perfect read who love romance thriller with guns and weapons.

Tropes :
Military romance
Boy Obsessed
Stalker Romance
Found Family
Insta Attraction

4.5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
Profile Image for EllieReadsSpicy .
45 reviews
September 5, 2024
5+⭐️ ~. This book was amazing and should be a must read for everyone.

The character development of Leora (FMC) from the start of the book to end of the book is amazing. The story also is written to give you glimpses into the other characters.

There is good spice but as a first book in a series you get everything you could want and more in this !

Personally I can’t wait to read book 2
Profile Image for Amisha Kumari.
76 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2025
just finished the book and I read this book before 24 hours and God I loved it ZAREK I love you but Our star is Logan man I love this him. and about the book it was so good the tension between characters and chemistry was so good and THE SPICE🫠😮‍💨. also loved the action in the book , LEORA I bow to her. overall very interesting book.
Profile Image for Alison Laun.
55 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2024
what a fast and fun read! i love the high stakes story that keeps you needing to know more!
Profile Image for Carissa.
444 reviews14 followers
October 3, 2024
*DNF @ 28%*
*I received an E-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for a review*

I really tried to read this. It took me about 2 weeks just to make it a quarter in and I just can’t do it. I’m not exactly sure where this goes wrong but my guess is the writing style? Given this is the author’s debut novel, I understand why certain things don’t flow however in this it was unbearable. It seems the author relies heavily on plot conveniences and instant attraction which is something I don’t enjoy.

Actual plot review:

Immediately, I had concerns about this book from the beginning, our MC meets the Love interest when he is getting beat up by these dude’s and saves him. He immediately starts bossing her around and she agrees to it??

“…We’re going to your place.”“Wait, what?” ”

They go to her place and the tension is off the roof! At least thats what the writing tells us. They then chat it up and he learns her name which gives him like a mind orgasm or something?

“What’s your name?” I asked.
“Leora.” She said softly.
Leora.Suddenly, she was all I could see. My heart started running a million beats a minute. Her name was as beautiful as her, striking in a way that captured you, enamored you, ruined you. The glow of her tawny skin set against her dark braids gave her the aura of a warrior goddess—both my doom and my salvation wrapped into one.”

*side note: warrior goddess? What?

They basically have chemistry but the guy is like no bbg I can’t do this and our MC is like noooo and when she wakes up he’s gone

But then
He stalks her
DUN DUN DUNNNNN
She knows it too
We get several fun lines about her screaming at him being like “come out bitch” and he doesn’t until PLOT TWIST AGAIN
SHE GETS KIDNAPPED BY THE DUDES SHE SAVED HIM FROM
😱
Bet you didn’t see that coming.
Basically they question her and she’s like idk anything wtf to which a GUY LITERALLY SAYS

“Fuck. I think this bitch was just in the wrong place, wrong time,”

*Oh right thats very realistic of someone to say not convient at all (my original note on this quote)

Like what?? You never thought of that? Why would he even say that?
But anyways our love interest saves her and yayayayayyaya happy and takes her to his FBI/CIA type shit hideout
She meets some people and tries to seduce our love interest but he’s like no bbg I can’t do this im a secret agent *debbie ryan hair tuck*

Also the side plot of her getting abused by her ex? I don’t know where that plot was going but it felt very unnecessary.

Yeah that’s about as far as I got. I’m thankful to the author for giving me this opportunity to read this early and I’m sad this didn’t work out for me :(

Additional quotes:

“It’s Zarek,” he clarified softly, as if he could read the confusion etched across my face. “My name is Zarek Rivera. Born in January, I am 35 years old.”“Hmm. Leora Mateez. March. I turned 29 yesterday,” I replied.”

*That feels unatural idk like I could see saying “My name is Zarek Rivera, I was born in January _____ and I’m 35” idk what it is it just seems weird

“This is the woman you were stalking, man. That’s gotta tell you something.”

*very romantic… i think?






This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
October 30, 2024
Wish i could rate lower. The story has no structure and sense at all. What a waste of time .
Profile Image for Bakht Awar.
42 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2024
It's a typical whatpad story..
A bit too much fast pased, too obvious, and super predictable.
Or maybe I have read so many books that the plot does not excite me anymore.... 😅
341 reviews12 followers
July 28, 2025
This book was like a really enjoyable action-romance movie.

Military romance
Boy Obsessed
Stalking
Found Family
Insta Attraction
Psychiatrist heroine who does MMA fighting
she saves him when they first meet


Book Highlights:



“I got this,” he declared, hurling a knife so close it nearly grazed me, likely finding its mark in Blondie.
Within seconds, the alley was empty except for us, Blondie and Buzz Cut stumbling away with a trail of curses. My hands shook with the intensity of the encounter. My nerves shot. The dark-haired man let out a chuckle, his deep voice annoyingly calm in the aftermath.
He’s laughing?
“Excuse me? I think you owe me an explanation. And a thank you wouldn’t hurt,” I scoffed, my frustration palpable.

“Good. We’re going to your place.”
“Wait, what?” The words tumbled out before I could think.
“Don’t you want to finish saving me? I thought that’s why you were flying around kicking ass.”
His words hung in the air, laced with a half-mocking challenge. For a moment, I hesitated, torn. Was I really considering taking a bloodied stranger to my home? 

Leora.
Suddenly, she was all I could see. My heart started running a million beats a minute. Her name was as beautiful as her, striking in a way that captured you, enamored you, ruined you. The glow of her tawny skin set against her dark braids gave her the aura of a warrior goddess—both my doom and my salvation wrapped into one.
What the fuck is going on with me?
“I’m Zarek,” I blurted out, the words tumbling out before I could clamp down on the impulse. Stupid, revealing my real name, but the confession was already hanging between us. “I thought you should know, given you sort of saved my life back there.”
“Sort of?” she quirked an eyebrow, pausing.

Now, here I was, lurking in the shadows of her apartment building after ensuring she returned safely from her trip to Milton. I had made certain no threats lingered this time. The memory of seeing Calzone Romano, that thug from that chaotic night, lurking near her place still sent a shiver of anger through me.
When he had dared to climb her apartment stairs, instinct overrode everything else. But dealing with him—well, it was simpler to leave her with a trashed apartment than to leave her with a body to explain.

He sighed dramatically, putting down his food. “Okay, jeez. Two years ago, her ex-boyfriend stabbed her twice. She was in the hospital for three weeks.”
The room seemed to tilt a little as his words sank in. Logan just nibbled at his chicken wing like he hadn’t just obliterated my world.
I frowned. “Why are you only telling me this now?”
“Because you were too busy dying in guilt. Thought you might want to know why she’s tougher than you think.” Logan’s tone softened.
I processed this, feeling a twinge of guilt.
“Thanks for the heads-up,” I grumbled, not quite meeting his eyes.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Logan continued, “Thank her for not kicking your ass for being stupid. Go talk to her, Zarek. This is the woman you were stalking, man. That’s gotta tell you something.”


“No, no! Stop!” I screamed as he began to pound on the door. “There are explosives everywhere in here. Casteel’s set us up to blow. I need to find another way out or…fuck.”
I heard him curse from the other side.
“Is there a timer?” he asked urgently.
“Yes, about four minutes left now.”
“Leora, I need to get you out. Let me break the door,” he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.
“No, Zarek! If you break the door, the house will explode. Please, just back away,” I begged, tears streaming down my face.
“Leo, are you saying you can’t use this door at all?” Logan’s voice joined in.
“Exactly,” I replied. “There’s a device linked to the lock. If the lock breaks, the house goes up. You all need to get out now!”





Why are you so fucking beautiful?” She pouted, “Look at those damn dark brown eyes. Ugh. And these lips, even I don’t have such luscious lips. And those lashes. You’re putting all women who do eyelash extensions to shame. It’s like you—”
I stopped her rant, putting my lips on hers.
She thought I was beautiful?
I briefly thought about taking her to the bathroom to show her how beautiful she looked in the mirror

Her words found their place deeper in my soul than I thought. Fear was care. Fear was love. And I loved this little family I had. I loved Leora. Fear was having to lose them. Having them lose me. Leora hadn’t pacified me. She hadn’t rejected my fear. In fact, she asked me to feel it. She made me allow myself to feel it. And in that moment, I knew I had to tell her. Tell her that she was also feared for. Cared for. And loved.
“There was a time, Leora. When I thought I couldn’t have anybody fearing for me. And it wasn’t too long ago either. That time ended the day a woman dressed in a denim jacket came to my rescue and beat up the bad guys. It was when she willfully showed me she wanted me, unapologetically. It took me a while to realize that I could want her too. Hell, I really wanted to not want her, crave her, love her,” I cupped her cheeks, “But it’s too late now, Mi Corazón.”

Zarek had his back towards me when Zane’s eyes turned and locked with mine. He smiled and signaled Zarek to turn.
It was almost as though all the air left his body. He didn’t move, didn’t breathe for a good few seconds and finally took a deep breath. His eyes wandered over my dress that
hugged all my curves in the best way, and a sultry smile took over his lips. He strode towards me, his steps determined. I closed the distance too, meeting him halfway.
His arms snaked my waist and his lips brushed my ears.

A throat clearing caught our attention. We both turned and saw Logan wiggling his brows. I was pretty sure both Zarek and I rolled our eyes.
“Leo, you look stunning,” Logan walked up to me and almost snatched me away from Zarek and kissed my cheek. I heard Zarek growl.
Zarek snatched me back and tucked me against his chest.
“Mine,” He scowled.
“Territorial ass,” Logan whined.
I stepped out of both their vicinity, “Let me go meet the others…cavemen.”

I could no longer control the sudden urge to sob.  Tears flowed down my cheeks and Logan leaned back to wipe them away. Suddenly the door opened and Zarek strode in.
He jerked to a stop, his eyes widening, “You made her cry?”
“I…no…I was just,” Logan fumbled and Zarek grabbed my elbow and consumed me in a tight embrace.
“What did you do?” Zarek snarled.
“Nothing. I just said that I can’t lose her.”
I sniffed and added, “He also said that I’m like a sister to him. That blew the damn flood gates.”
I heard Zarek chuckle and hold on to me a little tighter.

Profile Image for Bookswithambs.
263 reviews23 followers
July 28, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /5 🌶️🌶️/5

“Feel the fear, feel it, and let it guide you.”

I’m not ok. I mean I loved this book, but I’m emotionally not ok. What a freaking ride. First up - I loved every single character in this one. Zarek and Leora are our main characters for this first instalment, and the story is a perfect mix of tension, action, spice, and suspense. I honestly did not want to put this down, each chapter had me yearning to continue. Leora is a badass and I loved it, and Zarek is a protective obsessive mmc which we love even more. The insta-attraction and push/pull between them was fantastic. I would’ve loved if the story was a little longer to stew in their relationship and this found family a little more - particularly with more about Leora and Logan’s (hands down my fave character) friendship but overall this book was so freakin good. Did I cry like a baby at the end? Absolutely. Did I message the author to let her know she broke my heart? You bet I did. The found family trope is one of my favourites, and this book did such a good job at it - I’m so excited to dive more into it as the series continues. This is a high-stakes setting and it had me on the edge of my seat for majority of this book so buckle in. Now I am sitting (im)patiently waiting for the rest of this series 🤭.

🔪 badass fmc
🧡 Insta-attraction
🔪 found family
🧡 obsessive mmc
🔪 forced proximity
🧡 stalker
Profile Image for Sukriti .
3,527 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2024
*Bound by Valor* is an exciting start to the *Squad Six* series by Bakul Sharma. The story follows a team of elite soldiers who must navigate intense missions while dealing with love, betrayal, and danger. The main character, a skilled and brave soldier, forms a deep bond with a fellow team member, which complicates their work. The action scenes are thrilling, and the romance adds an emotional layer to the plot. Sharma does a great job blending action and emotion, keeping the reader hooked. This book is perfect for those who love fast-paced stories with romance and adventure.
Profile Image for Ava Ahern-Grant.
32 reviews
November 18, 2024
Omg this book was wonderful, I absolutely lost my mind and bawled mu eyes out when Logan died he was my favorite character ❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Heaven La France.
113 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2024
𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐫

Firstly I would like to thank Bakul Sharma for not only picking me to be an arc reader but for gifting me a physical arc book, which was my first ever and that’s so special to me so thank you so much.

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲
Leora has finally gotten free from her abusive ex, and as she starts to settle into a normal every day life, she feels like she’s not really pursuing something she’s actually passionate in. Life seems so dull.
Till one day when she passes a dark ally & she sees a stranger being jumped, her adrenaline kicks in and she takes out her frustration on the two guys attacking this stranger. And now she gets it, what she’s been missing. The fight, putting her kick boxing skills to use, protecting, action only now Leora has gotten herself involved in some serious danger, is she really willing to risk her career and her normal life that she finally just got back? Or is Zarek, the man she saved, and his life style truly what she wants?

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
If you love insta love and a very quick pace romance then you’ll probably enjoy this. For me personally the insta
love isn’t my favourite trope, insta obsessed I can get behind in a dark romance novel but for love it’s not my cup of tea.
I made it half way then stopped reading because I was already in a reading slump but in the process I’ve found it really difficult to get back into the story.

My favourite character isn’t the fmc or mmc it’s the mmc best friend Logan who we don’t see that often but held some comedy relief and was a good buffer between the fmc and mmc as the two fought and disagreed, a lot. There is a lot of emotions and things happening in a very small amount of time, so you’re 100% getting a lot out of a smaller book and if that’s your thing, grab this one and give her a go!

I still have yet to finish this book, I don’t want to call it a DNF because I rarely DNF but I think she’ll go back into the TBR and if I pick her back up again I’ll update my review.
Profile Image for Ruffyreads.
21 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Review: Bound by Valour by Bakul Sharma

Bound by Valour is an intense, emotionally gripping story that completely pulled me in. From page one, I was hooked by the characters, the world-building, and the powerful undercurrents of strength, healing, and trust.

Leora is such a strong and inspiring female lead — fierce, determined, and resilient in every sense. Her growth throughout the story is beautifully written, and I loved watching her transform not just physically, but emotionally too.

And Zarek? He’s the perfect balance of protector and partner. The way he trains Leora, challenges her, but also respects her strength and gives her the tools to fight her own battles — I LOVED that. Their bond develops slowly but powerfully, and every moment between them felt earned.

The training scenes were some of my favorites — full of tension, quiet care, and raw emotion. And the Squad dynamics? Super well done. You feel the weight of loyalty, trauma, and courage on every page.

I’m giving this a solid 4.5 stars — it’s a story about choosing courage, healing through connection, and standing tall even when the world tries to break you. Can’t wait to see what Bakul Sharma brings next in this universe! 💓💓💓
Profile Image for Akshi (bookscoffeerambles).
165 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2024
Bound by Valor was a total adrenaline rush! Zarek and Leora’s story hooked me right from the start with its non-stop action, sizzling romance, and all that tension. Zarek was the kind of protective hero I couldn’t help but love, while Leora stood out as a fearless, strong character who held her ground. The instant attraction between them drew me in, and their chemistry kept building as they faced the dangers of their high-stakes world together.

The book was packed with action, intense moments, and a sense of family among the characters that made me feel so connected to them. The way it balanced thrilling scenes with emotional depth kept me fully engaged. I found myself rooting for Zarek and Leora not just in their battles, but in their growing relationship, which felt both inevitable and complicated. And then there was Logan "Gunner" Carlton—he completely stole my heart. He made me smile and he made me cry.

For anyone who loves a mix of romance and action, "Bound by Valor" had it all—humor, heart, and a cast of characters I couldn’t get enough of. It was fast-paced, exciting, and left me eager for more. If you’re into thrilling love stories with strong, well-written characters, this one is a must-read!
Profile Image for CJ Albert.
17 reviews
October 11, 2024
✨️Book Review✨️

Bound By Valor by Bakul Sharma

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

An amazing and thrilling read! @bakulsharmawrites knew what she was doing when she wrote this!

The book was amazing! Who doesn't love a badass FMC?! Leora is the definition of one right from the get-go. She's strong, stubborn, and doesn't hold back from pursuing what she wants, as proven when she takes action on her feelings for Zarek.

Zarek is one of the best MMCs ever! He's a protector and obsessive, but he allows Leora to do her own thing and do what she wants, even when it might be dangerous, and I love him for it.

Their attraction towards each other could be felt from the start, and it just got hotter and hotter as they spent time together.

The other characters in the book were amazing in their own right. You could really feel the love they had for each other and their little found family. It was nice to see them interact with each other in a way that didn't take away from the story.

If you're looking for:

● Found Family
● Military Romance
● Forced Proximity
● Action Scenes
● Badass FMC
● Obsessed MMC
● Insta-attraction
● Found Family

Then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Olivia.
77 reviews13 followers
September 14, 2024
Such a fun read!
This fast paced, action packed book was full of all of my favorite things — dual POV, enemies to lovers with a “f*ck it” moment, found family, some spice, and a side of heartbreak. The aesthetics of the book reminded me a lot of the newer Fast and Furious movies (which I love), with top secret missions, combat training, and high tech gear.

I love how quickly this book moved. It kept my attention and was a great palate cleanser from the long fantasy books I’m typically reading.
And I LOOOOOVE Zarek!

I do wish there would’ve been a little bit more time spent with the squad in their day to day life, with their funny banter and them growing closer together as a found family and a little less “mission talk,” because I loved all the characters so much! I wanted to get to know all of them just a little bit more. I also would’ve loved to see part of the epilogue be from Zarek’s POV! But it wrapped up really well, I even shed a tear🥲🫶🏼
Overall I loved this read and would highly recommend it to pretty much anyone!
Profile Image for cheima.
4 reviews
November 4, 2024
okay look I’ve never written detailed reviews before but I think this needs it😍😍😍
the book has so much potential but it was lowkey wasted I liked the whole squad and operation part of the story but I feel like Zarek and leora romance was so downplayed and not focused on, like their intimacy being so mid it’s giving watpadd on a budget the energy or the feeling wasn’t there

ugh I LOVE Zarek the author should’ve made us read more into his mind and thoughts other than it mostly being about leora like he’s hot but he just didn’t get the full chance to be what he really is😅😅

leora pisses me off lowkey cause she needs to get a grip if the book was only a little slower and not rushed, wanting them together so fast and then fuvking so fast😭😭😭 it would’ve been awesome

Overall I LOVEEE the plot and the characters but the way the book was written I wasn’t a fan ALSO LOGAN???? I love him🤭🤭🤭but yeah the potential is definitely there the author probably didn’t know where the right parts to put it in.

again it’s my opinion I’m not professional🤓
2 reviews
August 27, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes: Insta-attraction, forced proximity, stalker MMC, badass FMC, found family

Just finished "Bound by Valor" and wow, what a ride! Zarek and Leora's story is the perfect mix of tension, action, and spice🌶️ . Zarek is the protective type you can't help but swoon over, and Leora? She’s as badass as they come. The insta-attraction between them sparks right off the pages, and their dynamic is just 🔥. Forced proximity in a high-stakes setting? Yes, please!

This book delivers non-stop action and guns, plus a found family vibe that makes you feel right at home with the characters. It's a gripping tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat while rooting for a romance that feels both inevitable and impossible due to the danger closing in around them.

If you’re into thrillers with a heavy dose of romance and characters who feel like they could walk off the page, this is your next read. Trust me, Zarek and Leora will not disappoint. Five stars, easy!
Profile Image for Amber Higgs.
88 reviews5 followers
September 12, 2024
My Review | My Recommendation

Bound by Valour - Bakul Sharma

Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


A September ARC read
Also a first read of a Bakul Sharma book.
A action and suspense read. Very fast paced romance, with a hint of spice 🌶️
Love the chemistry between Zarek and Leora



“They all had a hardened face, chiseled muscles, and biceps the size of my fucking waist.”
“Don’t let the looks fool you. They can kill with their bare hands,”

“I’m trained to not get distracted by mere breasts”

“Oh please! You know you’re hot. No need to pretend you're not flirting with your body.”

“exhaustion clung to me like a second skin.”

“do they serve decent drinks, or are we talking about beer that tastes like it’s been brewed in a bathtub?”

“You’ll pay for what you did.”

“Your fears are real, yes. But they’re yours. Don’t make them mine.”

“Fear only shows us what we care about”

“feel the fear, feel it, and let it guide you”

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Prachi Sharma.
10 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2024
📖: 5/5
🌶️: 5/5
Bound by Valor by Bakul Sharma


Istg, I don’t actually read fast paced romance, but this one got right in way and got me hooked. Ikik, the book is about Zarek and Leora, but my heart has always reached out to Logan.

So, Leora is a psychologist, living in Toronto, when her life takes a turn and she met Zarek, taddaaa! Our Hot, sexy male Protagonist who absolutely stole the show with his sexy ways. Zarek, being part of something that doesn’t have any space for love in his life. Casually put together, he really tried to be emotionally unavailable until he met our sweet Leora.

The book has the perfect smut and spice, the perfect adventure, and I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I hate(not really) the author for causing us all that harm towards the ending of the book.

It’s your sign to give this novel a chance, and READ THIS ASAP!!!!!! You’ll see me on Spotify glued to this novel’s playlist🥰🥰🥰🥰
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