Brandi Vaughn wishes she could stand out. She’d do anything to get out from behind the shadow of her socialite family—which now includes Dani, her half sister, recently discovered to be the most powerful vampire known to their kind.
But Brandi is more extraordinary than anyone realizes. The fiery young vamp has a secret elemental power—an inner flame that she must keep under control so as not to reveal herself to the dangerous rogue vampire targeting exceptional talents like hers. But when two desperate followers of the Rogue attempt to kidnap Dani during her wedding ceremony, Brandi lets loose with a pyrotechnic display that doesn’t go unnoticed…
As the vampire nation comes face-to-face with the threat of the Shade army, Brandi is caught in an emotional tug of war between the light and the dark. Torn between the affections of lovers from both factions, she will need to choose who to trust with her a warrior or a rogue.
Things are mostly the same since the ending in Unbound. This second installment in the Forbidden Bond series starts right after the previous book. The main character, Soleil Danielle Vaughn, was a former demi-vamp. She got turned into a full vampire after a member of the vampire warrior class tried to bond with her. The bonding failed, and now that vampire, Darren, is in hiding.
Unforgiven begins when Dani’s bonding ceremony with Chase Deidrick is about to start. They had a tumultuous relationship in the previous book, but in the end, their love prevailed. The vampire society has all but accepted Dani, especially now that she’s a full vampire. Dani is eager to bond herself to Chase. She fears that the bonding might fail again, though.
Before the ceremony can take place, Darren and an accomplice try to abduct Dani. The latter’s half-sister, Brandi, is able to thwart the attempt. In the process, she reveals her new pyrokinetic powers. Unfortunately, Brandi's not quick enough to avoid getting shot by Darren. She almost doesn't manage to escape alive. Vampires in this series heal fast, but gunshots to the chest can still be fatal. Greyson, an ex-trauma surgeon turned vampire warrior, nurses Brandi back to health. When Brandi wakes up, she feels a strong attraction toward Greyson. Days after Dani’s kidnapping attempt, Brandi and Greyson start a relationship. They don't think much of the decades in age difference between them. This is common for vamps, as they age very slowly.
Several months pass. Brandi is now in full health. She’s also running in different circles these days. Brandi used to be a model student and a fan of sports. She’s let go of all that to be more like her socialite sister, Samantha. Now referring to herself as New Brandi, she makes herself a part of high society. Brandi even goes as far as abandoning her old nerdy friends. This comes back to bite her, no pun intended. After a visit to Thirst, a popular vampire club, Brandi's ex-boyfriend attacks her. In the nick of time, a shady vampire shows up to save Brandi. He turns out to be Abel, Darren's old accomplice. Brandi has been dreaming about him, but this is the first time they come face-to-face in months. With Brandi incapacitated, Abel takes her somewhere safe while she recovers.
In the time that has passed, the vampire rogue who’s also been after Dani has gathered an army. They call themselves the Shade. The Rogue wants Dani because he wants to absorb her powers. She’s not just one of the strongest telekinetics. Dani can also control other vampires—a rare gift— and communicate via telepathy. Abel happens to be the Rogue’s right-hand man. He knows that Brandi is a pyro, but has kept quiet because he has feelings for her. Brandi also feels something for him, but she doesn’t want to betray her boyfriend or her people.
Although Brandi, Greyson, and Abel are this book’s main protagonists, other characters from the first book also return. Griffin and Tessa Vaughn’s story arc continues as a subplot. They are Dani’s parents, and they separated two decades ago. Despite Griffin’s claims to love Tessa, he has continued to prove otherwise. She’s become tired of it and has grown closer to the vampire’s medic, Doc Reilly Stevens. Doc saved her life at the start of the book. Tessa’s precognitive talents will drive a large part of the plot in Unforgiven. As for Dani’s college friends (all human), they are still absent. Only one of them makes a surprising reappearance. Kayden Paris, the son of the warrior class’s commander, also plays an important role.
Brandi’s fire-manipulation powers are eventually brought to light. As was inevitable, the Rogue sets his sights on her. Abel continues to keep the secret, but the Shade are growing suspicious of him. There’s a coming war, and apparently only one vampire can influence who wins. Is this vampire the obvious answer—Brandi—or is it someone else? The ending has a couple of twists that will leave you slack-jawed. I wasn’t able to put down this book once I approached the last chapters. They are thrilling enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you're a fan of vampire fiction, the Forbidden Bond series is among the best in the genre. It won't disappoint. I liked Brandi too, even more than Dani. She has a rich character arc. Brandi tries to reinvent herself and ends up finding who she's really meant to be. It looks like she'll play a bigger role going forward. I'm eager to see what happens.
My rating: ★★★★ 1/2 4.5 stars - A fantastic page-turner!
WOW let me start by saying Holy Cow what a story and so full of action packed heart wrenchingness. Who knew that a book could be so exciting and make you want to go kick some butt of your own. The relationships in this one is so gripping with Tessa , Griffin , Reilly, Brandi,Derek, Greyson,Dani and Chase. Who knew, I would want so bad to be a part of a book as I did this one. I love Book one but I really felt like I was part of Book two. I can only imagine the decision a mother would have to make to do the things they had to in this story knowing hearts that would be broken and lives lost. I was so angry with a couple of the characters but their stories left exactly where they should have. The relationships and sensual scenes left you with just enough imagination as to not turn anything to smut. I finally got to sit and completely finish the book, when I started reading it I would try to put it down but then I would find a reason to keep reading on and on. I love this kind of book especially when its a book that I can identify with the characters and I especially loved Karrie and Nate, awesome pair. It is a good sign for me when I can read a story and stay with it and be excited to get back to it like a tv series when you cant wait to see of each episode. Oh and one other thing I could almost picture each character in my head and the surroundings in my minds eye as if I were right there. The secret Brandi keeps really grabs you and makes you want to never put this book down so that being said I thoroughly LOVE this book Thanks Cat for the opportunity to have an advance copy to read it is AMAZING.
Between all of the secrets , lies and emotions this book has you reeling with anticipation!! Brandi and Dani grew a sisterly bond that is so touching! I can't even describe how much I loved these characters. Abel is truly amazing and was dealt such a crappy hand at life. Brandi completes him And together with the help of family and friends alliances are made and all is made right.
An awesome follow-up to Unbound. I loved getting to know Brandy. It was awesome to see how things played out for Dani, Tessa, and the rest of the characters. I'm eager for more.
Of course, I know who she ends up with, but since the blurb keeps it a mystery, I won’t spoil it either.
Brandi has always been the girl in the shadows. Despite being the daughter of the highly influential Griffen Vaughn, she is often overlooked in favor of her more outspoken twin, Samantha. Now, as she tries to find her place in the vampire world, she’s also hiding a huge secret—one that could change everything.
Her gift isn’t something that will be welcomed in the vampire world. It’s powerful, unpredictable, and volatile in a way that could make her a threat in the eyes of others. As she struggles to conceal it, she finds herself drawn to someone she knows she shouldn’t want. The forbidden nature of her attraction only makes things more complicated, adding another layer of tension to her already uncertain future.
I absolutely loved watching Brandi’s journey—her true coming of age story—as she stepped out of the shadows and embraced the vampire she was always meant to be. This book was gripping, emotional, and incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this world!
I throughly enjoyed these two books from the very beginning
I am giving 5 stars because now recently I have not been able to even get interested and stay awake through any title it seems and I was so happy with my luck out of the dozens of vamp romance fantasy titles I was able to just stumble accidentally on to this title and the narrative is exceptional in my opinion unlike others put there it added a big excitement to the listening of the 2 titles . I hope to see more from this author similar or the exact next title or at least a fantastic title on audio with exceptional narration . WHAT WAS EVEN SO UNBELIEVABLE IS THAT THANKS TO PRIME READING THE 1ST TITLE WAS ABSOLUTELY FREE EVEN WITH ADDED NARRATION!!!!
I read this series a few year's back, but in all this year's have not seen the next in the series. What happen to the writer? The story of Griffin and Tessa I really do not like where was going. Tessa relationship with the doctor doesn't made sense. I think that to blame Griffin for her loneliness was a little out there. In a way Tessa accepted her faith easily, never understood why Mason and Tessa didn't explain the plans to Griffin or there suspicion, that his parents wanted to kill her and their daughter. And like somebody mention, it really was sad how she changed Dani from a strong character to all of sudden weak one.
I borrowed this book as part of my kindle unlimited subscription as an audiobook.
Several separate but linked story lines wove through the second instalment of this wonderful series. I didn’t love it as much as the first, but it was still a fantastic romp through the vampire/human word the author authentically created.
Lots of twists and turns and even some surprises. Several possibilities for further sequels. I’m going to have to read something completely different next as I could be in danger of becoming obsessed.
Definitely one for an older audience, quite a lot of steamy scenes.
I'm so hooked on The Forbidden Series!! If you love vampires, then you will absolutely fall in love with this series and its amazing characters! Cat Miller has written another magnificent story in The Forbidden Series. Unforgiven #2 will captivate you like Unbound #1. She weaves an intricate web of forbidden love, betrayal, mystery, suspense in this action packed drama with a touch of humour. Twists and turns you didn't see coming. I would strongly recommend this series!! Can't wait to read Unafraid 0.5 and Unmerciful #3!!
This book was ok, Abel and Brandi drove me absolutely crazy, but the other stories and characters that are woven throughout kept me entertained. I found is so obnoxious that Abel was just forgiven even though he did horrible things. I kept waiting for someone to call him out. I wanted to punch them when they were laughing about extra security at their ceremony when they had ruined Dani and Chase's.
3 stars - you will like this book if you really like vampires and dystopian type of vibes
Ok so during the first book so thing than annoyed me was they is was like love triangle city and the choices being made by the characters were objectively nonsensical, the lore was great though. After this one I realized … it’s a soap opera style of writing! It was easier to let go and enjoy the chaos! I most keep going now
Both the H and H are not particularly likable. I love drama but creating a convoluted I've triangle only to destroy it with roofies and a night of questionable rape? Why? I am not even finished with the book.
This book was even better than book 1! It gave you in depth accounts on almost every single characters in this series. It also gave you new characters to look forward to! A definite read!
Love will not care who you are, what you do, or what you did in your life. Love doesn't mind if you've accomplished or not your goal, or if you even had goals to achieve. Love just is and will always be its commander.
I was fortunate enough to have been gifted an ARC copy if Unforgiven by Cat Miller for review! Unforgiven is the second book in the Forbidden Bond series. I had read Unbound, the first book in the series, and LOVED it, so needless to say, I was extremely flattered to be given the opportunity!
Unforgiven starts where Unbound left off. Dani (Soleil) and Chase are at their bonding ceremony, when Dani is abducted by Darren, who still believes that Dani is his mate. In Unbound, he had given her his blood so she would live after The Rogue had almost completely drained her, changing her into a full vampire. This event created a blood bond that was, unfortunately for Darren, one-sided. The Rogue, as we also learned in Unbound, has been kidnapping young vampires and draining them to steal their abilities in his quest for power.
In this book, we get to see much more of Brandi than we were able to see in the last one. Just before Dani’s bonding ceremony, she had decided that she wants to stop blending into the shadows and start standing out in her vampire society, so she gave herself a makeover. Much of this book is watching Brandi as she tries to find out who she is and what she wants to be. We also find that Brandi has a surprising new power that she’s trying to learn how to control.
In addition to the characters we saw in Unbound, we also get to meet a few fascinating new ones! This includes two new swoon-worthy men who are competing for Brandi’s attentions. Greyson, the typical warrior hero and Derek. You thought Cayden was your favorite bad boy? Just wait until you meet Derek.
We also get to watch Derek as he tries to decide whether Brandi is enough of a reason to leave his bad boy lifestyle behind him. Can someone who has forever hidden in the shadows survive in the light? Can Brandi forgive Derek’s past transgressions? What will happen to his mother, who Derek believes is being held captive as a guarantee of Derek’s complete subservience? Who are really the traitors to the vampire nation. And who is aiding The Rogue financially and slipping him information? For that matter, who is The Rogue exactly? Are you sure?
I enjoyed the fact that Cat gave us several instances where she went back and gave us a completely different side of the story from a completely different character. When I started to feel comfortable with one character, Cat immediately whisked me away to another before I got bored. When I was comfortable with one situation, Cat shook it up a bit for me. There were enough twists and turns to keep me on edge, but not so many to leave me utterly confused.
I also enjoyed the fact that there was very little “fluff” in the book to distract me. Everything that happened, happened for a reason. There wasn’t any filler in an attempt to make the book longer.
As she did with Unbound, Cat gave us amazing and colorful characters. Our “leading ladies” are women that we can look up to and respect, even though they make some major mistakes. They show us that it’s okay to mess up and it’s just part of life. I thoroughly enjoy stories with lessons. It makes me extremely happy to see that this series has several that can be applied in everyday life.
Also, as Cat did with Unbound, she gave me, the reader, a book with a story that I would like to live in for a while. It was very hard for me to put this book down, and the only reason I did, was because I was in dire need of sleep after this book kept me up until 4am.
When I read Unbound (The Forbidden Bond, #1) by Cat Miller, I was not sure if I wanted to read Unforgiven (The Forbidden Bond, #2)..The 1st book center with the characters of Dani and Chase...What I really did like about this series is how Ms. Miller wrote a new sets of vamps...BUT...It was getting a bit boring at time while I was reading, for me at least there were to many male after one female (Dani) every time a new male character was introduce, I was like "Here we go again another one bite the dust"...The entire love triangle was overdone,to many alpha male and one girl ><...But as I was reading the 2 book, I understood why their physical attraction to Dani was, actually it was in the 1st book, I just didn't catch it till I read the 2nd book...But like I was saying..I almost didn't make it to the 2nd book because, Ms. Miller left it in a cliffhanger, but when I when to read about the 2nd book it was going to be about Brandi and not about Dani and Chase..I was "What the hell what happen to Dani and Chase and the cliffhanger, do I have to wait for book 3 to find out"...So I wasn't sure if I was going to keep reading this series,I even pick another book and read it, when I was done, I started to read Unforgiven...I am so happy I did..Now I understood why Ms. Miller wrote the 2nd book the way she did, with Brandi in the lead this time...Now I won't tell you who Brandi is, because it would give away secret, what Brandi has to do with Dani and Chase..But to tell you the truth, I really like the 2nd book more then the 1st book of this series...I couldn't put it down...Now the down fall of this series for me at least, is how Ms. Miller didn't write well the romance of the couples, I didn't feel no chemistry..Yes, there were lots of "I LOVE YOU and bonding and lots and lots of sex" but that about it...I felt if Ms. miller concentrate more in the romance and the passion and love, then the sex..OK, I get it you know how to write about sex....But still I like the series, it was Ok and I did enjoy the Unforgiven then Unbound..If I going to read the 3rd book..I don't know..I'll think about it ^^
This book was awesome. The first book had a few things that bothered me, but none of them were in this book. I like how the second book still had Dani and Chase in it, but it was not all about them. I like how things ended up with Brandi, Derek, and Greyson. I LOVED the end where Cayden finds Lindsay. I so know they are going to get bonded in the next book. I cannot wait. I read at the very end of this book that Cat Miller is writing two more in this series: Unmerciful and Unmasked. I cannot wait. I also can't find any details about when they are coming out on Amazon, Goodreads, or Cat's website. I really want the next installment. I love how their is so much going on with all the characters. You have the whole thing with Chase/Dani, Brandi/Derek/Greyson, Tessa/Griffin/Sarah, the Rogue/Derek's mom/the Shade. The whole book is full of great scenes. I usually can take a pretty good guess at what is going to happen with the plot. However, I did not even come close to realizing how the prophecy plays out. Even when the information comes out about the Deidricks, I still did not pick up on it until the very end. I felt kind of silly for not getting it sooner. This is really a great book! I am going to read Unafraid which is The Forbidden Bond Novella about Tessa and Griffin now. I really wish I had an idea about when the next one is coming out. I guess I am just going to have to wait and see. If you read the first book and are not sure about reading the secon book- I encourage you to DO IT! You will not be disappointed. I almost quit the first book because I did not like a few things about it, but I stuck with it and was greatly rewarded. You will be too! The only part of the book that wasn't as great as the rest was the love scenes. The termonology was actually funny. Instead of taking these scenes seriously I was laughing. They were just a little cheesy and R rated, which I prefer over X rated love scenes. This is a great book! Enjoy!
Unforgiven is the 2nd book in The Forbidden Bond Series.
The main characters from Unbound are all still a major part of Unforgiven, but this book focuses more of Brandi, Dani’s half-sister, who was hiding in the shadows during the first book. Brandi’s life has turned into an emotional rollercoaster, and as she attempts to step out into the light, she is fighting to control her powers that have emerged. Brandi’s secret is soon discovered, which puts her on the Rogue’s radar, as well as surprising her whole family.
A few new characters are introduced including Derek, a minion for the Rogue, who falls in love with Brandi during a kidnapping attempt on Dani. Is he really as bad as he appears, and will history repeat itself by Brandi choosing to follow the path her family would want her too when it comes to choosing a mate.
The book is fast paced, emotional, full of action and has kept the unique spin on vampires making it more entertaining than many of the vampire stories released.
I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more, than Unbound. Luckily Cat Miller didn’t fall into a typical trap others do where the same characters get into life or death situations time and time again.
The book contains adult content, so not for the younger YA readers, but is not too explicit that it may upset or insult sensitive readers.
Cat Miller has an amazing writing style, is very descriptive and the storyline will keep you gripped throughout. Definitely a series, and author, to keep watch out for.
Book Two does not disappoint though I knew from the blurb that it focussed more on Brandi, Dani's half sister than Dani and Chase but my old favourites are still around. This book takes us where the first one left off and Dani is kidnapped by Darren who forced a bond with her but it only worked on him and not Dani as she was still human at the time. He is desperate to reinforce the bond to make her love him but she has already given her heart to Chase. Brandi tries to foil the kidnapping and meets Derek who warns her to stay away as he doesn't want to harm her. Both men take off with Dani with Brandi in hot pursuit. Brandi has the power of creating fire keeping this fact hidden so the Rogue will not try and take her power. She rescues Dani by setting the van on fire but is shot twice in the back as they make their escape. Darren is furious that Dani escaped and will try again. Derek is drawn to seeking out Brandi and trying to explain why he is working for the Rogue and all his sordid past. Meanwhile vampires and humans alike are being kidnapped. they are on the brink of a war to stop the Rogue before he becomes too powerful. Derek needs to choose which side he is on and that decision will affect those that love him. Brandi comes into her own and defends those she holds dear. There are a few twists and turns and evil has many faces. Peoples loyalties will be tested, lives will be lost and ultimately will love succeed?
Okay... I have to be honest, I should have read the review before just jumping into this book. I figured because it was a continuation that it would continue the story between Dani & Chase. So I was put off at first when the story was mainly about her half-sister Brandi instead. It was interesting to know more about her as a character though. I did like her relationship with.. That gave an awesome twist to the story!
I have to admit though, I didn't quite like the layout or format of this book compared to the last. There wasn't as much dialog between characters, so I sometimes got a bit bored reading from the 3rd person point of view- ONLY because the first book wasn't completely like that. And although this second book gave great details and information on the other characters, I could have lived without the story bouncing from different peoples' view points. Sometimes it would either get confusing or annoying re-reading parts that were the exact same thing but from another character's POV.
Maybe I just grew attached to Dani as the main character, but I really wished the book involved her a lot more than just at the ending. However, the ending was pretty great too. That's what made me continue reading. The truth about particular people and the huge family secret tied to the Vaughn/Dedrieck prophecy is finally revealed.
Better than book one but that's not hard to do... I just wish to hell I'd NEVER read the prequel first,Griffin and Tessa's story had been short and sweet and so very,very intense and lead me down to wanting to know more unfortunately the Griffin I thought was soo fascinating and sweet never really existed ,he was a selfish coward who had soo little back bone I don't know how he stood up or walked ;( Brandi was amazing and her story was better and less convoluted that her sisters but but both were/are overly complicated and just a w/a deeply conflicted vamp. society ... Not as big a mess as the previous book but still grateful it's KU... Only recommended if you like over drama 'ed vamp stories w/weak males and and confusing and overly complicated plots... Not really worth my time but at the same time my Curiosity just would let me stop, sadly the little overly romantic fool inside was sad to see the Griffin I thought I'd come to love much like Tessa never tried to redeem him self,weird.. Was crazy as all this was that's my biggest regret,crazy huh ? That I fell in book love w/the H from the prequel and my biggest regret after all is said and done from all the crazy insane plot twists and turns is,he was never worth of my nor his h's love or devotion... My devotion? Well he did me to read two books in book of redeeming himself ;( O well ,goodbye Griffin and Ms. Miller I'm off to find more worthy loves,goodbye and good luck...
I try not to give negative reviews (in fact I rarely write reviews at all), so I hope this is more constructive criticism than being mean. That said, I am enjoying the overall story arc and look forward to seeing where it goes.
I'm going to have to agree with others on the fact that there was way too much "thought" text and not enough dialogue in this book. At times it was the same info repeated throughout too.
I don't mind books that switch from different character's points of view so that didn't really bother me - in fact I quite like it when it is done well. I will admit that I didn't like it when we recapped entire scenes from both views though. Mrs. Miller handled it smoothly at times (by not doing recap) but other times not so much - those times are when I skimmed. I admit that I skimmed a lot of the "romance" stuff too (sorry) because it's feeling a bit repeatative across the 3 books...but that could just be me.
I won't give any spoilers, but I do have to say my heart is breaking for the couple I have been (and sadly will contiue) to hope for. There seems to be quite a few unanswered things or lingering thoughts of "well what about him/her and where were they during this/that?" types of things (mainly character stuffz) and hopefully they will get answered in the next book along with the demise of the crazy one and their whacky scheming.