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Blood Tethered #2
Venom Bound
“Kiss me.”
“It’d hurt.”
“It hurts when you don’t kiss me.”
Theo Fairgood is still the golden boy, even if he doesn’t have a heartbeat these days.
Kade Renfield is still trouble, even if he’s too busy getting his blood sucked to cause much havoc.
It’s a new year, and things are looking up. The boys are on track to solve the mystery of Theo’s transformation and the strange link tying them together. What’s more, they’ve grown reluctantly fond of each other since the horrifying events of last year, and they’re getting worse at hiding it. For the first time in their lives, they have somebody they can truly be themselves around. The walls both boys built around themselves are crumbling down.
Then tragedy strikes. Theo’s walls fly right back up, more determined than ever to uncover his sire and take him down once and for all. But to figure out who his sire is, they’ll have to decide who they can trust. Enemies lurk in the shadows. Old friends lend a hand or hack it off at the wrist.
In the midst of this new chaos, Kade finds himself plagued by visions of the last people locked into this burning ritual. It’s a strangely familiar story, and it doesn’t have a happy ending.
It wasn’t an accident that Theo was turned into a vampire. It’s not a coincidence that his touch burns Kade. This story started a long time ago, and the next chapter might destroy them both...
“It’d hurt.”
“It hurts when you don’t kiss me.”
Theo Fairgood is still the golden boy, even if he doesn’t have a heartbeat these days.
Kade Renfield is still trouble, even if he’s too busy getting his blood sucked to cause much havoc.
It’s a new year, and things are looking up. The boys are on track to solve the mystery of Theo’s transformation and the strange link tying them together. What’s more, they’ve grown reluctantly fond of each other since the horrifying events of last year, and they’re getting worse at hiding it. For the first time in their lives, they have somebody they can truly be themselves around. The walls both boys built around themselves are crumbling down.
Then tragedy strikes. Theo’s walls fly right back up, more determined than ever to uncover his sire and take him down once and for all. But to figure out who his sire is, they’ll have to decide who they can trust. Enemies lurk in the shadows. Old friends lend a hand or hack it off at the wrist.
In the midst of this new chaos, Kade finds himself plagued by visions of the last people locked into this burning ritual. It’s a strangely familiar story, and it doesn’t have a happy ending.
It wasn’t an accident that Theo was turned into a vampire. It’s not a coincidence that his touch burns Kade. This story started a long time ago, and the next chapter might destroy them both...
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2025
8 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 18, 2025
i don’t think you guys understand the financial burden of my future therapy after i finish this series…. or this series finishes me.
my face is wet. my heart hurts. i. need. more.
my face is wet. my heart hurts. i. need. more.
February 2, 2025
Stakes are getting higher and higher in this second chapter, and honey I am here for it!!!
What you can look forward to:
☀️the perfect mystery and romance combo
☀️plot twists that'll make your mind spin
☀️endearing pet names
Spoilery comments below, but first thank you to the author for the ARC copy!
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The cast of characters was phenomenal. I loved that Aaron got a little bit more space. His arc is at the breaking point, and I hope it'll get a nice ending in the third and final book.
Felicity is more and more of a badass.
And the boys, the boys... Their relationship is growing stronger, also thanks to all the atrocities that keep happening around them.
I personally appreciated that the setting was mainly outside of school.
Also, I renew my hate for Theo's parents. Really wish they could step in Sparky's poop.
The finale, well, was a real *ahem* cliffhanger. Get it? Get it? Okay I'll see myself out.
What you can look forward to:
☀️the perfect mystery and romance combo
☀️plot twists that'll make your mind spin
☀️endearing pet names
Spoilery comments below, but first thank you to the author for the ARC copy!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
The cast of characters was phenomenal. I loved that Aaron got a little bit more space. His arc is at the breaking point, and I hope it'll get a nice ending in the third and final book.
Felicity is more and more of a badass.
And the boys, the boys... Their relationship is growing stronger, also thanks to all the atrocities that keep happening around them.
I personally appreciated that the setting was mainly outside of school.
Also, I renew my hate for Theo's parents. Really wish they could step in Sparky's poop.
The finale, well, was a real *ahem* cliffhanger. Get it? Get it? Okay I'll see myself out.
August 27, 2025
Was this series written with vampire venom? Because I'm addicted to it
January 19, 2025
Venom Bound by I.S. Belle
Gosh, this book is queer, adorable, and will have you hooked! Did I read this book in a day? Yes! I honestly could not put it down after I read the first one! I absolutely ate through this book and possibly skipped out on doing some homework!
The story continues to pull your attention and keep you entertained! You will enjoy seeing how these two boys grow and learn together! Their experiences will share lessons within a story that will try and capture your heart and more than likely succeeded!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gosh, this book is queer, adorable, and will have you hooked! Did I read this book in a day? Yes! I honestly could not put it down after I read the first one! I absolutely ate through this book and possibly skipped out on doing some homework!
The story continues to pull your attention and keep you entertained! You will enjoy seeing how these two boys grow and learn together! Their experiences will share lessons within a story that will try and capture your heart and more than likely succeeded!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
May 1, 2025
First and foremost! This is the second installment of the trilogy! First book ended on a cliffhanger and this one picks up right where it left off! Spoilers ahead!
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"The visions, the tree—those roots were in them. Kade and Theo. Knotted together in ways they still didn’t understand."
Monster, Kade Renfield, and Golden Boy, Theo Fairgood, are still just that. Playing the parts of "town freak/outcast" and "town idol" while keeping up the public hatred of one another. Yet, somethings off because Felicity's sharp tongue has dulled and Aaron seems to be cowed. But Kade has other things to be concerned about because behind closed doors Theo and him are on a vampire mystery adventure!
An odd friendship has formed between the two and they now know of a deadline! When all this madness is going to reach a big crescendo and one of them may not walk away from this alive or newly undead. Only the closer they get to uncovering things the more obstacles pop up. A major tragedy fueling Theo's resolve to find his sire and answers. Kade trying to understand his newfound visions and remember them. Will they get to the bottom of this before the clock runs out? Who can they trust? And who's Theo's sire that seems to be appearing more and more but only in monster form?!
"Theo sucked on his cigarette distractedly. The exciting part was lighting it—leaning into Kade, watching his face. The actual smoking, he could live without."
I love this line because in all the YA books I've read thus far from Belle there's always something being shared between the two MCs. This one just makes so much sense for the two and I love seeing both of their walls coming down more and more around one another. I absolutely love this trilogy and how Belle has written her vampires!
Theo's still trying to figure out his new norm as a vampire. Which he's come to realize gives him more time to do a lot of things especially at night in the forest whilst everyone is asleep. Being able to forage mushrooms and get more into his secret hobbies and obsessions! I love watching his journey and how Kade has really helped him grow. Though Theo hasn't fully grasped how Kade's influence is helping him. There was a situation that arose that I thought if Theo hadn't had Kade in his life he would be in the same boat as this other person. That "must be perfect" mentality is cracking.
"“Quit trying to turn me into a good student, Fairgood! It’s not gonna work! You’ll drag me into the C-plusses over my dead body.”
“The only dead body here is me,” Theo said."
Kade's life is turning around thanks to Theo, but he won't admit that a loud! No longer trying to self-destruct. Kade gets closer to Theo and helps to try and support him the best he can when something takes place. I loved seeing more of Kade and into the big, compassionate heart that's hidden by barbed wire and barks. The two showing their true selves to each other but no one else. Kade even opening up more to Theo about his past and having some very personal and raw moments. I also respected the times in this installment when Kade actually admitted out loud that he messed up. Ugh! The growth happening in this series is just so healing and fantastic!
This series is YA rating but do read through the CWs. One of the major turning points and plotlines may be a trigger for some. Grief is prominent in this installment and how people deal with it differently. There's no manual for grief or a "right way". Moments of forgetfulness of the simplest things, out of energy or spoons for the day, and more. There's violence, gore, and horror moments. Theo's still in denial about his parents and their form of parenting/"appropriate" punishments. . . Dual POVs helping to showcase and really feel explosive moments. One scene had me clapping for Theo and a decision he made!
"Theo held up one finger.
Kade chuckled. “Never been able to do the one and done thing. When I want something, I want all of it.”"
Uh oh! Are these two finally going to acknowledge the elephant in the room?! I'm actually loving this slow burn that's been building since the first book! Which sorry it does continue in this installment as well. Though the two are skipping so many steps in a relationship when they get a shared dog together! Okay, Sparky came up on her own, but they have split custody of her! I loved how the two figured out ways around Theo burning Kade on contact. The simple, normal, teenage boy, romance moments along with a very powerful scene toward the end of the book that had me tearing up. "He's mine." is dropped in the book!
This book does end with a cliffhanger! New bonds are forming along with old ones turning into something else. I thought I had some things figured out but then Belle yanked the rug out from under me! I have questions and more theories bouncing around in my head! I cannot wait for the final installment though I also don't want to read it because I'm never ready to say goodbye to any of Belle's characters! Kade and Theo have a special place in my heart, and I can relate to both of them a lot! I just want them to have a happy ending!
Enjoy the latest installment of the trilogy with a vampire, a hellhound, a boy who can design amazing clothes, and a town founding legend that isn't totally fictional! Don't forget to give the author some stars! Now excuse me while I find Kade and get some clothes made along with reading "Zombabe" together to figure out Milly's insane story!
shutupandbookup.com
*
*
*
*
"The visions, the tree—those roots were in them. Kade and Theo. Knotted together in ways they still didn’t understand."
Monster, Kade Renfield, and Golden Boy, Theo Fairgood, are still just that. Playing the parts of "town freak/outcast" and "town idol" while keeping up the public hatred of one another. Yet, somethings off because Felicity's sharp tongue has dulled and Aaron seems to be cowed. But Kade has other things to be concerned about because behind closed doors Theo and him are on a vampire mystery adventure!
An odd friendship has formed between the two and they now know of a deadline! When all this madness is going to reach a big crescendo and one of them may not walk away from this alive or newly undead. Only the closer they get to uncovering things the more obstacles pop up. A major tragedy fueling Theo's resolve to find his sire and answers. Kade trying to understand his newfound visions and remember them. Will they get to the bottom of this before the clock runs out? Who can they trust? And who's Theo's sire that seems to be appearing more and more but only in monster form?!
"Theo sucked on his cigarette distractedly. The exciting part was lighting it—leaning into Kade, watching his face. The actual smoking, he could live without."
I love this line because in all the YA books I've read thus far from Belle there's always something being shared between the two MCs. This one just makes so much sense for the two and I love seeing both of their walls coming down more and more around one another. I absolutely love this trilogy and how Belle has written her vampires!
Theo's still trying to figure out his new norm as a vampire. Which he's come to realize gives him more time to do a lot of things especially at night in the forest whilst everyone is asleep. Being able to forage mushrooms and get more into his secret hobbies and obsessions! I love watching his journey and how Kade has really helped him grow. Though Theo hasn't fully grasped how Kade's influence is helping him. There was a situation that arose that I thought if Theo hadn't had Kade in his life he would be in the same boat as this other person. That "must be perfect" mentality is cracking.
"“Quit trying to turn me into a good student, Fairgood! It’s not gonna work! You’ll drag me into the C-plusses over my dead body.”
“The only dead body here is me,” Theo said."
Kade's life is turning around thanks to Theo, but he won't admit that a loud! No longer trying to self-destruct. Kade gets closer to Theo and helps to try and support him the best he can when something takes place. I loved seeing more of Kade and into the big, compassionate heart that's hidden by barbed wire and barks. The two showing their true selves to each other but no one else. Kade even opening up more to Theo about his past and having some very personal and raw moments. I also respected the times in this installment when Kade actually admitted out loud that he messed up. Ugh! The growth happening in this series is just so healing and fantastic!
This series is YA rating but do read through the CWs. One of the major turning points and plotlines may be a trigger for some. Grief is prominent in this installment and how people deal with it differently. There's no manual for grief or a "right way". Moments of forgetfulness of the simplest things, out of energy or spoons for the day, and more. There's violence, gore, and horror moments. Theo's still in denial about his parents and their form of parenting/"appropriate" punishments. . . Dual POVs helping to showcase and really feel explosive moments. One scene had me clapping for Theo and a decision he made!
"Theo held up one finger.
Kade chuckled. “Never been able to do the one and done thing. When I want something, I want all of it.”"
Uh oh! Are these two finally going to acknowledge the elephant in the room?! I'm actually loving this slow burn that's been building since the first book! Which sorry it does continue in this installment as well. Though the two are skipping so many steps in a relationship when they get a shared dog together! Okay, Sparky came up on her own, but they have split custody of her! I loved how the two figured out ways around Theo burning Kade on contact. The simple, normal, teenage boy, romance moments along with a very powerful scene toward the end of the book that had me tearing up. "He's mine." is dropped in the book!
This book does end with a cliffhanger! New bonds are forming along with old ones turning into something else. I thought I had some things figured out but then Belle yanked the rug out from under me! I have questions and more theories bouncing around in my head! I cannot wait for the final installment though I also don't want to read it because I'm never ready to say goodbye to any of Belle's characters! Kade and Theo have a special place in my heart, and I can relate to both of them a lot! I just want them to have a happy ending!
Enjoy the latest installment of the trilogy with a vampire, a hellhound, a boy who can design amazing clothes, and a town founding legend that isn't totally fictional! Don't forget to give the author some stars! Now excuse me while I find Kade and get some clothes made along with reading "Zombabe" together to figure out Milly's insane story!
shutupandbookup.com
August 17, 2025
4.5 rounded up
in Kade's words, the plot thickens. the mysteries enshrouding Lock unravel yet further entangle Theo and Kade in a fate they want no part of. the origins of Sparky are still unknown to me, but i'm not gonna question it lmao i think the best part of all this is the fact that Kade and Theo cannot kiss. i mean i want them to, but the fact that they cannot right now is just so perfect to me bc it allows for the exploration of intimacy through other means that does not involve any tonsil hockey. can we maybe delay it for a few more books? jk, i'm just having the greatest time, y'all, idk what else to say other than i did not see that twist coming. i should've recognised the red herring, but they had me fooled. i cannot wait to find out how this ends and while i cannot guess right this second, i have some idea of what i want to see happen (pls, god, let me have this one thing)
i forgot to mention this in my review for Blood Tethered, but this series reminds me so much of the early seasons of Teen Wolf, like the nostalgia hit like a freight train. i'm not saying it's perfect, or maybe i am, idk.
P.S. it should've been a kiss on the wrist gdi
in Kade's words, the plot thickens. the mysteries enshrouding Lock unravel yet further entangle Theo and Kade in a fate they want no part of. the origins of Sparky are still unknown to me, but i'm not gonna question it lmao i think the best part of all this is the fact that Kade and Theo cannot kiss. i mean i want them to, but the fact that they cannot right now is just so perfect to me bc it allows for the exploration of intimacy through other means that does not involve any tonsil hockey. can we maybe delay it for a few more books? jk, i'm just having the greatest time, y'all, idk what else to say other than i did not see that twist coming. i should've recognised the red herring, but they had me fooled. i cannot wait to find out how this ends and while i cannot guess right this second, i have some idea of what i want to see happen (pls, god, let me have this one thing)
i forgot to mention this in my review for Blood Tethered, but this series reminds me so much of the early seasons of Teen Wolf, like the nostalgia hit like a freight train. i'm not saying it's perfect, or maybe i am, idk.
P.S. it should've been a kiss on the wrist gdi
May 28, 2025
** Combined Review of All 3 Books **
With a page count of 950, this story could've been considerably shorter and still covered all of the material in a much more concise manner.
The slower pacing in the first two books felt like a lot of pages for not a ton of plot points, while also leaving me pretty annoyed at Theo, the popular-boy-turned-vampire, due to how he treated Kade, making him hide when anyone was near.
Then in the third book, Kade's tendency toward over-the-top, self-destructive behavior flipped the script and turned my annoyance toward him.
The story overall was fine, but out of the 950 pages, only about 50 of those pages had me genuinely excited and dying to know what was going to happen next.
3 stars.
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January 31, 2025
OMG! Venom Bound, the second installment of the Blood Tethered trilogy, grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go. From twists and turns I didn’t see coming to poignant and charged moments between Theo and Kade, I loved every moment.
In book one, when I first found out that they couldn’t touch, I thought, Oh no! But the lack of physical contact makes the pining, the yearning more intense. The slow burn is scorching and I can’t get enough.
I can’t say anything more, because spoilers, but the ending had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to find out what happens in book three.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭🥭
Spice Rating: 🌶️ (no actual spice but I’m giving one chili for sensual blood drinking).
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In book one, when I first found out that they couldn’t touch, I thought, Oh no! But the lack of physical contact makes the pining, the yearning more intense. The slow burn is scorching and I can’t get enough.
I can’t say anything more, because spoilers, but the ending had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait to find out what happens in book three.
Overall Rating: 🥭🥭🥭🥭🥭
Spice Rating: 🌶️ (no actual spice but I’m giving one chili for sensual blood drinking).
Follow me on Instagram
February 3, 2025
The excitement continues.
Just as the first installment:
- more gay panic
- teenage angst galore
- vampire quests
Less like the first installment in the series, this one really ups to ante.
- more plots
- and schemes
- more vampires
I like Theo and Kade a lot, especially as the series runs along. They are so cute together, especially with how they view each others self-perceived "flaws" as their best parts. Oh my, it's so stinking cute.
Also, that plot really expanded on itself in a way I wasn't fully expecting. So once again, I barely saw the plot twists coming.
I would highly recommend picking this series up. I've had the best time reading it
Just as the first installment:
- more gay panic
- teenage angst galore
- vampire quests
Less like the first installment in the series, this one really ups to ante.
- more plots
- and schemes
- more vampires
I like Theo and Kade a lot, especially as the series runs along. They are so cute together, especially with how they view each others self-perceived "flaws" as their best parts. Oh my, it's so stinking cute.
Also, that plot really expanded on itself in a way I wasn't fully expecting. So once again, I barely saw the plot twists coming.
I would highly recommend picking this series up. I've had the best time reading it
January 31, 2025
This book will have you hooked from the very beginning! I will be honest and say I stayed up till 2 am to finish this book because I could not put it down. I loved the character development of everyone, but especially Kade. I really resonate with him. This book is cute, queer, and paranormal, I loved it!! Cannot wait for the next one I need it like Kade needs theo!!
February 9, 2025
4.75/5
I loved this one even more. I read it in a day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t. These read so quickly and I really needed that.
The overall plot remains a little bit confusing and slightly dragging but I’m here for the characters and boy did that deliver.
Theo’s big personal struggle here was done really well and I liked how it was depicted to radiate out into everything. Kade had a lot of personal revelations in this one, and seeing him grow and learn the kind of person and partner he might want to be was a joy. As I did last time, I thoroughly enjoyed their dynamic together. It’s such a new take on something that’s been done before and it's a lovely slow burn that I’m really excited to see more of.
The side characters did finally get some moments here, Felicity especially, and I’m intrigued to see more of Aaron’s in the next one. I like them both, and I really liked Felicity’s new purpose here; it suits her well.
I’m very much looking forward to reading the final installment of the story. Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for the honest review.
I loved this one even more. I read it in a day, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I wasn’t. These read so quickly and I really needed that.
The overall plot remains a little bit confusing and slightly dragging but I’m here for the characters and boy did that deliver.
Theo’s big personal struggle here was done really well and I liked how it was depicted to radiate out into everything. Kade had a lot of personal revelations in this one, and seeing him grow and learn the kind of person and partner he might want to be was a joy. As I did last time, I thoroughly enjoyed their dynamic together. It’s such a new take on something that’s been done before and it's a lovely slow burn that I’m really excited to see more of.
The side characters did finally get some moments here, Felicity especially, and I’m intrigued to see more of Aaron’s in the next one. I like them both, and I really liked Felicity’s new purpose here; it suits her well.
I’m very much looking forward to reading the final installment of the story. Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for the honest review.
May 12, 2025
This series is making me FERAL. I love all these characters so much, the story, the vibes, just everything about this series is just so good and FUN. I have no clue what’s gonna happen next, I’m nervous, I’m scared, I’m stressed
So glad I have the next one ready to read.😂
So glad I have the next one ready to read.😂
May 24, 2025
GAY VAMPYRES RULE!! (i should really get into the habit of writing reviews much sooner after i finish a book) But the long and short of my thought process was 'please stop making these bois suffer and let them kiss for gods sake', but this 'twas a good read.
July 27, 2025
4.5 rounded up
Holy shit?? The twists, the turns, THE PLOT.
It felt more plot focused than the first book and it works very well.
I love them so much omg but Theo I swear to god if you don't pull yourself together and treat Kade like he deserves, we are gonna have problems.
Sparky <3
Holy shit?? The twists, the turns, THE PLOT.
It felt more plot focused than the first book and it works very well.
I love them so much omg but Theo I swear to god if you don't pull yourself together and treat Kade like he deserves, we are gonna have problems.
Sparky <3
January 26, 2025
Oh I'm dying waiting for the last book.
The way I GASPED at the red herring.
I just love them so.
The way I GASPED at the red herring.
I just love them so.
February 10, 2025
I would RIOT if I didn't already have the next book of the series
Also. We dont even DESERVE Sundance she's too good for us all jdkssksksk
Also. We dont even DESERVE Sundance she's too good for us all jdkssksksk
April 21, 2025
absolutely loved it.
It was so fun to read and see how the characters develop and change. I now hate victor and carol more then Aaron but they deserve it.
It was so fun to read and see how the characters develop and change. I now hate victor and carol more then Aaron but they deserve it.
April 23, 2025
Ouch. This one was even better. I love these two guys and the story around them is just heartbreaking. Can’t wait to see what happens in the final installment
May 15, 2025
Great sequel bringing bad parenting to a whole different level!
❤️ Theo and Zade ❤️
Can't wait to read book 3!
❤️ Theo and Zade ❤️
Can't wait to read book 3!
June 15, 2025
I love this series!!
April 20, 2025
This is the second book in this YA paranormal series and you can't read it as a standalone. I'm not going to spoil anything in my review.
I had a fantastic time reading it and I liked how the story progressed. I loved the pacing, the twists and the action scenes. I also really liked that Felicity and Aaron played a bigger part in this book.
What I loved the most was the relationship between Kade and Theo, not just the romance, but also the friendship and the loyalty and the way they cared for each other. I love those two and I hope they get their very much deserved happy ending.
I can't wait to read the next and final book in the series.
I had a fantastic time reading it and I liked how the story progressed. I loved the pacing, the twists and the action scenes. I also really liked that Felicity and Aaron played a bigger part in this book.
What I loved the most was the relationship between Kade and Theo, not just the romance, but also the friendship and the loyalty and the way they cared for each other. I love those two and I hope they get their very much deserved happy ending.
I can't wait to read the next and final book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews