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The Splintered Bond #3
Pack Ruin
My past is hunting me.
The Mountain pack is everything I a haven where every shifter has the same rights. Pack laws are respected and followed without fail. Even the Alpha must obey them, or suffer dire consequences. But the law says I’m not allowed to live here.
When the corrupt leader of the Council delivers an ultimatum calling for the death of one of my mates, there are no good options. If we stay, it means war. If we sneak away, we become rogues. No matter what, my dream of a safe home is ruined.
And my only escape may be back where I began.
Pack Ruin is the third book in The Splintered Bond, a medium-dark paranormal wolf shifter series with cliffhanger endings. This is a slow burn romance where the heroine will not have to choose between her future mates. Please read the content advisories in the Author's Note. The final book will be released in early 2025.
The Mountain pack is everything I a haven where every shifter has the same rights. Pack laws are respected and followed without fail. Even the Alpha must obey them, or suffer dire consequences. But the law says I’m not allowed to live here.
When the corrupt leader of the Council delivers an ultimatum calling for the death of one of my mates, there are no good options. If we stay, it means war. If we sneak away, we become rogues. No matter what, my dream of a safe home is ruined.
And my only escape may be back where I began.
Pack Ruin is the third book in The Splintered Bond, a medium-dark paranormal wolf shifter series with cliffhanger endings. This is a slow burn romance where the heroine will not have to choose between her future mates. Please read the content advisories in the Author's Note. The final book will be released in early 2025.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2024
580 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Merri Bright
41 books667 followersOnce upon a time, Merri Bright tucked romance novels behind all her textbooks and read love stories instead of the lessons. Now she writes the same kind of books she’s always loved, dreaming up stories about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and all sorts of dragons.
She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog.
Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.
She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog.
Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.
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November 13, 2024Thank you so much for reading Pack Ruin! This is the last cliffhanger in the series, and the final book* will be out in early 2025. Make sure to grab the free bonus extended scene to Pack Ruin, One Bright Moment. Please check the content warning on that one, though. It’s nice and spicy!
https://linktr.ee/MerriBright
Pack Rage is on the way. You can pre-order it now, and it WILL come out before the placeholder date! www.books2read.com/packrage
If you enjoyed Pack Ruin, please rate, review, recommend, and reach out to let me know. If you need content warnings for any of my books, or just want to say hi, please go to www.merribright.com or email me Merri@MerriBright.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Make Mischief,
Merri
*I may write an epilogue novel/novella in 2025 for Flor and her guys, and I have plans for a related series for Finnick’s sister, and some standalone books for Sergeant, and a few others in this world. Let me know if there are characters you would like more of!
If you’ve been waiting for Ratter’s story from The Lost Lines? Her holiday novella is coming Dec 5, 2024, and then her book, the finale of that series, in 2025. books2read.com/spysolstice
Content Advisory:
Pack Ruin has a cliffhanger ending. It also contains on-page, graphic violence/death, profanity, intimate activities involving more than one partner, physical assault, mention of past sexual assault, torture, off-page dismemberment, and mentions of past domestic abuse. There is also a scene involving one of the MMCs being forced/coerced to perform an intimate act on a woman outside the harem. Remember, this series is medium-dark, and for adult readers only. Please be kind to yourself when choosing to read.
If you note any content warnings that are not listed above, please email merri@merribright.com so I can make sure to add them.
https://linktr.ee/MerriBright
Pack Rage is on the way. You can pre-order it now, and it WILL come out before the placeholder date! www.books2read.com/packrage
If you enjoyed Pack Ruin, please rate, review, recommend, and reach out to let me know. If you need content warnings for any of my books, or just want to say hi, please go to www.merribright.com or email me Merri@MerriBright.com. I’d love to hear from you!
Make Mischief,
Merri
*I may write an epilogue novel/novella in 2025 for Flor and her guys, and I have plans for a related series for Finnick’s sister, and some standalone books for Sergeant, and a few others in this world. Let me know if there are characters you would like more of!
If you’ve been waiting for Ratter’s story from The Lost Lines? Her holiday novella is coming Dec 5, 2024, and then her book, the finale of that series, in 2025. books2read.com/spysolstice
Content Advisory:
Pack Ruin has a cliffhanger ending. It also contains on-page, graphic violence/death, profanity, intimate activities involving more than one partner, physical assault, mention of past sexual assault, torture, off-page dismemberment, and mentions of past domestic abuse. There is also a scene involving one of the MMCs being forced/coerced to perform an intimate act on a woman outside the harem. Remember, this series is medium-dark, and for adult readers only. Please be kind to yourself when choosing to read.
If you note any content warnings that are not listed above, please email merri@merribright.com so I can make sure to add them.
November 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
”I want you. I want you to claim me, and I want to claim you back. Because I’ll do the same. I’ll stay with you and fight for you, even if every stupid fuckhole of a pack on the continent chases you out for being a rogue. Even if we have to go somewhere, all of us, and form a pack of our own. I want to do it all with you.”
Merri just loves to tear my heart apart and make me cry! I can see her laughing maniacally as she bathes in my tears.
Flor isn’t self-sacrificing like Feather, but she has honed her trauma into strength like Feather. She is my favorite type of heroine—snarky, vulnerable, but still strong AF.
Grigor remains my favorite mate with his courting gifts of the heads (and entrails) of everyone who hurt Flor. I also love the lighthearted Glen, soft Brand, and misunderstood Luke. They don’t feel they are worthy of Flor, but they really are. Lots of heart eyes!
This book is heavy on the plot but still filled with a good number of spicy moments. It is mixed-burn with a growing number of mates.
This series must be read in order. Beware the cliffhanger ending!
Note re: “cheating” TW in author’s note
While the MMC is coerced/threatened to comply, it hurts Flor just as deeply as if it were an intentional act. It still filled me with anger, as it showed his weakness as a character. It’s going to be a hard ask for forgiveness. If cheating is a trigger, I would recommend skipping this read.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
”I want you. I want you to claim me, and I want to claim you back. Because I’ll do the same. I’ll stay with you and fight for you, even if every stupid fuckhole of a pack on the continent chases you out for being a rogue. Even if we have to go somewhere, all of us, and form a pack of our own. I want to do it all with you.”
Merri just loves to tear my heart apart and make me cry! I can see her laughing maniacally as she bathes in my tears.
Flor isn’t self-sacrificing like Feather, but she has honed her trauma into strength like Feather. She is my favorite type of heroine—snarky, vulnerable, but still strong AF.
Grigor remains my favorite mate with his courting gifts of the heads (and entrails) of everyone who hurt Flor. I also love the lighthearted Glen, soft Brand, and misunderstood Luke. They don’t feel they are worthy of Flor, but they really are. Lots of heart eyes!
This book is heavy on the plot but still filled with a good number of spicy moments. It is mixed-burn with a growing number of mates.
This series must be read in order. Beware the cliffhanger ending!
Note re: “cheating” TW in author’s note
While the MMC is coerced/threatened to comply, it hurts Flor just as deeply as if it were an intentional act. It still filled me with anger, as it showed his weakness as a character. It’s going to be a hard ask for forgiveness. If cheating is a trigger, I would recommend skipping this read.
November 14, 2024
Well, you can't catch all the breaks....
Bearman's family is the best of the group! I like how they just accepted Flor and the weirdness that the bind caused. Brand is just everything. Glen has come a long way and has proven a worthy mate. But of course all good things do not last...back to the South and it's horrors we go but we finally get to learn secrets in this book. Didn't think I could feel sorry for Finn but what do you know? Grigor is still the best psycho mate and poor Luke cannot catch a break. The story is moving right along and I think we now have a clear picture of who the villains actually are. Flor is as amazing as ever and the mates are all finally getting it together. Now to figure out how this is all going to end...
Bearman's family is the best of the group! I like how they just accepted Flor and the weirdness that the bind caused. Brand is just everything. Glen has come a long way and has proven a worthy mate. But of course all good things do not last...back to the South and it's horrors we go but we finally get to learn secrets in this book. Didn't think I could feel sorry for Finn but what do you know? Grigor is still the best psycho mate and poor Luke cannot catch a break. The story is moving right along and I think we now have a clear picture of who the villains actually are. Flor is as amazing as ever and the mates are all finally getting it together. Now to figure out how this is all going to end...
March 20, 2025
The Cliffy!! 😭 *cries in nerd*
This was another winner. It’s not as phenomenally epic as book one, but it’s still highly entertaining and has me incredibly invested. Waiting for the next book is going to suck.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
There’s more spice and more action, but less humor and pinning compared to the other books in the series.
This was another winner. It’s not as phenomenally epic as book one, but it’s still highly entertaining and has me incredibly invested. Waiting for the next book is going to suck.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
There’s more spice and more action, but less humor and pinning compared to the other books in the series.
November 2, 2024
Ahhh, what another brilliant book by Merri Bright. This was a book 3 that kept be absolutely captivated from the first page. The story did not drag at all, instead it was filled with action, and intrigue, and questions that still need to be answered. I love our 5 guys, even the ones who make questionable decisions, and Flor is my hero. I absolutely cannot wait to read the final book!
November 16, 2024
This is the third book in the series and we are at the point now where we are finally starting to get some answers. There is so much going on that Flor and her mates are literally being pulled in all different directions. Poor Flor is trying to keep up, but she has gone from caring for herself to caring for all these new mates. Brand is officially my new book boyfriend, he is so dreamy! The rest of the mates all have their own issues but they are starting to come together now and I feel like we can see the end game! That dang cliffhanger at the end had me in all the feels though…I can’t wait for the last book to come out!
November 11, 2024
Love love love this next instalment in Flor’s adventure.
This book finds Flor learning more about her history, in some ways opening her eyes to others perspectives of her life/growing up. We bring in new characters, gifting their knowledge of history to show Flor just how special she is and gives us a better understanding of why different packs are that way and how certain packs have twisted the history for their gain.
Great character development of her mates. Brand our mountain man always has me swooning with his pure love for Flor, Glenn with his cheeky wit who provides some great laughs throughout the book and Luke who will never give up no matter how many times they try and take him down.
Finnicks part in this book was so hard to swallow. The reasoning behind his actions allows us to see how greed and hatred have caused so much turbulence in Flor and her mates lives, and I can’t wait to see how this develops in the fourth book.
Grigor has easily become one of my favourite of Flors mates. His age allows him to bring history that gives a greater understanding of magic and how it had been stamped out over time. His gifts of love (bouquets of innards) brought a dark and twisted vibe that I am here for.
Overall I can’t get enough and am now counting down until we get book four as this cliff hanger ending has left me with so many questions of what will happen next.
This book finds Flor learning more about her history, in some ways opening her eyes to others perspectives of her life/growing up. We bring in new characters, gifting their knowledge of history to show Flor just how special she is and gives us a better understanding of why different packs are that way and how certain packs have twisted the history for their gain.
Great character development of her mates. Brand our mountain man always has me swooning with his pure love for Flor, Glenn with his cheeky wit who provides some great laughs throughout the book and Luke who will never give up no matter how many times they try and take him down.
Finnicks part in this book was so hard to swallow. The reasoning behind his actions allows us to see how greed and hatred have caused so much turbulence in Flor and her mates lives, and I can’t wait to see how this develops in the fourth book.
Grigor has easily become one of my favourite of Flors mates. His age allows him to bring history that gives a greater understanding of magic and how it had been stamped out over time. His gifts of love (bouquets of innards) brought a dark and twisted vibe that I am here for.
Overall I can’t get enough and am now counting down until we get book four as this cliff hanger ending has left me with so many questions of what will happen next.
March 2, 2025
these books are high key boring, and i don’t even care about the fourth
November 9, 2024
I loved this book!
Ok, so if you haven’t read the first books (why on earth not?!), you need to do that first. And you need to go into this one knowing that when the author says they leave it on a cliffhanger, they really, really mean it!!
This book jumps straight back into the story and, unlike some other series I’ve read, doesn’t waste time rehashing past plot. Instead, I got to immediately be reminded of my love for the characters (hello, Brand!), and the author’s ability to mix gut-punch emotion with genuine humour. And this was within the first half hour or so of reading!!
I loved the further development of the individual characters of Flor’s mates, and really felt myself understanding them more and more. (My fascination with Joaquin continues to grow…) We see further below the surface of her mates, into their history, their motivation, and their growing connection to each other. I love each of them for different reasons, and the author writes them as very clearly separate individuals, not cardboard cut out trope-tokens.
This development of the relationship(s) doesn’t come at the cost of the overall story. We learn more about Flor’s history and further insight into her story, and further revelations about the “bad guys” and hints to where we might be headed next.
I can’t wait!!
As always by this author, impeccably written, and with real depth to the characters. The love story is genuine and interesting, but so is the world building and the adventure - I can’t wait to see what comes next!!
Start with the first book, and you won’t be able to stop. If you love Fantasy/Magic or love Romance - either reader will enjoy this. Fantastically recommended!
Ok, so if you haven’t read the first books (why on earth not?!), you need to do that first. And you need to go into this one knowing that when the author says they leave it on a cliffhanger, they really, really mean it!!
This book jumps straight back into the story and, unlike some other series I’ve read, doesn’t waste time rehashing past plot. Instead, I got to immediately be reminded of my love for the characters (hello, Brand!), and the author’s ability to mix gut-punch emotion with genuine humour. And this was within the first half hour or so of reading!!
I loved the further development of the individual characters of Flor’s mates, and really felt myself understanding them more and more. (My fascination with Joaquin continues to grow…) We see further below the surface of her mates, into their history, their motivation, and their growing connection to each other. I love each of them for different reasons, and the author writes them as very clearly separate individuals, not cardboard cut out trope-tokens.
This development of the relationship(s) doesn’t come at the cost of the overall story. We learn more about Flor’s history and further insight into her story, and further revelations about the “bad guys” and hints to where we might be headed next.
I can’t wait!!
As always by this author, impeccably written, and with real depth to the characters. The love story is genuine and interesting, but so is the world building and the adventure - I can’t wait to see what comes next!!
Start with the first book, and you won’t be able to stop. If you love Fantasy/Magic or love Romance - either reader will enjoy this. Fantastically recommended!
November 8, 2024
* 6 stars
With the end of the year getting closer, it's safe to say this series is my absolute favorite read this entire year. Every time I've completed one of the books in this series, I'm left without words, staring at my screen wishing more words would magically show up so I could continue the story a bit longer. It is so hard to put these books down; I just wish life around me would stop for a few hours so there wouldn't be anything drawing my attention away from this marvelous story.
Honestly, there is so much I love about this series. I adore Flor, and her mates are slowly carving out a similar place in my heart. They may not have left the best first impression (or at least most of them), but getting to know them better also makes it obvious there is so much more to them and the choices they made. It doesn't hurt that some of them like to give Flor some original courting gifts either. Let's say I never knew flowers could be created without crafting materials. It's not just the characters that draw me into their story though. There is so much happening: new revelations, unexpected twists and turns, lots of suspense, new side characters who add a new flavor to the storyline, ... I love every step this story takes, and even though I can't wait to get my hands on book four, I'm also weary of the moment I'll have to say goodbye to these characters. It looks like a second read is likely in my future...
With the end of the year getting closer, it's safe to say this series is my absolute favorite read this entire year. Every time I've completed one of the books in this series, I'm left without words, staring at my screen wishing more words would magically show up so I could continue the story a bit longer. It is so hard to put these books down; I just wish life around me would stop for a few hours so there wouldn't be anything drawing my attention away from this marvelous story.
Honestly, there is so much I love about this series. I adore Flor, and her mates are slowly carving out a similar place in my heart. They may not have left the best first impression (or at least most of them), but getting to know them better also makes it obvious there is so much more to them and the choices they made. It doesn't hurt that some of them like to give Flor some original courting gifts either. Let's say I never knew flowers could be created without crafting materials. It's not just the characters that draw me into their story though. There is so much happening: new revelations, unexpected twists and turns, lots of suspense, new side characters who add a new flavor to the storyline, ... I love every step this story takes, and even though I can't wait to get my hands on book four, I'm also weary of the moment I'll have to say goodbye to these characters. It looks like a second read is likely in my future...
September 7, 2025
Noooooo I need more!!!
Book 3 ends in a cliffhanger, because nothing is easy for these guys and it's time to uncover the Eastern packs secrets.
I am loving this series, the darkness of the subjects covered as well as the fight, spirit and love of the characters makes for a great read. Even the morally grey characters....well maybe more black red grey for our Russian, even they add a perception of love that screams red flags in rl but in this world is needed if they are going to make it out and find answers...even to the questions they haven't asked.
Dark, traumatic triggers beware, but also funny, cosy and steamy open door action...not a lot but enough to fan yourself 😏
*read through audio
Now to wait for book 4 to come out in audio format 🙏🏿
4.8 stars
Book 3 ends in a cliffhanger, because nothing is easy for these guys and it's time to uncover the Eastern packs secrets.
I am loving this series, the darkness of the subjects covered as well as the fight, spirit and love of the characters makes for a great read. Even the morally grey characters....well maybe more black red grey for our Russian, even they add a perception of love that screams red flags in rl but in this world is needed if they are going to make it out and find answers...even to the questions they haven't asked.
Dark, traumatic triggers beware, but also funny, cosy and steamy open door action...not a lot but enough to fan yourself 😏
*read through audio
Now to wait for book 4 to come out in audio format 🙏🏿
4.8 stars
November 11, 2024
Praise for Pack Ruin!
This is currently my favourite book in this series! Holy freaking heck! The character growth! The harem growth! The special bouquets! Bo and Leroy!
I laughed out loud and I for sure shed tears and I absolutely was on the edge of my metaphorical seat. Merri writes a fight scene better than most and I love reading them.
Flor is an amazing character, she is so strong in every way, and she knows who she is and won’t compromise her core values and beliefs.
I truly cannot say enough good things about this book, this series or this author
This is currently my favourite book in this series! Holy freaking heck! The character growth! The harem growth! The special bouquets! Bo and Leroy!
I laughed out loud and I for sure shed tears and I absolutely was on the edge of my metaphorical seat. Merri writes a fight scene better than most and I love reading them.
Flor is an amazing character, she is so strong in every way, and she knows who she is and won’t compromise her core values and beliefs.
I truly cannot say enough good things about this book, this series or this author
May 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
Flor and her mates can’t catch a break!!! Brand is the best mate for Flor. But all of her mates is what she needs. Finns parents keep pissing me off and if Flor doesn’t get to kill them I swear lol
Grigor is definitely growing on me as a mate. I can’t wait to read the last book to figure everything out 😊
Flor and her mates can’t catch a break!!! Brand is the best mate for Flor. But all of her mates is what she needs. Finns parents keep pissing me off and if Flor doesn’t get to kill them I swear lol
Grigor is definitely growing on me as a mate. I can’t wait to read the last book to figure everything out 😊
November 14, 2024
Merri has a way with words. I got transported into this story, again. Flor and the guys will always keep me coming back for more. I’m so glad there’s still one more book because I’m not ready to give these guys up and I still need answers.
November 15, 2024
I loved it but honestly this is one of my favorite series and this book definitely did not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next book..
November 19, 2024
This book needs to be added to the series page and connected to the series.
This was good, but I just wish that all these bad things weren’t happening. Or that we could keep Flor and her mates together. This story is crazy and the pieces are finally coming together. Flor is finally mating with her other mates and some changes happen. We do learn more about Sargent and who he might be to Flor.
This book was full of action though and lots of interweaving parts.
This was good, but I just wish that all these bad things weren’t happening. Or that we could keep Flor and her mates together. This story is crazy and the pieces are finally coming together. Flor is finally mating with her other mates and some changes happen. We do learn more about Sargent and who he might be to Flor.
This book was full of action though and lots of interweaving parts.
March 26, 2025
Absolutely loved but who was going to tell me that I had to wait 2 weeks to read the next one
November 3, 2024
This series just keeps getting better!!
Merri Bright gives us the perfect blend of spice and plot. This book was full of action and once you start reading, you just don’t want to stop.
Flor knows what she needs and she doesn’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get all her mates banded together. After that cliffy, it seems she still has a ways to go.
We continue to learn more about each of the Heir’s and where they come from. Each of the packs has their own problems but some are worse than the others. The Mountain Pack seems to be the best of them all.
I am so excited for the next book in the series to see how things pan out for Flor and her 5 Fated Mates.
Merri Bright gives us the perfect blend of spice and plot. This book was full of action and once you start reading, you just don’t want to stop.
Flor knows what she needs and she doesn’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get all her mates banded together. After that cliffy, it seems she still has a ways to go.
We continue to learn more about each of the Heir’s and where they come from. Each of the packs has their own problems but some are worse than the others. The Mountain Pack seems to be the best of them all.
I am so excited for the next book in the series to see how things pan out for Flor and her 5 Fated Mates.
November 26, 2024
"Okay, so maybe he was a little unhinged. Or maybe a tiny bit evil. But what did it say about me that I found it deeply romantic?"
This series has me in a chokehold. Every time I think Flor is going to get some peace something else screws it up. There are so many little curveballs thrown at her I'm very surprised she hasn't given up yet. I don't know why everyone is giving Grigor sh^t. That stuff was in his past and to his enemies, they don't know what he does for the people he loves. Can't wait for the next installment.
This series has me in a chokehold. Every time I think Flor is going to get some peace something else screws it up. There are so many little curveballs thrown at her I'm very surprised she hasn't given up yet. I don't know why everyone is giving Grigor sh^t. That stuff was in his past and to his enemies, they don't know what he does for the people he loves. Can't wait for the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2024
I am having such a hard time writing this review. I have never had this much trouble before. There is so much going on that I am worried that no matter what I write that I will give something away. Please bare with me as I try.
Well, it looks like the brand pack will accept Flor being different and her having other mates. She finally feels like she is safe and that she has a place to call home. Flor learns that she had more help growing up than she thought and that she did in deed have support even if she wasn't aloud to know it. This is my favorite book so far in the series. There is so much going on and so many stocking surprises that i definitely did not see coming. I can not wait for the final book to come out. I will be counting down the days.
Well, it looks like the brand pack will accept Flor being different and her having other mates. She finally feels like she is safe and that she has a place to call home. Flor learns that she had more help growing up than she thought and that she did in deed have support even if she wasn't aloud to know it. This is my favorite book so far in the series. There is so much going on and so many stocking surprises that i definitely did not see coming. I can not wait for the final book to come out. I will be counting down the days.
November 14, 2024
As with all Merri’s stories, I absolutely devoured this book. It’s full of passion, angst, betrayal, adventure and fighting against the bad guys and an outdated way of life.
In this instalment of The Splintered Bond series we find out more about Flor’s background and that of her mates.
I’ll always be a Brand girl but Luke has really been through a lot, and his development was really well written. I really enjoyed finding out more about Grigor too. We also find out that Flor’s past may not have been quite as it seemed and she may have more allies than she thought.
I was completely caught up in their world and read the book in one sitting. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this instalment of The Splintered Bond series we find out more about Flor’s background and that of her mates.
I’ll always be a Brand girl but Luke has really been through a lot, and his development was really well written. I really enjoyed finding out more about Grigor too. We also find out that Flor’s past may not have been quite as it seemed and she may have more allies than she thought.
I was completely caught up in their world and read the book in one sitting. I can’t wait for the next instalment of this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 14, 2024
Wow, I feel traumatised after reading this, such an eventful story. Flor and her mates are certainly up against it in their fight with the council and I feel things will get worse before they get better after that devastating ending to this book.
Luke and Finn really made me sad with all the awful things they’ve had to endure here.
Flor is a fighter, Dell taught her well and she puts her skills to good use here when she along with Brand and Glen return to rescue Luke. Sadly the main evildoers don’t face justice here, really hoping they do soon.
Want to know more of the council’s plans and how Flor can reunite with all her mates to thwart them.
An action packed high angst story that made me cry in -laces, Merri certainly knows how to write a powerful moving story.
Luke and Finn really made me sad with all the awful things they’ve had to endure here.
Flor is a fighter, Dell taught her well and she puts her skills to good use here when she along with Brand and Glen return to rescue Luke. Sadly the main evildoers don’t face justice here, really hoping they do soon.
Want to know more of the council’s plans and how Flor can reunite with all her mates to thwart them.
An action packed high angst story that made me cry in -laces, Merri certainly knows how to write a powerful moving story.
December 8, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶💀💀💀
I wish I had the words to adequately convey the emotional investment I have in these characters.
Flor has grown so much as a character. Opening up to the love, support and protection of her mates even if they find Grigor the boogeyman. They have encircled her, protecting, giving power and healing but most of all non of them curb her esthuastic need for violence and emotional support steak knife offers.
Merri Bright has created a story filled with angst, swoony declarations and action. From macabre flower arrangements to brotherly love and respect between her mates. Makes Splintered Bond Series unputdownable, unpredictable and captivating read.
Tropes
Found family. Fated mates. RH. Action. Magic. Spice. Cliffhanger. Age gap. Morally grey mmc. Cinnamon roll mmc. Possessive. Obsessive.
Quote
“Your laughter, little queen, is the most beautiful music I can imagine,” Grigor replied. “May I hold you while I explain what has transpired? Touching you gives me more power to conceal us.” Glen muttered, “Slick move, grandpa,” when Grigor shifted position to pull me onto his lap and wrap his arms around me.
“You always did get back up,” she whispered. “Every time they knocked you down. Every time anyone came for you. You got back up and got stronger.”
I wish I had the words to adequately convey the emotional investment I have in these characters.
Flor has grown so much as a character. Opening up to the love, support and protection of her mates even if they find Grigor the boogeyman. They have encircled her, protecting, giving power and healing but most of all non of them curb her esthuastic need for violence and emotional support steak knife offers.
Merri Bright has created a story filled with angst, swoony declarations and action. From macabre flower arrangements to brotherly love and respect between her mates. Makes Splintered Bond Series unputdownable, unpredictable and captivating read.
Tropes
Found family. Fated mates. RH. Action. Magic. Spice. Cliffhanger. Age gap. Morally grey mmc. Cinnamon roll mmc. Possessive. Obsessive.
Quote
“Your laughter, little queen, is the most beautiful music I can imagine,” Grigor replied. “May I hold you while I explain what has transpired? Touching you gives me more power to conceal us.” Glen muttered, “Slick move, grandpa,” when Grigor shifted position to pull me onto his lap and wrap his arms around me.
“You always did get back up,” she whispered. “Every time they knocked you down. Every time anyone came for you. You got back up and got stronger.”
April 10, 2025
I'm sorry but this is the second last book in the series & there's absolutely zero development with finnick... why is he even there.. the author has to make a relationship with them in the last book, it's weird
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
RH MMMMM/Shifters & Witches/Enemies to Lovers Multi PoV
SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): This story is set in a world where shifters exist without the humans knowing. There are 4 North American packs which form the North American shifter counsel headed by the Alpha and each of the Alpha’s heirs for the 4 regions: Southern, North Eastern, Eastern and North. The Western pack was eliminated some 10 plus years prior. The FC, Flor, is a member of the Southern pack which is a chauvinistic, misogynistic pack ruled over by a power-hungry bully of an Alpha where women are treated like slaves and only those shifters with rank are considered of any consequence. For no other reason than the Alpha has decreed it so, Flor is considered the pack reject and has spent the past 4 years being hunted by the male enforcer shifters in a game where if they catch her they are allowed to forcibly mate her. She manages to escape her fate when she meets her fated mates, 4 shifters from each region, and leaves Southern. The story covers how the FC falls for each of her mates and they fall for her, her real background, the fight against corruption in the shifter council and those who want to see her dead.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆🍆 The sex scenes are hot with some group but mainly one on one scenes, no MM, and mainly vanilla. There are enough scenes to add heat to the story but not so many that they take over the books.
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable shifter story with only a few editing and typo niggles. It’s not unique and there are some inconsistencies but it is still enjoyable in a popcorn read kind of way. There is enough action, drama and heat to keep the reader engaged although there are areas where the story seems to just be treading water and the story could be tightened up.
No this isn’t an original story and it ticks the usual boxes ✅: the FC is initially portrayed as a runt who has suffered horrible abuse, she then finds her mates (who, on the whole, adore her) and she morphs into this strong heroine who is destined to save all shifters and who everyone thinks is amazing 😏. There is a big bad villain (“mwah ha ha” type) and a few low level baddies.
The FC is a strong, kick ass type with a very southern, crude mouth on her and a blunt talking way of presenting herself. Occasionally this came across as a bit juvenile. As a whole I liked her but there were times when she was just portrayed as too perfect. Everywhere she went she seemed to find things that were wrong and needed to be fixed which made here come across as preachy and too perfect as she was always the one telling others how they should be doing things and how they had been doing things wrong. The author seemed to go a bit over the top with the theme of an FC who had suffered horribly and who then became a crusader for women and abuse. Also, instead of allowing what the FC had gone through to gradually feed into the story this author took the short cut of the FC having no problem telling everyone how sad her story was and how much she had been through. For me it was a bit whiny at times and I find this approach by an author of getting information across as lazy and lacking in depth.
The MCs are all strong individuals some of which have their own standard, abusive backstory and all of which are possessive and fall almost instantly for the FC despite her not having proved herself or giving them any reason to fall for her.
If you can ignore the niggles and inconsistencies and just sit back this is an enjoyable ride. Not a keeper for me but still a fun read with some good fights, angst and general comeuppance for the villains.
SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): This story is set in a world where shifters exist without the humans knowing. There are 4 North American packs which form the North American shifter counsel headed by the Alpha and each of the Alpha’s heirs for the 4 regions: Southern, North Eastern, Eastern and North. The Western pack was eliminated some 10 plus years prior. The FC, Flor, is a member of the Southern pack which is a chauvinistic, misogynistic pack ruled over by a power-hungry bully of an Alpha where women are treated like slaves and only those shifters with rank are considered of any consequence. For no other reason than the Alpha has decreed it so, Flor is considered the pack reject and has spent the past 4 years being hunted by the male enforcer shifters in a game where if they catch her they are allowed to forcibly mate her. She manages to escape her fate when she meets her fated mates, 4 shifters from each region, and leaves Southern. The story covers how the FC falls for each of her mates and they fall for her, her real background, the fight against corruption in the shifter council and those who want to see her dead.
Heat Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/🍆🍆🍆 The sex scenes are hot with some group but mainly one on one scenes, no MM, and mainly vanilla. There are enough scenes to add heat to the story but not so many that they take over the books.
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable shifter story with only a few editing and typo niggles. It’s not unique and there are some inconsistencies but it is still enjoyable in a popcorn read kind of way. There is enough action, drama and heat to keep the reader engaged although there are areas where the story seems to just be treading water and the story could be tightened up.
No this isn’t an original story and it ticks the usual boxes ✅: the FC is initially portrayed as a runt who has suffered horrible abuse, she then finds her mates (who, on the whole, adore her) and she morphs into this strong heroine who is destined to save all shifters and who everyone thinks is amazing 😏. There is a big bad villain (“mwah ha ha” type) and a few low level baddies.
The FC is a strong, kick ass type with a very southern, crude mouth on her and a blunt talking way of presenting herself. Occasionally this came across as a bit juvenile. As a whole I liked her but there were times when she was just portrayed as too perfect. Everywhere she went she seemed to find things that were wrong and needed to be fixed which made here come across as preachy and too perfect as she was always the one telling others how they should be doing things and how they had been doing things wrong. The author seemed to go a bit over the top with the theme of an FC who had suffered horribly and who then became a crusader for women and abuse. Also, instead of allowing what the FC had gone through to gradually feed into the story this author took the short cut of the FC having no problem telling everyone how sad her story was and how much she had been through. For me it was a bit whiny at times and I find this approach by an author of getting information across as lazy and lacking in depth.
The MCs are all strong individuals some of which have their own standard, abusive backstory and all of which are possessive and fall almost instantly for the FC despite her not having proved herself or giving them any reason to fall for her.
If you can ignore the niggles and inconsistencies and just sit back this is an enjoyable ride. Not a keeper for me but still a fun read with some good fights, angst and general comeuppance for the villains.
November 10, 2024
This review is a general overview and contains no spoilers.
Our favorite violent little foul-mouthed heathen, Flor, returns with her mates in this third installment of The Splintered Bond series by Merri Bright.
Guys… Merri takes us on a journey in this one! An amazing journey. I dare say that this is the best book in the series thus far. This installment is action packed and had me at the edge of my seat for the vast majority of the story. We learn more about the great shifter war that happened before Flor was born as well.
We start with Flor, Glen, and Brand making their way to the Mountain pack. Of course, Grigor continues being Grigor and is absolutely psycho (which is why he’s my favorite), continuing with his courting gifts to Flor. There is a ton of character growth and some heartbreaking moments. Flor’s mates all face difficult choices and grow together. I’m sure I don’t have to even say it, but I will: Brand is still such a sweetie and an overall good man in this book, just like the previous two. He, in particular, has some tough choices he is forced to make, and you, my good readers, will fall in love with him even more.
Like in the second book, a lot more is unveiled about the characters. We find out a lot more about Finnick, Luke, and Grigor especially. Flor learns more about who she is and where she comes from. Flor becomes a lot more comfortable with her sexuality (lots moar smex, yay), and she comes into her power both literally and figuratively.
Merri masterfully writes characters with flaws you never thought you'd forgive... until you find out more behind the reasons for their choices. I was blown away at the empathy I felt for characters I'd previously been at least a little irritated with, and some that I downright despised. Merri makes the reader see the characters in a new light in a way that isn’t a stretch, either.
This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it didn’t make me want to throw it across the room. I am dying to read the next book in the series, though! Make sure to read the trigger warnings. You will love this if you loved the first two books in the series or Merri’s Omegaverse and reverse harem stories!
Our favorite violent little foul-mouthed heathen, Flor, returns with her mates in this third installment of The Splintered Bond series by Merri Bright.
Guys… Merri takes us on a journey in this one! An amazing journey. I dare say that this is the best book in the series thus far. This installment is action packed and had me at the edge of my seat for the vast majority of the story. We learn more about the great shifter war that happened before Flor was born as well.
We start with Flor, Glen, and Brand making their way to the Mountain pack. Of course, Grigor continues being Grigor and is absolutely psycho (which is why he’s my favorite), continuing with his courting gifts to Flor. There is a ton of character growth and some heartbreaking moments. Flor’s mates all face difficult choices and grow together. I’m sure I don’t have to even say it, but I will: Brand is still such a sweetie and an overall good man in this book, just like the previous two. He, in particular, has some tough choices he is forced to make, and you, my good readers, will fall in love with him even more.
Like in the second book, a lot more is unveiled about the characters. We find out a lot more about Finnick, Luke, and Grigor especially. Flor learns more about who she is and where she comes from. Flor becomes a lot more comfortable with her sexuality (lots moar smex, yay), and she comes into her power both literally and figuratively.
Merri masterfully writes characters with flaws you never thought you'd forgive... until you find out more behind the reasons for their choices. I was blown away at the empathy I felt for characters I'd previously been at least a little irritated with, and some that I downright despised. Merri makes the reader see the characters in a new light in a way that isn’t a stretch, either.
This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it didn’t make me want to throw it across the room. I am dying to read the next book in the series, though! Make sure to read the trigger warnings. You will love this if you loved the first two books in the series or Merri’s Omegaverse and reverse harem stories!
November 20, 2025
🌟 4.2
What? No! He told her everything? 😩
Plot is still decent. There’s a lot of moving parts. Some have resolved themselves, others far from it.
The spice is…not my favourite. I’d even say it’s disappointing. There’s not nearly enough of it for my taste, although I’ll be the first to admit I may have been tainted by my recent, very explicit reading choices. Some of the scenes are fade to black 😭. It’s a wasted opportunity if you ask me.
I don’t know, maybe this is the perfect amount? Out of five chilli peppers I’d give this a 🌶️ 🌶️ .5
I know that I need more.
Flor (awful name btw. I gave it three books, it never grew on me) is still a go-get-em girl, but the aspects that made her fantastic in book 1 aren’t showcased so much in this. I like that she’s having to branch out and grow though.
Can I just say please, no more “brother mates”. It’s giving me sister wives vibes and that’s a bit of an ick for me. Aside from that, Brand is the best. Solid and perfect (except he doesn’t push her for sex which is dumb). Glen is still a happy flirt. With Finn we have finally seen behind his life, and it is awful. Luke is forgiven. We’ve got his backstory now, know he’s irrevocably hers, sacrificed his life for her again and again. Luke has paid penance. I’m more than happy to have him back. Now Grigor, he’s a tough nut. So much work behind the scenes for her. Does it negate all the deaths he’s dealt? More than once we’ve seen he’s slaughtered innocents. He’s also kept these brother mates alive many times. Jury’s still out, but I’m leaning towards being ok with him. We’ll see.
I really liked the alternate perspective showing how many other shifters tried to help her while she was in the Southern Pack. It’s enlightening and heartening.
All in all, a very decent read. It felt like a part one of two though. I’m waiting for the rest to happen.
What? No! He told her everything? 😩
Plot is still decent. There’s a lot of moving parts. Some have resolved themselves, others far from it.
The spice is…not my favourite. I’d even say it’s disappointing. There’s not nearly enough of it for my taste, although I’ll be the first to admit I may have been tainted by my recent, very explicit reading choices. Some of the scenes are fade to black 😭. It’s a wasted opportunity if you ask me.
I don’t know, maybe this is the perfect amount? Out of five chilli peppers I’d give this a 🌶️ 🌶️ .5
I know that I need more.
Flor (awful name btw. I gave it three books, it never grew on me) is still a go-get-em girl, but the aspects that made her fantastic in book 1 aren’t showcased so much in this. I like that she’s having to branch out and grow though.
Can I just say please, no more “brother mates”. It’s giving me sister wives vibes and that’s a bit of an ick for me. Aside from that, Brand is the best. Solid and perfect (except he doesn’t push her for sex which is dumb). Glen is still a happy flirt. With Finn we have finally seen behind his life, and it is awful. Luke is forgiven. We’ve got his backstory now, know he’s irrevocably hers, sacrificed his life for her again and again. Luke has paid penance. I’m more than happy to have him back. Now Grigor, he’s a tough nut. So much work behind the scenes for her. Does it negate all the deaths he’s dealt? More than once we’ve seen he’s slaughtered innocents. He’s also kept these brother mates alive many times. Jury’s still out, but I’m leaning towards being ok with him. We’ll see.
I really liked the alternate perspective showing how many other shifters tried to help her while she was in the Southern Pack. It’s enlightening and heartening.
All in all, a very decent read. It felt like a part one of two though. I’m waiting for the rest to happen.
March 3, 2025
Another 5 star read from Merri Bright
I loved that each of the books in this series so far have added yet another layer of intrigue and dimension to the plot. All of it setting up for resolution in the next, and final, book of the series.
Flor remains a sympathetic, but very strong and likable character. It seems like (at least to me) so many authors struggle writing strong female leads. It usually descends into bitchiness. Not here. Flor is still an amazing character. I’d love to have a beer with her. And I totally hear a southern drawl in my head when reading her dialog. Honestly, one of my favorite things she does when the mean girls try to make fun of her (particularly Vanessa in the last book) is to basically say, “yeah, so what?” she knows who she is and she’s unapologetic about it. She also knows that the things that have happened to her in the past have not been her fault, so why should she be ashamed?
I love all the men in her harem, even Grigor. I mean, how in the hell do you make a psychopath a sympathetic character? I don’t know but Ms. Bright has managed to do so. I know a lot of readers are going to have a problem with Finn - I did too at first. But once we get to see his true circumstances (think Darius Acrux in the Zodiac Academy series) my heart really went out to him. It made his rejection of Flor in an earlier book all the more understandable.
I’m so happy to hear that Ms. Bright has intentions to write stories about some of the other characters in this book. I think I’m most anxious to read Sergeant’s story. He definitely deserves a HEA. If you can’t tell by now, yes, I highly recommend this series. My only issue is that I have to wait a few months for the final book.
I loved that each of the books in this series so far have added yet another layer of intrigue and dimension to the plot. All of it setting up for resolution in the next, and final, book of the series.
Flor remains a sympathetic, but very strong and likable character. It seems like (at least to me) so many authors struggle writing strong female leads. It usually descends into bitchiness. Not here. Flor is still an amazing character. I’d love to have a beer with her. And I totally hear a southern drawl in my head when reading her dialog. Honestly, one of my favorite things she does when the mean girls try to make fun of her (particularly Vanessa in the last book) is to basically say, “yeah, so what?” she knows who she is and she’s unapologetic about it. She also knows that the things that have happened to her in the past have not been her fault, so why should she be ashamed?
I love all the men in her harem, even Grigor. I mean, how in the hell do you make a psychopath a sympathetic character? I don’t know but Ms. Bright has managed to do so. I know a lot of readers are going to have a problem with Finn - I did too at first. But once we get to see his true circumstances (think Darius Acrux in the Zodiac Academy series) my heart really went out to him. It made his rejection of Flor in an earlier book all the more understandable.
I’m so happy to hear that Ms. Bright has intentions to write stories about some of the other characters in this book. I think I’m most anxious to read Sergeant’s story. He definitely deserves a HEA. If you can’t tell by now, yes, I highly recommend this series. My only issue is that I have to wait a few months for the final book.
July 8, 2025
Great book
Only reason I’m rating it 4 stars was because of the multiple kidnappings on Flor’s mates. I hate books/series that have a kidnapping of the main mates of the lead female character, especially when it’s not resolved in that same book.
So much happened in this book. It almost felt like the final book with how much happened but it’s not thankfully. Unfortunately, Luke was being held captive, they finally get him away only to lose Grigor and Luke. Finnik left on his own free will in the last book and is doing whatever is asked of him by his corrupted parents. I’m thankful that Flor and Brand were able to transfer the power of Alpha from his dad to Brand without killing his dad. It didn’t help that Brands dad allowed Finnicks dad to take over the interim position of Alpha of Alphas, since he now is claiming the Hollis’s incompetent to rule since they cleaned house of all the rot. No more rapes and refusal to raise women and men in ranks to enforcer as Flor showed them how wrong they were and that rapes still happen there. Finnicks mom seems to be behind it all. Now she’s got a hold of half of Flors mates and I’m not sure how this can end happily. Flors mom Lilly is still alive somehow, Sargent is her uncle? There was a lot of dancing around the subject without actually spelling it out, so I guess that’s another reason why I rated it 4 stars. I also wish there was a list at the beginning to explain who was who. Side characters that helped Flor from the 2nd book. I really hope they all get they’re happily ever after. Flor mating Luke was a big thing, same with Glen, and Brand when she was dead set against doing all of that. They need to get rid of the Eastern rulers and put Finnick on the throne. He needs his happily ever after too.
Only reason I’m rating it 4 stars was because of the multiple kidnappings on Flor’s mates. I hate books/series that have a kidnapping of the main mates of the lead female character, especially when it’s not resolved in that same book.
So much happened in this book. It almost felt like the final book with how much happened but it’s not thankfully. Unfortunately, Luke was being held captive, they finally get him away only to lose Grigor and Luke. Finnik left on his own free will in the last book and is doing whatever is asked of him by his corrupted parents. I’m thankful that Flor and Brand were able to transfer the power of Alpha from his dad to Brand without killing his dad. It didn’t help that Brands dad allowed Finnicks dad to take over the interim position of Alpha of Alphas, since he now is claiming the Hollis’s incompetent to rule since they cleaned house of all the rot. No more rapes and refusal to raise women and men in ranks to enforcer as Flor showed them how wrong they were and that rapes still happen there. Finnicks mom seems to be behind it all. Now she’s got a hold of half of Flors mates and I’m not sure how this can end happily. Flors mom Lilly is still alive somehow, Sargent is her uncle? There was a lot of dancing around the subject without actually spelling it out, so I guess that’s another reason why I rated it 4 stars. I also wish there was a list at the beginning to explain who was who. Side characters that helped Flor from the 2nd book. I really hope they all get they’re happily ever after. Flor mating Luke was a big thing, same with Glen, and Brand when she was dead set against doing all of that. They need to get rid of the Eastern rulers and put Finnick on the throne. He needs his happily ever after too.
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