Wicked and Bound

Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire #10

by Shayla Black

He vowed to protect her. Now he’ll risk everything to save her…

Nash Scott thought he’d reclaimed the love he lost when Haisley Rowe walked back into his life. But their fragile reunion shatters when she’s taken by the brutal gang they’ve been hunting. Nash will stop at nothing to save her—even infiltrate the secret society behind her abduction and play their twisted games.

Haisley Rowe once survived heartbreak by running from Nash—hiding a truth that would have ripped them apart. Now, he appears during a captive auction to claim her. Together, they scheme an escape while she tries to guard her heart—and her secret. But their only path to freedom lies in baring her soul and divulging the devastating truth that could destroy them.

With shadowy forces tightening their grip, one wrong move could mean losing everything. And trusting in the love that refuses to die might be their only chance at survival.

• Alpha hero
• BD$M
• Danger
• Dominant hero
• Obsessed hero
• Second Chance Romance
• Secret society
• Suspense

Genres: Second Chance, Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

Shayla Black is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 100 contemporary, erotic, paranormal, and historical romances. Her books have sold millions of copies and been published in a dozen languages.

As an only child, Shayla occupied herself by daydreaming, much to the chagrin of her teachers. In college, she found her love for reading and started pursuing a publishing career. Though she graduated with a degree in Marketing/Advertising and embarked on a stint in corporate America, her heart was with her stories and characters, so she left her pantyhose and power suits behind.

Shayla currently lives in North Texas with her wonderfully supportive husband, her daughter, and two spoiled tabbies. In her “free” time, she enjoys reality TV, gaming, and listening to an eclectic blend of music.

Follow me on Facebook: http://shayla.link/FBPage

Join me in my Book Beauties group for weekly LIVE chats: http://shayla.link/FBChat

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Blah. This was boring af and so contrived it bordered on ridiculous. Everything just happened exactly as it should for this bizarre plot line to play out. First of all, if you are selling high value merchandise, wtf makes you think your buyers are going to allow you to control every second of their lives after the transaction is complete? Like, hi, yes you just dropped 10 million but unfortunately you can’t leave, we’re going to hold you prisoner here indefinitely, monitor exactly how many times you bang your “breeder” to make sure you actually do want to get her pregnant and aren’t just faking it (why the fuck would the seller care????), and then we must check her for pregnancy weekly. Only then may you leave.

Shayla…wtf. I get that you needed some way for Nash and haisley to be forced in close proximity bc this story is so unoriginal you couldn’t come up with any other conflict for them to overcome, but Omggg did you scour Reddit for that idea or something??

I finished this book and promptly forgot its existence. The only thing I will say is I like Ethan as a character and if this ever loving slut of a man ends up with the innocent teenage virgin I’m going to start a fucking riot over the sexism and misogyny that Shayla can’t seem to stop shoving down our throats.

[Veronica LaRoche · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Haisley and Nash’s story. My heart hurt for Haisley getting kidnapped. But Nash will do anything to get her back. Another great story with characters I couldn’t get enough of.

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Ride! OH, MY GOODNESS! Let me tell you, this book, actually the whole duet has so many twists and turns you'll never see some of the curve balls coming straight at you. It was FANTASTIC! It was spicy, it was suspenseful, it was darkish, and I loved every moment of it.

[Aletha · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - the "you don't leave the sex trafficking island until you get her pregnant and let's start doing your pregnancy tests!" plot point makes zero sense and was the last straw for me.

First I want to say I love most of Shayla Black's Wicked Lovers series and all of the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire up until now.

I could not stomach reading this book and stopped at 50% which makes me so sad because I was looking forward to it so much I preordered it as soon as it was available. Compared to the other books, Wicked and Ruthless was ok. I liked Nash in his appearances in previous books, his flirty personality was cute. I'm glad Wicked and Bound did not include a very odd looking and obviously AI generated image in the beginning. (Sidenote - I'm VERY glad Shayla Black has seemingly stopped using AI generated art to advertise her books on IG. The images were awful looking and AI generated art is garbage.)

This book needs trigger warnings about sexual assault. BIG TIME. There are descriptions of the sounds of sexual assault and forced body piercings. Nash has to constantly simulate raping his own girlfriend. The term "breeder" is used constantly. (Barf).I'm going to be blunt, who is getting horny to this shit? Having to read about Nash fake raping Haisley and then going and giving her a hand job to "make her feel good" was just gross. Omg and then Nash has to ask Ethan how he managed to make Kaylee (the poor sex trafficked 19 yr old virgin) look like she was bleeding from her faked rape and were expected to think that's clever.

I'm just shocked at how this seems like an extreme departure from the other books Shayla Black has written. This is horrific and graphic in a way where how is this considered romance anymore? I'm sorry but you can't be going back and forth between having simulated rape and then loving sex between two people. Not to mention Haisley still trying to deal with the fact that Nash catfished her ass big time.

Other characters have dealt with sexual assault like Laila but it wasn't as gratuitous. I just don't understand why Shayla Black when down this path.

I also feel like the plot was very similar to Belong To Me (Secret BDSM Island, women being kidnapped and trafficked, heros girlfriend in danger of being traffic, hero has to go undercover with his ops buddies).

I'm surprised so many people have rated this book 5 stars. I guess I'm more sensitive to the topic of SA. This isn't going to make me not read future Shayla Black books or not be a fan but (assuming this isn't a new trend for her books) I just had to express my disappointment.

**EDIT** started massively skimming because someone said there's a teaser for the next series and I ran across Haisley's deep dark secret. Omg. LAME. She was pregnant with Nash's baby. 🙄 Wow, very Mine to Hold (Tyler and Delaney anyone? Except the baby didn't get miscarried due to a car cash 🤦🏽‍♀️)

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Bound is the 10th book in the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire series. This is Nash Scott and Haisley Rowe’s second chance romance. You don’t have to read the first 8 books, but you will need to read Wicked and Ruthless book #9 before you should read Wicked and Bound. Nash and Haisley’s story continues. This book picks up where our jaw dropping cliffhanger left us in Wicked and Ruthless.

Nash has to go undercover to rescue Haisley! I loved their story. I read this book straight through. Haisley was soooo scared, of course I would have been too! Nash was so protective of her, but he also had to be a bad man because he was undercover and paid a lot of someone else’s money to buy Haisley.

I devoured this book, and the series has been great! I look forward to whatever Ms. Black has in store for us next!


#1 Wicked as Sin - “One-Mile” Pierce Walker and Brea Bell
#2 Wicked Ever After - One-Mile and Brea continued
#3 Wicked as Lies - Zyron “Zy” Chase Garrett and Tessa Lawrence
#4 Wicked and True - Zy’s and Tessa’s story continued
#5 Wicked as Seduction - Tree’s Forest Scott & Laila Torres
#6 Wicked and Forever - Tree’s and Laila’s story continued
#7 Wicked as Secrets - Matt and Madison’s story
#8 Wicked and Bare - Matt and Madison’s story continued
#9 Wicked and Ruthless - Nash and Haisley’s story
#10 Wicked and Bound - 2nd half of Nash and Haisley’s story.

[Maria L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! The heart-pounding conclusion to Nash and Haisley's story! Shayla Black, I'll only do cliffhangers for you, nobody else. This story takes us to a beautiful Caribbean island where the dark underworld of evil has taken over. Expect the unexpected, while Nash and his team at EM Security save the day. His closest friends are his co-workers and they've become his family. A family that shows up for each other and above all else, has his back.

This story starts exactly where Book 9 left off, Haisley has been kidnapped and Nash is going crazy, trying not to lose his poop, trying to find the van that he knows contains his heart. Because without her, he's nothing. The story follows the amazing action and his pursuit of finding Haisley and bringing her back to safety. And along the way, hopefully saving as many of the other kidnapped women too.

Haisley doesn't know who she can trust. Her heart wants to trust Nash, but trust doesn't comes easy.

I love how his colleagues support Nash in every way. I love how their wives and girlfriends enfold Haisley into the group just because she's with Nash.

Thank you Shayla Black and Booksprout for this ARC. The above is my own and personal opinion.

[Lisa Spofford · Rating 4 out of 5]

WICKED AND BOUND is the second half of the Nash and Haisley duet and Book 10 in the WICKED LOVERS: SOLDIERS FOR HIRE series by Shayla Black. Nash Scott thought he had reclaimed the love of his life, Haisley Rowe, when she was taken by the trafficking gang they had been hunting. He, and his team of security specialists, would stop at nothing to save her, including infiltrating the secret society that abducted her and playing their twisted games. Haisley had run from Nash in the past and was harboring a secret, and now Nash appeared to claim her at a captive auction. The two needed to rebuild trust between them in order to work together and get out of the precarious circumstances in which they found themselves. This was a nail biting conclusion to Nash and Haisley’s duet. I was in it from the first chapter, and I enjoyed the emotional relationship issues as well as the suspense elements. I like the satisfaction of a case resolved and a happy ending. As usual for this author, this was a well crafted story which delivered plenty of spice. You would not want to read this book without first reading Wicked and Ruthless, the first half of this duet. Readers should also check for trigger warnings since subjects related to human trafficking are addressed in this novel. I’m definitely looking forward to the next Wicked Lovers story. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy contemporary romantic suspense novels touching on second chance romance, BDSM, alpha hero, obsessed hero, and secret society tropes. You cannot go wrong with Shayla Black’s romance books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Conclusion to WICKED AND RUTHLESS, Nash and Haisley. Just as Nash has found Haisley again, she is kidnapped. It takes weeks to locate her but when he does he is enraged. She is being sold to the highest bidder. Nash and some of his co workers infiltrate the gang and bid on Haisley and another woman. Haisley is hoping Nash will save her but how can he when she doesn’t know where she is. But when she is humiliated and then paraded in front of a bunch of creeps, she thinks she sees her salvation when she spots Nash. Together they are stuck on the island and must play the sick games in order to stay alive. Will they escape and will Haisley’s secrets tear them apart?
I loved this story! Steamy. Second chances. Suspense. Secrets. I wanted to rip the kidnappers heads off! It makes you think….could there really be groups of people out there like this? And it scares me a little. I can’t wait to see what happens to these guys next. If you get a Shayla Black book expect great writing and scorching scenes.

* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR THE AUTHOR *

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting months for the continuation of this duet and the ending did not disappoint! Wicked and Bound had me literally biting my nails, they are goners...I was bound up in knots, not literal ones...and the mystery and tension was everything I could have hoped for.

This is an emotional second chance romance that is dropped right into the dark underbelly of a criminal secret society world. EM security finds themselves in a situation unlike anything they've faced before and while this op begins all about rescuing Haisley, it becomes a much bigger mission and much more complicated once they dig deeper. 

The case that Nash and Haisley were originally working on is blown wide open and while Nash's primary directive is to rescue Haisley, she never stops thinking about how to rescue everyone. Both Nash and Haisley face their past and if they survive, they will hopefully come out of the near-impossible situation to have a stronger future together.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-Racing, Wrenching, and Phenomenal!

The conclusion to Nash and Haisley’s story is absolutely unforgettable. From the moment I picked up this book, I was completely captivated in ways I never expected. This isn’t just a love story—it's a whirlwind of emotions that will have your heart racing one moment and aching the next. The emotional rollercoaster it takes you on is relentless, and it will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

The writing is exceptional, pulling you into the characters' lives, their struggles, and their triumphs. Every twist and turn in the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, never quite knowing what’s coming next, but always hoping for the best. Nash and Haisley are complex, relatable, and their journey is nothing short of phenomenal.

If you love stories that are raw, powerful, and filled with heart, this is one you definitely don’t want to miss. Highly recommend!

[Melanie Marnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! Since book one of this duet, Wicked And Ruthless, was published nine months ago and ended in a cliffhanger the wait seemed interminable for Wicked and Bound but damn it was so worth it. Talk about over-the-top suspense, action, danger. If that doesn't put you on the edge of your seat, holding your breath and unable to do anything but keep reading to find out what happens next, I don't know what will . Absolutely phenomenal! In addition Shayla Black drops a few details about an upcoming series that will definitely have you craving more.

Nash and Haisley do get their HEA but it's a truly emotional and rocky road getting there. They must play their roles in an environment of depravity, debauchery and cruelty. Crushing secrets are revealed and true acceptance comes as a result of an interesting conversation.

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one picks up right where the last one left off and it's not looking good for Haisley. The who crew goes into overdrive to find her and what they find out is bad, getting worse with each new fact. They do find a way in, but it's ugly. You understand why Haisley is iffy when she sees her "rescuers" and not sure if she can trust what is said vs what is done. Haisley and Nash end up walking a thin line as they work to get safe.

Things all culminate into a crazy event towards the end, when the big bad is revealed, shocking everyone! They do finally win and are able to save so many, but even then they know that the job isn't done, there are things that will need to be followed up for a long time to come. But in the short term, Haisley and Nash are safe and can start to build a life together.

[Dawnmarie Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in Nash and Haisley's story and it's the 10th book in the Wicked Lovers:Soldiers For Hire series. In this book we continue right where we left off in Wicked and Ruthless Haisley has just been taken and Nash is determined to find her to get her back. Nash and Haisley had only recently reunited after being separated for a couple of years but the traffickers who are taking the women are worried that they're getting too close for comfort. I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this thrilling emotional,second chance, suspenseful conclusion full of twists and turns to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked and Bound is the 10th book in the series and the 2nd part of Nash & Haisley's story, so book 9 is a must read since Wicked and Bound carries straight on from where Wicked and Ruthless left off. It's an action-filled, bite-your-nails story that I wouldn't call an easy read due to the heavy subject of human trafficking and some fairly detailed descriptions of the victims' suffering. As a counterpoint we have the absolute dedication and determination of Nash and the whole crew of EM Security to get Haisley back and rescue as many of the other victims as possible. It helped to know that there IS a HEA and not just for Nash and Haisley!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked and Bound picks up Nash and Hailey’s story right where we left off in Wicked and Ruthless so you definitely need to read that one first. The second part of this duet is riddled with danger at every turn because Haisley has been abducted as is being held captive on a remote island that may look luxurious but there is nothing five star about it. Now, Nash and the rest of the team are doing everything in their power to get Haisley and so many other women out from their captivity and finding the person in charge of all the havoc is paramount. In the end, repairing any damage to their relationship is at the forefront for Nash and Haisley and finding their happily ever after is their dream.

[Dana zamora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances

Nash and Haisley have a second chance for love and happiness, trying to solve the mystery of the mall's missing women together puts a target on their back, extremely high octane thrill ride, getting to the bottom of murders, missing women and children, secret Island with armed guards, auctions with depraved men, will they be able to survive a living he?? and come out unscathed, trust, teamwork, timing, seeing old familiar friends again, epic so couldn't believe who was the bad guy once revealed, ohhhhhh so sneaky Shayla Black's words are, this is one for the records, I am beyond excited about this duet, Nash and Haisley will win your heart, take a bow Shayla Black phenomenal story, thank you, Dana Zamora

[Linda Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our journey isn't perfect but it's ours...

Nash finally has Haisley back in his arms only for her to be snatched away by a ruthless syndicate that only sees people as commodities. Nash goes undercover to get her back, but it is not an easy task. This organization is clever, smart and heartless. All his skills and expertise are challenged to the limit, but he will not fail to get Haisley back to him.

The action and suspense are high voltage and intense. This story is gripping and hangs on to you until the conclusion. It goes without saying this series and especially this story, is full of action, thrills, steam and emotions. The ending was dramatic and amazing and well worth the wait.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when Nash and Haisley are back together, she's snatched away from him in the blink of an eye. Ironically, it's the very group that Nash and his co-workers are after to bust up. Nash and his security team go all in to take on this gang and get Haisley back, unharmed. He's just found her again, he's not letting her go again.

Haisley's world has been turned upside down when she's kidnapped from the mall. She's on an island that is full of women that are sickly sold by the highest bidder, to knock them up and do whatever they will with them and the baby. She has so much fight in her, but she sees no way out and just hopes that somehow, someway Nash will rescue her.

This story hits the ground running! There are so many twists and turns! A story I had a hard time putting down.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The conclusion to Nash and Haisley’s story picks up from the cliffy we were left on.
To say these two have mountains to deal with is an understatement. The suspense and mystery that started to unfold in book one is little by little coming undone and the pieces are falling together. There’s a lot to unpack and these two, with help from their friends, are doing just that.
An island paradise that is anything but, diabolical behind the scenes manipulations, self doubt that wreaks havoc and an explosive climax are just a few of the things that kept me completely captive while reading this story.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked and Bound is Book 10 of the Wicked Lovers: Soldiers for Hire series and part 2 of the Nash and Haisley duet. It picks up right where book 9 left off...Haisley has been kidnapped by the human trafficking ring that Nash and his group were hunting. Nash is losing his mind and determined to get back his woman, even going undercover to get her back. We have secret societies, drama, mystery, some BDSM kink, and finally, a happy ending for our couple, but this is NOT smooth sailing. Expect a lot of angst before the end and mind your triggers as there are some dark themes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shayla Black will always take you on a ride and you will enjoy the journey. Nash and Haisley's story progresses in "Wicked and Bound," the second installment of their journey. Their intricate and emotional relationship captivated me entirely, and this book exceeded expectations.

This novel delivers a captivating and emotionally charged experience that will keep readers engrossed throughout. With its seamless combination of suspense, passion, and romance, Wicked and Bound" is an essential read for enthusiasts of the Wicked Lovers Series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars are not enough!! Just when you think Shayla Black can not outdo anything she has previously released, along comes this book and I am just left amazed. Filled with the characters we have all fell in love with before, Ms. Black not has added a situation that will make you cringe at the same time you need to quickly turn the pages to see how it all turns out. I found myself creeped out numerous times and then in the same chapter I felt the love between Haisley and Nash. And that epilogue will leave you wanting more!! Phenomenal in every facet. Bravo!! Job well done!!

[Biggs_bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for this book! After the doozy of a cliffhanger, I couldn’t wait to dive in! And like all of her Duets this one didn’t disappoint! There’s so much action, so much emotion and just so much love all intertwined. This book grabs a hold of you and doesn’t let go. It will make you cry, make you swoon and make you just root like crazy for this couple. I will say read the trigger warnings if you have them because this is an emotionally brutal book with some hard to take moments.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nash and Hailey’s reunion is short lived when she is taken, and Nash is determined to find her. Finding out that she is being auctioned off is only the beginning because as difficult as it was to find her it will be even more difficult to bring her home.

Having Nash and the team come to her rescue gave her the hope she needed to forge forward however it isn’t only her life in jeopardy and the danger has just begun.

This a second chance for Nash and Hailey that is filled with suspense, action and heat.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Haisley and Nash's conclusion. This picks up right after wicked and ruthless ends so make sure that is read first. Nash and the rest of his mates need to find the human traffic ring that took Haisley. They all are needed on this one for their specialties as this one may end up a long undercover op. It went by so fast and secrets were revealed along with having second chances. Great duet.

I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart stopping and gut wrenching! This story is jammed packed with action, hot men and then we have Nash who will stop at nothing to rescue the women he loves, Haisley! You definitely need to read part one or you will be completely lost in this story. Haisley was kidnapped at the end of book one and this picks up from there. All the guys come together to help Nash so it was wonderful to see them. No one writes cliffhangers like Shayla Black but they are so good that I honestly don't mind. Will he save her and will they get their HEA? Well, just get the book to find out!

[ltfrom bc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on for a wild ride!
The conclusion of Nash and Haisley was well worth the wait. What a ride it was. It picks up right after the end of book one and it a race against time to save Haisley. There is so much going on in this books and the author did an amazing job - it felt as if you were right there in the pages of the book. So much suspense and danger while at the same time forgiveness and a second change. So very good. I could not put it down.

[Purple-pinky · Rating 5 out of 5]

We return to Nash Scott and Haisley Rowe. They have so much history between them. Also secrets. Can the love they share be enough?
Haisley gets kidnapped while helping Nash bring down the people who have been taking girls from the local Mall.
Will Nash be able to save her? Will they both survive the twisted hell they find themselves in?
There are twists and turns to keep you guessing and steamy sex that will kerp you enthralled.

[LaWanna Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, we find out why Haisley was taken. We find out who is behind all of this kidnapping.
We also find out what the secret is that Haisley has been keeping to herself and away from Nash.
Plus there is a bonus episode that you can get, that tells of the next series that will be coming for the Wicked for Hire series.
Do they get their HEA? You will just have to read the book for yourself.

[NanaX8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟 stars…Wicked and Bound is the conclusion of Nash and Hailey’s journey and should be read after Wicked and Ruthless. And what an edge of your seat, heart racing journey! The race is on to rescue Hailey but Nash is pushed to the limit of twists, turns, lies and deceit. Will he be able to put on the face of a monster to save the woman he loves? Whew…don’t miss this one!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.