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Bound Hearts #1
Bound
Inspired by the song, 'Cop Car' by Keith Urban.
Bound, a novel
Courtland spent his childhood watching his mother turn tricks and bow to her abusive pimp. It taught him a lot about relationships and how never to get involved in one. When he meets sweet Adelaide, his life is forever changed. Her gentle personality has his thinking maybe his vow to never commit is misplaced. Until she disappears out of his life.
Adelaide knew the only way to escape the darkness she’s lived her life in, is to go back to the one place that’s haunted her dreams. Home. Reuniting with Courtland is the last thing on her mind until she becomes helpless to his every kiss. Hopeless to his ever touch. And no matter how far she tries to run, her heart is irrevocably bound to him.
A story of tragic pasts colliding, finding a friendship that turns into searing passion, and a love strong enough to last forever.
***for mature readers due to sexual content, graphic language, and some violence. Not for Young Adult readers.***
Bound, a novel
Courtland spent his childhood watching his mother turn tricks and bow to her abusive pimp. It taught him a lot about relationships and how never to get involved in one. When he meets sweet Adelaide, his life is forever changed. Her gentle personality has his thinking maybe his vow to never commit is misplaced. Until she disappears out of his life.
Adelaide knew the only way to escape the darkness she’s lived her life in, is to go back to the one place that’s haunted her dreams. Home. Reuniting with Courtland is the last thing on her mind until she becomes helpless to his every kiss. Hopeless to his ever touch. And no matter how far she tries to run, her heart is irrevocably bound to him.
A story of tragic pasts colliding, finding a friendship that turns into searing passion, and a love strong enough to last forever.
***for mature readers due to sexual content, graphic language, and some violence. Not for Young Adult readers.***
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 15, 2014
I received this book to give an honest review.
After reading the blurb I just knew I had to read this book, and I am so glad that I was able to receive a copy.
Now this is a bit dark, romantic, and very sexual.
The story flowed really good, and I enjoyed how we got to go back and forth between Adelaide and Courtland. With going back and forth we also go to read from both characters when sharing an experience if that makes sense. Such as there is a part that we read from Adelaide's point of view and then in the next chapter it replays the scene in a way but from Courtland's point of view. Which was done perfectly. I did not get lost at all.
There was so much love that Courtland has for Adelaide and you can just feel it coming off the pages. Oh and the outdoor scene that Courtland does *swoon*. The elevator scene OMG I was literally dying with laughter and my husband looks over at me and I had to tell him what happened.
I do enjoy how Adelaide turned out with everything she has gone through and in a way still dealing with it all. You can feel what she has gone through and surprisingly she puts out that she is this strong independent woman that I think is just awesome. And I love how Courtland attempts to break down the walls that are surrounding her.
Favorite Quote: "Bad boy who was good in bed, but not good enough to wed."
Now Gram, a minor character. Love her! She is determine to have Adelaide find love and you can tell she is a hoot of a grandmother.
The characters in the book are well written, they keep you laughing. I have to say I think Courtland is my new book boyfriend.
May 24, 2014
I received this book for my honest review!
This book makes you feel everything from love to the worst betrayal ever. Be prepared for the heart break that comes a long with this story.
This book makes you feel every bit of everything she (Adelaide) has felt thru out her life as a child growing up and why she made the choices she did to leave when she did! She had her 2 best friends that were there for her until one day things changed....
Courtland oh my he is wow hot all around! He is every girls dream come true! He is in Adelaide's life and he protects her as well as he can. He is made to go away for reasons but doesn't want her to know....
This book is amazing and it's well written I like how it tells the story from one point of view to the other. That's amazing how the author does that. This book makes you swoon a lot Courtland is amazing beyond words. Adelaide has had a rough life and I love how she takes control towards the end! The family gram and everyone else is amazing in this book. Well except one part of the family.
This story is highly recommended to everyone!!
I just want to say to the author amazing job I loved it well written and thank you!
This book makes you feel everything from love to the worst betrayal ever. Be prepared for the heart break that comes a long with this story.
This book makes you feel every bit of everything she (Adelaide) has felt thru out her life as a child growing up and why she made the choices she did to leave when she did! She had her 2 best friends that were there for her until one day things changed....
Courtland oh my he is wow hot all around! He is every girls dream come true! He is in Adelaide's life and he protects her as well as he can. He is made to go away for reasons but doesn't want her to know....
This book is amazing and it's well written I like how it tells the story from one point of view to the other. That's amazing how the author does that. This book makes you swoon a lot Courtland is amazing beyond words. Adelaide has had a rough life and I love how she takes control towards the end! The family gram and everyone else is amazing in this book. Well except one part of the family.
This story is highly recommended to everyone!!
I just want to say to the author amazing job I loved it well written and thank you!
May 15, 2014
This book has so much to offer a reader. Love, trust, betrayal, lust, family, innocence, sexual chemistry and so much more. The character development is amazing. I honestly felt like the book was like looking into a real family and not just a fictional "picturesque" family. Real family. Real problems. Reality. I smiled, cried, and even laughed a few times at Grams.
Be prepared for real life events from abuse, steamy sex scenes, unconditional love, hatred and heartfelt emotion.
Be prepared for real life events from abuse, steamy sex scenes, unconditional love, hatred and heartfelt emotion.
May 21, 2014
I was given the honor of reading and reviewing for this awesome author. This was awesome and heart warming. Really enjoyed the close friendship between JR, Courtland, and Adelaide. It goes to show the good and bed in people who you think you know better about.
May 23, 2014
I received a complimentary copy by the author for an honest review.
Loved, loved Courtland. He is such a sexy cowboy and I'm not much into cowboys, but this one had everything! Personality, sex appeal, tattoos, piercings (yummy!)
Courtland came from the wrong side of town. His mother was a whore and he didn't know who his father was. But he would always get beat up by his mother's pimp when his mother didn't bring enough money from whoring around.
But Courtland ran when he found the opportunity to do so. He ended up working in a garage fixing cars and he became really close with JR. JR was Addy's cousin.
Addy was a girl with problems that she kept bottled up. She didn't want to tell anyone what was happening to her because she didn't think anyone would believe her. Her father, or so she believed he was her father, the pastor was a very evil man and he would do things to Addy that you just couldn't and wouldn't imagine he could do, especially since he was a pastor.
Addy met Courtland through JR and she would hang out with them to get away from her house and her parents. JR and Courtland were her escape. She became really close to them and sometimes she wanted to break down and confide in them, but she just couldn't. So one day she became a dare devil and called Courtland and had him pick her up from the convenience store and they went up to a place that had a no trespassing sign. They ended up getting caught and hauled to jail. Because Courtland was classified as a bad boy he was given the choice of either doing time in jail or joining the marines, he chose the marines. Addy became depressed and couldn't believe he abandoned her. So she did what she had to do......she ran. She left Texas and moved to Georgia with her grandmother and she became a romance author.
Addy goes back after 10 years and runs into Courtland. Courtland vowed that he wouldn't let her go again so he wines and dines her while she's in town. He is working really hard to try and get her to stay with him. Addy never knew that she loved Courtland. She always saw him as just her best friend, but when she comes back to town, she realizes that she feels more than just friendship with Courtland.
They end up having a short-lived romance while she's in town but she runs after she confronts her mother and father. Courtland pleads with her to stay, but she doesn't want to ever return to this town again.
Can Courtland leave his home and make a life with Addy in Georgia or is he willing to just let her go and move on?
This was a great story, I was really into it and couldn't put it down. Loved how it turned out and I definitely loved Courtland, he was just HOT!
Stephanie did a great job with this story. I totally recommend this book.
Loved, loved Courtland. He is such a sexy cowboy and I'm not much into cowboys, but this one had everything! Personality, sex appeal, tattoos, piercings (yummy!)
Courtland came from the wrong side of town. His mother was a whore and he didn't know who his father was. But he would always get beat up by his mother's pimp when his mother didn't bring enough money from whoring around.
But Courtland ran when he found the opportunity to do so. He ended up working in a garage fixing cars and he became really close with JR. JR was Addy's cousin.
Addy was a girl with problems that she kept bottled up. She didn't want to tell anyone what was happening to her because she didn't think anyone would believe her. Her father, or so she believed he was her father, the pastor was a very evil man and he would do things to Addy that you just couldn't and wouldn't imagine he could do, especially since he was a pastor.
Addy met Courtland through JR and she would hang out with them to get away from her house and her parents. JR and Courtland were her escape. She became really close to them and sometimes she wanted to break down and confide in them, but she just couldn't. So one day she became a dare devil and called Courtland and had him pick her up from the convenience store and they went up to a place that had a no trespassing sign. They ended up getting caught and hauled to jail. Because Courtland was classified as a bad boy he was given the choice of either doing time in jail or joining the marines, he chose the marines. Addy became depressed and couldn't believe he abandoned her. So she did what she had to do......she ran. She left Texas and moved to Georgia with her grandmother and she became a romance author.
Addy goes back after 10 years and runs into Courtland. Courtland vowed that he wouldn't let her go again so he wines and dines her while she's in town. He is working really hard to try and get her to stay with him. Addy never knew that she loved Courtland. She always saw him as just her best friend, but when she comes back to town, she realizes that she feels more than just friendship with Courtland.
They end up having a short-lived romance while she's in town but she runs after she confronts her mother and father. Courtland pleads with her to stay, but she doesn't want to ever return to this town again.
Can Courtland leave his home and make a life with Addy in Georgia or is he willing to just let her go and move on?
This was a great story, I was really into it and couldn't put it down. Loved how it turned out and I definitely loved Courtland, he was just HOT!
Stephanie did a great job with this story. I totally recommend this book.
May 15, 2014
4.5 stars!!! I was thrilled to get an ARC and really enjoyed Bound by Stephanie Nicole Garza. The characters were easy to connect with and I could really feel the anguish each one was going through. There is a REALLY amazing scene toward the end.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Courtland spent his childhood watching his mother turn tricks and bow to her abusive pimp. It taught him a lot about relationships and how never to get involved in one. When he meets sweet Adelaide, his life is forever changed. Her gentle personality has his thinking maybe his vow to never commit is misplaced. Until she disappears out of his life.
Adelaide knew the only way to escape the darkness she’s lived her life in, is to go back to the one place that’s haunted her dreams. Home. Reuniting with Courtland is the last thing on her mind until she becomes helpless to his every kiss. Hopeless to his ever touch. And no matter how far she tries to run, her heart is irrevocably bound to him.
**For mature readers due to explicit sexual content, graphic language, some violence and some scenes may be particularly disturbing. **
Goodreads Synopsis:
Courtland spent his childhood watching his mother turn tricks and bow to her abusive pimp. It taught him a lot about relationships and how never to get involved in one. When he meets sweet Adelaide, his life is forever changed. Her gentle personality has his thinking maybe his vow to never commit is misplaced. Until she disappears out of his life.
Adelaide knew the only way to escape the darkness she’s lived her life in, is to go back to the one place that’s haunted her dreams. Home. Reuniting with Courtland is the last thing on her mind until she becomes helpless to his every kiss. Hopeless to his ever touch. And no matter how far she tries to run, her heart is irrevocably bound to him.
**For mature readers due to explicit sexual content, graphic language, some violence and some scenes may be particularly disturbing. **
May 26, 2014
My review of Bound starts by loving the way Stephanie tells the story from both the main characters perspectives.
Her version then his gives you great insight to both characters.
The storyline is brutal and at times dark and depressing but shines through with trust, love and adoration.
A certain scene very near the end of the book was my highlight..such passion and anger and relief.
The ending I wanted to be a tad longer but only because I wanted to know more about what happened...you'll see when you read!
Great read... 4 stars!
Her version then his gives you great insight to both characters.
The storyline is brutal and at times dark and depressing but shines through with trust, love and adoration.
A certain scene very near the end of the book was my highlight..such passion and anger and relief.
The ending I wanted to be a tad longer but only because I wanted to know more about what happened...you'll see when you read!
Great read... 4 stars!
November 19, 2014
I had a hard time getting into the story, and connecting with the characters at first, but by the end I was routing for them!
March 5, 2017
Romance:4.5
Steaminess:5
Action/suspense:0
Overall:4
I have to say I think I fell just a little bit in love with this book.
For starters, I really loved the heroine, Addy. She was funny, quick, smart and fiercely independent. Courtland was ridiculously perfect too. He was alpha male, hot and sweet at the same time. The chemistry between the 2 was terrific and the dialogue was really engaging. The romance was very sweet and I loved it. Besides that, this book was steamy which was a nice surprise.
One negative I do have for this book is that I felt like the storyline surrounding Addy's family was under-developed. I wanted the author to dig a little deeper into it and maybe add a little more angst into the novel. Also, the ending was again under-developed in my opinion. Felt a little rushed and a lot forced. I love HEAs but only if they feel authentic and this did not.
In conclusion, loved the romance aspect of the novel but certain plot lines needed to be refined just a little more. So overall, it was an entertaining read.
Steaminess:5
Action/suspense:0
Overall:4
I have to say I think I fell just a little bit in love with this book.
For starters, I really loved the heroine, Addy. She was funny, quick, smart and fiercely independent. Courtland was ridiculously perfect too. He was alpha male, hot and sweet at the same time. The chemistry between the 2 was terrific and the dialogue was really engaging. The romance was very sweet and I loved it. Besides that, this book was steamy which was a nice surprise.
One negative I do have for this book is that I felt like the storyline surrounding Addy's family was under-developed. I wanted the author to dig a little deeper into it and maybe add a little more angst into the novel. Also, the ending was again under-developed in my opinion. Felt a little rushed and a lot forced. I love HEAs but only if they feel authentic and this did not.
In conclusion, loved the romance aspect of the novel but certain plot lines needed to be refined just a little more. So overall, it was an entertaining read.
February 22, 2024
Trigger warning for people
Mentions of rape, molested of a minor, hitting, spouse & child abuse
To bad the next in the series is no where to be found… would have loved to read Chet Jr have his heart healed with a HEA…
Mentions of rape, molested of a minor, hitting, spouse & child abuse
To bad the next in the series is no where to be found… would have loved to read Chet Jr have his heart healed with a HEA…
May 13, 2014
I really enjoyed the emotional ride that Bound took me on. From the tragedy of both Courtland and Adelaide’s pasts, to the angst surrounding the journey they both needed to take to find their way back to one another, this book had my emotions all over the place. The story being told from alternating POVs helped give insight and emotional depth to the characters, which really helped connect me to the story.
Adelaide has been damaged from her past. She sees herself as broken, and although she has sought help to deal with the issues from her past, she is still shamed by them and can’t bring herself to have any sort of emotional intimacy in her relationships. When she meets up with Courtland again, he begins to chip away at those walls, which frightens Adelaide.
Although Courtland didn't realize it at the time, he has always loved Adelaide. When circumstances and time force a 10 year separation, the last thing he expects is to fall so hard and fast when he meets up with Adelaide again – something that he never expected to happen or even welcome in his life.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Adelaide and her Gram. It was nice knowing that Adelaide was able to find a home with love in it when she finally escaped from her parents. And Gram was quite the character – I’m sure there would be quite the story in how she and Grandpa met! I loved how supportive she was of Adelaide, and how accepting she was of all that Adelaide was.
This was such a wonderful story that centered on some very disturbing subject matter, which in my opinion was handled very well. The events that led up to the ending showed the strength that Adelaide had and I was so happy that she was able to resolve many of her issues (you’ll have to read the book to find out what & how!!!). Courland was wonderful – he could tell that there was a sadness and hurt that surrounded Adelaide, and was just there for her, trying to gain her trust to let her know that he was strong enough to bear some of her burdens. And what a romantic…those roses…**sigh**. And don’t get me started on just how hot these two were together!
Although I would have loved more of an ending, where things were left off seem to set us up for the next book in this series – so bring it on, I know JR needs some loving after what his ex-Sylvia put him through!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Adelaide has been damaged from her past. She sees herself as broken, and although she has sought help to deal with the issues from her past, she is still shamed by them and can’t bring herself to have any sort of emotional intimacy in her relationships. When she meets up with Courtland again, he begins to chip away at those walls, which frightens Adelaide.
“He made me feel more alive than I've ever felt and that would lead to me opening myself up to him. I couldn't tell him what happened. It was my burden to bear. My shame. I didn't want that touching him. Sex? I could do. Anything else? I just couldn't.”
Although Courtland didn't realize it at the time, he has always loved Adelaide. When circumstances and time force a 10 year separation, the last thing he expects is to fall so hard and fast when he meets up with Adelaide again – something that he never expected to happen or even welcome in his life.
I really enjoyed the relationship between Adelaide and her Gram. It was nice knowing that Adelaide was able to find a home with love in it when she finally escaped from her parents. And Gram was quite the character – I’m sure there would be quite the story in how she and Grandpa met! I loved how supportive she was of Adelaide, and how accepting she was of all that Adelaide was.
This was such a wonderful story that centered on some very disturbing subject matter, which in my opinion was handled very well. The events that led up to the ending showed the strength that Adelaide had and I was so happy that she was able to resolve many of her issues (you’ll have to read the book to find out what & how!!!). Courland was wonderful – he could tell that there was a sadness and hurt that surrounded Adelaide, and was just there for her, trying to gain her trust to let her know that he was strong enough to bear some of her burdens. And what a romantic…those roses…**sigh**. And don’t get me started on just how hot these two were together!
Although I would have loved more of an ending, where things were left off seem to set us up for the next book in this series – so bring it on, I know JR needs some loving after what his ex-Sylvia put him through!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
November 24, 2014
Well this book was a bittersweet and emotionally draining surprise! I met the author at a book event and completely forgot I had this one on my Kindle (what happens when you are a book junkie like me with way too many books TBR) and decided I better read it because the synopsis was hitting all my triggers.
Courtland, a mechanic with a tragic and misunderstood past who lived through a horrible childhood and escaped to the Marines when life got to be too much.
Addy, the preachers's daughter, a sweet and terribly abused young woman who runs from her horrible existence and becomes a successful writer and is re-united with Courtland...a man she has loved as more than a friend but has been separated from for 10 long years.
When these two meet up again, it is a passionate and emotionally dark story of messed up childhoods, secrets and betrayals and a HUGE misunderstand based on a deception that almost ruined several lives.
I really liked this sad and at times difficult to read family drama of long lost love, dysfunctional families (to say the least) and a sweet romance between two individuals who deserved WAY more than the cards life dealt them. Great story with some awesome supporting characters...especially Gram...she is what ALL grandmothers should be...tough and funny and full of love.
BTW...not going to spoil things but there is a scene I will only refer to as "HOTTT re-union sex"...OMG...panty-melting fiction at its finest.
***** 4.5 ***** "bound by tragedy and love" stars
Courtland, a mechanic with a tragic and misunderstood past who lived through a horrible childhood and escaped to the Marines when life got to be too much.
Addy, the preachers's daughter, a sweet and terribly abused young woman who runs from her horrible existence and becomes a successful writer and is re-united with Courtland...a man she has loved as more than a friend but has been separated from for 10 long years.
When these two meet up again, it is a passionate and emotionally dark story of messed up childhoods, secrets and betrayals and a HUGE misunderstand based on a deception that almost ruined several lives.
I really liked this sad and at times difficult to read family drama of long lost love, dysfunctional families (to say the least) and a sweet romance between two individuals who deserved WAY more than the cards life dealt them. Great story with some awesome supporting characters...especially Gram...she is what ALL grandmothers should be...tough and funny and full of love.
BTW...not going to spoil things but there is a scene I will only refer to as "HOTTT re-union sex"...OMG...panty-melting fiction at its finest.
***** 4.5 ***** "bound by tragedy and love" stars
March 17, 2015
A friend told me about this series, and suggested I read it. I had never read any S.N. Garza books, so I decided to check it out. All I can say is WOW! It starts off parodying the song Cop Car- Keith Urban, I loved that song before, but now it has a whole new life behind it.
Courtland and Adelaide both had hard childhoods. Courtland watched his be abused from her pimp and then some. Adelaide was raised by the town pastor who everyone thought led the perfect life, but as soon as the door closed he was a monster.
When life separates them Adelaide realizes the only way to survive is to leave. But leaving doesn't erase the memories. After time she finally is able to return to finally close the door on her past to get past the she has lived with. But little did she know going back would also lead her back to Courtland
Is it to late for them? Or will they have a fling and be done?
I am looking forward to looking at what other stories S.N. Garza has to offer.
***for mature readers due to sexual content, graphic language, and some violence. Not for Young Adult readers.***
Courtland and Adelaide both had hard childhoods. Courtland watched his be abused from her pimp and then some. Adelaide was raised by the town pastor who everyone thought led the perfect life, but as soon as the door closed he was a monster.
When life separates them Adelaide realizes the only way to survive is to leave. But leaving doesn't erase the memories. After time she finally is able to return to finally close the door on her past to get past the she has lived with. But little did she know going back would also lead her back to Courtland
Is it to late for them? Or will they have a fling and be done?
I am looking forward to looking at what other stories S.N. Garza has to offer.
***for mature readers due to sexual content, graphic language, and some violence. Not for Young Adult readers.***
May 25, 2014
I received this book for honest review and let me tell u I'm so glad I read this book, it's one of those suck me in books right from the start.You can't just read a few chapters u end up staying up untill the early hours just to finish it. I loved the detail and depth Stephanie went into with Courtland and Adelaide's relationship and past and also there history it's wasn't rushed .And the bond they still had after all that time. I absolutely loved how much of a strong character Adelaide was and how she didn't let her past,tie her down or hold her back,courtland's loyalty and persistence great read would love to see where the 'The end for now' may lead us. Thanks Stephanie.
August 17, 2014
Another offering to the god of irony
Once again, I have come across an author whose protagonist is an author and who really would benefit from a refresher course in language arts. There are words that don't belong or that are missing, incorrect tenses (e.g., the past tense is grind is ground, not grinded), and sloppy punctuation. I got to the 13% mark and quit. I just could not make myself read further.
Once again, I have come across an author whose protagonist is an author and who really would benefit from a refresher course in language arts. There are words that don't belong or that are missing, incorrect tenses (e.g., the past tense is grind is ground, not grinded), and sloppy punctuation. I got to the 13% mark and quit. I just could not make myself read further.
January 17, 2017
So sexy
Adelaide's return to Courtland's world is such a sexy story. It's a real roller coaster of emotions. I love this alpha who has a heart for his woman, Adelaide, that's as big as Texas. How very sad so many children in this day and age, actually on a daily basis, live with the grimness that was Adelaide's nightmare.
Adelaide's return to Courtland's world is such a sexy story. It's a real roller coaster of emotions. I love this alpha who has a heart for his woman, Adelaide, that's as big as Texas. How very sad so many children in this day and age, actually on a daily basis, live with the grimness that was Adelaide's nightmare.
August 17, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! I got it for free on Amazon and it was absolutely more than I was expecting!! I looked forward to reading more from Stephanie. I love her way of writing. And the next one to this series can't come soon enough!!!!!!!!
August 18, 2014
Such an unexpected surprise. This was a freebie on Amazon so I was not expecting much but this was amazing! I LOVE this book. And Courtland, where can I find him? I have found my new book boyfriend. <3 I look forward to reading more from this author.
August 30, 2014
I loved it couldn't put it down. fell in love with Courtland. can't wait to see Jr find his woman hope we get a sneak peek at how Courtland and Addy are going. stroy pushed right along and the characters are lovable
May 15, 2014
Review to come soon!
June 11, 2014
It was very good. Strong characters that had a past but are working to get over it. Loved Gram. Will buy the sequel.
August 18, 2014
Love it
great characters and story
I laughed and cried.
can't wait for JR's story.
I definitely found a new author to follow
great characters and story
I laughed and cried.
can't wait for JR's story.
I definitely found a new author to follow
August 19, 2014
Looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 21, 2014
fabulous read I would recommend this book as a must read will definitely be reading more from this author !
August 22, 2014
Oh my
Loved this, a little rough sometimes but well worth the read. it is incredible and so perfect with detail good job
Loved this, a little rough sometimes but well worth the read. it is incredible and so perfect with detail good job
September 3, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. Can not wait to read more from this writer.... HEA all the way, warms the heart
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews