K.J. Johnson is an international bestselling author of dark fantasy romance and dark romance, which feature fierce heroines and the kind of morally grey men that are guaranteed to leave your sense of right and wrong deliciously scrambled.
Her stories are a heady mix of danger and desire, making them perfect for readers who like their romance a little wicked.
Fueled by a lifelong passion for reading and storytelling, K.J. finally unleashed her imagination with her debut novel, A Heart of Fire and Flame.
When she’s not busy creating worlds of her own, you’ll find her curled up with a book, happily lost in someone else’s fantasy.
Omg, I don't even really know where to begin. This book has everything you could ever want. The spice is amazing and so sexy. The FMC is so strong, stubborn, and sassy. The MMC is obsessed, falls first, and is just as (if not more so) stubborn. Cadence and Ryker's banter was sheer perfection. The side characters were just as engaging and unforgettable. I loved Riordan especially. The whole touch her and die trope was amazingly well done. And then those twists. Just wow. Everytime it feels like you know something concrete, you don't. I swear if my tbr wasn't miles long, I would read this one immediately again. This book is everything you could ever hope for. I can't wait for the next one.
Firstly, a huge thank you to K.J. Johnson for trusting me with an ARC. I’m truly honoured!
Wow. Just wow.
I have so many feelings about this book, and I love that it made me feel so deeply. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked.
Ryker is a character I had to sit with for a while. I can’t stand him, I’m furious at him, and yet, I was utterly captivated by him. I loved to hate him, and I loved to love him.
THE. STRUGGLE. IS. REAL!
Which is why I completely understand Cadence. I don’t want to call her response defiance because that doesn’t do justice to her experience. Her refusal to give in makes so much sense, and when she does give in, that makes sense too. Her emotional conflict is so raw and real, leaping off the page in a way that makes it impossible not to champion her.
And Riordan - oh, Riordan! If ever there was a character, I adored reading about, it’s him. I could happily devour an entire book of his adventures.
The ending blew my mind! I had a feeling about where things were headed, but I was so off the mark in the best way possible.
All I can say is that I loved this book, even with all the complex emotions it stirred in me. I couldn’t stop reading, and the only reason it took me this long to finish is because, well… life!
5💎 4🌶️ 📓Wow this book jumped right into the thick of things. 📓The spice ramped up fast and I loved it a lot. It was hot and sexy ❤️🔥 📓Their banter and her sass is so good. 📓Ryker is the villain in this story, but he still pulls you in. He is dark, stunning and slightly unhinged.Talk about possessive ‘touch and die’ attitude, Rykers is extreme. 📓Cadence is feisty and is not afraid to push the boundaries. I loved how she just doesn’t give in to his demands. She fights him every step of the way. 📓And who could go past Rykers brother Roirdan - give me that man everyday. Sexy, intelligent and cheeky as F😝 📓This is not a happy ever after and there is still a lot to uncover. Waiting for the 2nd book is going to be hard. 🥺
🍷”How fortunate you must be,” she bit out. “Now that we have cleared that up, if you wouldn’t mind returning me to my home, I’d be grateful. I’d hate to keep you from your harem, so I’ll just be on my way 🍷”be a good boy and use this time to reflect on how you might improve your unpleasant demeanor.” 🍷My feelings for Cadence were violent and unrelenting, searing my flesh and destroying everything in their wake. 🍷As I surrendered to the darkness, I thought I heard him whisper, “I can never let you go, cadence. My world would be empty without you in it.” 🍷“You truly are a monster,” I choked out. “Your monster. And I won’t risk your life, or the life of our child, for your pride, temptress.” 🍷“With the gods as my witness, I’ve had to be your ruination and make you regret ever treating me less than I deserve.” 🍷 “You’re infuriating,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “And you’re intoxicating.”
🌳Enemies to lovers to enemies 🌳He falls first 🌳Fated mates 🌳Very morally grey 🌳Shadow fae 🌳Forced marriage 🌳Touch her and die
This book ruined me, but like in the best way possible! The MMC is a walking, talking red flag that you hate to love and love to hate. He does some questionable 💩 but you can totally see from his perspective he thought it was the right thing to do. He’s ruthless, demanding, possessive and hot AF! BUT he won’t be for everyone. So check the content warning before diving in.
The FMC, omg I loved Cadence so much! She had this inner strength that kept propelling her forward despite everything that got thrown at her. My heart broke for her at the end of the book (IYKYK), but I am also excited to see where her journey goes in book 2. I was cackling in the last chapter and all I could think was , “oh Ryker, you are in trouble!”
Bonded Chaos by KJ Johnson! What a wild ride! I really enjoyed the ending, it has left me wanting book 2 right now please! There were twists and turns I totally didn’t see coming and had to take a moment to admire KJ’s skill to trick me so! Cadence our FMC is a healer by trade and strong willed (usually) Ryker is our MMC, crowned prince of the unseelie and right selfish jerk! Roirdan is my favourite character the loveable younger brother to our MMC. He brings the humour and the humanity to the story! For the lovers of enemies to lovers (not fully accepted) Fae realms - Seelie and Unseelie Fated mates Forced marriage
Absolutely 💯 loved it! The secrets, spice and seriously frustrating MMC all had me wanting for more!
The very dominant MMC, Ryker, drives you nuts and you want to barrack for the FMC, Cadence, who has secrets that she holds deep to her heart. Love the side characters, particularly Riordan and I'm looking forward to more of Cadence's brother in the next book!
Wow at first I was sure if liked it I was going back and forth but as the story went on I couldn't keep the book down and I wanted to keep going I didn't know if I like ryker or not I do and I don't I can't wait for book two
This week I discovered a devastating and decadent dark fantasy world.
KJ has created a world that is full of lore and intrigue, her characters are dark, yet some still have an inner light that tempers the brutal. The unseelie are fae who gravitate towards pain and suffering and within these pages you'll learn this first hand.
This book is packed with emotions and will leave you feeling anger, disbelief, swooning and a little flustered. It's not for the feint of heart - you've been warned.
Cadence is a seelie fae, a healer and living a quiet life hidden away in her small village, content with life and her place in it. But when an unseelie fae, Prince Ryker catches a glimpse of her in the markets, his instincts mark her as his fated mate and he does what any rational fae would do. He kidnaps her.
What follows is a rough, sensual and at times unhinged enemies to lovers tale, and although our main characters might glimpse happiness and contentment, there is an underlying foundation of lies, deceit and hidden powers.
This book is intense (I may need book 2 immediately).
If you love:
- enemies to lovers - overly possessive MMC - actual touch her and die vibes - shadow daddy - he's the villain - strong but repressed FMC - secrets and betrayals - hidden identity - kidnapping - loss of autonomy - deadly magic
Then please read those trigger warnings and pick this one up of you dare...
A moment of silence please for the absolute banger of a book I absolutely DEVOURED in less than two days. It had me enthralled from the very first page and I loved the complexity of the characters, the spice, and the storyline.
Speaking of characters, Ryker was something I’ve never read before. When the trope says the villain gets the girl, it means villain… and that was a fact I had to sit with for a while becuase he was not a secret knight in shining armour… he was completely and utterly villainess through and through. Truly unlike any character I’ve read yet and as much as I hated it at times… okay most of the nook- I really appreciated how dark his character was written and how he didn’t swerve from his ways to make for a more loveable character… we have riordan for that hehe
I’m so excited for book two. I am so freaking excited to see where this goes and I need more badass Cadence- I loved her character so much. The spice was spicing and the twists and turns had my head on a swivel.
I read all the trigger warnings in the beginning (expecting to have all the plot spoiled) but I was pleasantly surprised throughout reading this!! The plot, the pacing, the characters?? They were all so riveting!!
And no, this is NOT a fluffy romance story. K. J. Johnson made that especially clear. This is a story packed with angst and heartache. The male lead, Ryker, has so much red flags but his love is equally as obvious. I love the interactions between him and his brother. I feel like whenever I get too frustrated by Ryker, his brother speaks my exact thoughts!! #Validated
Usually, I get irked by these type of male leads. However, K. J. Johnson has so much character awareness and it’s so visible through her writing that she intends to submerge us readers into an atmosphere so suffocating and passionate.
I adore any book that can make me FEEL things and I felt so much reading this!! I’m sure you’d feel it too.
Our main character, Cadence, is put through so much throughout the book but she is so enduring that you can’t help but have so much love for her. If you love strong-willed main characters, this will be the book for you!!!
I’m veryy excited about the sequel. I believe the book left off at such a tempting point and I’m excited to see what unfolds next!
If you’re into Fae, fated mates, and that irresistible enemies to lovers vibe, this book is totally for you. It delivers on every front, featuring a strong, sassy heroine who keeps you invested from start to finish. The chemistry between Cadence and Ryker is electric, filled with amazing banter that had me laughing out loud.
Ryker is dark and possessive, embodying the touch her and die trope in the best way possible, while Cadence is feisty and stubborn, refusing to back down. The side characters, especially Riordan, add depth and fun to the story, making it all the more engaging.
Honestly, I was totally hooked from the very first page. Ryker is a character you can’t help but feel conflicted about; he's infuriating yet captivating.
Cadence's emotional struggle is incredibly relatable, and you can’t help but root for her as she navigates this chaotic romance.
The twists and dynamics between them kept me on my toes, and I devoured this book within 24 hours. This isn't a standard happy ever after; it leaves you with so many questions and a craving for more.
ARC review incoming... Bonded Chaos - by KJ Johnson
Holy moly. This book has left me speechless after the twists and turns and whiplash dynamics between our MMC Ryker and FMC Cadence.
I devoured this book in 24 hours and LOVED the urgency and compelling storytelling vibe of KJ Johnson.
I will say this book is not for the faint of heart and when I say it has high spice I ain't kidding 😅🔥🌶️
Tropes include: ✔️Dark fantasy romance with Fae ✔️Morally grey shadow daddy MMC ✔️Fiercely strong FMC ✔️Fated mates ✔️Enemies to lovers ✔️Political intrigue ✔️Deadly magic ✔️Kidnapping ✔️Villain gets the girl ✔️High spice/ fast burn ✔️Touch her and die
If these tropes are your vibe you need to add Bonded Chaos to the top of your TBR immediately.
Final thoughts... The level of spice was outside my comfort zone, so I couldn't give a full 5 stars, but I loved literally everything else, so it's solid a 4.5 ⭐ for me. Hanging for book 2.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. Thank you Krystal (Aussie Indie PA) and author KJ Johnson ❤️
I needed a hot minute after reading this to articulate my feelings because, oh my gosh, just wow!
This just goes to show that when an Author has a certain wow factor, they can draw you into any genre and exceed your expectations. Although this style isn't typically one I normally read, I was thoroughly impressed.
It's DARK, it's SPICY, with intricate twists that will utterly enthrall you, drawing you into the unfolding chaos, intense characters that elicit ever-changing emotions and a ending that will leave you craving so much more.
A chance encounter that changes everything.
Ryker is utterly unhinged but totally swoon worthy with the extreme lengths he will go to keep Cadence safe.
Cadence is fierce and definite against Ryker and his controlling behaviour.
Two Kingdoms at war. Deception. Lies. Secrets.
Tropes 🖤Enemies To Lovers 🩸Fated Mates 🖤Shadow Daddy 🩸Touch Her & 💀 🖤High Spice 🩸Fast Burn 🖤Hidden Identity 🩸Feminine Rage 🖤Morally Grey MMC 🩸Traumatic Pasts 🖤He Falls First 🩸Obsessive 🖤Possessive
Oh boy! Ryker is one savage MMC who goes after what he wants without a hint of remorse. Logically, I know I shouldn't love him, but I totally do. At this point, I'm thinking, "Are they (flags) that red though?" And then we have Cadence. If ever there was a woman born to put a cocky, entitled, possessive asshat in his place, its Cadence! This woman goes toe to toe with Ryker, she does not back down, and honestly, I'm here for it! And the way she wins Riordan and Malesh to her side without even trying, is just perfection! Look, I know they won't turn on Ryker over it or anything, but you can bet your ass they'll give him shit if he so much as side eyes her and I love that! I also love the dynamic between the brothers. Knowing Riordan is basically Ryker's moral compass translates into funny, witty banter that I adore! The action is intense and the smut is on point... argh, this book! I loved it! The roller coaster of emotions was so worth it! I need book 2 asap!
" I know it will tear me apart, and yet, I would never escape it because, in that darkness, you are mine, and mine alone.'
This book has left me shattered, but in a good way. I was addicted from the first page. The world building was quick, but also progressed over the whole story. The banter between the two main characters was on point and had me chuckling through out.
Yes there were moments where I wanted to struggle the MMC, but I fell for him more as he is one of a kind. The FMC was brilliant, strong from the start and never let that fail, im hoping in book to we get to see more of her powers as this girl is going to be the death of the Unseelie Kingdom 🤣
Please make sure you check trigger warnings before reading this book, there is plenty of spice and kinks and plenty more.
I'm not sure I even know how to write this review.
I love K.J.'s writing and her unhinged ability to make characters who I think I actually hate, but I also love and think are insanely hot.
I love everything about Cadence, her resilience and her wit are unmatched. The way she put some certain people in their place? Chef's kiss.
Ryker I'm still undecided on. He's hot but geez I want to punch him so fucking hard in the face. I'm glad he had to grovel, he better continue to grovel for the rest of their lives after this.
Riordan was genuinely my favourite character. It was nice to have someone as a voice of reason and on Cadence's side!
The spicy was SPICY and I loved so many aspects of this book. I have enjoyed every K.j. Johnson book I've ever read and I can't wait to read more!
I'm so keen to see how that twist at the end is going to affect book 2.
4 Stars for Bonded Chaos by K.J. Johnson Talk about unhinged chemistry! 😮💨 The plot grabbed me from page one and refused to let go—messy alliances, impossible choices, and the kind of tension that makes you kick your feet while reading. The world-building? Chaotic in the best way. The characters? I would absolutely make questionable decisions for them. 🤝🔥 I knocked off one star only because my brain needed a tiny bit more clarity in a few scenes (chaos is fun... until I’m rereading like 👁️👄👁️). But overall, I devoured it and I need the next book yesterday. The bond? The angst? The STARE-DOWN MOMENTS? I am feral. 🐺💥 If you love dark bonds, intense energy, and a storyline that leaves you mentally pacing—this one delivers. ✔️
Ughhhh the obsession, the secrets kept and the conflicting/morally grey dark romance within this book 🔥 This was different from my usual reads lately and I’m not even mad about it. The world building, character development and chaotic bond formed sucked me in. I walked into this book blind after a recommendation from a a friend and now I’m hanging out for book two like a loser 🤣 Quiet family girl Cadence meets dark mysterious and super intense Ryker and life is never the same. Cadence gets captured but has no idea how she got there and the story really picks up from there. I was hanging on every word. It’s dark and it’s spicy which is just how I like my books to be. I am so happy I went into this blind 😏
From the first chapter to the last, this book carried so much tension mixed with the right amount of banter.
An angsty villian prince MMC who becomes obsessed, a defiant FMC, and some witty banter with the MMC’s younger brother create the perfect mix of lighthearted fun moments, enemies to lovers tension and some truly spicy chapters.
I can’t wait for the next book to see where this goes, and how Cadence and Ryker continue in their tumultuous, chaotic bond.
Would definitely recommend this book to any fae loving romantasy readers who love some morally dark men (with good intentions?)😜
Bonded by Chaos puts the ENEMY in enemy to lovers and is truly a touch her and die. Ryker is a character you want to hate but K.J. Johnson has a way of making you fall for him in all his shadowy cursedness glory. Probably more so than his own fated mate, Cadence. The tension is high. The spice is even higher. Magic, fear and chaos.
The only part that I didn't like about this book was that there wasn't enough Riordan.
I didn't expect some of the twists which is an extra bonus. I am looking forward to the second book due to be released soon.
Hooked me from the beginning to the end! This book has it all - a fierce and fabulous FMC (Cadence), a swoon-worthy (he falls first) MMC (Ryker). The touch her and die trope was written to absolute perfection. The banter between Ryker and Cadence is perfect and on point. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the spicy scenes will leave you breathless. There are also some amazing side characters that steal some of the show (Riordan). I devoured every word and loved every minute of it!
Bonded Chaos by K.J. Johnson is a dark romantasy filled with fae politics, the turmoil of historical wars, and the intensity of bonded mates.
This was my first venture into dark romantasy (I usually lean more toward mafia-style dark romance), and while I enjoyed the change of pace, it wasn’t quite an unputdownable read for me. I found the characters really hard to love, and I’ll admit I rolled my eyes at Cadence more times than I can count. Still, the worldbuilding and tension were engaging enough to keep me curious about what’s to come.
Thank you to the author and Aussie Indie Reads for the ARC copy, I’m definitely interested to see what happens next for Ryker and Cadence in Book 2.
This book was alot…. Alot of plot, alot of twists, alot of turns, alot of turmoil and alot of denia. I got a bit of whiplash from their MC’s romance, one moment its this and then in a split second its that! It was alot to follow and keep up to date with the events in this book. It has the making of a Great TV series tho!!! Like its perfect for a series with all the twists and turns, will keep ppl wanting and stewing on it all week! Ha!
Ok deep breath... may this love never find anyone. This story is engaging but I hate the characters. My favorite part was when she ran away. I needed that break a d was hoping Rykers punishment of the distance would last longer. Cadence really needs to be more of a fighter. There's talk of fight and stubbornness and then she let's him touch her. No one would do that. Annoying
DNF 25%. No detectable plot. No character building. No relationship building. Poor descriptive imagery of settings. Recycled tropes used solely for the purpose of writing kink smut. It’s a no for me, dawg.
I need book 2 NOW!!! I fell in love with KJ Johnson’s writing after reading her Fire and Flame series so I couldn’t wait to start Bonded Chaos and once again, she did not disappoint!
Cadence: “With the gods as my witness, Ryker, you will rue the day you walked into my life. I am going to destroy you.”
One of my biggest pet peeves in romance/romantasy is when an author says a FMC is “strong” but she is crying in nearly every chapter and throws her self-respect out the window for the MMC. KJ Johnson does NOT write FMCs characters like that and I love it! Cadence is strong-willed, independent, witty, sarcastic, smart, and doesn’t take Ryker’s shit. Even better, she dishes it back to him and it’s fantastically hilarious!!
Ryker is….emotionally stunted. He hasn’t evolved past the “mine” stage of emotional development. Despite Cadence and his brother explaining to him over and over that giving Cadence freedom of choice doesn’t mean she’s not his, Ryker just does. Not. Get. It. Thankfully, Ryker’s brother shows up to be his moral compass and voice of reason. (And to give some good laughs along the way!) Despite his lack of emotional depth, Ryker’s protectiveness over Cadence and the lengths he’s willing to go to in order to keep her next to him is totally *swoon-worthy*!! And the spicy scenes….wow, they are SPIC-EY!!!!🌶️🌶️🌶️🥵🥵🔥🔥
I’m (im)patiently waiting for book 2 because I just know Cadence is going to bring Ryker to his knees and I’m here for it!!!
Follow Cadence, the take no nonsense FMC, and Ryker, the morally grey (red flag kinda dreamy) MMC as they navigate lies, secrets, and an undeniable pull towards each other. This book knocked my socks off. Did I end up falling head over heels for the MMC and then being put through an emotional roller coaster? Yes. Did I form an unhealthy attachment to the FMC and decide I'd be the one to burn the world down for her? Also, yes. If you're chasing a story with twists, turns, and some seriously tasty spice, then this one is for you.