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Cauld Ane #6
Bound by Tears
Jesska Shane has suffered a devastating loss, and now pushes away those who love her the most.
Kaspar Baldursson is in search of answers concerning his brother’s sudden disappearance.
When he finds his brother--and his forever mate in the process--he must uncover the threats surrounding his family and protect his mate at all costs.
Will Kaspar’s love be strong enough to tear down the walls Jesska keeps building around her heart?
Will he be able to save her before the secrets in their past destroy them all?
Kaspar Baldursson is in search of answers concerning his brother’s sudden disappearance.
When he finds his brother--and his forever mate in the process--he must uncover the threats surrounding his family and protect his mate at all costs.
Will Kaspar’s love be strong enough to tear down the walls Jesska keeps building around her heart?
Will he be able to save her before the secrets in their past destroy them all?
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First published September 10, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 10, 2017
2nd read and I have decided on 3.5 Stars.
I'm having a hard time rating this one. I have to admit that Bound by Tears took me a bit by surprise. While it was good, it was also a bit depressing.
Jesska had found her one and only when she was in high school. His name was Brady. They had planned on going to Paris after graduation where he was going to propose to her. However, before graduation he was murdered. Jesska swore that she would never get involved with anyone again because, as stated above, Brady was her one and only. She does not handle it well at all. She becomes a cutter and her parents end up admitting her into the psych ward 2 days before her 18th birthday. Needless to say, her relationship with her parents becomes extremely strained after that. 10 years later she is still struggling with Brady's murder and isn't "living"... she's just going through the motions.
While at work one day she receives a call informing her that her sister, Megan, and niece, Sophia, were in a car accident and all the sudden everyone starts being all secretive around her. Jesska does not like it at all. Turns out her sister has been hiding things from her family and her past is starting to catch up with her.
Enter Kaspar. He is the King of the Kalt Einn and happens to be Sophia's uncle. Jesska also happens to be his mate. He can tell that she is extremely sad and knows that he has to take it extremely slow with her so that he doesn't scare her off. It takes time but she ends up trusting him and realizing that what she felt for Brady was small in comparison to what she feels for Kaspar.
The mystery element of the book was a twist I never saw coming! I was not expecting who was behind it and why. I also liked learning what the 3 sisters could do together. I'm looking forward to seeing where all these relationships go. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
And of course I can't forget my casting!
Content: Depending on the reader...
Sketchy Clean. Moderate language. Moderate innuendos. Fade to black.
I'm having a hard time rating this one. I have to admit that Bound by Tears took me a bit by surprise. While it was good, it was also a bit depressing.
Jesska had found her one and only when she was in high school. His name was Brady. They had planned on going to Paris after graduation where he was going to propose to her. However, before graduation he was murdered. Jesska swore that she would never get involved with anyone again because, as stated above, Brady was her one and only. She does not handle it well at all. She becomes a cutter and her parents end up admitting her into the psych ward 2 days before her 18th birthday. Needless to say, her relationship with her parents becomes extremely strained after that. 10 years later she is still struggling with Brady's murder and isn't "living"... she's just going through the motions.
While at work one day she receives a call informing her that her sister, Megan, and niece, Sophia, were in a car accident and all the sudden everyone starts being all secretive around her. Jesska does not like it at all. Turns out her sister has been hiding things from her family and her past is starting to catch up with her.
Enter Kaspar. He is the King of the Kalt Einn and happens to be Sophia's uncle. Jesska also happens to be his mate. He can tell that she is extremely sad and knows that he has to take it extremely slow with her so that he doesn't scare her off. It takes time but she ends up trusting him and realizing that what she felt for Brady was small in comparison to what she feels for Kaspar.
The mystery element of the book was a twist I never saw coming! I was not expecting who was behind it and why. I also liked learning what the 3 sisters could do together. I'm looking forward to seeing where all these relationships go. Can't wait for the next book in the series!
And of course I can't forget my casting!
Content: Depending on the reader...
Sketchy Clean. Moderate language. Moderate innuendos. Fade to black.
February 12, 2024
Quickie Review (May contain spoilers)
Bound by Tears was quite an interesting read. I really was glad to be bad to this world from this author. Not a fan of the new covers or anything, so I am sticking with these covers because they just represent the story more authentically.
I had a good time with this one. It starts off really emotionally intense and has such drama attached to it. I really felt for the heroine but she becomes very cold and prickly from the trauma she experiences. She was very unlikeable, but its understandable after you see what she goes through. I do understand why she felt the way that she does. Then we have our hero, who is such an alpha male and it was so delicious. I love how he centers the heroine, and sees the woman she hides underneath such a cold exterior. I really enjoyed how this development was captured within the story. The plot is well done and I liked how it connected to what happened in the previous book. There was some mystery, although some of what is resolved didn't really make sense. There was no
"why" explained behind the suspense portions and it felt a bit unsatisfying to not get the purpose behind everything.
Overall I had a good time with this one, not my favorite of the series, but it was a solid read.
Bound by Tears was quite an interesting read. I really was glad to be bad to this world from this author. Not a fan of the new covers or anything, so I am sticking with these covers because they just represent the story more authentically.
I had a good time with this one. It starts off really emotionally intense and has such drama attached to it. I really felt for the heroine but she becomes very cold and prickly from the trauma she experiences. She was very unlikeable, but its understandable after you see what she goes through. I do understand why she felt the way that she does. Then we have our hero, who is such an alpha male and it was so delicious. I love how he centers the heroine, and sees the woman she hides underneath such a cold exterior. I really enjoyed how this development was captured within the story. The plot is well done and I liked how it connected to what happened in the previous book. There was some mystery, although some of what is resolved didn't really make sense. There was no
"why" explained behind the suspense portions and it felt a bit unsatisfying to not get the purpose behind everything.
Overall I had a good time with this one, not my favorite of the series, but it was a solid read.
April 25, 2018
Nope, this book did not work for me
Too many things that just made the book not worth the $5 I paid.
The wine. Apparently the female MC was a wino, an alcoholic in denial because it seemed like she was drinking a bottle of wine a day. Actually I do believe there was a part where she admitted as much. Which of course makes her a huge hypocrite since she condemned her mom for doing the same.
She lost her high school boyfriend, and instead of the normal course a person would take to grieve, the author made this woman weak. She hid behind that loss, used it as an excuse to act out, to not live her life, and basically turned herself into a martyr. Women who lose their children behave with more courage than this woman. She clearly needed therapy and medication because good gracious, her mood swings were all over the place.
I actually felt really sorry for the male MC in this book. I don't know how he dealt with this woman. At first, she basically rubbed her ex in his face, wearing his rings, his sweatshirt, because it's not weird at all to do that while trying to get it on with someone else. He tells her he loves her for the first time and she said "oh that's pretty". Really ? A king professes his love to you after he has done so much to prove it, and your reply is that?
Also, the male MC is not super well written. He is supposed to have lived somewhat isolated in Iceland, which comes through when he doesn't quite get some expressions right, but then the author totally Americanized him by having him say "right back at'ya" - which doesn't really come together with the way she was trying to portray him most of the time.
I'm pretty sure I'm done with this series. It feels like the author is now reaching for a storyline, writing characters that are not very likeable, and the original plot seems to be lost. If you can read my highlights and notes, do that, might give you some insight on what I say in this review.
Too many things that just made the book not worth the $5 I paid.
The wine. Apparently the female MC was a wino, an alcoholic in denial because it seemed like she was drinking a bottle of wine a day. Actually I do believe there was a part where she admitted as much. Which of course makes her a huge hypocrite since she condemned her mom for doing the same.
She lost her high school boyfriend, and instead of the normal course a person would take to grieve, the author made this woman weak. She hid behind that loss, used it as an excuse to act out, to not live her life, and basically turned herself into a martyr. Women who lose their children behave with more courage than this woman. She clearly needed therapy and medication because good gracious, her mood swings were all over the place.
I actually felt really sorry for the male MC in this book. I don't know how he dealt with this woman. At first, she basically rubbed her ex in his face, wearing his rings, his sweatshirt, because it's not weird at all to do that while trying to get it on with someone else. He tells her he loves her for the first time and she said "oh that's pretty". Really ? A king professes his love to you after he has done so much to prove it, and your reply is that?
Also, the male MC is not super well written. He is supposed to have lived somewhat isolated in Iceland, which comes through when he doesn't quite get some expressions right, but then the author totally Americanized him by having him say "right back at'ya" - which doesn't really come together with the way she was trying to portray him most of the time.
I'm pretty sure I'm done with this series. It feels like the author is now reaching for a storyline, writing characters that are not very likeable, and the original plot seems to be lost. If you can read my highlights and notes, do that, might give you some insight on what I say in this review.
November 5, 2017
This book has an intense start, and I'll admit that some of the prologue and beginning chapters were a bit hard to read. We also hadn't met the hero and heroine of this story before, which is a change from previous books and something I had mixed feelings about. Kaspar is Ari's (who we met in the previous book) brother, so it is still very connected to the overarching story, but I just didn't feel the same connection to them that I did to the previous characters. However, it was nice to see their first meeting and how they respond to each other.
I'll admit that I struggled a little bit with Jesska. She has obviously been through a lot, but her attitude was a lot to deal with. However, I think this made me love Kaspar even more because he was so fantastic with her! He really made the story for me.
I really enjoyed the brief scene with Kenna and Gunnar, and I think that helped give Jess more insight into the whole mate connection. I hope they get their own story! I have always been so interested in Kenna!
I will say that I was totally surprised by the twist at the end, and that really made me like the story even more. There was a good amount of suspense that really kept things interesting. We also made some progress with the subplot that was introduced in the previous book about the 3 sisters. I liked catching up with the previous characters at the end, although it sometimes felt a little forced. I did love the scene with Brodie and Peyton, though! So glad we got to see that.
There were some parts of this book that I struggled with. First of all, some of the slang and nicknames drive me batty (must she call everyone "babe"?!) I also felt like the pacing could have been a bit more even--it seemed like a bit too much time was focused on Seth and her feelings for him, which made her instant connection to Kaspar a little more troubling than it should have been.
Overall, I did enjoy this story a great deal, largely because of Kaspar. I am looking forward to the next book!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I'll admit that I struggled a little bit with Jesska. She has obviously been through a lot, but her attitude was a lot to deal with. However, I think this made me love Kaspar even more because he was so fantastic with her! He really made the story for me.
I really enjoyed the brief scene with Kenna and Gunnar, and I think that helped give Jess more insight into the whole mate connection. I hope they get their own story! I have always been so interested in Kenna!
I will say that I was totally surprised by the twist at the end, and that really made me like the story even more. There was a good amount of suspense that really kept things interesting. We also made some progress with the subplot that was introduced in the previous book about the 3 sisters. I liked catching up with the previous characters at the end, although it sometimes felt a little forced. I did love the scene with Brodie and Peyton, though! So glad we got to see that.
There were some parts of this book that I struggled with. First of all, some of the slang and nicknames drive me batty (must she call everyone "babe"?!) I also felt like the pacing could have been a bit more even--it seemed like a bit too much time was focused on Seth and her feelings for him, which made her instant connection to Kaspar a little more troubling than it should have been.
Overall, I did enjoy this story a great deal, largely because of Kaspar. I am looking forward to the next book!
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 2, 2018
Mostly back on track
This book seems to be back on track with the paradigms established in the first books after veering away in books four and five. One of my pet peeves in a series is inconsistency and that has been an issue in this series. In all of the books the male has been the one to first discover who his mate is. In the first books the female was irresistibly drawn to her mate no matter what she thought about it. Then in four and five the women resisted for quite a while, not having those same overwhelming feelings described earlier. Then in this book we are back to irresistible. There are still inconsistencies that aren’t explained. Jessica and Kasparov’s can’t communicate telepathically before binding despite all the other couples being able to. The differences in how the conversions after binding affect the women, Jesska’s inability to use her mate’s gift without lots of practice which did not apply to the others and other story variations.
The explanation to wrap up the treason/coup storyline is weak and comes off more like the author just wanted it over with. The whole kidnapping the babies thing when no one could know an infant’s gifts, particularly infants born to a non bound human makes no sense at all, nor does the reason of now suddenly trying to get them all back to reunite them and use their powers when no one could possibly know if they even had any powers.
So the storyline is weak and not wrapped up well. Having said that I liked the characters here, just as I have in the previous books. I just wish a better storyline served to create better character development.
This book seems to be back on track with the paradigms established in the first books after veering away in books four and five. One of my pet peeves in a series is inconsistency and that has been an issue in this series. In all of the books the male has been the one to first discover who his mate is. In the first books the female was irresistibly drawn to her mate no matter what she thought about it. Then in four and five the women resisted for quite a while, not having those same overwhelming feelings described earlier. Then in this book we are back to irresistible. There are still inconsistencies that aren’t explained. Jessica and Kasparov’s can’t communicate telepathically before binding despite all the other couples being able to. The differences in how the conversions after binding affect the women, Jesska’s inability to use her mate’s gift without lots of practice which did not apply to the others and other story variations.
The explanation to wrap up the treason/coup storyline is weak and comes off more like the author just wanted it over with. The whole kidnapping the babies thing when no one could know an infant’s gifts, particularly infants born to a non bound human makes no sense at all, nor does the reason of now suddenly trying to get them all back to reunite them and use their powers when no one could possibly know if they even had any powers.
So the storyline is weak and not wrapped up well. Having said that I liked the characters here, just as I have in the previous books. I just wish a better storyline served to create better character development.
December 28, 2019
Kasper & Jesska (and for my own future reference, yes that's spelled right)
I swear... everytime I move from one book to the next I think there is no way I'm going to like it as much as the previous book. And I think there is no way I'm going to love him as much as the previous male lead. And with every book I'm proven WRONG.
I loved this book so much. She is not a doormat, but she is somehow equally smart and hardheaded, and she's dealing with some pretty heavy stuff.
And he is just perfect. I love take control, alpha jerks with good intentions and a big heart, and that is exactly what he is.
There were a few things I felt like this book could have expanded on or stated clearer, but I can't say it bothered be enough for it to lose a star. If anything I feel like I'd love to give this whole series extra stars because it's been a LONG time since I've read a series that's pulled me in so deep I've blown through book after book, until there were none left.
Overall, I LOVED everything about this book, and I'm done spending any more time on this review because the next one is waiting for me! LOL
Happy reading!
I swear... everytime I move from one book to the next I think there is no way I'm going to like it as much as the previous book. And I think there is no way I'm going to love him as much as the previous male lead. And with every book I'm proven WRONG.
I loved this book so much. She is not a doormat, but she is somehow equally smart and hardheaded, and she's dealing with some pretty heavy stuff.
And he is just perfect. I love take control, alpha jerks with good intentions and a big heart, and that is exactly what he is.
There were a few things I felt like this book could have expanded on or stated clearer, but I can't say it bothered be enough for it to lose a star. If anything I feel like I'd love to give this whole series extra stars because it's been a LONG time since I've read a series that's pulled me in so deep I've blown through book after book, until there were none left.
Overall, I LOVED everything about this book, and I'm done spending any more time on this review because the next one is waiting for me! LOL
Happy reading!
August 2, 2021
This is my second time reading this book and, I must admit, I liked it more than the first time.
Kaspar is a man who is forced to see things in a new light after a thousand years of living.
Jesska, awesome name BTW, is a girl who is depressed and damaged by a heartbreaking tragedy that occured on the last night of her high school life.
Even after they learn to overcome the initial roadblocks hindering their future together, they discover there are other, unexpected things lurking in the shadows that they will still have to contend with if they want to reach their happily ever after.
I enjoyed the new characters in this story, as well as being able to catch up with older characters. I'm so glad the author answered some of the questions left after the last book. Of course, just like with any great story, there are still a few questions left unanswered for the next story, which I can't wait to read.
Kaspar is a man who is forced to see things in a new light after a thousand years of living.
Jesska, awesome name BTW, is a girl who is depressed and damaged by a heartbreaking tragedy that occured on the last night of her high school life.
Even after they learn to overcome the initial roadblocks hindering their future together, they discover there are other, unexpected things lurking in the shadows that they will still have to contend with if they want to reach their happily ever after.
I enjoyed the new characters in this story, as well as being able to catch up with older characters. I'm so glad the author answered some of the questions left after the last book. Of course, just like with any great story, there are still a few questions left unanswered for the next story, which I can't wait to read.
November 4, 2017
The early part of this story gutted me. We get more insight to the past, meet a new member of the group, and catch up with others all while learning about and loving Jesska and Kaz.
Something totally tragic happens to Jesska and 10 years later she has not moved on and really has no intention of doing so. She has a job she hates, is estranged from her parents but is close to her brother, sister and niece. She really doesn't expect more...but then along comes King Kaspar. There is no way she could have prepared for his arrival. Kaspar is equally thrown when he meets Jesska while searching for a family member. I loved how he would bungle common phrases. Can Kaz help Jesska move forward or will dangers surrounding them from the past steal their future?
Another great addition to the series.
Something totally tragic happens to Jesska and 10 years later she has not moved on and really has no intention of doing so. She has a job she hates, is estranged from her parents but is close to her brother, sister and niece. She really doesn't expect more...but then along comes King Kaspar. There is no way she could have prepared for his arrival. Kaspar is equally thrown when he meets Jesska while searching for a family member. I loved how he would bungle common phrases. Can Kaz help Jesska move forward or will dangers surrounding them from the past steal their future?
Another great addition to the series.
November 8, 2017
The title says Bound by Tears and this book means it! This is by far the most emotional book of the series in my opinion. There are some heavy themes through out the book but there is balance as well. Jesska suffers a tragic lose in her life and must learn how to go on while Kaspar must venture from his home to solve a mystery. Their road to romance is filled with laughter and healing. This book took me longer to read than the others due to the heavy emotional themes but it was well worth it to see it through to the end. I still found my self laughing out loud and gasping at some fun twists in the plot! The happy ending in the book is almost sweeter than others because of the tragedy in the beginning. Another great book in the series and I cant wait for the next one! I read this as an ARC but bought the book as well.
December 27, 2017
The title says Bound by Tears and this book means it! This is by far the most emotional book of the series in my opinion. There are some heavy themes through out the book but there is balance as well. Jesska suffers a tragic lose in her life and must learn how to go on while Kaspar must venture from his home to solve a mystery. Their road to romance is filled with laughter and healing. This book took me longer to read than the others due to the heavy emotional themes but it was well worth it to see it through to the end. I still found my self laughing out loud and gasping at some fun twists in the plot! The happy ending in the book is almost sweeter than others because of the tragedy in the beginning. Another great book in the series and I cant wait for the next one! I read this as an ARC but bought the book as well.
July 27, 2018
I like this story. I won't say it's my favorite of the series, however it's up there. Kaspar is a man who is forced to see things in a new light after a thousand years of living. Jesska, awesome name BTW, is a girl who has been depressed and damaged by a heartbreaking tragedy the last night of her high school life. Even after they learn to overcome the initial roadblocks hindering their future together they discover there are other unexpected things lurking in the shadows that they will still have to contend with if they want to reach their happily ever after. I enjoyed the new characters in this story, as well as being able to catch up with older characters. I so glad they gave us answers to the questions left in the last book. Of course, just like with any great story, there are still a few questions left unanswered for the next story. I can't wait to read the next book.
January 12, 2021
I have to say with each book of this series I read I think it can't get any better but yeah time Piper surprises me.
With this installment, it starts off really intense and you think there is no way that the heroine can be the perfect mate for our hero. But once you get into Jesska's story and she meets Kasper all bets are off. The chemistry is off the charts.
I will say this book took me a bit by surprise as we have not met our hero or heroine in previous books. In fact, it's Kasper's brother who was the talk in previous installments so that was a change. I also did not see the twist coming for the third sister.
Kasper and Jesska were quite the story and though Piper did a wonderful job delving into Jesska emotional state in the end I loved how she was able to find closure and love with Kasper.
With this installment, it starts off really intense and you think there is no way that the heroine can be the perfect mate for our hero. But once you get into Jesska's story and she meets Kasper all bets are off. The chemistry is off the charts.
I will say this book took me a bit by surprise as we have not met our hero or heroine in previous books. In fact, it's Kasper's brother who was the talk in previous installments so that was a change. I also did not see the twist coming for the third sister.
Kasper and Jesska were quite the story and though Piper did a wonderful job delving into Jesska emotional state in the end I loved how she was able to find closure and love with Kasper.
October 5, 2014
A whole new paranormal world populated by immortal beings living in secret amongst the humans and destined to have a fated mate to love? Um, yes please! I dived right in as soon as my schedule would allow and finished in two sittings. I enjoyed the author's other works so I was happy to find that even though this was paranormal romance series that it struck a similar tone. The humor, sweetness and sense of family was all there to appreciate again.
Now, true confession time...I read this sixth book first. This was on purpose and not my usual oopsies about getting books out of order. That being said, I'm really going to suggest that other people not follow my example, but instead, choose to read them in order. I muddled through, but I knew that it would have been easier and more rewarding to get the worldbuilding and all the key players and ongoing story arcs as they unfolded. Not that I was totally lost and I did still appreciate lots of what I was reading as it was made clearer.
The story opens when Jesska Shane is bursting with happiness as she is on the brink of finishing high school, going to Paris with the love of her life and then college and marriage. That's when tragedy strikes and she loses Brady right before her eyes. Her downward spiral starts and ends with family estrangement, self-medicating through pills and alcohol, and self-inflicting of pain through cuttings. She lives a hollow gray life barely holding it together because she won't get help, won't let go of her old life, but won't take the final step of oblivion either. Little does she know that events unfolding a world away are her hope.
Kaspar Baldursson, king of his clan, discovers that his brother has gotten himself into some serious troubles as he is now the prisoner of the Cauld Ane, the offshoot Scottish clan. Somehow Ari kept secret a human woman and three children that are a powerful, gifted trifectorate when the three sisters come together and someone else wants them. The two oldest children were stolen from Ari and his human woman, but the woman and youngest disappeared. His brother made some mistakes contacting the oldest children and will say nothing about what is going on. Kaspar meets a mysterious clanswoman who tells him that Ari's youngest child is now in danger from Ari's enemies and he needs to protect her. Kaspar sets out to find her and her mother, Megan. His search leads him to Megan, but then his world is rocked when he learns that Jesska, Megan's sister is his fated mate. He feels his mate's pain and sorrow as soon as he is close. He is determined to have her, human or not, and sort out his brother's mess too while protecting everyone from the unknown threat. But can he compete against the ghost of Jesska's lost love and gain her love for his own?
This story had a lot going on. There were suspense threads, romance threads and character growth threads. The first half of the book is dominated by Jesska's grief spiral and then her slow healing while she and Kaspar court and love. Jesska's unhealthy grief makes her ugly toward a lot of people and have very self-destructive habits. It was hard to read it all and it didn't help that she had the nosy-bossy qualities going too. I really struggled to be patient with her, but it was also neat to see the entrance of Kaspar in her life like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed that he was just what she needed in that he was strong and firm, but also tender and loving. Oh, she totally had him wrapped around her finger, but he wasn't afraid to tell her 'no' when it came to her safety or her health. He wasn't afraid to listen to her good judgment either. I loved that they found each other and she started healing.
I did have one niggle as she moved on. She made her peace with Brady, his parents, her siblings and even God- and all that was good and needed, but I wish she had shared an actual scene with her folks too since she was pretty ugly to them especially since they knew she would hate them because of their decision to commit her when she accidentally almost killed herself with her cutting, but they made the choice that showed their love because they would rather her live and get better more than anything. I'm actually amazed that she got released just because she turned eighteen because I know with drug overdoses accidental or otherwise people are kept in the psych ward no matter what their age until they've undergone a full psych exam and put into ongoing care. But then again, maybe that stuff happened and she just fooled her way through the system.
The suspense side was two-pronged. There was the issue with Brady's murderer, but then there was the scheming of unknown others along with all the action around Kaspar's brother Ari, Megan and the people in Scotland. Now this is the part where I wish I had read stuff in order because I was well behind the eight ball and so confused for some time with stuff. The Cauld Ane world and these immortal beings is all still a bit vague. I get that they have gifts, they're immortal, and they get fated mates, but what they are and how their kind goes about things is still a bit of mystery to me. Again, I think it’s because it was probably all detailed out in an earlier book that I missed. What I do understand was enough to keep me intrigued in the story.
So in the end, I enjoyed this paranormal world, the storyline and the characters. I plan to go back and get the story in order. I'm recommending this series to those who enjoy paranormal romance that's a little spicy, but still on the sweet end of the spectrum.
My thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.
Now, true confession time...I read this sixth book first. This was on purpose and not my usual oopsies about getting books out of order. That being said, I'm really going to suggest that other people not follow my example, but instead, choose to read them in order. I muddled through, but I knew that it would have been easier and more rewarding to get the worldbuilding and all the key players and ongoing story arcs as they unfolded. Not that I was totally lost and I did still appreciate lots of what I was reading as it was made clearer.
The story opens when Jesska Shane is bursting with happiness as she is on the brink of finishing high school, going to Paris with the love of her life and then college and marriage. That's when tragedy strikes and she loses Brady right before her eyes. Her downward spiral starts and ends with family estrangement, self-medicating through pills and alcohol, and self-inflicting of pain through cuttings. She lives a hollow gray life barely holding it together because she won't get help, won't let go of her old life, but won't take the final step of oblivion either. Little does she know that events unfolding a world away are her hope.
Kaspar Baldursson, king of his clan, discovers that his brother has gotten himself into some serious troubles as he is now the prisoner of the Cauld Ane, the offshoot Scottish clan. Somehow Ari kept secret a human woman and three children that are a powerful, gifted trifectorate when the three sisters come together and someone else wants them. The two oldest children were stolen from Ari and his human woman, but the woman and youngest disappeared. His brother made some mistakes contacting the oldest children and will say nothing about what is going on. Kaspar meets a mysterious clanswoman who tells him that Ari's youngest child is now in danger from Ari's enemies and he needs to protect her. Kaspar sets out to find her and her mother, Megan. His search leads him to Megan, but then his world is rocked when he learns that Jesska, Megan's sister is his fated mate. He feels his mate's pain and sorrow as soon as he is close. He is determined to have her, human or not, and sort out his brother's mess too while protecting everyone from the unknown threat. But can he compete against the ghost of Jesska's lost love and gain her love for his own?
This story had a lot going on. There were suspense threads, romance threads and character growth threads. The first half of the book is dominated by Jesska's grief spiral and then her slow healing while she and Kaspar court and love. Jesska's unhealthy grief makes her ugly toward a lot of people and have very self-destructive habits. It was hard to read it all and it didn't help that she had the nosy-bossy qualities going too. I really struggled to be patient with her, but it was also neat to see the entrance of Kaspar in her life like a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed that he was just what she needed in that he was strong and firm, but also tender and loving. Oh, she totally had him wrapped around her finger, but he wasn't afraid to tell her 'no' when it came to her safety or her health. He wasn't afraid to listen to her good judgment either. I loved that they found each other and she started healing.
I did have one niggle as she moved on. She made her peace with Brady, his parents, her siblings and even God- and all that was good and needed, but I wish she had shared an actual scene with her folks too since she was pretty ugly to them especially since they knew she would hate them because of their decision to commit her when she accidentally almost killed herself with her cutting, but they made the choice that showed their love because they would rather her live and get better more than anything. I'm actually amazed that she got released just because she turned eighteen because I know with drug overdoses accidental or otherwise people are kept in the psych ward no matter what their age until they've undergone a full psych exam and put into ongoing care. But then again, maybe that stuff happened and she just fooled her way through the system.
The suspense side was two-pronged. There was the issue with Brady's murderer, but then there was the scheming of unknown others along with all the action around Kaspar's brother Ari, Megan and the people in Scotland. Now this is the part where I wish I had read stuff in order because I was well behind the eight ball and so confused for some time with stuff. The Cauld Ane world and these immortal beings is all still a bit vague. I get that they have gifts, they're immortal, and they get fated mates, but what they are and how their kind goes about things is still a bit of mystery to me. Again, I think it’s because it was probably all detailed out in an earlier book that I missed. What I do understand was enough to keep me intrigued in the story.
So in the end, I enjoyed this paranormal world, the storyline and the characters. I plan to go back and get the story in order. I'm recommending this series to those who enjoy paranormal romance that's a little spicy, but still on the sweet end of the spectrum.
My thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 12, 2020
Jesska has had a loss so great she spent the last ten years punishing herself. Kasper just found out that one of his brothers has hidden many things from him over the last twenty-five plus years. When his search for answers takes him to America he finds far more than he expected. I didn’t care much for Kaz at the beginning of the book, but he grew on me after he met Jesska. She was also kind of hard to read at first. A few of my questions from previous stories were revealed as secrets are brought to light, and I like how a some characters cross over in this series and other Piper Davenport books. This was another enjoyable read for me.
October 30, 2017
Oh my heart! This book totally had me in the feels from the start! Heart wrenching and healing, this book will throw you from one emotion to another. I literally cried and then laughed out loud at some of the antics in this book. I love the strong characters. Jesska is wounded, prickly, and defensive. Kaspar is entitled, bossy, and superior. She has sworn off loving again. He doesn't count on finding his forever mate while searching for missing family members, much less on her being human. Jesska knows how to handle herself and learns pretty quickly how to handle Kaspar. This series is so wonderful!
January 19, 2019
Tears is right, I was crying the first chapter. Luckily the tears don’tast long. The book starts when Jesska is a senior in high school. She experiences and witnesses something no one should ever have to. The depression and guilt she feels is heartbreaking. But when Kaspar enters her world, things start to change.
I loved the patience Kaspar had with Jesska, that should let Jesska finally move on. There are other things going on besides Kaspar & Jesska’s story. But I’ll let you find out those shocking tidbits of news. I do have one big question for Ms Davenport, but I’m not putting it here, cuz the question would be a spoiler.
I’m absolutely loving this series and eager to start Bound by Light. Off to read!
I loved the patience Kaspar had with Jesska, that should let Jesska finally move on. There are other things going on besides Kaspar & Jesska’s story. But I’ll let you find out those shocking tidbits of news. I do have one big question for Ms Davenport, but I’m not putting it here, cuz the question would be a spoiler.
I’m absolutely loving this series and eager to start Bound by Light. Off to read!
August 10, 2021
Bound by Tears is the sixth book in the Cauld Ane series with a lot of twists and turns and a emotional rollercoaster ride. Hang on tight! Jessika and Kasper's storyline is emotional and difficult one ti read for me. This book suck me in from the very beginning, making this book one I just could not put down. I read this in one sitting. Now I would advise reading these books/series in chronological order so the storyline is understandable and enjoyable. This book is a unique approach to paranormal, page turner, entertaining, secretive, on the edge of your seat read. I am looking forward to Bound by Light.
November 1, 2017
Piper does not play around with this series. This book starts off intense and will rip your heart out and slowly put you back together. After witnessing the tragic death of her boyfriend Jessika spirals down a dark path and everyone who loves her tries to pull her out. After his brother disappears Kaspar resumes the search for his niece but along the way finds the o e woman meant for him. Will Jessika open her heart or will she keep those who love her far away? I love this series so much. I'm truly thankful I discovered this author. I'm excited to read the next book in the series.
November 8, 2017
As a teen, Jesska Shane suffered a life changing tragedy. Vowing to never forget what she has lost, she closes her heart to any possibility of happiness. Kaspar Baldrusson is searching for his missing brother. The last thing he expects is for that search to bring him face to face with his one true mate. Can Kaspar convince Jesska that they are destined to be together? Who is trying to destroy Kaspar's family and hurt the people he loves? All is answered in the latest addition to the Cauld Ane series. This is another amazing read from Piper Davenport! Loved it!
December 2, 2017
From sadness to utter joy!
This book in the Cauld Ane series had a somewhat different feel to it due to Jesska's circumstances before she met Kaspar and also the issues she was dealing with. It carried on from the previous book really well and managed to incorporate all of those characters into the story too so that we weren't left with burning questions. I really like how Kaspar and Jesska came together and the deep connection they had even after the loss that Jesska suffered. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one!
This book in the Cauld Ane series had a somewhat different feel to it due to Jesska's circumstances before she met Kaspar and also the issues she was dealing with. It carried on from the previous book really well and managed to incorporate all of those characters into the story too so that we weren't left with burning questions. I really like how Kaspar and Jesska came together and the deep connection they had even after the loss that Jesska suffered. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one!
February 28, 2021
This is an Unusual Story
Unusual, but very entertaining. Jesska has spent ten years mourning the death of her high school sweetheart, who she watched get murdered. When Kaspar, a notified king, enters her life she begins to feel joy again. But Kaspar isn't human. Will she be able to adapt to his ways? Her sister, Megan, is estranged from Kaspar's brother, and that must be corrected. Their lives are in danger. How will this be handled? Great story with lots of intrigue. I was captivated all the way through.
Unusual, but very entertaining. Jesska has spent ten years mourning the death of her high school sweetheart, who she watched get murdered. When Kaspar, a notified king, enters her life she begins to feel joy again. But Kaspar isn't human. Will she be able to adapt to his ways? Her sister, Megan, is estranged from Kaspar's brother, and that must be corrected. Their lives are in danger. How will this be handled? Great story with lots of intrigue. I was captivated all the way through.
May 31, 2021
Bound by Tears...
Cauld Ane Series book 6. This is Kaspar and Jesska story. In this book it's like two love stories and a history lesson of the Cauld Ane. The lies are uncovered and the bad guys revealed. Kaspar helps heal Jesska inside and out after her trauma. But her sister who has some trauma as well is connected with Ari (Kaspar brother). Although not Cauld Ane these two connection with the past and Kade's crew is unmistakable. This book was heartfelt, passionate and dramatic as hell.
Cauld Ane Series book 6. This is Kaspar and Jesska story. In this book it's like two love stories and a history lesson of the Cauld Ane. The lies are uncovered and the bad guys revealed. Kaspar helps heal Jesska inside and out after her trauma. But her sister who has some trauma as well is connected with Ari (Kaspar brother). Although not Cauld Ane these two connection with the past and Kade's crew is unmistakable. This book was heartfelt, passionate and dramatic as hell.
November 6, 2017
This is Jesska and Kasper’s story! This is the first time we have met these characters and once again piper Davenport knocks it out of the park. The prologue was so intense, I was crying like a baby before I ever get to chapter 1. Don’t let that stop you thought, this is such an amazing story of how someone can overcome tragedy and how to live again. Jesska and Kadper are perfect together, but someone close is trying to destroy the royal family. Will they figure out who it is in time?
May 31, 2019
Right from the beginning, you get emotional upheaval, it rips at your heartstrings without a doubt. All that said, I wasn't fond of Jesska (and Kaz) right away. I can't put my finger on it, but I just couldn't get behind her like I did with all the others before her. She did end up growing on me but it took some time to get there. In all, still well worth the read, I'm intrigued to see where these new twists and turns take the story and who will be the next ones to mate up.
June 4, 2020
Jesska has her boyfriend killed just as they are about to start their lives together. This takes a toll on her and she spends the next ten years just getting by with some destructive behavior. Kasper is trying to free his brother and is searching for Jesska’s sister. What he doesn’t expect is to find his mate is Jesska. His kind don’t bind with humans. But perhaps it’s time to change that. Another great story!
July 1, 2020
Tears
Kaspar goes looking for his niece and her mother and finds his mate, but she fights her feelings for him. Jesska had a boyfriend in high school who she thought she was going to marry. He ends up being killed by his best friend. This breaks Jesska. When she meets Kaspar she is drawn to him and doesn’t know why. Can zjesska open up her heart to Kaspar? Is the danger closer than they think? Come find out.
Kaspar goes looking for his niece and her mother and finds his mate, but she fights her feelings for him. Jesska had a boyfriend in high school who she thought she was going to marry. He ends up being killed by his best friend. This breaks Jesska. When she meets Kaspar she is drawn to him and doesn’t know why. Can zjesska open up her heart to Kaspar? Is the danger closer than they think? Come find out.
March 8, 2021
Bound by Tears
And the plot thickens! We have learned that a very important character is alive and well. This is the story of Kaspar and Jesska. He is almost 1000 years old she is 27. She has suffered a terrible loss. He was a stuffy entitled king. She helps to normalize him. The storyline evolves into a rousing and action packed end which I will not give away. There are sexual scenes that may offend some readers. Otherwise, I recommend this series and this book.
And the plot thickens! We have learned that a very important character is alive and well. This is the story of Kaspar and Jesska. He is almost 1000 years old she is 27. She has suffered a terrible loss. He was a stuffy entitled king. She helps to normalize him. The storyline evolves into a rousing and action packed end which I will not give away. There are sexual scenes that may offend some readers. Otherwise, I recommend this series and this book.
October 31, 2017
From the prologue which will have tears running down your face to the end Piper takes us on a rollacoaster ride, the you never want to end. This book is full of suspense, the plot takes a few twist and turns you don't see coming, by the end you will have the answers questions that have been running through the series. Looking forward to seeing what comes next in this brilliant series.
November 6, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I was eagerly waiting for this book. I totally thought that the series would end with the previous book but I am so glad it didn't. I loved the comical aspect too. Kaspar getting phrases wrong was so funny. The connection between Kaspar and Jesska was unreal. Another great book by Piper!
November 7, 2017
A great read.
Unless you read a thriller or mystery you can, usually, roughly predict what’s going to happen in a book, but not this one! Yes, of course, there are some elements that are obvious, but you’re also blindsided by some events. This, along with the sexy alpha males, the slightly kinky sex, and the humour, makes it a great read.
Unless you read a thriller or mystery you can, usually, roughly predict what’s going to happen in a book, but not this one! Yes, of course, there are some elements that are obvious, but you’re also blindsided by some events. This, along with the sexy alpha males, the slightly kinky sex, and the humour, makes it a great read.
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