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Of Crows and Thorns Saga #1
Bound In Inked Flame
When I signed myself away in marriage, I should have read the fine print. Ink fades—blood binds.
I'm a prisoner, trapped behind gilded gates, my freedom traded for safety. Magic pulses beneath my skin, wild and forbidden. In our world of ruling Houses, wielding such power means death. One slip, one spark—everyone I love dies.
As a princess of the Great House, I should have been untouchable. But in a cruel twist of fate, a ruthless family of enforcers claims the right to choose any bride. Now I'm to marry the infuriating Graysen Crowther. Our loathing is legendary, but with only a wall between us each night, hatred burns into something far more treacherous. One touch and I might lose something far worse than my life—my traitorous heart.
As my control fractures and betrayal tightens its noose, my only chance at survival lies in escaping to seek the monster who holds the truth about my magic. Yet when a bargained kiss unleashes an unbreakable bond, dark suspicion settles in my bones that I’m caught in a blood-soaked web.
For in this deadly game of power, where trust is a luxury I can't afford, Graysen moves like someone who's been playing long before I knew there was a game.
And his secret might prove more lethal than any forbidden magic.
I'm a prisoner, trapped behind gilded gates, my freedom traded for safety. Magic pulses beneath my skin, wild and forbidden. In our world of ruling Houses, wielding such power means death. One slip, one spark—everyone I love dies.
As a princess of the Great House, I should have been untouchable. But in a cruel twist of fate, a ruthless family of enforcers claims the right to choose any bride. Now I'm to marry the infuriating Graysen Crowther. Our loathing is legendary, but with only a wall between us each night, hatred burns into something far more treacherous. One touch and I might lose something far worse than my life—my traitorous heart.
As my control fractures and betrayal tightens its noose, my only chance at survival lies in escaping to seek the monster who holds the truth about my magic. Yet when a bargained kiss unleashes an unbreakable bond, dark suspicion settles in my bones that I’m caught in a blood-soaked web.
For in this deadly game of power, where trust is a luxury I can't afford, Graysen moves like someone who's been playing long before I knew there was a game.
And his secret might prove more lethal than any forbidden magic.
ebook
First published February 27, 2025
724 people are currently reading
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About the author
Ava Larksen
4 books184 followersAva Larksen is best known for her rather wicked romantasy love stories.
When not writing or reading, she's watching apartment tours and attempting to tame her wild backyard into a charming kitchen garden.
Settled on the rugged coast of Aotearoa, Ava lives in a shambles of a bach with her partner, two boys, a wild cat, and chickens who refuse to believe they don't live in the house.
When not writing or reading, she's watching apartment tours and attempting to tame her wild backyard into a charming kitchen garden.
Settled on the rugged coast of Aotearoa, Ava lives in a shambles of a bach with her partner, two boys, a wild cat, and chickens who refuse to believe they don't live in the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 294 reviews
June 8, 2025
You cannot confine this book to one trope. It’s giving mafia meets arranged marriage, all set in 21st-century Olympus. Honestly, it’s a lot to take in, but you can’t call the premise boring.
I feel like it’s balancing between contemporary and fantasy. The plot surrounded an arranged marriage between two powerful crime families, all under a society ruled by gods with a strict tier system. Everyone has powers, but the heroine’s abilities are…something different.
Stay with me here..
At first, I had no idea what era this was supposed to be—gowns and arranged marriages alongside phones, business meetings, and refrigerators. My mental image kept shifting, as I struggled to pin down what this world was meant to look like. Not a bad thing, just a new thing.
The angsty, slow-burn tension was everything. This felt like a true enemies-to-lovers story. They’re clearly drawn to each other despite their surface-level hatred, which I prefer. I need some spark early on; too much slow burn loses me. They argue, lash out, and hate the situation they’re stuck in, but they’re not blind—they still notice and appreciate things about each other.
Honourable mention: When she spiked his whiskey with chilli juice and then kissed her so she would also feel the burn—that was gold. Even early on, he’d subtly support her waist or easily read her emotions despite trying to stay distant. He kept slipping, and it caught him off guard. I’m not usually a fan of dual POV, but with him? I needed it, so much was going on in his head.
Despite all the strong points and the story’s unique plot, I’m pausing (and maybe DNFing) at 33%. I didn’t realise how long the book was, and now I can really feel it dragging. My Kindle says it’s 14.5 hours—and it’s starting to feel every bit that length. I swear my books are usually like 5 to 8 hours, so this felt sizeable.
I also ran into a few smaller issues with the heroine. She said ‘as if’ a lot—very Clueless vibes—which felt off from how she was originally portrayed. She started to come across like a bit of a princess, and this character shift threw me.
The MMC also talked about past OW drama more than I’d like. Sure, they’re betrothed and officially not together—but when she said she could usually smell other women on him, and he replied that he recently stopped sleeping with OW right before he left for their visits… okay…do you want a gold star? It was a lusty chapter, and that moment just killed the mood. The characters just continued like it was all rosy.
I’m leaving this at 3 stars as I enjoyed the majority of the 33%, but I am not in the mood for the rest of the 67% at the moment. My concentration is failing me. Maybe I’ll come back to it.
I feel like it’s balancing between contemporary and fantasy. The plot surrounded an arranged marriage between two powerful crime families, all under a society ruled by gods with a strict tier system. Everyone has powers, but the heroine’s abilities are…something different.
Stay with me here..
At first, I had no idea what era this was supposed to be—gowns and arranged marriages alongside phones, business meetings, and refrigerators. My mental image kept shifting, as I struggled to pin down what this world was meant to look like. Not a bad thing, just a new thing.
The angsty, slow-burn tension was everything. This felt like a true enemies-to-lovers story. They’re clearly drawn to each other despite their surface-level hatred, which I prefer. I need some spark early on; too much slow burn loses me. They argue, lash out, and hate the situation they’re stuck in, but they’re not blind—they still notice and appreciate things about each other.
Honourable mention: When she spiked his whiskey with chilli juice and then kissed her so she would also feel the burn—that was gold. Even early on, he’d subtly support her waist or easily read her emotions despite trying to stay distant. He kept slipping, and it caught him off guard. I’m not usually a fan of dual POV, but with him? I needed it, so much was going on in his head.
Despite all the strong points and the story’s unique plot, I’m pausing (and maybe DNFing) at 33%. I didn’t realise how long the book was, and now I can really feel it dragging. My Kindle says it’s 14.5 hours—and it’s starting to feel every bit that length. I swear my books are usually like 5 to 8 hours, so this felt sizeable.
I also ran into a few smaller issues with the heroine. She said ‘as if’ a lot—very Clueless vibes—which felt off from how she was originally portrayed. She started to come across like a bit of a princess, and this character shift threw me.
The MMC also talked about past OW drama more than I’d like. Sure, they’re betrothed and officially not together—but when she said she could usually smell other women on him, and he replied that he recently stopped sleeping with OW right before he left for their visits… okay…do you want a gold star? It was a lusty chapter, and that moment just killed the mood. The characters just continued like it was all rosy.
I’m leaving this at 3 stars as I enjoyed the majority of the 33%, but I am not in the mood for the rest of the 67% at the moment. My concentration is failing me. Maybe I’ll come back to it.
March 14, 2025
This book started off strong with an intriguing world and a solid premise, but it quickly derailed into repetitive tropes. The so-called enemies-to-lovers dynamic turned into nonstop lust, completely overshadowing the actual plot, and the writing felt a bit juvenile at times.
The FMC had potential—quirky and rebellious at first—but she quickly became annoying, constantly “forgiving” the MMC no matter how badly he treated her. She lacks life experience, makes terrible decisions, yet is somehow crucial to everything. Meanwhile, the MMC? Total asshole vibes. Pushy, cruel, and just not that interesting. Grayson felt more like a roadblock in the story than a genuinely compelling character. His interactions with Nelle often felt off, making it nearly impossible for me to root for them at all.
There were some cool supernatural/fantasy elements, but they got buried under all the smut and frustrating character choices. This story had potential, but the execution just made it difficult to stay invested.
The FMC had potential—quirky and rebellious at first—but she quickly became annoying, constantly “forgiving” the MMC no matter how badly he treated her. She lacks life experience, makes terrible decisions, yet is somehow crucial to everything. Meanwhile, the MMC? Total asshole vibes. Pushy, cruel, and just not that interesting. Grayson felt more like a roadblock in the story than a genuinely compelling character. His interactions with Nelle often felt off, making it nearly impossible for me to root for them at all.
There were some cool supernatural/fantasy elements, but they got buried under all the smut and frustrating character choices. This story had potential, but the execution just made it difficult to stay invested.
February 28, 2025
4 Stars!
I found this book on wattpad when she was still uploading and loved it so much the first time I read the series. I recently rediscovered it and saw she was moving things around and making edits, so I gave it a re-read. It still holds up and is so good!! I have read all of it and it was left on a huge cliffhanger for the next book and I am so excited and nervous for her to finish the series. I fell in love with Nelle and Graysen through the course of the series and my heart aches for each of them and the peril and trials they have to face. The chemistry and tension between them was built up so well. The plot is so interesting and every twist that was revealed had me hooked. Their journey is rife with danger, but their love is so sweet and I hope they can have their happy ending.
UPDATE:
The author is now going to be publishing the series and I can’t wait to read it again and see how the story develops once published. So excited for Ava Larksen and can’t wait to recommend this book to all my friends!
UPDATE AGAIN:
I received this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
4 Stars!!! I am so happy that this book got published and is getting the love it deserves. There were some tweaks that I think were very beneficial, but the overall heart of the story stayed the same. Can’t wait to see what comes next!!!
I found this book on wattpad when she was still uploading and loved it so much the first time I read the series. I recently rediscovered it and saw she was moving things around and making edits, so I gave it a re-read. It still holds up and is so good!! I have read all of it and it was left on a huge cliffhanger for the next book and I am so excited and nervous for her to finish the series. I fell in love with Nelle and Graysen through the course of the series and my heart aches for each of them and the peril and trials they have to face. The chemistry and tension between them was built up so well. The plot is so interesting and every twist that was revealed had me hooked. Their journey is rife with danger, but their love is so sweet and I hope they can have their happy ending.
UPDATE:
The author is now going to be publishing the series and I can’t wait to read it again and see how the story develops once published. So excited for Ava Larksen and can’t wait to recommend this book to all my friends!
UPDATE AGAIN:
I received this book for free from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
4 Stars!!! I am so happy that this book got published and is getting the love it deserves. There were some tweaks that I think were very beneficial, but the overall heart of the story stayed the same. Can’t wait to see what comes next!!!
February 23, 2025
Detailed review-
Holy mother of all things fcukáble! DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! EVER!
🗡Explicit Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
(All open door, from warm up to act - no back door, toys/tools or bdsm)
🗡ENEMIES to lovers and my do they throw some hate about!
🗡Secrets & BETRAYALS
🗡Magic
🗡 A whole menu of trigger Warnings (see below)
🗡Magic Creature's
🗡Secret Organisation
🗡Arranged Marriage
🗡Forced Proximity
🗡Virgin Fmc
🗡Gods
I don't even know how to review this book, I have never in my life felt like this over a book!
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK because it will destroy your heart - multiple times! It will tear out your soul, stomp all over your logic, drown your emotions, and outright rip all of your feelings to shreds! You will never read another book the same way again! Even fourth wing wasn't this good for me, and that one rocked my world and has sat firmly at the top of my ivory tower pedastool towering miles above other 5 star reads.
This is a 6* read and higher still, every single page was thrilling and addictive, I was up till 5.30 am to DEVOUR this in 2 days! Yes, over 700 pages! I couldn't put it down to go the loo, eat, kiss my kids goodnight... seriously, just... ruined all other books for me!
I was waring with every chapter - I even had to stalk the author to message her and tell her how much of a cruel, evil, maniacal b1tch she is- and that I damn well love her for it!
I was so utterly invested from the first pages that I loved, hated, loathed, dredded, feared, and fantasised about main and side characters alike from the very first time we met them NO BIG INFO DUMP everything was paced out perfectly! We got a masterclass in world building, characters came alive and jumped from the page and the spice... omg, real enemies to lovers write well, but in Ava's fingers, they can last across MULTIPLE chapters! This, but I actually caught my own hips rocking while reading as if I was the fmc in that tormenting moment! I laughed my head off as I was unaware of how addicted I had become to the story!
The author Ava gave us an incredible amount of detail but spoon fed it to us so there was no skimming needed to just 'get on with it', from the gods and creatures to the Mortals and main characters we knew all about them like they've been here all our life.
The litteral only flaw I have with this book is that someone the mmc knows seems to be craving and wanting someone, which puts them in a similar situation/position to someone else and yet they never get a conversation in about advice, help, a heart to heart or anything... there are moments where you think its coming as he seems to understand the war going on and the way it's written they seem trust worthy and it genuinely surprised me that the relationship between the friends was never pushed in that direction- leading to a possible array of choices and new paths to take where the future is concerned. It just seems now- looking back, that this particular storyline was added for no reason? I'll reserve judgement until book 2 as it may be a setup for a continuation then. ( I'm totally hoping it is as I like that situation and am hoping the friends turn to each other in understanding and support!)
OK, so the twists in this book had me throwing my Kindle to pick up my phone and rant at the author - her response:
"I'm going to just sit here with a bowl of popcorn to see how the next part of the book goes for you. 😆🍿" see- cruel right !! 😈🤯
You will not predict these things. The history of the main characters is so well written that you feel it in your bones, you NEED answers, and you will yell at fictional characters!
I don't know what else I can say other than if you ever want to enjoy another fantasy book again - don't read this one, because once you turn that first page- you're fcụked.
Menu- (otherwise know as;)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
how to do this without spoiling the
Plot...
* sacriphice
* violencė
*deleting on purpose
*deleting of a parent
*gore and blud
*explicit SPICE
*Forced... erm.. just lots of forcing...
*unwanted attention *mentions of suspected attempted sa
*segsual asdault (SA)
*domestic bruises
*injury to a mythical animal
* suicide
*car accident
*control of another person
*mentions of crime, drink, and meds
*mention of the past where (now grown up) chil being injured on purpose/ abuse
*Strong language
*Infidelity
*baby goat napping
*fire
*confinement
*guns and blades
*classism
*there is a pregnant person but baby and pregnancy are fine
Holy mother of all things fcukáble! DO NOT READ THIS BOOK! EVER!
🗡Explicit Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
(All open door, from warm up to act - no back door, toys/tools or bdsm)
🗡ENEMIES to lovers and my do they throw some hate about!
🗡Secrets & BETRAYALS
🗡Magic
🗡 A whole menu of trigger Warnings (see below)
🗡Magic Creature's
🗡Secret Organisation
🗡Arranged Marriage
🗡Forced Proximity
🗡Virgin Fmc
🗡Gods
I don't even know how to review this book, I have never in my life felt like this over a book!
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK because it will destroy your heart - multiple times! It will tear out your soul, stomp all over your logic, drown your emotions, and outright rip all of your feelings to shreds! You will never read another book the same way again! Even fourth wing wasn't this good for me, and that one rocked my world and has sat firmly at the top of my ivory tower pedastool towering miles above other 5 star reads.
This is a 6* read and higher still, every single page was thrilling and addictive, I was up till 5.30 am to DEVOUR this in 2 days! Yes, over 700 pages! I couldn't put it down to go the loo, eat, kiss my kids goodnight... seriously, just... ruined all other books for me!
I was waring with every chapter - I even had to stalk the author to message her and tell her how much of a cruel, evil, maniacal b1tch she is- and that I damn well love her for it!
I was so utterly invested from the first pages that I loved, hated, loathed, dredded, feared, and fantasised about main and side characters alike from the very first time we met them NO BIG INFO DUMP everything was paced out perfectly! We got a masterclass in world building, characters came alive and jumped from the page and the spice... omg, real enemies to lovers write well, but in Ava's fingers, they can last across MULTIPLE chapters! This, but I actually caught my own hips rocking while reading as if I was the fmc in that tormenting moment! I laughed my head off as I was unaware of how addicted I had become to the story!
The author Ava gave us an incredible amount of detail but spoon fed it to us so there was no skimming needed to just 'get on with it', from the gods and creatures to the Mortals and main characters we knew all about them like they've been here all our life.
The litteral only flaw I have with this book is that someone the mmc knows seems to be craving and wanting someone, which puts them in a similar situation/position to someone else and yet they never get a conversation in about advice, help, a heart to heart or anything... there are moments where you think its coming as he seems to understand the war going on and the way it's written they seem trust worthy and it genuinely surprised me that the relationship between the friends was never pushed in that direction- leading to a possible array of choices and new paths to take where the future is concerned. It just seems now- looking back, that this particular storyline was added for no reason? I'll reserve judgement until book 2 as it may be a setup for a continuation then. ( I'm totally hoping it is as I like that situation and am hoping the friends turn to each other in understanding and support!)
OK, so the twists in this book had me throwing my Kindle to pick up my phone and rant at the author - her response:
"I'm going to just sit here with a bowl of popcorn to see how the next part of the book goes for you. 😆🍿" see- cruel right !! 😈🤯
You will not predict these things. The history of the main characters is so well written that you feel it in your bones, you NEED answers, and you will yell at fictional characters!
I don't know what else I can say other than if you ever want to enjoy another fantasy book again - don't read this one, because once you turn that first page- you're fcụked.
Menu- (otherwise know as;)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
how to do this without spoiling the
Plot...
* sacriphice
* violencė
*deleting on purpose
*deleting of a parent
*gore and blud
*explicit SPICE
*Forced... erm.. just lots of forcing...
*unwanted attention *mentions of suspected attempted sa
*segsual asdault (SA)
*domestic bruises
*injury to a mythical animal
* suicide
*car accident
*control of another person
*mentions of crime, drink, and meds
*mention of the past where (now grown up) chil being injured on purpose/ abuse
*Strong language
*Infidelity
*baby goat napping
*fire
*confinement
*guns and blades
*classism
*there is a pregnant person but baby and pregnancy are fine
February 27, 2025
This is truly one of the BEST DARK ROMANTASY & ENEMIES TO LOVERS BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!
There aren’t enough stars in the universe that I could give to rate my love for this book. But alas, I shall have to settle on 5/5.
I had the privilege of having my first ARC book being Ava’s wonderful masterpiece! I’ve been a fan of Ava’s work for a few years now and it’s wonderful to finally see her publishing the amazing work of art that is Bound in Inked Flame!!
The absolute EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER this book put me through has been one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced. The characters, the setting, the world building and the LORE. OMG THE LORE. Insane. Absolutely insane. This was one of the most beautifully written books I’ve had the chance to read.
There actually aren’t enough words to perfectly capture my feelings for this book. But to say that I fell IN LOVE with the characters would be SUCH an understatement.
Graysen Crowther— I can’t even begin to describe my love for this man, he is one of my top book boyfriends FOR REAL. He had me FERAL.
And Nelle Wytchthorn— I have never read a more badass/sweetheart FMC before, I LOVER HER SO MUCH!!
And the WAY these two interact is just incredible. The tension and chemistry between them is absolutely delicious and intense, I was constantly on edge in the best possible way. I love them both so much. They’re so very dear to me.
•••
If you’re a fan of:
- enemies to lovers (hehehe)
- dark romance (morally gray men >>)
- magic & fantasy (IT’S SO WONDERFUL)
- forced proximity (UGHHH KISS ALREADY)
Then you will LOVE. ACTUALLY, MORE THAN LOVE. This book. You MUST READ IT!!!
•••
Ava has a wickedly special talent and her writing will keep you on your toes, on the edge of your seat, and just teetering on the brink of insanity all throughout the story.
I am just so SO BEYOND HAPPY to be able to finally get a hold of this book and these characters in my hands and put them on my shelf. ABSOLUTELY THRILLED.
Congrats Ava! ❤️❤️🎉
There aren’t enough stars in the universe that I could give to rate my love for this book. But alas, I shall have to settle on 5/5.
I had the privilege of having my first ARC book being Ava’s wonderful masterpiece! I’ve been a fan of Ava’s work for a few years now and it’s wonderful to finally see her publishing the amazing work of art that is Bound in Inked Flame!!
The absolute EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER this book put me through has been one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced. The characters, the setting, the world building and the LORE. OMG THE LORE. Insane. Absolutely insane. This was one of the most beautifully written books I’ve had the chance to read.
There actually aren’t enough words to perfectly capture my feelings for this book. But to say that I fell IN LOVE with the characters would be SUCH an understatement.
Graysen Crowther— I can’t even begin to describe my love for this man, he is one of my top book boyfriends FOR REAL. He had me FERAL.
And Nelle Wytchthorn— I have never read a more badass/sweetheart FMC before, I LOVER HER SO MUCH!!
And the WAY these two interact is just incredible. The tension and chemistry between them is absolutely delicious and intense, I was constantly on edge in the best possible way. I love them both so much. They’re so very dear to me.
•••
If you’re a fan of:
- enemies to lovers (hehehe)
- dark romance (morally gray men >>)
- magic & fantasy (IT’S SO WONDERFUL)
- forced proximity (UGHHH KISS ALREADY)
Then you will LOVE. ACTUALLY, MORE THAN LOVE. This book. You MUST READ IT!!!
•••
Ava has a wickedly special talent and her writing will keep you on your toes, on the edge of your seat, and just teetering on the brink of insanity all throughout the story.
I am just so SO BEYOND HAPPY to be able to finally get a hold of this book and these characters in my hands and put them on my shelf. ABSOLUTELY THRILLED.
Congrats Ava! ❤️❤️🎉
March 4, 2025
DNF for me at 50%. For me a huge part of making or breaking the book is the main leads personality and specially the FMC (as she usually takes the lead as a narrator and persona). This FMC started great, quirky in her own ways and a bit rebellious. However, quickly she became the typical “sassy” fmc, who should shut the hell up sometimes to prevent messing things up for herself and put others (mmc) in trouble, but nope she still just goes for the big mouth. The author is trying really hard to make the fmc a smart and mature woman but she comes off as a brat with a temper issue, who doesn’t make the best decision almost ever.
The mmc was alright, but not that memorable. This book reminded me heavily at the start of “Amid clouds and bones” from Ella Fields, which I really liked. But quickly went the wrong turn.
I really wanted to push through since the idea was sort of interesting, but when the fmc became the “unique” key to save the world I was out!! I can’t do it anymore people…. It’s the same plot on repeat.
The mmc was alright, but not that memorable. This book reminded me heavily at the start of “Amid clouds and bones” from Ella Fields, which I really liked. But quickly went the wrong turn.
I really wanted to push through since the idea was sort of interesting, but when the fmc became the “unique” key to save the world I was out!! I can’t do it anymore people…. It’s the same plot on repeat.
March 6, 2025
It's amazing how many romantasy books there are, and they're all different and fantastic reads. Bound in Inked Flame is definitely a perfect example of one of those romantasies. I was hooked from the first word and could not put this book down. The plot was great, the spice was fire, the characters were amazing, and it has ALL the best tropes we love. Do not hesitate, add this to your TBR and read this book ASAP!
March 25, 2025
Phenomenal.
December 4, 2025
As of 12/4/2025 this is probably my 2nd favorite book of 2025 out of the nearly 300 books I've read this year.
Oh gosh, this banter and animosity is SO good and I'm only 7% in. I cannot wait to see how this plays out.
I'm now 23% of the way in and wondering if this is going to end up my new favorite book. It's so good. I just know it's going to ruin my life. Major heartbreak is coming.
I really want to hate Graysen, but he's such a little shit I can't help but loving him. I just feel so bad for all of the Wychthorn girls tbh, not just our FL.
I've been so anxious while reading this. I'm 40% of the way through now, and there's just this constant undercurrent that all the things are going to go wrong. It makes for quite the atmospheric read, especially since the world is pretty interesting.
Well. I was right about it being heartwrenching. Honestly, I hope Nelle burns everything to ash. Girl deserves some fire based catharsis. Graysen has some major groveling to do or I'm gonna revolt.
Next book doesn't come out till next year so... maybe wait to read this one. Def the best book I've read this year so far even though it really stressed me out.
OH! While there is an SA in this, it was handled really realistically.
Oh gosh, this banter and animosity is SO good and I'm only 7% in. I cannot wait to see how this plays out.
I'm now 23% of the way in and wondering if this is going to end up my new favorite book. It's so good. I just know it's going to ruin my life. Major heartbreak is coming.
I really want to hate Graysen, but he's such a little shit I can't help but loving him. I just feel so bad for all of the Wychthorn girls tbh, not just our FL.
I've been so anxious while reading this. I'm 40% of the way through now, and there's just this constant undercurrent that all the things are going to go wrong. It makes for quite the atmospheric read, especially since the world is pretty interesting.
Well. I was right about it being heartwrenching. Honestly, I hope Nelle burns everything to ash. Girl deserves some fire based catharsis. Graysen has some major groveling to do or I'm gonna revolt.
Next book doesn't come out till next year so... maybe wait to read this one. Def the best book I've read this year so far even though it really stressed me out.
OH! While there is an SA in this, it was handled really realistically.
February 27, 2025
“She was mine and I was Hers and no one was going to keep us apart."
- Bound In Inked Flame of Crows and Thorns Saga-By avalarksen Book Release date: February 27th,2025.
3/5 Chilli peppers
My first ARC read
Bound in Inked by Flame by Ava Larsen was a breath of fresh air the saga brings dark fantasy, enemies to loverss, and banter so fierce they could kill each other. It follows princess Nelle Wychthorn who's family is one of the highest ruling houses over the underworld ranking just under the horned gods. Nelle is treated as a pawn while her father forges a blood oath contract to arrange her marriage with sexy, brooding, shadow daddy, Graysen Crowther to stay at his high ranking of royal hierarchy; instead of caring for his daughters happiness. Nelle has a secret and at any moment her forbidden magic can ignite which causes a problem when placed in close quarters with Graysen despite their initial animosity. Shared secrets ignite a powerful desire between them. Ava did a great job at world building, reading her novel truly felt as if I was in a movie from her charachters to landscape to even their fashion.
- Bound In Inked Flame of Crows and Thorns Saga-By avalarksen Book Release date: February 27th,2025.
3/5 Chilli peppers
My first ARC read
Bound in Inked by Flame by Ava Larsen was a breath of fresh air the saga brings dark fantasy, enemies to loverss, and banter so fierce they could kill each other. It follows princess Nelle Wychthorn who's family is one of the highest ruling houses over the underworld ranking just under the horned gods. Nelle is treated as a pawn while her father forges a blood oath contract to arrange her marriage with sexy, brooding, shadow daddy, Graysen Crowther to stay at his high ranking of royal hierarchy; instead of caring for his daughters happiness. Nelle has a secret and at any moment her forbidden magic can ignite which causes a problem when placed in close quarters with Graysen despite their initial animosity. Shared secrets ignite a powerful desire between them. Ava did a great job at world building, reading her novel truly felt as if I was in a movie from her charachters to landscape to even their fashion.
April 17, 2025
in-depth, spoiler free review from a picky reader
Okay, so listen. I read this book in less than 24 hours. 12pm-5am. I INHALED this book in its entirety of 720 pages. TBR this book NOW.
Pros:
-the FMC is extremely sheltered by her parents. Right off the bat, you are made aware that some big, tumultuous event has occurred and has caused DEEP discourse throughout two prominent Houses. The author did a good job of making me feel as sheltered and cut off from information as the FMC was. I almost felt like I was working with the FMC to figure out what happened. That’s my girl, we’re tight now.
-This is real enemies to lovers. Even when we get to the love, there is an abundance of hate. When I tell you that the emotions run HIGH in this book, I mean it. It’s been an extremely long time since I sympathetically felt a character’s shame or humiliation to the point it brought me to tears. The writing was so immersive, I felt everything so deeply.
-Let’s talk about the spice. Beautifully written. Sweet, personable moments between intense passionate ones. I’m not sure how to explain this but I’ll do my best: you know when you’re super comfortable with your partner, you have those little laughs or silly banter during intimacy? This author did that and I think that’s why it was so good and what made it feel real.
-THE SPICE MOVES THE PLOT FORWARD. I REPEAT: THE SPICY SCENES FURTHER THE PLOT AND HAVE PURPOSE. HALLELUJAH! (I am always very impressed by this bc I don’t see it too often in this genre. Honestly, I’d give five stars for this alone.)
Cons:
-Repetitive punctuation/writing style. To be extremely specific:
-Overuse of italics/exclamation point combos to show characters’ inner thoughts. And they’d have multiple inside thoughts on almost every single page. They weren’t always thoughts that added to the narrative, and quite a few could have been removed without affecting the story.
-Overuse of exclamation marks in general. It felt like there were always multiple per page. We simply don’t exclaim things that often in real life, so sometimes it made certain things come off as disingenuous to me.
-Overuse of em dashes. I LOVE a good em dash. It just starts to make my eye twitch when I see five of them on a single page (this is not an exaggeration, I counted).
All of that said, I truly feel like the author did such an excellent job with this character-driven plot that it kinda balanced out my petty annoyance. Yes, I admit I’m petty about it and that’s one of the reasons I’m not being stingy with my stars.
-Dub-con but not for the reason you think. As I said earlier, the FMC is very sheltered. If you assumed she’s a virgin bc I said that, here’s a cookie! So as a virgin, she’s obviously nervous and unsure. But she’s so unsure that she changes her mind like six or seven times in the span of one or two pages. It’s 100% okay to change your mind and revoke consent at any point during sexual contact. That being said, if someone did this to me, I would put my clothes back on and leave. It just ended up feeling SO tedious.
And if you were wondering, yes, he does push her to go through with certain things they try when she gets flip-floppy like that. Without focusing on sexual scenes, she had to be pushed by many characters to do certain things. You watch her personality grow and change as she tries new things, learns new information, and suffers through betrayal.
This is just a random bit, but if you liked Feathers so Vicious by Liv Zander, you will like this book. Vice versa. I’ve never read a book that had enough of the same plot elements to recommend side by side with Feathers, so I enjoyed this very much.
Also I texted my sister in law this morning to recommend this. I told her I’d trip her, sit on her, and read the book out loud to her if I had to. 😂
Okay, so listen. I read this book in less than 24 hours. 12pm-5am. I INHALED this book in its entirety of 720 pages. TBR this book NOW.
Pros:
-the FMC is extremely sheltered by her parents. Right off the bat, you are made aware that some big, tumultuous event has occurred and has caused DEEP discourse throughout two prominent Houses. The author did a good job of making me feel as sheltered and cut off from information as the FMC was. I almost felt like I was working with the FMC to figure out what happened. That’s my girl, we’re tight now.
-This is real enemies to lovers. Even when we get to the love, there is an abundance of hate. When I tell you that the emotions run HIGH in this book, I mean it. It’s been an extremely long time since I sympathetically felt a character’s shame or humiliation to the point it brought me to tears. The writing was so immersive, I felt everything so deeply.
-Let’s talk about the spice. Beautifully written. Sweet, personable moments between intense passionate ones. I’m not sure how to explain this but I’ll do my best: you know when you’re super comfortable with your partner, you have those little laughs or silly banter during intimacy? This author did that and I think that’s why it was so good and what made it feel real.
-THE SPICE MOVES THE PLOT FORWARD. I REPEAT: THE SPICY SCENES FURTHER THE PLOT AND HAVE PURPOSE. HALLELUJAH! (I am always very impressed by this bc I don’t see it too often in this genre. Honestly, I’d give five stars for this alone.)
Cons:
-Repetitive punctuation/writing style. To be extremely specific:
-Overuse of italics/exclamation point combos to show characters’ inner thoughts. And they’d have multiple inside thoughts on almost every single page. They weren’t always thoughts that added to the narrative, and quite a few could have been removed without affecting the story.
-Overuse of exclamation marks in general. It felt like there were always multiple per page. We simply don’t exclaim things that often in real life, so sometimes it made certain things come off as disingenuous to me.
-Overuse of em dashes. I LOVE a good em dash. It just starts to make my eye twitch when I see five of them on a single page (this is not an exaggeration, I counted).
All of that said, I truly feel like the author did such an excellent job with this character-driven plot that it kinda balanced out my petty annoyance. Yes, I admit I’m petty about it and that’s one of the reasons I’m not being stingy with my stars.
-Dub-con but not for the reason you think. As I said earlier, the FMC is very sheltered. If you assumed she’s a virgin bc I said that, here’s a cookie! So as a virgin, she’s obviously nervous and unsure. But she’s so unsure that she changes her mind like six or seven times in the span of one or two pages. It’s 100% okay to change your mind and revoke consent at any point during sexual contact. That being said, if someone did this to me, I would put my clothes back on and leave. It just ended up feeling SO tedious.
And if you were wondering, yes, he does push her to go through with certain things they try when she gets flip-floppy like that. Without focusing on sexual scenes, she had to be pushed by many characters to do certain things. You watch her personality grow and change as she tries new things, learns new information, and suffers through betrayal.
This is just a random bit, but if you liked Feathers so Vicious by Liv Zander, you will like this book. Vice versa. I’ve never read a book that had enough of the same plot elements to recommend side by side with Feathers, so I enjoyed this very much.
Also I texted my sister in law this morning to recommend this. I told her I’d trip her, sit on her, and read the book out loud to her if I had to. 😂
July 9, 2025
This whole 700 page book is about ONE WEEKEND where two people who’ve hated each other their whole lives accomplish the following things:
- attend an engagement party
- play multiple mean spirited pranks on each other
- get in a fight about who FMCs first kiss should be
- fight a few more times because why not
- fight with family members
- fight with each other again
- meet with a potential second love interest
- get caught and fight again
- go to bed
- hunt a serial killer (what?)
- wake up from a nightmare
- discover they are sleeping in a similar location
- fight about that
- talk over the fight with family members
- go back to sleep
JK all of that happens a in 6 hour window. It takes up 150 pages and most of it is useless. This becomes kind of a pattern in this book: cutting literally nothing out. At one point FMC and MMC have a conversation AND a flashback that would have taken about 30 minutes real time WHILE THEY ARE TREADING WATER IN A LAKE. That’s a serious workout! Every conversation in the whole book is so long and there are waaaaaayy too many conversations.
And the characters? Idk man. MMC may be the first “book boyfriend” that I think is just so pathetic. Doesn’t make any of his own choices, can’t save anyone, easily bossed around. He’s not the *villain* he’s a bystander in his own life AT BEST.
FMC is supposed to be smart, but she doesn’t figure out any of the secrets being kept from her before they are explicitly told to her for some reason. I hate the blushing virgin to sex addict pipeline she travels in about 2 paragraphs. I hate that she forgives everyone for everything. I hate that she doesn’t just leave. Ever see a video of a dog ramming its head into the side of a cage to get out when the door is literally open? Kinda how I feel about her. Her powers are so unpredictable and dangerous that I found myself siding with the Horned Gods, like yeah I wouldn’t want earthquake lightning girl loose in public either.
I can and will not understand why this book is so long and why it wasn’t broken up over the time span of a few months. I definitely skimmed it to the end, but even then, I couldn’t tell you a single thing about how the Horned Gods worked or why any of these people need to work for them. Why are so many of these mafia people “others”? And if you wipe out an entire bloodline every time it happens, how do you have any followers left? We only hear about like six of these families and three of them are harboring others, so isn’t that like half of their followers right there? What the hell is wrong with these stupid people?
I’m not reading the second one, no cliff hanger can bait me into it. I will not cave!
- attend an engagement party
- play multiple mean spirited pranks on each other
- get in a fight about who FMCs first kiss should be
- fight a few more times because why not
- fight with family members
- fight with each other again
- meet with a potential second love interest
- get caught and fight again
- go to bed
- hunt a serial killer (what?)
- wake up from a nightmare
- discover they are sleeping in a similar location
- fight about that
- talk over the fight with family members
- go back to sleep
JK all of that happens a in 6 hour window. It takes up 150 pages and most of it is useless. This becomes kind of a pattern in this book: cutting literally nothing out. At one point FMC and MMC have a conversation AND a flashback that would have taken about 30 minutes real time WHILE THEY ARE TREADING WATER IN A LAKE. That’s a serious workout! Every conversation in the whole book is so long and there are waaaaaayy too many conversations.
And the characters? Idk man. MMC may be the first “book boyfriend” that I think is just so pathetic. Doesn’t make any of his own choices, can’t save anyone, easily bossed around. He’s not the *villain* he’s a bystander in his own life AT BEST.
FMC is supposed to be smart, but she doesn’t figure out any of the secrets being kept from her before they are explicitly told to her for some reason. I hate the blushing virgin to sex addict pipeline she travels in about 2 paragraphs. I hate that she forgives everyone for everything. I hate that she doesn’t just leave. Ever see a video of a dog ramming its head into the side of a cage to get out when the door is literally open? Kinda how I feel about her. Her powers are so unpredictable and dangerous that I found myself siding with the Horned Gods, like yeah I wouldn’t want earthquake lightning girl loose in public either.
I can and will not understand why this book is so long and why it wasn’t broken up over the time span of a few months. I definitely skimmed it to the end, but even then, I couldn’t tell you a single thing about how the Horned Gods worked or why any of these people need to work for them. Why are so many of these mafia people “others”? And if you wipe out an entire bloodline every time it happens, how do you have any followers left? We only hear about like six of these families and three of them are harboring others, so isn’t that like half of their followers right there? What the hell is wrong with these stupid people?
I’m not reading the second one, no cliff hanger can bait me into it. I will not cave!
February 27, 2025
Rich lore. Compelling characters. Intense angst. Sizzling chemistry. This book has it ALL.
I came for the enemies-to-lovers dark romance, and stayed for the incredible story and worldbuilding. Ava Larksen has crafted such an intense and rich world here, populated with multifaceted and compelling characters that feel like real people despite the fantastical magic of it all.
In a world where Horned Gods rule all that is dark and sinful, powerful families have gained their favour, as long as they follow the rules. Of course many of these families bend the rules, if not outright break them, while also trying to be the house on top of all of the other houses. There is family drama, infighting, politics, and the looming threat of the Horned Gods decimating anyone they see fit to.
All of the characters have secrets, expertly woven into the narrative and revealed at the most WTF times that left my head spinning on many occasions. Every time I thought I had a grasp on the answer to a question, five more would pop up and I'd be screaming over what just happened and what's going to happen next. The web of each character's past stretching and overlapping extends in a perfectly-paced way narratively, making for a gripping read I couldn't put down for two straight days.
Ava's writing is visceral, delicious, all-encompassing. This book is one that sucks me in, has be living and breathing alongside the characters, gasping for air. Everything from the mundanity of a character walking barefoot through the forest to experiencing magic to getting magnificently railed is described with care and intent while feeling effortless. Reading this book was a feast in every sense of the word, for every inch of me, and left me feeling dazed and full and satisfied like I'd ravished an excellent meal. (This isn't to say I'm not STARVING for book two, though!)
I adored every second of this book, and has stuck with me after, mind whirling with theories and possibilities and just fantasizing about the characters. God. Absolutely incredible.
If you're a fan of magic or romantasy or dark romance or demons or lore or enemies-to-lovers or all of the above, you need this book in your life. There are not enough stars on this earth for me to properly rate this. Just read it!
I came for the enemies-to-lovers dark romance, and stayed for the incredible story and worldbuilding. Ava Larksen has crafted such an intense and rich world here, populated with multifaceted and compelling characters that feel like real people despite the fantastical magic of it all.
In a world where Horned Gods rule all that is dark and sinful, powerful families have gained their favour, as long as they follow the rules. Of course many of these families bend the rules, if not outright break them, while also trying to be the house on top of all of the other houses. There is family drama, infighting, politics, and the looming threat of the Horned Gods decimating anyone they see fit to.
All of the characters have secrets, expertly woven into the narrative and revealed at the most WTF times that left my head spinning on many occasions. Every time I thought I had a grasp on the answer to a question, five more would pop up and I'd be screaming over what just happened and what's going to happen next. The web of each character's past stretching and overlapping extends in a perfectly-paced way narratively, making for a gripping read I couldn't put down for two straight days.
Ava's writing is visceral, delicious, all-encompassing. This book is one that sucks me in, has be living and breathing alongside the characters, gasping for air. Everything from the mundanity of a character walking barefoot through the forest to experiencing magic to getting magnificently railed is described with care and intent while feeling effortless. Reading this book was a feast in every sense of the word, for every inch of me, and left me feeling dazed and full and satisfied like I'd ravished an excellent meal. (This isn't to say I'm not STARVING for book two, though!)
I adored every second of this book, and has stuck with me after, mind whirling with theories and possibilities and just fantasizing about the characters. God. Absolutely incredible.
If you're a fan of magic or romantasy or dark romance or demons or lore or enemies-to-lovers or all of the above, you need this book in your life. There are not enough stars on this earth for me to properly rate this. Just read it!
February 9, 2025
Are you looking for a true enemies-to-lovers romance? Do you enjoy a low fantasy setting filled with secret societies, terrifying gods, and hidden powers? Are you craving an addictive plot with superbly woven smut that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you shocked by the unexpected? Then Bound in Inked Flame is the book for you.
Follow Nelle and Greysend as they navigate a whirlwind of emotions, fighting against all odds—and all good sense—as they inevitably fall for each other.
The story is masterfully written, featuring engaging characters and witty banter. This isn’t just any enemies-to-lovers trope; you can feel the tension, the genuine animosity between the two. But as the story unfolds, the evolution of their relationship is both believable and captivating, as physical attraction deepens into something more profound. Each chapter is perfectly balanced, drawing you in and leaving you eager for what comes next.
The author’s immersive descriptions of people, places, and—most importantly—emotions are remarkable. You won’t just read about what the characters feel; you’ll experience it right alongside them. The emotions are so vividly described that they seem almost tangible.
What stood out most to me was the low fantasy element. It isn’t just a backdrop; it’s intricately woven into the characters’ lives, driving much of the plot. Nelle, our fierce and relatable FMC, wants nothing to do with this dangerous world. She longs for a simple life—working as a waitress, living quietly—but the cruel, unforgiving world she inhabits refuses to let her go.
This is the first book in a series, and it ends on a gripping cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for more. I can’t wait to dive into book two and discover what happens next.
Bound in Inked Flame is a stunning, emotional rollercoaster that blends romance, fantasy, and drama in a way that’s impossible to put down. Whether you’re here for the chemistry, the plot, or the vivid worldbuilding, this book delivers on every front.
Highly recommend—don’t miss it!
Follow Nelle and Greysend as they navigate a whirlwind of emotions, fighting against all odds—and all good sense—as they inevitably fall for each other.
The story is masterfully written, featuring engaging characters and witty banter. This isn’t just any enemies-to-lovers trope; you can feel the tension, the genuine animosity between the two. But as the story unfolds, the evolution of their relationship is both believable and captivating, as physical attraction deepens into something more profound. Each chapter is perfectly balanced, drawing you in and leaving you eager for what comes next.
The author’s immersive descriptions of people, places, and—most importantly—emotions are remarkable. You won’t just read about what the characters feel; you’ll experience it right alongside them. The emotions are so vividly described that they seem almost tangible.
What stood out most to me was the low fantasy element. It isn’t just a backdrop; it’s intricately woven into the characters’ lives, driving much of the plot. Nelle, our fierce and relatable FMC, wants nothing to do with this dangerous world. She longs for a simple life—working as a waitress, living quietly—but the cruel, unforgiving world she inhabits refuses to let her go.
This is the first book in a series, and it ends on a gripping cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for more. I can’t wait to dive into book two and discover what happens next.
Bound in Inked Flame is a stunning, emotional rollercoaster that blends romance, fantasy, and drama in a way that’s impossible to put down. Whether you’re here for the chemistry, the plot, or the vivid worldbuilding, this book delivers on every front.
Highly recommend—don’t miss it!
June 13, 2025
This book is beautiful from start to finish. It totally broke me. It never loses its pace, nothing feels out of place, rushed or unreal. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book where I so completely fell in love with the two MC. The duel POV was perfect. I had actually had butterflies as their relationship developed.
Th world unfolded in an unexpected way, although this is an urban fantasy, Nell’s naivety and inexperience with the world means there’s a claustrophobic element to part of your understanding, in many ways it feels like high fantasy or medieval, it was perfectly done. Grayson experience with the real world helps extend your understanding of the world as he and Nell begin to share more about themselves and they leave the estate.
The way the story develops and the characters get to know each other was unreal honestly just perfection. I have never read better. When we begin Nell is so innocent and green and how she grows, is just so beautiful. Grayson is just so broken by the end I wanted to cry for him.
I have never read a book before and instantly want to reread it so I can be sure I didn’t miss anything. I couldn’t skip a single word in this book. Also side note the spice in this book is impeccable, the best I have ever read, it’s so delicious literally spans chapters but never ever feels unnecessary
Th world unfolded in an unexpected way, although this is an urban fantasy, Nell’s naivety and inexperience with the world means there’s a claustrophobic element to part of your understanding, in many ways it feels like high fantasy or medieval, it was perfectly done. Grayson experience with the real world helps extend your understanding of the world as he and Nell begin to share more about themselves and they leave the estate.
The way the story develops and the characters get to know each other was unreal honestly just perfection. I have never read better. When we begin Nell is so innocent and green and how she grows, is just so beautiful. Grayson is just so broken by the end I wanted to cry for him.
I have never read a book before and instantly want to reread it so I can be sure I didn’t miss anything. I couldn’t skip a single word in this book. Also side note the spice in this book is impeccable, the best I have ever read, it’s so delicious literally spans chapters but never ever feels unnecessary
June 13, 2025
4.5⭐️
Oh my....I did love this so so so so much!
Is it a masterpiece? No.
Did I enjoy every single page?
Hell yes.
The spicy scenes were a it repetitive and there were plenty of it. A little bit less of that and more of the interesting world around the spice.
No character was as it seems and there was depth to every single one of them.
The author could improve a few things, but to be honest this book entertained me way too much to not give it nearly 5 stars.
Oh my....I did love this so so so so much!
Is it a masterpiece? No.
Did I enjoy every single page?
Hell yes.
The spicy scenes were a it repetitive and there were plenty of it. A little bit less of that and more of the interesting world around the spice.
No character was as it seems and there was depth to every single one of them.
The author could improve a few things, but to be honest this book entertained me way too much to not give it nearly 5 stars.
February 15, 2025
I can't help but love this book. There's so much detail you can't help but feel like you're in the book with the characters.
She is a thick girl (the book), but I loved every second of it. There was so much detail. If it was shorter you would have missed important details. This kept my attention the entire time. There was no daul moment.
This is a true enemies to lovers trope. Most books have cutesy enemies to lovers, and before you know it, they are in love having the best sex of their lives, and then they live happily ever after. That's not this enemies to lovers. They legitimately despised each other. And they have for years. They didn't secretly like each other. It was a delight to watch the characters grow. Their bound and love felt genuine. It just felt genuine and not manufactured or cheesy. I'm having a hard time explaining what I mean. I apologize if this doesn't make any sense.
The twists and turns kept me on my toes. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about what might happen next. I couldn't wait for me to be able to read more. I thought I had it all figured out, and then I started to read the book again to find out that I was wrong... I came close a couple of times. I love it when a book is unpredictable. I'm usually a pretty good guesser, but not with this one.
It's only February, and I swear I've already found my top 5 reads of the year... this is going to be hard to narrow it down. There are so many good books this year alone.
Im still thinking about this book! I had a lot of fun with this one.
I recommend giving this a read! I wish I could go back and read this again for the first! This deserves all the hype.
She is a thick girl (the book), but I loved every second of it. There was so much detail. If it was shorter you would have missed important details. This kept my attention the entire time. There was no daul moment.
This is a true enemies to lovers trope. Most books have cutesy enemies to lovers, and before you know it, they are in love having the best sex of their lives, and then they live happily ever after. That's not this enemies to lovers. They legitimately despised each other. And they have for years. They didn't secretly like each other. It was a delight to watch the characters grow. Their bound and love felt genuine. It just felt genuine and not manufactured or cheesy. I'm having a hard time explaining what I mean. I apologize if this doesn't make any sense.
The twists and turns kept me on my toes. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about what might happen next. I couldn't wait for me to be able to read more. I thought I had it all figured out, and then I started to read the book again to find out that I was wrong... I came close a couple of times. I love it when a book is unpredictable. I'm usually a pretty good guesser, but not with this one.
It's only February, and I swear I've already found my top 5 reads of the year... this is going to be hard to narrow it down. There are so many good books this year alone.
Im still thinking about this book! I had a lot of fun with this one.
I recommend giving this a read! I wish I could go back and read this again for the first! This deserves all the hype.
June 28, 2025
3.5 Stars, but 4 for the entertainment factor.
There are some glaring issues with this story, including obnoxious tropes, uneven pacing, too many words, and so much angst, but for all of that, I found it to be a fun roller coaster of a read and I was pretty hooked from early on.
Things I liked: the snark, the character interactions, world building, mafia meets romantasy vibes, the FMC had a decent head on her and wasn't a complete moron, the writing style which was good at showing and not just telling the reader about the story and characters.
Things that need some work: Virginal trope (urgh), young characters making stupid and angsty decisions, the FMC giving way to the MMC a bit too much, the open door scenes became boring after a while, repetitious thoughts, scenes that go on forever, etc.
What is really needed is a good editor to cut down some of that word excess!
All said, I'm engaged and interested and am looking forward to book 2.
There are some glaring issues with this story, including obnoxious tropes, uneven pacing, too many words, and so much angst, but for all of that, I found it to be a fun roller coaster of a read and I was pretty hooked from early on.
Things I liked: the snark, the character interactions, world building, mafia meets romantasy vibes, the FMC had a decent head on her and wasn't a complete moron, the writing style which was good at showing and not just telling the reader about the story and characters.
Things that need some work: Virginal trope (urgh), young characters making stupid and angsty decisions, the FMC giving way to the MMC a bit too much, the open door scenes became boring after a while, repetitious thoughts, scenes that go on forever, etc.
What is really needed is a good editor to cut down some of that word excess!
All said, I'm engaged and interested and am looking forward to book 2.
February 27, 2025
I graciously received this book as an arc reader and I am so beyond grateful!
This book is absolutely incredible. Honestly. It’s brutal. You feel Nelle and Graysen’s feelings, their thoughts, their rationale, the war within themselves. I went through such an array of emotions, mostly because I couldn’t fault either of them for their thought process and actions that followed suit. There was no clear cut path of what should and shouldn’t happen, and not once did I experience frustrating incredulity with their interactions.
I truly, truly loved this book. It’s nearly a thousand pages - the longest books I’ve read thus far, but honestly, the journey is very much worth it. I’ve read books half the length that felt double the time.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!!
This book is absolutely incredible. Honestly. It’s brutal. You feel Nelle and Graysen’s feelings, their thoughts, their rationale, the war within themselves. I went through such an array of emotions, mostly because I couldn’t fault either of them for their thought process and actions that followed suit. There was no clear cut path of what should and shouldn’t happen, and not once did I experience frustrating incredulity with their interactions.
I truly, truly loved this book. It’s nearly a thousand pages - the longest books I’ve read thus far, but honestly, the journey is very much worth it. I’ve read books half the length that felt double the time.
I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!!
April 15, 2025
Oh. My. God.
This book? This BOOK.
If you need a new magical world, mafia vibes and some heavy Enemies to lovers with a GRAY mmc then let me tell you… read this god damned book.
I devoured this book, Nell and Gray? Gods I wanted to kill them, but your honour I love them. Graysons flashback, my heart broke. Nell being caught in a twisted game of politics and secrets and having to come out of her shell? Beautiful 😭
The side characters are actually INTERESTING. The story is detailed and full of twists and turns coming to a climax that made me want to scream (mind the smut also had this affect 😉😉).
I am chomping at the bit for the next book. Ava Larksen what have you done to me?
This book? This BOOK.
If you need a new magical world, mafia vibes and some heavy Enemies to lovers with a GRAY mmc then let me tell you… read this god damned book.
I devoured this book, Nell and Gray? Gods I wanted to kill them, but your honour I love them. Graysons flashback, my heart broke. Nell being caught in a twisted game of politics and secrets and having to come out of her shell? Beautiful 😭
The side characters are actually INTERESTING. The story is detailed and full of twists and turns coming to a climax that made me want to scream (mind the smut also had this affect 😉😉).
I am chomping at the bit for the next book. Ava Larksen what have you done to me?
July 18, 2025
I’m thankful to the author for providing an ARC! 3.5/5 stars ⭐️
The world pulled me in with their cruel society serving the Horned Gods hidden on the edge of our own. Nelle and Graysen truly start out as enemies and Nelle comes from the Great House that rules all others. The plot was dark, full of betrayal and fighting.
The book was long and may have benefited from condensing scenes as some of the big moments in the plot took multiple lengthy chapters.
I’m curious to see where the next book takes these characters!
The world pulled me in with their cruel society serving the Horned Gods hidden on the edge of our own. Nelle and Graysen truly start out as enemies and Nelle comes from the Great House that rules all others. The plot was dark, full of betrayal and fighting.
The book was long and may have benefited from condensing scenes as some of the big moments in the plot took multiple lengthy chapters.
I’m curious to see where the next book takes these characters!
June 11, 2025
Excuse me. EXCUSE ME. Not me finishing this book and only then finding out the next part is supposed to be published 2026?! This has the worst ending!!!
This book kept me hooked even though it is loooong. The story is over the top, in a lot of ways, and the storyline… gods, it keeps on and on and on and was building new plots over and over, but at least not in a illogical or too surprising way. I felt like DNF around 30-40% but boy am I happy so continued! So worth it! And the stuff I was bothered with & why I wanted to quit was restored and then twisted again and kept me ON MY TOES.
+ strong fmc
+ magic, gods, monsters/magical creatures, sacrifices, betrayal, family feuds, antagonizing families, mafia, secrets, political games, enemies to lovers
+ VERY slow worldbuilding that promises a spectacular next part (hopefully)
+ loved the descriptions of their romance, spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
+ saving each other, not only the male protecting the fmc
+ finally a book that’s not too unrealistic in the way people make their decisions (a lot of flaws) - that’s a reason why it’s so long & why the decisions are comprehensible
+ lots of twists & turns
+ character development (at least for some)
+ more than fmc & mmc characters
+ changing pov‘s (her’s and his - but in a good way!)
+ long but still fast paced? Although sometimes a little repetitive (but very little)
- mixed worlds (fantasy & reality)
- a little too much back and forth and repeating plotlines in Nelles and Graysen‘s relationship
- too much secrets and sudden opened plots that came out of the blue (and made me wonder if I read correctly), but, as mentioned above, I think it promises for a bombastic reveal in upcoming books and a very rich world and story
- why was it so hard for Nelle to find out about the alverac stuff when she has ~such superior hearing~? I don’t understand. I thought she knew so much that was going on *sarcastic eye roll*
- I don’t like the whole ‚she‘s a virgin‘ trope and found his pov about that annoying and problematic…
In short, it’s about Nelle, who lives like a caged bird in her family’s estate because she possesses magic no one can know about. Her family tries their best to keep her locked up and safe - but do they? She was promised to Graysen from an early age but she doesn’t understand why. He is from a rivaling house (ofc) and they hate each other wholeheartedly. Her house (and his, amongst others) are servants to some higher beings - horned gods - and are the mightiest among the hierarchy of houses that serve them. So she doesn’t understand why her family isn’t able to protect her from marrying someone they despise, someone who is even evil. There is a lot of omission surrounding these gods and other mythical creatures and even Nelles powers; but everything becomes clearer when Nelle is forced to stay one day each month with Graysen when she turns 19, because she will be his as soon as she turns 20…
It took some time to get adjusted to the story here, mainly because it’s a fantasy world parallel to reality, which means there are horned gods (which you will get to know more about prrrrretty late as the story evolves) and smartphones next to each other. Also because of the fact that a lot of information was withheld to the point it made me impatient and read sentences 3x to check if I missed something because the information was so scarcely given it made not a lot of sense - later on Ava came back to most of these holes (if not all) and filled the missing pieces in or at least there was a hint it would be continued. But still, it made me a little squirmish at times. Some stuff was just dropped (like said horned gods or sometimes sentences like ‚I thought I saw something there but in the blink of an eye it was gone‘ and then you find out 150 pages later what that was about) without a lot of explanation. In that sense this book reminded me of onyx storm because there are just so many plots opened and they stay open and keep you guessing mostly til the end and beyond. It’s kind of a slow burn in that regard ;)
Not so much in the romance-part though, there is bickering and romance and questioning and protecting and SPICE. Around half-part I became a little annoyed how Nelle was being soft and forgiving because I loved her edginess and wildness. But if you’re able to push through that you will find an amazing story with a huge backstory and especially find that Nelle doesn’t let herself OR HIM be messed with. She’s protecting him just as much and she’s even more powerful than it seems.
I‘d say it’s a little annoying how much these two changed their minds - especially Graysen - and how long this ‚I don’t want but I can’t stay away‘ keeps going on. Mind you, this book has over 700 pages. At the same time I understand Ava because it made it feel logical to me. There are so many aspects to the relationship of Nelle & Graysen and this whole back and forth prepared me for the ending in a way - but not really, I‘m still devastated and shooketh!!!!!
****From here on spoilers****
What on earth is Graysen‘s family thinking (but of course, they are bad and dark, blablabla) and I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that in the end Nelle took the rope and tied herself?! Why dear, why?! I thought the towers that were keeping her from swifting were almost down already, I just don’t get it why she couldn’t make her escape.
I‘m a little afraid about this new guy that appeared, what was his name again, Silas or something?, and I‘m sensing he will become important in the next book but I don’t like changing love interests after I was assured over and over again that Nelle and Graysen have THE deepest connection, can sense each other over distances and allllll. So pleeeeeaaase no.
Also one can only HOPE that the Crowther‘s mum won’t be happy about their action, it speaks against how she is portrayed that she would want them to act that way and gamble with another life to safe her and get her back.
This book kept me hooked even though it is loooong. The story is over the top, in a lot of ways, and the storyline… gods, it keeps on and on and on and was building new plots over and over, but at least not in a illogical or too surprising way. I felt like DNF around 30-40% but boy am I happy so continued! So worth it! And the stuff I was bothered with & why I wanted to quit was restored and then twisted again and kept me ON MY TOES.
+ strong fmc
+ magic, gods, monsters/magical creatures, sacrifices, betrayal, family feuds, antagonizing families, mafia, secrets, political games, enemies to lovers
+ VERY slow worldbuilding that promises a spectacular next part (hopefully)
+ loved the descriptions of their romance, spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
+ saving each other, not only the male protecting the fmc
+ finally a book that’s not too unrealistic in the way people make their decisions (a lot of flaws) - that’s a reason why it’s so long & why the decisions are comprehensible
+ lots of twists & turns
+ character development (at least for some)
+ more than fmc & mmc characters
+ changing pov‘s (her’s and his - but in a good way!)
+ long but still fast paced? Although sometimes a little repetitive (but very little)
- mixed worlds (fantasy & reality)
- a little too much back and forth and repeating plotlines in Nelles and Graysen‘s relationship
- too much secrets and sudden opened plots that came out of the blue (and made me wonder if I read correctly), but, as mentioned above, I think it promises for a bombastic reveal in upcoming books and a very rich world and story
- why was it so hard for Nelle to find out about the alverac stuff when she has ~such superior hearing~? I don’t understand. I thought she knew so much that was going on *sarcastic eye roll*
- I don’t like the whole ‚she‘s a virgin‘ trope and found his pov about that annoying and problematic…
In short, it’s about Nelle, who lives like a caged bird in her family’s estate because she possesses magic no one can know about. Her family tries their best to keep her locked up and safe - but do they? She was promised to Graysen from an early age but she doesn’t understand why. He is from a rivaling house (ofc) and they hate each other wholeheartedly. Her house (and his, amongst others) are servants to some higher beings - horned gods - and are the mightiest among the hierarchy of houses that serve them. So she doesn’t understand why her family isn’t able to protect her from marrying someone they despise, someone who is even evil. There is a lot of omission surrounding these gods and other mythical creatures and even Nelles powers; but everything becomes clearer when Nelle is forced to stay one day each month with Graysen when she turns 19, because she will be his as soon as she turns 20…
It took some time to get adjusted to the story here, mainly because it’s a fantasy world parallel to reality, which means there are horned gods (which you will get to know more about prrrrretty late as the story evolves) and smartphones next to each other. Also because of the fact that a lot of information was withheld to the point it made me impatient and read sentences 3x to check if I missed something because the information was so scarcely given it made not a lot of sense - later on Ava came back to most of these holes (if not all) and filled the missing pieces in or at least there was a hint it would be continued. But still, it made me a little squirmish at times. Some stuff was just dropped (like said horned gods or sometimes sentences like ‚I thought I saw something there but in the blink of an eye it was gone‘ and then you find out 150 pages later what that was about) without a lot of explanation. In that sense this book reminded me of onyx storm because there are just so many plots opened and they stay open and keep you guessing mostly til the end and beyond. It’s kind of a slow burn in that regard ;)
Not so much in the romance-part though, there is bickering and romance and questioning and protecting and SPICE. Around half-part I became a little annoyed how Nelle was being soft and forgiving because I loved her edginess and wildness. But if you’re able to push through that you will find an amazing story with a huge backstory and especially find that Nelle doesn’t let herself OR HIM be messed with. She’s protecting him just as much and she’s even more powerful than it seems.
I‘d say it’s a little annoying how much these two changed their minds - especially Graysen - and how long this ‚I don’t want but I can’t stay away‘ keeps going on. Mind you, this book has over 700 pages. At the same time I understand Ava because it made it feel logical to me. There are so many aspects to the relationship of Nelle & Graysen and this whole back and forth prepared me for the ending in a way - but not really, I‘m still devastated and shooketh!!!!!
****From here on spoilers****
What on earth is Graysen‘s family thinking (but of course, they are bad and dark, blablabla) and I just can’t wrap my head around the fact that in the end Nelle took the rope and tied herself?! Why dear, why?! I thought the towers that were keeping her from swifting were almost down already, I just don’t get it why she couldn’t make her escape.
I‘m a little afraid about this new guy that appeared, what was his name again, Silas or something?, and I‘m sensing he will become important in the next book but I don’t like changing love interests after I was assured over and over again that Nelle and Graysen have THE deepest connection, can sense each other over distances and allllll. So pleeeeeaaase no.
Also one can only HOPE that the Crowther‘s mum won’t be happy about their action, it speaks against how she is portrayed that she would want them to act that way and gamble with another life to safe her and get her back.
June 9, 2025
DNF @ 46%
June 11, 2025
The blushing virgin to sex addict was a choice… I wish the world was explained better. The mafia are “gods@ with powers and some normal people know about them but don’t have powers but they kinda do? The ending pmo - she battles to the very end just to lay down and take it. He pmo too - my family my family but I love her and belong to only her while screwing her over please.
April 29, 2025
Did I read the same book as the other 600 reviewers?? This book was a MESS. Constantly learning new VERY convenient things about the characters even 90% into the story?? Lazy. Tons of characters that were there in the beginning, then seemed to be forgotten, then “oh yeah! This persons here now!” for no reason at all. And the amount of brand names? You’d think the author was doing sponsored ads. This book made me furious.
November 9, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I have debated whether to give this 4 or 5 stars, but decided to round up as I cannot stop thinking about this book since finishing it at 3am, and I am desperate for the next book. From the get-go, it has everything I love: arranged marriages, mafia families, ancient gods, darker undertones, dual POV. It’s really hard for me to find romantasies that I actually enjoy even though this genre should be made for me, and despite its almost 800 pages, this was one of them.
This is a very character driven story, where there’s really not that much action, however we get one of the coolest action sequences I’ve ever read at the end of the book (!!!). We spend most of the story in a single location, over a single weekend. Yes, really. And whilst we could’ve probably sped up the story a bit during the middle part, it really doesn’t hinder the story. It enhances it. Because guess what? We get an actual DEVELOPED ROMANCE. The author makes me care about these characters and their relationship. The world building is slow, but we start getting to it towards the end as questions and secrets start getting unveiled. I am desperate to know more about the Horned Gods!
Nelle and Graysen are scorching hot. I love myself a morally dark MMC, and this delivers. Oh does it deliver. I was excited by Nelle’s introduction as what seemed quite different to the usual FMCs. She does fall into the petulant bratty trap for a while, but it’s only a small part of her, and she does climb out of it pretty quickly. She is incredibly sheltered and thus naive and immature in a lot of ways. I am personally not a fan of this type of FMC, I feel like there are far too many, but at least it fit the storyline. It is this naivety that puts her in danger constantly, as she just cannot see, or doesn’t want to believe what is right in front of her. I had hoped she would’ve been a bit more insightful about Graysen’s agenda.
There is manipulation and betrayal here, and boy does it hurt. With how we’re left off, I want a full female rage revenge arc for Nelle. Graysen needs to fall to his knees, and stay there. One of my main gripes is how the ending unravelled. We are told they have essentially fallen for each other (not that they’ve said so to one another), but despite this, Graysen does what he does. Now, I’m a ride or die kind of girl. My MCs need to be the same. So I find it really hard to grasp how he could be in love with her, and do what he did. This is really the main dilemma that’ll have to be resolved for me in the next books to truly believe the romance. I wish he hadn’t fallen for her yet, that could’ve come later. But I’m going to trust the process.
I have debated whether to give this 4 or 5 stars, but decided to round up as I cannot stop thinking about this book since finishing it at 3am, and I am desperate for the next book. From the get-go, it has everything I love: arranged marriages, mafia families, ancient gods, darker undertones, dual POV. It’s really hard for me to find romantasies that I actually enjoy even though this genre should be made for me, and despite its almost 800 pages, this was one of them.
This is a very character driven story, where there’s really not that much action, however we get one of the coolest action sequences I’ve ever read at the end of the book (!!!). We spend most of the story in a single location, over a single weekend. Yes, really. And whilst we could’ve probably sped up the story a bit during the middle part, it really doesn’t hinder the story. It enhances it. Because guess what? We get an actual DEVELOPED ROMANCE. The author makes me care about these characters and their relationship. The world building is slow, but we start getting to it towards the end as questions and secrets start getting unveiled. I am desperate to know more about the Horned Gods!
Nelle and Graysen are scorching hot. I love myself a morally dark MMC, and this delivers. Oh does it deliver. I was excited by Nelle’s introduction as what seemed quite different to the usual FMCs. She does fall into the petulant bratty trap for a while, but it’s only a small part of her, and she does climb out of it pretty quickly. She is incredibly sheltered and thus naive and immature in a lot of ways. I am personally not a fan of this type of FMC, I feel like there are far too many, but at least it fit the storyline. It is this naivety that puts her in danger constantly, as she just cannot see, or doesn’t want to believe what is right in front of her. I had hoped she would’ve been a bit more insightful about Graysen’s agenda.
There is manipulation and betrayal here, and boy does it hurt. With how we’re left off, I want a full female rage revenge arc for Nelle. Graysen needs to fall to his knees, and stay there. One of my main gripes is how the ending unravelled. We are told they have essentially fallen for each other (not that they’ve said so to one another), but despite this, Graysen does what he does. Now, I’m a ride or die kind of girl. My MCs need to be the same. So I find it really hard to grasp how he could be in love with her, and do what he did. This is really the main dilemma that’ll have to be resolved for me in the next books to truly believe the romance. I wish he hadn’t fallen for her yet, that could’ve come later. But I’m going to trust the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
This was my fourth time reading this book, each time I have cried, the writing is so powerful and I have always been a sucker for a strong female lead. The way that Ava is able to describe her characters and scenes make it almost lifelike, I have never once struggled to figure out how a scene could potentially have panned out, she truly has thought of everything.
I remember reading Bound for the first time, and commenting, asking when Ava finally had plans to release her book as I couldn’t wait to be able to hold a copy in my hands, now that it is a reality I am so very proud to have been able to have read it before it was fully exposed to the world.
Nelle and Graysen are two very complex characters that for a first time reader can seem toxic together, but you find you just can’t put the book down, the sequel adds so much depth to both characters that I cannot wait for it to be published as well. I love that the more they surround themselves with each other during Bound the more in sync they become, almost as if they are becoming unified as one, the Alverac looming over their heads as Nelle’s birthday soon arrives.
The way that everything surrounding the two family’s relationships with themselves and one another shows so evidently, the Crowther siblings bond with each other, the way that all of the Wychthorn daughters are all strong, independent, self assured women is so refreshing. There is no stereotypical alpha male and weak female lead, two very strong willed people that just so ended up fated to be around each other.
I cannot say enough about this series, these characters, the writing, the time, or the effort that was put into this book other than to read it, then read it again because you might have missed some important details!
I received this book as an ARC reader and am very happy to leave a review!
Thank you for sharing your writing with us, Ava, I cannot wait to see what you share next!
I remember reading Bound for the first time, and commenting, asking when Ava finally had plans to release her book as I couldn’t wait to be able to hold a copy in my hands, now that it is a reality I am so very proud to have been able to have read it before it was fully exposed to the world.
Nelle and Graysen are two very complex characters that for a first time reader can seem toxic together, but you find you just can’t put the book down, the sequel adds so much depth to both characters that I cannot wait for it to be published as well. I love that the more they surround themselves with each other during Bound the more in sync they become, almost as if they are becoming unified as one, the Alverac looming over their heads as Nelle’s birthday soon arrives.
The way that everything surrounding the two family’s relationships with themselves and one another shows so evidently, the Crowther siblings bond with each other, the way that all of the Wychthorn daughters are all strong, independent, self assured women is so refreshing. There is no stereotypical alpha male and weak female lead, two very strong willed people that just so ended up fated to be around each other.
I cannot say enough about this series, these characters, the writing, the time, or the effort that was put into this book other than to read it, then read it again because you might have missed some important details!
I received this book as an ARC reader and am very happy to leave a review!
Thank you for sharing your writing with us, Ava, I cannot wait to see what you share next!
November 21, 2025
the concept of a typical romantasy magical setting mixed with iphones refrigerators and mustangs🧐 like no bruh just choose one u cant have both it genuinely pmo especially the beginning where theyre meeting w greysons house for the arranged marriage and one of his brothers is deadass mentioned to just be on his phone like that just took me out of the book completely and i didnt like it at ALL also greyson is so useless and horrible and i dont understand why main girl keeps forgiving him like bro give it UP u know hes not choosing u like i cant just let it go kill him or something like holy fuck okaymar the only reason i got thru this
September 21, 2025
okay more like 4.6/4.7! thoroughly enjoyed the plot and the smut! however this Nelle girl has to stand up, how many times can a man tell you exactly what he wants and you’re like but he will change for me <3 girl… get a grip!
Read
June 22, 2025DNF at page nine because nope.
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