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Bound by Hades #3

Claimed By Light

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A new adult title from Entangled’s Embrace imprint…

Forgiveness softens even the hardest of hearts…

College senior Slade Bennet is so close to his degree he can taste it…until his sister becomes tangled with a coven of demons and he must trade his soul to save her. But first he must kill the assigned target: a sexually charged beauty who ignites his protective instinct.

After the devastating loss of her Companion, the last thing Halena Girard can stomach is the emotional connection to a Mate. She lives for only two things: vanquishing demons, and seeking Artifacts rumored to lead to Lucifer’s downfall. That is, until she’s attacked by a…frat boy? Worse, a newly-demonic frat boy wearing the mark of her Mate.

Halena would rather kill Slade than give him her heart. Unfortunately, the only way Slade can find his sister and Halena the Artifacts is to work together. As they face the darkest of evil, Slade’s ability to crush Halena’s carefully erected walls might prove to be the most lethal battle of all.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2014

1 person is currently reading
83 people want to read

About the author

Reese Monroe

4 books51 followers
Originally from Minnesota, Reese Monroe currently enjoys living in the sunny Arizona desert with her husband of seventeen years and her loveable Shetland Sheep dog, Maddux. Monroe holds a degree in psychology from Southwest Minnesota State University and a master’s degree from the University of Iowa. When she’s not busy writing her next trilogy, she can be found pounding the pavement, training to run her first marathon.

Reese Monroe is a contributing blogger at the widely popular site New Adult Alley and has been part of the New Adult revolution for years having penned over twenty-five novels in the exciting new category.

Connect with Reese on Twitter, through Facebook or her website. Reese also writes as Lynn Rush and you can find her alter ego here.

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5 stars
22 (44%)
4 stars
19 (38%)
3 stars
7 (14%)
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1 (2%)
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1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Keri.
1,339 reviews26 followers
August 25, 2014
I was so glad to get Helena’s story. She was the sweetest bitchy gatekeeper ever. Helena, who I had grown to really enjoy over the first two books is plagued by sadness and regret due to her companions death in Hades. We get to see Lena find peace with what happened, love for her mate, and his sister and renewed faith in the Great One in this book. Slade, is Helena’s mate…..he is also an Oracle and for awhile a demon flegding. Ms Monroe once again wove the story wonderfully, tying up questions from previous books, adding new ones to the mix and still creating a world in which you are completely immersed and furiously flipping pages to find out what happens next. We get some glimpses of Theo and Sadie and yay a new baby, Yvonne and Justin are present as well. Plus we meet a new Gatekeeper, Brenton and Slade’s younger sister Addie. Unfortunately there is no Dasha in this story, although she is briefly mentioned I really enjoy her though so I hope she gets her own story at some point. If you enjoyed the first two, Forged by Fate and Marked by Hades, then this will surely not disappoint. For those of you who have not read any of the books, GO GET THEM!
This was a complimentary e-copy provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
August 25, 2014
I love this series so of course when the author puts out a new book belonging in it I have to read it and I wasn't disappointed although I loved it Theo's book was still my favorite. Len that girl knows how to hold a grudge not that I blame her, "you poisoned me, Slade! I....you" - her jaw tightened - "effing betrayed me. That's not something I can get over with a snap of my fingers." I loved how Slade knew some of Lena's behaviors, "Addies touched Halena's fingers around his wrist, and they tightened. Her fangs jetted out, and Addie gasped. "It's okay, Addster." Slade reached up best he could and caressed Lena's arm. "She's just protecting me. Back off a sec." Sometimes Slade is something else and I totally loved him, "staying focused on Grams with you straddling me like this....might be difficult." Beneath her, she felt him responding." I hope this isn't the last book in the series I fell in love with Addy so I hope she gets a book of her own, of course a few years later in the future.
Profile Image for Janelle.
120 reviews4 followers
September 5, 2014
**I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review**

5 stars!

Having lived for hundreds of years…easy – falling in love and being vulnerable, that is truly terrifying to Gate Keeper (or demon hunter) Halena Girard! After her sister or Companion as she was called is killed in the line of duty, protecting her, Halena has had a very hard time letting anyone in. But when a smooth talking Slade Bennet comes walking to up to her at a local bar with ulterior motives of his own, she can’t help but feel something for him…he’s different, she can sense it.

Sent on a mission for the very demons that Halena kills, Slade is there for one thing, and one thing only – to save his little sister Abby from the fate of being a demon the rest of her life…even if that means betraying the gorgeous red-head and turning her over to the demons. As Slade watches the demons do their worst to Halena, he figures he is just an innocent bystander who is protecting his baby sister, given their parents death when she was young – and of course, Slade now feels responsible for his rebelling sibling. But is that all there is to it, or was the passion and lust that was between he and Halena real, before he turned her over to be tortured by the demons she is supposed to return to Hades? With the help of other Gate Keepers and his little sister, Slade and Halena have to chose – fate or rebellion, as only one will work for them. The Great One has a plan and Slade as her Mate is part of it, but is Helena strong enough to follow it blindly for the sake of the safety of humanity?

WOW – let me start by saying this book was great! I had a hard time putting it down – there was action, romance, betrayal, and much more written through the pages of this book. I really enjoyed the paranormal aspect of the context – how The Great One created the Gate Keepers, they dispatch the demons and keep the balance, etc. And I don’t think there is a red blooded woman alive that wouldn’t want Slade fighting on their side! He’s loyal (well, he ends up that way at least), loving toward his family, and H-O-T! This was a very enjoyable read – looking forward to more from Ms. Monroe!
Profile Image for Jenny - Book Sojourner.
1,497 reviews173 followers
June 23, 2016
I am a big fan of this series. I loved Theo and Sadie's story. I loved Justin and Yvonne's story. Both fantastic. But I have to say, Halena and Slade's story is my favorite. After meeting the fiery Frenchwoman in the previous books and knowing she had some major walls built up around her heart and her life, I couldn't wait to get the rest of her story and see her fall in love. And what an incredible love story it was! I loved it!

Halena and Slade's story took me on quite the whirlwind experience. They both have such sad parts to their past and present, then add in the rough and raw circumstances the demons have drawn them into, and their heartbreak is palpable. But under all the hurt and injustice is an intense bond that cannot be ignored and a tentative love that beautifully develops into more. The road for Halena and Slade is far from easy. There's much to overcome. But I absolutely loved them. I loved the way they fell in love. I loved the way they saw the truth in each other beyond the façade and walls. I loved how they were better together. I just loved them!

Beyond the love story, this is the continuation of the previous two stories involving keeping the Artifacts away from the demons and stopping them from completing their master plan. There are some terrific twists and turns to the story. Great action and intensity. It kept me on my toes, not sure how it would all turn out, and if we would lose any of our loved ones in the process. This was a real page turner. Then add in getting more of Theo, Sadie, Justin and Yvonne, plus some great other new and old characters, and this story was a real treat. While there was resolution at the end of the story, I'm really hoping we are not done with these characters. I love them all and don't want to leave this world. Loved it!
Profile Image for Farrah.
1,248 reviews210 followers
September 2, 2014
A wonderful addition to the series, Claimed by Light was a lovely New Adult paranormal read. With romance, danger, and a few twists, this book was great and I really liked it.

Halena was a tough heroine. She could take down several demons and not even break a sweat. Though, to be honest, she came off as cold at first. She was determined to keep people at a distance and that tended to make her seem mean. But, as the book went on, she opened up and I started to like her more and more. She was very loyal to the people she cared about and kinder than she let on. I thought she was a lovely character.

Slade was simply adorable. He was very loyal and protective of the people he cared about, particularly his sister and, later, Halena. He was very sweet, determined to do the right thing, even when the right thing wasn't so clear, and just all around wonderful. I absolutely adored him.

The romance was sweet. Halena and Slade were so sweet together, just totally devoted to each other (after Halena got over her stubbornness, of course). And, they had some chemistry, though the heat level stayed mild. I thought they were a perfect couple..

The plot was fast paced and I was kept interested the entire way through. There was plenty of danger to keep thing going, as well as a few secrets, particularly about Slade. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.

Claimed by Light was a lovely New Adult paranormal romance that I really enjoyed. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out. And, fans of the series, this book doesn't disappoint.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Stacy.
1,335 reviews61 followers
October 18, 2014
I gave it 3/5 stars

I was not aware that CLAIMED BY LIGHT was part of a series before I started reading it. There were a few parts where I felt like I was missing something that might have happened, but I still enjoyed following the story and It was easy to get past those instances.

I enjoyed both Halena and Slade. Watching their relationship grow was enjoyable. Circumstances make it a bit hostile at times and they really had to work at some things despite their attraction and pull to each other.

I really enjoyed CLAIMED BY LIGHT and would be happy to keep reading when book 4 comes out.
Profile Image for Crystal Gaede.
6 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2014
Reese Monroe did it again!! she blew my mind with an amazing mind altering reality in my head! :)
A must read series, and this book never did disappoint!!
badass chick Helena never wanted a mate and refuses to take one!
Until she meet that dang college kid! Oh boy did both of there worlds change!
Thank you Reese Monroe for another amazing book :) (More Please!)
Profile Image for Tash.
1,301 reviews106 followers
September 22, 2014
Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics

Bound of Hades trilogy is one of those series that stood out to me from Entangled Embrace line because it tackled a genre that has been overlooked with new adult in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, there have been books in this genre written before new adult existed that fit the mould. However since the category became a thing, there haven’t that been many paranormal books that have stood out to me that I loved and wanted more from. I had high expectations when it came to Claimed by Light as I had enjoyed the previous instalments and she always brought something new to the table with each book.

Going into the third book, I didn’t know what to expect and took me a few pages to place Halena, the last of the heroes and heroines to be featured in this series. I was expecting something different once again considering the first book was Theo the head gatekeeper, and the second was his companion Justin. However I get the reason why she chose to focus on Halena, she has been there from the start and she is second to none if you want to compare gatekeepers in terms of experience and age.

Halena is a firecracker and goes everything in guns blazing literally so , you had to wonder, who was the man in question for her and how would they meet . As Halena had the opinion as Justin, she didn’t need a mate (Avanah) and she lost her companion years ago and if she couldn’t protect her companion/sister all those years ago , how could she let anyone else in.

Enter Slade Bennet a mature young man on a deathly mission to save the his little sister and willing to do anything to save her, even if means betraying someone he has never meet. But family bond are important to him and this person is no one special right, she just a target.

Halena should be just another pick up in a bar, something that happens all around the world everyday but there is evil at work and this time the demons aren’t going to down easily. Slade may think family bonds are the most important thing in the world but when love enters the picture , can you stand by and watch the person you care about being hurt.

It a question that we will probably face at one point in our lives and for these two characters, this is no exception. Helena who closed a part of herself off and doesn’t think about anyone except herself after past hurt. She all about the attack and ask questions later. Slade maybe more hesitant but when it comes to protecting someone, everything goes out of the window. They couldn’t be more perfectly matched, if he wasn’t trying to rescue herself and wasn’t throwing her to wolves. Get ready to be taken on a ride and look forward to interesting story as this couple fight to make something.

I’m disappointed this is the last of the series, as there were new characters introduced that I would love to learn more about and other secondary characters that I would love to see get their story. Don’t get me wrong I immensely enjoyed Halena and Slade story but the overall arc was slightly lacking in details compared to the previous ones. Either way, I’m hoping that we will see something else from this author soon in this genre as I enjoyed this series a lot. I wish I could give it 5 stars but the ending threw me a bit, I extend more a interesting ending. Maybe it was deliberate for a reason unknown but the ending left me wanting more and question wondering why certain characters were introduced.

4.5 couples



For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Profile Image for Kat.
974 reviews32 followers
September 15, 2014
**I was given a complimentary e-copy by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review** you can also find this review on my Blog.

This is book 3 in the Forged By Fate Trilogy, and after meeting Helena in the first two books, I was eager to see what Ms Monroe had in store for her, She is the snarky French Gate Keeper who is hell bent on staying unattached, she keeps her heart guarded after loosing her Companion (her sister for want of another description) 4 centuries ago. Helena is out on patrol in France when a College senior Slade Bennet walks up to her and chats her up... Helena is just looking for a night of fun, but there is something about Slade that keeps niggling at her heart, so she lets her walls down a little, only to have the frat boy betray her!

Slade feels really bad about betraying Helena, and nearly changes his mind, but when the Demon boss comes to collect, Slade must hand Helena over to save his sisters soul.

Captured and tortured, the last thing she wants to do is forgive Slade for betraying her, but the Great One has other plans... Slade is her 'Mate' and even though Halena would rather kill Slade than give him her heart. She has to work with Slade to find his sister and also the remaining Artifacts that the Gatekeepers need to bind Lucifer to Hades.

As they face the darkest of evil, Slade’s ability to crush Halena’s carefully erected walls might prove to be the most lethal battle of all.

They are joined by the other Gate Keepers Theo and his Mate Sadie, and his Companion, Justin and his Mate Yvonne, along with some new characters who rally to the call.

Ms Monroe takes us off to the Jungle, to battle Monsters and Demons, to swim in the tropical sea and watch Helena learn to love again, this book is a great addition to the series, I liked Helena before in the other books, she tries to come off as a person who is 'hard as nails', and she is when it comes down to fighting, but underneath it she has a huge heart, and when she cares for someone, nothing in Hell can keep her from trying to save them.

Slade is used to protecting his sister, he is honorable and was willing to give up his soul to save his little sis, I loved that about him, and I also loved the way he teased Helena about the age gap!
I really liked the humor in the way that Helena and Slade interacted together.

with this book we finally come to the end of the Mission that Theo and Justin and Helena have been trying to complete since book 1, and there is plenty of action, romance and also a few loose ends tidied up from the previous books.

I spent most of Sunday sat engrossed in the book, if you enjoy Paranormal Romance then you will enjoy this series, and fans of the books will not be disappointed

Well done Ms Monroe for delivering a great story but leaving a few loose threads for maybe another book in the future, I for one would love another Gate Keeper Story.


Profile Image for Gabbie (Rampant Readers).
303 reviews64 followers
November 30, 2014
Why I Picked It Up

I really had enjoyed the first two novels in the series and I was interested to see how the series came to a conclusion.

Plot

Claimed by Light was Halena’s story. The French Guardian who didn’t believe in Mates. So of course she is shaken when she feels an instant connection to Slade, who has just sold his soul to demons and is on the fast-track to becoming one himself. This novel was definitely interesting. We get to the conclusion of the Guardian’s battle against the demons and beating them to the artifacts. There was lots of action, suspense, and death. My only complaint is that the ending didn’t feel like the ending of a series to me. I actually had to double check as to whether it was the last novel. There just felt like there were a few too many loose-ends that needed tying.

Leading Lady

Halena was the main character in this novel. It was nice to see her character in more depth as opposed to the glimpses of her personality we see in the first two novels. To be honest, this novel really changed my opinion about her character. She went through a lot and closed herself off so valid reasons and I came to sympathize with her character over the novel. I enjoyed reading her healing process and her interactions with Slade.

Leading Male

Slade was a good guy who did a bad thing to save his sister. He was selfless and caring. He was too good to let evil overcome him and he genuinely cared for Halena and his sister. He came out as my favorite of the guys in this series because he had a tough journey. He wasn’t a Guardian or Companion—he was the Mate of a reluctant Guardian and he was on his way to complete demon-hood. He faced more struggles, internally, than both Justin and Theo.

Romance

The romance in this novel started off as instant attraction, partially due to the bond that the two shared. Then you throw in the complication of Slade drugging her and turning her in to the demons that controlled him, as well as him on the way to becoming a demon himself. That was a minor problem in the plan, but the major one was the fact that Halena wouldn’t let anyone get close to her after an event that changed her forever. It was heart-warming and slightly amusing to see Slade break through her walls and make his way into her heart. Their feelings for each other grew a bit too fast for me considering the circumstances, but they were still adorable together.

Conclusion

Claimed by Light was a good read. Although it felt more like an installment than a conclusion and I wish that more loose-ends were tied up, the plot was still entertaining enough for me to have enjoyed the read
Profile Image for Angie.
2,367 reviews251 followers
December 15, 2014
I received an ARC through NetGalley.

I didn't even realize it until the end, but Claimed by Light is the final book in this series. This time the focus is on Halena, who has been very kick ass and cynical, refusing to get close to anyone after losing her companion. And finding her mate is the last thing she wants, especially when it happens to be Slade, the young man who she was hoping to hook up with, but instead wound up drugged and at the mercy of a demon. Not the best way to start a relationship, but Slade feels horribly for what he's done, and he was only trying to save his sister's life. Now he's saving hers and Halena's while coming into his Oracle powers. He's also the most important piece in binding Lucifer and all of the demons to Hades.

There's something about this series that kept me reading, even though I was never fully invested, and Claimed by Light is no different. I definitely liked it better than the previous book, but my mind still went into a kind of autopilot mode. There's nothing wrong with books that you can just read through without much brain power, but I'd like to be more engaged than that. There's always something happening, plenty of battles and actions, but I found that I didn't really care. I was just reading to finish, with a glimmer of interest here and there. I do have to say that I liked Slade and Halena the best of the couples, since they weren't so sappy. They're more fun loving and frisky.

In the end, Claimed by Light was okay. The whole trilogy was okay. I did really like the twist on angels/demons and Heaven/Hell, but the plots all moved way too fast so I never got fully invested. The focus is on the romance, but there is a big plot going on which never got enough attention.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
Profile Image for A Reader's Heaven.
1,592 reviews28 followers
June 22, 2015
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

College senior Slade Bennet is so close to his degree he can taste it…until his sister becomes tangled with a coven of demons and he must trade his soul to save her. But first he must kill the assigned target: a sexually charged beauty who ignites his protective instinct.
After the devastating loss of her Companion, the last thing Halena Girard can stomach is the emotional connection to a Mate. She lives for only two things: vanquishing demons, and seeking Artifacts rumored to lead to Lucifer’s downfall. That is, until she’s attacked by a…frat boy? Worse, a newly-demonic frat boy wearing the mark of her Mate.
Halena would rather kill Slade than give him her heart. Unfortunately, the only way Slade can find his sister and Halena the Artifacts is to work together. As they face the darkest of evil, Slade’s ability to crush Halena’s carefully erected walls might prove to be the most lethal battle of all.



When I started this book, I hadn't realised it was the third story in the Bound By Hades series. Early on I was a little surprised by the complexity of the characters - and then I realised that I was reading Book 3 and then it all became clear...

Paranormal New Adult novels haven't exactly flown across my desk of late so I was pleasantly surprised by the telling of this tale. The author has really got her finger on the pulse of this genre and writes very well. The story of Halena is very interesting - she is one tough MC - as is the take on angels vs demons. There are some great moments throughout this book and has definitely made me want to go back and read the rest of the series.

I recommend this to readers of the genre, looking for something new to add to their collection of New Adult Paranormal fiction.


Paul
ARH

Profile Image for Carrie.
2,537 reviews19 followers
October 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the third (and final?) book of the series. After meeting Halena and seeing all the signs (making fun of the mated couples, stressing how much she did not want a mate, etc.), I knew this one was coming. We get to watch the most unlikely of candidates break through her tough as nails exterior to find the true Halena.

Slade is the typical overprotective brother, with a twist. His gift of visions lets him truly see when his sister is in real trouble. In his usual fashion, he shows up to save his sister, only to find that her latest problems are from a deal with a demon. Of course, Slade swoops in to save the day, leading him to the deadly sexy Halena. Kidnap a Gatekeeper? Sure, that should go fine.

Halena and Slade are definitely the most reluctant of mates. Between visions, prophecy, demons, and oodles of baggage, there was a lot of work to be done. What starts off as sizzling quickly gets turned way way down as the two struggle to stop the bond. Don't worry -- it gets better! This story gave some really great resolution to all the storylines, let us catch up on all the great characters we met along the way, and lets them have a warm and fuzzy HEA. I kind of hope this is the last of the series, because (even though I want to know about Zander), I love some really happy endings. This was a really satisfying and fun series that I'd recommend to anyone who wants some really unique paranormal reading.
Profile Image for Fizza.
Author 38 books40 followers
September 17, 2014
Another great read. It a paranormal fiction packed with action and thrill. I loved everything about this book, plot is great and well executed. all the characters are also well developed and overall the book is a five star read.
Slade is a college student about to graduate but then his sister once again finds herself in trouble. He must protect her and to do that he is willing to cross all limits, even if he had to sell his soul to a demon. After making sure that his sister is safe he went away to complete his task, which is to capture a beautiful woman.
Halena has been protecting earth from demons for eight hundred years. She is one of the best Gatekeepers. But she is tricked by Slade and captured by a demon. Now all she wants to do is kill them all.
But things enfolds in a different way. Slade and Halena are destined for each other and they must overcome their adversaries to be together forever. And here forever means forever, literally .... ;)
It is a must read for paranormal lovers. I think it has been quite a while since I read a paranormal this good. Absolutely loved it and recommend to all. :)
Profile Image for Stacy Reid.
Author 86 books3,427 followers
September 27, 2014
I am a paranormal junkie. So I was pretty excited to read this title. While I liked it, i did not fall in love. It was a cool read, with an interesting twist on the battle between angels/Shomeri and demons. I think I needed more world building. I did not fully understand the world, and the thrill of reading paranormals for me is that I get this edgy, beautiful and scary world to immerse myself into. I want to be intrigued and fear for the characters in equal parts. I did not get that with this book.

It was still sweet to watch our leading lady and man overcome the odds for a happy ever after. Halena was a strong kick ass heroine and I liked her. She had a softer side that we saw came out to play, and it was pretty believable. Slade was a bit harder for me to love. He felt young..but then I suppose he should be because he was after all twenty one. He was sweet when needed, strong and honorable. Overall a likable read. I will read the others in the series.
Profile Image for Felicia Semmler .
371 reviews
August 29, 2014
Le Sigh! I was so excited for Helena's story, and man Reese didn't disappoint. Slide is so swoon worthy and pretty awesome, so selfless and caring for others. I loved the addition of the whole family too - that we have grown to love through book 1 and 2. It was highly fitting that Theo, Sadie, Justin and Yvonne help Helena as she helped then in the last. I love first Zander and really hope to read his story soon. The only person I would have liked to see in this book is Dasha but there is a small mention of her and hope like crazy to read her books - love her.
Overall this book does not disappoint and really draws you in. It's a perfect ending to the trilogy - even though I want more of this amazing world that Reese has created. Cannot wait to get the print copies with bonus content. I highly recommend this book and series!
Profile Image for Patricia.
1,955 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2014
What a great cast of characters!
Halena a Gatekeeper charged with guarding the gates of Hades allows herself a night in the arms of a young American to burn some excess energy and just to feel. Slade meets Halena in a bar and makes his move. Back in his room things move quickly until Slade poisons Halena. He has no choice if he is to save his sister.
We learn he is her ahavah...her destined one. The story moves quickly without a dull moment. The gatekeepers are a family within themselves with strong mates and very fiesty attitudes. I found the book entertaining, endearing and myself wanting more. I gather this is the third book and I now find myself having to backtrack to so that I have the pleasure of reading Theophilus & Justin 's stories.
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