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Bound
Girls like me don’t fall in love.
Girls like me especially don’t fall in love with the two men that I definitely was not supposed to be seeing.
A promise was made and I plan to keep it; but, the mischievous brown eyes and the stormy blues that seem to seek me out in even the darkest of places make it difficult.
I don’t want to break the rules.
I don’t want to open my heart.
Then why does shutting myself off from Theodore Harris and Declan Weathers feel so wrong?
Bound is Book 2 in the Carolina Cyclones Rugby Series and is an interconnected standalone.
Girls like me especially don’t fall in love with the two men that I definitely was not supposed to be seeing.
A promise was made and I plan to keep it; but, the mischievous brown eyes and the stormy blues that seem to seek me out in even the darkest of places make it difficult.
I don’t want to break the rules.
I don’t want to open my heart.
Then why does shutting myself off from Theodore Harris and Declan Weathers feel so wrong?
Bound is Book 2 in the Carolina Cyclones Rugby Series and is an interconnected standalone.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2025
11 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Summer
2 books21 followersTucked away in South Carolina, you’ll find Ashley roaming with a coffee, her high school sweetheart turned husband, their two children, and their scary looking dog. A lifelong lover of reading, Ashley enjoys writing strong men and even stronger women.
In 2023, Ashley was introduced to test match rugby and has not looked back. The sport, as well as the push from her friends on TikTok, inspired her to begin her Carolina Cyclones Rugby Series. While her career as a writer began in the sports romance world, she has every intention of venturing out and exploring the many facets of the romance genre world.
In 2023, Ashley was introduced to test match rugby and has not looked back. The sport, as well as the push from her friends on TikTok, inspired her to begin her Carolina Cyclones Rugby Series. While her career as a writer began in the sports romance world, she has every intention of venturing out and exploring the many facets of the romance genre world.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 21, 2025
ARC review.
If i could give this more stars I would. Ashley has grown so much as a writer since book one and I loved every singlenpage. Lexi is one feisty black cat and she went through it. Declan, you sweet, sweet 6 foot 5 mountain of a man. Theo...my heart broke for him through so much of this book. I ate this up in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down.
Yes, this is MFM and it was perfection. There was spice, and tension, and pining. I laughed, cried, laughed some more, gasped, and kicked my feet giggling.
If i could give this more stars I would. Ashley has grown so much as a writer since book one and I loved every singlenpage. Lexi is one feisty black cat and she went through it. Declan, you sweet, sweet 6 foot 5 mountain of a man. Theo...my heart broke for him through so much of this book. I ate this up in less than 24 hours. I could not put it down.
Yes, this is MFM and it was perfection. There was spice, and tension, and pining. I laughed, cried, laughed some more, gasped, and kicked my feet giggling.
March 24, 2025
**Received this book as an ARC for an honest review**
“I’ll give you my soul if you want it. All you have to do is ask, baby.”
Sometimes you read the first book in a series and you think "This one is gonna stay with me forever".
Then you read the second book and it somehow crawls right into your soul.
Bound is that book.
I knew getting two tough rugby players to worship the vixen that we have come to know and love was gonna be one hell of a ride. But it was that and so much more.
Theo being the blue eyed, broody English rugby player who matches Lexi's no-nonsense personality, piece by piece, is an eclipse of Declan, who is the sunshine and easy going of the two, being Lexi's soft place and the barrier for when their headstrong personalities clash.
But Lexi has rules set in place for herself and who she lets into her life. After realizing she stepped over her own drawn line, she retreats.
It takes a year, an easy friendship with Declan and a trip to England as Theo's fake fiance to all but remind her why these two have never left her head, her heart and her soul.
But would finding her way back to where they were before things went wrong, be worth it?
Or are girls like her just not destined to fall in love?
Did this book have me crying, then laughing, then crying again at 2AM? Sure as hell did.
Was it worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely worth it.
“I’ll give you my soul if you want it. All you have to do is ask, baby.”
Sometimes you read the first book in a series and you think "This one is gonna stay with me forever".
Then you read the second book and it somehow crawls right into your soul.
Bound is that book.
I knew getting two tough rugby players to worship the vixen that we have come to know and love was gonna be one hell of a ride. But it was that and so much more.
Theo being the blue eyed, broody English rugby player who matches Lexi's no-nonsense personality, piece by piece, is an eclipse of Declan, who is the sunshine and easy going of the two, being Lexi's soft place and the barrier for when their headstrong personalities clash.
But Lexi has rules set in place for herself and who she lets into her life. After realizing she stepped over her own drawn line, she retreats.
It takes a year, an easy friendship with Declan and a trip to England as Theo's fake fiance to all but remind her why these two have never left her head, her heart and her soul.
But would finding her way back to where they were before things went wrong, be worth it?
Or are girls like her just not destined to fall in love?
Did this book have me crying, then laughing, then crying again at 2AM? Sure as hell did.
Was it worth it? Abso-freaking-lutely worth it.
March 24, 2025
These characters are well written and you fall in love with them. Both male characters, Declan and Theo, are their own perfect person and are a compliment to the female character , Lexi. The ending was perfect. I honestly could have read this in one setting if I wouldn’t have had otter things I had to do. Definitely recommend!
April 9, 2025
I was beyond blessed to be an ARC reader for this gem, and let me tell you—I fell head over heels before the first chapter even ended. Bound is a first-of-its-kind read for me, and I absolutely freakin’ loved every single moment. Ashley Summer has woven a story so captivating, it’s left a permanent mark on my heart.
The two leading men? Impossible to choose. Theo, with his brooding intensity and burdened soul, pulled me into his shadows. Then there’s Declan, bright and contagious, lighting up every page with his charm. Ashley made damn sure no reader can pick a favorite—and I’m still torn! But in the end, it’s Lexi Matthews who stole the show. She’s fierce, unforgettable, and I’m utterly in love with her. These characters feel like friends now, and I’m going to miss them so much it hurts.
This book is the perfect blend of Hallmark sweetness (you know I’m a sucker for that cozy romance vibe) and the spicy, steamy angst some of those stories desperately need. It’s tender, it’s electric, and it’s downright addictive. Ashley, you outdid yourself with your second book—this journey was everything. Hands down, Bound is my favorite read of 2025 (and dare I say, of ALL TIME). It’s affected me so deeply, I wish I could erase it from my memory just to experience it fresh all over again.
If you’re craving a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and scorching, grab Bound ASAP
The two leading men? Impossible to choose. Theo, with his brooding intensity and burdened soul, pulled me into his shadows. Then there’s Declan, bright and contagious, lighting up every page with his charm. Ashley made damn sure no reader can pick a favorite—and I’m still torn! But in the end, it’s Lexi Matthews who stole the show. She’s fierce, unforgettable, and I’m utterly in love with her. These characters feel like friends now, and I’m going to miss them so much it hurts.
This book is the perfect blend of Hallmark sweetness (you know I’m a sucker for that cozy romance vibe) and the spicy, steamy angst some of those stories desperately need. It’s tender, it’s electric, and it’s downright addictive. Ashley, you outdid yourself with your second book—this journey was everything. Hands down, Bound is my favorite read of 2025 (and dare I say, of ALL TIME). It’s affected me so deeply, I wish I could erase it from my memory just to experience it fresh all over again.
If you’re craving a story that’s equal parts heartwarming and scorching, grab Bound ASAP
April 28, 2025
'Girls like me might just be meant for love after all.'
I received a copy of this book as an ARC (its late, thank goodness Ashley Summer is a goddess) in exchange for my honest review.
And on that note, how can I give this more than 5 stars, because it damn well deserves it! I thought I loved book 1, but move on over, book 2 - damn you got me in a vice grip, anyone created that serum yet that us book people need to reread a fav?? Not yet - damn.
How am I expected to choose a fav man in this series as a whole, these men are feral for their woman, and I'm totally here for it.
We did meet Declan and Theo in book 1, however briefly, but this has everything and more.
Our boys, I refuse to choose, are down right gone for their dark haired vixen.
Theo, is our angsty, aristocrate running away from what his parents are choosing for him, defiance is the name of the game - iykyk
Declan, our golden retriever sunshine personified has a jaded past but it won't get him down from getting the family he wants.
Alexis, oh dear Alexis, you are everything extraordinary, convincing yourself you are not worthy of love, well you black cat, hold onto your hat.
Also - a silent shout out to Purrlock Holmes (we love you)
This had me giddy, crying, swooning, everything, including FOUND FAMILY, if you want a sports romance that's ALL about rugby, this is the series for you.
Ashley Summer *chefs kiss*
I received a copy of this book as an ARC (its late, thank goodness Ashley Summer is a goddess) in exchange for my honest review.
And on that note, how can I give this more than 5 stars, because it damn well deserves it! I thought I loved book 1, but move on over, book 2 - damn you got me in a vice grip, anyone created that serum yet that us book people need to reread a fav?? Not yet - damn.
How am I expected to choose a fav man in this series as a whole, these men are feral for their woman, and I'm totally here for it.
We did meet Declan and Theo in book 1, however briefly, but this has everything and more.
Our boys, I refuse to choose, are down right gone for their dark haired vixen.
Theo, is our angsty, aristocrate running away from what his parents are choosing for him, defiance is the name of the game - iykyk
Declan, our golden retriever sunshine personified has a jaded past but it won't get him down from getting the family he wants.
Alexis, oh dear Alexis, you are everything extraordinary, convincing yourself you are not worthy of love, well you black cat, hold onto your hat.
Also - a silent shout out to Purrlock Holmes (we love you)
This had me giddy, crying, swooning, everything, including FOUND FAMILY, if you want a sports romance that's ALL about rugby, this is the series for you.
Ashley Summer *chefs kiss*
March 31, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
A first from this author for me and most definitely not the last! I just adored Theo, Declan and Alexis and how they navigated from being close, to falling apart (somewhat) to finding their way back. There is so much character development in this book and the found family aspect was heartwarming. Now I’m going to have to go back and read book 1! 💜
🏉 Pro Rugby Athletes
🏉 MFM
🏉 Golden Retriever + Doberman
🏉 Fake Engagement
🏉 Strong FMC
🏉 Opposites Attract
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 3/5
A first from this author for me and most definitely not the last! I just adored Theo, Declan and Alexis and how they navigated from being close, to falling apart (somewhat) to finding their way back. There is so much character development in this book and the found family aspect was heartwarming. Now I’m going to have to go back and read book 1! 💜
🏉 Pro Rugby Athletes
🏉 MFM
🏉 Golden Retriever + Doberman
🏉 Fake Engagement
🏉 Strong FMC
🏉 Opposites Attract
March 26, 2025
🖤Bound by Ashley Summer ARC🖤
Girls like me don’t fall in love.
Girls like me especially don’t fall in love with the two men that I was never supposed to be seeing.
A promise was made, and I plan to keep it; but, the mischievous brown eyes and stormy blues that seem to seek me out in even the darkest of places make it difficult.
♡
This blew me away. I'm completely new to the world of Ashley Summer, but I'm staying!!
Alexis has the spunk, the morals, and the humor I strive after. She's a hurricane trapped in a woman's body, she tells you how it is, and she's unapologetic about it. I'm not sure if I want to be her or marry her. Declan & Theo, I definitely want to marry, at the same time. Theo with his dashing English charm, dark hair, and light eyes. Declan, disguised as an angel with his blonde curls and dimples. Both are really devils, ready to capture their little devil, and keep her. I was swooning, laughing, giggling, kicking my feet - I loved it.
It's sweet, funny, angst, spicyyyyy (doubling up *cough*), one calls her angel, and the other calls her devil.
You know how that meme goes, where you tell someone you loved the book and they ask why? And you're like a newborn baby without speech? Me right now. Just trust me on this guys. It's a spicy, why choose rugby romance, with two best friends and a helion ♡
TROPES:
♡Second Chance
♡Rugby Romance
♡MFM
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Grumpy x Grumpy x Sunshine
♡Touch Her & Die
♡Touch Him & Die
♡Pining
Thank you, Ashley Summer, for this ARC!
Girls like me don’t fall in love.
Girls like me especially don’t fall in love with the two men that I was never supposed to be seeing.
A promise was made, and I plan to keep it; but, the mischievous brown eyes and stormy blues that seem to seek me out in even the darkest of places make it difficult.
♡
This blew me away. I'm completely new to the world of Ashley Summer, but I'm staying!!
Alexis has the spunk, the morals, and the humor I strive after. She's a hurricane trapped in a woman's body, she tells you how it is, and she's unapologetic about it. I'm not sure if I want to be her or marry her. Declan & Theo, I definitely want to marry, at the same time. Theo with his dashing English charm, dark hair, and light eyes. Declan, disguised as an angel with his blonde curls and dimples. Both are really devils, ready to capture their little devil, and keep her. I was swooning, laughing, giggling, kicking my feet - I loved it.
It's sweet, funny, angst, spicyyyyy (doubling up *cough*), one calls her angel, and the other calls her devil.
You know how that meme goes, where you tell someone you loved the book and they ask why? And you're like a newborn baby without speech? Me right now. Just trust me on this guys. It's a spicy, why choose rugby romance, with two best friends and a helion ♡
TROPES:
♡Second Chance
♡Rugby Romance
♡MFM
♡Friends to Lovers
♡Grumpy x Grumpy x Sunshine
♡Touch Her & Die
♡Touch Him & Die
♡Pining
Thank you, Ashley Summer, for this ARC!
March 26, 2025
Started off swinging with an excellent first chapter!
These three were so cute.
Declan of course are sweet and ready please, big boy. He knows what he wants and he can be sneaky about getting it but its always so good hearted and he really seems to read what the other two need.
Theo with his grumpy self… give those black fits a run for their money. He stressed me out some. I loved seeing him grow and get to experience some good changes. I loved Daddy Theo.. whew.
Then we got Lexi, sweet, sweet chaos goblin. Obsessed with her, she handles things in her own way, but I felt her at every turn! Including Purrlock.
The tension is building for this next book. Can’t WAIT!
Also, I LOVED the bits of Charlie and Ruhaan..
Such a good read. The boys love for each other is adorable.
The ending was beautiful!
Absolutely worth the read. Two big boy rugby players and there girl trying to figure out how to love each other? (MFM) What’s not to love!
Ashley, thank you for ARC! I truly love the book!
I am locked in with these Cyclones, so please keep them coming!
“Hello, devil. It’s nice to see you.”
“I love you more than I have ever loved anything in my entire life,”
“That’s right angel, make him scream for mercy.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
These three were so cute.
Declan of course are sweet and ready please, big boy. He knows what he wants and he can be sneaky about getting it but its always so good hearted and he really seems to read what the other two need.
Theo with his grumpy self… give those black fits a run for their money. He stressed me out some. I loved seeing him grow and get to experience some good changes. I loved Daddy Theo.. whew.
Then we got Lexi, sweet, sweet chaos goblin. Obsessed with her, she handles things in her own way, but I felt her at every turn! Including Purrlock.
The tension is building for this next book. Can’t WAIT!
Also, I LOVED the bits of Charlie and Ruhaan..
Such a good read. The boys love for each other is adorable.
The ending was beautiful!
Absolutely worth the read. Two big boy rugby players and there girl trying to figure out how to love each other? (MFM) What’s not to love!
Ashley, thank you for ARC! I truly love the book!
I am locked in with these Cyclones, so please keep them coming!
“Hello, devil. It’s nice to see you.”
“I love you more than I have ever loved anything in my entire life,”
“That’s right angel, make him scream for mercy.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
March 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I am not ashamed to admit that I have sat and rotted away while this story line has bent me over backwards and turned me in fifty different directions.”
Ashley Summers, that was just supposed to be a line in the book! But this book was everything—it completely consumed me! I couldn’t put it down.
I knew Lexie was going to be a pain in the ass, but Theo? Theo is the pain in the ass I never knew I needed! And adding in the sweet ray of sunshine that is Declan? Absolute perfection.
Girls like Lexie aren’t meant to fall in love, but when these two men tear down every wall she’s built, she doesn’t stand a chance. How could she not fall for a wealthy Englishman whose family expects him to marry and a kind-hearted man who has never truly had a family of his own? Maybe, in the end, the only family they need is each other.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I am not ashamed to admit that I have sat and rotted away while this story line has bent me over backwards and turned me in fifty different directions.”
Ashley Summers, that was just supposed to be a line in the book! But this book was everything—it completely consumed me! I couldn’t put it down.
I knew Lexie was going to be a pain in the ass, but Theo? Theo is the pain in the ass I never knew I needed! And adding in the sweet ray of sunshine that is Declan? Absolute perfection.
Girls like Lexie aren’t meant to fall in love, but when these two men tear down every wall she’s built, she doesn’t stand a chance. How could she not fall for a wealthy Englishman whose family expects him to marry and a kind-hearted man who has never truly had a family of his own? Maybe, in the end, the only family they need is each other.
April 12, 2025
New obsession unlocked
Rugby. I don't understand a thing about sports but thanks to the gems that Summers writes I'm all about it as my social media is full of it due to "research". And I can't wait to see who is up next. And if it is Nadine and Boone, they got a very big brother to contend with.
The angst of Lexi getting her HEA had me neglecting my adult duties and slapping food in the crock pot, just like with book 1. The woman has a way of keeping you turning pages. And the description of those moves you see in highlight reels (both on and off fields), chef's kiss.
GO TEAM!
Rugby. I don't understand a thing about sports but thanks to the gems that Summers writes I'm all about it as my social media is full of it due to "research". And I can't wait to see who is up next. And if it is Nadine and Boone, they got a very big brother to contend with.
The angst of Lexi getting her HEA had me neglecting my adult duties and slapping food in the crock pot, just like with book 1. The woman has a way of keeping you turning pages. And the description of those moves you see in highlight reels (both on and off fields), chef's kiss.
GO TEAM!
April 3, 2025
MUST. READ.
I don’t even know where to start but these 3, coming from 3 completely different lives and becoming one was a wild ride but so lovely. The ups and downs, so much laughter. Lexi can definitely hold her own but finally letting Declan and Theo be in her life, was the best decision ever. You must read and give up life for a bit because it’s so hard to put down once you get through Chapter 1.
I don’t even know where to start but these 3, coming from 3 completely different lives and becoming one was a wild ride but so lovely. The ups and downs, so much laughter. Lexi can definitely hold her own but finally letting Declan and Theo be in her life, was the best decision ever. You must read and give up life for a bit because it’s so hard to put down once you get through Chapter 1.
March 30, 2025
I absolutly loved these characters.
Lexi is such a bad ass, love her.
Declan is just such a sweet, happy golden retriever, adore him.
But Theo, ugh I lovvee Theo, the grumpy, broody man. He's so though, but falls so hard for Lexi.
Lexi could have made him grovel a little more. He deserved it.
The 3 of them fit togheter perfectly.
One degrading, one praising.
One filthy, one sweet
Lexi is such a bad ass, love her.
Declan is just such a sweet, happy golden retriever, adore him.
But Theo, ugh I lovvee Theo, the grumpy, broody man. He's so though, but falls so hard for Lexi.
Lexi could have made him grovel a little more. He deserved it.
The 3 of them fit togheter perfectly.
One degrading, one praising.
One filthy, one sweet
September 30, 2025
I enjoyed this one much more than the first!!
Started out with a bit of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ then it slowed down and we got to the story, but don’t worry the spice comes back. I will say I wish we could have a bit more character depth. It’s all pretty surface level. But I did really like that it isn’t your conventional couple. Also looking forward to the third one.
Started out with a bit of spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ then it slowed down and we got to the story, but don’t worry the spice comes back. I will say I wish we could have a bit more character depth. It’s all pretty surface level. But I did really like that it isn’t your conventional couple. Also looking forward to the third one.
May 9, 2025
not a fan of mfm, but
Ashley did a great job with this book. Not a big fan of throuples. It gives me anxiety.😂 The author did a great job and the story really flowed and you pulled for them. Looking forward to the next book.
Ashley did a great job with this book. Not a big fan of throuples. It gives me anxiety.😂 The author did a great job and the story really flowed and you pulled for them. Looking forward to the next book.
June 23, 2025
Bound is book 2 of the Carolina Cyclones Rugby series. It was as entertaining as the first book. The story follows Charlie’s BFF, Lexi’s road to happiness, and she gets double the pleasure of Theo and Declan. Their road was not easy, but it made them stronger. A very enjoyable story until the end.
May 2, 2025
Kind of long. Kind of cliche. But I loved the characters. They were so well written and I love the black cat/grump/golden retriever dynamic.
June 24, 2025
Terrible. First book was so much better
July 19, 2025
Ashley Summer will hook me every time. Both of her books have hooked me from the first page and had me binging them ina single sitting. I can't get enough of her characters. The found family, the goofy rugby players that will steal your heart, the beautiful love stories, it's all flawless and beautiful every time.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews