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You & Only You
You & Only You is a dark paranormal romance where desire and destiny collide. In a world of secrets, danger, and supernatural forces, forbidden attraction ignites a slowburn romance with high-stakes emotional tension. Every choice could have deadly consequences, and trust is as fragile as the hearts involved.
Blending enemies-to-lovers tension, fated lovers, and a morally grey MMC with “touch her and die” energy, this story is perfect for readers who crave angst, obsession, and love that bites back. Book One of The Soulbound Series delivers emotional intensity, passion, and romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages.
His touch will ignite your soul, but his secrets could destroy you. Would you walk away—or risk everything for a love that won’t let go?
Contains mature themes and sensitive content, intended for readers 18+.
>Blurb
Ruby McDonall isn’t special—at least, not on the surface. With high school ending and college looming, she’s drifting, trapped in the suffocating weight of loneliness and the trauma of witnessing her mother’s brutal murder. Her world is small. Quiet. Empty.
Then she meets Isaac. Enigmatic, impossibly attractive, and just the right amount of cocky bad boy to get under her skin, Isaac draws Ruby in like no one else. There’s something about him—a dangerous, magnetic pull that she can’t quite shake. Isaac is no knight in shining armour, and Ruby knows better than to believe in fairytales.
As their connection deepens, Ruby is pulled into a world that forces her to question everything—love, trust, even survival itself. Isaac isn’t who he seems, but he’s the escape Ruby’s been craving, even if his presence brings more danger than she can handle. Falling for him could ruin her—but walking away might be impossible.
*Contains mature and sensitive themes, appropriate for an adult audience. Reader discretion is advised. Please see author website for trigger warnings.*
Blending enemies-to-lovers tension, fated lovers, and a morally grey MMC with “touch her and die” energy, this story is perfect for readers who crave angst, obsession, and love that bites back. Book One of The Soulbound Series delivers emotional intensity, passion, and romantic suspense that will keep you turning pages.
His touch will ignite your soul, but his secrets could destroy you. Would you walk away—or risk everything for a love that won’t let go?
Contains mature themes and sensitive content, intended for readers 18+.
>Blurb
Ruby McDonall isn’t special—at least, not on the surface. With high school ending and college looming, she’s drifting, trapped in the suffocating weight of loneliness and the trauma of witnessing her mother’s brutal murder. Her world is small. Quiet. Empty.
Then she meets Isaac. Enigmatic, impossibly attractive, and just the right amount of cocky bad boy to get under her skin, Isaac draws Ruby in like no one else. There’s something about him—a dangerous, magnetic pull that she can’t quite shake. Isaac is no knight in shining armour, and Ruby knows better than to believe in fairytales.
As their connection deepens, Ruby is pulled into a world that forces her to question everything—love, trust, even survival itself. Isaac isn’t who he seems, but he’s the escape Ruby’s been craving, even if his presence brings more danger than she can handle. Falling for him could ruin her—but walking away might be impossible.
*Contains mature and sensitive themes, appropriate for an adult audience. Reader discretion is advised. Please see author website for trigger warnings.*
491 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2025
1 person is currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Effie Soumelidis
2 books11 followersEffie is a debut indie author from the North of England, where she lives with her husband of over 25 years and their two children. With a passion for exploring love in all its complex, emotional, and sometimes darker forms, Effie writes across multiple romance subgenres—often weaving in paranormal elements, mature themes, and a touch of the unexpected. Her stories invite readers into layered, immersive worlds where connection is everything and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
Her debut novel, You & Only You, is a genre-blending paranormal romance that dives deep into the shadows of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. At its heart is a story of connection—intense, otherworldly, and complicated by forces both seen and unseen. With darker, mature themes and a haunting emotional pull, this debut novel invites readers into a world where passion can be a lifeline or a curse, and nothing is ever quite what it seems
Her debut novel, You & Only You, is a genre-blending paranormal romance that dives deep into the shadows of love, loyalty, and self-discovery. At its heart is a story of connection—intense, otherworldly, and complicated by forces both seen and unseen. With darker, mature themes and a haunting emotional pull, this debut novel invites readers into a world where passion can be a lifeline or a curse, and nothing is ever quite what it seems
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 22, 2025
First few pages I wasn’t sure if it was going to be my sort of book but then wow really had me gripped alot of sensitive themes but beautiful written couldn’t put it down loved there story and will definitely look forward to reading book 2
April 25, 2025
It's been a long time since I last read a book that gripped me so much.
This is book one of the Soulbound Series, and I am impatiently awaiting book 2.
I struggled a bit for the first few chapters, but it wasn't long before I was hooked. Staying up far too late to read just one more page, one more chapter.
Ruby is an angry young woman. She has spent the last few years pushing people away following a traumatic tragedy.
When Isaac comes to her rescue one evening, they begin a friendship, but before long, they both have to recognise the undeniable attraction that they have for one another.
Ruby is a headstrong woman who, in lots of ways, is old beyond her years.
Isaac is a little more old-fashioned, but they make such a good pair - even just as friends. They challenge each other and, due to this, really do make each other a better person.
I can't wait to see what this very talented author has in store for Ruby and Isaac in the future.
This is book one of the Soulbound Series, and I am impatiently awaiting book 2.
I struggled a bit for the first few chapters, but it wasn't long before I was hooked. Staying up far too late to read just one more page, one more chapter.
Ruby is an angry young woman. She has spent the last few years pushing people away following a traumatic tragedy.
When Isaac comes to her rescue one evening, they begin a friendship, but before long, they both have to recognise the undeniable attraction that they have for one another.
Ruby is a headstrong woman who, in lots of ways, is old beyond her years.
Isaac is a little more old-fashioned, but they make such a good pair - even just as friends. They challenge each other and, due to this, really do make each other a better person.
I can't wait to see what this very talented author has in store for Ruby and Isaac in the future.
April 30, 2025
Well lets just say the last 50% of this book broke me.
Book 1 of the Soulbound series and I am already begging for book 2 because IYKYK (no spoilers)
Its a beautifully written story of grief, anger, love, betrayal, survival, friendships and found family and I felt an instant connection with the characters, both MC's and side characters.
The backstory opening plays an integral part to everything else that unfolds as you follow the journey between damaged and angry Ruby and the grumpy, brooding Isaac. The 5 stages of grief play a big role in the story and the character development for our MC's and it is a rather emotional ride. I will admit, I cried a few times.
There are a few plot twists that had my mind racing, I like to play detective and am always piecing clues together as I go along and forming my own theories. I am not saying the plot is predictable by any means here, just there are hints if you know where to look.
Soumelidis writes in a way that not only connects the characters but makes you feel part of what is going on. I was there right beside Ruby through some rough parts and willing Issac to tear a certain someone apart for 90% of the book.
There is a fair amount of tension between Ruby and Isaac in the beginning of the book, well between Ruby and everyone else in the book for that matter. She is a very angry teenager with a lot of weight on her shoulders due to how she chooses to deal with her past and present situations.
As a I reader, I wasn't 100% sure on whether to like Isaac or not in the first several chapters. This was a refreshing change to the instant hero/villain architype and the way they seem to grow from interacting with each other made it an all the more tension fuelled read.
Also to consider, the relationship between Ruby and her best friend Samuel, clearly a truly strong and really bonded friendship from the way tension rises and falls between them throughout.
The story felt very relatable regarding what Ruby went through, goes through and could potentially go through in book 2; the way her actions, thoughts and emotions are described really brings her to life off the page and makes me want to follow her journey more.
There are some content warnings to be aware of regarding grief, assault, violence and death in this book, always check the warnings first.
Overall, I was hooked, I didn't want to put it down (despite requiring sleep) and I highly recommend this books for those who love a dark, paranormal, spicy, forbidden love kinda romance with strong MC's and the whole Touch Her and Die vibe.
Book 1 of the Soulbound series and I am already begging for book 2 because IYKYK (no spoilers)
Its a beautifully written story of grief, anger, love, betrayal, survival, friendships and found family and I felt an instant connection with the characters, both MC's and side characters.
The backstory opening plays an integral part to everything else that unfolds as you follow the journey between damaged and angry Ruby and the grumpy, brooding Isaac. The 5 stages of grief play a big role in the story and the character development for our MC's and it is a rather emotional ride. I will admit, I cried a few times.
There are a few plot twists that had my mind racing, I like to play detective and am always piecing clues together as I go along and forming my own theories. I am not saying the plot is predictable by any means here, just there are hints if you know where to look.
Soumelidis writes in a way that not only connects the characters but makes you feel part of what is going on. I was there right beside Ruby through some rough parts and willing Issac to tear a certain someone apart for 90% of the book.
There is a fair amount of tension between Ruby and Isaac in the beginning of the book, well between Ruby and everyone else in the book for that matter. She is a very angry teenager with a lot of weight on her shoulders due to how she chooses to deal with her past and present situations.
As a I reader, I wasn't 100% sure on whether to like Isaac or not in the first several chapters. This was a refreshing change to the instant hero/villain architype and the way they seem to grow from interacting with each other made it an all the more tension fuelled read.
Also to consider, the relationship between Ruby and her best friend Samuel, clearly a truly strong and really bonded friendship from the way tension rises and falls between them throughout.
The story felt very relatable regarding what Ruby went through, goes through and could potentially go through in book 2; the way her actions, thoughts and emotions are described really brings her to life off the page and makes me want to follow her journey more.
There are some content warnings to be aware of regarding grief, assault, violence and death in this book, always check the warnings first.
Overall, I was hooked, I didn't want to put it down (despite requiring sleep) and I highly recommend this books for those who love a dark, paranormal, spicy, forbidden love kinda romance with strong MC's and the whole Touch Her and Die vibe.
April 28, 2025
This book blew my mind 🤯
This is now my favourite read of the year!
This isn't my kind of book usually. I'm not typically into romance types and I'm definitely not into books with certain types of characters (I won't say what because I don't want to spoil it for others) but this book drew me in & literally had me so gripped I didn't want to put it down. I had to sleep though, but even then I was dreaming about those certain types of characters and after an hour of restless sleep I picked the book back up and continued with it 😂
The drama starts straight away with a murder. Then follows the grief, loneliness and struggles. There are themes of bullying and attempted sexual violence so be aware of those triggers.
There is also a lil spice too but it isn't an overboard amount, it's just right and realistic.
Ruby meets Issac after he stops a gang of lads hurting her. They seem to dislike each other to start with but after a few other random encounters they start to get on, then things develop between them.
Then comes the confession from Issac that throws Ruby completely. She then has to decide if she wants to make their relationship work or is Isaac's secret too much to handle.
The storyline is so damn good. I'm a thriller girl and this book fitted into that genre for me as well as the other genres. It had me in a rollercoaster of emotions throughout. It had me feeling sad, laughing, worried, shocked, anxious and then a total emotional wreck by the end.
This is book 1 in the Soulbound Series and I am very much looking forward to the next book so I can find out what happens next. The wait is going to torture me but I know it'll be worth it.
Effie has done an amazing job with this book and I definitely recommend you all read it even if it's not your go to genres. It may surprise you!
This is now my favourite read of the year!
This isn't my kind of book usually. I'm not typically into romance types and I'm definitely not into books with certain types of characters (I won't say what because I don't want to spoil it for others) but this book drew me in & literally had me so gripped I didn't want to put it down. I had to sleep though, but even then I was dreaming about those certain types of characters and after an hour of restless sleep I picked the book back up and continued with it 😂
The drama starts straight away with a murder. Then follows the grief, loneliness and struggles. There are themes of bullying and attempted sexual violence so be aware of those triggers.
There is also a lil spice too but it isn't an overboard amount, it's just right and realistic.
Ruby meets Issac after he stops a gang of lads hurting her. They seem to dislike each other to start with but after a few other random encounters they start to get on, then things develop between them.
Then comes the confession from Issac that throws Ruby completely. She then has to decide if she wants to make their relationship work or is Isaac's secret too much to handle.
The storyline is so damn good. I'm a thriller girl and this book fitted into that genre for me as well as the other genres. It had me in a rollercoaster of emotions throughout. It had me feeling sad, laughing, worried, shocked, anxious and then a total emotional wreck by the end.
This is book 1 in the Soulbound Series and I am very much looking forward to the next book so I can find out what happens next. The wait is going to torture me but I know it'll be worth it.
Effie has done an amazing job with this book and I definitely recommend you all read it even if it's not your go to genres. It may surprise you!
April 29, 2025
⭐️ARC Review⭐️
You & Only You | Effie Soumelidis | 28th April 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I found it an easy read but not in a way that left gaps. Effie really took the time to flush out the story, she didn’t rush interactions or scenarios. She really let you get to know Ruby’s world and why she is that way she is, what made her that way and how it affects her and her friends and family. Isaac comes in and really helps Ruby process so much she has hidden way. He is strong and reliable at a time where Ruby feels vulnerable and unsure where to go next. Their relationship isn’t a rushed thing it’s a build up, a friendship and a unique situation that Effie really explores throughout the book.👌🏻
Ruby has suffered tremendous loss and as her final year at high school begins she is unsure what she really wants to do. Struggling with the trauma , balancing work and family responsibilities, dealing with bullying she meets Isaac, it’s not instant love or kismet, he helps her out of a troubling situation and walks her home. Yet they always seem to run into each other and from there begins a friendship and a story of love, hope, dreams of the future and what a soulmate really means. Now there is more to this story than meets the eye. Isaac,a charming and charismatic man, is holding deep secrets that Ruby will have to either accept or turn away from, but in matters of the hearts is anything ever that simple. ❤️
Honest;y amazing read, I was worried it would feel slow. It doesn’t it has purpose to its angst and tension, the build up is worth it and incredibly realistic. I can’t wait to read more…. I mean I’m waiting, patiently-ish. Haha!😂
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
You & Only You | Effie Soumelidis | 28th April 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I found it an easy read but not in a way that left gaps. Effie really took the time to flush out the story, she didn’t rush interactions or scenarios. She really let you get to know Ruby’s world and why she is that way she is, what made her that way and how it affects her and her friends and family. Isaac comes in and really helps Ruby process so much she has hidden way. He is strong and reliable at a time where Ruby feels vulnerable and unsure where to go next. Their relationship isn’t a rushed thing it’s a build up, a friendship and a unique situation that Effie really explores throughout the book.👌🏻
Ruby has suffered tremendous loss and as her final year at high school begins she is unsure what she really wants to do. Struggling with the trauma , balancing work and family responsibilities, dealing with bullying she meets Isaac, it’s not instant love or kismet, he helps her out of a troubling situation and walks her home. Yet they always seem to run into each other and from there begins a friendship and a story of love, hope, dreams of the future and what a soulmate really means. Now there is more to this story than meets the eye. Isaac,a charming and charismatic man, is holding deep secrets that Ruby will have to either accept or turn away from, but in matters of the hearts is anything ever that simple. ❤️
Honest;y amazing read, I was worried it would feel slow. It doesn’t it has purpose to its angst and tension, the build up is worth it and incredibly realistic. I can’t wait to read more…. I mean I’m waiting, patiently-ish. Haha!😂
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice:🌶️🌶️.5
April 28, 2025
Effie Soumelidis delivers a gripping contemporary romance that navigates the turbulent waters of love, trauma, and self-discovery in "You & Only You."
Ruby McDonall, is a relatable character shaped by her painful past, particularly the haunting memory of her mother's murder. This backstory forms a crucial part of her character and drives her actions throughout the book.
Enter Isaac, the enigmatic bad boy with a magnetic charm, who disrupts Ruby's quiet existence. Their chemistry is electric, yet fraught with an underlying tension that kept me reading well past my bedtime 😜
The author masterfully crafts their relationship, making me question whether Isaac is the knight in shining armor that Ruby desperately longs for or a catalyst for danger. 🤔
The story balances romance and thriller elements effectively, keeping me engrossed as Ruby explores her feelings for Isaac while grappling with her emotional scars. The writing is evocative, drawing you in with vivid descriptions and relatable dialogue.
One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of trust and vulnerability, especially as Ruby delves deeper into her relationship with Isaac. The author raises important questions about love's complexities and the sacrifices one might make for it.
While the pacing can sometimes feel slow, particularly in the first half, the story builds to a satisfying crescendo, leaving me eager for the next installment of the series. "
You & Only You" is a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a mix of romance and suspense, anchored in character-driven storytelling.
🦋
Ruby McDonall, is a relatable character shaped by her painful past, particularly the haunting memory of her mother's murder. This backstory forms a crucial part of her character and drives her actions throughout the book.
Enter Isaac, the enigmatic bad boy with a magnetic charm, who disrupts Ruby's quiet existence. Their chemistry is electric, yet fraught with an underlying tension that kept me reading well past my bedtime 😜
The author masterfully crafts their relationship, making me question whether Isaac is the knight in shining armor that Ruby desperately longs for or a catalyst for danger. 🤔
The story balances romance and thriller elements effectively, keeping me engrossed as Ruby explores her feelings for Isaac while grappling with her emotional scars. The writing is evocative, drawing you in with vivid descriptions and relatable dialogue.
One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of trust and vulnerability, especially as Ruby delves deeper into her relationship with Isaac. The author raises important questions about love's complexities and the sacrifices one might make for it.
While the pacing can sometimes feel slow, particularly in the first half, the story builds to a satisfying crescendo, leaving me eager for the next installment of the series. "
You & Only You" is a compelling read for anyone who enjoys a mix of romance and suspense, anchored in character-driven storytelling.
🦋
April 16, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
for “YOU AND ONLY YOU” by Effie Soumelidis.
Wow. Where do I start? This romance gripped me right from the dedication.
If you love Vampires, Morally grey men, Relevant references, Danger and Fated mates, with a splash of spice. This is a book you need to add to your TBR list straight away!
Effie has created the most relatable and realistic characters that I’ve met in years.
Ruby is not your standard cotton headed, young FMC. She is fiery, relatable and written beautifully. She is mature for her age and has a deeper understanding of life than most people do at that point in their lives. She knows what she wants and doesn’t mince her words. She can admit when she’s wrong and open up about her feelings while allowing herself to be vulnerable. She will be a character that a lot of people will fall in love with too!
The Spicy scenes are incredible! Tastefully written without overdoing it. (No cringy analogies!) Perfect toe curling Tension, with banter that makes you wiggle in anticipation.
Even though there are scenes in the book that can be triggering, the MMC ALWAYS asks for consent, which will always be a big thumbs up for me.
I have so much love for this book and cannot wait for more from Effie, Ruby and Isaac!
for “YOU AND ONLY YOU” by Effie Soumelidis.
Wow. Where do I start? This romance gripped me right from the dedication.
If you love Vampires, Morally grey men, Relevant references, Danger and Fated mates, with a splash of spice. This is a book you need to add to your TBR list straight away!
Effie has created the most relatable and realistic characters that I’ve met in years.
Ruby is not your standard cotton headed, young FMC. She is fiery, relatable and written beautifully. She is mature for her age and has a deeper understanding of life than most people do at that point in their lives. She knows what she wants and doesn’t mince her words. She can admit when she’s wrong and open up about her feelings while allowing herself to be vulnerable. She will be a character that a lot of people will fall in love with too!
The Spicy scenes are incredible! Tastefully written without overdoing it. (No cringy analogies!) Perfect toe curling Tension, with banter that makes you wiggle in anticipation.
Even though there are scenes in the book that can be triggering, the MMC ALWAYS asks for consent, which will always be a big thumbs up for me.
I have so much love for this book and cannot wait for more from Effie, Ruby and Isaac!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2025
This was an addictive read from start to finish, and I absolutely love the supernatural elements involved.
This is very much character driven and the plot is played out through character conversations and interactions, I sometimes find this difficult but Effie Soumelidis has managed to do this beautifully.
I'm more than ready for the next in the series, so I shall wait with baited breath for the next installment of Ruby and Isaac's story.
I was very privileged to be an ARC reader for this beautiful story.
This is very much character driven and the plot is played out through character conversations and interactions, I sometimes find this difficult but Effie Soumelidis has managed to do this beautifully.
I'm more than ready for the next in the series, so I shall wait with baited breath for the next installment of Ruby and Isaac's story.
I was very privileged to be an ARC reader for this beautiful story.
May 24, 2025
Where to start, I quite literally devoured this in two days!!! I really enjoyed this book it was very suspenseful, romantic, and sexy! I loved the character growth. It touches on some heavy themes but the growth from several of the characters was so heartfelt. There were so many twist I didn’t see coming and the ending has me chomping at the bit for the second book to come out! This is a debut novel by this author and she absolutely killed it!
April 28, 2025
OMG I really enjoyed this book!
It did start off a little slow for me but instantly picked up and I couldn’t put it down!
It took me awhile to even start this book and I am bummed it took me so long because it was amazing!
Effie brava on your first novel!
If you like stubborn fiery FMC, morally grey mmc and vampires.. go read this!
Cannot wait for book 2
It did start off a little slow for me but instantly picked up and I couldn’t put it down!
It took me awhile to even start this book and I am bummed it took me so long because it was amazing!
Effie brava on your first novel!
If you like stubborn fiery FMC, morally grey mmc and vampires.. go read this!
Cannot wait for book 2
April 16, 2025
a brilliant debut from Effie. I was hooked from the beginning and that ending has me needing book 2 right now!
April 27, 2025
An incredible, spicy paranormal themed book. This book had me hooked on the fiesty FMC from the very first page! Cannot wait for the rest of the Soulbound Series 💜
May 2, 2025
**ARC review **
I really liked book the first part of this series, I think there was a lot of plot from typical day to day situations and the Romantasy situations.
The s** scenes were more real than most books I’ve read before, they weren’t so monologue-y and drawn out. Which I really enjoyed!
I think the tension was amazing, the banter was well balanced and there was a good mix of characters.
As the book went on, I feel the writing got better, there was a few bits here and there that were a bit off to me personally but it’s like the confidence went up the further on it went.
Issac could be really annoying sometimes, but I was so refreshed at a man that shows deep emotion. He was so in touch with his feelings at times, I loved that about him. He wasn’t afraid to show how he felt.
Ruby is a bad ass who knows what she wants, I loved seeing a young woman who could take charge and tell it how it is.
I think this has the potential for a great series, I can’t wait to see what happens next and how all the characters grow.
I really liked book the first part of this series, I think there was a lot of plot from typical day to day situations and the Romantasy situations.
The s** scenes were more real than most books I’ve read before, they weren’t so monologue-y and drawn out. Which I really enjoyed!
I think the tension was amazing, the banter was well balanced and there was a good mix of characters.
As the book went on, I feel the writing got better, there was a few bits here and there that were a bit off to me personally but it’s like the confidence went up the further on it went.
Issac could be really annoying sometimes, but I was so refreshed at a man that shows deep emotion. He was so in touch with his feelings at times, I loved that about him. He wasn’t afraid to show how he felt.
Ruby is a bad ass who knows what she wants, I loved seeing a young woman who could take charge and tell it how it is.
I think this has the potential for a great series, I can’t wait to see what happens next and how all the characters grow.
May 31, 2025
It's giving Twilight vibes & I am so here for it. From the moment Isaac appears in this book I just knew there was more to him & I did guess correctly but I'm not going to spoil anything here! The book starts with the death of Ruby's mother (not a spoiler - it's literally on the back of the book 🤣) & it just draws you in from there. I loved Effie's writing style & how descriptive she was. I found topics were handled sensitively & like she created clear visions of what the characters looked like. I am already looking forward to book 2 in the Soulbound series 🥰
May 11, 2025
I did not put this book down!
A spicy romance with a lot of plot, excellent character writing and fantastic s*x scenes!
Cannot wait for the next instalment! The teaser has me so enticed.
A spicy romance with a lot of plot, excellent character writing and fantastic s*x scenes!
Cannot wait for the next instalment! The teaser has me so enticed.
November 6, 2025
‘YOU & ONLY YOU’ by Effie Soumelidis
Book Review
4 x ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 x 🌶️🌶️
Okay, this book is really good!! It’s a dark young adult romance that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
I loved it!! The characters are fun, entertaining and relatable!!
💜 The main female character has been through a lot, She has witnessed things a young girl shouldn’t have to deal with but that is only strengthened her and her character!
🖤 The male man character is delicious, inviting intoxicating as well as being a sexy bad boy!! His persona is dangerously with a magnetic energy that draws you into him and his world!!
💜 Their relationship is filled with passion, heartbreak love and it is sometimes infuriating! … Their ups and downs are the ups and downs you having in real life with an element of another world that keeps you turning the pages to find out more!!
🖤 This book has several twists and turns that you can and can’t see coming!! I was able to predict some things but not others!
I totally recommend reading this book … the relationship between all the characters is fantastic! … I am looking forward to book two in the spellbound series!! …
Book Review
4 x ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 x 🌶️🌶️
Okay, this book is really good!! It’s a dark young adult romance that I thoroughly enjoyed!!
I loved it!! The characters are fun, entertaining and relatable!!
💜 The main female character has been through a lot, She has witnessed things a young girl shouldn’t have to deal with but that is only strengthened her and her character!
🖤 The male man character is delicious, inviting intoxicating as well as being a sexy bad boy!! His persona is dangerously with a magnetic energy that draws you into him and his world!!
💜 Their relationship is filled with passion, heartbreak love and it is sometimes infuriating! … Their ups and downs are the ups and downs you having in real life with an element of another world that keeps you turning the pages to find out more!!
🖤 This book has several twists and turns that you can and can’t see coming!! I was able to predict some things but not others!
I totally recommend reading this book … the relationship between all the characters is fantastic! … I am looking forward to book two in the spellbound series!! …
June 13, 2025
Excellent book and well worth a read if you love a brooding, morally grey MMC and strong fierce FMC plus a twist you won't see coming.
April 26, 2025
What can I say! I absolutely LOVED this book, the writing and the way Effie captures all the emotion and drama which draws you right in. The character development was amazing, I felt such a strong connection to Ruby the fiesty and strong FMC and the Isaac the morally grey and irresistible MMC. I also felt deeply invested in their love and angst, the inner turmoil they both go through but their connection is felt even as a reader. Effie’s writing really drawing you in and feeling invested and connected to all the characters.
Throughout the book moments of fast beating hearts, gasping in shock, heart warming moments, heartbreaking moment, tears and laughter all in this one book had me on a rollercoaster of a ride.
The ending was perfect, but hard to read!
Perfectly lines you up wanting more and more from the next book in the series.
Soulbound will be a series I will be following all the way through, and Iam not a series person! But I HAVE to know what happens and I cannot wait for more.
Very excited to be part of effie ARC team and support a hugely talented indie author through this amazing series 🫶
Throughout the book moments of fast beating hearts, gasping in shock, heart warming moments, heartbreaking moment, tears and laughter all in this one book had me on a rollercoaster of a ride.
The ending was perfect, but hard to read!
Perfectly lines you up wanting more and more from the next book in the series.
Soulbound will be a series I will be following all the way through, and Iam not a series person! But I HAVE to know what happens and I cannot wait for more.
Very excited to be part of effie ARC team and support a hugely talented indie author through this amazing series 🫶
April 22, 2025
Wow, for a debut book, this works!!
Obviously, it being a debut, it does have its flaws and growing pains, sometimes it feels a little clunky and doesn't consistently flow but it's easy to read and getting through those parts, it's worth it!
I would say the spice is a 2.5-3/5 but it works as a coming of age urban fantasy, bringing a number of human themes: grief, moving on from loss, 1st love, and a crazy ex with superhuman strength
Obviously, it being a debut, it does have its flaws and growing pains, sometimes it feels a little clunky and doesn't consistently flow but it's easy to read and getting through those parts, it's worth it!
I would say the spice is a 2.5-3/5 but it works as a coming of age urban fantasy, bringing a number of human themes: grief, moving on from loss, 1st love, and a crazy ex with superhuman strength
July 29, 2025
Loved it!!!!
June 5, 2025
I want to start by expressing my gratitude to Effie Soumelidis for sending me an advance copy of this book. I always value the chance to read new writing, and it's wonderful to help up-and-coming authors.Nevertheless, I didn't find this book to be very engaging. I found it difficult to relate to the story because of a few elements.
The book frequently felt like a Twilight rehash. It felt very familiar, not in a novel or exciting way, from the way the protagonist learns that the love interest is a vampire to the general tone and plot points.
Although I am aware that the author is from the UK and that differences exist, there were a few instances where certain aspects were off, especially in relation to the setting. The 17ear old protagonist's ability to consume alcohol in American bars and restaurants was one example. I would assume the community would be more conscious and watchful about not serving alcohol to high school students in a small town where, "everyone knows everyone." This seemed implausible, particularly in a situation where people are typically wary of such things. The book also includes a lot of UK-specific terminology (e.g., “tucking in for dinner”), which pulled me out of the story. These phrases felt unnatural, especially in the context of a small American town, and disrupted my immersion in the setting.
Another element that made me uncomfortable was the sexual content involving a high school-aged character. I do understand that there are books like this, however they are just not my thing. A fade-to-black approach would have been more fitting, as the scenes felt somewhat out of place. For example, there was a big lead up to the bonding, but it happened very quickly making it feel out of place. Another aspect was the age difference between the main characters. Despite being over 200 years old, the male protagonist was transformed into a vampire at the age of 25. Age-gap relationships bother me personally, especially when one of the characters is still in high school. Although I can appreciate the author's effort to complicate the vampire mythology, it all felt off to me.
There were some plot-related problems that made the book more difficult to follow. The dialogue was repetitive and inconsistent, especially in scenes where the same exchanges were repeated several times. The protagonist's intense emotional reaction upon learning that the love interest is a vampire, followed by their abrupt act of indifference in the following chapter, was one particularly noteworthy instance. It was challenging for me to remain invested because of this.
For a first book, the writing was generally strong, and I can see the author's promise. More research and a greater emphasis on plot coherence, particularly with regard to setting and character age, would have improved the book, in my opinion. This book wasn't for me, but I am still invested with the cliffhanger at the end and I am excited to watch the author grow and see how the story develops!
Thank you again!
The book frequently felt like a Twilight rehash. It felt very familiar, not in a novel or exciting way, from the way the protagonist learns that the love interest is a vampire to the general tone and plot points.
Although I am aware that the author is from the UK and that differences exist, there were a few instances where certain aspects were off, especially in relation to the setting. The 17ear old protagonist's ability to consume alcohol in American bars and restaurants was one example. I would assume the community would be more conscious and watchful about not serving alcohol to high school students in a small town where, "everyone knows everyone." This seemed implausible, particularly in a situation where people are typically wary of such things. The book also includes a lot of UK-specific terminology (e.g., “tucking in for dinner”), which pulled me out of the story. These phrases felt unnatural, especially in the context of a small American town, and disrupted my immersion in the setting.
Another element that made me uncomfortable was the sexual content involving a high school-aged character. I do understand that there are books like this, however they are just not my thing. A fade-to-black approach would have been more fitting, as the scenes felt somewhat out of place. For example, there was a big lead up to the bonding, but it happened very quickly making it feel out of place. Another aspect was the age difference between the main characters. Despite being over 200 years old, the male protagonist was transformed into a vampire at the age of 25. Age-gap relationships bother me personally, especially when one of the characters is still in high school. Although I can appreciate the author's effort to complicate the vampire mythology, it all felt off to me.
There were some plot-related problems that made the book more difficult to follow. The dialogue was repetitive and inconsistent, especially in scenes where the same exchanges were repeated several times. The protagonist's intense emotional reaction upon learning that the love interest is a vampire, followed by their abrupt act of indifference in the following chapter, was one particularly noteworthy instance. It was challenging for me to remain invested because of this.
For a first book, the writing was generally strong, and I can see the author's promise. More research and a greater emphasis on plot coherence, particularly with regard to setting and character age, would have improved the book, in my opinion. This book wasn't for me, but I am still invested with the cliffhanger at the end and I am excited to watch the author grow and see how the story develops!
Thank you again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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