Bound Together

Crimson Bonds #7

by Abrianna Denae, Leigh Kenzie

Courage.

In a revolutionary move that shattered hearts, and everything they once knew, the Amato and Martelli Families are finding their feet in the new status quo.

The relationships they've built help form trust, and there’s hope for the future, if they only dare to reach further than any of them ever imagined.


Destruction.

As the Families continue to pick up their fractured pieces, their enemy makes their next move, and this time, the Amatos and Martellis may not come out victorious…

Broken.

If only letting go of recent events was as easy as they pretend…

The soul-gutting losses they’ve endured threaten to tear them apart from the inside out, just as they’re finding the courage to discover new parts of themselves. The questions they must ask themselves are: can they ever open up and trust again? Or will the previous claim on their souls be what kills them in the end…

Bound Together is book 7 in the Crimson Bonds series and ends on a cliffhanger. All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs.

This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 11, 2025

About the author

Abrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.

Reviews

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MM+ Poly Mafia romance with complicated relationships, heartbreak, love, needs, BDSM, action & again a cliffhanger!
Gosh, I love them all so damn much 😭❤️. After my exam, I'd started this, I didn't think I'll complete it in 1 day but I devoured it in 8hrs anyway. I'd been so excited & hooked 🥰. It being romance is my only hope that no loves will die 😅.

I adore all the characters but Roman is becoming a fav of mine. He's vicious yet his heart's so big 🥰. It was amazing to see some of my ships sail 😍. Authors, you're the best. I hope all relations get intertwined by the series end 😇. The angst is mostly low in established relationships, new ones are sweet too. Benjamin bro?! I get you, but acceptance please 🥺.

The bonds that got broken hurt, I got perverted pleasure from the assholes' remorse 😈. I'm glad people made choices finally. Move on or hold on. We finally find who's the main villain & goddamn them 😤. When will our guys get some weeks to breath?! I hope the last book in series is a long aftermath, I want to see them make their ideal dream come true 😭.

Spoilers ahead! I wanted to discuss relations/plot some + do fangirling, which as we're 7 books deep in, can't be done without spoilers. Please read these books, they're amazing.

I adore that Jude gets to let his dom side out with Antonio & the twins. So freaking hot 🔥 & cute. Anto's such a chaotic shit 😂. Omg yes, twincest?! 🥵 Ooh. I like that we got some development in Lio's relationship with Holl & Tenn. Sir & Daddy (holy, yes 🥵)? Gosh, they can be so sweet, I adored them 🥹. Roman is such a cheerleader of free love 🥰, Ignacio you chose well 🤭. I'll love to watch that too IYKYK. Ben's jealousy has been brewing for quite some time, I hope he chooses love & no bonds get frayed further 😩. I'm glad they all talked, communication is great. OMG, Keegan & Marcus & Carter?!?! YESSSSS. Love! I'm screaming, I'm so happy 😍. Em & Carter deserve all the love after the shitshow of last 2 books, it's beautiful romance & I hope we get some more sexy times too 😉.

With how the families are entangled, I'm actually glad almost all are ok with the poly love. I also *need* more cuddle parties! It's lovely to see them all interact in a relaxed space, old relations with new ones. Most are kinky or dom/sub, so it's a filthy heaven 🥵. Even the punishments are great 👍. I can get behind a clean slate NGL.

On the other side, I'm SO GLAD to see old bosses' guilt FINALLY! Padrone got punished, but now Cris too. He was such a cocky shit, I'm glad they're broken 😈. I hate that I'm actually a bit sad & got scared, but I'm excited to see if they overcome what they've done & become part of the new families or not, it's heartfelt, hurts in the best way. Luca was asshole in past, damn, but I liked him here, even if it's goodbye. Also, dang, most action keeps happening in climax leaving us on cliffhangers 😩. I'd feared this, they get captured too much 😅. Maybe this can start the oldies redemption arc, but let's see... I'm hella excited 😍! Also, poor workers, they just went through this ordeal 🥲.

Story ratings: Enjoyed—> Yes!
POV: 1st Person, Multiple POVs
1) The Characters: 5/5
2) The feels: 🥹🤕😍😢😳😅😉😁🤔🥰🫤😰😈🥵🤭😲🙃😶‍🌫️
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 2/5
4) Levels: Moderate Angst, Kinda Cute, Moderate Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.5/5

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[KillerMomma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abrianna and Leigh have done it again! They ended book 6 in such a way I truly believed something had happened, only to find out at the beginning of book 7 that it was a massive LIE! Sorry if that spoils things for anyone, but I needed to get off my chest how mean and sneaky they are both being.

Anyhoo, things are really heating up now and there are so many twists I feel like I'm dizzy lol. Cristian is being a complete dick, even after he's lost everything, and Allesandro? Well he's just lost his mind, trapped in guilt and sorrow. I can't decide if I want either of them to be redeemed or not, but that's a puzzle for another day.

The other families are merging together very nicely, relationships are solidifying and new love is blooming. The only one I have doubts about is Leandro. He's up to something and I can't figure out what.

As usual, the book comes to a screeching halt at the top of a very steep cliff and I almost want to throw myself off it in search of the next one.

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why? Why? I’m just absolutely floored every time I read the next book. I’m left speechless and wanting to scream why? So many WHY’s! And seriously, how do you keep shattering me in some new way every book? I’m just shattered…the pain and heartbreak just left me gutted. This series is an epic journey of mind f*ckery, pain, tension and so much dark and twistedness. The characters are truly feral and savage little beasts that just wreck me every single time. I am absolutely in love and enthralled. I could not put the story down, I devoured every word and every tense moment. I still don’t see how the HEA is going to shape up in the end but I’m starting to see that while different than what I would have originally thought at book 1, it will be so much more and better than what I expected. There is just a gaping hole where my heart is right now though, Alessandro is just breaking me. And while I have hope for him…Cristian I’m still on the fence for his HEA. Look people, heed the trigger warnings before going into the story as always, expect the violence, the poly love and the intense connections these characters are known for, respect the feral nature of these characters, embrace all the cliffs each book ends with and just love the story and the process and you’ll survive it. Tho you might ask yourself how you survived all of that! Leigh and Abri bring so much oops and feral energy to their stories that I just get swept away and love the journey, all while hating it. Eh, the story makes me feel bipolar and stabby. Honestly if you finish the book and you haven’t wanted to stab several people, you might be reading it wrong. Love these characters, the plot and all the twists and turns. Well written. I seriously can’t wait for the next book. There are a couple quotes that really resonated with me while reading the book as emotions that I just felt to my very soul. I won’t share who said them or anything more but I’ll leave you with the words and teasers.

“the pieces of my soul are so scattered, it’s dust in the wind.”

“I’m so damn tired of trying to hold myself together. The broken pieces don’t fit anymore, and sometimes… sometimes it’s better if you throw shattered glass out instead of trying to fix it. It’s the same for my soul.”

I really can’t wait to see what the rest of this series has in store for us and the characters.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

(*Rational Me* Don't be a drama queen and overre...)

We're on the roller-coaster ride from Hell, and it's going to get worse! 🫢😱😭💀

(.... yeah, so glad we're not overreacting.)

Okay... "roller-coaster ride from Hell" may be a bit 🤏 dramatic.🙄

But seriously, is Character Protective Services a thing? It should be. I'd like to file a report.

So, in this book the dynamics continue to change. I'm not happy about one of those changes. 🤨 Yeah, I'm looking at you, Leigh Kenzie!😑

But, holy hell, I'm so into some of them. It's ridiculous how much I'm in need of seeing two certain psychos get their sexy on together. The one scene we get is great and all, but I NEED the full show. I want worlds colliding, rough and out of control, could burn the house down, on the sparring mats. Then soft and sweet later in the bedroom. I beg of you. 🙏🥹

This one totally came out of left field, but I'm interested to see what plays out between one hot patient and his PT. I'm also worried how he's going to react when he finds out what our sadistic authors did at the end of this book! Bad, Leigh &Abri, bad.

That brings me to someone else. As mad as I am at him, I'll admit the last page or two gave me a bit of relief. I knew who he was waiting for, and I knew that what happened would be the thing to pull him back. I'm hoping he gets there in time, but I know he won't. That has my poor heart in my stomach, knowing what's to come is going to be the worst so far.

Hollis, oh how I'm worried for what this next book is going to do to him. Three out of his four, that's going to hurt. Someone better lock Jude up in a bomb shelter.

Before I wrap this up, I want to say that I AM NOT a Luca fan. BUT, a teensy tiny little part of me, well, it may be glad he's found his home and people. Him defending Emilio to Allesandro. Then threatening him against hurting Emilio again. I have a ridiculously big soft spot for my Lio. So... uh... yeah, I said what I said.

Now, go check those TWs, then read the book.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound Together is the 7th book in the Crimson Bonds series. As stated by the authors "All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs. This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story." We are back with the Amato and Martelli families for more action and danger. We are back with the Martelli and Amato families for more of the story. I went on another rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, deep lows, and lots of emotional turmoil with this part of the story. Everything is changing for the families and so many emotions are felt like anger, hate, guilt, and love. And we end our ride on another cliffhanger. I can't wait for the next book in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads.
received a free review copy

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leigh and Abri are doing a great job and have fully redeemed themselves with Crimson Bonds: Bound Together. Is it enough to keep them off Santa's naughty authors list?

Cristian, what can I say? I keep screaming in my mind, the poor guy is suffering PTSD, I'm wondering why the doctors haven't had him psych reviewed yet. But he's such a bad-un I'm quite happily seeing him get his just desserts.
Alessandro, wow, I love this baddie. I'd be distraught if anything happened to him. I'm holding out hope for him and Lio. :( In the meantime, I'm down with the suffering.
I have to admit, with the doctors on site, I'm surprised nothing has been done for their suffering. It was obvious from the start of them coming home that they had an unnatural co-dependency on each other.
How the twisted tales are being woven, nothing about these families is normal, and that’s why I love them so much. Lio and Roman have bitten off more than they can chew. I'm just waiting on that fallout.
Lastly, this book settled something in my chest after the last one damaged me. I don't know, I'm beginning to wonder if the readers might need to be evaluated after this series. It's the best series I've read this year; it's right up there with the top for twists and turns.
Leandro has my Spidey senses going off and not in a good way. I'll just leave that there.
I received an arc, but I'd also got it on preorder. I might update this review when I've finished re-reading it.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This seventh instalment dives straight back into the emotional wreckage left by book six, and the fallout is every bit as intense as expected. With both the Amato and Martelli families still reeling from their losses, their attempts to rebuild both personally and politically, feel raw, messy, and painfully human. The shifting alliances and deepening relationships give the story real heart, even as the looming threat against them tightens its grip.

What stood out to me most was the balance between vulnerability and volatility. Some characters are clinging to hope with trembling hands, others are spiralling in guilt or anger, and the tension this creates within the two families is gripping. There’s a real sense of everyone trying to move forward while still bleeding from old wounds.

The new bonds forming across the families are wonderfully done, adding warmth amid the darkness, but there’s also an undercurrent of suspicion, particularly around certain characters whose motives are becoming harder to read. It keeps the story unpredictable in the best way.

And then, of course, the ending. True to form, it stops just as everything reaches maximum intensity, leaving me desperate for the next book. A dramatic, emotional, and compelling continuation of a series that refuses to pull its punches. Simply Sensational!

I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Mari Cardenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars! 

So, again, if you're reading Bound Together or planning to, I suppose you've read the previous books in the series and know what you're getting into. These books are labeled as dark stories for a reason (or several), so keep that in mind.

After the evil cliffhanger from the last book, where I thought something had happened to Cristian and Alessandro that didn't, and the repercussions from that, all I can say is... Holy rollercoasters, Abri and Leigh! Damn, you ladies can spin one hell of a tale. I'm not sure if Sandro will ever earn some sort of redemption after what he did, although at this point, my heart is breaking for him and what he's going through. Now, Cristian, I feel no sympathy for him.

I really enjoyed seeing how well the families are integrating, except for Benjamin (who I frankly wanted to slap silly more than a couple of times throughout the book).

And speaking of evil cliffies, we had another this time around, and OMG, if it's going to shake things off in a lot of ways. The next book can't come fast enough. Can it be 2026 already, pretty please?

Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure; a review wasn't a requirement. ***

[Sarah Thornburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a series that's all sunshine and rainbows and no angst, this is NOT the series for you. This is the complete opposite of all of that. If you like your characters off the rails and feral, then 'Crimson Bonds' is for you. If you enjoy having your heart ripped out of your chest and stomped on, then carefully sewn back together and placed gently in your chest, then this is the series for you. It needs to be read in order; otherwise, it won't make any sense. I also recommend reading the series based on the Amato and Martelli families; things will click and fall into place if you do. Plus, those series provide a lot more background and character motivation. I was hesitant to dive into 'Crimson Bonds' only because I hadn't read about the Martellis. I fixed that right away, and I am so glad I did.
Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Molly Otto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two seperate households stand now that Lio & Roman now have left Christan and Allesandro when lines crossed to far. Both must learn what is their new status quo, Tennant taking on the role Lio so desperately needs to move forward yet still missing thst piece of him that will always remain.
Loving how the division shows the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. forcing everyone to find what matters most and fight for it even when at this point is there hope for unity once again? Leigh & Abrianna keep showing how strong they are together making for a series that no one can soon forget.

Previous reading is necessary to have an understanding of all that is happening. This does end on a cliff so be prepared.

[Wendy Trankle · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAN! I don't even know where to start on this review without sending major spoilers. I will say it is excellent. OF COURSE it must be read in order. Once again we are left on a cliff though it's not QUITE as shocking as the last one. I am enjoy watching everyone try and find their place in the new groups, Both their "offical" roles as heads of houses or seconds ect and all of the many and varried pairings and sharings. I still can't believe I feel favorable to Luca but he continues to support them despite wanting to get back to HIS family. We don't see a lot of him but he is an important factor still.

Chomping at the bit for the next book already!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord, this series.....there were parts that nearly had me sobbing. Benjamin needs to get with the programme, with everything else going on, he's coming across as whiney. Very love filled instalment, but not soft or tender. Cristian, I'm not sure whether his path will lead to redemption, but you do finally see his love for Roman. Allesandro, I wanted to shake most of the book, but then like a phoenix, he's on his metaphorical feet. Another cliffhanger, this time the roles are reversed.....on tenterhooks, waiting very impatiently for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t even know what to think about this book/series this far into it! 😊 I’m not sure how much more torture these characters can take but I’m here until the series finishes! I know this isn’t a great review but there are so many characters and so much going on that I end up kind of gob smacked once I’ve finished the book. I will say that there were some surprises I didn’t see coming but I should expect that from these authors by now. 😂

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

[Miruru Shouting · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just along for this rollercoaster ride that is this series because I can't predict anything that will happen. I now don't believe anything I'm reading and I'm going to squint at everything with sus eyes lol

There's still 5 (or more) books after this, so that means we'll get more mindf*cks before the HEA. I can't imagine how they'll all reconcile (and the angst is killing me) but I'm here and staying for all the ups and downs.

[Belinda Zamora · Rating 4 out of 5]

They keep pulling me back in

I am so addicted to this series!!!
The emotional roller coaster has me in a chokehold, the ups and downs, the pain of loss, the fear of something new, the plot twists that keep me on the edge of my seat, it all combines for some very combustible reading.

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these characters and their world and enjoyed the book a lot but now that I’ve finished reading I feel like this book was mostly filler - except for the ending.
Yes, there were some small advances in the plot and there was lots about relationship dynamics and possibly something with Leandro (someone needs to keep an eye on him) but it also felt repetitive at times.

[Theresa Derwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set the World on Fire

Well, things are really heating up in the overall story arc and this one ends with a cliffhanger.
Chris and Il Padrone have to relearn their place in the families and the new bosses face big decisions.
Steamy, violent, passionate and emotional.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Every time, I get drawn into the story and can't wait for the next one.

[Gale MR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing is at it was before. Every single book in this fantastic, but very disturbing emotionally wise series, has managed to dismantle a piece of my faith in what the Amatos stand up for. And that's exactly what keeps me reading and so invested in the character development. Brilliantly destructive, broken minds are a scary place to be. And every paragraph, every chapter, every new twist of the plot are like a walk in Horror themed amusement park without an exit. Not that I want an exit for now, but I do need to breathe and all these psychotically terrifying but somehow mesmerizing men keep me under a spell. So no matter how much bruised and hurt my mind and heart are, after their non traditional and shocking choices, I am still here for the ride.
Every single one of these characters showed me a new side of them, I didn't know before. Cristian is my biggest disappointment as far as life choices go. Carter found a backbone that was a pure delight to discover. But Lio and Roman are proving to be the bag of surprises I don't want to open. They really stepped into shoes too big for their feet. Maybe with time, it would have been a different scenario but right now, the choices they make and the execution of decisions, lead to results like the one we saw at the end of the book. Grow up before you try.
What I really like about these books, besides all the changes, all the unexpected twists, is the shifts of ties, bonds and

[J.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite things about this series is that the intensity doesn't lessen, but it does shift. Each developing drama hits different characters differently, and the authors continue to create character and relationship development that is simultaneously unexpected and makes perfect sense. By this point in the saga, our two original family "patriarchs" have been brought down a few pegs. This does nothing to "fix" anything, nor does healing seem possible while an external threat continues to affect all three families. However, the new configurations of the Amatos, Martellis, and De Lucas are also a fascinating blend of one whole that I thoroughly enjoy seeing support each other. Denae and Kenzie keep promising that each book is darker than the previous, but darkness comes in many forms. Carter is still the only character to bring me to tears, but I've definitely felt the emotional effect of the numerous other intersecting journeys. As always, I look forward to being surprised by whatever happens next.

Disclaimer: I received a digital review version of this book from the authors.