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Bound by Darkness
Step into a dark mafia reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum—where love is a blade, loyalty is a trap, and survival demands sacrifice.
Bound by the shackles of a sheltered existence, Aoife Quigley yearns for more than the quiet exile she was forced to endure.
An escape to the Maldives leads her to Eamon O’Sullivan, a man shrouded in darkness and desire.
Their passion ignites an inferno that defies fate and awakens an obsession.
Tragedy rips Aoife from her haven, dreams shattering in its wake.
Bound by blood to the Irish Syndicate’s throne, she believes that she and her twin brother will reign united.
But when her brother shuts her out, all trust is shattered.
When Aoife and Eamon’s paths cross once more, a chilling revelation sets her on a collision course.
She realizes that love and loyalty can be twisted into weapons of destruction.
Bound by blood and torn by love, their world spirals into a deadly dance of loyalty and betrayal.
Now, trapped between the blade above and the abyss below, Aoife must make an impossible choice.
Will the blade of love prove to be sharper than the bonds of blood?
Bound by the shackles of a sheltered existence, Aoife Quigley yearns for more than the quiet exile she was forced to endure.
An escape to the Maldives leads her to Eamon O’Sullivan, a man shrouded in darkness and desire.
Their passion ignites an inferno that defies fate and awakens an obsession.
Tragedy rips Aoife from her haven, dreams shattering in its wake.
Bound by blood to the Irish Syndicate’s throne, she believes that she and her twin brother will reign united.
But when her brother shuts her out, all trust is shattered.
When Aoife and Eamon’s paths cross once more, a chilling revelation sets her on a collision course.
She realizes that love and loyalty can be twisted into weapons of destruction.
Bound by blood and torn by love, their world spirals into a deadly dance of loyalty and betrayal.
Now, trapped between the blade above and the abyss below, Aoife must make an impossible choice.
Will the blade of love prove to be sharper than the bonds of blood?
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Tara Conrad
26 books623 followersTara Conrad writes sizzling, emotionally charged romances that blend passion, angst, and unforgettable love stories. From dark Irish mafia worlds to steamy second chances and spicy club romances, her books are filled with captivating plots, deep emotional connections, and characters who love hard—and fight harder for their happily ever after.
Tara is married to her real-life hero, George. They’ve been in love for over 30 years, and it was his encouragement that launched her writing journey. Their enduring bond inspires every story she tells.
Looking for your next binge-worthy romance?
Explore Tara’s best sellers now.
Tara is married to her real-life hero, George. They’ve been in love for over 30 years, and it was his encouragement that launched her writing journey. Their enduring bond inspires every story she tells.
Looking for your next binge-worthy romance?
Explore Tara’s best sellers now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 30, 2025
Bound by Darkness is the story of twins Aoife and Ruairi Quigley, a dark mafia reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum, where love is a blade, loyalty is a trap, and survival demands sacrifice.
They made a promise when they were young,that when the time came,they’d rule The Irish Syndicate together.
But when the time came,Ruairi retracted his promise……deciding it was better for Aoife.
Only,Aoife didn’t agree,and she set out to prove him wrong.
This is the story of what happened…..
Aoife had been training religiously,making sure she’d be ready to step up after her father’s death,but when the time came,her own twin brother denied her her rightful place.
She’d travelled because that’s what her father had allowed….but it was about to backfire when she met Aemon,and fell for him.
Because not only did she fall for him,he fell for her too….and he was the enemy!
In the meantime,Ruairi made plans to get his sister to come home,and he used Cian to do it.
How? By promising him her hand in marriage…..something she’d never agree to,but that didn’t matter.
Meeting Aoife changed Aemon O’Sullivan’s life,and he knew he’d do anything to keep her.
Finding out her true identity didn’t change anything for him,it only made him want her more.
Because he saw her for the strong woman she was,and he wanted to give her the world.
And he’d stand beside her while she ruled it.
Even if her brother didn’t want that life for her,he knew she was made for it,and he’d make sure she got it.
Meeting Aemon changed Aoife’s life,and she knew she’d do anything to be able to stay with him.
But he was the enemy,and she wanted her chance at ruling the Irish Syndicate….
Letting Aemon in was easier than she thought,her feelings about him were right.
Ruairi refused to listen to her,and the man he sent to bring her home only managed to convince her he didn’t take her seriously.
So….what if Aemon could help her reach her goal??
Ruairi couldn’t believe how stubborn his sister was….couldn’t she see he wanted to keep that ugly world away from her?
That she wasn’t made for it,that she was better than that?
Until she found a way to show him….in a way he never saw coming!
And the crazy part of it all? She also showed him that loyalty sometimes came from people you’d least expect….
This was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish,and i loved every second.
I loved Aoife,she was so strong,determined and loveable.
And Aemon,he knew what he wanted,and did everything he could to earn it.
Ruairi was as stubborn as his twin,but in his case,it worked against him.
I know he meant well,but to treat your own sister like that? Not done!
Cain was a creep,i didn’t like him for even one second.
They made a promise when they were young,that when the time came,they’d rule The Irish Syndicate together.
But when the time came,Ruairi retracted his promise……deciding it was better for Aoife.
Only,Aoife didn’t agree,and she set out to prove him wrong.
This is the story of what happened…..
Aoife had been training religiously,making sure she’d be ready to step up after her father’s death,but when the time came,her own twin brother denied her her rightful place.
She’d travelled because that’s what her father had allowed….but it was about to backfire when she met Aemon,and fell for him.
Because not only did she fall for him,he fell for her too….and he was the enemy!
In the meantime,Ruairi made plans to get his sister to come home,and he used Cian to do it.
How? By promising him her hand in marriage…..something she’d never agree to,but that didn’t matter.
Meeting Aoife changed Aemon O’Sullivan’s life,and he knew he’d do anything to keep her.
Finding out her true identity didn’t change anything for him,it only made him want her more.
Because he saw her for the strong woman she was,and he wanted to give her the world.
And he’d stand beside her while she ruled it.
Even if her brother didn’t want that life for her,he knew she was made for it,and he’d make sure she got it.
Meeting Aemon changed Aoife’s life,and she knew she’d do anything to be able to stay with him.
But he was the enemy,and she wanted her chance at ruling the Irish Syndicate….
Letting Aemon in was easier than she thought,her feelings about him were right.
Ruairi refused to listen to her,and the man he sent to bring her home only managed to convince her he didn’t take her seriously.
So….what if Aemon could help her reach her goal??
Ruairi couldn’t believe how stubborn his sister was….couldn’t she see he wanted to keep that ugly world away from her?
That she wasn’t made for it,that she was better than that?
Until she found a way to show him….in a way he never saw coming!
And the crazy part of it all? She also showed him that loyalty sometimes came from people you’d least expect….
This was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish,and i loved every second.
I loved Aoife,she was so strong,determined and loveable.
And Aemon,he knew what he wanted,and did everything he could to earn it.
Ruairi was as stubborn as his twin,but in his case,it worked against him.
I know he meant well,but to treat your own sister like that? Not done!
Cain was a creep,i didn’t like him for even one second.
June 3, 2025
Bound By Darkness is Tara Conrad's second book retelling an Edgar Allan Poe novel. This book is a dark mafia retelling of The Pit and the Pendulum.
I've never read any of Edgar Allan Poe’s novels, but I've loved both of Tara Conrads books. I was gripped from the start of Bound by Darkness and could not put it down, I almost finished the book in one sitting.
Aoife is the daughter of a mafia king and has been forced to live in the shadows her whole life. She's constantly been underestimated and overlooked. All she wants is to take her rightful place in the Syndicate with her twin. Aoife is an amazing FMC, she's strong, intelligent and powerful ❤️
I loved Aoife and Eamon together, he was perfect for her. Allowing her independence to find herself but at the same time knowing when to protect her. He let her be her sassy, fiesty, strongwilled self, but also saw when she was vulnerable.
I loved the different POV throughout the book as it aided the story and brought everything together. Even with multiple POVs, they all interlinked to the main storyline, providing more detail and depth. I thought the story was very well written, keeping me gripped throughout.
✨️ Releases on 7 June 2025 ✨️
Thank you to Tara Conrad for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've never read any of Edgar Allan Poe’s novels, but I've loved both of Tara Conrads books. I was gripped from the start of Bound by Darkness and could not put it down, I almost finished the book in one sitting.
Aoife is the daughter of a mafia king and has been forced to live in the shadows her whole life. She's constantly been underestimated and overlooked. All she wants is to take her rightful place in the Syndicate with her twin. Aoife is an amazing FMC, she's strong, intelligent and powerful ❤️
I loved Aoife and Eamon together, he was perfect for her. Allowing her independence to find herself but at the same time knowing when to protect her. He let her be her sassy, fiesty, strongwilled self, but also saw when she was vulnerable.
I loved the different POV throughout the book as it aided the story and brought everything together. Even with multiple POVs, they all interlinked to the main storyline, providing more detail and depth. I thought the story was very well written, keeping me gripped throughout.
✨️ Releases on 7 June 2025 ✨️
Thank you to Tara Conrad for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2025
Tara Conrad is my “go-to” author and once again she created a world that fully captured my attention. This time we start in The Maldives where Aoife Quigley “Eve/Evie” is vacationing. She has lived a gilded life but is wanting more. She wants to help her twin brother Ruairi rule the family syndicate. She resents that her father and brother see her as someone to hide, to protect, with no power and nothing to bring to the Syndicate. Little do they know she has been traveling the world to learn skills that will make her a value to the Syndicate and show her capabilities.
Eamon O’Sullivan is the head of an opposing Syndicate in Ireland. He is powerful and always working to increase the foothold and strength of his organization.
Eamon and “Eve” meet in The Maldives. Eamon is enraptured by Eve and has not experienced this emotion for any woman before. He has not disclosed any of his history to Eve. He is in love with her. Aoife is equally captivated by Eamon. They spend two months together and ignore the outside world until Eve receives devastating news and leaves Eamon in the middle of the night with a note but no contact information. Time passes but not the feelings. Their circles collide in Ireland and Tara takes us through trials and tribulations facing the four main characters and the side characters.
I LOVED this book. Tara once again created characters with great depth in a wonderful plot. I especially loved Aoife as she is a strong FMC who knew what she wanted and set out to get it. She was not blind to what was going on around her and never backed off or made excuses of why she did not did not do something. What I greatly appreciated is that Tara wrote Aoife to be a person who relied on herself. She controlled the narrative. Eamon gave her the wings to fly and his trust to follow her lead. I loved this about the overall story.
“He thinks he’s protecting me. What he’s really doing is underestimating me.
Let them all circle like vultures, mistaking me for something fragile. They forget-it’s not the damsel they should fear. It’s the reckoning she brings.” (Conrad, p 276)
Thank you Tara for the ARC of Bound by Darkness! My opinion and review is my own.
Eamon O’Sullivan is the head of an opposing Syndicate in Ireland. He is powerful and always working to increase the foothold and strength of his organization.
Eamon and “Eve” meet in The Maldives. Eamon is enraptured by Eve and has not experienced this emotion for any woman before. He has not disclosed any of his history to Eve. He is in love with her. Aoife is equally captivated by Eamon. They spend two months together and ignore the outside world until Eve receives devastating news and leaves Eamon in the middle of the night with a note but no contact information. Time passes but not the feelings. Their circles collide in Ireland and Tara takes us through trials and tribulations facing the four main characters and the side characters.
I LOVED this book. Tara once again created characters with great depth in a wonderful plot. I especially loved Aoife as she is a strong FMC who knew what she wanted and set out to get it. She was not blind to what was going on around her and never backed off or made excuses of why she did not did not do something. What I greatly appreciated is that Tara wrote Aoife to be a person who relied on herself. She controlled the narrative. Eamon gave her the wings to fly and his trust to follow her lead. I loved this about the overall story.
“He thinks he’s protecting me. What he’s really doing is underestimating me.
Let them all circle like vultures, mistaking me for something fragile. They forget-it’s not the damsel they should fear. It’s the reckoning she brings.” (Conrad, p 276)
Thank you Tara for the ARC of Bound by Darkness! My opinion and review is my own.
December 28, 2025
When my two favorites come together, I know it’s a must-read. Tara Conrad’s Bound into Darkness is an Edgar Allen Poe reimagining of The Pit and the Pedulum, but in a Dark Irish Mafia Romance. Do you need to be familiar with Edgar Allen Poe's works to enjoy the story fully? Not at all. Bound by Darkness holds strong as a dark mafia romance on its own. The story is told through multiple POVs, action, and the spice hits early, hard, and it’s very good.
Author Tara Conrad captures Poe’s gothic-like atmosphere through Bound by Darkness, which I really loved. And unlike other mafia romance stories, we have an FMC, Aofie, who is a force to be reckoned with. She’s intense. She’s fiercely independent. She’s the one who wants to rule the empire. She wants the throne.
And for those who are fans of Poe’s work, I appreciated picking out the parallels. I love trying to dissect the story, figuring out which parts represent what. Whether the ‘pit’ represents the mafia crime world and the ‘pendulum’ represents Aofie’s conflicting feelings for Eamon and betrayal.
I truly enjoyed this story. And in true Bee Spot fashion, I did not read this in order. But luckily, Bound by Darkness, though Book 2, is a standalone. Beneath the Shadows is Book 1 and is also a dark mafia romance retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado. I’ll be reading that next!
Thank you to Ingram Sparks and Author Tara Conrad for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Author Tara Conrad captures Poe’s gothic-like atmosphere through Bound by Darkness, which I really loved. And unlike other mafia romance stories, we have an FMC, Aofie, who is a force to be reckoned with. She’s intense. She’s fiercely independent. She’s the one who wants to rule the empire. She wants the throne.
And for those who are fans of Poe’s work, I appreciated picking out the parallels. I love trying to dissect the story, figuring out which parts represent what. Whether the ‘pit’ represents the mafia crime world and the ‘pendulum’ represents Aofie’s conflicting feelings for Eamon and betrayal.
I truly enjoyed this story. And in true Bee Spot fashion, I did not read this in order. But luckily, Bound by Darkness, though Book 2, is a standalone. Beneath the Shadows is Book 1 and is also a dark mafia romance retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Cask of Amontillado. I’ll be reading that next!
Thank you to Ingram Sparks and Author Tara Conrad for the gifted copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2025
Bound by Darkness an amazing dark Irish mafia romance by Tara Conrad! This is the second book in Tara Conrad’s Edgar Allen Poe retelling series. Bound by Darkness retells the story of the Pit and the Pendulum.
Aoife Quigley is the FMC who is the daughter of a mafia king who has been forced to live in the shadows her whole life in order to be protected. Meanwhile, Aoife has always had a secret desire to help run the syndicate with her twin brother.
Aoife is an avid traveler and takes a trip to the Maldives. Here is where Aoife meets Eamon O’Sullivan (MMC/mafia king) and they both fall in love w/o knowing each other’s background.
When tragedy strikes the Quigley family, Aoife thinks she finally has a chance to step out of the shadows but her twin brother continues to try to suppress her. It’s around this time Aoife and Eamon become reunited. Aoife then has to decide rather or not to stay loyal to her family or follow her new love. She has to decide who she will betray and who she loves more. She has to figure out if coming out of the shadows is worth risking everything. Highly recommend reading this book!
Aoife Quigley is the FMC who is the daughter of a mafia king who has been forced to live in the shadows her whole life in order to be protected. Meanwhile, Aoife has always had a secret desire to help run the syndicate with her twin brother.
Aoife is an avid traveler and takes a trip to the Maldives. Here is where Aoife meets Eamon O’Sullivan (MMC/mafia king) and they both fall in love w/o knowing each other’s background.
When tragedy strikes the Quigley family, Aoife thinks she finally has a chance to step out of the shadows but her twin brother continues to try to suppress her. It’s around this time Aoife and Eamon become reunited. Aoife then has to decide rather or not to stay loyal to her family or follow her new love. She has to decide who she will betray and who she loves more. She has to figure out if coming out of the shadows is worth risking everything. Highly recommend reading this book!
May 31, 2025
A Dark Irish Mafia Romance where love is a blade, loyalty is a trap and survival demands sacrifice
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and following the journey between Aoife Quigley and Eamon O’Sullivan. When devastation envelops Aoife, she thought that she and her twin brother would be ruling together. Only this was not in her brother’s plans.
Aoife travels to Maldives where she meets Eakon (mafia king) and the chemistry between them is unmatched. Falling for each other without knowing their reciprocal backgrounds. This is an intense story wrapped around secrets, dishonesty, loyalty, sacrifice and love. It is suspenseful, twisted and spicy and will have you eager to find out what is going to happen next.
I loved how the author incorporated different character POV throughout the story. This aided the connection to the characters. Very well written, I was immersed and felt the emotions of the characters. And that open ending?? Are we done with their story Ms Tara!? Or!??
This is definitely a page-turner and I would recommend to those who love a dark gut wrenching mafia, fairytale retelling romance. It does have dark elements to this story, so I would advise checking out the trigger warnings before reading. A definite 5 star read!
*𝘼𝙤𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣—𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙-𝙨𝙤𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮.
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚.
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩?
𝙎𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙩. ~𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙧𝙖𝙙
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and following the journey between Aoife Quigley and Eamon O’Sullivan. When devastation envelops Aoife, she thought that she and her twin brother would be ruling together. Only this was not in her brother’s plans.
Aoife travels to Maldives where she meets Eakon (mafia king) and the chemistry between them is unmatched. Falling for each other without knowing their reciprocal backgrounds. This is an intense story wrapped around secrets, dishonesty, loyalty, sacrifice and love. It is suspenseful, twisted and spicy and will have you eager to find out what is going to happen next.
I loved how the author incorporated different character POV throughout the story. This aided the connection to the characters. Very well written, I was immersed and felt the emotions of the characters. And that open ending?? Are we done with their story Ms Tara!? Or!??
This is definitely a page-turner and I would recommend to those who love a dark gut wrenching mafia, fairytale retelling romance. It does have dark elements to this story, so I would advise checking out the trigger warnings before reading. A definite 5 star read!
*𝘼𝙤𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙜𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣—𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙖 𝙗𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙-𝙨𝙤𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮.
𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙨𝙠 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚.
𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙩?
𝙎𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙞𝙩. ~𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙧𝙖𝙙
June 21, 2025
When you think of a strong FMC, Aoife is who we want!!!! She let others think she was a naive young girl. She ended up playing everyone that was in her path.
This story starts out hot and heavy between Aoife and Eamon. Who wouldn't want a vacation romance. But reality hits and back to real life through tragedy. I'm so glad Aoife and Eamon's path crossed again. It was a spark that seemed to be leading to an explosion.
Once Eamon finds out who Aoife really is. He truly believes and supports her. He allows her to grown into the woman she is destined to be. How can you not love a man like that?
This story starts out hot and heavy between Aoife and Eamon. Who wouldn't want a vacation romance. But reality hits and back to real life through tragedy. I'm so glad Aoife and Eamon's path crossed again. It was a spark that seemed to be leading to an explosion.
Once Eamon finds out who Aoife really is. He truly believes and supports her. He allows her to grown into the woman she is destined to be. How can you not love a man like that?
June 10, 2025
I had the pleasure of reading this book as part of Tara’s arc team.
Tara has absolutely outdone herself with this second dark romance and Edgar Allan Poe retelling. While I really enjoyed her first in this theme, this book was even better! The gritty, intense atmosphere of the Irish mafia was the perfect backdrop for a haunting reimagining of The Pit and the Pendulum.
Right from the start, I appreciated how Tara included a pronunciation guide! There was absolutely no need to guess on how to pronounce anyone’s name in this book. It’s a small touch, but very much appreciated!
Aoife was such a compelling character—I was completely hooked on her tangled web of secrets, lies, and shifting loyalties. I kept trying to figure out who she was working with, who she was betraying… and I still didn’t see the ending coming.
If you're looking for a dark, twisty romance with high stakes, psychological depth, and Poe-worthy dread, this book is a must-read. Tara has nailed the balance between romance, suspense, and gothic inspiration.
Tara has absolutely outdone herself with this second dark romance and Edgar Allan Poe retelling. While I really enjoyed her first in this theme, this book was even better! The gritty, intense atmosphere of the Irish mafia was the perfect backdrop for a haunting reimagining of The Pit and the Pendulum.
Right from the start, I appreciated how Tara included a pronunciation guide! There was absolutely no need to guess on how to pronounce anyone’s name in this book. It’s a small touch, but very much appreciated!
Aoife was such a compelling character—I was completely hooked on her tangled web of secrets, lies, and shifting loyalties. I kept trying to figure out who she was working with, who she was betraying… and I still didn’t see the ending coming.
If you're looking for a dark, twisty romance with high stakes, psychological depth, and Poe-worthy dread, this book is a must-read. Tara has nailed the balance between romance, suspense, and gothic inspiration.
June 15, 2025
Admittedly, this book took me longer to get into than I wish it would've, but it was worth it by the end. I enjoyed reading Aiofe go through her villain era and reclaim her legacy by the end of the book. The romance was spicy, the plots were twisting, and the action was hot. This book was a FANTASTIC retelling of the Pit and the Pendulum.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2025
Can I please have more stars to give this book!!
Aoife meets Eamon in the Maldives and agree to no last names and no details about each other. Aoife gets a call to return home and leaves Eamon behind...but neither can move on. They meet again and Eamon decides he's not letting her go again.
Lots of backstory with Aoife and her twin brother which spirals and I was never quite sure who could be trusted...except Eamon ♥️!!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
Aoife meets Eamon in the Maldives and agree to no last names and no details about each other. Aoife gets a call to return home and leaves Eamon behind...but neither can move on. They meet again and Eamon decides he's not letting her go again.
Lots of backstory with Aoife and her twin brother which spirals and I was never quite sure who could be trusted...except Eamon ♥️!!
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
May 9, 2025
This book will take you on a wild ride! Just when you think you figured it out, a twist throws wrench in your thoughts. The characters are well thought out, they’re deep, easy to relate to, and’s definitely make you think.
I was totally engrossed and’s couldn’t put out down.
I was totally engrossed and’s couldn’t put out down.
June 11, 2025
I was hooked from the beginning of this romantic suspense!!! I fell in love with Aoife more and more as the story went on .... such a bad @$s woman which i love ... the spicy scenes were well written but didn't take away from the whole story.... which is always a plus foe the plot lovers .... multiple POVS ... MAFIA FAMILIES... POE RETELLING ... SO GOOD !!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 8, 2025
Wow!!! Just Wow!!!! Bound by Darkness by Tara Conrad was an exquisite voyage into the dark worlds of Eamon and Aoife. They meet perchance…just when each needs another…temporarily. Then, she’s called away. This story was so convoluted and is told from so many perspectives…it’s dizzying!! But, in the best possible way! Aoife has something she wants and is determined to prove that she is deserving. Eamon already has everything he wants or needs…except for one thing. Between the two of them and their respective families, things will never be the same….absolutely magnificent read!!!
June 7, 2025
Love the meet-cute.
But, Aoife and Eamon are far from "cute" characters!
Not in their worlds.
Chemistry?
Off-the-charts!
Intense!
Scary!
Steamy!
Romantic!
Emotional!
Ms. Conrad blew me away with this story!
I need more of her stories in my life!
This was my second from the series and I'm checking her backlist!
But, Aoife and Eamon are far from "cute" characters!
Not in their worlds.
Chemistry?
Off-the-charts!
Intense!
Scary!
Steamy!
Romantic!
Emotional!
Ms. Conrad blew me away with this story!
I need more of her stories in my life!
This was my second from the series and I'm checking her backlist!
June 6, 2025
Bound by Darkness is definitely worth a read! Irish Mafia with a lot of spice! The FMC, Aoife, is amazing!! This book just keeps you on your toes wondering why choices are being made! The Epilogue had me instantly hooked, because WHY???? I needed ANSWERS!! I also absolutely loved Eamon. If you are on the fence JUMP!
June 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. It kept me guessing what would happen next. All in all, it’s a great read and I’d recommend it to others.
June 7, 2025
4.5*
2025 is a year of introducing myself to new authors and this is my second Tara Conrad read, and I REALLY enjoyed this book.
Really great storyline even though it starts a tad slow for me, well-developed characters and when you throw in my favourite place in the world, the Maldives in any book, I'm all in. I liked our FMC Aoife, and I really liked Eamon. So many books where I don't often like the fmc but I did this time around. I also would've liked a bit more spice to this.
Overall, a good read.
2025 is a year of introducing myself to new authors and this is my second Tara Conrad read, and I REALLY enjoyed this book.
Really great storyline even though it starts a tad slow for me, well-developed characters and when you throw in my favourite place in the world, the Maldives in any book, I'm all in. I liked our FMC Aoife, and I really liked Eamon. So many books where I don't often like the fmc but I did this time around. I also would've liked a bit more spice to this.
Overall, a good read.
June 2, 2025
This book was amazing. You think you know what is going to happen through 70% of the book then you question everything. The absolute plot twists that happen hook you in and suddenly sleep is not required just finishing the book is. The Poe tie ins are always remarkable by Tara just as it with in beneath the shadows!
June 10, 2025
One thing I appreciated right away was the pronunciation guide Tara included—such a simple detail, but it made a big difference! I loved not having to guess how to say anyone’s name, and it really helped immerse me in the world she created.
Aoife was absolutely fascinating. I was hooked on every twist in her story, so many secrets, so much tension. I kept second-guessing who she was loyal to, who she might betray… and the ending still took me by surprise!
If you’re craving a dark, emotionally layered romance with gothic vibes, psychological twists, and just the right amount of eerie suspense, this one is a must. Tara nailed the mood, the mystery, and the romance all in one.
Aoife was absolutely fascinating. I was hooked on every twist in her story, so many secrets, so much tension. I kept second-guessing who she was loyal to, who she might betray… and the ending still took me by surprise!
If you’re craving a dark, emotionally layered romance with gothic vibes, psychological twists, and just the right amount of eerie suspense, this one is a must. Tara nailed the mood, the mystery, and the romance all in one.
May 30, 2025
this book was fantastic. I had a love hate relationship with evie lol, but gotta say she was brilliant in so many ways at first I was OK she is stubborn and her brother was too why couldn't they just talk it over but no her brother wasn't having it I was shocked what she did I was like how couldn't you do that but then it all came together and it was absolutely brilliant. this book will pull you in and not let go until the end.I really loved the spicy scenes and had to fan myself lol. I highly recommend this book. I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review
July 29, 2025
This story was fun, steamy, and dark! I loved getting to know the light and dark sides of each character. If you are looking for a quick dark read with a mafia background and maybe an Edgar Allan Poe reference then I recommend checking this book out. I was consumed by it and could never put it down!
June 30, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
I really liked this! the FMC becoming the absolute boss she is was so refreshing to see and seeing her relationship develop with Eamon was everything and more- this writing style was 😙🤌🏻
this is such a good introduction to dark romance and would highly recommend!
I really liked this! the FMC becoming the absolute boss she is was so refreshing to see and seeing her relationship develop with Eamon was everything and more- this writing style was 😙🤌🏻
this is such a good introduction to dark romance and would highly recommend!
July 15, 2025
Absolutely Amazing
Another amazing powerful Mafia romance by Tara Conrad.
Aoife and Eamon are amazing together, but there is a lot of sinister intrigue twists in this story betrayal untrust family issues but in the end love prevails!
A definite five star must read you rock Tara!!
Another amazing powerful Mafia romance by Tara Conrad.
Aoife and Eamon are amazing together, but there is a lot of sinister intrigue twists in this story betrayal untrust family issues but in the end love prevails!
A definite five star must read you rock Tara!!
May 29, 2025
"𝓘 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝔂𝓸𝓾," 𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓴𝓮 𝓲𝓽’𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓲𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮𝓼𝓽 𝓽𝓻𝓾𝓽𝓱 𝓲𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓵𝓭. "𝓘’𝓿𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓭 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽 𝓘 𝓻𝓪𝓷 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓸 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓸𝓷 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱."
What. A. Read!
Tara has a way of developing a story and her characters to the point you feel the start of the book is a million miles away from the end. She’s just that good.
We have our FMC - Aofie/Evie. The twin sister of Ruairi - children of the Belfast Syndicate ruler. Things take a turn where Ruairi is fast moved to the top after the death of their parents. Aofie doesn’t falter in her demands to be riding the high with her brother and will stop at nothing until she gets what she wants.
Then enter our MMC - Eammon. A white knight on equally sandy beaches in the Maldives, he finds his “damsel in distress” and doesn’t look back. But will he unravel the secrets that hidden deep within?
This retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum has done it an absolute justice in the form of mafia and betrayal.
Thank you Tara, for sharing your words with me earlier than most, and for throwing me into a new universe that will live rent free in my head.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥.5
Mafia/touch her and 💀
Dual POV
Pints of Guinness
HEA
What. A. Read!
Tara has a way of developing a story and her characters to the point you feel the start of the book is a million miles away from the end. She’s just that good.
We have our FMC - Aofie/Evie. The twin sister of Ruairi - children of the Belfast Syndicate ruler. Things take a turn where Ruairi is fast moved to the top after the death of their parents. Aofie doesn’t falter in her demands to be riding the high with her brother and will stop at nothing until she gets what she wants.
Then enter our MMC - Eammon. A white knight on equally sandy beaches in the Maldives, he finds his “damsel in distress” and doesn’t look back. But will he unravel the secrets that hidden deep within?
This retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Pit and the Pendulum has done it an absolute justice in the form of mafia and betrayal.
Thank you Tara, for sharing your words with me earlier than most, and for throwing me into a new universe that will live rent free in my head.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥.5
Mafia/touch her and 💀
Dual POV
Pints of Guinness
HEA
June 2, 2025
Bound by Darkness is a slight reimagining of The Pit and the Pendulum.
There were a lot of secrets and deception happening within this story. Everyone was playing the game, but they were all kind of playing a different one. No one seemed to know what the other was going to do and this led to some interesting situations some of the characters were put in. Overall, the major game we were invested and interested in was Aoife's game. She has been pushed aside by her brother because she is female and she wants to prove that she is prepared for this world and can do anything she puts her mind to. This leads to a lot of twisted moments and I wasn't honestly sure who we were trusting by the end. I wasn't even sure if we could trust Aoife.
This was well written and a very interesting read. Kept me riveted from the start.
There were a lot of secrets and deception happening within this story. Everyone was playing the game, but they were all kind of playing a different one. No one seemed to know what the other was going to do and this led to some interesting situations some of the characters were put in. Overall, the major game we were invested and interested in was Aoife's game. She has been pushed aside by her brother because she is female and she wants to prove that she is prepared for this world and can do anything she puts her mind to. This leads to a lot of twisted moments and I wasn't honestly sure who we were trusting by the end. I wasn't even sure if we could trust Aoife.
This was well written and a very interesting read. Kept me riveted from the start.
May 27, 2025
“We all have our demons…The real question is, what happens when they recognize each other?” Find out when you read Bound by Darkness. Well thought out and intriguing. Aoife is the powerful, independent female lead that you will love. She is an extremely complex character that was well thought out. She will do things that amaze you and make you question her at the same time. Don’t wait to go on Aoife’s journey to try and go from a hidden mafia gem and work her way into the Quigley Syndicate.
May 26, 2025
I read this book as an ARC. The story starts off a bit slow but then gradually picks up speed. Plenty of twists and turns. The FMC develops enormously and shows the rulers of the Irish underworld that she is indeed capable of running an empire. The ending didn't feel complete for me. Please read the triggers and tropes. Enjoy the book.
June 1, 2025
This book was so good! I felt like it was more of a slightly slower burn but still the author did amazing keeping me engaged with the story. Make sure to follow along with all the twists and turns!! I am a fan of Edgar Allen Poe’s work, and I think Tara did wonderful job with this reimaging. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
June 5, 2025
This is the second book in the Edgar Allen Poe, there are so many twist and turns in the story. This also has a dark Irish mafia, the story was little slow but I enjoy the story I would recommend it especially if you love dark, plot twist and multiple pov. If you want a new author to support this Tara is the author you should check out.
May 25, 2025
the story starts off kinda slow but picks up very quickly and doesn't let up till the end, as the story progresses you can't help but admire FFC development and growth. the twist and turns in the story were great and the end was very fitting of not a bit open ended.
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