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Lycora Wolves #2

A Bond of Villains

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"I am your mate, Kaia," Nero growled, his fingers flexing around my throat. "But now, you've made me your villain." They say power changes people. But no one warned me it could erase them.

After everything Nero and I survived, I thought we were unbreakable. Turns out, I was wrong.

Lykosia is bleeding under the fist of the Grand Alpha’s rule, and Nero—my mate, my maddening, magnetic Commander—has become his sharpest weapon. Cold. Calculated. Crowned in shadows. He’s no longer the warrior I sparred with and secretly craved. He’s the Dark Lord they now bow to.

While I’ve been across the sea, begging ancient allies for help, he’s been conquering the land we once fought to protect. When I return, I expect a war. What I don’t expect is him—unrecognizable, unreadable, unforgivable.

But I didn’t come back alone. And I didn’t come back weak.

There’s a new player in this twisted game. An ally whose presence burns a little too brightly. A bond that tests everything I thought I knew about loyalty, destiny, and desire.

Now, the lines between love and hate are dissolving faster than blood in water. In a realm where villains wear crowns and mates become monsters, I have one choice

Shatter the bond. Or become something darker than him.

A Bond of Villains is a haunting, high-stakes sequel where romance turns ruthless, alliances fracture, and even fated love must survive betrayal.

Perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-again, morally grey chaos queens, brutal alpha politics, and slow-burn romance that explodes into flames.

Contains heartbreak, horned-up violence, feral growls of “mine,” and one very tempting threat to the mate bond. Proceed with caution... and claws.

365 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

1 person is currently reading
16 people want to read

About the author

Yajna Ramnath

29 books75 followers
Yajna Ramnath writes like she’s crafting spells—equal parts beauty, danger, and a little chaos.

An author of fantasy, romance, and deliciously dark romance, Yajna builds worlds where love burns, bleeds, and sometimes bites. Her stories are filled with powerful heroines who don’t wait to be saved, dangerously charming love interests who toe the line between savior and sinner, and plot twists sharper than a dagger in the dark.

When she isn’t tormenting her characters (and her readers) with emotional rollercoasters and morally grey dilemmas, she’s doing something equally intense—headshotting opponents in Call of Duty Mobile like the badass she is. Let’s just say her trigger finger is as fast as her plot twists.

Based in a world of words, Wi-Fi, and caffeine-fueled nights, Yajna writes not just to tell stories—but to create entire emotional black holes you’ll gladly get sucked into.

Dark romance with heart. Fantasy with fire. Love that lingers like a ghost.

Welcome to her world. Don’t forget to bring snacks—and maybe a sword.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Kylie Weigh.
78 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2025
CHECKMATE.

Nero and Kaia separated for 24 hours, turning from days to weeks after the aftermath at the Academy, marking her enemy #1. 

Kaia cannot slow down now; time is of the essence, and Nero is in trouble. Set on a quest with Nero's cousin to cross the Veil, an entity in itself no one tried to seek out, cross, or has even heard of. Crossing the Veil needs a special touch, and Nero knew this, which is why he paired his cousin and his mate on this mission to get help. 

Nero, caged and chained in the dungeon for the blood spilled but there is a bigger shadow at play and Nero becomes susceptible to the hand itself. Released on the grounds of "fixing Lykosia" and returning as Commander of the Guard (losing his Alpha title after just winning it), he has work to do. Kaia is getting help and he needs to be ready for what she brings. He must stay strong, controlled and block the voices in his head. 

Over time, their bond begins to fray and disintegrate and they can no longer reach out to each other because, despite Nero's best efforts, the voices were taking over his head, cutting each memory and tie to Kaia, allowing something more sinister, ancient at the helm; in Nero. Kaia, feeling this disconnection, makes quick work and is ready to bring down anyone who stands in her way. In the Veil, she befriends the outside pack, Zephyr Moon. They give her a sense of familiarity and take her in and are ready to teach her everything she needs to know about her powers after she proves who she is and that the prophecy is in motion. Making quick work in the Veil, Kaia needs to get home and save Nero. No matter what happens, she will save him even if it means it's the death of her. 

Stories and legacies told, the truths brought to light, Lykosia is in danger and the Grand Alpha is not what he seems. By the time Kaia makes it back to Lykosia, she is staring into the eyes of the man she loves but it's not him looking back. In fact, he doesn't even see her. Pushing aside the chaos and pain, she is determined to bring him back from the madness in his mind that is spiraling and snipping pieces of him out of his memory. She makes quick to set things right and share what she's learned with the remaining allies, shedding light on the monster in the shadows. Undoing Nero's mind is a piece to the puzzle but Kaia's sole priority; everything else comes after. She needs to restore him, their love, their bond. 

Plans set in place, Nero is still unsure but his eyes and mind are open; less blinded. Despite his heart and mind at war, he decides to accept Kaia's statements and claims. Ready to bring down the ancient force, its on both Kaia and Nero to destroy it and reforge something new and reset the blood and bonds that were born before their time. Despite their success, there was more blood and loss and more questions left. The shadow of the perpetrator has been banished but his sinister laugh left more to be uncovered and not to be taken lightly. 

This is just the beginning for Nero and Kaia and they barely made it out in one piece, trying to save Nero and undo the destruction set for them and the downfall of Lykosia. But for now, they are going to take their victory, work on the unification of packs, and prepare for the upcoming battle, this time - together. 
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Owen Hera-Singh.
113 reviews2 followers
October 3, 2025
This picked up beautifully where book 1 left off, but picked up the pace so much faster!
The building of the world, the characters, the bags and hurt that’s felt by everyone, and the revelations that they all face.
The love, betrayal, and loss that’s felt.

What an incredible read. I can’t wait for book 3!

PS; the Dedication, Before You Continue and another secret nod? 😭
Profile Image for Kashmir M.
66 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2025
I love a fated mates story but this one has a twist and gives a fresh new perspective on the mate bonds, they aren't as perfect and clear cut as they usually seem. Despite the loss of the bond, Kaia (the badass b I aspire to be) gives 0 f*cks about pack laws and rules and has her sights set on saving her bond and I'm here for it. The new realm is great and a lovely shout out to our girl, Zephyr Moon! In both Books 1 and 2 we had an alpha change, will Book 3 bring upset to the Earthenclaw pack?!?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Just D.
179 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2025
Love, Power, and a Little Chaos

This one took me on a ride. The world feels intense full of danger, shifting loyalties, and that kind of love that’s equal parts pain and pull. It took a bit to find my rhythm with the story, but once I did, I was invested. The characters are messy, flawed, emotional, and trying to survive in a world built to break them.

The plot was good, dark, emotional, and unpredictable in the best ways. It’s not a light read, but it has heart. The tension never lets up, and the moral grayness makes you question who’s really the villain. If you like dark romance with bite and a lot of emotion, this one delivers.

I was given a copy of this book by the author, thank you. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Jenny.
118 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2025
The Dyslexic Reviewer - Spoil Free Reviews

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Author: @ramnathwrites
POV: Duel 1st Person
Gene: Romantasy, Paranormal Romance
Triggers: Open door spice, Violence, Mind manipulation
Read Time: 7 hours
Expected Publishing Date: 10/31/2025

What I loved about this book:

❤️ World Building: Being the 2nd book in the series there is less world building than the 1st book, except when we go beyond the veil into a different area. This new place was vastly different from what we see in the location in the first book. Once again, the world building was balanced well in this book.

❤️ The Characters: I absolutely LOVED the character arcs in this book! I loved the direction the author took with them. Kaia especially had a great transformation! Nero’s story in this book is also very transforming and caused me a lot of worry about these two being able to work things out.

❤️ The Story: Oh the story in this one! It hit me just as hard as book one did, but in a completely different way, which is a testament to how good the author is at story telling. I don’t want to give to much a way, so I’m going to have to keep this short, but READ THIS SERIES

❤️‍🔥Overall: I’ve been super impressed by Yajna Ramnath writing in these books, so much so that I’m going to have to read her other books. These books are amazing and you should pick them up!!

I got this ARC book for free for my honest opinion, you know the drill 😉

#newreleasebooks #octoberreleasebooks #paranormalromancebooks #PNRbooks #indieauthorsupport #bookstagramrecs #romantasybookrecs #romantasybookstagram #wolfshifterromance #shifterromance #wolfshifterbooks #romantasybookrecs #arcreview #arcteammember #bookreviews
Profile Image for Kristiyana St.
61 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2025
A Bond of Villains isn’t just a story — it’s an emotional battlefield. Yajna Ramnath drags you through pain, betrayal, heartbreak, and hope in a way that feels almost too real. Every word hits like a pulse — raw, deliberate, and utterly consuming.

The character development is phenomenal. You don’t just read about these characters — you live with them. You feel their anger, their fear, their impossible choices. You watch them fall apart and somehow rise stronger, forged by the fire of everything they’ve endured. It’s dark, it’s emotional, and it’s beautifully human.

Ramnath’s writing has a way of crawling under your skin — every scene sharp with tension, every emotion amplified. The relationships, the shifting loyalties, the haunting sense that not everyone will make it out unscathed — it all builds into a crescendo that leaves you breathless.

And then comes the cliffhanger — an ending so explosive it feels like the ground’s been ripped out from under you. I was left in stunned silence, heart racing, mind spiraling. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to scream, cry, and immediately beg for the next book.

This isn’t just a fantasy novel. It’s a story of survival, identity, and what it means to find strength in the wreckage. It’s about villains who feel too human and heroes who aren’t as pure as they seem.

If you want a book that will hurt you, heal you, and haunt you long after the last page, this is the one.
Yajna Ramnath didn’t just write a story — she crafted a masterpiece of emotion and chaos, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Aura C.
156 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2025
This story was dark, powerful, and completely addictive. Every page felt like a tug-of-war between love and destruction, between what’s right and what’s necessary. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain—it consumes you. I didn’t realize how deep I’d fallen into it until I hit that last chapter and just sat there, stunned.

What stood out most was how raw and honest it felt. The characters aren’t heroes, and they’re not trying to be. They’re broken people making terrible choices, and somehow you still root for them. There’s a moment that hit me hard—“You’re not a victim, Kaia. You’ve been the villain this whole time.” It’s a line that changes how you see everything that came before it.

The relationships are intense, complicated, and filled with tension. Every touch feels like both a promise and a threat. The world is brutal but beautifully built, full of gods, power, and betrayal that feels personal.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5 (charged and emotional)
Chills: 👻👻👻👻 out of 5 (dark, haunting, and twisted)
Action: ⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️ out of 5 (fast, sharp, and constant)

It’s not just a story—it’s an experience. One that makes you question who the real villains are and why you can’t stop loving them anyway.
Profile Image for Cassi Smith.
121 reviews1 follower
October 6, 2025
⭐ ARC Review ⭐
📖 A Bond of Villains (Lycora Wolves #2) by Yajna Ramnath

I received this book as an ARC, and wow — this sequel does not hold back. From the very first chapter, the stakes are higher, the emotions are rawer, and the bond between the characters is more complicated than ever.

This book dives deeper into Lycora’s dangerous world, expanding the politics, hidden agendas, and supernatural intrigue in ways that kept me hooked. The author does such a great job balancing dark, villain energy with intense emotional growth. The characters are flawed, layered, and constantly walking the line between loyalty and betrayal — and I loved every second of that push and pull.

The romance? Messy, slow-burn, and full of tension. The plot? Twisty with some jaw-dropping moments I didn’t see coming. The world-building? Even richer than book one.

The pacing slows down a little in parts, and a few side threads left me wanting more — but honestly, that just means I’m desperate for the next installment.

If you love morally gray characters, dark romantasy, and emotional intensity, this series is a must-read. 🖤🐺
Profile Image for Kim Bobbitt.
153 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2025
Bond of Villains begins with Nero and Kaia in a very tough situation. It becomes apparent very quickly that the only way for them to fight back is to split up and rejoin forces when the time is right. Kaia is so hesitant to leave Nero alone with their enemies but it is necessary for her to train and come back prepared for the fight of their lives.
I loved Bond of Villains so much. It was so interesting watching all of these relationships grow. There were so many secrets revealed and some absolutely devastating moments. The lore of this world is growing and becoming more and more intricate, and the relationships are evolving as well. Kaia and Nero are both so strong but they are learning that they will always be stronger together and united with their allies and friends. They will need all the help they can get for what is coming because that reveal at the end will make you very nervous about the future for these packs. If you love fantasy, Romantasy, paranormal romance, shifter romance or anything in between I highly recommend this series. It has been so much fun to read and I can’t wait for the conclusion.
Profile Image for Stasia Roze.
179 reviews9 followers
October 27, 2025
I was already holding back the feels after chapter one, I knew I was about to be taken on a wild ride of heartache and anger, and boy did Ramnath deliver. Now I adored book 1. It was punchy and raw. But book 2? Holyyyyy. Ramnath has elevated her writing to another level!

This book absolutely gutted me. Every time I felt relaxed and like things were settling, the twists came along and ripped my heart out. Kaias development arc is so good that the opening of her heart to those around her brought a real wholesome vibe to the book. I also really enjoyed the flow and style of the writing. Each lines delivery had been carefully curated to really drive home the point.

I also actually finished this book during the weekend of Diwali, which really helped me feel connected to the characters, and I found it brought a bit more magic to the reading experience, especially the ending! I love when authors weave important culture into their books. It was truly beautiful!

I am really excited for book 3, I can't wait to see the inclusion of another group and how our loveable characters will work through it! No doubt, more heartbreak to come, but I'm ready for it!
Profile Image for Ashley (andtheniwasbookish).
400 reviews21 followers
October 2, 2025
Whewwwww okay. let's talk about THIS rollercoaster of a book.

First: tension for days. Angry tension, yearning tension, sexy tension, political tension....I was on the edge of my seat the entire book.

Second: Kaia's character growth! She has been THROUGH it, and in book two she really comes into her own and shines. I had so many tear-jerking moments during her POVs because I was just so proud of her!

Third: the plot!!! There are so many layers here. Add in what we already know from book one, to the new lore in book 2, and you have a recipe for an absolutely epic next installment.

Our characters are complex, imperfect, and just as lost as the rest of us. I found so much satisfaction in watching them claw and fight for their futures in this book.

I already know book 3 will be a doozy, and I also already know that I won't be ready when that time comes.

overall: highly recommend
spice: open door
Profile Image for Amber.
39 reviews
October 18, 2025
I really enjoyed the second book in the series! More world building and lore revealed.

Kaia really comes into her own in this book and owns her mistakes. She’s still headstrong and chaotic but now she is going about things in a slightly different light. She will stop at nothing to save her mate, and hopefully everyone else in the process.

Seeing the struggle Nero was put through in this book was a bit heartbreaking as he lost himself to the Grand Alpha. We have hero turned villain vibes going on here.

The tension, banter and sarcasm is perfect as always with this author and she knows how to throw a plot twist in!

Prophecies and old grudges are everywhere in this book.

I’m excited to read the next book in the series to see how the mates handle the new threat presented at the end of the book! Definitely recommend for romantasy readers🖤🩶
Profile Image for Amy Block.
14 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2025
When two villans collide, the world doesn’t stand a chance - but neither do their hearts.

- Dark romantasy
- wolf shifters
- morally grey FMC
- open door spice
- push and pull romance
- interpack wars
- insta-attraction
- slow burn romance
- villain vs villain
- cliffhanger

They’re not the heroes, they’re the problem!

This was such a fantastic read, I struggled to put it down! Yanja has clearly put a lot of time and effort into her writing!

Before I started reading this I was recommended to read her first book in the series; a clash of villains. However, I didn’t have the time to and feel, despite being the second in a series; can also work as a stand alone. As it briefly covers events that happened previously!

I 10/10 reccomend and shall be buying a physical copy when released.
Profile Image for Yajna Ramnath.
Author 29 books75 followers
June 5, 2025
“Bring me back,” I whispered. “No matter how far I fall, bring me back.”
“I’ll drag you by your damn tail, Nero Nightbane,” she said on a choked sob. “You hold on!”
Her presence faded like mist. The bond dimmed, flickering like a candle at the end of its wick.
I stood there alone, fur bristling in the chill, moonlight bleeding down my back.
And then I did the only thing I could.
I tilted my head to the heavens, opened my maw wide, and let out a howl.
Low. Long. Mournful.
A goodbye carved in sound.
A love song sung in grief.
A promise… soaked in sorrow.
The clearing listened.
The moon didn’t answer.
And somewhere in across the Veil, I hoped she wept like I did—silently, and in the dark.
46 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2025
A Bond of Villains is the second book in the Lycora Wolves series. We start right where book 1 finishes. While, book 1 gives us a LOT of questions, book 2 has some of those answers and leaves us with more! What more can happen and what other secrets are hiding? Will Kaia and Nero be able to save Lykosia?
How do I put into words how spectacular and amazing this story is? Yajna has a way of truly immersing the reader into the book. The descriptive writing, quips and one liners are some of my favorite things about this author’s style. The emotions that are pulled from you, whether its anger, fear, anxiety, love, or sadness, is another reason why I love her.
Profile Image for Natasha.
138 reviews3 followers
October 6, 2025
Gripping. That's the first word that comes to mind when I think about A Bound of Villains. The story was clearly well thought out, effortlessly dragging me in and hooking me just as hard and deep as A Clash of Villains did. I feel truly grateful to have been amongst the lucky ones to arc read book 2.
Nero still holds a special spit in my heart, his character made me feel things I wasn't ready to feel, you'll see for yourself when you get to reading. Kaia remains a force to be reckoned with, wearing her strength, sass and snark with equal measure. It's going to take me awhile to recover from this amazing read.
Profile Image for Johanna Miller.
117 reviews5 followers
October 23, 2025
This book picked up perfectly where book 1 ended. Yajna captures emotions like rage, grief, and love so beautifully and thoroughly that you can’t help but be moved by the same things the characters are going through. The sorrow I felt several times in this book was a punch to the gut, which is just good writing. I like that while the biggest issue is resolved there are still things to be wrapped up and she addresses that they will be wrapped up in the 3rd book so she knows she didn’t just let them disappear- there’s a purpose. We were introduced to new players in the game and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. Well done. Thank you for letting me ARC
Profile Image for Hannah M Burrow.
173 reviews32 followers
October 30, 2025
I am very appreciative to Yajna Ramnath and Zephyr Moonchild that I got to read A Bond of Villains as an eARC, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

I devoured this book.
I love the way the descriptions of characters and the world are written. I often find a smile on my face or I huff a laugh.
I’m still not a big fan of Nero, but Kaia is so much stronger than other characters tried to define her to be. The sarcasm and banter is still so good!
The devastation that this book created, and so many more questions to answer…I can’t wait for book 3.


“Love makes monsters of us all,” … “Yes. But it can save them too.”
Excerpt from A Bond of Villains by
Yajna Ramnath
Profile Image for Fae&Lattes (Chelle).
33 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2025
⭐ 4/5 stars | 🌶 4/5

Wolves, villains, and enough heat to burn the page.

A Bond of Villains cranks the intensity up even higher. The tension, the betrayals, the power plays — and the spice. 🔥 It’s darker, dirtier, and somehow even more emotional than book one. The FMC’s evolution is everything — confident, dangerous, and fully in control of her own power (and her heart).

The writing is fast-paced, the world expands beautifully, and every chapter delivers something steamy, dramatic, or both. Yajna Ramnath knows exactly how to keep you hooked — and breathless.

If you’re into dark shifter romance with heat, danger, and villain energy for days, this series deserves a top spot on your TBR.
Profile Image for Emireadsthings .
45 reviews
November 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Author: @ramnathwrites
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
POV: Dual POV

This picked up beautifully from the last book! The world-building continues to impress, less expansive than the first one, but we still get to explore some new and exciting places.

I absolutely loved the character arcs in this installment. Kaia undergoes such a compelling transformation, learning to find herself while helping those around her. And Nero and Kaia’s relationship… ugh, I’m obsessed! Their love is fierce, dark, and utterly devoted.

Favorite quote: “You’re not the victim, Kaia. You’ve been the villain this whole time.”

Makes you question who the real villains are, and why we love them despite it all

HEA for now…
Profile Image for MarlyUsagi.
179 reviews7 followers
October 7, 2025
I was so friggen excited to read this book after devouring the first one!!! i was so interested in where kaia and neros relationship would after the messy chaos of the first book. For a majority of this book they spent their time apart while the chaos ramps up even more but also things are put more into perspective. Kaia is less vengeful in this book and it sort of travels over to Nero and takes a big turn. Can't say I didn't see that coming but the stones were placed in the first book. This book was a fun ride, and I'm definitely eager to see where else it'll go.
Profile Image for Sommer Compher.
19 reviews
October 19, 2025
Listen, you have to be emotionally stable enough to read Yajnas books, they will have you GOING through it!!

I love Kaia & Nero so much it physically hurts, the story took some crazy turns, genuinely shook to my core, cannot wait for the third and final installment.

There isn’t much more to say because my jaw was genuinely on the floor for most of the book and I cannot put into words the experience I went through.

For the love of everything give this series a go, you won’t be disappointed!!

P.S. You think Kaia and Nero want a third? *Debby Ryan tucking hair behind ear meme*
Profile Image for Rachel Neary.
119 reviews11 followers
October 31, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-Enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-again
-Morally grey MCs
-Wolf shifters
-Memory’s taken/memory loss

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Strong 4 stars for this sequel! If it were longer it might have pulled 5 stars from me- at times it just felt a little rushed, and I would have loved to have more of these 2!! I really feel as though Kaia grew up more this book, and she was seemingly a better narrator now that her hidden agenda from book 1 is wide out in the open. Would definitely read book 3!
Profile Image for Sarah Lybarger.
24 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2025
Book two in the Lycora Wolves Series. There are lots of secrets that get revealed in this on. The Grand Alphas plans are revealed but can Kaia and Nero stop him in time? Is the something more sinister then they could even imagine still lurking? So many questions still need answered! This series will not disappoint, I’m impatiently waiting for the third book!
184 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2025
this was such a great book. I loved everything about it . I can't wait to read book one to get a better knowledge of the story . I loved the characters and what they brought to the story I absolutely couldn't put it down
Profile Image for Tabytha Boozenny.
Author 5 books11 followers
October 7, 2025
Okay...this book picks up right where A Clash of Villains left off. There is tension, anger, angst, longing, and a mixture of them all intertwined. This book was more fast paced than book one and both answered questions and created questions. I NEED book 3 ASAP!
Profile Image for Chelsea Luitwieler.
27 reviews
November 7, 2025
This was SUCH a good continuation for the series. The continued world building, the character arcs, the quests, the twists, THE ENDING THAT BROKE MY HEART. I am so looking forward to the next books in the series!
Profile Image for Ashlyn Boozenny.
88 reviews
December 24, 2025
I devoured this one way faster than the first one! Lycora has its fangs thoroughly sunk into me. There was one specific part in this book that I was not happy about AT ALL, but I will survive. There are also a lot of questions I need answered but as I said I will survive.
15 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2025
Sugar, Spice, and everything in between. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I’m excited to read book 3 and see how this story continues.
16 reviews
December 15, 2025
This book was awesome! This one really had me hooked. There were parts that I was in my feelings and others cussing the characters. I can not wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews

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