A story of found family, personal growth, and facing one's demons set in a mirror world to our own with magic, Shifters, Witches, and old gods.
Melisande is gone and Emma's chosen sister has fallen. Emma's world couldn't be more complicated. Or could it? She still bears the bindings Melisande placed upon her Shifter abilities and and so far she and the Hutchinson Clan have exactly zero good options for their removal. They have two bad ones, though. When the council starts snooping around and gets a little heavy handed, Emma's timeline gets a big push forward. Will a so-called goddess, that Emma neither knows or recognizes, be able to lift the magic that subjugates her or will this intervention only complicate matters further? And then there's the problem of the portal. With no leads or even hope to open it, Emma's promise to Dean is far from being fulfilled. What is Emma willing to risk to help her mate get the justice he craves?
please check your trigger warnings and it does contain fertility issues, kidnapping, and rape.
This picked up right from the ending of book one. I will say this one took me longer to finish because of the pacing. This felt like a filler book, which I understand with a longer series that sometimes there will be that.
I wish we'd of seen more interactions with Emma and Tommy cause their relationship is adorable. I'm curious to see how the bond continues to effect Emma and Dean.
Also, I'm highly suspicious of the council.
That ending? umm I need to know what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The character relationships continue to grow and develop in a way that just makes sense. The plot continues where we left off in the first book and immediately sucks you in. There were more twists and gut wrenching choices that as a reader I enjoyed and also wanted to scream at. Lol
And that ending! Sheesh- I’m ready for the next one!
I enjoyed the development in this book, it was more emotional, I was invested in the characters, and the plot was intriguing. It covers dark topics including assault, trauma and healing, vulnerability, and Emma being used and hunted for her unique gifts. It has a complex relationship triangle between brothers, and a love bond and mate bond.
Took me a week to finish this book which is so not me because I'm a sucker for this genre and usually I devours in a day or two max. This is actually the first book that had me skimming and even considering a DNF (which I never do). The only reason I kept going was because I wanted to see how it all ended, so I pushed myself through.
The pacing just wasn’t working for me. It dragged from the start almost until the very end. So many meetings, trainings, and… more meetings. It started to feel repetitive instead of building tension.
And the ending (without spoiling anything) I’ll just say: if you know, you know. 👀 I almost lost interest in seeing how the series wraps up. But at the same time I want to see how it ends.
This book picked up right where the last one ended. Although it is a second book in a series, it started out a bit slow. The first 25% could have been quickly summarized or filled in later with narrative commentary. However, at 25% it did pick up the pace and I was hooked! We got to see more of the magic system and to know the characters more. The world is very interesting to me, as it is set in modern times in our world, assuming we "non-magical" people just don't know about the magic that exists alongside us. I haven't previously read much urban fantasy, so I'm learning a lot! It is fun to see the characters using magic alongside things like cars and cellphones. We also got to see more political tension, which I loved. I am a huge fan of how H.M. Bloom protrays diversity. I actually believe these characters are from diverse ethnic backgrounds based on more than just being told their skin colors every single page. From mentions of Emma taking care of her hair to Aya and others mentioning various things about themselves; I appreciate true, natural diversity in a book. I really like the romance in this series. There is little to no relationship drama. All the conflict/drama is external and the couple works together to overcome it. I don't dislike relationship drama, but it's refreshing to read a series with something different for a change! I also like the twist on fated mates. It's different and intriguing. The first book in this series was the author's debut novel. I could tell her writing had improved in this book. I am so intrigued at what will happen in the next one! I LOVE Matthew. Omg. I cannot believe how much that kid grew on me. This is a closed door spice series, but it is NOT for young teens. That is probably true for many adults books, but I feel like there is a trend toward people thinking that anything "non spicy" is automatically okay for young teens. That is simply not the case. That being said, I do highly recommend this series for adults that enjoy urban fantasy with shifters, lots of action, some deep themes, political intrigue, and romance.
After the first book I was intrigued but not hyped for the second, as it felt a bit lack lustre and was just a baseline ok book for me. Well I am pleasantly surprised to say that this second book far excelled the first, and while there is still some sense of dragging at times (a constant wait and plan/rest trope of its own that I don’t enjoy) it is engaging, emotional and the story is growing.
There is finally some sense of small steps towards beating the odds, removing some bad guys, but at the same time there is some really awful occurrences that a trigger warning exists for at the back of the book (in its current form at least) - so be warned. It is emotional and reasonably well written, although I felt it was portrayed as left behind in the memories too soon, although it may rectify that in the next book.
The growth of characters, relationships and the world building are great, and there is plenty of council politics, fated mates, magic and found family - all the tropes you could want rolled together. If you read the first book and enjoyed it but weren’t wowed, I highly recommend you give this second book a go and see if it pulls you in like it did me, and restores your faith in the series.
Book 2 in (currently planned) 5 book series. This story picks up a few weeks after book 1 ends. They are still grieving Laura, and seeking Melisande. We get tons of Emma and Tommy (iykyk), and even add some new friends, as well as enemies along the way. There are shifters, witches, and old gods...travels to Tennessee, and maybe even other realms 👀. The shifter council is sniffing around, and the clan is trying to keep their new developments, and magic under wraps to keep each other safe. Emma continues to grow into her bloodline. This story has found family, facing demons/trauma, personal growth. Emma's world and dilemmas continue to deepening. Will they get the portal open? Will the clan (most importantly Tommy and dean) be safe?
I loved the deepening of the world building, as well as characters growth. I absolutely love the addition of Matthew, but I still missed Laura. There are also mentions of fertility struggles (on page), and sexual assault (off page). Make sure to check your triggers. The plot, characters, pace and plot was top tier. I absolutely love this author and her writing style. Cant wait to see where book 3 takes us!!
🐺 Found Family 🐺Fated Mates w/twist 🐺Shifters 🐺Closed Door 🐺Portal Fantasy 🐺Council Politics 🐺Alpha Shifter w/twist 🐺Cinnamon Roll MMC
(4.5 rounded up to 5 stars). I don't usually start series that aren't complete, but Tales of Asoria was a good exception. I'm glad that I signed up for an ARC of The Bound & The Broken via the newsletter from Meg Kelly of Literary Inspired. The series is set up to be a very exciting one, and the author confirmed that it will continue to be closed door, which I truly appreciate. Thank you H.M. Bloom for writing this series.
The Bound & The Broken picks up not long after Of Rebels & Magic ended. I was eager to jump back in and quickly read several chapters. The pace of this book flowed better than the first. There was also deeper insight into the characters, more information about shifters, magic, and the unexplainable occurences. The suspense, action and twists continued to keep me engaged, maintaining the momentum from Book 1 and my interest in the well-being of Emma, Tommy and Dean. I also became attached to the other clan members and allies introduced. I can't wait to read book 3.
Trigger warnings include violence, death, sexual assault, and discussions of grief and infertility. I believe everything was written with careful consideration and handled well.
This one is all emotion, healing, danger, mystery and family. It touches on some heavy issues and the author has added trigger warnings for infertility and SA.
From the first page the thing that stood out for me was the positive change clearly evident in Emma, the FMC. The author has written space for her to grow in her self-esteem and confidence, and in her relationships. It was a joy to see that because the distance between who she was at the beginning of book one to the person she is now is considerable.
The romance has been crafted in a fun and touching way, with genuine care, obvious sincerity and a willingness to protect at all costs. It invoked a sense of warmth in me, seeing the connection the author has created between the main couple and then extended in a familial way to the pack members. I love found family and Ms Bloom has written this in a manner that let me feel how cemented the group dynamic was.
I felt the switch in POV towards the end of the book was a good tool for building empathy towards an important character and rounding out others by adding a different perspective. I appreciated the bonus of this extra insight, plus it shored up worldbuilding by allowing access into parts of this world, with it's political manoeuvring, that Emma would not have.
Four stars instead of five because I find the language stilted sometimes. It gives a formal feel that would be appropriate for another era or an isolated group who doesn't mix with modern society. This may actually be the author's goal because the Council's isolationist policies are mentioned.
The ending was full of exciting potential and left me wondering, and eagerly awaiting, what the author has in store for her characters and readers.
The Bound & The Broken is the sequel to 'Of Rebels and Magic' and wow — this one is full of emotion, healing, danger, and found family. From the very first page, it’s clear how much Emma has grown since the first book. She’s stronger, more confident, and learning to trust herself and those around her in ways that feel earned and powerful.
The romance between Emma and Tommy is tender, protective, and heartfelt. But it’s the bonds within her pack — her found family — that really made me feel the warmth of this story. Bloom writes those relationships in a way that makes the group dynamic feel cemented, supportive, and full of love.
The story doesn’t shy away from heavier topics, including infertility and sexual abuse, but these moments are handled thoughtfully and never overshadow the adventure, mystery, and tension that drive the plot forward. New characters, shifting alliances, and political intrigue keep the world feeling alive and unpredictable.
Huge thanks to Meg at Literary Inspired and H.M Bloom for letting me be part of this team! The ending left me excited for what’s next 💛
Trigger warnings for infertility and sexual abuse.
Emma Hall is an Alpha status shifter with her powers bound by Melisandre. Living at Hutchinson Estate with her found family Emma is slowly finding herself. As they try to avenge the wrongs from Melisandre and Jason, free Emma from the bindings, open the portal, and avoid the counsel, she gains strength and confidence, but will she lose her mate Dean forever in the process?
This book is the second in the series and starts off like it’s in the middle of something so it’s likely best to read them in order. Having not yet read the first, I was a bit confused about what had happened at first. Once I got into it, the characters are wonderful and the world building is incredible. Can’t wait to see what happens next as the ending was a cliff hanger!
I voluntarily reviewed "THE BOUND & THE BROKEN" I thoroughly enjoyed this interesting, intriguing, suspense filled, intense drama, full of danger, emotional turmoil, a crazy twisted rollercoaster ride. Melisandre bound Emma's shifter abilities causing her & the Hutchinson Clan not able to remove them, with her gone the counsel starts checking into things, will there be anyone who can help Emma remove the binding. Emma needs to open the portal if she can't her promise to Dean her mate won't be met meaning he won't get the justice he wants. Emma & Dean have to deal with so many twists & heartbreaking issues, you can't stop reading this well written adventure & cliffhanger leaving you wanting the next book asap to see whats to happen next.
This book was a bit more difficult to push through BUT worth it on so many levels. This book did focus on a few triggering topics but wasn’t at all the main focus of the book.
Emma was dealing with fertility information, and rape. Other than a few short scenes it was so worth it.
There is so much adventure such as new characters coming into the book that has a lot of mystery who you will want to get to know more, new covens coming into play, and continuing on trying to find evil people who started the issues.
What I loved about the book was the obstacles that Emma and Tommy have to overcome. I’m looking forward to seeing where their adventure takes them next.
“Just Wow" is truly remarkable! The journey plunges deeper into the unknown as the Emma confronts the darkness surrounding her. She battles the malevolent forces along side Dean and Tommy in her world, striving to understand her significance to the evil that haunts her. Alongside this struggle, she grapples with her own infertility and the emotional turmoil that comes with it, resisting the pressure to be a pawn in others' schemes. Determined to carve out her own path, she must fight to eliminate the evil that threatens her pack and her life.I can’t wait for book 3. This cozy shifter romancing is beautiful written.
This was a great sequel to Of Rebels and Magic! The story picked up right at the end of the 1st book. The characters are dealing with the fallout of the events and problem solving developments from those events. Without spoiling the story, these characters are figuring out how to move forward, developing trust in one another, and dealing with the shifter authority (The Council) while protecting the FMC's nature. The end definitely indicates book three, but in a way that makes the reader feel both relieved and happily anticipatory.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
The sequel of the series feels more appealling than the first one. With the comfort and familiarity of the relationship in the found family, there's something else at stake. Great character dynamics that makes up most of the plot - i like how close, "coordinate" the clan managing the issues at hand and how they grow and accomplish things together. Full of clever twists that keep you turning the pages, and cant wait for the next instalment to unfold more.
This one is an emotional whirlwind in the best way.
Definitely check your triggers before reading because there are some heavy topics in this story. Emma is going through alot throughout this series but this one definitely was rough for her but overall she grew so much in this story. The overall theme of found family is one of my favorite tropes so this story really was a great read for me. I love this universe and the characters so i cant wait for more. I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this amazing novel and am leaving a review of my own thoughts and feelings.
Sadly this book was a miss for me. But in giving it a 4 start because I love shifters and fated mates. Plus I have not read book one (I received this as ARC) so I feel like I was missing out on a lot of the back story. But drink what I did gather, I enjoyed. I found the story to be a little slow, and I was a bit bored throughout. But I plan to go back Ava give the first book a shot and see if it gives be a better understanding of this one. I did find the writing and the characters to be well developed though. So that was a plus for sure.
We have a continuation of Emma’s story with the Hutchinson clan in book two and it picks up right after the events of one. Everyone is dealing with what happened to Laura and the escape Melisande. There are some heavy moments throughout this one and you really feel for Emma. I did like the addition of Matthew as a character and how he fit into the story. I think book 3 is going to be even better than two.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Picking up from the end of book one, Emma finds herself with no other options but to sacrifice herself and the love she has for Dean. It was a very emotional read that pulled at my fiber of being. Twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, especially the end. I found this to be entertaining and worth reading. I can't wait for the next installment.
She’s bound by magic, torn by fate, and her story is finally yours to read. The Bound & The Broken by @hmbloom.author is live! I adored reading this ARC from @literaryinspired and can’t wait for more readers to discover Emma’s journey.
✨ Tropes inside: 💘 Fated Mates 🍬 Cinnamon Roll MMC 🐺 Alpha Shifter (with a twist) 🧙♀️ Witches
Meet Emma, Dean and Tommy. The journey starts deep into the unknown as the Emma confronts the darkness surrounding her. Alongside Dean and Tommy she battles evil as she tries to comprehend what is happening in the world. She tries to keep her pack safe and stabilize herself in the process. Check your TW as talk of infertility can be an issue. The spice was 🌶️🌶️ and the stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you for the opportunity to read this arc. I normally don’t read this genre but I had heard good things about the first book. I had a hard time with the pacing but enjoyed the characters and seeing where they were going. The romance was really good and fun. The world building was incredible. The book ended in a cliffhanger so I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next book.
This book has a lot of mystery who you will want to get to know more, new covens coming into play, and continuing on trying to find evil people who started the issues. What I loved about the book was the obstacles that Emma and Tommy have to overcome. I'm looking forward to seeing where their adventure takes them next.- Tasha
Perfect book 2. This book picks up where book 1 ends. It shows the grief from the losses in book one during a time where they are still at war and trying to determine how to fight. As with the fist book, I really enjoyed how the shifters/mates/alphas were different in this series than typically portrayed. My only complaint would be I did not realize this was going to be a 5 books series when I started book 1, but it’s so well written I will be rereading in the future.
This one topped the first! The character relationships deepen naturally, and the story picks up right where book one left off pulling you in instantly. The twists and heart-wrenching decisions had me both hooked and screaming at the pages! And that ending? Wow. I need the next book ASAP!
Having read the first book, I got the ARC for this one in the hope it would draw me into the story more, but unfortunately it didn’t. It follows on well from the first one and takes the characters down unexpected paths. There are parts which get your emotions going, which is good.
📣 ARC joy unlocked! The Bound & The Broken by @hmbloom.author just landed in my inbox and I’m loving the magic, and the feels. Keeps you hooked from the beginning. I was hooked from the first in the series and am patiently awaiting the release of the next. IF you enjoy the story of found family, shifters, fated mates and witches you will want to read this.
✨ Inside you’ll find: 🐺 Shifters 💘 Fated Mates 🏛️ Council Politics 🌙 Portal Fantasy