In one night Brenna lost everything: the monster she came to love and the family she was willing to leave. With queenhood thrust upon her, she now knows the true monsters of her world were not the ones who claimed her a year before.
Brenna is determined to save the Unseelie King, but to do so, she must relearn to trust Olen, the king’s right hand. Together they will challenge the creatures holding her world and people in their manipulative hands. But the more time she spends at Olen’s side, the more the lines blur between past wounds and present desires.
Ulrich finds himself slipping into rage, ruin, and away from potential redemption. The once feared Unseelie King is a prisoner of a curse he could have avoided. A curse placed upon him by a monster—or perhaps, Fate.
With the harvest moon approaching and his captor holding him in her control, Ulrich is unsure if he has the strength to fight the darkness overtaking his every thought. He can only hope the woman he nearly broke can save him from the abyss he once ruled.
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 left off. I love that we get more Brenna and Olen time during this book to feel that connection and trust grow between them after the reveals of book 1. I did feel like I was missing Ulrich a bit but I understand why we had to wait longer for him to really be involved. I loved the character growth we got in this book, especially for Brenna.
One thing about this author is she is going to scheme, plot and drop easter eggs all over her books. Am I going to pick up on them all? Absolutely not. But I'm gonna have a damn good time anyway.
Definitely recommend this complete duet for the dark romance, why choose lovers.
Apparently I made a deal to sell my heart and soul for this ARC and I am glad I did. This book wrecked me. I did not think I could love it more than A Bond In Blood but I was wrong. So incredibly wrong.
I love it when the 2nd book is better than the 1st and boy did this deliver. A Deal Once Made is a book for healing, for love, for stepping into yourself fully.
Our three main characters each have a story to tell, things to work through, things to heal, and end up becoming better versions of themselves. I mean it when I say this book is one of healing. Reading through their stories, feeling their pain and seeing how they rise above to be better, it healed something in me.
Ulrich being trapped and having to fight for himself instead of burying it all down. Olen facing his past, healing through his grief, and becoming a better man and father. Brenna lost so much but she leaned into herself, did the research, made the plan and stepped into herself and her Queenhood.
This book was epic between the mind games and battles for control. I could go on and on about the incredible battle between two queens but the emotion journey is what will stay with me.
I wish I could go back and read this again for the first time. I many not be that lucky but the next reader who pulls up this duology is in for a treat.
Thank you so much C.A. Blooming for writing, for this ARC and for the journey.
A Book Review of A Deal Once Made I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. From the very first sentence, I was transported back into the world of Vanaheim, where our FMC, Brenna, is dealing with the consequences of her actions. The Unseelie King—Ulrich—is grappling with his curse, while Olen, his right-hand man, is trying to come to terms with both his loyalty to the king and his growing feelings for Brenna. The growth of these characters is inspiring, especially Brenna. The connection she shares with Olen is not overshadowed by her feelings for Ulrich, nor by the bond between Ulrich and Olen. The political elements are addictive, and the plot twists are so well done—nothing feels predictable. The MFM scenes were absolutely delicious and among the best I’ve read. The angst, the banter, and of course the “will they, won’t they” tension are just the icing on the cake. This truly was one of the most satisfying endings to a duet that I’ve read in a long time. C.A. Blooming did an amazing job giving each character the ending they deserved. I read this in one sitting, and it’s a duet I’ll return to again and again. Thank you, C.A., for the opportunity to read A Deal Once Made.
CW: spice, violence, gore, referenced torture, loss of loved ones, miscarriage (not FMC), some others. **Please check all CW prior to reading**
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “A Deal Once Made” is available now!
I can’t determine if there were fewer authorial crimes committed in this one or if there were more, but either way, what a conclusion.
Brenna thought her life couldn’t get any worse when she was sent away to live with the Unseelie king, but she was so wrong. Family gone and lover stolen away, Brenna starts her queenhood with a singular goal: get him back.
In keeping with book 1’s vibes, this one also falls under “give it a minute; the characters haven’t developed enough to keep up with the ending yet.” And I mean that in the best way; the build to the final chaos is slow, but it’s worth it. Brenna’s developed from ‘stabby at all times’ to ‘stabby when it’s most helpful.’ Ulrich is otherwise engaged, and Olen is just too excellent in every way.
The conclusion to the duology is solid, and the epilogue absolutely finished me. If I was going to complain about anything, it would be that the build is *really* slow, but that’s more of a personal preference for more constant action than an actual flaw in the story. I’d have liked a few things to be less cryptic, but that bit I’m attributing to reading into the latest hours of the night and running low on processing ability (and also just the vibes of this world overall; cryptic is a requirement).
It’s dark, it’s bloody, it’s got some delicious spice. If you’re okay with waiting for it (and the story does make it feel like the wait is worth it), then I think you’ll enjoy this one. But start with book 1, and be aware that this one still falls close to bully romance vibes. If you aren’t down with that, this one won’t be for you.
thank you so much to courtney for the ARC of this book!!
i feel like i have waited eight thousand years for this book, but after reading it i know i would’ve happily waited longer. i LOVED this book. i loved everything about it. i love how safe and steady olen is. i loved everything how tortured and sad and scared and brave ulrich is. i love that brenna is still a crybaby but she is also SO strong and brilliant and powerful. watching the three of them grow into their own little unit was so beautiful and so heartwarming. (the three of them are also SO hot together, whew 🥵)
every moment of this book had me captivated. the tension, the pain, the yearning, the fighting, the angst, and the loving. every little bit was so well executed and so beautifully written. i love that even the villain of the story was still shown as a person with flaws that could be shown empathy. i want to tuck this book into a nice cozy bed and give it a forehead kiss and sing it a lullaby. 10/10 will recommend and will read again
Absolutely loved this book, honestly didn't expect anything less. So you have three main characters with the story mainly focuses on. They are a brand new queen, the king of a different place and the right hand man of Seth King. This is spicy it is dark it has WTF moments to the nines. You get a lot more background information about the king and how he got to where he is as well as with his right hand man and things that kind of despite their tough they're soft for her but this also softens them a little more. As far as the main female character goes the brand new Queen she was thrust into this role by an unfortunate situation she is angry she is sad and she is one tough woman. These twist and turns were absolutely magical the spice was absolutely amazing. definitely has a why choose mentality a loving someone despite who they used to be or despite what others think types of vibes. I would fully and completely recommend this book as well as the first one... Beware the epilogue, and I say this with as much love in my heart for it but it's just going to throw you another WTF, enjoy.
First off, authors really should recap books in a series. TV shows do it, and there is only a week between those. There is a whole year, and so many other books between A Bond in Blood and this one. Especially when this story picks right up where book 1 ended. I was lost and confused. I do not have time to re-read every series before picking up the next.
As I skimmed through book 1, and other reviews trying to piece together what happened, while continuing to read this book, the feeling of confusion and like I was missing something never left. It was obvious what the solution to the curse was, I just never felt like there was good enough cause for Ulrich to fight it so hard. And all the flashback scenes with fate, trying to decipher who he is talking with and who they are talking about was just frustrating. I think this story could have been trimmed way down.
Bully romances are never really my thing anyways. Neither is poly-relationships. Dissatisfying after how intriguing A Bond in Blood was.
Yet another devastatingly brilliant title from C.A. Blooming… This follow-up to A Bond In Blood is equal parts seduction and liberation. It grips from the first page to the final word. The romance is completely engrossing. It’s just overwhelmingly beautiful, though also shattering at points, and results in truly enduring bonds and souls-deep love. Brenna’s feminine rage edges on more carefully controlled throughout her character arc and it becomes a battle of two queens - based on their will and wit and sinful lust. I devoured the fantastical imagery and rich, thick plot. I will read this duet again and again and again!
I have said it before, but reiterate, C.A. Blooming, your name deserves to be up there with the big dogs as your writing crawls into the skin, bites and scars permanently. (Although we like that sort of thing, don’t we?) My greatest thanks for the opportunity to be part of your advanced reader team! My opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the Blood Bound Duet by C.A. Blooming. The first book was Bound in Blood (see that review, definitely a "must read").
The rage of the two queens. The carefully controlled scheming. The heart shattering love and pain. This book sunk it's claws into me with the first page. When I say I could not put it down, I literally mean once I started, I did not stop until I was done. I read this on my Kindle, using the assistive reader function at different times. This allowed me to close my eyes. The imagery that sprang to life just about took my breath away...and the emotional rollercoaster! I cried, I laughed...even got a little hot and bothered from all that spice, if you know what I mean.
I will say this every time I read a book written by this author, "Yes, please!" C. A. Blooming's creative genius knows no bounds...please, never stop writing. I absolutely love her books!
Ok. Well. First off. The content notice… fantastic. Cuz I was not calm for about .58 seconds! 🖤
The emotional grip this book has on me is insane. The feelings I felt while reading this deliciously dark sorry, can only be described as feral. In all the best ways.
Brenna, Olen and Ulrich have such a complex relationship. So many truths hidden behind rage, insecurity, and betrayal.
There are so many twists and turns. Just when I thought I had a handle on things, nope. Fat chance. Not taking that doorway. I loved every surprise. Every tear that fell, every gasp I gasped, the anxiety AND the laughter. Every page was worth turning.
The ending was perfect. So. So. Perfect.
But can we talk about that epilogue?! I know I was warned… but…. REALLY?!
I will be ever so impatiently waiting to see what’s… next. 🖤🖤
She has done it again! CABlooming has such a unique style of writing and storytelling. She grabs you in the beginning of the book and he keeps you there until the end! I have yet to read a book from her that I don’t love!
That being said this book is amazing! It is book two in the Blood Bound duet. Picking up where book one ended still following Olen(the right hand of the king), Ulrich(the king of Hel) and Brenna (the half-fae Queen). We see the strengths each of the characters have and how much they have come to mean to each other. Ulrich has been taken by the Seelie Queen and she has forced him to do what she wants. Olen and Brenna go to attempt to save Ulrich from the Queen but it isn’t as simple as just taking him back from her since they have a deal/bond, a binding between the two so he must respond when she calls.
This second installment of the duet was incredible! I absolutely loved the twists, the political intrigue, and watching Brenna truly come into her own as a queen. Seeing her growth and confidence build throughout the story was so satisfying.
And Ulrich and Olen? 🥵🥵
The chemistry between these characters was off the charts, and the tension had me glued to the pages. Between the mind games, shifting alliances, and constant intrigue, there was never a dull moment.
The ending had me completely hooked, and honestly, I'm a little sad it's over. This duet delivered everything I wanted: compelling characters, political drama, sizzling romance, and plenty of twists along the way. 🔥👑📚
A Deal Once Made pulled me in from the start with its intriguing premise and kept me invested through the twists and emotional tension. The chemistry between the main characters was compelling, and I enjoyed watching their relationship evolve despite the obstacles in their way. The pacing slowed in a few spots, but the emotional moments and character development made up for it. If you enjoy romance with high stakes, secrets, and plenty of angst, this one is worth picking up. Thank you to C.A. Blooming for the ARC.
Thank you for allowing me to arc read the second book in the series. I appreciate being able to be along for the ride for both installments of this duology
The story was good. I enjoyed it, however the relationship(s) felt somewhat forced to me. Why chooses are great but it’s clear Olen is the favored male choice. I come to realize that bully romances are not my thing. Some of the sexual scenes were unnecessary and just there. I also felt like towards the end was a little long. The writing was strong in the ways that matter but I didn’t enjoy this one was much as the first book.
Oh man, this book was a rollercoaster! The angst, drama, suspense and heat in this one was insane and I was so excited to jump right into this one after the cliffhanger of the first. I am happy to say that there is an ending here that will leave you so satisfied and yet wondering what comes next now that these characters have their happy ending. I will probably be rereading this one in the future just to visit them again.
This book, chefs 👩🍳 💋!!! A Dark Fantasy, enemies to lovers , with I cannot live without you...Yes, I am here for it...C.A. Blooming's book aren't predictable which is wonderful and full of twists and turns.. And the ending was anticipated yet had me wondering 🤔!!! I cannot wait gor book 3 😁 😍!!!
Book 2 will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time. The betrayal, the hurt, the power is so raw while reading this story and it makes for an amazing experience!!!! Ulrich and Olen and Brenna all trying to preserve what they want while fighting against fate.
Read as an Advanced Reader Copy. WOW. Plot-twist ending. Thought we’d have a HEA BUT damned old Fate likes to play games. Strong FMC with 2 dark MMCs. Why choose in the best way. Fae, shadow Death daddy, Hel raiser and Destiny. You can’t ask for more.
This was everything I wanted and more for this duology! There were points i thought there was no way she had time to wrap up everything before the end but I was wrong. I want more of this world and these characters so I guess I'll have to go read her other series soon.
Wow! This book! What a roller coaster of mind games and emotions! I couldn’t put this book down! I love Brenna she is an amazing FMC! The ending was absolutely perfect for this duo!
A Deal Once Made is the follow-up in Courtney’s Blood Bound Duet and let’s just put it this way – it’s sheer perfection! Pulling you in from the very first page. Dark, spicy, emotional, and packed with magical twists, it balances rage, heartbreak, seduction, liberation, and soul-deep love beautifully.
Brenna’s journey as a newly crowned queen is fierce and unforgettable. Her grief, anger, strength, and vulnerability make her impossible not to root for, while the king and his right-hand man add depth, danger, and unexpected softness. Together, their dynamic is intense, addictive, and beautifully complicated.
The imagery is breathtaking, the plot is rich, and the emotional rollercoaster hits hard. I laughed, cried, and devoured every dark, romantic, WTF-filled moment. Courtney’s writing crawls under your skin, bites, and leaves a mark in the best way. I would fully recommend this book and the first in the duet. Just beware the epilogue—it will absolutely destroy you!
My greatest thanks for the opportunity to be part of the advanced reader team. My opinions are my own.
C.A. Blooming has done it again and I am officially obsessed!!!
After that massive cliffhanger in book one, I was practically foaming at the mouth for what came next, and A Deal Once Made did not disappoint. This is dark, spicy, and masterfully character-driven. Watching the MCs navigate such intense conflict while refusing to break or lose their identity was incredibly powerful. This epic conclusion laid out a trail of crumbs, and I devoured every single one. A perfect ending to an unforgettable journey!!! And a glimpse into what's around the corner? 👀
Disclaimer: This is a dark romantasy, so please check your trigger warnings...this may not be for everyone.
Can't wait to see where fate or destiny takes us next with the connected series!!!