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Blood Bound Duet #2
A Deal Once Made
Not yet published
Expected 1 Jun 26๐ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น ๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฏ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ.
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 kingโs right hand. Together they will challenge the creatures holding her world and people in their manipulative hands. But the more time she spends at Olenโs 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 monsterโor 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.
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 kingโs right hand. Together they will challenge the creatures holding her world and people in their manipulative hands. But the more time she spends at Olenโs 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 monsterโor 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.
Paperback
Expected publication June 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 8, 2026
Courtney is a genius.
May 15, 2026
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.
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.
May 6, 2026
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 KingโUlrichโis 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 doneโnothing feels predictable.
The MFM scenes were absolutely delicious and among the best Iโve read. The angst, the banter, and of course the โwill they, wonโt theyโ tension are just the icing on the cake.
This truly was one of the most satisfying endings to a duet that Iโve 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 itโs a duet Iโll return to again and again.
Thank you, C.A., for the opportunity to read 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 KingโUlrichโis 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 doneโnothing feels predictable.
The MFM scenes were absolutely delicious and among the best Iโve read. The angst, the banter, and of course the โwill they, wonโt theyโ tension are just the icing on the cake.
This truly was one of the most satisfying endings to a duet that Iโve 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 itโs a duet Iโll return to again and again.
Thank you, C.A., for the opportunity to read A Deal Once Made.
May 12, 2026
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 wouldโve 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 ๐ฅต)
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
i feel like i have waited eight thousand years for this book, but after reading it i know i wouldโve 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 ๐ฅต)
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
May 16, 2026
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.
May 8, 2026
Yet another devastatingly brilliant title from C.A. Bloomingโฆ
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. Itโs just overwhelmingly beautiful, though also shattering at points, and results in truly enduring bonds and souls-deep love. Brennaโs 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, donโt we?)
My greatest thanks for the opportunity to be part of your advanced reader team! My opinions are my own.
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. Itโs just overwhelmingly beautiful, though also shattering at points, and results in truly enduring bonds and souls-deep love. Brennaโs 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, donโt we?)
My greatest thanks for the opportunity to be part of your advanced reader team! My opinions are my own.
May 14, 2026
Ok. Well. First off.
The content noticeโฆ fantastic. Cuz I was not calm for about .58 seconds! ๐ค
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 warnedโฆ butโฆ. REALLY?!
I will be ever so impatiently waiting to see whatโsโฆ next. ๐ค๐ค
The content noticeโฆ fantastic. Cuz I was not calm for about .58 seconds! ๐ค
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 warnedโฆ butโฆ. REALLY?!
I will be ever so impatiently waiting to see whatโsโฆ next. ๐ค๐ค
Review of advance copy received from Author
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 donโt 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 isnโt 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.
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 isnโt 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.
May 12, 2026
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? ๐
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!!!
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? ๐
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!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book, chefs ๐ฉโ๐ณ ๐!!! 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 ๐ค!!!
I cannot wait gor book 3 ๐ ๐!!!
I cannot wait gor book 3 ๐ ๐!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rtc
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews