Bound

Chained #2

by Elise Marion

She bound him in chains … he repaid her in kind … now she is bound to him, in more ways than one.
Caden Maignart must choose a wife and sire a son—a burden weighing heavily upon him as the firstborn son of a high lord. Weighing even more heavily is the notion of impending war, which has become a near certainty thanks to the volatile feud brewing between two families entrenched in hate. Caden knows that the key to mending things between their families lies in Lady Gwendolyn Toustain, the daughter of his family’s mortal enemies, but earning her trust will prove to be an uphill battle.

Gwen trusted Caden to help her convince his father that she was not the one who broke the peace between their two houses … a mistake that led to her becoming his prisoner. All hope is lost when it comes to forging peace between their houses; unless she relents and agrees to marry her captor. While passion and desire led her into Caden’s trap, Gwen is not certain she can bring herself to become his prisoner for life—in the bonds of holy matrimony.
Yet, the kingdom of Alemere is at stake, as are the lives of people they both love. Caden and Gwen will be forced to forge a path toward peace—not only within the realm, but within their complicated and volatile bond.

When the line becomes blurred between captor and captive, who will be the first to bend?

Genres: Romance, Historical, Interracial Romance, Historical Romance, Audiobook, Fantasy

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2014

About the author

Elise Marion is a lover books and has a special place in her heart for sweet and sensual romance. Writing about love across all walks of life is her passion, as is reaching people through the written word. The Army wife and stay-at-home mother of two spends most of her time taking care of her children. Her second job includes writing stories about characters that people can fall in love with. When the Texas native isn’t caring for her family or writing, you can usually find her with her nose in a book, singing loudly, or cooking up something new in the kitchen.

Reviews

[The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Elise Marion can write really good battle scenes. She's not afraid of blood, guts and gore (though rest assured, she's not going the George R.R. Martin route). She's also very good at worldbuilding. Immersion at its finest. And while there was a Happily For Now with Caden and Gwen which didn't read like one of those annoying cliffhangers, the fragile peace amongst the kingdoms is still in danger.

Love this stuff!

Okay, let's talk about the cover. Given the endless whitewashing and erasure of PoC, seeing something like this--a cover for a medieval historical with actual characters of color--is amazing. It's also professionally done with models who fit their roles. And the heroine has dark skin (I'll forgive the flowing locks this time, though I hope to read more dark-skinned heroines in this series who have braids or some form of locs) which is much appreciated considering that too many IR's are suffering with a serious case of colorism.

As before, Ms. Marion includes an appendix of the various Houses and members of each. There are a LOT of names and characters (and the fact that two characters were named Lynnet could definitely be confusing), but for us epic and high fantasy fans, elaborate family trees are the norm.

I would've rated this a full five stars, but the whole "OMG I've been having unprotected sex with the hero and now I'm pregnant" thing never sits well with me. Why? Because birth control is not some modern invention. Despite Church teachings, medieval women knew how to prevent and/or end a pregnancy. Considering that Gwen is presented as this strong-willed heroine who balks against her assigned role as a woman, I kind of expected her to discover these methods with a lady's maid or other trusted female servant (or even one of Daleraia's famous Shield Maidens). I think I would've liked that more--that she tried some form of birth control and it didn't quite work. Considering that Gwen escaped with her brother from Caden's fortress, then jumped ship to escape her horrible betrothed Prince Gaiwan, either of those could've brought on a miscarriage. There just didn't need to be a baby since Gwen and Caden were pretty much already bound to each other.

Overall, I did like Gwen when she's not being led by her hormones. Yes people, I know it's a romance, but that's still no excuse for the heroine to let desire get in the way of duty. Thankfully Gwen didn't commit this fail often. The good thing is that most of the female characters are strong-willed and self-sufficient. No wimps or simpering princesses.

I hate those.

Interestingly, I found myself liking the secondary characters a little more than the main ones. I really loved the outspoken Lady Emery and warrior woman Lady Esa. I felt bad for Gwen's brother Achart who was forced by circumstance to step into his older brother's place. There was the occasional spelling hiccups, mostly near the end, but nothing glaring or distracting enough from the story flow overall.

I'm looking forward to the next books/novellas in this engrossing and well-written saga.

[Meemee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I really enjoyed the first book, and I was super excited that book 2 was just published. First off let me start by saying that this book is simply beautifully written. I truly commend the author, because the details, character development, and story line are well done. There are a lot of characters and places, so it can get a little tricky remembering the family ties, alliances etc...but the author provides family trees and author guides in the kindle version. Now, as to the main characters, Caden and Gwen. As for Gwen, I for once found an heroine that I didn't want to shake or slap. She can hold her own, and of course the fact that her skin is ebony and that she is brown-eyed was a bonus for me, because that is a rare find in IR, seemed to me that in recent books all black heroInes tend to have light eyes, caramel skin.... And for Caden, simply put I am completely enamored with Caden, strong, loyal, funny at times, an alpha without being a bully.
Cons: the final book doesn't come out for almost another year. Although I can understand with all the research and work that goes with such a book. But darn...

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like medieval romance stories don't miss this series.

This is just a darn good, well written medieval romance. Fantastic story with great characters. I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Very entertaining, engaging and enjoyable.

Everything that made the first book fantastic are present as well in this book including plenty of action, suspense, intrigue, romance, love, honor, greed, betrayal and more.

Without giving anything away the story continues to progress and the plot gets more intricate continuing to pull you into the kingdom of Alemere as well as the lives of Maignart's and the Toustain's.

Eric Burns once again did a great job with the narration. I'm glad they used the same narrator again. It keeps the continuity in story. Great character voices. Clearly spoken. Smooth even pace with the narration. He has the perfect voice for this series.

This audiobook was provided by author, narrator or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom.com

[NJS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, what do you say about a great book without telling everything about it? I liked the first one but I loved this one! Some of the things that I wanted from book one happened in book 2. The plot thickened but still managed to hone in on the point. It didn’t get messier it got more focus. The love story progressed and grew, again very plausible and natural as book 1. I like this couple, I want them to succeed romantically and otherwise. I love this book. Marion did a fantastic job. She seems very meticulous as a writer and the story is complex and full. But still, Marion weaves adventures and romances with the technical aspects that keeps the reader fully intrigued and engaged in all aspects of the story. I eagerly await book three.

Cons: The scene transitions are HORRIBLE. There was not double space, symbol, capital letters or anything to indicate that we were done with one scene and moving to the next. It was jarring and annoying. I had to go back and reread to check what was going on or who it was happening with. Also, and this is nitpicking, the names were so similar that it was easy to confuse the characterless.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Gwen is Caden's captive, but it seems that he's more her captive. With war looming above everyone's heads, tensions and suspicions are running high. In the midst of it all, Caden is trying his best to bring about peace, yet at every turn something gets in his way and to add to all that he has to deal with Gwen and the feelings she brings out in him. Caden's mom is pressuring him to marry, Gwen wants to go home, her brother wants his siblings back, and meanwhile King Rowan and Prince Gaiwan are trying to take control of all Alemere by having their biggest obstacles war with each other. Caden and Gwen won't let them get away with that, even after more bloodshed, deaths, and even treason, they'll persevere even if it means they have to marry in order to do it (which isn't such a big deal since they do love each other). Can't wait to see what happens next, especially with Caden's brother and the new threat of Rowan's sister manipulating the soon to be king. >_<

[Carly Fall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elise Marion has a way of building a world and weaving a tale that completely consumes you while reading. This book did not disappoint, and it is hard to write a review without giving away too much, as there are many twists, turns and surprises. The chemistry between Caden and Gwen is sometimes funny, sometimes beautiful, and always intense as they are two strong individuals trying to save a kingdom. This book had me giggling in some parts, very teary in others, and left me feeling very satisfied after finishing. I'm not happy about having to wait for the next book, but I'm excited to see where the author takes this lovely romance set against the threat of war, the loss of loved ones, and in the world of kings and queens.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is the Captor and who is the Captive..

This book was pretty good.

I liked that most of the female characters are strong, No whiny princesses, etc.

All of the characters were interesting and well rounded.

There were a few twists, turns, loss, love, threats of war, and the chemistry between Gwen and Caden was pretty intense.


Eric Burns did rather well with the narration.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

“Bound” is excellently written.

Read full review in the 2015 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound

Ok, I'm hooked. Yes! Yes! Yes! This story and enough mystery, suspense and romance to keep me wanting more of these characters.

[Nia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome sequel to Chained. Love how both main characters fight to right wrong done by them.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for a weekend read

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is the Captor and who is the Captive..

This book was pretty good.

I liked that most of the female characters are strong, No whiny princesses, etc.

All of the characters were interesting and well rounded.

There were a few twists, turns, loss, love, threats of war, and the chemistry between Gwen and Caden was pretty intense.


Eric Burns did rather well with the narration.

Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

[Jacquela Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This unique storyline has all the elements I wanted in a fantasy thriller and didn't know until I read this book. Their unexpected journey of Iove for country, leadership of country, courage, family, and devotion to each other while finding who dares to oppose that love and destroy them. It literally kept me so deeply engrossed in the book series. I highly recommend this book.

[Sacha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so enthralled in this story.

Another great read in the series. Love Gwen and Caden. Finally, they're together. Now, I must read Freed, the last in the series. Hopefully, Gwen will have given birth. I'm also looking forward to reading Warbride, the story of Emery and Leofred union from the series.

[Courtnee Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really surprising.

I never intended to read book 2, but here I am ready to see what happens next. This whole series is truly a surprise and worth a guilty pleasure read.

[Simone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and creative

I really enjoyed how the author was able to create an entirely new world, complete with unique kingdoms and customs and people. The story is a good one with believable characters and plots.

[Tj Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the characters

I would give a better rating but there is way too much repeated material from the first book. There is a good story line and the characters are great.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Simone Francois-Whittier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Caden and Gwen's romance continues. They are thwarted by enemies, and must unit. Good book, very well written!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound is the 2nd book in the the Chained Trilogy. This book returns where book 1 left off. With the unsuspecting capture and imprisonment of the Gwen done by Caden. Both books have been evenly paced and a really great read. They read almost like a television show. I gave a comparison to Game of thrones but less gory and magic. The books can easily be turned into a script. Which helps someone like me, because that is how I read things. The battle scenes were impressive. I might have not know what certain weapons were when talked about, but that didn't stop me from watching the show mentally. I guess the only complaint that I have is the relationship between Lady Esa and Caden. For them to have such a deep connection, not only as friends but as lovers, I was a bit disappointed at the direction it took. While I wasn't that keen on Lady Esa becoming jealous, I did think the author, just kind of, rushes through ups and downs of Caden and Esa's relationship. Discovering what they learned about each other should have taken more time. That doesn't stop the book from being great. Seems as if Prince Gaiwan is becoming more on an evil villain. Which is totally fine with me because I love a good villain. I really haven't garnered that much interest in the side characters. Maybe I will give the novellas a chance and read how their stories pan out. I am just wondering, if the overall storyline progresses in the novella?

[Ruby McDemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you consider the audio edition of Bound to be better than the print version?
I've never read the print version and it all depends on the person which is better. I am one of those people that is happy with both, but it would be a good read which ever way you want to read it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bound?
One of the biggest moments in my mind is one of the biggest giveaways about the book so I won't say it i'll just say you need to remember the great hall and leave it at that.

Which scene was your favorite?
I loved all the bantering between the different characters. I don't have any one favorite moment I just prefer the moments that make me smile

Any additional comments?
This is an awesome story from happy to sad and exciting to shocking. The entire time I was listening I could barely do anything else. I loved every moment of the story and at times it was hard to remember that it is supposed to be a historical romance instead of a modern day one. If you read this story and don't fall in love with it you don't know a good book when you find one.

[Quinesia Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow.

I personally found it very difficult to keep up with all the characters, battles, and intrigues; however I'm sure it was probably due to my own daftness, and inexperience in royal epics. I was able to get a general understanding of most aspects, though. If you're that type of astute person who can keep up with several names and details, and you don't mind an interracial romance thrown in, this book is for you. The only thing that was bad was that the motive was sometimes stretched: the reason for the initial war, some of the reasons for not wanting to join the marriage treaties as well. The language is beautiful though, and an interracial theme within a dimensional story is absolutely refreshing.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait

A few editorial mistakes. But this book is just as good as the first. I can hardly wait for the next!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit! I loved this one too, I was on the edge of my seat and I cannot wait till the completion of this trilogy!!