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Bonded
A castle guard sworn by duty. A healer branded a witch. A bond neither can deny.
Neirin has spent his life in the shadows of the throne, a castle guard bound by duty and the secret of his bloodline. A bastard son of the King, he has long since given up on freedom, tethered to the capital by a promise to protect the brother who stands to inherit everything. But within these walls, where ghosts whisper through stone and the weight of his past threatens to consume him, the monster beneath his skin stirs.
During the festival of Ayrenven, Neirin finds himself drawn from his post by a woman whose beauty and defiance unravel him. A healer branded a witch, Evera is shackled by the demands of a life she does not want and faced with a choice that could cost her everything.
Their collision is a spark against tinder, igniting desires and possibilities neither can afford. With their fates tangled in secrets and blood, Neirin must decide to embrace the darkness within, find freedom outside of the kingdom that has forsaken him, or risk losing the woman who sees past his scars.
When the truth is revealed - can they defy fate or will they be torn apart by the monsters they’ve tried so hard to bury?
Neirin has spent his life in the shadows of the throne, a castle guard bound by duty and the secret of his bloodline. A bastard son of the King, he has long since given up on freedom, tethered to the capital by a promise to protect the brother who stands to inherit everything. But within these walls, where ghosts whisper through stone and the weight of his past threatens to consume him, the monster beneath his skin stirs.
During the festival of Ayrenven, Neirin finds himself drawn from his post by a woman whose beauty and defiance unravel him. A healer branded a witch, Evera is shackled by the demands of a life she does not want and faced with a choice that could cost her everything.
Their collision is a spark against tinder, igniting desires and possibilities neither can afford. With their fates tangled in secrets and blood, Neirin must decide to embrace the darkness within, find freedom outside of the kingdom that has forsaken him, or risk losing the woman who sees past his scars.
When the truth is revealed - can they defy fate or will they be torn apart by the monsters they’ve tried so hard to bury?
529 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2025
5 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 3, 2025
This book swept me straight into a world so richly imagined it felt like stepping through a veil - lush landscapes, layered lore, and a magic system that, while a little confusing at first, becomes increasingly rewarding as the pieces lock into place. The world-building is detailed without ever feeling overwhelming, and every discovery made the story feel bigger, older, and more alive.
What truly hooked me, though, were the characters. Our MMC is the perfect kind of broken and broody - haunted, protective, and complex, but never in a way that drags the story into needless angst. His quiet vulnerability makes every moment of his emotional unravelling feel earned.
The FMC? I adored her. She has that rare combination of goodness and grit: strong-willed, sharp-tongued, and deeply determined to carve her own path outside the expectations placed on her. She’s the sort of heroine who stands her ground even when the world tells her not to - and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Their relationship begins with an undeniable spark but settles into a slow, tender burn that unfolds beautifully alongside the revelations about their fated connection. The dual POV is used so well, giving the romance depth and emotional weight without ever breaking the tension.
"If you are broken," I told him, "then I will be the piece that makes you whole. Together - "
If you love unique shifter lore, atmospheric world-building, and a spicy romance that blooms with patience and purpose, this deserves a place on your TBR.
What truly hooked me, though, were the characters. Our MMC is the perfect kind of broken and broody - haunted, protective, and complex, but never in a way that drags the story into needless angst. His quiet vulnerability makes every moment of his emotional unravelling feel earned.
The FMC? I adored her. She has that rare combination of goodness and grit: strong-willed, sharp-tongued, and deeply determined to carve her own path outside the expectations placed on her. She’s the sort of heroine who stands her ground even when the world tells her not to - and it’s impossible not to root for her.
Their relationship begins with an undeniable spark but settles into a slow, tender burn that unfolds beautifully alongside the revelations about their fated connection. The dual POV is used so well, giving the romance depth and emotional weight without ever breaking the tension.
"If you are broken," I told him, "then I will be the piece that makes you whole. Together - "
If you love unique shifter lore, atmospheric world-building, and a spicy romance that blooms with patience and purpose, this deserves a place on your TBR.
November 28, 2025
Absolutely 100% loved this story!
A fantastic story, phenomenal imagery - entirely unputdownable and addictive!
I immediately fell in love with Neirin because you quickly feel and connect that he was more than just brutal strength, disconnected and broody - he was broken too and broken recognizes broken. Hence, meet Evera, a heart of gold and passion bundled into a ginger headed, smart mouth who just dreams to have a choice. Together the duo rewrites a woman's worth in the time that they are written and not only that but gives each other the room, the safety to be broken, to expose our monsters within and still find acceptance and love wherever they can get.
Neirin bound to duty has them now throwing themselves into danger but Neirin can't begin his new chapter without fighting the wrongs and bringing light to the deception within the walls of his home. With his family he built by his side, they together are everything they needed - they encompass security, safety and warmth as they navigate back to the past but the doorway to their future.
Twists and turns, character development that you can relate too, emotionally grabbing, banter that makes you kick your legs and just enough sweet, spice to make your cheeks turn red!!
A fantastic story, phenomenal imagery - entirely unputdownable and addictive!
I immediately fell in love with Neirin because you quickly feel and connect that he was more than just brutal strength, disconnected and broody - he was broken too and broken recognizes broken. Hence, meet Evera, a heart of gold and passion bundled into a ginger headed, smart mouth who just dreams to have a choice. Together the duo rewrites a woman's worth in the time that they are written and not only that but gives each other the room, the safety to be broken, to expose our monsters within and still find acceptance and love wherever they can get.
Neirin bound to duty has them now throwing themselves into danger but Neirin can't begin his new chapter without fighting the wrongs and bringing light to the deception within the walls of his home. With his family he built by his side, they together are everything they needed - they encompass security, safety and warmth as they navigate back to the past but the doorway to their future.
Twists and turns, character development that you can relate too, emotionally grabbing, banter that makes you kick your legs and just enough sweet, spice to make your cheeks turn red!!
December 21, 2025
I was given an ARC of this book to review and I have just finished it.
It was sooo good! As an avid reader of the shifter / fated mates genre I have read quite a few takes on it. Alara Thorn's approach is unique and refreshing.
I found it so hard to put down. The first few chapters were a little hard for me to get into until I found the rhythm of the story but after that I was hooked. There is loneliness, misunderstanding, heartbreak, honour, courage and a lot of love (familial, friendly, unrequited, romantic). It is quite the emotional journey and the ending is beautiful.
It can be read as a standalone so no cliffhanger, though I understand it to be the first in a larger series you won't be stuck waiting for the next book to answer your questions which is a nice change!
It was sooo good! As an avid reader of the shifter / fated mates genre I have read quite a few takes on it. Alara Thorn's approach is unique and refreshing.
I found it so hard to put down. The first few chapters were a little hard for me to get into until I found the rhythm of the story but after that I was hooked. There is loneliness, misunderstanding, heartbreak, honour, courage and a lot of love (familial, friendly, unrequited, romantic). It is quite the emotional journey and the ending is beautiful.
It can be read as a standalone so no cliffhanger, though I understand it to be the first in a larger series you won't be stuck waiting for the next book to answer your questions which is a nice change!
November 25, 2025
This story? Was worth every minute. Shifters, adventure, family, romance and so much more. It was so good to get to know each and every one of the characters, good or bad they where all part of the story and made it what is it. The main characters in this book, had such powerful connection I enjoyed every minute of it. Make sure to add this one to your tbr!
December 3, 2025
Everything about it just felt smooth, the vibe, the characters, the moments that sneak up on you in a good way. It had that warm, comforting feel where you actually enjoy hanging out in the world a little longer than you meant to.
The main characters had that connection with that soft spark.
Honestly, it was just a really lovely read.
The main characters had that connection with that soft spark.
Honestly, it was just a really lovely read.
December 13, 2025
thank you so much for this opportunity to read this book.
It’s so well written.
Love the dual pov
The modern take of the fmc even at the time setting
You can feel and know what they’re going through and get lost in their world.
I love the suspense like on mystery on trying to find the real culprit. Kind of had a suspicion but I was right and that was a first. 😅
Definitely recommend
It’s so well written.
Love the dual pov
The modern take of the fmc even at the time setting
You can feel and know what they’re going through and get lost in their world.
I love the suspense like on mystery on trying to find the real culprit. Kind of had a suspicion but I was right and that was a first. 😅
Definitely recommend
December 24, 2025
ARC READ — This was a quick, super addictive fantasy read that keeps you captivated wanting to know what next! I loved Neirin and related to him and his brokenness! And the smart mouth ginger — who doesn’t takes anyone’s crap! The twists and turns and unexpected moments make this book amazing!! Definitely would recommend it!
December 27, 2025
Arc review :) OMG this is a god tier book! This book is soooo good I had dreams about it! I loved the characters especially little Calix. The world was so well built and the pacing was perfect. I literally can find no faults in this book and can’t wait to see what else this new author does! This needs to be your next read! 10/5
November 4, 2025
Oh man, this book was so good. I haven’t read many shifter books, but this one tugged at my heartstrings. These characters were so fun to get to know and there were multiple times I wanted to fight anyone against them. Give this book a chance!!
December 24, 2025
Wonderful book! I was instantly drawn in to the characters and their world! There were lots of twists of directions for the characters and I felt the world building was perfect. I love a good romantasy story and this book definitely hit its mark!
November 30, 2025
Loved this! A terrific he falls first and worships her from the start story, along with a healing from trauma theme. No cliffhanger.
December 1, 2025
Absolutely devoured this book!!! It was recommended by a friend and it did not
Disappoint !! I loved how the shifters were .. and the characters were amazing!!
Disappoint !! I loved how the shifters were .. and the characters were amazing!!
December 2, 2025
This book was a quick, addictive fantasy romance with great tension, strong character chemistry, and a world that pulls you in fast. A fun, hard to put down read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews