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Deadly Bonds: A Dark Romance Novel
All it took was one chance encounter.
Addison
I grew up always looking over my shoulder. Having an anxious mom who is scared of making the wrong move will do that to a person. So, when I first encountered Rowan Kingsley, the oldest Kingsley sibling and a stoic man beaten down by the ghosts of his past, it’s hard to ignore the sounding of my internal alarm.
Or the undeniable pull I feel towards him.
Rowan
My past is a heavy one, and all of the light was drained from me long ago. My father took everything he could, leaving me a shell.
Until one encounter with a woman so bright she banished the darkness for good. Addison isn’t meant to be mine. She’s untainted and free-spirited. A wild card.
But I can’t help myself. I’ll do anything to possess her and make her mine, but when someone from her past threatens to destroy every ounce of progress I’ve made, I make a vow to protect her at all costs.
And I don’t plan on letting her go.
This is a dark romance with a HEA. Trigger warnings are listed at the beginning of the book.
Addison
I grew up always looking over my shoulder. Having an anxious mom who is scared of making the wrong move will do that to a person. So, when I first encountered Rowan Kingsley, the oldest Kingsley sibling and a stoic man beaten down by the ghosts of his past, it’s hard to ignore the sounding of my internal alarm.
Or the undeniable pull I feel towards him.
Rowan
My past is a heavy one, and all of the light was drained from me long ago. My father took everything he could, leaving me a shell.
Until one encounter with a woman so bright she banished the darkness for good. Addison isn’t meant to be mine. She’s untainted and free-spirited. A wild card.
But I can’t help myself. I’ll do anything to possess her and make her mine, but when someone from her past threatens to destroy every ounce of progress I’ve made, I make a vow to protect her at all costs.
And I don’t plan on letting her go.
This is a dark romance with a HEA. Trigger warnings are listed at the beginning of the book.
337 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2026
10 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Juliet Coven
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 10, 2026
We’re back in the Syndicate world of professional unalivers—this time following Rowan Kingsley. He’s all quiet anger, crushing responsibility, and barely contained rage.
Enter Addison, armed with a sharp tongue, zero chill, and 100% brat energy.
He’s focused on keeping her alive while rival syndicates close in.
She’s focused on messing with him at every possible opportunity.
The ending moved a little too fast and gave me some serious whiplash, but the banter between these two is absolutely on point, and their tension carries the story.
Final verdict: Stayed for the danger, finished for the banter. 🔪🖤
Enter Addison, armed with a sharp tongue, zero chill, and 100% brat energy.
He’s focused on keeping her alive while rival syndicates close in.
She’s focused on messing with him at every possible opportunity.
The ending moved a little too fast and gave me some serious whiplash, but the banter between these two is absolutely on point, and their tension carries the story.
Final verdict: Stayed for the danger, finished for the banter. 🔪🖤
January 5, 2026
The FMC going from pissed off and feeling/being violated to I love him so gave me whiplash.
The dub/con was more non/con.
All in all, I just didn't like the story, plot, or characters.
The dub/con was more non/con.
All in all, I just didn't like the story, plot, or characters.
November 24, 2025
Here I thought I met my top book boyfriend before.. well that was before I met Rowan! I wasn't sure Atlas could be topped in Killer confessions but boy was I wrong!! Rowan is everything you could ask for he'd mysterious, handsome, intense, sweet, thoughtful, & obsessed! The connection between him & Addison is hot 🔥; even if it doesn't start out that way. The banter between them is perfect between the intense moments. Seeing how far Rowan goes to protect Addison made my heart beat a little be fast & made me fall a little bit more for him as this story went on. If you like a book on the darker side, a man who takes charge, a female main character who gives attitude to the assassin this is your book!! I can't wait for more, I know the other character's books are going to be just as juicy as Atlas & Roman's. The question is can the other men top Rowan as my #1 book boyfriend right now?! Only time will tell!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2025
⭐ 4.5/5 stars
A second Kingsley brother has officially entered the chat and—respectfully—Rowan.
Another absolute hit from Juliet Coven, who is now firmly an instant-read author for me.
Deadly Bonds is dark, obsessive, and deliciously unhinged. Rowan is intense, morally black, and radiates touch-her-and-die energy, while Addison brings softness and defiance that only fuels his obsession. Their chemistry is dangerous, the tension is high, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
This series continues to deliver brutal intensity, possessive romance, and that feral edge I crave in dark romance. Violent, erotic, and emotionally gripping, this book digs in and doesn’t let go.
If you enjoy dark romance that leans unapologetically into obsession, power imbalance, and morally questionable MMCs, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
A second Kingsley brother has officially entered the chat and—respectfully—Rowan.
Another absolute hit from Juliet Coven, who is now firmly an instant-read author for me.
Deadly Bonds is dark, obsessive, and deliciously unhinged. Rowan is intense, morally black, and radiates touch-her-and-die energy, while Addison brings softness and defiance that only fuels his obsession. Their chemistry is dangerous, the tension is high, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
This series continues to deliver brutal intensity, possessive romance, and that feral edge I crave in dark romance. Violent, erotic, and emotionally gripping, this book digs in and doesn’t let go.
If you enjoy dark romance that leans unapologetically into obsession, power imbalance, and morally questionable MMCs, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
January 28, 2026
“You’re not so bad when you aren't angry with me.”
“You’re not so bad when you aren't being a brat.”
I am ALL over this series!
These Kingsley siblings are UNHINGED!
First, Atlas...
Now, Rowan...
Those had an extremely harsh childhood, if you even want to call it that the way their father treated them. (Most definitely read your TW because some of these scenes may not be for the faint of heart)
Rowan, being the oldest, took the brunt end of it.
But they would do it all over again knowing that they path would lead them to women who loved them. And what fabulous partners they found!
Addison is Ms SassyPants McGee! But she is FIERCE when it comes to the people she loves as well.
Could the next crazy cakes story be Thalia's?!? I hope so because I think out of all the crazycake siblings, she is my FAVORITE. I think I may have fallen in love with her the most.
“You’re not so bad when you aren't being a brat.”
I am ALL over this series!
These Kingsley siblings are UNHINGED!
First, Atlas...
Now, Rowan...
Those had an extremely harsh childhood, if you even want to call it that the way their father treated them. (Most definitely read your TW because some of these scenes may not be for the faint of heart)
Rowan, being the oldest, took the brunt end of it.
But they would do it all over again knowing that they path would lead them to women who loved them. And what fabulous partners they found!
Addison is Ms SassyPants McGee! But she is FIERCE when it comes to the people she loves as well.
Could the next crazy cakes story be Thalia's?!? I hope so because I think out of all the crazycake siblings, she is my FAVORITE. I think I may have fallen in love with her the most.
November 21, 2025
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC and I loved this so, so much!
Even better than the first, imho!
Rowan with the mask? I mean come onnnnn! Thank you Juliet for feeding my absolute derangement for dark romance and filth
Even better than the first, imho!
Rowan with the mask? I mean come onnnnn! Thank you Juliet for feeding my absolute derangement for dark romance and filth
January 22, 2026
dnf it's giving AI
November 26, 2025
69/10 Row should’ve gotten pegged by the girl boss that is Addison. Teehee accounting.
November 19, 2025
I absolutely love the relationship that Rowan and Addison have. It's sick and twisted at times and sickly sweet at other times. I've caught myself giggling quite a bit with this book. The plot twist had me verbally shrieking "WTF?!". And the ending had me shaking my kindle saying "no, no, no... damnit!" I can't wait to read the next book!
Also, can we talk a minute about the authors note? Girlie, what in the world? You are so unserious and I am here for it! 😅😂 I definitely needed that laugh this morning.
Also, can we talk a minute about the authors note? Girlie, what in the world? You are so unserious and I am here for it! 😅😂 I definitely needed that laugh this morning.
January 5, 2026
row row is my fave Kingsley absolutely loved Addison to! cant wait for thalias book 😍
Review of advance copy
After Killer Confections, this was exactly the story I was craving. Rowan Kingsley, the eldest Kingsley sibling and Atlas’s brother is obsessed with Addison Bright, Loxley’s best friend. You can already feel the sparks, right? But don’t go in expecting a carbon copy of book one, because this one hits even harder. It’s almost impossible to imagine anyone topping Atlas and Loxley… and yet, here we are. Rowan is darker, rawer, and far more intense. Like Atlas, he’s a product of his father’s cruelty, but where Atlas burns, Rowan devours. He’s a killer because he had to be, because breaking would’ve been the end. And that’s exactly why he’s drawn to Addison’s light. He wants it. Needs it. Wants to own it. He watches her from afar, can’t stop thinking about her, and when she moves to Columbus to be closer to Loxley? All bets are off. Protector mode: activated. The problem is, Addison doesn’t exactly make being protected easy. She can’t help acting like a brat, poking and provoking Rowan at every opportunity, but she’ll soon learn that antagonizing a man like Rowan never comes without consequences. On the one hand, he terrifies her; on the other, he calls to a part of Addison she didn’t even know existed. Things escalate quickly (as they do), and Rowan shows her exactly what he is capable of when it comes to keeping her safe. However, when Addison finds herself locked in Rowan’s house, it becomes very clear that Rowan is done pretending he can keep his distance. He wants everything—her trust, her attention, her heart. Unfortunately, drugging and kidnapping her probably wasn’t the strongest opening move. Still, beneath the obsession and violence, Rowan has always been a protector, first to his siblings, now to Addison. He’s not subtle (understatement) in the way he goes about things, but for an assassin, his heart is surprisingly in the right place. Addison finds him infuriating, but he challenges her in ways no one else ever has. And let’s talk spice—because wow. Rowan does not disappoint. Rowan’s life has been shaped by pain and suffering, but Addison cuts through that darkness like a blade of light. His feelings may be feral and obsessive, but they’re perfectly balanced by Addison’s stubbornness and defiance. Yes, there’s a clear power imbalance, but Addison is anything but weak. She more than holds her own and proves herself Rowan’s equal at every turn. Another absolute corker from Juliet. Intense, addictive, and impossible to put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved the first book in the series and was so thrilled to get a chance to finally read Book 2 of the Syndicate Killers. I highly recommend reading the books in order so you understand the world and the characters better.
This story revolves around Rowan and Addison. I'm so obsessed with their Dom/Sub dynamic. Juliet Coven adds a fun mix to her dark romance giving a dark rom-com feel along with the extra spice that had me melting. I love the Kingsleys and this whole syndicate world has all the suspense and action along with the romance that had me turning pages and devouring this book.
Tropes:
Grumpy + Sunshine
Stalking
Found Family
Sub/Dom dynamic
Touch her and ☠️
Forced proximity
Possessive MMC
Dual POV
Graphic/Explicit
Check TW
This book/series is unhinged, delicious, and addictive in the best of ways.
I'm eager for the next book in the Syndicate Killers series.
This story revolves around Rowan and Addison. I'm so obsessed with their Dom/Sub dynamic. Juliet Coven adds a fun mix to her dark romance giving a dark rom-com feel along with the extra spice that had me melting. I love the Kingsleys and this whole syndicate world has all the suspense and action along with the romance that had me turning pages and devouring this book.
Tropes:
Grumpy + Sunshine
Stalking
Found Family
Sub/Dom dynamic
Touch her and ☠️
Forced proximity
Possessive MMC
Dual POV
Graphic/Explicit
Check TW
This book/series is unhinged, delicious, and addictive in the best of ways.
I'm eager for the next book in the Syndicate Killers series.
February 5, 2026
😂💀🌶️ all in one book
Juliet Coven is becoming a favorite author now!! Rowan and Addison’s book was crazy in the beginning. There was grand theft auto, an inn with a retired assassin, tear gas and rope!! And then he drugged and kidnapped her. But there was also laughter (bc Addison was being a brat) and swooning by an OTT protective man that couldn’t not give her what she wanted. Then her blood family got involved and it was shocking. One loophole gave Addison the life she always wanted and the family she chose. I giggled so much reading this book, my kids were asking questions lol. And the spice!!!!!! Woooo the spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy!! Quite a few scenes that had me hot hot!! The sauna especially! I can’t wait for the third book to come out, especially with the cliffhanger at the end!
Juliet Coven is becoming a favorite author now!! Rowan and Addison’s book was crazy in the beginning. There was grand theft auto, an inn with a retired assassin, tear gas and rope!! And then he drugged and kidnapped her. But there was also laughter (bc Addison was being a brat) and swooning by an OTT protective man that couldn’t not give her what she wanted. Then her blood family got involved and it was shocking. One loophole gave Addison the life she always wanted and the family she chose. I giggled so much reading this book, my kids were asking questions lol. And the spice!!!!!! Woooo the spice was 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spicy!! Quite a few scenes that had me hot hot!! The sauna especially! I can’t wait for the third book to come out, especially with the cliffhanger at the end!
January 23, 2026
Oh my freaking God that cliffhanger
This book is amazing. Literally everything I could of wanted and asked for for Rowan and Addison. The relationship development, the spice and banter. Plus we get a tiny glimpse of Loxely and Atlas. I want more of them and more of Rowan and Addison and now I'm caught between hoping for Thalia's happy ending..or to find out more about Dom, Theo, and Bailey. Like Liam can go fuck off now okay. I don't even know him but I'm ready for his quick exit. I need a hardback copy of this for my horde. I just..uhhgg it just hit every mark I wanted for this book and I tore through it way too fast and now I'm sad and book hung over. I need the next book asap.
This book is amazing. Literally everything I could of wanted and asked for for Rowan and Addison. The relationship development, the spice and banter. Plus we get a tiny glimpse of Loxely and Atlas. I want more of them and more of Rowan and Addison and now I'm caught between hoping for Thalia's happy ending..or to find out more about Dom, Theo, and Bailey. Like Liam can go fuck off now okay. I don't even know him but I'm ready for his quick exit. I need a hardback copy of this for my horde. I just..uhhgg it just hit every mark I wanted for this book and I tore through it way too fast and now I'm sad and book hung over. I need the next book asap.
January 28, 2026
Rowan was a bit more complicated than Atlas in the first episode, but he's all the more captivating.
Addison, very fiery, poisonous and sassy. Even though Rowan is the exact opposite, somehow, improbably, it works for them.
I just love the whole family. This episode was great, a little tension, a lot of spice and love. I probably wouldn't compare it to dark. But everyone is marked in their own way and a little psycho.
Anyway, although this episode was good, the fun, chemistry, characters, new environment and story worked, the story of Atlas with Loxley stayed in my heart and memory.
But I definitely won't miss Thalia.
Note (more like 5/5 for me):
Story: 🫀4
Spice: 🔥 3
Action: 🥷2
FMC: 👰 5
MMC: 🫅5
Other characters: 💃🦸🦹🧌🧟 5
Addison, very fiery, poisonous and sassy. Even though Rowan is the exact opposite, somehow, improbably, it works for them.
I just love the whole family. This episode was great, a little tension, a lot of spice and love. I probably wouldn't compare it to dark. But everyone is marked in their own way and a little psycho.
Anyway, although this episode was good, the fun, chemistry, characters, new environment and story worked, the story of Atlas with Loxley stayed in my heart and memory.
But I definitely won't miss Thalia.
Note (more like 5/5 for me):
Story: 🫀4
Spice: 🔥 3
Action: 🥷2
FMC: 👰 5
MMC: 🫅5
Other characters: 💃🦸🦹🧌🧟 5
January 7, 2026
Ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
🏷️Dark Romance
🏷️Annoyance to Lovers
🏷️Protective Obsessive MMC
🏷️Found Family
My Review:
Addie and Rowan were a fascinating couple. Rowan had a tragic past and didn’t fall in love because he didn’t do relationships. Addie moved to town to be close to her friend and thought Rowan was good looking but a jerk. But their connection cannot be denied forever. So they get together. I liked the way their connection developed. I like this book and would recommend it!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
🏷️Dark Romance
🏷️Annoyance to Lovers
🏷️Protective Obsessive MMC
🏷️Found Family
My Review:
Addie and Rowan were a fascinating couple. Rowan had a tragic past and didn’t fall in love because he didn’t do relationships. Addie moved to town to be close to her friend and thought Rowan was good looking but a jerk. But their connection cannot be denied forever. So they get together. I liked the way their connection developed. I like this book and would recommend it!
December 11, 2025
Wow Juliet knows how to keep the steam going 🫠. This one was way more steamy than Killer Confections IMO. Rowan was like whoa super possessive and insatiable 🥵. Addison gave him a run for his money she would not let him win 😂. I laughed so much and was left with my mouth open at times 🙈. And Juliet did me dirty with that ending. I need Thalia’s story and Dominic’s too he can’t be left out🤭.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2026
He can rock bedazzled jeans!
I loved this! So much drama and hearts and wtf are you doing moments but I have never laughed so hard over glitter and stickers. I love Rowan and Addison they are perfect and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
I can't get enough of these assassins/terminator bad-assery who will do ANYTHING to get the girl. Obsessed and please never stop with these characters. I want their babies to have books!!!
I loved this! So much drama and hearts and wtf are you doing moments but I have never laughed so hard over glitter and stickers. I love Rowan and Addison they are perfect and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
I can't get enough of these assassins/terminator bad-assery who will do ANYTHING to get the girl. Obsessed and please never stop with these characters. I want their babies to have books!!!
January 3, 2026
Juliet Coven is an instant buy and read for me. If you read book 1 and loved Atlas (I very much enjoyed), then big brother Rowan is super hot and enjoyable; dare I say I liked him more than Atlas... undecided. Addison took some warming up to for me, but once she clicked, probably during the bratting, I was sold.
Review of advance copy
I honestly didn’t think I could love a book boyfriend more than I loved Atlas but Rowan is absolute perfection.
The chemistry between him and Addison is to die for.
I’m absolutely obsessed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The chemistry between him and Addison is to die for.
I’m absolutely obsessed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
I thought this was a good book to read This is the second book in this series that was good I thought it was well written and I enjoyed the characters and the story plot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2026
Deadly bonds is a dark one, it's not too dark but it's just the right amount of dark and dirty and enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2025
Addison and Rowen story was very good of a read. I definitely enjoyed this characters. I am looking forward to more of this Syndicate Killers series.
January 2, 2026
Rowan and Addison are freaking life I love them so much. The banter and tension between them was perfection.
January 3, 2026
This is the first story I read from this author and it doesn't disappoint.Great plot. Characters are captivating. It's dark, erotic, thrilling,twisted. I can't wait to read more from this author.
January 4, 2026
Damn, this series is killing it! I think I liked this more than the first.
January 10, 2026
Honestly I can’t wait to read this again because I just know it’s gonna be even better the second time around!
January 12, 2026
4.5 🌟 omg the cliffhanger at the end! Just when you think the series ends!
November 21, 2025
🔥🔥ARC review🔥🔥
OKAY Row Row, kidnap me any fucking day 🥵🥵🥵 I loved this even more than the first. Row is a certified sicko but in allll the best ways. crazy obsessed and terrible at hiding it 😂 Addison is so witty and funny with all the craziness she gets shoved into. there's a wild twist at the end that was just perfection. even the dedication at the beginning and the author's note at the end had me laughing out loud. Juliet has become one of my top authors after reading the Syndicate Killer books
OKAY Row Row, kidnap me any fucking day 🥵🥵🥵 I loved this even more than the first. Row is a certified sicko but in allll the best ways. crazy obsessed and terrible at hiding it 😂 Addison is so witty and funny with all the craziness she gets shoved into. there's a wild twist at the end that was just perfection. even the dedication at the beginning and the author's note at the end had me laughing out loud. Juliet has become one of my top authors after reading the Syndicate Killer books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews