Bound to Burn

by Leena Kazak

He burned her once. She won’t light the same match twice.

Shapeshifting bounty hunter Camix lives by two always trust her instincts, and never—ever—trust Finn, the firewielder who torched her heart two years ago. But when her crew accepts a contract that pits them against a creature born of nightmares, Camix is faced with an infuriating only Finn’s flames can light the way.

Finn has spent years simmering in regret, carrying the weight of the mistake that cost him the only woman he ever loved. And Camix? She’s not the type to take betrayal quietly—she made him pay for what he did. The chance to work together again feels like a cruel miracle, but Finn knows second chances are more elusive than the evil they hunt.

Their shaky alliance might be the only thing standing between survival and ruin—yet it could just as easily shatter the last fragile remnants of their hearts.

Because some sparks linger in the ashes… and some loves burn hottest right before they explode.

Leena Kazak's Bound to Burn is part of Goblin A Valentine's Anthology, a mashup of five short and sweet Valentine's Day novellas—with a side of yearning and angst. Written to fit every romantic appetite, they're designed to be eaten like your favorite box of chocolates.

126 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 3, 2026

About the author

Leena Kazak has been spinning stories since she was ten years old, when she wrote her first short story and never looked back. A lifelong reader, she’s devoured everything from fantasy and thrillers to historical fiction and contemporary romance—but these days, she’s happily tumbled down the romantasy staircase and shows no sign of climbing out. (Send help).

She writes fantasy romance with fierce heroines, impossible choices, and immersive worldbuilding. When she’s in the thick of drafting, Leena wakes up between 4:30 and 5 a.m. to chase that magical, half-asleep window when words flow freely and the world is still quiet.

Leena lives in the frigid Northeast with her brooding, handsome husband and their two adorable, half-feral sidekicks. (Leena and her husband are actually the sidekicks, but don’t tell her kids that.)

Reviews

[ShaynaReadsFantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was EVERYTHING!
Leena’s writing has me hooked line and sinker. I am forever obsessed with her FMCs and their tenacity & ferocity. She has a way of creating complex and layered worlds and stories with the most naturally flowing world building. Each character is deep and thought through in a way that helps the reader understand them from the beginning while they change and grow through their journey.
The emotional and intense journey we experience in just around 100 pages of Bound to Burn is mind bogglingly good. I am in love with this couple and their story and I cannot wait to see how this series develops, I know I’m going to love it. I need more nowwww ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this one. Every time I pick up a book by this author, I’m reminded why they’ve become an auto read for me. The writing just keeps getting stronger, and I love seeing that growth.

Camix and Finn completely pulled me in. I am always here for a second chance romance, and the emotion between these two felt so real. You could feel their history, the hurt, and the lingering tension, which made it impossible not to root for them.

I was honestly impressed by how much depth was packed into such a short read. The characters felt layered, the stakes were high, and the story kept me fully invested from start to finish.

I devoured this in one sitting and would happily return to this world again. Highly recommend if you love emotional romance with tension and heart.

[BeeFaith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to Burn may only be just over 100 pages, but it sure packs a punch! I was invested from the very start (iykyk), and it didn't take much for me to want to know more about Cam and Finn's past, present, and future. The epilogue left me wanting (In a good way), and luckily, we'll get just!

I was excited to learn that this is a prequel to Leena's new Scarred Souls Saga. I cannot wait to find out what lies ahead for Zak, whose character shined in Bound to Burn, and the purple haired lady!

[bookish1.sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leena has worked her magic again with this novella!

The amount of worldbuilding she put in this without making it feel rushed or incomplete is amazing!

She obviously puts crack in her books cause it's super addictive and I just inhaled it!

It feels like an all round novel and not like a novella but I’m greedy so I still want more!

I don't want to spoil anything so you just have to go read it!

[Allison M || allisreadingbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!!

Leena’s books are consistently great reads and this one continues the trend!

BTB is a novella that introduces us to a new world and new characters and I’m SO HAPPY that Leena announced this is a prequel novella to a full length novel! I cannot wait for the full novel and to see what’s next for Cam, Finn & Zak!!!

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound to Burn by Leena Kazak is thoroughly amazing. It kept me wanting more from start to finish. I absolutely loved the whole story, and already adore Cam and Finn so much. There better be more, because I need to know who this lady is at the end 🫣 Keep up the outstanding work, Leena! So much love and support, my sweet friend! 💖💖

[Alexa Escapita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great novella! I can't wait to read what is coming next. The cliffhanger left me hungry for more. I love Cam & Finn, their bond to each other was beautiful. I loved the shapeshifting aspect of Cam and all of the different fantastical powers the characters had. Leena always writes so beautifully! I am immediately drawn into the characters world and feel everything they are feeling!

[Stephanie Manzano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still buzzing from finishing this novella - Leena's writing is captivating and her characters are so well-developed. The storyline's intense, the plot twist is jaw-dropping, and the FMC is a total boss. I've said it before but Leena is so good at doing closed door spice. Her writing style is captivating, leaving just the right amount for your imagination to take over. Both the FMC and MMC had strong personalities that blended well together. I'm so excited to see if more books stem from this because the ending left me wanting to know more!!

[Mere.Dragon.Tales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm mad it's over!... for now!

This story was sooo good. The world is incredible. The characters are so interesting and I fell for them IMMEDIATELY. The first line of this book grabbed me and didn't let go. Camix and Zakri are monster hunting partners. They grew up together. Camix aka Cam, is feisty and smart. She's a shifter and her true form... Well I'm going to believe that my dear Leena modeled her after me (HA!). Zakri aka Zak is a beast of a man. He has some really cool abilities and his relationship with Cam is fun and sibling coded. Then we have Finn. A fellow hunter and a fire wielder. He has his own emotional trauma that he is working to overcome. Something terrible happens and it breaks our characters. The hurt is palpable and heartbreaking. Then you figure out why and your own anger absolutely SPIKES. There's magic, powers, monsters (that are super cool!), trauma, heartbreak, loss, illness, battles, enchanted trees (and not the nice kind), soul bonds, and a love that doesn't diminish. This novella packed a PUNCH! It was so good. I hope we get more of Finn and Cam. Book 1 of this world is in the works and I'm guessing from the novella, it'll be about Zak and a certain someone that comes in at the very end of the novella. Cannot wait to venture back into this world!!

[Raechel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's nothing Leena Kazak touches that doesn't turn to gold, and that includes short stories. This 126-page novella reads like a full-length book. The characters are complex and emotional, the plot is engaging, and there's even a couple of twists you may not see coming (there's at least one that I didn't). The story line touches on difficult yet relatable topics like alcoholism, grief, and SA. Lastly, while the story is resolved at the end, Leena definitely left it open for the start of a new, related story (which I personally love so much).

Leena is an auto-buy author for me, so I had this beautiful novella waiting in my Kindle this morning. I read it over my lunch and gym break. Although it can be purchased separately, it is part of a larger anthology curated by @lilbookgoblin (on Instagram).

Goblin Presents A Valentine's Anthology!

Bound to Burn by @leenakazakbooks
These Bloody Blooms by @author_k.r.fryatt
A Heart Too Tender by @j.a.townsend
Share the Night by @raentetra
Regrettable Regards by @jsjsprwrts

Limited Book Boxes with all 5 books are still available through @thecraftybookstore!

All books are available on KU, ebook, and paperback!

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I officially have a new favorite author because what kind of magic did you put into this book, Leena?! ✨🔥

From the very first page, I was completely pulled into this world, and somehow, even after finishing it, I’m still not satisfied. This book doesn’t quench your thirst… it makes you crave more. I need more of Finn. More of Camix. More of Zakri. I am not ready to let them go!!!🥺📖

The writing is so poetically beautiful it almost aches. Every line feels intentional, lyrical, and emotionally charged. You don’t just read this story, you FEEL it. The dual POV was executed perfectly; it added so much depth to the characters and made the longing, the love, and the pain hit twice as hard.❤️‍🔥💔 And the pacing? Absolutely spot on. It never dragged, never rushed, it just unfolded in the most consuming way.

There’s so much yearning in this story. So much tenderness wrapped in hurt. My heart genuinely felt stretched in the best (and most painful) way.😩

At this point, I’m ready to read anything Leena writes. Just let me exist in worlds like this. Let me stay with characters like these a little longer. Because I’m not done, and I don’t think I ever will be.🫶🏼😭✨

[Jenn | bookdragonbrunette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit difficult at first because due to the reason the relationship ended, I DID NOT like Finn

However, I gave it a shot to see what happened and am glad I stuck around because there were reasons. Still hurts, but not as much. The romance was sweet and filled with so much yearning. I liked that we got to see a Past and a Present so we could judge how the two MCs met and how their relationship progressed before the split.

And the ending made it really intriguing because it sets up what could happen if this novella were to be continued into a series! And I would DEFINITELY be reading that!

There were all sorts of creepy monsters in this book and I would love to see art of them to really get the full effect!

Some hard hitting emotional moments in this! Leena's writing definitely draws you in to the characters and this world!

Read if you love:
-Second chance romance
-Yearning
-Soul bonds
-Shapeshifter
-Firewielder
-Dual POV

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a part of Goblin’s Valentines Anthology and it is 126 pages of quick fun with some creepy vibes in the background.

Leena creates fabulous characters and these are no exception. Camix hunts the scary things in the dark with her best friend Zak. When they get a job that’s going to require a fire wielder, their only option is to ask her ex boyfriend, the man who finally made Cam feel worthy…. Until she caught him with another woman.

For 100 pages we get a lot of information on Camix and Finn’s past woven in through the current mission. We also get a peak into Zak’s character. It’s fun to follow their story in the past and present and see the yearning that’s still there despite the betrayal.

This is definitely worth the quick read and the characters and the world are so much fun that I would love to see more of them in the future.

[Jenna Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Review✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)

This novella burned in the best way!

Camix and Finn’s story is pure tension wrapped in smoke and regret. You can feel the history between them in every glance, every sharp word, every moment they’re forced too close for comfort. The betrayal isn’t brushed aside…it lingers, heavy and real. It made this second-chance arc hit so much harder!

Watching Finn carry his remorse while Camix refuses to let herself be burned again? Stirs up so much angst. So much longing and tension. I was completely in Camix’s corner, but Finn’s regret slowly broke down my defenses too.

Add in high-stakes action and a nightmare-worthy threat, and I was equal parts stressed and swooning. This story doesn’t just spark…it burns.

Some romances smolder. This one threatens to explode. And I loved every second of it. I devoured it.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I was genuinely sad that it was over...


The way Leena masterfully captured action and romance in so few pages is nothing short of magical. The emotions Cam experienced love, betrayal, and deep insecurity about her true self (and Daddy issues) are feelings I've known all too well in life. And the story has incredible Witcher vibes with them going out to hunt monsters, big fan.


 I started reading and simply couldn't put it down until I devoured every word.


AND THAT ENDING!!!! Honestly, I wish there was more... I need more... Will we get a second part next Valentine’s Day? Please, I’m begging!

[Rachel’s Coffee & Rain Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute novella, with enough world building to be immersive, and enough emotional depth to feel like a full length story. I liked both MCs, I felt terrible when the betrayal happened but I felt awful for Finn. The reunion felt slightly rushed, like “we know the truth now all is fine we’re together forever!” But we get a small epilogue of sweetness and a mild moment of interest to lead into more story for other characters and a potentially over arching plot. I’ll read more from this author for sure!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tension and yearning in this book are top tier.
Their first love story is absolutely incredible and perfect! The reason for the betrayal gives me the absolute creeps. Definitely absolutely spine-chilling. I don't know how I feel about him and the betrayal in the end.
The magic is super cool in this world and I love how everything gives me 'Supernatural' vibes.
I hope there will be many more books in this world.

[Bernadette Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful quick read!!

I absolutely LOVED this story. It was a refreshing quick palate cleanser that made my soul smile. Not to say there isn’t some major emotional stuff happening- this story is jam packed with plot, longing, vengeance, anger and devastation- but where Cam and Finn end up makes it all SO worth it. I hope to read more about them and Zak as well and the door is definitely open for that to happen! Well done Leena!

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not entirely sure what I expected going into this. I’ve read Leena’s work before, I enjoyed The Moon’s Daughter in audio and read Between Tides and Thunder as an ARC, so I did have some expectations.

Unfortunately, this one felt a bit confusing to me, and I just couldn’t fully get into it. I ended up skimming parts of it, which is never a great sign.

That said, I think this might work better for readers who enjoy more intricate storytelling. It just wasn’t quite for me.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella by the incredible Leena Kazak is so immersion and full of such well developed characters and world building that you'll feel like you're reading a full-blown novel in the best way possible! this novella packs such a punch, full of Kazak's signature unique magic, sizzling tension, unexpected twists and otherworldly ambience! A moody, magical valentines read you won't want to miss!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witcher vibes with a second chance romance. This world is so interesting and this is just a taste. Betrayal tore them apart, but does that stop fate? Our FMC is feisty and don't let her get angry. Our MMC burns so good, but he's known pain. Together they burn. And Zak, our mysterious hunter, bestie might also leave us burning. I definitely want more of this world!

[Leapoldnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You can burn me anytime Leena Kazak !! Holy cow did I love this book. You said yearning and you delivered. Once again you ran me through the emotional gauntlet but the pay off was lovely and had me screaming for more as I turned the last page. I will read anything you write. Wow! Thank you!

[Anne Levitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how Leena does it but she always throws a twist in there that I didnt see coming and she fit in amazing world building IN A NOVELLA!!! Like what?! I'm so exicted that more will be coming from this world! I am so intrigued!!!! I absolutely loved this story and loved Cam and Finn and Zakri so much!!!!

[cheyanne jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was SO good! I was immediately sucked in answering just could not put it down. The world this story is in is so intriguing and I'm so glad this is just a prequel and there's more to come because that ending had me SHOOK and ready for more. Witnessing the different dots in this book connecting was wild. Great googly moogly.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

super unique fantasy world with a second-chance romance, high tension, and yearning. Leena’s prose is stunning and I hope she writes more in this world (nudge nudge). Lots of magic, steamy romance, and redemption! I would read Leena's grocery list.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leena has the ability to emotionally wreck you and give you a happy ending in only 100 pages. I got so emotionally invested in this story and these characters. Leena can do no wrong. Please go read this.

[Sakura Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating read

Oh my gosh! I couldn't put this down, adored every moment of it. The anguish, the fire, the backstory and that Cliffy!!!! Leena's done it again, that's all I'm going to say!

[Haeli S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella was a little over 100 pages and DID NOT disappoint. It has everything we love in a Romantasy and more.

I will forever read anything Leena writes because whatever is put in these books has me foaming at the mouth for more. I cannot wait for this story to continue!!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay but what you mean this was under 200 pages???

Fast paced, action packed and beautifully executed. I am PRAYING we see a continuation on for this story because the premise of this is unreal!

I am a Leena fan! 😭🤍

[Krystal Valster · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s short story but I feel like I was in this world for much longer than 100 pages. Leena knows how to enrapture her audience. building the world and characters just right and making you want more!