Bound

by Alyson Dawn

430 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 25, 2026

Reviews

[Shannon K G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first. The unraveling of prophecies, slow building of romance, and immersive world building make for a nicely balanced romantasy.

[Lauren Collett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a BETA reader.
Let me say somethings without spoiling it for the ARC readers.....😂
✨️FOREVER TEAM BLAKE
✨️The SPICE be SPICIN🌶🌶🌶🌶
✨️ShadowDaddy vibes to the fullest
✨️My heart was tossed around like a new york style pizza, but it was so worth it.

[Jessica Routt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING.....if you haven't read anything by her yet you definitely need to. I laughed and cried so much. There was also a lot of spicy scenes that were AMAZING.....Damien is the definition of shadow daddy.

I can't wait to read more by this LOVING & AMAZING author

[BookboundandBlushed · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bound (Book 2) - ARC read

Bound wasn’t a bad read overall, and I do think there are noticeable improvements in both the writing and the storytelling. The author’s style feels more confident, and the flow is smoother in places but unfortunately, the story still struggles with some of the same core issues that kept me from fully connecting.

The pacing moves very quickly, yet paradoxically not much actually happens for a large portion of the book. A lot of the narrative is focused on training and preparation for a journey that isn’t clearly defined until much later, which made the middle feel drawn out despite the fast progression. I often found myself wondering what the larger purpose was beyond simply “getting to the king,” and that lack of clarity made it hard to stay fully invested.

One of the biggest challenges for me was still the lack of development around the FMC’s role in the story. There’s no solid explanation as to why she was chosen or why others are so quick to pledge their allegiance to her as the chosen one. Because this foundation isn’t properly built, the world and character motivations feel underdeveloped, which made the story feel unrealistic and difficult to emotionally engage with.

I also struggled to connect with the characters, particularly the relationship between the FMC and MMC. Their bond felt rushed and shallow, relying heavily on physical intimacy rather than emotional depth or meaningful interactions. As a result, the romance didn’t feel earned, and over time it became more frustrating than compelling.

There are also plot threads introduced that aren’t fully addressed or resolved in a way that feels believable, which pulled me out of the story. When significant issues arise and are brushed past without consequence or exploration, it breaks immersion and weakens the overall narrative.

That said, the story clearly has potential. The ideas are there, and the improvements in writing show growth from the author. I just never fully committed to or “bought into” the story due to the lack of depth in character development, worldbuilding, and emotional stakes.

I’d consider continuing the series if future books slow down, deepen the relationships, and give more weight to character motivations but as it stands, this one landed in the middle for me.

Sonya
BookBound and Blushed

[Brittany Affeldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received as an arc and everything is my own thoughts!

If you love romantasy steeped in dark magic, hidden worlds, and slow-burning tension, Bound delivers in all the right ways. Alyson Dawn pulls readers into a shadowed realm where secrets linger in the dark, prophecies bind fates together, and nothing—and no one—is quite what they seem.

Blair’s journey is a standout. Watching her step into her power as a badass FMC coming into her abilities is incredibly satisfying, especially as the story peels back layers of the Shadowborn and the truths hidden within them. The world-building is immersive without being overwhelming, blending mystery and magic in a way that keeps you hooked.

The romance is a delicious grumpy/sunshine dynamic paired with forced proximity and a slow burn that hurts so good. The chemistry simmers rather than explodes, making every glance, every interaction feel earned. When the spice finally hits? Worth the wait. 🔥

Add in bonds formed by prophecy, hidden secrets, and dark magic, and you’ve got a romantasy that balances plot and passion beautifully. This is the kind of story where the atmosphere wraps around you, pulling you deeper with every chapter.

[Melissa Landavazo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my God. I got the chills so many times toward the end of this book. It completely blew my mind. It managed to surpass my high expectations AND be nothing at all like I expected. The mystery behind these characters is genuinely exciting. There’s always something you’re trying to piece together, and it keeps the story moving. Blair and Damian have incredible tension it’s sharp, stubborn, and the exact kind of slow-burn push-and-pull I love. The side characters are just as intriguing and add the little sarcasm you absolutely fall in love with! I found myself giggling while I was reading when Blake was involved. There is so much depth to the story, making the world feel even more alive. Absolutely read these 2 books if you are all about a love story with shadow daddies and the kind of love you secretly want, the one that he will destroy the world and do anything for you. Alyson Dawn captured that without a doubt and I love her for it!!
- Melissa Willkomm

[TilDeathDoesSheRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book! This is the story of Blair and Damien who epitomize the power couple trope. The Shadowborn will romance you. They will shock you and tug at your heart and move you to the edge of your seat. This is a story of love and desire and ethics. You will find a story you can’t pull yourself away from. This could be read as a standalone book but I strongly encourage the reader to start with Book One: Marked. I loved the author’s beautiful use of color; it painted a beautiful tapestry for the world and characters. There are some well paced and placed twists in this story. The ending was perfect! I look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you Alyson Dawn for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

[Kylie Stock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love this book even more than the first! This book definitely had me in a choke hold and deserves nothing less than a five-star read. All the new characters coming together and facing challenges while creating a found family brought me so much joy. The bond between Blair and Damien grows even stronger, and the spice is everything! I definitely needed to keep my head on straight with all the hints leading up to a bigger reveal. Although, be prepared to have your tissues on hand because I was an emotional wreck and still have not recovered! The ending of this book will live rent-free in my brain for the foreseeable future.

[nyq · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the amazing opportunity to get this as a beta reader and this duet was such a wonderful read. Wow I got put in a rollercoaster of emotions but was patched up so well in the end despite sobbing through a lot of it. So there is and will be a HEA.

I love the tension between Blair and Damien. Alyson does slow burns just right and the spice is hoooot. I really adore their writing style as it really does give you an amazing connection to the characters. This series was beautifully written and I'm so excited to see more of what she has to come.

My only warning is have your tissues on hand because you will need it!

[Audrey Klamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound is where you can escape your everyday life to a world where shadowborn exist and loyalty lies. A story followed by Marked by Alyson Dawn ending the duology. Honestly this made me want more of the story and left me SOBBING. I haven’t had a good cry after reading a book in a long time. This is about shadowborn gaining back their legacy and kingdom after it had been taken from them and they were forced to go into hiding. It’s a love story x2 and has absolutely beautiful friendships. I highly recommend this and not to mention it’s by an author who is just starting?! This is only her second book ever. Congrats on this! I can’t wait to read more!

[Latisha Jahoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very excited for the sequel to Marked and it did not disappoint. I loved learning more about the shadows and the different ways they could be wielded.

There were some parts that felt as though they dragged a bit because there was a lot more training than fighting. But some of the training scenes really drew me in especially with how the author described the shadows and the aspects that Blair was learning.

Special shout out to Blake who made this book even more amazing. He is by far the funniest character I have read in a while.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC copy of this novel

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…first off, make sure you read Marked first, which is also amazing. This book has so many twists and turns and your emotions will be all over the place. There are characters you become invested in and the events in this book will have you on the edge of your seat. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I will say there was a part of this book that make me cry and have so many conflicting feelings. I would highly recommend!

[Cheyenne Blackmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a whirlwind in the best possible way. Bound puts you through every emotion: heart racing, breath holding, smiling through the pain, and whispering “one more chapter” while falling asleep with the book open at 2 am. The connection you feel to these characters is unreal. If you want a story that grabs your heart and refuses to let go, start Bound immediately!

[Nicole Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC Copy**

I said it with book one and the further we get in this series the more it feels true, the personalities in this series reminds me of Inuyasha. It was a fun read but felt repetitive at some parts. It was quick paced but at the same time felt extremely slow (I have no clue how the author did that). Damian is definitely my favorite shadow daddy.

[Jaqueline Doldersum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait, to start reading this book. It is book two of the Shadowed Series. I want to find out, what is going to happen to Blair, Damien and Blake.
In this book you see her grow as a person. But also

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. I went in thinking I knew what was going to happen and had my mind completely blown. I need more books by this author. I need more Shadowborn. I need therapy. If you read anything, read this.

[Maddie Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t really know where this story was going to go and I never thought it was here. I love a good training montage and an FMC who grows into herself. Not only does the spice hit but the twist will bring you to your knees. I’m still recovering.

[Brooke Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantasy story, great plot with lots of twists. it contains betrayal. has shadow weilders with lots of action.

[Liliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I loved the ending to this series!! It had beautiful found family story and those are my favorite. To feel loved and seen in the story that is what I felt reading this book. It also had a shadow daddy and we love them! I definitely recommend reading!