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

[Brittany Curran · 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

[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!

[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!

[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.