Unclaimed Bonds

by Lilinoe K Russell

The night they left me for dead should have been my ending.
Instead, it became my beginning.

I woke in unfamiliar walls, surrounded by a pack I never expected—fierce, loyal, unyielding. They gave me a name I could own. A life I could build.

But the past doesn’t fade. It waits.
It watches.

Every step toward my future tightens the coil of danger at my back. Power stirs in my blood, restless and demanding. And when I’m called to take my place as Alpha, tradition throws its chains across my path. An Alpha must be mated. Claimed. I am neither.

After heartbreak after heartbreak, I make the only move left to A Game of Hearts Desire.

They’ll see a competition for my hand.
I’ll see a chance to turn the tables.

I don’t know who I’ll face under those lights—strangers, enemies, or pieces of my past—but one thing is certain.

This time, I decide how the story ends.


Unclaimed Bonds is book 1 in A Game of Hearts Desire Series. It is a paranormal romance with dark themes, multiple love interests, and a strong female main character that will not have to choose between them. Book 1 ends on a cliff hanger.

470 pages, Hardcover

Published December 10, 2025

Reviews

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that go back and forth in time can become confusing at times, but "Unclaimed Bonds" just became more intriguing to me. Every timeline revolves around our fmc Jessica, but comes with its own questions about her past, present and future. Not all of those questions find answers in this first book, but so far I have to say it feels like the answers will be revealed at the right time. And there is a lot left to explore; the ending of this book left me with at least 10 main plot points I can't stop thinking about, and a lot more tiny details that keep me wondering. And even though that is a lot, with how this book was built up I sincerely think this is how the author wanted this first book to end for her readers: wondering about multiple things.

At first, the blurb of this book intrigued me but also felt a little 'all over the place'. After completing this first book, I believe all those things are working well together. I can practically envision the author sitting in front of a giant mood board, next to one of those boards that the FBI uses to connect all the dots. Because, well... there are a lot of dots to connect. But I love it, and I can't wait to find out more in the second book! I like Jessica as an fmc. The men haven't left me with the best first impression, but I suppose their reasoning will be revealed in the next book(s). And even though I think we know who will eventually end up as Jessica's partners, I'm still curious to see if the author might throw us for a loop there. Knowing all of these men expect to become Jessica's one and only might make for some future fireworks as well...

Honestly: I can't wait to see what book two will bring! There is so much I'm hoping for and thinking about; the excitement is real.

[Charlotte Battersby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica's whole life is definitely a wild rollercoaster from start to present! I really enjoyed how Lilinoe did the present to flashback transitions, it kept me invested in what we could learn next about Jessica's life. The pacing was really good, I enjoyed the character development of the main characters and everyone made me feel something for them. We meet some of the love interests from the flashbacks and really looking forward to more of the reality show! This first book definitely feels like it is setting the background for how Jessica arrived at the decision to go on the dating show and looking forward to seeing more in the next book!

I really enjoyed Liam's character as a love interest, he is definitely a protector and really caring of Jessica growing up. Looking forward to seeing more of their relationship going forward. Luke is another potential love interest but he does has some serious grovelling to do with his attitude during this first book. Definitely feel like his anger and response to jump to the wrong conclusion right away will be needed character development going forward.

The only thing I found is that Jessica was constantly being injured which I get with her being hunted for who she is. It doesn't take away from her being a strong character but looking forward to seeing her claim her confidence and claiming her destiny.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t cracked open Unclaimed Bonds yet but I couldn’t resist leaving a review based purely on the incredible cover and absolutely gripping description.

The artwork alone sold me: a fierce, silver-haired heroine, a brooding love interest, a wolf in the background, and that crackling supernatural energy? It screams paranormal romance, power, and danger in the best way. And then the blurb sealed the deal betrayal, survival, pack dynamics, hidden power, a female lead rising from the ashes to claim her own fate, and a Game of Hearts Desire where she refuses to be controlled? Yes. Yes. YES.

The promise of multiple love interests and no choosing, dark themes, and a heroine becoming Alpha on her own terms? That’s everything I want in a fantasy romance series. I already know I’m going to binge book 1 and immediately reach for book 2, cliffhanger or not.

If the story delivers even half of what the premise promises, this is going to be a new favorite.

Cannot WAIT to dive in.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unclaimed Bonds is a gripping, emotionally charged introduction to A Game of Hearts Desire series that delivers everything fans of dark paranormal romance crave. From the very first page, Lilinoe K. Russell pulls readers into a world of survival, power, and chosen family, anchored by a heroine who refuses to be broke, or owned.

The female main character is a standout: resilient, sharp, and fiercely independent. Left for dead and reborn into a pack she never expected, her journey of healing and self discovery is both raw and empowering. The found family dynamics are beautifully written, full of loyalty, tension, and unspoken history that makes every interaction feel meaningful.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a new take on fated mates! I do think the author has set the bar pretty high. She's written first love, second chance romance, rejected mates, abused FMC, dating game, shifters, white wolf folklore, sex-trafficking - I mean this book is almost a prequel with how much backstory we get. I think I have 4 of the 5 mates figured out but totally stumped on #5. There's a lot going on here and it will be interesting to see if the author can keep the momentum going.

Also, lots of foreshadowing for future books.

[Kell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story jumps from the past and present, setting up the stage for the next book that will focus on the reality dating show. Jessica has had many things happen in her life. We are introduced to a couple of her potential love interests in this story, which shows that nothing will be as straightforward as we think. Overall, it's a great setup for the next book, I can’t wait to see how this series continues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of A Game of Hearts Desire series and a great start.

The plot was so well written and exciting, intriguing and well paced. World building was FANtastic and expertly drawn. The characters were so very appealing and complex, xaptivating and very interesting. All in all a great read and I highly recommend. Cannot wait for more from this world.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

I enjoyed this book but it does have a couple of tropes which aren't my favourite - flashbacks and miscommunication. The jumps in time are handled well but I'll admit I did get various characters confused at time. The miscommunication urgh, it obviously led to lots of angst. Eventually I think there will be 4 MMC but we're only really introduced to 2. I'm hoping the next book focuses on the mate games and we get fewer flashbacks.

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and absolutely enjoyed all the characters. It’s a fantastic reading and I love the twist and turns and surprises this book takes. I’m just really hoping there’s gonna be another one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie Cary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a story from this author and I liked it. The characters and the storyline were good. White Wolves and mates, Book 1 of the series.
Although it jumps from past to present very quickly and I felt like it was missing something.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alaysia · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a read

This book has everything and more! So good! Our FMC is full of heart and heartbreak. She is so strong and doesn't even realize how strong she is while facing the world head on. This was fantastic!!!!

[Adams Hub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful and gripping. The summary delivers emotion, danger, and a fierce heroine reclaiming her life. The competition twist and multiple love interests make it feel intense and addictive. I’m already hooked and ready for the cliff hanger.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book. I did enjoy this book. The characters were fun to read. The details were good. First time reading a book from this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Betty L Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good.

What a different perspective! Heart wrenching. The games are pending. I want to know more! I cant wait for next book.