Gods and Desire

by M.R. Thorne

She was sent to kill him. Her soul had other plans.

For readers who devoured ACOTAR and wanted it darker. Fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and From Blood and Ash will feel right at home.

☆ Enemies to Lovers ☆ Fated Mates / Soul Bond ☆ Touch Her and Die ☆ Morally Gray Characters ☆ Found Family ☆ Slow Burn with Explosive Payoff

Lyrix Vireya has spent twenty-one years as a weapon. Raised by the Order of the Chain, she has completed over two hundred contracts without a single failure. No attachments. No hesitation. No room for anything as dangerous as wanting.

When the Order assigns her the most valuable contract in a generation, she and her partner Jalen cross ten brutal days of mountain passes and frozen wilderness toward Caer Luthar, where the warlord Kael Thorne waits to die.

But the moment Lyrix sees him, the mark she's carried since childhood burns to life for the first time.

Kael Thorne is a conqueror. A general. A man who rules through strength and refuses to play by anyone's rules. He should be nothing more than a target. Instead, his touch unlocks visions of lives they've lived before, bound by something older than empires.

They are Thornbound. And the Flame Circle will burn the world to claim what they carry.

She was trained to want nothing. He makes her want everything.

Contains explicit sexual content, violence, and mature themes. For readers 18+.

509 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 28, 2026

About the author

M.R. Thorne crafts dark fantasy worlds where ancient powers collide with mortal desires, and where the line between hero and villain blurs in shadows. With a passion for complex characters and layered storytelling, Thorne invites readers into realms where nothing is quite as it seems.

The Thornbound Saga represents years of worldbuilding and character development, blending epic fantasy with intense romance and political intrigue.

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the world building and magic system. I felt like it was all well thought out and interesting. The characters were great, I loved the FMC, she reminded me so much of the ToG one! The slow burn eased me into the story before the chaos started! Really enjoyed this one, bring on book 2!

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great read, and I loved every second of it! It caught my attention right from the beginning and kept it the entire time. The story is so unique and captivating you can’t help but want to know what happens next. The characters are interesting and you want to dissect them and know more about what they’re thinking and/or hiding and if you like them or don’t like them, and the character development is written so well you find all that out in time. The world building is immersive, and the magic system is unique. It’s a fun experience to watch it all unfold. There are plot twists and turns I didn’t see coming, secrets, and betrayals that all have you on an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. I’m so excited for book 2!! If you love enemies to lovers, fated mates, morally gray characters, found family, and slow burn then this is for you and I highly recommend it!

Thank you so incredibly much to the author (and Jessica) for sending me a gifted copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review, and all thoughts are my own.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this one? Gods and Desire is M.R. Thorne’s debut book that launches his first series, The Thornbound Saga. WOW, just wow. Again, this ARC was another one that completely surpassed all expectations! I think what I loved most was the growth and character development that occurs with Lyrix (the FMC). She goes from being unemotional and completely detached from her emotions to developing strong relationships and defending those relationships!

This book kept me engaged and I couldn’t put it down. I constantly wanted to know what was going to happen next! Some of the writing was slightly repetitive, but it was tolerable. I truly truly loved this book and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Jessica - Whisper Willow Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to a series that I can't wait to read more of.

[Addy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gods and Desire, book 1 in The Thornbound Saga, is M.R. Thorne's debut novel. Let me tell yall, this book blew every single one of my expectations clear out of the water. Thank you SO much for having me ARC read! 5 stars! ✨️

From the start, I was fully enamored with the story and the world that Thorne has constructed. The writing was exquisite, the characters pulled you in. Lyrix and Kael's fated connection to one another transcends through lifetimes. It's a beautiful slow burn that once it hits, it HITS in an explosive way. The plot twists... just when I thought I knew what was happening, *cue car screeching to a stop noise* I was proven wrong. Consider my emotions messed with. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, in a constant state of "WAIT WHAT?", jaw-dropping moments.

Without a silver of a doubt in my mind, Gods and Desire is by far my favorite read of the year thus far. Shush, I'm well aware that it's January. 🤫 Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend this story, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for the future of this series.

Mini-Review:
5 Stars 🌟
Thank you, Iris Influencer Society, for the ARC! 💛

Ughhh! I love this book SO MUCH, yall!!! I signed up and was excited to get a re-read before the release of book 2, Gods and Blood. This won't be a full-blown review as I've already read and reviewed (more like a little update), but I'm so glad that I was provided the opportunity to revisit and support how I'm able. The characters, both main and side, are loveable. The story is addicting. The writing is gorgeous. The world-building is genuinely some of the best that I have ever read. If you haven't read this book, do it!!! I, for one, am counting down the days until the second book is here!

[Shaleese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to rattle the stars and author for this copy.

"I should probably have you searched. Locked in a cell until I can determine whether youre actually dangerous or just exceptionally committed to dramatic entrances"

What happens when you're an assassin with a perfect record, but one contract changes everything?

Thats what you'll find within the pages of Gods and Desire. Overall I really enjoyed this. I thought the thornebound/sigil/shadow was a unique magic system and loved learning how it appears on someone and how it worked.

I found a lot of repetition in phrasing, so much on one that I called the twist before it happened. The set up between their Thornebound marks was paced well, and not rushed in the development. It helped the reader understand why decisions were being made. I always love a found family aspect, but youll also find, betrayal, bonds, religious zealot, power hungry characters that think they each know better than the others. The epilogue really sets up for book 2.

[giuls_inktales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the world building and the magic system, which were well explained and also very distinctive and unique. I appreciated all the lore that was created and can't wait to see this world expand.

Lyrix grew throughout the pages, transforming from a cold and detached character into one with a soul and a heart, even if she had to sweat blood to get there.

The action scenes were very well described, my absolute favorites!

What made me lower my rating were the repetitions, which I found a bit too frequent throughout the book, especially when entire sentences were repeated from one chapter to the next.

A special thank you to the author for the eARC 💚

[Baylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the plot of this story. It was a slow burn enemies to lovers.

Lyrix is an assassin who is given a contract to kill Kael. She is one of the best assassins in the guild and is only worried about fulfilling her contract. When she sees Kael she soon realizes this contract isn't going to be as easy as she originally thought. Torn between her duty as an assassin and fighting the feelings that Kael stirs in her we slowly see their story unfold.


Thank you MR Thorne for choosing me to be an ARC reader for this book!

[Whitney Casarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Like… I don’t even know what to say because I have no words! It’s one of those books that you just have to read for yourself to truly get it.
I loved 100% of this book! The character development, found family, fated mates, gods and goddesses, all of it was absolutely amazing.
This is the kind of book that you don’t want to put down after you have started reading it!
I literally can’t wait for book 2!!!!! I need it like, tomorrow!

[Courtney Abendroth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Run don’t walk to Amazon and either read on KU or purchase this. You will regret it if you don’t. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for book 2!
@sorceryandstories1

[Meagan Avitable · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a unique story and was very enjoyable!! Lyrix is #assassingoals

[Chapter Chirp (Jessica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gods and Desire centers around deadly Order of the Chain Assassin Lyrix Vireya who receives a contract to eliminate Warlord and military strategist Kael Thorne of Caer Luthar. Lyrix is disciplined, closed off, and dedicated to the Order, so when she starts growing attached to her partner and hesitating to make a move on the mark, everything she thought she was begins to comes into question. Is Lyrix experiencing something deeper than herself or is she simply having a change of heart? Will she be able to finish the mission she set out to complete or will she become just another dead assassin who failed to take out Kael Thorne?

This story has been drifting through my mind even days after I’ve finished reading it! The world building, the magic system, the characters, literally everything this book encompasses was so well thought out, planned, and executed in my opinion. I thought the writing was superb and my attention was captured from page one! I will most certainly be eagerly awaiting the next installment of The Thornbound Saga, as I have so many questions that need answers. Of course I will also be highly recommending this book for any readers who enjoy dark fantasy romance novels with high-stakes, a great enemies to lovers trope, and ancient gods/forces!

[Bakingbookdragon (Kinsey) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, I received a physical copy of this book from the Author. Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this amazing story! These are my honest opinons.

There was a LOT that I loved, but there were definitely things I wish had been edited more. If you are a stickler for details and repetition, be warned. This story is very interesting. I loved all the details of the world and lore, the characters, and the ending (WOW!). I just needed this book to be proofread and edited through a bit more. I will explain later.

The good first:
I LOVED Lyrix. The author did amazing at showing her skill as an assassin rather than telling me. Lyrix was constantly scanning and planning as she moved through the storyline and that was a MAJOR plus for me. I love a female assassin, but this one was written so well. I also loved that she had a gooey center that slowly came through in her relationships with Jalen and Kael (though it does make me nervous for her in later books).

Kael was also amazing. I loved that he was a GREEN FLAG MMC. No morally gray or black here. His biggest flaw was trusting people too easily. I loved the moments near the end where he was doubting himself. Absolutely amazing.

Jalen and Toban were fantastic side characters. I am looking forward to seeing more of them as they travel together in the next book. This world feels huge and there is so much more to see.

The storyline reminded me of Epic Fantasy novels. There was tons political intrigue and things occurring behind the scenes. The Court and council dynamics were so interesting and dramatic. When they discussed different locations and travel plans, I was very grateful for the map and I am so excited to go traveling the Dominion in the next book. Lyrix and Jalen's travel was described so well at the beginning without becoming tedious or repetitive. The author did a great job painting a picture of them bonding during their travels.

The not as good parts:
I understand that the hidden information is necessary for the storyline, but Envar seemed to be too informed at times. It felt like he was holding out important information until the last minute too many times. He seemed as if he knew too much, but claimed he knew nothing. When something shocking an new happened with the thornbound, he somehow always seemed to have some new piece of information to help. It made him feel a bit shady for me.

There were a few moments when the writing repeated word for word. It really threw me out of the story with moments of deja vu. There was also a moment where a warlord lost his arm at the shoulder, but later was cradling the stump of his arm to his chest. There would be nothing to cradle if an arm is removed at the shoulder. I also didn't care for the spice scenes. They were a weird mix of spice and fade to black. There was a specific scene where the MMC had his trousers on and then they were suddenly gone, but it was not clearly written out that they had been removed. Jalen and Lyrix also always stayed on the second floor of the hotels when they traveled.
These were all small things, but they added up as I read and did drag it down for me.

This one gets a 5 star for characters.
4.5 star for plot and lore
2.5 for writing quality. There were a lot of repeated phrase, short sentences, and things that just needed a little more clarity or attention to detail.

Will I read the next one? Absolutely, Yes. I genuinely enjoyed the story.

Tropes:
Chosen ones
Assassin FMC x Military MMC
God/Goddess Bonds
Reincarnation
Political Intrigue
Found Family

Quotes:
"The Order didn't forbid attachments because they made you weak. They forbade them because losing them broke you. And broken blades couldn't kill."
"We become what we must."
"Duty was duty, even when it meant leaving allies behind."
"I understand what you are."..."I understand that you just chose me over everything you've ever known."

[Alli MacManus · Rating 4 out of 5]

M.R. Thorne looked at the “emotionally detached assassin” trope and said, “Okay, but what if we systematically dismantled every wall she has ever built around herself?”

Gods and Desire opens with Lyrix, an assassin raised by the Order of the Chain after her entire family was slaughtered as a child. She has spent years becoming exactly what the Order taught her to be: ruthless, controlled, detached, and very, very good at killing people.

Because Lyrix learned young that everything she loves dies.

Which is why, for me, the heart of this book isn’t actually the romance. It’s Jaylen.

Jaylen is Lyrix’s apprentice, her sister in everything but blood, and the first person to start cracking through the emotional armor Lyrix has spent her entire life building. Watching Lyrix slowly realize how deeply she loves her—and how absolutely terrified she is of losing her—was one of my favorite parts of this book.

And when Lyrix finds that old drawing? Yeah. Wrecked. 😭

Because this book is really interested in what happens when someone who has been taught that attachment is a liability discovers that love might actually be the thing that saves her.

And THEN we add Kael.

A feared warlord. Lyrix’s biggest contract yet. A man she is being paid to kill. And, unfortunately for her career prospects, the vessel of a god who has apparently been finding the goddess inside Lyrix across lifetimes.

The Thornbound mythology was probably one of my favorite pieces of the worldbuilding. Gods living inside human vessels. Seals that unlock deeper levels of divine power. Gods finding each other again and again across different lives. Religious institutions attempting to control who is “worthy” of wielding divine power. Lost histories because the people responsible for carrying that knowledge forward keep being killed.

There is A LOT here. Honestly, enough that I know I missed things. 😂 The mechanics surrounding the seals, vessels, extraction, rebirth, and exactly what Lyrix is becoming are still murky for me, but they feel like questions the series intends to answer rather than worldbuilding I necessarily needed to completely grasp in book one.

And I really liked Lyrix and Kael together. Their connection has the whole destined-across-lifetimes element, but their relationship didn’t rely exclusively on fate to make me believe it. Kael is feared for a reason, but he’s also far more complicated than the monster Lyrix expects to find. He genuinely wants something better for his people, and watching the assassin sent to kill him repeatedly end up SAVING HIS LIFE instead was deeply satisfying.

And then there’s the Flame Circle.

The religious extremism running underneath this story worked particularly well for me: an institution convinced that divine power—and all other power—inherently falls under its authority, deciding who is worthy of possessing it, suppressing knowledge, imprisoning dissenters, and, without spoiling anything else, so much more.

There are some very obvious parallels to modern religious extremism here, particularly evangelical movements and the use of religious authority to justify control over other people’s bodies and autonomy, and I’m interested to see how much further the series takes that theme.

And THAT ENDING.

I knew SOMETHING was off, but I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING. The final chapter is such a fascinating setup for what comes next.

So now I’ve got Lyrix carrying something unprecedented, Kael changed, Jaylen and Lyrix slowly repairing the relationship that emotionally destroyed me, an increasingly terrifying religious organization, ancient divine sites to find, a reborn goddess somewhere out there, and someone plotting to steal a kingdom while the literal deity inside them fights for control.

Cool. Great.

Book two ARC in a month.

I’m sure I’ll be extremely normal about it.

[ReviewsByNic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods and Desire by M.R. Thorne
4 out of 5 stars
IRIS

Thank you, M.R. Thorne and IRIS, for this early copy. All parts of this review are of my honest opinion 💚

What would you do if you were sent on a mission to assassinate someone, only to find the feeling of connection?

Gods and Desire is a unique story that I enjoyed. I found myself really looking into Lyrix as she learned that love isn’t always a weakness, that those walls built don’t have to remain. If it weren’t for Kael and her sisterhood with Jaylen, I would totally be down for Lyrix and Jaylen to become a couple ❤️

While that aspect was my favorite, I did also really enjoy the mythology of the world and the seals. While it may be fiction, some aspects we can all understand in today’s world which made it even better. It made me really connect with the fear and action of doing something— or anything— just to save others and yourself.

My only real dislike was the repetition used. There were times where I read a line and had to go back to make sure I wasn’t imagining reading it already. I normally struggle with repetition in books, but it really only happened towards the beginning so it was more manageable.

Overall, I still recommend the book to readers that like fated mates, morally grey characters, and found family elements! 💕

Be sure to read before book 2 comes out in December! ❤️‍🔥

[Sophia Considine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the IRIS influencer program and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Gods and Desire” drew me in as the first book in The Thornbound Saga with an interesting premise and depth to characters. We follow Lyrix, who was raised as an assassin and receives an assignment to kill Kael Thorne, the ruler of Cael Luther. Everything goes to plan until she actually meets Kael and feels a pull towards him…

I loved how true to the characters M.R. Thorne is throughout the book. Lyrix doesn’t lose the skills she learned as an assassin; Jalen—her partner—is strong in herself and her feelings; and Kael continues to struggle with his identity and place. We go through a lot of travel, new knowledge, and changes in relationships and tactics.

The plot itself unfolds at a steady pace, which fits the characters and how they perceive the world. Same with the writing style—it’s very straight-forward and blunt, which fits with Lyrix and Kael’s narration for both POVs. However, it’s not my personal favorite style, and I’m not obsessed or in love with the characters. I wasn’t tense or freaking out or crying, which are my favorite parts of getting immersed into a world.

Ultimately, “Gods and Desire” is a solid debut fantasy novel and first in a series. I’m looking forward to reading the second book “Gods and Blood”, which releases December 3rd!

[Michelle March · Rating 2 out of 5]

So Much Potential, But Something Was Missing

To be honest, I've been struggling to write this review. Why? I was provided with an ARC copy of this book, and I had some struggles with the story as a reader.

As a reader, it didn't engage me enough in the beginning, and it felt like it took until the middle of the book to get to the real storyline. The pacing finally picked up toward the end, but by that point, I felt more relieved that something was finally happening than satisfied with the story itself.

With all that said, that could have been the author's intention. Maybe they didn't want to give you too much at the beginning, pull you along for a ride, and then give you a reason to want to read the next book at the end.

I had issues with a LOT of repetition. It felt unnecessarily long. There were chunks of chapters that I could have sworn I'd already read in a previous chapter or the chapter after.

So yeah, I'm really struggling with this because I want this author to succeed, and I think they are building a world that is truly fascinating. But I struggled to enjoy the journey through that world, even though I could see its potential.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

She was sent to kill him. Her soul had other plans.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you find this book a bit slow or harder to get into in the beginning, know this: this is the calm before the storm. Keep reading, but buckle up for an amazing story!

Lyrix is a ruthless assassin. She’s been raised to be this way and has no attachments to anyone.
Jalen is someone who has a similar history so Lyrix basically takes her on as an apprentice type relationship but of course Jalen cracks that shield.
Together they embark on a contract that is basically a suicide mission. They must kill a well protected, infamous warlord.
Once Lyrix sees him, EVERYTHING changes and nothing is at all as she has planned for.
This is a very well thought out, beautifully written beginning to an amazing adventure in a very intriguing world. Book 2 will be here very soon so go ahead! Get started with book 1 today!

Thank you to the author and to Iris Influencer Society for letting me read this early!

[Tae - A Court of Inked Margins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay… that ending?! 😳 I genuinely did NOT see that twist coming!

I received an ARC of this through IRIS Influencer Society, and I really enjoyed this one. There was plenty of suspense, action and twists that kept me guessing throughout. I especially loved how the little details actually mattered and came back into the story later. It's always great when things start connecting, especially when you don't see them coming.

The lore and worldbuilding were probably my favourite parts. I loved learning more about the world, and the dialogue was great. I also really enjoyed watching the characters develop throughout the story. A few parts felt a little fast, but overall, the pacing worked for me and kept me wanting to know what would happen next.

And that ending! I have so many questions now, and I definitely need book two. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

Such a good debut, and one I'm glad I picked up!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for slow burn, enemies to lovers, and touch her and die tropes and while I don't really think it was a real enemies to lovers it still had that effect.

Lyrix (FMC) is an assassin for hire for the Order of the Chain (a women only guild) and Kael (MMC) is the target.

They both have ancient supernatural entity's inside them that pulls them together and can feel when each other is in proximity.

She is supposed to kill but instead protected him. In turn he also protected her.

The magic system isn't groundbreaking but its still badass and even though most fantasy romance geared for woman has powerful FMC it never get old.

I highly recommend this book and I am excited to read the future books in this series when they are released!

Thank you M.R. Thorne for accepting me to ARC read this!!

[Alexis Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and unique read! The magic system was well written and special to this story. The plot twists... did not see those coming but OMG were they good ones. It was really nice to see Lyrics growth throughout the story seeing her go from a cold assassin to someone who realized she was loved and it isn't bad to care for others. The plot was well paced throughout the book and the final action scene didn't feel to rush which I really liked. The ending also set up a good bridge to the next book and I absolutely cannot wait to read it. There are more layer to uncover with the gods and what will happen to those who carry them. I have so many question about what will happen next and about characters who had those crazy plot twist. I need answers!
The only downside I had to this books was that it was slightly repetitive with some phrasing but that wasn't to much of a bad thing.

[Sophia Moser · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I went into this thinking I was going to get an assassin/romantasy and, while some parts felt a little cookie-cutter, I ended up getting way more invested than I expected. I mean an assassin who falls for her target yeah I’ve heard that one before But….I really loved watching Lyrix slowly let her walls down, especially because she starts out SO closed off. Jalen was probably my favorite part because she brought out a side of Lyrix that explained her softer inside.

The pacing dragged for me in places, especially during the traveling, and some of the dialogue felt repetitive. I also wasn’t completely sold on how quickly Kael trusted her. BUT once everything started unraveling, I was hooked.
The amount of plotting and secrets behind people’s backs and the power held inside of the characters with something different. But the secrets in the end? Yeah I’m definitely going to read book 2

[Jo Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

"None of us know what this child will become. That is the truth if unprecedented things."

Exciting, dramatic, and creative are the first three words that come to mind after reading God's and Desire.

Loaded with political tension, assassin's, and gods what more could you ask for? Main characters and side characters follow well thought out character architecture and are well developed. The main characters experience hardship and growth throughout the entirety of the book.

I absolutely would recommend this to a friend or family member, especially if fantasy and/or Romantasy are amongst their favored genres. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[CinBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods and Desire 🖤

Well, this book was such a surprise in the best way! M.R. Thorne really impressed me with this debut, and I was completely hooked from start to finish.

What stood out the most for me was Lyrix and how much she changes throughout the story. Watching her go from being so disconnected from her emotions to actually forming meaningful bonds and fighting for the people she cares about was such a highlight!

I was constantly curious about what would happen next and had a hard time putting this one down. Some parts were a little repetitive, but it didn’t take away too much from my enjoyment.

Definitely a strong start to a new series. 🖤

ARC Review, all opinions are my own.

[Shylou Totaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thank you to IRIS Influencer Society and M.R Thorne for allowing me to get my hands on an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Gods and Desire is a dark, addictive fantasy romance that had me hooked! I mean I couldn't put this down even if I tried. I instantly fell in love with how strong of a character Lyrix is. Her combined with the ultra morally grey Kael made for such a good enemies to lovers plot. Lets just say the tension, was tensioning.

I don't want to dive too deep into the story because I would give absolutely everything away. If you're a fan of ACOTAR you need to read this ASAP.

[AK · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

First I would like to say thank you to the author and Rattle the Stars for sending me a copy of the book! This was a really good debut novel from the author with a really interesting concept intertwining gods.

What I liked
- assassin who changes her story
- loyalty between two sisters who aren’t blood
- the scholars

What didn’t work for me
- the story has some repetitive sentences that I struggled with the repeats
- writing style felt stilted, with many short sentences
- I did not feel a bond/chemistry between the main characters other than what I was told they had by the author.

[Jea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gods and Desire is the first in the Thornbound series, and a debut for M.R. Thorne! The world-building was excellent, the characters were well-written, and the twists and turns kept you guessing all the way through. Lyrix was sent to end Kael, but once they met, they realized they were connected over several lifetimes. Lyrix went from an unemotional, distant character, to one with deep emotional attachments, which was fun to see develop through the story. If you love romantasy and fated mates, you'll love this one!

[Kayla | Paper Fox Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one! The plot felt quite unique and I’m really intrigued by the whole god side of things. There’s still so much I want to know and I’m keen to dive deeper into this world and uncover more of what’s going on.

Lyrix’s character development is insanely good throughout this so I’m really looking forward to seeing her and Kael’s relationship develop more because I feel like there’s so much potential there!

Definitely one of those books that leaves you wanting more and I’m excited to see where book two takes us.

[Richelle Bocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This dark romantasy was everything I could have hoped for~ I couldn't put this book down!

Fated mates/soul bond, gods, epic romance, enemies to lovers, morally grey characters, found family, and a slow burn that is well worth the wait!

The world building was immersive and the plot had me intrigued throughout not to mention the twists along the way that kept me on my toes.

I truly enjoyed Gods and Desire and cannot wait to read the next book in the Thornbound series, Gods and Blood!

[Tamanna S · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I think it is an understatement when I say I loved the book. A debut novel and it was spot on. The right characters, the right magic system and the yearning to read more. A strong FMC. Check. A story that is gripping. Check. A romance that is weaving. Check. Friendship to die for. Check. I mean it was a whole package I am satisfied completely with how it was written and how the plot progressed. I am reading book 2 and cannot wait to give the updates.