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Bluebell House #2
Trauma Bonded
New Dangers. New Mysteries. New Secrets to Unravel.
The boys of Bluebell House kept secrets from me. Secrets that placed me and my friends in danger. Secrets that should have been revealed before I found myself staring down the barrel of a gun.
Turned out, that the day I walked into Meadowridge College wasn’t the first time I met Andrew and Brodie, and the other three have their own agendas to keep me from ever fully trusting them.
But with enemies around every corner, I have no choice but to work with the five dangerous, secretive men I find myself tied to in ways I will probably never break.
We are bonded.
For better or worse.
Even if it destroys us all.
*Trauma Bonded is the final in the Bluebell House duet and DOES NOT end on a cliffhanger. This is a 95k word dark, college romance and the FMC will not choose between the men. It is recommended for 18+ due to adult situations and language.
The boys of Bluebell House kept secrets from me. Secrets that placed me and my friends in danger. Secrets that should have been revealed before I found myself staring down the barrel of a gun.
Turned out, that the day I walked into Meadowridge College wasn’t the first time I met Andrew and Brodie, and the other three have their own agendas to keep me from ever fully trusting them.
But with enemies around every corner, I have no choice but to work with the five dangerous, secretive men I find myself tied to in ways I will probably never break.
We are bonded.
For better or worse.
Even if it destroys us all.
*Trauma Bonded is the final in the Bluebell House duet and DOES NOT end on a cliffhanger. This is a 95k word dark, college romance and the FMC will not choose between the men. It is recommended for 18+ due to adult situations and language.
- GenresWhy ChooseRomance
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2026
846 people are currently reading
1232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ I definitely loved the first book more, I was really hoping for a bit more mystery and drama etc. While I love an extremely spicy why choose as much as the next person some of the relationships that weren’t established in the first book felt a tad rushed and this had more spice than plot imo. The conclusion to the issue at hand felt rushed and I was just hoping to get more information on a few characters. Overall I still enjoyed it but it was definitely a little underwhelming compared to book one.
May 7, 2026
😔
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was about this sequel. I love both of these authors and have loved everything they have done. However, this book just feels like they phoned it in. It doesn’t have the soul of the last book. It feels like they decided on what tropes they wanted and just randomly used them. You can almost tell when one author wrote one section and the other wrote the next section. I hate to say it but I was terribly disappointed.
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was about this sequel. I love both of these authors and have loved everything they have done. However, this book just feels like they phoned it in. It doesn’t have the soul of the last book. It feels like they decided on what tropes they wanted and just randomly used them. You can almost tell when one author wrote one section and the other wrote the next section. I hate to say it but I was terribly disappointed.
May 8, 2026
Now from my lukewarm feelings about book one I wasn't expecting to love this one, but woof this was not my favorite. I sat with this for a bit and I'll be honest and say I'm almost angry at how bad this follow up was. Spoilers.
Mams. Madams. Writers. This plot is the flimsiest thing I think either of you have ever written and it was painful to watch unfold.
Now we already had to suspend our belief that the presidents son, 2 mafia bros, a three time Oscar winning actor 🙄, and a huge bioengineering genius were all besties and into the same girl. Which Jesus that stretch really pulled me out of this book a couple times during this one. At times that suspension of disbelief was PAINFUL. When Brodie is talking about the oscars all nonchalant and not caring I got mad. No one thinks of the biggest part of their career like it doesn't matter. And making some 22 year old a three time winner just was so stupid that I almost skipped the whole chapter. Anyway.
Then you want us to believe that this group of super besties is being taken down by a little rich girl's parents.....this Mr. Fix it guy who is connected to everyone and is a big bad is being taken down by the parents of a rich girl. Now this base line plot has Tate James written all over it and I would have loved it but the ridiculous nature of everything else just made it unbelievable, and God the plot holes abound.
I also just got annoyed with the number of times the immature writing pulled me out of the story or the super modern references just killed it. Now I think these authors had fun writing together they have done books together that work, but at times I just asked myself why did you guys make these choices. They are all traumatized and broken and yet you choose to just add ridiculous tension relievers that just ruin scenes. You can clearly see when they switch chapters because our characters inner voices change. If you have read Tate James you can see when she writes our main character and when Jaymin does which was infuriating. She goes from being a decently insightful character who can be strong and admit flaws to a ditz who falls a lot.
Then it's a duet. Now with the barely there flimsy plot I wasn't chomping at the bit for a longer series but their relationships felt incredibly rushed and not satisfying. You built up the tension with andrew and Connor and made a big deal out of it just to quickly wrap it up. Which happened with Connor and Ethan's fights too. Also can we please acknowledge the president of the United States would not be cool with her kid doing anything he did. And where is his secret service detail? Honestly I just found lazy plot holes in this one and it is upsetting since I love almost all of Tate James books. The parts that felt familiar and rang true to her style were good and I enjoyed it, but the rest? I just feel let down and annoyed.
Mams. Madams. Writers. This plot is the flimsiest thing I think either of you have ever written and it was painful to watch unfold.
Now we already had to suspend our belief that the presidents son, 2 mafia bros, a three time Oscar winning actor 🙄, and a huge bioengineering genius were all besties and into the same girl. Which Jesus that stretch really pulled me out of this book a couple times during this one. At times that suspension of disbelief was PAINFUL. When Brodie is talking about the oscars all nonchalant and not caring I got mad. No one thinks of the biggest part of their career like it doesn't matter. And making some 22 year old a three time winner just was so stupid that I almost skipped the whole chapter. Anyway.
Then you want us to believe that this group of super besties is being taken down by a little rich girl's parents.....this Mr. Fix it guy who is connected to everyone and is a big bad is being taken down by the parents of a rich girl. Now this base line plot has Tate James written all over it and I would have loved it but the ridiculous nature of everything else just made it unbelievable, and God the plot holes abound.
I also just got annoyed with the number of times the immature writing pulled me out of the story or the super modern references just killed it. Now I think these authors had fun writing together they have done books together that work, but at times I just asked myself why did you guys make these choices. They are all traumatized and broken and yet you choose to just add ridiculous tension relievers that just ruin scenes. You can clearly see when they switch chapters because our characters inner voices change. If you have read Tate James you can see when she writes our main character and when Jaymin does which was infuriating. She goes from being a decently insightful character who can be strong and admit flaws to a ditz who falls a lot.
Then it's a duet. Now with the barely there flimsy plot I wasn't chomping at the bit for a longer series but their relationships felt incredibly rushed and not satisfying. You built up the tension with andrew and Connor and made a big deal out of it just to quickly wrap it up. Which happened with Connor and Ethan's fights too. Also can we please acknowledge the president of the United States would not be cool with her kid doing anything he did. And where is his secret service detail? Honestly I just found lazy plot holes in this one and it is upsetting since I love almost all of Tate James books. The parts that felt familiar and rang true to her style were good and I enjoyed it, but the rest? I just feel let down and annoyed.
May 8, 2026
The ending of this story felt really rushed and there are several elements that didn’t make sense. Finding out who was after Evie was anticlimactic. Not finding out more details about Evie’s dad was frustrating.
However, I loved the relationship development with the guys. I especially loved Haze. There are a lot of RH set ups where there is no way the characters would be able to share a woman long term (Looking you, stories where it’s just 2-4 brothers), but this makes a lot of sense. There is no way each guy could have found their own partner that would have melded with their found family. They are all too paranoid or distrustful for that. Sharing a partner seems like a reasonable solution in that context.
Overall, it’s fun and sexy. Don’t think too hard about the overall plot and focus on the relationship, lest you go crazy with plotholes.
However, I loved the relationship development with the guys. I especially loved Haze. There are a lot of RH set ups where there is no way the characters would be able to share a woman long term (Looking you, stories where it’s just 2-4 brothers), but this makes a lot of sense. There is no way each guy could have found their own partner that would have melded with their found family. They are all too paranoid or distrustful for that. Sharing a partner seems like a reasonable solution in that context.
Overall, it’s fun and sexy. Don’t think too hard about the overall plot and focus on the relationship, lest you go crazy with plotholes.
May 9, 2026
Scrapes through… I was really looking forward to this sequel, and yes, a few elements I was hoping for appeared, such as a gentle healing arc for Haze, and his time with Eve.
There was some action, a lot of spice (it is RH), and I enjoyed the chapters told from the guys’ perspectives (could have done with more of these).
Overall though, it didn’t live up to the expectation. Instead, it felt as if the authors were trying to ‘get it over with’ rather than writing with the ideas, energy and care these interesting, diverse characters deserved.
And I have questions - so many questions! What happened to Evie’s dad, how was he connected to the other parents, why had he disappeared, not least among them! The other questions would be spoilers, but so many aspects were incredulous or lacking…
Another query: how did this get released while still containing so many basic errors? A proofreader is credited, but - as for book one - the errors were obvious and abundant.
There was some action, a lot of spice (it is RH), and I enjoyed the chapters told from the guys’ perspectives (could have done with more of these).
Overall though, it didn’t live up to the expectation. Instead, it felt as if the authors were trying to ‘get it over with’ rather than writing with the ideas, energy and care these interesting, diverse characters deserved.
And I have questions - so many questions! What happened to Evie’s dad, how was he connected to the other parents, why had he disappeared, not least among them! The other questions would be spoilers, but so many aspects were incredulous or lacking…
Another query: how did this get released while still containing so many basic errors? A proofreader is credited, but - as for book one - the errors were obvious and abundant.
May 9, 2026
Again, none of this makes sense and I had a great time. It's wild and outlandish and has lots of spice so it met all my expectations.
If you've read the first book and are still expecting a realistic story you're showing your lack of understanding.
If you've read the first book and are still expecting a realistic story you're showing your lack of understanding.
May 7, 2026
3.25⭐️ - I just felt like the plot was rushed? Like the relationships between the characters developed at a good pace but the actual plot? Idk
May 7, 2026
A Masterpiece Finale That Will Leave You Breathless!
Hold onto your hearts, because **Jaymin Eve** and **Tate James** have done it again!
Let me start by saying that here in New York Kindle doesn’t release new books until 3 AM. I woke up at six am and dove right into i. No work, fast food ordered for dinner and demanded no distractions. I read from 6 AM to 6 PM nonstop minus a few breaks here or there. I can’t wait till the audiobook comes out so I can add it to my collection with the first book. Which I re-listened to yesterday.
***********
Trauma Bonded the highly anticipated conclusion to the *Bluebell House Duet*, is officially here, and it isn't just a sequel—it is an absolute masterpiece that completely eclipses the first book!
**The Ultimate Finale**
If you thought book one was intense, you aren't ready for the emotional and physical pyrotechnics of this finale. This is the second and final book of the series, and it delivers a conclusion that is as satisfying as it is heart-stopping. While Jaymin Eve is the undisputed queen of paranormal romance, and Tate James is a legend in the contemporary romance world, their collaboration here creates a unique, high-stakes synergy. They have proven once again why they are absolutely killing it in the reverse harem genre.
**Heart-Stopping Action & Steamy Romance**
Trauma Bonded perfectly balances the grit of an action thriller with the warmth of a deeply emotional romance. The stakes have never been higher for Evelyn, Eve, Evie Marie or Lilith (what ever you want to call her) and her guys. The plot is a relentless thrill ride, but the authors never lose sight of the "heart" in the story.
* **Superb Character Development:**
Watching Evelyn find her strength alongside her men is nothing short of inspiring. The character growth and healing across the duet is massive, making the payoff in this final installment feel earned and impactful.
* **The Relationships:**
The dynamic between Evelyn and her guys is an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry is electric, and the bond they share is forged in fire.
* **Romantic & Spicy:**
The steam factor is off the charts! The sex scenes are perfectly executed—romantic, incredibly spicy, and intense without being overwhelming. They serve the story and the connection between the characters beautifully.
**Why You Need to Read This**
This isn't just a book; it’s an experience. Even without the paranormal elements Jaymin Eve is famous for, the world of *Bluebell House* feels just as magical because of the depth of the writing and the intensity of the world-building. It is a heartwarming, heart-stopping, and adrenaline-pumping ride from the first page to the very last. Although each one of them has trauma of their own, as the title aptly states they are “Trauma Bonded” and through love and perseverance, they Heal.
**Final Verdict:**
10/10! A stunning end to a brilliant duet. If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Jaymin Eve and Tate James are a powerhouse duo, and *Trauma Bonded* is the crowning achievement of their collaboration!
Hold onto your hearts, because **Jaymin Eve** and **Tate James** have done it again!
Let me start by saying that here in New York Kindle doesn’t release new books until 3 AM. I woke up at six am and dove right into i. No work, fast food ordered for dinner and demanded no distractions. I read from 6 AM to 6 PM nonstop minus a few breaks here or there. I can’t wait till the audiobook comes out so I can add it to my collection with the first book. Which I re-listened to yesterday.
***********
Trauma Bonded the highly anticipated conclusion to the *Bluebell House Duet*, is officially here, and it isn't just a sequel—it is an absolute masterpiece that completely eclipses the first book!
**The Ultimate Finale**
If you thought book one was intense, you aren't ready for the emotional and physical pyrotechnics of this finale. This is the second and final book of the series, and it delivers a conclusion that is as satisfying as it is heart-stopping. While Jaymin Eve is the undisputed queen of paranormal romance, and Tate James is a legend in the contemporary romance world, their collaboration here creates a unique, high-stakes synergy. They have proven once again why they are absolutely killing it in the reverse harem genre.
**Heart-Stopping Action & Steamy Romance**
Trauma Bonded perfectly balances the grit of an action thriller with the warmth of a deeply emotional romance. The stakes have never been higher for Evelyn, Eve, Evie Marie or Lilith (what ever you want to call her) and her guys. The plot is a relentless thrill ride, but the authors never lose sight of the "heart" in the story.
* **Superb Character Development:**
Watching Evelyn find her strength alongside her men is nothing short of inspiring. The character growth and healing across the duet is massive, making the payoff in this final installment feel earned and impactful.
* **The Relationships:**
The dynamic between Evelyn and her guys is an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry is electric, and the bond they share is forged in fire.
* **Romantic & Spicy:**
The steam factor is off the charts! The sex scenes are perfectly executed—romantic, incredibly spicy, and intense without being overwhelming. They serve the story and the connection between the characters beautifully.
**Why You Need to Read This**
This isn't just a book; it’s an experience. Even without the paranormal elements Jaymin Eve is famous for, the world of *Bluebell House* feels just as magical because of the depth of the writing and the intensity of the world-building. It is a heartwarming, heart-stopping, and adrenaline-pumping ride from the first page to the very last. Although each one of them has trauma of their own, as the title aptly states they are “Trauma Bonded” and through love and perseverance, they Heal.
**Final Verdict:**
10/10! A stunning end to a brilliant duet. If you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Jaymin Eve and Tate James are a powerhouse duo, and *Trauma Bonded* is the crowning achievement of their collaboration!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sooooooo…… can I have 5 more books about them PLEASE 😭
I absolutely loved the conclusion to the duet! I feel like the character development was incredible, any storyline’s were tied up well and I really saw the harem come together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Haze & Connor are both going very high up on my list of Tate & Jaymin men. There’s just something so hot about men that can poison you 500 different ways or fight their way out of anything. The dark energy coming from them was top tier. I also loved how much more we got to see of Andrew in this book. Traumas, relationship dynamics & so much about the boys past was explained in the conclusion to the duet.
“𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚, 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡, 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫.”
Who doesn’t want to read a why choose with men in the harem with THOSE credentials? The different little side storyline’s due to each of their connections/criminal abilities was so refreshing. Tate & Jaymin have written the best books together in the past & this duet was no different, with banter, humour, character building and loads of questions I wanted answers to 👏
“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬…𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”
“𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐭,”
That little expert alone should be enough to make you pick up the duet, but just in case it’s not 🤭🤭🤭🤭
Pick up this duet if you love:
🏠 forced proximity
🦋 why choose with brothers in the harem
🏠 touch her & you die dangerous men
🦋 mild enemies to lovers
I absolutely loved the conclusion to the duet! I feel like the character development was incredible, any storyline’s were tied up well and I really saw the harem come together.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Haze & Connor are both going very high up on my list of Tate & Jaymin men. There’s just something so hot about men that can poison you 500 different ways or fight their way out of anything. The dark energy coming from them was top tier. I also loved how much more we got to see of Andrew in this book. Traumas, relationship dynamics & so much about the boys past was explained in the conclusion to the duet.
“𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐟𝐢𝐚, 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡, 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐬, 𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞, 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐄𝐯𝐞’𝐬 𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫.”
Who doesn’t want to read a why choose with men in the harem with THOSE credentials? The different little side storyline’s due to each of their connections/criminal abilities was so refreshing. Tate & Jaymin have written the best books together in the past & this duet was no different, with banter, humour, character building and loads of questions I wanted answers to 👏
“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬…𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮?”
“𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐭,”
That little expert alone should be enough to make you pick up the duet, but just in case it’s not 🤭🤭🤭🤭
Pick up this duet if you love:
🏠 forced proximity
🦋 why choose with brothers in the harem
🏠 touch her & you die dangerous men
🦋 mild enemies to lovers
May 8, 2026
I was genuinely excited for this one and downloaded it the day it released — which made the disappointment hit a little harder. The biggest issue is pacing.
Relationships and character dynamics that deserved real development get glossed over in a few sentences, entire stretches of time reduced to “it was blissful and we hung out.” Even the spicy scenes — which are usually a highlight in this genre — felt rushed and perfunctory. A handful landed, but most were just… there. A lot more could have been included.
The series concept probably needed three books to breathe. Cramming it into a duology meant everything felt compressed, and the result reads like a first draft that skipped a revision pass. There were also just too many tropes competing for space — it felt like a checklist rather than a story.
The five love interests is also a personal sticking point. Some of the relationships felt genuinely earned; others didn’t.
Ethan in particular felt like an add-on — the professor/student trope is interesting in theory, but his presence didn’t meaningfully change the story.
Ultimately, my expectations didn’t match what this book turned out to be. This one felt distracted and a little like an afterthought, which is a shame given the potential. Still readable, just not what it could have been.
I basically skipped through half of it.
The “mystery” of who was after even was anti climactic and kinda lame.
I’ll still read from these authors but this missed the mark big time. So much potential.
Relationships and character dynamics that deserved real development get glossed over in a few sentences, entire stretches of time reduced to “it was blissful and we hung out.” Even the spicy scenes — which are usually a highlight in this genre — felt rushed and perfunctory. A handful landed, but most were just… there. A lot more could have been included.
The series concept probably needed three books to breathe. Cramming it into a duology meant everything felt compressed, and the result reads like a first draft that skipped a revision pass. There were also just too many tropes competing for space — it felt like a checklist rather than a story.
The five love interests is also a personal sticking point. Some of the relationships felt genuinely earned; others didn’t.
Ethan in particular felt like an add-on — the professor/student trope is interesting in theory, but his presence didn’t meaningfully change the story.
Ultimately, my expectations didn’t match what this book turned out to be. This one felt distracted and a little like an afterthought, which is a shame given the potential. Still readable, just not what it could have been.
I basically skipped through half of it.
The “mystery” of who was after even was anti climactic and kinda lame.
I’ll still read from these authors but this missed the mark big time. So much potential.
May 9, 2026
If I gave it 2 stars I'd be generous
Okay I'm going to start off by saying I love both of these authors. Tete James normally writes books I want to say about bullying most of the time. And Jasmine does not. It meshes. Book one was incredible I read that at least two or three times. Book trauma bonded it was the finishing of that cliffhanger from book one and it was solved within the first minute or two of reading the book. No problem all things fixed. And then you get oh here are all the secrets that we've been keeping from you too the same night. She's not mad totally fine. You also get the guy who never likes to be touched all the sudden it doesn't mind it from her totally fine. Also she hated Andrew and he had a girlfriend and then you know the next morning they're getting it on but he broke up with the girlfriend first that was okay. It's like they fix every single problem there was with each individual. the girlfriend's the mmcs were with the other problems that were going on with people trying to harm the mfc . This all just happened way too fast just to let's hurry up and finish this book. Kind of book like let's fix everything in the next couple minutes and everything will be great kind of book. Where the first book was pretty perfect. It set it up for a pretty great series if it was a series or even a trilogy. With the amount of issues these men had and what was going on with FMC it should have been a trilogy at least or longer books this kind of just slams you into a lot of spicy time and not much else.
Okay I'm going to start off by saying I love both of these authors. Tete James normally writes books I want to say about bullying most of the time. And Jasmine does not. It meshes. Book one was incredible I read that at least two or three times. Book trauma bonded it was the finishing of that cliffhanger from book one and it was solved within the first minute or two of reading the book. No problem all things fixed. And then you get oh here are all the secrets that we've been keeping from you too the same night. She's not mad totally fine. You also get the guy who never likes to be touched all the sudden it doesn't mind it from her totally fine. Also she hated Andrew and he had a girlfriend and then you know the next morning they're getting it on but he broke up with the girlfriend first that was okay. It's like they fix every single problem there was with each individual. the girlfriend's the mmcs were with the other problems that were going on with people trying to harm the mfc . This all just happened way too fast just to let's hurry up and finish this book. Kind of book like let's fix everything in the next couple minutes and everything will be great kind of book. Where the first book was pretty perfect. It set it up for a pretty great series if it was a series or even a trilogy. With the amount of issues these men had and what was going on with FMC it should have been a trilogy at least or longer books this kind of just slams you into a lot of spicy time and not much else.
May 9, 2026
2.5 Stars -
This sadly didn’t live up to the hype of the first book.
The plot was fighting for its life (Plot Hole Galore)… It was unimaginative, undeveloped and repetitive. The pacing was uneven and felt like it ran out of steam towards the end and was rushed.
Despite the plot being flimsy, I did like some of the romantic progressions. Particularly the relationship building with Eve and Andrew. - Him crawling to her had me kicking my feet! They also had the best banter.
I felt like the romantic progression with Connor and Haze was slightly rushed.
Haze got over his touch aversion conveniently fast and it didn’t feel natural for his character.
Connor and Eve’s first time was too forced and underwhelming. - I had hoped it would’ve happened under different and better circumstances.
Ethan and Brodie kind of got shoved on the back burner since their relationships were developed more in the first book.
And then there was a ton of insta love. It was not well earned at all.
I did like the friendship with Lacey and wish we got to see more of it in a less superficial way.
The Harold and Daisy plot line was vague and underdeveloped. The whole shooting up a school made even less sense when we learned the motivations behind it.
We got nothing but breadcrumbs from Eve’s Dad and no real explanations for why he was absent and useless.
Tis’ a shame as the first book had a lot of potential but this ending was a missed opportunity at a satisfying conclusion.
This sadly didn’t live up to the hype of the first book.
The plot was fighting for its life (Plot Hole Galore)… It was unimaginative, undeveloped and repetitive. The pacing was uneven and felt like it ran out of steam towards the end and was rushed.
Despite the plot being flimsy, I did like some of the romantic progressions. Particularly the relationship building with Eve and Andrew. - Him crawling to her had me kicking my feet! They also had the best banter.
I felt like the romantic progression with Connor and Haze was slightly rushed.
Haze got over his touch aversion conveniently fast and it didn’t feel natural for his character.
Connor and Eve’s first time was too forced and underwhelming. - I had hoped it would’ve happened under different and better circumstances.
Ethan and Brodie kind of got shoved on the back burner since their relationships were developed more in the first book.
And then there was a ton of insta love. It was not well earned at all.
I did like the friendship with Lacey and wish we got to see more of it in a less superficial way.
The Harold and Daisy plot line was vague and underdeveloped. The whole shooting up a school made even less sense when we learned the motivations behind it.
We got nothing but breadcrumbs from Eve’s Dad and no real explanations for why he was absent and useless.
Tis’ a shame as the first book had a lot of potential but this ending was a missed opportunity at a satisfying conclusion.
May 7, 2026
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year after the cliffhanger of the first book. And it did not disappoint. Even while working, I finished this book in 4 hours. Whatever Tate and Jaymin put in these books to make me not be able to put them down, they need to bottle and sell it.
This book was everything I was hoping for. We got answers to the mystery of who is after Eve, we got more bonding time between her and her guys, and we got my wish of some fun scenes with Eve with Ethan AND Connor. My kryptonite 🔥🔥🥵🥵 My only gripe is I needed like 5 more epilogues of them in the future; I do not want to leave this group of characters.
My other smaller gripe is I kind of wanted to know more about what happened to Abraham. The ending scenes felt a little bit rushed and wrapped up too neatly too quickly. Maybe I am a bit messed up from other books, but I wanted more of a detailed scene of what happened to the 2 people who orchestrated the kidnappings.
Other than feeling a bit rushed at the end, I loved everything else about the book. The bonding scenes between Eve and Haze were everything. And I kicked my feet giggling every time Eve called Con "Connie" So adorable. This will definitely be a regular re-read for me.
This book was everything I was hoping for. We got answers to the mystery of who is after Eve, we got more bonding time between her and her guys, and we got my wish of some fun scenes with Eve with Ethan AND Connor. My kryptonite 🔥🔥🥵🥵 My only gripe is I needed like 5 more epilogues of them in the future; I do not want to leave this group of characters.
My other smaller gripe is I kind of wanted to know more about what happened to Abraham. The ending scenes felt a little bit rushed and wrapped up too neatly too quickly. Maybe I am a bit messed up from other books, but I wanted more of a detailed scene of what happened to the 2 people who orchestrated the kidnappings.
Other than feeling a bit rushed at the end, I loved everything else about the book. The bonding scenes between Eve and Haze were everything. And I kicked my feet giggling every time Eve called Con "Connie" So adorable. This will definitely be a regular re-read for me.
May 8, 2026
3.75 stars
I read the first book of this duet early last year, but I remember very little about it. I was going to reread the first book, so that way I could be prepared for this book, but I ended up not having the motivation to do it lol
I liked this book more than the first one! Though I did give them the same rating. I obviously liked all the relationship developments and I do love overly protective MMCs, but there were definitely quite a few plot points that I wish had been delved into more. For example, I wanted scenes of Andrew telling Eve about their childhood together. I also wished that Eve’s dad had shown up sooner and that we could’ve gotten a scene of them having an actual conversation after not seeing each other for 10 years. The ending also felt a bit rushed.
I kind of think this should’ve been a trilogy instead of a duet, but at the same time I know that it would’ve meant having one of Eve’s relationships become a slow burn plus the danger Eve was in would’ve been prolonged and might have felt drawn out of there had been another book. It’s kind of hard to rank the MMCs just because I don’t remember how much I liked them in the first book, but going solely by this book my favorite is Haze followed by Connor, Brodie, Ethan, then Andrew.
I read the first book of this duet early last year, but I remember very little about it. I was going to reread the first book, so that way I could be prepared for this book, but I ended up not having the motivation to do it lol
I liked this book more than the first one! Though I did give them the same rating. I obviously liked all the relationship developments and I do love overly protective MMCs, but there were definitely quite a few plot points that I wish had been delved into more. For example, I wanted scenes of Andrew telling Eve about their childhood together. I also wished that Eve’s dad had shown up sooner and that we could’ve gotten a scene of them having an actual conversation after not seeing each other for 10 years. The ending also felt a bit rushed.
I kind of think this should’ve been a trilogy instead of a duet, but at the same time I know that it would’ve meant having one of Eve’s relationships become a slow burn plus the danger Eve was in would’ve been prolonged and might have felt drawn out of there had been another book. It’s kind of hard to rank the MMCs just because I don’t remember how much I liked them in the first book, but going solely by this book my favorite is Haze followed by Connor, Brodie, Ethan, then Andrew.
May 9, 2026
Trauma Bonded by Jaymin Eve & Tate James gave me exactly what I wanted from this duet… mostly 😅
Characters: The character growth in this one was SO good. Connor and Andrew both managed to make me hate them a whole lot less, which honestly felt like a miracle. Eve continues to be such a strong FMC after everything she’s been through, and all the guys finally started feeling more solid as a unit. Still kinda wish they’d handled dear old dad a little more… permanently though 👀
Plot: The storyline itself was really good and kept me hooked, but honestly? At times it felt like there was more smut than plot progression. I also got real irritated with Ethan for a minute there, but thankfully he redeemed himself tenfold before I stayed mad too long.
Spice: SO much spice. And every bit of it was hot as hell 🔥
Ending: I wanted more. The big time jump happened way too fast for me. I would’ve loved chapters showing the aftermath of everything they went through, how they healed together, and what happened with Eve’s dad before jumping ahead. It still gave me the HEA I wanted, but the ending felt rushed compared to the rest of the story.
Characters: The character growth in this one was SO good. Connor and Andrew both managed to make me hate them a whole lot less, which honestly felt like a miracle. Eve continues to be such a strong FMC after everything she’s been through, and all the guys finally started feeling more solid as a unit. Still kinda wish they’d handled dear old dad a little more… permanently though 👀
Plot: The storyline itself was really good and kept me hooked, but honestly? At times it felt like there was more smut than plot progression. I also got real irritated with Ethan for a minute there, but thankfully he redeemed himself tenfold before I stayed mad too long.
Spice: SO much spice. And every bit of it was hot as hell 🔥
Ending: I wanted more. The big time jump happened way too fast for me. I would’ve loved chapters showing the aftermath of everything they went through, how they healed together, and what happened with Eve’s dad before jumping ahead. It still gave me the HEA I wanted, but the ending felt rushed compared to the rest of the story.
May 9, 2026
⭐️ Plot: 4/5
🌶️ Spice: 4/5
📖 Genre: Dark Romance
🏞️ Setting: Meadowbrook Academy
🗣️ POV: Multiple POV
🛏️ Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Reverse Harem
- Psycho MMC’s (wanted fugitive, mafia heir, professor, movie star and presidents son)
- Stalking
- Possessive and domineering MMC’s
- Childhood trauma (neglect and abandonment)
- college
- Touch her and 💀
- no sword crossing (men are only involved with her sexually)
God bless Tate James, she’s a bloody brilliant dark RH romance author.
This series is definitely not her darkest, it’s college RH with a tiny smidge of bullying from one or two MMCs, the others are besotted.
This was a decent second book. It sort of ticks all the boxes in terms of what one would want from a darker reverse harem.
Danger, adrenaline, stalking, touch her and die etc….
It’s not particularly unique or ground breaking, but it’s a good read, it’s well paced and there’s a good bit of spice.
It’s not gratuitous and it does move each of their relationships along.
Overall I enjoyed the series.
—————-***************——————-
🌶️ Spice: 4/5
📖 Genre: Dark Romance
🏞️ Setting: Meadowbrook Academy
🗣️ POV: Multiple POV
🛏️ Tropes:
- enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Reverse Harem
- Psycho MMC’s (wanted fugitive, mafia heir, professor, movie star and presidents son)
- Stalking
- Possessive and domineering MMC’s
- Childhood trauma (neglect and abandonment)
- college
- Touch her and 💀
- no sword crossing (men are only involved with her sexually)
God bless Tate James, she’s a bloody brilliant dark RH romance author.
This series is definitely not her darkest, it’s college RH with a tiny smidge of bullying from one or two MMCs, the others are besotted.
This was a decent second book. It sort of ticks all the boxes in terms of what one would want from a darker reverse harem.
Danger, adrenaline, stalking, touch her and die etc….
It’s not particularly unique or ground breaking, but it’s a good read, it’s well paced and there’s a good bit of spice.
It’s not gratuitous and it does move each of their relationships along.
Overall I enjoyed the series.
—————-***************——————-
May 8, 2026
Review 📖
Trauma Bonded
Bluebell House Book 2
Written by Tate James & Jaymin Eve
@tatejamesauthor
@jaymineve
You bet you ass I dove right into this book I need answers okay! Also I recently listened to the audiobook for force proximity so everything was fresh in my brain and I was just dying to see how the rest of this story would unfold with Evie and the guys.
Other than the fact that I needed answers. I also will read anything and everything Tate James and Jaymin Eve write together. Starting to wonder if they lace their books with crack? They are just that good. I have never been disappointed with their books and I don't think I ever will. Instant buy, instant read, insta love.
❤️MFMMMM
🖤Dark College Romance
❤️Mafia
🖤Hacker
❤️Movie Star
🖤Politician's Son
❤️College Professor
🖤Why Choose Romance
❤️Dark Romance
#tatejames
#jaymineve
#darkcollegeromance
#whychooseromance
#darkromance
Trauma Bonded
Bluebell House Book 2
Written by Tate James & Jaymin Eve
@tatejamesauthor
@jaymineve
You bet you ass I dove right into this book I need answers okay! Also I recently listened to the audiobook for force proximity so everything was fresh in my brain and I was just dying to see how the rest of this story would unfold with Evie and the guys.
Other than the fact that I needed answers. I also will read anything and everything Tate James and Jaymin Eve write together. Starting to wonder if they lace their books with crack? They are just that good. I have never been disappointed with their books and I don't think I ever will. Instant buy, instant read, insta love.
❤️MFMMMM
🖤Dark College Romance
❤️Mafia
🖤Hacker
❤️Movie Star
🖤Politician's Son
❤️College Professor
🖤Why Choose Romance
❤️Dark Romance
#tatejames
#jaymineve
#darkcollegeromance
#whychooseromance
#darkromance
May 8, 2026
Is it hot in here? *Spoilers*
Oh my damn did I love this story! I reread Forced Proximity and then straight to Trauma Bonded.
I really liked all the characters.
I loved the story equally.
Brodie’s sense of humor and his genuine feelings for Evie baby. Ethan’s complete love for his Lilith, even when he was uncomfortable with her choices. Andrew’s past, his wanting, that he couldn’t express. Connor (Connie) fighting his own inner demons, and his desire for his Brat. Haze, I loved how their relationship evolved, and he was able to let go of some of his aversion’s, all for Evie Marie.
Tate James and Jaymin Eve’s writing hits right in the feels. My only complaint is that I want more more more! I just realized I wrote a lot of everything, and a lot of nothing lol. Just read it!
Oh my damn did I love this story! I reread Forced Proximity and then straight to Trauma Bonded.
I really liked all the characters.
I loved the story equally.
Brodie’s sense of humor and his genuine feelings for Evie baby. Ethan’s complete love for his Lilith, even when he was uncomfortable with her choices. Andrew’s past, his wanting, that he couldn’t express. Connor (Connie) fighting his own inner demons, and his desire for his Brat. Haze, I loved how their relationship evolved, and he was able to let go of some of his aversion’s, all for Evie Marie.
Tate James and Jaymin Eve’s writing hits right in the feels. My only complaint is that I want more more more! I just realized I wrote a lot of everything, and a lot of nothing lol. Just read it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG!!! This book was so worth the wait. Tate and Jaymin penned another masterpiece. Trauma Bonded was everything I hoped for and more. I loved how the take evolved and was so impressed by Haze's character arc as well as the brothers and well really all of the guys. In true Tate and Jaymin fashion the book was spicy AF too. Buckle up and enjoy this ride.
One of my favorite quotes from the book:
"She drove me insane, but I couldn’t get enough. Pissing her off was becoming an addiction bordering on kink at this stage, and that filthy encounter from the other morning? The memory was hooked into my damn soul and not letting up any time soon."
One of my favorite quotes from the book:
"She drove me insane, but I couldn’t get enough. Pissing her off was becoming an addiction bordering on kink at this stage, and that filthy encounter from the other morning? The memory was hooked into my damn soul and not letting up any time soon."
May 7, 2026
Never boring!
I absolutely loved the first book "Forced Proximity" and this second and last part of the series did not dissapoint. There was even a few times that I expected a solution to come but it didn't, in a positive way. Making it so you did nit feel Eve just forgave because she was honey. But because the person asking forgiveness actually had to do an effort. With so much story around each of the boys life this definitely could have been a longer series. But I am not mad, we got all the info without it ever being boring. There was constantly something happening.
I did love the first book more, but this book did not dissapoint.
I absolutely loved the first book "Forced Proximity" and this second and last part of the series did not dissapoint. There was even a few times that I expected a solution to come but it didn't, in a positive way. Making it so you did nit feel Eve just forgave because she was honey. But because the person asking forgiveness actually had to do an effort. With so much story around each of the boys life this definitely could have been a longer series. But I am not mad, we got all the info without it ever being boring. There was constantly something happening.
I did love the first book more, but this book did not dissapoint.
May 9, 2026
AHHHH THIS BOOOK
This book was amazing! What a fantastic ending to the Bluebell house duet. Gosh the character development of them all and Evie healing and all of them healing together, was perfection
I teared up a little towards the end, IYKYK, and gosh Evie and her guys did not disappoint. Jaymin and Tate did an amazing job, and now I’m kinda wondering what to read next, this story was that good. There was definitely a bit more action than the first book but whewee was it a ride!!
Thank you for this story! It was very enjoyable and made me giggle and kick my feet at points.
(trauma bond can also definitely happen between people who experience the same sort of trauma)
This book was amazing! What a fantastic ending to the Bluebell house duet. Gosh the character development of them all and Evie healing and all of them healing together, was perfection
I teared up a little towards the end, IYKYK, and gosh Evie and her guys did not disappoint. Jaymin and Tate did an amazing job, and now I’m kinda wondering what to read next, this story was that good. There was definitely a bit more action than the first book but whewee was it a ride!!
Thank you for this story! It was very enjoyable and made me giggle and kick my feet at points.
(trauma bond can also definitely happen between people who experience the same sort of trauma)
May 8, 2026
Blue bell house duet
Contemporary, reverse harem in university setting. Lots of unique mysteries build the underlying plot with developing spicy relationships on top. This story has some Madison Kate overtones. The FMC is the survivor of a college shooting, several kidnappings and other various violent episodes. The harem men include a famous movie star, a President's son, two crime boss offspring and a mysterious European hacker with outstanding international warrants. The characters have intermingled histories which pop up during the story. I found it to be entertaining, and just the right length. Well written and edited.
Contemporary, reverse harem in university setting. Lots of unique mysteries build the underlying plot with developing spicy relationships on top. This story has some Madison Kate overtones. The FMC is the survivor of a college shooting, several kidnappings and other various violent episodes. The harem men include a famous movie star, a President's son, two crime boss offspring and a mysterious European hacker with outstanding international warrants. The characters have intermingled histories which pop up during the story. I found it to be entertaining, and just the right length. Well written and edited.
May 9, 2026
I can always count on these authors for a thoroughly entertaining read. Yowza. There was a lot crammed into this duet, with book 2 wrapping up the series with so many events, details and, er, activities that it did make the ending feel a little rushed. Did it feel like it could have been a 3 book series with more plot details? Perhaps. But that’s not what the authors wanted and I don’t question these professionals. I glared and growled at anyone in my vicinity who wanted to chat for an entire day, so I’m calling that a 5-Star read for me. Also, Evie Marie, my full “mom is mad at you” name, coming out of Haze. Pure magic. No notes.
May 9, 2026
Unfortunately I felt disappointed with this book - it felt so rushed and just overall underwhelming.
The story, pacing, plot just felt a bit subpar, and the reveal about who was after Eve and why? Felt very anticlimactic and I was kept waiting for something bigger to be revealed, but no.
I’m not quite sure what happened here. I know both authors have been busy with other works, and while I often might comment “can’t wait for book x”, that’s only ever in excitement not a complaint about how long a book is taking - I really can and prefer to wait for a quality book that isn’t rushed and that the authors are satisfied with. Not sure that’s the case with this book.
The story, pacing, plot just felt a bit subpar, and the reveal about who was after Eve and why? Felt very anticlimactic and I was kept waiting for something bigger to be revealed, but no.
I’m not quite sure what happened here. I know both authors have been busy with other works, and while I often might comment “can’t wait for book x”, that’s only ever in excitement not a complaint about how long a book is taking - I really can and prefer to wait for a quality book that isn’t rushed and that the authors are satisfied with. Not sure that’s the case with this book.
May 8, 2026
loved this series
That was definitely an interesting couple twists and hell I legit love the little pop up of Broadie being cast in a Bellarose film as Jace Easter egg because literally yes lol. It was also nice to see Connie baby chill and admit his feelings to not just Eve but his brother overall and to see Haze be the most romantic one I didn’t not expect. I’d say this checked all the box types. Childhood friends to lovers. Forced proximity. Enemies to lovers. Yep. Yet another 10/10 for me
That was definitely an interesting couple twists and hell I legit love the little pop up of Broadie being cast in a Bellarose film as Jace Easter egg because literally yes lol. It was also nice to see Connie baby chill and admit his feelings to not just Eve but his brother overall and to see Haze be the most romantic one I didn’t not expect. I’d say this checked all the box types. Childhood friends to lovers. Forced proximity. Enemies to lovers. Yep. Yet another 10/10 for me
May 8, 2026
Healing trauma never looked so dangerous
It's a fantastic read with incredible character work. The way the MMCs are written makes it easy to feel the unique connection Eve has with each of them. It was beautiful to see how they represented the different things she lost as a child. Even though the "domestic" scenes of painting the house were sidelined for the high-stakes danger of the outside world, it worked perfectly for the plot. That ending was the icing on the cake.
It's a fantastic read with incredible character work. The way the MMCs are written makes it easy to feel the unique connection Eve has with each of them. It was beautiful to see how they represented the different things she lost as a child. Even though the "domestic" scenes of painting the house were sidelined for the high-stakes danger of the outside world, it worked perfectly for the plot. That ending was the icing on the cake.
May 7, 2026
OMG - this series blew my mind, i am so disappointed that i have finished it but will reread it as one of my favorite series.
From the start this book didn't disappoint and kept me wanting to keep reading.
The characters and the way they have been written and their growth makes the book. Finished this book in a day couldn't put it down.
From the start this book didn't disappoint and kept me wanting to keep reading.
The characters and the way they have been written and their growth makes the book. Finished this book in a day couldn't put it down.
May 7, 2026
This book has edged me in the best possible way since reading book 1 and finding out book 2 wasn't even released yet and it did not disappoint absolutely loved this book and getting to know all the different sides to the men it was great and the secrets damn couldn't put it down
◘ Trauma
◘ Secrets
◘ Stalking
◘ kidnapping
◘ WhyChoose
◘ Trauma
◘ Secrets
◘ Stalking
◘ kidnapping
◘ WhyChoose
May 8, 2026
woooooooop
Loved it! Waited forever for the second book but it was worth it! These two authors together always make magic and this book was amazing, it could have been more books, I felt like there was so much more story with this harem but the two books were still amazing and I loved the ending. I want to see Lacey get a story!
Loved it! Waited forever for the second book but it was worth it! These two authors together always make magic and this book was amazing, it could have been more books, I felt like there was so much more story with this harem but the two books were still amazing and I loved the ending. I want to see Lacey get a story!
May 8, 2026
I waited a year for this book , I was not disappointed. The characters and the story line were detailed and interesting. The spice level was adult adult . Read book 1 which will definitely leave you on a cliff hanger but wraps up nicely in this book . Waiting on her next book to be released next month . Keep them coming Jaymen
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