Bound by Blood and Lies: A Dark Secret Society Romance with an Obsessive Hero

by Flo Finch

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2026

Reviews

[sinful spines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so lucky to get to Beta read this and WHAT A BOOK!
I arc read book one and became instantly obsessed and this book just solidified my thoughts, this series, the characters, this whole world that Flo is building is just amazing! I laughed, I SOBBED! I was shocked and my heart was broken but as all good books do it healed something inside me. Thank you for these books 🖤

[Megan Willmott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don’t even know where to start apart from… WOW.

These books have genuinely changed something in me. The chills they gave me, the emotions they pulled from me, and the perfectly crafted playlists that accompanied the scenes were absolutely flawless. Flo Finch has such an incredible raw talent, and I need more.

I was so lucky to be an ARC reader for both books, and after finishing the first, I desperately needed Book Two. It exceeded every single expectation.

Book Two is darker, rawer, more harrowing, and at times an absolute tearjerker.

Fae… what a warrior you are. The way I connected with this character healed something inside of me. She became someone I found myself striving to be even more as the story unfolded. She is the epitome of strength.

Roman, the love you show so passionately, fiercely, and purely is the kind of love every person deserves. The way he would turn his world upside down for the people he loves just WOW.

Fi… OMG. The ultimate sacrifice you made had me sobbing into my phone. Without giving too much away, what an extraordinary woman you are.

Learning more about characters like Riggs, Felix, and the rest of the cast gave me such a deeper understanding of their love, loyalty, and devotion to one another. The idea that it truly takes a village to survive is portrayed so beautifully throughout these books.

The depiction of trauma is raw, authentic, and never sugar coated. Yet it’s written with such compassion, depth, and understanding that it never feels exploitative. I would absolutely encourage anyone considering these books to read the trigger warnings and be kind to themselves, but the way Flo brings trauma to life is unlike anything I’ve ever read before.

I’ve read a lot of books over the years, and no one does it quite like Flo Finch. These books will stay with me for a very long time and I never want to leave!!

[Samantha Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of Flo’s ARC team for books 1 and 2.

Usually, when authors write such an incredible first book and end it on a cliff hanger, the second one can some times fall flat.

This one absolutely does not.
The writing is incredible
Character development is incredible
The plot!! Well I can’t rave about it enough.

This one is a must read!

You’ll fall in love with the characters, the spice, the world surrounding these characters is dark and there are so many twists and turns you won’t even believe it. And the heartbreak 😭 I can’t!

I will not sugar coat that so many chapters in both books are incredibly hard to read, harder still when this comes from lived experiences. They are hard hitting. Difficult and raw. Don’t ignore the trigger warnings, they are there for a reason 🤍

Undisputed 5 stars!! ✨

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my—
Hold on, I need a minute.
Okay, that was such a wild ride! From the first page of book one to the last page of book two, this story has gripped me and sucked me in. I DEVOURED these two books, especially this one! The author did a fantastic job at making each and every character, whether main or side, have a purpose in the story. I loved the main group of found family so much, they’re all so sweet and caring for each other that it makes my heart ache! The book itself was very well written and the story feels complete. I thought it was the perfect length and gave the perfect amount of detail without leaving anything to get misinterpreted or over-explained. I thought this was a great duet, I’m glad the girls got a happy ending. I’m so happy that Roman found his peace in Fae. I can’t wait to continue the rest of the story of these lovely characters in the next books!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have whiplash and heartache 💔. What an incredible read. I need more RIGHT NOW. Flo, you deserve the world!

[Jayde Christon · Rating 5 out of 5]

After devouring the first book in this duet, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this and WOW!! I absolutely loved it! Did not disappoint!! So many feelings and emotions felt throughout.

Flo, I can’t wait to read the next one, the way you write is truly captivating 💗

[Sophie Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? This book had me hooked from the first page. I could not put it down. It took me about 6 hours to read. I flew through it. I NEEDED to know what was coming next. There was so much tension throughout the book. A constant need to know where the story was going. What was going to happen to these beloved characters next? It was heartbreakingly devastating and absolutely beautiful all rolled into one. The strength of these characters, even in their most vulnerable moments, really drove this story for me. Watching Fae not only survive but thrive after everything? I would have broken on day one.

There's so much I want to say about this book, but I don't know how to say it without giving away spoilers. This review is so much harder than the first in that regard. This book was action-packed from start to finish, but still filled with some beautiful, tear-jerking moments.

The twists and turns that I did not see coming were phenomenal. I'm usually great at figuring stuff out, but this time? Nope. I think it's at least in part because you're so emotionally invested in these characters and what's going to happen to them, you miss the subtle cues.

Fae’s strength and courage are admirable. Even more so than the first book, she's become someone I strive to be.

Roman. My sweet sweet Roman. The man you are. May everyone find a love like yours. A love so devoted and unwavering. A love without question and without condition.

I really don't know what else to say. These books have changed my life. They are utterly unforgettable. Flo really brought this world and these characters to life. She had me on the edge of my seat. She had me sobbing. She had me terrified. I cannot wait to delve more into this world and these characters. I never want to leave it.

Thank you for allowing me the honour of ARC-reading these books for you, Flo. I have loved every second of it, even if some of those seconds I have hated you for the emotional turmoil 😂

Please read the trigger warnings for this book. Book one was dark romance light in comparison, and some people may really struggle with the triggers in this book.

Happy reading, everyone!

[Lauren J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be apart of the ARC group for both books and let me just say if you like major plot twists that will make you scream at the pages, these books are for you! TW: Book 2 is darker and contains hard topics so please do take that into consideration. We start book 2 without any gaps from the first so writing this without any spoilers will be hard 🤣.

The plot twists and journey we get taken on is EVERYTHING! Just as you make your mind up about a character something happens and you’re staring at your kindle like what the f**k just happened. The way the story unfolds keeps you constantly guessing, and I loved every second of it. I had my own idea on how things would pan out and I was right however the rollercoaster I was taken on had me second guessing for 90% of the book LOL. I was fully invested from the beginning.

Fae is such a strong and loyal character, she is always looking out for her group and it really shows when she’s protecting Robyn. The horror they face together is so heartbreaking and raw. Those scenes are so well written it bought me to tears!

Roman remaining stead fast in his love for Fae is always a beautiful thing to read. The journey to find her without losing himself was so gut wrenching but the Epilogue just shows everything was worth it.

Mama Fiona is honestly the GOAT, she made her decisions and she stuck by them. She helped raise all those boys to be men by nurturing them with love and you can feel the love she has for all her children.

Special mention for Riggs - he may be goofy but he loves his family hard. The last scene with him and Fiona made me cry 🥺.

Safe to say I absolutely loved both books and you will too! I can’t wait to read more from Flo Finch 🖤

[Kiera Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing Bound by Blood and Contracts I was absolutely DYING to read Bound by Blood and Lies to find out what happened after that insane cliffhanger and I can absolutely confirm this did NOT disappointment.

First and foremost - this is MUCH darker than Book 1. It's explicit, it's graphic, it's harrowing and it's heartbreaking. Once again Flo brings the trauma to life which makes it feel like you have front row viewing to what the characters are going through. It's raw and uncomfortable, there's no sugarcoating the incidents that many people can unfortunately relate to, which makes the storyline even more powerful. Being aware of the triggers and checking in with yourself throughout is a must, especially if any of the themes are relatable.

Book 2 sees much more growth and development in the characters and you are left feeling so attached to them and their stories. So much so you will feel intensely emotional as their storylines develop, without giving any spoilers please ensure you are prepared to cry!!!!

Again, Flo captivates the scenes with an impeccable playlist. A couple of scenes in particular left me with chills (and tears) amplified by the music chosen to accompany the scene. Again, it is one of the most immersive reading experiences I have encountered as a reader.

Be prepared to be stressed, to laugh, to cry and to reflect. This is an exquisitely written story and the safe love in a dark world aspect makes it truly comforting and healing. The story gives a sense of validation and a strong feeling of knowing you are not alone.

Thank you again to Flo for trusting me to be an ARC reader, I am truly obsessed with this series and it has consumed me since I picked up Book 1. I cannot recommend both books enough!!

[Cleo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What another beautiful and unforgettable story. I feel incredibly grateful to have been invited into your world once again.

The world-building you have created is absolutely breathtaking, and your characters have found a permanent place in my heart. I often tell my partner about the books I'm reading, but when I was explaining this story to him, he became genuinely excited to read it himself—and he doesn't read at all. I think that alone speaks volumes about the power of your storytelling.

The relationship you developed between Fi and Fae was nothing short of incredible. It was a dynamic I didn't realise I needed, yet it added such profound emotional depth to the story. And Fi and Robyn too—oh my goodness, Robyn. I cannot express how emotional their journey made me feel. Seeing Fae and Robyn find each other, and then find each other again, was truly beautiful.

I've always struggled to put certain feelings into words, and I think that's one of the reasons your writing resonates with me so deeply. Through Roman, you captured emotions and experiences in a way that made me feel truly seen. There is something incredibly special about finding pieces of yourself between the pages of a book, and your stories have given me that gift.

The story, the characters and the world in whole is hard to explain because it’s like nothing I have read before. Everyone NEEDS to read this duet. It will honestly not disappoint with the twists, turns and the love!!

Your writing has meant more to me than I can adequately express, and I will carry these books with me forever! 🫶🏼

[Kayleigh 🤍 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Flo for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy of this book!

Well Flo, you’ve done it again! Another effortless 5 star read ⭐ I genuinely didn’t think Bound by Blood and Contracts could be topped but somehow, Bound by Blood and Lies exceeded every expectation I had.

Jumping into book two, the story picks up flawlessly, raising the stakes and delivering even more emotion, suspense, and heartbreak than book one 😭 This duet is about so much more than dark romance. It’s about finding safe love in an unsafe world, healing from trauma, choosing your own family and discovering hope even in the darkest moments.

Roman and Fae continue to be two of my favourite characters I’ve read this year and watching them navigate everything thrown at them only made love them more and Roman’s devotion to Fae never stopped making my heart ache. AND RIGGS? The human embodiment of a golden retriever, bringing so much humour, warmth, and heart to the story 🥹 In a world filled with darkness, his wit and unwavering loyalty provided the perfect balance. He truly became one of my favourite characters, and every scene he was in was a gift

I laughed, I cried and I mourned. Every friendship, every loss, every moment of loyalty, and every bit of banter made these characters feel like real people. Their relationships brought so much warmth to an otherwise dark and dangerous world, and I loved every single one of them 😭

if you haven’t started this duet yet, this is your sign to binge both books but please check the trigger warnings and read with care!

[Georgia Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is it even possible for a sequel to be THIS good?!

I went into this expecting another five-star read after absolutely loving book one, but somehow this completely surpassed every expectation I had. This wasn’t just a page-turner—it consumed my life. Every time I told myself “just one more chapter,” I ended up reading five.

I’m genuinely in awe of how much the author’s writing has evolved in such a short space of time. The storytelling, the emotional depth, the tension, the character development… everything felt bigger, better, and more impactful. Every chapter had me completely captivated.

Book one was an easy ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, but if I could give this six stars, I would without hesitation.

This book put me through every possible emotion. I laughed out loud, I sobbed (not cute tears—full-on ugly crying), I smiled like an idiot, and I fell completely in love with every single character.

Fae and Roman own a permanent piece of my heart—they’re absolute chef’s kiss. But can we PLEASE talk about Riggs?! I am genuinely obsessed with this man. Every scene he was in stole the show, and I desperately need a spin-off because I am nowhere near ready to say goodbye to him.

An unforgettable sequel and one of the best books I’ve read this year. I’m already jealous of everyone who gets to experience it for the first time.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ll ever stop sobbing. It’s been a whole rollercoaster of emotions. This book is a beautiful read. The characters felt so real, and every emotional moment hit exactly as it was supposed to. I found myself completely invested in their journey, and by the end my heart was in pieces. This is not a book for the weak hearted. It's a beautiful love story that wraps itself around your heart before slowly tearing it apart. Every emotion feels so real, every moment carries weight.

What made this story so special was the relationship between Fae and Roman. It was built on genuine connection and true work.

Not only do you fall in love with the main characters you develop connections with their friends and family too.

The ending had me crying, not just from heartbreak, but from love, hope, and everything in between. I genuinely wish I could read more about these characters. I'm not ready to let them go, and I don't think a piece of my heart ever will.

Flo, I am convinced that I will never recover from the devastating experience of finishing these books. What you have created is incredible. You are made to be an author and I’m grateful to have had the pleasure to read them. Thank you for letting me be apart of your Arc readers for both books.

[Poppy Buckle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Flo for sending me the ARC for book 2. I loved book 1 but wow, book 2 has blown me away. After the cliffhanger at the end of book 1, I was desperate for more. From the moment I opened the first page, I couldn't put it down. I was gutted when I had to go to sleep because I NEEDED more!


This book is packed with action from the start and it doesn't stop until the end. The twists had my jaw on the floor and my heart in my throat. I had such admiration for Fae in book 1 with what she had been through but nothing could have prepared me for book 2. I wish I could say more but do not want to give any spoilers. She is a force of nature. Roman, wow. His love for Fae knows no bounds, they have a truly beautiful relationship.

I enjoyed the group dynamic a lot more in book 2, I think the circumstances they were in forced them together in the second part of the book. I love a good found family.

Thank you again Flo, it has been an honor reading your work. You are truly a beautiful writer, very inspiring.

Please check triggers for this book before reading as it is a lot darker than book 1 and a lot more detail on certain subjects some may want to avoid.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so lucky to have the privilege to be an ARC reader for both books and wow where do I even start?! I thought book 1 was sensational... yet somehow this smashed that out the park! Bound by blood and lies is dark, raw, emotional and absolutely capturing! The connections and development of the characters within the story are incredible, I've never felt so fully immersed and emotionally invested in a book before! I laughed, I cried, I sobbed, I held my breath and everything in between. I truly don't think it's possible for me to put into words the effect this story has had on me, by far the best book I've ever read on every single level. Flo, you make us all proud and you should be so so proud of what you have created, your work is nothing short of sensational! To anybody interested in dark romance, this duet is absolutely for YOU! Thank you truly Flo for allowing me early access!💕

[Melissa Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nitty gritty, the character development, THE TWISTS?! You fall in love in the first book, just to have your heart absolutely SHATTERED in the second!!! But I somehow finished book 2 even more FULL of love than I did with the first! I love that Book 2 has me gagging for more, i would honestly read a 3 part series about a fly, if it involved ANY of the characters from these books! I have read SO many dark romance books and I don't think I've ever felt so attached to ALL the characters in any of them, theres always a couple that feel irrelevant or as if they are just an "extra"! I finished this book honestly feeling like I had read a book about people I know on a personal level! I cried, I laughed and I screamed while reading this book! If dark romance, with a real storyline is your thing, THIS IS YOUR THING. Keep your tissues close and fall in love CAREFULLY. Your heart will hurt.

[Courtney Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc Reader Review

After reading book one, i genuinely wondered how Flo could top it (my favourite books are normally the first in series). I can honestly say this is my current favourite in this series, and I am so excited for book 3.

Bound by Blood and Lies made me fall in love, left me heartbroken, and healed something inside of me all at once. I was laughing one second and crying the next. Flo has put a warning at the beginning for a reason... I had to take a break for a day to try and recover.

The writing and flow of this story is incredible. Reading this bought me into the world of Roman and Fae, I was absorbed from the first word to the last. I cannot praise this book enough.

Thank you Flo for getting me out of my reading slump 🫶

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, speechless. I ate this up in like half a day. What a perfect ending to Fae and Ro’s story. There was laughter, there was tears, but that’s what a good book should be right?? The plot, the smut, the story, every part of it was just honestly flawless. I’m obsessed with this universe that Flo is creating, every single character so far has me hooked and yearning to hear their story, which is rare for me. I have absolutely no notes on this, YOU NEED TO READ THIS DUET TRUST ME!! I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this family, hopefully more laughter in dark times and proof that no matter what, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel🫶🏼

[Charlotte Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from the author

Wow again!

This is my favourite so far. This is a masterpiece!

I adore Fae and Roman and Riggs... what an awesome character he is. The whole book from start to finish is devastating but I absolutely loved the last few chapters. I have questions though. I hope they will be answered in book 3 🤣

There isn't a single bad thing I could say about this book but multiple ones I loved.

Each chapter had me hooked thirsty for more, I struggled to sleep because I kept saying one more chapter and the next makes me read on 🤣

I read this book so fast!

I cannot wait for book 3!

[Kelias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book of the series once again has had me screaming crying throwing up, starts off where the first ended (deffo read the trigger warnings as this is much darker than the first one)

I’ve never been more obsessed with a bunch of characters the found family love these characters have throughout both books but this one more specifically had me sobbing, I’ve never read anything so loving but heartbreaking at the same time so props to the author.

Although its DARKK as someone who’s very new to dark romance it was great just like the 1st book but also for people who have had lots of dark romance reads would deffo recommend.

I’ll be counting down to book 3 😁😁

[chrissy greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow!!!
What a story. I read this in one sitting. Just couldn't put it down.
It gripped me from start to finish, I laughed, cried, laughed, sobbed and laughed some more.
Fi - what a woman!!
Ro and Fae are simply meant to be.

Flo, you simply inspire me, the magic and the feelings and the little real life touches. Everything just comes together so so well.

I hope whoever reads this next devours it the way I did. Both books shall forever hold a place in my heart.

Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader. The pleasure is all mine.

[Lucee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't put into words how much I loved this book. I read it in 2 days, I couldn't put it down.
In my 3 year reading journey this is the 2nd book I have physically cried for.
This book broke me, but made my heart full all at the same time.
The time and effort put into this book is amazing.
Fae and Romans story will live rent free in my head.
The twist and turns in this story made me wish I could read faster. It is definitely a book you cant put down.
Flo you are an amazing human who told an amazing story and you wrapped it up absolutely beautifully 😍

[Megan Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

So I’ve been saving this book for a long journey. Could NOT put it down. Somehow it’s darker, grittier and yet more empowering than the first. The world has continued to be developed and the characters battle against all odds.

The themes are dark, raw and grounded in a reality. Nothing feels like a throwaway plot, it’s written with purpose and interlinks even between books. Plot twists around every corner that had my jaw wide open

The spice is still there 🔥🔥

I cannot wait to see what you do next with this world

[Emily Truman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely addicted to this duet! I could not put this book down once I started - the amount of twists! You genuinely did not know what was coming next.
The depth to this story is amazing and really does keep you hooked.
I love every single character (minus the bad ones of course but that’s shows how well it’s written that I have a distaste for them!😅) and feel like I genuinely know each and every one of them personally as that much description is given.
The end of this book was honestly perfect and the pace was also perfect - it wasn’t rushed and everything slot in together nicely.

[Morgs🖤 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as a beta read

Book 2 of the bound by blood series.
Ro n fae .. where do I start they are my favourite couple. They go through so much n against all odds they come through and survive.
This book has plot, smut n everything in between
I've laughed and I've sobbed uncontrollably.

Found family and real life shows through this duet and I loved it, I would rate it more stars if I had the chance🥹

[Kayleigh Channing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I got to be a beta reader for Flo for this book

After finishing the first book I was so excited to read book 2… it did not disappoint!!
I really went through the motions reading this and I cannot recommend this enough.
Heavy emotional rollercoaster but also chosen family and love. The way Flo writes about such so many important experiences is truly amazing

[Rosie Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure everyone is fully prepared for the whirlwind of a read that this is. Right from the beginning Flo pulls no punches, the story is beautifully crafted and so heartbreaking; even with fair warning I was devastated. This was a harrowing yet beautiful conclusion to the duet and I will not forgive you Flo ;)

[Danielle Kerridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book didn’t even feel like over 500 pages because I devoured it! Just when you thought you had the storyline line, PLOT TWIST?!? Was not expecting that! I already cannot wait to read the next one!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was amazing just like the the first one, i went through the 5 stages of grief with this book, it was happy and heartbreaking at the same time, i can’t wait till next year for the next one, i need it now please.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

infinity stars

Amazing. Just absolutely amazing.
I’ve laughed, I’ve ugly cried, I’ve happy cried, this has been an emotional rollercoaster😭 bloody proud of you flo! Thank you for giving us Fae, Roman and all the family😭 we love them as much as you do🫶🏻