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Bound and Unbound #1 & 2
Bound and Unbound
New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood’s intoxicating paranormal romance novella duology—together for the first time in print and ebook!
Bound
A reluctant con artist and a professor with too many secrets are bound by an arcane text—in more ways than one.
Veronica “Vero” Mercer grew up with grifters for parents, and she knows her way around a con. When grad school bills pile up and her friends are in trouble, she turns her art history skills into a forgery side hustle.
It’s supposed to be a short term deal, but her work draws the attention of Dr. Viktor Ashworth, a reserved, very British professor. Instead of turning her in, Ashworth kidnaps her—politely—and makes an unusual offer: forge a mysterious ancient manuscript for him.
Soon Vero finds herself spending long nights with Viktor, bent over rare vellum samples and obscure inks. But as the con grows riskier, Vero has to wonder: what does Viktor really want, and why can’t she stay away?
Unbound
A five-thousand-year-old woman who has outlived empires. A doctor who has spent his life fighting death. They fates collide in a blood game of vengeance.
Lilit of Nineveh has spent millennia in control. As a powerful revenant, she enforces one rule above all: protect mortals. Disciplined and focused, she has never made the same mistake twice, and she has learned that attachments can only lead to ruin.
Enter Roman Martin. An overworked and relentlessly kind ER physician, he is the one mortal Lilit cannot quit. Any relationship between them is against everything Lilit has fought for. Still, she keeps coming back to him.
Until someone starts hunting Lilit, and Roman is caught in the crossfire. When everything comes crashing down, Lilit must choose between the world she has sworn to protect and the man she was never meant to love.
Bound
A reluctant con artist and a professor with too many secrets are bound by an arcane text—in more ways than one.
Veronica “Vero” Mercer grew up with grifters for parents, and she knows her way around a con. When grad school bills pile up and her friends are in trouble, she turns her art history skills into a forgery side hustle.
It’s supposed to be a short term deal, but her work draws the attention of Dr. Viktor Ashworth, a reserved, very British professor. Instead of turning her in, Ashworth kidnaps her—politely—and makes an unusual offer: forge a mysterious ancient manuscript for him.
Soon Vero finds herself spending long nights with Viktor, bent over rare vellum samples and obscure inks. But as the con grows riskier, Vero has to wonder: what does Viktor really want, and why can’t she stay away?
Unbound
A five-thousand-year-old woman who has outlived empires. A doctor who has spent his life fighting death. They fates collide in a blood game of vengeance.
Lilit of Nineveh has spent millennia in control. As a powerful revenant, she enforces one rule above all: protect mortals. Disciplined and focused, she has never made the same mistake twice, and she has learned that attachments can only lead to ruin.
Enter Roman Martin. An overworked and relentlessly kind ER physician, he is the one mortal Lilit cannot quit. Any relationship between them is against everything Lilit has fought for. Still, she keeps coming back to him.
Until someone starts hunting Lilit, and Roman is caught in the crossfire. When everything comes crashing down, Lilit must choose between the world she has sworn to protect and the man she was never meant to love.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Ali Hazelwood
38 books199k followersI'm Ali, and I write contemporary romcom novels about women in STEM and academia. I love cats, Nutella, and side ponytails. I'm also currently learning to crochet, so as you can tell I'm a super busy gal with an intense and exciting life!
I only use Goodreads as a reader, to review and hype books that I've loved (many of these book are ARCs received from fellow authors).
I only use Goodreads as a reader, to review and hype books that I've loved (many of these book are ARCs received from fellow authors).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 879 reviews
May 20, 2026
this was not the outcome my psychic foresaw in my crystal ball reading right before i started this 😭 (i’m joking 👀 but am i?). i can’t believe none of this hit though. i’m so disappointed, given how long i’ve waited for these novellas to release in print.
let me preface what i’m about to say with the fact that i genuinely like ali hazelwood’s writing. i really do. something about her formula typically works for me BUT THERE IS A CAVEAT TO THAT. what i just said usually applies to her full-length books. i’ve read them all and i liked them all to varying degrees (yes, even love on the brain). never rated a single one below 3 stars. her novellas though? those tend to be a bit hit or miss for me. with these two under my belt now, i’ve read all nine released to date, and it’s turned out to be an almost even 45% / 55% split on liked vs disliked. sometimes, format plays a role. shorter stories may not always land for me when i feel like it all moved too fast for me to connect with anything. i was excited when i saw the page count on these though, because they looked to be longer than the average novella she’s released before (especially bound) — so i thought okay, there’s so much runway here to up the odds that format wouldn’t count against my experience. unfortunately, both novellas did absolute dust for me and will be joining the graveyard with the other misses i’ve suffered in that part of her catalogue ☹️.
💀 —— bound
it was such a snoozefest, idk 😭. this wasn’t the ali i know and love 😭. there was very little of the sparkling chemistry and organic banter that i’ve come to expect from her pairings, and the characters were both incredibly dull to me as individuals. i was so disconnected from them. i found vero a little annoying actually, and viktor was BLAND. week-old rice cracker no spread no beverage BLAND AND DRY. how you gonna make a centuries-year-old vampire-adjacent sexy british professor who whimpers THIS crusty??? like, i’m stupefied. there was also way too much drivel about working at the antique shop + forgery stuff in the first 100 pages, that i kept wondering when the romance was going to come online (considering we have more limited time than with a full-length novel). by the time the romance tries to do something, i just didn’t care enough anymore. there were some moments in the second half where i felt somewhat engaged more, but even that half was inconsistent at holding my attention. the longer format was really wasted here. textbook definition of a nothing burger because the focus was way awf. also, some of the side characters were insufferable — particularly mortimer and arlo. the chapters were really long too, and when a story is already boring you on content alone, getting through long chapters feels like a tedious task.
2 ⭐️
💀 —— unbound
i was more wary going into this one than prior to reading bound, because the reception to the audio-only release a few months back was a bit iffy. still…i tried to go in with an open mind and see how EYE would feel about it, since i tend to trend UP with this author. i tried to stay away from discourse that specified what wasn’t working for people so that i could go in blind (but i knew at face-value that a lot of people weren’t loving it). i also knew going in that this was a situationship-type romance. this flopped mainly because of said romance style AND the length of time this situationship lasted (and therefore, how many years the novella tries to cover to relay this story). a ten-year situationship in this few pages? why? of course i felt nothing, because too much was told and not shown. the characters are in love from chapter one but the novella also tries to cram the decade-long build-up retroactively into this somehow? it felt like i was reading a summary. the romance gives you nothing to anticipate and i didn’t connect to the relationship at all. ironically, i thought this couple had a smidge more apparent chemistry than the one from bound…but yeah, their story was sorely lacking because of its structure and pace. i did like lilit personality-wise and as a heroine more than i liked vero though. mmc was pretty forgettable in this one. sawri. who? the supernatural / suspense plot in the background was so drab as well — like, what was this even for? 😭 good thing the chapters were more bite-sized than in bound, and it was shorter overall.
2 ⭐️
the only (other) positive i have for these is that the spin on vamps was cool. it wasn’t the traditional lore only. that’s about it.
in summary, i was sleepwalking my way through what were supposed to be guaranteed crack hits of the paranormal variety from a fave author. i’ll just quietly slink away to a more happy place now. say…idk, putting my head in a gas oven and going night night. goodbye.
────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ────
pre-read note from back when this was announced:
mother is finally releasing the eyeball-readable versions of these novellas, and since i can’t read on audio, i’m so happy that i can now complete her bibliography 😭😭 and we have a release date!!!
let me preface what i’m about to say with the fact that i genuinely like ali hazelwood’s writing. i really do. something about her formula typically works for me BUT THERE IS A CAVEAT TO THAT. what i just said usually applies to her full-length books. i’ve read them all and i liked them all to varying degrees (yes, even love on the brain). never rated a single one below 3 stars. her novellas though? those tend to be a bit hit or miss for me. with these two under my belt now, i’ve read all nine released to date, and it’s turned out to be an almost even 45% / 55% split on liked vs disliked. sometimes, format plays a role. shorter stories may not always land for me when i feel like it all moved too fast for me to connect with anything. i was excited when i saw the page count on these though, because they looked to be longer than the average novella she’s released before (especially bound) — so i thought okay, there’s so much runway here to up the odds that format wouldn’t count against my experience. unfortunately, both novellas did absolute dust for me and will be joining the graveyard with the other misses i’ve suffered in that part of her catalogue ☹️.
💀 —— bound
it was such a snoozefest, idk 😭. this wasn’t the ali i know and love 😭. there was very little of the sparkling chemistry and organic banter that i’ve come to expect from her pairings, and the characters were both incredibly dull to me as individuals. i was so disconnected from them. i found vero a little annoying actually, and viktor was BLAND. week-old rice cracker no spread no beverage BLAND AND DRY. how you gonna make a centuries-year-old vampire-adjacent sexy british professor who whimpers THIS crusty??? like, i’m stupefied. there was also way too much drivel about working at the antique shop + forgery stuff in the first 100 pages, that i kept wondering when the romance was going to come online (considering we have more limited time than with a full-length novel). by the time the romance tries to do something, i just didn’t care enough anymore. there were some moments in the second half where i felt somewhat engaged more, but even that half was inconsistent at holding my attention. the longer format was really wasted here. textbook definition of a nothing burger because the focus was way awf. also, some of the side characters were insufferable — particularly mortimer and arlo. the chapters were really long too, and when a story is already boring you on content alone, getting through long chapters feels like a tedious task.
2 ⭐️
💀 —— unbound
i was more wary going into this one than prior to reading bound, because the reception to the audio-only release a few months back was a bit iffy. still…i tried to go in with an open mind and see how EYE would feel about it, since i tend to trend UP with this author. i tried to stay away from discourse that specified what wasn’t working for people so that i could go in blind (but i knew at face-value that a lot of people weren’t loving it). i also knew going in that this was a situationship-type romance. this flopped mainly because of said romance style AND the length of time this situationship lasted (and therefore, how many years the novella tries to cover to relay this story). a ten-year situationship in this few pages? why? of course i felt nothing, because too much was told and not shown. the characters are in love from chapter one but the novella also tries to cram the decade-long build-up retroactively into this somehow? it felt like i was reading a summary. the romance gives you nothing to anticipate and i didn’t connect to the relationship at all. ironically, i thought this couple had a smidge more apparent chemistry than the one from bound…but yeah, their story was sorely lacking because of its structure and pace. i did like lilit personality-wise and as a heroine more than i liked vero though. mmc was pretty forgettable in this one. sawri. who? the supernatural / suspense plot in the background was so drab as well — like, what was this even for? 😭 good thing the chapters were more bite-sized than in bound, and it was shorter overall.
2 ⭐️
the only (other) positive i have for these is that the spin on vamps was cool. it wasn’t the traditional lore only. that’s about it.
in summary, i was sleepwalking my way through what were supposed to be guaranteed crack hits of the paranormal variety from a fave author. i’ll just quietly slink away to a more happy place now. say…idk, putting my head in a gas oven and going night night. goodbye.
────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ──── ────୨ৎ────
pre-read note from back when this was announced:
mother is finally releasing the eyeball-readable versions of these novellas, and since i can’t read on audio, i’m so happy that i can now complete her bibliography 😭😭 and we have a release date!!!
July 9, 2026
ali hazelwood should not be allowed to write novellas, i yearn for MORE
---
my prayers have been answered - audiobook haters REJOICE
---
my prayers have been answered - audiobook haters REJOICE
October 6, 2026
This was so fun! Getting a mix of your typical handsome, elegant male vampire falling for a human lady, and a gorgeously intimidating female vampire falling for a human guy was such a fun and enticing contrast. And I loved this take on Vampires! The hierarchies and terminology and physiology were so fascinating. And they’re not just a few centuries old, they’re old old, like thousands of years. So cool.
I don’t have too much to say about Vero and Viktor other than it was a cute little enemies to lovers development—the enemy territory pretty short lived and one sided as Viktor is like a statue until he warms up to Vero, who is rather feisty and outspoken. I really enjoyed their dynamic and story while reading it but once I got into Lilit and Roman's, which I enjoyed a LOT more, it made Vero and Viktor's less memorable. I will say, though, I was soo giddy when Viktor fell head over HEELS for Vero.
Lilit and Roman’s love story is tragically beautiful, I actually teared up a few times. 🥹 And it was just so good getting the reverse of a traditional vampire x human romance. Lilit is ancient and stoic in nature while Roman is so warm and unapologetically adores her. The yearning!!! Ugh. My heart was breaking. I wish we had more time with them.
Overall just a really enjoyable and intriguing pair of stories with super cute romance and the wit and charm I’ve come to love from this author! Not quite as exciting as I was hoping but captivating nonetheless.
-
I devoured Bride & Hot for Slayer so I am sooo down for another paranormal romance by Ms. Hazelwood 🫦
I don’t have too much to say about Vero and Viktor other than it was a cute little enemies to lovers development—the enemy territory pretty short lived and one sided as Viktor is like a statue until he warms up to Vero, who is rather feisty and outspoken. I really enjoyed their dynamic and story while reading it but once I got into Lilit and Roman's, which I enjoyed a LOT more, it made Vero and Viktor's less memorable. I will say, though, I was soo giddy when Viktor fell head over HEELS for Vero.
Lilit and Roman’s love story is tragically beautiful, I actually teared up a few times. 🥹 And it was just so good getting the reverse of a traditional vampire x human romance. Lilit is ancient and stoic in nature while Roman is so warm and unapologetically adores her. The yearning!!! Ugh. My heart was breaking. I wish we had more time with them.
Overall just a really enjoyable and intriguing pair of stories with super cute romance and the wit and charm I’ve come to love from this author! Not quite as exciting as I was hoping but captivating nonetheless.
-
I devoured Bride & Hot for Slayer so I am sooo down for another paranormal romance by Ms. Hazelwood 🫦
October 19, 2026
This really was a tale of two halves, in more ways than one. A paranormal novella duology combined into one book = genius! I absolutely loved the first half - Bound - however, my problems lay in the second - Unbound. While Bound gave me everything I wanted from a novella, Unbound did the exact opposite. Let me explain…
✨ Bound ✨
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Dark academia paired with paranormal romance = my dream combination 🙌🏽
I may be slightly biased given Ali is one of my favourite authors but I absolutely DEVOURED this book! It was SO much more than I was expecting from a Novella. It was fast-paced, fun, and had a strong storyline grounded in an academia setting that Ali does so well 🤩👏🏽
‘Bound’ is the story of Vero, a gifted con artist, and Dr. Viktor Ashworth, a university professor, who are bound together by a mysterious ancient text. Long nights in the lab, rare samples, and strange ink leaves Vero wondering who Viktor really is and why she is so drawn to him…
Ali is skilled it creating strong heroines and Vero (Veronica) was no exception! She was such unique and gutsy character who held her own. As our solo POV, she carried the story well providing a refreshing insight into the world of dark academia. I loved her subtle, yet sly sense of humour that made her stand out among the strong male characters. I also admired her commitment to her art and her gritty independence.
Viktor was exactly the kind of protective alpha male MMCs I love to see in fantasy/paranormal stories 🤭 He was very controlled, a tad growly, and still very respectful. Composed, confident, charismatic, and controlled pretty much sums him up. I definitely fell for his charm 🙂↕️
I absolutely loved this sweet romance 💘 Vero and Viktor felt so perfectly matched for each other. I loved how their connection grew gradually throughout the storyline, from strangers to lovers. I was pleased to see that it wasn’t an insta-romance like you see in most short stories or novellas. Watching them from their first encounter…the kidnapping…the forging…the discoveries…the banter…they slowly spent more time together until their lives became interlinked…and then the epilogue? 😯 that really took me by surprise!
I was thoroughly impressed by how much depth Ali was able to put across in such a short book. Both MCs opened up and shared their past with each other. There was a good amount of action and I really liked the fact that there was a solid plot aside from the romance. The whole way through I was curious how (or if) the first novella would lead into the second…I’m not saying anything 🤐 but my curiosity was satisfied by the ending. This was paranormal escapism at its finest and I thoroughly enjoyed myself from start to finish 🙃
✨ Unbound ✨
3 🌟🌟🌟
5000 year old woman x Paediatric doctor 💘
Unbound follows the story of Lilit, an elder revenant of her line, as she grapples with her feelings for Roman, an overworked (mortal) ER physician. Told solely from her perspective, we enter her world, all consumed by a man she was never meant to love.
This 160 pager explores the complexities of love and relationships across two different worlds. The pair have been in a 10-year situationship, where she gives him the bare minimum and he yearns for her. While this story was angsty (in parts), I couldn’t get my head around the FMC. She was far too reserved with her affection and gave too many random info dumps directed at the reader rather than Roman himself.
Roman was a sweet MMC. He was easy to like but nothing particularly special. While he was caring, understanding, and selfless, it felt like he was just along for the ride at times. He needed a stronger personality to balance out Lilit’s dominance.
I wasn’t a big fan of how the romance was portrayed. 10 years together and yet we only meet them in the present, acting like they’ve been together for 10 months rather than years. It would have been so much better to see Lilit and Roman interact over the years, allowing their relationship to develop on the page. Lilit spent most of the time explaining her feelings to the reader rather than actually interacting with Roman. I think this is where the biggest problem with the book is.
Overall, Unbound was more focused on romance than Bound was. While it did explore paranormal elements, the core was definitely in the romance. This wouldn’t have been a problem had the romance been conducted effectively, but as said above - I had issues. Unfortunately this one didn’t quite work out for me but having loved Unbound so much, I would love the read more paranormal universe stories from Ali.
✨ Bound ✨
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Dark academia paired with paranormal romance = my dream combination 🙌🏽
I may be slightly biased given Ali is one of my favourite authors but I absolutely DEVOURED this book! It was SO much more than I was expecting from a Novella. It was fast-paced, fun, and had a strong storyline grounded in an academia setting that Ali does so well 🤩👏🏽
‘Bound’ is the story of Vero, a gifted con artist, and Dr. Viktor Ashworth, a university professor, who are bound together by a mysterious ancient text. Long nights in the lab, rare samples, and strange ink leaves Vero wondering who Viktor really is and why she is so drawn to him…
Ali is skilled it creating strong heroines and Vero (Veronica) was no exception! She was such unique and gutsy character who held her own. As our solo POV, she carried the story well providing a refreshing insight into the world of dark academia. I loved her subtle, yet sly sense of humour that made her stand out among the strong male characters. I also admired her commitment to her art and her gritty independence.
Viktor was exactly the kind of protective alpha male MMCs I love to see in fantasy/paranormal stories 🤭 He was very controlled, a tad growly, and still very respectful. Composed, confident, charismatic, and controlled pretty much sums him up. I definitely fell for his charm 🙂↕️
I absolutely loved this sweet romance 💘 Vero and Viktor felt so perfectly matched for each other. I loved how their connection grew gradually throughout the storyline, from strangers to lovers. I was pleased to see that it wasn’t an insta-romance like you see in most short stories or novellas. Watching them from their first encounter…the kidnapping…the forging…the discoveries…the banter…they slowly spent more time together until their lives became interlinked…and then the epilogue? 😯 that really took me by surprise!
I was thoroughly impressed by how much depth Ali was able to put across in such a short book. Both MCs opened up and shared their past with each other. There was a good amount of action and I really liked the fact that there was a solid plot aside from the romance. The whole way through I was curious how (or if) the first novella would lead into the second…I’m not saying anything 🤐 but my curiosity was satisfied by the ending. This was paranormal escapism at its finest and I thoroughly enjoyed myself from start to finish 🙃
✨ Unbound ✨
3 🌟🌟🌟
5000 year old woman x Paediatric doctor 💘
Unbound follows the story of Lilit, an elder revenant of her line, as she grapples with her feelings for Roman, an overworked (mortal) ER physician. Told solely from her perspective, we enter her world, all consumed by a man she was never meant to love.
This 160 pager explores the complexities of love and relationships across two different worlds. The pair have been in a 10-year situationship, where she gives him the bare minimum and he yearns for her. While this story was angsty (in parts), I couldn’t get my head around the FMC. She was far too reserved with her affection and gave too many random info dumps directed at the reader rather than Roman himself.
Roman was a sweet MMC. He was easy to like but nothing particularly special. While he was caring, understanding, and selfless, it felt like he was just along for the ride at times. He needed a stronger personality to balance out Lilit’s dominance.
I wasn’t a big fan of how the romance was portrayed. 10 years together and yet we only meet them in the present, acting like they’ve been together for 10 months rather than years. It would have been so much better to see Lilit and Roman interact over the years, allowing their relationship to develop on the page. Lilit spent most of the time explaining her feelings to the reader rather than actually interacting with Roman. I think this is where the biggest problem with the book is.
Overall, Unbound was more focused on romance than Bound was. While it did explore paranormal elements, the core was definitely in the romance. This wouldn’t have been a problem had the romance been conducted effectively, but as said above - I had issues. Unfortunately this one didn’t quite work out for me but having loved Unbound so much, I would love the read more paranormal universe stories from Ali.
October 20, 2026
Just fun, sexy vampire novellas!!! What more do you want for Halloween? (I’ll tell you what more I want, 500 more pages of Bound!!!!!!!)
Re: Bound: Do you love million-year-old hot vampires who are totally obsessed with the mortal woman they have to work in close quarters with to forge an important, centuries-old text (and who they want to burn the world down for)? Then you’ll love this!!!! 5/5 for a little Halloween romance niblette.
Re: Unbound: Do you like it when the million-year-old hot vampire happens to be a woman who is in love with a mortal man who is obsessed with her, but they are doomed because of the whole mortal man/vampire thing???? Then you’ll love this. 3/5.
Reading order: Bound → Unbound
Probably best paired with a nip of human blood, but if you’re not a vampire, an apple ginger spritz will do!!!
Re: Bound: Do you love million-year-old hot vampires who are totally obsessed with the mortal woman they have to work in close quarters with to forge an important, centuries-old text (and who they want to burn the world down for)? Then you’ll love this!!!! 5/5 for a little Halloween romance niblette.
Re: Unbound: Do you like it when the million-year-old hot vampire happens to be a woman who is in love with a mortal man who is obsessed with her, but they are doomed because of the whole mortal man/vampire thing???? Then you’ll love this. 3/5.
Reading order: Bound → Unbound
Probably best paired with a nip of human blood, but if you’re not a vampire, an apple ginger spritz will do!!!
Currently Reading
November 1, 2026౨ৎꨄ︎ pre-read: honestly i have no idea what this book (books?) is about. i just bought it and now i’m diving in, praying it’s fast-paced and good 🤞🏼
October 23, 2026
┆ ⤿ 🌹⌗ started: october 23, finished: october 31
4 stars for bound, 3.5 stars for unbound 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ mini review with no spoilers.
──★ ˙🧛♀️ !! tropes
.ᐟ forced proximity (bound)
.ᐟ blackmail (bound)
.ᐟ forced proximity (bound)
.ᐟ unconventional paranormal / vampire romance (unbound)
.ᐟ age gap (unbound)
.ᐟ forbidden romance (unbound)
summary: ⋆˚࿔
bound and unbound brings together two of ali hazelwood’s paranormal romance novellas for the first time in print 🎃🦇
in bound, veronica “vero” mercer grew up with grifters for parents, so she knows a con when she sees one. when grad school bills pile up and her friends need help, she starts using her art history skills to forge paintings on the side. it’s supposed to be temporary, until her work catches the attention of dr. viktor ashworth, a reserved and very british professor. instead of turning her in, he (politely) kidnaps her and makes her an offer: forge a mysterious ancient manuscript for him. what follows is a lot of late nights, rare vellum, and obscure inks, and vero can’t figure out what viktor really wants, or why she can’t stay away.
in unbound, lilit of nineveh is a five-thousand-year-old revenant who has spent millennia enforcing one rule above all else: protect mortals. she doesn’t make the same mistake twice, and she knows attachments only lead to ruin. but roman martin, an overworked and endlessly kind er doctor, is the one mortal she can’t walk away from. when someone starts hunting lilit and roman gets caught in the crossfire, she has to choose between the world she swore to protect and the man she was never supposed to love.
thoughts: ⋆˚࿔
this book pulled me RIGHT out of my slump and i’m so happy about it 😭 i loved both stories so much. honestly, i was a little worried going in because novellas can sometimes feel rushed or like they end right when things get good, but that wasn’t the case here at all. each story felt so cohesive and complete on its own, and i never felt like i was missing anything. ali hazelwood really knows how to make you care about her characters in so few pages, and the paranormal twist on her usual style was such a fun change. it was the perfect spooky season read and exactly what i needed after shatter me 🖤
──★ ˙🧛♀️ !! the stories
bound: ⋆˚࿔
bound was my favorite of the two! vero was such a fun main character, a con artist with a heart who’s just trying to keep her life and her friends together. the whole forgery plot was SO interesting, and viktor being this reserved, very british professor with way too many secrets made their dynamic so fun to read. the forced proximity and late nights working together had me kicking my feet 🤭
unbound: ⋆˚࿔
unbound was a little darker and more intense, and i still really enjoyed it! lilit was such a powerful heroine, and i loved seeing someone that controlled and disciplined slowly fall apart over one man. roman being this soft, kind er doctor who spends his whole life fighting death was such a perfect contrast to her. the forbidden romance aspect really worked, i just connected with bound a tiny bit more.
4 stars for bound, 3.5 stars for unbound 𓂃˖ ࣪⊹
⤿ mini review with no spoilers.
──★ ˙🧛♀️ !! tropes
.ᐟ forced proximity (bound)
.ᐟ blackmail (bound)
.ᐟ forced proximity (bound)
.ᐟ unconventional paranormal / vampire romance (unbound)
.ᐟ age gap (unbound)
.ᐟ forbidden romance (unbound)
summary: ⋆˚࿔
bound and unbound brings together two of ali hazelwood’s paranormal romance novellas for the first time in print 🎃🦇
in bound, veronica “vero” mercer grew up with grifters for parents, so she knows a con when she sees one. when grad school bills pile up and her friends need help, she starts using her art history skills to forge paintings on the side. it’s supposed to be temporary, until her work catches the attention of dr. viktor ashworth, a reserved and very british professor. instead of turning her in, he (politely) kidnaps her and makes her an offer: forge a mysterious ancient manuscript for him. what follows is a lot of late nights, rare vellum, and obscure inks, and vero can’t figure out what viktor really wants, or why she can’t stay away.
in unbound, lilit of nineveh is a five-thousand-year-old revenant who has spent millennia enforcing one rule above all else: protect mortals. she doesn’t make the same mistake twice, and she knows attachments only lead to ruin. but roman martin, an overworked and endlessly kind er doctor, is the one mortal she can’t walk away from. when someone starts hunting lilit and roman gets caught in the crossfire, she has to choose between the world she swore to protect and the man she was never supposed to love.
thoughts: ⋆˚࿔
this book pulled me RIGHT out of my slump and i’m so happy about it 😭 i loved both stories so much. honestly, i was a little worried going in because novellas can sometimes feel rushed or like they end right when things get good, but that wasn’t the case here at all. each story felt so cohesive and complete on its own, and i never felt like i was missing anything. ali hazelwood really knows how to make you care about her characters in so few pages, and the paranormal twist on her usual style was such a fun change. it was the perfect spooky season read and exactly what i needed after shatter me 🖤
──★ ˙🧛♀️ !! the stories
bound: ⋆˚࿔
bound was my favorite of the two! vero was such a fun main character, a con artist with a heart who’s just trying to keep her life and her friends together. the whole forgery plot was SO interesting, and viktor being this reserved, very british professor with way too many secrets made their dynamic so fun to read. the forced proximity and late nights working together had me kicking my feet 🤭
unbound: ⋆˚࿔
unbound was a little darker and more intense, and i still really enjoyed it! lilit was such a powerful heroine, and i loved seeing someone that controlled and disciplined slowly fall apart over one man. roman being this soft, kind er doctor who spends his whole life fighting death was such a perfect contrast to her. the forbidden romance aspect really worked, i just connected with bound a tiny bit more.
October 16, 2026
Son 2 historias paranormales cortitas, que me han entretenido. Diría que Mortal está algo mejor, porque quizás al tener más paginas tiene un poco mas de desarrollo.
El estilo de Ali es muy bueno, asique los he leído muy bien y además muy rápido.
El estilo de Ali es muy bueno, asique los he leído muy bien y además muy rápido.
October 18, 2026
He aprovechado para volver a leer Bound, ahora en esta edición y me ha vuelto a gustar, porque todo el tema de la falsificación, la inmortalidad, etc. es algo que me atrae.
Y sus protagonistas tan opuestos, Vero tan moderna y directa, Viktor tan elegante y comedido. Me gusta cómo se van acercando y cómo se resuelve todo.
Inmortal también me ha gustado. Lilit aparece sólo un poco en la historia anterior, pero se le nombra muchas veces. Y como lectora de vampiros que soy, pues sí estaba intrigada por los sires y las estirpes.
Que Lilit tenga su propia historia de amor después de cinco mil años, pues tenía que ser una como la que tiene con Roman, porque no iba a ser fácil que ella se involucrara. Él, desde luego, vale la pena.
En las dos historias se añaden tramas que le dan un toque de acción y misterio, que es lo que termina de completarlas.
Son historias cortas, no creo que sea necesario que hubieran sido más largas, éstas las encuentro perfectas así.
Y sus protagonistas tan opuestos, Vero tan moderna y directa, Viktor tan elegante y comedido. Me gusta cómo se van acercando y cómo se resuelve todo.
Inmortal también me ha gustado. Lilit aparece sólo un poco en la historia anterior, pero se le nombra muchas veces. Y como lectora de vampiros que soy, pues sí estaba intrigada por los sires y las estirpes.
Que Lilit tenga su propia historia de amor después de cinco mil años, pues tenía que ser una como la que tiene con Roman, porque no iba a ser fácil que ella se involucrara. Él, desde luego, vale la pena.
En las dos historias se añaden tramas que le dan un toque de acción y misterio, que es lo que termina de completarlas.
Son historias cortas, no creo que sea necesario que hubieran sido más largas, éstas las encuentro perfectas así.
October 18, 2026
her being team gale is really showing
October 12, 2026
this edition is GENIUS 😻😻
u read one novella then flip it upside down to read the other novella 🤗🤗
bound: 3.5 stars
unbound: 3.5 stars
romances: 4 stars
cover art: 5 stars
book concept: 5 stars
overall rating: 4 stars
u read one novella then flip it upside down to read the other novella 🤗🤗
bound: 3.5 stars
unbound: 3.5 stars
romances: 4 stars
cover art: 5 stars
book concept: 5 stars
overall rating: 4 stars
October 21, 2026
I loved this and I really enjoyed how both novellas complement each other! Ali can do no wrong but I wish she wrote more about the revenants!
October 22, 2026
Las dos historias son cortas pero entretenidas.
Tengo que decir que me gustó más Mortal, es un poco más larga y la trama me pareció más interesante.
Inmortal me gustó pero no llegué a empatizar mucho con la prota, quizás porque la historia es más corta y no da tiempo no se.
Tengo que decir que me gustó más Mortal, es un poco más larga y la trama me pareció más interesante.
Inmortal me gustó pero no llegué a empatizar mucho con la prota, quizás porque la historia es más corta y no da tiempo no se.
October 29, 2026
Me gustó más Mortal que Inmortal, pero en general las dos historias son muy adictivas.
October 18, 2026
Me duele decirlo porque Ali Hazelwood es una de mis autoras de cabecera, de las pocas que compro todo lo que publica, pero este libro no ha sido para mi.
Los dos relatos están relacionados y me ha gustado más el segundo, pero no he estado enganchada en ningún momento, no me he empatizado con ningún prota y la verdad, ha pasado por mis manos sin pena ni gloria.
Ha sido una enorme decepción.
Los dos relatos están relacionados y me ha gustado más el segundo, pero no he estado enganchada en ningún momento, no me he empatizado con ningún prota y la verdad, ha pasado por mis manos sin pena ni gloria.
Ha sido una enorme decepción.
October 13, 2026
Halloween Bingo 2026
I read this for the Romantic Suspense square of my 2026 Halloween Bingo card.
I am teetering on the edge of a reading slump and, strangely, romance novels (mostly paranormal romance novels) seem to be the antidote for me these days. I really enjoyed Hazelwood's Bride, so I happily put a hold on this volume of two novellas at my library.
They were good, light fun. Not on par with Bride IMO, but still entertaining. I would recommend reading Bound first, as characters from this novella have roles in Unbound. I am a big fan of vampire novels, although these beings prefer the term revenant in this fiction. There is enough of a plot beside the romance to keep things interesting (because let's face it, you know how a romance will end).
Thanks to Ms. Hazelwood for a slump busting book.
I read this for the Romantic Suspense square of my 2026 Halloween Bingo card.
I am teetering on the edge of a reading slump and, strangely, romance novels (mostly paranormal romance novels) seem to be the antidote for me these days. I really enjoyed Hazelwood's Bride, so I happily put a hold on this volume of two novellas at my library.
They were good, light fun. Not on par with Bride IMO, but still entertaining. I would recommend reading Bound first, as characters from this novella have roles in Unbound. I am a big fan of vampire novels, although these beings prefer the term revenant in this fiction. There is enough of a plot beside the romance to keep things interesting (because let's face it, you know how a romance will end).
Thanks to Ms. Hazelwood for a slump busting book.
October 12, 2026
La primera historia sería más un 4,5 y la segunda un 3,75, pero en general me han gusto mucho las dos.
October 8, 2026
3.5/5
Love it being about vampires. I was always more of a vampire type of girl. (Sorry Jacob (#TeamEdward))
(also, Bound > Unbound—but not by much)
Love it being about vampires. I was always more of a vampire type of girl. (Sorry Jacob (#TeamEdward))
(also, Bound > Unbound—but not by much)
Want to Read
August 3, 2026I am pretty sure Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong
November 2, 2026
❝Intenté dejar de desearte. No lo conseguí.❞
October 18, 2026
Pocas escriben como Ali, por poner un pero, prefiero las historias largas, están me han sabido a poco
Da igual sobre lo que escriba , aquí un mundo nuevo con personajes tan maravillosos, Vero mi favorita.
Da igual sobre lo que escriba , aquí un mundo nuevo con personajes tan maravillosos, Vero mi favorita.
October 22, 2026
Me encantaron Vero y Viktor 💕 Lilit y Roman también, solo que hubiera preferido verlos en un tipo de romance y estructura narrativa diferentes. Agradezco haber tenído algo de Ali para leer este año 💖
October 27, 2026
Ali me encanta, pero en esta oportunidad se me hizo pesado, poco interesante y no entré en las historias en ningún momento.
October 23, 2026
Bueno para pasar el rato leyendo sin mucha complicación y ligero lo recomiendo.👍🏻
Las dos historias son muy de Ali y por eso me gustan, eso si, aviso de que primero te leas MORTAL y después INMORTAL o si no te encontrarás con un spoiler muy grande. 🫶
Las dos historias son muy de Ali y por eso me gustan, eso si, aviso de que primero te leas MORTAL y después INMORTAL o si no te encontrarás con un spoiler muy grande. 🫶
October 23, 2026
Mortal: 4⭐
Inmortal: 3'5⭐
Inmortal: 3'5⭐
October 14, 2026
Bound — 4.5 🌟 I loved the lingering stares and grazing of hands UGHHHH he’s so quietly in love with her and she’s so unaware of it
Unbound — 3.5 🌟 I feel like the romance was severely lacking, but it’s most likely because the novella was a novella so it was pretty short
Unbound — 3.5 🌟 I feel like the romance was severely lacking, but it’s most likely because the novella was a novella so it was pretty short
October 13, 2026
A pesar de ser dos historias independientes, ambas se complementan de manera que "Inmortal" es el broche perfecto para la trama que se desarrolla en "Mortal". La guinda del pastel. Y, sin duda, lo que consigue saciar esas ganas de más que siempre se quedan flotando con las novelas cortas. Importante: Empezad por "Mortal" porque sino os comeréis bastantes spoilers.
Sobre los personajes... Tengo que decir que Viktor, se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes favoritos EVER, porque en fin, donde haya un tipo con síndrome de Mr. Darcy, ahí estará mi corazón.
Y, para quienes os preguntéis si estas historias están conectadas con el Universo de "Novia" y "Alfa", la respuesta es NO.
Sobre los personajes... Tengo que decir que Viktor, se ha convertido en uno de mis personajes favoritos EVER, porque en fin, donde haya un tipo con síndrome de Mr. Darcy, ahí estará mi corazón.
Y, para quienes os preguntéis si estas historias están conectadas con el Universo de "Novia" y "Alfa", la respuesta es NO.
October 12, 2026
listen i’m sure it’s deeply problematic and likely rooted in misogyny but i simply don’t like reading about men who are virgins
October 20, 2026
Una lectura que entretiene, que te distrae y que, si encima hablamos de vampiros, pues ya tenemos un punto a favor!
Tiene ese estilo tan característico de Ali Hazelwood, con una historia original que consigue mantenerte entretenida durante la lectura.
Si tengo que elegir, me quedo con Mortal. Me ha gustado más que Inmortal, tanto por la historia como por sus personajes, que me han convencido más.
Y aquí quiero hacer una recomendación importante sobre el orden de lectura, primero Mortal y después Inmortal. Aunque haya quien diga que da lo mismo, yo no estoy de acuerdo. Inmortal transcurre quince años después y, si la lees primero, te encontrarás con un spoiler enorme de lo que sucede en Mortal. Así que, por favor, respetad el orden!
Una novela entretenida, original y perfecta para desconectar un rato. Me ha gustado, sí, pero tampoco ha sido una lectura que me haya conquistado por completo.
Una historia de vampiros que se disfruta, aunque en mi caso, se queda en un 3,5.
💙💙💙
Tiene ese estilo tan característico de Ali Hazelwood, con una historia original que consigue mantenerte entretenida durante la lectura.
Si tengo que elegir, me quedo con Mortal. Me ha gustado más que Inmortal, tanto por la historia como por sus personajes, que me han convencido más.
Y aquí quiero hacer una recomendación importante sobre el orden de lectura, primero Mortal y después Inmortal. Aunque haya quien diga que da lo mismo, yo no estoy de acuerdo. Inmortal transcurre quince años después y, si la lees primero, te encontrarás con un spoiler enorme de lo que sucede en Mortal. Así que, por favor, respetad el orden!
Una novela entretenida, original y perfecta para desconectar un rato. Me ha gustado, sí, pero tampoco ha sido una lectura que me haya conquistado por completo.
Una historia de vampiros que se disfruta, aunque en mi caso, se queda en un 3,5.
💙💙💙
October 26, 2026
my shaylas
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