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Bound By Shame
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2026
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June 25, 2026
“I’m here. I’m sorry it took so long. You feel like a missing puzzle piece slotted into place. Like home.”
ARC Review!!
Okay I loved this so much!! I seriously devoured this!! The banter, the tension, the hurt-comfort >
These 3 had so much religious trauma I wanted to give them all a hug 😭
I loved each of these characters however, what keeps this from a 5 star is that I didn’t feel the chemistry between Seba & Andrea 🥲 it felt a little forced at times (in my opinion!!) but the dynamic between Cade & Sebastian? No notes. Their chemistry was off the charts and flowed naturally.
I adored the little Remy & Win cameos too🥹 they forever have a special place in my heart ♥️
I can’t wait for book 3!!
ARC Review!!
Okay I loved this so much!! I seriously devoured this!! The banter, the tension, the hurt-comfort >
These 3 had so much religious trauma I wanted to give them all a hug 😭
I loved each of these characters however, what keeps this from a 5 star is that I didn’t feel the chemistry between Seba & Andrea 🥲 it felt a little forced at times (in my opinion!!) but the dynamic between Cade & Sebastian? No notes. Their chemistry was off the charts and flowed naturally.
I adored the little Remy & Win cameos too🥹 they forever have a special place in my heart ♥️
I can’t wait for book 3!!
July 1, 2026
ARC Review 3.75 ⭐️
I enjoyed this book! The only thing missing for me was a bit more character development to really feel invested in these characters and their story. The foundation was there, but it felt like I only scratched the surface of each character and their individual struggles. They clearly shared a strong bond, but the time jump made it harder to fully connect with how those relationships became so deep.
Cade was the character I loved the most. His pain and trauma felt visceral. His energy infectious and endearing. Andreas’s strength in breaking away from her father and the church was incredibly moving, and I would have loved to learn more about Seba and his past as well. He had such a gentleness to him and fiercely protective. It was great to get tiny moments of Remy and Win and too. 💕
I also thought the author handled the religious trauma with care and nuance. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes in book three!
I enjoyed this book! The only thing missing for me was a bit more character development to really feel invested in these characters and their story. The foundation was there, but it felt like I only scratched the surface of each character and their individual struggles. They clearly shared a strong bond, but the time jump made it harder to fully connect with how those relationships became so deep.
Cade was the character I loved the most. His pain and trauma felt visceral. His energy infectious and endearing. Andreas’s strength in breaking away from her father and the church was incredibly moving, and I would have loved to learn more about Seba and his past as well. He had such a gentleness to him and fiercely protective. It was great to get tiny moments of Remy and Win and too. 💕
I also thought the author handled the religious trauma with care and nuance. I’m definitely curious to see where the story goes in book three!
Review of advance copy
Andrea, Cade, + Seba
-love triangle >> mmf throuple
-pastors daughter
-stepbrothers
-slow burn
-religious trauma
-“if i can’t have you, no one can”
mannnn...the religious deconstruction in this one was beautifully well done & the dynamics between these tree developed perfectly!! i love them your honor!! the set up with the separate part names & the chronic pain & mental illness that was handled in such a gentle yet natural way in its healing...i love julia & how she sets up stories & writes them & even tho she always wrecks me with this damn time jumps...its always needed & makes the most sense! im always obsessed with everything she writes & this one was no different!!
-love triangle >> mmf throuple
-pastors daughter
-stepbrothers
-slow burn
-religious trauma
-“if i can’t have you, no one can”
mannnn...the religious deconstruction in this one was beautifully well done & the dynamics between these tree developed perfectly!! i love them your honor!! the set up with the separate part names & the chronic pain & mental illness that was handled in such a gentle yet natural way in its healing...i love julia & how she sets up stories & writes them & even tho she always wrecks me with this damn time jumps...its always needed & makes the most sense! im always obsessed with everything she writes & this one was no different!!
June 27, 2026
5 stars
This book hit me so deeply from so many directions. It’s not an easy light read but worth it. If you grew up in the church and subsequently broke yourself out as an adult, you will see so much of your own struggle in these pages. Julia has done an incredibly raw and insightful job writing each of these 3 characters and i found myself comforting buried parts of myself as they came up while reading.
The snark and sass and banter in between all the hard stuff was perfect. Loved every bit.
Thank you Julia for the advanced copy to read and review!
This book hit me so deeply from so many directions. It’s not an easy light read but worth it. If you grew up in the church and subsequently broke yourself out as an adult, you will see so much of your own struggle in these pages. Julia has done an incredibly raw and insightful job writing each of these 3 characters and i found myself comforting buried parts of myself as they came up while reading.
The snark and sass and banter in between all the hard stuff was perfect. Loved every bit.
Thank you Julia for the advanced copy to read and review!
August 3, 2026
Having virtually just finished “for the fans” - which has a very similar concept, without the fmc - I have to say this comes up short. It’s very hard not to compare.
The spice is very restrained in this. The slow burn is decent at the start.
When they finally consummate, we barely get any savouring the moment before it all goes pear-shaped. That disappointing.
The timeline in this is also difficult. They spend 4 years apart and a hell if a lot of character growth and development takes place in the time. Which we just don’t see.
All 3 of them - Seba, Cade and Andrea - have trauma from growing up.
The story kind of starts with Andrea. You get invested. But it really bounces a lot. I do like getting Seba & Cade’s POV, helps us understand some of the trauma that is taking place. But it does mean we don’t connect as well as readers with the story.
At the end, I’m disappointed that I didn’t connect as well with any of the characters. And this could have almost been written without the love interest of Andrea. She ended up being like a side piece to it all.
Really struggled to connect with any of the main characters. Probably Cade was the closest, and that’s super disturbing.
The spice is very restrained in this. The slow burn is decent at the start.
When they finally consummate, we barely get any savouring the moment before it all goes pear-shaped. That disappointing.
The timeline in this is also difficult. They spend 4 years apart and a hell if a lot of character growth and development takes place in the time. Which we just don’t see.
All 3 of them - Seba, Cade and Andrea - have trauma from growing up.
The story kind of starts with Andrea. You get invested. But it really bounces a lot. I do like getting Seba & Cade’s POV, helps us understand some of the trauma that is taking place. But it does mean we don’t connect as well as readers with the story.
At the end, I’m disappointed that I didn’t connect as well with any of the characters. And this could have almost been written without the love interest of Andrea. She ended up being like a side piece to it all.
Really struggled to connect with any of the main characters. Probably Cade was the closest, and that’s super disturbing.
July 2, 2026
✨ ARC review ✨
🍊 Bound By Shame by Julia E. McColgan 🐍
“Damn her. Damn him. Damn me. Damn us all.”
OH. MY. GOD. 😭 let me start by saying, this is now one of my favorite reads of the year!! my emotions are all over the fucking place, and i couldn’t be happier about it. i wasn’t expecting to feel so DEEPLY reading this book. i mean yeah, the content warnings were there, but i am now and forever will be attached to these characters. i saw myself a little in each of them and im so glad they got their HARD EARNED happy ending. they truly deserved it.
Bound By Shame brings us Seba, Cade, and Andrea.. three people who are so different, yet so alike in some ways. they question themselves, the world around them, and even each other at times. religion and the corruption that sometimes goes with it is a huge aspect of this book, and the way the author shows how it changes people really hit me hard. to watch Seba question his faith, Cade struggling to cope at times, and Andrea rebel against everything she was taught reminded me so much of myself.
Seba is, at first, the devout Christian who recently gained a new stepbrother who happens to be an atheist (Cade). when Cade pushes all of Seba’s buttons, it takes a tremendous amount of control for him to not give in. it’s wrong. it’s a sin. he can’t..
..but he does. and when that fire ignites, it turns into a whole fucking inferno. the LOVE between these two, even before they admitted it to themselves, was so passionate, so all consuming. were there rough times? of course. the roughest. poor Cade dealt with more shit than he ever deserved. but Seba stuck through it, even when he was doubted. but he has some help..
..from Andrea. the pastors daughter gone wild. the girl in the window. man. this girl.
I wasn’t sure about her at first, but I love her so much. she too has been through some shit, with her asshole parents to blame. mainly the pastor. OHHH FUCK THAT GUY. AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY.
Andrea ends up stealing the hearts of both Seba and Cade, which, at first, is a bit of a clusterfuck because they are all still trying to figure out themselves. but then sweet chaos gremlin Cade plants an idea in their heads that maybe they can all three be together, and the rest… well, gets even more complicated from there lmao.
i loved how Julia did the scary thing with this book and just WENT FOR IT!!! and also wrote letters to the characters at the end of the book (cue EVEN MORE TEARS) 🥹 ugh i just wanna hug and kiss Cade so bad. (don’t tell Seba or Andrea i said that. 👀)
SIX. FUCKING. STARS. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‼️CHECK THE WARNINGS BEFORE READING PLZ‼️
some tidbits:
🍊 MMF
🐍 stepbrothers x pastors daughter
🍊 Andrea being a badass rebel girl
🐍 Cade being a chaos gremlin
🍊 Seba being a protective, yearning angel (or uh, maybe not so much an angel.. hehe)
🐍 mental illness rep
🍊 chronic illness rep
🐍 religious t r a u m a
🍊 Bound By Shame by Julia E. McColgan 🐍
“Damn her. Damn him. Damn me. Damn us all.”
OH. MY. GOD. 😭 let me start by saying, this is now one of my favorite reads of the year!! my emotions are all over the fucking place, and i couldn’t be happier about it. i wasn’t expecting to feel so DEEPLY reading this book. i mean yeah, the content warnings were there, but i am now and forever will be attached to these characters. i saw myself a little in each of them and im so glad they got their HARD EARNED happy ending. they truly deserved it.
Bound By Shame brings us Seba, Cade, and Andrea.. three people who are so different, yet so alike in some ways. they question themselves, the world around them, and even each other at times. religion and the corruption that sometimes goes with it is a huge aspect of this book, and the way the author shows how it changes people really hit me hard. to watch Seba question his faith, Cade struggling to cope at times, and Andrea rebel against everything she was taught reminded me so much of myself.
Seba is, at first, the devout Christian who recently gained a new stepbrother who happens to be an atheist (Cade). when Cade pushes all of Seba’s buttons, it takes a tremendous amount of control for him to not give in. it’s wrong. it’s a sin. he can’t..
..but he does. and when that fire ignites, it turns into a whole fucking inferno. the LOVE between these two, even before they admitted it to themselves, was so passionate, so all consuming. were there rough times? of course. the roughest. poor Cade dealt with more shit than he ever deserved. but Seba stuck through it, even when he was doubted. but he has some help..
..from Andrea. the pastors daughter gone wild. the girl in the window. man. this girl.
I wasn’t sure about her at first, but I love her so much. she too has been through some shit, with her asshole parents to blame. mainly the pastor. OHHH FUCK THAT GUY. AND NOT IN A GOOD WAY.
Andrea ends up stealing the hearts of both Seba and Cade, which, at first, is a bit of a clusterfuck because they are all still trying to figure out themselves. but then sweet chaos gremlin Cade plants an idea in their heads that maybe they can all three be together, and the rest… well, gets even more complicated from there lmao.
i loved how Julia did the scary thing with this book and just WENT FOR IT!!! and also wrote letters to the characters at the end of the book (cue EVEN MORE TEARS) 🥹 ugh i just wanna hug and kiss Cade so bad. (don’t tell Seba or Andrea i said that. 👀)
SIX. FUCKING. STARS. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‼️CHECK THE WARNINGS BEFORE READING PLZ‼️
some tidbits:
🍊 MMF
🐍 stepbrothers x pastors daughter
🍊 Andrea being a badass rebel girl
🐍 Cade being a chaos gremlin
🍊 Seba being a protective, yearning angel (or uh, maybe not so much an angel.. hehe)
🐍 mental illness rep
🍊 chronic illness rep
🐍 religious t r a u m a
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
4.5⭐
Julia McColgan's writing is what captivated me most about Bound by Shame. Her prose is beautiful and, at times, almost poetic. Every scene felt immersive, and she has a remarkable ability to draw you so deeply into her characters that you don't just understand what they're feeling, you feel it alongside them. Even when the story tackles its heaviest moments, there's a quiet beauty to the way she writes that kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
Religion serves as a central thread throughout the novel, shaping each character's experiences and the paths they take. It naturally weaves through themes of identity, shame, sexuality, trauma, and mental health, allowing those conversations to unfold in a way that felt thoughtful and intentional.
I really enjoyed Seba's journey as he came to terms with his sexuality. Watching him slowly untangle the shame he'd carried and embrace who he was felt authentic and heartfelt, and I loved seeing his relationship with Cade grow alongside that journey.
Andrea was an absolute powerhouse and one of my favorite characters. I appreciated that her chronic illness never defined her. It was simply one part of a resilient, compassionate, and fully realized woman, and Julia handled that aspect of her character with so much care and integrity.
Cade absolutely broke my heart. Julia's writing allowed me to step inside his mind and glimpse both the darkness of his mental health struggles and the beauty of his resilience. His journey was harrowing, but it was portrayed with such compassion that I fell in love with him as a person. Protect Cade at all costs.
Julia's writing never fails to amaze me. Every book of hers finds a new way to pull me in, immerse me completely in her characters, and remind me exactly why I fell for her writing in the first place. Bound by Shame is just one more reason I'll keep picking up everything she writes, no hesitation.
Julia McColgan's writing is what captivated me most about Bound by Shame. Her prose is beautiful and, at times, almost poetic. Every scene felt immersive, and she has a remarkable ability to draw you so deeply into her characters that you don't just understand what they're feeling, you feel it alongside them. Even when the story tackles its heaviest moments, there's a quiet beauty to the way she writes that kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
Religion serves as a central thread throughout the novel, shaping each character's experiences and the paths they take. It naturally weaves through themes of identity, shame, sexuality, trauma, and mental health, allowing those conversations to unfold in a way that felt thoughtful and intentional.
I really enjoyed Seba's journey as he came to terms with his sexuality. Watching him slowly untangle the shame he'd carried and embrace who he was felt authentic and heartfelt, and I loved seeing his relationship with Cade grow alongside that journey.
Andrea was an absolute powerhouse and one of my favorite characters. I appreciated that her chronic illness never defined her. It was simply one part of a resilient, compassionate, and fully realized woman, and Julia handled that aspect of her character with so much care and integrity.
Cade absolutely broke my heart. Julia's writing allowed me to step inside his mind and glimpse both the darkness of his mental health struggles and the beauty of his resilience. His journey was harrowing, but it was portrayed with such compassion that I fell in love with him as a person. Protect Cade at all costs.
Julia's writing never fails to amaze me. Every book of hers finds a new way to pull me in, immerse me completely in her characters, and remind me exactly why I fell for her writing in the first place. Bound by Shame is just one more reason I'll keep picking up everything she writes, no hesitation.
August 13, 2026
3,5 ⭐️ Cade is really the main character in this book and I love him so so much!!! 🧡
However, I really think this book shouldn’t have ended with the mc’s as throuple.. I would rather see the story initially being a love story between the three mc’s but ending up with only Seba and Cade in a HEA. It’s just so clear that the love (and chemistry holy fuck) between the guys was stronger. And i felt that this was obvious from the beginning. They were both interested in her but craved each other even more all the time. I feel like the guys really loved Andrea but not in that im your soulmate way as they loved each other. It made me feel a little bit bad for the fmc actually bc whyyy was she still in the equation in the end???. I also think Julia wrote it this way intentionally so that makes me even more confused? It would have made sense that Cade and Seba ends up together but with a found family relationship between them all.
With that said, I’m really excited for the next book in the series as i saw that is an another MM, and Julia writes those stories the best (I love Remy and Win ❤️🩹).
However, I really think this book shouldn’t have ended with the mc’s as throuple.. I would rather see the story initially being a love story between the three mc’s but ending up with only Seba and Cade in a HEA. It’s just so clear that the love (and chemistry holy fuck) between the guys was stronger. And i felt that this was obvious from the beginning. They were both interested in her but craved each other even more all the time. I feel like the guys really loved Andrea but not in that im your soulmate way as they loved each other. It made me feel a little bit bad for the fmc actually bc whyyy was she still in the equation in the end???. I also think Julia wrote it this way intentionally so that makes me even more confused? It would have made sense that Cade and Seba ends up together but with a found family relationship between them all.
With that said, I’m really excited for the next book in the series as i saw that is an another MM, and Julia writes those stories the best (I love Remy and Win ❤️🩹).
July 11, 2026
- Bound By Shame (4.5/5⭐️, best smut ive ever read. hands down. i truly have no words for this book. cade, my darling boy, i love you so incredibly much. parts of you healed parts of me. reading from an atheist’s perspective as an antitheist myself is such a freeing experience. i loved how raw this author writes her stories, she dives into the deeper topics in such a heartfelt way. i loved the win and remy snippets in this book aswell and i cannot wait for ashby and cassius’s book. (i really hope this author never stops writing). the representation in this book was really mind opening and beautifully written. i loved how attentive sebastian was, and how he always put his loved ones first. i adored how both andrea and sebastian learned to care for cade (i love how he’s the baby in the relationship, and if u can’t tell he’s my fav character). i really wish we went more into the relationship with their parents, and showed andrea a bit more but i truly loved this book and i cannot recommend it enough. andrea, seba, and especially cade have my heart. i love my mangled masterpieces.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
I thought I loved Win & Remy but dare I say, I think I love the Holt-Warren's more!!!! I took notes but bailed halfway through because their story absolutely sucked me in:
• Not the Christ Crispies!!! 🤣
• Blue and black
• "I wanna be in bicep jail" 🤣
• I CANNOT with the Baby ! A virgin top?! Im melting
• CAN SOMEONE GET ME A CIGARETTE
• Yellow 🥲
Cade's character literally took my brain by storm. He is such a beautiful, complicated soul but I shockingly found myself relating to him a little bit. I absolutely loved the fact that Julia included a snippet of his experience and thoughts while going through therapy. It definitely gave the effect I believe she was going for.
Sebastian is a badass. Period.
Andrea is hot as hell! I wish there was an indefinite solution to her "problem" in this story though. First world girl problems and I want answers for her! Lol I guess it just comes down to Seba's magical hands lol
Thank you for letting me ARC read 🖤
• Not the Christ Crispies!!! 🤣
• Blue and black
• "I wanna be in bicep jail" 🤣
• I CANNOT with the Baby ! A virgin top?! Im melting
• CAN SOMEONE GET ME A CIGARETTE
• Yellow 🥲
Cade's character literally took my brain by storm. He is such a beautiful, complicated soul but I shockingly found myself relating to him a little bit. I absolutely loved the fact that Julia included a snippet of his experience and thoughts while going through therapy. It definitely gave the effect I believe she was going for.
Sebastian is a badass. Period.
Andrea is hot as hell! I wish there was an indefinite solution to her "problem" in this story though. First world girl problems and I want answers for her! Lol I guess it just comes down to Seba's magical hands lol
Thank you for letting me ARC read 🖤
June 25, 2026
6 STARS. ⭐️
Where do I even start?! Okay, firstly, I devoured this. I couldn’t come for air and I was in a trance the entire time.
The loss of faith / athistem / religious trauma was so well done, I started to think Julia had hidden cameras in my brain because I have never felt more seen. This was healing in so many ways for me because as someone who still struggles with religion trauma, this hit close to home but in a comforting way. No shock here, tears were shed (did you feel them Julia?) 😩 but also smiles, giggles and swooning.
This was absolute perfection in the form of a book even the mental health rep was perfectly done. These souls fount each other when they needed it the most. They’re a piece of each other’s missing puzzle. 🥹
Where do I even start?! Okay, firstly, I devoured this. I couldn’t come for air and I was in a trance the entire time.
The loss of faith / athistem / religious trauma was so well done, I started to think Julia had hidden cameras in my brain because I have never felt more seen. This was healing in so many ways for me because as someone who still struggles with religion trauma, this hit close to home but in a comforting way. No shock here, tears were shed (did you feel them Julia?) 😩 but also smiles, giggles and swooning.
This was absolute perfection in the form of a book even the mental health rep was perfectly done. These souls fount each other when they needed it the most. They’re a piece of each other’s missing puzzle. 🥹
July 5, 2026
”Damn her. Damn him. Damn me. Damn us all.”
Listen, if Julia’s gonna write it, I’m gonna read it. It’s been such a long time since I devoured a book in two sittings (and it was only two sittings because I’m too old to pull an all-nighter anymore and I know my limits 😂). This was good. This was toxic. As someone who has been deconstructing for most of my life, the portrayal of religious trauma was raw and honest, and diabolically destructive and healing all at once. This was the kind of story that consumes and I know I’ll be thinking about Cade, Seba and Andrea for a long, long time.
“I’m here. I’m sorry it took so long. You feel like a missing puzzle piece slotted into place. Like home.”
(While this story can be read as a standalone, I HIGHLY recommend you read Ruin my Life first, not only because it’s brilliant, but to avoid spoilers regarding a few side characters.)
Listen, if Julia’s gonna write it, I’m gonna read it. It’s been such a long time since I devoured a book in two sittings (and it was only two sittings because I’m too old to pull an all-nighter anymore and I know my limits 😂). This was good. This was toxic. As someone who has been deconstructing for most of my life, the portrayal of religious trauma was raw and honest, and diabolically destructive and healing all at once. This was the kind of story that consumes and I know I’ll be thinking about Cade, Seba and Andrea for a long, long time.
“I’m here. I’m sorry it took so long. You feel like a missing puzzle piece slotted into place. Like home.”
(While this story can be read as a standalone, I HIGHLY recommend you read Ruin my Life first, not only because it’s brilliant, but to avoid spoilers regarding a few side characters.)
June 26, 2026
ARC REVIEW
That was beautiful. I can say with my full chest that this is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time to come. Sebastian, Cade and Andrea were made for each other and the love they fought to hold onto was magical.
Not only was this one of the most romantic stories I’ve read in a while, but the overarching plot that continued from Ruin My Life really came to a head in this story and seeing more behind the scenes was really wild.
Oh and Seba…. IYKYK 🥵
10/10 READ THIS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
That was beautiful. I can say with my full chest that this is one of those books that will stick with me for a long time to come. Sebastian, Cade and Andrea were made for each other and the love they fought to hold onto was magical.
Not only was this one of the most romantic stories I’ve read in a while, but the overarching plot that continued from Ruin My Life really came to a head in this story and seeing more behind the scenes was really wild.
Oh and Seba…. IYKYK 🥵
10/10 READ THIS
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
July 7, 2026
Arc Review:
♾️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yep, so Julia has done it again.
Bound by Shame absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
I finished this book with happy tears in my eyes, and that feeling you get when you've just read something that's going to live in your head for a very long time.
I've been waiting for Andrea's story ever since Ruin My Life, and wow, it was worth every second of the wait. Andrea, Cade, and Seba completely stole my heart. These three have been through so much, and the way Julia wrote their pain felt so raw and real. I loved that each character had their own healing journey that they were going through and didn't just spot light one.
There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the pages and give them all a hug... and a few other moments where I wanted to throw hands on their behalf.
Pastor Sinclair when I get you!!
He was just the worst. I have plenty of unholy words to say to that man.
The religious trauma woven throughout this story was heartbreaking, and uncomfortable at sometimes but nonetheless powerful.
The things that Cade & Andrea went through honestly had me in tears.
Multiple times. And in some of those moments they were hitting close to home.
This story was about three people carrying years of hurt, guilt and shame while trying to figure out who they truly were outside of all that pain.
It was beautiful watching them find their way to each other and being able to heal, trust and accept themselves as they truly are.
But this wasn't all hurt! The chemistry and romance between Andrea, Cade and Seba was off the charts!!
Oh and the tension between them?
You could cut it with a knife. The slow burn had me kicking my feet and the banter was top tier between them all.
The sweet moments were heart warming. And the spice? Damn it was HOT. The three of them were perfect for eachother. I love them all so so much.
Also getting to see little glimpses of win and Remy was such a nice little bonus too.
I can easily say this is going into my top reads of 2026!! 🤍🤍🥹
♾️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Yep, so Julia has done it again.
Bound by Shame absolutely wrecked me in the best possible way.
I finished this book with happy tears in my eyes, and that feeling you get when you've just read something that's going to live in your head for a very long time.
I've been waiting for Andrea's story ever since Ruin My Life, and wow, it was worth every second of the wait. Andrea, Cade, and Seba completely stole my heart. These three have been through so much, and the way Julia wrote their pain felt so raw and real. I loved that each character had their own healing journey that they were going through and didn't just spot light one.
There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the pages and give them all a hug... and a few other moments where I wanted to throw hands on their behalf.
Pastor Sinclair when I get you!!
He was just the worst. I have plenty of unholy words to say to that man.
The religious trauma woven throughout this story was heartbreaking, and uncomfortable at sometimes but nonetheless powerful.
The things that Cade & Andrea went through honestly had me in tears.
Multiple times. And in some of those moments they were hitting close to home.
This story was about three people carrying years of hurt, guilt and shame while trying to figure out who they truly were outside of all that pain.
It was beautiful watching them find their way to each other and being able to heal, trust and accept themselves as they truly are.
But this wasn't all hurt! The chemistry and romance between Andrea, Cade and Seba was off the charts!!
Oh and the tension between them?
You could cut it with a knife. The slow burn had me kicking my feet and the banter was top tier between them all.
The sweet moments were heart warming. And the spice? Damn it was HOT. The three of them were perfect for eachother. I love them all so so much.
Also getting to see little glimpses of win and Remy was such a nice little bonus too.
I can easily say this is going into my top reads of 2026!! 🤍🤍🥹
July 5, 2026
*ARC Review* I devoured this book! You can feel every rollercoaster of emotion in each of the characters. I felt that it was relatable as well. I also loved the format it was written in. Can’t wait for more!
July 11, 2026
I’m obsessed with this style of writing. Religious trauma books are a hit or a miss but I gotta say this one was a hit. My biggest fear in life is cades childhood. Swear I went through every emotion reading this book. Especially blue. Can’t wait for the third book.
June 18, 2026
ARC Review
Oh be still my heart 🥺 I need Cade to be protected at all costs, his characters story was so heartbreakingly harrowing that all I wanted to do was reach into my kindle and give him a bear hug and tell him it’ll all be okay 🥺 I adored the way Seba was with him and just understood him, it warmed my heart 🥺
I loved Andrea in ruin my life so it was nice to properly meet her and read her story! I loved the way she loved loudly without care of what anyone thinks. 🫶🏼
Don’t get me wrong these babies are a teensy bit toxic and this book had some hard to read topics so please do check the trigger warnings but overall I loved the characters and thought they were what eachother needed 🤍
Oh be still my heart 🥺 I need Cade to be protected at all costs, his characters story was so heartbreakingly harrowing that all I wanted to do was reach into my kindle and give him a bear hug and tell him it’ll all be okay 🥺 I adored the way Seba was with him and just understood him, it warmed my heart 🥺
I loved Andrea in ruin my life so it was nice to properly meet her and read her story! I loved the way she loved loudly without care of what anyone thinks. 🫶🏼
Don’t get me wrong these babies are a teensy bit toxic and this book had some hard to read topics so please do check the trigger warnings but overall I loved the characters and thought they were what eachother needed 🤍
July 12, 2026
Ok wow I’m still wiping away tears at this very moment. While I’ll stand on this being an MM, Andrea still held an important place in this book. In the authors note, she explains her perfectly. That she deserved to be taken care of by the people who love her. She’s allowed to let go, be soft, and to know she doesn’t have to make people love her even through tough patches. That the people who truly love you will stand with you through everything.
Seba, I’m loving you. I was mad when there was that 4 year gap where you stayed away from them but I understand why now. Understood how hard it was to stay away from the people you love most in the world but that you did it for a reason. That you’d do anything and everything to protect them and their peace. He was able to acknowledge throughout that time, that he was being taken advantage of by someone who claimed he needed guidance. So much so that he started to accept it and feel like he couldn’t be who he wanted to be with the people he loved. In those 4 years, he made that effort to change. Made the effort to be the best person he could be for his partners so that they knew they’d ALWAYS be safe with him 🥹
And Cade… I’m freaking sobbing. Loving the ever living fuck out of you. What the author did with his character was so heartbreaking but seeing him get help (even if he was forced at first), putting in the work to heal from his trauma was so so beautiful even in the midst of chaos. His relationship with Seba was really everything to me. The way they clung onto each other before he went away solidified who they were to each other. How they would always belong to each other even when they were apart. How when he was with Seba, his mom’s voice was quieter. It never really went away, but it was quieter. Just the way they loved and worshiped each other so deeply makes me so freaking emotional. And I really loved how much Andrea knew they needed each other too. Like I didn’t mind her, and I loved her purpose in this story, but her chemistry with the boys just didn’t seem to run as deep.
At the end after the much awaited take down, Seba bought them the orange grove farm and I about wanted to sob. He just wanted to create a safe space for their family and I really do love him to death for it. Those two were his entire freaking world and he would spend the rest of their lives making sure they knew it. The final chapter was perfect. Cade facing his greatest fear of exposing himself to a pool of water. He would never stop healing, but he would take this step because it was easier knowing he was safe with his partners while facing it. So unbelievably proud of him and what the author did with his journey.
Can’t wait for book 3 and of course loved the Win and Remy appearances!!
— quotes
“I’ve never met anyone like him. Even on the exterior, he's an anomaly, with ice blonde hair so light it’s almost translucent in the sun and angular features wrapped in snow white skin. But what really puts me on edge are his eyes: one pale blue like fog above the ocean, and the other, a glacier splashed with golden honey. Partial heterochromia. They unnerve me.”
“Christ help me. I’m convinced Cade Warren is Satan himself, testing my restraint. And I’m failing miserably.”
“He possesses the beauty of an angel with the cunning of the devil. A dangerous allure beneath a shifting illusion that he wields with expert precision, ensnaring the tempted and exploiting their darkest desires.”
“Why does it matter to you who I fuck?” —“Because no one gets to have you if I can’t.” (GAGGGGED)
“You want to taste me.” — “No.” My upper lip curls. “I want to fucking devour you.” (Screaming)
“Sin never looked so holy. For the first time in my life, I kneel for someone other than my God.”
“Sweet poison,” I whisper, licking through his iliac crest. “So delicious.” Rearing back, I gaze down at the map of marks I’ve left. “But so toxic.” His glazed eyes track my hand as it covers the bulge in his boxers and squeezes. “Making me fucking sick.”
“Day in and day out, I’m actively fighting the urge to inhale him. When he’s around, it’s like I can’t see anything else. I might’ve been the one devouring him, but he’s the one consuming me.”
“Dark hair is plastered to his forehead, rivulets racing down the slope of his nose and collecting in the seam of his lips. Water has never been beautiful to me. It’s beautiful on him, though.”
“If you ever—” I can't say it. I swallow a sob that scrapes all the way down. “You find me first.” (Crying)
“”Fucking hell, you’re gonna be the end of me,” he sighs. Featherlight touches skim under the waistband of my shorts. “I’m not meant to have you.” You already do.”
“You’re a fucking heathen.” — “And you wanna come to hell with me.”
“I was at a disadvantage.” “Were you?” I smirk. He nods. “You’re wearing my jersey.” “Ahhh, your kryptonite.” — “Yeah… you are.”
“It’s featherlight at first—a phantom kiss. Until it’s not. He sucks my bottom lip, rolling it through his teeth and drawing a moan out of me. Gripping his hair, I angle him for better access. He breaks for a breath that I inhale, sweeping my tongue into his mouth. Sweet. Just like he smells. I groan and deepen the kiss, losing myself in the languid stroke of his tongue. Before I know it, my fortress lies in rubble at Cade Warren’s feet.”
“She’s special,” — “She is.” Gravel lines my throat. “But so are you.”
“The contrast of this kiss to my first kiss with Seba is mind-boggling. With Seba, it was gentle and languid, like I was a precious thing to be cherished–taken apart slowly and reverently. With Cade? It’s aggressive. Chaotic. Passionate and unrestrained.”
“I will suffer for them. Because the alternative is unthinkable. I’ll protect Andrea and Cade until my judgment day.”
“The first time I saw Sebastian, I thought it’d be fun to corrupt him. I thought, “How hilarious would it be to make this straight, religious football douche fall for me?” Joke's on me, though, because my dumbass fell so much harder.”
“One thousand, six hundred and thirty-two days,” I murmur. “What?” — “That’s how long it’s been.” (😭😭)
“Once wasn’t enough. It’ll never be enough. I want this ass every fucking day, multiple times a day, every way I can have it. It’s mine. You are mine. Whether you wanna admit it or not, you belong to me.”
“I’m serious, Sebastian,” — “So am I. You’re mine. You told me so in that bathroom upstairs four years ago. You don’t get to take that back.”
“And here I was thinking my medication destroyed my sex drive. Nope. I’m just dick-whipped. To Sebastian fucking Holt.”
“This is your fault, you know,” — “This obsession. This need for you. You’re the one who seduced me. You’re the one who opened my eyes and made me feel. These are the consequences of your actions.”
“God, I love your bite. Your fire. Your fight.” — “You don’t deserve me.” — “I don’t. But I won’t stop. I’ll never stop. You own me as much as I own you.” (Stop)
“I know you don’t believe me, but I won’t give up on us. Ever. You can push me away. You can fight me until I’m bleeding out. You can deny me, run from me, hate me, break me and I’ll still be here, doing everything I can to make this world a safer, better place for you. Because you’ve suffered enough, baby. It’s time someone takes care of you.”
“I can breathe again. Kissing Cade is a sacrament, one I participate in with reverence for how precious it is. How privileged I am to taste his body and drink his venom.”
“This? This is my religion. Fuck God, I worship you.”
“So it's… nice. To be thought of.” He presses a kiss on the top of my head. “You’re all I think about.” (Crying 😭)
“You’re my first thought in the morning and my last before bed. When I’m away from you, I wonder what you’re doing. If you’re smiling. If you’re being treated right. If you need me. If you’re thinking of me, too. And the more I learn about you, the more I think of all the things I want to give you. All the experiences I want us to share and the places I want to take you. I think about how lucky I am to be this close to you. To be the one you’ve opened up to about the darkest things you’ve overcome, and how fucking proud I am of you for fighting through it.” (Oh i really cant 😭😭)
“I think, little by little, I’ve fallen in love with every single version of you—the vicious, sweet, reckless, beautiful pieces that make you irresistible and irreplaceable.”
“You mean that?” — “With everything in me.” His gaze mists over. “Fuck, Cade… It’s honestly terrifying how much I love you.”
“I’m scared,” I croak. “Because loving you means I could lose you. And I can’t—I can’t do that again.” — “You won’t lose me, baby. You’ll never lose me.”
“He’s laughing and Andrea is doubled over and I’m definitely rocking a boner as I plant a wet one on each of their mouths—because they’re mine and they’re together and—“This is the best day of my life.””
“Every day, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that what he feels for both of you isn’t wrong. It’s beautiful and complete for each of you.”
“The three of us? We’re stuck with each other. Forever. Even in the afterlife. And the after-afterlife. And whatever the fuck is after that, because there’s not a place in any world, universe, or realm where we don’t belong together. We're a package deal. Our souls? Superglued at the seams. We’re an unholy trinity, bound by shame and forged in hellfire.“
“Baby, you promised to find me first. Find me.” (Cryinggggg)
“But I remember every single word Sebastian Holt and Andrea Sinclair have ever said to me. Every single touch, carved into my heart. Pieces of me might be gone forever, but the cracks left in my soul have been filled.”
“Yeah, babe. He's real. And he loves you. Just as much as I do. (😭😭)
“Cade stops on the top step and laughs. Full and light with surprise. “Fuck, I love you.” Seba’s hand shoots to his throat and smashes their mouths together.”
“We’re human—we’re brought into the world flawed. But we learn. We forgive. And we keep showing up for each other.”
“God help me,” — “God ain’t helping any of us, sweetheart. You’re stuck with us.”
“Maybe there is a thing called fate. Maybe things do happen for a reason. Because I know in my soul, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
“But I haven’t been submerged in water since… This isn’t the water I remember. It’s… Not horrible. “I don’t hate it.”” — “Hell yes! Look at you giving fear the middle finger!” — “So fucking proud of you, baby.” (I just 🥹)
“Will the fear ever fully go away? Unlikely. Healing isn’t linear and I’ve got an ocean’s worth of trauma to navigate. But it’s a step. A really big step. So I’ll fucking take it.”
Seba, I’m loving you. I was mad when there was that 4 year gap where you stayed away from them but I understand why now. Understood how hard it was to stay away from the people you love most in the world but that you did it for a reason. That you’d do anything and everything to protect them and their peace. He was able to acknowledge throughout that time, that he was being taken advantage of by someone who claimed he needed guidance. So much so that he started to accept it and feel like he couldn’t be who he wanted to be with the people he loved. In those 4 years, he made that effort to change. Made the effort to be the best person he could be for his partners so that they knew they’d ALWAYS be safe with him 🥹
And Cade… I’m freaking sobbing. Loving the ever living fuck out of you. What the author did with his character was so heartbreaking but seeing him get help (even if he was forced at first), putting in the work to heal from his trauma was so so beautiful even in the midst of chaos. His relationship with Seba was really everything to me. The way they clung onto each other before he went away solidified who they were to each other. How they would always belong to each other even when they were apart. How when he was with Seba, his mom’s voice was quieter. It never really went away, but it was quieter. Just the way they loved and worshiped each other so deeply makes me so freaking emotional. And I really loved how much Andrea knew they needed each other too. Like I didn’t mind her, and I loved her purpose in this story, but her chemistry with the boys just didn’t seem to run as deep.
At the end after the much awaited take down, Seba bought them the orange grove farm and I about wanted to sob. He just wanted to create a safe space for their family and I really do love him to death for it. Those two were his entire freaking world and he would spend the rest of their lives making sure they knew it. The final chapter was perfect. Cade facing his greatest fear of exposing himself to a pool of water. He would never stop healing, but he would take this step because it was easier knowing he was safe with his partners while facing it. So unbelievably proud of him and what the author did with his journey.
Can’t wait for book 3 and of course loved the Win and Remy appearances!!
— quotes
“I’ve never met anyone like him. Even on the exterior, he's an anomaly, with ice blonde hair so light it’s almost translucent in the sun and angular features wrapped in snow white skin. But what really puts me on edge are his eyes: one pale blue like fog above the ocean, and the other, a glacier splashed with golden honey. Partial heterochromia. They unnerve me.”
“Christ help me. I’m convinced Cade Warren is Satan himself, testing my restraint. And I’m failing miserably.”
“He possesses the beauty of an angel with the cunning of the devil. A dangerous allure beneath a shifting illusion that he wields with expert precision, ensnaring the tempted and exploiting their darkest desires.”
“Why does it matter to you who I fuck?” —“Because no one gets to have you if I can’t.” (GAGGGGED)
“You want to taste me.” — “No.” My upper lip curls. “I want to fucking devour you.” (Screaming)
“Sin never looked so holy. For the first time in my life, I kneel for someone other than my God.”
“Sweet poison,” I whisper, licking through his iliac crest. “So delicious.” Rearing back, I gaze down at the map of marks I’ve left. “But so toxic.” His glazed eyes track my hand as it covers the bulge in his boxers and squeezes. “Making me fucking sick.”
“Day in and day out, I’m actively fighting the urge to inhale him. When he’s around, it’s like I can’t see anything else. I might’ve been the one devouring him, but he’s the one consuming me.”
“Dark hair is plastered to his forehead, rivulets racing down the slope of his nose and collecting in the seam of his lips. Water has never been beautiful to me. It’s beautiful on him, though.”
“If you ever—” I can't say it. I swallow a sob that scrapes all the way down. “You find me first.” (Crying)
“”Fucking hell, you’re gonna be the end of me,” he sighs. Featherlight touches skim under the waistband of my shorts. “I’m not meant to have you.” You already do.”
“You’re a fucking heathen.” — “And you wanna come to hell with me.”
“I was at a disadvantage.” “Were you?” I smirk. He nods. “You’re wearing my jersey.” “Ahhh, your kryptonite.” — “Yeah… you are.”
“It’s featherlight at first—a phantom kiss. Until it’s not. He sucks my bottom lip, rolling it through his teeth and drawing a moan out of me. Gripping his hair, I angle him for better access. He breaks for a breath that I inhale, sweeping my tongue into his mouth. Sweet. Just like he smells. I groan and deepen the kiss, losing myself in the languid stroke of his tongue. Before I know it, my fortress lies in rubble at Cade Warren’s feet.”
“She’s special,” — “She is.” Gravel lines my throat. “But so are you.”
“The contrast of this kiss to my first kiss with Seba is mind-boggling. With Seba, it was gentle and languid, like I was a precious thing to be cherished–taken apart slowly and reverently. With Cade? It’s aggressive. Chaotic. Passionate and unrestrained.”
“I will suffer for them. Because the alternative is unthinkable. I’ll protect Andrea and Cade until my judgment day.”
“The first time I saw Sebastian, I thought it’d be fun to corrupt him. I thought, “How hilarious would it be to make this straight, religious football douche fall for me?” Joke's on me, though, because my dumbass fell so much harder.”
“One thousand, six hundred and thirty-two days,” I murmur. “What?” — “That’s how long it’s been.” (😭😭)
“Once wasn’t enough. It’ll never be enough. I want this ass every fucking day, multiple times a day, every way I can have it. It’s mine. You are mine. Whether you wanna admit it or not, you belong to me.”
“I’m serious, Sebastian,” — “So am I. You’re mine. You told me so in that bathroom upstairs four years ago. You don’t get to take that back.”
“And here I was thinking my medication destroyed my sex drive. Nope. I’m just dick-whipped. To Sebastian fucking Holt.”
“This is your fault, you know,” — “This obsession. This need for you. You’re the one who seduced me. You’re the one who opened my eyes and made me feel. These are the consequences of your actions.”
“God, I love your bite. Your fire. Your fight.” — “You don’t deserve me.” — “I don’t. But I won’t stop. I’ll never stop. You own me as much as I own you.” (Stop)
“I know you don’t believe me, but I won’t give up on us. Ever. You can push me away. You can fight me until I’m bleeding out. You can deny me, run from me, hate me, break me and I’ll still be here, doing everything I can to make this world a safer, better place for you. Because you’ve suffered enough, baby. It’s time someone takes care of you.”
“I can breathe again. Kissing Cade is a sacrament, one I participate in with reverence for how precious it is. How privileged I am to taste his body and drink his venom.”
“This? This is my religion. Fuck God, I worship you.”
“So it's… nice. To be thought of.” He presses a kiss on the top of my head. “You’re all I think about.” (Crying 😭)
“You’re my first thought in the morning and my last before bed. When I’m away from you, I wonder what you’re doing. If you’re smiling. If you’re being treated right. If you need me. If you’re thinking of me, too. And the more I learn about you, the more I think of all the things I want to give you. All the experiences I want us to share and the places I want to take you. I think about how lucky I am to be this close to you. To be the one you’ve opened up to about the darkest things you’ve overcome, and how fucking proud I am of you for fighting through it.” (Oh i really cant 😭😭)
“I think, little by little, I’ve fallen in love with every single version of you—the vicious, sweet, reckless, beautiful pieces that make you irresistible and irreplaceable.”
“You mean that?” — “With everything in me.” His gaze mists over. “Fuck, Cade… It’s honestly terrifying how much I love you.”
“I’m scared,” I croak. “Because loving you means I could lose you. And I can’t—I can’t do that again.” — “You won’t lose me, baby. You’ll never lose me.”
“He’s laughing and Andrea is doubled over and I’m definitely rocking a boner as I plant a wet one on each of their mouths—because they’re mine and they’re together and—“This is the best day of my life.””
“Every day, I wish I could go back and tell my younger self that what he feels for both of you isn’t wrong. It’s beautiful and complete for each of you.”
“The three of us? We’re stuck with each other. Forever. Even in the afterlife. And the after-afterlife. And whatever the fuck is after that, because there’s not a place in any world, universe, or realm where we don’t belong together. We're a package deal. Our souls? Superglued at the seams. We’re an unholy trinity, bound by shame and forged in hellfire.“
“Baby, you promised to find me first. Find me.” (Cryinggggg)
“But I remember every single word Sebastian Holt and Andrea Sinclair have ever said to me. Every single touch, carved into my heart. Pieces of me might be gone forever, but the cracks left in my soul have been filled.”
“Yeah, babe. He's real. And he loves you. Just as much as I do. (😭😭)
“Cade stops on the top step and laughs. Full and light with surprise. “Fuck, I love you.” Seba’s hand shoots to his throat and smashes their mouths together.”
“We’re human—we’re brought into the world flawed. But we learn. We forgive. And we keep showing up for each other.”
“God help me,” — “God ain’t helping any of us, sweetheart. You’re stuck with us.”
“Maybe there is a thing called fate. Maybe things do happen for a reason. Because I know in my soul, I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
“But I haven’t been submerged in water since… This isn’t the water I remember. It’s… Not horrible. “I don’t hate it.”” — “Hell yes! Look at you giving fear the middle finger!” — “So fucking proud of you, baby.” (I just 🥹)
“Will the fear ever fully go away? Unlikely. Healing isn’t linear and I’ve got an ocean’s worth of trauma to navigate. But it’s a step. A really big step. So I’ll fucking take it.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2026
Review for advanced copy by author >
MMF, second chance, mental health rep, religious trauma and recovery, Pastors daughter, stepbrothers. I ate this book up, it was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and it did not disappoint. I crave writing like Julie’s, she’s not afraid to dig deep on dark topics and her characters always feel real and fleshed out. The southern gothic vibe of this story absolutely hit, I am now an huge Ethel Cain fan because of the amazing music playlist for this story.
The second chance took me by surprise, I wish we could have gotten more of seba’s growth and him working through his religious trauma and his struggles being away from Cade and Andrea. There was a lot of focus on Cade and Seba’s relationship and I feel like Andrea wasn’t included as much till about 60% in.
I loved the crumbs and cameos of Remy and Win, the epilogue where all the boys meet was hilarious. I really hope we get more of this series because I’m obsessed.
MMF, second chance, mental health rep, religious trauma and recovery, Pastors daughter, stepbrothers. I ate this book up, it was one of my most anticipated reads for this year and it did not disappoint. I crave writing like Julie’s, she’s not afraid to dig deep on dark topics and her characters always feel real and fleshed out. The southern gothic vibe of this story absolutely hit, I am now an huge Ethel Cain fan because of the amazing music playlist for this story.
The second chance took me by surprise, I wish we could have gotten more of seba’s growth and him working through his religious trauma and his struggles being away from Cade and Andrea. There was a lot of focus on Cade and Seba’s relationship and I feel like Andrea wasn’t included as much till about 60% in.
I loved the crumbs and cameos of Remy and Win, the epilogue where all the boys meet was hilarious. I really hope we get more of this series because I’m obsessed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a phenomenal book that I don’t even know where to begin. This book pulled so many emotions out of me for very personal reasons. I grew up in a heavily religious home quite like Andrea’s. I really resonated with her character the most. Julia’s writing is flawless in her ability to humanize these characters and evolve them to a controversial theme. This was beautifully written and isn’t just another MM stepbrothers romance, love triangle or why choose journey of religiously repressed characters. I feel Bound by Shame to be a heartwrenching story with a captivating plot. I couldn’t put this book down and wish that I could read it for the first time again.
We originally met Andrea in Ruin My Life. She was a really good friend to Remy and stood up for Remy and Win. She exuberated strength, femininity, and a give no fucks attitude but she also had a mysterious vibe about her. I found her character intriguing and was so ready for her book.
Andrea is the daughter of a pastor and part of a conservative middle class family in Southern Florida. She’s the good girl, the church girl and always does the right thing. She’s become jaded and stunted in her faith after watching her best friend, Remy, struggle with his mental health and Win leaving. She feels unseen by her peers and that God doesn’t hear her. She meets two stepbrothers, Sebastian & Cade, who move in next door. Sebastian and Cade are different and she develops a friendship with each of them.
Sebastian and Cade’s parents are newly married and moving in together for the first time. Sebastian’s father and Cade’s mother are dead and each of them copes with that loss differently. Sebastian holds to his faith like it's a lifeline to keep him from veering off the path. Meanwhile, Cade laughs and taunts Sebastian, his religion and anyone who has religious beliefs.
As the story unfolds, this trio faces adversity and show significant growth. Their relationship also develops into something more. There were so many parallels to southern life and conservative religious upbringing that really had me in my emotions. I found Julia’s depiction of this and the characters’ interactions as they navigated through to be profound and impactful. Bound by Shame was a refreshing take on southern gothic romance and was pure PERFECTION.
Tropes: MMF, Stepbrothers (yes, the swords ⚔️), Pastor's daughter, love triangle -> throuple, Ethel Cain vibes / southern gothic, switches/verse, Bi-awakening, YEARNING, chronic pain rep, mental illness rep, religious traûma, slow burn, "if I can't have you, no one can", fighting as 4play
We originally met Andrea in Ruin My Life. She was a really good friend to Remy and stood up for Remy and Win. She exuberated strength, femininity, and a give no fucks attitude but she also had a mysterious vibe about her. I found her character intriguing and was so ready for her book.
Andrea is the daughter of a pastor and part of a conservative middle class family in Southern Florida. She’s the good girl, the church girl and always does the right thing. She’s become jaded and stunted in her faith after watching her best friend, Remy, struggle with his mental health and Win leaving. She feels unseen by her peers and that God doesn’t hear her. She meets two stepbrothers, Sebastian & Cade, who move in next door. Sebastian and Cade are different and she develops a friendship with each of them.
Sebastian and Cade’s parents are newly married and moving in together for the first time. Sebastian’s father and Cade’s mother are dead and each of them copes with that loss differently. Sebastian holds to his faith like it's a lifeline to keep him from veering off the path. Meanwhile, Cade laughs and taunts Sebastian, his religion and anyone who has religious beliefs.
As the story unfolds, this trio faces adversity and show significant growth. Their relationship also develops into something more. There were so many parallels to southern life and conservative religious upbringing that really had me in my emotions. I found Julia’s depiction of this and the characters’ interactions as they navigated through to be profound and impactful. Bound by Shame was a refreshing take on southern gothic romance and was pure PERFECTION.
Tropes: MMF, Stepbrothers (yes, the swords ⚔️), Pastor's daughter, love triangle -> throuple, Ethel Cain vibes / southern gothic, switches/verse, Bi-awakening, YEARNING, chronic pain rep, mental illness rep, religious traûma, slow burn, "if I can't have you, no one can", fighting as 4play
Review of advance copy received from Author
First, I want to thank the lovely Julia McColgan for the gifted eARC of Bound By Shame to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Julia has done it again. Bound By Shame has instantly consumed my entire soul and I am so happy I had a chance to be able to review this early before it is released. The first book in this series, Ruin My Life, severely broke my heart and pieced it back together only for Bound By Shame to come along and do the same exact thing to me.
Andrea, Seb and Cade were such a relatable trio. Every single one of them was flawed in some way, shape or form but found solace and comfort in one another. Pair that with the religious trauma background and these three will just find a forever home in your heart. The attraction, the pure love between these three and the trauma bonding and healing that they all went through together was just so tragically beautiful that I found myself on edge the entire time, especially due to the religious trauma background.
Religion is one of the most powerful things in the world. It shapes people and their thoughts and beliefs on what’s considered right or unholy. While I respect religions, when it comes to love, I feel like love should be the one thing that isn’t ruled by rules of religion. That’s how these three struggled a lot in this story. The strict rules, the power of having a pastor for a father and just the way that everything was forced upon them to either repent or never be forgiven just drove a wedge between people, especially family members.
Cade was so beautiful yet broken and he truly represented trauma and healing the most. He needed a strong anchor and when Seb and Andrea became that for him, I was so happy. Seb was the classic martyr that wouldn’t let anything hurt the only two people he truly loved and cared about. Andrea suffered at the hands of her pastor father but even when she escaped him, she carried so much stress and tension that it caused her physical pain. When the three of them came together, it was like the most blissful feeling while reading. I also really loved the therapy sessions that were included as well as the use of colors being able to indicate your emotions.
Overall, this book was fantastic and I cannot wait to see what more stories Julia brings to the table.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
Julia has done it again. Bound By Shame has instantly consumed my entire soul and I am so happy I had a chance to be able to review this early before it is released. The first book in this series, Ruin My Life, severely broke my heart and pieced it back together only for Bound By Shame to come along and do the same exact thing to me.
Andrea, Seb and Cade were such a relatable trio. Every single one of them was flawed in some way, shape or form but found solace and comfort in one another. Pair that with the religious trauma background and these three will just find a forever home in your heart. The attraction, the pure love between these three and the trauma bonding and healing that they all went through together was just so tragically beautiful that I found myself on edge the entire time, especially due to the religious trauma background.
Religion is one of the most powerful things in the world. It shapes people and their thoughts and beliefs on what’s considered right or unholy. While I respect religions, when it comes to love, I feel like love should be the one thing that isn’t ruled by rules of religion. That’s how these three struggled a lot in this story. The strict rules, the power of having a pastor for a father and just the way that everything was forced upon them to either repent or never be forgiven just drove a wedge between people, especially family members.
Cade was so beautiful yet broken and he truly represented trauma and healing the most. He needed a strong anchor and when Seb and Andrea became that for him, I was so happy. Seb was the classic martyr that wouldn’t let anything hurt the only two people he truly loved and cared about. Andrea suffered at the hands of her pastor father but even when she escaped him, she carried so much stress and tension that it caused her physical pain. When the three of them came together, it was like the most blissful feeling while reading. I also really loved the therapy sessions that were included as well as the use of colors being able to indicate your emotions.
Overall, this book was fantastic and I cannot wait to see what more stories Julia brings to the table.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is truly an amazing book that made me feel so deeply. If you’ve read Ruin My Life then you know Julia writes such raw stories. We met Andrea- Remy’s best friend in the first book in the Mangled Masterpiece series. In Bound by Shame we learn Andrea is the pastor’s daughter, met with expectations heavily influenced by her father’s religious beliefs which she no longer shares. Across the street two step brothers move in, Cade and Seba. Cade is unapologetically himself, an atheist, and is not repressed by anyone’s expectations. An artist who is unpredictable with deep trauma, but a beautiful soul. Cade is a temptation to Seba, who reluctantly tries to shut that part of himself down. Seba is weighed down by expectations such as religion and by the version of himself he thinks he needs to be. When these three finally give into temptation together, it’s filled with such passion but leads to tragedy and someone needs to be the martyr.
I loved these characters so much, but if I had to pick a favorite it would probably be Seba. How he takes care of others and protects them is just so alluring. When Seba stops caring what others think and does what he wants it’s honestly so beautiful. Our Gemini boy Cade, the trauma he goes through and the healing he does will make you fall in love with him. My heart broke more than once while reading this. Andrea is honest and raw and brings so much to the story and their relationship. She protects the people closest to her and is highly empathetic to those she cares for. Mental health and religious trauma are heavy themes throughout this book. The spice in this book is impeccably done I do not blush often but I did in a certain church scene. We also get glimpses of Remy and Win throughout this book which I loved.
I know you will love these three as much as me. They are very clearly meant to be together, and complete each other. Bound by Shame was written so well, with shorter chapters and multiple POV. This is the type of story that will consume your mind, it was written so beautifully and will make you feel so deeply. I am so honored to have read this as a street team member. Thank you so much ❤️
This is truly an amazing book that made me feel so deeply. If you’ve read Ruin My Life then you know Julia writes such raw stories. We met Andrea- Remy’s best friend in the first book in the Mangled Masterpiece series. In Bound by Shame we learn Andrea is the pastor’s daughter, met with expectations heavily influenced by her father’s religious beliefs which she no longer shares. Across the street two step brothers move in, Cade and Seba. Cade is unapologetically himself, an atheist, and is not repressed by anyone’s expectations. An artist who is unpredictable with deep trauma, but a beautiful soul. Cade is a temptation to Seba, who reluctantly tries to shut that part of himself down. Seba is weighed down by expectations such as religion and by the version of himself he thinks he needs to be. When these three finally give into temptation together, it’s filled with such passion but leads to tragedy and someone needs to be the martyr.
I loved these characters so much, but if I had to pick a favorite it would probably be Seba. How he takes care of others and protects them is just so alluring. When Seba stops caring what others think and does what he wants it’s honestly so beautiful. Our Gemini boy Cade, the trauma he goes through and the healing he does will make you fall in love with him. My heart broke more than once while reading this. Andrea is honest and raw and brings so much to the story and their relationship. She protects the people closest to her and is highly empathetic to those she cares for. Mental health and religious trauma are heavy themes throughout this book. The spice in this book is impeccably done I do not blush often but I did in a certain church scene. We also get glimpses of Remy and Win throughout this book which I loved.
I know you will love these three as much as me. They are very clearly meant to be together, and complete each other. Bound by Shame was written so well, with shorter chapters and multiple POV. This is the type of story that will consume your mind, it was written so beautifully and will make you feel so deeply. I am so honored to have read this as a street team member. Thank you so much ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
Bound in Shame- Julia E. McColgan
Release date July 7th 2026
This book does not shy away from religious trauma, deconstructing religious beliefs and mental health. It is HEAVY on the hurt in the hurt/comfort trope. If you are sensitive to triggers make sure you read the warnings for this!
From the first page you are held captive and rooting for our MMCs and FMC. The dynamic of their relationship is interesting to me. In most MMF books I have read the woman in this case Andrea helps bridge the relationship for our MMC here being Sebastian and Cade. However what Julia does is have Cade be the bind that brings them all together. Whether intentional or not it really works here. This is not to say that Andrea doesn’t hold an important place role in their throuple but rather the strongest of pairings is Cade and Seba.
Andrea, the pastors daughter that starts doubting her faith in large part because of what is happening in her best friend Remys life (if you haven’t read Ruin my Life, I highly recommended as this book does run on an overlapping time line). Seba a devote, finds himself with a new step brother who gets under his skin and has him questioning his faith and his sanity at times. Cade sweet Cade, he is an atheist that has some very deep rooted trauma and mental health issues, just wants to ok.
The three of them fit together so perfectly and even with time passing while they find themselves and heal the love these 3 have for each other never fades. Not to mention the spice is spicing and the tender moments are heart melting.
I don’t want to give anything away as this book would best be read blind (just know there is a HEA but they have to fight for it and each other).
This book is so well written, it’s brutal, real, and there are moments of real sweetness in its pages. These characters and their fight will stay with you long after you are finished with the epilogue.
Bound in Shame- Julia E. McColgan
Release date July 7th 2026
This book does not shy away from religious trauma, deconstructing religious beliefs and mental health. It is HEAVY on the hurt in the hurt/comfort trope. If you are sensitive to triggers make sure you read the warnings for this!
From the first page you are held captive and rooting for our MMCs and FMC. The dynamic of their relationship is interesting to me. In most MMF books I have read the woman in this case Andrea helps bridge the relationship for our MMC here being Sebastian and Cade. However what Julia does is have Cade be the bind that brings them all together. Whether intentional or not it really works here. This is not to say that Andrea doesn’t hold an important place role in their throuple but rather the strongest of pairings is Cade and Seba.
Andrea, the pastors daughter that starts doubting her faith in large part because of what is happening in her best friend Remys life (if you haven’t read Ruin my Life, I highly recommended as this book does run on an overlapping time line). Seba a devote, finds himself with a new step brother who gets under his skin and has him questioning his faith and his sanity at times. Cade sweet Cade, he is an atheist that has some very deep rooted trauma and mental health issues, just wants to ok.
The three of them fit together so perfectly and even with time passing while they find themselves and heal the love these 3 have for each other never fades. Not to mention the spice is spicing and the tender moments are heart melting.
I don’t want to give anything away as this book would best be read blind (just know there is a HEA but they have to fight for it and each other).
This book is so well written, it’s brutal, real, and there are moments of real sweetness in its pages. These characters and their fight will stay with you long after you are finished with the epilogue.
July 7, 2026
What a freaking journey. I will admit this took my longer to read just to process my own unresolved issues with the church and religion as a whole.
That being said if religion is a trigger for you this might be one you want to skip however I love books that explore relgious trauma and I ate this one up.
If you didn’t know this is a garden of eden retelling and this did not disappoint. I fell in love with these characters so hard. You meet them as teenagers when they first start to question everything from their sexuality to what they believe in. Struggling to make sense if something is deemed a sin or its wrong why it feels so right for them.
Cade is chaos and an unhinged ray of sunshine who can see into Seba and Andrea’s souls like his own. He has mountains of trauma but he’s bonded to these two like they are the missing pieces to his puzzle. He’s quick witted and so funny and honestly the perfect person to free Seba and Andrea from what they think they need tk be.
I think I related most to Seba. He’s shy and quiet but drawn to two people who embody the chaos of his own emotions. The way he struggles with what he was taught to what he actually knew to be true hit so close to home especially growing uo in the church.
And finally Andrea. The girl who saw the corruption first hand who embodies all the rage and recklessness you expect her to but who also loves those around her so fiercely. I adored her.
This was everything I needed it to be and so much more. Be prepared to cry and maybe feel seen in your own religious trauma because I know I did.
What you can expect:
🖤Forbidden (step siblings/ pastors daughter)
🍊 Remy and Win cameos
🖤Mental Health Rep (DID, depression, anxiety)
🍊Chronic Pain Rep
🖤Garden of Eden Retelling
🍊Friends to Lovers to Strangers to Lovers
🖤Second Chance
🍊MMF (MM, MF, MMF scenes)
🖤Grief
🍊Trauma
That being said if religion is a trigger for you this might be one you want to skip however I love books that explore relgious trauma and I ate this one up.
If you didn’t know this is a garden of eden retelling and this did not disappoint. I fell in love with these characters so hard. You meet them as teenagers when they first start to question everything from their sexuality to what they believe in. Struggling to make sense if something is deemed a sin or its wrong why it feels so right for them.
Cade is chaos and an unhinged ray of sunshine who can see into Seba and Andrea’s souls like his own. He has mountains of trauma but he’s bonded to these two like they are the missing pieces to his puzzle. He’s quick witted and so funny and honestly the perfect person to free Seba and Andrea from what they think they need tk be.
I think I related most to Seba. He’s shy and quiet but drawn to two people who embody the chaos of his own emotions. The way he struggles with what he was taught to what he actually knew to be true hit so close to home especially growing uo in the church.
And finally Andrea. The girl who saw the corruption first hand who embodies all the rage and recklessness you expect her to but who also loves those around her so fiercely. I adored her.
This was everything I needed it to be and so much more. Be prepared to cry and maybe feel seen in your own religious trauma because I know I did.
What you can expect:
🖤Forbidden (step siblings/ pastors daughter)
🍊 Remy and Win cameos
🖤Mental Health Rep (DID, depression, anxiety)
🍊Chronic Pain Rep
🖤Garden of Eden Retelling
🍊Friends to Lovers to Strangers to Lovers
🖤Second Chance
🍊MMF (MM, MF, MMF scenes)
🖤Grief
🍊Trauma
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
ARC REVIEW
Bound By Shame by Julia E McColgan
Series: Mangled Masterpieces
5⭐️
Pages: 431
* Religious Themes & Trauma
* Why Choose / MMF
* Step Brothers
* Pastors Daughter / Artist / Jock
* Bi- Awakening
* Mental Health Rep / DID
* Chronic Pain Rep
* Yearning
* Slow burn
* Found Family
* Hurt / Comfort
I cried 50% in. Unheard of.
I think it says a lot about this book that I had been looking forward to it and hyping it up in my head for 6 months and it was still even better than what I expected.
I was hooked on every word.
There’s so much I want to say but I really don’t want to ruin it.
So I will say this, the descriptions and storytelling of certain things were impeccable and original, I’ve never read interpretation like that.
This (and Ruin My Life) are two books I will push on people to read forever.
JUST READ THE BOOK! LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT EXPERIENCE THIS!!
Cade 🖤
You stole my heart from the beginning! Forever unapologetically yourself, standing up for what you believe in, sarcastic and fearless!
Then we discovered more of you.. you are perfect and lovable and worthy 🖤
Andrea🖤
My girl!!! My fierce, loyal, loving girl 🖤 You might have lost your faith but you gained so much more! Finding love in two unlikely individuals was not on the agenda but neither was sitting back and accepting life as dictated by your father. You are the strong woman with a soft heart we all want to be!
Seba🖤
Oh Seba… you really went through it with your faith and finding your own meaning of faith, right and wrong. You were pulled in so many different directions, and did it all out of love. A fierce protector who always wants to do the right thing. The man we all wish we had in our lives 🖤
I think Julia is an incredibly talented writer and storyteller and Ruin My Life and Bound By Shame are some of my favourite books I’ve ever read.
Ps I remember how much I hate Grant, Jessica and Marcus.
______________________________________
🩷 My inbox is always open
💚Always check the trigger warnings!
🖤Hobby reviewer only. All reviews are directly impacted by my own life experiences, likes and dislikes. 80% vibes.
Bound By Shame by Julia E McColgan
Series: Mangled Masterpieces
5⭐️
Pages: 431
* Religious Themes & Trauma
* Why Choose / MMF
* Step Brothers
* Pastors Daughter / Artist / Jock
* Bi- Awakening
* Mental Health Rep / DID
* Chronic Pain Rep
* Yearning
* Slow burn
* Found Family
* Hurt / Comfort
I cried 50% in. Unheard of.
I think it says a lot about this book that I had been looking forward to it and hyping it up in my head for 6 months and it was still even better than what I expected.
I was hooked on every word.
There’s so much I want to say but I really don’t want to ruin it.
So I will say this, the descriptions and storytelling of certain things were impeccable and original, I’ve never read interpretation like that.
This (and Ruin My Life) are two books I will push on people to read forever.
JUST READ THE BOOK! LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO NOT EXPERIENCE THIS!!
Cade 🖤
You stole my heart from the beginning! Forever unapologetically yourself, standing up for what you believe in, sarcastic and fearless!
Then we discovered more of you.. you are perfect and lovable and worthy 🖤
Andrea🖤
My girl!!! My fierce, loyal, loving girl 🖤 You might have lost your faith but you gained so much more! Finding love in two unlikely individuals was not on the agenda but neither was sitting back and accepting life as dictated by your father. You are the strong woman with a soft heart we all want to be!
Seba🖤
Oh Seba… you really went through it with your faith and finding your own meaning of faith, right and wrong. You were pulled in so many different directions, and did it all out of love. A fierce protector who always wants to do the right thing. The man we all wish we had in our lives 🖤
I think Julia is an incredibly talented writer and storyteller and Ruin My Life and Bound By Shame are some of my favourite books I’ve ever read.
Ps I remember how much I hate Grant, Jessica and Marcus.
______________________________________
🩷 My inbox is always open
💚Always check the trigger warnings!
🖤Hobby reviewer only. All reviews are directly impacted by my own life experiences, likes and dislikes. 80% vibes.
July 7, 2026
Beautiful. Just stunningly beautiful. I fell in love with Win and Remy last year in Ruin my Life and this year Cade, Seba and Andrea have ruined me...in the best possible way.
A story about stepbrothers who discover each other in a heavily clocked religious town and the Preachers daughter, Andrea next door, who's trapped by a tyrannical father and a God she struggles to continue to believe in. Seba has always had his faith but it's tested by what he deems impure thoughts...about his stepbrother Cade. It's a want that he knows would never be allowed but even God can't see in the dark...
Andrea becomes a fixation of Seba's ever since he saw her looking out of her window on that heat maddening day...and he hasn't been able to think much of anything else since....except Cade, in the next room over, a tortured soul, whose art and chaos is what he knows and his need for Seba and Andrea is what he craves.
Andrea is a girl who comes into her own, and I love her for that.
Seba is my strong, gentle giant. A heart of gold and a love that encompasses everything.
And Cade? My little star. I saw parts of me in Cade. The dark parts. The funny parts. The laughter to cover the pain. And he is written with care, love and delicate precision in a world where mental health is still questioned.
This book is a joining of three teenagers, discovering who they are. With or without the the confines of a world where they're told religion is a certain way. Dominant. To be feared. And to not be who you truly are. It's about three teenagers discovering how to break the ties that bind and know that family and love isn't only found in blood.
Read this book. It truly is wonderful.
A story about stepbrothers who discover each other in a heavily clocked religious town and the Preachers daughter, Andrea next door, who's trapped by a tyrannical father and a God she struggles to continue to believe in. Seba has always had his faith but it's tested by what he deems impure thoughts...about his stepbrother Cade. It's a want that he knows would never be allowed but even God can't see in the dark...
Andrea becomes a fixation of Seba's ever since he saw her looking out of her window on that heat maddening day...and he hasn't been able to think much of anything else since....except Cade, in the next room over, a tortured soul, whose art and chaos is what he knows and his need for Seba and Andrea is what he craves.
Andrea is a girl who comes into her own, and I love her for that.
Seba is my strong, gentle giant. A heart of gold and a love that encompasses everything.
And Cade? My little star. I saw parts of me in Cade. The dark parts. The funny parts. The laughter to cover the pain. And he is written with care, love and delicate precision in a world where mental health is still questioned.
This book is a joining of three teenagers, discovering who they are. With or without the the confines of a world where they're told religion is a certain way. Dominant. To be feared. And to not be who you truly are. It's about three teenagers discovering how to break the ties that bind and know that family and love isn't only found in blood.
Read this book. It truly is wonderful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2026
Another heartbreakingly beautiful book by Julia ❤️
I love a good MMF book, and I especially liked in this one the “No one has to choose” rule. No one felt left out, which sometimes happens on MMF books.
Cade… I love him with all my heart and soul. He was perfect. He was resilient, sassy, but also kind. Oh, and how he loved… he was the glue to the three of them. He was everything ❤️
Seba… At first, I had trouble connecting with his character. He was too deep in his religious beliefs. But I also see how scared he was to accept himself, and the religion was feeding his fear. But even in his blind faith and cowardice, he never stopped showing for Cade and Andrea. He was never afraid to protect them, even if that meant to sacrifice himself. He made mistakes, but his character growth was incredible to witness.
Andrea… I have a lot of mixed feelings about her. Maybe because I realized how I haven’t forgiven her about Win, and how she never said anything. Or maybe because I was disappointed in her character. I loved her at the beginning of the book. She was so strong in her rebellion against her father.. she was blooming.
And then… it’s like she had a personality switch. She knew her father more than anyone else, and yet she was very fast to forget how cruel and manipulative he can be. She dismissed Seba so easily, like she wasn’t there when everything went downhill… She became this self-centered woman who I didn’t like. She had her moment of realization, but it was too late, she already had lost me.
Overall, everything was perfect, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I love a good MMF book, and I especially liked in this one the “No one has to choose” rule. No one felt left out, which sometimes happens on MMF books.
Cade… I love him with all my heart and soul. He was perfect. He was resilient, sassy, but also kind. Oh, and how he loved… he was the glue to the three of them. He was everything ❤️
Seba… At first, I had trouble connecting with his character. He was too deep in his religious beliefs. But I also see how scared he was to accept himself, and the religion was feeding his fear. But even in his blind faith and cowardice, he never stopped showing for Cade and Andrea. He was never afraid to protect them, even if that meant to sacrifice himself. He made mistakes, but his character growth was incredible to witness.
Andrea… I have a lot of mixed feelings about her. Maybe because I realized how I haven’t forgiven her about Win, and how she never said anything. Or maybe because I was disappointed in her character. I loved her at the beginning of the book. She was so strong in her rebellion against her father.. she was blooming.
And then… it’s like she had a personality switch. She knew her father more than anyone else, and yet she was very fast to forget how cruel and manipulative he can be. She dismissed Seba so easily, like she wasn’t there when everything went downhill… She became this self-centered woman who I didn’t like. She had her moment of realization, but it was too late, she already had lost me.
Overall, everything was perfect, and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
.
when Julia dropped the first snippet of Mangled Masterpiece i knew i this book shattered me, i knew i loved andrea, sebastian and cade with all my heart and soul like i loved win and remy. but hey i was broke when i read Ruin my life but Julia was like : oh you thought you were broke ? hold my fucking beer and my pop corn honey i have something to write. and she wrote Bound by shame …
.
first of all Julia, thank you for the arc because it became one of my favorite book ever, became one of my top three of this year, and i met one of my favorite character ever Cade Warren. second of all Julia : i have nothing to say, besides this book was perfect in every aspect, seba was fighting with himself, with his attraction for his stepbrother ; thinking it was wrong because he’s a man and he’s devoted to God. and you have andrea, who’s fighting everyday of her life finding herself to survive in this life she didn’t choose, she just want to live her life. and cade, oh my baby cade i feel like a mother hen to him, he needs protection at all costs, seeing the world differently, he’s so pure and the world is so bad towards him.
.
when their three worlds collides it’s a beautiful explosion, it’s painful, and oh did i scream at julia for what she did to them. this book is purely emotional, a rollercoaster, one second you’re reading the most beautiful scene of 3some, or MM, or MF and the the next page you have this need to throw yourself out in the window. but fortunately they got their HEA, it’s slow, with all the angst and yearning i love.
.
#boundbyshame #bookish #book #books #bookworm
July 14, 2026
3.5 stars
I've received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a poly romance between two stepbrothers who don't get along and the girl next door who is the daughter of a pastor. The first few chapters of this book, I was so enticed by everything: the characters, the setting, and the relationship dynamic, and I felt like the author delivered on all three of those elements, but as the book progressed slowly, it felt like the author was watering down the "work" that goes into a throuple. You can't really prioritize a pairing over another, which I felt the author did a lot. I could tell who her favorites were lmaoo. And there's a pairing in the throuple that, in my opinion, has no romantic sparks, so it felt so forced.
I really enjoyed all three characters separately and how they developed over time, but as a throuple, they did not mash well . I didn't feel the buzz (I felt it at the beginning of the book, but in the end, it was done).
I enjoyed the story to a certain extent; I just wish the author spent more time developing the relationship instead of adding plot to it. It felt like she established they were a throuple and was like, "Now you guys have to go through shit so you can come back stronger," but they just came out the other side with no chemistry, no "real" tension. It felt like they did not truly like each other and were holding onto past feelings.
This book had so much potential, but at the end it just felt flat to me, unfortunately.
I've received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a poly romance between two stepbrothers who don't get along and the girl next door who is the daughter of a pastor. The first few chapters of this book, I was so enticed by everything: the characters, the setting, and the relationship dynamic, and I felt like the author delivered on all three of those elements, but as the book progressed slowly, it felt like the author was watering down the "work" that goes into a throuple. You can't really prioritize a pairing over another, which I felt the author did a lot. I could tell who her favorites were lmaoo. And there's a pairing in the throuple that, in my opinion, has no romantic sparks, so it felt so forced.
I really enjoyed all three characters separately and how they developed over time, but as a throuple, they did not mash well . I didn't feel the buzz (I felt it at the beginning of the book, but in the end, it was done).
I enjoyed the story to a certain extent; I just wish the author spent more time developing the relationship instead of adding plot to it. It felt like she established they were a throuple and was like, "Now you guys have to go through shit so you can come back stronger," but they just came out the other side with no chemistry, no "real" tension. It felt like they did not truly like each other and were holding onto past feelings.
This book had so much potential, but at the end it just felt flat to me, unfortunately.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Review of Advanced Copy*
Well well well, Julia. You have gone and done it again! While Remy and Win will ALWAYS be my #1, these 3 chaotic messes will be a close 2nd. I hate religion. Like despise it. So when I was at 20% I was ready to throw the book. It pissed me off. I pushed through and carried on and was NOT disappointed. I will be the first to admit that slippin an F into the mix with my MM romances is not usually how I roll (usually find the F to be annoying and in the way), BUT it was not the case with these beauties.These 3 needed each other. In all ways. I did find the connection between Seba and Cade to be a little stronger for obvious reasons (I love them so much), however, the love was equal between all three. I gave this 5 stars easily. BUT I would have loved to have seen MORE character & relationship development. I know I know. A book can only be so long and it really is selfish of me to want so much more. But I won't apologize for loving the way an author writes. If this was an 800 page book, I would have still eaten it up like candy but it would have taken me 2 days instead of 1. The spice was top tier and of course, I just wanted more. Maybe a bit more settling in the afterglow?? I found this with Remy and Win as well. I wanted to see them have more time after all the sexy stuff (depending on the situation of course).
I loved this book and Julia will always be one of my faves! Ya'll need to read this book!!
Well well well, Julia. You have gone and done it again! While Remy and Win will ALWAYS be my #1, these 3 chaotic messes will be a close 2nd. I hate religion. Like despise it. So when I was at 20% I was ready to throw the book. It pissed me off. I pushed through and carried on and was NOT disappointed. I will be the first to admit that slippin an F into the mix with my MM romances is not usually how I roll (usually find the F to be annoying and in the way), BUT it was not the case with these beauties.These 3 needed each other. In all ways. I did find the connection between Seba and Cade to be a little stronger for obvious reasons (I love them so much), however, the love was equal between all three. I gave this 5 stars easily. BUT I would have loved to have seen MORE character & relationship development. I know I know. A book can only be so long and it really is selfish of me to want so much more. But I won't apologize for loving the way an author writes. If this was an 800 page book, I would have still eaten it up like candy but it would have taken me 2 days instead of 1. The spice was top tier and of course, I just wanted more. Maybe a bit more settling in the afterglow?? I found this with Remy and Win as well. I wanted to see them have more time after all the sexy stuff (depending on the situation of course).
I loved this book and Julia will always be one of my faves! Ya'll need to read this book!!
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