Bound to Gods and Secrets: An Epic Romantasy with Enemies to Lovers, Gods, Forbidden Magic and Beasts

by Kia Carrington-Russell

Bound by fate. Hunted by Kingdoms. Tempted by the enemy.
The gods chose the wrong woman to unleash.

The day our beloved king is murdered, the bindings suppressing my magic begin to unravel.
Now the power buried inside me is waking- wild enough to destroy me and dangerous enough to start a war.
Hunted by those I once trusted, I flee the only home I’ve ever known… only to fall in the hands of a ruthless stranger.

Regent plans to sell me at the Volmere auction alongside other exotic creatures. I should hate him for it. I should stop trying to kill him long enough to escape.
Instead, the longer I remain trapped at his side, the more I realize Regent is hiding secrets as deadly as my own.

The gods are whispering.
The Fates are pulling invisible threads.
And somewhere between betrayal and desire, kingdoms are falling, monsters are rising, and the man who chained me may be the only one who can survive what I’m becoming.

Bound to Gods and Secrets is an epic high-stakes romantasy with tension filled enemies to lovers, vengeful gods, elemental magic and beasts.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Magic, Enemies To Lovers, Fiction

458 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2026

About the author

Amazon Top 25 Best Selling Author

Australian Author, Kia Carrington-Russell is known for her recognizable style of kick-butt heroines, enemies to lovers, fast paced action and romance that dances from light to dark. Including multiples genres such as Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance and Fantasy Romance. Obsessed with all things coffee, food and travel, Kia is always seeking out her next international adventure.

Now back in her home country of Australia, she takes her Cavoodle, Sia along morning walks on beautiful coastline beaches, building worlds in the sea breezes and contemplating which deliciously haunting story to write next.

Follow Kia at:
TikTok- kia_crystal
Instagram- kiacarringtonrussell
Facebook- kiacarringtonrussellauthor
www.kiacarrington-russell.com

Reviews

[tiffanysreadingnook]

4.5⭐️
Thank you to the author for providing me with it this ARC!
The way this book just had me hooked. I loved that Esther is a tall redhead baddie. I was unsure at first who the mmc was but WHEN WE MET HIM I was like oh that is him for sure. And she tried to kill him multiple times🤭 he loved it too, it’s all foreplay.


The secrets that Regent was keeping though had me shook at first but I should have expected it to come. I mean it’s so obvious looking back that was the case. Also her being bounded??? I was not expecting that. I would love to know and learn more about how mates are chosen and the exact way to accept it. It was kind of glossed over but hopefully the next one will explain it more.
The ending??!??? Hello I cannot believe that she somehow ended up meeting her. Like why was she there?? Has she been walking the earth the entire time? Where is Regents mom??? Is she even alive? Is Imognes child going to be the new god??? I need answers like ASAP. Also why the heck did Esther bond him knowing how much he hated being chained🤦🏻‍♀️ girl we going back to enemies because he is going to hate your ass for that. And the epilogue????? Omg I just know that Selena and Cole are going to get together, like she threatening him🤭

[Michellelovesreading]

I enjoyed reading this book and the tropes. I 10/10 recommend read this book.

stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[C_C]

ARC REVIEW

"Bound to Gods and Secrets"
by Kia Carrington-Russell

Tropes:
⚔️Enemies to Lovers
⛓️Captor x Captive
🫂Forced Proximity
⚡Vengeful Gods
🐉Ancient Beasts
✨Elemental Magic
🗡️Touch Her and Die
🔥Obsessed/Possessive MMC


I have read Kia in her dark Maf!a era, but Kia in a romantasy era? Oh, I absolutely didn't know I needed it. And god(s), I needed it.

Regent and Esther are the protagonists of this epic, magical, captivating and heartbreaking romantasy story.

Esther, 20 yo, a red haired young woman, is fierce, sassy, stubborn, but also vulnerable in ways and loyal to a fault to her kingdom and her late family. When the only life she has ever known is destroyed by powerful ev!l, she is rescued by this masked and mysterious man, that traps her.
Regent, 486 yo, a 6'7 demigod in a human form for 15 years now, is grumpy, broody, possessive, powerful, and drawn to Esther like a pirate to a treasure.

And although this is a slow burn regarding their love story, this is a fast moving, action filled book, full of great side characters, funny scenes, unimaginable battles for power and for good vs evil, magical creatures, beasts and gods, enchanted healers, an emotional and hot scene set in a cave, and so-much-love-and-some-spice.

The grand finale? A cliffhanger. Kia, girl, you better be writing the next one fast, ma'am.

Released yesterday September 22.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. It's a privilege to be part of her ARC team.

---

Some of my favorite quotes:
⚔️
For all the years of grueling training, both in combat and in magic, nothing has prepared me for the instability of a heel. I immediately hate them.
⚔️
"How can you possibly trust me to lead our people if you won't let me fight for them?"
⚔️
My adrenaline spikes, the burn at my throat reminding me of what I've done since I was a child: survive.
⚔️
A weak little earth greer, who doesn't even know how to user her power, yet is wise enough to see through my mask.
⚔️
The woman rattles in my arms, her veins humming with old magic. I can sense it leaking out of her like a rabid creature.
⚔️
I take a brief glance back into those coppery eyes that watch me intently, more predator than man.
⚔️
"What are you, some kind of beast whisperer?"
⚔️
Whatever his magic and strength are, they are the fuel to a fire unlike I've ever felt before as it courses through me.
⚔️
I must be out of my fuck!ng mind to save my captor. And yet, my heart races as if I can feel the gentle dimming of his life-force slipping away
⚔️
I've been starved all these years, I realize, as if only waiting for her.
⚔️
"Sometimes I think it slips your mind that we're enemies."
"I think it's what excites you most"
⚔️

[Crystal Reads]

Bound to Gods and Secrets was such an unexpected and emotional read for me! I knew Kia Carrington-Russell was stepping into fantasy with this one, but I wasn’t prepared for how invested I would become in the characters and this world.

Esther was a character I could really connect with. She’s strong, stubborn, and definitely has some serious attitude, but underneath all of that, she is dealing with fear, uncertainty, and everything she thought she knew about her life being turned upside down. Her growth throughout the story felt so natural, and I found myself really caring about what happened to her.

And then there’s Regent. He is grumpy, mysterious, frustrating, and definitely not someone Esther should trust. But the more we learn about him, the more you realize there is so much underneath that hard exterior. I loved watching those walls slowly come down and seeing the softer side of him start to show.

The relationship between Esther and Regent had me hooked. Their banter, tension, and chemistry was perfection, but I especially loved the slow burn.

The plot was probably one of my favorite parts. There is so much happening.. magic, secrets, betrayal, gods, the Fates, dangerous creatures, kingdoms, and twists that kept making me question what was really going on. I loved trying to put the pieces together alongside Esther, and just when I thought I had something figured out, Kia would throw another secret at me.

And the emotions? Whew. This book had me frustrated, excited, worried, angry, swooning, and completely invested. There were moments where my heart hurt for Esther, moments where I wanted to shake Regent, and moments where I was just sitting there trying to figure out what was happening.

Then that ending happened. WHAT THE ACTUAL HECK?! I finished this book with so many questions and absolutely NEED to know what happens next.

[Ria Alexander]

Epic Romantasy

Welcome Kia Carrington-Russell to the world of Romantasy. OMG!!! BOUND TO GODS AND SECRETS was magnificent, I couldn't put it down reading until the early hours of the morning. Kia's vivid descriptions and addictive words placed me in a world I didn't know I needed. An epic, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, he falls first, tension filled romance which was magical, captivating, heartbreaking and mesmerising.

I don't think I've ever loved a FMC more. Esther reminded me of every red haired woman I've met, fiery, sassy, stubborn, determined, yet her moments of vulnerability broke my heart. When the only life she has ever known is destroyed she is rescued by a man who is anythig but safe. The MMC, Regent, a 6'7 demigod, who is dangerous, broody, possessive, powerful, and drawn to Esther like a moth to a flame. This demigod falls hard and fast, and his touch her and die attitude had me swooning.

This is a fast moving, action filled story which you won't want to put down. There are twists and turns which had me rethinking the directions this story was moving in. As thigs begin to build to the climax, the escalation wasn't slow, it was rapid and I was there for every second. Kia then hits with a cliffhanger, unanswered question, theories galore, I really need that next book.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨5 STARS

[Cheryl]

Esther and Regent are great together. Who doesn't love a strong FMC. Esther is just that. She can hold her own even if she is still discovering her full potential of her powers. Regent is the definition of grumpy. It was actually hilarious how grumpy Regent is. The back and forth between Esther and Regent is entertaining as well.

The slow build up of romance is perfection. It felt more natural this way and it was a natural progression in the storyline. What a rich storyline it is.

I love Kia's writing. I have been a fan of her writing for years. Her books are must reads for me. This newest offering is AMAZING! I love this genre that she released. Different from her Mafia books. This book made me fall in love again with paranormal romance/romantasy. You don't want to miss this book. Gimmie more!

[Katie Murphy]

Kia is in her romantasy era and I am absolutely here for it. To be completely honest I read this book cover to cover twice because I could not get enough of Regent and Esther, because let me tell you these two fitted the enemies to lovers trope so well and I cannot wait for more of their story.

One thing that will always stand out to me in any fantasy book is that the magic system is clear and easy to understand and Kia conveys the system very well. While the title of the book may give it away the Gods are very much present in this series and this is something you should keep in mind as you go through this book. Magical beings would be known as greers but some individuals are blessed by the Gods. These Gods would be Neina and Felia, Neina blessed magic would be on the good side while Felia blessed magic would be more of a darker side and our FMC Esther well she is Felia blessed but only a select few are aware of this information.

When we meet our FMC Esther, we learn that she is being trained by Master Kain to master the elements of her magic and his speciality is the water element. Now no one knows the true extent of Esther’s powers as she is magically bound until she masters each element of her power, but the one thing a person fears is someone having too much power. Esther also has a beast companion by the name of Grimace which she has a bond with and these bonds are quite unheard of especially where the beast is content with having a bond in the first place and these two are like two peas in a pod.

Now Kain well he is also the king to Caldom Kingdom and while he had no children of his own he has always considered Esther as a daughter. Because he basically adopted her since she came to Caldom Kingdom when she was five years old. But anywho now Kain has decided that Esther will now be his heir but a jealous relative by the name of Dahlia who is Kain’s sister is certainly not happy by this new found information and she basically stages a coup. Before her eyes Esther’s world is destroyed when she loses the only father figure she can remember and now she is on the run, hunted by Dahlia and it is here where she meets a grumpy and powerful Regent. I mean her first words to him is “So, death’s face is charming,”.

Esther’s magic is unraveling and the reluctant Regent saves her life by bringing her to Lake Mahoori. This is also a test to see if the fates are on her side because this lake would not help someone if they did not need it and if you didn’t need the help you would be driven to madness. When Esther awakes she finds herself in chains with Regent by her side and is informed she is now his prisoner who he will use as a part of his plans and these plans are revealed later in the book that he is looking to break his curse.

Regent is definitely how I encounter a lot of fantasy men, they’re arrogant but you can’t help but love them, especially when he is protective over Esther even though he claims it is just for his plans to succeed. Because when someone from Esther’s past who she care for dearly comes to harm her you best believe that Regent wanted to bury him, but much to his dismay he is under the spell of Esther and does not but he makes it clear there will not be a second time he will put her at risk. Regents possessive nature was definitely a play many times in this book and I was absolutely here for it.

While both claim to want to be as far away as possible to one another they both cannot deny the pull especially when it comes to their magic. Their banter is also top tier, yes Esther may be his prisoner but she is certainly no damsel and she is not afraid to challenge Regent wherever she can. Personally no matter how much he may hide it that’s definitely something he likes about her.

The plot moves quite quickly in this book and I absolutely loved it. We were introduced to characters that are definitely going to have a key role as the series develops and yes I know again it’s fantasy so I am afraid to get too attached but I just can’t help it ok? While I had hunches of the direction our author was going to take us in nothing could prepare me for the plot twists but look I should of guessed things definitely tend to escalate quite quickly in a romantasy and oh boy did they escalate. Kia I would like book two please and thank you.

I cannot wait to continue with this series in the near future. Thank you so much to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭

[Read And Linger]

✨️ ARC REVIEW | Bound to Gods and Secrets by Kia Carrington-Russell ✨️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

SPOILER AHEAD, sort of.

If you’re looking for a romantasy that feels like an entire fantasy movie playing inside your head, add this one to your TBR. 🖤

The gods that play throughout this story makes everything feel so much bigger than just a romance. Their blessings, their agendas, and the way they intertwine with the characters’ fates create this incredible sense that something much bigger is unfolding behind the scenes.

Esther is orphaned and rescued by a kind king, raised to be loving, compassionate, and strong. She grows up surrounded by people who adore and protect her. She is everything I want in a FMC. She’s powerful, sharp tongued, stubborn, fiercely loyal, and strong in every sense of the word. An omni-greer, with magic from the god of Darkness and Death, she carries a power that must be contained or it could literally destroy her.

Just before her 20th birthday, the kingdom is attacked. Saved one last time by King Kain, she washes ashore miles away, she finds herself rescued by or rather captured by... a man who is anything but safe. Now they’re forced into each other’s orbit, and neither one is particularly happy about it.

And then there’s Regent. 👀A 6’7 demigod. Ethereal. Gorgeous. Broody. Dangerous. Untrusting. Possessive. Powerful. And unfortunately (wink-wink) for Esther, completely drawn to her. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic had me SAT. The forced proximity, forced alliance, tension, banter, and that delicious “touch her and die” energy had me turning pages way faster than I intended. And yes... he falls first. And BOY, does he fall. 😮‍💨

What really stood out to me was the world-building. There is SO much detail woven into this story, from the elemental magic and vengeful gods to the ancient beasts and beast bonds, that I could genuinely picture everything unfolding like a movie. My personal fav, the fire pixies! The gods aren’t just sitting quietly in the background either. Their presence is woven throughout the storyline, influencing the characters and their paths in ways that made the whole story feel epic, unpredictable, and so much bigger than I expected.

And the banter? 😂 I loved it. There were moments that had me laughing, moments that had my heart hammering, and moments where I was just sitting there like, EXCUSE ME, SIR? You can smell what?! 👀

This book gave me slow-burn romance, high stakes, adventure, magic, dangerous beasts, powerful characters, divine forces, and a MMC who is protective and possessive in exactly the way I wanted.
I genuinely could not put this book down. Every time I did, I was already wondering what was going to happen next. The action, emotions, romance, and even the side characters felt so vivid that I could see the entire story playing out in my head.

Bound to Gods and Secrets felt epic, fantastical, emotional, and completely binge-worthy. And now I’m sitting here impatiently waiting for Book 2 because I NEED to know what happens next. 😭
If you love enemies to lovers, captor x captive, forced proximity, powerful FMCs, dangerous MMCs, elemental magic, vengeful gods, ancient beasts, beast bonds, tension-filled romance, and a man who falls first and falls HARD, put this one on your list.

🖤 This one might just become your next obsession.

[Allie | Looking for Likeminded Souls | Addicted to my Kindle 🫀]

“It was either fuck or kill, maybe I’m still unsure. Should I bring that blade back over so we can find out?”

So, first of all let me tell you, I HATE THE FATES! For them being supposed NOT to intervene with anything, they always mess up everything!!! 🤯

🧚🏻‍♀️ This story started like a cute little fairytale, about a nice king that saved an orphaned girl and raised her to be kind, loving and strong. She was in love with the boy next door, she grew up with and adored by all people around her. Then comes the FATES and everything goes to 💩 🤯

Well, the world doesn’t know who is coming for them, because, in her own words:
„The gods chose the wrong woman to unleash.“

When she is betrayed, lost and vulnerable, Esther falls into Regent‘s trap and is kind of saved aka taken captive by him.

Now, the book is marketed as Enemies to Lovers but I think Regent was too much in his own head and driven by his own desperation to be anybody‘s enemy.

😈 This quote pretty much sums up his behavior a big chunk of the book:

Esther: “How old are you?”
Regent: “Four hundred and eighty-six.”
Esther: “And in all that time, you still only know how to be an asshole?”

🔥 Their chemistry was entertaining and off the charts from their first meeting and only kept on giving. ❤️‍🔥

🌶️ The spice scenes weren’t so many but quite good. I personally have an issue with chapter 41 because when the whole world around you is fking volatile you don’t just succumb to your passion!!!!! There are bigger concerns!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Anyhow, this was a 5 star read for me. I was intrigued, entertained, enraged, scared, annoyed, inlove, skeptical, heartbroken and everything in between and couldn’t put it down.

🥹 I don’t know when the next book will be coming out to finally let me exhale after the last chapters!!

I need to know what happens on the shores of Boey Jungle!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Was I lulled into a false sense of security or not?! And these damned Fates!! 👹 Ugh!

What happens to Barbados and Selena?
Who is Cole?!
Sooo many questions!

I still don’t trust Blaze not acting on his obvious feelings and somehow being sneaky and definitely knowing more than he is telling.

[Delicious Dark Old Chestnuts]

ARC Review: A massive thank you to Kia Carrington-Russell for the opportunity to read this sensational book. Here is my honest review:

It's been a LONG time since a Romantasy has captured my heart the way this had. I was having heart palpitations during some scenes and had to force my hand over my Kindle to prevent my own spoilers because it got so intense and I just NEEDED to find out what was going to happen next.

It's thrilling, entrancing, enchanting, magical, deviant, sassy, fierce, heartbreaking and then that ending... KIA! Then the epilogue! Come ON!

We have magical beasts, elemental magics, gods and demigods. We don't even know half of what lays in this world and I think Kia has only set us up for what's to come. Grimace... I see you... You sneaky little beast... What ARE YOU?

I don't even know how to blurb this book without delving into the story line and creating spoilers.

We have a absolutely fierce FMC - Esther. She loses everything so young, the Fates have a destiny planned for her and move their pieces into the frayed edges of Esther's control. She is fierce and strong, but there are moments where you want to climb into the pages of this book and hold her because of the vulnerability and depth of her soul.

Then we have Regent, one of the MMC's who for the majority of the time you kinda wish you could be in Esther's place just to attempt get some payback for being a complete alphahole! But then you keep on and as infuriating as he is, you realise why he is so guarded... And then... Well... Yum 😉

Then there is the assassin, Blaze, another MMC who is as elusive as they come... His role has played a lot on my mind and I definitely need to know what his story...

This whole time reading this has left me with more questions than I should have about a fictional universe and has consumed my mind.

Cannot wait to see what's next!

TROPES
Enemies to lovers
Captor x Captive
Forced proximity / forced alliance
Vengeful gods
Elemental magic
Epic Fantasy
Ancient beasts
Beast bonds
Touch her and die
Powerful FMC
Dangerous MMC
Tension-filled romance
He falls first

[Posy]

ARC Review

What starts with Esther living a relatively quiet life quickly turns into something much bigger when the king is murdered and the magic she has spent years keeping under control begins to awaken. Suddenly she’s being hunted, betrayed, and dragged into a world of gods, kingdoms, magical creatures, and secrets that go far deeper than she could have imagined.

Esther was definitely a highlight for me. She’s strong, stubborn, sarcastic and capable, but she’s also vulnerable, and I loved seeing how she handled the struggle with the sheer magnitude of what is happening to her. Her character development feels like an important part of the story rather than something that happens overnight.

And then there’s Regent. Grumpy. Infuriating. Mysterious. Dangerous. The chemistry between him and Esther is so good. Their banter, distrust and constant push-and-pull made their scenes some of my favourites. The romance is a slow burn, but the tension is there from the beginning, and watching that relationship evolve while neither of them knows exactly who they can trust was delicious.

I’m usually not into fantasy but this one surprised me in the best way. The magic system, creatures and mythology give the story its own identity, while the secrets sprinkled throughout kept me questioning what was really going on. There are plenty of little details that make you wonder whether something seemingly insignificant is actually going to become important later.

Also, Grimace. ❤️ I need more of this little creature immediately. One of those characters who manages to steal every scene they’re in.

And that ending…Excuse me, Kia. I genuinely was not prepared for that cliffhanger. I reached the final pages thinking I still had plenty of story left and then suddenly I was staring at the screen wondering how I’m supposed to wait for the next book.

If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romantasy, morally complicated characters, elemental magic, magical beasts, secrets and a romance threaded through a much bigger fantasy plot, this is definitely one to check out.

[Adri]

There is so much I want to say… But I can't.. you deserve the same first reading experience I got.

What an absolutely fantastic Gem of a Fantasy Read.
To say I'm hooked is an UNDERSTATEMENT…

There is so much to say… Page turner… YES.. Check Check Check.
Highly anticipating the next book. Fuck YES.

It's somewhere between The Wicher meets an even more Shadow-Fantasy.
Frikkin Brilliantly Written from an Author I did not know could write this genre..
She wrote the living daylights out of it!

Some input on the story characters:
I want to meet Grimace!!!  Love him to bits.
There is so much more to this little beast..

I love this new world! It's a fully formed NEW experience!
Bowled for a six over here…
Esteher is a marvellous character!!!
Also a HUGE soft spot for Blaze over here.. (Even if Regent is my fav xx just had to say)

This world with its Beasts, Magical Creatures and Greers are all over consuming and definitely on my radar!!
I was gripped into it and totally engrossed all the way through!!!

Action, Intrigue, Magic!!, Love, Friendships.. (SPICE) Slow burn and High flames..

You know when you keep checking the percentage of what's left of the book…..
I need the next one… I n.e.e.d it , need it.  xxxx


I love this author and this genre is new to her so I was really not sure what to expect.
I mean I knew it would be quality but this good….
In my home language-slang I would say It's a “Lekker” Book!

Great Read!!

xxx
"But instinctually, I know my beast will never be able to walk away from her again. That terrifies me more than any full moon."

[Tess]

What a ride!

I knew the second I found out that Kia Carrington-Russell was releasing a new dark fantasy, I needed to get my hands on it and it did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next one in the series!

A story of dark & light magic and angry gods seeking their own justice through however means possible.

A kingdom is crumbling from within, a possible war is coming.

Brooding grumpy MMC Regent captures our spunky spitfire FMC Esther and they both take turns using each other for their own selfish purposes until their paths forward forcefully collide. Our FMC has a forbidden magic that was thought to be extinguished - except for her. Her ability to control the dark magic starts to unravel and her control soon with it. Our MMC has his own powerful, dark secrets and they both want to protect their own stories and identities. A delicious slow burn with tension and true enemies to lovers -did I mention the assassin blonde male best friend? Jealousy jealousy.

The magic system is easy to understand and the beasts are a great addition - I could clearly picture them in my mind.

The gods are pulling strings and as the reader, we are kept in the dark until we get a few answers right at the end - but now we need more! The book ends on an appropriate cliffhanger and tons of questions.

The plot moved at a great pace and the writing was smooth and a delight to read. The name of the book rings true to our story.

A fantastic new series and a must read!

[Tasma]

Not having read a fantasy/romantasy from Kia before, I was DEFINITELY EXCITED to dive in to see what was instore for this adventure! AND WHAT AN ADVENTURE IT FUCKING WAS!

All is well in the kingdom where Esther resides until one fateful day and SHIT HITS THE FUCKING FAN AND EVERYTHING BEGINS TO FALL APART! After the King is murdered, Esther’s magic begins to unravel after being kept hidden. With her magic starting to reveal itself, she is thrown into the hands of a cloaked stranger who has plans to sell her to the highest bidder. Both she and Regent navigate their way to the auctions, but their relationship alters as their journey progresses. Battling with enemies, one another and the Fates, they come across some truths and revelations that COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING!
I quite liked Esther’s character progression throughout this book! There were a few moments where I questioned her character, but nonetheless she was a BAD ASS BITCH with the circumstances! I LOVED Grimace! He was such a fun character, and I hope to see more from him! As for Regent, and his six-foot seven HOT ASS, I did have particular enjoyment with his character and OF COURSE he was a CUTIE PATOOTIE underneath that exterior and there was A LOT more to him than met the eye! Their dynamic was FIERY from the minute they met and their slow burn WAS SLOW BURNING!

With this book ending on A GODDAMN CLIFFHANGER I am hoping we hear more from this series soon and that we can have some more Esther and Regent!

[Jo]

When I say I devoured this book I really did. Kia’s writing is amazing and keeps you hooked all the way through the book. The only time I put this book down was when I had to adult (work) to make money to buy more books lol.
I absolutely love how invested I became in the characters. The FMC has her struggles with power and I liked seeing how certain characters helped her along the way. The growth in Esther throughout the book is nice to read and seeing her be able to lean on others for help I like when authors do this it reminds us we don’t always have to struggle on our own.
Regent what to say about him, he had me a little frustrated to start with with his hot and cold then I was full on impressed by him. You’ll see.
The relationship between Esther and Blaze is such a special one and I love them together, I really hope my wishes for Blaze come true. Kia knows what they are so pretty please Kia.
When you meet Grimace you are going to fall in love with this little dude he is absolutely hilarious and I can’t wait to see any artwork Kia has for him.
This book had me all over the place with questions, theories etc so much so that I had to message Kia with my thoughts as I was reading I had to speak to someone about them.
If you are looking for something new and different to read this is going to be it for you and I promise you will love it. Definitely add this to your TBR.

[Amber Young]

3.75 rounded up. Intervening gods, feared magic, cute pet side kicks, and found family. Our FMC had a tragic past and present and the weight of the world on her shoulders. She had amazing character development in this book.. and plenty of internal and external struggles. You got one side on the evil camp, and the other good guy camp with our FMC born and blessed into the evil side but raised by the good and our MMC comes from the good camp but is jaded and cynical of everything in the world. He is broody, secretive, but oh so pulled toward the FMC against his will which makes the push and pull and tension all so delicious! Everyone has their own agendas which makes for lots of action. I love the banter between the MMCs and the strength of the FMC. I also liked a little male competition and jealousy to add to the tension. The spice was 2 🌶️ but those three scenes were freaking hot! 🔥 With all that being said, the plot was predictable for the most part and I felt like the pace dragged a little around the middle. We can only read so much running around and tail chasing without any plot forward movement for so long. However, that ending battle helped make it redeemable. I know there is a lot at play that needs to unravel but I hope book 2 gives better plot pace.

[Dearna (Words of the Roses)]

For full review: https://wordsoftheroses.com/2026/09/2...

“I don't dance for you”⁠

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Kia for sending a copy my way! ⁠

Cue my newest obsession. Bounds to Gods and Secrets gave me all the five-star feel, which had me furiously turning the pages. This has to be one of the most unique worlds I've read. It's packed full of all my favourite things: elemental magic, meddling gods, animal companions and an electric captor x captive romance. ⁠

Esther is the last omni greer - a witch who can⁠ utilise all elemental magic. She's a ward of Caldom's King and Master water greer, Kain. Esther's magic is bound to protect her until she can master all elements. When Master Kain is killed, her magical binds begin to unravel. If she can't control it, it will destroy her, but not before there's a chance she'll be sold to the highest bidder as a powerful weapon. She has no choice but to flee death ... only to run into Regent, a powerful Earth greer, who uncovers her secrets. He confirms her fears and plans to sell her at an auction alongside other exotic creatures. But Regent's secrets might be just as deadly and he might be the answer to her problems.

Esther is ⁠a powerhouse. She refuses to bow down and will jump into a fight headfirst. She always has a witty comeback. The moments we see her self-doubt have me wanting to hold her. Because underneath that bravado is someone who just wants a safe place to land.

Grimace has launched his way to my favourite animal companion. He's so ugly he circles back to cute. I love how he's equally sassily judgemental of Esther's decision while also being toxically supportive of her. He's also a raging kleptomaniac. If Toothless and Pascal had a baby, it would be Grimace. ⁠

Regent is a mysterious, broody character. He is on a mission. There's a beautiful duality to him. On the one hand, he's soft, risking his life to save animals captured by poaching, but he will sell Esther to further his own goals. He is the kind of guy where his actions tell you more than his words ever could.

The romance is a delicious slow burn. Their chemistry is electric. They both have reasons not to trust anyone. Their banter had me cackling. Honestly love these two.

I am obsessed with this world. Honestly, I haven't read anything like this. It's a breath of fresh air in the genre. Esther and Regent are tied up in the politics both of their world and that of the gods. I can't wait to see more from the world in the next books. I have a feeling both brewing wars are connected. I just don't know how to tell yet. 

That ending had my jaw dropped. Once that reveal hit, I flew through the last chapters. I almost went back to the start so I could uncover all the clues I missed. Calling my dark romantasy girlies, you need to add Bound to Secrets and Gods to your TBR. Trust me, no one is doing what Kia is doing, and it's all kinds of incredible.

[Anshul (stories.buddy)]

I AM OBSESSED.
I don’t know how to express what I’m feeling right now. Oh my God. Kia has done such a good thing writing this book. I love the world-building: it is exceptional. At every step of the story, there's something new happening, something new to think about, something new to speculate about, and then there are the questions.

Let’s talk about the characters. Oh man, you won’t believe how cool they are to read about, and the banter between the main characters is just off the charts. Each character offered something amazing to the story, making it so engaging. I was glued to the book whenever I could.

The Fates were at play, and they are not going anywhere in the near future. There is so much at stake. I’m excited to watch the story unfold and get everyone’s card on the table. We have riddles, and they need to solve them all.

Regent and Esther are convincing me to take the hike with them in the Boey Jungle. What do you think? It will not be easy, but it’ll be thrilling. The adventure is dangerous, but they need their answers, and I want to know more about everything too. Nothing is going to be easy. I can’t wait for the second book now.

[Shana J. Caldwell]

4.5 stars ✨

This is exactly what I was looking for, a perfect blend of layered world building, tension and intrigue. Some fantasy books fall into the trap of word vomiting and over explaining everything, but Kia has weaved it in perfectly throughout the entire story. There’s so many little Easter eggs at the beginning and middle that lead up to the big surprise (didn’t see it coming!) but it worked so perfectly.

The story line is great, easy to follow and the writing is so seamless you feel as you’re in the book living the experience.

I only had one thought of ‘oh it’s a bit slow’ but then it was ‘thank god I don’t want it to end’! It does end on a cliffhanger, with a new player on the board.

Overall I loved this, the lore was original and the magic system was so SO awesome and fun. I also loved Regent 🫡 and Grimace was one of my top 3 favourites from start to finish. I wish I could draw because I’d be trying to get him to come to life! I cannot wait for the next book in the series

[Hanan]

I’m a big fan of Ms. Carrington-Russell. She knocked it out of the park with this Romantasy book!
The world building is outstanding. She describes in vivid and detailed descriptions so much so that I was like watching a movie in my minds eye. She is truly an amazing storyteller.
The characters and storyline and me invested and consumed.
I just loved Esther. She’s is the perfect blend of tough and sweet.
She’s feisty, sassy and filled with determination.
She’s tough and fiery. But also has a soft and vulnerable side.
Regent is broody and arrogant, he’s possessive and powerful. Oh and did I mention he’s also a demigod.
The tension and chemistry between these two was intense and hot! It’s a slow burn that is absolutely worth the wait.
Another interesting player is Blaze. The wild card in the story. Maybe?
The story takes twists and turns that are gripping. It’s fast paced and action packed.
And then the author leaves us with a cliffhanger that had me demanding the next book asap.

[Benilva Keci]

Arc Reader 🙌🏻♥️
I have to be honest: I'm a really picky fantasy reader. If the writing doesn't pull me in, I DNF without a second thought. Bound to Gods and Secrets didn't just hold my attention. It completely consumed me.

This book has it all: a gripping plot, tension you could cut with a knife, and a mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through. And the world-building? Chef's kiss 🤌 Vengeful gods, elemental magic, ancient beasts. Every piece of this world feels intentional and alive.

Esther is sassy, reckless, and impossible not to root for, and Regent is the grumpy, secretive, morally grey man of my dreams. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is SOOOOO good. Every interaction crackles, and the slow unraveling of their secrets had me flipping pages way past bedtime.
(Thank goodness i'm on holidays still🤣)

Honestly, I don't know how I'm going to pick up another fantasy book after this. Kia has ruined me for anything less well written ♥️

If you love romantasy with high stakes, forced proximity, and a world you'll want to live in, do yourself a favor and read this one.

[Diane]

I voluntarily reviewed "BOUND TO THE GODS AND SECRETS" for my honest opinion excellent must have mysterious, unleashed magic fantasy journey the characters take you on.
Esther found that the ties that bound her powerful magic started to unravel after their King was murdered waking something inside thats dangerous &
could start a war.
Esthers being hunted by those she once trusted running she ends up in a strangers hands Regent who wants to sell her to Volmere Auction along with other exotic creatures.
Esther realizes Regent is hiding secrets that could be as deadly as hers the longer their together, mysterious things are happening.
Will the Regent survive what Esther's becoming dealing with betrayal, tension, vengeful gods, their journey to see if they get a HEA & what secrets are revealed.
Its a page turner you won't want to miss getting, another awesome read by this author who never disappoints.

[Heids_in_books]

Kia writing romantasy was always going to get my attention, but I genuinely didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. She absolutely smashed it out of the park!

Esther was such a good FMC. She’s stubborn, sharp, brave and has enough sass to keep Regent permanently irritated, which obviously made their scenes together even better. Regent is grumpy, secretive and powerful, and the chemistry between them was there from the start.
I loved the magic in this too. The elemental side of it was really interesting, then you’ve got gods meddling, beasts, battles, secrets, betrayals and all sorts of things happening around them. It kept moving and there was always something new being thrown in.

Grimace absolutely deserves his own mention because I absolutely adored him. He was easily one of my favourite characters.

And then that ending. Kia, seriously? You cannot leave it there and expect me to be fine about it. I need book two yesterday haha!

4.5 ⭐
3 🌶️

[Danielle]

I went in blind to this book and didn't realize that it was going to be a more than one book series so now you know! Cause I was about 65% of the way through and started thinking there is no way we are wrapping this all up and goodness was my jaw on the floor at the end!!! What the heck!!!

I freaking love how sassy Esther is!! This little sassy red head for sure keeps Regent on his toes!!!

I loved how strong she was at times but how weak she was at times she broke my heart when she said "I'm so tired of fighting. Everyone is better off without me." This poor girl!!!!

Then we have our grumpy Regent. He is such a grump but such a simp for Esther.... The chemistry between these two!! AHH

There were not a ton of spicy scenes but when they hit they hit!!

I cannot wait to see what happens next!!

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog]

(4.8 Stars)
When Esther was young her whole clan perished but she was saved by Master Kain and taught to hone her magic. No one there knew her true identity but when her Master passes she flees the village in safety only to be taken by another named Regent. He plans to auction her off at the Volmere auction but the more time she is stuck with him the more Esther sees he isn’t fully who he says he is either…Neither is she though. Can these enemies actually stop fighting each other long enough to fight the real enemy together? What’s is Esther truly? Action, Adventure and the Power of the Fates combine in this dark romantasy journey. A quest with magic, beasts and two creatures drawn to each other. This also ends on a somewhat cliffhanger. Told in first person and dual POV.

[Jessica]

I'm speechless. Bound to Gods and Secrets is Book 1 in a new dark romantasy world that will keep you up reading until you can't stay awake any longer. Regent, Esther and her best friend Blaze and their friends along the way won't disappoint you for one moment. The tension and banter through out the book was a chef's kiss. The chemistry is sizzling and top tier between our characters. The magic system was interesting and more unique with how her powers work, the beasts and their blades. The Gods are playing games, and you won't know what's coming until it hits you. I loved that certain aspects I could guess but then some twists had me gasping and at the edge of my seat. I need book 2 like yesterday.

[Darlingvbookish]

I absolutely devoured this Romantasy, enemies to lovers story! The world building, the secrets, the magic & the TENSION.. Chef's Kiss! We have Esther that, after her King was killed, she ran away but only to be caught by Regent. Regent has plans of his own, where he needs Esther as a distraction to get the item he needs. I really enjoyed this story because I kept waiting for answers! And those twists? I'm honestly mindblown by Esther's powers, who Regent ends up being (even though I had an idea but it still surprised me!) I can't wait for the next book to continue the story!!! I will warn you that this story ends on a cliffhanger but it wasn't a bad one but you will end up like me: anxiously waiting for the next book!

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the first in a new series, and this is Esther and Regent’s story.
Esther is strong-willed and sassy, and she has no idea of the extent of her powers, and she is magically bound until she has mastered each level. After Esther loses the only father figure she ever knew, her world is destroyed, and she is on the run. Regent is grumpy and powerful, and he saves Esther’s life.
This is a well written easy to read, action packed story, with secrets, magic, suspense, intrigue, obsession, forced proximity, bound by gods, enemies / lovers, touch her and die, romance, and entertaining, which leads to a haunting, twisted, and unpredictable page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Michelle Tanumihardja]

I loved the magic world building. So interesting to have a Greer which is very avatar esque. Blazed pissed me the fuck off also why is his name blaze? But like maybe he’ll be important later. I was devastated that the spirit Greer passed but I thought the action scene was visually interesting and that like you can feel the desperacy of her returning back to regent. Who wtf my guy you’re a Demigod but got chained up so quick? You were useless in the final fight?!? But like also I love a good FMC moment where she’s like fuck it all. It was spicy the yearning and tension was good the enemies to lovers was good. But obviously they’re mates 🙄 and like why didn’t it tell us when she accepted the bond what the helly. Anyways good book. lol

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish)]

I cannot express how much MORE I need of this book! I didn't want to put it down. I dreamt about it. I thought about reading it when I wasn't reading it...

The world building is absolutely gorgeous. The magic system was so unique, but written in a way that I didn't have a hard time understanding it.

I could have lived in Esther's head the whole time, but ohhhhh the yearning in Regent's??? Absolutely delicious.

I only knew Kia for her dark and contemporary romances, but you could FEEL her love for fantasy in the writing.

This may be my favorite book from Kia so far, and I've read quite a few.

Overall: highly recommend
Spice: open door