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Binding
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Expected 9 Oct 26- GenresFantasy
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 9, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from Author
This romantic fantasy takes “second chance” to a whole new level. We follow Elaine as she discovers that the man she loved, Darian, who she believed had been dead for six years, is actually still alive. But his resurrection comes with a dangerous twist, uncovering a plot orchestrated by his uncle that puts everything Elaine once called home at risk.
And now she has to make an impossible choice: help Darian, or stand by and watch the place she once called home wither away.
I finished this book in about TWO HOURS because once I started, I genuinely could not put it down. The plot was excellent, the pacing worked so well, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the story.
Now… Darian. 😤
I had such a hate-love relationship with this man. The pain he caused Elaine had me absolutely hating him for a while. I understood his reasoning, and I could see why he made the choices he did, but that did NOT stop me from being mad at him. 😂 He had me emotionally conflicted the entire time, and honestly, I loved that.
But Elaine broke me. Her character development was one of my favorite parts of this book. Watching her strength grow throughout the story was astonishing. She goes through so much, yet somehow continues to find pieces of herself she didn't know were there. The woman she becomes—and the strength she shows—made her incredibly special to me.
And then we have THAT ENDING.
S.J. Salters… respectfully, I am MAD. 😂
That cliffhanger?! EXCUSE ME?! I need more. Immediately. I am simultaneously furious, emotionally devastated, and completely obsessed. And the fact that this book isn't even released to the rest of the world yet somehow makes waiting for more even worse.
I need the next book.
I need answers.
I need Elaine.
I need Darian.
And I need to know WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. 😭
Binding was everything I wanted from a romantic fantasy—emotion, tension, a fantastic plot, character growth, and an ending that left me desperate for more.
And now she has to make an impossible choice: help Darian, or stand by and watch the place she once called home wither away.
I finished this book in about TWO HOURS because once I started, I genuinely could not put it down. The plot was excellent, the pacing worked so well, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the story.
Now… Darian. 😤
I had such a hate-love relationship with this man. The pain he caused Elaine had me absolutely hating him for a while. I understood his reasoning, and I could see why he made the choices he did, but that did NOT stop me from being mad at him. 😂 He had me emotionally conflicted the entire time, and honestly, I loved that.
But Elaine broke me. Her character development was one of my favorite parts of this book. Watching her strength grow throughout the story was astonishing. She goes through so much, yet somehow continues to find pieces of herself she didn't know were there. The woman she becomes—and the strength she shows—made her incredibly special to me.
And then we have THAT ENDING.
S.J. Salters… respectfully, I am MAD. 😂
That cliffhanger?! EXCUSE ME?! I need more. Immediately. I am simultaneously furious, emotionally devastated, and completely obsessed. And the fact that this book isn't even released to the rest of the world yet somehow makes waiting for more even worse.
I need the next book.
I need answers.
I need Elaine.
I need Darian.
And I need to know WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. 😭
Binding was everything I wanted from a romantic fantasy—emotion, tension, a fantastic plot, character growth, and an ending that left me desperate for more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Rattle the Stars PR and SJ Sastre for providing this eARC in return for my honest review!
5⭐️ This was such a fascinating storyline that had me hooked from the blurb! The pacing was amazing and I loved the flow of events as we got to know the characters more. There is definitely a beauty to learning about a character as they presently are and who they were to other characters prior to the start of the story. Elain is very complex because she did have to go through a traumatic event by losing the love of her life, but I love that she has a best friend/sister that helped her through it. Her reaction to Darian's sudden reappearance in her life is very warranted, and honestly, I probably would've been more upset if it had been me lol. And speaking of Darian, I liked him from the beginning, and even though I would've been angry in Elain's position, I was immediately rooting for him to win her over.
The worldbuilding here is also really creative firstly, because there is the division between the Fae, humans, and "halfies" but also because of the governmental systems within Kalmain. I did like the insights we got into how it all worked and am looking forward to learning more as the books progress. I also love the magic system and am really excited to see how it grows.
I think the most heart-wrenching portion of the story was the last 30% of the book and I could not put it down if I wanted to. There is simply so much to love about this story and I am so so excited to see where book 2 leads!
5⭐️ This was such a fascinating storyline that had me hooked from the blurb! The pacing was amazing and I loved the flow of events as we got to know the characters more. There is definitely a beauty to learning about a character as they presently are and who they were to other characters prior to the start of the story. Elain is very complex because she did have to go through a traumatic event by losing the love of her life, but I love that she has a best friend/sister that helped her through it. Her reaction to Darian's sudden reappearance in her life is very warranted, and honestly, I probably would've been more upset if it had been me lol. And speaking of Darian, I liked him from the beginning, and even though I would've been angry in Elain's position, I was immediately rooting for him to win her over.
The worldbuilding here is also really creative firstly, because there is the division between the Fae, humans, and "halfies" but also because of the governmental systems within Kalmain. I did like the insights we got into how it all worked and am looking forward to learning more as the books progress. I also love the magic system and am really excited to see how it grows.
I think the most heart-wrenching portion of the story was the last 30% of the book and I could not put it down if I wanted to. There is simply so much to love about this story and I am so so excited to see where book 2 leads!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Binding is a second-chance romantic fantasy that follows the story of Elaine. When she finds out her beloved Darian, who was believed to be dead for 6 years, is actually still alive, a dangerous and dark discovery is unveiled. His resurrection uncovers a dark ploy orchestrated by his Uncle which now leaves Elaine to decide between helping Darian stop his Uncle, or staying back and watching her home be destroyed. The bounds of fate are being tested, what will be sacrificed in order to stop Darian’s uncle? What or who will be the cost?
Wow, wow AND WOW. This book is absolutely phenomenal. I simply remember reading the blurb and being immediately drawn in to this book and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. The twist and turns and the dark ploys that are uncovered are so well done! This book keeps you hooked from start to finish, I’m quite literally itching for the next one. I must know how this all ends!! Darian and Elaine are both very likeable in my opinion. I love that they are imperfect and i am obsessed with their story and how things unfold between them!
All in all, I could not recommend this book more. If you have the time, please check this book out, pre-order and share your thoughts once it’s released!
Wow, wow AND WOW. This book is absolutely phenomenal. I simply remember reading the blurb and being immediately drawn in to this book and it absolutely lived up to my expectations. The twist and turns and the dark ploys that are uncovered are so well done! This book keeps you hooked from start to finish, I’m quite literally itching for the next one. I must know how this all ends!! Darian and Elaine are both very likeable in my opinion. I love that they are imperfect and i am obsessed with their story and how things unfold between them!
All in all, I could not recommend this book more. If you have the time, please check this book out, pre-order and share your thoughts once it’s released!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"When we were together, we were like moths drawn to a flame; we couldnt fight it so we danced in the flames, kicked up the ashes, and thrived in our darkness"
"They say that time heals all wounds, that is the biggest crock of bulls*. All time does is dull the ache, although I wouldn't even say that much. You live with the pain of your loss for so long it becomes part of you. You learn to live with it, and eventually you forget what life was like without the ache of that loss"
"The cold having a mind of its own? As if I needed another reason to hate the cold" --same
What an emotional journey this book takes you on, with some very deep lows. SJ does an amazing job of conveying palpable emotions as she weaves a story of immense heartache and pain, while taking you through finding your way back, to be brought down again. My heart broke so many times for our FMC. There are beautiful, fun moments in between all of the intense situations. The villain is ruthlessly brutal and completely depraved. I cant wait to continue the story
"They say that time heals all wounds, that is the biggest crock of bulls*. All time does is dull the ache, although I wouldn't even say that much. You live with the pain of your loss for so long it becomes part of you. You learn to live with it, and eventually you forget what life was like without the ache of that loss"
"The cold having a mind of its own? As if I needed another reason to hate the cold" --same
What an emotional journey this book takes you on, with some very deep lows. SJ does an amazing job of conveying palpable emotions as she weaves a story of immense heartache and pain, while taking you through finding your way back, to be brought down again. My heart broke so many times for our FMC. There are beautiful, fun moments in between all of the intense situations. The villain is ruthlessly brutal and completely depraved. I cant wait to continue the story
Review of advance copy received from Author
“They say time heals all wounds; that is the biggest crock of bullsh*t.”
How in the world are you going to write something that tugs my heartstrings like that in one chapter and then completely piss me off two chapters later. And the constant cycle of emotions throughout. Girl. 🙌🏻
“All time does is dull the ache, although I wouldn’t even say that much.”
That, my friends, is a book well written. I’m pleased to share that my read through of Binding was nothing short of highs, even during the lows (emotionally speaking - this book was absolutely fantastic!).
“You live with the pain of your loss for so long it becomes a part of you.”
THE EPILOGUE - ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I need book two immediately! 😭
Add it to the TBR.
Preorder ASAP.
You’ve gotta get your eyes on this one!
You’d never guess this is a debut novel.
Side note: Something about a man whispering something so vulnerable turns me to mush. IYKYK 💁🏻♀️
Thank you so much SJ Sastre and Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read and review Binding.
How in the world are you going to write something that tugs my heartstrings like that in one chapter and then completely piss me off two chapters later. And the constant cycle of emotions throughout. Girl. 🙌🏻
“All time does is dull the ache, although I wouldn’t even say that much.”
That, my friends, is a book well written. I’m pleased to share that my read through of Binding was nothing short of highs, even during the lows (emotionally speaking - this book was absolutely fantastic!).
“You live with the pain of your loss for so long it becomes a part of you.”
THE EPILOGUE - ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I need book two immediately! 😭
Add it to the TBR.
Preorder ASAP.
You’ve gotta get your eyes on this one!
You’d never guess this is a debut novel.
Side note: Something about a man whispering something so vulnerable turns me to mush. IYKYK 💁🏻♀️
Thank you so much SJ Sastre and Rattle the Stars PR for the opportunity to read and review Binding.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“The Binding joins the souls and gifts. Dormant Fated souls will be drawn together and will speak and grow stronger when near each other. A word of caution: if a vessel binds with a non-Fated soul, the Fated Bond dies until the next cycle of life.”
6 years ago, the love of Elaine’s life was killed. The gunshots still echo in her mind daily making her unable to fully give herself to anyone else. When her best friends bachelorette trip takes her to a club, she is confronted with the unimaginable. Darian is alive.
With the knowledge that Darians uncle was behind his faked death, purely trying to obtain the power that he thinks should belong to him. Elaine now faces the struggle of staying mad at Darian, or listening to the pull inside of her that calls her to him, all while trying to avoid the presence of uncle Nicholas.
This book has second chance romance, fated mates, and a great slow burn. The cliffhanger was infuriating because now I have to wait for book 2 and that’s a bummer.
Spice 2/5
6 years ago, the love of Elaine’s life was killed. The gunshots still echo in her mind daily making her unable to fully give herself to anyone else. When her best friends bachelorette trip takes her to a club, she is confronted with the unimaginable. Darian is alive.
With the knowledge that Darians uncle was behind his faked death, purely trying to obtain the power that he thinks should belong to him. Elaine now faces the struggle of staying mad at Darian, or listening to the pull inside of her that calls her to him, all while trying to avoid the presence of uncle Nicholas.
This book has second chance romance, fated mates, and a great slow burn. The cliffhanger was infuriating because now I have to wait for book 2 and that’s a bummer.
Spice 2/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
This one was a slow starter, but boy was it worth it.
We follow Elaine as her world gets turned upside down when the boyfriend she thought was dead turns out to be alive. SJ doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional trauma Elaine has been through, and we as readers get to see that and grow with her as she navigates this new normal. She is a raw, honest FMC and I LOVE that - Darian is a possessive MMC that we all know we’d stay away from in real life but can’t help but fall in love with in a novel!
The magic is interesting, and we’ve only just scratched the surface of this I think, I can’t wait to see what else we discover in the next books! The same goes for Kalmain and the two neighbouring kingdoms - there is so much more to learn about this world and its history.
Read this is you like modern world fantasy, badass FMCs who aren’t afraid to say how they feel, and epic found family dynamics and banter.
Favourite quote: ‘CARPE DIEM, B*TCH!’
We follow Elaine as her world gets turned upside down when the boyfriend she thought was dead turns out to be alive. SJ doesn’t shy away from exploring the emotional trauma Elaine has been through, and we as readers get to see that and grow with her as she navigates this new normal. She is a raw, honest FMC and I LOVE that - Darian is a possessive MMC that we all know we’d stay away from in real life but can’t help but fall in love with in a novel!
The magic is interesting, and we’ve only just scratched the surface of this I think, I can’t wait to see what else we discover in the next books! The same goes for Kalmain and the two neighbouring kingdoms - there is so much more to learn about this world and its history.
Read this is you like modern world fantasy, badass FMCs who aren’t afraid to say how they feel, and epic found family dynamics and banter.
Favourite quote: ‘CARPE DIEM, B*TCH!’
September 3, 2026
Binding by @s.jauth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review, thank you to both SJ and Rattle the Stars PR for this ARC.
Okay when I say I devoured this… I mean it. I was entrapped.
The world building was easy to understand and interesting. The relationships between the characters? I was in love.
I will say I need the next book already because I want to lose myself with these characters all over again. The story shows how pain may linger, but through the pain we become stronger.
TROPES:
Second chance romance | World between worlds | Ancient magic | Slow burn | Forced proximity | Found family | Secret confession | Fated mates | Knife throwing FMC | Touch her and die | Remembered detail | Protective and possessive MMC
TRIGGERS:
Grief/ Loss | Torture | Sexual Harassment | Violence | Blood/Gore | Weight loss | Starvation | Violence/Physical Assault | Stalking | Blackmail | Suicidal Ideation | Betrayal
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC Review, thank you to both SJ and Rattle the Stars PR for this ARC.
Okay when I say I devoured this… I mean it. I was entrapped.
The world building was easy to understand and interesting. The relationships between the characters? I was in love.
I will say I need the next book already because I want to lose myself with these characters all over again. The story shows how pain may linger, but through the pain we become stronger.
TROPES:
Second chance romance | World between worlds | Ancient magic | Slow burn | Forced proximity | Found family | Secret confession | Fated mates | Knife throwing FMC | Touch her and die | Remembered detail | Protective and possessive MMC
TRIGGERS:
Grief/ Loss | Torture | Sexual Harassment | Violence | Blood/Gore | Weight loss | Starvation | Violence/Physical Assault | Stalking | Blackmail | Suicidal Ideation | Betrayal
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book.
In Binding we are introduced to Elaine, a woman living in slightly dystopian land which has been split between human and fae realms by "The Divide". When we meet her she is still recovering from the loss of the love of her life, Darian. Elaine has tried to move on, and is now engaged, however, thos does not work out as she breaks things off with him just before her best friend's bachelorette party in the capitol. While partying there she is taken to meet a mysterious man that just might raise some ghosts from her past.
Honestly, I love the characters in this book and their interactions. I think the world and lore is well built, and I love the setting, as it is a refreshing change from typical fantasy stories. I will say that I did get a little confused towards the end with the time jumps, but I am very much looking forward to the sequel
In Binding we are introduced to Elaine, a woman living in slightly dystopian land which has been split between human and fae realms by "The Divide". When we meet her she is still recovering from the loss of the love of her life, Darian. Elaine has tried to move on, and is now engaged, however, thos does not work out as she breaks things off with him just before her best friend's bachelorette party in the capitol. While partying there she is taken to meet a mysterious man that just might raise some ghosts from her past.
Honestly, I love the characters in this book and their interactions. I think the world and lore is well built, and I love the setting, as it is a refreshing change from typical fantasy stories. I will say that I did get a little confused towards the end with the time jumps, but I am very much looking forward to the sequel
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
3.5⭐ rounded up
This was a fairly quick read for me and it was easy to get pulled in with Elaine's emotions. Her heartbreak and pain at various points were especially poignant. Definitely take the trigger warnings seriously with this one.
Overall though I'm not sure how I feel about it now that I've finished it? Between the flashbacks and time jumps the pacing was awkward at times. I wanted more out of the second chance aspect of the romance and I felt like I had a lot of questions about the world building. This felt more like a mafia romance with a little magic thrown in but I'm hopeful with how this ends that the fantasy aspects will be more prevelant in the next book.
I can see how this would be a good gateway for someone either looking to branch out from fantasy romance into dark/mafia romance and vice versa and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to Rattle the Stars PR and the author for the ARC!
This was a fairly quick read for me and it was easy to get pulled in with Elaine's emotions. Her heartbreak and pain at various points were especially poignant. Definitely take the trigger warnings seriously with this one.
Overall though I'm not sure how I feel about it now that I've finished it? Between the flashbacks and time jumps the pacing was awkward at times. I wanted more out of the second chance aspect of the romance and I felt like I had a lot of questions about the world building. This felt more like a mafia romance with a little magic thrown in but I'm hopeful with how this ends that the fantasy aspects will be more prevelant in the next book.
I can see how this would be a good gateway for someone either looking to branch out from fantasy romance into dark/mafia romance and vice versa and I am looking forward to reading the next one.
Thanks to Rattle the Stars PR and the author for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5 ⭐️the cliff hanger thoooo 😭 so grateful I got to be a arc reader for Binding ! this read wrecked me lol the only reason it is getting a 4 is because I NEED to know what happens next! Loved the fire the fmc Elaine has & I’m a sucker for a wholesome friendship between the fmcs . The mmc , Darian has a gray side as well! If you like fae magic , inner turmoil & solid energies , this is the read for you !
One of my favorite lines is “the language is beautiful, and cursing someone out in Spanish has a certain oomph that is unmatched.”
TROPES:
Second chance romance | World between worlds | Ancient magic | Slow burn | Forced proximity | Found family | Secret confession | Fated mates | Knife throwing FMC | Touch her and die | Remembered detail | Protective and possessive MMC
One of my favorite lines is “the language is beautiful, and cursing someone out in Spanish has a certain oomph that is unmatched.”
TROPES:
Second chance romance | World between worlds | Ancient magic | Slow burn | Forced proximity | Found family | Secret confession | Fated mates | Knife throwing FMC | Touch her and die | Remembered detail | Protective and possessive MMC
September 9, 2026
Binding is a gritty, dark romance with strong mafia vibes and a touch of fantasy. This book will suck you in with the high emotions of the FMC as she copes with the aftermath of the loss of her greatest. But everything is not as it seems and just as she has started to accept her loss, her love returns. As relieved as she is to see him, his resurfacing is complicated and they are both in great danger. The MMC is morally grey/black and very possessive of the FMC. He never got over his love for her and doesn’t intend to let her go again. The villain feels like an evil crime boss from the mafia and it’s very easy to hate him. Everyone in this book is slightly morally grey and will do whatever it takes to protect themselves, their family and their interests.
This is not the type of book I would normally pickup but it was excellently written and I definitely felt caught up in the feelings of revenge and fear from all the characters. You will be left guessing until the end, and be ready for a significant cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more!
If you love these tropes, you’ll love Binding!
🖤Second chance dark romance
🌟 World between worlds
🖤 Forced proximity
🌟 Found family
🖤 Fated mates
🌟 Touch her and die
🖤 Protective and possessive MMC
TRIGGERS:
Grief/ Loss | Torture | Sexual Harassment | Violence | Blood/Gore | Weight loss |
Starvation | Violence/Physical Assault | Stalking | Blackmail | Suicidal Ideation | Betrayal
This is not the type of book I would normally pickup but it was excellently written and I definitely felt caught up in the feelings of revenge and fear from all the characters. You will be left guessing until the end, and be ready for a significant cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more!
If you love these tropes, you’ll love Binding!
🖤Second chance dark romance
🌟 World between worlds
🖤 Forced proximity
🌟 Found family
🖤 Fated mates
🌟 Touch her and die
🖤 Protective and possessive MMC
TRIGGERS:
Grief/ Loss | Torture | Sexual Harassment | Violence | Blood/Gore | Weight loss |
Starvation | Violence/Physical Assault | Stalking | Blackmail | Suicidal Ideation | Betrayal
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Yes, if you love mafia romance and want to dip your toe into fantasy.
No, if you hate it when the MMC uses her nickname every other sentence.
This one had a good premise, but it had pacing and exploration issues. The second chance romance only reached surface level for me. I never really felt their deep connection; I was only told that they had it. I wish we spent more time with them reconnecting and falling back into love before the binding. There were a few time jumps that happened that hindered the character development, especially at the end.
Overall, this book would be perfect for lovers of dark mafia romance that features mercurial main characters. This is not a slow burn romance.
Thank you, SJ Sastre & Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC. Make sure you check out Binding when it publishes on Oct 9th.
No, if you hate it when the MMC uses her nickname every other sentence.
This one had a good premise, but it had pacing and exploration issues. The second chance romance only reached surface level for me. I never really felt their deep connection; I was only told that they had it. I wish we spent more time with them reconnecting and falling back into love before the binding. There were a few time jumps that happened that hindered the character development, especially at the end.
Overall, this book would be perfect for lovers of dark mafia romance that features mercurial main characters. This is not a slow burn romance.
Thank you, SJ Sastre & Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC. Make sure you check out Binding when it publishes on Oct 9th.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This urban fantasy gives the coolest fantasy fae meets mafia leaders. And yes it’s that good.
Instead of finding new love this is about finding love when you thought it was dead. I think that’s what I love most about it is that this isn’t some new finding love thing, this is two who love each other profusely and you find out why the events play out like they do.
And when I tell you Darian is 🥵🥵 like touch her and ☠️ that has you kicking your feet and giggling like a mad person.
Moira honestly is my favourite type of best friends. She’s relatable and hilarious and loyal as fuck. Always there for Elaine. If I had to choose a favourite character from this book it would be a hard choice but I think I would have to say Moira. Carpe Diem, Bitch🩷🩷🩷
This book releases October 9th, 2026 and it’s definitely a book you should put on your must read list this fall 😏
Instead of finding new love this is about finding love when you thought it was dead. I think that’s what I love most about it is that this isn’t some new finding love thing, this is two who love each other profusely and you find out why the events play out like they do.
And when I tell you Darian is 🥵🥵 like touch her and ☠️ that has you kicking your feet and giggling like a mad person.
Moira honestly is my favourite type of best friends. She’s relatable and hilarious and loyal as fuck. Always there for Elaine. If I had to choose a favourite character from this book it would be a hard choice but I think I would have to say Moira. Carpe Diem, Bitch🩷🩷🩷
This book releases October 9th, 2026 and it’s definitely a book you should put on your must read list this fall 😏
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is for lovers of dark urban fantasy romance with some mafia vibes thrown in for good measure. Elaine's world was ripped apart when Darian died, but when she finds out he's alive six years later things aren't as joyous as she'd want. Now she's dealing with the past trauma of his loss along with the truth of the dangerous world he was trying to protect her from.
This is packed with secrets and betrayals, found family, politics, secret magic and divided worlds. This debut novel is book one in a series that is setting up for a lot of world building as it progresses with three different realms that have been kept away from each other for millennia, but are now being pulled back together. It's fast paced and twisty. The MCs are both full of trauma and flaws that pull them together and drive them apart.
There are also some dark themes of torture, violence and suicidal-ideation so make sure to check the trigger warnings.
Tropes
Second chance romance
World between worlds
Ancient magic
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Fated Mates
Secrets and betrayals
Triggers
Grief/loss
Torture
Suicidal Ideation
Violence/Assault
Spice 🌶️
This is packed with secrets and betrayals, found family, politics, secret magic and divided worlds. This debut novel is book one in a series that is setting up for a lot of world building as it progresses with three different realms that have been kept away from each other for millennia, but are now being pulled back together. It's fast paced and twisty. The MCs are both full of trauma and flaws that pull them together and drive them apart.
There are also some dark themes of torture, violence and suicidal-ideation so make sure to check the trigger warnings.
Tropes
Second chance romance
World between worlds
Ancient magic
Slow burn
Forced proximity
Fated Mates
Secrets and betrayals
Triggers
Grief/loss
Torture
Suicidal Ideation
Violence/Assault
Spice 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review
OMG! This book literally left me staring at the wall at its ending!
The story follows Elaine, six years after the love of her life has been killed. She has tried to rebuild her life but it’s just not enough. I love that Sastre doesn’t hide the trauma and lasting pain of losing a love so consuming.
when our MMC reappears suddenly, Elaine doesn’t immediately fall back into his arms. She explores her feelings of abandonment and the pain of realising that your reality isn’t always what it seems.
the twist at the end had me sat up till the early hours, unable to sleep, willing for her to survive the story!
An incredibly powerful story about the journey and complexity of love and loss.
favourite quote: ‘‘Oh my murderous love, I’ll go with you anywhere’
OMG! This book literally left me staring at the wall at its ending!
The story follows Elaine, six years after the love of her life has been killed. She has tried to rebuild her life but it’s just not enough. I love that Sastre doesn’t hide the trauma and lasting pain of losing a love so consuming.
when our MMC reappears suddenly, Elaine doesn’t immediately fall back into his arms. She explores her feelings of abandonment and the pain of realising that your reality isn’t always what it seems.
the twist at the end had me sat up till the early hours, unable to sleep, willing for her to survive the story!
An incredibly powerful story about the journey and complexity of love and loss.
favourite quote: ‘‘Oh my murderous love, I’ll go with you anywhere’
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author and RTSPR for the chance to read this. My opinions are my own.
Modern world fantasy
Multi POV, 1st person.
Some dark themes so check your trigger warnings.
I really enjoyed Binding.
FMC Elaine has been struggling to rebuild her life since the loss of her love Darian, six years ago. Drowning in grief she mostly just goes through the motions.
Then she finds out Darian is alive and her world is turned upside down.
She has to decide whether to trust him again and help him against his power mad uncle, or turn her back on him.
Some dark and intense moments.
A really good read and I look forward to the next one!
Modern world fantasy
Multi POV, 1st person.
Some dark themes so check your trigger warnings.
I really enjoyed Binding.
FMC Elaine has been struggling to rebuild her life since the loss of her love Darian, six years ago. Drowning in grief she mostly just goes through the motions.
Then she finds out Darian is alive and her world is turned upside down.
She has to decide whether to trust him again and help him against his power mad uncle, or turn her back on him.
Some dark and intense moments.
A really good read and I look forward to the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Elaine thinks that Darian was shot and killed 6 years ago. She has trauma from that and then when she finds out that he's actually alive and tried to keep her safe by faking his death, there's even more trauma for Elaine to fight through.
The beginning starts very slow but it's absolutely needed to build the world that we're now drawn into. Also, be aware that this ends on a cliffhanger so if you don't care for those wait to read until book 2 comes out. I am excited to see what happens next.
Thank you S. J. Sastre and Rattle The Stars for my advanced copy - the review is mine.
The beginning starts very slow but it's absolutely needed to build the world that we're now drawn into. Also, be aware that this ends on a cliffhanger so if you don't care for those wait to read until book 2 comes out. I am excited to see what happens next.
Thank you S. J. Sastre and Rattle The Stars for my advanced copy - the review is mine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Breathless. Thats...the only word that finishing Binding has left me with. I was left completely, utterly breathless. Elaine and Darian are written beautifully, the agony and ecstasy of their love story kept me pinned to my couch, the very definition of "second chance romance". The world building was easy to follow without sacrificing complexity, and the tension (both sexual and otherwise 😏, the spice had me biting my lip) had me on the edge of my seat. With a cliffhanger that left me DEVASTATED, the opener to the Kalmian Chronicles has sunk its teeth into me for the foreseeable future.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm convinced S.J. is a dark sorceress. The name "Binding" is apropos not just because it's an important point in the book, but because @s.jauth uses her powers to bind readers to the story and the characters (and possibly herself). There are characters you'll love to hate and those you'll hate to love. Characters you start off hating and end up loving. Characters you feel bad for but then loathe. The character development, plot, and emotional twists and turns will keep you turning the page to the very end and then leave you bound and wanting more.
September 10, 2026
This starts out with our FMC Elaine discovering her boyfriend Darian is actually alive after believing him dead for 6 years. When I say I LIVE for a girl who is FUCKING PISSED after her guy lied to protect her, then we get to watch him grovel his way back to earn her trust while tearing down the world to protect her — this is it folks!
This one pulled me in pretty quickly. Enjoyed the cast of characters and story development. There are some darker themes, so check trigger warnings before reading.
Thanks to the author SJ Sastre and Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC opportunity. I am not being compensated for the review and am leaving it voluntarily.
This one pulled me in pretty quickly. Enjoyed the cast of characters and story development. There are some darker themes, so check trigger warnings before reading.
Thanks to the author SJ Sastre and Rattle the Stars PR for the ARC opportunity. I am not being compensated for the review and am leaving it voluntarily.
September 8, 2026
Wow. This had me a chokehold. I was shocked whilst reading this. I have no words. This book was so gripping from the very first page. I think this maybe the best romantasy I’ve read in a long time. I was hooked on discovering the decrease and had me guessing right up til the last page. And that ending. Wow. I need book 2 As soon as possible.
Massive thank you to Rattle The Stars for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy! I am very thankful.
Massive thank you to Rattle The Stars for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy! I am very thankful.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I INHALED this book! I couldn't put it down!!!
The world building was easy to follow. The plot is so interesting . The characters tug on every single heartstring. The heartbreak! The yearning! The twists and turns!
Absolutely amazing debut novel and I can't wait to inhale the rest of this series!
The world building was easy to follow. The plot is so interesting . The characters tug on every single heartstring. The heartbreak! The yearning! The twists and turns!
Absolutely amazing debut novel and I can't wait to inhale the rest of this series!
September 4, 2026
4⭐️ for sure dark romance and fantasy vibes! Touch her and die the to max! I loved it! Love a possessive MMC! The twist at the end was unexpected! Would love to see where the story of Elaine and dar goes in book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Binding really left me wanting more! I couldn't believe the twists this book took throughout it. And there is a few quotes in here that will EASILY become your favorite. I am 100% going to reread this again. I can't wait to see what happens with this series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Holy smokes was that a crazy roller coaster. I am left speechless and wordless. I do not even know what to type. Definitely need the next book.
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