Thane Allen is the biggest movie star on the planet. He has money, status, and the ability to make people do what he tells them to with just a word. But he's without his mate and is losing hope that he will ever find her.
Sydney Warren has lost both her parents and makes a daring choice to move to London to live with her cousin. A chance encounter puts her in the path of what she considers nothing more than a fantasy, until that fantasy pursues her.
Will Thane be able to convince her he's genuine? When a threat no one saw coming threatens Sydney's life, will Thane be able to save her?
The Cauld Ane series is about a non-human race secretly living among the humans going about their lives in much the way those around them do not seeming different on the outside. They have long life, extra strength, and special gifts. Each spends their life searching for that special someone who is their soulmate.
This is only my second visit to the series after reading the book immediately before this one. I had plans to go back and catch up on the series, but that hasn't happened yet. I've managed to muddle through with the worldbuilding and the recurring characters and ongoing plot, but yeah, definitely need to get up to speed eventually because I very much had the feeling that I was missing something. Something good. That being said, there was plenty I could enjoy in this book and did. The main plot introduces a new pair of soulmates, Thane and Sydney.
The story opens with Sydney Warren learning of her mother's death. She is devastated, naturally, and turns to the only family she has left for comfort. She moves from America to England to live with her mother's brother's family in London. Her family is quite wealthy and she is an heiress in her own right. Sydney is taking some time to grieve and then will decide what to do with her life. Into this situation, she has a chance encounter with movie star, Thane Allen. It is a surreal experience, but even more surprising is that he is interested in her and wants to see her again.
Thane is Caulde Ane living among the humans in plain sight. He is slightly envious of his friends and older siblings who have all found their mates. He knows sometimes it takes a long time for mates to find each other and it's possible his mate might even be human. That's when it happens. He suddenly meets her and he likes what he sees, but Sydney is suspicious and uncertain. He has the job of not only convincing her that what they have is real, but explaining about him being different.
As Thane and Sydney begin a relationship, disturbing revelations come out about her mom's death. Sydney may be in danger. Thane and her uncle have the job of keeping her safe even as the authorities work to solve the crime. Thane is desperate that nobody will take away from him the mate that he has waited for a long time.
Alright, so this one took me some time to get into and stay in, but overall it was a light, heartwarming paranormal romance. Let's start with what I found troubling and then move on to the good stuff.
There were a few times when I encountered...well let's call them distracting issues. They weren't huge ugglies, but they took me out of the story. The heroine is a newbie to the world of Cauld Ane and she didn't get much of an explanation. She finds stuff out as she goes and most of it was after she committed to him which happened super quickly. Went from stranger to I love you in a week. I found it hard to believe that someone would be that accepting of something so monumental. She had a harder time accepting that a movie star wanted a date with her than she did that there were such things as near immortals who could communicate mentally and had extra strength and powerful gifts lived among the humans who had soul mates and now she was part of it. So yeah, fated mates story with not a lot of intro and build up there.
Now, as to what worked for me. The romance isn't isolated, but surrounded by family, friends, love, affection, humor, and a light tone. The string of gentle, sweet scenes such as family gatherings and events like births and birthday parties, sisterly shopping trips, cuddling over a movie, and double dates were adorable. For those who enjoy snarky fun dialogue then this will definitely tickle your funny bone. Thane was quick and flirty, but Sydney was a sarcastic gal with a short fuse especially when it came to his need to protect aka smother her. I appreciated that she understood the danger and didn't pull any stubborn-stupid stunts.
And the suspense element, whew boy, did some of those last twists come as a shock. I had no trouble figuring out part of it as it was foreshadowed earlier, but the 'why' was something else. I also liked that the struggle with their new emerging gifts made them have to work at their relationship and rely on each other as a partnership. Sometimes folks are opposites, but in this case these two have so much in common that its double the trouble. Poor things! I was exhausted just reading some of it as they worked through it, but was gladdened when they pulled together over it.
Oh, and I really loved that nod to the author's other time- travel series with Thane acting in a movie about 'Jamie' and 'Sophie'. Loved that series so it was fun to encounter it again here.
In summary, I got cozy and enjoyed a lighter paranormal that is heartwarming and on the sweeter end. I am still determined to go back for the earlier books because I really enjoyed the scenes with the previous couples who are now starting families. I would recommend this one with the caveat that it be for those who can enjoy quick fated mates sweeter romance.
My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Just love this series can't get enough of the family and the connection even when problems arrise. Each book ties to the next in some way and that is what makes this an awesome series even though they can be read as stand alones
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a big fan of fairy tales, folklore and romance. Yes, I read the Twilight series, and I’m currently reading The Lunar Chronicles, so I like some action too. So something on the paranormal isn’t out of my range when I pick something to read. Even so, the story has to be believable and for me and it has to meet my four “No” rating: No profanity, no explicit sex, no crude humor, and no violence. That being said, I am not a prude. Frankly, profanity is not professional. I’m not interested in reading porn. Crude humor is usually offensive and degrading to someone. Mystery and suspense do not have to include violent graphic details. Personally, I feel books should come with ratings just like movies and television do. If I don’t want to watch it, then I certainly don’t want to read it.
So, here’s the rub with Ms. Jackson’s “Bound” books. First, the premise of the Viking lifelong love between one man and one woman is appealing. The semi-immortal part to the story has caused me to question the validity of the story: (How are you going to explain to your human ‘mates’ family that you don’t age and you can heal immediately from a serious wound with your mate’s touch? How are you going to feel when your human family dies? How did you explain your super-strength during a war battle? Surely if you lived from the middle ages to current times, you’ve had to fight a battle or two. If you’ve lived for centuries and had sexual relationships with other women, some of them human, why were they not transformed into Cauld Ane, if the transforming amino acids are in the male body fluids excreted during sex? What if you go into someone’s apartment/flat, house, hospital, business, and the temperature is too warm? Not everyone keeps their thermostats at 68 degrees even in Scotland. How are you going to remain a popular rock star, actor, or CEO after 10-20 years? Someone is going to notice you are not aging….) And the ‘gifts’ that Cauld Ane have seem a bit overdone. I can’t believe that Pepper hasn’t set someone or something on fire as volatile as her personality is. Surely someone would have noticed her hair turning from blond to red who isn’t Cauld Ane by now?
Second, the females start off as some damsel in distress. They are usually sweet, sensitive, and some are really smart and hard working; so why do they develop into princesses with potty mouth? In this last book, Bound by Light, Sydney actually curses and mentions being blessed by God in the same sentence. Really? It doesn’t sound like she’s thankful for her blessings to me. And she is supposed to be a ‘truth revealer’, but the only truth revealed was she has anger issues and revenge on her mind. And the hot and cold attitude she has with her mate, Thane, would have me filing for divorce by the end of the first week of marriage. As for the men, they seem identical – wealthy, controlling/dominating, over protective, and they all see ‘red’ when they are angry.
Third, although the books are not what I would call explicit sex, the romances are centered around sex, pre-marital and after-marital. Plus, there is the occasional crude sexual humor that is unnecessary and seems to be ‘added’ for ‘cuteness’. Crudeness is cutting, not cute.
Finally, the point I’m trying to make is even though this series was originally sold to me as Christian romance, there is little that can be considered truly Christian; the characters live ‘worldly’ and they are driven by anger not forgiveness, domination not mutual respect, sex not love.
Ms. Jackson does has potential as a writer as she has touched on some great topics such as human trafficking, stalking, cutting, and drug/alcohol recovery; all topics that need more awareness and sensitivity. Her characters can be generous towards those who suffer, are in poverty, or in need of help. Some of her relationships start off very sweet, and it is nice to see these relationships continue into the next books. But…there is so much that leaves me feeling disappointed. After 7 books of hoping for a well developed story, in-depth characterization, and redeeming values, it is time for me to give up.
* I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review. *
I have loved the Cauld Ane series from the very beginning and have been teetering on the edge of emotional distress waiting for a new book, but now I finally have it and it was sooooo worth the wait!! I loved each and every aspect of it. It was emotional, it was distressing, it was a bit of a roller coaster ride, but it was amazing!
Author Tracey Jane Jackson doesn't disappoint the readers in any way with this new addition to the Cauld Ane. I loved that Sydney wasn't looking for love, but when she found it she held on for all that it's worth. I loved the way that Thane had to work so hard to convince her to give him a chance. They were a Cauld Ane match made in heaven (like all of the others). I enjoyed getting to spend time with old friends, such as, Pepper, Sam, Nial and the group, and I loved making new friends and seeing new additions come into the world.
She picks up right where she left off and it was a smooth transition for the reader to make. The details that she uses to describe the locations makes the reader feel like they are a part of the story and they are truly a part of the book. I could easily picture the castles, the countryside, the horses and all of the other tiny details that she uses. The reader can also feel the emotions coming out the characters like they are a part of them. The reader feels the angst, the pain, the love and the desperation that the characters are going through and it makes the reader feel like they are right there. The author grabs the reader and doesn't let them go, even after the story is done. The reader thinks about the book and the characters long after they have finished reading!
I am already looking forward to the next book in the series and hope that it comes sooner rather than later!! Another amazing job and another favorite to add to my list!!
I don't usually like paranormal books, but this one is the exception to the rule. I have followed this author and these series since reading the first one, Bound By Blood - Samantha and Kade (they are my favourite, always has been, always will be)
To really follow book #7, to know what is going on, you really have to read from book #1, you will not be disappointed.
I thoroughly enjoyed Thane and Sydney's book, if this is the last book i am sad to see it end, but definitely a good way to go out
Love Tracey Jane Jackson's writing, it always keeps me hooked, and you RARELY find any errors, so the book flows really well.
I have to say that I liked Thane so much more than I thought I would! Thane has been mentioned several times in the past, and I loved what he did in Charlotte's story, but we've never really met him before so I wasn't positive what to expect. He reminded me of Connal in some ways because he was a bit more emotional and sensitive than some of the other heroes. He is also still incredibly protective, which is another Cauld Ane trait. He and Sydney are a good match, and I liked their banter and chemistry.
I will say that this story was a touch more insta-love than I was hoping for. Once she agrees to go on a date with him, it is basically love right away, and I was hoping for a little more development there.
Like Peyton, Sydney is not yet 25 when she meets Thane. I was really hoping for a scene similar to the one between Peyton and Brodie where she "knows" that he is her mate, and I was really let down that didn't occur.
Also, it felt a little odd to me that the couple from the previous book wasn't mentioned at all. We have some randomly inserted scenes of Sam and Pepper's births, but basically no mention of the couple from the book right before this one. It just felt a little weird to me, as I was expecting that sub plot to continue a bit.
Overall, Thane really stole the show for me. I enjoyed the romance, and the suspense/mystery angle added a little something extra. I loved seeing Thane in his over-protective mode, and it was a good way to see them work through some issues. Looking forward to more in this series!
I am bound to the Cauld Ane. Are you??? The Cauld Ane are a unique race. They live around a thousand years. They can't handle temperatures above 68 degrees. A Cauld Ane can mate with a human but than she is transformed into Cauld Ane. Each member has special gifts that can pass on to their mate making for unique matings and stories. If you have never read any of the series, you can begin your addiction with Bound by Blood, book one in the Cauld Ane.
Bound by Light, book 7, is Thane Allen, movie star, and Sydney's story. She stumbles across him during interviews at the Ritz Hotel in London. He immediately recognizes her as his mate. Let the courting begin.
Of course it would be easier for Thane if Sydney would just agree to go along with it instead of disappearing. A movie premiere brings them together again.
You would think that once they started dating things would go smoothly but that would make for a boring story. Sydney discovers her life is in danger. There is a threat but little more is known. Thane makes it his mission to keep her safe. The question is can he protect her from herself.
So many secrets come to light within this story. Thane and Sydney make such an amazing couple, but there abilities don't always get along.
Piper Davenport continues to please with the latest installment in the Cauld Ane series!
After the death of her parents, Sydney Warren decides that it is time for a change and moves to England to live with her uncle and cousin. She is working to adjust to her new life when fate puts her directly in the path of actor Thane Allen. Sydney can't believe that she is face-to-face with the object of all her wildest fantasies. As the biggest movie star in the world, Thane doesn't want for the material things in life. All the money and fame mean nothing, however, when he is without his one true mate. Cauld Ane's always recognize their mates at first sight, and Thane is no exception. He knows that Sydney his meant to be his. Can he keep her safe long enough to convince her that they are destined to be together forever? Or will Sydney write him off as a crazy stalker? A great read for a long Thanksgiving weekend.
After losing her remaining parent, Sydney moves to the UK with her Uncle and his family. After getting lost, she ends up at a hotel where there is a press junket being held for Thane's latest movie. After a case of mistaken identity - the two meet and Thane knows immediately that she is his mate. What follows is Sydney being brought into the world of the Cauld Ane. We learn that all is not as it first appeared with her mother's death and that provides a bit of suspense in the book.
My only complaint is that I missed the "birthday moment" that let Sydney know what Thane was to her. I just didn't feel the love between these two as much as the previous couple. I still love this world though!
Thane’s mate walks into his life and then runs right back out again. Sydney can’t believe it when she meets one of the biggest movie stars in the world, she feels inadequate so she runs away when he is distracted. Their second meeting goes much better than the first, but will an unknown threat end their budding relationship? Thane seemed really sweet and he worked to fulfill all of Sydney’s needs. Sydney was a strong woman, but her emotions were a little out of control. I enjoyed seeing where all the previous couples in this series were in their lives. This was another good story from Piper Davenport.
Love it. This story introduces us to an entirely new family of Cauld Ane people. This one is all about Thane Allen, the movie star we met in Book 3. He's the one who was at Brody's club the night Shannon Fraser's Aunt Anna attacked the girl. Anyway, this story is a very good one. Thane and Sydney are great characters. Amazingly, she doesn't have as much of a problem believing the whole Cauld Ane story as the girls did. She accepts it rather quickly, but that's not saying that their story is any less intriguing. The author still has a few surprises for us. I love this series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
This is Sydney and Thane’s book. Thane is a movie start that we met in previous Claude Ane books. Sydney has just had her life turned upside down by the sudden loss of her mother, and decides to move to London to be closer to the only family she has left. Thane and Sydney met by accident but he knows right away that she is his mate. Sydney doesn’t think a famous movie star could be truly interested in her. Can Thane convince her that she is his mate? With an unknown threat against her will they get their happily ever after. I absolutely loved this book, Piper Davenport does it again!
Another great addition to the Cauld Ane Series! I had been wondering when we would get a book for Thane and this one did not disappoint! Sydney is a spunky heroine who has seen tragedy in her life and Thane is a great balance of an alpha with a sensitive side. Thane and Sydney have great chemistry and it was a joy to read their romance progress. It is always great catching up with the rest of the characters from the series. There is also a great movie reference in there. This book has insta-love, action, humor and romance! It is a great read over the Thanksgiving Holiday!
Another great piece to the Cauld Ane puzzle. I thoroughly enjoy this series and look forward to catching up with old friends, seeing what they've been up to while getting to know the others that we've just had glimpses of previously. This one is no different. While Thane and Sydney didn't necessarily face the roadblocks some of the others faced, their issues were just as difficult for them. Death, secrets, lies, they all play a part. A little bit of action and a whole lot of steam ties this one all together. I highly recommend this series.
This story introduces us to an entirely new family of Cauld Ane people. This one is all about Thane Allen, the movie star we met in Book 3 at Brody's club, his family and a few others.
This story is a very good one. Thane and Sydney are great characters. Amazingly, she doesn't have as much of a problem believing the whole Cauld Ane story as the other girls did. She accepts it rather quickly, but that's not saying that their story is any less intriguing. The author still has a few surprises for us. I really enjoyed the new aspects added in this one I also enjoyed getting to catch up with some of the past characters.
I love this series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
This was another great story told by Piper Davenport. There's a lot that you won't see, a lot you won't know. She definitely knows how to put a story together that will keep you turning the pages, and she doesn't disappoint with Thane and Sydney's story. I also love how she manages to weave all the previous characters into every story she writes!
I can't wait to see who is coming to these Vikings next! Eeek! Can I have one Piper??? Please????
I love this series. Each book continues to complement the previous. This book is Thane and Sidney's. Thane is use to having the world at his feet, but meets his match in Sidney. Thane has everything, Sidney doesn't think he could possibly want her. Sidney has lost so much. This is an exciting fun book you will surely enjoy. I just want to know where I can get my own Cauld Ane???
Bound for Light was a good addition to Cauld Ane Series but not my favorite. Thane Allen is the male lead and Sydney Warren is the female lead. Liked the storyline but could do without the female lead . Her character changed emotions so fast it was hard to keep up and the banter between the couple seemed forced at times. I was glad the previous characters within the series were included with this book. Happy Reading!!!!
This addition to the series I really enjoyed. I don’t think the telling of his true age was remotely realistic to the storyline of her being human. I think the author has gotten too complacent in that regard. However, the rest of the story was above exceptional. It was fresh, exciting and very enjoyable. Good that others had cameos during the conversion. Really do enjoy this series.
This appears to be the ending to the series. It has the feel of an unnecessary add on as it doesn’t really add to the existing universe other than babies being born to original characters. The storyline in this one is pointless and the female MC not particularly likable. Good thing it’s at the end as it certainly wouldn’t have encouraged me to continue with the series.
Thane is a huge movie star and Sydney has just moved from America. Her parents are gone and she is staying with her uncle and aunt. She ends up at one of Thane’s interviews and feels her cousin is setting her up. But Lucy isn’t doing anything. Thane recognizes Sydney as his mate and isn’t taking no for an answer. But there are questions concerning the death of Sydney’s mother and Thane insists on protecting her. Another good story in the series.
Bound by Light is the seventh book in th Cauld Ane series which is a different paranormal storyline. I have read all of the previous books and absolutely love this series. Thane and Sydney's storyline is fun and intriguing. Once again secrets are a problem and puts Sydney in danger. Ms Davenport has created a wonderful world and storyline with awesome characters that pulls you in. I can't wait to start turning pages in the next book and learning more of this captivating story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was such a smooth even read. I found this book so refreshing even though it had all the essentials of this series drama, etc. This one just had a different feel to it for me. Like it was easy for these two not to much stress. Very relaxing great read 👍. I am telling you if you have not tried this series you are missing out
Another fantastic book in one of the best book series to be published. I really loved Thane and Sydney as a couple, the chemistry and banter between them will leave you smiling and fanning yourself. What is also great about this book is Piper gives us little snippets from some of our favourites from past books.
When Sydney loses both of her parents she whisked to London to live with her aunt and uncle. When mistaken identity brings her face to face with actor Thane Allen, it seems too good to be true for Sydney. When her life is put in danger Thane is there to save her but will she open her heart to him? I'm so glad Thane got his own book. I absolutely love this series and everyone should read it.
I know that I say this every time but this book has truly been my favorite so far! Thane and Sydney are fantastic! What happens when a man the public loves meets the woman meant for him? This book is the love story that unfolds. They are meant to be together forever but will the danger swirling around her allow that? Loved it!
Safe, the H seems like a good guy, not talk about being a manwhore but he's been with many others, some famous. If course the H is once again a virgin. This is getting on my nerves. The H has the power of suggestion, and uses it, a lot. She finally gets pissy about it, I would have freaked out sooner. A good read, too many personal buttons pushed.
Sydney accidentally ends up at Thane's interviews for his new movie and instantly knows she's his mate. Sydney feels drawn to Thane but her life is a bit chaotic and she's wary. They quickly come together just in time to protect Sydney when she learns her mother was murdered. This is one action packed tale.