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The Cost of Blood and Bonds

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380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2026

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Gracie S. Cole

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Katie.
817 reviews45 followers
September 7, 2026
4.5 stars! This story kicks off with two completely different perspectives, and at first, you’re left wondering how in the world these two storylines are going to connect. But as the pieces slowly start falling into place, everything clicks and I absolutely ate it up!

I love a fierce, strong FMC who is underestimated only to turn around and prove everyone wrong. Watching her step into her power was everything! The chemistry and undeniable pull between the FMC and MMC had me completely invested, and the romantic tension was definitely there.

One of the male characters completely stole my heart, and I found myself feeling so deeply for him and his journey. There’s just something about a character who gets under your skin and stays there.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and after that ending, I cannot wait to see what’s in store for the next book!

Profile Image for Robbie Collins.
26 reviews1 follower
September 6, 2026
This book had me completely invested from the very beginning.

Gemma and Ryewood’s chemistry is everything! their banter, their tension, and the way their romance slowly unfolds had me absolutely hooked. There’s something about a forbidden love story that keeps you desperately rooting for two people who seem like they can’t possibly be together, and their story delivered that in the best way.

I loved how beautifully the romance was built up, especially through their meetings and the growing tension between them. And when the spice finally arrived? It felt completely earned and fit so naturally into the story

Beyond the romance, there are so many mysteries woven throughout the story that had me constantly questioning what was really going on.

And the side characters! Finn and Rosie are absolutely precious, and their moments together brought such a sweet warmth to an otherwise intense story

There were moments that were beautifully heartbreaking, moments that made me swoon, and a reveal that genuinely left my jaw on the floor.

And that ending?! Let’s just say I NEED to know what happens next!!!

If you love forbidden romance, undeniable chemistry, secrets, mystery, and a story that keeps you guessing, this one needs to be on your TBR.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Darkromancearabia Jin.
555 reviews34 followers
September 11, 2026
First of all, that cover is AMAZING. It is absolutely perfect for this story. And I may or may not have stalked Gracie’s social media, and I loved everything she was doing there too. 😂

As for the story, I really loved the buildup. From the beginning, I kept wondering about the forest, what it was hiding, what was really happening in this kingdom, and who could actually be trusted. And the more I read, the more questions I had.

There is so much going on here: rebellion, revenge, secrets, forbidden romance, political intrigue, deadly trials, magic, hidden identities, and a love triangle that actually hurts.

Gemira is such a strong FMC. She fights for what she believes is right while trying to survive everything being thrown at her. And I absolutely loved her mother. ❤️ And then we have the princes, the heir and the spare. I loved both of them and their very different personalities, as well as their struggles between what they want, what they are expected to do, and what their hearts actually desire. They are actually good men. And Gemira falling for the prince was dangerous from the beginning, which made their relationship even more interesting… his “little fox.” 🦊 The tension, the chemistry... hot, hot...

I also loved the band of friends. Their loyalty to each other was one of my favorite things. They were willing to sacrifice their own needs and desires for each other, and you could really feel how much they cared. Their attitude was like, “It’s going to be okay” and “We’ll figure it out, together.”

The multiple POVs worked so well for this story too. We get Gemira, Ryewood, Finn, Grier, Hayesland, and Rosalie’s perspectives, and seeing the story through all their eyes added so much depth. It felt like we were actually there with them from every angle, whether in the garden, the castle, the city, or wherever the story took us. It also made me care about so many of the characters and understand their motivations better.

And the twists?! WOW. 😳 I genuinely did not expect some of them. The quest, the revenge, the search, the magic, the secrets… so many pieces that had me wondering what was going on finally started making sense.

And then we get to that ending. I NEED BOOK TWO NOW!!.

I can't wait to see them go through the trials and find out what happens next. I am definitely not ready to leave this world yet. 🖤🦊 A really interesting dark romantasy with a strong FMC, forbidden romance, complicated relationships, loyal friends, secrets, rebellion, magic, political tension, and twists that actually surprised me.
Profile Image for KathrynAlyse.
123 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2026
4.5 Rounded up.
A HUGE thank you to Gracie S. Cole for the ARC of The Cost of Blood and Bonds! ❤️

This was SUCH a good romantasy! We have two completely different walks of life, two opposites colliding for an EPIC romance… actually, make that romances! 👀 Add in found family, secrets, reveals, hidden agendas, politcal tension, and spice, and I was HOOKED.

Our FMC, Gemma, is a fierce swordswoman who is just trying to survive and OH BOY, does this woman have some secrets! I absolutely loved getting to uncover her story piece by piece.

And then we have the MMCs…

Rye, one of the princes, is the PERFECT yearning male. The man is giving I want you and I WILL HAVE you energy, and I was HERE FOR IT. 🔥

Then there’s Grier, a commander for the king who is secretly in love while also hiding SO MANY secrets of his own. (I was secretly rooting for him!)

And Hayes, the prince and future king, is just the SWEETEST. I absolutely adored him!

There are quite a few characters throughout this story, but at NO point did I feel confused or like there were too many to keep track of. The author did such a fantastic job giving everyone their own place in the story that I always knew who was who and what was happening.

This is a multiple POV, which I LOVE, and it worked so well for this story. We also have Rosie, a FMC side character who is a commoner who survived the trials and is now considered “noble,” AND Finn, another member of the king’s guard who is hiding secrets of his own. ALL the characters developed so well and I could literally talk about the importance of all of them.

Honestly, this entire story is BUILT on secrets, reveals, and hidden agendas, and I was constantly wondering who I could actually trust. And what secret was going to come out next.

And the chemistry between Rye and Gemma?! SO GOOD. I absolutely loved their spicy moments and the tension between them. Their relationship had me invested!

The world-building was also SO well done. I loved getting pulled deeper into this world and discovering more about its politics, characters, and secrets as the story unfolded. I think the only thing I may have wanted more of was the back story on the king and the "Twins", we get a small snip bit but for me I wanted more understanding on that. But maybe that comes in book two! Overall, I LOVED this read! The entire story and especially that ending (big reveal) has left me NEEDING MORE.

I cannot WAIT to see what happens in Book Two!
Profile Image for Taylor.
46 reviews18 followers
September 11, 2026
ARC Review

Ahhb-freaking-sessed!!!

The DEVOTION
The YEARN
The MYSTERY
The CONSEQUENCES

You're going to want to add this one to your TBR, y'all.

Several months ago, I read the first four chapters of The Cost of Blood and Bonds by Gracie S Cole, and knew I was going to love it. And boy do I. Past me knew what was up because this romantasy will have you laughing and sweating while trying to tease out the mysteries that just keep deepening.

Power is a fragile thing, and the king of knows it. Yet, the cost of maintaining that power is paid for by our MCs, Gemira and Prince Ryewood, the hungry citizens of Terrath, and most importantly, the sets of twins unlucky enough to be born under his rule. It's a price paid in secrets, deception, broken hearts, and blood; it's secured by swords and silence.

With corruption comes rebellion, and nothing is what it seems--except for Ryewood and Grier, and there absolute utter love and devotion to Gemira. No this is not a why choose, yes I am devastated about it, but the author does an excellent job with this love triangle (a trope I typically avoid) by removing some of the clichés that are usually present (ultimatums, indecision, the comparisons--yuck.) Instead, she's created complex men with emotional intelligence and genuine hearts. (Don't worry. They are also hot as hell fighters with capable--and bloody--hands.)

And her female characters are sharp, in mind, spirit, and body--literally Gemira is an expert swordsman so she knows her way around pointy objects and Rosie is just as deadly. They are legit badasses.


Rating: 5 stars
Spice: open door, explicit. Keep a glass of milk nearby cause boy is it spicy. But balanced. No spice for spice sake here, but when we do get it, boy is it worth it.
Tropes: he falls first, badass fmc, court politics, training tension, pining, forced proximity, secrets, rebellion, love triangle (I normally don't like these, but it is done really well!)
Profile Image for H. Taylor.
Author 1 book1 follower
September 10, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest review, but I genuinely wanted to be an ARC reader for this book. Thanks to Gracie S. Cole, I had the honor and privilege of reading the first four chapters beforehand and was already craving more. So I need to be honest. If you pick up The Cost of Blood and Bonds, be prepared to feel frustratedly impatient because you'll definitely want book two! This was such a fun read for me. It doesn’t start with lengthy world-building descriptions or information. Instead, it tosses you right into the story. You learn what you need to know as you go along. The lore is subtly revealed through the characters and events. The characters are beautifully diverse in personality and behavior, each bringing unique skills and talents to the table, leaving no room for damsels in distress. They are equally strong in their own ways, finding survival tactics that suit them best. It’s impossible not to fall in love with each character. Every time you turn the page, you can never predict what will happen next. You always get just enough information to piece things together, but never enough to solve the mystery fully. The twist at the end is so good that you’ll need to read it twice, leaving you eager for the next book. If you're not already hooked on the spare prince, the way Ryewood identifies and reacts to this twist will definitely clinch it for you. There is no greater love than the love of being seen so completely.
Profile Image for Gionna.
55 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 6, 2026
Okay, Gracie S. Cole, you have my attention.

The Cost of Blood and Bonds pulled me into a world of deadly trials, rebellion, secrets, and a kingdom where it feels like there is always something bigger lurking just beneath the surface. There are so many little threads that kept me questioning what I knew and wanting to uncover the truth right alongside the characters.

The characters absolutely stole this book for me. Gemma is exactly the kind of FMC I love. She's capable, stubborn, fiercely protective, and strong without being written like she doesn't have vulnerabilities. And Ryewood? This man FALLS. He is completely gone for her, and their chemistry from that first masked encounter had me hooked. The tension, the banter, the whole masked thief and prince dynamic...give it to me.

And the supporting cast is just as easy to become attached to. Finn, Hayes, Grier, Rosie...they make this world feel so much bigger than just the central romance. Their relationships, loyalties, and complicated dynamics add another layer to the story and gave me even more characters to become invested in.

I'm officially invested in the Costbound world, attached to these characters, and sitting here with approximately seventeen thousand questions.

Thank you so much to Gracie S. Cole for providing me with an ARC.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 8, 2026
The Cost of Blood and Bonds by Gracie S. Cole
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ | 🌶️🌶️½

If you love trials, forbidden love, a magical world, and a slow-burn romance wrapped in a medieval romantasy, The Cost of Blood and Bonds is one to add to your TBR!

This book completely drew me into its world. The world-building was fantastic, and I loved how the author sprinkled in little breadcrumbs that had me wondering what might happen next. Those subtle hints kept my mind racing and made me want to keep reading just to see if my theories were right.

The trials added such an interesting layer to the story, and the forbidden love made the slow burn even more delicious. I loved the tension, the secrets, and that feeling of knowing there is so much more beneath the surface.

And the biggest compliment I can give it? I couldn’t put it down! I kept telling myself, “Just one more chapter,” and suddenly I was still reading. 😂

This was such a fun journey into a world of magic, danger, and romance. If you’re a romantasy reader who enjoys a little mystery, a lot of tension, and a slow burn that keeps you invested, this one is worth picking up.

4.5 stars from me! ✨

🌶️🌶️ Spice level: A little heat, but the story, world, and slow-burnt tension are what really kept me hooked.
Profile Image for skia_reads.
320 reviews14 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 9, 2026
As you may know by now, I’m not a huge fantasy reader… but stories like this make me want sooo much more!!

This was much easier to follow than I expected, even with all the different fantasy elements woven throughout this story.

The romance in this for me was the selling point! The chemistry and the protectiveness… kept pulling me further into the story.

The deeper I got into this story, the more I realized there was a lot more happening beneath the surface than I originally thought. Secrets, the relationships became more complicated, the shock factor was good.. so good..

By the end, I was completely invested in this story and these characters… this story may have just turned me into a fantasy reader after all 😊

This might be a bit of a spoiler... if it is, I'm sorry.. It's not meant to be...

If I had to question anything about this story, it would be King Eldric’s backstory. While he’s clearly portrayed as a controlling, abusive tyrant who uses power to dominate everyone around him, we never learn what drove him to become this way. What shaped him...Was there a moment that broke him...Where does his obsession with control stem from... Not at all trying to excuse his behavior...I'd genuinely just like to know more.

4.5⭐️
Profile Image for Riva Bickler.
10 reviews3 followers
September 11, 2026
⭐️ 4.25

This one definitely takes its time, but the payoff is worth it! The first half is very focused on building the world, characters, relationships, and larger conflict. There were moments where I wanted a little more description to help ground me in the setting, and some of the transitions felt a bit choppy, but I was still enjoying the story throughout.

Once the relationships really started developing, though, my investment went way up. And when I say slow burn, I mean SLOW BURN. But once this book gets there... it gets THERE. 😂🌶️

My biggest critique was that some of the language during the spicy scenes felt very contemporary compared to the fantasy setting, which occasionally pulled me out of the world. There were also a few phrases that became repetitive.

But the reveals toward the end? SO well done. I managed to figure out part of what was happening and still completely missed the bigger picture. I love when a twist makes me mentally go back through earlier scenes and realize the clues were there, I just interpreted them completely wrong.

Overall, a really enjoyable fantasy romance with a true slow burn, plenty of spice once you get there, and a payoff that made the slower build feel worth it.

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC! ❤️
Profile Image for Soraya.
46 reviews
September 13, 2026
3.5 ⭐️

First of all, a huge thank you to Gracie S. Cole for giving me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC! I had the chance to read the first few chapters a while ago, and I remember being so excited about the premise. So when I got the opportunity to read the full ARC, I was genuinely really happy!

Unfortunately, I did struggle with the book in some areas. For a large part of the story, I felt like I was missing information or had somehow skipped a chapter. There were quite a few things happening that left me genuinely confused, and I sometimes found myself wondering if I had missed something important.

The premise was honestly SO good, and overall I did enjoy the story. At the same time, though, I felt like it was missing a bit of development. I also noticed that the story became very focused on the romantic relationships, and because of that, I felt like the plot itself got a little lost compared to what initially drew me in.

That being said, it was still an enjoyable read. It was a book that was easy to get through, and I really enjoyed the writing style. There are also enough interesting elements here to make me curious about where the story will go next, so I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what book two has in store!

Overall, a 3.5 ⭐️ for me.
Profile Image for Sammy Crystal.
29 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 7, 2026
Wow I was hooked from the first chapter. I have been patiently waiting for this ARC for months being teased with photos and some quotes on TikTok. Thank you so much to Grace for trusting me with this ARC copy

So this book is written in multiple POVs and at first I was a bit confused by all the names but as we got more into the story I started getting to know the characters and there personality’s from there own chapters and I loved that.

Our FMC is a girl called Gemira who is a kick ass female main character who is set on saving the people she loves and if that means keeping secrets to protect them she will. She is capable, protective, stubborn,funny and an amazing with a sword.

Our MMC Ryewood a prince that doesn’t support what is father does, lies to protect people and falls madly in love with our FMC the first time he ever meets her even though she has a mask on and doesn’t know who she is.

I love the character growth in the story and also love all the side characters. Love the banter between them all. Also the spice was definitely spicing 🥵🌶️

I was hoping for more of the deadly trials but I’m guessing I’m going to have to patiently wait until the next book for them. 👀👀 which will be soon I hope 😭

Amazing first book in the series !! Im completely invested!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for TheGuadLife .
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
To say I was excited to receive this ARC is a massive understatement. 🖤📖
From the moment Gracie trusted me with the first chapters of The Cost of Blood and Bonds to the moment I finally had the entire book in my hands, I already knew I was in for something special.

From the very first pages, this story pulls you in and refuses to let go. The world is so immersive that you don’t just read about what’s happening—you feel like you’re right there, experiencing it alongside the characters. ✨

And honestly? I knew from those first chapters that this was going to become one of my favorite fantasy reads of the year.

So, if fantasy is your thing, move this one to the TOP of your TBR immediately. 👀🔥 Because if I could give this book more than five stars, I absolutely would. Since apparently five stars is where the scale stops, I’ll have to settle for a very enthusiastic ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

And I’ll leave you with one of my favorite lines from the book:

“You didn’t stumble into Rey’s attention; you claimed it.” — Grier

…and if that line doesn’t make you want to know what happens next, I don’t know what will. 👀🖤
Profile Image for Skye Daniels.
Author 4 books42 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 7, 2026
I was pulled into this story almost immediately. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the first four chapters before receiving the ARC, so by the time I had the full book, I was already invested and needed to know what happened.

Ryewood is everything you want in an MMC—protective, loyal, possessive, and completely devoted when it matters. He and Gemma just worked so well together. Their chemistry and banter were so good, and I loved that Gemma could give it right back to him. There is moment at the end that I won't spoil where secrets are revealed and it makes their love story even greater.

I also have such a soft spot for Hayes, and I have a feeling you all will too after reading this. And I can’t leave out Finn, Rosie, and Grier. I loved how much the supporting characters added to the story and how invested I became in the entire group, not just Gemma and Ryewood.

There were so many twists and turns, secrets, and broken hearts that I honestly have no idea what book two will hold for any of them. After that ending, I definitely need to find out!
Profile Image for Monique.
11 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 9, 2026
I absolutely loved The Cost of Blood and Bonds! Huge thank you to Gracie S. Cole for the ARC.

This is the best kind of slow burn. The kind where every glance, every clipped conversation, every moment the love interests almost-but-not-quite touch is doing something. The MMC knows he wants her from the start, but she does not make it easy for him. The rebellion plotline never feels like a backdrop either; it's woven so tightly into the romance that you can't pull the political stakes apart from the personal ones.

And then that twist. I thought I’d figured it out early on, but I was wrong. I had to put the book down and just sit with it for a minute. No cheap gotcha, it just recontextualizes everything that came before it, and I immediately wanted to flip back to the beginning and reread with new eyes.

If you love a rebellion arc, romance that earns its payoff instead of rushing it, and an author who knows exactly when to pull the rug out from under you then this is your next obsession.

Definitely five stars, already thinking about book two.
Profile Image for Stacy Grierson.
91 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 6, 2026
I honestly couldn't put this down once started. I was fortunate to get to read the 1st 4 chapters even earlier than the ARC & was hooked from there.

This is so well written, just when I thought I had it worked out, something pulled the rug out from under me. It flowed well & the pace was good. Although there was an FMC & MMC, the other characters also had their own developments & the interactions between them all were believable & emotional.

Gemma was one of my favourite characters with her confidence & quick wit & Rye was just as sharp witted, their interactions from the start were charged. I felt sorry for Hayes, his position meant many choices weren't his to make. I loved the banter between the Princes & their guards, it made them more human & the bond of friendship was very evident. I loved the ending & I'm really looking forward to the next installment & see the King get what's due.
Profile Image for teacup_thoughts.
45 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 9, 2026
RATING
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

REVIEW
"She thought she could survive anything. She isn't sure she will survive him."

I am completely obsessed with The Cost of Blood and Bonds by Gracie S. Cole! If you love a masked encounter, deadly trials, and a prince who falls first and hard, you need this on your TBR immediately.
A rebel carrying a secret past sneaks into the castle disguised as the prince's new swordmaster to take back what the king stole. The catch? The prince hasn't stopped looking for the masked stranger he met at the trial celebration, and forced proximity means he’s getting closer to unraveling her secret every single day.

The tension between them is unreal!
Gracie S. Cole absolutely delivered with this one. ⚔️👑✨

TROPES
⚔️ Masked encounter & disguised identity tension
👑 Prince who falls first (and so hard!)
🗡️ Prince x Swordmaster forced proximity
🔮 Elemental magic, shifters, & lethal trials
💔 Forbidden romance with a love triangle that actually hurts

———————————————————————————-Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read this amazing book. 🤍✨
Profile Image for Niki Smith.
29 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 6, 2026
I was hooked on The Cost of Blood and Bonds from the very beginning. It throws you straight into the action, and from there I became completely immersed in the world, the characters, and the relationships developing between them.

One of my favorite things is the balance between the darker, high-stakes elements and the warmth of the friendships and found-family dynamics. The characters feel distinct and genuinely connected, and there are so many layers of tension, mystery, moral conflict, and little moments that had me already forming theories about where everything might be headed.

The worldbuilding is vivid without overshadowing the characters, and I loved how much is happening beneath the surface. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that gave me chills, and others that had my villain radar going absolutely haywire. 😂

By the time I reached the end, I was completely invested and absolutely NOT ready to leave these characters behind.

I NEED MORE. Like...now, please. 😂📚
4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 9, 2026
🖤 ARC REVIEW | Cost of Blood and Bonds 🩸✨
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this book! This dark romantasy completely pulled me in, and I was invested from beginning to end.

The FMC was one of my favorite parts. She is strong, determined, and absolutely refuses to let everything she’s been through break her. I loved watching her strength come through, and she was so easy to root for.

And then… THAT TWIST. 😳
I genuinely did NOT see it coming! The ending had me staring at the book like, excuse me?! 😂 I love when a book can actually surprise me, and this one absolutely delivered.

The darkness, tension, relationships, and fantasy elements made this such an addictive read. And now I’m sitting here wondering how I’m supposed to wait for the rest of the series because I NEED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. 😭

If you’re a fan of dark romantasy, strong FMCs, tension, complicated bonds, and twists that leave you questioning everything, definitely put this one on your TBR!

🖤 5/5 stars
Profile Image for Shaleen Kay.
10 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 10, 2026
Can only give it 5 when in reality it was a 6 star read for me🖤 I received this book as an ARC and let me tell you something this book had me hooked from the beginning!! Between the rebellion, the Trials, the magic, the secrets and all of the different relationships and somehow it all worked so well together! Gemma was such a strong FMC and I loved how determined she was to protect the people she cared about. Her relationship with Ryewood was one of my favorite parts because the chemistry was THERE but I also really loved the emotional side of their relationship and seeing how everything played out!!! I also loved the multiple POVs because it made me care about so many of the other characters too. There were constantly new questions, secrets and reveals that kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next👀 This was easily a 6 star read for me and I already need the next book because I am not ready to leave this world yet😭🖤 I actually already need a re read tbh😫
Profile Image for Lisa Gainers.
294 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 8, 2026
A kingdom ruled by a King who fears a prophecy… a FMC determined to claim the future she knows she is meant for… and an MMC torn between the world he was born into and the life he desperately wants.

This book had me on the edge of my seat! There were so many heart-stopping moments that I never knew what was coming next. I found myself coming up with theory after theory, desperately hoping some were true while hoping others were completely wrong.

I really enjoyed the political intrigue, the deeper backstory, and the way the relationships between the characters developed throughout the story. And the secrets! There were plenty of them, and you know I love when a book keeps me guessing.

The tension, the twists, the secrets, and the character dynamics made this such an engaging read.

Needless to say, I'm definitely looking forward to Book 2 because I NEED ANSWERS!
Profile Image for Maria ✨.
7 reviews
September 10, 2026
Amazing Debut! This is the kind of book fantasy romance lovers will devour!💗
Has all the perfect tropes for fans of fantasy romance! This book has it all, a strong FMC that can handle her own and then some, A dream worthy MMC, forbidden love, plenty of yearning and spice, two love intrests, magic, trials, a corrupt King, rebellion. This book had me hooked within the first few pages! So who will she choose the hot brooding commander of the royal guard or The hot charming Prince who she happens to meet? To say this is my new Obsession is a understatement! I was lucky enough to receive a arc read of this and I'm just blown away with how much I love this book. The world building/characters and writing were phenomenal! If you are a fantasy romance lover like me who loves a strong FMC & MMC who is possessive and totally drool worthy then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Elena G..
Author 1 book
September 11, 2026
ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantasy at its very best!!!
I had the privilege of reading the first few chapters of this novel months ago, and I’ve been impatiently waiting for the ARC and Gracie did not disappoint. 👏🏻

Gemira is the epitome of what fantasy readers have been asking for: A FMC who is so utterly human — infallible, smart, deadly and beautiful — defined by loyalty and her hidden secrets.
Rye, Finn, Hayes, Grier, and Rosie are in incredibly well developed characters with just enough teasers about them to make you crave book two 🥺
The King is written with so many layers that while I want to hate him, I also need to know more…
this is one of the best books I have read in years. Tension, dialogue, pacing, lore and teasers are woven through alluding to so many more secrets to be uncovered.

A brilliant debut by Gracie S. Cole. 🙌🏻
P.S the love story is 🔥🥺💔😍🤫
Profile Image for Autumn Reads.
338 reviews5 followers
September 9, 2026
4.5⭐️

This was a really good first book for this series! I will definitely be reading the next book when it’s released. This first book is multi-POV, which made sense for this book and was done well. I did guess the big twist at the end, but not how it was going to happen so that was fun. This first book is definitely focused on character development, relationships, and some world building. I can already tell that the next book is going to have so much more happening now that the world building is set up some. I do look forward to finding out more of how the world works and what will happen next. There is yearning, a sense of foreboding/mystery, spice, romance, found family, and so much more. I highly recommend checking this out!
Profile Image for A. Paige.
Author 6 books34 followers
September 10, 2026
Dark, Addictive, and Full of Secrets!

I received an ARC of The Cost of Blood and Bonds by Gracie S. Cole, and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read it before release!

This story pulled me in with its dark atmosphere, complicated relationships, family secrets, betrayal, and the kind of tension that keeps you saying, “Okay… just one more chapter.” I loved watching the layers unfold and trying to figure out who could be trusted and what was really hiding beneath the surface.

There’s plenty of drama, emotion, and intrigue, and the darker elements gave the story exactly the atmosphere I was hoping for. As the first book in The Costbound Series, it definitely left me wanting to see where the story goes next.
I received an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 7, 2026
I was given the opportunity of reading the first four chapters of this book as a sneak peek, and I was not disappointed. The world building was done beautifully.
The FMC (Gemma) was everything you could ever hope for, strong, smart, protective, and a complete badass. Our MMC Ryewood, wow, the way he fell so hard for the Gemma(FMC) at first sight was riveting. Their chemistry and banter was amazing! The side characters were absolutely lovable and added to the story’s depth. The Plot twist at the end was Brilliant, I never saw it coming! 5 star read! What a phenomenal Book 1 to this Romantasy series! I excitedly await Book 2! Thank you Gracie S Cole for the ARC Read!
Profile Image for Rachel Owens.
1 review
September 10, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ARC/BETA Reader
Secrets. Rebellion. Forbidden romance. And a badass FMC who had me hooked from the start.
The Cost of Blood and Bonds pulled me in and did NOT let go. Gemma is fierce, clever, and hiding secrets that could cost her everything, while Ryewood is the prince she absolutely should stay away from… except fate clearly has other plans. 👀
The tension, the mystery, the banter, the danger—I ate it up. And just when you think you know where the story is going? Think again.
If you love fantasy romance with dangerous secrets, forbidden attraction, royalty, rebellion, and characters you can't stop rooting for, put this one on your fall TBR. 🦊⚔️🖤
Profile Image for Alana.
168 reviews11 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 6, 2026
I initially received the first four chapters of this book as a teaser, and ever since I read those chapters, I had been salivating for the rest of the story.

Gracie did NOT disappoint with the rest of this story. The romantic tension, the political intrigue, the uncertainty regarding magic, and the forbidden romance were absolutely BREATHTAKING throughout this entire book.

If you are looking for your next Romantasy read, look no further. This is absolutely a must read, and I need to know what happens next.
Profile Image for Kailee.
460 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 6, 2026
A really solid first book in a new romantasy series, The Cost of Blood and Bonds introduces us to swordmaster Gemma, her brother Finn, and the two princes of the kingdom. Fighting against a strict no-twins rule from the king, Gemma and the team do their best to save children from the wrath of the king and his rules, all while preparing to enter The Trials. The book ends on quite a cliffhanger and I can't wait to see what The Trials hold for the group!

Thank you to the author for the chance to read this early! I'll be eagerly awaiting the next installment <3
Profile Image for Gracey.
53 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 7, 2026
I received an advanced copy from the Author for review.

I found Gracie on Tiktok and read the first four chapters in a sneak peek months ago and was immediately HOOKED on the the story and the Characters!
Now that I have read the book, I can tell you it was well worth the wait! I loved every word!
The intro hooks you but the amazing writing keeps you engaged!

The characters were fantastic and love them!
Now the spice! Talk about 🔥🔥🔥! The secrets that are revealed! The magic is also wonderful and mysterious!
This book gets 6 stars from me!!
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