“Even if Fate stole our Nyrith connection, Rae belonged to both of us—just like we belonged to each other.”
I spent my life hiding from monsters no one else could see. Now I'm living in their world, discovering that I might have belonged here all along.
Coming to Elyrdin was supposed to give me answers about my family, my blood, and the bonds tying me to Ash, Cyn, Zeke, and Ezra. Instead, my new home comes with royal expectations, dangerous secrets, and a ruler determined to find out what I am.
Elyrdin's council expects me to bond with all four princes. That's easier said than done—even if I wanted to.
Ezra keeps me at a distance, revealing so little that I barely know him. Zeke loves Cyn, and I won't risk ruining what they've built together. And Cyn betrayed me. I should want nothing to do with him, but the attraction to the magnetic asshole hasn’t gone away. Neither has the hurt.
At least my bond with Ash gives me someone to lean on.
But learning to live with them becomes the least of my problems when someone decides I don't belong in Elyrdin at all.
With every new disaster we face, one dangerous truth becomes clear: the bonds I'm still learning to trust could be the very thing that destroys us.
Because losing me won't just break their hearts. It could cost them their lives.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Author's Note: Infernal Bonds is the second book in the Elyrdin Fate trilogy and is in first person, multiple POV. This story will not be completed in book two, ends on a cliffhanger, and contains some scenes that readers may find challenging with dark and sensitive themes. Intended for readers 18+. To learn more about content in the author's work, please visit her website.
Elyrdin Fate is a polyamorous romance between one woman and four men (MMFMM), including MF, MM, and group scenes where no one has to choose.
Stephanie Denne is a #1 international bestselling author of paranormal romance with a focus on mental health and trauma healing ranging from light to dark. Born in the United States, Stephanie now calls Ontario, Canada her home. When not writing, she can be found reading her favorite stories, playing video games with her husband, painting and drawing, or cuddling her Golden Retrievers. But not the cat—the cat has her own agenda.
Thank you everyone for supporting the release of book 2 of the Elyrdin Fate trilogy! I'm so overwhelmed by the excitement everyone has shown for this release. I promise you won't have to wait as long for book 3 (which is already in the works!).
For the Cyn and Zeke storyline this would get 5 ⭐'s easy. I loved everything about how their relationship developed and really enjoyed the Fernazis storyline. The two of them are equal parts endearing and hot and I would've read an entire book about them alone. Raelynn mixed in was fine but I honestly felt like the dynamic worked better without her which I highly doubt was the point🤣
My main issue with this book was the plot. It was mind numbingly boring at times and seemed to just repeat the same annoying cycle for 600+ pages. Cornaith is a characateur of a villain only missing a twirly mustache. He's not threatening and comes across as a petulant child more than a fearsome leader. SO MUCH POINTLESS TALKING!! All that side of the storyline succeeded in doing was making Ezra look weak and I have NO interest in him as a love interest. There's no chemistry between him and Raelynn - he's just cold and boring to read. Ash also could've very easily not been in this book and had virtually no interaction with Raelynn. No references to their bond, how they were experiencing it, how they connected or anything at all regarding their relationship. It contradicts everything built up about the mating bond that 90% if this storyline seems to revolve around when two of the characters actually have bonded and then don't interact after? 🙄
Raelynn gets kidnapped, the guys get sick, they rescue her.....rinse repeat. It's dumb and based off the ending will probably be the basis for book 3. I have no time for that. 👋👋👋
Huge thank you to Stephanie Denne for the ARC! This is my honest review (and also my happy scream). 🥹💕
OKAY. I can't. I literally can't. 😭💜 I'm a grown woman, but right now I feel like a little girl who gets to eat ice cream for the very first time. 🍦✨ I've been living in Elyrdin since the first page, and I can't stop thinking about this book, not before the ARC, and not after. I'm the girl kicking her feet in bed, giggling at her e-reader, and whispering "no, wait, THEM??" 🙈💞 I'm on my knees for this book. Truly. 🖤
The characters 👑🔥 The development is absolutely incredible! Cyn and Zeke take the spotlight this time, and I was OBSESSED. 😍 Zeke grows into so much confidence, and Cyn's arc had me hooked from start to finish. Ash steps back a little after his big role in book one, which gave everyone else room to shine. And Ezra slowly shifting toward Rae?? That tension is chef's kiss. 🤌🔥 And Rae: stubborn, funny, brave. I rooted for her in every single chapter! 💪💜
The dynamics 💞 The chemistry between all of them is my favorite part. The banter had me laughing out loud 😂, and the tender moments hit just as hard 🥺. The love triangle, the tension, the slow shifts, the jealousy, the softness: I'm obsessed. 🫶
The world 🌲🕯️ Elyrdin, the council, the politics, and the cursed forest Feranzis are creepy in the best way (the dream sequence was one of my highlights! 💭🍄). And Niemna!! I want to see SO much more of it. 🗺️✨ The lands beyond the forest, the mists, the greater infernals, the other clans, the magic behind the slipstream: I'm so curious and need to know more. Bondrot also gives the whole story a ticking clock, so the stakes always feel real. ⏳💔
The spice 🌶️🔥 It's delicious, and it never forgets the emotions behind it. Dark, tender, funny, and incredibly hot, all at the same time. 🥵💋 There's even one very funny snack moment that I'll never look at the same way again. 🍬😂 (More below, behind the spoiler warning!) Cons 😅 The only con is that I can't read book three right now. 😭 That's the whole list.
⚠️ Content warnings are on the author's website, so please check them if you're sensitive to darker themes. 🖤
⚠️ SPOILER WARNING: SCENES FROM THE BOOK ⚠️
🍬 The candy. Rae eats one innocent-looking treat, and suddenly she's blushing, squirming, and throwing herself at everyone. It was so funny and so chaotic. 😂 🔥 The bonding scene with Cyn and Zeke. My favorite spicy scene! Cyn gives Zeke the lead for his first time with Rae, and the way they take care of each other while completing the tether is so tender and so hot at the same time. The wave of love at the end made me teary. 🥹💞 🙇 Cyn on his knees. Watching him break and beg for Rae in the kitchen was everything. From "I don't need anyone" to worshipping her. 🖤 👀 Zeke watching Cyn and Rae in Feranzis, and Cyn simply inviting him in. Soft, shy, and hot. 🥵 😱 That ending! Ezra and Rae's first kiss is an angry clash of teeth and heartbreak, and then Dugorigi walks in and calls her ananeva. "Princess." I screamed into my pillow. 🙈🔥
⚠️ EXTRA WARNING: MY THEORY, NOT CANON! ⚠️
I hope I'm not overstepping! I just had an idea since book one, and it's grown with every chapter of book two, especially with the colors. I wondered about it while preparing for this ARC, and now I can hardly wait to find out what's really going on. Skip this if you want zero speculation! 💜🔮 The council has two empty thrones in memory of Merwick, who died protecting Cornaith 20 years ago. Officially he had no partner and no heir. But purple keeps following Rae: her favorite color, her silvery-purple eyes, and, if I remember right, her magic and the color of that throne too. 💜 She's a hidden Shyrlivi, and now Dugorigi calls her "princess." What if Rae is a descendant of Merwick, from a rare royal line nobody knew was left? What if that makes her the one who can free Cornaith from his bond to Kalthea? 👑✨ Stephanie, am I close?? 👀💜
Thank you for this story. I'm counting the days until book three! 🥹💞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
🖤 Why choose/Reverse Harem 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 Spice level ❤️🔥MMFMM combos 💜Neurodivergent mate representation 💚Reluctant Mates 💙Forced Proximity ❤️Demons and monsters 🏳️🌈LGBTQ+ 🩶Enemies(ish) to lovers 🩷Touch her and Die
🔥 Infernal Bonds: Four Demon Princes, One Bad-Ass Hybrid Demon/Human and a lot of drama! 🔥
I was super lucky to get an ARC copy from the author, and I ATE IT UP. This series is so addicting and unique compared to a lot of other why choose series, and I read A LOT of why choose.
Welcome back to the Elyrdin Fates series, where apparently being bonded to one of your mates is less of a romantic milestone and more of a reason for everyone else to develop sudden-onset commitment issues.
And as if adjusting to the demon world and navigating 2.5/4 emotionally constipated mates weren’t enough, Rae also has the current ruler working against her. Ezra’s father clearly has a serious problem with her and seems determined to discredit her at every turn—and, if his actions are anything to go by, possibly get rid of her altogether. Nothing says “welcome to your new home” quite like a powerful ruler launching a smear campaign against you while you’re still trying to figure out the local customs and avoid being murdered.
And the angst? THE ANGST. We have reluctant feelings, questionable decisions, enough emotional walls to qualify as a fortified castle, and men who seem to think admitting they care about their mate might actually kill them. Meanwhile, Rae is trying to figure out where she belongs, who she can trust, and whether moving to the demon realm came with a complimentary therapist because, dude, this girl needs one.
What I love is that Rae’s journey is about more than just having four ridiculously complicated mates. She’s navigating her identity, her place in a world that doesn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat, and the reality that being fated to someone doesn’t magically make them love you back (at least openly).
And with one mate already bonded to her, the stakes feel even higher. Because now we know this connection is real, but that doesn’t mean the other relationships are going to fall neatly into place. If anything, it feels like the universe handed Rae four demon princes and forgot to include the instruction manual—then placed her directly in the crosshairs of the man with the most power to make her life miserable.
Infernal Bonds is giving us demon royalty, complicated mating bonds, identity crises, delicious romantic tension, and enough unresolved feelings to fuel an entire infernal therapy practice. And poor Rae is fighting for her place in a world that doesn’t seem ready for her, while her mates are busy fighting the terrifying possibility that they might actually want her.
(Spoiler-ish alert below)
Thankfully…the plot is plotting…and wild and terrible things occur to put life a little bit more in perspective for SOME of our dimwitted demons to make them realize how much they actually care about Rae, enough to take their heads out of their asses and admit their feelings for her. 🫶🏻
Also, how dare Stephanie leave us on that diabolical cliffhanger!?!? Now what am I supposed to do with my life!?!?
*I received an ARC of this book in return for a review, however all opinions are my own.*
Oh Stephanie how could you do this to me?! leaving me with an ending like this!! I can’t even begin to explain the violent mood swings this book has sent me into.
For those poor unfortunate souls who have not read book 1 in the series, and need to understand the chaos of my current reality, allow me to introduce to you: - Raelynn - who grew up thinking essentially believing the women in her family had schizophrenia, until she meets oor favourite demon princes. - Ash - basically besotted with her and determined to protect her and emotionally support her from day 1, we love and adore him. - Zeke - now if you love a golden retriever style man in your harem you’re gonna LOVE him! He is the kind of sunshine energy you absolutely need in your life! - Cyn - oh my god the character arc, I cannot!! That toxic hate/love relationship we all needed. Honestly where can I get me one of these? - Ezra - now im trying so hard not to spoil this because oh my god! But also ew he has pissed me off so astronomically much throughout this, and don’t even get me started on this MFs dad.
Without delving too much into plot for spoilers sake, you absolutely have to pick this up if you love: 1. A completely fucked up monarchy that makes your blood boil at the sight of their name on the page. 2. Fiercely protective men, who all have extremely different personalities which is super important to me as a self-proclaimed why choose connoisseur. Give me variety or give me death. 3. An FMC that speaks up for herself, even when she kinda shouldn’t be cause she’s verbally digging her own grave, but I respect the hustle. 4. Soulmates/bonds - I don’t care what anyone has to say, I love it and I never tire of it. 5. A mix of urban and fantasy settings 6. A little MM in your RH, cause we love seeing everyone getting along… I’d like to be involved in that sandwich is all I’m saying!
For Stephanie: Once again, thank you for allowing me the privilege to ARC read for you. While I can’t wait for the next one, I am gonna need you to get to writing asap pronto because that cliffhanger was extremely unfair and I am very angry with you for it!! Thank you my love🥰
Infernal Bonds by Stephanie Denne releasing 26/10/26
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rae has found herself in a new world, now she’s got to adjust to her new reality. Will she be safe, or is there darker forces at play her mates can’t protect her from?
I’m not sure how Stephanie Denne has written this masterpiece so quickly, but I can say it is one of my favourite reads this year!
This is the perfect second instalment in the Elyrdin Fate series. The world building is spot on, not too overwhelming while still creating a better understanding of Elyrdin, not just repeating from the first book. Character development is perfect, there’s new challenges to face and the characters grow throughout the book (especially Cyn 🤭). And that cliffhanger… you’ll just have to wait and see for yourself.
Stephanie Denne deserves a massive rest after this masterpiece, but I can’t wait to read the next book when it comes along!!!!
A perfectly written unfinished series that should be read by those who love paranormal romance. ❤️🔥
Definitely a must read!
🩵Demons 🩵Magic 🩵Multiple POVs 🩵Why Choose 🩵Second in a Series 🩵Enemies to Lovers 🩵Fated Mates 🩵Princes 🩵4 MMCs 🩵Different Dimenisons
I loved the last book so much and have been looking forward to seeing how this story continues. Stephanie continues to surprise me throughout her books, every time I thought I knew where a characters loyalties lie I ended up questioning it on the next page. I was even questioning my thoughts on Cornaith a few times, like am I going crazy? LOL
The way Rae and the boys relationships developed throughout this book had me anticipating each chapter. Especially when it came to Cyn. The amount of misunderstood tension between them leading to disagreement after disagreement added such a fun dose of drama to the story and the culmination of that was beautifully done. And Zeke, my sweet! Seeing him grow as a person through such awful events and him coming out on the other side without losing his softness was so lovely.
I know plans for book 3 were already a little under way, but the cliffhanger at the end of this????? GIRL. As always, thank you Stephanie for letting me be part of your ARC team 🫶
I had the privilege to read an early copy of book 2 in the Elyrdin Fate saga and undoubtedly this series has been one of the most precious discoveries of 2026. In terms of genre designation this is a paranormal romance (MMCs are demons) with why choose/ fated mates tropes as the axis of the series. As an avid fantasy reader, I can attest that the world building is spot on, with that perfect pacing where you are seamlessly immersed into a complex new world, but without feeling overwhelmed. Denne’s writing style stole my heart from the page 1 of book 1. She delicately balances rare level of insight into complex emotions and trauma and guides the reader with equal ease through court politics and interpersonal intricacies. I so appreciate mental health and neurodiversity representation. And all of these amazing treats are layered on the top of some delicious, scorching hot spice🔥
Book 2 fulfilled all of my expectations and then blew my mind to the point that I am still recovering. I cannot recommend this series enough. As always read responsibly and check trigger warnings💖
I didn't mind Rae in book 1 but this time, I found her super annoying. We went from having a grown woman to a hormonal teenager.
It makes sense she's need 4 mates, Rae is hard work with doses of TSTL. How many times will she keep getting the MMCs in trouble. Poor Ash.
The main let down with book 2 is, the plot did not move. Ahhh Rae did lose a few growing up years.
Every time we started getting somewhere.... there went Rae, on another strop. Why did Rae's tantrums have to be idiotic and take chapter after chapter, honestly who cares. Did someone have yell from the top of a roof "You are in danger girl, Act like it !! !!", "Intelligently ! !."....
I skimmed a lot after 50% just to get to the end. I was constantly looking at the % read, thinking "surely this will finish soon." I gave up at 80%
One more thing, this book has VerY detailed MM smut, pretty sure there a scene that takes a whole chapter.
As always, I have to say that I am truly obsessed with anything Stephanie Denne writes. I will always be crying, screaming, laughing and most likely highlighting most of the book.... and I do have to say, Infernal Bonds has been highlighted a lot.
I loved getting to be back with these characters and seeing the development throughout the book. I love Rae with my heart especially when she realizes that she may have been a little bit dramatic about somethings because girl same. Cyn and Zeke, please I am obsessed with them especially when one of them gets on their knees a few times 👀
I can't wait to see where this story goes after that ending because DAMN!
If you love paranormal romances, I would highly recommend the Elyrdin Fate series especially if you love; demons, why choose, fated mates, and MAGIC!
Thank you again, Stephanie Denne for an advanced copy of Infernal Bonds for my honest review 🖤
So glad we got to see the relationship between Cyn and Zeke develop and take root. Admired Rae was a pivotal role in encouraging the connection but it was still Cyn and Zeke who were the driving force.
I felt the suspense was a little bit off with this book. They got stuck in difficult and precarious situations but on both occasions everything resolved quite quickly and returned to somewhat normal.
There are some repetitive aspects throughout the book. Lores, laws, rules and traditions are repeated unnecessarily. I also feel we’re no further along with the whole Cornaith dictatorship arc than we were in the last book. I’m not entirely what we learned at all apart from Raw, Cyns and Zeke relationship. That being said - I love their story.
I loved this book! I enjoyed seeing how Cyn and Zekes relationship progressed along with theirs with Rae. This book had just enough spicy scenes. Stephanie never disappoints when it comes to the world building in her books. I loved learning about all the things they have in Elyrdin compared to Earth. I loved seeing Cyn's softer side with Rae and Zeke. I cant wait to see how this progresses after that ending. 🤯 Ive said it before but if Stephanie writes it, I'll read it and it'll be my favorite every time. Only thing I could "complain" about is I'd love to see more of Ezra's POV. I'm hoping that'll be the case in the next book.
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
First of all, can we talk about how a book that’s 700 pages somehow doesn’t feel like 700 pages?!
I absolutely love this author’s writing style. Not once did I find myself bored or wanting to skip ahead. I was completely invested from beginning to end!
I loved getting more character development, more world-building and, of course, those special moments between Zeke, Cyn and Rae. ❤️
There’s also still SO much mystery! Part of me is desperate for answers, but I love that nothing feels rushed. The story is unfolding at its own pace, and I’m enjoying every bit of it.
I really enjoyed seeing Rae face some of her fears, but what I loved even more was how her confidence started to rub off on those around her. Seeing other characters begin to find their own voices in difficult moments was such a lovely part of their development. I also loved those little moments where something from the first book popped up again, reminding me just how connected everything is.
And THAT ENDING?! 😭 I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, especially when I have to wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved this second instalment, and I’m already desperate for book three. Fingers crossed we don’t have to wait too long!
ARC REVIEW: It was absolutely wonderful to be back in the world of Elyrdin with my favorite demon boys 😍 If you haven’t read Infernal secrets I HIGHLY recommend heading over to read the first book. Infernal secrets, however, was enchanting to read! I loved how the characters are developing. The baking scene was an absolute favorite! Along with diving deeper into Cyn and Zekes dynamic! UGH, just so damn good! Ready for more Ezra in book 3 hopefully! Missed Ash a lot in this book but I think it’s because book 1 kind of focused on him and Rae’s bond. Anywho, go read these books, you won’t regret it.
I loved all the characters but, my favorite has to be Zeke and Ash is a close second! I loved the further development of the relationships between them all but, made believable. Also, we further learned more about the world the guys come from, Elyrdin.
I loved also that we learned more about the guys and Raes powers and how she's really coming into her own in this book. We also have more background on the guys parents (they are really something!)
I highly recommend this story for all the readers that love a lot of plot, some romance (with spice), and some great worldbuilding!
I’m loving the world building and can’t wait to find out Rae’s origins. The banter and chemistry is on point. I will say Ezra really annoys me and I wish someone would punch him, preferably in the face lol. His father is only going to be come more unstable and will refuse to step down so why does he always comply? At the end of the day his willingness to bend over backwards for his father isn’t helping anyone. I enjoyed Cyns arc and how Zeke is slowly becoming emotionally stronger. I wish we had more ash time and I’m glad he has started standing up fast the king.
Listen, I loved the first book - the world building, the characters, the dynamics, the secrets yet untold. And I love the Ash / Rae dynamic.
But when I tell you I am OBSESSED with the Cyn / Zeke / Rae dynamic, it is an understatement. I have been ready for their story since their initial reveal.
The other aspects of the second book in this series are also great; I love learning new things about the world and the histories and our MMCs' tragic backstories. But more than anything, I live for the moments of heartbreak and compassion and love amongst our less-than-merry little group.
The sequel was even better than the first installment, which was also a 5 star read for me! Rae is a really great, well-rounded female lead and is perfect in her imperfections. Her growth in this installment was great to see!
The men of this book are also all unique and have their very own relationships with her—which move at their own pace. We especially delve deeper into Zeke and Cyn in this book, which I really enjoyed. Zeke is just the most cinnamon roll of cinnamon rolls. 🥹
I can’t wait for the next one! There’s a cliffhanger and it’s going to make for a painful (but worth it!) wait.
I book was SO good! I love the development of Cyn and Zeke! The spice was good and I loved the world building! The only thing I was sad about was the other to mmcs felt a bit left out and I wish I got to see more of them in this story! I love Rae and I can’t wait to see her alternative form! The cliff hanger was a bit rude like how are you going to do that to us! Overall such a great series so far and I’m so excited to see what’s next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I don’t even know where to begin. This book was more than what I expected. It was AMAZING! Things happened that I wasn’t expecting and some moments I was literally screaming out of happiness. I felt many emotions throughout this book, sad, anxious, surprise, happiness and more 😏😮💨 I can’t wait for book 3 to come out I can’t say any more or ill say what happens but I don’t want to spoil the book
There was so much good and bad that goes on in this book. This world is so interesting. The political games going on. So many working pieces. Poor Rae is just being thrown curveballs left and right. I loved the relationship developments in this book. I can’t wait to see more of that in the next. I also just need to know what happens next so badly… but I’ll be a good noodle and wait as long as I need to
I knew after I couldn’t put down the first book that the second was either going to be exactly the same or the complete opposite. I am happy to report that I was just as enamored with the second as I was with the first! I cannot say enough how hard it was for me to put this down…when I wasn’t working or wedding planning I was reading this book. I cannot wait for the next one. If you’re thinking about reading it, just do it!! You will not be disappointed.
Im seriously obsessed with this series so far! I read both books in a day bc i couldn’t put them down! Im shocked with how much Cyn changed and grown as a person. Ezra is slowly getting there. I cant wait to see how much he changes in the next book. I’ll be stalking this series waiting for book 3! I hope we get at least 4 books in this series bc i seriously don’t want it to end! Im in love with the characters!
ARC Read! I could not put this down as soon as I started it, I loved how the story line flowed throughout and the end made me very excited for the next book! The relationships were chefs kiss and I am at the edge of my seat to see how things continue to progress and see what Rae is fully capable of ❤️🔥
I absolutely loved this book! The storytelling from each characters perspective is so good and I love how each relationship between the FMC is done within their own pace. I love how the book makes me question who?! And why?! In good ways. I can’t wait to see where this series goes from this latest book!
Absolutely ate up all 700+ pages despite long work days this week. I’m obsessed with Rae and am happy for my sweet baby Zeke. Left on a good cliffhanger, and cannot wait to find out what happens next!
I absolutely ate up the first book, and I just ate up this one too! I really enjoyed the character and world building in this book. Of course I loved Rae and our MMCs and loved to see the relationships develop. Okay, I need the next book, like, right now!