A tale tells of a baby girl being born from a vampire and his human bride. She would be the sign that all would never be the same again. The wars would come to a bloody end and they would rule in peace.
Three hundred years of waiting for an answer to their problem had worn on the soul of Falcon Lombardi. and his best friend Draco Romano. The pain and guilt of the past etched in their hollow hearts. Both men spent their lives working to make things right, however, nothing had truly changed in all that time. Disillusioned and left empty, neither of them expected the end of the dark to come from a trip to the theater.
How could something so twenty-first century fix the woes of a seventeenth-century curse?
Before I start this mostly spoiler free review, I will admit that I actively pursued this ARC from C.M. Steele. I freaking love/adore her books. Her heroes are always protective alphas and her heroines are sweet but not stupid. So I really really wanted to read this book! Therefore, when she offered me an ARC I was...
And I wasn't disappointed by this one! In fact, in some ways it even surpassed my expectations. First, because it was full length and second, it contained fantasy elements. This book was an epic tale 400 years in the making and I for one found it captivating and engaging. It was a real page turner..
This book is about Vampires and it's about two rival types of Vampires. The heroes (aka the good guys) who are part of the Vampire's Supreme council are called Falcon and Draco. It starts with a battle against the Lamia (aka the bad guys) who are a ...large and growing group of vampires that sought to dominate the human and vampire worlds alike, making the humans our slaves and feasting on some of their bodies. They have been waging war against them for years.
However, all that changes when Falcon's family along with most of the council members were killed after they were exposed to a disease. This disease actually infected most of the Vampires. When exposed to sunlight infected Vampires will turn to ash.
They must find a cure and save their people but they also want to find mates. For these Vampires mate for life and only with their one and only! Falcon says "I do not have a mate. Four hundred years old and I don't even have a mate. I may never have one."
Personally, I find that so great! For over 400 years these two have been on a quest to save their kind from extinction and to find true love!
Little did they know that they would meet their destiny in two very Smart and Sassy BFF named Leonora and Charlotte. Leonora is Falcon's mate and Charlotte is Draco's mate. I'm not going to say any more because I think it's important that you come into the story with a completely open mind! All you really need to know is that SENSUAL AND SAFE!
Now here are a few lines to give you an example of the book...
This is from Falcon to Leonora -"I waited forever for you. Know this now. No one will love you or want you as much as I do.” -“You’re mine, Leonora. You have no idea what your existence means to me.”
And this quote is Draco and Charlotte -“Are you mine, Charlotte?” "Yes, I am. Forever.” "Damn right, you’re mine,” OMG this book was just the best!
Now, I just have to be patient and wait for the next installment of this series. Honestly, I really have to know what happens next. I just hope I don't spontaneously combust from anticipation..
Safety: no cheating, all virgins, no pushing away, no condoms. Honestly, this book is just about perfect!!
When I first heard that C. M. Steele, one of my ‘auto-read’ authors, was releasing her first full length novel, I was beyond excited, because as she is known for her insta-love/lust, and specially her OTT obsessed alpha, I couldn’t wait to see how that would translate into a lengthier, vampire ‘supernatural’ world, and I have to say she surpassed my expectations, since she gives us much more than that.
In Bound, the author created an amazing and original setting, where the vampiristic war, the Lamian Wars, is always present in the background for all the story and working as connecting line and enrichment in perfect harmony with the love story, or stories, in this case.
This first installment introduces us to the The Lamian Wars well thought out universe and its main characters, Falcon and Draco, and Leonora and Charlotte. Coincidently – or nor so much, lol – each others best friends, but with four centuries of separation.
Since the tragedy that struck his family, the royals of his kind, Falcon Lombardi has been living a life of solitude (expect for for his best friend, Draco Romano) and his apparently endless search for a cure for his people, until one day, after nearly four hundred years of wait his mate finally crosses his path.
She was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. It must be why it took so long to find her. That much perfection was centuries in the making.
Of course there were some basic obstacles – besides the bigger ones – like her human nature, her despicable parents and the matter of his vampirism, but all is easy solved because they were united on the most primary level, they are soulmates, they are bounded.
My mate didn’t know it yet, but she was bound to me. She was my other half, the missing piece I’ve waited many lifetimes for.
Since she also felt it on a cellular level, the chemistry, the connection, it was easy for Leonora to accept her fate and his (and now hers) nature, and all that came with it.
I didn’t deserve her, but I wouldn’t give her back. She was mine for eternity if not longer.
But Bound isn’t only about Falcon and Leonora, so when Draco discovers that Leonora’s best friend is his other half, he was overjoyed. And his reactions, thoughts as well as Charlie’s were delightful to read, and gave a new dynamic to the storyline. These heroes sure know how to treat their leading ladies. Their love and care really shone trough, and we truly feel like they are the most precious thing in the world for them. Completely swoon-worthy.
And of course, their obsession sure spiced this love and their relationship. Who doesn’t love a good OTT obsessed, protective and possessive alpha that needs his love like the air to breathe?! <3
“You’re crazy,” I whispered, my head tilting and inching closer to his. “For you, I am. And there’s no cure for it, so you’ll just have to deal with it.”
Both love stories are for me equally enticing, and their sex scenes, for four unexperienced people, sure are off the charts, scorchingly HOT!!! And that back story, the action and suspense and that ending!!! It was fantastic, and I want the next one now!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“I love you, Falcon.” That was the first time she said that, and it felt like it was more than just the vampire connection. It felt sincere and danced along my spine. I’d waited for those words. They were human words and meaningless to most vampires, but she was special to me, and from her those words were honest and pure. “I love you so uncontrollably. It’s more than just being bound.”
ARC kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
This is C.M. Steele's first full length novel and follows the story of Falcon & Leonora. Needless to say I was so excited because duh...vampires!
The book begins with a lengthy description of the vampire war and their battle against their enemy the Lamia. Falcon is a prince of some sort and is set out to find a cure to the darkness that plagues his people as a result of the war. Hundreds of years have gone by and he and his closest friend Draco are no closer to finding a cure or anything about the prophesy. I found that the beginning was a bit long in terms of describing the world and story history. The book seemed to drag in the beginning and finally picked up at around 40% when he finally meets Leonora and the real stuff starts!
"My mate didn't know it yet, but she was bound to me. She was my other half, the missing piece I've waited many lifetimes for."
Though the story focuses on Falcon & Leonora, there are quite a few chapters in the POV of Draco & Charlotte as well. Lets just say there was a lot going on! And lots to take in... In between their love story, finding a cure, enemies right left and centre, and catty secretaries, this book took me on a roller coaster ride!
The ending really disappointed me. I expected a cliffhanger because I knew there would be a second book. But the ending was so random... like it wasn't the exciting edge of your seat cliffhanger. More like I thought maybe there was a page missing in the book kinda cliffhanger. Very anti-climatic and left me feeling kinda meh...
But one thing this story did not lack was steam!! Oh yes ladies, we got our usual C.M. Steele hotness in this book. Plus two couples which adds even more sexiness ;)
These couples wasted no time at all getting down and dirty. The passion was very strong - but I will say I found Charlotte and Draco's relationship more rushed. They went from hello to HELLO in a matter of seconds.
Charlotte and Draco gave insta-love a new definition!
Overall I enjoyed this story. I picked it up and put it down a few times before finally finishing but enjoyed it nonetheless. I will definitely be reading book 2 and am looking forward to how this series will progress.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review!
OMG this book is beyond words. Absolutely loved it!! Will write a full review in a day or two. Just trying to process everything from this amazing book!!! I have finally processed Bound!!! So lets start from the beginning. The battle against the Lamia. The Lamia want to rule all vampires and humans. They are absolutely horrible!! The war has been going on for years. That is until the Lamia somehow infected the Supreme Counci and killed theml. If touched by sunlight the vampires that were infected would turn to ash. They now lived in darkness. Fast forward 400 years. Falcon and his best friend Darco have been trying to find the cure for this disease. Not only are they trying to find the cure, but they are also searching for their one true mates. Fate steps in and they meet Leonora and Charlotte. Leonora+Falcon=Mates Charlotte+Darco=Mates They have finally found their true mates. Their other halves!!! So epic!!! I'm not going into full details with their relationships because its best for you to read it for yourselves!!! This book has everything in it!!! You felt their anger, pain, sadness, happiness and love. My emotions were all over the place. Its like you could feel what they felt. That's how well written this book truly was!!! I absolutely loved this book!!! CM Steele knocked it out of the park with Bound!!! Would highly recommend reading this book!!! Fantastic!!!
Falcon Lombardi has been fighting the Lamain war after an enemy forced the majority of his people to their death and those that did survive have to live in the dark. His kind were always able to live in the light. His mother foresaw the future and their will be a baby girl born from a vampire and his human mate. Centuries later Falcon still has not met his mate and the people who mated with a possibility of pregnancy have lived their life in danger. He has all but given up hope when his mate enters his life and it begins a domino effect.
There is a secondary story with Draco, Falcon's, best friend and his mate who is best friends with Leonora that all ties together. I liked this had several surprises and a cliffhanger ending. A different type of vampire story.
This is a new series by author C.M. Steele and it completely rocks! It has paranormal elements, with passion, suspense, mystery, and great main characters (heroes Falcon and Draco , heroines Lanora and Charlotte). There are so many twists and turns that take this story in a way that I didn’t expect when I started the story. I loved how the author did give a bit of the back story when the book started and also continued to share more a bit as the story progressed. I enjoyed the two couples’ stories in this book , as well as the plot that was wove around the two couples. There were several twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and the major cliffhanger has me dying to know what happens. I really enjoyed this book and the fact this is a PNR story, was a huge plus. I felt liked everything moved at a good rate of speed, nothing was slow or disjointed so that’s good. I really hate reading a story and finding myself not connected to the story –well that’s not the case here. This moves fast but in a good way. I cannot wait for book 2 in this series, to find out what happens to everyone involved.
My rating: 4.8 stars **** "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
This is a new series by author C.M. Steele and it completely rocks! It has paranormal elements, with passion, suspense, mystery, and great main characters (heroes Falcon and Draco , heroines Lanora and Charlotte). There are so many twists and turns that take this story in a way that I didn’t expect when I started the story. I loved how the author did give a bit of the back story when the book started and also continued to share more a bit as the story progressed. I enjoyed the two couples’ stories in this book , as well as the plot that was wove around the two couples. There were several twists that kept me on the edge of my seat and the major cliffhanger has me dying to know what happens. I really enjoyed this book and the fact this is a PNR story, was a huge plus. I felt liked everything moved at a good rate of speed, nothing was slow or disjointed so that’s good. I really hate reading a story and finding myself not connected to the story –well that’s not the case here. This moves fast but in a good way. I cannot wait for book 2 in this series, to find out what happens to everyone involved.
My rating: 4.8 stars **** "I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Wow! This one started slow for me, but then BAM! Once you're hooked you're hooked. The characters blend well, and the action of all kinds is spot on! I didn't like the ending, but only because I wasn't ready for the end. I will say if you're not big on cliff hangers wait until the next In the series comes because there is one. I love the spin on the Vampires and foundation laid for the series. I look forward to reading the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Loved this one but it does end on a cliffhanger. Both sets of H/h's are awesome, they are all about each other and no one else. I loved it, I'm on to the next one.
So C.M. Steele is an author in which i have read most if not all her books. I enjoy the alpha-possessiveness of her heroes and how dedicated they are to their female. In this book she did not disappoint. I was super excited to finally have a full length novel from her and even better finding out it was a vampire paranormal. Again she did not disappoint. I was wondering at first why so much detail on past and the war until about 30% of the book. At that point i understood that it was important to have all the extra details and angst from the beginning. I loved that it was not rushed, it was detailed and the imagery was spectacular. There were times during the book that i felt like i was really there (like the fight between Nero and Nora). If there were some negatives i would have to say it was the writing style. At times while reading i felt like there should have been a break in the paragraphs or between paragraphs. Therefore it felt a bit like "wait what happened here?" As far as the fact that there were two love stories within left me a bit confused. I am not confused about the second couple, no. What im confused about is why was it necessary to have them in detail and having their pov's and not just write a whole book on them. Charlotte and Draco were imperative in this particular book yes. But im only questioning the necessity of their story being fully developed within this book. However that said its purpose of the "why" might be revealed in book 2. Unfortunately in this books ending there was a lot unresolved and left me wanting more. Overall i have to say i LOVED this book and the story line. There was a plot and i loved it. Cant wait for book 2!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I loved it. Loved it. Loved it. I wish I could of read the book slowly. So that It wouldnt seem like along time to wait to get the next book and see what happens next. But I couldn't put it down was intrigued to the end.
Ohhhhh she's a sneaky one is that #CMMFS. I'm writing a paranormal book she said and then followed it with other comments playing it down. So.....FOUR rereads later and I can finally write my review. It took me four reads because each time I read it I went back into greedy reader mode and page flipped for what happened next even though I already freaking knew. On the last reread, I ended up having to stop periodically just so that I could calm down to pick up key points instead of going OMG THIS STORY.
Let me start by saying that paranormal I can take or leave. It depends on the author really. The ones I know I love I read and if someone says to try this author I'll give it a whirl. I also get really irritated when they reference the past in books but we only get a quick "yeah this is why". To appreciate hatred, circumstances, how they came to be who they are now etc it helps if I can go back in time further than a small paragraph and CM did this in the first chapters. Because of that you can understand why they fear the Lamia so much and also why there's so much desperation for the cure. Then came the love.....ohhh that love. And the science- again valuable extra details were included so that you didn't get oh we do science stuff and boom that's it. No, she gave details that made it believable and added to the cure side of the story and made it a deeper story. So from the tension it starts with and the details we learn going onto not only the desperation for them to find a cure mixed in with not only Falcon and Leonora but Charlotte and Draco, Nero (the big fat hairy sh@t), the worry that the Lamia will find out and so on this has been one helluva first time vamp book for Lady Steele and her writing awesomeness. I swear that woman is a machine!
I still keep scowling at CM and thinking - "woman you've been holding out on me" though. So many books I've loved by her and they're on my weekly reread list, but this? This? I thought we had something special?
I am a big fan of C.M. Steele, and a bigger fan of insta-love books. However, this book... it took me by surprise.
I've had this book for awhile, since the day it came out, and when I picked it up to read, it realize it's not the usual "m.o." of the author. So I put it down.
I kept reading my usual books, the insta love, and those heart shattering love stories. Nonetheless, I start getting bored, to the point I didn't even want to read anymore. But this book keep popping back in my head to read, after months of delay I went for it.
And I am so happy I did. I'm not a huge fan of paranormal books, but holy sugar honey ice tea! I love the heck out of this book. The characters, the history, the whole shebang! I was hooked from the first word to the cliffhanger. This might not be everyone's cupa but try it, you might be surprised in what you find.
The storyline is very interesting it ranges from love, betrayal, revenge, deceit. And trust and believe each storyline brings forth a twist you thought you saw coming but wasn't sure but when it happened anyways had you screaming Noooo!!! Whattt!!
The only downside is waiting for the other 2books in the series to be out, otherwise come take a ride on the wild side, I promise you won't regret it, it's so FANG-TAS-TIC!
I’m new to this author but I like her a lot. I’m in a very low angst, light on the drama mood & she’s been delivering.
Gist: Good vampire males link up w/ their forever mates & fight a continuing war against the evil vampire clan.
Main Couple: MMC♥️ Falcon (Lord Lombardi/Leader of the Light) FMC💖 Nora (Scientist)
Secondary Couple: MMC❤️ Draco (the Lords right hand + best warrior) FMC💗 Charolette (Psychic)
Anywhooo... ⚠️ + Info: - Multiple POV: Main MC’s + side characters/couple - No: push + pull, cheating, sharing, separation or 3rd act break ups - OWD: H’s assistant was relentless in pursuing H but he shut her down every time until he fired her. / Secondary couple have no OWD - OMD: h is on a date when she meets H, but he handles that w/a quickness. / Secondary couple has no OMD - HFN: Couples are in love & together and gearing up for war. Part 1 of 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is my first jump into vampires lol I'm pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying it. The writing is good, THE characters are likeable and in general it's just plain fun.
Falcon, a four hundred year old vampire, has essentially spent his entire life fighting The Lamia, a faction determined to dominate both vampires and humans, both as a member of the royal family and as one of the chosen to help govern their people.
Three centuries after losing his parents, the King and Queen, the Council, and almost his entire village to the sunlight illness, he and his best friend, Draco, tirelessly search for the cure. Though they did discover who was responsible, one of the men escaped and they're still searching for him. Falcon's entire focus is on saving his people. He still adheres to the promise he made to his Mom shortly before her death, for he and Draco to stay close as they'll need one another.
Both wait for the Queen's last prophecy, a born female vampire, something that has never occurred, to arrive as she'll be the catalyst to ending the war. They've relied only upon each other for four hundred years, longing for the day they'll find their mates, yet worried how The Lamia will use said mates against them. After a dreaded meeting is cancelled, Falcon and Draco decide to take a few hours for themselves and see a movie. A decision that will change both their lives.
Leonora, aka Nora, a scientist, has recently graduated college and has been granted an interview for her dream job. However, she was unaware her parents "acquired" it with strings attached in the form of a date, though they're counting on more, with a man old enough to be her father, one that has always made Nora uncomfortable in his "appreciation" of her. Nora reluctantly agrees to see a movie with him. As the date begins, Nora sees Falcon, and immediately feels the pull, especially at his declaration of "mine." Within hours, Falcon and Nora are mated and he's informed her of who and what he is. Due to her degrees, Falcon eagerly agrees to her working for him but knows they need to maintain professionalism and not appear as if she's being treated differently.
When Nora's best friend, Charlotte, arrives as promised, Charlotte's visions come true upon seeing Draco. She's known for years this day would come and both are beyond thrilled to begin their lives together.
However, not everyone is a happy with these new developments, especially the two company employees determined to have Falcon and Nora for themselves. Unfortunately, Falcon also learns someone he should've been able to trust, is working against him and Nora is in danger.
Can Falcon keep Nora safe? Will they find the cure? Can they defeat those working against them? What happens when Falcon is called away? Is it a distraction or is someone truly in danger? Can he save his brother? Will he get to Nora in time? What couple will the prophesied baby be born to?
One-click now and follow along as four people discover a love that was always destined to be. This is the first in the series and I liked it a lot. It started a little slow as the foundation needed to be laid, but it still held my attention. Please be aware this does end with a cliffhanger and book two, Reveal, releases in April. I love that Falcon and Draco's stories are running concurrently. These two have been beside each other for four hundred years so it's perfect that they find their mates, also best friends, at the same time. Also, and I absolutely loved this, in case you're wondering as vampire stories normally portray them in a certain way, all four of the main characters are inexperienced, if you get my meaning. Thank you so much for that C.M.!
**I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.**
A war between to races one curse and the souls of tge ones that can change it all the battle lines are draw but who will win the war finding true love was always a dream but one come true will they make it this book ends in a cliff hanger but an amazing read
C.M. Steele was certain not bound by anything when she wrote this because color me fucking impressed! Her paranormal style is certainly something to be noted.
Normally I skip on cliff hangers because by the time the next one comes, I've forgotten the first and need a reread. However, seeing how quickly CM Steele delivers ( Insta lust/Insa Love/ HEA) books and the reviews were looking good so I took a chance.
Falcon and Draco (swooooon worthy names BTW) are vampires who are also leaders and hoping to find a cure. I knew its always easy to fall in love with the heroes, its the heroines that are bit more trickier. Well she surpassed my expectations because you have 2 smart women with a background in sciences that play a pivotal role in finding the cure. Thank you Ms. Steele for making them smart!
I really hope she continues to work on this series because I really am intrigued and this cliffy is just about making me the most impatient person ever.
I was really looking forward to reading this because i saw so many great reviews, But to me it just felt all Blah. I found myself constantly skipping pages and thinking are they going to fucking meet already. And it also just felt really dragging, i was actually counting the pages until i finished it but yet at the same time i still really wanted to finish it. Maybe i was hoping for it to get better? maybe not. I will try the next book in the series but i dont have such high hopes like i did with this one. which is a fucking shame.