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Cauld Ane #3
Bound by Secrets
18+ for language and sexual situations...
Brodie Gunnach has endured a horrific childhood, along with his brothers and sister within the Cauld Ane royal family. When he meets his mate, he is alarmed to learn she is only fourteen and they cannot be bound for another eleven years. He makes a heart-wrenching decision to leave in an effort to save them both from years of pain and frustration.
Payton McFadden is infatuated with a young, handsome prince that she’s met once. After speaking with him at a party for her father, he disappears, only to return five years later with a declaration and a demand.
As the two are bombarded with secrets that could destroy not only their relationship, but their way of life, will they be able to sort out truth from fiction and overcome the obstacles before them?
Will Payton trust that Brodie is telling the truth?
Brodie Gunnach has endured a horrific childhood, along with his brothers and sister within the Cauld Ane royal family. When he meets his mate, he is alarmed to learn she is only fourteen and they cannot be bound for another eleven years. He makes a heart-wrenching decision to leave in an effort to save them both from years of pain and frustration.
Payton McFadden is infatuated with a young, handsome prince that she’s met once. After speaking with him at a party for her father, he disappears, only to return five years later with a declaration and a demand.
As the two are bombarded with secrets that could destroy not only their relationship, but their way of life, will they be able to sort out truth from fiction and overcome the obstacles before them?
Will Payton trust that Brodie is telling the truth?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2013
522 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
September 25, 2017
I wasn't inclined to read Brodie's book because there was mention of a OW named Heather, the heroine thought (and I thought so too) that he dated this ow while wooing her when he knew the heroine was his mate but I'm glad this is NOT the case in fact he's been celibate long way before meeting the heroine. His brother mentioned that he stopped sleeping around 15 years prior meeting his mate does that mean he stopped sleeping around when his mate was born? because the heroine was only 14 when he met her, nothing happened between them when she was 14 and thank goodness for this I didn't want to read about another hero who was in lust with a minor, he went away so he could let her grow up but he still kept tabs on her.
Heather (OW) was his sister, his father had an affair with a woman who’s actually his and heather’s mother.
Heather (OW) was his sister, his father had an affair with a woman who’s actually his and heather’s mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 29, 2020
This is brother Brodie and Payton’s story. The first ¼ has a lot of overlap (events) from book 1, but from P’s POV. ( I skipped book 2, and didn’t feel lost) I thought with the nature of their relationship, this would be more angsty than the other, but it really wasn’t. It followed the same formula as the first book (bind/sex @ 60% & danger @ 85%) except the couple met years earlier when she was 14. The “Heather” situation was pretty uneventful, and not a big deal at all.
Overall, much the same as I said in my last review. This is a preference thing for me; I like my para reads to be “other worldly” and not so normal. The immortals are all pretty human, except having a random special power, and being heat sensitive, so I’ll pass on the rest.
Overall, much the same as I said in my last review. This is a preference thing for me; I like my para reads to be “other worldly” and not so normal. The immortals are all pretty human, except having a random special power, and being heat sensitive, so I’ll pass on the rest.
February 26, 2025
Brodie Gunnach, had a horrible childhood, and still suffers from the scars from that time. He is a member of the royal family; he enjoys his seclusion, and escaping his guards. But when he finds his mate, he is elated, until he learns that she is only fourteen years old and he will have to wait ten years before he will be able to claim her. The bond he feels for her is intense, and decides to withdraw from her, but still keeps in contact. Payton, has been in love with Brodie for years, but she senses that he is keeping secrets from her, and when she feels betrayed, she distances herself from him, but when her life is put in danger, she decides she can’t stop what she feels for him anymore, and they start to build a trust together, anxiously waiting for her birthday so that he can claim her. But there are evil forces at work, determined to tear the royal family apart, and will Brodie and Payton overcome the obstacles both from their enemy and the ones that keeping them apart?
Bound by Secrets was given to me by the Author, and I am glad I was given the opportunity to read this. Ever since I discovered this author last year, I have been impressed with this series. With each installment, it wins my heart every time. In the previous books, we see the tension between Brodie and Payton, but not much else, so it was such a joy to be able to read their story. Now what I loved about this book, is that it doesn’t start off from the present day, with only hints of what has happened in the past. The author takes us back to when first they notice each other, and then moves forward and you start to see the development of their relationship, and some of the cliffs they have to climb to start trusting and loving each other. The mate bond is very powerful, but I loved the way that this story weaves in the love story slowly and gently in and merges it in a way that comes out harmonious. I loved the flow of the story. You see the powerful talent of this author in this series, and this installment, is evidence of that.
The characters in the story are disarming in the way that they captivate you from the beginning. This story isn’t like the others, it does have some difference. One is that Brodie and Payton have felt a connection for years, and you see that bond grow. In Bound By Secrets, it cultivates the talents and the cons of the characters and seems to merge them in a way that is astounding. They become real to the author, and as you read this story, you feel a bond to them, and they seem so vivid. The heat in the story is very light, but that is what I love about this author. Is that she can create a sensual story without a ton of bedroom scenes…it is very subtle, but the way she portrays feelings and emotions is stunning.
Overall a love story to capture, draw your attention, make it impossible to put down, and leave you feeling enthralled….a mind gripping tale that holds you from beginning to end!!
Bound by Secrets was given to me by the Author, and I am glad I was given the opportunity to read this. Ever since I discovered this author last year, I have been impressed with this series. With each installment, it wins my heart every time. In the previous books, we see the tension between Brodie and Payton, but not much else, so it was such a joy to be able to read their story. Now what I loved about this book, is that it doesn’t start off from the present day, with only hints of what has happened in the past. The author takes us back to when first they notice each other, and then moves forward and you start to see the development of their relationship, and some of the cliffs they have to climb to start trusting and loving each other. The mate bond is very powerful, but I loved the way that this story weaves in the love story slowly and gently in and merges it in a way that comes out harmonious. I loved the flow of the story. You see the powerful talent of this author in this series, and this installment, is evidence of that.
The characters in the story are disarming in the way that they captivate you from the beginning. This story isn’t like the others, it does have some difference. One is that Brodie and Payton have felt a connection for years, and you see that bond grow. In Bound By Secrets, it cultivates the talents and the cons of the characters and seems to merge them in a way that is astounding. They become real to the author, and as you read this story, you feel a bond to them, and they seem so vivid. The heat in the story is very light, but that is what I love about this author. Is that she can create a sensual story without a ton of bedroom scenes…it is very subtle, but the way she portrays feelings and emotions is stunning.
Overall a love story to capture, draw your attention, make it impossible to put down, and leave you feeling enthralled….a mind gripping tale that holds you from beginning to end!!
October 14, 2019
I'd like to give this one 2 stars (for effort), but I just can't. At the time of this review, its rating is 4.42 stars out of 706 reviews. WTF?
It's pretty awful, for too many reasons to count, but I'll list a few:
There are 93 instances of some form of "giggle," (the book is only about 300 pages) mostly pertaining to the nauseatingly saccharine h.
She's an unbelievable prude before she "bonds" with her mate, which can't happen until she's 25. Or was it 24? Who cares?
Then she unexplainedly morphs into some kind of nympho with skills.
She also flip-flops between standing up for her independence and being a doormat.
There are several (gnashing my teeth) instances of old-fashioned stereotypical thinking (from both sexes), which pass here as acceptable.
The H, of course, is a complete Neanderthal. Which actually makes sense, seeing that he's an immortal Icelandic Viking born in the 1400s.
The PDAs are veritably vomit-inducing.
The whole thing is fairly ridiculous; can't believe I made myself finish. Just… ugh. What a waste of time - at least it was free.
It's pretty awful, for too many reasons to count, but I'll list a few:
There are 93 instances of some form of "giggle," (the book is only about 300 pages) mostly pertaining to the nauseatingly saccharine h.
She's an unbelievable prude before she "bonds" with her mate, which can't happen until she's 25. Or was it 24? Who cares?
Then she unexplainedly morphs into some kind of nympho with skills.
She also flip-flops between standing up for her independence and being a doormat.
There are several (gnashing my teeth) instances of old-fashioned stereotypical thinking (from both sexes), which pass here as acceptable.
The H, of course, is a complete Neanderthal. Which actually makes sense, seeing that he's an immortal Icelandic Viking born in the 1400s.
The PDAs are veritably vomit-inducing.
The whole thing is fairly ridiculous; can't believe I made myself finish. Just… ugh. What a waste of time - at least it was free.
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October 15, 2019
This book could be great with serious editing
First off, this book is not a stand alone story, so part of my dislike was I picked it up as a free book offer and started in the middle. That's on me.
However, the book just.... makes little to no sense. There are major gaps in the story telling, background, and character development. Severe enough that it feels disjointed, random, and all around disappointing. What did the editor think letting this go to print?
The author has some fun ideas that a good editor could have made shine, like this I would give it a strong pass. I Rread the sequel to see if it was just being confused in the middle but the following book is probably worse.
***Spoilers**
What in the world was up with Payton suddenly forgiving him? A surprise wedding before her birthday? His sudden about face concerning Heather? How doe the queen have a mystery baby that isn't hers and no one notices or mentions it for a few hundred years? Where are all the older cold ones to share information with them? How do 700 year old men have the behavior of frat boys? Why do they act like a much older man approaching a child is romantic and her mom is wrong for trying to stop that? Why doesn't brodie ask Fiona to befriend her if he is weird about Niall? And the everyone is secretly in on a plot..... Seriously? Ugh. There is a much longer list but as I summed up, you could fly a jet through the holes in the story.
First off, this book is not a stand alone story, so part of my dislike was I picked it up as a free book offer and started in the middle. That's on me.
However, the book just.... makes little to no sense. There are major gaps in the story telling, background, and character development. Severe enough that it feels disjointed, random, and all around disappointing. What did the editor think letting this go to print?
The author has some fun ideas that a good editor could have made shine, like this I would give it a strong pass. I Rread the sequel to see if it was just being confused in the middle but the following book is probably worse.
***Spoilers**
What in the world was up with Payton suddenly forgiving him? A surprise wedding before her birthday? His sudden about face concerning Heather? How doe the queen have a mystery baby that isn't hers and no one notices or mentions it for a few hundred years? Where are all the older cold ones to share information with them? How do 700 year old men have the behavior of frat boys? Why do they act like a much older man approaching a child is romantic and her mom is wrong for trying to stop that? Why doesn't brodie ask Fiona to befriend her if he is weird about Niall? And the everyone is secretly in on a plot..... Seriously? Ugh. There is a much longer list but as I summed up, you could fly a jet through the holes in the story.
August 31, 2015
Bought this as a box set with Bound by Blood and Bound by Fire. The premise is great and enjoyed them to an extent and understand they are deliberately not explicit and though I do not deliberately go for 'clean' books I do enjoy innocent romanticism on occasion though my preferred styles include Cherise Sinclair, J.R. Ward, Tina Folsom,Bella Andre and the ultimate romantic writer Jane Austen. I have to admit in these books found myself concerned by the fact that making love is not described at all sensually which can be done, and then after the 'act' the female characters refer to themselves in derogatory terms such as strumpet, hussy, wanton and wanting to join the mile high club. Really? So tacky. But for me the absolute worst thing I have ever read is in Bound by Secrets when a pregnant woman twice refers to her unborn child as a cretin. Totally horrendous and truly unpleasant.
October 1, 2019
It wasn't bad, but it's one of those books that made me tedious to finish ... I don't think I'll continue the series
December 3, 2019
Ok, I'm going to say it...Brodie Gunnach is my favorite. I swear I think that with every book I read in this series, but seriously THIS GUY.
He's so broody, and secretive, and keeps to himself so much that I knew very little about him going into this story, but I felt an instant connection with him. I could not get enough.
And Payton is his equal for sure. She is so stubborn, and yet sweet. I just love them together.
Lots of information is brought to light in this book, and I swear every time something is revealed I felt like "damn...I should've caught that!" I just loved it.
I connect so much with these characters and this writing style that I just can't get enough.
Book 4 here I come.
He's so broody, and secretive, and keeps to himself so much that I knew very little about him going into this story, but I felt an instant connection with him. I could not get enough.
And Payton is his equal for sure. She is so stubborn, and yet sweet. I just love them together.
Lots of information is brought to light in this book, and I swear every time something is revealed I felt like "damn...I should've caught that!" I just loved it.
I connect so much with these characters and this writing style that I just can't get enough.
Book 4 here I come.
October 19, 2019
Very very very boring. I feel like this is an old married couple, everything seemed very very predictable. I am glad that I didn't pay for this. Uggg read these kind of books for a hot book boyfriend not old married life.
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October 18, 2019Got it free on Book Bub, wasn't a bad read. It's crazy out of order, but you get the gist🤷🏾♀️
September 2, 2020
Full review to come.
Content: Sketchy Clean. Moderate language. Moderate innuendos. Fade to black.
Content: Sketchy Clean. Moderate language. Moderate innuendos. Fade to black.
October 21, 2019
The Cauld Ane are a form of immortal Vikings, who moved from Iceland to Scotland in the 1400s. The core team that the stories revolve around (at least to start with) include siblings Kade, Connall, Brodie and Fiona, along Fiona's mate Angus and his sister Payton. Most of the Cauld Ane are hundreds of years old, with some of them having been born in Iceland in the 1400s, although Payton is only 14 at the start of the series. There is virtually no explanation as to why they differ from humans. They eat the same (they don't drink blood) although they eat more often, however they can't abide any heat over 20 degrees Celsius, and they're all allergic to almonds of all things.
The idea behind the books was fine, but I found the books themselves a little lacking. Each book focuses on a different mated pair. Each Cauld Ane 'knows' who his/her fated mate is as soon as they are 25 years old....assuming their mate is alive and they meet. Brodie and Payton meet when she is 14, and although Brodie knows that she is his mate, she must wait until she is 25 to 'know' that he is her mate and for them to be 'bonded' together as mates.
There were a few things that irked me.
- Instalove. The Cauld Ane half of the relationship falls into instalove as soon as they meet their mate. It is literally impossible for them to cheat on their mates, physically or emotionally. They love their fated mate from the moment they meet. The end. Ugh. When I read a romance novel, I want to see the two people fall in love and I want to understand what draws them to each other. Not just 'we love each other because fate has decreed it so and we had no choice.'
- Payton started off unsure if Brodie was her mate despite all evidence to the contrary, somewhat scared of him, and definitely scared of sex and with strong religious beliefs that sex was only for procreation. Those doubts, fears and beliefs disappeared without explanation, which was unfortunate, because I felt that this book had the most potential to escape the pitfalls of instalove as we had some lead-up before Payton turned 25 and magically fell in love with Brodie. Instead, without any explanation whatsoever, she suddenly loves him and agrees to marry him, without the reader ever knowing what led her to move past her doubts and fears. Oh, and that was at 27% through the book. They had declared their love and agreed to marry by 27% through the book. What the actual? What's the rest of the book? Sex and filler?
- Speaking of sex, every time a couple had sex, the man went down on the woman. Without fail. They NEVER had sex without the man going down on the woman.
- The women always have multiple orgasms. It's not normal for a woman to have 4-6 orgasms in a row, 2-3 times a day. I'm not saying it's not possible, and some women orgasm more easily than others, but for this to be the norm for every female character in your series??
- And the men often came more than once, without a break or breather in between. The author claims to be married with kids, but I'd have put money on her being a virgin. Talk about unrealistic expectations! Perhaps the men's miraculous recovery time was due to being Cauld Ane, but it's not said. Both the women and men treat it as normal. Well, it's not. Normal males require recovery time between orgasms.
It was just ridiculous. I ended up skipping all the sex scenes. They weren't sexy at all, they must made me roll my eyes every time with how unrealistic they were. The more I read, the more frustrated I got with this series. There were some good things. I liked the use of unique gifts for different Cauld Ane, and how those were integrated into the stories. I liked the surprise of Heather and Abela. There were definitely a few things that were unexpected which kept the books from being overly predictable. I even liked the characters and how each one had a unique personality that made them interesting. Now if only the actual romance between the two main characters lasted a whole book and not just a fraction of it...
The idea behind the books was fine, but I found the books themselves a little lacking. Each book focuses on a different mated pair. Each Cauld Ane 'knows' who his/her fated mate is as soon as they are 25 years old....assuming their mate is alive and they meet. Brodie and Payton meet when she is 14, and although Brodie knows that she is his mate, she must wait until she is 25 to 'know' that he is her mate and for them to be 'bonded' together as mates.
There were a few things that irked me.
- Instalove. The Cauld Ane half of the relationship falls into instalove as soon as they meet their mate. It is literally impossible for them to cheat on their mates, physically or emotionally. They love their fated mate from the moment they meet. The end. Ugh. When I read a romance novel, I want to see the two people fall in love and I want to understand what draws them to each other. Not just 'we love each other because fate has decreed it so and we had no choice.'
- Payton started off unsure if Brodie was her mate despite all evidence to the contrary, somewhat scared of him, and definitely scared of sex and with strong religious beliefs that sex was only for procreation. Those doubts, fears and beliefs disappeared without explanation, which was unfortunate, because I felt that this book had the most potential to escape the pitfalls of instalove as we had some lead-up before Payton turned 25 and magically fell in love with Brodie. Instead, without any explanation whatsoever, she suddenly loves him and agrees to marry him, without the reader ever knowing what led her to move past her doubts and fears. Oh, and that was at 27% through the book. They had declared their love and agreed to marry by 27% through the book. What the actual? What's the rest of the book? Sex and filler?
- Speaking of sex, every time a couple had sex, the man went down on the woman. Without fail. They NEVER had sex without the man going down on the woman.
- The women always have multiple orgasms. It's not normal for a woman to have 4-6 orgasms in a row, 2-3 times a day. I'm not saying it's not possible, and some women orgasm more easily than others, but for this to be the norm for every female character in your series??
- And the men often came more than once, without a break or breather in between. The author claims to be married with kids, but I'd have put money on her being a virgin. Talk about unrealistic expectations! Perhaps the men's miraculous recovery time was due to being Cauld Ane, but it's not said. Both the women and men treat it as normal. Well, it's not. Normal males require recovery time between orgasms.
It was just ridiculous. I ended up skipping all the sex scenes. They weren't sexy at all, they must made me roll my eyes every time with how unrealistic they were. The more I read, the more frustrated I got with this series. There were some good things. I liked the use of unique gifts for different Cauld Ane, and how those were integrated into the stories. I liked the surprise of Heather and Abela. There were definitely a few things that were unexpected which kept the books from being overly predictable. I even liked the characters and how each one had a unique personality that made them interesting. Now if only the actual romance between the two main characters lasted a whole book and not just a fraction of it...
December 2, 2013
BOUND BY SECRETS is the third book in Tracey Jane Jackson's CAULD ANE paranormal romance series. This installment explores the relationship of Payton McFadden and Cauld Ane royal Brodie Gunnach. Payton is only fourteen when Brodie discovers that she's his soul's match. Though she has strong feelings for him from the beginning, she can't be completely certain about the bonding until she reaches Caulde Ane maturity at age twenty four. Followers of the series will have met the couple about a year before this birthday and gotten to see a bit of the tension crackling between them--Brodie drawn to his mate, Payton determined to keep her distance and protect her heart.
I am conflicted about Jackson's decision to open with a flashback of Brodie and Payton's first meeting. It's nice to meet the young and sheltered girl and watch her fall for this overwhelming older man. But then there are two more flashbacks, so that almost the entire first quarter of the book is a game of catch up. An unfortunate result is that when we get to the present, Payton retains a degree of immaturity that is at odds with the cool, competent, emotionally mature professional we know from books one and two.
Jackson does provide the edge of suspense I've come to expect in this series. There are plenty of secrets and betrayals. I do wish that the drama was more evenly distributed. After getting through the flashbacks, we're treated to a prison break, poisonings, kidnap attempts, big family revelations. Great stuff that leads the reader to wonder if Payton and Brodie will ever get to have their big day. Well, they do, but the bonding, wedding, and honeymoon take up a lot of pages and offer little suspense. It's as if all of the bad guys have gone on holiday while the couple canoodles. Then, as we near the end of the book, things pick up again in time for a family dinner that goes terribly wrong.
Despite the pacing issues, there are some compelling characters. Brothers Niall and Max MacMillian of the rock band Fallen Crown have troubles of their own, and I'm looking forward to learning more about them in future Cauld Ane books. On the human side, there's the mysterious Bronwen, Payton's friend who is now in the British Secret Service. She appears in tantalizing snippets. But when she finally has her moment near the end, the danger has been dealt with. This leaves me wondering why Jackson bothered including her. Is it flawed plotting or is she setting us up for another book? I'm hoping for the latter.
I am conflicted about Jackson's decision to open with a flashback of Brodie and Payton's first meeting. It's nice to meet the young and sheltered girl and watch her fall for this overwhelming older man. But then there are two more flashbacks, so that almost the entire first quarter of the book is a game of catch up. An unfortunate result is that when we get to the present, Payton retains a degree of immaturity that is at odds with the cool, competent, emotionally mature professional we know from books one and two.
Jackson does provide the edge of suspense I've come to expect in this series. There are plenty of secrets and betrayals. I do wish that the drama was more evenly distributed. After getting through the flashbacks, we're treated to a prison break, poisonings, kidnap attempts, big family revelations. Great stuff that leads the reader to wonder if Payton and Brodie will ever get to have their big day. Well, they do, but the bonding, wedding, and honeymoon take up a lot of pages and offer little suspense. It's as if all of the bad guys have gone on holiday while the couple canoodles. Then, as we near the end of the book, things pick up again in time for a family dinner that goes terribly wrong.
Despite the pacing issues, there are some compelling characters. Brothers Niall and Max MacMillian of the rock band Fallen Crown have troubles of their own, and I'm looking forward to learning more about them in future Cauld Ane books. On the human side, there's the mysterious Bronwen, Payton's friend who is now in the British Secret Service. She appears in tantalizing snippets. But when she finally has her moment near the end, the danger has been dealt with. This leaves me wondering why Jackson bothered including her. Is it flawed plotting or is she setting us up for another book? I'm hoping for the latter.
September 3, 2017
4 stars. When reading the original version of this series, this was the book I was most excited for. I loved Brodie and Payton from earlier books and was really interested in the premise of their story. I thought the whole concept of them meeting prior to Payton's 25th birthday and "coming of age" to be such an interesting twist. As a result, I had pretty high expectations for this book and was a little let down when it wasn't as amazing a I had hoped. That's not to say it's bad--not at all-- I guess I was just hoping for a little more. When I saw it was being re-released, I was hoping that some of the things I didn't love from the original version would have been addressed. It looks like just sex scenes were added (which is great), but I was hoping for a few more tweaks.
I think my main issue with this book is the pacing. The first 20%ish is all flashbacks. I understand that some flashbacks are necessary, but I felt there was too much in the past and some scenes felt repetitive from previous books. I understand that the red fang incident from book 1 was a turning point in their relationship, but I was hoping that it could have at least been told from Brodie or Peyton's point of view to get some different insight there. Similar to the scene of Payton speaking with Sam, it didn't feel like I was getting new information.
Brodie and Payton's happiness comes fairly early in the book. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did feel like there were some sections (i.e. their wedding and honeymoon) with little action and no suspense. I think overall I just wanted a touch more story : mainly Brodie winning Payton over. There was so much potential there, and while the story is good, I thought it really could have been GREAT.
Again, this is not a bad story at all. Brodie and Payton are great, and I did like their romance. There were some very romantic moments, and I liked the additional element of the suspense. The story was interesting, and I enjoyed catching up with other characters. Brodie and Payton are my favorite characters and I liked their story... I just wanted to love it.
I think my main issue with this book is the pacing. The first 20%ish is all flashbacks. I understand that some flashbacks are necessary, but I felt there was too much in the past and some scenes felt repetitive from previous books. I understand that the red fang incident from book 1 was a turning point in their relationship, but I was hoping that it could have at least been told from Brodie or Peyton's point of view to get some different insight there. Similar to the scene of Payton speaking with Sam, it didn't feel like I was getting new information.
Brodie and Payton's happiness comes fairly early in the book. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it did feel like there were some sections (i.e. their wedding and honeymoon) with little action and no suspense. I think overall I just wanted a touch more story : mainly Brodie winning Payton over. There was so much potential there, and while the story is good, I thought it really could have been GREAT.
Again, this is not a bad story at all. Brodie and Payton are great, and I did like their romance. There were some very romantic moments, and I liked the additional element of the suspense. The story was interesting, and I enjoyed catching up with other characters. Brodie and Payton are my favorite characters and I liked their story... I just wanted to love it.
April 1, 2015
I was really excited about Payton and Brodie's story because I had read so much about them in earlier books. Suffice to say I was a bit disappointed. The story seemed weak (the characters were already in love with each other even though in earlier books there was conflict between them) and the danger seemed minimal. The family secrets of "who's parent slept with who?" has left me completely confused about the hierarchy of the Gunnach family. Also if you had not read Bound by Blood, you probably wouldn't remember Anna, Kade's original secretary who was sacked because she was related to an enemy. She unexpectedly is an enemy at the end, and I'm not sure she didn't have a good excuse to be an enemy after the way Kade dismissed her in the first book. Much of the trouble in these stories is created by the alpha-male syndrome without respect or consideration for others. I keep reading this series thinking it has potential to be really good, but for me it hasn't quite reach it's potential. For my clean read friends this book has some profanity and sensual/sexual situations though not explicit. This couple did married prior to "the honeymoon".
September 7, 2013
I love this story, I love the characters, but I felt lost in this book several times. There were a couple of editing issues, but not enough to distract from the story. I love how romantic and clean these books are. Every intimate scene is behind closed doors, and after they are married. This book felt disconnected to me, like we were hearing the story in a condensed version. Like it was a recap or something. The first half of the book was very vague and lacked details. I didn't feel the building of their relationship, just all of a sudden she caved, and they were together. Still, I like the premise of this story, and enjoyed reading it.
September 6, 2013
This is a nice continuation of this series. I will admit, that I didn't look back at the other books before I began; and it took me nearly 50 pages to recall how everyone was connected. I had fun reading it, but I would warn those that haven't read the books before this, to wait to read this until they had. Payton and Brodie are almost too sweet and too in love but it works for me, And I feel all warm and fuzzy now. I'm still looking forward to more in this series. I really want to read Max's and Niall's stories.
October 30, 2019
Disappointed
When I stumbled upon this book it was marketed as a possible stand alone. I found that was not the case. The book read as I was coming in at the middle of the mystery. Do not read this book before reading the first 2 you will be supremely lost. Aside from that the characters had no chemistry, the sex scenes were rushed and didn't feel natural. The danger was the same. This was all around a drag to read.
When I stumbled upon this book it was marketed as a possible stand alone. I found that was not the case. The book read as I was coming in at the middle of the mystery. Do not read this book before reading the first 2 you will be supremely lost. Aside from that the characters had no chemistry, the sex scenes were rushed and didn't feel natural. The danger was the same. This was all around a drag to read.
September 8, 2023
When Brodie Gunnach meets his mate, he is alarmed to learn she is merely fourteen and that they cannot be bound for another eleven years. He makes a heartbreaking decision to leave in an effort to save them both from years of pain and frustration.
Brodie, his brothers and sister, within the Cauld Ane royal family have endured a horrific childhood, from both his parents mercilessly raining abuse down on him but the utter hatred from his mother (Alice) was by far the worst. Not once had she offered him a kind word, and he’d buried his hurt deeply.
Payton McFadden is awestruck by the young, handsome prince that she’s only met once. After speaking with him at a party, he vanishes, feeling rejected, he writes her letters but her mother hides them. Her mother treats her with contempt, obviously favouring her villainous daughter Annis over Payton.
Brodie left her, indicating he was uninterested, then wrote to her, but nothing of substance, then didn’t write again, and no follow up emails either, further convincing her of his disinterest. He returns five years later.
Ten Years Ago
Fourteen-year-old Payton McFadden stood in the middle of her bedroom and took one last look at the space she’d occupied since she was born. Her parents were moving their large brood from Thurso, Scotland, to Edinburgh in order to be closer to her father’s clan. Payton’s mother, Phyllis, was the second wife of Stuart McFadden, a highly respected Cauld Ane member of the Council and close friend of the king. He was a widower when he’d met her mother, and she a widow. Stuart had four other children, all born more than a few hundred years ago, who lived under the protection of the Gunnach Clan. Angus, Stuart’s eldest son by his first wife, was mate to the king’s sister, Fiona Gunnach, and with the passing of Phyllis’s parents, Stuart decided it was time to move home. Or at least closer to home.
She intercepts a heated conversation involving Brodie and Niall including referencing someone named Heather (a woman Brodie’s been seeing for the past five years and no one knows anything about, only her name).
“Were you supposed to get close to me? So you could feed Brodie information? And the sudden interest in buying things for me after Brodie left? Were you instructed to ‘take care of me’? As though I was already Brodie’s property?”
“Wait, Payton. I would have done all of that anyway. You’re my best friend,” Niall said.
“How much did Brodie pay you to say that?”
“He did that all on his bloody own,” Brodie snapped.
“I am so thick. You’ve known about Brodie’s claim on me this entire time, Niall, haven’t you? So has Fiona!”
“Pay, please,” Niall begged. “Truly. I’ve been your friend because I wanted to.”
Payton still had to deal with the fact that Brodie wasn’t being honest with her about Heather, but she loved him and was tired of trying to ignore him. It took entirely too much energy.
Payton’s mother is devious, blasting the Council’s decision on the fact that Payton didn’t try to defend her villainous sister, Annis. Annis is not Payton father’s daughter, she’s the only child from her mother’s bond. Her mother deceived everyone into believing that she and her mate didn’t have any children and she and Annis kept this secret. Annis is the daughter from her bond. Annis allowed her mate to hurt Payton, she could have told someone and chose not to.
Then there’s a revelation that Heather’s mother is also Brodie’s. In 1414, she’d turned twenty-five, and dwelled in a small town just outside of Reykjavík. One day, when we traveled to the city to sell their wool and she met a dashing young man with whom she fell in love. What she didn’t know was that he was a king and she was his true mate. Heather’s mother Abela and his father were bounded mates. Brodie was conceived the night he bound her.
She was lured into believing he was a kind, benevolent man. When he arrived in Scotland he was known as Erik Gunnach…his real name was Gunnar Egilsson.
None of them realised that she was his true mate and that his current wife was inherently evil. Abela however was guileless, sheltered and naïve and didn’t realise that Gunnar could be equally unkind. When she gave birth, Gunnar took him away, wanting Brodie to be raised within the royal household and told his wife he was an orphan.
He died trying to find Abela, but when Alice found out about her, she had Gunnar killed.
I looked forward to this couple because of the sparks that leapt off the pages of the previous books, this was a disappointment. Intrigue, secrets. This couple lacked chemistry.
Grammatical errors.
Hanged not hung.
Brodie, his brothers and sister, within the Cauld Ane royal family have endured a horrific childhood, from both his parents mercilessly raining abuse down on him but the utter hatred from his mother (Alice) was by far the worst. Not once had she offered him a kind word, and he’d buried his hurt deeply.
Payton McFadden is awestruck by the young, handsome prince that she’s only met once. After speaking with him at a party, he vanishes, feeling rejected, he writes her letters but her mother hides them. Her mother treats her with contempt, obviously favouring her villainous daughter Annis over Payton.
Brodie left her, indicating he was uninterested, then wrote to her, but nothing of substance, then didn’t write again, and no follow up emails either, further convincing her of his disinterest. He returns five years later.
Ten Years Ago
Fourteen-year-old Payton McFadden stood in the middle of her bedroom and took one last look at the space she’d occupied since she was born. Her parents were moving their large brood from Thurso, Scotland, to Edinburgh in order to be closer to her father’s clan. Payton’s mother, Phyllis, was the second wife of Stuart McFadden, a highly respected Cauld Ane member of the Council and close friend of the king. He was a widower when he’d met her mother, and she a widow. Stuart had four other children, all born more than a few hundred years ago, who lived under the protection of the Gunnach Clan. Angus, Stuart’s eldest son by his first wife, was mate to the king’s sister, Fiona Gunnach, and with the passing of Phyllis’s parents, Stuart decided it was time to move home. Or at least closer to home.
She intercepts a heated conversation involving Brodie and Niall including referencing someone named Heather (a woman Brodie’s been seeing for the past five years and no one knows anything about, only her name).
“Were you supposed to get close to me? So you could feed Brodie information? And the sudden interest in buying things for me after Brodie left? Were you instructed to ‘take care of me’? As though I was already Brodie’s property?”
“Wait, Payton. I would have done all of that anyway. You’re my best friend,” Niall said.
“How much did Brodie pay you to say that?”
“He did that all on his bloody own,” Brodie snapped.
“I am so thick. You’ve known about Brodie’s claim on me this entire time, Niall, haven’t you? So has Fiona!”
“Pay, please,” Niall begged. “Truly. I’ve been your friend because I wanted to.”
Payton still had to deal with the fact that Brodie wasn’t being honest with her about Heather, but she loved him and was tired of trying to ignore him. It took entirely too much energy.
Payton’s mother is devious, blasting the Council’s decision on the fact that Payton didn’t try to defend her villainous sister, Annis. Annis is not Payton father’s daughter, she’s the only child from her mother’s bond. Her mother deceived everyone into believing that she and her mate didn’t have any children and she and Annis kept this secret. Annis is the daughter from her bond. Annis allowed her mate to hurt Payton, she could have told someone and chose not to.
Then there’s a revelation that Heather’s mother is also Brodie’s. In 1414, she’d turned twenty-five, and dwelled in a small town just outside of Reykjavík. One day, when we traveled to the city to sell their wool and she met a dashing young man with whom she fell in love. What she didn’t know was that he was a king and she was his true mate. Heather’s mother Abela and his father were bounded mates. Brodie was conceived the night he bound her.
She was lured into believing he was a kind, benevolent man. When he arrived in Scotland he was known as Erik Gunnach…his real name was Gunnar Egilsson.
None of them realised that she was his true mate and that his current wife was inherently evil. Abela however was guileless, sheltered and naïve and didn’t realise that Gunnar could be equally unkind. When she gave birth, Gunnar took him away, wanting Brodie to be raised within the royal household and told his wife he was an orphan.
He died trying to find Abela, but when Alice found out about her, she had Gunnar killed.
I looked forward to this couple because of the sparks that leapt off the pages of the previous books, this was a disappointment. Intrigue, secrets. This couple lacked chemistry.
Grammatical errors.
Hanged not hung.
August 31, 2017
Bound By Secrets is book 3 in the Cauld Ane series and is about Payton and Brodie. If you've read the first two books (highly recommended but not absolutely necessary), you've got some information about this couple. Brodie is one of the Gunnach brothers and when he senses who his mate is, he is shocked to learn that Payton is only fourteen years old. Though she will not know for sure who her mate is until she turns 25, Payton has been in love with Brodie since she met him.
Brodie cannot fathom having to be near Payton but not be able to be bound to her for eleven years, so he makes the heart wrenching decision to leave. Payton thinks Brodie just abandoned her, so she harbors her grief and anger all that time. I like how this book gave us more of both character's backgrounds, from Payton being fourteen when they meet, all the way up to the present time, when Brodie explains himself to Payton - that they are each other's mate and then how he goes about proving to her that what he says is true.
This book also had more of the mystery about the who and the why of the brothers and their mates being targeted. I absolutely love this series, all the characters, and am looking forward to book 4, Bound By Song - Max's story!
Brodie cannot fathom having to be near Payton but not be able to be bound to her for eleven years, so he makes the heart wrenching decision to leave. Payton thinks Brodie just abandoned her, so she harbors her grief and anger all that time. I like how this book gave us more of both character's backgrounds, from Payton being fourteen when they meet, all the way up to the present time, when Brodie explains himself to Payton - that they are each other's mate and then how he goes about proving to her that what he says is true.
This book also had more of the mystery about the who and the why of the brothers and their mates being targeted. I absolutely love this series, all the characters, and am looking forward to book 4, Bound By Song - Max's story!
September 24, 2020
This was my third book by Piper and it's the 3rd book in the Cauld Ane Series.
In this story, we get to learn about Brodie and Payton's past and their rather complicated story. Though the book can be read as a stand-alone I for one found it much more appealing read in the order they were written.
For me by the time I got to this book I was excited to learn about the history between Payton and Brodie. I wanted to know why it seemed Payton didn't want to be near Brodie or at least seem to act like she didn't. I also wanted to see them together.
Brodie and Payton are perfect for each other and both know what it's like not to be loved by their mother. When Payton finally admits she loves Brodie he will do anything to show her she is loved and cherished. From a surprise romantic wedding to giving her the house she wants. Brodie proves to her that love is stronger than anything and he will always put her first.
What I love most about this series is that Piper has a way of weaving the characters into each story so that once you are invested you get to see where they go. Once one story ends you are not left wondering what happens the characters weave seamlessly into and out of each story.
This third installment just keeps getting better.
In this story, we get to learn about Brodie and Payton's past and their rather complicated story. Though the book can be read as a stand-alone I for one found it much more appealing read in the order they were written.
For me by the time I got to this book I was excited to learn about the history between Payton and Brodie. I wanted to know why it seemed Payton didn't want to be near Brodie or at least seem to act like she didn't. I also wanted to see them together.
Brodie and Payton are perfect for each other and both know what it's like not to be loved by their mother. When Payton finally admits she loves Brodie he will do anything to show her she is loved and cherished. From a surprise romantic wedding to giving her the house she wants. Brodie proves to her that love is stronger than anything and he will always put her first.
What I love most about this series is that Piper has a way of weaving the characters into each story so that once you are invested you get to see where they go. Once one story ends you are not left wondering what happens the characters weave seamlessly into and out of each story.
This third installment just keeps getting better.
August 25, 2017
First the disclaimer--I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC of this book. There was no requirement to review, but I needed to tell everyone --GRAB THIS BOOK--IT IS AMAZING!!!!!!! This series just keeps getting better and better. I loved the clean version because the series was so unique, so exciting written under Tracey Jane Jackson. I didn't think it could get better, but I was wrong.
The author added just enough sex to let me know just how much love there was between Brodie and Payton. She added just enough lust, that I knew the desire between Brodie and Payton was there and real. I totally get why Brodie had to leave after finding out that Payton was his mate and he would have to wait 10 years to make her his forever (which can be a long time for the almost immortals).
Oh, and the secrets that are in the title, well your mouth will drop in shock when the truth comes out, when lies are revealed. The tension will rise. The fear will come, but in the end you will get the HEA that you want.
The author added just enough sex to let me know just how much love there was between Brodie and Payton. She added just enough lust, that I knew the desire between Brodie and Payton was there and real. I totally get why Brodie had to leave after finding out that Payton was his mate and he would have to wait 10 years to make her his forever (which can be a long time for the almost immortals).
Oh, and the secrets that are in the title, well your mouth will drop in shock when the truth comes out, when lies are revealed. The tension will rise. The fear will come, but in the end you will get the HEA that you want.
May 5, 2019
The third in the series and the stories just keep getting hotter. Brodie is the recluse of the brothers. He'd rather be shut in at his castle than just about anywhere. All that changes when Payton finally comes to her twenty-fifth birthday and all the questions about his fidelity and devotion are answered. There isn't anything that Brodie won't do for Payton, and that includes spending more time in the city and away from his sanctuary.
As the pages turn, we're seeing glimpses of information that has been left out of the first two books, and some of our questions are finally being answered. I love the sisterhood between Payton, Fiona, Sam and Pepper. These ladies certainly give their mates a run for their money. The adoration that the Cauld Ane have for their mates is something that the ladies have to get used to, but as the stories play out, they're learning, and in turn helping each other as each becomes 'inducted' to their family circle. Another great addition to the already addicting series.
As the pages turn, we're seeing glimpses of information that has been left out of the first two books, and some of our questions are finally being answered. I love the sisterhood between Payton, Fiona, Sam and Pepper. These ladies certainly give their mates a run for their money. The adoration that the Cauld Ane have for their mates is something that the ladies have to get used to, but as the stories play out, they're learning, and in turn helping each other as each becomes 'inducted' to their family circle. Another great addition to the already addicting series.
August 26, 2017
Shaking the family tree causes all the nuts to fall out....
I have been looking forward to Brodie and Payton's story since I read book one. Brodie has known since meeting Payton she was his mate. Unfortunately, she was only 14 at the time and would not know that he was her destined mate until she turned 25. He made a decision to go away for a few years as being close to her was a form of torture to our hero. He may have been away, but he worked from afar to care for Payton. Payton was really hurt when Brodie left shortly after they met. She may not have known they were destined mates at the time, but she never forgot the handsome prince. We get a couple of time jumps and dual POV which I really appreciated. There is an ongoing storyline that started in book one and I would recommend you read them in order just to know all the characters involved. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read more.
I have been looking forward to Brodie and Payton's story since I read book one. Brodie has known since meeting Payton she was his mate. Unfortunately, she was only 14 at the time and would not know that he was her destined mate until she turned 25. He made a decision to go away for a few years as being close to her was a form of torture to our hero. He may have been away, but he worked from afar to care for Payton. Payton was really hurt when Brodie left shortly after they met. She may not have known they were destined mates at the time, but she never forgot the handsome prince. We get a couple of time jumps and dual POV which I really appreciated. There is an ongoing storyline that started in book one and I would recommend you read them in order just to know all the characters involved. I am really enjoying this series and can't wait to read more.
September 1, 2017
Bound by Secrets is an amazing story that continues on the Cauld And Series. It follows Brodie and Payton and it kept me reading the whole time. Payton is a character that you can relate to and is someone you would want for a friend. Payton doesn't want to trust Brodie because of this woman he refuses to discuss. On top of that there are secrets on top of secrets that these two characters face.
They have a lot they have to process if they are to be together. There also seems to be a lot of danger surrounding them and they have to be careful to figure out who is causing it. This is a suspenseful story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is a story that can be read on its own, however to fully appreciate the story you would have to read the first two books. I can't wait for the next book to be released!
They have a lot they have to process if they are to be together. There also seems to be a lot of danger surrounding them and they have to be careful to figure out who is causing it. This is a suspenseful story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is a story that can be read on its own, however to fully appreciate the story you would have to read the first two books. I can't wait for the next book to be released!
August 25, 2017
I like how these books interlink and the way the plot has been woven through all three books. I have been looking forward to getting my hands on Brodie and Payton’s story since they were introduced in the first book, and what a good story it is, we are took back to the first meeting between them and then given snipes of what has happened from then till the present time. From there we get to follow them as they become a couple, and the steam at times was so hot you will be fanning yourself.
This book from the first chapter grabs your attention and doesn't let go till the last word, filled with mystery, intrigue and hot times what more can you ask for, so find somewhere quiet and enjoy another fantastic read from Piper.
This book from the first chapter grabs your attention and doesn't let go till the last word, filled with mystery, intrigue and hot times what more can you ask for, so find somewhere quiet and enjoy another fantastic read from Piper.
September 1, 2017
I received an ARC for an honest review! Ive been anticipating this book because I have been very couriois what the back story is for Payton and Brodie.... well let me tell you it was epic! Don't want to give to much away but Brodie finds out who is mate is when she is vey young and he struggles with knowing he has to wait years for her! It's torturous for him so he must leave! Payton falls for Brodie very young when one night they spend talking and getting to know one another only for him to break her heart and leave! You watch these two fight and fall in love over the course of the beginning and you will not be disappointed once the do finally get together! My favorite of the series so far!!! Okay they are all my favorite!! In love with this series!!
July 23, 2018
What a great book. We once again get to visit with our beloved Cauld Ane characters. Except this time the story is told from Payton and Brody's POV. The beginning of their story is so heartbreaking. The wait they both had to endure, the insecurities Payton felt, the hopelessness Brody felt at times. It is all enough to make you truly hope for their happily ever after, sooner rather than later. Plus, we hear a lot more about both of their pasts, together and separately. Truths are revealed and secrets are uncovered in this addition to the series that I never saw coming. Well the three brothers and Fiona have had their HEAs. Now it's time to move on the those Macmillan boys, Max and Niall. Can't wait to read how Grace is going to tame the playboy, Max.
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