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The Queen's Consorts #2
Bound by Secret
I'll be the first to admit it...my rise to power hasn't gone entirely as planned.
I'm still getting over Thana's betrayal and the news of the Mad King when a long-lost war hero reappears at court. He's beguiled the nobles, but I'm not so easily swayed or quick to trust.
At least amidst all the chaos has been one constant; my males. They've been there at every turn, and I'm falling deeper in love with them every day.
But the secrets are starting to pile up and weigh on all of us. Our forbidden romance and the matter of my multiple graces being the least of them...so why do I feel like the secrets others are hiding could be even more destructive than my own?
My males would give their lives to protect me, but I don't think they realize how much I'd sacrifice to ensure that never happens.
BOUND BY SECRET is the second installment in The Queen's Consorts series, a medium-burn reverse harem fantasy romance!
#WhyChoose
I'm still getting over Thana's betrayal and the news of the Mad King when a long-lost war hero reappears at court. He's beguiled the nobles, but I'm not so easily swayed or quick to trust.
At least amidst all the chaos has been one constant; my males. They've been there at every turn, and I'm falling deeper in love with them every day.
But the secrets are starting to pile up and weigh on all of us. Our forbidden romance and the matter of my multiple graces being the least of them...so why do I feel like the secrets others are hiding could be even more destructive than my own?
My males would give their lives to protect me, but I don't think they realize how much I'd sacrifice to ensure that never happens.
BOUND BY SECRET is the second installment in The Queen's Consorts series, a medium-burn reverse harem fantasy romance!
#WhyChoose
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2018
100 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Elena Lawson
43 books1,591 followersElena lives in Canada with her husband, daughter, and their Siberian cat overlords. She writes dark, why-choose romances full of feisty heroines, unforgettable heroes, and their kindle-melting chemistry.
When she comes out of her writing cave, she can be found binge-watching true-crime shows, obsessively rearranging her bookshelves, or chasing the sun around the globe.
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlealately
When she comes out of her writing cave, she can be found binge-watching true-crime shows, obsessively rearranging her bookshelves, or chasing the sun around the globe.
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlealately
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 7, 2020
4 stars for Bound by Secret by Elena Lawson. This is book two in The Queen’s Consort series. Book two picks up right where book one left us. Liana has to face Thana’s betrayal, along with facing the fact that people want her dead. More of the story is starting to develop. Liana has no idea what her Grace actually is. While, her men are trying to help her, they don’t seem to believe her like in book one. I was not a fan of that. I kinda wanted to smack them, just saying. The romance isn’t as prevalent as in book one, but I think that is because of the not believing her thing. While there is romance and some steam, the parts that gripped me where the mystery and suspense. Page after page I read, I needed to figure out what was going on. The writing had me hooked. I was engaged and intrigued. Elena Lawson is an amazing author and I’m ready for book three.
November 25, 2018
I love cake; I love the initial taste of the icing and whatever decorations there may be – I love tasting a bit of that alone first, then nibbling on the cake alone to see if it tastes good enough by itself, then the moment of joy when you take that first (big) helping of combined edible happiness, and hopefully it’s everything your brain needs it to be after the build-up you’ve given it.
This book is my first big bite. Book One was the icing and the cake tasted separately: the change and adaptation for Liana, the group meeting each other and feeling all those delicious feelings AND falling in like AND forming those sweet, incredible first bonds of relationship.
Book Two is the stage where substance develops; we’ve had the initial feelings develop and now they’re learning to be comfortable with the dynamic and each other; they’re learning to understand each other and share little bits of their histories and creating a few new memories with Liana; Liana is still trying to find some power over her… uhm… powers (are her gifts her own or is she perhaps more of a Grace conduit?). The men, in all their indubitable manliness are working to uncover and solve mysteries and to keep Liana safe.
Now see that last bit – that last bit is where I realise my cake has chocolate in it – I don’t like chocolate! It’s my only frustration and sadness with THEM!
How do I say this without giving the details of the book away? In Book One they trusted whole-heartedly, they believed without question, they listened with open minds and they shared – man, reading those frustrating parts – it’s like watching kids who stopped believing in Santa but maintain the façade and tell their mom they do because they don’t want to make her sad. They’re going to have to learn the value of transparency on both sides. There’d be more sexy times if they learnt that a bit faster. Fear makes people do strange things, right?
I would have loved more… well, love and romance and the development of those aspects on all sides. But more importantly, more learning about the histories of Liana’s males and the events that have happened in their lives that have formed who they are. Also, more development of her individual relationships with her men because I do feel that while the pace is moving well, there hasn’t been equal screen time for everyone and what this book does show us, is how little she knows of all of them. There’s still so much to learn and to get to know and so little time left and it’s freaking me out completely!
The mystery though: The page-turning, what-happens-next mystery with the Mad Kind and all the dodgy, weird wackadoodles that support him– that’s got you turning the pages way past your bed time! People’s lives are in danger, even the nobles who are part of the Night Court – but they all seem to be completely oblivious of the danger that lays at their doorsteps. Liana has a huge fight on her hands and she needs faith in herself and the faith and belief of those who love her to win this war.
I know I mentioned my frustration earlier but when you see the book through, you make peace with the fact that it’s an important part of the development of the characters, the relationships, the ability to know who to trust and working so hard to win the battles in trying to avoid a war. The learning curve is frustrating but necessary.
Bound by Secret is beautifully and descriptively written, the plot is interesting and engaging and the characters are real and appealing and frustrating and depending on their role, they evoke the required emotion from you as a reader. If there was one thing I missed in Bound, that I loved in Claimed, it was the presence of underlying happiness and joy. I missed that in the interaction and while I partly understood it (remember what I said about fear?), I still missed it in the overall reading.
I remind myself that it is the mark of a good author to be able to differentiate books in a series so that they can stand on their own; it is also the mark of a good relationship (no matter how many people are in it) to go through the hard stuff, to get to the good stuff.
And when you get to that ending – aaah man! The frustrated desire to beat overprotective, non-hearing men and asshat relics over the head, is quite appeased. I can’t wait to read the culmination of these stories, while simultaneously being sad that my journey with these characters will be at an end – you never get to travel the road for the first time again, do you?
This book is my first big bite. Book One was the icing and the cake tasted separately: the change and adaptation for Liana, the group meeting each other and feeling all those delicious feelings AND falling in like AND forming those sweet, incredible first bonds of relationship.
Book Two is the stage where substance develops; we’ve had the initial feelings develop and now they’re learning to be comfortable with the dynamic and each other; they’re learning to understand each other and share little bits of their histories and creating a few new memories with Liana; Liana is still trying to find some power over her… uhm… powers (are her gifts her own or is she perhaps more of a Grace conduit?). The men, in all their indubitable manliness are working to uncover and solve mysteries and to keep Liana safe.
Now see that last bit – that last bit is where I realise my cake has chocolate in it – I don’t like chocolate! It’s my only frustration and sadness with THEM!
How do I say this without giving the details of the book away? In Book One they trusted whole-heartedly, they believed without question, they listened with open minds and they shared – man, reading those frustrating parts – it’s like watching kids who stopped believing in Santa but maintain the façade and tell their mom they do because they don’t want to make her sad. They’re going to have to learn the value of transparency on both sides. There’d be more sexy times if they learnt that a bit faster. Fear makes people do strange things, right?
I would have loved more… well, love and romance and the development of those aspects on all sides. But more importantly, more learning about the histories of Liana’s males and the events that have happened in their lives that have formed who they are. Also, more development of her individual relationships with her men because I do feel that while the pace is moving well, there hasn’t been equal screen time for everyone and what this book does show us, is how little she knows of all of them. There’s still so much to learn and to get to know and so little time left and it’s freaking me out completely!
The mystery though: The page-turning, what-happens-next mystery with the Mad Kind and all the dodgy, weird wackadoodles that support him– that’s got you turning the pages way past your bed time! People’s lives are in danger, even the nobles who are part of the Night Court – but they all seem to be completely oblivious of the danger that lays at their doorsteps. Liana has a huge fight on her hands and she needs faith in herself and the faith and belief of those who love her to win this war.
I know I mentioned my frustration earlier but when you see the book through, you make peace with the fact that it’s an important part of the development of the characters, the relationships, the ability to know who to trust and working so hard to win the battles in trying to avoid a war. The learning curve is frustrating but necessary.
Bound by Secret is beautifully and descriptively written, the plot is interesting and engaging and the characters are real and appealing and frustrating and depending on their role, they evoke the required emotion from you as a reader. If there was one thing I missed in Bound, that I loved in Claimed, it was the presence of underlying happiness and joy. I missed that in the interaction and while I partly understood it (remember what I said about fear?), I still missed it in the overall reading.
I remind myself that it is the mark of a good author to be able to differentiate books in a series so that they can stand on their own; it is also the mark of a good relationship (no matter how many people are in it) to go through the hard stuff, to get to the good stuff.
And when you get to that ending – aaah man! The frustrated desire to beat overprotective, non-hearing men and asshat relics over the head, is quite appeased. I can’t wait to read the culmination of these stories, while simultaneously being sad that my journey with these characters will be at an end – you never get to travel the road for the first time again, do you?
December 12, 2018
Cracked this book open and the next thing I know it’s done! Like wait, what, I did even realize how much time passed, this was wonderful follow-up book. I enjoyed the action, the plot and the unexpectedness of aspects of the book.
Liana continues forth with the strength expected of her station, but she is still a fun-loving, down-to-earth kind of gal. I do like that she does build a relationship with a secondary female character which in RH can at times be unheard of. Liana shows her affection and growing feelings to the guys through her actions of planning to go to their ceremony and through her strength of self. We get the chance to learn more of Tiernan and his trusty falcon who is never far from his side. I love that we learn more of the Dragonians, both as a race and individuals. The story continues forth with developing Liana’s “Graces” which give further insight to the struggle and fight to come!
Here we get to meet the Mad King and his “court”, and it was a surprise to learn about this character. Here is a slight plot twist and is a pivotal moment for this series!
I am excited to read the next book in this series and will recommend this one to others in need of a smooth read.
Liana continues forth with the strength expected of her station, but she is still a fun-loving, down-to-earth kind of gal. I do like that she does build a relationship with a secondary female character which in RH can at times be unheard of. Liana shows her affection and growing feelings to the guys through her actions of planning to go to their ceremony and through her strength of self. We get the chance to learn more of Tiernan and his trusty falcon who is never far from his side. I love that we learn more of the Dragonians, both as a race and individuals. The story continues forth with developing Liana’s “Graces” which give further insight to the struggle and fight to come!
Here we get to meet the Mad King and his “court”, and it was a surprise to learn about this character. Here is a slight plot twist and is a pivotal moment for this series!
I am excited to read the next book in this series and will recommend this one to others in need of a smooth read.
September 6, 2019
So much action and drama!!!
Ohhhh this book was so good...even better than the first in my opinion!!! There was so much happening here, betrayal, deceit, suspense, drama, action, sexy times, and declarations of devotion and love. Liana is such a strong and formidable character and I absolutely love reading about her! Her demeanor and attitude makes for the perfect Queen. She isn’t a pushover and takes a stand to keep her birthright.
All 4 of her men are completely devoted to her and her wellbeing and safety. And I loved how Alaric made the decision to bond himself to her knowing that she may not reciprocate the act but nonetheless binding himself to her permanently. His love and devotion to her is apparent without reading the cliche and stereotypical “I love you” phrase. I love reading scenarios like this because anyone can say “I love you” but to actually convey your feelings through actions holds a lot more meaning and sincerity.
This is a fantastic series that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys medium burn RH that is full of magic, Faes, suspense, deceit, and plenty of action!!
Ohhhh this book was so good...even better than the first in my opinion!!! There was so much happening here, betrayal, deceit, suspense, drama, action, sexy times, and declarations of devotion and love. Liana is such a strong and formidable character and I absolutely love reading about her! Her demeanor and attitude makes for the perfect Queen. She isn’t a pushover and takes a stand to keep her birthright.
All 4 of her men are completely devoted to her and her wellbeing and safety. And I loved how Alaric made the decision to bond himself to her knowing that she may not reciprocate the act but nonetheless binding himself to her permanently. His love and devotion to her is apparent without reading the cliche and stereotypical “I love you” phrase. I love reading scenarios like this because anyone can say “I love you” but to actually convey your feelings through actions holds a lot more meaning and sincerity.
This is a fantastic series that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys medium burn RH that is full of magic, Faes, suspense, deceit, and plenty of action!!
November 19, 2018
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
I really enjoyed this second installment of The Queen's Consorts. I loved seeing Liana and her four males but I would have liked a little more romance. I would have liked her males save for one to trust her judgment and see how obviously creepy and weird it was for that ancient male to return to court. I liked seeing more of Tiernan and Liana together. She has something different with each of her males that made each of the relationships unique and not feel the same when she was with any of them. I enjoyed the addition of the Mad King and finding out more about him. And finding out more about the Draconians as well as the humans they'd cut themselves off from. I loved how it ended and I cannot wait to see how the story is concluded.
I really enjoyed this second installment of The Queen's Consorts. I loved seeing Liana and her four males but I would have liked a little more romance. I would have liked her males save for one to trust her judgment and see how obviously creepy and weird it was for that ancient male to return to court. I liked seeing more of Tiernan and Liana together. She has something different with each of her males that made each of the relationships unique and not feel the same when she was with any of them. I enjoyed the addition of the Mad King and finding out more about him. And finding out more about the Draconians as well as the humans they'd cut themselves off from. I loved how it ended and I cannot wait to see how the story is concluded.
November 21, 2018
Liana's story continues. I definitely love the interactions between Liana and her guys. The males are very protective of her and they usually, well, not all, listen to her opinions. We also learn some of the their background. I'd love to know more about the history of each one and also Tiernan. There wasn't much said about his. We also learn a bit more of the Draconian race but not enough. As much as I love the romance between Liana and her men, the plot thickens in this story and it is quite a page turner. I wouldnt like to spoil but some of the mystery regarding the Mad King and the blade has been revealed but not all. Liana also continues her training about her Grace. The one thing I did not see coming was one of the characters who I liked as well. That cut me in the gut. You'll know what I mean once you've read the story. I can't wait for the next book.
December 12, 2018
Word of advice to Liana's males she is always right, and you are idiots. Even though they drive me nuts in this one for not trusting her I ate this book up. I loved it just as much as the first one and I can not wait to read book three. I had so many emotions through this book I almost cried at the end I literally yelled no about a hundred times until I got to the end. There is not much steam here there are hints of it, but you really see how bounded they are, and how much they love Liana. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on book three. You won't regret taking the plunge I loved all the twist and turns I can't wait to see it pan out.
November 19, 2018
I really like this book and how the plot is developing, it's an easy and fast pace writing that will keep you reading till the last page. Glad to see Liana and Alaric finally were together, he's my favorite 😍... But the other three hot males are waiting their turn... The last chapters are more intense, I was bitting my nails, but all turned out just fine and now they have more info about the mad king and Liana is more in control of her graces... Looking forward to read book 3, is going to be awesome!!! 🤓🤗
December 18, 2021
The sequel to this incredible reverse harem series, The Queen's Consorts, nearly gave me a heart attack. I was so certain this book would end in disaster, I almost didn't finish reading it. Now I need to get my hands on the final book in this series, but I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet!
With regards to the series, we follow Liana and her Royal Guards, who keep her safe. While they already found and defeated one threat to the Queen's life, they soon learn of a far bigger plot that puts more than just Liana's life in danger...
With regards to the series, we follow Liana and her Royal Guards, who keep her safe. While they already found and defeated one threat to the Queen's life, they soon learn of a far bigger plot that puts more than just Liana's life in danger...
January 13, 2019
Great continuation of book one's storyline. As Liana and her guards search for answers not only about her graces but about the Mad King and Morgana. They have to keep vigilant of their enemies, as an ancient warrior returns to the kingdom under strange circumstances and creates more problems. I am thoroughly intrigued by this series and the characters are so interesting and both books are detailed and well written and the storyline is great. I can't wait to read more.
January 25, 2020
Not so Amazing Male Leads
It really is disappointing that the female characters are pretty well written, and the male leads are acceptable, except for Alaric who kinda ruined this series for me.
He was supposed to be serious and cool headed, but he is the most impatient of them and the one who makes stupid decisions. I wish he acted smarter like Tiernan, who seems more like a captain figure at the moment. Alaric can just be the muscle-head.
It really is disappointing that the female characters are pretty well written, and the male leads are acceptable, except for Alaric who kinda ruined this series for me.
He was supposed to be serious and cool headed, but he is the most impatient of them and the one who makes stupid decisions. I wish he acted smarter like Tiernan, who seems more like a captain figure at the moment. Alaric can just be the muscle-head.
December 9, 2018
Book two of the Queen of Consort’s series, sees Liana becoming more of a queen. She begins to develop deeper relationships with some of her guardians. Their relationships are real and engaging. The world in which they find themselves in continues to grow and develop. Excellent read and can’t wait for more.
November 17, 2018
Liana and her guards are back and things are heating up. I like how the world in this series continues to build and add new, interesting characters to the mix. These developments have left the story feeling fresh and who doesn't love a good book about the fae!
November 18, 2018
Great series
I absolutely love this series. It has an fantastic plot and amazing characters. I can't wait to see what happens next. It could be a little more steamy but it is well written and a great read.
I absolutely love this series. It has an fantastic plot and amazing characters. I can't wait to see what happens next. It could be a little more steamy but it is well written and a great read.
November 20, 2018
The mad king lives
Finally more fighting, stubbornness and love from the group. She has 4 men as her guard and an old hero shows up. Guys love his fame and legend yet out queen is weary of him. Is he the good of bad guy. Will she lose anymore friends. Cannot wait for book 3
Finally more fighting, stubbornness and love from the group. She has 4 men as her guard and an old hero shows up. Guys love his fame and legend yet out queen is weary of him. Is he the good of bad guy. Will she lose anymore friends. Cannot wait for book 3
January 6, 2019
Again a 4.5 star read! This time I could not pinpoint exactly what made this a less than 5 star read but I know I will not be rereading it asap, so let's leave it at that. Particularly I loved the build up towards sexual intimacy and the relationship building between the heroine and her harem.
January 29, 2019
I wasn't expecting this trilogy to be so intense but I ended up 1-shoting them all.
I love how Liana is a strong female lead and even through all the heartbreak and betrayals, she continues on because she knows its her responsibility to keep her kingdom safe.
I love how Liana is a strong female lead and even through all the heartbreak and betrayals, she continues on because she knows its her responsibility to keep her kingdom safe.
August 28, 2019
Great fae series
One of the best fae series I've ever read. The emotion is there. I felt the tension. It was beautiful. I'm considering getting Kindle unlimited for this author alone!
One of the best fae series I've ever read. The emotion is there. I felt the tension. It was beautiful. I'm considering getting Kindle unlimited for this author alone!
December 2, 2019
Reverse Harem Paranormal Romance
In book 2 Liana is trying to come to terms with her powers. She has feelings for her 4 Royal guards. She is the Queen and this is forbidden. There is treachery from a surprising source. I hope her story doesn't end in tragedy. I love a HEA.
In book 2 Liana is trying to come to terms with her powers. She has feelings for her 4 Royal guards. She is the Queen and this is forbidden. There is treachery from a surprising source. I hope her story doesn't end in tragedy. I love a HEA.
December 8, 2021
OMG
I am loving these books, Alaric, Kade, Finn and Terrain have a place in my heart. Their devotion to Liana and hers to their is wonderful. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
I am loving these books, Alaric, Kade, Finn and Terrain have a place in my heart. Their devotion to Liana and hers to their is wonderful. I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book.
February 9, 2022
Wow
So i felt the emotions of the 5 main charactors. Sc fi awesome learning about different "graces".
So well written can picture some of the action/fun/romance.
Gotta go read book 3 see what action they get up to lol
So i felt the emotions of the 5 main charactors. Sc fi awesome learning about different "graces".
So well written can picture some of the action/fun/romance.
Gotta go read book 3 see what action they get up to lol
October 9, 2025
Leading to the Mad King
So many twist and turns. I'm not normally into royalty books, but I'm here for this. Even though, this book said medium burn, that's laughable. I liked the fact that her guardians would protect at all costs.
So many twist and turns. I'm not normally into royalty books, but I'm here for this. Even though, this book said medium burn, that's laughable. I liked the fact that her guardians would protect at all costs.
November 11, 2018
This was such a quick read! I enjoyed it and am excited to see where this leads from here. Hopefully there will be much more adventure in the next one!
November 15, 2018
Another fast-paced read by Lawson. Story is still interesting and her relationship with her guards is becoming more developed. The Mad King is making a showing now. Looking forward to the next!
November 25, 2018
Such a great second book in the series, lots of action and double-crossing happening.
I really like the MC Liana. She’s strong and capable. I can’t wait to see how the series ends.
I really like the MC Liana. She’s strong and capable. I can’t wait to see how the series ends.
December 10, 2018
Amazing
Just as good as the first. Definitely had me in my feelings. So glad everything worked out in the end.
Just as good as the first. Definitely had me in my feelings. So glad everything worked out in the end.
January 14, 2019
Wow
So much happening its amazing. Love this series. Liana and her men are brilliant. Love ainsley such a sweet character
So much happening its amazing. Love this series. Liana and her men are brilliant. Love ainsley such a sweet character
April 26, 2019
Not going to finish this series lost interest unfortunately
November 21, 2018
Steamy fantasy romance
Fans of high fantasy like ACOTAR will love this quick read! Steamy, intense, magical. It’s got all the bells and whistles. Can’t wait for Seduced by Power!
Fans of high fantasy like ACOTAR will love this quick read! Steamy, intense, magical. It’s got all the bells and whistles. Can’t wait for Seduced by Power!
February 18, 2019
There were a number of continuity and editing errors in this one. "He" instead of "her", clunky sentences, sentence fragments, obvious spell check or auto correct error that should have been easily caught with a basic proof reading. There were also continuity errors sometimes even with a paragraph, ie: emotions and ice were the graces I had the most difficulty conquering so we were working on those, oh and I still couldn't weird Tiernan's earth grace. I mean seriously, that is a sloppy paragraph. You can't say one thing you've had some success with and another thing you haven't are the two things you are struggling with the most and then in the same breath say oh and this other thing I can't do at all. Liana also says several times wow I don't know anything about these guys of mine, well, that's probably because you haven't bothered to get to know them at all, not nothing to ask them a single question about themselves as you go around lusting after them and claiming it's love. Like book 1 this needs some editing and refinement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews