What do you think?
Rate this book
Mated. When fate takes her choices away, Hailey fights back the only way she knows how.
She rebels, choosing the guy not on the menu.
But Thornbriar Academy isn't as safe as it once was,
and her deadly secret falls into the wrong hands.
Hailey's going to need all her men to stay alive.
Bound is a the second book in this Why Choose, Dark Paranormal Romance series. Expect a tough as nails innocent, bullies, shifters, and love in this sexy new adult reverse harem romance.
She rebels, choosing the guy not on the menu.
But Thornbriar Academy isn't as safe as it once was,
and her deadly secret falls into the wrong hands.
Hailey's going to need all her men to stay alive.
Bound is a the second book in this Why Choose, Dark Paranormal Romance series. Expect a tough as nails innocent, bullies, shifters, and love in this sexy new adult reverse harem romance.
173 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2020
661 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Cali Mann
47 books963 followersCali Mann is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Thornbriar Academy series. She writes paranormal romance, the sexy kind with why choose, hunky shifters, sexy vampires, and women who stand up for themselves. She learned romance by reading through her mother's entire Gothic romance collection in her teens so she and romance go way back. When she's not writing, she spends her time streaming shows, playing video games, and pestering her two tuxedo cats. Find out more at calimann.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 24, 2020
Getting dumber.. spoilers to justify
This book series seems to get more progressively infantile and whiny.The boys (because they act like a bunch of whiny boys) fight between themselves because they don’t want to share and then 2/3 decide it’s fine and they’ll accept it and engage in a mediocre threesome and all is well.. Meanwhile female lead is the whiniest of them all “I don’t want to be caged I want to be free” all you hear is how she wants to be free.... take a shot for all the times she whines and you’d be drunk by chapter 5. What I really did not like is how Brenton, a person who really did not like her or want to be near her, continued to pick on her then one day he punched a wall and she’s in her “vampire phase” and licks his bloodied hand. She bites his wrist then after he’s all like “ get on your knees” AND SHE DOES?! It’s like all of a sudden this bully is like acting all Dom like and it’s confusing and condescending and she, who “doesn’t want to be caged, trapped or told what to do” is all cool with being dominated 🧐 wth??????? This female character is such a whiny brat I don’t know how this can keep going..I also don’t get how Sciro decided to turn into such a little puss. He goes from liking her to loathing her in realization of what she is and then turns her in and she’s not mad or aware of what he’s done?? Top that with some lackluster steam scenes and you get what you (if you bought I’m sorry) paid for. I hate putting down people who put themselves out there because writing a book takes a lot of guts and skill but come on! All of these characters are so darn whiny and I’m not going to even go into her dad and that whole box of dumb....
This book series seems to get more progressively infantile and whiny.The boys (because they act like a bunch of whiny boys) fight between themselves because they don’t want to share and then 2/3 decide it’s fine and they’ll accept it and engage in a mediocre threesome and all is well.. Meanwhile female lead is the whiniest of them all “I don’t want to be caged I want to be free” all you hear is how she wants to be free.... take a shot for all the times she whines and you’d be drunk by chapter 5. What I really did not like is how Brenton, a person who really did not like her or want to be near her, continued to pick on her then one day he punched a wall and she’s in her “vampire phase” and licks his bloodied hand. She bites his wrist then after he’s all like “ get on your knees” AND SHE DOES?! It’s like all of a sudden this bully is like acting all Dom like and it’s confusing and condescending and she, who “doesn’t want to be caged, trapped or told what to do” is all cool with being dominated 🧐 wth??????? This female character is such a whiny brat I don’t know how this can keep going..I also don’t get how Sciro decided to turn into such a little puss. He goes from liking her to loathing her in realization of what she is and then turns her in and she’s not mad or aware of what he’s done?? Top that with some lackluster steam scenes and you get what you (if you bought I’m sorry) paid for. I hate putting down people who put themselves out there because writing a book takes a lot of guts and skill but come on! All of these characters are so darn whiny and I’m not going to even go into her dad and that whole box of dumb....
January 1, 2022
3.25 ☆
I liked this one a little better than first one! Sad that my audiobook subscription doesn't have the 3rd book :(
I liked this one a little better than first one! Sad that my audiobook subscription doesn't have the 3rd book :(
Want to read
November 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/16/2020)! 🎁
December 2, 2022
I really am starting to adore Brenton as the series move on. But Sciro? He's either selfish or delusional... or just stupid. I really am not a fan of him at all. I'm SURE things will improve with him once he figures out he's also Hailey's mate, [ after he gets over the anger about it. ] But overall, I think he's whiny and petty so far.
I do think the storyline of this book is quite interesting. The idea of spirit shifters, the idea of needing a mate from each element, it's all very cool to learn about and read.
I've already started listening to book three, haha.
I do think the storyline of this book is quite interesting. The idea of spirit shifters, the idea of needing a mate from each element, it's all very cool to learn about and read.
I've already started listening to book three, haha.
February 3, 2020
This was a good second book. I do have to say, I am not loving Hailey in this second book. She comes off spoiled, snotty, and straight bratty as all get out. I get her backstory, and I get it, I do, but she doesn't come off very bright, or very likeable in this book. The story over all though is just getting warmed up, and I cannot wait to see where this series may go. Told in alternating pov.
January 21, 2020
Hailey is mated to two mates, something she does not want. But guess what? Fate decides to give her another one. She has fought too hard in her life to be free. She is a spirit shifter, something that is usually killed upon birth. As she tries to navigate having mates, and trying to keep her secret. As if things were not complicated enough, her not so nice father enters the picture.
Cali has done an excellent job of continuing the series and keeping the readers interest. I really enjoyed book one, Found, and book two pretty much steps things up a notch and was just as good. Not only do we continue right off from book one, we get more information on spirit shifters. Which is pretty interesting to me. Hailey is working through having mates, and coming to terms with that, even if it is rather slowly. I really like Hailey's growth from book one. Hailey and her guys have lots of chemistry.
Overall, Bound is an excellent follow up to an interesting plot that is keeping my attention. There is a cliffhanger, but to me it sets up book three, Saved, perfectly. I would highly recommend this series.
January 20, 2020
This second book picks up just about where the last one left off. Hailey is going through another of the element phases and having trouble controlling it. She is trying to figure out what to do and what it means to be a spirit shifter in a world where spirit shifters are supposed to be killed at birth. She is still trying to be free and yet also learn more about this life. There are some complications with her guys and some very hot moments. We learn more about what it means to be a spirit shifter. Hailey doesn’t want to hurt anyone but knows she can’t stay here and put those she cares about in danger. And there’s is help from an unexpected corner. This was a great continuation from the previous book and I can’t wait for the next one. This book left off on a cliffhanger and I want to know how it will get resolved. Hailey has to decide who to trust and what she is going to do as a spirit shifter. Will she try to over throw everything? Or will she do something else entirely? And can she keep her guys safe as they help to keep her safe as well?
March 2, 2022
Go away Sciro.
I don't see how Sciro could possibly come back from what he's done. I didn't like him much in book 1 and now I hate him. He's terrible, a bad friend and complete hypocrite. All he cares about in the end is how to help himself. He keeps choosing to betray someone that only wants to help him and manages to betray his "brothers" at the same time. I am fine if he does take the fall. He may be technically innocent, but it was his actions that led directly to those events. The only character I actually like is Terrin, Hailey and Brenton are ok but very reactive and immature. Adrian is also a pretty major hypocrite. It could be that I just can't relate to 18 year olds. I will also need to finish the series to find out more about the oracle.
I don't see how Sciro could possibly come back from what he's done. I didn't like him much in book 1 and now I hate him. He's terrible, a bad friend and complete hypocrite. All he cares about in the end is how to help himself. He keeps choosing to betray someone that only wants to help him and manages to betray his "brothers" at the same time. I am fine if he does take the fall. He may be technically innocent, but it was his actions that led directly to those events. The only character I actually like is Terrin, Hailey and Brenton are ok but very reactive and immature. Adrian is also a pretty major hypocrite. It could be that I just can't relate to 18 year olds. I will also need to finish the series to find out more about the oracle.
January 13, 2020
Bound follows on from found and is spectacular in all the good ways. The romance picks up and we get to watch as the bonds form and issues erupt. We get to see Hailey grow as a person and become the person she is destined to become. The scenes were hot, there was new love and suspense of what is happening. I loved the way cali kept Hailey to person she is and gave her character the strength she needs. I loved the flow of the story and it was full of surprises. I can't wait to dig into book 3, I need it now! That ending had me wishing I could stay in this world. Fantastic second book with so much promise for book 3.
January 16, 2020
Second book! Just as good as the first!
Second book! Just as good as the first!
Absolutely loved this book. It is the second in the series. It is a different take on shifters which I love. It is really interesting. You really learn a lot more about spirit Shifters and so much more about Hailey and her mates. I loveee that Brenton is in this book more. He is definitely my favorite!! Spoiler....
The book ends in a cliff hanger! I do not mind cliff hangers at all. I think this one ended on a good note and really sets the scene for the next book. Cannot wait for book 3!!!
Second book! Just as good as the first!
Absolutely loved this book. It is the second in the series. It is a different take on shifters which I love. It is really interesting. You really learn a lot more about spirit Shifters and so much more about Hailey and her mates. I loveee that Brenton is in this book more. He is definitely my favorite!! Spoiler....
The book ends in a cliff hanger! I do not mind cliff hangers at all. I think this one ended on a good note and really sets the scene for the next book. Cannot wait for book 3!!!
January 17, 2020
Another amazing book in the Thornbriar Academy Series! It is so well written and really catches your attention as it continues Hailey's story. We find out a bit more information on Spirit shifters and the bonds that Hailey has already made as well as a little more about her heritage. Book 2 shows us how much Hailey has grown as a character, especially closer to the end where she discovers who she can really trust as she tries to keep her shifter type a secret. Expect to see the love intensify, the secrets unfold, and true intentions to be shown.
January 27, 2020
This was a great second installment to the series! I enjoyed seeing the characters again, they are well developed, The story is engaging and unique and kept me interested right to the end. I also liked the pace and flow of the story it is a smooth and enjoyable read. This book picks up where we left off in the first. There is plenty of drama a dash of suspense and action as well as great steam. I am happy that I stumbled across this author, I am really looking forward to the next book in the series !
January 30, 2020
Bound continued on from where the last book ended. Hailey had mate bonded with not one but two different people How?! Fast Forward and in this book she bonds with a third mate and let me tell you the whole chemistry between her and her mates is Hot, hot, hot!
So many questions are answered but readers are left with the need for more! a ton of unanswered questions. It’s a great read and I highly recommend it!!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest review.
I would recommend x 10!
So many questions are answered but readers are left with the need for more! a ton of unanswered questions. It’s a great read and I highly recommend it!!!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest review.
I would recommend x 10!
August 7, 2022
So I did like book 2 more than book 1, in terms of the story and progression. I was surprised the most by Brenton and he won my heart over pretty quickly once you find out more about him and why he is acting the way he is. He is the reason I am giving this 3 stars.
I was super disappointed in Shiro (not sure if I am close to spelling these right since I listened to the audiobook haha) and the author didnt do a good job explaining why his sudden hatred for spirit shifters. I was also disappointed with the other 2 at times, their age showed when they didnt so much in book 1 (more their animal tendencies) so I think that was more of poor editing/character development. Unfortunately I think the flow between them and the transitions between scenes got worse at times, very disjointed. I was not a fan of the fade to black or 1-2 sentences for the sexy scenes after some decent build-ups to it. The author needed to choose for it to be a YA or a slowburn or somewhat spicy/fastburn. It was stuck in between and it just added to the choppiness/confusion at times.
In terms of the narration this seemed worse than the first. The narrator tried to make the new characters sound different but at times it was hard to listen to. I don't mean to be harsh. Again I think there is potential here for a good storyline and we see glimpses of it, it just seems more novice/needs a refreshing to help give it the polishing it needs to really hit the mark.
I was super disappointed in Shiro (not sure if I am close to spelling these right since I listened to the audiobook haha) and the author didnt do a good job explaining why his sudden hatred for spirit shifters. I was also disappointed with the other 2 at times, their age showed when they didnt so much in book 1 (more their animal tendencies) so I think that was more of poor editing/character development. Unfortunately I think the flow between them and the transitions between scenes got worse at times, very disjointed. I was not a fan of the fade to black or 1-2 sentences for the sexy scenes after some decent build-ups to it. The author needed to choose for it to be a YA or a slowburn or somewhat spicy/fastburn. It was stuck in between and it just added to the choppiness/confusion at times.
In terms of the narration this seemed worse than the first. The narrator tried to make the new characters sound different but at times it was hard to listen to. I don't mean to be harsh. Again I think there is potential here for a good storyline and we see glimpses of it, it just seems more novice/needs a refreshing to help give it the polishing it needs to really hit the mark.
November 9, 2021
The book is full of surprising twists and turns which are totally justified.
Sadly, the book’s protagonist Hailey is on a very steep learning curve till almost the end of the series. Honestly, I just could not understand her motivations of pushing the boys away whenever they try to take the next step forward.
The backstory of Hailey justifies he need for freedom but I hated the way, she treated her partners to escape commitment. The character of Hailey took commitment to be a suicide noose which she was desperate to escape even at the cost of losing people who care for her. At the same time, she wants to actively have a sexual life but with the same boys in question.
The climax and the after-math of the series was full of sadness. I still can’t make peace with the fact that the boys lost their own identity and were reduced to being Hailey’s mates. I know that there is a sequel series to Thornbriar Academy with the name, Misfits of Thornbriar Academy and I will surely read it once the final part of the series releases.
Read full review here:
https://crumpledbookshelf.wordpress.c...
Sadly, the book’s protagonist Hailey is on a very steep learning curve till almost the end of the series. Honestly, I just could not understand her motivations of pushing the boys away whenever they try to take the next step forward.
The backstory of Hailey justifies he need for freedom but I hated the way, she treated her partners to escape commitment. The character of Hailey took commitment to be a suicide noose which she was desperate to escape even at the cost of losing people who care for her. At the same time, she wants to actively have a sexual life but with the same boys in question.
The climax and the after-math of the series was full of sadness. I still can’t make peace with the fact that the boys lost their own identity and were reduced to being Hailey’s mates. I know that there is a sequel series to Thornbriar Academy with the name, Misfits of Thornbriar Academy and I will surely read it once the final part of the series releases.
Read full review here:
https://crumpledbookshelf.wordpress.c...
August 12, 2020
Overall: 2.5/5
Heat: 1/5 There were sex scenes but they were all ehh
Romance: 2/5
Drama: 3/5
Suspense: 3/5
Cliffhanger(?): 1/5
MM: No
Anal: Yes
BSDM: Not really
Cheating: Kinda
World Building: 2/5
Relationship Building: 2/5
Triggers: 1/5 Bullying, Killing & Death. But pretty tame.
The FMC annoyed me. All she did was whine about being trapped cause the guys wanted her. To me there was quite a bit of cheating, yes they ended up in her harem BUT she kept going behind the other guys backs when she’d add one. It was a grey zone, the way it was written and most readers probably wouldn’t see it as cheating cause they hadn’t talked about being exclusive BUT to me it was cheating. 🤷🏼♀️
There wasn’t much emotional or relationship building.
Heat: 1/5 There were sex scenes but they were all ehh
Romance: 2/5
Drama: 3/5
Suspense: 3/5
Cliffhanger(?): 1/5
MM: No
Anal: Yes
BSDM: Not really
Cheating: Kinda
World Building: 2/5
Relationship Building: 2/5
Triggers: 1/5 Bullying, Killing & Death. But pretty tame.
The FMC annoyed me. All she did was whine about being trapped cause the guys wanted her. To me there was quite a bit of cheating, yes they ended up in her harem BUT she kept going behind the other guys backs when she’d add one. It was a grey zone, the way it was written and most readers probably wouldn’t see it as cheating cause they hadn’t talked about being exclusive BUT to me it was cheating. 🤷🏼♀️
There wasn’t much emotional or relationship building.
December 30, 2024
Pretty good 3.5
While I'm enjoying the story, it's still not quite right. Something about it is bugging me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I think it's because Hailey is strong, but she's kind of mean too. I get that she's new to the supernatural world, but she doesn't try to understand her mates. She gets selfish and thinks it's all about her and what she wants. If they don't like it then they can just f*** off and she'll just go sleep with someone else. I didn't like that about her.
The whole Sciro thing was a let down. I'm so disappointed in him. I get what he was trying to do, but he was way too extreme.
We'll see what happens next.
While I'm enjoying the story, it's still not quite right. Something about it is bugging me, but I can't quite put my finger on it. I think it's because Hailey is strong, but she's kind of mean too. I get that she's new to the supernatural world, but she doesn't try to understand her mates. She gets selfish and thinks it's all about her and what she wants. If they don't like it then they can just f*** off and she'll just go sleep with someone else. I didn't like that about her.
The whole Sciro thing was a let down. I'm so disappointed in him. I get what he was trying to do, but he was way too extreme.
We'll see what happens next.
July 22, 2020
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
January 18, 2021
What's a girl to do when everything looks bad.
Hailey has 3 mates but still needs another to centre shifter. Finding life at Thornbriar confusing, she feels the need to discover herself.
When given the chance to meet her biological father she pleased, but realisation that he isn't the person she thought sends her into a spiral of misery.people have died and she needs her mates keep her safe, but can she convince herself what is the right thing to do?
An excellent read for all lovers of the supernatural world.
Hailey has 3 mates but still needs another to centre shifter. Finding life at Thornbriar confusing, she feels the need to discover herself.
When given the chance to meet her biological father she pleased, but realisation that he isn't the person she thought sends her into a spiral of misery.people have died and she needs her mates keep her safe, but can she convince herself what is the right thing to do?
An excellent read for all lovers of the supernatural world.
March 4, 2023
interesting
This one picks up pretty close to where the first one ended. To fully understand what’s going on I highly recommend reading these books in order. This one does end in a cliffhanger. They have someone in trouble that they have to figure out how to save and more things have come to light towards the end of the book that is going to change what they need to do moving forward. I found the story interesting and entertaining and I enjoyed reading it and will definitely be reading the next one to figure out how everything is going to work out.
This one picks up pretty close to where the first one ended. To fully understand what’s going on I highly recommend reading these books in order. This one does end in a cliffhanger. They have someone in trouble that they have to figure out how to save and more things have come to light towards the end of the book that is going to change what they need to do moving forward. I found the story interesting and entertaining and I enjoyed reading it and will definitely be reading the next one to figure out how everything is going to work out.
May 16, 2023
Ooooh, so this is when things get interesting!
Let me warn you that the s3ggs scenes are hilarious to me, so it's definitely not a super hot series, but I enjoyed it.
The story is developing well, and it's fun and interesting.
It's not perfect, and there's a lot I'm not super happy about, but I picked this book up to have something to read that I'm not super obsessed with and crying when something goes wrong. This is my middle ground, and I'm happy with it. It was interesting and fun enough to keep my attention and not crazy good enough for me to get too emotionally attached. Perfect.
Let me warn you that the s3ggs scenes are hilarious to me, so it's definitely not a super hot series, but I enjoyed it.
The story is developing well, and it's fun and interesting.
It's not perfect, and there's a lot I'm not super happy about, but I picked this book up to have something to read that I'm not super obsessed with and crying when something goes wrong. This is my middle ground, and I'm happy with it. It was interesting and fun enough to keep my attention and not crazy good enough for me to get too emotionally attached. Perfect.
January 13, 2020
Oh my god!!! This book was so good! I loved the story we were first introduced to in the first book, but it just keeps getting better in this one. In this book we learn more about Hailey and what kind of shifter she really is. We also get to see her relationships change and grow. There are definitely some characters I was mad at in this book, but it fit the story line so well! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book! I highly recommend this book and the series!
January 31, 2020
Hailey is mated to 2 mates already and then she gets a third one. All she ever wanted was Freedom but Fate has another plan instore for her. Being a Spirit Shifter who are almost always killed at birth unless hidden Hailey is going to be in danger of those around her. In Bound her absent father comes into the picture and he is not the good guy in this book. I loved Bound and cant wait to read Saved
March 11, 2020
What the heck is wrong with Sciro? I just want to throat punch him. But when you feel so strongly about a character that means the author is doing something right. Right? Also, Hailey talk about being put through the wringer...but she manages to keep who she is in check, because she is a smart tough young lady.. Totally didn't see the cliff hanger coming and can't wait to see what happens in book 3. Kinda of sad to see that it will only be 3 books.
March 12, 2020
So many more shocks, twists and turns! This book, just like the first, was incredible and well written. Where a lot of sequels fall short in detail and story line, this one definitely did not! I love the characters and often found myself talking to them while reading because they were so well done. Even those I would love to punch *cough Monica cough*. Hats off to Cali Mann for yet another master piece.
March 15, 2021
Bound, the second book of the Thornbriar Academy series, is a novella (under 100 pages) I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. Having read the three books in the series, I think the stories could have been combined in a duo set, but since I'm using KU, the price doesn't matter. The story action picked up and was well-paced. Some nice surprises mixed in with the usual tropes you'd expect from an academy series. I like the characters and the possibilities leading into book 3.
April 7, 2021
Only one kind of shifter mimicked other forms.
Hailey has been found out. Sciro and Professor Ward are worked by to eliminate her. The Oracle is coming to the academy. Can Hailey keep her true nature hidden? When her birth father wishes to meet with her, another death becomes known and Sciro goes on trial for murder. Hailey now has three mates to protect her. Will they be able to save Sciro? What is happening with her father and the Council?
Hailey has been found out. Sciro and Professor Ward are worked by to eliminate her. The Oracle is coming to the academy. Can Hailey keep her true nature hidden? When her birth father wishes to meet with her, another death becomes known and Sciro goes on trial for murder. Hailey now has three mates to protect her. Will they be able to save Sciro? What is happening with her father and the Council?
May 2, 2021
I really liked this book better than book 1 - the guys weren’t quite so temperamental, although Sciro is still kind of being a jerk. I really wish they would all just sit down and talk at times. Hailey finds out some stuff about her parents. Brenton is still my favorite and he was pretty hot. He did have a couple jerk moments, but I liked how he accepted her when he realized she was having issues. I am hooked with this series and am looking forward to see how it all ends in book 3!
May 9, 2021
Oaky
It was an okay second book, but hated that it turned Sciro into what seemed an okay guy to a complete jerk.
Hailey learns stuff about who she really is after not knowing anything after being kidnapped.
Their are lots of up and downs in with the 3 guys she has as mates and it got annoying at times.
Also it says its a steamy book in the description but it really isn't.
Overall it was an okay follow on book.
It was an okay second book, but hated that it turned Sciro into what seemed an okay guy to a complete jerk.
Hailey learns stuff about who she really is after not knowing anything after being kidnapped.
Their are lots of up and downs in with the 3 guys she has as mates and it got annoying at times.
Also it says its a steamy book in the description but it really isn't.
Overall it was an okay follow on book.
November 27, 2021
I am notoriously bad at finishing series, but I read all four books in this series in one go and then went back to write my reviews. Why this series? The thing that kept my interest most was the fact that nothing in this series is black or white. Every strength has a weakness, every good characteristic comes with a flaw and people try to do their best but make mistakes along the way. The different take on shifters and the multiple POV were only icing on the cake.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews