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Bound by Her Blood #1
Bound by Her Blood
A newly-turned female vampire joins four males with dark pasts to battle an evil king who wants her as his bride.
I was alone and abused my whole life, even before I became a vampire and was captured by an evil king. Trapped, tortured, traumatized, I will not give up—I will never give up—and refusing to marry the vampire king, I escape.
I need to discover who I am, find a place to belong and—most urgently—I need to feed.
meet Rock, a giant whose emotional wounds mirror my own, and Gray, an elegant, sexy vampire, who offers his blood, his knowledge, his body—even if I fear he may never offer his heart.
As I pursue the truth and gain power, my safety is threatened by Colton, a hunky, vampire-hating cop I’m inexplicably drawn to, and Pike, the evil king’s most vicious guard. Each man fulfills such a deep need inside me that I can’t choose one over the other. Then again, why choose?
For the first time in my existence, I feel loved, like I belong, and I fight to stay one step ahead of the vengeful vampire king, who won’t rest until I suffer a painful death.
**Bound by her Blood is book one in a hot vampire romance series.
Expect a dark, steamy, reverse harem (why choose) romance with each relationship developing at its own pace.** Note from This book contains strong language, adult sexual situations, and dark themes that might be difficult for certain readers.
I was alone and abused my whole life, even before I became a vampire and was captured by an evil king. Trapped, tortured, traumatized, I will not give up—I will never give up—and refusing to marry the vampire king, I escape.
I need to discover who I am, find a place to belong and—most urgently—I need to feed.
meet Rock, a giant whose emotional wounds mirror my own, and Gray, an elegant, sexy vampire, who offers his blood, his knowledge, his body—even if I fear he may never offer his heart.
As I pursue the truth and gain power, my safety is threatened by Colton, a hunky, vampire-hating cop I’m inexplicably drawn to, and Pike, the evil king’s most vicious guard. Each man fulfills such a deep need inside me that I can’t choose one over the other. Then again, why choose?
For the first time in my existence, I feel loved, like I belong, and I fight to stay one step ahead of the vengeful vampire king, who won’t rest until I suffer a painful death.
**Bound by her Blood is book one in a hot vampire romance series.
Expect a dark, steamy, reverse harem (why choose) romance with each relationship developing at its own pace.** Note from This book contains strong language, adult sexual situations, and dark themes that might be difficult for certain readers.
260 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2019
1114 people are currently reading
1099 people want to read
About the author
Mara Leigh
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Mara Leigh, a corporate world escapee, loves to hang out in coffee shops and let her imagination run wild.
After hopping between various cities including Edinburgh, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, Mara and her exorbitant shoe collection have settled in Toronto where she writes steamy and emotional reverse harem paranormal, and m/f contemporary romances.
Sign up for her Newsletter
Mara Leigh, a corporate world escapee, loves to hang out in coffee shops and let her imagination run wild.
After hopping between various cities including Edinburgh, San Francisco, and Philadelphia, Mara and her exorbitant shoe collection have settled in Toronto where she writes steamy and emotional reverse harem paranormal, and m/f contemporary romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 12, 2020
I almost didn't finish this...
It starts off dark. A lot of molestation, rape, and forced marriage descriptions with flashes of the FMC's body betraying her with her attackers. It was uncomfortable to read, but I wasnt triggered. You know what triggered me though? How literally 24 hours after escaping those rapes, she meets a dude and falls into insta-love. The author makes it seem like being horny is a vampire issue and it's a normal thing, so I could understand insta-lust, but the whole, "I know its only been a day, and I was tortured and brutalized for 14 months, but I love you Giant guy I know nothing about..." as she dry humps the stranger.
Legit almost stopped right then and there.
Not my cup of tea...
It starts off dark. A lot of molestation, rape, and forced marriage descriptions with flashes of the FMC's body betraying her with her attackers. It was uncomfortable to read, but I wasnt triggered. You know what triggered me though? How literally 24 hours after escaping those rapes, she meets a dude and falls into insta-love. The author makes it seem like being horny is a vampire issue and it's a normal thing, so I could understand insta-lust, but the whole, "I know its only been a day, and I was tortured and brutalized for 14 months, but I love you Giant guy I know nothing about..." as she dry humps the stranger.
Legit almost stopped right then and there.
Not my cup of tea...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2022
I liked this a lot it’s a paranormal reverse harem and be aware it has triggers. Selena a baby vamp manages to escape her captivity from King Xavier. She’s been held prisoner for the last 14 months by him and he wants her for one of his mates. when she refuses this role her life is made a living hell brutality and rape is her daily existence. To add to that Selena also has a traumatic past from before she was turned.
This begins just when Selena with another failed wedding attempt and condemned to death manages to break free running into the night but outside is just as dangerous for her since vampires have been discovered they are public enemy number one and staked on sight to combat this the vamps have banded together into syndicates safety in numbers. Selena falls into the path of Rock a non-human with a mysterious and tragic past an owner of a local bar he takes Selena under his wing protecting her and introducing her to others that will also assist with this.
I see four potentials so far for her for definite the bar owner Rock and there’s also Grayson a powerful vampire that seems to know more about her unusual origins than he’s letting on.
As well as maybe Colton who we have briefly been introduced to here, he’s a cop with a hatred for vampires since one murdered his sister. But I’m also highly intrigued by Pike a brutal guard of Xavier’s there’s much more to him than at first seems and he was definitely trying to help her despite how it seemed I hold out hope here especially considering the cliffhanger this ended on.
This was interesting and also very hot I’m definitely going to be picking up the next book in the series but be aware this book does have triggers.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
June 29, 2020
I get that this book wants to be dark but dark at the cost of making this weird hot mess of a main character? I'm just not sure bro. With how much painful backstory she is bogged down with, it starts feeling unnatural when the whole vampy lusting is used as a blanket to avoid addressing the very obvious aftermath of being a tortured prisoner situation.
The way the book started, I just pegged it down for being more about humping than a plot focused one. Then the assault mentions start piling up, not just as a vampire but even as a human, hell she is a kid when it starts. Now with such a heavy introduction to this character's situation what I can't grasp is her easy insta whatever with Rock. That shit moved at the pace of Flash to the extend of getting I-love-yous out, like ma'am really?! Rock can have hang-ups about sex because of his giant dick and his torturous past but Selina had no hesitations? Yeah it doesn't sit well. Grayson is better but still very much lust based that keeps clashing with FMC's character story.
Selina was a hollow character for all that history and just floats on these reactions that don't add up to what you expect from a just escaped prisoner. The assault factor is just too heavy for a book that's so much about humping. Then there is the barely explored world building and missed opportunities to add towards the Xavier guy or the vamp situation beyond the barebone briefs.
Maybe someone else won't find the content too bad but I can't handle this Selina character with her linear emotions that don't make sense to me.
The way the book started, I just pegged it down for being more about humping than a plot focused one. Then the assault mentions start piling up, not just as a vampire but even as a human, hell she is a kid when it starts. Now with such a heavy introduction to this character's situation what I can't grasp is her easy insta whatever with Rock. That shit moved at the pace of Flash to the extend of getting I-love-yous out, like ma'am really?! Rock can have hang-ups about sex because of his giant dick and his torturous past but Selina had no hesitations? Yeah it doesn't sit well. Grayson is better but still very much lust based that keeps clashing with FMC's character story.
Selina was a hollow character for all that history and just floats on these reactions that don't add up to what you expect from a just escaped prisoner. The assault factor is just too heavy for a book that's so much about humping. Then there is the barely explored world building and missed opportunities to add towards the Xavier guy or the vamp situation beyond the barebone briefs.
Maybe someone else won't find the content too bad but I can't handle this Selina character with her linear emotions that don't make sense to me.
August 9, 2020
Dnf, bad dialogue and lots of rape
I couldn’t make it past the third chapter. This entire book was horrible. Nothing made sense it was just all talking about how this poor woman is being raped nonstop what is even the point?
I couldn’t make it past the third chapter. This entire book was horrible. Nothing made sense it was just all talking about how this poor woman is being raped nonstop what is even the point?
January 23, 2020
DNF
Go back to your day job this is one of the most poorly written stories I have ever read. I had too force myself to finish it and I freaking hate DNF. The whole wanting to be physically intimate thing after being brutally raped is soo disgusting. I understand it’s fiction but thats not how that works. Your persona on vampires twisted. For the love of God take it down and work on better character development.
Go back to your day job this is one of the most poorly written stories I have ever read. I had too force myself to finish it and I freaking hate DNF. The whole wanting to be physically intimate thing after being brutally raped is soo disgusting. I understand it’s fiction but thats not how that works. Your persona on vampires twisted. For the love of God take it down and work on better character development.
March 24, 2020
Interesting Take on the Vampire Myth
This book can be quite dark in places, however, that is not the overriding emotion I felt whilst reading it. The book is about a young woman who has been abused or neglected her entire life. She was abused from a young age by her step-father and she ran away as a teen, living on the streets for years before finally achieving some happiness at age 22, before being turned into a vampire. Like I said, there’s some darkness.
We are thrown into Selina’s story when she’s been a vampire for around 18 months. She has an atypical introduction into the vampire world and it means that through her we are educated into the supernatural. Selina’s introduction into vampire-hood has not been pleasant and we are thrown directly into that darkness at the start of the story, however, you get out of that ongoing darkness quite quickly.
There is quite a lot thrown at Selina quite quickly, but things then start to take a more steady pace of enlightenment and we start to see more insight into the various characters and the culture of vampires. There are lots of hints about Selina being different from other vampires but we receive no explanation as to why this is believed or in what way she is different, but I’m hoping things will become clearer in the next book.
I enjoyed the book once I got over the initial bombardment of difficult subject matter in the early stages of the book, and I appreciate that is was necessary for context but it nearly put me off as I don’t enjoy overly dark books. I’m glad I stuck with it though because it wasn’t an overwhelming part of the narrative.
The characters are interesting, with Selina being a naive in the ways of vampire abilities and culture, but not in the ways of the world, as she’s lived a hard life. She still has an air of optimism, despite the dangers surrounding her.
I really love Rock (the presumed half giant). He is gentle, strong, loving and kind. I adore his character, which is tortured by past mis-deeds. To make up for his past, he does his best to help others and that is the role he initially takes with Selina, but it quickly deepens into more.
This is a #whychoose novel, so the main characters are not monogamous but are open about their sexuality. In addition there are a few steamy scenes that are written well.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.
This book can be quite dark in places, however, that is not the overriding emotion I felt whilst reading it. The book is about a young woman who has been abused or neglected her entire life. She was abused from a young age by her step-father and she ran away as a teen, living on the streets for years before finally achieving some happiness at age 22, before being turned into a vampire. Like I said, there’s some darkness.
We are thrown into Selina’s story when she’s been a vampire for around 18 months. She has an atypical introduction into the vampire world and it means that through her we are educated into the supernatural. Selina’s introduction into vampire-hood has not been pleasant and we are thrown directly into that darkness at the start of the story, however, you get out of that ongoing darkness quite quickly.
There is quite a lot thrown at Selina quite quickly, but things then start to take a more steady pace of enlightenment and we start to see more insight into the various characters and the culture of vampires. There are lots of hints about Selina being different from other vampires but we receive no explanation as to why this is believed or in what way she is different, but I’m hoping things will become clearer in the next book.
I enjoyed the book once I got over the initial bombardment of difficult subject matter in the early stages of the book, and I appreciate that is was necessary for context but it nearly put me off as I don’t enjoy overly dark books. I’m glad I stuck with it though because it wasn’t an overwhelming part of the narrative.
The characters are interesting, with Selina being a naive in the ways of vampire abilities and culture, but not in the ways of the world, as she’s lived a hard life. She still has an air of optimism, despite the dangers surrounding her.
I really love Rock (the presumed half giant). He is gentle, strong, loving and kind. I adore his character, which is tortured by past mis-deeds. To make up for his past, he does his best to help others and that is the role he initially takes with Selina, but it quickly deepens into more.
This is a #whychoose novel, so the main characters are not monogamous but are open about their sexuality. In addition there are a few steamy scenes that are written well.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series to see what happens next.
April 6, 2023
Great start so far! I’m digging this vampire reverse harem series and going to continue reading. There were a few eye-roll worthy moments and a few things could be better, but I’m excited to see where it goes. Warning that it does end on a cliffhanger. The writing was pretty solid overall, first time reading one of her books, though there were a few childish moments.
March 23, 2021
Meh
This one was ok. I liked all the males, all different personalities but the heroine was both childish yet wise. It was weird to try and follow. This book was violent and sad but barely any real depth. It scratched the surface.
This one was ok. I liked all the males, all different personalities but the heroine was both childish yet wise. It was weird to try and follow. This book was violent and sad but barely any real depth. It scratched the surface.
January 24, 2025
It’s gonna be a no from me
May 4, 2024
Get the absolute furthest away from me with this book. I’m 12% in and the lack of Trigger Warnings is astounding.
This so far is torture p*rn. I have zero interest in continuing. I do not want to read about spiked objects being forced onto a MC. I do not want to read about how due to vampire regeneration her cooch goes back to “one finger virginal thickness” after every time she’s SAd because that’s just not how even normal vaginas work. The body betrayal I know is coming due to her hyper sexuality of vampirism… come onnnnnn.
If you’re into that, no shaming, but there needs to be a TW for SA in the very least.
This so far is torture p*rn. I have zero interest in continuing. I do not want to read about spiked objects being forced onto a MC. I do not want to read about how due to vampire regeneration her cooch goes back to “one finger virginal thickness” after every time she’s SAd because that’s just not how even normal vaginas work. The body betrayal I know is coming due to her hyper sexuality of vampirism… come onnnnnn.
If you’re into that, no shaming, but there needs to be a TW for SA in the very least.
July 1, 2024
R*pe
Absolutely no warnings for S.A. Not a single one. Barely made it 2% before finding that gem. Nope. No thanks. And no thanks to the author at all for the freaking nightmare fuel. Warn your readers. Show some respect. Otherwise be prepared for real reviews, not sycophants kissing up for whatever reason- probably free ARCs.
Absolutely no warnings for S.A. Not a single one. Barely made it 2% before finding that gem. Nope. No thanks. And no thanks to the author at all for the freaking nightmare fuel. Warn your readers. Show some respect. Otherwise be prepared for real reviews, not sycophants kissing up for whatever reason- probably free ARCs.
January 27, 2020
2.5 Stars
Want to read
February 10, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/10/2021)! 🎁
December 13, 2019
Welcome to RH...you may never go back
This is the first dive into RH for this author and she did a great job. We meet a newly turned vamp who has to escape a king who wants her. She has to learn who to trust and who not too.
I really like that this harem builds over time and it contains male characters with great backstories and personalities and are super hot on top of that. I mean Rock come on need I say more. The FMC slowly starts to gain confidence thought the book which I love.
I'm excited to see what happens with her and her guys next
This is the first dive into RH for this author and she did a great job. We meet a newly turned vamp who has to escape a king who wants her. She has to learn who to trust and who not too.
I really like that this harem builds over time and it contains male characters with great backstories and personalities and are super hot on top of that. I mean Rock come on need I say more. The FMC slowly starts to gain confidence thought the book which I love.
I'm excited to see what happens with her and her guys next
November 24, 2019
Giants and sexy vampires where can you go wrong. This was such a great book and super HOT! Selina is the FMC and a newly turned vampire. She was being held by King Xavier. King Xavier was going to force Selina to become his nineteenth mate. She however has refused the previous twelve attempts King Xavier has tried. Every time she refuses she gets tortured. She sadly is use to being sexually assaulted and tortured not just from the King. She was also abused from her stepfather before she became a vampire. She escapes from the King and meets Rock. Rock is a sexy giant. Selina is drawn to Rock and starts to fall in love with him. Rock introduces her to a few of his vampire friends so she can learn more about being a vampire. Selina feeds from Grayson, a super sexy vampire. When she feeds from Grayson they both feel a pill towards each other. Selina, Grayson, and Rock start to develop a unique relationship. Then something tragic happens to Selina and the book ends. I wasn't ready for the book to end on that cliffhanger! I highly recommend this book of you enjoy PNR RH books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2023
Spoilers
I can’t say it’s amazing but I can say with certainty that it’s addicting.
This is messy and rough, but it has some cute moments.
Instalove for sure.
Enemies to lovers vibes for some of the MMCs.
Check the warnings. Seriously.
No OWD and no Cheating. No pregnancy.
I can’t say it’s amazing but I can say with certainty that it’s addicting.
This is messy and rough, but it has some cute moments.
Instalove for sure.
Enemies to lovers vibes for some of the MMCs.
Check the warnings. Seriously.
No OWD and no Cheating. No pregnancy.
April 16, 2020
Okay. I wrote this book! So ignore my rating. I just wanted to add it to my shelf! :)
August 20, 2020
1.5 stars I’m not a fan of the h & would’ve normally DNF this book but was told she shows some character growth in later books so I’ll try book 2.
Read
September 27, 2020DNF
March 11, 2024
Good, but has one of my pet peeves: when the men already loved someone before the FMC and are still kinda hung up on them. Not sure if I'm gonna keep reading.
Read
March 10, 20237 pages in and we've already discussed her labia more than all the books I've read so far this year.
October 25, 2023
Selina is a vampire who was held hostage by the vampire king who wanted to make her one of his brides but she wouldn't or couldn't cooperate. It wasn't as easy as just agreeing to do it and when he doesn't get his way, the evil king throws her in the dungeon where she's abused and tortured. If she had been a human, it would have killed her. It was only her vampire healing abilities that saved her from death but that just meant that they could torture her more and for a long time, which they did. The torture was completely over the top and gruesome.
Once she escapes, she runs into Rock who is a gentle giant, not human but he doesn't know what he is. It was a good mystery but one that I wish we had some closure to. Rock has had his own torture in his past and because of that he refuses to have sex. But when Rock offers Selina a safe place to stay because he knows she's in danger, she feels things for Rock and takes it personally that he won't have a sexual relationship with her. She keeps pushing at him which really irritated me. Once he said no, she should have backed off. The fact that she had been sexually abused and then turns around and is really pushy with this guy just made me not like her at all. We are to believe that because of her vampire nature that she really can't help it but if that's true then the vampire characters in this book are going to be less than likeable.
Rock is friends with a few vampires and through them she meets Grayson who is also a vampire. Right from the start Gray and Selina seem to feel something for each other which confuses her and makes her feel guilty because she also feels something for Rock and doesn't want to make him feel bad. But She and Gray can't seem to keep their hands or fangs off each other which makes her feel bad but Rock is happy for them since Gray seems to be able to give her the sexual relationship that he cannot. He still loves her and wants to be in her life but things get complicated.
I was trying to like this story even with the problems that I mentioned but the characters are just not likable. I knew this was going to end on a cliffhanger because of the reviews I read and I could have overlooked that if the story and characters had been better.
Once she escapes, she runs into Rock who is a gentle giant, not human but he doesn't know what he is. It was a good mystery but one that I wish we had some closure to. Rock has had his own torture in his past and because of that he refuses to have sex. But when Rock offers Selina a safe place to stay because he knows she's in danger, she feels things for Rock and takes it personally that he won't have a sexual relationship with her. She keeps pushing at him which really irritated me. Once he said no, she should have backed off. The fact that she had been sexually abused and then turns around and is really pushy with this guy just made me not like her at all. We are to believe that because of her vampire nature that she really can't help it but if that's true then the vampire characters in this book are going to be less than likeable.
Rock is friends with a few vampires and through them she meets Grayson who is also a vampire. Right from the start Gray and Selina seem to feel something for each other which confuses her and makes her feel guilty because she also feels something for Rock and doesn't want to make him feel bad. But She and Gray can't seem to keep their hands or fangs off each other which makes her feel bad but Rock is happy for them since Gray seems to be able to give her the sexual relationship that he cannot. He still loves her and wants to be in her life but things get complicated.
I was trying to like this story even with the problems that I mentioned but the characters are just not likable. I knew this was going to end on a cliffhanger because of the reviews I read and I could have overlooked that if the story and characters had been better.
October 20, 2021
2.5 Stars
I struggled to properly rate this one. It starts out pretty dark. ⚡Make sure to check your Trigger Warnings on it.⚡Not only does it reference abuse, rape, torture, but it goes on to actually describe those acts - some more than others. While it's not terribly graphic, I can see it being upsetting some readers.
The part that gave me the icks was how quickly the FMC "falls in love" with the first guy she meets. She literally confesses being in love with Rock after LESS THAN 48 HOURS OF MEETING HIM. This is after we find out that Selina not only suffered months and months of abuse and torture at the hands of her captors at the beginning of the story, but that she has a history of her step father raping her starting at age 8. The author explains this away by saying that vampires have these ridiculous, uncontrollable sex drives after they are turned. While I can sort of buy into that, the way it's presented seems more like a copout to me and an excuse to write in a few smexy scenes despite the fact that Selina must suffer some kind of PTSD from her history.
I also didn't love how pushy Selina was with Rock about being intimate when he made it very clear to her how uncomfortable it was for him. He tells her no more than once. Let me say that again - he tells Selina, a victim of many many years of rape and abuse, who has literally never had consensual sex, NO and she continues to push him. That gave me the major icks.
I'm interested enough to skim the next book because this one has SO MUCH potential despite the icks and several very eye-rolly scenes. (ex: When Gray first calls her "Princess" and she says something about making him bow down to her 🙄🙄🙄) But who knows if my interest will survive if it continues in the same way.
I struggled to properly rate this one. It starts out pretty dark. ⚡Make sure to check your Trigger Warnings on it.⚡Not only does it reference abuse, rape, torture, but it goes on to actually describe those acts - some more than others. While it's not terribly graphic, I can see it being upsetting some readers.
The part that gave me the icks was how quickly the FMC "falls in love" with the first guy she meets. She literally confesses being in love with Rock after LESS THAN 48 HOURS OF MEETING HIM. This is after we find out that Selina not only suffered months and months of abuse and torture at the hands of her captors at the beginning of the story, but that she has a history of her step father raping her starting at age 8. The author explains this away by saying that vampires have these ridiculous, uncontrollable sex drives after they are turned. While I can sort of buy into that, the way it's presented seems more like a copout to me and an excuse to write in a few smexy scenes despite the fact that Selina must suffer some kind of PTSD from her history.
I also didn't love how pushy Selina was with Rock about being intimate when he made it very clear to her how uncomfortable it was for him. He tells her no more than once. Let me say that again - he tells Selina, a victim of many many years of rape and abuse, who has literally never had consensual sex, NO and she continues to push him. That gave me the major icks.
I'm interested enough to skim the next book because this one has SO MUCH potential despite the icks and several very eye-rolly scenes. (ex: When Gray first calls her "Princess" and she says something about making him bow down to her 🙄🙄🙄) But who knows if my interest will survive if it continues in the same way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2019
Bound by Her Blood Kindle Edition
by Mara Leigh
I received a complimentary eARC from the author and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
Ms. Leigh has created a fascinating world with vampires and giants. Vampires, in this world are a known species, and the way they operate, in syndicates, is refreshing.
A fast burn but slow burning Reverse Harem, this is the story of baby vampire Selina and her loves. It seems we meet at least 3 if not 4 of the men who will love our girl. They don't all get to be in the harem because the basic plot appears in the first 25% and the final 25%, the rest of the time is a 'getting to know you and the world around you' bit. The world and the characters are interesting enough to continue even in the reversed bell curve.
The writing at times is just stunningly beautiful. Often those passages are the hardest to read as they deal with two characters' pasts and the trauma they have experienced. As a huge fan of the broken boy made hero, I loved the depth of Rock and his past. The arc his character is on is very rare for males, as he is a victim of abuse much the same way that Salina is.
As a fast burn, we do see some 'smexy' time. The love scenes and the straight sex scenes are well done, they were physical do-able, and they weren't littered with silly euphemisms.
I am not a huge fan of trigger warnings, but in this case, there is rape, sexual assault and other sexaul abuse. Also, this is a cliff-hanger. The HEA is still out there.
There is a lot of exposition but this book signals a great new series for RH and PNR fans.
4 stars out of 5.
https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Her-Bloo...
by Mara Leigh
I received a complimentary eARC from the author and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.
Ms. Leigh has created a fascinating world with vampires and giants. Vampires, in this world are a known species, and the way they operate, in syndicates, is refreshing.
A fast burn but slow burning Reverse Harem, this is the story of baby vampire Selina and her loves. It seems we meet at least 3 if not 4 of the men who will love our girl. They don't all get to be in the harem because the basic plot appears in the first 25% and the final 25%, the rest of the time is a 'getting to know you and the world around you' bit. The world and the characters are interesting enough to continue even in the reversed bell curve.
The writing at times is just stunningly beautiful. Often those passages are the hardest to read as they deal with two characters' pasts and the trauma they have experienced. As a huge fan of the broken boy made hero, I loved the depth of Rock and his past. The arc his character is on is very rare for males, as he is a victim of abuse much the same way that Salina is.
As a fast burn, we do see some 'smexy' time. The love scenes and the straight sex scenes are well done, they were physical do-able, and they weren't littered with silly euphemisms.
I am not a huge fan of trigger warnings, but in this case, there is rape, sexual assault and other sexaul abuse. Also, this is a cliff-hanger. The HEA is still out there.
There is a lot of exposition but this book signals a great new series for RH and PNR fans.
4 stars out of 5.
https://www.amazon.com/Bound-Her-Bloo...
July 9, 2021
The cover is nice. The blurb and story concept sounded really interesting but the execution wasn't great. The insta love was an immediate turn off for me but what really spoilt this book was the heroine.
The heroine is too naive and trusting to be believable. Considering what she's just been through, a healthy dose of wariness and control issues would be understandable, but instead she is a complete damsel in distress, depending on the help of strangers and unable to stand on her own two feet. It's also quite hard for me to read PNR and sympathise with a non-human MC who thinks and acts almost exactly how a human would in her situation. I really didn't enjoy this MC's character.
Also, a trigger warning for sexual assault of a child should have been there. I read that paragraph and had to stop reading for 10 mins it was so jarring. That's not something I've ever experienced before even when reading 'dark romance'. Completely threw me out of the story. Perhaps that's just personal to me but either way, I don't expect to read a romance novel and have phrases like that thrown at me unexpectedly. I really hope the author makes an effort not to do that in future.
The heroine is too naive and trusting to be believable. Considering what she's just been through, a healthy dose of wariness and control issues would be understandable, but instead she is a complete damsel in distress, depending on the help of strangers and unable to stand on her own two feet. It's also quite hard for me to read PNR and sympathise with a non-human MC who thinks and acts almost exactly how a human would in her situation. I really didn't enjoy this MC's character.
Also, a trigger warning for sexual assault of a child should have been there. I read that paragraph and had to stop reading for 10 mins it was so jarring. That's not something I've ever experienced before even when reading 'dark romance'. Completely threw me out of the story. Perhaps that's just personal to me but either way, I don't expect to read a romance novel and have phrases like that thrown at me unexpectedly. I really hope the author makes an effort not to do that in future.
July 31, 2023
2.5 ish
There’s a good story in there somewhere, it’s just missing some…. Substance.
Insta love but it’s ridiculous and no reason is given. It’s hinted at that mates are a thing but it’s still strange. I’m sure in book two it will be discovered that she’s a rare magical being with multiple mates that will change the world. It’s just poorly structured and I don’t really care enough to continue the series to find out.
The biggest issue for me was that her trauma was severely minimized. It was acknowledged or more like referenced but it was made to seem like it wasn’t as big of a deal. As if it happened decades ago. That trauma is fresh fresh. Just happened kinda fresh and she’s in bed with two guys like it’s nothing? And one of the guys “Rock” (stupid name) has trauma from almost a hundred years ago that keeps him from fully sleeping with her. But she’s like “nah it’s cool, I love you. Do me.” What?!?! The story/plot seems to be second to all of the attraction and sexual tension.
I do feel like it could be a really good story if it had more depth. Sex is a perk not the point and that’s not the case with this book. The point was lost.
There’s a good story in there somewhere, it’s just missing some…. Substance.
Insta love but it’s ridiculous and no reason is given. It’s hinted at that mates are a thing but it’s still strange. I’m sure in book two it will be discovered that she’s a rare magical being with multiple mates that will change the world. It’s just poorly structured and I don’t really care enough to continue the series to find out.
The biggest issue for me was that her trauma was severely minimized. It was acknowledged or more like referenced but it was made to seem like it wasn’t as big of a deal. As if it happened decades ago. That trauma is fresh fresh. Just happened kinda fresh and she’s in bed with two guys like it’s nothing? And one of the guys “Rock” (stupid name) has trauma from almost a hundred years ago that keeps him from fully sleeping with her. But she’s like “nah it’s cool, I love you. Do me.” What?!?! The story/plot seems to be second to all of the attraction and sexual tension.
I do feel like it could be a really good story if it had more depth. Sex is a perk not the point and that’s not the case with this book. The point was lost.
December 2, 2019
I received this story as an advanced reader, and I am writing an honest review of the book.
Ms. Leigh weaves the foundation of a very captivating story in the first book of this series. I couldn't put the book down once I began reading, and I read it in one sitting. I love the strength of character that both Selina and Rock possess and the author's ability to make me as a reader become intangle in their "stories". I am interested in seeing how their relationship progresses. I love the steamy scenes with our dark and sexy Grayson. I feel like Ms. Leigh will be introducing more of his story to us in the future and I can't wait. I am also intrigued by Colton.. is he Selina's next love interest? Can he get over his past and extreme emotions toward vampires? And what of our mysterious and no doubt lethal Pike, what's his story?
It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the stories to come. If you haven't read Bound by Her Blood yet, I highly recommend it.
Ms. Leigh weaves the foundation of a very captivating story in the first book of this series. I couldn't put the book down once I began reading, and I read it in one sitting. I love the strength of character that both Selina and Rock possess and the author's ability to make me as a reader become intangle in their "stories". I am interested in seeing how their relationship progresses. I love the steamy scenes with our dark and sexy Grayson. I feel like Ms. Leigh will be introducing more of his story to us in the future and I can't wait. I am also intrigued by Colton.. is he Selina's next love interest? Can he get over his past and extreme emotions toward vampires? And what of our mysterious and no doubt lethal Pike, what's his story?
It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the stories to come. If you haven't read Bound by Her Blood yet, I highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2019
Steamyyyy 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is the first book in the series. It is mostly based around vampires but there are some other supernatural. Word to the wise, there are some definite triggers. Especially at the beginning. If you are not comfortable with triggers and abuse as well as recollections of abuse, I suggest you do not read this. With that said, I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the main character Selina. I also enjoyed how her various relationships progress individually at their own pace instead of the all at once you see in PNR RH books sometimes. The character relationship development is really important to me when I read and I believe the author did a great job of developing this. I really hate when the main character goes from 0 to 100 with relationships. Overall I would for sure recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading darker PHR RH books. Can't wait to read the next one!!
This is the first book in the series. It is mostly based around vampires but there are some other supernatural. Word to the wise, there are some definite triggers. Especially at the beginning. If you are not comfortable with triggers and abuse as well as recollections of abuse, I suggest you do not read this. With that said, I really enjoyed reading this book. I love the main character Selina. I also enjoyed how her various relationships progress individually at their own pace instead of the all at once you see in PNR RH books sometimes. The character relationship development is really important to me when I read and I believe the author did a great job of developing this. I really hate when the main character goes from 0 to 100 with relationships. Overall I would for sure recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading darker PHR RH books. Can't wait to read the next one!!
January 10, 2020
Loved it
If you like vampires and other supernaturals read this it is so worth it................Selena has never known happiness or love, since she was 8years old shes been abused first by her stepdad then shes turned into a vampire and ends up a prisoner of king xavier who not only abuses her but lets his guard do it to all while trying to make her his mate...when selena escapes she finds safety and love with rock. Rock and his friends help teach selena how to fight and all the stuff her maker should have told her. Problem is when your running from a king hes bound to find you and when selena gets to comfortable thats when they strike... i really enjoyed this dark book it has scenes of abuse and violence that work well within the confines of the story. The emotions in this book are strong and make you feel as though your in the room with all the action..... love love love it
If you like vampires and other supernaturals read this it is so worth it................Selena has never known happiness or love, since she was 8years old shes been abused first by her stepdad then shes turned into a vampire and ends up a prisoner of king xavier who not only abuses her but lets his guard do it to all while trying to make her his mate...when selena escapes she finds safety and love with rock. Rock and his friends help teach selena how to fight and all the stuff her maker should have told her. Problem is when your running from a king hes bound to find you and when selena gets to comfortable thats when they strike... i really enjoyed this dark book it has scenes of abuse and violence that work well within the confines of the story. The emotions in this book are strong and make you feel as though your in the room with all the action..... love love love it
February 5, 2020
I really liked the world built in this book! I really want to know so much more about so many things! For instance,
I hated reading about Xavier and his "court" at the beginning. I kind of wish that part had been a flashback or something mentioned quickly rather than something I had to read as it was happening to the character. I'm not sure why that makes a difference, but it is definitely more difficult to read a bad thing as it is happening, knowing that noone will save the MC, than it is to learn about a bad past. I kind of hope the author gives a really good on-screen death for Xavier in a future book.
I hated reading about Xavier and his "court" at the beginning. I kind of wish that part had been a flashback or something mentioned quickly rather than something I had to read as it was happening to the character. I'm not sure why that makes a difference, but it is definitely more difficult to read a bad thing as it is happening, knowing that noone will save the MC, than it is to learn about a bad past. I kind of hope the author gives a really good on-screen death for Xavier in a future book.
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