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Sisters Bound by Blood #1

Branded: Savannah

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Branded: Savannah

Her father told everyone that her older sister ran away. Savannah knew better. She was there the day the man came to get Jade. The day he paid her father. That’s how she knew what was about to happen to her.

Savannah tried to run back home. Her little sister needed her. Marco’s men found her and brought her back. That night Marco branded her with his initials so she wouldn’t forget who owned her. She didn’t think her life could get any worse, but she was wrong.

Five Years later:

Breaker only stopped at the roadside diner for a bite to eat. He was tired, and just coming off a government assignment, and maybe a little less cautious. While he ate, the woman slipped into his car and hid in the backseat.

What he knew for certain: she was scared, she was beautiful, and she was a liar. He didn’t believe a word she told him about trying to get to New Orleans because her mother had been in a bad car wreck. But when two thugs catch up with them to return Savannah to their drug cartel boss, and attempt to kill him, he quickly ends the threat.

Now he’s helping another stray, except this time it’s different. Breaker wants to wipe away the pain he sees lurking deep in her eyes. He wants to heal her wounds.

But when the only way he can save her from the obsessed Marco is to take her deep into the Louisiana swamps where he grew up, can he face his own dark past?

Branded: Savannah is the first book in a brand new series, Bound by Blood, from USA Today Bestselling Author Karen Kelley about three sisters: Jade, Savannah, and Rena and where life takes them. Watch for book two, Forgotten: Jade, and book three, Runaway: Rena.

Three books, three sisters who will never forget the importance of the blood that runs through each of their veins, and the strong connection between them.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2021

204 people are currently reading
98 people want to read

About the author

Karen Kelley

107 books223 followers
Karen Kelley always had a secret desire to live the life of a Gypsy. So she and her husband quit their jobs, sold their house, decluttered their lives and moved into their 5th wheel RV. Now they're traveling the United States. She works full time on her writing and spends her downtime walking on the beach or hiking in the mountains. Her motto has always been 'Who says you can't have it all.'

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5 stars
328 (58%)
4 stars
171 (30%)
3 stars
47 (8%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
January 9, 2021
⚓⚓ONE WICKED ROLLERCOASTER⚓⚓
Scorching skiddles! Karen unleashes one helluva smackdown, breaking out the big guns, heavy artillery and ammo aplenty, pulling out all the stops and blazing trails, grabbing your attention from the start and holding steady till the end, skyrocketing this hot little number to staggering heights. Negotiating a vicious minefield chocked full of riveting drama, gripping intrigue, underlying threats, cruel brutality, sinister deeds, heart-rending abuse, spiraling danger, electrifying suspense and spine tingling situations ensue in epic proportions, putting our characters through their paces with this mind-blowing masterpiece, melding this jewel together perfectly. Dangerous perversions and sadistic deals descend in a cyclone of cunning strategy and brute force, baring broken boundaries and shattered perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and explored, observing the perilous struggles and gut-clenching triumphs as the deadly twists and oh-shit turns unfold, reaching deep for every ounce of strength in a fierce surge of determination, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity and boundless emotions, showcases the thrilling electricity and infinite affection, drawing our characters closer, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Remarkable job Karen, thanks for sharing this little treasure with us.
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
January 9, 2021
This is a new author for me! One I will not be soon forgetting. So let me say this; I want MORE from this author and I am not afraid to tell her! Not only has she blown me away with this book but she has forever got my support! Miss Kelley has written a story that grabbed me and held on. I was surprised with the way Breaker handled Savannah after being through what she has gone through the only recourse is to protect. It is in his genes and not only has he been through his own tragedies he knows he is the only one that has the capabilities to do what need to be done. Marco has no clue what he is up against but he does want his so called property back and will go to any means necessary to obtain his obsession. Now this is not for the faint of heart and it has some major triggers but Miss Kelley has a knack at putting it all together and making it work. She has got a faithful reader from here on out and I know that whatever she writes I will read. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! It has aspects about it that will grab you and entice you and even make you scream with hatred and cry tears of joy. But I warn you it will have shaking and wanting to throw you reading device at some points. So get ready for a major rollercoaster ride and put yourself within the pages of this book. It will definitely be one that you will want to come back to!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews363 followers
January 8, 2021
Savannah Harris was sold by her father to a cruel drug cartel boss, Marco Sanchez. She suffered as his prisoner for five years until she is finally able to get away and run for her life. Fortunately, she sneaked into Breaker’s vehicle in the parking lot, the one man most able to help in her dangerous situation. He has Special Ops skills and training that make him the perfect protector for Savannah when Marco wants to recover his property and take his revenge. Breaker was aware she was in his vehicle as soon as he got into the driver’s seat. But he drives down the road a ways, then pulls over telling her to come up front. She lies to him but he knows it’s a lie, yet is willing to take her to Louisiana. He believes he is being followed and asks her if she has more to tell him, so she tells him what they are facing. Marco is cruel and dangerous and not willing to give up and allow her freedom. Will Breaker protect and help her? Can he truly rescue her from the crazed crime lord? Or will the killer relentlessly pursue her forever?

This book is filled with suspense and danger. This is Savannah’s story – her two missing sisters will have their own tale to tell. Is there hope for Savannah finally becoming free? Could she find a HEA with Breaker if they survive?
944 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2021
There are no other words to explain this book - just "Wow". What an riveting emotional rollercoaster with some serious karma at the end. I loved the integration of the Cajun culture and the gators made for some fun light hearted reading between the emotional memories that Savannah recalls. Breaker is a hero in his own category, the man lives and breathes savior and protector of everyone he comes across. His trying to save Savanah and giving her a choice and her freedom was an aww moment and cracks you up at the same time. The chemistry and love between Savanah and Breaker was believable and I commend the author for not making it instantly and rather lead into it as Savannah learns to trust and live again. So much more believable and easy to relate too.

The author did an amazing job of balancing the dark emotional trauma that Savannah must have experienced, there are some memory recalls but nothing in too much depth just enough to give the reader a glimpse into the the dark world she was subjected too with some great family times and light hearted banter. A book you can read and enjoy more than once and worth adding to your library permanently. Excited to read about the other sisters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
115 reviews
January 15, 2021
This book needs a disclaimer, do not start before bed or if you have a schedule to follow. Holy moly, I started it before bed and figured I would only a few chapters, but I was instantly hooked and couldn't put this story down. Savannah is a beautiful young girl who was dealt a crappy deck of cards in life. Her dad is an abusive drunk and doesn't care about whether his girls eat. He eventually sells Savannah to a man for money for alcohol. Savannah tries to run and is then branded by the man who bought her to remind her whom she belongs to. Savannah spends 5 agonizing years keeping her master happy, but eventually decides she will run. She is able to escape and runs to a gas station where she meets Breaker. Breaker is a retired special forces member and likes to help people. When Savannah and Breaker's paths cross, we follow their journey to safety, freedom, learning to trust again, love, and even danger. Savannah doesn't have an easy path, but her journey is worth the bumps in the road. This book is amazing filled with suspense, great secondary characters, and even a little steam. I would highly recommend this book!
6,036 reviews45 followers
January 9, 2021
Savannah and her little sister lived with their father after the death of their mother. They used to have an older sister at home.

A bit of mystery surrounds the eldest sister until it becomes clear that their father sold her, just as he plans to do with Savannah at fourteen

Five years as the branded personal property of Marcos destroys most of her personality and independence. A chance encounter with a man known as Breaker finds Savannah at home with others her rescued from the streets.

Savannah is a bit different for Breaker though he doesn’t trust his feelings for her, and doesn’t want to limit her choices as the trafficker Marcos did

Can Breaker and Savannah really move past the darkness of their earlier lives? Is it too late for them to do that together?

Intense drama, action and emotionally charged issues related to surviving various traumatic pasts

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for WyoGal.
489 reviews
August 14, 2023
Stopped at 26%…

The opening tension is gripping, and the female protagonist’s effort to escape her terrible predicament is engaging.

The male protagonist seems like a great guy, but he seems too old for the heroine, who’s had her innocence stolen. She’ll need lots of therapy.

The secondary characters, who are friends of the hero, have fun personalities and depth (well-developed backstories). I enjoyed reading about them.

The main reason I lost interest in finishing the book is the stereotypical bad guy(s). Reading sections from the antagonist’s POV echoed lot of action movie villains. Creepy, pathologically violent, and predictably stalkerish in a somewhat non-believable way. Maybe if the heroine knew too much about the drug dealers? But this isn’t mentioned (yet, anyway).

Maybe as an action movie, with no romance but a hunky hero who saves young girls and kills the bad guys, I’d finish the story. As a novel, I want more depth and nuance.
1,168 reviews
May 30, 2021
Damn, this was an outstanding read, one that once I started, I didn’t want to put down. At the age of 14, Savannah alcoholic father sold her to Marco, the head of a drug cartel for $5000. He had also sold her older sister, Jade, at that age too. When she tried to run away and one of his men found her and brought her back, he branded her with his initials so she would always know who owned her. Five years later, she got her chance to escape again and ended up hiding in the back of Breakers car. He was known for picking up strays, but he also worked for the government as a special operative. A great storyline and wonderful characters you can’t help but fall 8n love with. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
488 reviews7 followers
January 8, 2021
This book is about a young girl named Savannah whose father sells her to an evil man named Marco who works for a drug cartel. She is a prisoner for five years before she is able to escape and is rescued by a man nicknamed Breaker who works for the government doing secret op jobs, so he is well trained and able to protect Savannah when Marco comes after her wanting revenge. There is a lot of excitement and danger, especially toward the end (though the middle of the book was a little long), and the reader is left to hope that Savannah and Breaker will be able to stay safe, stop Marco, and have an HEA. I highly recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Eliza.
698 reviews6 followers
January 10, 2021
This was an exciting and fantastic read that had me flipping through pages as fast as I could to see what happens next. The story was wonderfully woven, creating a tale that allows you to understand through past experiences why the characters were who they were currently in the story. The plot was great and flowed smoothly, the main and secondary characters were beautifully crafted and supported the story as it moved along. I was quite happy with this story and am eagerly waiting for the sequel.

I give this a five out of five stars. The plot and characters were fantastic and I can’t wait for the next story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
498 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2021
This is the start of a series and if the others are as good as the first I am all in. This is Savannah's story. She is sold by her father, like Jade her sister before her. When they come for her she tries to get back to her younger sister. Savannah has been sold to Marco the head of a drug cartel. Savannah has many tough years and runs. She ends up in the backseat of Breaker's car. This is a dark story, some of the events are just glossed over and not too graphic. This is a well written rollercoaster ride that keeps you on your toes and on the edge of your seat. The characters were very well developed and their interaction was wonderful. I cannot wait for the other books. Great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
765 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
lots of potential

This trilogy of sisters with a horrific father who sold each of them into slavery could have been a great series. But this book is a one and done for me.

My biggest problem is that Savannah is only 19 when she gets away from her captor and we are never told how old Breaker is. He was in the army and then became special forces and now worked private government jobs. He must be approaching 30. So his relationship with this girl who has been sexually abused since 14 just seems very wrong. And since all 3 sisters are close in age it’s safe to assume they’re all going to be very young to believe any HEA.

And Savannah needs psychological help after her ordeal.
2,368 reviews13 followers
January 3, 2021
5 stars
I received a free copy of the steamy novel Branded: Sisters Bound by Blood: Book One: Savannah by Karen Kelley and this review was given freely.
Action packed and at times suspenseful, the middle Harris sister Savannah begins the poignant three part story of the three abused Harris sisters who were sold as young teenagers by their self centered, abusive and alcoholic father to fund his habit and, the uplifting and at times danger filled struggle towards love, family and reunion.
5 years after being sold into slavery to the obsessive Texas drug dealer Marco Sanchez, Savannah finds herself hiding in bar owner/Special Ops agent Breakers car and heading to Louisiana.

1,413 reviews9 followers
January 8, 2021
Three Sisters torn apart in such a cruel way. Incomprehensible to most. Savannah's on her own. Running from a monster. She knows little about the world now, but luckily for her, out of all the people she could have run into, its Breaker. A warrior and protector. One day she and her sisters will all be together again, but for now she's just trying to save her own life. Seriously sha, when this hot Cajun man drags her off into the swamps, for the first time she feels completely safe. Can't wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,946 reviews30 followers
January 25, 2021
Loved the book it was great, the story was written well and the characters were interesting.
Savannah is young at fourteen she is sold to Marco for money for alcohol by her father, he does not care about his three girls. When Savannah tries to run he then brands her to remind her whom she belongs to. Savannah is finally able to escape, five harrowing years it took for her to run, an opportunity arose and hid in a car owned by Breaker. Breaker is a retired special forces he needs to try and keep her safe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9 reviews
January 18, 2022
What Constitutes a Family?

Various types of "family" relationships are touched on in this novel, including not only those bound by blood ties but other types of ties as well, including psychological. Spoiler alert... This theme includes the antagonist as well, but to a much lesser degree than the protagonists. Sweet and tender romance that other characters orbit around, elements of danger and suspense. Deals sensitively but directly and realistically with the subject of sexual trafficking. Any more details would be additional spoilers. I look forward to reading more by this author!
2,101 reviews16 followers
January 9, 2021
This is a story so worthy of reading. This is Savannah and Breaker's story.
Savannah's has escaped and is on her own, running for her life. These two meet when she hides in Breaker's car. He is a warrior and protector. Her hope is one day she and her sisters will be reunited. Can Breaker save her from the mob boss her father sold her too? Can they even think of having a HEA? Will she ever be reunited with her sisters? Can't wait to read the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
869 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2021
This book was very intense, but very good! Poor Savannah, her fate in her life almost broke my heart and I do t see how a father can do that to your child. When she climbs into Breaker‘s car to hide, it really starts a new chapter in her life. I really enjoyed Breaker‘s character and the strong, protective personality that he shows. Can he save her? Maybe even love her? This plot has just about everything one could look for—suspense, drama, romance and angst. I would definitely recommend it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
521 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2021
Savannah was sold to a ruthless drug dealer by her dad when she was only 14 years old. When she tried running away the first night after her arrival and got caught he branded her with his name. For 5 years she bided her time until getting an opportunity for her escape. Could she dare hope that her crossing paths with Breaker may be saving her life and open the doorway to a future without fear and freedom? But will she ever be free of Marco as Breaker promised?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
123 reviews
April 9, 2022
A DEFINITE READ! COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!

This story had romance, action, excitement, great characters and classy love making scenes that weren’t trashy and over graphic but were just enough to feel the passion between the characters. I couldn’t put this book down once I started reading it. I am a new fan of Karen Kelley’s writing and I find myself excited to embark on the next adventure. BRAVO KAREN! Thank you for the great entertainment and for creating a great world to get lost in. I don’t give a “5” lightly. It is well deserved here.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
January 10, 2021
Branded: Savannah is the first book in the Sisters Bound By Blood series and is a fantastic start to this new series.

I loved this romantic suspense story. The characters of Breaker and Savannah are interesting and intelligent. The storyline is well written and engaged my interest from beginning to end with drama, danger, suspense, intrigue, and romance. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
3,353 reviews19 followers
January 14, 2021
Action and adventure fill the pages and the suspense woven in keeps your turning the pages to find out what happens next.

The characters are well developed and described so well you feel like you personally know them. The attraction between the main characters is captivating and enjoyable to watch unfold. A great read for those who love a good romantic suspense story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

2,207 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2022
New author to me. Dark subject matter. But I liked this very much.
So. Much. Evil in the world. Evil parents. Evil men who think they can own girls and brand them.
And then there is Breaker and his men. The truly good guys. And the small family he’s built at his bar from the strays he has helped.
I especially liked the scenes set in the swamps. Cajun culture and family.
Savannah and her sisters are going to be a good trilogy.
Profile Image for Cynthia Khan.
2,797 reviews10 followers
January 8, 2021
I loved this book. LOL that will teach him for trying to help her see what is out there. Men are so silly. LOL love makes us all blind.I can not wait to read more. I can not wait to see if they find the other two sisters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
10.9k reviews125 followers
January 10, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by Karen Kelley; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
1,930 reviews8 followers
January 12, 2021
This was very emotional book, it also is a very difficult read in some ways. I wasn't sure about it at first however I am very glad that I did. It makes you think about things that happen that no one wants to talk about. Highly recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Deb.
7,577 reviews37 followers
January 12, 2021
I thought the author clearly conveyed the horrific situation she found herself in after the appalling actions of her father. It was a dark and captivating read with palpable danger and intrigue. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
18 reviews
January 10, 2022
Loves does conquer all.

Savannah was not ever given choices in her life by the adults around her. Her sisters were the only ones who loved for her. This is a touching story of a woman who's incredible determination to get back to her sisters' turns her whole life to a new direction. She learns that love does conquer all.
Profile Image for Nicole.
176 reviews
February 3, 2022
I enjoyed the plot. Besides it being in third person (not a fan) I felt like some of the things that happened were random. I also felt like Breaker was double her age but they didn’t even say how old he was. I felt savannah was older than 19 too. It was kind of over dramatic at times too. I really wanted to like it but felt myself rushing to get it over with unfortunately.
695 reviews3 followers
April 23, 2023
Branded, Savannah's story

Oh my! I love this story. Horrible things happen but nothing too graphic or explicit. It is left up to the readers imagination. I particularly like the way people step up to help, even when they don't have to. The way the relatives gather in the swamp is great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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