Bound by Blood

Sons of Britain #2

by Mia West

He'll do anything for the man he loves.
Even the unthinkable.

Bedwyr has everything he could want. He's come back from a devastating injury, and he's a warrior again, regaining his father's respect battle by successful battle.

Best of all: he has Arthur. When they aren't fighting effortlessly side by side, they're making the most of every secret nook and shadow in the village to celebrate their victories.

And if Cai, his former shieldmate and Arthur's brother, doesn’t understand the bond Bedwyr now shares with his cub…

What Cai doesn't know can't harm them.

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Arthur's been careful—mostly—but when Uthyr summons him one morning, Arthur is certain he and Bed have been found out. Instead, the warlord issues Arthur a challenge that pits him against Cai.

The prize: Uthyr's house.

Seizing an opportunity to secure Bedwyr's future, Arthur comes up with a strategy. One that's bold, daring,…and a little bit insane. But it just might throw Cai off their scent.

If it doesn't get Arthur banished first.

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BOUND BY BLOOD is the 2nd novel of the SONS OF BRITAIN series.

Tropes: secret relationship - sibling rivalry

CW: violence, homophobia, misgendering of trans character

Edition Note: This story was originally published in 2016 as two novellas, ETCHED IN STONE and BOUND BY BLOOD. The author has combined and lightly expanded these works for republication as a novel.

SONS OF BRITAIN series
They’re a long way from legendary. Amid the volatility of 6th-century Britain, Arthur and Bedwyr are just two young men, born to fight and bound to their warlord by blood and oath. But when fierce hearts collide, loyalties can shift, creating bonds far stronger—and ideas far riskier—than their world may be ready for.

Genres: Romance, Historical, M M Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Romance, LGBT

ebook

First published November 17, 2016

About the author

Epic romance, two heroes at a time! My story universe features warriors and blacksmiths, rescue swimmers and hockey players, treasure hunters and time travelers, and quite a few shifters. My favorite kind of hero: a grumpy f*cker who’ll do anything for the man he loves.

Read my entire universe free on AO3!

Novel-length ebooks are free on wide vendors.

Happy reading :)

~ Mia

Reviews

[Claudie ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so addictive! ❤️ I’m in love with both of these couples, and super excited to read Gwen and Elain’s book.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sword in the stone!! Mia West’s interpretation and twist on Arthurian lore fascinated me to no end in this installment. Arthur and Bedwyr’s relationship took some big steps forward and we also made some big strides in where the series arc is headed. There were some heartbreaking moments (curse you, Cai!!) but it makes me all the more eager to read Elain and Gwen’s story next. I could be forgetting something but I believe this is the first time I’ve read about a lavender marriage in romance. It was such a perfect set up!

There is a secondary trans character. Elain is a former sex worker and I could not have loved her more. Have I mentioned I’m excited to read her book next? Because I am. She is misgendered but the person is quickly corrected. I thought the rep was handled well but I’m saying this as a cis reader. I will be keeping an eye out for an ownvoices review.

I need to expand on something that is a spoiler but also a content warning because I have mixed feelings about how it forced outing and banishment of MC was handled. Arthur's brother Cai caught him and Bedwyr in bed together and told Uthyr about Arthur in front of the village. Uthyr declared this to be an unnatural act and banished Arthur and had Bedwyr locked up for a short time before letting him go. Later, Uthyr told Bed that he didn't believe the homophobic things he said and that he was the only reason two queer couples could stay in their community. He gives Bedwyr his blessing to go after Arthur and he goes on his way. We're then told he's been unrequitedly pining for a married woman for decades to...I'm not sure, soften our feelings toward him? If Uthyr really doesn't believe it's "unnatural," then he should pave the way for more acceptance in their community, not double down in hateful rhetoric. There can be all kinds of cognitive dissonance between people's expressed beliefs and their actions. But what Uthyr did and the kind of father he's been to Bed all along was awful and the book needed to dwell in that, not try to give some sympathetic context.

Character notes: Bedwyr is a 22 year old white soldier with one hand. Arthur is a 19 year old white ginger soldier. This is set in 515 CE Cymru.

Content notes: violence, homophobia, forced outing and banishment of MC (brother caught Arthur and Bedwyr together and told Uthyr about Arthur in front of the village, Uthyr declared this to be an unnatural act and banished Arthur and had Bedwyr locked up for a short time before letting him go), misgendering trans character (countered), characters forced to consummate their marriage (they find a workaround), blood oath, opening a crypt, former sex worker secondary character, MC with one hand (lost in battle in previous book), ableism (countered), on page sex, ableist language, past death of grandfathers

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vows and Honor.

I loved this, even more than the first book. There are a few great surprises in this one I hope other readers will like as much as I did. There were a few painfully awkward and emotionally devistating scenes, but it did feel like they added authenticity to the story regarding the time period. I really need part three!

[Shan( Shans_Shelves) 💜 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably more like 3.5 but rounded up because I love these characters and this one got VERY Sapphic and I appreciate that in a book series!

I’m very excited to see how the story continues and the next book is Elain and Gwen and YESS!!!


Rep: Gay MCs, Sapphic side character, Trans female side character, MC with one Hand.

[Victoria (Eve's Alexandria) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A riveting continuation of this queer retelling of the Arthurian legends, with lots of clever and satisfying takes on the traditional story. I especially appreciated the trans rep in this installment, the introduction of an FF couple and the unusual recourse to lavender marriage as a way of living more freely in a homophobic and transphobic society. There are, however, some difficult plot twists in the story that leave a slightly bitter taste, including forced outing, homophobic assault and banishment. The author has built a world where these weren't the only choices for moving the characters forward so, although I can see why they make sense from an Arthurian perspective, I'm holding judgement until I read more of the series. In every other respect I thought this book was an improvement on the first in style, dialogue and emotional payoff.

CWs: Limb loss (one MC has lost a hand), homophobic slurs, homophobic assault, misgendering of a trans-character (immediately corrected), forced separation from family and home, characters forced to be sexually intimate against their will.

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the continued instalment of the Arthurian tale where Arthur and Bedwyr are more in love than ever. They are Shieldmates and only a couple of trusted confidants know if their feelings towards one another. The book sees the introduction of another female Character Elian who appears to chance upon Arthur and Bedwyr, and Bedwyr’s father asks Bendwyr to keep an eye on her. Of course, things aren’t as they seem with this dynamic and the circumstances are revealed later in the book.

I won’t add any spoilers but say there’s a challenge between Arthur and his brother Cai, laid down by Bedwyr’s father. The winner gets his old house, and in this winner’s case, he gets more than he bargained for. This book also contains forced outing, two other same LGBTQIA+ relationships, parental alienation, and familial death. There’s also a heavy does of betrayal and jealousy that bubbles away below the surface til it’s declared in a holy hell bombshell near the end.

There are a few really interesting relationships at play, and they appear to continue into the next book. I’ll wait til I continue the series I think …

[BevS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this instalment. Good character development for both Arthur and Bedwyr, they've pledged to each other in front of others...just as Arthur's grandfathers pledged to each other years before. 4.5 stars.

Vindictive Cai, unexpected Uthyr...this read was full of surprises, especially from Mistress Britte's perspective. Banished, our two boys leave Uthyr's village to make their own futures. Gwen and Elain's book Driven by Duty is up next.

[Manalye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still loving this series! This book feels more action-based than the last, but still plenty of romance and spice.

The story continues to follow the m/m romance of the main characters, but also includes some marriage of convenience themes. We're also introduced to a trans character, and based on the epilogue I think the next book may follow the romance for the trans character. I'm super excited for that!

I can't wait to read more!

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF at 14%, having finally realized what the problem was; book 1 didn't end with a couple united against adversity, and book 2 doesn't look any more promising. The stress and anxiety of real life concerns (rising Delta variant numbers in FL, just for one) mean I have little stamina for this kind of story.

I like this author's prose style, and I like the very different time period, and there's nothing wrong with this book. I just can't, right now.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/19/2022)! 🎁

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second installment of the “Sons of Britain” series.

In this installment, Shieldmates the connection between Arthur and Bedwyn, the warlord’s son deepens. They come up with what they think is an ingenious scheme to make it possible for them to live together, but havoc ensues.

There is a very interesting secondary romance that I think deserves its own book or a very prominent place in the next installment.

This book ends with an HFN rather than an HEA for both couples. Each couple is secure in their beloved’s devotion—that is the HFN. But there are more issues that need to be resolved for all four people to have the HEA to satisfy a romance readers.

[Maria]

FREE today (April 19, 2022) on Amazon.

[Koe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing.

[Gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was... fine, I guess? 2.5 stars, rounded up. Can't say I enjoyed this as much as the first book. Don't think I'll continue the series. This one felt like a whole lot of anticipation building up to not very much at all in the end. It didn't feel like we got enough breaks between hardship, or enough emotional payoff for the waiting game. There were elements I definitely enjoyed, but they were outweighed by a general dissatisfaction with certain plot choices. In the end this book just didn't quite find the right balance for me to truly enjoy it.

[William Kibler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually Part 2 of a continuing storyline, so you have to read Book 1 (Marked by Fire) of the Sons of Britain series in order to understand the origin and movement of the plot. The book was well-written but the sex scenes were repetitive and often unnecessary. I understand that this book is a MM romance, but lots of sex scenes don't always make a book better. A strong well-developed story holds my interest more often. Overall, still a decent story!

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was OK, more a 2.5 than a 3-star. It dragged much more than the first, to the point that I skipped some parts. Something I didn't mention in the first instalment is the weirdness with Bed having a crush on Arthur's dad and even kissing him in the first book, wtf is up with that. I'm pretty sure I'm not going to keep reading this series, I'm just not interested.

[Flo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it but felt choppier than the first one. Elain’s character was a welcome addition and I look forward to reading her book/story.

[Cali · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was sweet and it was nice to see the progression of their relationship. There wasn't much in terms of plot though.

[Tanja Glavnik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too short for my liking! But I keep on loving this version of the Arthurian legend.

Also, F YOU, Cai. And I hope your mother spares some rib-cracking punches for you.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is story without real purpose, but oh-so needed.

Bed and his cub are back for another steamy novella in this queer reimagining of a historical take on Arthurian legend. And we also get a new queer couple that I love love love: Gwen, who is pan (?), and Elain, a trans* woman. The plot centres around uncovering histories of queer relationships, agonizing over and challenging social codes and taboos, and demonstrating the "devotion" between our leads. Nothing much happens: it's about the characters and how they navigate their relationship within the society in which they live. Well-written and made me feel all the feels at all the right moments.

My big problem was the start: full-on sexytimes right off the bat. Maybe some folks are coming into this one (*cough*) straight off (*cough*) the first. But without the buildup, it's just cultured smut. We need to be reminded of who these people are and why we should care. And sex isn't just about the act. We need the intimacy, the relationship. (Well, maybe not if you're aro, but most of the rest of us do.)

Off to find the third one.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur discovers getting what you want brings problems

For most of his life, Arthur wanted to prove himself as a man and warrior--show everyone that he's a beast on the battlefield (and off). But there’s that saying, “be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.”

In the second book of The Sons of Britain series, Arthur finally gets what he's desired for years—a warrior’s experience and Bedwyr, his older brother’s BFF. However, these successes bring complications--love, loss, betrayal. The sex is scorching hot, but they have to be careful exploring these new desires--which might make it hotter.

This is an expanded version of a book (and series) that was previously published under the same name.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sons of Britain tale carries on as Bedwyn and Arthur deepen their feelings for each other and continue to fight together to defend their lands. Living in secret, they sneak off for hidden liaisons. One day, their war lord calls Arthur and his brother Kai. The warlord, Bedwyn's father, issues a challenge to Arthur and Kai to come up with the best strategies to fend off the encroaching Britains. The prize will be the warlord's large house. Can Bedwyn and Arthur contrive a way to be together when expectations pull them in different directions? This book has intrigue, hidden agendas, strategies, and a significant development of the relationship between these two lovers.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly:


Secondly:


And thirdly:


I was going to take a break and read something else but then Gwen and Elain took the stage and it was something else who?
...
This is my new happy place.

[Jimbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first book, wrenches are thrown in the world of Bedwyr and Arthur, Gwen, and the others that surround these three when a fourth woman - Elain shows up from Rhy's place on the lowlands. She is a surprise and from a challenge that Uthyr decides to give Arthur and his brother Cai, their world changes and after winning the challenge, Arthur must wed Gwen.

Arthur comes up with a plan that leads to Bedwyr marrying Elain and Arthur wedding Gwen, which leads to Cai showing up at their home that the four share and finding Arthur and Bedwyr together.

Their world is thrown into chaos.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Blood (Sons of Britain Book 2) by Mia West is an excellent read and addition to this series. This book continues the story of Arthur and Bedwyr and their M/M romance. Steamy, sexy and hot, the scenes between these two just sizzle. Book also offers up much emotional drama and intensity as these two struggle with their feelings and the relationship they must conceal. I highly recommend this series. I am posting an honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.

[Nicoletta Tsalafaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Arthur and Bedwyr's story continues on Bound by Blood (Sons of Britain Book 2). Bedwyrs father Uther issues a challenge that pits Arthur against his brother.Arthur is willing to do the unthinkable in order to protect Bedwyr’s future. Mia such a talented writer and knows how to keeps you on the edge. As good as the first book, great plot, lots of twists with developed characters.

[Suzanne Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. The series is set in the early 6th century Britain where warriors are close by blood and oath. Arthur and Bedwyr have a stronger bond together, that is closer than blood or oath. The story has many twists and turns with a great plot that is entertaining and exciting. I am waiting for the next book in the series to carry on with the tale.

[Kay H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried in this book - did not see that coming when I randomly picked up the first book because it was free on Kindle. The description of falling to the ground and crying so hard that your insides feel like they are your outsides and you wonder if the pain will end of if you will just die of it -it got me.

And then:
"I love you..... arsehole." I CANNOT. The vows? I CRIED AGAIN.

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I read the previous series , forged by fire, and loved it as well. This series is about Arthur and the man he's wanted since childhood. The story is great, the love scenes are sweet and hot. I highly recommend this book.