Secrets of Winter

Bound to the Fae #5

by Eva Chase

Is this bond a blessing or a curse?

My blood binds me to the curse of the summer fae. Am I entwined with the Unseelie's curse as well? I didn't ask to be the key to the survival of not one but two faerie realms, but I can't stand by while others suffer if there's some way I can help.

Unfortunately, the ties of my heart to men on both sides may cause more problems than I can solve. After years of violence, will summer and winter even find peace? Neither side is eager to compromise, and my lovers' loyalties to me have turned them into targets.

I want to believe that love can win out over hate and pain. But as tensions both between and within the realms rise, it might break me apart instead.

*Secrets of Winter is the fifth book in Bound to the Fae, a new paranormal romance series featuring possessive shifters, dangerous fae politics, and a wounded heroine finding her strength.*

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Shapeshifters, Why Choose, Paranormal, Magic

306 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2021

About the author

Eva Chase lives in Canada with her family. She loves stories both swoony and supernatural, and strong women and the men who appreciate them. You can visit her online at www.evachase.com.

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Secrets of Winter is the fifth installment of the Bound to the Fae series. Honestly, I'm surprised there's even more books after this one. Mostly because this was okay but I don't really feel like I needed it at the same time. Maybe it's because I wasn't fully invested in the fourth book but I can definitely feel my investment going down after reading this one.

The romances are okay but I just don't feel the need to keep diving into them. I don't know.. maybe I'm just going through something weird with reverse harem books.. or maybe it's just this series now. Not sure but I have a feeling I'm going to dive into the next two books just because I want to see how it's all going to end.

Other than that, the ending did absolutely nothing for me. It just didn't and I feel like I might need to go open wine whenever I decide to jump into the next book.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Secrets of Winter is the fifth book of this RH series and while I enjoyed it, after all it's an easy addicting read, I feel like I might be losing just a liiiittle bit of interest. I'm not sure why, perhaps because I'm not that interested in her relationships with her three Seelie men not that their relationships are stable and sure, I guess. I was curious to read about her and her Unseelie Archlord as they discover more of their bond and how to create a life where she can have them all ahah. The cliffhanger about her brother being alive didn't have a huge impact on me unfortunately. We never really grew attached to him since he was already dead when the books started. However, you can bet I'm going to keep reading these books as they come out.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this one we find out what's been going on in the Unseelie world, and Talia uncovers new things with her powers. (Trying to keep it spoiler free, so no specifics). More politics are at play, because–as usual–most of the leaders are pains in the butt who'd rather argue than listen to the opinion of someone 'beneath them.'
I like how all the guys finally started to work together, focusing on Talia and what she needs. She's finding her time to shine.
The cliff-hanger was a bit… nothing. I’m not really invested in the outcome of it. The rest of the story: yes. Give me more.

[Readingwiththeroberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like the middle of these books just drag on, and I find myself saying I’m done with the series after I finish the book and then the ending happens. And let me tell you that Eva Chase knows how to write an amazing cliff hanger that makes you want to dive right into the next book. The beginning of the books are usually so action packed and the end of the books are amazing, to me it’s just the middle of the books that I’m not the biggest fan of. Like there are multiple plot developments throughout the book it just feels like nothing is really going on and it just repeats a lot of the everyday activities. After all that the ending has me too much invested so I will be finishing the series.

[Bailey Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. Okay LISTENNNNNNNN. If you read ANY books from this series I highly recommend this one!!!! Corwin and Talia are doing so well figuring everything out that they need to and my heart just melts at the thought of so much love and happiness and acceptance of all the parties involved with this crazy harem.

As always, the ending is CRAZY. As in LAST PAGE CLIFF HANGER of course… smh. I am so so very excited for this next book.

Also… lord help me if there is a August/Talia/Corwin scene in the future…

[Mandy (MP Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talia is bound to the summer fae by her blood and love of her three men, but she is also bound to the winter fae by the mating side of things which gives her a question - if she is the solution to the curse in the summer realm is she the solution to the curse in the winter realm too? Certainly, she never asked for this central role but she is also determined to do everything that she can in order to help and cure as many people as she can. The question is, can the winter and summer ever find peace as it's not easy to be tied by her heart to both sides in a war that could potentially made them all targets. Can she believe that love with win over pain and hate or is she kidding herself?

This was certainly a busy instalment in the story where Talia had a lot of thinking to do, investigations into many different topics - primarily if she can cure the winter realm's sickness - and trying to find a compromise between them all. This was well written, easy to read and understand plus full of action. I loved the result of all of the negotiations between the realms and the two different sides of her personal life too. There is a major bombshell at the end which means that I want to read the next book immediately and not have to wait for it to be written. Contains explicit sexual content.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talia is back and so is the action, adventure and drama that seems to follow her! There’s tons going on as well as relationship building between Talia and her super hot and sexy men! It’s getting crazy as things heat up and more complicated in this amazing Fae world and I just love the characters, well most of them anyways!! Throw in some twists especially at the end and you have a fantastic addition to this incredible series!

[Annette Drewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Lots of intrigue, action and danger for our heroine and heroes to navigate through in this next in series tale. Talia’s relationship with her men is developing and we learn a little more about the fae realms as well. I am really looking forward to the next book. To get the most out of the series, they should be read in order.
I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Citra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Secrets of Winter

For some unknown reason I came back to this series. This book was better than the previous (which I think I dnf) and the story moved at a good pace.

[Jessica Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series

This book is a fun continuation of the series so far and I cannot wait to see where it goes after that ending

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot, and the spice thickens!

Multiple group scenes!! Yay! The Seelie and Unseelie realms are trying to work together. It's rocky at best. But Talia seems to he the answe to both sides of the curse. She is also slowly uniting the realms. There is another last page twist. The story must go on!

[Lel · Rating 3 out of 5]

There isn't much to say about this installment. It was okay, I had a decent time. It is predictable and repetitive but good to read when you want a bit of 'trash TV' you don't have to think too much about.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time rating this one. I love Eva Chase, and I’ve loved this series, until the turn it’s taken with it always in the Winter Realm and the Unseelie Fae. I just do not care for Corwin’s personality at all. I really like the Seelie in the Summer Realm, and her men and all the friends she made. It ended in such a way that I will read the next book, but if things don’t get better I will stop there. I’m hoping it will get better. The narration on the audiobook is excellent!!

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was really odd the way this book went about. I can’t say I’m a fan of some character choices that were made. Talia just felt too…. Annoying? Usually I relate to her on her stances, but a couple times in this book I found myself being frustrated. It felt like the characters, her included, weren’t seeing the bigger picture. Also, I know it’s a sexy romance fantasy book, but it’s starting to get a little… too unrealistic.

I get that the reverse harem is attractive, hell it’s what is keeping me around, but it’s getting unrealistic. I highly doubt that Corwin would be involved without further griping and that he and the rest of the golden boys would get along without hitch.



——————This is where a spoiler comes in ——————

The way that Talia reacted to Corwin revealing his backstory with Lazlo annoyed the crap out of me. Why on Earth did she not see what Corwin did as reasonable? Not only did he get cheated on, but the girl LIED about having his baby with his BEST FRIEND who might as well have been his brother. OF COURSE he was going to be mad and punish them!! Especially when having children to the fae is something so important that it’s nigh religious. To me it was sooo weird of Talia to not be understanding of how outraged and hurt he must have felt, especially having that revealed after he recently lost his family.

It just was annoying.

Also, I’m with everyone else. Her brother being alive wasn’t anything I cared about. It feels too… weird. Not a good twist imo.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of the Fae is the fifth book in the Bound to the Fae series and in this book, we find Talia still adjusting to the Winter fae, is learning more about her soul-twined mate Corwin, and has finally learned of the troubles the Winter fae have been going through. All the while trying to create a tenuous peace between the fae.

Talia's confidence is steadily growing, enabling her to speak up for herself and express her ideas about current issues that the fae are dealing with, even with the arch-lords who deemed her less than. Even after all the negativity, she faces Talia's compassion towards the fae knows no bounds, especially after learning of the Winter fae's curse. She's put her whole heart and all her efforts into finding a possible cure for the Unseelies as she has done for the Seelies. Talia has taken a lot onto her shoulders but is determined to help.

Not everything is work, Corwin and Talia are steadily growing closer, bonding, and learning more about each other. Corwin has already stated his love for her (if not directly) he shows it by supporting her ideas, by being open with her, and realizing how amazing she is. I love that they are exploring their mate bond and as it turns out Talia is open to a life of standing by Corwin's side and helping the Unseelie. However, she is still in love with her wolves, Silas, August, and Whitt. Their bond with her is just as strong as ever and while it has become very clear that they love Talia, seeing how much their love has grown through their points of view was even better. While sharing her with anyone all four guys seem to be willing to try for her sake.

The Winter kingdom is really cool, I loved reading about all the pretty sights such as the fire forest, and the Unseelie seem to be open to Talia except the Arch-lords, who of course have all the issues. Zelpha was a real surprise, she's one of Corwin's coterie and besides Corwin, she's my favorite Unseelie. Zelpha is a fair person, has compassion, and is nice to Talia, more than that she likes Talia.

Discovering what issues the Unseelie face, the curses, and what might be behind them was a very interesting focus of the story. After the truth behind the scrimmages between the Unseelie and the Seelie is revealed things start to make sense and in all honesty, it seems that the Unseelie are at fault and is steadily perpetuating the problem. Their distrust in the Seelie is creating unneeded problems but they can't stop decades of bad behavior. Talia is working on bringing the two sides together to work on the curses and stop the animosity.

Secrets of Winter was, of course, a great read. Seeing the mating bond in action was interesting. I always loved reading from all the guys' perspectives and seeing them so totally devoted to Talia was heart-warming. However, Talia taking a stronger role in the fae world was the best I love it when she put the fae in the uncompromising arch-lords in their place. The curses are taking a really interesting turn and it made Secrets of Winter a fabulous read and very entertaining. The story ended on a plot twist I didn't see coming so I can't wait to read the next book.

[Aislinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? This book was so well done, Eva Chase has yet to disappoint! This book picks up right where book 4 left off, and through it we get to learn more about the Winter Realm and their curse. There are a few times where Talia is back in the Summer Realm, but for the most part this book takes place in the Winter Realm with Talia and Corwin working to see if, and how, Talia can end the curse.

As far as relationships go, Corwin is such a sweetie. Reading from his perspective really makes you understand how much he cares for Talia, and I am enjoying watching their relationship take on new heights. Since I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free, I will say this about them: the ending of this book leaves me SO content in their unity and I have no doubts about Corwin being in this harem.

When it comes to Sylas, August, and Whitt, they aren’t as prevalent in this book as Corwin is, but I think it’s done for a good reason and executed quite nicely. At no point do I feel like they’re being put on the “back-burner” and you can clearly see their love for Talia when they are featured. At one point, we actually get some Whitt x Talia x August moments, and having them all share their love for one another is beautiful. Similarly, there is also a part in the book where Sylas comes into the Winter Realm (by himself) to meet with Corwin and Talia and their meeting was delicious (I’m trying to keep this spoiler free, remember?). So if you, like me, we’re hoping for some interactions between the summer men and the winter man, you’ll enjoy this book.

All of this to say, Eva Chase is an author that always leaves me wanting more! She has a great way of building the world and keeping you immersed, and I can’t wait to see the world expand a little more thanks to that ending. Book six can’t come soon enough!

[Raven9308 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy Eva is letting this story really breathe, if that makes sense. She isn't rushing the plot, she is letting the characters and relationships really develop. I usually don't go for long series, but she is killing it and I don't want to stop listening!

In terms of the story, we get to see more of the Winter Fae Realm and the relationship develop more with Talia and Corwin, and Corwin's people. I loved seeing it (even though I missed her Summer Fae harem the whole time haha). I think Corwin might actually be my favorite MMC so far, but its a very close 2nd to August and Whitt 😍. I had so many emotions in this book. I think it had more sadness than the others, won't give things away but it was hard on Talia but with some good results, things are looking up for her and the Winter Fae curse. Some of the twists I could see coming in the plot, but I was happy to see where Eva left things and is keeping us guessing things even more now haha. I knew the Murk would be involved, can't wait to listen to book 6 and maaaaybe read the other ebooks if my self-control falters a bit to see how this series ends. I hope we get to see more of Talia's powers develop, see how the Winter and Summer Fae are going to coexist and get over their prejudices. This book had more plot development I think than some of the others (including some battles and confrontations).

Narration was great, not much else to say. I think Savannah did a good job (she is not as strong doing the male characters so she is a 4-4.5 out of 5, but I dive Ryan a 5 out of 5 for his performance. I think all the new characters that were introduced in this book was handled really well by both.

No slowing down in this 5th book of Eva Chase's fae and shifter RH series! I still think book 4 is my favorite of the series so far, but only time will tell if it stays my favorite 😉❤️

[Audrey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ebook ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

It’s Book 5 so there’s no way to do this without some spoilers, so here’s the warning for spoilers ahead!

Wow, do we ever get to see Talia’s world expand here! I feel like we got a taste of the UnSeelie Court in the last book, but in Secrets of Winter, we get much more fleshing out of that world. To start, Talia has become involved in attempting to cure the illness that is spreading through this Court. But she struggles when she is not the magic cure for this illness, unlike the one that was affecting the Cadre. I loved seeing her have to face this challenge and it really pushed her character development.

We also see Talia and Corwin coming closer and closer together. The original Cadre does seem to be getting a little left behind, though Talia does return to them from time to time. Still, the focus is definitely on her newer relationship with Corwin. And boy, do we also get some very, very hot soul-twinned sex to go along with that.

Talia’s bond with both the Cadre and the Coterie is bringing the two worlds of the Fey closer and closer together and also ends up helping to create a delicate alliance between the two factions. Having a human holding this bond together seems a little tenuous, so I’m speculating that Chase has something up her sleeve to solve Talia’s problem with being… mortal ;) Only time will tell and I’m so looking forward to it!

Happy Reading!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this installment of the Bound to the Fae series as Talia strives to strengthen her connection to the Winter Fae and Corwin while protecting her bond with Sylas and his cadre. Talia gets her first look at the Raven's curse and she and Corwin try to find a way for her to help his people like she does the Wolves. Meanwhile, she is also doing her best to broker some kind of lasting peace between the two realms. The arch-lords of the Winter realm are reluctant to reveal their secret to the Summer fae, but Talia points out that they have done themselves no good so far by attempting to take land on the other side of the border through force.

The fragile peace will be threatened by an attack and Talia's success at curing those who fall to the curse of the Winter realm will be sporadic. She is not even sure exactly what it is that sometimes works to reverse the symptoms. One thing that goes well is her growing feelings and trust for Corwin and he even has a proposal that may make it possible for her to keep all her men. But there are those that don't trust her or the fae of the Summer realm and they will do their best to tear her from her soul-twined mate.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Heart of Talia
An ongoing series that keeps you engaged in a steamy romantic and twisting tale.
As always Eva Chase has a way with words that flow so naturally and are descriptive giving the reader incredible visuals. This is a wonderful fae world that Talia is living in, I can envision it myself. And Talia has been becoming more and more of a strength to be reckoned with. She is going to do what is right but is always thinking of the repercussions of her actions, a perfect heroine. Strong, independent and thoughtful. A full length book that must be read in order to keep up with the story, there is plenty of heat as Talia and her men figure out how to work out their growing affections, since the newest member to her lovers may be seen as a foe to many. This wonderful and active story line continues as the mysteries deepen, there are characters who seem to not want unity, many are not willing to trust, but unity is going to be the only way to move forward, how will Talia work this out. There is a wonderful twist at the end, so hooked to find out what happens next with this newest detail. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed.

[Mary Edwards Stagliola · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ - loving where this is going! So excited to see how it all plays out.

Now aware that there is also a curse on the winter realm, Talia can’t help but think she might be tied to this curse as well. Working with Corwin to learn more about the winter curse, and find a way to somehow help. Through much trial, error and deliberation, Talia is somehow able to cure on of the winter fae, however when she attempts to replicate it, she can’t save that one. They confirmed her part in the cure, but are still unsure of what is required.

Meanwhile, Talia seeks to heal the relationship between the two realms. Somehow convincing the winter and summer fae to meet and discuss terms, they come to a very tentative agreement that halts the war. Agreeing to allow the winter fae a small settlement on summer land, in hopes that the warm air could help cure their curse. With one problem solved another starts, the rats of Murk seem to be increasing in activity and causing problems for both realms.

So good, can’t wait to keep going

[Robyn Edgerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay so this was the first book in this series where i thought ‘damn i’m only just over halfway through this series which means there’s still somehow way more to come’.

and don’t get me wrong, that’s exciting for me. the way this one ended means another door has opened so i still don’t know where this overarching plot is taking us. there’s still so many unanswered questions that i need the answers to: who are Talia’s ancestors? why is she a cure for the Seelie and Unseelie folks? how can she yield magic? how are Sylas, August, Whitt and Corwin gonna get on together in the long run? what in the devil’s hell is going on with the Murk?

but on the other hand, this book felt like it dragged, which i don’t really understand because there were so many things i liked about it - that scene between Talia, Sylas and Corwin especially👀🥵 i think it’s just taking a little while to get to the point and main crux of the plot.

[Kaylee Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been enjoying this series overall so far.

If I had to rate this series as a whole I'd put it at 4 stars.

Book 5 got a 3 star review from me because it felt a little arduous in terms of Talia. Up until now I've loved how much she cares and wants to help those around her. In book 5 her self-sacrificing started to feel a little overboard. I'm also a bit confused as to how she's able to so eloquently talk to the various arch-lords of the fae considering she was locked in a cage with no company during her formative years when she would be learning most of her adult vocabulary. She just isn't coming across as someone who had such a significant part of her life stolen from her. Maybe this speaks to her resilience?

I'll definitely continue with the series but book 5 had kind of a gloomy mood throughout. Wasn't my favorite installment of Talia's story.

[C. Erani Kole · Rating 3 out of 5]

it’s alright

By this point, you’re reading because you don’t leave things unfinished or because you enjoy this slow ride of love and broken curses (takes longer with the broken curses). I’m not the target audience but this is recommended everywhere I go so I broke and read it.

It’s alright. Nothing amazing except for the fact that she’s a modern girl in fae lands, and even that isn’t emphasized a lot. Just the fact she’s human with gifts.

I hate leaving series unfinished and I don’t hate these books, but it’s not exactly the type of reads that burn me good. It feels more like I’m peeling off stubborn onion layers just so I can get to the good part and use it for a meal that’ll feel me up nice and warm. I do love the sex, that hasn’t changed, but everything else isn’t as… satisfying.

[Han Spillane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 5 of 9.

Bought on Kindle and Audible. Decent length on Audible. Contination of series, with a HEA, though some serious suspense and threat along the way!

As with all books by Eva Chase (or Eva Chance) it is exemplary! Hot, yet developed realtionshisp and all characters totally unique. Huge respect to male narrator on Audible for managing this across five men, plus of course the additional characters. All easily idenitifable as soon as he speaks as them.

This series did seem to last forever, and I have to say has had me in tears several times - to the extent I was unsure whether I could go on at several points through the prior books... I don't like it! I like a bit of stress, occasionally, not this heart ache and terror and bad guys so bad you want to run away (or throw your Kindle or ear buds away!).

Less trauma next time please Eva...

[Anne Gregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of Winter delves deeper into, well, the secrets of winter... Talia discovers more of Winter's curse and how it shadows her beloved wolves' curse in the Summer realm. The Heart isn't giving anything away and Talia is being passed about like a baton in an arch-lord marathon. How does a human-cum-curse breaker decide whether to give up her Seelie lovers or turn her back on her soul-twined Unseelie mate?! Sylas, Whitt, August, and Corwin are determined to end the war between their people, find the cause of their curse, and above all, keep Talia safe by their sides. The Heart of the Mist may not be the Fae's greatest orator but its' guidance undoubtedly flows through the catnip-scented fingers of the curiously influential shifter seductress!

Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Multiple lovers gone too far!

Okay I didn’t care much for Talia falling in love with two men, then she brought a third in. Now she brings a fourth in who’s supposed to be her mate? I’m out! She’s supposed to be so giving of herself and compassionate yet the very nature of grasping on the four men and not allowing them the opportunity to maybe find a women who will devote herself entirely to each man is, in itself, extremely selfish and makes me really dislike this character. And if she’s so unselfish by nature, this makes no sense and only serves to bring nonsense to the character.

If she’s so unselfish and so giving, she’ll pick one. And let the others find love elsewhere.

I won’t be reading any further.

[Nikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I really enjoyed this installment of the series. I’m very much invested in the Bound to the Fae series by Eva Chase, so I’m very thankful that book 5 did not disappoint. I am not bored yet. Honestly, book 5 was very captivating. A page turner! It’s hard giving a review without spoiling it, but I’ll just share that Talia’s heart has managed to grow and so does her powers. She’s destined by the Heart to do great things for both the summer and winter realms. Also it seems like her past is not closed completely yet. Eva Chase gave a great cliffhanger at the end that makes you anticipate the next book but still closes out this one. I’m grateful for that type of writing. I cannot wait to see where this series goes and how it will end.

[Caitrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we get to see Talia navigate so much more of the Unseelie realm, and her relationship with Corwin. I absolutely love how Talia's relationships with her guys is shaping up, and her guys' relationships with eachother.

We've got so much more information on the Unseelie in this book yet so many things are so unclear! One final twist and I didn't want it to end there!

I cannot wait to see what comes next! I also can't wait for more interactions between Talia and her guys, with more than one guy at a time... 😉

*I received an ARC and am volunterily leaving an honest review. I also bought the ebook*

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes!

Pure book lover catnip. I am loving how we get to continue exploring the world with characters I love. Most series end after 3 or 4 books or move on to other characters. We still have our core pack - Thalia, August, Whitt, and Sylas, with Corwin as a ally or hurdle - time will tell.

Each character has their own essence that breathes life into them. The differences and similarities between the winter and summer fae is very interesting. I am still riveted and surprised with every twist and turn the story takes.

Book 6 cannot come fast enough!

I received an advanced copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.