What do you think?
Rate this book
The Witches' Bind Trilogy #2
Moon Bound
As of December 2024, this book has been unpublished and removed from sale in order to undergo significant changes.
Carina
All I wanted was to get away from my coven and its archaic rules. My dream is to live a regular human life, but when my wish is to leave the coven is granted, of course there’s strings attached. Given to the shifter pack near us, freedom is even further away. The only good thing about my new life is the sexy, new alpha of the pack, Ryder. But submitting to this life still means captivity, and no matter what kind of attraction we have, I refuse to accept it regardless of what fate may be trying to tell me.
Ryder
I needed magic to save my dying father, and what I got instead was a witch who wants out of the supernatural life. She gives me more than I bargained for when I realize she’s my future. We reach an understanding, but she’s bound and determined to leave the pack and coven life behind. But I won’t let her go, as even if she’s chosen to fight me on this, she belongs with me.
Moon Bound is the second book in The Witches’ Bind Trilogy. Moon Bound can be read as a standalone, but is best read after Cure Bound. Moon Bound is a rejected fates mates romance with content some readers may find triggering. Trigger warnings include death, emotional abuse, toxic family relationship, explicit sexual content, kidnapping, swearing, and pregnancy.
Carina
All I wanted was to get away from my coven and its archaic rules. My dream is to live a regular human life, but when my wish is to leave the coven is granted, of course there’s strings attached. Given to the shifter pack near us, freedom is even further away. The only good thing about my new life is the sexy, new alpha of the pack, Ryder. But submitting to this life still means captivity, and no matter what kind of attraction we have, I refuse to accept it regardless of what fate may be trying to tell me.
Ryder
I needed magic to save my dying father, and what I got instead was a witch who wants out of the supernatural life. She gives me more than I bargained for when I realize she’s my future. We reach an understanding, but she’s bound and determined to leave the pack and coven life behind. But I won’t let her go, as even if she’s chosen to fight me on this, she belongs with me.
Moon Bound is the second book in The Witches’ Bind Trilogy. Moon Bound can be read as a standalone, but is best read after Cure Bound. Moon Bound is a rejected fates mates romance with content some readers may find triggering. Trigger warnings include death, emotional abuse, toxic family relationship, explicit sexual content, kidnapping, swearing, and pregnancy.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2021
6 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Philpitt
33 books376 followersUSA Today Bestselling author M.L. Philpitt writes both dark romance and paranormal romance. When she’s not writing made-up realities, she’s reading them. She lives in Canada with her four pets and survives life with coffee and an obsession with fictional characters, especially the morally grey kind. By day, she masks as a therapist, and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter so she can be sorted into her Ravenclaw house.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 12, 2021
I really, really enjoyed this. It took me a little while to get into the story (maybe 35%) but once I did, I started to look forward to getting the chance to pick it up again.
In Moon Bound, Ryder takes Carina hostage in the hope of forcing the aid of her coven. However, he soon realises that he'd rather not let her go. This story isn't about two people falling in love because of fate. Instead, it is a question of will they fall in love despite fate?
This is very much character-driven with the focus being on the relationship between Ryder and Carina. The plot isn't anything special in all honesty and the ending could have been better, but I still thought it was a very enjoyable read. There was one (major) thing that occured that I thought was a bit too convenient for the plot.
I do, however, have a confession to make. I commited a grave book sin by starting this series on book two! I jumped so quickly at the ARC opportunity that I totally skipped book one 🙈 I don't feel that I missed out on much since this one is centred around new characters, but I'm probably going to pick up book one now - and three when it's released!
There is an element that connects the books, and that's the meddlesome (but in a good way?) witch Mary. So while this can be read as a standalone, there is something larger at play.
This is also a really weird compliment but I love how the concept of 'virginity' was handled here. There was no big deal made about it: it was something a character happened to have and then she didn't have it and that's that!
In Moon Bound, Ryder takes Carina hostage in the hope of forcing the aid of her coven. However, he soon realises that he'd rather not let her go. This story isn't about two people falling in love because of fate. Instead, it is a question of will they fall in love despite fate?
This is very much character-driven with the focus being on the relationship between Ryder and Carina. The plot isn't anything special in all honesty and the ending could have been better, but I still thought it was a very enjoyable read. There was one (major) thing that occured that I thought was a bit too convenient for the plot.
I do, however, have a confession to make. I commited a grave book sin by starting this series on book two! I jumped so quickly at the ARC opportunity that I totally skipped book one 🙈 I don't feel that I missed out on much since this one is centred around new characters, but I'm probably going to pick up book one now - and three when it's released!
There is an element that connects the books, and that's the meddlesome (but in a good way?) witch Mary. So while this can be read as a standalone, there is something larger at play.
This is also a really weird compliment but I love how the concept of 'virginity' was handled here. There was no big deal made about it: it was something a character happened to have and then she didn't have it and that's that!
August 10, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/5 stars
Carina and Ryder are mates but not in the traditional sense. Carina wants no part of the mating bond and is instead looking to live a more traditional human life.
I really enjoyed that they weren’t insta love. It took time for them to fall in love. I also liked that the bond didn’t force them to be in love. It just helped amplify their feelings.
I do wish we got to see more of Carina’s powers. As well as what other witches can do. We knew her family was air witches but didn’t get to find out about the other covens. Or really all that she could do.
I also wished that Ryder and Carina communicated. Instead Carina ignored what Ryder said and let her own fear scare her away. So I found her a little annoying in that sense. I do understand her fear but I think with the dual point of views it was easy to see that Ryder wouldn’t ask her to sacrifice her happiness. Carina just didn’t know that.
It was refreshing the over arching conflict was more between Ryder and Carina rather than some other person or plot. It was also nice that she stuck to her guns about what she wanted to do rather than falling head over heals for the male.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. Carina was a strong main character. Ryder was protective but endearing. I enjoyed he was an alpha but didn’t push it. He wasn’t an annoying alpha.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
To be honest, I was hooked from the first chapter.
I really loved the chemistry between Carina and Ryder, and that they were there for each other from the very first moment even though they basically knew nothing about the other. I also loved the fact Ryder gave space to Carina no matter the consequences; he let her decide what she wanted to do and gave her freedom. He was always a gentleman when it came to her. Another positive trait of Ryder is that he was overprotective of her in a cute and not in an annoying way. Carina had an amazing personality and she was a great heroine.
The only thing I did not like was the miscommunication between Carina and Ryder. It was a little bit nerve-racking when they just ignored each other.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I love that it also ended on somehow a cliff-hanger with that teaser at the end, so I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Also, a big thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved the chemistry between Carina and Ryder, and that they were there for each other from the very first moment even though they basically knew nothing about the other. I also loved the fact Ryder gave space to Carina no matter the consequences; he let her decide what she wanted to do and gave her freedom. He was always a gentleman when it came to her. Another positive trait of Ryder is that he was overprotective of her in a cute and not in an annoying way. Carina had an amazing personality and she was a great heroine.
The only thing I did not like was the miscommunication between Carina and Ryder. It was a little bit nerve-racking when they just ignored each other.
All in all, I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. I love that it also ended on somehow a cliff-hanger with that teaser at the end, so I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Also, a big thank you to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2021
Thanks Netgalley for the eArc of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Well when I saw that the second book is out I was like yes please although I have a long list of Arcs I wish to read before uni.
So the first and I think only one i could relate was this:
I'm taken by an incredibly naked mountain-sized man.
And I was like yes please.
Don't come at me but I hate babies/kids, the general idea of them and me god forbid geo pregnant I would lose my shit. So as you can guess I did skimmed the part baby related. And that's why I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first one.
As for the plot itself it was okay, perhaps I would have liked to see more communication between the MCs instead of I want this or I want that, just ffs communicate try to find a way in between. Oh and the only reason they would talk was because of the kid, bruh no. Don't get me wrong tho, I know the kid is important for the general plot but as I said it is a big nope for me.
Well when I saw that the second book is out I was like yes please although I have a long list of Arcs I wish to read before uni.
So the first and I think only one i could relate was this:
I'm taken by an incredibly naked mountain-sized man.
And I was like yes please.
Don't come at me but I hate babies/kids, the general idea of them and me god forbid geo pregnant I would lose my shit. So as you can guess I did skimmed the part baby related. And that's why I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the first one.
As for the plot itself it was okay, perhaps I would have liked to see more communication between the MCs instead of I want this or I want that, just ffs communicate try to find a way in between. Oh and the only reason they would talk was because of the kid, bruh no. Don't get me wrong tho, I know the kid is important for the general plot but as I said it is a big nope for me.
August 26, 2021
This is the second book in the series and it is just as amazing as the first. I love Carina, she is a strong-willed witch who makes her own path and follows her heart. She doesn't give in to her family's expectations nor easily fall into Ryder's arms and allow him to make all the decisions. She follows her own mind and learns what she really wants through growth and experience. Ryder is the sexy alpha shifter who has to learn how to take over his pack and find a way to make Carina fall in love with him. He has some difficult decisions to make but learns more about love and leadership through those decisions. This was a Romeo and Juliet love story of two people from opposite worlds who will bring about change for all of those in the paranormal world. I can't wait to read the next story to find out what happens to everyone in this world! I highly recommend this story and while you are at it go back and read the first book in the series if you haven't already.
August 16, 2021
I received a free copy of this book and I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.
I love the playlist at the beginning of the book. This book still comes with mature content and trigger warning. Although I don't feel the trigger warning is necessary, there isn't anything vicious or evil intent in the triggers in the book.
This book also starts in the past, jumping into a story of wolves and witches. With Mary being assigned a task by the Goddess. The book does jump back to the present time and back to the end of the first book.
Ryder is a wolf shifter and soon to be alpha. Still, he hates witches, especially since they spelled his father's magic away, leading him to an early demise.
Carina is a witch and granddaughter of the coven leader. She honestly prefers humans ways and not the arranged marriage her grandmother insists on. She wants to be a nurse to use her gift to help others.
Things don't turn as planned as Ryder captures Carina to use her to his advantage. But then Mary shows up, and this gets even more confusing.
This book gets twisted as Ryder lets lose his capture. He does what he wants and has been thinking about but gets shocked by a revelation. I'm not sure how this will work out in the long run, as this couple seems to have many obstacles.
Ohh, mary drops into the picture and gives this book a nice slower twist. Now they must figure it out as to why they are redrawn to each other? I wonder if this somehow relates to the prologue. I wonder if Carina is a half-breed as well or if he is?
Wow, this book is shocking, full of emotional triggers and pulls that will leave tears in your eyes. Carina actually does something I didn't think was possible. Poor Ryder. While he is still dealing with this unthinkable action, he gets more news. I wonder if it will change the outcome.
This book gets steamy, and they both discover the meaning of love. They also both discover the meaning of sacrifice for love. This turns into a delightful romance. Fate is a fickle timeline changing our future as we perceive our decision. The Goddess in this book plays with fate by pairing and ensuring the mated couple find each other and love each other. Despite their wants and desires. She guides them toward an outcome she deems to help end the witches' hatred toward other species and covens.
I really enjoyed this book; it was a great wolf shifter story. I loved the witch introduction in it and how it came about. I also loved that both witches and wolf shifters lived hidden from society as best as possible, the wolves more so than the witches. I loved that their past came full circle from the book's prologue that had a sad outcome. I love the effort Ryder put into showing love rather than a bond, although it took time for that to come about. When it finally did, and she realized it too, it was charming. The author did a great job weaving all stories together in a different way that is exciting to read and delve into.
I look forward to the next book in this series and what fate they may be playing with.
I love the playlist at the beginning of the book. This book still comes with mature content and trigger warning. Although I don't feel the trigger warning is necessary, there isn't anything vicious or evil intent in the triggers in the book.
This book also starts in the past, jumping into a story of wolves and witches. With Mary being assigned a task by the Goddess. The book does jump back to the present time and back to the end of the first book.
Ryder is a wolf shifter and soon to be alpha. Still, he hates witches, especially since they spelled his father's magic away, leading him to an early demise.
Carina is a witch and granddaughter of the coven leader. She honestly prefers humans ways and not the arranged marriage her grandmother insists on. She wants to be a nurse to use her gift to help others.
Things don't turn as planned as Ryder captures Carina to use her to his advantage. But then Mary shows up, and this gets even more confusing.
This book gets twisted as Ryder lets lose his capture. He does what he wants and has been thinking about but gets shocked by a revelation. I'm not sure how this will work out in the long run, as this couple seems to have many obstacles.
Ohh, mary drops into the picture and gives this book a nice slower twist. Now they must figure it out as to why they are redrawn to each other? I wonder if this somehow relates to the prologue. I wonder if Carina is a half-breed as well or if he is?
Wow, this book is shocking, full of emotional triggers and pulls that will leave tears in your eyes. Carina actually does something I didn't think was possible. Poor Ryder. While he is still dealing with this unthinkable action, he gets more news. I wonder if it will change the outcome.
This book gets steamy, and they both discover the meaning of love. They also both discover the meaning of sacrifice for love. This turns into a delightful romance. Fate is a fickle timeline changing our future as we perceive our decision. The Goddess in this book plays with fate by pairing and ensuring the mated couple find each other and love each other. Despite their wants and desires. She guides them toward an outcome she deems to help end the witches' hatred toward other species and covens.
I really enjoyed this book; it was a great wolf shifter story. I loved the witch introduction in it and how it came about. I also loved that both witches and wolf shifters lived hidden from society as best as possible, the wolves more so than the witches. I loved that their past came full circle from the book's prologue that had a sad outcome. I love the effort Ryder put into showing love rather than a bond, although it took time for that to come about. When it finally did, and she realized it too, it was charming. The author did a great job weaving all stories together in a different way that is exciting to read and delve into.
I look forward to the next book in this series and what fate they may be playing with.
Read
July 3, 2021Another intriguing couple that the Goddess put together for a reason.
August 31, 2021
Loved Carina and Ryder's story––even more than Alec and Harlow, and trust me, Alec was my man. There's just something about the feel of this story that sucked me, and I'm still thinking about all the parts that happened after Ryder and Carina were first brought together.
Carina and Ryder aren't afraid to fight for what they both want, and I loved the Ryder wasn't afraid to step aside from some of his duties to pursue the woman he loved and all the things that mattered to him.
This story is full of heart, spice, and adventure. I'd definitely recommend you picking up this second book in this series.
Carina and Ryder aren't afraid to fight for what they both want, and I loved the Ryder wasn't afraid to step aside from some of his duties to pursue the woman he loved and all the things that mattered to him.
This story is full of heart, spice, and adventure. I'd definitely recommend you picking up this second book in this series.
October 4, 2021
Ryder and Carina.
Where do I even begin with these two? Both of which come from vastly different upbringing and know only what they are given at face value. Through this story, and through their relationship, they grow, overcome their stilted versions of what they know to be true and fight for what they both so truly deserve.
As with any well written characters, they make you feel both anguish and anger, happiness and triumphs, and this was a wonderful adventure.
Where do I even begin with these two? Both of which come from vastly different upbringing and know only what they are given at face value. Through this story, and through their relationship, they grow, overcome their stilted versions of what they know to be true and fight for what they both so truly deserve.
As with any well written characters, they make you feel both anguish and anger, happiness and triumphs, and this was a wonderful adventure.
August 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this one! It's not dark like the first one but still has a deep plot. I liked the interactions between the pack especially. I like the view of them we got. I loved Carina and Ryder. I loved their chemistry. I liked that they both refused to go along with the stereotypes and hatred they'd been taught growing up. I liked that Carina stuck to her guns and didn't just go along with whatever anyone else wanted for her. Although at times I just wanted her to just talk to Ryder and figure it out with him. She's stubborn but I liked that she made sure she was following her heart and not just listening to everyone else. I appreciated how Ryder gave her the freedom she needed and didn't push her too hard. He still had all the wolfy alpha stuff I love, but without being an alphahole. I still love Mary. Her sass is so great, and I love her interactions with everyone.
This one was very different than the first book, but I still enjoyed it. It definitely felt easier than the first book and a little more peaceful. But it still had a nice dose of angst and a relationship that developed well and felt believable. I liked getting more of the shifters with this one, and another witch dynamic to see. I'm very curious about the next book and can't wait to read it!
This one was very different than the first book, but I still enjoyed it. It definitely felt easier than the first book and a little more peaceful. But it still had a nice dose of angst and a relationship that developed well and felt believable. I liked getting more of the shifters with this one, and another witch dynamic to see. I'm very curious about the next book and can't wait to read it!
August 21, 2021
Moon Bound is the second book in The Witches’ Bind Trilogy and it is my absolute favourite so far. This book focuses on shifters vs witches which was really interesting and I liked learning about why they all hate each other.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Ryder and Carina. Watching Ryder realise that Carina wasn’t evil like all the other witches was really heartwarming especially the moments where she was interacting with his dad. Ryder is one hot alpha and I wanted to be angry at him in for what he did at the beginning of the book but I couldn’t because everything he did was out of love.
There were so many twists throughout this book that I never saw coming although I did guess who half of the next couple was going to be. I’m so excited to find out how this trilogy is going to end.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Ryder and Carina. Watching Ryder realise that Carina wasn’t evil like all the other witches was really heartwarming especially the moments where she was interacting with his dad. Ryder is one hot alpha and I wanted to be angry at him in for what he did at the beginning of the book but I couldn’t because everything he did was out of love.
There were so many twists throughout this book that I never saw coming although I did guess who half of the next couple was going to be. I’m so excited to find out how this trilogy is going to end.
August 19, 2021
Carina and Ryder were totally swoon-worthy!
Philpitt is at it again with her second installment of The Witches' Bind Trilogy! This book will leave you wanting an alpha werewolf all to yourself.
Carina is a strong witch with a kind heart. When she's betrayed by her own family, she realizes quickly that the family you make for yourself can be stronger than any one of blood. Feeling so strongly about Ryder was something Carina never expected, yet it was something they both needed.
Moon Bound is a beautiful story that reminds us that life is what you make it. You can either roll over and show your belly, or you can stand up for what's right in your heart.
Definitely a must read! You'll fall in love with Carina and Ryder!
Philpitt is at it again with her second installment of The Witches' Bind Trilogy! This book will leave you wanting an alpha werewolf all to yourself.
Carina is a strong witch with a kind heart. When she's betrayed by her own family, she realizes quickly that the family you make for yourself can be stronger than any one of blood. Feeling so strongly about Ryder was something Carina never expected, yet it was something they both needed.
Moon Bound is a beautiful story that reminds us that life is what you make it. You can either roll over and show your belly, or you can stand up for what's right in your heart.
Definitely a must read! You'll fall in love with Carina and Ryder!
September 23, 2021
I’m 70% through and just can’t continue. I understand that fate wants a shifter witch connection but the way this is manipulated is not plausible. I don’t like any of the characters in this story. Ryder is too controlling then shifts to being a little bit compassionate. Carina is mostly helpless then is quite bitchy to Ryder. The whole story is not believable. The wolves live in the woods without civilization but somehow they have money? It’s never explained. The witches survive in a human world, I guess by selling potions but it’s also never explained. I never believed the chemistry between Ryder and Carina so this book falls flat for me. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 17, 2021
4/5⭐️ 2.5/5🔥
I just love when I’m the end, you can’t help but who you love whether your fates mates or not. I adored how Carina and Ryder didn’t base there emotions just because they were dated mates. They learned from there mistakes.
Ryder wants the witches help, Carina’s coven to be exact and when he doesn’t get what he wants he takes Carina. Things don’t go the way they want to go and betrayal, twist and turns are out for them 👀🐺
TW/CW: kidnapping, emotional abuse (not between the mains) and death
💙paranormal romance
🐺 wolf + shifter
💙enemies to frenemies to lovers
🐺fated mates
I just love when I’m the end, you can’t help but who you love whether your fates mates or not. I adored how Carina and Ryder didn’t base there emotions just because they were dated mates. They learned from there mistakes.
Ryder wants the witches help, Carina’s coven to be exact and when he doesn’t get what he wants he takes Carina. Things don’t go the way they want to go and betrayal, twist and turns are out for them 👀🐺
TW/CW: kidnapping, emotional abuse (not between the mains) and death
💙paranormal romance
🐺 wolf + shifter
💙enemies to frenemies to lovers
🐺fated mates
February 23, 2023
This book is literally night and day compared to the first one. I loved everything about it. The plot, the MCs (shifter and witch), the tropes! There’s even one trope which I usually don’t like, that was so beautifully done that I actually loved it… a lot! (trying not to spoil anything here!). The characters’ growth (especially Carina’s)… chef’s kiss 🤌🏻
Kīdñåppīng, one bed, true mates, rejection, hunter/prey (light), ėdgīng, found family
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Kīdñåppīng, one bed, true mates, rejection, hunter/prey (light), ėdgīng, found family
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
June 24, 2023
I haven't read a fantasy like this for a while. Witches & shifters, what could go wrong?!
This book was steamy & exciting! I was sucked right into this world, watching scenes around me form. I really enjoyed this book. I've got book 3 now on my wishlist on amazon. I'm excited to read the last slot of this series - it's quite intense!
This book was steamy & exciting! I was sucked right into this world, watching scenes around me form. I really enjoyed this book. I've got book 3 now on my wishlist on amazon. I'm excited to read the last slot of this series - it's quite intense!
August 21, 2021
Overall I enjoyed this book, it took me a little bit to get into it but once I did it flew by. I really would have liked to see more communication between Ryder and Carina. When the big miscommunication happens I was on pins and needles because I didn’t think they would resolve it. I can’t wait for the final book in the trilogy!!
August 21, 2021
I loved Ryder and Carina’s chemistry. This series keeps getting better and better. I love books in a series that can be read together or standalone. I feel this can be read as a standalone, but some details from the first book appear in the 2nd. Either way it’s a must read
September 20, 2021
This was a superb second book that followed perfectly after the first. Wanting to leave a Witches Coven isn’t so simple, especially trying to live a regular life. Loved every bit of the story.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews