I understand my quintet more with every passing day.
Julian is caring and protective. Miles is sensitive and strong. And Titus is fierce and loyal. However, there is one person who, despite being physically close, remains a mystery to me: Damen Abernathy.
I don't understand why no one else can see it. Even though Damen is surrounded by people who admire him, he’s completely alone. There is a fear behind his actions, and his paranoia.
What is he afraid of?
Or maybe I’m just reading too much into it—I’ve been feeling a bit off myself.
There's something wrong, and I can't figure out what it might be. Is this bond something I should even pursue?
Trigger Warning: The series begins as a Y/A, but the main character is a victim of childhood abuse and trauma of multiple levels. This becomes more prevalent as the series continues, the rating moves higher, and her recovery becomes a focus of her character growth.
Lyla Oweds is an Amazon Bestselling paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who resides in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. She grew up near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania and is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and has a deep appreciation for the paranormal, hauntings, and Edgar Allan Poe. As such, she loves all things fantasy, mystery, crime, and horror.
When not reading, writing, or working as a web programmer, Lyla can be found doing adult-y things such as being a single mom to a toddler and a bird. She also frequently enjoys makeup videos, massages, wine, and coffee.
I could never know, when I started this series on a rainy day on my way to work by public transport, that this would slowly become one of my favorite series ever. I don't think I've ever come across a series that was so well thought out, that has so much mythology and background, that was so beautifully planned. And I never learned the names of all the characters involved as fast as in this series. I'm quite happy that I got an arc for this seventh book!
This installment might be one of my favorites so far. And that's mostly because, as the title already tells us, this focusses entirely on the bonds between the characters, their relationships and how they would like the relationships to evolve. It's therefore an incredibly emotional book where all the characters are confronted with themselves, with their pasts, with their flaws and with their strengths. And it's a book where the characters have to find their way towards each other.
I love how Bianca is growing throughout this series. I can imagine that for some people it all goes a little slowly, but I think this pace is perfect for the kind of character she is. The guys are slowly moving closer and closer towards her boundaries, pushing a little, seeing how far they can go. I love how Oweds described Bianca's emotions when this happens. I love how she beautifully walks the line between panic attacks and enjoyment.
I have to admit that the details of the previous books are a little hazy, but it was quite clear that the characters who have gotten more attention in the previous book got less in this one and vice versa. However, since Julian and Damen are among the most intriguing characters ever I loved spending so much time with them. I needed some time to warm up to Damen, especially, but in this book I actually truly fell in love with him.
Watching Bianca grow throughout the series has been a treat, and seeing her relationship with her guys reach a new level is delightful. What a wonderful character she and the guys are.
Also, the whole series is just fun. I constantly find myself laughing IRL at the stuff that goes through Bianca’s head.
Once again Lyla took me on an amazing journey and I am already looking forward to the next one. This installment made me laugh, cry, yell, and celebrate with all the characters. The growth of the characters was really front and center in this book.
We explore more of Damen's past and learn much more about him and Huo. We get to understand a little more of his character and the motive behind his actions and reactions. We also get to see his relationship with Bianca grow and become something more. Although, it seems he still has an issue with the sharing aspect.
Julian is featured a little more in this book and we get a little more of his past and what motivates him. We get more of his personality and kinks in this book. I have to say I cannot wait for the next one. I am hoping Julian will be front and center of book 8. He is by far my favorite.
Miles is more of a background character in this book. I am glad to see that he has been taking his role in the quintet seriously and that he seems to be taking a more active role. I also love the preview of his writings. I would love to see more of that in future books.
Titus is the sweetest and most caring. He truly takes Bianca's issues and personality into account when he is talking to her and trying to move forward with her at her pace. He is very respectful and uplifting with her. I was happy to see their relationship progress in this book. He is my second favorite and I cant wait to see what happens with them in future books.
I am still 100% shipping Bryce and Finn. I was happy to see that Bianca is still on board with that plan. They would be good for each other. I also love that she is trying to get Gloria and Gregory to rekindle their old flame.
Bianca had so much personal growth in this installment. She stepped out of her comfort zone and showed how strong and amazing she truly is. She is not letting her past hold her back any longer. She seems to be looking forward to a future with her quintet. I am looking forward to her continuing to heal and make strides.
I am emotionally attached to all these characters. This is truly an amazing series that is well written and tugs on the heart strings. I am so invested in their story and I am looking forward to learning more about them and watching them grow together and love each other. I cannot recommend this series enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It’s been a while, but Bianca and her Quintet are back! Don’t worry if your memory is a bit hazy on certain details—Oweds provides a glossary of terms, as well as quick summaries for our Xing and their officers at the front of the book.
(Side Note: I personally think all authors should offer this if they release books in a series over a long period of time. It’s a big deterrent to continue a series when I can’t remember who the characters are.)
As the title suggests, this book centered on Bianca’s growing bonds—with her friends, family, and a certain redheaded onmyoji. It is largely told from Bianca’s POV; Titus, Miles, and Julian each have one chapter from their perspective, whilst Damen has two.
We finally get some much anticipated answers in regards to the mystery cloaking Mu’s actions. Bianca also has her first face-to-face with her birth-father. But, without a doubt, my favorite parts involved Bianca’s continued entrepreneurial endeavors.
This is such an amazing series, and Oweds continues to blow me away with her intricate world and characters. I can’t wait for the next installment!
Title: Bond (The Grimm Cases #7) by Lyla Oweds POV(s): Multiple—First Person Interconnected Series: Yes Standalone: No Cliffhanger: No HEA: TBD Relationship: Reverse Harem Genre(s): Paranormal Romance Triggers: N/A
It’s insane where this series has come from to where it is now. I honestly would never have expected where the plot would have gone from Book 1 to now. Bianca has displayed so much growth and has matured a lot during the series.
The plot of this book demonstrates that pretty well. Bianca has been forming these attachments with her quintet, but the one who seems the furthest away is Damen. Something seems to be blocking him from showing himself to Bianca truly, and she’s had enough of it. While she’s trying to figure out that, her family bonds, and her plan for earning some money, Bianca has been having this horrible feeling and voice in her dreams. It’s terrifying and dreadful. She can never remember what her dreams are about except for the impending doom that something is very wrong.
I’ve been waiting for some more action between the quintet and wow this book just got amped up. It was easy to see that Bianca is becoming more comfortable with her body and trusting the boys to keep her safe. It’s great to see from her and especially as a reader. I DIED reading Julian’s scene.
Anyway, we finally revealed the big series mysteries and how it’s all about how to fix the issues. I can’t wait to see what happens in the coming books.
This book did really good with moving forward. Bianca showed a lot of growth from the previous books while also still being herself. Her interactions with her family was lovely to read, especially with her father. I love how Lyla explored her relationship with her brothers and had them express more of their feelings of growing up without Bianca and everything else that happened afterward. I’m glad she is slowly fixing her friendship with Finn (I was really rooting for him so that made me very happy!) Her relationship with her quintet is well written. I especially loved how her trauma wasn’t something that just magically disappeared, but instead was something that had whatever was happening in the moment, slowed down and/or completely stopped and talked about to help her heal. All in all the pacing of this book was fantastic and I’m excited for book 8.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Whenever a new book comes out for this series I totally geek out and inhale these books, yes I am totally invested in the guys but it's Bianca that has sucked me in and given me the need to protect her. Yes I know she is a character, duh..... Boy has she stepped in it again, but you know Damen is not without blame. I mean she should know by now how she thinks and interprets words and actions. BUT no he is just as naive as she is when it comes to matters of the heart. Oh and Julian, OMG his hatred of Damen really comes into a head and words are said but thankfully good words are said too and considering their current situation they really need work together. This book though, I am so proud of Bianca and how far she has come.
This book focuses heavily on the bonds and relationships between all of the characters. I loved seeing the vulnerabilities, but also the bonds being strengthened. We learn some secrets that Mu has been keeping - which were surprising to me, but also make things make so much sense. I loved seeing Bianca meet her family and, of course, Bianca is so delightfully quirky - her inner dialogue makes me laugh with its devious and slightly evil tones :) I can’t wait to see what happens next with this series!
I was thrilled to be able to dive back into the world of the Xing. Bianca has come a long way, but there’s still so much more for her to navigate in life. I loved seeing more of her past lives come into play, and watch as her relationships with her family, her quintet, and the officers has deepened. I hope to see her grow even more, because there are so many questions, and way too many enemies to stop now!
In this book we focus on Bianca’s bonds with everyone who surrounds her. We get a lot more answers in this book regarding Mu and his actions. Bianca also finally meets her family/father for the first time which was w interesting. Her brothers definitely become more loveable in this book. This was such an amazing read….i need more
This is book 7 of this series and felt like we really dug in deep with this one. Not only the relationship with Damon but also with Bryce and Brayden. Also Bianca’s internal monologues were the best. Reminded me of why I loved this series to begin with! Looking forward to book 8.
One of my fave series! This book continues off where the last one ended. I love seeing the progression with the xing’s relationships. Bianca is an amazingly resilient main character I love how even though she’s been through the worst that humankind has to offer she still sees the good in humanity! Absolutely pumped for more in this series 😍
Ohh this just got good. Like the start of a good series where it just starts to get intense and keep you in the edge of your seat good. I need the next book. This is amazing
Thoroughly recommend this author. All her series have strong characters & detailed plots. Genuinely cant put them down until I finish all the available books
I love how this story is going. The FMC really grows in this book both for herself and the bonds with the guys. Some of the questions you have are answered as well. Get to see some new friendships get developed too.
What a book this one is, so much in thrown into it but of course always leaves you asking... what's gonna happen, why did this happen and so on. Bond is book 7 in the Grimm Cases and does not disappoint either. Could not put this book down! The development in this book is just amazing B is moving on and forgiving Finn but learning and understanding why, trying with her family and the relationship between her and the boys 🔥 This book filled in so many gaps that have been growing in the last books, questions answered that you never even thought of! Those of course B ends up getting more into trouble then helping... and the break up! So much happens in this book but my most part I'm looking forward to is what happens when after to agrees with Julian 🙈 Highly recommended, no cliffhanger (thank god)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Don’t start this series because the author has already said she will not be completing it. The author has instead started writing a “re-imagining” that is loosely based on this incomplete series.