Fluid Bonding

by Sienna Eggler

It’s not that Vi Davis wanted to be alone. It’s just that the outside world doesn’t seem very welcoming for a shy, nonbinary introvert - especially one who can read minds.

But when the gorgeous Hester Milojević approaches Vi in a crowded sports bar, it doesn’t take telepathy to figure out that they share a mutual attraction - even if Vi suspects this towering blonde is way out of their league.

That suspicion deepens even as the two get to know each other better - especially as Vi struggles to reconcile so many emotionally overwhelming first experiences, along with Hester’s mysterious hot-then-cold behavior, and her claims to be something impossible: a vampire.

But even in a world that seems intent on tearing them apart, Vi and Hester can’t help but grow closer to each other - that is until the past and prejudice of their own families threatens to drive a stake through the heart of their relationship once and for all.

Fluid Bonding is an engaging and emotional paranormal romance between nonbinary and neurodivergent characters - described by one reader as “a sweet, realistic romance between two people figuring their way in life.”

Genres: Queer, Lesbian, Romance, Genderfluid, Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 26, 2022

About the author

Hello! I'm Eggler, a black, queer, and autistic novelist.

I primarily write sapphic paranormal romance, sci-fi, fantasy, and horror. Most of my stories include supernatural creatures, such as vampires and shapeshifters, as I find these creatures highly fascinating. My characters, or at least the protagonists are always neurodiverse in some form (ADHD, autism, bipolar, OCD, etc.), and are queer and black.

In short, they share aspects of me.

Reviews

[Jos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rounding down because I felt the pacing was a little off for me.

This was such a weird book. A vampire and a psychic are into one another, and navigating their relationship is the best way I can put it. They learn about themselves through each other's presence.

It's fairly low-key. Don't expect the classic vampire novel action. And while there is some lore, it's not heavy and does require you to just go with the flow. It was kind of neat to see a normal person explain away some common signs that the person they are dating is a vampire, but it did leave me wanting to know more about Hester's origins.

My biggest complaint was that the ending was a little anticlimactic. I wish there was a bit more suspense injected into the novel and that they played with the drama with the father more. I dont usually need much drama, but it felt like there was suddenly no more book. I just wanted to see more antics with this quirky pair.

Great if you want something lightly supernatural with and with low intensity. There is ace representation and a lot of learning about queer, ace, gender nonconforming, poly, and neurodivergent communities. I highly recommend if you're looking to try out some intersectional books but are concerned it might be intimidating. All the topics had an educational feel, and brought up great points. Great for beginners and those well versed on the topics!

[Cindy Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

After stumbling upon Sienna Eggler on Kindle Vella, I couldn't wait to read Fluid Bonding. Eggler is a very talented artist who spins a tale of new young love that everyone can relate too. The obvious differences between the two and the found similarities. The nervous excitement of discovering yourself and your love. Can't wait for thier next publication.

[Kyra Marcotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave a rating of 4 stars because I LOVEEEE the representation in this book. I loved reading a book with autistic main characters from an actually autistic author. And not only the autistic representation, but ADHD, possible demisexual/aromantic, black, nonbinary and queer representation. The way this book explores what it is like to be autistic made me feel so seen and I related to the main characters more than I have in any book I have ever read. But I do wish the book was longer and continued the story. I know the author mentions after the epilogue that she is going to keep going with short stories, but I think the book could have gone longer personally. And I wish there was more in depth details about the lore of Swedish/Serbian vampires that Hester comes from. But overall I really enjoyed it, and want to read more from this author.

[Littlebookterror]

[damn, my review vanished and I know I had a lot to say when I read this but tl;dr has some interesting moments and is my favourite Eggler but still not a very strong book on its own. Eggler creates really unique characters and I loved the focus on mental health, non-monogamy and queerness but the plot and structure are weak and the world feels too vague.]

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vi is non-binary, neurodivergent and a telepath; Hester is neurodivergent and a vampire, though that aspect takes a while to come up. Two people who are different, but also similar, with their own struggles, insecurities, and secrets to hold. But there is something between them as well, as a friendship and relationship start to unfold after meeting in a sports bar, as they navigate each other, learn about each other, and see if they can make it work.

It's a sweet and engaging tale, of emotions and struggles, of opening up, and finding that place with another. And it's not always easy either, especially having family to deal with as well, and all the complications that they bring. I very much enjoyed the story. It is well written, and an interesting setting, one that I want to learn more about.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this off beat vampire story where a psychic and a vampire form a bond. Hester and Vi are on the autism spectrum which gives a different pace and vibe. Not a bad story at all just took me a moment to get into the timing of the writing.