Bound: The Complete Collection: Books 1 to 4

Bound #1-4

by Shandi Boyes

When a novice tiptoes into the world of dominance, sparks of passion become dangerous flames.

Struggling journalist, Cleo Garcia, was chosen to investigate the members of an exclusive club. Her first instinct is to turn down the assignment, but when her boss offers to pay medical benefits for her sick sister, it is too good to refuse. When the 'club' is more intense than anticipated, she leaves in a panic, and accidentally slides into the wrong car...

Marcus Everett prefers when people come to him, and in a way, that's what Cleo did when she slid into his car at one of his events. There's something familiar about her, and although he wants to use that knowledge to draw her into his dominating world, he can't. It must be her decision.

Secrets are shared, lines are drawn, and limitations are discussed before either of them realize who the other is, but by then, it's too late. Cleo is spellbound by Marcus's charm.

If forced to choose between her heart, her job, and her sister's wellbeing, which direction will Cleo take when she learns she isn't the only one digging up hidden secrets?

Book included in this
Chains
Links
Bound
Restrain

Author This book is recommended for those over the age of eighteen. It includes multiple steamy scenes, elements of BDSM, and involves adult situations. * For TWs please visit the author's website.

Please note the font has been minimized to fit in 390,000 words into one book.

Genres: BDSM, Smut, Romance, Fiction, Erotica

Paperback

Published July 28, 2022

About the author

Shandi Boyes is a USA Today Bestselling Author who was an avid reader for many years before she discovered the love of writing in February 2016. Her first penned novel 'Perception of Life’ is a new adult rockstar romance that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very last word.

In September 2016, her focus shifted to hot alpha men in steamy contemporary reads that sizzle off the pages. Shandi’s novel ‘Enigma of Life’ is an award-winning story on an FBI agent and the subject she was assigned to investigate. Her men are swoon-worthy, devoted, and alpha; and her heroines are strong-willed, determined, and loveable. You should start her stories first thing in the morning, or you may not sleep.

You will laugh and you will cry, but Shandi's characters will stay with you for a lifetime!

Join my newsletter: subscribepage.com/authorshandi

SERIES ORDER:
Perception of Life (Noah and Emily #1)
Reality of Life (conclusion of Noah's story #2)
Fight of Life (Jacob's story - standalone #3)
Player of Life (Nick & Jenny - standalone #4)
Beats of Life (Slater's story - standalone #5)

Enigma:

Enigma of Life (Isaac #1) - ** FREE **
Unraveling an Enigma (Isaac #2)
Enigma: The Mystery Unmasked (Isaac #3)
Enigma: The Final Chapter (conclusion of Isaac's story #4)
Beneath the Secrets (Hugo #1)
Beneath the Sheets (Hugo #2)
Spy Thy Neighbor (Hunter's Story)
The Opposite Effect
I Married a Mob Boss
Second Shot

Bound:

Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Russian Mob Chronicles:

Nikolai: A Mafia Prince Romance
Nikolai: Taking Back What's Mine
Nikolai: What's Left of Me

You will laugh and you will cry, but my characters will stay with you forever!

I love writing and reading. They are both my passion. My genre is generally set to new adult and contemporary, with a few twists thrown in.

Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/Author-Shand...

Amazon Author Page:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01D8C13WU

Enjoy reading!

Reviews

[Awena Trd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really hesitating between 3,5 and 4 out of 5. I liked it a lot because of Marcus and Cleo's chemistry. It's a beautiful and complicated love story and a tragic one at that. Plus it's spicy so I recommend it. However, there are some things that need to be said and truths that need to be restored.

First, sometimes the inner monologue is a bit repetitive and maybe it's because I read the 4 books in a row, but I was too obsessed to stop.

Then, if you don't like stories with miscommunication please, be advised, it's 70% of the plot. They don't communicate and even of Marcus has reasons, it was annoying as hell at times especially because I felt like Cleo was the only one punished when she isn't entirely at fault. And a lack of communication in a BDSM book is... Original.

I would have loved for Cleo to be a bit more lucid, not necessarily about Marcus's lies or half truth because it can be hard to be lucid when all the evidence points to treachery but when she should have realized HE was in the wrong. She should have had more of a backbone tbh. Especially when he says he's trying to protect her when he clearly is trying to control her. Minor spoiler here: when he bugged her phone, he could have told her, he didn't, that's an invasion of privacy and it strips her of her control when SHE DID NOT AGREE TO IT.

I also would like to add that BDSM relationships can be romantic. No all of them have a specified duration in time unless it's to revise the rules. You can find a lot of BDSM couples (that are in a romantic relationship) on Tik Tok for instance or on the internet. BDSM is not only about control and pain and play, it also can be about healing and correcting bad habits and behavior. It's a coping mechanism and some people need to be in love in order to let themselves go into the BDSM realm.

Another thing that made my hackles rise is BIG SPOILER AHEAD YOU MIGHT WANT TO STOP READING...



... Lexi says that Cleo doesn't want to have an abortion and it's practically a sneer. It might be true but abortion shouldn't be considered like something evil. In my opinion, raising a child alone when you don't have a job and have a sister with a bad health is not the best idea for all parties involved. So considering an abortion does not make a monster, it makes her a responsible person and lucid one. It's not a shame to get an abortion and frankly, I felt like the author was practically saying that. If Jackson, as a doctor, had said something to reprimand Lexi's comment, my understanding of the scene would have been different. But I felt like this scene was shaming women who even consider having an abortion. Never forget: your body, your choice. And whatever the fanatics tell you, a group of cells is not necessarily conscious otherwise, you're killing a lot of conscious things within your body, daily.

Also, Cleo wasn't taking any birth control? What?

So yes, it's an interesting read but I had to remind myself that it was fiction and that some elements of the story weren't necessarily based on truth and real facts.

[Tara Ramey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard time rating but I mostly enjoyed it.

Written in single first person POV (all but two chapters in the entire series are from Cleo’s POV). Each book has a decent amount of steamy scenes with some BDSM thrown in (nothing too extreme). I realize that a lot of reviewers will compare this series to Fifty Shades but the main characters and plots are shockingly similar. Given this, if you didn’t enjoy Fifty Shades then I don’t think that you will enjoy this series.

I had several issues with this series:
- Repetition of some words. “Womb” was repeatedly used and it just irked me. “Skerrick” was also used a lot which is a word I’ve never encountered before but leads me to my second issue.
- The series is set in the US (primarily east coast) but the author uses words/phrases not common in the US and doesn’t seem to understand how health insurance and the field of journalism work here. This leads to my third issue.
- Because of the author’s lack of understanding or research, there was a plot issue. (There was another plot hole that I won’t elaborate on because it would be a spoiler but it was always in the back of my mind.) Some of the things that happened would never have happened which then wouldn’t have caused a conflict that set up the next part of the book.
- My fourth issue is also plot-related but it has more to do with the “mysteries” at the center of the series. I don’t think that the series ended with good reasoning for everything and in fact the ending seemed rushed.
- The last thing I’m going to mention is with Cleo’s character. The author repeatedly uses the word “moral” in Cleo’s inner monologue. Cleo thinks that BDSM isn’t moral but in reality it just goes against her more conservative beliefs. Cleo is also obsessed with not being labeled a submissive but she doesn’t articulate her reasoning very well.

Overall, it was an interesting series and while slow at times, I’m glad that I read it.

[Steven Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.**

At first I struggled reading the Bound: Four Book Boxed Set by Shandi Boyes. If you enjoy a long drawn out drama (a lot of drama) with slowly built up romantic BDSM story you may enjoy Bound. I found myself skipping pages, especially when Master Chains and Cleo are flirting by text and chat. I did find the last half of Restrain (book #4) better than the first three books.

**Note from here on, I am reviewing all four books together rather than individually.**

Boyes is a skilled writer and creates superbly detailed characters. I hated Richard, and especially despised and hated Delilah. Boyes wrote Richard and Delilah so well, I found myself angry at how manipulative both characters were. I struggled through the first three books as I could not get into the drawn out drama and the back and forth between Marcus and Cleo. The last book Restrain has some great twists, and for that one book alone, I raised my opinion of the four book box set considerably.

Ever since 50 Shades of Grey I have been leery of books containing elements of the BDSM lifestyle. Boyes does an excellent job realistically portraying the BDSM lifestyle. I like how Cleo is gradually introduced into the lifestyle. Rather than going from clueless virgin to hard BDSM Boyes slowly eases Cleo into the lifestyle.

Sex occurs much later than I expected. I did not care for the long slow build up. I also did not care for the cheating elements found in Bound. Sex is graphic and on the harder explicit side, but not so graphic as to become erotica or word porn. Sex is sorta safe with some condom use except for oral sex. Bound is not stroke material if you seek spanking material look elsewhere.

There is some harder elements of BDSM with flogging and hard cane use. I did not appreciate that Marcus lost control caning Cleo to the point she could not sit down. However, considering the situation at the time of Marcus and Cleo I could certainly see how even a very experienced dom could lose control.

Because I didn’t meet a black person until I went to basic (where I grew up in the arse hole of Idaho there are no black people) I am ignorant of the black culture. Perhaps I missed some of the subtleties and connotations found in Bound.

If I received it for free again I might read more of Boyes’ writing. I would not have purchased Bound only because erotic BDSM romance is not really something I enjoy reading.

[Mom's Guilty Pleasure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Boxset written by Shandi Boyes has four complete novels...a few cliffhangers...hang in there~you won’t be disappointed!

Chains (book one in the Bound Box Set)
5+

“Devour. Worship. Possess.”

There are a handful of authors that you know ANY time you crack open a new book they wrote you will be lost in the story and left completely satisfied...except for being greedy for the next new release. Shandi is one of those authors I can’t get enough of her words. I was so excited to sit down with this book and dive in. As expected I was not disappointed.

“I’ve never wanted to break the rules as much as I do right now.”


This book has EVERYTHING you can want and more...control, secrets, jealousy, discovery, chemistry, self doubt, self growth and steamy steamy moments.

“..you’re letting your fears lead your desires, instead of dancing with them.”


When two different backgrounds that come together with a bit of deceit try to mold into a world that takes complete trust. Is it possible to cross to that or are you destined to stay in the mindset that you’ve known your whole life?

“I showed him a side of me no one has ever seen. I gave him pieces of me I’ll never get back, and this is how he repays me.”



Links (Book 2 of the Bound Box Set)
5+

“Hate is easy. Love is complicated.”

This series is filled with cliffhangers. If you didn’t read Chains you won’t be caught up right away in Links. Eventually the backstory gets intertwined in Links, but it isn’t revealed instantly if that is something you like I’d recommend reading Chains first (either way you’ll want to get your hands on book one).

“Be who you are, not what you think someone wants you to be.”

You start to understand more of each character, why they live the way they do, what they are passionate about and what they won’t sacrifice (so they believe).

“This isn’t just his domain. It is mine as well.”

There were tissues needed while reading this book, I could have also used a fan at parts, I loved the humor, loyalty, maturity, mannerisms and was frustrated and angry with some characters. This book brings out all the emotions.

“I've never understood fate, but I know there is a more significant hand at play when it comes to my relationship…”

I can not wait for the continuation of these characters in book 3 of the box set Bound. I know another cliffhanger is in my future, but I’ll take it if it means getting more of Mr. Chains.

“...the most appealing part of his package. It is the dominance beaming from his heavy-hooded gaze.”


Bound (book 3 of Bound Box Set)
5+

“You know that feeling you get when your whole world is about to become undone?”

Bound starts up right where the cliffhanger from Links left off...smooth transition so make sure to have both on hand when you sit down to read. So far this is my favorite of the series. I don’t know how Restrained will top this.

“I cup his jaw with my trembling hands and seal my mouth over his, expressing every emotion coursing through me via a kiss instead of worthless words.”

This book is filled with twist and turns. It was such an emotional read. You could feel the heartache, loyalty, secrets, love and fear.

“I am done. Swept away. Completely and utterly shattered.”

It is so real you can’t help fall more in love with the storyline and want them to come out of the dark and into the light.

“Some events in life are minor bumps in our travels; others cause huge detours, but no matter which journey your life takes, you always end up where you are supposed to be.”



Restrained (book 4 in Bound Box Set)
5+

“My heart smashes into my ribs so fast, it feels like it’s moments away from breaking out of my chest cavity.”

The books in this series get better and better and draw you in like no other. As you read this last book you will be led through so many twist and turns you won’t be able to keep your own thoughts straight. You won’t know who you can trust, who your friends are, where your loyalties should lie.

“When you trust me, it is the greatest compliment. Just like your distrust is the biggest disparagement…”


I was frustrated, relieved, crying, shocked, wanting revenge and yet kept holding out hope. I felt like I was the one living through these tormented events I was so emotionally deep in the story.

“I just wanted a piece of him that no one else had. I wanted to claim him as my own—much like he did by placing his collar around my neck. I never wanted it to end us.”

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Bound Box Set contains the complete collection (all four books) of the Bound series by Shandi Boyes. This is a superb, spellbinding series with everything you could ever ask for from a Rockstar/contemporary romance. There is a swoony, alpha type leading man and a beautiful, intelligent and hard-working leading lady- who set the pages of my book/s on fire. The stories have suspense, intrigue, drama, danger, excitement, BDSM, electrifying chemistry, wonderful characters, erotic situations, and so much more. Each book holds its own in the series, each one worthy of a five star. Be prepared to become addicted to the books, as well as Ms. Boyes bold, sexy and captivating style. I have read all of her books now, and she blows me away every single time. Just when I think that there is just no way she will be able to top the last book, she ups the ante and produces another gem! Her imagination and creativity know no bounds. She is one of my favourite authors, and her books are a one-click, sight unseen, instant purchase- because I just know whatever it is I will absolutely LOVE.
This collection is not only a great way to get a riveting read, but as it also contains the entire series, it represents fantastic value for money, as well as there having no wait between books. A real WIN-WIN if you ask me.
The Bound series is such a powerful story, and one I definitely won’t forget anytime soon- it is electrifying reading and had me hooked right from the first page. I expected that these books would be fantastic, because let’s face it, all of Ms. Boyes books are- but I was surprised by just how much this series burrowed its way under my skin and into my heart. I was, and am, completely invested in these characters and their passionate and somewhat tumultuous story. I couldn’t love two characters more that I love Cleo and Marcus. They are so beautifully crafted, and quite intricately detailed- from their appearances right through to the small nuances of their personalities. At first, they may seem worlds apart, but as we (and they) get to know each other it becomes more than apparent that they are perfect for each other, if only they could get out of their own way.
The last four years has been quite traumatic for Cleo Garcia on many levels- personally, professionally and financially- she has had intense personal heartache, as well as seen her career soar to a top-level position, before plunging right back down to the bottom of the ladder. When an opportunity presents itself to regain a top position with the media company she works for, as well as benefit from some added bonuses, and increase her income dramatically- Cleo jumps at the chance- even if she is a little dubious about what she is expected to do. She knows that this will be an intense investigation, but what she didn’t expect was to encounter a blast from the past, who then introduces her to a world and experiences she could never have imagined. It all has to be too good to be true, right?
Follow along as this incredible story unfolds, through all the highs and lows, heartache, bliss, secrets, hidden agendas, surprises, twists and turns. The story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave an impression that will be hard to forget.
You really need to read this series and unearth all the exquisite details for yourself, you really won’t regret it.
This Box Set contains:
-Chains
-Links
-Bound
-Restrained

If this author isn’t on your ‘must-read-author’ list, then she really should be- because you are missing out on some incredible reading.

I can’t wait to see what Ms. Boyes has in store for us next!

Thank you, Ms. Boyes!

[Laura Furuta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound: Four Book Boxed Set
By: Shandi Boyes
5 out of 5 stars

Boxed Set Includes: Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained
The boxed set of the series Bound has the four books in the series all in one. I have read many books by this author and have always found that once I start reading her stories that they are very, very hard to put down. This is the latest series I have read by her and the latest example of her wonderful writing and how she creates amazing characters that I fall in love with. This is the story of Cleo and the businessman that she is investigating. From the first time that these two meet you read of the intense physical attraction between them. As you read each book this attraction only gets stronger and they find themselves not able to stay away from each other. I loved the character of Cleo. She is a strong, independent woman. She also is the type of person that is loyal to those she loves and cares about and puts their needs and happiness before her own. She is a journalist whose assignment has her researching the BDSM community and lifestyle. As she soon finds out, what she always thought regarding the BDSM community may have to do more with what society thinks rather than what she is discovering. She starts a journey that includes instances of self-discovery and you read about how her feelings grow for the businessman that she has met and starts to fall for. He has a dominant personality and the need to control. His feelings for Cleo are different than he has had for any other woman. He is determined that Cleo will be his. These two can’t stop thinking about each other and find they don’t want to be without each other. When these two get together the feelings between them are intense. I loved the bantering that goes on between these two. There are also times where misunderstandings and conflicts arise. There are plenty of hot and steamy scenes between them. Will these two find their HEA or will situations they find themselves in and the decisions that they both make lead to them to walk away from each other? This is a series that should be read in order as the story ends and then picks up again in the next book. Not only does it have a steamy love story, it also has a storyline which includes mystery and secrets that had me wondering what was going to happen next. This story had my emotions going up and down like a rollercoaster. There were times when I laughed, got frustrated, and had tears in my eyes. There are many other characters that I enjoyed reading about and make the series enjoyable. It is a series that I would recommend for those over the age of 18 as it does have adult situations, scenes that include BDSM situations and will have you turning the air conditioning up and reaching for a glass or ice water. Don’t miss out on reading this series!

[Chantelle Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound Complete Box Set of Four incredible books from author Shandi Boyes. This is my third read from author and it has been such a pleasure and amazing experience to read all four books in one series all after each other, and not have to deal with waiting for release dates after some incredible cliff-hanger endings.

This complete collection includes Chains (Book 1), Links (Book 2), Bound (Book 3) & Restrained (Book 4). This author has an amazingly incredible writing style in which she creates flawless storylines/plots and amazing characters. These books flow seamlessly throughout each book but also when one ends and another begins the events carry on from where we left off. These book have been totally captivating, mesmerizing and compelling to read, so much so I have be unable to put them down until I finished!

These stories are thrilling, suspenseful, sexy, exciting, intriguing. They are filled with action, adventure, passion, love, secrets, pain and twists and turns that hold you throughout wondering what really could happen next. Each of these books would be worthy of 5 stars each and each one of them is unique and stands out among the others until you come to read the next one and have the same amazing experience reading that one! You can never truly say which book out of the four are the best as they all hold their own!

Cleo and Marcus are our main characters that through the course of their journey of the four reads you see their relationship flourish, develop, deepen. They have an undeniable connection that is present from the moment they meet. But also they have passion, trust and faith in one another even after the various secrets that are revealed or truths that are uncovered. I loved their relationship it was great to see Marcus slowly trying to let his control go, let down his walls, especially to someone like Cleo. She is everything he doesn't realize he needs/ wants they have an understanding that works for the both of them even with Cleo’s reluctant stubbornness and her ways of defying Marcus to no end, but boy oh boy are they perfect!

Not only that the secondary characters are just as compelling and make an impact on the story as much as the main ones. Lexi & Jackson are the ones who make the biggest impact on Cleo and Marcus’s story as they are involved in a lot of things especially regarding Lexi’s health.

My one downside to these reads, I would have loved to read some of it from Marcus’s POV especially with certain situations. But nevertheless, it was still written brilliantly.


I'm so glad I got to read this collection, I will most definitely be recommended to others to fall head over heels for the incredible stories. I can't wait to see what else this author brings I will be looking forward to more from Shandi Boyes and her incredible writing

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chains is book one and introduces us to Cleo, Marcus and Master Chains. I instantly fell in love with these characters. As I did with Boyes characters from the Enigma and Perception series. The ending though…I just want to shake this author! Boyes writing style pulls the reader right into the story where nothing else matters.

Links is book two and continues Cleo and Marcus’ adventure. However, my heart is breaking for Cleo because I know that there is evil at work here. I can feel something big is about to happen!

“Because it isn’t what we have in value that defines us; it is how well we rise after falling that shows our true spirit.”

I am also beginning to see a pattern for this author…she really likes a cliff hanger where the reader is screaming NOOOOO!!! Right up to the last word!

Bound is book three in this series and starts off right where Links leaves us! This adventure is “A true rollercoaster ride.” Exactly the way Cleo’s emotions are through-out the entire book! This book has been by far my favorite. The action both in the bedroom…er….playroom and out leaves me a little breathless. So looking forward to reading more about Marcus before Cleo kills him!

Restrained is the fourth book and the exciting conclusion that will rip you open and put you back together again. This book is faster paced than the rest of the series. It is exactly how a conclusion should be…except that there are a few characters that go MIA so does that mean there will be more?!? As far as Cleo and Marcus’ story they truly have “The best of both worlds”. This story was worth every penny spent and every tear shed.

I highly recommend this series!

“Call me a coward or any other derogative word you like. I won’t put up a protest. Until you have been through what I’ve been through, you can’t judge my actions.”

[Debi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound: Four Book Boxed Set by Shandi Boyes

5 Stars

***sigh*** Not sure how this author does it but she totally shatters me with all of her books, I don't even know how many of hers I've read but I can say it is not enough. When I started this series the first book was awesome and had me hooked as usual, book two and three in a few places had me wondering if I was going to make it through, the whole storyline dragged a bit in a few spots which shocks me to say but..in saying that by the 4th book everything that happened in books 2 and 3 made perfect sense and needed to happen...the 4th of this series brought all of my expectations when reading this authors books back to making sense again.

Cleo and Marcus were an awesome couple that seemed to hit brick walls constantly yet her faith in what they had kept any major drama from ever completely following through, until towards the end...the little twists and turns were 100% in perfect Shandi fashion and how everything played out and how all the loose ends came together just strengthened my confidence in her. I experienced every emotion possible while reading this story and am sincerely sorry it has ended.

There is just too much that went on for me to try to sum up anything to do with the storyline so I'm not even going to try, I will just say that She’s done it again and I want more, there's still a few I have not read so I look forward to that and I want to wait a bit and reread this whole series because the next time I'll appreciate more of what was going on.

Many thanks to this author for another home run..

Amazingly Awesome!!

[Linda Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the plot and many characters with their varying personalities. Bound includes BDSM elements and the storyline is based around a BDSM club called Chains. However the BDSM lifestyle isn’t touched upon that often. Cleo’s parents and younger brother died in a car crash. She has been providing and looking after Lexi ever since. Cleo is an investigative reporter and goes undercover to find out who owns Chains. With an exclusive invitation to a Chains party in her shaking hand, wearing a mask to cover her identity, a red negligee and a coat she refuses to remove...things are about to get interesting. Cleo is open minded and not judgemental but certainly doesn’t want to take part she takes a hurried exit when she’s seen enough. She jumps into the back of her drivers car and halts because there is a masked man with the most enigmatic green eyes looking at her. Cleo realises in her haste she has gotten into the wrong car but finds herself drawn to him. They talk and he takes her back in to his office where he interviews her. She realises that this is Master Chains himself and wants to get closer to him because their sexual chemistry is off the charts. Intrigued she continues her investigation into the lifestyle through the online chatting with the Chains community members. Master Chains and Cleo talk online daily until they meet again and he asks her to be his sub.
Don’t want to add much more and spoil the books because their is so much more to them. There are plenty of twists and turns and you won’t know who can be trusted and who can’t. Only reason I gave four stars was because at times I thought it dragged a bit but this was a very enjoyable read.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW... This is an incredibly complicated story that covers tragedy, loss, fate, steamy romance, family, self-discovery, BDSM lifestyle, obsession, sickness - Cystic Fibrosis and love. First, this describes different types of families. Second, it talks about fierce family loyalty. Thirdly, it talks about the death of loved ones and how it affects those left behind. Fourthly, It incorporates the danger associated with being stalked and with those who have an unhealthy obsession. The overall storyline is about an African American Rock Star who is a Dom and he meets a Latin woman, who is an investigative reporter working undercover at a BDSM club. Marcus Everett is intrigued and beguiled by the beautiful Cleo Garcia. Their lives had crossed four years earlier in a hospital elevator. Cleo just received the most devastating news and rushed to the hospital in tears. While in the elevator a stranger with a kind soul (Marcus) provided her (Cleo) with a shoulder to cry on, arms to embrace and feel safe in and most importantly comfort. Four years later they cross paths again but this time their chemistry is off the charts. The rest of the story is about their tumultuous romance and the people they love. It includes the people around them, some good and some dangerous. I am glad to have been able to read the entire series in one sitting. It took several hours to get through but it was so worth the time. I really like this author's writing style. It is down-to-earth, engaging, intriguing, sexy and most importantly realistic. I can honestly say that I was not bored, not once. This is an excellent series and I highly recommend it.

[L.L]

Honestly I really can't be bothered to go through each book and give it a review but I like giving them reviews because it keeps me on track with my reading habits ect..
I read the whole series as the box set but i did so online and because of that i read the whole series as one big book. I honestly have no idea how i feel about this series because i still feel so confused as to what on earth was going on. Like, during the first three books it was like "ok mhm makes sense" but at the same time, i was so angry about much miscommunication was going on between Cleo and Marcus and whenever there was a problem between them, the author would spend so much time elaborating on how cleo feels about it and how wrong marcus was for doing what he did, but the minute it actually came down to talking about said issue, there would be no communication whatsoever except for the one phrase that actually became an inside joke between my friend and I: "you make me reckless cleo"🤭. I actually kind of understand what the author was doing though, they were trying to build this whole personality complex for Marcus whilst trying to give him some sort of background by removing his ability of expressing how he feels and what he thinks of certain situations but the author brings up his parents like a few times and about how he doesn't speak to them but never expands on the why or anything related to that except for the fact that she meets them and they don't like her and Marcus doesn't want them involved in their life.

Shit really went down south when the fourth book, restrain, came along. I was so confused throughout the entire book, now that I have finished it, i am still confused.
⚠️SPOILER ALERT⚠️
The book starts off with Marcus being livid at Cleo kissing another guy because she thought that Marcus was cheating on her after she got sent a picture of Marcus and another girl. In hindsight, this could have been avoided with a little communication; if she had just spoken to Brodie about who sent it to her.Or instead of running away from Brodie and giving him the chance to explain that the photo had been photoshopped this could have been avoided. But again, it makes sense, it easy to say in hindsight this and in hindsight that, because when i was reading that chapter, I was also thinking that motherfucking prick. In Cleo's defence, Marcus's communication skills had been at all time low that week and she knew he was lying to her about going to Florida. Cleo used the same tactic Marcus had used when trying to apologise to Cleo the last time they had a bit of a tiff. She apologised the only way she knew Marcus would try to take her apology, by signing his contract.
Again, i really do think communicaton could have done a better job.

This is the part that confuses me the most, the ex-boss/ bully comes to their house and shows the article about to be printed about Marcus and his BDSM club was under Cleo's name. Cleo runs to Marcus in attempts to warn him about the upcoming realease of the article about him, but he breaks up with her, live. In front of millions of people The next few days are spent her getting harassed and THIS MF DID IT ON PURPORSE. She's broke, has no job, currently pregnant and is the primary care taker for her sister (who is ill) and the next few days are hell. And this PRICK DID IT ON PURPORSE. FOR HER "SAFETY"? Are you fucking kidding me right now?
Anyways, in attempt to get a reason as to why her check has not cleared through from her old job, she goes to the gala with Dexter. Little did she know that was the worst thing she could do. Marcus takes her to another room during the gala, and says things like “you are mine” and really possessive statements and the continues to ‘do’ her. As soon as this man is done he walks away like nothing happened leaving Cleo on the floor crying. I am sorry but no matter what his fucking reasoning is nothing can excuse that behaviour; I really wish he spent a few weeks grovelling for her forgiveness. Dexter then finds her on the floor walks her out of the room but as soon as Cleo sees Marcus with Kiera on his arm in the ballroom, she decides that the evening is over, and she would like to leave. Dexter doesn’t take this lightly and throws this HUGE ASS FIT about how he could treat her right and blah blah blah. She ends up announcing to the whole world that she pregnant with Marcus’s baby. Great way to tell him Cleo, Well Done.
Well, the next few events gave me whiplash, and I mean fucking whiplash. To the point that right now, I am still taking a while to actually process what the actual fuck happened. It turns out that Dexter, was out of his mind. Richard who threw himself of a fucking cliff is still alive AND WE NEVER FIND OUT WHY OR HOW? Dexter stabs Richard after he tries to warn her of the upcoming doom and then continues to try to do a C-section in the middle of the FUCKING LIVING ROOM. That doesn’t go to plan because Lexi, who was locked in the parents room and who is also quite ill with Cystic Fibrosis, breaks down the door and shoots Dexter just in time for Marcus to come in with Shian, the FBI agent. It was all just big fat huh??? Also, I forgot to mention, after she announced she was pregnant, Marcus denied his fatherhood to the child on TV. So hes all like Baby I love you and all the other please stay with me crap. But even at the last chapter, a lot of questions remained unanswered. Like, why does Marcus have a bad relationship with his parents? At first, we thought that Richard was the stalker but then we find it was actually Dexter, why go through all of that thought? What was his motive? Why doesn’t Marcus bloody apologise to Cleo? Why does the story skip straight to the part where they are together again? As soon as the ex-boss/bully released the article they disappear never to be seen again, even their stuff is still in their office, why? Where did she go? Like there was a lot and I mean A LOT Marcus and Cleo needed to straighten out. I understand that the author did write a chapter from his perspective where he explains why he did what he did but he still fucked up even if he did it with good intentions doesn’t excuse his actions. He may have done it to protect her from physical harm but what he did caused her emotional and mental harm. I really wished that there was a chapter where explained things to HER and apologised to HER and communicated with HER. Honestly, overall I was a bit sceptical of the book but it was quite good, it had me hooked and I absolutely loved reading it.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound by Shandi Boyes is her emotional symphony in four parts and this one is like a precious gift – all four parts in one boxed set! The parts that the whole is made out of are Chains, Links, Bound and Restrained! I am sure you can get a slight feeling for the story by just reading the titles … and for sure, these stories are not for faint of heart and you really should be over eighteen to read them …
Bound is Cleo’s journey into the world of dominance, it is filled with secrecy and intrigue and hatred and love and submission and everything that one has ever thought of the BDSM world. And then there is Marcus … a true Master … of the shadowed world reigned by rigid sets of rules of dominance though isn’t there an exception to every rule known to the man … Their story is like a maze and you are constantly left wondering if they do find a way out of it into the light, into the existence where they both blossom … remind yourself not to jump into conclusions and keep your fingers crossed …
In addition to Cleo and Marcus there is a number of other characters that keep you on your toes and make you wonder where their loyalties lie … we also meet once again characters from Shandi’s other stories and that is something that I have always loved about her books! Keep them coming! Cannot wait for her next story!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound box set
By Shandi Boyes
5 stars
Books included in this box set:
Chains
Links
Bound
Restrained

Shandi Boyes is without doubt one of my favourite authors, I have read almost every one of her books and I don’t think I have rated one less than 5 stars. She grabs me from the very first page and doesn’t release me until the last. Imagine my excitement to find out that this boxset was being released where I could flow from one book to another without even having to put my kindle down! I have previously read book 1 in the series but not the rest so I couldn’t wait I still started with book 1 so I could get to meet Master Chains all over again!
I loved everything about this series and I mean EVERYTHING!!! It was sexy, dark, gritty and it had Master Chains in it, who by the way I am completely and utterly in love with! I loved Cleo too; as soon as I started reading book 1 I knew I was going to like her! The BDSM scenes in this book were particularly well written and so freaking hot!
I really cannot recommend this book and author enough! I want to shout from the rooftops how amazing these books are – if you haven’t read anything by this author please one click this box set today – you will not be disappointed- the 4 books in this box set will leave you breathless and wanting more!!

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound Four Book Box Set by Shandi Boyes a box set that you will devour in bite sized pieces. This contains all four of the Bound books Chains, Links, Bound and Restrained. Each story tells us another chapter in the compelling love story that is Cleo and her man, a man that has many facets and links to who he is. Each book builds on the last, each story will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride you will cry and laugh at each story and roll your eyes at Cleo’s sister Lexi’s antics, secretly wishing you had a little sister like her. This is a great series and one I’m sure much like myself you will re-read several times over. This box-set just makes it that much easier. The characters in this story all have their place, some you will love and some you will hate to the pit of their black hearts, some will surprise you and make you doubt everything you know. This is a racy and super-hot read, it is suitable for over 18s only due to the content as the some of the story revolves around the BDSM lifestyle and does have scenes and language of adult nature. I would recommend this box set even if you don’t like the BDSM scene as its about so much more, I wasn’t always a fan but this author shows a new light on the subject and shows us all of the facets of the scene.

[SBee Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting to Pineapple and beyond

—>>> One chance meeting with a mysterious and sexy man on an elevator on a day which could be proclaimed as the worse day of Cleo’s life was something she revisited as one good moment before her life finished hitting the fan. Four years later, they meet once again, while Cleo is on a new assignment for Global Ten Media undercover at a BDSM club named Chains, to publicly flush out key members. Cleo has no choice really, since she is the only one who is left of her family to pay for her younger sister’s medical and drug bills as well as keep a roof over their heads.

This is a wonderful set to read, filled with many relationship ups and downs as they begin a relationship, though quite innocently at first, via texting. Marcus’ personality remained guarded, a very meticulous man with his choices, but meeting Cleo was something he felt was meant to be. Although he admits to Cleo that she makes him feel reckless, he asserts his control whenever he has opportunity, but Cleo is leery of letting someone into her life. However, as they begin to draw closer in each other’s lives, it is only a matter of time before secrets come out, and when they do, they may make or break their fragile relationship.

[Murietta Cordova · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really....don't think I read the same book as all these 5 star reviews are talking about.
The writing is repetitive to the point of insanity. At one point I thought I was reading a book I'd already read because the paragraph was so repetitive I couldn't tell if I was reading the wrong book.

This story line: Absolutely not. Throughout the book she says she's a strong independent woman but keeps letting a man treat her like this? I think not. She should've been strong enough to address all of these issues before literally almost dying. The ending was absolutely rushed and was almost cliche. So they get married? After all that? She just magically trusts him?

Brodie was right: "for two people who work with words [they] suck at communicating". This isn't a case of being in love and having small misunderstandings. They're tearing each other apart.

Lexi's character disappeared for a while which to me seemed strange considering how close these two sisters supposedly are. They don't talk every day? She's not checking on her sister with a silently deadly disease such as CF? Just doesn't make sense to me.

The only reason I didn't DNF this series is because it pushed me over my reading goal for the month and I didn't have time to start another book.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: (with spoilers)

Cleo is a reporter and she gets assigned a case to investigate a secret BDSM club. While there, she meets Marcus, aka Master Chains, the owner of the club who is also a guitar player in a famous band.

They're relationship goes back and forth as Cleo doesn't want to be an actual sub, she just likes being dominated.

Turns out she has a stalker who Marcus has known about. He starts keeping his distance from Cleo because of the stalkers threats. But that doesn't work as the stalker is Dexter, a coworker off Cleo's, and a supposed friend, so Cleo tells him what is going on with her and Marcus.

Marcus even breaks up with Cleo. But Cleo turns out to be pregnant.

Dexter ends up showing up at Cleo's home and stabbing her in the stomach to kill their baby. Marcus and the FBI show up to save Cleo, but their baby doesn't survive.

Epilogue: Cleo and Marcus get married and they have a baby girl, Tatum. She is named after Cleo's dead younger brother.

Review:

It was an okay story. Last book had most of the action and I feel like the mystery was drawn out a little too long. The stream want to bad either.

TW: miscarriage, abuse, stalker

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound: Four Book Boxed Set by Shandi Boyes is a collection of her Bound series. I love when an author does this because I don't have to wait for the next book to come out I can just keep reading. I enjoyed this series. This author has the ability to pull me into her story with ease and keep me engaged until the end. Her stories are creative and easy flowing. Her characters are both lovable and connectable. They took me on an emotional roller coaster ride right along with twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Cleo has been introduced to the world of dominance. She has been assigned to investigate a business man who happens to be in the dominance world. Will this new world be to much of a temptation for her? I enjoy the characters in this series. They are strong and know what they want and how to get it. Some are protective and controlling not to say hot, steamy too. I had a hard time putting this series down, I needed to see what was coming next. I highly recommend this box series. Find out what happens with Cleo as she enters the world of domination.

[Gail Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound Boxed Set books 1-4 by Shandi Boyes

Five Stars

Who doesn’t love a box set? For one price you get the complete story no waiting for the next book to come out. This author put your emotions on a crazy rollercoaster ride. I’ve read books full of pain and heartbreak and this one sits close to the top. Some of this pain, misunderstanding and fear could’ve been avoided if they would’ve communicated with each other but we are only human. I honestly didn’t like Cleo in most of the books. A lot could have been avoided if she didn’t jump to conclusions or waited to bring the accusation to Marcus. I love a good Dom and in most parts of the book Marcus was one. He had flaws and I didn’t like the way he kept Cleo in the dark. He should’ve trusted her enough to share the problem. I hate how the author made so many men abscess with Cleo. I did like the relationship between Cleo and Lexi. I love my sisters and would do anything for them. So that is definitely a bond worth dying for. Overall it was a really good read and I am excited to see what this author bring us next.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound, by Shandi Boyes, is a four book boxed set featuring: Chains, Links, Bound & Restrained. This anthology was an astoundingly magnificent read. Shandi Boyes is a talented author that isn't afraid to add that something more to a story to maintain interest, create suspense/drama and more. The characters are strong and fit seamlessly within the story without anything feeling that it was missed or laid out incorrectly. Diving into the BDSM world, this wasn't over done or stretched further than the imagination. It felt tastefully created and was a pleasurable read. If you are looking for a set/series that goes together and is worth it's weight in reading, stop here and take a chance on a story that will potentially leave you breathless, imaginative and suffering from a book coma once complete.

[Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild spiced up roller-coaster ride ahead

Oh my god!!!! Where do I begin. This series has left me speechless and I'm so sad that it had ended already. I was loving spending so much of time with Cleo and Marcus.
Marcus, that man is just so dominating and commanding and his persona just oozes sensuality and everything that's tempting. I was falling for him along with Cleo.
I loved loved all the books but book 4 was just something else. So many twists and turns. I was gasping and shocked and just didn't know what to do. So many secrets revealed and truths showcased. It was truly a wild wild ride.
I really want more of Cleo and Marcus. Expecially Marcus. Now waiting for his book from his POV. Gonna grab it hot off the shelves as soon as it is available.
This is a must read if you want to indulge on a crazy wild ride for sure.
Loved loved this one. 💖💖💖💖💖💖

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always cringe when I see reviews or comments that compare a book or author to E.L.James or 50 Shades of Grey. It wasn’t the writing of that book that was so exceptional, it was the fact that a book about BDSM went mainstream women’s fiction. Cleo and Marcus are well developed characters, but again I hate the sick sister, or dying angles authors feel compelled to use as an excuse. There were times I almost gave up, the pacing in book one was so slow and filled with errors both grammatical and typing. I don’t know if I had read them one at a time I would’ve bought the series so there’s the joy of bundling.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound Box set by Shandi Boyes is without doubt is one series that is a must read. Shandi  is one of my go to authors and I have read a few of her books and they have never  let me down. Shandi’s writing always grabs me from the very first page and keeps me  spellbound page after page. I had read book one in the series and loved it but had not  read the other three, so having them all on hand to read from start to finish is a bonus  because once you start you do not want to stop. This series is smoking hot and sexy,  dark and sinful.     There were laughter, frustration and tears but I cannot recommend this Author and her  books enough. 

[Savannah Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

my goodness

I can officially say that I read this book in about two days. This book has kept me up and turning each page. I have been surprised and taken aback by the amount of plot twists in this book. I remember with the last hundred or so pages my mouth uttering the words “what the hell. Why the hell.”

This was definitely a fantastic book. I normally don’t rate five stars nor do I leave a review. The only thing I would have struggled with is if I had read this sooner when all of the books weren’t combined into one. I would not have been able to wait for the conclusion of this story.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus and Cleo are special

These two are special so they get a series while the rest of the rise up couples each got one book (aka the perception series). Although Noah and Emily are still my favorite of the bunch this was a great sort of spin off. The true queen that Cleo is is showcased the best in the last book of the perception series Wrapped Up with Rise Up. I enjoyed the crossover of a few key players in both series.
The only thing I can’t find is the last book Psycho and the book from Marcus POV that is referred to in the Afterwood. Maybe still to come but the link for Psycho is dead sadly.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This boxset is absolutely brilliant i enjoyed every second i was hooked from the very first page right til the last chapter i just couldn't set my kindle down! The series will keep you on the edge of your seat and on a one mega emotional roller coaster. It's a very hot sexy read but also dark, intense and intriguing which will keep you captivated throughout. I have never been disappointed in any novels from this author so when i got my hands on this boxset i knew it would be an amazing read and i wasn't wrong i highly recommend!

[Robin Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bound:Four Book Boxed Set is the complete series by Shandi Boyes and holy cow this is an absolute must read series. She holds nothing back with Cleo and Marcus.

The first time Cleo and Marcus met there was just something amazing between them. The chemistry from the start was beyond comprehension and it didn't end there.

I try and read while on breaks and at lunch at work and there were a few times that I felt myself getting flushed while there were some incredibly hot moments.

This is the second series I have read but will not be my last.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book! The characters are deep and emotional and you really get sucked into their lives - you feel for them, you laugh and cry with them and for them. It's very rare when you find an author that can transform you into the story like that, but I can honestly say that this author knows her stuff. Even those who aren't into reading things with adult related content can appreciate the way the story is written and how real the characters are. This was my first taste of this author, but I can say it would be my last!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This set contains the complete series and is awesome, I love having each book available immediately after finishing the previous one. This series has great characters, the alpha male and an intelligent main female. There is so much to this entire series, it takes you though serious illness, romance, obsession, drama, loyalty, death, suspense and the list could go on! It’s four books so it’s a long ride but it is so worth it. Amazing series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.