💖Leo💖Leo is desperate and running from the dark secrets of his past.When he’s taken in by the wealthy Conway family who found him near death, he hoped it would be the new start he craved.What be didn’t expect was to find himself falling for the youngest Conway, Cassie.He can't keep his eyes off the hot yet innocent housemate...or his hands. Cassie is everything Leo knows he can't have. Shouldn’t have. But that doesn't stop him from wanting her.Growing closer by the day, combined with the off-the-charts chemistry, makes for an unstoppable connection that Leo just can’t fight.💖Cassie💖To the outside Cassie lives a perfect life. Only, it’s not quite as perfect as it may seem. Dancing is Cassie’s only focus...until Leo walks into her life, making her realize she’s met the one guy who could change her future... the one man that could shatter her heart.Can the pair overcome all that stands in their way or are they bound to break?
Rachael Tonks is a contemporary romance author with a love of books, and a particular love of the romance genre. As a child Rachael could always be found with her head in a book, but it wasn't until the beginning of 2015 when Rachael's love of books really took over. Reading spurred on her desires to put pen to paper, and write down the story of the characters screaming for their story to be told. Starting out her career with a new adult romance novel, she is currently working on her fourth novel which she plans to release early 2017. Rachael lives in the steely suburb of Sheffield, in the north of England with her family and her 2 crazy dogs. She loves nothing more reading with a good cup of tea and is self-proclaimed chocoholic!
This is my first read of 2019 and I am so glad I chose this one. I honestly don't think 5 Stars is anywhere near enough for this book. This story touches on a few subjects but this story is so beautifully written that you don't really notice it, it is a part of who the characters are. I love Leo and Cassie.
This story is full of drama, lots of angst and of course there is romance mixed in Leo is on the run from a sticky situation, he is the boy from the wrong side of the tracks and Cassie is from a very wealthy family but she isn't one of those I am better then you people. Cassie is a bit sheltered but you see the light shinning though and you can see that Leo is the one to bring it out. The chemistry is off the charts between these two. There is someone in the way of them being together and she is evil and will do whatever she can. Liza is one of the characters I truly hate and hope she gets what is coming to her.
Both Leo and Cassie are fighting demons from the past and those demons could destroy them both. Once you think you think you have this story figured out there is a whammy tossed in.
I love most of the secondary characters and can't wait to see what happens with them. Sasha is one of them that I really want to see what happens with her, I know who I am rooting for her to be with her but I am sure there will be twists in her story and who knows what will happen.
I need the second book like right now!
Yes this book leaves you with a massive hangover and a cliff hanger but don't put of reading it because of that. It is so damn good you will find yourself putting off whatever you had planned if reading an entire book wasn't your plan for the day. Thank you Rachael for another amazing story. Rachael is trying to get her name out there in the book world I think she is doing very well at it. She is one of my must read authors and one that I recommend to all readers. She will pull you into her fictional world. I have been reading her books since the beginning and look forward to seeing where she takes us with her writing. Thank you so much for the advanced reader copy.
I just couldn't put this book down, I was wondering what was going to come at me next?
Bound to break begins with Cassie finding Leo outside her home, battered and bruised. From there her stepmother comes to his rescue and not only offers him a job doing up their home but also a place to live on the grounds.
This isn't a "rescued boy" love story where the boy begins to find happiness after a run of bad luck where girl and boy then fall in love, far from it, and believe me Cassie's step mother is no saint either. There's drama after drama in the lives of Cassie and Leo as they get to know each other and begin to feel more of the attraction pulling them together.
There's mystery behind Leo's appearance and what he is running from and as the story progresses confessions begin to come forth, not just from Leo but also from Cassie and her reasons for hating her step mother and why she is so skittish with boys.
I had problems with the flow of the plot,how things came into fruition or how things were confessed, I also felt the characters immaturity in some of their actions and words whereas in some scenes they acted like adults but the concept of the story I liked along with the twists and turns. I didn't feel a connection to the characters, I felt the story jumped straight into the gritty stuff to soon without me getting to know them, personal preference, I like a slow build up but by the end I was invested in them and wanted it all to work out OK.
Bound to break is not a stand alone and there are lot's of twists and turns in the plot that has you eager to read more and there is definitely more drama and angst to come, things unsaid and even more confessions that need to be said and heard.
This is a story of two young people who have either suffered abuse or fear, each have their own demons of their own and after going it alone, fate steps in, they find each other and begin to face it together.
I am looking forward to seeing how everything works out for Cassie and Leo.
First I have to say that this book deserves a BILLION STARS because it was exceptionally AMAZING! I have read a lot of books but this one really stood out to me. I had so many emotions running through me as I was reading. I laughed and I cried and I yelled at my kindle because there were times when I wanted to reach in my kindle and biatch slap someone.
Leo is found bloodied and beaten half to death in front of the Conway family home by Cassie and her stepmother Liza. The Conway's immediately help Leo get to the hospital and then offer him a job and a place to live when he gets better. Leo is grateful for the offer and takes them up on it because he is running from his past and the secrets he holds. So having a change of scenery is just what he needs.
Cassie is curious about Leo and what happened to him. She lives a quiet life dancing is her only saving grace from the craziness of her family. Everyone thinks she has a perfect life but she doesn't. She carries secrets and she hates her stepmother Liza. Liza is not what she seems to be and she has her own motives to help out Leo and when everything comes out we will all see what kind of woman Liza really is.
I will tell you this the story ended with such a wicked cliffhanger I was screaming no....no....no.... I need book two like yesterday so I can see what happens next. This is a MUST READ series so go on ahead and one click it!
"It's like nothing I've ever felt before. It's like a light shining from this dull soul on his dark day. In that exact moment, I saw hope in his eyes."
Swirling with drama, angst, twists, and turns I immensely enjoyed the heady trip I took when I dove into Leo and Cassie's story. With so much coming at them, the sweetness of their pairing balanced out all the obstacles and dangers they faced. My heart pounded and jaw dropped at the end, and I'm very excited to see what unfolds in the next book and see how everything will tie together. I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
"What we have might be messy, but every second we spend with Leo, and the deeper I fall, something inside my gut tells me it's all worth it."
I absolutely fell in love with Cassie & Leo. I really want to slap Liza & shake Cassie’s dad! This story had twists & turns in it that will keep you turning the pages. I can’t wait to see where things go in the next book.
This is book one in the “Bound To” series. It ends in one hell of a cliffhanger but please don’t be discouraged. There is so much build up to the end. I was in shock and so damn excited!!
This is a story of a guy from the wrong side of the tracks and girl from wealth. Or so it seems...
Let me just say Leo is sex on a stick. Omg can I get a boy toy like Liza!! Lol! Ok that wasn’t very funny but damn she was smart. Anyway, at first I thought Cassie was a little brat and I couldn’t stand her. Then I realized my issues with Liza were real and then I started to understand Cassie. So what I am saying is give them all a chance to impress (or not so much in Liza’s case...).
This book touches on a few subjects and I was down with that. You don’t even realize that’s what it is because the story line flows beautifully and it’s just a part of who they are. I hope that makes sense. All the secrets.. All the demons.. All the insecurities.... That’s what makes Leo and Cassie.
Now I was super in love with these two but on the back burner I am in a love triangle and I am rooting for this one super sexy, good at everything rich boy. I want to know more about Sasha’s loves in the next book! Her story compels me, as well. She is the best friend every girl has or wants. I have me a Sasha and I am all up in her kool aid.
This book is written by one of my favorite authors who loves to keep you on the edge of your seat but that seat is on fire!! She is trying to make a name for herself and I think it is working. I have never read a book of hers that wasn’t great. And that’s a lot saying I have read every single one!! She has a way of developing characters and making you love or hate them...it may be right away and it may take awhile but she kills it.
Thank you Rachael for letting me read this book in advance. I love getting the raw books from you. They are always perfection.
This is a must read!! Don’t miss out!!
**I received this book as an arc and in return gave my honest review**
I first got hooked on Rachael Tonks’ writing a few years back after reading BURN WITH ME, and while I really enjoy her gritty romantic suspense tales, I am thrilled she returned to her NA roots with this angsty new duet.
BOUND TO BREAK (book one in her Bound To duet) is totally awesome! ! It’s emotionally charged. Uber Intriguing . Swoony and Sexy. And gave me #allthefeels!!!
THE PREMISE: This is the story of a homeless young man named Leo who is trying to outrun his mysterious past, but his fate collides with a sheltered young aspiring dancer named Cassie one night after she finds him bloodied and bruised on her doorstep. Once he heals, the Conway family takes him in, offering him a fresh start. Grateful for a job and a roof over his head, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Cassie. Despite their undeniable mutual attraction, they get off on the wrong foot at first, but Leo sees through her spoiled, snarky persona to the beautiful, broken girl inside and he slowly melts her defenses. And if anyone could tempt him from breaking his carnal rule of staying unattached, it's Cass. From there a beautiful love blossoms .
But of course, that’s just the beginning of this tumultuous tale and when one of them makes a deal with the devil, this young couple’s fragile relationship will be tested in unbelievable ways. Can their love survive amid secrets and danger swirling around them? Not saying but you better strap in tight!
MY MUSINGS: Who doesn’t love a captivating rich girl/poor boy small town romance? Well, BOUND TO BREAK is that and so much more! As with all of Rachael Tonks' books, the writing is WILDLY ADDICTIVE and the plot flows beautifully. From start to finish, it’s brimming with juicy drama, palpable push-pull, sweet tenderness, hot, sexy times…and it left me on pins and needles throughout!!
I really adore how this author has this innate ability to sweep you up and away and transport you so viscerally into the lives of her characters. She touches on some hard-hitting issues, but it’s woven so subtly throughout the story that feels incredibly organic. Only one nitpicky stylistic quibble . The characters are CONSTANTLY SHOUTING AT EACH OTHER, which I found a bit grating but otherwise the execution of this story is amazeballs.
And the characterization is TOP NOTCH! Sighhhh…Leo is one SWOONLICIOUS MAN OF MYSTERY! This broody hero is the strong, stoic type whose heart is on lockdown , but he has a sweet, sensitive soul and an aching vulnerability that decimated me! After tragedy struck, Leo’s life took a nightmarish turn and he is wrestling with some mighty big demons from his past. But even as his luck begins to change, he finds himself in quite the dicey predicament. But gah when push comes to shove, he will RISK EVERYTHING to protect the girl he loves!
As for Cassie, OMG what a sassy spitfire!!! In all honestly, her bratty attitude rubbed me the wrong way at first. But once I saw that it was just a cover to hide a heart full of hurt, and I saw glimpses of the innate sweetness and innocence beneath the surface, I warmed to her pretty quickly. Growing up the only daughter of a wealthy, workaholic surgeon and having to deal with a devious stepmom has not been easy. Which only got worse after an accident caused her overprotective father to put the kibosh on her life-long dreams to become a professional dancer. Her sheltered upbringing has left her lonely and sad, and every day she feels more and more trapped in a life that’s not of her choosing. However, falling for Leo is a GAME CHANGER!
I loved the slow build of Cassie and Leo’s relationship. There is a sweet purity to this union that I found incredibly endearing yet at the same time their magnetic attraction left me BREATHLESS! But, alas, they come from entirely different worlds So, in theory this troubled boy from the wrong side of the tracks and this poor little rich girl are ALL WRONG FOR EACH OTHER. But it's only a matter of time before Cassie and Leo succumb to their feelings!
However, they are both hiding secrets from each other that could derail their future….
Throughout the course of this story, it’s intriguing trying to piece together the mystery revolving around the Leo’s past, and what he is running from. He knows he is bad news, but he did what he had to in order to survive. And the last thing he wants is to drag Cassie down into the darkness with him . But as it turns out his precious girl has some traumatizing skeletons in her closet, too.
Outside forces are also a huge contributing factor to their troubles as well. And since every good love story also has an evil villain, Cassidy’s wicked stepmom, Liza, sure fits the bill on that front!!! I don’t want to divulge too much but let’s just say some of the vile things this conniving witch did to try to keep this love smitten duo apart MADE MY SKIN CRAWL!
But ultimately, the MCs have incredible rooting value, and despite the multitude of obstacles they face, I desperately yearned for them to be together. However, fair warning: Ms. Tonks NEVER gives us a predictable read. She loves to throw in curveballs…and since this is book one of a duet, it should not come as a shocker that it ends on a JAWDROPPING cliffy!
BOTTOM LINE: BOUND TO BREAK is an achingly emotional, tantalizingly twisty story of two wounded souls who are haunted by their pasts but together find soul deep healing and true love beyond their wildest dreams. And since we don’t get their HEA quite yet, I am chomping at the bit to dive into book two pronto!
Bound to Break was a great 5 star read and book one in the Bound to series. This is my first read from Rachael Tonks and she pulled me right in.
We start the story with Cassie seeing Leo outside their gate, injured. She quickly runs out and her and her stepmother take Leo to the hospital.
We jump ahead a few months, Cassie hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Leo. When she literally runs into him at her house she is surprised. He’s there for a job, which means she will see more of him.
I did a horrific thing, but it was all I had left. I did what I needed to do to survive. - Leo
Leo is grateful for the job and place to stay, however he has a secret that he has to make sure doesn’t get out. Will he be successful? Cassie and Leo had such a connection it came right off the pages. But, there is someone else that seems to have an interest in Leo and will do anything to keep them apart.
There is so much more to this great read. We learn that these two have a lot in common. We get some huge twists and turns that really threw me, wow. The secondary characters are great but I really don’t like the stop monster. We do get a cliffhanger that has left me wanting more. I need book two now. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
Rachael Tonks has spun such a twisted, tangled web in Bound to Break, book one of the suspenseful Bound to series. I was already anticipating loving this story from reading the blurb, expecting a love story between a mysterious stranger and the girl who's family takes him in and was given so much more to really capture my attention. I love how I didn't see so many things coming, keeping me on my toes needing to read and find out what more could happen with these characters.
Leo is found bruised, bloodied, and almost dead by Cassie and her stepmother, Liza. After bringing him to a hospital and finding a shelter to stay at, the generosity continues with Liza providing a job opportunity once Leo is healed from his injuries. Three months later without a word, Cassie still can't let go of the stranger she found when lo and behold he's back ready to work. And although he has a reaction to Cassie as well, Leo makes it known plenty of times he's not a good guy and to stay far away.
Bound to Break was such a fast paced story and I love that there was always something going on. Cassie and Leo quickly formed a connection despite the constant hot and cold game and although it felt a tad rushed it did make for some really great scenes. Then you have Liza who plays at being so kind because it's the Christian thing to do, but the more you read the more you realize that isn't true and there's an ulterior motive. The mystery of both Leo's past and also what continues to haunt Cassie was the cherry on top to this fantastic story. And let's not forget that mind boggling cliffhanger of an ending. I sure hope book two is coming soon I'm already more than ready for what Rachael Tonks has up her sleeves.
I'm not sure what I expected when I started Bound to Break, but it certainly wasn't the story that I got, because I was 100% gripped from the get go. And because the very talented Rachael Tonks completely transported me into Leo & Cassie's world, I have to start out with talking about how insanely ENRAGED I am by that ending! Yeah yeah, I know, that whole Book 1 was a hint that it was very likely that I was going to be left hanging off the side of a cliff by a fingernail on a windy day, but there's always that small hope it's not quite that extreme. In this case, that hope was absolutely SMASHED TO PIECES, and now I'm dying a little, (or maybe a lot), inside. But let me tell you just a tiny bit about the players. There's Cassie, our heroine, who is happiest when dancing, but her father isn't down with that dream. She has bad demons, which makes her uninterested in relationships. She meets Leo, our hero, who has his own shared of demons. He ends up getting hired to help around her father's house by her stepmother, while having a place to live there for a fresh start. There, that's all that I'm giving away. See, there's so many twists among the layers, that if I say more, then you won't have those fun times of dropping f-bombs like I did when the come out of nowhere to slap you in the face. Then, there's a cast of secondaries who are complicated, because I found myself suspicious of many. And that my friends, is all I wrote, because I need to have my feelings now at how I was left, while waiting impatiently for the next book. HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Complications at birth left her motherless until a replacement was found.
Her father has high expectations of her, but her dreams lie in the land of dance.
He crashes into her world literally. Bloodied and battered.
Motherless and homeless trouble not far behind him.
The evil stepmother takes him under her wing but at a high cost...
Wow I totally was not expecting this book to have all that it does crammed into it!
Love, hate, secrets, lies, and ghosts from the past makes for one exciting read!
Cassie might have a rich father but she's so much more than a "princess". Her attitude to certain people is more than earnt and her love is so pure and sweet.
Leo the dark horse. Good with his hands and easy on the eye. Perfection!
Two characters that dance around their feelings. I was captivated as their reletionship developed.
I was both fascinated and delighted to see that there was more to Cassie than her father's bank balance. She has a beautiful soul.
Leo stole my heart completely with his backstory. I just wanted to hold him and tell him everything would be alright, whether that's true or not...
A thrilling and intoxicating read. Dramatic and powerful with tension galore.
Oh my...….Bound to Break is an absolutely brilliant read. You will just grow to love Cassie and Leo as the story goes on. And you may want to slap a certain MILF many times over. I do love Cassie and Leo together. Leo is put in a sticky position and you just want to see everything work out with Cassie. The chemistry between Leo and Cassie is so strong from the very beginning. Cassie may be a bit sheltered but you can see her light shinning bright and ready to break out. Leo is just the one Cassie needs in her life. Just hang on for the ride with this one. Rachael Tonks creates one heck of a hangover with this book. Just as you think you know how everything is going to go down, BAM you're hit. All I can say bring on book 2 like now. You are really going to want to read this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved Bound to Break so much.
I don’t even know where to begin with this review.....maybe I should start with how AMAZING it is.....this is hands down BRILLIANT and a must read!!
Rachael has a way with words, she is able to write a story that captures you from the minute you start reading. Bound to Break is unbelievably fantastic...it’s full of drama, romance...and has you on the edge of your seat the whole time!
Leo and Cassie both have troubled pasts...throughout the book you’re left wondering what’s happened! It keeps you gripped and doesn’t let you go....and that ending WOW!! I normally struggle with cliffhangers but this one has me completely wanting book two.
This book is definitely a 5 ⭐️ read and I so wish I could award it more, it definitely deserves it....I love this authors work and can not wait for book two.
Cassie comes from an affluent background, but she also has a dark past. The one love in her life is dancing even if no one supports her in her dream. When an injured Leo ends up on their property and she feels an instant connection to him.
Leo is running from his own past. When Cassie’s family offer him shelter and a job it is the second chance that he so desperately needs. Although he has deep feelings for Cassie he not only doesn’t want to lose this opportunity but he believes she deserves better as well.
Full of drama and angst you soon learn that things are not as they appear. There are secrets in both their pasts that are yet to revealed and the story ends on an epic cliffhanger. The next book in this series can’t come soon enough. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is the first book in a new series from this talented author, and what an introduction this is! Leo is from the wrong side of the tracks, and is on the run from his past. Cassie is from a wealthy family, yet she certainly has her own demons to overcome. These two complete each other, and the chemistry between them if intense. This is a beautifully written story, which is filled with angst, drama, twists, secrets, suspense, and love. I cannot wait for the next book in this amazing series, and I was totally captivated by this addictive page turner. I highly recommend this talented authors’ work for all readers.
Loved Leo and Cassie. All Cassie wants is a career in dancing. Until she runs into Leo again and things start to look different for her. But Leo has a past that he cant hide from. I hate Liza the evil step mother. Her character was perfect for the story line.But i really wanted to throat punch her. The ending yep wanted to throw my kindle. But i loved this book from beginning to end. Gripping entertaining well written enjoyable. Hopefully i don't have to wait to long to see what happens between Leo and Cassie.
Wow this is an young adult growing up one from the wrong side of the tracks one who looks to be leading the perfect life. Leo and Cassie have chernoff the charts but can they keep it going or will their pasts come between them? I love stories like this , the whole love from a young age and self doubt .
A beautiful must read about two people hiding secrets, but fall in love with one another. With drama, a evil step-mother, secrets, and the ending will leave you wanting more. I can not wait to see how this story ends.
A beautiful must read about two people hiding secrets, but fall in love with one another. With drama, a evil step-mother, secrets, and the ending will leave you wanting more. I can not wait to see how this story ends.
This was an exciting read, I couldn't put it down. There were many twists and turns that had me cursing and I was glued to the pages. Cassie and Leo come from different backgrounds but both have their own demons to face. They compliment each other so well. I definitely recommend this to anyone.
A very interesting story with twists and turns that keep you glued to your Kindle! This is Leo and Cassie's story and it has angst and drama and is emotional. It does end on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for the next book!
Cassie, a college student, who is also a dancer, finds Leo.. ...Leo has secret, is trying make new life for himself
This is great beginning of series, some secrets come out and some stay hidden ... this book is emotional, intriguing, and also enduring, needing more..
Anxious about what will happen next... can’t wait for the next book! ~wtmo
I liked parts of this book. While some parts not so much. The stepmother was super annoying. I liked how Cassie stood up to her. I didn't as she hid it from her father. She should have been straight forward from the beginning. I hated Leo circumstance. My heart broke for him.
This book is filled with mystery and suspense and a whole lot of amazing first love feels. Rachel Tonks is a new author to me and I'm definitely hooked.
Cassie is a quiet and reserved girl until you piss her off. Very few can bring out her inner bi*** like her step mom Liza, who just loves tormenting Cassie. While Cassie tries to steer clear of Liza she finds herself being drawn in to Leo.
Leo is on the run after fighting to stay alive. He finds himself broken and bloodied in front of Cassie's home. Leo finds that there's a connection between him and Cassie yet he tries to fight it. She's too good for him and he needs to protect her even if it means protecting her from himself.
This story is a little dark and twisted with characters that evoked extreme emotions in this reader. I loved how I couldn't anticipate what happened next. This story has so many twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Now I'm left dangling off a cliff wondering when book 2 will come and save me.