Gaele Hi
AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall: 3 Narration: 3 Story: 3 It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a MC Romance, and the prospect of one with two ‘born to the club’ characters who come from different clubs finding their way together, despite the many issues inherent in their choices was too much to pass up. Per the synopsis, Ryan Michele clearly states this title works without having experienced the earlier series, and that promise held true: I wasn’t missing large pieces of information, and while I’m curious about the start of the Ravage MC story, my unfamiliarity with it didn’t impact this listen in any way. There is a significant (and I felt over-played) series of descriptions that ‘reinforce’ the MC club’s creeds and ‘badassness’, but for a newbie to the genre, or someone unfamiliar with the workings of a club, the background does set a tone for the story: darker, not always legal dealings, foul mouths, and some ruthless decisions. Cooper Cruz was born into the Ravage MC, he’s enjoying the brotherhood and feeling of belonging, even as he is always thinking of ways to launder money and improve the club’s future. He’s one who understands the creed and expectations of members, and appreciates the brotherhood and relative freedom that he has to pursue his own life and interests, knowing there is a safety net and acceptance back at home. Bristyl Daniels has a different experience as the daughter of the VP of the Sinister Sons MC: as a girl – while the acceptance and protections are afforded her, she’s always feeling controlled and guided: not allowed to make her own choices because of the ‘eyes’ always on her from the club members. Not always carefully controlled, however, she sneaks off to see her favorite band at a rally in her town, and the story starts to pick up steam. Cooper and Bristyl meet and are instantly attracted. She finds him hard to resist – and then things get ugly. Trouble with a capital T puts Bristyl at risk, and Cooper, being more than a bit alpha, badass and intrigued by this girl, steps in with others from the club – bringing all sorts of attention from the wrong people, including the Sinister Sons. Two people, bred to different rival clubs with their own rules, guidelines and alliances is nothing to mess with – but Cooper doesn’t care. He wants Bristyl and from her reaction, that feeling is mutual – and he’ll suffer the consequences to get to know her better and see if there is more than an electric attraction between them. Unlike many other MC romances, the club and the often arcane and misogynistic attitudes don’t play a huge part: this is two people wanting to explore an attraction to see if there is something real beneath the hormones. Slowly they build a relationship and learn to trust in one another, despite the real dangers offered by their connection. The more they get to know one another, the stronger their bond: choices must be made, but can they survive those choices to live a life together – especially since they have built something solid and lasting, even with the ‘melt the pages’ chemistry? A wonderful introduction to the series with both Cooper and Bristyl coming alive on the pages, bonding and encouraging readers to cheer them on despite the difficulty. Narration for this story is provided by Joe Arden and Lucy Rivers – and together as Cooper and Bristyl their voices feel age-appropriate and work well together. Both are able to add a touch of emotional nuance that enhances their moments of angst or passion, and conversations and interior monologues from each character feel natural. The few secondary characters that enter the story feel more like a retelling of the moment from either Cooper or Bristyl, none are distinctly different in tone or delivery that would have indicated to the listener a new character has arrived. A workmanlike performance from both here, presenting the words on the page and adding appropriate emotional impact, adding to the interest and keeping me engaged.
Charlotte Isaac
This book I had waiting for, I always wanted to know more about the next generation, and I can say Cooper didn't disappoint me. I always wondered what would happen to Cooper when he grew up, he was a loved character when he joined Cruz his dad and Princess his stepmom at Ravage MC. Cooper grew into a strong young man, he is most loyal to the club and his family. He knows the meaning of being bound to them all, after all being brought up in the family after all he went through as a kid with his mom or as he likes to call her his donar. He likes to have fun, but he is also very determined to be what he needs to be. He had my heart from when he was a young boy. I loved Bristyl, she is very strong independent women. She does what she wants to a degree even with a hard headed dad and very protective brothers. She is brought up in the MC life, but also feels like she don't belong in that club. She knows what it takes to be in the life, so I really enjoyed her story and how she came to what she is now. I cannot wait for more of the next generation.
Angela Gibbs
Cooper is all grown up and damn does he make sexy look good!! This book has been long awaited by any lover of Ryan Michele’s Ravage series. And if you are new to her books, get ready for a wild ride of sexiness and alphaness that will make you want your own biker. I have to admit that there were times that I felt very naughty reading this story because I remember reading about Cooper as a kid and then as a teenager. But Ryan Michele has created a character that has broken out of the mold that we last saw him in and forged his own path. And his intended mate is not afraid to stand up for herself and has no problem with the alpha male that claims her as his lady. Cooper Cruz has grown up and joined him father and mother and the club of badassery! His club is his life and he bleeds Ravage. They have always been there for him and they will always have his respect and loyalty because they earned it. His brothers and the club are his life and he is enjoying all the perks and benefits that being a member entails. Yet on a rally down in Florida, Cooper comes to the rescue of a woman that makes him think that having a woman of his own won’t be such a bad thing. Being the daughter of the VP of the Sinister Sons MC is not all it is cracked up to be. Bristyl Daniels has to deal with the smothering protectiveness of her father and brothers and the irritation of having to deal with the stupidity and irritation, commonly referred to as her brothers, of keeping the books for her families businesses. However, when her father and brothers take a run Bristyl knows that it is time to hang out with her bestie and watch her favorite band. What she didn’t expect was to have a run in with the lusciously sinful Cooper or the feelings that he would bring out of her as they spend more time together. I LOVED THIS STORY!! Again, Ryan has proven what a great writer she is by incorporating an alpha male with a soft side into a story that has romance, pain, betrayal, and family loyalty. All of Ryan Michele’s males are sexiness personified and the length’s that they will go too for their women is swoon worthy. Her writing style and storylines pull readers in, and that is exactly what BOUND BY FAMILY did with me. This is a two thumbs up and I can wait for her next installment to this series!
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