
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.

Jenn K
Bound by Family is the first book in the second generation Ravage MC series. This is Cooper and Bristyl's book. Coop was raised Ravage MC, it's in his blood, family and they are his family. Bristyl was raised in the Sinister Sons MC, her father and all three of her brothers are all a part of the club. While out on a run Cooper meets Bristyl through chance, and then it again... is it really still by chance? Minor spoiler in this and the next paragraph, stop reading if you don't want any spoilers!!!!! I really enjoyed this book, breezed through it in no time flat. Was very easy to read and flowed well. Towards the end of the book, I was thinking things are just too easy flowing, very anti-climatic but being close to the end of the book I was like no, this can't be that smooth... then the shoe drops.... which I was like phew! I was afraid it was going to be a super sappy romance novel not a MC novel.... I enjoyed the characters, and there was a good amount of steamy scenes in the book and it reads fast and easy. I really like seeing old characters, seeing how they are doing/what they are doing so for those that aren't new to the Ravage MC you will get to catch up with some of your favorites. For those new to the Ravage MC, it's ok if you haven't read them the author does a great job explaining who each of the people are, and you get a reminder of each of their unique personalities. One thing that shocked me at the end was the teaser for the second book in the series. I was expecting a complete different couple than is being done next. Hopefully the H in the next book will redeem himself, wasn't really thrilled with him in this book. However, the other couple I suspected will be next I really can't wait for their story!! Happy Reading!!
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