Sandy S.
4.25 stars--BOUND is the first instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS dark, erotic, criminal underworld romance series focusing on the Holmes brothers-Nash, Cole, Dallas and Dare. This is Nash Holmes, enforcer for the Lionsgate Kinship, and investigative journalist Lexi Ivanov’s story line. WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers. Told from dual third person perspectives (Nash and Lexi) BOUND follows Alexi ‘Lexi’ Ivanov in the aftermath of the theft of a ledger containing Lionsgate secrets, secrets that once revealed will show a dark and dangerous past. Lexi Ivanov is investigating the murder of her parents, and the disappearance of her brother Brooks, a murder she blames on the Lionsgate Kinship. Her father Yuri, and her brother Brooks were once highly respected members of the Brotherhood but Lexi’s father discovered an anomaly in the bookkeeping, and his life was forfeited along with the rest of her family. Hoping to get revenge, Lexi seduces Lionsgate enforcer Nash Holmes in an effort to steal the ledger that will reveal the secrets of the Lionsgate group but Lexi’s escape to Russia is followed by our story line hero, and in the ensuing days and weeks Nash will fall for his intended target. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lexi and Nash, and the potential fall-out as Lexi and Nash discover the true depths of depravity of the Lionsgate sins. Nash Holmes is the adopted son of the man in charge but Lexi’s revelations are about to show Nash that he never really knew the man he once called father.Lexi is desperate to prove that Lionsgate is responsible for the death of her family but convincing Nash means to destroy the man he worshipped and adored. Lexi Ivanov knows that once the truth comes out,she may find herself with an even larger target on her back than the one on her back, now. The relationship between Lexi and Nash begins as enemies when Lexi seduces, drugs and steals an important ledger from the Lionsgate group. Nash has been ordered to search for, and take down our story line heroine but something about Lexi calls to his heart. Lexi knows that if she is caught, there are no second chances but proving to Nash that the man he calls father is not the man he has come to respect, means getting up close and personal with the dirty side of life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense. We are introduced to Nash’s brothers Cole and Dallas, as well as his ‘mentor’ and ‘father’ Conrad, Lionsgate enforcers Drew and Leith. BOUND is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; revelations and deception; family, friendships, relationships, and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are edgy and dynamic.
Margaret Watkins
As I read the blurb and opening sentences of this book, I was concerned about the content. However, this crime drama is well-written, suspenseful, and romantic. Lexi Ivanov is one determined lady. After her parents are murdered and her brother's disappearance, she follows the lead that Brooks sent her and discovers a truth so appalling that it could have international repercussions. Duping Nash, an enforcer for the brotherhood and guardian of the ledger she seeks is just the first step. As Lexi flees across the world with the ledger, she soon realizes that Nash is not far behind. Unwillingly, Nash and Lexi form a partnership and as they get to understand one another, trust develops between them until Nash comes to the realization that all he believed was in fact a lie. This novel is fast-paced and suspenseful, with an attraction that springs up between the main characters as their dependence upon one another increases. Although this book is the start of a series, this novel is a standalone and the case comes to a successful conclusion with the promise of justice being served. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Lark
Family whether by blood or by choice, the bonds are ofttimes ingrained and unbreakable. Lexi Ivanov knows this, having lost those closest to her. Nash Holmes is loyal to the man who gave him a home, a life, a purpose. These two strong willed individuals are on a crash course to destiny. Their objectives conflict, yet are intertwined. There will be twists, turns, revelations that will change everything, as alliances shift and loyalties become divided. Through it all the chemistry and heat that exists between Lexi and Noah is undeniable. They are bound together on a journey of danger, deceit and passion. I enjoyed this book with strong characters and fast paced plot. Looking forward to what happens next in this series.
