127 reviews for:

Burned & Bound

A. Winchester

4.47 AVERAGE

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced
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This review is by far the hardest to write, not because I don't know what to say but I have to much to say. The raw emotion A. Winchester put into this is powerful. There are moments throughout this book that broke me. And I'm talking about ugly crying broke me.

West and Jackson are the definition of soulmates and true love. Even after everything they been through, they stuck together and supported one another. There are times when you wanted to fight these characters and then cry right alongside them. West is a character that will embed himself right into your heart and make you look at life a different way. He went through so much that no child should ever have to but kept fighting. Even when the demons were eating him alive he kept going. And Jackson, he's as stubborn as a mule but when he loves you it's beautiful. He notices and does the little things!!

Burned and Bound is HEAVY on the triggers so please please read them before reading this book. I'm not triggered to anything, but this book hurt me. It's raw, powerful & life changing. I know this book is going to live in my heart and something I will never forget! West & Jackson deserve all the happiness in the world.
challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love, Redemption, and Healing

• Rating 5/5
• Romance 3/5
• Spice Level 2.5/5
• Writing Style 5/5
• Audio Narration N/A ( I really hope this will be one day in Audio) 

A. Winchester’s Burned & Bound is a beautifully raw and emotionally charged standalone novel that will break your heart before carefully putting it back together. With its rich, character-driven story and an unforgettable romance, this book is a standout among contemporary M/M. 

From the moment West returns to the Double Arrow Ranch, it’s clear he’s a man scarred by his past. His pain is palpable, his struggles are achingly real, and his emotional weight is expertly conveyed. West is a character you can’t help but root for, even when his trauma leads him to lash out or push people away. His journey to healing is messy but authentic, and it’s impossible not to feel fiercely protective of him.

Jackson, on the other hand, is the epitome of patience and devotion. His unwavering love for West, even after years of heartbreak and misunderstanding, is nothing short of extraordinary. He’s the kind of character who restores your faith in love—kind, steady, and deeply empathetic. Watching him support West, even when it means enduring moments where he feels overlooked, is nothing short of inspiring.

The chemistry between West and Jackson is electric yet tender, built slowly and deliberately. Winchester doesn’t rush their connection, giving the story the space it needs to explore their history, hurts, and eventual reconciliation. Their relationship feels raw and real, with moments of tension, vulnerability, and ultimately, healing.

Here we see the depth of West’s struggles and Jackson’s unconditional support set it apart. West’s pain is tangible and justified, and it’s impossible not to empathize with him. Unlike characters who might feel overly dramatic or undeserving, West’s story is one of resilience and survival, and Jackson’s dedication to him feels well-earned.

This book isn’t just a love story—it’s a testament to the healing power of compassion and patience. If you’re looking for a story with heart-wrenching emotion, layered characters, and a satisfying HEA, Burned & Bound will leave a lasting impression.

P.S. In my opinion this story shares some thematic similarities with other books (Oleander comes to mind) - Character wise especially. But the big difference between them is that there, Caspian (one of the mc’s – didn’t even deserved his own story, let alone his own hea – imo), here, West struggles are super real, and we can actually understand and feel them and I love this. Even if is not the typical romance, we can actually understand and feel together to the characters. 

This is one of my top favs of 2024! 
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challenging emotional inspiring sad tense slow-paced

I'm so so glad I chose this to be my 1st book of 2025. What an amazing book. If you like broken boys and hurt comfort you will absolutely fall in love with West and his cowboy aka Jackson. The last 80% of the book had me bawling but man was it ever worth it.
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ARC Review