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A review by greeneggsandsam
Bound & Barbed by Samantha R. Goode
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Bound and Barbed is a dual-POV fantasy romance following Evaline, a woman determined to escape the misogynistic kingdom she has lived in since witnessing her father's brutal death. The aunt and uncle raising her plan to marry her off, an act Evaline detests even more after learning who they plan to marry her to. Maddox, a Kova (benevolent vampires), finds his fated mate in Evaline, and he swears to protect her and free her from the kingdom of Kembertus.
Overall, this was an enjoyable audiobook, though I found myself rolling my eyes at several aspects of the story. Both narrators were really good, and I do plan to continue the series as they will probably be made available on KU like the first.
What I enjoyed the most: Evaline's past is full of a trauma, and though she has hardened herself and trains to be the warrior she needs to be to survive, her trauma still resurfaces and affects her. The representation of nightmares, PTSD, and anxiety were really well done.
What I liked: Maddox is a sweetheart, and I loved his pining for Evaline and his desire to finally settle down with his mate (though it did get a bit repetitive sometimes). There is also some mystery into who/what Evaline is exactly, and why her bond with Maddox is different than normal Kova mates, which is what has me mostly interested to pick up the sequel. The smutty parts were enjoyable. I did feel an emotional impact from Evaline's storyline, and liked who she was as a person.
What I didn't enjoy: As mentioned above, this book did often get repetitive. I feel the book could have been much shorter if edited down better, and it would have been more enjoyable for it. The vast majority of the middle of the book was focused on the romance, with about zero plot. There are characters planning things, but not actually doing anything. The pacing made for a boring middle section. There was also SO much miscommunication in here, and it mostly infuriated me. One instance of it would have sufficed, but it was pretty constant and it wasn't much fun. One minute Maddox would say he knows she is lying because her heart rate increases, but then she continues to lie to him throughout the entire thing? Seems a bit meh to me. I know Eva had her reasons for trying to hide things, partially because <i>trauma,</i> but it was excessive to say the least.
Overall, this was an enjoyable audiobook, though I found myself rolling my eyes at several aspects of the story. Both narrators were really good, and I do plan to continue the series as they will probably be made available on KU like the first.
What I enjoyed the most: Evaline's past is full of a trauma, and though she has hardened herself and trains to be the warrior she needs to be to survive, her trauma still resurfaces and affects her. The representation of nightmares, PTSD, and anxiety were really well done.
What I liked: Maddox is a sweetheart, and I loved his pining for Evaline and his desire to finally settle down with his mate (though it did get a bit repetitive sometimes). There is also some mystery into who/what Evaline is exactly, and why her bond with Maddox is different than normal Kova mates, which is what has me mostly interested to pick up the sequel. The smutty parts were enjoyable. I did feel an emotional impact from Evaline's storyline, and liked who she was as a person.
What I didn't enjoy: As mentioned above, this book did often get repetitive. I feel the book could have been much shorter if edited down better, and it would have been more enjoyable for it. The vast majority of the middle of the book was focused on the romance, with about zero plot. There are characters planning things, but not actually doing anything. The pacing made for a boring middle section. There was also SO much miscommunication in here, and it mostly infuriated me. One instance of it would have sufficed, but it was pretty constant and it wasn't much fun. One minute Maddox would say he knows she is lying because her heart rate increases, but then she continues to lie to him throughout the entire thing? Seems a bit meh to me. I know Eva had her reasons for trying to hide things, partially because <i>trauma,</i> but it was excessive to say the least.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Blood
Moderate: Sexual assault