At the time I requested this book I was very interested in it. Obviously, it has been a few years since I requested this and I am no longer interested in it now. It doesn't match my current reading tastes and I apologize that I didn't read it and thank you for the kindness you showed offering it to me.

I gave Bound to You a shot, but unfortunately this was not a book for me at the time I read it. I hope other readers will enjoy it more than I did.

Very erotic and exciting! I loved the narrator and the sexy scenes. Very steamy descriptions and exciting to read the romances.

The cover and title of this book makes it look like erotica. It's not, not even a little bit. The red ribbon makes sense once you've read the first few chapters. It's a paranormal romance. I hadn't read one of those in a long time and I really enjoyed this one. I stayed up late to read and found time to finish it during the next day. Told in first person from both his and her points of view the story moves fairly quickly. I do feel like some of the back story could have been written better. Much telling not showing, even though James is the one doing the telling.

I do wonder if this is a start to a series. The big story arc about the wraiths is not at all solved or any where near closure.

I'll give this 3.5 stars.

Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon was an entertaining shifter romance. Megan has all these grand notions of what life will be like once she has found her mate. James doesn't want a mate. They throw each other's lives into a bit of chaos. James is very intense. I loved that about him. It really helped amp up the romance too. Megan adds a little lightness to his life, which he needs. They have a chemistry that grows and changes through the story. I was thoroughly engaged in the lives of these characters from beginning to end.

If you liked Twilight, this is a good choice. I liked the bond between the two wolves, but I wanted more of the storyline. What about Lucy? Hoping there will be sequel.

I was hooked right from the start. I love a good werewstory and this didn’t disappoint! The characters and premise were different enough to make it enjoyable read for YA supernatural fans.

Megan has always been a werewolf and she's dreamed for years about finding her mate.

James has been a warrior werewolf all of his life and he has dreaded finding his mate.

When the two find each other, it's destiny, but it's nothing like either thought it would be.

Final thoughts: Short book talk because it's not really worth talking about. The characters were all boring and the events did not flow naturally; instead they came up as needed to further the very bland plot. I didn't care about anyone and definitely don't care to read the next books in the series.

Rating: 1/5

It has been a while since I've read a paranormal romance, so when I came across Bound to You I decided it was time to re-visit one of my favorite genres. Just reading the synopsis brought back a feeling of nostalgia to a time when I was obsessed with True Blood, Bitten, and the Chicagoland Vampire series.

The one thing that Megan Ross has been looking forward to her whole life is to find her mate. While she has not been like most female alphas and found her mate by her 16th birthday, Megan is hoping that the night of her 18th birthday that will all change. As luck would have she gets her wish, except the mate she has been waiting for doesn't exactly feel as excited about the match as she does. After a bit of a rocky start getting to know her mate James, Megan is swept away to Canada to start her new life amongst a pack she barely knows, and with a mate who is doing everything in his power to keep his distance.

This was a nice little dip back into paranormal romance for me which I really enjoyed because it made me realize that I need to start reading more PNR books. That being said, I completely connected with Megan and her being a bit of a hopeless romantic when it came to finding her mate. What made it even better for me was that when her and James meet for the first time and they sense that they are each other's mate, there is no insta-love element involved. Sure, there was definitely insta-lust from both parties even though James tried his hardest not to even acknowledge it existed let alone give into it, but the beginnings of Megan and James's relationship actually unfolded somewhat normally by them trying to get to know one another. Emphasis on the word trying thanks to James, but that's besides the point.

Unfortunately, while I did connect with Megan on the hopeless romantic front, I also found her extremely immature at times. She is supposed to be 18, and I know that doesn't automatically make her super mature, but at times, I honestly thought she was 16. That, and her naivety towards her relationship with James and how it was suppose unfold a certain way based on the ideas she had as a young girl caused me to lose interest from time to time. I also found that there were certain parts of the story that weren't delved into more, like James's past and the full story as to why Lucy is living with the pack, leaving me with more questions when I was finished than I would have liked .

Overall, I enjoyed this read. Even though I didn't end up liking it as much as I thought I would, I still think it is a good book for anyone who likes to read paranormal romances. So, if you are looking for a PNR to read, give this one a try!

I love a good PNR / shifter read, this blurb seemed a little different to the usual so decided to give it a go and see what happens. As I understand it, this is the author's debut novel, which she did pretty well with for a first attempt.

Megan is looking for her mate, the one who is going to love, cherish and protect her, her own Prince Charming. James turns out to be far from Prince Charming - he is cold, aloof, rude and not in the least bit happy to have found his mate. Megan is taken home to Canada to live with his pack, such as it it, quite dysfunctional, not pack-like at all really. It turns out that this is a warrior pack and they have things to do, that Megan knows nothing about. James has secrets and a dark past and does not want to consummate his bond to Megan, who tries just giving him time and finding other things to do around the place.

The main story obviously centers around Megan and James and their lack of commitment to each other, or should I say James with his hang ups. You don't get an awful lot of background about his past and the why's about what happened, which needs expanding on really. This obviously makes it a slow burn of a relationship, with only one small amount of sexiness in this book.

Its a pretty good read with lots of promise in the story line, it just needs more to it, more background, more wolfiness - here's hoping this will come in later books. But its worth giving this a go if PNR / romance is your thing.

Before this review, I have made it a point to indicate that many novels are: your-mileage-may-vary (YMMV), meaning that the novels are well written and appeal to many readers, it just so happens that I am not in that particular target audience. And this is more than fine because there is always going to be some reader who is touched by a writer’s work.

Bound to You, which has had a lot of success on Wattpad, is a YMMV for me. The character of Megan the werewolf dreams of being mated and having someone love her just for her. She comes across as very young and sometimes ditzy. Imagine Clueless meets the Twilight wolves.

Her inner wolf chooses James, who is tough and very old, although he appears to be about 23. James belongs to a special type of warrior wolf sect who continue to live until their pack dies out. These warrior wolves battle wraiths, which can be dangerous and deadly.

There are some page-turning action scenes and some humorous situations.

I would recommend Bound to You to readers in their late teens who may empathize more with Megan’s thoughts and struggles than us older readers can. The novel does include sex so may not be suitable for younger teens.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Bound to You by Alyssa Brandon is a NA paranormal romance and introduces readers to an urban fantasy world of supernatural creatures, undeniable attraction and swoon worthy romance.

Eighteen year old Megan Ross has waited her whole life to find her mate. The daughter of an alpha, Megan knows exactly what she wants and the werewolf she meets on the beach at a party is definitely not what she always envisioned. Brooding and cold, James is the leader of a legendary tier of warrior werewolves tasked with protecting the werewolves from their natural enemies; creatures known as wraiths. Moving from her family’s home to her new pack’s compound in Canada, Megan wants nothing more than to connect with James, yet he continually tries to push her away. Haunted by his past and determined to keep Megan at arm’s length, James’s actions may be the thing that keeps Megan and him finding true happiness. The attraction and bond between them is undeniable, but will Megan be able to convince James to give their relationship a shot? Or was there never a chance to begin with?

I’m going to be honest; in a lot of ways Bound to You reads like fanfiction. Well written, deeply enjoyable fanfiction, but fanfiction none-the-less. And yet, gosh, there was something about Bound to You I really found myself enjoying. Unfolding primarily through Megan’s POV as well as the occasional chapter from James, Bound to You introduces readers to a world of werewolf packs and a century’s old war between them and their enemies, wraiths as well as a romance with a reluctant male lead and a determined heroine.

Bound to You centres around Megan who has finally found her mate in the form of surly and reluctant James, who, even though he can’t help but desire her, isn’t too happy about finding his other half. I must admit, I find myself intrigued by the world introduced by Alyssa Brandon; more than I thought I would when the story first began. The concept surrounding James and his fellow pack members is interesting and I genuinely liked them all. Living in a barren and empty manor, I enjoyed seeing these warrior wolves loosen up and connect as Megan made attempts to bring them together.

The relationship between Megan and James plays a large part in the story and I thought they had a decent connection. The attraction and chemistry was there and considering the idea of mates and what finding a mate entails, I appreciated seeing Megan and James get to know each other throughout the story. I think this made it all that more satisfying when they eventually began to find a rhythm together.

As I previously mentioned, I was intrigued by many of James’s pack and am keen to see if Brandon will writes novels featuring the other characters. Lucy especially has been set up to feature some kind of painful history that I’m sure could transfer over into further storyline arcs. Either way I’ll be keeping an eye out to see what Alyssa Brandon does with this series next.

I personally love reading Alpha/Beta/Omega fanfiction, so when I found out that this novel was going to be based on those dynamics, I knew I wanted to read it. I started off the novel really excited to read about Megan's potential mate, wanting to see who she would end up with. Then, she ends up with James. James is a boy who was not looking for a mate. He is a warrior who has no interest in finding a mate, and so he is not interested in Megan at all. However, his wolf will not allow him to leave her alone, so he must take her into his territory with his own family. All he has to do is block himself from completing the mating bond, and he will not have to lose himself to anyone.

I enjoyed reading about Megan and her inner growth from a girl who was just waiting for her "Prince Charming" into a woman who basically had to fend for herself as her mate avoided her. The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the supposition that this cold, callous boy would "suddenly come around and love her". She didn't really find herself that much, and instead spent most of the novel just waiting around for James to change his mind and fully accept her.

James' backstory was interesting, but I just couldn't like him as a person. I won't spoil anything, but I'll just say that it is really good. I would feel more for him if he showed a bit more...emotion, rather than just closing himself off.

What really saved this book for me was the pacing of the plot and the other characters in the book. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it! And also, the side characters had really interesting stories. I really enjoyed learning more about the warriors and their jobs, I just wanted to know more about them and their world!

I would recommend this book to someone looking for a new YA romance novel with Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics.

I’d forgotten how much I like paranormal stories, I think I got a bit oversaturated a while back and I haven’t read one in a while, but luckily this one fell into my lap and was exactly what I needed to renew my love of the genre.

I really liked the tension at the start of this story and that Megan and James didn’t just fall together, that even though they were mates they weren’t too lovey-dovey and that they had to work to form a connection.

I always find this a little difficult to judge, to my mind at points the characters seemed a little childish, I know they are teenagers but there were points that I had to roll my eyes. Megan came across as a bit dim at points but she was accepted to (what I believe to be) a really good school so I doubted she was.

I liked James, the brooding tortured type does push my buttons, and there is plenty of damage there but I felt like he could have had a little something more, I feel like I was starting to see a bit deeper and then the story ended.

Whilst this is a book about werewolves it is mostly a romance based story, however, there are a lot of elements to it that I felt were a little unfinished and left me with a lot of unanswered questions. Now if it turns out to be the first book in a series then that would make sense because then I know some of my questions would be addressed, also because it would be nice to get to know the characters a little more.

Whilst there were a few things that didn’t agree with me I really enjoyed this story, I found that I was hooked and didn’t want it to end where it did.

3,5 stars

I’ve been given an ARC by the publisher but it has no influence on my honest review

Bound to You was an enjoyable and easy to read story. It holds many potential but it was also frustrating sometimes.

Let’s begin with the positive

The concept was refreshing.
No insta love when you find your mate. There is the bond you can feel it but it could have been titled The Reluctant Alpha! James did everything he could to avoid the bond. He avoided Megan like the plague.
On the other hand being the big bad alpha he wanted his mate in his territory!
It was all “chase me, chase me not”.

Far from the usual werewolf trope. And I truly loved this! It was a nice change from the inst love you can find in other shifter books. I love them but was really delighted to find something a little bit harder in this novel.

The universe was original
The concept of warrior wolves with special abilities and purpose (not saying more) was interesting.

The side characters with distinct personalities helped to flesh out the story and gave a small community feel.



Now what I missed to give it 4 stars or more

My biggest issue was with Megan. She was quite immature.
Of course she is only18 but she was quite gullible with pink ideas about love and mating bond. I know this also was the purpose of the story: opposing jaded and reluctant James to loving and bubbly Megan but it did not work for me. I wanted more depth and nuances in Megan. That said I know she will win other readers hearts as she is sweet and wants so much to be loved, to come first in someone else’s priorities.

Dig deeper.
James had a traumatic past. What could have been a reason to amp up the angst, to add to the folklore explaining some magic has been barely brushed. We remain on the surface instead of diving in.

This story is also the epitome of how unecessary drama could be avoided with a good talk. But of course you have to be willing to talk what closed off James was not. Megan faced an impossible task!

Now all that frustrated me could very well overjoy you! I have friends blossoming with stories filled with misunderstanding and heroine having to grow up. It’s just not my prefered reads. As my issues might not be yours give a chance to this story if you think this could be your cup of tea.

Last parting words: I thank the publisher for his trust giving me this book. It takes courage and a great amount of work to write and publish a story, never forget this.

**Review on Smada's Book Smack**
Megan has dreamed about the day she would find her mate and be swept away by romance, love and perfect happiness. What she never expected was to meet her mate and he has no desire at all to be bound to anyone. Her dreams are immediately smashed and instead she is left with a silent, broody mate James who whisks her away to the middle of nowhere Canada and promptly forgets she exists. Megan has no idea what to do with her mate, her new pack, her current living situation…heck, even her life. But there is more to James than she knows, a past that may stop them from having a chance at a future. ​

Sigh, I just love werewolf romance stories, they are just the best! There is just something about the mate bond (kinda sorta like a soulmate) that I love, two people who have maybe never met before getting an instant connection- they may not know each other, heck they may not even like each other, but there is a draw and ultimately they are absolutely perfect for each other. Bound To You is a perfect example of this concept, two completely opposite perfect strangers that end up being just what the other needed. It’s just so dreamy. And sure some people complain about “insta-love” in books, but I would never say that is how the mate bond works- heck, there doesn’t even have to be love ever in a mate bond, but it is a connection that can’t be denied. These are the only stories I am ok with some sort of instant connection between characters- they just can’t help it and I eat it up.

Yes this book is a romance (way more NA than YA due to the content of the steaminess and casual sexual mentions FYI), I really don’t think it could be classified as anything else, but there were some really great action and paranormal scenes added for flavor and to help with character development. James just so happens to be a very rare Warrior Wolf who’s purpose in life (afterlife? I am not 100% sure the wraiths are actually alive) happens to be to hunt down the wraith creatures that prey on werewolves- werewolves who think wraiths don’t exist. It was really cool, and very unique, seeing them battle and the origins of the creatures. I would love to learn more about this entire world.

That brings me to another point- this story feels like it is a standalone based on the ending, which was satisfactory to me- I could be finished with this world and the characters, but I don’t want to be! I want more story, be it with Megan and James, or interesting Lucy, any of the guys in the pack (like Robin!) or even some follow-up with her best friend (she has some hesitation in her relationship it feels). I would love it if Alyssa made this a series (hint, hint) with more on how things go for Megan later on.

I really enjoyed this paranormal romance! It was a fast, engaging read that I blew through one night (when I was supposed to be sleeping, but who needs sleep when they can book!) This was my first book by Alyssa and I look forward to what comes next.

I am voluntarily reviewing an advance, complimentary copy of this book.

I struggled so hard to get invested and care about at least one of the characters or the plot even, but I lost my steam at 26%. I just can not with this one. I hate when I have to DNF. 😞 I didn't hate it, but unfortunately this wasn't for me.

Eighteen year old Megan Ross has been eagerly anticipating meeting her mate. Her father is one of the most powerful Alpha of Alphas and she's something like a wolf shifter princess. Most shifters find their mates by the time they're sixteen and she's really hoping to meet hers, her Prince Charming, at her birthday party. Well that dream comes true. He is there. They do meet. However, that's where her dreams and reality start to diverge!

He's a warrior wolf and he obviously really doesn't want to be her mate. He's cold, uncommunicative and his first move after their mating is announced is to take her to his home - a castle like home in Canada, miles away from her family and friends! He has secrets he's not willing to share, a mate he is desperate not to bond with and his pack is like nothing she's ever encountered before. This shifter princess is not in for the fairy tale romance she's always dreamed of!

This is a  brilliant paranormal romance that I thoroughly enjoyed. The contrast in Megan's expectations and reality are dramatic but I loved reading how she matured in this story. Much of the story is about the sexual tension between the couple, fitting into unfamiliar situations, developing relationships and learning to love. It is a well crafted story and different take on shifter romances. I really hope it will be the first in a series as I'd like to read more about the Warrior pack and their fight to protect the other shifters!

I requested and was lucky enough to be given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

Bound to You brings a different take on the world of the werewolves. It's an interesting concept with two alluring main characters.

Megan is eighteen and has been waiting for the day that she would meet her true mate. He comes along on her birthday, but he isn't at all what she imagined.

James is one of the many alphas attending Megan's birthday. He isn't really looking for a mate, but he doesn't have a choice in the matter.

When Megan sets eyes on James on the beach, she recognises her mate instantly. Instead of swooping in and sweeping her off her feet, he gives her the cold shoulder. She discovers that he is no ordinary werewolf. He is a warrior! The short introduction is made and she leaves everything she loves behind for her mate. After all, it's her dream come true. Isn't it?

James' indifference takes its toll on Megan, but he has good reasons for avoiding the mating bond. He hates magic. A past experience has made him cautious and he has sworn not to allow any form of magic to have control over him. Not even the mating bond! Can Megan change his views and have her happily ever after?

James is broody and temperamental, but he is lovable with it. Megan gives him the benefit of the doubt until her patience runs out. The thing is that James' pack isn't like any other and they keep their objectives a secret until it might be too late. It's the danger it represents that might well make James realise what's right in front of him and what he might stand to lose.

I like the storyline, but there are some gaps that leave a lot of questions. I would have liked to have learnt a little more about Trist and the attack which changed him. Lucy is another enigma. Who is she? Robin and Tommy are great supportive characters and in some ways they contribute to the much needed changes in James' pack. Despite some of the shortfalls, I enjoyed the story and the off and on interactions between James and Megan. I admire Megan for her perseverance and for being brave enough to point out the weaknesses in the pack. Despite James' infuriating behaviour at times, I like the role he plays and the way he redeems himself. It's a pleasant read that would appeal to those who like a broody, but attractive alpha and a strong and romantic heroine.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

I'm a bit torn with regard to this book. On one hand, I really wish the author had provided more background information. She provided enough for us to understand the plot - so kudos for that - but I wanted to know more about the society in which the characters live, more description of location (towns/cities, etc.), more about the history behind the main male character, and his dad... On the other hand, I think it speaks well of the author, and the story, that I ~want~ to know more about these things. I think the premise and framework of this story were strong and interesting. I definitely enjoyed this book, I just wanted more detail!