Thank you to Briar for this e-arc ! 💌

I don’t even know where to start but obviously you need to read The first book because this one starts off right where the first ended !!!
And let me tell you it started off with a BANG !

This has become one of my favorite favorite series ever , and I love this one even more than the first !

Blake our MMC his character development in this book was my favorite. You really see him care for more than just himself and Medra but the fact that he even had love for her best friend !!! CRYING !!!

The pacing was sososos good , I was ok the edge with every chapter I didn’t know what to expect!!!!
The ending OMGGG !!! I love when you don’t see anything coming and with the last few chapters I was so shocked I don’t know what to expect!!

I can’t wait for the next one !!!

‘I want to worship you. Say you’ll let me’

Briar has done it again! I loved this installment just as much as book two. It’s packed with tension, spice, action, witty banter, secrets revealed (with more to uncover), and yet another cliffhanger ending that leaves you wanting more.

Any MMC coded like Draco Malfoy is an instant favorite for me, and Blake is no exception—I’m so glad we got to see more of his POV in this book! There was also a surprise third POV, and while it only appeared in a few chapters, it added a fresh perspective that I really enjoyed.

And honestly, who doesn’t love a book with dragons? Nyxaris ended up being one of my favorite characters. I loved his stubbornness and banter with Medra.

Overall, I loved it and am fully invested in the plot and characters. I can’t wait to dive into book three and see what happens next!

Thank you to NetGalley, Briar, and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited for this sequel and it LIVED UP!

Dragons, spice, angst, betrayals, tension, twists and turns, what’s not to love?! That cliffhanger though?! Briar!!! I need book 3 with a quickness ma’am.

The Bond That Burns had my pulse GOING! You honestly have no idea which way the story could turn. Most romances can be a little predictable (which I’m not complaining about! I need that HEA.) but Briar will keep you on your toes the WHOLE TIME. I love that Medra always stands her ground, especially when it comes to Blake. I also LOVED Blake’s character growth, I really needed this. While it doesn’t stop him from making mistakes, it shows that he’s changing and I can’t wait to see where he goes next.

The sisterhood between Medra and Florence (and their Fluffin, Neville) gave me a jolt of pure serotonin. My favorite thing about this story is the character growth in everyone. I said in my last review that this book reminds me of Zodiac Academy and while that is true, I’m enjoying this one a bit more. So excited to continue this series.

A series with everything you look for in a fantasy book!! Spice, dragons, shifters, and characters that you can't get enough of! I'm ready for #3!!

BRIAR??? HOW CAN YOU END IT LIKE THIS I NEED BOOK 3 ASAP PLEASE DO NOT PLAY WITH MY HEART LIKE THIS!!

I am so in love with this series, it is SO good.

*Spoilers from book 1 below*

Book 2 in this series picks up right where book 1 leaves off. We continue to follow Medra, who had just accidentally awoken a dragon. Her dragon threatens to tip the scale of power and could cause a war between households. To add to this, Blake forced a blood bond into her and now she is Blake’s only source. Medra must continue to figure out how to survive in a world that only wants to control or kill her.

Book 2 did not disappoint. It is filled with just as much tension and action as book 1. I loved that we got to see more of the side characters in this book and even got a few Florence chapters. I am so interested in this plot and can’t wait to see where the story goes. This series has everything I need in a romantasy: enemies to lovers, magic, shifters, politics, scheming, and found family.

While the romance and setting reminds me a lot of Zodiac Academy, I think the dragon history and storyline makes this book unique.

I will be thinking about this story for a long, long time. Is there merch? I need merch.

Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for an arc of this incredible book. I am seriously so thankful to NetGalley for introducing me to this author and to Briar for granting me arcs for all of her books so far 🖤

Medra has awakened a dragon and throws everything into turmoil. All the houses are now fighting over the dragon and its rider. Unfortunately for Medra, she has absolutely no control over the dragon but can't let anyone know. As a new school year starts, Medra also has to deal with Blake's betrayal and the fact that she is now his only blood source. Medra desperately wants to break this bond, but is told it is impossible. But she was also told that dragons were long gone as well.

I could not wait to dive back into this world. Especially given the ending of the first book. And this book had so much going on. Usually I get overwhelmed when stories try to pack so many stories into one, but everything flowed so smoothly that I didn't. I couldn’t get enough of this book and flew through it. Not gonna lie Blake drove me mad the first bit of the book and I was glad he had some growth in this book, emotionally I mean. Though what happened to him near the end of the book had my jaw on the ground. Also I expected more dragons to awaken in this book but not like how they did. As for Medra and Nyxaris, I loved their relationship. Deep down I bet he cares deeply for her. I am a bit cautious when it comes to Kage though. I still don't feel like his true intentions have been revealed yet. Cant wait to see what happens next.

Rating 4 stars

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for allowing me the privilege of once again getting to read one of your amazing books!

Once again you've brought joy into my world and I truly mean that with one of your books. I do however need the next one there are so many unanswered questions and a cliff hanger I need resolved! My only issue I had was during a few of the spicy scenes where a certain world starting with p that were thrown in seemed to cheapen the moment. I'm not really sure why but it did. Apart from that I'm in love and now that it's available to order in Canada I've got it on its way here to join all the rest of her books and I couldn't be more excited!

Thank you so much for giving me a world to fall in love with!

Rating: 4.5 stars
Spice: 3 peppers

I think this may be my favorite book from Briar Boleyn yet. If you're a fan of Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, and a hint of Twilight - this book is definitely for you.

Tropes:
- Multiple POV
- Dark Academia
- World Building
- Forced Prox
- Enemies to Lovers
- Found Family
- Touch Her and Die

We have major character development in this story. Honestly, our MMC, Blake, is nearly insufferable during the first few chapters. He was hurt in the previous book, so he ends up taking a couple steps back in his development, reverting to lessons taught by his nasty uncle and brother about controlling others. Don't worry, as the story unfolds he figures out that those tactics aren't going to work any longer. Medra, our badass FMC, also goes through major developments. She still doesn't take shit from anyone, but she is learning more about politics and how her actions have repercussions for those she loves. The slow burn between these two gets even more juicy in this one and I love it!

We get a few chapters from Florence's POV, which I absolutely loved and made sense to include. It feels like it is giving me a teaser that more development will be on the horizon for her.

We also are rewarded with more of Theo and Visha. Visha could honestly have a spin-off story and I would 100% read it.

This books ends on one hell of a cliffhanger. I can't wait for Spring 2025 to find out what happens next!

On Wings of Blood set my expectations HIGH for this sequel and I can confidently say those expectations were met! I really enjoyed seeing more of Florence and her POV in this book- Flo, Visha and Theo are such wonderful, vibrant personalities and really help bring out the best of our MCs.
At no point in this book did I know what was going to happen next, and the ending?!?! No words. It was maybe a bit abrupt but it definitely served its purpose and made me much more excited for book 3!

This book is such a perfect continuation of the story. The flow is great and the characters are all keeping secrets but in this one we find out some (not all) of their secrets! Seriously so excited for book 3 now!

Book one was my favorite read of last year...and book two did NOT disappoint...can I have already read my favorite book of 2025? This series is just absolute perfection. If I could pick a fantasy world to live in it would be here, with Blake Drakharrow (preferably as a vampire, obviously). The book started slow with the enemies to lovers trope, but when things got going...they got going. Briar knows how to have you on the edge of your seat, having emotions about fictional people that have you full of angst, excitement and absolute distress. The last 25% of this book was mindblowing, I can't wait for the third book. Briar- if you need someone to test read, PICK MEEEEE!

So happy I got a copy of this from Briar Boleyn and NetGalley, but I have already ordered myself physical copies too. Drop everything and go read this series.

I loved the first book and could not wait to dive into the second installment. Let me tell you this book did not disappoint in the slightest. It was gripping, addictive and had me audibly gasping. The Bond That Burns takes you on such an emotional rollercoaster and I still haven't recovered from it.

Our characters develop so much in this book and it was so good to see them grow. Oh and the spice? Absolutely perfect. I honestly love the romance in this and I cannot wait to see how it progresses in the next book (which I need now).

Also, I need my own fluffin. Neville is the absolute cutest and I just want to hug him close and never let go.

I loved this book and I'm so excited for the next one! Thank you Briar for letting me a part of the street team and giving me access to an early copy!

♥ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 (𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 #𝟐) 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ♥

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 )
Spice: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

minor spoilers incoming!

𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺:
Following the dramatic awakening of a dragon in the first book, Medra Pendragon finds herself navigating the consequences. The Highbloods debate her fate, questioning her loyalties and the role of her dragon, Nyxaris. Meanwhile, Medra must come to terms with Blake’s betrayal and decide whether to trust him as their relationship shifts. To complicate matters, her dragon refuses to bond with her, showing disdain for both Medra and the Highbloods. With danger mounting and tensions rising, Medra must learn to communicate with Nyxaris and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Bloodwing Academy.

𝘔𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴:
I loved the first book, but this one took it to another level! Nyxaris completely stole the show for me—every interaction between him and Medra was hilarious and heartwarming. A sassy dragon with a big personality is always my favourite.

Medra continues to be an incredible FMC. She’s strong, determined, and just overall badass. Watching her relationship with Blake evolve was one of my favourite aspects of this book. The dual POV added depth, giving us insight into Blake’s thoughts and his growing feelings for Medra. Blake annoyed me at the start, but he got his act together...until that ending betrayal. I was worried the ending would mirror the first book with Medra hating him again, but she stood by him this time, which gives me so much hope for their future. Their dynamic gives me serious Dramione vibes, and I’m here for it!

The plot was full of twists and turns. Blake’s dragon shape-shifting reveal? Did NOT see that coming. And Kage being the wolf? Incredible. The ending's cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book—I can’t wait to see how everything comes together.

Also, I cannot write this review without mentioning Neville, I adore him. His meeting with Nyxaris at the end was a highlight for me, and I’m calling it now—he’s going to play a big role in the next book. I kinda wish he had more of a relationship with Medra or we saw more Blake-Neville moments but he's still such a highlight.

Lastly, the spice was well-balanced, adding to the story without overpowering it. The drama is real, and I am so invested in this series!

The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn is a gripping and intense second instalment in the Bloodwing Academy series. The story follows two main characters caught between love, loyalty and each other.

The author weaves tension and passion into every page, with so many unexpected twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat. This is accompanied by fantastic character development. The plot is well paced and is a balance of thrilling moments and emotional depth, with the author skillfully exploring themes of trust, sacrifice, and inner conflict.

The chemistry between the main characters is intense, with their developing relationship being full of intense and steamy moments. The fantasy elements are compelling but don’t overpower the emotional aspect of the book. The spicy moments between the two main characters is absolutely perfect and very well written.

To conclude, This was a highly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense and fantasy. With its memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and an engaging plot, it’s definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. If you enjoy stories about love, loyalty, dragons and vampires, this book should be on your radar.

Thank you to the author Briar Boleyn, NetGalley and Starwater Press for this ARC! I’m absolutely obsessed with this series!

How am I supposed to wait until may for the next book?? Briar Boleyn is the queen of the cliffhanger and she's done it again!

I didn't think I would ever find a series I liked asmuch as blood of a fae but this one is even better.

The characters, whether you love or hate them are amazing. The story just keeps on giving. Most books have slow chapters but not this one. Every chapter, every event, every character is written for a reason even if you don't realise it at the time.

Even if your not a fan of the fantasy genre you will be after reading this series!

Firstly thank you so much Briar, the pushisher and NetGalley for allowing me read this. I loved the first book so much cause it has so many things I love in books and I immediately wanted to jump into the 2nd one.
Oh. My. Wow! What to say... Have in consideration that I literally just finished the book like 5 minutes ago and my cheeks are still drying from all the tears i shed on the last chapter so bear with me and my many thoughts. After finished writing I came back here to the beginning to say it's a big review and in case you don't feel like reading it all, I just say I recommend it to everyone!!! 👌🏻👌🏻
Still absolutely in awe with our heroine because that's really what she is. Medra is so passionate, brave, fierce, she doesn't back down even when she's scared, she's such a kind and good friend and the last chapters proved once again how fearless she is (going in for a battle she had no way to win but she felt she had to to protect her own).
My dear Blake... The first book proved that Blake was more than what he showed people, specially when his POV chapters started and I loved him. In this book, he had me wanting to scream at him and maybe give him a shove like WAKE UP DUDE on a few situations like the cafeteria one. But apart from that, I love Blake and, as the book progressed, he started standing up a bit more to his uncle and he finally realised his mistakes with Medra and actually apologised. He had huge character growth for me. When he agrees to help Rodriguez, he acknowledged he was doing something wrong and didn't want to. Before the ball, the gifts part was so thoughtful, I was swooning with him and with Medra's thoughts about it.
Also adoring the secondary characters. Theo always a good friend and trying to help. Florence is that precious friend who's always there for you and you wanna protect at all costs. Visha was likable on the 1st book but she's grown even more on me on this one, she's really funny and also a good friend. To Blake she's that kind of friend that tells you everything you need to hear even if it's not what you wanna hear, hence calling Blake out on bullsh*t he did this book. Kage is another character that grew on me on this book. He tried to help Blake with the transformation thing, even tho he was cryptic as hell lol
The last chapters had me on edge afraid for Nyxaris, afraid for the reconnecting connection between Medra and Blake because of what he was going to do. And yes, chaos ensued. Blake's transformation left me shook (I can't wait to see more of how it works on the 3rd book and Medra's reaction to it), Catherine and Marcus' alliance and what they did with blood magic and the last chapter had me bawling my eyes out. Because of Florence's situation, how Blake immediately decided to intervene for her and how Medra saved him and said those two words (TWO WORDS he kept telling her but she never said back and for the first time she finally said it) and he was so surprised and taken aback and SO WAS I. I was already crying but I cried even more. And then the flufflin part, which I would never see coming in my wildest dreams, was the most adorable thing and dialogue.
And now I'm here feeling hungover and needing book 3 which comes out the day after my birthday.
What a perfect way to start the reading year 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The Bond that Burns, takes place after soon after book one. We follow our FMC Medra as she navigates her way through Bloodwing Academy after her falling out with Blake. The relationship between Medra and Blake relies heavily on the miscommunication trope which is personally a frustrating one and not a favorite. The fact is it is glaringly obvious that Blake looks after Medra every single step of the way. Even if she is furious with him and yet for the majority of the book the push and pull seems to rely heavily on her just disregarding this fact.
The growth with Medra stalled with a good amount of filler where in the first book she had to fully adjust to a new world, learn history, the dynamics of the delicate balances that rule the school, highbloods, and the other beings in this new and unfamiliar world she found herself thrust upon. This being one of the most engaging parts of the first book; unfortunately, this book missed the mark in keeping up with its predecessor.
The addition of a witty gruff dragon who traditionally aligned with another house had me excited to dive into some deep history about the dragons and their houses. However, while some aspects were alluded to and might appear in a future book, I found myself wanting a deeper connection to the plight of the dragons and the previous riders.
Honestly, I really enjoyed Kage and getting a bit more insight into the workings of another highblood house. (I secretly hoped for a tamlin/rhys switcheroo and poof Kage was her true mate..)
Some of the twists have a huge amount of potential to draw you back into a larger and more layered world. I am interested to see how Boleyn ties in the many aspects of the world she has created and builds upon them into a compelling fantasy filled with politics, world building, magic, dragons, emotional highs and lows, love, spice, and of course twists.

Briar Boleyn! You did it again! I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. Did I try to swipe the last page on my kindle, even tho it said, "The End"? Yes, yes I did because, how can you leave it like that? This series and book is a page turner filled with vampires, dragons, wolves, enemies to lovers, delicious spice, found family, twists & turns, and more. I continue to love the main characters, Medra and Drake, both trying to navigate their relationship, plus a there's a bit of good groveling from Drake. I also continue to enjoy the found family aspect of this story and that they are all supporting each other even if mistakes are made. I look forward to book 3.
I highly recommend this book.

I have absorbed all of Briar Boleyn's books and The Bond that Burns, Bloodwing Academy book #2 was no exception! I started reading and did not put the book down til I was done. I am so grateful to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for an arc copy to read! I am so happy I discovered this author thanks to Netgalley! I am hooked on her writing! I will be anxiously awaiting book 3 coming in the Spring! This book ends on a cliffhanger and I must know what happens soon!

Boleyn knows how to world build and do it exceptionally! She creates characters that a reader becomes emotionally invested in and attached too! I didn't want to like Blake at first, but I couldn't help it after the Bond that Burns! His character arc alone makes this book worth reading. I like Blake and Medra together- they have a matching fire and intensity. I love Nyraxis, the dragon and his grumpiness. I could imagine him through Boleyn's descriptive writing. I want to know more about him and the dragons! Who wouldn't adore Neville the fluffin?! I feel Neville is going to bring more surprises in book 3! I was happy he was even more present in book 2! Kage Tanaka, Avari house leader even has become more intriguing as the series develops!

Twist, turns, tension filled romance, and betrayals- oh my gosh the betrayals! So many things happened in this book that were unpredictable and surprising! It has been an enjoyable ride so far! I am excited to see where Boleyn is going to take this series! 100% worth reading The Bond that Burns and all of Boleyn's books she has written so far! She is a fantastic fantasy romance writer!
I will be sharing this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

5/5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I was hooked from the very first chapter. The Bond That Burns is book two in the Bloodwing Academy series and I can’t wait for book three to be released. Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.