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Bonded by Thorns

Book 1 in the series:Beasts of the Briar

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Who Would Like This Book:

If you're craving a steamy, imaginative fantasy romance with a heavy dose of 'Beauty and the Beast' nostalgia - but make it four princes instead of one - this series is for you! Bonded by Thorns is all about slow-burning tension, plenty of spice, and swoony Fae drama. Fans of 'why choose/reverse harem' and fated mates stories will find lots to enjoy, especially with distinct, deliciously flawed heroes and a bookish, relatable heroine. The unique magic system, enchanted castle antics, and glimpses of a mysterious villain add extra layers of intrigue. If you love series that blend emotional growth, found family vibes, and a dash of angst with your romance, don't miss this one!

Who May Not Like This Book:

Not every reader is enchanted - some found the writing style a bit uneven or juvenile, with key romantic bonds told rather than shown as weeks just pass by. If you're hoping for deep character development and intense one-on-one romance scenes, you might feel a bit let down. The heavy inspiration from Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and a few moments that feel directly lifted from it, can also pull you out of the story. Plus, if slow-burn or ongoing series aren't your thing (or cliffhangers drive you up the wall!), proceed with caution.

A spicy, fun spin on Beauty and the Beast with multiple swoony princes and plenty of magical romance. It’s not perfect, but if you like slow burns and reverse harem fantasy, this is a binge-worthy read!

About:

Bonded by Thorns, part of the 'Beasts of the Briar' series by Elizabeth Helen, follows the story of Rosalina, a bookworm who finds herself in the Fae realm after her father disappears while searching for her missing mother. She agrees to become a prisoner in a castle inhabited by four cursed fae princes - Keldarion, Dayton, Ezryn, and Farron - in exchange for their help in releasing her father. As Rosalina navigates this new world, she discovers the princes' curse and sets out to help them find their fated mates to break it. The book is a reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, with elements of romance, fantasy, and intricate world-building woven throughout the plot.

The writing style of the book is described as captivating and immersive, with strong character development and a slow-burn romance that keeps readers engaged. The story unfolds through Rosalina's perspective as she interacts with the princes, each with their own struggles and personalities, while uncovering the mysteries of the fae realm and the curse that binds them.

Characters:

Characters are well-defined and undergo significant development, contributing to the story's engagement and emotional depth.

Writing/Prose:

Although opinions on writing quality vary, the prose effectively conveys character emotions and enriching world-building.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot reimagines the classic tale with a human heroine entangled in the lives of four cursed princes, focusing on themes of sacrifice and the quest for love.

Setting:

The setting combines an ordinary town with the enchanting and dangerous world of the Fae, enhancing the story's fantasy elements.

Pacing:

The pacing allows for nuanced character growth while building tension and anticipation for future developments.

Notes:

The book is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a twist - it features four fae princes instead of one.
The main character, Rosalina, is searching for her father who disappeared while trying to find a portal to the fae realm.
Each of the princes represents a different season: Keldarion (Winter), Ezryn (Spring), Dayton (Summer), and Farron (Autumn).
Rosalina's journey begins when she trades places with her father, who has been imprisoned for stealing a rose.
The princes are cursed to turn into beasts every night until they find their destined mates.
The story includes themes of love and bonds among multiple characters, featuring a reverse harem dynamic.
Readers mentioned a strong cliffhanger that leaves them eager for the next installment.
The book includes MM scenes and has been praised for its spicy content, particularly in the later books.
The writing has received mixed reviews, with some loving the storytelling while others found it lacking in depth.
Rosalina is portrayed as a relatable bookworm who grows more confident throughout the story.
There are hints of a complex villain, the Prince of Thorns, who has a mysterious past with one of the princes.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for 'Bonded by Thorns' include themes of trauma, abusive past relationships, and mild violence.

Has Romance?

The level of romance present in 'Bonded by Thorns' is medium; while it's a prominent element, development is gradual.

From The Publisher:

Four beastly princes. One awkward bookworm. An enchanted world of fae, magic, and danger.

I've always loved fairytales. I never imagined I'd actually be in one.

When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae, I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I'll do anything to save him... Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I'd end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.

I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates in order to break the curse. If I can help them do that, they'll set me free. Sounds simple, right?

It's not. Because against my better judgment, I'm starting to fall for these beastly princes. One is smart and sweet, the other mysterious and deadly, another flirty and confident, and the last prince... He's handsome, strong, has a wicked temper, and is dead-set against breaking the curse. Why does he want to keep me here forever?

But it's not just my freedom on the line. If I don't break the princes' curse soon, all the magic in the Enchanted Vale will be stolen by the evil-and stupidly hot-Prince of Thorns. And I'm not letting my princes stay cursed.

Not after I've fallen in love with them.

BONDED BY THORNS is a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn't have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that is the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF and MM content. It is intended for mature readers only.

February 2023
344 pages

Ratings (64)

Incredible (16)
Loved It (20)
Liked It (14)
It Was OK (11)
Did Not Like (3)

Reader Stats (160):

Read It (69)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (68)
Did Not Finish (8)
Not Interested (14)

1 comment(s)

Loved It
4 months

2.75

While not that well written and very cheesy at times, something keeps me coming back and reading each book. There is just enough whimsy and magic to keep me reading.

 
 
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