4.25 stars--BOUND is the first instalment in Samantha Wilde’s contemporary, adult BLOOD BROTHERS dark, erotic, criminal underworld romance series focusing on the Holmes brothers-Nash, Cole, Dallas and Dare. This is Nash Holmes, enforcer for the Lionsgate Kinship, and investigative journalist Lexi Ivanov’s story line.


WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.


Told from dual third person perspectives (Nash and Lexi) BOUND follows Alexi ‘Lexi’ Ivanov in the aftermath of the theft of a ledger containing Lionsgate secrets, secrets that once revealed will show a dark and dangerous past. Lexi Ivanov is investigating the murder of her parents, and the disappearance of her brother Brooks, a murder she blames on the Lionsgate Kinship. Her father Yuri, and her brother Brooks were once highly respected members of the Brotherhood but Lexi’s father discovered an anomaly in the bookkeeping, and his life was forfeited along with the rest of her family. Hoping to get revenge, Lexi seduces Lionsgate enforcer Nash Holmes in an effort to steal the ledger that will reveal the secrets of the Lionsgate group but Lexi’s escape to Russia is followed by our story line hero, and in the ensuing days and weeks Nash will fall for his intended target. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Lexi and Nash, and the potential fall-out as Lexi and Nash discover the true depths of depravity of the Lionsgate sins.


Nash Holmes is the adopted son of the man in charge but Lexi’s revelations are about to show Nash that he never really knew the man he once called father.Lexi is desperate to prove that Lionsgate is responsible for the death of her family but convincing Nash means to destroy the man he worshipped and adored. Lexi Ivanov knows that once the truth comes out,she may find herself with an even larger target on her back than the one on her back, now.


The relationship between Lexi and Nash begins as enemies when Lexi seduces, drugs and steals an important ledger from the Lionsgate group. Nash has been ordered to search for, and take down our story line heroine but something about Lexi calls to his heart. Lexi knows that if she is caught, there are no second chances but proving to Nash that the man he calls father is not the man he has come to respect, means getting up close and personal with the dirty side of life. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.


We are introduced to Nash’s brothers Cole and Dallas, as well as his ‘mentor’ and ‘father’ Conrad, Lionsgate enforcers Drew and Leith.


BOUND is a story of betrayal and vengeance; secrets and lies; revelations and deception; family, friendships, relationships, and love. The character driven premise is dramatic, haunting and tragic; the romance is seductive and provocative; the characters are edgy and dynamic.





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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Thank you to Net Galley for the free copy of this eARC!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m not sure exactly how to classify this. It certainly isn’t dark, but saying it’s romantic suspense doesn’t seem quite right. I guess that’s the closest sub-genre, though? lol!

Nash and Alexis were fun to spend time with. There were a few things that either irritated me or didn’t totally make sense, but this was an enjoyable read overall.

I wasn’t sure if I would want to continue the series, but by the end I was interested in the next installment. I’m not sure when it’s coming out, but I will keep it on my radar!

Oh! This definitely fits the “Oops! I was supposed to kill you, but fell in love with you instead” trope, so if you like that trope, you will probably like this! 😁

As far as spiciness, I would rate it 🌶🌶🌶/5. There was definite chemistry between the MCs and some pretty good steamy scenes. 😍

From the start this book was steamy! I’m not going to lie the cover has me a little hesitant to read it but I’m so glad I did! Good suspense, great steam, solid relationship

This story kicks off at full pace and doesn’t slow down at all throughout. An exciting, suspenseful, dark and engaging story with interesting characters.

I thought the underlying group (Lionsgate) was mildly confusing and I couldn’t pin down what hey actually are. This isn’t a mafia book, and I guess really they are just a group of people with a public facing good front and some members with a different agenda working behind the scenes.

Nash was difficult to pin down and seemed to swing quite quickly from loyalty to his adoptive father and Lionsgate to very easily, with little evidence, believing the worst of them. I did like how his relationship with Lexi developed despite a rather difficult start to say the least. I also loved his relationship with his brothers and look forward to reading more about them.

Lexi was tenacious and true with a strong character and moral compass despite her family being part of Lionsgate for years (though I suppose she would only have seen the legitimate side..) she seemed to not really mourn the loss of her parents (her mother barely mentioned) though some time was spent on her brothers disappearance.

Overall a strong story and I look forward to the next in the series

I was provided with a free copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own

The very first page sets the mood: STEAMY!!! This books is full of steamy moments and nail biting action. Lexi is a fighter!!! Fighting for her job, her family, and the truth. She doesn’t let anything or anyone get in her way. Nash is a tough bull who will do anything to protect the ones closest to him.

This book was so much more than I expected a thrilling ride that dragged me along at a break neck pace and totally drew me in

Alexis Ivanov is determined to bring down the Lionsgate Kinship after all she believes they are the ones that caused her brother to disappear after he started investigating them. The only way she can bring them down is to get hold of a ledger A ledger that is always carried by Nash Homes the enforcer for the group She drugs him and steals the ledger but he is hot on her trail he finds our why he starts to question the group he works for putting both himself and Alexis in danger Can he keep her safe and bring down the group he swore his loyalty to. you will have to read to see

This is my first time reading Samantha’s stories. This book is non stop action and suspense. Yes, we know who the bad guy is but it is what Nash and Alexis do about it that kept me glued to my chair. Does Nash believe Alexis? Who can he trust? If you want a wild ride, this is a book for you.

Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from NetGalley.
Nash and Lexi's romance begins in such an unusual way but isn't that how the best ones start? I loved this book and love to read more from this author.

Alexis Ivanov is continuing her brother's investigation into the mysterious Lionsgate Kinship after he disappeared. She's gotten close to the truth but requires proof in the form of a ledger with the details of their secretive operations. After seducing and drugging Nash, the enforcer that always has the book in his possession, she escapes with it. She should have known it wouldn't be that easy. Nash catches up with her and holds her hostage until she returns it, but when he learns the true reason why she needs the book, everything he knows about Lionsgate and Conrad, the man who raised him, comes into question. Can they stay ahead of Lionsgate's killers long enough to bring the whole operation down?
This book is so much more than I thought from the cover. Sure, it has steamy romance, but there's plenty of action and mystery involved to keep you on the edge of your seat. I put the rest of the series on my wish list...I can't wait to find out what happens next!
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a good first book in a series, and I look forward to reading the other books! The plot had twists, turns, romance, and was easy to follow. I loved the first chapter; it started the book off with a bang! I didn't stop reading till the book was finished!

thank you netgalley for this arc!

wow! wow! WOW!

this action-packed, sexy, suspenseful story of Nash and Alexis. it definitely has some darker undertones from page one. but overall this amazing book is a combination of enemies to lovers, mafia, forced proximity. the chemistry was amazing.

the plot was so interesting and had the perfect amount of romance intertwined. i cannot wait for the other books in this series. this book was an amazing premise for the rest of the series.

I really really wanted to just fall in love with this story. I did enjoy it very much but it did have me struggling a bit.
It is really fast-paced and easy to follow. I had no problem understanding the plot ad keeping track of the main characters and the sub-characters
Lexie and Nash, had amazing chemistry. but I felt like it was so underused in the storytelling. The intention was there it was just never really acted upon, I call this an "innuendo book." I wanted more of the push and pull.
I enjoyed the idea of Nash being clueless about the brotherhood he is a member of and the leader is like a father to him. The plot twist was welcome and this introduces us to Nash's bio brothers and I am really ready to know more about them.
All in all, this will find its audience and it deserves to loved.

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.

WOW! WOW! WOW!

One of the best first chapters/intros to a book I have ever read. It had sexiness, suspense and left me wanting and NEEDING more.

This is my first Samantha Wilde book and I have to say WOW I am so grateful to have been able to find this author!!!!

This book is the first in a brand new series "Blood Brothers" and features the story of Nash an enforcer for Lionsgate and Lexi the investigative journalist looking for the people that killed her family. Between uncovering the secrets of Lionsgate and trying to stay alive this pair manages to find happiness.

Things I liked
- EVERYTHING
- It's hot and sexy and steamy
- Incredibly fast paced and not story lagging
- world of Lionsgate
- NASH
- NASH
- NASH

Things I didn't like
- Nothing

I can not wait to see how Wilde continues to expand this new world. So loving this story and the teaser for the next book looks AMAZING!!!!

One handsome, broody and deadly AF enforcer. And a woman investigative journalist Seeking to avenge the deaths of her father and brother.

The book starts with a drugging, a very close sexual encounter, and a robbery. It was a good start. The book mixed action and romance, in the unlikely situation that the ruthless enforcer falls for the investigative journalist, and the pair are on the run from his adopted family.

It’s a little far fetched, and if you suspend your disbelief you might just enjoy the forced proximity romance between these two unlikely characters.

Thanks Netgalley for my electronic copy of the book to read and review.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book given to me via NetGalley. I devoured it in less then 24 hours I love Wilde's writting.Don't hesitate get this book!

Samatha Wilde (Keith) has skilfully created a combined mafia, enemies to lovers, and romantic thriller with her amazing writing, great pace, lots of suspense and scorching hot chemistry.

Alexis Ivanov is on a quest to take out the Lionsgate Kinship, the organisation responsible for starting a fire to wipe out her whole family. To succeed she needs to find a ledger which is kept by Nash Holmes.

Nash is one of the enforcers of the Lionsgate Kinship and one of the most dangerous men in the country. He has the ledger safely locked away, or so he thought.

Nash was adopted by Conrad, the head of the organisation, and he has always looked up to him as a fair and measured father figure. After having been duped and roofied by Alexis, Nash is now struggling with what seems to be rather solid facts that Conrad's business has a well-kept darker, secret side.

I'm looking forward to the rest of this Blood Brothers series, with #2 and #3 scheduled to be published in September this year.

Wow this is a story full of suspense, action, romance and the perfect amount of emotions. I found myself constantly thinking about what was going to happen next to Alexis and Nash. The book starts off with a very steamy scene between our two protagonists, but quickly changes the mood to suspense and intrigue when we get to know that there is more to this sexy encounter than what meets the eye. I really loved the chemistry of Alexis and Nash and Alexis's drive for justice. This was a great read I could barely put the book down once I started. Thank you NetGalley for an ARC.

This is a new author for me and I'm thrilled to find her. The plot was unique and I can't wait to see how she continues to build this world. With plenty of action, a dash of humor, coupled with a nice slow burn between the characters, and you have a fantastic read

I thought the plot will be different. I like the characters, but the story was rushed. The author didn't take time to build up the characters or give time to their back story.

Bound by Samantha Wilde is a fast action paced novel. The book was a fast-paced ride from the get go, centering on Lexi Ivanov an investigative journalist who is trying to find out the truth about her murdered family whilst getting caught up in secrets and life or death situations, especially when she steals something from an important company (aka the mafia) and they want it back, regardless of how they get it. Along the way, Lexi must seduce Nash Holmes to get something from him which will help her get the truth, but all it seems to do is open a can of worms that puts her in the Brotherhoods crosshairs and especially Nash's!

From the get-go, this book was charged with intrigue, action and sexy moments between Lexi and Nash. Both characters are a little hot headed, stubborn and have instant chemistry which comes off the pages!

This is a dark, mafia read with some strong themes running through it, it has a lot of mystery and suspense, with a few questions left at the end. But this is a series and there are some other characters in the book who I’m hoping get their own books. Overall, a really good start to a new series.

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com