"These Twisted Vows" is the continuation of Lexi Ryan's fantasy fae romance series, "These Hollow Vows." In book two, Abriella, the main character, has recently been betrayed and turned fae after 'bonding' with Sebastian, the faerie she believed to be the love of her life. She now has to grapple with immortality, new powers she can't seem to control, her feelings for Finn, another fae male, and being constantly aware of Sebastian's emotions. Abriella runs away from the Seelie court palace and is taken in by the king of the Wild Fae, an independent nation separate from the sun and shadow courts. Abriella now has to make some impossible decisions. She has deep, complicated feelings for both Sebastian and Finn, but has been betrayed and manipulated by both. Time is running out though - the Unseelie court is dying, and the fate of the entire faerie realm is in flux. Can she put aside her indecision to rise to the occasion?

To be perfectly honest, this book was a disappointment. For the most part, I enjoyed "These Hollow Vows," going so far as to say that it was a true young adult "A Court of Thorns and Roses" told in a voice similar to Scarlett's from "Caraval." "These Twisted Vows" fell flat, however. The main character seemed to lose all sense of herself and her confidence from book one to book two, and both love interests were rather insufferable. Sebastian is a whiny incel, and the resolution to his character arc felt wrong and undeserved, and Finn is so sex-obsessed, the rest of his personality and goals are almost lost. The pacing of the entire novel was off, sometimes dragging on and then rushing the last 20%. The language was jarring as well - is this a fantasy novel that uses modern language like "guys?" This book felt like a child attempted to write "A Court of Thorns and Roses," and the sex scenes pushed it to 'new adult' rather than young adult. Most of the book was unmemorable and dissatisfying.

thank you thank you THANK YOU Netgalley for the ARC! I was having a bad week and now it was a good one. Plz Lexi Ryan if you write more fantasy, I will give you my Kindle email. I'll read all the drafts. Let me at 'em.

So, I loved this. I read it in two days - and only because I had a hard bedtime of 2 o' clock in the morning.

Disclaimer, I had no dog in the love-triangle-fight - they were both so morally grey! - but I wound up very happy in the end. I think that anyone who liked/loved the first book will be happy with the second, regardless of who you stan. ;)

Big hug to Lexi Ryan for the pacing. Such a great duology - everything at the end wraps up, nothing feels incomplete, and the author doesn't scam us with a "just kidding! it's not a duology it's a 12 book, 1,000 page each, series!!" Instead, there is a lot of drama, a lot of action, and a complete ending. I was smiling like a fool for most of it.

And, there were plenty of fun tropes. (single bed at the inn? sign me up)

If you don't like fantasy/romance, this probably isn't for you. I shouldn't have to even say that, but it does genuinely seem like some ppl on Goodreads review genres they know they don't like, only to make other people miserable. Stop that.

I'm not sure how I feel about this one. On one hand, I read a 500 page book in one day (less than 8 hours, in fact). So, obviously, it kept my attention. On the other hand, some pages and plot lines just felt completely ripped from a Sarah J. Maas book that I had to re-read names to make sure this wasn't a book about Rhys, Tamlin, and Feyre.

At the end of all things, if you like to read trashy stories about fae, then this one is for you. I wish that Brie wasn't named after cheese (yes, I will die mad about it. Whatever) and she committed to loving Finn sooner. That whole part of the story was abrupt and it really just felt like the author telling us they were in love instead of showing it. IDK. As happy as I am that they got together, I just never really felt like Brie was in love with him. More like she felt he was the lesser of two evils, so it worked for her.

Regardless of the random whining about, this is a good book with a solid plot. Again, not for everyone. But for fans of Maas, then I do recommend this one

This took off RIGHT WHERE it left off!!!! What a worthy duology set! It moved fast, gave you all the feels and had tons of action. For a minute I thought, "There is no way this is a duology. How is the author going to close this up?" But yes, it finished PERFECTLY. Lots of action, suspense, fighting for what is right and a long lost throne set right.

Firstly, I’d like to say how much I adore that cover. It’s so gorgeous.

Secondly, I’m happy to establish that this book doesn’t fall into the second book syndrome—in fact I think it surpasses These hollow vows. The writing is tighter, Brie’s girlbossing a lot more, and the romance is satisfying.

I’m trash for anything fae related, and I really loved and enjoyed the magical world that Lexi has created. It was such a perfect conclusion to the duology and I couldn’t ask for more!!

I’m quite happy with the closure and the HEA everyone getting what they deserve (especially a certain someone whom I will not give spoilers about). Although the ending felt a lil rushed and I would’ve liked more from the epilogue, I enjoyed it nonetheless and cannot wait for Lexi Ryan to put out more books in this world.

This is book two of two. I absolutely loved the story. I fell in love with Abriella and Finn 🔥😍 There was amazing character and world building, which allowed me to fall in love with the characters.

I do wish there was just a tad more action at times (which is odd for me personally! I usually don’t want that too much) but I would definitely read it again 👏🙌

I also loved that this series was a manageable two books. I got everything I needed and loved and it wasn’t overwhelming or exhaustive.

This has aspects of a Cinderella retelling.

This book releases July 19! 🤩

Thank you @netgalley and Clarion Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fun and steamy romantic fantasy that will thrill fans of S J Maas – although it’s quite a bit better written that that. Enjoyed this and the first book. Nice light reads that made for pleasant escapism.

3.5/5 Stars

Definitely the sequel I was looking for! A lot of the issues I had with the first book (namely the rushed ending and the low level of romance that somehow justified terrible decisions) were definitely addressed in this sequel! There was a WHOLE lot more romance and the relationships were definitely more drawn out here which I loved.

However my only complaint is that the thing I loved about the first book (the intricacy of the plot and tasks completed by Aribella) fell a bit to the wayside this time around. There was so much focus on relationships that the plot kind of fell flat for me.

Also the ending felt really rushed. To the point that I was at 80% and thought that the book was going to end up being a sequel in a trilogy because so much had been left unanswered. The last 15% or so was so rushed that it almost felt confusing as to how we ended up where we did.

That being said I definitely enjoyed myself and appreciated getting to see where these characters ended up!

Love to see what comes next from Lexi Ryan and thank you to Netgalley and the author for the advanced read of “These Twisted Bonds” in exchange for an honest review!

As much as I wanted to like this book, I just couldn't. For me, it read almost too much like ACOTAR and not in a good way. There were way too many obvious similarities and honestly at times, I wanted to grab Abriella and shake her shoulders; she could be very annoying. There were parts where I just outright cringed. It was repetitive, to the point where I outwardly went "yes, we already did that, move on"! I rarely feel this many negative emotions about a book, but it was just so problematic for me. I know this is/has gotten a lot of hype on Booksta, but it was just not something I would recommend.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own.

What a great sequel! I did not want this book to end! And I liked it better that the first book! Book 2 picks up exactly where the first book ended. Aribella struggles with who to trust and what her destiny will be. It was great to watch Aribella grow and transform as a character as she learns more about the Fae. You won't be disappointed in the romance either!

Voglio assolutamente ringraziare Netgalley e la casa editrice per avermi permesso di leggere questo libro in anteprima! Ne avevo assolutamente bisogno!
Sappiamo tutti a chi i protagonisti assomigliano e a chi abbiamo paragonato questo libro, ma non ho intenzione di ripetermi. Perchè non ce n'è bisogno e le storie sono completamente diverse. E poi a chi non piace un personaggio maschile coi capelli neri e il carattere misterioso? Anche io scriverei un personaggio cosi!

In questo secondo libro possiamo conoscere meglio i personaggi ed ho potuto finalmente staccarli dalla visione che ne avevo in precedenza.
Sono rimasta sorpresa sopratutto da Sebastian che è evoluto in maniera fantastica. Per la maggior parte del libro ho avuto il terrore che sarebbe rimasto l'idiota egoista che era alla fine del primo libro. Fortunatamente sono contenta di essermi sbagliata. E nella mia mente io avrei già un capitolo aggiuntivo sul suo futuro post-ending...uhuhuhuh!
Finn invece è quello che avrei voluto assolutamente vedere e leggere di più nel primo libro. E forse ora ho capito anche perchè l'ha chiamato cosi l'autrice..c'è una strana abbondanza di scene in acqua e a petto nudo che mi fanno pensare a un certo Finnick di Hunger games...coincidenza?
Ho adorato questo personaggio, sopratutto la sua fragilità che viene mostrata più volte, il suo lato diciamo "umano" e il suo cuore sofferente. Adoro quando vengono mostrati questi lati dei personaggi maschili.
L'unica pecca che ho trovato al libro è l'evoluzione senza particolari motivazioni del cambio di sentimento tra Bri e Finn. E' stato si graduale, ma forse avrei voluto qualcosa che facesse veramente capire a Bri di essere innamorata. E' rimasto tutto molto confuso...Forse sarebbe bastato un capitolo in più all'inizio quando si ritrovano al castello di Misha e il libro sarebbe stato perfetto.
Per quanto riguarda la protagonista non ho assolutamente niente da dire. E' forte, ma fragile, responsabile e sopratutto fa le domande a cui tutti noi vogliamo risposte . Avevo dei sospetti su come si sarebbe evoluto il suo personaggio e non mi son sbagliata, ma son felicissima sia andata cosi!

Vorrei menzionare tutte le scene meravigliose che mi son piaciute, ma farei dei grandi spoiler, quindi starò zitta! Leggetelo assolutamente non ve ne pentirete!

Il libro è davvero fantastico e avrei voluto assolutamente che fosse molto più lungo, o che ci fosse un terzo volume! Vorrei sapere di più delle storie del passato, delle due corti, dei personaggi secondari...insomma Lexi dacci ancora qualche storia di questo universo! Per favore!!!

-------------------------

I absolutely want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read the arc of this book! I absolutely needed to read it!
We all know who the protagonists look like and who we compared to this book, but I'm not going to repeat myself. Because there is no need and the stories are completely different. And look, who doesn't like a male character with black hair and a mysterious character? I'd write a character like that too if i was a writer!

In this second book we can get to know the characters better and I was finally able to detach them from the vision I had previously.
I was especially surprised by Sebastian who has evolved in a fantastic way. For most of the book I was terrified that he would remain the selfish idiot he was at the end of the first book. Luckily I'm glad I was wrong. And in my mind I have already an additional chapter on his future post-ending ... uhuhuhuh!
Finn, on the other hand, is the one I absolutely wanted to see and read more than in the first book. And now I also understand why the author called it that .. there is a strange abundance of scenes in the water and shirtless that make me think about a certain Finnick from Hunger games ... coincidence?
I loved this character and above all the fragility of him that is shown several times, the side of him more "human" and the suffering heart of him. I love when these sides of the male characters are shown.
The only flaw I found in the book is the evolution without not particular reasons of the change of feeling between Bri and Finn. It was gradual, but maybe I wanted something that really made Bri understand that she was in love. It was all very confusing ... Maybe one more chapter at the beginning would have been enough when they meet each other at Misha's castle and the book would be perfect.
As for the protagonist, I have absolutely nothing to say. She is strong, but fragile, responsible and above all she asks the questions we all want answers to. I had some suspicions about how her character would evolve and I'm so happy it went like this!

I would like to mention all the wonderful scenes I enjoyed, but I would do some big spoilers, so I'll shut up! Read it absolutely you will not regret it!

The book is really great and I absolutely wish it was much longer, or there was a third volume! I would like to know more about the stories of the past, the two courts, the secondary characters ... in short, Lexi, give us some more stories of this universe! Please!!!

I really enjoyed this. It has very Sarah J Maas vibes. If you enjoyed the Court of Thrones and Roses series you will probably like this one. I kind of wish the two guys hadn't been brother so that maybe there could have been a throuple ending.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of These Twisted Bonds. Review may have spoilers.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

I read this right after finishing These Hollow Vows and thank goodness I did! This was everything I wanted for the second half of Brie's story. Although I don't usually enjoy love triangles, Lexi Ryan made me want the best for ALL three characters without getting annoyed that one might get hurt. I went back and forth throughout both books with who I wanted Brie to end up with and I'm so happy she got her happy ending. The intimate scenes were so well done, giving more than a fade to black that many YA books have, but not being distasteful.

My only complaint is that it took Abriella so long to finally embrace her not-so perfect shadow self. It got a bit tiring listening to her "I'm just a human" attitude. I wish she gained that confidence more quickly, but I'm so glad it happened and when it did. HOLY COW she embraced it!!

I really wish this was more than a duology. I could read so much more about Brie and Finn. I'd love to read stories about the side characters as well. There is such a huge opportunity for more world-building and I would be there for every step of it.

THIS GETS ALL THE STARS!

This was SUCH a good ending to a duology! WOW. It was so fast paced (to the point where I kept second guessing myself that it even WOULD end with the duology lol) and so much happens but the emotions are still there - I was fully invested in Brie's journey, in the romance, in the world. I'm beyond impressed that the world building was so seamlessly fitted into the action- because this story is FULL of it. There's never a lull. I loved everything about this and can't wait to get my copy come release day! So glad I got to read this ahead of time via NetGalley!!

Rating: 4.5
Author: @writerlexiryan

OH MY GOSH. This book nearly killed me. I was so into the love triangle and hoping and praying that my favorite would be the winner that I almost didn’t enjoy this one. I found myself speed reading until their scenes together and trying to be on the lookout for any clues that would give anything away. I was filled with so many different emotions and my stomach was literally in knots. I was extremely tense reading this. I buddy read this with @sirenofbooks and she finished before me. So I literally spoiled the ending for myself and asked her which guy won. It wasn’t until I knew the outcome that I could finally relax and read at a normal pace. I am pleased to say the guy I wanted to win won but of course due to spoilers I will not say his name.

This book was phenomenal. Honestly, if you enjoyed the first one then you will definitely enjoy this one. The writing was well done, the characters full of life and personality, and the pacing was on point. I loved the direction the author took with the story and how she showed us more of that world. The chemistry between the characters was chef’s kiss. I could have definitely used more scenes. Overall, I really enjoyed this book because it had a little bit of everything. I did have some minor issues with some parts being a bit repetitive and the ending felt a little rushed. But other than that, I loved it and would definitely recommend it.

Thank you so much @clarionbooks & @netgalley for a #gifted copy on #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book was everything I wanted in a sequel. As someone who loved the first book so much, there was some trepidation going into this one but Lexi Ryan did not disappoint! All of the characters growth did not feel forced and I LOVED the ending!

These Twisted Bonds picks up right where we left These Hollow Vows and does not disappoint!!
Brie is bonded to Seb, has changed into a faerie and has more power than she knows what to do with! Brie cannot forgive the way Sebastian lied to her so she runs away to the wild fae lands where we meet the king of the wild fae. Along the way Brie discovers more about herself and her new powers whilst trying to save the people she thought were monsters.
There’s many adventures, lots of action and the ever present attraction between Finn and Brie!

It may have been a while since I read These Hollow Vows but I just slotted right back into the faerie world like I’d never been away!

Again I would say the book is for ages 14+ as there’s swearing and mild sex scenes.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Warning: spoilers for the first book so do not read on unless you’ve read it.

It’s been a while since I found a duology this amazing. While I loved These Hollow Vows, These Twisted Bonds might be even better. We get more everything in this book, but especially more romance. It’s a true romantasy through and through.

We start up immediately where we left off in the last book. Brie has just awoken from dying after bonding herself to Bash and taking the potion of life. To say she’s upset is an understatement. She now trusts no one and has no one to turn to. She still has her powers though, which turns into a giant issue later, and uses them to escape and find herself new allies in a faerie world on the brink of war. But even as a human turned fae who one held the power of the unseelie throne, can Brie really make a difference in saving this new world she’s just been plunged into?

The writing was superb along with the worldbuilding. I always enjoy being shown a small piece of a world in the first book and then having the map unfold for us in the second. We get to explore more of faerie and learn more about how the magic works there. It never felt like an info-dump or like we were being rushed through the story. I was actually surprised to find it was a duology and not a trilogy.

Brie is such a self sacrificing cinnamon roll who has grown so much from when we first met her. A protector of those who need someone to step up and have their best interests at heart. While she may still have some sharp edges and darkness inside herself, sometimes you have to have a little wickedness to do what you must for those who cannot. She truly stepped up this book and found her greater purpose.

The romance was top notch. While the first book centered around the triangle between Brie, Bash and Finn this book focuses on the betrayal she feels after Bash’s deception and learning to open yourself up to love again. All Brie has ever wanted was a support system of family and friends which she thought she’d found with Bash but was torn away after his betrayal. Finn doesn’t exactly come out of the first book smelling like a rose though either. While he may have wanted the crown and might not have told the whole truth, he never lied or forced her hand though. Brie’s trust was irrevocably broken so we get to see her work through her feels and establish new relationships with both of them.

We definitely got the steam in this book. The sexual tension was high and smut, while obviously not Adult, was actually there. We do get some payoff in this book. I was seriously yelling at the two of them to get it on already, but I love a good slow burn with some teases tossed in.

I really enjoyed this duology and think it’s one I’ll return to many times in the future. My one complaint was how neatly everything wrapped up in the ending. It was to perfect for my tastes but was still a five star read in my book. I adore the hell out of Finn, Brie and the new characters we were introduced to, especially Misha. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Cruel Prince with more romance this is definitely worth checking out.

4/5 stars (I really enjoyed it but it probably won’t make it to my reread list).

First of all, let me say that I love that this is a duology and not a trilogy. We get enough time for the plot to breathe and the characters to develop without all the filler that usually happens in a book 2 of a trilogy. Everything is well-developed. The plot has a lot going on- to the point where around 70% I was wondering how we’d get a satisfying conclusion. Lots of journeying and twists but it did wrap up in a satisfying way for me.

There is a looming villain and war that create stakes but also are pretty easily and quickly resolved. I don’t think that it’s actually the focus of the book so I’m fine with even if it feels a touch anticlimactic.

Ok, let’s talk about the love triangle. This is not a trope I enjoy reading about but honestly, the author does a good job making all the characters, connections, and confusion believable and you feel the ultimate pairing is well earned. Each person is complex and has redeeming qualities.

In terms of spice, there’s a lot of kissing, yearning, and tension and there are two semi-explicit sex scenes.

Some characters did get sidelined (her sister, Pretha) a little for sake of the plot but we also get new characters that are fun (Misha).

The world-building was good/fine, easy to follow but also I’m not sure that I know what everyone’s (Finn, Kane, Sebastian’s) powers actually are? I’m also still a little unclear on lineage and how old people are but it’s not super important to understand the story so that’s fine. It’s enough scaffolding to hang the story on and not outright confusing and that’s all I need. There are a few lingering things that I have questions about but again not essential to the plot so I’ll let it slide.

Since I enjoyed the first half I was very happy to find that this is a solid companion to the first book: consistent in terms of writing, plotting, pacing, and entertainment factor. I like these characters and I like their growth. I like that they are not overpowered or rely too heavily on their magic. I like that they have flaws and flawed judgment. I had fun reading it and would recommend, especially to anyone who liked These Hollow Vows.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC for my honest review.

A fabulous read, an ending you don't see coming! strong character development. 5 star 🌟 This is not your usual fairy trope of enemies to lovers this is a love triangle tested , what would you sacrifice for the person you love? would you give up your life, throne or your lover!