This was a very happy surprise.
I requested this because the cover and name are very very cool. Aaaand may have seen someone say there are vampires.
Sounds right up my street!
It was even better than I hoped. There is two enemy factions of vampires, a love story, a hate story, and much much intrigue in this baddie. I am so exciting to see where she takes the rest of the series!
Check your triggers before reading, because while this is good, I can see some bits being too much?
Much love to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my DRC.

Thoroughly enjoyed this on audio! Both narrators did an excellent job! Goode did a stellar job combining unique lore with trending tropes in a way that felt comfortable while still being original and I really enjoyed that. I’m always a fan of a story with a leading lady who says f the patriarchy with a love interest who stands right beside her shouting too and this delivered!

Thank you to Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, & the author for this amazing AudioARC! It was a real pleasure to review this sensational novel for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I must say, at first I was crossing my fingers hoping this wasn't going to be one of those novels that try too hard to be just like some of the more popular books in romantic fantasy (you know the ones). This was thankfully not the case and turned out to be a refreshing take on the vampire as a fantasy creature. Considering there are two types (the deadly and the not so deadly). There were times where I just wanted to shake Evaline from being a poopy head to Maddox and to look outside herself for one moment and realize what was in front of her, the romance journey these two take is actually quite satisfying. I won't be adding Maddox quite yet to my book boyfriend list, but he's on his way. I'm more than a bit over stimulated when it comes to the concept of bonded couples and the whole destiny takes the choice out of the equation, but I thought Goode did a superior job of giving Evaline a choice where most of the other books I've read make it seem like a compulsion they can't help but fall in to mindlessly.
I will definitely be reading the next in this series and adding to my at home library.
3.7 out of 5 Stars because I was a bit tired of hearing about how she was assaulted and how that colored her entire relationship with everyone. It was a tad annoying after a while.

NO REGRETS!!!!

I’m so glad that I read this one! Total romatasy with Evaline, who struggles with what looks like PTSD after her father was killed in front of her. She tries to pickpocket Maddox, who is a Koda (think vampire), and he immediately realizes that she is his mate. Slow burn, tons of action, and it ends on a cliffhanger, but it wasn’t too abrupt!’

Excellent narration with both male and female MC POVs.

This book sucked me right in and I couldn’t put it down! I listened to it in a day and I never wanted it to end. That cliffhanger is killing me right now. I need to know what happens next.

Evaline was such a kind and giving soul even after all that she had gone through and lost. I loved how she helped with the orphanage and how close she was to those she cared about. I loved the flashbacks/dreams she had so we could get more info into her past. I feel like we didn’t get as much into Maddox’s back story as I would have liked but what we got was great. I did prefer Eva’s point of view overall though.

I really enjoyed the narrators for the audiobook and loved that is was dual narration for the dual POV.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

I was pleasantly surprised to have stumbled on the audiobook for this gorgeous Fantasy Romance story! The narrators were excellent for the dual POV, and captivated me to the very last second. I loved the world Samantha R. Goode has created, with her vampiric immortal beings and other characters. There was fabulous romantic tension, a handful of characters that were easy to connect with (or hate ), and the plot flowed quickly. I highly recommend this book to fantasy romance lovers, and you won’t have to wait much longer for book 2!!

Brief summary: Evaline (main female character) endures tragedy in her life and struggles to appease her elders (aunt/uncle). She lives in a kingdom that is all about fancy balls and granting women a few rights. Evaline meets Maddox (main male character)….and the plot thickens at a snail’s pace. The book was decently written…just didn’t anticipate such a sloooooooooooow burn. There were a few kinks that don’t fully make sense, but overlook em and keep it moving.

I went into the book feeling good with no expectations…who doesn’t wanna read about a feisty female and the cover looked promising. Noooooope! Evaline was angry….all the dang time and at minor inconveniences that could’ve been resolved had she properly communicated with others 🤷‍♀️. She trained to fight and talked a mean game (in her head), but when she needed to act, she clammed up. Her anger, childish behavior and inner monologues were irritating. Somehow, she blamed everyone else (especially Maddox) for everything instead of owning up. Towards the end, all I could think was “you don’t deserve any spicy scenes with him.” What kept me pushing through was the witty banter between Maddox and Wyatt, and the narrator! Will I read book 2? Yes…because I see potential.

4 1/2 stars

Evaline's mother passed away when she was born and her father was killed, fleeing to Kembertus where her uncle and aunt rule Eva spends her days pickpocketing to save money for a dagger so that she will never be unprepared again like the night her father was murdered and she almost raped and murdered. Her other proceeds from her illegal job go to the orphanage she visits to spend time and tutor the kids. Eva never planned for her life to be this way in a home with no love and a country where woman have no rights but Eva is just biding her time.

On one of her outings to "earn" more money Eva pickpockets the wrong man, Maddox a Kova(pretty much a good vampire). His reflexes aren't like a human so there's no way she could outsmart Maddox and there's also the fast that Maddox can feel Eva the second she comes close to him because she is who he has been waiting his whole existence for. Being caught Eva is sure she will be in trouble but Maddox is nothing like she could have imagined. Going back to her home Eva soon finds out that her aunt and uncle have run out of patients with Eva and what is expected of all woman of Kembertus is just what is expected of Eva as well.

Eva can not imagine the life she is being forced into and she also can't believe the connection she seems to have to Maddox or that she just seems to keep running into him. The more she gets to know Maddox the more she learns about him and what he is and that he was a friend of her fathers, giving her a connection she has missed. When Maddox agrees to train Eva she knows she has to make some plans especially when she see's the person her Aunt and Uncle have for her and who he is. Maddox will do anything for Eva and that includes not only keeping her safe but finding a way for her to fall in love with him and come to terms with who they are together and get her to run away with him.

I really liked this book the world that was created is amazing and we are given so much detail and insight in to the world and Eva's life. I loved the story of Maddox and his people and thought it was very interesting, and I loved Moddox Eva and Moddox best friend (who adds great elements to the book). This book is a trilogy so we do not get the full story and it does end on a cliff hanger but not a bad one. There's a lot of build up to these two getting together and I know that bothers some but I love a good slow burn.

My only issue with this book was Eva could be stubborn and had she just talked(the same goes for Maddox) none or almost none of the issues they have would happen. But what story would we get and we for sure wouldn't get a trilogy out of it. I'm guessing we will see more into the bad guys in the next book and the connects that we get to see glimpses of. I also hope we learn more of who Eva truly is in book two. I really liked this book it was fun and a newer twist on a vampire story which is always a plus in my book. I will for sure be getting the next two books because I am really interested and invested and want to see not only what comes next but the ending as well!

Love to see a male love interest who reads romance novels and longs to find his mate. Enter, Maddox, the son of the ‘First’, the ruler of the cova - a species with heightened senses, inhuman strength and grey eyes. From the moment he meets Eva, he knows she is his mate, but she has no idea of their connection. As they keep running into each other, their relationship builds. Eva begins to trust this mysterious, inhuman man who keeps appearing and seems far too good to be true. He’s not like the other men she’s met.

I enjoyed the relationship between Eva and Maddox, as well as the banter with Wyott that was sprinkled throughout the story. Eva’s character is strong, independent and a bit of a rebel which are definitely great characteristics for a female main character. The concept of the book is intriguing but it’s an incredibly long introduction to the series where not too much happens. I think it could easily have been half the length and developed the characters a little further. That being said, I liked it and I want to read the next book in the series to find out what happens to Eva next and to unravel some of the mysteries that have been raised in this book.

I received a free copy of this book. All views are my own.

This book really deserves five stars. The story is fantastic, with an impeccably described world and real characters.
Both characters are strong and constantly impressing us. Especially Evaline, she is a badass, who makes for the life she wants, and does what it takes to fight her own demons. And then Maddox is impeccable. He wants to protect her and make her his through the matting bond, but he wants to respect her and give her time.
Despite the mating bond, the characters grow closer and fall in love naturally over the course of the book, and the tension between them starts to kill the reader. But is so good.
And the secondary characters aren't behind or forgotten, because this book portrays friendship and family ties a lot. It's impeccable how the characters connect with each other and show the depth of their emotions in the relationships between them.

It's a beautifully written book that transports you into the moment and engages you with the characters.

Opting for the audio version of this book was one of the best things. The narrators are exceptional. Emotions overflow from their voices and make us feel.
A perfect choice for the voices of the characters.

I liked the book so much, and now I just need to grab the second part!!

Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of Bound & Barbed.

The FMC Evaline is a strong main character who has realistic flaws, which is refreshing! She hasn’t let her trauma stop her from caring about others. I’ve seen the word badass used to describe her and I agree. She knows her worth and will not let others dictate who she is.

The best thing about the MMC Maddox is his friend Wyott. Even though some of the chapters are from his POV, there really isn’t that much to him except for how he feels about Evaline. I am hoping in the subsequent books his character becomes more fleshed out.

I would give this book 3.5 stars. The only reason it isn’t a solid 4 is due to the male narrator on the audiobook. While he has a lovely voice, his intonation felt flat and phoned in when compared to the female narrator. Much of Maddox’s story is about his feelings and emotions, and it was all very monotone.

Overall I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the second one.

#BoundBarbed #NetGalley

The overall story had promise! The idea behind it was grand and if it interests you definitely give it a try. I enjoyed the beginning of the book mostly. However, the main character became vapid and unlikely quickly in my opinion. There was also a lot of repetition. Also please beware of “spice” in this book and only read what you are comfortable with.

It’s a 2.5 stars for me ⭐️⭐️💫

I will say the audio production was done well and I did enjoy the narrators rendition!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the audio ARC of this story.

I liked this book. I loved Maddox. I wish a little more relationship had developed over the length of the book. Ends on a cliffhanger but a survivable one. I look forward to the next book!

Epic!
There’s a good novel & there’s a REALY GOOD NOVEL, that stays with you even after finishing it. This book rendered me speechless, it consumed me. I fell in love with the fascinating characters & the captivating plot.
This is my first book for this author but definitely not the last.
The audiobook’s narration was great & highlighted the amazing story.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

We begin with our main character Evaline who lives with her Lord and Lady (Aunt and Uncle), who begrudge her heritage. They want to marry her off (and at 24 she is practically an old maid!) <Insert eye-roll.> Evaline was raised by her father until he was killed in front of her. This was revealed in a nightmare/ flashback in the first few chapters. Her current situation and her past trauma leave her isolated. Evaline was a contrary individual who claimed to be a badass but always had a reason she was overpowered when it counted. There is definitely more to Evaline’s ancestry that we don’t learn in this book. I can only hope that it will show up in the next book of the series. There are so many ways that I would love to see it go! I look forward to reading it.

Maddox is the love interest (AKAFated Mate.) He’s waited 200 years to find his mate but then repeatedly hesitates to reveal the bond to Evaline. He was a great guy that knew how to show up! He needs blood to survive but is a “good guy” immortal-vamp. (Naturally, there are also “bad-guy” vamps.)
The book did feel a little drawn out in places and sometimes felt repetitive. I found myself as a reader thinking, “wait, I already know that... It’s been established.” However, I did really enjoy the humor Wyott brought. He was a great Best Friend and companion for Maddox. I appreciated the lighthearted relationship that he developed with Evaline.

The audiobook was narrated by Tor Thom and Auri Alden. Tor read for the male’s (Maddox) POV and Auri for the female’s (Evaline’s) POV. Tor did a fantastic job. I enjoyed the speed and inflections that added insight into the words and thoughts of the character. But OMG, Auri was almost a no-go for me. I did not appreciate her flat tones at all. It was a decent story, but if I hadn’t been listening to an ARC, I likely would not have continued after 5 minutes of the first chapter.

Many thanks to author Samantha Goode, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the free copy of this Audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

This book was a tease a lot of build up sexual tension.

This book has:
Good and bad vampires, and a mortal women.
Love/fated mates at first sight
Past trauma
Damsel in distress
Strong FMC

FMC is alone in her aunt and uncle’s kingdom, her parents both dead. The kingdom she is in doesn’t take value in women’s right, many of her freedoms are stifled compared to the kingdom she grew up in.

I listened to the audiobook, different voice actors were used for each POV. I speed up the pace to x1.25 because at a regular pace it was to slow for me.

Quick Summary: A new sci-fi/fantasy ro adventure

My Review: Bound and Barbed by Samantha R. Goode is an outstanding opening to a brand new series. It is book one in The Fated Creations Trilogy. The audiobook narration is performed by Tor Thom and Auri Alden.

About the Story:

Traumatized warrior princess Evaline Manor is a survivor. She has faced many dark and lonely nights, one of which causes her to lose someone very dear to her. It is on that night when she begins to realize that her world will never be the same. If affects her like nothing else can. The night of her loss, she encounters the true face of evil. Little does she know that evil will find her in the future. When she comes face to face with evil at an event orchestrated by her loathsome guardians, she also encounters an immortal who proves to be significant to her life.

Maddox is an immortal. He detests that which is evil and abhorrent. He is no stranger to death and confesses to have killed when necessary. He likes what he likes, no matter how strangely different it may be. While off visiting another kingdom, he encounters a peculiar young woman who has the audacity to try and take from him. As soon as he realizes who she is and understands why she is so precious, he vows to have her. No matter how much she puts him through, he will not let her go.

Can two very different beings find that which they have long sought after? Can they find their way to forever?

My Final Say: There was a lot going on in this book, as there certainly should be when kicking off a new series. However, it was all good. I absolutely loved it!

This book actually put me in the mindset of the Vega Jane series mixed with a cross between Love at First Bite and Vampire Diaries. There was an air of darkness versus light, good versus evil, and justice versus injustice. The story showed a variety of relationships, classes, challenges, and differences that existed within the parameters of the characters lives. It was comprehensive when the layers were peeled back. Bring on the more!

Readers who like new world sci-fi/fantasy experiences with a touch of chemistry between the leads will really like this book. The audio provided captivating POVs, which made for great listening.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA to A
Series: Yes
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes

Thank you to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own and have been voluntarily submitted.

Rating: 2.5/5 Stars

She thinks she has experienced the worst day ever when she witnesses the death of her father, but she, Evaline Manor is in for a real shock. After her father dies, Evaline finds herself with her Aunt and Uncle in a kingdom that they rule. She is trapped and is wanted by her Uncle to be good, be docile, and get married. She will do anything but and will escape the kingdom Kembertus and go to one of the neighboring kingdoms. Then, there is Maddox and he wants to do anything to save his kingdom, but unbeknownst Maddox and Evaline are mates, which will change many dynamics of what they want and need.

I want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Audio for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

These types of covers suck me in and make me want to read the book just based off how beautiful it is. I am a sucker and will always fall for covers like these, there is no doubt in mind about it. But the synopsis of books with these gorgeous, eye-catching covers always sounds like something I will love, which Bound & Barbed appealed to me for both reasons.

I don't know if it was a "it's me not you" situation, if it was because of it being on audiobook, if it really was how the book was written, or if it was a combination of all what I listed.

At first, this book really got my attention with the world, the death of Evaline's father/the brutal attack, and all the set up made this book like it would be amazing. Yet, I felt so bored most of the time and did not care for any of the characters. I felt like the world was lacking on the world building front. Plus, I did not feel like there was no romantic chemistry between the characters. Due to these things, the audiobook just felt way too long.

When it comes to the characters, I found Evaline to be pretty whiny and selfish, which made me really dislike her and roll my eyes a lot. Maddox definitely worships Evaline and thinks that she could not do a thing wrong, which with the fated mate trope that is how the men kind of act, but it felt annoying in this.

I do think with how the story was built and the synopsis, it makes a lot of good potential, but the author missed the mark and I do wonder if the story improves in the next book. Samantha R. Goode does show potential in their work, and I am curious to see how they grow as a writer.

I am pretty bummed that I did not enjoy this book, but I do wonder if I would have enjoyed it more if I physically read it since I really do enjoy romantasy a lot.

Bound & Barbed

Plot: 1
Writing: 1
World building: 1
Characters: 1
Themes: 1
5/5

Spice: 3.5/5

What you can expect:
- Fated Mates
- Vampires
- Masked Ball
- Arranged Marriage (not the MCs)
- He trains her
- Dual POV and dual narrated
- Witty Banter
- Slower burn
- Who did this to you?
- Nightmare trope (my favoritee)

Whoa, even I'm surprised this is a 5 star read for me. This was the most pleasant surprise. I have 332 highlights from this book. 332!! This is one of my new favorite Romantasies for the year. It's better than What Lurks beyond the veil, flames of chaos, etc.

This gives FBAA vibes in all the good ways (MMC, his best friend, and the FMC, the trio) and Twilight vibes, like the Cullens killing stray vampires or the volturi by beheading. We also have two types of vampires, the good ones (Kova) and the bad ones (Vasi).

Ok, look, I gave this 5 stars but it's not a literary masterpiece. For each of the five things I look for in a book, I enjoyed all of them. The plot was interesting, there's some mystery, political intrigue, and it's very action-packed. I never felt like the story was dragging so the pacing was good. I will always love paranormal creatures and cool magical abilities. I felt fully immersed in the world without being bogged down by heavy world building. I was also fully invested in the characters and their relationships. the angst and tension had me squealing. I also liked the representation of PTSD, depression/anxiety.

**SPOILERS:**
FMC is depressed and/or anxious with PTSD. Randomly bursting into tears because of her truama? That's what happens when you're depressed. Having panic attacks after being triggered? I've never read a representation of depression/anxiety in a book like this. We're shown but not told and I think (hope) we'll see Evaline deal with it in future books, but I just loved how it wasn't shoved in our faces.

They (Wyott and Maddox) literally told her that they kill people, they've been through wars. They're over a hundred years old. How could she think they'd abandon her if they found out she killed the man that attacked her? A recurring thing that annoyed me was how much she didn't trust them after everything they'd done for her. Not once did they give her a reason to not trust them.

I enjoyed the banter between the three. It was entertaining (more so than funny). It really brought me back to Casteel, Poppy, and Kieran...without the endless questions. Evaline isn't some naive, innocent girl but that doesn't mean she's fully aware of the world and society. It gives enough for us to still get information/worldbuilding without it being overwhelming.

Is it weird that Maddox was Evaline's father's friend? Not really...I've read weirder scenarios. I appreciate that Maddox doesn't read like a teenager. I would like to continue learning about his history. HE ONLY READS ROMANCE NOVELS WRITTEN BY WOMEN!! This is probably why he's so cheesy when professing his love. lol. In the best way! We have yet to see him feed from Elspeth. They're probably going to feed from eachother and she's going to turn.

I love Wyott. I'm a little sad he already has his mate because I really wanted to see him fall in love. He's so charismatic where Maddox is or normal morally grey grump.

Elspeth as the Female Main Character was fine. She's the typical truamatized, stabby and can fight FMC. I like her fine. I think it's interesting that she may have shadow powers. I love the flip of the script here. I can't wait until we find out for sure. I don't think Elspeth is fully human. Her mother is probably a descendant of a goddess or something since the taste of blood is sweet to her. Also, WHY are the Vasi looking for her?!
**END SPOILERS**

The audiobook was really good! Dreamscape media usually does a good job so I'm not surprised, but this definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. It's dual narrated by Auri Alden and Tor Thom. I'd highly recommend consuming this story via audiobook if you're able to! I'm definitely also getting a hardcopy for my bookshelf!

This was such a strong start. I can't wait to continue the series. I'm SO GLAD I got approved for the Advanced Listener Copy. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media, this one was solid and this is my honest review.

"Evaline Manor was sure she'd lived the worst day of her life when she witnessed the death of her father, and narrowly avoided a brutal attack. Now, she's trapped in the kingdom ruled by her aunt and uncle, who are desperate to keep her docile and marry her off. Maddox Vicor doubted whether the Goddess of Fates would grant him a mate. Most Kova found theirs in their first hundred years. He'd long passed that mark. But on his first day in Kembertus, he catches Evaline pickpocketing his dagger. In one moment his world turns on its axis as he feels the bond snap into place. With time slipping through her fingers and danger closing in on all sides, she must do the one thing she fears most in order to save herself, Evaline must trust a bloodthirsty immortal."

Our main characters, Evaline and Maddox are well crafted and rounded characters, both quite likable. In that mix we end up with side characters who are mostly looked over until a time they are needed - however Maddox's best friend Wyott was the MVP here with his comedic banter. Told in dual POV, Bound and Barbed gives such an insight into both Evaline and Maddox without giving you all of the spoilers into their secrets. It's written in a way so we as a reader find out most of the deeper secrets as the time is passing. Speaking of passing, the read is more on the slow to mid paced side, so keep that in mind if you aren't a reader of slower reads. I did find myself asking if we needed another training session - or an Aunt yelling at the FMC. Overall, it was a great debut for SRG. I can't wait to see what happens in book two.

Bound & Barbed is for you if you like;
✔️ fated mates
✔️ vampire (like) MC's
✔️ secrets
✔️ incredibly slow burn
✔️ sassy best friends

Thanks to Dreamscape Media, Samantha R Goode and Netgalley for an audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review. I found the narrators to be engaging and clear and would definitely recommend a listen and read along.