Broken Bonds

The Bonds That Tie, Book 1

By: J Bree

Narrated by: Kasi Hollowell

Length: 8 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

After the death of my mother and her Bonded, I was relieved to find my own Bonds.

I was sure everything would be okay if I had them.

It wasn’t.

The fate of our people is in my hands, and I know we’re better off if I’m alone.

After five years on the run, I’m caught and dragged back to face the men I ran away from.

I thought I was doing the right thing.

Now, I’m not so sure.

North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe may never forgive me, but one thing is for sure.

I won’t ever forgive myself.

Broken Bonds is a full-length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some listeners. This book will end on a cliff-hanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Book 1 of 6.

©2021 J Bree (P)2022 J Bree

Oleander for the Win

J Bree did it again. I enjoyed this book when I read it before purchasing the audiobook. The story is well-paced and the characters are unique, well-written and have complexity. This is my first time listing to a audiobook narrated by Kasi Hollowell and she was fantastic.

Keeps you guessing...

Broken Bonds is a different and unique storyline. This book/series gives you a different aspect of the term "fated mates". We have our FMC Oleander Fallows. A broken, but strong and feisty heroine with a heart of gold who will sacrifice herself for the ones she loves. The book starts off where Oli was found from being on the run from her 5 bonds. She's brought into a world she tries to avoid, at the same time, trying to hide from the bad people who want to capture her. Oli has no choice but tries to fit in while 4 of her bonds loathe and avoids her.

The main characters...
Oleander Fallows (FMC)- 19 yrs central bond to her 5 bonds. Gift/powers: unknown. She was thought to be giftless, but little do they know she's the most powerful of them all.
North Draven (MMC #1)- Oli's Bond #1, Leader, Councilman, and calls all the shots in their bond group. Older/only brother to Nox Draven. Gift/powers: unknown.
Nox Draven (MMC #2)- Oli's Bond #2, professor at Draven University, North's younger/only brother. Gift/powers: unknown.
Gryphon Shore (MMC #3)- Oli's Bond #3, Leader of the Tac Team. Gift/powers: unknown, but have magical soothing hands.
Gabe Ardern (MMC #4)- Oli's Bond #4, a football player, acts like a player but is secretly obsessed with Oli. Gift/powers: Shifter.
Atlas Bassinger (MMC #5)- Oli's Bond #5, the only bond that shows Oli affection from the beginning and tries to help her at every turn. Gift/powers: unknown.

This is the first book of the series, so there's some world-building and some characters to remember. Overall it's a very great book. One of the best series I've read/listen to so far and I've read/listen to a lot of series. I love this series and it just keeps getting better with every book. If you're looking for something to really enjoy, this book is definitely one you can't pass on.

This book does end on a minor cliffhanger, but book 5 of 6 is out already if you don't mind reading instead of listening. You won't regret it.

Listen now!

Paranormal, reverse harem, strong female lead character. The writing is incredible, the narrator is great! Loved this book!

so good!!

I loved this book and cannot wait to read the rest!! I hope she can tell them her story now.

Way too short!

Although I really enjoy this book (minus the weight related storyline) it’s hard to justify using a credit for so few hours…

4 books in

First book was the best; honestly. But, the 4 books I’ve read so far could have been one single book with a little effort to move along character development and less about mundane, unnecessary detail. More than once I felt like there was either a word count minimum at play, the author had maybe done research on how to keep a reader coming back with the bare minimum, or if the author had got their feet wet in the “pay per chapter” apps that drag the reader as long as possible before they get pissed and move on. The plot was good enough initially that I kept hoping the *next* book would be where it opened up, but I’ve lost hope by book 4. The spice scenes with North are fairly good…at least one is. As wordy as the author can be about the mundane, most of the sex scenes were clipped and lacked enough detail for the reader to even conjure an image in their own imagination.

The plot was great and I was there for it, but it got lost…and even my ADHD hyperfixation can’t draw me back in.

Why choose with paranormal gifts 🔮

This wasn’t my first “why choose” and it brought with it an element of paranormal gifts/magic which was new with why choose for me so I was super excited for this read. Overall it did live up to want I wanted it to be. An interesting world with the promise of a lot to discover!

My biggest complaint was Oli (the FMC) is very whiny. Her whole internal dialogue is “I can’t tell you why I ran” and during tactical training (intensive exercise) the dialogue of “I’m going to die or this is the worst” was constant. As a reader the repetitive whining became taxing and I feel it was a lost opportunity for more of Oli’s exploration or growth.

All of that being said, I loved the powers and the idea that through bonding people's gifts become intensified. It's definitely a slow burn for a “why choose” romance but I have a feeling later books in this series will get very spicy. Do I think five male bonds are a lot? Hmmm, no! Each male character (Nox, North, Gabe, Atlas, and Gryphon) feels unique and I loved that. Do I have a favorite bond so far? Yes! I’m curious if he’s still my favorite in the next book. (Looking at you Gryphon, don’t let me down you emotionally unavailable man)

As a preface, some may argue it’s more however I gave it 0 on the spice scale. There is one moment between Oli and one of her bonded however I felt the moment was non-consensual. The second book explores the moment more; however, with the context, we were given as readers it felt that way to me. As this is something that can be sensitive for some readers I feel the need to put it out there.

5 Star Audiobook for a 5 Star Book!

This book has a hold on me and I absolutely love it! I've read Broken Bonds twice and listened to it once and each time was an amazing experience. Broken Bonds is a comfort read for me, it has superb writing, great characters, and a plot like no other. Reading it while listening to the audiobook is definitely the way to go. Kasi Hollowell does a fantastic job narrating this book. You can really feel the emotions of Oli through her voice! I'm jumping into the audiobook of Savage Bonds next!

Perfect narration for a perfect series!

YES just YES! this book got me in its grasps and never let go. i couldn't put this down!

Better than I expected

Broken Bonds is gripping and emotionally charged story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. However, one thing to note is that the author tends to use the word "bond" and "my gift" frequently, which can be slightly annoying to read or listen to. Nonetheless, if you can overlook this minor issue, you'll find yourself engrossed in a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.