Book Review: Broken Bonds

There’s a certain magic in uncovering a book that combines elements we adore. I was very excited about Broken Bonds, a reverse harem paranormal romance. I have to admit, I’ve always been a hopeless romantic for the concept of fated mates.

The idea of a destined connection so profound that it transcends the ordinary grabs my heart. Now, imagine not just one but multiple fated mates. Yes, you heard that right, “bonds” in this universe stands for mates, and our protagonist has several.

When I picked up this book, I found myself speeding through it. The story had strong pacing, keeping me engaged and turning pages. However, as much as I loved the overall concept and the pacing of the book, I struggled with a particular aspect – the bully romance. This theme resonates differently with different readers, and in my case, it was challenging to navigate through, which affected my overall rating of the book.

Nevertheless, if bully romance isn’t a point of contention for you, Broken Bonds is undoubtedly a riveting read. It does an impressive job of laying the groundwork for the series, creating anticipation for what’s to come. So, if you’re looking for a unique twist on a paranormal romance that combines a fast-paced narrative with the intriguing concept of multiple fated mates, this book might be the one you’re waiting for.

Broken Bonds Summary

Broken Bonds by J Bree explores the life of Oleander, known as Oli. The story is set in a paranormal universe where the term ‘bonds’ signifies profound, destined connections between special individuals, forming a group called ‘bonded mates.’

After the tragic death of her mother and her mother’s bonded mates, Oli is relieved to have found her bonds. Nevertheless, under the weight of her people’s fate, she believes she should be alone. This leads her to spend five years in hiding, only to be forcefully brought back to confront the men she had left behind, her bonded mates.

Throughout the narrative, Oli grapples with her past choices, the destiny of her kind, and her guilt, raising questions about forgiveness and self-acceptance. We see Oli’s relationships with her bonded mates – North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe – begin with initial hostility because of her abandonment.

Under the specter of her unresolved past and present challenges, Oli must navigate a complex web of emotions and allegiances. As the first book in the Bonds That Tie series, Broken Bonds sets the stage for a riveting saga, introducing us to a world brimming with supernatural elements and powerful emotional connections.

My Review

I eagerly turned the pages of Broken Bonds by J Bree, a book that caught my attention through glowing reviews across various platforms. I’m always looking for fresh, innovative perspectives in the realm of paranormal romance, and this book didn’t disappoint. J Bree introduces the concept of ‘bonds’ – extraordinary, predestined connections between individuals that feel like a delightful amalgamation of magic and science.

Our protagonist, Oleander, fondly known as Oli, is a force to be reckoned with. Her strength, wit, and warmth make her a character readers can easily cheer on. Her journey towards self-understanding and the tantalizing secrets surrounding her powers and past kept me engaged from cover to cover.

The interplay between Oli and her bonded mates contributes an interesting depth to the narrative. Each character’s uniqueness and differences create a fascinating dynamic with Oli. However, some of their actions towards Oli are hard to swallow, adding a challenging layer to the story. It’s important to note that this first book does lean into the realm of bully romance.

There’s a particular scene in the book that deals with sexual assault. It’s a challenging read, and I want to ensure readers are aware of this element before diving in.

Despite these reservations, the book’s strengths – its brisk pace, captivating characters, and innovative reverse harem dynamics – render it a gripping read. The tender friendship between Oli and Sage adds warmth to the narrative, providing a balancing element throughout the book.

Overall, Broken Bonds serve a refreshing take on the reverse harem and paranormal romance genres. It’s a tale woven with threads of love, loss, and self-discovery, presenting a varied cast of characters and relationships. While it has its challenging moments, this book delivers a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking. I’m excited to see what the rest of the series has in store!

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