syniya's review
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mello_cra02's review against another edition
3.0
This one was the darkest of the series. I wasn't expecting that. The best part of this book was Holden. He's so extra! It was fun to read, but confusing because his personality didn't correspond to his appearance in the first book.
The sex was hot, but there was too much. They didn't talk about their relationship until the last page! Apparently, it's been happening since a few years ago, but they never acknowledged it. I have mixed feelings about them as a couple, but their dynamic wasn't that bad.
One thing that I would like to point out is that at the beginning it says there's no daddy kink. However, Holden calls Marcus Daddy throughout the whole book. It's supposed to be a joke, but he even calls him that during sex. Some people might not be comfortable with this.
The sex was hot, but there was too much. They didn't talk about their relationship until the last page! Apparently, it's been happening since a few years ago, but they never acknowledged it. I have mixed feelings about them as a couple, but their dynamic wasn't that bad.
One thing that I would like to point out is that at the beginning it says there's no daddy kink. However, Holden calls Marcus Daddy throughout the whole book. It's supposed to be a joke, but he even calls him that during sex. Some people might not be comfortable with this.
lycangrrl's review
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Sexual content, Blood, Murder, Toxic relationship, Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Drug use, Addiction, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, and Death of parent
Minor: Car accident, Trafficking, and Pedophilia
Pedophilia is only in relation to the trafficking of children and briefly with mentions of MCs parents previously selling him for drugs in the prologue, none is actually shown on page.teacupsandtropes's review against another edition
4.0
Thank you to Odessa Hywell for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have been WAITING for Holden's story for what feels like eighty four years. Ever since I got a little sneak peek at him in the first book, I've been waiting for his story. And Holden did not disappoint!
Blood Bound wrapped up the overarching plot line that followed all three of the books, but whew, was it a ride to get to this point. I was almost convinced I knew who was behind it, but I was wrong. The plot though, is honestly secondary to the sex scenes and the absolutely chaotic tornado that is Holden Malnar. In proper Hywell fashion, the sex scenes are detailed and hot and always leave me wanting more. While I'm not a huge fan of blood or knife play, it didn't turn me off here. Also public sex? Sign me up! I would've been disappointed if Marcus had not shown up to see Holden in his twinky glory.
And Holden... HOLDEN! I can't say enough about him. He is chaos and joy and murder in a little itty bitty body. And I love him so much. His chapters were hilarious and I found myself cracking up often. Are we making t-shirts that say Death Death Murder Murder Squad? Because I think we need some.
Read this book! It was an absolute ride in the best of ways!
I have been WAITING for Holden's story for what feels like eighty four years. Ever since I got a little sneak peek at him in the first book, I've been waiting for his story. And Holden did not disappoint!
Blood Bound wrapped up the overarching plot line that followed all three of the books, but whew, was it a ride to get to this point. I was almost convinced I knew who was behind it, but I was wrong. The plot though, is honestly secondary to the sex scenes and the absolutely chaotic tornado that is Holden Malnar. In proper Hywell fashion, the sex scenes are detailed and hot and always leave me wanting more. While I'm not a huge fan of blood or knife play, it didn't turn me off here. Also public sex? Sign me up! I would've been disappointed if Marcus had not shown up to see Holden in his twinky glory.
And Holden... HOLDEN! I can't say enough about him. He is chaos and joy and murder in a little itty bitty body. And I love him so much. His chapters were hilarious and I found myself cracking up often. Are we making t-shirts that say Death Death Murder Murder Squad? Because I think we need some.
Read this book! It was an absolute ride in the best of ways!
vrstal's review against another edition
4.0
4/5. Highlights may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Discussion and references to child sexual abuse, human trafficking, parental abuse, mention of drug use and addiction, gross parental neglect, blood and gore, torture (between MCs and others), murder, gun violence, incest, power imbalance, sex without lube, rape (between two side characters), off-page dubious consent
Kink: Sadomasochism, bloodplay, knifeplay, public sex, exhibitionism, cock and ball torture, sex toys, spanking, orgasm torture, light breeding kink
Blood Bound is the final book in Odessa Hywell’s mafia incest series, featuring Holden and Marcus, a nephew and uncle.
I think out of the three books, this one is my second favorite. Not only do we have Hywell’s smooth writing and editing, but there is plenty of humor as well in the form of Holden.
In terms of romance, I enjoyed the development of Marcus and Holden. We once again miss out on the usual tension of incest because they already have an established sex life. However, I enjoyed the angst within this one, because Holden felt like Marcus didn’t trust him. As actions play out in the book you can see where there are weaknesses in their relationship (which wasn’t even truly committed) and how they grow to overcome them and become stronger together.
The sex scenes? Hot hot hot. The author says this book isn’t daddy kink and while it’s not, I do think Daddy is used enough as a joking, teasing title by Holden that it may turn some readers off who avoid that term in their books. Take this as a warning! Also the returning nickname of “peanut” might get to someone. It personally wasn’t my favorite at first either, though it grew on me.
Their backgrounds and the way they paralleled themselves really were interesting and heartbreaking. I enjoyed getting those little flashbacks and how these two got to be who they were today. Unlike the previous couples where the younger MCs were more out of the mafia fray (or in it, but not totally by choice), Holden enjoys what he does and being part of the #killsquad. I liked that aspect to him. In general there is a lot more mafia plot due to the way it is wrapping up the overall plot line for this series, so expect that.
Overall, for a surprisingly low-angst but bloody mafia incest story, I recommend this book!
House of Obscure Reviews
Content Warnings for book: Discussion and references to child sexual abuse, human trafficking, parental abuse, mention of drug use and addiction, gross parental neglect, blood and gore, torture (between MCs and others), murder, gun violence, incest, power imbalance, sex without lube, rape (between two side characters), off-page dubious consent
Kink: Sadomasochism, bloodplay, knifeplay, public sex, exhibitionism, cock and ball torture, sex toys, spanking, orgasm torture, light breeding kink
Blood Bound is the final book in Odessa Hywell’s mafia incest series, featuring Holden and Marcus, a nephew and uncle.
I think out of the three books, this one is my second favorite. Not only do we have Hywell’s smooth writing and editing, but there is plenty of humor as well in the form of Holden.
In terms of romance, I enjoyed the development of Marcus and Holden. We once again miss out on the usual tension of incest because they already have an established sex life. However, I enjoyed the angst within this one, because Holden felt like Marcus didn’t trust him. As actions play out in the book you can see where there are weaknesses in their relationship (which wasn’t even truly committed) and how they grow to overcome them and become stronger together.
The sex scenes? Hot hot hot. The author says this book isn’t daddy kink and while it’s not, I do think Daddy is used enough as a joking, teasing title by Holden that it may turn some readers off who avoid that term in their books. Take this as a warning! Also the returning nickname of “peanut” might get to someone. It personally wasn’t my favorite at first either, though it grew on me.
Their backgrounds and the way they paralleled themselves really were interesting and heartbreaking. I enjoyed getting those little flashbacks and how these two got to be who they were today. Unlike the previous couples where the younger MCs were more out of the mafia fray (or in it, but not totally by choice), Holden enjoys what he does and being part of the #killsquad. I liked that aspect to him. In general there is a lot more mafia plot due to the way it is wrapping up the overall plot line for this series, so expect that.
Overall, for a surprisingly low-angst but bloody mafia incest story, I recommend this book!
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