Smith Sinclair guards the gates to the darkest corners of Charleston, and I need access for a story. Despite my best efforts, he stonewalls me at every turn, toying with me and making outrageous demands. He’s arrogant and unapologetic, and refuses to play fair. Yet I find his brazen confidence and scathing honesty irresistible. Staying away from him isn’t an option. Not for me. But Sinclair isn’t … me.
But Sinclair isn’t the only danger lurking in the shadows. And as he distracts me with pleasure, each lead I chase drags me deeper into a sinister plot.
In the end, I’m bound to make a choice that could cost one of us everything.
While Bound can be read as a standalone, it is the third book in The Devil’s Due series and is best enjoyed after reading Depraved and Delivered. Bound has no cliffhanger.
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I loved this book and I’m so in love with Smith! It is an emotional, and steamy story with a darkish theme as I had expected. It is well written, flows smoothly and touched several different emotions. The darker parts of this story felt so real I was definitely holding my breath, as I was pulled deeper into their world.
Smith is dark, mysterious on the outside. He can also be a real jerk yet when you look deeper he’s sensitive, patient, and caring. The author balanced both sides of him well, I wouldn’t have believed his story if she hadn’t. Smith and Kate have amazing chemistry that I felt from their first meeting.
I can’t wait for Delilah’s story. She’s such a strong-willed character. One of the team and I love that about her. It’ll be fun getting to know her and check in with the rest of this family of friends.
**This story does touch on some sensitive subjects that I think could be triggers for some readers.
I feel like I have waited forever for Kate and Smith’s story! Now that it is here I can tell you I was not disappointed at all!
I was introduced to Smith during JD and Gabby’s duet. It was his intense and protective nature that drew me to him and piqued my interest. From the moment he stood up to JD in regards to Gabby’s safety, I knew I needed his story and poor Eva Charles would not sleep until I had it.
Their story line is tumultuous at best, lending to some of the most emotional moments in reading in a very long while. The entire back and forth between Kate and Smith, their episodes of almost falling into each other, yet not quite getting there, really pulled on my emotions.
Kate makes so many great friendships in this story and she has such a warm personality that you can’t help yourself but wish she was really your friend…or that the other characters were real too.
Long time fans of Eva Charles will love BOUND…and if you are new to Eva Charles, I suggest starting with Depraved. Bound is definitely a stand alone but to catch up on the history of the Wilders and to really enjoy Smith in all his glory, you should start at the beginning.
I absolutely LOVED Smith and I likely will for the rest of time. The build up of his release was some of the most fun I have had in a long time. Eva has a fantastic fan base and we are book sisters at heart. Together we have dreamed and contemplated Bound, reflected on JD and Gabby, poked at Eva for just one more teaser, and have staked our claim on her various leading men.
This review wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t say it. #smithismine Lisa…I am talking to you.
Get this book! You won’t be disappointed!
wow! Another amazing book!!
This is the 3rd book in this amazing series and is Smith and Kate’s story. Kate is a reporter who is delving into an old case, and Smith has been hired to get her to stop digging, which puts them on a collision course. Kate is feisty and determined and is more than capable of standing up for herself no matter what. The chemistry is intense and sizzling between Smith and Kate. This is a well written story which is dark, and with twists, as well as a slow burn romance which is a steamy read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I recommend for all.
Wow! This book is simply phenomenal. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat to find out what happened next. I was flabbergasted with the unexpected revelations that happened, but it is jaw-dropping good! This is the third book in The Devil’s Due series, and this romantic suspense is filled with family secrets, lies, and deceptions. This is the story of Smith Sinclair and Mary Katherine (Kate) McKenna. This dark and suspenseful romance is packed with murder, mystery, danger, darkness, kidnapping, drugs, passion, and twists and turns—some you see coming, some you don’t! Kate is a journalist—just like her mother, but she has had it hard for a long time. I felt everything Kate was going through down in my soul. Smith is JD’s best friend, and because of their friendship and Smith’s loyalty to JD, he is also in charge of all the Wilder Holdings and for the Wilders personally. Smith never mixes pleasure with business and he does not do relationships until he meets Kate McKenna—the nosy journalist. As an ex-member of the Elite Delta Force, Smith is handsome and sexy, ruthless, cold-hearted, dominant, violent, sweetly contrite, and no body messes with the Wilders and gets away with it. After meeting Kate, Smith knew there was something about the feisty, sassy and obstinate beautiful redheaded woman that he could not stay away from her. When Kate wanted a story on an important person in Charleston, she finds danger lurking in the least unexpected place making her a target. With the mystery and suspense, I was holding my breathe because it was a tangled mess of lies, secrets, deceit, and whodunit. Just when you think you have it all figured out, it takes a new turn making you realize just how wrong you were. Smith and Kate’s journey is full of deception, hurt, and trust—but they are two people bound by duty and loyalty to others. Not to give any spoilers, but I must say Kate is one determined and brave heroine. Their attraction and chemistry is so intense, alluring and mesmerizing, binding them to one another perfectly. They push and pull through the entire book making you question everything. There are several twists and turns within the story that will tempt the characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Eva Charles has a beautiful flowing, but almost poetic way of writing, and a very devious mind to come up with this kind of darkness and twisted story. There are some trigger points that you should be warned about.
Oh my, Smith was all the sexy things protective, charming, dirty talking alpha with a sweet side he reserved for a select few and Kate quickly became the women who captured his attention and then his heart.
I loved the feisty side of Kate and how she never held back when it came to Smith but I also wish she would have let that side of her come out more to the people who should have been there for her. My heart broke for Kate over and over she deserved better than the way people treated her and I was glad that Smith saw more than most and knew what she needed.
Intense!!
This is a powerful story of a woman overcoming past insecurities to become a stronger, better version of her former self. Kate is a journalist who thinks she will do anything to get a story and feel she has redeemed herself for mistakes in her past that were not her doing. Meeting Smith, she thinks he will help her with the story she is looking for, but instead, he becomes a powerful force in her life.
Smith is an alpha male who is very self-assured and never could have predicted how much his life will change when he meets Kate. Their relationship is filled with angst and obstacles, but the journey is so gripping, I never wanted to put the book down. Eva Charles uses powerful words and imagery to tell the story of Kate and Smith. I re-read so many of the passages because I fell in love with the words and how they affected me. Bound features characters from her past book which makes it that much
Kate is looking for a Pulitzer prize winning story. Smith is supposed to scare her out of town and away from the Wilder’s even if they are not the main topic of her research. But, an instant attraction makes it much too hard for Smith to send Kate on her way . . . and, the more he starts to learn about her, the closer he wants to keep her . . . and it’s not only to keep tabs on her and her research.
But, there is something truly sinister afoot in Charleston. And, Kate finds herself smack dab in the middle of an evil she never could have imagined with Smith being her only chance at salvation.
Kate was such an interesting mix of worldly and inexperienced. Smith knows he shouldn’t but he can’t help himself the more he gets to know her. And her backstory . . .ohhh I could punch her father and brother! Still, she tries to see the good in everyone and takes the blame for everything and everyone on herself
Smith is so torn between his loyalty to JD and his feelings for Kate. He really sucks at relationships and trusting others, but I loved that he shares that and tries to be honest with Kate in order to make things work. His character was truly complex and he’s so alpha and fiercely protective of everyone he cares for. I loved watching him fall for Kate and struggle with having to deal with his emotions.
There is so much treachery and betrayal in this book it’s unreal. And, while I may have had some misgivings about some of the character’s motivations, I was completely unprepared and shocked at how things played out! Damn you Eva Charles, you are a mastermind!!!! The drama is so crazy and seems so insane, but you just know this crazy stuff like this can really happen and it felt scary and totally believable.
What I found really unique with this story is just how much story was left after the “big drama.” It was a masterfully woven plot and kept me engaged and wanting more for all 426 pages! I love that Eva shows that everything isn’t always a quick HEA after the drama and let me tell you, I have all the feels for Smith’s parents! They may not be in most of the book, but their impact is incredible and I have so much love for them.
Holy crap, good grief, OMG, and just about every exclamation out there!!!! Bound is definitely one of my top reads of the year! 5 stars.
A twisty-dark plot in some places, a satisfying & sizzling romance in others
—>>> When Smith meets the nosy journalist Kate McKenna, he is more than attracted to her, but he also knows his loyalties and his duty to protect the Wilder family, even though Kate insists that she is not digging into the family’s matters. When they think that they’ve successfully seen the last of Kate, however, she returns even more determined to make a life there, still intent on following her gut and chasing her story as an ode to her mother’s work. The people she manages to befriend all serve to pull her this way and that, but she remains a person of distrust. The Wilder family and Smith still do not know what to make of this woman, but Smith is definitely harboring some strong feelings for Kate. When someone makes their message clear that she is a target, Smith finds himself going out of his way for her out of protectiveness as well as wanting to show her his private brand of kink and domination. It is not long, though, before the real intent reveals itself moments and ways no one was expecting. A read which delivers a twisty-dark plot in some places, a satisfying and sizzling romance in others.
4.5 stars
Whew, talk about a plot twist! I’ve read Eva’s stories many times and loved them all (although I somehow missed the earlier duet from this series! A problem I am remedying immediately!) Ms. Charles does a masterful job of building highly complex characters and weaving their stories together in such a way you cannot think of one without the other.
Smith was…sigh, an amazing character. He’s everything you want in an alpha male while still being all the things that drive us crazy about alpha males, in real life. He’s dictatorial, heavy-handed and sometimes a flat out asshole but he’s tough and tender and funny and dear God, is he sexy. I loved what a flawed character he was, each one endearing him more to me. Kate was a little harder sell for me. She was independent and brazen in one minute, then weak, too trusting and allowed herself to be walked over the next. She was a journalist but appeared to have none of the “spidey sense” most journalists seem to have. Most of the book, I felt like the person in a movie theater wanting to yell “don’t go in there!” Her family is the absolute worst and I get that most of her insecurities stemmed from them. One her own, I wasn’t a big fan but Smith and Kate together…delicious!
As for that plot twist. Whoa! I knew who the bad guy was from the beginning but wow, I was not expecting the depth or twists in the end. My skin was crawling through those chapters and I “might’ve” turned the lights on in my hotel room to continue reading! (Ok, I did!) These chapters are where Ms. Charles’ intense attention to detail really shines.
Awesome book, rooted in some hard truths, with fantastic characters and a plot to keep you reading late into the night (lights on, of course.)
AnnMarie – Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
Bound was a dark, sexy and twisted slowburn that kept me in suspense until the very end. From the moment Smith and Kate meet their chemistry was so intense it threatened to combust. Kate was persistent in going after what she wanted even when Smith charged into her path determined to thwart her at every turn. Try as they both might neither could help but be intrigued by the other. I enjoyed the constant push and pull between them. Their banter kept me constantly waiting for that moment when things would ignite and oh how I enjoyed when it did. The sense of mystery woven throughout their story and a few twists along the way had me devouring every word as quickly as I could in search of answers. Bound was a gripping and entertaining addition to this series that has me more intrigued to see what’s going to happen next in Charleston.
I felt this story took a while going anywhere, but once it got going, it became faster and full of angst, steam, and danger. There were a couple of sad moments, times of finger crossing, and sighs as things came together. Kate was a driven, caring woman with a past that haunted her. Smith was a bit bull-headed, independent, but quite protective in regard to Kate. I loved this couple. I recommend this story with a small warning that there are some scenes that may be triggers for some people.
I received a copy of this story through Enticing Journey Book Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
Bound turned out to be a totally different story than I expected. That’s neither a good thing nor bad, it just is. What I got I enjoyed tremendously. At the beginning of the story I got a little apprehensive on the writing style because it was thorough. It wasn’t slow, per say, but the development of the story left zero to chance LOL the author laid out this story without a single gap from page one. The slow burn of the story mixed very well with the relationship development between our leads. I know there are readers that are put off when stories tend to be too detailed, but you’ll have to trust me when I tell you that it is exactly as this story needed to be told.
What I found to be the best reason for my overall enjoyment of this story was the progression from mild to explosive that the story took. It wasn’t a story that was dark and twisty but it progressed kinda like a song does to full crescendo, you feel the song vibrate thru you as it pushes to its highest point of intensity and this story followed the same beats. It made for a very captivating read that I did not want to put down.
My first read by Eva Charles and it blew my new-to-me expectations out of the water. I’ve already started the previous two books in this series because my interest in the characters was piqued by Bound and I’m super excited to read all about Decadent Delilah coming later this year!
Wow!! This book is so freaking good. I couldn’t put it down! I had been looking forward to Smith’s book, but it was so much more than I expected. Smith is just so dreamy. I love an ex-military alpha… especially one who is tough but loyal and sweet too. And don’t even get me started on how I love a strong heroine. Kate is a badass in her own right and I loved it. The chemistry between them is perfection and sooooo hot!! Gah! I definitely recommend giving this one a read!
So I already know what I’m asking Santa for this year….Smith Sinclair wrapped in a bow. What a hot alpha male this character was. There are some hot sexy scenes and to be honest that is what got me through most of this book. I was curious to see what the outcome of the mystery with the priest was and where all the pieces of the puzzle to this story fit. It was a good storyline but I needed a bit more. I will read the next book because I got invested in a character that is in this book. Hopefully the books get even better as the series goes on.
Bound by Eva Charles is the third book in The Devil’s Due Series. This is the story of Smith Sinclair and Kate McKenna. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one but I did think you could make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Kate is a journalist that comes to town to look into a dead case that she hopes to find more information on. Smith is the head of security for the Wilders. Smith is a strong alpha male who doesn’t mess around. So Smith was sent to make Kate return to where she came from but what he didn’t count on where the feeling she brings out in him. Of course he tries to control it but danger starts to enter her world and his protectiveness takes over. Exciting read.
Bound is the very much anticipated follow-up novel from author Eva Charles’ Depraved duet which released last year. Smith Sinclair and Kate McKenna were introduced in that duet and it appears that the author had some reader demand for their story. I didn’t actually go in blind, but I also didn’t know what to expect. Whatever I was going to get, I knew I wanted it.
It took me a little while to really start enjoying these characters. It is a long book and there was quite a bit of ground work laid down in the beginning. I don’t feel one scene should have been cut out though. Every page gave us insight and kept the story moving forward. Smith and Kate turned out to be quite delicious together and even though they had a mutual attraction to each other from the very beginning, they took their time warming up to each other. In the end, the story line did not disappoint. The story actually turned shocking at one point and then it exploded with a capital X.
I thoroughly enjoyed the relationship build up for these characters and loved how they seemed to melt into domestic bliss. Their chemistry was palpable and the sexy banter rocked my world. Images of Smith and saddles filled my dreams for days afterward. You are assured to have some very steamy scenes featuring this amazing man.
Once things got shocking and the story twists began, I read a little faster and enjoyed the characters a whole lot more. At times I was very frustrated with Smith’s rash decisions and really wanted Kate to lash out at him. Turns out, Kate doesn’t have a mean bone in her body and I felt so much sympathy for the circumstances she was having to live through.
Bound was an intense read and I loved every minute. I am now excited to hear all about Delilah.
I enjoyed this read. The story is suspenseful, intense, full of twists and sizzling hot. This book was a bit of a slow burn for me and although I enjoyed it my interest waxed and waned a bit.