Bound: Skullstalker Brides Book 1 Author Isabelle Taylor
Book Review
4.5 out of 5 stars!
"Even if he fed her and made her a dress, he was still dangerous." - Ruby
Ruby's a witch who's losing her powers. Determined to save the smalltown she calls home and possibly get her magic back she journeys into the Skullwalker void. Knowing that she may never return home alive because Bygone's are known for devouring humans. But she has to try! Plus, she has some magic left and a trick up her sleeve!
Ruby didn't expect the Skullstalker to be approachable in a way. He doesn't instantly devour her and even he agrees to help her in a timely manner. Though she may have trapped him into doing it. Only when Ruby finds out the mechanics that go into renewing the ward spell, she may be rethinking things a little. The two grow closer as they realize training is needed before either can fulfill the ward ritual.
"I am a guide. This is the void of wanderers. I lead souls where they are supposed to be." - Slate
I was excited to read this book because I've read from this author before under her different pen name. I loved this read and how things were written. I got sucked into it and was flying through the pages before realizing I had gotten so far in the book!
Like most things in life there are two sides to everything. Ruby's used to the human side of things and the stories to keep children in line and put fear into grown-ups. After meeting Slate however, she begins to understand that they have gotten many things wrong! She knows he's still a beast and could easily rip her to shreds but there's something about him. His base, primal instincts don't cloud his mind and judgement. Least not all the time. There's something more to the mysterious monster.
Slate would rather be left alone and sleep away the centuries. Waking when duty called but then retreating back into his comfortable nest. I loved how Slate was written and how he feels like an actual monster. At times Ruby picking up on his growls and body language registering as an animal getting ready to pounce and eat prey. Her being the prey and not in a spicy, monster romance way. She's dinner! I also admired how Slate's immortality versus Ruby's mortality was written. Dual POVs giving internal monologue into things!
This read contains language, violence, bloodshed, and some gore. Mention of mortality and death, how humans have so little time and for a Skullstalker they just blink and that human's life is over. Witches are needed in this world to help cure things and relieve ailments in secret but otherwise they are ignored. Bad mouthing, shunning, and slight bullying are hinted at or mentioned.
"What was this little witch doing to him?" - Slate
The story is fast paced, and the spice happens shortly after the two meet! A mating ritual is required to renew the ward on the town so. . .the two hop on that pretty quickly. Only problem is there's a significant size difference and Ruby is a virgin! Skullstalkers are also not known to ever mate humans or be able to. One of the main plotlines is prep work and stretching. I respected how Slate handled things and Ruby. Understanding her limits and working with her. This read does take that saying of "rearranging my guts" to a whole other level! Magic is involved but the wording around the scenes after was like "whoa!" Also made me laugh.
I found some information was repeated in a couple of places. I did love this read and figured out some of the twists! The dog spirit is my favorite, and I loved how Slate broke his serious composure to give scritchy-scratches! I cannot wait to read Wick's story because I believe he's next! Really loved the writing in this read and how the world building was done. Ruby and Slate get an HEA but more to come for this world.
Enjoy the read with an immortal monster and a determined witch! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
Skullstalker Brides (2 book series) Kindle Edition
Bound (a steamy monster romance) by Isabelle Taylor, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
Isabelle Taylor - Romance Author (@isabelletaylorauthor) • Instagram photos and videos
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