Bound - Kathy Lockheart

There is a storm between Axel and Dakota, and it grows every single time they’re together. Every fight cracks like lightning, sharp, bright, and impossible to ignore. And when the thunder finally rolls in? It’s loud, raw, emotional, and absolutely powerful.

The reason Axel became who he is broke my heart and suddenly made all of his behavior make sense. Dakota’s reasons for how she presents herself online hit hard too, because it reflects something so many people quietly struggle with.

They both believe they know each other from their past, but really, they only know the surface. Watching them finally uncover the truth, and both having that “well… crap” moment, was honestly beautiful.

Axel’s friends and their group chats were hilarious and heartfelt, the perfect balance to all the intensity. And Axel? His protectiveness is there no matter how hard he tries to hide it. Spoiler: he’s terrible at hiding it, and it’s adorable. And those ending events… I genuinely wasn’t prepared. Not even a little. I received this as an ARC and all this reflects my honest opinion.

You invaded every thought, every dream, every goddamn moment without my permission.