This left me wanting more. It felt like the target audience should be more towards young adults. It just left you wanting more excitement/entertainment, that the plot just needed to take off. I had a bit of a hard time really getting into this one.

3 stars
I really wanted to love A Bond with the Dark—the premise sounded right up my alley—but it just didn’t fully land for me. The world had potential, and there were a few scenes I really enjoyed, but overall it felt a little uneven. I struggled to stay engaged, and some of the characters didn’t feel as fleshed out as I’d hoped. That said, I know a lot of readers are loving it, so it might just be a case of this one not clicking with me personally.
Thank you for an advanced copy.

Sayah Thorne is a refreshingly reluctant heroine, and her evolution from grief to grit makes this urban fantasy shine. The character dynamics—especially between Sayah and her supernatural allies—are magnetic and well-paced. Inara Gage keeps the tension high with twists, action, and an undercurrent of dark magic that pulls you in. The world is layered, with witches, secrets, and danger around every corner, and the writing flows smoothly with a strong emotional core.

Perfect for readers who enjoy fast-paced supernatural drama with solid character arcs and just the right spark of chemistry.

Not the dark you’re thinking. Very interesting foreshadowing. Pretty world interesting characters and great pacing.

I struggled to get through this book. There were a lot of plot holes. I did like that the characters were older, but it did not read like a mature book. There is potential with this world, it just needs some revision and the holes to be patched up.

I like the overall concept of this story/ book. I'd read the next installment. As with many first books, it needs some finessing.

This book leans more toward the younger adult audience—think college students and older. The plot definitely has some bite to it (not a pun, I swear!), and the pacing moves quickly, which keeps things engaging. The characters are interesting, but I found myself waiting for that moment when the story would really take off—when the excitement, entertainment, and tension would hit their stride. While the foundation is solid, it feels like it could benefit from a bit more revision to fully bring the story to life.

"A Bond with the Dark" is the thrilling debut in the Beautifully Broken series by Inara Gage. Her masterful world-building, intricate character development, blend of forbidden romance and magic create a Paranormal Romantasy that sucks you in from the very first page. Packed with witches, vampires, zombies, and warlocks, this instalment left me craving more.
Sayah and Dominic's story is told in dual POVs, which helped enhance my understanding of the plot. The added depth and clarity also made the complex twists and turns more understandable.
The first novel does end on a cliff hanger which leaves me eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

This was one of my favourite reads of 2024. Vampires are not usually my thing but this book has been all over Instagram so I grabbed it here. What an emotional and touching story. Inara writes such beautiful characters that the reader instantly falla in love with. I can't wait to read book 2.

This cover is gorgeous but the story was not for me. I found it very insufferable trying to read this. And at almost 500 pages I have to say that I wish it would have been better. The world building was sub par and the characters well I kind of hated all of them. This felt more like some kind of bad fan fiction vs. a full fledged story.

This is a really good book and shows very interesting sides of the characters, especially regarding their morals. The magic system in her is good, however I personally found the book too similar to other systems. The story as a whole felt very familiar to me, almost like I've experienced the story before but I am yet to put my finger on what.

⭐3.1

⚚ Plot:
'A Bond with the Dark' navigates familiar supernatural themes while establishing its own identity through original lore, an innovative magic system, and intricate conflicts.

⚚ Writing:
While contemporary in style, the most alluring aspect of the prose is in the evocatively woven descriptions that vividly depict the scenery and amplify the novel's gothic ambiance. The narration features multiple points of view and remains character-driven throughout. However, during some sections, the dialogue is dense with exposition, which can feel a little overwhelming. Initial chapters lack momentum, though those who persevere will discover that the book intensifies significantly.

⚚ Characters:
The protagonists, both in their thirties, adorned with tattoos and alternative fashion, complement the gothic themes underpinning the narrative. While the romance unfolds rather rapidly, it is fraught with complications and external challenges. Sayah's refusal to heed her intuition may initially seem naive, but her backstory and Dominic’s emotional complexity ultimately enhance their dynamic. Additionally, an array of secondary characters, each with contrasting motives and abilities, enrich the storyline and introduce further obstacles.

⚚ Impact:
Central to the narrative is Sayah’s resilience and tenacity, highlighting themes of survival and personal strength. A rollercoaster of high-stakes action, introducing formidable adversaries that pose significant threats even to the most powerful characters, contributing to an exhilarating reading experience.

⚚ Overall:
For fans of supernatural romance, this novel presents the first installment of a journey with potential, particularly for those willing to overlook a slow start.

⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚ ⚔ ⚚

Genre:
⚔ Supernatural romance

Tropes & Themes:
⚔ Vampires
⚔ Witches
⚔ Demons
⚔ Chosen one
⚔ Instant attraction
⚔ Love triangle
⚔ Supernatural entities
⚔ Mature protagonists
⚔ Magical Gifts

Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

In this captivating fantasy romance, the author weaves a beautifully intricate world filled with magic, adventure, and an undeniable chemistry between the protagonists. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a richly imagined landscape where the stakes are high, and love transcends boundaries.

The characters are delightfully complex, each facing their own trials and transformations. Their journey is not just about romance; it’s about self-discovery and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, making every shared moment feel electric and deeply meaningful.

The plot is expertly crafted, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with tender, intimate scenes that linger long after the book is closed. The author’s lyrical prose brings the settings to life, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and danger of this enchanting world.

Overall, this book is a delightful escape that deftly combines elements of fantasy and romance. It’s a testament to the power of love and the strength found in vulnerability. Perfect for fans of the genre, it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a magical journey of the heart!

Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this ARC!

I have mixed feelings about this book. The plot idea, the premise, and a lot of the scenes were great and I absolutely adored them. It definitely has very, very strong Vampire Diaries elements and that threw me off a little. Don't get me wrong, love vampire diaries, but I felt like some of it wasn't original and that it was very rushed. I think this book is one I would like to read the sequel to, but I'm not sure I would re-read it. It just wasn't my cup of tea with the pacing and immediate feelings.

Dual POV, Spicy. Falling for the Villain, Single Mom, Touch her an Die, Magical Creatures, Vampire x Witch, Morally Grey FMC & MMC, Family Dynamics

A Bond with the Dark gives Charmed mixed with the Vampire Diaries vibes centering around Sayah and Dom, a vampire whom is tasked to kill her to restore the balance of the world. This book is angsty, fast paced with plenty of plot twists and magical creatures to keep the reader engaged. I didn't anticipate the twist at the ending at all and am looking forward to picking up the next book in the series.

3.5 / 5 stars

This book was okay, I feel it could have been a bit more refined, but personally I liked the story. It is filled with romance (but it's a bit messy), mystery, vampires, witches, prophecies and lot of stuff.

At times it felt a bit too slow for my taste, but all in all, it was a refreshing read for me, and while, as I said, it needs some improvement, but if you want an easy and relaxing read.

3.5 stars rounded up

This book was interesting, it is a fantasy romance with a ton of vampires, mysteries, prophecies, and messy romance. The plot had some great conflicts with a lot of high stacks and drama. It was very entertaining and read very quickly.
There were a couple inconsistent throughout the book mostly relating to characters' personalities being depicted in one manner and them doing and saying things that don't really match. I would have really liked a more clear and detailed description. For example, I did not have a clear picture and rules surrounding vampires, mainly the Dominic family for most of the book. Things did end up getting cleared up, but I spent most of the book having way more questions than answers. The romance was ok for me, a bit insta love and did not really like Dominic, he did grow on me more as the story went on. Overall, I did have fun reading this and I am interested in continuing this series.
I received an advanced ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

This book has all the elements that drew me in—witches, vampires, and just the right touch of romance. It gives off strong Twilight meets The Vampire Diaries vibes, which was right up my alley as someone who can’t resist rewatching TVD.

What really stood out to me was the fresh spin on the magic system and the way vampires, werewolves, and witches were portrayed. It’s not easy to make these familiar themes feel new, but A Bond with the Dark managed to pull it off in a way that kept me intrigued.

However, I did find myself struggling a bit with the pacing early on. While the characters, especially Bash, were compelling, the story took a while to pick up, and there were moments where the writing felt a bit heavy, overexplaining things that didn’t need it. That said, once the plot got going, I found myself really enjoying it. Despite the slow start, I’m glad I had the chance to dive into this world, and by the end, it had me hooked. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to discover this unique twist on familiar fantasy elements!

Thank you for this e-Arc.
I really enjoyed A Bond with the Dark. Inara Gage has created a fun romantasy with interesting world-building, character's, and magic system, with an amazing mix of supernatural creatures!
The plot twist at the end!!

There were a few pacing issues for me, but overall, I enjoyed the storyline, and Vampire Diary vibes.

Great idea! Interesting worldbuilding! And who doesn't love a modern world with Vampires and what not...