Thank you to NetGallery and Victory Editing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a solid second book in the series, and that ending? So good! I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first, though I swear Blake had me wanting to strangle him at every turn. His progress felt like one step forward, twenty steps back, but honestly, that just made him feel more real. He’s trying his best, even if his role models were... questionable (still can’t remember when his dad died, or if it was ever even shared).

I fear Kage is far more compelling, and I want them together—even though I know it’s not happening. But hey, a girl can dream, because I have no idea how she’s choosing Blake over him.

Like the first book, this was such an easy, fun read and perfect for scratching that Fourth Wing itch.

Neville deserves everything good and right, while Marcus and Regan can ROT.

Excited for the next book—it can’t come soon enough! (If you wanna slide the ARC into my inbox, I won’t complain)

Going into this book I wasn’t sure about the series as a whole and really disliked the MMC as a character in the first book. At the beginning of this book I genuinely thought it would be a Tamlin situation and she would be romantically involved with Kage. Blake did grow on me as a character and I didn’t hate the relationship between him and Medra.

If you liked Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and Vampire academy I do think you will really enjoy this series.

The things I think that could have been improved: more depth into Aenia and Victor’s deaths as I found this very rushed. Characters such as Lace and Rodriguez seemed to appear and disappear, being important to the plot at points but almost instantly forgotten about. I’m not sure about the dragon shifter idea but… I feel like if more depth is provided I could be on board.

The things I liked: I found the twist unpredictable and I wasn’t expecting it so it was a nice surprise. I enjoyed the dragons and the history around them. Florence and medra have a very heartwarming sweet relationship but would die for each other if needed. I always enjoy close meaningful female relationships in romantasy based books.

Thank you to net galley and Starwater press for the eARC

A definite improvement on the first book. I was hooked straight away with this sequel and could not put it down, I was up until the early hours trying to finish this and then could not sleep because of the ending! The wait for the next book is going to feel like forever!

Ate this up as much as Book 1- I love love love ZA vibes & this series gives that lol. Although, totally unique in its own way w/ the originality of her Vampires & Dragon lore. And OOF- The tension 🔥 The triangle w/ Kage, Medra, & Blake? Why Choose baby- Pls lmfao. Give it to meeee, Rachel. So much yearning, but if I had to pick, I’m still down bad for Blake w/ this whole enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers, baby 🍽️ Feasting. Aside from bully romance, there’s also court & school intrigue, did I mention dragons yet? & so much more 🤍

Overall- A fun series, can’t wait for Book 3 ‘cause that ending?

The character arc for this book has been amazing. This book was intense and the writing was top notch this book def ended on a cliff hanger and left you wanting more. In a good way. It has dragons and academy setting all you could ever hope for

Medra has awoken a dragon. Nyxaris, the Avari dragon, is now her companion. Well, kinda. The vampire Tribunal determines that she has to show control and command of the dragon or else.... 💀. What is a girl to do? Convince the dragon to help her by being sweet? Meanwhile, Blake has his own issues that he is trying to scale. And one of those issues lies in his own flesh. The other is freakin Kage Tanaka and his refusal to leave Medra alone. Is he just a friend or is he a challenger for her affection? And why won't this stinkin fluffin stay put?!

Gosh, I just love these characters and this world. I need a fluffin expeditiously. I cannot wait for the third installment of this series. The ending left SO much going on that I have no idea who is alive, dead, or just giving up. May cannot get here fast enough!

WOW! This book kept me hooked from the first chapter, I couldn't put it down i was they invested.

The tension and chemistry between Blake and Medra was beautifully written and the spice was much appreciated.

I absolutely love Medra's character and how she takes no shit from anyone.

I was shocked at so much that happened, I did not see any of the plot twists coming. This book absolutely played with my heart strings. These cliffhangers are not healthy for me, I already cant wait for book 3!!!

Briar Boleyn’s The Bond That Burns, the second installment in the Bloodwing Academy series, is a captivating continuation of Medra’s journey. This sequel amplifies the dark academia atmosphere, weaving a complex narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. The story delves deeper into the world of Bloodwing Academy, where dragons and vampires entwine in a web of power and politics. Medra’s journey is marked by growth and resilience as she navigates the treacherous landscape. The characters are multidimensional, with compelling arcs that add depth to the narrative. The book explores themes of survival, trust, and power, all set against the backdrop of a richly detailed world. Briar Boleyn’s writing is atmospheric and engaging, capturing the essence of dark academia with vivid descriptions and tense dialogue. The Bond That Burns is an addictive sequel that builds on the foundations of the first book. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and immersive world-building, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is full of twists and turns, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.

Ummmm yeeees!!!!
I have so many questions! I just want the next book. Reading and waiting until the next releases is torture.

Things I want more of: dragons, vampires biting (specifically Blake), the rebellion against his uncle.

The push and pull between our Blake and Medra. I JUST WANT THEM TOGETHER!! The angst! C’mon, I just want them to love loving each other!

Tick tock.. let’s drop the next book! I’m not made for this waiting game when the books are this juicy!

"𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖊. 𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖊. 𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖉𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖔𝖓 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖊 𝖈𝖆𝖓'𝖙 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖕𝖊𝖙𝖊 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖞 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖇𝖚𝖗𝖓"🩸

Wow, this book was incredible! I was a little hesitant going in because the ending of the first book had me worried it might take a direction I wouldn’t love, but I was SO WRONG. The Bond That Burns beautifully expanded on the story, deepening the world-building and character development in such a satisfying way. I fell even more in love with so many of the characters. Florence is the sweetest baby angel, and of course, Neville and Nyaxis are the bestest boys. I adore them so much!

I especially loved how Medra and Blake’s relationship evolved—watching them slowly begin to trust each other made for such an intense and rewarding journey. The action and tension were non-stop, keeping me hooked from start to finish, and I was shocked at how much was packed into a book that’s shorter than the first. AND THE SPICE was absolutely chef’s kiss!🔥 It was the perfect amount of steamy, intense, and so well-written. And THAT ENDING?! I am absolutely freaking out. I NEED the next book immediately!

✨Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for graciously providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own! ✨

🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's been almost a day and I still haven't recovered from the end of this book. I don't know if I will any time soon or until I get my hands on book three. I was expecting everything dialed up from book one, but I think Briar Boleyn may have broken the dials. This was a 6-star read for me so could book three be my first 7-star read this year?


Nyxaris’s roar would seem like nothing compared to mine when I was through with Blake-fucking-Drakharrow.


I spent the first half of the book wanting to throw my kindle at the wall because Blake is thicker than my walls and that still may be understating it. He decides to double down on all his wrong choices and I wondered if we would ever get back to the romance part of this bully romance. At one point, I may have even considered being a traitor and rooting for Medra x Kage, but I stayed true to the end. If I were Medra, I probably would have just fucked around and found out with Kage regardless after some of the things she said to Blake. I would be lying if I denied I cried like a big baby quite a few times and the longest at the end, so you have been warned. This book toys with your emotions and makes you realize book one was just the foreplay. The spice was beautiful, intimate and everything I wanted from this novel. There might be a Visha line that will rent-free in my mind for far too long, and you are free to guess which one it is as I will not be repeating it. Enjoy an excerpt I loved instead.


The warmth of his hand was jarring. His thumb brushed against my pulse and for a moment, I felt my treacherous heart stutter. “This would be easier,” he said, leaning towards me, his voice low. “If you’d stop pretending you hate it.”


Briar continues to build upon this beautiful rich world and bless us with characters I can't help to love or despise with every inch of my being. The character growth is huge for everyone (except those damn mean girls iykyk.) The relationship between Medra and Florence is so damn beautiful and strong and I always love seeing strong female friendships, especially when they have such different strengths that compliment each other. I loved learning more about the four great houses and their important characters. These are the small details I live for. The difficult relationship between Medra and Nyxaris was so enjoyable to read because you really never knew what was going to happen next, and it was unique and full of many emotions. I cannot wait for book three and part of me doesn't want it to end, ever.

He suddenly pushed his chest up against mine, shoving me backwards. His breath was hot against my ear. “Why don’t you just fall in line, like a good little girl?”

🩸 Dark academia
🖤 Dual POV
🩸 Found family
🖤 Unlikely allies
🩸 Dangerous secrets
🖤 Forced betrothal
🩸 Villain gets the girl
🖤 Rival houses

“Mine,” I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it.

Thank you Starwater Press via Netgalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

What do you do when you read a line like this: 'Sometimes our choices are all we have, Miss Pendragon. They define us, for better or for worse.'?

For me its a simple decision, you brew a good strong cuppa, get in your comfiest chair, put on your Do Not Disturb Socks, and grab your book because The Bond That Burns - Bloodwing Academy Book Two - and get ready to fall into a sweeping saga of a story filled with danger, action, and myth. Boleyn has balanced what makes a strong book for me, with sparkling banter and sizzling chemistry this is a book that will leave you giving advice to Blake because we know him so well and understand all his swirling conflicting feelings.

I cannot tell you how exciting this was to read and how excited I am to stay longer in this series for the next book.

The ultimate compliment, I will be reading books one and two again before book three is released because I don't want to miss any of the clues or hints. And, to be honest I want to note out what I might have missed in my rush to see what happened before I was left hanging on the best cliffhanger I have read in a while.

Thank you NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for sharing this book with me!

What a treat this one was!

More trials! More angst! More tension! More spice!

Medra is such an interesting, complicated FMC. She's a fully developed person, and whilst the romance is an important element, it's not her whole world. Her fierce love for her friends, especially Florence, is so nice.

I love the world building and just feel there is so much more to come from this world and this story.

I'd be really interested to know more about Medra before she came to be at Bloodwing... a prequel perhaps?

Can't wait to read more and see what happens with the Dragons!!!

*** thanks to NetGalley for the eARC***

OMFG this book Is better than the first one and I didn't think that was possible I loveeeeee iiittttt, the relationship between Medra and Blake daaaamnnn, the ups and Downs, the secrets, the twists!!!!, THE FINAL!!!!!! I want the 3rd book soooo bad, I need it now like I need air 😭😭😭🤌🏼

It makes me laugh, it makes me angry, i was kicking my feet sometimes, I have mixed feelings about Blake, And Medra as always a stubborn one but a fiesty one too I loved them

A well-written continuation in the series. I love the found family that comes in play in this book. The house intrigue. The dragons.

I was very excited going into this book because of the way Book 1 ended. I will say, I spent the majority of the first half of this book pissed at Blake and slightly annoyed at Medra. Normally, I like the whole "mine" vibe, however, when the woman you are referring to keeps telling you to piss off because you've taken all her freedoms away and she is practically a slave to you and tells you she wants nothing to do with you and you answer with, "mine", then you are just flat out annoying. Luckily, the book wasn't like this and the vibe changed about halfway through.
I will say, that I was rooting for someone else and Medra to get together, I won't say who, but it added an interesting jealous aspect to the story that was VERY enjoyable!
I did like the book overall and will definitely be reading the next one, but the ending wasn't my favorite. It left me wondering what the hell I had just read.

Picks up where the first book left off. The character growth is great and the spice is excellently executed. I also really loved the dragon!

The second book in the Bloodwing Academy and it did not disappoint.
The slow burn between Medra and Blake continues to torment us exquisitely whilst we see other relationships develop which is truly enjoyable. Briar writes political intrigue excellently and weaves emotions so intricately that you don’t even realise when you become so invested in the characters and their lives and relationships.
I adore Nyraxis and you feel his pain at being the last dragon remaining, and not being able to remember his past. He’s grumpy and understandably slow but Medra is compelled to try to help him whilst managing expectations placed on her to be his rider. This tenuous bond and its evolution draws you along and you need to know what happened.
Medra is more sure of herself now and is taking a stand for what matters to her and you see her strength of character. Blake is a difficult character but you understand his need to protect Medra whilst also not becoming like his brother and uncle.
Pick this up if you are a fan of well written fantasy brimming with magic, vampires and dragons, with a healthy dose of political intrigue

OMG this book was amazing! the slow burn, the banter!
it had me angry and laughing the entire book!
Medra is a Strong rider who can withstand anything! she is headstrong and thoughtful .
Blake is a jerk who eventually realized that he needs to change his act to get his girl!
the ending had me in shock so badly! i NEEEEEEEEEDDDD the next one like now! the cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat!

𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒄𝒆: 🌶🌶🌶
𝑺𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒏: 🖤🖤🖤🖤

𝑴𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔:
This book was everything I wanted and more — I spent the entire read laughing, crying, swooning, and on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happened next!

I loved the tension, banter, and delicious steamy romance, but the found family, mystery, and snarky dragon were also incredible.

MORE PLEASE!