SAVAGE Bonds

"If you burn, I burn with you. You're not alone, Oli. Not for one second. I told you before, I am not afraid."

This was such an easy, fun read — a really solid sequel. The first book focused on introducing the world, the characters, and the overall setup. This one, though, slows things down and leans heavily into character development. It’s all about how Oli’s relationships with her Bonds shift as they uncover more about her past. The chemistry between them is so natural — even when they’re at odds, they somehow work seamlessly together in the story ☺️☺️

Yes, the pacing was slower, but I never lost interest. With such a big cast, there’s always something happening 😅😅 That said, I do wish we got more focus on the worldbuilding and the mechanics of the Bonds. And I was a little disappointed in how little time North — and especially Nox — had with Oli compared to Gabe, Atlas, and even Gryphon. I really hope the screen time evens out in future books 😞😞

Before the Bonds, though, I have to mention Brutus and August, the shadow puppies. I’m obsessed with them 😍😍 I adore how Oli sees them as adorable little dogs instead of the nightmare creatures everyone else fears. I need way more of them because they’re honestly one of the best parts of this series.

Oleander "Oli" Fallows

Oli is still sassy and badass, but she’s also starting to see things from her Bonds’ perspectives 😎😎 She keeps her spunk and wit, but she’s learning to be open-minded when faced with new facts — realizing that some of their controlling behavior isn’t just “being jerks” but comes from actual reasons and trauma. I loved that she didn’t instantly forgive them, but she was level-headed enough to acknowledge the miscommunication and consider compromise 👍👍 She’s slowly proving that she’s not the spoiled brat they once thought she was. And if she’s this brave and selfless, then clearly she had good reasons to run away five years ago — reasons beyond being immature or not wanting them.

That said, her savior complex is definitely get her into trouble sooner or later. Her Bonds deserve the option to help, instead of always being forced to deal with the aftermath of Oli'a actions. She really needs to lean on them more, especially since she has five ridiculously powerful men ready to fight for her. Their communication isn’t terrible yet, but if they don’t improve soon, it’ll become a real problem.

"Don't take another fucking step near my Bond or I'll rip your fucking throat out with my bare teeth."

Gabe Ardern

I love him so, so much. He’s the cutest — sweet, supportive, protective, and always there for Oli 😍😍 From the very beginning of this book, he showed her he was on her side, and he never wavered. I loved watching their friendship develop alongside the Bond connection. Honestly, he deserves to be protected at all costs 💘💘

Gryphon Shore

Calm, collected, and steady, Gryphon balances Oli’s chaos perfectly. She’s impulsive; he’s measured. She’s “act first, think later,” and he’s the opposite. They balance each other beautifully, and I was happy to see him and Oli finally bond 🥰🥰 Still, I feel like we don’t actually know much about him beyond those surface traits. It would’ve been even better if they’d had deeper conversations and grown closer before forming the bond 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Atlas Bassinger

Atlas remains as supportive and kind as ever — the very traits that made me love him in the first book ❤️❤️ In this sequel, he continues to stand by Oli, always ready to defend her, even (and maybe especially) against her other Bonds. I adore his quirky friendship with Gabe, and I love that he never acts jealous or possessive when Oli chooses to spend more time with the others 👍👍 I’ll admit, I had some doubts about his sincerity back in book one, but thankfully that was just my overthinking. Still, the twist at the end completely blindsided me, and I only hope it doesn’t ruin his relationship with Oli 😨😨

"I was all in before you ran away. I was ready to give you the world and destroy anyone who attempted to hurt you or, fuck, breathe wrong in your direction. You broke that. Give me a reason to believe that you did it because you had no other choice... or that you were unaware that you had them in us."

North Draven

North is still very much a control freak, 😅😅 but he’s making tiny steps forward with Oli. He has a long way to go before earning her forgiveness, yet in those rare moments when he lets the mask slip and shows her genuine care, I can’t help but smile like a madwoman. Beneath all the controlling assholeness, he has this older, protective, reassuring aura that I just can’t resist 🫠🫠 They’re so cute together, and I need them to work through their issues soon so I can keep giggling over them like a maniac.

Nox Draven

Nox is still a complicated mess 😂😂 His cruel words and prickly attitude clearly mask old trauma, and I can’t wait for Oli to eventually crack through his walls. I know once he lets her in, he’ll become the most fiercely protective Bond of all. It’s going to take a while, but when it happens? I’ll probably cry my eyes out. Until then, I’ll grit my teeth and tolerate him 😌😌

Lastly, I adore Oli’s friend group. It makes me so happy that she has meaningful interactions with people outside of her Bonds and is able to cultivate healthy friendships with both boys and girls. It’s important that she continues to have a life beyond her Bonds, and I really appreciated that the author gave time to develop those relationships and secondary characters 💯💯

So yes, this book isn’t perfect, but I devoured it just like the first one. And now I’m already halfway through book three because I simply can’t stop — this series is downright addictive.