Broken Bonds

Souls in Bondage #1

by Lex Valentine

The one thing Haven Noel wants for his Christmas birthday is for his master, Kellen, to love him. But the wonderful Christmas Eve Haven plans for his master goes awry and instead of receiving his master's love, Haven ends up on the street without his collar. Heartbroken, Haven heads to the club where he and Kellen originally met, only to find it closed.

With a blizzard descending and nowhere to go, Haven curls up on the club doorstep, courting death. Hopeless and shattered, on the verge of losing consciousness, he makes a wish for Kellen to find happiness some day. Two angels with a vested interest in Haven and Kellen's happiness hear his wish and conspire with Kellen's family to save Haven's life, bring love back to Kellen's heart and give them both the best kinky Christmas ever.

Genres: BDSM, M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Paranormal, Angels, Holiday

105 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2012

About the author

Award-winning author Lex Valentine writes across genres from contemporary to urban fantasy but mostly M/M these days. A native of California, Lex lives in Orange County, with her husband Rott and a bunch of cats she collectively calls “babies.” She's a 17 year employee of a 100+ year old cemetery, builds her own computers and is generally considered the IT geek at work and to her family and friends.

A member of the Romance Writers of America, Lex is active in her local Orange County chapter and is a past treasurer for PASIC. Her publishers include Loose Id, Ellora's Cave, and MLR Press. She's the author of the self-published ARe and Amazon best selling series Souls in Bondage.

Lex loves to hear from her readers. Her door is always open at lex@lexvalentine.com or on her personal or author Facebook pages.

Website: http://lexvalentine.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lexvalentineauthor
Facebook: http://facebook.com/cemeterywinter
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lexvalentine

Reviews

[Serena Yates · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a story with a terrible Dom who needs a thorough shaking for him to see sense (or strangled, whichever comes first, as far as I'm concerned), this is one story you shouldn't miss. I need to warn you though: you are likely to get very, very upset when reading it. Angsty doesn’t even come close. And even though it ends well enough to satisfy my inner romantic, the road this story made me travel until I got there was not an easy one.

Haven has suffered enough, you would think, but when he tries to make Kellen happy on Christmas Eve he is presented with an awful reaction. Not only does he end up without a collar, he also finds himself outside without proper winter clothing, and in the middle of a blizzard. His physical suffering is bad enough, but what really got to me was finding out everything he'd already been through. Abuse is a way of life for him, and even though he wasn’t physically abused by Kellen in the eight months they were together, the lack of any kind of emotion from a man he has fallen in love with is just as harsh.

Kellen is an idiot, and cruel to boot. Yes, he has his reasons, but by the time I found out what made him the man he is, it was almost too late for me to feel sorry for him. He is one tough nut to crack (much more difficult than Ebenezer in a Christmas story much like this one), and I don’t think anything short of angelic intervention could have brought Kellen back to his senses.

The secondary characters Nick (Kellen's brother, who is a really nice guy and a great Dom) and Micah (his husband/sub) as well as guardian angels Cristophe and Rafael play a major role in this "Christmas drama" as well. I liked that their points of view were included as well as the main characters'. It added depth and perspective to the story, and actually helped me understand Kellen a little better (which was sorely needed).

If you like variations on the Christmas Carol theme, if you enjoy angsty, emotionally charged stories, and if you're looking for a story about a hardened soul finding his heart and a sweet guy finding the love he so desperately wants, then you will most likely enjoy this short Christmas book as much as I did.

[Jesslan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Bonds
By Lex Valentine

This was the first book by Lex Valentine that I'd read and wow was it amazing. (With angst to the highest degree and 2 boxes of Kleenex needed.)

Haven has had a heartbreaking life. The only bright light is his master, Kellen. When he prepares a special Christmas dinner for his master and Kellen becomes enraged and kicks him out in a blizzard he has no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

This book became one of my favorite holiday books the first time I read it. I've read it a couple more times since then and each time I cry hard for Haven and I hate Kellen. They do get their HEA and Kellen is taught his lesson in a horrible way.

The book is written from both Haven and Kellen's POV.

[Tully Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured this book in one sitting! Its a take on the Dicken's classic within a D/s relationship. The book captured my attention from page one and didn't let go--I couldn't stop reading except to wipe my leaky eyes.

It's a darker sort of holiday story but with a HEA ending that was just right. Its first in a series, and I will definitely read book two.

[♥️Victoria ♥️ ♥️love books♥️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book rating 4 stars
Audio book: Narrator - Chris Chambers
Book Cover: 4 Stars

This book starts out with Angels watching over Haven in the middle of a snow storm.



Then you get introduce to Kellen Haven's Dom - What an asshat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it was possible to kill him with brain waives he would have died a slow and painful death before the next chapter started - that was how mad I was at him for treating Haven like crap.



Then you get introduce to Kellen's brother Nick and his husband and sub Mika and then the sparks fly. Nick does something extreme and then the angels intervene and bloody hell I loved it!!!!!!!Kellen's Guardian angel kick some sense into him and the..... Lets just say there is nothing better to get to see a Dom beg....

I was like

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 angelic stars rounded...up? down? I really haven't decided yet...ok, we're rounding up because still no 1/2 stars here on GR and rounding down just doesn't seem like a nice thing to do for a Christmas story.

Well that was unusually fun and entertaining...

What do you get when you retell the Dickens classic 'A Christmas Carol' using a DOM named Keller (in the role of Ebeneezer Scrooge) a sweet and loving sub named Haven Noel (I kid you not because seriously I can make this sh*t up, as Tiny Tim? I'm not really sure on this one) and the angels Kristoff (who was Keller's sub on the mortal plane) and Kristoff's twin brother who died at birth as the angel Rafe (Raphael) and sprinkle it all with a light coating of BDSM, well, you get Lex Valentine's 'Broken Bonds' of course.

At 2 hours and 48 minutes this is a short and entertaining story to listen to. While it's a bit on the dark side for a Christmas story if you're familiar with the Dickens classic than you'll agree that story is a bit on the dark side to begin with. I quite enjoyed this one and if you're a looking for a classic Christmas story with an usual twist than this one's worth checking out.

Chris Chambers is the narrator for this book and a new to me narrator in the world of audio books who proved to be a voice that I enjoyed listening to and ticked off my basic list of what I'm looking for in an audio book. He gave me consistent voices that were expressive adding depth and emotional life to the story.

'Broken Bonds' is the first book I've listened to by this author on audio but not my first time with her books. I'm a fan of her 'Tales of the Darkworld' series...it's mix of m/m, m/f and I believe there are dragons involved...ok, I know there are dragons involved and vampires and werewolves and I think there may even be witches and warlocks or something along that line...it was also a fun and entertaining series and it's on audio and you know I'm going to go there, right?

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This overly cliched Dickens remake deliberately yanks at every heartstring the author could possibly imagine a reader might have. But it gets three stars because even with the too-saccharine story and slightly clunky dialogues, it still managed to get me a little teary-eyed.

[Tailtiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5* I wanted to cuddle Haven and strangle Kellen
but I was to busy searching for the next tissue.

[JustJen "Miss Conduct" · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really sweet. I loved how the angels were intertwined in this story. Unfortunately, Kellen is such a bastard for 75% of this story that I never really felt anything for him. Even after his night of enlightenment, things just seemed to resolve too easily for him.

Haven is really sweet. He had a pretty rough life, and Kellen is kind of the icing on the cake in that respect. Things blow up pretty quickly, and most of the story is spent on Kellen's "spiritual" journey.

One thing that stood out for me was the use of terms. Haven and Kellen, and even Micah and Nick, were constantly talking about dominant/submissive, master, sir, etc. This made it seem less realistic to me for some reason. The only other issue I had was with the sex scene at the end. It was a bit discombobulated in that things were happening one way, then, all of a sudden, things were taking place that couldn't possibly be happening given the original scenario.

But, all in all, it is a very sweet and enjoyable Scrooge-like tale.

[❀~Amy~❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my very favorite Christmas stories. I've lost track of how many times I've listened to it, but I know that I fall in love with the characters and the story every time.
It's a reworking of A Christmas Carol...sort of. The writing is not perfect, sometimes the wording is a bit awkward, but it doesn't take away from the feels. Haven is a sub who has been released and kicked out in a snowstorm by his ass of a Dom, Kellen. I never fail to be surprised by just what a dick Kellen is as the story gets going. Anyone who can send a lover out into a snowstorm has absolutely no feelings. There are two guardian angels who step in at this point to try and help Kellen see the error of his ways. They also help make sure that Haven survives the night with the help of Kellen's brother Nick, and Nick's husband and sub, Micah. There has to be a bit of suspension of belief because of how quickly events occur in this short little novella, but it is such a sweet book!! It's also the start of a great series!

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very Dickens Christmas story complete with abused/damaged sub and a Dom whose heart is hardened. The resolution was very quick but it's a shorter Christmas story (novella sized) - it reminded me of the old Harlequin books I read with the poor down on her luck lady and the guy who was mean to her and then they had hot make up, well, kisses I guess. It was Harlequin in the 70's and all. There are times in my life when I am in the mood for these types of stories and this was one of them. I really enjoyed it!

* Review copy provided for an honest review *

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy freaking cow. I sobbed my way through the entire book. The whole thing! Even took a break for a shower and came back just to start all over again. Good Lord, I'm exhausted. But it was sooo good. Almost perfect in fact. Just had some awkward wording in places and the editing of the sex scene needed some help. I couldn't figure out who was tied where and whose dick was in who... pulled me out for a bit but otherwise a wonderful story. Loved it!!

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall book review : 3.5
Audio book: Narrator – Chris Chambers - 3.5
Book Cover: 3.8

It was something short to kill the time with. A little bit browlifting at times. But nice.

[cat reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is... this is just sad. It's the bdsm equivalent of fanfiction erotica written by a thirteen year old virgin.

Nothing in this story works. There's nothing realistic to attach to as the characters are one-dimensional cliches. The dialogue is wooden. The scenes are overwrought soap operas. The development is laughable as it basically consists of God/author's angels forcing their will on Kellen the way someone shoves a dog's nose into it's own poo. This book wants to be saccharin and dark at the same time, but it comes off as a mess.

And, oh god, the bdsm in this story! If it were some parallel dimension with different rules, I might be able to accept the dom/sub roles better, just something to help with my suspension of disbelief, but as is, the relationships are too damned ridiculous. I can't take them seriously, which means I can't take any of the 'drama' seriously.

As a fable, the story falls apart as well. What Haven goes through might have worked as his backstory is as overstuffed with saintly tragedy, but then Valentine hits one of my huge, all time nope-buttons. How fucking dare you use rape to emotionally manipulate your audience during the pity porn of Haven's past! I might have given this two stars, but no, fuck you. Something as serious as rape shouldn't be trivialized this way, and it shows Valentine is a tasteless hack. There is so much bullshit here I want to slap somebody with a fish. This is voyeuristic pity porn, not telling a story with honesty or integrity. I can not express my contempt with words.

The best thing I can say about this story is that it was short.

[Sadonna · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is a very dark story to read. Haven has had a terrible life, but somehow he always still had hope that someday he would find someone to love him and he would be OK. Then he is literally thrown away in a blizzard on Christmas Eve - the eve of his birthday - and he has nowhere left to go and he finally gives up.

With the help of two angels and his best friend, he survives physically, but he finally has given in to despair. It's heartbreaking to see everything that he has gone through. Micah, his best friend is devastated to see the light has gone out in his eyes.

His Dom, Kellen has lost the love of his life to cancer several years before and even though he has taken Haven as his sub, he has kept his distance. In a fit of anger, he lashes out horribly at Haven and tells him to go. His brother Nick is ready to throttle him and lets him think that Haven has died as well.

Enter the angels. There is a quite a bit of Dickens in this story, but Cristophe is so likable we're happy to have him as our guide. He shows Kellen the horrors that Haven has lived and Kellen breaks down and wishes he would have done things differently.

While the story is a bit formulaic, Haven and Micah and Nick and the angels are very likable characters. Kellen, not so much, but he is given an opportunity to redeem himself.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow.

I know I've said this lately, but I have to say it again. I've been so blessed by the books I've chosen to read in the last several months. I know this is going to make it sound like I'm full of myself, and trust me, I'm really not. But, for me there are very, very few books I give 5 stars to. I kind of think of 5 stars as "coveted reading." This is one of those books.


I'm generally not really into the whole dom/sub genre, but after reading the snippet, I just had to read this story. To say this book blew my socks off is an understatement. It pulled at my heartstrings and yes, I'll admit, I cried several times. This book really packs an emotional punch. It is about so much more that just the dom/sub relationship. It's about feelings and realizations and in the end.....a great shared love.

I guess you can tell that I adored this book.

[Tj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, I soooo wanted to like this one. The writing was excellent, except some editing errors. The characters different and interesting. My biggest issue was Kellen. I felt like his change was too easily done. It didn't seem realistic at all. The ending also wraps up too easy. There didn't seem to be a realistic conclusion to the whole of the story line either. I think this could have been a great story if the effort went into creating a realistic character with Kellen and the ending.

[Becca Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normally BDSM just doesn't do it for me, but this book was just the right length. Not too short, but not so long as to bore me. Plus, this had one of my favourite types of MC: the asshole. Kellen made me want to hit him through most of the book, and that was frickin' great for me. Yet any book with "the asshole" has to have a really nice HEA, and this delivered big time with the end-time sappiness.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Christmas story with a BDSM theme. It is not a light hearted story at all. It starts with 2 angels agonising over the likely death of Haven after Kellan has thrown him out on Christmas Eve, into a snow storm.
Through the eyes of the angels, the MCs and the 2 friends who rescue Haven we find out Haven and Kelaln's pasts. It is not a pleasant story on the way to the happy ending.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hated the way Kellen treated Haven at the beginning and while Haven eventually forgave him I didn't. Yes, he realized he'd made mistakes and was sorry but somehow it just wasn't enough for me. Maybe I was in an unforgiving mood when I read this one. :)

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ebenezer Scrooge is a saint compared to Kellen in this story.

[Dee Wy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit dark for a Christmas story, but sometimes it takes something dark to kick us in the butt and make us see what is important. Very nice Dom/Sub story. Enjoyed it!

[Adrianamae · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
abusive, irresponsible master who almost causes the death of his submissive gets a second chance, why??

[Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised this was a holiday story. Yes, there was a Christmas spirit. Even though, the holiday was a backdrop. It was a story about love and learning. The ending was the best.

[Joelle Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the minute I read the blurb on this book, I knew 2 things - I had to read it and it was going to make me cry. I was crying in the prologue. That was quickly replaced by extreme anger toward Kellen. That was replaced by heartbreak. Then more anger. Then hope. And finally, tears of happiness. This story was so perfectly written. In 84 pages, it brought me through the important scenes of Kellen and Haven's lives and made me invested in their happiness. I was so wrapped up in their story, I couldn't put it down. This is a book that I'd definitely re-read.

[Randelina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christmas Short

This tale was tragic. Watching Haven give up. Seeing Kellen be so needlessly cruel. Then learning of the horrors in Havens past. Thankfully Nick and Micah saved Haven. They loved him when he needed it most. Finally Kellen acts with all the love he's been hiding and cares for Haven as he should. Super sweet how they come back together.

[Virginia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was emotional short story with a twist of the holiday. We see the twist of Christmas angel coming to visit a Dom that has not fully grieve what he lost and now will lose another that was his all. We get to see a different side of Kellen, that maybe with that star wishes can come true. if you like a little twist with Dom.Sub mix in. You will enjoy this story

[Marsha L Respess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect story for Christmas. I love stories with angels and watching them help poor Haven survive being rejected and almost dying in the snow and then finally finding love with Kellen who admitted he loved him.

[Emilie]

This one was very sad, and I wouldn't have forgiven that Dom for his awful actions. It wasn't physical abuse, but certainly emotional and mental abuse. The sub had a tragic past and present, though I'd hope his future would be better.

Recommended if the reader likes angst.

[EscaPe iNTo thE PaGEs · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was fine for those into BDSM. It's not my first choice of activity but it was a fine read. there were angels and collars and such

[Shirley (Secret Squirrel) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet Christmas scrooge story.