Bound by Flame: Book 1 in the Phoenix and Flame series

by L.C. Winters

She lost everything once. And she hasn’t forgiven him.

Aisling buried her grief and her belief in magic when a fae-born nightmare took her friend—and Elliot Phoenix, the witch who could have saved her, did nothing. Now he’s back, and nothing about him is ordinary. Dangerous, magnetic, and unpredictable, Elliot draws her in while testing every limit of her heart.

But there’s more at stake than their past. A curse binds them together across lifetimes, tracing back to her life as Flame, a druid of Brigid. Ancient magic, hidden memories, and mythic forces swirl around them, tugging them toward desire—and danger.

One touch could ignite what they’ve long denied. One glance could shatter the fragile restraint they cling to. Aisling must navigate this perilous attraction, balancing the fire between them against the curse that refuses to release them.

For readers of myth-steeped romantasy, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and heart-stopping restraint.

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Karmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Similar Vibes

📺 Charmed

📺 Supernatural

📖 Cormoran Strike Series

Tropes / Description

🧤 Cosy

📖 Historical

👻 Supernatural / mystery

🍀 Irish Lore

💜 Romance sub plot

I would not classify as enemies to lovers… and unless I have amnesia (somewhat likely 👀 due to adhd) I do not remember any spice… touching of hands ✅ brushing of skin ✅ and some aggressive kissing 😘 but not enemies to lovers in the trope sense…

Should you read this… YES x 1000

I never felt bored, I read it in two to three sittings and will be following closely for the second and subsequent follow up installments

set in modern day Ireland 🇮🇪 rich with history, lore and Story Arcs which stretch back to “when the world was the young” - the history and lore is dispensed piecemeal chapter by chapter and is crucial to understanding the connection between what has happened in the past and what is happening today… don’t want to give to much away so just read it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY VERY FIRST ARC. A MUST READ!!!!!! Wow doesnt even begin to cover this book. I was stuck in a horrible reading slump and could not for the life of me, pull myself out of it. This book was so refreshing and different from anything else I have ever read. I loved the Irish details, names and words used to build the characters, scenes and story. Being Irish myself, it brought me back to my roots. Some of the words and names are a bit difficult to pronounce if you aren't familiar with the dialect but there is an incredibly detailed glossary at the beginning to help you understand the names, locations and overall meanings of certain words. This book was so captivating and every time I would tell myself to take a break and do something else, I found myself coming right back to it. I was on the edge of my seat, just waiting for the story to reveal its next twist and turn. I hope that a second book will be in the works doon because I cant wait to see how the story continues. Here's to hoping that L.C. Winters will send me a physical copy of this book. Id love to have it on my shelf.

I received this advance reading copy for free and I am writing this review voluntarily.

[bry’s corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this as an e-ARC and just WOW doesn’t cover it. The refreshing take on Irish details was very different to what I normally read but it was a great book. I really hope a second book is in the works.

I received the advance reading copy for free and I am writing this review voluntarily.

[Rebekah Huey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an ARC reading in exchange for an honest review.

This book sparked a deep interest in me for Irish folklore. I loved the stories told before each chapter began and how they wound perfectly into the modern day story.

The story and writing style were reminiscent of Holly Black. The dangers of fae and fairies, love and loss, unbreakable bonds.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever been to Ireland and spent some time with looking into the history of the country, you cannot run away from the stories / sights, and everything connected to the *supernatural*.

Having this at the forefront of the story sounded very intriguing to me. Every chapter starts with a story either being told from someone or something documented. Sometimes we are taken back to something that happened in the past and is somehow linked to what is happening in the present.

The beginning of the book takes us to a historical side, and we meet two friends (Helen & Ash) studying the findings and learning about what is happening there. When Helen is meeting a stranger and starts to connect more and more to him (so much, that he basically starts taking over her life), things start to happen, Ash becomes concerned. Things escalate and take a devastating turn.

Years later we learn that something similar is happening and things start to feel connected.

I enjoyed the story a lot. It wasn't perfect (some parts were easier for me to connect to than others). The romance part felt a bit disconnected to me and I did not feel the connection between the two main characters. Overall, it was different, and I liked it for what it was.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elise Turkalj · Rating 3 out of 5]

let me start by prefrencing how honored i am to be given a special preview of this book <3

Was I confused? Absolutely, I was. Probably about 90% of the time. But was I bored? Not in the slightest. The journey to the conclusion was crazy and such a strange experience. Even at the halfway point, I was still saying things like, 'I’m so confused about what’s really going on.' However, the writing is so vivid, and the scenes kept me eager to unravel the mystery.

The fresh perspective on Irish elements was quite different from what I usually read, but it turned out to be a fantastic book. I really enjoyed the story. It wasn't flawless (some sections resonated with me more than others). The romance aspect felt a little off to me, and I didn't quite feel the chemistry between the two main characters.

[Alyissa Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was I confused? Yes, yes I was. At least like 88% of the time. But, was I bored? No not at all. The ride to get to the end was wild and such a bizarre experience. Even at 50% I was still saying things like I’m so confused on what is actually happening. But the writing is vivid and the scenes kept me wanting to figure it out. The romance wasn’t all that to die for and often felt rushed or forced. But the friend betrayal was not what I had expected and honestly some of the character plots were unexpected. I say read it if you can follow head hopping.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.