Neurodivergent. Chemically depressed. Selectively mute. Submissive. Unhinged. Feral. Different.I've been labeled and diagnosed all my life, but I've defied the odds of loneliness.
My pack and I are happy. We know how to nurture and love the parts that make me different. They don’t always need words to understand my needs, and we’ve built a life many would dream of.
Until everything changes, and the only way I’ll survive is to retreat into my bonds and release my claws. I refuse to submit or bow to anyone who isn’t my pack. Call me feral, tell me I have no self-preservation, but there’s no way I’ll show my neck to my captors.
Except, someone in here might care enough about me to guide me through this torture. Following his lead could get me home even if he looks at me like everyone else does.
Label me, hurt me, hate me…
I still won’t submit without trust.
Authors This is book 1 of the Subliminal Bonds Duet. You’ll find MPOV, MM content, and dark themes in this Omegaverse. Subliminal Bonds is MMMF+, spicy, emotional, angsty, and sprinkled with a little enimies to lovers action.
Trigger Each book is recommended for those 18+ due to sexual content, kidnapping, and trauma. A further detailed list will be included in the forward.
Bound by Trust introduces us to the absolutely wonderful, tightly knit starting pack consisting of the feral, selectively mute, and neurodivergent Omega, Vivian, and her three fiercely protective mates: Silas, Kade, and Jarek. Together, they have built a beautiful, nurturing sanctuary tailored perfectly to Vivian’s complex mental health needs, anchored so tenderly by Silas’s empathetic nature. However, their fragile peace is utterly shattered early on by a violent, targeted anti-Omega assault that results in a catastrophic breach of their home and Vivian’s forceful abduction. Ripped away from her mates, Vivian’s severe psychological trauma deepens, leaving her three guys fractured and grieving back home. It is in this dark, chaotic vacuum of captivity that Riot enters the storyline—not as the cause of the initial tragedy, but as an excellent, deeply disruptive wildcard whose top-secret presence completely upends everything.
This was a magnificent, incredibly intense read that I absolutely loved! The way the narrative seamlessly shifts from a beautiful, protective pack romance into a high-stakes psychological thriller is pure perfection. There is such an excellent, gripping mystery built around Riot, and watching his wild energy completely disrupt the established pack dynamic after the abduction was brilliant to witness. The sheer, suffocating angst of Vivian being forcefully separated from her beautiful "golden retriever" Jarek, her protective Alpha Kade, and her tenderly empathetic Beta Silas kept me completely gripped from start to finish. It balances the tender moments of hurt and comfort with raw, high-stakes danger so beautifully, making it an excellent, standout story that I just couldn't put down.
Ultimately, Bound by Trust delivers a heavy, dark omegaverse romance that beautifully balances deep emotional trauma with fierce, unyielding pack loyalty. Ending on a massive cliffhanger that leaves the original pack completely fractured and Riot’s ultimate motives up in the air, it does exactly what a duet opener should do—leaves you desperate for answers. It is a gripping, intense, and magnificent read, and I am fully primed and ready to see how these shattered bonds are repaired in the conclusion, Bound by Love. Quick Book Breakdown
I need you to know three things, count them, Three things; before I fully start this review. 1) I got this as an ARC from the author so thank you! 2) I hate 1-5 star rating systems.... To me a 5 is what I call trophy shelf. My own personal idea of an Oscar for books I guess. Sadly this book is not that (* explanations for that later) but because it's only 1-5 stars I will give it a five because "normal" people don't rate book like I do. (*More explanations on that later) 3) I'm pretty sure I forgot my original third so take this as the third.... This will be a bad review as far as reviews go... Because otherwise I would just be me freaking out over this DUET. That being said I will do my best to have NO spoilers but just in case I'm putting the spoilers warning on.
*So why is book is not trophy shelf is because it's a duet and I have yet to see if part two will make or break this... That's always way I gave it 5 stars which I reserved the right to take back if part 2 sucks ... Yes that my plan.
Jk part 3 /12) I don't like duets.... I went into this book knowing that and knowing this book is a DUET and ends on a cliff hanger (not a full spoiler it's in the trigger warnings) that fact did nothing to help my anxiety. That being said this books tropes had me begging to read this book.
Things to note: - read the trigger warnings - the timeline seems off at times ( mostly in the beginning) that might just be me reading it or because it's an ARC COPY. -i will be reading part 2 (I wish I could read it right now. #if I could I would.)
That will be all.. for now go to part 2 of this series for my final thoughts (when it comes out) Because otherwise it's all going be read this (no spoilers) can't wait (no spoilers) why can't I read part two right now (no spoilers)
Take that as a good sign. I want to continue this duet (that doesn't always happen). It's great has the potential to be a fav. But it's late, I'm wired and tired and ready for a part 2 that's not out yet.
Please note I really didn't proof read for spelling/ grammar errors, that's an amazing editors job and I am a one person show. (That's book humor, lol) Wow sleep deprivation to finish this book is showing, lol. But how great it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
"Did this guy ever learn emotional regulation? Return to sender - package is missing a vital piece, resulting in being an insufferable man who gives me whiplash!"
❧Overall Thoughts☙ I think this has to be YV's most unique duet to date so far. I loved the eurodivergent/mental health rep, but more importantly the interpretation of Vivian's bonds - how she saw and felt them differently to everyone else because of this. This starts with Viv and the guys about nine years into their relationship/pack so we get to see some of that everyday life, but also the gus' patience and understanding of Vivian's mental health. Yes, it's been nine years. Yes, she is still chemically depressed. No, you are not to blame. They don't and have never tried to 'fix' her. They love her for who she is. And who she is is an omega who will only submit to her mates. Doesn't matter if she's held captive, taking daily beatings and being starved. If you are a c*nt and not her mates, you'll get nothing but a feral omega to deal with.
❧Tropes/Vibes☙ ➳ Human Omegaverse ➳ Polyamorous (MMMF+) Why Choose ➳ Established Pack ➳ K!dnapping + Captive Neighbours ➳ Chemically Depressed FMC ➳ FMC who refuses to submit to anyone but her mates
❧Fav Quotes☙ ✦ "If an omega is high maintenance, unnatural, needy, and horny, then what the hell is an alpha?" ✦ "I'm not okay, Firefly. This is fucked and I'm losing my mind not being able to do anything to help you. I want to be the one getting beaten and starved. I should be the one thrown in a fucking hole." ✦ "I'll take the sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty because I can. I'll wield it when they can't. What hinders them could help me."
Let's start with a simple warning. This is ANGST to the max so if that's not your jam you should avoid this.
This book brings us a very unique situation. Vivian is nuerodivergent and it shapes how she interacts with people. Her pack loves her deeply and she loves them. Vivian can visualize her bonds and tends to retreat into them when she needs safety or stability.
Her pack is everything she needs. Kade is the Alpha she relies on when things get hard. Jarek is the Alpha that grounds her when everything is too much. Silas is the Beta with a gentle presence that makes her feel.
Then one day there is something that doesn't belong in the space she holds her bonds. It is chaotic and distracting. She needs to find out what or who it is.
Vivian is so strong. Sure her life isn't easy but she has love, pack and her bonds when everything is overwhelming. Now she is faced with Riot and being kidnapped.
"I mean, fluk, did this guy ever learn emotional regulation? Return to sender - package is missing a vital piece, resulting in being an insufferable man who gives me whiplash!"
I love this but I freaking hate the cliffhangers in duets. Thankfully YV is good about having part twos come out the following month. I absolutely can't wait to see how this goes down.
This is a story where our MCs are already together — they’re a pack. Our FMC is an Omega, and our MMCs are two Alphas and one Beta.
She has a very unique personality, shaped by having to deal daily with the monsters in her head. Those struggles stem from her progenitors — they don’t deserve the title of parents! — and the trauma they caused. She sees herself as high-maintenance, but fate blessed her with wonderful — and very well-deserved — mates who truly see and love her.
Their bond may seem unusual to many people, but to them, it’s unique and extraordinary. The MMCs accept both her and her demons, always trying to ease the weight she carries.
What an impressive and surprising read. One moment we’re reading about how this pack — as different as they are captivating — interacts with one another through both the good and bad moments, as well as the incredibly hot scenes between them (and it’s worth mentioning that sharing is very much a thing in this pack), and then suddenly… I’m completely caught off guard by a twist that leaves me wondering: what the hell is happening? And what are you doing?!
And what an ending… for the first part. We’re left with a cliffhanger that completely sends your nerves into overdrive.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 𝓜𝔂 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀 Y.V. Larson Bound by Trust: A Why-Choose Omegaverse (Subliminal Bonds Duet Book 1) ✧──────✧ OMG… this story had me in an absolute chokehold from the very first chapter. I was completely invested in every character, every emotional moment, and every intense connection within this pack. The deeper I got into the story, the harder it became to put my Kindle down. Y.V. Larson did an incredible job building emotional depth while keeping the tension high and the spice addictive. Every chapter revealed more about the characters, their trauma, their bonds, and the complicated emotions tying them together. I could feel every ounce of angst, vulnerability, passion, and heartbreak throughout the story. The chemistry in this book was consuming, emotionally charged, and beautifully chaotic in the best way possible. If you love dark Omegaverse romance filled with emotional intensity, possessive energy, pack dynamics, and steamy connections that leave you completely overstimulated, this book absolutely delivers. The plot progression kept me hooked the entire time, and I loved watching the relationships evolve through all the trials, tension, and emotional struggles. This story was spicy, captivating, emotional, and impossible to stop thinking about once I finished. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this duet because that ending left me needing more immediately!
This book captured my attention from the very first chapter. I went into it fully aware that the cliffhanger at the end was going to emotionally destroy me, and honestly, I loved every second of it.
Vivian has endured so much pain and betrayal in her short life, but watching her slowly realize that she is worthy of love, protection, and a place to belong with her pack was incredibly satisfying. The trauma she carries is heavy, and the way it causes her to zone out added an emotional depth that made me hurt for her even more.
Kade, Jerek, and Silas were amazing from the start. Protective, caring, and fiercely devoted, they instantly won me over. And then there’s Riot—who completely stole my heart. Even though I’m still not entirely sure where he fits into Vivian’s future or if he truly joins the pack after everything they endured in captivity, I absolutely loved his character.
This was such a thrilling and emotionally intense read, and that ending has me desperate to get my hands on book two to see what happens next.
Oh! My! WOW! I really had a great time with Bound by Trust. The unconditional love between Vivian and her pack gave me the most noticeable warm fuzzies I’ve felt over a book in a long time. Vivian’s inner strength and empathy is unparalleled and I really enjoyed the bond dynamics that are unique to the world of the Premium Designation. What really sets this book apart from most others is that the story begins with an established pack - happily and blissfully living their best lives. Until tragedy strikes and rips them apart - which had my heart pounding and tears welling in my eyes. The chemical depression and the selective mutism add to the hurt/comfort vibes in a way that is absolutely delectable. I love Kade, Jarek, and Silas so much (and that they’re together, too) and I can’t wait to see how they get along with a certain someone in Bound by Love. I have read most of Y.V.’s books and Bound by Trust is definitely a top contender for my favorite read from her!
I absolutely devoured this! It’s such a unique storyline and I loved that. This story has an already established pack which really helped move the story along in a new way, it was fun peeking inside their world as it was already moving. The character dynamics were great and they all fit so well together. The MMCs are loving , protective, witty, sexy and such great caretakers. The FMC Vivian is neurodivergent and so well written in how her unique struggles were painted on page. The bond they all share was so vivid and a completely new concept. The twist of Vivian seeking out a new Alpha kept me on my toes and I couldn’t put it down. It ends on a little bit of a cliffie but I do love those. This story has romance, friendship, family love, drama, spice, twists and turns, witty banter and overcoming challenges for those we love. I highly recommend this omegaverse! It has darker themes so check author’s foreword.
Bound by Trust is a why choose, spicy omegaverse featuring Vivian, Kade, Jarek and Silas. It is the first book in the Subliminal Bonds duet.
Vivian is an omega who has always been different. She suffers from depression and sometimes zones out and retreats into herself. She wasn't appreciated until her pack found her. Kade and Jarek are the pack's alphas, and Silas is a beta. Together they have created their own family, loving each other and supporting one another. They are happy.
One day, Vivian finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. She ends up being separated from her pack. Not sure what will come, she ends up turning inwards to find comfort. She's not sure she'll be able to find her way home but fortunately there's someone who cares enough to fight for them both.
It took a little while for me to connect with this book. My initial impression was that it was basically smut. And then things took a turn. I was not ready to be so wholly captivated and engrossed by the storyline. Vivian's character is intriguing, as is her relationship with her pack and their bonds. While there is a satisfying ending to this one, it is still a cliffhanger that sets the scene for the second book in this duet. I am eager to read the second part, Bound by Love. Fortunately I won't have long to wait as it is expected to be released in June.
Where to even begin? If you are new to Y.V Larson, you need to understand that her characters follow rules of their own. Their feelings, their emotions, their trauma all come to life in these pages. The bonds between characters are raw and soul deep. She creates a living breathing experience.You can always count on wildly possessive men and heat. You can count on characters that don't magically heal without putting in the effort. There will be scars, both physical and emotional. Vivian, Kade, Jarek and Silas are a pack. Vivian is spicy in her own special way. Her trauma responses are a result of her conditioning. She can get lost in the bond, which was fascinating to me. When a new thread shows up, Viv is determined to get answers. This ultimately leads to a truck load of more chaos and an extra scoop of trauma sundae with a possible alpha on top? I'm ready for book 2!
As always, Y.V. Larson came in ready to deliver maximum emotional damage
The situations these characters endure would absolutely break lesser people. But that’s what makes this story hit so hard. Vivian may not communicate verbally most of the time, but she is anything but weak. Her resilience, emotional strength, and determination shine through every moment of this story
Her men are completely devoted. Consumed with protecting her, supporting her, and ultimately finding their way back to her no matter what stands in their path
What made this omegaverse stand out for me was the established pack dynamic. I usually gravitate towards the typical “meeting the mates” progression. Instead, we jump right into a relationship already built and bonded, then watch it get tested in devastating ways.
And honestly? That hit differently.
The tension, the turmoil, the emotional endurance of a bond already formed being pushed to its limits was incredibly compelling.
I also loved how Vivian connects with her mates through the subliminal aspects of their bond. Even without verbal communication, she’s still able to express herself deeply and emotionally, which made their connection feel even more intimate and unique
The suspense had my heart pounding the entire time, and that CLIFFHANGER?? Absolutely cruel. I need book two immediately!
Overall, this was an emotionally heavy, suspenseful omegaverse with deep bonds, intense devotion, and characters that stay with you long after the final page
Y. V is a virtuoso of human emotion and connection. She crafts her characters with consummate mastery into beings of real-world consequence. It's this skill that brings me back to devour her books again and again. As far as the story goes, it's a new take on omegaverse for me. Focusing on a neurodivergent protagonist is unique and I am SO here for it! It feels as though we're introduced to Vivian and her pack at the END of their story during their HEA. We're soon disabused of that notion when she detects a disturbance in her mating bond. (The allusions to Vivian's past and the story of meeting her pack feels it could be a book all its own, too.) I just finished part 1 and am left breathless. As is the Larson's signature with her duets, we're left on a cliffy with a myriad of unanswered questions. I'm absolutely SALIVATING to get my hands on part 2!
I read this book in 4 hours... I couldn't put it down. Very privileged to of been selected again as an ARC reader by @Author Y.V. Larson and this book did not disappoint at all 🩷🩷 But how could you end it that way 😭😭. I need book #2 please ASAP
💫💫💫💫💫 🌶🌶🌶 Why Choose Shifter Romance 👩🧔🧔🧔 (They are all in a relationship together) FMC is selectively mute traumatic childhoods Touch her and ☠️ (but it isn't a dark romance)
This book had me hooked from the beginning. It was a refreshing read in that the FMC wasn't "perfect". She is selectively mute but uses the bond to communicate more and more. It was also nice that they were already bonded and in their relationship at the start of the book. A truly must read 🩷🩷
Ok this was pretty different from most of my reads and the first book I've read from this author. I also want to note that this is a part one and ends on a cliff. All that being said... wow! This book was absolutely riveting and kept me turning the page in anxious torment to find out more about them and what was going to happen! I could not get enough and cant wait to find out how it ends. I absolutely love this omega and my heart breaks for her and what she has been through. I do wish we had a bit more of a look at her past and them meeting, but we get the gist... it wasnt good. Fantastic read! Now im off to read more books from this author!
I honestly feel like Y.V. Larson out did herself with this omegaverse. It's such a unique book, and I know this is one of those stories you'll get lost in every time you read it. Reading her books reminds me of why I was bad at highlighting in school. I end up highlighting full chapters. Her writing is so good!
Water: Check Tissues: Check Blankets: Check
This is not a light-hearted suggestion. It's more of a requirement… You'll need everything. There were so many moments in this book where I felt like my heart was held in my throat! This book does end on a cliffhanger, but it's well worth it to read this story.
This was an emotional, angsty omegaverse that pulled at my heart from beginning to end. Vivian has been living with her pack for years, and I loved seeing the patience, understanding, and unwavering support they show her as she navigates depression and the challenges that come with it. The mental health and neurodivergent representation felt especially impactful, and I loved that her mates loved her for who she is rather than trying to change her like everyone else. Between the hurt/comfort, the kidnapping storyline, the pack dynamics, and the emotional highs and lows, this kept me invested the entire time. And that cliffhanger? Absolutely brutal!
This book is unlike any I have read before. I am a huge why choose fan and the way Vivian and her pack start together is just special.
I really love how the author represents how different she is and how the pack differs from others. With her being neurodivergent she sees things differently and she feels like she is wrong because of how she was raised. The guys are there to show her she's special and loved.
I was in for an emotional ride and something happens that had me screaming no! I am so ready for the next book because I need to know what happens! A must read!
I loved this, its an omegaverse quiet unlike anything i have read before.
I enjoyed seeing the bonds through new light, How Vivian sees them and uses them to help herself was sweet, and amazing.
Unsure of what I think of Riot, im hoping to get a better grip on him in the next book, he seems a little angry and broken and I'd love to know why.
The pack are amazing, how they support not only each other but Vivian in such a sweet and supportive way, allowing her to be her, past trauma and her mental health included.
This hit hard and heavy and kept going... with a cliff hanger that had me in tears and gasping for breath. Our FMC has been through so much to the point tr@um@ has her often limited in ability to communicate, using the bounds with her beta and alphas to say what her words cannot. Which proves to be a blessing and curse when the worst happens. Watching the three of them fight for her, while also seeing her learn to stand up for herself and trust someone new is beautiful and haunting.
I absolutely loved the hurt/comfort aspect of this book which was made essential and integral to the pack's bond due to Vivian's way to perceive and react to the world around her and her mental health struggles. The pack was just perfect for her and I was so glad I got to see them together before everything went wrong. Also, loved how we saw each one of them react to and handle their separation and fight to find each other again.
Oh what a start I love that vivi isn't your typical girl, that cuddly over the top had been fine but this author brings get to life and you really get a feel for her. The men that balance her are Silas, Kade and Jarek, they are her rock, her breathe, everything. But it's Riot I think who is the one thing missing that what she'd taken and they are forced together they she finally gets she was always incomplete. I love love love and can't wait for book 2!!
What an exceptional betrayal of mental illness that consumes the FMC and all her mates attempts to keep her present and happy. This book will definitely take you through the ups and downs of dealing with depression. However, the show of strength and never given into the fear is also a strength that is shown throughout this book. You will experience, depression, kidnapping, remorse, strength and also a cliffhanger 🧗♂️. Loved the book hope those that choose to begin this duet enjoy it as much as I DID.
This is part one of a brand new duet by Y.V. Larson. It is very different from any other omegaverse I have read before. It has an established pack (but addition later) from the get go. It did take me a minute to get into it because it almost felt like maybe I was missing something because it picked up immediately without much easing into the story or the characters. I can't wait for part two to see how it goes!
Oh my heart. This was angsty and tension filled and rip your heart out emotions. Vivie has been through so much and her pack is honestly so loving and supportive. And Riot was such a good surprise, he cares so much even if he's questioning why. That cliffhanger is brutal though and I'm counting down the days till part 2!
Wow absolutely loved it. Vivian and her men Kade, Silas and Jarek are amazing. This book just pulls you in from the beginning. Definitely watch for triggers. If you love Dark Omegaverse you will love this. But now I desperately need book 2 after that cliffy.
Y. V. Larson is an amazing author. I love all her books. Can’t wait for book 2!!!!
A book that left me with a whole load of emotions! A omega with neurodivergence, depression and muteism, something completely different from all the other omegaverse I’ve read. The fmc is tough as nails but soft too. This is one of my favorite books by far! Full of angst that will leave you feeling all sorts of ways.
This book is an amazing read definitely, emotionally charged book. You will definitely feel the emotions of each character as they go through their trail and tribulations i really like the female character of this book she definitely goes through some traumas and the pack has a big of a journey ahead of them, but I can't wait to read the second book in this duet I highly recommend this book.
I always looooooove a good comfort read, and Y.V tends to be my go to in the hurt comfort reads. This one being Omegaverse and hurt comfort just topped it all for me. This book was emotional, with a lot of mental health representation and internal struggles, but it was also so so so so so beautifully written. The bonds they have are honestly so lovely, and even though it does get dark in some places, I thought it was really well done. I loved the way it was different to usual omegaverse.
The story really gives you those heavy, heartfelt moments. A lot is going on internally, especially with how Vivian feels compared to how she knows she should feel. That push and pull was written so well, and it made everything feel really real. And this brings me to her Men. For starters oooof Vivian is Lucky 😅 I loved the way she had the protective support of her men around her, even when she was going through such an up and down rollercoaster of emotions. It cannot have been easy for them, but the way they stood by her was beautiful, the way they used the bonds to learn what she is feeling to support her. I loved it.
I also absolutely loved how the bonds were represented here in this story. Different to other omegaverse, this stood out to me.
And on top of the mental health and the romance, we have the plot. As soon as it started developing, I was completely in and I just wanted to know more. You have some surprises coming and it just brings more to the layers of the story. The way everything moved from there had me needing book two straight away. I honestly cannot wait to see what happens next.