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The Raven Room #2
Savage Bonds
Journalism student Meredith Dalton is driven to launch her career with an exposé on The Raven Room—an illicit and exclusive sex club hidden in the shadows of Chicago’s Chinatown.
But Meredith's also driven by desire for her lover, Julian Reeve, a card-carrying member of the club who has expanded her sexual horizons. When Meredith uncovers evidence that the recent murders of two women are connected to The Raven Room―and possibly to Julian—only tracking down the true killer can prevent her from an impossible choice between her two passions.
Unsure who to trust, Meredith zeros in on the killer and a web of organized crime. But what are the consequences of diving deeper and deeper into a dangerous world unwilling to relinquish its secrets?
But Meredith's also driven by desire for her lover, Julian Reeve, a card-carrying member of the club who has expanded her sexual horizons. When Meredith uncovers evidence that the recent murders of two women are connected to The Raven Room―and possibly to Julian—only tracking down the true killer can prevent her from an impossible choice between her two passions.
Unsure who to trust, Meredith zeros in on the killer and a web of organized crime. But what are the consequences of diving deeper and deeper into a dangerous world unwilling to relinquish its secrets?
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First published December 12, 2017
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349 people want to read
About the author
Ana Medeiros
6 books170 followersWriter of books. Lover of Paris, coffee, chocolate, and zombies.
Ana lives in NYC with her husband and two adopted cats.
Ana lives in NYC with her husband and two adopted cats.
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December 12, 2017
January 29, 2018
'Savage Bonds,' is the second book in, 'The Raven Room,' series and picks up the thrilling and intriguing story crafted in the first novel. Meredith Dalton's ambition is to be a hugely successful journalist and she believes she can achieve this by exposing the truth about all the recent happenings in the exclusive Raven Room sex club, including the truth about two recent murders and the possible connection to the male protagonist, Julian Reeve. A male protagonist who is pivotal in her recent sexual awakening!
The series is set in a dangerous world of organised crime, secrets, lies and sex. A world where it’s tricky to know who can be trusted. The web of lies and the layers of suspense thickens further with Meredith becoming deeper involved in her desire for Julian Reeve, a factor that drives her in her pursuit of the truth in this convoluted plot. She’s a strong feisty character who will do, and does, literally anything to achieve her goals which makes for very interesting reading.
Note: Savage Bonds is the second book in a three book erotic thriller series. The third book is yet to be published
Advance copy provided for my honest review thoughts
November 18, 2017
Genre: Erotic Suspense
Type: Book 2 of 3 from The Raven Room Series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
The Raven Room was the depraved playground of Chicago's rich and powerful elites. As journalist Meredith Dalton's investigation of a murder connected to the club went deeper, she found out first hand that nothing and no one could be trusted. And her involvement with her lover Julian Reeve could let to a complicated and dangerous entanglement.
I used to like both Meredith and Julian enough. Meredith was still the driven woman that she was, but Julian turned into something different than what I expect his character to be.
Throughout the book, I had problem connecting with the characters and the storyline. It's been two years since I read book 1, so it's one of the contributing factor. This type of story needs a good continuity or best told in a standalone book. Aside from that, there were a lot of characters and things happening with some that seemed out of nowhere. At times I find it hard to keep up due to lack of focus in the story and took me almost to the end to finally get in the groove.
Savage Bonds is book two of The Raven Room trilogy. This book would appeal to readers who like mystery/suspense with a side of kink.
Books in the series:
🗝 🔪 🗝 . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🗝 🔪 🗝
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
Type: Book 2 of 3 from The Raven Room Series
POV: Third Person
Rating:
The Raven Room was the depraved playground of Chicago's rich and powerful elites. As journalist Meredith Dalton's investigation of a murder connected to the club went deeper, she found out first hand that nothing and no one could be trusted. And her involvement with her lover Julian Reeve could let to a complicated and dangerous entanglement.
I used to like both Meredith and Julian enough. Meredith was still the driven woman that she was, but Julian turned into something different than what I expect his character to be.
“Have you showed this video to the police?”
“I can’t. If I did I would be as good as dead.”
Throughout the book, I had problem connecting with the characters and the storyline. It's been two years since I read book 1, so it's one of the contributing factor. This type of story needs a good continuity or best told in a standalone book. Aside from that, there were a lot of characters and things happening with some that seemed out of nowhere. At times I find it hard to keep up due to lack of focus in the story and took me almost to the end to finally get in the groove.
Savage Bonds is book two of The Raven Room trilogy. This book would appeal to readers who like mystery/suspense with a side of kink.
Books in the series:
🗝 🔪 🗝 . . (F)BR With Twinsie CC . . . 🗝 🔪 🗝
For more reviews/reveals/giveaways visit:
November 24, 2017
3.5 The Web Becomes More Tangled Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
We have all heard the phrase, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave...when first we practice to deceive.” We can credit Walter Scott. His words have been repeated in casual or more serious circumstances. No matter how they are used, they are truth tellers and in Savage Bonds (The Raven Room, #2), they set the tone for me.
This second part picks up exactly where it left off and we are in the midst of an on going murder investigation. The death of a woman is the center of the web which will tangle all the players in this book. No one is Untouched or "Clean."
We have Julian who is the person held by the police with them wanting him to be the answer... Then there is a woman, Meredith who has a "sexual friendship" with Julian. She is Julian's alibi and also has her own ties with the head police investigator. Topping all of this off, it seems the victim was a twin, meaning which woman was involved with whom..
This entry goes off from there. We are reminded of what Meredith wanted from Julian; access to The Raven Room, for her own career goals. She has concern for Julian, yet she still has the drive to forward her career with an intense revealing article about mysterious, private Sex Club.
But what Meredith got was more than she expected.
Julian's ties to the Raven Room are having more impact to his personal and professional life then ever before. He has become embroiled with the investigation, looking out for a number of people who are in danger and trying to hold onto the separation of his critical professional life and his need for The Raven Room.
This entry lays out more pieces to draw the reader into this Web...There are a lot of moving parts and can be challenging at times. We have many plot points/ villains and making sure you have the overview is critical.
This gives you much and when The Raven Room #3 is released.. I know the tangled web will be shown... who deceived, who loved and who was in charge of The Raven Room.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
It was Jun 17, 2015 when I reviewed the book, The Raven Room....
Oh, how time has a mind of its own....
For now I am able to venture forward...
To see what was teased before...
Many have been interested in this place...
Many have Fallen Prey...
All have been tied together by...
Savage Bonds-December 12, 2017
The Raven Room (The Raven Room, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
We have all heard the phrase, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave...when first we practice to deceive.” We can credit Walter Scott. His words have been repeated in casual or more serious circumstances. No matter how they are used, they are truth tellers and in Savage Bonds (The Raven Room, #2), they set the tone for me.
This second part picks up exactly where it left off and we are in the midst of an on going murder investigation. The death of a woman is the center of the web which will tangle all the players in this book. No one is Untouched or "Clean."
We have Julian who is the person held by the police with them wanting him to be the answer... Then there is a woman, Meredith who has a "sexual friendship" with Julian. She is Julian's alibi and also has her own ties with the head police investigator. Topping all of this off, it seems the victim was a twin, meaning which woman was involved with whom..
This entry goes off from there. We are reminded of what Meredith wanted from Julian; access to The Raven Room, for her own career goals. She has concern for Julian, yet she still has the drive to forward her career with an intense revealing article about mysterious, private Sex Club.
But what Meredith got was more than she expected.
Julian's ties to the Raven Room are having more impact to his personal and professional life then ever before. He has become embroiled with the investigation, looking out for a number of people who are in danger and trying to hold onto the separation of his critical professional life and his need for The Raven Room.
This entry lays out more pieces to draw the reader into this Web...There are a lot of moving parts and can be challenging at times. We have many plot points/ villains and making sure you have the overview is critical.
This gives you much and when The Raven Room #3 is released.. I know the tangled web will be shown... who deceived, who loved and who was in charge of The Raven Room.
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
It was Jun 17, 2015 when I reviewed the book, The Raven Room....
Oh, how time has a mind of its own....
For now I am able to venture forward...
To see what was teased before...
Many have been interested in this place...
Many have Fallen Prey...
All have been tied together by...
Savage Bonds-December 12, 2017
The Raven Room (The Raven Room, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 9, 2017
5++++ Dark and Delicious Stars*********
Once you read an Ana Medeiros novel you’ll want more, need more, crave more. Her words will follow you into your dreams, steal your every thought, and consume of all your senses. This second book; part of The Raven Room Trilogy is no exemption. First of all, the writing style is simply decadent, and the plot just gets better, more complicated, and mind blowing after each chapter. This story is completely addictive and an all time favorite of mine.
In this second book Julian is felling shattered. Our sexy and always so-together doctor, has succumbed to the pain he is feeling after a terrible loss. He’s lost in the darkness and looking for comfort in old habits.
Meredith, the tenacious writer is between a rock and a hard place. She’s willing to risk her career and even her own life, in order to find her answers. Mind while she’s discovered new pleasures, and new lovers that can give her satisfaction, and help her find the missing pieces of the puzzle she’s putting together.
So many secrets, that is hard to see who is really telling the truth. Sex has become dangerous and more intense, inexplicable disappearances are causing doubts and terror inside the halls of The Raven Room. But the wicked games must go on, because lust is just something impossible to ignore for the members of this exciting club.
This book is a delicious page turner that have me biting my nails and taking really cold showers throughout the whole read. Fascinating and delectable, this trilogy is out of this world AMAZING.
If you love insanely good writing style, sexy and complex plots, and unforgettable characters, this is a story you should be reading. You must know that this story has heavy BDSM, sex fetishes, and both books 1 and 2 end of a heart stopping cliff hanger. But you should also know that is one of the BEST book series you’ll ever read in your life. (Drops mic)
Once you read an Ana Medeiros novel you’ll want more, need more, crave more. Her words will follow you into your dreams, steal your every thought, and consume of all your senses. This second book; part of The Raven Room Trilogy is no exemption. First of all, the writing style is simply decadent, and the plot just gets better, more complicated, and mind blowing after each chapter. This story is completely addictive and an all time favorite of mine.
In this second book Julian is felling shattered. Our sexy and always so-together doctor, has succumbed to the pain he is feeling after a terrible loss. He’s lost in the darkness and looking for comfort in old habits.
Meredith, the tenacious writer is between a rock and a hard place. She’s willing to risk her career and even her own life, in order to find her answers. Mind while she’s discovered new pleasures, and new lovers that can give her satisfaction, and help her find the missing pieces of the puzzle she’s putting together.
So many secrets, that is hard to see who is really telling the truth. Sex has become dangerous and more intense, inexplicable disappearances are causing doubts and terror inside the halls of The Raven Room. But the wicked games must go on, because lust is just something impossible to ignore for the members of this exciting club.
This book is a delicious page turner that have me biting my nails and taking really cold showers throughout the whole read. Fascinating and delectable, this trilogy is out of this world AMAZING.
If you love insanely good writing style, sexy and complex plots, and unforgettable characters, this is a story you should be reading. You must know that this story has heavy BDSM, sex fetishes, and both books 1 and 2 end of a heart stopping cliff hanger. But you should also know that is one of the BEST book series you’ll ever read in your life. (Drops mic)
November 18, 2017
3.5 Stars
Without interruption in the storyline, Meredith Dalton’s investigation into The Raven Room and murdered women continues with Julian Reeve as the primary suspect. While trying to launch her career in journalism and attempting to protect Julian, Meredith is secretly getting information any way she can but when she prods too far, certain mysterious figures are ready to quiet her.
Recovering from the loss of a loved one, Julian’s life is turned on its axis. A long time friend offers him a bit of solace but Julian realizes things are spinning too far out of control. As he regains perspective, he knows what needs to be done in order to keep attention from his extracurricular activities.
Many plot points are at play with some answers revealed but mostly more questions are posed as bits of information are synthesized to the next level. With the focus on Julian and Meredith, secondary characters continue to gain importance and knowing who to trust is a constant battle since each has their own self-interest at stake. As the cadence begins to swirl a little over halfway into the story, alliances start shifting until the very end reaches a boiling point.
While I gained some clarity into these characters due to added dimension, Julian’s character still remains a mystery overall. His motivation to protect himself and the Raven Room is clear but there is much more to learn about his past and present connections. With Meredith, she remains a bit of a thorn in my side. I do like her tenacity but still question her judgment and cannot envision her to have a lasting relationship with Julian other than friendship.
In addition to greed and secrets, eroticism is very present as these characters must feed their desires. I would have liked a little more regarding Julian but was certainly satisfied with the variety and dirtiness.
In Savage Bonds, the author continues to weave an intriguing web of deceit, mystery and allure. There are many details in this series and reading in close succession is recommended. Hopefully, the wait for the final book isn’t a long one. This series would appeal to those enjoy crime mystery in an erotic setting,
The Raven Room series:
*An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!
Without interruption in the storyline, Meredith Dalton’s investigation into The Raven Room and murdered women continues with Julian Reeve as the primary suspect. While trying to launch her career in journalism and attempting to protect Julian, Meredith is secretly getting information any way she can but when she prods too far, certain mysterious figures are ready to quiet her.
“Corruption, trafficking, murder. Those are my suspicions. Can you help me find proof for that?”
Recovering from the loss of a loved one, Julian’s life is turned on its axis. A long time friend offers him a bit of solace but Julian realizes things are spinning too far out of control. As he regains perspective, he knows what needs to be done in order to keep attention from his extracurricular activities.
“You think there’s a chance you’ll walk out of this unscathed? That’s not how it works and you know it.” “I’m sure there’s something we can do to fix this situation, to reach an agreement.”
Many plot points are at play with some answers revealed but mostly more questions are posed as bits of information are synthesized to the next level. With the focus on Julian and Meredith, secondary characters continue to gain importance and knowing who to trust is a constant battle since each has their own self-interest at stake. As the cadence begins to swirl a little over halfway into the story, alliances start shifting until the very end reaches a boiling point.
While I gained some clarity into these characters due to added dimension, Julian’s character still remains a mystery overall. His motivation to protect himself and the Raven Room is clear but there is much more to learn about his past and present connections. With Meredith, she remains a bit of a thorn in my side. I do like her tenacity but still question her judgment and cannot envision her to have a lasting relationship with Julian other than friendship.
In addition to greed and secrets, eroticism is very present as these characters must feed their desires. I would have liked a little more regarding Julian but was certainly satisfied with the variety and dirtiness.
In Savage Bonds, the author continues to weave an intriguing web of deceit, mystery and allure. There are many details in this series and reading in close succession is recommended. Hopefully, the wait for the final book isn’t a long one. This series would appeal to those enjoy crime mystery in an erotic setting,
The Raven Room series:
*An ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
*This was a (F)BR with Twinsie Hawkey!
December 9, 2017
BOOM!! THIS is how you do erotic suspense/thriller!
To sum it up in one word: OUTSTANDING! Totally worth a two year wait. Absolutely, positively one of my favorite series out there. I know I say this often but The Raven Room Trilogy would make an amazing TV show. Hands down, one of THE best 'whodunnit' plots I've read. This author's writing makes you eat up pages as if you life depends on it. I think it took me 4 hours to finish this because I simply couldn't stop. Absolutely FLAWLESS from start to finish. BRAVO, Ana Medeiros! BRAVO!
P.S. This is a trilogy and all of the books must be read in order for the story to make sense.
Advance copy provided by an author in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2024
OMG
THIS SERIES IS INTENSE, DARK, AND ODDLY SATISFYING
*CAUTION ~ beware of the content in this book. It’s dark. And has some disturbing stuff in it, but I think it was successfully written in a way to show the effects of each dark situation***
What isn’t done really well is the description of this book on GR. It’s not just about it Meredith, but it’s about every single one of the characters. Probably rewrite the description for it be an accurate description??
I think what makes this series is the plot. The second book just added so much to this story and characters. I am just floored with the progress of this devastating story of twisted love, pain, desire. Amazing I think.
I want to say so much about certain details of the book but I CANT because then I would be spoiling it for you! Nope I ain’t gonna do it...
But I will say, I am truly excited to read the last book in the series. Great work
4.5 star rating
**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review **
THIS SERIES IS INTENSE, DARK, AND ODDLY SATISFYING
*CAUTION ~ beware of the content in this book. It’s dark. And has some disturbing stuff in it, but I think it was successfully written in a way to show the effects of each dark situation***
What isn’t done really well is the description of this book on GR. It’s not just about it Meredith, but it’s about every single one of the characters. Probably rewrite the description for it be an accurate description??
I think what makes this series is the plot. The second book just added so much to this story and characters. I am just floored with the progress of this devastating story of twisted love, pain, desire. Amazing I think.
I want to say so much about certain details of the book but I CANT because then I would be spoiling it for you! Nope I ain’t gonna do it...
But I will say, I am truly excited to read the last book in the series. Great work
4.5 star rating
**ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review **
March 10, 2018
Countdown to book 3 is on!!!
April 6, 2018
The Raven Room was provided by TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
Hook. Line. And definitely sunk to the damn bottom of the ocean.
I am still a whirlwind of a cluster fuck of emotions....
Off the bat, I loved Savage Bonds. It is masterfully delicious - it was perfection. It added more depth to this growing mystery that has took a hold of me from the start. Not only to you finally get answers from some of the chill chocking questions from The Raven Room, I now have even more questions than answers once I read the final page of Savage Bonds. That is how much of an insane roller coaster of a story this is.
The world building is phenomenal. Each moment, each atmosphere change is so pivotal to the key elements of the developing suspense. I will be as frank as possible without giving a spoiler as best as I can - I WANT TO KNOW WHO IS THE MURDERER! Each time something shines light on one situation, I start to trust then I fall flat on my face with pure anger and again find myself questioning each characters story.
Pam is hiding something - I am not sure her total involvement, but there is more connection plus the Steven Thompson.... can I get an eeek. I have a theory here and it just still needs more. Then you have this newly introduced character Vincent, secret meetings, connections to his lover - he HAS to be involved. Then I roll back into Julian and Meredith - my sweet Julian and his mystery lover has something very important to with at least one murder, and I have an inkling I know why. There is a cluster fuck of twists and turns, I have so many theories on who did it, my reasoning and it is clear as day yet I don't know if I am right...
I am chilled to the brim on this; there is something more to each story line and I know that from the bottom of my toes, I do not want it to be Julian. So I will leave that there.
Speaking of Julian, my heart aches for him during this go. After everything that happened in The Raven Room towards his transition now, he is not the same and honestly I cannot blame him. I honestly feel he hits a broken patch, completely off centered and lose of trust in his circle is not helping. I need his friendship with Meredith to work. Gosh, it isn't even about the sex between them, it is the part where I feel this connection between Julian and Meredith that goes beyond lovers - they are friends.
Honestly, that is the ONE thing I depend on throughout this series at this point. I loved their conflicts from start to finish, how they lean together, they find one another - they are each others person and it is really powerful to see them interact.
Bottom line - get this series. Get it now. Stop what you are doing and let yourself splurge so I can have more people to talk conspiracy theories with; this book, hell both books at this point have left me completely gutted, conflicted, tortured soul with hovering heartbroken ache I have in my chest. This is a true page turner that will grip you by your dick, sling you around and you will enjoy every minute of it.
I need book three - I need it now!
Hook. Line. And definitely sunk to the damn bottom of the ocean.
I am still a whirlwind of a cluster fuck of emotions....
Off the bat, I loved Savage Bonds. It is masterfully delicious - it was perfection. It added more depth to this growing mystery that has took a hold of me from the start. Not only to you finally get answers from some of the chill chocking questions from The Raven Room, I now have even more questions than answers once I read the final page of Savage Bonds. That is how much of an insane roller coaster of a story this is.
The world building is phenomenal. Each moment, each atmosphere change is so pivotal to the key elements of the developing suspense. I will be as frank as possible without giving a spoiler as best as I can - I WANT TO KNOW WHO IS THE MURDERER! Each time something shines light on one situation, I start to trust then I fall flat on my face with pure anger and again find myself questioning each characters story.
Pam is hiding something - I am not sure her total involvement, but there is more connection plus the Steven Thompson.... can I get an eeek. I have a theory here and it just still needs more. Then you have this newly introduced character Vincent, secret meetings, connections to his lover - he HAS to be involved. Then I roll back into Julian and Meredith - my sweet Julian and his mystery lover has something very important to with at least one murder, and I have an inkling I know why. There is a cluster fuck of twists and turns, I have so many theories on who did it, my reasoning and it is clear as day yet I don't know if I am right...
I am chilled to the brim on this; there is something more to each story line and I know that from the bottom of my toes, I do not want it to be Julian. So I will leave that there.
Speaking of Julian, my heart aches for him during this go. After everything that happened in The Raven Room towards his transition now, he is not the same and honestly I cannot blame him. I honestly feel he hits a broken patch, completely off centered and lose of trust in his circle is not helping. I need his friendship with Meredith to work. Gosh, it isn't even about the sex between them, it is the part where I feel this connection between Julian and Meredith that goes beyond lovers - they are friends.
Honestly, that is the ONE thing I depend on throughout this series at this point. I loved their conflicts from start to finish, how they lean together, they find one another - they are each others person and it is really powerful to see them interact.
Bottom line - get this series. Get it now. Stop what you are doing and let yourself splurge so I can have more people to talk conspiracy theories with; this book, hell both books at this point have left me completely gutted, conflicted, tortured soul with hovering heartbroken ache I have in my chest. This is a true page turner that will grip you by your dick, sling you around and you will enjoy every minute of it.
I need book three - I need it now!
March 8, 2022
The intensity just keeps building.
I'm totally addicted to this web of depraved chaos that this author has woven. Again, as with book one, the mysteries continue to grow. The illusion that you think you know these characters gets wiped out from under you with each chapter. These characters are beautifully deranged and you can't help but to crave more of them.
Ten stars.
I'm totally addicted to this web of depraved chaos that this author has woven. Again, as with book one, the mysteries continue to grow. The illusion that you think you know these characters gets wiped out from under you with each chapter. These characters are beautifully deranged and you can't help but to crave more of them.
Ten stars.
November 22, 2017
This is the second novel in The Raven Room trilogy and I have been eagerly anticipating it since I finished reading the first book two years ago. I admit I have bugged Ana Medeiros a time or two about when the second book would be out, so when she finally announced it was done I was GIDDY.
The second book in this trilogy did NOT disappoint. I’m not sure it’s possible but it’s even sexier and more mysterious than the first and I loved being able to delve even deeper into the lives of Julian and Meredith. While the first book seemed to focus more on Julian, this second novel gave us a better look into Meredith and her viewpoint is incredibly enticing.
I could not put this book down. All the lives within this novel are so complicated and tied up together and I had to know how they would all come together. The sex and the intrigue are heightened to a point where you just HAVE to know what’s coming around the next bend. It’s such an exciting book…
Except. Then you get to the end.
And there’s a cliffhanger.
Ana Medeiros WHAT are you doing to me?
All I have to say is that I better not have to wait 2 more years to find out how it ends.
Until then… go out and read the first two novels of The Raven Room trilogy. Just keep in mind, they’re not for the faint of heart.
The second book in this trilogy did NOT disappoint. I’m not sure it’s possible but it’s even sexier and more mysterious than the first and I loved being able to delve even deeper into the lives of Julian and Meredith. While the first book seemed to focus more on Julian, this second novel gave us a better look into Meredith and her viewpoint is incredibly enticing.
I could not put this book down. All the lives within this novel are so complicated and tied up together and I had to know how they would all come together. The sex and the intrigue are heightened to a point where you just HAVE to know what’s coming around the next bend. It’s such an exciting book…
Except. Then you get to the end.
And there’s a cliffhanger.
Ana Medeiros WHAT are you doing to me?
All I have to say is that I better not have to wait 2 more years to find out how it ends.
Until then… go out and read the first two novels of The Raven Room trilogy. Just keep in mind, they’re not for the faint of heart.
April 11, 2018
I would like to thank TLC Book Tours and Ana Medeiros for my complimentary book and the opportunity to share my honest opinion!
The story continues with Savage Bonds where Meredith dives deeper into the world of organized crime and tries to find the killer. The police believe Julian is the killer and Meredith wants to do everything in her power to prove them wrong but where was Julian that night…Could it be him?
This time around more of Julian’s secrets come to the surface but I felt compassion for him. He didn’t have the best life growing up and that does show but he seems try living a better life. Julian seems to lose himself a bit in the second book and starts a downward spiral after losing a loved one but he eventually regains his composure.
I do have questions that I am sure will be answered in the third part of the series such as Pam’s involvement. I feel like there is something sketchy going on there. Guess I will just have to wait and see…
This series is absolutely worth the read and I am thankful it found its way into my library.
The story continues with Savage Bonds where Meredith dives deeper into the world of organized crime and tries to find the killer. The police believe Julian is the killer and Meredith wants to do everything in her power to prove them wrong but where was Julian that night…Could it be him?
This time around more of Julian’s secrets come to the surface but I felt compassion for him. He didn’t have the best life growing up and that does show but he seems try living a better life. Julian seems to lose himself a bit in the second book and starts a downward spiral after losing a loved one but he eventually regains his composure.
I do have questions that I am sure will be answered in the third part of the series such as Pam’s involvement. I feel like there is something sketchy going on there. Guess I will just have to wait and see…
This series is absolutely worth the read and I am thankful it found its way into my library.
July 20, 2018
I was waiting for this book, I really was, since the first book of the series was such a page turner and daring. I wanted to experience again the dark thrill of this relationship and the criminal mystery, bit it was a big disappointment. The relationship was non existing, the sexual daring was reduced to one act and the criminal mystery a big bunch of hints that took nowhere. It felt like it was written to be a place filler between first and last book, just so it could be a trilogy. The idea behind this story is good, really good, but it was not as strong as the first book was. Best to wait all three to be published and then to read them all together.
April 15, 2018
Canadian author Ana Medeiros’ The Raven Room trilogy follows the sexcapades of Dr. Julian Reeve, a child psychologist, and journalism student Meredith Dalton. Sometimes you can jump into a series without having read the first book, but I really felt like I was at a severe disadvantage reading book two in Medeiros’ trilogy. Savage Bonds picks up where The Raven Room leaves off, but for a newbie reader, I literally had no sweet clue what was going on and I never felt as though I was sufficiently caught up.
This is what I do know:
Julian Reeves is addicted to the darker side of sex which, as a card-carrying member of The Raven Club, he has access to. He’s also addicted to drugs. And he has a troubled and complicated past which is somehow connected to Tatiana and Alana. And when Savage Bonds opens he is being questioned by the cops (one of whom just happens to be Meredith’s step-mother, Pam) because Alana is dead and Tatiana is missing.
When another woman with connections to The Raven Room (and Julian) turns up dead, Meredith decides that she needs to investigate. That’s because Julian is Meredith’s lover (or was her lover; they don’t get it on in this book although Meredith gets around and shares Julian’s predilection for rough sex, or at least sex of the non-vanilla variety.)
Many of these relationships seem to have been established in the first book – so it’s really difficult for me to give this book a fair shake considering I spent lot of time just trying to keep these people straight; I was definitely missing backstory. Although, ultimately, I wonder if backstory would have helped me enjoy this story any more.
I have read a lot of erotica. And a fair amount of BDSM-flavoured erotica…and Savage Bonds didn’t really up the ante. I mean if The Raven Room is supposed to be this super-sekrit underground club, shouldn’t it be special? A little bloodplay and anonymous blow jobs don’t really scream exclusivity to me. Worse, without the benefit of what came before I just didn’t care about any of these players and all their interactions with each other seemed shrill or forced. Am I supposed to be rooting for Julian because of his troubled past? Am I supposed to be shipping Julian and Meredith?
From what I could tell on the Internet, readers seemed to really enjoy The Raven Room and were quite anxious to read Savage Bonds. A few of them, though, had some of the same issues with this book that I did…and they were invested going in.
So – maybe start with The Raven Room and see how you feel. I won’t be backtracking because, honestly, the whole thing was just meh for me.
This is what I do know:
Julian Reeves is addicted to the darker side of sex which, as a card-carrying member of The Raven Club, he has access to. He’s also addicted to drugs. And he has a troubled and complicated past which is somehow connected to Tatiana and Alana. And when Savage Bonds opens he is being questioned by the cops (one of whom just happens to be Meredith’s step-mother, Pam) because Alana is dead and Tatiana is missing.
When another woman with connections to The Raven Room (and Julian) turns up dead, Meredith decides that she needs to investigate. That’s because Julian is Meredith’s lover (or was her lover; they don’t get it on in this book although Meredith gets around and shares Julian’s predilection for rough sex, or at least sex of the non-vanilla variety.)
Many of these relationships seem to have been established in the first book – so it’s really difficult for me to give this book a fair shake considering I spent lot of time just trying to keep these people straight; I was definitely missing backstory. Although, ultimately, I wonder if backstory would have helped me enjoy this story any more.
I have read a lot of erotica. And a fair amount of BDSM-flavoured erotica…and Savage Bonds didn’t really up the ante. I mean if The Raven Room is supposed to be this super-sekrit underground club, shouldn’t it be special? A little bloodplay and anonymous blow jobs don’t really scream exclusivity to me. Worse, without the benefit of what came before I just didn’t care about any of these players and all their interactions with each other seemed shrill or forced. Am I supposed to be rooting for Julian because of his troubled past? Am I supposed to be shipping Julian and Meredith?
From what I could tell on the Internet, readers seemed to really enjoy The Raven Room and were quite anxious to read Savage Bonds. A few of them, though, had some of the same issues with this book that I did…and they were invested going in.
So – maybe start with The Raven Room and see how you feel. I won’t be backtracking because, honestly, the whole thing was just meh for me.
July 1, 2018
Reviewed by Amy W
Book provided by TLC Book Tours
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Any book that causes me to gasp at the end deserves a high rating. With Savage Bonds, the second installment in The Raven Room Trilogy, author Ana Medeiros brought me right to the brink and delivered an exceptional cliffhanger, making me gasp in horror that my reading experience was interrupted.
To fully enjoy the storyline, it’s important to read the first installment, titled The Raven Room. The characters are introduced there, with tantalizing tidbits of the past brought to light. The second book picks up seamlessly where the first one ended.
I found a number of intriguing storylines woven into the fabric of this story. There’s Julian, who I initially identified as a garden variety Dom (boy, was I off base with that). On one hand, he is a brilliant man whose purpose is to sort out children and their troubled psyches. On the other, he is incredibly vulnerable because of his dark desires. His relationship with Meredith appears complicated, yet it is much more than a means for Meredith to get entrance into The Raven Room.
Meredith is searching for her place in life. She’s young with plenty of money at her disposal. The idea of writing a story highlighting what happens behind closed doors at the exclusive club seems very tempting. When women end up dead, the story starts getting hotter. As she continues to investigate, she finds herself digging up some secrets that put her life in danger.
Faces from the past converge to confront the present, causing Julian to head on a downward spiral. His relationship with his best friend is in the toilet, his job is in jeopardy and he is a person of interest in a homicide case. Add the betrayal he feels when he discovers Meredith’s plan and Julian is very much on the edge.
The writer not only delivers an intricate tale of suspense, leading me to make random predictions as to who the culprit is, but the erotic slant is exquisitely detailed. It’s a fast-paced story of lies and deceit, where what isn’t said matters more than what actually is said.
It left me ready for the final installment, if for no other reason than to put all the conspiracies in my mind to rest.
Book provided by TLC Book Tours
Originally posted at Romancing the Book
Any book that causes me to gasp at the end deserves a high rating. With Savage Bonds, the second installment in The Raven Room Trilogy, author Ana Medeiros brought me right to the brink and delivered an exceptional cliffhanger, making me gasp in horror that my reading experience was interrupted.
To fully enjoy the storyline, it’s important to read the first installment, titled The Raven Room. The characters are introduced there, with tantalizing tidbits of the past brought to light. The second book picks up seamlessly where the first one ended.
I found a number of intriguing storylines woven into the fabric of this story. There’s Julian, who I initially identified as a garden variety Dom (boy, was I off base with that). On one hand, he is a brilliant man whose purpose is to sort out children and their troubled psyches. On the other, he is incredibly vulnerable because of his dark desires. His relationship with Meredith appears complicated, yet it is much more than a means for Meredith to get entrance into The Raven Room.
Meredith is searching for her place in life. She’s young with plenty of money at her disposal. The idea of writing a story highlighting what happens behind closed doors at the exclusive club seems very tempting. When women end up dead, the story starts getting hotter. As she continues to investigate, she finds herself digging up some secrets that put her life in danger.
Faces from the past converge to confront the present, causing Julian to head on a downward spiral. His relationship with his best friend is in the toilet, his job is in jeopardy and he is a person of interest in a homicide case. Add the betrayal he feels when he discovers Meredith’s plan and Julian is very much on the edge.
The writer not only delivers an intricate tale of suspense, leading me to make random predictions as to who the culprit is, but the erotic slant is exquisitely detailed. It’s a fast-paced story of lies and deceit, where what isn’t said matters more than what actually is said.
It left me ready for the final installment, if for no other reason than to put all the conspiracies in my mind to rest.
March 14, 2018
My Highly Caffeinated Thought: A steamy read filled with lies, tension, and an investigation that could unearth even more secrets.
SAVAGE BONDS is the next installment of The Raven Room Trilogy. In this continuation of the first book, the reader gets more into the lives of the characters. Even though the investigation into the murder and Meredith’s interest in getting her expose published are two important elements of the story, they do become secondary to the relationships and complicated emotions surrounding the cast.
What makes this book and series so good is the way that the author melds together the humanity and dysfunction of all the characters with the grit and deceit of the actions surrounding them. The narrative is equal parts sensual and thrilling.
I have no idea where the story will lead us, but I cannot wait to find out how it all ends.
As a side note…I firmly believe that this is a series you have to read in progression. For some readers, you may want to wait until the last book is released. However, I think that you can start the series now. If you are concerned about not remembering the elements and intricacies of the story, the books do coming in audio format. I like to get the audiobooks and then “re-read” the previous ones by listening.
Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
Reviewer Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Follow the Highly Caffeinated Victoria Colotta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter @vcolotta | Instagram | Goodreads
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
SAVAGE BONDS is the next installment of The Raven Room Trilogy. In this continuation of the first book, the reader gets more into the lives of the characters. Even though the investigation into the murder and Meredith’s interest in getting her expose published are two important elements of the story, they do become secondary to the relationships and complicated emotions surrounding the cast.
What makes this book and series so good is the way that the author melds together the humanity and dysfunction of all the characters with the grit and deceit of the actions surrounding them. The narrative is equal parts sensual and thrilling.
I have no idea where the story will lead us, but I cannot wait to find out how it all ends.
As a side note…I firmly believe that this is a series you have to read in progression. For some readers, you may want to wait until the last book is released. However, I think that you can start the series now. If you are concerned about not remembering the elements and intricacies of the story, the books do coming in audio format. I like to get the audiobooks and then “re-read” the previous ones by listening.
Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
Reviewer Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher and TLC Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Follow the Highly Caffeinated Victoria Colotta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter @vcolotta | Instagram | Goodreads
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
March 22, 2018
Its been about 3 years since The Raven Room came out. Savage Bonds is the second book in the trilogy.
I have to admit, it took me awhile to get back into the groove of the story, because its been 3 years, and these books are not to be read as stand alone novels or out of order. If you do, you'll be more than a little confused.
Meredith is still planning on writing an article about The Raven Room. She wavers between doing it an not, she wants to protect Julian, but when she learns about the deaths of several women that may be connected to the club she knows she has to do something. However, her digging is putting her in danger.
What is interesting about this book is how its really difficult to like or connect with any of the characters. All of them are seriously flawed, in fact, it is hard to figure out which one is the most flawed. Julian is just beyond screwed up, and in this book, we learn even more about his younger years and how he got that way.
Then there are the twins, Sofia/Alana who is dead and Tatiana. These two were abused by their parents in various ways and in a twisted way, Julian was involved.
Like the first book, there's a lot of steamy sex. Meredith seems to be sleeping with EVERYONE.
I enjoyed the first book, but this one had so much going on and it was hard to figure out where the author wants to take the story. In the first book I liked many of the characters. In this book, I wasn't sure how I felt about them, well except for Peter. He is still a disgusting piece of work.
Also like the first book, this one ends with a cliffhanger.
ARGH!
I hope I don't have to wait 3 years to finish this trilogy.
I have to admit, it took me awhile to get back into the groove of the story, because its been 3 years, and these books are not to be read as stand alone novels or out of order. If you do, you'll be more than a little confused.
Meredith is still planning on writing an article about The Raven Room. She wavers between doing it an not, she wants to protect Julian, but when she learns about the deaths of several women that may be connected to the club she knows she has to do something. However, her digging is putting her in danger.
What is interesting about this book is how its really difficult to like or connect with any of the characters. All of them are seriously flawed, in fact, it is hard to figure out which one is the most flawed. Julian is just beyond screwed up, and in this book, we learn even more about his younger years and how he got that way.
Then there are the twins, Sofia/Alana who is dead and Tatiana. These two were abused by their parents in various ways and in a twisted way, Julian was involved.
Like the first book, there's a lot of steamy sex. Meredith seems to be sleeping with EVERYONE.
I enjoyed the first book, but this one had so much going on and it was hard to figure out where the author wants to take the story. In the first book I liked many of the characters. In this book, I wasn't sure how I felt about them, well except for Peter. He is still a disgusting piece of work.
Also like the first book, this one ends with a cliffhanger.
ARGH!
I hope I don't have to wait 3 years to finish this trilogy.
March 25, 2018
Alright, this book made a little more sense to me and it didn't feel as if the author was trying to go in several directions all at once. In this book we focus more on Meredith, which is what I thought we were going to do in book one but no, that was all Julian. I actually had to take away all the sexy times so I could appreciate the suspense part of this book, which could have been so much more if it didn't get clouded with the sex. Sure, it's erotica and it needs the sex but this would have been great if that was taken away and this was just a suspense with some sex in it. Does that make sense? It's a bit slow moving which almost made it a DNF, but I wanted to know about Tatiana and her ties to Thompson. I wanted to know what the heck is happening and of COURSE- it ends on a damn cliffhanger. So now I have to wait for book three, but there isn't enough suspense to keep me waiting for it. It's not one I'm going to set a release date alert on.
Overall? I'm giving this one 2 out of 5 stars, an improvement from book one but not tremendous.
Overall? I'm giving this one 2 out of 5 stars, an improvement from book one but not tremendous.
December 19, 2017
I'm not sure what to think of this book.
It left me very confusing and I'm not sure I'll be reading the third ine, even though I'm curious to know what happens.
Meredith can be very frustrating and Julian, although very comolex, bored me a little this time. I was very interested in him on book 1, but I wasn't hooked enough this time.
I feel like something were brought together for wow effect or drama purposes. Even if they weren't, that's how the book made me feel.
One thing is for sure, this story runs very deep and each layer we unfold reveals at least three more. I'm curious, but I'll have to see if the third book will interest me, because this one didn't wow me. It felt like a filler book between good ones, so hopefully I'll like the third one better.
It left me very confusing and I'm not sure I'll be reading the third ine, even though I'm curious to know what happens.
Meredith can be very frustrating and Julian, although very comolex, bored me a little this time. I was very interested in him on book 1, but I wasn't hooked enough this time.
I feel like something were brought together for wow effect or drama purposes. Even if they weren't, that's how the book made me feel.
One thing is for sure, this story runs very deep and each layer we unfold reveals at least three more. I'm curious, but I'll have to see if the third book will interest me, because this one didn't wow me. It felt like a filler book between good ones, so hopefully I'll like the third one better.
November 27, 2017
Journalism student Meredith Dalton is driven to launch her career with an exposé on The Raven Room—an illicit and exclusive club hidden in the shadows of Chicago’s Chinatown. But Meredith's also driven by desire for her lover, Julian Reeve, a card-carrying member of the club who has expanded her sexual horizons. When Meredith uncovers evidence that the recent murders of two women are connected to The Raven Room.The book is amazing. When I started reading I couldn't put it down I read the book is one day.Ana is magnifysent writer.I cannot wait to read more of her books.Keep up that passionet work.
January 11, 2018
MIND. BLOWN.
This book is AMAZING.
I’m sure I'll be thinking on these characters for weeks to come, I have so many theories!! I can't wait for the next one.
A favorite read of 2018 for me.
5 stars!
This book is AMAZING.
I’m sure I'll be thinking on these characters for weeks to come, I have so many theories!! I can't wait for the next one.
A favorite read of 2018 for me.
5 stars!
February 2, 2018
Ms. Medeiros has done it again! This is the second book in the trilogy and the story just keeps getting better and better. As Meredith descends further into the dark mystery of the Raven Room the questions just keep building. And the sex continues to burn up the page. I love it, and can't wait for book 3. I have no idea how it's all going to wrap up but am very excited to find out!
September 18, 2022
Where's book 3?
Read
November 26, 2017A dark ,depressing,disjointed book. Maybe it would have made more sense if I had read the first book but I expect even books of a series to at least make sense as a stand alone.
Amazon
Amazon
April 10, 2018
So glad I got a chance to dive into this tour and review this! This duo was such a steamy and fun read, I love a good dark read.
This book picks up our story with Meredith and leaves us SUPER excited to jump back into her interest in exposing everything. Maybe. Ish. Well, things with Julian got a LITTLE complicated. I love when novels intertwine things like this and leave you really not knowing what the end result is inevitably going to be.
This book and series, is set in a twisted work filled with awesome terrible crime related things that totally keep you on the edge of your seat. With Meredith and Julian becoming, well, more, things got very complicated and twisted really fast. I Loved it.
I can't wait to read more from this author and I can't wait for the final book! Bravo!
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Synopsis:
Journalism student Meredith Dalton is driven to launch her career with an exposé on The Raven Room—an illicit and exclusive sex club hidden in the shadows of Chicago’s Chinatown.
But Meredith's also driven by desire for her lover, Julian Reeve, a card-carrying member of the club who has expanded her sexual horizons. When Meredith uncovers evidence that the recent murders of two women are connected to The Raven Room―and possibly to Julian—only tracking down the true killer can prevent her from an impossible choice between her two passions.
Unsure who to trust, Meredith zeros in on the killer and a web of organized crime. But what are the consequences of diving deeper and deeper into a dangerous world unwilling to relinquish its secrets?
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews