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Royal States #6
Bonds
In the Royal States of America, magic rules all, but life—and love—always finds a way.
When a sinking oil tanker threatens to destroy the picturesque coastline of France, search and rescue diver Jack Alders and his waveweaving talent stand between France and a record-breaking oil spill.
But what Jack finds on board the dying ship will forever change the course of the Royal States and puts him in the sights of a royal tyrant out for blood.
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07QXHWWMX.
When a sinking oil tanker threatens to destroy the picturesque coastline of France, search and rescue diver Jack Alders and his waveweaving talent stand between France and a record-breaking oil spill.
But what Jack finds on board the dying ship will forever change the course of the Royal States and puts him in the sights of a royal tyrant out for blood.
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07QXHWWMX.
350 pages, ebook
First published July 16, 2019
147 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Susan Copperfield
14 books239 followersSusan Copperfield is the royal romance, urban fantasy loving alter ego of award-winning & USA Today bestselling novelist R.J. Blain.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
Under the super not-so-secret identity of Susan, the Royal States of America is explored, where the work of sixteen founding royal families preserved the United States from destruction and civil war when magic swept over the world.
In the Royal States, life, love, and magic always finds a way.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 26, 2023
An utterly perplexing book. This is the most competently written unromantic romance I have ever read, and I just don't know where to go or what to do with that sentiment. Did I miss the point? Is there such a thing as an ace romance? Because I am down with that as a genre, although maybe now that I think about it, is there a genre for discovering your bestie? Because I am also down for reading more of discovering besties. Why isn't there more of that in adult literature?
Anyway.
Bonds is about a magical, modern world with political power consolidated in the hands of powerful magic users. Heritable magic traits mean the power structure is an aristocracy, and the U.S. is known as the Royal States. Our hero, Jack, has left the Royal States because he hates the aristocracy--and because he's been hiding his own aristocratic-level talent from them (classic trope: I'm the Thing I Hate). His dramatic role in preventing an oil tanker from spilling oil onto France's coast brings him to the attention of the Princess of Maine, namely, as her patient. In her brilliance, she realizes his world-class talent and sweeps him off to become part of Maine's Kingdom. He discovers as they travel together that someone is out to kill her, and that's just not acceptable.
The dialogue is decent. Some of it feels background-level. Some brings in humor:
"Kevin, please add a note to Mr. Alder's file that he is a manly man and classifies as a danger to himself due to ego, pride, and an unfortunate knowledge of medical treatments."
"I'll mark into his file that he is skilled with first-aid treatments and should undergo additional training to make sure he's on par with Maine's first responders."
One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is the remarkable detail it gets into with Jack's magical skills. He works with water/liquids, and when we meet him at the oil tanker, there's a lot of interplay about whether he's dealing with crude oil, a mix, or something else and how he'll apply his skills. It might be more than a lot of people wanted to know, but I appreciated the depth.
Classic romance tropes, great set-up, interesting plot to provide structure for the relationship and the magical world all make it intriguing. (Note: the magical aristocracy feels very much like Ilona Andrews' Nevada series). The problem? Zero feels. Literally, this reminds me reading when I was nine or ten. All head-based. In the first few pages of meeting her, here's how Jack responds: "According to her expression, someone was about to die, and I hoped that someone wasn't me. Then again, if she wanted to kill me, there were worse ways to go." (spoiler for space)
So it's super-interesting as a book where two people come together, get to know each other, and solve some issues, maybe adopt a cat along the way (so much cat!). When it comes to romance, it's all head-based affection. Seriously, I can't even remember a lingering kiss. I think there's supposed to be a bedroom scene, but it fades to black long, long before (spoiler). It literally is like a nine year-old's version of a relationship (at least according to 1950s nine year-olds).
I'll also note that I had problems believing in Jack as a male character heavily involved in rescue work, but that could just be my experience. For awhile, I tried on the character as a female with a nickname 'Jack,' and that worked just as well. Which says something about gender-neutral and romance, but I'm not sure what.
This is definitely one of those books that your mileage will vary based on expectations. What it most reminded me of was an Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy series, minus the romance. Yeah, you read that. Good action, generally benign world-building, family politics, magic. But no romance. Not that that's a bad thing--unless your book is marketed as a romance.
Two and a half stars, rounding up because it is really otherwise very competently written. Had I not been told to think that these two were falling in love--and utterly failed to believe it--it would have been four stars for fun.
Anyway.
Bonds is about a magical, modern world with political power consolidated in the hands of powerful magic users. Heritable magic traits mean the power structure is an aristocracy, and the U.S. is known as the Royal States. Our hero, Jack, has left the Royal States because he hates the aristocracy--and because he's been hiding his own aristocratic-level talent from them (classic trope: I'm the Thing I Hate). His dramatic role in preventing an oil tanker from spilling oil onto France's coast brings him to the attention of the Princess of Maine, namely, as her patient. In her brilliance, she realizes his world-class talent and sweeps him off to become part of Maine's Kingdom. He discovers as they travel together that someone is out to kill her, and that's just not acceptable.
The dialogue is decent. Some of it feels background-level. Some brings in humor:
"Kevin, please add a note to Mr. Alder's file that he is a manly man and classifies as a danger to himself due to ego, pride, and an unfortunate knowledge of medical treatments."
"I'll mark into his file that he is skilled with first-aid treatments and should undergo additional training to make sure he's on par with Maine's first responders."
One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is the remarkable detail it gets into with Jack's magical skills. He works with water/liquids, and when we meet him at the oil tanker, there's a lot of interplay about whether he's dealing with crude oil, a mix, or something else and how he'll apply his skills. It might be more than a lot of people wanted to know, but I appreciated the depth.
Classic romance tropes, great set-up, interesting plot to provide structure for the relationship and the magical world all make it intriguing. (Note: the magical aristocracy feels very much like Ilona Andrews' Nevada series). The problem? Zero feels. Literally, this reminds me reading when I was nine or ten. All head-based. In the first few pages of meeting her, here's how Jack responds: "According to her expression, someone was about to die, and I hoped that someone wasn't me. Then again, if she wanted to kill me, there were worse ways to go." (spoiler for space)
So it's super-interesting as a book where two people come together, get to know each other, and solve some issues, maybe adopt a cat along the way (so much cat!). When it comes to romance, it's all head-based affection. Seriously, I can't even remember a lingering kiss. I think there's supposed to be a bedroom scene, but it fades to black long, long before (spoiler). It literally is like a nine year-old's version of a relationship (at least according to 1950s nine year-olds).
I'll also note that I had problems believing in Jack as a male character heavily involved in rescue work, but that could just be my experience. For awhile, I tried on the character as a female with a nickname 'Jack,' and that worked just as well. Which says something about gender-neutral and romance, but I'm not sure what.
This is definitely one of those books that your mileage will vary based on expectations. What it most reminded me of was an Ilona Andrews' Hidden Legacy series, minus the romance. Yeah, you read that. Good action, generally benign world-building, family politics, magic. But no romance. Not that that's a bad thing--unless your book is marketed as a romance.
Two and a half stars, rounding up because it is really otherwise very competently written. Had I not been told to think that these two were falling in love--and utterly failed to believe it--it would have been four stars for fun.
May 19, 2020
Certainly the most useful couple. A doctor princess and a search and rescuer. The bad guy is more obvious. Story seems to be more about the RPS needing special training. I liked how the states continue to pull together. Favourite part was Jack’s magic and the ending. Favourite character was Kevin.
March 2, 2025
Other people have complained that this book didn't read like others in the series. That might be because it is a different book with different characters!
***Spoilers***
I really liked that it didn't start in the Royal States. I have been wondering what is going on in the rest of the world. There were a couple of questions I still had at the end of the book such as who in the RPS Main detail was helping Uncle Carl. We were told he was the mastermind but who were his minions other than the traitors in Turkey? Also, what happened to the two brothers? If Uncle Carl abused them, did they never tell their father? That would have been motive enough for him to go against his brother. Bonds was a really good book. It was nice seeing Montana and Texas at a later time in their lives. Ms. Blaine, Please continue to write these. These and the Magical comedies (with a body count) are some of the only books I buy rather than just reading from Kindle Unlimited.
March 2, 2025: Edited for spelling.
***Spoilers***
I really liked that it didn't start in the Royal States. I have been wondering what is going on in the rest of the world. There were a couple of questions I still had at the end of the book such as who in the RPS Main detail was helping Uncle Carl. We were told he was the mastermind but who were his minions other than the traitors in Turkey? Also, what happened to the two brothers? If Uncle Carl abused them, did they never tell their father? That would have been motive enough for him to go against his brother. Bonds was a really good book. It was nice seeing Montana and Texas at a later time in their lives. Ms. Blaine, Please continue to write these. These and the Magical comedies (with a body count) are some of the only books I buy rather than just reading from Kindle Unlimited.
March 2, 2025: Edited for spelling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
2021 bk 332. My only gripe with this book is that the cover is so far different from the rest of the books that I truly wondered if I had purchased a book not of the series. This is one of my new favorites. We are introduced to a professional search and rescue diver - one who can work the water to form ice. Ice can be used to block holes in leaking vessels, used as weapons, and preserve what needs to be preserved. Exhausting himself and his talent after an oil spill, a princess of Maine and doctor is called in to heal him. Fun ensues as Jack realizes that Melody is in danger and their healing bond becomes strong. More fun characters.
January 13, 2022
Action fantasy romance
Loved this, so when I finished reading it I re-read it. Jack is a first responder and he has to stop a massive oil spill from a stricken oil tanker. He also needs to search for crew. Desperate to succeed he over uses his ice magic, both showing his status as a royal that he's hidden for years and risking a deadly burn out.
Loved this, so when I finished reading it I re-read it. Jack is a first responder and he has to stop a massive oil spill from a stricken oil tanker. He also needs to search for crew. Desperate to succeed he over uses his ice magic, both showing his status as a royal that he's hidden for years and risking a deadly burn out.
August 21, 2019
I like and disliked the story. i felt like the romance before Jack and Melody was forced. Not enough of something in their courtship? the feeling of him not really noticing her because he had heavier stuff to handle? I just don't know.
May 7, 2020
I did not enjoy this one. There was too much detail of the surroundings, and it was very hard to try to keep some of the conversations straight with all of the Royals. The story line was good, but it was jut too detail oriented and confusing at times.
June 3, 2023
The books in this series all follow a formula but the proportions of the parts in it kept shifting further and further to the point where this one is almost unrecognizable compared to the first few.
The basic concept was to start with a character that suffers a lot of hardships and was generally dealt a shitty hand but tries to be a decent person despite all that. Then this character gets involved with one of the royal families many of which are a bunch of incredibly cool and quirky people and suddenly find themselves in a high-stakes high-reward situation where they can use their incredible talent to actually make a difference while also getting the prince/princess in the process.
These stories felt a bit like they are built on the idea of karma. But not as punishment but as a deserved windfall.
The romance and family part of these stories was always incredibly cheesy and almost unbearably sweet, but this was balanced out by the difficult and sometimes very dark parts.
But throughout the series, this dark part of the story kept shrinking to the point where this one ultimately mutated into a cheesy cheese wish fulfillment story about getting everything, riches, new friends, a loving family, finding the love of your life, literally becoming a monarch, etc. with very little of the depth and intricate character work which initially drew me into the series.
It's just straight-up lazy honestly.
I feel bad to some degree for calling this lazy because the author clearly did what she did with all the books and dove fairly deep into the specializations of the characters (rescue diving etc. in this case) and is still able to write convincing professionals at least to a layperson like me.
So it's still not even close to the level of most generic romance authors that don't give a shit about anything.
I want to acknowledge that. But it nonetheless feels like so much less effort was put into these later books, especially this one.
I want to feel the emotional rollercoaster of the heart-wrenching downward spiral of the MCs life rapidly approaching rock bottom and then a chance presents itself. An opportunity where the MC gets the chance to prove their metal, gain the recognition they deserve, and fight together with the romantic interest through adversity towards a deserved happy ending.
That is the formula (with minor variations here and there) that captured me.
But this book just skipped the first parts and basically starts with the final stretch towards the happy end which I think is just boring without any of the spice before that.
It's basically romance cheese front to back. The characters all collectively act way too blasée about the supposed danger to convince me that the token villain is an actual threat.
Maybe that is the part that drew the biggest crowd to this series and it really doesn't need more than this bare minimum saccharine love story to keep its fans. But I was looking forward to much more than this.
The basic concept was to start with a character that suffers a lot of hardships and was generally dealt a shitty hand but tries to be a decent person despite all that. Then this character gets involved with one of the royal families many of which are a bunch of incredibly cool and quirky people and suddenly find themselves in a high-stakes high-reward situation where they can use their incredible talent to actually make a difference while also getting the prince/princess in the process.
These stories felt a bit like they are built on the idea of karma. But not as punishment but as a deserved windfall.
The romance and family part of these stories was always incredibly cheesy and almost unbearably sweet, but this was balanced out by the difficult and sometimes very dark parts.
But throughout the series, this dark part of the story kept shrinking to the point where this one ultimately mutated into a cheesy cheese wish fulfillment story about getting everything, riches, new friends, a loving family, finding the love of your life, literally becoming a monarch, etc. with very little of the depth and intricate character work which initially drew me into the series.
It's just straight-up lazy honestly.
I feel bad to some degree for calling this lazy because the author clearly did what she did with all the books and dove fairly deep into the specializations of the characters (rescue diving etc. in this case) and is still able to write convincing professionals at least to a layperson like me.
So it's still not even close to the level of most generic romance authors that don't give a shit about anything.
I want to acknowledge that. But it nonetheless feels like so much less effort was put into these later books, especially this one.
I want to feel the emotional rollercoaster of the heart-wrenching downward spiral of the MCs life rapidly approaching rock bottom and then a chance presents itself. An opportunity where the MC gets the chance to prove their metal, gain the recognition they deserve, and fight together with the romantic interest through adversity towards a deserved happy ending.
That is the formula (with minor variations here and there) that captured me.
But this book just skipped the first parts and basically starts with the final stretch towards the happy end which I think is just boring without any of the spice before that.
It's basically romance cheese front to back. The characters all collectively act way too blasée about the supposed danger to convince me that the token villain is an actual threat.
Maybe that is the part that drew the biggest crowd to this series and it really doesn't need more than this bare minimum saccharine love story to keep its fans. But I was looking forward to much more than this.
November 30, 2020
one of the best
In this series the characters are always good people, the world is interesting and the plots keep you reading along . . . but the books have a major issue: the MC relationships are almost interchangeable.
MC women are strong, stubborn and exceptional, MC men are mature, protective and doting, and every one of them has precisely the same relationship with his/her partner. MC men like to be dominated in bed (even Montana, though he’s happy either way), MC women want kids and make great mothers. All of them are bright, super responsible, patriotic and willing make sacrifices to rule well. Their repartee even sounds exactly the same, and that’s a real problem. Maybe it’s only because I read the books in one long spree, but until this book, I was getting really tired of the MCs sounding like different casts for the same sitcom. At least here there was some variety.
I think the major difference in this book was the male MC’s job. He’s a very experienced search and rescue first responder, and the rescue at the beginning of the story was the highlight of the book for me. It also helped that he had a different backstory than the rest of the series’s MCs—while a royal, he had not been raised as one (all other MCs are royal/elite or exceptional lower caste members). The female MC also has a vocation—she’s a dedicated doctor who’s at risk of bonding for life if she saves someone close to death. So the MCs are automatically more interesting people than usual, as are their interactions for much of the book, which is more focussed on survival than repartee.
Unfortunately, once they get back to civilization and become a pair, we’re right back to same old-same old. The romantic template overwhelms their individuality and they become clones of every other MC couple in the series. Fortunately that doesn’t happen until the end of the book so I really liked a lot of the story.
Another facet of the same issue: all the books have another MC, the RPS heads of detail, and they have a similar problem with similarity. They’re all long suffering, hyper-responsible and completely supportive (fortunately supportive sometimes looks a little different, depending on the principal they’re guarding). They constantly whip out snappy comebacks and all have the same sense of humor.
I know it’s hard on an author to vary their characters, but I do hope Ms Copperfield works on the problem. Her books are fun reads—they’d be a lot more fun with a broader variety of personalities in them. Human beings have a fascinating breadth to them and build loving relationships in so many different ways that all deserve to be celebrated. Susan Copperfield is a talented writer and I expect she could do justice to a much greater range of personality than she’s attempted so far.
In this series the characters are always good people, the world is interesting and the plots keep you reading along . . . but the books have a major issue: the MC relationships are almost interchangeable.
MC women are strong, stubborn and exceptional, MC men are mature, protective and doting, and every one of them has precisely the same relationship with his/her partner. MC men like to be dominated in bed (even Montana, though he’s happy either way), MC women want kids and make great mothers. All of them are bright, super responsible, patriotic and willing make sacrifices to rule well. Their repartee even sounds exactly the same, and that’s a real problem. Maybe it’s only because I read the books in one long spree, but until this book, I was getting really tired of the MCs sounding like different casts for the same sitcom. At least here there was some variety.
I think the major difference in this book was the male MC’s job. He’s a very experienced search and rescue first responder, and the rescue at the beginning of the story was the highlight of the book for me. It also helped that he had a different backstory than the rest of the series’s MCs—while a royal, he had not been raised as one (all other MCs are royal/elite or exceptional lower caste members). The female MC also has a vocation—she’s a dedicated doctor who’s at risk of bonding for life if she saves someone close to death. So the MCs are automatically more interesting people than usual, as are their interactions for much of the book, which is more focussed on survival than repartee.
Unfortunately, once they get back to civilization and become a pair, we’re right back to same old-same old. The romantic template overwhelms their individuality and they become clones of every other MC couple in the series. Fortunately that doesn’t happen until the end of the book so I really liked a lot of the story.
Another facet of the same issue: all the books have another MC, the RPS heads of detail, and they have a similar problem with similarity. They’re all long suffering, hyper-responsible and completely supportive (fortunately supportive sometimes looks a little different, depending on the principal they’re guarding). They constantly whip out snappy comebacks and all have the same sense of humor.
I know it’s hard on an author to vary their characters, but I do hope Ms Copperfield works on the problem. Her books are fun reads—they’d be a lot more fun with a broader variety of personalities in them. Human beings have a fascinating breadth to them and build loving relationships in so many different ways that all deserve to be celebrated. Susan Copperfield is a talented writer and I expect she could do justice to a much greater range of personality than she’s attempted so far.
November 28, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First 90% of the book is around a 3 star rating. -- The rest drops to 1 star, so saying 2 stars overall. -- I can only re-read if I stop reading when they arrive in Montana,the rest just annoys me.
I borrowed all the books up to the most recent out so kept going after I gave book 2 a 1* rating on my reviews to add notes. I tend to batch review. I only kept going because I really enjoy a few of her other works under the R.J. Blain name.
First book and book 1.5 = 3.5 start.... Books 3, 4 & 5 were back to a 3 or 3.5 star rating and then we get to this one. (I re-read most of this series, ignoring book 2 and skipping the stupidity from about 90% in with this book. -- I'll update this, if I dislike later books)
Around 90% of the book, its a 3* then we got to the last bit and IMHO it went off a cliff.
First time read the author's work?: No (Prefer some of her series written as R.J. Blain; GP Robbins & Audrey Greene. - Updated Mar 2025)
Will you be reading more?:Not of this series or it's spin off. -- I really like this world even though a couple of the books are total or somewhat misses for me, so a tentative 'yes'.
Some of the authors' works I really like, others I like, some series are 'hit and miss' and others I dislike. -- She's still in the 'more really like or like' category to be rated as a 'favourite' author.
Would you recommend?: Maybe for this series.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
First 90% of the book is around a 3 star rating. -- The rest drops to 1 star, so saying 2 stars overall. -- I can only re-read if I stop reading when they arrive in Montana,the rest just annoys me.
I borrowed all the books up to the most recent out so kept going after I gave book 2 a 1* rating on my reviews to add notes. I tend to batch review. I only kept going because I really enjoy a few of her other works under the R.J. Blain name.
First book and book 1.5 = 3.5 start.... Books 3, 4 & 5 were back to a 3 or 3.5 star rating and then we get to this one. (I re-read most of this series, ignoring book 2 and skipping the stupidity from about 90% in with this book. -- I'll update this, if I dislike later books)
Around 90% of the book, its a 3* then we got to the last bit and IMHO it went off a cliff.
First time read the author's work?: No (Prefer some of her series written as R.J. Blain; GP Robbins & Audrey Greene. - Updated Mar 2025)
Will you be reading more?:
Some of the authors' works I really like, others I like, some series are 'hit and miss' and others I dislike. -- She's still in the 'more really like or like' category to be rated as a 'favourite' author.
Would you recommend?: Maybe for this series.
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
July 26, 2019
Royal shenanigans both benign and malevolent, search-&-rescue skills, lovable cats + romance = quite enjoyab!e.
A fun (and often funny) story, both for the new characters and for revisiting a number of familiar folks (and hearing outsider-perspective gossip about events and relationships from previous books). Jack's ice powers are (forgive me) very cool, and I appreciate his practical (for a risk-taker with a cause) competence. The way the Maine royal line's talents and bonding can work make for an interesting dynamic. There are a number of dangerous moments to add excitement to the recipe, and one ethically gray character worthy of discussion.
I did catch a few proofreading goofs (including wench in place of winch, for one UNintended giggle) and I'm pretty sure there was an internal inconsistency or at least lack of clarity re. Melody's first description of her siblings vs. the rest of the book, but it was easy to get past them.
I'm trying to recall whether there was anything else in particular that I meant to mention, but I think this is it for now. Overall, recommended.
A fun (and often funny) story, both for the new characters and for revisiting a number of familiar folks (and hearing outsider-perspective gossip about events and relationships from previous books). Jack's ice powers are (forgive me) very cool, and I appreciate his practical (for a risk-taker with a cause) competence. The way the Maine royal line's talents and bonding can work make for an interesting dynamic. There are a number of dangerous moments to add excitement to the recipe, and one ethically gray character worthy of discussion.
I did catch a few proofreading goofs (including wench in place of winch, for one UNintended giggle) and I'm pretty sure there was an internal inconsistency or at least lack of clarity re. Melody's first description of her siblings vs. the rest of the book, but it was easy to get past them.
I'm trying to recall whether there was anything else in particular that I meant to mention, but I think this is it for now. Overall, recommended.
July 26, 2019
Bonds Review
Love love loved this book!
Loved meeting new Royals and learning about the different lines of power. Loved the main character and his ability to keep a level head in the middle of pure chaos. Loved getting to learn a little about countries outside the Royal States. Loved the seemingly endless supply of cats and kittens. And especially loved all the cameos and little updates from the Royals we've met in the previous books.
This book was full of the action, love, and craziness I've come to expect from this series and it literally had me laughing out loud more than once.
I don't think I will ever grow tired of the amazingly detailed world and characters Copperfield has created.
Bonds is an excellent addition to the Royal States series and in my opinion it is highly recommended.
Love love loved this book!
Loved meeting new Royals and learning about the different lines of power. Loved the main character and his ability to keep a level head in the middle of pure chaos. Loved getting to learn a little about countries outside the Royal States. Loved the seemingly endless supply of cats and kittens. And especially loved all the cameos and little updates from the Royals we've met in the previous books.
This book was full of the action, love, and craziness I've come to expect from this series and it literally had me laughing out loud more than once.
I don't think I will ever grow tired of the amazingly detailed world and characters Copperfield has created.
Bonds is an excellent addition to the Royal States series and in my opinion it is highly recommended.
May 15, 2020
This is a fun speculative fiction series that focuses on a number of societal failings. Magic and the fall of the USA has lead to the formation of a coalition of kingdoms loosely organized into the Royal States of America. The stronger a person's magic, the higher their caste is, and the monarchs have the most powerful magic of all. Those without any magic are considered to be the lowest of lows and are treated abominably. This series focuses on many human rights issues. I was sure I was going to hate it but, instead, I freakin' love it! If you are expecting high literature, give this a miss, but if you need some good, old fashioned escape, Susan Copperfield is a great investment of your time.
July 22, 2019
I LOVE this book!!
I have never been disappointed with any of this author's books! When reading this author's books you become vested in the story. You can't wait to see what happens to the characters in the story. The characters are loveable, witty and savvy. You meet one character in one book and you get to "see" them in another book, you get to see what they have been up to! I love that about this author! When you reach the end of the book it isn't always the end of the story! I would recommend this writer's books to any and everyone. Buckle up babe cause it's a great ride!!
I have never been disappointed with any of this author's books! When reading this author's books you become vested in the story. You can't wait to see what happens to the characters in the story. The characters are loveable, witty and savvy. You meet one character in one book and you get to "see" them in another book, you get to see what they have been up to! I love that about this author! When you reach the end of the book it isn't always the end of the story! I would recommend this writer's books to any and everyone. Buckle up babe cause it's a great ride!!
November 17, 2021
I like these books, maybe? I think...? I don't fucking know. They're streaming on storytel, if not I don't think I'd pick them up. They have this sense of humour that is really silly that people seem to love that I fluctuate between finding stupid and annoying and a bit endearing, though it's not as pronounced as her R.J. Blain books.
The characters in this one are somewhat flat and yet exaggerated. But it's a fairly OK book, reading this still made me want to reread book 1 so there is obviously something about these books even though I'm not really sure what it is. Are they great? No, but they are decent enough and entertaining which is often what you want.
The characters in this one are somewhat flat and yet exaggerated. But it's a fairly OK book, reading this still made me want to reread book 1 so there is obviously something about these books even though I'm not really sure what it is. Are they great? No, but they are decent enough and entertaining which is often what you want.
July 18, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved reading bonds, it different reading it from the males perspective, adds a different feel to it. Jack being able to rescue instead of being rescued was a bonus. The cats were awesome 😻😻Catching up with the other royals is always a delight, the Montana and Texas royals will always be my favourites. It was refreshing not to have one of the main characters experienced emotional or physical abuse like the other royal states book have. I hope the author does Ian book soon. Would definitely recommend reading the series x
I loved reading bonds, it different reading it from the males perspective, adds a different feel to it. Jack being able to rescue instead of being rescued was a bonus. The cats were awesome 😻😻Catching up with the other royals is always a delight, the Montana and Texas royals will always be my favourites. It was refreshing not to have one of the main characters experienced emotional or physical abuse like the other royal states book have. I hope the author does Ian book soon. Would definitely recommend reading the series x
July 19, 2019
Susan delivers another fast paced adventure in this universe. Jack has unique skills which is just as well as he will be challenged to the max. You can read this as a stand alone you will definitely get even more fun by reading the other Royal States adventures as some previous characters do appear. And there are cats and a really cute kitten!. You can tell the amount of research work put in by the author with the authenticity of the search and rescue procedures. A all round good read that enhances this extremely enjoyable series.
July 20, 2019
She did it to me again!!
Copperfield or Blain it does not matter - buy it, read it and the next thing you know it is 2 am and you have to go to work the next morning. Bonds has **spoiler** Mainiacs involved so expect a bit of oddness. I like how each book is threaded to the rest but you could still read it out of series (but don't if you can avoid it as you will not experience the full story line). I auto purchase when available and cant wait for the new Water Viper and Hypnos (I have sick days saved up!!)
Copperfield or Blain it does not matter - buy it, read it and the next thing you know it is 2 am and you have to go to work the next morning. Bonds has **spoiler** Mainiacs involved so expect a bit of oddness. I like how each book is threaded to the rest but you could still read it out of series (but don't if you can avoid it as you will not experience the full story line). I auto purchase when available and cant wait for the new Water Viper and Hypnos (I have sick days saved up!!)
September 8, 2019
Another winner in the Royal States series
You’d think after the first 3 or 4 books in this series, it would get old or stale or both. But it doesn’t. Love the Royal States series. Every couple has a different story and a different dynamic. We learn more about other states and foreign countries in this book and there are a few cameos by the Texas and Montana Royal Families. If you enjoyed the stories of Mackenzie, Pat & Jessica, the North Dakotans, and Mariya and Adam, you will enjoy this.
You’d think after the first 3 or 4 books in this series, it would get old or stale or both. But it doesn’t. Love the Royal States series. Every couple has a different story and a different dynamic. We learn more about other states and foreign countries in this book and there are a few cameos by the Texas and Montana Royal Families. If you enjoyed the stories of Mackenzie, Pat & Jessica, the North Dakotans, and Mariya and Adam, you will enjoy this.
July 17, 2019
Jack has met his match in Melody. I loved that he was search and rescue and used his magic in order to do good and help others. Melody’s magic is not one I would wish on anyone but I liked how it was handled and Jack knew what he was getting into. And of course I adored the cats with Sparrow being a personal favorite. I’d go into more details but no spoilers here. It’s not necessary but it helps if you’ve read the previous books to understand more of the supporting characters.
July 18, 2019
Another Twinkie
On another of Copperfield 's books, a reviewer compared the story to a Twinkie: not much good, but we eat them anyway. The latest entry in the Royal States series doesn't have much to it. The characters are inconsistent, the "bad guy" is spoken about, but never has a line of dialogue, and the plot is a convoluted mess. Boy meets girl, and that's really all that happens. At length.
On another of Copperfield 's books, a reviewer compared the story to a Twinkie: not much good, but we eat them anyway. The latest entry in the Royal States series doesn't have much to it. The characters are inconsistent, the "bad guy" is spoken about, but never has a line of dialogue, and the plot is a convoluted mess. Boy meets girl, and that's really all that happens. At length.
July 19, 2019
Exciting story
Jack, the protagonist of this epic, is a search and rescue professional, who uses his magic to save people and the environment. Melody is a brilliant gifted doctor, cursed to be born into a royal family. Together they face disasters, sabotage, magical overload, cats, and worst of all, baseball games. I love this author 's books and thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition.
Jack, the protagonist of this epic, is a search and rescue professional, who uses his magic to save people and the environment. Melody is a brilliant gifted doctor, cursed to be born into a royal family. Together they face disasters, sabotage, magical overload, cats, and worst of all, baseball games. I love this author 's books and thoroughly enjoyed this latest addition.
July 19, 2019
Loved this book
This book is amazing. The amount of research and hard work the author did is insane. The story builds upon some of the other books in the Royal States series and has quite a bit of Susan's dry humor that has you cracking up in the most awkward places, like a meeting at work being told not to read unless it's break time......it wasn't when I laughed hysterically btw. But if you love dry humor and a lot of bada**ery this is an amazing book!!!!!!!!!😂
This book is amazing. The amount of research and hard work the author did is insane. The story builds upon some of the other books in the Royal States series and has quite a bit of Susan's dry humor that has you cracking up in the most awkward places, like a meeting at work being told not to read unless it's break time......it wasn't when I laughed hysterically btw. But if you love dry humor and a lot of bada**ery this is an amazing book!!!!!!!!!😂
July 19, 2019
Loved it! I really enjoy the Royal States series because each book brings something different, and in this case, the book began in Europe, with a potential environmental disaster. The characters personalities are always something that draws me in, and in Bonds, I was hooked. The storyline was well written and of course characters from previous books were on scene, which I love because I have a serious soft spot for the first book ‘Null and Void’, and the main characters!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2020
This book was ok. In the Royal States of America, magic rules all. Rescue Diver Jack Alders has waveweaving talent and he has to use it to stand between France and a record breaking oil spill. What he finds on the oil tanker will change his life forever. There is a tyrant out there willing to kill. He meets up with a woman on another ship and they have to combine their talents. Interesting read.
July 18, 2019
No Rescue Necessary
Because Jack, our main character, is more than capable. Well, except that one time. Everybody has those days.
I very much enjoyed this book, and we got to see and learn about people and Royals that do not live in the Royal States of America. I also not-so-secretly hope for a couple of international spin-offs. As aleays, I look forward to the next book.
Because Jack, our main character, is more than capable. Well, except that one time. Everybody has those days.
I very much enjoyed this book, and we got to see and learn about people and Royals that do not live in the Royal States of America. I also not-so-secretly hope for a couple of international spin-offs. As aleays, I look forward to the next book.
July 18, 2019
Again, the author delivered a wonderfully fun examination of serious issues like the responsibilities of rulers, the effects of regicide, and the possible consequences of doing what is right, all of which is wrapped with her amazingly fun and slightly twisted Royal States (which I did not know extended internationally). This is so addictive!
July 19, 2019
Loved it!
Love this series. So inventive and fun to read. Bonds starts with a bang with an intense emergency rescue of the French coast from a devastating oil spill and the story develops with all the usual heart warming and funny characters and the story lines I've come to expect and enjoy. I look forward to my escapes into this magical world.
Love this series. So inventive and fun to read. Bonds starts with a bang with an intense emergency rescue of the French coast from a devastating oil spill and the story develops with all the usual heart warming and funny characters and the story lines I've come to expect and enjoy. I look forward to my escapes into this magical world.
July 25, 2019
Excellent
I’ve been waiting on the next book in this series for a while, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I loved Jack. Search and Rescue guy? Awesomely awesome. Seriously loved that angle as a Paramedic. And the ending was hysterically funny and perfect. Melody was great as well. Loved her skill set as well. And cats. Couldn’t have been better.
I’ve been waiting on the next book in this series for a while, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I loved Jack. Search and Rescue guy? Awesomely awesome. Seriously loved that angle as a Paramedic. And the ending was hysterically funny and perfect. Melody was great as well. Loved her skill set as well. And cats. Couldn’t have been better.
December 24, 2021
Fantastic
All of R.J. Blain’s books are fantastic reads I have read them multiple times and will probably keep rereading them. I would and do recommend them to anyone who will listen and who just wants to step out of their reality for a little while and make themselves feel good. Awesome job R.J keep up the good work and I’ll keep buying so I can read and reread at my leisure.
All of R.J. Blain’s books are fantastic reads I have read them multiple times and will probably keep rereading them. I would and do recommend them to anyone who will listen and who just wants to step out of their reality for a little while and make themselves feel good. Awesome job R.J keep up the good work and I’ll keep buying so I can read and reread at my leisure.
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