Bound by Hearts & Wings (Book 2 of 2) by Lauren Sanatra

First Line:

The scent of crushed flowers, spilled wine, and sex clung to the air in my cave like smoke

Summary:

Few survivors remain after the human king's purge of every non-human race. The ones who do fight for their freedom and for their lives.

Gea, half fae and half human, lives in hiding underground with her team. For their survival, they steal magic-infused medicine.

Onyc, a gargoyle in the mountains, is wounded from a raid intercepted by other non-humans. Non-humans he didn't know existed.

An unlikely bond tethers the two together as danger persists, and the humans draw nearer.

My Review: NO SPOILERS

Amazing world-building, character growth, and storytelling!

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but it was SO easy to become hooked. First, the world-building was honestly so good! I adored the way each character felt like a distinct person with their own feelings/background.

I also really enjoyed the way characters developed. Personally, the character growth of Onyx, Gea, and Kaine struck me the most. I felt like their characters were the most fleshed out, and I appreciated how each of them had realistic arcs!

Last, of course, Gea and Onyx! I think their story pulled me in so quickly because, although they felt destined from the start, they both earned each other in such a beautiful and realistic way! I loved their relationship from start to end, witty banter and all.

The plot was entertaining for me until about 80% through, where I found myself skipping through large segments just to see what happened next. Overall, super impressive writing, and I loved it!

Thank you so much for choosing me as an ARC Reader!

Rating:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Favorite Quote(s):

... the final wisps of fog curling low across the floor like dying breaths.

Morning light filtered in like a silent witness, casting angled beams that bathed the room in rich, honeyed warmth.

Page Count

577 Pages

Date Finished:

October 15th 2025

Book Genre:

Fantasy, Fae, Gargoyle, Romance, Romantasy, Adventure, Slow-Burn