Fans pick 100 books like Born to be Bound

By Addison Cain,

Here are 100 books that Born to be Bound fans have personally recommended if you like Born to be Bound. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Book cover of The Game Maker

Vivian Murdoch Author Of Dark Hunger

From my list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been writing since I was in kindergarten. Granted, it started out with poetry, but words are still words. When it comes to omegaverse, I made sure to devour some of the great writers before I even stuck my toe in. The great thing about omegaverse is that you can put it in almost any setting, and it fits. I just happen to like dystopian, and now historical regency England, as my backdrop. I’ve been writing professionally since 2020, and I have never looked back once. This is my passion. This is my calling. This is what I’m meant to do.

Vivian's book list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink

Vivian Murdoch Why did Vivian love this book?

This book grabbed me from the moment I picked it up. It was dark, delicious, and one of the best mindf*cks I’ve read in a long time. It kept me on the edge of my seat with the twists and turns I never expected. And as far as the spicy scenes go…they were beyond magnificent. There was no skimming there, I devoured every morsel.

By Kitty Thomas,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Game Maker as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

I was too isolated. I was about to be evicted. I made a final desperate call to the man who ruined my life, but he didn't come for me.

Someone else did.

And then there was Seven. When I first woke in the cell, I thought he was my captor, but he is a pawn, like me.

Seven is beautiful and kind. I want him so much I can barely breathe. He wants to protect me from our captor, but he can't.

We are both locked inside a game neither of us can ever hope to win, and even though…


Book cover of Broken

Vivian Murdoch Author Of Dark Hunger

From my list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been writing since I was in kindergarten. Granted, it started out with poetry, but words are still words. When it comes to omegaverse, I made sure to devour some of the great writers before I even stuck my toe in. The great thing about omegaverse is that you can put it in almost any setting, and it fits. I just happen to like dystopian, and now historical regency England, as my backdrop. I’ve been writing professionally since 2020, and I have never looked back once. This is my passion. This is my calling. This is what I’m meant to do.

Vivian's book list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink

Vivian Murdoch Why did Vivian love this book?

When I tell you this book took my heart and ripped it out, I’m not even joking. I knew it was a dark book. I went in with this knowledge, but knowing and knowing are two totally different things. This was my first foray into contemporary omegaverse and I was fascinated beyond belief. This is one of those books that kept me up all night, downloading the next just so I could get my fix and find out the end of the story. Some of the scenes still live in my head rent-free.

By Eva Dresden,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Broken as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Street smart, stubborn, and struggling.

Quinn Ivers scrapes by one day at a time in a world where Omegas are viewed as less than nothing and are subject to the whims of others. Slinging drinks in a nightclub with a wicked reputation, she just wants to make it to the next day. Her world is rife with an array of dangers, but it's hers and she answers to no one.

Until Tobias Kahler appears and ruins everything, including her.

The man who owns the city has set his eyes on the waitress, and he won't be denied. Merciless and without…


Topics
  • Coming soon!
Genres
  • Coming soon!

Book cover of Philip's Rules

Vivian Murdoch Author Of Dark Hunger

From my list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been writing since I was in kindergarten. Granted, it started out with poetry, but words are still words. When it comes to omegaverse, I made sure to devour some of the great writers before I even stuck my toe in. The great thing about omegaverse is that you can put it in almost any setting, and it fits. I just happen to like dystopian, and now historical regency England, as my backdrop. I’ve been writing professionally since 2020, and I have never looked back once. This is my passion. This is my calling. This is what I’m meant to do.

Vivian's book list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink

Vivian Murdoch Why did Vivian love this book?

When I first started reading romance, I read nothing but historical. But then, I got bored with it because it all felt the same. That changed when I read this book. It was kinky and filthy, and still had that amazing historical romance mannerisms that I love and crave. I didn’t know books could be like this. I was smitten. Because of her, I fell back in love with historical romances.

By Golden Angel,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Philip's Rules as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Pride and Prejudice meets Fifty Shades of Grey in this steamy tale of a stern lord and his new wife…

Lady Cordelia knows the Marquess of Dunbury did not marry her for love. Still, as he awakens her passion and pleasure, she begins to hope their marriage can become something more.

The Marquess of Dunbury rules his household with a stern demeanor and a hard hand. His new wife has begun to soften his harsh edges, engaging his more tender emotions. Their passion burns bright, but no relationship is without its tests.

Will a wicked stepdaughter and Cordelia’s own insecurities…


If you love Born to be Bound...

Ad

Book cover of Dead Hand

Dead Hand By Valerie Nieman,

Lourana and Darrick took down the dreaded coal barons in To the Bones, but it seems that the Kavanaghs aren’t done yet. The college-age son of Eamon Kavanagh has unexpectedly inherited not only the family’s business empire but the family itself: generations of Kavanagh men whose spirits persist and who…

Book cover of Branded

Vivian Murdoch Author Of Dark Hunger

From my list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have been writing since I was in kindergarten. Granted, it started out with poetry, but words are still words. When it comes to omegaverse, I made sure to devour some of the great writers before I even stuck my toe in. The great thing about omegaverse is that you can put it in almost any setting, and it fits. I just happen to like dystopian, and now historical regency England, as my backdrop. I’ve been writing professionally since 2020, and I have never looked back once. This is my passion. This is my calling. This is what I’m meant to do.

Vivian's book list on darker dystopian omegaverse with a large dash of kink

Vivian Murdoch Why did Vivian love this book?

Once again, Addison Cain is on my list for omegaverse, but this time, it’s for a reverse harem omegaverse. Until this time, I had never read reverse harem, but there it was in all its intricate depraved glory. Again, very much on the dark scale, but I still devoured it. There really is no one like her when it comes to darkverse books. She’s literally the one I hold the standard for.

By Addison Cain,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Branded as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Electrifying, dark, and delicious! I devoured every tantalizing word...” Renee Rose, USA Today Bestselling author

Lips brushing my ear, Caspian offers me a fair exchange.

My life in exchange for the freedom of my wards.

Infamous for his cruelty, renowned for his wealth, the most powerful man in the city meets my desperate gaze and smirks.
Aggressive in his appetites, vicious in his demands, Caspian will brook no refusal. So long as I am his, he will enact no restraint, bear no qualms, dress me as he wishes, shower me with riches, and teach me the secrets of pleasure in…


Book cover of Ruthless King

E.J. Frost Author Of Snowburn

From my list on scifi and fantasy romance.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been fascinated by “other worlds” since I found my father’s battered copy of Dune when I was eleven. I’ve been seeking that experience of transportation, of transcendence, that I got from reading Dune, ever since. I’ve found it in diverse places, from the very alien worlds of Jo Clayton’s Diadem from the Stars series to the somehow-familiar woods of Richard and Wendy Pini’s ElfQuest comics. I’ve tried to give that experience back to my readers, in creating worlds wondrous and strange but entirely relatable. The books on this list sparked that same sense of transcendence and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

E.J.'s book list on scifi and fantasy romance

E.J. Frost Why did E.J. love this book?

I’m always enamored of a truly dark, gritty setting. I want to see the dirt under the hero’s nails. Smell his sweat and hear his harsh breaths as he fights or...does other things. Aimes’s world in the Ruthless Warlord series is visceral. It grabs you by the throat, shakes you, throws you down, and smothers you. It’s brutal and in some ways unbearably harsh. But Aimes’s books are always tempered with humor, warmth, and ultimately, triumph of the human spirit. I may shiver and shudder my way through Nikolai and Dahlia’s story, but I feel hopeful by the end, and that’s why I return to Aimes’s books again and again—to be, ultimately, uplifted.

By Alison Aimes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ruthless King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"I tore myself away to throw dinner at the kids and then hurried back. Ruthless King was EVERYTHING I want in a romance and more." -5 Star Reviewer
He's the most brutal crime boss in the galaxy—and she belongs to him now.
Payment for a debt owed. Pawn for an act of vengeance. Property to be used.

Irresistibly gorgeous mafia king Nikolai Skolov is dominant, hard, possessive—and determined to bend innocent Dahlia Lundin to his will. But she is equally determined to resist. The lives of those she loves depends upon it.

Except Dahlia isn't prepared for the insatiable hunger…


Book cover of The Devil's Bargain

Aveda Vice Author Of Feed

From my list on short monster romances doing things differently.

Why am I passionate about this?

Monsters intrigue me. I’ve always enjoyed the weird and obscure – the creatures who are recognizably not human. Being a queer, autistic person, I’ve often felt as if I didn’t understand the world…or the world didn’t understand me. Reading and writing about monsters sheds a new light on the parts of myself that I was taught are undesirable. By conventional standards, the monsters in these stories are horrifying, yet they find people who love them and their monstrosity. Monsters get their happy endings – and I can get mine, too.

Aveda's book list on short monster romances doing things differently

Aveda Vice Why did Aveda love this book?

We all know the story: someone messes around with magic and ends up indebted to a demon. In this short, however, our main character is a queer Black man, and the devil that finds him won’t take no for an answer. For fans of Omegaverse, dubcon, and monsters that look like monsters, definitely check this out!

By Rian Fox,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Devil's Bargain as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The last thing Silas Cromwell expected was for a book to change his life. When a rare first edition book from a famous 19th-century Occultist ends up in Silas's lap at an auction, life as he knows it suddenly changes. Pressured into performing one of the rituals from the book by a friend, Silas gets a tease of regret. Now Silas can’t sleep, is having nightmares that end with him waking up terrified. Something obscene, dark and deadly wants Silas and he isn’t human. Bazaduil lusts for Silas and won’t take no for an answer, even if it means tricking…


If you love Addison Cain...

Ad

Book cover of Girl of Light

Girl of Light By Elana Gomel,

A girl of Light in a world of darkness.

In Svetlana's country, it’s a felony to break a mirror. Mirrors are conduits of the Voice, the deity worshiped by all who follow Light. The Voice protects humans of MotherLand from the dangers that beset them on all sides: an invading…

Book cover of Fever

Elizabeth Stephens Author Of Taken to Voraxia

From my list on alien romances featuring heroines of color.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a woman of color, impassioned reader, and author to boot, I'm always advocating for inclusion in my romance reads. All of my romances feature a lead or leads of color and I'm particularly drawn to books where I can identify myself in the heroines. I like to provide other readers of color with the same experience through my books, while writing compelling romances that can be enjoyed by anyone. I have published 12 novels, with 4+ coming out in 2022. I've hit the bestseller charts on Amazon in SciFi romances and multicultural romances with every new release. You can expect my Xiveri Mates series in audio, French, and German as early as March 2022.  

Elizabeth's book list on alien romances featuring heroines of color

Elizabeth Stephens Why did Elizabeth love this book?

I am obsessed with these books!!! I have read every Alpha Horde book Milana has written (there are over 10 across two different series). There’s a very, very sexy amazingly possessive alpha alien hero who is paired with a strong heroine who wants absolutely nothing to do with him. Slowly, she’s convinced. This recommendation is omegaverse with Alpha males and Omega females thus you’ll see traditional ABO kinks such as knotting. 

By Milana Jacks,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fever as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Fever Hordesman sits outside my house, wailing punny lyrics while beating a rock rhythm on his armor, and I'm late for work. My Omega heat’s coming on early, throwing a monkey wrench into my single-minded plan to ignore his single-minded quest to mate me. I have to admit—privately—his strong jaw, full mouth, and a scent that can send over a dozen Omegas into heat, make my girly bits quiver. Just a little.When the Swarm approaches me with an offer I can’t refuse, keeping Sotay at arm’s length is no longer an option. He’s got something the Swarm wants. If…


Book cover of Hive

Meg Caddy Author Of Slipping the Noose

From my list on YA with compelling female protagonists.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been drawn to YA novels – big feelings conveyed across shorter word counts, intense experiences, other worlds, characters finding their way in the world. For a long time in these books and across a range of genres, women and girls could only hope to be on the sidelines of these big stories. They were the maiden in the tower, the prospective bride or love interest of the hero. We’re incredibly lucky to live in a time where a wide range of female experiences can be found in our YA books, and these are always stories I seek to read and to tell. 

Meg's book list on YA with compelling female protagonists

Meg Caddy Why did Meg love this book?

This amazing Australian YA weaves such a delicate web. A quiet, introverted dystopia, and at its heart is the wonderful Hayley. Hayley is such an interesting female protagonist here not because she is deadly or combative, but because of her incredible perseverance and curiosity. Hive is the first in a truly compelling duology. 

By A. J. Betts,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Hive as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 15, 16, and 17.


Book cover of A Time to Die

Jessica Lauren Author Of Liberation

From my list on Christians who loved the Hunger Games.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always loved fictional works that explore deep truths of humanity and existence. As a teen struggling to understand my purpose and beliefs, I grew fond of dystopian books with subtle, hope-filled messages pointing to God as our salvation amid chaos. I loved the genre so much that I began writing a Christian dystopian novel of my own and self-published it at 19, weaving pieces of my testimony throughout the main character's inner journey. For me, a book is only as good as its characters, no matter how gripping the plot is. So, the books on this list contain some of the genre's most authentic, intricately written souls.

Jessica's book list on Christians who loved the Hunger Games

Jessica Lauren Why did Jessica love this book?

A Time to Die is a gritty dystopian book with many unexpected twists and a unique, intricate world that transported me right into it from the first chapter. I loved how genuine and transparent the main character is in her approach to every new circumstance and her newfound relationship with God.

Each chapter is fast-paced, intense, and almost always ends on a cliffhanger. It is one of the most thrilling, raw survival stories I have read, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a book that will keep them engaged and begging for more when it is over.

By Nadine Brandes,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Time to Die as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 13, 14, 15, and 16.

What is this book about?

How would you live if you knew the day you'd die? 

Parvin Blackwater believes she has wasted her life. At only seventeen, she has one year left according to the Clock by her bedside. In a last-ditch effort to make a difference, she tries to rescue Radicals from the government's crooked justice system. 

But when the authorities find out about her illegal activity, they cast her through the Wall -- her people's death sentence. What she finds on the other side about the world, about eternity, and about herself changes Parvin forever and might just save her people. But her…


If you love Born to be Bound...

Ad

Book cover of Aftermath: Into the Unknown

Aftermath By Lena Gibson,

Robin dreamed of attending Yale and using her brain. Kory lived on the streets of Seattle and relied on his brawn. Without the asteroid, they never would have met.

For three years, Robin and her grandfather have been hiding, trusting no one. When a biker gang moves into town, Robin…

Book cover of In the Country of Last Things

Tony Fry Author Of Defuturing: A New Design Philosophy

From my list on understand the state of the world dynamics.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a soldier, designer, educator, farmer, and remain a philosopher and writer. I defy the classification of being either practical or theoretic. I have worked on environmental issues for over thirty years, including urban, post-conflict, and climate change projects in Australia, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. I have written over twenty books on design, cities, conflict, and politics. I am driven to understand the complexity of the world in which I live and, thereafter, act based on the knowledge gained–my book list reflects this passion for knowledge, and my life evidences a commitment to act.

Tony's book list on understand the state of the world dynamics

Tony Fry Why did Tony love this book?

As one of my favorite novels, I find something unexpected every time I read this book. It takes you to a dystopic world, not so much as what it would look like, but how it would feel. I find it affirmative in its negativity. It takes me to what I value and wants to protect, cherish, and continue to experience. It has been part of a lesson I learned long ago and have lived by.

If you want things to be better, what is bad has to be confronted without turning away and surmounted by overcoming, adaptation, or acceptance.

By Paul Auster,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked In the Country of Last Things as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Paul Auster's dystopian future from the author of contemporary classic The New York Trilogy: 'a literary voice for the ages' (Guardian)

'That is how it works in the City. Every time you think you know the answer to a question, you discover that the question makes no sense . . .'

This is the story of Anna Blume and her journey to find her lost brother, William, in the unnamed City. Like the City itself, however, it is a journey that is doomed, and so all that is left is Anna's unwritten account of what happened.

Paul Auster takes us…


Book cover of The Game Maker
Book cover of Broken
Book cover of Philip's Rules

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,605

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in dystopian, presidential biography, and survival?

Dystopian 634 books
Survival 203 books