| Title | : | Unbind (Alchemy #6) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 434 |
| Publication | : | Published September 12, 2024 |
Why is life so unfair?
It wasn't fair when my dad lost his company and we were ruined.
It wasn't fair when my brother lost an eye, curtesy of the most brutish, unhinged bully at our school.
And it certainly wasn't fair when the same bully got out of prison, turned his fortunes around, and became a billionaire.
It's not fair when he shows up in my life again as the newest member of the exclusive sex club where I work.
But most grievous of all? While his soul may be rotten to the core, the guy looks like a fallen angel.
Adam
You know what they say. An eye for an eye...
But it seems I've got away too lightly.
Atoning for my wrongs is the only thing that allows me to face myself in the mirror each day.
I've atoned in more ways than anyone knows, but I've failed to make amends for my sins with the people who deserve it the most.
I join Alchemy to find the kind of absolution only the sins of the flesh can provide.
Instead, I find hatred burning in the eyes of the stunning brunette at the front desk.
She's a mirror reflecting every dark and loathsome part that still pulses within me, and she gives me a new purpose in life:
To become worthy of her.
Unbind is an enemies to lovers, billionaire, forced proximity, age gap romance set within the luxurious decadence of the Alchemy club for adults. It forms part of a series of interconnected standalones and has a monogamous HEA.
Unbind (Alchemy #6) Reviews
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”To think this woman and I are connected in the worst way, by the most grotesque thing I’ve ever done to another human in my life, is as sickening as it is surreal.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
What a STUNNING book!! Nat & Adam’s story is a beautiful tale of redemption for traumatic & hurtful past events, as well as the power of finding a partner that supports you fully in the pursuit of your dreams. Having briefly met Natalie in previous Alchemy books as the subdued club hostess, it was so gratifying to get a full peek into this complex woman’s life. She has a brilliant passion for sustainable demi-couture and works tirelessly to build her own successful brand, all while managing Type 1 diabetes.
Adam Wright - WHAT A MAN! Try as she might, Elodie couldn’t make me hate the man who committed such grotesque acts in his past towards Natalie’s brother. His big heart, selflessness and caregiving shone through so quickly in the story and never wavered. He had such a complex character arc in Natalie’s eyes and it was captivating to read. I loved how Adam shared an equal passion for beautiful things with Nat and made space for her to fully avail herself of his help towards achieving her dreams!
I have to point out that the level of exquisite, luxurious items, places & experiences detailed by Elodie in this book was utterly SUBLIME! The writing and detailing of it all was transporting and I really felt like I was there with Nat & Adam every step of the way ✨
This might have been described as a “slow burn” or less spicy than previous Alchemy books, but there was nothing slow burn about the chemistry between these two!! I’m pretty sure I needed a change of panties at 38% into the book from the way these two were burning things up 🥵 Unbind offers up a heavy dose of spanking kink for anyone who loves particular micro-trope and it was the perfect blend of forceful but tender spice between Nat & Adam (which was really well done in light of Adam’s past history).
Such a fantastic addition to the Alchemy series and a beautifully heartwarming (and spicy) story! -
I’m sorry this simply is not for me lmao.
I’m somewhat shocked at how high the average rating is. I really enjoyed this series overall but I just couldn’t move past the past events that connected this couple. I was rolling my eyes and saying “seriously?!” every other chapter. The brother’s initial reaction was honestly the most legit/realistic aspect of this entire story.
I also just didn’t too much care for this couple and the smut in this book but overall simply not for me. -
Sexy Smart Redemption
I’ve loved Elodie Hart’s Alchemy series since Sara Madderson changed to her naughty alter ego. Book six brings the seriously sexy and liberating stories to a close, for now. As far as this series go, it’s a banger, but Unbind also ends Alchemy on the sweetest of storytelling notes.
Adam Wright is a man who committed a horrible wrong in his youth. He has paid his dues, and along the way made himself into a global brand. But not a day passes without remembering where he came from. It’s only when he meets Natalie Bennett that his past comes back with full horror for them both. And healing for them both begins with the wooing of the one woman he least expects to forgive him.
Redemption cannot be granted, it can only come from forgiving oneself. That is the very crux of this book, to me. And thankfully Adam finds a way to let go through his burgeoning love for Natalie.
Sara Madderson is a gifted storyteller and this book is as much old school Sara as it is Elodie Hart heated. It blends the best of sexy times and love story that hits all the most important touchstones along the way. I will admit to tearing up more than once and that doesn’t happen often.
And while we wait for more from Elodie Hart, if you love sexy storytelling with all the feels, read her Sara Madderson books and you’ll get it. I’ll be reading right along with you! -
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This is the 6th book in the Alchemy series, I remember feeling that nothing could top Unstitch for me but I don’t know how on earth Elodie does it but I absolutely adored Nat and Adam’s story, especially given Adam’s history I didn’t expect to shed tears for this man but I 100% did on more than one occasion too. The dual POV in this book is just perfection too, reading Adam’s perspective had my heart breaking and bursting throughout.
I always love how we already recognise the lead FMC or MMC in the book from previous books within the series, this time it’s Nat’s turn 😉. She is the first person you see when entering Alchemy, she greets guests but has yet to even enter the bar area let alone the double doors beyond leading to the Playroom.
Nat’s childhood wasn’t the easiest, her brother sadly lost his eye in an incident at school, years later she never expected to be face to face with the person responsible until Gen and Anton sign in their guest for the evening, the very same Adam Wright and Nat’s world literally comes crashing down.
Adam has spent years trying to atone for his past but no matter how hard he tries it’s never been enough for those who deserve it the most, Stephen and his family. An evening at Alchemy mixing business and pleasure took a swift turn when he’s greeted by Nat, not knowing who she was but feeling the hatred from her eyes burning into him.
Elodie is now the queen of the Enemies to Lovers trope now in my eyes, the slow burn between them is so delicious. It truly allowed their story to develop so beautifully before the spice levels began, trust me though when it begins the spice is banging!🌶️😊
Adam is the most beautiful caregiver and totally won me over and some. Nat is his female match, a caring, forgiving and compassionate woman.
A quote which will be engrained in my poor Adam filled brain is “Somehow, against every single odd the universe has attempted to throw at us, I've met a woman who sees me. Who cares for the man I am today and forgives the man I used to be”.
I’m truly not ready for their story to be over so I may or may not be rereading it (now)!
Thank you so much Elodie Hart for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own. -
The series that just keeps delivering… and then some!!
Seriously, I have loved every single book in the Alchemy series but this one is next level. The conflict, the chemistry, the entire premise had me turning pages until my eyelids couldn’t take any more.
Adam is the perfect book boyfriend- despite his past.
Nat is the heroine you can’t help but root for.
Together they were 🔥
Congratulations Elodie! You are & always will be my favourite author! -
An absolutely stunning near-standalone story. The perfect addition to the Alchemy family.
Nat and Adam had some unbelievably complex obstacles to overcome and they did it with honesty and grace and it was just so beautiful to read. Nat’s strength and ability to forgive was the perfect match for Adam and all his broken pieces(and his twitchy palm). Elodie continues to write such emotional yet spicy books and I absolutely cannot put them down. She also included some bits and pieces for her next series and WOW, I can’t wait.
5 very enthusiastic stars -
*Insert slow clap here* LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, SHE DOES IT AGAIN!!
This series very quickly became one that had a huge chokehold on me and I can confidently say that this book just continued in that. I am in absolute awe of how this book unfolded, both with the character development and the spice (😮💨).
So Natalie is the hostess at Alchemy and also the CEO of a budding demi-couture brand. She's working one evening at the club when who shows up with Gen and Anton? The man who bullied her brother in his high school years and ruined his life, a.k.a. his biggest enemy (therefore her biggest enemy). Adam Wright, the now caring, reformed billionaire and SUPER hot, then does everything in his power to woo Natalie, because (obviously) she is everything he's ever wanted.
So enemies to lovers ✔️
Billionaire romance ✔️
Slow burn (compared to the others 😂) ✔️
He is HEAD OVER HEALS from the word go ✔️
The glow up for both MCs ✔️
The growth that Adam goes through on and off the page is perfect. You really get to see how much he cares and regrets the things he did in his formative years, which leads to the need to over rectify his actions and show, not only Nat, but everyone that he is not the man he used to be. And, boy, does he ever. And can I just say, I've NEVER read a phone call that had me as worked up as the one he makes for Nat. I mean, hellooooooo Mr. Confidence 😮💨😮💨😩 uggg it was so great.
It was also great to watch Natalie not only gain confidence as a business owner, but realize the things she wanted out of a relationship. She made Adam work for it, that's for sure.
As always, the magic of Alchemy is woven wonderfully into the book and very expertly brings that spice that we all know and love Elodie's books for. If you're a fan of a nice, hard spank, this book is definitely for you 😜.
Cover to cover, I loved this book so much. Including the author's note at the end!!! I've never gotten so excited for things coming in the future as that note got me!! Knowing that the Alchemy world isn't over makes me more than happy. This woman's work is immaculate and I can't wait to see what else we get!
I was graciously given an ARC for my honest review. -
Elodie can do no wrong
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Hart is a master of the language of seduction.
“‘Come here, beautiful,’ I say. My tone is a caress, but the command in my words is unmistakable.”
Oh lort what a book.
Most notably? Well, aside from vivid characters you will fall hard for, it’s the intensity of the irreverent British dirty talk (holy cow), and the ridiculous chemistry that Adam and Nat have. Few authors can capture the intoxicating language of seduction so well. It’s off the charts.
In their first crash together at the club I basically highlighted the whole thing (39 highlights), it was as that good.
The ragged breathing. How moments together are gifts.
The other thing about Elodie Hart is that she is as much a master of the language of luxury as she is of seduction. The rooms, the buildings, the clothing, the art. Read the scene where Adam schmoozes one of Nat’s suppliers and you’ll see an author absolutely nailing the art of the business hustle. In the afterword Hart reveals that she herself ran a small fashion house. The first-hand experience in the fashion biz shows.
Honestly, it’s one of my biggest pet peeves about “millionaire” romances, that what counts as luxury is so cliché and boring. We always hear about the watch, the Lamborghini, the multiple mansions, the servants, and the bespoke suits. I get that’s it’s as much a fantasy world as the regency romances where every guy is a duke, but give me some depth here. First, describe this world with rich, knowing details, then give me something anguished but believable to balance out the excess. Or maybe just self aware cheeky humor.
“‘You know what would be awful?’ she muses. ‘If your staff forgot to fold the end of your loo roll into that little triangle one day. Can you imagine if you had to hunt for the end of the paper all by yourself? God knows what those lost two or three seconds of your time would cost the British economy.’”
As funny and filthy Unbind is, Elodie also understands the language of tragedy and absolution, and how people learn to forgive themselves and others. There’s an emotional honesty here that makes her stories all the more irresistible.
This book is now my favorite of an already terrific series.
Nicknames for Adam’s equipment: Empire State Building, Loch Ness Monster, ohmyohmygod, and my new favorite dildo. Also, his “tent” is the size of a wedding marquee. Heh. -
My Thoughts: I have sooo many thoughts on this book that I don’t know where to start.
We’re following Adam and Nat, Nat is the hostess at Alchemy, she greets the guests and signs them in, so imagine her shock when in walks in the bloke that she’s hated ever since she was a little girl, the bloke who beat her brother so badly that he lost an eye.. Adam.
Adam is a very successful billionaire, who has essentially risen from the ashes of a really neglectful childhood, unimaginable grief and then doing prison time too.. you’d think he would be your typical bad guy… but we soon discover that actually he’s an absolute delight.
This was a lot different to the other books in the Alchemy series, it was heavier on the plot and the story itself than the spice.. but it absolutely needed to be that way for Adam and Nat, there’s a lot of history there that they both need to work through first.
The character development is so on point in this book that just thinking about it brings to tears to my eyes all over again.
I took my time with this one because I just felt the characters deserved that, that I needed to take in all the small details that would hint towards Nats walls finally coming down.
The poor girl was burning the candle at both ends and at times it really felt to me as a reader that some cruel person had a lighter to the middle of the candle too because she just couldn’t catch a break!
Unbind has everything you need in a romance book.
He falls first and he falls hard, it’s almost a forbidden romance, the spice is there and it is hot and intense, but there’s also moments that just take your breath away with how beautiful, raw and honest they are.
My heart broke more than once, I cried a lot, I squealed I just absolutely adored the whole thing.
When I tell you this series has my life I am not exaggerating, it’s by far my favourite romance series and I’m a little sad that it’s over, although we do still have Always Alchemy where we’ll get to catch up with everyone.
There are so many beautiful quotes in this book but I’ll leave you with this one that really resonated with me..
I don’t need to tell you that a good life can be forged from the ashes of tragedy. -
** DNF **
The MMC has in the beginning on page sex with OW (with details), just after meeting the FMC. Yes they aren't together but this is a big nope for me.... -
Coming back to do full review!
This one is my favorite out of the entire series. I think I say that every release but this one… this one is just IT.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5 -
Wow wow wow Elodie does it again! These books are insane! For me this one was a lot more emotional than the others, hearing about Adam’s redemption and also what he went through. This is enemies to lovers, age gap, brothers bully, no third act break up and a diabetes rep which I really appreciated. The spice in this book as well was second to none with Adam’s twitchy palm! This whole series is a must read for me and if you haven’t read it, please go and read it!!
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ARC READ
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Unbind by Elodie is not just a book; it’s an emotional journey that left a deep mark on me. The character development is nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. From the very beginning, the complex emotions that Adam and Nathalie struggle with practically leap off the pages, making their pain, love, and internal battles feel incredibly real and tangible.
Adam is a character who, at first, is difficult to like. There was something about him that made me uneasy. But as the story delves deeper into his past and his reasons for being the way he is, my feelings towards him transformed entirely.
Nathalie’s journey is equally compelling. Her emotional struggles and the way she navigates her relationship with Adam are written with such depth that you can’t help but feel every moment alongside her. The connection between these two characters is intense, raw, and beautifully complicated.
There were moments in Unbind that left me heartbroken, others that made me laugh, and some that simply left me in awe of Elodie’s storytelling ability. The way the emotions are woven into the narrative is truly remarkable. This book did something to me—I felt deeply for the characters and their stories in a way that doesn’t happen often.
Because of this, I won’t stop recommending Unbind to everyone I know. It’s a book that deserves to be read and talked about, a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. If you’re looking for a read that’s as emotionally powerful as it is unforgettable, Unbind is the book you need to pick up -
ARC Review 🫦
@elodiehartauthor
Title: Unbind
Author: Elodie Hart
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
The one thing about Elodie Hart is I will ALWAYS begin her ARC’s immediately. They always captivate me from the first chapter.
Firstly, thank you @elodiehartauthor for the ARC of Unbind, I cannot believe this is book number 6 in the Alchemy series!
This was everything you’d want in an enemies to lovers type romance. Except it’s only the FMC that hates the MMC and the MMC falls hard and fast.
This story follows Natalie and Adam.
Natalie works at a high end smex club called Alchemy, Adam is looking to invest in Alchemy so Gen and Anton bring him along to the club for a visit. He comes face to face with Natalie, who recognises him immediately as the past 18 year old boy who bullied and beat her brother to the point of losing his eye and being put into a coma in hospital.
Natalie also has Type 1 Diabetes and unfortunately had a hypo episode infront of Adam, and he knew exactly what to do and how to help her (well that’s one way to let bygones be bygones!)
Eventually, we find out the reason as to why Adam was the way he was back when he was 18 and also the reason as to why he acted the way he did. It’s absolutely devastating, but I will leave this spoiler out!
“I want his pain. I want his bruises. I want to wear his heartbreak like a brand; I want to exsanguinate that bleeding heart of his and take it all in some sick, grandiose transfusion of his anguish to me.”
Overall, this was a very cute read and unlike Elodie’s normal “spicy” reads. It has just the right amount of spice and the right amount of tender romance and I loved this a lot.
Tropes:
💋 Brothers’ worst enemy
💋 Billionaire
💋 Age-Gap
💋 Hate to Love
💋 Illness Rep
💋 Light BDSM
💋 “Let me take care of you”
💋 “We shouldn’t be doing this”
♥️🫶🏼✨ -
5 ⭐️
4 🌶️
When I tell you I was ecstatic to receive this as an arc , it would be an understatement . This is the 6th installment in the Alchemy series and the characters / story was everything .
Nat Bennett - FMC - the first person you see when you enter Alchemy , and also the CEO of Gossamer - (demi couture brand) . One night she was working at Alchemy , a guest walked in to meet with Gen and Anton and it just so happens to be Nat’s worst nightmare - Adam Wright .
Adam Wright - MMC , a reformed billionaire who had a troubled past . The reason for Nat’s brother Stephen Bennett being bullied and losing an eye . Although his past was full of blemishes , he endured the punishment for his actions and changed his life around for the better .
This story was so heartbreakingly beautiful . Hearing Adams story touched my heart so much , it was unreal . Sometimes in life - people are going through something extremely rough and Stephen happened to be in the wrong place at wrong time . I love Adam so much . The chemistry between Nat and Adam was electric . Every minute of this book was amazing . The unexpected details revealed in the last 30 percent of the book had my mouth flopped open . I never expected that in a million years . -
What a damn privilege to receive a arc from the talented @elodiehartauthor
I love the alchemy series book 1 and 2 always a top favorite, now I just added unbind to that🥵👌
We follow Natalie and Adam, when Adam comes into the alchemy club, and can't understand why the gorgeous brunette is hating on him, he needs to figure it out, we don't wait long to hear that in high school Adam was a bully, and he attacked Nats brother to the extent that he lost his eye, Adam went to prison and has turned his life around.
But Natalie can't get over the hate she feels, she also hates that she is attracted to him.
However you honestly don't see things coming, and this is honestly a emotional book that focuses Alot of forgiveness. It was incredible you can't help but devour this.
I honestly felt the chemistry between these two jumping off the page at you. They definitely sizzle together.
As a whole this series blows my mind because every single book while interconnected just has such different plots.
The spice was 💯 -
Typical Ableism
So she's disabled but supposed to pretend that he didn't see his hands on someone else and then let him fuck her immediately.
Feels sooooool inauthentic.
Reads like an Unseen, Unloved and utterly Unfucked bitch wanting to be controlled.
But thats not what Complexly disabled people need.
She wasn't ungrateful.
He behaved with the barest of decencies and thats enough.
Bah, go spank yourself.
Snore.
Can't relate to people you have their dick inside someone while pretending they are someone else.
As a disabled person, my knowledge of authenticity leads me to believe this character is not disabled.
Maybe they a liberal.
Billionaires cause the advent of most disabilities and poverty.
Reads like a Pick Me.
Men who want to strike, dont do so because of pain but they are allowed to pretend to.
Ugh the toxic way he talks about being dark.
Ugh as a Dom, people who want to be Doms are dangerous.
Yeah me and my disabled community are laughing.
Can't relate to a man who enjoys seeing someone on their knees.
Thats not caregiving.
Shes not real.
Shes a neoliberal fascist snapping her fingers and pretending this gives her strength.
When she's be an Emotional Dom.
All disabled people are.
But he submits her in every sack of shit way.
Chronic Pick Me. -
Unbind an ultimate story of forgiveness and redemption.
Natalie works as a host for Alchemy, her family suffered an unimaginable trauma when Nat was a very young child. Her brother was brutally attacked by a school mate.
It’s been 20 years and Nat comes face to face with her brother’s attacker at Alchemy.
What happens next is a story of redemption and love. Adam has been successful in his business ventures and is interested as n investing in Alchemy. Nat is running her own clothing brand, but is struggling.
Adam falls hard and fast for Nat, it take Nat a little longer, but as she learns more about Adam and the trauma behind his story, the more she falls.
This is an excellent story with really rich characters. Natalie has type 1 diabetes and the author did a great job not only writing about Nat but also tying that into their story. -
Be still my heart Elodie has done it again! Nat and Adam the couple that never should be and never did we know we needed them. Honestly as I started I kept thing how in the world will Elodie make this a redeeming story but I should not have questioned! The exquisite writing and character development jumped off the page and the end result was a beautiful heartwarming (still spicy) story. Elodie’s (Sara) background in the fashion world was perfectly illustrated in Unbind. The details made it easy to see Nat’s creations. Tied together with Taylor Swift and other celebrity references book 6 had it all! Unbind is officially my favorite of the Alchemy series!
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I have loved every single book in the Alchemy series so far — each one has been sexy, sensual, sweet, funny, & fun in different ways. But I must admit I didn’t think Unbind would work for me as a reader — I just couldn’t see how Adam, the MMC could be someone I could like or root for once I knew what he’d done years earlier to the FMC’s brother. It was just too awful.
But I did my best to go in with an open mind, knowing that Elodie Hart has a gift for gorgeous prose that elevates even the sexiest of scenes & has an ability to paint a beautiful picture with the tiniest of details. And guess what? She did it.
It didn’t take long for me to fall for Adam right along with Nat, even against her better judgement.
Trust in this very talented author to get both you & the FMC where you need to be to fall head over heels for the MMC — she’ll make you swoon, laugh, & cry several times over, too. -
I can’t believe I’m giving one of these 4 stars.
-
⭐️/4.5
🌶️/4
I absolutely loved Nat and Adam.
At the start I was incredibly skeptical if this could work and be realistic enough? I mean, he horrifically assaulted her brother! But Elodie did so well in making this work.
I enjoyed that they had to work up to the spice as well. I wouldn’t consider this a slow burn at all but slower than the others in the series. And don’t worry it’s still plenty spicy!
I loved both of these characters and their journey to love so much. -
Little disappointing… wish it was more enemies at the beginning. He did something horrible and there is really no excuse for it… yet she folded so quickly. Too quickly.
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Adam Wright 👏🏻 👏🏻 that’s all I can say
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A slow burn compared to the rest of the series! Nevertheless a fun spicy and captivating plot. A must read!! As usual from one of my favorite authors 5⭐️
