Saved (Honor Bound Book 1)

voluntary review of arc
Garrett has lost the love of his life and he is struggling in every area of his life. That is until his latest mission brings back more than just memories. Can he accept the changes in him enough to grab at a second chance?

Saved by Angel Payne is first in her Honor Bound series. However, this is a re-release of Saved by His Submissive. I enjoyed Garrett. He was struggling first with the loss of Sage and second with his need to dominate sexually. Ms. Payne does a wonderful job of showing Garrett in the depths of despair as he uses work to work through his grief. I love that even though Sage “rises” from the dead, her relationship with Garrett doesn’t pick-up as if nothing happened. Both her and Garrett have changed and while their sexual needs are in sync, outside of the bedroom needs work. I like that Sage pokes the bear so to speak and forces Garrett to really look at not only himself for also their relationship. This story is well written and an enjoyable read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to Ms. Payne bringing us more.

Five Shooting Stars

Saved
By: Angel Payne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Review by Kristie K

A mental and emotional roller coaster ride, with strong characters, dark undertones, and intense sexual chemistry…

Wow…what can I say about Saved…this is the first installment of the new Honor Bound series from Angel Payne. A stellar start to a new series, Saved takes the reader on an incredible journey through heartbreak, loss, anger, pain, redemption, renewal, and love. These characters are thrown into so many difficult situations, and forced to endure heartache beyond what most could handle. It will break your heart, tarnish your soul, then turn your world back on its head. A truly unique and incredible storyline, executed in a way only Ms. Payne could accomplish, Saved is one hell of an adventure. The character development is wonderful, bringing to life two very intriguing characters, each with a depth and soul that I fell in love with. An intense tale that will no doubt stick with me for a while, Saved is an incredible debut for a new series, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Kristie K

Saved is the first book in the thrilling Honor Bound series by bestselling author Angel Payne. A steamy, emotionally captivating, second chance romance that will steal your heart! With complex characters you can't help but love, humor, angst, intense situations, danger, and many twists and turns, this story will capture you right from the beginning, and not let go until the beautiful end. This was an incredible story, and a great beginning to what is going to be a fantastic series!

Angel Payne is an exceptionally talented author that is quickly becoming one of my favorite. Her stories are well written, the characters are complex, but easy to like and relate with, and the steamy sexual encounters are definitely hot. I have no doubt that this series is going to be sexy, intense, and will certainly leave you wanting more.

I strongly recommend this book, series, and terrific author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This book is just full emotion and anticipation. I don’t know how this author could write with so much angst and despair. The build up of the story was almost too hard to take sometimes. I would have to take a breather just to continue on.

The deep love and connection between the two main characters was definitely something to behold. The story and plot was unique and unexpected. The intense heat and high sexual anticipation was felt through the pages and the ending made the rest of the story worth suffering through.

My only complaint is that there was almost too much tension with no relief until 3/4 of the way through the book or so. Only a few parts are very heavy on the BDSM and there is loads of suspense as the story twisted and turned through the painful plot. But a beautiful ending made it worthwhile.

The author is a true wordsmith and crafts amazing characters that you are completely drawn to.

* copy received for review consideration

This story gripped me from the very start and had me hooked to the very end. I loved the storyline and the author did a very good job writing this story flawlessly. The characters I absolutely loved reading about and found they were perfect for each other.

Angel Payne is a truly amazing writer! The first book of the Honor Bound series did not disappoint. There are so many emotions that you feel during Sage and Garrett's journey.

Sage returns from the dead with an amazing rescue from Garrett's Special Forces team. Of course, the bad guy has it out for Sage and her friend, Rayna. Garrett does his is best to protect her from the evil while trying to deny himself Sage's love and his dark side. In the end good prevails and Sage and Garrett explore their newfound BDSM relationship.

Saved is the first book in Angel Paynes Honor Bound series and let me tell you this book pulls you in and makes you not want to put it down. Sage and Garrett’s story is an emotional one for sure, but as you read you feel like you are right there with them experiencing everything within their world. Sage was kidnapped and killed with her medical unit a year ago, and Garrett took it hard as he feels it was his fault he couldn’t save her. When a search and rescue mission comes up he volunteers to go help. What Garrett doesn’t expect to find during this mission is his wife among those they rescue. Can the two work thru this together and move their relationship along or will this tear them apart? This is a must read series as this is the first book in a wild ride with some Special Forces Soldiers!

Saved
Honor Bound #1
Angel Payne
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great story by Angel Payne. I never know what to expect when I pick up one of her novels. It’s never just a typical romance.
The beginning of this story was so intense and so difficult to imagine the terror Sage and Rayna had to endure.
And poor Gage has just spent the last year of his life mourning his fiancé he thought had died.
The characters and the relationships are so strong and impressive. They have all been through some traumatic events and the ways they overcome them are quite creative.
Such a great first book to this series. I can’t wait for more to come out.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Talk about your emotional roller coaster rides (but in the best way). A Thrilling, dangerous, sexy, sweet, engaging and passionate romantic journey that brings this amazing couple a second chance.

Garrett Hawkins is a strong, sexy, passionate alpha male that has taken on the most dangerous aspects of his special forces units assignments since losing the love of his life and giving up on caring if he lives or dies. Sage Weston, was kidnapped and presumed killed with her medical unit a year ago until his latest assignment takes him to rescuing kidnapped aid workers and he finds her among them. Can they get back what they had after so much darkness? Loved every heart felt twist and turn in this romantic journey.

Gosh, this book started off heavy! I went into this book blind.... based on my enjoyment of Angel Payne's previous work (which you should totally check out). I didn't read the blurb, the cover offers no clue as to what the book is about. I had all kinds of thoughts about where the book might be going, and I was so pleasantly surprised and shocked with where Angel took the story. Read this book, you will not be disappointed.

Saved was so good. Garrett & Sage love each other & then she is kidnapped. Their lives are turned upside down when Garrett thinks she is dead. Fast-forward & he finds her alive after he has given up hope. Garrett is a changed man & doesn't know if it will work with Sage. Sage is very strong-willed & isn't going to give up on Garrett that easy. She is willing to try new things with their relationship to keep Garrett. There were so many emotions in this book. I can't wait to read the next one in the series. I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC for Netgalley.

Saved - Honour Bound by Angel Payne

This story interested me from the beginning, with its story connections to Special Ops, humanitarian workers and human trafficking but I wasn’t prepared for the emotional connections that Angel Payne was able to establish in just the first few chapters.

Garrett and Sage both have their demons but when they are ripped apart by a human trafficking ring leader, both are set to test their limits.

Garrett throws himself into his operations with his team, thinking the love of his life is dead and buried after a year, while Sage and the other captives must survive the inhuman conditions of their captors.
Exploring some darker subtexts like BDSM and the brutality of the traffickers, these subjects were handled with great discretion and care by Angel Payne.

Some seriously rough and tumultuous situations scattered through the story but underlying it all is a deep seeded passion and love between Garrett and Sage. The supporting characters add some nice balance and a little humour in some very dark situations and I particularly liked Zeke’s smart mouthed banter with Garrett and Rayna’s deep friendship with Sage.

Overall and enjoyable read that I’ll certainly follow with the next in series.

Thank you to Angel Payne, NetGalley and Waterhouse Press for the opportunity to review.

I received this as an ARC through netgalley for an honest review! Sexy, thrilling, and captivating!!!! Amazing start to a new series! Garrett and Sage both showed amazing strength and devotion to each other through their journey. Chemistry was off the charts between these two! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!

Garrett and Sage prove that the ties that bind defy all boundaries and know no limits. Garrett and Sage were ripped apart when Sage was declared KIA. Garrett’s world became a one missing its light and so he harnessed the darkness into becoming a deadly SpecOps agent bent on battling back the demons. Even after a year of being without her, he is still a shell but he still has a job to do in the wilds of Bangkok. When his team infiltrates and disarms King and his thugs he literally comes face to face with a ghost. Sage has dreamed of Garrett, her Hero, coming to save her for every night for a year. Being on the run and then being at the mercy on these unconscionable goons is nothing short of terrifying. Keeping Rayna and herself alive and safe hasn't been easy and neither woman can say they are unscarred. When her rescue prayers are answered she is floored when none other Garrett Hawkins is one of the men in the extraction party. Sage and Garrett are reunited but instead of feeling oh so good, Garrett is struggling with some dark urges that he wants from his miracle fiance. Garrett love for Sage is as deep and true as ever, but his need to Dom is powerful and cannot be ignored but how can he ask that of his sweet Sugar?

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.

Angel Payne writes some of the hottest BDSM romance around and so I was not surprised at all that I loved this book. What was a fantastic surprise was the amazing emotional roller coaster that Saved By His Subnissive turned out to be. Not only is this a romance, an erotic romance with BDSM elements it is a suspenseful, riveting and heartwarming read that will have you laughing out loud one minute and wringing your hands and wiping tears the next.

Ms. Payne is able to write characters that have been through some of the most traumatic and awful life changing events and she lets you into their head and into their hearts. While dealing with abandonment issues, PTSD and abuse trauma both Sage and Garrett come out stronger and better but only after they wade through dealing with it. This isn't your wave a magic wand and everyone is okay sort of story, and thank heavens for that.

With gripping plotlines, off the charts sexual tension and wring your panties sex scenes Saved By His Submissive is one of the best books I have read this year. While I adore Ms. Paynes other series (The Kinky Truth series) I have to say that I LOVE this one even more.

voluntary review of arc
Garrett has lost the love of his life and he is struggling in every area of his life. That is until his latest mission brings back more than just memories. Can he accept the changes in him enough to grab at a second chance?

Saved by Angel Payne is first in her Honor Bound series. However, this is a re-release of Saved by His Submissive. I enjoyed Garrett. He was struggling first with the loss of Sage and second with his need to dominate sexually. Ms. Payne does a wonderful job of showing Garrett in the depths of despair as he uses work to work through his grief. I love that even though Sage “rises” from the dead, her relationship with Garrett doesn’t pick-up as if nothing happened. Both her and Garrett have changed and while their sexual needs are in sync, outside of the bedroom needs work. I like that Sage pokes the bear so to speak and forces Garrett to really look at not only himself for also their relationship. This story is well written and an enjoyable read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to Ms. Payne bringing us more.

Five Shooting Stars

Saved
By: Angel Payne

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Review by Kristie K

A mental and emotional roller coaster ride, with strong characters, dark undertones, and intense sexual chemistry…

Wow…what can I say about Saved…this is the first installment of the new Honor Bound series from Angel Payne. A stellar start to a new series, Saved takes the reader on an incredible journey through heartbreak, loss, anger, pain, redemption, renewal, and love. These characters are thrown into so many difficult situations, and forced to endure heartache beyond what most could handle. It will break your heart, tarnish your soul, then turn your world back on its head. A truly unique and incredible storyline, executed in a way only Ms. Payne could accomplish, Saved is one hell of an adventure. The character development is wonderful, bringing to life two very intriguing characters, each with a depth and soul that I fell in love with. An intense tale that will no doubt stick with me for a while, Saved is an incredible debut for a new series, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Kristie K

Saved is the first book in the thrilling Honor Bound series by bestselling author Angel Payne. A steamy, emotionally captivating, second chance romance that will steal your heart! With complex characters you can't help but love, humor, angst, intense situations, danger, and many twists and turns, this story will capture you right from the beginning, and not let go until the beautiful end. This was an incredible story, and a great beginning to what is going to be a fantastic series!

Angel Payne is an exceptionally talented author that is quickly becoming one of my favorite. Her stories are well written, the characters are complex, but easy to like and relate with, and the steamy sexual encounters are definitely hot. I have no doubt that this series is going to be sexy, intense, and will certainly leave you wanting more.

I strongly recommend this book, series, and terrific author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This book is just full emotion and anticipation. I don’t know how this author could write with so much angst and despair. The build up of the story was almost too hard to take sometimes. I would have to take a breather just to continue on.

The deep love and connection between the two main characters was definitely something to behold. The story and plot was unique and unexpected. The intense heat and high sexual anticipation was felt through the pages and the ending made the rest of the story worth suffering through.

My only complaint is that there was almost too much tension with no relief until 3/4 of the way through the book or so. Only a few parts are very heavy on the BDSM and there is loads of suspense as the story twisted and turned through the painful plot. But a beautiful ending made it worthwhile.

The author is a true wordsmith and crafts amazing characters that you are completely drawn to.

* copy received for review consideration

This story gripped me from the very start and had me hooked to the very end. I loved the storyline and the author did a very good job writing this story flawlessly. The characters I absolutely loved reading about and found they were perfect for each other.

Angel Payne is a truly amazing writer! The first book of the Honor Bound series did not disappoint. There are so many emotions that you feel during Sage and Garrett's journey.

Sage returns from the dead with an amazing rescue from Garrett's Special Forces team. Of course, the bad guy has it out for Sage and her friend, Rayna. Garrett does his is best to protect her from the evil while trying to deny himself Sage's love and his dark side. In the end good prevails and Sage and Garrett explore their newfound BDSM relationship.

Saved is the first book in Angel Paynes Honor Bound series and let me tell you this book pulls you in and makes you not want to put it down. Sage and Garrett’s story is an emotional one for sure, but as you read you feel like you are right there with them experiencing everything within their world. Sage was kidnapped and killed with her medical unit a year ago, and Garrett took it hard as he feels it was his fault he couldn’t save her. When a search and rescue mission comes up he volunteers to go help. What Garrett doesn’t expect to find during this mission is his wife among those they rescue. Can the two work thru this together and move their relationship along or will this tear them apart? This is a must read series as this is the first book in a wild ride with some Special Forces Soldiers!

Sage and Garrett had me hooked from page one. Learning about Garrett’s twisted side and how he dealt with loss broke my heart. He really had such a sweet side but anger and frustration locked it up. When sage comes back into his life, he has expectations. They don’t go the way either of them think they will. Love is there magnified even more than they had before their separation. Wyatt helps Garrett see life and love through new eyes. When Garrett thinks things will be ok, they get sucked back into a whirlwind. Garrett has to prove to himself he can lose control to get his woman. Sage is the salve for his aching soul, but also the temptress and submissive he truly needs. Pick this book up now. You will never regret getting this one. AMAZING!!!!!

Garrett is one hot alpha man. Sage is one complicated woman. They make for one hot sexy complicated couple. They saved each other. Could not wait to see where the story would go. Loved this couple. A must read.

Saved
Honor Bound #1
Angel Payne
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great story by Angel Payne. I never know what to expect when I pick up one of her novels. It’s never just a typical romance.
The beginning of this story was so intense and so difficult to imagine the terror Sage and Rayna had to endure.
And poor Gage has just spent the last year of his life mourning his fiancé he thought had died.
The characters and the relationships are so strong and impressive. They have all been through some traumatic events and the ways they overcome them are quite creative.
Such a great first book to this series. I can’t wait for more to come out.
Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

Talk about your emotional roller coaster rides (but in the best way). A Thrilling, dangerous, sexy, sweet, engaging and passionate romantic journey that brings this amazing couple a second chance.

Garrett Hawkins is a strong, sexy, passionate alpha male that has taken on the most dangerous aspects of his special forces units assignments since losing the love of his life and giving up on caring if he lives or dies. Sage Weston, was kidnapped and presumed killed with her medical unit a year ago until his latest assignment takes him to rescuing kidnapped aid workers and he finds her among them. Can they get back what they had after so much darkness? Loved every heart felt twist and turn in this romantic journey.

This book was originally published as " Saved by his Submissive," as part of the Wild Boys of Special Forces series. It has been extensively advertised on Facebook and I had been thinking about purchasing it. Luckily it showed up as a bonus at the end of Unravel (the last book in the Steele brothers series) by Helen Hardt. It sounded familiar but I wasn't sure. The books were starting to add up so I searched her name at the library. The series showed up under the other name I mentioned. I checked my kindle account and sure enough I had purchased it several years ago. There is no mention of the change of name here or at her website. I find that to be highly unethical. Shame on you Angela Payne!

Wow. Opening scene is hot and steamy sex scene. Even if it did wind up to be a dream.. .still... wow, character development anybody? The rest of the book can only be a peurile wanking fantasy. I dind't make it past the first chapter. PASS!

F 50x66
Ann Marie's review Dec 19, 2017 · edit
liked it

I voluntarily read an arc of this book provided via NetGalley for a fair and honest review. I have read several of this author’s books and looked forward reading this one. Sadly, it just didn’t do it for me. I found my easily distracted and could never fully engage in this story.

Garrett lost the love of his life and therefore is willing to risk his own on special missions. When his unit is called to rescue a group of kidnapped aid workers he is stunned to find Safe alive. Can he be the man he was before she was kidnapped or will Sage lean to love the new Garrett? This is a fast paced read with plenty of drama and emotion. The characters have great chemistry and the story held my interest. I really liked it!

When Garrett Hawkins comes upon his supposed dead fiancée while on a rescue mission, he cannot believe his eyes. Sage, the woman he loves and has thought was dead for the past year, is actually alive and relatively unharmed. It all sounds good, right? A reunion of two people who love each other. But what happens is something that quite frankly, at turns irritated and bored me.

The first thing that struck me is that I wanted to hear about what Sage had gone through in the past year. I didn't need loads of overdetails and graphic scenes of torture or anything, but I wanted something, anything. I got nothing other than that Sage and Rayna (the woman housed in captivity with her) are friends. I'm not sure if they were friends before, but they definitely became friends and remained friends after rescue. I feel like if what happened to Sage during captivity had been at least a little detailed, then her subsequent healing afterward would have had a much bigger impact on me.

And then there's Garrett. Oh God, he was the worst, the absolute worst. He rescues his fiancé and instead of giving her the release she wants, needs, during their first intimate situation since the rescue, and instead of giving her the release, he runs and gets drunk instead?!?!?! Um no, just no. That was when I was done with his character and done with this story. I just couldn't get into it after that. And that's unfortunate because it had so much promise.

And finally, the last reason I just could not get behind Saved - the connection between Garrett and Sage just did not ring true to me. It wasn't strong enough and their few scenes certainly did absolutely nothing for me. I never bought Garrett as a Dom, even once he embraced that side of himself and stopped fighting it. His friend Zeke and his Uncle Wyatt were much more convincing Doms than Garrett portrayed.

I wanted a super intense, super steamy reunion story of love and healing and what I got was just this boring mess. 2 stars for this one I'm afraid.

After Garrett has nothing left to live for when the love of his life is kidnapped and murdered, his life is turned upside down on a mission in the jungle. This book is very intense and had moments where I had to remind myself to breathe, but was a wonderful start to the Honor Bound series! I received an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.

You need tob hardcore in the whole bondage world to enjoy this. It could have been a great read, the actual story line was compelling. Outrage, terror and situation of the women are believeable. The downfall is the submissive female finds joy and erotic thrills through sexual abuse. The story contained overly long sexual encounters with the man in command.

This book started out sad and then got progressively better. You really root for Garrett to pull himself out of his dark space and enjoy Sage. There is enough character building that you feel like you know all the characters and the sex scenes are super hot! It starts out a little slow but stick with it! You will be glad you did.

This story had lots of drama, deceit, action and trust issues. When the past comes back and life has changed, the lies and deceit come out. It takes a blast from the past to break thru the hangups of the current self doubt. I'm glad it worked out and trust was a new beginning between Sage and Garrett.

Amazing start to this series! Garrett and Sage go through so much on their journey. Angel wrote this couple perfectly and picked the right couple to start the series. Angel Payne fans won't want to miss this one. Hot and steamy but with an amazing story to go with all of the love!!!

Love this series. Garrett and Sage have a great story and this one starts it all. The story has a lot of crazy ups and downs. And it’s great cause it’s a fast paced book that makes a page turner and you don’t want to put it down till your done. And this is just the beginning