Feathers That Bind

Harper's Destiny #1

by L.A. Kirk

The neighboring kingdom of Greenwood is threatening war if Princess Harper doesn't marry their Prince Landon, a childhood friend. After years apart, the prince is not the man she remembers. His cold demeanor quickly drives a wedge between them. But when a legend comes to life and offers three sacred feathers for three destined husbands, Princess Harper's future is thrown into chaos.

With the threat of war on the horizon and a traitor within the Greenwood royal family, Harper will have to overcome the schemes standing in her path and forge new bonds with three men destined to be hers.

Genres: Reverse Harem

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2017

Reviews

[Claudia Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to a new storyline that makes you want to read more - and be forewarned: you will need to read more. This is more serial than series.

I thoroughly enjoyed the premise of this story, and I like the approach to the reverse harem with a unique (I've certainly not seen it before) destiny-based introduction. I like that the MC has a bit of history and existing affection with all three of her suitors so it's not quite insta-love, but we didn't really get to see much of that history so the intimacy level did seem to jump rather abruptly. I mean, we're in a setting where there's some level of impropriety to a guy and girl being alone together, and then Harper's doing the deed in a cave with a guy she's never really spoken to before (right? I mean their interactions up to that point had been brief passing on the street type interactions?)

I do wish we'd gotten to witness more emotional development between the main characters. Landon especially - when he shows up there's absolutely no re-introduction, he just jumps right into teasing her like they've been best friends forever, despite not seeing each other in 6 years. Also, Jonah's very sudden emotional turmoil upon arriving towards the end of the story came out of left field for me as a reader - maybe I missed something?

Bottom line: A story worth reading, and I will gladly pick up the next one to see what happens, but I do hope we get a little more emotional interaction and not just physical attraction in the next book.

[Sabrina Bracken · Rating 5 out of 5]

at first I was like ehhh.... but after the first couple chapters I was sucked in. I love the characters and can't wait to see what they do next.

[Nikki Shoemaker chun · Rating 5 out of 5]

A war is threatened, if Princess Harper, does not marry their neighboring countries Prince Landon. Harper and Landon had spent every break together except for the past few years. After six years apart, the prince, with his cold demeanor, is not who she remembers. There is a tradition for a feather to land if the marriage is to happen, but not just one feather lands. Three sacred feathers for her three destined husbands throws Princess Harper's future into chaos.

I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down. I was so drawn into each and every character, I just had to keep reading. Turned into an all night read because I could not put it down. I cannot wait for book two!

[Linda Tonis · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEWED BY: LINDA TONIS
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL ROMANCE REVIEW TEAM
Harper Cunningham is a princess that did not grow up in the usual way. Harper’s parents wanted their lives to be normal and most of the daily chores were done by the family. There were some servants but not as much as most royal families. Harper’s mom sewed and Harper learned to cook and bake. Their family was a very loving one and they tried very hard to make themselves available to the people in their kingdom. The kingdom of Kaur was a very peaceful one until a message from the king of Greenwood arrived with a proposition, agree to the marriage of Prince Landon to Princess Harper and surrender half the land of Kaur or prepare for war.

Harper has known Landon since they were children and cannot understand how he can go along with this proposition but she is willing to marry him if it will prevent war. The people of Kaur are not fighters and even the guards at the castle would not be capable of defeating the Greenwood army. Preparations are made for Prince Landon’s arrival only the one presenting himself as the prince is Landon’s best friend Jonah. Jonah also grew up with Harper and she loved him as well as Landon but she cannot understand why he is lying about who he is and why he won’t tell her the truth even when she confronts him.

There is a legend in Kaur about a magical peacock who would bless a couple with a golden tail feather binding them together and when a bird appears it drops three feathers but who got them? The truth finally comes out and the reason for the pretense is revealed and it will leave Harper and three others to fight what is coming.

What happens in this book is not something I want to reveal other than to say it will take four brave people to bring both kingdoms back together and keep war from happening. I look forward to the next book in this series.

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feathers That Bind is the first book in the series, Harper's Destiny. It's a fantastic Reverse Harem set in the world of Kings and Queens, palace guards, and blacksmiths. Harper is the Princess of Kaur, a kingdom of beauty and peace. The book begins with her father informing her of a demand
from their neighboring kingdom Greenwood. She will marry their Prince or war will be declared. The Prince was once a childhood friend of Harper's, Landon, but still this demand comes as a shock. It seems there is no way around this ultimatum as Harper will always put her people first. When Landon arrives, the situation becomes even more strained because her friend is not himself. Deception, lies, and treachery surround the Prince. At the engagement ceremony an ancient legend appears and not only blesses Harper and Landon's engagement, but places two feathers in front of Landon and one in front of a local. Harper is destined to marry three men.

This is a cleverly written book. It's original. The world building is excellent. The characters are all well developed. There's suspense, intrigue, danger, passion, humor. The relationships may be long standing, but the romance is new. There are missteps, hurt feelings, new discoveries. Harper is a strong lead female. She's intelligent and thoughtful. She knows what she wants and is determined. The men all seem to be a good fit; they are strong, brave, caring, and love Harper. The connections all appear to have a firm foundation. I was consumed with the story from page one. My only complaint is the length. I wanted so much more! I will be impatiently waiting for book 2.

[Reads A lot of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story! Feathers That Bind is my new favorite LA Kirk novel yet! The originality for the storyline is what sealed its fate. I have not yet read a reverse Harem quite like this one. For lovers of fantasy (kings/queens/a mythical creature known as the peacock), romance, lovable (yet swoon worthy men), and are fans of reverse harems (three men are in Feathers That Bind) will love this!! ❤️

Aspects of the book that I especially liked:
+The originality. I have not read a storyline quite like this one
+Harper and her men. I liked that her choices in men were compliments of her. (I find that most of the time RH authors put in male characters for the heroine that do not match their "lady". More often than not they're all different. These all had a similar aspect and in their sense of protectiveness over Princess Harper)
+I loved Harper's interaction with her family. Harpers family is fiercely protective over her. (I loved the part where Harper is telling her mom she will have to marry Landon and she basally is ready to fight).

Aspects of the book I didn't like:
+ mostly none (however the scene with the peacock seemed a little unbelievable especially since Harper was just talking about it before and then BAM it happens at the wedding announcement). I could see this happening a mile away.

[Kathleen Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Reverse Harem and I love paranormal reads. I love them combined. But i also love my Fantasy and alternate/ almost medieval worlds. And this gave me a Fantasy RH, something i didn't realise I was missing but I absolutely loved this introduction to Harpers Destiny series. It was great that it was introduced pretty early that there was more than one love for Harper, and in her kingdom it was perfectly acceptable, especially if you are gifted with more than one feather!

I don't know much magic will be involved in this world/series apart from the feathers but even if there wasn't it was a very exciting read and I really loved the characters. And the main Character Harper of course being very likeable. She wasn't a weak character but neither was she all gung ho. She was smart and seems very sweet. I can see why her guys fall for her and I can't wait to see her character to develop further.

I adored Barrett, her sweet giant of a blacksmith who loved her from afar. I can so imagine him in my head *sigh*. And while Jonah was pretending to be Brandon Harper could tell who he really was. I loved it when the truth came out, and then more truth. Theres not a whole lot of Brandon yet but from what i gather he can be very cheeky. Looking forward to more in this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been struggling with how to rate this book for a few days. The book was well written but I guess there were a few areas that were lacking for me to give it a 4 star rating. In the book, Princess Harper's kingdom has been on friendly terms with the Greenwood Kingdom for years but suddenly war will be declared if she doesn't marry Prince Landon who she considers a very good friend. Another childhood friend, Jonah, shows up in Prince Landon's place and Harper realizes there's more riding on her accepting the marriage proposal than it appears. In come the three golden peacock feathers out of nowhere. I was expecting before the peacock appeared for there to be a witch in the palace or maybe the kingdom to allude that there will some magic interlaced in the book somehow. Princess Harper was not shy when it came time to making out with the guys, didn't matter if they just became reacquainted after so many years, she went with the flow. I would of liked some foreplay, it brings the anticipation high waiting for the actual act of intimacy. I understand it's a challenge writing for multiple main characters in a book and I see the potential in this author to improve her storytelling. I hope in the next book, we'll get to know the characters better and get to feel a connection.

I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Tiffani · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the story and plot of this book. I love where the idea is going and the adventures the characters are going on. This is a shorter book but you get a lot of great action along the way. That being said, there was a lot left to be desired where relationships are concerned. Some of the emotional interactions seemed forced or just had no buildup. I wanted to see a lot more character development between the main characters. Some of the romantic scenes just surprised me because they feel like they came out if nowhere and the story just didn't feel like it was there yet. I really want to see what happens in the next few books though because hopefully we will get a little more character development and I really love where the storyline and Adventures are going and can't wait to get more of that and see what happens. Definitely worth the read though!

[Lauren Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all the ingredients for the classic fairy tale. A Princess her Prince/Prince's BF/Blacksmith (ok so this part isn't so classic) the race to save their Kingdoms from a murderous hell bent on war Queen/Evil Step Mom of Greenwood.


Haley is a beautiful compassionate STRONG Princess, she will do whatever it takes for her people. The family dynamic for Haley and her parents is awesomesauce they've raised a daughter with all the polish a Queen will need but with a certain sense of humility, she might be a Princess but she doesn't consider herself better than the "commoners".


I'm not going to go into too much detail I won't spoil it but you are going to LOVE Landon Barrett and Jonah. All have different pulls for Harper and they all worship the ground she walks on and have felt that way since childhood. A sweet tale of forbidden love made possible by the herald of three feathers.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a shorter book (serial? Novella?).

Honestly, it did take me a few pages to really get into the story. I normally dont read much fantasy/different world/medieval time books. But as the story progressed and more was revealed I definitely got more into into.

I really enjoyed the personalities of the MC and the guys surrounding her. It was a fast paced RH which is a double edged sword. It's great to get to the action and have a resolution on that end, but then you also miss out on the tension and depth it can give to the relationships.

The dialogue was excellent and the plot was engaging as well as involved. I do wish it was a longer book, I feel like we could have delved deeper into the characters. I like a slower progression on the relationship but that's just me.

Overall, good read and I'll continue the series.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good start to the series. The fantasy World it is set in seems interesting and I am curious to learn more about it as we progress. I found some of the character development a bit lacking, as though characters were just presented with not much in the way of background but as the story went along it was nice to get some bit of history on each character, I hope more will be given along the way. The relationships in the story seemed to already be set without showing any build up which is what I normally like to see in my reading, but the author may have wanted to do something different and I can respect that. I am curious to see how the characters manage to handle the issues in the plot and definitely will continue reading the series! :)

[Jaliza Burwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book of Harper's Destiny was a great read. It took me a moment to get into it but after a few pages, I was drawn into the story and kept there, which surprised me. Stories that take place in medieval type settings are hit or miss with me. This book was a hit. I do think the characters could go another layer deeper but she moves at a nice pace. This definitely isn't a slow RH build and the men were pretty accepting about the situation, with some resistance, but that's just them needing to work out their issues. I loved the plot line and the whole mystery behind figuring out all the little pieces and painting a whole picture. I do suggest giving this a read and I look forward for the next release.

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has kept my attention the whole time. It is not very predictable as what happens. The story evolves around Harper, Prince Landon, Barrett and Jonah Cooper, Prince Landon's best friend. This is a first complete novel by the author who also has a serial book running at the moment. I liked that this is a complete story and I love the MC that she is not some sweet girl but truely a girl with caracter. When she meets Prince Landon, she notices it's not Landon but Jonah Cooper. A magic peacock comes and pulls out two featers, representing Landon and Jonah, Barrett looks like he is about to explode but a third feather is pulled by the peacock. Now the story becomes interesting. This book is a must read!

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

From start to end, this book has got me hooked! Harper Cunningham is, I guess you could say, a breath of fresh air. She wasn't overly innocent nor was she overly annoying. She knows how to stand up for herself without actually standing up for herself. It's a bit complicated but you'll get it when you read the book.

And the three guys, oh where do I begin. I loved the fact that all the three guys did not know each other prior to the peacock event. It gives that element of realism. All the guys are equally hot. But if I had to pick one, I'd go with Barrett. Only because out of all the three, he's the only guy the author went in depth. I'm guessing the other guys are for the next book. I can't wait to read more!

[Aneesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is nice. The plot is interesting. But I wouldn't give it a full four rating. Maybe 3.5

The book didnt just click with me. The beginning held on but slowly went out of my grasp. Every scene went by too fast. Personally I would like to explore more in a scene, specially so with the first book- for character development and the scenario.

It is interesting to see how Harper manages her position. She loves the three the feather decided she would be with and the three boys are getting to know each other. It is nice to see Valen as a friend, there is always something special about a friend relationship. Interesting to see how this goes forward.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a little trouble getting going with this story at first but once I did it flowed very quickly. I really liked the premise/plot of the story - especially the idea of the peacock feathers binding destined mates and the action driven by the sinister plot between kingdoms. The weaker areas were in character development and the relationships between Harper and her mates, which seemed rushed, with sexual encounters that seemed like the ticking of a checkbox and emotional scenes that felt contrived. The story is about a 100 pages long and ends after the first leg of a journey. I have no idea how many installments are planned but I will definitely continue on to see what happens.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting RH twist on a traditional setting. The rare but readily accepted RH concept brought on by the historical peacock feather was fantastic. While I did enjoy this book, I felt a lack of background and development not only of some of the characters, but of the plot. It may just be that I am not used to reading shorter stories as this. I just felt some scenes were a bit abrupt without the lead up I am used to seeing. Overall, I am hooked on this story and am looking forward to the next episode.

[fishgill · Rating 2 out of 5]

L.A Kirk the author that never finishes a series

This author is officially on my banned list and this book is a good example why. This is a good start to a series but we will never see a second book let alone be able to finish this series. L.A Kirk writes a lot of good first books but if you go through their published books list you will see a lot of first books that never went anywhere. Save yourself the frustration and find an author who you can trust to write a second book or read one of Kirk’s series that already has a second book

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily decided to review it

What a great start to a new series! Princess Harper is caught between a rock and a hard place, she has to marry Prince Landon or the greenwoods will start a war with the Kaurs.

This book has a great storyline, excitement and drama from the outset and some beautiful romantic scenes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am very excited for book two, I highly recommend this book

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting start to a new series. I adore arranged marriage and reverse harem stories so in theory this book should have been right up my street but it fell a little flat. This I think was mostly down to the lack of character development and how short it was. I will read book two when it comes out before i make up my mind about this series, I have a feeling I will enjoy that one more.

** I generously received an arc in exchange for a honest review.**

[Lynsey-Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting start to a series. I found it a little hard to get into at first, but the chapters soon whizzed by. I think it's because the forming of relationships seemed to be a bit to rushed, all the characters have a back story with each other, yet the current day relationships felt just a little rushed. I'm looking forward to the next one to get to know them all a bit better, and to see how their journey continues.

[Taira Minier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book... it has romance, mystery, and some magic.
Harper is a girl who loves her kingdom so much that when the kingdom of greenwood forces a marriage between her and there prince she accepts. But there is so much more going on it doesn't help that on her engagement ceremony she finds out she is meant to marry 3 different men and one is nowhere to be seen.

I completely recommend this book can't wait for what comes next!!

[Simone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another hit by L.A Kirk!
A unique take on classic fairy tale tropes, Feathers That Bind surprises the reader with the routes taken by the not-so-typical Princess. The potential for this series is very strong, and I'm going to keep a close eye on it in the future.
This author knows how to keep the interest of their readers, and it results in me binge-reading the book in one sitting every time!
Keep at the hard work :)

[Hennah · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do a Prince, an imposter, and a blacksmith have in common? You'll have to read this to find out! It's a little hard to get into at first, but that changes quickly, so I'm not sure how much of that was me having an off day or the book. I suspect the former. The idea of a magical peacock choosing your mate is inventive and fun. There are sexy men, doing sexy things, with a strong heroine...what's not to like? Did I mention there's a blacksmith? Yum.

[Desiree Iuzzolino · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heroine neither overly innocent or overly experienced. Two kingdoms with political intrigue galore. An old mystical tradition that throws a monkey wrench into everything. This book has plenty to love and left me panting for more. The world building is enough to feel real but doesn't bog you down in unnecessary detail. There's a history between the kingdoms that I can't wait to see revealed as the mystery unfolds. I want more and I want it now!

[Maya William · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story and honestly I am looking forward for the next installment. I am hoping to learn a little more about the background story between Landon, Jonahand Harper, because I get the feeling there is something steamy among those three and I am intrigued to learn about it.

Also, we need to get the evil stepmother before she does something to the king as well.

Anyway on knowing when the next installment will come out?

[DNA Diva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by the start of this series. Princess Harper and her harem of three are intriguing and charming. While there is a mystical tradition that "binds" them together, Harper and her three have history together going back to childhood. While I don't have a blanket love of pricesses, Harper is a grounded, down-to-earth princess with a fiercely protective streak.

I look forward to seeing where LA Kirk takes this tale next!

[Dezi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Princess Harper was a strong character who knew what she had to do but also knew that things weren't as they seemed. She was smart and strong and I just loved everything about her. she's the glue that brings everything together in the end and I love it. Now the men in her life are pretty amazing as well and we get a good look at them through the story. I can't wait for the next book.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Harper has been raised to care about her people. When her father tells her an old friend and another king had contacted him with a request for his daughters hand she is confused. Her friend had not seen here in several years why was his father asking for him. Things become even more confusing after the arrival of another friend Jonah pretending to be Landon. Finding out the truth of what is going on and trying to save Landon and her people and family could be very dangerous