Some desires can’t be buried. Especially when they run in the bloodline.
Breeding season has come to Ashfall Hollow. Cealean’s heat arrives earlier and he’s alone with the one alpha he should never want: his grandfather. He should be ashamed of how easily he obeyed every whispered demand, how eagerly he offered himself. But even after the fever breaks, he can’t shake the memory of how safe he felt in Isander’s embrace.
These things happen. It doesn’t mean anything. Isander insists it was just instinct, what any elder alpha would do when a young, inexperienced omega needs help—nothing more. But the way his grandson clung to him, moaned his name, and begged for more was more than duty; it was the dangerous spark of a bond he shouldn’t let rage out of control.
Breeding season may be over, but neither can forget how right it felt to be together. After Cealean confesses he wants more, Isander makes a promise: when Cealean’s heat returns, Isander will claim him—damn the consequences.
The bond has taken root and instinct doesn’t play by the rules. Can they wait? Or will they break beneath the weight of the memories they can’t escape, and a need that won’t fade?
Content Warnings: Consensual incest
Kinks & Tropes: Taboo, grandfather × grandson, omegaverse, age gap, size difference, cuddling, virgin MC, heat sex, knotting, slick, mouth knotting, breeding kink, outdoor sex, dirty talk
Amy –
I really enjoyed the plot on this one, I definitely want more of the Hollow. Loved the problem with the humans and how it’s been temporarily solved. Wish that would happen in real life. Cealean and Islander were adorable, they were a good match. Can’t wait for Orendil’s book next.
Kitty –
I was looking forward to this one for ages, the promo pics were gorgeous. I really liked the dynamic between the MCs and how they teased each other, and enjoyed getting to know the rest of the characters in the Hollow, I can’t wait for more stories set in this world. The first half very much focused on the MCs and Cealean’s heat, and I loved it.
I didn’t love the second half as much, although I guess there was some stuff to set up. I recommend reading the deleted scene around about chapter 15 as I think it helps with the pacing and relationship development.
I’m excited for future books in this world and the other pairings we have seen glimpses of. I’m invested in all the characters and can’t wait to see how the other stories work out.
Nicole –
Exciting start to the series of what suggests to be some spicy pairings.
I’ve read quite a few of Odessa’s books and this newest one doesn’t disappoint.
As the title suggests, a young (in dragon terms) omega takes the leap in going for what he really wants, which is his grandfather alpha.
It’s an interesting story of dragons, their world and traditions, how they survive the advancements of the world and humans. There’s a bit of a spicy reprieve to have a side conflict in the plot that involves the humans. It’s not entirely necessary but it adds a little something to the story that probably makes some comeback in the following books.
It’s spicy, sweet and definately in trouble for leaving you wanting more.
I can’t wait to read the next books and see what other shenanigans the characters can get up to
Jo –
First, THEY ARE FICTIONAL ADULT 100+ YEAR OLD DRAGONS!!!
Second, this book was plotting. We have a new world, new beings, new lore! All kinds of goodies! But because we had all this, I kind of felt like the relationship was missing some spark. I just wasn’t convinced that they were undeniably meant to be together. But I still had a good time! Looking forward to more in this world!
biancamihaela28 –
Isander and Cealean story was intense and hot with a bit of heartbreak, a bit of danger, and a relationship that slowly flourish after an honest heart to heart.
I adored their moments together and the little snippets of the next possible couples, as well as the protectiveness, caring, and eventually love they express to each other.
I also liked the shenanigans and the teasing, as the mischief some characters engage on.
I liked the story and, I’m looking forward to the next couple.
Amy C –
This was such a sweet read. The world building here was so lovely. I really enjoyed getting to meet Cealean’s clutchmates. They all had such different personalities and I can’t wait to meet them all.
Isander, Sooty, was such a great alpha. He was patient and kind and loved Cealean above all. I understood why he wanted to wait for the mating bite, but I was totally on Cealean’s side with wanting it to happen now.
Even the spice was sweet when it was hot. There weren’t very many times Isander held back, but he still treated Cealean like he was the most precious thing in the world. This was a great read and I can’t wait to read Nyric’s story.
Ashley Webb –
Check the trigger warnings as this book is Taboo, Grandson/Grandfather.
I think this book was a great start to a new series. I loved the first part of the book. Isander and Cealean had an already really close relationship before the heat takes place. I felt they had great chemistry but the relationship did sort of get lost towards the in plot but it the first book in a new series. Even though the relationship did get kind of put on the back burner towards the end it’s still a really good read.
I am really excited for the next book.
Debbie Rose (verified owner) –
As soon as I finished this I went back to the beginning and read it all over again. There is just something about an Odessa omegaverse shifter universe that does it for me every time! I can’t wait to see what comes from the rest of the series. The world building is always top notch and particularly for this series is very thorough. It is MM🩸cest between hot grand daddy Isander and his favorite sparklet Cealan, I loved their dynamic and the spice was spicing!
JudyS –
Another great book by Odessa Hywell. Great world building and wonderful characters. Yes there is the taboo element but it’s set in a world of acceptance of who you fall in love with and mate. Cealean is a young (by dragon shifter standards) who is a bit of a brat. Him and his grandfather (Isander have a special bond which deepens during one of Cealeans heats. It is all so passionate and very hot. Love this world. Can’t wait to read more. I highly recommend this book. Enjoy!
Traci S –
Thank you for the book; here is my honest opinion:
This was a fun read with some excellent world building. I enjoyed the mix of steam and sweetness in Islander and Cealean’s relationship. I think I enjoyed the first half which was more focused on the taboo relationship. It becomes more centered around establishing the world around Hollow and all the strife with the human population. I enjoyed it but would have liked more focus on Islander and Cealean.
Cindy S –
Due to circumstances beyond their control, Elder Dragon Isander must care for his grandson omega Cealean during his heat. Though not forbidden, it usually isn’t done with a relative but Cealean hungers and burns. His desperate need can only be quenched by Isander. The problem is, they want to continue after the heat is done. It’s a firey, hot and creamy one!
Amanda W –
Claimed by My Grandfather was such a fun, spicy start to the series and honestly, it didn’t disappoint. Odessa Hywell really knows how to pull you into a world, and I’m already looking forward to more of the Hollow.
Cealean and Isander were surprisingly adorable together. Yes, it’s taboo and bold (very much so), but their connection worked for me. Isander was such a patient, steady alpha, and the way he treated Cealean—with care, respect, and total devotion—made their relationship feel sweet as well as spicy.
The world-building was a highlight. I loved learning about dragon traditions, the clutchmates (all with such distinct personalities), and how their world is adapting alongside humans. The human conflict wasn’t strictly necessary, but it added an extra layer that feels like it’s setting things up for future books and I’m very here for that.
The spice? Hot, yes, but also soft in a way I didn’t expect. Even when things got intense, Isander never stopped treating Cealean like the most precious thing in existence, which honestly made it even better.
All up, this was spicy, sweet, and absolutely left me wanting more. I’m so excited to see where this series goes next and I cannot wait for the upcoming books and the chaos these dragons are clearly about to unleash.
SB (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed this novel, it was such an easy read. The character development was decent and I loved that there was conflict outside of the actual pairing the enhance the story.
The couple are super sweet and one of my favs so far. Very excited for what comes next.
Juniper –
This one has all the strengths you would expect, including chemistry and heat, with bonus points for intriguing world building and characters who are interesting for multiple reasons. It does well at laying the groundwork for a larger series while also being immersive in its own right, although I think the second half lacks some of the momentum and focus of the first. All in all, if the tropes are for you, it is an enjoyable read.
Angelique Mare (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed this book.
I loved Cealean & Isander’s relationship. Just wish we got to see a bit more sweet moments between them. The sex was scorching hot though, especially in the first half of the book.
It had great plot and world-building.
Makes me excited to see what comes next for The Hollow.
Already pre-ordered the next 2 books in the series!
Kassandra Knight –
Y’all should know by now what I’m about to say… or at least some variation of it.
I loved it. The perfect amount of everything. If you enjoyed any of the Mate Mistake, Omega Wolf’s Curse, or Of Blood & Treasure books then you will probably enjoy this one too. Especially as I’m pretty sure at least two of the three share this universe.
I can’t wait to read the next books. Very much looking forward to them. Now I’m just wondering which set of brothers will be starring in book three.
Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Annesha –
I really liked this story of Cealean and Isander. It was really endearing. Though it was a good story, the way it was written kept making me forget that Cealean was approximately 130+ years old. That isn’t bad per say, but I would have preferred if Cealean felt a bit older in regards to his overall demeanor. The entire story is set up like a prequel or a series starter. It has wonderful world building and a lot of fascinating details. I’m excited to read more in future installments.
Autumn Lashua –
It’s mating season in AshFall Hallow. When Cealean heat needs something more than toys. One heat changes everything for Cealean and Isander relationship.
I like how Cealean tries to be subtle about his feelings to Isander. But in reality, everybody knows just how much Cealean want him. And I do like the nicknames that they have for each other. And I like how Isander he’s very protective over Cealean. He growls and basically stalks his claim on Cealean. And I do like the fact that he wants to make sure that Cealean wants this. And I do like that Cealean has to wait because it just solidifies his feelings more that in the end Isander is endgame for him. The heat scenes were fantastic. Because there was Knotting in both ends and just the overall taboo in the relationship was fantastic. And for their relationship together, they just complete one another. And they always stand by each other sides, no matter what. Also, like how they dealt with the human situation of them building in the forest. And the character is so far through this whole book were great. Because you get to see just how close the community is. Also, I love the fact that they bet against each other a lot. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
FHR –
As retired alpha of his dragon horde, Islander is stroll very active in its operations as an Elder. When his duties include the protecting of his favourite grandson Cealean, things take an unexpected turn when a sudden heat takes them by surprise. A deeper bond begins to form between them and neither of them can deny the pull to each other even though their relationship has its limits.
The first half of this book was fantastic for me, the second half felt a bit rushed especially with the conflict aspect. I loved the taboo aspect and kinky, passionate scenes were fiery. I’m intrigued by this horde and what’s to come next.
Do heed the trigger warnings though.
Tanya Taylor –
OMG this book. I could not put it down. I read it one sitting. The relationship between these two was amazing. Loved Cealean and Isander the way they were just drawn to one another
Helle –
Reading this was a bit of a rollercoaster. I really love Odessa. Her brand of obsession is great and the spice is always spot on. I fell in love with these characters pretty much from the first page and just thoroughly enjoyed every single moment.
It lost steam and direction a bit in the second half. I was hoping for even more sweet interactions between the MCs, and especially wanted more intimate scenes between them outside of the heat sex. While I do love a good external plot, I wasn’t super engaged with the plot that was introduced in this one, and I think I felt that even more because the relationship took a backseat to it. There was a lot of build-up to the final couple chapters, and I wish they were expanded on a bit more. I wouldn’t say it was rushed, but the pacing felt a bit off at times.
I think the negatives stood out to me a bit more just because I loved the first half so much. I still ultimately enjoyed lots of this book and I would recommend giving it a try – especially if you like a very taboo pairing that doesn’t feel *as* taboo because of the shifter society. The spice was super hot as per usual.
Thera –
I loved every second of this book. It was filthy and hot and knotty and everything you can expect from an Odessa story. Isander was only doing what his sparklet needed. It was perfect. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Ashley –
This is a Tab00 story with 🩸 Grandfather/Grandson so if that’s not your thing then I suggest you skip this one…if it is…😈
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Isander is the “retired” alpha of his horde and now an elder. Even though he states *consistently* that he is old and tired he still helps protect his horde. Cealean is his admittedly favorite grandson, they have always had a special bond and Cealean is always keeping him on his toes!
The fertility rate of dragons has been declining so now everyone gets together for a giant “party” 😉 during breeding season in hopes it will better the odds! During this “party” any Omega not eligible for the breeding is put in a Den and guarded by the Elder so they don’t get taken advantage of.
This year Cealean is one of those Omegas that is being guarded. Cealean is tossed into a very intense heat due to all the pheromones and he needs “help” from Isander to make it through.
After they make it out the other side they take a serious look at their relationship and Cealean just knows there is no one else out there for him except Isander, no one that he will have the same bond with. Now he just has to get Isander to see that it’s totally worth the leap!
I loved this world and this little horde! The mix of all the different Shifters and dynamics going on just sucked me right in! Then all the little Easter eggs of future couples….I need more! I cannot wait to see where we go from here especially with Nyric 😉
Aunt G –
This was a very good taboo read. The romantic relationship between Cealean and Isander was sweet and steamy while their familial relationship generated lots of emotional intensity, plenty of anxiety and worries, a bit of angst and a touch of drama. The connection between these two was very strong and I liked them very much.
Alexis –
Odessa does soft taboo stories and I really enjoy them. Cealean and Isander are cute together and these two already have great banter when we first see them. The spice is very hot but I do agree with the others that I would’ve liked a few more tender moments in the second half. I also found the human plot line a little distracting. Though I do see what we’re getting set up for and am very happy to return to this world. One thing that I really liked was that there were no babies/clutches for this couple. While I don’t mind pregnancy in omegaverse, I like that it doesn’t always have to be an option. Am I hoping some future couple gets one, yeah! But Cealean isn’t ready for one and doesn’t know if he’ll ever want one and I liked that we get to see that.
KS –
Age gap, tab00 grandpa (cinderfather) x grandson (sparklet), secluded mountain in modern world hidden from humans, PNR dragon shifters
I still need some time to wrap my head around the family tree because they all have unique names (which I love) so I may get the hang of everyone after a few more books, but for now, everyone that’s not Cealean and Isander is pretty much a blob in my head lol
There is such rich world building in this one book, I wished we had 20 more chapters to explore more of the world and the horde dynamics. I love that theirs is a mixture of paranormal creatures who has found a safe space with them, whereas some of the hordes the other omegas come from are just dragon shifters.
The concept of the breeding season and giant orgy parties are so interesting. Even though I love a good sharing/multiple scene, in this, I’m actually glad Isander and Cealean were so possessive of each other and didn’t want anyone else because it matched their dynamic well. Love love loved this and can’t wait for the next book!
AGsy –
OMG! Odessa does it again!
*cest✅, omegaverse✅, heat and slick and knots ✅ Grandfather with granson✅ and lots of spice!
A great first book for the Kinbound series.
Loved it
Deborah Kelly –
I always start an unapologetically taboo book with trepidation but this omegaverse romance leans so hard into instinct, obsession and forbidden desire it had me completely captivated. The bond between Cealean and Isander is intense from the outset, shaped by heat, protection and a sense of inevitability that feels deeply rooted in the world’s rules. What could have felt purely wrong and provocative instead carries an undercurrent of safety and longing that gives the relationship surprising emotional weight.
The first half is especially compelling, balancing rich world-building with charged intimacy and a strong sense of internal conflict. While the focus later shifts towards broader events, the connection between the two remains the heart of the story, driven by restraint, memory and a promise neither can truly escape.
Dark, indulgent and deliberately controversial, this book will strongly appeal to readers who enjoy taboo omegaverse with heavy instinctual bonds and immersive lore. Definitely one for those who know their limits—and like to push them.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
Margaret –
I absolutely loved this story. This was the perfect amount of sweet and spicy. The characters were amazing and the world building was so interesting. The taboo aspect was there but these two were also so sweet together. I love the emotional connection that this author brings to their characters and this definitely hit all the right spots. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world.
Dee –
Dee’s Grade: B+ (4.5 stars)
This book served the purpose of setting up the overarching plot I believe. There was also a lot of world building going on.
Dragon shifters are always hot so that part of the story was enjoyable. The story was a fun one. It just felt like a lot going on at times for a shorter book.
brittany s (verified owner) –
You can never go wrong with an Odessa book and this is just one other example. Odessa’s work is always so well written. Cealean and Isander were so hot. I kinda loved that it was instant for both of them and while there were some nerves about how it looked, they didn’t really care. Plus, does anyone in their family have room to say anything 👀
I cannot wait to read the next two books!