I read The Choosing Chronicles duology as my introduction to this author and she has completely blown me away!! I found her and her work via an Instagram reel/ad and now I’m addicted!! I jumped into Tethered a couple of days after finishing A Heart of Desire and Deceit, and I could not put it down!! This is a slow burn for me, and I’m not usually into slow burns AT ALL, but the story is so well written, and the characters are so intriguing that I didn’t even notice it!! I knew it was going to be a cliffhanger and I’m so glad I don’t have to wait for the next book. I’m sure I’d go insane. I’m so into hot vampires right now. Lol!! This author hasn’t missed yet! I’m sure I’ll read everything she’s written on my kindle and purchase physical trophy copies.

Really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to finish the rest of the series. Very twilight with an arranged marriage twist.

Reading "Tethered" by Elayna R. Gallea was an immersive journey into a meticulously crafted world where the lines between duty, magic, and love blur. What initially seemed to be a tale of an archetypical arranged marriage quickly unfolded into a rich narrative, filled with unexpected twists and deeply rooted in emotional truths and magical realism. From the outset, the premise intrigued me—what could indeed be worse than being sold into marriage with a vampire prince? Yet, Gallea masterfully turns this seemingly clichéd scenario on its head, introducing us to Luna and Sebastian, characters who are as complex as they are compelling. Luna, despite her dire circumstances, exhibits a resilience and depth that defy her initial victimhood. Sebastian, on the other hand, is far from the brooding, unapproachable figure one might expect. His struggle with his own identity and the obligations imposed by Queen Marguerite adds layers to his character that are both fascinating and relatable. The concept of the Binding Ceremony gone wrong and the subsequent magical Tethering between Luna and Sebastian serves as a brilliant narrative device. It not only propels the plot forward but also forces both characters into a proximity that ensures growth, conflict, and, ultimately, a deep understanding and respect for one another. This forced proximity, while not unique in romantic fantasies, is handled with a fresh perspective and depth in "Tethered," making the relationship between Luna and Sebastian both believable and heart-wrenching. The world-building in "Tethered" deserves special mention. Gallea has crafted a universe that is both vast and intricate, with the cultures, politics, and magic systems of Ithenmyr and its neighboring kingdoms painted in vivid detail. The lore of the vampires, the significance of the Binding Ceremony, and the magical elements are woven into the narrative seamlessly, enhancing the story without overwhelming it. However, the slow-burn romance between Luna and Sebastian is where "Tethered" truly shines. Gallea takes her time developing their relationship, allowing for a genuine connection to form between the characters—and between the characters and the reader. The evolution of their feelings, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and magical turmoil, is paced perfectly, making their eventual emotional intimacy earned and satisfying. If there's any critique to be had, it's that at times, the pacing of the narrative can feel uneven, particularly in the middle sections where the detailed world-building occasionally slows down the momentum of the plot. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise a beautifully written and deeply engaging story. In conclusion, "Tethered" is a standout addition to the romantic fantasy genre. Elayna R. Gallea has crafted a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is enchanting, with characters that linger long after the final page. It's a novel that anyone who appreciates a story of love, magic, and the complexities of human (and vampire) nature will love.

I loved the story overall! The characters were intriguing and the world building was established well but some of the wording was over repetitive and it pulled me out of the flow of reading and it’s kind of insulting to be reminded of the book’s title every other page, made me wonder if it was AI generated.

It starts off slow but after a few chapters I couldn't put it down! Definitely worth the read can't wait to read the next!

I love the concept of this book. The story is very interesting and I wanted to enjoy it. I did enjoy it at first. There are so many tiny inconsistencies that happen throughout the book though. The first few were easily dismissed, but after a while they became so annoying that it ruined the overall story for me. Also, if your Uber powerful vampire husband gives your human butt a warning don’t be an idiot and ignore it. Takes you to the Queen and says stay quiet? You stay quiet, you don’t sass. Takes you to the most dangerous place he knows and says don’t move? You don’t decide to go for a little walk..You. Don’t. Move! She’s supposed to be so smart but she makes these decisions. I doubt I’ll finish the series, these things just ruined it for me sadly.

I really wanted to love this book, but it was lacking real depth. It was a great surface story. Great plot, characters, and mystery, but it all skimmed the surface. The main characters' feelings just changed, but there was no episode or reason why. If the binding was the reason, that is fine, but we needed to be shown that. The FMC is brilliant, but let's her husband starve for over a month? Where was the reason? Scared, disgusted, angry? She is so inquisitive, but not with this? She can't bleed into a cup or let him drink from her wrist? I feel that with some good editing, this book could be fabulous! *This book is rated PG-13. There are a half dozen mild cuss words. There is a lot of blood and several scenes of vague torture and vicious violence. There is no actual spice, but there is desire in the core, passionate kissing, and thoughts of being together naked.

That ending!! Thank goodness the other books are completed. The world building, the storyline, the love, the everything is amazing in this book. I love watching their relationship grow and I'm so curious about where this plot is headed. Like I think I know something and then I'm not sure. Crazy fun ride in this book!