WOAH- I did not anticipate to be as engrossed and as moved by this story- I just happened upon it in my book recommendation, was new to the author, and the blurb and cover caught my eye.

Holly, our heroine, was kidnapped as a child- mentally and physically tortured and assulated, isolated, and forever traumatized- she remained the prey of her kidnapper for 10 years, trapped in a room with only a dog that her kidnapper used to coerce her. Our hero- scarred (physically and emotionally) and traumatized by his own past, both being the victims of others and his own wrongdoing, has lived isolated by choice. He hides away in the woods in his cabin- away from the rest of the world with his pet fox (yes, FOX!), helping his family rescue animals but barely even seeing them. One day, by fate or chance, he happens upon a dirty, terrified, and scrawny teenage girl and her dog in the ground- Holly. He rescues her from her captivity- she sees him as her prince charming, the man from the fairy tale books her capture allowed her to read. He sees himself as a monster, and he goes back into his isolation.

Our story then jumps forward- a smart move since it would be unrealistic after all this time for Holly to be ready to engage in any sort of relationship with a male- so in the interim she’s spent time reacclimating with a world as a young woman when she’s not been socialized or educated beyond early childhood. She’s made some progress, but she lacks trust, has few relationships, and can’t figure out how she fits into her family’s life who have somehow replaced her with a baby sister and have no interest in reintegrating her into their home or day to day. She’s not sure how to function- or who she even is and what her place is. She misses her dog (that she believed ran away), and she longs to find her prince charming.

A chance encounter brings these two back together- Holly feels a sense of safety and belonging with Tyler, and she feels like she can be herself- a confused girl trying to figure things out. She doesn’t feel like an outsider or lost- she can just be. Tyler feels drawn to her but unsure- she has so much baggage and requires so much care- he’s not sure he can be the friend she needs.But, they share an unbreakable bond- not only her rescue but the fact that they are both individuals who have been shattered by their pasts, judged and shunned by others and living on the periphery, their differences and backgrounds making other unsure, uncomfortable, and even afraid of them- when all they want is to be less lost and find some inner peace. Through this, an intense emotional bond develops- that slowly makes its way to a romantic one. This is done with tender care and is far more believable than other romance tropes- so this is more of a slow burn in terms of the physical aspect.

Both of these characters are both beautiful and heartbreaking. Tyler is scarred in many ways, and he believes he is undeserving of care or love- he’s been punishing himself. But, he’s chivalrous and kind, incredibly empathetic and giving underneath his pain- someone yearning for connection and forgiveness. Someone scared of rejection. Holly, despite her trauma, is naive and open minded- looking at the world with wonderment for the first time. She’s somehow secure in her own skin but tentative, hopeful but lost. The connection between them is deeply emotional, a cathartic experience for them and us as readers. Holly figures out who she is, Ty learns how to forgive himself. Both learn through love that their scars don’t limit them but actual can empower them- that love can liberate them from the cages they find themselves in.

Since reading this, I’ve come to realize Carian has a unique gift when it comes to stories like this- relationships with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, incredible emotional connections and resonance, and deeply painful histories. (This can be read as a standalone ( I read this before I read Torn)- the characters in the first book make a minor appearance but you don’t need more context than what you get in this book.)

All of Carian Cole's books are essentially fated mate books, with a fairytale theme, in often a dark setting.

Tied was most likely the darkest book I've read (which isn't saying much since I don't tend to enjoy books that make me upset or sad). But it was also a beautiful story of two people that deserved love and were able to find it together.

In Tied, taking place in small town New Hampshire, Tyler Grace is walking in the woods when he hears something and is able to save Holly Daniels, who had been kidnapped at the age of 5.

Tyler had his own demons, beginning with being burned in a fire as a teenager, and having a major motorcycle accident, both affecting his appearance and how the people around him treated them.

It is a difficult read to hear about Holly's story (it is discussed in the past tense, and not very graphically) but the relationship that develops between her and Tyler (her "prince") make slogging through it worth the struggle.

Cole tells their story in probably the best way possible, only giving background in order to further the story, and focusing on the romance between two tortured souls.

Because of the dark content I also want to emphasize that there is a happy ending for both of them.

I received a promotional copy and am giving an honest review.

This story is one of the more unique ones I’ve ever read. We meet the MMC, Tyler, in Carian’s previous book, Torn. He’s a recluse, doesn’t speak (by choice), and keeps to himself in a cabin in the woods. One night he happens upon an eleven year old girl, Holly, and her puppy trapped in a cell in the woods by a pedophile. After saving them both, he’s labeled by his small town as an outcast, a murderer, a freak, and a monster despite the truth.

Years pass and Holly never forgets about her Prince that saved her. After all the trauma she’s endured, she also seeks refuge in the woods to heal. And there, her and Tyler reconnect in a beautiful love story. There is an age gap, but like all of Carian’s books, it’s irrelevant to the story because she writes age-gap flawlessly.

This story has all the hallmarks of a Carian Cole book: heartache, angst, animal rescue, a sassy and hilarious grandma and an HEA. I absolutely adored this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Pub for the ARC

"You're not lost baby, I just found you and you're right where you belong." SAY LESS DADDY 🥵🥵
Once again devoured this delicious romance. Excuse me while I go read Carian Coles backlist

Wow, this was a ride. Both Holly and Tyler were put through the wringer and just when you think things are at the worst, the author takes us one more step down. Tyler acted a bit like an ass when he didn't need to, but he's a guy so I guess I can see why. I enjoyed this story a lot.

Tied by Carian Cole
Netgalley review
5 star

This is book two in the “All torn up” series but can be read as a stand alone and PLEASE I beg of you, give this series a chance. I cannot attest to the first but you bet I am going to be reading it.

This is a story about Grace who was kidnapped as a child and kept captive by a sick man. She only had her fairy tale books about princesses rescued by princes to keep her sane until one day she is found in the woods by a recluse and he kills her abductor.

This romance is a story of healing for both of the characters and is so special. They both have their demons to fight and the more you learn about Tyler the more you feel for him. He was just a stupid teenager doing stupid teenager things when tragedy strikes him twice and ruins his life and his voice.

If you liked Archer’s voice by Mia Sheridan and enjoy darker romances then this will fit you like a puzzle piece. This is a book that once you finish it you CRAVE more of this story.

#tied #cariancole #teidcariancole #netgalley #darkromance #darkromancebook #darkpast #healingtogether #fairytaleromance

I need more! I could not put this book down. I was obsessed with their love story from the start. I am getting into dark romance novels and I love the good girl bad boy trope. I just want more of Tyler and Holly. I will go back and read Torn after reading this one.

Another amazing read that had me hooked. Tyler omg another character that will not be forgotten. Tyler and Holly’s story will definitely give you all the feels. Another unputdownable read.

Phenomenal Writing!!!!

This is another fantastic book from Carian Cole! This book was EPIC and gave me all the feels! Holly and Ty’s story is compelling and superbly written!

The character development was perfect! I was thinking about this book when I was not reading it. You know you are hooked when that happens!

I absolutely LOVE this authors writing style! Oh the feels! I read this book in two days because I could not stop reading!

This is one of the best of 2023 thus far! A masterpiece that kept me engaged the entire time!

Tied is Epic!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read for 2023!

If I could give more than 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I would!

Loved it!
This book was part two of the torn series was so worth the red. The love story Tyler and Holly. Two people with history and tough paths found each other nd decided that life isn't exciting without each other. A great read! I loved this series!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is book 2 in the series and while it can be read as a stand alone, it's best read as book 2 as Tyler is mentioned in book 1 with respect to his relationship with his brother Tor.

Tyler and Holly meet in unimaginable circumstances. Tyler is out for a walk when he hears a noise, and finds a door in the woods. Inside is Holly, malnourished and in poor health with a debarked dog keeping her company. Holly was kidnapped 11 years ago and held captive by a seemingly normal man. Tyler saves her and in the process kills her captor.

Holly dreams of Tyler for years after her rescue wondering what happened to him and thinks of him as her Prince. When their paths finally cross again they become friends and bond over their messed up histories.

I loved this one and how Tyler and Holly found each other and connected through their unusual circumstances.

I absolutely loved this book! It was sooooo different from the first book in the series (Torn). It follows Tyler (Tor’s brother from book) and Holly, who both have incredibly tragic pasts. Tyler finds a girl in a hole who was kidnapped, held captive and tortured for years. It’s a story of new beginnings, learning to trust again, and finding love when you’ve given up all hope.

This book is incredibly sad at times, but it’s also such a beautiful story. I wish the ending was a little bit longer - that part felt a tad rushed to me. I hope we see them again in another book! I was not ready for their story to end.

Ah, this has my heart. 🥹❤️ These two, their souls, are one. It doesn’t matter that there’s an age gap. It doesn’t matter that he rescued her from a kidnapper and now all she thinks is he’s her prince, and she can only hope she’ll see him again.

He lives deep in the woods, after a traumatic history when he was younger. She was kidnapped at age 5, and held captive for 11 years, until he finds her; in those same woods.

They shouldn’t be together. All odds and past traumas stacked against them. Except they’re so beautiful together and are so patient with each other; helping each other through their insecurities, to find such a raw, beautiful love that just melts your heart.

He’s treated like a freak. She’s looked at with pity. They struggled weaving through every day life; but together they’re perfect.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥

(3.75★)

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐮𝐩.”

In the hurt/comfort romance Tied by Carian Cole, Holly Daniels and underground fighter Tyler Grace are the main characters.

I was a fan of Tyler from the start, but as I read more about him, the more I adored him. Despite his grumpy exterior, Tyler loved talking to Holly, and even went out of his way to do things that he would never do for himself, including shopping for things like a car, a blanket, and a phone, because it was all things she needed.

Can we also talked about the fact that he literally WROTE & ILLUSTRATED A BOOK FOR HER since she loves to read those type of books?? My heart legit melted in this scene.

Holly, though, made my heart hurt for her. She was put in such a terrible position and then right after had to stay with a “family” who didn’t truly care for her. But once she met her Prince—Tyler—she began to feel at home.

Their relationship as friends in the beginning was so wholesome, because they were both two souls that had endured so much in life, yet still found solace in each other.

All in all, this book was undoubtedly angsty, but it was perfect for Tyler and Holly.

*Thank you to Netgalley, Forever Publishing and to the author, Carian Cole, for providing me with this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.*

The formatting was really off for the kindle version of the book. Leaving 5 stars, although I did not read more than a couple pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC.

Thank you Netgalley and Carian Cole for the e-book. I devoured this book. It got Lotus and Archer’s Voice vibes and it was everything I needed. Please read trigger warnings.

Tyler and Holly’s story is so beautiful and moving. They are very open with each other about their trauma. I think one of the most loving things you can do for someone is to listen and give them space to lead their own journey through healing. I so appreciate that neither of them tell each other what to do. Tyler is protective but not domineering like you might expect in a darker romance.

Zac and Anna were the picture of supportive family. Like those two could teach a lot of families how to get it right. I’m glad the author included them because her parents were awful. It’s a weird trigger but I found her parents distance and cold attitude triggering my own anxiety. All I can say is that Holly handles it better than I ever did.

Though the book starts dark it ends the second half had me swooning and grinning like a girl with a crush. The little details like the papers in Tyler’s jar and the magic blankets live rent free in my head. I need more of these two. Bonus chapters please?? I hope this series continues because I’m hooked.

I have NEVER read a book that had me so emotion that I had to put my kindle down and walk away. I ugly cried, I laughed, I smiled, I screamed, but in the end I had happy tears. With heart wrenching characters, a plot with so many twists and turn I felt like I was on a rollercoaster, this book had me on the edge of my seat. It is definitely a must read and overall the best book I have read in 2023. I thought Torn was my favorite...no way...it is now Tied. Carian Cole take a bow, 5 stars are not enough.

Tied talks about some really dark topics, so definitely check trigger warnings before diving in! There were some really beautiful, sweet moments between Holly and Tyler, and I liked them together as a whole. He was very patient and helpful with her healing journey from her past trauma, and she also seemed to give him what he needed by just loving him. But I really would have liked to see HIM accept himself and get past his issues. It seems like so much of his issues are seeded in acceptance from other people, it would have been great to see him get to a point of love and acceptance of himself without the need for reassurance from Holly. There was also a scene where Tyler almost has sex with his sister (YIKES) and then they start talking about his kinks. Double yikes. That just seemed so unrealistic and was cringy to read about. And then when he was talking about his kinks a big thing for him was his need for his partner to experience fear during sex (which seems like something that would be traumatic for Holly). But after he and his sister talk about his need to be open with Holly, he never actually talks about this with her specifically which I feel like would realistically become an issue down the road. The book wrapped with a very sweet, happy ending that they both deserved after the shit storm their life was before, but it did feel a little rushed. Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

Tied by Carian Cole is the second book of the All Torn Up duet. Ty and Holly's story is very intense, heavy on the angst, and absolutely beautiful. And the FEELS!!! Highly recommend!!!

Carrian Cole is one of those authors that I fall more in love with after every book she writes. Tyler and Holly’s story will always be a favorite. They are both damaged in different ways (Holly due to an abduction as a child that lastest 11 yrs and Ty was scarred by a fire that lead him down a path of self destruction, even more physical scars and self-imposed isolation from everyone) Tyler was the one who found her and actually saved her, killing her abductor. Two years pass before they see each other again. Slowly open to each other, they become one another’s best friends and their relationship begins to evolve into so much more. This is an ultimate redemption story for them both and their bond is incredible. His grand gesture is one of the sweetest, most favorite things I've read. And their bonus scene/epilogue is perfection. They lived a life I couldn’t have imagined any better. I love them.