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Elven Alliance #8
Heart Bond
Fan favorites find their happy endings in this collection of Elven Alliance short stories and novellas!
King of Escarland – When King Averett is shot on his coronation day, sparks fly between him and the captain’s daughter Paige.
The Guard and the Maid – Iyrinder is the perfect elven guard, but will he find his happily ever after with the human maid Miss Merrick? Or will a near tragedy cut their love story short?
Peril in Mongavaria - A dangerous mission to a foreign kingdom isn't the ideal honeymoon. Jalissa, princess of the elves, thought she knew what she was getting into when she married Edmund, the spy prince of Escarland. But a week after their wedding, they must embark on a dangerous mission to an enemy nation, putting their wits, their skills, and their new marriage to the test in ways they never imagined.
Inventor – Machines have always made more sense to Lance Marion than people. But when the elf Illyna walks into his life, his inventions might not be enough to build a happily ever after.
This collection also includes the stories Birthdays, The Wager, The Proposal, Naming the Kitten, Family Vacation, Investigating, Weapons Collection, Failures and Forgiveness , and Nightmares and Monsters .
Also available in ebook only as Peril (Elven Alliance Collected Stories Volume One) and Inventor (Elven Alliance Collected Stories Volume Two).
King of Escarland – When King Averett is shot on his coronation day, sparks fly between him and the captain’s daughter Paige.
The Guard and the Maid – Iyrinder is the perfect elven guard, but will he find his happily ever after with the human maid Miss Merrick? Or will a near tragedy cut their love story short?
Peril in Mongavaria - A dangerous mission to a foreign kingdom isn't the ideal honeymoon. Jalissa, princess of the elves, thought she knew what she was getting into when she married Edmund, the spy prince of Escarland. But a week after their wedding, they must embark on a dangerous mission to an enemy nation, putting their wits, their skills, and their new marriage to the test in ways they never imagined.
Inventor – Machines have always made more sense to Lance Marion than people. But when the elf Illyna walks into his life, his inventions might not be enough to build a happily ever after.
This collection also includes the stories Birthdays, The Wager, The Proposal, Naming the Kitten, Family Vacation, Investigating, Weapons Collection, Failures and Forgiveness , and Nightmares and Monsters .
Also available in ebook only as Peril (Elven Alliance Collected Stories Volume One) and Inventor (Elven Alliance Collected Stories Volume Two).
523 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2023
About the author
Tara Grayce
36 books876 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 3, 2024
I loved all of these short stories and novellas! Probably my third favorite book in the series!
King of Escarland: Loved seeing a story from Averett and Paige’s POVs—I only wish it had included a couple of chapters of them falling in love, that would have been so sweet!
Birthdays: Essie and Farrendel cuteness overload plus their families—of course I love this one! I grinned like an idiot the whole time, heehee. 🤭
The Guard and the Maid: I wasn’t ever invested in Iyrinder or Miss Merrick but now I totally am! They’re so cute and I love how patient he was with her. And them bonding with Essie and Farrendel was everything. 🥰
The Wager: Good to know Weylind has a “petty” streak too, lol!
The Proposal: This was so cute! Edmund and Jalissa are just so cute and sweet.
Naming the Kitten: Just the thought of Farrendel playing with a tiny, fluffy kitten is just the cutest thing. 🥰
Family Vacation: Edmund annoying Weylind and messing (though nicely, lol) with his elf brothers is so hilarious.
Investigating: Spy kissing for the win.
Peril in Mongavaria: If I hadn’t read Shield Band (which this story overlaps with) first I would have been so stressed out, lol! Edmund and Jalissa go through sooo much to come out stronger together on the other side and I couldn’t be more happy and love them even more for it. 🥰
Weapons Collection: Vriska falling even more in love with Julien over his weapons was both sweet and so her, lol.
Failures and Forgiveness: Seeing a bit of Melantha and Rharreth’s thoughts during and after some of the events in Shield Band was so good and the ending cracked me up.
Nightmares and Monsters: Essie and Farrendel being so cute and such good parents was the best. Could not stop smiling over this one!
Inventor: Lance and Illyna are so precious! I love these awkward, adorable beans! Also seeing Essie, Farrendel, and their kids was so sweet and wonderful, they are the best parents ever. 🥰
**Note: these were originally two ebook collections titled Peril and Inventor that were bound up into this novel, so as long as you read Heart Bond you’ll read all of those stories, so no need to track down those two editions!**
‼️Content (for all stories)‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD
Violence: mentions of a past war and the loved ones lost in it; a character was tortured in the past (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); an assassination attempt (not detailed); mention of a character having been imprisoned and tortured
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); mild suggestive hints/comments
Drugs/Alcohol: poisoned food and drink; a character is poisoned; characters drink alcohol
Other: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a character is illegitimate; a character gambles; spying/spies; death and grief
King of Escarland: Loved seeing a story from Averett and Paige’s POVs—I only wish it had included a couple of chapters of them falling in love, that would have been so sweet!
Birthdays: Essie and Farrendel cuteness overload plus their families—of course I love this one! I grinned like an idiot the whole time, heehee. 🤭
The Guard and the Maid: I wasn’t ever invested in Iyrinder or Miss Merrick but now I totally am! They’re so cute and I love how patient he was with her. And them bonding with Essie and Farrendel was everything. 🥰
The Wager: Good to know Weylind has a “petty” streak too, lol!
The Proposal: This was so cute! Edmund and Jalissa are just so cute and sweet.
Naming the Kitten: Just the thought of Farrendel playing with a tiny, fluffy kitten is just the cutest thing. 🥰
Family Vacation: Edmund annoying Weylind and messing (though nicely, lol) with his elf brothers is so hilarious.
Investigating: Spy kissing for the win.
Peril in Mongavaria: If I hadn’t read Shield Band (which this story overlaps with) first I would have been so stressed out, lol! Edmund and Jalissa go through sooo much to come out stronger together on the other side and I couldn’t be more happy and love them even more for it. 🥰
Weapons Collection: Vriska falling even more in love with Julien over his weapons was both sweet and so her, lol.
Failures and Forgiveness: Seeing a bit of Melantha and Rharreth’s thoughts during and after some of the events in Shield Band was so good and the ending cracked me up.
Nightmares and Monsters: Essie and Farrendel being so cute and such good parents was the best. Could not stop smiling over this one!
Inventor: Lance and Illyna are so precious! I love these awkward, adorable beans! Also seeing Essie, Farrendel, and their kids was so sweet and wonderful, they are the best parents ever. 🥰
**Note: these were originally two ebook collections titled Peril and Inventor that were bound up into this novel, so as long as you read Heart Bond you’ll read all of those stories, so no need to track down those two editions!**
‼️Content (for all stories)‼️
TRIGGER WARNING: a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD
Violence: mentions of a past war and the loved ones lost in it; a character was tortured in the past (not detailed); fighting with weapons and magic (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); an assassination attempt (not detailed); mention of a character having been imprisoned and tortured
Sexual: kissing (not detailed); mild suggestive hints/comments
Drugs/Alcohol: poisoned food and drink; a character is poisoned; characters drink alcohol
Other: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a character is illegitimate; a character gambles; spying/spies; death and grief
November 17, 2023
It was so fun to return to the world of Tarenheil, Escarland, and Kostaria with the short stories and novellas. I loved getting to see Edmund and Jalissa in Peril, Lance and his love interest in Inventor, and all the cute moments with all the other characters!
February 16, 2024
I didn’t love this collection of short stories quite as much as the main series. The longer Edmund and Jalissa portion was very good, but the rest was just a mixture of bits and pieces too short to be terribly engaging. Certainly worth reading for fans of the series, but falling short of the typical Elven Alliance 5 stars
November 28, 2025
This was pretty good, though I did struggle to get through it.
February 27, 2026
At this point,I have been so emotionally connected to both the series & the characters,that I SOB whatever is happening.
P.S.I don't know how I am going to say goodbye :/
P.S.I don't know how I am going to say goodbye :/
November 8, 2025
More innuendos than in previous books - especially in Edmund and Jalissa.
I love love love seeing Farrendel and Essie as parents!! Their family is so cute.
I love love love seeing Farrendel and Essie as parents!! Their family is so cute.
May 21, 2024
4.5 stars
This is a bunch of short stories, novelettes, and a novella that are companions to/expansions to the Elven Alliance series (many of which used to be newsletter bonus shorts) and would not make sense unless you've read the full series.
King of Escarland - short novelette. Cute, but not what I had expected so slightly disappointing. I thought it was going to be about Averett and Paige's romance, but it was more about Averett becoming king and then surviving his first assassination attempt and through that, Paige befriending Essie and meeting Averett. They barely meet and have some attraction, then it skips forward 2 years to their wedding and we don't really see that much of them falling in love.
Birthdays - Short story. Adorable Essie and Farrendel bonus.
The Guard and the Maid - Novelette. I think my favorite of the shorter stories in this one. Very cute and fun to see Iyrinder and Patience Merrick's slow, hesitant (mostly on her part) romance. I think the best developed of the side character romances in this.
The Wager - short story, hilarious. Love Weylind and Averett's budding brotherhood.
The Proposal - short story, cute Edmund and Jalissa bonding.
Naming the Kitten - short story, cute.
Family Vacation - short story, funny Edmund-at-Lethoral antics.
Investigating - short story, fun Edmund and Jalissa being sneaky at a party antics.
Peril in Mongavaria - Novella. I read this in the past (and all the short stories in the Peril ebook or when used to be newsletter bonuses) and enjoyed it but decided to skip it this time. I remember loving seeing Edmund and Jalissa's elishina get established and how things went down leading up to that twist in Shield Band, but it was also a stressful read that I didn't feel like revisiting this time.
Weapons Collection - Short story, absolutely adorable; I adore Vriska and Julien
Failures and Forgiveness - Novelette/long short story? A good look at Rharreth and Melantha's handling of the events of Shield Band and peek into their now established marriage.
Nightmares & Monsters - Short story, cute Farrendel and Essie as parents vibes. Appreciated the slightly deeper glimpse into Farrendel parenting through his own anxiety and PTSD.
Inventor - Novelette. Instalove, but very cute and cozy with some humor, plus sensitive handling of disability and limb differences and use or non-use of prosthetics. Was fun to get in Lance and Illyna's heads.
This is a bunch of short stories, novelettes, and a novella that are companions to/expansions to the Elven Alliance series (many of which used to be newsletter bonus shorts) and would not make sense unless you've read the full series.
King of Escarland - short novelette. Cute, but not what I had expected so slightly disappointing. I thought it was going to be about Averett and Paige's romance, but it was more about Averett becoming king and then surviving his first assassination attempt and through that, Paige befriending Essie and meeting Averett. They barely meet and have some attraction, then it skips forward 2 years to their wedding and we don't really see that much of them falling in love.
Birthdays - Short story. Adorable Essie and Farrendel bonus.
The Guard and the Maid - Novelette. I think my favorite of the shorter stories in this one. Very cute and fun to see Iyrinder and Patience Merrick's slow, hesitant (mostly on her part) romance. I think the best developed of the side character romances in this.
The Wager - short story, hilarious. Love Weylind and Averett's budding brotherhood.
The Proposal - short story, cute Edmund and Jalissa bonding.
Naming the Kitten - short story, cute.
Family Vacation - short story, funny Edmund-at-Lethoral antics.
Investigating - short story, fun Edmund and Jalissa being sneaky at a party antics.
Peril in Mongavaria - Novella. I read this in the past (and all the short stories in the Peril ebook or when used to be newsletter bonuses) and enjoyed it but decided to skip it this time. I remember loving seeing Edmund and Jalissa's elishina get established and how things went down leading up to that twist in Shield Band, but it was also a stressful read that I didn't feel like revisiting this time.
Weapons Collection - Short story, absolutely adorable; I adore Vriska and Julien
Failures and Forgiveness - Novelette/long short story? A good look at Rharreth and Melantha's handling of the events of Shield Band and peek into their now established marriage.
Nightmares & Monsters - Short story, cute Farrendel and Essie as parents vibes. Appreciated the slightly deeper glimpse into Farrendel parenting through his own anxiety and PTSD.
Inventor - Novelette. Instalove, but very cute and cozy with some humor, plus sensitive handling of disability and limb differences and use or non-use of prosthetics. Was fun to get in Lance and Illyna's heads.
January 4, 2025
I loved reading Heart Bond! It has stories of varying lengths that celebrate the relationships formed throughout the series and adds detail to who people become and what their happy endings look like. Some side characters get new or more fully fleshed out love stories. This book had several novellas as well as stand alone and related short stories. They all had clean romance running through them, but some focused on sibling bonds while others focused on saving the kingdom level adventures and others the start of a romantic relationship. There is something for one to read no matter what mood one is in. This book wraps up the series in a complete, enjoyable, and beautiful way. After becoming so attached to the characters throughout the first seven books in the series, it was really special to get to enjoy their adventures and see them all find their paths to a bright future. I am so thankful that Tara Grayce chose to include this collection of stories in the series. It really feels like a love letter to the fans of the series.
February 18, 2025
I'm a huge fan of Tara Grayce's Elven Alliance series and couldn't wait to read Heart Bond—570 pages of Elven Alliance novellas and stories—and Book 8 of the series did not disappoint! I loved every story, whether short vignettes or longer novellas. My three favorites were novellas about Lance, the awkward human inventor, who falls for Farrendel's elven friend, Illyna; elven body guard Irynder, who falls for the sister of Captain Merrick, the human captain of the guard; and my absolute top pick, Peril in Mangavaria, about Edmund the spy prince and Jalissa, the elven princess, who spend their honeymoon on a dangerous spy mission that challenges their wits and tests their heart bond. I highly recommend this entire series for fantasy lovers!
May 26, 2026
My favorite stories were
Inventor: cute romance between Lance Marion and Illyna of the hair conditioner.
Peril in Mongavaria: Edmund's proposal to Jalissa and their danger-fraught honeymoon. Pretense was my favorite book in the original series, so I was anxious to read these novellas.
The Guard and the Maid: Shy elfish warrior Iryinder has it bad for his human captain's little sister, Patience. She's not sure she can take a chance on love after she's lost so many members of her family. Love's price is too steep, even for an attractive elf.
For fans only of the series, filling in the gaps. And I like the new cover better.
Inventor: cute romance between Lance Marion and Illyna of the hair conditioner.
Peril in Mongavaria: Edmund's proposal to Jalissa and their danger-fraught honeymoon. Pretense was my favorite book in the original series, so I was anxious to read these novellas.
The Guard and the Maid: Shy elfish warrior Iryinder has it bad for his human captain's little sister, Patience. She's not sure she can take a chance on love after she's lost so many members of her family. Love's price is too steep, even for an attractive elf.
For fans only of the series, filling in the gaps. And I like the new cover better.
December 6, 2023
I am the kind of person who loves watching bonus features in movies. Sometimes almost more than the movie itself :) This collection is the book equivalent of bonus features. We get backstory on things that were just alluded to in the series, different views of events we did read about, and a LOT of very funny moments. Of course, I was going "awwwww" just about as often as I was laughing. Thank you, Tara, for writing these stories and giving us just a little more time in this wonderful world you've created!
June 1, 2023
what a special follow up!
This entire series took me to a wonderful world which amazing people both soaring blessings and devastating lows.
This compilation of scenes from various perspectives adding in lovely romance with others close to the elven family…. joining the “elf. / human” ….”elf/ troll” marriages and building an extended family as well.
I hope this isn’t the last in the series… I’ll miss this world.
This entire series took me to a wonderful world which amazing people both soaring blessings and devastating lows.
This compilation of scenes from various perspectives adding in lovely romance with others close to the elven family…. joining the “elf. / human” ….”elf/ troll” marriages and building an extended family as well.
I hope this isn’t the last in the series… I’ll miss this world.
September 4, 2023
Well that was amazing. I loved getting all these little novellas and peels into the side stories from all the previous novels. Like this is what I want from an author- to give me more! I loved being able to revisit so many parts of the novels that I had read and is world is honesty one of my favorites and I’m sad I only have one book left because it is literally amazing and wonderful and all the good things 🤍
October 8, 2025
This is sooo goood!
A bunch of stories in one volume—giving me more details about some beloved characters!
~Highlights~
Edmund and Jalissa’s foray into Mongavaria. This story alone is 5 stars. The depth of love shone, all while we get spying and political intrigue, was awesome. Love these two cunning characters.
Patience Merrick and Iryindir’s story. Cute. Wish Eugene was given more attention, though!
Weapon’s Collection. Vriska’s POV is one of my favorites. Laugh out loud line as she admires Julien’s hobby.
Illyna and Lance. Adorable. A lovely end to the anthology.
A bunch of stories in one volume—giving me more details about some beloved characters!
~Highlights~
Edmund and Jalissa’s foray into Mongavaria. This story alone is 5 stars. The depth of love shone, all while we get spying and political intrigue, was awesome. Love these two cunning characters.
Patience Merrick and Iryindir’s story. Cute. Wish Eugene was given more attention, though!
Weapon’s Collection. Vriska’s POV is one of my favorites. Laugh out loud line as she admires Julien’s hobby.
Illyna and Lance. Adorable. A lovely end to the anthology.
July 10, 2026
I love me a collection of short stories. Some I feel could have been longer, and one or two a little bit shorter, but overall lots of fun. I was really happy to finally get Averett and Paige's story, even if I wish it was a few chapters longer. I've been needing that since book 1. I have decided that Edmund now ranks in my top 3 favorite characters this series, and that I definitely need more Weylind. I'm really sad this series is ending.
August 29, 2026
(2.5 stars)
I’m not the biggest fan of a collection of smaller side stories to begin with, and this book was a combination of smaller stories that ended up being longer than any of the other books in the series. The only story I got much out of was Edmund and Jalissa’s adventures in Mongavaria, where there was significant character development even though we already knew the outcome from a plot perspective.
I’m not the biggest fan of a collection of smaller side stories to begin with, and this book was a combination of smaller stories that ended up being longer than any of the other books in the series. The only story I got much out of was Edmund and Jalissa’s adventures in Mongavaria, where there was significant character development even though we already knew the outcome from a plot perspective.
May 15, 2023
Cute and fun for fans of the series!
As a collection, the different stories are of variable quality, but all of them are a fun read for fans. I enjoyed all the shorts. Of the longer pieces, my favorites were Averett & Paige’s story (though I wished it was longer!) and Illyna & Lance. Trés bon.
As a collection, the different stories are of variable quality, but all of them are a fun read for fans. I enjoyed all the shorts. Of the longer pieces, my favorites were Averett & Paige’s story (though I wished it was longer!) and Illyna & Lance. Trés bon.
February 22, 2024
Cute stories
I love these cute little stories that fill in the gaps left by the longer books. You really don’t need these to enjoy the other books and if you don’t read them you won’t miss them. But they are too adorable not to read! Cute and wholesome stories of romance or friendship- what more can you ask for?
I love these cute little stories that fill in the gaps left by the longer books. You really don’t need these to enjoy the other books and if you don’t read them you won’t miss them. But they are too adorable not to read! Cute and wholesome stories of romance or friendship- what more can you ask for?
February 23, 2024
Elven Alliance heart warming stories
This delightful collection of stories gives more details or alternative points of view to the happenings in the earlier books. So good to see some of the supporting characters get their happy ever afters. I'm really looking forward to the stories of the next generation.
This delightful collection of stories gives more details or alternative points of view to the happenings in the earlier books. So good to see some of the supporting characters get their happy ever afters. I'm really looking forward to the stories of the next generation.
March 18, 2026
Cute bonus scenes and helps explain the parents of some characters in the later series. Though I’m sorry but Edmund and Jalissa are not my favorite, so their little novella story dragged.
Baby Fieran and Dad Farrendel are too cute though! (Though I have questions on how the elves don’t run out of names if they literally name the kids after hair color. Just saying.)
Baby Fieran and Dad Farrendel are too cute though! (Though I have questions on how the elves don’t run out of names if they literally name the kids after hair color. Just saying.)
June 13, 2026
1.25⭐️
My favorite was the “Inventor” that was about Lance & Illyna. I also enjoyed “Peril in Mongavaria.”
Unfortunately I found the short story of Avie and Paige to be disappointing and lacking. I wish there was more about them dating, etc instead of them just meeting and then fast forward to them getting married.
The other stories were just meh to me.
My favorite was the “Inventor” that was about Lance & Illyna. I also enjoyed “Peril in Mongavaria.”
Unfortunately I found the short story of Avie and Paige to be disappointing and lacking. I wish there was more about them dating, etc instead of them just meeting and then fast forward to them getting married.
The other stories were just meh to me.
September 7, 2026
Slightly confusing but super happy with the ending
I really liked this one. Probably the best out of all that I've read so far. It bounced around a good bit but I did like hearing from more of the couples of the Elven Alliance storyline. I have the last book to read and then I'll be able to start the War Alliance
I really liked this one. Probably the best out of all that I've read so far. It bounced around a good bit but I did like hearing from more of the couples of the Elven Alliance storyline. I have the last book to read and then I'll be able to start the War Alliance
July 26, 2023
Precious
So many sweet stories and added epilogues for our favorite characters. I loved the romance for our favorite side characters as well as peeks at Essie and Farrandel in the future.
So many sweet stories and added epilogues for our favorite characters. I loved the romance for our favorite side characters as well as peeks at Essie and Farrandel in the future.
February 26, 2024
Wonderful series of books!!!
I only have 1 book left and I will miss all the characters in the books!! I have truly loved these characters and the stories for each couple!!! I highly recommend the!!! Enjoy!!!
I only have 1 book left and I will miss all the characters in the books!! I have truly loved these characters and the stories for each couple!!! I highly recommend the!!! Enjoy!!!
May 31, 2024
These Novellas and Short stories are everything I wanted! More bits and pieces to fall in love with Tara Grayce's beautiful fantasy world! I will say it again though - I would pay so much money for am combined unabridged version of these books in chronological order!
February 1, 2025
I adored every single one of these additional stories to Tara Grayce's Elven Alliance series!!! I didn't even know how badly I needed them until I read them! I will never get tired of these characters and this world!
February 16, 2025
I love Tara Grayce and the way she writes!!! I love how connected I feel to all the characters.
I think I am just not a fan of the cut up short stories. I just want more! But that’s the only negative about this book, I just want more.
I think I am just not a fan of the cut up short stories. I just want more! But that’s the only negative about this book, I just want more.
September 7, 2025
Great insight
I love reading the backstory of Patience and Lyrinder, Lance and Illyna, Julien and Vriska along with Edmund and Jalissa to name a few. There is so much detail that the other books didn’t cover and each section tells you where in the other books this takes place.
I love reading the backstory of Patience and Lyrinder, Lance and Illyna, Julien and Vriska along with Edmund and Jalissa to name a few. There is so much detail that the other books didn’t cover and each section tells you where in the other books this takes place.
September 27, 2025
So Many New Details and Fun Stories
Each of these stories added to my enjoyment of the Elven Alliance series. It was a joy to return to this world and see more of the characters I’ve grown to love throughout the series. I especially liked the way some, like the Mongavaria one, helped fill in gaps I was dying to know when reading the main stories. Perfect and must-read for anyone who can’t get enough of this world.
Each of these stories added to my enjoyment of the Elven Alliance series. It was a joy to return to this world and see more of the characters I’ve grown to love throughout the series. I especially liked the way some, like the Mongavaria one, helped fill in gaps I was dying to know when reading the main stories. Perfect and must-read for anyone who can’t get enough of this world.
June 10, 2026
This is a set of short stories and novellas that flesh out parts of the main story arc, or tell more about side characters. While I was disappointed with a couple of the stories, wishing there had been more details, overall it was a wonderful collection and a great addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews