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Bound by Flame #1
To Keep an Emerald Rose
She’s a dragon shifter on a mission. He’s a witch with a secret. Fate has drawn them together.
Octavia Ashbloom just wants one thing in to be accepted by her village. It shouldn’t be too much to ask, but unfortunately for her, they’re still holding a grudge from that one time she accidentally started a war.
It’s been fifty-five years, but dragon shifters have long memories. When the Elders of her village give her a chance to reclaim their favor by delivering the Emerald Rose across the Empire, she jumps at the opportunity.
Everything is going well until Flynn, a too-handsome-for-his-own-good witch, finds the cabin where Octavia is weathering out a storm. He sneaks in, and Octavia catches him rifling through her bag. She knows she can’t trust him, but there’s an undeniable draw between them.
When her instincts prove correct, and Flynn tries to steal the Emerald Rose again, Octavia insists they split up. She hasn’t come this close to winning back the Elders’ trust just to throw it all away now.
Fate isn’t done with them, though. When it pushes them together again, Octavia has to decide whether to trust the handsome, would-be thief or part ways forever.
Octavia Ashbloom just wants one thing in to be accepted by her village. It shouldn’t be too much to ask, but unfortunately for her, they’re still holding a grudge from that one time she accidentally started a war.
It’s been fifty-five years, but dragon shifters have long memories. When the Elders of her village give her a chance to reclaim their favor by delivering the Emerald Rose across the Empire, she jumps at the opportunity.
Everything is going well until Flynn, a too-handsome-for-his-own-good witch, finds the cabin where Octavia is weathering out a storm. He sneaks in, and Octavia catches him rifling through her bag. She knows she can’t trust him, but there’s an undeniable draw between them.
When her instincts prove correct, and Flynn tries to steal the Emerald Rose again, Octavia insists they split up. She hasn’t come this close to winning back the Elders’ trust just to throw it all away now.
Fate isn’t done with them, though. When it pushes them together again, Octavia has to decide whether to trust the handsome, would-be thief or part ways forever.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2024
78 people are currently reading
1563 people want to read
About the author
Elayna R. Gallea
32 books2,036 followersElayna Gallea lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two kids. They have dogs and cats and enjoy touring their beautiful province whenever they can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
April 6, 2024
This was an easy and fast paced Romantasy. This story follows a dragon shifter named Octavia on her journey to deliver an important item where she encounters witches, wear wolves and fae.
To Keep an Emerald Rose is the is the first book in a short story series called Bound by Flame where each book is written by a different indie author
To Keep an Emerald Rose is the is the first book in a short story series called Bound by Flame where each book is written by a different indie author
May 29, 2024
“Because you’ve been haunting my dreams, Octavia. Every night, as I sleep, I see the two of us together. Your spark, your fire intrigues me.”
A sweet fantasy short story on Octavia & Flynn!! A dragon shifter on a mission to deliver an emerald rose who meets a secretive witch that’s on a quest to free his sister from thieves!!This was such a quick read that I had no negative thoughts about it. We follow the story of Octavia, a dragon shifter that’s put on a mission by her Elder’s to safely deliver a package. On a stormy night, Octavia and Flynn both ironically stumble upon an abandoned cabin at the same time. They instantly feel this strong pull between each other. Too bad for wanting to have a spicy scene, because Octavia runs away before anything can happen.
“What are you good at?” Leaning on her walking stick, Octavia threw propriety aside for the sake of curiosity and new acquaintances.
Flynn raised a brow. “Well, if you must know, I’ve been told I’m an excellent kisser.”
“What?” Octavia sputtered. “I meant with your magic,” she said a little too briskly.
He chuckled. “Apologies, Octavia. Perhaps you should’ve been a little clearer with your question.”
Throughout the story, we continue to see their journey in the never-ending forest and find the answers to why they can’t stay away from each other!!
November 8, 2025
2.5 🌟
✓ PNR
✓ 3rd person pov
✓ One bed
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 2 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶 / 5
✓ Fated mates
✓ Insta lust
✓ Forced proximity
✓ Interconnected standalone
✓ Novella story
✓ HEA
The story is about Octavia, who is a dragon shifter. Her mission is to deliver an important item. On her journey, she encounters werewolves, elves, and a Handsome witch.
I don't know what to say about this novella. It's sweet and funny, but the FMC's constant repetition of the witch's handsomeness drove me crazy.
✓ PNR
✓ 3rd person pov
✓ One bed
✓ Slow burn
✓ Entertaining plot - 2 / 5
✓ Mature language
✓ Fast paced
✓ Spice 🌶 / 5
✓ Fated mates
✓ Insta lust
✓ Forced proximity
✓ Interconnected standalone
✓ Novella story
✓ HEA
The story is about Octavia, who is a dragon shifter. Her mission is to deliver an important item. On her journey, she encounters werewolves, elves, and a Handsome witch.
I don't know what to say about this novella. It's sweet and funny, but the FMC's constant repetition of the witch's handsomeness drove me crazy.
May 7, 2024
This was a cute/fun fast-paced novella revolving around a dragon shifter (Octavia) and a witch (Flynn) who are trying to fight against their insta-lust while on their own "quests" together. I only wish this book was longer because I devoured it!! I really quite enjoyed Elayna's writing as well! I have already added some of her other books to my TBR❤️
March 24, 2024
This was a sweet novella in the Bound by Flame collection. There was so much packed into this story without it feeling rushed and confusing. I love the progression between Flynn and Octavia. I'm a sucker for a well written fated mates HEA and this definitely fits the bill!
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 5, 2024
This was such a fun, heartwarming read. It just made my heart feel so full 💕
𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎, 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆.
Octavia is so sweet and relatable and Flynn is just a lovely guy. I love how their relationship progresses and my favorite part was his apology, expect some groveling, it melted my heart. And I love how despite it being a short book, it gives us an amazing plot, romance, spice and the HEA our characters deserve ✨
𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕, 𝑶𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒂 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎, 𝑰 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒅 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆.
Octavia is so sweet and relatable and Flynn is just a lovely guy. I love how their relationship progresses and my favorite part was his apology, expect some groveling, it melted my heart. And I love how despite it being a short book, it gives us an amazing plot, romance, spice and the HEA our characters deserve ✨
April 5, 2024
Very sweet story!
What a fun, easy read. You can’t help but root for Octavia and Flynn and the adventure that brought them together was cozy! Moves at a good pace and is a great teaser for Ms Gallea’s other works! For fans of sweet romantasy, dragon shifters and fated mates where he falls first and has to do some groveling!
What a fun, easy read. You can’t help but root for Octavia and Flynn and the adventure that brought them together was cozy! Moves at a good pace and is a great teaser for Ms Gallea’s other works! For fans of sweet romantasy, dragon shifters and fated mates where he falls first and has to do some groveling!
April 4, 2024
this was such a sweet novella!
i really enjoyed reading this. thank you for the arc, elayna! all of these opinions are my own.
to keep an emerald rose follows the story of octavia, a lone dragon shifter, travelling a great length to make a delivery that will allow her her freedom. along the way she meets flynn, a charismatic witch, who she learns to trust and quickly falls for.
i thought their story was incredibly sweet, especially towards the end with flynn’s sister. i love it when a lonely, hurt character can find their home with someone and flynn’s calm was a great match for octavia’s fire.
overall I thought the world building was strong (and it links in to elayna’s other books, which are also great!) though i would have liked this to be a longer story as it felt a little bit rushed - i would have liked to explore their romance more and have seen them slowly find their way with each other. the story was easy to follow, at times you could tell what was going to happen but i had zero problems with that, it didn’t feel overly predictable. all in all, a lovely little novella to curl up and spend an evening reading!
i really enjoyed reading this. thank you for the arc, elayna! all of these opinions are my own.
to keep an emerald rose follows the story of octavia, a lone dragon shifter, travelling a great length to make a delivery that will allow her her freedom. along the way she meets flynn, a charismatic witch, who she learns to trust and quickly falls for.
i thought their story was incredibly sweet, especially towards the end with flynn’s sister. i love it when a lonely, hurt character can find their home with someone and flynn’s calm was a great match for octavia’s fire.
overall I thought the world building was strong (and it links in to elayna’s other books, which are also great!) though i would have liked this to be a longer story as it felt a little bit rushed - i would have liked to explore their romance more and have seen them slowly find their way with each other. the story was easy to follow, at times you could tell what was going to happen but i had zero problems with that, it didn’t feel overly predictable. all in all, a lovely little novella to curl up and spend an evening reading!
March 24, 2024
So glad I signed up for this eARC!
Cute little novella, the pacing was fast (and great). I’m not usually a fan of Insta-love / lust but it worked in this story.
Cute little novella, the pacing was fast (and great). I’m not usually a fan of Insta-love / lust but it worked in this story.
April 7, 2024
ARC Review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book was amazing! The banter, one-bed trope, and fated mates was so beautifully written and fun to read. Overall, amazing! The story was well paced and well thought out with no loose ends, which is perfect for Flynn and Octavia 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
This book was amazing! The banter, one-bed trope, and fated mates was so beautifully written and fun to read. Overall, amazing! The story was well paced and well thought out with no loose ends, which is perfect for Flynn and Octavia 💕
March 27, 2024
This novella had such a cute storyline between Octavia and Flynn. I really love fantasy books that have dragon shifters so having the FMC be a dragon shifter spiked my interest. This book had a pretty steady pace and I feel that the storyline was introduced in a way that did not have to dive deep into the specifics of the world the book takes place in. Although the romance between the characters happened pretty quickly I think it made sense because the book is fairly short. So overall I really loved this book and I think that if you like dragon shifting, romance with a little spice, witches, and a plot line that is easy to follow then you will also love this book!
The story follows a dragon shifter named Octavia who is sent on a delivery and during this mission she encounters Flynn. Although they get off on the wrong foot Octavia feels drawn to Flynn and the two decide to make the delivery together where they learn more about each other along the way. ✨
Thank you to the author for letting me read this book as an ARC. 💕
The story follows a dragon shifter named Octavia who is sent on a delivery and during this mission she encounters Flynn. Although they get off on the wrong foot Octavia feels drawn to Flynn and the two decide to make the delivery together where they learn more about each other along the way. ✨
Thank you to the author for letting me read this book as an ARC. 💕
January 28, 2025
A really sweet story. For a short novella nothing is rushed. The story is going smoothly and follows the order without missing anything. It is easy to read and to follow the progress in both characters and the plot.
The FMC, Octavia, is a purple dragon shifter, who has a task in hand - to make a delivery in order to get on the good books of the Elders.
The MMC, Flynn, is a witch with his own agenda. Really cute character!
Both, they make great duo. It was real fun to follow their story - the moments where they drift apart and then come back together.
What makes difference is that the man is the witch and the female is the mighty dragon. Usually they are the other way round but this is a fresh change.
The story has everything what you might want in a sweet romantasy - fantasy world with dragons, witches and even ware wolves, romance, enemies to lovers vibes, mates, and of course a bit of spice.
I received this as an e-ARC in exchange of an honest opinion.
The FMC, Octavia, is a purple dragon shifter, who has a task in hand - to make a delivery in order to get on the good books of the Elders.
The MMC, Flynn, is a witch with his own agenda. Really cute character!
Both, they make great duo. It was real fun to follow their story - the moments where they drift apart and then come back together.
What makes difference is that the man is the witch and the female is the mighty dragon. Usually they are the other way round but this is a fresh change.
The story has everything what you might want in a sweet romantasy - fantasy world with dragons, witches and even ware wolves, romance, enemies to lovers vibes, mates, and of course a bit of spice.
I received this as an e-ARC in exchange of an honest opinion.
April 11, 2024
Thank you to Elayna R. Gallea for allowing me to read a copy of this book. I really enjoyed this book, but I wish it was longer. I felt like it was a great read, but I wanted more from it. However, I really loved the characters and I loved the world. I cannot wait to read more from Elayna R. Gallea in the future.
March 29, 2024
This was so much fun! Just what I was in the mood for. It's been a bit since I read a purely romantasy story, and this was so much fun! I think I'm enjoying novellas a lot more now, because they're short and quick and there's no wasted words but the story still carries across so well.
Octavia is such a fun main character. I really enjoy being in her head, seeing her grapple with her independence yet also holding on to the bond she finds in Flynn. And the way he respects her but still sticks to his main goal of finding his sister. They work so well together and there's a perfect level of mutual respect. Can't wait to dive into the second one and see who that is about
Octavia is such a fun main character. I really enjoy being in her head, seeing her grapple with her independence yet also holding on to the bond she finds in Flynn. And the way he respects her but still sticks to his main goal of finding his sister. They work so well together and there's a perfect level of mutual respect. Can't wait to dive into the second one and see who that is about
April 4, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️
If you’re looking for a quick, romantasy read about a grumpy dragon shifter determined to prove her place in her community and the hilarious sunshiney witch seemingly bound and determined to mess up her plans… than you have found your next read. Not only that but this book is stuffed to the brim with hilarious banter, just the right amount of plot twists, a slow burn but supremely sweet romance, and just the right amount of teasingly delicious spice! As this book is a short story I won’t go into to much detail! But I will say that I really enjoyed this book, and would def recommend adding it to your TBR!
HAPPY READING 📖
Spice:🌶️
If you’re looking for a quick, romantasy read about a grumpy dragon shifter determined to prove her place in her community and the hilarious sunshiney witch seemingly bound and determined to mess up her plans… than you have found your next read. Not only that but this book is stuffed to the brim with hilarious banter, just the right amount of plot twists, a slow burn but supremely sweet romance, and just the right amount of teasingly delicious spice! As this book is a short story I won’t go into to much detail! But I will say that I really enjoyed this book, and would def recommend adding it to your TBR!
HAPPY READING 📖
March 24, 2024
I love Elyana’s writing style. It’s perfect for short, easy to read books with a solid plot line! TKAER helped get me out of a reading slump that I didn’t even realize I was in. And Flynn?!? He reignited my childhood crush on the thieving, smirking Flynn Rider from Tangled
Truly a great little novella!
Favorite quote: “The sight of a groveling male on his knees was far more appealing than Octavia ever thought it would be.”
Truly a great little novella!
Favorite quote: “The sight of a groveling male on his knees was far more appealing than Octavia ever thought it would be.”
April 4, 2024
To Keep an Emerald Rose
This was a really cute and sweet novella. I loved the fated mate’s aspect, and found it to be well written and incorporated.
When Octavia and Flynn meet, he is trying to steal something from her that could help her be accepted back into her village- I just loved it.
I can’t wait to read more from this series!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
This was a really cute and sweet novella. I loved the fated mate’s aspect, and found it to be well written and incorporated.
When Octavia and Flynn meet, he is trying to steal something from her that could help her be accepted back into her village- I just loved it.
I can’t wait to read more from this series!
*I received this as an ARC, and I am leaving an honest and voluntary review*
April 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the story and the banter between the mmc and fmc, the story was a bit of miscommunication and enemies to lovers which are some of my favorite tropes. It was a really sweet and fairly low angsty read
November 9, 2024
Ich weiß nicht, es war nicht wirklich schlecht und es hat mir relativ gut gefallen aber trotzdem ist es nur eine 2 Sterne Bewertung. Auch wenn es nur eine kurze Novella war hat mir einiges gefehlt und das "ich will mit ihm ins Bett" war viel zu schnell für meinen Geschmack.
March 27, 2024
This is a cute, fast paced, feel good novella with a pinch of spice.
March 28, 2024
*I received an ARC copy and am leaving my honest review*
⭐️ REVIEW:
A dragon-shifter & witch novella, this was such a good story! Octavia (and her purple dragon beauty) and Flynn (witchy boy!! I love him!!) were so easy to fall in love with and care for. How they met, how they bonded, grew apart, and came back together within 137 pages felt so natural! Fated mates? Slow burn? And a satisfying spicy scene? Yeah… yeah this was perfect! There was tension in the plot, too. It was told very well!
⭐️ FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Octavia knew with certainty that, at that moment, she could drive a wedge between them that was so deep they would never recover. She could wound this man with her words, make him forever regret what he’d done to her. Or she could pick a different path. One that would alter the rest of their lives. She drew a deep breath, closed her eyes for the briefest moment, and then she made up her mind.”
⭐️ REVIEW:
A dragon-shifter & witch novella, this was such a good story! Octavia (and her purple dragon beauty) and Flynn (witchy boy!! I love him!!) were so easy to fall in love with and care for. How they met, how they bonded, grew apart, and came back together within 137 pages felt so natural! Fated mates? Slow burn? And a satisfying spicy scene? Yeah… yeah this was perfect! There was tension in the plot, too. It was told very well!
⭐️ FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Octavia knew with certainty that, at that moment, she could drive a wedge between them that was so deep they would never recover. She could wound this man with her words, make him forever regret what he’d done to her. Or she could pick a different path. One that would alter the rest of their lives. She drew a deep breath, closed her eyes for the briefest moment, and then she made up her mind.”
April 20, 2024
Great novella filled with adventure, grumpy FMC and sunshine MMC. Dragons, witches, hoards and fated mates all on a delivery and rescue mission. Loved it all and ate up this book!
July 14, 2024
I read this for a reading challenge, woof. Good thing I finished it quickly. Not worth continuing the series.
April 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
I really enjoyed this one. It is part of the Bound by Flame world with books by different authors but all interwoven.
I mean, who wouldn’t love a guy who can shield himself from the rain?! In all seriousness though, I couldn’t put this one down!!
If you love romance, fantasy, dragons and a fiesty female main character this one is for you!
I really enjoyed this one. It is part of the Bound by Flame world with books by different authors but all interwoven.
I mean, who wouldn’t love a guy who can shield himself from the rain?! In all seriousness though, I couldn’t put this one down!!
If you love romance, fantasy, dragons and a fiesty female main character this one is for you!
March 31, 2024
Super fasted paced, magical novella in the Bound by Flame novella series. Follow Octavia and Flynn into the story of them through trial and tribulation to discover themselves on their adventure.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Emotional: 💧
Pace: 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Emotional: 💧
Pace: 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃
April 1, 2024
I loved the books , quick easy ready
Love how octavia gave a quick run down of her past and present life.
Then she found her mate and it got better from there!!!
Love how octavia gave a quick run down of her past and present life.
Then she found her mate and it got better from there!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2024
I am shocked at how much was fit into such a short novella. In just 139 pages you get a deep look into exactly who Octavia is and how her mind works, a journey, a romance, a rescue and a happily ever after. I adored the two main characters and how real they are. Their conversations aren’t always flowery speeches, they’re not always put together and graceful, and the way Octavia thinks is so sarcastic and relatable. Flynn and Octavia are as normal as a witch and dragon shifter can get. It’s refreshing to read about such normal fantasy characters. I would read a whole series about these two, but if you’re looking for a quick, entertaining and fun read, this is it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2024
Very good book. Not going to lie kept waiting for the bottom to drop out, but I'm very happy it didn't. Overall good story would like to see what happens to the characters beyond this tale.
March 21, 2024
Thank you Elayna for my arc. I really enjoyed the story, it made my heart happy. To Keep an Emerald Rose gave me all the romance feels with the fantasy adventures.
March 21, 2024
I absolutely loved it. 3rd person books are normally not for me, but I am obsessed with Flynn and Octavia. I can not wait for the next book! I will be patiently waiting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews