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A Tether Through the Rift
Hazel is ready to find answers about a past she can’t remember. She has no memories, no family—only the fierce loyalty of Arlo, her ultimate protector turned devoted partner. But after a year of garish nightmares that constantly threaten her stability, she grows unsatisfied and decides to follow the pull she feels inside. Suddenly Hazel is tumbling through a rift between worlds and finds more than she ever bargained for, a world where her nightmares become reality.
Vander Darroch is a brooding wolven shifter with a soft side left behind from the loss of his only love long ago When she suddenly emerges from a rift, back into his world, she is a mere echo of the female she used to be. She doesn’t remember him, the existence of magic, or anything about her past. Not to mention she’s fallen for another.
Between dodging attacks from a particularly powerful enemy and learning how to navigate the world of magic surrounding her, Hazel discovers glimpses of her past and must decide between accepting the world she’s stumbled into, or retreating to the only life she can remember. Can she hold on to what she’s discovered while protecting the one she loves? Or will she have to surrender everything she thought she knew in order to find herself?
A Tether Through The Rift is a wonderland-esque, dark fantasy romance about the journey of learning to love and accept oneself. Join Hazel in this harrowing story full of nature-based magic, dark villains, and well hidden secrets lurking in the shadows.
Vander Darroch is a brooding wolven shifter with a soft side left behind from the loss of his only love long ago When she suddenly emerges from a rift, back into his world, she is a mere echo of the female she used to be. She doesn’t remember him, the existence of magic, or anything about her past. Not to mention she’s fallen for another.
Between dodging attacks from a particularly powerful enemy and learning how to navigate the world of magic surrounding her, Hazel discovers glimpses of her past and must decide between accepting the world she’s stumbled into, or retreating to the only life she can remember. Can she hold on to what she’s discovered while protecting the one she loves? Or will she have to surrender everything she thought she knew in order to find herself?
A Tether Through The Rift is a wonderland-esque, dark fantasy romance about the journey of learning to love and accept oneself. Join Hazel in this harrowing story full of nature-based magic, dark villains, and well hidden secrets lurking in the shadows.
488 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2024
60 people are currently reading
1282 people want to read
About the author
Lindsey N. Rhoden
4 books60 followersHi there! I'm Lindsey N. Rhoden. I’m a mama to four crazy kiddos, a full time homeschooler, and a part time writer with an affinity for all things herbal. I’ve spent the last several years as a birth/postpartum photographer and doula, specializing in herbal and Ayurvedic care. In the past year, I decided to take a step back from that line of work to focus on my family and make room for other passions.
I love exploring darker elements through my writing and focusing on the more taboo topics of mental health and what that kind of pure, raw emotion can look like. I try to bring my writing to life through elements of nature and descriptive language. My main goal in my work is to write real, raw emotion that the reader can relate to and can feel through the pages, whether that be love, excitement, panic, or pain.
I’ve been a writer for as long as I could hold a pen, but I’ve always struggled to give my writing the time it deserved to truly develop. I dove into the world of literature during college and earned my degree in English literature with a concentration in creative writing from the University of Central Florida. Authors such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Edgar Allen Poe inspired me to continue pursing my own writing. Motherhood had other plans, though, and I took a long reprieve after I graduated in 2018. In 2023, I decided to dive back into the world of writing and found out that apparently I had a lot to say.
I love exploring darker elements through my writing and focusing on the more taboo topics of mental health and what that kind of pure, raw emotion can look like. I try to bring my writing to life through elements of nature and descriptive language. My main goal in my work is to write real, raw emotion that the reader can relate to and can feel through the pages, whether that be love, excitement, panic, or pain.
I’ve been a writer for as long as I could hold a pen, but I’ve always struggled to give my writing the time it deserved to truly develop. I dove into the world of literature during college and earned my degree in English literature with a concentration in creative writing from the University of Central Florida. Authors such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Edgar Allen Poe inspired me to continue pursing my own writing. Motherhood had other plans, though, and I took a long reprieve after I graduated in 2018. In 2023, I decided to dive back into the world of writing and found out that apparently I had a lot to say.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
March 12, 2024
I was lucky enough to be chosen to read an advance copy of this book and what a treat it was!
As always, I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but I have a lot of thoughts! I also want it on record that I KNEW IT! And no, I won't tell you what that means until you've read the book.
I will admit, while I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Hazel, I loved how accurate her struggle with anxiety was portrayed! I'm not sure why I had a hard time with Hazel, all I know is that I found myself a bit more invested in the other characters.
Now Vander... oh, Vander. I love him. He doesn't always get it right, but he tries his best, and I think that he's exactly what he needs to be.
I am obsessed with Aerie, and I kinda want to be her when I grow up. I love the relationship she has with both Mirren and Hazel. Speaking of which, Mirren is adorable.
I did struggle a bit, from about the 50% to 75% (thank you Kindle for figuring that out for me), because I was looking for a bit more action. Well, joke's on me because the last 25% of this book was a ROLLERCOASTER, and I would happily buy a ticket for a second ride!
As always, I will try to keep this as spoiler free as possible, but I have a lot of thoughts! I also want it on record that I KNEW IT! And no, I won't tell you what that means until you've read the book.
I will admit, while I had a bit of a hard time connecting with Hazel, I loved how accurate her struggle with anxiety was portrayed! I'm not sure why I had a hard time with Hazel, all I know is that I found myself a bit more invested in the other characters.
Now Vander... oh, Vander. I love him. He doesn't always get it right, but he tries his best, and I think that he's exactly what he needs to be.
I am obsessed with Aerie, and I kinda want to be her when I grow up. I love the relationship she has with both Mirren and Hazel. Speaking of which, Mirren is adorable.
I did struggle a bit, from about the 50% to 75% (thank you Kindle for figuring that out for me), because I was looking for a bit more action. Well, joke's on me because the last 25% of this book was a ROLLERCOASTER, and I would happily buy a ticket for a second ride!
September 3, 2025
✨A Tether Through the Rift✨
Wow! This was a fun one with several plot twists I had NOT seen coming!!
Tether is a portal fantasy following Hazel, a young woman who has no memory past the last year. She is lost, anxious, depressed, and suffering from panic disorder and nightmares. Her only confidant is a sweet and caring man named Arlo. The two of them set out to figure out her past and Hazel soon finds herself in a realm full of magic, found family who love and know her, and the sinking feeling that the last year was entirely fake/dream.
Surrounded by friends she can’t remember, Hazel must wade and work through grief, fear, being pursued by a dark entity that can enter her mind, and an unsteady bond with a man she hates but feels a deeper connection with, Vander.
Y’all. This book was so full of plot twists, it had me reeling. And that cliffhanger has me clinging for more. Not to mention Vander. We got just a TASTE and I want the whole thing.
Tropes include morally grey and broody MMC, enemies to lovers(?), forced proximity, fated/bonded mates, shadow daddy, found family, wolf shifters, intriguing world/magic building, angst, spice 2/5, witty banter, touch her and die, and moderate language.
I’m throughly looking forward to the sequel and utterly thankful for this gifted arc. Thank you, Lindsay!
Wow! This was a fun one with several plot twists I had NOT seen coming!!
Tether is a portal fantasy following Hazel, a young woman who has no memory past the last year. She is lost, anxious, depressed, and suffering from panic disorder and nightmares. Her only confidant is a sweet and caring man named Arlo. The two of them set out to figure out her past and Hazel soon finds herself in a realm full of magic, found family who love and know her, and the sinking feeling that the last year was entirely fake/dream.
Surrounded by friends she can’t remember, Hazel must wade and work through grief, fear, being pursued by a dark entity that can enter her mind, and an unsteady bond with a man she hates but feels a deeper connection with, Vander.
Y’all. This book was so full of plot twists, it had me reeling. And that cliffhanger has me clinging for more. Not to mention Vander. We got just a TASTE and I want the whole thing.
Tropes include morally grey and broody MMC, enemies to lovers(?), forced proximity, fated/bonded mates, shadow daddy, found family, wolf shifters, intriguing world/magic building, angst, spice 2/5, witty banter, touch her and die, and moderate language.
I’m throughly looking forward to the sequel and utterly thankful for this gifted arc. Thank you, Lindsay!
March 25, 2024
I was hooked from the very beginning of this book, to the end! Hazel has lost all memories and she’s trying to figure out who she is and the journey of her discovery is a good one! All the characters are so fun, the pace is great. The little “love triangle” type situation that happens was NOTHING of what I expected!!
There’s wolf shifters, fae, sprites… dream walking, deer shifter.. ugh. Such a great book!
And the ending?!?! It deliveredddd (the whole book does) but the end was SO good! Big news revealed with a twist from a certain character I was NOT ready for 😩
There’s wolf shifters, fae, sprites… dream walking, deer shifter.. ugh. Such a great book!
And the ending?!?! It deliveredddd (the whole book does) but the end was SO good! Big news revealed with a twist from a certain character I was NOT ready for 😩
March 2, 2024
When I filled out the ARC application for this book, my fingers were crossed in hopes I would be selected. To my surprise, I received the file just a day ago. I downloaded this book as fast as I could, and could not put it down. Fighting a cough and Nyquill, I read on as much as I could. Finishing the book tonight, only to be saddened by the fact that there is no more story left to read. Congratulations on this magnificent piece of work. The descriptiveness that flowed through this story was simply beautiful. I could feel the nightmares, the protective embraces, the tears, frustrations, and above all the love.
Hazel's story was touching in a way that kept me reading on... who was this girl, what happened to her, and where did she belong? Vander kept me guessing.... Just tell your secret... let her in. And let's give some love for Aerie, we could all use that loving nature in our lives. If you enjoy a tale with twists and turns, unknown histories, and even wolven shifters, then A Tether Through The Rift will be a must addition to your TBR list. This book is set to be released on 4-16-2024. A couple of my favorite lines from this book: "With that last thought, I slipped below the surface, welcoming the icy grasp of the watery grave below." "Do you want to know why I call you little spitfire?"
Hazel's story was touching in a way that kept me reading on... who was this girl, what happened to her, and where did she belong? Vander kept me guessing.... Just tell your secret... let her in. And let's give some love for Aerie, we could all use that loving nature in our lives. If you enjoy a tale with twists and turns, unknown histories, and even wolven shifters, then A Tether Through The Rift will be a must addition to your TBR list. This book is set to be released on 4-16-2024. A couple of my favorite lines from this book: "With that last thought, I slipped below the surface, welcoming the icy grasp of the watery grave below." "Do you want to know why I call you little spitfire?"
March 17, 2024
I really enjoyed A Tether Through The Rift, and it was a real pleasure being an ARC reader for Lindsey Rhoden. I was really intrigued by the blurb and so happy to be chosen as a member of the ARC team.
A Tether Through The Rift is book 1 in the new dark fantasy series. The story follows Hazel, a girl who had lost her memories and finds herself searching for answers. The author does an excellent job describing Hazel and her emotional struggles in an impossible situation - looking for answers, finding some surprising ones while still dealing with a lot of unknowns. I won't spoil the plot but there are some interesting revelations and surprising turns.
If you enjoy tropes such as found family, fated mates, shifters, faes and magical worlds, this is your book. I loved the first book and cannot wait for more to come!
A Tether Through The Rift is book 1 in the new dark fantasy series. The story follows Hazel, a girl who had lost her memories and finds herself searching for answers. The author does an excellent job describing Hazel and her emotional struggles in an impossible situation - looking for answers, finding some surprising ones while still dealing with a lot of unknowns. I won't spoil the plot but there are some interesting revelations and surprising turns.
If you enjoy tropes such as found family, fated mates, shifters, faes and magical worlds, this is your book. I loved the first book and cannot wait for more to come!
April 17, 2024
R A T I N G : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨ (4.5) / 5
S P I C E : 🌶️🌶️ / 5
❓ W H A T T O E X P E C T ❓
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Morally grey MMC
✨ Fated mates
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Shadow daddy
✨ Witty banter
✨ Shifters
✨ Touch her and 🔪
✨ Nature-based magic
✨ Mental health rep
T H O U G H T S 💭 :
This is a dark romantasy novel which portrays Hazel’s (our FMC) story. Hazel has lost her memory and hasn’t been able to recover past last year. And her mental health isn’t in the best condition either. She feels depressed, anxious and lost. She’s been getting nightmares and panic attacks.
This book immediately takes you to Hazel’s world where she’s struggling to find herself and constantly fighting her demons. I’m really impressive how relatable and real her character was. There’s Arlo to follow her in this journey and the only one whom she trusts. Apart from Hazel’s character, I was also really drawn to Vander’s character. UGH! I just loveeeeee him so much! 😭😭
This book is action packed with plot twists which would BLOW YOUR MIND! I honestly didn’t see them coming. This book keeps you flipping pages to find out what happens next or where this story is gonna go. There was no part where I felt lost or confused. This is just a MASTERPIECE! And THAT CLIFFHANGER ?!?! I was left wanting more and just can’t wait to know what happens in the next book!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to all the dark romantasy lovers out there! 🖤
S P I C E : 🌶️🌶️ / 5
❓ W H A T T O E X P E C T ❓
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Morally grey MMC
✨ Fated mates
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Shadow daddy
✨ Witty banter
✨ Shifters
✨ Touch her and 🔪
✨ Nature-based magic
✨ Mental health rep
T H O U G H T S 💭 :
This is a dark romantasy novel which portrays Hazel’s (our FMC) story. Hazel has lost her memory and hasn’t been able to recover past last year. And her mental health isn’t in the best condition either. She feels depressed, anxious and lost. She’s been getting nightmares and panic attacks.
This book immediately takes you to Hazel’s world where she’s struggling to find herself and constantly fighting her demons. I’m really impressive how relatable and real her character was. There’s Arlo to follow her in this journey and the only one whom she trusts. Apart from Hazel’s character, I was also really drawn to Vander’s character. UGH! I just loveeeeee him so much! 😭😭
This book is action packed with plot twists which would BLOW YOUR MIND! I honestly didn’t see them coming. This book keeps you flipping pages to find out what happens next or where this story is gonna go. There was no part where I felt lost or confused. This is just a MASTERPIECE! And THAT CLIFFHANGER ?!?! I was left wanting more and just can’t wait to know what happens in the next book!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend this to all the dark romantasy lovers out there! 🖤
March 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed “A Tether Through the Rift”. I was lucky enough to be selected as an ARC reader and I’m glad I could experience this story with a completely open mind and without any spoilers.
It was very easy to get into the story and I felt myself drawn to the mystery surrounding Hazel and who she is/was.
The characters are well developed but still leave much to be discovered in (hopefully!) future books. Lindsey also has plenty of room to grow with world development as well.
I loved the use of Earth magic and there being explanations for the origins and uses of magic. It’s a refreshing take on just unlimited power with no repercussions or consequences.
I’ve already ordered a physical copy to add to my library of beloved books and I can’t wait to see where this series goes!
March 19, 2024
A Tether Through the Rift was a captivating story following Hazel, a girl who has no idea who she is or where she came from. Lindsey paints such a relatable picture of mental health and how hard it is to accept yourself as you are. Every flaw and unknown included.
I related so much to Hazels journey of trying to find and understand herself while simultaneously feeling like you do not belong in the space that you take up.
This book was full of, mystery, tension, and plot twists set in such a beautiful world. I loved every second spent with these characters. (Except that one time. Lindsey, you know what you did.)
I will be waiting so impatiently for book 2.
Spice Level: Low. A bit of spice + lots of tension.
Tropes + Themes: Found Family-Slow Burn-Mental Health Rep
I related so much to Hazels journey of trying to find and understand herself while simultaneously feeling like you do not belong in the space that you take up.
This book was full of, mystery, tension, and plot twists set in such a beautiful world. I loved every second spent with these characters. (Except that one time. Lindsey, you know what you did.)
I will be waiting so impatiently for book 2.
Spice Level: Low. A bit of spice + lots of tension.
Tropes + Themes: Found Family-Slow Burn-Mental Health Rep
March 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I LOVED this book, I could not put it down.
This dark romantasy portrays the struggle with anxiety so perfectly and allowed my emotional connection to the FMC to form instantly.
Vander…. Oh vander 🥵 enough said.
The descriptive language used in this story was beautiful, I really felt like I was in their world and as frightening as it could be, I didn’t want to leave it! Aerie was my favourite side character, she had such a calming and loving presence within the story and you could really feel that even just through reading.
If you want a dark romantasy with found family, slow burn, nature based magic, fated mates & mental health rep
(And to be honest, who doesn’t) then definitley pick up this book on April 16th!
I cannot wait for book two, seriously… it will be a hard wait
I LOVED this book, I could not put it down.
This dark romantasy portrays the struggle with anxiety so perfectly and allowed my emotional connection to the FMC to form instantly.
Vander…. Oh vander 🥵 enough said.
The descriptive language used in this story was beautiful, I really felt like I was in their world and as frightening as it could be, I didn’t want to leave it! Aerie was my favourite side character, she had such a calming and loving presence within the story and you could really feel that even just through reading.
If you want a dark romantasy with found family, slow burn, nature based magic, fated mates & mental health rep
(And to be honest, who doesn’t) then definitley pick up this book on April 16th!
I cannot wait for book two, seriously… it will be a hard wait
April 9, 2024
Shifters, nature-based magic, dark villains, found family, enemies to lovers, a morally grey MMC that had me on my mother freaking knees y’all.
I am floored at how amazing this debut is. It was such a unique plot that had me up late way past my bedtime.
As soon as Vander entered the scene —
I 👏🏻WAS 👏🏻HOOKED👏🏻
Lindsey is an amazing writer and I constantly kept having to stop and appreciate how beautiful her writing was. I’m definitely going to get a physical copy so I can annotate the hell out of this book.
Thank you for this ARC, I am truly honored to have read this.
This is a book you do not want to sleep on. Highly recommend
I am floored at how amazing this debut is. It was such a unique plot that had me up late way past my bedtime.
As soon as Vander entered the scene —
I 👏🏻WAS 👏🏻HOOKED👏🏻
Lindsey is an amazing writer and I constantly kept having to stop and appreciate how beautiful her writing was. I’m definitely going to get a physical copy so I can annotate the hell out of this book.
Thank you for this ARC, I am truly honored to have read this.
This is a book you do not want to sleep on. Highly recommend
March 19, 2024
*arc reader*
Where do I even start? This book was a wild ride, especially at the end. The beginning was a bit slow, but after that it was great! There were plot twists I didn’t see coming, tragedy, romance (slow burn), magic, and action. Definitely worth the read and I will definitely continue this series!
Where do I even start? This book was a wild ride, especially at the end. The beginning was a bit slow, but after that it was great! There were plot twists I didn’t see coming, tragedy, romance (slow burn), magic, and action. Definitely worth the read and I will definitely continue this series!
November 25, 2024
2024 Reads #643/250
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
April 10, 2024
4.5⭐️ rounded up for GR. I literally inhaled this overnight. The world building and magic elements were easy to follow, I loved that there was a playlist, map and pronunciation guide. The FMC annoyed me (like most of them do) but I loved watching her growth. I’m in love with Vander, that is all 💖 I NEED THE SECOND BOOK NOW BECAUSE THE ENDING WHAT!
March 14, 2024
This is a beautiful dark romantasy. I loved following Hazels story. I had to know what happened to her and where she came from. Thank you to the author for the ARC!
March 15, 2024
**I received this as an ARC which has no impact on my review**
Well, this book took me on quite the journey. Lindsey created a beautiful world with unique and intriguing characters. The world building was seamlessly incorporated into the storyline. At no point did I feel overwhelmed. At no point did I notice info-dumping.
The characters are everything. You find something to love in each character (at least I did).
She hit us with a few twists (which I still haven't recovered from) that were unexpected (in the best way possible)!
THANK YOU LINDSEY! You can tell your heart and soul went into this one. No rush, but I can't wait for book two!
Well, this book took me on quite the journey. Lindsey created a beautiful world with unique and intriguing characters. The world building was seamlessly incorporated into the storyline. At no point did I feel overwhelmed. At no point did I notice info-dumping.
The characters are everything. You find something to love in each character (at least I did).
She hit us with a few twists (which I still haven't recovered from) that were unexpected (in the best way possible)!
THANK YOU LINDSEY! You can tell your heart and soul went into this one. No rush, but I can't wait for book two!
March 27, 2024
Hazel’s journey is what drew me into this story. Her mental health struggles with traüma, depression, and self-loathing make her a highly relatable FMC. It was a gift to be in her mind and see her work through the darkest parts of herself - and be accepted by the people who care for her most.
Speaking of the people who care for Hazel - if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for found family and witty side characters - this story has both. Our MMC’s chosen brother, Bastian, stands out with the dynamic he holds within with family and tribe. I hope we get his story someday.
And speaking of our MMC - my new shadow daddy Vander - let’s just say Lindsey has mastered the art of the slow burn between him and his little spitfire 😉
Speaking of the people who care for Hazel - if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for found family and witty side characters - this story has both. Our MMC’s chosen brother, Bastian, stands out with the dynamic he holds within with family and tribe. I hope we get his story someday.
And speaking of our MMC - my new shadow daddy Vander - let’s just say Lindsey has mastered the art of the slow burn between him and his little spitfire 😉
March 5, 2024
Thank you to the author for my ARC copy of this book! Romantasy is definitely having its moment, and this book only adds to all the great books out there!!!
April 13, 2024
I am so grateful to have received a gifted copy of this book.
It follows the life of Hazel, who has been through some heavy trauma and has no memory of it. She is being cared for her partner Arlo, who is a lovely , sweet, cinnamon roll kinda guy.
Hazel goes on a quest to unearth what she experienced and why she is plagued by unrelenting nightmares of a nasty, winged creature from the depths of darkness.
Soon enough, Hazel's world is turned upside down when she returns to the alternate world she came from.
Here, she meets people who love and know her , and she has no recollection of them at all.
All in all, I enjoyed the story. The mental health rep here is excellent. I absolutely felt Hazel's turmoil, trauma, and fear. It does not take away the fact that she is so strong and the ultimate survivor.
The MMC Vander is mean, moody, and a Wolven shifter. Fighting the darkness in himself. I liked how he was so protective over Hazel, but he also infuriated me and felt a bit flat.
I loved Bastian, the chieftain, and his Fae wife, Aerie. Nox and Mirren were a great addition.
I did guess the massive twist very early on, so it didn't come as much as a shock to me. I also guessed the other twist, outlined in the epilogue. I also was confused at why Vander Hated Arlo so much?
All in all, the world building was on point, and there was strong character development with Hazel. Great debut novel.
It follows the life of Hazel, who has been through some heavy trauma and has no memory of it. She is being cared for her partner Arlo, who is a lovely , sweet, cinnamon roll kinda guy.
Hazel goes on a quest to unearth what she experienced and why she is plagued by unrelenting nightmares of a nasty, winged creature from the depths of darkness.
Soon enough, Hazel's world is turned upside down when she returns to the alternate world she came from.
Here, she meets people who love and know her , and she has no recollection of them at all.
All in all, I enjoyed the story. The mental health rep here is excellent. I absolutely felt Hazel's turmoil, trauma, and fear. It does not take away the fact that she is so strong and the ultimate survivor.
The MMC Vander is mean, moody, and a Wolven shifter. Fighting the darkness in himself. I liked how he was so protective over Hazel, but he also infuriated me and felt a bit flat.
I loved Bastian, the chieftain, and his Fae wife, Aerie. Nox and Mirren were a great addition.
I did guess the massive twist very early on, so it didn't come as much as a shock to me. I also guessed the other twist, outlined in the epilogue. I also was confused at why Vander Hated Arlo so much?
All in all, the world building was on point, and there was strong character development with Hazel. Great debut novel.
April 8, 2024
Hazel is lost in a world where she knows no one but her savior, Arlo. Plagued by nightmares, she spends her days trying to uncover her past, until one night she feels called to the rift, and she falls into another world. A world that is claimed to be her original world. Hazel tries to piece the puzzle back together with a group who claim to be her friends. Not to mention, her nightmares become reality with a dark, mind-walking villain. What is reality and what is fake?
The plot twists and turns were beyond captivating and I was continuously messaging Lindsey with my guesses of where the story was heading. Trust me, I was wrong the majority of the time, which is an indicator of how well thought out the plot is of this story.
The magic system is easily explained and makes it so the reader isn’t taking too long to understand and able to jump right into the action. Please make sure to take care of yourself if you find certain areas of this book too dark - check your trigger warnings. I love how Lindsey weaves in mental health advocacy - but let me tell you, it had me all up in my feels in the lake scene (IYKYK).
If you’re looking for a slow burn, this is it. The dynamic between Hazel and Vander gives me all the feels, from his protectiveness to his acceptance that she loves another and will love her from afar if that’s all he can have of her. A new shadow daddy has entered the playing field.
4.5✨
The plot twists and turns were beyond captivating and I was continuously messaging Lindsey with my guesses of where the story was heading. Trust me, I was wrong the majority of the time, which is an indicator of how well thought out the plot is of this story.
The magic system is easily explained and makes it so the reader isn’t taking too long to understand and able to jump right into the action. Please make sure to take care of yourself if you find certain areas of this book too dark - check your trigger warnings. I love how Lindsey weaves in mental health advocacy - but let me tell you, it had me all up in my feels in the lake scene (IYKYK).
If you’re looking for a slow burn, this is it. The dynamic between Hazel and Vander gives me all the feels, from his protectiveness to his acceptance that she loves another and will love her from afar if that’s all he can have of her. A new shadow daddy has entered the playing field.
4.5✨
January 5, 2025
2.25 ⭐️
I really wanted to like this one—the striking cover and intriguing premise had me excited to dive in. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The characters felt flat and unmemorable, and while the story involved a lot of dialogue, not much actually happened. I don’t mind slower-paced books, but there was a lack of tension or angst to keep me engaged, making it hard to stay invested.
I really wanted to like this one—the striking cover and intriguing premise had me excited to dive in. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. The characters felt flat and unmemorable, and while the story involved a lot of dialogue, not much actually happened. I don’t mind slower-paced books, but there was a lack of tension or angst to keep me engaged, making it hard to stay invested.
March 13, 2024
I want to start this review by saying that I’m the type of reader who reads a book once and moves on. There are very few books that have made me want to read them multiple times, but this is one of those books. And this is a debut?! This book made me laugh, made me cry, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
With that being said, I want to give the biggest thank you to Lindsey for choosing me to be a part of her arc team, I am honored to have been able to be a part of this story before it’s release 🖤
✨found family
✨mental health rep
✨nature based magic system
✨slow burn
✨fated mates
✨hidden power
ATTTR is a dark romantasy that tells the story of hazel, a woman who has lost all of her memories, and her journey of trying to piece her life together and who she was before the day she was found in the woods by her partner Arlo. Hazel is plagued with the same nightmare over and over, and she just knows that it has something to do with her life before. The pull she feels to find her past becomes stronger until she has to go out and find the answers for herself. Her story and growth throughout was beautifully written, and the mental health representation was incredible. There are parts of the book that may be hard for some readers, and I will leave a trigger warning list at the end. The world building was on point, and the character development is amazing. I really can’t say enough good things about this book.
“No matter what else happens—what else you find out, Hazel. No matter what, please remember… This? This right here is real.”
Vander is our mmc and I loved reading through his pov. He’s dark, mysterious, and moody but also has a protective, caring side underneath it all. He’s holding a secret from hazel and I was screaming at him through the entire book to get it out! He also holds a deeper, darker secret but regardless still holds family over everything.
While reading we also meet Bastian, the chieftain, and his fae wife Aerie. Aerie gets more time than most of the side characters, and she just brings joy to the pages. We also meet the siblings Mirren, Nox, and Kirwan. Although he did not have a lot of page time, Nox was my favorite character with his sarcasm and easy going ways and I hope to see much more of him in the future!
Congratulations Lindsey on this masterpiece of a book, I can not wait to see what more you bring us in the future!
TW: death, suicide attempt/suicidal thoughts, depression, memory loss
With that being said, I want to give the biggest thank you to Lindsey for choosing me to be a part of her arc team, I am honored to have been able to be a part of this story before it’s release 🖤
✨found family
✨mental health rep
✨nature based magic system
✨slow burn
✨fated mates
✨hidden power
ATTTR is a dark romantasy that tells the story of hazel, a woman who has lost all of her memories, and her journey of trying to piece her life together and who she was before the day she was found in the woods by her partner Arlo. Hazel is plagued with the same nightmare over and over, and she just knows that it has something to do with her life before. The pull she feels to find her past becomes stronger until she has to go out and find the answers for herself. Her story and growth throughout was beautifully written, and the mental health representation was incredible. There are parts of the book that may be hard for some readers, and I will leave a trigger warning list at the end. The world building was on point, and the character development is amazing. I really can’t say enough good things about this book.
“No matter what else happens—what else you find out, Hazel. No matter what, please remember… This? This right here is real.”
Vander is our mmc and I loved reading through his pov. He’s dark, mysterious, and moody but also has a protective, caring side underneath it all. He’s holding a secret from hazel and I was screaming at him through the entire book to get it out! He also holds a deeper, darker secret but regardless still holds family over everything.
While reading we also meet Bastian, the chieftain, and his fae wife Aerie. Aerie gets more time than most of the side characters, and she just brings joy to the pages. We also meet the siblings Mirren, Nox, and Kirwan. Although he did not have a lot of page time, Nox was my favorite character with his sarcasm and easy going ways and I hope to see much more of him in the future!
Congratulations Lindsey on this masterpiece of a book, I can not wait to see what more you bring us in the future!
TW: death, suicide attempt/suicidal thoughts, depression, memory loss
April 7, 2024
A Tether Through the Rift is a captivating story about memory loss, hidden power, and the journey to find yourself again.
Our FMC, Hazel, is terrorized every night with terrifying nightmares. Not only that, she lost all her memories a year ago and has been a shell of herself ever since. Scared to live, traumatized by her experiences, she is just trudging through life when we meet her.
I love a good mental health rep! She has amnesia, severe PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and depression. This all mixes together to create a horrible concoction that she spends the rest of the book working on. I feel very passionate about reading books with mental health rep, and this book did it so well!
Even with Vander, his mental health struggles and unhealthy coping mechanism was so well done. The scene with the wisps and the lake? It had my heart in a twist. I really felt for Hazel so much. When you have dark thoughts in your head, sometimes they just seem true. It was heartbreaking but also written so well.
I enjoyed watching Hazel try to figure herself out, especially once back through the rift. She is confused, scared, weak, and dealing with her mental health issues, but she tries to push through. I felt like this was a pretty accurate representation, because she really struggled through the entire book. Mental health issues are super hard to overcome and you can see this manifest in Hazel’s journey. We see the glimpses of happiness when they happen, and we also see the lows when she experiences them.
I loved Vander as her counterpart. He pushes her, and as much as she doesn’t like it, she needs it! He is dealing with his own issues too, but continues to not coddle her, and push her to be strong and overcome her issues.
Arlo was an interesting character. I didn’t love him very much, and was convinced he was nefarious in some way. I won’t say if I am right or not so I don’t spoil, but his overbearing protection and coddling did not sit well with me. He is written so well as a character this way!
The plot was very interesting, and I look forward to the next installment to see what happens! It ends on a cliffhanger which doesn’t bother me, but omg the cliffhanger! Unexpected.
Overall, I really enjoyed A Tether Through the Rift by Lindsey Rhoden. It was a great depiction of mental health struggles, a healing journey, and was in general a great story.
Our FMC, Hazel, is terrorized every night with terrifying nightmares. Not only that, she lost all her memories a year ago and has been a shell of herself ever since. Scared to live, traumatized by her experiences, she is just trudging through life when we meet her.
I love a good mental health rep! She has amnesia, severe PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and depression. This all mixes together to create a horrible concoction that she spends the rest of the book working on. I feel very passionate about reading books with mental health rep, and this book did it so well!
Even with Vander, his mental health struggles and unhealthy coping mechanism was so well done. The scene with the wisps and the lake? It had my heart in a twist. I really felt for Hazel so much. When you have dark thoughts in your head, sometimes they just seem true. It was heartbreaking but also written so well.
I enjoyed watching Hazel try to figure herself out, especially once back through the rift. She is confused, scared, weak, and dealing with her mental health issues, but she tries to push through. I felt like this was a pretty accurate representation, because she really struggled through the entire book. Mental health issues are super hard to overcome and you can see this manifest in Hazel’s journey. We see the glimpses of happiness when they happen, and we also see the lows when she experiences them.
I loved Vander as her counterpart. He pushes her, and as much as she doesn’t like it, she needs it! He is dealing with his own issues too, but continues to not coddle her, and push her to be strong and overcome her issues.
Arlo was an interesting character. I didn’t love him very much, and was convinced he was nefarious in some way. I won’t say if I am right or not so I don’t spoil, but his overbearing protection and coddling did not sit well with me. He is written so well as a character this way!
The plot was very interesting, and I look forward to the next installment to see what happens! It ends on a cliffhanger which doesn’t bother me, but omg the cliffhanger! Unexpected.
Overall, I really enjoyed A Tether Through the Rift by Lindsey Rhoden. It was a great depiction of mental health struggles, a healing journey, and was in general a great story.
March 28, 2024
A Tether Through the Rift - Lindsey Rhoden
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ / 🌶️ / Kindle / TW: assault
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Synopsis:
Plagued with memory loss, all Hazel wants is to find out who she was and where she came from. However, as she feels an unexplainable pull to another world, she realizes she may not be prepared to learn who she truly is.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Review:
You know what I love - truly what I live for - is reading a book that is just so wildly original while feeling so comforting at the same time.
A Tether Through the Rift is unlike anything I’ve read in a long while - it highlights rift travel, memory loss, and hidden magic, but none of it feels forced or contrived. It has familiar tropes but none of them feel overdone or out of place. It is SUCH a well paced and planned book.
I typically pride myself on guessing twists and turns but this book had me GASPING in shock (truly, my fiancé had to ask me what was wrong.)
There is something so cozy and nostalgic about falling into a fantasy book that focuses on character and world building. While there is romance at play, it is part of the plot and not the whole plot. So much of this book is about finding yourself and being true to who you are and it feels like spending time with an old friend.
Each character is so carefully curated and unique, even siblings feel wholly individualized and easy to discern from each other. I can’t begin to talk about my love of Nox and sweet Aerie (not to mention morally grey shadow daddy Vander - are we JOKING?!? send HELP💗)
There is so much in the book and so much to unpack but I don’t want to give anything away because I truly think this is one of those books that lends itself to its own storytelling - I can’t possibly explain it in a worthy way.
Bottom line - if you like magic and fantasy, I feel extremely confident in saying you will love this book. It is original and it was a treasure to read.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ / 🌶️ / Kindle / TW: assault
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Synopsis:
Plagued with memory loss, all Hazel wants is to find out who she was and where she came from. However, as she feels an unexplainable pull to another world, she realizes she may not be prepared to learn who she truly is.
✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Review:
You know what I love - truly what I live for - is reading a book that is just so wildly original while feeling so comforting at the same time.
A Tether Through the Rift is unlike anything I’ve read in a long while - it highlights rift travel, memory loss, and hidden magic, but none of it feels forced or contrived. It has familiar tropes but none of them feel overdone or out of place. It is SUCH a well paced and planned book.
I typically pride myself on guessing twists and turns but this book had me GASPING in shock (truly, my fiancé had to ask me what was wrong.)
There is something so cozy and nostalgic about falling into a fantasy book that focuses on character and world building. While there is romance at play, it is part of the plot and not the whole plot. So much of this book is about finding yourself and being true to who you are and it feels like spending time with an old friend.
Each character is so carefully curated and unique, even siblings feel wholly individualized and easy to discern from each other. I can’t begin to talk about my love of Nox and sweet Aerie (not to mention morally grey shadow daddy Vander - are we JOKING?!? send HELP💗)
There is so much in the book and so much to unpack but I don’t want to give anything away because I truly think this is one of those books that lends itself to its own storytelling - I can’t possibly explain it in a worthy way.
Bottom line - if you like magic and fantasy, I feel extremely confident in saying you will love this book. It is original and it was a treasure to read.
April 4, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
I was really lucky to be chosen to read an advanced copy of this book.
It’s a slow build but stick with it as it’s definitely worth the time. The characters are well developed and both the world building and magic are first rate. I also loved the dual POV, something I often think is just thrown in as an afterthought/fandom pleasing, but here it’s integral to how the story develops.
The depiction of Hazels mental struggle is sensitively portrayed and you feel her frustration. Whilst the romantic relationship is important, what grabbed me more was the relationships between the female characters. It was written with so much love.
I must admit until the final 15-20% of this book, it was a solid four star read, but the last part of this book gave me all the emotions, I cried, I shouted “what!?!” and I was a bit like “come on, let’s get it” 👊🏻
An excellent debut and I can’t wait for Book 2.
I was really lucky to be chosen to read an advanced copy of this book.
It’s a slow build but stick with it as it’s definitely worth the time. The characters are well developed and both the world building and magic are first rate. I also loved the dual POV, something I often think is just thrown in as an afterthought/fandom pleasing, but here it’s integral to how the story develops.
The depiction of Hazels mental struggle is sensitively portrayed and you feel her frustration. Whilst the romantic relationship is important, what grabbed me more was the relationships between the female characters. It was written with so much love.
I must admit until the final 15-20% of this book, it was a solid four star read, but the last part of this book gave me all the emotions, I cried, I shouted “what!?!” and I was a bit like “come on, let’s get it” 👊🏻
An excellent debut and I can’t wait for Book 2.
March 14, 2024
I have so much to say about this book!! What caught my attention first was that the main female character, Hazel, lost her memories and was desperately looking for answers! And boy did she get the answers she was looking for, even if they weren’t what she was expecting!
The first part of the book really dove deep into Hazel and he struggles, she was a great example of a mental health rep with depression and anxiety!
Once Hazel followed the pull that she had been resisting, this book became hard to put down! And might I say, that when I met the other POV MMC, I fell in love with Vander almost immediately! His broody demeanor was just my type!
There were so many OMG moments during the last of the book, I can’t wait for book 2 to get even more answers!
The author did a phenomenal job writing this book and I HIGHLY recommend preordering it! Preorders run until 3/17 so make sure to get yours quick!! The cover is gorgeous and the other characters are relatable as well!!
The first part of the book really dove deep into Hazel and he struggles, she was a great example of a mental health rep with depression and anxiety!
Once Hazel followed the pull that she had been resisting, this book became hard to put down! And might I say, that when I met the other POV MMC, I fell in love with Vander almost immediately! His broody demeanor was just my type!
There were so many OMG moments during the last of the book, I can’t wait for book 2 to get even more answers!
The author did a phenomenal job writing this book and I HIGHLY recommend preordering it! Preorders run until 3/17 so make sure to get yours quick!! The cover is gorgeous and the other characters are relatable as well!!
March 18, 2024
A Tether Through the Rift- ARC review
Thank you @booktrovertbynature for this ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Hazel woke up one day without her memories. Not knowing who she was or knowing what this never ending pull was to figure out what happened to her that dreadful day.
I immediately loved the vibes of this book, there was lots a healing herbs, tea drinking, getting cozy and reading lots of books, so many connections with nature and appreciation of it. Our fmc Hazel had a lot of growth especially with her confidence by the end of the book and we love to see growth. There were a lot of surprises that I did not expect. I’m the type of reader that’s kind of just here for the ride so these twists really surprised me!!
I would have loved to see a little more action throughout the book, and more action between our 2 main characters!
Thank you @booktrovertbynature for this ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Hazel woke up one day without her memories. Not knowing who she was or knowing what this never ending pull was to figure out what happened to her that dreadful day.
I immediately loved the vibes of this book, there was lots a healing herbs, tea drinking, getting cozy and reading lots of books, so many connections with nature and appreciation of it. Our fmc Hazel had a lot of growth especially with her confidence by the end of the book and we love to see growth. There were a lot of surprises that I did not expect. I’m the type of reader that’s kind of just here for the ride so these twists really surprised me!!
I would have loved to see a little more action throughout the book, and more action between our 2 main characters!
March 27, 2024
This story follows Hazel, who has lost her memory and is searching desperately for answers. Her and Arlo go out to find those answer but Hazel stumbles into a rift that leads to a different world. Everyone in this world knows her but she doesn’t know them, she is still looking for those answers and trying to piece together her missing memories. Will she figure out who she is? Will she find a way to close the rift that is destroying the land she came from or will the darkness devour her?
I was in such a reading slump before starting this book, I honestly thought I would DNF it at one point but kept pushing through and I’m so happy I did! This book brought me out of that slump! I cannot thank Lindsey enough for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this! Overall 4.5 stars⭐️ It gave me all the feels I needed it to and had me crying by the end. I cannot wait to see what the next book holds! Hopefully we get more Hazel and Vander time🤞🏼 Now I have to add Vander to the never ending list of shadow daddy boyfriends🫠
This book has:
-Fated Mates
-Found Family
-Mental Health Rep
-Dark Romantasy
-Morally Gray MMC with shadow powers
-Hidden Powers
I was in such a reading slump before starting this book, I honestly thought I would DNF it at one point but kept pushing through and I’m so happy I did! This book brought me out of that slump! I cannot thank Lindsey enough for giving me the opportunity to ARC read this! Overall 4.5 stars⭐️ It gave me all the feels I needed it to and had me crying by the end. I cannot wait to see what the next book holds! Hopefully we get more Hazel and Vander time🤞🏼 Now I have to add Vander to the never ending list of shadow daddy boyfriends🫠
This book has:
-Fated Mates
-Found Family
-Mental Health Rep
-Dark Romantasy
-Morally Gray MMC with shadow powers
-Hidden Powers
March 20, 2024
A wonderful distraction~
Slip with me into a magical world that is comforting and puts you at ease.
This fantasy novel is a great introduction for those individuals intimidated by overly complex works, or for someone who reads to escape.
The twists and turns of the plot are enticing and will have you binge-reading the book in a day as I did.
Wonderful tropes that are tried and true, such as:
-fated mates
-slow burn
-shadow daddies
Rhoden brings her own view to these loved tropes and invites you into a new world.
Excited for the next adventure of Hazel and her mate ❤️
*ARC review, but as always my thoughts are NOT influenced by it*
Slip with me into a magical world that is comforting and puts you at ease.
This fantasy novel is a great introduction for those individuals intimidated by overly complex works, or for someone who reads to escape.
The twists and turns of the plot are enticing and will have you binge-reading the book in a day as I did.
Wonderful tropes that are tried and true, such as:
-fated mates
-slow burn
-shadow daddies
Rhoden brings her own view to these loved tropes and invites you into a new world.
Excited for the next adventure of Hazel and her mate ❤️
*ARC review, but as always my thoughts are NOT influenced by it*
April 1, 2024
This book is definitely a change of pace from a lot of modern fantasy novels. It's a great first book, but it very clearly is the first of a series, so you'll have to wait until it's sequal to find closure. The world is interesting and new, and I deeply appreciate that people actually have consequences to actions in this book, and the villain is an actual villain. I will say that some of the "twists" are disappointing since they're added on as an afterthought towards the end of the book.
If you're just looking for a quick romantasy, this is not for you. HOWEVER, I am definitely look forward to the next one.
If you're just looking for a quick romantasy, this is not for you. HOWEVER, I am definitely look forward to the next one.
April 7, 2024
This book instantly captivated me, there was always seemingly more to the story and I can really see myself going back to the book and noticing new details and hints for future books in this world.
Loved the worldbuilding, storyline progression and so much how the main character and her struggles were portrayed. It is so common in romantasy that everything just gets fixed ✨magically✨ and I really loved that this wasn't the story here, and rather more realistic pace for the growth and slowly starting to overcome the struggles.
When it came to the relationships, it was so clear to see the bonds between characters and it made sense without being too much. I did have a tad off/Tamlin'ish feeling about Arlo at the start but was pleasantly surprised it didn't play out like that. I did kinda guess the big twist at the end and was yelling OFC out loud in my living room 😂
Overall, one of the favourite books I've read this month and I would love to get back to Tir Nadaar's magical world and the amazing people that live there.
Loved the worldbuilding, storyline progression and so much how the main character and her struggles were portrayed. It is so common in romantasy that everything just gets fixed ✨magically✨ and I really loved that this wasn't the story here, and rather more realistic pace for the growth and slowly starting to overcome the struggles.
When it came to the relationships, it was so clear to see the bonds between characters and it made sense without being too much. I did have a tad off/Tamlin'ish feeling about Arlo at the start but was pleasantly surprised it didn't play out like that. I did kinda guess the big twist at the end and was yelling OFC out loud in my living room 😂
Overall, one of the favourite books I've read this month and I would love to get back to Tir Nadaar's magical world and the amazing people that live there.
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