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Magic of Dust and Movement #0.5
Ties of Dust
A girl hiding in plain sight. A prince trying to save the peninsula. A very inconvenient enchantment.
Flora owes her role as a royal bodyguard to her ability to control Dust—the invisible magic created by movement. She doesn’t precisely pretend to be a man. She just doesn’t correct those who assume the Siqualian princess’s bodyguard must be a man…which is everyone. Including the delegation of the foreign prince to whom the princess is betrothed.
Prince Cassius’s sole purpose in seeking a marriage alliance is to bring strength to the region before outside forces succeed in splintering the peninsula further. When a misunderstanding magically tethers him to the princess’s scrawny bodyguard, he thinks his plan couldn’t go more wrong. Until the bodyguard reveals herself to be far from the teenage boy he’d assumed—it turns out his plan can go much more wrong.
Flora and Cassius find themselves in an uncomfortable bind—especially as their own hearts become as great a threat to the proposed marriage alliance as the outside forces determined to prevent it. When Cassius’s enemies emerge from the shadows, and their tether puts Flora in even greater danger than Cassius, both will have to decide what they’ll fight to protect…even if it means choosing between their hearts and their kingdoms.
Ties of Dust is book eight in Tethered Hearts, a multi-author series of no spice fantasy romances. Each standalone story features a magical bond that forces the couple to discover how much they’re willing to sacrifice for the sake of love.
Although it’s a fully standalone story, Ties of Dust also serves as a prequel to Deborah Grace White’s upcoming fantasy series Magic of Dust and Movement.
Flora owes her role as a royal bodyguard to her ability to control Dust—the invisible magic created by movement. She doesn’t precisely pretend to be a man. She just doesn’t correct those who assume the Siqualian princess’s bodyguard must be a man…which is everyone. Including the delegation of the foreign prince to whom the princess is betrothed.
Prince Cassius’s sole purpose in seeking a marriage alliance is to bring strength to the region before outside forces succeed in splintering the peninsula further. When a misunderstanding magically tethers him to the princess’s scrawny bodyguard, he thinks his plan couldn’t go more wrong. Until the bodyguard reveals herself to be far from the teenage boy he’d assumed—it turns out his plan can go much more wrong.
Flora and Cassius find themselves in an uncomfortable bind—especially as their own hearts become as great a threat to the proposed marriage alliance as the outside forces determined to prevent it. When Cassius’s enemies emerge from the shadows, and their tether puts Flora in even greater danger than Cassius, both will have to decide what they’ll fight to protect…even if it means choosing between their hearts and their kingdoms.
Ties of Dust is book eight in Tethered Hearts, a multi-author series of no spice fantasy romances. Each standalone story features a magical bond that forces the couple to discover how much they’re willing to sacrifice for the sake of love.
Although it’s a fully standalone story, Ties of Dust also serves as a prequel to Deborah Grace White’s upcoming fantasy series Magic of Dust and Movement.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2025
47 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Grace White
44 books361 followersDeborah Grace White was more or less born reading. She grew up on a wide range of books, from classic literature to light-hearted romps. Her love of fantasy was inevitable from the time her father read the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy to her and her siblings when she was four years old.
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
The love of reading has traveled with her unchanged across multiple continents, and carried her from her own childhood all the way to having children of her own.
But if reading is like looking through a window into a magical and beautiful world, beginning to write her own stories was like discovering she could open that window and climb right out into fantasyland.
Now she gets to live that childhood dream amidst the fun and chaos of life with her husband and their four kids.
Visit Deborah at her website: http://deborahgracewhite.com
Or follow her on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DeborahGrace...
Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deborahgrac...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 7, 2025
Nice world building, a prince who starts off pretty useless but changes, and AN ACTUAL SMART HEROINE.
Except there's a few glaring issues
1: the villain is exactly who you think it is
2: the author wants us to believe that being talented at magic and going to boarding school with a princess is enough to be made her bodyguard despite lack of muscle, lack of experience guarding anyone, lack of actual physical training, etc.
3: she then proceeds to get distracted on several occasions to the point where someone walks out of the room and she doesn't even notice while she's supposedly on guard duty. Which only serves to prove that she's not an actual guard.
4: they are in this position because one of his delegation decides to go over the authority he has and magically kidnap a member of the Royal household from the neighboring country who they need the alliance from. In any other kingdom, this would be grounds for war and execution and the author just kind of glosses over that hoping we won't notice.
Except there's a few glaring issues
1: the villain is exactly who you think it is
2: the author wants us to believe that being talented at magic and going to boarding school with a princess is enough to be made her bodyguard despite lack of muscle, lack of experience guarding anyone, lack of actual physical training, etc.
3: she then proceeds to get distracted on several occasions to the point where someone walks out of the room and she doesn't even notice while she's supposedly on guard duty. Which only serves to prove that she's not an actual guard.
4: they are in this position because one of his delegation decides to go over the authority he has and magically kidnap a member of the Royal household from the neighboring country who they need the alliance from. In any other kingdom, this would be grounds for war and execution and the author just kind of glosses over that hoping we won't notice.
April 27, 2025
Faith, Trust, and…Dust?!
Oh my goodness. What a magical and fun end to the Tethered Hearts series!
She is a body guard to the princess that most people assume is male…and her job is easier if she doesn’t correct strangers right away.
He is the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom, on his way to pick up his assigned Betrothed Princess.
When their party is attacked, and an overzealous and prideful noble assumes the worst, the princess’s body guard is magically tethered to the prince to escort him safely back to his kingdom. When the prince finds out the “teenaged boy” is actually…a lovely young lady…well. Oops? (Rest assured, he is nothing but honorable towards his new body guard…who can’t get more than 20’ from him. It’s fun.)
The twists and turns are not so obscure that you can’t see them coming, but not so heavy handed that you get bored either. I loved watching these two learn about each other, about pride, and about being your own authentic self.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t, but…..there is one twist at the end I ABSOLUTELY did not see coming, and it was glorious.
This is a clean, romantic fantasy. Some violence, some attempted violence, lots of overbearing parents, and a bright new generation ready to take up the mantle of leadership…in most cases. Some of the new generation is just as stupid as their parents. But it’s all good.
Oh my goodness. What a magical and fun end to the Tethered Hearts series!
She is a body guard to the princess that most people assume is male…and her job is easier if she doesn’t correct strangers right away.
He is the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom, on his way to pick up his assigned Betrothed Princess.
When their party is attacked, and an overzealous and prideful noble assumes the worst, the princess’s body guard is magically tethered to the prince to escort him safely back to his kingdom. When the prince finds out the “teenaged boy” is actually…a lovely young lady…well. Oops? (Rest assured, he is nothing but honorable towards his new body guard…who can’t get more than 20’ from him. It’s fun.)
The twists and turns are not so obscure that you can’t see them coming, but not so heavy handed that you get bored either. I loved watching these two learn about each other, about pride, and about being your own authentic self.
I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t, but…..there is one twist at the end I ABSOLUTELY did not see coming, and it was glorious.
This is a clean, romantic fantasy. Some violence, some attempted violence, lots of overbearing parents, and a bright new generation ready to take up the mantle of leadership…in most cases. Some of the new generation is just as stupid as their parents. But it’s all good.
April 25, 2025
I received this book as an ARC and all thoughts are my own.
Personally I found this book rather confusing. The whole thing about the continent and the peninsula was a little hard to follow.
Also, there were a host of annoying characters throughout that I wanted to shake some sense into. 😂 I enjoyed the worldbuilding, and the small amount of banter between the characters,but I didn't really feel their connection. I wanted them together of course, but when they kissed i felt nothing. Im excited for the next books in the series, but overall, this just wasn't my favorite DGW book. 🤷♀️
Personally I found this book rather confusing. The whole thing about the continent and the peninsula was a little hard to follow.
Also, there were a host of annoying characters throughout that I wanted to shake some sense into. 😂 I enjoyed the worldbuilding, and the small amount of banter between the characters,but I didn't really feel their connection. I wanted them together of course, but when they kissed i felt nothing. Im excited for the next books in the series, but overall, this just wasn't my favorite DGW book. 🤷♀️
June 19, 2025
Charming but incredibly predictable.
May 21, 2025
I started this and then immediately fell into a reading slump. So not fair when I was really interested in knowing what happened. 😭
But the slump retreated and I was finally able to get back to it, and it was good! I liked it a lot, especially the twist on the bodyguard trope—she protects him this time.
If you want a cute romantasy with action, a competent female bodyguard, betrayal, and sweet romance—give this one a try!
But the slump retreated and I was finally able to get back to it, and it was good! I liked it a lot, especially the twist on the bodyguard trope—she protects him this time.
If you want a cute romantasy with action, a competent female bodyguard, betrayal, and sweet romance—give this one a try!
May 16, 2025
This was a fantastic book! Could not put it down. The plot was riveting! I loved all the world building and cannot wait to read more in this world!
April 22, 2025
Glorious read! Simply glorious! Very much a Viola vibe, at least initially, it strongly reminding me of Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare, one of my favourite Shakespearean reads. I was , very soon, cooing in delight! And captured, just as much as Flora was, except, I was a willing captee! I had the silly notion I would read a few chapters before bed, yeah.... right....🤣 This was a "one more page....just til the end of the chapter" read. I'm pretty sure you guessed what happened....
Oh gosh, where do I start?? This book took me by storm! Every event, every character blew me away, must be the "dust" Flora threw at me...oh, sorry, "dust" is "magic". This book certainly was magical! Starting with Flora and her friend Princess Miriam getting ready to travel to meet Miriam's future husband. Magical number 1: the beautiful, uncomplicated and genuine friendship these 2 share. Magical number 2: the type of magic, which I found unique. Magical number 3: the intrigue was wound up tighter than a coil. Magical number 4: the plot and storytelling, which was stunning. Magical number 5: the characters....and here I have to elaborate. I loved the characters! Ok... not ALL of them, but isn't that a sign of an excellent author when I feel revulsion for a character or two or three...? There were a few of those and I honestly loved to hate them! Flora's parents take the cake as despicable people, or rather, I'd liked to have been able to smush the cake firmly on their faces! And what a slime ball Lord Armand is! He's pompous, arrogant, condescending, reeking of self importance and thinks he's above even the Prince and heir! Some might mistake it as being over zealous, except it's clear he thinks he has the right to enforce whatever he deems fit and that leads to a very uncomfortable situation, for both Prince Cassius and Flora. But if I thought Lord Armand was a snake, Lord Keavling is a deadly viper! So, those are the worst of the baddies, now to the goodies... which, BTW, borrowed under my skin and they will stay there, I'm not letting them escape....
First there's Flora, she's a complexity that is fierce, that is incredibly loyal and that is definitely hiding something. When that comes out, oh heavens did I grin like a lunatic! Her, ummm, situation at the hands of a self important idiot, doesn't make her fall apart, nope, she is grace personified, she accepts all the challenges thrown at her, she bends but heck she NEVER conforms! I loved loved LOVED her! I loved her entire supposed stoism, which just camouflaged everything she truly feels. And when she reveals who she really is, well shoot, another magical moment! I'm actually flummoxed at how exceptionally distinct these characters are, Ms White has an incredible talent that translates. The ease of her storytelling is a joy to read, the intricacies she's woven into the plot, is phenomenal to behold, the compulsion she... magically applies...is impossible to steer away from, it hooks me, it plows into me, it takes me over. I love that her characters are flawed, that they're faliable, they make plausible mistakes, they're strong willed, strongly opinionated and all round awesome!
And, just like that, I have a new crush....in the form of Cassius...Cassius is so different from what either Flora or Miriam had assumed he'd be, in Flora's own words, "he's confident without being cocky, he's masterful without being domineering" The slow understanding and respect that builds up between him and Flora, percolates like the best brew of coffee, they face their situation together, they tough it out with the most awesome banter and eventually it all culminates to a point of no return...hells bells, I'd leap over any precipice too! Beautiful, tender moments, beautiful feisty moments, beautiful dedication, beautiful determination, just beautiful everything about them! The growth in these 2 was spectacular, the undertakings and soul searching was spectacular, their
On an almost final note, I HAVE to mention another character, he didn't have a large role but, again because of Ms White's immaculate storytelling, he needs acknowledgement. Because, oh my heavens did I love the physician! Besides his clear affection for Cassius, he's kind and gentle and oh so savvy! When he mumbled this, I couldn't help laughing "I thought you said you weren't in any trouble, your Highness" and to understand why, yep, you'll have to read it! And that's the tone throughout the book, as serious as the impending alliance is, as mysterious as motives are, it truly reminds me of Shakespearean comedy, a comedy of errors and I caught myself giggling, a lot!
From an impulsive action by a self righteous moron, to an easily manipulated king, an overbearing queen, an advisor who's motives are suspicious, the events lay a sound foundation to this sturdily crafted read, the building blocks placed with such precision. I was bouncing like an overexcited child, as though I had suddenly stumbled upon every conceivable flavour of ice cream! In truth, I had stumbled upon a read so flavoursome, it was delectably delicious, it sated every inch of my gluttonous demands, and the prose just as deliciously alive, I caught myself replicating the expressions of the characters! You can't get more real than that! I said at the beginning that this book blew me away, I hope I haven't blown you away with the length of this review but truthfully, I could have easily added another 10000 words. Let's just say I LOVED IT!
Oh gosh, where do I start?? This book took me by storm! Every event, every character blew me away, must be the "dust" Flora threw at me...oh, sorry, "dust" is "magic". This book certainly was magical! Starting with Flora and her friend Princess Miriam getting ready to travel to meet Miriam's future husband. Magical number 1: the beautiful, uncomplicated and genuine friendship these 2 share. Magical number 2: the type of magic, which I found unique. Magical number 3: the intrigue was wound up tighter than a coil. Magical number 4: the plot and storytelling, which was stunning. Magical number 5: the characters....and here I have to elaborate. I loved the characters! Ok... not ALL of them, but isn't that a sign of an excellent author when I feel revulsion for a character or two or three...? There were a few of those and I honestly loved to hate them! Flora's parents take the cake as despicable people, or rather, I'd liked to have been able to smush the cake firmly on their faces! And what a slime ball Lord Armand is! He's pompous, arrogant, condescending, reeking of self importance and thinks he's above even the Prince and heir! Some might mistake it as being over zealous, except it's clear he thinks he has the right to enforce whatever he deems fit and that leads to a very uncomfortable situation, for both Prince Cassius and Flora. But if I thought Lord Armand was a snake, Lord Keavling is a deadly viper! So, those are the worst of the baddies, now to the goodies... which, BTW, borrowed under my skin and they will stay there, I'm not letting them escape....
First there's Flora, she's a complexity that is fierce, that is incredibly loyal and that is definitely hiding something. When that comes out, oh heavens did I grin like a lunatic! Her, ummm, situation at the hands of a self important idiot, doesn't make her fall apart, nope, she is grace personified, she accepts all the challenges thrown at her, she bends but heck she NEVER conforms! I loved loved LOVED her! I loved her entire supposed stoism, which just camouflaged everything she truly feels. And when she reveals who she really is, well shoot, another magical moment! I'm actually flummoxed at how exceptionally distinct these characters are, Ms White has an incredible talent that translates. The ease of her storytelling is a joy to read, the intricacies she's woven into the plot, is phenomenal to behold, the compulsion she... magically applies...is impossible to steer away from, it hooks me, it plows into me, it takes me over. I love that her characters are flawed, that they're faliable, they make plausible mistakes, they're strong willed, strongly opinionated and all round awesome!
And, just like that, I have a new crush....in the form of Cassius...Cassius is so different from what either Flora or Miriam had assumed he'd be, in Flora's own words, "he's confident without being cocky, he's masterful without being domineering" The slow understanding and respect that builds up between him and Flora, percolates like the best brew of coffee, they face their situation together, they tough it out with the most awesome banter and eventually it all culminates to a point of no return...hells bells, I'd leap over any precipice too! Beautiful, tender moments, beautiful feisty moments, beautiful dedication, beautiful determination, just beautiful everything about them! The growth in these 2 was spectacular, the undertakings and soul searching was spectacular, their
On an almost final note, I HAVE to mention another character, he didn't have a large role but, again because of Ms White's immaculate storytelling, he needs acknowledgement. Because, oh my heavens did I love the physician! Besides his clear affection for Cassius, he's kind and gentle and oh so savvy! When he mumbled this, I couldn't help laughing "I thought you said you weren't in any trouble, your Highness" and to understand why, yep, you'll have to read it! And that's the tone throughout the book, as serious as the impending alliance is, as mysterious as motives are, it truly reminds me of Shakespearean comedy, a comedy of errors and I caught myself giggling, a lot!
From an impulsive action by a self righteous moron, to an easily manipulated king, an overbearing queen, an advisor who's motives are suspicious, the events lay a sound foundation to this sturdily crafted read, the building blocks placed with such precision. I was bouncing like an overexcited child, as though I had suddenly stumbled upon every conceivable flavour of ice cream! In truth, I had stumbled upon a read so flavoursome, it was delectably delicious, it sated every inch of my gluttonous demands, and the prose just as deliciously alive, I caught myself replicating the expressions of the characters! You can't get more real than that! I said at the beginning that this book blew me away, I hope I haven't blown you away with the length of this review but truthfully, I could have easily added another 10000 words. Let's just say I LOVED IT!
April 25, 2025
This story was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! There wasn't a single lull in the whole thing. I was constantly thinking and wondering how things were going to turn out for everyone, and the ending absolutely did not disappoint! The characters were very real and likeable, and I just absolutely loved everything about this!
May 11, 2025
Pretty good. I liked the plot through out and the main characters were good. I can't wait to read the next one in this series.
April 25, 2025
Oh. My. Goodness! From beginning to end this book had me hooked! It was absolutely amazing and beautiful, I couldn't get enough and was so sad to see it end 😭
I was fully submerged into this new world with a unique magic system that was so fun to read about. Political Intrigue complete with high tension between kingdoms, marriage alliances, skepticism, and people who aren't who they say they are. It also spans multiple kingdoms and it doesn't dive too deep into the details of each one but there was still a very good amount of differentiating between them all with different exports or things native to each land. So that was super cool!
Flora is the FMC, she is a bodyguard to the princess of Siqual. She is very skilled in the magic craft which seems fairly rare so she is held in much respect for this fact. Though she is still ridiculed and looked down upon at times. She is smart, brave, protective, kind, and hiding who she truly is. She doesn't let others opinions sway her, and stands up for herself in subtle ways. She kind of keeps people at arms length and has only let one person truly know her. Until Cassius that is, she slowly lets him into her heart and grows to trust.
Cassius is the MMC, and the Crown Prince of Carrack. He has a lot of insecurities and a good bit of pride. But he works on these things, learning to rise above his pride and have it in the correct things. He is also very protective and kind, considerate and thoughtful. He can be pretty commanding to and makes a great ruler. The way he takes care of Flora is truly so sweet.
Their relationship is full of all the tension that comes with forced proximity, banter, swoon, heart, growing together, overcoming the odds stacked against them, and finding their best and truest selves.
Towards the end lots of things happen and it's crazy and twisty! At one point I was crying because what they were going through broke my heart, but it all ends so well and beautifully. It leaves it open for more stories in the same world, but you get an HEA I believe for these characters and it is amazing! I loved this story so much!
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, attacks, blood/wounds(non-descriptive), insinuating comments to a character, a character is beaten, a character poisons themselves to avoid capture. (Nothing is graphic)
I was fully submerged into this new world with a unique magic system that was so fun to read about. Political Intrigue complete with high tension between kingdoms, marriage alliances, skepticism, and people who aren't who they say they are. It also spans multiple kingdoms and it doesn't dive too deep into the details of each one but there was still a very good amount of differentiating between them all with different exports or things native to each land. So that was super cool!
Flora is the FMC, she is a bodyguard to the princess of Siqual. She is very skilled in the magic craft which seems fairly rare so she is held in much respect for this fact. Though she is still ridiculed and looked down upon at times. She is smart, brave, protective, kind, and hiding who she truly is. She doesn't let others opinions sway her, and stands up for herself in subtle ways. She kind of keeps people at arms length and has only let one person truly know her. Until Cassius that is, she slowly lets him into her heart and grows to trust.
Cassius is the MMC, and the Crown Prince of Carrack. He has a lot of insecurities and a good bit of pride. But he works on these things, learning to rise above his pride and have it in the correct things. He is also very protective and kind, considerate and thoughtful. He can be pretty commanding to and makes a great ruler. The way he takes care of Flora is truly so sweet.
Their relationship is full of all the tension that comes with forced proximity, banter, swoon, heart, growing together, overcoming the odds stacked against them, and finding their best and truest selves.
Towards the end lots of things happen and it's crazy and twisty! At one point I was crying because what they were going through broke my heart, but it all ends so well and beautifully. It leaves it open for more stories in the same world, but you get an HEA I believe for these characters and it is amazing! I loved this story so much!
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, attacks, blood/wounds(non-descriptive), insinuating comments to a character, a character is beaten, a character poisons themselves to avoid capture. (Nothing is graphic)
October 24, 2025
Puntuación: ❣️❣️❣️💔 (3.5/5)
En general puedo decir que disfruté este libro, aunque había algo en él que nunca terminó de capturarme.
En Ties of Dust seguimos el romance de Flora y Cassius, un romance de realeza dado por la necesidad que ambos tienen de estar cerca a causa del hechizo que uno de los nobles de Carrack lanzó sobre ellos —noble que en unos cuantos párrafos logró irritarme y hacerme comprender la molestia de Cassius ante su presencia.
Flora es alguien independiente, abnegada, y de personalidad fuerte, mientras que Cassius se esfuerza por no ser orgulloso y arrogante, es justo, caballeroso y protector.
El sistema mágico que Deborah presenta en este libro es algo original aunque simple y la intriga política es el aspecto central de la trama desde un comienzo. Las relaciones entre reinos y las posiciones sociales dentro del palacio y su corte toman prioridad a lo largo de la historia sin llegar a ser confusas o exageradas, no obstante al igual que el sistema mágico hay momentos en que se sintieron insubstanciales o faltos de profundidad.
Por otro lado, el aspecto romántico se sintió en su mayor parte muy superficial y creo es debido a la falta de descripciones viscerales, es decir reacciones internas de los personajes ante algo que sucedía en su relación, al igual que mayor detalle en las descripciones físicas entre los diálogos. Gran parte de la historia sentí que Flora era alguien sin rostro, es decir el libro está lleno de movimiento físico y no tuve problema para imaginarme sus acciones, pero sus expresiones aun en aquellos momentos en que dejaba caer su máscara fueron muy difíciles de ver debido a la falta de detalle, en la descripción, dado que en su mayor parte eran comentados de pasada y a menudo de la misma manera.
Y curiosamente si bien disfruté mucho la personalidad de Flora, eran los capítulos contados desde el punto de vista de Cassius los que más me cautivaron y atrajeron.
Esperaba sentir más conexión con este libro y sus personajes puesto que tiene muchos aspectos que suelen encantarme, pero al final solo terminó siendo un libro algo interesante y bueno en el sentido de que no me irritó, o tuvo inconsistencias en la trama o personajes. Si bien lo disfruté no creo que llegue volver a leerlo, aunque estoy abierta a la posibilidad de leer el resto de libros de la serie.
En general puedo decir que disfruté este libro, aunque había algo en él que nunca terminó de capturarme.
En Ties of Dust seguimos el romance de Flora y Cassius, un romance de realeza dado por la necesidad que ambos tienen de estar cerca a causa del hechizo que uno de los nobles de Carrack lanzó sobre ellos —noble que en unos cuantos párrafos logró irritarme y hacerme comprender la molestia de Cassius ante su presencia.
Flora es alguien independiente, abnegada, y de personalidad fuerte, mientras que Cassius se esfuerza por no ser orgulloso y arrogante, es justo, caballeroso y protector.
El sistema mágico que Deborah presenta en este libro es algo original aunque simple y la intriga política es el aspecto central de la trama desde un comienzo. Las relaciones entre reinos y las posiciones sociales dentro del palacio y su corte toman prioridad a lo largo de la historia sin llegar a ser confusas o exageradas, no obstante al igual que el sistema mágico hay momentos en que se sintieron insubstanciales o faltos de profundidad.
Por otro lado, el aspecto romántico se sintió en su mayor parte muy superficial y creo es debido a la falta de descripciones viscerales, es decir reacciones internas de los personajes ante algo que sucedía en su relación, al igual que mayor detalle en las descripciones físicas entre los diálogos. Gran parte de la historia sentí que Flora era alguien sin rostro, es decir el libro está lleno de movimiento físico y no tuve problema para imaginarme sus acciones, pero sus expresiones aun en aquellos momentos en que dejaba caer su máscara fueron muy difíciles de ver debido a la falta de detalle, en la descripción, dado que en su mayor parte eran comentados de pasada y a menudo de la misma manera.
Y curiosamente si bien disfruté mucho la personalidad de Flora, eran los capítulos contados desde el punto de vista de Cassius los que más me cautivaron y atrajeron.
Esperaba sentir más conexión con este libro y sus personajes puesto que tiene muchos aspectos que suelen encantarme, pero al final solo terminó siendo un libro algo interesante y bueno en el sentido de que no me irritó, o tuvo inconsistencias en la trama o personajes. Si bien lo disfruté no creo que llegue volver a leerlo, aunque estoy abierta a la posibilidad de leer el resto de libros de la serie.
April 26, 2025
Flora's place and home is uncertain. When Princess Miriam becomes part of a marriage alliance with Prince Cassius it threatens the stability she created for herself. She isn't Siqualian and the royalty there would rather not take her back since a female royal guard isn't normal. And she isn't sure if she can follow Miriam to Carrack. But these concerns are forgotten when there is an attempt on Princess Miriam and Flora uses her impressive Dust skills to save everyone. She is forced into a tether against her will and must now keep Prince Cassius safe. The tether is illegal, highly inconvenient, and about to cause some serious problems because the Carrack party does not realize she is female. Prince Cassius just wanted the meeting to go smoothly with Princess Miriam and the rest of the Siqualian delegation. But an attack and Lord Armand's constant imagined slights have made this journey long and stressful. The mess that Lord Armand put them in definitely did not help matters and he needs to hurry back before his father becomes even more disillusioned by his new advisor. The hope he had in fixing things is fastly crumbling and finding out his new guard is really a she makes things worse, especially since he is drawn to her and her intelligence. He is observant and realizes she is hiding something, not nefarious, and is determined to figure out. But maybe he can use that intelligence to his advantage to figure out what this advisor is up to before war starts.
I really love what the author did with these characters. Cassius is believable as someone who is trying to do what's best but lets their pride get in the way. Flora is intelligent, can clearly see what is going on, and is able to talk about it to Cassius. I love her candid moments where she calls him out and puts him in his place. The magic system was interesting and I can understand why it isn't developed like it should be. I felt the end was a bit rushed but at the same time there was urgency to what needed to be done. Overall a great way to end this author series and hopefully the start of a new world for this author.
I really love what the author did with these characters. Cassius is believable as someone who is trying to do what's best but lets their pride get in the way. Flora is intelligent, can clearly see what is going on, and is able to talk about it to Cassius. I love her candid moments where she calls him out and puts him in his place. The magic system was interesting and I can understand why it isn't developed like it should be. I felt the end was a bit rushed but at the same time there was urgency to what needed to be done. Overall a great way to end this author series and hopefully the start of a new world for this author.
May 3, 2025
A little slow to pull me in at first due to world-building, but Flora and Cassius have such great chemistry together. Not to knock the start of the story, I like the complexity of the various kingdoms. For this story we stick with three nations that form a peninsula and (I was happy to discover) next year a new story will be released in the same world, and, given the storyline, we will eventually meet some of the kingdoms on the continent proper.
Here we find a meeting go awry to try to secure a marriage alliance between two peninsula kingdoms when there is an assassination attempt on the princess. The princess’s bodyguard saves her by the use of magic they call Dust, and the prince’s advisor recklessly (and illegally) uses magic to bind the bodyguard to keep the prince safe. This means the bodyguard has no choice but to leave the princess and follow the prince as he travels back home and until the marriage arrangement is settled.
The advisor’s excuse that he did this for “proof” there is no betrayal involved between their two kingdoms. The binding makes it so the prince and bodyguard are magically tethered to be no further than 20’ apart.
The problem? Turns out the bodyguard is actually a young woman… and an outspoken one as well.
So many troubles over one distance spell, especially when our bodyguard and the prince begin to develop feelings for one another. A female guard cannot be taken seriously by the prince’s kingdom, but Flora is more than up for the task.
The story moves smoothly, the romance sweet and you can’t help but want to cheer these two on to true love. It’s good as a stand-alone story, should you decide not to continue with the series being built around it, but I am looking forward to the next part of the story as I am hooked!
Here we find a meeting go awry to try to secure a marriage alliance between two peninsula kingdoms when there is an assassination attempt on the princess. The princess’s bodyguard saves her by the use of magic they call Dust, and the prince’s advisor recklessly (and illegally) uses magic to bind the bodyguard to keep the prince safe. This means the bodyguard has no choice but to leave the princess and follow the prince as he travels back home and until the marriage arrangement is settled.
The advisor’s excuse that he did this for “proof” there is no betrayal involved between their two kingdoms. The binding makes it so the prince and bodyguard are magically tethered to be no further than 20’ apart.
The problem? Turns out the bodyguard is actually a young woman… and an outspoken one as well.
So many troubles over one distance spell, especially when our bodyguard and the prince begin to develop feelings for one another. A female guard cannot be taken seriously by the prince’s kingdom, but Flora is more than up for the task.
The story moves smoothly, the romance sweet and you can’t help but want to cheer these two on to true love. It’s good as a stand-alone story, should you decide not to continue with the series being built around it, but I am looking forward to the next part of the story as I am hooked!
April 29, 2025
Flora finds it easier to fulfill her role as the princess’s bodyguard by dressing like the other guards, even when her skills are more about her ability to control the magical Dust and not physical. And she doesn’t bother correcting people. Especially the stuck up, arrogant delegation from their pending allies.
But when Flora thwarts an attack on the princess, a member of the delegation decides she’s the only way to keep them safe on their return home — and binds her to the foreign prince. Until the alliance is completed, they’re stuck within twenty feet of each other. But there are other consequences to the binding. And Flora never expected her heart to be part of it.
“If the opinions of others can damage your pride in yourself, then there was something amiss with your pride in the first place.”
Oh my goodness, I loved this book. There is delightful world building, swoony romance, heartbreaking themes, and gentle humor.
Flora and Cassius are so much fun together. I loved watching them face their battles together and slowly trust each other more. The binding puts them in a bad situation, and Cassius’s pride tends to make it worse. Flora has suffered at the hands of prideful royals in the past, making it hard for her to trust him.
But the political intrigue builds the tension even more, and the final twists were perfection!
While this is a standalone in the Tethered Hearts series, it also acts as the prequel for White’s upcoming Magic of Dust and Movement series, and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
5 Roses
A few kisses only. Only one floor and some negative character aspirations.
Injuries and beatings, not descriptive.
No swears
But when Flora thwarts an attack on the princess, a member of the delegation decides she’s the only way to keep them safe on their return home — and binds her to the foreign prince. Until the alliance is completed, they’re stuck within twenty feet of each other. But there are other consequences to the binding. And Flora never expected her heart to be part of it.
“If the opinions of others can damage your pride in yourself, then there was something amiss with your pride in the first place.”
Oh my goodness, I loved this book. There is delightful world building, swoony romance, heartbreaking themes, and gentle humor.
Flora and Cassius are so much fun together. I loved watching them face their battles together and slowly trust each other more. The binding puts them in a bad situation, and Cassius’s pride tends to make it worse. Flora has suffered at the hands of prideful royals in the past, making it hard for her to trust him.
But the political intrigue builds the tension even more, and the final twists were perfection!
While this is a standalone in the Tethered Hearts series, it also acts as the prequel for White’s upcoming Magic of Dust and Movement series, and I can’t wait to read more by this author!
5 Roses
A few kisses only. Only one floor and some negative character aspirations.
Injuries and beatings, not descriptive.
No swears
May 4, 2025
If you want a sweet female-bodyguard romance with a unique magic system, this is hands-down the book for you. Plus, it's got a few of my favorite tropes include "sharing a room, only one bed", a hidden identity (with more than meets the eye), bodyguard/forbidden love, and a marriage alliance, with no spice (my preference) but still romantic tension.
On the worldbuilding side, I found it was thoroughly enjoyable. It's been a while since I've seen such a well-executed world built upon a new style of magic use that was understandable with clear boundaries. Besides the clever idea, I enjoyed the USE of magic throughout in ways I hadn't expected or seen before. And the cultural differences throughout were well done without being overdone, so to speak, so that was a plus. The world felt real without being overwhelming, which I appreciated.
Character-wise, Flora and Cassius are excellent characters and partners both. They're both flawed in realistic ways while also being absolute sweethearts. Their romance felt real, too, with them becoming friends and partners before realizing their true feelings. It wasn't long before I was rooting for them to be together, and they're absolutely adorable. Plenty of sweetness but not too much.
The overall pacing was excellently done, as was the plot. Truth be told, I can't remember all the plotpoints, but I do remember enjoying how things developed. Overall, on all counts, I'd say this is definitely worth the read and multiple re-reads. I'm glad I got an early copy so I could savor it. Excellently done!
On the worldbuilding side, I found it was thoroughly enjoyable. It's been a while since I've seen such a well-executed world built upon a new style of magic use that was understandable with clear boundaries. Besides the clever idea, I enjoyed the USE of magic throughout in ways I hadn't expected or seen before. And the cultural differences throughout were well done without being overdone, so to speak, so that was a plus. The world felt real without being overwhelming, which I appreciated.
Character-wise, Flora and Cassius are excellent characters and partners both. They're both flawed in realistic ways while also being absolute sweethearts. Their romance felt real, too, with them becoming friends and partners before realizing their true feelings. It wasn't long before I was rooting for them to be together, and they're absolutely adorable. Plenty of sweetness but not too much.
The overall pacing was excellently done, as was the plot. Truth be told, I can't remember all the plotpoints, but I do remember enjoying how things developed. Overall, on all counts, I'd say this is definitely worth the read and multiple re-reads. I'm glad I got an early copy so I could savor it. Excellently done!
April 24, 2025
Though this story was absolutely captivating, there are three things that stood out to me:
1. How the author linked certain character traits with the plot in a way that made both unable to stand independent of each other. That's amazing. Usually, books in this genre are written in such a way that character personality doesn't play a major role and affect overall plot.
Not this time. There are pieces of this story that wouldn't have happened if characters hadn't behaved a certain way or made certain—at times foolish—decisions, and I adore it.
2. The characters and their relationships. I love how real and relatable everyone was. And I especially loved our two leads. Cassius was so . . . swoon.
And Flora . . . So strong-willed and stubborn and funny. And just a little sweet. And the relationships—between siblings, friends, and especially the romance—were all so real and well-written. And the progression of the romantic plot felt so perfectly natural.
3. What I loved most, however, was the magic system. deborah Grace White and her sister are such tallented authors, especially when it comes to building unique and fasinating magical systems. Still, I've never seen any quite like this one. It's spectacular. I really can't wait to see more stories in this world, featuring this unique flavor of magic, of course.
* I received an ARC of Ties of Dust from its author and leave this honest review of my own free will.
1. How the author linked certain character traits with the plot in a way that made both unable to stand independent of each other. That's amazing. Usually, books in this genre are written in such a way that character personality doesn't play a major role and affect overall plot.
Not this time. There are pieces of this story that wouldn't have happened if characters hadn't behaved a certain way or made certain—at times foolish—decisions, and I adore it.
2. The characters and their relationships. I love how real and relatable everyone was. And I especially loved our two leads. Cassius was so . . . swoon.
And Flora . . . So strong-willed and stubborn and funny. And just a little sweet. And the relationships—between siblings, friends, and especially the romance—were all so real and well-written. And the progression of the romantic plot felt so perfectly natural.
3. What I loved most, however, was the magic system. deborah Grace White and her sister are such tallented authors, especially when it comes to building unique and fasinating magical systems. Still, I've never seen any quite like this one. It's spectacular. I really can't wait to see more stories in this world, featuring this unique flavor of magic, of course.
* I received an ARC of Ties of Dust from its author and leave this honest review of my own free will.
August 5, 2025
All I can say is that it was SO GOOD!
Ties of Dust was fantastic! I loved the relationship between Flora and Cassius. Flora is strong mentally and physically. She’s selfless and brave. But she’s also vulnerable and real. Cassius is one of the best written princes I’ve read in a long time. He’s arrogant, and demanding, but not overbearing or rude. He knows who he is, and he knows who he isn’t. It was refreshing to see a mutual respect grow between them. He loves how she challenges him, and she loves how he listens. Such a sweet relationship.
I also enjoyed that neither character was a complainer. They took every bad thing that was thrown at them and instead of sitting around crying about it, they either accepted the inevitable, or fought it! They were realistic and weren’t wildly optimistic or pessimistic, which I loved!
The BOND. White did a great job using it not only for plot purposes but also romantic purposes. One of my FAVORITE scenes is when they both choose to feel the bond while they sleep. IYKYK. It was *chef’s kiss.*
I predicted some scenes, while others surprised me! It had a good moving plot and kept me intrigued the entire time!
Content: Kisses only, no language!
Ties of Dust was fantastic! I loved the relationship between Flora and Cassius. Flora is strong mentally and physically. She’s selfless and brave. But she’s also vulnerable and real. Cassius is one of the best written princes I’ve read in a long time. He’s arrogant, and demanding, but not overbearing or rude. He knows who he is, and he knows who he isn’t. It was refreshing to see a mutual respect grow between them. He loves how she challenges him, and she loves how he listens. Such a sweet relationship.
I also enjoyed that neither character was a complainer. They took every bad thing that was thrown at them and instead of sitting around crying about it, they either accepted the inevitable, or fought it! They were realistic and weren’t wildly optimistic or pessimistic, which I loved!
The BOND. White did a great job using it not only for plot purposes but also romantic purposes. One of my FAVORITE scenes is when they both choose to feel the bond while they sleep. IYKYK. It was *chef’s kiss.*
I predicted some scenes, while others surprised me! It had a good moving plot and kept me intrigued the entire time!
Content: Kisses only, no language!
April 3, 2025
I just loved this book! It was so satisfying and perfect in so many ways! I absolutely loved Flora's relationship with Cassius and I loved how each of the characters had flaws they needed to overcome. The entire world that Deborah Grace White created was so intricate and intriguing. This new magic system was a really unique and interesting concept and I loved how Deborah created something that had the feel of Song magic but was entirely unique in its own way. The plotline was very intriguing and the story was captivating from beginning to end. I only wish that Lord Armand had been more significant in the middle and end as he was such an important part in the beginning of the novel. But I really can't complain as this book was amazing in every way! The romance was absolutely delightful and, even though there were definitely some twists that I noticed coming, the book had so much action as well as heartfelt moments that were simply perfect! This is an excellent novel and one that I would highly recommend.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
May 7, 2025
This was a really good series and Ties of Dust was an awesome read to end it. I think there were two in this series that I enjoyed the most and this is one of them.
Flora is a royal bodyguard for Princess Mim because she has power and control over the magic that is built by movement which looks like "dust" when it flows from the object moving. Flora has learned how to harness that magic and in unique ways, how to produce in for herself. When Mim is to go to meet the man that she will marry, for the betrothal ceremony, both companies are attacked, but Mim is the target. Flora saves her by using the "dust", and an Advisor for the King tells the Prince that they need that boy on their security team - yea, flora had worn her guard uniform with trousers and also with a cape that covers her head and face. When everyone protests, the Advisor takes matters into his own hands and binds the Prince and Flora together with a tether that will keep them just 20' apart, and if she fails to protect him, she will feel twice the pain and receive twice the wound that he does. Only a treaty between their two countries can break the tether.
Wow, you need to read the story to find out all of the action and of course, romance, that happens along the way. This is a clean read.
Flora is a royal bodyguard for Princess Mim because she has power and control over the magic that is built by movement which looks like "dust" when it flows from the object moving. Flora has learned how to harness that magic and in unique ways, how to produce in for herself. When Mim is to go to meet the man that she will marry, for the betrothal ceremony, both companies are attacked, but Mim is the target. Flora saves her by using the "dust", and an Advisor for the King tells the Prince that they need that boy on their security team - yea, flora had worn her guard uniform with trousers and also with a cape that covers her head and face. When everyone protests, the Advisor takes matters into his own hands and binds the Prince and Flora together with a tether that will keep them just 20' apart, and if she fails to protect him, she will feel twice the pain and receive twice the wound that he does. Only a treaty between their two countries can break the tether.
Wow, you need to read the story to find out all of the action and of course, romance, that happens along the way. This is a clean read.
April 27, 2025
Ties of Dust is a fantastic wrap to the Tethered Hearts Multi Author series. I love the idea of magic being movement and simply cannot wait for Deborah’s new series set in this world to start releasing.
Flora is fun as a main character because she seems so poised and guard-like, but she has this hidden personality a mile wide. I love when it comes out. And Cassius. She keeps surprising him and I found it humorous. He also has a great character growth arc where he goes from kind of self-centered/prideful in the beginning to someone who is truly putting others first at the end.
Romance: very clean. It has an amusing take on the whole “one bed” trope too. And allow me to repeat—very clean. There are a couple of kisses that are fairly brief and do NOT take place in a bedroom with one bed. : )
Violence: kidnapping, a beating, a couple deaths of bad guys (nothing gruesome), a couple brief mentions of blood
Overall, I’d rate it PG and basically fine for any age that would be interested in it.
Flora is fun as a main character because she seems so poised and guard-like, but she has this hidden personality a mile wide. I love when it comes out. And Cassius. She keeps surprising him and I found it humorous. He also has a great character growth arc where he goes from kind of self-centered/prideful in the beginning to someone who is truly putting others first at the end.
Romance: very clean. It has an amusing take on the whole “one bed” trope too. And allow me to repeat—very clean. There are a couple of kisses that are fairly brief and do NOT take place in a bedroom with one bed. : )
Violence: kidnapping, a beating, a couple deaths of bad guys (nothing gruesome), a couple brief mentions of blood
Overall, I’d rate it PG and basically fine for any age that would be interested in it.
September 22, 2025
Flora is a mystery. Her willowy form makes her an odd choice for the body guard to an important princess, and their warm first-name friendship pushes aside all the formalities of station. Dust—the magic of movement is key, but despite her talent with magic, Flora’s heritage eludes everyone’s efforts to uncover it.
Once again, we are confronted with royal parents who treat their offspring as commodities to trade, with conniving courtiers seeking to take control, and with neighboring kingdoms on the verge of war. What makes this medieval-styled fantasy fun to read is Flora. I enjoyed the imaginative descriptions of how magic worked. I loved seeing life through Flora’s focused intent. She chides Prince Cassius about his drive to please others. “If the opinions of others can damage your pride in yourself, then there was something amiss in your pride in the first place.” She speaks to more than pride. She speaks of identity, and she speaks from experience.
This is an intriguing fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Once again, we are confronted with royal parents who treat their offspring as commodities to trade, with conniving courtiers seeking to take control, and with neighboring kingdoms on the verge of war. What makes this medieval-styled fantasy fun to read is Flora. I enjoyed the imaginative descriptions of how magic worked. I loved seeing life through Flora’s focused intent. She chides Prince Cassius about his drive to please others. “If the opinions of others can damage your pride in yourself, then there was something amiss in your pride in the first place.” She speaks to more than pride. She speaks of identity, and she speaks from experience.
This is an intriguing fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed.
April 9, 2025
I flew through this one. I really love Flora, as she is sure of herself and doesn’t let others’ opinions sway her belief and pride in herself. On the other hand, Cassius really made me angry because his pride that caused him not to want to reveal the tether caused endless poor speculation and vicious gossip about Flora. Even though he hates hearing those things spoken about her, instead of fixing the problem by telling his father about the tether, he doesn’t. I think Flora forgave him way too easily, but later you see she must have expected this treatment from royals when it comes to their pride. Her family was awful, and I’m so glad she escaped them.
I’m not saying I hated Cassius, either, the rest of his character was admirable in that he wanted the best for his kingdom, but he should have revealed the truth before it resulted in people thinking poorly of Flora through no fault of her own, and causing her intense physical pain without thought (i.e. sparring). I think he’ll make it up to her over time, though.
I received an eARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m not saying I hated Cassius, either, the rest of his character was admirable in that he wanted the best for his kingdom, but he should have revealed the truth before it resulted in people thinking poorly of Flora through no fault of her own, and causing her intense physical pain without thought (i.e. sparring). I think he’ll make it up to her over time, though.
I received an eARC for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 21, 2025
💜Review💜
Ties of Dust drew me in from the first page. I am absolutely in love with this new world White has created. The magic system is…. well, magical. I’m always intrigued when stories have different magic sources and functions (is that the word?). I’m already hyped for the Magic of Dust and Movement series.
I did not expect to become so emotional when reading Ties of Dust. Yes, I do get emotional at many novels but I was openly crying while reading one scene. I say this, though, in the best way. I could feel the anguish, the desperation, and overwhelming love that flooded those pages. You know a novel is good when you suffer along with the characters.
Speaking of characters! I love the two main characters. Flora and Cassius are sweethearts. Flora is capable and has a slightly mysterious background. I spent much of the novel curious about her past and getting excited every time a hint was revealed. Cassius. Oh, Cassius. He is a strong male lead with a protective streak (my favorite thing about him) and a hint of pride. I love his serious yet flirty nature. Every interaction between the two had me craving more. I loved watching Cassius and Flora grow together.
The plot was full of devious characters and schemes that happen behind the scenes. Sometimes I would think, “oh, the plot is starting to slow down” and then something would happen. It kept me on my toes and ready for the next major event. All of which led to a climax and ending that had me emotional and cheering. All in all, a fantastic addition to the Tethered Hearts series and an amazing start to a new trilogy!
Thank you to Deborah Grace White for an ARC of Ties of Dust! All opinions are my own.
No-spice level: lighter kissing
Language: clean
Faith Elements: None
🪻Tropes🪻
Forced Proximity
Bodyguard and Prince
Unique Magic System
Protective MMC
Court Intrigue
Ties of Dust drew me in from the first page. I am absolutely in love with this new world White has created. The magic system is…. well, magical. I’m always intrigued when stories have different magic sources and functions (is that the word?). I’m already hyped for the Magic of Dust and Movement series.
I did not expect to become so emotional when reading Ties of Dust. Yes, I do get emotional at many novels but I was openly crying while reading one scene. I say this, though, in the best way. I could feel the anguish, the desperation, and overwhelming love that flooded those pages. You know a novel is good when you suffer along with the characters.
Speaking of characters! I love the two main characters. Flora and Cassius are sweethearts. Flora is capable and has a slightly mysterious background. I spent much of the novel curious about her past and getting excited every time a hint was revealed. Cassius. Oh, Cassius. He is a strong male lead with a protective streak (my favorite thing about him) and a hint of pride. I love his serious yet flirty nature. Every interaction between the two had me craving more. I loved watching Cassius and Flora grow together.
The plot was full of devious characters and schemes that happen behind the scenes. Sometimes I would think, “oh, the plot is starting to slow down” and then something would happen. It kept me on my toes and ready for the next major event. All of which led to a climax and ending that had me emotional and cheering. All in all, a fantastic addition to the Tethered Hearts series and an amazing start to a new trilogy!
Thank you to Deborah Grace White for an ARC of Ties of Dust! All opinions are my own.
No-spice level: lighter kissing
Language: clean
Faith Elements: None
🪻Tropes🪻
Forced Proximity
Bodyguard and Prince
Unique Magic System
Protective MMC
Court Intrigue
April 16, 2025
Deborah Grace White wrote an amazing story and I can't wait for you all to read it!!
📚
This is a story about Cassius and Flora. Cassius is a Prince trying to save the peninsula and avoid war. Flora is a bodyguard who can do magic, that everyone thinks is a boy. And because of a meddling busy body they are now stuck together. You can see how that might make things awkward... And so funny when the busy body found out! 😂
📚
I loved this story! It was full of moments that made me swoon, and also moments that made me cheer. I can't wait to read more books by Deborah Grace White!!
📚
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
📚
#TiesofDust #DeborahGraceWhite #TetheredHearts #forcedproximity #onlyonebed #hiddenidentity #politicalintrigue #protectiveMMC #tendingwounds #uniquemagicsystem #reversebodyguardromance
📚
This is a story about Cassius and Flora. Cassius is a Prince trying to save the peninsula and avoid war. Flora is a bodyguard who can do magic, that everyone thinks is a boy. And because of a meddling busy body they are now stuck together. You can see how that might make things awkward... And so funny when the busy body found out! 😂
📚
I loved this story! It was full of moments that made me swoon, and also moments that made me cheer. I can't wait to read more books by Deborah Grace White!!
📚
I was given an ARC by the author. All opinions are my own.
📚
#TiesofDust #DeborahGraceWhite #TetheredHearts #forcedproximity #onlyonebed #hiddenidentity #politicalintrigue #protectiveMMC #tendingwounds #uniquemagicsystem #reversebodyguardromance
June 2, 2025
I loved the unique magic system White created for this book, which I believe is the first standalone book/prequel? set in an upcoming series. The characters were very fun to get to know, and I enjoyed Flora’s character and her dynamic with Cassius. (Also, Cassius is an incredible name.) I found the whole “tether” concept fascinating and it made for a fun plot with cool obstacles to try to navigate around. Every book I read by White keeps getting better and I can’t wait for the “Magic of Dust and Movement” series. 🥳
My one reason for 4 starts is that I would have loved to see Flora showcase more of her abilities. She was impressive at the very start, but it seems everything she did after that was “smaller” in comparison, even though her use of magic was skillful. I believe she had so much potential!
My one reason for 4 starts is that I would have loved to see Flora showcase more of her abilities. She was impressive at the very start, but it seems everything she did after that was “smaller” in comparison, even though her use of magic was skillful. I believe she had so much potential!
December 16, 2025
Charming and fierce
What a fantastic story! The story really sucked me in from the first page. Flora is a personal guard to a princess and Cassius is the price that the princess is betrothed to. When a very over zealous advisor places a magical teather on the two of them, for Flora's magical ability to protect the prince, their fates are altered. Flora is such a strong peraonal guard, who is no damsel in any distress. She is a capable in magical defense as well as physical, even if the prince has no idea at first.
I loved this story. The characters are charming and the banter was fun. The tension between our two main characters plays well into the teather and keeping it a secret. The story moves at a good pace and secrets were revealed that surprised me even at the end. Charming and fierce characters throughout.
What a fantastic story! The story really sucked me in from the first page. Flora is a personal guard to a princess and Cassius is the price that the princess is betrothed to. When a very over zealous advisor places a magical teather on the two of them, for Flora's magical ability to protect the prince, their fates are altered. Flora is such a strong peraonal guard, who is no damsel in any distress. She is a capable in magical defense as well as physical, even if the prince has no idea at first.
I loved this story. The characters are charming and the banter was fun. The tension between our two main characters plays well into the teather and keeping it a secret. The story moves at a good pace and secrets were revealed that surprised me even at the end. Charming and fierce characters throughout.
April 22, 2025
Deborah Grace White is one of my favorite authors and did not disappoint. She did an amazing job with this book! The world building and journey she takes you on in her story is captivating and brings about a sense of awe and wonder.
The main characters; Flora and Cassius are such a fun duo. One having a mischievous, determined, capable personality while the other having a strong protective side. Cassius serious but flirtatious attitude reminded me of my own husband at times. I’m pretty sure my husband got tired of hearing “this,this is just like you!”
The magical system is whimsical! I am looking forward to
Deborah’s upcoming Magic of Dust and Movement series because of the magic :).
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
The main characters; Flora and Cassius are such a fun duo. One having a mischievous, determined, capable personality while the other having a strong protective side. Cassius serious but flirtatious attitude reminded me of my own husband at times. I’m pretty sure my husband got tired of hearing “this,this is just like you!”
The magical system is whimsical! I am looking forward to
Deborah’s upcoming Magic of Dust and Movement series because of the magic :).
I received this book as an ARC from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.
May 6, 2025
This was an incredible romantasy read and I could not put it down. A Prince ends up magically tethered to the servant girl bodyguard of his future betrothed. With the forced proximity this creates, both of them begin to learn more about themselves and each other. Magic (called Dust) swirls everywhere and is tied to movement that allows those gifted in magic (as Flora is) to harness it to perform enchantments. As alliances and accusations swirl in the air, political intrigue starts to swell. Flora endeavors to protect Prince Cassius as he in turn tries to protect her. This was a fascinating read that had me devouring this story. While I guessed at some of the twists, I still thoroughly enjoyed them all.
May 17, 2025
Noble, Magical, Gripping
A stabby and secretive heroine. A proud and perceptive prince. Magic that unexpectedly connects them and a plot told from both sides that will not let the reader go from beginning to end. I loved reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. Flora has a humble yet self assured confidence that is uncommon and wonderful. Cassius is humorous and thoughtful which puts him at odds with the dark forces at work in his court but also helps him survive it. Both characters are noble and stubborn which leads to a lot of laughable situations and arguments. The magic system is so unique and fun to imagine. The storyline has a clean no spice romance and brief non gory fight scenes. The stakes are significant, but there is a nice balance of sweetness and humor that keep the book from feeling too heavy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to lovers of romantic fantasy.
A stabby and secretive heroine. A proud and perceptive prince. Magic that unexpectedly connects them and a plot told from both sides that will not let the reader go from beginning to end. I loved reading this book and had a hard time putting it down. Flora has a humble yet self assured confidence that is uncommon and wonderful. Cassius is humorous and thoughtful which puts him at odds with the dark forces at work in his court but also helps him survive it. Both characters are noble and stubborn which leads to a lot of laughable situations and arguments. The magic system is so unique and fun to imagine. The storyline has a clean no spice romance and brief non gory fight scenes. The stakes are significant, but there is a nice balance of sweetness and humor that keep the book from feeling too heavy. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would not hesitate to recommend it to lovers of romantic fantasy.
April 27, 2025
Wow! This was my favourite book in the whole Tethered Hearts series.
I loved Flora.
I loved Cassius.
I loved the way their relationship built.
This story had everything I wanted in a story. Forced proximity. Characters with secrets. An interesting magic system. A competent female character. A protective male character. Vulnerability, burgeoning trust, and, best of all, no third act break up.
I love it when it's two characters against an external enemy.
This book was chef's kiss. I read it in one sitting, and it kept me up till late in the night. I couldn't put it down.
Everyone should read this book!
I loved Flora.
I loved Cassius.
I loved the way their relationship built.
This story had everything I wanted in a story. Forced proximity. Characters with secrets. An interesting magic system. A competent female character. A protective male character. Vulnerability, burgeoning trust, and, best of all, no third act break up.
I love it when it's two characters against an external enemy.
This book was chef's kiss. I read it in one sitting, and it kept me up till late in the night. I couldn't put it down.
Everyone should read this book!
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