What do you think?
Rate this book
Tethered Hearts
Ties of Bargains
A hapless human prince. A cynical fae mercenary. An unbreakable bargain.
Prince Harmen of Tulpenland, an idyllic duchy of flowers, farm fields, and windmills, has been bargained to the fae to save his little brother’s life. He’s woefully unprepared for the challenges he’s about to face, but he’s determined to escape once the bargain is fulfilled.
Val’s mission should have been deliver the human prince to the fae who holds his bargain. But when they arrive, that fae has already bargained him away to someone else.
Tied together with a magical cord, Val and Harm brave dangerous monsters, treacherous fae, and meddling dragons as they attempt to fulfill the bargain so he can escape and she can go her separate way. If only the prince wasn’t so cheerfully good. Then Val wouldn’t be suffering such a pesky guilt at eventually handing him over to his cruel fate. By the time they reach their destination, will more than a magic cord tie them together?
But nothing is as it seems in the Fae Realm. Not even a simple bargain.
Ties of Bargains is book 4 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.
Prince Harmen of Tulpenland, an idyllic duchy of flowers, farm fields, and windmills, has been bargained to the fae to save his little brother’s life. He’s woefully unprepared for the challenges he’s about to face, but he’s determined to escape once the bargain is fulfilled.
Val’s mission should have been deliver the human prince to the fae who holds his bargain. But when they arrive, that fae has already bargained him away to someone else.
Tied together with a magical cord, Val and Harm brave dangerous monsters, treacherous fae, and meddling dragons as they attempt to fulfill the bargain so he can escape and she can go her separate way. If only the prince wasn’t so cheerfully good. Then Val wouldn’t be suffering such a pesky guilt at eventually handing him over to his cruel fate. By the time they reach their destination, will more than a magic cord tie them together?
But nothing is as it seems in the Fae Realm. Not even a simple bargain.
Ties of Bargains is book 4 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.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2025
About the author
Tara Grayce
36 books833 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
April 9, 2025
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!
I brought this with me on a road trip and thought “I’ll read the first few chapters and then do something else” then looked up 6 hours later and boom, had devoured all of it. Sooooo addicting!
From chapter 1, Harm had my whole heart. What a sweet guy with a heart of gold!!! His goodness was his best asset (plus his convenient bargaining skills) and Val? Val was my favorite kind of heroine!!!! Talented, deadly, standoffish… the perfect match for Harm’s sweet golden retriever attitude.
Then the world building!!! All of the fae realms, the scarecrow 😱 the hidden Marvel Easter egg and the grain pixies… I LOVED IT ALL!!!
I firmly believe that it is impossible for Tara Grayce to write anything less than a 5 star book!! I will recommend it FOREVER!!!
I brought this with me on a road trip and thought “I’ll read the first few chapters and then do something else” then looked up 6 hours later and boom, had devoured all of it. Sooooo addicting!
From chapter 1, Harm had my whole heart. What a sweet guy with a heart of gold!!! His goodness was his best asset (plus his convenient bargaining skills) and Val? Val was my favorite kind of heroine!!!! Talented, deadly, standoffish… the perfect match for Harm’s sweet golden retriever attitude.
Then the world building!!! All of the fae realms, the scarecrow 😱 the hidden Marvel Easter egg and the grain pixies… I LOVED IT ALL!!!
I firmly believe that it is impossible for Tara Grayce to write anything less than a 5 star book!! I will recommend it FOREVER!!!
May 13, 2026
This was the most fun reading I've had in a LONG time. I don't especially care for kick-butt female characters (though I've written some of my own), yet there was something about Val I loved so much. And Harm was a total sweetheart. I loved their contrast and how their relationship grew. And I have to mention Daisy, of course. If you've ever had or been around dogs, her scenes are so relatable, lol. This was a super fun adventure that made me laugh a lot, and I highly recommend it.
May 6, 2025
4.5 stars
I was super excited to start this book as I have loved every part of the series. When I found out that the Dutch heritage is sewn into the fabric of this book – the language, tulips, canals, pottery, etc., I was so happy! My entire ancestry on both sides of my family is Dutch so that heritage has been woven deeply into my life and it’s very dear to my heart. Reading about it in a book – having it brought into this fantasy world – was so much more than I could have ever asked for.
This was a great no spice romantasy. With a human Prince and a fae mercenary, the tension between realms was high. As Harm spends his time as a captive - bargained away to save his brother’s life - he discovers that all isn’t as it seems. Val is forced to take Harm all over the place to try and deliver him to fulfill the bargain and get out of the bond. As these enemies send time in forced proximity to each other, they learn more about each other, their realms, and themselves. This plot was really good and kept me interested. Some of this story did drag on a bit as the bargain was traded over and over and it seemed their journey would never end. This is a just kisses romance.
I was super excited to start this book as I have loved every part of the series. When I found out that the Dutch heritage is sewn into the fabric of this book – the language, tulips, canals, pottery, etc., I was so happy! My entire ancestry on both sides of my family is Dutch so that heritage has been woven deeply into my life and it’s very dear to my heart. Reading about it in a book – having it brought into this fantasy world – was so much more than I could have ever asked for.
This was a great no spice romantasy. With a human Prince and a fae mercenary, the tension between realms was high. As Harm spends his time as a captive - bargained away to save his brother’s life - he discovers that all isn’t as it seems. Val is forced to take Harm all over the place to try and deliver him to fulfill the bargain and get out of the bond. As these enemies send time in forced proximity to each other, they learn more about each other, their realms, and themselves. This plot was really good and kept me interested. Some of this story did drag on a bit as the bargain was traded over and over and it seemed their journey would never end. This is a just kisses romance.
April 22, 2025
It’s official—we need more Dutch inspired fantasy! Blue and white pottery, canals and windmills, tulips and cheese?! YES. Nadine Brandes’ Wishtress is the only other time I’ve seen Dutch influence in a fantasy world, and I love it.
Okay, moving on! If I wasn’t already convinced Tara was a genius, this book would have convinced me! From the way it intersects with her other series set in the same world (Court of Midsummer Mayhem series), to the way the story never got repetitive despite a key event happening over and over again. It was hilariously entertaining and heroically thoughtful.
Harm, the somewhat naïve MMC, was adorable. Because despite his limitations in understanding the fae realm, he’s a man of strong character and honour with a deep moral compass. Such a sweetheart! Then there’s Val. Goodness, I loved her! A seasoned warrior with a no-nonsense approach… who’s stabby. I love the way they influence and challenge each other to grow, and of course the romance was pretty adorable, too! 🤭
Read a Tara Grayce book and thank me later—she’s amazing! 😍
Content: several fae courts are known for their scanty dressing which embarrasses Harm (it isn’t graphically described)
Okay, moving on! If I wasn’t already convinced Tara was a genius, this book would have convinced me! From the way it intersects with her other series set in the same world (Court of Midsummer Mayhem series), to the way the story never got repetitive despite a key event happening over and over again. It was hilariously entertaining and heroically thoughtful.
Harm, the somewhat naïve MMC, was adorable. Because despite his limitations in understanding the fae realm, he’s a man of strong character and honour with a deep moral compass. Such a sweetheart! Then there’s Val. Goodness, I loved her! A seasoned warrior with a no-nonsense approach… who’s stabby. I love the way they influence and challenge each other to grow, and of course the romance was pretty adorable, too! 🤭
Read a Tara Grayce book and thank me later—she’s amazing! 😍
Content: several fae courts are known for their scanty dressing which embarrasses Harm (it isn’t graphically described)
April 9, 2025
A fun enemies to lovers romance that had me wanting to finish it in one sitting. It also had Easter eggs for those of us who've read her other Court books, which I really enjoyed. Definitely recommend for those who want a quick, easy, clean read.
Content: Kissing, and PG13 level violence.
Content: Kissing, and PG13 level violence.
November 9, 2025
Ties of Bargains: A Magical Romance of Forced Proximity and Fae Deception 💜✨
If you’re ready for a story where sheer, stubborn goodness breaks through the iciest defenses, then prepare to fall head over heels for Ties of Bargains. This book delivers the quintessential “sunshine and the cynic” dynamic ☀️ with a breathtaking fantasy backdrop. We meet Prince Harmen of Tulpenland 🌸, a sweetheart of a human who’s been sacrificed in a desperate bargain to save his family. Harmen is woefully unprepared for the cruel realities of the Fae Realm 🥀, yet his optimistic resolve and sweet disposition become a surprisingly effective weapon against despair. Watching his unwavering hope clash with the dark world he’s been thrust into is genuinely compelling and gives the story its tender, beating heart. 💖
Harmen’s reluctant handler is Val, a battle-hardened fae mercenary 🗡️ whose only intention is professional distance. Her assignment was simple, but fae politics—as always—are treacherous. When Harmen is swiftly re-bargained to a new, mysterious owner, Val finds herself permanently tethered 🎀 to the prince by a magical, unbreakable cord. This forced proximity is where the true chemistry ignites. As they brave dangerous monsters, treacherous fae courts 🌙, and even meddling dragons 👑 along their journey, Val’s cynical shell begins to crack. She struggles with a fierce, growing guilt over delivering this wonderful, infuriatingly kind human to his cruel destiny. The magic cord may have tied them together physically, but the narrative beautifully charts the emotional journey as their fates become inextricably linked.
The world-building is expertly woven into the plot; nothing is predictable, least of all the bargains themselves. The stakes are delightfully high, escalating from a simple exchange into a complex quest for survival and freedom. By the time Val and Harmen near their final destination, you are absolutely invested in the transformation of their relationship. You’ll be breathless wondering if their bond will be strong enough to withstand the final, crushing twists of the Fae Realm. The story’s promise that "nothing is as it seems" is paid off spectacularly, offering deep emotional satisfaction alongside the thrilling adventure.
Final Verdict
Ties of Bargains is a captivating journey that masterfully blends action, magic, and deep emotional connection. It is the perfect read for lovers of slow-burn romance 🔥 and intricate political fantasy where the biggest battle is the one fought for the heart. Get ready to be charmed and completely swept away.
If you’re ready for a story where sheer, stubborn goodness breaks through the iciest defenses, then prepare to fall head over heels for Ties of Bargains. This book delivers the quintessential “sunshine and the cynic” dynamic ☀️ with a breathtaking fantasy backdrop. We meet Prince Harmen of Tulpenland 🌸, a sweetheart of a human who’s been sacrificed in a desperate bargain to save his family. Harmen is woefully unprepared for the cruel realities of the Fae Realm 🥀, yet his optimistic resolve and sweet disposition become a surprisingly effective weapon against despair. Watching his unwavering hope clash with the dark world he’s been thrust into is genuinely compelling and gives the story its tender, beating heart. 💖
Harmen’s reluctant handler is Val, a battle-hardened fae mercenary 🗡️ whose only intention is professional distance. Her assignment was simple, but fae politics—as always—are treacherous. When Harmen is swiftly re-bargained to a new, mysterious owner, Val finds herself permanently tethered 🎀 to the prince by a magical, unbreakable cord. This forced proximity is where the true chemistry ignites. As they brave dangerous monsters, treacherous fae courts 🌙, and even meddling dragons 👑 along their journey, Val’s cynical shell begins to crack. She struggles with a fierce, growing guilt over delivering this wonderful, infuriatingly kind human to his cruel destiny. The magic cord may have tied them together physically, but the narrative beautifully charts the emotional journey as their fates become inextricably linked.
The world-building is expertly woven into the plot; nothing is predictable, least of all the bargains themselves. The stakes are delightfully high, escalating from a simple exchange into a complex quest for survival and freedom. By the time Val and Harmen near their final destination, you are absolutely invested in the transformation of their relationship. You’ll be breathless wondering if their bond will be strong enough to withstand the final, crushing twists of the Fae Realm. The story’s promise that "nothing is as it seems" is paid off spectacularly, offering deep emotional satisfaction alongside the thrilling adventure.
Final Verdict
Ties of Bargains is a captivating journey that masterfully blends action, magic, and deep emotional connection. It is the perfect read for lovers of slow-burn romance 🔥 and intricate political fantasy where the biggest battle is the one fought for the heart. Get ready to be charmed and completely swept away.
January 13, 2026
2.75⭐
First of all, thank you @Netgalley for the audiobook. I didn't mind the narrators and liked the setting of the story. I adored the Dutch details that were added 💕
The story had a good start and finish. The in-between was lacking. The same situation kept happening again and again, just to give the main characters some time to develop their relationship. And the mentioned relationship was not set out enough for her part in my opinion.
First of all, thank you @Netgalley for the audiobook. I didn't mind the narrators and liked the setting of the story. I adored the Dutch details that were added 💕
The story had a good start and finish. The in-between was lacking. The same situation kept happening again and again, just to give the main characters some time to develop their relationship. And the mentioned relationship was not set out enough for her part in my opinion.
April 23, 2026
Okay, so this was a decent book… but I would not consider it a Tara Grayce best.
Language: N/A
Sexual content: Some Fae women are described as wearing very little or revealing clothing, and there are kisses.
Violence and Gore: Traveling across the fae realms is not an easy feat, and I’d say most don’t get out unscathed. There is plenty of fighting fae and monsters, but nothing is graphic.
I feel like I am an unfair when it comes to fae books.They just don’t capture me the way they seem to everyone else. I have read good fae books of course, but most are just kinda meh. I would say this was the latter.
Harm was sweet, but he definitely was not my favorite of the characters Tara Grayce had written. I loved how accepting he was of Val though, despite her many faults (namely the fact that she was the one delivering him to a fae master).
Val… was very hard to relate to. I just really didn’t connect to her character. Initially, if I’m being totally honest, she annoyed me (mind you, she redeemed herself in the end).
I loved the hints to Tara Grayces other fae books, however! If I’m right, I’d say the “great-grandsir” referenced toward the end is a certain dragon-shifter I love 😜
Overall, I would probably not read this again, but it wasn’t terrible and I was able to enjoy it (though it took me a minute to get into).
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author, though all opinions are completely my own!
Language: N/A
Sexual content: Some Fae women are described as wearing very little or revealing clothing, and there are kisses.
Violence and Gore: Traveling across the fae realms is not an easy feat, and I’d say most don’t get out unscathed. There is plenty of fighting fae and monsters, but nothing is graphic.
I feel like I am an unfair when it comes to fae books.They just don’t capture me the way they seem to everyone else. I have read good fae books of course, but most are just kinda meh. I would say this was the latter.
Harm was sweet, but he definitely was not my favorite of the characters Tara Grayce had written. I loved how accepting he was of Val though, despite her many faults (namely the fact that she was the one delivering him to a fae master).
Val… was very hard to relate to. I just really didn’t connect to her character. Initially, if I’m being totally honest, she annoyed me (mind you, she redeemed herself in the end).
I loved the hints to Tara Grayces other fae books, however! If I’m right, I’d say the “great-grandsir” referenced toward the end is a certain dragon-shifter I love 😜
Overall, I would probably not read this again, but it wasn’t terrible and I was able to enjoy it (though it took me a minute to get into).
I received a free ARC copy of this book from the author, though all opinions are completely my own!
March 18, 2025
This is a fun book filled with humor and action! I was immediately sucked into this beautiful world, full of great imagery, so many details when into it. A fae world that's very expansive, full of lots of different creatures and full of lots of different settings. It was so well done, where you can imagine it but it's not overwhelming to the point of confusion.
The characters are polar opposites and they work! They are definitely grumpy/sunshine, the FMC (Val) is stabby, and the MMC (Harmen/Harm) is all that's good and proper. Together they grow and change, bringing out the best in each other. She gets him to toughen up, be more himself. And he helps her smile more, and want to be on the good side. She may be the mercenary sent to deliver him to captivity, but instead they set each other free. Falling in love along the way 😉
They are so cute too, even though everything is trying to eat or kill them, they're is just so much humour in the story I was smiling or laughing at multiple points and I loved it all!
They have to go on this long journey, literally tied together and nothing goes their way. And even though he is pretty much doomed, Harm has this hope and confidence the whole time which is very admirable or annoying to Val 😂 they are so fun, and it is just a must read to find out. Eventually they realize bigger things are at stack and work together to fight. Towards the later half there is multiple plot twists and it was so good! And it all wraps up so nicely with a nice happy ending but left with knowing the characters journey isn't over for them.
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, death(not graphic), violence, suggestive elements, talk of humans being tortured (not graphic)
*I received this book as an arc but I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
The characters are polar opposites and they work! They are definitely grumpy/sunshine, the FMC (Val) is stabby, and the MMC (Harmen/Harm) is all that's good and proper. Together they grow and change, bringing out the best in each other. She gets him to toughen up, be more himself. And he helps her smile more, and want to be on the good side. She may be the mercenary sent to deliver him to captivity, but instead they set each other free. Falling in love along the way 😉
They are so cute too, even though everything is trying to eat or kill them, they're is just so much humour in the story I was smiling or laughing at multiple points and I loved it all!
They have to go on this long journey, literally tied together and nothing goes their way. And even though he is pretty much doomed, Harm has this hope and confidence the whole time which is very admirable or annoying to Val 😂 they are so fun, and it is just a must read to find out. Eventually they realize bigger things are at stack and work together to fight. Towards the later half there is multiple plot twists and it was so good! And it all wraps up so nicely with a nice happy ending but left with knowing the characters journey isn't over for them.
Content: No-Spice/kisses only, no swearing, death(not graphic), violence, suggestive elements, talk of humans being tortured (not graphic)
*I received this book as an arc but I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
December 1, 2025
4.25* A lighthearted and fun read.
-Dual POVs
-Dutch inspired
-Fae monsters
-Fae bargains
A local prince + A fae mercenary + A loveable fae dog 💕
-Dual POVs
-Dutch inspired
-Fae monsters
-Fae bargains
A local prince + A fae mercenary + A loveable fae dog 💕
December 9, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook.
This book was just okay, and not really something to write home about. There wasn't much action that happened until the end and I really didn't believe the relationship between Val and Harm.
I liked the idea of the FMC not being a dainty maiden, but being a badass mercenary, I just wish there was more of that badassness.
The twist at the end was good, but not shocking and didn't make me feel anything.
This book was just okay, and not really something to write home about. There wasn't much action that happened until the end and I really didn't believe the relationship between Val and Harm.
I liked the idea of the FMC not being a dainty maiden, but being a badass mercenary, I just wish there was more of that badassness.
The twist at the end was good, but not shocking and didn't make me feel anything.
November 11, 2025
I LOVED the narrators. I especially enjoyed that the dual POV also had dual narrators! A fantastic story balancing human and fae. I enjoyed that I felt like I was on the adventure with the characters!
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
I received an audio ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
I loved this story.
Content: clean - mild violence
Content: clean - mild violence
November 22, 2025
Personal rate: 4.5 stars
Age rating: 14+
Genre: Fantasy
Romance level: kissing only (thought of desiring to kiss and touch)
Gore/Violence: Talk of blood. Injury. Sickness. Death. Sword fighting. Stabbing.
(Chap 1- their poor dad 😭
It talked a lot about locations and courts in the first chapter. I can’t tell if this is part of the other books worlds or not. I have yet to see any cross over from any of the previous books. Every book in this series just seems like a standalone.
He was so respectful. That definitely kept him alive and kept Val from getting too annoyed and it was so sweet.
Their care for one another was so sweet. Even when it was “just a job” there was care there and respect and it was cute. Seeing the love interests grow was interesting.
This world is so cool and scary and weird XD. I genuinely couldn’t think of how they’ll get out of the bond till a while through. I’d forgotten about a specific thing.
The skating scene! And the scene before!
They’re so cute! I have so many highlighted things.
I listened to the audio book and the voice actors were great.
(Would you stab me if I kissed you?)
(The thin matching line? I should have seen that coming but)
(Their pets XD)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
I loved this book! So fun! Really like the prince. And the book has fun connections to the rest of her books in this world but doesn’t need any pre-knowledge of the other books.
Note: I received an ARC copy from the author, but my review is voluntary and my own.
Note: I received an ARC copy from the author, but my review is voluntary and my own.
November 28, 2025
*Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audio ARC; the review is my own.*
I was very excited when I got approved for this audiobook. I’ve followed the group of authors who wrote the books in the Tethered Hearts series for a while, so this book was already on my radar before I found it on NetGalley. And I enjoyed it—truly, I did. I think my daughter would love it.
What kept it from being more than a 3-star book for me, though, was that the majority of the book felt a bit repetitive and predictable. Harm and Val went from one person to another, only to find out that he had been bargained away ahead of his arrival, requiring them to search for the next person. Other things happen throughout their journey, but I can’t deny that a few a little weary of them bouncing around from place to place.
The last portion of the book, however, was more enjoyable for me because we got past the bargains. I would have liked that section to be more of the book.
How it ends:
Language: None
Violence: Mild fantasy
Alcohol & drugs: None
Physical Intimacy: Kisses only
LGBT: None
Audiobook Narrators & Comments: Tristan James & Amanda Dolan
These narrators were fine, but I didn’t love them for this book. I’ve listened to books read by Amanda Dolan before, and feel like her voice is more fitting for contemporary romance instead of fantasy. Tristan James sounded a bit too old for Harm. And he read certain words kind of strangely (for example, “fae” as “fay-ee”). Perhaps these words were written this way in his chapters, but I’m not sure why they would be.
I was very excited when I got approved for this audiobook. I’ve followed the group of authors who wrote the books in the Tethered Hearts series for a while, so this book was already on my radar before I found it on NetGalley. And I enjoyed it—truly, I did. I think my daughter would love it.
What kept it from being more than a 3-star book for me, though, was that the majority of the book felt a bit repetitive and predictable. Harm and Val went from one person to another, only to find out that he had been bargained away ahead of his arrival, requiring them to search for the next person. Other things happen throughout their journey, but I can’t deny that a few a little weary of them bouncing around from place to place.
The last portion of the book, however, was more enjoyable for me because we got past the bargains. I would have liked that section to be more of the book.
How it ends:
Language: None
Violence: Mild fantasy
Alcohol & drugs: None
Physical Intimacy: Kisses only
LGBT: None
Audiobook Narrators & Comments: Tristan James & Amanda Dolan
These narrators were fine, but I didn’t love them for this book. I’ve listened to books read by Amanda Dolan before, and feel like her voice is more fitting for contemporary romance instead of fantasy. Tristan James sounded a bit too old for Harm. And he read certain words kind of strangely (for example, “fae” as “fay-ee”). Perhaps these words were written this way in his chapters, but I’m not sure why they would be.
March 29, 2026
Good. What is good? The term is casually used a million times a day to describe things to ideas to people. Yet what does good really look like? It’s this question that turns a fae mercenary’s and a prince’s world upside down and has them both taking a deep dive inventory of themselves.
He was just another job, a sad “puppy” to be taken to his new owner so she would get her payment and move to the next deal. After all, that’s her world as a mercenary. Don’t get attached to your delivery and absolutely no caring for them. To Val’s credit, she attempts keeping to that mantra. She makes it clear she doesn’t want to become friends on this journey and tries to cut off his chatter at the first. After all she’s taking him to be delivered to what is likely a slow death, depending on the whims of his owner. Yet, the prince doesn’t react according to how she expects, considering his dire situation. He doesn’t strike out at the very person escorting him to his fate or blame her for where he finds himself at the moment. He’s actually nice to her and seems as if he cares about what has happened to her. Who does that? Val sure doesn’t get it. Her painful past world has been one that has shown that people don’t care what happens to you and you’re easily discarded if you step out of line. Accordingly, Val has vowed not to be in that position again of being shackled by loyalty to another, but rather to be her own master. So, it would be much easier if she saw the look of hate or even disdain for her from the prince for her role in his current situation. But he won’t give her that because it’s not his nature. It’s also what makes it impossible for her to reconcile seeing him as just another delivery and has her becoming uncomfortably aware that’s she’s not happy with the person that she sees reflected back at her bit by bit in her role as a mercenary. She starts to think that perhaps being “good” isn’t always a bad thing, that it couldn’t hurt for some of the prince to rub off on her.
Ironically, the journey finds the prince giving a hard look at himself in his internal mirror, deciphering what kind of person he is at his core.
“I used to think I was good. I lauded myself for just how good I was. But it was all a show. The proper dress. The proper cleanliness. The proper appearance of virtue. But acting good and being good all the way down to your soul are two different things. I was the former. But if I was the latter? I don’t know.”
It’s a sobering moment for the prince. It’s the difference between appearance and reality. It’s seeing the gap that exists between the two images and figuring out how to bridge that space. In some instances, it’s deciding which one truly matters and discarding the other. Always it takes courage to even ask the question and face the answer. Yet Prince Harm has shown he is that man in these travels. He has displayed kindness, when anger could have been the understandable reaction. Yes, anger at Val for taking him so nonchalantly to his new existence, his father for being so desperate to save a life that he bargains with a fae and then is tricked by the fae, and that the prince was being made to pay for all of it. Instead, we see Prince Harm bravely accept the battlefield set before him and never give up hope that he will find a way to return to his family while also saving them from the plot still in motion. Even as he enters the Fae realm and views the ugliness that threatens to imprison his soul, he holds tight to that “good” part of himself and chooses to get rid of the mere imitations of “good”.
Eventually that’s where the journey takes them, a final realization by the prince,
And yet when all the trappings were taken away and the world turned on its head, good and evil were still the same. Right from wrong still mattered. In the end, it was all a matter of the heart instead of the outward appearance. Why would it matter if he wore all the proper layers of clothing, spoke with due gravity, did all the things expected of him, if he didn’t harbor a shred of love and kindness in his heart?
I expect the answer would have been a much different ending to this journey. Thankfully, we have a prince that has a heart full of love and kindness, enough that he is able to get through the defenses of even a fae mercenary’s heart and a fae that discovers that trusting your heart to the right someone can be the best thing in the realm.
He was just another job, a sad “puppy” to be taken to his new owner so she would get her payment and move to the next deal. After all, that’s her world as a mercenary. Don’t get attached to your delivery and absolutely no caring for them. To Val’s credit, she attempts keeping to that mantra. She makes it clear she doesn’t want to become friends on this journey and tries to cut off his chatter at the first. After all she’s taking him to be delivered to what is likely a slow death, depending on the whims of his owner. Yet, the prince doesn’t react according to how she expects, considering his dire situation. He doesn’t strike out at the very person escorting him to his fate or blame her for where he finds himself at the moment. He’s actually nice to her and seems as if he cares about what has happened to her. Who does that? Val sure doesn’t get it. Her painful past world has been one that has shown that people don’t care what happens to you and you’re easily discarded if you step out of line. Accordingly, Val has vowed not to be in that position again of being shackled by loyalty to another, but rather to be her own master. So, it would be much easier if she saw the look of hate or even disdain for her from the prince for her role in his current situation. But he won’t give her that because it’s not his nature. It’s also what makes it impossible for her to reconcile seeing him as just another delivery and has her becoming uncomfortably aware that’s she’s not happy with the person that she sees reflected back at her bit by bit in her role as a mercenary. She starts to think that perhaps being “good” isn’t always a bad thing, that it couldn’t hurt for some of the prince to rub off on her.
Ironically, the journey finds the prince giving a hard look at himself in his internal mirror, deciphering what kind of person he is at his core.
“I used to think I was good. I lauded myself for just how good I was. But it was all a show. The proper dress. The proper cleanliness. The proper appearance of virtue. But acting good and being good all the way down to your soul are two different things. I was the former. But if I was the latter? I don’t know.”
It’s a sobering moment for the prince. It’s the difference between appearance and reality. It’s seeing the gap that exists between the two images and figuring out how to bridge that space. In some instances, it’s deciding which one truly matters and discarding the other. Always it takes courage to even ask the question and face the answer. Yet Prince Harm has shown he is that man in these travels. He has displayed kindness, when anger could have been the understandable reaction. Yes, anger at Val for taking him so nonchalantly to his new existence, his father for being so desperate to save a life that he bargains with a fae and then is tricked by the fae, and that the prince was being made to pay for all of it. Instead, we see Prince Harm bravely accept the battlefield set before him and never give up hope that he will find a way to return to his family while also saving them from the plot still in motion. Even as he enters the Fae realm and views the ugliness that threatens to imprison his soul, he holds tight to that “good” part of himself and chooses to get rid of the mere imitations of “good”.
Eventually that’s where the journey takes them, a final realization by the prince,
And yet when all the trappings were taken away and the world turned on its head, good and evil were still the same. Right from wrong still mattered. In the end, it was all a matter of the heart instead of the outward appearance. Why would it matter if he wore all the proper layers of clothing, spoke with due gravity, did all the things expected of him, if he didn’t harbor a shred of love and kindness in his heart?
I expect the answer would have been a much different ending to this journey. Thankfully, we have a prince that has a heart full of love and kindness, enough that he is able to get through the defenses of even a fae mercenary’s heart and a fae that discovers that trusting your heart to the right someone can be the best thing in the realm.
March 11, 2025
Not gonna lie…I had extremely high expectations for this book. Grayce is one of my very favorite authors and her books are among my very favorite series of all time. And when I saw this ARC appear in my inbox I literally did a Happy Dance!
And……drum roll please…
Ties of Bargains did not disappoint! On the contrary, it way beyond surpassed my expectations and hopes on every single level!!!!
When Duke Johannes’s younger son comes down with a mysterious illness he has no other choice but to find a Fee and bargain for a way to save his life. And when he agrees to the Bargain of a life for a life he never expected that the life he Bargained away was that of his oldest son—Harm. But Harm isn’t one to give up hope. He is determined to bargain, charm, and fight his way back to the Human Realm.
And Val…well…Val just wants to deliver this human pup to his new master and get back to living her mercenary life—fighting monster, making deliveries, and staying alive. She isn’t at all prepared for her package to be filled with charm, hope, integrity, and the determination to free himself.
Together Val and Harm will set out as captor and captive, traipse the Fee Realm on an adventure neither could have anticipated, and maybe just maybe discover who they really are along the way.
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY! From the adventure to the unique creatures, from the Fee bargains to the magic, from the sweet, swoony but oh so clean romance, to the darker and more unexpected aspects this story made my heart do a continual happy dance and left my soul singing! It was unique and fun and all around heartwarming and I couldn’t have loved it any more!
But there are a few aspects of this story that really spoke to me.
First of all, I loved the Dutch heritage woven into it. From the different spelling of Fee to the character names (yessss! My husband’s name is Johannes) and the little details like wooden shoes (yesssss! My husband and I do both own a pair) it was really fun to explore my hubby’s heritage woven into one of my favorite fantasy universes.
Second, I absolutely adored the sweet and swoony romance. I don’t know how Grayce does it but somehow she is able to create these lovely and all enduring, fight til you die or come out on the other side, romances that are all completely unique but magical in their own unique way and on every level. How does she do it?! Maybe it’s magic!
Finally, and perhaps my very favorite aspect of this story, is all the crazy cool and beyond deadly creatures. Grayce really knocked it out of the park when it came to incorporating some truly monstrous monsters, as well as, one of the sweetest and most delightful animal companions I’ve ever read. I loved that she took a giant leap out of the proverbial box and gave us some truly nightmarish monsters. It was **chef’s kiss**!!!
So yep…YOU NEED TO READ TIES OF BARGAINS!!! It’s awesome and wonderful and sweet and even a bit nightmarish and it just left my heart feeling so very happy!
And here comes the book-hangover…
And……drum roll please…
Ties of Bargains did not disappoint! On the contrary, it way beyond surpassed my expectations and hopes on every single level!!!!
When Duke Johannes’s younger son comes down with a mysterious illness he has no other choice but to find a Fee and bargain for a way to save his life. And when he agrees to the Bargain of a life for a life he never expected that the life he Bargained away was that of his oldest son—Harm. But Harm isn’t one to give up hope. He is determined to bargain, charm, and fight his way back to the Human Realm.
And Val…well…Val just wants to deliver this human pup to his new master and get back to living her mercenary life—fighting monster, making deliveries, and staying alive. She isn’t at all prepared for her package to be filled with charm, hope, integrity, and the determination to free himself.
Together Val and Harm will set out as captor and captive, traipse the Fee Realm on an adventure neither could have anticipated, and maybe just maybe discover who they really are along the way.
I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY! From the adventure to the unique creatures, from the Fee bargains to the magic, from the sweet, swoony but oh so clean romance, to the darker and more unexpected aspects this story made my heart do a continual happy dance and left my soul singing! It was unique and fun and all around heartwarming and I couldn’t have loved it any more!
But there are a few aspects of this story that really spoke to me.
First of all, I loved the Dutch heritage woven into it. From the different spelling of Fee to the character names (yessss! My husband’s name is Johannes) and the little details like wooden shoes (yesssss! My husband and I do both own a pair) it was really fun to explore my hubby’s heritage woven into one of my favorite fantasy universes.
Second, I absolutely adored the sweet and swoony romance. I don’t know how Grayce does it but somehow she is able to create these lovely and all enduring, fight til you die or come out on the other side, romances that are all completely unique but magical in their own unique way and on every level. How does she do it?! Maybe it’s magic!
Finally, and perhaps my very favorite aspect of this story, is all the crazy cool and beyond deadly creatures. Grayce really knocked it out of the park when it came to incorporating some truly monstrous monsters, as well as, one of the sweetest and most delightful animal companions I’ve ever read. I loved that she took a giant leap out of the proverbial box and gave us some truly nightmarish monsters. It was **chef’s kiss**!!!
So yep…YOU NEED TO READ TIES OF BARGAINS!!! It’s awesome and wonderful and sweet and even a bit nightmarish and it just left my heart feeling so very happy!
And here comes the book-hangover…
March 31, 2026
No, the puppy trotting at her side was the far too pleasant, naive kind of puppy that made one rather sorry when one had to kick him. Not that she ever kicked actual dogs. But people puppies? She was a fae mercenary. She kicked those all the time. It was just part of the job, and she did her best not to feel too guilty about it. But occasionally, there came along a puppy that made her just the tiniest bit sorry…
Honestly, I actually really enjoyed Tara Grayce’s Ties of Bargains. In a sense, this was somewhat surprising since there were moments when I had to recognize that this is not a story I typically pick up—I suppose I’ve just been burned too many times by fae stories before. But the brilliant thing was that this story got off to an incredible start, capturing my attention instantly. I very quickly started to love these characters, found myself deeply invested in the experience.
There were, admittedly, a few times that the story dragged a little—the pacing could use a smidge of work, for sure. But I’m truly willing to forgive that for how much I adored Val, especially any moment we were in her perspective. I’m also just a huge sucker for falling in love because the other person opens your eyes to a world and knowledge that challenges you to become a better person. Having characters like this is a near surefire way to ensure that I insist your story and characters deserve all the accolades.
With all of this in mind, I do think that the story ended up rushed at the end—it’s almost as though Grayce had only been allotted a certain number of pages and suddenly realized, just as she was getting through everything she wanted in the main story, that she had this other plot line she needed to wrap up. Which is fine, I guess, but it doesn’t make your ending feel very solid. As I said, this book has a pacing issue. Add in the fact that Harm and Val started to act a little cheeseball-y toward each other, and I just didn’t love the ending as much as I thought I would.
Truly, I kind of wish that the story had ended with the climax in the fae world, with the knowledge that there’s still this additional adventure to go on and—switched perspectives to Harm’s brother for book two. Then this rushed ending could have been fleshed out into an actual story and eliminates the awkward cheesiness that sprung up. Harm and Val could still have had included POV chapters, just…less. I’m convinced it would have been better.
Anyway, all in all, I loved it well enough.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2025
Ties of Bargains
By: Tara Grayce
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Narrated by: Tristan James & Amanda Dolan
Audio Released: 11/11/2025
🧚♀️Prince
🤴Fae Mercenary
🧚♀️Grumpy Sunshine
🤴Stabby FMC
🧚♀️Pet Companion
🤴Tied Together
🧚♀️Dragons
Blurb:
A hapless human prince. A cynical fae mercenary. An unbreakable bargain.
Prince Harmen of Tulpenland, an idyllic duchy of flowers, farm fields, and windmills, has been bargained to the fae to save his little brother's life. He's woefully unprepared for the challenges he's about to face, but he's determined to escape once the bargain is fulfilled.
Val's mission should have been simple: deliver the human prince to the fae who holds his bargain. But when they arrive, that fae has already bargained him away to someone else.
Tied together with a magical cord, Val and Harm brave dangerous monsters, treacherous fae, and meddling dragons as they attempt to fulfill the bargain so he can escape and she can go her separate way. If only the prince wasn't so cheerfully good. Then Val wouldn't be suffering such a pesky guilt at eventually handing him over to his cruel fate. By the time they reach their destination, will more than a magic cord tie them together?
But nothing is as it seems in the Fae Realm. Not even a simple bargain.
Tethered Hearts is a multi-author series of no hite 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.
My review:
I loved Val & Harmen, they are total opposites and I think that’s what made it even better. They had no choice but to work together and figure things out since they were literally tied together. They were able to bring out the best in each other. They fell in love along the way through all the banter they were doing. Both of them helping each other be a better person. I loved how the ending was completed.
Tristan and Amanda were perfect for this audiobook. They both were able to bring out the characters. I loved how Amanda expressed Val exactly how she is a stabby FMC and I loved it. And a golden retriever MMC was perfect for Tristan.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tara & Dreamscape Media for the ALC! I appreciate it!
By: Tara Grayce
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Narrated by: Tristan James & Amanda Dolan
Audio Released: 11/11/2025
🧚♀️Prince
🤴Fae Mercenary
🧚♀️Grumpy Sunshine
🤴Stabby FMC
🧚♀️Pet Companion
🤴Tied Together
🧚♀️Dragons
Blurb:
A hapless human prince. A cynical fae mercenary. An unbreakable bargain.
Prince Harmen of Tulpenland, an idyllic duchy of flowers, farm fields, and windmills, has been bargained to the fae to save his little brother's life. He's woefully unprepared for the challenges he's about to face, but he's determined to escape once the bargain is fulfilled.
Val's mission should have been simple: deliver the human prince to the fae who holds his bargain. But when they arrive, that fae has already bargained him away to someone else.
Tied together with a magical cord, Val and Harm brave dangerous monsters, treacherous fae, and meddling dragons as they attempt to fulfill the bargain so he can escape and she can go her separate way. If only the prince wasn't so cheerfully good. Then Val wouldn't be suffering such a pesky guilt at eventually handing him over to his cruel fate. By the time they reach their destination, will more than a magic cord tie them together?
But nothing is as it seems in the Fae Realm. Not even a simple bargain.
Tethered Hearts is a multi-author series of no hite 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.
My review:
I loved Val & Harmen, they are total opposites and I think that’s what made it even better. They had no choice but to work together and figure things out since they were literally tied together. They were able to bring out the best in each other. They fell in love along the way through all the banter they were doing. Both of them helping each other be a better person. I loved how the ending was completed.
Tristan and Amanda were perfect for this audiobook. They both were able to bring out the characters. I loved how Amanda expressed Val exactly how she is a stabby FMC and I loved it. And a golden retriever MMC was perfect for Tristan.
Thank you to NetGalley, Tara & Dreamscape Media for the ALC! I appreciate it!
March 23, 2025
Prince Harmen, known as Harm to those he calls friends, is dealing with a lot right now. His brother is dying from a mysterious illness and then he finds out his father made a deal with the fee. Add that to the building pressure from the neighboring kingdom threatening force for their trade routes. But the bargain was not what his father thought it was and instead of trading himself to the fee it was instead Harm who was to be taken. Harm is initially shocked but agrees to go to save the life of his brother and attempt an escape if possible. Valerie is a mercenary for the Wild Hunt from the Realm of Monsters. Over the years she has learned to not get attached or befriend the packages she is hired to pick up. This isn’t her first delivery run for the Fee Courts but something about this one is different. Not only does the package seem too innocent, his bargain keeps getting traded, and someone orchestrated this series of events. She wanted simple and easy and this anything but. Unfortunately they are bound together until someone takes delivery of the package. Being literally tied to someone who is morally good and optimistic has her questioning herself and her choices. Once this delivery is done will she be able to walk away knowing what her fellow fee does to humans?
This was a fun book to read especially knowing that his bargain was traded AGAIN. The series of events of how this happened just kept getting more absurd and it was fun to watch unfold. Harm is not naive and knew to do research before the trade but his innocence in the world itself was very real. He knew he would be out of his depth, that every place and person was new and unique to him, but he knew to not trust everyone around him. The real learning curve was not trusting everyTHING around him. Watching Val become less hardened and recognizing she wasn’t as free as she thought she was was a fun adventure too. Her dog Daisy definitely made things lively and interesting at times. Some of the morally gray things that happened I felt were handled and talked about well. Another fun addition to this author’s work.
This was a fun book to read especially knowing that his bargain was traded AGAIN. The series of events of how this happened just kept getting more absurd and it was fun to watch unfold. Harm is not naive and knew to do research before the trade but his innocence in the world itself was very real. He knew he would be out of his depth, that every place and person was new and unique to him, but he knew to not trust everyone around him. The real learning curve was not trusting everyTHING around him. Watching Val become less hardened and recognizing she wasn’t as free as she thought she was was a fun adventure too. Her dog Daisy definitely made things lively and interesting at times. Some of the morally gray things that happened I felt were handled and talked about well. Another fun addition to this author’s work.
March 29, 2025
I probably should have made this last longer, but I inhaled it in one sitting.
Yes, it was just that good.
Prince Harmon, or Harm as he prefers, is the eldest son in his dutchy. His much younger brother, Gijs has suddenly taken ill and is not expected to survive, so his father has gone to the tulips fields in hopes to find a fae to bargain with. Believing that the life in exchange for Gij’s recovery will be his own, the king readily agrees but is then shocked to learn the life to be exchanged is that of Harm and not himself.
Arriving at the field to willingly hand himself over in order to save his young brother, Harm is surprised when a young woman comes to handle the exchange. All too quickly our charmingly naive prince finds himself bound to the girl by a magic rope that allows no more than ten feet of separation as she escorts him through the fae lands to be handed over to Queen Mab.
Whether to his good fortune or not Mab no longer holds Harm’s binding, so he and the mercenary he’s tied to have no choice but to stick with each other far longer than the mercenary had planned for.
Val, our mercenary, is a member of the Wild Hunt. She’s used to moving “merchandise” but she’s never met anyone quite like Harm with his unending optimism, horrific ability to defend himself and puppy-like earnestness. Can Harm somehow charm this stab-happy and tough woman to helping him gain not only his freedom but find his way back home?
Both Harm and Val have great chemistry and I love the humor- like Harm noting he’s definitely soft and not chiseled like all the sculpted fae male hardbodies on display. His first time wielding a knife is just priceless.
Val, for all her tough-as-nails persona is attached at the hip to the silliest, most cuddly, most face-lickiest dog ever.
You’ll be entertained all the way to the very end.
Yes, it was just that good.
Prince Harmon, or Harm as he prefers, is the eldest son in his dutchy. His much younger brother, Gijs has suddenly taken ill and is not expected to survive, so his father has gone to the tulips fields in hopes to find a fae to bargain with. Believing that the life in exchange for Gij’s recovery will be his own, the king readily agrees but is then shocked to learn the life to be exchanged is that of Harm and not himself.
Arriving at the field to willingly hand himself over in order to save his young brother, Harm is surprised when a young woman comes to handle the exchange. All too quickly our charmingly naive prince finds himself bound to the girl by a magic rope that allows no more than ten feet of separation as she escorts him through the fae lands to be handed over to Queen Mab.
Whether to his good fortune or not Mab no longer holds Harm’s binding, so he and the mercenary he’s tied to have no choice but to stick with each other far longer than the mercenary had planned for.
Val, our mercenary, is a member of the Wild Hunt. She’s used to moving “merchandise” but she’s never met anyone quite like Harm with his unending optimism, horrific ability to defend himself and puppy-like earnestness. Can Harm somehow charm this stab-happy and tough woman to helping him gain not only his freedom but find his way back home?
Both Harm and Val have great chemistry and I love the humor- like Harm noting he’s definitely soft and not chiseled like all the sculpted fae male hardbodies on display. His first time wielding a knife is just priceless.
Val, for all her tough-as-nails persona is attached at the hip to the silliest, most cuddly, most face-lickiest dog ever.
You’ll be entertained all the way to the very end.
January 18, 2026
Ties of Bargains had no business making a magical leash, a slow-burning romance,
The fae bargain setup is instantly compelling: a literal tether forcing two strangers together, a grumpy fae mercenary with zero interest in feelings, and a sunshine human prince who stubbornly refuses to stop caring. The forced proximity is next level here, and the tension simmers instead of rushing.
Harm is kind and a little naïve, which I liked… since he was a sheltered and well-loved Prince. I find it outlandish when these pampered Prince types in fantasies are suddenly street savvy after living a life in peace and comfort. Val is all sharp edges and bottled restraint just waiting to crack. Watching Val’s walls come down under Harm’s compassion is deeply satisfying, with emotional intimacy that lives in the quiet moments, shared danger, small kindnesses, and trust forming whether anyone is ready for it or not.
And then there’s the dog. Loyal, protective, comforting… which somehow makes her both more intimidating and more lovable. Every appearance raises the emotional stakes and adds warmth, humour, and just enough chaos to keep things unbalanced in the best way. A very good dog. Three very good heads. No notes.
The Fae Realm is strange, dangerous, and whimsical, though the pacing dips during some longer travel stretches. Still, the character chemistry (and the dog, obviously) carries the story to a genuinely heartfelt payoff.
Overall, this is a tender, tension-filled fantasy romance with elite forced proximity, meaningful character growth, and one occasionally three-headed dog who absolutely steals the show. When we say slow-burn…. We mean it!
April 2, 2025
Bargains with the fae are never what you expect, and Harm finds this out the hard way when he’s traded for a cure to save his brother. He’s tied to a fae warrior and dragged across the fae realm as she attempts to deliver him to the person who bargained for him.
But when they’re turned away repeatedly and their adventure grows more and more harrowing, Harm begins to think that maybe not everything in the fae realm is as bad as expected.
Val just wants to deliver the package, get paid, and get on with her life. Having the package be the most puppy-like of humans doesn’t matter to her. At all. Or so she keeps telling herself.
“...She was bound to evil. To guilt. To the consequences of a life lived ignoring that true freedom was found in what was right and good and noble.”
This story was soooo good. I love how Tara wove in the themes of good versus evil, and that appearances of good didn’t always equal true and noble.
Ties of Bargains is set in Tara’s Court of Midsummer Mayhem world and I loved getting to revisit this land of fae and monsters and sometimes-three-headed dogs. Tara’s imagination is on display in every aspect of the world, with every chapter revealing something new and wonderful and possibly quite awful.
But Tara’s strength also lies in her incredible characters and I adored seeing both Harm and Val grow on their journey. And their romance is sooo perfect and swoony!
5 Roses
A couple of kisses
No swearing
Kidnapping, mention of coercion, minor mentions of blood and injuries, but no gore.
But when they’re turned away repeatedly and their adventure grows more and more harrowing, Harm begins to think that maybe not everything in the fae realm is as bad as expected.
Val just wants to deliver the package, get paid, and get on with her life. Having the package be the most puppy-like of humans doesn’t matter to her. At all. Or so she keeps telling herself.
“...She was bound to evil. To guilt. To the consequences of a life lived ignoring that true freedom was found in what was right and good and noble.”
This story was soooo good. I love how Tara wove in the themes of good versus evil, and that appearances of good didn’t always equal true and noble.
Ties of Bargains is set in Tara’s Court of Midsummer Mayhem world and I loved getting to revisit this land of fae and monsters and sometimes-three-headed dogs. Tara’s imagination is on display in every aspect of the world, with every chapter revealing something new and wonderful and possibly quite awful.
But Tara’s strength also lies in her incredible characters and I adored seeing both Harm and Val grow on their journey. And their romance is sooo perfect and swoony!
5 Roses
A couple of kisses
No swearing
Kidnapping, mention of coercion, minor mentions of blood and injuries, but no gore.
February 4, 2026
This is the perfect little tale of sweetness, love in the face of trials, and of course the best dog ever!!! I know a dog that embodies all that is Daisy (without the three heads of course!) and so to me, she stole the show with her antics both humorous and when she protected her people though I also quite loved the adventure of Harmen and Val as they journeyed through the many Fae realms bound together by a bargain and found something even stronger to tie them together.
It was a fun adventure following those two! I loved how, though the romance snuck up pretty fast, it was not an insta love. In fact I enjoyed Val's thoughts of how Harmen was a puppy, innocent and defenseless in the Fae realm. I also liked how Harman did not instantly become a big expert in swordplay and instead let Val shine in her prowess as mercenary and fighter from the Wild Hunt. There is lots of humor and caring for each other, learning strengths and weaknesses and that is all while finding out all the pitfalls of the courts being traveled through.
I love how even if it was the fourth book, it was a great standalone, complete with a great ending. I know I will definitely go looking to see what the other books in this series are, especially if they are as good as Ties of Bargains! It makes for a great audiobook with Tristan James and Amanda Dolan doing a wonderful job in bringing Val, Harmen and their adventures to life. I am glad I got the chance to listen to this!
It was a fun adventure following those two! I loved how, though the romance snuck up pretty fast, it was not an insta love. In fact I enjoyed Val's thoughts of how Harmen was a puppy, innocent and defenseless in the Fae realm. I also liked how Harman did not instantly become a big expert in swordplay and instead let Val shine in her prowess as mercenary and fighter from the Wild Hunt. There is lots of humor and caring for each other, learning strengths and weaknesses and that is all while finding out all the pitfalls of the courts being traveled through.
I love how even if it was the fourth book, it was a great standalone, complete with a great ending. I know I will definitely go looking to see what the other books in this series are, especially if they are as good as Ties of Bargains! It makes for a great audiobook with Tristan James and Amanda Dolan doing a wonderful job in bringing Val, Harmen and their adventures to life. I am glad I got the chance to listen to this!
November 19, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook version of Ties of Bargains by Tara Grayce! This was a very nice book and I really enjoyed the story and how it took you on a lighthearted but fast paced journey. I am always one for wishing for more to a book and this one definitely could have used a few more side quests or more world building especially as they traveled to several different lands over the short span of time. The book really kept its sweet, light danger, slight romance (kissing) through the whole book which took place during only a few weeks for our characters.
The narrators did a great job with the female in particular putting a great deal of emotion into her voice to make you really feel the story. The male did have a few stiff moments, but it could have been the authors writing also as there were a few times where the author repeated themself in a few sentences that when spoken aloud makes it more noticeable. There was one paragraph where the term holding her hands was repeated a few times in a row. Just a few little things like that. But really this was a lovely clean book perfect for YA readers. I guess it is part of a series but the book reads as a standalone / the story fully wrapped up at the end of the book. I would definitely be interested in reading more books from this world!
The narrators did a great job with the female in particular putting a great deal of emotion into her voice to make you really feel the story. The male did have a few stiff moments, but it could have been the authors writing also as there were a few times where the author repeated themself in a few sentences that when spoken aloud makes it more noticeable. There was one paragraph where the term holding her hands was repeated a few times in a row. Just a few little things like that. But really this was a lovely clean book perfect for YA readers. I guess it is part of a series but the book reads as a standalone / the story fully wrapped up at the end of the book. I would definitely be interested in reading more books from this world!
March 22, 2025
💜Review💜
Ties of Bargains was a great addition to Tara Grayce’s fae universe. Boy, does she know how to make a stabby and fun romance! This novel was a wild romp through Kingdoms and realms and features a cast of colorful characters and environments. I loved the Easter eggs peppered throughout. The Netherlands theme was a huge plus.
Harm and Val are adorable. They are THE golden retriever boyfriend and black cat girlfriend couple. I adore the fact that Harm is full of such unstoppable kindness and cheer. And it was fun to watch Val try to withstand his sunshine nature and to see the changes in her character as the story progressed. Oh! And Daisy was hilarious and acted as comedic relief at the perfect times.
As with everything else, the plot in this story is wild, creative, and sometimes hectic (trust me, it’s amazing). A couple of characters showed up throughout that had me cheering and excited to see more novels set in the same universe. The ending was so cute and left room for spinoffs in the future. Thank you to Tara Grayce for an ARC of Ties of Bargains! All opinions are my own.
No-spice rating: light kissing
Language: clean
Faith elements: none
Tropes
He’s sunshine, she’s grumpy
Fantasy Roadtrip
She’s his captor
K!dnapped by the fae
Dog companions
Ties of Bargains was a great addition to Tara Grayce’s fae universe. Boy, does she know how to make a stabby and fun romance! This novel was a wild romp through Kingdoms and realms and features a cast of colorful characters and environments. I loved the Easter eggs peppered throughout. The Netherlands theme was a huge plus.
Harm and Val are adorable. They are THE golden retriever boyfriend and black cat girlfriend couple. I adore the fact that Harm is full of such unstoppable kindness and cheer. And it was fun to watch Val try to withstand his sunshine nature and to see the changes in her character as the story progressed. Oh! And Daisy was hilarious and acted as comedic relief at the perfect times.
As with everything else, the plot in this story is wild, creative, and sometimes hectic (trust me, it’s amazing). A couple of characters showed up throughout that had me cheering and excited to see more novels set in the same universe. The ending was so cute and left room for spinoffs in the future. Thank you to Tara Grayce for an ARC of Ties of Bargains! All opinions are my own.
No-spice rating: light kissing
Language: clean
Faith elements: none
Tropes
He’s sunshine, she’s grumpy
Fantasy Roadtrip
She’s his captor
K!dnapped by the fae
Dog companions
July 23, 2025
Ties of Bargains was impressive to me because, while I normally prefer the MMC, I loved Val (the FMC). Of course, I loved Harm too, but Val is special. The wit and banter and the dry humour between the two of them had me grinning like mad and even chuckling aloud more than once. In terms of amusement, this book is gold.
It works really well because, without the laughs, it would feel more dark as it does deal with a few dark things. In Ties of Bargains, we see glimpses and brief snippets of some of the terrible aspects of the Fae Realm in this world, but also some of the redemptive ones. Not every Fae is evil and not every Human is good: It’s a real life truth.
It did take me a moment to get into, and I think it was because of all the Dutch names. Had I been listening to an audiobook, I may have been good to go, but I always get tripped up when I don’t know how to pronounce something. BUT, I quickly got over it and was invested in the story.
We get some brief cameos of other characters in this world, but Bargains does work as a standalone, so that was just a fun bonus.
Romance: A few kisses, but nothing dramatic
Violence: well, there is more of that. But no deaths that I can recall. : )
It works really well because, without the laughs, it would feel more dark as it does deal with a few dark things. In Ties of Bargains, we see glimpses and brief snippets of some of the terrible aspects of the Fae Realm in this world, but also some of the redemptive ones. Not every Fae is evil and not every Human is good: It’s a real life truth.
It did take me a moment to get into, and I think it was because of all the Dutch names. Had I been listening to an audiobook, I may have been good to go, but I always get tripped up when I don’t know how to pronounce something. BUT, I quickly got over it and was invested in the story.
We get some brief cameos of other characters in this world, but Bargains does work as a standalone, so that was just a fun bonus.
Romance: A few kisses, but nothing dramatic
Violence: well, there is more of that. But no deaths that I can recall. : )
January 1, 2026
Prince Harm would do anything for his little brother--even accept the bargain his father made to exchange his life for his little brother's and be traded away to the faen folk.
Val is a Wild Hunt mercenary tasked to bringing the latest "package" to the fae who bargained for it. Too bad everyone keeps trading away her charge and forcing her to trek all across faerie land literally tethered to a "human puppy."
This is the most black cat/golden retriever romance I've read. Val is all bristly and stabby/hissy at things she doesn't like which is basically everything. Prince Harm is all "hi lets be friends oh your job is to take me to my doom its okay no hard feelings!"
Speaking of puppies, Violet the fae dog is the most precious thing ever and must be protected at all costs, okay?
The narrators did a good job bringing the story to life. I appreciated how it switched between male and female narrators which helped keep the POVs straight.
Overall a fun, sweet romance. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about the fae and prefer it to be on the clean/kisses only side of the romance spectrum.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the review copy.
Val is a Wild Hunt mercenary tasked to bringing the latest "package" to the fae who bargained for it. Too bad everyone keeps trading away her charge and forcing her to trek all across faerie land literally tethered to a "human puppy."
This is the most black cat/golden retriever romance I've read. Val is all bristly and stabby/hissy at things she doesn't like which is basically everything. Prince Harm is all "hi lets be friends oh your job is to take me to my doom its okay no hard feelings!"
Speaking of puppies, Violet the fae dog is the most precious thing ever and must be protected at all costs, okay?
The narrators did a good job bringing the story to life. I appreciated how it switched between male and female narrators which helped keep the POVs straight.
Overall a fun, sweet romance. Recommended for those who enjoy stories about the fae and prefer it to be on the clean/kisses only side of the romance spectrum.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the review copy.
April 11, 2026
Reader’s Notes:
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
-this is set in the same world as the Court of Midsummer Mayhem series
*Point Of View:* Harm (Harmen) & Val (Valerie)
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* None!
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
–it is mentioned that most fae like to control humans for the fae’s entertainment
-there is some fantasy violence & death
-it is mentioned that some fae in one court was wearing little clothing (wearing bare minimum coverage – quick mention & character looked away after realizing the situation)
Review:
I’ve been meaning to get to this book for so long! (I mean, have you seen the hard cover’s art? And the storyline 😲)
It was so much fun getting to know Harm, Val, and her dog Daisy! I loved the adventure they had to go on in order to fulfill the bargain between Harm’s family and the fae. I haven’t read most of the Court of Midsummer Mayhem books just yet, but the various locations mentioned make me want to move them up my list! But back to this book… I loved the unknown aspect of who Harm would end up being claimed by and the additional aspect surrounding that unknown. I had so much fun reading about Daisy! I loved the surprise she gave Harm, just by being herself. And I loved getting to know Val better as the story went on and she opened herself up to Harm. It was such a cute, fun, and a little bit stabby story!
I can’t wait to get to the other Midsummer Mayhem books!
Summary:
When the youngest prince of Tulpenland is on the brink of death, his brother and father are willing to do anything to save him. Even if it means bargaining his brother Prince Harmen away to the fae.
Harm hopes to fulfill the bargain and escape back home as soon as he can. But once he enters the fae realm, Harm discovers that there is so much that he couldn’t have thought to factor into his plan.
Val is a fae mercenary who’s mission was simple: deliver the human prince to the fae who holds his bargain. Only the fae are fickle and Val finds herself travelling throughout the realm and battling monsters in order to find the one fae who will fulfill Harm’s bargain and free her of her burden. Because Harm is way too good for a human. And the longer Val is in his presence, the harder it’ll be for her to leave him to his fate.
*Series or Connected Books?* part of a series, but meant to be read as a stand-alone
-this is set in the same world as the Court of Midsummer Mayhem series
*Point Of View:* Harm (Harmen) & Val (Valerie)
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* None!
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
–it is mentioned that most fae like to control humans for the fae’s entertainment
-there is some fantasy violence & death
-it is mentioned that some fae in one court was wearing little clothing (wearing bare minimum coverage – quick mention & character looked away after realizing the situation)
Review:
I’ve been meaning to get to this book for so long! (I mean, have you seen the hard cover’s art? And the storyline 😲)
It was so much fun getting to know Harm, Val, and her dog Daisy! I loved the adventure they had to go on in order to fulfill the bargain between Harm’s family and the fae. I haven’t read most of the Court of Midsummer Mayhem books just yet, but the various locations mentioned make me want to move them up my list! But back to this book… I loved the unknown aspect of who Harm would end up being claimed by and the additional aspect surrounding that unknown. I had so much fun reading about Daisy! I loved the surprise she gave Harm, just by being herself. And I loved getting to know Val better as the story went on and she opened herself up to Harm. It was such a cute, fun, and a little bit stabby story!
I can’t wait to get to the other Midsummer Mayhem books!
Summary:
When the youngest prince of Tulpenland is on the brink of death, his brother and father are willing to do anything to save him. Even if it means bargaining his brother Prince Harmen away to the fae.
Harm hopes to fulfill the bargain and escape back home as soon as he can. But once he enters the fae realm, Harm discovers that there is so much that he couldn’t have thought to factor into his plan.
Val is a fae mercenary who’s mission was simple: deliver the human prince to the fae who holds his bargain. Only the fae are fickle and Val finds herself travelling throughout the realm and battling monsters in order to find the one fae who will fulfill Harm’s bargain and free her of her burden. Because Harm is way too good for a human. And the longer Val is in his presence, the harder it’ll be for her to leave him to his fate.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews