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Bound Together
Years after world shattering events leading to all countries separating from each other, Camille Foster finds herself in the middle of a political game and a rebellion attempting to set the world back to how it once was. It isn’t until Camille meets Josiah that she finds a bit of hope and the possibility of change. But not eveything is what it seems. Her life and world is about to get so much bigger and only she can save her world from the evil lurking in the shadows. Trusting the wrong people could be her end.
250 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2025
10 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Ashley N. Pearce
3 books40 followersI am happily married and have 3 beautiful children. My husband and sons are my inspiration and my motivation. I strive to do great things for them and succeed because I want them to be proud of me!
I graduated from Grand Valley State with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. When I'm not reading, I'm working on my new book. Reading and writing has always been an escape for me and continues to be an outlet that I use often.
I graduated from Grand Valley State with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. When I'm not reading, I'm working on my new book. Reading and writing has always been an escape for me and continues to be an outlet that I use often.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 18, 2025
Wow what an epilogue! This book had me questioning everything! Lol the twists and unexpected emotions like did that really just happen, it was like an addiction I cldnt stop reading. Like I need book 2 immediately!
This book is a dystopian, sci-fi fantasy and it was so unlike anything I have ever read. I cld feel myself getting into a reading slump until I picked this book up and starting reading it!! It pulled me right out of that slump and I need more! Her writing pulls you in with the plot and the banter and the twists and turns this book gives you, is fantastic!
Camille is hell bent on fixing the world that has completely fallen apart by corrupt people and even though she has to follow protocol, she is keeps her ears and eyes open at all times. Then she meets Josiah and she thinks he’s the answer to help her with her mission, until she learns he isn’t! You want so bad to hate Josiah until you get to that epilogue!
This book is a dystopian, sci-fi fantasy and it was so unlike anything I have ever read. I cld feel myself getting into a reading slump until I picked this book up and starting reading it!! It pulled me right out of that slump and I need more! Her writing pulls you in with the plot and the banter and the twists and turns this book gives you, is fantastic!
Camille is hell bent on fixing the world that has completely fallen apart by corrupt people and even though she has to follow protocol, she is keeps her ears and eyes open at all times. Then she meets Josiah and she thinks he’s the answer to help her with her mission, until she learns he isn’t! You want so bad to hate Josiah until you get to that epilogue!
April 13, 2025
That epilogue what!!!
I really enjoyed this. Kept me on my toes and wanting more !!
I really enjoyed this. Kept me on my toes and wanting more !!
November 7, 2025
I loved this story. I can't wait for the next one. I need to know what happens! I recommend to any sci-fi fans. What a ride!
February 19, 2025
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!
I didn’t know it but I’m apparently sci fi girlie now. This book was so beautifully written. There wasn’t an immense amount of boring world building that drags on forever. It jumps right into the action! But- you don’t feel confused at all. You are right there with Camille knowing what’s happening. The twists and turns will keep you reading up past your bedtime until you get to the best part… only to stumble upon a to be continued!!!! WE NEED MORE! The book didn’t feel too short or too long.. but it will leave you begging for the next one!
I didn’t know it but I’m apparently sci fi girlie now. This book was so beautifully written. There wasn’t an immense amount of boring world building that drags on forever. It jumps right into the action! But- you don’t feel confused at all. You are right there with Camille knowing what’s happening. The twists and turns will keep you reading up past your bedtime until you get to the best part… only to stumble upon a to be continued!!!! WE NEED MORE! The book didn’t feel too short or too long.. but it will leave you begging for the next one!
June 30, 2025
Was this my typical read? No, Did I love this? Yes! There were lots of twists and turns, it kept me wanting more throughout the entire book, I needed to know what was happening and what was going to happen. And then bam you get slapped with a to be continued! I can’t wait to find out what happens because that epilogue grabbed my heart!
November 29, 2025
This book came highly recommended, and I went in with high expectations and it was so much more. I haven’t been this excited about a series since Twilight. It’s beautifully written and emotionally intense. I loved the connection between the characters and how the story balances darkness with heart. A powerful, addictive read I won’t forget anytime soon. There were so many surprising turns. The ending completely blindsided me. I can’t wait for the next one. Highly recommend.
September 8, 2025
Wow... what an adventure!
Fast-paced, intense, exciting...
This book kept me on my toes the entire time!
I loved how badass the main character was in the beginning and how humane and relatable she became later. I loved how unpredictable the story was... and the ending definitely was intriguing...
Fast-paced, intense, exciting...
This book kept me on my toes the entire time!
I loved how badass the main character was in the beginning and how humane and relatable she became later. I loved how unpredictable the story was... and the ending definitely was intriguing...
August 17, 2025
Rebellion brews. Secrets rise. And trust could be fatal.
Camille’s world is crumbling under a corrupt system, and survival means staying quiet. But when she’s pulled into a resistance she never asked for and meets Josiah, everything changes.
Forced to choose between safety and freedom, love becomes the most dangerous risk of all. 🔥
Camille’s world is crumbling under a corrupt system, and survival means staying quiet. But when she’s pulled into a resistance she never asked for and meets Josiah, everything changes.
Forced to choose between safety and freedom, love becomes the most dangerous risk of all. 🔥
October 18, 2025
Bound Together by Ashley N. Pearce is an immersive sci-fi romance that delivers vivid world-building, unexpected twists, and a romance that mirrors the protagonist’s own emotional journey.
Told from Camille’s first-person perspective, the story begins in a dystopian society that gradually evolves into a broader, more complex universe. We follow Camille as she navigates high-stakes missions, alien threats, and a mysterious bond that ties her to Josiah. This bond tests her loyalty and heart.
Camille starts off sharp. She’s cunning, which I enjoyed. As the story progressed, I found myself wanting more consistency in her instincts and emotional responses, especially in high-stakes moments, so there were a few parts where her reactions didn’t quite align with the intensity of the situation, and some emotional moments felt underexplored, but we do see her internal conflict deepen later in the book, and those chapters really stood out for me because of her character growth. We see her get hit with the stronger sense of responsibility.
The development of the bond itself, both its concept and its emotional weight, was one of the most intriguing aspects of the story. I absolutely loved the concept and how, along with the characters, the readers are left with the curiosity of exploring the bond for the first time.
The plot twists were fantastic. 😍 They were unexpected and well-timed.
I absolutely loved Jerod’s character development. He was written in such a beautiful three-dimensional manner that not only kept me invested but made him my personal favorite.
Now, let me talk about the world-building a bit, here. 🤩
See, these imaginative worlds exist in an author’s mind, but putting it in writing to transport the readers is brutal. As someone who loves world-building, I was awed by how well Pearce handled it. Straight from the prologue onward, Pearce’s world-building shines rich in detail. It’s easy to visualize and it's thoughtfully constructed. I appreciated the imagery immensely because she successfully painted the pictures of her universe in my head. The cultures, technologies, and landscapes are distinct and vivid, making the author’s world feel alive and easy to follow. The comparisons between different societies and technological advancements helped ground the reader in this imaginative world.
There were moments in Bound Together where the worlds, the parasites, the societies, and the romance reminded me a bit of Bauldur’s Gate 3. 😍 So, if you enjoyed the concept and story vibes of the game, you're in for a treat with Pearce's story.
Any gamers here?
No?
Okay. 👀
The epilogue was beautifully executed and left me… hanging.
My literal epilogue reaction:
😱😱😱
Bound Together was such a fun adventure, and I am now eagerly looking forward to Book II.
If you haven't read this brilliant creative work, or if you haven't added it to your TBR, you're missing out.
Just sayin.' 💁♀️
Told from Camille’s first-person perspective, the story begins in a dystopian society that gradually evolves into a broader, more complex universe. We follow Camille as she navigates high-stakes missions, alien threats, and a mysterious bond that ties her to Josiah. This bond tests her loyalty and heart.
Camille starts off sharp. She’s cunning, which I enjoyed. As the story progressed, I found myself wanting more consistency in her instincts and emotional responses, especially in high-stakes moments, so there were a few parts where her reactions didn’t quite align with the intensity of the situation, and some emotional moments felt underexplored, but we do see her internal conflict deepen later in the book, and those chapters really stood out for me because of her character growth. We see her get hit with the stronger sense of responsibility.
The development of the bond itself, both its concept and its emotional weight, was one of the most intriguing aspects of the story. I absolutely loved the concept and how, along with the characters, the readers are left with the curiosity of exploring the bond for the first time.
The plot twists were fantastic. 😍 They were unexpected and well-timed.
I absolutely loved Jerod’s character development. He was written in such a beautiful three-dimensional manner that not only kept me invested but made him my personal favorite.
Now, let me talk about the world-building a bit, here. 🤩
See, these imaginative worlds exist in an author’s mind, but putting it in writing to transport the readers is brutal. As someone who loves world-building, I was awed by how well Pearce handled it. Straight from the prologue onward, Pearce’s world-building shines rich in detail. It’s easy to visualize and it's thoughtfully constructed. I appreciated the imagery immensely because she successfully painted the pictures of her universe in my head. The cultures, technologies, and landscapes are distinct and vivid, making the author’s world feel alive and easy to follow. The comparisons between different societies and technological advancements helped ground the reader in this imaginative world.
There were moments in Bound Together where the worlds, the parasites, the societies, and the romance reminded me a bit of Bauldur’s Gate 3. 😍 So, if you enjoyed the concept and story vibes of the game, you're in for a treat with Pearce's story.
Any gamers here?
No?
Okay. 👀
The epilogue was beautifully executed and left me… hanging.
My literal epilogue reaction:
😱😱😱
Bound Together was such a fun adventure, and I am now eagerly looking forward to Book II.
If you haven't read this brilliant creative work, or if you haven't added it to your TBR, you're missing out.
Just sayin.' 💁♀️
April 12, 2025
April is Indie Author month, and I had no idea when I delved into this book that it would be a Sci Fi Romance! Color me surprised, but not disappointed at all! It was enjoyable, fast-paced, and I couldn't put it down.
The story occurs after World War Three when a World Separation Act is enacted and America is drastically changed. People have their careers chosen for them according to placement tests administered by the government. It follows two women, Camille and Amelia who fill out their placement tests completely randomly as a gesture of protest (which wouldn't get them killed) against the government. Although not suited for it, Amelia had been assigned to nursing, but more egregiously, Camille has been assigned to train as a possible replacement as the head of the powerful and controlling government that she despises.
I thought I knew where this story was headed ... but nothing could have prepared me for the twists and turns found in this book. I will pick up the next book in the series as soon as it is out! I have to see what happens next!
The story occurs after World War Three when a World Separation Act is enacted and America is drastically changed. People have their careers chosen for them according to placement tests administered by the government. It follows two women, Camille and Amelia who fill out their placement tests completely randomly as a gesture of protest (which wouldn't get them killed) against the government. Although not suited for it, Amelia had been assigned to nursing, but more egregiously, Camille has been assigned to train as a possible replacement as the head of the powerful and controlling government that she despises.
I thought I knew where this story was headed ... but nothing could have prepared me for the twists and turns found in this book. I will pick up the next book in the series as soon as it is out! I have to see what happens next!
January 15, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 Stars
Bound Together by Ashley N. Pearce completely took me by surprise—in the best way possible. I’ve honestly never read a book quite like this before. Pearce proves herself to be a fantastic indie author with a bold, gripping voice and a story that refuses to let go once it sinks its hooks in.
From the very beginning, the world-building pulled me in, and the twists and turns kept coming when I least expected them. I was in a total chokehold the entire time—so absorbed that I forgot about everything else around me. The mix of dystopian tension, political intrigue, rebellion, and romance is incredibly well balanced, and Camille is a compelling protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story flipped everything upside down. And that epilogue—especially the final moments—left my jaw on the floor. I did not see that coming, and I’m still thinking about it.
If you’re looking for a dystopian novel filled with danger, emotion, and shocking twists, Bound Together is absolutely worth the read. I’m beyond excited to continue the Bound Series. An easy 5 out of 5 stars.
Bound Together by Ashley N. Pearce completely took me by surprise—in the best way possible. I’ve honestly never read a book quite like this before. Pearce proves herself to be a fantastic indie author with a bold, gripping voice and a story that refuses to let go once it sinks its hooks in.
From the very beginning, the world-building pulled me in, and the twists and turns kept coming when I least expected them. I was in a total chokehold the entire time—so absorbed that I forgot about everything else around me. The mix of dystopian tension, political intrigue, rebellion, and romance is incredibly well balanced, and Camille is a compelling protagonist you can’t help but root for.
Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story flipped everything upside down. And that epilogue—especially the final moments—left my jaw on the floor. I did not see that coming, and I’m still thinking about it.
If you’re looking for a dystopian novel filled with danger, emotion, and shocking twists, Bound Together is absolutely worth the read. I’m beyond excited to continue the Bound Series. An easy 5 out of 5 stars.
April 28, 2025
Had to say, this is some thing I don’t normally read as I’m not really a science fiction or political book person but I was pleasantly surprised and cannot wait for the second book. You did a great job and the twists and turns with in the book made it one that you didn’t want to put down because you needed to know what happened. Cannot wait for for your next book.
September 20, 2025
A must read
I found myself unable to put this story down. I needed to know, had to know what happened next. I was excited for the next page and was invested in the characters! Really excited to see what happens next!
I found myself unable to put this story down. I needed to know, had to know what happened next. I was excited for the next page and was invested in the characters! Really excited to see what happens next!
April 3, 2025
This book was awesome! There were so many twist and turns it kept me glued to the pages. I can't wait to find out what happens next!!!
December 28, 2025
A dystopian sci-fi/romantasy set in the future where America and the world look very different from today. Each country is split off into its own planet.
Camille and her best friend, Amelia, work their way up through this new government of America, hoping to make a positive change and turn it back into the democratic society it once was. When things go awry, Camille is left wondering who she can actually trust. Although, Josiah seems to have the answers she needs, like the fact that she's the one who can save the world. But she doesn't know, in the end, if she can trust him, either.
This books is full of twists up until the very last page! And let me tell you, that last page left me wanting a whole lot more of the story!
Camille and her best friend, Amelia, work their way up through this new government of America, hoping to make a positive change and turn it back into the democratic society it once was. When things go awry, Camille is left wondering who she can actually trust. Although, Josiah seems to have the answers she needs, like the fact that she's the one who can save the world. But she doesn't know, in the end, if she can trust him, either.
This books is full of twists up until the very last page! And let me tell you, that last page left me wanting a whole lot more of the story!
October 16, 2025
Twists and Turns
Wow! This story had so many twists I didn’t see coming. It was intriguing and thought provoking. Definitely a new take on a somewhat battered concept. And the ending??? What can I say? I can’t wait for the next installment, Bond Severed! Thumbs Up!
Wow! This story had so many twists I didn’t see coming. It was intriguing and thought provoking. Definitely a new take on a somewhat battered concept. And the ending??? What can I say? I can’t wait for the next installment, Bond Severed! Thumbs Up!
August 6, 2025
The story is fantastic.
When you begin your journey into the narrative, it paints a very bleak picture of humanity's future. It is certainly a place I would not like to live in.
I do not want to include any spoilers, so I will just say that where this story begins is far from where it ends.
Ashley has made the characters relatable and their interactions real, so you will develop feelings for them.
Camille is a strong, cunning young lady who, in attempting to cheat a system, ends up in the thick of it all.
The narrator begins a little clunky but finds her groove.
I'm looking forward to Book 2.
When you begin your journey into the narrative, it paints a very bleak picture of humanity's future. It is certainly a place I would not like to live in.
I do not want to include any spoilers, so I will just say that where this story begins is far from where it ends.
Ashley has made the characters relatable and their interactions real, so you will develop feelings for them.
Camille is a strong, cunning young lady who, in attempting to cheat a system, ends up in the thick of it all.
The narrator begins a little clunky but finds her groove.
I'm looking forward to Book 2.
May 9, 2025
Super Fun read!
This was such a fun adventure! Kept me on my toes the whole book! The main character became one of my favorites within a couple pages! Her sassy sense of self was perfect for this in depth world! I’m so excited for book number 2!
This was such a fun adventure! Kept me on my toes the whole book! The main character became one of my favorites within a couple pages! Her sassy sense of self was perfect for this in depth world! I’m so excited for book number 2!
August 1, 2025
I found this author on TT, and I had to reader her book. Ashley, you had me hooked at the prologue. I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in 4.5 hours!!! It does end on a cliffhanger, but a hella good one. Amazing read! I need the next one like yesterday! 🤗
July 16, 2025
A very unique and original story concept with interesting characters in a post WW3 America, up until the diabolical plot twist that is.
Can't wait for book 2
Can't wait for book 2
October 26, 2025
Absolutely Captivating from Start to Finish!
Bound Together by Ashley N. Pearce is a stunning blend of dystopian intrigue, political tension, and heartfelt emotion. From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into Camille Forester’s world—a fractured society still reeling from world-shattering events, where trust is dangerous and hope feels almost extinct.
Camille is a brilliantly written protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, determined but unsure of who to trust. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The introduction of Josiah adds a perfect layer of emotional depth and quiet strength, and their connection feels authentic and earned.
Pearce’s world-building is phenomenal—rich, detailed, and eerily believable. Every scene feels cinematic, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night. There are twists that genuinely shocked me, moments of tenderness that made me pause, and a message about resilience and unity that stays with you long after the final page.
If you love stories about rebellion, redemption, and rediscovering hope in a broken world, Bound Together is an absolute must-read. Ashley N. Pearce has crafted something truly special here—I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Bound Together by Ashley N. Pearce is a stunning blend of dystopian intrigue, political tension, and heartfelt emotion. From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled into Camille Forester’s world—a fractured society still reeling from world-shattering events, where trust is dangerous and hope feels almost extinct.
Camille is a brilliantly written protagonist—strong yet vulnerable, determined but unsure of who to trust. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment is both inspiring and heartbreaking. The introduction of Josiah adds a perfect layer of emotional depth and quiet strength, and their connection feels authentic and earned.
Pearce’s world-building is phenomenal—rich, detailed, and eerily believable. Every scene feels cinematic, and the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night. There are twists that genuinely shocked me, moments of tenderness that made me pause, and a message about resilience and unity that stays with you long after the final page.
If you love stories about rebellion, redemption, and rediscovering hope in a broken world, Bound Together is an absolute must-read. Ashley N. Pearce has crafted something truly special here—I can’t wait to see what comes next!
December 3, 2025
I’m not usually a sci-fi romance reader, but this book completely surprised me in the best way.
Bound Together pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. Following the FMC — a strong, capable, and truly badass character — was incredible. She’s the kind of heroine you root for instantly, and watching her fight, survive, and grow made every moment feel powerful and meaningful.
Even with the low spice level, the emotional tension and connection between the characters were more than enough to keep me fully invested. The romance is steady, heartfelt, and beautifully woven into the larger story in a way that feels earned and deeply human.
What really hooked me was how immersive it all felt. The worldbuilding, the danger, the mystery, the relationships — it all blended so seamlessly that I kept turning pages without even realizing how fast I was reading. I was truly enthralled the entire time.
This story is emotional, gripping, and full of heart.
I’m so glad I gave it a chance — it reminded me that sometimes the best reads are the ones you don’t expect to fall in love with.
Bound Together pulled me in from the very first chapter and never let go. Following the FMC — a strong, capable, and truly badass character — was incredible. She’s the kind of heroine you root for instantly, and watching her fight, survive, and grow made every moment feel powerful and meaningful.
Even with the low spice level, the emotional tension and connection between the characters were more than enough to keep me fully invested. The romance is steady, heartfelt, and beautifully woven into the larger story in a way that feels earned and deeply human.
What really hooked me was how immersive it all felt. The worldbuilding, the danger, the mystery, the relationships — it all blended so seamlessly that I kept turning pages without even realizing how fast I was reading. I was truly enthralled the entire time.
This story is emotional, gripping, and full of heart.
I’m so glad I gave it a chance — it reminded me that sometimes the best reads are the ones you don’t expect to fall in love with.
January 8, 2026
I was not sure what to expect out of this book when I started reading it. It definitely slapped some humility into me. I'm pretty good at pattern recognition in books, which can lead to boredom, but I truly did not expect what this book turned out to be. I don't want to give spoilers, but if you're looking for something quirky, dark, with tongue in cheek humor, look no further. If you're looking for simply "literary prose" (obviously different definitions apply here) this won't be your book. But if you want a twist story that would be EPIC as a graphic novel or an anime series - look no further.
November 25, 2025
Heart-Stopping, Stunning, and So Unexpected
I typically never read this genre, but this book piqued my interest—and I’m so glad it did. I’m a slow reader, yet I made time to finish because I could NOT put it down.
It has everything: suspense, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping twists that I absolutely did not see coming. A lot of them! The world-building was incredible, the characters grabbed me instantly, and the ending left me stunned.
I NEED Book 2. I need to know more. This story hooked me from start to finish—I’m obsessed.
I highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
I typically never read this genre, but this book piqued my interest—and I’m so glad it did. I’m a slow reader, yet I made time to finish because I could NOT put it down.
It has everything: suspense, emotional depth, and jaw-dropping twists that I absolutely did not see coming. A lot of them! The world-building was incredible, the characters grabbed me instantly, and the ending left me stunned.
I NEED Book 2. I need to know more. This story hooked me from start to finish—I’m obsessed.
I highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
August 30, 2025
Bound Together was my introduction to sci-fi books, and what a great introduction! I am converted.
I was hooked from the outset on this one by a great story concept (no spoilers here!) and well crafted characters that suckered me in. And a great ending that left me reeling for more.
I await part two of this story with baited breath.
I was hooked from the outset on this one by a great story concept (no spoilers here!) and well crafted characters that suckered me in. And a great ending that left me reeling for more.
I await part two of this story with baited breath.
October 2, 2025
30% in and I’m tapping out. I never DNF books, but this one? Rough. The writing felt juvenile, constantly repeated itself, and the plot was confusing at best. I only picked it up because it was recommended in a FB group when I asked for something “unpredictable.” Well… the only unpredictable thing here was when (or if) the story would ever make sense or get good. Spoiler: it didn’t.
December 30, 2025
3.5 rating
The story is good, and pretty twisty-turney, keeping you on your toes. It's pretty exposition-heavy at the beginning, and the prose has alot of passive telling, vs showing that threw me out of the story a number of times.
But the story is good, and the twist at the end keeps me hopeful that book 2 will be even better!
The story is good, and pretty twisty-turney, keeping you on your toes. It's pretty exposition-heavy at the beginning, and the prose has alot of passive telling, vs showing that threw me out of the story a number of times.
But the story is good, and the twist at the end keeps me hopeful that book 2 will be even better!
December 10, 2025
This book was not what I expected, it was better. I loved all of it and highly recommend! I got pulled in right from the start and I loved every part of it. The characters, the story, everything just hit me. And that ending? Oh my word, it got me good.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews