Binding Dreams

Binding #1

by Cecile Tellier

The Queen put her spoon down and smiled, as a very tall and trim man with shock-white hair to his shoulders entered the room. Like other faeries she had met, he also had pointed ears, but what drew her gaze immediately was the bright blue of his eyes. His shoulders were broad but his body was lean and muscular in a way where she could tell he had strength.

The man walked over to the Queen and leaned down to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Aunt, it is nice to see you.”

The Queen blushed and motioned to Raerdel. “Have you met our guest?”

Electric-blue eyes turned to her and his mouth turned up in the corners in a semblance of a smile. “I have not. I can only assume you are the young woman that has been chosen for me? It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m sure you are enjoying your time here?”

Without thinking, Raerdel met his gaze and remarked, “Guest? Enjoying? I’m sorry, but the particular brand of hospitality here is not really what I consider enjoyable. As to being ‘chosen’ for you, I hope you aren’t holding your breath because you’ll turn blue and faint first.”

The Queen slammed her hand down on the table. “That is enough. Do not make me force your compliance. I’m sure he would prefer a willing or at least biddable wife.”

Instead of looking angry, the man threw his head back and laughed long and loud. The sound was a distinct melody in her ears. That infuriated her. There should be nothing about this man that pleased her, let alone the sound of his laughter at her expense.

“I am Lord Sindri, known by most as Sin. I apologize for the method my aunt used to find you. There are only special mortals who can safely come here and marry our lot. Try not to be too hard on her as she is my godmother as well and was trying to do what she felt was best.”

Now it was Raerdel’s turn to start laughing. She couldn’t contain it, and it came out in a loud burst that was not at all melodic let alone ladylike.

Sin’s eyebrow raised and he smiled. “You find that amusing?”

“You have a fairy godmother…oh, that’s too funny!” Raerdel clamped her hand over her mouth to stifle the snort of laughter but she had simply gone through too much in a short period of time to recover quickly.

The sounds of the Queen’s chair scraping back and her footsteps as she left the room brought her back to reality. Sin was looking at her oddly.

“You’re not scared of her, are you?” He appeared surprised by this.

Raerdel shrugged and wiped her eyes. “What’s to be afraid of? I’ve already been dragged here against my will, assaulted and knocked unconscious twice, and am being told I’m forced to marry someone I don’t know. What could she possibly do to trump any of that?”

Sin shrugged and sat at the table across from her before looking at her closely. “There are worse things, you know, than marrying me. I’m not a cruel person unnecessarily and I’ve been told that I’m pleasant to the eyes. Would it truly be so bad?”

Raerdel couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Leaning forward, she poked Sin in the chest. “I’m sure you’re quite an amazing catch to the ladies from here, but the fact that I’m not being given the slightest choice in the matter makes it a bit less compelling an offer. Since it’s not an offer at all. It’s a command.”

Shrugging, he took a sip of his wine and appeared to think. “If I were to court you, would you agree to give me some time to do so? If at the end of that time you did not wish to marry me, I will tell my godmother that you simply won’t do.”

Raerdel tried to ignore the pain in her chest at the idea she would be found wanting, despite the fact that she shouldn’t want to be considered a catch by him. She gathered herself before replying. “Since I’m positive I won’t be swayed anyway, how about I give you two days?”

Sin shook his head. “That is not sufficient time to court you properly. I insist on at a full moon cycle.”

Mulling it over while frowning, she eventually shrugged. “Fine. Four weeks it is.” She offered her hand for a shake to seal the deal.

However, Sin’s response was to take her hand gently in his and look at the top and bottom of it while gently rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. He brought her hand to his mouth for the barest and briefest of kisses against her palm before releasing her hand.

“We have a bargain then. I will see you in the morning, Raerdel. Prepare your heart, as I do not like to lose.”

She rolled her eyes as he walked away, finishing her meal in silence before standing and walking back to her room. She heard the sound of harps and laughter coming from the downstairs and wondered if anyone ever slept in this place.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary

130 pages, ebook

First published October 19, 2014

About the author

Cecile Tellier is a multi-genre, best-selling romance author who believes in sexy love stories for everyone.

Reviews

[Stacey McCall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a face paced story that left me wanting more! The characters were enjoyable and it was a great palate cleanser. Hope there’s a sequel!

[Melody Jerva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binding dreams is unlike anything I've read before. Reardel is stubborn, but I loved her sassiness. And Sin, whew, what a name. That tall white-haired faerie is deceivingly dark. Their interaction is steamy and a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait for the next installment of this series. Cecile Tellier, please don't make us wait long.

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful touching story of a young love that grows despite the fact that one character is flawed. Eric is the eclectic rocker boy that comes to the boarding school owned by Hazel's grandmother. From the moment they met, they clicked. When Eric leaves to live his dream, they cannot wait until Hazel turns 18 and they can be together again.

Two years pass and Eric has not kept in touch as much as he said he would. I felt soooo bad for Hazel. When she and her BFF, Elaina, leave to go to California for jobs as models, they are to live with Hazel's brother, and Eric's bandmate.

For two years, Eric has tried to stay away from Hazel to keep her safe from whomever has been trying to hurt him. Now she is here and he can't stay away anymore.....he won't. Together get will find out who is tormenting them, forcing them apart. Le sigh, I always fall for the rocker guys. Love them. I look forward to more from Ms. Tellier.

[Brandy Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this authors writing style even though this was a short-story that didn’t go anywhere, except the two of them into bed. I received this story from the author, and after reading it, I sent her some ideas for an outline, so she could expand on it, and turn it into a full novel, because it has potential.
The way she ended the fragment of her new book, at the end of Duplicity, was Very enticing; they should be fabulous novels with some line editing to clean up the few snafus here and there. I would also suggest she find a new title because I, as well as a couple of other reviewers, all said it made no sense in relation to the story. I hope she keeps on writing because she has tremendous potential and wonderful writing style.
I could live without the profanity but it seems common with young writers today.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxx has enough to deal with from outsiders wanting to control him, then when Zowie shows up on the other side of his bar, controlling his inner wolf might be more than either one can handle.
Duplicity leads us threw an action packed mystery, the mouth of a no nonsense smart mouth, and the strong will of an alpha, and yet smooths the rough edges of our main characters with a hunger neither can deny.
The book is a quick read and will keep the reader engaged, leaving one asking, "what happens next?"

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don’t expect much storyline or character development from short novellas like this, but this pretty much is a string of incidents where Zowie is in danger and Maxx comes to her rescue or takes matters into his own hands.

There is an instant spark between Maxx and Zowie, and her natural snark adds fuel to the fire. The story focuses on criminal elements who are determined to take out Maxx and his defense of himself, his business and Zowie.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[MizFig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this from the very beginning until the end!!
Maxx was definitely someone that I could sink my teeth into!
Zowoe is snarky and super witty. She’s a feisty little thing but man she packs a punch.
What a great shifter story. I love how it took well into the story for Maxx to be revealed. I can’t wait for more!!!!

[Genoveva · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable shifter romance. Not too much was centered on Max being a shifter but more of the dynamics and drama of Max and Zowie's life. I enjoyed Zowie's attitude wish there were more FMCs like that.

[Joyffree · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok read
Not a lot of plot/story more of a short insta-attraction shifter romance with a whole lot of
"What did you get yourself into now" moments peppered with smexy time
For a short novella, it was a good intro to the characters and the series setting

[Martha Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duplicity is an 84-page shifter romance with tension and treachery thrown in. I found the blurb enticing, but the cover art turned me off. I decided to follow the blurb and read this as an advanced reader for the author. Noted errors were given to the author, who corrected them. I enjoyed and recommend this book. I received an advanced reader copy and am giving an honest review.

[Tina Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It was a great book with action and romance all in one. Betrayal and revenge all in one.

[Chrissy Kullmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and the banter, I wish it was longer though! I could use more of Maxx and Zowie's dynamic

[Marie Brown (Marie's Tempting Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marie's Tempting Reads ARC Review:

The cover for Truthful Silence is really pretty and has a very magical feel to it. I like that. I like the plot and what the story was about. I found it completely unique and different compared to other erotic romance. The one thing that bothered me most was the characters being so young. I adore erotic romance but I felt the characters were just too inexperienced in all aspects and it didn't really sit well for me. I am not saying Truthful Silence is a bad read, but I don't necessarily think it is erotic romance. More young adult or new adult romance.

Even though I liked both Eric and Hazel, I didn't get too much of a paranormal feel to it other then the fact that Eric can tell and feel when others are lying. Eric and Hazel meet when Eric comes to the boarding school where Hazel is living. I found this story to be sweet and uniquely different but I can't say I found this story sexy or all that seductive. It doesn't mean I didn't like it because I really did, but I definitely can't call this erotic. With Eric and Hazel being young, Truthful Silence felt more like a young adult romance then an actual erotic one. Even though I have no problems normally with young adult romances, I was expecting something with a bit more maturity to it with characters being a bit older. Or at least older then what the characters were when Eric left the school to be a rock star.

Just because Truthful Silence wasn't what I totally expected, I still thought it was a good read and I think those that like their erotic romance to be different then the average erotica, and prefer them a little more on the sweet side, then Truthful Silence is the book for them. I give Truthful Silence a sassy and sweet THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS. I definitely like the fact this isn't your typical romance which is a BIG reason why I rated the book the way I did. I will be watching out for other work by Cecile Tellier and hope she expands and stretches her imagination.

[Evita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cecile Tellier’s story was just unlike any story I’ve read. Right from the beginning we learn that a young Hazel cannot speak, she lives at a boarding school that her grandmother runs. Then Eric a new student brings many changes to her life. They become very good friends and as they grow older, other feelings come about. Eric comes from a privileged life and he is expected to follow in certain footsteps but his dream is to be in a rock band, he plays and sings to Hazel, and has a great potential at achieving his dream. Then strange things start happening, Eric believes it has to do with his friendship with Hazel, so he decides it would be better to separate himself from her in order to protect her.

Two years go by, in which they did correspond, but gradually it dwindled to no contact. Hazel wants to move on and she eventually does, she becomes a model and heads to Calif., where she has a modeling gig with a band, what a surprise when it turns out to be Eric’s band. After some truths come about, they reconcile and try to get to the bottom of who is still trying to hurt them as well as trying to keep them apart.

Such a great friendship-to-love story, really enjoyed how they got to know each other first. But what I think really sets this story apart from others I’ve read is the heroine, she cannot speak, but that did not stop her from going after what she wanted.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading author Cecile Tellier and it will not be my last Truthful Silence is well written with characters I will never forget. Ms. Tellier has a way of unfolding a story that had me enthralled from page one.
We meet Hazel when she is sixteen and Eric first comes to the boarding school her grandmother owns. Hazel is a sweet girl, she can hear but she cannot speak. She has a very gentle loving spirit. That wins over Eric right away. It is not explained why but Eric cannot bear to be around people who lie it physically hurts him. I would love to have that explored more in the future.
Eric is a kind soul who doesn’t follow the rules. He wants to run a rock band one day and loves to sing. He also is the first friend that Hazel has ever had. He accepts her just the way she is.
The more their friendship grows and the more they both grow up they fall in love. I liked that progression from friendship to love. Everyone should marry their best friend in my opinion. Hazel is a very lucky lady.
There are a few loose ends to this story, for instance what will happen to Hazel’s twin? Or her mother? I would love to see a sequel and have some of those loose ends tied up. But I for loved this story for its sweet gentle approach to love. I hope to read much more from this author in the future.

Five Shooting Stars

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the imaginative series author Cecile Tellier has made with the Binding series. Binding Dreams has the story of Raerdel an half human and half fae, and her prince Sindri pure fey. He is from the light fairy court and godson to Maeve.
The way they go about abducting Raerdel from the human world does not endear her to the fae. Raerdel is ticked off. She is sassy, fierce, and gives as good as she gets in the sparing department. Being told she is to marry Sindri doesn’t sit well with her. She is not marrying a man she just met.
Sin can see Raerdel’s problem he agrees to court the sassy siren for a month. What he doesn’t know is the dark court wants her too. Can his charm win her first? Is the question.
There is Fae politics in this story, and lots of world building. I loved that about this book. I really felt a part of the story and the world. There is so much more to explore in this world I cannot wait for the next book. Raerdel might find love and passion with Sin but I want to know what happens in the Fae court next. Bring on the Fae and those who love them.

Five Shooting Stars and Reviewer's Choice Award

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've heard of the author but will say this is the first time I remember reading one of her books!! Bad Rhonda..............now I need to go find more of them. Anyway, this is book 2 of the Due Justice duet. The first book, Due Process, is by Lynn Burke and in my opinion should be read first. Lynn's characters show up in this book and Noah and Grace are shown in Lynn's book. Just get them both and read them! LOL The connection between Noah and Grace is interesting and it kept me engaged until the end. Of course, I loved seeing Troy and Silas again. Seriously, I love these duets that come from a book signing every year and I try to read as many of them as I can, but this duet is one of my favorites now. I love them so much; I even bought the print copies to put on my shelves! Highly recommend!

[Amy Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was gifted this book during an online party and I lost it on my laptop! I just found it yesterday and read it immediately. (my apologies to the author for the delayed review! I now have a new system of keeping track of books lol) anyway, here goes the review:

reluctant at first, hazel and eric become friends. they grow close over time and form a very strong bond. eric goes away for a few years and they reunite and must rekindle their flame!

The characters are believable as is the bond between them. I really liked how it wasn't instant love-at-first-sight sparks like you see so often in books. The plot was well thought out and the dialogue was well written!

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is a fantasy of the Faerie Releam. So of course there is magic, adventure and of course love. Although the love is not instantaneous, it proves there is a fine line between love and hate.

I have to say that at the beginning of this book, I was upset for Raer, for what happened to her. I was upset at the Queen for keeping Raer basically a prisoner and outraged that she would want her to marry someone just because she said so. How awsome is it that just reading a few pages can illicit such strong feelings within me. That is what makes a great author.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series, and the continuing saga of Cin and Raer.

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the continuing love story of Sindri and Raerdel as well as the fight between the light and the dark. Raer is to be the Queen, eventually, of both Courts, but must train in each to be ready. Just when things are evening out, the past comes back to take Raer. Sin refuses to let that happen and does everything in his power to get his woman back. Just when you think there is a happily ever after, there are more plot twists. Magic, sex, and violence. The ingredients for a really good book.

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book occurs simultaneously with book 1 of the series, Due Process by Lynn Burke when Silas is arrested through the eyes of Noah, Silas's attorney, and Grace, Silas's sister. If you have not read that book, you need to read it before this one. Noah and Grace had an attraction at first sight, but it wasn't until they meet again somewhere they last expected to meet. Together, they get through Silas's trial and Grace's past. It was a very good book to round out the Duet. I love having different perspectives of the same story.

[Fox · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. I couldn’t do it.

I LOVE stories about the fae, magical worlds, the typical tropes that come with these.

But this one hurt my brain by page 2 and I DNF’d at 13% even though I promised myself I would finish every book I started this year.
I just, I just couldn’t do it.
The writing was…VERY young adult. Which isn’t necessarily bad, I’ve read some YA that was super fun and enjoyable…this one was a hard no.
Dialogue…ugh. Building isn’t there. It’s just telling and zero emotion.

*sigh*

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book in a giveaway.

5 out of 5 Stars

I like that they were able to reunite their family. I'm glad that it all worked out between the siblings. The reunion between her friend and brother was quick. Eric is a stupid overprotective, alpha male idiot, which is why we love him. The loss of contact was disheartening and I'm glad she moved for her too, not just to be near Eric.

Recommendation: New Adult isn't a genre I normally read but this was a good, emotional read.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raerdel goes from her garden to the land of the Fae. She is promised to Lord Sindri. The problem lies with the way things are handled. Raerdel is headstrong with almost no filter and it gets her in trouble throughout the book. She finds out there are other Fae who are interested in her too and it’s almost too much. Read and find out about her trials and tribulations.
This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.

[SiKReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your average shifter romance. I found it refreshing that Maxx being a shifter is really secondary to the main plot. Other than healing, mating, and fighting the bad guys; Maxx being a shifter doesn't really even matter to the plot. Zowie and her blase attitude was also a different from other heroines. She really doesn't cause drama, although is sure does find her. This book is a refreshing change of pace for a shifter story.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

While an interesting concept, the telling of the tale was a bit lacking. Seeming to be in the future, there's no real context to the setting of the story. Also, the formal dialogue - which is often stiff - is oddly punctuated at times by modern language and sayings. Several of these seemingly contradictory aspects exist within the story, as well as some parts that are direct contradictions with each other.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short story--which makes me crazy. Interesting story but not nearly enough detail. What is this "gift"? Why does he have it? Where did it come from? Some of the dialogue led me to think he was not as he seemed but then...nothing to confirm that. What was the darkness inside him he alluded to? Has her father really been hidden away all these years? Why is her mom such a witch? Too much unanswered or unexplored. This is exactly why I hate the short ones!!

[MizFig · Rating 4 out of 5]

A love story with a touch of paranormal

I loved this story from the first page!! I was enraptured with the tale and kept reading because I had to know what was going to happen next!!
The test of their love and their desire to be together was really tried but they found their way!
Haze and Eric are the perfect couple with instant chemistry!
A new other to me, but I plan to read more of her work!!

[jamies_bookreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author and I could not be more pleased. This is the second book in the Due Justice Duet (Due Process is book 1 by Lynn Burke) and it follows Grace and Noah’s story. I love that they are both exploring themselves in the BDSM world. While an unlikely pair at first meet, they find solace within each other. This story is short and steamy, and ties in nicely with book 1. CW/18+

[Melody Jerva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truthful silence was a page turner. Hazel is a smart and feisty girl with the a quick wit and even quicker fist. Eric is a dark and delicious bad boy musician, sensitive in ways you couldn't imagine. These two have an intimacy that is sweet and sensual at the same time. I loved this book and can't wait to read more from Cecile Tellier.