Fates that Bind

by Ashtyn Kiana

Most of Renata Blackthorn’s life has been spent hiding–avoiding her mother’s cruelty, ashamed of her powerful spirit magic, and dreaming of escaping from her childhood home. As the only gray witch in a family of green witches, she’s always been an outsider. But the Blackthorn family curse, which afflicts those born with spirit magic, only makes her feel more isolated.

When a letter arrives from a late great-aunt, Renata inherits the eerie, crumbling Dreaming Willow Inn… Alongside it comes a she’s the only one who can end the madness.

There are many places she has dreamed of running away to, but the inn where the curse started was one she hoped to avoid in every lifetime. Until it becomes a beacon of hope.

Once she steps foot on its grounds, fate stirs. So do the ghosts of her family’s past.

Renata quickly learns how the curse affects more than just her bloodline and its ability to give her everything she’s ever wanted—or take it all away, including her newfound coven and the man she never expected to meet in person, Archer Vexley.

After a decade of only finding him while sleeping, Archer is in Briarhollow with just as many ancestral ties to the Dreaming Willow Inn as she has. Not only that, he’s determined to learn more about the woman from his dreams.

Renata never thought she would meet him in person, or have a coven of her own. Now that she has everything, she won’t let fate rip it away.

Genres: Paranormal, Found Family, Fantasy

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

About the author

Ashtyn Kiana is a Latina indie romance author whose stories feature flawed but endearing characters, hot and swoony relationships, female friendships, and blended families. Her corporate day job doesn’t leave a lot of room for creativity, so she started writing her first novel as a way to express that side of herself. When she’s not writing, she’s probably walking her dogs, making candles, or picking up a new hobby.

Reviews

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Beyond The Books PR for providing the eARC. This is my honest opinion.

Entering Briar’s World: Enchanted and Addictive

‘Fates That Bind’ by Ashtyn Kiana is a captivating start to what promises to be an enchanting series. The story is told from Briar’s perspective, allowing the reader to fully experience the magic, emotions, and relationships up close. The world of fated bonds and witch families is atmospheric and original, yet it took some time to truly settle into the story and the connections between characters. Certain plot elements felt a little confusing or overly ambitious for a first installment, which occasionally made the narrative feel crowded.

Despite this, Kiana creates a strong emotional connection with her characters. Her writing is smooth and immersive, with just enough detail to make the magic and setting tangible without slowing the story down. The romance develops gradually, while the found family dynamic and the chemistry between Briar and her allies give the story warmth and depth. For fans of paranormal romance and intriguing supernatural mysteries, this is an accessible and enjoyable read that leaves you eager for the next book.

Fated Lovers | Found Family | Paranormal Romance | Slow Burn Romance | Witchy Magic | Supernatural Mystery | Magic School / Coven Life | Chosen One / Prophecy | Enemies to Lovers | Secrets & Betrayal | Dark Family Secrets | Coming of Age / Self-Discovery

[MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Luna literary management for this advanced read.

If you like slow reveal contemporary magic/small town mystery paranormal fantasy this book might be for you. I hesitate to call it urban fantasy. It does fall under speculative fiction.

Disclaimer: I have only read 50% of this book and I will not be finishing it. I will explain why.

What works:

Compelling plot
Cool magic and paranormal system
Uncommon familiars
Ghosts
Small town
Idea of found family
Idea of a a gothic or even a tad horror, adjacent moodiness

What doesn't work:

Extremely slow moving plot. Like molasses running uphill.

Why bother creating really cool familiars and then sidelining them as tertiary characters? Give me some personalities and interaction.

Insta found family and community supporting the FMC with not a lot of effort on her part.

50% in and she's just met the love interest in person.

Inconsistencies, discrepancies, awkward sentences, incorrect word and incorrect adage use.

A few typos. That is just a note not a major criticism.

I am not finishing this book because reading this book is extremely slow. Plot progression is excruciatingly slow. I was re-reading sentences and phrases often enough because of the awkward sentences, inconsistencies, discrepancies, and incorrect word and adage use to the point it becomes an obstacle.

This book was not ARC ready. Compelling story, but needs developmental, copy, and line editing. I really do like the plot and the idea of it. This is the kind of book that I would love to edit because it's got a great premise. That's why it still gets a three stars even though I decided to DNF at 50% as it was taking me much too long to read it and I have other ARCs waiting to be read.

[Givii .. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so unlike the usual romance or fantasy you see. I have not once come across a story like this and that is what made this one special. I'm sure you would have heard about fated mates BUT have you heard about Fated doppelgangers!!??? Because I hadn't. I didn't even know it was a thing until I read it in the book.
Renata is the black sheep of the family, cursed. There has only been two other gray witches apart from her. She is bound to succumb to what they call it the Witch's Fray (madness) but then she receives a letter from her dead relative who was also a gray witch.
Doesn't this sound so intriguing and cool??? Because it sure as hell was.
I loved how Renata became her own person, unraveled the truth, found her own coven. And I loved Archer's role in it.
That man didn't even hesitate for a second when he heard that if Renata has a chance on breaking the curse, she would have to kill him.
They were already in love with each other even without knowing so much as the basic identity details like name for a decade. Their bond was so special. And the bond all the girls shared, how they became each other's chosen family.
The only reason I'm not giving it a full 5 star is because I feel like some things could have been explained better. For ex the concept of a familiar, hexate was first mentioned in the first chapter yet we didn't know in detail until later who it was even then we weren't fully told the power of the bond. And apart from this, I would have loved if there was just a single page explaining all the different covens and what magical powers comes with it. It was difficult to keep up with what any of the characters can do.
Overall, if your interests in any way aligns with me, I'm 100% sure you will love this one.

The curse may be lifted but the mystery remains.
Excited for the next one 🫶

[Jayme Ball · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good bones here. Things that were intriguing and heartwarming.
But there are also things that didn’t quite work for me.

A gray witch, Renata, inherits an inn from an estranged relative. The inn has history and it's the center of the plot. Something happened over a century ago and it's led to a town freezing in time (more or less) and a generational curse. Fate brings people together and it is not random, each one holds a piece of the past.

The strongest elements in this book for me is the fated doppelganger element (what a unique way to do fated anything!), the beautiful bonds that form within the new coven, and the magic of the different types of witches that had slight variances in their powers. Truly a lot of good bones. I enjoyed most of the characters (especially Rowyn and Archer) as well as the overall murder-mystery.

For me, it felt like there was a lot going on but slowly. I don't know how to explain it other than to say that. I suppose it would be a pacing issue. Particularly in the first half. You spend most of your time inside Renata's head and I found myself irritated with the way she jumped to conclusions or come up with ideas and plans. There are some pieces of information that don't fully make sense by the end but I'll leave them off because they would be spoilers.

The way that the book ends, Rowyn seems like she may be the focal point of the next book which I am definitely in support of.

Fates that Bind delivers vibes... witchy, found family, magical, and mystery... it left me feeling a little bummed that it didn't deliver with the execution but I am left with intrigue and curiosity regarding the next book.

[Alaina🫧 · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEY HEYYYYYY, baby’s first fantasy book!!!! and WOWWWWW

One thing about Ashtyn and her writing, doesn’t matter what kind of mood I’m in or what kind of reading slump I’m experiencing, Ashtyn’s books are always the exception. It always impresses me the way Ashtyn can tell a story in such an immersive way, like I really felt like I was there at the inn, a part of this coven. That’s my FAMILY now!!!

Briarhollow and the Dreaming Willow Inn were such fun places to visit. The town is charming and the inn is…haunted but fun!!! The coven was full of just wonderful beautiful women (and Archer was there too I guess) and as much as I loved the curse and the romance of it all, my favorite part has got to be the friendship/womanhood/found family 🥹 even between the witches and their familiars. Like, that’s girlhood babes 😭

It’s always so fun with these types of fantasy/witchy books to see how The Big Dilemma plays out and Ashtyn did such a wonderful job of bringing it all together! I was gasping and clutching my pearls in disbelief for the last 5 chapters. Gosh I just loved the whole thing.

As always, thanks so much to Ashtyn Kiana for allowing me to beta read this bad boy. I love to see these different parts of her brain in this beautiful way. Can’t wait to see what comes next with this series 🥹

[Yvonne Ptk · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I enjoyed the variety of witches and their familiars. I also liked the coven that Renata builds and the mystery surrounding the curse and how to break it. The overall plot kept me interested, as the characters tried to uncover the truth behind what was happening to them.

My favorite part was the bond between Renata and Archer. Their connection truly feels like a soulmate relationship and added a strong emotional layer to the story. ♥️

The pacing was a bit slow for me and I often felt distracted while reading. Some parts dragged more than I would have liked.

Overall, I still found this a good book and I am curious about the next one and Rowyn’s story!

Thanks for the ARC!

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow was this so intricately beautiful. I enjoyed steeping into this world SO much. The depth of each character and their development was so well done.

This love story felt like falling asleep , slow and dreamy 😉. The depth of their love was such a moving storyline that I couldn’t help but root for them at every turn.

I absolutely recommend this book. Not just for its depth of romance and spice but, it was like a breath of fresh air with a twist that knocks you down in the best of ways!

[Monica (switching platforms) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25

This was one of those reads where the vibes really worked for me, but the execution didn’t always keep up with the potential. The premise instantly hooked me: a gray witch burdened by a generational curse, an eerie inherited inn, dream-bonded lovers, and found-family coven dynamics. It had all the right ingredients for a paranormal story that could completely win me over with its magic, and in some ways, it did.

The worldbuilding is probably the book’s biggest strength. The magic system feels layered and atmospheric, with spirit magic, ancestral ties, and ghostly elements creating a moody, immersive setting. Not only is the magic a key element, but I also enjoyed the formation of the coven and that circle of chosen family built outside of blood ties, it was very heartwarming to watch.

I also appreciated following an FMC who has spent her whole life isolated, shaped by trauma, and longing for belonging. Watching Renata slowly build her own coven felt satisfying, especially seeing her step out of her emotional shell and gradually open herself up to others.

The fated connection with Archer had a soft, aching quality that suited the tone because their bond is rooted in years of shared dreams rather than instant attraction.

That said, despite its unique premise, the story didn’t fully win me over.
My main issue was the pacing. I understand the intention to create an evocative, atmospheric opening, but for me it felt very slow, and at times the narrative lingered too long without enough forward momentum.

Another aspect that didn’t quite work for me was the way the story handled the “show vs. tell” balance. At times, the narrative would state a character trait or emotional tone before actually letting the scene demonstrate it. For example, we’re told that Esme is sarcastic and only afterward see her dialogue, which made those traits feel explained rather than naturally revealed. I would have preferred to discover these aspects through actions, interactions, and conversations instead of being repeatedly told about them. Much of the story is filtered through Renata’s internal monologue, and I often found myself wishing for more direct dialogue and character exchanges rather than experiencing everything secondhand through her reflections. Because of this, it was harder to fully connect with most of the coven. Rowyn was the only one who truly stood out for me, while the others ended up feeling more marginal than they probably were meant to be.

The same issue appeared when the mysteries started to pile up. Instead of building tension through action, conversations, or discoveries, the narrative often leaned on long chains of internal theories and thoughts from Renata or Archer. Rather than creating anticipation, this sometimes made the story feel heavier and slowed the emotional payoff.

As for the romance, it sometimes felt like the story circled around Renata and Archer’s meeting for too long, rather than delivering a satisfying slow-burn build. Their interactions didn’t fully move me emotionally, though I did appreciate Archer’s role in the story. His steady, grounding presence works well in contrast with Renata’s more troubled and fragile nature, and it’s clear how important he becomes to her journey.

Renata’s curse is another element I have mixed feelings about. The concept itself is interesting (and it’s a trope we often see in books and TV), but at the beginning I found it difficult to clearly understand when Renata was slipping into madness and when she was fully lucid. I’m not sure whether this ambiguity was an intentional choice by the author, but a small narrative cue to help distinguish those moments would have made the reading experience smoother. As the story progresses, it does become easier to recognize, but early on it felt quite unclear.

On a more positive note, around the 45–50% mark, the pacing noticeably improves. The plot becomes more dynamic as secrets, twists, and conflicts start to pile up, giving the story a stronger sense of momentum. The same shift happens with the romance: what begins as a slow burn eventually became a fast spice.

What didn’t work for me at all was the frequent use of time jumps after almost every major event. Something significant would happen, and then the narrative would immediately move to “a week later” or “a month later.” This made it hard to grasp how much time was actually passing and weakened the sense of continuity. At times, it felt unnecessary - these transitions could have been shown more naturally through scenes and character interactions rather than stated so abruptly.
Because of this, I also struggled to fully perceive the setting. Despite the story taking place largely at the inn, I never felt truly immersed in it. There’s a strong focus on describing its decay and atmosphere, but when it begins to change and be restored, that transformation isn’t really felt - it’s mostly conveyed through repeated descriptions rather than through lived moments within the space. Even the occasional scenes outside the inn didn’t create a strong sense of contrast.
More generally, the constant internal monologues of the two protagonists often left little room to experience the story organically. At times it felt like knowing too much through their thoughts instead of discovering things gradually through action and dialogue - not in terms of the mystery itself, but in the overall narrative flow.

Another moment that didn’t fully convince me comes near the end, when Archer travels to Calista’s island. The scene where he must carefully choose three questions to obtain answers felt surprisingly rushed. He approaches it in a rather impulsive way, without much visible deliberation, which reduced the tension. I understand its role in moving the plot forward, but I missed that sense of buildup and emotional weight you’d expect when a character confronts a powerful or potentially dangerous figure.

One thing that did leave me very curious for book two is related to Calista and the everoot. Since Calista killed outside her island, and the inn’s land turns out to be perfect for growing everoot — the plant that could cure the Foxglove sisters — I can’t help wondering: because Archer witnessed that moment outside Calista’s territory, will he be able to remember it? Or, since he was later bound by the demon on the island, is that memory permanently affected?

I’m also still a bit confused about Barrett’s death. Was his body never brought to Calista’s island? Or was it taken there after being consumed? If his remains ended up on the island, I kept wondering whether his spirit could have appeared in some way when Archer visited, especially considering Archer is his descendant.

Overall, this is a very atmospheric, emotion-driven witchy romance with a found-family vibes and an intriguing magical foundation. It didn’t fully deliver on all its ideas, but it definitely left me curious to see where the story (and the curse) will go next. Especially since the next book will likely follow a different character, this feels like a perfect ending to the first installment and a strong start to what promises to be an engaging series.

[Chapters of Chaos ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those reads where the vibes worked for me more than the execution. The premise immediately hooked me: a gray witch burdened by a generational curse, an eerie inherited inn, dream-bonded lovers, unusual familiars, and a small-town coven with strong found-family energy. On paper, this had everything I usually love in a cozy paranormal fantasy.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was definitely the Dreaming Willow Inn. The idea of restoring an old, magical inn surrounded by greenery felt incredibly comforting and atmospheric (minus the cursed part, obviously). The mystery surrounding the inn itself was well constructed and kept me curious throughout the story and the atmosphere/the magical premise felt very promising.

I also really enjoyed the familiars and their connection with their humans. Their relationships felt like some of the strongest bonds in the book and added warmth to the story. The variety of magical beings mentioned throughout the book was intriguing as well, although I would have loved to see them more integrated into the story rather than just briefly referenced.

The book also includes several tropes I enjoy: found family, fated mates, dream bonds, and a mystery element that kept me guessing for quite a while. The fated doppelgänger concept was particularly surprising and felt refreshingly unique.

However, despite all the promising ideas, the execution didn’t always work for me.

The pacing was extremely slow, and for a significant portion of the book the characters don’t actively work toward understanding or breaking the curse. This made parts of the story feel stagnant. The narrative also relies heavily on time jumps, often moving from a major event directly to “a week later” or “a month later”. These transitions felt abrupt and sometimes frustrating, especially when they skipped moments I would have loved to actually read.

Another issue for me was the way certain scenes were summarized after the fact instead of being shown. Some important or long-awaited moments are simply recounted later by Renata rather than experienced directly by the reader. This created a sense of distance from the story and made the narrative feel more told than lived.

The romance unfortunately didn’t quite work for me either. While the fated mates trope had a lot of potential, the chemistry between Renata and Archer felt underdeveloped. For a good part of the book I couldn’t even decide whether I liked Archer as a character, and their relationship often felt more like an inconvenience than a compelling romantic connection. The persistent lack of communication, particularly from Renata’s side, became one of the biggest frustrations for me.

I also found Renata herself somewhat difficult to connect with. Much of the narrative happens inside her head, and while her internal struggles are clear, her character sometimes felt stuck in repetitive thought patterns without significant development. Additionally, the early portrayal of her curse made it difficult to distinguish when she was lucid and when she was slipping into madness, which added some confusion at the beginning.

There were also a few plot holes and inconsistencies that made certain moments harder to follow, and I occasionally had to reread passages to understand what was happening.

That said, the mystery element was genuinely intriguing, and I appreciated that the culprit wasn’t immediately obvious. The story’s focus on fated bonds, intertwined destinies, and magical curses still makes the world feel full of potential.

Despite my issues with pacing and execution, the book left me curious about where the story, and especially the curse, will go next. Since the next instalment will likely follow a different character, this feels like a solid setup for what could become a very engaging series.

Rating: ★★★
Spice: 🌶 🌶

Thank you Beyond The Books PR for the ARC opportunity.

[Lovelettelore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family curse, a faceless man from her dreams, and a haunted inn set the stage for a hauntingly beautiful fate. 👻🌲

📖 Fates That Bind by Ashtyn Kiana
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️
Paranormal Romance

Tropes
✨ Fated lovers
⛓️ Generational curse
🐈‍⬛ Black cat FMC
🏡 Small town
🫂 Found family
🔮 Witches, ghosts, and doppelgängers
📜 Complex family lore

Renata, a spirit witch from the Blackthorn family and a victim of her mother’s cruelty, finds herself at the Dreaming Willow Inn in Priorhollow after her great aunt passes away. She discovers a letter claiming she can break the family curse that has haunted every spirit witch before her. From the moment she steps foot in the inn, she is plagued by the ghosts of her family's past and hallucinations brought on by the curse. For eleven years, Renata has been pulled toward a meadow in her dreams to meet a faceless man who offers her comfort. In a moment of vulnerability, she calls out for companionship—unknowingly pulling in the original members of the coven and the faceless man himself to help her navigate the mystery of her bloodline.

Damn, I really didn’t expect to enjoy this book so much! It started off a bit slow for me, and it was hard to get a grip on the story at first. But the more I read, the more I couldn’t put it down—I ended up reading for eight hours straight.

The writing was simple yet comprehensive enough to make the world-building and witch concepts easy to grasp. I loved how the narrative truly showcased Renata’s journey; her psyche was portrayed with such depth even as she was being plagued by the curse. Her motivations and actions made perfect sense within the gravity of her situation.

Archer is incredibly patient and determined to get through to Renata despite the obstacles. When he chose her, he truly CHOSE her—no one else comes before that. He is smart, intuitive, and logical, taking the necessary steps to protect them both. I loved his devotion not only to Renata but to her sister and the entire coven as well.

The coven itself is filled with distinct characters that elevate the story to another level. The found family vibes were everything; they started as strangers, but the trust and support they give each other is to die for. You can feel their love and devotion bleed through the pages.

This is honestly one of the best paranormal stories I’ve read. The mystery kept me on edge from the beginning. While the love and the chaotic moments were done well, I did find the answers to the curse a tad confusing, and the "twist" left me with a few unanswered questions. I also felt the reason behind the curse was a bit underwhelming compared to its severity, though it did make the story feel a bit more grounded and realistic.

Thank you to Luna Literary and Ashtyn Kiana for this ARC!

[Maleny Roman-Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review — Fates That Bind by Ashtyn Kiana

⭐⭐⭐
🌶🌶

I always try to be gentle when reviewing ARCs, especially when it comes to grammar and early-stage inconsistencies. Unfortunately, with Fates That Bind, there were simply too many grammatical errors and incorrect word usages to ignore. I often found myself having to mentally correct sentences or reread lines to understand what was meant, and that repeatedly pulled me out of the story.

The concept itself is compelling. I was genuinely intrigued by the lore surrounding Divination Witches, the curse tied to Renata’s family, and the idea of soul-ties versus fated mates. The dreamwalking, the tarot symbolism, and the slow unraveling of Briarhollow’s past had a lot of potential, and those elements are what ultimately kept me reading.

That said, the pacing was a major struggle for me. The story moves very slowly, and the FMC and MMC don’t actually meet in person until around the 36% mark, which made the emotional build feel stretched thin rather than deliciously slow-burn. While their dream-bond is meant to carry the weight of that distance, it didn’t fully bridge the gap for me, and at times it felt like the plot was circling instead of progressing.
I did appreciate the emotional undercurrent— Renata’s trauma, her complicated relationship with hope and attachment, and the lingering mystery around her family and the coven.
Once the romance does finally move forward, the chemistry improves, and the spice delivers more on an emotional level than a purely physical one. The intimacy fits the tone of the story, but it arrives late and sporadically.

Overall, this was a rough but intriguing read. I stayed because I wanted answers about Renata’s family, the curse, and how the covenants were tied together, but the execution made it harder than it needed to be.

If you love atmospheric witchy romances, dream-bound connections, and fate-driven storytelling, there’s something here to enjoy— just go in knowing it’s a slow, sometimes bumpy journey.

The epilogue was genuinely intriguing and introduced enough new questions that it made me pause. I’m not rushing for the sequel, but I could see myself eventually picking up book two when it releases. With book two seemingly centered on a different coven member, I’m cautiously curious.

[Emily Knaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fates That Bind is a lush, immersive romantasy that feels like stepping into a dream you don’t want to wake up from. Renata and Archer’s connection is the heartbeat of the story; two souls tied together long before they ever meet, pulled toward each other through dreams that feel as real and dangerous as the waking world. Their bond is intimate, fated, and threaded with that slow-building tension that makes every shared moment feel charged.

“Renata, Little Wisp,” I murmur, crawling to her—not for the first time, and certainly not for the last. I’d pull myself across the world on my hands and knees if it meant getting to her again.”

The characters are intricate in a way that makes the world feel alive. Renata is sharp, intuitive, and quietly powerful, while Archer carries this magnetic mix of mystery and vulnerability. Their inner worlds are as rich as the magic around them, and every choice they make feels deeply rooted in who they are. The curse that shadows their lineage isn’t feels like a living force that is shaping the stakes, the atmosphere, and the emotional weight of the story.

The town itself becomes a character, atmospheric and eerie in all the right ways. Magic hums beneath every surface, woven into the history, the legends, and the land. It’s the kind of setting that wraps around you, pulling you deeper with every chapter. And the way the curse, the town, and the magic intertwine creates a world that feels both haunting and enchanting.The coven surrounding Renata is one of the most compelling parts of the story because each witch is distinct, layered, and unforgettable. They aren’t interchangeable side characters; they’re fully realized individuals with their own magic, flaws, loyalties, and histories. Their dynamics so much to every scene, grounding the story in community and giving the magic a lived‑in, generational feel.

This book at me invested in the romance, yes. But I also became deeply invested in the lore, the history, and the magic of it all. Every thread is perfectly woven together. It’s the kind of romantasy that lingers long after you close the book. The slow burn tension will have you flipping pages as quickly as possible. The chemistry simmers between Renata and Archer and keeps you hooked through out.

A huge thank you to Ashtyn Kiana and Luna Literary for the early copy!

[Belinda Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had felt so wildly different from the usual romance or fantasy I picked up—and that was exactly what made it special. ✨ I went in expecting familiar tropes…and instead got fated doppelgangers 🤯—something I didn’t even know existed until this book.

Renata Blackthorn’s story had been haunting and emotional from the start 🖤. As the only gray witch in a family of green witches, she had grown up isolated, cursed, and branded as the black sheep. Destined to succumb to the Witch’s Fray (madness 😵‍💫), her life changed the moment she received a letter from a dead relative—another gray witch—pulling her back to the eerie, crumbling Dreaming Willow Inn 🌿🏚️.

What I enjoyed the most was watching Renata become her own person 💪✨. She unraveled family lies, faced generational trauma, uncovered the truth behind the curse, and slowly built a coven that felt like home 🤍. The found-family vibes had hit hard. The bond between the women—choosing each other, protecting each other—had been one of the most emotionally satisfying parts of the story 🫶.

And Archer Vexley 😮‍💨💔. That man. Their connection had already existed for a decade through dreams, long before names, faces, or identities ever mattered. The depth of their bond had been unreal. The moment Archer learned that breaking the curse might require Renata to kill him…and he didn’t hesitate for even a second 😭🔪—I was DONE. That kind of devotion? That kind of love? Absolutely wrecked me.

The plot had been layered with mystery 🕯️👻—ghosts of the past, ancestral secrets, spirit magic, and a curse that affected far more than just one bloodline. Every revelation had raised the stakes, especially once Renata realized that fate could give her everything she ever wanted…or rip it all away 💔.

Some concepts had been introduced early but not fully explained until much later, and even then felt a little vague 🤔. I would’ve loved a single page explaining the different covens and their magical abilities because it did get hard keeping track of what everyone could do. That said, it didn’t stop me from being completely invested.

✨ Perfect for fans of:
🧙‍♀️ Cursed witches & forbidden magic
🔮 Fated doppelgangers
🌙 Dream-bound lovers
🖤 Found family / chosen coven
👻 Haunted places & ancestral secrets
🗡️ “I’d die for you” devotion

The curse may have been lifted…but the mystery was far from over 👀✨ and I was already desperate for the next book.

A huge thank you to Beyond the Books and the author for the ARC opportunity 💌.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Ashtyn Kiana has written a beautiful story with Fates that Bind. Weaving fantasy as we know it with brand new elements that work, this story is original and captivating. The first in the Briarhollow series, this book sets Ashtyn up for success. There is intrigue, curses, and hidden truths that blend together perfectly, making this book hard to put down.

Renata has always been viewed differently within her family. The black sheep in a family of witches. Well, make that a gray witch actually. Her family never stops to remind her what happens to gray witches. The Witch’s Fray, a gray witch's descent into madness. When a letter arrives from Renata’s deceased aunt, her entire world changes. The amount of personal growth that Renata goes through in this book is outstanding. The world that opens up to her, thanks to her aunt, allows her to see just how strong and amazing she is. That her grayness sets her apart from everyone else, in a way that she never expected.

And then there is Archer. This man is willing to give everything up for Renanta, without hesitation. From the moment these two meet, the bond that flows between them is unbreakable. Archer understands what he may lose to help Renata break her curse, but he never deviates from doing just that. These two are truly made for each other, a connection from before they even meet. The fated doppelganger element is new to this fantasy lover, bringing a unique perspective to a beloved genre.

As this is book one, a lot of world building and information is shared, so the story can be perceived as moving slowly. However, series have to be built up. I am excited to see what Ashtyn will bring to the next book. Her writing flows with ease, creating a world I loved being in. Within her romance, she created bonds between women and the found family is unbelievable in this story. Her talent wraps around you, like a cozy blanket, while also keeping you on the edge of your seat.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🩶Small Town Romance
✨Fated Lovers
🩶Emotional Scars
✨Elemental Magic
🩶Found Family
✨Fated Doppelgangers
🩶Generational Curses

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Fates That Bind✨

Are you looking for a witchy, fated lovers, generational curses, murder mystery kind of read? Ashtyn takes us on a lovely little journey where chosen family, acceptance, hope, support, and love are found all blooming within the walls of a haunted inn and a murderous outcome.

We follow a dual POV in FTB. Firstly, from our FMC, Renata, who is a Grey witch (Spirit witch) and has lived her life demeaned and suppressed for those powers. When she receives the deed to an inherited inn, she escapes her home in hopes of a better future and a cure for the imminent death her grey witch ancestors each claimed and which would soon be her own. After a spell gone wrong calls to her a coven, we meet members of her chosen family as they work together to break the curse and Ren’s hallucinations. But ghosts and mystery aren’t all Ren is haunted by. Her dreams haven’t been her own in 11 years and when that faceless man graces her doorstep, Ren must decide if she is willing to break a curse and never feel love OR experience a fated love for as long as she’s been given.

FTB is a cozy PNR romance with amazing found family, a fun mystery, magic and mythical creatures, and spice. I loved Archer (our second POV) from the start and this green flag man with a dirty mouth behind closed doors is a delectable book boyfriend. I loved how he (and the coven sisters) took care, support, and sat with Ren as she went through so much. It was beautiful and, if you’re looking for something spooky, intriguing, and sweet then this is for you! I’m thoroughly interested for what’s up next and anticipate reading more from Ashtyn.

Tropes you may find in FTB are witches, magic and mystical creatures, cozy PNR cottagecore vibes, animal families, haunted inn, generational curse, found family/coven, murder mystery, ghost, medium high spice, comfort, “I’ve got you”, and a HEA with open ending for the next character’s book.

Thank you, Ashtyn and Luna Lit, for this gifted arc! I’m so stoked for what comes next for this witchy crew!

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️✨️ARC Review✨️✨️

Renata Blackthorn is the kind of heroine you can’t help but root for. Growing up as the only grey witch in a family of green witches meaning she carries both a visible difference and a generational curse, she’s been shaped by isolation and developed a quiet resilience. Her longing to belong felt very real, especially with the weight of her mother’s cruelty and the shame wrapped around her spirit magic. Watching her step into her inheritance of the Dreaming Willow Inn and start to claim space for herself was genuinely satisfying.

The inn itself carries a wonderfully unsettling atmosphere. Crumbling, haunted and steeped in so much family history, it almost feels like a character in its own right. The way the past seeps into the present through restless spirits and old secrets adds an undercurrent of tension without ever losing the cosy charm.

What really made this shine for me, though, was the found family element. Renata starting her own coven, choosing connection instead of continuing the cycle of isolation, was easily my favourite part. There’s something deeply comforting about watching someone who has always been on the outside finally find people who see her, accept her and stand beside her, making it feel earned and heartfelt rather than rushed.

And then there’s Archer Vexley. Their dream connection that spans over a decade could have felt overly whimsical but instead it adds this soft, almost fated quality to their romance. Their dynamic has a lovely mix of tenderness, curiosity and chemistry is definitely there. The spice is present, but it’s balanced well with the emotional development, just enough heat to make it swoon-worthy without overshadowing the rest of the story.

Overall a brilliant blend of witchy family drama, a haunting curse and a satisfying romance woven into something warm, magical and empowering.

If you love stories about breaking generational cycles, claiming your power and finding your people, this one is well worth picking up.

[Lexie Parizek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually, in my reviews, I talk about the main characters and what stood out to me. As much as I loved the main characters, this book as a whole was amazing. I don’t feel like I could talk about two people, and that be it.
The way the author explains things throughout. The book is done so well, it doesn’t feel like you’re reading a dictionary but like the characters themselves are actually explaining things to you and it flows so well. You never truly feel confused because the explanations are right there flowing into the book. it keeps you on your toes without losing you.
Then add in the characters of this book, and I don’t just mean the MMC or the FMC, I mean, everyone that is a main part of the story. They come together so seamlessly and all just create the family that they’re missing out on. They call themselves misfits that don’t fit in with pieces of their family, but the family that they build together is amazing to watch. You would never know that they were strangers not long before, they have each other‘s backs no questions asked and truly show each other how they should be treated.
You are immersed in this world and feel like you’re a part of it the whole time, I also love how the stories are gonna have storylines that continue but still close certain chapters if that makes sense. You think you know what is going on and the author flips it on you it just completely keeps. You pulled in because you have to know by the end what is going on. There’s no if maybe butts about it, you feel like you have to know.
I can’t wait to keep reading throughout this series because I want to know where the love stories for the other characters are going to come into the main story.

**possible spoilers**
I also wanna know if one of the characters is as evil as she seems. She almost gives me Medusa vibes with being wronged and misunderstood, but I can’t wait to see how the author plays this, is she going to remain a villain or is there some type of truth that is gonna come out.

Thank you Ashtyn Kiana and Luna Literary for the early copy - all opinions are my own!

[Megan Soria · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Oh the fates that bind us"
This book definitely has all things witchy, magic, paranormal, poltergeist, etc...

It definitely gives off a little bit of modern day Charmed/ Practical Magic vibes with how this story is set.
Our FMC Renata comes from a special line of witches in her family, but her mother & sisters have sought out to make sure she feels anything but. Being the only Grey witch in her family since her great aunt & grandmother, she has unique abilities that allow her to tap into powers very few can. Its been yrs since her father's passing & he was the only one she felt truly loved & appreciated by. Now in her own personal hell, living with her Mother & sisters, she aches for a future she doesn't think capable.
1 day she receives an ominous letter from her great-aunt (a relative she's never met), stating she's inherited the Dreaming Willow Inn & that she's the only person left that can save the Inn, help restore the town, but also break the curse on the women in their family. But can she just up & leave all she's ever known?
Archer is a wanderer, & he and his twin are also special divination witches. Both with similar & unique qualities specific to their personalities. Always "looking" for something/someone, adventuring to find that missing piece to his life. A decade ago his powers guided him into this dream realm with a mysterious girl. Though he doesn't know who she is, he sense that he has to try to find her. But when you want to start living in your dream world to be with someone, how do you try to find that person in real life?
Fast forward to Briarhallow, a town full of secrets, speculation & stories. Renata's unintentional cry brings a group of witches to her door, forming her own coven. In an attempt to uncover her families histories & figure out how to break this curse that will eventually drive her mentally unstable, she is faced with the reality that she cant ignore what the fates have brought her.
Though this book was pretty slow paced, I could see where the author was going in the world building part, setting up for the next book in this series. I did feel like it was a little longer than need be, overall this book had enough mystery & towards the middle/end some spice, to keep things interesting. There were a few parts I did find a little repetitive, but I did like how she leaned into the generational focus of the coven/characters. Even though Archer was our MMC I actually wish there were a few more chapters on him i/o Renata, I was left feeling like I wanted more depth on his character.
I am curious and looking forward to Book 2 focusing on one of the other coven members Rowan, as a hearth witch with a maternal, loving & caring nature, I'm VERY interested in what direction Ashtyn will go!
If you like
🔮🔎🐺Witchy/Mystery/Paranormal
🏠Found Family
He Falls First/She Falls Harder
🩶Bad Boy vibes but emotional
you'll enjoy this book!
Thank you BTB PR I was happy to have the opportunity to read this ARC! I probably wouldn't have picked this up otherwise so happy to discover a new author & series.
3.25⭐️

[kristen | kristenlikestoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Renata has lived her whole life being the black sheep of the family. A grey witch surrounded by green witches meant that she was kept in the shadows and made to feel less than. A letter from her Great-Aunt leads her to a sleepy town and an unkept inn with more secrets than meets the eye.

Renata feels like a sister I would like to take care of and protect, like her whole coven does. Even though the ladies who join Renata's coven find the Inn quickly, it feels like the relationship they form comes together in a way that makes it feel natural, which could be in some way connected to their ancestors having been in covens together previously.

Archer is like a golden retriever wrapped in a bad boy exterior. His relationship with his sister is heartwarming; it's clear they would do anything for each other. I enjoyed watching them blend seamlessly into the coven.

Some things you can expect: found family, fated mates, witches, generational curses, familiars, a lot of questions with not a lot of immediate answers, spice, dual POV, and a HEA.

I enjoyed my read! I thought it was fast-paced enough that it didn't feel like the story was dragging, the MCs were well-developed outside of their relationship, and I didn't see the plot twist coming. I wouldn't say this is a cozy read, as the ghosts in the Inn do make Renata's living situation super volatile. I feel the ending is a bit rushed, like most of the book is spent reading and trying to figure out what happened in the Inn with Renata's doppleganger and her coven but then all within the last 150 or so pages we learn everything? The ending clearly sets up the next book but I feel like some things could've waited till the next book or spread out better.

Thank you to Luna Literary and Ashytn Kiana for getting a chance to advance review!

[Breanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a unique story for me. By that I mean, it wasn't just romance, it wasn't just fated bonds, it wasn't just mystery, etc. It was fated doppelgangers, suspense, betrayal. We've all heard of Fated mates, but the fated doppelgangers was something I'd never read before, and boy was it a journey to unravel the truth here (or at least... the truth we know so far 😉)

Renata is a Gray witch and the black sheep of the family, as the Blackthorns have a family curse that affects the gray witches. She is only the 3rd of her kind in 100 years, the others having gone mad from the curse, and her family treats her extremely poorly. When she receives a letter from her late estranged aunt telling her she's inherited the cursed inn, and she's the *only* one that can save everyone, she sets off on a mission.

Archer is our MMC and I'd just like to say -- 🤌🏻. He and Renata met 10 years ago in their shared dream, and have been sharing that dream space together multiple times a week ever since. While unable to speak or physically touch, they can feel each others emotions, and have formed the most intimate bond sharing a decades worth of nights together where they can only feel each others raw feelings. Archer and his twin sister (Sybil) get called to the inn by one of Sybils prophecies, although they're not sure why. The second Archer sees Renata, he knows exactly who she is and he is a GONER. Done for. All in. His literal dream come true.

Together, they and several other witches that were also "called" to the inn, form their own coven and intense bonds as they all work together to unravel not only the secret of the Blackthorn curse, but their generational connections to each other. Can they figure it out before it's too late??

Thank you to Beyond the Books PR, Netgalley, and the author for allowing me to read and review!

[Feya · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is such a delicious blend of murder mystery and witchy generational curse, all wrapped up in a cozy paranormal romance that had me hooked from the start.
We get dual POV, beginning with Renata-a Grey Witch born into a powerful line of Green Witches. Instead of being celebrated, she's treated like a blemish on the family legacy, forced to suppress the very magic that makes her different. She's constantly walking a tightrope within her family's coven, trying to be small enough to survive. So when a letter arrives from an estranged aunt, leaving her a mysterious inn in a town that's somehow been wiped from the map, Ren doesn't hesitate. It's her chance to escape. To figure out who she is. And maybe, just maybe, to outrun the fate that claims every Grey Witch before her: a descent into madness and an early grave.
Of course, her fresh start is anything but peaceful. One spell goes sideways and accidentally summons a coven into her life. What starts as a magical mishap slowly becomes something sacred…a chosen family. Together, they dig into the curse hanging over Ren's bloodline while trying to make sense of the increasingly vivid visions and ghosts that haunt her. The mystery unfolds in layers, full of secrets, history, and just the right amount of eerie tension.
But the heart of the story? For eleven years, Ren's dreams haven't been her own. And when the faceless man who's haunted them shows up on her doorstep, fantasy collides with reality. She's forced to choose: break the curse and risk never experiencing love... or hold onto a fated connection that may come with an expiration date.
Archer. I loved him instantly. He's calm, patient, emotionally intelligent—the kind of man who doesn't try to fix Ren but simply stands beside her. Absolute green flag energy. And behind closed doors? Let's just say the man contains multitudes. The chemistry is intense!!

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

Fates That Bind is a story brimming with potential and an intriguing premise. With witches, magic, covens, and a generational curse at its core, the world immediately draws you in. The writing is atmospheric and engaging, and there were moments where I was genuinely invested in the lore and the unfolding mystery.

The characters also added to the reading experience. Archer and Sybil were definite standouts for me. Archer, in particular, brought a calm and sensible presence to the story—steady, thoughtful, and grounding in moments of chaos. 🫶🏼

The coven itself eventually becomes a strong force, and I appreciated the sense of unity and power it represented. I also enjoyed the epilogue, which flowed well and set up the next book in a way that made me curious about what’s to come.👀

That said, the execution didn’t always match the strength of the concept🫣 The pacing felt uneven, with the story stretching on for quite a long time before becoming heavily action-packed toward the end. While the writing is captivating, there were moments where the scene transitions felt confusing, making it difficult to follow what was happening at times.🫤

Character dynamics were another area where I struggled. Renata, in particular, frustrated me for much of the book. Additionally, while the coven’s bond is important to the story, the way these relationships developed felt rushed. Characters seemed to grow close off-page, and sudden emotional reactions—snapping, irritation, tension—felt a little lost without seeing how those connections deepened.

Overall, Fates That Bind has a compelling foundation and an interesting magical world, but clearer pacing and stronger character development would have elevated the story further.

[Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank Ashtyn Kiana and Beyond The Books PR for the gifted eARC copy in exchange for my honest and spoiler free review!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My Thoughts:
What first drew me into this book was the cover. The cover alone is so beautiful and made me really curious to know what the world was going to be like in this story. Going into this story completely blind, I was immediately drawn in to the world of magic and witches that greeted me from the very beginning when we meet our FMC, Renata.

I really enjoyed Renata’s character as she didn’t just settle to be what everyone cursed her to be. She decided to take her life into her own hands and that will always get extra points from me. Seeing how her life gets turned upside down by a single letter from a dead relative and how she decided to follow her gut to figure out the truth just set the stage for an interesting journey that anyone who reads this book will go on.

Another thing I really loved was the world we get introduced too. If you like cozy places then you will enjoy the Dreaming Willow Inn and Briarhollow. Even those names alone make me wish I could go see them for myself. It was there that we meet more characters and within them you will find one of the greatest found families I’ve read. Found family is a top favorite trope of mine so when authors do it and do it right…it makes for a book that I will remember for a long time. Archer and Renata also pulled at my heart strings a lot even though being together can be complicated in so many different ways. Overall, I felt like this was such a great start and I cannot wait to see what else we get from Briarhollow.

[Nicole Heron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed how unique this book was compared to your usual romance books! The whole fantasy and mates concept is a trope I have been obsessed with since high school! It’s a compelling story and concept, and the whole lore around the witches will captivate you and leave you wanting more.

If you like a slow-burning romance fantasy book, then this might be the book for you. Especially as our main characters don’t really meet each other until around 40% into the book, and the romance doesn’t really start until like halfway in. So it’s a slow burn, which I don’t mind and actually can be quite refreshing as it helps to build up that tension.

Whilst there is romance, it’s not all what the book is about; it’s our FMC, this magical system, and a mysterious curse that seems to plague her family. Be prepared to have a lot of questions at the start, but I promise the more you dive in, the more answers there will be.

What drew me in was the setting; Briarhollow and the Dreaming Willow Inn are places I would love to visit, and the author does bring them to life. There is a gothic and haunting vibe which I love, and the whole coven concept and found family vibe is nice. I haven’t read a lot of witch fantasy books for a long time, and I am glad and very honoured to have been given the prints to read this one! A big thank you to the author for giving me an ARC copy.

I do need to address… yes, there are spelling mistakes and some grammatical errors, but it happens. You do have to push through it, and it’s why I marked it 4 stars but still overall a very enjoyable read, and I would recommend!

[Manda Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To the fates that bind us”

I cannot wait to see what else comes from the Briarhollow series! I was intrigued from the beginning this story a curse, a haunted house, fated doppelgängers, and so much more will have you stuck to your seat.

Poor Renata she just has had it rough between her family and the curse that will eventually drive her crazy the one thing she has is her dream man literally. When Renata’s aunt passes she learns that she must go to Briarhollow and she is the only one who can break the Blackthorn Gray Witch Curse. Coming to Briarhollow brings her so much more than just a curse she also accidentally finds a family in her new Coven, who includes Archer. I love Archer talk about down bad for his girl but with fate not everything is going to plan.

There are twist and heartbreaking moments, I definitely recommend picking this up. This ends with closure but enough to know that more is coming and I cannot wait to see Rowyn’s story.

🎼Song Vibe- I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Jasmine Thompson

~~What to Expect~~
✨Dual POV
✨Found Family/Coven
✨Small Town
✨Generational Curses
✨Forced Proximity
✨Emotional Scars
✨Plot Heavy (in the best way)
✨Haunted House
✨Slow Burn
✨Forced Proximity/Roommates

~~Quotes~~
♥️I live for you. Every heartbeat, every breath, every second it all belongs to you.
♥️Whether it be for one day or one century you’ll remember what it feels like to be owned by me. You’re mine in every lifetime Little Wisp.
♥️ “Oh the fates that bind us.” “I only care about the ones that brought me to you Little Wisp.”
♥️ How do I explain that simply being in his presence is the safest I’ve felt in my entire life, even without being able to see or hear him? What words do I use to tell him that not only have I waited for him my entire life, I can’t let myself enjoy even a second of time with him?

[Gnana Prakashini.A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some love stories are about the rush of falling for someone. Fates That Bind is about what happens when love takes you apart and puts you back together in ways you never expected.

Ashtyn Kiana didn’t just write a romance. She built this world where you can feel fate at work, quietly but powerfully, pushing her characters closer from the very start. No big drama. No wild twists. Just this steady, magnetic pull that you can’t shake off.

The slow burn here? Brutal—in the best way. Every look lasts a second too long. Every almost-touch feels louder than a shout. So when the feelings finally break the surface, they hit with all the weight of everything that came before.

What really got me, though, was how deep this story goes. These characters are messy. They’re carrying scars, second-guessing every move, fighting their own instincts as much as they’re fighting fate. None of it comes easy, and that’s why when they finally connect, it feels real. It feels earned.

There’s a bittersweet beauty in how destiny messes with their timing. They have to grow. They have to be ready. Love by itself isn’t enough—not until both of them are willing to risk everything. Watching them struggle on their own before coming together? That’s what makes the ending feel so right.

And when the gentle moments land, they really land. The intimacy isn’t just about the physical stuff—it’s in the tiny gestures, the comfortable silences, that feeling when you realize this one person can be your anchor and your undoing all at once.

By the last page, I didn’t just want them to make it—I believed they could.😭🤌🏻💗

[Becca B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Ashtyn Kiana & Beyond the Books PR for the opportunity to read book 1 in the Briarhollow series!

Fates that Bind is a unique twist on romance and fantasy -- Kiana created an original story that set the stage for a promising series. Renata Blackthorn is the black sheep of her family. She is the only grey witch in her family of green witches, which only makes her feel more isolated. As a grey witch, she inherits a curse called the Witch's Fray (madness) that she will eventually succumb to. She receives a letter from a dead relative who has left her the crumbling Dreaming Willow inn where this curse began. She is the only one who can break it...it's just a matter of how.

I love a good witchy romance especially when it has cozy vibes, suspense and thrill, and mystery. Kiana has done a really good job encapsulating all of these things with Renata's story of self discovery and uncovering the truth. I enjoyed the fated doppelganger element because it was so nuanced and just a cool take on fated mates. The beautiful bonds with the new coven (found family) was also a strength that Kiana successfully delivered on. I adored the romance between Renata & Archer. The connection between them really felt like strings of fate and true soulmates. I loved the emotional layer it added to the overall story.

I did feel that the pacing was bit slow in the beginning. but picked up towards the later half of the novel. However, overall, I found the writing to be compelling, the characters engaging, and the ending had a good hook. I am looking forward to read more about Rowyn in the next book.

Thank you again! and congrats on your release!

[Courtney | The.Bookish.Poet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC of Fates That Bind by Ashtyn Kiana, and this story completely wrapped its magic around me.

Thank you Beyond The Books for giving me this opportunity!

If you love witchy worlds, fated connections, and romance that feels written in the stars, this book delivers. The magic system is rich without being overwhelming, woven through covens, curses, and generational ties that make the world feel layered and alive. It is the kind of fantasy setting that feels immersive while still leaving room for the emotional core of the story to shine.

The relationship at the heart of the book is intense in that quiet, aching way. It is built on fate, history, and emotional depth rather than surface level attraction. I really appreciated how the bond between the main characters unfolds with tension, vulnerability, and that pull you in inevitability that fated mate style romances do so well.

One of my favourite parts was the sense of found family. The coven dynamics and side relationships add warmth and grounding to a story filled with heavy magic and destiny. It gives the romance more weight because you see what is at stake beyond just the couple.

The pacing leans more atmospheric than action packed, but it suits the tone beautifully. This is a story you sink into, one that focuses just as much on emotion and connection as it does on spells and fate.

Overall, this was a magical and emotional paranormal romance that left me eager for more from this world. I am so grateful I got to experience it early. ✨🔮

[Jamie (books.and.bad.ideas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝘠𝘰𝘶, 𝘮𝘺 𝘶𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘺'𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘳𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸."

Fates that Bind by Ashtyn Kiana is a multi-POV small town fantasy full of generational curses, animal familiars, and second chances. It is book one in the Briarhollow series. Following the story of two characters, primarily-- Renata and Archer-- the book looks at the way that love is a complicated entity and sometimes it takes more than one lifetime to get things right.

What I found the most interesting about this book was the way that timelines overlap in the course of Renata and Archer figuring one another out. Time acts strangely in the book because, rather than linear time that we're used to in most narratives, time in Fates that Bind acts more like the Doctor Who quote-- "a big ball of wibbly wobbly... time-y wimey... stuff." Past and present, dreaming and waking, vision and visions (as in a magical power), become so entangled that rather than a love story with a three act structure (beginning, middle, and end), we end up with simultaneous peaks and very different falling actions and denouements. Renata and Archer are the two people who are stuck in a repeating cycle that have to make the choices that break that cycle, and end the curse.

The only thing I will say that bothered me a little bit about the book was the fact that it took so long for anyone to learn anything. By the 50% mark in the book, the characters still knew nothing. And while I can appreciate that some mysteries are harder to crack than others, it didn't even necessarily feel like there was forward momentum. A pacing issue, and a small one. Overall, if you have more patience than I do, very enjoyable writing. Also, the use of doppleganger to describe two people separated by generations who happen to look alike was a bit of a stretch for me, but I get the intention. I'm just a folklore snob. Monsters are my thing.

If you like cozy smalltown vibes with some interesting spice; a dream dude who turns out to be very real; and love that makes up for the mistakes of the past, consider giving Fates that Bind a read! It's book one in the series, so there is more to come, and the next story is hinted at in the final chapter of the book.

[TheCozyChapter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fates That Bind pulled me in slowly… and then completely consumed me.

This is one of those stories where you ease into the world at first, getting your bearings, and then suddenly you realise you’re fully invested—heart, soul, and emotions included. Once I was in, I was all in.

Renata’s journey hit me deeply. Being the outsider in her own family, carrying something powerful yet isolating, and then being tied to a generational curse? I love that kind of storyline, and this one delivered. The emotional weight of it all, especially with her character development, had me tearing up more than once.

The dual POV was done so well (one of my favourite things in a book), and it really added depth to both Renata and Archer. Their connection, especially with the dream element woven in, made everything feel a little more intense, a little more fated… in the best way.

The mix of elemental magic, the eerie atmosphere of the Dreaming Willow Inn, and that deliciously haunting family curse created such a rich, immersive setting. And then there’s the found family—something about that always gets me, and here it brought so much warmth and healing to balance out the heavier themes.

Emotionally? This book took me on a ride. I laughed, I teared up, and yes… I may have yelled at my Kindle a few times (don’t worry, it survived—my blanket protected it 😂).

If you love fated connections, magic woven with emotion, and stories that slowly pull you under until you’re completely invested, this is one to pick up.