Tether

by Cadence Smoke, Demi Valentine

At nineteen years old, surviving each day is the only thing I’ve become accustomed to. After losing my mother in a car accident, and spending my teenage years in the ruthless foster system–I’ve become too familiar with the cruelty and loneliness this world has to offer.

My life was hanging by a fraying thread, and I was about to lose everything I had worked so hard to attain. I was hopeless and defeated by the hand I had been dealt.

That is, until a letter arrived from my unfamiliar late grandfather's estate, deeming me the sole heir of his grand fortune, including Gravenhurst Manor and Hollowcrest Academy.

With nothing left to lose, I accept my fate and make my way to Hollowcrest–a town which thrives on power, legacy and secrets. Where shadows lurk around every corner, and nothing is quite what it seems.

A charming son of a founding family captures my attention. His charisma and magnetism call to me, but I can’t stop my heart from being drawn to another–the brooding groundskeeper of my new place of residence, who has a wicked grin and an even sharper tongue.

Caught in a whirlwind of desire, hatred and passion, I must follow my heart's desires, even if that means uncovering much more than I’ve bargained for.

Welcome to Hollowcrest, where fates are tethered by secrets, and love knows no bounds.

Genres: Dark Romance

334 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2026

About the author

Cadence Smoke is a Romance, Dark Romance & Gothic Romance Author from Canada. In addition to writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies, as well as reading books of various genres.

Cadence strives to write stories that make you feel a plethora of emotions and a deep connection to her characters that will linger in your mind long after you put the book down.

Reviews

[₊ ˚ ale ࿓ ♡ ⋆｡˚]

‎ ‎ ‎ ⌗‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ──🥍🍋‍🟩🐈‍⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
gothic dark academia? say less, i'm totally in.

thank you luna literary and cadence smoke for an arc in exchange of an honest review!

[Raquel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book hooked me right away, and I flew through it in just two days because I needed to know what happened next.

The gothic dark academia vibes were everything. The mystery, secrets, and tension kept me hooked from beginning to end. The pacing was great, and that ending… ahh! I need to know what happens next!!

The only thing that didn’t quite work for me was some of the wording during one of the spicy scenes. It’s a personal preference, but it distracted me 😅

* Morally Gray
* Dark Academia
* Gothic Atmosphere
* Secret Society
* Love Triangle
* Cliffhanger


Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC. I’m leaving my review voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️⚠️⚠️Check all TW⚠️⚠️⚠️

This is the first book I have read by this author. I enjoyed it so much.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🌶️🌶️.5


🖤 Dark Romance
✨️ Secret Society
🖤 He Falls First 
✨️ Small Town
🖤 Found Family 
✨️ Morally Grey
🖤 Dark Acedemia
✨️ Love Triangle

                        ⚠️ CAUTION: THIS LEAVES YOU ON A CLIFFY ⚠️

⚠️ CHECK YOUR CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNINGS! Protect your mental peace ☮️⚠️

✨️ 📚 ARC 📖 REVIEW ✨️

Where do I begin? This book was highly addictive and full of questions left behind. This book completely hooked me from the very beginning, but had a slow build. I am not usually one for  slow buil dbecause sometimes it can drag out and not in the fun way. There wasn't a time in this book that I felt it was too slow, or the characters weren't doing the most.

The gothic dark academia setting really made this book sooo much better. I couldn't imagine it being any different, because you wouldn't get the same vibes that's for sure!

Verena litterally couldn't have fallen into a better situation after her luck goes down the drain. She gets the call of a lifetime, and she is quite quickly thrown into this world of her grandfather Ambrose. As she is learning her way through the new world she has been thrust into, she comes across two very different men. 

With these very different men she is learning her way around the school and the manor she lives on when she really starts questioning both men and the circumstances around everything. Things seem to spiral a bit and she is hanging on by the seat of her pants.

I loved seeing how she moved through this new life that she has, and how she reacts to both men in each circumstance that comes her way. I will say that there are two very different circumstances that each guy brings her to, and I was speechless at each one!!

I am so ready for this second book so that I can see what happens nxt but from what I have seen, it won't be out until 2027!

Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Cadence Smoke, Demi Valentine & Luna Lit ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.

[Tabatha_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Release Day to Cadence Smoke and Demi Valentine!

This book was the perfect gothic academia romance goodness that I was dying for! This is the story of a woman that’s on her own and down in her luck, when she receives a letter from her estranged grandfather telling her that he has died and she now inherits his estate Gravenhurst Manor and an elite school that the family owns called Hollowcrest Academy. She arrives to a huge mansion with instructions that she will be able to claim her inheritance as long as she attends one semester at Hollowcrest Academy. Things aren’t what they seem, the town has secrets, and the story is riddled in mystery with a secret society, a love triangle, and elements of betrayal and found family.

I loved this book! I was hooked from the first chapter and was totally invested in what our FMC was going to do and the secrets she would uncover. The banter is top notch, the spice is perfectly placed, and there were multiple times that I felt like the fly in the wall screaming at our FMC to make a different decision. Verena is a feisty independent woman that definitely doesn’t like to let people in, and Loxen is my perfect male character with the rough around the edges attitude and sarcasm that make me absolutely nuts about him. My favorite character is easily Archie, the butler, and he is so warm and protective of Verena.

The authors wrote an eerie and secretive small town that is atmospheric and draws you in, reminiscent of Cruel Intentions and The Skulls. Make sure you check the triggers and best be warned, this one ends on a cliffhanger and you will be yelling at the pages for more of the story. Can’t wait for the next one!

[KayBeReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Verena our girl was down on her luck and then out of nowhere her luck turns around. Now she’s at this school that she lowkey doesn’t even want to be at. Off the bat I already know something is suspicious( some people as well). Ren is trying to adjust to her new life but she is struggling but she is having some fun and they come in the form of Loxen and Reed. It’s a ping pong match between them. The story is moving a bit slow and I believe that’s to lay down the foundation. Towards the middle of the book it starts to pick up some. Ren has learned some things she should not have learned and I believe that it is going to come back to bit her in the hinepot(spoiler I was right lol). There are so many secrets in this book it’s hard to keep up. I knew I was right not to trust someone in this book. I know this is Cadende and Demi book but it’s not Cadence book if you don’t tear up a bit. The last twenty percent of this book had me gagged. I had to read some pages over to make sure I read what I read. I just know the next book is going to be something. I can’t wait to read it

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the first chapter, I was completely hooked. Verena’s journey pulled me in and uncovering the mysteries of Hollowcrest alongside her was impossible to put down. Between the secret society, shocking twists, and constant feeling that no one could be trusted, I was second guessing everything.

The characters were just as captivating. Mauve was the perfect friend, Reed was charming, but Loxen Gray completely stole the show for me. Broody, sarcastic, mysterious, and impossible to ignore, every scene with him had me wanting more, and the chemistry between him and Verena was incredible.

This book perfectly blends romance, suspense, and supernatural mystery with immersive world building that kept me turning pages late into the night. That ending left me desperate for the next book, and I already can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Plot Twists And Cups Of Tea · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you so much to the authors for giving me the opportunity to ARC read Tether

I absolutely demolished this book and didn't want to put it down! The storyline kept me hooked from the very beginning, and I was constantly wanting to know what was going to happen next.

Ren was definitely my favourite character. I loved her from start to finish, and I really enjoyed watching her journey throughout the book.

As for Loxen, there was just something about him that pulled me in, and I found myself rooting for him the whole way through.

Reed, on the other hand, constantly got my back up. I just couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't being genuine, and I kept thinking he was using her.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 MF’in stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book has me in an absolute chokehold! The atmosphere that seeped out of these pages had me gagged, paired with the gothic, dark, secretive side to it all literally had me on the edge of my seat!

When I tell you I highlighted this book within an inch of my life - BELIEVE IT because this book and what was written was beyond beautiful.

Verena & Loxen’s interactions and their relationship ughh some of those scenes I was legit crying into my kindle 😭😭😭

I’m so honoured to have been part of the ARC team for this and Severed CANNOT come quick enough!!

Now excuse me why I sit by myself in a room with my never ending thoughts since finishing this wonderful book.🖤🖤🖤

[Jen N · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC Review *

This book was so binge-able! If you like dark academia, secret society, a love triangle between the golden boy and broody mysterious boy this book should be on your tbr.

Verena is a sweet, hardworking FMC who has been played a rough hand until she has a huge blessing passed to her. Sullivan is the all around good boy, popular in school, everyone loves him. Loxen is the broody, mysterious, boy hiding in the shadows.

As Verena navigates this new life that she stepped into her relationship grows with both of them. I love seeing Verenas character growth through this first book.

The ending!!!!!!! AHHH, I cannot wait for the next book to come!

[Nicole Wheelbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this - dark academia, gothic feel, mysteries and a secret society. I cannot wait for book 2 - I hate that this one is over!

Ren, an adult orphan, receives notice that her biological grandfather has died and left her his home and academy - however she must attend the academy to receive her home.

What she meets is mystery, people who dislike her and those who cannot be trusted. No one is who they seem.

[Leahspinkpages · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am grateful to have been able to arc read this for Cadence Smoke and Demi. This was a dark gothic academia genre which had my attention I did enjoy this book and the characters the secret society and the love triangle. This book is out of my normal genres but I do enjoy morally gray trope. Secret society is one of my favorites.

I am thankful I was able to read this book for my honest thoughts.

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**𝓝𝓞 𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓘𝓛𝓔𝓡𝓢**
⚜️𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- Tether

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 The Dark Romance team / Luna literary 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐢𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐬 𝐢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.

⚜️ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
(out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
* 📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
* 🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶 🫑/ 5 -𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠
* Which books have I also given this same rating? (𝑠𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛)
5⭐️ Fourth wing / Bound by inked flame / Anathama / The Lies of Lena / Of silver and Curses
4.5⭐️ Bitten / The Female / Quicksilver / Bride / Lights Out / A Bargain so Bloody
4⭐️ Spellcaster / One Dark Window / From Blood and Ash / Phantasma / Butcher & Blackbird
3⭐️We Who Will Die / The Wolf King / Daughter of No Worlds / The Ex Hex


⚜️𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
* Genre- Gothic Romance / Dark Academia
* 📖 334 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
* 𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑟𝑑 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛 mostly solo 𝗣𝗢𝗩 until the final chapters
* 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- July 15 2026
* 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒶𝒸𝓉ℯ𝓇
* 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼-
* 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨? ✅𝒴ℯ𝓈
* 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- 𝓊𝓅 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒹ℴ𝓌𝓃
* 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? ❌𝒮𝒶𝒹𝓁𝓎, 𝓃ℴ, 𝓃ℴ𝓉 𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓆𝓊ℯ ℯ𝓃ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽, 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓂ℯ 𝓉ℴ 𝓇ℯ𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓃 𝓈𝒶𝓎 6 𝓂ℴ𝓃𝓉𝒽𝓈 𝓉𝒾𝓂ℯ.
* 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)❌
* 𝒟𝒾𝒹 𝒾 ℯ𝓃𝒿ℴ𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈?⚖️ erm…? I loved some bits but skimmed others…
* 𝒲𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝓉𝒽ℯ 𝓃ℯ𝓍𝓉 𝒷ℴℴ𝓀 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈ℯ𝓇𝒾ℯ𝓈?✅
* 𝒲ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 ℯ𝓁𝓈ℯ 𝒷𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓇?✅
* 𝖂𝖍𝖔 𝖜𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖉 𝖎 𝖗𝖊𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖉 𝖙𝖍𝖎𝖘 𝖙𝖔? Those who enjoy a moral to their story, lessons learned the hard way and beauty rising through loneliness and loss.


⚜️𝕊𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝔽𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕤:
😍IᑎՏTᗩ ᒪOᐯᗴ ᒪᑌᔕT
🙏𝐻𝑒 𝑓𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑠𝑡
🔺 𝐿𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
👀𝘝𝘰𝘺𝘶𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮

⚜️𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 & 𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕤
✏️Dark Academia
🏰Gothic
🧸𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦
🐶 Underdog
⌚𝔸-𝕙𝕠𝕝𝕖

📝Cliff Notes Review-
Welcome to Hollowcrest, where fates are tethered by secrets, and love knows no bounds. This book drew me in right from the start, I loved the mystery idea and the secret unknown family but it fell flat. I never manage to predict twists-ever- yet I saw this one right at the start of the book sadly. It was ok, but it could have been great with 1 more round of editing to correct all the timeline gaps and continuity errors.

“Lay back, little crow, and let me fill you with a love so bewitching, you’ll never forget who your heart belongs to.”

🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
I went into this completely blind and that first page literally grabbed my attention! The writing style was a little difficult to follow for me, the world building was barely there and I have no clue what time period this was meant to be set in. The gothic vibes are well threaded into this one, with A very creepy manor, mysterious letters, an on ground cemetery, an academy passed down through generations and then the secret society tops off the bucket list. We don’t get much in the way of academic lessons or structure sadly, but time is spent there.

What I must applaud was how the feelings of grief were explored. The quotes that I highlighted around the beauty of life and love were plentiful, I’d actually say this is the best book I’ve read around the subject because of the themes of loss, loneliness and hopelessness that are navigated through the characters being out the opposing thoughts of joy, memories with guilt, and love.

The pacing started steady but did drop out around the middle and I found myself skimming a lot of the ‘bumpf/padding’.

I actually got really irritated a few times that I almost DNF it, I was really intrigued in the mystery of the main plot and mixed with the characters I remained intrigued. I enjoyed the mix of mystery and secrets that were sprinkled throughout the story, I do wish we had a little more history but after getting to the end I can see now that it will come in book 2. I’m glad I didn’t and I stuck with it.

My main issue was that she gets a letter out of the blue offering her a house and an academy yet she doesn’t question it at all? Not even a little? Doesn’t double check it’s real and not a scam or set up. Then when she gets there she has no clue how this new home of hers runs and yet she makes her way around, using the bath, finding random clothes left out, dining in the hall- it’s not even mentioned that she would need to know how to run the house, pay the staff, or how they should learn about her needs or food choices or whatever. I was reading this section waiting for someone to show her what is expected of her, where she can find coin/money should she want anything, or to show her how to summon help like drivers.

Next up is the large amount of continuity errors, where was your beta team and editor? It was always Saturday, even after partying on Saturday night she would wake up the following morning declaring how glorious this Saturday morning is. Items she was holding suddenly disappear, clothing choices don’t follow through like it’s not even been thought of that she’s in her underthings/nightwear and wandering around the house and chatting to the staff all day.

Then there is the many gaps in the story, she is told to attend one semester at the academy and THEN everything will be hers- this is never brought up again, not once. so what would be hers? Did she do a full semester? What was the point in that other than to just create a reason for her to attend? There were places she couldn’t enter in this new house- HER house… that the butler said was off limits so of course that must be so…? Why? How long for? Did she have to earn it? Did the butler know something More that the author forgot to explain? And then the one that stuck with me was that the mother ran away, the grandfather didn’t reach out (not spoilers) because he wanted to keep her safe, but then his condition to getting ‘it all’ was to spend a semester at the academy…? Why not just leave the money to her then and forget the rest? I didn’t get it at all.

Plus, im curious- what was with the timeline? We would be talking about one thing then it jumps to something completely separate in a different place. Or it was set in a school class and the next paragraph she was at home? Erm, while I’m asking questions Did everyone else at that academy have parents to go home to? I only ask because she suddenly acquired a uniform and school supplies from thin air, her driven magically knew when she needed a lift somewhere without any prior arrangements, the staff all ran the house without her and she magically.y knew everything all the way down to how to get to the academy on her first day…?

It just seemed like things were mentioned just as a bridge to get the characters from A-B and then were forgotten about entirely.

🧝‍♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
So REN really annoyed me, she had been messed around all her life, grown up in bad foster homes and yet still she was trusting and unbelievably naive?! There were so many points in this book where any regular person would have asked a question or two, perhaps given a little thought before an action and yet she did none of that.

She was supposed to be resilient and independent, I don’t know much else about her as we got very little personal character development but to turn into a needy little thing under the thumb of a man didn’t really seem to fit the character arc that had been laid down. She annoyed me so much because I liked her, I liked her strength and how she overcame her troubles and moved forward with her life, I just wanted more of that authenticity that was first wrote about.

Then there was the best friend, she was a brilliant character. But she seemed to know more than we thought due to all the hints she dropped but then she disappeared for a big chunk of the story.

The love triangle was fun, Sullivan is the kind and helpful boy at school, I like how his character changed and developed as the story went on. I feel some things were left open- I hope they will be revisited in book two rather than them being overlooked, things like certain scenarios being set up and more information around the order members. But my hero of the story is lox, what a male! I loved his sarcasm and banter, his wit and the simple way he saw her and got her. I wish when an apology came - it was more specific rather than a blanket to cover all. I feel the hurt that was installed should have been acknowledged and recognised particularly because those involved lean more towards this type of behaviour than skimming by with the bare minimum explanation.


⏳ 𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕚 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕?
Ok so, I would re-read prior to book 2 but not for fun. And yes, I would recommend it to the right audience.

🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
This was beautiful in the way it explored the themes of grief, love and loss. The secrets and mysteries were there throughout and the love triangle was fun to watch. With a little more editing this would have been a damn good read!


𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...

IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

***********************

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[TheBookishGothGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dark, gothic academia, enemies to lovers romance - please check the content warnings

I actually finished this book 2 days ago and it's still having an effect on me. Cadence and Demi broke me with this and it is only book 1...
I cried several times throughout this book, not ashamed to say, there were parts that really broke my heart.

Tether centres around Verena Gravenhurst, she's 19 years old, just lost her job because men cannot keep their hands to themselves and she is all alone in the world. That is until she receives a mysterious letter informing her of her grandfather (whom she has never met) has passed away and that she has inherited a manor and an academy.

Holy fucking hell! This book!! I am not kidding when I say, my brain is still in the WTF mode. Just when you think you know what is going on, the whole thing turns upside-down.

The story is one of love, sorrow, dealing with grief and finding your chosen family. Verena arrives at the manor and instantly feels like she doesn't belong and I resonated with that. Girl, I am twice her age and still not 100% sure where I fit in this world, or if I even want to.

Verena is a very real character, not knowing how to deal with the hand she has been dealt or who to turn to, but she is stronger and more capable than she thinks and just needs that moment to fully believe in herself. I loved her as an FMC, she wasn't that whiny, hard done to type but she wasn't the filled with fierce confidence badass either and I really appreciated the way she was written. Her growth and character development was really well done, you could feel her trepidation and over-thinking coming off the page. There were times when I want to slap her and tell her to wake up and smell the coffee, there were times when I wanted to cry for her, hold her and tell her it would be ok and there were times when I thought she was going to go in one direction but then she'd shock me and do the total opposite.

Then there is Loxen, this young man is sarcastic, arrogant and hot! However, he is more like Verena than he shows and when they have their moment, their connection is like their souls are calling to each other, I could say more here but no spoilers - you will have to read the book.
He is clearly a tortured soul and again, he's very well written. You want to like him but you also want to punch him and call him and asshole. His backstory actually had me in tears, as I said earlier, tears were present multiple times.

Verena attracts the attention of the academy's golden boy Reed Sullivan, he's rich, he's adored by everyone and there is just something about this boy that had me saying no, don't do it Ren, it's a bad idea!

Clearly I was not the only one because enter Mauve, the purple haired weirdo that you cannot help but fall in love with. I am hoping there is more from her as this series. I loved the integral part she plays in the story and she gives me voice of reason and all the trust-worthy best friend vibes.

The twists and turns in this book had me feeling all the feelings. I laughed, cried, got really mad and finished the book thinking what the actual fuck! I love it when one book can do this to me, that touch my soul on a deeper level and there are only a handful of books like this that still live rent free in my head.

So, the spice, there is a fair bit of it and it's a variety that I enjoy. There is a scene between Verena and Loxen that had me like, oh my (fans self)! The spice does not overpower the story and I felt that some of it made parts of the story make more sense overall and added to the narrative, which I really liked.

Overall, this book easily earned 5 stars and I cannot wait for the next book. I would recommend it to anyone who loves gothic, dark academia with secret societies and unexpected twists.

To Cadence and Demi - REALLY?! Who does that?

[fatedhearts_lorilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tore through this one. Once I started, I was determined to finish it. I had some theories (I was not correct about one big one but I did guess another haha).

We get a playlist at the beginning of the book, and let me tell you, I was screaming to see “Haunted” by Evanescence. The 𝐹𝒶𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓃 album was everything to me in high school (and still is??). Now having finished 𝒯𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒𝒹, I think this is a perfect fit. Also, I do of course need to mention the Sleep Token songs, which are also perfect. I love a bookish playlist so thank you so much to the authors for including this!

Also, our girls is very relatable: 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘴, 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘐’𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘐’𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨. Isn’t that how we all feel? I had to highlight this quote when I was reading.

Let’s start with the prologue. It ends with this absolute banger of a quote: 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩—𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳.

Chills! I knew I was going to enjoy this book right from the beginning. It sets up the tension, and it also shows Ren’s strength and vengeance. Throughout the story, there is a gothic atmosphere that I just love so much. The manor, the school, the graveyard… even Ren’s apartment at the beginning of the book. It all works together to set the tone. Also, 𝒲𝓊𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝐻𝑒𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈 is referenced later in the book, which was such an odd feeling, because WH had popped into my mind earlier in the book without having been referenced yet. So I think that also speaks to the mood of the book, as I thought that to myself totally unprompted.

In addition to Ren, there are some supporting characters who I fell in love with! That’s one of my favourite things while reading. Of course, I typically relate to and resonate with the FMC, but when their friends come in and have their show stealing moments, it makes me so happy. Archie and his boots are definitely one of those for me! And then we have this quote from Archie, which is a perfect description of friendship, and just shows what a wonderful human he is for thinking this way: “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴. 𝘈 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘺, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥.” Can I get this tattooed on my body?? I love how it doesn’t make it seem like everything is always smooth sailing. There 𝙖𝙧𝙚 challenging times in friendships, but that’s a part of being real and working through conflict. At the end of the day though, when it’s a strong friendship, you can work through those feelings and moments.

There’s also romance of course, and there’s some conflict, and kind of a love triangle as Ren figures out her new place. I’m not going to say much about this but I will be curious to hear who people preferred as they were reading! I was pretty torn, to be honest.

I absolutely need book two immediately. Not to be needy or anything but like… actually I’m okay with being desperate!

Thank you to the authors and Luna Literary for the e-arc! All thoughts are my own and are freely given.

[Megan Hall-Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

must read of the century 5 stars


Already, within the quote before the chapter within Cadence’s world Thether begins; I am hooked. I am connected. The prologue pulls me in as if it’s a hug of understanding and gets how I feel, the connection between the words being said, the feelings that are felt; immensely!!
2004-2024; between those years. I won’t give anything away and though it is different, but those two years. Everything in between, just to say I get the connection. We all have those that will stab us in the back in that metaphorical sense, hollowed look inside their cold eyes that give away no human left inside but the evil they let in due to their weakness.
One thing I will say is; this story, this world I don’t feel as if I’m too much or not enough but seen, heard, and enough!!
Exceptional. The flow, the depth within each spoken word that only pulled me in more and more, learning things about myself through a connection so breathtaking, and where my heart began not only to race but weep; for reasons y’all ‘readers’ have to read to know, to understand. Exceptional is the word that comes to mind because Cadence, my love, this is a masterpiece!! You captured in such detail emotions, and the mystery that unfolds. Where me, as the reader never knew I craved a love in book form like this!!
Each chapter also is a masterpiece stitched together beautifully, the last chapter though… took my breath away and stole my tears with such, well. something. where words cannot simply say but be felt. I will say this. Though in life the damage parts of who we are is a connection most humans in this world seem to forget can also connect us!! In areas, understandable we feel alone and its hard to trust, let our walls down but know if you can’t talk to someone due to the last echoing inside your head; there’s always a book that will feel like a needed hug. This, Tethered is one you will need to devour and let it consume you. We may never truly heal, maybe just mend but we’re never alone and you are indeed aloud to not be okay. Though, sometimes it takes a book, like yours to find its way into that lonely place we all feel that pit of despair. Where the damage’s settles but there, a story, another world within this one that books precious presence screams ‘you’re not alone but it’s okay to feel alone’

‘I have never known such a breathtaking love, let alone anything that compares to this and yet a different heartbreak wrapped in one; though the longing I get the most and yet the connection within I have yet to feel such a way like this before. This book isn’t just another world to connect to but a lifeline that is needed, wanted!! A Spector, a faint familiar sense that is near, enough to feel, to imagine, or even smell, taste, and feel within reach of a gentle caress so faint like a feather-like tough, yet it is never enough to just be. Love is many things and i have never felt such love in the real world, Lox, Verena; my soul aches for you both!! This, the tether I feel, the connection so familiar and strong. The ghost of what has yet to be but that Spector of what’s missing, I felt within this read!! Absolutely breathtaking.’

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advanced reader copy sent by the Author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars

What to expect:
🐦‍⬛Secret society 🐦‍⬛ Found family 🐦‍⬛Gothic academia 🐦‍⬛Enemies to lovers 🐦‍⬛Forced proximity 🐦‍⬛Protective MMC 🐦‍⬛ Love triangle 🐦‍⬛ Will they won't they🐦‍⬛ He falls first 🐦‍⬛

Aw I loved this book. The last 10% had me straight up balling 😭😭and sat in complete shock.
I loved the dark gothic atmosphere; the characters were amazing, the mystery, suspense and yearning/tension 10/10!

We follow our FMC Verena, a 19yr old who's on her own after her mother is killed in a car accident. She spent years in the ruthless foster system.
Her life was falling apart around her, about to be evicted and just lost her job.
A letter arrives from her late Grandfather, stating she is the sole heir to his fortune, also Gravestone Manor and Hollowcrest Academy.
Left with no other choice she heads off Hollowcrest, a town that thrives on power legacy and secrets.

I loved Ren's character, she is tenacious, resilient and very independent. She's not afraid to tell people what she thinks.

MMC Reed Sullivan, he is the charming son of one of the founding families. I had this continual feeling he wasn't who he says he is, that he was 100% hiding something. He had too many secrets.

Our other MMC Loxen, now this man I was on his team from the very beginning. I knew he had secrets he wasn't ready to share yet. The yearning from this man... he fell so hard for Ren. And having to watch her with Reed broke my heart 💔 He was mysterious and protective. And he calls her 'Little Crow' 🐦‍⬛ gets me every time!

"My love for you knows no bounds. I could live and die a thousand times, and my heart would still find its way back to you. I am yours, Verena, through life and death."

The banter in this book was fantastic, especially the interactions between Loxen and Ren.

We got some spicy scenes sprinkled in throughout the book. I would rate this 🌶️🌶️

Loved the vibe of the Manor and the Academy, giving all the best dark gothic vibes with the weathered stone overgrown with vines. The Manor had a graveyard onsite which just added to the spookiness.

The plot was interesting, mysterious and keep me guessing. I thought I had things figured out and then the plot did a 180. I was hooked from the very beginning.

There are some fantastic side characters in this book. Gotta shout out my man Archie; I loved him so much. And Mauve was another great character, giving all the best, bestie vibes you could ask for.

The 80% mark of this book had me in total shock like what!! Plot twist after plot twist!
And then the last 10% of this book ruined me, I was lying in bed with tears streaming down my face. The reveals at the end were heartbreaking. 💔 especially Loxen's chapter. I was a mess!! 😭😭

Cannot wait to continue this series, highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the Authors for sending me an arc copy of your book 🩷🖤

[Bitzreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

 (I received an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are my own)

I went into this book mostly blind, I remembered what the tropes were and that was about it. I am glad I did, it still left me guessing somewhat as to which way things would go with the MMC, I am not going to confirm which it is. 

The book gets right into things with the prologue. The tension started there and continued throughout. 

The story is mostly told from the MMC Rens pov. Ren has had it tough and I could really feel her despair at everything she had been through. I felt a little conflicted at times with some of the choices that she made and despite being so strong and independent she came across a bit naive at times. But I can also understand why she was drawn to making those choices, people are not perfect and that is what makes it more real. But overall I really liked her. There are two MMCs Loxen and Reed as one main plot point is a love triangle. I liked the way they were both written, with their histories and their own stories. I was a Loxen girl from the start and I loved the way he was written and the intenseness between him and Ren. 

There are a few other characters and omg I loved Arthur and Mauve, I do wish we would have gotten a bit more of Mauve, I didn’t like how she was treated by Ren at times. But I really enjoyed them both and they added a lot to the story. There were other characters and they all fleshed everything out a bit more but the stars for me were Arthur and Mave. 

The overall plot is very intriguing and while a part of me would have liked to get a bit more information or hints at what is happening, I also think it is ok that it was a bit slower because it is giving the story time and setting everything up without rushing. So I think that was done well. (If you have seen my reviews before, slow paced isn’t my go to. I will never mark a book down for it, unless it is dragging which this did not). There are plenty of mysteries throughout, I did guess the main one early on but that just left me more keen to figure everything out and added to the tension. 

However I think the stand out was the writing and the way the feelings of grief are explored throughout  the story through the characters. It was so well done and I think I highlighted half the book with quotes. Those feelings of loss, loneliness and the emptiness of being left behind. I loved it, I think this is one of my favourite parts. 

The setting was great, I loved the gothic vibes, though I was trying to figure out what time period it was for a little while before deciding it was a mixture and its story is its own setting. I could picture the setting and darkness really well. 

I absolutely need the next one now though please and thank you. 

[Ashes And Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is no secret that I am a gothic lover! So, I will always jump when a book gives gothic vibes.
That being said, Tether is so much more than I could have expected…and expectations were quite high with this one as I am already a major fan of Cadence. What Cadence and Demi have created are characters and a story that I cannot get enough of. I am still thinking about this book and attempting to map out where this crazy ride will end. I loved every little second including the infuriating moments and the way these authors broke me just a little (or a lot) and I will recommend this book for eternity.

While Verena may have taken me a second to warm up to, I became heavily invested in her character and by the end was a little obsessed with her. She has had a tough life and decides to jump into a life that she knows nothing about. The way she is able to take this leap and even when she is unsure keeps her confidence shining through is something I enjoy seeing. She is not unbelievably tough or confident in who she is at every step and sometimes makes very, very questionable decisions (just want to shake her a bit) but she perseveres though it all.

This gothic romance can also boast quite the love triangle. Reed and Loxen are the very handsome and alluring men in Verena’s new life and let’s just say choosing can be difficult. Reed is handsome, from this new world, and completely obsessed with Verena. He is persistent, to say the least, and will do anything to obtain Verena’s affection. He shows Verena a life that she never knew was possible and guides her through her new reality.

However, nothing and no one is perfect in Hollowcrest and Verena has caught the attention of the groundskeeper of her new property. Loxen Grey is always around, unless she is looking for him. He is there at the most inconvenient moments to provide irritating (and perfect) banter. This man is as hot as he is irksome and no matter how her life is going Verena feels a pull towards him that she cannot explain. I adore Loxen’s character and the mystery surrounding him and his fascination with Verena kept me on the edge of my seat.

Tether is full of mysterious pasts, ongoing plots, betrayal, and twists that have my mind scrambling to connect the dots. A read that is far too easy to get lost in and may cause slight emotional damage by the end. This is the first book, and the cliffhanger is amazing but oh so brutal. I HIGHLY recommend this book for those readers who love a gothic atmosphere, a plot full of mystery and intrigue and a love triangle that is perfectly spicy.

[Merriann Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolute Dark Academia Perfection!
Thank you to Luna Literacy Management, Cadence Smoke and Demi Valentine for the eARC.

Wow! I went into this book completely blind, having never read anything by Cadence Smoke or Demi Valentine before, and I am incredibly surprised by how fast it took over my life. This book officially had me in an absolute chokehold from the very first page!

The Atmosphere & Setting: The eerie, gothic atmosphere practically seeps out of these pages. The authors did a phenomenal job building the town of Hollowcrest. Discovering it alongside the main character was such a fun, creepy experience. The town is oozing with mystery, murder, and dark secrets. Between the imposing manor, the academy, the graveyard, and a shady secret society pulling the strings behind the scenes, there is a constant, suffocating feeling that absolutely nobody is telling the truth.

The Plot & Tropes: At its core, this is a dark rags-to-riches story heavily laced with grief and loss. The plot is fantastic and kept me on the absolute edge of my seat. I kept telling myself "just one more chapter" because I needed to know what happened next. The twists are incredibly well-executed, and that ending? A total doozy. I genuinely did not see it coming!

The Characters & Romance
The characters are easily the strongest part of the book:

The FMC (Verena): She has been through so much trauma, but her journey is so compelling. Even after trusting the wrong people and losing those she loves, she still has so much fight in her. Watching her find where she truly belongs was beautiful.

The MMC (Loxen): He is the ultimate dark, broody, sarcastic, and moody book boyfriend. The romantic tension between him and the FMC is completely addicting, and their banter is top-tier. Also, when he called her "little crow"? I was a puddle on the floor.

The "Other" Guy (Reed): I was suspicious of this secondary male character from the very start, and let’s just say my instincts were 100% correct.

The Side Characters (Mauve & Archie): The two main side characters are so lovable. Watching their genuine, sweet friendships develop with the Verena added a really nice warmth to an otherwise dark book. I would love a spin-off about them!

Overall, the dark academia vibes were everything I wanted and more. If you love tense, moody mysteries with addicting romance, you need to read this immediately!

[Diane LL · Rating 5 out of 5]

​If you are a fan of Zodiac Academy, stop what you are doing and add this book to your TBR immediately.

​I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of Tethered, and it completely consumed me—I devoured the entire book in less than 12 hours because I simply could not put it down. The story hits the ground running and hooks you instantly with a fast-paced, deeply intriguing plot that leaves you desperate for answers.

​The Plot
​We follow Verena "Ren" Gravenhurst, a resilient FMC who bounced around the foster system after being orphaned at a young age. Now an adult just barely scraping by as a waitress, her life changes overnight when she returns home to an eviction notice—and a mysterious invitation. She discovers she has inherited her recently deceased grandfather's estate: the looming Gravenhurst Manor and the enigmatic Hollowcrest Academy.

​The Romance & Tropes
​Entering this world gave me absolute emotional whiplash in the best way possible. Ren’s emotional connection to Loxen Gray had me captivated from the very beginning. Their relationship serves as the perfect backdrop to this dark academia setting, serving up a delicious, high-stakes "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic where the MMC definitely falls first. Watching Ren struggle, run from her feelings, and finally accept them (albeit a bit late!) makes their chemistry electric.

​The Stakes (No Spoilers, But Wow)
​Just when you think you have a handle on the romance and the politics of Hollowcrest, the authors completely flip the script. There is a deeply unsettling supernatural undercurrent here—let's just say Ren is forced to confront things that should stay buried, and she starts seeing things (and people) that defy logic. When the final layers of deception peel back, you're left realizing that the people closest to her are harboring deadly, unforgivable secrets. Can you truly love someone when blood is on their hands?.

​Why You Need to Read It
​In the shadows of Hollowcrest Academy, secrets are a currency, and Ren never seems to have enough leverage to buy the truth until it’s almost too late. Tethered is a phenomenal journey of self-discovery, found family, and high-stakes mystery. It will keep you guessing, gasping, and turning pages well into the night as the jaw-dropping final twists unfold.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐ ARC Review 𝕋𝔼𝕋ℍ𝔼ℝ

Welcome to Hollowcrest, where fates are tethered by secrets, and love knows no bounds.

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒂 𝒗𝒊𝒃𝒆𝒔, 𝑨 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒍 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖!
𝑨𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒚 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒔. 𝑾𝒂𝒔 𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔.
𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕, 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅. 𝑳𝒐𝒙 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇. 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏'𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒕𝒘𝒐, 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒖𝒈𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆! 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒐 𝑳𝒖𝒏𝒂 𝑳𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒄.

𝕋𝕣𝕠𝕡𝕖𝕤

🗝️ Secret Society
🗝️ Found Family
🗝️ Enemies to Lovers
🗝️ Gothic Academia
🗝️ Forced Proximity
🗝️ Protective MMC
🗝️ Love Triangle
🗝️ Will They Won’t They
🗝️ He Falls First

𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕣𝕓

At nineteen years old, surviving each day is the only thing I’ve become accustomed to. After
losing my mother in a car accident, and spending my teenage years in the ruthless foster system.
I’ve become too familiar with the cruelty and loneliness this world has to offer.
My life was hanging by a fraying thread, and I was about to lose everything I had worked so
hard to attain. I was hopeless and defeated by the hand I had been dealt.
That is, until a letter arrived from my unfamiliar late grandfather's estate, deeming me the sole
heir of his grand fortune, including Gravenhurst Manor and Hollowcrest Academy.
With nothing left to lose, I accept my fate and make my way to Hollowcrest–a town which thrives on power, legacy and secrets. Where shadows lurk around every corner, and nothing is quite what it seems.
A charming son of a founding family captures my attention. His charisma and magnetism call to me, but I can’t stop my heart from being drawn to another–the brooding groundskeeper of my new place of residence, who has a wicked grin and an even sharper tongue.
Caught in a whirlwind of desire, hatred and passion, I must follow my heart's desires, even if that means uncovering much more than I’ve bargained for.

#DarkAcademia #GothicAcademia #enemiestolovers #lovetriangle #ForcedProximity

[Queenhack · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review

Well, that was a ride!! A lot of things happened and I am angry about a lot of them. To begin with I want to say I liked the plot and plot twists were amazing. I also liked the gothic themes in the story,seems like a really beautiful world.

Honestly speaking this story started so well, I loved Verena and then all of a sudden they was a sudden change in her character. What happened to never letting a man make you feel small again? It vanished and off it was gone. I understand there was a lot of manipulation going on and that she is only 19 but I expected better decisions and awareness from her. I am mourning Verena right now. Her character was butchered towards the end but that's fine. I am sure she will be back in full force in the next book. Also between the two MMCs she should have chosen herself. Yes, I am selfish like that.

Also, She shouldn't have thrown herself in a whirlwind of a romance right after relocating. If she had taken her time to understand and properly assimilate to her environment. She would have been better off. Not to talk of her insecurities, she had deep rooted issues of abandonment and loneliness which also affected her decisions. Honestly, she would need to unpack that so that there would be significant character development in book two.

Well, with Loxen, for him at the start he said really despicable things, maybe I am overreacting but those statements just threw me off, like trying to shame Verena and stuff for 'potentially' giving it up on the first date. Those statements followed me till the end. Yes, he apologised but it was kind of mediocre. Towards the end though he redeemed himself a bit but that's just about it. I am sure I will see more of him in the next book, probably I might even love him.

As for Reed, I would like to offer him as sacrifice to the gods. End of discussion, I'd rather not talk about him.

And Archie and Mauve were so supportive of Verena. They were actually real to her.

All in all, a number of things didn't work for me but I would tune in to book two to see some character development. If you like gothic themed books and all this book will probably be for you !!

[JeAna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verena lived alone after her mother died , and worked as a waitress in a pub to sustain herself. One day she gets fired, and in that same day she receives a letter informing her that she inherited Gravenhurst Manor and Hollowcrest Academy whilst her grandfather passed away. She decided to visit this manor to find out the truth after losing both her job and her home. Loxen Grey, a man she meets at the manor, captures her interest and causes her to have conflicting emotions regarding him. At the same time, she attracts the interest of another man at the Academy, Reed, who attempts to pursue her and claim her as his. Everything in Ren's life changes after her moving to manor.


Strong, independent, naive, and fierce, Verena Gravenhurst had a tough life. Her challenging past shaped the girl she is today. In an effort to fulfil one of her grandfather's wishes, she decided to attend the academy, where for a moment she was able to blend in.

Loxen Grey is a loyal, caring, and protective man who makes every effort to keep Ren safe of the secret society. He is drawn to Ren straight away and doesn't give up until Ren learns the truth about this Secret Society, Hollow Iris Crest.


Wow!!
This was my first thought I had after reading this book.
I was astounded by how amazing it was. It's the first gothic-themed book I've ever read, but I loved it.

All of the story's events were brilliantly described by the writers. The plot was made more interesting, appealing, and intriguing by the character development and side characters. Ren always wanted to be a part of something, somewhere. She cannot figure out which of the two men is right for her and her feelings are torn between them.
Although there were times in the story where I was upset with her for being so naive, but I made an effort to sympathise and comprehend her reasons.
I felt an emotional rollercoaster while reading this book.
I'm thrilled to have found these incredible writers and I can't wait for the next part of the story, which I hope will be released soon.

[Tals' Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

📖 ARC REVIEW 📖

Tether by @authorcadencesmoke & @author.demivalentine
Releasing 15th July 2026

First of all, I’m absolutely fuming that I have to wait until 2027 for book two. Are you trying to torture me? Because that ending?! My heart cannot take it anymore.

I started off super confused at the beginning of the book, but it was probably just the world building and all the lead up, because as the story went on, everything started to come together and click into place.

The gothic atmosphere pulled me in real quick though. Hook, line, and sinker. I LIVE for the manor, the academy, the graveyard vibes, and the dark gothic academia setting was delivered perfectly. Chef’s kiss, I tell you. Chef’s kiss.

Verena, or Ren as she likes to be called, was so down on her luck, the poor girl, and watching her struggle to find her place was sad, but also really realistic. When you have to pack up and move somewhere strange and start over, it can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. But she didn’t let it get to her too much. There were definitely parts of the book that had me questioning Ren, but I also understood why she behaved the way she did. It wasn’t often that someone truly gave her the time of day.

She was written so beautifully, and honestly, so was the whole book. The writing and atmosphere felt poetic and immersive. It was amazing to read, but even more amazing to actually see those images in your mind. I love books like this.

The romance was good too. I don’t mind a little love triangle. And the suspense? YASSS.

They absolutely ate with this. The last 20–30% had me fucking gagged, I tell you what. The plot twist? HELLO?? I had some theories and one of them was correct, but another? I was so far off the mark it’s not even funny.

Shit is gonna go down in book 2. I can feel it. My girls gonna pop the fuck off!!!

UGH YES. If you love gothic academia vibes, suspense, secrets, and unraveling mysteries, definitely add this one to your TBR.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Candace Smoke & Demi Valentine for the ARC!

---> IG
---> TikTok

🗝️Enemies to Lovers
🗝️Dark Academia
🗝️Forced Proximity
🗝️Secret Society
🗝️He Falls First
🗝️Love Triangle

"Welcome to Hollowcrest. Where fates are tethered by secrets and love knows no bounds"

Verena Gravenhurst finds herself down on her luck, on the edge of being evicted from her dingy apartment when a mysterious letter arrives informing her that her grandfather has died. A grandfather that she has never met. But that's not all.... she is now the owner of a gothic old mansion and an entire school.

"The Manor has been quiet for years, and then you showed up, and it feels alive again. it's as if it recognized you. Like it's been waiting for you to come home."

This was a fast-paced gothic academia story filled with mystery and LOTS of tension....and a love triangle. As soon as Ren steps out of the car at her new home, she locks eyes with a mysterious man who she assumes is the groundskeeper, Loxen. She is undeniable attracted to him, but he is a total jerk and keeps disappearing. Reed is the golden boy at school and a fellow legacy, founder of the town. Their relationship is 0-100 even though Ren's best friend Mauve warns her against him.

As hard as she tries to keep her focus on Reed, Loxen keeps popping back into her mind.

“Lay back, little crow, and let me fill you with a love so bewitching, you’ll never forget who your heart belongs to.”

I will say that while I enjoyed the entire book, the last 20% was CRAZY! I has guessed at most of the twists but in this case, I was glad that I did because it made the story so wild. It does end on a cliffhanger that had me 😱😱😱!!

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tether by Cadence Smoke & Demi Valentine
Book 1 in the Boundless Love Duet
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes
Enemies to Lovers
Gothic Academy
Forced Proximity
Protective MMC
Secret Society
He Falls First

Review
Okay…I loved this. Like really loved it—except for one person (you know who you are)

From the start, I was hooked. The whole gothic academy vibe mixed with secret societies had me completely locked in.

Verena…girl. I wanted to shake her so many times and be like PLEASE open your eyes; the red flags are screaming at you. But at the same time, I get it. The way she’s thrown into this world, everything changing overnight, not feeling like she belongs anywhere–it made her feel really real, even when I was frustrated with her choices.

And Loxen?? Oh my god. He carried. The tension, the looks, the way he showed up. I lived for every scene with him. Their banter was so good, and the softer moments…Yeah, I was gone.

The romance had me in a chokehold. It’s that perfect mix of tension and chemistry.

The plot twists.. So good. I didn’t see it coming the way it unfolded, nor the ending. Actually painful. Like I sat there staring at the page going “no…no way.” It broke my heart more than once, and now I’m just sitting here needing book two immediately.

Overall, this was such a fun, emotional, slightly chaotic read with a lot of tension and just enough darkness to keep things interesting. If you like enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, and a protective MMC in a gothic setting–this is 100% worth picking up.

And yeah…I’m gonna need the next book like yesterday.

Quotes

They say time heals all wounds, and maybe they’re right. But to heal a laceration as deep as the grief I hold, well, it would take a lifetime of mending.

[The Soft Curse Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the authors for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

Some books rely on fast paced action to keep you reading. Tether does the opposite. It slowly pulls you deeper into its world until you suddenly realise you’re completely invested.

This is the kind of story that thrives on curiosity. Every chapter left me with another question, another theory, another reason to keep turning the page. Just when I thought I understood someone’s intentions, the story quietly nudged me in another direction.

The setting deserves a special mention. Rather than simply being a backdrop, the academy and the manor feel alive, carrying the weight of old secrets and forgotten histories. The eerie atmosphere never felt forced, it simply became part of the reading experience, making every discovery even more satisfying.

Ren is a protagonist who grows on you naturally. She isn’t perfect, but she’s determined, resilient, and easy to follow as she finds herself caught in something much bigger than she expected. I also appreciated that the supporting cast never felt like decoration; everyone seemed to have their own motives, which made every interaction feel important.

And then there’s the romance… let’s just say I knew exactly which character had my attention from the beginning. If mysterious, morally grey love interests are your weakness, you’ll probably understand why.

The first part takes its time building the foundations, but that patience pays off. Once the pieces begin to connect, the story gains momentum and finishes with enough unanswered questions to leave me genuinely excited for what’s next.

If you love gothic fantasy with dark academia vibes, layered mysteries, morally grey characters, magical creatures, and a romance wrapped in secrets, Tether is one I’d definitely recommend.

I’m already looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.

[Santina Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd like to thank Luna Literacy for allowing me to be an ARC reader. This is my true and honest opinion and I won't sugar coat it.

I'm not sure where to start about how I felt about this book. It was well written, the opening two chapters were very captivating and drew me right in, and I thought the authors did a very good job letting the reader get inside the MFC's mind/life/struggles - I felt connected to her immediately. Also, I really liked the secondary MMC - Lox... I found his role interesting.

With all that said, I had difficulty with some of the major plot lines...
1. The FMC is fighting for her dignity, especially concerning how she's treated by men, yet she turns promiscuous immediately upon meeting the MMCs. My head spun it happened so fast. I found myself annoyed by this, it went against the characteristic traits that were built in the first two chapters. I love a spicy book, but I want the sex to be hot, sensual, sexy.
2. She inherits a mansion and school. Not sure why but I thought it'd be a school of magic or something intriguing. I think it was supposed to be college, but everyone acted like high schoolers, so I'm not sure.
3. The decisions she makes just made me want to put book down. I kept saying WTF? But I kept reading because I hoped it would get better.
4. Lastly, as I mentioned - the first chapter was fantastic -but when the scene comes back around at the end - it was as if it had already been written once so why go into any detail the second time. It was just skipped over. It was the most powerful scene of the book and they skipped over it. Afterwards, I honestly wondered if it was the same scene at all, but it definitely seemed like the same scene.

I found myself asking where their beta readers were?

Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book or read the second in the series.

[Veronica Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tether by Cadence Smoke and Demi Valentine is a Dark Romance Love Triangle following Verena Gravenhurst, Loxen Gray and Reed Sullivan. 🚩🚩 This is for readers 18 years and/or older as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. I cannot stress this enough…there are extremely dark themes so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩🚩

💭 My thoughts 💭
I will be honest, I went into this book not knowing anything about it 🫣 I just knew that if it was coming from Cadence Smoke and Demi Valentine, I was going to read it because I knew this was going to be good. But good is not a word worthy enough for this book…no. Great, jaw dropping, gasp worthy, all the words. That’s how amazing this book is, plot twist after plot twist that are top tier. The banter soooo good which naturally is top tier. Ahhhhh. Verena hasn’t had it easy since her mom passed, now she suddenly inherits a full estate and a whole @$$ academy from a grandfather she never even knew about. Living a life of luxury after barely making ends meet, she is thrown into a place full of secrets and a secret society that sucks her in. Not to mention catching the attention of the most popular guy in the Academy, Reed Sullivan; while also fighting for just a little bit of information from the mysterious grounds keeper Loxen Gray. Goodness!!! This book does end on a cliffhanger but, in my humble opinion, this book ends perfectly without making you feel like you want to throw your kindle/book out of the window because you have to wait for the next. If you love reading Love Triangles with Gothic Vibes then you will not be disappointed in this one. I guarantee it!!

✨I would like to thank Authors Cadence Smoke and Demi Valentine along with Luna Literary for the opportunity to read and review Tether.