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Keepers of the Talisman #1
Binding Rayne
Demon sightings, missing girls, and dead witches.As a paranormal investigator, Rayne is no stranger to the unknown. But when she embarks on her latest case, her life takes a turn toward the magical.An ancient talisman and four sexy as hell Magical Keepers all but land in her lap, changing not only who she is, but what she will become. Rayne soon learns her newly acquired type of magic is sought out and destroyed. It might just seal her fate.Caught in between her old life and learning to be a witch, Rayne will be forced to decide between ending a curse or walking away and risking the lives of herself and others. Toussaint, Leif, Aedan, and Maceo are just as unprepared to become Rayne’s Keepers as she is to embrace her magical powers.Knowing she is the key to breaking the curse, can Rayne master her magic and fix what was broken?Don’t miss Binding Rayne, the first in the Keepers of the Talisman series by Rowan Thalia. If you like paranormal sightings, shifters, witches, and tempting men, this reverse harem will have you turning the pages!
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 14, 2019
162 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Thalia
27 books127 followersWelcome to my author page. My pen name is Rowan Thalia. I published my first novel on February 14, 2019.
I discovered very early on that I loved writing. Poetry was my first love and form of expression. I’ve written poems since I was sixteen and have quite the collection by now! Some of them you can find in my two poetry anthologies.
I’ve always been an avid reader and writer of short stories. My favorite author of all time is Anne Rice. In fact my pen name stems from one of her characters, Rowan, from The Witching Hour.
It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided to push through and write a full-length novel. I started Binding Rayne (which went through several title changes at first) but struggled with the direction. In the middle of the first draft, I happened upon the reverse-harem book community on facebook. The complicated romances rooted in my author heart and before long my book took on a new direction. The Keepers of the Talisman trilogy was born!
Since then, I have written and published many more reverse-harem romance novels, most of them paranormal in genre. Never to be one to sit idle, I’ve recently opened a second pen name - R. Thalia . With this name, I began the journey of writing my first (non-romance) paranormal thriller. I can’t wait to break out and show the book world my full range of capabilities.
Thank you for all of the support and love that has been shown toward my book babies so far, I hope to keep surprising you with bigger and better projects!
I discovered very early on that I loved writing. Poetry was my first love and form of expression. I’ve written poems since I was sixteen and have quite the collection by now! Some of them you can find in my two poetry anthologies.
I’ve always been an avid reader and writer of short stories. My favorite author of all time is Anne Rice. In fact my pen name stems from one of her characters, Rowan, from The Witching Hour.
It wasn’t until 2017 that I decided to push through and write a full-length novel. I started Binding Rayne (which went through several title changes at first) but struggled with the direction. In the middle of the first draft, I happened upon the reverse-harem book community on facebook. The complicated romances rooted in my author heart and before long my book took on a new direction. The Keepers of the Talisman trilogy was born!
Since then, I have written and published many more reverse-harem romance novels, most of them paranormal in genre. Never to be one to sit idle, I’ve recently opened a second pen name - R. Thalia . With this name, I began the journey of writing my first (non-romance) paranormal thriller. I can’t wait to break out and show the book world my full range of capabilities.
Thank you for all of the support and love that has been shown toward my book babies so far, I hope to keep surprising you with bigger and better projects!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 4, 2019
Binding Rayne by Rowan Thalia starts off as a ghost story but soon turns into an epic reverse harem saga. A team of under the radar, paranormal investigators are sent to a creepy hotel and a cabin in the woods to find a woman who has gone missing. Basically, ghosts scare them all, then it gets really crazy, demons, shifters, witches and a damn good ghost spooking combine with reverse harem in an epic new way. I loved the good old ghost story feeling and once the story started to expand and wee hints of what we can expect next came into it, I was sucked right in. Although a lot of these themes are in other paranormal reverse harem books, I truly heard a new voice in Thalia. I will be waiting with baited breath for the next two books in the series!
February 5, 2019
This book is so good! Rowan Thalia is a gifted writer who brings her worlds to life. I loved Rayne! She is a kickass Mc and the storyline was unique in so many ways. The steamy parts were HOT! It was refreshing and so well written! You do not want to miss out on this one!
February 5, 2019
What starts off as an adult scooby doo mystery turns quickly into a smoking hot paranormal war.
I LOVE this book. The author really knows how to bring the heat for a rocket fueled burn of a ride.
I LOVE this book. The author really knows how to bring the heat for a rocket fueled burn of a ride.
February 13, 2019
Binding Rayne: Keepers of the Talisman by Rowan Thalia is a paranormal reverser harem novel and this book is STEAMY! Rayne is the main character in this book and she’s a witch coming into her powers. For years her powers have been dormant and inactive, but with the unexpected aid of a talisman her powers are flaring to life and the men who will be her keepers are being drawn and bound to her one by one. Rayne is facing a strange case of a paranormal haunting at a small hotel and the abduction of a young woman by a demon. Rayne is quickly going to find out that not only are the two situations connected to each other but that they are connected to her as well. There are secrets that are being hidden from her and someone wants them to stay that way.
Binding Rayne is the first book that I have read by Rowan Thalia and this book is a knockout. I enjoy reverse harem novels and this book does not disappoint. The author kept me engaged from beginning to end. Rayne and her men are engaging characters. I love how unique each one is and how they have no real idea as to the extent of or in some cases the existence of whom or what they truly are. I enjoy and appreciate the extent of mystery that the author weaves into this book. The mystery and suspense in certain situations keep me turning pages so that I learn what happens next.
This story moves at a quick pace and is full of steamy scenes with Rayne and her men, either one on one or in pairs. There honestly isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. The only thing I will say is this…I’m surprised that no one suggests using protection. I guess I’ve read so many romance novels of where that is a concern for the characters. LOL!
All in all, I enjoyed this book. I’m eager to learn the secrets that HQ is hiding from Rayne and the men. It seems like this is something major! The author has absolutely piqued my interest in learning what happened in the past, what is going to happen in the future and so much more. If you enjoy a deliciously steamy reverse harem novel with tons of things going on then this is the book for you. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Binding Rayne is the first book that I have read by Rowan Thalia and this book is a knockout. I enjoy reverse harem novels and this book does not disappoint. The author kept me engaged from beginning to end. Rayne and her men are engaging characters. I love how unique each one is and how they have no real idea as to the extent of or in some cases the existence of whom or what they truly are. I enjoy and appreciate the extent of mystery that the author weaves into this book. The mystery and suspense in certain situations keep me turning pages so that I learn what happens next.
This story moves at a quick pace and is full of steamy scenes with Rayne and her men, either one on one or in pairs. There honestly isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. The only thing I will say is this…I’m surprised that no one suggests using protection. I guess I’ve read so many romance novels of where that is a concern for the characters. LOL!
All in all, I enjoyed this book. I’m eager to learn the secrets that HQ is hiding from Rayne and the men. It seems like this is something major! The author has absolutely piqued my interest in learning what happened in the past, what is going to happen in the future and so much more. If you enjoy a deliciously steamy reverse harem novel with tons of things going on then this is the book for you. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.
February 14, 2019
Wow..... I may or may not have stayed up all night reading this as soon as it popped into my library. This book is seriously amazing. Not only do you have a great female lead you also have a delectable selection of men. So much is happening and the plot is constantly making you do a double take. The quality of writing is refreshing and you are so absorbed in the book at the end I'm not ashamed to say I shouted. Yeah there's a cliffhanger but the next one is out next month and already on pre-order. If you want a change-up to your usual you won't be disappointed.
February 14, 2019
Binding Rayne starts out as an exciting story about Rayne and her team on a ghost hunt. It quickly turns into a very steamy read with more mysteries to solve! The chemistry between Rayne and her men is intense from the start and only gets better as the book goes on. I really enjoyed this one and I can't wait for the next!
February 14, 2019
First time published writer Rowan Thalia killed it in Binding Rayne. It’s such an amazing story with Demon sightings, missing girls, and dead witches. And you can’t forget the hot guys. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book.
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May 18, 2019
I really didn't like this book and to be honest, I couldn't force myself to finish it. I only made it to about 45% or so and threw in the towel.
This may all be a bit spoilery so proceed with caution.
When the story starts, it has the feeling of missing the first half of the book. Two of the characters are established with each other as friends of three years or so but their relationship progresses so quickly that it didn't seem to make much sense. I guess more of a telling versus showing issue. They're employed with a ghost hunting type organization but the info is kinda sketchy on that. They're meeting up with three new "team members" for a job. Is that normal for the organization? How do they get set up with team members? Is each job with new team members? It's mentioned that her grandmother used to work for the same organization but she never met her grandmother. Did she die, is she missing, how does she have the witchy book that belonged to her grandmother? There's little to no info on all that.
Since two characters are already friends and end up "bonded" within the first little bit of time, it felt rushed and there really wasn't any build up whatsoever. Just bam, done.
Before you know it, she's bonded with a bunch of strangers and their emotions for each other are, at best, unbelievable given that they've known each other less than 24 hours but now they have all these feelings and blah blah blah. The fact that the bond is explained by her as basically "this is what I need so get on board with it" does nothing for me.
There's a scene where they're all in the car and it's basically an info dump that read kinda like an AA meeting "Hi my name is Blah, I'm blah years old, I live in blah...blah blag blah" All the characters went around and that was that. Again I think it's the difference in telling versus showing. Maybe?
This book has a multitude POV setup and, unfortunately, each POV is the same. None of them had a distinct quality, half the time I couldn't even remember who was supposed to be talking. The only difference is her and touss add in some creole or Haitian words just to mix it up. The dialogue is stilted.
I will say that the premise of the story is intriguing and while I did want to see how that all played out, it wasn't enough to push through all the things I didn't like. I need more with the characters. Build up, development, personalities. All those things were lacking up to the point I stopped.
This may all be a bit spoilery so proceed with caution.
When the story starts, it has the feeling of missing the first half of the book. Two of the characters are established with each other as friends of three years or so but their relationship progresses so quickly that it didn't seem to make much sense. I guess more of a telling versus showing issue. They're employed with a ghost hunting type organization but the info is kinda sketchy on that. They're meeting up with three new "team members" for a job. Is that normal for the organization? How do they get set up with team members? Is each job with new team members? It's mentioned that her grandmother used to work for the same organization but she never met her grandmother. Did she die, is she missing, how does she have the witchy book that belonged to her grandmother? There's little to no info on all that.
Since two characters are already friends and end up "bonded" within the first little bit of time, it felt rushed and there really wasn't any build up whatsoever. Just bam, done.
Before you know it, she's bonded with a bunch of strangers and their emotions for each other are, at best, unbelievable given that they've known each other less than 24 hours but now they have all these feelings and blah blah blah. The fact that the bond is explained by her as basically "this is what I need so get on board with it" does nothing for me.
There's a scene where they're all in the car and it's basically an info dump that read kinda like an AA meeting "Hi my name is Blah, I'm blah years old, I live in blah...blah blag blah" All the characters went around and that was that. Again I think it's the difference in telling versus showing. Maybe?
This book has a multitude POV setup and, unfortunately, each POV is the same. None of them had a distinct quality, half the time I couldn't even remember who was supposed to be talking. The only difference is her and touss add in some creole or Haitian words just to mix it up. The dialogue is stilted.
I will say that the premise of the story is intriguing and while I did want to see how that all played out, it wasn't enough to push through all the things I didn't like. I need more with the characters. Build up, development, personalities. All those things were lacking up to the point I stopped.
July 15, 2023
This book has some intriguing pieces but a lot of problems. The dialogue was really abrupt to the point of jarring. It didn’t flow very well. There were abrupt breaks in the dialogue or action. It would make me have to reread some passages multiple times to figure out what happened. There were a lot of major discrepancies, that made the plot holes even more of a problem.
The following aren’t spoilers per say but they do describe the location, along with some of the illogical actions and choices in the book. They don’t give away the action that happens. There are 2 spoilers that you’ll have to click on to see.
For example a good chunk of the book has the team/harem investigating a supposedly super remote and isolated cabin. So the team rents ATV’s and UTV’s along with an outrageous amount of camping equipment and supplies to camp near the cabin. After everything is dealt with at the cabin a couple of the team/harem members stay in the cabin to wait for the police to pull into the driveway. WTF!!! There’s a fucking driveway. Why did the team camp? Not to mention the entire camping situation was extremely unrealistic (the tent was so large that it easily fit 5 cots, table and chairs along with a section to bathe in).
That doesn’t even go into the fact that the 5 people in the team/harem rented 2 ATV’s and 2 UTV’s. Each UTV can transport 4 people and the ATV only transport 1 person. Why did they need a second UTV. In fact one UTV had 2 people in it and the other only had the driver. This ultimately is a little thing but it really irked me especially if you factor in the environmental cost along with the rental cost.
It gets even worse earlier in the book the team decides that they will leave super early for the cabin on a certain date. Then the team ends up leaving around 3pm (in October) a day early. They then have to drive to a remote trailhead, hop on the all terrain vehicles, make camp and then continue on to the cabin. Not mention there was a storm about hit while they were doing this. The worse part is that after they set up camp (racing to beat the storm) they then decide to hike to the cabin. Why!!! Why would you wait till dark to visit the cabin that might have a demon when you know the demon can only come out at night. There is no mention of the storm actually occurring.
The creation of the harem was so unrealistic fast to the point of ridiculousness. To the point of slight dub-con. After being bound without consent all the men are a-ok with having a permanent mate bond with the FMC. The FMC also didn’t have a choice with some of the member.
The FMC would periodically would bark out a demand action/choice etc. A lot of the time the it would be to tell someone what their choice/need would be. She didn’t ask what the person wanted no to she told them what they wanted. Supposedly she was the leader but several of the others were older and had way more experience. She only seemed to lead some of the time. It was inconsistent and insensitive. I felt like she treated the men rather poorly. She didn’t seem to do much for them but they showered her with thoughtful gestures. Some of the men weren’t all that well developed they seemed to be more along the lines of secondary characters than a main character.
The following aren’t spoilers per say but they do describe the location, along with some of the illogical actions and choices in the book. They don’t give away the action that happens. There are 2 spoilers that you’ll have to click on to see.
For example a good chunk of the book has the team/harem investigating a supposedly super remote and isolated cabin. So the team rents ATV’s and UTV’s along with an outrageous amount of camping equipment and supplies to camp near the cabin. After everything is dealt with at the cabin a couple of the team/harem members stay in the cabin to wait for the police to pull into the driveway. WTF!!! There’s a fucking driveway. Why did the team camp? Not to mention the entire camping situation was extremely unrealistic (the tent was so large that it easily fit 5 cots, table and chairs along with a section to bathe in).
That doesn’t even go into the fact that the 5 people in the team/harem rented 2 ATV’s and 2 UTV’s. Each UTV can transport 4 people and the ATV only transport 1 person. Why did they need a second UTV. In fact one UTV had 2 people in it and the other only had the driver. This ultimately is a little thing but it really irked me especially if you factor in the environmental cost along with the rental cost.
It gets even worse earlier in the book the team decides that they will leave super early for the cabin on a certain date. Then the team ends up leaving around 3pm (in October) a day early. They then have to drive to a remote trailhead, hop on the all terrain vehicles, make camp and then continue on to the cabin. Not mention there was a storm about hit while they were doing this. The worse part is that after they set up camp (racing to beat the storm) they then decide to hike to the cabin. Why!!! Why would you wait till dark to visit the cabin that might have a demon when you know the demon can only come out at night. There is no mention of the storm actually occurring.
The creation of the harem was so unrealistic fast to the point of ridiculousness. To the point of slight dub-con. After being bound without consent all the men are a-ok with having a permanent mate bond with the FMC. The FMC also didn’t have a choice with some of the member.
The FMC would periodically would bark out a demand action/choice etc. A lot of the time the it would be to tell someone what their choice/need would be. She didn’t ask what the person wanted no to she told them what they wanted. Supposedly she was the leader but several of the others were older and had way more experience. She only seemed to lead some of the time. It was inconsistent and insensitive. I felt like she treated the men rather poorly. She didn’t seem to do much for them but they showered her with thoughtful gestures. Some of the men weren’t all that well developed they seemed to be more along the lines of secondary characters than a main character.
February 15, 2019
Mystery and suspense
Rayne and her team are on a ghost hunt case, that adds magic , powers and steam. With everything being thrown at them, the intensity and speed of everything happening and the way the group grows from it is absolutely amazing and leaves you wanting more of their story. Truly couldn't book the book down with all the emotions of have me, i will definitely be rereading and enjoying this book no matter how old it gets.
Rayne and her team are on a ghost hunt case, that adds magic , powers and steam. With everything being thrown at them, the intensity and speed of everything happening and the way the group grows from it is absolutely amazing and leaves you wanting more of their story. Truly couldn't book the book down with all the emotions of have me, i will definitely be rereading and enjoying this book no matter how old it gets.
February 17, 2019
Fast-paced and Sexy
Binding Rayne is extremely fast-paced. Rowan Thalia is liberal with the steamy scenes, while still following along a set storyline. If you want the characters to ease into an emotional relationship, this is not the book for you. If, however, you want there to be a plausible explanation for things to heat up quickly so that you can get into the meat of the book, you will enjoy this. Looking forward to book 2!
Binding Rayne is extremely fast-paced. Rowan Thalia is liberal with the steamy scenes, while still following along a set storyline. If you want the characters to ease into an emotional relationship, this is not the book for you. If, however, you want there to be a plausible explanation for things to heat up quickly so that you can get into the meat of the book, you will enjoy this. Looking forward to book 2!
February 14, 2019
What a spooky scary setting filled with steamy sexy guys! I was not expecting the feels from this read and for a first time author well done. I cannot wait for the second book!
February 17, 2019
Loved this book! Ratne and her men are amazing. Loved how it is a mix of horror and paranormal romance! Don't miss out, must read
January 1, 2022
💚💜💙💛
OMMFG I loved this book!! I really need to know what happens next. Rayne is awesome and her keepers are 💜💙💛💚.
OMMFG I loved this book!! I really need to know what happens next. Rayne is awesome and her keepers are 💜💙💛💚.
March 17, 2019
I loved it.
February 22, 2019
This book is a fast-paced, steamy paranormal reverse harem. The heroine and her new team are paranormal investigators with different gifts or abilities. She happens to be a dormant witch newly coming into her powers. She starts out the with aide of a newfound talisman and her harem of keepers being drawn and bound to her one by one. This is just where the adventures begin. Secrets, intrigue, suspense, intense, twists and turns, sexy, gripping, and insanely hot chemistry!! A must read!!
February 22, 2019
****4.5 stars ⭐️......
Binding Rayne... Wow ! Wasn’t expecting it to get steamy so fast😂super fast burn with a Briliant Badass FMC and Action Packed too🔥So well and uniquely written ,I really enjoyed this book kinda want more substance but otherwise can’t wait to read the next installments!❤️Give Me More!!!💞
Binding Rayne... Wow ! Wasn’t expecting it to get steamy so fast😂super fast burn with a Briliant Badass FMC and Action Packed too🔥So well and uniquely written ,I really enjoyed this book kinda want more substance but otherwise can’t wait to read the next installments!❤️Give Me More!!!💞
February 22, 2019
Loved this book!!
This book was so well written and easy to follow the chemistry between characters was on point!! Thank you for a good read!! Definitely recommend
This book was so well written and easy to follow the chemistry between characters was on point!! Thank you for a good read!! Definitely recommend
March 6, 2019
Interesting
This book is interesting, very fast moving and hot. Of your looking for those things add in magic and a harem and your set.
This book is interesting, very fast moving and hot. Of your looking for those things add in magic and a harem and your set.
March 6, 2019
adored this book! it's like a horror and love story made a baby and out came this book! I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
February 20, 2019
Binding Rayne is a fast paced, extremely STEAMY reverse harem. *seriously, I need a cold shower!* I did not want this to end. I'm extremely attached to Rayne and her men. I can not wait for the next book.
June 27, 2019
This fast paced mystery will have you on the edge of your seat! No time to get bored reading here! There is a whole lot going on as you follow Rayne and her ghost/demon hunters. The original storyline and plethora of characters will keep you guessing right until the end. Lots, and I mean lots of sexy time has been woven in as Rayne buildings her harem of keepers (guardians). A cliffhanger keeps up our mystery, as you highly anticipate #2. Looking forward to the next installment 👍
April 22, 2019
Better to choke on greatness than only chew on mediocrity...
FMC Rayne is a hardworking 'shadow chaser' working in the human world to keep supers under wraps and rid us of demons, ghost and unwanted entities. Rayne is strong willed and determined but has she bitten off more than she can chew? A wonderful engaging story with strong character voices that leave no doubt in my mind on who is who. So pleased I can read the next book straight away as that cliffhanger is cruel😉
FMC Rayne is a hardworking 'shadow chaser' working in the human world to keep supers under wraps and rid us of demons, ghost and unwanted entities. Rayne is strong willed and determined but has she bitten off more than she can chew? A wonderful engaging story with strong character voices that leave no doubt in my mind on who is who. So pleased I can read the next book straight away as that cliffhanger is cruel😉
May 22, 2019
Hot, Steamy and Spooky!
This book starts off as a spooky ghost hunting story and then turns into an awesome panty melting RH story with spooks throughout. It was intense and suspenseful with many very steamy moments. The characters are really great and lovable and the storyline is fantastic. Who doesn’t love a good ghost story?
I can’t wait to read what happens next in this series.
Great writing. Highly recommend.
This book starts off as a spooky ghost hunting story and then turns into an awesome panty melting RH story with spooks throughout. It was intense and suspenseful with many very steamy moments. The characters are really great and lovable and the storyline is fantastic. Who doesn’t love a good ghost story?
I can’t wait to read what happens next in this series.
Great writing. Highly recommend.
May 22, 2019
Holy Hotness
Paranormal. Rh. 5/6 guys. Magical mate bond. Super duper steamy. Fast burn. Rayne and her team go investigate a hotel haunting and a demon siting. Turns out more than what it seemed. This storyline is great. All the characters have their own personalities. Its fast paced and has pretty awesome action going on. I would say it's on the level of Anita Blake with the bond thing they have going on. 😘
Paranormal. Rh. 5/6 guys. Magical mate bond. Super duper steamy. Fast burn. Rayne and her team go investigate a hotel haunting and a demon siting. Turns out more than what it seemed. This storyline is great. All the characters have their own personalities. Its fast paced and has pretty awesome action going on. I would say it's on the level of Anita Blake with the bond thing they have going on. 😘
March 1, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Rowan is one of my favourite authors, this book gripped me from the beginning and didn't let up till end! This series is amazing and recommended highly
Rowan is one of my favourite authors, this book gripped me from the beginning and didn't let up till end! This series is amazing and recommended highly
November 14, 2019
Magically delicious
From the very first few pages, this book sets a steamy pace of magic and mystery as this paranormal group of investigators finds themselves magically bound to Rayne, who didn't even know she was a witch. On top of all of that, they latest assignment may actually be more than a mere haunting. It's a fast-paced story that will have you eager for the next book.
From the very first few pages, this book sets a steamy pace of magic and mystery as this paranormal group of investigators finds themselves magically bound to Rayne, who didn't even know she was a witch. On top of all of that, they latest assignment may actually be more than a mere haunting. It's a fast-paced story that will have you eager for the next book.
March 23, 2019
I thought I'd give this book a shot initially when the cover caught my eye. The author is new to me and while I liked the book well enough, I didn't love it. I think Rayne's relationship with her love interests developed a little too quickly, but I think that's just because I prefer a more slow burn.
Overall a good book and I'll be sure to pick up the next one.
Overall a good book and I'll be sure to pick up the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2019
Ghosts and ghost hunters
Very interesting concept of the paranormals. A witch with her keepers/guardians. It’s definitely sizzling and the idea of ghosts and haunted places will give you the heeby geebies for sure. Aside from the sizzling romance that’s definitely a fast burn, this book also gives you mystery and adventure. Good start to a series.
Very interesting concept of the paranormals. A witch with her keepers/guardians. It’s definitely sizzling and the idea of ghosts and haunted places will give you the heeby geebies for sure. Aside from the sizzling romance that’s definitely a fast burn, this book also gives you mystery and adventure. Good start to a series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews