Tied
Series: All Torn Up, #2
Author: Carian Cole
Publication Date: November 12, 2018
Genre: New Adult, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Synopsis:
Tyler Grace was many things.
A myth. An outcast. A hero.
My prince.
My childhood and innocence were stolen when I was kidnapped at five years old. For eleven years I clung to my childhood fairytale books, waiting for the prince I hoped would someday save me and carry me off to a happily ever after.
I had no idea my savior would come in the form of a scarred recluse, covered in tattoos, who can’t–or won’t–speak a word.
But the moment our eyes met I knew he was the one. My prince.
Tyler Grace is haunted by his tragic past and he’s sentenced himself to a lifetime of solitude in the woods. He’s as lost in society as I am; scarred just as much on the inside as the outside. Just like me.
He saved my life that day he found me and killed my captor with his bare hands. I was warned to stay away from him. But I can’t stop thinking about him. I ache to hear his voice and see him smile. And I want nothing more than to be the one to break through his walls.
I think he’s the only one who can break through mine, too.
Together we can have love, happiness, and a closeness that once felt impossible to have. But can we overcome the horrible, twisted past that ties us together?
** Tied can be read as a single book, and has a happy ending
Tied is a book that has been around for several years now, but it’s one I hadn’t heard about until Tanya mentioned it was one of her favorites in a TTT post a while back. I downloaded it and it sat on my Kindle for a while. I finally had a chance to read it, and I’m so glad I did.
Carian Cole’s writing is emotionally addictive. I devoured this book. I couldn’t have put it down if I wanted to. I was so invested in Holly and Tyler’s story. It’s a sweet romance filled with so much sadness. Neither of them has had it easy.
Holly was kidnapped and abused for years before she is found and saved by Tyler. Her story is gut wrenching and horrifying. It is sometimes hard to read about. She has so much healing and reconnecting to do. Tyler’s life has been in upheaval for years after two devastating accidents changed his appearance and life. His freedom has been taken, but in a different way than Holly’s. Tyler hides from those who might judge him and has imprisoned himself in doing so. Both Holly and Tyler have to find a way to move on from their trauma and live outside the shadows. It’s hard and painful, but also beautiful. They way Holly and Tyler found solace and hope with each other was everything.
Holly and Tyler were not alone in this book. Family also has a big presence. Returning to her past life with her parents and siblings isn’t as easy as Holly thought it would be. Everyone has a different idea of what is best for her. I loved seeing her reconnect with her brother and grandmother. Tyler is loosely connected to his brothers, sister, and mother, but holds them at a distance. The interactions he has with them are sometimes surprising but always greatly needed. There were so many complex dynamics and I loved how Cole wrote them.
I don’t really know what else to say about Tied. It’s a book that will stay on my mind for a long time. I’m very happy that Holly and Tyler got their HEA.
CW: kidnapping, child physical and sexual abuse, starvation, PTSD, past alcohol and drug abuse