Tethered by L.D. Davis

 “You were born to be mine and I was born to be yours.”

Donya Stewart’s chest filled with the soft beating wings of butterflies when she first met Emmet Grayne’s green eyes at the ripe age of five. Unable to identify the tugging pressure within her when in his presence, Donya moved through the first several years of her life addled by her feelings for the boy who was her best friend’s brother, and very much like her own sibling. But one cool autumn night in her mystifying teenage years, Emmet erases any ideas Donya has of him being anything like a sibling.

Donya and Emmet, unable to deny the invisible cord that fetters them together on an incredibly visceral level, begin a long journey on a road abounding with challenges, hurdles, and destructive forces. Their love for one another is absolute, and the emotional link between them is strong, but when they make a series of painful decisions and mistakes that pull them apart, the strength of that tether is challenged.

Donya’s career as a model took her around the world and away from Emmet who was working hard for his law degree. When Donya makes a hard decision for both of them, the tether between them stretches beyond what seems possible.

“The tether contorted and quivered and groaned in protest.”

With age comes maturity and hindsight. Will Emmet and Donya have to live apart and with the consequences of their choices? Happy endings aren’t always a guarantee, even for two people who were born into this world for each other. Will the link between them bring them together or prove to ensnare them in heartache?

If you are in search of an angst-filled romance novel, get tied into Tethered…


Note From Author: Tethered is meant for mature readers over the age of 18. This is a standalone novel - reading my other published novels is welcome, of course, but not necessary.

I liked LD Davis’ other books, so I was excited to start this.  Imagine my surprise when I realize that this isn’t just a book, its three books!!!  It pretty much covers the entire lives of the main characters.  It was quite a ride. 

This is the story of Donya and Emmett.  As children, Donya is an unofficially adopted daughter in Emmett’s family, as well as his sister’s best friend.  He loves and protects her as a brother would.  Yet, as they age, that love turns from platonic to more.  But the age difference, as well as the strong emotions that connect the two, create challenges.  No time ever seems like the right time for them.  As we follow them into adulthood, will they finally be able to overcome their obstacles to have their happy ending?  Or are they two souls destined to be together that can’t seem to find their way?

Seriously, this book tore my heart out.  It was a pretty long and difficult read for me.  I kept wanting Donya and Emmett to finally come together, but that seemed to be something just out of reach for them.  It was heart wrenching.  I kept thinking that it all has to come together in the end, right?  RIGHT?!?!?!  Well, you’re just going to have to read.  Ugh.  It was crazy.

Now for the most important part: the smut factor.  This book is smut-tastic.  Emmett is possessive and alpha…it was hot.  There are plenty of smexy breaks in the angst that fills this book, and they are needed.

I thought that the way this book was written was really interesting.  It gives you glimpses into the present that leave you guessing as to what, exactly, is going on.  I honestly didn’t not know where this book was going to go; it really kept me on my toes.  Great writing, plot development and chemistry.  My only complaint is that it was slow in parts.  But that’s forgivable because you truly get every nuance of Donya and Emmett’s story.  And it’s a great story.  4.5 stars.