The Quite Between the Tide

At the edge of the Crown’s control lies Ashbourne, an ancient manor bound to witchcraft older than the realm itself. Elowen Ashbourne is its keeper—disciplined, restrained, and fiercely aware that power, once unleashed, is rarely forgiven. Tolerated but never trusted by the Crown, she survives by listening more than she speaks and by refusing to burn even when provoked. Rowan Blackthorn is a Crown hunter, trained to suppress magic and loyalty without hesitation. Sent to Ashbourne under orders, he expects danger and deception. Instead, he finds a woman who meets his authority without fear—and a living estate that recognizes him in ways neither of them understand. When a violent storm traps them together, a forbidden bond ignites. It is not domination or destiny, but resonance—two wills aligning without erasure. Terrified of what it could mean, Elowen and Rowan choose restraint, denying touch even as desire and trust deepen. The bond does not fade. It adapts. At court, their connection becomes a threat. Elowen is summoned to Valecross and subjected to subtle humiliations meant to enforce obedience. Rowan is offered absolution and advancement—if he abandons her. Seraphine Vale, a ruthless court powerbroker, engineers their isolation while the Crown wounds the bond deliberately, testing how much pain it can endure. Instead of breaking, the bond evolves. Elowen fights back with intelligence and precision, uncovering forbidden truths about the Crown’s stolen authority. Rowan defies orders, moving from loyal hunter to quiet traitor. Across forced separation, they coordinate in secret, exposing corruption while a rebel court begins to form around Ashbourne. When the Crown attempts public humiliation and covert assassination, Elowen breaks protocol to save Rowan—choosing open rebellion. The old gods stir as the rebel court marches toward Thornreach, where an ancient blood-bound coronation reveals its true purpose: not to grant power, but to bind the bearer irrevocably to consequence. Elowen accepts, refusing dominion while claiming responsibility. Rowan stands with her by choice, not command. The Crown collapses under its own cruelty, undone not by conquest, but exposure. In the aftermath, Ashbourne becomes a place of listening rather than rule. Elowen and Rowan build a life—and a realm—where power is practiced carefully, love deepens in safety, and authority is held without possession. Their legacy is not legend, but a pattern others learn to follow. The fire that once threatened to destroy the world becomes warmth enough to last.
ASIN: B0GKY9TSGS
VSKU: BVV.B0GKY9TSGS.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Chopik, Karen
Binding: Hardcover
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.