Tighten the Bind

Bys: Shelia Thomas and William Thomas Bailey

Tighten the Bind
Book #1 in the Tighten the Bind series

He's waited his whole life for the one. She's lost faith that love could ever be real.

In the remote pine forests of southern Oregon, 17-year-old Will Thomas is a heavyweight boxing prospect with iron discipline. He's chosen celibacy and solitude to chase Olympic gold, saving his childhood treehouse-Camelot-for his future Guinevere, the one person worthy of the vow he made as a boy.

Then 15-year-old Shea Burtz nearly collides with him on a mountain trail. Shy, beautiful, and still healing from a brutal betrayal that turned her small town against her, Shea is vacationing with her family when a rowdy crew of drunken outsiders threatens their campground. Will steps in-first with calm words, then with terrifying precision-and everything changes.

What begins as one intense, protective day becomes a summer of chosen family: blended nights around the fire pit with music and stories, training sessions where Shea and her fearless 12-year-old sister Chastity discover natural talent in the ring, and a slow, heart-aching pull between two guarded souls. As lingering threats test their fragile trust, Will shows Shea what real safety feels like-not solitary strength, but unbreakable bonds forged in quiet moments.

A tender slow-burn YA romance of healing, quiet vulnerability, disciplined love, and the power of waiting for someone worth fighting for. Perfect for fans of emotional depth, found family, mountain-set heartwarmers, and gentle giants who protect without fanfare.

The bind tightens... continue the journey in Under the Lights coming soon.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0GRGSFX4Q
• ISBN13: 9798250908542
• Release Date: March 2026
• Publisher: Independently published
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.6" x 5.0"