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Deadly #2

Deadly Ties

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Some bonds are love, and some bonds are deadly. . . .

Taylor Reese is done with men, except for her son, Ryan. Dr. Gavin Kinncaid realizes Ms. Reese is the only woman he's ever wanted to strangle, but fate and passion soon twist their feelings into something other than antagonism, first into passion and then into love. But someone plots to rip this new happy family apart, spilling pain and death in their wake.

"Four and 1/2 Stars! . . . Clarks showcases how close-knit and supportive this fantastic family is." --Susan Mobley, RT Bookclub Reviews

Jaycee Clark has always loved reading and writing. Even at an early age, she penned stories and poems. Now she taps on a keyboard whenever she gets the chance, creating villains with heroes and heroines to beat them. She traded her imaginary playmates for entire families that only exist within her mind until the keyboard brings them to life.

Jaycee has a degree in Elementary Education and lives in Texas with her family.

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2004

75 people are currently reading
371 people want to read

About the author

Jaycee Clark

36 books260 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Marion.
531 reviews
November 23, 2008
This was another wonderful story. I love romantic suspense and this one did not disappoint. The suspense was great and I could not turn the pages fast enough. This story deals with child abuse and it was very emotional reading about the horror the little boy Ryan went through. It was also very heartwarming watching Gavin and Taylor start to trust each other and build a relationship.
Profile Image for Julie (jjmachshev).
1,069 reviews292 followers
February 1, 2009
Jaycee Clark can craft psychos with amazing skill. In "Deadly Ties" she's come up with a female villain that will scare the pants off you! This is book two in her 'Deadly' series about the Kinncaid men and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

Taylor spends her time working and celebrating the joys of her adopted son Ryan. Ryan still needs extra time to adjust after almost being killed by his drug-addicted psychotic mother. Thankfully, she's now in jail and Taylor and Ryan moved to a new town to start over...hopefully leaving bad memories behind. But Ryan still has a secret he hasn't yet shared with Taylor. Sometimes he 'sees' things that are or will happen. And the bad news is--he just 'saw' his mother escaping from prison and headed for them.

Gavin is a dedicated OB/GYN and charming ladies' man. His meeting with Taylor isn't exactly cordial...a battered pregnant teen has just died and Gavin was unable to save either the teen or the unborn child. Of course, that doesn't explain why he and Taylor, her social worker, strike such sparks off each other. And when, a few hours later, he comes upon Taylor and Ryan after their car skidded off the road, it doesn't explain why he feels such a need to ensure their safety.

Another excellent suspense story from Jaycee Clark. Her sex scenes are hot and ride the line between erotic and romantic. They are graphic, but still don't quite cross the line for me. Her characters become so real, they stay in your mind even after the book is finished. I enjoy that and am now off to order book three and read book four!
Profile Image for Phe.
919 reviews15 followers
October 8, 2018
5 Stars Deadly Ties is an adult contemporary romantic suspense thriller by Jaycee Clark and the 2nd book in her Deadly (Kinncaid Brothers) series.

Social worker Taylor Reese adopted her son Ryan after his abusive, drug addicted biological mother was sent to prison. Betrayed by her ex-husband, she decided to start a new life with her son in Washington, D.C., far away from her ex-husbands lies and infidelity. And far, far, away from Valleyview Texas State Penitentiary where Ryan’s biological mother is serving a ten-to-twenty year sentence for the attempted murder of her own son.

When OBGYN Dr. Gavin Kinncaid loses a young girl and her unborn child on the operating table during emergency surgery he’s furious over the girl’s pointless death. Everything about her situation could have been prevented, from her being pregnant in the first place, to the abuse she had suffered, culminating in her death. And there’s nothing he hates more than losing a patient, mother or child, except having to explain it to family or friends, or in this young girl’s case, her social worker. But as his anger at what had happened to the young girl simmers over, coupled with exhaustion loosening his control, he finds himself grilling Ms. Reese about her job proficiency, even as she questions his competency as a surgeon.

Later that night after Taylor’s car hydroplanes and spins out of control into a steep ditch, stranding her and her son, she’s dismayed to discover that the man who gallantly comes to their rescue is none-other-than Dr. Gavin Kinncaid. And as they stand in the rain, in the middle of the road, in the dark trading insults, Gavin realizes that Taylor is the first and only woman that he’s ever wanted to strangle. But the more time he spends with her and her son, he discovers that he likes spending time with them, and fate soon twists their feelings into something other than antagonism—first into passion, then into love.

But when Ryan’s biological mother escapes from the maximum-security prison where she’s being held, she’s determined to take revenge upon everyone involved in taking her son away from her, and plots to rip his new happy family apart, spilling pain and death in her wake …

Deadly Ties is an exceptionally well-written, emotional charged, romantic suspense thriller with complex characters and a captivating storyline. Once again, Ms. Clark blends sensual romance and danger into a thrilling story, pulling on emotions that will leave you laughing, fighting back tears, and cheering for the villain’s demise. And even though we learn who the villain is from the start, the suspense still resonates throughout the whole story. Gavin and Taylor are both strong, very likable characters with great chemistry. And Ryan is such a remarkably brave, strong little boy who will simply steal your heart. Another highly recommended read, Deadly Ties is an emotional story and sensual read of new beginnings, the power of love, and the strength of family ties with a satisfying HEA.

Content: graphic language, mild violence, explicit sex, and oral.

I also recommend: Deadly Shadows (Deadly, #1) by Jaycee Clark
Profile Image for Awilk -never sleeps- .
1,033 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2013
Books like this one are the reason that I love to read romantic suspense novels. So glad that I found time to try and catch up with this great writer. Must hurry up and read more of this series.
Profile Image for Pamela(AllHoney).
2,695 reviews376 followers
September 8, 2014
This is the second book of Jaycee Clark's Deadly (Kinnaid) series. Gavin loses a patient and meets with the social worker, Taylor Reece, and first impressions aren't good. They meet again when Taylor has an accident and Gavin is first on the scene. Gavin is interested and decides to pursue the lovely Taylor and plays protector when bad things start happening.

Jaycee Clark has become a must read author for me. I highly recommend to those who love romantic suspense with an emphasis on romance. A real page turner. It has all the right elements for a great romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Pennie Morgan.
2,336 reviews10 followers
June 9, 2020
YES! This one was so good. Gavin is one of the Kinncaid twins and is an OB/GYN doc and he first meets Taylor Reese after he loses a patient, a young patient who didn't get to surgery soon enough, and confronts Taylor. Their first meeting is confrontational but memorable. Later that evening she and her son, Ryan, are in a car crash and Gavin to the rescue. He is not normally out there but on his way to his parents and takes them home to his parents. Taylor and Gavin are perfect for each other and bringing Ryan into the fold is just what he needs. Especially when his psycho of a mother escapes from prison and is on a killing spree across country to get to them. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and binging my way through it in audio. The narrator is great!
Profile Image for Dawn Myers.
1,299 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2022
Jaycee Clark grabbed my attention in the prologue and kept it till the end. I found Gavin's and Taylor's first meeting was very rough on both sides. Jaycee Clark gave me suspense which I look for. Gavin is driven, loyal and protective. Taylor is caring and smart. In my opinion Taylor and Gavin are perfect for each other. I love the Kinncaid family they have each others backs no matter what. When the family gets together it's something else. I was on the edge of my seat turning the pages. My biggest complaint is it very slow moving, sometimes I felt Jaycee Clark did a lot of repeating the same things. I read in The Deadly Series Boxed Set (Deadly, #1-5).
Profile Image for Erica.
36 reviews10 followers
November 27, 2019
This second book in this series was a COMEBACK!! Considering how I feel about the first book this one felt like Jaycee poured her everything into this one. REDEMPTION. I love the mixed family angle. Ryan was a sweet little boy who was dealt a bad hand but it all turned around for him. And I swear every story where the main character is named Gavin ends up being put on my favorite books of all times list. Gavin and Taylor's relationship.....I love Aiden and Jesslyn more in this book, and IAN.....I can't wait to read his book. I love mysterious heroes who save the day time after time.
Profile Image for Siany.
455 reviews17 followers
March 11, 2018
I have given up with the series. I seriously just can't get into this unfortunately.
Profile Image for Tracy Brant.
366 reviews4 followers
January 30, 2019
4.5 stars

God, I loved this one. I had to go have my mom pick up my kids from school today because I couldn't put this can book down, lol. Soooo good.
Profile Image for Mojca.
2,132 reviews168 followers
Read
February 7, 2017
Yet another DNF in this series, which tells me, I'm done.

After the bust that was its predecessor, I actually rather liked the prologue and chapter one (with the hero "elbow deep" in blood, trying to reanimate his patient)...Then the heroine made her entrance and I realized I'm reading a repeat of the first book.

The prologue is always from the villain's POV, then boy meets girl, it's insta-hate (although deep down inside they both fancy each other), they bicker, they give each other puppy eyes, she's a redhead (like his mommy...hello, Oedipus complex)...And eventually fall in love because she's in danger and he helps save her.
A tired rinse and repeat from the prequel (about mommy and daddy) and the first book in the series (about the oldest brother and his harpy).

I don't know if it's the repetitiveness of it all, the voice or narrative style that simply doesn't pull me in, forget about keeping me engaged.

Bored now.
Profile Image for Kace | The Booknerd .
1,437 reviews70 followers
September 2, 2022
4 Stars!

After reading Deadly Shadows, I immediately started with Deadly Ties. It is the second book in the Deadly Series, and my favorite so far! I was hooked on this book from the moment I started it, and I could not put it down until the end.

It evoked a range of emotions; I laughed, cried, swooned, awwed, and was angry, hopeful, and scared. Is it just that good? YES! And to say more would give too much away. And I don't want to ruin the book for those who haven't read it yet. I was in for lots of twists and turns and surprises and enjoyed every single one of them. But I will tell you what I loved about the book.

First, I adored Taylor. She's kind, brash, sassy, bold, sexy, and with a huge and generous heart. I loved her humor and the way she didn't give up; she picked herself up and started over again with her adopted son, Ryan. I loved how she loved Ryan, even though he was not her biological son. She will do anything for him.

Then, there's Gavin Kincaid *sigh again*. Just like his older brother, Aidan, Gavin was such a wonderful hero. Gavin was the perfect blend of gentleman and alpha-male that took control at the right time. He was just downright sexy and perfect. Plus, he's a doctor; isn't that sexy?

Another thing I loved about this book was the chemistry between Gavin and Taylor. Their relationship was a little rocky at first, then jumped off the pages. Their relationship transformed from hating each other to being friends and lovers to being in love. It was great to see the way they talked to each other, the way they helped each other, and genuinely cared for each other. There's plenty of development to make you believe and feel their romance truly. And I know I've mentioned it once or twice or several times how much I adored dual POV, especially the heroes. I want to know what's inside their heads that makes the heroine the perfect woman for them.

Another thing I loved about this book was the secondary characters. I loved how the author has given us the chance to see what they are up to. I also found myself incredibly intrigued by the mysterious Ian Kincaid. I can't wait to find out what he does and what made him estranged from his family.

This book also delivered a chilling, unpredictable, and suspenseful storyline that had my attention. I was never bored, that's for sure!

Overall, Deadly Ties was such a fantastic, enthralling read! It's a story that drew me in and held my attention. Then left me with an incredibly satisfying feeling.
Profile Image for Colleen Marie.
169 reviews
September 15, 2012
What a story! I loved the first one (Deadly Shadows) for it's drama, suspense, and romance. I knew I had to read this one as well, and I'm so glad I did. The first was great. This was even better, if that's possible.

The romance was wonderful, and quite natural in how it blossoms. What a wonderful male character Dr. Gavin Kinncaid is. Then there is Taylor Reese and she turns out to be his total match. She's not easy to get either! Unfortunately, she's got some unfinished baggage to deal with and one of those things is a very evil woman named Nina. I won't spoil it for anyone wanting to read this story so let's just say that this story will really give the reader a roller coaster ride in drama, emotion, suspense, and most of all romance! The evil woman is very evil as well.

The whole story is just fantastic and the last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, and towards the end....tears. It takes one heck of a GREAT writer to make this reader spill tears.

I'm now moving ahead to book three (Deadly Obcession). It doesn't have as many great reviews but what one reader may not care for another will love. Reading is a personal thing for each person and each of us gets something different out of a book. I may adore what another won't and vise-a-versa. I do know that I've quite enjoyed the first two books in this series. I intend to read the whole series, regardless. I'm thinking that our dear authoress has found he niche in writing suspenseful, dramatic, and romantic novels.

I'd recommend this book without reservation. Read the first one too, and read them in order....the Kinncaid family - all of them are each terrific and interesting characters. It's what the word 'family' truly means.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books739 followers
March 18, 2014
My Review:
Overall....4.00
Performance...4.50
Story...3.75

I am really loving the audiobooks by this author and narrator. This one was particularly good for the first part of the book. I liked the strife between the hero and heroine. I enjoyed the dynamic of their jobs (even though their initial meeting was extremely tragic)...the social worker and the physician. Their chemistry was incredible through the first parts of the story. I also really enjoyed the whole backstory for Taylor and her ex-husband. That just about broke my heart when that all came out...what a shocker.

Although I really loved the two of them together, I'll admit that their relationship flip-flopped WAY too quickly for my liking. It seemed like they were at each other's throat one minute and then pledging forever in the next. What? That was my main issue with this book, although the ending did help to make up for it because the ending of the book was really good, too.

And I need to note the narrator here. This book features a whole host of characters...about a dozen adults and two kids which speak regularly. Never did I have an confusion about who was talking at any point in time. Johanna Parker has a HUGE range of voices and inflections that made her simply a joy as a narrator.

The suspense line features a bad guy that's never a secret or a surprise in this book, but I did find myself incredibly intrigued by older Kinncaid brother, Ian. I need to know what exactly he does that has left him estranged from the family for so long while still remaining completely loyal.
Profile Image for Olimpia.
223 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2013
Deadly Ties is the 2nd Kinncaid Brothers novel and it was great. Dr. Gavin Kinncaid and Taylor Reese are thrown together after losing a patient and the child who Taylor was responsible for as a Social Worker. From the beginning sparks flew as they clashed.

Both are strong willed and honorable people who care about children.

Taylor trusts no one except for her adopted son. Ryan, who’s been through his own horrible past is very weary of everyone except for Taylor. His own biological mother has tried to kill him but is now in prison. Ryan knows in his heart that she’s coming for him. Can they learn to trust Gavin enough for him to help them?

Gavin is a successful, wealthy and very handsome doctor. He’s got the reputation of a lady’s man with his friends and even his family. But from the moment he met Taylor he’s not only attracted to her but wants a chance for a future with Taylor and Ryan who he cares for.

Their growing relationship and their love is tested when Ryan’s biological mother escapes and comes for Ryan.

This was very well written, very suspenseful and very heartwarming. Lots of twists and turns, drama, sweet and sexy romance, humor and very emotional.

I also enjoyed that the Kinncaid family was back to stand by Gavin and Taylor.

Enjoyable and highly recommended. Can’t wait for the next one.
728 reviews71 followers
July 24, 2014
This is the second book in a boxed set. I liked the first one in this series and this one was really good too. Taylor is a social worker who has recently moved to DC with her adopted son, Ryan. Ryan's story is a heartbreaker and if child abuse is a trigger, you need to steer clear of this book. Ryan's mother is in jail for attempted murder of Ryan but she has vowed to get her son back and vowed revenge against Taylor. Gavin is a OBGYN workaholic. He meets Taylor under terrible circumstances and they do not get along for their first meeting. Things improve and the two very relationship phobics go from friendship to something more. It wasn't insta love but it was pretty close. This is RS so you know bad things are going to happen and they do. Taylor and Gavin have pretty good chemistry plus I'm in love with Gavin's parents.

Once again I liked the strong MC's but I think Ryan and Tory stole the show. I do feel like once again the bad guy was too over the top and totally unbelievable. If I hadn't already purchased the entire series in a set, I may not have continued on reading the rest of the series. I really hope the next one has a great badguy.
Profile Image for Michelle.
2,059 reviews
January 9, 2015
A fast paced fun read from new-to-me author Jaycee Clark, the second in her Deadly series. Deadly Ties is the first in the series that I have read and I do not feel like I missed much. Taylor moved to DC with her adopted son Ryan to remove him from the pain and memories of Austin. They are working so hard on moving forward from the trauma that Ryan’s biological mother put him through. What neither of them expected was to meet Gavin Kinncaid, son of the Kinncaid hotel family. Gavin may not work in the family business but he works hard in his chosen field, obstetrician, and is blindsided when he meets Taylor. She so different from the women he normally entertains, she’s sassy and she’s not falling at his feet. As their love grows a terror from Ryan’s past is in the shadows ready to destroy the family before it even has a chance to settle. Fun read. I do think the Gavin/Taylor romance happened kind of quick but I did enjoy their banter, they had some very funny dialogue. I’m excited to try more in the series.
Profile Image for Hayzbaw.
280 reviews
October 7, 2013
Can you say AWESOME……
I started reading the 1st books in this series (they can be read in order or as stand alones) 5:54pm Friday and by 7:29am Monday morning I had finished the 5th book. Yes I barely left the house all weekend and I was late for work Monday!
This romantic suspense series has fantastic characters, the author has made them come alive. As you read these books you immerse yourself into the characters’ lives, you become vested in them overcoming obstacles, defeating the bad guys and living happily ever after. The author has created a nice balanced between the suspense and the romance in these books. Throughout each book you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for the dark menace in the background to kill and destroy; yet the development of relationships is at the forefront of these books, as well as the traumatic events which lead up to this point in the their lives.
To sum up: Hot rich alpha males, strong wounded heroines, hot sex scenes, great characters, terrific storylines and very suspenseful.
Profile Image for Tamra LeValley.
946 reviews23 followers
October 22, 2013
Nina was an abusive mother who ends up in prison for attempted murder on her son. She has vowed to kill everyone who has taken him from her. The judge, the lawyer and especially the social worker who also adopted her son Taylor Reese. Taylor is now a single mother who is still fighting everyone who for the children'a rights. Her latest victim Dr. Gavin Kinncaid who also happens to fall in love with the soft hearted but hard as nails Taylor. Can these two survive Nina's wrath and end up happily every after?

This book actually had me in tears. I loved the way the author gave a voice, through a journal, to the young 8 year old abused boy. He was center stage in this "thriller gone love story." The characters were so well written and the plot was wonderful. I love the family values tied.

As typical with all love stories however, it was predictable. I think I read this genre specifically for this trait. Sometimes I just need a "quick read."
Profile Image for Jane.
428 reviews3 followers
March 17, 2016
We have a crazy bitch running loose in this bOok. This one is the stOry abOut Gavin Kinncaid. He met a sOcial wOrker name TaylOr Reese. And we have sparklers and fireworks coming from them... Lol... And Taylor have a son named Ryan. She adopted her before her divorce was finalize. And Ryan birth mOther is the crazy bitch that I'm talking abOut. I find that Jesslyn character from Deadly Shadows (Deadly, #1) by Jaycee Clark overlapped with TaylOr. Or shOuld I say the Kinncaid men are attracted to sassy women?? Anyway, this book bring some chilling encOunters as the crazy bitch managed to escape from prison with some inside help. And therefore her start of shooting spree. So let's read on to see if Gavin will managed to save the day when the crazy bitch managed to kidnapped not only Ryan but also his niece Victoria.
Profile Image for Alison.
329 reviews
February 25, 2012
WOW! I am loving this series! The villian was one very wicked woman...I was on pins and needles waiting to see what she would do.

I loved Taylor's sassiness. These Kincaid men, need women who don't let them get away with nonsense :) Taylor's ex is a complete ass, I'm so glad she found Gavin.

Ryan is one exceptional kid, he's been through hell and back, he's coping and starting to open up. His journal entries...wow! So great to see things through his eyes.

Gavin is a definite keeper! He was great with Ryan and Taylor showing them he was a good man. I loved his proposal to Taylor.

Off to read the next book in this series...I don't see much housework getting done today :)
Profile Image for Carla Krissinger.
588 reviews12 followers
August 9, 2016
The first of the twins. Gavin, the baby doctor, goes head to head with social worker Taylor. Taylor finds herself in a situation that puts Gavin as her rescuer, which puts Gavin and Taylor in a situation for romance!

Taylor and Gavin fight their attraction, as usual, but eventually submit to it and take the journey together with Taylor's son Ryan. But Ryan's drug addicted, murdering mother doesn't want Ryan in a happy family with caring parents. She makes life difficult for the Kinncaids and will soon find out that you don't mess with that family.

Book 2 in the series and I enjoyed it tremendously!
Profile Image for Saly.
3,437 reviews580 followers
December 3, 2013
Rating 3.5 stars
My second book by this author was much better, yes I again had complaints with the heroine and her need for independence but unlike in the previous book the heroine in this one didn't suffer from TSTL (too stupid to live) syndrome. The hero is an OB/GYN and the heroine a social worker who adopted a kid whose mother is a monster. We throughout the book get to hear Ryan's (the kid's) side and his special ability. The romance flowed for me in this book and like the last book we get to hear the villain's POV. Yes, there are over the top life threatening situations in this book too but I have come to expect them.
Profile Image for RedRedtheycallmeRed.
1,972 reviews49 followers
October 13, 2014
3.5 STARS


I read this as part of The Deadly Series Boxed Set.

I liked this one more than the first book, mostly because I liked Taylor more than Jessie. The suspense elements drew me in, Nina was a chilling villain. Gavin was a good guy, protective and sweet, yet there was a vulnerable side to him as well. I loved his relationship with Ryan.

Two things kept me from loving it:

1) The paranormal element. It was minor, but I'm not a fan of that plot device.

2) While I loved Ryan, he was way too "old" to be an 8-9 year old. His voice was that of a teenager.

The most intriguing part of the book was Ian. I am definitely interested in reading his story.


Profile Image for Dorel.
4,341 reviews38 followers
November 9, 2012


I loved everything about this book. Some parts of the story made me sad. I thought Nina was a piece of crap & she got what she deserved. I loved how Taylor become the mom that Ryan never had. I loved how Taylor gave Ryan the love he never had. I loved how Gavin gave Taylor & Ryan the love they never had. I loved how Gavin gave Taylor & Ryan the family they never had. I love how the Kinncaid family sticks together. I loved the ending of the story. I think this book was much better than the first one. Definitely a great romance worth buying.
Profile Image for Jeanette.
153 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2023
In book 2 of her Deadly series, Ms. Clark steps it up with the family ties of the Kinncaid clan. I really love how the family comes together; they moved me to tears and made me LOL. The Kinncaid brothers sure know how to man up when they need to yet are able to get brought to their knees when those they love are hurt. I was excited that Ian got to make an appearance and I am definitely looking forward to reading his story. I also enjoyed how the story of love & suspense was balanced. Not too little and not too much of each.
Profile Image for Kiwi Sarah.
139 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2023
I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series - it seemed to move along faster. I liked how the "romance" part of the story was resolved quite early in the book and we got to see the relationship between the two central characters as many romance books have them sniping at each other until the last page - I know that is meant to make for drama but it's also nice to see a couple within a relationship (even while a whole lot of other drama is going down). Quick, enjoyable read.
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