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Rixon High #4

קשרים שבורים

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ל.א. קוטון סופרת רבי־המכר של USA TODAY ו־ WALL STREET JOURNAL
חוזרת עם רומן ספורטיבי, אודות חברים ההופכים לאוהבים.
מתח, דרמה, חברות ופוטבול.
האם הם ישרדו את שנת הלימודים האחרונה בתיכון?

פופי פורד מאוהבת בחבר הכי טוב שלה מאז שהיו ילדים,
אבל היא תקועה עמוק באזור החברות וחוששת שלעולם לא תצליח להיחלץ משם.

ארון בנט חלם על מלגת פוטבול מאז שהוא זוכר את עצמו,
אבל הוא לא השחקן הכוכב של הריקסון ריידרס, ולעולם לא יהיה.
בעוד ארון מתמקד בלהוכיח את עצמו, פופי מקווה שהוא יתעורר סוף־סוף ויראה מה נמצא ממש מולו.

הוא לא רוצה לאבד את החברה הכי טובה שלו.
היא לא רוצה לבזבז את שנת הלימודים האחרונה ברדיפה אחרי הבחור שלא רוצה בה.
אבל לגורל יש תוכניות אחרות עבורם.
וכשלבבות נשברים וחלומות מתרסקים,
האם החברות שלהם תהיה חזקה מספיק כדי לשרוד?

קשרים שבורים הוא הספר הרביעי בסדרת תיכון ריקסון.
אם התאהבתם בריקסון ריידרס הלב שלכם יתפוצץ מאהבה כלפי דור ההמשך.
אזהרת הטורקיזיות: תתכוננו להחסיר פעימה!

344 pages, Paperback

First published May 19, 2022

102 people are currently reading
1308 people want to read

About the author

L.A. Cotton

120 books3,129 followers
Reckless Love. Wild Hearts.

L A COTTON is USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of over forty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns.

Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

L A loves connecting with readers, and you can find her at:

Official Website
www.lacotton.com

Social Media
www.facebook.com/authorlacotton
www.instagram.com/authorlacotton

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5 stars
429 (37%)
4 stars
406 (35%)
3 stars
231 (20%)
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56 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
Profile Image for Meredith Wilson.
383 reviews44 followers
May 19, 2022
Broken Ties is the fourth installment in the Rixon High series by L.A. Cotton. Told in dual perspectives, this is Poppy Ford and Aaron Bennet's story.

Poppy has been in love with her best friend since childhood, but he has never shown her that he feels the same way. She thinks that she's doomed to forever be his friend and nothing more.

Aaron has always dreamed of a football scholarship, but the competition is tough. No matter how hard he tries, things just don't seem to be going his way.

While Aaron is busting his ass on the field, Poppy hopes that one day he'll wake up and see her the way she sees him. Little does she know; he does feel the same way. He just doesn't want to risk ruining their friendship.

When Poppy starts dating a member of the swim team, Aaron worries that he just might lose her. He decides that she is worth the risk, but unfortunately the two must overcome some obstacles to finally get their happily ever after.

I absolutely loved Poppy and Aaron's story but then again, I am a huge fan of the Rixon Raider world! I enjoyed seeing the original gang again all grown up and married with kids. This is one fantastic series that I can guarantee you won't want to miss. Five stars for Poppy, Aaron and Broken Ties!

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Profile Image for Syndi.
3,710 reviews1,038 followers
May 6, 2023
Broken Ties is cheesy NA sport romance. Well more on the romance. The sport is more on the background. Miss Cotton focusing her story to 2 characters being cheesy.
I feel the writing can be edited better. Or perhaps the writing is meant to be cheesy and silly.

Overall, I like this book OK. Not hating it, not liking it either.

3 stars
Profile Image for NiCoLeTa E. {Addicted To Books}.
1,554 reviews82 followers
May 24, 2022
***4,5 His Poppy Star!!!" stars***



"I wish for one night that I was just Aaron and you were just Poppy. I wish… I wish I could kiss you, the way you deserved to be kissed. But most of all, I wish that you’d look at me again like I’m the most important person in the world to you."

I am a huge fan of the Rixon Riders' world and I had always a weakness toward Jason Ford and after this book I realized that my weakness had moved on into his daughters as well!!!
It is so cool to see the original crew as parents and I adore reading their spawns' stories!!!
In here, the author had focused on Poppy Ford and Aaron Bennett and OMG!!!! I freakin' loved their story which was full of angst and broken promises!!!
If you haven't enter this world yet, you don't know what you're missing...

"To love someone and them not know was one thing. Unrequired love sucked. It sucked so hard. But when the other person knew and they didn't reciprocate... Well, that was the thing of heartbreak."

Poppy and Aaron were best friends since they were babies, but things are starting to change between them... A sparkle had lighten up, but while Poppy want to explore it more, Aaron is trying to ignore it for the sake of their friendship and their family...
Poppy is devastated to love someone that doesn't love her back... and Aaron is so consumed with his football and his future that doesn't give attention to Poppy and her feelings...

"I don't want to ruin what we have, Poppy. You're too important to me. I need you."

This is their senior year of highschool and they need to live it to the fullest...
Aaron just want to see that his efforts weren't in vain and Poppy just wants for Aaron to notice her....
This was supposed to be their year, but they are getting apart from each other and their focus is not on each other anymore and that pain them both greatly, but life is changing and they need to move on with or without their best friend by their side...

"It's you. It's always been you, Aaron. But it's never been me, has it?"

Well, I loved both Aaron and Poppy and my heart was breaking for them....
They had each many problems and i didn't like seeing them struggle with their reality...
It is not pretty to see your lifelong dreams to get shattered...
It is not right to live in the shadow of another...
And upon all the above, they were struggling with their feelings for each other!!!
Will they act on their feelings and destroy their friendship or will they remain just a dream for the other???

"There was a vast ocean between us now, polluted with broken hearts and shattered dreams."

I adored this story!!! I wanted to smack some times Aaron, but I really loved him...
Poppy was very adorable and Jason Ford is the best daddy in the world... He and Poppy were having an incredible bond...
To be totally honest here, Fee disappointed me a little bit, but i got over it at the end...
And OMG!!!! I am anticipating Sofia and Cole's story, but darnnnn, I am afraid that it will cause a great heartbreak...
I am loving this world very much and I am inviting everyone to give it a try!!!

"Promise me that no matter what happens, no matter where life takes us, that we'll always be friends. That we'll always... find our way back to each other."

**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
Profile Image for Danielle's.
Author 1 book169 followers
December 1, 2023
Audiobook re-read

Love is blind, irrational or maybe crazy.

Poppy and Aaron are best friends. It’s senior year in high school and both are trying to work out their future.
Aaron is struggling to find his place at college and Poppy’s struggling through her feelings for guys. This one’s full of angsty and at times I really wanted to shake Aaron for being a bonehead.

Can the future be everything they want it to be or will they learn to compromise?

I really enjoyed this one unfolding. It had my emotions bouncing all over the place.
Profile Image for The Romantic Rush Blog.
2,640 reviews965 followers
May 20, 2022
No one marries addictive, first love angst with sports romance intensity and high school drama quite like LA Cotton. But this childhood friends to lovers story is truly special. It's tender, it's heartfelt, it's heart-wrenching and emotional. Broken Ties beautifully captures the fervent longing of young love and the high stakes ardor of finding it with your best friend in a story so full of heart that it consumed me completely. From the first word 'til the last, I was enchanted by Poppy and Aaron's story. One of LA Cotton's best!

OH THE YOUNG LOVE ANGST! Aaron and Poppy captivated from the start- even as periphery characters. The chemistry between them just sparkled - their friendship carried an affection and frenetic energy that I just knew would lead to a deliciously messy love story. And that it did. LA has been teasing the longing between these two for several stories now- once childhood friend, tween best friends, and now we see them as they struggle through the awkwardness of becoming adults, and figuring out not only their feelings for each other but working through their own teenage baggage with their families and the pressure of figuring out their futures. Explosively buried pining, perpetual misunderstanding, well-intentioned but misplaced care, and all theatrics of navigating high school popularity add to the romantic tensions between these two, and the friends to lovers apprehension and frustration is perfectly penned. Poppy and Aaron just can not get on the same page, both terrified to lose the best friend they have in each other. And while I love all of these stories, this one in particularly had an emotional richness and teenage relatability that captured my whole heart. The dynamically realized characters and the palatability of their longing tugs at the heart strings from the jaw dropping prologue. SO much heartache, but what a sweet reward when the VERY slow burn materializes into the sweetest and most sincere of relationships. I could not adore them more.

Heroine Poppy is incredibly lovable- she espouses all of those trademark teeange insecurities paired with a sweet hopefulness. She’s kind and patient, but like so many young girls she’s scared of risking her heart. But she soons learns she has heartache at her door no matter what- in silent and tortured unrequited longing, or in soul shattering rejection. But her love isn’t quite as unrequited as it seems- and like so many best friends that came before them, their mutual fear of destroying a friendship that matters to them terrifies them. THey are frustrated…and frustrating in their mistakes…..but you cant help but root for them. Even if Aaron is being so hardheaded- especially as it relates his steely resolve to not follow his heart, even when he knows where Poppy’s heart lies. While Poppy is relatable and so endearing, Aaron is gonna make you want to smack him, but he’s also really charming. There were times I wanted him to man up, to stop being so passive since his fear of not rocking the boat in certain situations, and with certain people, hurt Poppy. But if that isn’t growing up? Figuring out how to build the life you want, to take risks.

I also really appreciated the focus on Poppy’s issues with her family and her mama. Lord did I relate to being the sibling in the shadows, and I loved that aspect of the story and how it gave her another similarity to Aaron as they both struggle to feel seen and valued within their own families, which makes them even more hesitant to put their found family, including each other, at risk. Figuring out who they are, figuring out their families, figuring out their FEELINGs. Quintessential growing up. Their chemistry is fantastic, though it is a SUPER slow burn. LIke really slow. The anticipation is worth the wait, though I wish we’d had more time with them together and figuring that aspect out.

I am so obsessed with this Rixon High crew- each character is more dynamic and complicated than the last. And the delectable cameos of former LA story stars now in parent roles continues to enhance this lovable Rixon Raiders world. I’m waiting with bittersweet anticipation Sofia and Cole’s story- perhaps the last of this crew and shaping up to be the most devastating.
Profile Image for ✨ Lucy ✨.
328 reviews91 followers
May 19, 2022
Wow!!!

I don’t even know what to say.

I’m still on a rollercoaster of emotions I’ve never experienced so strongly like now!

I don’t this words will make justice to what I just read. The only way to understand what I’m talking about is to experience it on your skin.

This story literally stole my breath away. I’m just too stunned to speak.

I couldn’t wish for a better end.

Poppy and Aron’s story will make you feel all kind of emotions. At first you’ll be angry, than sad , than happy and hopeful for just a second and then everything will fall apart.

The chemistry, the passion and the sexual tension are definitely off the charts.

I won’t spoiler anything but I’ll tell you this: it’s gonna be a slow and long run so buckle up and enjoy!

I gave it 5 stars!

I hope you’ll enjoy it like I did!

*ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,822 reviews116 followers
May 20, 2022
Broken Ties had my heart in a vise! There were times I couldn’t breathe because of the angst between Poppy and Aaron!

I knew their story was going to be a ride but I wasn’t expecting this! Add in that ending and I am a mess!!! LA does an amazing job at writing emotionally gripping novels and I truly love what she has done with the second generation of Rixon Raiders!

Seeing the original grew as parents has been so beautiful and their kids are amazing! This group has my heart!! This story though for me is one of the best in the series, hands down!!!
Profile Image for Jocelyn.
750 reviews4 followers
June 3, 2022
Finally they find their way.

This series is like visiting family every time we get a new book. I love the glimpses of all our past favourites. Aaron and Poppy both had to get their heads out of their own back sides and find their way to their person. It took them awhile and with some good teen drama but in the end they got there.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,151 reviews73 followers
May 16, 2022
A super, angsty slow burn between two best friends.

Did you ever wonder what it would be like to fall in love with not only your best friend, but the best friend that is so interwoven into the fabric of your lives that your parents are best friends, your friendship circle consists of each others friends, that everywhere you turn there is another reminder that if you take that leap and allow your heart to fall and it doesn't work, there is no escape from the heartache? Yeah...that is the very precipice that Aaron Bennet and Poppy Ford stand upon.

Broken Ties is full of angst. A back and forth that if I was a teen, I'm not sure my own heart would have survived.  Aaron and Poppy grew up together, their parents are best friends, so these two have literally been side by side and formed their own deep friendship. It is only as they reached their teenage years, as the added hormones and body changes arose that feelings started to change, but neither really said or did anything until their senior year. It's a preverbal straw breaking Poppy's back that finally springs her into action and she decides that she is no longer going to wait on the sidelines for Aaron to notice her as more than just a friend as her senior year passed her by.

Poppy decides to go out with another boy who has shown interest in her. Finally deciding she's had enough of waiting around for the one boy she's ever loved to take notice of her. Eli is nice, sweet, funny, everything she could want, except at the end of the day he's not Aaron. Doing her best to make the most of her last year in high school she's determined to enjoy it, even if Aaron drives her crazy with his whiplash.

Does he take notice? Yes and no. He's always noticed her, but remember my first paragraph. He has a really hard time with separating Poppy the girl he grew up with from the girl he is in love with. Aaron is a good kid and he really wants to do what is right, but sometimes the right thing is more of a detriment to his greater good. Aaron's senior year is not going like he expected and I love this side of the story that shows even with the best parents, decent grades, the right extra curriculars, and doing all of the right things that even what looks perfect on paper, well...sometimes not everything is actually perfect. L.A. Cotton never fails to bring a very real aspect to every story and this part of Aaron's life is very relatable. 

Lastly, it's hard not to mention the moments on page with Jason Ford, Poppy's dad, as he definitely has a special bond with his baby girl. Practically every time he was in the story I was weeping.  As a coach and father, Jason always has the best intentions of those around him whether he was with his daughter or doling out advice for Aaron. Every moment he popped up really made me miss my dad something fierce. That's a rare treat and I appreciate Cotton for bringing him to life.

Broken Ties is another wonderful addition to the second generation of Rixon High and I can't wait to see what comes next.
Profile Image for queen_of_the_books_18.
887 reviews242 followers
May 15, 2022
I wish for one night that I was just Aaron and you were just Poppy. I wish… I wish I could kiss you, the way you deserved to be kissed. But most of all, I wish that you’d look at me again like I’m the most important person in the world to you.

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, watching Jason Ford be a dad is one of my favourite things in the world but watching him be a girl dad is the thing that has had me laughing my ass off all morning.

Broken Ties is Poppy and Aaron’s story. A story of best friends falling in love at a young age but a lot of outside forces means that being together would be a lot harder than remaining best friends.

We’d grown up and things that once had meant nothing, now meant everything.

La Cotton did an amazing job at writing this angsty, addictive story. She had me tearing up one minute, wanting to smack Aaron upside the head the next and then laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe watching the OG Raiders parent.

Anything Raiders is an immediate one click for me. I could live in this world forever. I have feeling La Cotton is going to cause me emotional damage with Missed Notes though and I’m not ready.
Profile Image for KelsBookstagram.
724 reviews23 followers
May 14, 2022
Speechless. My heart is so friggin full right now.
Aaron and Poppy's journey to love was breathtaking and exactly what would happen when your in love with your best friend.

𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭... 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚... 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩... 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫?

The push and pull dynamic honestly pulls your heart in a billion directions but also leaves you reeling at their chemistry and love for each other.

Their journey is not easy but pffttt is it ever easy when your in school. The dynamic of the friendship group and the honesty they share to both Aaron and Poppy was raw and real. This friendship group is honestly friendship goals.

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞?

My heart ached for both of them throughout but yet the intensity of their connection was just EVERYTHING.

Now it's no secret I'm in love with the raiders world and the next generation (this series) continues to keep this series top of my favourites.
Profile Image for sarah.
75 reviews3 followers
May 17, 2022
“We’d grown up and things that once had meant nothing, now meant everything.”

I loved reading about Poppy and Aaron’s story! Poppy and Aaron are childhood best friends and as they got older, the pull between them became stronger. Aaron is trying to figure out his future and Poppy is trying to navigate what she wants. Their story was super angsty and I loved seeing them get their happy ending together!

I always love reading Jason in his dad era and being the best dad to his daughters. It’s always great to read about the rixon raiders and rixon high again! The Ford girls are definitely some of my favs<3

I’m excited for the next book in the series! Brothers best friend trope? Will be tuning in😁

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for all_you_read_is_love.
361 reviews52 followers
May 16, 2022
FANTASTIC!!

Poppy and Aarons love story is a slow burn, friends to lovers romance set in high school with firey sexual tension and angst that had me up till midnight finishing the book!!

L. A Cotton is such a talent and she is just superior when it comes to writing high school romance!! How she manages to write so many high school romances and keep them totally original, all of an exceptionally high standard and oh so steamy I will never know but she is just amazing!!

I was hooked on Aaron and Poppys book from the start of this series, and Lianne did not disappoint me with their love story, it was everything I thought it would be and more!!

I loved the inclusion of the first generation raiders, it’s so nice to revisit their relationships now they’re older and parents!!

Im so excited for everyone to get their hands on this fantastic book, you guys are in for a real treat!!

5 raider stars!!

Tropes:

Friends to Lovers
Slow burn
High school
Sport
Profile Image for literary.supremacy.
280 reviews23 followers
May 15, 2022
Poppy and Aaron's Story was full of drama and secret love. Lol at one point i wanted to say just do it already 🤭❤️...
Lianne as always did a fabulous job with this one too. I loved the starting how Lianne always makes your heart ache.. she's really the queen!!

The Drama throughout the book was a pure Raider world thing haha. I loved watching everyone again and knowing the inside of Poppy and Aaron's mind was heart aching. But the chemistry between them 🔥🔥👀👀.

Omgosh to say I'm freaking excited about Sofia and Cole's story is the least. I want them now!!

It was a 4 Star Read for Me.
Profile Image for jordane.
883 reviews209 followers
May 18, 2022
“If we do this, Poppy, and we are doing this, I just need you to know that you're mine. Now, forever, always. Because the idea of not having you in my life, by my side… I can't do that.”


3.5 stars 🌟

Broken Ties is the fourth book in the Rixon High series and follows childhood best friends Poppy and Aaron as they navigate their senior year of high school and try to figure out their relationship and feelings for each other.

I've been anticipating Poppy and Aaron's story from the moment I started the second generation series because I loved their close bond and what was teased about them. Once again, L.A. Cotton has written an entertaining book, and I was immediately immersed in it, so much so that I finished it in less than a day. So it's safe to say that I enjoyed Poppy and Aaron's journey a lot! There was a lot of drama and back and forth between them, but also a lot of angst and longing, and it was impossible not to notice the chemistry between them. I was rooting for them to get together throughout the book, as were the rest of the characters. Some "past" chapters were incorporated, and it was great to see more of Poppy and Aaron's friendship over the years, they really have a special bond! Aaron frustrated me a bit because he made some stupid decisions that inevitably affected his relationship with Poppy, but I'm glad we got his POV. We were able to understand why he did what he did and in the end, all he wanted was to not lose Poppy as his best friend. Poppy was a charming and endearing character. At some point, she got tired of Aaron's bullshit and tried to ignore him as much as she could, and I loved that! Her relationship with her sister and Sofia was also a highlight for me. Even though the ending felt a little sudden, I loved seeing Poppy and Aaron finally together and happy, as well as some crumbs for the next installment 👀

Overall, I had a great time reading Broken Ties, and I liked Poppy and Aaron's childhood best friends to lovers romance! I'm already looking forward to reading Sofia and Cole's story, and I have a feeling it will be very emotional.

*ARC kindly provided by the author and Candi Kane PR in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Cristina.
342 reviews9 followers
May 19, 2022
4.5 ⭐️

Where to begin with Poppy star and Aaron the greatest 🥰 this book made me feel so many emotions. They really had me kicking and screaming, and I mean that in a good way and then not in a good way at the times when I was getting impatient with the obstacles in the way lol I couldn’t wait for their book because even just getting a little bit of them from what the other characters said in the other books you knew these two had undeniable chemistry. I couldn’t wait to find out how they get their happy ending.

As always with any book from LA the angst and emotions were amazing. She writes my favorite high school romances and never disappoints. I’m always feeling so many emotions with each character. My heart was hurting for Aaron and how he felt he wasn’t good enough for his dream. I related so much to Aaron in those scenes. It was hard to ever be mad at him in certain situations because he was always genuinely trying to do the right thing. Of course I wish he would have listened to his friends for most of it😅

And for Poppy I love her just as much as I love her sister. They’re my favorite characters in this series, and I love their parents too🥲 I also really related to poppy when she felt like she was a shadow behind her sister. I think there’s always a time we feel like that with siblings. But I like that we saw that’s how she felt because when reading Lily’s book you have no idea.

The chemistry between Aaron and Poppy was everything. I loved the past chapters too and getting to see a glimpse of their friendship as kids. They were endgame from the very beginning and I’m so happy they found their way to each other. Friends to lovers never fails when you have the angst and all the years of longing being shown. The way they always found each other across a room and couldn’t take their eyes off each other🥹 I love them so much🫶🏻

Now I cannot wait for Sofia and Cole’s book. Another one I’m really anticipating in this series. Also one I’m super scared to read after the ending of this book. That ending line really killed me I’m not prepared🥺
Profile Image for Zoe-Amelia Harris.
553 reviews16 followers
May 17, 2022
Lianne is the QUEEN of highschool angst. These characters emotions and conflicted feelings bleed off the pages and settle directly in your soul!

I've always rooted for Aaron and Poppy, but I knew it wasn't going to be an easy ride, from personal experience I know how much it sucks to be in love with your best friend and it not be reciprocated, and Lianne nailed those emotions!

Poppy is hopelessly in love with Aaron, but she believes he doesn't feel the same, and if his actions are anything to go by you can't blame her!

Aaron is a typical idiot boy who doesn't see what's right in front of him until someone else sees it, or so it seems! He tries to deny the pull between himself and Poppy, but nothing can't stand in the way of what's meant to be 🥰

I absolutely adored their story, even with the drama, hurt, and heartache that came with it, because it was so worth it in the end! They're each others' person, and I'm glad they finally managed to bring themselves back together again 😍

I also love the bond between Aaron and Ezra, not brothers by blood but Aaron is still able to not let Ezra's happiness and limelight put a damper on everything he's ever wanted 🥺
Profile Image for Evie_Book_Revs *Evie Book Reviews*.
378 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2022
“Whatever ties existed between us—ties I knew he’d forever resist—he felt it.”

As the fourth book in the next generation of Rixon Raiders, Broken Ties by L. A. Cotton is an angsty best friends to lovers, football HS romance story that centers around Aaron Bennet and Poppy Ford, who have always been so close as friends until senior year.

Aaron is determined to obtain his dream of being drafted in a D1, all the while Poppy seeks his attention to the fact that she has pined after him since the tender age of 12. And when Aaron is conflicted about getting with the coach’s daughter, he friend-zones Poppy. But seeing her move on from his unrequited love turns out to be harder than expected.

Overall, this rating is for continued world-building, relatable characters, and a plot that was unputdownable by all means!!! Aaron and Poppy certainly put the angst and drama into finally confronting their connection.

“You’re mine, Poppy Star. And I want the world to know it.”

Broken Ties can be read as a standalone, however, I recommend starting this series for an all-encompassing experience. Aaron and Poppy’s angst-filled love story is a definite must-read. I only wish there would have been some more encounters of building tension to really capture their undeniable chemistry in this slow-burn romance. But I’m happy to read about these two, in the next book involving Sofia and Cole’s story—Missed Notes.

I reviewed an ARC voluntarily, and look forward to future novels in the series.
Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,420 reviews302 followers
June 16, 2022
Rate: 4,2/ 5 stars

Oh the angst in this one had my heart pumping. I had been waiting for this book for a while and it was so worth the wait. These two were a rollercoaster of feelings.

This book was the perfect angst depiction in a friends to lovers romance where neither character wants to take the first step afraid to completely ruin the friendship. But these two omg they were pretty frustrating and really had my heart in tatters. I couldn't put it down because I just needed them to get their shit together so they could be together. It took them a while but the ending was worth it.

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Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,653 reviews179 followers
May 15, 2022
This entire series there have been glimpses and teases of Aaron and Poppy’s friendship and the crush Poppy has carried for Aaron for years. Their story was so much more than I could have expected. Everything was completely worth the wait when it came to these two.

I love the friendship that Poppy and Aaron have. You can just feel that these two have been best friends their whole lives, but now that feelings are involved and lines are blurred it is complicated and you can feel how much they are both struggling with the change. They have insane amounts of chemistry and everyone knows that they should be so much more than friends.

This story brings out all sorts of feelings and emotions and you are truly on the journey with Poppy and Aaron. You can feel their emotions just oozing off the pages. It’s a rollercoaster full of ups and downs but the ride is worth it.

If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, slow burn, sports romance this is one to check out.
Profile Image for Owella.
506 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2022
Another fantastic installment from the Rixon High world! This time we have Poppy and Aaron's story. These two have quickly become my favourite couple in this world. The angst in this was high! Poppy ended up being so open and vulnerable and Aaron, well I wanted to hit him with my kindle at times 😂😂

I had and felt ALL the emotions with these two and they definitely made it a very bumpy emotional rollercoaster but I'm glad I was along for the ride. This is a brilliant friend's to lovers book that just ticked all my boxes ❤️. Also my first love Jase 😍 is in the book a lot as Poppy is his daughter.

I literally didn't want to put this book down. It's so nice to catch up with all the characters again and see what they are up to. We'll done Lianne on another brilliant book in the series! I can't waot to get my hands on the last one ❤️❤️
Profile Image for Books I Flove.
802 reviews42 followers
May 19, 2022
What a fantastic best-friends-to-lovers story!! My heart was broken in between for these two, but it got pieced back together. Slowly, I might add. I was seriously contemplating to jump into the book and give them a little shake in hope, they come to the right conclusion. Lol.
Very well done by the author. I was hooked, and got very emotional while reading. They both endure a lot, keeping their secrets close, but all the better when they finally open up with everyone!

𝐌𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝… 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰.


I can’t wait for Sofia’s book! And will be saddened to see it’s the last one. All the Raiders have a piece of my heart!


I kindly received an arc from the author and voluntarily left a review.
Profile Image for Laura Jane.
220 reviews
May 17, 2022
Wow! What an amazing read. I honestly couldn’t put Broken Ties down. Poppy and Aaron’s book has all that you expect from this authors books. Angst,emotion and heartache to name but a few. One of my top 2022 reads so far for sure. I’m hoping that Sophie’s book is next on the authors list. Can’t wait for more. 5+ stars*****
Profile Image for Carrie.
550 reviews18 followers
May 19, 2022
Broken Ties was a slow burn friends to lovers. Aaron and Poppy have there ups and downs in this story. This book is chalk full of great dialogue, angst and sprinkling of fun moments. Like all the other Rixon books it’s full of family and friendship. This book was an easy fun read that kept my attention.
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,863 reviews88 followers
May 18, 2022
Can I just start by saying that this new era has me falling in love with the OG Raiders all over again. Jase and Ash slay me. I really liked Poppy. She was very much like Flick at that age. And Aaron… he is definitely his dad’s son. Their story is a constant push and pull. Oh the teen drama is straight up in this book. I enjoyed the plot and can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.
Profile Image for Aleja.
446 reviews8 followers
August 31, 2023
A diferencia de los otros que el drama tenía sentido, aquí sufren por sufrí.
Profile Image for Catreena.
394 reviews71 followers
May 16, 2022
BROKEN TIES
Rixon High, #4
L.A.Cotton
Candi Kane PR
Releasing 19th May

#arc #arcreader #amreading #currentlyreading #reader #reviewer #romance #highschooldrama #SportsRomance #football🏈 #ChildhoodFriendstoLovers #unrequited #slowburn #BestFriendsBrother #friendship #RixonHighseries #slowburn #angst 

POV:Dual                                 Is friendship strong enough to survive?
Poppy & Aaron

We've seen glimpses of these two in the previous books. Now it's their story.

Poppy and Aaron are best friends, their each other's everything. No secrets between them. She's also Sofia, Aaron's twin sisters best friend. Their parents are best friends. Poppy's dad is Aaron's football coach. Poppy has loved Aaron since she can remember. Football is the end goal for Aaron, waiting to get picked up to play college football, following in his father's footsteps, it's like a rite of passage, a legacy to uphold.

Poppy's finally ready to let Aaron know how she feels, wanting out of the friend zone.... only to have her heart shatter and fall at her feet... he's kissing Zara, the girl that she despises the most. She's also the cheer captain. It's clear to her that he really doesn't feel the same way.

Heart broken, but Poppy's good at covering up her feelings and pretending that everything is fine, she's had years of practice living in her sister, Lilly's, shadow, feeling like her mother doesn't 'see' her. Not that she blames her sister, she loves her dearly. It's like Poppy's an after thought, her parents don't fuss over her like they do Lilly, seeing that Poppy is strong, great student, responsible.

She tries to move on with a great guy, Eli, he's on the swim team, makes her laugh, the only guy who's paid any attention to her, despite who her father is, everything that a girl would be happy for, she really likes him, he likes her, but, he doesn't have her heart, that, will always be Aarons. She can't lead him on. She's not that cruel.

With Aaron's increased popularity it's like he's a totally different person, it's like he no longer has time for his twin, Sofia, or his best friend, Poppy. She's going to have to come to terms that she's only his friend, and nothing more. She can't be hung up on a guy who'll not love her in return.

Being senior year, Aaron knows he's changed, being captain, the team's counting on him. He's focused. But when the cheer captain tries to get her claws into him, he tries to placate her.
Not wanting drama like there was last season between last season's quarterback, coach's oldest daughter and cheer captain. That's why nothing can happen between him and Poppy. Even though she's what he wants. She's one of his favourite people, she's sweet, funny, loyal. But she's with Eli. He's happy for her. He cherishes their friendship, he can't lose her, she needs to be there for him. He doesn't want to lose her, but losing her to another guy?

Lines get crossed, misunderstandings. Angst. Drama. Heartache.
Will Poppy turn her back on Aaron?
Will Aaron come to his senses?
Or will he shatter both their hearts the process?

Poor Poppy. My heart broke for her. She was strong. She has great friends, Sofia, Lilly, her sister, and Ashleigh, her cousin in her corner.
Aaron, well, I just wanted to slap and shake him silly, and to tell him to wake up! Even though he thought he was doing the right thing.

Can't wait to see what's coming next in MISSED NOTES (Sofia & Cole)

*Arc provided for an honest review

Profile Image for BarbarAzza Brioscina.
543 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2024
Carino .... ma .
Aaron cucciolo Idiota .
Poppy ???? Boh
Mancano pezzi , troppo lunghini i flip mentali . Editor? Anche meno .
Brioscine inizio dicendovi che con questa recensione sostituisco una tantum la mia amica del cuore Ella , non temete e' solo un breve cambio di testimone .
Perché l'abbiamo letta insieme e ci siamo confrontate spessissimo e abbiamo amato entrambe la freschezza di questa serie . Una boccata di ossigeno .
Ma andiamo con ordine .
Abbiamo conosciuto Blossom nel primo libro Heartless Player, sorella di Rebel in vena di riscattarsi da una vita non vita e con una relazione tossica da lasciarsi dietro le spalle .
Anche il nostro Darren lo abbiamo già incontrato , e' il direttore del Firken dove hanno lavorato diverse protagoniste dei libri che è un buon amico di tutto il personale .Sappiamo pochissimo di lui , tranne che vive in campagna con il padre e la zia Rivi dopo la morte di sua madre .
Sappiamo che giocava ad Hockey e ora non lo fa piu, sappiamo che ogni tanto si concede una notte di bagordi alcolici e che nei confronti della sua nuova dipendente ha eretto una cortina di ghiaccio . Ma per il resto la privacy estrema avvolge la sua vita . Il contrario di Blossom che è salita agli onori della cronaca per il "fattaccio" della famiglia .
Ed è la nostra protagonista che piano piano scioglie il nostro eroe, tra un'appendicite trascurata e una delle famose serate di Darren inizia una strana amicizia complice tra i due. Fatta di feste condivise e confidenze che non avrebbero mai fatto.

Di capire che non voglio rimanere da sola per sempre, ma qualcosa mi dice che se aspetto che questo giocatore di hockey a pezzi si riprenda, potrei anche attendere in eterno.

Premetto che il libro mi è piaciuto, però il fatto che sia stato scritto seguendo la linea temporale di tutti e quattro i libri precedenti a un certo punto mi ha stranito perché alcuni fatti per me erano già assodati .
Per il resto la lettura è godibilissima e si potrebbe leggere autonomamente senza aver letto gli altri . Ed io ed Ella aspettiamo il sesto dal primo libro : Cait sarai la nostra preferita .

«Hai fatto più di quanto immagini. Ho tenuto a mente le tue parole: “Tutti si meritano un po’ di felicità e per andare avanti ci vuole coraggio”.

Darren e Blossom hanno bisogno di una scossa perché l'attrazione che provano l'uno per l'altra non si può nascondere come la polvere sotto il tappeto e prima o poi questa polvere li farà starnutire. La parte emotiva arriva soprattutto per il riscatto emotivo di Blossom e per la maturazione degli eventi precedenti di Darren. I nostri due protagonisti sapranno confrontarsi? Lo scoprirai solo leggendolo.

3,75 stelle
3, spicy

Da mettere nell immagine un dischetto da hockey , un caffè ,
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
959 reviews80 followers
May 18, 2022
4/4.5 ⭐️

If there’s one thing L.A. Cotton knows how to do so well, it’s writing an angsty and super emotionally charged teenager Romance story that is filled to the brim with drama, suspense and a whole load of ever growing tension.
Broken Ties attested to that given Poppy and Aaron's story.

Dear Lawd the copious amount of drippage in regards to the never ending emotions running off the pages alongside the angsty-ness was never short of going dry.
Lianne not only had you feeling all kinds of emotions, of which was all over the place in an erratic cycle, given not only the many different events and situations going on between Poppy, Aaron and their friends and family.
Simultaneously pulling every sort of sentiment out of you at every single page turn too.
Plus with the angst that was added on top made it so much more.
It caused the bleeding off the pages to be absorbed by you. As if you were in their places with how Lianne had you being able to experience all the different feelings and emotions.
So much so that there was no way that you could ignore the heartache, sadness, pain and frustration hitting you deep and hard.

Poppy and Aaron's story Broken Ties was truly an all consuming rollercoaster ride that just wouldn’t let up. It even had you not wanting to stop altogether.
Poppy and Aaron’s relationship had you devouring the pages watching their confusing thoughts lead to a lot of back and forth battles they just couldn't stop from commencing, all the way to the fighting it tended to end with.
On top of dealing with their feelings for each other that they just couldn’t seem to control or understand. At least mostly on Aaron’s part, since he couldn’t and wouldn’t accept it or acknowledge any piece to it. Instead choosing to push it to the back of his mind. Tucked away with being locked up. It did lead to times of both sharing some sweet times, as well as some sweet moments. One between two best friends who grew up together.

While there were many times Poppy and Aaron had me frustrated (alongside some other side characters), wanting to scream and shout whenever their lack of communication skills came to face and caused a hindrance. The fact that they never really actually came out and said what they truly meant or wanted.
It just confirmed that Lianne was doing her job right with this narrative, seeing as she had me so invested given how she was able to pull out many reactions from within.
It proved just how much she was able to have the storyline get to me from how often it affected me throughout.

Hats off to L.A. Cotton for coming through once again and delivering a wonderful story that of Poppy and Aaron in Broken Ties.
While it’s bittersweet knowing the next book will be the last in Rixon High series, it doesn’t make me any less excited for Sofia and Cole’s story Missed Notes.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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