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Crimson Bonds #2
Shifting Ties
Captives.
Kidnapped Mafia Bosses Allesandro Martelli and Cristian Amato are listless. Days spent in chains, while taunted about the discord in their territories, leaves the Bosses with an ever growing sense of doom regarding their Families.
Lovers.
What should have been a fun way to relieve stress turns into real feelings, leaving unexpected pairings reeling from the depth of their connections. The shifting dynamics force the Amatos and Martellis involved to reevaluate where they belong, as the newly formed relationships cause strife and uncertainty in a dangerous time.
Adversaries.
As their enemy gets bolder, both Families must set their hurt feelings and bruised hearts aside, or run the risk of becoming a casualty to the war waged against them... If only matters of the heart were as easy to wade through as the bodies they leave in their wake.
Shifting Ties is book 2 in the Crimson Bonds series and contains a continuous storyline. All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs.
This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story.
Kidnapped Mafia Bosses Allesandro Martelli and Cristian Amato are listless. Days spent in chains, while taunted about the discord in their territories, leaves the Bosses with an ever growing sense of doom regarding their Families.
Lovers.
What should have been a fun way to relieve stress turns into real feelings, leaving unexpected pairings reeling from the depth of their connections. The shifting dynamics force the Amatos and Martellis involved to reevaluate where they belong, as the newly formed relationships cause strife and uncertainty in a dangerous time.
Adversaries.
As their enemy gets bolder, both Families must set their hurt feelings and bruised hearts aside, or run the risk of becoming a casualty to the war waged against them... If only matters of the heart were as easy to wade through as the bodies they leave in their wake.
Shifting Ties is book 2 in the Crimson Bonds series and contains a continuous storyline. All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs.
This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2025
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Abrianna Denae
42 books267 followersAbrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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April 20, 2025I'd been so curious about this series! It connects with 2 series of both authors. It has lovely poly rep & the relationships blooming & changing is fun to see! I spend my 3hrs on this heh. I can't say I read fully as I won't be able to grasp the plot but I'm so excited to read it full sometimes in future!
For now, there seems to be 3 more books but I wonder if there will be more in the series 👀.
For now, there seems to be 3 more books but I wonder if there will be more in the series 👀.
April 17, 2025
The evil geniuses are at it again! It doesn’t surprise me at all that I was thoroughly sucked into this story and didn’t want to set the book down even for a second. I was hooked. This book, this sexy, bloody, and nerve wrecking book, was everything wanted and more. And I didn’t see some of this coming!! Like wow, my mind is blown on one of the Martelli-Amato pairings. Won’t say who cause no spoilers here. I will say, this one doesn’t hind in a cliffhanger but of course the story and plot are still going on, so I guess still a cliffhanger? Let’s call it a soft cliffhanger. Il Padrone and Cristian are still missing and the kidnapper is still trying to ruin both families with law enforcement keeping both families distracted but they have plans and they are putting those plans in motion to help take off some heat and give them a chance to find their Bosses. Meanwhile, Il Padrone and Cristian have to deal with some pretty awful villain speeches and some, as Cristian would say, boring torture. And of course during all this we have Amatos and Martelli’s pairing off and at odds with each other and within their families: they are falling apart without their Bosses while also doing a top notch job of figuring it out and working together. These two authors do such an amazing job! I legit finished this book in less than a day and couldn’t stop reading (except to drive but then they were still on my mind). I can’t wait to see what the evil Queens of dark mafia romance give us next. Abrianna Denae and Leigh Kenzie write fantastic dark romance apart but together? They are epic and feed off each other and let these boys run rampant and spill bloody words across the pages. Looking forward to book 3 and seeing what darkness awaits us.
April 24, 2025
This story follows Mafia Bosses Allesandro Martelli and Cristian Amato as they grapple with captivity, their families’ growing turmoil, and the psychological warfare inflicted upon them. Stripped of control, their desperation mounts as their territories descend into chaos. Meanwhile, relationships within their crime syndicates take unexpected turns. What starts as fleeting encounters for relief deepens into tangled emotional bonds, challenging loyalties and forcing both families to reassess their priorities. With an emboldened enemy closing in, the Amatos and Martellis must put aside personal conflicts to survive—before their own discord proves just as dangerous as the war raging around them.
I loved this dramatic story as the enemies started to close in and the links between the two families deepened. Many of the relationships between the men involved violence but that was the kind of world that they lived in. A lot of emotions and feelings as well as passion in this story. This was an MMM and MMM+ story with mature content.
I loved this dramatic story as the enemies started to close in and the links between the two families deepened. Many of the relationships between the men involved violence but that was the kind of world that they lived in. A lot of emotions and feelings as well as passion in this story. This was an MMM and MMM+ story with mature content.
April 22, 2025
Intense crossover story
You really really need to have read at least one of the series from this crossover story and read the books in order or you will never keep this story straight. As it was I still had to keep referring to the family trees even though I have read Leigh Kenzie’s series.
I am definitely in awe of Leigh Kenzie and Abrianna Denae for even attempting this absolute beast of a project. It has to be difficult enough keeping one series straight never mind two and then combining them? It’s absolutely fascinating and compelling and puts fresh eyes on these two groups of characters and their world. Totally crazy, totally unrealistic and yet a whole lot of fun. More please.
You really really need to have read at least one of the series from this crossover story and read the books in order or you will never keep this story straight. As it was I still had to keep referring to the family trees even though I have read Leigh Kenzie’s series.
I am definitely in awe of Leigh Kenzie and Abrianna Denae for even attempting this absolute beast of a project. It has to be difficult enough keeping one series straight never mind two and then combining them? It’s absolutely fascinating and compelling and puts fresh eyes on these two groups of characters and their world. Totally crazy, totally unrealistic and yet a whole lot of fun. More please.
April 2, 2025
Things are heating up between the Amato and Martelli families, and I am so here for it! They still don't know who took Cristian and Allesandro, and the stress of trying to find them is causing cracks to appear. Friendships and relationships are falling apart, and new connections are being forged.
The spice level, and the violence, is off the charts, as you'd expect from these two authors, and the seamless way they've melded their two worlds is a testament to how talented they both are.
I'm excited to see how things develop between the new couples, and I have to wonder if there will be more Amato/Martelli matches in the next books.
The spice level, and the violence, is off the charts, as you'd expect from these two authors, and the seamless way they've melded their two worlds is a testament to how talented they both are.
I'm excited to see how things develop between the new couples, and I have to wonder if there will be more Amato/Martelli matches in the next books.
April 13, 2025
Shifting Ties is the second book in the Crimson Bonds series. All books in this series must be read in order. This is a dark MM and MMM+ story with various pairings and relationships. Please see inside for the full list of TWs. This is an Amato Family (All's Fair Series by Abrianna Denae) and Martelli Family (Vendetta series by Leigh Kenzie) crossover. This is not a standalone story. At least one of the series, Vendetta or All’s Fair, needs to be read first to truly understand the dynamics of this story." With the family heads still missing things are getting hotter as the Amato and Martelli families pair up. This book kept me so engaged that I couldn't put it down once I started it. There is plenty of steam, action and intrigue as things progress through the story ARC. The two authors Abrianna Denae and Leigh Kenzie have written some amazing characters and combined their worlds perfectly. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
April 24, 2025
Holy crapola. How is this the happy book?? lol.
These two are trying to kill us. Honestly, I don’t even have words. Leigh and Abri have left me stunned and speechless.
I do with we had more from Cristian and Alessandro in this book but there was soooo much going on with their families.
Yikes. We’re in for a bumpy ride, kids.
And I’m terrified.
These two are trying to kill us. Honestly, I don’t even have words. Leigh and Abri have left me stunned and speechless.
I do with we had more from Cristian and Alessandro in this book but there was soooo much going on with their families.
Yikes. We’re in for a bumpy ride, kids.
And I’m terrified.
April 10, 2025
My favorite two authors did it again There's still many many problems from the Amato and the Mortilli family. They still have to find out where Bosses are. The cops are trying to distract them from finding them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
With book one, you could feel these two authors were going to be something special when they combined forces. What you do not expect are the pairings that cause these two families to become more tangled than we even saw coming. With the Bosses still out of action, our little Bosses are stepping into the roles magnificently, showing they are ready to be the new heads of the organizations. Together, they work on finding who took the Bosses and how they begin to bring them back. But really, are the bosses ready for all these new shifting dynamics? Only time can tell if this new way will work or implode on all these new pairings.
I, for one, cannot wait to see how this writing duo grows. Love them separate, but together, they are at a new level.
I, for one, cannot wait to see how this writing duo grows. Love them separate, but together, they are at a new level.
April 3, 2025
I love that we got a lot more action in book 2. It was so freaking exciting when Lio said fuck this, it's time to fight back. Chaos was unleashed. Ghost finally joined the party. We got to see more of Marcus and Keegan, but not as War and Mayhem. I want to see War and Mayhem come out to play. They are incredible together, and I'm looking forward to them hopefully getting more involved. I get that being parents makes it a little more complicated for them to give all their time to fighting. Cole's young and needs at least one of his dads with him. But I miss witnessing them in action.
There will probably be lots of people surprised by something Roman does, but I was honestly not. I was actually happy for him. It was nice to see him and Lio bonding more, too.
Now, let's rant some.
I was not happy with Tennant and Benjamin. I'm so over Benjamin. If these people don't stop making Ignacio the bad guy, I'm liable to take out a hit on them. For real, Benjamin wasn't the only one who suffered trauma. Ignacio was tortured and a literal second away from being killed. Yet all we ever hear about is poor Benjamin. Tennant being hung up on Ignacio not training Ben is annoying. How is it that NO ONE seems to get the fact that Ignacio has been caught up in trauma and guilt and was dealing with it the best he could at the time. Then his fiance goes and puts a knife in his heart and back by cheating on him and then leaving him. Benjamin complains about Ignacio not hearing him, not being supportive enough, yet he failed at seeing and understanding Ignacio during all that as well. He failed at being a good partner just as much. And now, he's "in love" with Tennant and screw the man who loved him, wanted to marry him, and that he was supposed to love unconditionally. I used to feel horrible for what Ben went through, and I still feel sorry it happened to him, but he's not someone I'm able to like anymore. I hope he one day gets his head out of his ass and realizes his own mistakes instead of just blaming Ignacio. So, seriously, if Leigh and Abri decide to kill off a character, I vote for Benjamin.
Okay, rant over.
Now, let's talk about the fact that I don't have the first dang clue as to who is behind everything! I found myself even more confused about possibilities after Sargeant Mac talked about who brought him in. It's obviously someone who hates both families. It's concerning the amount of information they have on both. It would seem it's someone close to them. But who?! I need more clues, I need the next book! Until then...
There will probably be lots of people surprised by something Roman does, but I was honestly not. I was actually happy for him. It was nice to see him and Lio bonding more, too.
Now, let's rant some.
I was not happy with Tennant and Benjamin. I'm so over Benjamin. If these people don't stop making Ignacio the bad guy, I'm liable to take out a hit on them. For real, Benjamin wasn't the only one who suffered trauma. Ignacio was tortured and a literal second away from being killed. Yet all we ever hear about is poor Benjamin. Tennant being hung up on Ignacio not training Ben is annoying. How is it that NO ONE seems to get the fact that Ignacio has been caught up in trauma and guilt and was dealing with it the best he could at the time. Then his fiance goes and puts a knife in his heart and back by cheating on him and then leaving him. Benjamin complains about Ignacio not hearing him, not being supportive enough, yet he failed at seeing and understanding Ignacio during all that as well. He failed at being a good partner just as much. And now, he's "in love" with Tennant and screw the man who loved him, wanted to marry him, and that he was supposed to love unconditionally. I used to feel horrible for what Ben went through, and I still feel sorry it happened to him, but he's not someone I'm able to like anymore. I hope he one day gets his head out of his ass and realizes his own mistakes instead of just blaming Ignacio. So, seriously, if Leigh and Abri decide to kill off a character, I vote for Benjamin.
Okay, rant over.
Now, let's talk about the fact that I don't have the first dang clue as to who is behind everything! I found myself even more confused about possibilities after Sargeant Mac talked about who brought him in. It's obviously someone who hates both families. It's concerning the amount of information they have on both. It would seem it's someone close to them. But who?! I need more clues, I need the next book! Until then...
April 24, 2025
"They say there's no greater honor than to sacrifice your life for something you believe in"
I thought the guys were in over their heads in book one, but their worlds have quite literally imploded with the Shifting Ties
Despite the chaos surrounding them, both families were building trust between them. Forming bonds, both personal and professional, that would strengthen them against their unseen enemies
Until one act of sacrifice? An act of love? Cracked the tentative truce
Now there are fractures from within, and secrets that should never have breached their walls are out in the open
Can they shore up their foundation before the tides sweep them away?
Or will the enemy gain the upper hand?
"Because who else, aside from four vastly distinctive men, would willingly love a monster?"
OMG!
My heart broke for Lio and Benjamin. However, I was thankful for Hollis. Not only for his ability to step in and take control, to redirect our boys, but for his patience with Roman, who is just barely hanging on
This is not a standalone. You need to read the previous book to understand the complicated relationships between the cast. And they are complicated.
None of our men fall within the spectrum of society's norms
But that does not make any of them less than
This is a dark mafia poly MM romance that comes packed with triggers
So if 🩸Crimson Splatter. Torture. Vengeance. 🗡️ Knife play. Breathe Play. 🌪️Chaos. 💀The Grim Reaper. And the likes are not your cuppa
I suggest you skip this series
For the rest of you - I'll see you on the other side
Some of my favorite moments :)
"Burn them to the ground." "I want their entire world to implode like mine just did."
💣 You messed up going against the family 🔥
"There is no cure for something like that. There's survival and there's moving forward"
😭
"The Baby Mouse is mine, forever"
" They're not taking me from you. Ever"
❤️🩹
I thought the guys were in over their heads in book one, but their worlds have quite literally imploded with the Shifting Ties
Despite the chaos surrounding them, both families were building trust between them. Forming bonds, both personal and professional, that would strengthen them against their unseen enemies
Until one act of sacrifice? An act of love? Cracked the tentative truce
Now there are fractures from within, and secrets that should never have breached their walls are out in the open
Can they shore up their foundation before the tides sweep them away?
Or will the enemy gain the upper hand?
"Because who else, aside from four vastly distinctive men, would willingly love a monster?"
OMG!
My heart broke for Lio and Benjamin. However, I was thankful for Hollis. Not only for his ability to step in and take control, to redirect our boys, but for his patience with Roman, who is just barely hanging on
This is not a standalone. You need to read the previous book to understand the complicated relationships between the cast. And they are complicated.
None of our men fall within the spectrum of society's norms
But that does not make any of them less than
This is a dark mafia poly MM romance that comes packed with triggers
So if 🩸Crimson Splatter. Torture. Vengeance. 🗡️ Knife play. Breathe Play. 🌪️Chaos. 💀The Grim Reaper. And the likes are not your cuppa
I suggest you skip this series
For the rest of you - I'll see you on the other side
Some of my favorite moments :)
"Burn them to the ground." "I want their entire world to implode like mine just did."
💣 You messed up going against the family 🔥
"There is no cure for something like that. There's survival and there's moving forward"
😭
"The Baby Mouse is mine, forever"
" They're not taking me from you. Ever"
❤️🩹
April 17, 2025
I am deeply, madly in love with the proverbial "child" these authors created, combining the characters of their respective series. The sheer genial insanity in executing such kind of idea is a Checkmate. It's only the second book, but I know that there isn't another mafia centered world building that can ever dethrone them from my reading pedestal.
The two Mafia bosses - Alessandro and Christian - are still missing and while they battle for their mental survival, they have no idea how much is changing in their own families, not only because the war against them is brutal and the borders between friends, foes and allies are crumbling and morphing into a great Unknown. The changes in the hearts, the shifting ties between the two families are beyond salvageable. The world building is like always outstanding, the story fast paced and gritty but the most impressive is the character development. It's like I have never met these characters. The chameleon effect,in the way they show unknown sides of themselves, is riveting and mind twisting.
Reading the second book was like finding my way in a swamp - the moment you think the path is clear, you sink. Because as always, this incredibly talented duet, has a hidden Ace or two... or a whole battalion of them.
The two Mafia bosses - Alessandro and Christian - are still missing and while they battle for their mental survival, they have no idea how much is changing in their own families, not only because the war against them is brutal and the borders between friends, foes and allies are crumbling and morphing into a great Unknown. The changes in the hearts, the shifting ties between the two families are beyond salvageable. The world building is like always outstanding, the story fast paced and gritty but the most impressive is the character development. It's like I have never met these characters. The chameleon effect,in the way they show unknown sides of themselves, is riveting and mind twisting.
Reading the second book was like finding my way in a swamp - the moment you think the path is clear, you sink. Because as always, this incredibly talented duet, has a hidden Ace or two... or a whole battalion of them.
April 17, 2025
Christian Amato and Alessandro 'Il Padrone' Martelli have been kidnapped and tortured. This started in book one.
To find their Bosses, the seconds Roman and Emilio must work together to root out their enemies.
The last book ended on a hook and this one more of a cliffhanger.
The Martelli and Amato Families are now blurred, with bonds and unexpected connections being formed.
These families are the violent beating heart of two queer mafia series, one by each author.
With both sets being completed, the authors have joined forces to create a new 'blended family' with a capital F.
Despite inter-fighting, betrayal, fear, sizzling chemistry and constant hits by a hidden enemy, the families are fierce and the twisted relationships are adding fuel to the fire.
This book focuses a lot on Benjamin and Tennant.
We already know Ten is a sociopath and is spiralling without Christian to bring him down, but Benjamin seems able to reach Ten when he's close to exploding.
And what they have doesn't detract from the core Amato polycule.
This is full of heat, surprisingly tender moments and laughter amidst the bloodshed.
We also have the first major clue leading to recovery of the bosses.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
To find their Bosses, the seconds Roman and Emilio must work together to root out their enemies.
The last book ended on a hook and this one more of a cliffhanger.
The Martelli and Amato Families are now blurred, with bonds and unexpected connections being formed.
These families are the violent beating heart of two queer mafia series, one by each author.
With both sets being completed, the authors have joined forces to create a new 'blended family' with a capital F.
Despite inter-fighting, betrayal, fear, sizzling chemistry and constant hits by a hidden enemy, the families are fierce and the twisted relationships are adding fuel to the fire.
This book focuses a lot on Benjamin and Tennant.
We already know Ten is a sociopath and is spiralling without Christian to bring him down, but Benjamin seems able to reach Ten when he's close to exploding.
And what they have doesn't detract from the core Amato polycule.
This is full of heat, surprisingly tender moments and laughter amidst the bloodshed.
We also have the first major clue leading to recovery of the bosses.
I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 7, 2025
Shifting Ties continues the Crimson Bond series by Abrianna Denae and Leigh Kenzie. In order to understand this series (which must be read in order – cliffhanger warning) you need to have read either or both of these author’s previous series: All’s Fair by Abrianna or Vendetta by Leigh.
I knew going in that this series would be dark, very dark but I also have no triggers that I know of. Having said that, this book was almost a bit too much for me because of the dark stuff but did I keep reading? Of course I did.
After reading Shifting Ties I really am a bit speechless so all I’m going to say is that if you’ve read and enjoyed either author’s series mentioned above, I think you won’t want to miss reading this one.
I’m not sure how many books are planned for the Crimson Bonds series but I’m going to keep reading them. I have to find out how the heads of the two families get rescued and then how they get their revenge on their captors!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
I knew going in that this series would be dark, very dark but I also have no triggers that I know of. Having said that, this book was almost a bit too much for me because of the dark stuff but did I keep reading? Of course I did.
After reading Shifting Ties I really am a bit speechless so all I’m going to say is that if you’ve read and enjoyed either author’s series mentioned above, I think you won’t want to miss reading this one.
I’m not sure how many books are planned for the Crimson Bonds series but I’m going to keep reading them. I have to find out how the heads of the two families get rescued and then how they get their revenge on their captors!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
April 21, 2025
4.5 Stars!
So, if you're reading this review, I hope you've read the previous books; if not, continue at your own risk.
Also, Ms. Denae and Ms. Kenzie said this book was relatively tame compared to what's coming, and it really was, sort of the calm before the storm, I guess, which isn't all that reassuring, all things considered.
The Martellis and the Amatos keep dealing with the repercussions of Cristian and Allesandro's kidnappings and the new bonds forming between their families.
I can't say I would equal how Emilio reacted to what happened to Benjamin to how Ignacio did. I feel like Hollis wasn't exactly fair in his assessment, but that's just me.
Anyway, I didn't see the whole thing with Ignacio coming. And I'm looking forward to more twists, since these two authors keep surprising me at every turn.
This is definitely one of those series that keeps your interest from the first page until the last. Looking forward to the next installment! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
So, if you're reading this review, I hope you've read the previous books; if not, continue at your own risk.
Also, Ms. Denae and Ms. Kenzie said this book was relatively tame compared to what's coming, and it really was, sort of the calm before the storm, I guess, which isn't all that reassuring, all things considered.
The Martellis and the Amatos keep dealing with the repercussions of Cristian and Allesandro's kidnappings and the new bonds forming between their families.
I can't say I would equal how Emilio reacted to what happened to Benjamin to how Ignacio did. I feel like Hollis wasn't exactly fair in his assessment, but that's just me.
Anyway, I didn't see the whole thing with Ignacio coming. And I'm looking forward to more twists, since these two authors keep surprising me at every turn.
This is definitely one of those series that keeps your interest from the first page until the last. Looking forward to the next installment! Highly recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
April 24, 2025
One of the authors in this co-write team told me before release that this was the "nice" book in this series. Either nice is a relative term, or we're in for a real ride in the upcoming stories. I'd argue that this book is instead an excellent and emotional bridging story that further brings the Amato and Martelli families closer together--in more ways than one. Denae and Kenzie "break" multiple genre expectations in how their various characters develop relationships in this crossover epic. I'm thoroughly enjoying that this new saga isn't two families acting in a shared interest but clearly staying in their own lanes as the authors trade off chapters. Instead, I often find myself having no idea which author penned each scene as the numerous characters intertwine and find their new normal without Cristian and Il Padrone at the helm. This book closes with a twist I never saw coming in a million years, and I'm officially in for the long haul...even if later books aren't so "nice."
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the authors.
April 17, 2025
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I’m not gonna lie, this series is STRESSING me out - as events unfold, allegiances and relationships shift, which result in pain and hurt feelings, along with all the usual chaos of mafia, violence, and kidnapping. The struggle of the patriarchs being gone has left everyone struggling. Including me. Seriously, I’m glad the books have a break between releases so that my anxiety can settle. LOL
It’s a multi-person story which fits perfectly with the scenario of the two families being intertwined in a battle for their lives. Not to mention their shared partners and how that affects relationships and roles.
The writing is great, and the characters are super fascinating and well-developed.
I’m not gonna lie, this series is STRESSING me out - as events unfold, allegiances and relationships shift, which result in pain and hurt feelings, along with all the usual chaos of mafia, violence, and kidnapping. The struggle of the patriarchs being gone has left everyone struggling. Including me. Seriously, I’m glad the books have a break between releases so that my anxiety can settle. LOL
It’s a multi-person story which fits perfectly with the scenario of the two families being intertwined in a battle for their lives. Not to mention their shared partners and how that affects relationships and roles.
The writing is great, and the characters are super fascinating and well-developed.
April 17, 2025
Shifting Ties is the second novel in this dark mafia series, and it's highly recommended that you read them in order. Both authors have written separate series about the mafia families involved in this one, and I would also recommend reading those.
Abrianna and Leigh have different writing styles, but somehow they have blended well together. My only criticism would be that the pacing in the middle of the novel was slow. It felt bogged down with a lot of info dumping, and I also wish we had more time with the heads of families.
However, I read that this is going to be a very long series, so I'm sure we will get plenty of time with Cristian and Alessandro in the future.
This tangled web of S3x, heartbreak, and mafia v1olenc3 is just going to get messier, and I'm excited and a little scared to see where it leads.
Abrianna and Leigh have different writing styles, but somehow they have blended well together. My only criticism would be that the pacing in the middle of the novel was slow. It felt bogged down with a lot of info dumping, and I also wish we had more time with the heads of families.
However, I read that this is going to be a very long series, so I'm sure we will get plenty of time with Cristian and Alessandro in the future.
This tangled web of S3x, heartbreak, and mafia v1olenc3 is just going to get messier, and I'm excited and a little scared to see where it leads.
April 24, 2025
OMG it just keeps getting better! I seriously am in love with these books. I am going to keep this short and simple because I don't give spoilers. If you love your MM Mafia with a side of Crazy and Violence, you need to read this book. Mind you it is #2 in the series and you HAVE to read them in order. You should also have read at least either Abrianna's series or Leigh's series but preferably both so you know all the characters. This just means you have MANY hours of dark MM/MMM+ reading ahead of you so enjoy!
April 25, 2025
Great follow up to book one! I couldn't wait to continue the series, especially after the first one ended, and this delivered. It keeps up the action, continues to develop the relationships between the two groups, and of course the spice be spicing. I'm anxious about Lio and Ben's relationship and can't wait for them to get back to being the BFF's they should be, and I can't wait for Cristian and Il Padrone to come back and see their reaction to what the guy's have been up to when they were gone. Awesome addition and anxiously waiting for book 3!
April 17, 2025
OMG!!! I thought this was going to be the end of the story, but nope, THERE'S MORE TO COME 😁😁😁 This series is on 🔥 Lots of volatile emotions from the boys, more blending of the Amato and Martelli families. No hints or tips about who is the culprit, but lots more going wrong, sitting at the edge of your seat sort of stuff. Completely gripping, can't put it down, can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2025
It's five stars from me. The story is shaping up with some twists and turns; I have no idea where it's going, but I'm going to be along for the ride.
Ignatio has bagged himself a boss!! Let's hope that doesn't get too messy, but it will be fun whatever happens.
Excellent writing, I enjoyed this book.
Highly recommended.
Ignatio has bagged himself a boss!! Let's hope that doesn't get too messy, but it will be fun whatever happens.
Excellent writing, I enjoyed this book.
Highly recommended.
April 19, 2025
Shifting Ties is the second book in the Crimson Bonds series and each must be read in order. This book is full of action and is extra steamy. I am loving this continuing storyline and am so excited for the next book.
April 24, 2025
I'll always be a Lio fan girl, but I have been loving seeing different sides to the other characters. Both authors deliver what I love about them with their writing and characters that love to be themselves.
I'm ready for the third one!
I'm ready for the third one!
April 20, 2025
Allll the angst, so much angst I might burst omg
I thought Il Padrone and Cristian would be found by now but everyone is being kept in suspense for a bit longer. I liked all different pairings and sharing but omg the tensions are not helping things. I'm always on the edge of my seat getting back into this world because some twists you don't see coming.
Eagerly awaiting the next book!
I thought Il Padrone and Cristian would be found by now but everyone is being kept in suspense for a bit longer. I liked all different pairings and sharing but omg the tensions are not helping things. I'm always on the edge of my seat getting back into this world because some twists you don't see coming.
Eagerly awaiting the next book!
April 24, 2025
Oh my gosh! I need book 3 already! This story was more than I could have imagined! I am head over heels in love with these characters.
I absolutely loved this book. The story drew me in right away. A series that just gets better and better, as we piece bits to the puzzle that were missing, new revelations are revealed.
The story flows well as the reader is scooped up into the action unfolding on the page.There is also a plot that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. so this is a book that is easily devoured bc there was not one dull moment.
ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS! Incredible highs and absolutely devastating lows.
I absolutely loved this book. The story drew me in right away. A series that just gets better and better, as we piece bits to the puzzle that were missing, new revelations are revealed.
The story flows well as the reader is scooped up into the action unfolding on the page.There is also a plot that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. so this is a book that is easily devoured bc there was not one dull moment.
ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS! Incredible highs and absolutely devastating lows.
April 16, 2025
This picks up where we left off in book one. My mind is spiraling with all the ways this can go next and who is behind all of this but I have a feeling I’m going to be blown away as we get further into this series. 🖤🔥🩸🔥🖤
My favorite quotes:
•Jude: “It’s Tennant. It’ll take a lot more than some high and mighty cops to take him out. If he heard you talking like that he’d probably kill you for losing faith in him.”
•Benjamín: Lio’s voice is as rough as mine, despite the fact I’m the one who wears the bruises. Then again, bruises of the heart may be invisible, but they hurt just as much.
My favorite quotes:
•Jude: “It’s Tennant. It’ll take a lot more than some high and mighty cops to take him out. If he heard you talking like that he’d probably kill you for losing faith in him.”
•Benjamín: Lio’s voice is as rough as mine, despite the fact I’m the one who wears the bruises. Then again, bruises of the heart may be invisible, but they hurt just as much.
January 9, 2026
Loved the first book and this book swept me away equally! Martelli-Amato Mafia families are the main protagonists of this story which makes a captivating read. So much going on and sone dark moments but crucially it is so well written and built perfectly, keeping you completely captivated throughout! Loved it!
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review
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