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Family Ties
Danny Carmody has lived life privileged but lonely. He has always sacrificed his own needs to meet the demands of his family. Now he is faced with an arranged marriage intended to reunite the Carmodys and the Dwyers, the city's two most powerful families. Out of his sense of duty, he agrees. But always a romantic at heart, he secretly nurtures hopes of finding love within this sterile business arrangement. Once he meets his intended groom, Evan -- a talented, attractive architect -- those hopes soar.
Evan Dwyer has grown up reviled by his family. Before he was even born, his mother was blamed for breaking up a planned marriage between the Carmodys and the Dwyers. As a result, both Evan and his mother have lived their lives in virtual exile. But now he has suddenly been deemed of use to the families, and they are blackmailing him into participating in the arranged marriage.
Furious, he reaches out to the FBI for help and finds only more complications. Too many people want to use him to advance their own agendas. By the time Evan realizes Danny might just be the safe harbor he's looked for all his life, it may well be too late. Evan has set in motion forces that threaten to destroy any hope they have for a future together.
Evan Dwyer has grown up reviled by his family. Before he was even born, his mother was blamed for breaking up a planned marriage between the Carmodys and the Dwyers. As a result, both Evan and his mother have lived their lives in virtual exile. But now he has suddenly been deemed of use to the families, and they are blackmailing him into participating in the arranged marriage.
Furious, he reaches out to the FBI for help and finds only more complications. Too many people want to use him to advance their own agendas. By the time Evan realizes Danny might just be the safe harbor he's looked for all his life, it may well be too late. Evan has set in motion forces that threaten to destroy any hope they have for a future together.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2014
4 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 24, 2015
2.5*
Well....
I was really looking forward to some soap opera drama. You know, the kind with the ridiculous out there story lines. That's the good kind. What I ended up with was the mediocre kind. The villains (we'll go ahead and pretend that's what they were) were pathetic and sorry excuses to be even considered villains. The cousin Sean was a sorry excuse as a rival for Evan. He was whinny and couldn't even throw a punch. Don't even get me started on his name calling. UGH! It was just sad reading the 'attempts' Sean made against Evan.
There were Russians, but even the fucking Russians didn't bring any kind of heat to this book. The twists didn't impress me. Most of the time I was saying:
The relationship between Evan and Danny...
They had to be one the most boring couples I have ever came across. There was no chemistry there for me. There was no passion no heat. I found them both very dull. I couldn't connect with either character. The relationship was unbelievable especially with the early 'I love you' that was just thrown out there when these two hadn't even known each other long enough or had even spent enough time together to come to a conclusion like that.
Now I am all about the crazy unbelievable far out there schemes that comes along with some of these books I consider 'soap opera-y'. I enjoy the ridiculousness of them and knowing that there is no way that the shit happening in these types of books could ever happen (maybe) in real life. That makes me enjoy them even more. That's what I wanted in this book. And since I didn't get it I am left disappointed for not only spending my time reading it but also spending the $6.99 I paid for it. By 60% I was like:
But hey, book:
Just because you may not have been my kind of book doesn't mean other's won't love you. But in this case it was just another case of it wasn't me it was you.
Well....
I was really looking forward to some soap opera drama. You know, the kind with the ridiculous out there story lines. That's the good kind. What I ended up with was the mediocre kind. The villains (we'll go ahead and pretend that's what they were) were pathetic and sorry excuses to be even considered villains. The cousin Sean was a sorry excuse as a rival for Evan. He was whinny and couldn't even throw a punch. Don't even get me started on his name calling. UGH! It was just sad reading the 'attempts' Sean made against Evan.
There were Russians, but even the fucking Russians didn't bring any kind of heat to this book. The twists didn't impress me. Most of the time I was saying:
The relationship between Evan and Danny...
They had to be one the most boring couples I have ever came across. There was no chemistry there for me. There was no passion no heat. I found them both very dull. I couldn't connect with either character. The relationship was unbelievable especially with the early 'I love you' that was just thrown out there when these two hadn't even known each other long enough or had even spent enough time together to come to a conclusion like that.
Now I am all about the crazy unbelievable far out there schemes that comes along with some of these books I consider 'soap opera-y'. I enjoy the ridiculousness of them and knowing that there is no way that the shit happening in these types of books could ever happen (maybe) in real life. That makes me enjoy them even more. That's what I wanted in this book. And since I didn't get it I am left disappointed for not only spending my time reading it but also spending the $6.99 I paid for it. By 60% I was like:
But hey, book:
Just because you may not have been my kind of book doesn't mean other's won't love you. But in this case it was just another case of it wasn't me it was you.
August 30, 2014
The Blogger Girls
4.5 Stars rounded up
This was such a strong, well-rounded, and complete story. From start to finish, the author created a world that is believable and intense. A world where the rich manipulate others and use their money to get what they want without a second thought on who gets hurt or stepped on in the process…even if it’s a member of the family. One wonders how the uber-rich lives from time to time, but if this is the case, then I will remain in my happy little middle-class life.
Evan is the rejected grandson of the wealthy Dwyer clan leader, Colin. Danny is the son of the wealthy Carmody matriarch, Nessa. These two snakes use their young to try and create a superpower. You feel for both guys, because neither is given a choice in how their lives are to be played out, and yet you want to smack them for not waking up, standing up for themselves, and walking away. Danny is like royalty; he was raised to do whatever he had to for the good of the family. Since Evan was rejected, he is blackmailed instead.
This entire story was predictable until it wasn’t. You think you know what’s happening, and where it’s leading, but you really don’t. The twists and unexpected turns kept me reading when I really should have been in bed with the lights out. Someone I hated turned out to be good, and so after that I stopped trying to guess what was going to happen next and just let it flow.
In the midst of the rich acting horribly, you also have the growing attraction and love affair between Danny and Evan. These two are super romantic in a world that is full of darkness. You wonder how they can possibly pull off the impossible, but they do. They get the last laugh, they get the happily every after, and the “families” get what they deserve…just not what you expected.
4.5 Stars rounded up
This was such a strong, well-rounded, and complete story. From start to finish, the author created a world that is believable and intense. A world where the rich manipulate others and use their money to get what they want without a second thought on who gets hurt or stepped on in the process…even if it’s a member of the family. One wonders how the uber-rich lives from time to time, but if this is the case, then I will remain in my happy little middle-class life.
Evan is the rejected grandson of the wealthy Dwyer clan leader, Colin. Danny is the son of the wealthy Carmody matriarch, Nessa. These two snakes use their young to try and create a superpower. You feel for both guys, because neither is given a choice in how their lives are to be played out, and yet you want to smack them for not waking up, standing up for themselves, and walking away. Danny is like royalty; he was raised to do whatever he had to for the good of the family. Since Evan was rejected, he is blackmailed instead.
This entire story was predictable until it wasn’t. You think you know what’s happening, and where it’s leading, but you really don’t. The twists and unexpected turns kept me reading when I really should have been in bed with the lights out. Someone I hated turned out to be good, and so after that I stopped trying to guess what was going to happen next and just let it flow.
In the midst of the rich acting horribly, you also have the growing attraction and love affair between Danny and Evan. These two are super romantic in a world that is full of darkness. You wonder how they can possibly pull off the impossible, but they do. They get the last laugh, they get the happily every after, and the “families” get what they deserve…just not what you expected.
March 14, 2015
3.5*
I will admit it; I did not go into Family Ties expecting all that much. It was by a new author from a small press. I am a bit jaded, but have had bad luck with titles like that in the past. However, I was intrigued by the blurb and decided to give it a shot, anyway. What I got was not perfect, but was interesting and well thought out.
Danny and Evan are both products of their environment. One the perfect son. One the outcast bastard child. They are also both being used by their families as a means to an end. Danny doesn’t have much backbone, and, as such, I have a hard time sympathizing with him. Evan, however, has had a pretty crappy time of it and the circumstances surrounding his participation in the scheme are completely understandable.
See my full review on Prism Book Alliance
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
I will admit it; I did not go into Family Ties expecting all that much. It was by a new author from a small press. I am a bit jaded, but have had bad luck with titles like that in the past. However, I was intrigued by the blurb and decided to give it a shot, anyway. What I got was not perfect, but was interesting and well thought out.
Danny and Evan are both products of their environment. One the perfect son. One the outcast bastard child. They are also both being used by their families as a means to an end. Danny doesn’t have much backbone, and, as such, I have a hard time sympathizing with him. Evan, however, has had a pretty crappy time of it and the circumstances surrounding his participation in the scheme are completely understandable.
See my full review on Prism Book Alliance
http://www.prismbookalliance.com/2014...
August 7, 2014
3.5 stars
I liked this story. The writing was solid and there were no editing errors that I saw. I wasn't riveted but I was pretty well entertained. It did tend to feel a bit soap opera-ish at times. There was a lot of deceit and betrayal and the storyline was intricate and convoluted. The story was quite ambitious but the author pulled it off fairly well. Although the story was meant to be angsty I wasn't ever sucked in all the way. It just didn't give me the feels that I was looking for. But it was a nice, easy read.
I say go for it. It wasn't bad at all.
September 21, 2014
These story really tells the story of two men. On the surface one is much strong than the other and both are being backed into a corner. But as the story unfolds you realize they each have strengths and weakness that compliment each other. And when it comes down to it they are able to take control of their lives and work it out for the their own good.
July 21, 2014
I give this a 3.5, good story and likable characters.
December 29, 2023
This was very hard to put down. Two powerful Irish families controlling the docks and hoping to concentrate that control through marriage. The Dwyers are struggling compared to the Carmodys, so a union between the two families is revived. Danny Carmody is to be married to one of the Dwyers. Danny refuses the first proposed match. When he's shown the picture of the second choice he's nothing if not intrigued. The second choice is the ‘illegitimate’ Evan Dwyer. Evan has never had easy relations with his extended family as it has always been claimed that he was illegitimate. Feeling that he's being blackmailed into this arranged marriage he contacts the FBI to prevent the marriage by finding some criminal activity with the power structure of one or both families. What neither of the two expected was to truly fall in love. As secrets are revealed the fledgling relationship is strained as trust is put to the test. Will Danny and Evan get their HEA?
August 25, 2014
4 star review by Roberta
Well, this book sounded so interesting to me, that I had to pick it up and see why I was so intrigued by it. I’m glad that I did.
Evan Dwyer is the “illegitimate” son of Jamison Dwyer and Simone-a French, ex-pat who fell in love and left France to be with the one she loved. Evan has always been made to feel and to be known that the Dwyer family hated him and his mother. That they weren’t good enough for the Dwyer family. Evan has survived his entire life without the help of the Dwyer family and he’s made a pretty good life for himself. He’s an architect who has started his own business and has the opportunity to put him on the map. Evan is this really great guy who is kind and so lovable. Evan is so sweet and just wants to live his life. He wants to take care of his mother and maybe find a guy who’ll love him.
Danny Carmody is the heir apparent to the Carmody fortune. He is an openly gay man who is trying to live his life as best as possible. He owns his own publishing firm and just wants to be left alone. Instead, he’s pulled into the family business by his mother, Nessa. An arrange marriage that will unite the Carmody and Dwyer families. Danny is such sweet guy. He just wants to live a life of pure authenticity. To have someone who loves him and he loves in return. Danny has this family that he loves and yet, he can’t be on his own the way he’d like. So many responsibilities that being a Carmody brings with it.
The cast of characters in this book are something else. Nessa Carmody, Danny’s mother is a business woman who’s mind is as sharp as a steel trap. She will do whatever it takes to make sure that her family comes out on top of every situation. Katie Carmody, is the 13 year old sister of Danny. Katie is a sweet young woman who just wants her big brother to be happy and to also have some fun. To be a young lady. Colin Dwyer is Evan’s grandfather and he’s a thug. A mean-spirited and very hateful man. He has no redeeming qualities at all. Sean Dwyer is about the same as Colin, however, he’s the bully of Evan’s childhood. He’s also a jerk who feels that he’s going to bring the Dwyer family into the future by making a business dealings with a Russian crime family. Jerk!! Sharon and Mellie Dwyer are bit characters that are Evan’s cousins as well. Just as mean spirited as the men in their family. Lacey is Evan’s assistant and best friend. Such a sweet woman who loves Evan and has his back. Agent Jablonski is a FBI agent with a vengeance against the Carmody family and will use Evan to get what he wants. Simone is Evan’s mother and she’s a sweet woman. She has early onset Alzheimer’s. She thinks that Evan is his father, Jamison. There’s also Vadim and Valentina are in the Russian Crime Family who wants a deal with the Dwyer’s, yet of course, it’s going to be a double cross. Never trust the Russian Mob!!
There is small amount of sex in this book. It’s not very explicit and it is actually really sweet. The sex that they do have is sweet and intimate. It was beautiful to watch as the relationship grows between these two men. The way they came together was sweet and it took time. A slow burn to get them there.
I had an issue with Evan and Agent Jablonski. Agent Jablonski was a jerk the entire time to Evan and yet, he still helped him-ish. Everything about Agent Jablonski SCREAMED Don’t Trust Him and Evan kept going back to him and didn’t ask to speak to someone higher up on the food chain. That bothered me that he didn’t get any real assurances from Jablonski. Even when things seemed to be wrong, he trusted him. Maybe that was just me, but that storyline bothered me in the worst way.
This book was a fun read. I really enjoyed reading about these two men who should be broken and yet, they weren’t. They may have been bent, but they stood strong and followed their own paths. They have such wonderful people in their corners that only wanted the best for them. This story was sweet and really took you into the lives of Danny and Evan. You wanted these guys to get their HEA and they really did have to earn it.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. The book was reviewed at www.lovebytesreviews.com.
Well, this book sounded so interesting to me, that I had to pick it up and see why I was so intrigued by it. I’m glad that I did.
Evan Dwyer is the “illegitimate” son of Jamison Dwyer and Simone-a French, ex-pat who fell in love and left France to be with the one she loved. Evan has always been made to feel and to be known that the Dwyer family hated him and his mother. That they weren’t good enough for the Dwyer family. Evan has survived his entire life without the help of the Dwyer family and he’s made a pretty good life for himself. He’s an architect who has started his own business and has the opportunity to put him on the map. Evan is this really great guy who is kind and so lovable. Evan is so sweet and just wants to live his life. He wants to take care of his mother and maybe find a guy who’ll love him.
Danny Carmody is the heir apparent to the Carmody fortune. He is an openly gay man who is trying to live his life as best as possible. He owns his own publishing firm and just wants to be left alone. Instead, he’s pulled into the family business by his mother, Nessa. An arrange marriage that will unite the Carmody and Dwyer families. Danny is such sweet guy. He just wants to live a life of pure authenticity. To have someone who loves him and he loves in return. Danny has this family that he loves and yet, he can’t be on his own the way he’d like. So many responsibilities that being a Carmody brings with it.
The cast of characters in this book are something else. Nessa Carmody, Danny’s mother is a business woman who’s mind is as sharp as a steel trap. She will do whatever it takes to make sure that her family comes out on top of every situation. Katie Carmody, is the 13 year old sister of Danny. Katie is a sweet young woman who just wants her big brother to be happy and to also have some fun. To be a young lady. Colin Dwyer is Evan’s grandfather and he’s a thug. A mean-spirited and very hateful man. He has no redeeming qualities at all. Sean Dwyer is about the same as Colin, however, he’s the bully of Evan’s childhood. He’s also a jerk who feels that he’s going to bring the Dwyer family into the future by making a business dealings with a Russian crime family. Jerk!! Sharon and Mellie Dwyer are bit characters that are Evan’s cousins as well. Just as mean spirited as the men in their family. Lacey is Evan’s assistant and best friend. Such a sweet woman who loves Evan and has his back. Agent Jablonski is a FBI agent with a vengeance against the Carmody family and will use Evan to get what he wants. Simone is Evan’s mother and she’s a sweet woman. She has early onset Alzheimer’s. She thinks that Evan is his father, Jamison. There’s also Vadim and Valentina are in the Russian Crime Family who wants a deal with the Dwyer’s, yet of course, it’s going to be a double cross. Never trust the Russian Mob!!
There is small amount of sex in this book. It’s not very explicit and it is actually really sweet. The sex that they do have is sweet and intimate. It was beautiful to watch as the relationship grows between these two men. The way they came together was sweet and it took time. A slow burn to get them there.
I had an issue with Evan and Agent Jablonski. Agent Jablonski was a jerk the entire time to Evan and yet, he still helped him-ish. Everything about Agent Jablonski SCREAMED Don’t Trust Him and Evan kept going back to him and didn’t ask to speak to someone higher up on the food chain. That bothered me that he didn’t get any real assurances from Jablonski. Even when things seemed to be wrong, he trusted him. Maybe that was just me, but that storyline bothered me in the worst way.
This book was a fun read. I really enjoyed reading about these two men who should be broken and yet, they weren’t. They may have been bent, but they stood strong and followed their own paths. They have such wonderful people in their corners that only wanted the best for them. This story was sweet and really took you into the lives of Danny and Evan. You wanted these guys to get their HEA and they really did have to earn it.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. The book was reviewed at www.lovebytesreviews.com.
June 16, 2016
A little cartoonish in places but engaging.
August 7, 2015
3.5 stars
I enjoyed reading this story.
I enjoyed reading this story.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews