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Silent Ties
He'll either kill or marry me. And I don't know which is worse.
I’ll do anything to protect the ones I love. Even if it means marrying the mafia prince. Divorce isn’t an option in my family. My wife belongs to me. She’s mine to protect and mine to destroy.
Silent Ties is a dark mafia romance featuring an arranged marriage between a silent and broody mafia prince and his chatty, sarcastic bride. This book contains themes not to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note before reading.
I’ll do anything to protect the ones I love. Even if it means marrying the mafia prince. Divorce isn’t an option in my family. My wife belongs to me. She’s mine to protect and mine to destroy.
Silent Ties is a dark mafia romance featuring an arranged marriage between a silent and broody mafia prince and his chatty, sarcastic bride. This book contains themes not to everyone's liking. Please check the author's note before reading.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2025
7 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Bristol
4 books5 followersAlexandra Bristol likes coffee, chocolate, and writing downright filthy things. Her series Ruling Love follows the Zimin men and the women who turn their world upside down.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 27, 2025
I received this book as an ACR, but all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. No spoilers ahead—promise!
From the very first page, I was drawn into Russet and Maxim’s story. Russet immediately stood out as a heroine who felt truly refreshingly different in the best possible way. What starts as a simple favor for her best friend quickly spirals into an emotionally layered and complex situation (and I wish I could say more, but you'll have to discover it for yourself).
What I loved most about Russet is how she’s initially portrayed as shy and delicate, but she’s anything but fragile. Far too often in romance, the heroine is the emotional centerpiece while the hero spends the entire book saving her. That wasn’t the case here. Russet holds her own.
Then there’s Maxim—cold-hearted mafia royalty with unwavering loyalty. He’d go to any length to protect the ones he loves, even Russet, though she doesn’t know it. While I found myself wanting to know more about his backstory, once I reached the end, I understood the intentional restraint in how his character was written.
Although this is told in dual POV, the story belongs to Russet. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I was left with lingering questions, especially regarding some of the pivotal choices made. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that those answers will be revealed in additional books in the series. This author has more to reveal, and I feel it will all make sense down the line.
All in all, this was such a captivating read. There’s so much I want to gush about, but I’d rather let you experience the journey on your own.
From the very first page, I was drawn into Russet and Maxim’s story. Russet immediately stood out as a heroine who felt truly refreshingly different in the best possible way. What starts as a simple favor for her best friend quickly spirals into an emotionally layered and complex situation (and I wish I could say more, but you'll have to discover it for yourself).
What I loved most about Russet is how she’s initially portrayed as shy and delicate, but she’s anything but fragile. Far too often in romance, the heroine is the emotional centerpiece while the hero spends the entire book saving her. That wasn’t the case here. Russet holds her own.
Then there’s Maxim—cold-hearted mafia royalty with unwavering loyalty. He’d go to any length to protect the ones he loves, even Russet, though she doesn’t know it. While I found myself wanting to know more about his backstory, once I reached the end, I understood the intentional restraint in how his character was written.
Although this is told in dual POV, the story belongs to Russet. The ending felt a bit rushed, and I was left with lingering questions, especially regarding some of the pivotal choices made. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that those answers will be revealed in additional books in the series. This author has more to reveal, and I feel it will all make sense down the line.
All in all, this was such a captivating read. There’s so much I want to gush about, but I’d rather let you experience the journey on your own.
June 22, 2025
I was thrilled to be able to read this as an ARC from the author. All opinions are my own. Man, this book! I couldn’t put it down. I started it early this morning and did little else throughout the day. I was hooked from the beginning and I found most of the characters to be excellent, especially the side characters. Russet’s banter with her brothers-in-law were some of my favorite parts. There were also a lot of memorable one-liners that I loved.
The only downsides for me was that I was not able to connect well with the MMC. This left me wanting and expecting more from him for most of the book, but especially early on in their relationship. Additionally, while I was hooked for 75%, the final climax felt sudden and unexpected in a way that wasn’t only a twist, it seemed a bit rushed and I wanted so much more about the villain’s backstory to be able to feel more satisfied at the end. (Hard to explain without spoilers!)
That said, I already know these characters are going to stick with me, and I loved the setting and concept a lot, so I am excited to read the future books with other characters! I think this is a great start to this series from this debut author!! Can’t wait to see what else she does!
The only downsides for me was that I was not able to connect well with the MMC. This left me wanting and expecting more from him for most of the book, but especially early on in their relationship. Additionally, while I was hooked for 75%, the final climax felt sudden and unexpected in a way that wasn’t only a twist, it seemed a bit rushed and I wanted so much more about the villain’s backstory to be able to feel more satisfied at the end. (Hard to explain without spoilers!)
That said, I already know these characters are going to stick with me, and I loved the setting and concept a lot, so I am excited to read the future books with other characters! I think this is a great start to this series from this debut author!! Can’t wait to see what else she does!
July 19, 2025
I received this as an ARC from the author, but my opinions are my own and honest.
I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the development of Maxim and Russets' relationship. Though it did take me a bit to end up liking Maxim, which didn't happen until later in the book. Forced into an arranged marriage to help her best friend, Russet is treated indifferently by Maxim. It takes his family for him to truly see Russet and to actually start having a relationship with her outside the bedroom. Although Russet at first seems meek, she shows who she really is in the end. The Zimin men are an interesting bunch, a lot of mystery going on with them. I liked Elijah a lot, and his relationship with Russet surprised me. And i loved Maxims reactions to his brothers texting his wife. It kinda showed a different side to Maxim. A lot of the side characters were interesting, and I hope to read more about them in the next books. The ending of this book did feel a bit rushed, but it was still good.
This book is a 4☆ read and a 3🌶 for spice. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book with Elijah.
I enjoyed this book very much. I loved the development of Maxim and Russets' relationship. Though it did take me a bit to end up liking Maxim, which didn't happen until later in the book. Forced into an arranged marriage to help her best friend, Russet is treated indifferently by Maxim. It takes his family for him to truly see Russet and to actually start having a relationship with her outside the bedroom. Although Russet at first seems meek, she shows who she really is in the end. The Zimin men are an interesting bunch, a lot of mystery going on with them. I liked Elijah a lot, and his relationship with Russet surprised me. And i loved Maxims reactions to his brothers texting his wife. It kinda showed a different side to Maxim. A lot of the side characters were interesting, and I hope to read more about them in the next books. The ending of this book did feel a bit rushed, but it was still good.
This book is a 4☆ read and a 3🌶 for spice. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book with Elijah.
June 21, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC! All opinions are my own.
This book drew me in right from the start, chapter 1 and I was HOOKED. The plot was unique and packed with twists that kept me turning the pages, and I really felt for Russet early on and I was emotionally invested in her journey. The characters were well thought out, and I appreciated the complexity of their relationships.
That said, I wish we’d been given more insight into the emotional impact of the major events. A lot of character growth and relationship development seemed to happen off the page, which made the ending feel rushed and left some emotional moments falling flat. The timeline and transitions were also a bit confusing at times. Still, Silent Ties delivered a memorable and engaging story that I was glad to read!! I look forward to reading the next one :)
This book drew me in right from the start, chapter 1 and I was HOOKED. The plot was unique and packed with twists that kept me turning the pages, and I really felt for Russet early on and I was emotionally invested in her journey. The characters were well thought out, and I appreciated the complexity of their relationships.
That said, I wish we’d been given more insight into the emotional impact of the major events. A lot of character growth and relationship development seemed to happen off the page, which made the ending feel rushed and left some emotional moments falling flat. The timeline and transitions were also a bit confusing at times. Still, Silent Ties delivered a memorable and engaging story that I was glad to read!! I look forward to reading the next one :)
July 2, 2025
I was very excited to be able to read this book—being my first mafia dark romance to ever read.
The book was very good! I felt very connected to Russet. She was the type to hold herself on her own.
I will add that from this being my own opinion—I didn’t really feel connected with Maxim as much. But all and all, he was still a great character.
I was hoping that there would be more, but I felt the ending was a little rushed. But I still can’t wait to see what this author has to offer in the next book of this series.
At first I did not think I was going to like it, but I ended up loving it. Russet is definitely my favorite and I hope to eventually have the love I have for Russet for Maxim.
Overall, Thank you for letting me read this. It was very enjoyable. I got this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The book was very good! I felt very connected to Russet. She was the type to hold herself on her own.
I will add that from this being my own opinion—I didn’t really feel connected with Maxim as much. But all and all, he was still a great character.
I was hoping that there would be more, but I felt the ending was a little rushed. But I still can’t wait to see what this author has to offer in the next book of this series.
At first I did not think I was going to like it, but I ended up loving it. Russet is definitely my favorite and I hope to eventually have the love I have for Russet for Maxim.
Overall, Thank you for letting me read this. It was very enjoyable. I got this as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2025
From the first chapter, Silent Ties grabs you by the throat—and the heart. Alexandra Bristol delivers a haunting, slow-burn arranged-marriage romance that simmers with tension, trauma, and twisted loyalty. It’s gritty and violent, yet somehow tender in all the places that matter most.
Alexandra Bristol knows how to write pain that bleeds and love that burns. Silent Ties is not just about mafia politics or arranged marriage—it’s about learning to trust someone who doesn’t speak, and falling in love with someone who was never taught how to be soft. This is a book about quiet devotion, loud hearts, and love that speaks volumes even in silence.
If you love morally gray men who are mean to everyone but her, and heroines who talk back to the most dangerous man in the room like he’s just a man—this one is for you.
Alexandra Bristol knows how to write pain that bleeds and love that burns. Silent Ties is not just about mafia politics or arranged marriage—it’s about learning to trust someone who doesn’t speak, and falling in love with someone who was never taught how to be soft. This is a book about quiet devotion, loud hearts, and love that speaks volumes even in silence.
If you love morally gray men who are mean to everyone but her, and heroines who talk back to the most dangerous man in the room like he’s just a man—this one is for you.
July 9, 2025
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
I had the absolute honour of being given an advanced copy of Silent Ties and as always, my opinions are my own! 😊
“You married me. You’re my wife. My property, and mine to do whatever I please.”
This book was an absolute page-turner! The characters felt real and complex, and the plot was filled with just the right balance of mystery, suspense, heart-pounding action, and of course.. spice 🥵
What really stood out to me was the author’s ability to create a universe that felt both vast and intimate. Getting to read about Maxim and Russet and watch their friendship and relationship grow was an adventure full of suspense and heat!! I didn’t want it to end—and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I had the absolute honour of being given an advanced copy of Silent Ties and as always, my opinions are my own! 😊
“You married me. You’re my wife. My property, and mine to do whatever I please.”
This book was an absolute page-turner! The characters felt real and complex, and the plot was filled with just the right balance of mystery, suspense, heart-pounding action, and of course.. spice 🥵
What really stood out to me was the author’s ability to create a universe that felt both vast and intimate. Getting to read about Maxim and Russet and watch their friendship and relationship grow was an adventure full of suspense and heat!! I didn’t want it to end—and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
June 25, 2025
Intriguing story that kept me curious how things were going to play out. Definitely laid the ground work for more books with different couples and I look forward to reading about them. Has a few typos that need editing. There were a few areas in the middle where I wondered where things were going and it felt a little lost but it all came together in the end. I didn't love Max but Russett was fun and her name didn't bother me as much as I thought it would 🤣
Spice 🌶🌶
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tropes
arranged marriage
forced proximity
Spice 🌶🌶
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Tropes
arranged marriage
forced proximity
June 27, 2025
Thank you Alexandra for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I got sucked into this book from the beginning. Russet and Maxim are opposites that come together in the best way, turning into an unstoppable team. The side characters are as well thought out as the main characters and I hope we get more books with them being the stars of the show. The details are just right and it is easy to get sucked into their world as if it was your own. You can feel the pain, unease, and triumphs. It was a well written novel that I wish I could read again for the first time!
I got sucked into this book from the beginning. Russet and Maxim are opposites that come together in the best way, turning into an unstoppable team. The side characters are as well thought out as the main characters and I hope we get more books with them being the stars of the show. The details are just right and it is easy to get sucked into their world as if it was your own. You can feel the pain, unease, and triumphs. It was a well written novel that I wish I could read again for the first time!
August 12, 2025
I notice a lot of reviews as an ARC read. Nothing wrong with that, but I purchased this book on my own and I loved it! It has some twists and turns I wasn't expecting so the plot kept me intrigued. The spice was spicin' so that's a plus in my book. I did cry a couple of times while reading it so, beware that it does make you feel for the characters. The MMC frustrated me at times but he figured it out. That's what we all want, right? Growth? The last 15% or so the book just had event after event keeping me on my toes, I didn't know where it was going at times. Again, loved it. Lastly, there were a few typos here or there in the digital version. Overall, very happy with my purchase.
July 16, 2025
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Bristol did a phenomenal job bringing them to life and her writing is fantastic!!! This had the perfect amount of spice and a wonderful story as well i was hooked from the first page! I couldn’t put it down!! If you love mafia romance you should give this book a try. Hot mafia prince check. Spice check. Great story check. Twists you don’t see coming check
July 18, 2025
So excited to have been picked as an ARC reader for this book and even more excited for release on Friday to be able to talk to more readers about this book! Was hooked early on!
If you’re a sucker for arranged marriage, mafia power plays, and enemies-to-lovers tension that crackles off the page—Silent Ties is exactly what you’re looking for.
From the moment Max & Russett are forced into a marriage neither of them wants, the tension is electric. The banter? Sharp as a knife and so addictive. Their chemistry builds slow and steady, and when it finally hits? Fireworks.
If you’re a sucker for arranged marriage, mafia power plays, and enemies-to-lovers tension that crackles off the page—Silent Ties is exactly what you’re looking for.
From the moment Max & Russett are forced into a marriage neither of them wants, the tension is electric. The banter? Sharp as a knife and so addictive. Their chemistry builds slow and steady, and when it finally hits? Fireworks.
July 21, 2025
I loved this book. Max agrees to an arranged marriage but when his bride shows up at the alter it’s not the bride he’s supposed to marry. Russett helps out her best friend by taking her place in an arranged marriage but Max doesn’t believe in divorce so she’s married to him for life. I love all of Max’s family and I love Russett. I can’t wait for the next books in this series ❤️🖤
July 21, 2025
I received this book as an arc and I loved this book from beginning to end! The spice was spicy! The FMC is a badass woman! This story flowed great and I really liked all the characters, the banter, the angst. The ending was my absolute favorite. I loved how the author left no stone unturned and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
June 21, 2025
I am happy I found this author on TikTok and was given the opportunity to be an ARC for this book. I couldn’t put it down and stayed up until 2:00am reading lol. It had my attention from the first chapter. I definitely enjoyed it and cannot wait for her next book.
June 30, 2025
Literally in love!! This book was fast paced with some of the best tropes! Arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies to lovers!!! The plot beyond the romance was suspenseful and attention grabbing!! If you looking for a short fast paced mafia romance this takes the cake! Sweet pun intended!! 5⭐️
July 24, 2025
This book was a gun book! I love Russet the way she marches into the bar and takes no shit and actually shoots off a guys junk! That made me laugh and just love the length she would go to for her friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
Dnf’d 18% through, this was bad, like really bad, and I didn’t even finish it!
September 12, 2025
I found this book on tiktok and I think it was a fine read, but I felt a lot of plot was missing. Finished in one ending and I did enjoy the HEA.
July 18, 2025
while I was drawn to Russet and Maxim for their undeniable character growth, I couldn't help but feel like I was missing part of the story. The way Russet talks about Daisy and Marrisa, I believe there should be more of a back story. It seems like random things were thrown in, how ever they do seem to fit.
I know the part of the story we get is Russet's life now, but having some back story would make it a little less confusing, I think.
I love the heroine that Russet turns out to be. she's carefree in some aspects and wears her heart on her sleeve for others.
Maxim is a stubborn man, but the way Russet breaks through his walls is priceless! He has a soft spot for her.
Russet's love for Daisy is undoubtedly strong. There is no denying the way she cares for her and would burn the world down for her.
I know the part of the story we get is Russet's life now, but having some back story would make it a little less confusing, I think.
I love the heroine that Russet turns out to be. she's carefree in some aspects and wears her heart on her sleeve for others.
Maxim is a stubborn man, but the way Russet breaks through his walls is priceless! He has a soft spot for her.
Russet's love for Daisy is undoubtedly strong. There is no denying the way she cares for her and would burn the world down for her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2025
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for this book and I loved it! The pace of the book was perfect and I genuinely really enjoyed the characters. I wish we got more of the backstory on some relationships but I can see that being a possible future endeavor for the author or something added to the rest of the series. Overall great book I only put it down because I had obligations i couldn’t switch around. If I had the time it would have been a one day read easily because I was so invested!
July 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this book!!! Loved Max and Russie and the friendship and relationship that they built!!! this is only my second mafia book I've read, and it was amazing 👏 🤩 definitely recommending to my friends.
July 11, 2025
Love Love a strong baddie FMC and Holy Moly his DONT YOU DARE TOUCH HER AGAIN vibe Is my favorite thing the MMC can say. You must read to find out more...
July 20, 2025
There are so many good things about this book. From the storyline to the writing itself. I'm not going to lie, I did not like Maxim in the beginning. While I understand he got married as a contract for the family, he frustrated me with how he treated Russet in the beginning. Russet is a strong FMC & I absolutely loved her. It is a must-read for sure.
July 19, 2025
I received an ARC for a honest opinion. super excited to help another indie Author out by reading their book.. this story takes place with Russet and Max getting married. thei= trials and tribulations will have you wanting more. there are some parts of the book that get you hooked asap.then there are parts that drag a bit. without spoilers Max in the beginning passed me off kind of. then toward the end every thing happened so quickly. all in all I enjoyed the book cannot wait to read more about them and other characters especially the brothers
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews