Complicated doesn't begin to describe the relationship of Dina and Riley. Clawing their way back to one another after years apart, nobody can question their love, but it seems even the universe wants them apart.
Love binds them, but it also ties them in knots. Both know this is their last chance to unravel it.
"I fell head over heels for Dina and Riley and the rest of the crazy cast." Backstage Blogs
"I've invested a lot of feelings into Dina and Riley from the start. I feel like I know them, I grew up with them, and had been their strongest supporter throughout their love affair." CC Ravanera
"This entire series is a wonderful experience." Amazon Customer
"One of my all time favourite book scenes is in Ties that Bind." Mandy
"I don't think I've ever met a book couple as perfect for each other as Dina and Riley. A couple of hot headed, hard-headed, dark and twisty crazies who love each other to the core." Anna Smith
"Complicated doesn't even begin to describe these two! Sweet stars they need a therapist and a boxing ring in a controlled environment." Cranky TBC
Neeny Boucher is a nom de plume because my real name sounds like a 19th Century suffragette. Originally, I'm from New Zealand and am a long-time supporter of the All Blacks. Currently, I am living in Europe and a trailing spouse, following my husband all over the world for his work. This not only gives me the opportunity to write, but also, experience the world and indulge in one of my favourite past-times: people watching. My own employment history is varied and ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous. All of those experiences and encounters, however, have allowed me to collect amazing stories, which now form the basis of my writings. I have always loved the weird, the outcast and those on the margins of society because they see the world in a different way. These are the people my characters are based around. I have a BA Hons (English and Pacific Studies) and a PhD in Sociology/Indigenous Studies.
Christina’s reunited with her former husband, Nicholas Riley, and their tenuous and complicated relationship is tested when secrets from the past and present are revealed.
Riley, a man with a penchant for psychological games, faces the dilemma of keeping the woman he loves through lies by omission or potentially losing her with the truth. This isn’t just their second chance for happiness, it’s their last chance and there may be some things that love can’t conquer at all.
Neeny Boucher blew it out of the park! The issue I had with the first book Lost in Flight was totally gone. The flow was there and I had a very difficult time putting the book down.
This review is going to actually be difficult to write spoiler free, but I will do my best. In Lost in Flight, there were situations that actually reminded me of my own family, but in Ties That Bind, I could so totally relate to events that were happening and could feel Dina’s pain even more. The song by Starship Nothing is Gonna Stop Us Now kept coming to mind because people thought they were crazy, but their love was destined.
Learning of things done to hurt Dina and Riley’s relationship for revenge reminded me of things done in hopes of destroying my relationship with my husband. My family didn’t and still don’t get him yet, and as Dina says “She would rather live in this world with him, than without”. Reasons they are not a part of my life is that they don’t get that or that he is my life. I had to choose and he won out. I totally understand light and dark and how the times in the winter are difficult for Riley when he goes off-grid as again this reminds me of my husband.
If I didn’t know any different, I would say that Neeny tapped into my life. This story of Dina and Riley is very realistic and one that people should read to understand how love can be very complicated, but destined to be. And to support those in that situation because that support can make a very big difference in a smoother relationship. I so hope to have more of Dina and Riley’s story because this is not the end of their story and as the song says: “Take it to the good times, See it through the bad times, whatever it takes is what I’m gonna do, Let ‘em say we’re crazy, What do they know”.
Dina and Riley are not your typical couple. They love each other with a passion that's almost destructible. I've never before read a series that invoked so much raw feelings. This is a series that I feel must be read, a story that needed to be told and Neeny nailed it.
I have finally reached the end of the tunnel. Boy, what a ride it’s been! The third book in the series did not disappoint. The charm that took hold of me since Back of Beyond carried on until the very last page of the series. I’ve invested a lot of feelings into Dina and Riley from the start. I feel like I know them, I grew up with them, and had been their strongest supporter throughout their love affair.
Ties That Bind directly follow what was left off by Lost In Flight. Dina was forced to return to Shanwick by the only love of her life, Riley, despite him knowing that she absolutely hate the town they grew up in. Riley, on the other hand, had no idea why she felt that way and decided to find the reason behind it. Discovery brought anger, heartache and betrayal from the people close to their hearts threatening Dina and Riley’s fragile relationship.
At one point, even the universe seemed intent to break them apart. And dear God, I hated Mason. You have to find out for yourself why.
Everyone around them cheered on yet doubted the strength of their reconciliation. But nobody questioned their love for one another, since everyone knew that was the tie that was binding their souls together.
With bated breath, I watched the pair overcome one struggle after the next, cheering them on until they found their happily ever after. Then BHAM! Neeny Boucher crushed my heart! She stamped on it with her foot, breaking it to pieces then set fire to it and laughed when everything turned to ash. Such a cruel author!
Then when I thought all was lost, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, picked myself up and crawled through to the end. What waited for me was one of the most beautiful endings I’ve ever read.
My husband was looking at me funny when I finally finished the book. I must have looked like a wreck survivor! But I would willingly go through it again just to experience the magic of The Complicated Love Series once more.
This review is from: Ties that Bind (The Complicated Love Series Book 2) (Kindle Edition)
Riley and Christina's story continue in Ties That Bind is book 2 of (The Complicated Love Series) This book begins where Lost in Flight book 1 leaves off.
Christina's job has her returning to the one place she doesn't want to be, her home town of "Shanwick" to work with the one person she despises more than anyone "Mason Glenn" she was in her own personal hell and there was only one person to blame Riley!!
Christina is once again put in the spot light. Someone has started a hate blog against her. She is being harassed. Sex tape was released on the Shanwick blog. Her life is once again falling apart, and Riley is gone off-grid for the next 3 months.
Riley just can't help himself. He feels what he has done is the right thing to do. But after being gone a few short weeks he finds himself back in Shanwick to straighten things out with Dina.
Riley has to many secrets. He is being pressured to go back and finish his time off-grid. He once welcomed this dangerousness and dark part of himself, but now he resents it. He fears he may not be able to come back from it.
This book will take you from the past to present. You will not be able to put this read down. It keeps you on your toes. Neeny Boucher delivers a heart crushing story of a love so powerful it has the ability to self destruct.
I absolutely would recommend this book and this series. You will not be disappointed
Ties that Bind is the second book in the Complicated Love Series and does a great job picking up where Lost in Flight left off. Both these stories are unique and keep the reader intrigued from the first page. But what I love most about these stories are the characters. Neeny Boucher has a gift for creating characters that we can all relate to because they’re real, they’re flawed, and they’re each beautiful in their own way. While at times, you’ll want to throttle one of them, you can’t help but love them for who they are. From the very first page you are thrown into a roller coaster of a story that does not let you go until the end. I rooted for them all the way through, although there were times I was certain it was the end – they couldn’t possibly get through this. But there is so much strength in their weaknesses. So much love behind their anger. ( “I loved you best and hated you most”) This isn’t your typical love story, but so much more. There is a complexity and genuineness behind the story and characters that grips the reader. This is a must read and one of my favorites of 2014.
At the end of Lost in Flight, Riley was leaving to work offline for 6 or 7 weeks. He had set it up so that Christina ("Dina") was going to stay working in her hometown and would be able to spend time with her sister Gabby (who suffered a serious injury). She was furious for being played, but he could deal with that. Through a series of flashbacks we see the demise of their previous relationship and how their volatility almost destroyed what they had. I say almost because neither one of them has really moved on from the other. Riley came the closest with a woman named Bianca in New York. He was set to propose to her, but a chance sighting of Dina changed that. He went back to their apartment, packed his things, told her it wasn't going to work, and admitted to himself he couldn't fully commit to anyone else as long as Dina was in his heart.
He would be staying in New York and not moving to Seattle. His life with Bianca would be peaceful and sedate. And it would have been a slow death, where he gave up pieces of himself over time until there was nothing left.
But Riley has secrets, dangerous secrets that can destroy what he is trying to build once again with Dina. He is ingrained in her family's music business and some of her family members know some of what he is hiding. But they aren't talking...While he is off line this time, he sends Dina small gifts; reminders of things from their past, and she feels his love. But this time, something is wrong and he extends his time away without communicating with her.
There are some heartbreaking moments in this book, especially in the last half. Riley is in a dark place and is determined to take Dina down with him. But not before he lets her hear some ugly horrible truths, knowing these may push her away. How can Dina cope with what she learns and how can she forgive him?
He wondered if they had got a chance, whether they would choose one another? He and Dina had found each other, but because of him they were destined to roam the earth avoiding one another for the rest of their lives. They belonged together, but couldn't be together, and this was on him.
Neeny Boucher is a talented, prolific writer. It is not easy to write from present to past tense but she nails it without confusing the reader. Being able to see both POV's is such an important element in this story, especially Riley. He is complex and tortured and self destructive. But the reader is always aware of his love for Dina even though it borders on the obsessive. Without giving away too much of the plot, many suffer from Riley's problem and they not only are affected but those around them have their lives uprooted time and again. Riley will have to first admit and then accept his affliction before he can be any good for Dina. Dina frustrated me at times, she is quick to judge and runs when the going gets tough. But will she run back to Riley this time?
"Wow, Dina," he breathed. "This is perfect."
"It's Kintsugi," she explained. "The Japanese are of broken pieces."
She'd given him a small lacquered bowl with gold inlay along its cracks. Andy had told her the philosophy and she thought it a fitting representation of her and Riley.
"It's the method of incorporating the history into an object," she added, running a finger along the golden cracks. "If it gets broken, they don't try to hide it. They repair it and make it beautiful. I thought it appropriate for us."
This book was amazing! It started off with the ending of Book One and I couldn't put down this boom because every scene gets better and better that I have to forcely remove myself from Riley and Christina's story just to do something in my life.
I love how the first book talks about the reconciliation of Riley amd Christina's relationship and that this second book talks about reconciliation with one's self and changing for the better while being together as a couple. I would signify this book with a butterfly.
The characters are so fun to read especially with hpw they interact wih each other; its just feels so light and fun that you wish you were part of them. But its not all happy and sunshine in this story. Here we get a glimpse more onto Riley, likewise how we get to glimpse Christina in the first book. I always like Riley's perspectivr of things because its funny and dirty at times and sweet, eben of its sort of caveman-ish. Riley's mystery gave me theories as to which what it was and luckily I didn't make any bets to anyone because I would've lost in that bet. I took me by surprise at how hard it is for Riley to endure such darkness and how he loves Christina so much that he would protect her, even from him. But we all know Christina is a force to be reckon with and stood her ground making the scene all the more intersting.
" His life was compartmentalized into boxes where only certain people knew particular information about him, functioning on a ‘needs to know’ basis."
Christina's past with Shanwick was palpable that I understood if she cursed the land for the pain and sadness inflicted on her. Her fears of pleasing or rather minding other people's ideas and comments towards her was something I could confide with her and I was happt that she conquered it all. Christina's implication with Riley and her past with singing really got me thinking of my own personal implication with something to someone. I am so proud that she was able to go through it all in one piece.
" Most people don’t get each other, especially when you’re a creative person. We all just pretend in some way. So just be yourself and hold on to the people that do get you.”
“Pushing your boundaries, knowing your own limits and also not judging other people. That’s true sexual freedom: the ability to be comfortable with yourself and your lover. Trusting each other, being honest and not measuring yourself against other people’s standards.”
I envy the familial love of the Martins that I want them to adopt me, craziness and all. As well as the friends of Christina amd Riley were something worth keeping as a comrade in battle and a rock to keep you grounded.
What I like or love the most about all of this was that in the end, I end up laughing and leaving this book happy. Riley and Christina's relationship is like fire and water, too much or too little can create havoc and chaos or peace and serenity. Also really love the writing style if this story!
Neeny Boucher’s “Ties That Bind” offered a serious plot twist that I never saw coming. A warning without giving away the story—it’s heart wrenching and thought provoking.
I’ve been a fan of Riley ever since book one in the trilogy. My opinion of him doesn’t change even after the big reveal. If anything my heart goes out to him. I understand this character more. He put people in his life he trusted. Instead of helping him when he needed them most, they enabled his behavior and subsequent reactions. They were more concerned with what Riley could do for them and their bank accounts.
The big reveal helped Dina finally understand the man she loved. Although it hurt, she needed the information in order to truly reconcile their relationship and her issues with him.
“Ties That Bind” was indirectly a story about group dynamics. There’s always a leader in charge of the group. The followers are those who don’t think for themselves. Whatever the leader believes, the group believes. Boucher gives readers the ultimate leader, Riley’s mother. People in town behaved according to her standards. If she believed someone worthy, they received all the benefits and accolades. Those who didn’t measure up—Dina—got the worse treatment. Sometimes there’s some instability underneath the surface. This holds true in “Ties That Bind”.
What I appreciated about Boucher’s tale is the fact Riley wasn’t the town’s bad boy. He was merely a kid who didn’t want to be like his family. In trying so hard not to be like them, he became a terrible person. Riley was an intelligent person who could do whatever he wanted in life. Unfortunately, he was running from himself and the truth.
Dina, likewise, was not the town’s bad girl. Hers was guilt by association. She was intelligent and destined to do more than what her small town had to offer, in her mother’s eyes. Dina wanted to please her mother and chose to shrug off her bad persona. The only thing she succeeded at was making herself miserable trying to live in someone else’s image.
Ella, Dina’s mother, was the key to her daughter’s misery. The same can be said about Riley’s parents who enabled their son’s problems. They knew the family history, but did nothing to help him out. A lot of the drama surrounding Riley and Dina could have been avoided had issues been addressed.
I loved Dina more after “Ties That Bind”. She matured but still had some growth left to do. She embraced her given name, Christina, but she didn’t accept all of her own quirks and idiosyncrasies. Until she did that, she couldn’t fully give herself to Riley nor could she fully love him.
I highly recommend “Ties That Bind”. The entire series is a wonderful examination of a ‘complicated love’. Nowadays, too many people hide behind the statement “I’m in a relationship, but it’s complicated.” In my humble opinion, Dina and Riley’s relationship should be the poster image of complication.
Neeny Boucher you have out done yourself with the second book in this series. This story amazed me. There is so many different pieces that come together to make up the ultimate end game, but the problem is not all the people involved have the whole picture which causes many issues and surprises. (not always happy ones)
Christina is furious with Riley in the predicament he has placed her in, not only is she back in Shanwick, he also has her working with Mason. Mason hasn’t changed; he is the type you love to hate. He is so up front and in your face, some of his interactions with Gabby put him in a different light.
Riley has done his disappearing act again. It melted my heart that he came back in the middle of the night after receiving the letter from Christina.
Christina Martin: “ex-wife, love of his life and the women that made him equal parts happy and crazy” It is so evident that Christina and Riley are meant to be together and that they love each other, but there are still secrets that have to be revealed before they can move forward in life. Here is something that Riley says that just melted my heart in regards to a ring that he had designed for Dina (a large halo diamond in an unusual platinum setting, three stranded figure eights with repeating black and white stones), “When I thought we were broken Jed told me we weren’t. He said we were just tangled up in knots and needed unraveling. He took the thoughts from Jed and added his own twist. The three strands represent our past, present and future. Together, they make an unbreakable knot. The black and white represent light and dark, the essence of Christina and Riley.”
Throughout the book there are more escapades with the ‘the iron vaginas or Charlie’s Angels the originals of course’. Bonnie, Mandy, Christina and now Gabby have some pretty amazing events that make you laugh and love them. Most of their outings involved vodka skittles, which added to the fun and games.
This book had many ups and downs. It appears that all of the Martins are beginning to find their happiness, but all that falls apart when a very big secret is revealed. It has the ability to change the lives of Riley, Christina, the band, Mason and the entire Martin family. I loved every minute of this book, it definitely doesn’t disappoint. It made me laugh and it had me in tears and it made me gasp and yell when I made it to the cliffhanger at the end.
We see some different sides of Riley and Christina in this book. It is amazing to watch the growth of everyone throughout the book. The defining moment in the book, made me hold my breath and just keep wishing it was all a bad dream. This series is GREAT and I can’t wait to see what Neeny has in store for us next.
Darkness, forgiveness and endings (but not where and when you think) I was provided a free copy of this novel in exchange for an unbiased review as part of a book-review tour. Having read the three novels I recommend that the whole series is read to get a better grasp of the story and the characters. See my other two reviews for full details. In book three of the Complicated Love Series, we follow the story of Dina and Riley from where we left them in book two, when they had worked through some of the issues that had ended their previous marriage, but there were still many secrets and actions the characters had taken that their loved one didn’t know about, ensuring further complications. Again the story is told in alternating chapters from each of the protagonists’ point of view and there are some jumps in time where we get to learn more about the events surrounding their wedding and then the traumatic divorce, which had been referred to, but not discussed in detail. There are fewer changes in time (I wouldn’t call them flashbacks as they seem to come at points in the story where both characters are thinking about that particular event and they’re not exclusively narrated from one of the character’s perspective) than in book 2, and the narration is more straightforward, although it also swings to extremes, reflecting the emotions the characters go through. When things seem to have been solved between them, with all secrets revealed and both of them accepting the other for what and who they really are (and in the process accepting themselves too), thinks get much darker. There are some sex scenes (I would rather call them sexy and passionate) but less explicit than in book two, and there is a hilarious scene early on in the book involving a cat. Well, there are several funny scenes involving that cat. Again there are funny and sad scenes in the novel, although I found them more finely balanced than in book two, with the ups and downs a bit less extreme. I was particularly touched by the conversation between Dina and Riley’s Mom, a character that had been particularly difficult to understand up to that point. On the other hand there is a psychiatric diagnostic offered as an explanation in the novel that as a psychiatrist I had my doubts about, but even with that I enjoyed the ending. I also enjoyed the secondary characters I had come to love in the previous book, and gained respect for some of the ones I didn’t like that much. Gabby, one of my favourite characters, comes into her own and she sizzles. The style of writing was again easy to read, dynamic and with great dialogue exchanges. A fitting conclusion to the series.
In this book takes place soon after the second (Lost in Flight), but you really don't need to read the others to enjoy this book. As in the other two books in this series I am completely taken in to the story by the characters. This book helps get into the mindset of the colorful characters that interact with the Martin family. From the brooding, handsome, green eyed love of Dina's life, Riley, to the wild sick and perverted Mason. This book bears it all. The author has me crying and angry to gushing over this story. The story is of a couple who went from childhood rivals to falling in love to causing each other heartache that seemed unbearable to finding each other again. I love the strength of the characters. Dina is a lawyer and is forced to return to her hometown to take care of her sister. The town has already condemned her as a murderer, sick fiend and weirdo. Dina was happy talking of children and happily ever,but that changed after Riley didn't come home. Will their love and their family and friends be enough to conquer the demons and allow these two the happy ending they deserve. I just couldn't put this book down. Five plus hundred star book! n this book takes place soon after the second lost in flight but you really don't need to read the others to enjoy this book. As in the other two books in this series I am completely taken in to the story by the characters. This book helps get into the mindset of the colorful characters that interact with the Martin family. From the brooding, handsome, green eyed love of Dina's life, Riley to the wild sick and perverted Mason. This book bears it all. The authorhas has me crying and angry to gushing over this story. The story is of a couple who went from childhood rivals to falling in love to causing each other heartache that seemed unbearable to finding each other again. It love the strength of the characters. Dina is a lawyer and is forced to return to her hometown to take care of her sister. The town has already condemned her as a murderer, sick fiend and weirdo. Dina was happy talking of children and happily ever,but that changed after Riley didn't come home. Dina finds him lost in his own personal hell and spews hate and horrible truths. Will their love and their family and friends g be enough to conquer the demons and allow these two the happy ending they deserve. I just couldn't put this book down. Five plus hundred star book!
Ties that Bind is book #2 in the Complicated Love Series, I just read and loved Book #1 Lost in Flight and here’s a link to my review. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review so here goes.,..
Neeny Boucher is a comedy genius I literally LOL’ed the whole way through this book it’s hilarious!!!
I have gone straight from book #1 to this one so I was already in the zone for Riley and Christina’s story, if I hadn’t I still think it would have been easy to get completely sucked back in.
This book starts a lot more cheerfully than the first Riley and Christina are still all loved up and generally their world is a happy smiley place lol.
I have to say that I really missed Riley and Christina’s fights they were brilliant and as far as I’m concerned they were sadly missed L
This book is really all about Riley we get to know soooo much more about him in this book and although I’m not going to tell you what happens but the main secret that is revealed really explains ALOT about him and his behaviour.
I love the rest of the characters in this book; they are absolutely brilliant and mad as a box of frogs. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book with as diverse a list or personalities than this one, Neeny Boucher could so easily write a bloody funny book about any of the characters and I would totally read it!
Personally I think that Christine let Riley off the hook a bit to easily but I suppose that’s what love does to you lol.
For me Bonnie and Massssson Glen just completely stole the show, they are just genius and when Bonnie did what she did to Riley I almost peed myself!!!
Please, Please, Please write Mason his own book the women that finally tames him would be legendary!!!
Do you know what regardless of all the drama that surrounds Riley and Christina I still feel like they are the absolute perfect couple. Soul Mates is such cliché term but for this couple I feel like it’s the perfect description.
This book has such a happy ending it’s almost sickeningly sweet but who cares I loved it!!!
This book is funny, witty and just a romance filled bundle of fun 4.5 stars!!
I was lucky enough to be able to get my Christina and Riley fix before this gem was released! I can't say enough about this book and how much I really loved every bit of it. At the end of the first book, Lost in Flight, you are left to wonder if Christina and Riley could actually make it work this time. You know they both love each other very much, but they both have a history of letting their pride get in the way of their love for each other. In this book it picks up where we left off and it dives in deeper into who Christina and Riley really are. Mostly Riley. Can I get some more Riley please?!? I just love him and his undying adoration of Dina. They both hang onto their guilt and secrets like a trained spy about to be tortured, but they have to trust one another to uncover the dramatic things they have been holding onto that have been keeping them apart. The secondary characters make this book! Mason....the evil and disgusting "friend" of Riley and he so nicely calls Christina "Darth". His love of her is not lost but the feeling is mutual. Christina's inner circle keeps me laughing. Her family is so socially awkward it makes me cringe, but at the same time laugh because mine is the same way. I highly recommend this series. Pick it up today and enjoy the ride it takes you on. I look forward to more work from Neeny soon and you should too!
The Ties that Bind picks up where Lost in Flight leaves off. I loved Lost in Flight, so I was anxious to dig into the sequel.
Neeny does an excellent job of bringing the reader up to speed, and giving important details about LiF. Her writing is clean and flows well. She was able to suck you into the toxic relationship between Riley and Christina, but explain why their relationship needed to succeed.
I didn't always like either of the characters, but Neeny forced you to root for them. "I am in love with you, I won't pretend to be your friend." Riley is honest and arrogant to a fault, but it's part of who he his and he's not really sorry about it.
And then we watch Christina grow... She learns to let people in, despite the fact that she may be hurt in the end. "I hoped my love would be enough for you. I hoped that our love could conquer all, but it can't because I'm not enough for you."
And then there's all the wonderfully and witty secondary characters: Bonnie, Mandy, Gabby, and the ever evil, Mason, along with the rest of the Martin family. Aside from the rollercoaster of Dina and Riley, these secondary characters were definitely worth the read.
I hope some day Neeny will spin off her series and give us more of the Shanwick clan.
This. This is the one. Neeny Boucher nails it. Ties that Bind is Book Two in the Complicated Love Series and continues the anti-love story of Riley and Dina. They’re reunited, but it’s tenuous, and this isn’t their second chance. It’s their last chance and you can feel it. Dina has been strong-armed back to her hated hometown by Riley and forced to work with her arch-nemesis, Masssson Glenn. Riley thinks he’s helping. Dina thinks he’s controlling and then unresolved issues from their past bubble to the surface. Still hilarious and heartfelt, but the tone is different. As pieces of the jigsaw come together and the deliberate potholes are filled, I found myself holding my breath. The ‘big reveal’ was both a surprise and an explanation. You hate them. You love them. You will them to get their happy ever after. Whether they do or not… won’t be revealed here. The secondary characters are back! The Iron Vaginas, the Martin family, Jed, Andy, and the equal parts repellant/intriguing Mason Glenn, all make cameos. I have to say: the encounter between Gabby and Mason Glenn was one of the highlights of the book for me. I hope to see/read more about these two in further works. Yup, this series is definitely recommended.
Ties That Bind by Neeny Boucher Ties that Bind is the continuing journey of Dina and Riley and the Martin clan. Dina and Riley...........these two do everything with passion, love, live, fight, work and hate; no half measures for them. Dina is a prickly pear, covered in hair-fine barbs that prick at the slightest touch, and pricks both herself and Riley in the process and Riley is an onion, just when you think that you have a handle on him. another layer is revealed. The book touches on some deep and very relevant subjects: eg mental illness: workaholics: cyber stalking and more. The characters are very believable, I know people with Dina, Riley, Bonnie, Jed Johnnie attributes, and God help me even a Gabby! On of my all time favorite book scenes is from Ties that Bind. It is with Riley and Riot............Look out for it, it's hilarious. The humor that runs riot in this book delightful. I experienced many laugh out loud moments and yes I also cried........snot and tears. This final story of the trilogy, like the others can be read as a stand alone but much more fulfilling read as a trilogy. Dina and Riley are lusty creatures, so there is sex.....lots of sex, but no crudity. I award this book the same stars as it's predecessors.......5/5
This was a well-written sequel with a cast of quirky, flawed characters creating havoc and drama in a small town. It was about encompassing love between soulmates, family and friends. There were hilarious moments where they were behaving very immaturely and there were moments of heartache. The love, passion and lust between Dina and Riley were palpable but mainly secrets on the part of Riley fractured their relationship and reconciliation. Dina was way too good for Riley and she definitely have grown emotionally and behaved more matured in this book though there were moments where she succumbed to childish behavior propelled by her good friends, Mandy and Bonnie. The book was pretty long and there were parts that were draggy. Overall, it was a very good read especially the last 20% of the book.
If I could I would give Ties that Bind more than 5 stars. This book was awesome and Neeny Boucher touched on topics that are very real and we can easily see how love can be complicated. The ups and down of Dina and Riley's story is one that everyone should read and understand that things aren't always easy and we can all make mistakes and do things we regret. We have to learn to try and forgive and not take love for granted and she did this. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I read this book for a honest review for Ninja book reviews. Awesome book. Awesome author. She has me hooked on anything she writes. The first book was great and the second took up right where the first left off. You laugh, you cry, you just really get yourself worked up about all the characters in this series. It is a must read and hard to put down till finished. I would love to read more about these characters.
I received advanced copy from United Indie Book Blog for my honest review. Dani and Riley love will be tested and secrets are reveal but will choose love or revenge. Their will be awkwardness and laugher but stronger bonds between them. Love the story and how fitting the characters being out the best for each other. They had some struggles but learn how to right their mistakes and grow as a person to fight for their future.
Dani and Riley love will be tested and secrets are reveal but will choose love or revenge. Their will be awkwardness and laughter but stronger bonds between them. Love the story and how fitting the characters being out the best for each other. They had some struggles but learn how to right their mistakes and grow as a person to fight for their future.
I've loved Riley from the beginning but this book really endeared Dina to me. And I swear, my kids thought I'd lost my marbles with as often as I laughed out loud. A wonderful read from start to finish.
Wow such a fitting end to Dina and Riley's story. Neeny you did them justice. I love the funny with the drama. The characters are so rich and complex. I also love that the rest of the cast got thier endings too.
Clever: at times humourous, uncomfortable, and a little bit real. Some real world problems that are not so easily resolved, but decidely welcome for exploration in contemporary romances.
Neeny Boucher is the giver of all things hilarious yet heartfelt. I was hooked on her awesomeness after reading Lost In Flight (book 1) and was beyond eager to sink my teeth into Ties That Bind (book 2). She delivered big time, and I can’t say enough about how this series will make you laugh, cry and want to intentionally throat punch a few douche bags!
Christina is back in her hometown of Shanwick, the one place she loathes most in life. She’s forced to work with a man she compares to Satan, the man – the myth – the legend…Mason “porn god” Glenn (yes, I may have a secret crush on the douche bag of all douche bags haha), and its all Riley’s doing! The not so sweet name-calling and tiffs between her and Mason are an absolute riot, and you’re literally left wondering who’s going to kill who first!
Poor Christina is thrust into the limelight of lies and drama once again, and has to fight to maintain her dignity and sanity. She’s being emotionally slammed harder than ever, finding out just how many secrets Riley has been storing up, and it’s liable to put her over the complete edge this time. Their love is a constant battle of “I hate you” and “I love you and can’t live without you”…but which scenario will win out in the end for the two of them?
Not only are the main characters in this story beyond awesome, but the supporting characters are the coolest in the history of cool! That’s what makes it so fun to read, everyone gives something to the storyline, and it wouldn’t be complete without them causing utter chaos and shenanigans, yet on the other hand; showing the overwhelming love and support that true family and friends give.
Complicated doesn't even begin to describe these two! Sweet stars they need a therapist and a boxing ring in a controlled environment. Ok so......This was a good conclusion to one fucked up love story. Riley was a manipulative beautiful disturbed jerk but I still love him. He goes through so much change and growth it's amazing. His breakdown was epic. Dina has some issues and I guess Riley is to blame for a lot. She needs to grab life by the balls make it her bitch. This story kind of wraps the whole series up in a nice destructive oh emm gee get a room package. I loved that life turned out well. I'd love to read a book about Gabby or even Jeb. Hmmmm??