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Ties Broken
ASHER
She's the one I can never have; my enemy’s weapon, my forbidden temptation. I tried to destroy her before she could destroy me. But Julia Giovanni wasn’t just a threat. She was a storm wrapped in silk and secrets, and I was meant to drown in her. Now we’re bound by a deal that could either save us both or ruin everything. And I don’t know if I’m ready to find out which it will be.
JULIA
He’s the man I swore to kill, but then he shielded my heart, only to shatter it into jagged pieces. Asher Keinston thinks he knows me, even though he’s never met the version of me forged in blood and lies. This mission is my chance to finish what I started, to be free. To burn the last bridge between us. Only I didn’t expect him to set me on fire in return.
A forced alliance. A dangerous game of loyalty and betrayal. One wrong move, and it won’t be just lives taken but ties broken.
She's the one I can never have; my enemy’s weapon, my forbidden temptation. I tried to destroy her before she could destroy me. But Julia Giovanni wasn’t just a threat. She was a storm wrapped in silk and secrets, and I was meant to drown in her. Now we’re bound by a deal that could either save us both or ruin everything. And I don’t know if I’m ready to find out which it will be.
JULIA
He’s the man I swore to kill, but then he shielded my heart, only to shatter it into jagged pieces. Asher Keinston thinks he knows me, even though he’s never met the version of me forged in blood and lies. This mission is my chance to finish what I started, to be free. To burn the last bridge between us. Only I didn’t expect him to set me on fire in return.
A forced alliance. A dangerous game of loyalty and betrayal. One wrong move, and it won’t be just lives taken but ties broken.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
9 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Tes Archer
5 books274 followersTes Archer is a passionate indie storyteller with a love for immersing herself in the written world. Whether it’s losing herself in a gripping novel with the perfect playlist in the background or savoring the magic of a rainy day with a mug of hot coffee, Tes finds joy in the worlds created by stories and music.
A self-proclaimed fictophile, Tes deeply appreciates unique tropes and unconventional narratives with proper songs that inspire her creativity.
When she’s not stressing over piles of assignments or preparing for upcoming exams, then she’d be found cozied up in her bed all day with a romance read in her hand. If not, then she’s indulging in her love for musical dramas or edge-of-your-seat action movies, or singing her heart out and dreaming about her next book that vibes well with the catchy melody.
A self-proclaimed fictophile, Tes deeply appreciates unique tropes and unconventional narratives with proper songs that inspire her creativity.
When she’s not stressing over piles of assignments or preparing for upcoming exams, then she’d be found cozied up in her bed all day with a romance read in her hand. If not, then she’s indulging in her love for musical dramas or edge-of-your-seat action movies, or singing her heart out and dreaming about her next book that vibes well with the catchy melody.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 6, 2025
Ties Broken completely blindsided me. This book is raw, psychological, and full of characters who feel too real in their hurt and healing.
Asher and Julia are beautifully written disasters. Every choice they make feels like a bruise. Every scene they share is a collision of pain, desire, and survival. I loved how the story showed that two broken people don’t magically fix each other, they fight, bleed, and understand each other in ways no one else can.
Asher and Julia are beautifully written disasters. Every choice they make feels like a bruise. Every scene they share is a collision of pain, desire, and survival. I loved how the story showed that two broken people don’t magically fix each other, they fight, bleed, and understand each other in ways no one else can.
December 10, 2025
WOAHHHHHHHHH I DIDN'T EXPECT THAT ENDING????😭💔
I picked up this book thinking, “okay, dark romance, I know the drill” but NOPE. This thing was so much more than just dark romance & smut. I was obsessed with these characters in a way that’s honestly embarrassing.
Julia, bold, ruthless, absolutely magnetic, I adored her from page one.
And Asher?
That man had me feral. Actually feral. 🥵
The whole book was this perfect storm of heat, chaos, romance, and emotional ruin. I laughed, I cried, I lost my mind... the plot twists were twisting like they were trying to kill me.
BUT when things finally snapped, it didn’t shock me... it hurt me.
In that heavy, sinking way where you know it was inevitable, but you still wish someone had fought harder. I closed the book and just sat there, feeling that familiar sting of wanting a closure I know I’ll never get.
I need the next book immediately!!!!!!!!
I picked up this book thinking, “okay, dark romance, I know the drill” but NOPE. This thing was so much more than just dark romance & smut. I was obsessed with these characters in a way that’s honestly embarrassing.
Julia, bold, ruthless, absolutely magnetic, I adored her from page one.
And Asher?
That man had me feral. Actually feral. 🥵
The whole book was this perfect storm of heat, chaos, romance, and emotional ruin. I laughed, I cried, I lost my mind... the plot twists were twisting like they were trying to kill me.
BUT when things finally snapped, it didn’t shock me... it hurt me.
In that heavy, sinking way where you know it was inevitable, but you still wish someone had fought harder. I closed the book and just sat there, feeling that familiar sting of wanting a closure I know I’ll never get.
I need the next book immediately!!!!!!!!
December 23, 2025
Thank you so much, Tes, for welcoming me onto your ARC team and trusting me with your work. You poured so much time, care, and heart into this story, and it truly shows on every page. I’m incredibly proud of you and so grateful to have been part of this journey.
I couldn’t put this down—I was constantly asking myself what was going to happen next. The chemistry between the characters was an intense, toxic whirlwind that I couldn’t help but get caught up in. Enemies to lovers done right. And that ending? I need the next book immediately.
This is a dark mafia romance, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
- Erotic thriller
- Forced proximity
- Dark mafia romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Morally grey MC’s
I couldn’t put this down—I was constantly asking myself what was going to happen next. The chemistry between the characters was an intense, toxic whirlwind that I couldn’t help but get caught up in. Enemies to lovers done right. And that ending? I need the next book immediately.
This is a dark mafia romance, so make sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in.
- Erotic thriller
- Forced proximity
- Dark mafia romance
- Enemies to lovers
- Morally grey MC’s
October 12, 2025
This story follows Asher and Julia. It is an enemy to lovers mafia romance with Asher being the man with the money + brains, and Julia the badass mafia daughter. The love, hate tug of war is *chef kiss* This book is what they mean when they say enemies to lovers. I also loved that this also has some aspects of the previous book in it. It answered questions I didn’t realize I had until i read it.
If you enjoy spicy, dark, mafia romances this book is for you.
If you enjoy spicy, dark, mafia romances this book is for you.
December 11, 2025
*ARC REVIEW**
Ties Broken, book two in the Bleeding Hearts series by Ted Archer, is the first book I’ve read by this author—and definitely not the last. From the very first page, I was hooked by the twists, betrayals, and high-stakes secrets. I literally stayed up all night reading because I couldn’t put it down! The writing is flawless, and the characters are fully developed and compelling.
Asher is dark, cold, and fiercely protective, while Julia is a badass, highly trained assassin. Watching their story unfold was thrilling from start to finish. Their chemistry is electric and messy, practically jumping off the pages. The banter is fun, the spice is sizzling, and the push-and-pull tension between them is intense—everything you could want in a dark romance.
And that cliffhanger? Torturous. I need the next book now.
If you love dark romance with high stakes, betrayal, and explosive chemistry, Ties Broken is a must-read.
Huge thanks to Tes Archer for the ARC!
Ties Broken, book two in the Bleeding Hearts series by Ted Archer, is the first book I’ve read by this author—and definitely not the last. From the very first page, I was hooked by the twists, betrayals, and high-stakes secrets. I literally stayed up all night reading because I couldn’t put it down! The writing is flawless, and the characters are fully developed and compelling.
Asher is dark, cold, and fiercely protective, while Julia is a badass, highly trained assassin. Watching their story unfold was thrilling from start to finish. Their chemistry is electric and messy, practically jumping off the pages. The banter is fun, the spice is sizzling, and the push-and-pull tension between them is intense—everything you could want in a dark romance.
And that cliffhanger? Torturous. I need the next book now.
If you love dark romance with high stakes, betrayal, and explosive chemistry, Ties Broken is a must-read.
Huge thanks to Tes Archer for the ARC!
December 20, 2025
In this mafia romance, Julia and Asher belong to different families with a long history between them. Natural enemies, they hate each other and any hint of a romance could mean life or death.
Julia is young but lethal. Trained to be ruthless from a young age. I liked her strength and determination. Asher is rich, cocky and powerful.
The chemistry between them was sizzling. I loved the forbidden love, enemies to lovers storyline with the added bonus of a dark romance twist. Will they kill each other, rip each other’s clothes off or both?
It was action packed and I loved all of the intense fighting scenes. The ending left me speechless. Still thinking about it now. I am dying to know what will happen in the next book.
The only thing keeping me from rating higher was the style of language wasn’t gelling with me at times. Totally a personal preference and I still recommend the book and trying for yourself.
Overall, a dark, tension filled read with lots of action and spice. 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up for Amazon & Goodreads) and 3 🌶️
Julia is young but lethal. Trained to be ruthless from a young age. I liked her strength and determination. Asher is rich, cocky and powerful.
The chemistry between them was sizzling. I loved the forbidden love, enemies to lovers storyline with the added bonus of a dark romance twist. Will they kill each other, rip each other’s clothes off or both?
It was action packed and I loved all of the intense fighting scenes. The ending left me speechless. Still thinking about it now. I am dying to know what will happen in the next book.
The only thing keeping me from rating higher was the style of language wasn’t gelling with me at times. Totally a personal preference and I still recommend the book and trying for yourself.
Overall, a dark, tension filled read with lots of action and spice. 3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up for Amazon & Goodreads) and 3 🌶️
December 28, 2025
ARC BOOK REVIEW!!
This book omg. It’s the second instalment in the bleeding heart series but can certainly be read as a standalone. This Mafia Dark Romance was everything I hoped for and more. The rivalries, the forbidden love, the attacks, the secrets, the lies… Everything was perfect.
The story follows Asher and Julia in a dual POV, which made everything even more immersive. The way Julia’s biggest secret was written was perfect. You knew there was something there but you couldn’t quite piece it together until the truth was finally revealed. The forbidden romance between the MC’s was what got me hooked! I was desperately waiting for it to finally happen, page after page.
Then the ending… I did NOT expect that and had to literally reread the last few pages twice to make sure I read that properly because I was so shocked!!
Overall, 10/10 for Dark Romance and you should definitely read it (and the trigger warnings).
This book omg. It’s the second instalment in the bleeding heart series but can certainly be read as a standalone. This Mafia Dark Romance was everything I hoped for and more. The rivalries, the forbidden love, the attacks, the secrets, the lies… Everything was perfect.
The story follows Asher and Julia in a dual POV, which made everything even more immersive. The way Julia’s biggest secret was written was perfect. You knew there was something there but you couldn’t quite piece it together until the truth was finally revealed. The forbidden romance between the MC’s was what got me hooked! I was desperately waiting for it to finally happen, page after page.
Then the ending… I did NOT expect that and had to literally reread the last few pages twice to make sure I read that properly because I was so shocked!!
Overall, 10/10 for Dark Romance and you should definitely read it (and the trigger warnings).
December 6, 2025
Obsessed!! yes OMG this book caught me completely by surprise 😮 it grabbed me from the start and had me in a chokehold the entire way through.
The chemistry and spice between Asher and Julia is waaay off the charts 🔥🥵
This dark romance book is beautifully written, the love, hate, betrayal, secrets, high stakes, action packed plot keeps you turning the pages at a frantic pace and then that ending 😱😭
I ran screaming to the authors DM's and I had a few choice words for her 😂
Tes Archer is a brilliant story teller and these characters are incredible and will crawl into your heart and never leave 🖤 I cannot wait for the next book because I NEED to know what happens now and I need more Noodle attitude in my life 💕
READ THIS BOOK!! you will not be disappointed
Thank you Tes for the incredible ARC opportunity ❤️ Seraphim for life
The chemistry and spice between Asher and Julia is waaay off the charts 🔥🥵
This dark romance book is beautifully written, the love, hate, betrayal, secrets, high stakes, action packed plot keeps you turning the pages at a frantic pace and then that ending 😱😭
I ran screaming to the authors DM's and I had a few choice words for her 😂
Tes Archer is a brilliant story teller and these characters are incredible and will crawl into your heart and never leave 🖤 I cannot wait for the next book because I NEED to know what happens now and I need more Noodle attitude in my life 💕
READ THIS BOOK!! you will not be disappointed
Thank you Tes for the incredible ARC opportunity ❤️ Seraphim for life
December 6, 2025
5⭐️ 3🌶️
🖤dark mafia romance
🩸enemies to lovers
🖤morally grey MCs
🩸rival syndicates
🖤betrayal and revenge
🩸mafia assassin princess
🖤billionaire MMC
🩸romantic suspense
“You’ll always be the best mistake of my life.”
O-M-G.
I don’t even know where to start!
This book started off with a bang, it jumped right into the action. The push and pull between Julia and Asher was intense. I love how badass Julia is, but also how she melts for Asher at the same time. And Asher? Acting like he wants to ruin Julia while protecting her every time she needs someone.
This book was full of action, spice, betrayal, and so many twists and don’t even get me started on the ending. I’m going to be processing that ending until the next book releases.
🖤dark mafia romance
🩸enemies to lovers
🖤morally grey MCs
🩸rival syndicates
🖤betrayal and revenge
🩸mafia assassin princess
🖤billionaire MMC
🩸romantic suspense
“You’ll always be the best mistake of my life.”
O-M-G.
I don’t even know where to start!
This book started off with a bang, it jumped right into the action. The push and pull between Julia and Asher was intense. I love how badass Julia is, but also how she melts for Asher at the same time. And Asher? Acting like he wants to ruin Julia while protecting her every time she needs someone.
This book was full of action, spice, betrayal, and so many twists and don’t even get me started on the ending. I’m going to be processing that ending until the next book releases.
December 20, 2025
Asher and Julia were amazing in this story. Both strong characters, both living lives with hurt and pain and acting but happy endings. The love hate relationship between them was real and raw. It held nothing back. There was no pussyfooting around emotions or hands to be held. This book was intense and it was emotional. It bled the truth, the hurt, the pain. And the survival of it all. I loved everything about these two. I buckled up for this one because it was a wild ride. The twists and turns, the chemistry and everything in between was amazing. This is the type of book that pulls you in and doesn’t let go until it’s finished with you.
December 4, 2025
An enemies to lovers and a hind of being forbidden romance (they are meant to be sworn enemies, so how can they feel that way about eachother vibes). Follows Julia and Asher. Except she stalks him but not for the reason people think at first 🤭. Fantastically written and great story telling. The blood and betray runs deep! The tension between the stunning mafia princess (Julia) and the smart witted (Asher) brilliant!
December 11, 2025
Absolutely devoured this, Tes did a fantastic job once again!
If you're looking for dark mafia romance that's emotionally charged, this is a must-read!
Congratulations, Tes, on another AMAZING story!
If you're looking for dark mafia romance that's emotionally charged, this is a must-read!
Congratulations, Tes, on another AMAZING story!
December 22, 2025
I was chosen to be an ARC reader for Ties Broken by Tes Archer. 4 amazing stars! I would rate 5, but the book kind of tore me to shreds with all the ups and downs that is Asher and Julia. And that ending?! Gah! I need the next book like yesterday. I should have gotten my review in sooner, but sometimes life happens. The book is out now, and I strongly recommend it!
December 9, 2025
I loved reading it, i finished it really fast for it being a bigger book!
There was so much chemistry between the MC’s and the writing was very detailed it made reading it go smoother too!
I definitely recommend it to the dark romance lovers out there!
There was so much chemistry between the MC’s and the writing was very detailed it made reading it go smoother too!
I definitely recommend it to the dark romance lovers out there!
December 17, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Twice Broken by Tes Archer is a dark mafia romance. This story is about julia a mafia daughter whose mission is to be free from the mafia world, but her mission leads her to asher a tech genius. And his aim is to destroy the enemy daughter.
Their bond isn't gentle or safe. It is dangerous, alive and utterly consuming. This book is truly enemies to lovers in its truest form.🖤🦋
Twice Broken by Tes Archer is a dark mafia romance. This story is about julia a mafia daughter whose mission is to be free from the mafia world, but her mission leads her to asher a tech genius. And his aim is to destroy the enemy daughter.
Their bond isn't gentle or safe. It is dangerous, alive and utterly consuming. This book is truly enemies to lovers in its truest form.🖤🦋
October 20, 2025
If you’re into enemies-to-lovers with actual stakes (like blood, betrayal, and burning-hot tension), you’re gonna love Ties Broken. I was obsessed with the chemistry between Asher and Julia—seriously, these two had no business being that hot while also trying to ruin each other.
Julia was such a standout for me. She’s deadly, smart, and emotionally guarded, but watching her slowly unravel with Asher?? Perfection. And Asher… cold, calculated, and yet somehow protective in the most intense ways. Their dynamic was pure chaos in the best way.
The Mafia family rivalry backdrop made everything feel so much more dangerous and high-pressure. I loved how their personal stakes were constantly clashing with the bigger war going on around them. You feel that tension in every scene—whether they’re pointing guns or tearing each other’s clothes off.
Also… the spice. No joke, it’s HOT. Definitely read the trigger warnings, because this story does not hold back. But if you’re okay with darker themes and emotional push-pull, it’ll absolutely hit.
Julia was such a standout for me. She’s deadly, smart, and emotionally guarded, but watching her slowly unravel with Asher?? Perfection. And Asher… cold, calculated, and yet somehow protective in the most intense ways. Their dynamic was pure chaos in the best way.
The Mafia family rivalry backdrop made everything feel so much more dangerous and high-pressure. I loved how their personal stakes were constantly clashing with the bigger war going on around them. You feel that tension in every scene—whether they’re pointing guns or tearing each other’s clothes off.
Also… the spice. No joke, it’s HOT. Definitely read the trigger warnings, because this story does not hold back. But if you’re okay with darker themes and emotional push-pull, it’ll absolutely hit.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5⭐
4 🌶️
Loved Julia's character - she's a total bad ass with a sharp tongue. And you couldn't help but feel bad for her and her situation.
Asher walked a fine line between light and dark, with a possessive and slightly unsettling nature, yet his love and devotion knows no bounds.
The cat and mouse and the spicy scenes were plenty and definitely helped to show their evolving relationship.
Honestly the last 15% of the book was my favorite part. The first 80% was a bit confusing for me - lots of questions and not many answers. It would've made sense if it was only Julia's perspective since she was also in the dark, but we got Asher's perspective too.
That ending though? I'm speechless.
I noticed a few grammar and spelling mistakes that pulled me out of the story which was unfortunate. As well as some repeated paragraphs that seemed like they could be an editing error.
If you like a story with betrayal, morally grey mmc, forced proximity, mafia and romantic suspense this is for you.
Quotes
Because there’s something so sinfully sweet about the idea of fucking a man I may have to kill later.
I’m Julia Giovanni. And no one gets to change my last name, nor does anyone get to rewrite my ending but me.
You’re starting to make murder look like foreplay
How I wanted to destroy her and protect her at the same time.
She moves like death in designer boots
I don’t want to kill her anymore. I want to kill for her.
You taste like sin. My favourite sin.
Till your aim stops my heart,
You won Julia
You’ll always be the best mistake of my life.
4 🌶️
Loved Julia's character - she's a total bad ass with a sharp tongue. And you couldn't help but feel bad for her and her situation.
Asher walked a fine line between light and dark, with a possessive and slightly unsettling nature, yet his love and devotion knows no bounds.
The cat and mouse and the spicy scenes were plenty and definitely helped to show their evolving relationship.
Honestly the last 15% of the book was my favorite part. The first 80% was a bit confusing for me - lots of questions and not many answers. It would've made sense if it was only Julia's perspective since she was also in the dark, but we got Asher's perspective too.
That ending though? I'm speechless.
I noticed a few grammar and spelling mistakes that pulled me out of the story which was unfortunate. As well as some repeated paragraphs that seemed like they could be an editing error.
If you like a story with betrayal, morally grey mmc, forced proximity, mafia and romantic suspense this is for you.
Quotes
Because there’s something so sinfully sweet about the idea of fucking a man I may have to kill later.
I’m Julia Giovanni. And no one gets to change my last name, nor does anyone get to rewrite my ending but me.
You’re starting to make murder look like foreplay
How I wanted to destroy her and protect her at the same time.
She moves like death in designer boots
I don’t want to kill her anymore. I want to kill for her.
You taste like sin. My favourite sin.
Till your aim stops my heart,
You won Julia
You’ll always be the best mistake of my life.
December 20, 2025
4.5 stars
Holy fucking hell! What did I just read and why am I still staring at the wall like that ⁉️ This book grabbed me by the throat and did not let go. I went in knowing this was dark mafia romance, knowing the triggers, knowing this was wildly outside my usual comfort reads and still I was not prepared for the chaos, the brutality, and the intensity that unfolded. 🤯
Ties Broken was my first dive into this genre and WOW. I was shook. Gasping. Internally screaming while keeping a straight face like nothing was happening. The action was ruthless and unsettling in the best way, and when the spice hit it went completely feral. That bar scene. The knife scene. I am still not okay. 🤯
Julia had me instantly. She is sharp, sassy, lethal, and terrifyingly determined. A skilled assassin who knows exactly what she wants and is willing to burn herself down to get it. But beneath all that steel is a young woman desperate to be seen, to be loved as a daughter and not treated like a weapon. That contrast broke something in me. 🫦💃🏻🌹
And Asher. Sir. Please take a break!!! This man is chaos incarnate. Every choice he makes is unhinged and yet somehow calculated. Who does the things he does and survives them. He caught me off guard at every turn. All sharp edges and violence wrapped around the tiniest cinnamon roll heart that barely gets to exist. I knew the tropes going in but Asher is on a whole different level. 🔪🫦💋
I need answers. I need the next book. And I need a minute to recover because what the hell just happened⁉️
Holy fucking hell! What did I just read and why am I still staring at the wall like that ⁉️ This book grabbed me by the throat and did not let go. I went in knowing this was dark mafia romance, knowing the triggers, knowing this was wildly outside my usual comfort reads and still I was not prepared for the chaos, the brutality, and the intensity that unfolded. 🤯
Ties Broken was my first dive into this genre and WOW. I was shook. Gasping. Internally screaming while keeping a straight face like nothing was happening. The action was ruthless and unsettling in the best way, and when the spice hit it went completely feral. That bar scene. The knife scene. I am still not okay. 🤯
Julia had me instantly. She is sharp, sassy, lethal, and terrifyingly determined. A skilled assassin who knows exactly what she wants and is willing to burn herself down to get it. But beneath all that steel is a young woman desperate to be seen, to be loved as a daughter and not treated like a weapon. That contrast broke something in me. 🫦💃🏻🌹
And Asher. Sir. Please take a break!!! This man is chaos incarnate. Every choice he makes is unhinged and yet somehow calculated. Who does the things he does and survives them. He caught me off guard at every turn. All sharp edges and violence wrapped around the tiniest cinnamon roll heart that barely gets to exist. I knew the tropes going in but Asher is on a whole different level. 🔪🫦💋
I need answers. I need the next book. And I need a minute to recover because what the hell just happened⁉️
January 6, 2026
First of all, thank you, Tes, for the ARC TwT <3
I started this book while stuck in a serious reading slump, the kind where finishing even a few chapters feels impossible. Yet, I finished this long book in 12 days, which is fast for me. That alone says a lot.
The writing was strong, immersive, and sharp. The plot was engaging and fast-paced, and there was no shortage of tension, conflict, or hatred between the characters. The enemies part? Oh, it was absolutely there. The clashes, the resentment, the power struggle? I loved that.
My issue lies specifically with how the romance developed.
Instead of enemies slowly falling in love, it felt more like enemies → lust → love. The attraction came first, heavily driven by physical desire, and then emotions followed. And while that works for some readers, it’s not the kind of enemies-to-lovers I personally crave. I want the love to be earned through emotional connection, understanding, and gradual softening—not primarily through lust.
That said, I was still deeply invested. I highlighted so many lines, felt every emotion, and stayed hooked till the end.
And the ending?
How could you, Tes?
How could she?
I am devastated! As an ARC reader, I feel personally attacked. This book hurt me emotionally and walked away like nothing had happened.
Despite my personal preference with the romance progression, I can’t deny how much I enjoyed this overall.
⭐ 4 stars
Emotionally devastating, beautifully written, and a slump-breaker—just not my ideal version of enemies to lovers.
I started this book while stuck in a serious reading slump, the kind where finishing even a few chapters feels impossible. Yet, I finished this long book in 12 days, which is fast for me. That alone says a lot.
The writing was strong, immersive, and sharp. The plot was engaging and fast-paced, and there was no shortage of tension, conflict, or hatred between the characters. The enemies part? Oh, it was absolutely there. The clashes, the resentment, the power struggle? I loved that.
My issue lies specifically with how the romance developed.
Instead of enemies slowly falling in love, it felt more like enemies → lust → love. The attraction came first, heavily driven by physical desire, and then emotions followed. And while that works for some readers, it’s not the kind of enemies-to-lovers I personally crave. I want the love to be earned through emotional connection, understanding, and gradual softening—not primarily through lust.
That said, I was still deeply invested. I highlighted so many lines, felt every emotion, and stayed hooked till the end.
And the ending?
How could you, Tes?
How could she?
I am devastated! As an ARC reader, I feel personally attacked. This book hurt me emotionally and walked away like nothing had happened.
Despite my personal preference with the romance progression, I can’t deny how much I enjoyed this overall.
⭐ 4 stars
Emotionally devastating, beautifully written, and a slump-breaker—just not my ideal version of enemies to lovers.
December 7, 2025
English Below:
J'ai eu la chance d'avoir un ARC de ce livre. Merci à Tes Archer de m'avoir invité dans son univers.
Si vous voulez du vrai ennemis à amants, ce livre est pour vous.
J'ai tout aimé, du début jusqu'à la fin. On entre dans l'univers de la mafia dès les premières pages. Coeur sensibles... s'abstenir.
La dynamique entre Asher et Julia est parfaite. Tension, désir haïne, honte, soumission, dominance, protection, pouvoir, loyauté sont entremêlés tout au long du livre pour nos 2 personnages.
Ashleigh, le cousin d'Asher, m'a conquise! J'adore le "bros before hoes".
J'attends la suite avec impatience et en attendant je vais aller lire l'histoire d'Ashleigh dans le premier tome!
English:
Thank you to Tes Archer for inviting me into her world with and ARC.
If you're looking for a REAL Ennemies to lovers? story, this book is for you.
I loved everything about it, from beginning to end. You're drawn into the world of the mafia from the very first pages. Sensitive readers... beware.
The dynamic between Asher and Julia is perfect. Tension, desire, hatred, shame, submission, dominance, protection, power, and loyalty are all intertwined throughout the book for our two characters.
Ashleigh, Asher's cousin, won me over! I love the "bros before hoes" dynamic.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel, and in the meantime, I'm going to read Ashleigh's story in the first book!
J'ai eu la chance d'avoir un ARC de ce livre. Merci à Tes Archer de m'avoir invité dans son univers.
Si vous voulez du vrai ennemis à amants, ce livre est pour vous.
J'ai tout aimé, du début jusqu'à la fin. On entre dans l'univers de la mafia dès les premières pages. Coeur sensibles... s'abstenir.
La dynamique entre Asher et Julia est parfaite. Tension, désir haïne, honte, soumission, dominance, protection, pouvoir, loyauté sont entremêlés tout au long du livre pour nos 2 personnages.
Ashleigh, le cousin d'Asher, m'a conquise! J'adore le "bros before hoes".
J'attends la suite avec impatience et en attendant je vais aller lire l'histoire d'Ashleigh dans le premier tome!
English:
Thank you to Tes Archer for inviting me into her world with and ARC.
If you're looking for a REAL Ennemies to lovers? story, this book is for you.
I loved everything about it, from beginning to end. You're drawn into the world of the mafia from the very first pages. Sensitive readers... beware.
The dynamic between Asher and Julia is perfect. Tension, desire, hatred, shame, submission, dominance, protection, power, and loyalty are all intertwined throughout the book for our two characters.
Ashleigh, Asher's cousin, won me over! I love the "bros before hoes" dynamic.
I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel, and in the meantime, I'm going to read Ashleigh's story in the first book!
December 17, 2025
Ties Broken by Tes Archer is book 2 of The Bleeding Hearts Series. This is part one of two and does end with a cliffhanger. Ties Broken is an Enemies to Lovers, Dark Mafia Romance following Asher Keinston and Julia Giovanni.
🚩This is for readers 18 years and/or older as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
My thoughts 💭
I love dark mafia romance books soooo much. I was looking forward to reading Asher’s story after his character was introduced in Twice Broken and he did not disappoint!! The banter between Asher and Julia is truly the best and one hundred percent entertaining but the character development is what I loved the most. There’s lots of action from the mafia standpoint and I am here for it! I hate that’s it’s a cliffhanger but I understand why it was done this way, this book is pretty lengthy so I cannot imagine adding part two to it. Also, the spice is spicing!!!! Waaay more in this one than book 1 🫣 so if you love reading action packed dark mafia romance books with lots of plot and lots of spice then this one is for you!! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed 🥀
✨I would like to thank author Tes Archer for the opportunity to read and review Ties Broken.
🚩This is for readers 18 years and/or older as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. There are dark themes that can be triggering so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩
My thoughts 💭
I love dark mafia romance books soooo much. I was looking forward to reading Asher’s story after his character was introduced in Twice Broken and he did not disappoint!! The banter between Asher and Julia is truly the best and one hundred percent entertaining but the character development is what I loved the most. There’s lots of action from the mafia standpoint and I am here for it! I hate that’s it’s a cliffhanger but I understand why it was done this way, this book is pretty lengthy so I cannot imagine adding part two to it. Also, the spice is spicing!!!! Waaay more in this one than book 1 🫣 so if you love reading action packed dark mafia romance books with lots of plot and lots of spice then this one is for you!! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed 🥀
✨I would like to thank author Tes Archer for the opportunity to read and review Ties Broken.
December 21, 2025
Where do I begin?! Tes, you had me feeling so many emotions following Julia and Asher’s story that describes “enemies to lovers” trope to a T!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 4.5/5 🥵
Banter: 4/5 😈
*Dual point of view
Julia - sassy, cunning, dangerous, and holds her own beautifully. “She moves like death in designer boots.” “No one gets to change my last name, nor does anyone get to rewrite my ending but me.” 👌🏻 I was rooting for her throughout the book, and loved how Asher brought out the darkest parts of her while proving to her what it means for someone to have her back. She was left to fend for herself as her father forced her into rigorous training to become a skilled assassin when she was a child.
Asher - WHERE CAN I FIND ONE LIKE HIM. “A psychopath who cooks and cuddles cobras? Can it be any more perfect?” I absolutely loved Asher - always a sucker for a bad boy who’s willing to destroy anyone and anything that threatens the woman he loves.
I will not go into any spoilers, but IYKYK… THAT ENDING. WHAT?! 😭🤬💔 I need answers!!!
Favorite quotes:
“I’m the girl who likes her man broken and a little drunk on violence.”
“Easy there, Seraphim. You’re starting to make murder look like foreplay.”
“It’s better to work under a devil I choose than to rot in the golden cage another one forged for me.”
Rating: 5/5 stars
Spice: 4.5/5 🥵
Banter: 4/5 😈
*Dual point of view
Julia - sassy, cunning, dangerous, and holds her own beautifully. “She moves like death in designer boots.” “No one gets to change my last name, nor does anyone get to rewrite my ending but me.” 👌🏻 I was rooting for her throughout the book, and loved how Asher brought out the darkest parts of her while proving to her what it means for someone to have her back. She was left to fend for herself as her father forced her into rigorous training to become a skilled assassin when she was a child.
Asher - WHERE CAN I FIND ONE LIKE HIM. “A psychopath who cooks and cuddles cobras? Can it be any more perfect?” I absolutely loved Asher - always a sucker for a bad boy who’s willing to destroy anyone and anything that threatens the woman he loves.
I will not go into any spoilers, but IYKYK… THAT ENDING. WHAT?! 😭🤬💔 I need answers!!!
Favorite quotes:
“I’m the girl who likes her man broken and a little drunk on violence.”
“Easy there, Seraphim. You’re starting to make murder look like foreplay.”
“It’s better to work under a devil I choose than to rot in the golden cage another one forged for me.”
December 21, 2025
Ties Broken completely blindsided me.
I went in expecting a dark, spicy mafia romance with an enemies to lovers vibe, and while it absolutely delivers on that, it is also so much deeper and heavier than I anticipated. Asher and Julia are not just enemies with chemistry. They are two broken, intense people locked in a constant tug of war that feels inevitable and brutal in the best way.
Julia is bold, ruthless, and magnetic from page one. I loved her immediately. And Asher is calculated, dangerous, and frustratingly irresistible. The tension between them is chef’s kiss. Messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from. What I appreciated most is that they do not magically fix each other. Every choice hurts. Every moment together feels like a collision of pain, desire, and survival.
The emotional impact really snuck up on me. The twists do not just shock you, they hurt. And the ending left me sitting there in silence, knowing it made sense, but still wishing someone had fought harder. That lingering ache is going to live rent free in my head for a while.
If you enjoy dark, spicy mafia romances that are emotionally heavy, chaotic, and character driven, Ties Broken is absolutely for you.
I went in expecting a dark, spicy mafia romance with an enemies to lovers vibe, and while it absolutely delivers on that, it is also so much deeper and heavier than I anticipated. Asher and Julia are not just enemies with chemistry. They are two broken, intense people locked in a constant tug of war that feels inevitable and brutal in the best way.
Julia is bold, ruthless, and magnetic from page one. I loved her immediately. And Asher is calculated, dangerous, and frustratingly irresistible. The tension between them is chef’s kiss. Messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from. What I appreciated most is that they do not magically fix each other. Every choice hurts. Every moment together feels like a collision of pain, desire, and survival.
The emotional impact really snuck up on me. The twists do not just shock you, they hurt. And the ending left me sitting there in silence, knowing it made sense, but still wishing someone had fought harder. That lingering ache is going to live rent free in my head for a while.
If you enjoy dark, spicy mafia romances that are emotionally heavy, chaotic, and character driven, Ties Broken is absolutely for you.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This book pulled me in from the opening chapter and didn’t let go. The world is dark, chaotic, and soaked in tension, exactly what I want from a mafia romance. Every scene feels charged, whether with danger, emotion, or the kind of heat that keeps you flipping pages long after you planned to stop. It’s intense in all the right ways, and even at 4.5 stars, it left me hungry for more.
What really hooked me were the leads. Julia is sharp, guarded, and far stronger than she lets on, yet watching her unravel layer by layer is addictive. Asher, on the other hand, is all ice and control—until it comes to her. Their chemistry isn’t just hot; it’s messy, volatile, and strangely tender in the moments where neither is willing to admit it. Together, they’re a disaster waiting to happen… and I loved every second of it.
If you’re a mafia-romance lover, this one absolutely delivers. Family rivalries, blood-deep loyalties, forbidden desire, everything that makes the genre irresistible is here. And with the way the tension builds and explodes, this book is made for readers who crave danger and passion woven tightly together.
What really hooked me were the leads. Julia is sharp, guarded, and far stronger than she lets on, yet watching her unravel layer by layer is addictive. Asher, on the other hand, is all ice and control—until it comes to her. Their chemistry isn’t just hot; it’s messy, volatile, and strangely tender in the moments where neither is willing to admit it. Together, they’re a disaster waiting to happen… and I loved every second of it.
If you’re a mafia-romance lover, this one absolutely delivers. Family rivalries, blood-deep loyalties, forbidden desire, everything that makes the genre irresistible is here. And with the way the tension builds and explodes, this book is made for readers who crave danger and passion woven tightly together.
December 20, 2025
I finished Ties Broken and had to sit with it for a bit. The betrayal actually landed, which surprised me, because a lot of books in this space tease you with high stakes and then immediately rush past the fallout. This one doesn’t. Things stay uncomfortable. People don’t suddenly act better just because it would be convenient.
I didn’t always like the characters, and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to. Some decisions made me sigh, some made me mad (if I hada physical copy I’d thrown it against a wall) but they also made sense for who these people are. The relationship is intense, sometimes frustrating, sometimes hard to watch, and very clearly not meant to feel safe or aspirational. The spice is there, but it’s tangled up with resentment and bad timing, not romance-for-the-sake-of-romance.
This isn’t a book I’d recommend to everyone, and I think that’s kind of the point. If you want dark romance that actually lets betrayal have weight instead of smoothing it over, this will probably work for you. It’s uneven in places, but it commits to the mess, and I appreciated that.
I didn’t always like the characters, and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t supposed to. Some decisions made me sigh, some made me mad (if I hada physical copy I’d thrown it against a wall) but they also made sense for who these people are. The relationship is intense, sometimes frustrating, sometimes hard to watch, and very clearly not meant to feel safe or aspirational. The spice is there, but it’s tangled up with resentment and bad timing, not romance-for-the-sake-of-romance.
This isn’t a book I’d recommend to everyone, and I think that’s kind of the point. If you want dark romance that actually lets betrayal have weight instead of smoothing it over, this will probably work for you. It’s uneven in places, but it commits to the mess, and I appreciated that.
December 21, 2025
Honesty, when i saw the beautiful characters art, i immediately run to fill up the arc form without knowing what is going on or what it will make me.And then
this story hurts in the best way possible.
Tes Archer weaves a beautifully painful narrative about love that was once whole and the silence that tore it apart. Ties Broken isn’t just a second-chance romance, it’s a delicate exploration of grief, misunderstandings, healing, and the quiet kind of love that never truly dies.
The way Tes writes emotions soft, raw, and real makes me pause and feel everything. Every glance, every word left unsaid, every moment they were near but not together it lingers.
What stayed with me the most?
That even broken ties can be mended if only we’re brave enough to reach across the silence.
This story hurts in the best way possible.
A quiet masterpiece. Tes Archer, you broke me gently.
Thank you again author for providing me the arc and to give the opportunity to read this beautiful story in advance.
this story hurts in the best way possible.
Tes Archer weaves a beautifully painful narrative about love that was once whole and the silence that tore it apart. Ties Broken isn’t just a second-chance romance, it’s a delicate exploration of grief, misunderstandings, healing, and the quiet kind of love that never truly dies.
The way Tes writes emotions soft, raw, and real makes me pause and feel everything. Every glance, every word left unsaid, every moment they were near but not together it lingers.
What stayed with me the most?
That even broken ties can be mended if only we’re brave enough to reach across the silence.
This story hurts in the best way possible.
A quiet masterpiece. Tes Archer, you broke me gently.
Thank you again author for providing me the arc and to give the opportunity to read this beautiful story in advance.
December 27, 2025
*ARC review*
Where to even start with this one!? The emotions with this one🫣 a true definition of enemies to lovers is Julia and Asher’s story!
Star ⭐️ 5/5
Spice 🌶️4/5
Banter 🥵 4/5
Right off the bat when Julia seduces Asher to steal from him I knew it was gonna be a good one!
Julia had two choices be married off to someone else or become her father’s most skilled assassin. Of course her being one to stand her ground and head strong she started training to become the best. Her father wanted her to fail she he can marry her off.
Asher… oh Asher 🥵 he’s dark, protective- willing to burn the world down and destroy anyone who threatens his women. Oh and he has a thing for cobras 🐍 😏
The push-&-pull tension between the two is so intense. Emotions are all over the place with this one… especially that cliffhanger!
Tes Archer knocked this enemies to lovers, mafia romance out of the park! I need the next book like yesterday! Thank you Tes Archer for allowing me to read and review this story!
Where to even start with this one!? The emotions with this one🫣 a true definition of enemies to lovers is Julia and Asher’s story!
Star ⭐️ 5/5
Spice 🌶️4/5
Banter 🥵 4/5
Right off the bat when Julia seduces Asher to steal from him I knew it was gonna be a good one!
Julia had two choices be married off to someone else or become her father’s most skilled assassin. Of course her being one to stand her ground and head strong she started training to become the best. Her father wanted her to fail she he can marry her off.
Asher… oh Asher 🥵 he’s dark, protective- willing to burn the world down and destroy anyone who threatens his women. Oh and he has a thing for cobras 🐍 😏
The push-&-pull tension between the two is so intense. Emotions are all over the place with this one… especially that cliffhanger!
Tes Archer knocked this enemies to lovers, mafia romance out of the park! I need the next book like yesterday! Thank you Tes Archer for allowing me to read and review this story!
December 6, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book. I love dark mafia romance but this had so much more and I absolutely loved the story and the plot. I loved the banter and the tug and pull throughout the book.
Julia the daughter of the Russian mafia was raised and trained to be the assassin she is. She is morally grey and such an amazing FMC. Strong and vicious. She is also hilarious and never backs down from a fight.
Asher wow...I fell in love with him and his character instantly. He is dangerous, funny, smart, and morally gray. Asher rules the underground world. He created a life in the mafia world and the brains of it. His banter is freaking hilarious. He had me cackling throughout the book.
If you are looking for a dark mafia, betrayal, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, banter throughout, action and thriller packed book this has it. Tes Archer created an incredible, hilarious, thrilling book.
Julia the daughter of the Russian mafia was raised and trained to be the assassin she is. She is morally grey and such an amazing FMC. Strong and vicious. She is also hilarious and never backs down from a fight.
Asher wow...I fell in love with him and his character instantly. He is dangerous, funny, smart, and morally gray. Asher rules the underground world. He created a life in the mafia world and the brains of it. His banter is freaking hilarious. He had me cackling throughout the book.
If you are looking for a dark mafia, betrayal, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, banter throughout, action and thriller packed book this has it. Tes Archer created an incredible, hilarious, thrilling book.
December 29, 2025
This book completely caught me off guard. Dark, chaotic, and soaked in morally grey energy, it pulled me in way deeper than I expected. Rival syndicates, power games, betrayal, revenge, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that actually hurts in the best way—everything was cooked just right. Julia is the kind of FMC I’ll always eat up: sharp, guarded, and quietly strong, standing her ground even when the world around her is falling apart. And Asher—cold, controlled, dangerous—until she exists, and suddenly everything fractures. Their chemistry is messy, volatile, and impossible to ignore, the kind that keeps you turning pages even when you know disaster is coming. The tension never lets up, the masquerade chaos only adds fuel to the fire, and that ending? Absolutely devastating. I finished it with that hollow, stunned feeling in my chest, already seated for the next book. Dark mafia romance lovers will devour this—intense, addictive, and lingering long after the last page.
January 2, 2026
So Tes did not disappoint, ate and left with no crumbs. You know what I mean? Yes, that kind of gripping story. This book had me on a chokehold because well freaking hell, the story is just compelling and I love a badass FMC like Julia. I love Ashleigh more though but Asher is also my second fav and the steamy scenes 👀🥵 well-written and I found myself enjoying every part of it!
There are parts that didn't really get to me but overall, it was a great read 📖 I appreciate the characters, plot, and storyline.
I'm so lucky that I was able to read and review this one and even became part of the early editing process so it's like, a lot has been developed and I loved it very much ✨🖤 This was an amazing read and if you're looking for a dark romance with a baddie assassin FMC and a morally grey MMC who's obsessed with her and does a lot of 🙈 you know stuff on her well I highly recommend it.
There are parts that didn't really get to me but overall, it was a great read 📖 I appreciate the characters, plot, and storyline.
I'm so lucky that I was able to read and review this one and even became part of the early editing process so it's like, a lot has been developed and I loved it very much ✨🖤 This was an amazing read and if you're looking for a dark romance with a baddie assassin FMC and a morally grey MMC who's obsessed with her and does a lot of 🙈 you know stuff on her well I highly recommend it.
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