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The Ties That Break Us
Wes
I wear many names. To the world, I’m Ethan Westin, the billionaire tech mogul. In the shadows, I’m Iceman—the hitman who erases problems with lethal precision.
To her, though, I’m Wes. The man who took her as collateral for her boyfriend’s debts.
From the moment she meets my gaze with those sapphire blues and cuts men open with her sharp tongue, I know one thing for certain…
She belongs to me now.
I can protect her from the chaos he dragged her into. I can keep her alive.
But possession has a price.
And I’ve never been gentle with what’s mine.
Especially when she begs me not to be.
Birdie
Five years ago, I never imagined my life would lead here—trapped in a gilded cage, held by a man the world fears and whispers about.
Iceman is ruthless. Controlled. Addictively magnetic.
I should be plotting my escape. Instead, I’m unraveling every time his hands find me. Every time his control slips just enough to show the hunger beneath it. The danger thrills me. His touch consumes me. And the longer I stay, the more I crave the very man who should terrify me.
The lines blur.
Between fear and desire.
Between captivity and surrender.
Between monster and man.
But I’m terrified he’ll discover the truth about what I’ve been hiding all these years.
Because if he thinks I belong to him now…
He has no idea what I’m capable of becoming.
She was never meant to fall for him. He was never meant to love her. As enemies close in and secrets refuse to stay buried, the line between captor and protector begins to blur.
In this dark romance of obsession, control, and betrayal, the question isn’t whether love can save them. It’s who will be destroyed when it finally breaks.
I wear many names. To the world, I’m Ethan Westin, the billionaire tech mogul. In the shadows, I’m Iceman—the hitman who erases problems with lethal precision.
To her, though, I’m Wes. The man who took her as collateral for her boyfriend’s debts.
From the moment she meets my gaze with those sapphire blues and cuts men open with her sharp tongue, I know one thing for certain…
She belongs to me now.
I can protect her from the chaos he dragged her into. I can keep her alive.
But possession has a price.
And I’ve never been gentle with what’s mine.
Especially when she begs me not to be.
Birdie
Five years ago, I never imagined my life would lead here—trapped in a gilded cage, held by a man the world fears and whispers about.
Iceman is ruthless. Controlled. Addictively magnetic.
I should be plotting my escape. Instead, I’m unraveling every time his hands find me. Every time his control slips just enough to show the hunger beneath it. The danger thrills me. His touch consumes me. And the longer I stay, the more I crave the very man who should terrify me.
The lines blur.
Between fear and desire.
Between captivity and surrender.
Between monster and man.
But I’m terrified he’ll discover the truth about what I’ve been hiding all these years.
Because if he thinks I belong to him now…
He has no idea what I’m capable of becoming.
She was never meant to fall for him. He was never meant to love her. As enemies close in and secrets refuse to stay buried, the line between captor and protector begins to blur.
In this dark romance of obsession, control, and betrayal, the question isn’t whether love can save them. It’s who will be destroyed when it finally breaks.
599 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2026
About the author
Nicole Y Hanson
3 books15 followersNicole Y. Hanson is a Michigan-based author of dark romance and sci-fi romance that explores obsession, trauma, loyalty, and the dangerous beauty of loving someone flawed.
By day, she works in supply chain and purchasing, where precision and strategy rule the world. By night, she builds emotionally intense stories about possessive hitmen, broken heroines, secret organizations, and genetically engineered survivors fighting to reclaim their identities.
Nicole writes characters who love fiercely, break violently, and heal imperfectly. Her stories blend psychological depth with high-stakes tension, always centered on connection, trust, and the kind of love that refuses to let go.
When she’s not writing, she’s designing her own covers, solving logic puzzles, or planning the next twist that will leave readers breathless.
She believes monsters can love.
She believes broken things can be rebuilt.
And she believes every scar tells a story.
Want to know more about Nicole and her books? Visit nicoleyhanson.com
By day, she works in supply chain and purchasing, where precision and strategy rule the world. By night, she builds emotionally intense stories about possessive hitmen, broken heroines, secret organizations, and genetically engineered survivors fighting to reclaim their identities.
Nicole writes characters who love fiercely, break violently, and heal imperfectly. Her stories blend psychological depth with high-stakes tension, always centered on connection, trust, and the kind of love that refuses to let go.
When she’s not writing, she’s designing her own covers, solving logic puzzles, or planning the next twist that will leave readers breathless.
She believes monsters can love.
She believes broken things can be rebuilt.
And she believes every scar tells a story.
Want to know more about Nicole and her books? Visit nicoleyhanson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 28, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS | ARC READ
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
• billionaire assassin
• morally grey MMC
• captor/captive
• touch her and die
• sub/dom
• forced proximity
“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” I lift my whiskey and take a long swig.
“No.” Birdie doesn’t even blink. “But it was fucking orgasmic when I rose from hell.”
This is my FIRST 5-star ARC read, you guys!!! I genuinely cannot stop thinking about this book.
Birdie (FMC) is taken as collateral after her boyfriend borrows money and gets in way over his head with the wrong people. Wes (MMC) is a tech billionaire with a secret life as an assassin and the one who takes her. But the truth? He doesn’t just take her for the debt… he takes her because he’s already completely obsessed with her.
From the moment they meet, the chemistry between Birdie and Wes is 🔥. Both characters are layered and complex, carrying dark pasts they aren’t ready to face. Wes is pure darkness, but Birdie becomes his light. And Birdie? She’s everything I love in a heroine. She is resilient, sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and unapologetically strong despite everything she’s been through.
The banter between them is bantering and the tension? Absolutely unmatched. The steamy scenes had me clutching my pearls 🫠
This is a medium-paced dark romance, so definitely check trigger warnings. There are quite a few, but clearly not enough to stop me, because I devoured this in two days, reading every chance I got.
This is the first book in a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger that has me desperate for more. I need answers, I need resolution, and most importantly, I need Wes and Birdie to find their way back to each other immediately 😭
I am completely obsessed with their story… and the fact that it’s only going to get darker?? Say less.
Thank you, Nicole Y. Hanson, for this ARC!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
• billionaire assassin
• morally grey MMC
• captor/captive
• touch her and die
• sub/dom
• forced proximity
“Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” I lift my whiskey and take a long swig.
“No.” Birdie doesn’t even blink. “But it was fucking orgasmic when I rose from hell.”
This is my FIRST 5-star ARC read, you guys!!! I genuinely cannot stop thinking about this book.
Birdie (FMC) is taken as collateral after her boyfriend borrows money and gets in way over his head with the wrong people. Wes (MMC) is a tech billionaire with a secret life as an assassin and the one who takes her. But the truth? He doesn’t just take her for the debt… he takes her because he’s already completely obsessed with her.
From the moment they meet, the chemistry between Birdie and Wes is 🔥. Both characters are layered and complex, carrying dark pasts they aren’t ready to face. Wes is pure darkness, but Birdie becomes his light. And Birdie? She’s everything I love in a heroine. She is resilient, sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and unapologetically strong despite everything she’s been through.
The banter between them is bantering and the tension? Absolutely unmatched. The steamy scenes had me clutching my pearls 🫠
This is a medium-paced dark romance, so definitely check trigger warnings. There are quite a few, but clearly not enough to stop me, because I devoured this in two days, reading every chance I got.
This is the first book in a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger that has me desperate for more. I need answers, I need resolution, and most importantly, I need Wes and Birdie to find their way back to each other immediately 😭
I am completely obsessed with their story… and the fact that it’s only going to get darker?? Say less.
Thank you, Nicole Y. Hanson, for this ARC!
March 9, 2026
This was my first ARC that I’ve read and WOW the author did not miss on this one! Spicy, morally grey and some thrilling twists in there that have you guessing along the way. Definitely review the triggers. This was a fun weekend binge. I’ll be over here patiently for the next book after that cliffhanger ending…
April 14, 2026
Okay, just wow. Nicole this was everything I expected and more. Wes and birdie 🥵🥵🥵 the back and forth the love they both felt. It was a lot and now I need more. (Please almost be done with book 2 🫣🤪)
April 14, 2026
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Ties That Break Us by Nicole Y. Hanson is one of those books that completely consumes you emotionally and does not let go, even after you’ve finished it.
Before anything else, I would strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings. I am not typically someone who is deeply affected by them, but this book is written in a way that makes you feel everything with intensity. There were multiple moments where I found myself genuinely overwhelmed and in tears.
The emotional depth of this story is one of its greatest strengths. It is raw, heavy, and at times difficult to read—not because of poor writing, but because of how real and immersive it feels. Nicole Hanson has a way of pulling you directly into the characters’ experiences, making their pain, confusion, and longing feel incredibly personal.
The main characters, while compelling, are also deeply frustrating at times—in the best way. There were moments where I wanted to reach into the pages and shake them, urging them to make different choices or communicate more clearly. That push-and-pull added to the emotional weight of the story and made their journey feel even more impactful.
This is not a light or comforting romance. It does not follow the typical path of a soft or happy ending, and readers looking for something uplifting may find themselves caught off guard. Instead, this story leans into the complexity of the relationship, the consequences of their choices, and the reality that not all love stories resolve neatly.
At the same time, there is something undeniably beautiful about it. The intensity, the vulnerability, and the emotional honesty make it a powerful and memorable read. It is the kind of book that leaves a lasting impression, even when it hurts.
Overall, this was an incredibly moving and emotionally charged story that I would recommend to readers who are prepared for a darker, more intense romance experience.
The Ties That Break Us by Nicole Y. Hanson is one of those books that completely consumes you emotionally and does not let go, even after you’ve finished it.
Before anything else, I would strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings. I am not typically someone who is deeply affected by them, but this book is written in a way that makes you feel everything with intensity. There were multiple moments where I found myself genuinely overwhelmed and in tears.
The emotional depth of this story is one of its greatest strengths. It is raw, heavy, and at times difficult to read—not because of poor writing, but because of how real and immersive it feels. Nicole Hanson has a way of pulling you directly into the characters’ experiences, making their pain, confusion, and longing feel incredibly personal.
The main characters, while compelling, are also deeply frustrating at times—in the best way. There were moments where I wanted to reach into the pages and shake them, urging them to make different choices or communicate more clearly. That push-and-pull added to the emotional weight of the story and made their journey feel even more impactful.
This is not a light or comforting romance. It does not follow the typical path of a soft or happy ending, and readers looking for something uplifting may find themselves caught off guard. Instead, this story leans into the complexity of the relationship, the consequences of their choices, and the reality that not all love stories resolve neatly.
At the same time, there is something undeniably beautiful about it. The intensity, the vulnerability, and the emotional honesty make it a powerful and memorable read. It is the kind of book that leaves a lasting impression, even when it hurts.
Overall, this was an incredibly moving and emotionally charged story that I would recommend to readers who are prepared for a darker, more intense romance experience.
March 18, 2026
This book started off so strong I genuinely thought I was about to read this in one sitting and then somewhere along the way, it just lost me a little.
The beginning? So good. The mystery hooks you in immediately and the kidnapping trope was actually done at the right time, not dragged out or randomly thrown in for shock value. It gave the story tension, stakes and that okay wait I need to know what happens next feeling. Birdie and West at this point were interesting too; the dynamics had potential and I liked that there was an edge to them instead of everything being overly polished.
But then… we hit around chapter 16 and I could physically feel the pacing slow down.
The story starts stretching itself thinner than it needs to. Scenes go on longer than necessary, conversations feel repetitive and instead of building tension, it kind of just lingers. This could’ve easily been a tighter, more impactful book if a good chunk of the middle was trimmed. Because the ideas are there but the execution just needed more discipline.
Character wise, I had mixed feelings. I liked them enough to keep reading but not enough to be fully obsessed. There were moments where their emotions hit but also moments where I felt a bit disconnected like I was being told how intense everything was instead of fully feeling it.
That said, I will give credit where it’s due, the concept and early plot setup carried this book hard. It had the bones of something that could’ve been a 4 star read if the pacing stayed consistent.
(Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
The beginning? So good. The mystery hooks you in immediately and the kidnapping trope was actually done at the right time, not dragged out or randomly thrown in for shock value. It gave the story tension, stakes and that okay wait I need to know what happens next feeling. Birdie and West at this point were interesting too; the dynamics had potential and I liked that there was an edge to them instead of everything being overly polished.
But then… we hit around chapter 16 and I could physically feel the pacing slow down.
The story starts stretching itself thinner than it needs to. Scenes go on longer than necessary, conversations feel repetitive and instead of building tension, it kind of just lingers. This could’ve easily been a tighter, more impactful book if a good chunk of the middle was trimmed. Because the ideas are there but the execution just needed more discipline.
Character wise, I had mixed feelings. I liked them enough to keep reading but not enough to be fully obsessed. There were moments where their emotions hit but also moments where I felt a bit disconnected like I was being told how intense everything was instead of fully feeling it.
That said, I will give credit where it’s due, the concept and early plot setup carried this book hard. It had the bones of something that could’ve been a 4 star read if the pacing stayed consistent.
(Thank you to the author for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
April 15, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Wes kidnaps Birdie to protect her from her boyfriend's gambling debts. Was kidnapping Birdie the best choice? Wes is a businessman, assasin, and kidnapper. There's so much tit for tat. Angst is tremendously high in this book. I feel like Wes and Birdie are equally in the other's head. It's clear, with Birdie, Wes struggles with his identity. Is he Ethan Westin or Iceman? I think because Birdie made him feel too much he automatically reverts to Iceman. Iceman has no feelings or emotions. Then again, Ethan Westin may not be the better choice. I think Wes doesn't have a clue who Birdie truly is yet.
When it got to where I really liked Wes, he messes everything up! I wanted to throw my kindle at him!!! I read this book as quickly as I could. The only bad part? This is the 1st book in a trilogy. It ends on a huge cliffhanger! I will have to wait for the next book to get any answers. This book does contain a lot of triggering content. Check the trigger warnings.
Memorable Quotes:
"Maybe I’m the one she needs protection from. My darkness will bleed into her, stain her until she can’t recognize herself."
"Maybe that makes me the kind of girl who falls for monsters. Or maybe . . . I’m the real monster. One that’s been caged for too long. And the only way to let one monster out is to let another in."
“Just because you took me doesn’t mean you get to keep me.”
"......a cruel reminder that I’ve always had the option to leave, just never the choice to stay."
Wes kidnaps Birdie to protect her from her boyfriend's gambling debts. Was kidnapping Birdie the best choice? Wes is a businessman, assasin, and kidnapper. There's so much tit for tat. Angst is tremendously high in this book. I feel like Wes and Birdie are equally in the other's head. It's clear, with Birdie, Wes struggles with his identity. Is he Ethan Westin or Iceman? I think because Birdie made him feel too much he automatically reverts to Iceman. Iceman has no feelings or emotions. Then again, Ethan Westin may not be the better choice. I think Wes doesn't have a clue who Birdie truly is yet.
When it got to where I really liked Wes, he messes everything up! I wanted to throw my kindle at him!!! I read this book as quickly as I could. The only bad part? This is the 1st book in a trilogy. It ends on a huge cliffhanger! I will have to wait for the next book to get any answers. This book does contain a lot of triggering content. Check the trigger warnings.
Memorable Quotes:
"Maybe I’m the one she needs protection from. My darkness will bleed into her, stain her until she can’t recognize herself."
"Maybe that makes me the kind of girl who falls for monsters. Or maybe . . . I’m the real monster. One that’s been caged for too long. And the only way to let one monster out is to let another in."
“Just because you took me doesn’t mean you get to keep me.”
"......a cruel reminder that I’ve always had the option to leave, just never the choice to stay."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
This story is an absolute whirlwind—a gripping, high-stakes ride that hits every beat of a top-tier dark romance. By blending the "billionaire" trope with a lethal "secret hitman" persona, it creates a fascinating contrast between the polished boardrooms of high society and the cold, clinical shadows of the underworld.
Watching Ethan Westin’s rigid control as "Iceman" begin to crumble the moment Birdie enters his life as collateral was addictive. He is the ultimate possessive anti-hero: ruthless, controlled, and yet entirely consumed by the one person he was never meant to love.
What truly sets this apart, however, is the psychological tug-of-war. Birdie is the perfect foil for Wes—she isn’t just a damsel in a gilded cage. With her sapphire-blue gaze and a tongue sharp enough to cut, she slowly unravels the man beneath the monster. The pacing is relentless, but the real star of the show is the mystery surrounding Birdie herself. The hint that she is "capable of becoming" something far more dangerous than Wes realizes kept me turning pages late into the night.
If you love a story where the lines between captivity and surrender blur, and where the "monster" finds the one person he’d burn the world to protect, this is a must-read. It’s a gritty, emotional journey about two people from different worlds colliding in a blast of obsession and betrayal. I’m already counting down the days and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Watching Ethan Westin’s rigid control as "Iceman" begin to crumble the moment Birdie enters his life as collateral was addictive. He is the ultimate possessive anti-hero: ruthless, controlled, and yet entirely consumed by the one person he was never meant to love.
What truly sets this apart, however, is the psychological tug-of-war. Birdie is the perfect foil for Wes—she isn’t just a damsel in a gilded cage. With her sapphire-blue gaze and a tongue sharp enough to cut, she slowly unravels the man beneath the monster. The pacing is relentless, but the real star of the show is the mystery surrounding Birdie herself. The hint that she is "capable of becoming" something far more dangerous than Wes realizes kept me turning pages late into the night.
If you love a story where the lines between captivity and surrender blur, and where the "monster" finds the one person he’d burn the world to protect, this is a must-read. It’s a gritty, emotional journey about two people from different worlds colliding in a blast of obsession and betrayal. I’m already counting down the days and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
March 14, 2026
OMG!!! Yes, yes, yes! Read this book!!!!
Birdie is in a relationship of convenience. Bryce is a deadbeat boyfriend who uses her for his needs. Oh, & her money. He loses a ton of money gambling & gets bailed out by one of his buddies. Except the buddy borrowed it from his rich cousin who is also a hitman. Probably not a good idea.
Enter Wes. Security tech genius by day & ruthless hitman by night. Naturally, he's handsome & well endowed. He goes to collect his money, but meets Birdie & finds out she's with Bryce. He takes her as collateral until Bryce pays up. But he has no intention on paying the money back. Birdie finds out he emptied her bank account AND didn't stop Wes from putting a gun to her head.
Forced proximity causes both Wes & Birdie to develop feelings, but they both keep pushing the other away. Birdie has her own secret that we get glimpses of, but not the full detail. Cliffhanger? Better believe it.
Wes has his own enemies too & when one gets a little too close, Birdie protects him. She gets spooked when she realizes what Wes truly is, what she's done & what she's hiding. She leaves Wes a note & bolts.
The book ends with Wes having no clue Birdie is gone. "Him" is at Westin Technologies looking for Birdie, but will settle for Wes. "Him" leaves before he's identified with the threat of finding his Raven.
UGH!!!!! Awesome ending that has me screaming for book 2 of this trilogy!
Birdie is in a relationship of convenience. Bryce is a deadbeat boyfriend who uses her for his needs. Oh, & her money. He loses a ton of money gambling & gets bailed out by one of his buddies. Except the buddy borrowed it from his rich cousin who is also a hitman. Probably not a good idea.
Enter Wes. Security tech genius by day & ruthless hitman by night. Naturally, he's handsome & well endowed. He goes to collect his money, but meets Birdie & finds out she's with Bryce. He takes her as collateral until Bryce pays up. But he has no intention on paying the money back. Birdie finds out he emptied her bank account AND didn't stop Wes from putting a gun to her head.
Forced proximity causes both Wes & Birdie to develop feelings, but they both keep pushing the other away. Birdie has her own secret that we get glimpses of, but not the full detail. Cliffhanger? Better believe it.
Wes has his own enemies too & when one gets a little too close, Birdie protects him. She gets spooked when she realizes what Wes truly is, what she's done & what she's hiding. She leaves Wes a note & bolts.
The book ends with Wes having no clue Birdie is gone. "Him" is at Westin Technologies looking for Birdie, but will settle for Wes. "Him" leaves before he's identified with the threat of finding his Raven.
UGH!!!!! Awesome ending that has me screaming for book 2 of this trilogy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2026
Wow, just wow! I need book 2 right now! Talk about an emotional roller-coaster. The Ties That Break Us had me hooked right away, and I can’t stop thinking about Wes & Birdie’s story. Wes is a morally grey, billionaire assassin but has lines he will not cross. He’s deadly, attractive, and would burn the world for Birdie. He thinks things like “pieces skittering across the floor like broken teeth” after throwing a phone at the wall.
Birdie is a survivor with a messed up past, who is sticking with a crappy boyfriend rather than being alone. She is so dang funny with great one lines and a sharp tongue.
They both try so hard to fight the pull towards each other, which had me shaking my head at times. But I guess a kidnapper/hostage relationship is bound to be complicated. The passion these two shares radiates through the pages.
My favorite quote is Birdie’s reply when a guy used the horrible pickup line of did it hurt when you fell from heaven. “No. But it was f8cking orgasmic when I rose from hell.”
Thank you to Nicole Y Hanson for the opportunity to read and review this book
Birdie is a survivor with a messed up past, who is sticking with a crappy boyfriend rather than being alone. She is so dang funny with great one lines and a sharp tongue.
They both try so hard to fight the pull towards each other, which had me shaking my head at times. But I guess a kidnapper/hostage relationship is bound to be complicated. The passion these two shares radiates through the pages.
My favorite quote is Birdie’s reply when a guy used the horrible pickup line of did it hurt when you fell from heaven. “No. But it was f8cking orgasmic when I rose from hell.”
Thank you to Nicole Y Hanson for the opportunity to read and review this book
March 5, 2026
Can I please get some of Wes’ whiskey?
I don’t write spoilers—you’ll have to read the book yourself—but please believe me when I say it’s so good. Yes, it’s a long book at 540 pages, but it’s surprisingly easy to keep track of the characters. There are only a couple of names you really need to get used to, and honestly, that’s something I loved about it.
From beginning to end, it’s a fast-paced and emotional story about two broken hearts carrying far too many secrets. At times, your heart truly aches for both of them.
You could easily call Wes a monster—but you can also choose to see the broken man beneath it all. I think he and Birdy are the perfect match: her razor-sharp tongue meeting his strength and stubbornness. Their dynamic is intense, but also surprisingly funny, and I absolutely loved the humor sprinkled throughout the book.
Just make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in.
I can’t wait to continue with the second and third books!
I don’t write spoilers—you’ll have to read the book yourself—but please believe me when I say it’s so good. Yes, it’s a long book at 540 pages, but it’s surprisingly easy to keep track of the characters. There are only a couple of names you really need to get used to, and honestly, that’s something I loved about it.
From beginning to end, it’s a fast-paced and emotional story about two broken hearts carrying far too many secrets. At times, your heart truly aches for both of them.
You could easily call Wes a monster—but you can also choose to see the broken man beneath it all. I think he and Birdy are the perfect match: her razor-sharp tongue meeting his strength and stubbornness. Their dynamic is intense, but also surprisingly funny, and I absolutely loved the humor sprinkled throughout the book.
Just make sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in.
I can’t wait to continue with the second and third books!
April 8, 2026
The Ties That Break Us
Arc review
Who doesn’t want a hitman to kidnap you and keep you.
Wes, MMC billionaire by day hitman by night what’s not to love. He’s made of ice or so he thinks until he meets Birdie
Birdie FMC strong firey girl with a sharp tongue who is deeply broken.
“Because you’re the light in my dark.” His voice drops to a ragged whisper. “And even I - someone as far gone as me - still needs a flashlight in the dark.”
He is darkness she is light
🩶trauma
🩶captive/captor
🩶broody morally grey MMC
🩶light Fmc
🩶 forced proximity
🌶️🌶️🌶️ lots of spicy spice.
I enjoyed this book. There were bits where I was getting a tad frustrated as they seemed to be going over the same stuff over and over however that did add to the angst.
The reveal I was not expecting and also I am gutted I need to wait for book 2 & 3 to find out what happens.
Overall definitely 3.75 ⭐️ read for me I couldn’t put it down in the beginning and I wi
Arc review
Who doesn’t want a hitman to kidnap you and keep you.
Wes, MMC billionaire by day hitman by night what’s not to love. He’s made of ice or so he thinks until he meets Birdie
Birdie FMC strong firey girl with a sharp tongue who is deeply broken.
“Because you’re the light in my dark.” His voice drops to a ragged whisper. “And even I - someone as far gone as me - still needs a flashlight in the dark.”
He is darkness she is light
🩶trauma
🩶captive/captor
🩶broody morally grey MMC
🩶light Fmc
🩶 forced proximity
🌶️🌶️🌶️ lots of spicy spice.
I enjoyed this book. There were bits where I was getting a tad frustrated as they seemed to be going over the same stuff over and over however that did add to the angst.
The reveal I was not expecting and also I am gutted I need to wait for book 2 & 3 to find out what happens.
Overall definitely 3.75 ⭐️ read for me I couldn’t put it down in the beginning and I wi
March 11, 2026
So I know I have placed 5 stars on all the books I've read recently but let me tell you something they have all been amazing! Now for this one The Ties That Break Us... this one had me laughing, crying, angry, and just about every other emotion out there.
My heart broke for our poor FMC Birdie but she shows exactly what it means to become a baddie and overcome our past and to become an amazingly strong women. she has a smart mouth and is a fighter. A true baddie.
And then the is our MMC Wes that poor man has been through it also and is a man through and through by not knowing how to process and heal. 🤣 Sorry I had to.
This one had me screaming at the end needing more as it is a cliffhanger and will leave you NEEDING the next book. I will be trying to wait patiently for but not sure how patient I will be able to be because I absolutely loved this book.
My heart broke for our poor FMC Birdie but she shows exactly what it means to become a baddie and overcome our past and to become an amazingly strong women. she has a smart mouth and is a fighter. A true baddie.
And then the is our MMC Wes that poor man has been through it also and is a man through and through by not knowing how to process and heal. 🤣 Sorry I had to.
This one had me screaming at the end needing more as it is a cliffhanger and will leave you NEEDING the next book. I will be trying to wait patiently for but not sure how patient I will be able to be because I absolutely loved this book.
April 14, 2026
Birdie is in a dead end relationship with a gambler who ends up owing money to a lot of bad people. Wes is one of those people. His public identity is Ethan Westin, a tech mogul who never allows himself to be photographed. He is also Iceman, a notorious hitman. Wes meets Birdie while staking out her boyfriend and decides to take her as collateral for the debt. They start to have feelings for each other, but both have very complicated, traumatic pasts, which create trust issues. Add in the fact that someone is trying to end the hitman, and there’s plenty of drama and suspense to keep you entertained until the end. Also, spice. Lots of spice. There is a bit of a cliffhanger ending, as this is the first book of a trilogy, but if you like enemies-to-lovers, billionaire, hidden identity, stalking, morally grey romance, you’ll love The Ties that Break Us!
March 9, 2026
I went into The Ties That Break Us expecting a dark romance and Nicole Y. Hanson definitely delivers. This one is intense, messy, and packed with red flags waving like party banners.
The story hooks you straight away with a morally gray, borderline unhinged MMC and a seriously twisted dynamic at the centre of it all. The kidnapper x captive tension is strong, layered with obsession, power imbalance, and that kind of dark love that refuses to play by any rules. If you like your romances a little unhinged, this one definitely scratches the itch.
The pacing keeps things moving and I found myself flying through pages late into the night. The heroine’s journey feels raw and believable, and the darker elements add some interesting depth without relying purely on shock value.
The story hooks you straight away with a morally gray, borderline unhinged MMC and a seriously twisted dynamic at the centre of it all. The kidnapper x captive tension is strong, layered with obsession, power imbalance, and that kind of dark love that refuses to play by any rules. If you like your romances a little unhinged, this one definitely scratches the itch.
The pacing keeps things moving and I found myself flying through pages late into the night. The heroine’s journey feels raw and believable, and the darker elements add some interesting depth without relying purely on shock value.
March 15, 2026
I want to start by saying thank you to Nicole Y. Hanson for the opportunity to ARC read this book!
This story touches on some sensitive topics, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. That said, this book had me completely hooked from page one.
Birdie is such a fierce FMC with a sharp tongue she refuses to hold back—and I absolutely loved that about her. Wes, on the other hand, comes across as cold and calculated, living a double life. But the moment he meets Birdie, you start to see the walls he’s built around himself begin to crack and slowly come crashing down.
Their chemistry is undeniable, even under the most unorthodox circumstances, and watching their dynamic unfold kept me turning pages late into the night.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. Don’t walk—run to pick up this book!
This story touches on some sensitive topics, so be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. That said, this book had me completely hooked from page one.
Birdie is such a fierce FMC with a sharp tongue she refuses to hold back—and I absolutely loved that about her. Wes, on the other hand, comes across as cold and calculated, living a double life. But the moment he meets Birdie, you start to see the walls he’s built around himself begin to crack and slowly come crashing down.
Their chemistry is undeniable, even under the most unorthodox circumstances, and watching their dynamic unfold kept me turning pages late into the night.
This book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I cannot wait to see where this story goes next. Don’t walk—run to pick up this book!
March 18, 2026
Wes and Birdie's story took me on a rollercoaster! Wes is not just morally grey; he is tinged with black! And Birdie is a survivor battling her own, personal, demons. The chemistry between these two broken souls is off the charts. Nicole Hanson does an amazing job weaving these complex characters together. There were times I hated Wes and other times where I wanted to slap Birdie. But, at the end, I was rooting for both of them. Please please please check your triggers before reading and, if you are comfortable, enjoy the beginning story of Wes and Birdie. I know I did! It does end on a cliff-hanger so be prepared for that! I cannot wait for the next book to come out.
April 10, 2026
Holy crap. This book was everything I love about dark romance. A morally grey man who only softens for one woman. A storyline beyond what you can see. W woman who thinks she can save a man who doesn’t take issue with who he is.
Birdie found herself in a situation she didn’t cause, and was forced into a life she never asked for or deserved.
Wes is a tech company owner, but that’s not all he is. And Birdie doesn’t fit his plans or his life, but that doesn’t stop him.
I did get mildly frustrated with the push a pull between them, but I also loved it.
I’ll be not so patiently waiting to see where book 2 takes them!
Birdie found herself in a situation she didn’t cause, and was forced into a life she never asked for or deserved.
Wes is a tech company owner, but that’s not all he is. And Birdie doesn’t fit his plans or his life, but that doesn’t stop him.
I did get mildly frustrated with the push a pull between them, but I also loved it.
I’ll be not so patiently waiting to see where book 2 takes them!
March 7, 2026
I ate this book up and didn't leave a single crumb! Love love love! This book gave me all the feels!! I cringed, laughed, got hot and bothered, cursed up a storm... I couldn’t put it down!! Twists and turns, I couldn’t guess which way it was going to go and now I'm lost. Just completely lost. I want to know what happens next with Wes and "Dove"... and with "him". Ohmigawd!!! This book has a cliffhanger that's gonna keep me awake tonight. If you're in a book slump... read this!!! If you're not in a book slump... read this!!! It will not disappoint.
April 14, 2026
Thank you Nicole Y. Hanson for this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Releases April 14, 2026
First, I can not wait for book 2!!!
This was definitely a roller coaster, might have given me whiplash a few times. Absolutely loved it.
Birdie is a bad ass. I loved her sharp tongue! Then we add in the banter and tension between her and Wes..🔥
I could just feel the passion between them.🥵
Two broken hearts... two broken people... lots of secrets... so much emotions!
Read if you like:
✨️unhinged mmc
✨️hostage
✨️billionaire assassin
✨️obsession
✨️slow burn romance
Releases April 14, 2026
First, I can not wait for book 2!!!
This was definitely a roller coaster, might have given me whiplash a few times. Absolutely loved it.
Birdie is a bad ass. I loved her sharp tongue! Then we add in the banter and tension between her and Wes..🔥
I could just feel the passion between them.🥵
Two broken hearts... two broken people... lots of secrets... so much emotions!
Read if you like:
✨️unhinged mmc
✨️hostage
✨️billionaire assassin
✨️obsession
✨️slow burn romance
March 8, 2026
When your douchebag boyfriend is wanted for his gambling addiction, and Iceman decides you're his collateral, what is there to do? Fall into his arms maybe?
Everyone has secrets, and Birdie has just as big of ones as Wes does. Can Wes be everything for Birdie, or is love truly a weakness?
This book was incredible - spicy, thrilling, and the plot was not lost....but it does end on a cliffhanger. Birdie and Wes aren't finished....
Everyone has secrets, and Birdie has just as big of ones as Wes does. Can Wes be everything for Birdie, or is love truly a weakness?
This book was incredible - spicy, thrilling, and the plot was not lost....but it does end on a cliffhanger. Birdie and Wes aren't finished....
March 13, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author
5🌟
This book completely captivated me with its suspenseful plot and the longing between the characters. I couldn't stop reading it because it had such an interesting and intriguing story. I really liked the writing style and the depth of character of both the main characters; both Birdie and Wes. I can't wait for the continuation of their story, especially after the cliffhanger. LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK.
5🌟
This book completely captivated me with its suspenseful plot and the longing between the characters. I couldn't stop reading it because it had such an interesting and intriguing story. I really liked the writing style and the depth of character of both the main characters; both Birdie and Wes. I can't wait for the continuation of their story, especially after the cliffhanger. LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK.
April 4, 2026
This gripping dark romance pulls readers into a world where power, danger, and undeniable attraction collide. From the very first pages, the story captures attention with its intense dynamic between Wes known to the world as billionaire Ethan Westin and feared in the shadows as the deadly Iceman and Birdie, a woman whose courage and sharp wit make her far more than just collateral in a dangerous game.
April 15, 2026
The Ties That Break Us is one of those books that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. It’s raw, heavy, and so emotionally honest that you feel every bit of Wes and Birdie’s pain, confusion, and longing. They’re frustrating in the best way, which makes their journey hit even harder. It’s a dark, intense romance that lingers long after you finish, and I cannot wait for the next book because I need more of them.
March 10, 2026
Buckle up and let Birdie and Wes take you on a wild ride. While the book might seem overwhelming due to length. It is exactly what was needed and I still needed more! This book had me in a chokehold and I couldn’t put it down. I’m excited to see where the next one takes me. And I’m waiting to find out who “he” is.
April 16, 2026
Buckle up for a wild ride of emotional trauma, murder, spice 🥵, hate, love, self discovery and more spice!! Both FMC and MMC were well written, developed and truly relevant. I love the Touch her/him and ☠️ relationship between them. Great story and ends with you wanting more, book 2 should be amazing!
This book was provided to me as an eARC
This book was provided to me as an eARC
April 12, 2026
Hooked, I need to know what happens next in Wes & Birdie's story. It's long at 550+ pages, but I flew through it in one sitting. Wes is holding Birdie as "hostage" as collateral for an unpaid debt, but as the time progresses she starts to mean more to him than she ever should.
March 15, 2026
oh wow!!!! I am in love with these two characters. from the abduction to the falling in love and the incredible 🌶🌶🌶🌶 I can not wait to find out what is next in their story.
March 20, 2026
Wow this book was so good and such a roller coaster 🎢 and that cliffhanger 🫣 I can’t wait to read book 2 and 3 💜
March 31, 2026
This is a very good book. It sucks you in to the mystery and the romance. The cliff hanger ending broke my heart for day.
April 12, 2026
Interesting story. I loved watching the characters develop and grow. I definitely need more of their story, especially with that cliffhanger!
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