Now this is a contemporary romance done right! The characters feel so real, relatable and imperfect. This shows the complexity of relationships (of adults)-falling in and out of love, and having love last a lifetime.
Since this is the second book, I’ll leave it to the imagination…but I adored this series so much! 💓
Thank you S.K Brown for blessing me with an ARC of Ties That Break. 🫶
This is the second book in The Ties series. The first book is Ties That Bind.
When I tell you that I am so invested and addicted to the characters in this series, I truly mean it! Both books are 5⭐ reads. I wish I could rate higher!
I do not want to post any spoilers because you truly need to read BOTH books yourself. but I will share a few of my favorite quotes from this book.
"For the broken, the damaged, the ones that claim to be "Hard to love"- you are worthy. you are loved" - Opening page, S.K Brown.
"I knew she felt that invisible tie that binds us, that had always bound us to one another. And one thing I know from our past is that our love always burns brighter through the darkness"- Liam Porter.
"Control is an illusion unless you have handcuffs. Handcuffs can give you some control" - Valerie. (probably the only thing this woman said throughout both books that I got a laugh out of and liked)
First thank you so much to S.K. Brown for the arc of this book. ❤️
This is the 2nd book in the Ties Series
"The sun loved the moon so much, he died every night to let her breathe."
Do we get some answers that we needed from Ties that Bind... YES..
Are we left with more questions... ALSO YES... because of course why wouldn’t she do that to us..😊
Listen, my jaw was on the floor at the end of Ties that Bind.. therefore I picked up Ties That Break and my heart was racing BEFORE I even began to read!! I had no idea what I was jumping into with this one. The first book had me flip flopping between Team Kam & Team Liam in the beginning, but by the end I was Team Liam. not knowing if this book would have me second guessing myself.. but I can honestly say I’m still Team Liam.
This book had me in my feels just as much as the last one.. if not more. There were times where Aria made me angry and I felt like she was the problem. I mean that girl could definitely use some therapy. But my heart still felt for her.
I absolutely love Taija, she’s the type of friend I would want in my corner. She wasn’t afraid to tell Aria how she felt or her opinions My heart also started breaking for her in this book and I can’t wait to read about her story in the next book!
"The only thing worse than a BOY who doesn't know how to receive love is a MAN who throws it away for a piece of ass. You broke every vow, every promise you've ever made to me."
"I'm pretty sure broken vows from your husband and father of your children are more damaging than broken promises from a dumb teenage boy."
Read if you like: ✨️First Loves ✨️Love triangle ✨️Second Chances ✨️Emotional Damage ✨️Small town romance ✨️Slow burn ✨️friends to lovers
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this novel.
This is S.K. Brown’s sequel to her debut, and let me just say… it will emotionally wreck you.
In the first book, I really sympathized with Aria. In this one? She was a lot harder to like. I understand that being torn between two people is messy and painful, but the way she handled it made everything feel ten times more dramatic than it needed to be. It was frustrating at times. That said, I do get why she’s like that. She’s deeply hurt, and those wounds don’t just disappear overnight. Do I wish she had taken more time to actually heal? Yes. Absolutely. But did I still want her to end up with Liam? Also yes. I’m nothing if not consistent.
I’m not a huge fan of insta-love, and even though Aria and Liam have history, it still felt a little too fast for me. Everything moved quickly, and I wanted more time to really sit in their reconnection.
Now let’s talk about Taija. I LOVE Taija. Everyone needs a Taija in their life. She deserves the world, and I cannot wait for book three because I need her story immediately.
If you like love triangles, messy family drama, emotional chaos, and a happily ever after, this series is definitely for you ❤️
Ties That Break by S.K. Brown completely swept me away. The pacing, the tension, and the way the story unfolds felt intentional and gripping from start to finish. S.K. Brown balances emotion and plot beautifully, creating a story that lingers long after you turn the final page.
The emotional connection in this story is powerful. I didn’t just read about these characters I felt everything alongside them. Liam, Aria, and Kam’s struggles were written with so much depth and care. Their pain, growth, and inner conflicts felt authentic and incredibly relatable. The character development was one of the strongest parts of this book; each of them felt layered, flawed, and beautifully human.
The tension builds in such a compelling way, and just when you think you can catch your breath… that cliffhanger hits. And wow. I’m still thinking about it. It leaves you desperate for more without feeling cheap just expertly crafted storytelling that makes you need the next book immediately.
S.K. Brown delivered an emotionally charged, deeply character-driven story that will stay with me for a long time. I’m already counting down to whatever this author writes next. If you love powerful emotional journeys, complex characters, and endings that leave you reeling, this one is a must-read.
Aria's navigating heartbreak, all while momming two of the most lovable little girls ever. Does she fight to save her marriage with Kam—the comfort zone thats unraveling with lies? Or forgive her first true love who ghosted her years ago, and trust he won't break her heart again? These characters are messy, flawed, and feel like your real-life squad just trying to figure life out- with lots of bumps along the way.
And shoutout to Taija, the ultimate best friend who's always there for Aria AND the kids. Because in real life, it takes a village that chooses your kids every time. 👏
"Because sometimes the ties that bind us... are the very ones that have the potential to break us."
Once again, this author writes real, messy, flawed characters that tug at your heart strings and that you can connect with in multiple ways. I enjoy that this romance isn’t your typical picture perfect life love- it’s filled with the journey of life and some 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ .
An emotionally intense romance that dives into loyalty, betrayal, and the painful process of breaking away from relationships that no longer serve you. The story leans into darker emotional territory, exploring trust, power dynamics, and the cost of choosing yourself when love and obligation collide. The chemistry is strong and the tension runs high, but what stands out most is the focus on healing and reclaiming independence. It’s dramatic, raw, and emotionally charged—best suited for readers who enjoy romance that doesn’t shy away from difficult choices and the messy reality of starting over.
This book felt like getting to revisit old friends. I loved the first book and could not wait to dive into the sequel. The author knows how to balance drama and heart with delicacy. With no spoilers, I can say that this sequel answers some questions for us and leaves us with even more. Read this if you want to read mature love stories that will remind you of what true love looks like.
I need more people to hate kam. he gets too much credit for helping aria when she was heart broken, but I really feel like that was his plan all along. he was waiting for Liam to do something to hurt her and swoop in. he made her feel weak and made himself look like the hero. I dont think it was genuine I think it was part of his plan. I need aria to stop giving him grace during his outbursts. I absolutely love this series, but kam really makes me mad 🤣🙃
I enjoyed this one! Still team Liam but also wondering if Aria doesn’t deserve him?! Can’t wait till 2027 to see their story continue and very excited for Taija’s story!
After a cliffhanger ending with book 1, I couldn’t wait for book 2 to be released. I loved that we started getting Kam’s POV, though I’m still team Liam. Aria is more sure of herself and I’m loving that for her. I’ll be patiently waiting for book 3 and I’m excited to get Taija’s story. Well done.
If you haven’t read book 1, you need to do so before reading my review. This is book 2 in The Ties Series. As we all know, book 1 leaves us hanging with a giant mind cliffhanger!
You still enjoy the POV of Aria, Liam and Kam. This story is the journey that navigated the lives of each individual thru a hard and difficult time.
Team Aria!
❤️🔥 - Plot. This has genuine plot but I felt at times it was being repeated or felt repetitive. This is just my opinion. I am not one for a lot of repeat details and feelings. I understand it was necessary for the story and authenticity.
❤️🔥❤️🔥- Characters. There is definitely character growth and anticipation. I love the diversity of each characters mind and actions.
❤️🔥- Spice. Just the perfect amount of spice for the story.
✨🏀 Ties that Break (The Ties Series Book 2) by S. K. Brown | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5) |eBook ARC via BookFunnel 🏀✨
This book 𝙬𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙙 me—in the best way. I read it during Super Bowl chaos and colonoscopy prep (TMI, but real life), and it still managed to hijack my emotions. S.K. Brown delivers a sequel that’s raw, steamy, and absolutely 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚.
Aria’s journey is a masterclass in heartbreak and resilience. Kam? Certified ick. Liam? I’m 100000% on his team. Aria deserves someone who lifts her up, not someone who keeps tearing her down. And the friendship between Aria and Taija? 🤌🤌🤌 Every girl needs a Taija in her corner—loyal, fierce, and full of heart 🥹❤️🩹
The emotional tension, the tangled love triangle, the secrets unraveling—it’s all there. And don’t even get me started on Theo and Taija… I need book three like yesterday 🥺
If you’re craving a heartfelt romance with heat, betrayal, and ride-or-die friendships, The Ties Series might just be your next obsession. Huge thanks to S. K. Brown for the ARC and the emotional rollercoaster 💞💞
Ties That Break is one of those stories that doesn’t just ache—it lingers. This is a raw, emotionally charged romance about love that refuses to stay buried and the kind of bonds that hurt just as much as they heal. The tension is thick, the emotions run sharp, and every interaction feels loaded with history and longing.
The characters are beautifully messy—guarded hearts, unresolved pain, and that magnetic pull you can’t logic your way out of. Brown doesn’t rush the connection; she lets it burn, slowly and deliberately, until you’re completely undone. The push and pull, the restraint, the moments where everything almost breaks? Exquisite torment.
What hit hardest was how real the emotional stakes felt. This isn’t just about falling in love—it’s about choosing it, even when it scares you, even when the past is clawing at your throat. Tender, intense, and quietly devastating in all the right ways.