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Western Ties hit #17 on the New York Times bestseller list and #59 on the USA Today list! How strong are the ties that bind? Compass Brothers, book 4 Sawyer Compton commands total control in his life, inside and outside the bedroom. When he spots Compton Pass girl Leah Hollister in a BDSM club in Los Angeles, he knows exactly how the night is going to end—with her as his submissive. He’s always wanted Leah, but didn’t think she could handle in his darker urges. Leah travels to L.A. to confirm her suspicions about her sexual desires. She certainly couldn’t explore her desires for bondage and pain with someone from her small hometown. Her plans are shot to hell when Sawyer—her girlhood crush—claims her for the weekend. She didn’t expect to enjoy the comfort his familiarity brings, even as his touch takes her to heights of pleasure she’d only imagined. When life kicks him the gut, Sawyer struggles with the unfamiliar feeling of helplessness. Luckily, Leah is more than prepared to offer him everything he needs to recover—her body, her friendship and her heart. Question is…will Sawyer relinquish control and accept her love?

204 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2012

98 people are currently reading
1115 people want to read

About the author

Mari Carr

234 books4,006 followers
Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Holly.
442 reviews339 followers
March 21, 2012
What a wonderful end to a terrific series! The Compass brothers are some super delicious cowboys, all with a bit of kink, which I love of course! I knew right from the beginning that Sawyer was going to have a special place in my heart, not sure why, just a feeling and holy crap was I right! When Sawyer reconnects with Leah, his childhood best friend at a BDSM party in LA, all bets are off! They have both been harboring feelings for each other for a very long time and now that they have found each other and discovered they both have a love of non-vanilla sex things are definitely heating up. When Sawyer is made aware of the illness of his father,the family patriarch, he and Leah head home to Compton Pass to be with the family. This is a wonderful story of love, loss and new beginnings for the entire Compton family!

I am sad to see this series end but I have absolutely enjoyed the ride!
Profile Image for Trish.
Author 1 book28 followers
June 24, 2013
4.5 Stars

I am trying to recover from a sob fest after reading Western Ties. Besides being an extremely hot erotic read, Western Ties sucker punches you in your core.

Sawyer and Leah are a passionate couple, no doubt. Sawyer has always known his sexual tastes have been on the bit on the extreme side. He needs that control, that dominance, over his lovers and knows how to bring a woman begging for release. When he finds his old friend, Leah, at a BDSM party in LA, his dominant side wins out--He will have her. There is simply no other choice.

Leah has always felt something had been missing with her sex life. Despite dating a few losers in the past, the big "O" remained elusive. Her mind has always been busy taking over during sex, leaving her unfulfilled. When she hears about a weekend play party from a friend, she takes a flight out to LA, hoping to find a man to give her what she's been missing. Instead, she finds Sawyer, her friend from her home town and the man she secretly crushed on as a teen.

One night of explosive sex leaves Sawyer wanting more. He doesn't want their connection to end, but feels he has nothing else to offer Leah except sex. But when Sawyer learns that his father is dying, everything changes as they both return to Compton Pass.

Now back to how Western Ties hits you where you feel it:

The entire Compton family is faced with the looming death of their father, J.D. A man who is admired by the entire town. A man who loved fiercely, lived with no regrets, and raised his sons to be great men. When J.D. succumbs to pancreatic cancer, the family reach out to each other to remember the good times, to support each other--and ultimately, to heal.

There is a delicate balance of smoldering sexual connection between Leah and Sawyer and a true friendship. I believe in order to have an everlasting kind of love, you need to truly care and like the person you are with. Rylon and Carr show this throughout the book, giving the reader more than just smoking hot sexy times.

Both Sawyer and Leah grew up together and developed a friendship over time. They have always been close, but just took different paths in their lives. That chance meeting in L.A. has them reconnecting and discovering things about the other they never knew.

Sawyer comes to realize that the woman he has needed in his life has always been there hiding in the shadows. He sees the girl he always thought as different as someone he cannot live without. He just doesn't think he can be the man that Leah needs.

Leah embraces her sexual nature and freedom she never experienced with past lovers, but realizes that she needs more from Sawyer. A perfect balance of lust and love, sex and friendship, commitment and constancy. Can Sawyer be the man she needs?

I love how these two individuals come together, inside and outside the bedroom. Rylon and Carr do a superb job of making Western Ties a complex, yet fulfilling story with all the bells and whistles: romance, family ties, loss and grief.

I highly advise a box or four of Kleenex handy as you read this emotionally charged read. You'll need it.
Profile Image for Dawn ♥ romance.
1,830 reviews30 followers
August 23, 2017
I enjoyed this erotic romance that had lots of plot around the BDSM scenes. There was a point when I didn't like the hero's behavior, however, the emotional ending more than compensated. Leah tries a BDSM club to see if she will like it when she runs into and is claimed by Sawyer, a man she had a crush on in high school.
Profile Image for Heather in FL.
2,063 reviews
March 24, 2012
What a great ending to the series. I really liked how Sawyer and Leah "re-met" at the beginning. Of all the places in the world to find each other again, a BDSM party in a totally different city from where either of them reside? And I really liked that Leah had been friends with Sawyer for so long, and Sawyer had wanted her even then, but knew he needed to grow up before doing anything with Leah. So it was very sweet and sexy when they did finally get together. I think the BDSM party helped, too, because Sawyer realized he didn't need to treat Leah with kid gloves... she craved what he could give her. He probably never would have taken their relationship somewhere else without finding that out first. Or if he did, it would be unsatisfying for them both.

Of course, this one was sad as well. We knew from the first book that JD would pass, and it was just as sad as I expected it to be. Good thing I was the only one left awake in my house while finishing this up because I had tears rolling down my cheeks. Rolling! This is a fictional character in a book, and I was so sad for him and his family that such a horrible disease took him away from them. He definitely raised four great men, so in that respect, he was very successful.

I'm almost sad that the series is at an end, but of course, it would have to be. This was the perfect ending.
Profile Image for Christi Snow.
Author 69 books737 followers
March 8, 2012
My Review:
From the very beginning, I have loved this series, but this final book. OMG! *sob* This was such the PERFECT ENDING for this wonderful series. It's no secret that I get emotional when my series' end, but this book....just whoa. I cried in the prologue. I cried at the 42% mark. And I cried from the 80% mark on til the end. Bravo to Mari and Jayne. You reached writing perfection with this one. Just the perfect balance of emotion, fun entertainment, and super hot sexual chemistry and romance thrown in. I LOVED THIS BOOK!!

This book is about Sawyer. The youngest of the twins and the four brothers and probably the brother we have seen the least of throughout the series because he's been in the Coast Guard and deployed. As a result of his job and commitments, everyone has kept his father's condition from him. He has no idea that his dad is dying.

Leah is a kindergarten teacher that grew up in Compton's Pass. She had a really difficult childhood and had to take responsibility for lots way earlier than she should have. She has a reputation as a sweet, good girl. As a result, she has not been able to indulge in her fantasy life involving BDSM. She takes a trip to LA to visit a friend and to live out that fantasy. She is less than thrilled to find her childhood friend and protector, Sawyer, at that party where he immediately claims her as his sub.

In the midst of the fantasy weekend, Leah says something about Sawyer's fathers illness and his world falls apart at the seams....and from there on out, I think I cried about every other chapter.

Leah and Sawyer were just the perfect couple with the perfect story to end this series with. I loved them and the fact that they have always been friends because when things get crazy, it just makes sense that their relationship continue for Sawyer's sake. He needs that output. My heart ached for him and his scenes after finding out about his father were so emotional and sexually charged. This is one alpha male who is devastatingly hurt. You can't help but fall in love with him and Leah is just his perfect match.

There was so much to this final story and all of it was absolutely beautiful. But the absolute best scene in the entire book is when the four brothers revealed their tattoos to their father. The entire series is built around these tattoos that they all received when they turned 18, but their parents never knew about them. Just the absolute perfect way to finish these books.

I have loved this series and know that I will re-read it over and over again. Luckily, these books are coming out in print which will make that even easier to do. Thank you Jayne and Mari for sharing the Compass Brothers with us. I have enjoyed my many hours spent with them.

The series:
1. Northern Exposure- B+
2. Southern Comfort- A
3. Eastern Ambitions- B
4. Western Ties- A+
Profile Image for Sheryl C. Nash.
2,035 reviews432 followers
March 11, 2012
Have you ever felt so emotionally invested in a book, that it was so hard to turn the pages to find out what was going to happen next? Well, that's how i felt about Western Ties. I hadn't read the previous 3 books in this series, which did make me confused about the dynamics of the Compass brothers, however i was still able to enjoy this story without feeling like i had missed out too much. Sawyer...sigh... very rarely have i come across a Dom sweeter than him, the emotions that he feels had me crying...yes crying throughout the book! I thought i was going to have a meltdown at halfway through the book! The scene where all the brothers' reveal their compass tattoos had me choking up as well.... So do yourself a favour and if you are thinking of reading this book, start at the beginning, as it will make Western Ties, 100% more enjoyable.
Profile Image for Michelle [Helen Geek].
1,775 reviews411 followers
April 24, 2013
04/21/2013 --

Overall Rating = 2 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 4 / 2.5 = 3.25 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 2 Stars
Character Development = 2.5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 2 Stars
Worth the Chili = 2 Stars [$3.44 on Amazon]

This book was just bad. I've never read such cheesy BDSM in my life. The story was a "surface" story. No depth at all. No accuracy and no depth. A total waste of time. I should lower my rating just because of this fact alone. I won't. I'll stick to my scale, but geez, I want to.

An absolutely awful read. The only redeeming qualities are the cover and the blurb [to a lesser degree].

I double dog dare you to be happy reading this one!
Profile Image for Andrew Allred.
16 reviews13 followers
December 30, 2012
omfg, that was by far the most emotional, cry my eyes out to the point of not being able to see the book at all i have read ever. The characters were fleshed out and the story was heartbreaking but i would not recommend reading the books out of order. It was sooooooo good lovvedd it!!
Profile Image for Donna Porter.
1,034 reviews9 followers
July 6, 2013
this was the story of Sawyer and Leah. She loved him since they were young and didn't realize he felt the same way. As they find they have some of the same likes they are drawn together . It also has JD in his final days of fighting his cancer. I enjoyed this book
Profile Image for MARQUETTA.
1,210 reviews140 followers
March 26, 2012
My favorite book of the series. So sexy and the ending broke my heart.
Profile Image for Amy.
Author 34 books205 followers
April 12, 2012
OMG! This whole series is amazing! I have fallen in love with the Compton Brothers!
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews872 followers
March 4, 2012
This Two-fer review posted at Guilty Pleasures

CREME de la CREME Pick

Alyn's Review:
Grab your tissues and hold on tight because this one is an emotional roller coaster! (Warning: If you have not read the three books preceeding this one, read those first or you will spoil the story that unfolds through the series.) In the fourth installment of the Compass Brothers series we now see the story unfold from Sawyer Compton's point of view. After getting inked with the compass tattoo that adorns the backs of his brothers, Sawyer decides to head west and live his dream of seeing the ocean. He joins the Coast Guard and works his way up in the ranks but decides to come home after a series of events take place. Before getting back to Compass Ranch, Sawyer makes a weekend side trip to California to blow off some steam at a local BDSM club. His plans quickly change when he sees his childhood friend who he believes is way too sweet to be dealing with the dark side of such a place.

Leah Hollister is a kindergarten teacher who is tired of being in control all of the time. She lived a poor life and worked to get by. She has never left Wyoming and after hearing her best friend discuss the sexually charged stories of having a Dom for a boyfriend, Leah decides to give BDSM a try in hopes of adding some excitement to her lackluster sex life. Adorned with a simple white bracelet, Leah is immediately given the label of a sub looking for a Dom. What she was not prepared for, was running into her childhood crush, Sawyer Compton, who looked every bit the Alpha male. He doubts her understanding of the lifestyle and she is desperate to prove that she wants to be controlled. After retreating with Sawyer to his room she is confronted with the question of why she was there. Angered that Sawyer doubted her she finally lays it out on the table begging him: "Tie Me Up. Render Me Helpless. Spank me, use me, take me hard!" She is deperate to feel more than the boring day to day life she has now and while she was hoping for a stranger to fulfill her fantasy, Sawyer is determined not to let that happen. Leah has trouble giving up control and Sawyer wants to show her how to let go. After an evening of explorations, Leah asks about Sawyer's family and brings up the health of his father J.D. When Sawyer realizes his family has been keeping secrets, he rushes home with Leah to confront his family and his fears.

All I can say is WOW! This book had me grinning from ear to ear and crying at the same time. Sawyer and Leah share such an emotional bond through their exploration with BDSM and I ached everytime Leah gave in when she knew Sawyer needed her. The fact that her life was so emotionally painful and that the story could convey how the physical pain Sawyer offered was her release and how her willingness to submit was his, was simply breathtaking. They feed off of eachother and through that, they realize that their relationship is much more than each one had lead on.

The bond between the Compton family was so emotional and the likeness of Sawyer to his father made me smile every time Vicky would hint at the similarities. Make sure you keep your tissues handy, especially when all the tattoos are in the open. I simply couldn't stop the waterworks. To top that off, as much as I dread reading about funerals, this one was so happy that I cried tears of joy that the family was able to carry out the last requests and giggled a bit at what they were. If only all families were so understanding of eachother's differences and unique tastes. I loved this book and would recommend the whole series to any reader.

I love the raw emotion in the scenes with Sawyer and Leah and how honest they are with their emotions. This is a sexy story but the family story is just as powerful and will have you smiling and weeping with each turn of the page. Western Ties is a beautifully told story of how BDSM can help heal a person's emotions and how families can come together to heal each other.

Alyn gives Western Ties 5 Stars

Kimber's Review:
I CANNOT wait for everyone to read this book. I absolutely loved it! Reading Western Ties was bittersweet for me though. It’s one of those stories I’ve anticipated and craved for many months- couldn’t wait to get my grubby little hands all over Sawyer, I mean, on his book. But-going into it knowing it was the last book in series also made me a little sad. See, that’s what happens when you get so attached to the characters and they feel like family, like you’re part of their family. Yes, I know they are fictional characters, but they seem real to me. So, kudos to Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr for writing such an amazing, emotionally charged series.

Sawyer and Leah’s story captivated me right off the bat. What starts as a slow burn when he first sets eyes on her at a BDSM party quickly ignites to a full-blown bon fire before their weekend is over. ALL of their sex scenes are SUPER steamy. They are another great Compton couple with that perfect balance that makes them fit together so well. Outside of the bedroom, he’s easy going and charming and she’s wound up tight and way too serious. However, behind closed doors there is never any doubt he is 100% ALPHA male and she turns out to be his equal because she not only takes everything he dishes out but relishes in the idea of him being rough, which is a total surprise to him. Leah is also a bit of a control freak, strong but kind and caring- the type that would always be there for you whenever you needed her. This proves to be more than true when Sawyer rushes home after discovering his family has been hiding something terrible from him, and their perfect weekend of D/s sex is cut short, which prevents them from further exploring this new connection. However, Leah is determined to be by his side to support him any way she can, even if that includes a willing body when Sawyer needs to blow off some steam or forget his troubles.

When Sawyer arrives to the family farm it’s under the worst of circumstances. Not only does he find out the details of his father's terminal illness, he also feels betrayed by his brothers, especially his twin, Sam. The tension is high which causes his true feelings for Leah to be put on the back burner. He definitely cares for her, but feels he cannot give her what he thinks she needs, a “boyfriend.” She proves him wrong time and time again when she shows up at the house to just be there for him, no strings attached and no commitment needed. Nevertheless, his behavior is such a contrast. One minute he’s going all DOM, the next he’s showing her the tenderness every girl can only dream of. Tender and heartfelt moments are aplenty in this book--from scenes with the brothers, Sawyer and his mom, the double wedding, all the kids with JD towards the end, Vicky and JD in the final days, not to mention all the wonderful scenes with Sawyer and Leah. You will need plenty of tissue. But one of the most rewarding moments I’ve read in any book is the celebration of JDs life when all four of his sons spoke to the gathering of people (most of the town), at the service on their family ranch. In true JD fashion, he didn’t want anyone sitting around crying over him. He knew exactly what his family would need and had them plan “a big-ass party.”

Favorite Sawyer quote: -
“I think I may have gotten the best of both worlds tonight. I landed a nice girl who wants to be bad. That’s better than riding the bull eight seconds, darling.”


Favorite JD Quote to Sawyer -
“Be happy. Find what makes you smile and hold on tight to it.”


JD once said Leah was a rose in a field of dandelions, and Saw’s nickname for her was Rose........*sigh*

As bittersweet as it was, it was also the perfect ending to a wonderful series. I’ve been emotionally involved with the Comptons from the first few pages of the first book. The authors have written these can’t-help-but-fall-in-love-with characters that you not only want to know more about but you find yourself thinking about long after you finish the last page. The family dynamics will draw you in and the flaming hot romances are enough to melt your panties right off.

Thanks Mari and Jayne, you done good! :)

Kimber gives Western Ties 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Angie.
2,849 reviews16 followers
August 9, 2017
Synopsis: "How strong are the ties that bind?

Leah Hollister’s sex life needs a swift kick in the pants. Small-town Compton Pass, though, isn’t the place to explore her need for bondage. When she gets an invitation to a BDSM party out in LA, she wastes no time booking a flight. Her plan to play anonymously is shot to hell when she runs into high-school crush Sawyer Compton—and he lays immediate claim to her.

Sawyer Compton commands total control, in and out of the bedroom. He never thought Leah could handle his darker urges, but one look at the white bracelet that marks her as a sub ripe for the picking, and he knows exactly how this night is going to end. With Leah in his bed.

Leah didn’t expect to enjoy the comfort Sawyer’s familiarity brings, even as his touch takes her to unimaginable heights of pleasure. When bad news from home sends him reeling, she’s more than prepared to offer him anything he needs: her body, her friendship. Even her heart—if Sawyer can loosen the reins over his own to accept her love.

Warning: Invest in tissues. Lots and lots of tissues. Between spicy, set-the-sheets-on-fire bondage romps and the last Compass brother coming home, you'll need them."


My Review: That little warning at the end of the synopsis was not a joke, you will need lots of tissues! I enjoyed this book quite a bit, the series long story arc was drawing to a close and while you knew what was coming it still was heart-wrenching and yet beautiful in the way that family comes together to support one another. I enjoyed Sawyer's story, being the baby of the family he already had a chip on his shoulder and then to be kept in the dark gave him every reason to be angry. Again family can bring out the best and the worst in us. The relationship between Sawyer and Leah was an interesting one, I like the background you got and the way they developed together. This was a great conclusion to this series, I am however glad that there is a branch off series for the next generation and you get to spend more time with this family.
451 reviews
March 7, 2012
Where do I begin? I loved all the previous Compass Brothers books and have been anxiously awaiting this one for what feels like forever. I had very high expectations and was not disappointed.

We actually met Leah in a previous book and she was shown as the sweet kindergarten teacher who had been friends with Sam & Sawyer since elementary school, but that's all we really knew about her. In this book, we are able to learn so much more about her life (raised by a poor single mother, she was teased by the "mean girls" in school, etc). She was a brainiac (nerd) in school so spent more time with Sam in honors classes, etc but always had a thing for Sawyer. They were friends, but she never thought he felt the same way since she wasn't the flashy, cheerleader type he always dated.

When Sam & Sawyer turned 18 they left Compton Pass and Sawyer joined the Coast Guard. Over the years when he would return home to visit he and Leah would have lunch and catch up, but there was never anything romantic. They emailed and her students adopted him as their local member of the armed services so they drew pictures to send to him and he always wrote back, which Leah thought was very sweet.

Then, one weekend Leah decides to meet her college best friend in California at a BDSM club. The friend has become involved in this lifestyle and it's always been something Leah wanted to try so she agrees to accompany this friend to a weekend party. Sawyer is absolutely shocked when he sees Leah there and immediately "claims" her for the weekend. Not only is he shocked she might be interested in this type of thing, but the thought of anyone else touching her makes him crazy.

While they are spending their weekend together (some awesomely sexy scenes here) Leah lets it slip that JD is sick, assuming Sawyer knows. Sawyer does not know and immediately arranges to fly home with Leah the next day. Things go on from there and we get to see Silas, Colby, Lucy, Seth, Jody, Sam, Cindi, JD & Vicky again. Seth/Jody and Sam/Cindi are planning a double wedding in just a couple of weeks so that they can make sure JD is there to see it.

The wedding is lovely as are the moments the family spends together back on the ranch. It's been over 10 years since Silas left for Alaska and they've all been together. Silas makes a really great statement to Sam that although he's been back several months and Seth & Sam have been back a couple of months, it really didn't feel like home again until Sawyer returned.

While this is truly Sawyer and Leah's story, it works in so many great elements of family and seeing all the other brothers again too.

JD & Sawyer have some great talks and those are some of my favorite moments from the book. When Sawyer tells JD he thinks he's falling in love with Leah, JD tells him that he thought he was smart but now he's not so sure. There shouldn't be any thinking to it, Sawyer should know that he's been in love with Leah practically his whole life. JD talks about back when Sawyer was in high school and was always being chased by these "stalker" kind of girls and how silly he acted, but when Leah came around, Sawyer grew up and JD got to see glimpses of the wonderful man Sawyer would one day become. This is when Sawyer finally "gets it".

Another great moment is Sawyer remembering back to when he talked to JD about asking Leah to senior prom. JD told him that there are some girls that make you want more than just a roll in the hayloft and Leah was definitely one of those girls. Sawyer felt like JD was discouraging him from asking Leah (which he was) so when he asks him about it now JD says that Sawyer wasn't ready for Leah back then. All he was interseted in was getting laid and there were plenty of other girls around for that, but that Leah was special and forever.

JD used to say that Leah was a "rose among dandelions" which prompts Sawyer's nickname for Leah to be rose. When she finally sees the compass tattoo, the W is made out of dandelions and there is a single rose in the middle. He tells her that even when he left home he knew where his heart was. So sweet!

Probably my favorite part of the series is the tattoo that each brother gets. While they are the same, they are different. Each one has one directional point larger than the rest indicating where they are headed (Silas north, Seth south, Sam east, Sawyer west). Sawyer has the W done in dandelions, the rose and even a JD and V for his parents put in to his. Silas had Colby & Lucy's names embedded in his design, etc.

One of my favorite scenes of this final book was when JD was lying in his bed dying and all the boys took off their shirts and showed him the tattoos. JD said, "those don't look new" and they explained that they had each gotten them when they turned 18 and left the ranch. Vicky was overwhelmed when she realized and said, "you took us with you". Boy did I need the tissues then!

The scene when JD died was great. Very peaceful and sincere. That night Sawyer lies in bed with Leah and cries until he can't cry anymore. Even though this is Sawyer & Leah's story, I wish the authors would have taken a little detour here and let us see into each of the other brothers lives that night too. I would have loved to have seen the differences in how each brother handled that night since we know and love each of them I thought that would have been a nice addition.

The funeral was very moving and when each brother spoke I certainly needed many tissues.

My only real complaint with this book was that it ended. Not how it ended, but that it ended at all. I could have just kept reading forever. I turned the page and was ready to keep going and it was over. I wanted to see a 6 months later... and then a 1 year later... maybe even a 5 years later since it was the last book in the series. We know all the boys are going to live "happily ever after", but I wanted a little more detail. How did Silas, Colby & Lucy deal with parenthood? What was Silas's role on the ranch since Colby is foreman and Si's injury prevents him from being involved in a lot of the physical labor type stuff. Did Seth & Jody build a house on the ranch and Seth take over daily ranch duties? Any kids for them? Did Sam & Cindi stay living in the cottage, Cindi keep doing the books, Sam keep doing the investing/financial stuff, did they have kids? Where do Sawyer & Leah live? Any kids? Does Sawyer enjoy the sheriff's job? So many unanswered questions...
Profile Image for lovestoread.
978 reviews12 followers
Read
June 9, 2021
Have the tissues in hand when you read this book!  The love, emotion and sorrow that Rylon and Carr pack into the final Compton brother's story is incredible.  

Sawyer is the last one of the brothers to come home...and he brings his rose with him. 

The connection between the brothers never diminished no matter the distance or length of time apart. The authors managed to keep them together even when apart, and the reader never misses out on a second of their togetherness.

Such a great ending to an epic story of four brothers who all left home to make their way in life...and all come home to live their life.
Profile Image for Sara.
2,478 reviews15 followers
May 9, 2021
So good

As much as I love the relationship between Sawyer and Leah, I adore the relationship between all the Compton’s and those they’ve brought into the family is so heartfelt and satisfying. This is both a sexy/steamy romance between two characters who grew up together and were friends as well as the emotional goodbye to a family’s much loved patriarch.

Awesome read made even better for having read other books in this series.
76 reviews
March 10, 2021
Great series

I am so glad I happened on this series!
There is love, laughter, a few tears, romance and some super sexy moments as the Compton brothers each travel their road to becoming the men their parents raised them to be.
Truly an enjoyable read!
24 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2023
What a finale

Yes a heartbreaking and emotional finale to Compass brothers series. Sawyer and Leah make a wonderful couple but including the family makes it heartwarming and sad. Tissues at the ready. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Katherine.
527 reviews
December 5, 2017
Sometimes the love of our lives, I'd the one who surprises us the most.

This is a beautiful book about how sometimes we need to overlook the outside and read what's underneath the surface
83 reviews
July 20, 2021
Emotional, sexy, BDSM read... I wil never be the same after the ending of this book!! (in a good way)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
19 reviews
October 12, 2021
Engaging read

Books are a little different, different, and definitely entertaining. Puts interesting thought in your head and warmth in your heart.

Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,516 reviews175 followers
March 5, 2012
Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

A LASR BEST BOOK!

Western Ties is the final book in Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon’s Compass Brothers books, and it's a most emotional and yet supremely satisfying conclusion to this family epic. It's filled with passion, family devotion, disappointment, tragedy, and the feeling of coming home.

Leah Hollister has feels her sex life is less that it could be. She jumps at the chance to explore her fantasies away from those who know her. The last person Leah expected to see at the BDSM party was her old school crush, Sawyer Compton. When Sawyer claims Leah for the weekend, things start heating up quickly. When bad news comes, life comes to a screeching halt, and Sawyer and Leah return to Compton Pass, Wyoming. Can Sawyer forgive his brothers for what he sees as a betrayal? Leah will have to be there for Sawyer, knowing she wants much more than he’s offering. Can they find what they are looking for in each other?

I love how throughout this series, Ms Carr and Ms Rylon stressed the importance of family, and acceptance of each other’s strengths as well as their weaknesses. Nowhere is this more evident than in this last book, Sawyer’s story. The Wyoming world the authors built is perfect for the scope of these books. I loved the small town feeling imbued in these stories. All of the family was involved in this one, more so than the others. Each character has a role here, but it's definitely Sawyer and Leah’s story in the forefront.

Leah Hollister is the small town kindergarten teacher, who feels her life is boring and bland. She wants more from life. She's felt for some time that she might be less vanilla in her desires, but has no one in Compton Pass with which to experiment. I like Leah, with her determination to reach out for what she wants to get more from life. I could feel her chagrin when the one person she never expected to see claimed her at the party. It doesn’t help that Sawyer was her best friend growing up, she isn’t sure she can give up control to him.

Sawyer Compton may be the youngest Compton, by a few minutes, but he's definitely a force to be reckoned with. All the Compton boys are alpha males, but Sawyer has a dominant streak a mile wide in the bedroom. Strong, handsome and sexy, he can get any woman he wants. But when he sees Leah at the party, something clicks inside, and he's determined to make her give up control. He sees in her what he has been looking for; a strong and independent woman, but one who can give up control at the right time. I liked watching Sawyer as he slowly came to terms with all of the emotions thrown at him; passion, betrayal, pain, and finally acceptance. I also enjoyed watching as this strong and dominating man began to understand what one woman could mean to him.

Western Ties is a story of a man coming to terms with the things life does when you least expect it. I love the path Sawyer has to take, although it's gut wrenching at times. Ultimately, this story is one of familial love and how it overcomes even the worst of tragedies, making each person involved stronger. Yes, this is Sawyer and Leah’s happy ever after, but this one shows sometimes it takes a lot more than two people to get to that place in life. Yes, there is lots of hot and sometimes kinky sex, but there is so much more between these two characters. There's a lifetime of friendship and understanding, with a big dose of comfort and support along the way.

Watching as Sawyer discovered he has loved Leah far longer than she realized was one of the joys in this. But I have to warn the reader-this will use more than one box of tissues, and lots of ice before the end. It's best if read Western Ties after the others in the Compass Brothers series for the full story of this family.
Profile Image for Nicole.
1,536 reviews173 followers
March 13, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2012/03/08/...

Ever since Samhain offered the first book in this series for free, I’ve been hooked! (*Shakes fist at Samhain* Free ebooks = Best. Marketing Strategy. Ever.) Although the third book in the series didn’t work for me, I was anxiously awaiting the fourth and final book in the series. And, in my opinion, it was the best one yet!

Sawyer left Compton Pass to join the Coast Guard, and after a traumatic event at sea, is debating whether or not he wants to re-enlist. When he meets up with childhood friend and crush Leah at a BDSM party in LA, Sawyer finds his life taking a path he never thought possible. He takes Leah as his submissive for the weekend and has the best night of his life, only to receive the worst possible news the very next day – his father is dying.

Leah didn’t know that Sawyer was unaware of his father’s health, and after accidentally breaking the news, she takes him home with her and back to his family. As he struggles to deal with his family drama, Sawyer finds it difficult to be without Leah, his calm in a never-ending storm. They keep up their BDSM relationship, but it doesn’t take Leah long to want more than to just be Sawyer’s submissive, she wants a life with him.

I absolutely loved Leah and Sawyer together. They were so hot together, the chemistry sizzling off the page from the first moment they laid eyes on each other. This book started off with a bang – literally – as Leah and Sawyer were quick to fall into bed together at the BDSM party. And let me just say, after the first few chapters, I felt like I needed a cold shower and possibly a cigarette! *fans self* SO HOT! As sexy as the beginning was, I was glad to see Leah and Sawyer get the chance to really develop an emotional bond as well once they returned to Compton Pass. It was obvious that they were each other’s rocks, and I absolutely adored their relationship.

We also got a chance to see all the brothers again, with their wives, as they said goodbye to their father. I don’t remember the last time I had so many tears streaming down my face while reading a book. The love and devotion of those boys to their parents was so beautiful to read, and even thinking about it now is bringing tears to my eyes. When the boys take off their shirts and show off their tattoos… *sob* That sub-plot was wrapped up so beautifully and wonderful.

I am so sad that this series is coming to an end, but thought it played out perfect. I can only hope that Carr and Rylon continue to write sexy cowboys together. I love their writing – the characters are so real, the sexy times are SUPER hot and the stories are beautiful!

All in all I thought the final book in the Compass Brothers Series was the perfect end to an amazing series. I loved everything about Leah and Sawyer and wish the story could have been longer so that we could have had more time with them. I loved the friends to lovers aspect, especially since Leah was the nerdy girl in high school and Sawyer was the end-all-be-all catch. Their romance was hot and sexy and sweet at the same time. This is a must-read story for smutty cowboy lovers!
I give Western Ties an A
Author 11 books70 followers
March 7, 2012
The fourth (and final?) installment of the Compass Brothers' saga is back up to par. Hooray!

I suspect most women can empathize with heroine Leah Hollister's desire for a weekend spent being sexually reckless, exploring a long-held fantasy. Sow those wild oats, girl! But poor Leah winds up running into an old high school friend and secret crush, Sawyer Compton, at her very first BDSM party. Sparks fly immediately, and both hero and heroine learn there was quite a bit they never realized about each other.

Nothing about this story is unpredictable, and the whole falling-in-love-with-a-secret-high-school-crush thing feels pretty tired to me. It's an easy way to justify the characters being comfortable around each other very quickly into the plot, but I have to admit I'd almost prefer the love-at-first-sight or even destined-soulmates to this one. The most egregious fault, however, was that Leah, approaching 30 years old and having had several sexual partners, has NEVER had an orgasm (oh, please, spare me). Of course, Sawyer has the "magic wang" (to borrow a term from a fabulous blog, Smart Bitches Trashy Books ) that can solve all Leah's sexual problems as well as fulfill her darker proclivities. The saddest thing is this story would have been just fine without any of these silly devices.

But despite these few missteps, the romance feels real. The chemistry between Sawyer and Leah is very satisfying. The way they sought solace and gave comfort to each other during a very stressful, emotional time in their lives felt nicely organic and honest. Along with rough sex and romance, there's a double wedding and a funeral, so expect to be dragged through a whole gamut of emotions. For the most part, the authors handle the events in a humane, plausible manner.

The sex scenes read like a primer in BDSM - tame, for the most part, though timid readers might be a bit unnerved by a couple of pseudo-mock-rape moments. It's clear that absolutely everything that happens between Leah and Sawyer is consensual, but there are a few moments in Sawyer's head when he worries he won't be able to stop even if Leah used a safe word, and in Leah's head when she realized fighting back and being physically subdued were really turning her on. I applaud Carr and Rylon for not treating BDSM as an affliction that needed curing, but as a perfectly acceptable expression of adult, consensual sexuality.

It's not the best of the bunch - that honor belongs to Seth's tale - but Sawyer's story is at least as good as Silas' and WAY better than Sam's. Well done, Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon, for wrapping up a pretty enjoyable series with an entertaining, capable finish.
Profile Image for Katya.
825 reviews
June 23, 2012
3.35 Stars!

Sweet, dependable, good girl, Leah Hollister, is best friends with the popular guy in high school and watches him from the side lines while he dates "Beth" and wonders what it would be like for him to notice her "that way." He remains her protector, friend, and confidant, but never girlfriend. She became the kindergarten teacher in Compton Pass while he set off to see the world. He is one of the "Compass brothers" each going off to one of the four directions of the compass who goes West when he turns 18 and joins the cost guard.

They stayed in touch through the years, emails, a couple phone calls, some letters...some lunch dates while in town. Then one night Leah decides, while visiting her college roommate in Los Angeles, agrees to accompany her old college room mate to a BDSM party to finally experience something she had always dreamed about...some crazy, wild sex with a stranger who will indulge her in the secret she has kept her whole life. She is attracted to the rougher side, being spanked, tied up and to submit during sex.

Having always played it safe, dated very "inept" guys...this is her chance to let loose and explore her fantasies. She walks in to the party and is shocked to see Sawyer. Right off the bat, Sawyer is upset. What is his paragon, his sweet friend, his female ideal doing in a place like this? He is horrified and thrilled to see her at the same time. He claims her as His for the weekend to keep her away from all the other Doms and then decides to initiate her and test her limits in a life style he enjoys.

The fourth book in a series of books about the Compass brothers, each with a different spin on life (and in the bedroom.) Each looking to get out of Compton Pass and see the world. Sawyer is the youngest of the four and twin to Sam. He spent seven years in the Coast Guard and is at a point in life where he needs to make a choice...to continue with the Coast Guard or go home or something else.

He is undecided about his choice in life and while attending the BDSM party a friend is throwing encounters Leah decides to indulge in some fun with her and finds this sexual attraction for her resurrects other feelings he has. While trying to untangle those feelings, make sense of them and make a decision about the direction of his life he also encounters some very serious information about his family he has to deal with all at the same time.

A good story, I liked how the author treated us to both Leah and Sawyer's view points and feelings at the same time. We get treated to how each saw some of the events from their past like why Sawyer didn't take Leah to the prom and get to watch their relationship grow closer as they wrestle with feelings they are both having for each other. Fun Read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Darcy.
10 reviews29 followers
March 16, 2012
Western Ties (Compass Brothers Book 4)
Mari Carr & Jayne Rylon

What a wonderful pair of authors that have captured the essence of truly rich characters whose stories have left a forever place in this readers heart. I have loved this series so very much, and each brothers story has been an adventure in their self discovery in the meaning of family, passion and a forever brand of love.
From the beginning book; “Northern Exposure: Compass Brothers, Book 1” I was captured with the sense of strong family ties and values that were strong in each brothers personality and deep emotions. The love of their parents, one another and the loves of their lives was strongly created by both authors Carr and Rylon, and drew me into the stories from the very beginning. The depth of each brothers unique qualities as individuals were gripping and strong, and their faithless belief in their dreams as young men developed as they grew into even stronger adult men.
By far the final book “Western Ties” will be my favorite as it pulled at my heart more. The emotional connection between Sawyer and Leah when the door shut behind them in the BDSM club was firm and undoubting as they reconnected after a few years separation in their home town. I loved it! How can I say enough about Saw’s pure goodness and sexiness as his caring nature shined through to Leah as they came together in pure passion. He made her feel desired and cared about many levels, and that is why I love these authors!
Mari Carr and Jayne Rylon absolutely get it! They get that the readers love the characters they create and humanness that is so real in their characters. They make this reader cry and weep at the deep love and affection between all the characters in this story. I loved the passion and the strength that bonded Sawyer and Leah together, and I just hope that they write even more stories about this family and supporting cast of characters in the future. I know I will be waiting for them even if does not come to reality. I love both these authors as individual writers and just adore their books. I collect both their books and have them in my forever keeper collections, and know that their books will be read many times in the future. I encourage all romance readers to enjoy the series and come to love this family a strong hot, sexy men. You will never regret it! Please ladies….I want to read more of your stories together in the future. You rock ladies!
Profile Image for D.C..
Author 18 books107 followers
March 8, 2012
SYNOPSIS:
How strong are the ties that bind?
Leah Hollister’s sex life needs a swift kick in the pants. Small-town Compton Pass, though, isn’t the place to explore her need for bondage. When she gets an invitation to a BDSM party out in LA, she wastes no time booking a flight.
Her plan to play anonymously is shot to hell when she runs into high-school crush Sawyer Compton—and he lays immediate claim to her.
Sawyer Compton commands total control, in and out of the bedroom. He never thought Leah could handle his darker urges, but one look at the white bracelet that marks her as a sub ripe for the picking, and he knows exactly how this night is going to end. With Leah in his bed.
Leah didn’t expect to enjoy the comfort Sawyer’s familiarity brings, even as his touch takes her to unimaginable heights of pleasure. When bad news from home sends him reeling, she’s more than prepared to offer him anything he needs: her body, her friendship. Even her heart—if Sawyer can loosen the reins over his own to accept her love.
Warning: Invest in tissues. Lots and lots of tissues. Between spicy, set-the-sheets-on-fire bondage romps and the last Compass brother coming home, you'll need them.

REVIEW:
I gotta say, when I was first introduced to this series, I wasn’t expecting what I found. The series is packed full of entertainment, scorching hot scenes, and touching memories that always left me wanting more. Western Ties is the fourth book in the Maci Carr/Jayne Rylon, The Compass Brother series. These two did not disappoint with the last book in the series and for the first time, EVER, I found myself fighting back tears at the story. It was very touching and while it broke your heart a bit, the ending left off with everything being a-okay.

For those who may be interested in reading the series, it is recommended to start with the first book, Northern Ties and work your way down. It makes the story throughout the four books that much sweeter and simpler to follow. You may also want to make sure to read the back cover on these books before dedicating your reading time. The overall point of the four books is not for the faint of heart. ;)

All in all, I give Western Ties 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend to anyone looking to connect with some romance, humor, and a bit of sweet endings.
Profile Image for Alie38.
130 reviews
August 7, 2012
After reading numerous glowing 4-5 star reviews, I feel like an odd man out because I really did not enjoy this book. I only gave 2 stars to WESTERN TIES, which is the fourth and final book of the Compass Brother series. Usually I like the combined talent of Mari Carr's and Jayne Rylon"s writing, but this story just did not meet any expectations I have of their work. I was looking forward to reading the story about the youngest brother of the Compton family, especially since it was hinted in the previous books, his sexual interest in BDSM. Unfortunately, in my opinion, when the main characters, Leah Hollister & Sawyer Compton, accidently meet again after years apart during a BDSM...The chemistry between them felt flat. The character of Leah annoyed me with her continual "topping from the bottom" and Sawyer appeared to be a weak DOM because he let her get away with it with no real consequences. Since she was well read about BDSM it seem ridiculous that she was disrespectful to Sawyer as a DOM and clueless about submission, even if it was her first play party. The idea that she was a submissive just because Sawyer tied her up and gave her first orgasm made the plot flimsy. On top of that, their relationship with any erotic BDSM elements became irrvelent when faced with the looming demise and death of JD, Sawyer's father. The previous 3 books in the series use JD's illness of cancer as a plot device to reunite the brothers at home. As the final book, WESTERN TIES, depicts JD's final weeks before his ultimate death. Maybe I am biased because I have personal experience akin to this story. I, too, returned home to be there for my father and witness his heartbreaking struggle to beat the cancer that ultimately killed him. It was not a fun time. It was not a romantic time. I did not relish reading about the budding relationship of Leah and Sawyer during a time of grief and sorrow. I found no pleasure in reading this book that is suppose to be an erotic romance with hints of BDSM elements. The situation made the romance feel phony and flat. Of course this is just my opinion.
Profile Image for e-aptus.
4 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2012
I read Western Ties with pretty high expextations.

I read the previous books in this series and found that ,overall the books are a lot better than I imagined.
I am always able to connect with the characters, the dialogue never feels forced, which in my opinion happens too often, and the plot isn't repetetive.
I also read the co-author Jayne Rylon's Men In Blue Series (Night is Darkest ) which I also liked a lot.

This 4. (and as far as I know final) story in the Compass Brothers Series is about the last of the four brothers, Sawyer, and takes place a few years after he joined the costguard.
On leave, he unexpectedly runs into a woman he's known and wanted since highschool at a BDSM event, shortly before he finds out that his father is dying and his brothers have kept that knowlegde from him for weeks.
Now he's trying to deal with his fathers rapidly aproaching end and his desire for a women he never thought could want or even handle his sexual preferences.


Sawer is a dom, which is the only thing that concerned me about the plot. I've read enough BDSM-Themed romances to know that it's difficult to satisfactory put a dom-sub relationship on paper.
I was releaved, though, wenn I realized that they didn't concentrate too much on the d/s dynamic.
Some sexual encounters in this book are BDSM (bondage, toys, safewords...), some are a little more on vanilla side.

The plot is very emotionally intense and really pulls you into the story from the beginning.

The only thing I didn't like was that at some points there was too much drama and it felt like the authors were trying to make the story too emotional.

But overall I have to say that I liked Western Ties.
It was a very nice ending to a special Series.




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