Cross Ties

Swamp Heads #5

by Esther E. Schmidt

Having his best friend ripped from his life at an early age has carved Zeke into the man he is today. Not being able to address his evolving feelings for her before she disappeared has him still searching for answers sixteen years later. Zeke knows very well he should stop holding onto the dream, as all it does is fuel his nightmares.

Faced with tragedy, Laudy wasn’t given a choice to run; but life and death doesn’t often present options. When given a chance at returning home, she grasps it with both hands. Secrets held for more than a decade will be revealed. Will Laudy’s return stir up old feelings or just old motives that caused her to run in the first place?

Torn apart and thrown back together, misunderstanding and confusion taints the best of intentions. Will Zeke and Laudy’s relationship grow strong again as the dust settles? Or will their second chance die as the promise of death returns?


Cross Ties can be read as a standalone. The Swamp Head Series; a seven book novella series based on a family born and raised in the swamp. Each sibling will get their own INSTAlove story told (each a different genre) and even though it is a series, each book is a standalone.
Cyrus (Billionaire Romance)
Claiming Elsie (Romantic comedy)
Chester (Single Mom Romance)
Loving Mae (Office Romance)
Cross Ties (Romantic Suspense)

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

191 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2018

About the author

Esther E. Schmidt is an USA Today bestselling author who loves to write MC (biker) series, Mafia Romance series, PNR series, contemporary romance series, and more. She's a graphic designer that also loves to write. She released her first series "Areion Fury MC" in October 2015. Esther lives in The Netherlands with her family, three daughters, and a crazy iguana. She loves to write about bad boy Alphas with a heart for only one woman. To make it a bit interesting, that woman needs to be a badass herself.

Reviews

[Neringa Neringiukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had a bit different feeling then previous books. Maybe because it have more serious and heartbreaking situations. But it still follow pattern of series, about colorful family, that just intrigues you and you want more.
I can't wait for next book. Because... Earle. That guy... Unique is the only word I can come up with. Lol.

PS Safety lovers will adore this book.

[Fiction Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read, I loved it. Little push/pull in the beginning, but didn't last too long, and I thought it fit in with the story line. No others for either of them which I thought was great. They've been apart for 16 years. Love it. https://youtu.be/aeTn3mQvz2c

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, a surprise release and what a story! Full of anguish, mystery and suspense this is an action packed and thrilling ride, I was gripped from the very first page to the last and I read it in one hit. Super fantastic read and definitely up there as one of Esther's best books to date, that is hard to say because this author does not write bad books in any shape or form. This is emotional and full of love, one that's deep and long lasting. I just wanted this to go on and on, the characters are people you want to know. They support each other and rally whenever needed. I know Earle's up next but I really cant wait for Roscoe's story, I just know that is going to be interesting. Go one click this awesome read, believe me its soo good.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zeke is a man haunted by his friend Laudy who disappeared years ago. She was the girl he thought was his one, he never acted on it but he always had wanted to. When Laudy shows up mysteriously, Zeke is pissed. How can the girl he had grieved for all these years be back.

Laudy came back thinking that the coast was clear. Her family was murdered and the person who killed them was still out there. When she sees Zeke again her heart breaks, but she is determined to get him to listen to her. Will Zeke stop being stubborn and go after what he wants, Laudy?

This was fantastic. Very unexpected. I want Roscoe's book. Several of my favorite characters made an appearance and this was deliciously fun.

[Megan Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite book in this series. In a family where love at first sight means something, Zeke takes it to a whole new level of dedication. This is a great second chance love story, laudy is just as dedicated to love as Zeke. The sadness that is ingrained in laudys life is ingrained in Zeke's family also. Just a wonderful story of love, family and devotion no matter what. So worth the wait to read and it was the best surprise ever.

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read a book without blurb, cover or any info about the book was kind of exiting, scary and so much fun. You have no expectations. Well that is not true, we are talking about Esther so I knew that the book would not disappoint me.
I have read almost everything she has written. And she has not disappointed me.
It took me a little time to figure out what kind of book this was. I must have missed one book in this series so the name Zeke wasn’t a aha moment.
So the story.
It had you guessing, it was exciting, it was funny and sweet. Don’t get me wrong you get alpha male, strong heroine. Great storyline.
I liked that zeke didn’t take to long to hear her out. That he steps up and that he wasn’t a ladies man. That is one thing that is my pet peeve.
The h. My heart broke for her. To live with the things she did and not crumble. That she still was her old self. Kind of....
This is my favorite book in this series. And I can not wait for Earle. I think he will be my new man. If he continues to shower that is..
So if you are reading my review and liking and understanding my grammar(Swedish). Buy the book, read the book, love the book.

[Vfc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Novella. Laudy and Zeke were apart for sixteen years. A psychotic sheriff’s son, Beau massacred her entire family and her sister Geraldine’s best friend, Leroy.

The sheriff, the perpetrator’s father, covered up the entire crime scene. Years later, Zeke’s brother sets a trap.

[Ruby Ap. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've a huge fan of the author, Esther E. Schmidt and I've read every one of her books and never been disappointed so when she announced a blind date with a story, I was all for it ;)
Imagine my surprise when I got to started and it was about Zeke! I was so excited to read his story, to know more about him and why he is the way he is and my heart broke for him, for what he thought was the loss of his soul-mate, his best friend, Laudy, who he thought left him voluntarily... I can't spoil everything for you guys but let's just say this girl is so strong to had have endured what she did and still have to leave the boy she loved 16 years ago...

Of course, after so many years, Zeke has some resentment and still is hurt by Laudy's departure but not everything is what it seems and he'll soon learn the truth and guys, when you read what really happened and what made Laudy leave Zeke without a single word, your heart will break, you'll get angry at someone very close to Zeke (can't spoil who it is) and also be happy that these two finally have the chance to express their true feelings for one another and be together... Yet, there are some obstacles from the past that resurfaces and they must overcome it but never alone because they have Zeke's family and all of their friends by their side to fight along with them and at the end, they do divide and conquer and get an awesome happily ever after for Zeke and Lauren <3

The author, Esther E. Schmidt does give us some teases about one of Zeke's brothers' and also who's brother's story is next and I can't wait because while reading this surprise story, I laughed when this particular brother was in them. He was funny as hell and I can't wait to see who tames this man ;)

[Kim Brewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay confession time - this series has not been my favorite ..... until now!

Maybe it's the friends to lovers, maybe because it's a second chance romance, maybe because it's that both of these characters held on to their feelings for so long, maybe it was just a combination of it all but I loved Zeke and Laudy's story. I had visuals in my head of the items they created and loved that they had that in common.

16 years ago Laudy disappeared from Zeke's life without so much as a note. Much was left unsaid between the two. When she is suddenly in front of him again his anger takes control of his mouth and it is not a happy reunion. Will Zeke get over his anger? Will Laudy finally tell him the truth? of will the past come roaring back and end the chance of a HEA? Oh yeah, and when will Earle get a book?! Seriously can't wait for the woman to tame him!

[Melissa Schaub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Ties is the fifth book in the Swamp Heads series and this is one of those series that are short but sweet and have you hooked from the start. With this book, we get Zeke’s story and his was a lot deeper than I expected.

This book starts off with Zeke still suffering nightmare of losing his best friend all those years ago. He is not sure why he suddenly can’t stop thinking about her but he knows something needs to change.

Lauday is back home after sixteen years in the run. She wants nothing more than to find Zeke, her best friend, but when they finally come face to face, she does not get the welcome back she was hoping for.

Now that all the truths are revealed they must learn to fight together in order to keep everyone safe. But will they be able to do it?

I loved this newest addition to this series and I recommend you get started ASAP!

[Melissa Quintanilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book blind. No idea what it was about, what the cover looked like or a blurb. I was so happy when to see we got Zeke's book!! I love second chance romances and this one gave me the feels. To see what happened in the past only to bring them back together in the future was beautiful. They so belong together. I have to mention how much I love Earle lol He is so crazy had me laughing out loud, my hubby was looking at me like I was crazy. Can't wait for Earles book!!!

[Latifa Morrisette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first page. Cross Ties is book five in the Swamp Heads series. Going into this book blind was hard but I was excited when I figured out who some of the characters were. This story starts with a bang and ends with one. It has perfect amount of suspense and romance and a storyline that definitely keeps you guessing. I hope to read more from this series.

[Teresa Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this 2nd chance♡Zeke and Laudays amazing beautiful emotional love story.Looking forward to the next one

[Debbie Earley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

This is a story of child hood best friends who find themselves falling for one another, but before they can express how they feel to one another one faithful night changes everything. I laughed, I cried, my heart hurt for Zeke and Laudy. I'm so happy they were able to be e their happily ever after. I wanted to knock Roscoe out for the way he handled things, but in the end he was able to make it right. Earle had me laughing me butt off and I can't wait to hear his story.

[CeeJay Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

♥️🌼Zeke & Laudy🌼♥️
Zeke is another hot brother from the swamp..He fell in love with Claudette (Laudy), his best friend, when they were younger...Before he could tell her...she was just...gone...Now, Zeke still can’t move on and has pined for Laudy for 16 years...When Laudy shows up out of the blue, Zeke is angry and wants an explanation....but it doesn’t take long to see Zeke and Laudy have always been in love with each other and still are...I love this couple and I love this book...Not a bad bookcover either...♥️🌼

[Fabiola Cadet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Job!

Beautiful love story for Zeke and Laudy. The fact that their love for each other withstand the test of time for 16yrs is amazing, this book was beautifully written, giving it 5 stars.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.35 stars, but I will bump up to three on here because I only give two stars to books I despise. Never given a 1 star. I didn't care for the writing, which seemed backwards to me and didn't flow.
Really short, so not a lot of development. But a star for them both being soulmates and virgins.

[Iva Beth DiLoreto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Zeke and Laudy's story is the best by far. Best friends, u til one leabes. Presumed dead, she returns. Cross Ties definitely plays on your emotions.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!

What a great book!! I just absolutely loved it and I can't wait to read the next one!! A definite must read!! Happy Reading!!!! :)

[Mollie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Hendrix Fan 4ever · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

I love MS Schmidt's writing Have my heart! Short, sweet and to the point! I have read several series And for some reason The swamp heads have my heart💓

[Kathy Rouchelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke!!!! Yea, one of the twins who we met earlier. Yep, one of the two pigs of brothers, but the one who did manage to learn from his sister and clean himself up and kept it that way. Only Zeke, I think had a reason for the way he was, and that was Claudette, his best friend since they were kids. The one girl who had his heart until she disappeared--or died, which one he's not sure of, but he is sure that since that night 16 years ago, she took his heart and shattered it. The nightmares continue to plague him only now, they are coming more frequently and seemingly more intense. He's not sure of the reasoning but he needs to maybe go and check and see if he has had any word from his brother Roscoe as to whether or not he has found out any information on her. What he does find when he returns home is not just word, but his Laudy, alive and well and in the tree house that they built together as kids. With his emotions bouncing around inside of him, he lashes out at her, pushing her away and straight to his brother's home. Only surprise, it's not Roscoe who is home..it's Zeke's twin Earle, and he STINKS!!! Oh let the fun begin! Earle is a trip his sweetness and innocence and no filter to his mouth makes this book funny as all get out.

But this is Zeke and Laudy's story and what a story it is. After returning, and thought dead, Laudy is told that it is safe to return and that Zeke needs her. She just didn't expect to receive the reception that she receives from Zeke. He's furious and doesn't want to hear what she has to say, until something happens that puts both their lives in danger. Seems that it really wasn't safe for her to return home at all.

And that is all I'm going to give you because this is a quick read and you will want to discover things all on your own. But I do recommend that you get this book and read it because what you will find is a mystery to solve, a love to reignite and a family to re-visit. Fantastic read!

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved Zeke!!! In this particular series, so far he's by far my favorite. Zeke and Laudy knew each other in another time in their lives. When life was easier, and you could run through the swampland and embrace love. That ended quickly when their lives were twisted and blown up.

Zeke believes in his heart that Laudy is out there somewhere. He's been determined for years to find her. He has even enlisted his brother to help search. The same brother who makes a decision on is behalf that makes him want to scream, cheer and scream some more. With his choices taken away from him, he is faced with the past truths. It's not something he ever thought he'd get let alone, wanted.

Laudy knew that poofing out of her life and into another one was never going to be easy. She had changed her life in order to escape past trauma. She didn't have a choice but to leave behind her one true love, not that he ever knew she felt that way. They were soul mates and that ended the day her family was ripped from her and she went on the run. A mystery unravels and she ends up back where it started.

Oh my goodness, gravy and biscuits this was one quick, steamy read! Esther writes each tale of the siblings to grab your attention, fan yourself, curse, laugh, sometimes cry and just believe in true love. She never fails in making her readers fall in love with her characters and her writing. Another fabulous read!

[AnneKR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeke has never forgotten about his best friend, Laudy, who disappeared the night her entire family died. He’s always loved her more than a friend but never had the nerve to tell her. He feels that she did not die with them, but for 16 years he has had no luck finding out what happened to her. Even with the help of his FBI agent brother Roscoe, he always comes up empty-handed with the whereabouts of Laudy. But that all changes one day when she comes back home. He is shocked, hurt, and most of all angry that she has been alive somewhere and she made no attempt to contact him. His hurt and stubborn side lashes out at her time and time again, telling her to leave, not giving her a chance to explain.

Laudy has been in love with Zeke but too afraid to lose his friendship by confessing her feelings. She has had to deal with a horrific and traumatic past with the death of her family, and she knows she must tell Zeke the truth about what happened that night and why she hasn’t been in contact. It’s a big tangled web of misunderstandings and secrets, and Laudy doesn’t realize that she has put herself in danger by coming back home.

I really enjoyed reading this! It’s packed with everything – mystery, action, a roller coaster of feelings and emotions, and a second chance for these two to become more than best friends. Zeke’s brothers Earle and Roscoe play very important and significant roles and I am looking forward to reading their books in the future!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC! What a wonderful addition to the Swamp Heads series. This is a quick read that is romantic and suspenseful with bouts of swamp humor thrown in. As for the characters, if you’ve read any of the other Swamp Head books, you know this family is a hoot and fun to read about.

This is Zeke’s story and boy oh boy what a dandy it is. Zeke and his family believe in love at first sight. Zeke knows his true love was Laudy, his best friend since they were kids. But Laudy disappeared 16 years ago the night her family was murdered. Zeke never knew if she was alive or was killed that night as well. He’s gone on with his life but suffers from nightmares of that awful night and he’s never gotten over her. One day when he ventures to “their spot”, a treehouse they built together, He sees Laudy there and he becomes very angry. Angry she left and angry she never let him know she was alive or where she was. Zeke refuses to listen to her and Laudy is devastated! Not only does she not know if it was truly safe for her to return, she has now lost the only reason she returned to begin with. What happens next? Will Zeke ever listen? Will Laudy ever be safe from her family's killer?

I won’t spoil this wonderful story but I will recommend you grab it up and enjoy it. It’s definitely a 5 Star Read in a 5 Star series. 2 Thumbs Up!!!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series and they are better read in order but can be read as standalone books. I love this series and was eager to read this one. I actually got this book in a blind date with a book. No cover, no blurb, no nothing just that the book was by Esther. Zeke’s best friend was ripped from his life sixteen years ago. He didn’t even know if she died that day and now she is back. Laudy jumps at the chance to come back when given it. But things don’t go smoothly when Zeke sees her. Misunderstanding gets in the way. Zeke doesn’t know the full story of why Laudy left or where is has been. How will he react when he finds out? This is a great second chance romance book. I love these characters and I am always excited to read about another sibling. This book was slightly different from the other books in this series. There is more mystery and suspense in this one. Zeke’s family always knows as soon as they find their one. Zeke knew as a teenager that Laudy was his one but never got to tell her. I can’t recommend this book or series enough. Congrats on another fantastic book Esther.

[Flavs is Mrs David Gandy♥~♥’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word, what a way to read a book. Don't know the title, just a Blind Date with a book. Holy Smoke I loved it
Zeke lost his best friend when he young and she just vanished. He assumed she was dead, but then low and behold she just pops up one day. No warning, no nothing, just she's there.
Laudy (Claudette) left everything behind the day her family was killed. She left the most important thing behind to protect him, Zeke her best friend. And now that his brother told her she is safe to return he wants nothing to do with her. How is she going to explain what happened and that she has been in love with her best friend since they were 18years old.

I love this author's book. Its so sweet, straight forward, not running around, and playing hard to get. Just getting down to business. I loved Zeke and Laudy's story, filled with heartbreak on both sides but also will keep you guessing about what the hell happened and why? I have to say my favourite in this story was Earle... LoL... He was freaking hilarious and totally a weirdo, but I loved him. Definitely an awesome and safe read! <3

[Katie Kavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great surprise from Esther! I have been dying for more Swamp Heads book and Zeke and Laudy's book did not disappoint at all. These two had known each other since they wee kids and knew as teenagers that they were soulmates, which I loved. I loved the mystery and suspense in the book surrounding Laudy's past (dont want to give anything away). Zeke at one point made me want to slap him but then he made me want to kiss the heck out of him! It was great getting to know Earle more , he is funny and I am dying to find out who his love interest will be!!! Also Roscoe let me just say I need his book now!!
"It's the past we can learn from, the things we see and how we react to it. Friendship, advice, a gut feeling, or life experience. Take it and make your life your own. Because in the end? No matter how much struggle, or how much pain and conquest you must face...there will always be new chances and possibilities to reach out to."

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Cross Ties: swamp heads

Author: Esther E. Schmidt
Rating:5
Release date: August 24 2018  
swamp heads is like my one of my favorite stand alone series. It really is comparable to the perfect peace of cake not to big or small just enough to fill you up. There’s not to much frosting or filling and It’s just sweet enough. It’s not to dense and it’s definitely not to fluffy.
Zeke and laudy were the perfect match. I don’t think I would like either character on their own but together it was pure genius they complemented each other so well especially when a dash of Earle humor is thrown in. It really is the perfect mix of everything I love in a book. I won’t spoil it by listing them all but I will say this is a perfect book to read coming off something with a heavy plot like Calix by Esther E Schmidt.
Happy reading!

[Elysian Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a heartbreaking yet complete lovely story. This one is full of heartfelt moments and how a man (and a woman) overcome tragic circumstance, years apart, and a psycho to find their way back to each other.

I loved this story and the characters as I have been excited to read more about Zeke. He was different then I expected but more then I thought possible. I loved his growling and possessiveness. He was pure alpha gold. Laudy was an interesting character asvwell, she was only doing what she thought was best. Inwill leave the plot a secret as it needs to be experienced for the full affect.

Insta love, backwoods dialogue, amazing characters and a steamy romance; thus book is everything you want and love from this author!