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The Family Novak #5

Crossing Ties

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In a world where the rules are gray and the Don's word is a law unto itself, only one thing is sacred… family.

When Rory O’Malley’s dad goes missing, with only a photograph of him unconscious and covered in blood to clue them in to what happened, he does what he’s always done. He steps up and takes care of things. His quiet competence has been the O’Malleys’ strong backbone for years. He’ll get his father back, and his kidnappers will regret having ever messed with the O’Malley boys.

He didn’t expect his bloody brother Patrick to go dragging the Novaks into family business. But Rory might have forgiven that if Misha Novak didn’t smell like his mate. He doesn’t have time for that kind of distraction, no matter how sexy.

Misha has always believed work and play go hand in hand. And that’s even more true when he finds his fated mate while on a rescue mission. Rory’s a tough nut to crack. Misha doesn’t want to break him… but he will do whatever it takes to soften him up. Hopefully, saving Rory’s da should do the trick.

Rory is chagrined to realize that he needs the Novaks to access the only people who can help him untangle this mess—the Chen dragon triad. Events bind the two lovers closer and draw them together until even stern and controlled Rory might not be able to avoid his destiny.

This is the fifth book in this mpreg mafia series. Get ready for a world ruled by the Don’s iron fist, a sly and serious fox amidst a rambunctious skulk of jokesters, and two families that stand together… no matter what. You can expect to find naughty, knotty scenes of steamy passion, along with a lot of potty-mouth language and more violence than you’re used to from us. But at its heart, you’ll still find all the fluffy mpreg feels and crazy antics you’d look for from Susi Hawke and Crista Crown.

150 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 7, 2020

218 people are currently reading
115 people want to read

About the author

Susi Hawke

152 books1,063 followers
I'm a total fan of M/PREG Paranormal Romances, first and foremost as a reader. I'm excited to share my own omegaverse(s) with you. What's not to love about adorable Omegas and the Alpha men who love them? If I'm not writing about men sporting baby bumps, I'm definitely reading about them!

I'm a native of Las Vegas, NV, so I'm pre-wired to love everything weird ~ although I don't find any kind of love to be weird. I'm a cis woman who's been happily married to the same lovable lug for 18 years. We have a 16yr old son, well, at least I think we do? Either that, or we have a ghost that eats all our food and uses up all wifi playing xbox while screaming into a headset.

As a new author, it's been amazing to find the amount of support that I've been given from readers and my fellow authors. Feel free to message me, I love to chat with fellow readers. Am I a reader? Heck yeah! In fact, I'm never certain that I can completely trust an author who isn't a fellow bibliophile.

I will try to update here when I'm doing promotional parties & chats. I usually do those on Facebook. If you haven't already signed up for my newsletter, you should totally do it! I only send out NL's to announce new releases or important announcements. I also like to note in my NL what I'm currently reading along with a cover shot and the link for anyone who is interested.

I look forward to interacting with everyone here!

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5 stars
493 (56%)
4 stars
264 (30%)
3 stars
109 (12%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Meagan (FranticVampireReads).
804 reviews53 followers
March 3, 2023
This is one of my favorite books in this series! I really loved getting to see the more of the crime families, but especially the O’Malley’s. Rory’s brothers and cousins were hysterical! I could read an entire series about them and all the shenanigans and dramatics that they get up to. They had me laughing more times than I could count! All of my notes anytime one of them was on page are just laughing emojis.

Rory and Misha are probably one of my top couples from this series. I loved seeing Rory as a strong omega (and second in command of the O’Malley crime family) who didn’t back down from a fight and I loved seeing Misha backing him up. It was also really nice to see this world expanding just a little bit more with new types of shifters and new types of relationships. I loved that we got to see a polyamorous fated-mate situation!

I think overall the plot was a little light on content, but honestly I’m not here entirely for that anyway. So…🤷‍♀️. Anyway, I really enjoyed this one and it’s getting four stars!
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,725 reviews13 followers
August 7, 2020
Loved it

This is probably my favorite in this series so far, though I have very high expectations for the next book.

I thought that this pairing was interesting since there was such a potential for conflict between the Novak and O'Malley families and organizations. Instead, this book went in a completely different approach and the two families, who were always the easiest to get along with, joined forces in an impressively cohesive way. I liked the pairing of the hyper tight Rory with the super laidback Mischa. It really worked for me.
Profile Image for Janean.
272 reviews5 followers
August 8, 2020
It just keeps getting better!

Keisha and Rory are perfect for each other. The O'Malley's and the Novaks are boisterous, and live, and live loudly and fiercely. They are also loyal and protect and fight for their family and friends. This was such a great read and the surprise at the end was freaking AWESOME!
Profile Image for Alexis.
554 reviews
April 27, 2023
Cute! Loved Rory and Mischa was a total goofball. They balanced each other out great. Also I’m so excited that we finally got to meet the Chen triad that we’re just as cool and grand as I hoped they’d be. I want their story so bad, but I was more than happy to have them grace this book with their presence. I enjoyed the mystery and hunt to save Rory’s dad. It’s was thrilling and fun.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
August 9, 2020
Great, as always

As always, these ladies have written a fantastic story. Rory is an incredibly strong omega, and he has no problem putting his foot down and squashing all problems.

I really like that Misha would realize he was being a problem and fix it himsrlf.
Profile Image for Kate.
2,607 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2021
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I liked this story, still really enjoyable but it just wasn’t my favourite of the series. It took me a wee bit to warm up to Rory, as it seemed like him and Mischa weren’t that suited initially but after awhile I realised that they both brought different things to their relationship and kind of balanced each other out since Rory was constantly having to be the strong one, he was high strung and didn’t know how to laugh and have fun. I think that a lot of that was Rory thinking that he has to constantly fight to prove himself because he’s an omega and is his da’s second in command so Mischa helped him let his hair done and have fun every now and then. Laughter is a great way to relieve stress. I still loved Patrick as he’s absolutely hilarious and fingers crossed he still gets a book eventually as he needs someone or maybe a couple of someone’s to keep him in line lol but time will tell. Rory was getting so fed up of his antics in blurting out his and Mischa’s news to everyone, Mischa just found the whole thing funny. I’m glad that when Mischa completely missed the signs that Rory was angry at him, and that after his dad and brother Vasily explained it to him and he chased Rory down, that Rory listened to Mischa’s side of the story and that he wasn’t being dismissive of Rory’s feelings he was just thinking of it from his point of view and that he didn’t want to abandoned his family since family loyalty means everything to him but just because he’s mating into another family and may live elsewhere it doesn’t mean that he’s still not loyal to them. Think of Cyrus and Leaf, Cyrus is basically on the opposite side to his family since he’s in law enforcement but his family doesn’t hold it against him, they all may not agree with each other’s chosen path but they respect it. I loved the blessing and naming ceremony at the hospital that the Novak’s did for Mischa and Rory’s daughter and it was even funnier when the O’Malley’s did their version but with whiskey and then they all end up getting kicked out. Yay, I think it’s cool that Don Francis gets a fated mate after losing his arranged mate and best friend Petr so many years ago. It should be interesting since his true mate Dante is one of STAHP’s best trackers and I’m really looking forward to reading their story next. I’d definitely recommend this book, series and both authors to everyone.
1,199 reviews8 followers
August 11, 2020
You find your fated mate in the middle of a kidnapping? What next?

I love the Family Novak series. Emphasis on the family, not the Family. All my favorite men welcomed me back into their world. I didn't want to leave. This episode features three of the Families; Novak, O'Malley, and Chen. Yes, along with bears, foxes, and cats, here be dragons. As this book starts where the last one left off, please do yourself a favor and read the first four books in order. You will be glad you did.
Don Francis Novak sends Vasily and Misha to help the O'Malleys find their kidnapped Da. They don't expect to find Misha's fated mate. Rory Is his Da's second. The last thing he wants is to scent his alpha fated mate. But the mating will have to wait until after the rescue.
Yes, our favorite STAHP twins appear. Helped by a triad of dragons, Seamus will be found & healed, the kidnappers will be dealt with in a most unique manner, hilarity will ensue as two clans unite, and Russian vodka vs Irish whiskey will be tested. Ooh, did I mention babies? You will love this book!
As always, not only is there HEA, but the premise of the next book is set up. It's totally unexpected. I can't wait!
This book contains adult themes and language, mm sex and is intended for mature readers only.
Profile Image for Claudia Lezár.
1,409 reviews39 followers
August 25, 2020
3,5*

PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!

To my ratings:

5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-
Away-book like
‘Jesse's Smile' or ‚Joey’ from Angelique Jurd,
‘Save the kids' series from EM Leya,
‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or
'Liberty' from Seth King),
it's like an A+

4* - very good and will be often reread and is a
WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises
(like most of Andrew Grey books and
Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A

3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few
times a year (most romances where you can
enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+

3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader,
maybe 2-3 times a year. It’s like a B

2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-
reader (i wouldn't recommend it heartily, but
it was ok). It's like a C-, D

1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too
many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an
absolut NO-GO). It's like failure in the whole
line, dismissed, repeat the class
Profile Image for Deirdre.
1,571 reviews16 followers
November 14, 2021
4.5 ⭐s Here There Be Dragons
Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2021
Boss O'Malley was missing and of course the Novaks stepped up to help locate him. It was revealed that an Omega was in a very powerful position in the Irish mafia chain of command. Rory was his father's Second. Very organized, analytical, and uptight. Well it was perfect that Misha Novak turned out to be his mate, the big goofball was a prankster and considered the pretty one out of the six brothers. His mate smiled and laughed more after the initial shock of finding out he had a mate during the middle of a crisis.

For the first time the elusive Chinese crime family Chen had a storyline and it involved Dragons! The O'Malley clan was front and center. Jokesters, big drinkers, with strong family ties involving brothers and cousins. The O'Malleys and Novaks worked well toward their common goal. Misha had to grow up and decide what his family loyalties we're and what expectations did he have for his strong-willed mate and their mating? The book was as entertaining as the others in the series. The ending held an unexpected wonderful surprise.
Profile Image for Lacrymosa Quiñones.
739 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2020
The misfit story of a Fox and a Bear!

Omg!! I loved this story do much! It made me laugh so much, cry a little and kept me in awe of the DRAGONS!


Character breakdown:

Misha: It was nice seeing him stumble and babble his way into figuring things out with his mate. He was so laid back and funny though! Loved that teddy bear.

Rory: I loved his tight lip ways and his no bs attitude. Also being able to handle the brood? Omg! Lol. I adored him though and the fact that he was a black Fox was so cute!


I can't wait for the Don's book! I already have an idea of how things will go and I can't wait for the laughs. The steamy scenes and most importantly the familial bonds!

Definitely recommend, the laughter alone is enough will hook you, the story will keep you!
140 reviews
August 9, 2020
I'm so in love

I loved everything about this book. It had the perfect amount of action, romance, and comedy to keep me from putting it down. The storyline had a perfect tempo and I couldnt stop laughing at Studly Misha and Ice Prince Rory and the way their families drove them crazy throughout the story. The nerf war was one of my favorite scenes from all the books in this series so far. I cannot wait to read Don Novaks story and I am keeping my fingers crossed that the O'Malleys are next.
Profile Image for Angie.
985 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2020
Mafia Shifter MM MPREG

2.5 stars!

This is the 5th book in this series and I found it to be ok but nothing spectacular.

I liked the main storyline about a missing Don but I found the Romance to be very lacking. It felt quite average. I guess I'm just disappointed that this one felt more forced than the others- like the authors felt they HAD to give each brother a story when maybe they weren't feeling this one.

Overall, I'd say this was my least favorite in this series so far.
Profile Image for Nessa.
1,858 reviews21 followers
September 13, 2020
This book was totally awesome. Misha finally finds his mate, Rory, who is part of the Irish mafia family bringing both families together. Misha had the greatest, fun-loving personality which meshed well with Rory's more serious one. The story held my attention and had me laughing out loud so many times. The writing was excellent and the characters were so much fun. I also loved the way the whole family blessed each newborn baby. Extremely heartwarming. Overall, a very delightful and entertaining read.
Profile Image for DarcLibrarian .
331 reviews2 followers
March 23, 2025
Luck of the Irish?

When the head of the O'Malley's goes missing Patrick asks the Novak's for help. This brings Misha into contact with Omega Rory second in command of the O'Malley's and Misha's fated mate. As the Novak's call in old favours the search for Don Seamus gets real, and the mating instinct takes second place to finding Rory's father.

This Free Kindle Unlimited book features more of other families and a big surprise at the end. An excellent edition to The Family Novak series.
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
August 9, 2020
Crossing Ties by Susi Hawke and Crista Crown is the fifth book in The Family Novak series. This amazing story has do many fun elements - mafia families, shifters, fated mates, bad guys, a missing person and an more. The story kept me in a state of excitement and I loved every page. These characters are fun, sweet, humorous and also bring the heat. I love this series... and now I can not wait to get the next book.
Profile Image for Celine.
803 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2020
Fun and wonderful story

I really enjoyed this story. It was a little lighter on the big plot but so full of love and joy.

I really liked Rory but it's Misha I fell for in this book. They are both great people, with Rory being serious and level headed. Misha is his sweet, fun happy go lucky counterpart and I loved it.

Another great story in this universe and I can't wait to read Daddy Novak's story
Profile Image for Helen.
1,005 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2020
Brilliant books, well written, full of humour, action, passion, Mpreg and Shifters. What more could anyone want.
This series is a spin off from Team A.L.P.H.A and Alphabits. This book we meet Misha Novak and Rory O'Malley and more of the O'Malley family when the head of the O'Malley is kidnapped. Once again we see how family is everything especially to these two families. We also meet the Chens again but in more detail.
Great book, well written, can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Indus.
197 reviews1 follower
October 4, 2020
I'm not the biggest fan of the author because her series start looking the same fast, but this one has interesting world building and decisions made. The dragons were very cool. I feel like I'm missing a backstory with them but the author has such a large lexicon I'll have to do research. I really like the way omegas are treated in this one. I just... Where are the women? I know she writes them but this story they felt erased and I can't give five stars to that.
Profile Image for Angela.
3,398 reviews33 followers
October 9, 2020
Another awesome story

I have really enjoyed this series, as well as the Team ALPHA & Alphabits series' (which I would highly recommend reading prior to this one). These stories just keep getting better and better, and I'm definitely going to be sad when the series is completed. I would love to see a new one about the O'Malley clan, especially now that they're joined with the Novak's.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional authors.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
2,121 reviews80 followers
January 7, 2021
*WARNING* contains adult m/m situations
I have enjoyed this series from book one, but there is always a character or two that I just don't like and for me that character is Rory. Even though I didn't like the Rory character, that doesn't mean I didn't like the story, this story was great! There's dragons in here!! I understand the omegas feel they have to prove themselves, but the Rory character takes it to far and seems to cold for the fun loving Misha. This series is best read in order.
Profile Image for wordsandblankspaces.
875 reviews7 followers
December 14, 2021
3.5 stars

I enjoyed the story because we got to meet dragons and spend more time with the O'Malleys. They are fun and I loved them. I enjoyed the overall story arc for this book. I didn't like that it says Dante and Nacho are jaguars in this book when they were panthers before. I'm glad that we get to read Francis Novak's story next but I really hope I don't have to read Dante calling him Frankie papi all the time. I don't like it.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,899 reviews
August 7, 2020
Yin and yang yep

Misha finally finds his mate and although it's not the best of circumstances and a couple of snafus later things start to come together. This is another good story in the wonderful world and the authors aren't finished yet. I am so looking forward to the next book.
2,393 reviews3 followers
August 9, 2020
Loved it!!

As always, Susi makes me laugh so hard. With the climate of this nation right now, laughter is needed. Loved Misha and Rory! They were perfect for each other. But I would really like to read Patrick's book...he is hilarious!! Love him!! Good book! Can't wait for Don's story. I got a feeling Dante is going to be a lot for him to handle, lol!!
Profile Image for Anera Shell.
177 reviews4 followers
August 8, 2020
Little longer than the others

Funnier with a great rescue plot. Ending sets up the last book. Not enough cameos but it's hard to fit them all in. Same loving families who love hard but kill when necessary. And the dumbest villains ever.
Profile Image for Li Taylor.
1,863 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2020
Love

I love The family Novak books and the series just gets better and better . I can’t wait to read the next one. From Team Alpha to this series each has been brilliant. Highly recommended
180 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2020
Please tell me the OMalley's get their own series!

I have enjoyed these books so much beginning back with the Alphabits. The characters are fun and the books bring back old 'friends' without being repetitive. I wonder if any of the kids will eventually get their own books
Profile Image for MezzoMom.
128 reviews
August 10, 2020
Another great story!

I have enjoyed every book in the Family Novak series. I think this story has to be my favorite! With some family rivalry and family ties, Misha and Rory find a way to make it all work for them.
252 reviews
August 10, 2020
O'Malley's and Novaks are too damn funny!

I enjoyed this book immensely. Rory is the perfect second in command and Misha is the perfect comic relief. I can't wait for Don Novak's book.
583 reviews
August 20, 2020
Two Ties

Rory's father had been kidnapped. He'd sent his brother out to track him and he came back with help, Misha his fated mate. I really like Rory's family a little crazy. I'm loving this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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