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Arizona #3
Ties That Bind
After graduating from Columbia, with plans to start a writing career in New York City, Arizona is called back to bayou country by tragic news. His youngest brother Douglas is dead. The circumstances are unthinkable, and Arizona is thrust into the struggles of a family he left behind.
While back in Louisiana, he’s also faced by his boyhood love, Preston Montclair, and Gaston Bondurant, Arizona’s secret, wealthy father whose growing public profile creates new problems for the two of them. Arizona could go back to New York, live the life he’d planned, and not have to worry about small town problems and small-minded people. But the ties that bind are strong and have him questioning where and who he’s supposed to be.
While back in Louisiana, he’s also faced by his boyhood love, Preston Montclair, and Gaston Bondurant, Arizona’s secret, wealthy father whose growing public profile creates new problems for the two of them. Arizona could go back to New York, live the life he’d planned, and not have to worry about small town problems and small-minded people. But the ties that bind are strong and have him questioning where and who he’s supposed to be.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2022
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Romeo Preminger
20 books40 followersRomeo Preminger has been called the master of the romantic thriller. He's the author of over a dozen books including the Southern Gothic ARIZONA series, the branded romantic thriller series GUILTY PLEASURES EDITIONS (each book is a standalone), some naughty shorts called STORYBOOK EDITIONS, and two erotic romance standalones.
Romeo lives on the East Coast with his husband. Beyond writing, some of his favorite jobs on his resume are a brief stint as a zookeeper, an even briefer stint as a hot dog vendor, and a more substantial career as a counselor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. For more about Romeo, visit: https://romeopreminger.com or connect with him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PremingerRomeo
Romeo lives on the East Coast with his husband. Beyond writing, some of his favorite jobs on his resume are a brief stint as a zookeeper, an even briefer stint as a hot dog vendor, and a more substantial career as a counselor and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. For more about Romeo, visit: https://romeopreminger.com or connect with him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PremingerRomeo
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 16, 2022
4.25 stars. It’s 1990, Arizona and his friends Jonathan and Ken are sharing an apartment in New York.
He wants to live the life he had in mind, to be a famous writer one day. Leaving Louisiana was hard but necessary for him to grow.
When you read the blurb, you could think it will be a final easy read working to an end, well, forget it.
Life isn’t easy for Arizona, never was and probably never will. At twenty-two, he’s been through enough already for a whole lifetime.
For the ones who didn’t read book one and two, the story gives us peeks into the past so we understand the picture. I recommend, for the full experience, to read them, certainly to get the whole heartbreaking picture.
After finally settling in the apartment Arizona gets a call, I can tell because it’s in the blurb already.
His youngest brother Douglas died, I was aware of the circumstances the boy lived in, and yes that nightmare came true. Dang, how hurtful. So he’s back home again.
Reconnecting with Preston is far from easy. The feelings are there, only making decisions is something completely different. Both have different opinions about outing their relationship.
Louisiana got narrow-minded people. New York is the opposite.
Throughout the story Arizona is very outspoken and consistent with his opinions, it was something I highly respected about him. Even where he made some lesser decisions.
I’m sorry to say the matters around Arizona’s Daddy, Virginia and certain things, couldn’t amuse me very much. I had enough of their fights.
I always get claustrophobic from manipulators taking advantage of others for their own win. At times I had my doubts about Arizona’s Daddy motivation.
Also, I was a bit disappointed by the course the story took around politics, it wasn’t something I liked about this story. As for where Arizona got back into a place and situation where he fought to get out of, a certain ‘friend’, dinners, parties, and more, the outcome was a bit predictable.
This last story was good, not as excellent as the first or second, still extraordinary. The circumstances of that certain time felt real, the hurt around AIDS was palpable, the homophobic community ditto, the author did a great job! Except for a few episodes in this last book, I enjoyed it all. It was quite a journey, I think we followed Arizona for about ten years.
It was a satisfying end, not with a big bang, at some point it all came together, even with a few open ends, it was at a good moment.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
He wants to live the life he had in mind, to be a famous writer one day. Leaving Louisiana was hard but necessary for him to grow.
When you read the blurb, you could think it will be a final easy read working to an end, well, forget it.
Life isn’t easy for Arizona, never was and probably never will. At twenty-two, he’s been through enough already for a whole lifetime.
For the ones who didn’t read book one and two, the story gives us peeks into the past so we understand the picture. I recommend, for the full experience, to read them, certainly to get the whole heartbreaking picture.
After finally settling in the apartment Arizona gets a call, I can tell because it’s in the blurb already.
His youngest brother Douglas died, I was aware of the circumstances the boy lived in, and yes that nightmare came true. Dang, how hurtful. So he’s back home again.
Reconnecting with Preston is far from easy. The feelings are there, only making decisions is something completely different. Both have different opinions about outing their relationship.
Louisiana got narrow-minded people. New York is the opposite.
Throughout the story Arizona is very outspoken and consistent with his opinions, it was something I highly respected about him. Even where he made some lesser decisions.
I’m sorry to say the matters around Arizona’s Daddy, Virginia and certain things, couldn’t amuse me very much. I had enough of their fights.
I always get claustrophobic from manipulators taking advantage of others for their own win. At times I had my doubts about Arizona’s Daddy motivation.
Also, I was a bit disappointed by the course the story took around politics, it wasn’t something I liked about this story. As for where Arizona got back into a place and situation where he fought to get out of, a certain ‘friend’, dinners, parties, and more, the outcome was a bit predictable.
This last story was good, not as excellent as the first or second, still extraordinary. The circumstances of that certain time felt real, the hurt around AIDS was palpable, the homophobic community ditto, the author did a great job! Except for a few episodes in this last book, I enjoyed it all. It was quite a journey, I think we followed Arizona for about ten years.
It was a satisfying end, not with a big bang, at some point it all came together, even with a few open ends, it was at a good moment.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
January 22, 2022
You make us endure his whole high school experience but skip college completely at the start of book 3. Ugh. AND he’s friends with Jonathan again. The betrayer from book 2. 🙄🙄
Arizona gets some tragic news. It wasn’t a surprise to me after reading book 2. The tragedy brings Arizona back to Louisiana.
The romance with Preston is rekindled. Jonathan makes Arizona feel bad about staying on. Big surprise. Arizona should have left Jonathan in the dust years ago.
Arizona’s personal life is super soap opera-y. You really have to suspend disbelief. A person he thought was out of his life for good, comes back and it’s quite the shock! No spoilers but WOW.
Arizona’s Daddy talks about people in Arizona’s life being bad influences but his Daddy is truly the worst influence imo. He gets better eventually but ugh 😑
This book meanders a bit. Some parts could have been sped up but by the end it’s a rush which makes no sense AND no epilogue like WTF. You spend a decade with Arizona’s life story but then no epilogue. I am bitterly disappointed tbh.
I’m not even sure how to rate this series. Was it an enjoyable read, sure, but the HFN ending left me thinking meh and ugh. This DEFINITELY should have had an epilogue. Did I make that clear? Lol 😆
Arizona gets some tragic news. It wasn’t a surprise to me after reading book 2. The tragedy brings Arizona back to Louisiana.
The romance with Preston is rekindled. Jonathan makes Arizona feel bad about staying on. Big surprise. Arizona should have left Jonathan in the dust years ago.
Arizona’s personal life is super soap opera-y. You really have to suspend disbelief. A person he thought was out of his life for good, comes back and it’s quite the shock! No spoilers but WOW.
Arizona’s Daddy talks about people in Arizona’s life being bad influences but his Daddy is truly the worst influence imo. He gets better eventually but ugh 😑
This book meanders a bit. Some parts could have been sped up but by the end it’s a rush which makes no sense AND no epilogue like WTF. You spend a decade with Arizona’s life story but then no epilogue. I am bitterly disappointed tbh.
I’m not even sure how to rate this series. Was it an enjoyable read, sure, but the HFN ending left me thinking meh and ugh. This DEFINITELY should have had an epilogue. Did I make that clear? Lol 😆
January 24, 2022
This was a really engaging series by Romeo Preminger. I truly enjoyed Arizona's journey, but if you're looking for some heavy steam, this will not be for you. I didn't miss it here; the storytelling, the setting and the characters kept me fully engrossed in his life's journey. There was romance, love and tender moments that filled my heart just the same.
There were quite a few ups and downs, which I fully expected. However, I thought there were too many things thrown into the mix in the way of obstacles. I won't go into detail of course because of spoilers. Regardless, I would still recommend this series. I really didn't how this would all end, there wasn't an easy or obvious path and I loved that. Arizona seemed to find his way in the end and for that I'm happy.
There were quite a few ups and downs, which I fully expected. However, I thought there were too many things thrown into the mix in the way of obstacles. I won't go into detail of course because of spoilers. Regardless, I would still recommend this series. I really didn't how this would all end, there wasn't an easy or obvious path and I loved that. Arizona seemed to find his way in the end and for that I'm happy.
February 15, 2022
Najsłabsza w całej serii , ale nie była zła.
November 15, 2023
This third part was mostly really interesting although some parts dragged on a bit. The person who unexpectedly came back was truly bizarre, I didn't see a purpose for it in this book (maybe it will mean more in the next books but still). I am still really enjoying seeing Arizona grow up further and getting a sense of lgbtq+ existence in the USA at that tumultuous time.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
February 6, 2022
Romeo Preminger wraps up his Arizona Series in the aptly titled Ties That Bind. If you've not read the first two books, you'll spend a good part of this one trying to figure out who all these people are, and in my opinion, the first book was the best of the trilogy, so I recommend starting at the beginning rather than trying to meander through this one as a standalone.
Arizona is still coming of age, though he's made through college now and is about to embark on the career he's always wanted. Of course, nothing's ever that simple or there would be no book, and Preminger takes us on a trip through what so many of us experience - balancing our own hopes and dreams against the reality of family expectations and needs.
In a style that could easily be dubbed Southern Gothic, or perhaps Dynasty on the Bayou, Arizona has one out-and-proud foot in New York and the other don't-ask-don't-tell foot in the almost Deliverance-esque undergrowth of Louisiana. As in Daddy's Boy, Preminger's language seems more fitting for the late fifties - early sixties, rather than 1990, but he does address the issues of the day with the AIDS crisis and rise of the religious right.
And, again, this isn't really a romance, although it does include a romantic relationship between Arizona and his childhood sweetheart and they do end up in a HEA. If you're looking for a hot romance, this book isn't that, was never intended to be that. It's more queer fiction that includes a love story.
Ties that Bind felt like it rambled a bit to me, but ultimately I enjoyed this conclusion to an entertaining series.
Arizona is still coming of age, though he's made through college now and is about to embark on the career he's always wanted. Of course, nothing's ever that simple or there would be no book, and Preminger takes us on a trip through what so many of us experience - balancing our own hopes and dreams against the reality of family expectations and needs.
In a style that could easily be dubbed Southern Gothic, or perhaps Dynasty on the Bayou, Arizona has one out-and-proud foot in New York and the other don't-ask-don't-tell foot in the almost Deliverance-esque undergrowth of Louisiana. As in Daddy's Boy, Preminger's language seems more fitting for the late fifties - early sixties, rather than 1990, but he does address the issues of the day with the AIDS crisis and rise of the religious right.
And, again, this isn't really a romance, although it does include a romantic relationship between Arizona and his childhood sweetheart and they do end up in a HEA. If you're looking for a hot romance, this book isn't that, was never intended to be that. It's more queer fiction that includes a love story.
Ties that Bind felt like it rambled a bit to me, but ultimately I enjoyed this conclusion to an entertaining series.
November 8, 2023
I want to say this book is a great continuation of the series and definitely worth reading and does deserve the 5 start review. However, there were a few things about this book which did annoy me. 1st of all we completely miss out his whole uni years in New York which is where his life experiences came from which were integral to the whole book. It didn’t make sense to start by missing this all out completely and was really annoying. The main thing for me was that apart from the last few pages there was no happiness in this whole book. It’s all about how everyone hate gay people and needing to hide but he has no choice but to stay. The Problem with that as well is he came across in this book more than others as so self centred that he wouldn’t have stayed and really would’ve been of to New York where he wanted to be. I am going to be reading the next book because I do want to see how things pan out but if the series am started out this way I’m book one I honestly can’t say I would’ve read book 2
November 12, 2023
I received an ARC copy of this thrid book in the Arizona series and promised to write an honest review
This book ia better than the second in the series in that three characters stand out as changed or stronger. Gus Fanning has reformed and is happuly taking care of his granddaughter. Preston has grwon stronger and is out and pround and accepts all of Arizona's mistakes. Gaston, the new Senator has become more caring and understanding of Arizona.
While I am not happy with Arizona's mistakes OR Arizona's lapses in moral character, they manage to come out OK. He is teaching, writing and committed to Preston, taking on the child Chase with Preston and thus taking on adulthood which he seems to fight against.
Another aspect of the book is his returning to his roots in Louisiana and taking on commitments to his family of origin and his birth family along with making a big commitment to teaching in center cit schools and to living modestly.
I look forward to the last two books in the series.
This book ia better than the second in the series in that three characters stand out as changed or stronger. Gus Fanning has reformed and is happuly taking care of his granddaughter. Preston has grwon stronger and is out and pround and accepts all of Arizona's mistakes. Gaston, the new Senator has become more caring and understanding of Arizona.
While I am not happy with Arizona's mistakes OR Arizona's lapses in moral character, they manage to come out OK. He is teaching, writing and committed to Preston, taking on the child Chase with Preston and thus taking on adulthood which he seems to fight against.
Another aspect of the book is his returning to his roots in Louisiana and taking on commitments to his family of origin and his birth family along with making a big commitment to teaching in center cit schools and to living modestly.
I look forward to the last two books in the series.
January 30, 2022
This was such a great series! I’m sad its over. There were so many ups and downs in this series and reading about Arizona’s life has been a whirlwind. I could not figure out how this series was going to end and it was so great to see just how Arizona’s story came to end. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but it was great to see him finally find his way. I really enjoyed this series and i would highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st person single POV (Arizona)
Standalone or series: Book 3 in The Arizona Series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
POV: 1st person single POV (Arizona)
Standalone or series: Book 3 in The Arizona Series
Would I recommend it: 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ highly recommend!! 🤩
Would I read it again: Most definitely!
November 10, 2023
This is book three in the Arizona series and from what I can tell was to be the conclusion but I’ve read this roughly Eighteen months after initial release and there is going to be at least two more books added to the series which I’m kind of glad about as I thought the end ing of this one was rushed and not all questions answered, I liked this book but not as much as books one or two after getting to know Arizona this book skips several years and you miss his College experience in New York which to me helped make him the person he was by then, it’s also has a bit to much politics and small mindedness for me which took away from the story a bit, would have been an okay ending to the series but I’m glad that more books has been added can’t wait to see what happened next in Arizona’s life.
February 20, 2022
3.5 - 4*
Again for the majority of the book, Arizona came across as very self-centered and his father just as bad. While his father was running for senator, everybody had to hide their true selves so he could be elected. Preston had to fall in with whatever stance Arizona decided was best at the time.
The redeeming quality was that Arizona did put his foot down quite a few times for family demands, but this was more towards Gus, Duke and Dolly.
The author saved the day towards the end and kudos to him for keeping my attention.
This is the third book in the trilogy and must be read in order.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary review.
Again for the majority of the book, Arizona came across as very self-centered and his father just as bad. While his father was running for senator, everybody had to hide their true selves so he could be elected. Preston had to fall in with whatever stance Arizona decided was best at the time.
The redeeming quality was that Arizona did put his foot down quite a few times for family demands, but this was more towards Gus, Duke and Dolly.
The author saved the day towards the end and kudos to him for keeping my attention.
This is the third book in the trilogy and must be read in order.
I received a copy from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary review.
February 21, 2022
Despite all his efforts (and seeming success) in leaving Louisiana behind, Arizona must return home after the death of his brother. There he gets a second chance with Preston that finally works out for them, but the road is still a long, hard and sometimes bitter one. Anyone who lived through these times will feel a bit sick because the author has done such an effective job of presenting the homophobia, fears about AIDS leading to horrible actions and beliefs and the politics of the time. This last book in the series may be my favorite, just for the way the author captured the time and put the characters we've come to know into it.
February 17, 2022
I’ve been reading this series from the beginning and I feel the first book was the best. I think you have to read this series in order to follow Arizona’s lifeline. I think there was a lot of extra to get where Press and Arizona make their decisions. I also really liked most of his relationships and how they are described. My biggest complaint is I feel there is much left unanswered. The ending just didn’t feel like one. I was almost like at a point in the story the author just decided to hurry and end. I really was enjoying this series but feel let down at the end.
March 7, 2022
This was a fitting end to a sweeping Southern saga! We saw Arizona grow from a shy, abused close to abandoned boy to a firebrand big city activist. This last book brings him full circle. The tragic loss of a family member drags him back to Louisana and the quirks of fate keep him there. There are the pearl-clutching twists and turns that I have come to expect. I was on the edge of my seat and ready to throw my Kindle at a wall with frustration but there were no threads left and the final end made me very happy!
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February 5, 2022The conclusion of Arizona's story is just as bittersweet as the beginning but he gets his happily ever after at the end. Ties That Bind starts after Arizona has finished college and he's living in New York with his friends. Arizona gets devastating news just as he starts his new job. He's home and has to deal with his past and his future. The book is very emotional, sweet, some angst, romantic and Arizona get to make some difficult decisions along the way.
February 19, 2022
I absolutely loved this emotional rollercoaster conclusion to Arizona's story!
As with the first two books in this series,which I highly recommend reading in order,I was hooked straight from the beginning.With ups and downs a plenty on the way,I was more than happy with the ending of this brilliant story.
I don't want to say too much about this as I don't want to spoil this story for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
As with the first two books in this series,which I highly recommend reading in order,I was hooked straight from the beginning.With ups and downs a plenty on the way,I was more than happy with the ending of this brilliant story.
I don't want to say too much about this as I don't want to spoil this story for anyone.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
February 20, 2022
MM, YA, Historical (90's) Suspense, Romance. Easy to read page-turner with some great characters, needs to be read in series order for full understanding and maximum enjoyment. Covers some dark themes and it a tear jerker, I was constantly thinking surely nothing else can happen please let him have some happiness. Plot twists that I just didn't see coming but thoroughly enjoyed reading. A long awaited HEA.
November 17, 2023
Arizona ❤️
3 Stars ⭐️
A solid end to this coming of age story that follows the life of Arizona. Even though they ending was satisfying after all that he had gone through, I can not say that my romantic heart wasn't disappointed in the lack of relationship emphasis to end it all out. I would recommend especially for readers of the first to books, it truly was a satisfying close to Arizona's story.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is open and honest review *
3 Stars ⭐️
A solid end to this coming of age story that follows the life of Arizona. Even though they ending was satisfying after all that he had gone through, I can not say that my romantic heart wasn't disappointed in the lack of relationship emphasis to end it all out. I would recommend especially for readers of the first to books, it truly was a satisfying close to Arizona's story.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is open and honest review *
November 16, 2023
Being the third book in this series, I have become quite comfortable with the characters and this book continues this story deeper with them and I loved this. Sometimes it seems like you get one foot lifted up and the other one.....yeah. This seems to be part of the main character's life and charm. Read this series, it is fantastic!
November 16, 2023
His plans to be a writer is about to be put on the back burner when he gets called home after his younger brother dies. It is not going to be an easy journey as he will meet someone for him but life is not going to be easy. He needs to make some decisions about what he is going to do. What will he do? How will he get on? Can he have the best all both worlds? See how he will get on
February 12, 2022
This book was the final in the series and although I liked it better than the first two books it just ended with no real resolution. I been on this journey with Arizona that was filled with interesting scenarios but it goes nowhere. Wanted to love it but needs a short follow up at least
February 20, 2022
I wanted to love this series after falling for the first book but I was just so unimpressed with the rest of them. It sucks because I loved Arizona from the very beginning but we could have condensed the series into two books, if not just one.
February 21, 2022
RTC but I quite enjoyed this one, it closed out the series very nicely. I just thought that it had too much dramatic moments for my personal taste, as I just don’t prefer a lot of drama in books.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
November 15, 2023
The UPS & DOWNS of life have got poor Arizona by the belt loops. Book three in this series has Arizona fresh from college with a new set of heartbreaks and trials of love & loyalty.
October 28, 2023
The power and pull of home, no matter where we are, resonates as the theme of this outstanding book. After reading the earlier two books I feel like Arizona and I are family, or at least close friends. It is hard to write this review with spoiling much of the book, but like life, Arizona seems to not be able to catch a break as just as he is graduating and starting new life, he receives tragic news about a family member. Thus, he is thrust back home to Louisiana and a life he is trying to overcome. Fortntaly his childhood love Preston is there so not all is bad, but he still have relationship with his secret daddy, Gaston. Even thought I had not clue what might happened, the ending was satisfying and appropriate. I can't recommend this series enough. One of the best. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
November 20, 2023
I'm not sure I would have picked up this book after reading it. I was disappointed in where the plot took us. I may not continue the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews