Dark Ties

Made Men #9

by Jamie Begley, Sarah Brianne

Dark ties cannot be broken when you’ve sold your soul for money over the ones you love…
For the first time, USA Today bestselling mother & daughter writing duo, Jamie Begley & Sarah Brianne, have collaborated to give you Dark Ties. An interweaved duet that holds two sexy stories with the hottest of billionaire alphas.
Desmond Beck and Dante Caruso know the cost their infinite wealth gained when they spilled innocent blood. Desmond lost a love that never was while Dante lost a wife he cherished. Each man ruthlessly vows to never let another woman into their dark lives again. When two women become entangled in their deadly web, they’re forced to unravel the dark ties that keeps them chained to the past. The question Will the lure of money and power win again?
Each character in this brand-new dark and delicious duet lives in their previously written worlds, so you’ll be reconnected with your favorite crime lord characters and get to meet some exciting new ones along the way.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark

530 pages, Paperback

First published December 18, 2021

About the author

Jamie Begley is not your average Kentucky girl, and while she does like to cook her southern meals, this down-home momma prefers living in her biker and alien worlds!

Want updates on new book releases? Sign up for her newsletter at JamieBegley.net or follow her on Facebook if you want to chat. Happy reading!

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Jamie Begley Reading Order:
1. Soul of a Man (The Dark Souls)
2. Soul of a Woman (The Dark Souls)
3. Soul of a Demon (The Dark Souls)
4. Razer's Ride (The Last Riders) 
5. Viper's Run (The Last Riders) 
6. Knox's Stand (The Last Riders) 
7. Sex Piston (Biker Bitches) 
8. Teased (The VIP Room) 
9. Tainted (The VIP Room) 
10. Shade's Fall (The Last Riders) 
11. King (The VIP Room)
12. Cash's Fight (The Last Riders)
13. Fat Louise (Biker Bitches)
14. Riot (Predators MC) 
15. Shade (The Last Riders)
16. Stand Off (Predators MC)
17. Lucky's Choice (The Last Riders)
18. Keeping What's His: Tate (Porter Brothers Trilogy)
19. Merry Blissmas (Biker Bitches)
20. Hostage (Predators MC)
21. Winter's Touch (The Last Riders)
22. Train's Clash (The Last Riders, Biker Bitches)
23. Standing His Ground: Greer (Porter Brother's Trilogy)
24. Crazy B!tch (Biker Bitches)
25. Rider's Revenge (The Last Riders)
26. Stalked (Predators MC)
27. Claiming the Enemy: Dustin (Porter Brothers Trilogy)
28. T.A. (Biker Bitches)
29. Dangerous Love
30. Gavin’s Song (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)
31. Ho Ho Hennessy
32. Reaper’s Wrath (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)
33. Reaper’s Salvation (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)
34. Dark Ties: Desmond
35. Jewell (Biker Bitches)
36. Firewalker (The Colemans' Legacy)
37. Desired by Doom (The Last Riders, Ohio Chapter)
38. A Treepoint Christmas
39. Moon’s Promise (The Last Riders)

Reviews

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

i’m really disappointed in both authors .. i used to read their books in one sitting staying up until the early hours to finish .. this time took me 5 days to finish ..

i didn’t rate sarah’s last two books but felt invested in the mafia world .. plus kindle unlimited.
i just feel that her storylines are so quick and disconnect nowadays, somewhat jumpy as-well. as i’m invested i want to know who’s one shot is , maybe who sal ends up with .. but but at this point i won’t be reading anymore of her books i’ll just look here for spoilers

as for Desmond’s story i also felt it was quick and almost predictable .. maybe i’m not as good at keeping up with characters but felt like there was so many randoms dropped into an already character heavy series .. i wasn’t a fan of Gavins last book and how he got Ginny back with the plot/theme being carried over to this book didn’t appeal to me .. again the next book in a biker bitch one might give it a miss … think i’ve personality outgrown Jamie’s writing style as at one point they were my favourite books reread shade more times than i can count but i won’t reread this or Gavins last book..

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah 3.5 - Jamie 4.5 = 4☆
"On generous side as Jamie Begley is a favorite"

Dante by Sarah 3.5 ☆

Dante the mafia boss and Nadia. This book felt like it was missing something. I just didn't feel the romance. I really expected more out of the "big bad mafia boss". It fell flat. Definently felt rushed towards the end. We were left wondering if One Shot was ever dealt with.

Desmond by Jamie 4.5 ☆

Ok Desmond is a devious man. Behind all his charm he plays people like a fiddle. Hayley is pretty much a recluse, however she is one smart cookie.

He starts out using her however he ends up falling in love. I was happy that Hayley stood up for herself with her evel Uncle, her whole family was loony except the Aunt that died.

I was bummed that neither book had an Epilogue. One thing I did really enjoy was the friendship between Hayley and Nadia.

In the future I would like to read the Author's separate.

[Julia's Book Haven · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars*

Rating is only for Desmond, might come back and read the other one later.

[Zubee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Emma]

Part 1 (Dante and Nadia book) by Sarah 4⭐️
Short review.

Loved being back in this world. Loved seeing Amo and seeing how Leo is doing after the incident. (Sarah really needs to write there books).

Love Dante but he wasn’t as dark as I remember him to be. It wasn’t the end of the world but I expected him to be a bit meaner lol. Other than that I really love him.

His and Nadia relationship was hilarious, I loved them together. Loved… how she came out of her shell. Such a shame they only got half a book. Would of loved a full novel on them.

Part 2 (Desmond and Hayley book) by Jamie
No rating

Stopped reading half way. Very flat. Nothing grabbed my attention. Long winded for a short story. I though it was meant to be mafia and mc romance but tbh it wasn’t. Tbh both of them didn’t have much.

I definitely prefer Sarah part. I’m a big fan and love her books but this collaboration doing do it for me.

[Purplepeaches · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a waste of time. Dante was such a minor character in the other book that I could care less if he ever found love. Instead, I would have preferred to read about Matthias's struggle.
The Desmond story was worse. The guy and girl hate each other but then simultaneously end up in love after having sex ONCE.
both stories added nothing to the main series that we didn't already know or cared for.

[Debbie Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

Worth reading to fill in a few gaps in Ginny and Gavin's story
It was nice reading mother and daughter together
Sarah's book had some good parts some funny parts but I felt it lacked something she has written better... Still worthwhile reading

[hopelesslyinlovewith_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved both stories in this book. I haven’t read Sarah Brianne’s Made Men series yet but this book made me want to. The first story is the Made Men book 9 and it mingles together with Jamie Begley’s story about Desmond from her reading order world which is the second story here. I loved that. My first book of 2022 and I’m off to a great start!

[Books With]

Dante… I’ve been waiting for you!

Jamie and Sarah! 💣 🔥

[Sandra reads · Rating 1 out of 5]

not the best of books

I am so disappointed in this book I have every single book but this was the biggest let down , 1 st having her daughters book with this book her daughters book is not any good , and Jamie’s book is like it was a rushes slapped together version of a book

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only read the first story. Dante and Nadia didn’t work because there was no character development for them. Scenes need to be better edited. Work on show not tell. 😢

[Danny Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

only read it for the Jaime Begley part, but I can't even remember what I read 🤷

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge Jamie fan but I have never read a book by Sarah. Saying that there was some disappointment and some excitement. Sadly Desmond just pissed me off. He basically used Haley through 90% of their story. The only thing that made that bearable was the fact that Haley was no stupid heroin who believed everything she was told. I loved how she called Desmond out on all of his bullshit and never read him wrong. The fact that he used her instead of just being honest made me mad that she gave into him. The fact that he was 48 yrs old and had literally been pining for a woman who didn't even realize he had feelings for her for 31 yrs baffles me. All of the talk about the island and Desmonds hunt for the villagers was a snooze fest and I have never got this from one of her books.
Now for Dante he was also pining for his late wife and vowed to never move on. Although he didn't count on Nadia invading his mind. The fact that he was jealous of Amo, who is a young kid, made him realize that his feelings were more than he expected. I enjoyed this part of the book, which made me wish that I had read the Made Men series. The one thing that just didn't ring true was how Dante just gave up everything to be with Nadia.
My question though is why is this 2 books in one. There is no connection except the friendship between Haley and Nadia. So I don't understand why it was tied together. I know in the Last Riders series that they are tied as a MC group and so on and one story carries into the next but this really didn't have the connection to be just 1 book.
I may be going out on a limb but for some reason I get the feeling considering Jules is the next book coming out that Rhone is for her since he was a new mention in this book. Could be wrong but I guess we will see.

[Thea™]

Note to self: kijk eerst nog ff bij de reviews vóórdat je dit boek gaat lezen! 😏

[M Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Test

[Yue · Rating 1 out of 5]

Note: I’m only talking about Brianne’s book in this review.

Honestly, the book was horrible. One, Dante is the lamest mafia boss ever. What type of boss needs his son’s teenage best friend to be his bodyguard? He can’t hire any grown thugs to shield him? Two, I was forced to read yet another story by this author that consisted of pages and pages dedicated to eating food and talking over lunch. When will she add more depth and nuance to her characters’ conversations? When will there be a much needed improvement in plot and dialogue? And, of course, the book ends with a wedding, the only plot device she seems capable of inventing, at this point.

Why must every storyline she conjures involve a wedding and/or a pregnancy? Quite frankly, I’m running out of patience with this author and this series.

Chloe and Lucca got engaged in book 4 and we’ve yet to see a wedding between them, but, since then, Drago and Kat have gotten married, Maria and Dominic have gotten married, Maria’s gotten pregnant, and Dante’s gotten remarried? Wtf? I’m done after Lucca 2. Seriously, I’ll be reading just for my #Chlucca wedding and that’s it.

Also, she promised to resolve the controversy surrounding One-Shot but we’re about to be on Book 10 and there’s still no resolution, meanwhile, we’ve waited six books for answers. We know virtually nothing about Lucca—we don’t know his background/backstory, we don’t see him as a young boy growing into a man like we did Dominic, we don’t learn what he did to become a Made Man at 17, we don’t see him with the football team even though we were told he used to play football back in book 1, we don’t see him bond with his siblings, even though we’ve been told him and Maria are close, Leo looks up to him and wants to be just like Lucca one day, and he’s protective of Nero, as shown when he threatened Elle in the hospital in book 1 for refusing to see him. And we don’t see him have any meaningful interactions with Sal, his supposed best friend.

We barely see him do anything but smoke cigarettes (or play with his Zippo and pile of ash), meddle around in other characters’ business, make light threats he doesn’t deliver on, and cook for Chloe—is he still the greatest threat the mafia has ever seen???? What exactly is so scary about him, because I’m not seeing it!

Even more frustrating and annoying, readers don’t get to see glimpses of Chloe pre-trauma, they’re deprived of scenes of her from the past, even after it was said in her book that she was besties with Cassandra for over 10 years, back when she was outgoing and sociable.

Even more incredulous and impossible to believe, we don’t see any fallout for Lucca murdering her parents when she’s literally the mayor’s daughter—this should have been breaking news, especially considering the fact that she’s now an orphan??? We don’t hear about her parents’ will or estate and learn what they left for Chloe—and they’d definitely have one, considering their status. We don’t even know who’s mayor of Kansis City now—has there been another election? Wouldn’t Chloe be obligated to attend? Wouldn’t there have been a public funeral for her father, considering that the death/murder of a mayor is a big deal???

We don’t hear about Chloe’s old housekeeper, Lana—what happened to her? We don’t see Chloe being discussed on the news or in the newspapers when her story definitely would be—hello, the world thinks she’s been in a life-changing car accident that made headlines and left her facially disfigured with permanent scars and now her parents die and you don’t think readers are going to expect news vans following her around, reporting on the fact that tragedy seems to follow the “Scarred Beauty around?

Chloe has suffered literally multiple forms of trauma: physical, psychological, and emotional. The girl has literally been tortured by knife, stabbed in multiple parts of her body, kidnapped multiple times (once by Lucifer, once by Lucca, and again by Lucifer), plus survived a second kidnapping attempt by Lucifer during Vincent’s book and has been physically abused and thrown to the floor and hit by her father (and forced to come to school with bruises on her eyes, hidden under makeup) and emotionally abused and neglected by her mother, in addition to being severely bullied and tormented at school for over three and a half years, living with the constant fear and threat of violence, facing intimidation and harassment by her very own lifelong ex-best friend, and then she falls in love/gets Stockholm syndrome as the result of being kidnapped by Lucca, a guy who literally is as violent as the people who have harmed her (although he has never harmed her) and likes to carve people up with knives, you know, the very same weapon that was used to repeatedly traumatize, brand, and mark her, yet we’re supposed to believe she’s able to survive this torrent of abuse and violence or even become a mafia queen without ever having an inkling of therapy or suffering some sort of breakdown as a result of her many traumas? It’s so unrealistic.

Chloe needs a goddamn therapist for her obvious PTSD, self-harm tendencies (digging her fingernails into her palms until they draw blood as a nervous/anxious habit), fear of touch, and other phobias, and I think the author is wrong for making it seem as though Lucca’s love is powerful enough to erase all the damage and victimization she has suffered and experienced.

Trauma and pain cannot be undone so easily and I think the author’s decision not to show Chloe going to a trauma therapist or getting a psychiatrist, in addition to a psychologist, was just not realistic.

The girl’s been shot at multiple times now (in Dante’s casino apartment, at the mall, and in Dante’s mansion), kidnapped multiple times, abused for over four years, brought back to the original setting/scene of her trauma (which should have re-traumatized her), and been told that the monster who inflicted her with scars and brutalized her so badly, Lucifer, wanted to keep her—the dude that originally wanted to kill her changed his mind after seeing that Lucca wanted her and instead wanted to keep her as his pet himself—and what would that have entailed? The rape of Chloe, I presume? Would he have forced her to be his wife? As if she hasn’t already undergone nearly every type of victimization and abuse possible! Why add the creepy sexual component? There’s enough deviance in this book series!

Ugh, I need this series to end already. I need Chloe to get her happy ending, that’s literally all I care about, at this point. Nobody deserves a happily-ever-after than her. Nobody has suffered more than her. For the love of god, please let the author finally resolve so many of these questions readers have been waiting to be answered and then end this series already, it’s dragged on for far enough. Oh, and after Chloe and Lucca’s wedding, no more weddings! Please, for the love of God! It’s getting tiresome!

[patrycjas.books · Rating 2 out of 5]

𝐌𝐑𝐎𝐂𝐙𝐍𝐄 𝐖𝐈𝐄𝐙𝐘 | 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘆 & 𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲

★★,5

Sięgając po „Mroczne więzy” liczyłam i spodziewałam się naprawdę dobrej i przyjemnej historii. Chciałam przeczytać dobry romans mafijny, a to, że książka została napisana przez dwie autorki tym bardziej mnie zaciekawiło.

No cóż… trochę się zawiodłam. Bardzo dawno nie męczyłam się tak mocno na żadnej książce.

Zacznijmy od tego, że książka „Mroczne więzy” to dwie książki opowiadające o dwóch przyjaciółkach, które idą na spotkania z wysoko postawionymi mężczyznami. Pierwsza część książki opowiada o losach Dante i Nadii, jest to jednoczenie dziewiąty tom serii „Made man”, natomiast druga połowa książki jest o Desmondzie i Haley.

Zaczynając książkę byłam zaciekawiona rozwojem akcji i tego w jaki sposób potoczy się fabuła. Pierwszą część pochłonęłam niemal w jeden wieczór. Od razu po skończeniu czytania byłam nieco zmieszana, ale nawet zadowolona. Dopiero po jakimś czasie od przeczytania przemyślałam pewne wątki i zrozumiałam, że czegoś mi brakowało.

Spotkanie Dantego i Nadii i było trochę dziwne moim zdaniem; nie wiedziałam jak miałam to odebrać. Sam fakt, że akcja książki zaczęła rozwijać w ekspresowym tempie nieco mnie zniechęciła. Fakt, rozumiem co za tym szło, jednak mimo wszystko uważam, że można było to bardziej opisać i poczekać trochę z rozwinięciem akcji książki.

Książka sama w sobie jest nudna, jedynymi nawet ciekawymi momentami był mały zwrot akcji na początku książki oraz plot twist pod koniec. No właśnie… ten większy plot twist. Zgodzę się, że był niespodziewany byłam w dużym szoku czytając ten moment, jednak czegoś mi w nim brakowało, możliwe, że głębszego wytłumaczenia, pokazania sytuacji.

Mimo to, uważam iż zamysł na historię jest naprawdę fajny i ciekawy. Schody pojawiają się przy realizacji tego pomysłu… Moim zdaniem zostało to niedokładnie wytłumaczone i mogło zostać bardziej opisane.

Drugim plusem jest aura tajemniczości jaką szczyci się główny bohater, Dante. Sprawia to, że chcemy wiedzieć o nim więcej; zagłębić się w jego głowie i poznać jego myśli. Poznać powód dlaczego jest takim, jakim jest. Gdyby autorka to lepiej wytłumaczyła to byłoby cudownie, jednak tak się nie stało.

Bardzo spodobała mi się relacja Nadii z Leo, jest to coś innego; fajnego. Nie będę nic więcej zdradzać bo byłby to spoiler, ale powiem wam, że nie brakowało bólu…

Książka o Dantem i Nadii była okej, ale raczej bez szału.

Książka o Haley i Dosmondzie… cóż, przyznam się, że nie byłam w stanie dokończyć i historii. Po ponad połowie książki wciąż nie potrafiłam się wciągnąć w historię. Od początku nie siedziała mi ta książka. Nie potrafiłam się zachęcić do czytania.

Czytanie tej książki bardzo mnie wymęczyło i w pewnym momencie czułam, że jestem bliska wpadnięcia w zastój czytelniczy.

[za egzemplarz dziękuję @niezwyklezagraniczne 🖤]
Niestety nie polecam.
Miłego dnia! 🤍

[agareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

„Miłość potrafi ujawnić ukrytą szpetotę, odsłaniając potwora, który swobodnie przechadza się między ludźmi”

Zdecydowałam się sięgnąć po „Mroczne więzy”, ponieważ nigdy wcześniej nie czytałam nic od żadnej z autorek. Książka zawiera w sobie dwie historie opisujące losy Nadii i Haley. To przyjaciółki, a także właścicielki fundacji, dla której starają się pozyskać pieniądze.

W pierwszej historii poznajemy Nadię. Kobieta musi ugadać sporo starszego mężczyznę, aby zdecydował się zaangażować w działalność charytatywną. Niespodziewanie zostaje wciągnięta w sytuację, która nie ma wyjścia. Musi spędzić z mężczyzną trochę czasu na prywatnym jachcie. To przyczynia się do ich zbliżenia. Choć Dante jest sporo starszy, coś w sobie ma.

W drugim tomie poznajemy bliżej Haley, która w tym samym czasie idzie na rozmowę z innym milionerem. Niestety mężczyzna nie wydaje jej się miły. Nawet nie ma ochoty z nim rozmawiać. Może ze względu na jej nieśmiałość, Hailey nigdy nie była pewną siebie kobietą. Kochała liczby i spędzanie całego dnia przy obliczaniu wyników było dla niej pracą marzeń. Desmond zaproponował Haley stanowisko w swojej firmie. Jej nazwisko było tak znane, że w przyszłości zamierzał je wykorzystać.

Pierwsza historia pokazała mi, że warto jest być kobietą, która nie boi się powiedzieć tego, co myśli. Nadia niejednokrotnie zaskoczyła Dantego. Pokazała mu, ze nie działa tak samo na wszystkie kobiety i nie będzie jedną z tych, która od razu zagości w jego łóżku. Nie ukrywam, że relacja miedzy tymi bohaterami została napisana w ciekawy sposób. Muszę przyznać, że jednak podobałaby mi się bardziej, gdyby książka liczyła sobie więcej stron. Mam wrażenie, ze główni bohaterowie byli świetnie dobrani. Nie ma nic lepszego niż silna kobieta, stająca u boku wpływowego mężczyzny.

Drugi tom miał w sobie wiele tajemnic. Desmond zdecydował się zatrudnić Haley ze względu na jej nazwisko. Doskonale wiedział, że kobieta jest członkiem wpływowej rodziny, i nawet jeśli nie miała z nią kontaktu, może mu się w przyszłości przydać. Haley była kobietą, którą od razu polubiłam. Jej mądrość wywarła na mnie spore wrażenie. Od początku widać, że miała swoje zasady, których nie lubiła łamać. Choć Desmond myślał, że uda mu się ją przechytrzyć, ona pokazała, że nie jest plastikową lalką a wartościową kobietą.

Jeśli mam być szczera to nie jestem w stanie stwierdzić, która historia podobała mi się bardziej. Obie coś w sobie miały i po przeczytaniu zrozumiałam, że umieszczenie ich w jednej książce naprawdę miało sens.

„Bóg okazuje gniew w formie grzmotów, ale człowieka mogą dotknąć dopiero łzy aniołów krążących cichutko wokół niego”

[CrazyGal609 · Rating 5 out of 5]

2 books, 2 different series that have nothing to do with each other except that Nadia & Haley are BFFs!! OH, and Desmond “puppy-kidnapping” Nadia’s puppy from Dante was fantastic😆🐾

Okay, so Dante & Nadia’s story has NOTHING to do with Desmond & Haley’s story or the MC!!!! (in case like me you’re reading Jamie Begley MC series with The Last Riders, Biker B¡tches, Predators MC, Porter Brothers Trilogy & The Colemans' Legacy -which Alllll crossover with their stories) ⭐️BUT don’t skip Desmond & Haley’s story if you’re reading the MC series!!!!!

LoVeD D&N, and the brief pop in by his kids, prob will read their Mafia series, I liked it that much ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Enjoyed D&H, answered questions from Gavin/Reapers books and about Ginny/Evangeline ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I quite like Nadia : “Bulletproof glass was like airplanes—it was something you couldn’t explain how it would even f*cking work and only had one explanation. Witchcraft.”😆
His kids have quite the nicknames: The Boogieman (His oldest, Lucca) & Psychotic Princess (Maria, his second oldest), Nero, and Lovely Leo + His Soldier Amo❣️

teetotaler 🙃
Haley to Desmond: “Do it again and see what happens.” Pinch him girly, pinch him HaRd!!!

WTF… there’s quite a bit that’s different/wrong about Gabriel in this book than in the previous one(s) 🙄😮‍💨🫤 Also Soleil (Ginny’s mum) was found alive, burned, brain dead, and shot… not dead and neck snapped…. Bad editing!!!
BUT 🤯🤯🤯 with Desmond’s involvement since the beginning!!!

A new/old “wise old saying” … “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”🐉


🤭There appears be a proper multi-series order…oopsie🙃
Oh well, I’m enjoying it💋

Jamie Begley Reading Order:
1. Soul of a Man (The Dark Souls)
2. Soul of a Woman (The Dark Souls)
3. Soul of a Demon (The Dark Souls)
4. Razer's Ride (The Last Riders)
5. Viper's Run (The Last Riders)
6. Knox's Stand (The Last Riders)
7. Sex Piston (Biker Bitches)
8. Teased (The VIP Room)
9. Tainted (The VIP Room)
10. Shade's Fall (The Last Riders)
11. King (The VIP Room)
12. Cash's Fight (The Last Riders)
13. Fat Louise (Biker Bitches)
14. Riot (Predators MC)
15. Shade (The Last Riders)
16. Stand Off (Predators MC)
17. 🍀Lucky's Choice (The Last Riders)
18. Keeping What's His: Tate (Porter Brothers Trilogy)
19. Merry Blissmas (Biker Bitches)
20. Hostage (Predators MC)
21. Winter's Touch (The Last Riders)
22. Train's Clash (The Last Riders, Biker Bitches)
23. Standing His Ground: Greer (Porter Brother's Trilogy)
24. 💋Crazy B!tch (Biker Bitches)
25. Rider's Revenge (The Last Riders)
26. Stalked (Predators MC)
27. Claiming the Enemy: Dustin (Porter Brothers Trilogy)
28. T.A. (Biker Bitches)
29. Dangerous Love
30. Gavin’s Song (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)
31. Ho Ho Hennessy
32. Reaper’s Wrath (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)
33. Reaper’s Salvation (Road to Salvation: A Last Rider's Trilogy)
34. Dark Ties: Desmond✅✅
35. Jewell (Biker Bitches)
36. Firewalker (The Colemans' Legacy)
37. Desired by Doom (The Last Riders, Ohio Chapter)
38. 🎄A Treepoint Christmas
39. Moon’s Promise (The Last Riders)
40. ? SPIRITWARRIOR (The Colemans' Legacy)

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Dante's story by Sarah Brianne, but I couldn't get into Desmond Beck's story by Jamie Begley. Haley worked for him for THREE years and it took that long to enact his revenge plot?? Plus, 3 years later and he still had no interest in her until after having dinner with her. It just annoyed me that he was considering doing away with her after working with her for 3 years, then when she was helping him, he only then started liking her and a few weeks later, he decided he was in love with Haley?? And she didn't really have feelings for him until towards the end, either. Now, if she had just started working with him for a few months, I could believe that. But Desmond and Haley really didn't have any chemistry like Dante and Nadia did. Plus, I enjoyed Amo and Leo in the story (can't wait until they eventually get their own stories!).

Also, another thing that bugged me was Haley taking puff after puff after puff of her inhaler at a party that apparently lasted a few hours. First of all, there was no mention of wheezing or breathing difficulty, just that she was getting anxious. OK, that's fine. But unless she is going through an asthma attack, she should only be using that inhaler once in a 4 hour period. It's a small issue, but please check medical facts first. If Haley kept using that inhaler like she did at the party, she'd be bouncing the walls with all that albuterol!

Anyway, overall it was a good book. I did enjoy Dante's story. He became more interesting and fleshed out in this story. And, though Desmond needed a strong boot to the head, I would recommend reading this book.

[Carmen Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stories from great authors❤

I was so eager to read Sarah's book on Dante, in her other books he was a cold person, it was great to see him in another view, as well we get to see more of Amo and sweet Leo. His down fall comes in the name of Nadia she will do or ask any one for her charity to help young teenagers and she has to ask for Dante for help, but is put in a place she doesn't want to because of one shot, on a yacht with Dante and Amo, Leo. There is so many funny times and you see Leo and Amo funny too, but the ending is so great with all Dante's family, loved this story thanks Sarah❤

Now on to Jamie's book on Desmonds story that has Nadia's best friend Haley having to ask for help with the same charity, but Haley does not want to she is kinda shy and not a people person. She has to ask anyway so she Desmond for the help but he has a better deal if she works for him too ,she is amazing accountant so three years later, she gets to know
Desmond little bit and he gets to know her too. Haley is a surprise to me with how she tell when Desmond is not tell the truth, I loved it. Now Desmond needs her help this time and it has to deal with her parents that was abuse to her in her life, so she knows it is to help Desmond find something important, she helps him but they have some great augments, so along the way they find each other, as well change each other, I loved
seeing the Predators giving him advice about how to get Haley, so funny, oh Jamie I love you so much for a wonderful story thank you❤

[SJ Meares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dante's story is better

3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed the first half of dark ties by Sarah Brianne, Dante's story. The storyline was clear and the emotions were believable. The only exception to that is I felt his sudden change in behavior could have been a little more subtle or not so drastic by the end. I did enjoy the ending however, and really the story as a whole. Dante and Nadia really compliment each other. They just work! I don't really have any complaints and enjoyed getting to see the other characters from the series, although I did miss seeing the ladies or how Dante's kids reacted to Dante and Nadia and everything that followed.

On the other hand, Desmond and Haley's story was....confusing. The overall plot felt all over the place despite the main goal being clear. The details made it feel convoluted and I never fully understood what exactly Gabriel had done or how a whole population could be moved or why. I didn't get the point of those islands other than getting major Epstien vibes. Was that the idea? I wasn't sure. Desmond's character seemed complex yet the execution felt... watered down. Then Haley was described as anxious and weak but suddenly is totally comfortable with what's happening? Was Desmond actually the kingpin of Queens City? It didn't seem like it and the ending didn't really hint at how that was accepted by Haley.

It's definitely worth the read, particularly "Dante" for the Made Men series storyline. I hope Amo, Leo, and Matthias get their own story and I can't wait to see what happens with One-Shot!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dante.
I really enjoyed this book. It was nap nice read and great to catch up wi5h characters. However I wish it had been longer or that the storyline had been laid out differently. I found the majority of the book was focused on other things and not the couple. Dante was focused on family issues (possibly future book/character development) and then the ending came in too quickly.
Desmond.
Also really loved this book. It’s always nice to see storylines from a different viewpoint and to get some background on side characters. This was a bit similar to me however. I had maybe 30 pages left and I thought, too much still has to happen before it ends. I still like how it was all wrapped up but I wish there had been a bit more of it.

This was my favourite laugh out loud moment though….
The puppy, grateful for being release, began licking Nadia’s chin.
“He’s a girl.”
“You’re giving her to me?”
“If you give me Haley’s address.”
Her eyes turned into slits.
“Dante!” Nadia screamed.
Alarmed at the explosion of sound that Nadia screeched, Desmond tried to calm her.
“There’s no need to call Dante.”
“Help, Dante!”
Desmond took one look at the men coming out the door, Dante among them, and decided to never take Ice’s advice again.
Getting back into the car, he drove away, leaving the group outside eating his dust. He thought the bastard had retired. What did he interrupt, a fucking family reunion?

[thehotmesslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Ties is an interwoven duet by mother and daughter duo Jamie Begley and Sarah Brianne. The book tells two different stories, one of Dante Caruso and Desmond Beck.

Dante Caruso’s story can be seen as book 9 in the Made Men series and focuses on Dante Caruso (father of Lucca, Nero, Maria and Leo). We see a more human side of Dante as he meets a new woman who although can sometimes be intimidated by him, also gives him some things to think about as well as trying to get him to see past the trauma of losing his wife and think about what he has now. It was nice seeing Dante in a different light and a bit more reflective. I would have liked a longer story, but I always feel that was about Ms. Brianne’s writing. I can’t wait to see who is next in the line up!

Desmond Beck’s story was also good. I hadn’t read previous books my Ms. Begley so I don’t know if that would make a difference on knowing Desmond a bit better and more about his background. This story was quite fast paced, and Desmond and Hailey try and figure out their relationship and how everyone was interconnected. Hailey was a bit of a nerd a suited Desmond well and also had her own issues which made her more relatable.

Overall, two good stories in the Mafia genre with some sexy scenes, some intrigue and some vulnerability.

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com

[Dawn Pressel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not sure why the first book was written except to set up the story of the best friends but regardless it was ok, a little rushed but still ok. What happened to “One Shot”? The book kind of let that hang so I assume he is the villain from the authors other books unless I missed it because the story was wrapped up quickly in a happy ending.


I am a Begley fan and I love that the connection between Desmond and Ginny was solved but Desmond disappointed me. First, they are in a “pretend” relationship and he has a woman living with him? Seems that anyone that knew him would have known that little piece of information. I didn’t buy into the “I love her” moment where he is drunk and right after his girlfriend left.

Haley’s family is the worst, the absolute worst and more needed to be done to remove them from the face of the planet

Haley? Holy cow I loved her, totally loved that she didn’t fall all over herself to be with Desmond. Loved her dedication to her own self “nothing illegal” stance. She wasn't like all the other women in a Begley book that go weak, no Haley was stronger

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far, I have read all of Sarah's books. I was really looking forward reading more about Dante, as he was portrayed as menacing and serious, especially in the first books. What happened to the character?

Quick summary: The main female character, Nadia, wants to ask Dante for donations for her non-profit organization, Moonbeam, around the first chapter. After an attack by oneshot on Dante and Nadia, they both have to hide on a boat together. Until the situation calms down. Leo and Amo are also there. While on the boat, the two become closer.

What worked in the book:

1. Nadia as the main female character is fine.
2. I'm a sucker for happy endings. We certainly get that here.
3. Lucca 2 is clearly being prepared in this book.


Now for points of criticism:

1. Dante is described as aggressive, dominant and of the old strand, especially in Nero. There is nothing left of this trait. Too bad.


2. Page-long descriptions of food... I started skipping after the third dinner.

3. Dante is supposed to be the big mafia boss. Where are his soldiers? Amo seems to be one of the few soldiers who can still protect him. Otherwise it seems like a small organization. From godfather to suburban dad

4. Insta Love? partly. At first Dante is completely uninterested. Suddenly after 2 days there seems to be a connection between the two. Where did this sudden love came from?

5. Unfortunately, I can not judge the second part of the book of Desmond. Unfortunately, it seems that you have to have read the previous books for this.


All in all. Please give me evil mafia back for Lucca 2.

2/5 to 3 stars.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desmond's story was good. I found myself wanting to throw my kindle a few times because he made me so mad, but eventually I fell a little in love with him like Haley did.I really liked Haley. I found her refreshing compared to other heroines. Haley and Desmond were perfect for each other. This one definitely gave me all the feels. I really enjoyed this story and read it pretty fast. I found it interesting how Desmond was connected to not only the players in Tree Point, but also how Jamie connected the story to Sarah' s world in her story.

Dante's story was good. I read this story cover to cover in one sitting. I loved seeing a different side of the man we have seen in previous books. I think Nadia brought out in Dante a better man. These two were fun to watch. They brought the steam factor. I enjoyed this story

[Muriel Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Ties

Great collaboration between Sarah and Jamie. Great to see Dante get a story we didn't know much about him in the other books just he was the boss. He has a lot of sadness and regret about his wife's death and his lack of showing love to his children. Nadia help him get to where he could admit his mistakes. Nadia was kind and had empathy for the situation and helped not only Dante but Leo too.
Desmond was a bit of an enigma from the start but as his book went on he proved himself to be loyal and kind although he was a conniving ass too. Love the way he was helping Gavin and Ginny from the start in the background. Haley was a bit nerdy and funny and she turned out to be perfect for Desmond. Thank You to both our writers great read.💖💖

[Lady Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this purely for Dante's story. I was curious how the mafia boss that's been a somewhat background character throughout the series would unfold. I was also pleased to see Amo and Leo get more time and character development and I always love when Sadie makes an appearance. I didn't hate the story but it did feel a bit rushed. One Shot didn't seem like the same sneaky assassin we've had leading up to this moment. A high-speed car chase, missed shots, and enlisting accomplices seemed out of character for the villain that's been built up for a few books now. It had plenty of funny moments too to keep the darker themes from taking over. I didn't particularly love or hate the female lead. It did its job which was to set up the next phase in Lucca's story.

[cheese · Rating 4 out of 5]

** spoilers **

i have no words to describe how happy it made me to see dante and his family get the closure they deserved. to see leo happy, to see a side of dante i never thought i’d see. it gave me such a big rush of emotions. without reading dante’s story, something would have always been missing. this book was the last piece, or one of the last pieces since lucca will get another book. i cannot wait for it. <3

regarding desmon’s book, as much as i enjoyed it i was still very confused. it was like a crossover and since i have’t read any of the prior books i was missing something. but regardless, it was a good read. i think i will start reading the biker books by jamie begley so that i can understand everything.