My life was planned from the moment I was born. I am to marry for my family, to cement old alliances and create new ones. I know I have no say in who will be standing at the end of the aisle, but I didn’t expect my father to sell me to a monster. Kane Fraser is known for his cruelty and his coldness. In a few weeks’ time he will become my husband and will have complete control over my life.
Kane
The last thing I want is a wife, but my family needs me to do my duty and I will do anything to protect my siblings. Elena is nothing like I envisaged. She’s brash, loud and able to take care of herself. From the moment I put that ring on her finger, I knew this would be a match made in hell, but this is a situation neither of us can escape.
Until death do us part is just a saying, but when someone targets my wife I have to put our differences aside and protect her life. She is a Fraser and no one touches what’s mine.
Safety warnings: - No cheating - No OW/OM drama - Physical abuse/domestic violence - Descriptive violence/d*ath/torture - HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
Kane and Elena are both so loyal to their siblings and would do just about anything to keep them safe and make sure no harm ever comes to them.
They both knew that one they would be forced to marry someone for the sake of alliances and power control within their family syndicates so when the decision has been made for them to marry, neither are happy about it but have no choice but to agree and marry a complete stranger.
This was insta-love again like the last book and I actually enjoyed it because of their banter. She was fearless when it came to speaking her mind and I admired her for the strength she showed despite the challenges she faced. She protected her sister from her abusive husband.
Someone is trying to kill Elena it seems and failing at each attempt until unfortunately her love for her sister is used against her and it is revealed the one behind the attacks is her asshole of a brother-in-law and he has plans to kill her for embarrassing him and placing a scar on his face.
Before that though Elena's fathers plan to have her spy is revealed to Kane and he is very much not happy about this revelation, especially since they seemed to have turned a new leaf and attempting to make the marriage work and were developing feelings. He leaves her to deal with the aftermath and doesn't acknowledge her when she needed him to help with her sister like he had promised.
Sadly, by the time he realises something is wrong she has been tortured and beaten. He scarred her with the word ''whore'' on her stomach. Kane kills him outright when he stumbles upon the scene, and this causes a war to ignite with the Mayor of London (who was the father of the brother-in-law).
I can also see a war brewing with Kane's parents as they need to be stopped. Charlotte especially only cares about power and her decision will cause her downfall and I cannot wait to see it in book 3.
That reveal at the end about Aurelia (Kane's younger sister) and Ryan (Zeke's bodyguard) was such a great way to end it.
If you thought Lucas and Sariah's story was steamy and chaotic, get ready to be wowed again. This story is everything Fractured Vows was and then some, hold on tight, you're in for one hel*uva ride! The Mob is known for arranging marriages to strengthen alliances within the families. And Elena, the daughter of Hamish Adams, London Mob Boss is no exception, but she's not taking it sitting down. Elena is fierce, tough and independent. Then there's Kane, the son of Anthony and Charlotte Fraser, London's Fraser Crime Family. He's dark, dangerous and deadly and doesn't like "spirited", strong willed women. Needless to say he isn't happy either, especially being tied to what he deems a "spoiled brat". These two are such a dynamic couple, they're intense and the chemistry between them is absolutely on 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥. They are smokin HOT! I love this series and I can't wait for the next part of the Fraser Crime Syndicate.
I love a good arrange marriage with a bit of enemies to lovers thrown in the mix. Kane is expected to marry and carry on the family legacy while Elena is forced to marry him and spy on him for her father. Their first initial meeting was pretty cold and one sided but the attraction was fully there for both characters. There was a lot of good family dynamics between the Fraser siblings and a divide between alliances with the siblings and parents. Definitely a great book to check out and looking forward to the next Fraser sibling's forbidden love story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story is awesome! It’s a dark enemies-to-lovers tale with two wonderfully dark and dangerous main characters. I love the fact the Frasers are so protective of their own and the fact the Fraser brothers we’ve met before make an appearance in this book. I enjoyed Kane’s personality and how we get to know him. Elena is also very dark, has a strong character and is also dark. In conclusion it’s a wonderful book you can’t put down once you start reading! I can’t wait for the next book!!
The Ties that Bind is the second book in the Fraser Crime Syndicate by Jessica Ames and can be read as a standalone. Elena's father is forcing her to get married to Kane Fraser as an attempt to gain power at the cost of his daughter. Although she'll do anything for her family, Elena is loud, brash, and force to be reckoned with and isn't one to fall in line because she's a women. Kane is a man set to control the Fraser Crime Syndicate and to him, Elena falling in line is non-negotiable, making their relationship fiery from the start. I really enjoyed The Ties That Bind. It is a fast paced, quick read. My only issue is that I felt the relationship development portion of the story was a little too quick. Still a great read and I can't wait to read the next one when it comes out.
I loved this book and as usual with this author I couldn’t put it down. The characters were well rounded but were dealing with quite complex and triggering themes throughout the book. That being said these were not gratuitously portrayed and added to the story.
This story centres around the eldest of the Fraser sibling Kane and and Elena Adams and their arranged marriage. It’s clear neither of them particularly want this but both will do their duty to strengthen their family’s respective Syndicate’s.
Both Kane and Elena are strong characters who are more than capable of standing up for themselves and those they hold dear. Kane sees himself as a monster and knows that people view him as a psychopath but he only cares about his siblings. While Elena also has elements of darkness in her and will defend her siblings with all that she has even when that puts her in grave danger.
Elena has always wanted to be part of her fathers business but he sees it as no place for a woman. But with this marriage Hamish Adams sees this as the perfect opportunity to have a spy in the heart of the Fraser Syndicate despite the consequences to Elena if she was found out.
The storyline is quite pacy and I loved both the action but also how the relationship developed with Kane and Elena. While it’s clear that Kane is quite the alpha male he also wants a relationship with Elena and is very protective of her when she is targeted by unknown assailants. But when he discovers her potential betrayal his responses could have devastating consequences for Elena.
This story has quite dark themes but I loved how they both coped with the aftermath of what happened and moved forward together and make an unstoppable team.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am going to need a minute or two. I have literally just finished this book and I need to breath before I review. Soak all the words in. All the feels........ I am going to start by saying that I love this author. Her MC series' have kept me coming back for more.....and then she branched out into Mafia! Holy freaking shizzballs! Is there anything this author can't turn her hand too?! Because she kicks ass with this! This is book two from the Fraser Syndicate and its Kane's turn. He is the eldest of the siblings and as such, responsibility weighs heavy on him. And he wouldn't have it any other way, he will stop at nothing to shield and protect his siblings. But an arranged marriage?! Can I just say, I would like to be Elena when I grow up! She is feisty and not the wallflower Kane was expecting. His reputation proceeds him but she doesn't back down. Prepare for fireworks!! This book had me on the edge of my seat, like the whole way through. Unpredictable, full on and breath stealing!!
I've loved Kane ever since we first met the Fraser brothers so have been looking forward to his story, and boy did he not disappoint. So much so that I couldn't not add this book to my top reads of '22 list. I knew going in that this was going to be bloody, but I had no idea the extent of it. This couple will certainly keep you on your toes, literally and figuratively. I am a long time lover of this author's words, but I did not see that twist coming. Will this equally as stubborn couple be able to put down their literal and figurative blades to stand strong and fight side by side? Highly recommend that you read to find out.
Ties That Bind (Book 2 of Fraser Crime Syndicate) by Jessica Ames. Kane and Elena bring heat, sass, and plenty of action-packed dark drama in this story. I enjoyed Fractured Vows but I was blown away by Ties that Bind. The intensity and rawness along with the sultry passion held me captive as I was hoping for a HEA for these two as they navigated the dark world they live in. I would recommend this story, series and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kane is just a scary as his brothers Lucas and Zeke. It's in the Fraizer DNA. In typical Mob fashion there is an arranged marriage to strength two families and form alliances. Elena the bride to be is feisty and that is one thing Kane does not like. These two are electric together. I cannot wait to read more about this Mob family. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A wedding, neither actually want, to unite a family. Arranged between her father and his mother., both accepting it as given but neither willing to cower and Kane soon realises that Elena will not be meek and mild; her attitude challenges him and is surprised to find that he likes it. Elena is feisty and opinionated,outspoken. Kane is quick to anger and has a ruthlessness about him. Someone does not want this marriage alliance., the question is who? It is surprising how his wife effects him and they begin to settle into their marriage, which seems to be going to work, until Kane overhears a conversation Elena has with her father and things derail quickly. The mafia family connection is strong, the characters are well represented and Charlotte Frazer is despised by many. I would love to see her get her comeuppance in spades. Perhaps this will come sooner rather than later, and look forward to reading the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Kane is the eldest of the Fraser children and has always done what was necessary to protect his siblings, so if it means marrying Elena to unit two mafia families, he will do it for the family. Elena is not happy about this union, but just like Kane she has no choice.
Lots of action, violence, hot steamy scenes, I enjoyed Kane's monologue about what he wanted to do to his parents - looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intense from page one. Kane is one cold man, Elena is full of fire, just like her hair. Loved the description "Like a wave gathering momentum". Totally true description of his character. Elena is always challenging him and won't give in, but you will be surprised who actually bends first, and once that happens, it's wonderful to read about what happens. There is darkness, but there is also light and once I finished their story, I wanted more. I love this Fraser family.
This is a dark enemies to lovers arranged marriage. The author does a great job bringing strong characters in Kane and Elena, each forced into the marriage. She does a terrific job building the story and had me glued to the pages right to the end. It's well written with descriptive scenes, moves fluidly and is a fantastic read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Warning if you don't like Violence, or Hot and Steamy scenes this is not the book for you!
Jessica Ames has blown me away again!!!
I couldn't put this book down, it was full of Action, Violence, and a need for revenge! Not to mention the extremely Hot chemistry of enemies turned lovers. You do not want to miss out on this page turner, I can't wait for more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
THE TIES THAT BIND is the second instalment in Jessica Ames’ contemporary, adult FRASER CRIME SYNDICATE dark, erotic, criminal underworld series, a spin off from the author’s UNTAMED SONS MC series. This is twenty seven year old, heir to the Fraser Syndicate Kane Fraser, and Elena Adam’s story line. THE TIES THAT BIND can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous storyline is revealed where necessary.
WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, torture, abuse and strong language, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Kane and Elena) THE TIES THAT BIND follows the arranged marriage between twenty-seven year old heir to the Fraser Syndicate Kane Fraser, and Elena Adams, daughter of Hamish Adams, head of the Adams Syndicate. Kane’s mother Charlotte, and Elena’s father Hamish have arranged for the marriage of their children Kane and Elena, in an effort to form a stronger and more powerful crime family but neither Kane nor Elena is happy about their new paths going forward but both have accepted their fate in life. All is not well from the outset as Elena and Kane find themselves targeted and attacked on more then one occasion but the principle target is our story line heroine. As Elena and Kane quickly settle into married life, secrets revealed find Elena on the defensive when Kane is no longer able to trust the woman with whom he is falling in love. An emergency will pull Elena away from the safety of the house, an emergency that finds Elena facing her own mortality in an effort to save someone she loves. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Elena and Kane, and the potential fall-out as the lifestyle of the crime syndicate threatens any peace for our story line couple.
The relationship between Kane and Elena begins as an arranged marriage in which both Kane and Elena knew it was only a matter of time before they were forced to marry someone they did not love. Elena struggled to trust a man whose reputation as a killer preceded his introduction to our story line heroine, and Kane battled between head and heart knowing the marriage was a ruse to usurp the power from the head of the Adams Syndicate. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense.
We are re-introduced to Kane’s brothers: Lucas and his wife Sariah (Fracture Vows 1), and Zeke (Bailey/Untamed Sons MC 7), as well as their sister Aurelia; their parents Anthony and Charlotte Fraser; Kane’s bodyguard Nathan Ford; Elena’s sister Letta and her husband Michael Maloney, their brother Dex, and father Hamish Adams, and step-mother Margaret.
THE TIES THAT BIND is a story of power and control; dysfunctional family values and manipulation; betrayal, abuse, torture and love. The fast paced premise is dark and gritty; the characters are strong willed, dynamic and determined; the romance is captivating, passionate and provocative.
The Ties that Bind is the second book in the Fraser Crime Syndicate series. It can be read as a standalone but may be informative if you’ve read Fractured Vows (Fraser Crime Syndicate #1) and Bailey (Untamed Sons MC #7). I love Jessica’s Untamed Sons series and the Fraser Crime Syndicate does not disappoint.
Mafia and arranged marriages go hand in hand so it’s no surprise to Elena that her father has arranged her marriage. What does surprise her is with whom she’s to marry, Kane Fraser, heir to the Fraser empire also known as a deranged monster. Elena is strong willed which I thought made her the perfect wife for Kane. They are both fiercely protective of the ones they love which you’ll see a glimpse of throughout the book with Elena and her sister then with Kane and his siblings. They face the challenges of a new marriage as well as new love and a threat on Elena’s life. This book is a bit of a slow burn but once they actually get together their chemistry ignites.
A few reasons for my 4 not 5 stars is Kane jumped to conclusions without even listening to what Elena is explaining to him. He basically ignores her response then proceeds to have a man tantrum and ignores her calls. He failed to protect her when she needed him the most which seems out of character for him.
I’m looking forward to reading Aurelia’s book next in a Forbidden Love. I also hope Dex gets a book as I do love Jessica’s mafia flair.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So, I will start this review by saying I am a huge fan of this talented author, and this read only cemented my feelings even more. Which is why I jumped at the chance to grab a free ARC from Booksprout.
Kane and Elena have several things to overcome to get their HEA, and I was thoroughly addicted to this story.
This read has all the things we LOVE and need in a crime family read: Family loyalty and betrayals? ✔ Dominant men and Strong women? ✔ Blood, violence and death? ✔ Steamy chemistry and passion? ✔
I really enjoyed the connections between these characters and stories. In a perfect world, you should have already enjoyed the Untamed Sons series, (or at least read Bailey) and the first in this series, to have the most happiness in this read.
The pages turned themselves for me and I was at the end of the book faster than I wanted to be. While this author's works are not for delicate readers, as there are triggers galore, I sincerely appreciate her skills and creativity in creating characters and a world I gladly visit. I love the interconnected story lines and knowing the back stories made this read better.
I consistently enjoy her books and series, and recommend them. Do yourself a favor and read in the correct order...😉
(And, fyi...I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.).
I really enjoyed this book! The story was faced paced, I didn’t want to put it down!
Elena and Kane are arranged to be married by their parents to strengthen the family ties in order to have more control over London. Neither of them are happy about this arrangement. Elena is never going to be the compliant wife that Kane is expecting, she is feisty and this is evident from the first scene where we see her standing up for her sister by attacking her husband for abusing her. But n the end her fiery personality was what draws Kane to her.
Kane’s reputation proceeds him, he is known as a cold hearted killer, a dangerous man to cross. Although their first meeting was tense, there was an attraction there on both sides and this only becomes stronger after they are married.
I love Kane's possessiveness over Elena, as soon as she became ‘his’ his need to protect her took over.
I havn't read book 1, which is about Kane's younger brother but I didn’t feel I needed to, so this can definitely be read as a standalone. However I really enjoyed this book so I will be going back to read it!
This story was so good and loving this series. Elena nor Kane want anything to do with an arranged marriage but for the family they do want is expected of them. Elena is expected to be docile and quiet which she is anything but and will not change for anyone. They argue from the time they meet and Kane is not used to this. They come to an understanding until a secret that Elena is keeping blows everything up. Until Elena finds herself in a situation that she can't get out of and Kane comes to her rescue. So excited for their happy ending a rocky road to get there but so good. Have to also say I love the brothers as well.
Kane and Elena's story is everything you would have hoped it to be! I love how they both would do anything for their siblings. They have so many things in common including a blood lust that makes them the perfect match!
I feel like when you love as strongly as they do that it makes it hit harder when you feel the sting of betrayal. It can be harder to forgive or make you slow to respond when the time is needed.
I enjoyed very much getting to meet new characters and seeing old. That is what is so great about a series written by Jessica Ames. She keeps the series with each book true to how it goes all the way through.
Elena is very feisty and she will do anything to protect her brother and sister . her father is a very cold man .but he is going to marry her of to form an alliance and her husband to be is Kane Fraser , Kane and Elena have no choice they have to marry ,Kane is cold to her on there first meeting but Kane can she she is no pushover , but someone wants Elena died a contract is out on her and Kane always protects his own . but feeling s do start for both , but there is a secret that one might not forgive I have become a big fan of this Author and I so love this series I cant wait for the next book I love a gangster book ,
I was emotionally up and down with these two characters, at first she comes across as a strong willful child who will do anything for her family, including marry a horrible man (just hearsay) and then you habe a powerful alpha male who will marry but won't love this wife but as fate would have it they fall in love and then of course fate would have another big say that had me staying up late to get the ending and it was so worth it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Jessica Ames has impressed me tremendously with this installment to the Fraser Crime Syndicate Series; The Ties That Bind.
While I read this release in 1 day, I truly found myself completely absorbed in this enthralling, dramatic and intriguing storyline, from the very beginning all the way through to the perfect written ending.
In this Mafia world, Elena Adams Father, is one of the powerful players who rule London. Unfortunately for her, Elena is about to be thrown in to a situation she's not ready for... An arranged marriage to the most influential Mafia man in town, Kane Fraser. Dark, dangerous and beyond gorgeous, Kane is perceived as cold and heartless. Luckily, Elena is about to meet her fiery personalities perfect match and neither will know what hit them. While they value Family above all else, how far they will go, when they suddenly realize that they are now one too.
I was beyond fortunate to have requested an advanced reader's copy of The Ties That Bind in the exchange for my honest and voluntarily given opinion.
I am definitely going to read the 3rd installment to the Fraser Crime Syndicate Series; A Forbidden Love.
Oh my gosh I love this series! The Fraser’s are definitely not your typical family but, wow, are they fun! Kane is possibly the hardest of all the siblings, maybe because he’s the oldest and has so much falling on his shoulders…very complex character. He’s agrees to marry to cement relations with another crime family. I’m fairly certain he never figured it would be more than an arrangement, of course that was before he got to know Elena. Elena agrees to the marriage to protect her family but it doesn’t stop her from being herself. This woman is bold and mouthy and gives Kane a run for his money. Sexy and exciting, this book has it all. I’m hoping I read a little wink and nod from a couple of supporting characters and I know that Aurelia’s book, please say she’ll have a book, will be epic! Amazing read, thanks Ms. Ames!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jessica Ames goes from MC Queen to Mafia Queen continuing with the Fraser family series. This time we get the story of eldest Fraser sibling Kane who is the heir to the family crime business. He's hot, he's alpha, he's possessive, he's a killer and mostly important he doesn't want a wife! Merging two of the famous families Kane and Elena have no choice but to continue tradition with the arranged marriage their parents plan...but both don't expect for this to work in their favour with feelings starting to show quite quickly. If Kane thought he was going to get a meek obeying leading lady that is certainly not what he gets in feisty, family loving Elena. She kicks butt's and takes names for sure! I absolutely love nothing more than watching these big bad men turn into piles of mush when it comes to their women!! Jessica always manages to leave me wanting more more more!
Oh I loved this book. If you have read the Untamed Sons books then you have already come across the Fraser crime family in Bailey’s book. I really liked the fact that there is a series about them. If I’m honest I wish it was longer so the death threats and attempts at getting rid of Elana played a bigger part of the book, I felt that part was dealt with far too quickly. However saying that, I totally loved this book, I love the world being built and watching it grow in each book. I especially love it’s written in English with words and phrases we use rather than American words etc when characters are supposed to be from the UK. That’s a thing that really annoys me so I’m loving this author and will continue to read every amazing book she releases. 5 stars . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The Ties That Bind by Jessica Ames is book Two in the Fraser Crime Syndicate Series. This is the story of Kane Fraser, and Elena Adam. I have read the previous book 'Fractured Vows' which added to my enjoyment of this one. Kane is the eldest of the Fraser's and knew that he would be in an arranged marriage for family growth within their mafia family. Elena knew her life to would be used in a arranged marriage also for the same reason. When their families arranged their marriage neither where happy but did their part and married. Elena's family wanted her to spy of the Fraser family which has added to her upset. Both are strong and protected of their families but soon after marriage it becomes clear someone wants them harmed. This was an exciting read and I can't wait to read more from this author.