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Syndicate of Fate #1
Threads That Bind Us
The righteous hands of justice. The arbitrators of fate.
Gwen has always been her sister’s keeper. She’s never needed anyone else to give them a good life. But when a life-altering diagnosis requires more than what Gwen can provide, she’s left with no choice but to seek help in precarious places.
Charlie is a man of focus and control. As the enforcer for the Syndicate of Fate, his dedication is to his family and their mission. When the people he loves most end up targets of vicious retribution, Charlie must come to terms with the path laid out for him. Taking his rightful place as the right hand to The Syndicate’s matriarch.
By rights of tradition, he’ll need a spouse to do so.
A chance encounter and blood stained hands are all Charlie needs to know that Gwen has more than what it takes to bear the weight of The Syndicate’s secrets. As Charlie and Gwen come to an agreement that gives them both what they need—partners, maybe friends—they discover that fate threads people together in unpredictable ways.
Threads That Bind Us is a “soft dark” organized crime romance with mature themes and is not suited for readers under the age of eighteen. Please check content warnings for additional information.
Gwen has always been her sister’s keeper. She’s never needed anyone else to give them a good life. But when a life-altering diagnosis requires more than what Gwen can provide, she’s left with no choice but to seek help in precarious places.
Charlie is a man of focus and control. As the enforcer for the Syndicate of Fate, his dedication is to his family and their mission. When the people he loves most end up targets of vicious retribution, Charlie must come to terms with the path laid out for him. Taking his rightful place as the right hand to The Syndicate’s matriarch.
By rights of tradition, he’ll need a spouse to do so.
A chance encounter and blood stained hands are all Charlie needs to know that Gwen has more than what it takes to bear the weight of The Syndicate’s secrets. As Charlie and Gwen come to an agreement that gives them both what they need—partners, maybe friends—they discover that fate threads people together in unpredictable ways.
Threads That Bind Us is a “soft dark” organized crime romance with mature themes and is not suited for readers under the age of eighteen. Please check content warnings for additional information.
356 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2024
127 people are currently reading
1742 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
June 2, 2024
**I was an alpha reader for this, and am friends with the author. The copy I’m reviewing is the finished arc copy however**
That being said, I do genuinely love this book and think it’s a solid debut, and great start to a series. I wouldn’t yap about this book if I didn’t like it y’all.
Gwen & Charlie have excellent chemistry and truly feel drawn to each other from the beginning. We have mafia adjacent vibes, with some great action scenes and politics that I think will further evolve and get more complicated as this series progresses. Personally, even during my alpha read, I was fully invested in our cast of characters, & I am definitely intrigued by the Costa family (especially Clara, she’s so mean I love it).
I wouldn’t classify this as a slow burn romance, as it’s very much instant attraction, even though Gwen tries to fight it. But dominant women in dark romance is so rare, I LOVED getting that representation from Gwen. Plus the cast is full of Queer characters, which is also incredible. Rae really knows how to write accurate smut and kink, so truly this wasn’t a surprise that it was done well.
And Charlie?? Listen. I really love him.
Charlie literally sees her kill ONE person and goes, “I gotta wife her up asap.” WE LOVE A MAN WHO APPRECIATES HIS STABBY WIFE OK.
“Every single touch from you is torture I beg for.”
That being said, I do genuinely love this book and think it’s a solid debut, and great start to a series. I wouldn’t yap about this book if I didn’t like it y’all.
Gwen & Charlie have excellent chemistry and truly feel drawn to each other from the beginning. We have mafia adjacent vibes, with some great action scenes and politics that I think will further evolve and get more complicated as this series progresses. Personally, even during my alpha read, I was fully invested in our cast of characters, & I am definitely intrigued by the Costa family (especially Clara, she’s so mean I love it).
I wouldn’t classify this as a slow burn romance, as it’s very much instant attraction, even though Gwen tries to fight it. But dominant women in dark romance is so rare, I LOVED getting that representation from Gwen. Plus the cast is full of Queer characters, which is also incredible. Rae really knows how to write accurate smut and kink, so truly this wasn’t a surprise that it was done well.
And Charlie?? Listen. I really love him.
Charlie literally sees her kill ONE person and goes, “I gotta wife her up asap.” WE LOVE A MAN WHO APPRECIATES HIS STABBY WIFE OK.
“Every single touch from you is torture I beg for.”
January 17, 2025
i liked thisssss!
it was sweet, low angst, no op drama…all my favorite things 😂
i got an arc for the second book so i wanted to read this one first just in case and i ended up really liking it!
the way Charlie always showed up for Gwen just really made me fall in love with him 😭😭😭
i also loved the side characters! there are a very *ahem* open married couple that has had relations with Charlie in the past that i’m hoping get their own book because they are SOMETHING ELSE.
both Charlie and Gwen are bi and it’s been years since Gwen has been with anyone (🙄) but no mention of Charlie’s last partner, just that he was tested and clean.
it was sweet, low angst, no op drama…all my favorite things 😂
i got an arc for the second book so i wanted to read this one first just in case and i ended up really liking it!
the way Charlie always showed up for Gwen just really made me fall in love with him 😭😭😭
i also loved the side characters! there are a very *ahem* open married couple that has had relations with Charlie in the past that i’m hoping get their own book because they are SOMETHING ELSE.
both Charlie and Gwen are bi and it’s been years since Gwen has been with anyone (🙄) but no mention of Charlie’s last partner, just that he was tested and clean.
August 9, 2024
2.5 stars
At first, the book felt like a potential 4 or 5 stars to me. Gwen (FMC) had an actual personality and strong motivations, and her relationship with her sister, who was sick with cancer, felt very authentic. The start of Gwen and Charlie’s (MMC) relationship felt believable in the context of the story.
However, the book ultimately fell flat for me. I like the idea of a "soft dark" romance, but I feel like the author played it a bit too safe, ignoring the bloody Syndicate business most of the time instead of exploring it enough to justify its inclusion in the first place. Additionally, I don’t think Gwen killing a man to protect her friend (this isn’t a spoiler, it happens literally on the first page) was enough incentive for her to pitch in with the Syndicatetorturing sessions interrogations. I don’t dislike the idea, but I wish it had been executed with more insight into why Gwen is attracted to committing that kind of violence.
The most disappointing part of the book was the shallow relationship building. Gwen’s relationship with her sister was much more interesting than her relationship with Charlie. At one point, the plot started to skip forward a lot, presumably to accommodate the length of the sister’s treatment, but Gwen and Charlie playing house just wasn’t enough to make me believe they had developed genuine feelings for each other. This wasn’t helped by Charlie’s character being plainer than cardboard.
In short, I was initially very much on board with the story, but my enthusiasm dwindled as it went on. That being said, I’m still interested in reading the sequel once it comes out, perhaps there will be improvement in terms of "world" and relationship building.
At first, the book felt like a potential 4 or 5 stars to me. Gwen (FMC) had an actual personality and strong motivations, and her relationship with her sister, who was sick with cancer, felt very authentic. The start of Gwen and Charlie’s (MMC) relationship felt believable in the context of the story.
However, the book ultimately fell flat for me. I like the idea of a "soft dark" romance, but I feel like the author played it a bit too safe, ignoring the bloody Syndicate business most of the time instead of exploring it enough to justify its inclusion in the first place. Additionally, I don’t think Gwen killing a man to protect her friend (this isn’t a spoiler, it happens literally on the first page) was enough incentive for her to pitch in with the Syndicate
The most disappointing part of the book was the shallow relationship building. Gwen’s relationship with her sister was much more interesting than her relationship with Charlie. At one point, the plot started to skip forward a lot, presumably to accommodate the length of the sister’s treatment, but Gwen and Charlie playing house just wasn’t enough to make me believe they had developed genuine feelings for each other. This wasn’t helped by Charlie’s character being plainer than cardboard.
In short, I was initially very much on board with the story, but my enthusiasm dwindled as it went on. That being said, I’m still interested in reading the sequel once it comes out, perhaps there will be improvement in terms of "world" and relationship building.
May 31, 2024
I love this book. I love Rae’s fresh writing. This story gives all the touchy-feelings and sexy smut of a romance, but there’s an additional layer of depth you don’t always get. It reminds me a lot of the feelings I got reading The Kiss Quotient and Twisted Games.
Charlie and Gwen are chaotic and bisexual and hot and real??? They really come off the page and make the story their own.
The syndicate is sO FUN and I’m so excited to see more from these characters and this family 👀🔪🍋
The MOTORCYCLE SCENE is forever in my brain. Permanently branded.
I’m obsessed, and Rae is one of the best humans ever, too. I’m so proud. Bye 😭
Charlie and Gwen are chaotic and bisexual and hot and real??? They really come off the page and make the story their own.
The syndicate is sO FUN and I’m so excited to see more from these characters and this family 👀🔪🍋
The MOTORCYCLE SCENE is forever in my brain. Permanently branded.
I’m obsessed, and Rae is one of the best humans ever, too. I’m so proud. Bye 😭
June 2, 2024
There was so much to this book that I liked but it fell a little flat for me overall.
Things I liked:
✨simpy subby MMC - Charlie is beyond
✨FMC’s relationship with her sister was SO real. Honestly it felt more authentic than her relationship with the MMC
✨the concept of The Syndicate and the intense relationships the family navigated because of that responsibility
Things that missed:
✨everything was rushed. The relationship building, the syndicate subplot. When I realized I was more than halfway done with the book, it felt like there should be another 70% to go!
✨it was honestly hard for me to believe the romantic relationship. I’m not an instalove reader and that’s what this felt like. I think we missed out on key scenes of their building trust and communication - we were told, not shown
✨I needed more character development overall - the family members, the main characters. Ana was the only one I felt like was actually fleshed out enough to believe. Everyone was very one note.
Im not mad at it, but I’m not rereading it either 🤷🏼♀️
Things I liked:
✨simpy subby MMC - Charlie is beyond
✨FMC’s relationship with her sister was SO real. Honestly it felt more authentic than her relationship with the MMC
✨the concept of The Syndicate and the intense relationships the family navigated because of that responsibility
Things that missed:
✨everything was rushed. The relationship building, the syndicate subplot. When I realized I was more than halfway done with the book, it felt like there should be another 70% to go!
✨it was honestly hard for me to believe the romantic relationship. I’m not an instalove reader and that’s what this felt like. I think we missed out on key scenes of their building trust and communication - we were told, not shown
✨I needed more character development overall - the family members, the main characters. Ana was the only one I felt like was actually fleshed out enough to believe. Everyone was very one note.
Im not mad at it, but I’m not rereading it either 🤷🏼♀️
June 5, 2024
The Good
This book was dark but in a soft way that I cannot explain but loved. I think that is because I loved the character work that was going on alongside the main plot. The family's business was heavy and violent but the violence was so intense and intimate in an interesting way. I've never read an organized crime book with this kind of twist! It was very interesting. I loved both main characters! Gwen was amazing. I loved how fierce and deadly she was. I also loved how complex she was. She loved her sister and did everything for her while also dealing with so much baggage from her mother. Charlie was also great. He had his sweet and loving side but his dark and manipulative nature was evident from the beginning. I liked his growth at becoming vulnerable and allowing himself to be himself. I also loved the mutual yearning and desire between them. The build up to their relationship was so good. Charlie fell hard and fast immediately and that's one of my favorite relationship dynamics. Femmedomme is one of my favorite dynamics as well and I loved how it was written in this book.
The Bad
One thing I struggled with was an incident of violence between them. They were not in a relationship at that time so it didn't ruin the book for me in anyway but I didn't vibe with that scene in particular.
Tropes:
— He falls first
— Femmedomme
— Marriage of Convenience
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format: Ebook
The Rating
I give this book a 5/5🌟 rating. I can't wait to see more from this series! I'm excited for what is in store for Charlie's siblings and the interesting dynamics we get there!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
This book was dark but in a soft way that I cannot explain but loved. I think that is because I loved the character work that was going on alongside the main plot. The family's business was heavy and violent but the violence was so intense and intimate in an interesting way. I've never read an organized crime book with this kind of twist! It was very interesting. I loved both main characters! Gwen was amazing. I loved how fierce and deadly she was. I also loved how complex she was. She loved her sister and did everything for her while also dealing with so much baggage from her mother. Charlie was also great. He had his sweet and loving side but his dark and manipulative nature was evident from the beginning. I liked his growth at becoming vulnerable and allowing himself to be himself. I also loved the mutual yearning and desire between them. The build up to their relationship was so good. Charlie fell hard and fast immediately and that's one of my favorite relationship dynamics. Femmedomme is one of my favorite dynamics as well and I loved how it was written in this book.
The Bad
One thing I struggled with was an incident of violence between them. They were not in a relationship at that time so it didn't ruin the book for me in anyway but I didn't vibe with that scene in particular.
Tropes:
— He falls first
— Femmedomme
— Marriage of Convenience
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format: Ebook
The Rating
I give this book a 5/5🌟 rating. I can't wait to see more from this series! I'm excited for what is in store for Charlie's siblings and the interesting dynamics we get there!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
June 6, 2024
I loved this book so much that I stopped halfway through my digital ARC to pre-order a physical copy. Charlie and Gwen had me kicking my feet the whole time, their relationship and banter is top-tier. And Gwen's relationship with her sister Ana is one of the sweetest I've read in a long time. Gwen's introduction to Charlie's family, their business, and how that is navigated was something that was extremely interesting to me, and it was executed very well. I really enjoyed several of the side characters as well, and can't wait for several of them to have their own books in the future! I highly recommend this book if it's something that seems like it's up your alley.
*I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts are my own!*
*I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts are my own!*
June 7, 2024
Be hot, do crime!!! This was a great debut. Thank you to sweet Rae for sending me an e-ARC.
June 29, 2024
Okay someone get me a French 75 RIGHT NOW they sound delightful. (Also need a book on Sammy and Catalina asap I love them so much)
February 23, 2025
Enjoyable first dip into Dark Romance, although u get it was a "light" dark romance, the only "dark" part was the very few scenes involving interrogation, I hope to see more in the second book which I will likely read.
June 13, 2025
I heard "the mafia enforcer get pegged" and I was sold. I was not disappointed.
July 6, 2024
I cannot overstate how much I loved this book!!!
Gwen and Charlie are literally the cutest and I want to kiss them both and the forehead. Such well developed characters!
Ana’s story (Gwen’s sister) was so lovely but hard and heart wrenching. Defs check TW!
This is great for the people who like spice with their crime and murder for the betterment of the world, and ran by a MATRIARCH! Slay. Slay slay slay.
And we have femmedomme like hello?! Charlie looks so pretty on his knees for Gwen and I am just absolutely in awe. And the way Charlie just absolutely ADORES Gwen and COMMUNICATES with her! I’m 🫠
This was 90% plot with such well informed smutty spice. We love pegging 🩷
Gwen and Charlie are literally the cutest and I want to kiss them both and the forehead. Such well developed characters!
Ana’s story (Gwen’s sister) was so lovely but hard and heart wrenching. Defs check TW!
This is great for the people who like spice with their crime and murder for the betterment of the world, and ran by a MATRIARCH! Slay. Slay slay slay.
And we have femmedomme like hello?! Charlie looks so pretty on his knees for Gwen and I am just absolutely in awe. And the way Charlie just absolutely ADORES Gwen and COMMUNICATES with her! I’m 🫠
This was 90% plot with such well informed smutty spice. We love pegging 🩷
August 8, 2024
I loved Charlie and Gwen. There were so many cute and swoony moments but I was left wanting more. What’s there is great but the flirting, bantering, and falling is missing. I didn’t think they spent enough time together on page. I hit the epilogue and was like “oh that’s it?” I also wanted to see more of Charlie’s family and their business. The spice was really good though 🥵
June 4, 2024
I will prove to her that this is more than an advantageous agreement. Partners, friends, benefits, soulmates. Because I am too selfish to have less than all of her, to allow her to think she owns anything less than my soul.
3.5stars, 3.5 spice
Thank you to the author for the e-arc!
First, I’ve been following Rae for a while, they are truly just such an amazing person, they are a loud and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and supporter of Palestine.
Threads that Bind Us is a contemporary romance that combines elements of softer fluffy romances with some darker themes of more mafia/dark romances.
Gwen has taken care of her younger sister for years and after getting sick, she’s stuck with a huge amount of medical bills. Charlie’s family is a part of The Syndicate, of which he is supposed to be the right hand man, but he can’t take that place until he is married. So they come together in a marriage of convenience where he can help her financially and she can marry him so he can take his place.
I loved the queer representation in this story. Both main characters have been with both their same and opposite genders in the past - and it’s just so normal and accepted that they don’t really discuss it. There are also secondary characters (which I’m thinking we may see in the future? I could totally see them getting a book) that are totally open and poly.
I also really enjoyed the most violent and unhinged parts of the story. Some of those dark moments will itch the brain of people who really liked Butcher and Blackbird, or any fanfic lovers out there - Bloody, Slutty and Pathetic by whatmurdah.
I would’ve really liked to see a bit more flushed out with The Syndicate. I enjoyed the family dynamics, but I am not sure I fully understand their drive or purpose - and this portion of the story ended up being a lot lower stakes than what I was expecting.
”Good Husband”
In terms of the romance, it was a bit insta lovie, though it does take them some time to get together. I wanted a bit more depth to their characters and development of their relationship. But their spice was fantastic.
Lots of fun niche spicy scenes , as well as them finding their dom/sub dynamic
“It’s not just wanting to be soft, Gwen. I want to give everything to you. I want to hear your voice telling me how to move, how to touch. I want to submit. To you. Here.”
Overall a solid debut and excited to see what they do next!
June 7, 2024
I was so honored to have played a very minor role in sensitivity reading some aspects of this book, and while I don't know Rae personally, I'm so proud of Rae for putting out an absolutely phenomenal debut. That said, this review is honest and impartial 🫶🏾
I don't know where to begin. There is so much to love about Threads That Bind Us. Like most books that carry the burden of being the first in a series, there's an entire world we needed to learn about in order to feel invested in Gwen and Charlie and The Syndicate. Rae managed to build and layer this world so effortlessly that by the last page, I was desperate for more.
I loved Gwen and Ana's relationship. The journey they had to walk was so emotional, and I cried in one or two places. It was beautiful.
Charlie is the simp we all need, lol. I love him. I love the quiet, confident way he worships Gwen. I love how he could be this absolute bad ass in every aspect of his life but never once hesitated to drop to his knees for her. Ahh. Inject it into my veins.
The story line with The Syndicate and Charlie's mom, Clara, and the suspense surrounding it was done so well. I think if you were left wanting more, then Rae did their job. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
And yes, there's pegging and my god. Not to brag, but I'm something of a pegging connoisseur – not in real life, because I'm not God's favorite apparently – but I have read a fair amount of books with dominant female leads and maybe I'm.being dramatic, but I don't think I've ever read a scene like this. The emotional depth, the way it was sweet and hot at the same time. Melt.
All the spice was incredible. Gwen could ruin my life any day of the week.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 tearful, horny, hot, bloody stars for Rae's incredible debut.
I don't know where to begin. There is so much to love about Threads That Bind Us. Like most books that carry the burden of being the first in a series, there's an entire world we needed to learn about in order to feel invested in Gwen and Charlie and The Syndicate. Rae managed to build and layer this world so effortlessly that by the last page, I was desperate for more.
I loved Gwen and Ana's relationship. The journey they had to walk was so emotional, and I cried in one or two places. It was beautiful.
Charlie is the simp we all need, lol. I love him. I love the quiet, confident way he worships Gwen. I love how he could be this absolute bad ass in every aspect of his life but never once hesitated to drop to his knees for her. Ahh. Inject it into my veins.
The story line with The Syndicate and Charlie's mom, Clara, and the suspense surrounding it was done so well. I think if you were left wanting more, then Rae did their job. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
And yes, there's pegging and my god. Not to brag, but I'm something of a pegging connoisseur – not in real life, because I'm not God's favorite apparently – but I have read a fair amount of books with dominant female leads and maybe I'm.being dramatic, but I don't think I've ever read a scene like this. The emotional depth, the way it was sweet and hot at the same time. Melt.
All the spice was incredible. Gwen could ruin my life any day of the week.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 tearful, horny, hot, bloody stars for Rae's incredible debut.
June 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
I had such a good time reading this! I really liked the author’s writing and think that it is an amazing debut. I am just kinda wanting more as far as the plot with The Syndicate and who almost killed Lucia, but I am very excited for that arc to play out in future books!
There was so much I loved about this. I really enjoyed how the circumstances of the marriage of convenience came about (and how absolutely down bad my guy Charlie was for Gwen from the second he laid eyes on her). The development of Gwen agreeing to the terms and them mutually pining (the PINING, it was addicting to read and I could read a thousand more pages of it istg) to actually falling in love was -
*chefs kiss*. I loved their chemistry and how they both obviously had the hots for each other but thought they were imagining it like dummies and the little moments when they couldn’t take their eyes or hands off each other were so good (also Gwen hearing him in the shower…. I may never recover 🥵🥵🥵). The spicy scenes were just so well done and I really loved seeing a more dominant FMC and the MMC being the one to give up control and submit! Like yes Charlie got pleasure out of their sex scenes but it was usually focused on her and him loving it.
As far as the other dynamics and side characters— I loved Gwen and Ana’s relationship and how much they loved and supported each other! I am also very intrigued by the rest of the Costa’s and can’t wait for Clara’s story! And as mentioned before I want to read more about The Syndicate and see where the story goes.
*I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts are my own!*
I had such a good time reading this! I really liked the author’s writing and think that it is an amazing debut. I am just kinda wanting more as far as the plot with The Syndicate and who almost killed Lucia, but I am very excited for that arc to play out in future books!
There was so much I loved about this. I really enjoyed how the circumstances of the marriage of convenience came about (and how absolutely down bad my guy Charlie was for Gwen from the second he laid eyes on her). The development of Gwen agreeing to the terms and them mutually pining (the PINING, it was addicting to read and I could read a thousand more pages of it istg) to actually falling in love was -
*chefs kiss*. I loved their chemistry and how they both obviously had the hots for each other but thought they were imagining it like dummies and the little moments when they couldn’t take their eyes or hands off each other were so good (also Gwen hearing him in the shower…. I may never recover 🥵🥵🥵). The spicy scenes were just so well done and I really loved seeing a more dominant FMC and the MMC being the one to give up control and submit! Like yes Charlie got pleasure out of their sex scenes but it was usually focused on her and him loving it.
As far as the other dynamics and side characters— I loved Gwen and Ana’s relationship and how much they loved and supported each other! I am also very intrigued by the rest of the Costa’s and can’t wait for Clara’s story! And as mentioned before I want to read more about The Syndicate and see where the story goes.
*I received this ARC from the author. All thoughts are my own!*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2024
Okay book besties I’m gonna do my absolute best to give you a coherent review but I am absolutely feral for this book so no promises.
Let me start by saying, I’m not a big mafia romance reader. But I decided to take a chance on Rae’s book because I adore them (I have no regrets). This book gave me what I’ve needed from a mafia romance, the dark elements with the softest, sweetest love interest ever. Yes there’s some torture, a little murder but it’s fine because Charlie absolutely adores Gwen which is what I need. They’re so sweet together 😭.
I’m also a sucker for a non traditional family structure and an older sister, doing everything she can to raise her little sister and give her the life she deserves will win me over every time. Without question.
Okay next, we have to talk about the spice and the tension. First, the burn is a little slow but the pacing makes so much sense for them. Then once we finally get in the bedroom there’s such a big focus on consent and boundaries and I love it. I also love that it really felt like Gwen became more and more comfortable in her domme role as the book progressed which was fun to see. It made it feel so realistic and just again, obsessed.
I legit cannot wait for the next book in this series, thank you so much to Rae for letting me be an arc reader for this beauty.
Oh… p.s. chapter 31 👩🍳💋 ifykyk
Let me start by saying, I’m not a big mafia romance reader. But I decided to take a chance on Rae’s book because I adore them (I have no regrets). This book gave me what I’ve needed from a mafia romance, the dark elements with the softest, sweetest love interest ever. Yes there’s some torture, a little murder but it’s fine because Charlie absolutely adores Gwen which is what I need. They’re so sweet together 😭.
I’m also a sucker for a non traditional family structure and an older sister, doing everything she can to raise her little sister and give her the life she deserves will win me over every time. Without question.
Okay next, we have to talk about the spice and the tension. First, the burn is a little slow but the pacing makes so much sense for them. Then once we finally get in the bedroom there’s such a big focus on consent and boundaries and I love it. I also love that it really felt like Gwen became more and more comfortable in her domme role as the book progressed which was fun to see. It made it feel so realistic and just again, obsessed.
I legit cannot wait for the next book in this series, thank you so much to Rae for letting me be an arc reader for this beauty.
Oh… p.s. chapter 31 👩🍳💋 ifykyk
June 15, 2024
I am screaming, crying, throwing up that this is Rae’s first book because honestly? Immaculate. It’s so good, could not put it down, dm’d Rae at the 40% mark to whine about how I wasn’t going to be able to sleep til I finished, read it while at a soccer game with my friends good. And I’m so into this family, so I can’t wait for the books to come!
Gwen is solely responsible for her teenaged sister, but when an illness and the terrible US health system team up to cost more than she can make, she’s forced to look for alternative and creative source of income. Enter Charlie, an enforcer for his family’s business, who knew Gwen before she knew him. And who has a proposal- he needs a wife. And if Gwen will marry him, he can take care of the finances for her and Ana. It’s just a business proposal with maybe a side of friendship (sure Jan), but almost immediately both are wanting more.
OK FIRST OF ALL, give me a MY WIFE guy every single day. And Charlie is a my wife guy as soon as Gwen agrees, long before their actual marriage. And Gwen is an absolute badass who takes care of her family regardless of what it takes which I love. And NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. These two have a totally reasonable fight and then … resolve it?! Like grownups?!
This is for you if you love:
🧶found family - so much found family
🧶nicknames in a foreign language 🥵
🧶stabby fmcs
🧶medium dark romance
🧶organized crime but for good reason
🧶motorcycle shenanigans
🧶MY WIFE guys
Anyway, this is out later this month, it’s a MUST READ like preorder it right now! I’m serious. Do it. Read it.
Gwen is solely responsible for her teenaged sister, but when an illness and the terrible US health system team up to cost more than she can make, she’s forced to look for alternative and creative source of income. Enter Charlie, an enforcer for his family’s business, who knew Gwen before she knew him. And who has a proposal- he needs a wife. And if Gwen will marry him, he can take care of the finances for her and Ana. It’s just a business proposal with maybe a side of friendship (sure Jan), but almost immediately both are wanting more.
OK FIRST OF ALL, give me a MY WIFE guy every single day. And Charlie is a my wife guy as soon as Gwen agrees, long before their actual marriage. And Gwen is an absolute badass who takes care of her family regardless of what it takes which I love. And NO THIRD ACT BREAKUP. These two have a totally reasonable fight and then … resolve it?! Like grownups?!
This is for you if you love:
🧶found family - so much found family
🧶nicknames in a foreign language 🥵
🧶stabby fmcs
🧶medium dark romance
🧶organized crime but for good reason
🧶motorcycle shenanigans
🧶MY WIFE guys
Anyway, this is out later this month, it’s a MUST READ like preorder it right now! I’m serious. Do it. Read it.
June 23, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this book!
I have not finished a book in a day in over half a year at this point until the Threads That Bind Us. What a debut! I really love our lead Gwen and it maybe the eldest daughter in me, but her fierce devotion to those she loves spoke to me.
I am a huge lover of marriage of convenience because I love forced proximity. I also loved the moments where everyone messed up and did something to hurt someone else. Not because I think they should continually do that, but because it's an inevitable human experience and the journey though accountability, acceptance, and changed behavior was a pleasure to read.
I found the plot points compelling to move the story along--there is a bit of an unsolved mystery element that lends itself to the next in the series without being a rollercoaster cliff hanger.
This book felt very human with some high stakes fictional elements that made it feel immersive and made you cheer for each character individually and as a community unit.
Loved this a lot!
I have not finished a book in a day in over half a year at this point until the Threads That Bind Us. What a debut! I really love our lead Gwen and it maybe the eldest daughter in me, but her fierce devotion to those she loves spoke to me.
I am a huge lover of marriage of convenience because I love forced proximity. I also loved the moments where everyone messed up and did something to hurt someone else. Not because I think they should continually do that, but because it's an inevitable human experience and the journey though accountability, acceptance, and changed behavior was a pleasure to read.
I found the plot points compelling to move the story along--there is a bit of an unsolved mystery element that lends itself to the next in the series without being a rollercoaster cliff hanger.
This book felt very human with some high stakes fictional elements that made it feel immersive and made you cheer for each character individually and as a community unit.
Loved this a lot!
July 11, 2024
Is there a middle ground of light and dark romance? Bc this is it and I mean that in a great way lol! I can’t stop thinking about this book- it was so good. I mean Charlie is a killer, controlled, and very dominating in a sense yet he meets Gwen and is simply the softest- I believe the book said he’s viscous with a soft soul and that’s so on point. I loved that, that he came to her and expressed that he wanted certain things in their bedroom life, they had great chemistry, I think Gwen could literally ask him to jump off a bridge and he would he loves her so much😂 It was just a really good story I won’t soon forget:)
June 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This was a great debut book by Rae Douglas and I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it.
The sisterly bond between Gwen and her sister Ana was so beautiful. Gwen shows how much she would do for her little sister, and luckily for us it was Charlie!
Charlie is a total simp and I loved it!
On a side note… I was also glad he didn’t choose Kevin.
If you’re looking for a contemporary dark romance with some tropes forced proximity and marriage of convenience, and some top tier spice, you need to give this one a read!
The sisterly bond between Gwen and her sister Ana was so beautiful. Gwen shows how much she would do for her little sister, and luckily for us it was Charlie!
Charlie is a total simp and I loved it!
On a side note… I was also glad he didn’t choose Kevin.
If you’re looking for a contemporary dark romance with some tropes forced proximity and marriage of convenience, and some top tier spice, you need to give this one a read!
February 24, 2025
Excuse me, what? THIS… a debut? You could’ve fooled me.
Guess I just fell in love with a new author. I love the way Rae writes and adored not just the main characters, but everyone in between. There are so many side characters caught my attention and I hope they all get books.
The attraction and chemistry between Gwen and Charlie is there from the jump, but the relationship itself forms steadily and the spice is a slow burnnnn worth waiting for. The way their trust and intimacy builds with each page (and spicy interaction) is done so well.
I initially came here for some domme vibes, but this story is more than that. Love love loveeeeee.
Guess I just fell in love with a new author. I love the way Rae writes and adored not just the main characters, but everyone in between. There are so many side characters caught my attention and I hope they all get books.
The attraction and chemistry between Gwen and Charlie is there from the jump, but the relationship itself forms steadily and the spice is a slow burnnnn worth waiting for. The way their trust and intimacy builds with each page (and spicy interaction) is done so well.
I initially came here for some domme vibes, but this story is more than that. Love love loveeeeee.
June 7, 2024
Thank you SO MUCH to Rae Douglas for the opportunity to read Threads That Bind Us as an e-arc!! I've been following Rae for awhile now and was so excited to get my hands on a copy of this incredible debut- Gwen and Charlie's marriage of convenience turned into the most delicious unraveling of sweet, heart-warming, humor filled, psychotic little love birds. I am so excited to see this book out in the world, and I'll be waiting not-so-patiently for book 2!!
June 21, 2024
This book is the best debut I’ve read in AGES!
I saw someone else say this book was “dark in a soft way” and I think that’s the perfect description. Yes, there’s murder and torture, but like… honestly not that much by page count and the soft moments throughout - both between the MMC and FMC and between her and her sister/best friend - are so beautifully written and touching.
Highly recommend!
4.5 ⭐️
I saw someone else say this book was “dark in a soft way” and I think that’s the perfect description. Yes, there’s murder and torture, but like… honestly not that much by page count and the soft moments throughout - both between the MMC and FMC and between her and her sister/best friend - are so beautifully written and touching.
Highly recommend!
4.5 ⭐️
September 30, 2024
3.5/5. I'm gonna be honest, I didn't really like it. I thought it was gonna be something interesting,but it was cookies cutter mafia(?) romance. The pacing was so off. The characters barely had any personality,or any development. The plot was fluff really? Nothing high stakes.
I also don't understand the insta love and the vigilante turned torturer part. How did that make sense? I liked the beginning of it however. I was convinced there was a bigger plot behind it.
I also don't understand the insta love and the vigilante turned torturer part. How did that make sense? I liked the beginning of it however. I was convinced there was a bigger plot behind it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
Patiently waited for them to FINALLY give in to the other person. High of worth it. Even more excited to read the second one of this series to see how far they go in their journey of work and love 🤭
June 29, 2025
I’d say a 3.5 rounded up. It was sweet, and who doesn’t love a man obsessed but there wasn’t any conflict actually driving the story. So it got a bit boring..
June 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this one as evidenced by the fact I think I finished it in two days. Gwen is a force to be reckoned with as she tries to do whatever it takes to help her little sister (who is a spitfire in her own right!) Charlie is in a precarious spot with his family and willing do to what he needs…but when his needs and wants align he takes his chances! The social commentary on several issues is clear and generally adds to the story. I enjoyed Rae’s writing style and am definitely looking forward to the next books in this series!
October 30, 2024
Read this in one sitting! The characters felt so real that I could not put this book down.
Rae does such a good job bringing a fresh perspective and depth to the romance genre. This book is dark but soft at the same time. I loved the more ethical spin of the mafia romance vibes. I also loved how expansive and inclusive of different sexualities and k!nks it is, rather than falling into the typical stereotypes of similar books in the genre.
This book is the perfect balance of smut, plot, and character depth!
Rae does such a good job bringing a fresh perspective and depth to the romance genre. This book is dark but soft at the same time. I loved the more ethical spin of the mafia romance vibes. I also loved how expansive and inclusive of different sexualities and k!nks it is, rather than falling into the typical stereotypes of similar books in the genre.
This book is the perfect balance of smut, plot, and character depth!
February 2, 2025
Threads That Bind Us is the first book in the Syndicate of Fate standalone series.
As caregiver to her teenage sister Ana, Gwen would do anything for Ana. Ana falls ill and the treatment costs are more than what Gwen could afford. Fate brings Gwen an offer that she can't refuse - a marriage of convenience to a mysterious man named Charlie. Charlie will pay for all of Ana's treatments and take care of Gwen and Ana in exchange for marriage. As the enforcer of The Syndicate, he needs a wife by his side to take his new position of power. Can Gwen trust this man who is promising her everything she wants and needs?
This book had me hooked from the first chapter! I was intrigued by what Charlie witnessed and how that would play into the story of the book. As layers of his situation were revealed, it seemed that it was serendipitous fate that brought Charlie to Gwen.
Charlie was a unicorn - a kind man who knew how to take care of someone who was always too busy taking care of others to take care of herself. Every little thing that he did for her made me swoon from how sweet it was. I loved that Charlie took as good of care of Ana as he did Gwen. The other side of this unicorn was that he had the power and the strength to unalive anyone who hurt Gwen and Ana. That is so HOT!
Charlie and Gwen's dynamic as she learned more about what he did for The Syndicate was fascinating. It definitely brought a twisted love story vibe to the book that I wasn't expecting.
Pick this one up for a "soft dark romance" that will make you swoon!
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥½
⚠️: cancer, murder, abandonment, mention of assault
As caregiver to her teenage sister Ana, Gwen would do anything for Ana. Ana falls ill and the treatment costs are more than what Gwen could afford. Fate brings Gwen an offer that she can't refuse - a marriage of convenience to a mysterious man named Charlie. Charlie will pay for all of Ana's treatments and take care of Gwen and Ana in exchange for marriage. As the enforcer of The Syndicate, he needs a wife by his side to take his new position of power. Can Gwen trust this man who is promising her everything she wants and needs?
This book had me hooked from the first chapter! I was intrigued by what Charlie witnessed and how that would play into the story of the book. As layers of his situation were revealed, it seemed that it was serendipitous fate that brought Charlie to Gwen.
Charlie was a unicorn - a kind man who knew how to take care of someone who was always too busy taking care of others to take care of herself. Every little thing that he did for her made me swoon from how sweet it was. I loved that Charlie took as good of care of Ana as he did Gwen. The other side of this unicorn was that he had the power and the strength to unalive anyone who hurt Gwen and Ana. That is so HOT!
Charlie and Gwen's dynamic as she learned more about what he did for The Syndicate was fascinating. It definitely brought a twisted love story vibe to the book that I wasn't expecting.
Pick this one up for a "soft dark romance" that will make you swoon!
Steam level: 🔥🔥🔥½
⚠️: cancer, murder, abandonment, mention of assault
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