The Ties That Bind Us, Part One

The Ties Duet #1

by Danda K.

𝘾𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙣 :

𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚗.
𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝑤𝑎𝑠𝑛'𝑡 𝑖𝑡.

𝙰𝚕𝚕 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚋𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔 𝚏𝚛𝚎𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚜𝚢𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚏𝚊𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚛𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚘𝚞𝚕.

𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.

𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝙸 𝚜𝚊𝚠 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚛.
𝚃𝚊𝚕𝚕, 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎, 𝚜𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚌.
𝘼 𝙗𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙙𝙙.

𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚒𝚖.
𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑚𝑎𝑛.

𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚠.
𝙽𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚠𝚗 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝙸 𝚊𝚖.


𝙅𝙖𝙭𝙤𝙣 :

𝙳𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚎.
𝑈𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 ℎ𝑒𝑟.

𝚄𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚕 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚗𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚢 𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚜.
𝐻𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑠 ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑠 𝑚𝑦 𝑝𝑎𝑠𝑡.

𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚.

𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝚋𝚛𝚘𝚔𝚎𝚗 𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚌𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑡, 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑖𝑡.
𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚜𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚢.

𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣'𝙩 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙪𝙥 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙮, 𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝...

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Romance, Abuse, Mental Health, New Adult, Fiction

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2021

About the author

Danda K. is a new Romance Author from New York City. She’s also a wife and mother to three wild little boys. She got her name Danda from her niece and nephew's who are practically her own kids. She’s awkward, and her obsession with her cats will never go unnoticed. You’ll likely find her hiding snacks from her kids, binge watching Netflix, or reading. Books give her life, and now she focuses her short attention span on writing her own stories. Even though Danda resides in a big city, she spends most of her time at home avoiding people and hanging out with fictional characters. She has dipped her pen in poetry since she was a little girl but found a love for writing romance. Thankful for her early readers, she enjoys engaging with them and sharing her love for books and favorite authors.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ties that bind us / first part

5 💔💔💔💔💔💧🎡🌪🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

Can you hear the crack??? 💔
That’s my heart breaking for these two tragic yet beautiful souls and for everything they endured since living on this earth...

Cameron and Jaxon.
Or Nyx and Charming.
Two figures so real...
A girl and a boy with tortured souls...
A love so riveting...
A human love story...
A journey to redemption of life...

Cameron was being physically (not raped) and psychologically abused by her father since she was 5 y.o. and her mother never bothered or even cared. She was 21 when she decided to leave everything behind her and try to exist on her own.

Jaxon, was abandoned in front of a super market at only a few days old and went to foster care until he was 18 y.o.. Then he took his life in his own hands and at the age of 23 managed to become an incredible, hard working and decent person.

Cameron and Jaxon’s paths collided and their journey embarked.
It was tough and difficult, angsty, hopeful, however Jaxon helped Cameron evolve and flourish under his wings.
Despite all the adversities, they fell in love and it was so beautiful!!!

“And I was right. Because I don’t love you like normal people do. Being with you has become as natural as breathing for me, Jaxon. I don’t know if what I feel for you in my heart is even considered love,” she shrugs. “Honestly, love seems too simple for what happens when two souls become one entity. It’s spiritual.” Cameron

Nothing is easy in life and their love was to be tested by an unforeseen, yet sweet, element from the past.
The balances that were so hardly established now were unsteady, in defiance of their efforts to remain united and devoted.

“And, as long as the ties that bind us together are stronger than the ones that could tear us apart, we can overcome anything.” Jaxon

The writing was gripping, the characters’ development was outstanding and had great depth, their story had heart aching and soul stirring moments experiencing each and every feeling.
I am sorry but there are not enough words to synthesise for this emotional astounding debut by Danda K. 🙇🏻‍♀️
The cliffhanger had my heart in pause for more than a few seconds...

“Don’t give up on me, baby.” Jaxon
💔

[Renee (BookLoveWithRenee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me all up in my feels. I fell in love with Cam & Jaxon’s story. Cameron is homeless and has no one when she meets Jax. It takes her awhile to open up to him, but he's patient, caring, & supportive as she learns to live her life in her own terms. Together, they navigate the challenges life throws at them. Jax is the perfect man- he is what dreams are made of 😍 This is Danda K's debut book & she completely blew me away. Definitely added to my list of favorites!

[Gina Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book by debut author Danda K. Cam and Jax’s story was beautiful. As two souls tethered together from a similar background, Jax recognises Cam’s pain and is kind and beautifully supportive to her as she tries to move forward. So excited for the next book from this fantastic author 😀😀

[Krissydanielle90 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most intriguing books I have read lately. I was hooked by the first page. I love Cam and Jaxs they are absolute goals. Once I started reading i could not stop I needed to continue on their journey with them. This book is filled with a rollercoaster of emotions so buckle up and enjoy the ride!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰😎

[Amara | The Literary Indulgence · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author in exchange of a honest review

I just finished this beauty and I am not okay.
Danda you wrecked me! and I am not even complaining.

This book marks the debut of Danda K. in the author's world. And what an amazing start my girl has had!

This is a story of pain, patience & perseverance. Cameron’s story brought me to tears so many times. She is not at all a weak girl. Life has shown her some tough times but she is not the one to back down.

"You are my purpose baby."

Jaxon is the perfect guy for Cameron in every way. He was just what she needed and much more. But he is not without his demons. It was exhilarating to see his internal struggle. Those imperfections of his made him so damn PERFECT.

"I find beauty in the imperfections.
because that's where the truth lies."

I laughed. I cried. I thoroughly enjoyed.

I am going in for a re-read till the time Danda releases the second part!

[Jessica Titus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more can I say other than I absolutely love Cam and Jaxson. This is a true underdog story that will have you believing that someone can be more then what their past paints them. Cam is someone that most people with a broken past can relate to and is one reason I love her so much. Jaxson is just the picture perfect boyfriend that has his own demons to deal with. Together they are absolutely perfect. I got all kinds of emotions reading this book. I look forward to the next one. Way to go Danda! Absolutely amazing book!

[Huda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 OU% Of 5
OMG 😭♥💔💔💞💖
I loved this book SOOO MUCH

This heart-wrenching story was nothing but precious in every way. The ties that bind us by Danda K was a beautiful story about two broke shattered soul

The plot twist I did not see that coming. The writing was perfect and the story the way it flowed...*chef kissess*. The major character development was ✨perfect✨

It starts as Cameron, a girl living in the household that's everybody's worst nightmare, all her life she spent miserably with her parents. But one day she finally stands up and head out to the world-which is worst then her house...

But Hey! Jaxon baby's on the way to save her live. He's literally every girl dream. He was so fcking gentle with her like WTF😭. Not only that, but he appreciated her boundaries.

Bcz of her past it was so hard for her to open up, but Jaxon-her charming, was so caring, supporting and gentle with her soul. They indeed end up falling in love to each other.....but fuck I hate to say that life had planned other things for them💔💔

This book ENDED in a BIG cliffhanger, and now I'm SO PISSED LIKE WHYYY?? WHAT!? WTF-

And Emerson 😭😂 I love her, she was sooo cute. And don't even start me with her mother 🙄🙄
Some quotes

A troubled soul can always spot a troubled soul

A small part of me wants t show him my scars. i want him to see me for all i am. I want all my broken pieces to be laid out for jaxon to judge.😭💖

we are not the sum of our misfortunes. We're a product of what we've learned from them

“Don’t give up on me, baby.” Jaxon.😭💖

[Cara Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am OBSESSED with Cameron and Jaxon!!! This story is full of emotion and love, and I can’t get enough!! Highly recommend so you can fall in love with their story too! 💕

[Xanthi patera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron + Jaxon ❤️❤️❤️

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Except for the tears or lack of them, the book almost made my five star criteria. I just needed a bit more of a connection to Cam. But really, this poor girl. Why are shitty people allowed to have kids? Shitty is putting it nicely. My heart broke over and over for Cam. Dear God. What I did feel strongly is an utter loathing for the sperm and egg that made her. Those kind of people are the worst of the worst and hell is too good for people like them.

Then an angel, Jaxon (not literally) but this guy was the guy. I mean the one.... Like worthy enough to be a book HUSBAND. Yep, totally skipped boyfriend zone. I really enjoyed the book and the ending.... Say what?

[_all_by_my_shelf_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was absolutely stunning, and that cliffhanger (!!!) holy shit😂
I need the sequel right now
Jaxon and Cam reminded me a lot of Feyre and Rhys, so if you ever want to read a romance series without fantasy, go read this!!

TW: child abuse, assault, attempt at rape, a panic attack and strong language and sexual content.
Please be safe while reading, and if anyone came across more trigger warnings, please comment them so I can add them💛

[Denise Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could I would give it 10 stars. Loved the characters and the story line was beautifully told ..I highly recommend this book. Anyone will find it hard to put it down. Cant wait for the second book ... especially becaus the first book leaves you with questions you want to find out the answers to.

[xxBooksILovexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown Away - 5 HUGE Stars!

Danda K has done an amazing job on her first novel. I’m was completely riveted by Jaxon & Cameron’s story from the minute I started this book. So many twists & turns that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more! I can not wait for book 2. Do yourself a favor & pick up this book immediately! You won’t regret it.

[Monica Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, to say that this book consumed me from start to finish would be putting it lightly. The raw emotion that this story entails is nothing short of heart wrenching. The perseverance, acceptance and tenderness that Jaxon has for Cameron is beautiful. And as much as I love my smutty, territorial alpha reads- Jaxon is a refreshing change with his pure adoration and attentiveness he extends to Cameron. I have never highlighted so much in a read before this. This cliffhanger is insane- and I am literally jumping right into book two now. 10/5 stars <3

[Carrie Lamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

What more can I say the I freaking absolutely loveeeeee Cam and Jaxson!!!!!❤️🥰 This is amazing story that will have you believing that someone can be more then their past!!!!! Cam is someone who people can relate to dealing with a broken past that’s the reason I love her character!!!!! Jaxson is the most amazing picture perfect boyfriend for sure!!!! But he got his own demons to deal with to!!!! But these two are so freaking perfect together!!!!! I can’t wait to read the second book!!! I hope this turns into a series!!!! A must read for sure!!!!! ❤️🥰📚❤️ Way to go Danda!!!!! Freaking amazing book!!!!!🥰📚❤️📚🥰

[Jaime Napolitano · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from beginning to end... I read it so quick too I couldn't put it down !!!

[Angela Tolomeo Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was good until they threw a baby in it then I was done with it. Stupid. Ruined a good book.

[Gina *loves sunshine* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this book was this author's debut that came out back in 2021. Another new author to me!! This is a duet and this book does end on a cliff hanger. It's also a tough one to review because I don't really want to give away spoilers but hard to explain my opinion then!!! you are warned.

I absolutely adored the first portion of this book. I loved getting to know Cameron and Jaxon as they both had terrible upbringings and were both finding their way with their own happiness in life and slowly falling for each other. This was very much on the same vibe as Emma Scott's The Butterfly Project! So artsy and fun to follow them around the cities!!

But at big ole twist #1 it really took a turn and became a book building on the insecurities and bad crap that will break it all apart and I just disconnected. I guess I just wasn't really in the mood for the baby, baby mommy on drugs, the manipulation storyline that it turned in to. By the end my patience for the part where it builds the heartbreak back up was at its wits end. I love a good build back up from the trenches and maybe that gets going again in book 2 - I guess that is the downfall of this as a duet. The story is much longer than I was willing to invest. BUT THEN the cliffhanger. And I think it made it worse. I'm not very excited to pick up book 2. I'm mildly curious how the author will play this all out, I might read i might skim, we will see.

[•Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since i stumbled across this book while scrolling through social media earlier this year I've wanted to read it! I was so glad to finally be able to jump into this duet! I enjoyed this first book in The Ties Duet so much!

This first book in Cameron and Jaxson's journey isn't an easy one. I really liked how both of these characters were so quick to grab my attention and the realness shown by both of them. I felt so many things with these two throughout! I so enjoyed the chemistry between them and how i got to dig deeper as well!

With The Ties That Bind Us Part One, Ms.K has created such a good read that'll have you feeling so much! I can't wait to find out what happens next in book two!


*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*

[MizFig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyx and Charming

This is the first book that I have read by this author and o can’t wait to dive into the second part of this book!
I absolutely loved this. The world that she created was so real. The pain and the love.
Watching a girl go from hell to heaven to only find herself so lost is heartbreaking.
Such a beautiful love story with so many twists and turns.
Can not wait for the next part!!

[Katharine Sadler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron and Jaxon's story is lovely and heartbreaking and will have you feeling all the feels. I couldn't help rooting for this couple, they are both so real and likable. Their back stories are heartbreaking, and what they've overcome is so impressive. This book will definitely make you smile and cry and everything in between. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Chelsea B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing series, you will absolutely fall in love with the ups and downs of Cameron and jaxons love story. Cameron believes she is broken beyond repair but with kindness, love and patience jaxon sees and heals every broken and bruised piece of her. and In him she finds love, family and a chance for happiness..... if only his bloody ex would stay away.
so much trouble and tribulations, and some seriously steamy scenes 🔥 but every set back only makes them stronger
Not to mention the absolutel perfection that is uncle syed!
DONT WANT TO GIVE ANY SPOILERS but it's defo worth reading as is danda k's follow on book ties 2..... and don't even get my started on how amazing you broke me first is
5* for this author just isn't enough ❤

[Nagma (Take A Look At My Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ties That Bind Us (Part 1) is an emotional roller coaster. Seriously, this book was amazing! I loved Cameron and Jaxon’s story; it wrecked me in the best possible way. Cameron (Cam) is homeless, broken, and oh so relatable. Jaxon is essentially perfect. He’s caring and supportive towards Cam but is dealing with his own things. These two were perfect for each other and Danda K. has written such a beautiful love story. This book was absolutely addicting and I’m amazed that this is Danda K.’s debut! I am desperately waiting for the second part!

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang, this one was an emotional rollercoaster!

Cameron and Jaxon's story is such a heartbreaking one that had me shedding a few tears. Ugh my heart is broken right now, that ending really hurt. Jaxon is such a sweet guy that will do anything for the ones he loves. The love he has for Cameron is so beautiful and raw and Cameron has had such a rough life. So, it's great seeing how she has someone that loves her like that and she also has met someone she can love and trust with her whole heart. I won't spoil anything but, I will say I wasn't expecting that plot twist that is for sure!

I loved this story so much! Overall I'd give this one 5 stars!

On to the next one!

[Miranda Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attraction, adventure, slow burn romance... count me in!
This was an amazing 5⭐️ read for me! I loved everything about this story!
Cam’s character was so strong, brave and beautiful that I instantly formed an attachment with her. Her strength to overcome her environment was inspiring and watching her grow to love and trust in Jaxon was so wonderful.
Jaxon’s gentleman manners coupled with his extreme sexiness was just.... had me smitten!
Together these characters took me on a whirlwind of emotions that had me unable to put this book down!
I already need Part Two!

[MyDogAteMyBookReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t want to own her, I want her to belong to me”

WHAT 👏🏻 A 👏🏻 DEBUT 👏🏻

I got the arc for this yesterday and I didn’t put it down until I finished it

Honest review 💛

Cam & Jax are perfectly imperfect. Two broken souls who carry their own baggage & scars. Afraid to love and be loved but together they climb those walls 🥺

*FULL REVIEW TO COME*

[E. Molgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This book has a slow start but if you stick with it you’ll fall in love with Cameron and Jaxon. They’re story is realistic which I think is what makes this story so pure and heartwarming. This book didn’t end on a cliffhanger that makes you question more of Cameron’s childhood. This is Danka K’s duet novel and I thinks is fantastic.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ties that bind us is something sweeter and softer to what I have been reading recently. It is nice to have a break from dark.

This book had some cliche moments but it didn't put me off. It involves a homeless woman and an orphan man. There paths cross and they just seem can't seem to leave each other. Especially the young man.

I really loved how the young woman was portrayed as strong and independent. Although I did dislike how she get putting herself down but it is understandable.

It was great to see the young man encouraging her and always boosted her up. Felt sorry for him too as I can tell he is totally in love with her and she has the passed still stuck with her.

This book ends with a twisty cliffhanger!!

Something that I did but didn't see coming. (hope that makes sense)

P. S: Thought had this review up, seems like it was somehow taken down.

[Madison Winchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly have no words.... I loved every single part of this book. It had just the right amount of steam and the most beautiful, haunted love story unfolding throughout the pages. Cam & Jax are so imperfectly perfect you fall in love with not only their relationship, but the characters as individuals. Thank you to the author Danda K for giving me an ARC and sharing this amazing story with me. So excited for part 2😍😍

[Leighelle Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been over a week and I am still thinking about this book. Danda knocked this romance out of the park. Jaxon and Cameron are so real it’s ridiculous. This book wrecked me in the best way possible and I cannot wait for more.
Their love for one another is so pure and believe me when I tell you, EVERYONE needs a Jaxon in their life.