Review: Great ending to a Great series!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 6, 2012
I absolutely loved this book!  Reading Western Ties was bittersweet for me though.  It's one of those stories I've anticipated and craved for many months- couldn't wait to get my grubby little hands all over Sawyer, I mean, on his book.  But-going into it knowing it was the last book in series also made me a little sad.  See, that's what happens when you get so attached to the characters and they feel like family, like you're part of their family.  Yes, I know they are fictional characters, but they seem real to me.  So, kudos to Jayne Rylon and Mari Carr for writing such an amazing emotionally charged series.Sawyer and Leah's story captivated me right off the bat.  What starts as a slow burn when he first sets eyes on her at a BDSM party quickly ignites to a full-blown bon fire before their weekend is over.  ALL of their sex scenes are SUPER steamy.  They are another great Compton couple with that perfect balance that makes them fit together so well.  Outside of the bedroom, he's easy going and charming and she's wound up tight and way too serious.  However, behind closed doors there is never any doubt he is 100% ALPHA male and she turns out to be his equal because she not only takes everything he dishes out but relishes in the idea of him being rough, which is a total surprise to him.  Leah is also a bit of a control freak, strong but kind and caring- the type that would always be there for you whenever you needed her.  This proves to be more than true when Sawyer rushes home after discovering his family has been hiding something terrible from him, and their perfect weekend of D/s sex is cut short, which prevents them from further exploring this new connection.  However, Leah is determined to be by his side to support him any way she can, even if that includes a willing body when Sawyer needs to blow off some steam or forget his troubles.When Sawyer arrives to the family farm it's under the worst of circumstances.  Not only does he find out the details of his father's terminal illness, he also feels betrayed by his brothers, especially his twin, Sam.  The tension is high which causes his true feelings for Leah to be put on the back burner.  He definitely cares for her, but feels he cannot give her what he thinks she needs, a "boyfriend."  She proves him wrong time and time again when she shows up at the house to just be there for him, no strings attached and no commitment needed.  Nevertheless, his behavior is such a contrast.  One minute he's going all DOM, the next he's showing her the tenderness every girl can only dream of.  Tender and heartfelt moments are aplenty in this book--from scenes with the brothers, Sawyer and his mom, the double wedding, all the kids with JD towards the end, Vicky and JD in the final days, not to mention all the wonderful scenes with Sawyer and Leah.  You will need plenty of tissue.  But one of the most rewarding moments I've read in any book is the celebration of JDs life when all four of his sons spoke to the gathering of people (most of the town), at the service on their family ranch.  In true JD fashion, he didn't want anyone sitting around crying over him.  He knew exactly what his family would need and had them plan "a big-ass party."Favorite Sawyer quote: - "I think I may have gotten the best of both worlds tonight.  I landed a nice girl who wants to be bad.  That's better than riding the bull eight seconds, darling."Favorite JD Quote:  to Sawyer--"Be happy.  Find what makes you smile and hold on tight to it."JD once said Leah was a rose in a field of dandelions, and Saw's nickname for her was Rose........*sigh*As bittersweet as it was, it was also the perfect ending to a wonderful series.  I've been emotionally involved with the Comptons from the first few pages of the first book.  The authors have written these can't-help-but-fall-in-love-with characters that you not only want to know more about but you find yourself thinking about long after you finish the last page.  The family dynamics will draw you in and the flaming hot romances are enough to melt your panties right off.