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**One of The Top 50 Self-Published Books Worth Reading - 2015 at **Blood TiesLiAnn Tuck and her daughter, Karina Summers, are settling into their new life, enjoying the small farming community of Sheridan, Arkansas. The slower pace, compared to the craziness of Los Angeles, is a welcome distraction for them both. Taking care of her aging parents and their small farm is just what LiAnn needs to forget her twenty-five-year career as a detective. And Karina's new love interest brings back the smile she lost from years of undercover work and her cheating ex-boyfriend.The BondsTheir idyllic lifestyle changes the minute a family friend, Cecil Pickard, pays a visit. He lives at The Magnolia, an independent living facility in Hot Springs, and believes someone is stealing from him. LiAnn and Karina offer to investigate and suddenly find themselves inside a living nightmare.Are PermanentTheft isn't the only criminal activity taking place inside the historic, stately walls of The Magnolia. Organized crime has infiltrated Hot Springs, and what they're after is not only money, but life itself. As LiAnn and Karina dig deeper, they might just be digging their own graves.

606 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2015

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About the author

Ashley Fontainne

45 books149 followers
Ashley writes in multiple genres ranging from mystery/thrillers to suspenseful paranormal to dark comedy. The recipient of numerous awards for her gritty, no-holds barred style of writing, her stories will captivate and pull you inside the lives of her characters and intricate plot lines.

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5 stars
258 (46%)
4 stars
181 (32%)
3 stars
85 (15%)
2 stars
21 (3%)
1 star
12 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Sherry Fundin.
2,010 reviews145 followers
May 31, 2015
Ashley Fontainne and Lillian Hansen’s Blood Ties has a level of creepiness and reality that will linger long after you have finished reading the novel. The mother and daughter writing team continues into the characters of the story with Karina and her mother, LiAnn.

Karina, a private investigator for We’ve Got Ya, and LiAnn, a cop, had become sickened after their last case, that dealt with the abuse of senior citizens in assisted living facilities and quit their jobs. Now, it was off to Grandma and Grandpa’s farm in Arkansas.

Karina does not have female friends, except for her mother, who is her best friend. I love Karina’s badassery and the snarky dialogue between and her mother. My mother is my best friend and I spend more time around men than women. Who has time for cat fights, jealousy and shopping? Not me. I am not afraid to tell my mother anything, like Karina, sometimes in very “colorful” words. I do love Karina’s foul mouth and her “take out my gun and shoot you” attitude. I love fast cars and beer, too, Karina. She has a black Charger, with dark tinted windows and racing tires. She named it Dragula, after a Rob Zombie song based on the Munsters. Makes me think of driving the country roads when I first moved south with my Monte Carlo SS and doberman. Karina has a big dog, a 100lb black lab. I sure see the similarities and feel right at home with Karina and her family.

Of course, we need a love interest and her encounter with one of the twin Greek Gods had me grinning at the descriptive writing, which drew me further and further into Blood Ties.

Karina’s biggest Achilles heel is the mistreatment of senior citizens. She will not stand by and watch them be neglected or abused…by anyone.

The Magnolia is an assisted living facility that houses some of her grandparents friends. As Karina and LiAnn become aware of some funky goings on, they begin to investigate on their own.

Caesar is a mobster, a ruthless criminal and ex assassin that has taken many lives. When his wife dies, I find it impossible to feel empathy for him. What about the families he ruined? He has his sights set on The Magnolia, but…money isn’t the only thing he will be taking from the seniors.

Nick runs The Magnolia and sold his soul to the devil – Caesar – in return for money. He stuck his head in Caesar’s noose and would never get it out. Terror stalks him, day and night.

The Magnolia is understaffed with poorly trained workers, residents are neglected and abused – lawsuits and government investigations abound. How relevant is that today? Will you be in an assisted living facility? Blood Ties is a very thought-provoking novel that will haunt me into my golden years.

What can I say? I LOVE Blood Ties. Ashley Fontainne and Lillian Hansen’s ability to grab me from the beginning and keep me turning page after page, unable to put the book down, is proof of their awesome writing. The emotion I felt while reading ranged from happy and playful to rage and the need for justice. But is there any justice for crimes so despicable that I cannot find the words to describe them?

Blood Ties by Ashley Fontainne and Lillian Hansen is the first in a three-part murder mystery/suspense series and I can hardly wait to see what they come up with next!

I received the ARC of Blood Ties in return for an honest review.

Check out the book trailer and more on my blog on June 1, 2015, at: http://www.fundinmental.com/senior-ci...
Profile Image for BookLoversLife.
1,808 reviews9 followers
July 13, 2015
I have loved every book I've read or listened to by Ashley Fontainne and while this was really good, it wasn't my favourite one of hers. All of her other books had a uniqueness to them that was mesmerising, but I just found this to be a little predictable. Now don't get me wrong, I still flew through it, I just didn't love it.

Anyway, character wise we have mother and daughter LiAnn and Karina whom are moving back to look after LiAnns parents. While there, they agree to look into some happenings at a retirement home. Karina isn't looking forward to this because her last job involved abuse at a similar home and it hit her hard. But this job is different and both of their lives are in danger
as they delve into the world of mobsters.

I loved both these characters! Both are strong females who take no prisoners. They have such a strong bond and, for me anyway, that was a plus. My own mother wants nothing to do with me so I love seeing a proper mother/daughter bond in books, the way it should be. These girls are tough, strong and sassy!!

The plot was something I've heard a lot about lately, mistreatment of people in assisted living. It's horrible, but unfortunately something that does happen. The authors do a great job of showing compassion for the characters and showing Karinas passion for stopping this from happening. It's a fast paced and intense read though predictable at times.

I did enjoy the mobster aspect of it and Caesars' descent into madness, though in such a small town, it was hard to see that level of mobster activity.

In all, while it's not my favourite, it's still an incredibly well written and developed story. This author never fails to deliver and she is an automatic buy for me. She captivates with every word and I'd highly recommend her work.

Rebecca Roberts did an amazing job with this book. She brought each character to life and gave her all to the performance. This is my first book narrated by her, but it won't be my last.

*I received this in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
Profile Image for Stormi (StormReads).
1,870 reviews175 followers
October 26, 2017
3.5 stars

Boy this one starts out gruesome and ended with a bang! LiAnn Tuck and her daughter, Karina Summers are moving to the country from the big city of Los Angeles. LiAnn is worried about her aging parents and both mother and daughter are in need of a new place to start over.

While there Karina meets her a nice country man though for one who is not sure about starting a relationship has no problems steaming things up. Even LiAnn goes on a date but her mind is on a former boyfriend.

Then they find out some bad things are going on at a senior facility and nothing bothers Karina more than someone messing with seniors as she worked undercover in a senior facility. They soon find out that something very sinister is going on and it involves organized crime. Karina ships her grandparents and Cecil along with her mother off to Branson while she checks into things and that is when things start to get a bit intense.

The beginning started out great with a lot of gruesome mob stuff and I thought this is going to be a great one but then it sort of slowed down and I knew they were suppose figure things out about the organized crime and I kept waiting and waiting. I think this one could have been cut down a bit in length as I started to get a bit bored waiting for something cool like the beginning to happen. Then the ending it was just bam, packed full of stuff and happens all very fast.

It was an interesting story and I loved the banner between LiAnn and Karina but I just thought it was to long. It hasn't stopped me from checking out book two so it's not that I didn't like it there was just parts I thought were a bit slow.
Profile Image for Mcf1nder_sk.
597 reviews22 followers
February 20, 2018
The mother/daughter writing team of Ashley Fontainne and Lillian Hansen have created another bad-ass mother/daughter team. This time, it is Karina, a private investigator and LiAnn, a police officer with the LAPD. When they become involved in a senior living center case that exemplifies the worst in humanity, they both realize they need to get away from the memories and move to Arkansas, where LiAnn's parents live.
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While adjusting to their bucolic new surroundings, and some budding new romances, they become involved in another case involving a senior living center. This case, however, strikes much closer to home, and may mean the death of them all. Hint: the Mob isn't only into construction and waste management.
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The authors did a great job creating two believable and human female protagonists, and not the simpering "I need a man to save me" heroines of years past. These ladies can take care of themselves, and anybody who takes them on will learn that to their dismay. The storyline is rather smoothly written, with very few slow moments, and the tale itself was cleverly conceived. If there are more Magnolia tales coming with these two badass ladies, I'm definitely interested in continuing the series.
Profile Image for Maryann Hornbaker.
102 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2019
Bittersweet. Enjoyable

A mother and grown daughter, unhappy and frustrated with their lives and careers, decide to make a big move. Return to their roots, help their aging parents and start over. Neither one had a lasting relationship and since things didn’t look too good in that department they had nothing to lose.

Upon arriving “home”, they found they were truly needed there. Things were in bad shape. Aging parents, a run down farm, and a neighbor in a nursing home, all come together to bring a new love and danger into their lives.

The characters are well defined and believable. The plot moves along at a good pace. The outcome was unexpected, at least by me .

I enjoyed this and would read more by this author.
4 reviews
April 6, 2018
Blood Ties - A Magnolia Novel

This book started off pretty good, but the majority of the middle part of the story seemed prolonged. It took me over a month to read, when normally it takes a week or two. The last 50 pages or so went much better. And I'm from Arkansas myself, but when addressing a single individual by himself, you just say 'you'. 'Y'all' is said to two or more individuals, because it is the shortened version of 'you all'. Other than that, it was okay. The end was the best part.
25 reviews
October 7, 2019
I wish I could give this a higher review, but between the need to throw in some intended shock value to some already sad subject matter, I'm afraid that it just didn't work for me. I will try some other options, perhaps, somewhere down the road, but for now, I gave the stars I gave for the writing, not the content.
6 reviews
January 10, 2021
Ties that bind

I liked the way this book melded mobsters, romance, sexuality, and southern living. It didn’t hurt that the heroes were smart, capable ladies who knew how to take care of business. The author did a good job and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
332 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2018
Couldn't keep my interest.

I didn't care for this book... It didn't keep my interest and I didn't care for the characters or plot. Sorry to be so negative but I won't read this author again
8 reviews
February 21, 2018
Fantastic read, I had to finish it, my alarm went off at 6, now 640, will barely make it to work

Totally can't put down story, characters (whether slime balls or hero's) are ones u can relate to.
Am going to look for more stories by this author
111 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2018
Great Book

This was my first time read a book by this author. She is a great writer. I really enjoyed this book a lot and read it in just a short time .I was very into it. Thumb's up for me. Hope you enjoy this book also.

109 reviews
February 24, 2018
Not to my liking.

I tried to read this book but after I found myself fast forwarding through the constant "F" language and the explicit sex, it just wasn't worth my time. I am deleting it.
Profile Image for michael pilgrim.
192 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2018
Wasn'u Slick willie ftrom Hot Springs,Ar?

Only in Arkansas could this story line fit! Great story . lots of fast action. Well written and it kept your interest! Good read!! I enjoyed it!!
Profile Image for Mary Manson.
327 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2018
Murder, Mystery and the Mob

This was a great murder mystery that grand your attention on Page 1 and keeps it through numerous twists and turns until the mystery and who is responsible for the murders is revealed.
32 reviews
March 9, 2018
A truly great book

I enjoyed every chapter, it's a smooth transition from one scene to the next. Couple of times caught me off guard from where I thought they were going. Really enjoyed this book.
29 reviews
March 10, 2018
The story of how the elderly are Not taken care is so very sad!

But, this story will make you happy and wish you were at The Magnolia yourself....enjoy the book. It was hard to put down!
569 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2018
Great book!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good story with well developed characters. The only reason I gave it a four is because of profanity, vulgarity, and sexual content. It didn't add to the plot at all.
Profile Image for Elaine Hopkins.
27 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2021
Enjoyable till the end!

At first I was afraid the book was going to be gore and no story . Not so. I was happy with how the story progressed and the great ending. Ready to read another novel by the authors.


144 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2021
WOW!

What a great mystery! If you want to stay on your toes and keep flipping screens, this is the read for you. Don't think about stopping at the end of a chapter because it only leaves you wanting more!
February 19, 2018
Great Read

Plenty of action; I couldn't put it down. Loved the interaction between the various characters and the twists and turns.
3,323 reviews31 followers
February 25, 2018
Blood Ties

I was hooked the first time I met Karina and her mom. I love strong characters that have big hearts. The extreme action was a huge bonus.
Profile Image for Leslie Oberholtzer.
48 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2018
Love this book!

Great characters. Bad guys are really bad . plot complicated but complexly believable. I stayed up far too late finishing this book!
319 reviews
March 4, 2018
Hot Springs is certainly hit.

A lot of artistic writing taken, but enjoyed the book. It has everything. Female cop, female P.. I., mobsters, murder and various other crimes.
Profile Image for Siobhan Clarke.
8 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2018
Top marks

Brilliant read gripping all the way hard to put down and I love a happy ending can't wait for more
49 reviews
March 26, 2018
Parts of this I really liked and parts I skipped through. I would have liked it better if it hadn't been told from so many viewpoints.
23 reviews
March 29, 2018
Good book

Interesting read. Kept me wondering.😀 Hard to imagine Arkansas being nice place to live. I feel the humidity still. 😬
1 review
April 8, 2018
I only read a quarter way through and stopped. Too much emphasis on torture details and unnecessary sexual descriptions. Not a fan.
Profile Image for Pipia Lacy.
7 reviews
July 14, 2018
Riviting

Just a normal southern Love story until the twist start and then you can't put it down. Great weekend read
Profile Image for Susan.
1,745 reviews37 followers
April 18, 2016
LiAnn Tuck, retired detective, and her daughter Karina Summers, along with the dog Ranger, are moving from sunny California to Sheridan, Arkansas. There, they move in with LiAnn’s parents (Ruth and Junior) to help keep up the small farm and care for them. It’s a much slower pace and they have lots to learn. Both ladies are accomplished in their careers and both had to leave broken-hearted affairs in California.

Meanwhile, the Mob has their claws in one of the local independent living retirement homes, The Magnolia, as well as a mortuary and an ambulance service. Sometimes they assist the aging into their graves a little early and harvest the organs for sale on the black market. But they come under LiAnn’s and Karina’s notice when a Magnolia resident, Cecil, talks to them about his concerns. He has a lot of money in different banks and he worries that someone is trying to steal from him. Karina, who use to co-own a detective agency, dives right in to the new case. It’s just the thing to add some zest to her life.

This story starts out a touch slow, being more focused on developing the main characters. Yet there is still movement with the plot even as the two ladies move from California to Arkansas. The book cuts back and forth between them and the main Mob family. They are definitely crooked but they have their own woes as the head of the family starts to slip mentally. Things eventually turn into a cat and mouse game as the Mob becomes aware that someone is looking into their affairs.

The mystery was well laid out with several moving parts where things could go wrong. As things start to unravel for the mobsters, the danger increases for LiAnn and Karina. I loved the tension and the plotting on both sides. Then there is all this romance stuff that I could have done without. Both ladies left failed relationships behind and both have difficulty moving on. Yet both give it a go in Sherridan, each hesitant to do so. There’s one detailed sex scene that was sweet. There’s also some ridiculous endearments. Meh.

I liked that so many age groups were represented in this book and the senior citizens weren’t simply background or a mild comedic relief from the main story. The Mob family have this ingrained attitude or culture they were raised with that really becomes the center of what drives most of them. And yet they still watch out for each other even as they steal from others. The ending was pretty intense. I was worried that one family member wouldn’t make it. The ladies kept their common sense handy throughout the story.

I received a copy at no cost in exchange for an honest review.

The Narration: Rebecca Roberts was pretty good, pulling off some Italian and New Jersey accents. She also did a good job of making old people sound old. However, her male voices lacked masculinity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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