The Ties that Bind (1986) - Jayne Ann Krentz

Written by Jayne Ann Krentz
Read by Laural Merlington
Format: MP3
Bitrate: 64 Kbps
Unabridged

The Ties that Bind (1986)
Publisher: Dreamscape Media, LLC
Release date: October 23, 2014
Duration: 06:15:24

Shannon Raine lives in the artistic community of Mendocino, where she designs silk-screened fabrics that look like medieval illuminations. When Garth Sheridan appears on the beach outside her home, she is immediately drawn to him, convinced that the dark stranger must be a writer or an artist. But when the two meet, she realizes that nothing could be further from the truth. She has nothing in common with the San Diego businessman whose corporate world has taught him not to trust anyone.

She longs to understand this man and the other life he leads, far from the scenic haven they share. Somehow she has to convince Garth that he can trust her with the part of him that rules the ruthless, high-stakes arena of big money and corporate power. For only then can their two worlds become one.

With an undeniable attraction between them, can they find a common ground in their very different lives?

Readers said… This was typical 80s stuff. I supposed I started my romance reading with books like this. Domineering male lead. Stubborn leading lady. Neither wants to give in. I love how they just hop into bed, no question asked about health checks, birth control, condoms …

Someone remind me to never read dated romance novels. This was written in 1986. I was one year old. I can only hope that in 1986 men weren’t quite such complete and utter jerknozzles. But I have my doubts. All I can hope is that in another 25 years or so people will read romances written in 2014 and laugh at our silly gender constructs and stereotypes.

The author, Jayne Ann Krentz, switches perspectives throughout the novel, a technique I particularly enjoy. In doing so, she provides the readers a look at the same situation from opposite sides of the spectrum, and since her characters are so opposite in temperament it also serves to answer difficult questions for the reader.

Vintage cover ( 1996)