When Zara refuses to let go of Rayyan, her family doesn’t just disagree—they wage war. Gaslighting, emotional blackmail, and an forced engagement ensue. Zara is torn between the guilt of “disobeying” her parents and the devastating realization that their love for her is conditional.

Have you read Breaking Ties? Did you root for Zara to stay or go? Let me know in the comments below.

We meet Zara, a protagonist who feels trapped in a gilded cage. She falls for Rayyan—a kind, ambitious man who makes her feel seen. But in Zara’s world, love isn’t a good enough reason. Her family has already mapped out her future, complete with a “perfect” husband who comes with a fat bank account and their stamp of approval.

Breaking Ties is a contemporary romance novel that explores themes of family obligation, forbidden love, and self-discovery. The story follows Zara , a young woman from a conservative, traditional family, and Rayyan , a man from a background that her family deeply disapproves of. Despite their genuine connection, Zara’s family—particularly her overbearing father and manipulative cousin—conspire to keep them apart. Under immense pressure, Zara is forced into an engagement with a wealthy, “suitable” family friend. The novel chronicles Zara’s emotional journey as she navigates guilt, betrayal, and the painful process of “breaking ties” with toxic family expectations in order to choose her own happiness and the man she truly loves. It is a story about courage, sacrifice, and the ultimate realization that blood does not always mean loyalty. Blog Post: Why “Breaking Ties” by Sara Abubakar Left Me Speechless Title: Sometimes, Breaking Ties is the Only Way to Breathe – A Review

If you’re looking for a light, fluffy romance, put this book down. Breaking Ties by Sara Abubakar is not that. It’s the literary equivalent of a deep, aching sigh—the kind you hold in for years before finally letting go.

Breaking Ties is not a perfect fairy tale. It’s messy, painful, and sometimes frustrating—just like real life. But it is an incredibly important story about the fact that

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 (Docked half a star because I needed a box of tissues and wasn’t warned.)

I picked up this book expecting a classic “star-crossed lovers” trope. What I got was a gut-punching exploration of how family can love you and suffocate you at the same time.

Sara Abubakar has written a love letter to every person who has ever chosen peace over pressure.