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

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.

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.

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.

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