Tied up in Knots

Marshals, Book 3

Miro Jones is living the life; he's got his exciting, fulfilling job as a US deputy marshal, his gorgeous Greystone in suburban Chicago, his beloved adopted family, and most importantly, the man who captured his heart, Ian Doyle. Problem is, Ian isn't just his partner at work - Ian's a soldier through and through. That commitment takes him away from Miro, unexpectedly and often, and it's casting a shadow over what could be everything Miro could ever dream of.

Work isn't the same without Ian. Home isn't the same, either, and Miro's having to face his fears alone...how to keep it together at the office, how to survive looming threats from the past, and worst of all, how to keep living without Ian's rock-solid presence at his side. His life is tied up in knots, but what if unknotting them requires something more permanent? What would that mean for him and Ian? Miro's stuck between two bad choices, and sometimes the only way to get out of the knot is to hold tight to your lifeline and pull.

©2016 Mary Calmes (P)2016 Dreamspinner Press

Worth listening to

The beginning of the story is really slow and I almost quit listening. But the rest of the story is what I’ve come to love with this series with all the characters and twists and turns.

The narrator is the same: good but not excellent.

Confused

This is a good book with good narration. I love Ian and Miro, but got a bit tired of the angst in their relationship. I just didn't feel the love with all the fighting.
I am pleased the story ended with a HFN, but there were too many plot holes left for me to feel this is all over. Why the tie in to Rhys' series early in the book and never really mentioning them again? Also, Hartley. There's more to this story too.
When will the next one be available?

This series just keeps getting better!

What made the experience of listening to Tied up in Knots the most enjoyable?

Every damn thing! Seriously. Mary Calmes is an amazing author with the ability to literally bring emotions to life with words. Tristan James is a fantastic narrator with the ability to breath life into those words and emotions.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Miro, always Miro. I do love Ian, but there is this little quirk with Miro's personality that makes him so endearing and almost... naive in a way, when it comes to Ian, only with Ian. It's hard to explain, you'll just have to listen.

What does Tristan James bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He adds dimension to the story. I read this book and loved it, couldn't put it down. Same thing with the audio book, I didn't want to stop listening the story, plot and characters are just so engrossing. James really brings out the emotions of the characters with subtle nuances and tone inflections.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was and I tried, but I had to sleep at some point.

Any additional comments?

Love this Author and this narrator, perfect marriage of words and sound. If you are a fan of the Author, Narrator or series, it's a no brainer. Lot's of action, suspense, comedy, tragedy and Ian and Miro tug of war in the bedroom.

My e-book review....

Miro Jones wants his happy ever after with his partner both at work and at home, Ian Doyle. Problem is, Ian is a soldier through and through, and Miro is starting to wonder when just loving him will be enough for Ian. Left alone more than he cares to be, Miro is adrift without Ian there to ground him. Ian doesn't hide Miro, their relationship or the way he feels about his partner. So why isn't it enough for Ian to stay put and be the constant Miro needs him to be?

I think this series gets better with each new book. I really enjoy the way Ian and Miro are written as these alpha male personas, and yet, when they are together and alone it is always about them and only them. Miro is forever getting his ass handed to him by criminals, suspects and a certain psychotic serial killer that is convinced Miro is his soul mate. Ian is forever loosing his shit because the love of his life is battered and bruised... again. But lord, when they come together it is this raw, animalistic, electric connection that radiates off the pages like lightening.

The secondary characters in this series are just as vital and elaborately written as Ian and Miro. From Miro's gaggle of gal pals that think he hung the moon, much to their husbands and boyfriends dismay, to Chickie, Ian's beloved dog that is one third dog, one third wolf and one third horse! I didn't think Calmes could ever bring another fictional couple to life and make me love them as much as Sam and Jory (Matter of Time series) but she's done just that with Ian and Miro.

I seriously hope this isn't the last we see of Ian, Miro, Chickie and the wide variety of other characters that make this series so amazing.

An action packed, romantic thriller.

Tied Up in Knots is the third novel in Mary Calmes’ four novel Marshal series and should not be listened to as a stand-alone. There are too many characters and vital backstory that would interfere with the full appreciation of this novel. This series makes for a superb listening experience so having four audiobooks to anticipate and enjoy is no hardship.

In Tied Up in Knots, Deputy US Marshal Miro Jones finds himself left alone for four months and struggling with loneliness as his partner Deputy US Marshal and Green Beret, Ian Doyle, leaves for his longest deployment yet. While he’s away Miro is sent to San Francisco to assist the DEA and finds himself entangled with a corrupt officer. A cameo by Kane Connor from Rhys Ford’s superb Sinner’s Gin series makes for plenty of action and laughter as they work together to bring down the bad guys.

Ian is home barely a day when he is called in to discuss a former team mate in special ops who appears to be murdering his old team one by one. Alone again, Miro is sent to Las Vegas to pick up a young man who has made himself known whilst in the WITSEC program and needs relocation to Chicago. Enter Josue, a young man alone and needing Miro’s help. Of course Miro ‘adopts’ him and introduces him to Cabot and Drake and they all become fast friends. Miro also returns home to some terrifying news. Dr Craig Hartly, the vile serial killer with an obsession with all things Miro, has escaped and will no doubt be in a hurry to pay him a visit.

As the tension rises, Ian returns home again, and it’s not a moment too soon. New neighbour Barrett has been providing Miro some much needed friendship and company during Ian’s absence, but Barrett’s reaction to Ian’s return seems off, and we’re left to wonder if Barrett had hoped for more from Miro. Time will tell. The next few days are packed with all their friends arriving for thanksgiving and serial killer worries go on the back burner. Two FBI agents outside and their protective dog inside seem deterrent enough. Naturally everything goes sideways from there...

Tied Up in Knots is one heck of a ride. There’s action aplenty, some sizzling reunions and lots of interaction with all the people in both Ian and Miro’s lives. This novel gives the listener so much more than just Ian and Miro. We learn more about both of their past lives and the reason why Ian has been unwilling to leave the green berets. The secondary characters add humour and depth to the story and all things Ian and Miro. It’s a fast paced and riveting listen.

As usual Tristan James takes Mary Calmes’ extremely well written story and makes it something more. Great characterisations add to the humour and drama and I was so engrossed I didn’t want the story to end. If you haven’t tried audiobooks before then I highly recommend you do. It’s a completely different experience from reading a book and, with a narrator like Tristan, I actually think it’s even better. I’m thrilled to be able to go immediately to the last audiobook in the series and can’t wait to see where Mary takes us next.
Highly recommended.

Can stand alone

Enough backstory included that the book can be enjoyed without feeling like you're being buried by an info dump. There is plenty of romance and action, completed subplots, development of minor characters, and advancement of the series plot to satisfy new and long time fans.