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Marshals #7
Newly Tied
For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away.
Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him. Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.
Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him. Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2024
187 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
123 books4,966 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 16, 2024
2.5 stars: (Rounding up for the glimpses at the original marshals gang.) I truly love the Marshals series, but especially Ian and Miro. It was good to see them and all the guys again. If you’ve read those first few books, this was pretty much the same – just a lot shorter. I’m not sure why the books seem to get shorter and shorter these days.
There was nothing original about this story. Lots of repetition with dialogue about how it was just them from now on and how stupid they were to not see how the other one felt. I honestly skipped the last few pages because of this. Most of the time it felt like reading Miro and Ian’s story all over again, but I loved their story. This was almost boring. All I had to do was substitute Miro’s name for Del’s, and Ian’s name with Lang’s. Lang is the “straight” partner of Del, who is gay and in love with him. Remember how Ian had some drama stuff with his father and his father’s new family? Well, same with Lang except it wasn’t as interesting. At least Ian’s relationship with his father was drawn out and had depth.
I actually have index cards with notes on this whole series. When I started this book, I got out a new card and put the title on the top so I was ready to make my notes. The only notes I made were about things that occurred with the original guys from Ian and Miro’s books. It equated to less than 5 sentences.
So while it was good to be back in the Marshals world, there was nothing of note that happened other than meeting some new team members.
**on a side note: I was appalled that these guys never use condoms despite the fact that Del has had a very active and recent sex life with random hookups.**
There was nothing original about this story. Lots of repetition with dialogue about how it was just them from now on and how stupid they were to not see how the other one felt. I honestly skipped the last few pages because of this. Most of the time it felt like reading Miro and Ian’s story all over again, but I loved their story. This was almost boring. All I had to do was substitute Miro’s name for Del’s, and Ian’s name with Lang’s. Lang is the “straight” partner of Del, who is gay and in love with him. Remember how Ian had some drama stuff with his father and his father’s new family? Well, same with Lang except it wasn’t as interesting. At least Ian’s relationship with his father was drawn out and had depth.
I actually have index cards with notes on this whole series. When I started this book, I got out a new card and put the title on the top so I was ready to make my notes. The only notes I made were about things that occurred with the original guys from Ian and Miro’s books. It equated to less than 5 sentences.
So while it was good to be back in the Marshals world, there was nothing of note that happened other than meeting some new team members.
**on a side note: I was appalled that these guys never use condoms despite the fact that Del has had a very active and recent sex life with random hookups.**
April 11, 2025
5 stars for the narration; 2.5 for the story - 3.75 stars.
Greg Boudreaux was as excellent as ever, but even his talent couldn't save this one. I've enjoyed other books in this series, but this one was pretty much a re-tread of all the others; two partners, one is gay one is straight (supposedly); the former has been pining for the latter for ages, the latter is kind of hung up on the former, but doesn't really know or understand why... *eyeroll*
One of the things I liked about the first books in the series was the way the cases the guys work are different to those in most procedurals; because of the nature of their jobs, the Marshals aren't working cases from start to finish, so we got the chance to see them working on different assignments. In this book, there's... one, I think? plus the drama surrounding Lang's sister getting into a potentially dangerous situation, but otherwise, there's not much plot here.
Also, Lang's brand of "you're mine and nobody else is EVER allowed to touch you" possessiveness really creeps me out; I was glad that Del sort of told him not to be such a caveman, but still, it makes me cringe.
Greg Boudreaux was as excellent as ever, but even his talent couldn't save this one. I've enjoyed other books in this series, but this one was pretty much a re-tread of all the others; two partners, one is gay one is straight (supposedly); the former has been pining for the latter for ages, the latter is kind of hung up on the former, but doesn't really know or understand why... *eyeroll*
One of the things I liked about the first books in the series was the way the cases the guys work are different to those in most procedurals; because of the nature of their jobs, the Marshals aren't working cases from start to finish, so we got the chance to see them working on different assignments. In this book, there's... one, I think? plus the drama surrounding Lang's sister getting into a potentially dangerous situation, but otherwise, there's not much plot here.
Also, Lang's brand of "you're mine and nobody else is EVER allowed to touch you" possessiveness really creeps me out; I was glad that Del sort of told him not to be such a caveman, but still, it makes me cringe.
November 24, 2024
I LOVE this series, but not every couple is as awesome as Ian Doyle and Miro Jones - they just aren't 🤷🏻♀️
BUT I always have a great time reading a Marshals Book and I will never get bored by it... looking forward to the next one.....
BUT I always have a great time reading a Marshals Book and I will never get bored by it... looking forward to the next one.....
January 29, 2025
These books are much better if you are caught up on the He Said, he saids from the newsletter.
It's a fact.
I liked this better than the last one. This one had half a book left after their realization which is a nice balance between the romance and the story.
Being a Marshal is exhausting.
I'm happy this is an ongoing series.
It's a fact.
I liked this better than the last one. This one had half a book left after their realization which is a nice balance between the romance and the story.
Being a Marshal is exhausting.
I'm happy this is an ongoing series.
November 19, 2024
So - so much dialogue - kill me now. Bursts of action not attached or on the same plot line followed by miles of talking. What chemistry there was at the start disappeared under the self analytical talking. I am not even sure if there was a plot. My least favorite book in the series.
June 21, 2025
Extended version of a novella I’d previously read with the additions detailing the next day. I’ll read anything that Ms Calmes writes, this is not her best work (others in this series are just so good) but even so it is most enjoyable and I’ll doubtless read it again.
November 18, 2024
Very Mary Calmes, but also downright fluffy compared to how this series began. If you want low angst, this one fits that need.
November 10, 2024
practically perfect, Calmes heroes was just what I needed
Rating: 4.5🌈
I have loved this series for a long time and was so happy to see another story and couple added to this expanding law enforcement community and universe. According to the author, this is just the beginning of the journey for Del and Lang in terms of books which is appropriate because the beginning of their partnership and romantic relationship is exactly what Calmes delivers here.
We enter as relocated Texan, Delroy “Del” McCabe, begins a new chapter of his life. Del’s in Chicago as one of a group of law enforcement officers on probation as they hoping for the permanent assignment as US federal Marshals. They’re on probation and training under the office of Sam Kage, the deputy chief of the Northern District of Illinois, basically head of all the Marshals in the area.
Another member of that group is a local Chicago officer, Langston “Lang” Ross, a man whose family and roots run deep and whose connection with Del is instantly apparent and solid.
Calmes delivers an emotional journey of friendship, and emotional connection as Del and Lang go from action packed case to case, exploring their own experiences as relationships as regards to their careers and each other.
Of course, other Marshals and their partners and families are also involved in this journey and story, a wonderful aspect of the series and Calmes’ writing that sees crossover characters.
Other elements of the story include Lang’s discovery of his bisexuality or pansexuality because of his love for Del. Del’s recognition and acceptance of the need for therapy for the parental abuse he suffered during his childhood, and Lang’s support for his own PTSD issues. It’s sensitively written and folded realistically into their characters and storylines.
I love Calmes’ novels and her characters tend to be heroes. Right now I needed to read this. And I definitely want to read more about this couple and their relationship going forward.
Highly recommended.
Marshals series to date:
🔹All Kinds Of Tied Down #1
🔹Fit To Be Tied #2
🔹Tied Up In Knots #3
🔹Twisted and Tied #4 - Miro Jones and Ian Doyle (1 through 4)
🔹Balanced and Tied #5 - Eli Kohn and Celso Harrington, ballet dancer
🔹Tied Over #6 - Josiah Redeker and Bodhi Callahan
🔹Newly Tied #7 - Delroy “Del” McCabe and Langston “Lang” Ross
Covers by Reese Dante
Rating: 4.5🌈
I have loved this series for a long time and was so happy to see another story and couple added to this expanding law enforcement community and universe. According to the author, this is just the beginning of the journey for Del and Lang in terms of books which is appropriate because the beginning of their partnership and romantic relationship is exactly what Calmes delivers here.
We enter as relocated Texan, Delroy “Del” McCabe, begins a new chapter of his life. Del’s in Chicago as one of a group of law enforcement officers on probation as they hoping for the permanent assignment as US federal Marshals. They’re on probation and training under the office of Sam Kage, the deputy chief of the Northern District of Illinois, basically head of all the Marshals in the area.
Another member of that group is a local Chicago officer, Langston “Lang” Ross, a man whose family and roots run deep and whose connection with Del is instantly apparent and solid.
Calmes delivers an emotional journey of friendship, and emotional connection as Del and Lang go from action packed case to case, exploring their own experiences as relationships as regards to their careers and each other.
Of course, other Marshals and their partners and families are also involved in this journey and story, a wonderful aspect of the series and Calmes’ writing that sees crossover characters.
Other elements of the story include Lang’s discovery of his bisexuality or pansexuality because of his love for Del. Del’s recognition and acceptance of the need for therapy for the parental abuse he suffered during his childhood, and Lang’s support for his own PTSD issues. It’s sensitively written and folded realistically into their characters and storylines.
I love Calmes’ novels and her characters tend to be heroes. Right now I needed to read this. And I definitely want to read more about this couple and their relationship going forward.
Highly recommended.
Marshals series to date:
🔹All Kinds Of Tied Down #1
🔹Fit To Be Tied #2
🔹Tied Up In Knots #3
🔹Twisted and Tied #4 - Miro Jones and Ian Doyle (1 through 4)
🔹Balanced and Tied #5 - Eli Kohn and Celso Harrington, ballet dancer
🔹Tied Over #6 - Josiah Redeker and Bodhi Callahan
🔹Newly Tied #7 - Delroy “Del” McCabe and Langston “Lang” Ross
Covers by Reese Dante
November 15, 2024
Expanded edition of an earlier novella
**This book was originally a novella that was part of a prolific works promotion. It has significantly more content than the original.**
When I started reading this book just a day or two after it released I was very confused. I knew I had read this before. I double checked my Goodreads list and yup, there it was though it was listed as book 6.5. I did some hunting and found d out that this was an expanded version of an earlier novella. I was glad to discover I wasn’t going crazy!
This is a partners falling in love story with one partner who has been out from the start (and I love with straight partner) and the other partner gradually realizing what it is he wants in his life (and it’s not all the women he’s been dating.) This is a quick, low angst read that features a lot of the characters we’ve come to love from this series. It’s a nice little visit back to this universe.
**This book was originally a novella that was part of a prolific works promotion. It has significantly more content than the original.**
When I started reading this book just a day or two after it released I was very confused. I knew I had read this before. I double checked my Goodreads list and yup, there it was though it was listed as book 6.5. I did some hunting and found d out that this was an expanded version of an earlier novella. I was glad to discover I wasn’t going crazy!
This is a partners falling in love story with one partner who has been out from the start (and I love with straight partner) and the other partner gradually realizing what it is he wants in his life (and it’s not all the women he’s been dating.) This is a quick, low angst read that features a lot of the characters we’ve come to love from this series. It’s a nice little visit back to this universe.
November 11, 2024
3 1/2 stars
November 12, 2024
Newly Tied
Lang and Del
Ah... I've been waiting for these two to get a book. Lol, I just started this series so I could read this book when it released. I had no idea it would be theirs. I went in blind not reading any blurbs, etc. So after having read the previous books, i knew these two needed their own, and they got it.
Lang and Del
Ah... I've been waiting for these two to get a book. Lol, I just started this series so I could read this book when it released. I had no idea it would be theirs. I went in blind not reading any blurbs, etc. So after having read the previous books, i knew these two needed their own, and they got it.
November 14, 2024
I Need More!
Please tell me this is the start of several books about Lang & Del?? Theirjust like Miro & Ian. I can’t wait to read more.
Please tell me this is the start of several books about Lang & Del?? Theirjust like Miro & Ian. I can’t wait to read more.
February 9, 2025
Enjoyable story that is well written with likeable characters and good world building. The narration is very good as well.
November 9, 2024
I loved these two. Del is…delicious! Lang is lovely . Good book!
November 19, 2024
This one was downright disappointing.
Like Miro and Ian all over again, but shorter and less interesting.
Like Miro and Ian all over again, but shorter and less interesting.
November 5, 2024
Well worth the wait!!
First let me say, I loved the original release of Del and Lang's story. But this was Awesome!! It's always great to spend time with the Marshall's but it makes my heart happy to get to peek into where the original team is now, and I love that we get to fall in love with Sam's growing team.
First let me say, I loved the original release of Del and Lang's story. But this was Awesome!! It's always great to spend time with the Marshall's but it makes my heart happy to get to peek into where the original team is now, and I love that we get to fall in love with Sam's growing team.
November 11, 2024
The series continues
Yes Mary Calmes is a one click for me so another addition to the Marshals series was a treat. I did read this story when it was part of a giveaway and loved it but this is an expanded version so I had to buy. Loved the two newest Marshals and loved getting glimpses of the whole team. Get this book you will love it!
Yes Mary Calmes is a one click for me so another addition to the Marshals series was a treat. I did read this story when it was part of a giveaway and loved it but this is an expanded version so I had to buy. Loved the two newest Marshals and loved getting glimpses of the whole team. Get this book you will love it!
November 8, 2024
4.25⭐️ one of my favourite books of the series! Lang & Del were everything! My anxiously attached, words of affirmation besties 🤩
November 9, 2024
If Mary Calmes writes it, I'll be reading it.
January 6, 2025
3.5 stars
Mary Calmes delivers another classic "friends to lovers" romance with Newly Tied featuring Perfect-For-Each-Other-Partners. The chemistry between Langston Ross and Delroy McCabe is undeniable as they navigate their deepening feelings for each other. Lang and Del’s journey is super fast-paced, classic Calmes. As soon as Lang stops denying his attraction to Del, the story takes off, making it a fun read. While the relationship’s quick progression might feel rushed for some, I think fans of Calmes' style will enjoy the familiar warmth and connection.
Mary Calmes delivers another classic "friends to lovers" romance with Newly Tied featuring Perfect-For-Each-Other-Partners. The chemistry between Langston Ross and Delroy McCabe is undeniable as they navigate their deepening feelings for each other. Lang and Del’s journey is super fast-paced, classic Calmes. As soon as Lang stops denying his attraction to Del, the story takes off, making it a fun read. While the relationship’s quick progression might feel rushed for some, I think fans of Calmes' style will enjoy the familiar warmth and connection.
December 1, 2024
I'll bet when Mary started writing this series she had no idea how many times she'd have to use the word "tied" in a title. LOL. I love this series even though we've moved to secondary and new characters since the original story. I always love to see Sam Kage and Miro and Ian so those are pluses. I wouldn't suggest reading this one as a stand alone since so many past couples show up here.
In this one, new US Marshalls are assigned in teams and from the get-go, Del and Lang hit it off and work well together. They are so close, in fact, each can know what the other is thinking and though Del is smitten with Lang from the start, Lang is straight so... But wait! Not so straight he can't ultimately realize how much he loves and wants Del underneath him, so to speak.
Yes, there's trope here and, yes, Mary's style of writing a very personable character connecting with one who is more somber and more ____ (each is a bit different but always opposite from the other).
But I love her writing and I'm always left with warm and fuzzy feelings and a love of the characters. In fact, Acrobat is my top comfort read and I have it in both e-book and audio so I never tire of reading Mary Calmes's work. If you haven't read any and you like some thrilling action along with some heartwarming moments, sexual discovery, and some smokin' scenes, by all means start with book one of this series: All Kinds of Tied Down.
In this one, new US Marshalls are assigned in teams and from the get-go, Del and Lang hit it off and work well together. They are so close, in fact, each can know what the other is thinking and though Del is smitten with Lang from the start, Lang is straight so... But wait! Not so straight he can't ultimately realize how much he loves and wants Del underneath him, so to speak.
Yes, there's trope here and, yes, Mary's style of writing a very personable character connecting with one who is more somber and more ____ (each is a bit different but always opposite from the other).
But I love her writing and I'm always left with warm and fuzzy feelings and a love of the characters. In fact, Acrobat is my top comfort read and I have it in both e-book and audio so I never tire of reading Mary Calmes's work. If you haven't read any and you like some thrilling action along with some heartwarming moments, sexual discovery, and some smokin' scenes, by all means start with book one of this series: All Kinds of Tied Down.
February 15, 2025
DNF @ 60% aka 3hrs 53mins out of a 6hrs 26mins listen.
So am I to believe that Lang and Del spend their day, chasing down a fugitive, then Lang goes on a double date, Del goes to rescue Lang's ruffied sister, meet at the restaurant Lang is on a date on, then they spot another fugitive and apprehend him, take him into custody, decide they have feelings for each other despite Lang having been on straight till then, try to go to Del's apartment but decide to start necking on the side of a building where a teenage girl bumps into them, they see she is scared so they ask her what is going on, call back up and go to an apartment building taken over by a gang and all together save the people living there but because it's a Marshals operation ICE only takes into custody the gang members and no else, save the girl's friend from being taken by a gang member masquerading as that other's girl's brother, then they go to Lang's apartment now that is super luxurious and has all that high end hair products, special loofahs, huge bathroom, a whole library with its own ladder etc etc all on a Marshals salary and Lang is so ready to fall over Del's dick and is so ready and come on and fuck him with NOT ONE SINGLE MOMENT of apprehension... all that in just under 12 or so hours....
I know this is fiction but come on now! There should be a limit to how far you can push things, on the other hand I think I really need to stop trying with Mary Calmes because I'll just never not roll my eyes with how farfetched and ridiculously unrealistic her stories are and it's on me that I keep coming back.
Greg Boudreaux is a ROCKSTAR though!
So am I to believe that Lang and Del spend their day, chasing down a fugitive, then Lang goes on a double date, Del goes to rescue Lang's ruffied sister, meet at the restaurant Lang is on a date on, then they spot another fugitive and apprehend him, take him into custody, decide they have feelings for each other despite Lang having been on straight till then, try to go to Del's apartment but decide to start necking on the side of a building where a teenage girl bumps into them, they see she is scared so they ask her what is going on, call back up and go to an apartment building taken over by a gang and all together save the people living there but because it's a Marshals operation ICE only takes into custody the gang members and no else, save the girl's friend from being taken by a gang member masquerading as that other's girl's brother, then they go to Lang's apartment now that is super luxurious and has all that high end hair products, special loofahs, huge bathroom, a whole library with its own ladder etc etc all on a Marshals salary and Lang is so ready to fall over Del's dick and is so ready and come on and fuck him with NOT ONE SINGLE MOMENT of apprehension... all that in just under 12 or so hours....
I know this is fiction but come on now! There should be a limit to how far you can push things, on the other hand I think I really need to stop trying with Mary Calmes because I'll just never not roll my eyes with how farfetched and ridiculously unrealistic her stories are and it's on me that I keep coming back.
Greg Boudreaux is a ROCKSTAR though!
July 29, 2025
4 Stars - Only because it’s my favorite corner of the Calmes universe
Just know that this latest installment is still a spinoff and not about Ian and Miro where Calmes delves into a well known bag of tricks that makes this fun fodder but unsurprisingly, not as impactful as our favorite couple.
Be forewarned there’s an overwhelming abundance of new characters to try and parse through, a Marshal salary that continues to defy all logic in affording a 3000 square foot apartment that rivals Friends’s rent control bargain, plus the endless mention of various other luxury name brand items that don’t stay within a modest budget.
Readers know exactly what they’re going to get when they read Calmes. The dynamic really never changes as tried and true character traits and motivations are consistently present. This obviously works for her fan base who continues to come back for more and won’t be disappointed.
Overall, true comfort reading in knowing that every Marshal book will have a chase, that the bad guys will get taken down in glorious fashion, and there will be a friends to lovers proprietary claiming that always takes one of them by surprise. Toss in growly Sam Kage and bossypants Hannah, and you can sleep well at night knowing that assholes will get their asses handed to them while two besties finally admit their feelings to receive their happy ending!
Just know that this latest installment is still a spinoff and not about Ian and Miro where Calmes delves into a well known bag of tricks that makes this fun fodder but unsurprisingly, not as impactful as our favorite couple.
Be forewarned there’s an overwhelming abundance of new characters to try and parse through, a Marshal salary that continues to defy all logic in affording a 3000 square foot apartment that rivals Friends’s rent control bargain, plus the endless mention of various other luxury name brand items that don’t stay within a modest budget.
Readers know exactly what they’re going to get when they read Calmes. The dynamic really never changes as tried and true character traits and motivations are consistently present. This obviously works for her fan base who continues to come back for more and won’t be disappointed.
Overall, true comfort reading in knowing that every Marshal book will have a chase, that the bad guys will get taken down in glorious fashion, and there will be a friends to lovers proprietary claiming that always takes one of them by surprise. Toss in growly Sam Kage and bossypants Hannah, and you can sleep well at night knowing that assholes will get their asses handed to them while two besties finally admit their feelings to receive their happy ending!
April 19, 2025
3.5⭐️
Audio: 4.5⭐️
I really like Del, and he and Lang make a great team. I enjoyed the original novella and was excited for the extension. For the most part, it's good. Lang's life is fleshed out; though I'm again confounded by Calmes's need to put weird family drama in her stories that is superficial and nonsensical apologia for selfish/sometimes violently atrocious behavior (Jory version 3/4/5.0 anyone?).
The action and situations are always interesting. It's also nice to see the team from the perspective of new marshals, and much of the Chicago crew make a cameo. The story actually falters when they get together bc the repetitious affirmations of love/desire/ownership, etc. are exhausting. I don't care how many times the characters say they need their feelings reaffirmed, a gajillion times in one day is beyond ridiculous for ppl as close as they are. It feels like filler, and it drags the pace and dims the joy of them getting together. However, this series is carried by nostalgia and vibes for me, and this book is a nice addition.
Audio: 4.5⭐️
I really like Del, and he and Lang make a great team. I enjoyed the original novella and was excited for the extension. For the most part, it's good. Lang's life is fleshed out; though I'm again confounded by Calmes's need to put weird family drama in her stories that is superficial and nonsensical apologia for selfish/sometimes violently atrocious behavior (Jory version 3/4/5.0 anyone?).
The action and situations are always interesting. It's also nice to see the team from the perspective of new marshals, and much of the Chicago crew make a cameo. The story actually falters when they get together bc the repetitious affirmations of love/desire/ownership, etc. are exhausting. I don't care how many times the characters say they need their feelings reaffirmed, a gajillion times in one day is beyond ridiculous for ppl as close as they are. It feels like filler, and it drags the pace and dims the joy of them getting together. However, this series is carried by nostalgia and vibes for me, and this book is a nice addition.
November 7, 2024
This is very classic Calmes.
I read the original short version from a book giveaway promo of this and loved it but wished it hadn’t ended so soon, so knowing it would shortly be released as a full length novel was pleasing.
I did notice Lang’s age bumped down to 33, making him just 2 years older than Del versus the 35 in the original version. Other than that the changes were minor… a few word swaps, a sentence or paragraph here or there.
From 41% onwards, it’s all newly expanded content.
Originally, I gave the short 5 stars, and this is almost as good. Most of the additions are great, but the stuff with Lang’s father was annoying. We could have gotten Del riding Lang, but instead we get absentee father nonsense. At least Lang’s attitude towards him was so much better than the reunited reconciliation I thought we’d get, à la Stand in Place.
So, the whole Duke scene bumped this down to a 4 star for me. Like, he’d been gone over 20 years, couldn’t he stay gone?
I read the original short version from a book giveaway promo of this and loved it but wished it hadn’t ended so soon, so knowing it would shortly be released as a full length novel was pleasing.
I did notice Lang’s age bumped down to 33, making him just 2 years older than Del versus the 35 in the original version. Other than that the changes were minor… a few word swaps, a sentence or paragraph here or there.
From 41% onwards, it’s all newly expanded content.
Originally, I gave the short 5 stars, and this is almost as good. Most of the additions are great, but the stuff with Lang’s father was annoying. We could have gotten Del riding Lang, but instead we get absentee father nonsense. At least Lang’s attitude towards him was so much better than the reunited reconciliation I thought we’d get, à la Stand in Place.
So, the whole Duke scene bumped this down to a 4 star for me. Like, he’d been gone over 20 years, couldn’t he stay gone?
November 18, 2024
If you’ve read any of the other Marshals books, then you know exactly what you’re in for. And Mary doesn’t disappoint – her books are very much comfort reads for me because despite being new people, new cases, new scenarios, there is always a clear line towards a happily ever after and I needed that at the moment!
Del and Lang made me laugh so hard – their humour, banter, the way they were around other people – it was so obvious that they were each other’s person that it surprised me that it took that long. It was also great to catch up with everyone else (I have missed Chickie so much!) and it was fascinating reading these people we watched mess up and fumble their own love lives being grown ups and settled whilst still being sexy as heck!
Another hit for me and I really loved trying to figure out who’s going to be next or if there will be a spin off. An easy good read for me.
Del and Lang made me laugh so hard – their humour, banter, the way they were around other people – it was so obvious that they were each other’s person that it surprised me that it took that long. It was also great to catch up with everyone else (I have missed Chickie so much!) and it was fascinating reading these people we watched mess up and fumble their own love lives being grown ups and settled whilst still being sexy as heck!
Another hit for me and I really loved trying to figure out who’s going to be next or if there will be a spin off. An easy good read for me.
November 8, 2024
2.5 stars.
i really loved the heroes' dynamic in the beginning, before they confessed their love. but them getting together happened waaay too abruptly for my taste. it's the same problem i had with the first book in this series, which is why i didn't move on to the sequel back then.
im also not a fan of heroes who sleep with a bunch of random people because they're so in love but in denial, or they don't want to confess their feelings, so they find it easier to just sleep around 🙄
and we got TWO of that kind of hero in this book. ugh.
i love pining in romance, but i don't consider it true pining if they're "secretly in love with each other" while fucking everything human-shaped in a ten mile radius. like, no, pining should be that you can't imagine being with anyone else. otherwise, it's just not romantic to me.
i really loved the heroes' dynamic in the beginning, before they confessed their love. but them getting together happened waaay too abruptly for my taste. it's the same problem i had with the first book in this series, which is why i didn't move on to the sequel back then.
im also not a fan of heroes who sleep with a bunch of random people because they're so in love but in denial, or they don't want to confess their feelings, so they find it easier to just sleep around 🙄
and we got TWO of that kind of hero in this book. ugh.
i love pining in romance, but i don't consider it true pining if they're "secretly in love with each other" while fucking everything human-shaped in a ten mile radius. like, no, pining should be that you can't imagine being with anyone else. otherwise, it's just not romantic to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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