Unbound

The Tied Man #2

by Tabitha McGowan

Sometimes love is not enough…
Blaine Albermarle is defeated, and if life mirrored the fairytales of our childhood Lilith Bresson and Finn Strachan should be free. But reality rarely provides a Happily Ever After, and now a lifetime of horror is waiting to catch up with a terrifyingly vulnerable and damaged Finn. Even the indomitable Lilith finds herself exhausted, and for the first time it looks like even she might be defeated by the task of building a safe and content life in Spain; before long their nascent, fragile relationship hangs in the balance.
When life-changing news summons the pair to Dublin without either of them knowing if they’re strong enough to deal with the trip, the pair are asked to risk all their hard-won healing for an uncertain reward. In travelling to his home city Finn will be forced to confront the demons of his childhood and Lilith will need to risk letting others see her true and unguarded self. With not everyone pleased to see them and old and new enemies lurking around every street corner there’s every chance that the return to Finn’s native city will be a journey too far. Even when it looks like happiness has triumphed the final challenge will stake all that Lilith and Finn possess against an evil neither of them knew was lurking, with no guarantee that either will survive.
(Please note that this storyline contains depictions of drug abuse, violence and non-consensual sex)

Genres: Dark, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Dark Romance, Crime

Kindle Edition

First published March 29, 2024

About the author

I was born in the north of England, and apart from a brief adventure in west Wales, I’ve lived here all my life; my hobbies therefore include bear-taming, wolf-whispering and wearing sleeveless tops in temperatures of -10 degrees.
I’ve been writing professionally for nearly 30 years, predominantly as a playwright. This gives me my love of strong dialogue; even now, I tend to develop my characters by talking to them. On a good day, they answer back.
The Tied Man was my first full-length novel. I needed to create a world where the female protagonist wasn’t some passive foil just waiting to be ‘completed’ by a good (or bad) man, and I wanted to explore the darkness; after all, some of the very best stories tend to hide there…
After being widowed, remarried, and a host of other adventures, Unbound also made its way into the world.

Find me on Facebook for more whittering and ferret-updates :D

Reviews

[~IreneOust~]

Dear Tabitha,

I know you must have a life and all but please please please hurry up with this book.

Kindest regards,

Irene (your newest fan from Canada).


P.S.




That ^^^ is my shameless attempt at sucking up to my new favorite author :)




Finn



Lilith

[Mich]

Hey Finn fans!!!
Where is Blaine??? Wanna join me?



----------------------------------------------------
5/31 *UPDATE from Jenny at Totallybooked Blog*
**EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK AT THE FIRST CHAPTER of THE TIED MAN UNBOUND***

CHECK OUT THE FANTASTIC INTERVIEW WITH TABITHA McGOWAN and there's an awesome GIVEAWAY too

Link to Totallybooked: http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/05/...
-----------------------------------------------------

5/28 *UPDATE* From Tabitha's blog: Developments

Keep writing Tabitha! I cannot stop thinking about Finn and Lilith.
Need.To.Know.More.

[Jennifer Kyle]

Finn...

[Gitte TotallyBookedBlog]

**EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK AT THE FIRST CHAPTER of THE TIED MAN UNBOUND***

CHECK OUT THE FANTASTIC INTERVIEW WITH TABITHA McGOWAN and there's an awesome GIVEAWAY too: http://totallybookedblog.com/2013/05/...

[Camille · Rating 1 out of 5]

So...

I understand that life happens, authors are people too and have other things going on, but fans have been waiting for this sequel for over 7 YEARS. I remember she put out a sneak peak 4 years ago on her Facebook page as a treat for those of us patiently waiting. And then two years ago she told readers that she was going to finish the story by the end of the month. 3 months ago she posted another update reassuring everyone that the book is coming. And by the looks of it, followers have been dwindling with each new post. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone stumbles upon this review 3 years from now still waiting.

Look, I loved the first book. It was intense and unique, and it left me dying to see what would become of these characters . It was a great read, no denying that. In fact, I was one of those eagerly waiting year after year for some kind of update. But life goes on. It has been 7 years. At this point I have stopped caring what happens to the characters, which is a shame because the author is talented and creative.

A note to all authors - please do not drag your readers on. If you cannot finish a series, we will understand. And if in the back of your mind you are hoping to at some point finish but aren’t sure when, please keep it a secret until it is complete and then try to make a comeback.

[MELISSA *Mel Reader* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)

Lilith Bresson is a notorious, controversial British artist who will do anything for the man that owns her heart. Finn Strachan was breathtakingly beautiful inside and out. She'd shared her life with him for nearly a year now and thought they were finally free to live life on their own terms. Then they return to England to make sure Blaine Albermarle is found guilty for all the horrors she's inflicted. Facing reality makes it harder to push the shadows away and almost impossible to move past the pain that nearly destroyed them.

Eventually they return to Lilith's home in Spain. Santa Marita was secluded and had always been her haven, and she hoped it would bring peace to Finn as well. Soon after arriving and getting settled in circumstances have them taking an unexpected trip to Dublin where Finn is from. Finn has to put a pause on discovering the outside world and risk all the progress he's made. Will their fragile relationship continue to unravel, or will they finally take back control of their own fate and get their happy ending?

Unbound is the greatly anticipated second book in the Tied Man series by Tabitha McGowan. It's an emotional dark romance about survival, strength, vulnerability and healing. It's full of angst, unbreakable connections and beautiful love. I was excited to get more of this couple's story and adore sweet Finn!<333

[Tee Loves Books]

Over 500 books on my "read" shelf, and I've never needed to see characters find happiness as much as I do in this sequel! Please, please, please, let Finn finally have a good life!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I grow up, I want to be Lilith Bresson. She has bigger balls than the biggest bull in a herd of highland cattle. That woman is my hero. I could say that she has my admiration because she is a fabulous artist. I could say that she has my admiration because she rose above a shitty childhood. I could say she has my admiration because she is part witch. I could say she has my admiration because she takes no shit from anyone, be you a peer of the realm or a pure scrote. It could also be that she fucking loves the arse off Finn Strachan.

I fucking love the arse off Finn Strachan.

I honestly thought this book would have me raging more than it did. I had the worst scenarios you could ever imagine in my head. I’ve realised my mind is pretty sick and twisted. There’s some proper scary moments but I think above all else I trusted the author to take me on a journey. I felt that the author loved Finn and Lilith as much as I did.

Finn and Lilith are my friends forever.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐'s

I was so happy to get this book even if it had been over ten years! I wasn't sure I was up to the task of rereading the first book (it was sooo heartbreaking!) so I just jumped right in. And I was pleasantly surprised at how things just picked right up.

I LOVE Finn and Lili and I only wish happiness and love for them...they really deserved it. The ending...Chef's Kiss! (Bonus points for Finn's family, Nat and even Gabriel, Call-Me-Ed, Davey and especially Sceolan.)

Unfortunately, we just had to go through some more unpleasantries. Ugh.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

40% in. Exactly what we've all been waiting for -- Finn and Lilith together. Lots of bumps in the road so far, but they have each other.

Finished. Just a great addition to Finn and Lilith's story. Everything I could ever ask for. I did get just a little anxious toward the end with Finn in "The Tied Man" territory but Lilith came through.

Thank you so much Ms. McGowan.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tied Man may not be for everyone due to its dark story but its incredible. At first I was a little put off, by its sad underlining tone and its dark path, but it really makes you think! I mean Finn, is really unimaginably strong not to break and really how much would you do to protect your family. I really don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such an evil and manipulative person and then for her to be female and a mother! It also makes you wonder how much can you watch, even when your trying to do the right thing: really how much can you stand by and watch someone you love be used. Lilith Bresson didn’t sign up for this but when her step brother is threat she has no choice. Throughout this hellish place and time, love is found. This beautiful light peaks in at the darkest moment that really capture the reader. I can’t wait for book 2.

[Sleepless Dreamer]

Well, a literal decade ago I put this book on my "get published already" list. I did not believe it would take so long for it to see light but when I saw that this came out, I basically dropped everything and started to read, thesis be damned.
 
I've been going through a tough book-block. War with Iran, thesis stress, general life stress, it builds up into this inability to read new books. I'm very very slowly making my way through Institutions and the Politics of Survival in Jordan: Domestic Responses to External Challenges, 1988-2001, occasionally reading some Darwish but new fiction books? Nah. 
So I was thrilled that I finished this so fast and even more happy to write this review now. I'm still here, guys, sort of.

Unbound picks up where the last left. Much of this book is dedicated to Finn's healing process. At times, this book felt indulgent, almost like fanfiction for the original. There weren't many loose ends in the first book yet this manages to give us answers for questions I didn't even have. Finn's recovery journey is written beautifully and this book really does have a place in my heart. I especially loved meeting Niamh, what an iconic character.

Sure, much of this book feels very unrealistic. I find Lilith's character very unbelievable, from the one-liners to her endless competence. I also struggle to believe that Dublin's police force is so corrupt or that Sinead behaves like a normal fifteen year old or that every person Lilith and Finn meet is either unspeakably evil or a guardian angel. But there's something so beautiful and tender about this story. As I read that final chapter, I realized how deeply these characters entered my heart, how genuinely happy I feel to get this closure, even a decade later.

This is dark romance but it's also full of these very wholesome moments. Even in a sea of skepticism and sarcasm, I loved the moments of joy, especially Finn's recovery. Can we expect a third book in 2034?

What I'm Taking With Me
- I can't wait to use some time for journaling, like even writing this review has awakened this urge to write for myself, no more academic writing, thanks, let's soak in my feelings. I'm so scared of fucking up my thesis but I also feel this deep sense of alienation, like I've never encountered this sort of writing process?

- Mentions of incest make me very queasy and honestly, i'm not sure that was necessary as it didn't really play a role

- i'm such a fan of religious healing <3

- I feel like i've become more knowledgeable about Irish and British culture since I read the first book yet still, this book has given me random tidbits of knowledge like huh, Gardaí?

[Ashley Pellegrino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you thank you thank you!

The sequel we all desperately needed after book one is finally here and it did not disappoint! After 11 years Tabitha still managed to make these 2 characters come to life as if she just published the first one. It felt organic and everything flowed nicely. There was a nice balance of good and bad things happening that make everything plausible. Finn and Lilith deserve all the happiness in the world.

[Dangermousie]

ETA 6/1/13: At the end of the first book, I breathed such a sign of relief because the whole ordeal is over, but it was relief tinged with apprehension - our protagonists are free and out of immediate danger but the fact remains that Finn is addicted to drugs, which is not a healthy long-term situation, he is incredibly mentally and emotionally damaged, possibly permanently (and physically he is not in the pink of health either), and while he has never had a truly normal life, the last three years have got to have given him total PTSD and trauma he might not be able to ever fully process. So I was dying dying for a sequel and the first chapter did not disappoint at all - it was perfect, from Lilith slugging a photographer for saying something nasty to the utterly heartbreaking bit where Finn pretty much has to barricade himself in before he feels safe enough to change clothes. I do feel my blood boiling at the thought of Blaine being out in six years.

5/31/13 The first chapter is out at http://totallybookedblog.com and it is so so so good! It's everything I wanted and more.

Go read! Now!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t wait to turn the next page, a compelling read as was the prequel The Tied Man. An emotive story which made me feel I was actually there with Lilith & Finn on their latest journey to hopefully finding peace & happiness, so brilliantly written I really didn’t want it to end. Thank you Tabitha.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update: So, do I eat my shoe now, or..? I can't believe this actually came out, but I picked it up as soon as I was aware of it's existence on kindle unlimited. There is a lot to like in this follow up. I don't think it's as good as the first book, but the writing is just as entrancing. I love the way this author writes characters, scenes, plot, everything. I liked getting to meet Finn's family for the first time. I really appreciated the time she took in the beginning to go through his therapy with the understanding that just because you've gone through it doesn't mean everything is perfect or will be perfect all the time. I'm not religious but I respect the heck out of Finn being able to reclaim his religion in a safe way. Good stuff. I do think the drama at the end was a bit rushed. Everything at the back end of the book could have been fleshed out more, but I mostly just didn't want it to end yet. I think there's still a lot that could be explored, but I'm overall just really happy to get a follow up and some healing for everyone.

_________________________________________

Original review for posterity

Tabitha McGowan is making her way onto my growing list of authors who have shown they have absolutely ZERO respect for their readers. Other notables include Martina McAtee, Patrick Rothfuss, and George RR Martin. I'm sure there are others but I prefer to spend my time reading authors who actually write.

This trend of leading your readers on for years, and at this point, a DECADE, has got to stop. I had actually forgotten this book existed for like 5 years but I randomly thought about it and decided to see if there was any news. To my shock, Goodreads had a release date of Feb 20, 2023. Yesterday! So I go on Amazon and surprise, surprise, it's not there. So I make my way over to the authors Facebook to see what's up.

And it made me furious. Years and years of posts saying the book was "almost done", it's "with editors", the release date is "months away", it will be released "in January". She even gave a firm release date. And the post was filled with people excited about this. Now, I don't know if she deletes critical comments, or if that is even possible, but I noticed NOT ONE person inquired about where the fuck the book was when that release date came and went with no book in sight.

This behavior really is disgusting, it doesn't matter what is going on in your personal life. If you don't have the book done, if it's not written, if you're hopelessly stuck, if you have no intention of writing it at all, be upfront and say so.

But leading your readers on with fake status updates and fake release dates is pathetic. If this gets released this year I'll happily eat my shoe.

Until then, in a world of Patrick Rothfusses and George RR Martins, be a Brandon Sanderson. Keep your readers informed about status updates, delays, issues, but don't lead them on and don't lie to them.

[L. A. Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely does a sequel ever come close to the original…

But this one does. This was the perfect continuation of the first book and fed my Lilith and Finn addiction. I know people were annoyed with how long they had to wait for this book, but considering how well it was written, I think it is unfair to think this book could have been turned out in a year or two. Great storytelling and writing takes time. I have read countless books where the first was amazing, the second fell flat. Too many to count really. And when that happens, I always wish the author had taken more time with the characters and the story we love. Art can’t be rushed for a paycheck. Now I didn’t have to wait the eight years it took for this book to be released, and I am grateful for that. But this is a very well done sequel, maybe one of a few I’ve ever read that holds up to the first. It’s not as action packed, but the ending was so good I gave it 5 stars. And you get a hefty dose of Lilith and Finn’s life after they escape Albermerle and the pit falls they face along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the ending did justice to the characters and was just perfection.

[BumbleDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. The first book changed my brain chemistry forever and I patiently waited for the second book forever! Absolutely brilliant tabitha, thank you ♥️

And finn, you’ll forever be my favorite book boyfriend ok?

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to have these characters back in my life. Unbound was worth the wait!

[Craig harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, long time fan. Read Tied Man multiple times and was super keen for the follow up.

This did not let me down, one bit.
Extraordinary sense of place, depth of character and a well woven tale. The kind of read that had you rooting for people so well brought to life. Eerie and foreboding.
Can’t recommend highly enough.

Bring on the next instalment Tabitha!

[Margaret]

When is this due out?

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Ending

Wonderful main characters that I absolutely love! Written with care and thoughtful investment.

Since reading The Tied Man some years ago the wait was well worth it and Tabitha McGowan did not disappoint. She delivered an amazing story with incredible characters that met what came their way with love and compassionate togetherness.

I loved Lilith Bresson and her tenacity, talent and fierce personality. Finn Strachan was such a brave, resilient, beautiful man with a “gentle, fragile soul”. I’ll never forget these two amazing characters.

“Long before I met Finn and allowed myself to become his Lili, I had created and inhabited the character of Lilith Bresson so well that I had eventually become her. She was manipulative, imperious and frankly completely unlikeable and at that moment I had never felt less like her in my entire life, but that wasn’t the point; Lilith Bresson was also a fearless, ruthless survivor, and it was time for me to bring her into the fray.”

Thank you Tabitha McGowan for this incredible story that is one of my ALL time favorite duets!

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this more than 5stars I would, absolutely brilliant!

[Melina Sivic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read 30 pages so far and I have an urge to write an impression. Already. Yeah.
It's actually the same feeling I had while I was reading The tied man. Apart from unique plot and loveable characters, the writing style feels like a river flowing to a magnificent waterfall. I find myself constantly rereading sentences that blow my mind away.

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the HEALING!!!!! I will say that this book was a little wordy. It definitely could have been condensed, and the last few chapters were a little unnecessary. I feel like they really didn't need to go through anymore. I feel like that part was written as a way to give the book more excitement and prolong the book. However, I don't believe that it was needed. I did love to see Lilith being the witty queen that she is. I want to be her so bad! Overall, I loved this book. Finn had been through so much and I believe this book dives into how one person's trauma can affect multiple people at once. I feel like this book brought healing for everyone.
Totally off-topic but if I could defund and permanently erase all these fake news tabloids. I'd do it in a heartbeat.
Anywho, enjoy your read and the continuation of....... "The Tied Man"

[Shannon The Co-Captain · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book was worth the wait! I was equal parts nervous and excited going into it. I don’t want to spoil anything but the anticipation of something bad about to happen was so skillfully done I was on the edge of my seat throughout most of the book. I feel like Lilith and Finn are old friends and it was good to see the healing that took place in this book on so many levels in so many different areas. This book made my heart so happy. I don’t want to spoil anything but I’ll just say if you loved The Tied Man, you will love this book. If you haven’t read The Tied Man, for fuck’s sake…GO READ IT! Like, now. You will love it.

[Story · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible ending

Wow
Gobsmacked with this story.
An áit a mbíonn an dólás bíonn an sólás ina aice
(where there is desolation, next to it there is consolation)

[Happy]

I am so excited! The author's synopsis for this books sounds perfect. This will be more than just icing on the cake. ....I hope Finn is able to enjoy taking some more control in this book ;)

[Sarah (SB) ღ]

When? When can I put my grubby little paws on it?