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The Knots We Tie
A year after the fall of Vanguard, no one is more surprised than Lenora that she and Sol are still together. What began as a questionable fling with her much younger employee has grown into something real—and, in its own way, far more terrifying. While their lives have found a calmer rhythm over the year…calm doesn’t mean simple. As Sol steps into her second year at the firm, taking on her first major case alone, Lenora is learning what it truly means to share her world. To live in a place where safety feels real, and where the future might hold more than just professional success.
But as that future takes shape in ways she never anticipated, she quickly learns that imagining a life together is one thing—building it is something else entirely. Dreams shift when they belong to two people instead of one. Every decision, every compromise, and every unspoken fear has the power to pull them closer… or push them apart.
The road ahead is littered with challenges that could test even the strongest couples—let alone two people still learning how to build something lasting. And in the quiet moments between battles, one truth becomes impossible for Lenora to sometimes the hardest part isn’t getting what you want.
It’s believing you deserve it.
But as that future takes shape in ways she never anticipated, she quickly learns that imagining a life together is one thing—building it is something else entirely. Dreams shift when they belong to two people instead of one. Every decision, every compromise, and every unspoken fear has the power to pull them closer… or push them apart.
The road ahead is littered with challenges that could test even the strongest couples—let alone two people still learning how to build something lasting. And in the quiet moments between battles, one truth becomes impossible for Lenora to sometimes the hardest part isn’t getting what you want.
It’s believing you deserve it.
538 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2025
20 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 13, 2026
Astounding read!
This book #3 of 'The Unraveled' chronicle might appear very long but it's worth all 538 or maybe more pages of the storyline. Such incredible writing, still evenly paced and balanced.
So, to all interested readers; this is really how to write an all consuming aged-gap, ice queen story/series -- no doubt about deciding if but when to read it.
A highly recommended book and series!
This book #3 of 'The Unraveled' chronicle might appear very long but it's worth all 538 or maybe more pages of the storyline. Such incredible writing, still evenly paced and balanced.
So, to all interested readers; this is really how to write an all consuming aged-gap, ice queen story/series -- no doubt about deciding if but when to read it.
A highly recommended book and series!
December 1, 2025
I couldn't wait to start this book because I had to wait soooo long for it. After the very exciting and sometimes threatening situations in the two previous books, this book was very wholesome and, above all, beautiful.
At almost 600 pages, it was one of the longest romance novels I've read this year, but it felt more like 200 pages because I flew through it. It was very entertaining, and by the end, I wished there had been 100 more pages. It was just a great feeling to finally dive back into the universe of Sol and Lenora and be there as they develop together. I can hardly put into words what it was like to watch their relationship grow. They are a power couple. I adored them so much!
In my opinion, Lenora has undergone the most significant development. Sol has completely broken down her protective wall, and in the first book, I would never have thought that she would be capable of the actions she takes in this third part. It was so nice to see this warm and protective side of her. I loved her sarcasm, and the banter between her and Sol was so refreshing and made me smile so often.
The chemistry between Sol and Lenora is undeniable, and there were lots of spicy scenes that made me sweat. If you like smut, you've come to the right place! Buckle up!
Sol and Lenora have really taken a special place in my heart, and when I read that their story isn't over yet, I did a happy dance. The epilogue especially blew me away and I was so moved. If you're a sucker for an emotional, steamy age gap romance, this is the book for you!
I can't wait for November 2026. Can someone please fast forward?
At almost 600 pages, it was one of the longest romance novels I've read this year, but it felt more like 200 pages because I flew through it. It was very entertaining, and by the end, I wished there had been 100 more pages. It was just a great feeling to finally dive back into the universe of Sol and Lenora and be there as they develop together. I can hardly put into words what it was like to watch their relationship grow. They are a power couple. I adored them so much!
In my opinion, Lenora has undergone the most significant development. Sol has completely broken down her protective wall, and in the first book, I would never have thought that she would be capable of the actions she takes in this third part. It was so nice to see this warm and protective side of her. I loved her sarcasm, and the banter between her and Sol was so refreshing and made me smile so often.
The chemistry between Sol and Lenora is undeniable, and there were lots of spicy scenes that made me sweat. If you like smut, you've come to the right place! Buckle up!
Sol and Lenora have really taken a special place in my heart, and when I read that their story isn't over yet, I did a happy dance. The epilogue especially blew me away and I was so moved. If you're a sucker for an emotional, steamy age gap romance, this is the book for you!
I can't wait for November 2026. Can someone please fast forward?
November 29, 2025
My goodness! I’m still smiling like a lovesick fool because what even was that? This one was a highly anticipated book for me and it was so worth the wait. Lenora and Sol stole my heart in book one and, honestly, at this point they can just keep it.
The mutual support, care, and love was heartwarming to witness and I couldn’t get enough of those moments. Lenora and Sol had a similar sense of dry humor, which made the banter hilarious and highly addictive. Lenora’s sarcasm was top tier and I couldn't help but love her. I appreciated that the book focused on their growth as a couple and not just blush-worthy moments, although I very much appreciated those too, because damn.
Anyway! Sol and Lenora complemented each other so well, and I was greedy for more. Sol was her calm when things became chaotic and overwhelming. The ending and what’s to come for the next book was unexpected, but I’m so ready for it. I just loved everything about it and, last but not least, the epilogue…I’ll just say that I should’ve worn waterproof mascara. Happy tears! So damn happy. I highly recommend giving this a read!
The mutual support, care, and love was heartwarming to witness and I couldn’t get enough of those moments. Lenora and Sol had a similar sense of dry humor, which made the banter hilarious and highly addictive. Lenora’s sarcasm was top tier and I couldn't help but love her. I appreciated that the book focused on their growth as a couple and not just blush-worthy moments, although I very much appreciated those too, because damn.
Anyway! Sol and Lenora complemented each other so well, and I was greedy for more. Sol was her calm when things became chaotic and overwhelming. The ending and what’s to come for the next book was unexpected, but I’m so ready for it. I just loved everything about it and, last but not least, the epilogue…I’ll just say that I should’ve worn waterproof mascara. Happy tears! So damn happy. I highly recommend giving this a read!
February 10, 2026
“This is a special occasion. You did well on your first case. And because I’m a generous and benevolent partner, I allowed you to tie me up.” (p.58).
Book 3 of the Unraveled Series continues the love story of Sol Ruiz and Lenora Graves. The knots we tie settles in for the reader.
What stayed with me most was the devotion put towards the foundation of this relationship and the character development of Lenora Graves. Like The Truman Story, I felt embedded in the construction of their days, the ordinary moments and the milestones of a growing relationship.
Across 530 pages we witness the deliberate stepping stones of a relationship deepening under fear for one and confidence for the other. They were presented well with a mix of tenderness, wit, banter, sarcasm and courage. They poked. Prodded. Pestered. Elliot did well by the combination. You never knew what tone she was giving you (or sentence structure). And yet, when the moment lands, it lands with emotional resolve. Elliot plays with tone the way Lenora plays with control. Intentionally placed with a sprinkle of perfection – “But you make me feel whole, Lenora Graves. In ways I don’t have language for. In ways I didn’t know were…possible” (p.459). The tenderness and gentle care of Sol’s words coupled with the edge of the Ice Queen, “Could you get me my drink so I can wet my vocal cords before wiping the floor with your second – year associate ass?” (p.462). I appreciated the loyalty Elliot gave to the Ice Queen traits. But the true reward, the slow burn payoff, is watching Lenora thaw. A restructure perhaps but it felt more of a reposition. Taking what was lost, hidden, buried and repositioning it for a stronger self.
“When the architecture of your reputation is built on being unshakable, what happens when you start to move? And who exactly will Lenora Graves be when the dust finally settles?”
Honesty begins to matter more than control. Her shield cracks; again. Unarmed. Unraveled. She had been changing. She had been sharing. She had been feeling. Instead of retreating, she stays.
“She’s something I want to hold onto. Not just now. But long-term. Permanently. I want Sol in my life forever because I love her” (p.340).
The declaration.
The story of Sol and Lenora coupled with Ben, Lenora’s adorable son; the formable women of the firm; and the gentle steadiness of her ex-husband, adds dimension to their story. An attorney, a mother, a lover and now a wife. The journey is long, layered and sometimes sharp. But well earned. The structure stands but this time with an open air that comes from opening windows and doors that once were nailed shut. What will the future hold for Lenora Graves…on to book 4 – Cut from the Same Cloth (November 2026).
Book 3 of the Unraveled Series continues the love story of Sol Ruiz and Lenora Graves. The knots we tie settles in for the reader.
What stayed with me most was the devotion put towards the foundation of this relationship and the character development of Lenora Graves. Like The Truman Story, I felt embedded in the construction of their days, the ordinary moments and the milestones of a growing relationship.
Across 530 pages we witness the deliberate stepping stones of a relationship deepening under fear for one and confidence for the other. They were presented well with a mix of tenderness, wit, banter, sarcasm and courage. They poked. Prodded. Pestered. Elliot did well by the combination. You never knew what tone she was giving you (or sentence structure). And yet, when the moment lands, it lands with emotional resolve. Elliot plays with tone the way Lenora plays with control. Intentionally placed with a sprinkle of perfection – “But you make me feel whole, Lenora Graves. In ways I don’t have language for. In ways I didn’t know were…possible” (p.459). The tenderness and gentle care of Sol’s words coupled with the edge of the Ice Queen, “Could you get me my drink so I can wet my vocal cords before wiping the floor with your second – year associate ass?” (p.462). I appreciated the loyalty Elliot gave to the Ice Queen traits. But the true reward, the slow burn payoff, is watching Lenora thaw. A restructure perhaps but it felt more of a reposition. Taking what was lost, hidden, buried and repositioning it for a stronger self.
“When the architecture of your reputation is built on being unshakable, what happens when you start to move? And who exactly will Lenora Graves be when the dust finally settles?”
Honesty begins to matter more than control. Her shield cracks; again. Unarmed. Unraveled. She had been changing. She had been sharing. She had been feeling. Instead of retreating, she stays.
“She’s something I want to hold onto. Not just now. But long-term. Permanently. I want Sol in my life forever because I love her” (p.340).
The declaration.
The story of Sol and Lenora coupled with Ben, Lenora’s adorable son; the formable women of the firm; and the gentle steadiness of her ex-husband, adds dimension to their story. An attorney, a mother, a lover and now a wife. The journey is long, layered and sometimes sharp. But well earned. The structure stands but this time with an open air that comes from opening windows and doors that once were nailed shut. What will the future hold for Lenora Graves…on to book 4 – Cut from the Same Cloth (November 2026).
January 4, 2026
A worthy third book in the series. An amazing journey of a story with totally unforgettable characters. Only Sol could be a perfect foil for Lenora, an ice queen of the coldest order. These books engaged me from series beginning to end.
There was plenty of substance in the plot, the secondary characters were entertaining and you couldn’t ask more of the wonderful leads.
There was plenty of substance in the plot, the secondary characters were entertaining and you couldn’t ask more of the wonderful leads.
November 22, 2025
Were there some punctuation and spelling errors? Yes. This did make me unbelievably happy? Also yes
November 24, 2025
The depth of these characters as individuals and how they have grown through the series has created a very special, real feeling couple that I've fallen in love with. This author has made them jump off the pages and I have never before finished a 600 page book disappointed that it is over. It feels like is probably the end but I wish it wasn't. I'd read 3 more.
November 23, 2025
As much as I want to just pour my thoughts and feelings into chatGPT to have AI write my review for me, it would be doing this book (all three books actually) and the author a disservice. I actually rarely leave reviews, so this one is an important one for me. I’ve read books 1 & 2 too many times to count at this point. The unraveled universe, by far, is the best sapphic universe. I absolutely loved the nostalgic ties connecting book 3 to book 1. From locations to names of endearment, it all felt familiar, cozy and warm - these are the adjectives to best describe my feelings after JUST finishing the book after an 11 hour binge (on RELEASE DAY). I also just have to note how incredibly funny all 3 books are… from Lenora’s relationship with Ethan to the 3 other partners, the comedic relief was unexpected but hit its mark. The angst and suspense were perfect, not too much, but not too little that you were ever left bored. We saw another side to Lenora in book 3 (hopefully more to come) that makes her an even more loveable character. I loved books 1 & 2 for their spicy content, and while book 3 had less of this (still spicy enough), what it focused on was the relationship. unpacking it. Labeling it for what it is and how it started. It was a true romance through and through, focusing on two already loveable MCs. The passion, the heat, the possessiveness… a story beautifully told once again. I’ve been reading books 1 & 2 all week in preparation of book 3. Part of me was worried for a potential let down with book 3… simply because the bar was set so high already. A let down is the furthest thing that happened today. I’m leaving this review as a proud, happy and excited reader. I cannot wait for what comes next! As always, it’s 5 stars for me.
December 8, 2025
That Part
To say that I find this series, author, character’s exceptional seems an understatement, that part. I wish the author was visible, but I don’t care I’m hooked without knowing more about who is behind this work of art. So truthfully, well even more truthfully I guess; I was not expecting much from the third installment. I figured we got it all in books one and two and this would be the accursed third beer (Toni Morrison reference.) It in fact was not and I found myself voraciously reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I wish Lenora was a real person, but I’ll settle for bad bitch Lenora on the page; that part! Sheesh, the whole concept of Sol hospitalized, delicious funny, erotic, and scary all at the same time. I re-read one and two just before three dropped and damn it, ole golden pen Elliot put my underestimating ass to shame. Which brings me to that bullshit ass Amazon list that has yet to rank these books in the top 10 but has some basic (rhymes with pit) there; girl that part! What’s ending this vent is the book four tease, Elliot knows what we like and she serves it up piping hot. Finally, finally the cases are the (rhymes with mitt used positively here.) Who is this golden penned enigma know as C.W Elliot?! I’m intrigued, I’m hooked, I’m practically salivating waiting for book 4, that part! Any chance for a spin off, would love to get more about Lenora’s best friend/arch enemy kind of, I’m feeling her vibe.
To say that I find this series, author, character’s exceptional seems an understatement, that part. I wish the author was visible, but I don’t care I’m hooked without knowing more about who is behind this work of art. So truthfully, well even more truthfully I guess; I was not expecting much from the third installment. I figured we got it all in books one and two and this would be the accursed third beer (Toni Morrison reference.) It in fact was not and I found myself voraciously reading well into the wee hours of the morning. I wish Lenora was a real person, but I’ll settle for bad bitch Lenora on the page; that part! Sheesh, the whole concept of Sol hospitalized, delicious funny, erotic, and scary all at the same time. I re-read one and two just before three dropped and damn it, ole golden pen Elliot put my underestimating ass to shame. Which brings me to that bullshit ass Amazon list that has yet to rank these books in the top 10 but has some basic (rhymes with pit) there; girl that part! What’s ending this vent is the book four tease, Elliot knows what we like and she serves it up piping hot. Finally, finally the cases are the (rhymes with mitt used positively here.) Who is this golden penned enigma know as C.W Elliot?! I’m intrigued, I’m hooked, I’m practically salivating waiting for book 4, that part! Any chance for a spin off, would love to get more about Lenora’s best friend/arch enemy kind of, I’m feeling her vibe.
December 3, 2025
This book is simply beautiful. The author keeps the sensitivity that defines the series, even though this book has a few spelling mistakes that can be a bit distracting. Still, none of that overshadows what the story achieves emotionally.
Lenora is still Lenora: restrained, ironic, absolutely herself—even when the softness of love threatens to make her gentler. I really enjoyed the sarcasm, the jokes, and those intentional detours to avoid showing what was really burning underneath. We move from characters who protected themselves at all costs to seeing them open up in a way that feels honest: different, yes, but essentially the same at their core.
I did miss the Sol from the first book a little: her confidence, her unapologetic queerness, that fascinating imbalance of power that becomes much softer here (maybe everyday life does that, I don’t know).
Still, I loved how the author tries to re-enchant you at the beginning with characters you already know, just one year later, and how she slowly unfolds new facets of both women. This time from a more grounded relationship—less guarded, less fearful.
And the parallels with the previous books—without giving any spoilers—hit right where they should: taking you back to the beginning, to what made them who they are.
Lenora is still Lenora: restrained, ironic, absolutely herself—even when the softness of love threatens to make her gentler. I really enjoyed the sarcasm, the jokes, and those intentional detours to avoid showing what was really burning underneath. We move from characters who protected themselves at all costs to seeing them open up in a way that feels honest: different, yes, but essentially the same at their core.
I did miss the Sol from the first book a little: her confidence, her unapologetic queerness, that fascinating imbalance of power that becomes much softer here (maybe everyday life does that, I don’t know).
Still, I loved how the author tries to re-enchant you at the beginning with characters you already know, just one year later, and how she slowly unfolds new facets of both women. This time from a more grounded relationship—less guarded, less fearful.
And the parallels with the previous books—without giving any spoilers—hit right where they should: taking you back to the beginning, to what made them who they are.
December 14, 2025
I first read Tangled Threats last summer. I was so impressed with this book that decided to wait until book 2 and 3 were available. I just finished The Knots We Tie. I don't even know where to start. This series is possibly the best series I've ever read in sapphic fiction. The ultimate ice queen (I love ice queens), Lenora Graves. A successful partner in a top NYC law firm, a formidable attorney and a force of nature. Her life is ruled by power, her sheer presence makes people take a step back. What's not to love about Lenora. A new group of first year associates comes to her firm, among them an older associate, a woman in her 30s, Sol Ruiz is confident, sure of herself, oh and beautiful. The story develops from there into one of the best love affairs I've ever read. The Knots We Tie is the 3rd in the series, the series can go on forever as far as I'm concerned. C.W. Elliot is an extraordinary writer. She brings humor, drama, tenderness, and just when Lenora had her life all figured out, along came Sol Ruiz. I have laughed out loud and felt my heart hurt as I read their stories. It's is beautifully written. I understand there's a book 4. How can Ms. Elliot possibly think we can wait until Nov 2026 to continue this? I highly recommend this series. It's a masterpiece.
November 29, 2025
Exceptional
The old cliches really apply to this book. Page turner, kept me up all night, you get the picture. This applies to all 3 in the series so far, it's not often you love characters in a story as much as Lenora and Sol, tough ice queen corporate lawyer that we know is not so much when Sol appears and of course Ben, there's no big case take down this time, it's a more personal delve into their lives. I love the way it's written, plenty of amusing banter everywhere between the couple and partners at the law firm, there's 🔥 moments a plenty and twist and turns in the storyline. It's and enjoyable, intelligently written book that treats us like adults, one of my favourite series so can't wait for the next one, thanks it was a brilliant ride.
The old cliches really apply to this book. Page turner, kept me up all night, you get the picture. This applies to all 3 in the series so far, it's not often you love characters in a story as much as Lenora and Sol, tough ice queen corporate lawyer that we know is not so much when Sol appears and of course Ben, there's no big case take down this time, it's a more personal delve into their lives. I love the way it's written, plenty of amusing banter everywhere between the couple and partners at the law firm, there's 🔥 moments a plenty and twist and turns in the storyline. It's and enjoyable, intelligently written book that treats us like adults, one of my favourite series so can't wait for the next one, thanks it was a brilliant ride.
December 2, 2025
4.5/5
C.W. Elliot has done it again with this book. This is by far the best trilogy of the year in this genre. I love the character arcs of the MCs, especially Lenora's. Sol is her anchor, and that was established throughout this book. Though Books 1 and 2 were spicier, I understand why this book took a different approach—it was more focused on establishing Lenora and Sol as each other's endgame.
There were some spelling mistakes and typing errors, though.
Though I felt this book could have been trimmed a little, and yet we would still understand the dynamics completely.
But I have a question: how come Lenora knew the exact size of Sol's finger, and how did Sol's mother's ring fit perfectly on Lenora's finger? Aren't those a bit too convenient? 😄😄
C.W. Elliot has done it again with this book. This is by far the best trilogy of the year in this genre. I love the character arcs of the MCs, especially Lenora's. Sol is her anchor, and that was established throughout this book. Though Books 1 and 2 were spicier, I understand why this book took a different approach—it was more focused on establishing Lenora and Sol as each other's endgame.
There were some spelling mistakes and typing errors, though.
Though I felt this book could have been trimmed a little, and yet we would still understand the dynamics completely.
But I have a question: how come Lenora knew the exact size of Sol's finger, and how did Sol's mother's ring fit perfectly on Lenora's finger? Aren't those a bit too convenient? 😄😄
February 7, 2026
What a story. It has everything you could want in a romance, plus the action and suspense that come with the setting in which it unfolds. A powerful law firm run by women, where an aspiring intern arrives who is a prodigy and proves it from day one but in addition to her intellect, she has a charisma that captivates the powerful senior partner, aloof and feared by everyone. In a way, we could say that Sol tames Lenora, though it’s less about subjugation and more about throwing her off balance. It’s a series of books collected here, so summarizing the content is impossible. This is the third book in the series, you must have read the previous two for it to make sense. I dove headfirst into this series of novels and truly hope there will be a continuation.
January 23, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. Like the others it’s a story about lawyers without getting bogged down in “lawyer speak.” It’s about how two powerful, confident women navigate their relationship. And it is spellbinding. There are twists and turns without losing the flow.
The one thing that almost knocked me out of the book was issues with proofreading. Wrong spelling for example base for the sound a guitar can make (bass). Words missing/added to a sentence like their brain was working faster than they could type. A judges name was Thorns, and then changed to Thorn, then back and forth between the two.
But this book was hard to put down.
The one thing that almost knocked me out of the book was issues with proofreading. Wrong spelling for example base for the sound a guitar can make (bass). Words missing/added to a sentence like their brain was working faster than they could type. A judges name was Thorns, and then changed to Thorn, then back and forth between the two.
But this book was hard to put down.
December 1, 2025
This was exceptional! Loved following Lenora and Sol’s story<3 I enjoyed book three gave us even more character development- I read with a giant smile as I watched the ice melt. The other two books were spicer than this one so missed that a little especially with so many big transitions for them!
Wouldn’t be mad at a 4th book! A couple hours later from writing this I saw on Kindle app there WILL be a book 4- Nov 2026!
Add to your tbr- available on KU
Wouldn’t be mad at a 4th book! A couple hours later from writing this I saw on Kindle app there WILL be a book 4- Nov 2026!
Add to your tbr- available on KU
January 3, 2026
Great read!
A worthy third book in the series. An amazing journey of a story with totally unforgettable characters. Only Sol could be a perfect foil for Lenora, an ice queen of the coldest order. These books engaged me from series beginning to end.
There was plenty of substance in the plot, the secondary characters were entertaining and you couldn’t ask more of the wonderful leads.
A worthy third book in the series. An amazing journey of a story with totally unforgettable characters. Only Sol could be a perfect foil for Lenora, an ice queen of the coldest order. These books engaged me from series beginning to end.
There was plenty of substance in the plot, the secondary characters were entertaining and you couldn’t ask more of the wonderful leads.
December 5, 2025
So Worth the Wait
This series is beyond good. After reading this book it makes me want to reread the first two. This one could use another pass by an editor, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience. I can’t wait for more!
This series is beyond good. After reading this book it makes me want to reread the first two. This one could use another pass by an editor, but it didn’t detract from the overall experience. I can’t wait for more!
December 23, 2025
The series was good. At times, I felt was very wordy and repetitive. Lenora can’t roll her eyes enough! lol The law stuff goes over my head. I missed the dynamic between the partners in this one. Overall, it was entertaining. I recommend.
November 23, 2025
Oh how I love this series! I devoured this one quickly. It’s great how they go through their ups and downs together. Already can’t wait for the next one!
November 26, 2025
So far the best trilogy I've read this year. I need more....
December 8, 2025
This series just keeps getting better and better. I love how mature the MC’s are. No unnecessary fights or break ups, just great banter. And a story that keeps you hooked.
December 16, 2025
I loved this series!!!! More of Lenora and Sol please!
January 10, 2026
1) It's a series to devour.
2) How can we wait until November?
2) How can we wait until November?
January 31, 2026
Absolutely loved this book as much as the first two in the series!! I cannot wait for book no. 4!! I need more Lenora and Sol ❤️❤️❤️
January 10, 2026
CW Elliot does it again 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Gosh, this book was everything I needed it to be. As always, the descriptive language transports you to the space, to the characters POV and the emotions of it all. I will impatiently be waiting for book 4 and then will re read all the books forever to continue to get my fill of two of my favorite characters.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews