Tied in Knots

Tied Together #1.5

by Z.B. Heller

Roses are red, violets are blue. They tied the knot, what kind of crazy will ensue?

Ryan Keller and Brandon Ford have promised to be Tied Together forever. Seven years later, life is moving along according to their plan. Ryan gave up his job as a television producer to be a stay at home dad to their son, while Brandon works long hours as an OBGYN at the hospital.

With baby number two on the way, life's about to get bumpy when someone from Brandon's abusive past reappears. Fearing Ryan won't understand his feelings, Brandon confides in the handsome male nurse who's always had a thing for the doctor. When Ryan discovers the truth, he's hurt, betrayed, and uncertain if their family is as strong as he believed.

When a crisis arises with the surrogate carrying their second child, can Brandon and Ryan untangle to knots in their marriage to prove they can overcome anything that stands in their way?

Genres: M M Romance, Amazon, Romance, Contemporary, Gay, LGBT, Humor

Unknown Binding

First published February 4, 2016

About the author

As a little girl it was always a dream for Z.B. Heller to become She-Ra Princess of Power. Since this dream was unobtainable, she spent what was probably way to long in college trying to "find herself". Becoming an artist scratched the creative itch until the stories in her head were getting to be to loud for her to get anything else accomplished. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, son and Flemish Giant rabbit Chloe. In her spare time she likes to read, stalk celebrities on Twitter and create the type of art that people scratch their heads about.

The Chronicles of Moxie is Z.B. Heller's debut novel.

Reviews

[Denise - Shh Mom's Reading® · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars but the two books combine to make a 4.5 star must read story (odd I know)

http://amzn.to/1T2Q31H

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I didn't expect Ryan and Brandon to have a sequel or a novella because the epilogue that we got in Tied Together was already perfect with a baby boy. So I'm not sure what to expect in here.

Right from the start, Ryan had me laughing my ass off from reading into his bizarre dream. Omg! I think I just wet myself considering I'm pregger. He is still the crazy, funny man that I adore.

Currently, Dr. Brandon is busy with his own private practice, while Ryan is a stay-at-home-dad. I thought Ryan was really awesome in this whole daddy gig and I love his relationship with his son. However, his relationship with Brandon was like any other old married couple, busy with work, not spending enough time together that further contributes to miscommunication or in this case non-communication.

We have a little drama when Brandon decided not let Ryan know about something that is happening with his family and decided to talk to one of his male colleague instead. We got a pissed off Ryan and an apologetic Brandon. Not to forget this pair of dads also decided to make an addition to their family.

I enjoyed catching up with Ryan and Brandon, and kid you not the last part of the book with their new baby was an intense moment that had me want to give a big hug to Ryan.

[Akknieszka · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was perfect. Seriously.

[Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

The two hottest dads are back! Ryan is a stay at home dad, looking after their four year old son Ethan – who, by the way is so cute!!!

Brandon is busy with his own practice now and his job is pretty demanding on his time. Somehow though they make it work. These two love their son and Ethan is a happy, thriving young man. I just loved all the moments with him in this story.

As we know, not everything is smooth sailing when you are raising a family and trying to balance your time. When Brandon starts spending more time at the office than he is at home, Ryan begins to get suspicious of what he may be hiding from him. Instead of communicating with each other, they seem to be drifting into some unknown territory and that is not a good thing for either of them.

Dealing with your past can be really hard but sometimes it can be a very healing experience, helping you move forward into a more positive future. Once Brandon figures this out he will be able to free himself from his past life into his future with their expanding family.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I read the original story and this novella in a row, I decided to write a single review for the entire thing. If interested, you can find my thoughts HERE.

[Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ohhhh Brandon and Ryan have some serious connecting they need to do. I think with all parents, this type of thing happens. They have a kid - responsibilities seep in - and they sort of forget why and how they fell in love in the first place.

Here we have our beloved men who have had a child through a surrogate. Ryan is a SAHD while Brandon is working to expand his medical practice. That means long hours and not a whole lot of time for anything else. But what happens when Brandon's past creeps up on him? When a new friend thinks that there could be...more.

While the writing itself didn't really jive with me - it felt pretty two-dimensional and I lacked a real connection with either man - the novella is a sweet reminder that you need to hold what's important to you close - and to keep your partner (and family) as the top priority. 3.5 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]

[xxoabbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say, I preferred this novella to the first book.

I loved seeing Ryan and Brandon again, along with their wee boy.

However, the old co worker thing kinda felt abit meh to me, like once it did all come out I would of like to see them get some closure when it comes to it considering he was a big part of the storyline to why Brandon kept his distance from Ryan went dealing with his issues from the past ya know?

I did shed a few tears when it came to the bubba ... gah that had my pulse racing!!

[Isabella ~Mikku-chan~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far more better than the first novel because the relationship of the two MC, Ryan and Brandon were more settled. I really loved the realistic dealings and the small drama.

This time 5 out of 5 stars :3

[Shaztwirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet.

A rather sweet little catch up with the lives of Ryan and Brandon and the new additions to their family.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the feels

What an emotional ride this story was. Well done ZB Heller you are brilliant. Quinn, you precious little sweetheart, be like daddy forever.

[Lee-anna Dunk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Z.B .Heller

I can't get enough of this series.😍
Z.B. Heller is amazing i love how the characters mesh well together the friendships between ryan and moxie and renee are what people could only dream about . I love how ryan and brendan are devoted to eacher the love they share and the love they have for there children is just beautiful. Highly recommend this book this whole seris actually its freakin hilarious.

[Dani Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Ryan and Brandon's story in Tied Together, so when I saw there was a novella with more of their story I was ecstatic! Tied in Knots was amazing! The story line was awesome, and I couldn't put it down. It was full of funny wit, flying emotions, and love!

If you haven't started Ryan & Brandon's books I highly recommend them. I absolutely love them!

[Interrupted Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is all on me. Accidentally read this thinking it was book 1. Expected hilarity based on Sex Ed by same author, but instead, found a well written, but rather serious, follow up. Plot was pretty obvious here. Will be reading book 1 in future.
B-, no reread

[Linda-Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story

[Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, so there wasn't any physical cheating but in my opinion there was a little bit of emotional cheating. I am just glad that it didn't go beyond that.

[Chocalicious Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than Book 1.

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Find this review and more at Ramblings From This Chick

Tied in Knots is a short novella from Z.B. Heller that continues the story of Ryan and Brandon from Tied Together. If you haven't read Tied Together, you will need to start there since this is not a standalone story. I was interested to see what would happen next for these guys, so I jumped on the chance to read this new novella featuring them. While I did enjoy seeing a glimpse into their HEA, I have to admit that there were a few things that kept me from loving this one.

Now that Ryan and Brandon are married, they have a four year old son. Ryan left his job to stay at home with Ethan, while Brandon took over the entire practice when his partner left. Working long hours as a doctor, Brandon spends less and less time at home leaving both Ryan and Ethan to miss him. But when Brandon decides it is time for baby number two, things begin to fall apart and both Ryan and Brandon will have to work harder than ever to keep their marriage and family together. When Brandon's past suddenly returns, things go from bad to worse making both of them question whether they can overcome anything together or if there are some obstacles that are just too big.

I liked these guys, but I still feel like they had some of the same issues as they had in the first book. Here we are 7 years into their HEA, and they are still having some communication issues. Marriage is hard and takes a lot of work, especially with a child/children involved. I really wanted Brandon to lean on Ryan, but he didn't. He assumed the worst and avoided Ryan more than he already had been. I felt so bad for Ryan, he was basically raising their son on his own. It was clear that the feelings were still there between these two, but I just felt a huge disconnect between them that never really felt solved here. While the chemistry was still there, I just wanted to see these two on the same page and working together before the very end here. It felt rushed and still partially unresolved. I think fans of Tied Together will enjoy seeing more of these guys, as well as Moxie, and of course Ethan was absolutely adorable. But I had just been hoping for more here.

**ARC Provided by Gossip Girls PR**

[S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of Ms. Heller I was so very ready for the continuation of Brandon and Ryan's story!

Brandon and Ryan are now happily married and raising a sweet little boy. But all is not necessarily well in paradise.

I really found it easy to relate to Brandon and Ryan as they struggled to balance marriage, family life and a career. Brandon continued to be so driven from his painful past, wanting so hard to be successful and prove he had beaten the odds, unfortunately he had already beaten them, he just wasn't letting himself admit it yet.

Ryan was as sassy as ever and I really enjoyed his witty comebacks and irreverent attitude.

This story definitely caught me off guard, i went in under the assumption the crisis would be more in terms of Brandon and Ryan's relationship, I was unprepared for what really happened.

Ms. Heller pulled on every emotion I had as a reader. I was laughing one minute, crying the next, and not sure what to do in some of the situations.

Watching Brandon finally face his demons and get some much needed closure was as beautiful as it was painful. Seeing Ryan know when to turn off his snark and support Brandon was a testament to how great their love and relationship was, despite a few rough patches.

I don't want to ruin it for anyone else but the emotions I experienced while Brandon and Ryan were in the hospital might have made me cry in public while reading.

I cannot wait to see what Ms. Heller has in store for us in the future, her particular brand of quirky writing is a great balance of humor and angst.

This is a follow up Novella to the story Tied Together which you should read first in order to properly appreciate the story.

[Tiffany Willams · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Every day I woke up to Brandon was another day he stole another piece of my soul. My husband was all I ever needed and wanted. Besides our son, of course."

Yay for more Brandon and Ryan!!!!!

I adore these two, and now you get a deeper glimpse into their lives. With their four year old son, Ethan, in their lives now, this couple is always on the move and busy.

But within the busy lifestyle you see that they, like so many couples, tend to forget to put their significant other first. Mix in Brandon getting a blast from his past and bringing another baby into the craziness, and you have a wonderful story of two souls learning love is worth the fight if you're willing to go the distance.

This book is real with emotion...and some humor, of course:) I laughed throughout as much as my heart pulled for them.

"There was no way I was going to let the poison of my past seep into my present and future."

I couldn't stop reading!!! I love these characters so much! ZB Heller has this amazing ability to mix humor with serious undertones. She can have you weeping and laughing within minutes of each other, and it's wonderful!

I kinda hope this isn't the last we will hear from Ryan and Brandon. I think I will miss them too much!! :)

Thanks for another great read, ZB Heller!!

"Ryan, for you, I would do anything and everything. You're my love, my life, my world."

[Christy Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tied in Knots picks up a few years after the marriage of Ryan and Brandon. Brandon is now working alone, at his own practice, while Ryan is a stay at home dad with their son, Ethan.

Brandon is spending less and less time at home, and receives news from his estranged mother that also has him acting strangely. Ryan is not only missing his husband, but knows their son is as well, and is also feeling a bit neglected.

This is very much a story of dealing with the pressures of being married, having children, issues from your past...and how to deal with them as a married couple, by using communication. It doesn't matter that this couple is M/M - you will have the same struggles as a heterosexual couple.

As always, wonderful writing about life situations with humor from Z.B. Heller.

[Mazmum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review - Tied in Knots (a novella) by Z B Hellier - 4 so blooming frustrating, my kindle nearly bought it stars

Tied in Knots follows on from Tied Together. Ryan & Brandon are married, and have a very cute, very cheeky four year old to keep them on their toes. But Brandon is struggling to balance his work and home life priorities which leads to some questionable decisions on his part.

Let me say that the actions of another party in this story made me want to throw my kindle. Believe me when I tell you that there are shitty people around like this, who are looking for an opening to pop in and take advantage. It made me so mad I could spit so well done for writing something that evoked extreme emotions in me.

Married life is a rollercoaster and I did like the fact that this novella was there to highlight that even seemingly perfect relationships go through sticky bits. It’s a true test of your relationship how you deal with it and come out of the other side.

[Mayas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a parent is hard but when there is doubt and disconnectin the marriage it makes parrenting stressful and unnerving. That is what Ryan was feeling bwcause Brandon worked all the time and the honetmoon stage was no more. It wasn't until Brandon got stuck in his own head from a letter that really put the sense of doubt in Ryan's mind.

Who could blame him, the signs were all there in black and white. As they say, assumptions can be a deal breaker but a punch can knock the sense into a flirting fool. Yes, Ryan got all "Moxie" on someone.

This was an emotional storyline that makes you value what you have and get closure to what can not be changed. Daddy and Papa for the win.

[DB Kimmers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaser
Tied In Knots is a charming follow-up to Tied Together. It is a beautiful look at how love is always a work in progress and the two people enraptured by it are not the only ones that can influence it.

Give it up for Z.B. Heller here because she makes you feel every single breath of pain, anguish, resolve, and love at the end of this story

See Full Review At:
http://kimmerseroticbookb.wix.com/kim...

[Elaine Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

ZB Heller tells you like it is. No holds bar. Ryan & Brandon stole my heart, no one is perfect and we know that but in these books as we read it lets us know we are not alone. No one lives a perfect life not even in a book. ZB makes us laugh and dang her I was crying!!! The marriage Ryan & Brandon have is love and that means so everthing to both of them and through the book you will learn. Go click Tied Together and then Tied In Knots you will laugh, cry & laugh again!! Don't just sit there put that finger to work!!

[Heather Mckay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to hear that Brandon and Ryan were going to get another book. This is a glimpse into their lives after they said "I do" and had their happily every after, fade to black moment. ZB Heller did a fantastic job of balancing out the emotions along with the humor. This book takes a turn you don't see coming but ends better than you could imagine. Tied in Knots is a continuation of Tied Together, so if you haven't read it first you must! These men are at the top of by book boyfriend list! Don't miss out on this incredibly real story!

[The Book Fairy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay this book can read as a stand alone but you will get so much more of their Love if you read Tied Together, Ryan and Brandon's beginning.
This book is perfection in a writing, I mean I am so happy that I got to meet two amazing people that love hard and love deeply. Brandon and Ryan are the perfect couple overcoming the odds and building something beautiful from it. I can't say to much because I would give away to many spoilers. All I can say ladies is that this series is a must read, over and over again. Your gonna love these guys just as much as I love them!

[Unsolicited Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.
While I loved the first book of this couple, I merely liked this one. It was sweet, predictable, a good catch up, but nothing that had me in awe. The writing was decent, aside from the constant usage of repetitive 'I's at the beginning of sentences that did become a little distracting.
The humor was there, just not as thickly as I'm used to with all of Z.B.'s previous books.
As a whole, I am pleased with it.
It was a cute, fast, read.

[Michele Notaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ryan and Brandon

I thought this was a wonderful addition to the Tied Together book. Both Ryan and Brandon are wonderful characters that you can't help but love and feel a connection with. I loved seeing them work through a rough time in their marriage. You could really feel the love between them even though there were hurtful things done. I absolutely loved these characters and I really hope Z.B. Heller will write more m/m books!

[Hc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast forward from the previous book into married life with a child. Ryan, as always is just a little bit of a trip with his sense of humor. This is kind of like shoe on the other foot, seeing as Brandon is the one with questionable actions going on.

Between that, and dealing with an unwelcome blast from the past and some pregnancy problems and got a cauldron of drama. I have to say, with the hints of Ryan being more fashion shopping hoe, I'd have like to see more of that side of him.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved seeing the trials these two go through in this book. It just shows you that even fictional couple's have problems that need working through.
There are some grammatical errors and spelling mistakes and I think a name change in the book which does distract slightly. If I didn't like these two Mcs so much it could have been 3.5*.