Together Tied

Marshals #3.5

by Mary Calmes

To celebrate Valentine's Day, you're all invited to spend some time with my marshals. I put a short novella on Instafreebie of Miro and Ian having dinner with their boss Sam Kage and his husband, Jory Harcourt. What could possibly go wrong?

I hope you all enjoy it and I hope you all have a wonderful, shmoopy, candy and flower filled day.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, Short Stories, LGBT, Holiday, Novella

61 pages, ebook

First published February 14, 2018

About the author

Mary 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.

Reviews

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not gonna lie. I'm a bit confused what with the multiple crossovers of at least 3 series. However, in and amongst all the talking, set up and hints, and foreshadowing for god knows what, I still enjoyed myself quite immensely. Because you know. Miro and Ian. *swoony sigh*

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read 16th September 2018.

Original review.

I’m fairly new to this author and so far I’ve only read her Marshall series. Since I’ve just finished the first three books and the forth isn’t available yet I decided this would fill the gap (well a little bit of it anyway).
I have to be totally honest and say this book wasn’t at all what I expected. I’d expected to spend valentines with Miro and Ian having a beautiful romantic time.
Okay. So I know with these two there’s going to be some kind of shooting, chase or kidnapping but I mean apart from that.

So Miro and Ian and providing security at a fundraiser event which seems straight forward enough. But this book seemed to be all over the place, sometimes for no apparent reason.
I know shorts can be difficult when you’re used to a longer book but this just seemed to jump about too much.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welp, that was definitely NOT what I was expecting. I was hoping for a sweet Valentine’s Day novella with Miro and Ian. Instead, I read a story about people and events that I had no clue who they were. Plus, I felt, at times, the book should have been a novella from the Matter of Time series, because it was all about the Kage family. By the end of the book, I was wondering what the heck happened. I wanted a story about Miro and Ian!!

I am a fan of Mary Calmes, but I must say, I was a little disappointed in this one. That, in no way, stops me from sitting here with grabby hands waiting for the release of the new Marshalls book.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still have no idea what the purpose of this short was. It was a lot of rambling and details about missing guns and other police work.

(If you’ve not read Acrobat or A Matter of Time series, I suggest you do that before you start this.)

But even though I could follow along just fine since I’ve read (almost) all the Mary books, I simply wasn’t interested in another back and forth about the missing gun Dreo used to shoot Joey to protect Nathan. I think we hashed that out in book 3 when Miro’s partner was asking Miro about this.

I was also really hoping for some romance, but we got nothing. Ian and Miro were simply there and meeting a whole bunch of people from Mary’s other books. While it was fun to read about them all interacting, it was a lot of pointless namedropping to me.

I was also very puzzled why it was important to write a scene about Miro seeing a suspect only to find out that the suspect was on parole because he was now a snitch. I mean, who cares about that?

It’s still Ian and Miro, but I was very disappointed in this short.

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was sorta confusing. It's been some time since I've read Sam Kage and his husband, Jory's books, so I don't remember all the characters from there and since they showed up here... I was confused. And I don't like being confused; my attention get split and I get irritated. Also, this might be cruel, but I saw no point in this short story. We barely got any Miro and Ian, we mostly got to see Kage and Jory from the outside by being in Miro's head. I had expected more.

“Always gonna be tied up with me, huh, M?” he whispered, kissing along the line of my jaw. “You’ll always be my valentine.”
I would, yes. Forever. There was no question.

[*J* Too Many Books Too Little Time · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

Too many people and too much story jam packed in to this novella. Especially because all I really care about are Ian and Miro. *shrugs*

[BWT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a fun Valentine's treat. Told from Miro's single POV (like the rest of the Marahal's series) this short story fits in the Calmes timeline after Tied Up In Knots (Marshals #3) but before the events in Kairos.

We get to spend time with Jory and Sam's daughter Hannah, finally find out definitively what the hell happened with Duncan protecting Dreo for Nate, and get to see Jory and Sam be...well, Jory and Sam.

Not everything is tied up nearly though and I can guess this will flow into whatever is about to transpire in Twisted and Tied (Marshals #4) releasing in March 2018.

Buckle up, babies...I think it's going to get bumpy.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.

[Jenni Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

YASSSSS!!!!!

Hannah! Jory! Duncan! Even some ties to Kairos!

I'm worried about Duncan though.

LOL, Jory.

[Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read** · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3 Stars***

This was a nice and quick little novella that I think was supposed to center around Miro and Ian (since it is part of their series) but so many people were included in here, I wasn't sure what was going on half the time.

An accurate depiction of me while reading:



So many stories and characters crossing from Mary Calmes's multiple books and series, I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and how everyone was connected and what plot and backstory was being referenced. I seriously needed a flowchart while reading.

BUT, it was nice catching up with Miro and Ian (kinda, I guess...this didn't really feel about them) and I especially loved seeing Sam and Jory and their family.

So, yeah...I mean I liked it cuz these are my people....but I don't really know what the point of this novella is??

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good...I mean it was totally good...

'Together Tied' was an awesome little present from the author. Seriously before you read this one you need to read or refresh yourself on the authors series 'A Matter of Time', the standalone story 'Acrobat' (one of my personal favorites) and truthfully being relevant on 'Mine' and the her latest series 'The Vault' might be helpful as well...all I'm going to say here is 'gun' and what the hell while we're at it let's throw in a refresher on 'Kairos' for good measure.

I actually read this one in the middle of the night. My brain was not in sleep mode so I figured what the hell, why waste some good reading time and I dove right into this little gem and emerged just in time to grab a couple of hours of sleep before I had to start my day.

'Together Tied' is definitely more than a cute little Valentine's/ 'slice of life' story. As well as giving us a glimpse at what some of my favorite MC characters are up to...this one bridges a events from a whole lot of stories together. Touching either directly or indirectly on how certain events and people connect.

I've decided that when it comes to playing the game 'six degrees of separation' in books Ms. Calmes is the master of the game. I don't think I've ever encountered an author who has so skillfully joined so many books both series and standalones together and not only that but we need to keep in mind that her books have also oveflowed into series by other authors as well...I'mma lookin' at you Ms Rhys Ford. I realize that for some this can become confusing especially if you've missed out on some of those books but I can't help but say that for me it's like catnip...I want more and yes, it does make me so happy that I purr with delight.

While there are a few books by this author that haven't connected to these stories yet...I look forward to seeing how long that will last...will Jory and Stefan Josh ever meet? I hope not because I'm pretty sure the world would implode and what about Sam Kage and Rand? Seriously that's more testosterone than any one room or ranch in Texas could every handle...but, at the same time...think about it? Wouldn't it be fabulous? And then we could add in Ian and Miro, Ceaton & Brin, Darius & Efrem, Trevon & Landry and Lee...please, can we have more about The Vault's Knight, Lee and just all the secondary characters who haven't gotten their stories yet...the connections to be made...seriously...mind blown!!! on how amazing this would be.

**************************

A copy of 'Together Tied' is available to readers through 'instafreebie' or on the authors website.

[Mariam, · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story distinctly feels like a waste of time. 😬

Plot wise? Probably not.
Romance wise? Fuck YES because WHERE was it?????

[Princess under cover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently this isn’t anywhere to be found so I will have to pass.

[Teal]

Although it's packaged as part of the Marshals series, this short story seems to actually be about every single living creature in Calmes' entire Chicagoland universe. Which I'm guessing is a treat for die-hard fans who are familiar with that universe; personally, I only visit it for Miro & Ian. So there was a vast amount of name-dropping that went right over my head.

Most painfully, there were pages & pages & pages in which a 13-year old girl nattered on & on & on & ON about people I'd never heard of. It literally gave me a headache. I don't read m/m romance in order to spend time with 13-year old girls.

I was left with the strong impression that Sam Kage must be made out of magic, because you can shoot him at point-blank range and nothing happens. He just carries on as usual, doesn't need to even sit down afterward, and as best I could tell, HE DOESN'T EVEN BLEED. Cue spooky music.

At any rate, this is a freebie, which is a nice gesture from the author.

[Valerie ❈M/M Romance Junkie❈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

reread 5/25/2023 seriously. I’m setting myself up for failure. I’m rereading the greats. What the hell am i going to do with Eli’s book?


reread 1/26/2019, 5/23/2019, 3/16/2022

---------original review 2/14/2018-----------

How long before book four?!? I will be impatiently waiting over there ———->

[Gabis Laberladen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darum geht's:

Ian und Miro sind im Einsatz, um eine Veranstaltung zu sichern. Und danach entgleist ein Abendessen mit ihrem Chef.

So fand ich's:

Ein ganz normaler Valentinstag für Miro und Ian.Witzig mit Augenzwinkern, liebevoll und mit jeder Menge Action gespickt.

Da hier die Figuren aus der "A Matter of Time"-Serie einen Gastauftritt haben, die ich noch nicht gelesen habe, konnte ich nicht alles ganz perfekt einordnen. Andererseits hat mir das auch Lust auf diese Serie gemacht. Ich würde diese Kurzgeschichte nicht als Einstieg oder Appetithäppchen empfehlen, denn man sollte schon die Marshalls Bände 1 bis 3 gelesen haben, um sie richtig einzuordnen. Für Fans der Serie ist diese kostenlose Kurzgeschichte eine schöne Ergänzung.

[Elsbeth]

DNF 54%, no rating



I have nooooo idea what this is all about!! Probably my own fault cause I haven't read A Matter of Time series

Anywaaaay, I'm out.

[Ula'ndi Hart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall book rating: 2
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 4



Basically, I don’t understand the purpose of this book.

I was expecting to be treated to some well deserved little R & R time with Ian and Miro. Oh, maybe, I don’t know... a little bit of the planned holiday talked about in book three??

But we get a short read of a botched up Valentines day with more information about Sam and Jory than the current two MC?

Don't get me wrong, I really LOVE Sam and Jory popping in, but really???

And this is a MAJOR Spoiler!! Be warned!



Did I read right????? Ian and Miro are already married and we got NOTHING of that?????? Are you Joking?!?!?!?!? Are you being serious here??????? Really???? Heaven help Mary Calmes if I start of book four and that is indeed the case cause I’m gonna be one of her over hormonal woman then. It’s not gonna be pretty.

[Courtney Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and cute. I loved seeing Jory and Sam again - Jory just never changes! - as well as a glimpse of an older Hannah and a few other people, though it got convoluted enough that I was wishing my memory wasn't as bad as it clearly is. I need a refresher!

My one (minor) complaint is that I really wish there had been a sex scene or just more interaction directly between Miro and Ian without other people around, but it was definitely enough to leave me chomping at the bit for the next full book.

[Bronwyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

March 2024: I noticed an inconsistency with the timeline this time around. But that’s par for the course. I suppose I can’t let it bother me too much. Other than that, my thoughts below still stand.


May 2019: This would best be enjoyed if you are familiar with Mary Calmes’ A Matter of Time series as well as her Marshals series. It was great to visit with Hannah and Jory for a bit. I would have liked more Ian and Miro, but it was still quite enjoyable.

[Trio · Rating 3 out of 5]

You definitely need to be up not only on the Marshal's stories, but on Jory's world as well. Lots of recapping.

Still a fun read though.

[Bo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this little glimpse of everyone. However, did I miss something? There is something huge that happened, that was unexplained. There better be an explanation in book 4!!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4th re-read December 2024

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little erratic and a lot implausible. But it was really nice to see the softer side of Sam Kage.

This was a ridiculous Valentine's Day 🤣🤣

[Asia · Rating 5 out of 5]

że powtórzę za Jorym- jestescie takie dziwne z tymi 4kami:P to bylo swietne:D lubie takie dodatki:D chcialabym zobaczyc ,sie okazalo, Jorego udajacego kowboja:P:D:D:D te ich dzieci sa genialne:D:D chcialabym tez zobaczyc twarz Mireczka i Iana w tej restauracji z tymi opadnietymi buziami:D:D chcialabym znowu zeby to byla pelnoprawna ksiazka a nie noweleczka...za malo! za krotko! ja chce wiecej! rozumiem ze to ciut slabsze jest niz Mirunio i Jory ale wciaz to jak wchodzenie do ulubionej reastauracji siadanie na ulubionym miejscu i delektowanie sie ulubionym czyms co kazdy z nas lubi najbrdziej. lubie to. a i jeszcze jedno. protokół srotokół. tez bym bronila wlasna piersia Iana i Mireczka i Jorego i nawet Kejdza choc do tej pory uwazalam, ze kule to sie go tez boją i trafiaja gdzies obok a nie w niego. jak to sie czlek moze pomylic...:D

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I think I expected there to be a bit more romance for Valentines Day between Miro & Ian in this book. Instead I got a hefty reminder that I probably need to re-read all the books within this whole interlocking story-line because I was horribly confused.

[❦O❦ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ 3,5 STARS!✨

“You do love me.”

“I do,” I sighed, loving him all over me, “kissing behind my ear, down the side of my neck. “I love you like crazy.”

“Always gonna be tied up with me, huh, M?” he whispered, kissing along the line of my jaw. “You’ll always be my valentine.”

I would, yes. Forever. There was no question.”

This was a short novella, taking us on a ride along with Ian and Miro on Valentine’s Day.
I expected this novella to be something along the lines of Miro and Ian romantically celebrating Valentine’s Day together and alone.
What i got instead, is Miro and Ian working a security detail at a fundraiser event, with plenty of action, characters from other books, and unnecessary details.

Sure, the action part is on brand with Miro and Ian, but considering it’s a special day and all, i was really hoping for some romance and lovemaking.
So while i still appreciate this short novella, because i love Miro and Ian, i am sort of disappointed and can’t really understand the purpose of this novella.

✄ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈
The Marshals Series:
𝟙 : All Kinds of Tied Down ➳ 4 🌟
𝟚 Fit to be Tied ➳ 4,5 🌟
𝟛 : Tied Up in Knots ➳ 5 🌟
𝟛.𝟝 Together Tied ➳ 3,5 🌟
𝟜 Twisted and Tied ➳ 5 🌟
✄ ┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

[AussieMum · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars

I was so excited for this that I jumped in blind. And unfortunately I pretty much stayed that way until the end.

This was not a romance centric book. There is no sex within these pages of any kind, nada. So if, like me, you came to this expecting a sweet valentines novella...abort mission. I repeat, abort mission. And if, like me, you haven't read this series in a while and aren't an aficionado of Mary Calmes' other work, just know that this is going to be hard going.

Honestly, the setup was good and suited the characters. And weaving so much extra backstory and exposition into the story was a clever idea for devout fans of this authors work. But for me, this went in a completely different direction than I could actually keep up with. I didn't know or remember most of the people or prior situations that were discussed in this story, so by the end I was skimming...a lot.

All in all I think this one is for hardcore fans or for those with a damn good memory. There was just too much that I didn't understand or get or remember.

But I still can't wait till the next ones out.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute Valentine's Day mash-up of characters from the Matter of Time series, Marshals and Kairos. I was a bit lost at times since I didn't finish the Matter of Time series (after the first two books, Jory drove me batshite crazy) but this was a fun read. 4 stars.

[Sara]

This was perfect!

I can't wipe the grin off my face or the melting of my heart to write anything else because this was perfect.

I know it was Ian and Miro but Jory and Sam? Sigh.

One Thing:

“I never worry when Sam Kage is with me. I’m bulletproof when he’s around.”

[Elyxyz Elyxyz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5