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He ties women up to set them free. She’s not looking for freedom…

Matteo Ignatius is a corporate consultant who teaches companies how to be kinky – only he doesn’t call it that. He’s also a rope-bondage master. A nawashi. A man proud of his tools and in search of the best.

Liane Granger is a flannel-clad artist with a dandelion tattoo and a life that doesn’t need a man, much less the new kitten she somehow acquired when she wasn’t paying attention. She makes handcrafted rope in her small studio on Kootenay Lake. She also runs an on-again, off-again B&B, and one of her best customers is coming to spend the night and pick up a special order.

Which sounds really simple until he walks in her studio door and uses her own ropes to tie her up.

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 11, 2018

85 people are currently reading
163 people want to read

About the author

Lilia Moon

16 books189 followers
Sexpot in pajamas by day, erotic dreamer by night.

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5 stars
126 (42%)
4 stars
100 (33%)
3 stars
53 (17%)
2 stars
11 (3%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Jane super booklover📚.
283 reviews15 followers
December 19, 2018
This was such a big surprise! Its a BDSM Book but whit a whole different feel. Its more about art and blossoming into the person you want to be. It was really surprising. Low on angst and high on passion and love!
Profile Image for B.A. Malisch.
2,483 reviews278 followers
October 24, 2020
The first time through, I accidentally did this backwards, which worked out fine, but it wasn’t until I decided to reread the Fettered series, and then this one, that I realized the connections between the two series.

The first time I read this story, everything caught me off guard, and it was just so gorgeous that I crumbled into this unexpected emotional puddle of goo.

This second time through, I really hate that I can’t see what blooms here, other than in my mind. I have a strong imagination, but some art is just meant to be seen with the eyes. I want to see this story with my own eyes, even if that’s impossible. At the same time, I also don’t, because I like that it belongs in all the quiet, expanding spaces inside my chest and not to the media and world. It’s a strange contradiction of needs and desires, which also pretty much describes what’s beautiful about this story.

The only thing I’m left wanting, when it comes to anything by Lilia Moon, is more. More, please. New books, new stories, longer stories, I don’t care. I just crave more.

PREVIOUS REVIEW:
What a refreshingly different and unique read in this genre!

This one is not like anything I have ever read in the romance and erotica genres before, and I'm kind of sad about that (sad about the part where I think maybe I would have understood and appreciated this unique world more, a long time ago, had anyone given their stories this level of trust and emotion--let me be clear that I am not sad at all about this book. It's breathtaking.)

It’s sort of like artistic, light BDSM, that’s all about ropes and tying ropes. That sounds crazy. I don’t even know how to explain this story, but it’s like —-staring too long at a naughty painting while people whisper and giggle all around you, but you can’t focus on them because some gorgeous and seductive art is right in front of you.

I wish I could have seen this story unfold right in front of me, in real time, though that might have been a bit awkward for all involved. Regardless, I have no doubt it would have been consuming and full of pleasing aesthetics.
Profile Image for Kazen.
1,475 reviews313 followers
January 7, 2023
3.5 stars

A lovely, soft BDSM romance that's more about changing the shape of your life in your 40s, and the bravery that requires, than bondage. Liane is renowned in kink circles for her amazing rope, and Matteo is sent up to collect an order for his kink club. When they meet the physical attraction is immediate, and when Liane says she wants to know how riggers like Matteo use her rope? Sparks fly.

It's calm, without a big misunderstanding or dark moment, and an interior journey at its core. Can Liane let someone else into her carefully crafted life, and is Matteo ready to go back to the small town living that he originally ran away from?

I have some quibbles with the writing - the metaphors are pounded into us, and we only see part of the sex scenes - but otherwise it was just the thing for a lazy Saturday.
Profile Image for  tatiana ❀.
321 reviews65 followers
October 27, 2019
3.25

This was different from what I've expected:

1. Both characters are in their 40's, H is 48 actually. I think the oldest h I'd read in romance was like, 30.

2. This was really wholesome? I found this in the bdsm section, and I thought it'd be dirty but everything was handled with so much care. There weren't really that many sex scenes, it was more about the artistry and emotional connection

3. This dude. He was the biggest softie. He always asked for verbal consent and I can't begin to explain how much I loved that. He respected and understood h.

4. The writing, especially at the beginning, was great. Tons of metaphors and pretty imagery.

It's not higher than the rating I gave it because it felt a bit boring and forgettable. I don't know if I'll go on with the series.
Profile Image for Joyffree.
3,395 reviews60 followers
June 17, 2018
🍓One of the most heartfelt and emotional reads of 2018 🍓
Nothing like I was expecting!
Wonderful characters - down to earth- real-
The passion between Matteo and Liane was a slow burn that was always at the perfect heat - kept me engaged on a consistent level
I loved the raw emotions - too many times the alpha lead is portrayed lacking any true depth or emotions - that was not the case here - Matteo's introspection of his own past and the why's of his current feelings were beautifully scripted - as a reader I could sense his turmoil and inner battle- he can tie me up and ground me any day
Then we have Liane A perfectly crafted female lead - just the right amount of spunk and "little minx" mixed with sheer determination - Really enjoyed her - I know there is so much more to her backstory-
The supporting characters are few but the ones we get a glimpse of left me wanting to know more about them and the why's that drive them - definitely looking forward to the next book
I received a comp copy of Twisted Strands
Profile Image for Ms. Cyn.
1,544 reviews
June 11, 2018
I love the art form of rope. This book puts all of that in a romantic and electrifying space. I loved the ability Lilia has to make something that is definitely erotic but also classy and beautiful.

Matteo is having some problems with his life. He doesn't know what the problem is but he quickly finds something in Liane that could be the solution. I love their initial reactions to each other. I love the kitten, Trouble. I love how they work through their issues. I just love it all.

I voluntarily reviewed the author’s copy of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon.
173 reviews14 followers
April 26, 2022
As someone who usally needs a lot more violence in their stories this one surprised me in the best way possible. Some of Liane's inner dialog is a little silly, with flower metaphors everywhere. But the rope scenes are just perfectly written.
Profile Image for Leigh Kramer.
Author 1 book1,413 followers
October 27, 2020
This was such a thoughtful BDSM romance. I’ve enjoyed a couple of other books by this author before and this seems to be a spin off of the Fettered series. Matteo, a corporate consultant and Dom specializing in rigging, goes up to British Columbia to pick up a custom order of rope from Liane and winds up staying longer than planned. They clearly have a connection right from the start and yet it didn’t dovetail into insta-love even though the story takes place over only a few days, which was quite refreshing.

Matteo is 48 and it’s not exactly clear how old Liane is but likely late 40s or early 50s. Matteo has always gone after adventure and spontaneity, whereas Liane uprooted her life 10 years ago so she could create the life she wanted. After she divorced and her grandmother died, she left a 20 year career in finance and moved to her grandmother’s home in a small town and began her artisanal rope making business. She has good friends and a good life and she’s not sure there’s room for more. There’s no dark moment between them: this is two adults figuring out whether they want to see if a relationship can grow, if Matteo is ready to have a more grounded life and if Liane is ready to take more chances. And of course there are some really great scenes with Matteo using the rope Liane made! The things that man can do even in a canoe. He’s also honest about his mistakes and when he goes too fast or pushes her too far. I just loved everything about them together.

They’re both artistic souls and sometimes the flowery language could be a bit much—flowery is literal. Liane talks about her inner orchid, which symbolizes the part she hides from some people and that unfurls around Matteo. And Matteo talks about planting his feet on the ground and tying himself to a place and a person. Normally I eat that kind of thing up but it was a bit much for my tastes at time. But that’s a minor issue compared to how lovely the rest of this was.

I also adored Liane’s kitten Trouble! If only I could have a cat where I live right now.

Character notes: Liane is in her late 40s or early 50s and she’s white. Matteo is 48; it’s not clear what his race or ethnicity is. He might be white but based on his name, he could be Latino. This is set in Crawford Bay, British Columbia. Matteo lives in Seattle.

CW: heroine is divorced, reference to death of grandmother, ableist language
Profile Image for Geeky Girl Review Cafe.
1,228 reviews98 followers
May 9, 2020
The ties that bind.

I really enjoyed the this story, its a clear spin from Lilia's Fettered series but completely different. This isn't a BDSM heavy quick heat romance, this is a slow burn with amazing character and relationship development.

I don't know much about rope bondage other than what I've read in books, but I absolutely adored the fact that this story revolved around the woman who makes rope by hand and the man who is a Dom that uses it to bind and create art. As I said I don't know much about rope and rope bondage but their ability to talk in-depth about rope, it's creation, it's purposes and abilities was really impressive.

I'm very excited to read the rest of this trilogy.
Profile Image for phoebess.
1,521 reviews98 followers
June 17, 2018
Twisted Strands was very sweet and mellow story with many steamy sex scenes.
Liane and Matteo's book brought to us something entirely new in this spin-off series of Fettered yet it had the same familiar, intriguing vibe that always kept me longing for more... chapters.

I received a free copy of this book and gave it an honest review.
Profile Image for Rose Howse.
914 reviews15 followers
June 14, 2018
I loved this pairing of self employed, self sufficient Liane and Bondage expert, Matteo from Fettered. This is set in a small community that surrounds a lake in British Columbia where everybody knows your name. Matteo has been sent to pick up the specialized rope that Liane makes in her little B&B/Rope business in her small place in the heavenly situated British Columbian small community. Fettered club uses Liane's ropes that are a specialized mixture of elements that are prized by many bondage experts in the kinky bondage lifestyle and Matteo wants to meet the craftsman that makes these specialized tools of his trade. I loved how much Liane and Matteo blend together, just like her specialized rope is blended to make it subtle and strong. We also get to meet the characters that live around Liane's community and seem to support and nurture her. Daley, India (possible former sub) and Bee, famous for her fried chicken recipe are some of the friends that areca part of Liane's life, along with a little kitty that has suddenly found itself a member of Liane's little home. The meeting of
and developing bond that forms between Matteo and Liane is just so sweet and seems as bonding as the ropes Liane makes and Matteo uses to tie her up with. Liane is new to the sort of kink that Matteo shows her, as he demonstrates how he masters her with her rope. Adorable love story between two sweet people that is developing because of the arts of Shibari and Kinbaku is a joy to behold, I particularly loved when Liane wonders what Matteo gets out of his part in the sensuous art of binding her and satisfying her sexually. Matteo explains that his p*nis is only one of his body parts! I am definitely looking forward to more from the Handcrafted Trilogy, and possibly seeing more Doms and maybe see India find herself in the position of submissive again.
18 reviews
June 17, 2018
Amazing story

Ms. Moon writes stories that grab my heart and twist. This story was magical. My only complaint is I wish she could write more, faster.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
1,389 reviews62 followers
June 14, 2018
Beautiful, Gentle and Passionate

It is always nice to read books about relationships between two people who have experienced a bit of life before meeting. We don’t know their precise ages but they are definitely at a minimum of late 40s. I like how the age isn’t a factor but the fact that they have lived life and know themselves fairly well is.

Matteo has been sent on an errand by his friend who owns a BDSM club. He is the rope master at the club and applies things he knows about power exchange to his career as a business consultant, but is definitely in need of a break. The errand he has been sent on, as an excuse to take a holiday, is a trip to Canada from Seattle by truck to pick up the rope they use for bondage, made by a craftswoman who makes it all by hand, Liane.

Liane used to have a corporate job but after her marriage ended and her grandmother died leaving her a B&B is a picturesque part of Canada, life on a lake making rope appealed more. When the two of them meet they are happy and fulfilled in their lives. This story tells of how a rope wielding dom begins to be tied up emotionally by a rope making artist.

It’s a lovely story about recognising what could add to an already happy life, by adding a bit of kink or slowing down to smell the dandelions.

Though this is about a dom, this is not overly D/s in nature. It’s really more about the relationships between two different people and how they negotiate their way through.

A really lovely book by the ever talented Ms Moon.
358 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2020
Ties That Bind

I was pleasantly surprised by this story about Matteo, a BDSM rigger (rope master), who has spent most of his adult life avoiding putting down roots, and Liane,, who switched from corporate city life to put down roots in a very small artistic town, making ropes. Matteo's job has him frequently traveling from one failing company to another, shaking things up so that they will become successful again. During a break in travels Matteo goes to Crawford Bay to pick up rope for a friend who owns a BDSM club. As soon as he meets Liane, he is hooked and extends his visit to try to shake up her resistance and settled life.

This book is filled with wit and wisdom, often hard fought for and hard won. There is significant dialogue between the two protagonists, which comes from both perspectives, and allows for understanding of their thought processes. Because it was continuing, it wasn't at all redundant, and I really appreciated this aspect of the presentation. It also reflected a much more laid back and less controlling view of a BDSM relationship than is usually the case. I'm looking forward to the next two books in this trilogy and hope they'll continue reflecting what this story has begun.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,077 reviews29 followers
June 6, 2018
What an emotion-filled story!
With a background of a small community where everybody knows everyone else, Twisted Strands explores the idea of a free-roaming man planting roots. Liane is a talented rope maker who’s created a ‘perfect’ niche for herself, with fellow artists and other friends. Her encounters with Matteo show her that something is lacking.
Seeing these two working through their issues and enjoying learning about each other is enlightening. It quickly grows into a full blown romance...just the way I love it!
I voluntarily reviewed an author’s copy of this book.
351 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2019
"I asked for a chance to enter her life and see it from the inside, but when I asked it, I did it on the arrogant assumption that I would change her. I never entertained the idea that it might change me."

I loved this story about Liane and Matteo! I think that Lilia Moon does an amazing job to bringing a connection and sensuality to Matteo and Liane's growing relationship. I love how real Liane is... she is not afraid to look inside herself. Matteo is the same way a Dom who is always thinking, analyzing, and feeling. Loved this book!
Profile Image for Violet.
30 reviews
June 17, 2018
Hmmm

This book is very much different from the Fitted series but I like it. At times it felt little slow on the story. I think it could’ve picked up where Matteo was having his me time on the climb he did. I think this story could’ve been longer story but that’s just me.

I gave it 4 star because there some parts that felt that were a little slow. I can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Cathryne Slaughter.
248 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2018
An amazing read!

Well. Not sure what I expected from this book, and an adequate review is tough. This is a beautiful tale of a Dom who is a Shibari master and a woman whose craft is spinning beautiful ropes. Neither one is searching for a soulmate, but their common interest and instant chemistry forms a story that is so very beautiful. Not in any way your typical kinky story, however I cannot say enough about how great it is.
Profile Image for Nicole Kleffner.
446 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2019
This is book one in the series and it’s a soft BDSM book. I really enjoyed the way that this author makes it feel like both parties are moving at the same pace and slowly move into the BDSM world.

Matteo is having issues but can’t seem to figure out what is going on, than he meets Liane and seems to find what he is missing right away. I loved the little kitten, and just seemed to bring a little something more to the story. I liked how they worked through their issues together.
Profile Image for Alexa.
358 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2023
This book was unexpected with how beautifully descriptive it was. I had no idea rope could be described in such reverence and beauty

There will be no fire until I ask to burn.

Some of the ropes I hold are invisible ones

Drinking in the awe of a woman that is willing to let go and let me catch her

Loved the soft bdsm aspect of this book. His endearing terms for her and just the utmost care. Such a unique story!

3/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Tina Courts.
427 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2018
So very well written and captured my imagination right from the start. first in this series and it’s about Matteo who is a rope master and Liane who puts her heart and soul into crafting the rope. How they met, their attraction and how it intertwines in their life. Absolutely loved it and can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out to return to this world.
154 reviews6 followers
July 3, 2018
Simply wow

This book was a hymn to rope play and I choose that word deliberately. There was a spiritual weight and heft to the story, to the words chosen and used, to the emotions involved. I've never "gotten" what this art is about and now I feel like I do a bit. What an awesome, amazing experience.
Profile Image for Debra West.
181 reviews
June 25, 2018
For those who loved the feterred series, this is an awesome must fllow series. I have preordered the next book and will for every book in this series.
Profile Image for Cait.
1,533 reviews
October 4, 2018
I was expecting more from this book. It was okay, but the story just got bogged down with all of the rope stuff, and it suffered for it. I got bored.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
1,327 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2018
Not what I expected from what I read of the Fettered series, but I still enjoyed it
16 reviews
March 31, 2019
Lilia Moon has the loveliest, most eloquent writing style. Each book is a delight to read.
Profile Image for Joan E Salisbury.
41 reviews
May 10, 2019
Another win

I love love love her books. There’s enough kink to satisfy and to hold her characters in an enchanting web.
Profile Image for Monique Pearson.
Author 3 books43 followers
January 24, 2020
This story enticed my partner to show up for my birthday in a beautifully knotted rope dress. THANK YOU!
244 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2020
Cozy love tied up in fun

The characters are intriguing and fun to observe. There's an amusing kitten. Loving friends who are artisans living in a small town.
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