Untied

Mastermind #2

by Lydia Michaels

Opposites attract in this sensual "Beauty and the Geek" romance by bestselling and award-winning author Lydia Michaels when billionaire virgin hero Elliot Garnet gets a shot with the woman of his dreams.

She’s an impulsive romantic, and he’s a methodical realist.

She’s an exotic belly dancer and the centerpiece of every man’s fantasy. He’s a painfully shy, introverted billionaire–and a virgin.

She’s spent her life searching for Mr. Right and consequently dated every Mr. Wrong. He’s never dated anyone–never wanted to–until he met her.

Elliot must lay everything on the line for a chance to live out his darkest fantasies with the woman of his dreams. He’s nothing like the men Nadia usually dates, but maybe that’s the secret to escaping all the Mr. Wrongs.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2019

About the author

Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.

Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.

Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).

She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).

You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook!
Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books
Facebook: @LydiaMichaels
TikTok: @LydiaMichaels

Reviews

[AJ's Book ReMarks]

This is the second book in the in Mastermind series, it's Elliot's story. We were introduced to Elliot in Blind as Asher's best friend, he was the nerd at the dance studio with a hard-on, who didn't or couldn't move.
It turns out that he really is a superhero in nerd's clothing. Yup, it's a thing and he rescues a dame in distress but does he end up with the girl? You know you are going to have to read it to find out.

[Lynn]

I loved Elliot and Nadia’s story!! Loved the nerd in Elliot and the story on why he was the way he is! Loved Nadia and her honesty and wanting of Elliot and how she got him to open up!!

Elliot and Nadia help each other with opening up and being there for one another! He’s so drawn to her and is surprised she’s ever wanted him. He’s so kind and supportive even with control issues. He learns to let go, she learns to trust and there is love at the end!

I love how all the guys are brought back in from Blind. Loved Lettie being there for Nadia. Loved all the supporting characters!

[Amanda Lindsey Bursting Bookshelf Blog]

Are you wanting a hot and nerdy read? Lydia Michaels continues the series with this awesome and geeky book! A must read! It definately didn't disappoint and I love the geek chic and humor that she throws in to keep your attention. Loved it!

[Lauren at Live Read and Breathe Reviews]

3.5 Not all heroes are the same stars!

Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Author

My Review:

"I know, but some risks aren't worth the consequences."

"But are they worth the reward?"


It has been quite awhile since I read Blind. But that didn't hinder my reading experience at all.


A starter to this book is that there are group of friends whom were quite the geeks in high school but are all now successful billionaires. However, none of them are up to speed fully on the whole dating thing. This time around we get the super shy Elliot who tries his hand at love.


For most Elliot comes across as bit of an ass, but that his protection mechanism. Deep down he's just a shy boy who got hurt young and is scared to let others in. The moment Elliot laid eyes on Nadia in the book Blind he was done for (well secretly, as we didn't know how he felt until this book).


He thinks he has no chance with Nadia but when he meets up with her again and she needs a bit of saving he jumps at the opportunity to help her out.


Poor Elliot has a steep learning curve with love and fumbles his way through it. I liked watching Elliot's evolution and him finding what life can be like once he let his guard down. A lot people think the beautiful have no issues as Elliot thought with Nadia, but she too had her own baggage which caused some riffs in this new found arrangement.


The epigraphs were absolute perfection and picked so brilliantly. They were one of my favorite parts of this book.


I quite liked Nadia and Elliot together and I'm now hooked on this series and can't wait to find out the back stories of Hunter & Jet

[Tammy]

Such a good continuation of this series - this is Elliot and Nadia's story.

Elliot lusted after Nadia from afar - never had the courage to approach her and ask her out; one night while out for dinner, alone - again, he sees Nadia at a table with her date; things aren't going well. He follows her outside, and witnesses harsh words and the end of her 'relationship'. Elliot seizes the opportunity to help, they go for a drink and Elliot can't help himself, he invites Nadia to stay with him until she gets herself sorted out.

They actually develop and friendship. They like each other, they are kind to each other - too kind. They don't want to step on each others' feelings, they respect each other. One thing leads to another, the sexual tension is palpable. She is the teacher and Elliot is the student, a willing one.

Things progress. He helps her with various aspects of her life - with her family; her dance studio and living situation.

They fall in love - but keep their feelings to themselves, for awhile. Bring on the eventual misunderstandings, they last for awhile; then drift apart. Someone has to bend if they want their HEA.

[Karen]

I loved this book! I was hoping we’d get to see Elliot get his happily ever after when we met him in the first book in this series, Blind. I really enjoyed Elliot and Nadia’s story! They were so good for one another and they each helped the other in such important ways.
This was truly a beautiful story and I really enjoyed it.

[Hanan]

I am absolutely loving the guys in Mastermind world!
Elliot is the more unsure or awkward of the whole group.
The way he sees himself as him distancing himself from life I’d say.
He doesn’t date. He doesn’t socialize.
A bad childhood has left lingering effects.
His life is about to be turned upside down though.
By one feisty romantic stubborn woman by the name of Nadia.
Together and individually they will struggle with their past.
The feelings of being not good enough.
The feelings of guilt.
Having to get over trust issues.
What an absolutely glorious journey Ms. Michaels takes us on with Elliot and Nadia.
Not only is this authors’ books sexy and steamy.
But she always delivers a beautiful romance story as well.
She always gives the reader an emotional powerful plot with unforgettable characters.
Her books are always “more”.
They is such depth and meaning to her storylines and characters.
Her stories are easy to relate to because the emotions and insecurities her characters deal with most of us have experienced.
Elliot and Nadia’s story is no exception.
There’s is a turbulent journey.
Filled with so much emotions and a whole lot of sexy.

[Tammy Wilford]

I really didn’t know what to expect with this book - but I was captivated by Nadia’s and Elliot’s individual journeys .
At many points I wanted to smack their heads together - but we wouldn’t have a story if relationships were that easy !
As with so many of Lydia’s other books you realise that perception of self vs what others see is really a huge factor in relationships and communication is key to progress beyond a fling to something long term.
Can’t wait for the next nerd to be ensnared!

[Shelly]

Elliot truly surprised me! When we met him in Blind, he definitely wasn't my favorite character, I won't lie. After reading Untied, I change my mind! He's a sneaky little devil that's for sure. By the end of this book, Elliot claimed my heart and had me in tears. Literal tears. If you want a book hangover, Untied is for you!

[Sue]

If you want a book that gives you all of the feels then Untied is for you. I loved it and loved Elliot!

[Katie]

Untied is book two in the mastermind series. It tells the story of Elliot and Nadia, who we met in book one of the series. In book one readers can see that Elliot is a dynamic character so I enjoyed peeling back all of his layers in Untied and discovering who he really is. Untied is a great book with many themes that readers can connect to. I highly recommend.

[Chelsea Hackert]

Does Elliot get his girl? I know but do you? This is a wonderful book to read. Want to read something about a damsel saves by a knight in shining armor, then here ya go!

[Shirley]

Better than the first in the series, IMO. I don't know if it's because I was already familiar with the characters, or if it was the story.
Elliot and Nadia both have skeletons in their past, both are feeling that twinge of 'too good to be true', afraid they will ruin what they have before they even have a chance at happiness.
Nadia is beautiful, artistic, and a free spirit. Elliot is controlled. Steady. Reliable. Constant. Until Nadia turns his world on it's axis.
They say that opposites attract, but will these two be able to work through their differences, or will their differences rip them apart?

[Bex’s reading corner]

I was sooo hoping this was going to be the Elliot book! Desperate to hear his story and see more if it play out I am so glad he is book two! I Absofreakinglutely FLOVED Asher and Lettie’s story in blind so it was a tough book to top. That being said I think two of my now fav book quotes are from this book now. This is one “I think you’re everything I see,but other people see you from a different view. You’re like a starry night. Consistent. Quiet. Misunderstood at first glance. Like you said, same sky, different perspective. I see you. And I think you’re quite beautiful just the way you are. Maybe that will change, but I don’t know that it will. There’s nothing wrong with being who you are from where I’m standing.”

At some points I had trouble connecting with this book and then wham something like that quote above happens and I’m reeled right back in. I ran the gamut of emotions in this book, and tbh cried so hard my face burns from the tears.

Looking forward to the third book!

[Shonda]

Wow. This was quite the departure from the books that I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to read from her. This series, in my opinion, is like Revenge of the Nerds mets Fifty Shades of Grey. I read book #1 Blind which was the introduction to the “MasterMinds” and the women they fall in love with. In Blind (book #1), we meet Archer and Scarlet. Archer has been in love with Scarlet since grade school but he believes she is way out of his Nerd league. Scarlett writes an anonymous letter by a pin name that only a certain someone (Archer) remembers from their childhood and the shenanigans begin!

As I mentioned before this is a departure from the books I usually read from her. I enjoyed it but it was hard for me to get into the characters because I have a massive amount of self-confidence built upon years of feeling “unworthy” so it’s no fault of Lydia’s that reading some parts where a tad bit contrite and unable to keep my attention. So when I read book #2 Untied, I knew what to expect. This one follows Elliot and Nadia. He is the utmost controlling nerd and she is the beautiful dancer he meets through Archer.

Book #2, Untied, surpassed my expectations more than book one because I could connect with Elliot’s need for controlling every aspect of his adult life because his childhood experiences were uncontrollable. I could definitely understand the need to do everything “Perfectly” or not at all. I could totally relate to Elliot’s fear of failure; becoming so paralyzing that you can become immobile in life. As a recovering “perfectionist”, I recognized it immediately in Elliot and I wanted to dive deeper into the book, to see how he was going to handle it.

His love interest, Nadia, was the opposite of Elliot and she just dealt with the “uncontrollables” of life (Wink) by living an undisciplined life. She ran and just figured they would go away or work themselves out. Some did but others she needed to face head on. This is why they made a believable couple because Elliot’s control and discipline is exactly what Nadia needed in her “uncontrolled” world.

Overall, the first book was much like Fifty Shades and I felt that certain subject has been explored before. However, I did think Lydia brought a deeper understanding to the subject than just more generalizations. I rated book #2, Untied, 4 / 5 stars. I do recommend that you read both books to gain an understanding of the who, what, and why’s of the series. Some of the sex scenes were steamy but luckily I felt a connection to Elliot and that highly improved my ability to enjoy the novel. I am looking forward to Steve’s book (he is a recurring character). I feel Steve definitely has a story?!?

[MJLovestoRead]

Untied is an incredible continuation of the Mastermind series. This is just my 2nd book from Lydia Michaels and I'm wondering why in the heck I haven't read her before getting to Blind!! She is truly gifted and I honestly can't wait to read more of her work.

This time around we get Elliot Garnet's story. The man who has such control over ever aspect of his life and yet when it comes to women, he is a mere novice. In Blind, he met Nadia who unbeknownst to him would be the one woman to threaten that control. I could feel my own palms sweating as he just can't handle being physically close to her. But with a few unexpected drinks to calm his nerves, finding Nadia alone and rejected one night is just the start of what could very well be their mutual undoing. But damn if it's not worth every bit of anxiety and pain.

Elliot and Nadia might not look 'good on paper' as they say, but their chemistry is through the roof. I loved how Nadia understood Elliot's trepidation about getting closer when they end up as housemates when his gallant nature gets the best of him. She is exactly what he needs to face his fears at being with a woman and I felt for both of them as mixed signals and pure dread take root more than once. But there's a beautiful kind of underlying peace that invades both of their souls as both Nadia and Elliot finally give this wildly startling coupling a go. They fit quite well together and despite all they encounter, both together and separately, these two truly have what it takes to be happy together. They just have to believe it themselves.

I love how Michaels writes about these uber nerds and their reluctance to be more than they have been told they are. She carefully dissects the pigeon-hole they have been relegated to and fills their hesitant hearts with the best kind of love. For Elliot, it was a true feat getting him to see himself as more than the buttoned-up entrepreneur. And Nadia was the light he needed to see that success can be measured in many different ways. Including his new-found prowess in the bedroom. Damn, those scenes were incredibly erotic and perfectly placed. They were exactly what both needed even when doubt reared its ugly head.

Well-written and full of the feels I seek in the books I choose, Untied is not to be missed. I thoroughly enjoyed it and read it one sitting!! This wonderful read deserves a huge 5 stars!

[Patricia]

What do you do when you are an introvert and really just want to be left alone . Meet Elliot, he is that man who just wants to work and keep his private life private . Until the day the one woman who can unravel him walks into his life . After a disastrous date Nadia is left with nowhere to go . When Elliot swoops in and saves the day taking her home with him . When the two unlikely people begin to navigate the rules of what love is and how they can come together . With pasts that are painful in both their paths . Will they be able to get over the hurt of the past and realize that they belong together.
The second book in the series is all about Elliot , Ashers best friend . He is such a sweet soul . I fell in love with him , he has had a hard life and has basically just given up on some things . You just want to wrap him up and hug him and tell him that everything will be ok and that he will be loved . It is so much fun watching him with Nadia and how she gets under his skin . He really gets so flustered . He is so cute when he does . Nadia is well she is such a fun read . She is gorgeous but also kind of a flirt . She needs a man in her life so she thinks. She is always picking the wrong man and it is eating away at her self esteem . She is hiding a sweet woman under all the flirting that she does . When they get together there are sparks and I mean sparks . You will fall in love with these two , trust me on that one .
I couldn't put this book down when I got it . The characters had me falling in love with them . The author takes us on a very emotional rollercoaster ride . I laughed and cried through out this book . This book brought all sorts of feels , I really felt for Elliot and his past pain that he went through. You will really identify with these characters , and love and hate them . The author pours a lot of emotion into this book . So if you want a book that will make you laugh and cry and ugly cry . This book is for you . I truly enjoyed this book . So check it out .

[Donna Smith]

In this second book of the Mastermind series, we meet Elliot. Elliot is a straight shooter. He has no time for personal relarelationships no the desire. No woman has ever peeked his interest until Nadia. She was the dance instructor that his friend Asher hired so long ago but he can't stop thinking about where she is or what she's doing. On night while dining alone, he sees her with another man and she doesn't look the least bit happy. He decides to follow her and becomes her hero.
I loved how each of these characters had doubts about who they were. Elliot feels he's not good enough for Nadia and in return Nadia feels she's not good enough for him. They are true people. Elliot feels he's not an alpha male but in his own way he's better. He puts her needs above his own. She feels she has nothing to offer Elliot but cares for him like no other person, other than his mother, ever has. They put so much thought into how wrong they are for the other person, they don't give themselves the chance to embrace what they have. Elliot's directness is refreshing. He tells it like it is and has no malice in doing so. Nadia is tired of the games her past men have played. She appreciates his openness. The growing pains they have can be heartbreaking at times and blazing hot at others. Loved how this all came together.

[EducatedBookFreak]

If you’re looking for a story that will melt your heart, this is it. From the beginning, Elliot is spellbound by Nadia. You can feel their attraction. The love they have for each other is one out of storybooks, and it draws you in instantly. I felt like I was in the story and could envision the whole story. Truly a romance story, with some steam in the mix.

Like all relationships, they have insecurities. You could feel how much they loved each other already, but wouldn’t let themselves go. I loved how Elliot worshipped Nadia in everything. He wanted to give her everything she wanted, but he couldn’t give her one thing. You feel so sad for Elliot once he explains why he feels the way he does. You want to console him and help him see he’s a great person.

I loved how characters from the first book come back and make an appearance. They offer help in time of trouble. The author truly keeps you entranced the whole story. It would make me so happy to see you enjoy this book as much as I did!!

[Lorena Garcia -- Brittany's Book Blog]

Lydia has always captured my attention with her books. You never get tired nor bored with what she comes up with next. I love books in series because we always get to know all the characters in the series and I love reading their backstories. It's always nice to get to know everyone that is attached to each other in some way or another.

In Untied we get Elliot and Nadia's story. It was a little hard getting myself into this story only because the heroine has the same name as my daughter and I just didn't want to picture my daughter being the character as she's only a teenager, but I tried really hard not to put her into this book (ha)!

Any way, I loved the whole concept, the backstory from these two characters and it was a fun and entertaining read. You could never go wrong with a Lydia Michael's book. She certainly knows how to capture your attention from beginning to end.

4 Stars

**Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

[Loren]

Book 2 of the Mastermind series tells the story of Elliot and Nadia, both whom we met in the first book, Blind. Untied did not disappoint as Lydia Michaels continues her brilliant storytelling of the nerds of this series. The fears, insecurities, and vulnerabilities of both characters are front and center, but so is their patience and kindness and willingness to step out of their comfort zones for one another. The way their love blooms is so emotional and steamy, and you can’t help but get your own feelings caught up in the story the entire way. Without a doubt, you will ache for Elliot and Nadia and root for them as hard as I did. I also enjoyed getting to revisit the other lovable nerds. Book 3 can't come soon enough for me. I just love the writing of Lydia Michaels – she has quickly become one of my top “go to / one-click” authors.

[Daniela Gallardo]

The story of Elliot is so heartfelt. This is the second book of the Mastermind series and is absolutely my favorite. I loved Blind but this one hits home. The way Lydia brings the vulnerabilities of the main character is amazing. Lydia did such a great job in putting together someone like Elliott, that has so many insecurities with the beautiful, exotic Nadia. The woman he thought was so out of reach. You can't help but fall in love with her and how honest her love for him is.
I was in tears quite few times while reading this book. I had to read in one sitting because I couldn't dare to put the book down.
Once again Lydia is able to write a book that is so relatable, so easy to read and you can't help but to wait for the next book. Would love to read about the story of the other characters in the book such as Hunter and Steve. The end was so beautiful and touching.

[BabyGotBooks22]

Original and uniquely written, with a flair of pop culture references by way of quote to set the tone at the beginning of each chapter, this book was a story unlike any I have ever read before.

Elliot, ever the perfectionist, always in his head and closed off from past hurts is completely dumbfounded when Nadia, the woman of his fantasies, not only talks to him but proves interested in the man behind the suit and million dollar net worth.

Struggling day to day with the added stress of her closest relatives an ocean away, immigrant Nadia is tired of relying on men for help because they see her only as a beautiful specimen for their own desires. So, upon meeting Elliott, Nadia is a bit bewildered by Elliott’s giving nature, since he is not asking for her to give anything back in return, he simply wants to help and make her happy.

Unrelenting almost to a fault, watching these two bull-headed characters grow and change, pushing one another to become more, even if it was against their basic instincts was a delight.

If you are looking for a story that is creatively written, full of passion, vulnerability, and heart, this book is for you!

As Always, Happy Reading!

“5/5 Beaming Brains!” – Lit-Up My Mind

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms]

Untied is the second book in the Mastermind Series. This is Elliot Garnet and Nadia Rosza’s story. Elliot has wanted Nadia for a while. Ever since he went to her dance studio with Asher (Blind, Book 1), his friend and one of his partners. Elliot is the CEO of GeekPeek. Nadia has just been thrown out of her now ex-boyfriend’s apartment with nowhere to go and Elliot comes to her rescue. Both Elliot and Nadia have many insecurities and it is kind of funny that their insecurities would complement each other if they weren’t so insecure. There is a lot of angst in Elliot and Nadia’s story. Elliot is a nerd and the underdog but, Nadia doesn’t see that and she needs a hero.

I loved reading Untied. Now who’s story is next. I can’t wait will it be Jet, maybe Hunter? The other GeekPeek partners. I give Untied 4.5 stars.

[PaisleyPJs]

I've been reading Lydia Michaels books for a while and this book was the first one to take me longer than 2 days to read. I don't know what my issue was but I just couldn't get into this book ... But I will say this ... Just ... keep reading ... keep reading. Its a story that follows more characters that were introduced in Blind (Mastermind Book 1). While I was not crazy about the story line (I truly wanted to smack both lead characters - Elliott and Nadia) I hope that the other Company guys get books of their own so this is a must read to keep up with the characters. Ms Michaels is a great story teller - there is much details in this book (and all of them) so you really get a feel for the surroundings and the characters. I love her attention to the smallest detail. So while I wasn't crazy about - mostly the Nadia character ... I have my fingers crossed for more books in the series.

[Pam]

If you thought Asher was amazing just wait til you get your hands on Elliott. Sure he can be difficult and demand perfection but underneath all that beats an incredible heart.

Nadia and Elliott has met previously. But that meeting left Nadia feeling that Elliott detested her. Imagine her shock when he comes to her rescue. This meeting soon escalates to a beautiful if not somewhat misunderstood relationship.

These two beautiful souls carry baggage. Believe it or not a self driven man and a beautiful exotic dancer can share the same hangups.

I loved every word Lydia put into this book. I had a terrible time putting it down. It definitely shows how very different people can find common ground and undeniable love. 5+

[Nancy]

I love Elliot. This is the second book in the Mastermind series. These childhood friends were nerds that were picked on when they were young. Even though they have banded together to become very successful with a leading social media site, they need to overcome things that happened when they were younger. Elliot was very structured and was taken with Nadia when he was forced to go to dance lessons in Blind. He could only admire her from afar and in his mind. He came to Nadia’s rescue one night when he witnessed her then relationship ending. He took the chance to go and have drinks with her. Then invited her to use one of his spare rooms. The way she helps break down his walls and shows him how to love and be loved. It is a great story and I can’t wait to see which one will be next.

[Sigrid]

Untied had me tied up in knots until the very end. This book has brought insight into my life when it comes to bullying and how it has affected people in their pasts, presents and futures. Elliot along with his business partners who are also his best friends have dark pasts and not from things they have done, but from things that have been done to them. This fact is front and center in Elliot's struggles when it comes to his love for Nadia. This book drew me in from the beginning and had me on pins and needles all of the way to the end. Again, Lydia Michaels a grand-slam of a book. Loved it and love your books! Can't wait for the next new adventure I take because of you.

[Tiffany]

I love the men of the Mastermind Series. It is Elliot’s turn to to find his forever woman. Nadia is an interesting woman and interesting enough for Elliot to take a chance. Their story is a journey of self discovery and a start to an amazing future with someone you love. I love this series because these men are the hot nice nerds with pasts they struggle to forget and their women who will fight their man's past with them and lead them into a bright and loving future. These women need their men to show guide them into a future full of love. These books are amazing and Lydia Michaels is amazing. Pick up the book to enjoy a story of love.

[Brandi Barger]

I’m so happy this was Elliot’s book. I was hoping when I read about him in the first book that he would get his own story so we could know what made him the way he is. And Lydia did not disappoint. Elliot was to me a very complex character. It was like he wanted to try and do new things but also he was too scared in case there was the possibility that he failed. But he had that fire in him and I’m glad he found it. I’m glad Nadia had a spine and a heart of gold. She wasn’t a one dimensional character either. They were perfect for each other. They honestly brought out the best in each other. I’m so, so happy with this book and the journey it took you on.