For the last six months, Deputy US Marshal Delroy McCabe has been secretly pining for his partner, Langston Ross. He’s kept his desires to himself because he wants to do a good job and prove himself at work. More importantly, if Lang were to find out his true feelings, maybe the person he cares for the most might walk away.
Between the understanding and support Lang gives him, as well as time with his family, Del can’t afford to slip up. But then, why does his partner and best friend care who Del sleeps with? Why, if given a choice, would Lang prefer to do anything with him? Maybe Del’s been missing something important, and perhaps Lang’s not the only one who’s not seeing what’s right in front of him. Because sometimes the strongest ties are the ones that bind our hearts.
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.
2.5 stars: (Rounding up for the glimpses at the original marshals gang.) I truly love the Marshals series, but especially Ian and Miro. It was good to see them and all the guys again. If you’ve read those first few books, this was pretty much the same – just a lot shorter. I’m not sure why the books seem to get shorter and shorter these days.
There was nothing original about this story. Lots of repetition with dialogue about how it was just them from now on and how stupid they were to not see how the other one felt. I honestly skipped the last few pages because of this. Most of the time it felt like reading Miro and Ian’s story all over again, but I loved their story. This was almost boring. All I had to do was substitute Miro’s name for Del’s, and Ian’s name with Lang’s. Lang is the “straight” partner of Del, who is gay and in love with him. Remember how Ian had some drama stuff with his father and his father’s new family? Well, same with Lang except it wasn’t as interesting. At least Ian’s relationship with his father was drawn out and had depth.
I actually have index cards with notes on this whole series. When I started this book, I got out a new card and put the title on the top so I was ready to make my notes. The only notes I made were about things that occurred with the original guys from Ian and Miro’s books. It equated to less than 5 sentences.
So while it was good to be back in the Marshals world, there was nothing of note that happened other than meeting some new team members.
**on a side note: I was appalled that these guys never use condoms despite the fact that Del has had a very active and recent sex life with random hookups.**
These books are much better if you are caught up on the He Said, he saids from the newsletter.
It's a fact.
I liked this better than the last one. This one had half a book left after their realization which is a nice balance between the romance and the story.
5 stars for the narration; 2.5 for the story - 3.75 stars.
Greg Boudreaux was as excellent as ever, but even his talent couldn't save this one. I've enjoyed other books in this series, but this one was pretty much a re-tread of all the others; two partners, one is gay one is straight (supposedly); the former has been pining for the latter for ages, the latter is kind of hung up on the former, but doesn't really know or understand why... *eyeroll*
One of the things I liked about the first books in the series was the way the cases the guys work are different to those in most procedurals; because of the nature of their jobs, the Marshals aren't working cases from start to finish, so we got the chance to see them working on different assignments. In this book, there's... one, I think? plus the drama surrounding Lang's sister getting into a potentially dangerous situation, but otherwise, there's not much plot here.
Also, Lang's brand of "you're mine and nobody else is EVER allowed to touch you" possessiveness really creeps me out; I was glad that Del sort of told him not to be such a caveman, but still, it makes me cringe.
Newly Tied as another sweet Mary Calmes romance with a massive opposites attract and first time gay trope (no surprise there for fans of Calmes and fans of the Marshals series lol). I'm enjoying her keeping the series alive this way, and the pop ups of characters in earlier novels keep it fun. However, if you've never read any of the Marshals stories, you can definitely read Newly Tied as a standalone.
The audio version is nicely performed by Greg Boudreaux, who gets to show off his Southern drawl to perfection.
So - so much dialogue - kill me now. Bursts of action not attached or on the same plot line followed by miles of talking. What chemistry there was at the start disappeared under the self analytical talking. I am not even sure if there was a plot. My least favorite book in the series.
Extended version of a novella I’d previously read with the additions detailing the next day. I’ll read anything that Ms Calmes writes, this is not her best work (others in this series are just so good) but even so it is most enjoyable and I’ll doubtless read it again.
practically perfect, Calmes heroes was just what I needed
Rating: 4.5🌈
I have loved this series for a long time and was so happy to see another story and couple added to this expanding law enforcement community and universe. According to the author, this is just the beginning of the journey for Del and Lang in terms of books which is appropriate because the beginning of their partnership and romantic relationship is exactly what Calmes delivers here.
We enter as relocated Texan, Delroy “Del” McCabe, begins a new chapter of his life. Del’s in Chicago as one of a group of law enforcement officers on probation as they hoping for the permanent assignment as US federal Marshals. They’re on probation and training under the office of Sam Kage, the deputy chief of the Northern District of Illinois, basically head of all the Marshals in the area.
Another member of that group is a local Chicago officer, Langston “Lang” Ross, a man whose family and roots run deep and whose connection with Del is instantly apparent and solid.
Calmes delivers an emotional journey of friendship, and emotional connection as Del and Lang go from action packed case to case, exploring their own experiences as relationships as regards to their careers and each other.
Of course, other Marshals and their partners and families are also involved in this journey and story, a wonderful aspect of the series and Calmes’ writing that sees crossover characters.
Other elements of the story include Lang’s discovery of his bisexuality or pansexuality because of his love for Del. Del’s recognition and acceptance of the need for therapy for the parental abuse he suffered during his childhood, and Lang’s support for his own PTSD issues. It’s sensitively written and folded realistically into their characters and storylines.
I love Calmes’ novels and her characters tend to be heroes. Right now I needed to read this. And I definitely want to read more about this couple and their relationship going forward.
Highly recommended.
Marshals series to date: 🔹All Kinds Of Tied Down #1 🔹Fit To Be Tied #2 🔹Tied Up In Knots #3 🔹Twisted and Tied #4 - Miro Jones and Ian Doyle (1 through 4) 🔹Balanced and Tied #5 - Eli Kohn and Celso Harrington, ballet dancer 🔹Tied Over #6 - Josiah Redeker and Bodhi Callahan 🔹Newly Tied #7 - Delroy “Del” McCabe and Langston “Lang” Ross
**This book was originally a novella that was part of a prolific works promotion. It has significantly more content than the original.**
When I started reading this book just a day or two after it released I was very confused. I knew I had read this before. I double checked my Goodreads list and yup, there it was though it was listed as book 6.5. I did some hunting and found d out that this was an expanded version of an earlier novella. I was glad to discover I wasn’t going crazy!
This is a partners falling in love story with one partner who has been out from the start (and I love with straight partner) and the other partner gradually realizing what it is he wants in his life (and it’s not all the women he’s been dating.) This is a quick, low angst read that features a lot of the characters we’ve come to love from this series. It’s a nice little visit back to this universe.
Ah... I've been waiting for these two to get a book. Lol, I just started this series so I could read this book when it released. I had no idea it would be theirs. I went in blind not reading any blurbs, etc. So after having read the previous books, i knew these two needed their own, and they got it.
First let me say, I loved the original release of Del and Lang's story. But this was Awesome!! It's always great to spend time with the Marshall's but it makes my heart happy to get to peek into where the original team is now, and I love that we get to fall in love with Sam's growing team.
Yes Mary Calmes is a one click for me so another addition to the Marshals series was a treat. I did read this story when it was part of a giveaway and loved it but this is an expanded version so I had to buy. Loved the two newest Marshals and loved getting glimpses of the whole team. Get this book you will love it!
Two new US Deputy Marshals to the Chicago office are the focus of this latest book in Mary Calmes’s ‘Marshals’ series and they bring their own unique adventures, fun, and excitement to the crew. At the end of my review for ‘Tied Over’ I had questioned whether that might be the final book in the series, but I was beyond thrilled when Mary Calmes announced the release of ‘Newly Tied’, book seven in the ‘Marshals’ series.
“And from that moment on, it was me and Lang, since only the two of us and Bon and Cher were left standing after that first month. Five other deputy US marshals had not made the cut to work in Chicago.” ~ Del McCabe
Langston Ross is a former homicide detective with CPD and Delray McCabe is a transfer from the Marshals’ office in Texas. They’ve been working at the Chicago Marshals office for six months now having made it through training and various partners only to be partnered together much to both of their relief. Much like the prior installment in this series, this book focuses more on their relationship and love story, but don’t worry there’s still plenty of adventure. In just one night, while out with friends, they identify a most wanted perp and bring him in, and then while walking home they end up discovering a gang using an apartment building full of law-abiding individuals to wreak havoc on. Only in Chicago!
“He took my face in his hands and eased me close for a kiss that reminded me that this was not just another night that had turned into a morning. This was, in fact, when my best friend finally saw that I was right there, loving him with all my heart.” ~ Del McCabe
Sigh. 😍 I adore these books. ‘Newly Tied’ is just another in a long line of fantastic stories set in a law enforcement office that makes me laugh, and occasionally cry, where the good guys always win and the bad guys get what they deserve. On a side note, for those of us who eagerly anticipate this authors monthly newsletter and Jory’s “He said, he said” column, if you remember Hannah’s story about the young girl who got roofied at a Sutter executives party, the incredible new marshal who came to her rescue, and what happened on the Monday morning with Aaron… well, that’s in here, too.
I know that I’m very biased when it comes to this author’s works, but if you haven’t read this series then I strongly recommend that you give it a try. It, literally, has all of the best things in romantic action adventure, and mystery, suspense, and thrills. Thank you, Mary, for Lang and Del’s story. I loved it!
Mary Calmes delivers another classic "friends to lovers" romance with Newly Tied featuring Perfect-For-Each-Other-Partners. The chemistry between Langston Ross and Delroy McCabe is undeniable as they navigate their deepening feelings for each other. Lang and Del’s journey is super fast-paced, classic Calmes. As soon as Lang stops denying his attraction to Del, the story takes off, making it a fun read. While the relationship’s quick progression might feel rushed for some, I think fans of Calmes' style will enjoy the familiar warmth and connection.
No rating for now. I think I’m letting my disappointment in another book color my feelings on all of the newer Mary books that I’ve read since. Maybe I can come back to this later with fresh eyes, because right now this story was just “meh”. The narration is on point, but I’d expect nothing less of Greg.
I'll bet when Mary started writing this series she had no idea how many times she'd have to use the word "tied" in a title. LOL. I love this series even though we've moved to secondary and new characters since the original story. I always love to see Sam Kage and Miro and Ian so those are pluses. I wouldn't suggest reading this one as a stand alone since so many past couples show up here.
In this one, new US Marshalls are assigned in teams and from the get-go, Del and Lang hit it off and work well together. They are so close, in fact, each can know what the other is thinking and though Del is smitten with Lang from the start, Lang is straight so... But wait! Not so straight he can't ultimately realize how much he loves and wants Del underneath him, so to speak.
Yes, there's trope here and, yes, Mary's style of writing a very personable character connecting with one who is more somber and more ____ (each is a bit different but always opposite from the other). But I love her writing and I'm always left with warm and fuzzy feelings and a love of the characters. In fact, Acrobat is my top comfort read and I have it in both e-book and audio so I never tire of reading Mary Calmes's work. If you haven't read any and you like some thrilling action along with some heartwarming moments, sexual discovery, and some smokin' scenes, by all means start with book one of this series: All Kinds of Tied Down.
DNF @ 60% aka 3hrs 53mins out of a 6hrs 26mins listen.
So am I to believe that Lang and Del spend their day, chasing down a fugitive, then Lang goes on a double date, Del goes to rescue Lang's ruffied sister, meet at the restaurant Lang is on a date on, then they spot another fugitive and apprehend him, take him into custody, decide they have feelings for each other despite Lang having been on straight till then, try to go to Del's apartment but decide to start necking on the side of a building where a teenage girl bumps into them, they see she is scared so they ask her what is going on, call back up and go to an apartment building taken over by a gang and all together save the people living there but because it's a Marshals operation ICE only takes into custody the gang members and no else, save the girl's friend from being taken by a gang member masquerading as that other's girl's brother, then they go to Lang's apartment now that is super luxurious and has all that high end hair products, special loofahs, huge bathroom, a whole library with its own ladder etc etc all on a Marshals salary and Lang is so ready to fall over Del's dick and is so ready and come on and fuck him with NOT ONE SINGLE MOMENT of apprehension... all that in just under 12 or so hours....
I know this is fiction but come on now! There should be a limit to how far you can push things, on the other hand I think I really need to stop trying with Mary Calmes because I'll just never not roll my eyes with how farfetched and ridiculously unrealistic her stories are and it's on me that I keep coming back.