Friday, April 28, 2017

Fish & Chips



Madeleine Urban & Abigail Roux
Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Nancy
5 out of 5 stars



Summary



Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett are back on the job, settled into a personal and professional relationship built on fierce protectiveness and blistering passion. Now they're assigned to impersonate two members of an international smuggling ring-an out-and-proud married couple-on a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. As their boss says, surely they'd rather kiss each other than be shot at, and he has no idea how right he is. Portraying the wealthy criminals requires a particular change in attitude from Ty and Zane while dealing with the frustrating waiting game of their assignment. As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, Ty and Zane realize there's more to being partners than watching each other's backs, and when the case takes an unexpected turn and threatens Ty's life, Ty and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.



My Review



I’ve read lots of books that are parts of series. Though I’ve enjoyed many of them, I find it difficult to complete an entire series. Sometimes the series is too long, or too much time passes between books that I pick up other books and lose interest. Sometimes the plots and structure are too formulaic and the characters show little development. Sometimes the story and characters are moving in a direction not to my liking.

So far, I’m really enjoying this series featuring FBI agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett. The stories are fun, entertaining, suspenseful, sexy, and full of emotion. I’m tempted to read one book after the other, but feel maximum enjoyment will best be achieved by pacing myself. That way, I won’t tire of the characters, the writing style, or notice little inconsistencies.

One of the things I really enjoy is the slow buildup of Ty’s and Zane’s relationship. As partners, they work effectively together and have a high level of trust. On the personal side, however, both men have secrets and issues best not explored. There is no question the guys are in love. Their actions show it, even if the words are not forthcoming.


“Falling in love or just plain falling: they were both terrifying at any speed.”


An undercover assignment on a luxury Caribbean cruise ship gives Ty and Zane the perfect opportunity to explore their feelings while masquerading as Corbin and Del Porter, a married couple involved in the theft of numerous high-end and rare artworks. It was fun seeing Ty and Zane wear fake wedding bands and change their hairstyle, clothing and mannerisms to create a convincing cover for themselves while gathering information about Corbin and Del’s contacts. It is Corbin (Zane) who is the “brains” of the operation while Del (Ty) is there to soak up the rays and be an attractive companion. Ty and Zane get into their roles so successfully that they have a hard time distinguishing between playacting and their own feelings.

As in the last two books, there is tension, danger, sizzling romance, and relationship growth. While Ty is more open about his feelings in this story, Zane is still reticent. I hope future installments provide more insight into Zane’s past.

I’m officially hooked on Ty and Zane and looking forward to more of their adventures.