Title: Fish & Chips
Author: Abigail Roux, Madeleine Urban
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Buy Link: Amazon.com
Genre: Contemporary M/M, Action/Adventure, Suspense
Length: Novel ( 96 K, 314 PDF pages)
Rating: 5+ stars out of 5, DIK
Summary Review: Fish & Chips is more than a worthy follow-up to Sticks & Stones. This book takes the series to a new level of excitement, suspense and tension, and the emotional vulnerability of the protagonists will grab fans by the throat and not let go until the very end.
THE BLURB
Cut & Run Series Book Three: Sequel to Sticks & Stones
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 that is their assignment. As it begins to affect how they treat each other in private, they 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, he and Zane will have to navigate seas of white lies and stormy secrets, including some of their own.
THE REVIEW
When last we saw Ty Grady and Zane Garrett they were in the Appalachian mountains where they faced danger from the unpredictable weather, the mountains, wild animals, and vicious fellow hikers with murderous intent, but their biggest challenge came from Ty’s father and in some ways, each other. Fish & Chips takes readers on a journey that gives us more than just a glimpse into Zane’s and Ty’s budding new relationship, it busts it wide open as they realize how much they want to mean something more to each other than the hot sex. We also get an up close and personal look into the addictions that drive Zane and pose a real threat to any hope he has of getting Ty to commit to something long term in the romance department. He had to face the fact that he would always be an addict, something that wouldn’t endear him to Ty.
In the first scene are the Ty and Zane we know from the previous books – tough, combative, uncompromising, and competitive as they beat the crap out of each other in the boxing ring at the Baltimore office, their new location. Obviously on the outside they haven’t changed much and this demonstration proved that they are the same hard assed agents, even though they now have a more personal relationship, and if you’re wondering whether Fish & Chips could possibly equal Sticks & Stones, wonder no more.
In F & C they are with each other 24/7 on a cruise ship, using their cover as a married high rolling couple to expose members of an international gang of smugglers. Because they were at sea they had a lot of down time to try and figure out what the hell their assignment was, which of their new friends were trying to kill them, and why. It soon became clear that this was a shell game within a game with much bigger players and higher stakes, and that their initial briefing was sadly lacking. One misstep or throw of the dice could end their lives in a flash. Their FBI back-ups were non existent and they were almost weaponless against a very cunning enemy who knew their every move in advance and could wait at their leisure for the ‘kill’.
One of the funniest parts of this book was how Ty became Del Porter, a very flamboyant gay man who was always dressed in the height of fashion and looked like a twink. If you know his character at all you will understand how much of his own personality Ty had to submerge and the sacrifices he had to make to look like Del, including the humiliating wax job, dyed short blond hair and tight clothes. He probably would have welcomed being shot at rather than appear in public looking like Del. 🙂 However he seemed to get into his new role as submissive sex kitten by practising a lot and having lots and lots of sex which Zane didn’t mind at all. There was even foreplay, something unheard of between these two. Can Ty and Zane ever have too much sex?
To say I was amazed by some aspects of this story was to put it mildly. I expected that the authors would write a pretty good plot, and I knew that they would try very hard to come up with something special because at this stage of any series fans expect and need more than just another wild adventure to keep them interested. We had become invested in this couple and most fans of the series wanted a much deeper relationship and understanding between them. What I didn’t expect were the emotions and vulnerabilities of both protagonists that were laid bare. Ty, Mr. Macho and Zane, Mr. Inscrutable at last open up and let us see what they really mean to each other and the lengths to which they would go. Zane showed his possessive side where Ty was concerned and it had nothing to do with their respective roles on this assignment. His biggest problem was how to hide these new feelings from Ty, who had his own secrets.
There are lots of thrills and near death experiences because Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux can’t seem to resist causing serious injuries to one or both of their characters, therefore the hurt/comfort theme continues in this book, although some of the injuries were to be expected because of the nature of their jobs as Federal Agents. My stomach was in knots for the latter half of the book at how much injury was inflicted mainly on Ty, who just happens to be my favourite hero in this series.
The first attempt on Ty’s life could have been an accident if it weren’t so obvious that someone badly wanted him out of the picture. The second one was just as directed and focused. Would the third time be lucky? In the meantime they were sitting ducks for whoever was targeting them. Would they be able to unravel the few clues they had before they were hit for a third and final time?
The pace of the book for about the first 25% was pretty slow as Ty and Zane had to establish their credentials with their targets, and they had to be extremely cautious not to put a foot wrong as this would would bring the entire operation down like a house of cards. Speaking of cards, because Zane knew a lot about gambling, another of his many addictions, he had to use that particular skill to develop a rapport with the smugglers by playing high stakes poker with them, literally and figuratively, flush their opponents out in the open while at the same time trying to stay away from alcohol, his drug of choice which flowed freely during the games. On one occasion he was so drunk he was unable to respond to a desperate plea for help from Ty when he could have died. He realized then how dangerous his addictions were in his job, and how close he came to losing Ty because his judgment was impaired by alcohol. And how would Ty pay Zane back for being drunk on the job and almost getting him killed? Let’s just say that an angry Ty Grady is not someone you want to mess with. Would this incident stop Zane from screwing up again? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
As always, all of the characters including most of the criminals were well drawn and I particularly liked the Italian couple, Bianchi and Norina. There were some amazingly funny lines and situations in the book and Ty found out that being fluent in Italian is a good skill to have. 🙂 Fish & Chips had many highs but for me one of the most enjoyable elements of the book was the deepening of the romantic relationship between Ty and Zane, to the point that I was moved to tears as they showed how much they really cared for each other. You’ll know what I mean when you experience their emotions as they are open and vulnerable and make it clear who is the most important person in their lives. Of course, being who they are this state of euphoria didn’t last all that long because there was always a crisis or an argument, but while it lasted it was so beautiful you would be hard pressed not to be moved.
If you thought you knew Ty and Zane, especially with the overload of emotions in the last book, Fish & Chips will reveal a very different relationship between them. Their growth in this latest book will make you admire the authors who have done such a wonderful job on these characters that at times they are almost unrecognizable from the guys you first met in Cut & Run.
This book is not a standalone and would be better enjoyed as part of the series. Cut & Run and Sticks & Stones are the two previous books.
Highly recommended.
Cut & Run Series
Oh, that sounds good. I see the series inch up on the pile.
Hi Aleks
It’s an excellent book and worthy of being the newest kid on the block in this series.
Can’t wait for this one!
Susie
Monday is only two days away and DSP usually posts new releases at midnight. 🙂
Thanks for the tip! I was just looking at DSP and wondering about this
Hi SummerGirl
Glad to help. 🙂 We all need our Ty and Zane fix and I, too, can’t wait to buy this book in print.
Excellent review for what certainly sounds like an excellent read. Looking forward to the evolution of Ty and Zane’s relationship, as well as their continued adventures. I’ll have to check my schedule for next week and see which night I can afford to get no sleep, so I can start this book that day and just keep reading 😉
Dianne
This is one incredibly absorbing book and you’ll be amazed at Ty & Zane. I think you’ll need more than a night unless you’re a very fast reader. 🙂
Well done review Wave. I can tell that you were very impressed with the evolution of Ty and Zane’s relationship. And Ty as a twink? LOL That I gotta read! I’m pleased to see that F&C is a worthy sequel. Looking forward to reading it myself. You’ve had quite the run of good, l-o-n-g books lately.
TJ
I’m reading a whole bunch of shorts today. lol.
Ty as a twink is not only visual but his entire personality undergoes a metamorphosis, even sexually. You won’t believe this is the same hard nosed, hard assed, combative Ty. The authors did a great job.
From now on you’ll be getting the l-o-n-g books so stop laughing at me. 🙂
Wave, I wasn’t laughing at your marathon of well endowed books. I was amazed at the run of well rated long books that you’ve had. And quite frankly amazed that you read so much so quickly.
As much as I enjoy long books, I can’t read that many so fast – life gets in the way! LOL I’m with you on reading a bunch of shorts now. You need to cleanse your palate.
TJ
>>well endowed books.<< I'll never look at a long book in the same way after your comment. lol I must admit I had to put a few things aside to read F & C but I had it and LiF for a while before I started reading them, so I had no excuse not to finish in time for the release. "Cleansing my palate" is usually done with wine, if you get my drift, but today shorts will work just as well. 🙂
I can’t believe I have to wait two days for this! *sets phone alarm to ring at midnight Sunday*
Wren
I could have reviewed the book a week ago but I’m not the cruel sort. lol. It’s only a day away. Really. 🙂
Woo hoo! This is one of my favorite series — with Ty and Zane two of my favorite protags — eveh and now I have to blow of..er, find time next week to read it asap Monday. Fab review, Wave.
Lynn
You are as much a fan of the series as I am, and you will absolutely love this book which is just crammed with action, fun and excitement. Don’t be put off by the slow start once they are at sea – it gets going pretty fast once it gets rolling.
Were you going to blow off a book you’re reviewing? lol.
Well…if you won’t tell the person whose site this is, maybe. 😉 Nah, I’ll just take some vacation time or call in sick or something.
I love this series. I mentioned this in the interview with the authors that even though I broke down and got a kindle despite preferring print to ebooks. However I will have to wait longer than Monday to read because this series I have to have in print. But its ok because these characters are worth the wait! Great review Wave.
Thanks Lisa.
I think you can order the book in print as soon as it’s released but with POD you never know when you will get them. Many of my books I have in both electronic and print versions because I’m too inmpatient to wait. 🙂
I am on pins and needles waiting for Dec. 6th. I too plan to purchase the print book, but being I can’t wait that long, I’m getting the ebook at midnight on Sunday.
I hope we all don’t crash the Dreamspinner’s web site at midnight. 😉
Hope
I do that all the time – buy both the ebook and the print book b/c I can’t wait. 🙂 Midnight Sunday/Monday is not that far away.
SWQEEEE!!!!
At times like this I love living on the West Coast. The websites often roll over at 9 pm our time & we can buy the new books 😉
Denni
You’re so lucky. I think DSP is on Pacific time so maybe that helps even more. You will absolutely LOVE Fish & Chips.
You have to come back after you’ve read the book and tell me what you think. lol
Great review, Wave. I’m so excited for this one, I’m not sure I can make it to Monday. I absolutely adore Ty and Zane. 🙂
LC
You will fall for the guys even more than you already love them.:)
This is such an awesome review, one would think we paid you off *g*
Thank you for taking the time to do it!
Well Abigail
I don’t take this amount of time for just any book. I think so far there have been a dozen or so and a couple are books in this series.
You can pay me with cookies. lol
Oh, you don’t want me cooking.
(The check’s in the mail.)
Wow, I’m totally floored. I knew you liked it, but… WOW! Thanks so much for the kind words and great review, Wave.
Madeleine
You’re welcome. I only spoke the truth. I love this series and the guys, but if this book had been a stinker I would have said so in my review. So no worries – all the praise is well deserved.
The last time I was this excited for a book release was the final Harry Potter. LOL!
I am in the middle of finals for grad school but I have carved out downtime to read this book.
Thanks for the tip about the book being available at midnight!
Hi Aquina
We’re all excited b/c I’m ordering it in print. Can’t wait to get it in my hot little hands. I very rarely buy print so this will be special.
I. Can’t. Wait.
Setting an alarm clock sounds like a really good idea right now 🙂
I love these books, thank you for the great review, looks like this one will not dissapoint either.
Sirius
It’s worth the wait. You must tell me what you think after you read it. They may even roll it over before midnight EST b/c DSP is on Pacific time which is 3 hours ahead I think.
Did you check out the interview with Madeleine and Abigail? It was posted on Wednesday.
Wave, are you sure about my questions in the interview? I do not remember submitting any 🙂
I have not read the interview yet, because I did not want to torture myself with the reminder that book is not out yet lol, but I definitely will on December 6 and yes looks like I will be ordering print and e-book too, otherwise first two paperbacks on my shelf will get lonely lolol.
Sorry Sirius
I changed my reply but I guess it didn’t take in time. It was Sunshine who asked all the questions. 🙂
These two authors are awesome. I love this series.
John the club Hannah. 🙂
I’m ready, I’m ready, I am so ready for this one!
I think some people are taking the day off work to read this book. lol
I love this series. Zane and Ty are awesome! The authors are fantastic. What else can I say but that I can’t wait to read F & C.
Great review! 🙂
Thanks Lily. This is one book and series that I love to review because the books never disappoint, an each one is better than the previous one that I thought was the best ever. 🙂
Oh. My. God. Wonderful. Delicious. *sigh* So good. Just finished and it was just perfect, as was your review. I was always pro-Zane, but this is making me rethink brave Ty.
Now I have to wait how long for Divide & Conquer? 🙂
Lynn
I’m so happy you feel about Ty almost as much as I do. This book was incredible and I can’t get enough.
Did you just ask about Divide & Conquer? Do you want to be slapped by Abigail? 🙂
Ty has always been my baby – he’s so fiesty but so loving as well.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lynn. And don’t worry. I’ll hold Abi back for now 😉 We’ll see about in a couple of months when we’re trying to wrap the sucker up! We both get a little cranky in the end! LOL
Maddy
……a little cranky?
Okay, maybe a little more than a little.
Madeline
I think I like Abigail just the way she is – cranky works for me as long as she gives me Ty in all his glory. lol
Can’t wait for Divide & Conquer. 🙂
This was, this was I have no words to explain how amazing it was!
Ty and Zane just grew up a little more with every book and relationship gets more and more intense with every book, and well was so proud for both of them.
Thank you ladies for this book and Wave thanks again for the review.
Sirius
I’m so happy you enjoyed F & C. I have already re-read it and, like you, I think it’s unbelievable. Madeleine and Abigail should be congratulated so many times for starting this series and for giving the fans these absolutely wonderful characters and stories.
I finally read it and… oh, my god, Ty was awesome! Well, they both were, but Ty… awwww! This series just continues to rock. And, the excerpt from Divide and Conquer made me squeal like a loon. Now, I know I’m risking the slap here… but, WHEN? *laughs*
LadyM
Thsi is so cool that everyone who has read this book to date has the same reaction: When is the next book being released? lol. Abigail has a really vicious left hook I understand, so I’ll stand out of the way. 🙂
Ty has always been the character that I loved the most because he’s so off the wall, (wonder who he reminds me of?) and in this book he came into his own much more than in Sticks & Stones.
I feel so loved this week.
And my left hook is glorious, thank you very much.
Abigail
I thought you would be too busy finishing up Divide & Conquer to be following the comments. 🙂 I’m very happy to be out of the way of that mean left hook – you should really start acting like a gurl. lol
Pft. I’m multitasking. With NyQuil!
Stayed up til 2 this morning to finish this with nearly 3 hours of lovely, uninterrupted reading time. Wow! Wow! Wow! Such a remarkable story in every way. Reading this I actually felt as though I were Ty and Zane – their thoughts and emotions were so real. Love how the sex scenes were artfully used to portray the shifting intimacy of their personal relationship as a whole. Interesting how they both held on to certain items from the case 😉
The sneak peek at Divide and Conquer was an unexpected find for me – sounds like another home run.
Thanks again to Abigail and Madeleine for Ty and Zane and this wonderful ride they are taking us along on.
Dianne
I’m so glad you found F & C as addictive as I did. These two writers are exceptional and their characters rock. I definitely can’t wait for Divide & Conquer. 🙂