Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliché: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again � this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.


Cut & Run really should be read of-a-piece with the second novel in the series: Sticks & Stones.

That said, Cut & Run is a fairly good example of the goods and bads of having co-authors for romance novels.

The "goods," which is the shorter list, consists solely of the two MCs: Zane Garrett and B. Tyler Grady. Zane and Ty are two of the most character-flawed, and likable, of all the love pairings I've yet come across, gay, straight, whatever-the-hell-else you like. I've also had to come up with a new category for these two fellows. I think we should call them SMGFY (Suddenly Magically Gay-For-You.)

Zane was married to his One True (Female) Love until her death in an auto accident a few years ago. Since then, he is SMG, but only with paid escorts; he has never been tempted to risk his heart with another man.

Enter Ty. Ty appears to have "Captain Jack's Disease," i.e., he's omnisexual. If it has a pulse, he'll bone it. This makes for an interesting paradox when he meets Zane, since he ends up on the bottom in their initial encounters. Go figure. Men! What are you gonna do with them? Can't live with 'em, can't kill 'em....legally.

Mixed-up socially, and completely confused sexually, these two Manly Men should be everything we dislike in our gay characters: they can't admit to even feeling anything remotely gay, let alone actually saying something to a partner about their softer feeling. So why are they so immensely winsome and charming? *Ummmm* Just because, I guess.

Now, as to the bads: pretty much everything else in the first novel.

The central murder mystery really isn't. When I'm able to guess the killer's identity within a couple of sentences of the character's introduction, it ain't much of a mystery ('cause I ain't much of a mystery figurer-outer.)

The Mysterious Serial Killer (MSK) is using Edgar Allan Poe's stories as "inspiration." So, how did I guess who it was? (view spoiler)[Think The Purloined Letter, and you have the answer staring you in the face. (hide spoiler)]

In addition, for being such a badass, MSK is awfully slow-moving. I found myself staring at my reader thinking, "For Chrissakes, would you just f*cking kill somebody already!" Although there are, purportedly, killings throughout this story, the feeling I was left with was that if CSI: Crime Scene Investigation had been this slow, it would have been cancelled during its first season.

I have never read about Manly Men who think their every innermost thoughts so goddam much in any major series I've come across. Why don't you give us a tad less of the old touchy-feely, then get on with the sex (which, by the way, is absolutely dynamite, and should have been included under the "goods").....and what, exactly, happened to that MSK? KILL SOMEBODY, FOR GODSSAKE!!

So, then, why am I highly recommending this series, and hastening-on to reading the third novel? BECAUSE of the second novel, Sticks & Stones, and its wonderful insights into the best of the inner lives of Zane and Ty. It happens to be Ty's family, whose attitudes not only explain a ton about why he's the way he is, which (family) also pushes the two MCs into admitting how they feel about each other. (It takes until a third of the way through Sticks & Stones before this becomes clear, and I must admit I was within a chapter or two of simply quitting reading.)

Everything changes, though, during a dark night of the soul which takes place during a nightmarish hike on the Appalachian Trail into which Zane is forced by Ty's father. The second two-thirds of the book ranks in my Top Five for best stories, ever.

Having said all this, I must say I really can't imagine not finishing this series. The two guys who power the love story are not only truly Manly Men, but also two of the most flawed, infuriating, politically-incorrect, and truly riveting characters in any series I've read so far.

Very highly recommended.

Just be sure to read the first two novels back-to-back (and don't expect scintillating stories.)

P.S. I dare you to read Cut & Run and NOT immediately read some E.A. Poe. It simply isn't possible. (And that's a good thing.)

Well! I must have been thick 'cos I couldn't guess who the killer was until nearer the end of the story (maybe it's due to my not having read ANY EA Poe titles). I was terrified at the end when one of the MCs was literally hemmed in by the killer!

It's definitely horses for courses here Charles - I really liked the first book and yawned through the second one (Ty's family dynamics aside - only highlights of that book for me). The camping expedition did nothing for me; Sticks and Stones remains my least liked of this series.

Reading each new title in the series is like visiting with friends ... the MCs and their family members and close friends are progressively filled out. Love Ty and Zane (but not as much as Keir and Val).

Glad to see you're continuing on with this series though.

PaperMoon wrote: "Well! I must have been thick 'cos I couldn't guess who the killer was until nearer the end of the story (maybe it's due to my not having read ANY EA Poe titles). I was terrified at the end when o..."

The important thing here is that, however a reader might feel about the two novels, there is a driving need to see where Zane and Ty go with their relationship.

I couldn't imagine not powering through the remaining stories, then being grumpy because there is a wait for the next one(s.)

And, NO, of course no MCs are as good as Val and Keir. I feel so sorry for the poor readers who have been missing reading this incredible series. They are really missing some incredible story-telling. (But, then, I don't have to tell you that.)

Stars And Stripes - Abigail Roux

This is the sixth book in the Cut and Run series and stands as my favourite of the lot to date. FBI agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have battled their own personal demons, have brought down psychopathic serial killers, fought off wildcats and redneck back-country killers, una-bomber killers, gone undercover on a cruise, gone AWOL from line of duty when taking witness protection to the extreme. They’ve survived all manner of physical danger and death - buildings falling on top of them, being entombed a couple of times, kidnapped by psychothic rednecks � all over a span of less than two years since they met and hated each other on sight.

The books throughout the series progressively flesh out their back history � significant personal loss and tragedy as well as traumatic combat experiences leaving major scars on each man (external and as well as internal); both Ty and Zane have rigid emotional barriers and plenty of destructive coping mechanisms to overcome in order to find the strength and support in each other. The dance of intimacy between these two is simply fascinatingly written by romance duo Urban and Roux. I’m pleased to say Abigail Roux does a superlative job ‘going solo� with the continuance of this series.

What appeals to me most when reading gay whodunnits is the families of the main protagonists � I love Kimo best when surrounded by his kin, Scotty Bradley is a richer character because of his many family connections, Russell Quant’s mother is a blast! So this latest instalment in Ty and Zane’s life comes close to my heart because it is all about “going home� and facing the fears of disappointing one’s parents. Readers will get to see how each man “comes out� in his own way to his nearest and dearest kin � the West Virginian high country Grady clan has been quite adequately introduced in earlier books of the series, so it’s more the wealthy Texan land and ranch-owning Garrett dynasty that gets fleshed out this time round; Zane’s mother is something else!

The book is about acceptance, of oneself as a gay man, of one’s identity as part of a gay couple, of one’s family members despite their flaws and reactions. Of course there’s lots of hot man-on-man action between these two, and there’s danger lurking round the corner that threatens both men and their loved ones. Readers looking for “cliffhanging action� will not be disappointed with the book’s final showdown with the ‘baddies� - involving guns, tigers, exploding vehicles etc.

This has been one ripper of a yarn Ms Roux - thank you!

For some reason, I'm unable to make my review of Stars & Stripes append to yours. Soooo, my critique may be found (currently) toward the bottom of this thread.

It's good to know the series continues to improve book-by-book. (Despite my stated reservations about the first book, I find the whole series to be improving quickly in each iteration.)

These mismatched couples drive me crazy. I want them to be fixed by the end of the first book in the series. But what fun would that be?

As good as Stars & Stripes appears to be, the new novel, Touch & Geaux is getting screams for being the wildest ride of the bunch. It's flat-out 5-stars all the way through on B&N's site (unheard of.)

Thanks for introducing me to two (so far) excellent series.

Charles wrote: "It's good to know the series continues to improve book-by-book. (Despite my stated reservations about the first book, I find the whole series to be improving quickly in each iteration.)

These mism..."

It seems to me that mis-matching couples is a literary device to help draw out a couples relationship development arc over several books in a series. One or both of the broken MCs will do or say something that will set back the relationship a few steps in order for conflict resolution (both inter-couple as well as intra-MC) to happen.

Sometimes, one of the duo is painted as a the more "stable" one (e.g. Manna Francis' Keir Warwick, Lanyon's Adrien English) with the other being the "loose cannon". Other times, both contribute to the misunderstandings.

The chronological timeframe for the Cut and Run series is relatively short ... each subsequent book takes place no more than a couple of months later. So I suppose the ups and downs Ty and Zane experience could be put down to them still getting the hang of working out what they mean to each other in the formative part of their relationship. I'd be concerned if they were still doing this a decade on in their relationship.

Another way of prolonging the dance of attraction between MCs is to kill off or remove one of the characters. This seems to me to happen more in the gay mystery/whodunnit genre series. Dave Brandsetter (J Hansen) had a few mishaps and losses during the early books before Colin came along. Half the time, I read the later titles dreading what might befall the poor boy.

Nava's Henry Rios "great love" was felled by AIDS (I was bereft! The Death of Friends has to count amongst gay-mystery genre's most emotionally walloping reads ever IMO). Neither Herren's Chance McLeod nor Bidulka's Russell Quant quite seem to find the right guy that lasts either!

Even Michael Craft's Mark and Neil and Zimmerman's Todd and Steve had to have their seemingly settled relationship severely tested by infidelities. I was on tenterhooks reading Manning's later titles especially whenever Doug the sheriff appeared on the scene!

Enough of my ramblings ... but I do wonder if anyone else had similar reading reactions to some of the above series.

I have to tell you something. I will always think of these series fondly. It was the first MM books I read, only read fanfic before this one.

I read through Stars and Stripes and for me that's their HEA. But another reason is that I stopped reading too is due to a case of "authors behaving badly." I used to read Abi's tumblr and sometimes she was not so nice (not at all) to some of the people who read her books.

It's my fault for getting invested in more than just the books. But that's how I am, when I find an author I like I want to learn more about them and in this case what I learned I didn't like.

Oh well!

Mercedes wrote: "I have to tell you something. I will always think of these series fondly. It was the first MM books I read, only read fanfic before this one.

I read through Stars and Stripes and for me that's t..."

Wow Mercedes ... you've brought a whole new perspective to the reading of gay series titles. I've never tried to find out much about the authors themselves (e.g. read their blogs etc). Maybe I should keep things that way.

PaperMoon wrote: "Charles wrote: "It's good to know the series continues to improve book-by-book. (Despite my stated reservations about the first book, I find the whole series to be improving quickly in each iterati..."

It.....it's almost like they are soap operas! *giggle*

I didn't remember Henry Rios' love dying; but then I'm not sure I hung in that series for the full length.

I absolutely loved the Dave Brandstetter stories. Joseph Hansen was a very brave man. He was publishing when hardly anyone did gay material.

Similar to Brandstetter is Richard Stevenson's gay Albany, NY p.i., Donald Strachey (who remains in a full-on relationship with his bf, Timmy Callahan.) Reminding me that I need to check to see if any more of those stories have been published. I haven't read one for ten years. But I think Stevenson has continued to publish.

The idea of the broken hero is almost a meme for these types of books, isn't it? Oddly, for all my complaining about how soap opera-ish and drawn-out these stories may be, it's the "broken" hero that is always the one I like the most.

In Adrien English it was Jake who frustrated the hell out of me until Paul Kane lured him to his yacht at the same time Adrien was visiting; I really felt so bad for poor, misbegotten, had-to-get-married-so-he-could-be-straight Jake. I fell like a ton of bricks.

Naturally, in the Administration books it's got to be the totally antisocial, sociopathic Val Toreth that had me worrying that he was never going to see exactly what he had right in front of him the whole time. There's broken, and there's really broken, and Val was REALLY broken (and we both loved him for it.)

But with Cut & Run, I can't really decide which one is the more broken, and who I'm rooting for. It could be lost-love Zane, or unable-to-speak Ty. I think that's why I had such a problem with the first novel: both men seemed to be such an emotional wreck that I essentially threw up my hands and thought "a plague on BOTH your houses." As I've advanced through the series, naturally I'm drawn to Zane; the guy who knows what he has, but is afraid to say anything for driving away what might be his Second True Love (as opposed to his OTL.)

This is fun. I bet I could go for every busted antihero in every series, as opposed to the more appealing "straight" men. Question is, in Holmes & Moriarity, who is the one I like? Hint: I actually think it's NOT J.X. (and that has me worried.) Of course, if I actually KNEW the guys, it would have to be J.X., Zane (natch), and Keir (the money, of course. I'm not a total fool;) I've dealt with enough psychos to steer clear of them - in my imagination at least.

Just checked B&N, Stevenson has been publishing up a storm. Gotta buy (and review) those novels. I LOVE Albany for some unknown reason.

Thank you for reminding me about those "older" authors. I tend to forget that a number of them are still writing. (Obviously NOT the late Joseph Hansen.)

Mercedes wrote: "I have to tell you something. I will always think of these series fondly. It was the first MM books I read, only read fanfic before this one.

I read through Stars and Stripes and for me that's t..."

You had the same reaction to Stars & Stripes that I had to For Certain Values of Family, the last (published) book in Manna Francis' the Administration series. @PaperMoon refuses to agree that Val and Keir have achieved the closest they will ever get to HEA in that book. Any thing subsequent will just be fluff (but welcomed fluff.)

Everyone seems to have a bad story about an author they liked who was nasty to fans. I believe Lanyon has gotten uppity to some of his acolytes. (Although he refuses to admit it.)

That's why I just assume that authors are like Hollywood stars: if you want to like them, NEVER wait on them in a restaurant......and I know whereof I speak.)

Charles wrote: "authors are like Hollywood stars: if you want to like them, NEVER wait on them in a restaurant......"

Okay, now you've made me soooo curious as to what nasty stars you've met---ha!

Octobercountry wrote: "Charles wrote: "authors are like Hollywood stars: if you want to like them, NEVER wait on them in a restaurant......"

Okay, now you've made me soooo curious as to what nasty stars you've met---ha!"

Oddly, it's the second-rate people who are the real pains-in-the-ass. I waited on everyone from Streisand to Steve Martin to Liza and Vincente Minnelli with Kay Thompson to Maggie Smith and, then husband, Robert Stephens. All were absolutely charming, although Babs and Steve Martin were quite and shy to the point of fading into the wallpaper.

Then there were people like Rip Taylor (Mr. Confetti) who was just plain tacky. Or Sinatra: not nasty, but required major ass-kissing and slave labor. (It always
took two people to serve him no matter the size of his party - but he tipped REALLY big.)

Favorite person was Suzanne Pleshette. She used to come into one of the places I worked twice a week for lunch. She gave Christmast presents and was wonderful. The only person I ever asked for a autograph (and got an autographed picture with the payment.)

Never really had a really bad experience, personally. Always heard about them after work, but didn't really want to wait on famous people for the reason(s) mentioned earlier. Didn't want my illusions shattered.

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.


With Fish & Chips, authors Urban and Roux have really settled into the series, and have produced a sequel that's excellent from start to finish.

Like me, you may have had some trouble with the MCs non-acceptance of the fact that, deep down, they're both really gay and in love with each other, but when the story is as fast, light, and exciting as this one, there's no complaining about the way the co-authors have chosen to handle their characters. And the sex is, as always, blisteringly on-the-mark for these two men. The scene where Ty decides to carry his impersonation of Del Porter, boy-toy to his husband, Corbin (impersonated by Zane,) into their private life, is perhaps the single best sex scene I've read in recent memory. My drooling nearly shorted-out my Glowlight.

These books, so far, haven't aspired to being "great lit-ruh-chur." Instead, the authors have targeted the summer page-turner as their goal, and hit the bulls-eye smack in the center. That two near-invisibility-age (Zane is nearly 40, and Ty is around 35) GFY characters can carry a continuously-evolving series of adventures is a testament to how well-written the authors (Mrs. Urban wrote Zane in the first four novels; and Mrs. Roux has done Ty throughout) have made these two contradictions to everything the LGBT community considers p.c.

This is the first novel of the series that I can recommend completely whole-heartedly. I have made my complaints with the entirety of the first novel, and the first third of the second perfectly plain; so this endorsement is full-throated. (If you want, anyone with a Nook can borrow the first two novels from me in order to get started on the series.)

This is one series that can be enjoyed by the entire universe of m/m romance/thriller readers. Really.

Baltimore, Maryland, is a city in alarming distress. Rising violence is fanning the flames of public outrage, and all law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are catching blame. Thus the FBI’s latest ideas to improve public relations: a municipal softball league and workshops for community leaders. But the new commitments just mean more time Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have to spend apart when they’re happily exploring how to be more than by-the-book partners.

Then the latest spate of crime explodes in their faces—literally—throwing the city, the Bureau, and Ty and Zane’s volatile partnership both in and out of the office into chaos. They’re hip-deep in trouble, trying to track down bombers and bank robbers in the dark with very few clues, and the only way to reach the light at the end of the tunnel together requires Ty and Zane to close their eyes and trust each other to the fiery end.


The fourth novel in the Cut & Run series finds co-authors Madeleine Urban and Abigail Roux at the top of their game. Mrs. Urban, who has penned my favorite character, Zane Garrett, in the first four novels, has evidently decided to turn sole authorship of the series (beginning with fifth novel, Armed & Dangerous) over to Mrs. Roux.

In this episode, Zane has finally gotten his shit together enough to re-declare his total love for fellow FBI Special Agent B. Tyler Grady. FINALLY! Although Zane was the first to admit to his partner that his feelings went beyond the bedroom, neither really believed his statement, and it has never been repeated. This time around the boys make it mutual, and oft-repeated. And now we're finally getting somewhere.

The central bombing/bank-robbing story is very well-written, especially for this series (which has varied notably in the strength of the central plotted stories.) The boys are the target of a psycho bomber, and only Ty's seemingly magical ability to spot strange changes in his environment allows him to escape relatively unscathed.

Zane, however, is heavily "scathed." Blinded by an explosion, he is thrust into the unhappy position of having to depend on Ty for everything. That this might split the two lovers apart as easily as bring them closer together is the central difficulty affecting the boys' relationship this time around.

An added difficulty is Nick O'Flaherty, one of the Marines from Ty's Recon squad, and the one closest to Ty. It appears Nick may have feelings for Ty, and Zane isn't quite sure how to deal with his lover's loyalties being split.

Of course, when everything seems set to go on peacefully in the relationship, there's an abrupt change that throws all into chaos and sets this soap opera up for its next go-round (which will be totally in the hands of Mrs. Roux.)

This is the best novel in the series so far. With a splendid central story, the sex continues to be sizzling and well-written, and the developing love relationship is handled beautifully. Here's hoping that Mrs. Roux can continue the magic in the succeeding novels.

Left alone in Baltimore after his unpredictable lover bails, Special Agent Zane Garrett takes his frustration out on everything in his path until he is ordered to Chicago to back up an undercover operative. When he gets there, though, he finds himself face to face with his wayward partner, Special Agent Ty Grady. They have to deal with the uncertainty lingering between them while they work to retrieve their intended mark, a retired hit man and CIA wet-works operative named Julian Cross.

Ty, once a Marine and now an FBI hotshot, has a penchant for being unpredictable, a trait Zane can vouch for. Zane is a man who once lived for his job but has come to realize his heartbreaking past doesn’t have to overshadow his future. They're partners, friends, lovers, and the go-to team for unusual cases. With Cross and his innocuous boyfriend, Cameron Jacobs, in tow, Ty and Zane must navigate the obstacles of a cross-country trek, including TSA pat-downs, blizzards, their uncooperative prisoners, CIA kill teams, a desperate lack of sleep and caffeine, and each other. Ty and Zane are determined to get Julian Cross to DC in one piece, but it’s starting to look like it might be the last thing they do.


Book number five in the Cut & Run series, and the sequel to Divide & Conquer, Armed & Dangerous is another excellent tale in the ongoing love story of FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett.

A bit more elegantly plotted than the four fore-going novels, this cross-country race to get a CIA agent back to his handlers before a cold-blooded CIA overlord has the lot of them killed is a series of Nick and Nora back-and-forths between Ty and Zane. Adding pith to the blend is the big ol' Irish assassin who drags his boyfriend along in order to keep him protected from the guy who is trying to whack the lot of them. Every time the escapes and shootouts seem to be getting a bit over-the-top, another character is added, ranging from Ty's about-to-be-wed psychiatrist brother, Deacon, to Zane's nemesis (and Ty's best buddy) Nick O'Flahery.

I went into this novel a bit worried that having my favorite character, Zane, written by the author who had, heretofore, been handling only Tyler's stories might change Zane in ways of which I would not approve. I'm still a bit on the fence; although I think that, secretly, Mrs. Roux likes Zane as well as I do. Most of the story is written either from his POV, or in a manner to show how ongoing actions affect his character. I think my boy is in good hands.

It's hard to believe that the hotness of the sex scenes in these novels could be ramped-up but, not only are there more of them in this novel, but their "steam factor" has been ratcheted-up a couple of levels. These two men all but burn themselves with their ongoing passion for each other. I honestly think this is probably one of the reasons these two men are so popular in the universe of m/m romance fiction. When they commit, they really commit.

For reasons I can't explain, this series has really won my heart. I know I'm being totally manipulated by the authors throughout, but I don't care. It's a testament to the abilities of the writers that I genuinely care enough to jump directly from one novel to its sequel with nothing in between. I never, ever, get tired of these boys and their shenanigans.

This, my friends, is a truly excellent series, and one I'd like to see go on and on.

(A review of the sixth novel in the series, Stars & Stripes, has been previously written by @PaperMoon, and can be found at Message 4, above.)

Oh you do the series proud Charles. Makes me want to go back a re-read the whole lot again before starting on my copy of Touch and Geaux.

Plus I'm totally relieved you didn't have a "Nightrunner reaction" to the series, I'm still ducking for cover over that one. LOL.

PaperMoon wrote: "Oh you do the series proud Charles. Makes me want to go back a re-read the whole lot again before starting on my copy of Touch and Geaux.

Plus I'm totally relieved you didn't have a "Nightrunner r..."

I think everyone has a book (or a series) they really like that they can't get others interested in (say, um, like the Administration series!!)Chris O'Guinn borrowed Mind Fuck, so hoping he will get into the series for the long haul. (That's ANOTHER expensive series you got me to get, come to think of it.) LOL I can't get anyone new interested in the Rifter series either, so don't feel bad. At least I got the first two novels before I pooped out. Still mean to try to finish The Archer's Heart series (is that the name? - I have the book, so no prob with actual titles.)

P.S. Touch & Geaux is rumored to be a heartbreaker, so be prepared. Oh, that Ty! Always doing something that upsets staid old Zane. I think I know what it's going to be, since the last novel is set in NOLA.

Time and distance helps.

All because of Fred, I enthusiastically started (but then stopped) Hale's Rifter Series. And then about 15 months later, re-started after Ulysses' waxing eloquent back in the AE motherland forum. Second time round, I finished the entire 10 books in a week-long marathon and enjoyed them very much. Must have been in a totally different mindset.

I'd say wait a bit for Amara's series ... you never know.

PaperMoon wrote: "Time and distance helps.

All because of Fred, I enthusiastically started (but then stopped) Hale's Rifter Series. And then about 15 months later, re-started after Ulysses' waxing eloquent back i..."

But I quite liked the first book. The only reason I didn't go on to the second (and any subsequent) was because I was in such a hurry to get to Nightrunner. Go figure. ROFL

Are you folks aware that there's a Ty and Zane Are Like Crack Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ group? Ha!

You have to join the group to see the discussions, so I don't know how active that forum is. But if you're curious, click here:

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...

First - It's a downer!

I've just finished the first book in this series. I ended up giving the book 2/5 stars in a fit of generosity.

Based on on comments here and elsewhere, I knew (and worried) about suggestions to press on into the series, but this book, honestly, it was like dragging an anchor to the final page.

I bought the initial 3 books in this series, but for now, I think I'll take a break and focus elsewhere. Frankly, the authors don't deserve more of my time right now.

The first book should be so great that you'd rob a bank to get your hands on the next one! It shouldn't be something you have to endure.

I wrote out just some reasons why I didn't connect at all with this book, but then I deleted them. I was taught that if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. Approach with caution!

Rick wrote: "First - It's a downer!

I've just finished the first book in this series. I ended up giving the book 2/5 stars in a fit of generosity.

Based on on comments here and elsewhere, I knew (and worried)..."

@Rick, You are preaching to the choir, brother. I really didn't like Cut & Run that much at all. The two reasons I continued reading the series was: 1) I had purchased the first two books; and 2) I really, really liked Ty and Zane as characters and men.

To say that I've been converted to "the cause," is a given, since I created the Cut & Run series thread (blasting the first book in my review), and have now started the seventh novel in the series, stopping only to change my girdle, have my oil topped-off, and pound down some food. That I now worship at the C & R shrine is shown by my splitting-out my review of Stars & Stripes and putting it into the "Action/Thriller" folder (to get it all the attention it deserves.

Further verbal overkill considering the latter novels will be found in that and my previous - save one - reviews.

Annnnnndddddd I gotta say it: give the boys a chance. If you hate all the second book, Sticks & Stones, then you sincerely dislike the series (or the authors.) I dragged through the first third of Sticks & Stones, almost quit, then went nuts for the MCs, the stories and the way they were written. After the third book, Fish & Chips, there was no going back for me.

@Rick and @Charles:

Ha! I felt like you Rick only I never rated it because it was a DNF for me. The note I actually wrote in my book log was - and I quote - "dear god no, so tedious!"

Now Charles has gone and done an about-face on this series making me doubt my decision to never read another thing by these ladies. Damn you Charles! If I didn't already have good reason to trust you from your many reviews, I would find it really hard to believe that such a radical improvement was possible after book one.

I really don't expect to go back to this one though since I have such a long TBR list and I agree w/Rick that no book should have to be endured.

As a side note, I did read According To Hoyle, an historical western by Ms. Roux and liked it very much. There were hints that this was to be a series but nothing more has come out since this was published in Jan 2011.

Charles wrote: " I really, really liked Ty and Zane as characters and men..."

I'd love to discuss Ty and Zane, specific to their introduction and portrayal in the first book, Cut & Run.

How to do that without spoiling the story for anyone reading along here that might want to read the book is the question. It might get messy! haha

Jax wrote: "@Rick and @Charles:

Ha! I felt like you Rick only I never rated it because it was a DNF for me. The note I actually wrote in my book log was - and I quote - "dear god no, so tedious!"

Now Charles..."

@Jax, Hoping I don't mess up my reputation for "trustable reviews," I just posted a review of the sixth Cut & Run novel, Stars & Stripes, in the "Action/Thriller" folder. I went absolutely over-the-moon for this novel.

One thing you can believe, is that I loathed Cut & Run, as mentioned in my initial review of it. Only my German ancestral cheapness made me continue with the series because of previously having bought the second novel, Sticks & Stones. And I almost stopped it - thank God I made it to the tipping-point - or I would never be so rabid in my defense of the sheer wonder that has turned out to be the love story of these two men. This is - hands-down - the best m/m romance I have read in my somewhat limited experience.

I can't remember going so totally berserk over another novel so quickly. It will live, for me, with Harper Fox's Scrap Metal and Driftwood as well as Josh Lanyon's Come Unto These Yellow Sands, and the second Adrien English novel, A Dangerous Thing. I had to admit in my review that it even took the place of the novel I keep under my pillow to help me sleep better: Heidi Cullinan's Dance With Me. (I really didn't sleep with it under my pillow.) But I turn into a 15 year-old girl every time I read it. Really.

Rick wrote: "Charles wrote: " I really, really liked Ty and Zane as characters and men..."

I'd love to discuss Ty and Zane, specific to their introduction and portrayal in the first book, Cut & Run.

How to do..."

Ah, @Rick, that's why the message thingy/whateverthehellit'scalled was given to us.

First off, are we GR "friends?" If so, I can message you or vice versa, and we can chat to our hearts' content without letting any cats out of any bags for the folks surrounding us.

Come to think of it, I'll just make a "friend" request for you, and we'll take things from there.

Easy-peasy.

Stars & Stripes (Cut & Run series by Abigail Roux)

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have managed the impossible: a few months of peace and quiet. After nearly a year of personal and professional turmoil, they're living together conflict-free, work is going smoothly, and they're both happy, healthy, and home every night before dark. But anyone who knows them knows that can’t possibly last.

When an emergency call from home upsets the balance of their carefully arranged world, Ty and Zane must juggle family drama with a perplexing crime to save a helpless victim before time runs out.

From the mountains of West Virginia to a remote Texas horse ranch harboring more than just livestock and childhood memories, Ty and Zane must face their fears—and their families—to overcome an unlikely enemy and bring peace back into their newly shared world.


Stars & Stripes was, for this reader, absolutely the best m/m romance/action novel I've read in all my experience with same.

For thriller aficionados there are gunfights; tigers on the loose on a Texas ranch; skeevy friends and relatives willing to do the dirty for money; and drug-running, to mention the higher action points.

For those who live for romance: my highest-rated, steamiest, most makes-you-want-to-get-laid-yourself scene is found in this novel. And it only involves a Stetson hat, a rose compass pendant, Ty and Zane, and lotsa sweat. This scene is not to be missed, for love or money. In addition, there is courting during a Fourth of July fireworks show held at the Alamo; coming-out to friends and family; and, most importantly, the possibility that one of the boys, at least, wants to get married. *Wow!*

By far the best novel in the series to this point, Ms. Roux is going to have to do a whole lot of work to achieve, in her next novel, that balance of thrilling story and *wow* passion that she manages in this story.

Unfortunately, in order to receive the full impact of both the action and the romance, it is necessary to have built-up to this story by reading the previous five novels. Otherwise, the story is going to seem very far-fetched, and way too lovey-dovey to a reader approaching Zane and Ty, and their relationship, for a first look.

For an old romantic cynic like myself, this story is absolute redemption from the trials and tribulations that are part and parcel of all series-related romances. I realize that each series has its climactic scene where the MCs finally get together for the long haul, but this one is sublime, the cherry on top of the sundae, and it isn't the end of the story. There are at least three more novels to come.

So do yourselves a major favor, take the Cut & Run books out of your TBR/wish lists, buy them, and enjoy, revel, roll-around-in-the-catnip that is the love story of Zane Garrett and Beaumont Tyler Grady.

Or your money back *Certain restrictions may apply.*

P.S. Giving you some idea of where I rate this romance novel. For me, it beats out Josh Lanyon's Come Unto These Yellow Sands AND A Dangerous Thing, Book Two in the Adrien English series; Harper Fox's Scrap Metal and Driftwood; as well as my, up-to-now favorite romantic novel, Heidi Cullinan's Dance With M/i>.

Charles wrote: "For an old romantic cynic like myself, this story is absolute redemption from the trials and tribulations that are part and parcel of all series-related romances. I realize that each series has its climactic scene where the MCs finally get together for the long haul, but this one is sublime, the cherry on top of the sundae, and it isn't the end of the story. There are at least three more novels to come.

So do yourselves a major favor, take the Cut & Run books out of your TBR/wish lists, buy them, and enjoy, revel, roll-around-in-the-catnip that is the love story of Zane Garrett and Beaumont Tyler Grady."

I so agree that Stars & Stripes is the best of the lot. I have to say that as my memory banks continue to decline with age, and as I peer through the mists of time (three to four years back?) ... I really can't remember much of my initial reactions to the first book Cut & Run except that it was not to throw up my hands in despair. Given that the series was amongst the first gay-themed romance books I started reading - perhaps everything was still new and wonderful to me (there's gay sex my gosh!) and perhaps that colored my reading, covering a multitude of sins in the writing.

I can however see from online reviews that readers seem fall into a love-hate dichotomy with the books in the series.

P.S. Giving you some idea of where I rate this romance novel. For me, it beats out Josh Lanyon's Come Unto These Yellow Sands AND A Dangerous Thing, Book Two in the Adrien English series; Harper Fox's Scrap Metal and Driftwood; as well as my, up-to-now favorite romantic novel, Heidi Cullinan's Dance With Me."

Okay, first of all, gasp! Better than Lanyon!? Blasphemy! And second, oh damn, now you've done it. I may have to read these things.

Jax wrote: "P.S. Giving you some idea of where I rate this romance novel. For me, it beats out Josh Lanyon's Come Unto These Yellow Sands AND A Dangerous Thing, Book Two in the Adrien English series; Harper Fo..."

If you have a Nook, I can lend a few of the Cut & Run novels to you to get you started.

After the first one and a third, you will be a self-generating buyer/reader/acolyte....or not.

I appreciate the offer, but I have a kindle. I probably won't get to this for a while and I really don't think I can make myself reread (& finish this time!) book one or I may stall out again. I'll just have to pick up with book two. Hope I won't be too lost. If I have questions, I will rely on your very excellent memory.

Jax wrote: "I appreciate the offer, but I have a kindle. I probably won't get to this for a while and I really don't think I can make myself reread (& finish this time!) book one or I may stall out again. I'll..."

Starting with Sticks & Stones would be no problem; the stories sorta stand alone (at the beginning). Also, I hasten to add that, although I mentioned Lanyon and Fox in my review, the writing in this series in no way surpasses either of the masters mentioned. (My love for the series rests solely on an unhealthy passion for the MCs, and a desire for them to (finally) reach a HEA.)

Also, I hasten to add that, although I mentioned Lanyon and Fox in my review, the writing in this series in no way surpasses either of the masters mentioned.

Ah. I will adjust my expectations accordingly. I will also take you off my "Crazy Watch", lol.

Jax wrote: "Ah. I will adjust my expectations accordingly. I will also take you off my "Crazy Watch", lol"

Um, no! My case report suggests you leave me under a well-supervised watch (and in a well-medicated condition.)

Chuck wrote: "My love for the series rests solely on an unhealthy passion for the MCs, and a desire for them to (finally) reach a HEA. "

Chuck, I think you are a veritable "minion". Do you follow Abi on Tumblr? she posts minion torture there often.

Mercedes wrote: "Chuck wrote: "My love for the series rests solely on an unhealthy passion for the MCs, and a desire for them to (finally) reach a HEA. "

Chuck, I think you are a veritable "minion". Do you follow..."

If minions are eternally tortured, then I'm your guy (on Tumblr and off.) You should have had the bosses I had when I was nose-to-the-grindstone.

Now I just whinge and read. (But I'll check out Abi for a dose of the old *smack, smack*. :-)

After having their faces plastered across the news during a high-profile case, FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have become more useful to the Bureau posing for photo ops than working undercover. Just as Zane is beginning to consider retirement a viable option, Ty receives a distress call from a friend, leading them to a city rife with echoes from the past.

New Orleans wears its history on its streets, and it’s the one place Ty’s face could get him killed. Surrounded by trouble as soon as they land, Ty and Zane are swiftly confronted with a past from which Ty can’t hide—one with a surprising connection to Zane’s.

As threats close in from all directions, both men must come to terms with the lives they’ve led and the lies they’ve told. They soon discover that not all their secrets are out yet, and nothing lasts forever.


Every lengthy romance series has to have a "breather" novel now and again. Especially as the series closes in on its penultimate stories.

Touch & Geaux is such a novel in the Cut & Run series (which has delineated the on-again/off-again, massively-passionate story of the love between FBI Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett.)

The "story" can be gotten by reading the summary. It's not bad, but after the incredible Sturm und Drang of the previous novel, Stars & Strips, this one, however fraught with drama, was bound to come off a bit "puh" (Chuck-speak for "meh.")

The one, almost unforgivable, thing Ms. Roux foisted upon this particularly loyal reader was turning his beloved (and very most favorite) character, Zane Garrett into a quasi-douche bag for plot purposes. Oh. No. You. DON'T!! *Nuh, uh! No way! Snap! Snap! Snappety-snap-snap!*

Fortunately, things were straightened-out enough for one of the lads' trademarked scorchy sex scenes to occur toward the latter part of the story. Forgiven? A bit.

THEN, of course, because things were going along swimmingly between the two lovers, an obviously pre-planned parting of the ways had to take place.

Hello! There are at least two more novels to go. Am I supposed to buy that these guys are permanently on the outs? (Again?)

So, if you're keeping score, make this one a 3.5, out of 5, star contribution to the series. It gets you there, and fills in some backstory blanks, but, damn, Zane is never the bad guy!

The book's okay, but I'm hoping the next novel is in the works as I type.

And I want my Zane Garrett back as good as new. Dang!

Chuck wrote: "So, if you're keeping score, make this one a 3.5, out of 5, star contribution to the series. It gets you there, and fills in some backstory blanks, but, damn, Zane is never the bad guy!

The book's okay, but I'm hoping the next novel is in the works as I type.

And I want my Zane Garrett back as good as new."

Well it's a relief you have not washed your hands of the series (post the initial shock horror). Given your comments, I'm at least forewarned in my reading of this latest ... sometime in ummmmm July???

Chuck wrote: "I'm hoping the next novel is in the works as I type..."

Book 8 is listed for release around April 2014. It must be fantastic because the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ psychics have already offered their ratings, three of which are 5 star!

I just finished Book 2, finding it much more satisfying than the rocky start I encountered with Book 1. Onward to 2014!

Rick wrote: "Chuck wrote: "I'm hoping the next novel is in the works as I type..."

Book 8 is listed for release around April 2014. It must be fantastic because the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ psychics have already offered their..."

That is good news Rick ... both regarding Book 8 as well as your reading experience of Book 2.

Maybe it was too large a gap between Stars & Stripes and this, but I struggled to get a 'sense' of where Ty and Zane were at emotionally and relationally when I embarked on this and never quite regained an emotional connection with these two.

Ty and Zane are my first M-M power couple (supplanted only by Val and Keir) and there will always be a special place in my heart for them, and yes I will of course purchase the next book in this long standing series. However, I feel that there comes a time when even a super power couple should be sent off smiling into the sunset ... and Roux should probably do that sooner rather than later. I believe there's only one book more scheduled after Ball & Chain but how much more can loyal fans and readers put up with the inevitable 'push me - pull you' relationship these two get up to?? And when you think the timeline / timeframe for this series is not all that long ... about two years from the first book to book 7, I think I more than ready for a jump forward to that 'five year' more settled stage for these guys; when all that office/job subterfuge is over and done with.

The sheer number of back story villains dredged up to complicate Ty and Zane's lives was distracting - and really hope the return to an 'extended-family' setting for book 8 will prove a more engaging read; I had to push through 30% of the book in this one (even some skipping involved!).

The most notable and memorable plot reveal for me from this latest series installment was the New Orleans 'first meet'. All that voodoo stuff raised in the plot got lost amidst the double crossing, guns blazing, bad-ass team camaderie - might as well have not included it since so little was done with it really. And enough of the secrets and lies please ... the convoluted plot twists and turns were just a little too annoying for me this time, reducing a four star read to a 3 star one.