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Covert #1
Under Cover
For Judson Crosby, the transfer to the elite law enforcement branch of the SCTF is a great escape from the death sentence he earned as a whistle-blowing patrol officer. Calix Garcia, the fierce new guy, makes a perfect partner, catching bad guys while minimizing collateral damage. Crosby loves working with him.
Of course, he’d also love to work him over in a totally different way.
Garcia has waited his whole career for a solid, dependable partner like Crosby. But after six months fighting crime together, he’s done fighting their attraction.
Their coming together promises to be everything they need… until a threat from Crosby’s past comes back to haunt not just him, but their entire team.
When Crosby goes undercover to keep them safe, Garcia is frantic with worry. One false move could get Crosby killed and Garcia exposed. But they have to fight their way clear, because hiding your lover under the cover of darkness is no way to live. Crosby and Garcia will risk everything for the chance to live their lives in the light.
Of course, he’d also love to work him over in a totally different way.
Garcia has waited his whole career for a solid, dependable partner like Crosby. But after six months fighting crime together, he’s done fighting their attraction.
Their coming together promises to be everything they need… until a threat from Crosby’s past comes back to haunt not just him, but their entire team.
When Crosby goes undercover to keep them safe, Garcia is frantic with worry. One false move could get Crosby killed and Garcia exposed. But they have to fight their way clear, because hiding your lover under the cover of darkness is no way to live. Crosby and Garcia will risk everything for the chance to live their lives in the light.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2023
31 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
205 books3,490 followersAmy Lane dodges an EDJ, mothers four children, and writes the occasional book. She, her brood, and her beloved mate, Mack, live in a crumbling mortgage in Citrus Heights, California, which is riddled with spiders, cats, and more than its share of fancy and weirdness. Feel free to visit her at www.greenshill.com orwww.writerslane.blogspot.com, where she will ride the buzz of receiving your e-mail until her head swells and she can no longer leave the house.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
June 15, 2023
Dnf 60%. I was excited to read this because you know…Amy Lane . I prepared myself for some delicious angst and interesting characters but what I got was boring characters and sappy agents. I mean , the book isn’t bad (the writing is good and all) but it’s just not what I expected from this author. There was way more action than romance or maybe it just feels like it because the romance is quite bland and cheesy . Maybe I’ll finish when I’m in a different mood .
May 27, 2023
DNF @ 34%. (after skimming from 18% on)
So ridiculously cheesy. I should have known as soon as I realized their names were Judson & Calix 🙄.
Sophomoric writing. Unrealistic characters. Insta-love. Bland, juvenile dialogue. Boring plot. Just all around not good 👎
So ridiculously cheesy. I should have known as soon as I realized their names were Judson & Calix 🙄.
Sophomoric writing. Unrealistic characters. Insta-love. Bland, juvenile dialogue. Boring plot. Just all around not good 👎
May 29, 2023
3 Stars...Well, that was another cop hating novel by AL.
I keep going back to this author because she is legitimately a good writer. I love her interactions between MCs and the love feels genuine though rushed at times. This was one that the start feels rushed in love at the beginning but then she writes their meeting in a backstory which is a bit of a trial to read.
But the police bashing is getting old👮. I understand that her son had a run in but now AL writes like its a vendetta, viserating cops in as if its a fixture with every bad apple she can get on the page. Not all cops are white supremacists in the making. Not all of them hate minorities.
This book opens with conflict between groups of cops and interagency task forces. Some of whom were once cops. (Imagine that).
Crosby & Garcia are circling each other from the beginning, interested in each other then falling in love. An unfortunate blast from Crosby's past yanks Crosby away from his group & Garcia to run a scam. It almost kills him. They scrap out time but ultimately defeat the white supremists.
There are other books coming...
I keep going back to this author because she is legitimately a good writer. I love her interactions between MCs and the love feels genuine though rushed at times. This was one that the start feels rushed in love at the beginning but then she writes their meeting in a backstory which is a bit of a trial to read.
But the police bashing is getting old👮. I understand that her son had a run in but now AL writes like its a vendetta, viserating cops in as if its a fixture with every bad apple she can get on the page. Not all cops are white supremacists in the making. Not all of them hate minorities.
This book opens with conflict between groups of cops and interagency task forces. Some of whom were once cops. (Imagine that).
Crosby & Garcia are circling each other from the beginning, interested in each other then falling in love. An unfortunate blast from Crosby's past yanks Crosby away from his group & Garcia to run a scam. It almost kills him. They scrap out time but ultimately defeat the white supremists.
There are other books coming...
July 1, 2023
I love almost all of Amy Lane's work...some more than others...but especially her "Fish" series...so when this new series came out a few days ago I pre-ordered it. It sounded like the guys from "Fish" only on steroids... so let's go for it. What a team this turned out to be. I read all 320 pages in one sitting and wished for an additional 320. Judson and Cal are a part of a team that is government run and deeply undercover. They're called in to take the badest of the bad off the streets. Judson is happy with his team and his job. He thought his life was over, but he found this new family who accepts him "warts" and all. He’d thought he couldn’t be happier until Calix, (Cal), Garcia joins the team and becomes the perfect partner on the streets and off them too. Cal didn’t think he’d ever find a place to fit in but miracles do happen! Now he just has to figure out how to help Judson deal with his past so they can maybe have a future. I have never been let down by Amy Lane and this one keeps that record going. Great characters that I fell in love with immediately. A top-notch team of co-workers who are also friends that made me smile almost as much as Judson and Cal. There’s not a character in this book that isn’t interesting and compelling, both the good guys and the bad guys. The storyline is beyond gripping! Once you get started you can't put it down! I couldn’t go to bed without knowing how it was all going to come out. I love a good thriller, and Amy Lane is known to produce some of the best...and this one is no exception. The bad guys were terrible people that had passed themselves off for a long time as good people blending into society to carry out hat dirty deeds. They made me really understand how you can “love to hate” someone. I also loved the fact that the author acknowledged that there are issues that need to be fixed in policing, but still showed us that a lot of people in law enforcement are just doing their best to help the people in their communities and keep them safe. I’ve been trying to think if there was any "down-side" to this story, but I really can't think of a single one! It took a few twists and turns to get there but it one fantastic ride! Amy Lane always gives us characters that are personable and easy to relate to. Judson is sweet and caring and in desperate need of someone who will just love him for who he is. Cal is a caregiver and perfect for the job. The story is sweet... funny...and thrilling all at the same time. I can’t wait for more in this series.
June 25, 2023
It's Amy Lane, it's got cops and robbers and lovely men in love. So, three stars anyway, and that's before I click on page 1.
But...no more than three stars, because it just didn't feel special. The villain's motives were all over the place, the relationship sprang into something from nothing, and (though I finished this less than three weeks ago) I'm struggling to remember much about it.
But...no more than three stars, because it just didn't feel special. The villain's motives were all over the place, the relationship sprang into something from nothing, and (though I finished this less than three weeks ago) I'm struggling to remember much about it.
May 23, 2023
3.5 stars
There was a mystery, action, danger, suspense, and near death moments as well as found family, friendship, partners and more in this fast paced yet long book. Those were the positives.
The negatives include more trauma than any one book should have…. (Also some editing issues). Tragic back stories are tragic.
I was confused on many parts of the book - it sometimes felt like the author wasn’t speaking the same language that I was or that maybe I missed something. There was a huge cast of characters and the author used their first and last names randomly and interchangeably, so sometimes it felt like there were even more of them. There’s weird habit of always calling a situation a sitch that stood out to me. The odd use of “son” or “brother” referring to a significant other also took me out of the story a few times.
I did feel there was a good balance between the romance and the action. I did like the whole team; there was some good banter. However my enjoyment was weighed down by the problems above.
There was a mystery, action, danger, suspense, and near death moments as well as found family, friendship, partners and more in this fast paced yet long book. Those were the positives.
The negatives include more trauma than any one book should have…. (Also some editing issues). Tragic back stories are tragic.
I was confused on many parts of the book - it sometimes felt like the author wasn’t speaking the same language that I was or that maybe I missed something. There was a huge cast of characters and the author used their first and last names randomly and interchangeably, so sometimes it felt like there were even more of them. There’s weird habit of always calling a situation a sitch that stood out to me. The odd use of “son” or “brother” referring to a significant other also took me out of the story a few times.
I did feel there was a good balance between the romance and the action. I did like the whole team; there was some good banter. However my enjoyment was weighed down by the problems above.
February 24, 2025
2025 reread before book 2 comes out in...June? It is a little chaotic going in, but man, Lane lands those emotional beats perfectly.
2023
This is a contemporary romance, though the invented agency is, alas, just a fantasy. As usual, I enjoyed the characters and the action and the ideals and the compromises, and I will definitely be reading the whole series. There is one reference, secondhand, to Constance and Burton, so we know this world even if that aspect is distant.
2023
This is a contemporary romance, though the invented agency is, alas, just a fantasy. As usual, I enjoyed the characters and the action and the ideals and the compromises, and I will definitely be reading the whole series. There is one reference, secondhand, to Constance and Burton, so we know this world even if that aspect is distant.
September 22, 2023
Lots is damn good
but damn confusing: background,
action, names, romance.
3.5 rounded down, because it's ridiculous that a good cop with a great team being forced to do crimes isn't going to keep that team in the loop and use them to bring down the criminals. Like, between the many, many characters referred to by nicknames, first names, and last names, the convoluted back stories of everyone, and this ridiculous under cover plan, the great writing and breakneck pacing couldn't save the book from itself.
but damn confusing: background,
action, names, romance.
3.5 rounded down, because it's ridiculous that a good cop with a great team being forced to do crimes isn't going to keep that team in the loop and use them to bring down the criminals. Like, between the many, many characters referred to by nicknames, first names, and last names, the convoluted back stories of everyone, and this ridiculous under cover plan, the great writing and breakneck pacing couldn't save the book from itself.
June 5, 2023
A new series set around a special team working out of NYC. Caleb is the new member joining and throughout the story we learn his backstory and how that comes back to haunt him and send him undercover.
I did enjoy this story and the secondary characters are great, I think there is lots to come on that.
Only thing is though, would a person be that unlucky always getting hurt.
I did enjoy this story and the secondary characters are great, I think there is lots to come on that.
Only thing is though, would a person be that unlucky always getting hurt.
November 3, 2023
I feel I need to say this first so people are aware: Narcan/naloxone cannot help someone ODing on meth unless the meth is laced with an opiod like fentanyl (which it was in this story but it was unclear at first). It only helps opioid overdoses like heroin and fentanyl. Meth is a stimulant and so is Narcan thus Narcan would make the meth OD worse.
I was confused about the purpose of this team and what made it special. They seemed to be running typical police cases, not even FBI or other special bureaus type of stuff until they took on a situation involving one of their own.
I don’t like where this book started out—with the initial hook up of the MCs and then went back six months to when they met. Then there was lots of telling and backstory so it was like we went halfway back with more to tell. It was over fairly quickly and got to the action
But while there was lots of action and stories, until 35% in, there was no plot besides the two getting together which happened on the first page. There was no real conflict because we knew he’d get the guy very quickly. It was nice but I was struggling to stick with it.
There were a wide variety of characters, racially and gender-like, like a transgender woman being referred to by her correct pronouns even to medical response teams. And not just one person per minority. There were at least two Latino men and a couple of Black significant characters and I believe an Asian man.
I cried when a couple had a shouting conflict over their trans daughter and not only because it hit home. It was a well-written scene.
It was great that a character noted that officers couldn’t do drugs while undercover nor anything else illegal. Most authors don’t know or at least don’t use this truth in their books. It was also really good that the officers hit in the chest received debilitating injuries even when wearing a vest.
There were all kinds of continuity errors like in one scene there were six bad guys in a closed room but at the end they only accounted for four.
But it was a good book full of action, excitement and danger. I look forward to the next one. I hope it’s published soon.
I was confused about the purpose of this team and what made it special. They seemed to be running typical police cases, not even FBI or other special bureaus type of stuff until they took on a situation involving one of their own.
I don’t like where this book started out—with the initial hook up of the MCs and then went back six months to when they met. Then there was lots of telling and backstory so it was like we went halfway back with more to tell. It was over fairly quickly and got to the action
But while there was lots of action and stories, until 35% in, there was no plot besides the two getting together which happened on the first page. There was no real conflict because we knew he’d get the guy very quickly. It was nice but I was struggling to stick with it.
There were a wide variety of characters, racially and gender-like, like a transgender woman being referred to by her correct pronouns even to medical response teams. And not just one person per minority. There were at least two Latino men and a couple of Black significant characters and I believe an Asian man.
I cried when a couple had a shouting conflict over their trans daughter and not only because it hit home. It was a well-written scene.
It was great that a character noted that officers couldn’t do drugs while undercover nor anything else illegal. Most authors don’t know or at least don’t use this truth in their books. It was also really good that the officers hit in the chest received debilitating injuries even when wearing a vest.
There were all kinds of continuity errors like in one scene there were six bad guys in a closed room but at the end they only accounted for four.
But it was a good book full of action, excitement and danger. I look forward to the next one. I hope it’s published soon.
May 26, 2023
This was a good one! Exciting but somehow still sweet with characters that felt like old friends. I hope this turns into a legit series.
July 7, 2023
Just meandered all over the show. Couldn’t finish it. 38%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2023
This story had all the feels! Love, hate, despair, hope, and more. And it had all the action, including murder, assault, racism, homophobia, rape (secondary character and not on page), hate crimes, discrimination, drug abuse and addiction. And I was compelled to keep reading every nail-biting minute of it.
Judson Crosby always wanted to be a cop—just like his dad, the man he admired most. But what he learned on the job was that the force was not all he thought it would be, and when his partner shoots a young boy in the back just because he’s Black, Judson speaks out and his life changes. No longer in Chicago, he’s joined a unique law enforcement group in New York and he’s crushing hard on his new partner, Calix Garcia. The two do get together, as readers learn early on, but not long afterward Judson has to go undercover as the very corruption he escaped from comes back to haunt him.
The story deals with the dark side of law enforcement where cops are human—both the best and sometimes the worst of humanity, by choice or by circumstance. The story contains plenty of action-packed hair-raising moments that kept me quickly turning pages. But there are also many sweet moments between Crosby and Garcia, and not just sexy times but also poignant and intimate getting-to-know-you times. There’s also a sense of camaraderie and family within the unit the men are a part of, with a host of very likeable secondary characters, some of whom may get their own stories someday. I hope.
The last quarter of the book was total action as everything comes to a head in their investigation—pure Amy Lane storytelling at its best. I loved the fact that by that point I knew all the characters well, so I was even more invested in the outcome and worried for all of them, not just Crosby and Garcia.
This is one of those stories I won’t be able to shake for a while. Judson and Calix have become one of my favorite couples. I definitely recommend this to those who not only enjoy MM romance but also action-packed, intriguing, intricate plots that are not all sunshine and rainbows. There’s a dark side here but it’s balanced by the good and that leaves me wanting more.
ARC provided through Rainbow Book Reviews
Judson Crosby always wanted to be a cop—just like his dad, the man he admired most. But what he learned on the job was that the force was not all he thought it would be, and when his partner shoots a young boy in the back just because he’s Black, Judson speaks out and his life changes. No longer in Chicago, he’s joined a unique law enforcement group in New York and he’s crushing hard on his new partner, Calix Garcia. The two do get together, as readers learn early on, but not long afterward Judson has to go undercover as the very corruption he escaped from comes back to haunt him.
The story deals with the dark side of law enforcement where cops are human—both the best and sometimes the worst of humanity, by choice or by circumstance. The story contains plenty of action-packed hair-raising moments that kept me quickly turning pages. But there are also many sweet moments between Crosby and Garcia, and not just sexy times but also poignant and intimate getting-to-know-you times. There’s also a sense of camaraderie and family within the unit the men are a part of, with a host of very likeable secondary characters, some of whom may get their own stories someday. I hope.
The last quarter of the book was total action as everything comes to a head in their investigation—pure Amy Lane storytelling at its best. I loved the fact that by that point I knew all the characters well, so I was even more invested in the outcome and worried for all of them, not just Crosby and Garcia.
This is one of those stories I won’t be able to shake for a while. Judson and Calix have become one of my favorite couples. I definitely recommend this to those who not only enjoy MM romance but also action-packed, intriguing, intricate plots that are not all sunshine and rainbows. There’s a dark side here but it’s balanced by the good and that leaves me wanting more.
ARC provided through Rainbow Book Reviews
May 3, 2023
This one hit the floor running and pretty much went full tilt from there!
The beginning of a new series finds us meeting Judson Crosby, a good cop put in a bad situation who finds a transfer to a new city and new unit makes his life immeasurably better. And that’s before he gets a new partner.
Calix Garcia starts on a new team, with a new partner, wanting this to be the best thing in his life. And rapidly finds that not only has he found the perfect workplace, but quite possibly the perfect partner – in more than one way. And that all happens in the first few chapters!
What happens after that is vintage Amy Lane – we have bad guys, even worse guys, an intricate plot that you have to pay close attention to, and a set of characters that you very swiftly come to care very much about. It’s kinda obvious by now that I absolutely freakin’ loved this book! I started reading and found myself absorbed immediately, trying to remember who was who, and figure out what was happening, all whilst rooting for our guys to get something resembling a happily ever after. Calix and Judson were good people and the way they were with each other, both caring, a little possessive, loving and downright hot for each other was perfect.
The plot was intricate and deeply involved, with The Sons of Blood who were similar to the KKK but working within the police force and other agencies. It also involved drugs, crooked lawyers and politicians and a set of people who were determined that justice was deserved for all – regardless of their race, creed, sex or colour. It reminded me very much of the Marshals in Mary Calmes’ series which means I am already jonesing for the next story.
An easy 4.5/5 from me and I heartily recommend it to anyone who likes a lot of action amidst their steaming hot sex.
I received an ARC from the Author.
The beginning of a new series finds us meeting Judson Crosby, a good cop put in a bad situation who finds a transfer to a new city and new unit makes his life immeasurably better. And that’s before he gets a new partner.
Calix Garcia starts on a new team, with a new partner, wanting this to be the best thing in his life. And rapidly finds that not only has he found the perfect workplace, but quite possibly the perfect partner – in more than one way. And that all happens in the first few chapters!
What happens after that is vintage Amy Lane – we have bad guys, even worse guys, an intricate plot that you have to pay close attention to, and a set of characters that you very swiftly come to care very much about. It’s kinda obvious by now that I absolutely freakin’ loved this book! I started reading and found myself absorbed immediately, trying to remember who was who, and figure out what was happening, all whilst rooting for our guys to get something resembling a happily ever after. Calix and Judson were good people and the way they were with each other, both caring, a little possessive, loving and downright hot for each other was perfect.
The plot was intricate and deeply involved, with The Sons of Blood who were similar to the KKK but working within the police force and other agencies. It also involved drugs, crooked lawyers and politicians and a set of people who were determined that justice was deserved for all – regardless of their race, creed, sex or colour. It reminded me very much of the Marshals in Mary Calmes’ series which means I am already jonesing for the next story.
An easy 4.5/5 from me and I heartily recommend it to anyone who likes a lot of action amidst their steaming hot sex.
I received an ARC from the Author.
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July 7, 2023I don't normally write reviews anymore, but a few things struck me with this book. Overall, I enjoy reading Amy Lane. I think I've read nearly everything at this point. I can suspend my disbelief and roll with the fantasy version of whatever career is being portrayed. However, this one struck me the wrong way on a few counts.
My major issue throughout the book is that it specifically discusses systemic and structural racism. It's an overarching theme. However, the bad guys are cartoonishly bad and the good guys are all heroes. This is, at it's core, a romance novel and I can forgive a lot of that, but when it's the book's number one theme I just found it went too far. Racism underpins the "justice" system, but it's dangerous because it isn't evil being people evil. It's perpetuated by everyone, in small ways that have a huge impact on people's lives. To gloss over that under the guise of being progressive; it just feels like a lot of white guilt without a lot of introspection.
Issue number 2 that warranted this review, the use of a racial slur aimed at Indigenous women. I am an Indigenous woman and this term has not been reclaimed. It is not a term we say. In fact, it's a term we're actively trying to have removed from maps. It's harmful and dehumanizing. While it was used to discuss the impact, it was done in a throwaway manner and at the end of the day, Lane is not Indigenous. I have heard them term used, against the people I love, colleagues, and out of the blue in class as a way to showcase all the words we should no longer be using. Hearing it, seeing it, it hurts. There was no need to use the word itself and it goes to show how little regard is still paid towards Indigenous peoples.
My major issue throughout the book is that it specifically discusses systemic and structural racism. It's an overarching theme. However, the bad guys are cartoonishly bad and the good guys are all heroes. This is, at it's core, a romance novel and I can forgive a lot of that, but when it's the book's number one theme I just found it went too far. Racism underpins the "justice" system, but it's dangerous because it isn't evil being people evil. It's perpetuated by everyone, in small ways that have a huge impact on people's lives. To gloss over that under the guise of being progressive; it just feels like a lot of white guilt without a lot of introspection.
Issue number 2 that warranted this review, the use of a racial slur aimed at Indigenous women. I am an Indigenous woman and this term has not been reclaimed. It is not a term we say. In fact, it's a term we're actively trying to have removed from maps. It's harmful and dehumanizing. While it was used to discuss the impact, it was done in a throwaway manner and at the end of the day, Lane is not Indigenous. I have heard them term used, against the people I love, colleagues, and out of the blue in class as a way to showcase all the words we should no longer be using. Hearing it, seeing it, it hurts. There was no need to use the word itself and it goes to show how little regard is still paid towards Indigenous peoples.
May 25, 2023
Under Cover turned out to be an engrossing read about an elite unit dealing with some pretty nasty criminals. As much I enjoy any well written crime book, what really drew me into this book were the characters and their bonds with each other. The various interconnected relationships, as friends, as teammates, and as romantic partners made the entire team not only interesting but engaging as the story unfolded. However, this was Crosby and Garcia’s book and while the actual romance developed quickly, it didn’t feel forced or unnatural. Rather the partnership naturally seemed to segue into the romance. The almost immediate low-level angst associated with Crosby going undercover layered an intensity to the story and their relationship that really wrapped everything together nicely. Personally, I also liked that the author did bring some current social issues into things, but as always with an Amy Lane book there are good and bad guys on every side of the equation, and everyone has a story. It is worth mentioning that while Amy Lane does an amazing job at pulling you into her character’s lives and certainly writes and engaging action/crime story, they are not necessarily hundred percent realistic. Like watching any well written law enforcement movie, there is a certain amount of artistic license taken. Read and appreciate. Definitely worth your time to read and reread. I am particularly looking forward to some sequels in this world.
May 11, 2023
Judson Crosby and Calix Garcia, partners on the elite Special Crimes Task Force, put themselves in potential danger almost every shift. Somehow, in the midst of near-daily violence and heroics, the two grow feelings. When Crosby is forced to leave the safety net of their team to deal with the monstrous group who tried to ruin (or end) his life, the love between him and Garcia grows even stronger.
I love Crosby, Garcia, and every member of their team. Found family stories are a favorite, and this is a great one. Despite the horrors they see every day, these men and women retain their humor and their humanity by watching out for and counting on each other with no reservations.
The romance between Judson and Calix is never in the background, even when bullets are flying and knives are flashing. These two have amazing hearts and fantastic chemistry, and I appreciate the vulnerable way they open up to each other. They give me all the emotions!
This is the first book in a new series, and I will be here for every installment. I look forward to more adventure, humor, heroics, and heart from this group. I can't wait to see where the next book takes them and who the next will be to fall in love.
I love Crosby, Garcia, and every member of their team. Found family stories are a favorite, and this is a great one. Despite the horrors they see every day, these men and women retain their humor and their humanity by watching out for and counting on each other with no reservations.
The romance between Judson and Calix is never in the background, even when bullets are flying and knives are flashing. These two have amazing hearts and fantastic chemistry, and I appreciate the vulnerable way they open up to each other. They give me all the emotions!
This is the first book in a new series, and I will be here for every installment. I look forward to more adventure, humor, heroics, and heart from this group. I can't wait to see where the next book takes them and who the next will be to fall in love.
October 28, 2023
There was the potential for a decent story somewhere in this mess of a book. At a high level the story could have been at least 3 stars but the writing was not even 2 stars. Occasionally, there would be 5 or 6 coherent pages in a row but otherwise the writing was jumbled, illogical, and nonsensical. The author's slang was especially irritating (sitch, po-po, papi, etc.). Often the author would switch between 3 names for one character in just a few pages (e.g., Natalie, Tal, Denison). Annoying.
I also did not like the prologue and thought it was a poor way to start the book. The prologue was already covered in a later chapter (albeit from a different POV). Without having met the characters, the prologue did not mean much. The forced undercover operation from the 2am phone call was poorly explained. The scene getting Toby out of the jail was ludicrous. There were just too many big NOPES in this book.
The SCTF team was decently developed and had some interesting characters, but I don't think I can stomach another book where sitch is used. A second book based around this team would be interesting if the story has a decent writer and better editor.
I also did not like the prologue and thought it was a poor way to start the book. The prologue was already covered in a later chapter (albeit from a different POV). Without having met the characters, the prologue did not mean much. The forced undercover operation from the 2am phone call was poorly explained. The scene getting Toby out of the jail was ludicrous. There were just too many big NOPES in this book.
The SCTF team was decently developed and had some interesting characters, but I don't think I can stomach another book where sitch is used. A second book based around this team would be interesting if the story has a decent writer and better editor.
May 24, 2023
Exciting new series by Amy Lane!
Amy Lane can write all sorts of genres, and hit it out of the park. She writes fluffy sweet romance, angsty dramatic romance, paranormal fantasy, and my favorite: Urban suspense romance. This new series takes off with a bang, and kept me reading well into the morning hours.
Seriously, I could not put it down!
If you like your stories with passionate men, in a dangerous job, where all they have is their team to back them up, and the trust of their commander, this story is for you. It was an exciting, believable story, filled with action, detective work, shooting, hostage taking, tough moral decisions, and the simmering attraction between two federal agents.
And yes, my fellow readers, there are steamy love scenes that will heat up your hands as you read this friends-to-lovers story. Amy Lane is a true master for scripting romance, and the natural progression of work partners, to attraction, to lovers whose chemistry together is off the charts will leave you excited to read the next chapter.
Amy Lane can write all sorts of genres, and hit it out of the park. She writes fluffy sweet romance, angsty dramatic romance, paranormal fantasy, and my favorite: Urban suspense romance. This new series takes off with a bang, and kept me reading well into the morning hours.
Seriously, I could not put it down!
If you like your stories with passionate men, in a dangerous job, where all they have is their team to back them up, and the trust of their commander, this story is for you. It was an exciting, believable story, filled with action, detective work, shooting, hostage taking, tough moral decisions, and the simmering attraction between two federal agents.
And yes, my fellow readers, there are steamy love scenes that will heat up your hands as you read this friends-to-lovers story. Amy Lane is a true master for scripting romance, and the natural progression of work partners, to attraction, to lovers whose chemistry together is off the charts will leave you excited to read the next chapter.
May 30, 2023
I was excited to start this new series from Amy Lane, which introduces the Special Crimes Task Force. This story focuses on Judson and Calix and they were both great characters. Judson doesn't realize how amazing he is, even though the rest of the team continually try to show him. He and Calix are a good match and even though there is a lot of drama going on around them, and in their pasts, the romance is fairly low angst and sweet. I thought the action and suspense were perfect and I didn't want to put the book down. I did sometimes struggle with who was who, as there is a fairly large cast of characters that sometimes go by first names and other times last names. Also, and this is just a personal pet peeve, I don't like the popular trend right now of having the first chapter or prologue being of the couple together, mid-story, generally in a love scene - this author doesn't generally do this, so I suspect this was the publisher's decision. Overall, though, I really enjoyed this, the entire team was interesting, and I can't wait for future books (I need Clint's story!).
May 23, 2023
Amy Lane ratchets up the action with this beginning of a new romantic suspense series set in a fictional special investigative task force. The SCTV (Special Crimes Task Force) is a collaboration that includes people from – in Lane’s words – all the alphabets. Ex-Chicago cop Judson Crosby and partner Calix Garcia meld with the rest of the team to be remarkably effective. Then, Crosby needs to suss out the leadership of the local “Sons of the Blood,” a white supremacist organization of law enforcement personnel.
Crosby has run afoul of the Sons before, and goes deep undercover for months with Garcia as his only link to his real life. What could possibly go wrong? There’s a subtle Easter egg callout to another of Lane’s series in one scene – skim and you’ll miss it.
Lane had me up late reading to see how it would end. Worth. It.
Crosby has run afoul of the Sons before, and goes deep undercover for months with Garcia as his only link to his real life. What could possibly go wrong? There’s a subtle Easter egg callout to another of Lane’s series in one scene – skim and you’ll miss it.
Lane had me up late reading to see how it would end. Worth. It.
May 25, 2023
I'm always excited when Amy Lane gives me a new series with new characters. This first book introduces Judson, Calix, and their Special Crimes Task Force. These two are so fun together, and I loved their dynamic from the beginning.
The setup is great - the SCTF team, their boss (OMG I LOVE CLINT!!!), all of it. An engaging story with great dialogue and plot twists (including fun and surprising character reveals), this one kept me riveted the whole way through. If I had one niggle, it was that the narration could get a bit confusing, but, hey, there was a lot going on and a lot of names! That said, the story, plot, subplots, and all the minor arcs were fascinating.
Overall, I'm so intrigued by this entire team and I want stories for ALL OF THEM!!!! This is a great start, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
****ARC FOR REVIEW****
The setup is great - the SCTF team, their boss (OMG I LOVE CLINT!!!), all of it. An engaging story with great dialogue and plot twists (including fun and surprising character reveals), this one kept me riveted the whole way through. If I had one niggle, it was that the narration could get a bit confusing, but, hey, there was a lot going on and a lot of names! That said, the story, plot, subplots, and all the minor arcs were fascinating.
Overall, I'm so intrigued by this entire team and I want stories for ALL OF THEM!!!! This is a great start, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
****ARC FOR REVIEW****
August 27, 2023
One of my favorite things about this author and this book is actually her note at the beginning:
Romantic Suspense gets all the kudos and the cred for being “gritty” and “real,” but if you write it, you know it’s got as much—if not more—world building and fantasy as hard-core science fiction. For the record, there is no such thing as the SCTF or the Sons of the Blood. If my law enforcement fantasies get anywhere close to reality, I’ll be ever so surprised.
Because, let’s face it. There really doesn’t feel as if there are any decent, honest, law-abiding people working in law enforcement in this country. So, it makes it easier to suspend the disbelief and roll with these incredible characters as if this were an urban fantasy. It kind of is in America these days.
Totally adored the team and I can’t wait to see who gets the next book.
Romantic Suspense gets all the kudos and the cred for being “gritty” and “real,” but if you write it, you know it’s got as much—if not more—world building and fantasy as hard-core science fiction. For the record, there is no such thing as the SCTF or the Sons of the Blood. If my law enforcement fantasies get anywhere close to reality, I’ll be ever so surprised.
Because, let’s face it. There really doesn’t feel as if there are any decent, honest, law-abiding people working in law enforcement in this country. So, it makes it easier to suspend the disbelief and roll with these incredible characters as if this were an urban fantasy. It kind of is in America these days.
Totally adored the team and I can’t wait to see who gets the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2023
Great start to a new series!
I love Judson Crosby is the heart of the story, in my opinion. I'm so happy when Calix Garcia walked into Judson's life. There are a few characters that you get to know as this is a team. It can get confusing sometimes, but you'll get that in any series with a lot of names to remember.
I am happy that this is only book 1 of a new series as I do want to get to know all of these people even better! I need to know more about Harm. Watch out for that character. I just want to know more because he is interesting, I'm not sure if he'll get a book or not, but... you'll see when you get to him why I want more.
The team as a whole is another 'character' in the story. They way the work together is awesome.
Totally a must read.
I love Judson Crosby is the heart of the story, in my opinion. I'm so happy when Calix Garcia walked into Judson's life. There are a few characters that you get to know as this is a team. It can get confusing sometimes, but you'll get that in any series with a lot of names to remember.
I am happy that this is only book 1 of a new series as I do want to get to know all of these people even better! I need to know more about Harm. Watch out for that character. I just want to know more because he is interesting, I'm not sure if he'll get a book or not, but... you'll see when you get to him why I want more.
The team as a whole is another 'character' in the story. They way the work together is awesome.
Totally a must read.
May 12, 2024
An enjoyable visit to New York, although living it would be entirely different.
This book was big on hurt/comfort, a favorite of mine but the plot was a little bit ridiculous, but no more than your typical block buster movie, so...
I liked the team at our fictitious government agency, a bit of wishful thinking, but fiction isn't supposed to be real life.
I have a problem with the vernacular. I'm not American and sometimes I didn't have a clue what the conversations were about. There was major overuse of 'sitch' instead of situation, sometimes when neither were necessary, and it drove me batty. I also disliked the character names, cutesie and unlikely in many cases.
All in all, not the best of Amy Lane, but it's still a fun read and I'll be looking for the rest in the series.
This book was big on hurt/comfort, a favorite of mine but the plot was a little bit ridiculous, but no more than your typical block buster movie, so...
I liked the team at our fictitious government agency, a bit of wishful thinking, but fiction isn't supposed to be real life.
I have a problem with the vernacular. I'm not American and sometimes I didn't have a clue what the conversations were about. There was major overuse of 'sitch' instead of situation, sometimes when neither were necessary, and it drove me batty. I also disliked the character names, cutesie and unlikely in many cases.
All in all, not the best of Amy Lane, but it's still a fun read and I'll be looking for the rest in the series.
May 25, 2023
Amy Lane books always give me great joy when I read them.
This one was no exception. Crosby and Garcia were a delight to discover as well as the rest of their team.
This book started out slow as the two men got to know one another and we got to understand the department they worked in. We learned about their team and connected everyone was.
But watching Crosby fall for Garcia was the icing on the cake with a whole bunch of fireworks of suspense added in.
At times this book was hard because you just FELT for Crosby as he worked under cover and the hell Amy put him through.
The end was worth it and I can't wait to see what happens next in this mysterious alphabet department.
This one was no exception. Crosby and Garcia were a delight to discover as well as the rest of their team.
This book started out slow as the two men got to know one another and we got to understand the department they worked in. We learned about their team and connected everyone was.
But watching Crosby fall for Garcia was the icing on the cake with a whole bunch of fireworks of suspense added in.
At times this book was hard because you just FELT for Crosby as he worked under cover and the hell Amy put him through.
The end was worth it and I can't wait to see what happens next in this mysterious alphabet department.
May 21, 2023
What a great book! This one is quite long but keeps your attention hooked all the way through. Crosby just wanted to be a good cop and help people but life has a way of throwing a monkey wrench into plans. Being a stand-up guy, he refused to cover for a dirty cop and had to move to avoid the death threats. Garcia is hoping that his new job with a special team will be what he’s been looking for. Imagine his surprise when he’s teamed up with Crosby. I really appreciated how much character development we get on the various team members and look forward to reading future books in this series.
May 29, 2023
Oh my god, Garcia and Crosby are delicious together, and I'm hungry for more! I read a lot of M/M and I love a good book with fully grown adults working their stuff out together. I'm getting older and more cynical and want to read less college and young adult love. This book absolutely hit the spot! I've already read it twice! I also really appreciate the world building that went into this. I want so much to believe we can get to a world where the bad cops are rooted out and authorities truly make the world safer.
June 4, 2023
I met Crosby and Garcia on Amy's patreon site and I was thrilled to finally get the whole story. OMG, what an incredible journey for these 2 men, ripped right from the front pages of today's world. Amy nearly broke my heart with what she put Crosby through while undercover. It was brutal and lonely, and thank god for Garcia's steadfast determination to keep this man in his life. His team was incredible in the way they had his back. Toby, what can I say about this man, Crosby's friend, that nearly died to keep Crosby's secret. Also, I caught the reference to Burton and Constance. Well Done!
May 23, 2023
Great New Series
Love the main characters Crosby and Garcia. The rest of the gorup they work with are interesting and fun, though 2 slightly more intriging with their hard hitting ways lol.
Crosby and Garcia work together and eventually fall for each other. They hit a few bumps in the road due to Crosby past work, but they remain true to each other and learn that their team is the best and will support them no matter what.
I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
Love the main characters Crosby and Garcia. The rest of the gorup they work with are interesting and fun, though 2 slightly more intriging with their hard hitting ways lol.
Crosby and Garcia work together and eventually fall for each other. They hit a few bumps in the road due to Crosby past work, but they remain true to each other and learn that their team is the best and will support them no matter what.
I can’t wait to see what’s next in the series.
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