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The Long Con #6

The Face Man

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Torrance Grayson has forged a solid independent journalism career with help from his friend and mentor, Felix Salinger, and he's relished being the face of the Salinger crew, exposing the corruption of the powerful while keeping his friends safe in their anonymity. But being face to face with the worst in the world takes its toll, and when Tor has a moment of weakness, it's the Salingers who come to bail him out.

During his recovery, Tor makes friends with the household's confident, charismatic young chef, Marco. Their quiet conversations make Marco more and more reluctant to confront Tor on the grave mistake the man is about to make in his current exposé—a mistake that can harm Marco's loud, boisterous family irrecoverably.

Tor is more than willing to listen—and to correct any mistakes. He's seen graphic proof that he's not infallible, and he'll go to any lengths to avert tragedy. But as Tor works toward the truth of what's happening with Marco's family, Marco begins to develop deep suspicions about the people they both work for. Torrance Grayson is in deep with the Salingers, and Marco isn't sure he should know any more than necessary about people who seem to be great bosses but shady citizens.

In order to help Marco, Tor needs to trust him—and that means to trust him with the truth of the Salinger Crew, as well as with his heart. But in a world of capers and crimefighting, trust, it appears, is worth more than gold and jewels. Tor can expose crime and injustice with impunity, but can he expose his heart to Marco, a man who desperately wants in?

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2023

10 people are currently reading
92 people want to read

About the author

Amy Lane

203 books3,488 followers
Amy 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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5 stars
83 (54%)
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45 (29%)
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18 (11%)
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3 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Jambrea Jones.
Author 101 books165 followers
October 15, 2023
The Long Con series is one of my favorites from Amy Lane. I thought I had a favorite, until this story. This one is my favorite so far!! Torrance Grayson broke my heart at the beginning of this story. Watching him grow was... fun. He needs Marco in a way I don't think he really understood. Introducing Marco's family was fun too! I want them to be included in more adventures.

This series has been building up to what was found out towards the end, which I am not spoiling. I really can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Ellie.
790 reviews78 followers
September 20, 2024
2.5 stars

Tropes: caught up on someone else, I'll convince you to love me (determined/reluctant), colleagues, hurt/comfort

Positives:
 ~ I love the gang
 ~

Negatives:
 ~ I don't feel that Tor's personal issues were dealt with sufficiently
 ~ not nearly enough romance
 ~ the split timeline that covers a portion of the previous book felt unnecessary
 ~ the crime plot's connection with the rest of the series was tenuous and I found it tiresome

◆◆◆◆◈ - The Mastermind
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Muscle
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Driver
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Suit
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Tech
◆◆◈◇◇ - The Face Man
Profile Image for Terri.
2,885 reviews58 followers
November 4, 2023
Oh, good job, Amy Lane, making me tear up four pages in. *blink*blink*blink*

This one was fun; fun funny, fun sweet, fun sarcastic, fun trouble. Fun! And there are two ficklits that take place at the end of book 5, The Tech: both fun, too.
446 reviews24 followers
Currently reading
November 2, 2023
I'm so bored... I love the characters, but the plot is not gripping in the slightest. One dimensional evil guys, and endless references to how noble and just the Robin Hood crew is - "justice league" indeed. I got it 5 books ago.
Amy Lane is at her best writing vulnerable yet strong characters who remain kind and capable of love despite what they had to go through. The rest, unfortunately, is not working for me 😞
Profile Image for Donna.
3,382 reviews42 followers
February 9, 2024
Six books in and still going as strong, if not stronger. I just love this series and this "family"!

Tor has been skimming the edges of the "family" for a while now and when you add in new chef, Marco... it would appear that being a permanent part of the family will become a done deal! Well, after the chaos that is the long con in each book... this one is NO different from the others in that respect!

And finally... Hello, still waiting for Josh's book! 😭😭😭
Profile Image for Teresa.
3,952 reviews41 followers
October 31, 2023
We are back with the Salingers - everyone’s favourite “criminals” who right the injustices they can. This was as madcap as the rest of the series with them taking down another corrupt family. The characters are interesting their mission worth while. I liked Marco’s cousins and how they fit with the group. I had a few issues, but they were more about my preferences and others might not have the same reaction.
Profile Image for Susanne.
289 reviews2 followers
October 11, 2023
This is book 6 in the series and you definitely need to have read the other book. This really should not be read as a stand-alone. The time in this one slightly overlaps with the last one, The Tech.

I was really looking forward to this book because, for the very first time, we have one MC who for parts of this book has no idea what the Salinger crew does. Marco has been a cook for the crew for a few months. He’s from a big Italian family, with parts of the family working in a construction business that belongs to his uncle. Tor, a reporter and oftentimes the face man for all the crew’s adventures, intends to do a segment of his show on Uncle Flory’s business since it seems to be shady. Marco stops him from doing that and they soon discover that there are many things going on in the background. So many things, that the crew has to come together to help Marco’s family.

I absolutely loved coming back to the Salingers. And it was amazing seeing the dynamic between Tor and Marco because I wouldn’t have guessed it to go that way. But it fits them so very well.
At the same time, Amy’s writing makes everything even better. She’s got a very special way of writing that is so very good. I can’t even say what exactly it is about it, you just need to experience it for yourself and you’ll know.

I feel like with every new book in the series I fall more and more in love with all of the crew members, which leads me to having to re-read all the books (even though I just finished reading the whole series in August). But no matter what series I read, the couple of the first book will forever have a special place in my heart. Which is why I’m always looking forward to scenes with Danny and Felix in them (a very big THANK YOU to Amy for that ficlet at the end). Though I do wonder if Danny will ever be confronted with one of Felix’s old hookups 😂

Now I’m very much looking forward to the next (and I think the last?) book in the series.
Profile Image for Barb ~rede-2-read~.
3,765 reviews113 followers
November 8, 2023
I cannot tell a lie—I absolutely love this series, and I’m continually surprised when each time a new story comes out, I fall in love with Danny, Felix, Julia, and their gang all over again. The “gang” is a group of young men and women who have been at loose ends and sometimes on the fringes of the law before finding their way to this modern day Robin Hood clan where they all have one thing in common: a deep desire to do right and bring justice, sometimes with a side of calamity, to those who do harm.

This installment features Tor, the independent investigative reporter and “face man” for the group. He’s helped the Salingers in their latest adventure: bringing justice, shame, and havoc to those responsible for Molly and Stirling’s adoptive parents’ deaths. Marco, the new chef in the household is the perfect partner for Tor, once Tor realizes he’s being seduced by the man who will secure his future happiness. There’s plenty of push-pull as Tor tries to shy away from commitment and Marco is all in. But there’s also plenty of danger and intrigue as Marco brings a family concern to the group, and Julia, Danny, Felix, and their son, Josh, realize there’s much more to the issue than what meets the eye and so the adventure begins.

What I love about this series most is the intrigue and complexity of each story as the group plots a long con and more characters are added to the mix in each book. I also love the “rob from the rich and give to the poor” aspect of the adventures. They always manage to take from the bad guy—usually hitting them in their deep money pockets—and then they give back to the good—to the victims or to charity. Also, so far, each character pair has been very interesting both individually and as a couple, and they all appear at least once in each subsequent story, so we have a large “family of the heart,” each of whom are now burrowed into my own heart. The only negative, and it’s not really very negative, is that we’ve had to wait for Josh’s own story. Maybe next time, Ms. Lane? Please?

I definitely recommend this book to those who love a complex con, and most certainly encourage others to start with the first, The Mastermind, and read the entire series.
Author 3 books39 followers
October 17, 2023
Okay, I defy anyone to read this and not want to give Tor a humongous hug, followed by some of Marco’s delicious food because he needs to know that we love all of him and not just how gorgeous he is!

I was fascinated by this read because it references the previous book and we get to see the aftermath – our fabulous team are a little bruised and battered, showing their humanity and just how broken they are, whilst also demonstrating incredibly well how they have each other’s backs and understand the demons that drive each of them.

I loved the introduction of Marco’s cousins; Tor’s cameraman Phil was a quiet favourite of mine; Josh is beginning to recover fully which has me squeeing with delight because that means he and Liam can move past ‘potential’ to full on LOVE; Grace continues to break my heart and give me hope – the whole team is here and in full effect and this was a fantastic ride.

Marco and Tor were beautiful together and I adored the way that Marco took control of Tor, let him know that he was loved and wasn’t too proud to go to any of the others for help in figuring out his man. The sex scenes between them were alternately hot, steaming and just so damned touching – phew! This book – the con, the parties, the descriptions of the grift along with the family and lover dynamics was exactly what I needed. Just absolutely perfect – if you know Amy and have read any of the rest of the Long Con Adventures, then you know what to expect.

Literally read this in one day (I will apologise to my cats for the disruption to normal attention levels) and I plan to grab all of the Long Con Adventures and read them ALL in one go (when my TBR goes down). No surprise that this was a five for me!

I received an ARC from the author.
Profile Image for Zane Kage.
3,385 reviews32 followers
November 1, 2023
4.5 stars

The Face Man is Book 6 in a series that has kept me at the edge of my seat (and yes, you need to read them all—they are not standalones).

I loved Tor and Marco. Tor, even though I wanted to strangle him at times, so broken, in need of hugs, and in need for this found family to adopt him. Marco who just needed someone to take care of (and the Salingers, of course). And well, he was everything else Tor didn’t know he needed. My heart broke for all that Tor went through, but even through that, this story was an absolute joy.

I'm always so glad to be back with this crew, to see where they are and how well they mesh together. Marco’s family was a fun addition, which is a good thing considering his family led to the current job…and led to the next job (after a really harrowing *OMG* revelation) that is gonna be a BIGGIE. Book 7. The last one. EEP! These six books have been a slow build to the finale—which we now know is gonna be a doozy!

I can safely say that the Salingers are now my happy place. I lost count of how many times I laughed, giggled and chuckled at their antics and the banter and the myriad ways they show love for one another. And Grace. OMG, Grace. The best feral cat forever in need of cuddles. Scene-stealer, that one.

One last thing: Josh, Josh, Josh, I want his story but I don’t want him to be next cause then that means it’s the last one and I don’t want this to end! Salingers forever!!!

Profile Image for Cathy.
873 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2023
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach

The Face Man by Amy Lane is a smorgasbord of delights that made me smile. There is action. There is human trafficking of at risk adults. There are steamy sexy times that will leave you fanning yourself at the heat the two men generate.There are fist fights, smashing cars, and eventually, the Russian mob. There is also good food, lots of family banter, laughter, worry, angst, and a bout of alcoholism and depression. This family is cobbled together to be a tight knit group, where everyone takes care of each other, and no man is left behind.

The story picks up right after the events of the previous book, The Tech, and the adventures on Gunrunner's Island. Torrance Greyson has been working long hours, and feeling the pressure to be a successful journalist. The death of a friend’s daughter sends him into a tailspin. The Salinger crew arrive, clean him up, and take him to the mansion to be with family, and to heal.

One way he heals is through the delicious cooking of the family Chef, Marco. Through conversations, quiet breakfasts, tasty treats, and patience, the handsome talented chef works his way into Torrance’s heart. Sparks are ignited, and Torrance discovers exactly how much he needs Marco to take charge, and care for his tender heart.

There is another well played con that tries to end an evil familie’s corruption, and to free hostages of slave labor.

I absolutely loved reading the family antics, watching Josh slowly recover, and even picking up the Easter eggs of Amy Lane’s other series, Beneath The Stain. Man, I miss Mackey!
Profile Image for Pete W.
520 reviews33 followers
October 31, 2023
I receive this book as ARC for my honest review.

I enjoy this book more than the previous one. Mostly due to the more overall lighthearted tone and funny banters between characters that happened more in this book. Most likely because this is from the POV of new pair of MCs. And that the situation had lighten up a bit since the previous book.

However, that wasn't all true.

The relationship building felt kinda... rote by this point. It is Ms. Lane comfort zone. Torrence was nursing a crush that he was about to overcome. While Marco was ready and willing but also recognized that Tor wasn't quite at the same place, yet.

The main plot this time, as shown in the snippet, involved Marco's family. Afterward, things get a bit spicy with the rush to crash a party for intel gathering.

I love this part.

The climax of this book felt like a huge task for the team to take on, once we learned how deep the scam went.

I am looking forward to see whether the next book will the Josh book. Since I think Josh's book will be the last book of this series or this arc of everybody meet their partners. Which will probably the book where the team take on the BBEG, Kajic.

Overall, I enjoyed the lighter tone of this book. It was nice to see Josh became more active, as he starting to recover from his illness. I hope we will eventually see what he can do at full capacity.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,664 reviews
November 2, 2023
This is another emotional addition to a wonderful series.
Torrance is the journalist who has the important role of exposing the truly bad people whose wicked deeds are thwarted by the Salingers and their crew. Tor considers himself a friend-slash-associate, but when he falls apart emotionally, he learns that he is considered part of the found family and cared about more than he knows. The entire beginning of this book hurts my heart. This poor man is (understandably) a mess.
Marco is the Salinger's talented cook, a trained chef who enjoys this job more than his prior restaurant endeavors. He is young and confident, and he is quickly attracted to the surprised and hesitant Tor.
When the family agrees to help Marco's family's contracting company, which is being hurt by scammers, a new fascinating adventure begins for everyone. At the same time, Tor and Marco begin a hot and heavy romance. Let me just say, Marco's innocent looks hide a dominance Tor never realized he needs. Whoa!
I adore this series, including this addition. The entire team is here, reminding us why we love them, and Marco fits in so well. Tor is finally surrounded by people who care about him, and it's endearing to see him try to wrap his head around Marco's feelings for him.
I'm excited that Josh is healing and almost ready for his own romance, but I dread getting to the end of the series. I love these characters, and I enjoy my time with them. It will be impossible for me to let them go. Once everyone is happily mated (including Molly, I hope!), I see many rereads in my future.
Profile Image for Jennifer R.
93 reviews8 followers
October 31, 2023
This is one of my favorite series by Amy Lane, and this sixth book might be my best-loved. The timeline of this story overlaps a bit with the prior book, so you will definitely want to read the prior books in the series before this one, if you haven't yet. I loved Marco for Torrance. Neither character was what I expected, but I adore them both and want a Marco of my own. He is exactly what Torrance needs. I really liked how the relationship developed and how they communicated, both with each other, and with their friends. The plot revolves around saving Marco's family's business, which was more challenging than expected, with some very touching moments. His family was a hoot and it was great to see the Salinger crew through Marco and their eyes. At the end, we get a teaser for the plot of the next book, and I can't wait for Josh's story and to see how it wraps up.
23 reviews
November 6, 2023
I received an advance copy of this novel for review purposes.

Weaving in and around the events of The Tech, The Face Man follows another pair who like Sterling and Etienne in The Tech, are very similar in certain ways yet different enough to not be doing the twinsey thing.

The romantic storyline emphasizes that FAMILY is made of choosing even when you are related. The Job in this one emphasizes a different kind of advantage being takeoff a different category of people, but the familiar trope is someone being blackmailed behind the scenes while being framed in the public eye.

Two familiar names pop up, so keep your eyes open!
Profile Image for Shannon.
431 reviews7 followers
November 2, 2023
The Long Con is one of my favourite series by Amy and I had been so curious about Tor's story.

This book was a lot of fun as we learned about Tor's past and how it tied with Marco's family. The Salinger crew is right there watching the courtship, cheering our heroes on.

The story is at times humorous, page turning and heartbreaking, all typical Amy notes.

The author teases more about the next book in the series in both the big bad guy as well as the next heroes.

Definitely continue the series if you've started and start with Mastermind if you haven't.

58 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2023
This one made me cry

Amy Lane has written another great book. The Long Con Adventures has been my most anticipated books for awhile now. But The Face Man has hit all my buttons of why I love Ms. Lane's writing. This book adds to the knowledge that the characters aren't just con men and griffters but they are a family. Each character is an individual and Lane has built them each to fit into this family. She has many great series that will make you happy to read, but the love she puts into The Long Con Adventures will make you feel much more than anticipated.
466 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2023
This is the sixth book in The Long Con series. I absolutely loved this book and love the series. If this is your first read in the series, you should go back and read the others as they are all so wonderful. I am loving that this book is starting to involve some of the really bad guys we have seen mentioned in previous books. The characters were, as always, wonderfully developed and the pace was fantastic. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this wonderful series.
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,798 reviews
November 11, 2023
This series just gets better and better. I've been waiting for Torrance's story and it was more than I expected. Tor needed family in the worst way without even realizing it. Always looking in, never thinking he belonged to anything or anyone until Marco. Sweet, sexy, strong Marco who knew just what Tor needed. I loved Marco's family and their acceptance of what the Salinger family is all about. While the ending has it's required hea, it also set up for Josh's story and the Russian mob.
Profile Image for Lidia.
2,645 reviews30 followers
November 11, 2023
So, what can I tell a new readers about this book and series and Amy Lane: read it now! Because it is been worth every minute by my time reading of the story. There are not only so much actions and bad guys bring to justice but there is especially family's sense where everyone has his/her/they space. Then Tor and Marco , the protagonist couple, they are cute ,sweet and so balanced in their dynamic.
Profile Image for Dawn.
820 reviews
April 4, 2024
4.5 stars Tor and Marco were a great couple. I loved their adventures. But honestly, what keeps me coming back for more is this ensemble cast of characters. All of them contributing something to the story. But still to this day, my favorite character is Grace. His humor and even sensitivity and goofiness just make me smile. I am so looking forward to book 7 and Josh’s book except of course that means it’s the end. Which means I will just have to start from the beginning and read them all again.
Profile Image for Hani.
925 reviews
September 8, 2025
This book was practically a cliff hanger regarding the caper, resulting in the sweetest HFN for everyone. There were TWO bonus stories: one for the Mastermind couple and the other was the Muscle couple and jump-off for Josh's book, clearly.

This book stood out in that this is the first book in this series that had a "civilian" romantic interest. Although, the civilian's cousins are quite questionable, making me snigger so hard. It was fun to re-learn this crew through people not in the know.
Profile Image for Lisa Guertin.
572 reviews11 followers
October 23, 2023
The Salinger crew is back in action. This time their quarry has mob ties and a Congressman in the mix. Torrance Grayson is blindsided by handsome chef Marco when he comes to stay with the Salingers to recover after a gruesome experience. Tor and Marco are so very cute and perfect together. This is a great addition to the series and leaves you wanting the next book.
Profile Image for T.A.
651 reviews
October 31, 2023
Chaos & Intrigue

This is Tor and Marco’s story. Marco us the Salinger’s chef, he’s interested in Tor, so when Tor ends up at the Salinger’s mansion needing rest, Marco asks him for help. Tor brings in the gang to help, chaos and intrigue ensue.

I loved the story as usual and can’t wait for Josh’s book.
Profile Image for Rachel.
115 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2023
Aww, Tor broke my heart. He’s such a lonely squishy marshmallow in the beginning. Burned in the campfire until his bark fell off. Marco is an adorable and toppy foil to that need. I love it! The Salinger crew is so much fun as they run around causing chaos. They should probably consider retiring soon if they don’t stop going headlong oopsie daisies. :) ❤️ Can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Christy.
4,450 reviews127 followers
November 3, 2023
Fun and exciting, as these books always are, Tor and Marco’s story had a little extra zing! I love watching the Salinger family bring down despicable people. The fact that Danny’s nemesis, Andres Kadjic, was involved here, too, means they’re going to have to make him their final long con. I’m totally waiting for that!
3,176 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2023
Love the Long Con series, though my brain needs a primer on prior books at the beginning!

Book 1: The Mastermind- Danny and Felix,of course
Book 2: The Muscle- Hunter and Dylan Li "Grace"
Book 3: The Driver- Chuck and Lucius (buzz man)
Book 4: The Suit- Carl and Michael (mech)
Book 5: The Tech- Stirling and Etiene (forger)
Boo, 6: The Face Man- Tor and Marco (chef)
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,521 reviews139 followers
November 8, 2023
This time Torrance gets his happy ending with Marco, the young chef at the Salinger Mansion.
Its great to catch up with everybody and to see how Josh is doing. This time, the team get involved helping Marco's family.
Its a great caper with a hinting of what is to follow. I am thinking maybe the next book will be the last with Danny's nemesis getting his comeuppance and maybe a HEA for Josh.
Profile Image for Becca.
3,222 reviews47 followers
November 8, 2023
I fell in love with Marco and Tor so quick and was so happy to see their story. It's going to take you on a whirlwind tour as only Amy can do, but you will be more in love with these two at the end. And everyone else in the crew. I hope there will be a lot more adventures with all of these guys to come!!
Profile Image for Dionne.
Author 1 book14 followers
November 20, 2023
Each book in this series keeps getting better. I love the little "Easter eggs" that this author puts in her books from her other series. This book starts right after the events of The Tech and showed the aftermath of those events. I adore the found family theme of these books and I can't wait to read the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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