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Fish Out of Water #6
School of Fish
Jackson Rivers has been learning how to take care of himself so he can be there for Ellery Cramer, but after eight weeks of healing, body and soul, he’s itching to get back to work. Finally Ellery gives him a simple task: pick up a file on a kid who probably didn’t commit murder but who refuses to participate in his own defense.
Nothing is ever that easy.
A horrifying game of connect-the-dots leads one case to another, to the mob, to the local high school… and a bottomless list of potential suspects and victims. The case has a lot of moving parts, and Jackson and Ellery have to work fast to make sure the machinery of the mob doesn’t mow down everyone they care about—or rip them apart.
After a year of living together, Ellery is learning to accept that Jackson can’t let an injustice stand. Together they fight to keep kids out of jail while the streets of Sacramento threaten to explode. They’d better hope they’ve learned enough about each other to keep it together, because for this case, school is the most dangerous place to be.
Nothing is ever that easy.
A horrifying game of connect-the-dots leads one case to another, to the mob, to the local high school… and a bottomless list of potential suspects and victims. The case has a lot of moving parts, and Jackson and Ellery have to work fast to make sure the machinery of the mob doesn’t mow down everyone they care about—or rip them apart.
After a year of living together, Ellery is learning to accept that Jackson can’t let an injustice stand. Together they fight to keep kids out of jail while the streets of Sacramento threaten to explode. They’d better hope they’ve learned enough about each other to keep it together, because for this case, school is the most dangerous place to be.
Audible Audio
First published December 15, 2020
95 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Amy Lane
203 books3,487 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 119 reviews
January 28, 2025
Gawd, how I love these guys!!! ❤❤❤
June 15, 2021
So sad to see a good series with wonderful, warm and believable characters seemingly come to an end. There are few authors that will take up a series again with the same characters just because the readers liked them and want more and more of them...but we can hope. I am a long-time reader of Amy Lane's work, so I have high expectations for her. This book lived up to all my expectations. These 6 books can easily be read as standalones but the books work best if read in order as part of the series. That way the reader can truly appreciate Ellery’s and Jackson’s journey and their found family. Two of the most beautiful characters I have ever found.
Want to read
October 4, 2020I don't want to support DSP and honestly I am not a huge fan of the author after her blog post where she shit on all the authors who were rightfully asking for their royalties.
I hate that I want to read this so badly.
I hate that I want to read this so badly.
September 26, 2023
4.5 stars
Jackson, Ellery and the crew become involved in hunting down a gang of child traffickers in this complex and fast-paced story. I'm loving how far Jackson has come since we first met him; he's finally learning to value himself for him and accepting that Ellery and the people around him value him for himself, too.
Jackson, Ellery and the crew become involved in hunting down a gang of child traffickers in this complex and fast-paced story. I'm loving how far Jackson has come since we first met him; he's finally learning to value himself for him and accepting that Ellery and the people around him value him for himself, too.
December 19, 2020
Loved this installment... just enjoyed the fiction ... ❤️
May 29, 2024
“Thank you for the faith. Thank you for loving me and waiting for me to grow up.”
“Thank you for loving me and keeping me from being old,” Ellery whispered back.
Seeing Jackson heal through the pages feels like such a personal victory to me. There is something in the way Amy Lane has chiseled these characters and in her beautiful writing that they feel like my own.
Sometimes the dark was needed, because the light hurt too much, and sometimes it was needed to see the light in a lover’s heart.
And sometimes it was both.
“Thank you for loving me and keeping me from being old,” Ellery whispered back.
Seeing Jackson heal through the pages feels like such a personal victory to me. There is something in the way Amy Lane has chiseled these characters and in her beautiful writing that they feel like my own.
Sometimes the dark was needed, because the light hurt too much, and sometimes it was needed to see the light in a lover’s heart.
And sometimes it was both.
December 1, 2020
Another chapter in lives of Ellery and Jackson. I love coming back to an established couple - the place they are at right now emotionally, how close they've become and all the dreams that start to emerge because they have hope for the future.
The author always puts Ellery and Jackson through the ringer and this fact is why they love so hard. All of the small things between them are so much more potent - the sighs, the touch of a hand or comfortable silence. I loved the quiet moments where each of them reflected on how they felt about their relationship, each other and what they though of themselves. Ellery always knew all that included into loving Jackson, it only took Jackson a bit longer to catch up and see his own worth. He has arrived at that mindset where he was comfortable with himself and what his future held.
The suspense was out of this world high. The case started from the first page and didn't let go. I loved the pieces of a big puzzle that both MCs with help of their friends and colleagues kept collecting and brainstorming into a big hot mess of a picture. The best part was how Amy Lane within those cases brought fourth most current problems the society had without preaching but in a fast paced, high intensity chase with all the destruction that Jackson could muster. And sometimes deadpan and sassy humor completed this wonderful book for me. I loved it from start to finish. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
The author always puts Ellery and Jackson through the ringer and this fact is why they love so hard. All of the small things between them are so much more potent - the sighs, the touch of a hand or comfortable silence. I loved the quiet moments where each of them reflected on how they felt about their relationship, each other and what they though of themselves. Ellery always knew all that included into loving Jackson, it only took Jackson a bit longer to catch up and see his own worth. He has arrived at that mindset where he was comfortable with himself and what his future held.
The suspense was out of this world high. The case started from the first page and didn't let go. I loved the pieces of a big puzzle that both MCs with help of their friends and colleagues kept collecting and brainstorming into a big hot mess of a picture. The best part was how Amy Lane within those cases brought fourth most current problems the society had without preaching but in a fast paced, high intensity chase with all the destruction that Jackson could muster. And sometimes deadpan and sassy humor completed this wonderful book for me. I loved it from start to finish. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
January 24, 2023
Yes, I have missed Jackson and Ellery. Yes, they are wonderful and a little bit terrifying at the same time. And yes, they are utterly exhausting. Still, I'd better read the Flophouse books sooner rather than later before I forget all the things going on in Sacramento.
November 1, 2024
5 stars for the narration, 4.5 for the story
The excellent performance from Greg Tremblay pushes this one into the 5 star bracket.
Another great outing for Jackson and Ellery as their case - keeping an innocent kid out of jail - opens out into something much darker and finds them working to bring down a gang of traffickers who are kidnapping children.
Jackson and Ellery have been together a year now, and their quiet moments of downtime are lovely as they reaffirm their love and support for each other and there's no doubt in their minds that they're in it for the long haul. Jackson is learning to be more careful of his personal safety, even though he still manages to end up in the middle of shooting matches and all sorts of danger!
I like the way his relationship with Henry (his PI protegé) is progressing, and the regular secondary characters are here to provide support and snark.
I hope the next book makes it into audio soon!
The excellent performance from Greg Tremblay pushes this one into the 5 star bracket.
Another great outing for Jackson and Ellery as their case - keeping an innocent kid out of jail - opens out into something much darker and finds them working to bring down a gang of traffickers who are kidnapping children.
Jackson and Ellery have been together a year now, and their quiet moments of downtime are lovely as they reaffirm their love and support for each other and there's no doubt in their minds that they're in it for the long haul. Jackson is learning to be more careful of his personal safety, even though he still manages to end up in the middle of shooting matches and all sorts of danger!
I like the way his relationship with Henry (his PI protegé) is progressing, and the regular secondary characters are here to provide support and snark.
I hope the next book makes it into audio soon!
April 7, 2022
Let me preface this by saying that I don't know this series well, but I really wanted to read it. I have only read the first book in the series, and mystery-themed books are not my favorite. I've briefly met Jackson Rivers in another book in Shades of Henry and needed to know more. After reading the first book, I found that he is such a fascinating character and the people surrounding him also deserve the same level of appreciation.
School of Fish (Book 6) takes place around a year after Fish Out of Water (Book 1). A lot of love and injuries have happened since Jackson and Ellory became official after many years coexist in each orbit. I vibe with Amy Lane's writing, and I had faith she would knock this out. She is a fantastic writer, and the humor/romance in the story was at the right level to get me through the series of mysteries that needed to be unraveled to save the day.
Overall, I enjoy myself, and yes, the mystery drags me for a bit in the middle, but I will be packed on board by the end of the book. Can I also say how glad Henry was added to the team? I met him many books ago in Dex in Blue and had an eye-opening experience in Shades of Henry. This book also reminded me that I need reread Black John and read books 2 -5 for 2021.
**This copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
School of Fish (Book 6) takes place around a year after Fish Out of Water (Book 1). A lot of love and injuries have happened since Jackson and Ellory became official after many years coexist in each orbit. I vibe with Amy Lane's writing, and I had faith she would knock this out. She is a fantastic writer, and the humor/romance in the story was at the right level to get me through the series of mysteries that needed to be unraveled to save the day.
Overall, I enjoy myself, and yes, the mystery drags me for a bit in the middle, but I will be packed on board by the end of the book. Can I also say how glad Henry was added to the team? I met him many books ago in Dex in Blue and had an eye-opening experience in Shades of Henry. This book also reminded me that I need reread Black John and read books 2 -5 for 2021.
**This copy was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2020
What I Think: Look out – Long Review ahead! Merry Christmas to all my readers and all the Authors and Authoresses, Master and Mistress Puppeteers who made this year easier to breathe through even as it tried its damndest to destroy us. But, guess what? We still live (yes, Mme. Sara, I stole this). So, I have apparently missed a lot in this series and it shows as titbits about other people give me chronic Dying-Of-Curiosity Syndrome (capitalised so you know its true – I couldn’t help it, Book Daddy Klune). You know Mme. Amy takes no prisoners when we’re thrown into a rescue attempt. What tale was Sonny’s and why haven’t I read it? See the fascinating things I’m missing! I couldn’t place Ellery and Jackson because it had been a while then I remembered. I met them in Shades of Henry as the couple that gave him new life and dreams. Just as Jackson promises Ellery no heroics because he’s still recovering from a terrible incident, trouble has to follow him, leaving me quivering and breathless at the suddenness of it. But, if you’re not already gasping for breath (for whatever reason) after a couple of chapters into any of Mme. Amy’s tales, then you’re reading something not written by her. I don’t know how Ellery does it but I guess it’s the same thing partners of service people have to live with everyday. The chance that their very own Wolverine or Wonder Woman might not return home to them. Me? Pure lightweight who would age prematurely. Reading about all these connections that have been made through this series is pure torture so why can’t I stop? These are the kind of friends you need during an apocalypse and I want! Its painful and infuriating to see how corrupt the system is when those who swore to serve and protect can’t care for their own. Everytime the law enforcement order breaks Jackson’s heart, my heart aches. Even though this is normal in my continent, I am yet to become immure to it. Then I came across a belle so lovely in and out, that falling for her was as natural as breathing. I thought I was a weakling for being terrified of hospitals considering that I’ve spent at least a quarter of my life in them, but Jackson’s reaction towards hospitals made me feel less insane. Only for me to veer off into indignation. I am mad at Sean’s (don’t know who it is? Ha! Read it!) man. I don’t care how scared or worried he is. You don’t fight with the walking wounded. And why the hell is Jackson being treated like a fucking Shinigami? Its not his fault that unlike so many others, he can’t just let the innocent suffer and go to sleep at night. People better wake up before I start dispensing my own smacks of justice. Apparently, its easier to bear being with a super hero when the love is just this complete and sublime. The give and take of an equal partnership is soothing and healing, no matter what. I need the first lovemaking scene so much because my heart and head were hurting from the madness of these new cases and the young lives that have been roped into it. The laughter that this Authoress induces in the tensest of places is like a swim on a hot Senegalese afternoon. In Naija speak, if mata don pass cry, na laugh remain (when a problem has become too big for tears, the only other option is laughter). Ellery and Jackson and their team of crazy people are trying to stop hell from spilling over with very limited time and even more limited info and they set out to prove all my assumptions wrong. Gah, I’ll never make a good detective. I would end up tangling myself into knots while my clients get picked off by their enemies. Ellery is a saint and Jackson had better worship him. Not only is he dealing with Jackson’s PTSD, he also has to deal with him having banged everything that moved around him. I don’t know if it would be jealousy or just me not knowing how to cope with someone that knows so many people intimately. I would be the one feeling naked. Oh, dear, there’s still a lot of prude left to sheer off, isn’t there? Warning – Rant: I know humans are inherently evil but where the hell did this come from? That its okay to be evil to people because they’re different from us? Are Caucasians that terrified of new things or are people of color really that scary? Which, of course, made me start thinking of how the colonials fearlessly went over sea and land to discover the world. How PPOC in spite of everything have maintained a strong sense of self and culture. Which also got me thinking about how similar the entire human race is at its core (you do know it’s only one human race, right?) and its so sad that we can’t see it. Rant over. Yet, its the little things that make it all worth doing. Something as simple as talking to a kid that comes from a loving, non-racist family made the waterworks spill over, faith in humanity making me grateful that I do something as simple as force myself to erode my boundaries everyday. My heart was in my mouth as these heroes do everything to rip it out of my chest because things begin to come full circle as they connect with the beginning. I am confused when I can’t find my socks so this tale with so many characters in motion was a doozy but Mme. Amy not only kept it real and in the air like a Mistress juggler, she twisted it back to fit with the beginning that was seemingly nowhere near any of these other events. Aarrgghh, its wrong to worship humans but then authors like all good artists aren’t completely human, are they? Ellery then proves my definition of love in one of the most poignant ways ever. Love is definitely a conscious decision based on an unconscious emotional reaction. He and Jackson both chose to try again and again because separating was never an option. I want that so bad. Then I met Lucy Satan and the crush got real (I’m so sorry, Jade. I promise, its not you, its me). Ellery on fire is a delight to the senses as he pours sense into his mavericks and holds them together. Hold on while I go put some of the good candy on his altar, smacking Jackson on the head as I walk past. Two chapters to the end and my heart is racing so much that I’m up and pacing as it tries to evacuate my chest, tension too tight for me to even stop and light up. If Jackson dares end up in the hospital again after Ellery’s request that turned me to goo, I’m delivering a justified beat-down that will hurt. Oh, my poor heart! I’ve had Bette Midler’s Glory of Love on continuous playback in the back of my head and I’m wondering why, but as the tale ends, I know why. The gentleness in the love between these two is all the more obvious because of the hardness and violence that surrounds them. A love so gentle and even deeper, built by trust and constant work, built to last lifetimes plus one and that song was the best sdtrk my little brain could call up. Only 2 questions need to be answered. First, Mme. Amy – will there be more? Second, this would make one hell of an action movie. Come on, people, how do we make this happen?
Verdict? Get ready for hangover as in the midst of madness and evil, love becomes a light to your path and is the only thing that can ensure your soul comes out whole!
Verdict? Get ready for hangover as in the midst of madness and evil, love becomes a light to your path and is the only thing that can ensure your soul comes out whole!
April 21, 2021
Gah! I just plain love this series so much! I enjoy how all of the disparate series' are woven together and we get to touchbase with old favorites from Johnnies and Racing for the Sun. That being said I didn't realize that Amy Lane had spun things off into the new Flophouse series so I was super confused when I first picked this up by how advanced Lance and Henry's relationship was. Had to pause after a couple of pages and go back and read their story in the first of the new series. Feel like we're about to needed a "greater world chart" to track how all the series interlace and what the proper reading order would be. But once I'd caught up on that story this one kicks us into high gear pretty much right away.
As is typical for a Fish Out of Water story this is action packed and of course Jackson and Ellery are not going to back down from protecting the innocent and saving those in danger. Which of course means Jackson's getting beat up from the get go even if he is trying to be more careful with himself for Ellery's sake. I really love the relationships these guys are building and the respect Jackson is gaining. He's finally getting some people around him and doesn't feel like the whole world will either let him down or destroy him. This story is a solid mess of mob bosses and underworld betrayals that has our guys lost in the details trying to pull everything into some semblance of sense. Along the way I've got a pretty good idea what two of the next Flophouse books might be about. ;) Can't wait! Yes please, give me more Sean and a certain military commando.
I really enjoy the fun of these stories even if they do fall sometimes into the action movie trope of the action sequences being bigger than is really realistic. I just don't care. I love these guys, I love their snark, and I'm always going to want to know what their next case is because they're just such fun to watch develop as they learn to trust in each other. This story was special for how far Jackson and Ellery's relationship has come.
As is typical for a Fish Out of Water story this is action packed and of course Jackson and Ellery are not going to back down from protecting the innocent and saving those in danger. Which of course means Jackson's getting beat up from the get go even if he is trying to be more careful with himself for Ellery's sake. I really love the relationships these guys are building and the respect Jackson is gaining. He's finally getting some people around him and doesn't feel like the whole world will either let him down or destroy him. This story is a solid mess of mob bosses and underworld betrayals that has our guys lost in the details trying to pull everything into some semblance of sense. Along the way I've got a pretty good idea what two of the next Flophouse books might be about. ;) Can't wait! Yes please, give me more Sean and a certain military commando.
I really enjoy the fun of these stories even if they do fall sometimes into the action movie trope of the action sequences being bigger than is really realistic. I just don't care. I love these guys, I love their snark, and I'm always going to want to know what their next case is because they're just such fun to watch develop as they learn to trust in each other. This story was special for how far Jackson and Ellery's relationship has come.
December 16, 2020
Oh my gah. Jackson. Not even back officially for one day......
I love all the Fish stories and I adore the ones with Ace, Sonny and especially Jai. But what I love more now, is how Amy is integrating them all together. Even the Johnnie's guys. It makes for some interesting reading for sure. jackson gets into enough trouble on his own and now add everyone else to the mix lol. Oh boy.
I will warn you. This is a hard story, because it deals with children and the trafficking of them. Among other things. So if it's a trigger, be careful. It's one heck of a good story though. Again Jackson and Ellery end up in the middle of a case that is hinky and before you know it, it ties into another case and all of it ties to the Russian mob. And in order to make things remotely better, they have to enlist some help from some old friends. And it's a thrilling ride. It's non stop action, snark, and fun. But I love that this one we also see Jackson is really growing and finally getting a clue about what he means to those around him. And for Jackson, that's huge.
Their lives are not easy. They aren't for the faint of heart with what they deal with. But after all is said and done, they come home to love and each other. And with all they deal with, it's a beautiful thing.
I can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Because knowing Jackson, he's not going to let what happened in this one go.
I love all the Fish stories and I adore the ones with Ace, Sonny and especially Jai. But what I love more now, is how Amy is integrating them all together. Even the Johnnie's guys. It makes for some interesting reading for sure. jackson gets into enough trouble on his own and now add everyone else to the mix lol. Oh boy.
I will warn you. This is a hard story, because it deals with children and the trafficking of them. Among other things. So if it's a trigger, be careful. It's one heck of a good story though. Again Jackson and Ellery end up in the middle of a case that is hinky and before you know it, it ties into another case and all of it ties to the Russian mob. And in order to make things remotely better, they have to enlist some help from some old friends. And it's a thrilling ride. It's non stop action, snark, and fun. But I love that this one we also see Jackson is really growing and finally getting a clue about what he means to those around him. And for Jackson, that's huge.
Their lives are not easy. They aren't for the faint of heart with what they deal with. But after all is said and done, they come home to love and each other. And with all they deal with, it's a beautiful thing.
I can't wait to see what's going to happen next. Because knowing Jackson, he's not going to let what happened in this one go.
December 21, 2020
I re-read this series this year, because funds were limited and because I knew this one was coming out. Glad I did, but you know, these characters live in my head already, and I doubt I'd have been lost. This is the 'same couple through time' romance that's become my benchmark for this type, a comparison Hazard & Somerset failed.
Nothing about Jackson and Ellery is easy. But they're good people.
I love that it's part of a several-branched universe, including a little paranormal and a lot of gay porn stars. I've yet to be any kind of disappointed.
I wish Amy Lane wasn't published by Dreamspinner, because they've been total asses to many authors. And Lane was an ass too, until she understood that just because they paid her didn't mean they paid everyone. She apologized.
Her stuff feels like it was written specifically for me, the reader. Magic, obviously.
Nothing about Jackson and Ellery is easy. But they're good people.
I love that it's part of a several-branched universe, including a little paranormal and a lot of gay porn stars. I've yet to be any kind of disappointed.
I wish Amy Lane wasn't published by Dreamspinner, because they've been total asses to many authors. And Lane was an ass too, until she understood that just because they paid her didn't mean they paid everyone. She apologized.
Her stuff feels like it was written specifically for me, the reader. Magic, obviously.
August 1, 2022
I love Jackson and Ellery. Henry and Galen are great adds to the crew. This was a high action crazy ride!
I can’t get over that the guys have only been together a year. They’ve grown so much.
I can’t get over that the guys have only been together a year. They’ve grown so much.
December 15, 2020
This is one of those books that you pick up and don't want to put down. I was checking my progress against the clock and finally had to concede that I wasn't going to be able to read it all in one night, much as I wanted to. I loved being back in Jackson's and Ellery's world. Even better is the shared universe that allows all the crossover characters from other series to factor in. Don't worry if you haven't read those series; you get the key details and won't be confused. It was so lovely to see Jackson and Ellery's relationship to continue to grow and mature and for the shoe to be on the other foot for Jackson. You get a lot of what you would expect in this series - action, strong characters and relationships, some lovin', and of course, snark. Overall, one of my favorites in the series. Highly recommend!
December 15, 2020
I love when Amy combines series and she has done that with her Fish Out of Water series. It's nice to see old friends in new stories. This series is one of my favorites as I love Jackson and Ellery.
Jackson goes back to work early after being off for recovery from the last book. AND... of course, all hell breaks loose. But never fear, Henry is there to help Jackson. Not that he is much help because he gets into just as much trouble.
This book is full of action and fun. If you love Fish Out of Water, Johnnies and Racing for the Sun, you will LOVE this book.
Great read and I highly recommend it.
Jackson goes back to work early after being off for recovery from the last book. AND... of course, all hell breaks loose. But never fear, Henry is there to help Jackson. Not that he is much help because he gets into just as much trouble.
This book is full of action and fun. If you love Fish Out of Water, Johnnies and Racing for the Sun, you will LOVE this book.
Great read and I highly recommend it.
December 16, 2020
Maybe I'm bias but everything by Amy Lane is fabulous. If possible her writing just keeps getting better. In this book we get another visit from the characters of Fish, Racing, and Jonnies. Our MC are getting back in the swing of things after another life threatening case. there is wonderful personal growth, beautiful moments as a growing couple, and of course it wouldn't be a Fish book without madness and mayhem, held together for a drive for law and justice.
Be ready to read straight through this one as you will ot be able to put it down.
Be ready to read straight through this one as you will ot be able to put it down.
December 18, 2020
A rating. Jackson and Ellery are hands down, one of my favorite couples ever. Every book that Amy Lane writes featuring them...I LOVE!!! I HIGHLY recommend this series!
Read
February 23, 2021I love these guys, but I just spent 15 days reading this book due to the convoluted story line. I think it was worth the time?
December 17, 2020
This book is like 20-something pages away from 400 and it still wasn’t long enough. By far my favorite of the series! Just to see the character growth in Jackson from the first book until now has been amazing. We’ve watched Jackson go from thinking the best thing he could do is die for someone to wanting to live for himself and his family. I adore watching Ellery take care of him and consistently show him that he is loved and who he is is exactly enough but I also repeatedly combust in glee and heart eyes whenever Jackson is the one to take care of Ellery too.
Jackson and Ellery are one of those couples where you can FEEL their love for each other - and it’s a painful, sweet, all-consuming love which is one of the reasons that I adore this series. Not to mention all of the action! And the friendships/found family! And the banter! And my number one always: Billy Bob.
I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out!!
Jackson and Ellery are one of those couples where you can FEEL their love for each other - and it’s a painful, sweet, all-consuming love which is one of the reasons that I adore this series. Not to mention all of the action! And the friendships/found family! And the banter! And my number one always: Billy Bob.
I can’t wait for the audiobook to come out!!
May 5, 2021
4 stars.
Life has been so busy that it took me almost 10 days to read this. I don't remember the last time that happened. But anyway, this is a continuation of Ellery and Jackson's book and it was a good read.
Although I did feel like at times there was too much going on, the story still kept me invested enough that I couldn't wait to now what happened next. I love the secondary characters (Henry and Sean - I don't know if there's a book for them but I'm definitely going to search).
This can't be read as a standalone but I highly recommend this series to everyone.
Life has been so busy that it took me almost 10 days to read this. I don't remember the last time that happened. But anyway, this is a continuation of Ellery and Jackson's book and it was a good read.
Although I did feel like at times there was too much going on, the story still kept me invested enough that I couldn't wait to now what happened next. I love the secondary characters (Henry and Sean - I don't know if there's a book for them but I'm definitely going to search).
This can't be read as a standalone but I highly recommend this series to everyone.
July 14, 2025
June 2025
I just re-read all books in this series and still love all of them
First review
I love this series and this book is no different. Jackson and Ellery are great together and I loved how the secondary characters developed.
Jackson is really coming out of his shell in regards to his relationship with Ellery and that was lovely to see.
I really hope there will be another book
I just re-read all books in this series and still love all of them
First review
I love this series and this book is no different. Jackson and Ellery are great together and I loved how the secondary characters developed.
Jackson is really coming out of his shell in regards to his relationship with Ellery and that was lovely to see.
I really hope there will be another book
January 1, 2021
The boys are back and this time with a backdrop of child trafficking.
It was quite a while until the beginning scenes caught ip with Ellery and Jackson's investigation, I would have thought they would have heard sooner.
Loved Billy Bob a d the pork chop.
It was quite a while until the beginning scenes caught ip with Ellery and Jackson's investigation, I would have thought they would have heard sooner.
Loved Billy Bob a d the pork chop.
December 7, 2023
22.04.2022, 20.11.2023
~ 4.5 stars ~
~ 4.5 stars ~
February 22, 2025
Sixième tome des aventures de l'avocat et du détective, ce tome nous propose une nouvelle enquête absolument haletante, qui nous permet en plus de retrouver les personnages rencontrés au fils des tomes précédents, qui tissent autour d'Ellery et de Jackson les fils solides d'une famille de cœur et d'amis dévoués. L'occasion aussi de se faire de nouveaux alliés, ce qui n'est pas négligeable vu le danger où les deux hommes plongent à chaque dossier qu'ils acceptent.
Et dès le prologue, nous sommes plongés dans l'action et dans l'horreur, quand Ace et Jay vont croiser la route du "bus de l'enfer"... mais Ellery et Jackson ne découvriront que bien plus tard ce qui peut relier les dossiers que l'avocat vient d'accepter et la course folle de ce bus vers Sacramento. Et entre temps, ils devront faire face à des fusillades, à la mafia russe, au trafic d'êtres humains, aux stups, à des flics stupides (mais pas forcément pourris), à des flics intègres (et oui, Jackson, il y en a encore quelques uns), à des assistants du procureur dévoués et loyaux, à un ami blessé, ... à l'adoption d'un chaton.
Et on se demande bien quel est le danger le plus grand.
Toujours aussi accroc à cette série, je suis d'ailleurs assez stupéfaite de me rendre compte qu'entre le premier tome et celui-ci, un an seulement est passé, tant les choses ont évolué et la relation entre les deux hommes s'est fortifiée. L'attirance et l'alchimie sexuelle ont toujours été évidentes (même s'ils se sont tournés autour durant des années avant de "succomber"), mais durant cette année mouvementée, les deux hommes ont aussi travaillé sur eux-mêmes, et c'est vraiment agréable.
Le tome se termine sur quelques nouvelles proposées par l'auteur, notamment la première rencontre de Jackson "bébé flic" avec Alex et Dave, ses deux infirmiers préférés (et encore un clin d’œil à une autre œuvre de l'auteur, non traduite à ma connaissance à ce jour, String boys).
Bref, j'attends avec impatience le tome suivant et vais, en attendant, me plonger dans l'histoire de Junior...
Et dès le prologue, nous sommes plongés dans l'action et dans l'horreur, quand Ace et Jay vont croiser la route du "bus de l'enfer"... mais Ellery et Jackson ne découvriront que bien plus tard ce qui peut relier les dossiers que l'avocat vient d'accepter et la course folle de ce bus vers Sacramento. Et entre temps, ils devront faire face à des fusillades, à la mafia russe, au trafic d'êtres humains, aux stups, à des flics stupides (mais pas forcément pourris), à des flics intègres (et oui, Jackson, il y en a encore quelques uns), à des assistants du procureur dévoués et loyaux, à un ami blessé, ... à l'adoption d'un chaton.
Et on se demande bien quel est le danger le plus grand.
Toujours aussi accroc à cette série, je suis d'ailleurs assez stupéfaite de me rendre compte qu'entre le premier tome et celui-ci, un an seulement est passé, tant les choses ont évolué et la relation entre les deux hommes s'est fortifiée. L'attirance et l'alchimie sexuelle ont toujours été évidentes (même s'ils se sont tournés autour durant des années avant de "succomber"), mais durant cette année mouvementée, les deux hommes ont aussi travaillé sur eux-mêmes, et c'est vraiment agréable.
Le tome se termine sur quelques nouvelles proposées par l'auteur, notamment la première rencontre de Jackson "bébé flic" avec Alex et Dave, ses deux infirmiers préférés (et encore un clin d’œil à une autre œuvre de l'auteur, non traduite à ma connaissance à ce jour, String boys).
Bref, j'attends avec impatience le tome suivant et vais, en attendant, me plonger dans l'histoire de Junior...
December 28, 2020
Sometimes I read a book and thought "This must be half the book already." But it's actually almost 80%. This book, however, when I thought I hit the mid-point, it was at 35%
This is a detail dense book to read. The plot started out with an intrigue. That happened in the desert garage that fan of this series will know what I mean.
Ellery accepted a pro bono case about high school POC footballer. Who was arrested at a party with possession charge that shouldn't happen. Then things started to snowball as Ellery and Jackson discover more and more inconsistencies and connections to other cases.
The main plot of this book, as you will find out in the prologue, were about human trafficking. Especially youth. It was a heavy subject to read. Plus there were a sense of urgency for Ellery and Jackson to quickly solved the case and rescue people. But Jackson was still recovering from the ordeals in the last book. With Ellery tried very hard to keep him from overly exerting himself to relapse. It doesn't help that I also felt the urgency and wanted things to move along at a quicker pace. But the pace also felt real. That there was only so much you can do in one day, at the hour which would allow you to keep doing it the next day.
Personally, this is probably the most complex story, plot and intrigue wise, that I have read of Ms. Lane's catalogue. I think she did a great job of progressing the plot. It's was an exciting, if exhausted and tension-filled read. Personally, I had stop and start the reading several times through out, when I felt like I couldn't take it anymore.
There were a few loose plot points by the end of the book. I wonder if it will came up in the next one. I wonder how Lucy Satan will handle the consequence of the conclusion of this book, if any. Basically, I wanna see her destroy a bad man
This is a detail dense book to read. The plot started out with an intrigue. That happened in the desert garage that fan of this series will know what I mean.
Ellery accepted a pro bono case about high school POC footballer. Who was arrested at a party with possession charge that shouldn't happen. Then things started to snowball as Ellery and Jackson discover more and more inconsistencies and connections to other cases.
The main plot of this book, as you will find out in the prologue, were about human trafficking. Especially youth. It was a heavy subject to read. Plus there were a sense of urgency for Ellery and Jackson to quickly solved the case and rescue people. But Jackson was still recovering from the ordeals in the last book. With Ellery tried very hard to keep him from overly exerting himself to relapse. It doesn't help that I also felt the urgency and wanted things to move along at a quicker pace. But the pace also felt real. That there was only so much you can do in one day, at the hour which would allow you to keep doing it the next day.
Personally, this is probably the most complex story, plot and intrigue wise, that I have read of Ms. Lane's catalogue. I think she did a great job of progressing the plot. It's was an exciting, if exhausted and tension-filled read. Personally, I had stop and start the reading several times through out, when I felt like I couldn't take it anymore.
There were a few loose plot points by the end of the book. I wonder if it will came up in the next one. I wonder how Lucy Satan will handle the consequence of the conclusion of this book, if any. Basically, I wanna see her destroy a bad man
September 21, 2021
3 Interested Stars
Mostly, I had started giving AL a hard pass. The slurs used in the books, the constant kid endangerment and/or child rape & abuse doesn't make an interesting storyline for me. Im aware its happens but reading about it in my leisure moments doesn't raise my awareness so much as sickens me.
Since AL was AOM on a message board, I thought I would cross my fingers & try again. Here goes.
As a long time reader, I can say Jackson & Ellery have it rough. Not just them either. Ace & Sonny aren't much better. Trafficked children, Russian mob & bathtub meth all mixed together like a cake of bad intentions. Jackson & Henry along with Ellery are running around with their heads chopped off in hopes of furthering the plot.
There are so many discussion moments because there isn't enough action to help the reader reach their own conclusions. All of the action is in support & happens after the discussion.
There are places where the story goes off the rails a bit. The jail guard & his bailiff wife are under arrest. Ellery calls a guy who represents Law Enforcement..ok...but when did the couple decide to use that lawyer? Ellery called him on an assumption, they decide to slow down the couples case? The accused decide their representative not some adjacent attorney!
If K-ski's boyfriend isnt out, why did he move in with him? Why did they show up at Ellery's house party in the least book together?
I can see K-Ski in a side book with Billy, & Constance getting together with Cotton or one of the other guys. Although the age difference with Constance & Cotton might be awkward.
Its not a bad book altogether.
Mostly, I had started giving AL a hard pass. The slurs used in the books, the constant kid endangerment and/or child rape & abuse doesn't make an interesting storyline for me. Im aware its happens but reading about it in my leisure moments doesn't raise my awareness so much as sickens me.
Since AL was AOM on a message board, I thought I would cross my fingers & try again. Here goes.
As a long time reader, I can say Jackson & Ellery have it rough. Not just them either. Ace & Sonny aren't much better. Trafficked children, Russian mob & bathtub meth all mixed together like a cake of bad intentions. Jackson & Henry along with Ellery are running around with their heads chopped off in hopes of furthering the plot.
There are so many discussion moments because there isn't enough action to help the reader reach their own conclusions. All of the action is in support & happens after the discussion.
There are places where the story goes off the rails a bit. The jail guard & his bailiff wife are under arrest. Ellery calls a guy who represents Law Enforcement..ok...but when did the couple decide to use that lawyer? Ellery called him on an assumption, they decide to slow down the couples case? The accused decide their representative not some adjacent attorney!
If K-ski's boyfriend isnt out, why did he move in with him? Why did they show up at Ellery's house party in the least book together?
I can see K-Ski in a side book with Billy, & Constance getting together with Cotton or one of the other guys. Although the age difference with Constance & Cotton might be awkward.
Its not a bad book altogether.
November 27, 2023
Happy anniversary to Jackson and Ellery!
This story continues on after a year of being together, and like Jackson said, it truly was a roller coaster ride. This has been one of the best series I've read so far. It wasn't sunshine and rainbows for our main characters. They have been through a lot, especially Jackson. He has come a long way from when we first met him. In this book, we finally see him healing. It was still a long way, but it was a start. He was finally learning to take care of himself.
I loved all the people who had their backs, people who helped them, and people who were worried about them. They were very essential in the lives of Jackson and Ellery. Without their help and intervention, it would've been much harder for them to grow. Their family is growing, and I was happy to witness it.
The story started with Jackson's first day back after his heart surgery. And surprise and surprise, he got himself in trouble right away. It was funny how he never fails to get himself in harm's way. Ellery didn't enjoy it much. Good thing he has a good working heart, or else he'd probably had a heart attack. Jackson has started to accept help and be vulnerable with Ellery. He definitely had one of the best character developments in this book. I was very proud of him.
The story both focused on their relationship and the case that they were working on. It was a nice balance of healing and saving. The case itself was engaging; it reminded me again how smart Jackson was for figuring it out and, of course, our counselor for being the voice of reason.
There was no word on how much I loved these guys. I wish only happiness for them.
This story continues on after a year of being together, and like Jackson said, it truly was a roller coaster ride. This has been one of the best series I've read so far. It wasn't sunshine and rainbows for our main characters. They have been through a lot, especially Jackson. He has come a long way from when we first met him. In this book, we finally see him healing. It was still a long way, but it was a start. He was finally learning to take care of himself.
I loved all the people who had their backs, people who helped them, and people who were worried about them. They were very essential in the lives of Jackson and Ellery. Without their help and intervention, it would've been much harder for them to grow. Their family is growing, and I was happy to witness it.
The story started with Jackson's first day back after his heart surgery. And surprise and surprise, he got himself in trouble right away. It was funny how he never fails to get himself in harm's way. Ellery didn't enjoy it much. Good thing he has a good working heart, or else he'd probably had a heart attack. Jackson has started to accept help and be vulnerable with Ellery. He definitely had one of the best character developments in this book. I was very proud of him.
The story both focused on their relationship and the case that they were working on. It was a nice balance of healing and saving. The case itself was engaging; it reminded me again how smart Jackson was for figuring it out and, of course, our counselor for being the voice of reason.
There was no word on how much I loved these guys. I wish only happiness for them.
September 20, 2025
4.5 stars
As with all the books of the series, I enjoyed this immensely. The plot was excellent and complicated with layers upon layers. The mystery was solid and not predictable. I really like how some of it resolved around racism and other bigotry which was addressed many times.
There were a lot of wonderful people, some truly awful bad guys and some in between. I really appreciated that sometimes things weren’t so black and white. There were a lot of really vulnerable people and some really strong ones, with brave folks in both camps.
The MCs had an over abundance of talking about how much they loved each other, what they meant to one another, how scared they were of losing the other. Ellery was afraid of losing Jackson to a fatal accident because he didn’t take care of himself and Jackson was afraid of losing Ellery because the man would get sick of Jackson’s bullshit. It got to be a bit much but their love was so heartfelt it was beautiful, it’s to have a problem with that.
There was some great body positivity as well as some instances where the character thought not; Jackson had an eating disorder he was working on but Ellery knew it would never completely go away. I appreciate that it’s the macho man who has this problem usually ascribed to twinks.
As usual, the book included several shorts about both the MCs and side characters, all of which I enjoyed.
I’m eager to read the next in the series.
Greg Boudreaux, the reader, was fabulous as always. His Spanish and Russian were amazing as were the accents when those characters spoke English. He sounded like a native speaker of those languages.
As with all the books of the series, I enjoyed this immensely. The plot was excellent and complicated with layers upon layers. The mystery was solid and not predictable. I really like how some of it resolved around racism and other bigotry which was addressed many times.
There were a lot of wonderful people, some truly awful bad guys and some in between. I really appreciated that sometimes things weren’t so black and white. There were a lot of really vulnerable people and some really strong ones, with brave folks in both camps.
The MCs had an over abundance of talking about how much they loved each other, what they meant to one another, how scared they were of losing the other. Ellery was afraid of losing Jackson to a fatal accident because he didn’t take care of himself and Jackson was afraid of losing Ellery because the man would get sick of Jackson’s bullshit. It got to be a bit much but their love was so heartfelt it was beautiful, it’s to have a problem with that.
There was some great body positivity as well as some instances where the character thought not; Jackson had an eating disorder he was working on but Ellery knew it would never completely go away. I appreciate that it’s the macho man who has this problem usually ascribed to twinks.
As usual, the book included several shorts about both the MCs and side characters, all of which I enjoyed.
I’m eager to read the next in the series.
Greg Boudreaux, the reader, was fabulous as always. His Spanish and Russian were amazing as were the accents when those characters spoke English. He sounded like a native speaker of those languages.
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