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Desert Fish
Assassin Fish
Eric Chistiansen—not his real name—has been looking for sanctuary for a long time. He finally thinks he's found a crime syndicate that might watch his back while he tries to disentangle himself from his highly lucrative, highly illegal job as a killer for hire, albeit a picky one. He's ready to hang up his guns for some peace.
Brady Carnegie came to this little slice of desert between Meth and Hell because he wanted to help bring crime down. He's deeply disappointed to find that his new boss and others in the department are crooked. But Brady has stumbled onto the key to ending the corruption plaguing the stretch of desert he's coming to love, if he can stay alive long enough to use it.
Brady finds unexpected allies in the same unlikely group that's sheltering Eric and starts to realize that the good guys may not wear badges, and the bad guys who do have enough to lose to put his new friends at risk too. Brady's always been a solid law and order man, but he finds himself shifting allegiances like the desert sands shift beneath his feet.
As Eric grows more protective of the earnest deputy, it becomes clear that a true warrior never gets to hang up his guns, and redemption doesn't come without a price. Can a hidden nest of vigilantes bring justice to their barren land while the cop and the hitman find comfort in each other's arms? Or is the cost of redemption only measured in blood?
Brady Carnegie came to this little slice of desert between Meth and Hell because he wanted to help bring crime down. He's deeply disappointed to find that his new boss and others in the department are crooked. But Brady has stumbled onto the key to ending the corruption plaguing the stretch of desert he's coming to love, if he can stay alive long enough to use it.
Brady finds unexpected allies in the same unlikely group that's sheltering Eric and starts to realize that the good guys may not wear badges, and the bad guys who do have enough to lose to put his new friends at risk too. Brady's always been a solid law and order man, but he finds himself shifting allegiances like the desert sands shift beneath his feet.
As Eric grows more protective of the earnest deputy, it becomes clear that a true warrior never gets to hang up his guns, and redemption doesn't come without a price. Can a hidden nest of vigilantes bring justice to their barren land while the cop and the hitman find comfort in each other's arms? Or is the cost of redemption only measured in blood?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2026
About the author
Amy Lane
214 books3,506 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 48 reviews
January 14, 2026
perfect. just perfect. BUY THIS- ALL THE BOOKS
In these craptastic days full of news that make me, well, crappy, the Fish Universe is a rare ray of hope. Ok, that sounds dumb. But it is honestly how I feel. I find myself reaching for books that give me some iota of hopefulness that people are not all bad. And these Fish boys??? I want to be one.
In these craptastic days full of news that make me, well, crappy, the Fish Universe is a rare ray of hope. Ok, that sounds dumb. But it is honestly how I feel. I find myself reaching for books that give me some iota of hopefulness that people are not all bad. And these Fish boys??? I want to be one.
January 14, 2026
Every time I get a new Amy Lane novel, I intend to read it at a reasonable speed. And then it's two days later and I'm writing the review. Oh well, there are worse fates.
This one's a little disjointed, to me, since there are more than two point-of-view characters. But by the second half it jelled just fine. I look forward to re-reading it in a couple or three years, when I've forgotten enough. What a ride.
At the end, there's a short story, and a preview to book 2 of another series (that I've already read).
This one's a little disjointed, to me, since there are more than two point-of-view characters. But by the second half it jelled just fine. I look forward to re-reading it in a couple or three years, when I've forgotten enough. What a ride.
At the end, there's a short story, and a preview to book 2 of another series (that I've already read).
January 16, 2026
If ever we, the people in the USA, needed to remember that those of us who can stand up for those who can't stand up for themselves... it needs to happen right NOW! The books in this series have always been about saving those who needed help saving themselves, and each character has touched my heart in so many ways! Just like the rest of the gang, Brady and Eric found the "family" that would allow them to be themselves and do the work that they were looking for, but weren't quite sure what it was.
So, read this series, if you haven't already, and when you are done, wonder who the "kid" is going to end up being, like I am... 🤦♀️🤔🤣
So, read this series, if you haven't already, and when you are done, wonder who the "kid" is going to end up being, like I am... 🤦♀️🤔🤣
January 18, 2026
Welcome back to the Fishverse and back to Victoriana. This latest installment, which appears to be the first book in what is being called the Desert Fish series (spun off of Fish Out of Water, of course), gives us the story we’ve been waiting for (Eric, the assassin). And who should he be paired with but a deputy. Of course!
What did I love? Everything. We get to know the assassin we’ve been so curious about, see him fall in love with said deputy, hang out with all our friends in Victoriana, and watch chaos ensue. What’s not to love?
As always, we have good vs evil, morality and ethics and people with hearts of gold working in gray areas to try to do the right thing. Really, these guys are heroes. Fast paced, this kept me on my toes from beginning to end, and my only niggle is that it ended. I kept trying to “turn” the last page!
The best thing about this is that good triumphed over evil and of course love wins. In this day and age we need that so much.
Side note: Now I have another issue. I need me some Jackson and Ellery. I think it’s withdrawal at this point…
That being said—love, love, love this book. I can’t recommend this book or the series it’s spun off from enough. This one goes straight to the re-read pile, obviously. And no, I can’t wait to see what happens next in this wacky world.
What did I love? Everything. We get to know the assassin we’ve been so curious about, see him fall in love with said deputy, hang out with all our friends in Victoriana, and watch chaos ensue. What’s not to love?
As always, we have good vs evil, morality and ethics and people with hearts of gold working in gray areas to try to do the right thing. Really, these guys are heroes. Fast paced, this kept me on my toes from beginning to end, and my only niggle is that it ended. I kept trying to “turn” the last page!
The best thing about this is that good triumphed over evil and of course love wins. In this day and age we need that so much.
Side note: Now I have another issue. I need me some Jackson and Ellery. I think it’s withdrawal at this point…
That being said—love, love, love this book. I can’t recommend this book or the series it’s spun off from enough. This one goes straight to the re-read pile, obviously. And no, I can’t wait to see what happens next in this wacky world.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as ARC for my honest review.
In order to get the full experience of this book, you should read
. Because that's when Eric Chistiansen first enter the picture. Not to mention, the events is this book are the continuation from
. And you gets to read the catalyst of it from the start.
Eric started to get comfortable with his new environments and people. And then troubles started to encroaching the little garage, as the storm was brewing from the events in
.
I liked how the "world" was changing as the story progress here.
I feel the pacing was a bit slow at the beginning but I guess it can't be helped. Because new characters are being introduced as well as the multitude of concurrent players that were sharing the pages. Their characters also developed and moved forward as well.
Since this book is about Eric and Brady, so you can expect to read both of their histories in full.
Events brewing and finally reached the boiling point around 70% into the book. This is not criticism because, as Ernie said, it's all hands on deck. My most favorite part in this book started at
I won't say much about the climax part, other than Ms. Lane pulled it off again.
So, I highly recommend reading the previous book before this one for full experience. We do not see Ellery and Jackson at all, except for passing mentions. So keep that in mind if you are concerned with that.
In order to get the full experience of this book, you should read
. Because that's when Eric Chistiansen first enter the picture. Not to mention, the events is this book are the continuation from
. And you gets to read the catalyst of it from the start.Eric started to get comfortable with his new environments and people. And then troubles started to encroaching the little garage, as the storm was brewing from the events in
.I liked how the "world" was changing as the story progress here.
I feel the pacing was a bit slow at the beginning but I guess it can't be helped. Because new characters are being introduced as well as the multitude of concurrent players that were sharing the pages. Their characters also developed and moved forward as well.
Since this book is about Eric and Brady, so you can expect to read both of their histories in full.
Events brewing and finally reached the boiling point around 70% into the book. This is not criticism because, as Ernie said, it's all hands on deck. My most favorite part in this book started at
I won't say much about the climax part, other than Ms. Lane pulled it off again.
So, I highly recommend reading the previous book before this one for full experience. We do not see Ellery and Jackson at all, except for passing mentions. So keep that in mind if you are concerned with that.
January 19, 2026
The Newest Fish!
I adore Amy Lane's Fishverse. If you missed Sonny and Ace, Jai and Little Georgie, Jason and Cotton, and Earnie and Burton as much as I have, then you are in for a treat! They all have a starring role in this latest action adventure where we meet the newest "fish" added to the mysteriously undetectable desert neighborhood family.
Eric Christiansen (not his real name) stumbles across the well-crafted housing complex in the middle of Death Valley. He soon discovers there are neighbors that are mysterious, dangerous men with a certain skill set.
Men like him.
Men that can kill.
Enter the honest cop named Brady Carnegie, who ended up discovering a pedophile ring. Being the honest, good cop he is, he tried to do the right thing by reporting the crime to the FBI. He soon realizes there is a cover up, with far and reaching very powerful people trying to keep their activities quiet.
Eliciting the help from the mysterious men in the desert, the desert fish folks have a new mission, and it will take everyone risking their lives to drag the perpetrators to justice.
For a paid hit-man, who is suspicious of everyone, their motives, and especially cops, it takes quite a bit of trust to let anyone into his orbit.
To have his back.
To be able to open up, and love again.
To trust again.
Their story is powerful, and dramatic. It has hurt/comfort overlaying story-lines. Found family is so important. Those bonds are even stronger than blood ties.
You will get everything and more of what you want out of MM romance. There is action, adventure, sexy times (many sexy times) and we get to revisit my favorite couple Ace and Sonny. This story is told from mostly Eric and Brady's POV, but the last third of the book is told from all the couples POV. It was such a heartfelt treat getting to read these favorite characters again.
Loved it.
I adore Amy Lane's Fishverse. If you missed Sonny and Ace, Jai and Little Georgie, Jason and Cotton, and Earnie and Burton as much as I have, then you are in for a treat! They all have a starring role in this latest action adventure where we meet the newest "fish" added to the mysteriously undetectable desert neighborhood family.
Eric Christiansen (not his real name) stumbles across the well-crafted housing complex in the middle of Death Valley. He soon discovers there are neighbors that are mysterious, dangerous men with a certain skill set.
Men like him.
Men that can kill.
Enter the honest cop named Brady Carnegie, who ended up discovering a pedophile ring. Being the honest, good cop he is, he tried to do the right thing by reporting the crime to the FBI. He soon realizes there is a cover up, with far and reaching very powerful people trying to keep their activities quiet.
Eliciting the help from the mysterious men in the desert, the desert fish folks have a new mission, and it will take everyone risking their lives to drag the perpetrators to justice.
For a paid hit-man, who is suspicious of everyone, their motives, and especially cops, it takes quite a bit of trust to let anyone into his orbit.
To have his back.
To be able to open up, and love again.
To trust again.
Their story is powerful, and dramatic. It has hurt/comfort overlaying story-lines. Found family is so important. Those bonds are even stronger than blood ties.
You will get everything and more of what you want out of MM romance. There is action, adventure, sexy times (many sexy times) and we get to revisit my favorite couple Ace and Sonny. This story is told from mostly Eric and Brady's POV, but the last third of the book is told from all the couples POV. It was such a heartfelt treat getting to read these favorite characters again.
Loved it.
February 2, 2026
Eric Chistiansen—not his real name—has been looking for sanctuary for a long time. He finally thinks he's found a crime syndicate that might watch his back while he tries to disentangle himself from his highly lucrative, highly illegal job as a killer for hire, albeit a picky one. He's ready to hang up his guns for some peace.
Brady Carnegie came to this little slice of desert between Meth and Hell because he wanted to help bring crime down. He's deeply disappointed to find that his new boss and others in the department are crooked. But Brady has stumbled onto the key to ending the corruption plaguing the stretch of desert he's coming to love, if he can stay alive long enough to use it.
Brady finds unexpected allies in the same unlikely group that's sheltering Eric and starts to realize that the good guys may not wear badges, and the bad guys who do have enough to lose to put his new friends at risk too. Brady's always been a solid law and order man, but he finds himself shifting allegiances like the desert sands shift beneath his feet.
As Eric grows more protective of the earnest deputy, it becomes clear that a true warrior never gets to hang up his guns, and redemption doesn't come without a price. Can a hidden nest of vigilantes bring justice to their barren land while the cop and the hitman find comfort in each other's arms? Or is the cost of redemption only measured in blood?
Heather's Notes
I usually like this series. The low rating is for one stupid comment the author made that I can't seem to let go of. It was the comment about how much Colin Kaepernick "lost". There are men and women that have given their lives for a worth cause. He ended up with a 2 million dollar contract with Nike. He did not lose anything. He got more than he ever would would have gotten on his own. It completely took me out of the story and totally ruined this book for me.
Brady Carnegie came to this little slice of desert between Meth and Hell because he wanted to help bring crime down. He's deeply disappointed to find that his new boss and others in the department are crooked. But Brady has stumbled onto the key to ending the corruption plaguing the stretch of desert he's coming to love, if he can stay alive long enough to use it.
Brady finds unexpected allies in the same unlikely group that's sheltering Eric and starts to realize that the good guys may not wear badges, and the bad guys who do have enough to lose to put his new friends at risk too. Brady's always been a solid law and order man, but he finds himself shifting allegiances like the desert sands shift beneath his feet.
As Eric grows more protective of the earnest deputy, it becomes clear that a true warrior never gets to hang up his guns, and redemption doesn't come without a price. Can a hidden nest of vigilantes bring justice to their barren land while the cop and the hitman find comfort in each other's arms? Or is the cost of redemption only measured in blood?
Heather's Notes
I usually like this series. The low rating is for one stupid comment the author made that I can't seem to let go of. It was the comment about how much Colin Kaepernick "lost". There are men and women that have given their lives for a worth cause. He ended up with a 2 million dollar contract with Nike. He did not lose anything. He got more than he ever would would have gotten on his own. It completely took me out of the story and totally ruined this book for me.
February 17, 2026
Finally! The coldest fish gets his own book and I’m beyond thrilled. I feel as if I’ve been waiting for the loneliest, and sometimes saddest, assassin to get his own love story and happy ever after. I’m even more excited because this appears to be book one in the ‘Desert Fish’ series, a spin-off that centers completely in Victoriana with some of my favorite people. In case you missed it, you can find Eric’s introduction to the Fishiverse in ‘Only Fish (Fish Out of Water 7.5)’ and I strongly recommend that is read before this book.
“To kill, as you and I have, there is a thing that is broken. Mine was broken by Mother Russia and a petty oligarch. Yours was broken by your father.” ~ Jai
Eric has been a paid-for-hire assassin ever since killing his father when he was seventeen. Granted, his father was in the process of sexually assaulting Eric’s female best friend. His status as an assassin for hire kind of came out of that with referrals and he’s been doing this for twenty years. I wouldn’t say that Eric is a “good” guy, but I also wouldn’t say that he’s “bad”. He researches every kill and ensures that the individual is truly just as heinous as Eric has been led to believe. So basically, pedophiles, rapists, abusers, etc. Personally, I view what he’s been doing as a favor to humanity. But, now he’s physically and emotionally tired. His very soul is tired and he really just wants a place to belong.
“He’d vowed to be new, to start again, to look for haven and make it stick. Haven didn’t come with words, he realized, his eyes burning. It came with change, and change was hard.” ~ Eric
Brady is a Midwest transfer to the Southern California sheriff’s department and he’s been there for a while. He’d done his research and found that that area of Southern California had had a significant reduction in crime in the past few years and Brady wanted to be somewhere where they were doing good. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take him long to realize that his sheriff and coworkers are not the ones who made this happen. So then, who did? When a local tent revival preacher and his brother (a sheriff’s deputy) are killed on the same day and evidence is found linking them to pedophilia, everything Brady thought he knew about his world explodes. Not necessarily in a negative way.
“All he knew—all he really knew—this cold winter night in the desert, was that the man next to him, providing warmth, comfort, and safety, was not the worst thing the world had to offer.” ~ Brady
Brady stumbles upon the garage and for those of us who’ve read extensively within this author’s Fishiverse, including free shorts, etc., then you know the people he finds. The desert fish to be exact. Ace, Sonny, Jai, George, Ernie, Burton, Jason, Cotton, and sometimes Amal. These are the people who’ve kept this stretch of empty highway between Vegas and LA/San Diego relatively safe. These are the good guys he’s been looking for and these are the ones he brings his problem to. I’m not going to delve any more into the plot and what happens other than to say the final showdown, so to speak, reminded me a bit of the first Fast & Furious movie.
As always, the writing is crisp and clean, the character development is incredible, the plot is (unfortunately) remarkably true to life, and the scenes play out like a movie I’d be watching. One of the best parts about this book, for me anyway, was that it wasn’t always in just Eric and Brady’s POVs. Nope, I got to hear from almost everyone in the gang and it was beyond fabulous to get the peeks into their minds and what they were thinking. There were a lot of emotional moments and I was right there for every single one of them with tissue in hand. There’s humor too, and snark, of course. And, love. And, happy ever after. Because Amy Lane may give me angst, but she also gives me the best of the human condition in all its glory.
“To kill, as you and I have, there is a thing that is broken. Mine was broken by Mother Russia and a petty oligarch. Yours was broken by your father.” ~ Jai
Eric has been a paid-for-hire assassin ever since killing his father when he was seventeen. Granted, his father was in the process of sexually assaulting Eric’s female best friend. His status as an assassin for hire kind of came out of that with referrals and he’s been doing this for twenty years. I wouldn’t say that Eric is a “good” guy, but I also wouldn’t say that he’s “bad”. He researches every kill and ensures that the individual is truly just as heinous as Eric has been led to believe. So basically, pedophiles, rapists, abusers, etc. Personally, I view what he’s been doing as a favor to humanity. But, now he’s physically and emotionally tired. His very soul is tired and he really just wants a place to belong.
“He’d vowed to be new, to start again, to look for haven and make it stick. Haven didn’t come with words, he realized, his eyes burning. It came with change, and change was hard.” ~ Eric
Brady is a Midwest transfer to the Southern California sheriff’s department and he’s been there for a while. He’d done his research and found that that area of Southern California had had a significant reduction in crime in the past few years and Brady wanted to be somewhere where they were doing good. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take him long to realize that his sheriff and coworkers are not the ones who made this happen. So then, who did? When a local tent revival preacher and his brother (a sheriff’s deputy) are killed on the same day and evidence is found linking them to pedophilia, everything Brady thought he knew about his world explodes. Not necessarily in a negative way.
“All he knew—all he really knew—this cold winter night in the desert, was that the man next to him, providing warmth, comfort, and safety, was not the worst thing the world had to offer.” ~ Brady
Brady stumbles upon the garage and for those of us who’ve read extensively within this author’s Fishiverse, including free shorts, etc., then you know the people he finds. The desert fish to be exact. Ace, Sonny, Jai, George, Ernie, Burton, Jason, Cotton, and sometimes Amal. These are the people who’ve kept this stretch of empty highway between Vegas and LA/San Diego relatively safe. These are the good guys he’s been looking for and these are the ones he brings his problem to. I’m not going to delve any more into the plot and what happens other than to say the final showdown, so to speak, reminded me a bit of the first Fast & Furious movie.
As always, the writing is crisp and clean, the character development is incredible, the plot is (unfortunately) remarkably true to life, and the scenes play out like a movie I’d be watching. One of the best parts about this book, for me anyway, was that it wasn’t always in just Eric and Brady’s POVs. Nope, I got to hear from almost everyone in the gang and it was beyond fabulous to get the peeks into their minds and what they were thinking. There were a lot of emotional moments and I was right there for every single one of them with tissue in hand. There’s humor too, and snark, of course. And, love. And, happy ever after. Because Amy Lane may give me angst, but she also gives me the best of the human condition in all its glory.
January 19, 2026
My favorite desert-dwelling found family is still growing, and newest member Eric is hoping for peace after years spent as a professional hitman. When Brady - apparently the only non-corrupt local cop - needs help, that peace has to take a back seat.
We first met Ace and Sonny over a decade ago, and I still adore them and the people around them. They never think twice about protecting others and doing the right thing, even when that has them breaking the law. I appreciate how the group immediately recognizes the good in both Eric and Brady, and the way they put themselves at risk to help them. With Ernie's visions guiding them, and everyone - including George, Amal, and Cotton - playing a part, the group takes on evil once again. It's lovely to watch Eric and Brady fall in love in the midst of the danger, and it's wonderful to get moments with the other characters who are so very special to me.
This is a terrific crime fighting action adventure, but it's also a really sweet romance, and I love it. I am already looking forward to more from Eric, Brady, and the rest of the guys, who make me laugh and cry every single time. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this world.
We first met Ace and Sonny over a decade ago, and I still adore them and the people around them. They never think twice about protecting others and doing the right thing, even when that has them breaking the law. I appreciate how the group immediately recognizes the good in both Eric and Brady, and the way they put themselves at risk to help them. With Ernie's visions guiding them, and everyone - including George, Amal, and Cotton - playing a part, the group takes on evil once again. It's lovely to watch Eric and Brady fall in love in the midst of the danger, and it's wonderful to get moments with the other characters who are so very special to me.
This is a terrific crime fighting action adventure, but it's also a really sweet romance, and I love it. I am already looking forward to more from Eric, Brady, and the rest of the guys, who make me laugh and cry every single time. I don't think I'll ever get enough of this world.
January 13, 2026
Assassin Fish by Amy Lane takes us back to the desert and a little slice of heaven or hell depending on your point of view. Eric Christianson just wanted a little peace with the hopes of retiring as an assassin; he hopes he has found it in the little cul de sac here in the desert, with Ernie showing him he is welcome with pastries. Brady Carnegie, hoping he has found the precinct that has been bringing crime down in the desert only to find out that they are the worst of the worst in corruption. When Brady finds evidence of this corruption he ends up finding help in the least likely place and people. Eric didn’t want to fall but he really couldn’t help it when he finds that Brady is being framed for a murder he didn’t commit and Brady must decide which side he wants to be on the somewhat morally grey group of men who could lose everything or the corrupt department protecting the despicable. I loved this story of the new fish in the desert and how both Brady and Eric with the help of the desert fish group were able to find that peace is with the person you love most.
January 21, 2026
I'm a few days behind getting this up, but whenever I know I'm going to read one of Amy's books, especially this series, I have to. ..psych? Myself up. Probably not the right word because I definitely do not mean that in a bad way at all. I just know my empathic shields will drop while reading this and my hormones will make me sob.🤣 And it did. First, with Eric & Brady. Then Sonny and Ace. And somewhat with Dimitri. I absolutely love these characters so much. I would throw hands for Sonny and he's not even real🤣🤣Jackson too. I love reading the Desert side of the fish as well because I love classic cars. Like 50s, 60s & 70s. And I can picture in my head what the boys are doing with those cars and I love it. It's sad when one has to go but it's so cool how they make them run. This was a hard one because of the subject and what was going on. It's a lot to fight. BUT I love the new additions to the Fish. They seem to fit perfectly. I know the main ones are nervous of being found or found out but I love the family they have made. Such a good story❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Fish series by Amy Lane is one of my favorites and I love how it intertwines with other series. This book was very much anticipated and it delivers.
I love a good redemption and there wasn't really that much to redeem because Eric is a good guy, even if he might not fully believe it. Poor Brady had to make an adjustment and I really felt for him as his life was turned upside down.
This story is really about found family in a desert setting. They do what they have to do to keep their space safe for those in it. Seeing the auto shop guys is always great and getting someone thought to be a problem into the fold was wonderful.
And the cats. Cannot forget the cats. Anyone who loves cats is good in my book.
This is a great story and everyone should read it. It is part of a bigger story, so other books should be read first.
I rate it a must read.
I love a good redemption and there wasn't really that much to redeem because Eric is a good guy, even if he might not fully believe it. Poor Brady had to make an adjustment and I really felt for him as his life was turned upside down.
This story is really about found family in a desert setting. They do what they have to do to keep their space safe for those in it. Seeing the auto shop guys is always great and getting someone thought to be a problem into the fold was wonderful.
And the cats. Cannot forget the cats. Anyone who loves cats is good in my book.
This is a great story and everyone should read it. It is part of a bigger story, so other books should be read first.
I rate it a must read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Great addition to the series. This book picks up where the last one left off and focuses on Eric and Brady's story. But, it really highlights the entire Victoriana crew. Eric is an assassin looking for a place to put down roots and Brady is a new-ish to the area police officer who transferred here because he wanted to be part of whatever was bringing down the crime rate. What Brady soon realizes is that the drop in crime is not due to the police station, which is full of corruption. With his life in danger, his new not-so-lawful friends want to make sure he stays safe. The pace is quick, with a nice mix of quiet family moments in between all the action. What I liked most about this book is how each of the characters in the five main Victoriana couples had their moment to shine. As with many Amy Lane books, found family is a big theme. I love this bunch and can't wait to see what adventures they get up to next. The short story at the end is cute too.
January 15, 2026
LOVED IT!!! Which could be, because I simply pretty much adore all of Amy’s characters. Obviously, I'm part of the family with all of them in my head. So seeing family is - at least in this case (can’t guarantee it for real life) - always amazing.
We’ve met Eric a few times now. I think first with our boys in Sacramento, and now he’s part of this little family of good people. Brady we haven’t met before, but you just gotta love him. A good soul between some very not good souls of cops.
Of course, we get another storm coming in Little Victoriana. And this one is bad. But Ace gets to drive fast, Sonny gets to come along this time screaming Yeeehaw for about 90 % of it, and good guys get to do good things (and bad things to bad bad people). Perfect.
We’ve met Eric a few times now. I think first with our boys in Sacramento, and now he’s part of this little family of good people. Brady we haven’t met before, but you just gotta love him. A good soul between some very not good souls of cops.
Of course, we get another storm coming in Little Victoriana. And this one is bad. But Ace gets to drive fast, Sonny gets to come along this time screaming Yeeehaw for about 90 % of it, and good guys get to do good things (and bad things to bad bad people). Perfect.
February 2, 2026
Wow!
Amazing! Lane really pushed the envelope of “crazy automotive heists.” The moving parts of the big climax are a written smash-up of “The Italian Job,” “The Fast and the Furious,” “Hobbs and Shaw,” and “Baby Driver.” It was really well-written, leaving no question of what was happening at any time. I really like both Eric and Brady and think they will be good additions to the Desert Fish. I’m also happy that I can finally go read Lane’s most recent Patreon stories that apparently have to do with this book. I wish there had been more opportunity to see the kittens, but there just wasn’t a lot of space for them. I also wish Jackson, Ellery, and Henry could have had a part. I’m looking forward to what I’m guessing will finally be Randy’s story.
Amazing! Lane really pushed the envelope of “crazy automotive heists.” The moving parts of the big climax are a written smash-up of “The Italian Job,” “The Fast and the Furious,” “Hobbs and Shaw,” and “Baby Driver.” It was really well-written, leaving no question of what was happening at any time. I really like both Eric and Brady and think they will be good additions to the Desert Fish. I’m also happy that I can finally go read Lane’s most recent Patreon stories that apparently have to do with this book. I wish there had been more opportunity to see the kittens, but there just wasn’t a lot of space for them. I also wish Jackson, Ellery, and Henry could have had a part. I’m looking forward to what I’m guessing will finally be Randy’s story.
January 18, 2026
Worth the wait
We fans have been waiting a long time for this book to be published and it was worth it. Seeing the growth of people I've been following for over a decade is wonderful. Amy just writes the best hearts and hope and family.
The desert crew gets involved in another case of bad people needing a reckoning and they risk everything for a new member of the crew and for the victims of the inciting crimes. I'd suggest starting at the beginning with these folks, if you haven't already, so you can see the sheer depth of growth and bad-assery. To paraphrase Amy, vigilantism is only for Batman and other fiction - but it sure is a satisfying fantasy.
We fans have been waiting a long time for this book to be published and it was worth it. Seeing the growth of people I've been following for over a decade is wonderful. Amy just writes the best hearts and hope and family.
The desert crew gets involved in another case of bad people needing a reckoning and they risk everything for a new member of the crew and for the victims of the inciting crimes. I'd suggest starting at the beginning with these folks, if you haven't already, so you can see the sheer depth of growth and bad-assery. To paraphrase Amy, vigilantism is only for Batman and other fiction - but it sure is a satisfying fantasy.
January 19, 2026
A little confusing
But that’s not unusual with Amy Lane, for me. I find the descriptions of action and hijinks too specific in a way that doesn’t match my mental picture, so I either have to force myself to try to picture it as described, or gloss over the description to get to the end result. But the characters are always clearly drawn and the most important parts! I love these characters, though I did wish it stuck entirely with Brady and Eric instead of occasionally sliding to others. Even if I love the others. And, as always with Amy Lane, the bad guys get their just desserts, which is especially satisfying right now!
But that’s not unusual with Amy Lane, for me. I find the descriptions of action and hijinks too specific in a way that doesn’t match my mental picture, so I either have to force myself to try to picture it as described, or gloss over the description to get to the end result. But the characters are always clearly drawn and the most important parts! I love these characters, though I did wish it stuck entirely with Brady and Eric instead of occasionally sliding to others. Even if I love the others. And, as always with Amy Lane, the bad guys get their just desserts, which is especially satisfying right now!
April 3, 2026
How Amy Lane writes such complex and complicated thrillers with a huge dose of romance and love and a cast of characters that spans several series is beyond me. And yet she does indeed write them and in such a way that this old lady can clearly follow all the complexities and love every minute of every page.
Eric and Brady are new favorites. Sonny and Ace, Jae and George, Burton and Eric, all showed up, added to the chaos, helped solve the problems and provided an adventure worthy of distracting me from my vacation plans. I managed to read on the plane, in the car, and in the hotel and finished this as the icing on my lovely vacation cake.
Kudos, Amy Lane!
Eric and Brady are new favorites. Sonny and Ace, Jae and George, Burton and Eric, all showed up, added to the chaos, helped solve the problems and provided an adventure worthy of distracting me from my vacation plans. I managed to read on the plane, in the car, and in the hotel and finished this as the icing on my lovely vacation cake.
Kudos, Amy Lane!
April 13, 2026
I love this series. In this book we have Brady who works for the local Sheriff’s department, and he responds to a murder and the phone that is found has some horrific things on it. The Sheriff, who is his boss, wants to brush it under the rug. In the meantime, he is called to another scene who has appeared to take his own life in front of his computer with horrific things on it. Brady has now turned into a liability with the Sheriff’s office & is set up to be eliminated. Eric, who is another assassin, has finally found a place to set down roots with our gang in the desert. The attraction between our MC’s is immediate, but Eric doesn’t want to let his walls down as he had to eliminate his former lover because he was going to do a bad thing. We get to watch these two break down the walls and come to trust each other. In addition, our gang grows to accept Brady as one of their own and we can see them trying to keep Brady alive and taking down the bad guys.
January 13, 2026
Great addition to the series
Eric is a retired hit man and Brady is a by the book deputy.
They're also really just opposite sides of the same coin.
Brady realizes his station is rampant with corruption and Eric is recognizing that he might never actually get to retire, as it were.
Brady's whole world view is flipped upside down and he realizes that sometimes the bad guys can be good guys as well.
I absolutely love the found family aspect of the author's books, the kitties are always a welcome addition, and the little short at the end was wonderful.
Eric is a retired hit man and Brady is a by the book deputy.
They're also really just opposite sides of the same coin.
Brady realizes his station is rampant with corruption and Eric is recognizing that he might never actually get to retire, as it were.
Brady's whole world view is flipped upside down and he realizes that sometimes the bad guys can be good guys as well.
I absolutely love the found family aspect of the author's books, the kitties are always a welcome addition, and the little short at the end was wonderful.
Read
January 13, 2026This is the first book in the Desert Fish series, which is a spin-off of the Fish Out of Water Series. This book was a wonderful addition to the Fish universe. It is about found family, evil people, moral peril, and features the characters from Victoriana (from the Fish universe). The characters are fabulous and the pace made it hard to put down. I have always loved the Fish books, and this one is an excellent addition to the universe. I do think this can be read as a stand-alone book, once you read it you will want to read the whole series. I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
New Fish
Ace and Sonny's oasis of family and hope continues to grow. Eric and Brady were both looking for the flip sides of the same coin and finding it filled all those empty spaces inside them. The desert fish never fail to put me through an emotional wringer and watching this complex cast of characters enfold newcomers in need of their particular brand of family was a fantastic treat.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
Ace and Sonny's oasis of family and hope continues to grow. Eric and Brady were both looking for the flip sides of the same coin and finding it filled all those empty spaces inside them. The desert fish never fail to put me through an emotional wringer and watching this complex cast of characters enfold newcomers in need of their particular brand of family was a fantastic treat.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
January 13, 2026
good read!
Good read, I read it too quickly but it will def go into the rotation when I reread this series. Good story, and great writing. I loved being able to revisit all my fav people. Many author’s can’t do the further books in a series, and their stories get too weighed by cameos and stuff. But Ms. Lane keeps the story going with all the good characters that are present and have speaking roles.
Good read, I read it too quickly but it will def go into the rotation when I reread this series. Good story, and great writing. I loved being able to revisit all my fav people. Many author’s can’t do the further books in a series, and their stories get too weighed by cameos and stuff. But Ms. Lane keeps the story going with all the good characters that are present and have speaking roles.
January 20, 2026
families and vigilantes
A really fun read about righting wrings. Good for the soul.
Always,always fantastic to see more of the fish family especially the desert fish. As always I loved to see the true villains getting their due. I do hope for more desert fish books or more of Eric and Brady in future short stories or books because I feel like they have more settling in and truly fitting together to do. I did love it though and have already read it twice.
A really fun read about righting wrings. Good for the soul.
Always,always fantastic to see more of the fish family especially the desert fish. As always I loved to see the true villains getting their due. I do hope for more desert fish books or more of Eric and Brady in future short stories or books because I feel like they have more settling in and truly fitting together to do. I did love it though and have already read it twice.
January 22, 2026
In our crazy country today, this was a wonderful story. It gives me hope that there are truly people out there that care more for what is right than money or politics. Ms. Lane is one of my top two favorite authors. Her books are an automatic buy and there is no way I could not order anything from the Fish Universe. Great story, great characters. Strongly recommend reading this book.
January 22, 2026
soooo good
I have been waiting for Eric’s story and omg, it did not disappoint. His backstory wasn’t what I thought it would be, it was worse. Brady had some secrets as well to go with his big heart. Watching this ragtag group of men support, serve and yes, love each other on their own way, gives me hope.
I have been waiting for Eric’s story and omg, it did not disappoint. His backstory wasn’t what I thought it would be, it was worse. Brady had some secrets as well to go with his big heart. Watching this ragtag group of men support, serve and yes, love each other on their own way, gives me hope.
February 6, 2026
THRILLS AT EVERY TURN
Sonny and Ace‘s little world has grown into a solid group of family! It was a great looking into everyone’s connection every couple and Brady and Eric, watching it their story unfold was super sweet and a little bit scary. By the end several chapters, I was afraid to read each and every page I kept coming back going away coming back. I loved it.
Sonny and Ace‘s little world has grown into a solid group of family! It was a great looking into everyone’s connection every couple and Brady and Eric, watching it their story unfold was super sweet and a little bit scary. By the end several chapters, I was afraid to read each and every page I kept coming back going away coming back. I loved it.
April 6, 2026
Another wild ride in Victoriana
Running concurrently to Devil and the Deep Blue Fish, this outing gives us some new Fish in the desert and the same promise of thrills, fast cars and home to return to that every visit to Victoriana does. Come for the vigilanteism, stay for the found family!
Running concurrently to Devil and the Deep Blue Fish, this outing gives us some new Fish in the desert and the same promise of thrills, fast cars and home to return to that every visit to Victoriana does. Come for the vigilanteism, stay for the found family!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Eric and Brady’s story is the perfect addition to the “Fish” world. Both of them are trying to find their places in their new worlds and figure out where they fit. Thank goodness they find each other!
January 15, 2026
I always love visiting our Desert Fish crew. The story between Eric and Brady was awesome. I love getting Eric's back story and seeing him blend in so well with the rest of the Victoriana gang. I read this way too fast. This was a wonderful read and very entertaining. Amy never disappoints.
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