What do you think?
Rate this book
Kate & Jay #4
Final Cut
Nearly three decades ago, Katherine Kyle and Jamison Parker saved the life of the President of the United States, in the process exposing an exceedingly dangerous, powerful shadow organization. The entire episode came at great personal cost and forever changed the trajectory of the couple’s lives.
Now at the peak of her career as one of the preeminent novelists of the day, Jay is finally ready to put the past to rest in a fictional treatment...until powerful government forces intervene.
Oscar-winning actress Dara Thomas and her new wife, screenwriter Rebecca Minton, may hold the key to disseminating the truth.
Two of the most visible, formidable power couples in the country stand against the might of a government hell-bent on keeping secrets.
From the hallowed halls of the White House to the glittering streets of Hollywood, this is one adventure for the books.
Now at the peak of her career as one of the preeminent novelists of the day, Jay is finally ready to put the past to rest in a fictional treatment...until powerful government forces intervene.
Oscar-winning actress Dara Thomas and her new wife, screenwriter Rebecca Minton, may hold the key to disseminating the truth.
Two of the most visible, formidable power couples in the country stand against the might of a government hell-bent on keeping secrets.
From the hallowed halls of the White House to the glittering streets of Hollywood, this is one adventure for the books.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 10, 2016
17 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Ames
29 books286 followersLynn Ames is the best-selling author of sixteen books. She also is the writer/director/producer of the history-making documentary, “Extra Innings.” This historically important documentary chronicles, for the first time ever in her own words, the real-life story of Hall-of-Famer Dot Wilkinson and the heyday of women’s softball.
Lynn’s fiction has garnered her a multitude of awards and honors, including six Goldie awards, the coveted Ann Bannon Popular Fiction Award (for All That Lies Within), the Alice B. Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and the Arizona Book Award for Best Gay/Lesbian book. Lynn is a two-time Lambda Literary Award (Lammy) finalist, a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award finalist, a Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards Honorable Mention winner, and winner of several Rainbow Reader Awards.
Ms. Ames is the founder of Phoenix Rising Press. She is also a former press secretary to the New York state senate minority leader and spokesperson for the nation’s third-largest prison system. For more than half a decade, she was an award-winning broadcast journalist. She has been editor of a critically acclaimed national magazine and a nationally recognized speaker and public relations professional with a particular expertise in image, crisis communications planning, and crisis management.
For additional information please visit her website at www.lynnames.com, or e-mail her at lynnamesauthor@gmail.com. You can also friend Lynn on Facebook and follow her on, YouTube, and Instagram.
Lynn’s fiction has garnered her a multitude of awards and honors, including six Goldie awards, the coveted Ann Bannon Popular Fiction Award (for All That Lies Within), the Alice B. Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and the Arizona Book Award for Best Gay/Lesbian book. Lynn is a two-time Lambda Literary Award (Lammy) finalist, a Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award finalist, a Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards Honorable Mention winner, and winner of several Rainbow Reader Awards.
Ms. Ames is the founder of Phoenix Rising Press. She is also a former press secretary to the New York state senate minority leader and spokesperson for the nation’s third-largest prison system. For more than half a decade, she was an award-winning broadcast journalist. She has been editor of a critically acclaimed national magazine and a nationally recognized speaker and public relations professional with a particular expertise in image, crisis communications planning, and crisis management.
For additional information please visit her website at www.lynnames.com, or e-mail her at lynnamesauthor@gmail.com. You can also friend Lynn on Facebook and follow her on, YouTube, and Instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 24, 2021
Kate and Jay.
This is the fourth book of the Kate and Jay series and a crossover story with All That Lies Within. You can't read it as a standalone so don't try to. Kate and Jay are now much older in their 60s, and they cross paths with Dara and Rebecca and the four become fast friends. I gave the earlier books five stars as I had been entertained by the stories as well as the narrator. Kate and Jay went through a lot during their younger days and it was exciting to read.
But this book fell a little short in some areas, the first being the plot. While it was all fun to watch the characters be caught in the middle of some high-level conspiracies in their 30s, I can't understand the storyline about Jay wanting to publish a fictional story that is based on their real-life experiences but she supposedly does it without revealing state secrets. I mean, like how does that even work? And now there are Feds at the door demanding to have a look at the manuscript which Jay is all dodgy about and then the entire episode spirals out of hand. Jay is also erratic and immature and frankly speaking, I was getting a little annoyed.
Emily Beresford continues to give an outstanding performance though, and I think it's particularly impressive here because this book has way too many important characters for one narrator to handle and she did it.
This is the fourth book of the Kate and Jay series and a crossover story with All That Lies Within. You can't read it as a standalone so don't try to. Kate and Jay are now much older in their 60s, and they cross paths with Dara and Rebecca and the four become fast friends. I gave the earlier books five stars as I had been entertained by the stories as well as the narrator. Kate and Jay went through a lot during their younger days and it was exciting to read.
But this book fell a little short in some areas, the first being the plot. While it was all fun to watch the characters be caught in the middle of some high-level conspiracies in their 30s, I can't understand the storyline about Jay wanting to publish a fictional story that is based on their real-life experiences but she supposedly does it without revealing state secrets. I mean, like how does that even work? And now there are Feds at the door demanding to have a look at the manuscript which Jay is all dodgy about and then the entire episode spirals out of hand. Jay is also erratic and immature and frankly speaking, I was getting a little annoyed.
Emily Beresford continues to give an outstanding performance though, and I think it's particularly impressive here because this book has way too many important characters for one narrator to handle and she did it.
May 7, 2017
I was thrilled to read that two of my favorite couples were together in one thrilling story. Leading ladies Katherine Kyle, Jamison Parker, Dara Thomas, and Rebecca Minton Thomas. One new couple and the other together for several decades. Bravo! I have enjoyed the adventure and challenges in the three previous reads in the series. It is encouraging to read about a couple that has stayed together even when challenges are presented. To bring characters from other reads into the story was a real plus. I applaud the determination of Dara and the encouraging support of Rebecca. Awesome page turner with a plot and mystery relevant for the 21st century.
March 4, 2017
Huh. So many of my GR friends rated this 5* that I'm a little stumped why it never resonated with me.
I've read, and liked, "All That Lies Within". I did enjoy revisiting Dara and Rebecca. I've never read any of the Kate and Jay books, but I understand that even the author said "Final Cut" could be read standalone. Perhaps that was a mistake, because I didn't know the characters from the past, and honestly this book never made me care about bringing back people from those books (Sebastian, Von something or other, Peter, Lorraine and the MCs).
The government/anti-government conspiracy was pretty dull and drawn out. Jay really annoyed me throughout the book. Having survived what sounds like serious drama and violence 30 years ago, and pledging every other sentence to want to shine the light on the truth, she is seriously insecure and passive.
The plot wasn't entirely unbelievable, but it did have enough holes to make my eyes roll. (Jay's work of fiction was going to shine a bright light and make people think about important things, and was based on a kernel of truth, but did not actually reveal anything flagged top secret? Really?)
The romance elements of the book never grabbed me either. Probably because most of it was focused on stress and reconciliation between Kate and Jay, but the book never really made me care about them.
Perhaps if I'd read the first three books of Kate and Jay, I'd like this as a wrap up of these now middle-aged women...but honestly I don't really have any interest in going back 30 years to learn how their lives together began, now that I know the ending.
The Kate and Jay and non-thriller portions are probably a 2.35*; the Dara and Rebecca parts were perhaps 3.2*. I did like the narrator well enough, so overall I'll give this disappointing but not terrible book a 3* - meh.
I've read, and liked, "All That Lies Within". I did enjoy revisiting Dara and Rebecca. I've never read any of the Kate and Jay books, but I understand that even the author said "Final Cut" could be read standalone. Perhaps that was a mistake, because I didn't know the characters from the past, and honestly this book never made me care about bringing back people from those books (Sebastian, Von something or other, Peter, Lorraine and the MCs).
The government/anti-government conspiracy was pretty dull and drawn out. Jay really annoyed me throughout the book. Having survived what sounds like serious drama and violence 30 years ago, and pledging every other sentence to want to shine the light on the truth, she is seriously insecure and passive.
The plot wasn't entirely unbelievable, but it did have enough holes to make my eyes roll. (Jay's work of fiction was going to shine a bright light and make people think about important things, and was based on a kernel of truth, but did not actually reveal anything flagged top secret? Really?)
The romance elements of the book never grabbed me either. Probably because most of it was focused on stress and reconciliation between Kate and Jay, but the book never really made me care about them.
Perhaps if I'd read the first three books of Kate and Jay, I'd like this as a wrap up of these now middle-aged women...but honestly I don't really have any interest in going back 30 years to learn how their lives together began, now that I know the ending.
The Kate and Jay and non-thriller portions are probably a 2.35*; the Dara and Rebecca parts were perhaps 3.2*. I did like the narrator well enough, so overall I'll give this disappointing but not terrible book a 3* - meh.
July 31, 2016
I've never read any of the Kate and Jay books before, and that didn't matter. This was still an interesting, compelling book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I really enjoyed All That Lies Within, so I also enjoyed catching up with Rebecca and Dara (so much so that I had to immediately reread that book).
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/final...
Full review here: http://www.thelesbianreview.com/final...
October 5, 2016
A wonderful way to end the Kate and Jay series while bringing in characters from the Mission classified books and All what lies Within book. This book can be a stand alone book. But if you haven't read any of the related books will make you want to read all the others books for a greater understanding of all the history of very well developed characters.
December 14, 2016
My favorite
I just read all four of the books in this series and this one is by far my favorite one. I loved the story with Kay and Jay along with Dara and Rebecca. I am afraid at first I thought Dara was the bad guy. I loved the ending. In all the book I took out them if you work as a team things can work out. I would definitely recommend this book.
I just read all four of the books in this series and this one is by far my favorite one. I loved the story with Kay and Jay along with Dara and Rebecca. I am afraid at first I thought Dara was the bad guy. I loved the ending. In all the book I took out them if you work as a team things can work out. I would definitely recommend this book.
January 24, 2017
3.5 stars - I'm a little disappointed in this one. I expected so much because of the high rating. I guess I just feel a little let down. It's still a really good book. I just didn't like it as much as book 3.
July 16, 2016
Great suspense! Was good to catch up with Jay and Kate. Also loved seeing Dara and Rebecca again.
September 18, 2019
Deserves a standing ovation.
I read through the entire series. Final Cut was a great way to see our beloved characters 30 years after some of the craziest deep level conspiracies and life endangering situations. Are they still together? Still in love? How has the rest of their lives been lived? Is Peter still in their lives?
Add to this we have contemporary women power couples, Hollywood and deep tech hackers. It seems all of the government and the shadow organization that had so brutally attacked them in the past are bearing down to remain hidden.
This was a great wrap up and I’m glad I spent the time to see the series through to the end.
With that said in some of the earlier books I found myself actually yelling at the characters (not something I do regularly). Sometimes a few things that started looking like “tropes” were handled really well and I was glad the author took the higher road.
I highly recommend the series because getting to Final Cut makes it worth it.
I read through the entire series. Final Cut was a great way to see our beloved characters 30 years after some of the craziest deep level conspiracies and life endangering situations. Are they still together? Still in love? How has the rest of their lives been lived? Is Peter still in their lives?
Add to this we have contemporary women power couples, Hollywood and deep tech hackers. It seems all of the government and the shadow organization that had so brutally attacked them in the past are bearing down to remain hidden.
This was a great wrap up and I’m glad I spent the time to see the series through to the end.
With that said in some of the earlier books I found myself actually yelling at the characters (not something I do regularly). Sometimes a few things that started looking like “tropes” were handled really well and I was glad the author took the higher road.
I highly recommend the series because getting to Final Cut makes it worth it.
December 19, 2020
I started reading this series because I read another book from this author "All That Lies Within" and what a nice surprise for me to have the protagonist of that book, play an essential role in this last book? I say last book because I don't see any other in the continuation of this series, special with the main characters of this series plays out 30 years after the last book.
Out of all the book in this series, this is the one I truly enjoyed.
Out of all the book in this series, this is the one I truly enjoyed.
September 14, 2021
This is the fourth novel in the Kate and Jay series. I liked that it is set 30 years after the first 3 novels. I would have enjoyed some novels in between, just because I like the characters. It showed that Kate and Jay still love each other and also have work to do to communicate and support each other…as we all do. This book is also a thriller. I would have liked a little more insight into what Kate did during all those years. That question really wasn’t answered. Jay became a successful novelist. (Jacket copy, not a spoiler). I like this authors style of writing and her pacing. Looking forward to reading other books by her. (Read the author’s bio. She has real life experience to back up some of what her characters go through.)
November 22, 2020
huh, some characters (Jay for a shining example has no spine here and it doesn't compute) from previous series just don't add up. It doesn't feel as if it's the same character and since I had just read the previous book it kept bugging me.
May 23, 2024
So good!
Loved this story. It kept me reading past my bedtime because I just had to know. Enjoyed seeing Jay & Kate, Dara & Rebecca. Great thriller plot, that was never boring. I will reread this one. It is highly recommended.
Loved this story. It kept me reading past my bedtime because I just had to know. Enjoyed seeing Jay & Kate, Dara & Rebecca. Great thriller plot, that was never boring. I will reread this one. It is highly recommended.
July 26, 2020
Have read all in series, and the suspense right to the end, kept me hooked.
August 9, 2020
AWSOME!!!
Awsome. Spot on with the IT stuff. GREAT final book to my now favorite series. DO not pass these 4 books up!!!
Awsome. Spot on with the IT stuff. GREAT final book to my now favorite series. DO not pass these 4 books up!!!
April 12, 2021
Very enjoyable finish to Kate and Jay stories. Narration was well done.
February 12, 2024
A love over 30 years. What else can we say
November 26, 2024
The crossover with All that Lies Within is a big surprise but non the less exeptionally good. This book contains strong and well written characters.
August 14, 2016
My reading list just grew
I can confirm Lynn Ames was right when she said that Final Cut could stand alone. However, now I simply must read the three novels that came before.
The absolute best part of this book is the portrayal of the long-term relationship with Kate and Jay. Everyone loves a good romance where two women find each other and the sparks fly. But for those of us who know the joys and bumps of the long haul, it's nice to see such a relationship portrayed as well.
So well done, Lynn.
It's wild isn't it, that when gangsters play the games the Feds do, we call it a crime? But when the Feds do it, we're conditioned to think of it as business as usual. Well, except that in our gut, we know it's criminal as well.
I can confirm Lynn Ames was right when she said that Final Cut could stand alone. However, now I simply must read the three novels that came before.
The absolute best part of this book is the portrayal of the long-term relationship with Kate and Jay. Everyone loves a good romance where two women find each other and the sparks fly. But for those of us who know the joys and bumps of the long haul, it's nice to see such a relationship portrayed as well.
So well done, Lynn.
It's wild isn't it, that when gangsters play the games the Feds do, we call it a crime? But when the Feds do it, we're conditioned to think of it as business as usual. Well, except that in our gut, we know it's criminal as well.
May 26, 2016
To be completely honest, I haven't read all of the books in the Kate and Jay series. I did read the first book, The Price of Fame but my primary motivation to read this one was to catch-up with Dara and Rebecca, characters from All That Lies Within. So, I was hesitant and unsure if I should read the other Kate and Jay books first but I didn't want to wait. In the end, I took the plunge and I'm glad I did. This story held its own while still affording a familiar reader an opportunity to visit with old favorites. I enjoyed the pace of the book, the character and story development while getting a good fix of romance. Thank you, Lynn Ames!
July 11, 2016
Loved it
Wow, I was at GCLS 2016, when I was reading this story. But was so busy could not really read it like I wanted to. But so wish I had finished while I was there. Then I would have taken the opportunity to thank Lynn Ames. I love the Kate & Jay stories and this one does not disappoint. I want to say so much more, but afraid to give anything away. All I can say is read the story!!
Wow, I was at GCLS 2016, when I was reading this story. But was so busy could not really read it like I wanted to. But so wish I had finished while I was there. Then I would have taken the opportunity to thank Lynn Ames. I love the Kate & Jay stories and this one does not disappoint. I want to say so much more, but afraid to give anything away. All I can say is read the story!!
November 30, 2016
Whoorah for Kate an Jay!!
Outstanding! Definitely cloak and dagger. Terrific read and a fitting end to the Kate and Jay story line. Dara and Rebecca's story line added so much to the mix. Would love to see one more story based on these characters. Bravo Lynn!
Outstanding! Definitely cloak and dagger. Terrific read and a fitting end to the Kate and Jay story line. Dara and Rebecca's story line added so much to the mix. Would love to see one more story based on these characters. Bravo Lynn!
May 8, 2016
I loved this book.
I absolutely loved this book. WOW! Fast paced. Incredibly intriguing. A great love story entwined with a spy story. Just perfect!
I absolutely loved this book. WOW! Fast paced. Incredibly intriguing. A great love story entwined with a spy story. Just perfect!
December 31, 2016
Excellent
Love the book. The characters were well thought out as was the plot. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.
Love the book. The characters were well thought out as was the plot. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with us.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews