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The Long Con #1
The Mastermind
Once upon a time in Rome, Felix Salinger got caught picking his first pocket and Danny Mitchell saved his bacon. The two of them were inseparable… until they weren’t. Twenty years later Danny returns to Chicago, the city he shared with Felix and their perfect, secret family, to save him again. Felix’s news network—the business that broke them apart—is under fire from an unscrupulous employee pointing the finger at Felix. An official investigation could topple their house of cards. The only way to prove Felix is innocent is to pull off their biggest con yet. But though Felix still has the gift of grift, his reunion with Danny is bittersweet. Their ten-year separation left holes in their hearts that no amount of stolen property can fill.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2021
About the author
Amy Lane
222 books3,522 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 102 reviews
April 22, 2021
***3ish Stars***
I came for the con and stayed for Danny, who came a close second to Jackson Rivers at pulling at my heartstrings...
The rest was kind of Ocean's Eleven in gay fun, but there was...
- a somewhat convoluted storyline
- a bit too much telling instead of showing
- a PDA towards the end that made my eyes spin in an endless loop and
- one tear too many
... to enjoy it fully.
I'm invested enough to see where this is going, though, so I'm looking forward to the next one.
I came for the con and stayed for Danny, who came a close second to Jackson Rivers at pulling at my heartstrings...
The rest was kind of Ocean's Eleven in gay fun, but there was...
- a somewhat convoluted storyline
- a bit too much telling instead of showing
- a PDA towards the end that made my eyes spin in an endless loop and
- one tear too many
... to enjoy it fully.
I'm invested enough to see where this is going, though, so I'm looking forward to the next one.
May 14, 2021
I am surprised how much I liked this story. I mean, I expected it to be a good story, but I didn't think I'd like it that much. I didn't want it to end, I wanted to stay with these characters as long as possible.
This is a story about a family that does not share blood, but a deep love, and it is truly fantastic. I have had tears in my eyes several times while reading it, and I'm not an easily moved by my books. But the story of Danny and Felix warms your heart. So is the bond they have with other members of their family that they have built for themselves. It's a really cute story.
The characters are colorful and very interesting. Not only the main characters - Danny and Felix. But also Julia, Felix's wife, their son Josh and his friends. This is a group that you want to stay in as long as possible. They warm your heart. It is impossible not to love them all. I can't wait to meet them in the next book. Of course, it helps that I have a great sweet spot for all kinds of thieves, so that was exactly the story for me.
The scam may not be the best I've read about, but it's quite good and interesting enough for me to follow the story. After all, it's not about stealing, but about getting revenge while punishing a sneaky bitch who tries to destroy Felix's good name. This is a good and solid story.
Especially since it is complemented by the love of Felix and Danny. Not for a moment I had any doubts that the two have real feelings for each other. I really like second chance romances so again that was a story for me. In my opinion, the reason Felix and Danny broke up for so many years is quite good, as is their reunion.
This is a really great book, especially if you like these characters. I give it 4.5 stars. I look forward to the next book in this series, I want to meet these characters again badly.
This is a story about a family that does not share blood, but a deep love, and it is truly fantastic. I have had tears in my eyes several times while reading it, and I'm not an easily moved by my books. But the story of Danny and Felix warms your heart. So is the bond they have with other members of their family that they have built for themselves. It's a really cute story.
The characters are colorful and very interesting. Not only the main characters - Danny and Felix. But also Julia, Felix's wife, their son Josh and his friends. This is a group that you want to stay in as long as possible. They warm your heart. It is impossible not to love them all. I can't wait to meet them in the next book. Of course, it helps that I have a great sweet spot for all kinds of thieves, so that was exactly the story for me.
The scam may not be the best I've read about, but it's quite good and interesting enough for me to follow the story. After all, it's not about stealing, but about getting revenge while punishing a sneaky bitch who tries to destroy Felix's good name. This is a good and solid story.
Especially since it is complemented by the love of Felix and Danny. Not for a moment I had any doubts that the two have real feelings for each other. I really like second chance romances so again that was a story for me. In my opinion, the reason Felix and Danny broke up for so many years is quite good, as is their reunion.
This is a really great book, especially if you like these characters. I give it 4.5 stars. I look forward to the next book in this series, I want to meet these characters again badly.
June 18, 2026
The Mastermind by Amy Lane
The Long Con series #1. M-M romantic suspense adventure. Crime and making it right.
Felix Salinger runs a news network in Chicago. He’s rich and powerful now, living in a suburb known for its elite income levels. An unscrupulous employee is causing problems and his only option is a con game. When Felix was young and bored, he traveled to Rome and tried his hand at stealing for no other reason than some fun. He quickly learned just how little he knew.
Danny Mitchell’s past was harsh and ugly, learning to do what was needed to survive including stealing and other cons. Danny helped Felix survive the streets back then and the two had a close bond. Danny has been missing from Felix’s life for the past ten years but he's back now to help. They are all older and hopefully wiser now and this time, Felix isn’t going to let Danny go. Even if that means losing everything he’s accomplished.
Think Oceans 11, or Now You See Them magic movies.
Felix, Danny, Julia, Hunter, Grace and others create a complex game of bait and switch to bring down the employee and pull stolen art pieces and collectibles out of hiding. As the game is built and played, Felix plays on every piece of history and family he can to convince Danny to stay.
It’s romantic, altruistic, steamy, and fun. The safe and bars were especially hair-raising.
I didn’t know anything about this series going in, but I definitely want to read more now.
The Long Con series #1. M-M romantic suspense adventure. Crime and making it right.
Felix Salinger runs a news network in Chicago. He’s rich and powerful now, living in a suburb known for its elite income levels. An unscrupulous employee is causing problems and his only option is a con game. When Felix was young and bored, he traveled to Rome and tried his hand at stealing for no other reason than some fun. He quickly learned just how little he knew.
Danny Mitchell’s past was harsh and ugly, learning to do what was needed to survive including stealing and other cons. Danny helped Felix survive the streets back then and the two had a close bond. Danny has been missing from Felix’s life for the past ten years but he's back now to help. They are all older and hopefully wiser now and this time, Felix isn’t going to let Danny go. Even if that means losing everything he’s accomplished.
Think Oceans 11, or Now You See Them magic movies.
Felix, Danny, Julia, Hunter, Grace and others create a complex game of bait and switch to bring down the employee and pull stolen art pieces and collectibles out of hiding. As the game is built and played, Felix plays on every piece of history and family he can to convince Danny to stay.
It’s romantic, altruistic, steamy, and fun. The safe and bars were especially hair-raising.
I didn’t know anything about this series going in, but I definitely want to read more now.
March 26, 2022
AHHHH!!! Feel my LOVE for this book ❤️❤️❤️ This was just…
It really was! I haven’t had this much FUN reading a book in MONTHS!! From the masterfully executed second-chance romance (and I’m not exactly a fan of that particular trope, so I’m a tough crowd), complete with trust issues, angsty pining and an off-the-charts chemistry 🔥 to the PERFECT eclectic cast of characters (oh my god, I loved every single one of these guys! 💘), with a special place for strong, beautiful women who took back their power after being mistreated by jerks — this was a FEAST.
I really need to read more of Amy Lane’s work, because the woman can WRITE! The humor was on point, I was grinning almost constantly while reading this, some of these characters/exchanges were just so precious!! But don’t be fooled, there’s a surprising depth here, too. The ‘found family’ trope was so well done here that I honestly teared up a couple of times. 😭 Where do I find a crew like this?
Kudos to Amy for writing a supporting character (for now?) with social anxiety SO PERFECTLY, too. 👏
There are some Ocean’s 11 vibes here, and also thieves with hearts of gold, a la Robin Hood — if that appeals to you, grab it right now. The stage was subtly set for another couple, so it should be FUN!! 💃
It really was! I haven’t had this much FUN reading a book in MONTHS!! From the masterfully executed second-chance romance (and I’m not exactly a fan of that particular trope, so I’m a tough crowd), complete with trust issues, angsty pining and an off-the-charts chemistry 🔥 to the PERFECT eclectic cast of characters (oh my god, I loved every single one of these guys! 💘), with a special place for strong, beautiful women who took back their power after being mistreated by jerks — this was a FEAST.
I really need to read more of Amy Lane’s work, because the woman can WRITE! The humor was on point, I was grinning almost constantly while reading this, some of these characters/exchanges were just so precious!! But don’t be fooled, there’s a surprising depth here, too. The ‘found family’ trope was so well done here that I honestly teared up a couple of times. 😭 Where do I find a crew like this?
Kudos to Amy for writing a supporting character (for now?) with social anxiety SO PERFECTLY, too. 👏
There are some Ocean’s 11 vibes here, and also thieves with hearts of gold, a la Robin Hood — if that appeals to you, grab it right now. The stage was subtly set for another couple, so it should be FUN!! 💃
July 11, 2021
What I loved most about this book were all the awesome characters that played a part in Felix and Danny's story...
September 19, 2026
When I read the blurb for this, I was hoping for something like the ‘Fish Out of Water’ series. Well, it didn’t hit quite like that.
On the up side I enjoyed Felix and Danny and their second chance romance, even if Danny’s reaction after their big argument 10 years earlier seems a bit extreme, considering how much they (supposedly) love each other. I mean, most couples argue badly at one point, but that doesn’t usually result in one person just running away and for so long.
I also really liked the dynamics between Felix, Danny and Julia and their son Josh. They are family, have each other’s backs and genuinely care.
I have to admit getting introduced to all of Josh’s friends (at least 10 of them??), all characters in future books, was a bit much at times, no matter how likeable they come across.
The plot itself felt a bit contrived, particularly in the later parts and that big ‘coming out’ scene on TV which had me rolling my eyes big time. I also had to question quite a few developments when logic seems totally forgotten, coincidences are rife, and I had trouble ‘buying’ the story.
I’m also not too keen on flashbacks, but they serve their purpose of explaining the past to us, and at least they are rather short here.
Finally, I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of vigilante stories, ‘the good, honorable thieves’ being the main theme here.
Not a bad book, I mean, this is Amy Lane, and I enjoyed quite a few bits about it, but I’m not sure if I really want to delve into the rest of the series.
On the up side I enjoyed Felix and Danny and their second chance romance, even if Danny’s reaction after their big argument 10 years earlier seems a bit extreme, considering how much they (supposedly) love each other. I mean, most couples argue badly at one point, but that doesn’t usually result in one person just running away and for so long.
I also really liked the dynamics between Felix, Danny and Julia and their son Josh. They are family, have each other’s backs and genuinely care.
I have to admit getting introduced to all of Josh’s friends (at least 10 of them??), all characters in future books, was a bit much at times, no matter how likeable they come across.
The plot itself felt a bit contrived, particularly in the later parts and that big ‘coming out’ scene on TV which had me rolling my eyes big time. I also had to question quite a few developments when logic seems totally forgotten, coincidences are rife, and I had trouble ‘buying’ the story.
I’m also not too keen on flashbacks, but they serve their purpose of explaining the past to us, and at least they are rather short here.
Finally, I have to say that I’m not a huge fan of vigilante stories, ‘the good, honorable thieves’ being the main theme here.
Not a bad book, I mean, this is Amy Lane, and I enjoyed quite a few bits about it, but I’m not sure if I really want to delve into the rest of the series.
January 18, 2023
I’ve read a few things by this author and generally like her stuff, however something about this one just kind of missed the mark a bit for me.
I can’t quite put my finger on it, perhaps a mixture of the frequent reminiscing or the slightly convoluted, romanticised way in which the story is being told but it just didn’t grab me. I really liked the idea of the plot and the premise under which the conflict or angst between the MCs has been created but somehow the execution of it left me just a little bored.
I can’t quite put my finger on it, perhaps a mixture of the frequent reminiscing or the slightly convoluted, romanticised way in which the story is being told but it just didn’t grab me. I really liked the idea of the plot and the premise under which the conflict or angst between the MCs has been created but somehow the execution of it left me just a little bored.
June 5, 2021
Amy Lane is among the best at complex character development, and she absolutely rocks at giving voice to deep emotion, pain, and then recovery from broken relationships better than anyone, in my opinion. This story is a prime example of a highly complicated long con complete with a family of the heart, a reunion of two souls destined to be together forever, and Revenge with a capital R. Oh yes, Ms. Lane knows how to plan and carry out Revenge.
In this first book of what promises to be an amazing series, readers meet the main couple, their family members, and their “gang”—a group of young men and women who are so good at what they do that they can do it outside the law and get away with it. But here’s the catch—they are doing it for someone’s benefit, i.e., for something good—somewhat like a modern-day Robin Hood gang. And because there’s not enough page space to go into a description of every secondary character, I’ll just say that each one is memorable in his or her own way. We get to know them and enjoy their quirky personalities while focusing on the main crux of the story.
Felix and Danny are now middle-aged men who met on the streets of Rome many years before when Felix was running from a man he’d just robbed. Danny, an experienced street rat at that time, saved him and that began their early adventures: running cons, stealing precious art, and picking a few pockets for change. When they hear of a young woman who desperately needs to get away from her wealthy, domineering, and abusive father, they plan her rescue in their first long con. That was twenty years ago and they were inseparable for the first ten as Felix and his new wife (the girl) and Danny all stayed together to help raise her child, but circumstances led to a blowup ten years ago, and Danny left, never to speak to them again. Until now.
Because now, Felix is in trouble, and Danny will do anything to help him, including becoming involved in his life again. Felix’s wife is his best friend and loves Danny equally. In fact, she looks on both of them as her saviors and she wants nothing more than for the men to get back together. This story is highly complex and interesting but underlying all the drama and danger is this couple’s reunion. These men are meant to be together and when they do finally meet behind closed doors, well… it’s Amy Lane so it’s hot, hotter, hottest.
There’s heartache and heartbreak and heartwarming moments galore in this story. And there’s a long complex con that’s ingenious in it’s execution. A very satisfying ending completes The Mastermind and gives us a very hopeful start to a new series that I, for one, can’t wait to read.
A copy of the ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press through Rainbow Book Reviews
In this first book of what promises to be an amazing series, readers meet the main couple, their family members, and their “gang”—a group of young men and women who are so good at what they do that they can do it outside the law and get away with it. But here’s the catch—they are doing it for someone’s benefit, i.e., for something good—somewhat like a modern-day Robin Hood gang. And because there’s not enough page space to go into a description of every secondary character, I’ll just say that each one is memorable in his or her own way. We get to know them and enjoy their quirky personalities while focusing on the main crux of the story.
Felix and Danny are now middle-aged men who met on the streets of Rome many years before when Felix was running from a man he’d just robbed. Danny, an experienced street rat at that time, saved him and that began their early adventures: running cons, stealing precious art, and picking a few pockets for change. When they hear of a young woman who desperately needs to get away from her wealthy, domineering, and abusive father, they plan her rescue in their first long con. That was twenty years ago and they were inseparable for the first ten as Felix and his new wife (the girl) and Danny all stayed together to help raise her child, but circumstances led to a blowup ten years ago, and Danny left, never to speak to them again. Until now.
Because now, Felix is in trouble, and Danny will do anything to help him, including becoming involved in his life again. Felix’s wife is his best friend and loves Danny equally. In fact, she looks on both of them as her saviors and she wants nothing more than for the men to get back together. This story is highly complex and interesting but underlying all the drama and danger is this couple’s reunion. These men are meant to be together and when they do finally meet behind closed doors, well… it’s Amy Lane so it’s hot, hotter, hottest.
There’s heartache and heartbreak and heartwarming moments galore in this story. And there’s a long complex con that’s ingenious in it’s execution. A very satisfying ending completes The Mastermind and gives us a very hopeful start to a new series that I, for one, can’t wait to read.
A copy of the ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press through Rainbow Book Reviews
May 2, 2021
The thing that many writers struggle with, but Amy Lane excels at, is writing big groups of people who are individual and charming and engaging. This is dual POV romance, in a delightful crowd.
Another thing she's good at is infusing a plot with just the right amount of specialized knowledge. Danny's a con man, and taught Felix, but trouble separated them. This is the reunion. It's diverse and feminist. Crimes are committed in the name of justice--my favorite.
I look forward to the series.
Another thing she's good at is infusing a plot with just the right amount of specialized knowledge. Danny's a con man, and taught Felix, but trouble separated them. This is the reunion. It's diverse and feminist. Crimes are committed in the name of justice--my favorite.
I look forward to the series.
July 1, 2022
In the first half, the story couldn't quite hold my interest. There is a lot of switching between the past and the present, which I generally don't like in my books. And then Josh's friends came into play, a lot of character names to remember!!
But since I needed the book for a challenge, I kept reading and I have to say I liked the story more and more! The plot picked up, the second chance romance became more palpable and the secondary characters became quite entertaining.
All in all, I am glad to have discovered this series and will certainly read more books from it.
3.5 stars
But since I needed the book for a challenge, I kept reading and I have to say I liked the story more and more! The plot picked up, the second chance romance became more palpable and the secondary characters became quite entertaining.
All in all, I am glad to have discovered this series and will certainly read more books from it.
3.5 stars
September 8, 2024
4.5 stars
Tropes: second chances, heist, lavender marriage, found family, revenge
Positives:
~ palpable emotional connection between Danny and Felix. Their separation and reunion was hard and realistic, and brought me to tears several times.
~ very enjoyable heist and action scenes, the pacing is quick and the prose is straightforward which works well in this genre
~ huge found family and all of them interesting, this novel presents a few potential pairings and left me curious for the follow up
~ strong female characters, I really liked how Julia was presented as a character, she's been with them for 20 years and is a true part of their family, even though not romantically involved with either man
Negatives:
~ somewhat overwhelming introduction to the many side characters in the crew
~ the action/heist takes over the romance plot somewhat from about 60-70% through the book
~ the reason behind the whole plot was a bit anticlimactic and convenient, I mean what are the chances >!that the bad guy stumbled across a list written by Danny 20 years prior!<
◆◆◆◆◈ - The Mastermind
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Muscle
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Driver
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Suit
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Tech
◆◆◈◇◇ - The Face Man
Tropes: second chances, heist, lavender marriage, found family, revenge
Positives:
~ palpable emotional connection between Danny and Felix. Their separation and reunion was hard and realistic, and brought me to tears several times.
~ very enjoyable heist and action scenes, the pacing is quick and the prose is straightforward which works well in this genre
~ huge found family and all of them interesting, this novel presents a few potential pairings and left me curious for the follow up
~ strong female characters, I really liked how Julia was presented as a character, she's been with them for 20 years and is a true part of their family, even though not romantically involved with either man
Negatives:
~ somewhat overwhelming introduction to the many side characters in the crew
~ the action/heist takes over the romance plot somewhat from about 60-70% through the book
~ the reason behind the whole plot was a bit anticlimactic and convenient, I mean what are the chances >!that the bad guy stumbled across a list written by Danny 20 years prior!<
◆◆◆◆◈ - The Mastermind
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Muscle
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Driver
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Suit
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Tech
◆◆◈◇◇ - The Face Man
April 6, 2021
I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Danny and Felix story was emotional and raw, their connection palable, feelings true and real. We learn about their past through flashbacks intertwined with what's happening in the present. There was a fine balance between now and then and love story was an integral part of the book.
Secondary characters are also amazing - a group of young thiefs with good hearts. I want a book about each one of them.
The con story was ok but I wasn't completely sold on how it all worked out. Too many convenient coincidences.
So, it wasn't an action part that stole my heart but relationships and dynamics between members of this found family. Love, friendship, unconditional acceptance and support - I want more of it and more of each member of the crew. Looking forward to the next book.
Secondary characters are also amazing - a group of young thiefs with good hearts. I want a book about each one of them.
The con story was ok but I wasn't completely sold on how it all worked out. Too many convenient coincidences.
So, it wasn't an action part that stole my heart but relationships and dynamics between members of this found family. Love, friendship, unconditional acceptance and support - I want more of it and more of each member of the crew. Looking forward to the next book.
May 5, 2022
I really love the concept of this one. Felix and Danny are intriguing characters and the backstory was fantastic. I do really wish that Felix had to work a bit harder to get Danny back since I really hated the way he ended up treating Felix (although I do understand where he was coming from). I don't understand why he waited so long and even then it was Felix that came to save Danny - whereas I wish it had been the other way around with Danny showing Felix that for once he was putting him first. I loved Julia - I really dislike m/m books where all the women are terrible people so having someone as great as Julia as the ex-wife was great. The con seemed a little simplistic to me but it was still fun. Looking forward to the next book.
September 6, 2021
Very happy for now feeling. Another con/specialized team. I liked the team, I liked how Danny had contacts everywhere. I even felt a little sorry for Carl. The relationship was bitter sweet but I did cheer for Felix putting his foot down, Julia was unexpected but a nice addition. Not so sure about the con, it turned very artsy forgery showdown. A lot of foreshadowing. Curious about Hunter and Grace. Looking forward to reading the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2021
Solid writing, interesting characters, dastardly villains, and found family make for a good book. The premise was sort of Robin Hood in that the their story and con men were actually decent people who cared about art and gave back. However I found the story dragged in a few places and was at times unbelievable. If you put those niggles aside and just enjoy the ride it was great.
February 12, 2026
4-⭐
This was a fun introduction to a crew of con artists with ethics. I have a weakness for the whimsical adventures of gentleman thieves and tricksters. And then make the crew gay, oh yeah. This is so up my alley, but it didn't quite blow me away. I'm definitely continuing the series though, I bet these are all fun and I'm already anticipating the happy endings for the supporting characters.
The protagonist Danny was brilliant, and the main reason I'm pushing this past 3.5 stars. The book has quite a bit of Amy Lane angst in it, Danny has a history of abuse and there's a long breakup between the main characters. I like a reunion story but I generally dislike long periods of separation. As I did here. I get how everything went wrong and Felix was definitely succifiently remourseful, but WTF for it had to be a DECADE?! They had all the opportunity to patch things up after 2 years but they just went on for a full ten years. ARGH. But when I got the end of the book, I think I was actually okay. It bothered me while I was reading about it, but things got settled, and I'm not really left annoyed anymore. So, well done.
This was a fun introduction to a crew of con artists with ethics. I have a weakness for the whimsical adventures of gentleman thieves and tricksters. And then make the crew gay, oh yeah. This is so up my alley, but it didn't quite blow me away. I'm definitely continuing the series though, I bet these are all fun and I'm already anticipating the happy endings for the supporting characters.
The protagonist Danny was brilliant, and the main reason I'm pushing this past 3.5 stars. The book has quite a bit of Amy Lane angst in it, Danny has a history of abuse and there's a long breakup between the main characters. I like a reunion story but I generally dislike long periods of separation. As I did here. I get how everything went wrong and Felix was definitely succifiently remourseful, but WTF for it had to be a DECADE?! They had all the opportunity to patch things up after 2 years but they just went on for a full ten years. ARGH. But when I got the end of the book, I think I was actually okay. It bothered me while I was reading about it, but things got settled, and I'm not really left annoyed anymore. So, well done.
April 6, 2021
I am a big Amy Lane fan and I was given "The Mastermind" as an ARC to review. It is very entertaining, with a delightful cast of characters and the central con, with an "Ocean's 11"-type setup with spy cameras and black-clad flexible people crawling through airducts to break into safes. It's an enjoyable ride.
That being said, I felt it was rushed. There's enough story and backstory to split this into a trilogy (I know, this is Book 1 of a series and there will be time to expand later), but I think more time spent on each part of the timeline and more character development for each of the already-interesting characters would have served the story well. As it was, I had trouble distinguishing between the younger people - and I know we'd been given just enough detail to identify each - but again, not enough room to really breathe and get to KNOW these people.
Again, it's a very enjoyable read and I will certainly be continuing with the series as more books are released.
That being said, I felt it was rushed. There's enough story and backstory to split this into a trilogy (I know, this is Book 1 of a series and there will be time to expand later), but I think more time spent on each part of the timeline and more character development for each of the already-interesting characters would have served the story well. As it was, I had trouble distinguishing between the younger people - and I know we'd been given just enough detail to identify each - but again, not enough room to really breathe and get to KNOW these people.
Again, it's a very enjoyable read and I will certainly be continuing with the series as more books are released.
April 27, 2022
THIS! This is why I keep coming back to Ms. Lane's books! If you are looking for a story that will pull every feeling out of you whether you wanted to feel them or not, then this is the story for you! It covers a lot of time and even more heartbreak, but... the LOVE! Oh, my word, these two will shatter you and then finally put you back together!
This series is composed of a long list of truly well-developed characters that you won't want to miss meeting!
I have already finished the rest of the series, but I will save my comments on them for later.
One last thought, if you enjoy a strong female character in your M/M reads, please give the amazing Julia the praise that she deserves when you write your review!
This series is composed of a long list of truly well-developed characters that you won't want to miss meeting!
I have already finished the rest of the series, but I will save my comments on them for later.
One last thought, if you enjoy a strong female character in your M/M reads, please give the amazing Julia the praise that she deserves when you write your review!
not-for-me-dnf
February 9, 2023I just can not stand second chance romances. Thinking of all that time lost makes me literally sick. Adding to that flashbacks, also something I do not like, this is a "did not finish" for me.
I picked this up despite knowing of the trope because I liked a couple of other books by the author.
I may try one of the next books in the series :-)
I picked this up despite knowing of the trope because I liked a couple of other books by the author.
I may try one of the next books in the series :-)
June 4, 2021
I love Felix and Danny as boys in Rome. I love Felix and Danny in Chicago with all their emotional and physical baggage. Felix has been accused of harassment and has to temporarily step down from his network and that's were the Con comes in with it's young cast of characters. Marnie, the accuser has no moral ground and to call her out involves art forgeries, interpol and a live on air interview. What could possibly go wrong? My only small complaint is I would like to have had a bit more back story of Julia and her very nasty dad Hiram, based on the few hints we got. As usual, I can't wait for book 2!
April 5, 2021
I can NOT wait until the next book of this series comes out. This was one heck of a story. Action packed, full of everything you want in a book. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how this would play out and I'm hoping there are going to be more adventures from the younger generation that's come around.
November 10, 2023
Danny and Felix love story that is definitely from the heart. After 10 years Danny comes back to help Felix reclaim his life after being falsely accused of harassment. Friends and family help clear Felix's name. Very well written and the characters feel like old friends.
August 24, 2021
Its Oceans 11 mixed with Leverage & a reverse Bombshell.
Too much too fast.. Obviously this is the beginning of a bit series. So many characters are introduced that you never got a feel for each one. Too many Past scenes mixing with Present scenes that is becoming a giant mixing bowl of a story swirling at top speed.
Danny & Felix met in Rome at a time when both were young, enjoying the thrill of the steal. They decide to grift a Mr. Dormer who is a jerk to his people. Felix feels bad for Julia Dormer who is bullied by her father. Danny & Julia & Felix work it out so they all get what they want from the elder Dormer's expense.
But how long can you love someone but stay in the shadows? Danny starts drinking then leaves. 10 yrs pass before he comes back to help Felix who is being shaken down by a corrupt female tv star.
Bombshell is about sexual harassment in the workplace. The story is quick to say often that they shouldn't try to discredit her because that would possibly impact future/past victims. This was about a woman who bullied her guests& employees. Felix tries to stop her but becomes accused.
They have a while crew who turn out to make amends.
**Disclaimer- this was a library read.. Nor a purchase.
Too much too fast.. Obviously this is the beginning of a bit series. So many characters are introduced that you never got a feel for each one. Too many Past scenes mixing with Present scenes that is becoming a giant mixing bowl of a story swirling at top speed.
Danny & Felix met in Rome at a time when both were young, enjoying the thrill of the steal. They decide to grift a Mr. Dormer who is a jerk to his people. Felix feels bad for Julia Dormer who is bullied by her father. Danny & Julia & Felix work it out so they all get what they want from the elder Dormer's expense.
But how long can you love someone but stay in the shadows? Danny starts drinking then leaves. 10 yrs pass before he comes back to help Felix who is being shaken down by a corrupt female tv star.
Bombshell is about sexual harassment in the workplace. The story is quick to say often that they shouldn't try to discredit her because that would possibly impact future/past victims. This was about a woman who bullied her guests& employees. Felix tries to stop her but becomes accused.
They have a while crew who turn out to make amends.
**Disclaimer- this was a library read.. Nor a purchase.
April 22, 2021
This brings to mind Amy's more melancholy stories - like Crocus. On the one hand, there was a lot of fun to be had with the plotting and scheming, the side characters were super fun and I can't wait to see more from them. But , the romance underwhelmed me - a lot. I love that these two are finally coming together, but I really hated the whole time spent apart and the reasons for it. Sure, that was the plot, so it's on me - but I still didn't like it. (In general I am not a fan of second chance romance, so take this FWIW.)
I guess, for me, the romance was second place to the con - which is fine - it was really enjoyable nonetheless, but certainly not one I will read and read again like I do many of Amy's other works.
I guess, for me, the romance was second place to the con - which is fine - it was really enjoyable nonetheless, but certainly not one I will read and read again like I do many of Amy's other works.
October 16, 2022
This was okay. I usually like Lane's characters more than I liked these two. They were fine, but their situation felt avoidable (and like they could have worked things out if they'd pulled their heads out), and too much of the character growth occurred in the past ... I don't know, it just didn't work for me.
I did find the situation intriguing, and I might look into another book in the series just to see if the other character development is more consistent with my previous experiences with Amy Lane.
I did find the situation intriguing, and I might look into another book in the series just to see if the other character development is more consistent with my previous experiences with Amy Lane.
September 26, 2021
This was both an entertaining and heartbreaking read. Danny and Felix's love story is kind of tragic until now and their crew and plotting was fun as hell. Some of the story is told is flashback but not really long ones that take you back and forth in a story. Just enough to give you their background story. Enjoyed this one a whole lot.
July 19, 2021
Not really a fan of heist stories and crooks as protagonists. This one works because the characters are basically good people and only target people who hurt others.
April 29, 2022
What I Think: First, a short tale. I was about to post up The Muscle yesterday when I suddenly realised I hadn’t posted up The Mastermind! My brain literally froze so hard! I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t posted up a tale that left me hungover! One that left me crying and laughing and all the damn feels! This brain is getting more basket-like and we need to have a good conversation about this soon. That said, I’m having the flu from hell so, let’s gist! I just started reading and already all the feels are pouring out of this tale. With the little I know of the Fox, I hope this is going to be a tale of revenge wrecking because I need it to be. I should stop but Mme. Lane is a skilled puppeteer as every little détour into the past has me aching but just when it’s about to turn to a blow, I’m returned to the present. I can’t tell whom I’m hurting for the most anymore. The man who had to hide his heart and watch his heart destroy himself or the man who felt so unwanted, he nearly destroyed himself. And the game is yet to begin. Lawdess, help me but we’re powering through. The sweetest team I’ve ever seen comes together with a bloodthirst that mirrors mine and I find myself smiling like a loon. I can’t wait for the game to begin. Someone is about to feel the very definition of revenge. The enemies this mark has gathered make my mouth water because, oh lawdess, they’re about to twatsmash the living daylights out of them – Yes, Molly. I’m stealing your words because you, my dear, are a genius. I never liked second chance romances but then, you start pushing yourself outside your boundaries when you find tales set in your world and this is what happens. Laughing as the waterworks threaten because this found clan truly belongs together but have missed out on the joys of having each other in their lives. I’m laughing even as my heart aches, humour in places unexpected hitting me even harder because that’s what helps us all live through this tale. I love Julia. The way her mind and heart work just gives me the ‘marry now’ shivers. I want to marry her and Danny has finally proved his intelligence by knowing women get better with age and I can’t help nodding to myself in agreement like an agama lizard. I need this tale portal like yesterday. How else will I get to marry Julia? Then, a ferocious, take no prisoners rejoining has me breathless because oh, it really is so much better the second time around. Meanwhile, can I just adopt Josh’s gang? Yes, all of them. I love Grace and the curious effect he has on Hunter. And Molly can out-fishwife any fishwife. And sweet Stirling that reminds me of me as a teenager who just wanted a small world of my own where I could be accepted and normal, instead of ‘that weird girl down the street’. Yet, every time Danny and Felix have a talk, they leave me shredded inside, heartache making me gasp in sympathy. And when they make love, they leave me feeling all swoony and breathless. This is the kind of passion that truly burns forever. When you have a clan you can choose and they choose you back, magic happens as the world falls into place. Somehow they need to make the impossible possible by delivering a necessary vengeance while nailing down the feet of the runaway Fox. Ach, be still my heart! But, when Felix broke, I broke with him, damn waterworks spilling over. The weight of the pain they’d dealt each other because they were too young to know any better, adds weight to their lives that is as essential as breathing. They know what it’s like to be without each other, being their own cautionary tale. I kept checking to make sure the tale wasn’t finished yet because I couldn’t stand the thought of it ending. And as the stage is set for the final showdown, I’m useless to everybody because I can’t tear my eyes away. Not now. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the end so I ended up doing both. But, oh, what a ruuusshh! Mme. Amy, still drinking the tears of your readers with the little finger raised? I bet you are but please, let Hunter and Grace be next because…You know why!
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a tale filled with excitement, romance and a love determined to weave its own tapestry!
Verdict? A comfort keeper of a tale filled with excitement, romance and a love determined to weave its own tapestry!
September 18, 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞,” 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥?”
The story was 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀😍. Amy Lane is one of the few authors who actually make a story 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀🥺 instead or just sex and jokes, which I appreciate very much. The attractive thing about the plot was that it was 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱. Nothing was rushed. I am not saying it was perfect but for those people who can't take slow burn this is going to be a good one.
Felix and Danny met when they were young. They saved each other🤝. They fell in love too young, not realising the consequences of loving someone so greatly, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀😬. In my opinion, Felix made the most humongous mistake😥. No apology can take away that. Danny was so 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 because of that, he was so 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 and for a damn good reason. Julia had a good part in it too....
“𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠,” 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝. “𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝?”
I didn't like Julia all that much. I don't know why, she was just there and I rolled with it😬. The 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 to be with when they were all together. The hole crew thing fit for them very well. Also, I might be based because I love a 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 more than a biological one bcs the family I was born into is not all that accommodating and it gives me hope that someday I can maybe be part of something like that....😐
Marnie definitely got what she had coming though 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 but I'll take what I get.😝
The 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲. They had a 𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗽 in their relationship. Even though they loved each other all that time neither of them had the courage to confront the other. I loved the few scenes that showed them 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴. It was 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Felix tried his hardest to get Danny back, but It was kind of annoying because I still kind of feel it was 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘅'𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁. 😠
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝.
And that right there is one of the reasons this book didn't get a five star from me🙁. If I were Felix I would be 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀 for Danny's forgiveness😤. What he did wasn't something anybody who promised to love someone shd do to that person. And yeah... They were young and had a predicament but then the way Felix just 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 didn't sit well with me.😡
He 𝗵𝗶𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 to get through the pain😢. And after the ten years when he came back everybody around him kept telling him how much they needed him back and 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 and blame him for leaving was just 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, because 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀👿. Where were you ten years ago when he needed you all and 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗺. Not let him be whet he wanted to be. You 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺 so what right did any of you have to ask him to stay just like that? It was very selfish that they 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆'𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.😩
“𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞.”
The other thing was the way they talked. There were 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 '𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴' 𝗮𝗻𝗱 '𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗿'. Why are you all calling strangers that? Even beloved was used just like that... Like who talks like that?😦
“𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐝.
“𝐘𝐞𝐬?”
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.”
“𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝.”
The book was a 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 and I still believe 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 than all of them combined and he definitely deserved a 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 from all of them which he didn't get😤😤. But the book was really 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. It excited me and kept me wanting to know what would happen. So, all in all it was a 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.😄
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞,” 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐲. “𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐞’𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐥?”
The story was 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀😍. Amy Lane is one of the few authors who actually make a story 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀🥺 instead or just sex and jokes, which I appreciate very much. The attractive thing about the plot was that it was 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱. Nothing was rushed. I am not saying it was perfect but for those people who can't take slow burn this is going to be a good one.
Felix and Danny met when they were young. They saved each other🤝. They fell in love too young, not realising the consequences of loving someone so greatly, 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀😬. In my opinion, Felix made the most humongous mistake😥. No apology can take away that. Danny was so 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻 because of that, he was so 𝗮𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 and for a damn good reason. Julia had a good part in it too....
“𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠,” 𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝. “𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝?”
I didn't like Julia all that much. I don't know why, she was just there and I rolled with it😬. The 𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝘂𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 to be with when they were all together. The hole crew thing fit for them very well. Also, I might be based because I love a 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 more than a biological one bcs the family I was born into is not all that accommodating and it gives me hope that someday I can maybe be part of something like that....😐
Marnie definitely got what she had coming though 𝗜 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗜 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝘂𝗽 𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 but I'll take what I get.😝
The 𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗜 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲. They had a 𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝗽 in their relationship. Even though they loved each other all that time neither of them had the courage to confront the other. I loved the few scenes that showed them 𝗯𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴. It was 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Felix tried his hardest to get Danny back, but It was kind of annoying because I still kind of feel it was 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗙𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘅'𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁. 😠
𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐰. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝.
And that right there is one of the reasons this book didn't get a five star from me🙁. If I were Felix I would be 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝘆 𝗸𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀 for Danny's forgiveness😤. What he did wasn't something anybody who promised to love someone shd do to that person. And yeah... They were young and had a predicament but then the way Felix just 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆 didn't sit well with me.😡
He 𝗵𝗶𝗱 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 to get through the pain😢. And after the ten years when he came back everybody around him kept telling him how much they needed him back and 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 and blame him for leaving was just 𝗲𝘅𝗵𝗮𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, because 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀👿. Where were you ten years ago when he needed you all and 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗺. Not let him be whet he wanted to be. You 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺 so what right did any of you have to ask him to stay just like that? It was very selfish that they 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆'𝘀 𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁.😩
“𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥, 𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨. 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐡𝐨’𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐞.”
The other thing was the way they talked. There were 𝘁𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 '𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴' 𝗮𝗻𝗱 '𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗿'. Why are you all calling strangers that? Even beloved was used just like that... Like who talks like that?😦
“𝐅𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐱?” 𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐝.
“𝐘𝐞𝐬?”
“𝐈’𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞.”
“𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝.”
The book was a 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 and I still believe 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗻𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 than all of them combined and he definitely deserved a 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 from all of them which he didn't get😤😤. But the book was really 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹. It excited me and kept me wanting to know what would happen. So, all in all it was a 𝗴𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.😄
𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦.
May 14, 2021
This is quite an enjoyable read.
I didn't quite like how, in the early part of the book, there were flashback intersperse here and there. I understand that these scenes were important to fresh out the character and circumstances. But I was impatient to continue the current plot. But the flashbacks stop before the halfway point. So it wasn't that much of an issue, in hindsight at least.
This book felt like a blend of various genre: second chance, caper, found family, and heist. The personal dramas, of course, take center stage with the other elements congregate around it.
I liked the crews, the main trios and the secondary casts. I didn't quite like some of the pacing.
Some part of this felt like Ms. Lane comfort zone: Broken MCs, hurt-comfort, and found family. With the new elements being the heist and the caper. I felt like I would have like to read more about planning stage. Even though there were plenty in the book... I guess I can't help comparing this to Leverage TV series a bit.
All in all, I would like to read more. I wonder whether the next book will be about the other characters or still mainly concentrated on this couple.
I didn't quite like how, in the early part of the book, there were flashback intersperse here and there. I understand that these scenes were important to fresh out the character and circumstances. But I was impatient to continue the current plot. But the flashbacks stop before the halfway point. So it wasn't that much of an issue, in hindsight at least.
This book felt like a blend of various genre: second chance, caper, found family, and heist. The personal dramas, of course, take center stage with the other elements congregate around it.
I liked the crews, the main trios and the secondary casts. I didn't quite like some of the pacing.
Some part of this felt like Ms. Lane comfort zone: Broken MCs, hurt-comfort, and found family. With the new elements being the heist and the caper. I felt like I would have like to read more about planning stage. Even though there were plenty in the book... I guess I can't help comparing this to Leverage TV series a bit.
All in all, I would like to read more. I wonder whether the next book will be about the other characters or still mainly concentrated on this couple.
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