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The Long Con #4
The Suit
Two and a half years ago, Michael Carmody made the biggest mistake of his life. Thanks to the Salinger crew, he has a second chance. Now he’s working as their mechanic and nursing a starry-eyed crush on the crew’s stoic suit, insurance investigator and spin doctor Carl Cox.
Carl has always been an almost-ran, so Michael’s crush baffles him. When it comes to the Salingers, he’s the designated wet blanket. But watching Michael forge the life he wants instead of the one he fell into inspires him. In Michael’s eyes, he isn’t an almost-ran—he just hasn’t found the right person to run with. And while the mechanic and the suit shouldn’t have much to talk about, suddenly they’re seeking out each other’s company.
Then the Salingers take a case from their past, and it’s all hands on deck. For once, behind-the-scenes guys Michael and Carl find themselves front and center. Between monster trucks, missing women, and murder birds, the case is a jigsaw puzzle with a lot of missing pieces—but confronting the unknown is a hell of a lot easier when they’re side by side.
Carl has always been an almost-ran, so Michael’s crush baffles him. When it comes to the Salingers, he’s the designated wet blanket. But watching Michael forge the life he wants instead of the one he fell into inspires him. In Michael’s eyes, he isn’t an almost-ran—he just hasn’t found the right person to run with. And while the mechanic and the suit shouldn’t have much to talk about, suddenly they’re seeking out each other’s company.
Then the Salingers take a case from their past, and it’s all hands on deck. For once, behind-the-scenes guys Michael and Carl find themselves front and center. Between monster trucks, missing women, and murder birds, the case is a jigsaw puzzle with a lot of missing pieces—but confronting the unknown is a hell of a lot easier when they’re side by side.
480 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 7, 2022
About the author
Amy Lane
213 books3,511 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 54 reviews
August 11, 2022
A good addition to the series, although the story is not as good as in the first book or even in the second.
I did not expect that the next book would be about this pair of heroes. We've just met Michael, and Carl is not a part of the core group of main characters. I thought it was going to be the story of someone from the original group. But I didn't have a problem with that. Carl and Michael make a pretty cute couple and go well together. Even if these aren't the most fascinating main characters.
Michael could be an exceptionally tortured hero if his memories of his imprisonment were more revealed. But they are described very delicately and practically without any details. This definitely fits the book's overall light tone. Although I do like tortured heroes.
This time our well-known team has practically completely abandoned the idea of any scheme or scam. This time their actions are probably more like police work than something that a group of prominent thieves would do. Maybe it's because Carl is an insurance investigator after all. I don't know if this was the author's idea behind this decision. But I still miss the excitement of planning and running a big scam.
The whole story is okay, but it's not something I will remember for long. I still really like this group of characters and I will definitely read more books in this series. There is still so much room for interesting relationships.
I did not expect that the next book would be about this pair of heroes. We've just met Michael, and Carl is not a part of the core group of main characters. I thought it was going to be the story of someone from the original group. But I didn't have a problem with that. Carl and Michael make a pretty cute couple and go well together. Even if these aren't the most fascinating main characters.
Michael could be an exceptionally tortured hero if his memories of his imprisonment were more revealed. But they are described very delicately and practically without any details. This definitely fits the book's overall light tone. Although I do like tortured heroes.
This time our well-known team has practically completely abandoned the idea of any scheme or scam. This time their actions are probably more like police work than something that a group of prominent thieves would do. Maybe it's because Carl is an insurance investigator after all. I don't know if this was the author's idea behind this decision. But I still miss the excitement of planning and running a big scam.
The whole story is okay, but it's not something I will remember for long. I still really like this group of characters and I will definitely read more books in this series. There is still so much room for interesting relationships.
Did Not Finish
January 18, 2023dnf @ 25%
I am so bored. I actually fell asleep last night while I was reading this. 😖
I loved the beginning of this series, but I can’t seem to get back to it now. I’m curious about Josh, and Stirling, but not curious enough to plough through 300+ more pages of these two BORING AF (I can’t stress that enough!) characters dancing around each other. 🤷♀️
I am so bored. I actually fell asleep last night while I was reading this. 😖
I loved the beginning of this series, but I can’t seem to get back to it now. I’m curious about Josh, and Stirling, but not curious enough to plough through 300+ more pages of these two BORING AF (I can’t stress that enough!) characters dancing around each other. 🤷♀️
September 20, 2024
4 stars
Tropes: action/adventure/crime, opposites attract, age gap, hurt/comfort
Positives:
~ it seems like opposites attract initially but they're so complementary and seem to have a solid bond. I totally buy them as a couple.
~ Carl realising he's been chosen by Michael and what that means
~ Michael coming into his own, slowly standing up for himself and deciding who he wants to be as a person
~ Carl discovering he's not actually the "B" team - as if Carl, you're awesome. He's one of my favourite MCs in the series.
Negatives:
~ I mean this one totally unrealistic, but in her defense the author acknowledges the absurd murder bird situation in the author's note
~ a couple plot elements felt very unfinished at the end of this:
~ the felt a bit glossed over
◆◆◆◆◈ - The Mastermind
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Muscle
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Driver
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Suit
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Tech
◆◆◈◇◇ - The Face Man
Tropes: action/adventure/crime, opposites attract, age gap, hurt/comfort
Positives:
~ it seems like opposites attract initially but they're so complementary and seem to have a solid bond. I totally buy them as a couple.
~ Carl realising he's been chosen by Michael and what that means
~ Michael coming into his own, slowly standing up for himself and deciding who he wants to be as a person
~ Carl discovering he's not actually the "B" team - as if Carl, you're awesome. He's one of my favourite MCs in the series.
Negatives:
~ I mean this one totally unrealistic, but in her defense the author acknowledges the absurd murder bird situation in the author's note
~ a couple plot elements felt very unfinished at the end of this:
~ the felt a bit glossed over
◆◆◆◆◈ - The Mastermind
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Muscle
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Driver
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Suit
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Tech
◆◆◈◇◇ - The Face Man
June 13, 2022
3 Stars because I liked it ok..
Ugh.. this story scared me in the beginning. I mean, bland background character + dull character = something I don’t want to read. Its almost like I can get my head around the fact that this series was put on KU because maybe it wasn’t doing well? IDK.. it’s a guess. Still the story lacks spark because two maybes do not = a “Hell Yeah!”
Carmichael Carmody.. OMG the name.. is out of prison and trying a do over. Those two years in max security were definitely not kind and he still bears both visible scars and psychological ones. Yes, there is discussions of prison rape (because its an AL book & that has been her go to for drama building) But still a dull character. I felt badly for him because his wife and kids kept him somewhat sane in prison. His idiot brothers went to a different prison which is probably why Carmichael or Michael as he wanted to be known as was still alive to find Good Luck Chuck.
Carl “Soderburgh” Cox likes birds.. it was a bridge for how he found himself in Danny’s Chicago apartment to spoon with Michael the mechanic. Carl is so beige, he’s wallpaper.. He has markers of still being hung up on Danny but that ain’t happening. Danny is the other half of Felix.
Book centers around Josh’s illness, his uncle in town to give bone marrow, and the issue of his dad Matteo’s death. The series has some common threads. There is a caper to be finished or foiled. The Suit is Carl’s moment to be bland. I was more interested to see if Leon the divorced mobster would make a move on Julia or if that was an ick moment because she had a kid with his dead brother.
The books rumbles along to gain speed. We learn about predatory birds who shouldn’t exist, falconry in vineyards and how the government might not have the best interests of the citizenry at heart. These engineered birds are an environmentally destructive and take off small children and labs. The books speeds along and speeds along until it hits a brick wall of an ending. Its not a cliffhanger but its not well thought out either.
Not a fan…
Ugh.. this story scared me in the beginning. I mean, bland background character + dull character = something I don’t want to read. Its almost like I can get my head around the fact that this series was put on KU because maybe it wasn’t doing well? IDK.. it’s a guess. Still the story lacks spark because two maybes do not = a “Hell Yeah!”
Carmichael Carmody.. OMG the name.. is out of prison and trying a do over. Those two years in max security were definitely not kind and he still bears both visible scars and psychological ones. Yes, there is discussions of prison rape (because its an AL book & that has been her go to for drama building) But still a dull character. I felt badly for him because his wife and kids kept him somewhat sane in prison. His idiot brothers went to a different prison which is probably why Carmichael or Michael as he wanted to be known as was still alive to find Good Luck Chuck.
Carl “Soderburgh” Cox likes birds.. it was a bridge for how he found himself in Danny’s Chicago apartment to spoon with Michael the mechanic. Carl is so beige, he’s wallpaper.. He has markers of still being hung up on Danny but that ain’t happening. Danny is the other half of Felix.
Book centers around Josh’s illness, his uncle in town to give bone marrow, and the issue of his dad Matteo’s death. The series has some common threads. There is a caper to be finished or foiled. The Suit is Carl’s moment to be bland. I was more interested to see if Leon the divorced mobster would make a move on Julia or if that was an ick moment because she had a kid with his dead brother.
The books rumbles along to gain speed. We learn about predatory birds who shouldn’t exist, falconry in vineyards and how the government might not have the best interests of the citizenry at heart. These engineered birds are an environmentally destructive and take off small children and labs. The books speeds along and speeds along until it hits a brick wall of an ending. Its not a cliffhanger but its not well thought out either.
Not a fan…
May 11, 2026
4-⭐
Michael's big sad eyes. 🥺🥺🥺
The couple was lovely, even though there was no big drama or angst to the relationship. Michael's sweetness might give one a tooth-ache, but he was nicely matched with Carl.
I was actually quite into the investigation in this book. Not only was it an investigation instead of just pulling a heist, it had environmental importance. And, you know, birds are cool. Direct quote.
But I have to say that after everything had been figured out and the bad guys chased around, I was ready to be done. So while this long book actually kept me entertained nicely, I think it was still just a tad too long.
Michael's big sad eyes. 🥺🥺🥺
The couple was lovely, even though there was no big drama or angst to the relationship. Michael's sweetness might give one a tooth-ache, but he was nicely matched with Carl.
I was actually quite into the investigation in this book. Not only was it an investigation instead of just pulling a heist, it had environmental importance. And, you know, birds are cool. Direct quote.
But I have to say that after everything had been figured out and the bad guys chased around, I was ready to be done. So while this long book actually kept me entertained nicely, I think it was still just a tad too long.
August 2, 2026
2026 re-read: I remembered that a lot happens in this one, but, like, a LOT happens. Loved it again. On to the next one.
2022 review:
I love this series. Not as much as the Fish Out of Water series, but it's close because do you know how hard it is to interweave this many characters in a continuing evolution as they pair up? Apparently, it's not hard for Amy Lane, and thank goodness because I need family and found family in my romances!
Anyway. This one. ALLLL the sweetness. The angst between the MCs is saved for real stuff and its sparse; the plot with the hybrid terrors is creepy. But it is what the author insightfully reveals about family that got to me, and not in a sappy way at all. No. Great finale, terrific ending.
And then, THERE IS A SCENE FROM THE NEXT FISH BOOOOOK! I may have screamed a little bit.
2022 review:
I love this series. Not as much as the Fish Out of Water series, but it's close because do you know how hard it is to interweave this many characters in a continuing evolution as they pair up? Apparently, it's not hard for Amy Lane, and thank goodness because I need family and found family in my romances!
Anyway. This one. ALLLL the sweetness. The angst between the MCs is saved for real stuff and its sparse; the plot with the hybrid terrors is creepy. But it is what the author insightfully reveals about family that got to me, and not in a sappy way at all. No. Great finale, terrific ending.
And then, THERE IS A SCENE FROM THE NEXT FISH BOOOOOK! I may have screamed a little bit.
September 4, 2022
The Suit by Amy Lane was given to me in exchange for an honest review. The latest installment of The Long con Series is about Carl, aka the suit, is on a mission to help the Salingers in any way possible . Michael, the mechanic., has a second chance to do well in his life when got after jail. When Michael meets Carl, Michael wants Carl right away and finds that even when Carl doesn't feel like one the A game guys like Hunter or Grace he sees Carl for his subtlety and the secret weapon the Salingers know they need. When looking for what really happened to Matteo di Rossi (Josh's bio dad) , the disappearance of Mandy, a coworker of Carl's and the how they both tie into murder birds is just the beginning of a lifetime for both of them.
I really loved this slow burn love story full of adventure and sweetness. Amy really is wonderful knitting together a beautiful story of two unlikely men who are so different on paper but are so completely made for one another especially in the midst of another crazy adventure and the con with the Salinger Crew.
I really loved this slow burn love story full of adventure and sweetness. Amy really is wonderful knitting together a beautiful story of two unlikely men who are so different on paper but are so completely made for one another especially in the midst of another crazy adventure and the con with the Salinger Crew.
May 21, 2022
This latest book in the Long Con series was a fun romp and I loved every minute of it.
I loved how Carl grew into his own character and was no longer a side piece. He had gumption and was quite the thrill seeker. He discovered by being part of the group who he was and what he wanted. He just wanted to belong and originally he had hoped with Danny.
But then Car-Car popped up and Carl’s heart swelled three size and it was all over.
Until the birds arrived.
This book was a riot of OMG moments, and sweet swoony moments. I love all the characters and how they just get into each other’s business while still getting the job done.
I love this series so much and I am so excited for the Next Book.
I loved how Carl grew into his own character and was no longer a side piece. He had gumption and was quite the thrill seeker. He discovered by being part of the group who he was and what he wanted. He just wanted to belong and originally he had hoped with Danny.
But then Car-Car popped up and Carl’s heart swelled three size and it was all over.
Until the birds arrived.
This book was a riot of OMG moments, and sweet swoony moments. I love all the characters and how they just get into each other’s business while still getting the job done.
I love this series so much and I am so excited for the Next Book.
June 7, 2022
Amy Lane knows how to write found family very well. I really do like this gang and I’m glad their Robin Hood ways are leading them to HEA. There was action and danger, big personalities, and new friends. The birds were interesting and the mystery engaging. Lots of this series is very far fetched and a little formulaic but still charming.
June 8, 2022
A Four Star High Flying Adventure!
This book was inspired by Amy Lane’s pandemic reading about falconry. I learned quite a bit about “The Sport of Kings”, and what could happen if science decided to combine falcons with eagles and created a new “Super Predator”.
Combine “murder birds”, with a mysterious death, which catches the interest of the Salinger Gang, and you have one exciting read.
The Suit is Carl Cox’s and Carmichael “Michael” Carmody’s story. Michael is the friend of Chuck, who through a series of unfortunate events, ends up in jail. He is commissioned by the Salinger crew to be their auto mechanic. Michael has led a life of being picked on, abused by his brothers, and eventually brutalized in jail. He feels vulnerable, and doesn’t trust easily. Micheal wants security, someone to talk to, and someone to care for him. One of my favorite scenes is the first time Michael is making love with Carl.
“He was weeping against Carl’s chest now, but he was also falling asleep. Tired. So tired. So many years hiding, and two brutal years unable to hide anywhere but inside his own head. He’d spent his entire life wanting a place where he’d be safe, be protected, be cared for. Now that he’d found it, here in Carl’s arms, all his body could do was rest, replete. And finally, finally, he was no longer afraid.”
(I was openly weeping at this point!)
Carl Cox is the handsome art investigative lawyer, who has found himself being drawn into the Salinger circle. He catches the eye of Michael, who keeps to himself, does his work, and has a love of birds. Carl finds himself drawn to the quiet man, who is rehabilitating an injured falcon on his own time, because… birds are cool!
What I like about this story is the true love match between Carl and Michael. Michael wants to be kept safe, feel loved, and seen for the person he is, not just as his past mistakes. Carl has had plenty of partners in his bed, but none he feels so drawn to as he does Michael. Carl thinks of himself as the “B-team”. He isn’t the first one who makes all the decisions. He is thoughtful, and plods along, ensuring every stone is investigated, and justice is always done.
Through the kindness, caring, and gentle touch from Carl, Michael gains self confidence, and finds himself wanting to be a member of the team. He finds he likes the core values of the Salinger family, and works hard towards getting the bone marrow match for their central figure, Josh. Michael’s and Carl’s unique knowledge combine to crack the case, along with the help of the rest of the crew.
Yes, the whole crew is front and center in this book. Another figure is introduced, that I believe will play an important future role in the developing storyline. I do enjoy reading the witty banter, and watching the close bonds of family that are unbreakable.
If you want a book with low angst, learning about falconry, well written sexy times, and laughing at the antics of the Salinger crew as a whole, The Suit is for you.
This book was inspired by Amy Lane’s pandemic reading about falconry. I learned quite a bit about “The Sport of Kings”, and what could happen if science decided to combine falcons with eagles and created a new “Super Predator”.
Combine “murder birds”, with a mysterious death, which catches the interest of the Salinger Gang, and you have one exciting read.
The Suit is Carl Cox’s and Carmichael “Michael” Carmody’s story. Michael is the friend of Chuck, who through a series of unfortunate events, ends up in jail. He is commissioned by the Salinger crew to be their auto mechanic. Michael has led a life of being picked on, abused by his brothers, and eventually brutalized in jail. He feels vulnerable, and doesn’t trust easily. Micheal wants security, someone to talk to, and someone to care for him. One of my favorite scenes is the first time Michael is making love with Carl.
“He was weeping against Carl’s chest now, but he was also falling asleep. Tired. So tired. So many years hiding, and two brutal years unable to hide anywhere but inside his own head. He’d spent his entire life wanting a place where he’d be safe, be protected, be cared for. Now that he’d found it, here in Carl’s arms, all his body could do was rest, replete. And finally, finally, he was no longer afraid.”
(I was openly weeping at this point!)
Carl Cox is the handsome art investigative lawyer, who has found himself being drawn into the Salinger circle. He catches the eye of Michael, who keeps to himself, does his work, and has a love of birds. Carl finds himself drawn to the quiet man, who is rehabilitating an injured falcon on his own time, because… birds are cool!
What I like about this story is the true love match between Carl and Michael. Michael wants to be kept safe, feel loved, and seen for the person he is, not just as his past mistakes. Carl has had plenty of partners in his bed, but none he feels so drawn to as he does Michael. Carl thinks of himself as the “B-team”. He isn’t the first one who makes all the decisions. He is thoughtful, and plods along, ensuring every stone is investigated, and justice is always done.
Through the kindness, caring, and gentle touch from Carl, Michael gains self confidence, and finds himself wanting to be a member of the team. He finds he likes the core values of the Salinger family, and works hard towards getting the bone marrow match for their central figure, Josh. Michael’s and Carl’s unique knowledge combine to crack the case, along with the help of the rest of the crew.
Yes, the whole crew is front and center in this book. Another figure is introduced, that I believe will play an important future role in the developing storyline. I do enjoy reading the witty banter, and watching the close bonds of family that are unbreakable.
If you want a book with low angst, learning about falconry, well written sexy times, and laughing at the antics of the Salinger crew as a whole, The Suit is for you.
June 8, 2022
Firstly, I haven’t read the other books in the series which meant that I felt a little bit like I’d been thrown into the deep end from the beginning. I would say that although it can be read as a standalone, reading the other books will help you with all of the names and characters because for quite a while, I was absolutely lost.
Have you ever seen Ocean’s Eleven? The one with Brad Pitt and George Clooney? Think of it as settling down to watch Ocean’s Twelve or Thirteen – you know there’s history and backstory, that the previous versions were amusing and entertaining as heck, but you don’t have time to watch them first. That’s how I felt reading this book. There were so many characters involved, so much history that could obviously only be alluded to in this book. I felt like I was missing out but I didn’t really have time to read them before diving into this book.
Michael and Carl were absolutely lovely – they seemed like complete opposites who brought out the best in each other. Unfortunately, their relationship felt like it got more than a little bit lost in the whole heist/murder birds thing. The story was engaging and headed towards an entertaining set of circumstances that had both Michael and Carl being brave, courageous and romantic.
As always, Amy has written loveable characters who you care about; unusual circumstances and a whole entertaining roller-coaster ride that you couldn’t make up in your wildest dreams. This book was a lot of fun to read, and perhaps the previous ones will join my TBR pile. You know what you’re getting with an Amy Lane book and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.
I received an ARC from the author.
Have you ever seen Ocean’s Eleven? The one with Brad Pitt and George Clooney? Think of it as settling down to watch Ocean’s Twelve or Thirteen – you know there’s history and backstory, that the previous versions were amusing and entertaining as heck, but you don’t have time to watch them first. That’s how I felt reading this book. There were so many characters involved, so much history that could obviously only be alluded to in this book. I felt like I was missing out but I didn’t really have time to read them before diving into this book.
Michael and Carl were absolutely lovely – they seemed like complete opposites who brought out the best in each other. Unfortunately, their relationship felt like it got more than a little bit lost in the whole heist/murder birds thing. The story was engaging and headed towards an entertaining set of circumstances that had both Michael and Carl being brave, courageous and romantic.
As always, Amy has written loveable characters who you care about; unusual circumstances and a whole entertaining roller-coaster ride that you couldn’t make up in your wildest dreams. This book was a lot of fun to read, and perhaps the previous ones will join my TBR pile. You know what you’re getting with an Amy Lane book and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one.
I received an ARC from the author.
May 14, 2022
Here I am sitting in front of a blank page and am at a loss……Is this how writers think?
What can I say that I haven’t said before in an Amy Lane review? I think it is almost over 20 years I am her fan!! Discovering this marvel on an Amazon Paranormal Group when Amazon had groups, this band of writing warriors were all struggling Indie authors and a few readers like me found them!
Not all of them floated to the top, but Amy Lane school teacher, Mom, wife and Author became a legend! Her love of hearth and home surrounds many of the books in her many many series’; as she grew them with love.
The Long Con has that aspect, as the premise began years ago with three people banding together to overcome tremendous hardship. Now Josh Salinger’s clan has adopted a group likened to Robin Hood doing good through the world and I will follow them anywhere.
Chuck Calder and Lucious Bloodstone’s lives are worlds apart. Chuck and his battered persona has never felt accepted. His claim to fame right now is he is the getaway driver for the Salinger clan…..Meeting Lucius in Book #2 The Muscle, Ms. Lane has given them Book #3 The Driver for them to sort themselves out. Aaaand they do beautifully.
As always I loved EVERYTHING about this book. I love the family she has made, I love what the group stands for, and most of all I love Josh and his family hoping for his health to return…..
We will be graced with Book #4 in June called The Suit, and I cannot wait…..If you’re reading this review please start the series and see what I am talking about….You will thank me !!!
What can I say that I haven’t said before in an Amy Lane review? I think it is almost over 20 years I am her fan!! Discovering this marvel on an Amazon Paranormal Group when Amazon had groups, this band of writing warriors were all struggling Indie authors and a few readers like me found them!
Not all of them floated to the top, but Amy Lane school teacher, Mom, wife and Author became a legend! Her love of hearth and home surrounds many of the books in her many many series’; as she grew them with love.
The Long Con has that aspect, as the premise began years ago with three people banding together to overcome tremendous hardship. Now Josh Salinger’s clan has adopted a group likened to Robin Hood doing good through the world and I will follow them anywhere.
Chuck Calder and Lucious Bloodstone’s lives are worlds apart. Chuck and his battered persona has never felt accepted. His claim to fame right now is he is the getaway driver for the Salinger clan…..Meeting Lucius in Book #2 The Muscle, Ms. Lane has given them Book #3 The Driver for them to sort themselves out. Aaaand they do beautifully.
As always I loved EVERYTHING about this book. I love the family she has made, I love what the group stands for, and most of all I love Josh and his family hoping for his health to return…..
We will be graced with Book #4 in June called The Suit, and I cannot wait…..If you’re reading this review please start the series and see what I am talking about….You will thank me !!!
June 8, 2022
The most recent escapade of the Salingers and company did not disappoint. Carl and Michael (don't call him Car Car anymore) are the latest couple to discover their compatibility in this found family I've fallen so in love with.
I do love Carl - he's exactly who I thought he would be, confident on the outside and questioning on the inside, with Michael, of course, brings out the best in him. But let's talk about Michael. He's my favorite kind of character that Amy writes. The one who's made mistakes, who is trying to reinvent himself. He has the biggest heart, and even if he isn't book smart like some others, he's brilliant in his own way, and so painfully honest that the words that leave his mouth will unexpectedly crack you up, warm your heart, or just plain break it. He stole the show for me this book.
I love the way Amy writes the characters to show their vulnerability, and even in the midst of all the chaos and danger there will be that humor and that love, and that trust and faith in one another, in that family built on love that just keeps growing. And of course, catching up with the others is part of the fun. It was good to see everyone looking out for Julia, Danny, and Felix, this time around.
And OMG Josh. Josh, Josh, Josh. In my heart I know he will be okay, but I'm still scared. And I have questions! Who will he end up with? What’s next for him?
This is for sure a Long Con and I am here for it...from now until it wraps up.
***ARC received***
I do love Carl - he's exactly who I thought he would be, confident on the outside and questioning on the inside, with Michael, of course, brings out the best in him. But let's talk about Michael. He's my favorite kind of character that Amy writes. The one who's made mistakes, who is trying to reinvent himself. He has the biggest heart, and even if he isn't book smart like some others, he's brilliant in his own way, and so painfully honest that the words that leave his mouth will unexpectedly crack you up, warm your heart, or just plain break it. He stole the show for me this book.
I love the way Amy writes the characters to show their vulnerability, and even in the midst of all the chaos and danger there will be that humor and that love, and that trust and faith in one another, in that family built on love that just keeps growing. And of course, catching up with the others is part of the fun. It was good to see everyone looking out for Julia, Danny, and Felix, this time around.
And OMG Josh. Josh, Josh, Josh. In my heart I know he will be okay, but I'm still scared. And I have questions! Who will he end up with? What’s next for him?
This is for sure a Long Con and I am here for it...from now until it wraps up.
***ARC received***
June 9, 2022
This is a fantastic addition to the series. We get to know Carl so much better, and we get to enjoy his surprise at the feelings new character Michael has for him.
Michael's back story is heartbreaking. Thanks to Chuck showing up, Michael's life changed, eventually leading him to join the Long Con team as their mechanic. Despite having gone through so much horror, Michael is still a dreamer. I love everything about him.
Carl is a hero in Michael's eyes, and he behaves in ways during this story that prove that view correct. Both of these men are heroes. They have good hearts and intentions, and they have a deep seated need to make things right. They do great things, and during all that, they turn their instant attraction into a beautiful love story.
This book is as full of adventure as the previous ones, and all the beloved characters show up. I adore this group, and their world is a favorite of mine. I recommend all these stories, and I am already so excited for the next installment. I can't wait!
Michael's back story is heartbreaking. Thanks to Chuck showing up, Michael's life changed, eventually leading him to join the Long Con team as their mechanic. Despite having gone through so much horror, Michael is still a dreamer. I love everything about him.
Carl is a hero in Michael's eyes, and he behaves in ways during this story that prove that view correct. Both of these men are heroes. They have good hearts and intentions, and they have a deep seated need to make things right. They do great things, and during all that, they turn their instant attraction into a beautiful love story.
This book is as full of adventure as the previous ones, and all the beloved characters show up. I adore this group, and their world is a favorite of mine. I recommend all these stories, and I am already so excited for the next installment. I can't wait!
May 27, 2022
What a great story. I was so happy that Carl finally got to be the lead in The Suit. It was his time to shine and he IS a hero. I loved learning more about his backstory.
The overall arc of these stories, to me, is Josh and it's always good to see how he is doing. Josh and his uncle are the reason for the adventure in this story and it is an adventure. Plus... birds are cool.
If you haven't read the first book in this series, you really need to. I think all of these books should be read in order. And you won't be disappointed. Amy delivers in this series.
And I can't leave out Michael. His backstory is heartbreaking in some parts. I really need to see his wife and kids on-screen more! Michael deserves every bit of happiness that comes his way.
I'm all ready, ready for the next book!!
The overall arc of these stories, to me, is Josh and it's always good to see how he is doing. Josh and his uncle are the reason for the adventure in this story and it is an adventure. Plus... birds are cool.
If you haven't read the first book in this series, you really need to. I think all of these books should be read in order. And you won't be disappointed. Amy delivers in this series.
And I can't leave out Michael. His backstory is heartbreaking in some parts. I really need to see his wife and kids on-screen more! Michael deserves every bit of happiness that comes his way.
I'm all ready, ready for the next book!!
June 6, 2022
CW: References to sexual assault suffered by a main character.
Carl “Soderbergh” Cox is “the suit.” He has a legitimate job as an insurance investigator, and uses those skills in "the game." He believes he’s destined to be the runner-up in all romantic relationships, never to be the guy someone actually wants. Until he finally notices the guy who looks at him with absolute adoration.
Carmichael “Car Car” Carmody is an ex-con, mechanic hired by the crew, who survived two years in prison – remains devoted to his three children and ex-wife - and thinks Carl is The Best.
It’s a classic rom-com pairing – the white collar/blue collar, on-paper mismatch. Add convincing a long-lost relative to donate bone marrow, navigating Carl’s toxic workplace, and OMG – Murder. Birds. It’s an amazing story told well by one of the best.
Carl “Soderbergh” Cox is “the suit.” He has a legitimate job as an insurance investigator, and uses those skills in "the game." He believes he’s destined to be the runner-up in all romantic relationships, never to be the guy someone actually wants. Until he finally notices the guy who looks at him with absolute adoration.
Carmichael “Car Car” Carmody is an ex-con, mechanic hired by the crew, who survived two years in prison – remains devoted to his three children and ex-wife - and thinks Carl is The Best.
It’s a classic rom-com pairing – the white collar/blue collar, on-paper mismatch. Add convincing a long-lost relative to donate bone marrow, navigating Carl’s toxic workplace, and OMG – Murder. Birds. It’s an amazing story told well by one of the best.
June 20, 2022
I'm going to start my review by saying that I was not in the mood to read this book or any book. It took a very long time for me to get in the right. headspace to read this book. With a book this size, I could finish it in a day or two, but it took nearly two weeks and change. This is a case of reading a good book at the wrong time.
Now about this book.
The Suit is really about the mysterious death of Josh's bio dad. The romance we focus on is Carl and Michael. As always, I'm jealous of the community they have built-in Glencoe. Carl and Michael were so sweet to each other, and I had no clue how much I would love them together. They are now my favorite coupling after Felix and Danny. The mystery surrounding the birds was intriguing, and I liked how it was woven into the story.
I was offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Now about this book.
The Suit is really about the mysterious death of Josh's bio dad. The romance we focus on is Carl and Michael. As always, I'm jealous of the community they have built-in Glencoe. Carl and Michael were so sweet to each other, and I had no clue how much I would love them together. They are now my favorite coupling after Felix and Danny. The mystery surrounding the birds was intriguing, and I liked how it was woven into the story.
I was offered an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2023
I just can't with this book - this was the stupidest plot ever. There was so much wrong with it -I don't even know where to begin. Nothing made sense at all.
So - you need to create "killer birds" to get rid of to many starlings to save your harvest.... what about just buying more "normal" hunter birds? And then - the people needed an immediate solution, not something so absurd, it had to be smuggled in.
And you can't tell me that in America noone would have spotted those birds and hunted them? For years????
And why would someone just catch three of them - knowing there are more - and keep them hidden in a remote valley and feed them with sheep? I mean - why? And dedicate their life to keep these obviously dangerous birds imprisoned but not just kill them?
And these are only the most obvious questions.
Sorry, but this was just to stupid.
So - you need to create "killer birds" to get rid of to many starlings to save your harvest.... what about just buying more "normal" hunter birds? And then - the people needed an immediate solution, not something so absurd, it had to be smuggled in.
And you can't tell me that in America noone would have spotted those birds and hunted them? For years????
And why would someone just catch three of them - knowing there are more - and keep them hidden in a remote valley and feed them with sheep? I mean - why? And dedicate their life to keep these obviously dangerous birds imprisoned but not just kill them?
And these are only the most obvious questions.
Sorry, but this was just to stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2022
This is the fourth book in The Long Con series. This was an extremely interesting book. Rarely in the books I read, do I learn something new. This book involved birds so outside of my knowledge it was really fascinating. I loved this book, the adventure, the romance and the happy ever after. I have loved this series, and this book continued that love. The characters are wonderful and I do so enjoy getting to see and interact with characters from other books. The pace made it hard to put down. Though this is the fourth book, I feel it can be read as a stand-alone book. Can’t wait for the next installment.
June 12, 2022
I love this series and I am so happy Michael and Carl got their story together. Sweet, happy Michael was rescued by Chuck but unfortunately went to prison which was not easy. Carl, insurance investigator, has a sense of right and wrong and it's becoming more wrong with the company he works for. Carl is surprised that Michael has eyes on him, an oh they are sweet, hungry eyes. The adventure is there, and it's wild and intense, and I was on a ride! Of course, Josh's story is underlying and hopefully meeting his uncle Leon and getting a much needed bone marrow transplant will return his health. As always, I can't wait for the next book.
June 12, 2022
I was so excited to read Carl's story. And to be matched up with Michael, made it even better. It was so nice to finally see the backstory with Carl & see how things came together with everyone. It was an exciting story to read and I was so happy that this was my voyage back into reading after a break. Amy has a way of weaving words and stories into such a journey of fun, excitement, and heart stopping energy that makes you not able to put the book down. This has been on heck of a series! Cannot recommend it more! You will not be disappointed!
June 9, 2022
A fun edition to this series. I was happy to see Carl get his moment in the spotlight and realize he is more than just a side character on the outskirts of the family. We hear about, and then briefly meet, Michael (aka Car-Car) in the prior book, and I was immediately drawn in. It was lovely to see him come into his own. Together, Carl and Michael are so sweet and a perfect match for each other. To me, this one wasn't so much of a con as figuring out some mysteries, but I really enjoyed it. Well, once the murder bird nightmares go away. Josh's on-going battle prompts the events in this story, and I can't wait for him to get his happy ending. This found family is something special.
June 8, 2022
Michael’s life has never been easy and has been absolute purgatory at times. Now he’s in a good place with a good job and a new extended family all he needs is someone to share his life. Carl has always felt like he was part of the “B” team. It’s time he learns that he’s not second rate. I loved the way Carl made Michael his priority and gave him the gentleness and love he never had in his life. Throw in the many characters in the Salinger family and you have an exciting and entertaining book.
July 28, 2022
Do I know more about mutating birds than I would ever need or want to know? YES!!!!!
That having been said, I loved Carl and Michael together. Watching the team work as a well-oiled machine is always a blast and getting some good news for Josh was extremely heartwarming!
I will say that had Ms. Lane taken out 50 or so pages of "bird" info... it wouldn't have hurt my feelings one bit... just sayin'! LOL!!!
That having been said, I loved Carl and Michael together. Watching the team work as a well-oiled machine is always a blast and getting some good news for Josh was extremely heartwarming!
I will say that had Ms. Lane taken out 50 or so pages of "bird" info... it wouldn't have hurt my feelings one bit... just sayin'! LOL!!!
August 26, 2022
I'm truly enjoying this series, though I often forget to leave my reviews nowadays.
I'm slowly turning about Amy Lane's books since I started liking them when they stopped being overdramatic angst-fest.
Obviously, you need to suspend any touch with reality to believe the plot, but once you do that, it's a great way to spend a few hours and relax from your everyday life.
I'll keep buying as long as Amy will keep writing them.
I'm slowly turning about Amy Lane's books since I started liking them when they stopped being overdramatic angst-fest.
Obviously, you need to suspend any touch with reality to believe the plot, but once you do that, it's a great way to spend a few hours and relax from your everyday life.
I'll keep buying as long as Amy will keep writing them.
June 8, 2022
A sweet story with murder birds!
I loved Carl and Michael! They are so sweet and kind. Each thinking they aren’t the 1st choice, important enough to be hanging with this crew but learning that they fit. I enjoyed the plot and mystery to be solved. Also the others characters are still crazy and still a great found family.
I loved Carl and Michael! They are so sweet and kind. Each thinking they aren’t the 1st choice, important enough to be hanging with this crew but learning that they fit. I enjoyed the plot and mystery to be solved. Also the others characters are still crazy and still a great found family.
June 9, 2022
This latest addition to the Long Con series was just as entertaining as I expected. Carl and Michael were two wonderful characters, both working on finding themselves within their found family. They were engaging from beginning to end. I would recommend reading the previous books first because of the overall series arc.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
June 9, 2022
Another Great One
Carl and Michael are so right for each other. I loved how they could see each other properly from the start, not the person they think they are but the real them. This book was a fun read with murder birds.
I keep saying it but I REALLY can't wait for the next book in the series
Carl and Michael are so right for each other. I loved how they could see each other properly from the start, not the person they think they are but the real them. This book was a fun read with murder birds.
I keep saying it but I REALLY can't wait for the next book in the series
June 11, 2022
Michael and Carl's story is adorable! The Salinger family is at it again--this time the caper has environmental impacts, which is right up my alley! Michael is looking for safety and instead finds passion in himself and Carl. I love that they both gained confidence and had to grow to come together. I wish we got to see more.
September 7, 2025
I loved everything except the conclusion of the "con" because in the end, this adventure wasn't really a con, but a mystery to be solved, and a lot of negotiation to resolve it. There were many mini cons leading up to the finale, but that finale was up the wrong genre. Particularly when Carl is such a great con-man.
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