The Muscle

The Long Con #2

by Amy Lane

A true protector will guard your heart before his own. Hunter Rutledge saw one too many people die in his life as mercenary muscle to go back to the job, so he was conveniently at loose ends when Josh Salinger offered him a place in his altruistic den of thieves. Hunter is almost content having found a home with a group of people who want justice badly enough to steal it. If only one of them didn’t keep stealing his attention from the task at hand…. Superlative dancer and transcendent thief Dylan “Grace” Li lives in the moment. But when mobsters blackmail the people who gave him dance—and the means to save his own soul—Grace turns to Josh for help. Unfortunately, working with Josh’s crew means working with Hunter Rutledge, and for Grace, that’s more dangerous than any heist. Grace’s childhood left him thinking he was too difficult to love—so he’s better off not risking his love on anyone else. Avoiding commitment keeps him safe. But somehow Hunter’s solid, grounding presence makes him feel safer. Can Grace trust that letting down his guard to a former mercenary doesn’t mean he’ll get shot in the heart?

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Suspense, Mystery, Crime

407 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 27, 2021

About the author

Amy 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.

Reviews

[Claudie ☾]

4.5

I am having so much fun with this merry band of thieves! 😍 I love the way they always have each other’s backs, love the way they plot, get into trouble or just laze around together. Such an amazing crew!

I’m knocking off half a star because of the romance, though. I think it was a big comedown after Felix and Danny’s epic love story from book 1. 😞 It’s always a bit hard for me to get into an opposites-attract romance, I keep wondering ‘just what in the world drew these two people together??’ and it was also my main problem here. I love Grace and Hunter separately, but as a couple they were just ‘okay.’ I mean they had some cute moments, and nice chemistry, and everything worked out well in the end, but all the while I was looking for something more, that depth from the prequel perhaps, and didn’t find it. 😩 But feel free to ignore this part, it’s probably a ‘me and not the book’ issue! 🙈

The ‘adventure’ itself was every bit as good as the first one, though of course you have to take these with a grain of salt and some suspension of disbelief, like watching an action movie. 😉 But I just love how they all work together, like a well-oiled machine. 😌

Also, going in I thought this was a trilogy, but now I’m sure it’s an ongoing series. Chuck’s book is next, and I’ll be on that asap, but hello, what about Josh and his hunky officers, and my baby Salinger and that Papers guy? Amy Lane, I dearly hope you are writing that fourth book AS WE SPEAK.

[fleurette]

This part was not as good as the first book in this series, but I still enjoyed it.

I have a big sweet spot for all kinds of criminals as main characters, especially thieves and contract killers. This story is a romance with just such a couple.

I liked these characters in the previous book. Of course, I got to know Grace a lot better. But I liked that in this book the same amount of space was devoted to him and Hunter, who also turned out to be an interesting and complicated character. Grace's story breaks your heart. This is something that this author does very well, as I found out in the previous book. This time she also succeeded. Grace and Hunter are wonderful characters.

I liked the relationship between Grace and Hunter. I liked its dynamics and how they seem to fit together perfectly. How they complement each other and fulfill each other's needs. Hunter understands Grace very well and is not trying to change him. In him, Grace finds a peace and steadiness that was missing in his life. I also liked that the issue of the significant age difference between the two of them was not completely overlooked, but was also not the main point of focus.

If anything is missing from this book, it is a more elaborate plot when it comes to the scam. After what I got in the previous book, I expected a lot more when it comes to that. The more that this story had a lot of potential. So I was a bit disappointed that the whole action turned out to be rather simple.

But I like the way the author introduces new characters who will surely be the main characters of the next books. I liked these guys already in the first book and the next one only strengthened my feelings. I will certainly read more books in this series.

[Ellie]

4 stars

Tropes: heist, opposites attract, grieving, age gap, chaos/serious, found family, colleagues/business partners

Positives:
 ~ Grace is such a fun chaos demon and it was satisfying to learn what's under the surface. I found him really quite endearing.
 ~ Hunter trying - and failing - to resist Grace's charms
 ~ Grace and Hunter seem like opposites initially but Hunter serves to balance Grace and temper his chaos, and they seem like a solid pair
 ~ fun caper, this book is less serious than the first but keeps a good momentum going and raises threads for development in future books

Negatives:
 ~ OTT climax

◆◆◆◆◈ - The Mastermind
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Muscle
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Driver
◆◆◆◆◇ - The Suit
◆◆◆◈◇ - The Tech
◆◆◈◇◇ - The Face Man

[Terri]

2026 re-read: That penultimate scene got me again. This one builds off #1 And has most of the elements for the next five in the series, and I am again impressed by Lane's skill.

2021 original review:
This is one of the best opposites attract romances I've read, full of missteps and growing awareness on both sides, all folded into the family dynamics and the dangers they risk and dodge and improvise around that Lane is so very good at writing. If you enjoy her style, you'll love this book.

[Liya]

The crew of thieves/damaged boys with good hearts is back. There is a new heist to pull off to save a friend, but the core of the story is a true Amy Lane: love, loyalty, friendship and found family. I loved both Grace (the Thief) and Hunter (the Muscle), they are damaged but not broken, vulnerable but strong.
I liked the con plot better than the one from the first book. But you still need to suspend disbelief for certain parts.
The story is fast paced and everything happens within a couple of weeks but relationships part was well developed and believable. Things were brewing between Hunter and Grace for a while and they just needed a push in the right direction.
The crew is fleshed out and lovable, there were hints on future pairings and I'm looking forward to their stories.

[Lisa]

Another enjoyable caper for the team. Highlighting this time the romance between Hunter and Grace.

Whilst I respect the author's right to do anything to her characters they want, I thought Josh's illness was a space filler. Why? It added nothing to the story.

[Cathy]

4.5 stars for The Muscle by Amy Lane

It’s official: Amy Lane has broken me again. Book 2 in “The Long Con Adventure” has given me so many feels. I found myself laughing, crying, and on the edge of my seat reading the adventures the Think Tank team has gotten themselves into.

Dylan “Grace” Li is one character that I was looking forward to reading his story. He is the “Grease Man”, is brilliant, beautiful, and a world class thief. He was lonely, forgotten by his family, and nearly died, lost to the world, when Josh, Danny, Felix, and Julia Salinger took him into their home. He’s best friends with Josh Salinger, and the two are nearly inseperable. All Grace wants is to be seen, validated, and dance ballet.

I loved the snark between Grace and Josh. They are two people, not related by blood, but bonded by family and life experiences. Reading their past history, and watching Grace try to fit into a family he is already a part of was fascinating. Grace has hamsters that run around in his head, leading his brilliant mind into pathways that are several steps ahead of the family as they try to plan their latest con.

Hunter is “The Muscle”. He is the protector, the organizer, and the man that stands between danger and safety, keeping everyone alive at whatever cost is needed. He is ex-special forces, and watches over his charges, willing to put himself between danger and the threat to his friends, allowing everyone to be safe. He takes his job very seriously.

However, Dylan Li has caught his eye, and one taste of a passionate kiss soon becomes an attraction that burns up the pages of this book.

“Grace, who was, even as Tabitha spoke, swaying slightly on the couch, his sinuous, ribbon-thin body always graceful, never still. Grace had driven Hunter absolutely batshit from that first meeting months ago. Every predator knew to keep still. Everything that moved as much as Grace was preparing to run. Grace was, in fact, prey. But wily prey. If Hunter had been on the job, he doubted he would have carried out a contract on Grace yet, because the man never quit moving.”

Hunter is shocked to discover no one has ever called Grace “Baby”. Hunter sees Grace as graceful, beautiful, and a bright shiny star that has caught his attention. The fascination quickly turns to affection, which leads to a love that Hunter learns to appreciate, cherish, and will do anything to keep.

I laughed. I cried hard, and experienced so many feels from the talented Amy Lane’s writing, I contacted her personally to tell her how much I admire her writing. She has a way of crafting a story that draws a reader in, and keeps their heart and mind captivated to the very last sentence. If you love your stories with a heavy dose of character development, exciting plot, witty banter, and page turning action, this series is for you. Mrs. Lane has the unique ability to write an ensemble cast of characters that we love, are invested in, and care about.

I cannot wait to read the future adventures of this wonderfully flawed, deeply caring cast of characters.

[Kk]

Well this has different elements..Its more Leverage with The Mule inserted at random moments.

AL was determined to couple everyone up. Its looks like Good Luck Chuck & Billionaire Lucius are the next book. There were several references of the two of them having moments. The Forger is now linked to Stirling who had admitted that he had not 'anything'd' with anybody.

Anyhow the story skips...its 1,2,3,6,7,9,11.. There are connections made between Hunter's past & the current sitch that read like a coincidence than fact. I just didn't understand how Grace & Hunter ended up with Feels...it read like a convenience more than emotion.

Inscribed info on gems was cool..I admit it. Solo very cool.

The ending goes off the rails a bit..Josh's illness is an add on..rather like the love triangle AL is setting up for him. Molly is still on about the guys being gay ... Grace breaks a toe & decides to not dance at the big production.

All n all, its not a stellar book 2. Way too many story threads were created but went nowhere.
(Soderburgh is a bad reference to Steven S who produced the Oceans movies)

****Disclaimer ~ this was a library read, not a purchase****

[Tena]

4.5 stars - This is one of my favorite romantic tropes - the character that is maybe not to everyone's taste finds that special person made just for them. Annoying habits are seen as endearing or an attitude or smart mouth is found to be funny or entertaining. Grace, who feels no one could ever love him, or at least enough to stay, meets Hunter who finds him captivating and who also gets him. He understands Grace's motivation and defenses and wants him more because of it. They work so well together, balancing and supporting one another. This type of story reinforces for me that there is someone for everyone and reminds me that everyone is worth the effort of getting to know a little better. It also made me laugh out loud several times, which is always a good thing.

[Donna]

This second book in the series has the same solid base of characters that we met in the first book and even though it had a few minor "flaws"... Grace was perfect!

OK, "perfect" might not be the best word to describe Grace if you consider his little idiosyncrasies... but, I think Hunter is just the man to give Grace the love that he has never had and help him find his true worth.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~]

A nice follow-up to book one, although I found this one more confusing than the first con. Also, this features the romance between Josh's friend Grace and Hunter, a former mercenary who joined the team in book one. TBH, neither man held a lot of interest for me, meaning I didn't find them particularly charming or endearing, though I didn't dislike them. So their romance was just meh.

And the hints about Josh's illness became awkward. A few hints are expected but these were OTT and I think it bothered me because everyone loves Josh and yet they kept noticing these severe symptoms but never talking to him about them, just noting them in passing. IDK. I suppose this may be part of a buildup for book 3, but it did detract from this one.

So only 3 stars this time--quite unusual for me for an Amy Lane novel.

[Taya:)]

Well, a rare thing happened; this book does not move me. The first book was an unexpected treat for me, but this book was okay to me. When the group was together, I love it. The banter between everybody and Grace being Grace. I know I'm in the minority in this opinion, but I felt nothing between Hunter and Grace. The parts that dragged for me were Hunter and Grace's alone time. First, they would take it too slow, then the next time they are alone together, it kind of progresses into a physical relationship. What happened to the slow burn? I'm asking for it, and I'm no fan of a slow burn. The book is called the Muscle, aka Hunter, but it is really about Grace. Grace realizes that they are loved for just being themselves. That love/family is not temporary or a mistake away from being ripped away.

While this is not on one of my long lists of Amy Lane's faves, I will be continuing with this series. Too many favorite secondary characters I want to see develop into their own story.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Valerie]

In The Muscle, Felix, Danny, and Josh's crew – an “altruistic den of thieves” – is back together for a new caper two months after the conclusion of The Mastermind. This is an exciting novel, both for its terrific adventure and the romantic love story. Hunter and Grace are front and center as the latest caper plays out.

After years in the military and working as a mercenary, Hunter loses his lover in a horrific, on the job explosion. He immediately leaves that work and struggles to find himself. Nearly a year later he realizes, while taking some classes, that he had skills he could use for good. He met Josh one night when he was preventing a young woman from being attacked, and soon after, joined Josh's band of brothers. For the first time in his life, he has true friends, but he still doesn’t trust easily.

Grace (Dylan Li) is a twenty-one-year-old ballet dancer at Artur Mikkelnokov's Conservatory in Chicago. He went a bit off the rails as a teenager and Artur is one of the people who helped save his life. The others were his childhood best friend, Josh, and Josh's parents, Julia and Felix, and his Uncle Danny. Grace’s parents were mostly absent from his life so Josh's took him into their family and home and provided him with the love and nurturing he so severely lacked. Although he’s now a beautiful and successful dancer, his insecurities are vast and he needs constant attention and validation. He’s afraid to let anyone close because he fears being shunned and let down as his parents did. Grace is sometimes portrayed as a flighty dingbat who lives inside his own head, and other times – particularly when he’s thieving – as a brilliant, incomparable genius. It gave me whiplash. His care and feeding requirements are high, but Hunter is up for the job.

Hunter grounds Grace. He sees Grace and what Grace needs fits Hunter’s desires perfectly. Hunter is driven to be a protector, a caretaker, and it seems he’s the only one able to do that for Grace in a romantic capacity.

In the case this time around, the Russian Mafia is involved in corporate espionage on a grand scale and they’ve ensnared Artur to unwittingly make deliveries of the stolen information. The crew needs to track one of the deliveries, steal the package, determine how it’s being used and who’s involved, and then return it without being detected. The lives of Artur, his granddaughter, and Grace, as well as the future of the conservatory, are endangered. Each member of the crew brings their individual talent to their role, be it in the procurement of information, coms and surveillance, security, distraction, Grace's supreme thievery, and in Hunter's case, as The Muscle. In this edition, everyone in this protective chosen family puts their energy and love into keeping Grace feeling needed and wanted.

The Muscle offers so much more than Grace and Hunter's love story. Once again, it’s this dynamic chosen family of con men (and women) who drive the story. Undeniably, the best part of this series is the colorful cast of characters. I can’t overemphasize the importance of every player. Throughout the book, more and more tidbits of backstory and the motive of each person are revealed. It’s like unwrapping gifts, one at a time, with each adding to the richness of the whole series, not just a single book. I love the deep characterization. We might learn something about Chuck in this book, for example, that won’t become relevant until the next book, but in its own way, it impacts the plot, the complex group dynamics, the machinations and more of the current caper du jour.

I loved Hunter, and while Grace is a fascinating and sympathetic character, it was more difficult for me to relate to him emotionally. The work well as a convincing couple, however. I wish the actual con lasted longer; while there was lots of buildup and preparation, the heist itself only occupied about twenty pages. It was so entertaining and I wanted more. I didn’t like this book as much as its predecessor, but I still highly recommend it and it’s a must if you’ve already read Felix and Danny’s story.

Reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews

[Pete W]

**Disclaimer: I receive this book as ARC copy.**

The book began a few weeks (give or take) after the first book. This time we see the story from Grace and Hunter POV.

Trouble boiling over at the conservatory that was Grace's haven and sanctuary. Grace was able to convince his friend, Tabitha who was the granddaughter of the owner, to spill the beans and take her back to the crew for help.

The problem was a deep rooted one. With dangerous tie no less. Not to mention a tenuous tied to Danny's past with a Russian mob. The risk factors seems to be par for course. But they all soon finds out how high those risks were going to be.

I love certain innovative ideas in this book. Especially using gems to transport data. I am still somewhat confused as to what information were carved into the gem. I mean, sure, it's a lot more exciting than regular thumb drive. But modern day corporate data would includes schematics, graphics, and so on. It seems a pretty analog way to solve the problem that will required another digital solution anyway.

This book explore the outcome of how deep scarring neglect can do to a person. Grace was deeply damaged by his parents neglect. Along with having high IQ and perhaps ADHD. Grace never had the chance to be *normal*. Especially when he was saved by the Salingers.

Hunter had different kind of damage than Grace. Plus he was older by almost 10 years. So he was able to cope slightly better. Slightly. Hunter was going on rote after the incident in the prologue. Until a chance encounter with Josh, who became the leader Hunter was missing in his life. He had been having a huge crush on Grace since the time they met. But he was reluctant to act on it because he thought Grace wants only to hookup. Hunter fixed that misunderstanding by showing Grace that he was more than just hookup. And that Grace wanted a real relationship too.

There were more action scenes in this book. After all, the focuses were on the Thief and the Muscle. There was a spectacular scene in the early portion of the book by Grace. I wish Leverage TV series would make a live version of that scene.

Whenever Hunter's hair was mentioned, it reminded me of Elliot from Leverage TV series. Ms. Lane said it was a tribute to him :D.

There was a B plot in this book. One that I am certain would make many readers yell "NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooo............" when it came up. I have been reassured by Ms. Lane herself that it's will resolved in a positive manner. But it will take a long while before it reach the conclusion of that particular plot.

There seems to be enough setup for the rest of the crew in this book. Chuck with Broadstone and Stirling with Papers. I am looking forward to those. Even if they were red herrings and they ended up with different people.

I quite like the ironic twist for the outcome of the heist. So much built up since the beginning of the book. Only to be overtaken by another foreshadowing. I don't think I read such an ironic twist recently.

You might not need to read the first book. This one had enough setup and introduction. But why would you not read the first book? Reading the first book add a lot of emotional weight and setups for this book, naturally.

I am looking forward to the next book. Even if I am not sure which one of the crew it will be about.

[The Quille and Lampe]

What I Think: The crew is back and they need to save a family and a legacy. I suggest we do this in shorts and a t-shirt over Kevlar because we have to be ready for everything and anything. This is a dance to the end and it’s boogie style so, shall we? We finally get to see the pull between Grace and Hunter and oh my, the possessiveness is my kind of degree. Can there ever be too much need for the one you love? Such things don’t exist in our dictionaries, do they, Mme. Zack? Something is up with Josh and it seems no one is noticing it yet. I really hope its not what I think but I want someone for Josh so bad. Someone he can relax with and not have to be a mother hen. It’s like I’m wishing for us both. I thought I loved Grace when he was ethereal but now that he’s ethereal and human and confident, my love is screaming off the mountain tops! But, then they have to retrace certain steps into Grace’s worst nightmare and I want to wrap my baby up in wool and run. And, oh, I want the taste of revenge as the idiot that broke my Grace has to be confronted, yet all I can feel now is intense pity. Mme. Amy, why do you like putting me through the torture of adulting? The planning that goes into saving the place and people Grace loves has my head spinning, lightweight that I am, but I doff my heart to a mistress puppeteer because damn, how is she not a criminal mastermind? That must take some serious self-control. Then, Grace just had to make the waterworks flow over when he admits his biggest truth and it’s nothing near what I expected. Okay, sidestep: Let’s slow the beat down and just flow. First, how on earth do I have Sjogren’s that make my eyes, inflamed, dry and itchy, yet can still cry? I thought that would be the only good side effect. Second, how do some people who were not shown real love while growing up learn to love the right way and others just continue the cycle of abuse? Personal choices? Hnm. Let’s jump back into the fray. Only for me to recoil in shock as my fears come true and Grace explodes when Josh’s issue is finally brought to light. I need a break. I can’t cry anymore. I’m mad and angry and want to break something so bad because it’s Josh. Why Josh? Whyyyyyy? (Yes, I actually groaned this, doubled over, clutching my tablet to my belly). How did this tale end up even more painful and gut-wrenching than the last? This is what happens when you sip the tears of your readers as writing fuel. Then, adrenaline, mixed with a very healthy dose of fear takes over as things turn hairier than a poodles’ fluffy bottom. But, finally, oh, finally, my heart can return to its proper place and stop trying to escape through my feet as Grace takes his proper place in his family. I pray that the next tale is Josh otherwise I may die of hypertension. Baby Grace, remember – there can never be too much muchness. Use all those gorgeous limbs and hold on tight to your muscle!

Verdict? Indubitable proof that work and play go so well together, love even manages to shove itself in and stay right where it belongs!

[Terri]

This is a fantastic addition to this new series. While The Mastermind told Danny and Felix's story, we now move to the younger generation of their chosen family of good-hearted schemers. These people have the abilities (and past successes) of criminals, but they have chosen to use those powers for good. I love every single one of them!
This time around we focus on Hunter Rutledge, whose past includes military special ops and mercenary work. Hunter is strong, patient, caring, and absolutely crazy about the group's dancer and thief, Dylan "Grace" Li. Grace is beautiful and talented, but a lifetime of parental neglect has left him desperate for attention and belonging. He can't imagine anyone loving him just as he is, and he can't calm the overactive brain that has a hard time with focus.
Hunter calms Grace's "hamsters" and forces him to see his worth through another's eyes. Grace gives Hunter the total trust he craves. These two are perfect for each other.
The rest of the group is even more wonderful this time around. Each person provides humor, emotion, and devotion that make them all stronger together. They all break my heart in different ways, and I'm so glad the author has chosen to give us a series to get to know them all better.
This book made me smile, and it also made me cry. I was happy with the happiness Hunter and Grace found together, and I was satisfied with another great caper. I was also left with concern for the characters who have yet to find their own love story, and I can't wait to see how things will be resolved for them. This series is only two books in, and I can already call it a favorite. I recommend the stories already available, and I anxiously await more from this amazing crew. Love love love!!!

[Grammy 1]

Dylan “Grace” Li is the one character that I was looking forward to reading more about him and his story. I think it was because Josh and he are brothers from another mother and their snark was intriguing for me in the first book.
I mentioned in my review of book one, that Amy Lane has a way with surrounding her self with many characters and melding them into a great family. I saw this book was no exception. The ensemble began in helping Felix and keeping Danny home after 10 years.
This story began with again helping; this time Grace’s headmaster of the dance troupe. But still at the center was Hunter and Dylan, and their story. Josh took over lead as Felix and Danny took a back seat and let their baby shine, leading his now ever growing group to save the day!!!
We saw Hunter watching Grace in the first book as we all became aware this might be a ‘thing’. Hunter’s past includes the service, special ops and mercenary work. Hunter is strong, patient and enamored with our groups dancer and the best thief ever Dylan Li aka Grace. Grace’s story is so sad, neglected by his parents so badly he has no self worth. He cannot focus unless he is dancing. Hunter gets it and can tame Graces mind to focus. Grace gives Hunter the total trust he craves. During this story they are invincible!
The group grows larger as Josh needs to bring in others for help and has not been feeling well….
Warning… Warning… Warning……So let me tell you Ms Lane….Some of us remember Adrian!!!! And a famous horse that died….We cannot lose Josh!!!! We all will be watching you!!!

[Diane Pohn]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review


The Mastermind crew is back, and they’re prepping for an epic job. Grace(Dylan Li) is about to lose one of the things he loves most in the world, his dance company.The owner of the company has unknowingly been perpetrating some shady deals, and now it’s up to the Mastermind crew to fix it, before anyone gets more than a pulled muscle. Along with master thief Grace is Grace’s brother of the heart, Josh, and Josh’s unconventional family and friends, all skilled con artists. The “muscle” of the crew Hunter Rutledge is oddly fascinated by Grace and is definitely falling in love with him. Grace who had never met a man he could ever hope to keep, has met his match in Hunter. Once Hunter sets his mind and heart on Grace, the only outcome for them is forever. While Grace tries his best to drive off Hunter, and the rest of the gang, he can’t see how much this group loves him in spite of his massive attempts to piss them off. The biggest question here is whether our favorite thieves can pull off the heist of their lives without any casualties.

I love this crew, this book and this author no end. It’s well paced and the characters are well rounded, yet flawed people one can easily sympathize with. I can’t wait to read their further exploits. I highly recommend this fast paced gripping lighthearted story. It will keep you in its grasp until the last word on the last page.

[Alex]

I adored The Muscle. This series is turning out to be fantastic. If you haven’t read the first book, The Mastermind, I highly recommend it, but don’t worry you can easily read this one without reading The Mastermind first. Grace is awesome. I loved how simultaneously strong and vulnerable he was. His need for connection to people just gripped my heartstrings. Luckily, Josh and his group of friends are turning out to be quite the made/chosen family just like his parents. Hunter turned out to be a fantastic match for Grace and I was impressed with his unwillingness to start anything before they were both committed to giving it a serious try. Hunter’s determination to protect his team really endeared him to me. He took it personally if something happened to them even if it was outside of his control. The ties that bound them as they go on their adventures are what makes this series of original con stories a step above the rest.

[Shelby]

Absolutely loving this series so far. Ok so I just love Grace. His brain takes him down all the crazy and I just got him. He can't sit still and dance is his one "legal" outlet. Stealing is the way Grace stays connected to things he cares about, but also keeps his brain from overloading in boredom. Hunter has been fascinated by Grace since he met him. He's determined to not let his new group suffer the same fate as his last partner. And as his attachment to Grace grows so does his determination to be smarter and not let them all fall into any sort of bad situation.

Grace's dance master is caught up in something he never should have been and Grace is determined to get him out of it. With the help of the rest of the gang they'll have to be able to figure out exactly who is using his dance master as a mule and just what it is that he is delivering. They've got a plan and it will take all of them working together to keep ahead of the bad guys.

I love this group. They're so entertaining and have such a great group dynamic. There isn't a character amongst them that I'm annoyed with. I just want to know more. I felt for Grace in this story. He's got so much in his past and this is bringing everything back up for him. His abandonment issues will really be tested especially when his one rock in all the world is struggling with something outside of their control. Together they can figure things out though and the challenges really strengthen Grace's belief in Hunter as he sticks by him no matter how Grace's instincts having him reacting.

Can't wait for more!

[Shannon]

This newest book in the Long Con series takes us back to Chicago and an dance studio under fire.

Grace, the lithe hero who can steal anything he wants, has a hard time stealing the heart of former mercenary Hunter.

This book was fun and filled with hijinks aplenty and men willing to sacrifice everything so their best people can remain happy.

Hunter and Grace are a delight to read as Hunter is willing to do what it takes to allow Grace to be himself. He remains at the thief’s side when all is lost (according to Grace) and there’s no hope to be found.

This book is filled with Amy Lane humour and heartfelt moments. I loved the whole book and the cast of characters. They make me laugh and swallow against hot emotional moments.

This is fast becoming one of my favourite series and I can’t wait for the next book.

[Lori]

The Muscle follows The Mastermind in The Long Con series from Amy Lane.

Take a broken ex-mercenary still reeling from the betrayal by other mercenaries that resulted in the deaths of his partner and his last employer, add a brilliant and graceful dancer with ADHD and no filter, plus a threat to the dancer’s beloved mentor and stir with a few added elements… and you have The Muscle.

All the other characters from the first book are present, but this one focuses on Hunter Rutledge (the muscle) and the unexpected relationship that develops between him and Dylan “Grace” Lim (the thief). There are enough twists in the plot to satisfy a heist story aficionado – and enough romance to satisfy those looking for a good love story. I still can’t wait for the next installment!

[Jennifer R]

Great second verse in the Long Con series. I was drawn to Grace in the first book, so was excited to see him find love. With his loud personality, what I didn't expect, was for Grace and Hunter to be so sweet together. It was really wonderful to see Grace grow and understand and accept that he is loved by many people. The con itself was interesting with many twists and turns that unexpectedly bring some things full circle. But, aside from the sweet love story, the main theme that continues throughout this series is found family. The dynamic between the various members of the team are just so fun, snarky, and touching. We also get some nice teases for what upcoming pairings will be for the rest of the crew. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Becca]

I was right when I said I couldn't wait to read the next book. This is such an action packed book, filled with surprises, action of course, betrayals, setups, new loves and a whole lot brewing in ways some are having a hard time comprehending. That the audacity of some would lead to the evil that is going on. It shouldn't be surprising but sometimes it is. And all you can do is hold on to the friends and family you have and hope for the best. I know the story was Danny & Hunter's love story, but it was so much more. Everyone involved is true a family, blood or not. And when one goes through it,, they all do. Such a good story and series. I wonder who's going to be next.

[Jennie Rosenblum]

In this thrilling sequel, the charm of the first book continues to captivate. The plot unfolds seamlessly, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. The characters are as vibrant and compelling as ever, drawing you deeper into their world. What sets this installment apart is the rich exploration of the next generation's dynamics—Josh, Grace, and Hunter add an exciting new dimension to the story. Overall, a delightful read that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this captivating series. And best of all - I did not figure it all out!

[Dionne]

This is the second book in The Long Con series and I enjoyed more than I did the first one, which is saying a lot. Hunter and Grace were great together despite being almost complete opposites and their happy ending was hard won, which made it that much more satisfying in the end. I really enjoy “found families” books and the group of characters in this series are a joy to read about. I look forward to more books (and hot pairings) from this series in the future.

[Alicia]

I enjoyed Hunter and Grace’s story immensely! Hunter and Grace are a good opposite attracts story. Grace a outgoing, sarcastic dancer and Hunter the quiet watchful muscle. I especially loved the found family and all the other characters. They all pull together to help someone and it turns into something a little bigger then anticipated. Can’t wait for further books.

[Rachel]

Hunter and Grace are awesome together. Grace is a fantastic, complicated diva with a heart of gold, and Hunter is a great foil. This is the second book in the series, and while The Mastermind had a more Ocean's Eleven feel, this one revolved around a story with a bit less flash but makes up for it in heart. I can't wait to read more!

[Elizabeth]

This might be my favourite book from Amy Lane and I have read almost all her backlist. Hunter and Grace are adorable and while at first they seem very different they are such a great pairing. The plot aside from the romance was interesting and the banter between Hunter and Grace was hilarious. I would definitely give this book a read even if you haven't read the first in the series.

[Ilana Pratt]

Upping the peril on all fronts

Another amazing and enthralling installment of the Long Con series! It was lovely to visit with the Salinger gang, this second outing added peril on all fronts. A fantastic job of centering the installment upon this outing's focal characters without edging out the rest of the ensemble's plot threads and entanglements.