Stars & Stripes (Cut & Run, #6) in EVERYTHING BI

Oct 03, 2012 Vishous rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, emo-angsty, woohoo-its-hot-in-here, romance, marry-me, yeah-i-cried-a-bit, visholicious, oh-my-god, omg-omg-omg, action

This was absolutely, at least to me, the best one in the series!

THE BEST!

I don't remember when was the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book. I always loved the humor between Ty and Zane but in this one I was laughing from the first page and I don't think I even stopped til the end! I loved every f***ing page! And I didn't want it to end, no no! But as I was reaching to the end, as much as I was dreading to finish it, because that meant no more Ty and Zane til april and no more laug ...more

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May 20, 2012 DayDreamer rated it liked it

Shelves: perfect-yet-flawed, easy-read, lgbtqa, reviewed-or-kinda, fucking-finally, scalding-hot, want-more, arrogant-mofo

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 19, 2013 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it really liked it

Shelves: why-favorite-series, what-mm-read, what-mm, why-favorite-author, what-suspense-thriller-action, what-male-protagonist, what-uniforms-and-investigations, what-lgbtqia, where-grr-mine, how-series

This is my favorite M/M series, one of my favorite series of all time, actually, but this one just didn't stand up to the rest. It was too easy. Just about everyone got along, there was almost no strife except with the black and white villainous female (who really had no bite) and the plot just seemed like a second thought. There were only two action scenes really, both of them fairly short, so it didn't even feel like a thriller.

The story was adorable, though. Ty and Zane have finally come to t ...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Anna (Bananas) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, bisexual

2021 Review:
Ahh I loved this so much! It’s interesting how I’m having different reactions to each of the books the 2nd time around. This one was sweet, sexy, and hilarious. It’s their coming out book for me and I loved seeing how their families reacted to them as a couple. It was such a comfort read. I only rated it three stars in 2013 and I’m bumping it up to five now. 🙌🏻
Also, tigers and tiger napping in Texas are much more believable now in 2021 LOL. But I still refuse to watch that TV show.

2 2021 Review:
Ahh I loved this so much! It’s interesting how I’m having different reactions to each of the books the 2nd time around. This one was sweet, sexy, and hilarious. It’s their coming out book for me and I loved seeing how their families reacted to them as a couple. It was such a comfort read. I only rated it three stars in 2013 and I’m bumping it up to five now. 🙌🏻
Also, tigers and tiger napping in Texas are much more believable now in 2021 LOL. But I still refuse to watch that TV show.

2013 Review:
What is with all the cats? It's getting a bit...absurd. First, the mountain lion (I rolled my eyes, but okay, whatever, they do exist in the wild), then Smith & Wesson (alright, they're adorable, yes), but Tigers? Being kidnapped? Tigers that inexplicably love Ty? Um. *deep breath*

I once said I'd enjoy reading about Ty and Zane no matter the plot. I'd like to quietly retract that statement. Because tiger-napping, while cute, utterly strains credibility for me.

What I did enjoy about this book, as always, was Ty Grady and Zane Garrett. They have my heart, eternally. I LOVE THEM. I'd take a bullet for each of 'em, which is why I finished the book.
The coming out theme was welcome and handled well and believably, both with Ty's family in West Virgina and with Zane's family in TX.

More pluses: the humor, the general Texasness of it all, the comfortable private moments, the loving bond between Ty and Zane, the HOT sex scenes, the talk of kids (WHAT? Kids! I like kid-talk? Clearly, I've come down with something), and Zane almost (view spoiler)

There really were a lot of great moments. However, the other main issue I had was the boys' relationship being too...stationary? It needed more conflict, bigger emotions, more reason to cheer or rant. Just, MORE.

This is why I'm hoping for serious angst, even heartbreak, in Touch & Geaux. Please shake up the status quo, Roux, and please, please give us a plot to believe in.

Essentially, T and Z are my fictional gay boyfriends, and I will never abandon them, tigers be damned. But this book was about 50% joy, 50% annoyance for me - I don't like them fractions. ...more

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Mar 12, 2013 JR rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, favorites, life, cowboy

So I read two books this week with Texas as part of the theme, both were great, but only this one had Ty and Zane. Could I love any two characters more? Answer, NO. I love these two beyond all reason and sanity. Only they can make me cry and laugh at the same time. No small feat. Thank you Ms. Roux.

This time we meet Zane's parents, his sister, and the ranch he was raised on. To her credit, Ms. Roux gets Texas right, I would know, I am a native. Kudos, it made me very homesick.

As hinted at in e So I read two books this week with Texas as part of the theme, both were great, but only this one had Ty and Zane. Could I love any two characters more? Answer, NO. I love these two beyond all reason and sanity. Only they can make me cry and laugh at the same time. No small feat. Thank you Ms. Roux.

This time we meet Zane's parents, his sister, and the ranch he was raised on. To her credit, Ms. Roux gets Texas right, I would know, I am a native. Kudos, it made me very homesick.

As hinted at in earlier volumes, Zane's home life was less than idyllic, relations with his mother are especially strained. In her eyes, he is not being the son that the family expects him to be. His relationship with Ty is revealed, with his father being happy to see his son happy and at peace. His mother is, well, look at the dictionary under "bitch," you will find Beverly Carter Garrett.

Zane flies home when he finds out his father has been shot. He's there a day or so, when Ty shows up. Neither could really stand the separation, which got Ty to call in a lot of favors to make the trip. They begin the investigation, which leads to a Wildlife Sanctuary that backs up the the ranch. Oh no, another feline for Ty to be mixed up with.
The final pages are a rip roaring shoot out, with the boys once again injured, but more in love than ever. Zane cements his relationship with his Dad and sister, but not with mother. He begins to come to terms with it, when they leave.

This ends with them going "home" to the Gradys in West Virginia. It's a lovely ending that made me cry and laugh within a couple of paragraphs.

"Zane raised an eyebrow. He wasn't certain he could stand another lecture from a disapproving mother. "Okay."
"We do Christmas, Thanksgiving, and sunrise service on Easter. If you have to go to Texas for some of these, that's just fine, but I expect a phone call. Chester's birthday is in April, and do not bring him anything that fires projectiles or is sharp. Or, God forbid, sharp projectiles. Understand? Because Ty does it every year."

" They're all watchin' us now
They think we're falling in love
They'd never believe we're just friends
When you kiss me like this
I think you mean it like that
If you do baby kiss me again
Kiss me again" Toby Keith

I give this as many stars are in the sky and the stars in their eyes.

******the audio is amazing. J.F. Harding has given these books a new dimension. Ty , Zane, Texas and all of the Cut and Run series have really come alive. ...more

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Jul 29, 2012 Alex is The Romance Fox rated it really liked it

Shelves: adventure-mystery-crime-thriller, m-m, authors-p-z, series, erotic-romance

I became totally hooked on this series with the first three books. I discovered Ty & Zane and immediately fell in love with both of them. The chemistry and the tension between the two were so amazing and I enjoyed seeing the growth in their relationship which I became invested in.

But in the last three books I felt a loss of magic in these guys. I was really excited about Stars & Stripes - (I did at first think…oh, a tiger…is this next adventure going to take them to tiger country?? – no it does I became totally hooked on this series with the first three books. I discovered Ty & Zane and immediately fell in love with both of them. The chemistry and the tension between the two were so amazing and I enjoyed seeing the growth in their relationship which I became invested in.

But in the last three books I felt a loss of magic in these guys. I was really excited about Stars & Stripes - (I did at first think…oh, a tiger…is this next adventure going to take them to tiger country?? – no it does not….they go to Texas…) but no, I felt saddened in a way.

Okay, despite the mushiness and sappiness that almost feels they are the same people, I still adore them. There were a few moments of incredulity – two FBI agents suddenly not being able to hold themselves and go off into the toilet in a honky tank bar to “bang” each other…I just couldn't see it happening. And the whole “outing” by Chester…nah…. These are not the same guys I got to know from the first books.

Then the whole tiger episode……..geez….again…Ty being mauled by a jaguar and now a tiger!!!!!!! No no this is so totally unbelievable and inconceivable…allright I know this is fiction and there is a certain amount of license for make-believe…but still there has to be a certain bit I can believe in – so many things in this story just so far-fetched and at times the plot moved so slowly that I started skimming over pages.

Now, I did like the whole family feel in the story. Some of the secondary characters were likable, like Zane’s niece….but again …would a child of her age really talk and communicate like that???? Zane’s father was one of my favorites in this book…and his mother…what a hoot!!! There were a lot of cousins, and more cousins that after a while I lost track who was who.

Personally I think that this series should end with Ty and Zane having their HEA. What more can we expect after they settle into a life together. I can’t see myself wanting to read books about their FBI adventures.

And I am giving a 4 star rating because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TY & ZANE. They are what make me read this series.
...more

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Aug 27, 2013 Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, m-m, romance, commence-insanity, thriller, damaged-but-awesome-heroes, contemporary, crime-thriller, gotta-love-bad-boys, favorites

Synopsis:

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have managed the impossible: a few months of peace and quiet. After nearly a year of personal and professional turmoil, they're living together conflict-free, work is going smoothly, and they're both happy, healthy, and home every night before dark. But anyone who knows them knows that can’t possibly last.

When an emergency call from home upsets the balance of their carefully arranged world, Ty and Zane must juggle family drama with a perplexing c Synopsis:

Special Agents Ty Grady and Zane Garrett have managed the impossible: a few months of peace and quiet. After nearly a year of personal and professional turmoil, they're living together conflict-free, work is going smoothly, and they're both happy, healthy, and home every night before dark. But anyone who knows them knows that can’t possibly last.

When an emergency call from home upsets the balance of their carefully arranged world, Ty and Zane must juggle family drama with a perplexing crime to save a helpless victim before time runs out.

From the mountains of West Virginia to a remote Texas horse ranch harboring more than just livestock and childhood memories, Ty and Zane must face their fears—and their families—to overcome an unlikely enemy and bring peace back into their newly shared world.

My Thoughts:

Another hit in the series for me. Ty and Zane and growing happier with each other with each passing day and I'm loving it. The ending in this one was slightly sappy, but other than that, this was gold.

We got to see Ty and Zane spend time with the Gradys again and Ty's grandfather accidentally outs them. That old man is so observant, but he seemed damned happy that they were in love. Ty's family was only upset that he'd run off to the military instead of coming out to them and they took Ty and Zane's relationship well. I knew they would. Earl and Ty did take swings at each other and Ty managed to break his hand on his Dad's face. *smh* But Earl was only upset with Ty for hiding from them. I love the Grady's.

Then Zane goes down to Texas to help his family with a trespassing issue and we get to meet his dad and sister. I adore Zane's dad. Harrison Garrett is an epic man. We also meet Zane's mother and she had her moments, but in the end, she disappointed me. Zane's sister and father made up for it, though.

I enjoyed seeing Zane in his home town. Ty did, too and they had some pretty hot sex down there in Texas when Ty showed up to surprise Zane. Zane ended up coming out to his sister and father right off and they were happy for him. They think Ty has really made Zane's life better and that is just so true. I was thrilled to see Zane so happy. The only bad moments came when he was interacting with his mother who just couldn't accept things. What she said to him near the end of the book was heartbreaking. I cried. But Ty helped him get through it, as did his father. Love those two.

It quickly became obvious that things were more serious than any of them thought and when the truth came out, it was devastating. I was just happy that Zane's brother in law really wasn't involved in things. I didn't get why he felt the need to try to scare Zane off of Ty, though. Maybe he really was just worried about Zane's safety.

Some of my favorite parts where Ty's interactions with Barnum the Bengal tiger. They were oddly sweet. I also loved the scene of Ty's horse following him while he was tracking the bad guys even though he hates horses. And of course, I love all of the moments where Ty and Zane can't seem to keep their eyes off of each other even in public. I love the private thoughts that they have about each other. And I love that they'd do anything for each other and even for the safety of each others' families.

I cannot get enough of these two. ...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Taylor rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m, ship-til-death, law-enforcement, gawd-awful-cover

Every book in this series is better than the last, IMHO. I absolutely cannot get enough of these two, and I will never miss another book by these authors. I laughed, I cried, I had to change my knickers a couple times ;) Its everything I could ask for in a series. I am a complete blubbering mess now that its over.

I'd also like to add that I've never found myself attracted to a cowboy before. Now....my boyfriend may be getting a Stetson for Christmas. Mmm hmm. ...more

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Nov 12, 2012 Denise rated it it was amazing

Shelves: m-m

I love love love love Ty and Zane, I thought the whole exotic animal stealing large cats plot w/drugs was stupid and totally unbelievable but however the story was written excellently and I love the love that Ty and Zane have for one another and how they open to one another to share all of their feelings, good and bad. They have truly grown and continue to grow and people and as a couple. If you have been reading from the beginning then you should have been able to tell that they actually fell i ...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Silkeeeeeereads rated it really liked it

Shelves: m-m-erotic-romance-ex-military

Fun with Ty and Zane. Off to Texas and Zane's family in this book. More fun with cats large and small. I sniffled and snorted and cried during some 'coming out,' sections. I hope my son didn't feel the fear like this when he came out. All in all, it ends with a sigh. Once again a high recommended book. ...more

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May 22, 2012 Jess Candela rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, m-m, read-in-2012

This was absolutely the most romantic Ty and Zane book yet, but not the most exciting. They're in that honeymoon phase between "Oh my god, could we actually be together? Really?! Yippee!!!" and "Dammit, you left the milk out. Again. I love you, so, so much, and I'm grateful I get to share my life with you. Really. You're the love of my life. But is it really that damn hard to put the damn milk away before it spoils so I can have some in my damn coffee in the damn morning? Dammit."

That honeymoon This was absolutely the most romantic Ty and Zane book yet, but not the most exciting. They're in that honeymoon phase between "Oh my god, could we actually be together? Really?! Yippee!!!" and "Dammit, you left the milk out. Again. I love you, so, so much, and I'm grateful I get to share my life with you. Really. You're the love of my life. But is it really that damn hard to put the damn milk away before it spoils so I can have some in my damn coffee in the damn morning? Dammit."

That honeymoon phase may be the happiest place in the world to be living, together long enough to believe it's real but new enough to be pinch-worthy to make sure you're not dreaming. And yes, that sentence is a deliberate contradiction, because that's what that phase feels like: you believe it and you don't; that's what makes it so magical.

Magical to live, but not the most exciting to read. Warm, mushy, "awwww how sweet" reading, yes. And this book was all of those things. It also had an adventure that enabled them to show of their skills and get badly injured, so it was definitely still a T & Z book. I'm happy for them to finally be in this place; they've earned it! And I enjoyed reading about it, I just didn't looooove reading about it.

I think Sticks & Stones is still be my favorite because that's the book in which they first start to solidly be a couple, but are still also very new and uncertain of each other. That creates a fundamental tension that makes for edge-of-your-seat excitement. I'm looking forward to Book 8 or 9 when we'll (hopefully) finally get to see them move past the honeymoon and into the real work of staying together and keeping the romance alive over the daily drudgery of years. I love books that look at long-term couples and how they stay together despite the odds, but in this book they haven't yet been together long enough to qualify as long-term.

I also found it annoyingly unbelievable that everyone in Texas referred to them as "Ty and Zane", with maybe one exception. People always refer to couples in the order they knew them, so in Texas everyone should have said "Zane and Ty". Maybe I'm too pedantic, but it pulled me out of the story for a moment each time I saw it. Since most of the people in their lives knew Ty first, it makes sense that "Ty and Zane" is the usual order, and I could imagine one of them observing how odd it sounds to hear it the other way.

Speaking of unbelievable, (view spoiler)

I'm afraid I sound curmudgeonly, and I really don't mean to. I loved this story and loved getting to see Ty and Zane revel in each other for a bit. I just didn't love it as much as Sticks & Stones.
...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Jen rated it liked it

Shelves: series, wtf-did-i-just-read, m-m-romance, flufftasticness, mystery, hi-freaking-larious

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 07, 2013 Riina Y.T. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: best-of-the-bestest-shit-ever, favorites, hot-n-sexy, sweet-as-honey, sweet-romance, agents-in-love

I love this entire series to bits, and each volume is simply amazing. Stars & Stripes is definitely one of the best and one of my all-time-favorites. Simply lovable.

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