Cut & Run Book Review

Synopsis:

A series of murders in New York City has stymied the police and FBI alike, and they suspect the culprit is a single killer sending an indecipherable message. But when the two federal agents assigned to the investigation are taken out, the FBI takes a more personal interest in the case.

Special Agent Ty Grady is pulled out of undercover work after his case blows up in his face. He's cocky, abrasive, and indisputably the best at what he does. But when he's paired with Special Agent Zane Garrett, it's hate at first sight. Garrett is the perfect image of an agent: serious, sober, and focused, which makes their partnership a classic cliche: total opposites, good cop-bad cop, the odd couple. They both know immediately that their partnership will pose more of an obstacle than the lack of evidence left by the murderer.

Practically before their special assignment starts, the murderer strikes again this time at them. Now on the run, trying to track down a man who has focused on killing his pursuers, Grady and Garrett will have to figure out how to work together before they become two more notches in the murderer's knife.


My Review:

I had heard so much about this series & the relationship between the characters - FBI Agents Tyler Grady & Zane Garrett.  Romance/Suspense is one of my favorite genres so I was excited to start Cut & Run.  I was quickly drawn into the book and loved the introduction of both characters and the immediate clashing of personalities.  They are indeed quite the Odd Couple - polar opposites right down to their clothes and personalities - but they must find a way to work together to stop a serial killer who may be one of their own.  

The developing relationship between Ty & Zane takes front & center in Cut & Run.  Both men are drowning in emotional baggage and are quickly off to a love/hate relationship.  The banter and slapping at one another is well written and obviously covering a sexual attraction that both men are afraid to act upon until their emotions finally explode, and they cross a line.  Their relationship is filled with angst as both are in denial of the deep emotional bond that is developing between them.  I loved both characters and would have a hard time choosing one over the other.  

The suspense side of the story is not as strong as the character development and apparently is not meant to actually be the focus of Cut & Run.  I knew who the killer was early on and quite frankly, couldn't understand how two veteran agents could have been so careless and clueless - both of them are injured at different points because of their failure to make the case the priority.  While I understood the destructive turmoil they were in emotionally, I feel like the book portrays them as being inept as agents.  That is the only reason for the 1 star/heart deduction for me.

Cut & Run is a good, emotional read.  The character development & relationship building is outstanding.  I was drawn into the banter & anguish, and shared the mixed feelings both characters were experiencing.  The authors did a great job making these characters the focus of this book.  I look forward to reading the next one to see where the relationship goes and what happens along the  journey Ty & Zane have undertaken.  A must read!

Rating:  4 beautiful ♥♥♥♥'s...And that's the truth!

Cross My Heart...xxx

Sandra