Ball & Chain

Cut & Run Series, Book 8

By: Abigail Roux

Narrated by: J. F. Harding

Length: 10 hrs

Publisher's summary

Home from their unexpected deployment, the former members of Marine Force Recon team Sidewinder rejoin their loved ones and try to pick up the pieces of the lives they were forced to leave behind. Ty Grady comes home to Zane Garrett, only to find that everything around him has changed - even the men he went to war with. He barely has time to adjust before his brother, Deuce, asks Ty to be his best man. But that isn't all Deuce asks Ty to do, and Ty must call for backup to deal with the business issues of Deuce's future father-in-law.

Nick O'Flaherty and Kelly Abbott join Ty and Zane at the wedding on an island in Scotland, thinking they're there to assuage Deuce's paranoia. But when bodies start dropping and boats start sinking, the four men get more involved with the festivities than they'd ever planned to. With the clock ticking and the killer just as stuck on the isolated island as they are, Ty and Zane must navigate a veritable minefield of family, friends, and foes to stop the whole island from being destroyed.

©2014 Abigail Roux (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Best in series

I love these character, they make me laugh out loud and groan in pain. I have read the whole series but this is my favorite. Glad we got to learn more about Nick and see the evolution of his and Ty's friendship.

A little out there

This was a bit more “fantastical” than the previous books in the series. More “Clue” & “And Then There Were None” sorta mystery. I couldn’t quite get into this story, since it was a bit far off and espionagey, or a little more out of character. Still love the series tho. One more left.

Yet again, Harding adds more accents to his arsenal. Scottish this time. While it isn’t a heavy accent, he manages to make a convincing enough attempt to my American ears. The same can be said of Julian’s Irish accent, and Liam’s British accent. Truly enjoyed his narrations.

They will not die in Scotland! LOL

Ty and Zane get invited to be a part of Duce’s (Ty’s brother) wedding. It’s taking place in Scotland and if you’re a fan of the series you know that these guys can’t go on a vacation without murder and mayhem happening.


Zane sighed. “I was so hoping this would be a normal vacation.”
Ty smacked him on the side of the head. “Don’t use bad words.”


Ty and Zane on a rug, in front of a fire, in a castle in Scotland. OH. MY. LAWD!


Once their breathing calmed and the ringing in Zane’s ears faded, he heard the muffled sound of Nick and Kelly in their bedroom, catcalling and applauding. Ty must have heard it as well, because they both began to laugh at the same time.

“Is wrong that I’m turned on by the idea of forcing your friends to listen to us having sex?”, Zane asked with a frown.

Ty laughed harder. “Just don’t tell Nick that. He’ll offer to critique your performance. Or worse, join us.”


I love that Nick and Kelly came along for the ride in Ball & Chain. They are Ty and Zane 2.0. The banter between the group is great. I was laughing so much while I listened. J. F. Harding does a wonderful job with the narration. Having mostly a male cast of characters, Harding has no problem making each of them stand out as individuals.

There was some twisted and turns with some of the characters and more secrets from their pasts come out and I feel like Ty and Zane are heading to a fantastic HEA. I can’t believe I only have one more book left in the series, Crash & Burn is up next. Zane better finally say yes.

Excellent

I loved this series in print, and now really enjoy audio. JF Harding does a great job with this one--character voices are especially good.

Still doing the wrong accent for nick

And it's not like he can't do it, he does it for nick's family. Anyway good book could have had more sex, but I enjoyed it. Oh I am a bit pissed by the scene in the hospital with nick and the surprise guest, how could you possibly trust someone you've blackmailed to work with you. Just lie, say yes then tell the people in danger for Christ's sake. Ugh, I know I know suspension of disbelief but still there has to be a better way to make that work.

Nick and Kelly steal the show.

This was one of my favorite books. I may be biased, because I love Nick and Kelly. The narration has only gotten stronger. I'm glad Nick doesn't sound weasely now, it didn't fit at all. Harding is one of the few male narrators in the genre that don't pitch their voice too high for female characters.

Epic

This series is one of my top favorites. While I am not a fan of the more sexual parts, the characters and plot are AMAZING. And let's not forget the plot twists, yeah? I loved this book from the first sentence to the last. A lot of emotions and action all in one. Loved this to pieces. Love the whole series.

another great book in the series

this one had so many turns and omg moments it was hard to know which way is up. but we get to know our characters better and it's a different take than the rest

Riveting Suspense, Complicated Friendship, Romance

If you could sum up Ball & Chain in three words, what would they be?

Forever Love, Forever Friends, and Forever Getting Into Trouble. :)

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed seeing Ty & Zane settled as a couple and a team, Ty adjusting to changes for his friends and also sorting out issues with his friends, the twisting suspenseful situation at the wedding, and the promise of what is to come.

Have you listened to any of J. F. Harding’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my third time listening to him narrate books from this series. I thought he did a fantastic job. I always lose myself in the stories and feel that he nails emotions, pace, humor, and tone well.

If you could rename Ball & Chain, what would you call it?

Murder At an Island Wedding

Any additional comments?

This is book eight in the series and it must be read in series order. I would also suggest reading the spin-off Sidewinder series book one, Shock & Awe, just before this one and after Touch & Geaux.

This book brings together Ty & Zane's story with the newly emerging Nick & Kelly one.

Can't wait for both the next Cut & Run and Sidewinder books coming next.

Great listen!

This is a new twist on an old plot, one that will through you for a loop.