Stars & Stripes

By: Abigail Roux

Narrated by: J. F. Harding

Length: 10 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2012 Abigail Roux (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

Going Home Isn't Easy- Humorous & Passionate Susp.

Would you consider the audio edition of Stars & Stripes to be better than the print version?

No, they are both a wonderful way to experience the story. But that said, the audio version was a fantastic option that I wouldn't want to miss.

The narrator, JF Harding, captured the characters and told me a story so well that I felt like I was in the middle of everything and engaging in the action.

What other book might you compare Stars & Stripes to and why?

This book is part of what I consider one of the best romantic suspense series out there though it's hard for me to compare because most of the ones I've read don't stick with the same main characters all the way through. I think JD Robb's In Death series is the only other one I've read that I like as much.
I prefer this series because it is multi-faceted running deep on character and relationship development, providing a complex mystery, and some pretty exciting action and passion scenes. Dialogue, tone, and just overall story are hard to beat.

Which scene was your favorite?

No one scene- both 'coming out to the family' scenes are the hold your breath types, little moments when Ty or Zane would revel in why each loves his partner, and I loved the shooting competition.

Who was the most memorable character of Stars & Stripes and why?

Oy yi yi! That is tough. Nope, can't be done narrowing it down to one. The main characters are always memorable for their dialogue and characters and relationship set against the background of working a case.
But Ty's entire Grady family can't be missed. Trust me. Everyone must meet the Gradys.

Then there are Zane's parents. One adores his dad and wants a dad like him, but his mother is a piece of work that I wanted to pinch and hug Zane every time she'd tear off a chunk of him with her cold-hearted words or behavior. Totally memorable.

And props to Barnum the tiger with the floppy ear and love at first sight for Ty who is terrified of large cats.

See? I can't not name them all.

Any additional comments?

This book is part of an ongoing series story arc so really shouldn't be listened to out of order.
The relationship and character development have been ongoing even if the case is solved by the end of the story.

My Favorite In The Series

This one quite possibly my favorite book in the series. It felt like this book focused more on them as a couple. The way Ty came through for Garrett when Garrett was struggling was really heartwarming. I love how they love each other: True, Intense and Unbreakable.

Also, what is it with Ty and cats???

Different narrator this time and still not sure how to feel about that, but he did well.

Great new narrator!!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend the whole Cut & Run series, with this book as probably my favorite. The most compelling gay romance ever. I just can't get enough of Ty and Zane.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stars & Stripes?

The shooting contest.

Which character – as performed by J. F. Harding – was your favorite?

J.F. Harding was a great choice for finishing this series. His voice characterizations for both protagonists are spot on. He seems an excellent study, already extremely comfortable with the material. I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the books with him as narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is the first book in the series where Ty and Zane get to focus on their happiness and the strength of their relationship as a gay couple. I found it very rewarding and satisfying after all they'd been through at this point.

Any additional comments?

Once again, I'm very happy with the new narrator!

Time to meet the parents!

What made the experience of listening to Stars & Stripes the most enjoyable?

Ty and Zane and how these two could get into trouble tied up, handcuffed and chained in a box with no door or holes.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ty and Zane, sorry, they are a package deal. I love the way they love each other. So passionate and demanding.

What about J. F. Harding’s performance did you like?

I did actually. I was a bit miffed that the narrator changed from the first 5 books, but once I got used to his voices I was enthralled.

Who was the most memorable character of Stars & Stripes and why?

Ty, what that man won't do for the man he loves.

Any additional comments?

So, a little bit of an unconventional review here, but I thought it was perfect for the unconventional coupling that is Tyler Grady and Xander Garrett. In this latest installment of the Cut and Run series, Ty and Zane take a vacation and accompany each other to their homes. It’s time to meet the parents boys!

Ty basically cut and ran when he was old enough, joining the military and putting himself in one dangerous situation after another. When he finally tells his parents that Zane is more than just his partner at work, he is his partner at home; it doesn’t get the reception he thought it would. Mom and Pops don’t mind him being gay, they are just pissed that Ty thought he had to run away rather than tell them.

If Zane was hoping for the same reaction, what he gets is mixed. The people that matter don’t mind, aside from his mother, who Zane has never had any type of relationship with. And let me just say, what this bitch does at the end of the book pisses me off to no end. Lord forgive me, but in the shootout at the OK corral I wish she would have been a casualty of war.

It took me about an hour to get used to the new narrator as the books that were published through DSP had a different person telling the stories. Once I warmed to Harding the story took off and I was so engrossed I could not put down my iPod. All the elements I have come to love about these two men and the borderline psychotic lives they lead were there, just under a different voice. I enjoyed how Harding was able to give each character their own distinct voice and still add emotion to the voices.

Of course if you are a Ty and Zane fan you’ll absolutely love this story. Action packed and nonstop from the first letter until the last. Ty and Zane are a special kind of crazy and one of these days they are going to figure out that they anchor each other. The storyline was brilliant, what is it about Ty and large, demented cats? I had a blast getting to know both men’s families, aside from mommy dearest who can take a long walk off a short pier. Emotional, not only intriguing but completely engrossing, edge of your seat shenanigans that I have come to expect with these two men. Oh but my favorite part is how these two love each other with every fiber of their being. So passionate, enigmatic and dangerous.

Definitely a must listen series. You can’t just jump right in though. Sorry, you must start at the beginning. And now I’m off to start the next book and see if Ty and Zane can blow up the White House, or something equally scandalous. 　

Fabulous Narration!

This is a 5 Star read for me! Audible Version. J.F. Harding was an absolutely fabulous narrator and he brought Ty and Zane to life. Excellent installment in this series.

Waited long and not disappointed!

Would you listen to Stars & Stripes again? Why?

Absolutely! Like all of this series it is a listen over and over!

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the going home again and learning that sometimes things aren't what you thought they were

Which scene was your favorite?

Any scene where Ty and Zane are ribbing each other. Especailly about the cats

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Zane with his father

Any additional comments?

Wasn't sure I was going to like this as much with a new narrator but I think he did a wonderful job!

Finally! Love the new narrator.

I've missed Ty and Zane. I'm so happy the rest of the Cut & Run series is now on audio! There was another narrator change; I was a fan of the last narrator so this made me a little nervous. But I'm enjoying J. F. Harding voice for the characters so I've enjoying him even more than the previous narrator.

Ty's family is so funny! I love the way J. F. Harding voiced them. It made scenes like below even funnier. I smile so much listening to Stars & Stripes.



"We wouldn't need your help normally, but this morning I cut your daddy's finger off, and he says he can't hold a hammer."

Ty's head shot up. "You what?"

"Cut his finger off," Mara said again as if she hadn't realized the news would be shocking.

The others were drifting closer, trying to hear the conversation. Ty sat silent a moment longer, his mouth agape. "On . . . purpose?"

"Well, no, it was an accident."

. . .

"But it's not like he don't have four more fingers to work with. And it was only part of the little finger, and they sewed it back on. He has two hands, one of 'em can hold a hammer just fine, but no, he says he can't do it."



Stars & Stripes brings us to Texas where Zane is called home to help with an issue at his family's ranch that got his dad shot. Of course, it turns into a case for the FBI agents. And it's a case that has Ty muttering under his breath "I hate Texas" one than once. While the two work to figure things out with the case they learn to relax around their families about their romantic partnership as they both come out to their families.

I felt Ty and Zane's relief and happiness as they finally get to be themselves, at least around their families, even if they still feel the need to hide their relationship at work. But I believe that will be taken care of soon. These two have been through some crap and I want them to have the full HEA they deserve.

If you're looking to cut your teeth on the M/M genre I highly recommend this series! It's full of action, suspense, wicked funny humor and some hot times between two smoking FBI agents and a romance which I would not have expected. But know that the Cut & Run series should be read in order so that you grow with Ty and Zane. Each of the cases is solved in each book, but Ty and Zane's personal life is a series story arc. I love all the inside jokes from previous books and enjoy seeing secondary characters pop up again. And the scenes with Smith and Wesson are priceless.

I've already requested the next book on audio. I'm stalking my inbox for it.

Long-awaited Audio Version

Would you consider the audio edition of Stars & Stripes to be better than the print version?

No, only because I heard Sean Crisden's voice (the narrator for most of the Cut & Run stories) in my head as I read the book. Never was a narrator and author so well matched (ok...I give that Rhys Ford and Tristan James/Greg Tremblay and Mary Calmes and Paul Morey are fantastic matches, too). So it was with great glee I heard that finally the book would be turned into audio format but dismayed (heck I was distraught! yep, I'm a fan) when I learned it wouldn't be Sean Crisden to continue. And, ladies and gents, couldn't you just imagine him, as Ty, saying "Zane" the way he did when he was worn out. And those scenes from Stars & Stripes and Touch and Geaux....shoot, we'll never hear him voice them - bringing Ty and Zane even more to life. Those were some fantastic, gut wrenching, nerve racking, and so romantic scenes. Yeah, I'm still not over this. The Cut & Run series (barring the last two books) are some of THE best writing ever - any genre.

What did you like best about this story?

It is packed with so much stuff - there is romance, fighting, Ty getting hurt (again), cats (of all sizes), bad guys, crazy families - drama and laughter. I have NEVER laughed out loud when listening to a book but I did when listening to the beginning of this book. Like so many of the Ty and Zane fans these guys are real. And I didn't dislike JF Harding's narration its just that he's not able to differentiate between the leads (I've noticed that in his books) - Ty and Zane sound mostly the same and a lot of the charm of the books is lost when you can't tell who is doing the talking (read "snarking.") He did a great job on the voices such as Mara and Grandpa - I just wish he could've done like Crisden did and made Zane's deeper, richer and Ty's more boyish.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Harding did a good job but I'll always wonder what it would've been like to have Crisden finish the series.

Who was the most memorable character of Stars & Stripes and why?

Always - Ty and Zane

Any additional comments?

Did I say it enough? I would've been OVER THE MOON had Crisden done the narration. But I'm at least thankful the books were made into audio. Like I said, Harding did a good job and the writing is superb.

Needs to be re-recorded with the narrator from the previous books

Narrator was bland and monotone, which made the story seem boring. Not sure why they switched people. Overall, great story, being able to see a little more into Ty and Zane's families.

Ty and Zane in the sweetest love story

This is the best m-m book I've listened to. It was so sweet, romantic and full of all those things a romance novel should make you feel. This is my their narrator in this series and Harding is by far the BEST. His voice was even keeled and mature. It made the listening experience that much better.

Ty and Zane are coming into their own in their relationship and this book took us on that journey with them. Gone are the two detectives who were hesitant to communicate with each other. Instead, we have two lovebirds who freely say "I love you". They share tender gazes, touches and other connections that make it easy for those who know them can see that connection.

First, they came out to their families. Then, they make it a point to be there when the other needs them for support. It just gave me life!!!

I don't want to get into the plot with the tiger as it is a metaphor in my opinion. But I will say that this book is when I truly saw Ty and Zane as a forever type of love. This audiobook was just awesome.

Great narration Mr Harding....

Over the years I'd bought most of the audio books for this series, but none of the earlier ones even came close to capturing the way I imagine Ty and Zane to sound....and they were returned to Audible. This was an extremely disappointing aspect of the whole C & R series as far as I was concerned...no-one [whether at Riptide or perhaps the author herself] could be bothered to get the right voice for the books so different narrators were used for practically every book hence no continuity...it was pathetic 😕!! THANK GOD something has gone right for a change and whomever chose J.F. Harding to narrate the last 4 stories deserves a medal 🏅!! I have to admit that he doesn't work every time for me [although I thought his narration of the Kage series was amazing, better than the stories even], but he absolutely nailed this particular one for me as far as all the voices were concerned 😁. 5 stars and on to Touch & Geaux.

my go to series..

I absolutely adore this series,i wish I could get the complete series on audible tho.

A Hayloft too Many

Perfect narration of a slow labouring tale, where you want to kick the story on, add impetus and pace to get everything going especially in the first hour. Perhaps beginning this series at Book 6 hampered my comprehension of the interactions and history of the MCs. My fav series on Audible is Josh Lanyon's Art of Murder, so was expecting a similar FBI mission as the heart of the premise, not cat adoration and an awkward trip home.

The good reviews, the mention of the horse ranch, plus FBI agent MCs attracted me. Published in 2012, makes you realize how expectations differ and grow.

Cannot summon the interest or energy to proceed. DNF.

RETURNED

Amazing Series

A well written story with and interesting  concept.  The characters are likeable and the narration is very good.

no break for the wicked

I will never get over Earls story. it cracked me up, hell it still does.