Stars & Stripes

By: Abigail Roux

Narrated by: J. F. Harding

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.

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.

My Favorite Ty and Zane Book

Where does Stars & Stripes rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Can't decide between this one and Armed and Dangerous, but I think they are both my favorites!

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

Barnum

They just keep getting better.

Every book just keeps getting better and better. The gradual adding/ increase in the romantic element is perfect. And I probably say this in every review but this is the best one so far. So many real life struggles that are easily relatable in this book. Very excellent listen.

excellent

I love this series
it was great to see more of Zane's family
you really can't go wrong with this author

Love this book.

Can't say how many times that I've read and listen to this book. Awesome, funny, sweet.... And, the narration is spectacular! "Tony the Tiger in Texas." Definitely recommend!#

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.

best one of the series yet

So happy our couple moved forward. Great story. Miss the previous narrator. Afraid to read the next book.

Here Kitty kitty!

All I can say is.....this series is one of my favorites! Great character development throughout the series, the humor/banter has me shaking my head and laughing my ass off. And can I say BARNUM, sweet kitty kitty! LOL!

Harding does an excellent job distinguishing all the male voices. I always knew who was talking. I was afraid to delve into the audiobook, since I could not obtain the kindle or audiobooks of the previous 5 books for some reason (the ones coauthored). I had to obtain them through my library in non-kindle format ebook. I can’t even buy the ebook anywhere and the physical books are almost $200 each, no kidding! But I took the chance and do no regret it.

I have been waiting for this audio book!

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

Yes! I love audio and it really brings the book to life.

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

I loved the who book, glad it finally made it to audio

What does J. F. Harding bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I think he really did a good job. I didn't know if I was going to like a different voice but he did very well!

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

NO, the whole book was great I think this was the last book of Ty and Zane that was great!

Another re-listen

This may be my favorite book in this wonderful series. Saying that it is fantastic writing and storytelling Is an understatement.