Reviewed by Amber
Retro Review by Annika
TITLE: Fish Out of Water 
SERIES: Fish Out of Water #1
AUTHOR: Amy Lane
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 270 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 29th, 2016
BLURB:
PI Jackson Rivers grew up on the mean streets of Del Paso Heights—and he doesn’t trust cops, even though he was one. When the man he thinks of as his brother is accused of killing a police officer in an obviously doctored crime, Jackson will move heaven and earth to keep Kaden and his family safe.
Defense attorney Ellery Cramer grew up with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but that hasn’t stopped him from crushing on street-smart, swaggering Jackson Rivers for the past six years. But when Jackson asks for his help defending Kaden Cameron, Ellery is out of his depth—and not just with guarded, prickly Jackson. Kaden wasn’t just framed, he was framed by crooked cops, and the conspiracy goes higher than Ellery dares reach—and deep into Jackson’s troubled past.
Both men are soon enmeshed in the mystery of who killed the cop in the minimart, and engaged in a race against time to clear Kaden’s name. But when the mystery is solved and the bullets stop flying, they’ll have to deal with their personal complications… and an attraction that’s spiraled out of control.
RETRO REVIEW:
There is something about this series that keeps calling me back. I’ve read and re-read it more than a few times and I love it now as much as I did the first time I read it. I mean it has everything I want from a great book; the intrigue and mystery, the flawed and dented heroes, awesome secondary characters and the tension between Jackson and Ellery – phew it can melt ice from a mile away! So if you are a fan of mysteries and haven’t read this series yet, it’s time to change that.
RETRO RATING: 
REVIEW:
Ooooh, I liked this…I like this A LOT!!! A LOT A LOT!! This is a racially charged, thrill that keeps you guessing throughout the majority of the story. I would say this is equal parts mystery and romance. There is nothing “same ole” about this story. The romance isn’t “I love yous, hearts, and flowers.” It’s pushed, pulled, and molded throughout the entirety of the story. Both men feel it and that obvious. This is “bad cop vs. good cop” in a way that leaves you feeling dirty. You don’t want to believe this kind of thing can happen but the story is so relevant with the things going on in our world today.
Jackson had a rough start at like. His saving grace was the family of his best friend, Kaden. Kaden’s mother was more a mother to him than his own. He would do anything for them. So, it’s no wonder when Kaden is wrongfully accused of a murder, Jackson risks life and limb to clear his name.
Ellery has crushed on Jackson for quite some time. So it’s understandable how flustered he is when Jackson asks for his help. Realizing there is something fundamentally wrong with the case the men set out to solve the mystery.
Ellery and Jackson slow burn for awhile. There is an immediate attraction and these two on page are smoking hot together. Ellery pushes and you can tell Jackson wants to fight and give in to it all in the same instance. It’s awesome how unique this relationship develops.
This is a mystery like I mentioned so I can give too much away but I will say there’s a lot that goes on in the story and I feel like there is more to come with Jackson and Ellery. I for one can’t wait!!
Amy Lane is a master when it comes to telling a story. One of the best!
RECOMMEND.
RATING: 
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