I’m going to start this review off with a bit of a warning. If you haven’t already read the blurb, DO NOT read it before reading the book. When I’m invested in a series that has a new book coming out I don’t generally read the blurb or reviews before adding it to my TBR. I hate spoilers and I’m going to read it anyway. Lucky for me that applied here because the blurb gives away some plot twists in the story and had I known what was going to happen, it would have definitely taken some of the enjoyment out of the story for me.

This is a series you need to read in order. Fair Chance picks up after Fair Play (Book 2) and continues the Sculptor murders storyline from book one, Fair Game. The Sculptor has requested that Elliot come visit him in prison and SAC Montgomery has finally gotten Elliot to agree to go, much to Tucker’s chagrin. Elliot feels some obligation towards the victims’ families so he agrees to a meeting knowing full well it will be full of head games, but the Sculptor drops enough vague hints to get everybody working on this case again. I’m not going to go further into any real plot points, but there is a lot going on in this story. There are characters returning from the two prior books, as well as a number of new players and I was glad that I had re-read those books prior to jumping into this one.

Told from Elliot’s POV, it’s nice to see that yes, Tucker and Elliot are a solid couple. Of course that doesn’t mean they don’t have their issues, but they know what the issues are and they do try to deal with them. Outside of the romantic aspects of their relationship Elliot also has a lot to work out on his own with respect to his career and his father’s expectations of him. The relationship with Roland has taken a hit and it was sad to see them at such odds and so awkward around each other. Tucker is also involved in family drama, making plans to visit the mother he found in the previous book. Knowing she disapproves of his “lifestyle” adds extra tension to the situation as he and Elliot decide it’s best for him to visit on his own.

Elliot may be the ‘star’ of these books, as we’re in his head, but I’m a big Tucker fan. He is so good at giving voice to his feelings and I do love how he tries to get Elliot to voice his feelings as well. Although Elliot has some lingering insecurities that rear up once in a while, Elliot is generally secure in their relationship and Tucker doesn’t let him forget that he’s in it for the long haul.

Josh Lanyon’s writing is always top notch. The interpersonal relationships are complex and the mystery is well done. As Elliot tries to tie up the loose ends of the case things seem to get more confusing, but all is revealed in the end. The only real downside to this story was that Elliot and Tucker are not together for a good portion of it.

There is a very happy ending to this story and although it seems that this was intended to wrap up the storylines in the series so far, there is definitely an opening left that leaves me hoping we’ll see more of Tucker and Elliot in the future.

**Live 3/13**

Fair Chance was a long time coming.  I feel like I read the first two books so long ago, and actually reread them last year because I was so eager for more about Tucker and Elliot.  Getting my hands on Fair Chance, finally, was the most amazing feeling.

Reading other’s reviews, I get the feeling that people weren’t happy with Fair Play, which is just super funny to me since it’s my favorite of all three.  There was something about getting Roland’s backstory that made it more enjoyable.  That’s not to say that Fair Chance wasn’t good, because it so was.  I love reading anything about Tucker and Elliot.  I think they have a spectacular relationship, with how they’ve managed to work out their problems with compromise.  I love that Elliot has accepted that Tucker needs to think things through on his own before he takes new developments to Elliot.  I love that Elliot has recognized that it’s not the same as keeping secrets.  I love that Tucker knows that Elliot is a great arguer and that he needs to get all his thoughts in a row before taking Elliot on.  Personally, I think that Elliot gets that from Roland.  I imagine that those two have monumental arguments.  (I’m so crazy about Roland and Elliot’s relationship, though I’ve always been a sucker for a good father/child story.)

I have to also mention the addition of Sheba.  I really loved that dog, and I love the idea that Elliot may end up keeping her.  I struggled with the idea that she would wind up at a rescue after having been abandoned.

I also really enjoyed the mystery in Fair Chance.  I thought it was perfect, bringing the story back around to The Sculpter and the idea that The Sculpter had an accomplice.  Even though I figured out whodunit pretty early on, I still loved reading the story unfold and all the why’s involved.  I love Josh Lanyon’s romance stories, but what makes her one of my favorites is the fact that she knows how to write an enjoyable cozy mystery.

So, I feel like I heard that this was it, that there wouldn’t be further installments of All’s Fair, but I really hope that’s wrong.  There’s so much more to examine.  Like, what’s going on with Nob and Roland.  Maybe it’s Elliot in my head, but Nob gives me the willies.  So, if you’re listening, please give us more.  AFTER more Holmes & Moriarity, pretty please.

4* This, I think, is likely to be the final in this series, and I'm glad the leads got there. More would be nice, too, though!

This is the third book in the Fair series, featuring ex-FBI officer-turned-uni-professor, Elliott, and his ex-and-current(again) partner, detective Tucker. I think it's the last in the series, as it had a feeling that everything, not just the on-going storyline was being tied up. 

So, in this, Elliott's biggest case, The Sculptor, decides that he wants to initiate contact with him again, which the local PD seems conflicted over, though Tucker, seems to be, for once, fairly relaxed. Just as things are about to get interesting, Tucker goes missing and several seemingly unconnected things come into the mix and Elliott is on a race to find his partner. 

The tale wasn't as full-on as some in the series, but what made it for me, is that the guys finally, finally veered away from 'take care' as their version of 'I love you' to actually using the words out loud. That this came before Tucker went missing had meaning and importance, as did another little thing that only came to light once Tucker was found. 

I'd always thought that these guys would find each other at a time in their lives when it was right for both of them, when their lives and careers would align, and all of this happens in the tale, which is what makes me think it's the last. But, the author's left it open for many, many more tales, ones which may ignite these guys' relationship in ways other than the ones I've seen so far in the series, and which would no doubt mean some more really good reads.

ARC courtesy of Carina Press for my reading pleasure.

Review by Gillian:

Full confession: I am a Josh Laynon fangirl.

However, I have a caveat: I’m not the type of fangirl who will 5 star ++++ every single, damn book Lanyon has in her impressive library simply because it has her name on it, so this one still had to work at impressing me.

I’m happy to say that it did.

To be honest, I did go back and re-read the first two books when I learned this one was being released because it’s been a few years since I read them and I wanted to re-familiarize myself with the characters and the events before reading the third installment. I’m glad I did because the events in book two directly relate to the plot of book three so if you haven’t read the first two books, stop here before you spoiler yourself.

Fair Chance has us happily reunited with ex-FBI agent turned professor, Elliot Mills and his sexy, alpha boyfriend, special agent Tucker Lance. I’m happy to report that they are still together and still doing well, despite Tucker having to occasionally reign in his alpha male tendencies where Elliot is concerned (except in the bedroom where it’s perfectly acceptable *wink*).

Once again, Elliot is being drawn back into FBI territory despite having retired due to his injury several years prior. This, of course, is a continual source of conflict between Tucker and Elliot, with Tucker wanting to protect Elliot from the kind of injury that forced him to retire in the first place. However, being the grown-ass men they are, things get discussed and if not resolved, then at least agree to disagree until they have to time to sort things out. This is one of the things I love about Lanyon’s characters; they aren’t children, prone to fits of rage over things that could easily be discussed. They are men who talk, who apologize, who care enough to listen and learn from their mistakes.

Since the big plot point is revealed in the blurb (why??), I can confirm that Tucker does indeed get kidnapped, possibly by an accomplice to The Sculptor, the serial killer whom Elliot and Tucker nabbed in book two. Not content to sit back and let the FBI investigate (and despite repeated warnings not to get involved), Elliot feels he has no choice but to find Tucker on his own and determine if the killer they originally thought was working alone, did indeed have someone working with him and is intent on carrying on with his murder spree.

The mystery itself is really well done, but that’s no surprise given that this is Lanyon’s forte. There are false leads and red herrings, and while the plot isn’t overly complicated, it still manages to keep the reader entertained and engaged throughout.

I really loved Tucker and Elliot’s relationship in this book. You can see real growth between the two men since the first book, and the affection and respect between them is clearly obvious. I’m interested to see where they go from here, seeing as Elliot is opening himself up to the idea of returning to the FBI in some capacity, despite Tucker’s reservations.

Hopefully, we don’t have to wait too long.

A little confusing, as I didn't realise it was the third book in the series, but loved Elliott and Tucker! Off to read the rest now!

“Fair Chance” is Lanyon’s third entry in her “All’s Fair” series. Three is the lucky charm as I immensely enjoyed this book. 

Tucker and Elliott are in a relatively good place as this books begins. With any relationship, there will be doubts, but Lanyon handles them masterfully.

The mystery will keep you reading this book. It was hard to put down many times. Between the plot twists and turns, Lanyon demonstrates she is one of the best mystery writers in the genre. This book appears to be her best yet.

Note: An ARC was received from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I’m just going to point out that this is not a good place to start enjoying Josh Lanyon’s All’s Fair series. I did not know that when I began reading Fair Chance. Would this book have been more enjoyable had I read the first two in the series, yes? Did I still enjoy the third installment in an ongoing series, yes? Apparently there was some tidy wrap up of the suspenseful aspect in each of the previous two books but still a little something that allowed the drama to still plague Elliot and Tucker in this installment. 
I have to go back and read Fair Game and Fair Play. I’m wildly curious about how Andrew Corian and Elliot’s paths crossed to begin with. Corian’s obsession with screwing with Elliot’s life is still very present in Fair Chance. I also want to know how Elliot and Tucker met and eventually fell in love. There was so much missing for me but I still enjoyed the suspense and action that was the overall story of this book. 
Elliot is on the FBI task force pertaining to the Sculptor. The other law enforcement officials have made it clear that they would prefer to work without the professor. Tucker would even like to see his lover off of the task force and protected from harm. The Sculptor’s fixation on Elliot keeps him there though. Corian isn’t the only one messing with Elliot’s life though. There is a blogger that is teasing Elliot with a possible lead in exchange for certain favors and a would be stalker that is possibly upset about a grade.  
I do not believe that this is all that readers will see out of Elliot and Tucker. Elliot is about to embark on a different career journey than that of a Puget Sound University professor. This is something that will definitely be new and exciting to follow. There were several mentions of a cold case that Elliot had worked before he was shot and taken out of field work. That same case is now sitting on Tucker’s desk in their home. Hopefully between now and when the next book is published in the All’s Fair series I will have had time to go back and read the first two books.

Its Josh, legit she could write anything and we all would love it. There is just something amazing this author does with her words that have us captivated.

This was a stunner. I loved it. I read the first in the series some years ago but I'd forgotten all of the story except the romance side. I haven't read the second. Here the characters are still dealing with the fallout from the old case. A serial killer they caught has an accomplice who's still free - or is that a lie? Elliot and Tucker are on shifting ground as they try to figure out where the danger lies.

This is a great mystery with real depth in the writing. The characterizations, descriptions and action scenes are all perfect. I loved Sheba the dog too!

*Copy provided by NetGalley for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

Fair Chance is Book 3 in Josh Lanyon's All's Fair series, and from my understanding, the last book in the series. This series should be read in the appropriate order for the most enjoyment as the characters are all reoccurring, plus, the resolution in this book comes from issues in Book 1. 

Elliot and Tucker are still navigating their relationship together, both of them still struggling with communication. Tucker wants Elliot to remain out of the grasp of the FBI and focus on being a professor, but he's not going to get his way. When the serial killer from the first book reaches out to Elliot and refuses to give any information to anyone else, Elliot goes to the prison to speak to him. The serial killer is trying to pull Elliot back into the cat and mouse game but Elliot isn't interested and Tucker refuses to allow that to happen. The task force put together to clean up the lingering issues from the case are unhappy to have Elliot, a civilian, on their team. Elliot has pushback from all team members, including Tucker. Only there are higher stakes this time around when an acquaintance of Elliot's is killed, Tucker comes up missing, Elliot is attacked, and the serial killer is in a coma. Elliot struggles to get his head clear to investigate and find the love of his life before it's too late.

I loved the relationship between Tucker and Elliot in this story, they were a settled couple even though they still struggled with their communication issue. Once both men were able to be open and honest and express themselves, it was easy to understand each point of view and the fears each man had. This book was a lot more emotional than the previous ones as we had to read through Elliot's grief with the Tucker issues, and then Tucker's disappearance. My heart broke for Elliot. Though I understood Tucker's point of view and his protectiveness of Elliot, it also annoyed me. Elliot isn't just a professor, he's an ex-FBI agent and sometimes Tucker seemed to forget that Elliot is capable of more than standing in a classroom teaching. 

I absolutely loved this story, it was the perfect addition to the previous two books but I sincerely hope there are more books to come! Elliot's been given the perfect opportunity for him, and for us readers, to continue this series with more cases. I love Elliot and Tucker and would love to spend more time with them. And if you haven't read this series, you absolutely must do so! This series is perfect for anyone who enjoys great writing, mysteries, and HEA!

Rating: 5++++stars!

5 Unputdownable Stars!!!

Fair Chance is book 3 in the All’s Fair series and it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did. The author provides enough background information so that the reader doesn’t feel lost with the events that happened in the first two books. However, it was such an amazing read that I’ll read the first books ASAP, because I want more Elliot and Tucker.  

Elliot and Tucker are going strong one year after they got together. The Sculptor has been caught and it’s likely he’s facing life in prison. However, new developments seem to point to the possibility of him having an accomplice and they haven’t found the place where he disposed of the rest of the bodies of the persons he killed. Corian is intent on engaging Elliot in a game that might prove tragic and even if it’s the last thing Elliot wants to do, he might not have the chance to say no. When Tucker goes missing and Corian is attacked in prison and left in a coma, Elliot will need to step up to the plate.

I loved this book to bits! The love story between Elliot and Tucker, who are amazing together and have a magnetic chemistry. The emotional upheaval when Tucker went missing and all Elliot went through when that happened. This fast-paced, action-packed crime thriller had enough twists and turns to keep me wondering and theorizing and plain hanging on to every single word. The balance between the romance and the suspense was great, and the vast array of secondary characters gave more depth to the story and kept me guessing at their involvement. The writing was stellar and I was swept away into the complex, intelligent and witty plotline from the first to the last word.

Definitely a must-read for fans of crime thrillers and Josh Lanyon!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley for my reading pleasure. ***

Elliot and Tucker are back in this third instalment of the All's Fair series. Josh Lanyon's usual skills in characterisation and plot are very apparent and this book is as well written as the others. The reason I haven't given this a higher score though is that I felt this book didn't have quite the impact of the first two. 

The main reason was that to me the relationship between Eliot and Tucker didn't advance hardly at all. In fact they spent most of the book apart, whether it be for work reasons or when Tucker gets abducted. Landon does flawed heroes well, but I don't think this book enhanced the characters in any way.

Having said that though, I really enjoyed this book while I was reading it, it was only after the fact that I started thinking about the things that weren't perfect. But then, Lanyon has delivered perfection so many times perhaps we have begun to have some unrealistic expectations :)

This book is a good read and fans of the series will enjoy it, but I wouldn't pick it up if I hadn't read the previous two, as it is a direct follow on from the previous novel.

Overall: B-

Book 1: B, Book 2: C+, Book 3: B

I binge read the All's Fair series over the last few days. Couple of things I feel you should know before you read my review & decide whether you might want to read them too: 1) though I read quite a bit of queer fiction, Josh Lanyon is a new-to-me author & I'm not convinced this series is the best starting place to read her, and 2) I've been reading a LOT of great m/m romantic suspense lately so I have lots to compare it to. Also, this review refers to the series as a whole & not so much about each specific book, so if you want to avoid spoilers, you might not want to read it. **though the series is linked by the principal characters & I'm not going to spill any details about bad guys. promise!** I know what I like - and though the writing is very strong in these books, I thought they were a teeny weeny bit boring. Entertaining, interesting, but kinda snoozy. 

Fair Game provides the backstory to the characters we're going to get to know over the three book series. All the books are told entirely in the PoV of Elliot Mills, a former FBI agent injured in the line of duty. These days (two years later), instead of taking an administrative FBI desk job, Elliot lives near Seattle and is a college professor at PSU. His father, Roland Mills, a former professor and a bit of a local celebrity due to his very vocal liberal anti-establishment views, lives nearby. Single, but not necessarily lonely, Elliot is content with life at present. If his thoughts sometimes stray to his former lover, Special Agent Tucker Lance, or the shooting that ended his career, he quickly shuts those thoughts down and moves on.

In Fair Game , Elliot finds himself back in investigator mode when his father asks him to help a family friend whose gay son, a student at PSU, has gone missing. When Elliot agrees to look into his disappearance, he discovers the case already has the attention of the FBI. Oh, and the agent in charge of the case is his former lover Tucker Lance. When another male student goes missing, and Elliot becomes a target of the kidnapper, the case - which the FBI (and Tucker) had decided was a suicide - picks up new momentum and attention. 

It's obvious early that there's a lot of unresolved tension and attraction between Elliot and his former partner, but it's a torturous slow burn as Ms. Lanyon slowly spins out the central mystery, and Elliot and Tucker dance around their history together. By the end of book one, the men resolve their history with one another and resume their romantic relationship, the bad guy is behind bars (or is he?), and Elliot is back to work as a simple college professor. 

Unfortunately, the family friend whose son was missing? Well, we discover a bit more about his parents (though now that I'm finished with the series, I'm not sure why Ms. Lanyon included their backstory?) and we learn what happened to the son - sorta. 
(view spoiler)

Fifty years ago, Elliot's dad was a founding member of the Collective, a violent activist group formed to protest the Vietnam War. When Fair Play opens, Elliot and Tucker are awakened by an early morning call from Roland's neighbor. Roland's house (Elliot's childhood home) has burned down. Arriving on the scene, Elliot's reassured to see his father escaped without injury, but the house is a loss. His peace of mind is short-lived. The police chief believes the fire was intentionally set and Roland reluctantly confesses he received a threatening letter months before the fire. After pressing his father for more information, Elliot discovers the threat is linked to a book Roland plans to publish detailing his activist past and time with the Collective. A second attack (that nearly kills both of them) sends Roland into hiding, and Elliot into investigator mode - despite his fathers request that he stay out of it. 

Where is his dad? What happened all those years ago that's putting him in danger? These are the central questions in Fair Play, but the answer when it comes is anticlimatic after all the build up. The arson/attempted murder take place against the backdrop of Elliot's evolving relationship with Tucker. Though the men live together and are committed to a shared future, they're still learning to trust each other. Tucker wants Elliot to stay out of Roland's business, and Elliot worries that Tucker is keeping secrets. Ms. Lanyon spends most of this book either in Elliot's PoV or filling in the backstory on the Collective and its members and their activities. There's little to no action or suspense (or steam) in this second book and though I kept hoping for more of both, neither materializes.

The final (I think?) chapter in the All's Fair series is Fair Chance. The not-so-bad-guy in Fair Play has been apprehended, Roland is back in Seattle, and Tucker is working hard to put the killer from Fair Game behind bars for life. Unfortunately, the alleged killer isn't quite done with Elliot, and his jailhouse confession that he wasn't working alone is causing problems for Tucker's team. The killer wants to talk to Elliot, Tucker doesn't want Elliot involved and all of it is putting strain on their relationship. I was so happy to move on from book 2 and return to the case that opened the series, but when it's all finally resolved and the last twist is revealed, I just felt sort of ho-hum about it. Though Elliot keeps finding himself in dangerous situations, things always seem to resolve themselves a bit too conveniently. We don't spend enough time with some of the more interesting characters in this book (Will, Pine, Foster), and even when Tucker goes missing...well, that story line resolves itself so quickly and neatly, it just felt like a wasted opportunity. The original villain in this story is a terrible guy & his crime(s) were gruesome, but none of it is very thrilling. I would have liked more on his backstory - with his foster family & biological mother.

So what did I think of the series as a whole? 

First, if you're looking for a romantic and suspenseful thriller, this might not be the series for you. Nothing about any of them felt very suspenseful (especially book 2), though the relationship between Elliot and Tucker is tender and romantic (though there isn't enough of it). I like danger and suspense - and action - in my romantic thrillers. But aside from a few chase scenes and creepy late night noises, nothing about the stories is all that thrilling. 

Second, this is romantic suspense, but there are too few scenes featuring both Elliot and Tucker together, and we mostly get the relationship secondhand via Elliot's PoV. Case in point: they took a trip to Montreal between books 2/3. I couldn't wait to hear about it, but Ms. Lanyon briefly references it when Elliot recalls 'it was the greatest trip he'd ever taken.' OH REALLY? Then why can't we hear more about it?! Please! I know you bought coffee - but what else? Come on Ms. Lanyon! I LOVED TUCKER and how tender and honest he was about his feelings for Elliot. His affection transcends the page but there's just wasn't enough of him throughout the series. He's the love of Elliot's life. Honestly, I don't need hot sex all the time but the books shine when these two are together on the page. I needed more of this sweet couple. 

And finally. Ms. Lanyon is a gifted writer. Even when I was bored (book 2), I enjoyed how she developed the story and the characters, and linked the first and last books through the original case. But there were also a lot of loose ends (see next paragraph). Though I'm glad I read all three books, what I expected and hoped for - romance and suspense- are both in short supply.

Re: loose threads. I'm curious if there are future books to come because a few threads are left unresolved. Who killed Elliot's mom (we learn early on that she was killed in a hit-and-run)? Will Tucker have a relationship with his mom? WHY DID THE JANITOR HATE ELLIOT? I won't say anymore about this character except to say - WHAT THE WHAT?! The janitor, the sheriff, the detective... there are so many interesting characters who never really do anything interesting and they're all ripe for their own story lines. And the ring - is Elliot wearing it? What does that mean?! Is he solving cold cases? 

More Ms. Lanyon.  I want more.

Josh Lanyon makes a successful return to the world of the Sculptor murders and established partners, Elliot Mills and Tucker Lance in this third book in the All’s Fair series,  Fair Chance. I love romantic suspense/mystery stories and in this novel, Josh Lanyon once again shows herself to be a master of this sub-genre.

To fully enjoy the mystery, interplay, tension and references in this novel, I would suggest reading the whole series in order; and what a treat you have in store. In the first book,  Fair Game, the pair reconnects in order to capture a serial killer called the Sculptor, and we learn that they have a romantic history together which resulted in a bad break-up following the the disabling injury that forced Elliot’s retirement from the FBI.

In Fair Chance, Elliot is still a history Professor at PSU (his post FBI career), and love of his life, partner Tucker Lance, is still a special agent for the FBI. The Sculptor is imprisoned and awaiting trial, but for some unknown reason he has become obsessed with Elliot and will reveal certain facts to him only. When Elliot finally agrees to the meeting it consists of little but unhelpful verbal sparring until, as Elliot leaves, the killer suggests he may not have been acting alone . It seems his accomplice is keen to finish the Sculptor’s mission, meaning none of them is safe.  Of course not everyone believes the accomplice theory and certain events occur before everyone is on board.

A task force is eventually formed in which all the characters are relevant and never just extraneous scene filling. They all provide a hint to the next piece of the puzzle or a lead, while the twists are believable, intriguing and not obvious. The task force actually works as a team, and although our heroes obviously have the lion’s share of page time and eureka moments, these are aided by actual police work and FBI procedure. Although the mere fact of having a civilian, Elliot, working the case is probably not particularly realistic, some suspension of disbelief is always necessary for entertainment’s sake.

We see things from Elliot’s point of view but in the third person, which works well in these novels as the reader always feels at the heart of the action. Additionally, Elliot and Tucker are both fully fleshed out, three-dimensional characters but as Elliot is the more talkative and intuitive of the two, seeing things from his perspective maintains the brisk narrative pace. There are some lovely shiver inducing moments from the meeting with the Sculptor –

"I don’t need to read a psychology book to understand you, Mills. There’s nothing complicated about your psyche."

"But enough about me,’ Elliot said. ‘Let’s talk about your favorite subject. You. Or more exactly, why you wanted to see me."…

"…I didn’t want to see you. I gave you permission to visit. That’s all."

I simply can’t quote the best bits or even relate a lot of the story as the three books are interlinked and surprise is the heart of crime mysteries. But I can discuss the romance between Elliot and Tucker, which begins in book one. Both alpha males, Tucker is laconic, a big, well-muscled, handsome, archetypal ‘GMan’. He is also vulnerable, especially where families and relationships are concerned, as he is a child of the foster system. Elliot is also an alpha male except in the bedroom, which provides a very sexy dynamic we see developing through the series.

Elliot is the son of a sixties, hippy revolutionary Roland Mills, who became a well-known Professor, teaching civil rights and anarchic history at the University where Elliot is now the Professor Mills. The relationship between Roland and Elliot is a sub-plot that provides comedy, pathos and an intriguing look at the changing dynamics between father and son. Roland’s strong beliefs regarding the establishment and passivism present an interesting counterpoint to the contemporary treatment of crime and punishment.

The very last passage in this book provides an inspired quiet ending – it’s almost an anti-climax, but it does feel right and complete. It also leaves the story at the perfect point should the author ever wish to re-visit this couple.

All in all, Fair Chance is a wonderful example of a romantic, crime novel and the All’s Fair trilogy makes an entertaining, seamless, epic story.

reviewed by AAR's BJ

I would recommend reading the previous books beforehand.  This one made me happy.  The author aloud his characters to grew up.  Unlike the previous book the talked too each they never lack chemistry just communicate.  The book gives you the sexy couple chemistry but the mystery was solid and well written with a red herring here and there but never to complicated

This was the first series by Josh Lanyon that I read, and started my love for his books. I loved Elliot and Tucker from the beginning, and have been looking forward to this book, for which I had high expectations. Luckily, it managed to live up to those expectations. Looking at other reviews of this book, I see many people commenting on how the blurb gives away some pretty major plot points. Luckily I hadn't actually read the blurb in months, so wasn't spoiled during my read - which made me enjoy this a whole lot more. I was unable to put this down, and found the plot pacing really well done. It was very satisfying to see the conclusion of the Sculptor case, and I was happy with how this ended.

Review  ~ 5*

This third and final instalment of the All’s Fair series is a great read, both in terms of the mystery and the romance. These are skilfully interwoven as Elliot hunts down a possible accomplice of Andrew Corian aka The Sculptor from Book 1 and the heads of his victims. The mystery is quite complex, and although I guessed the identity of the accomplice, there are other characters and aspects that add depth and further interest to the plot. As always there are a few red herrings. Elliot is also in conflict with his father for part of the story and that causes a strain on their relationship.

What I enjoyed most about this story is the connection between Elliot and Tucker. They’ve come a long way over the past few months and are really in tune with each other. They are in love and now living together. They talk more, know each other’s foibles, and although Tucker is still protective of Elliot, he is working to accept his role in assisting the FBI. How Elliot reacts to Tucker’s disappearance, and even before that, as he gradually realizes something isn’t quite right shows the depth of his feelings for his partner. I’ve seen many reviewers commenting on the fact that the blurb gives this aspect of the story away, but I think the reader knows and is waiting for Elliot to work it all out. Watching Elliot’s emotions and thoughts has a greater impact than if we didn’t know beforehand.

The tension rises as the clock ticks and time appears to be running out. Elliot’s realization that he may never see Tucker again and what that would mean for his life is heartbreaking and tear-inducing. “He’d prefer to be kneecapped every day for the rest of his life to losing Tucker.” The loneliness is palpable. “Hard to imagine life ever being normal again…” And yet he carries on, trying to find missing victims and the allusive accomplice. Superbly done!

As always, Josh Lanyon’s writing and characters are engaging throughout. The story is a real page-turner, with plenty of suspense and exciting scenes, along with the gradual unravelling of the mystery as seen through Elliot’s eyes. In fact, I read the story twice and enjoyed it even more the second time around. I’ll definitely read it again and am now looking forward to the audio version. 

Although this storyline appears to be rounded off, I hope there are more cases for Elliot and Tucker in the future. They are in my top favourite m/m couples.

Tell us about Fair Chance
Fair Chance is the third story in the All’s Fair series and the final instalment of the story that started in Fair Game. The story is as much a mystery as it is a romance and in this third book, everything comes full circle in regards to the mystery started in the first book and the relationship between Tucker and Elliot.

 What is the story about?
Something is off and Elliot knows it. He put the Sculptor in jail and the case is closed. Right? But then nothing is as it seems it might just mean there is an accomplice. Or is it just a copycat? The new development puts Elliot right back in the middle of the case. A place where Tucker really doesn’t want him to be. Then there is the rift between Elliot and his father and things just start snowballing.

I loved this story and thought the new development in the case was well done. It leaves the reader hanging and wondering what will happen next. It’s a classic move. Did the serial killer work alone or did he have help?

The mystery is well developed and fit right in with several other plot angles such as the tension between Tucker and Elliot, the rift between Elliot and his dad and some others that I will not mention because they are too spoilery.

There is less screen time between Elliot and Tucker this time, but it worked. What there was, was quite nice and sometimes explosive with just the right hint of tension. I liked how their relationship has developed and is now more settled.

 What are your thoughts on Fair Chance?
I loved this third and final instalment. It was well balanced between everything. The mystery is a mystery and also believable. Tucker and Elliot are learning and growing and are perfect for each other. The story is not only focused on the them or just on the mystery. There are other aspects going on so the story doesn’t move so fast, but it’s not slow going either.

The only thing I didn’t like as much is how the blurb gives away much of the story. Now you know what’s coming and makes the aspect of Tucker’s kidnapping less exciting.

How is the writing?
The writing, like with all this author’s books, fits the story and the character. As with the previous stories, it’s told from Elliot’s perspective and you get his take on everything that’s going on. At the same time the author writes in such a way that the other characters are involved too. They are not just shut out and it’s not just the narrator’s perspective or opinion on things, though that play a large role. And oh my, that ending!

 How do you rate the story?
With five stars.

Not realizing this book was the third in a series, before reading Fair Chance I purchased and read Fair Game and Fair Play and I was very glad that I did because all three books were awesome! Like the first two books in the series, Fair Chance suspenseful plot is tight and kept me guessing until the very end. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Elliot and Tucker. I thought I wouldn't because I'm not a fan of second chance relationships but there was enough angst in their relationship to make it enjoyable. I have been aware of Josh Lanyon's books for years but have never read them and now I'm just kicking myself for all the enjoyable reading I have missed. At least I now know I have many great hours of reading ahead of me!

I got an arc happy dance and I read it and freakin' LOVED it. Not going to review til closer to release date but wow!!!!!!!!

7 February

Well it's been a while and I haven't changed my mind, still love it. Catching up with Elliott and Tucker was amazing, their relationship has grown so much since the first book although Tucker is still very protective of Elliott. Given that Elliott is now part of the task force working to wrap up The Sculptor case Tucker has to accept that Elliott can look after himself.

As it turns out, he was worried about the wrong person it's Tucker that goes missing (not a spoiler, it's in the blurb) and I felt that the way Elliott reacted to the situation prior to finding out what happened really illustrated how much their relationship has matured. 

Teeny, tiny bit of a cliffhanger ending, plot not relationship, so I'm hoping for another book, pretty please.