I wished that the blurb did not give away a huge chunk of the plot. If that would have been dropped on us unexpectedly that would have blown me away. Other then that issue, this was another great addition to this series. I was completely wrong on who the person was that was helping the Sculptor. Even after it was clear that the person I thought was the helper wasn't, I still didn't figure it out. 

Tucker & Elliott's relationship is in a good place, even though Elliott still is a bit insecure at times. The balance between mystery and romance is very well done. The issue with Elliott & his dad from the last book is worked out. Even though they do not agree on things, they do love each other. I look forward to more books in this series.

📖 Lanyon's books are a bit of a guilty pleasure, sometimes they can be quite generic but there's usually an interesting mystery and appealing characters.

👮 I liked the main characters in this series - FBI Agent Tucker Lance and Ex-Agent turned Professor Elliott Mills - a lot, I think they're a memorable addition to Lanyon's casts of sleuthing couples. This installment - the third in the series - does a could job of developing characters from the previous books and ratcheting up the stakes and the tension. The story is a little different from the others because Elliot spends a lot more time on his own, and under extreme stress so we see more of his personality come through.

🎓 I would maybe of like Elliot's area of study as a teacher to have been worked in somehow and I did feel like the very last plot detail (with Corian's mother) was shoved in at the end a little hastily. The final threat to Elliot and Tucker could have probably made for another interesting story if properly fleshed out.

❤ Overall I really enjoyed this story. I'd love to read further books in this series if Lanyon decides to write them, but this one felt like a good wrap-up to their story.

This review will go up on my blog, Foxes and Fairy Tales, on 22 February 2017.

RATING: 4 out of 5

There has been 6+ years since the first book, Fair Game, and 2+ years since the second one Fair Play … and I must say that one may not want to read this as stand-alone, especially since the mystery is pretty much related to the case of book #1.

I admit I wasn’t quite impressed with book #2. I wasn’t convinced that it was a needed sequel. So I approached this one with a little trepidation.

Well, guess what, I loved this better than book #2.

One thing that made me happy was that the relationship drama between Elliott and Tucker was pretty minimal. Yes, Tucker will always be protective of Elliott. Yes, the fact that Elliott seems to get himself into trouble by inserting himself to FBI cases will always make Tucker not completely happy. Plus there’s the big question whether Elliott wants to go back to law enforcement field…

However, it is also clear that both men finally make a deal to work through it. They both promise to talk about it and not go into bed angry. In that sense, their relationship is better than the previous book. Thus, I was really happy on that front.

And the mystery was GOOD! I was glued in, especially after Tucker went missing (no it’s not a spoiler, it’s written on the blurb!). There’s always an added suspense to a crime/mystery when the one missing is the MC’s loved one, which what happens here. So, I was REALLY invested with everything!

I did miss Roland though. Elliott’s relationship with his father has always been a delight for me to read; and one of the highlights of the whole series. Roland doesn’t have a lot of scenes but he’s still quite an important figure here. I just wish he had more pages.

Now, there’s quite an important decision that Elliott makes in the professional capacity. Because of that, I can somehow see the potential of this series to have more books in the future. Which, as a fan of Lanyon’s mystery books, will be an awesome thing 🙂

PS: Elliott gets himself a dog!!

I wished that the blurb did not give away a huge chunk of the plot.  If that would have been dropped on us unexpectedly that would have blown me away.  Other then that issue, this was another great addition to this series.  I was completely wrong on who the person was that was helping the Sculptor.  Even after it was clear that the person I thought was the helper wasn't, I still didn't figure it out.  Tucker & Elliott's relationship is in a good place, even though Elliott still is a bit insecure at times.   The balance between mystery and romance is very well done.  The issue with Elliott & his dad from the last book is worked out.  Even though they do not agree on things, they do love each other.   I look forward to more books in this series.

4 stars!

*

Fair Chance is exactly what we expect a Josh Lanyon book to be: amazing. It is the perfect mix of mystery and romance, and the story is fast-paced and engaging. It follows the events of the previous books, especially what happens in Fair Game (book #1), and it is a worthy third installment in the All’s Fair series.

The murder-mystery is engaging, and once again Lanyon shows us how well he can write and build up suspense. The novel is told from Elliot’s POV, and we find him and Tucker in love and still living together. The main arc is introduced right away in a pretty interesting and, you guessed it, mysterious way. The plot does get a little convoluted towards the end, and a little bit unbelievable, but overall this is an enjoyable read that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

One thing I love about this series is the relationship between Elliot and Tucker. They’ve gone through difficult times together, and have learned from past mistakes. The development of them as characters and of their relationship is one of the best aspects of the series, and this book only serves to add to that.

There are a lot of threads to follow regarding the mystery, and at one point it does get a bit confusing following along. There are a lot of characters and names to remember, as well as a few people who are connected in some curious ways to characters who appeared in the previous installments. Things do get cleared up by the end, which is composed of a series of extremely convenient facts that lead to the conclusion being a little… unbelievable. But this is fiction, so I know most readers will be able to overlook it.

Even so, Fair Chance is a very good continuation of this incredible series. The writing is great as always, the balance between mystery and romance is done very well, and Elliot and Tucker make my heart flutter. I don’t know what the author’s plans are, but I feel like there is still a lot more to explore about Elliot, Tucker, and the troubles they get into. I recommend this to all Lanyon fans and to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

I was provided a complimentary copy by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I am a super fan of Josh Lanyon and Fair Chance is just the latest installment in why Josh Lanyon deserves statues and parades created in her honor. I am the type of person that when a character really grabs me, I don't want to let go and cross my fingers that there will be a sequel. And Fair Chance is the reason sequels (now trilogy) exist. Elliot and Tucker are now an ESTABLISHED COUPLE. They are IN LOVE and are planning to stay together forever. I do love me an established couple; they are happy and are the best match for the other.

I've read a few reviews about this book and some have said the blurb gave away too much. I'm not sure what they are talking about: Tucker going missing or The Sculptor being comatose in prison. Personally, I was happy to know that information as it adds to the tension and drama - what's going to happen?? - and I was kept wondering is this the moment that happens. I was on pins and needles the whole time, really. 

The byplay between Tucker and Elliot is very quick and clever, and even though they still have uncertainties between them, they work hard not to let that interfere with their life. It's especially tough when Elliot becomes involved once again in the Sculptor case. Even though the killer was caught (book 1 Fair Game), that's not the end of the story. It's gory but fact; the heads from the Sculptors victims are missing and the FBI are still not sure if all the victims have been identified. When the Sculptor (view spoiler) demands to talk to Elliot, and only Elliot, what choice do they really have? 

I was drawn in to this story, partly because I've been waiting so long for another installment into these tough yet gentle men, and mostly because Lanyon is one hell of a story teller. In addition to the Sculptor case, Elliot is dealing with the fallout with his dad from book 2 (Fair Play); it broke my heart to see Elliot struggle so much. You know Lanyon is not going to leave us hanging and everything works out in the end, but boy, the pages from start to finish really made me sweat.

I have to talk about the book cover. Fair Chance (All's Fair, #3) by Josh Lanyon Who are those men supposed to be representing? First, Tucker is a ginger, second, Elliot and Tucker are not in their twenties and the cover models seem to look in their late 20's, maybe very early 30's. It's a beautiful cover, don't get me wrong, but they don't match the characters.

I think Josh Lanyon is an amazing writer and should get more credit for her work than I think she really does. This latest installment in the All's Fair series is wonderful.  

5 super big stars!!!

Post goes live 1 Mar

I was reluctant to read this third installment in Elliott and Tucker's story, because I worried about the violence indicated in the description.  Can't resist Josh Lanyon, though, and I was very glad I read the book.   Previous events were satisfyingly resolved, Elliott had unlooked for second chances and had to face demons down that he hadn't quite put to rest.   Elliott is still a good agent and he proves himself very capable when Tucker is put in peril.  Highly recommended!

I loved this book, it was refreshing, different and I really enjoyed it!