Winter Kill

Honestly, I was pretty disappointed in this one, and the only reason I'm rounding up, instead of down, is because technically speaking, the writing is still really good. The rest of it however...

As far as the mystery plot goes, Lanyon tried to do way too much at once, with the result that none of the threads were really well done. The whole thing felt messy, and the ending was really abrupt. More than that, I was just bored. I was never pulled into the mysteries at all. I didn't know who the bad guys were, but I think that honestly had more to do with the fact that I wasn't even engaged enough to try and puzzle it out myself, which isn't a good sign.

Unfortunately, I was also pretty underwhelmed with the romance storyline. It felt like Adam and Rob never really got much story time together, which I don't always need - sometimes it's nice to read a book with the m/m part being secondary. But the mystery was so weak, that I really needed a strong romance to get me engaged, and this wasn't it. While I did enjoy their interactions, I was never really sold on them. I didn't feel overly invested in their relationship, and I honestly didn't feel like the escalation of their feelings felt organic.

TBH, the most interesting thing in the novel was when I realized that this actually takes place in Lanyon's "All's Fair" universe, which was the last series I'd read. Adam Darling is Tucker's ex, who's mentioned briefly (not by name) in the series. I thought it was kind of cool, but not a good sign that that was my most compelling reason to continue reading...

Not enough to put me off Lanyon, but I'm not sure I'd continue reading if this turned into a series...(which apparently, it won't)

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW.
STORY~ 4.5
NARRATION ~ 4

You can always trust Josh Lanyon to come up with a great murder-mystery, combine it with great characters and a dose of M/M romance. I loved listening to this gripping tale of murder in a small and remote town that has been turned on its head due to recent events.

The FBI are called in to investigate a body that has been found in the woods to see whether it ties in with a serial killer they are currently chasing. The scene is set and we are introduced to FBI agent Adam Darling. I loved this character and Josh definitely creates a persona of someone although trying to remain as detached and professional as possible also has his hang-ups and flaws. This gives him an air of detachment and aloofness that can be misread as being cold and distant. But I guess this is only to be expected from an FBI agent. He meets the local Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell and the attraction is there immediately but as expected the physical attraction is one thing but can they find a way or a future together while being involved in an investigation? For me Robert is the more laid back one with his feet normally planted firmly on the ground until Adam throws him for a loop. Adam on the other hand tries to stay aloof for the sake of keeping a professional distance but as the investigation proceeds their “working relationship” quickly closes where they find themselves in situations where they need and depend on one another.

I loved how this aspect worked out. At first it’s just sexual attraction but they both start to feel something more. Although Rob is the first one to admit to himself and Adam that this is more than just stress relieving sex. Adam still tries to carry off the “we can’t get involved” facade as long as he can until there is also no way around admitting what he is feeling. Can Rob break down these walls put up by Adam? Well, he certainly takes the challenge on for sure not being someone who gives up easily. These two characters are well balanced and work perfectly together. I also found myself laughing at times how Robert would make fun of Adam and his FBI ways. Although at times they would also infuriate him, as the FBI can swoop in and leave a trail of disruption behind them but it’s Robert who still has to live there and get on with the locals after the mess has been cleared up.

I loved the whole murder-mystery aspect of this story too. With more bodies and people being killed than you can shake a stick at - lol! No seriously, I found it really intriguing to see how old cases that have long gone cold from the distant past start to have a direct bearing on recent ones. It’s all nicely plotted out with lots of action and will keep the reader intrigued and on the edge of their seats for the duration of the story. Josh really does write excellent murder / mystery stories in thier own right. I enjoyed these a-ha moments so much when something comes together that you hadn’t expected. I’m not the kind of reader who tries to work out whodunnit from the word go but like to sit back more and be taken for the ride. Even then I reckon Josh throws in so many red herrings as two murderers start to become apparent that even the most skilled whodunnit fan I think would have their fun and wouldn’t be able to guess until much later in the book. Especially along the lines of who killed who. If had but only one small critiscm is that I just felt for me personally everything came to light a little abruptly at the end considering all the build up.

An excellent thriller indeed with all the right ingredients to keep me invested every time I switched on the audiobook. And it’s this balance between an excellent thriller and having characters that are romantically involved that Josh gets just right in this book and most others I have read from her. You never get more of something and not of the other, the mix of romance and thriller never becomes distorted. The focus is always well balanced, you feel the romance developing at the same pace as the thriller both keeping me absolutely intrigued all the way.

Do Rob and Adam find a way to maybe make a relationship work? Well, all I can say is, as with everything in life, it’s always a matter of give and take. Rob and Adam meet a stalemate in their relationship and if it is to go to the next level then one has to give up something. For two people who love their jobs so much and living a long way from each other when not being involved in the same investigation will always be the defining question as to whether things can continue or not. Well, upon a lot of reflection someone does give something up to give the relationship a chance but I’m not saying who here as that would be telling. All I can say is I was left with a goofy grin and thinking, yes - right choice!

Narration

This was my first book by Gomez Ough and when the voice first came over my car speakers I must admit I wasn’t really sure what to make. I always keep an open mind as narrators like authors have thier own style or voice. However, after about the first chapter was done I was utterly convinced that this will be a great narration for a great book. So after getting warmed up to Gomez’s voice I was taken on a rollercoaster ride of action, mystery, intrigue and M/M lovin’. Combine this with fantastic voice characterisiations that were spot on for each character then I was sold completely. There are a lot of characters in this book, as is Josh’s writing all unique in their own way and all having their part to play. Gomez really brought these character’s to life and was sorry when this listening experience had to end.

Reviewed by Mark for Sinfully Gay Romance Book Reviews

Deputy Sheriff Robert Haskell transferred out of Portland to get away from the constant crime and has enjoyed the slower pace offered in a small town. When a decades old murder investigation brings Special Agent Adam Darling to his doorstep, he’s even more thankful he made the move. Adam lives for his job. Literally. Work and exercise are all he cares about and if he’s lucky, he finds a little companionship on the side every now and then. Being put on the backburner and sent out to check on dead bodies in places he’s never even heard of was not in the game plan. The attraction between him and Rob is instantaneous but he doesn’t get involved with colleagues; he’s learned that lesson. One night stands are acceptable, however; everyone leaves happy and he doesn’t have to see the other man again. When one murder investigation becomes more, and Adam finds himself facing Rob again, he’ll have to decide if he’s willing to give what’s between them a try. He’ll have to choose quickly though; there’s a serial killer on the loose and they aren’t going to go down without a fight.

This was a pure murder mystery at its best. I loved the characters; I actually think I liked the cast of secondary characters a little more than the main characters. Rob and Adam were just so different; aside from there commonality of career, it was hard to see them fitting together in the beginning. I liked how Rob’s more lighthearted outlook and approach to things was so different from Adam’s more serious attitude. Until coming together to work on the murders plaguing Rob’s town, I didn’t really see them fitting with each other but I was pleasantly surprised.

The romance in this is solidly on the back burner and the mystery takes center stage so if you’re in it for the romantic connection between the two main characters, this probably won’t be for you. The mystery itself was great and I enjoyed every minute of it…up until the end. The ending for me was waaaay to abrupt and left a lot of questions unanswered. It was kind of disappointing to be honest since up to that point the book was a great read. There is an epilogue but I don’t think it really added anything to the story; it kind of seemed a little last minute, sad to say. The book does end as a happy for now, which with how the romance took place over the course of the story was totally okay for me. I do wish there was a sequel to this, however, as I’d really love to see just where Rob and Adam end up. If you want a good murder mystery you’ll probably enjoy this one but someone looking for a good dose of romance should probably look for a different book.

Excellent, intriguing mystery, kept me on my toes throughout, and it was such fun to play around with theories. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of darker elements (are those woods scary or what?!) with the subtle humor, and an entertaining cast of characters. I love how the relationship between Rob and Adam builds up slowly as they get to know each other, adjust to each other's expectations, becoming more confident in themselves and their abilities. I found Rob's character refreshing: goofy, playful, charming in his own way. And the epilogue made me swoon, so romantic!

I love Josh Laynon's combination of mystery, storytelling, relationship building, romance and suspense. This book had it all and captured my attention from the very beginning, holding it until the very end. I hope this is just the first in a series with these characters.

Our FEMALE author reveals her ignorance of hot gay men and their sex lives, once again, with this insubstantial little piece of fiction.

The author, Josh sits in her comfy Southern California home and MISAPPROPRIATES our gay culture to profit off us.

If you want a real good read, written by a real gay man, try The Sodden Sailor.