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Dangerous Ground #4
Dead Run
The boys are back in town -- and Paris is burning!
For Special Agents of the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, the strain of a long distance relationship is beginning to tell after eleven months of separation. A romantic holiday could be just the thing to bridge the ever-growing distance, but when Taylor spots a terrorist from the 70s, long believed dead but very much alive, it's c'est la vie.
Now instead of sipping wine and seeing the sights, the boys are chasing a wily and deadly foe through the graveyards and catacombs of Paris.
Of course, it could always be worse -- and soon it is.
For Special Agents of the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, the strain of a long distance relationship is beginning to tell after eleven months of separation. A romantic holiday could be just the thing to bridge the ever-growing distance, but when Taylor spots a terrorist from the 70s, long believed dead but very much alive, it's c'est la vie.
Now instead of sipping wine and seeing the sights, the boys are chasing a wily and deadly foe through the graveyards and catacombs of Paris.
Of course, it could always be worse -- and soon it is.
149 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2011
36 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 books5,416 followersAuthor of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.
She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.
Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.
Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
January 4, 2015
2 stars. Rating clarification see below. Review posted January 4, 2014
No spoiler. It's related to an incident that readers were never privy to in the first place (see Dangerous Ground, book #1).
"Ow. No, it's okay. I didn't need that testicle anyway."
"You've got more balls than anyone I ever knew," Will agreed.
Taylor's tongue traced the familiar shape of Will's teeth, and Will smiled, speaking against his open mouth. "Wanna make love?"
So formal? Since when?
Taylor batted his lashes, camping. "Why, I thought you'd never ask."
"I don't think I've thought of anything else for eleven months."
"Must make for some interesting paperwork."
"Especially after some of those phone calls."
***********************************
4 stars for the writing
and
0 stars for the shitty plot
I don't need to sugarcoat anything and I'm not sorry for my filthy language either. I'm…fuck…fuck…fuck...fucking pissed off. Did you get that? I'm abso-fucking-lutely pissed off!! If it had been a full-length novel I would have DNFd this annoying piece of…er…writing at 62%. In my review of Old Poison I said (I quote):
Another issue of mine may have been authentic or real or whatever you want to call it but I did not particularly care for that rather huge focus on And Will still having a distraction I did not need either.
Guess what? That fucker had to make another appearance. Of course he had to be in Paris, too. *bangs head on the table* I couldn't effin' believe this. But wait a minute…now comes the kicker in the worst possible way. There was a certain incident and
Taylor froze. "What?"
Again, …fuck the hell off. Thank you.
Taylor has a vacation because after eleven long and lonely months he wants to visit Will in Paris. But, even before the plane takes off, I've got to What.In.The.Ever.Lovin'.Fuck? Once arrived and after a hot romp between the sheets, Will and Taylor start to argue a lot. Surprise, surprise...Taylor has Will, naturally, is having orgasms. Kind of bad ones, ya know? There's such a dire mood throughout the entire novella which climaxed at 62 % into this…this…fucked up situation. WHAT A COINCIDENCE, RIGHT!?!? Oh yeah, let's throw in some stilted drama. It's like the author had to look for some stupid "conflict" potential to prolong this series. With stupid conflict potential I mean Frankly, I'm not amused.
Was that a peace offering? Pfft. I'm still pissed.
I just don't know. I'm not even interested to review this book any further. A big, big nuisance and disappointment all along the line. The final installment better be damn good to make up for this friggin' mess.
No spoiler. It's related to an incident that readers were never privy to in the first place (see Dangerous Ground, book #1).
"Ow. No, it's okay. I didn't need that testicle anyway."
"You've got more balls than anyone I ever knew," Will agreed.
Taylor's tongue traced the familiar shape of Will's teeth, and Will smiled, speaking against his open mouth. "Wanna make love?"
So formal? Since when?
Taylor batted his lashes, camping. "Why, I thought you'd never ask."
"I don't think I've thought of anything else for eleven months."
"Must make for some interesting paperwork."
"Especially after some of those phone calls."
***********************************
4 stars for the writing
and
0 stars for the shitty plot
I don't need to sugarcoat anything and I'm not sorry for my filthy language either. I'm…fuck…fuck…fuck...fucking pissed off. Did you get that? I'm abso-fucking-lutely pissed off!! If it had been a full-length novel I would have DNFd this annoying piece of…er…writing at 62%. In my review of Old Poison I said (I quote):
Another issue of mine may have been authentic or real or whatever you want to call it but I did not particularly care for that rather huge focus on And Will still having a distraction I did not need either.
Guess what? That fucker had to make another appearance. Of course he had to be in Paris, too. *bangs head on the table* I couldn't effin' believe this. But wait a minute…now comes the kicker in the worst possible way. There was a certain incident and
Taylor froze. "What?"
Again, …fuck the hell off. Thank you.
Taylor has a vacation because after eleven long and lonely months he wants to visit Will in Paris. But, even before the plane takes off, I've got to What.In.The.Ever.Lovin'.Fuck? Once arrived and after a hot romp between the sheets, Will and Taylor start to argue a lot. Surprise, surprise...Taylor has Will, naturally, is having orgasms. Kind of bad ones, ya know? There's such a dire mood throughout the entire novella which climaxed at 62 % into this…this…fucked up situation. WHAT A COINCIDENCE, RIGHT!?!? Oh yeah, let's throw in some stilted drama. It's like the author had to look for some stupid "conflict" potential to prolong this series. With stupid conflict potential I mean Frankly, I'm not amused.
Was that a peace offering? Pfft. I'm still pissed.
I just don't know. I'm not even interested to review this book any further. A big, big nuisance and disappointment all along the line. The final installment better be damn good to make up for this friggin' mess.
June 24, 2023
4.25 stars
Okay. I am starting to get the Will and Taylor thing.
These two are suited for each other, especially with all the arguing they did in this book. It was a bit exhausting but I get it.
Enjoyed the action /mystery.
Phew.
Anyhoo, it was enjoyable. 😍 Book 5 here we come. 💃
Okay. I am starting to get the Will and Taylor thing.
These two are suited for each other, especially with all the arguing they did in this book. It was a bit exhausting but I get it.
Enjoyed the action /mystery.
Phew.
Anyhoo, it was enjoyable. 😍 Book 5 here we come. 💃
December 18, 2018
Audio - 2.5 stars getting used to it
Story - 3.5 stars
I'm a lost cause. I'm enjoying the action in this series way more than the romance because I'm still not feeling Will and Taylor as a couple. They sure did do a lot of arguing and disagreeing in this book.
Besides his "friendship" with David (which needs to be toned down imo), I can't figure out what Will did that was so wrong. Yeah, he can be ass, but he's also the one making all the romantic gestures and the only one saying "I love you" in the relationship. He's also very overprotective when it come to his "Tay". Taylor gets all choked up and emotional, but only seems to express himself when he gets pissed off or frustrated.
For now, I'm neutral, when it comes to these guys. There's never a dull moment, so that's something.
Story - 3.5 stars
I'm a lost cause. I'm enjoying the action in this series way more than the romance because I'm still not feeling Will and Taylor as a couple. They sure did do a lot of arguing and disagreeing in this book.
Besides his "friendship" with David (which needs to be toned down imo), I can't figure out what Will did that was so wrong. Yeah, he can be ass, but he's also the one making all the romantic gestures and the only one saying "I love you" in the relationship. He's also very overprotective when it come to his "Tay". Taylor gets all choked up and emotional, but only seems to express himself when he gets pissed off or frustrated.
For now, I'm neutral, when it comes to these guys. There's never a dull moment, so that's something.
September 17, 2017
Reread - I really do like that one! The mystery is terrific and there's just enough angst. That final scene... oh Will, you're such a romantic lol.
Definitely the best one yet. Their characters are starting to work for me and I'm way more interested in what's going to happen next than I was after #1 and #2. Ah, one should always have faith in Josh Lanyon's gift of 'the relationship'; the mysteries are always fantastic but it sure helps to have a couple I care about.
Definitely the best one yet. Their characters are starting to work for me and I'm way more interested in what's going to happen next than I was after #1 and #2. Ah, one should always have faith in Josh Lanyon's gift of 'the relationship'; the mysteries are always fantastic but it sure helps to have a couple I care about.
September 13, 2011
Let's clear it: I roll my eyes at drama, but I'm a sucker for it and I really adore Will and Taylor. At the beginning of the series, I wouldn't envision this kind of development in their relationship. Even if the action and the plot in this series is more over the top - like those blockbuster action movies - I feel that the emotional part of the story is becoming more and more important and I really care for Will and Taylor. They made my poor heart beat a little too fast a little too often this time. Loved every second of it.
Taylor goes to visit Will in Paris after they've been 11 months apart. I think JL did a great job at showing the awkwardness of their first moments together, it felt so real, I think it's a feeling everyone has experienced in their life, when after a long separation people are too anxious to go back to the easiness of their former relationship, but time has passed and changed them nonetheless. The sensation of being off - a different choice of clothes, a different haircut, entering a home that belongs more to the other than to oneself - was rendered fully, the good feeling of being together, but the betrayal of one's unexpected expectations.
I also liked the escalation of their first argument - when they got to the problem of the dog I had to shake my head in resignation and understanding, because when you are not able to convey the big picture, you have to resign yourself to the pettiness of details.
Will and Taylor are not good at communication, but they love each other, and that's so apparent in their thoughts (and it shows in their love making) that I was shamelessly squealing throughout the book.
I liked the action part of the plot, even if I felt the author was yanking my chain a bit with what happened to Will . It's not the most original plot device, but since this is supposed to be Josh Lanyon's fun series, I'll buy it. It made for a very sweet ending.
I'm not tired of Will and Taylor yet, I hope to read of them soon again. I admit I feel sorry for the authors who spend so much time writing and perfecting their books, and I gobble them as if I'm book-starved...
Taylor goes to visit Will in Paris after they've been 11 months apart. I think JL did a great job at showing the awkwardness of their first moments together, it felt so real, I think it's a feeling everyone has experienced in their life, when after a long separation people are too anxious to go back to the easiness of their former relationship, but time has passed and changed them nonetheless. The sensation of being off - a different choice of clothes, a different haircut, entering a home that belongs more to the other than to oneself - was rendered fully, the good feeling of being together, but the betrayal of one's unexpected expectations.
I also liked the escalation of their first argument - when they got to the problem of the dog I had to shake my head in resignation and understanding, because when you are not able to convey the big picture, you have to resign yourself to the pettiness of details.
Will and Taylor are not good at communication, but they love each other, and that's so apparent in their thoughts (and it shows in their love making) that I was shamelessly squealing throughout the book.
I liked the action part of the plot, even if I felt the author was yanking my chain a bit with what happened to Will . It's not the most original plot device, but since this is supposed to be Josh Lanyon's fun series, I'll buy it. It made for a very sweet ending.
I'm not tired of Will and Taylor yet, I hope to read of them soon again. I admit I feel sorry for the authors who spend so much time writing and perfecting their books, and I gobble them as if I'm book-starved...
April 19, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Love the twist though*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Re-read: 19.04.2018
I love - yeah I actually love - the plot twist this book have. I wish more book had this kind of twist. You can literally feel the pain of the characters, not matter how it's written as long as it is that plot. I wish, though, that it had lasted a bit long. Yes I'm talking about the . Overall, despite me loving the twist, I still didn't like the book enough to give it more than 2.5 stars. You see, I can't (though I did in the twist) feel the connection between the characters. I mean, all they do is fight. It's awkward and I feel like they never fully let themselves love each other, like something is holding them back. And I can't stand that.
“If we’re together, why am I in Paris and you’re getting ready to ship out to Iraq?”
“Good question,” Taylor said. The steadiness of his voice came as a surprise. “Best question, as a matter of fact.”
“And what’s the answer?”
“Maybe you just hit on the answer. Maybe this is the answer.”
Will sat down heavily on the side of the bed. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about.”
Taylor stared at Will’s bent head, his drawn profile. “It means I don’t know the answer to your question. I didn’t want this separation. Paris was your choice. And maybe the fact that you’ve blocked out any memory of us as anything but friends and partners is the answer. Maybe that’s how you wish it was.” He let his breath out quietly. “In which case, that’s how it is.”
Other characters:
↦ Riley, Will's five-year-old German shepherd.
↦ Lieutenant Commander David Bradley, was Will's temporary partner in book #2 and his ex-boyfriend.
↦ Assistant Field Officer Director Greg Cooper, Taylor and Will's boss.
The bullet that might have ended everything—but somehow had meant a new beginning for them.
Smiling a little self-consciously, Will took Taylor’s hand in his.
First read review:
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*A rambling review*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Special Agents Taylor ‘Tay’ MacAllister (33) and William ‘Will’ Brandt (still don't know how old he is...?) are back, this time in Paris hunting down a terrorist even though Taylor is supposed to be on vacation. Unfortunately, a terrorist hunt isn't the only thing that happens and Taylor and Will's relationship ends up on the rocks once again...
The moonlight streaming through the sheer draperies revealed Taylor smiling, boneless and peaceful in Will's embrace. The most dangerous man Will knew rested sweetly in his arms, trusting him with his love as he trusted Will to guard his life. It was beyond precious. Life, love, was made up of fragile moments like these. Fragile as Paris moonlight.
I'm hating a bit on Will because of his continuing friendship relationship he has with David Bradley. Hell, I don't even think Taylor knows that Will and David had a goodbye kiss in one of the previous books. It's one of the few things that Taylor is insecure about and Will ain't helping at all. I also don't like how they, Will and Taylor, switch to ‘falling automatically back into the safety of their working partnership’ when they are supposed to be a couple. There that, is one of the reasons me and this series doesn't get along. The missing depth (of feelings) from the couple.
Laroche was wrong about that, wrong about men not understanding love.
Anyway, most of the romantic poems and songs and paintings in the world were by men, so what was she talking about?
I really don't feel like the are a couple: no one knows about them (except David, and apparently Tara and James, Taylor's sister and her husband; when did that happen? Do they all suddenly know after all?), not even their family, at least to my knowledge (hell, I don't even think Taylor has met Will's family), they don't seem all that close, and they are now in a long-distance relationship. Fuck, for me, they seem like just fuck buddies who love each other, to be honest. Overall, I think, this one is one of the better books in the series with the action, twists and a little more depth and emotions than the others had. I kinda just want the series over...
For the first time Will could remember, he didn’t know what to say to the person he would have said knew and understood him better than anyone else in the world.
It was a lonely feeling.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Four
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Taylor MacAllister.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
December 9, 2013
SPOILERS!
Eleven months have passed and Taylor is going to go visit William in Paris! Awww. Except Taylor thinks he spots a terrorist in the airport. Booo! Turns out, they label him wrong. So he calls Will to let him know that he’s going to be on a later flight and guess who answers Will’s phone.
No, go on. If you’ve read this much I’m going to give you a moment to guess who answers the phone.
… *waits* …
Had some thinking time? That’s right, boys and girls.
David Fucking Bradley.
Of course he answers the phone! Who else? I’m almost not shocked at this point by anything shitty that Will does. Will is allowed to have friends. Even ex-lovers, sure. But in a relationship that’s as insecure as this, where you live on opposite sides of the world and haven’t seen each other in eleven months, maybe, just maybe you’d have the decency to mention to your boyfriend across the world that your ex-lover, who makes your current lover very uncomfortable, is going to be popping over for dinner and some drinks.
What a buffoon. The incredible part is that Taylor doesn’t even lose his shit. Best boyfriend ever. He’s very unhappy and uncomfortable but doesn’t even lose his mind. If he can be a grown-up about things like that, you’d think Will could too. Huh. Moving on. Some shit happens and Taylor and Will have to work together in Paris to search out some bomb threats. Oh no! An explosion and then William is hurt!! Taylor is sad. :(
William goes into the hospital with scrapes as bruises but wakes up with _____________!!
No, guess. I dare you. Imagine what he could possibly wake up with that would make me flip my fucking lid. I’ll wait.
…
Did you guess amnesia?
If you did, I’m making you a cake, because there’s no fucking way I seen that bomb being dropped.
Guess what? It gets better… okay. So, William remembers everything BUT his relationship for the past year and a bit with Taylor, ALSO he thinks he’s still in a relationship with David Bradley, who Taylor sees when he walks into Will’s hospital room! *slaps knee and makes gun hand-gesture* Classic!
The anxiety this caused me, I cannot begin to describe. It was around this time that Taylor’s heart was breaking. After DB told Taylor the situation, DB kissed William in front of him. And Taylor doesn’t go on a Godzilla rampage, how? I was so depressed and upset at this point in the story, I wanted to cry. I went to my BMBR friends and asked them for hugs because I was so sad. Not even mad. Just sad about this situation. I really felt like Taylor was perpetually dragged through the mud this entire series, and this was definitely the icing on the cake. His lover doesn’t remember him, only him though, and when Taylor mentions the idea to him, Will basically says that it’s impossible because he’d never be with Taylor.
I’ll give you a moment while your heart breaks.
In the end, they catch the bad dude (as if I’m paying any attention by this point), and Will get’s his memory back and they go live under a fucking rainbow in the sky.
But really, if I were William, I’d stop thinking DB was a good person all together, because kissing someone with amnesia because their head isn’t on straight, seems like… oh, say, taking advantage of someone. The fucker.
Lesson of this book: William is a fucking wiener.
Eleven months have passed and Taylor is going to go visit William in Paris! Awww. Except Taylor thinks he spots a terrorist in the airport. Booo! Turns out, they label him wrong. So he calls Will to let him know that he’s going to be on a later flight and guess who answers Will’s phone.
No, go on. If you’ve read this much I’m going to give you a moment to guess who answers the phone.
… *waits* …
Had some thinking time? That’s right, boys and girls.
David Fucking Bradley.
Of course he answers the phone! Who else? I’m almost not shocked at this point by anything shitty that Will does. Will is allowed to have friends. Even ex-lovers, sure. But in a relationship that’s as insecure as this, where you live on opposite sides of the world and haven’t seen each other in eleven months, maybe, just maybe you’d have the decency to mention to your boyfriend across the world that your ex-lover, who makes your current lover very uncomfortable, is going to be popping over for dinner and some drinks.
What a buffoon. The incredible part is that Taylor doesn’t even lose his shit. Best boyfriend ever. He’s very unhappy and uncomfortable but doesn’t even lose his mind. If he can be a grown-up about things like that, you’d think Will could too. Huh. Moving on. Some shit happens and Taylor and Will have to work together in Paris to search out some bomb threats. Oh no! An explosion and then William is hurt!! Taylor is sad. :(
William goes into the hospital with scrapes as bruises but wakes up with _____________!!
No, guess. I dare you. Imagine what he could possibly wake up with that would make me flip my fucking lid. I’ll wait.
…
Did you guess amnesia?
If you did, I’m making you a cake, because there’s no fucking way I seen that bomb being dropped.
Guess what? It gets better… okay. So, William remembers everything BUT his relationship for the past year and a bit with Taylor, ALSO he thinks he’s still in a relationship with David Bradley, who Taylor sees when he walks into Will’s hospital room! *slaps knee and makes gun hand-gesture* Classic!
The anxiety this caused me, I cannot begin to describe. It was around this time that Taylor’s heart was breaking. After DB told Taylor the situation, DB kissed William in front of him. And Taylor doesn’t go on a Godzilla rampage, how? I was so depressed and upset at this point in the story, I wanted to cry. I went to my BMBR friends and asked them for hugs because I was so sad. Not even mad. Just sad about this situation. I really felt like Taylor was perpetually dragged through the mud this entire series, and this was definitely the icing on the cake. His lover doesn’t remember him, only him though, and when Taylor mentions the idea to him, Will basically says that it’s impossible because he’d never be with Taylor.
I’ll give you a moment while your heart breaks.
In the end, they catch the bad dude (as if I’m paying any attention by this point), and Will get’s his memory back and they go live under a fucking rainbow in the sky.
But really, if I were William, I’d stop thinking DB was a good person all together, because kissing someone with amnesia because their head isn’t on straight, seems like… oh, say, taking advantage of someone. The fucker.
Lesson of this book: William is a fucking wiener.
May 12, 2020
When I finished the previous book in the series, Blood Heat, I was in immediate and anguished need of this one. So I bought it and downloaded it and fell upon it like a starving animal, driven by a desperate need to know what was going to happen to Will & Taylor now that they were facing a long-term separation.
It's fair to say that my expectations were HUGE.
Wow, would you look at the size of that thing! Oops, sorry, I got distracted while searching for a gif to illustrate "huge." Back to the book!
My huge expectation were met -- and surpassed. (Heh, don't worry, I'm not going to show you a picture of an even LARGER moth. Although I do have one queued up if you ask nicely.)
I was put through the wringer in the worst way. Or was it in the best way? The worst way? The best way? Whatever, the end result was that the story was grueling and rewarding in equal measure, and I was a wreck while reading it. A wreck.
Josh Lanyon really brought it in this installment, with suspense and humor and heartbreak and lots of savvy little insights into human nature. Oh, and an enormous (as in HUGE) amount of authorly sadism. It's difficult to say much more without risking spoilers -- although if you're in the mood for spoilers, do not miss Natasha's hilarious review.
Now, a lot of reviews here on GR gripe about a trope that plays a key role in this story. Well, let me just say that for a reader:
I had never encountered this particular plot twist in any work of fiction before, and had no idea it was considered a trope in romance fiction. So when it showed up, it blew my mind.
You could say I lost my trope virginity to this book. Don't worry, I don't have a gif for that.
As I read more m/m romance, I did see this plot device used elsewhere, and did learn it was a trope. But that never diminished how exciting and stressful and thrilling I found this book. Here I am, just completing my 5th read, and I still love this story. I vacillate between 4 and 5 stars for it, so depending on when you read this you'll see one rating or another. I guess that's what happens when you're not allowed to give half stars, Goodreads.
In conclusion: I love this series, I adore Will & Taylor, and books #3-5 are my favorites of the series. Oh, and I want to thank Ele and Linda and Rosa for the buddy read -- it's been so much fun sharing our mutual outrage and distress over you-know-what and you-know-who.
It's fair to say that my expectations were HUGE.
Wow, would you look at the size of that thing! Oops, sorry, I got distracted while searching for a gif to illustrate "huge." Back to the book!
My huge expectation were met -- and surpassed. (Heh, don't worry, I'm not going to show you a picture of an even LARGER moth. Although I do have one queued up if you ask nicely.)
I was put through the wringer in the worst way. Or was it in the best way? The worst way? The best way? Whatever, the end result was that the story was grueling and rewarding in equal measure, and I was a wreck while reading it. A wreck.
Josh Lanyon really brought it in this installment, with suspense and humor and heartbreak and lots of savvy little insights into human nature. Oh, and an enormous (as in HUGE) amount of authorly sadism. It's difficult to say much more without risking spoilers -- although if you're in the mood for spoilers, do not miss Natasha's hilarious review.
Now, a lot of reviews here on GR gripe about a trope that plays a key role in this story. Well, let me just say that for a reader:
⊱ There's a first time for every trope. ⊰
I had never encountered this particular plot twist in any work of fiction before, and had no idea it was considered a trope in romance fiction. So when it showed up, it blew my mind.
You could say I lost my trope virginity to this book. Don't worry, I don't have a gif for that.
As I read more m/m romance, I did see this plot device used elsewhere, and did learn it was a trope. But that never diminished how exciting and stressful and thrilling I found this book. Here I am, just completing my 5th read, and I still love this story. I vacillate between 4 and 5 stars for it, so depending on when you read this you'll see one rating or another. I guess that's what happens when you're not allowed to give half stars, Goodreads.
In conclusion: I love this series, I adore Will & Taylor, and books #3-5 are my favorites of the series. Oh, and I want to thank Ele and Linda and Rosa for the buddy read -- it's been so much fun sharing our mutual outrage and distress over you-know-what and you-know-who.
August 29, 2021
Series- Dangerous Ground
Book-4-Dead Run
Pages- 150
The fourth book of the Dangerous ground series was mixed baggage. I loved all the angst that we get from relationship drama and the mystery based in Paris.
But I hated that I was suddenly dropped into one of the tropes I normally love but not when it was forced, .
Summary
So, in this instalment, Will and Tyler are in a long-distance relationship. This has given rise to lots of insecurity, especially from Tyler's side. He is troubled that Will is going to continue living in Paris and never come back to LA. Still, he was happy to see Will after 11 months when he came to Paris for the holidays. But, their idea of the holiday completely changed when Paris was under threat from a terrorist group.
Romance
The relationship development was nil here and we get a lot of relationship drama. But, working together again was fun and I totally enjoyed it.
The mystery involved a terrorist organisation that was active in the 70s. And,
Rating
Dangerous ground- 4star
Old Poison- 3.5star
Blood heat-3.5 star
Dead Run-4 star
Book-4-Dead Run
Pages- 150
The fourth book of the Dangerous ground series was mixed baggage. I loved all the angst that we get from relationship drama and the mystery based in Paris.
But I hated that I was suddenly dropped into one of the tropes I normally love but not when it was forced, .
Summary
So, in this instalment, Will and Tyler are in a long-distance relationship. This has given rise to lots of insecurity, especially from Tyler's side. He is troubled that Will is going to continue living in Paris and never come back to LA. Still, he was happy to see Will after 11 months when he came to Paris for the holidays. But, their idea of the holiday completely changed when Paris was under threat from a terrorist group.
Romance
The relationship development was nil here and we get a lot of relationship drama. But, working together again was fun and I totally enjoyed it.
The mystery involved a terrorist organisation that was active in the 70s. And,
Rating
Dangerous ground- 4star
Old Poison- 3.5star
Blood heat-3.5 star
Dead Run-4 star
November 19, 2014
Written September 10, 2014;
4.3 Stars - It just get more and more intense - their love is grand - a great Paris part
Book #4
At last in a few days was it time to start to listening to the last fourt part, Dead Run in this "4 books" audiobook Volume #1 - Armed and Dangerous: Four Dangerous Ground Novellas.
Four and a half audiobook hours later...
This last part was maybe the most emotional and the most anguished of the four so far. It was both sad and heartbreaking. Pooh! ~ A very good end to this audio collection. Total 14 hours of good romantic crime entertainment. Excellent written and excellent narrated.
***********************************************************
My reviews so far in this five part novella series:
• #1 - Dangerous Ground (3.7 stars)
• #2 - Old Poison (3.8 stars)
• #3 - Blood Heat (4.0 stars)
Each book is around 100-130 pages long or 3-5 hours listening.
***********************************************************
Our two Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners and best friends for a couple of years. ~ Two guys I really, really enjoy to meet every time I see (or hear about) them.
In book #1 they started an intense steaming hot love affair. It is now over a year later.
***********************************************************
This time we meet our dear Special Agents Taylor & Will when Taylor is on his way to visit Will in Paris for a long awaited (and needed) vacation. Paris —the romantic so outstandingly beautiful old city— where Will now has been stationed at the American Embassy in eleven months.
As expected —as it always does when Taylor is on a place— it happens "strange things" already at the U.S. airport. ~ Taylor believes himself to actually see a well-known French terrorist from the 1970's in the queue for the flight check-in.
Paris is grand and the guys really want it to be a great visit. To meet again but between a fast-paced adventure, a bomb threat against the Eiffel Tower, an old flame who shows up and a devastating concussion, has Taylor and Will, both one and two things to contend with in order to keep up their relationship for the future.
***********************************************************
A four and a half hours listening once again narrated by a very attractive deep male raspy voice of Adrian Bisson. He does it so very well. I just love to hear his voice and feeling for these characters and their love and everyday life. ~ Thunderous applause, please !! This man is amazing.
***********************************************************
Their love are amazing sweet, intense but also bumpy. This was another sweet and enjoying piece in a good gay crime romances series.
Just one more to read or listening to, #5 - Kick Start.
I LIKE - my heart melted...aahh!!
**********
The Dangerous Ground Series. Five novellas so far.
4.3 Stars - It just get more and more intense - their love is grand - a great Paris part
Book #4
At last in a few days was it time to start to listening to the last fourt part, Dead Run in this "4 books" audiobook Volume #1 - Armed and Dangerous: Four Dangerous Ground Novellas.
Four and a half audiobook hours later...
This last part was maybe the most emotional and the most anguished of the four so far. It was both sad and heartbreaking. Pooh! ~ A very good end to this audio collection. Total 14 hours of good romantic crime entertainment. Excellent written and excellent narrated.
***********************************************************
My reviews so far in this five part novella series:
• #1 - Dangerous Ground (3.7 stars)
• #2 - Old Poison (3.8 stars)
• #3 - Blood Heat (4.0 stars)
Each book is around 100-130 pages long or 3-5 hours listening.
***********************************************************
Our two Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners and best friends for a couple of years. ~ Two guys I really, really enjoy to meet every time I see (or hear about) them.
In book #1 they started an intense steaming hot love affair. It is now over a year later.
***********************************************************
This time we meet our dear Special Agents Taylor & Will when Taylor is on his way to visit Will in Paris for a long awaited (and needed) vacation. Paris —the romantic so outstandingly beautiful old city— where Will now has been stationed at the American Embassy in eleven months.
As expected —as it always does when Taylor is on a place— it happens "strange things" already at the U.S. airport. ~ Taylor believes himself to actually see a well-known French terrorist from the 1970's in the queue for the flight check-in.
Paris is grand and the guys really want it to be a great visit. To meet again but between a fast-paced adventure, a bomb threat against the Eiffel Tower, an old flame who shows up and a devastating concussion, has Taylor and Will, both one and two things to contend with in order to keep up their relationship for the future.
***********************************************************
A four and a half hours listening once again narrated by a very attractive deep male raspy voice of Adrian Bisson. He does it so very well. I just love to hear his voice and feeling for these characters and their love and everyday life. ~ Thunderous applause, please !! This man is amazing.
***********************************************************
Their love are amazing sweet, intense but also bumpy. This was another sweet and enjoying piece in a good gay crime romances series.
Just one more to read or listening to, #5 - Kick Start.
I LIKE - my heart melted...aahh!!
**********
The Dangerous Ground Series. Five novellas so far.
May 8, 2024
Story: 4 stars
Audio:3 stars
I think I’m getting used to the narrator now, that’s why the audio rating has gone up. The plots are also becoming interesting but the relationship between the 2 is really heating up.. there was a lot of heartache and emotion in this one. I really wanted to punch Will a couple times.. 🙄but he came around 🥰 All in all, I enjoyed it.
Audio:3 stars
I think I’m getting used to the narrator now, that’s why the audio rating has gone up. The plots are also becoming interesting but the relationship between the 2 is really heating up.. there was a lot of heartache and emotion in this one. I really wanted to punch Will a couple times.. 🙄but he came around 🥰 All in all, I enjoyed it.
November 14, 2021
Josh has done it again with her latest entry into the ongoing saga of Will and Taylor, agents of the deceptively tranquil sounding "Department of Diplomatic Security." While I'm sure these two are happy to find a peaceful resolution, when possible, most of their work seems to involve more high-octane adventures complete with exciting chases, hand-to-hand combat and shoot-outs. These rough-and-tumble hard-charging tough guys are also lovers. At the start of Dead Run, they've been separated for almost a year, as Will has accepted an assignment in Paris, France. Although their reunion is slightly delayed due to an unsuspected development. One of Lanyon's great strengths is her ability to combine compelling love stories with exciting genre suspense. He surpasses himself creating two people you know are meant to be together, but who suffer almost every possible obstacle on the way there. Unlike most authors, Lanyon's not afraid to show there's nothing easy about an eleventh month separation. Lesser writers would have described a joyful and conflict-free coming together, but Lanyon knows months of being apart makes everything that was once familiar and comfortable is now suddenly unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Taylor has to accept that almost everything about Will's life has changed...and the question is where does that leave him? Hope things go well in for them in book #5.
August 17, 2017
4 Stars
Dead Run is easily my favourite story in this series (up until this point).
This story is set 11 months after the events in Blood Heat, with Will and Taylor having been apart the whole time due to Will’s recent DSS posting in Paris. They’re still together as a couple, but the distance is a hell of a commute and neither have had the time to visit the other until now.
Unfortunately, when Taylor is at LAX waiting to finally head to Paris to spend his annual leave with Will, he spots a man he’s convinced is a long since thought to be dead French terrorist, and he can’t simply do nothing, regardless of the fact he’s on holidays. So begins a frantic man-hunt, one that begins in L.A. and ends in Paris, uncovering secrets and deceptions from decades past, and annoyingly disrupting Taylor and Will’s plans to spend much needed (danger free) time together as a couple.
The case was interesting and the action was fast-paced and entertaining. Though, ultimately, my main focus this time around was on the men themselves and their relationship dramas, and not so much the danger they once again found themselves embroiled in. The long distance thing is hard on both of them, and the likelihood that their jobs will continue to keep them apart is worrisome and leads to many arguments surrounding their possible future together. Will and Taylor both know something has got to give; they just need to get on the same page and start actively thinking about changes they could make to ensure their relationship survives. Thankfully, dangerous terrorist plots aside, the boys make great strides towards their HEA.
I’m heading straight into the next story without delay!
Dead Run is easily my favourite story in this series (up until this point).
This story is set 11 months after the events in Blood Heat, with Will and Taylor having been apart the whole time due to Will’s recent DSS posting in Paris. They’re still together as a couple, but the distance is a hell of a commute and neither have had the time to visit the other until now.
Unfortunately, when Taylor is at LAX waiting to finally head to Paris to spend his annual leave with Will, he spots a man he’s convinced is a long since thought to be dead French terrorist, and he can’t simply do nothing, regardless of the fact he’s on holidays. So begins a frantic man-hunt, one that begins in L.A. and ends in Paris, uncovering secrets and deceptions from decades past, and annoyingly disrupting Taylor and Will’s plans to spend much needed (danger free) time together as a couple.
The case was interesting and the action was fast-paced and entertaining. Though, ultimately, my main focus this time around was on the men themselves and their relationship dramas, and not so much the danger they once again found themselves embroiled in. The long distance thing is hard on both of them, and the likelihood that their jobs will continue to keep them apart is worrisome and leads to many arguments surrounding their possible future together. Will and Taylor both know something has got to give; they just need to get on the same page and start actively thinking about changes they could make to ensure their relationship survives. Thankfully, dangerous terrorist plots aside, the boys make great strides towards their HEA.
I’m heading straight into the next story without delay!
May 12, 2020
I've never wanted to kick a character more than I wanted to kick William Brandt.
June 7, 2020
I must’ve had really thin skin as a reader, back in 2015, if my 3-stars rating was due just to what I mentioned in my original review below.
Except that, wait, I gave 5 stars to more painful *cough-THYS-cough-DOAPK-cough* books only a few days after reading this, so I was probably just too annoyed with Will to be fair to the book. (Btw, who was the reasonable person who wrote that review? Not even a hint of a rant, I barely recognize myself.)
That’s not to say that weren’t as frustrating this time, because they were. The only upside was that didn’t last too long and DFB...well, I’ve now accepted that DFB is like a particularly tenacious kind of bad weed and, as the Italian saying goes, bad weed never dies. But, according to another Italian saying, hope is the last one to die, so I’ll keep hoping one of these days
Speaking of Taylor, I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but he’s the best thing in this series.
I’ll grudgingly admit that Will is not completely hopeless and he even has his moments, although they’re few and far between and certain to be followed by his other kind of moments, you know, the ones when he does or says something incredibly stupid, which is most of the time. Let’s just say that Will grows on you, if he doesn’t kill you first with all the head-banging-on-wall that he induces on a regular basis, and when he and Taylor are in sync as a couple, they’re a thing of beauty.
But Taylor.
Oh, Taylor is something else. Not perfect in the least, but kind of perfect anyway. He’s often described as impulsive and reckless and he certainly is. He’s not a master at relationships and communication, although he seems one in comparison to Will (I know, I know, who wouldn’t?), but he tries so hard. To be fair, Will tries hard too and I’m sure it wasn’t his fault that somebody must have dropped him on his head when he was little, but nonetheless we’re all stuck with the results of it and must do the best of a bad situation.
Like Taylor, who in this book has to face a nightmarish scenario, because things weren’t already complicated enough, and handles it admirably. At least all that suffering seems to have produced something positive and Will shows promising signs for the future. Of course, Will being Will, he ruins it 5 seconds later. I suppose something had to be left for the character development of the last two books.
-----------------------
Original review 09/03/2015:
Like in the rest of this series, I liked the main characters and their dynamic, as well as the writing, but I found two things annoying and a little frustrating:
So, it would have been 4 star, but it's 3.
Except that, wait, I gave 5 stars to more painful *cough-THYS-cough-DOAPK-cough* books only a few days after reading this, so I was probably just too annoyed with Will to be fair to the book. (Btw, who was the reasonable person who wrote that review? Not even a hint of a rant, I barely recognize myself.)
That’s not to say that weren’t as frustrating this time, because they were. The only upside was that didn’t last too long and DFB...well, I’ve now accepted that DFB is like a particularly tenacious kind of bad weed and, as the Italian saying goes, bad weed never dies. But, according to another Italian saying, hope is the last one to die, so I’ll keep hoping one of these days
Speaking of Taylor, I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but he’s the best thing in this series.
I’ll grudgingly admit that Will is not completely hopeless and he even has his moments, although they’re few and far between and certain to be followed by his other kind of moments, you know, the ones when he does or says something incredibly stupid, which is most of the time. Let’s just say that Will grows on you, if he doesn’t kill you first with all the head-banging-on-wall that he induces on a regular basis, and when he and Taylor are in sync as a couple, they’re a thing of beauty.
But Taylor.
Oh, Taylor is something else. Not perfect in the least, but kind of perfect anyway. He’s often described as impulsive and reckless and he certainly is. He’s not a master at relationships and communication, although he seems one in comparison to Will (I know, I know, who wouldn’t?), but he tries so hard. To be fair, Will tries hard too and I’m sure it wasn’t his fault that somebody must have dropped him on his head when he was little, but nonetheless we’re all stuck with the results of it and must do the best of a bad situation.
Like Taylor, who in this book has to face a nightmarish scenario, because things weren’t already complicated enough, and handles it admirably. At least all that suffering seems to have produced something positive and Will shows promising signs for the future. Of course, Will being Will, he ruins it 5 seconds later. I suppose something had to be left for the character development of the last two books.
-----------------------
Original review 09/03/2015:
Like in the rest of this series, I liked the main characters and their dynamic, as well as the writing, but I found two things annoying and a little frustrating:
So, it would have been 4 star, but it's 3.
September 14, 2011
It's book #4 of Will and Taylor series -- and for three books, they have never really been my favorites. I like them enough but I'm not a HUGE fan of story relating to secret agents or terrorism. Give me plain ol' murder (or serial killers) and police procedural/detective investigation, and I'm game. So who knew, it takes 4 stories and the City of Love, for me to like this one enough and makes it my favorite Will/Taylor story.
Oh, I still don't give a da*n about the "terrorist resurfaces" plot. In fact, I just skip it most of the time -- besides we don't really understand WHY he resurfaces in the end, right?. What I invest myself the most is how Will and Taylor deal with their relationship, after being 11-months apart from each other (since Will took the job in Paris). THIS is what I love the most, the relationship part.
Will and Taylor must face the strain of long-distance relationship, not to mention the possibility of Will staying longer in Paris and Taylor taking a post offer in Iraq. They reunite, they argue, they fight, they get frustrated; emotions running havoc, but there's also romance, and attempts to "make things right". I think all those things are written so perfectly (and passionately), it tugs my heart EVERY TIME; I guess I have no doubt with Josh Lanyon behind the pen :)
One thing I'm not sure of, is the part where . Amnesia is not new thing with Josh Lanyon's story. He already has it with The White Knight and Don't Look Back (I think the later is more similar to this situation) and both work pretty well. Here, I don't know, I think it's a little bit pushing it? Like it's too much of a "climax" to get the relationship moves forward ...
HOWEVER, the ending, OH GOD, the ending!!! Yes, it involves a small blue velvet box (I spoil you? I don't care, I'm THAT happy *lol*) ...
Oh, I still don't give a da*n about the "terrorist resurfaces" plot. In fact, I just skip it most of the time -- besides we don't really understand WHY he resurfaces in the end, right?. What I invest myself the most is how Will and Taylor deal with their relationship, after being 11-months apart from each other (since Will took the job in Paris). THIS is what I love the most, the relationship part.
Will and Taylor must face the strain of long-distance relationship, not to mention the possibility of Will staying longer in Paris and Taylor taking a post offer in Iraq. They reunite, they argue, they fight, they get frustrated; emotions running havoc, but there's also romance, and attempts to "make things right". I think all those things are written so perfectly (and passionately), it tugs my heart EVERY TIME; I guess I have no doubt with Josh Lanyon behind the pen :)
One thing I'm not sure of, is the part where . Amnesia is not new thing with Josh Lanyon's story. He already has it with The White Knight and Don't Look Back (I think the later is more similar to this situation) and both work pretty well. Here, I don't know, I think it's a little bit pushing it? Like it's too much of a "climax" to get the relationship moves forward ...
HOWEVER, the ending, OH GOD, the ending!!! Yes, it involves a small blue velvet box (I spoil you? I don't care, I'm THAT happy *lol*) ...
December 4, 2013
EDIT
About the last sentence - YES, WE SHOULD. THIS MAKES ME HAPPY!!
Very good, as usual, but there were some things that bothered me.
I won't talk about the amazingness of the relationship/action/sex/writing, becuse if you've gotten this far in the series you already know what we're dealing with with JL.
But: the amnesia came completely out of left field, David should die painfully and Will was basically an asshole all throughout the story (although the more I read about Taylor, the more I love him :D). These are choices, not mistakes, and as such I respect them and this could still have been, maybe, a 5 star read, but the main problem is that the ending felt incredibly rushed. In this series there's a pattern: after the mystery/crime plot is finished, we get to spend some time with the characters' most vulnerable side. This time, I felt JL was trying to prevent this extra-long novella (?) from reaching a full-novel length. This is wrong by default - the more he writes, the better - but also because I wanted to understand what Will felt better.
I seem to understand we should be expecting #5 in 2013?
About the last sentence - YES, WE SHOULD. THIS MAKES ME HAPPY!!
Very good, as usual, but there were some things that bothered me.
I won't talk about the amazingness of the relationship/action/sex/writing, becuse if you've gotten this far in the series you already know what we're dealing with with JL.
But: the amnesia came completely out of left field, David should die painfully and Will was basically an asshole all throughout the story (although the more I read about Taylor, the more I love him :D). These are choices, not mistakes, and as such I respect them and this could still have been, maybe, a 5 star read, but the main problem is that the ending felt incredibly rushed. In this series there's a pattern: after the mystery/crime plot is finished, we get to spend some time with the characters' most vulnerable side. This time, I felt JL was trying to prevent this extra-long novella (?) from reaching a full-novel length. This is wrong by default - the more he writes, the better - but also because I wanted to understand what Will felt better.
I seem to understand we should be expecting #5 in 2013?
October 30, 2014
Wow!
The Ground gets even more Dangerous in this instalment.
Tay's long-awaited and planned trip to Paris had turned into hell. Instead of reuniting with his partner, lover and friend after a long separation, and spending a quality time together, Taylor acquires a new assignment and a lot of emotional pain.
This book left me holding my breath, waiting and hoping things would be fixed and wounds healed. So far, this is the best instalment, in my opinion.
I was sceptic about some things here as well, but the tension and a constant romantic suspense kept me occupied enough to overlook everything else. Adrian Bisson has helped too. I'm sure I'm enjoying the series even more so by listening to this amazing narrator!
The Ground gets even more Dangerous in this instalment.
Tay's long-awaited and planned trip to Paris had turned into hell. Instead of reuniting with his partner, lover and friend after a long separation, and spending a quality time together, Taylor acquires a new assignment and a lot of emotional pain.
This book left me holding my breath, waiting and hoping things would be fixed and wounds healed. So far, this is the best instalment, in my opinion.
I was sceptic about some things here as well, but the tension and a constant romantic suspense kept me occupied enough to overlook everything else. Adrian Bisson has helped too. I'm sure I'm enjoying the series even more so by listening to this amazing narrator!
March 27, 2021
Wow . Romance in Paris. Just not long enough. Always leave the reader wanting more? C`est la vie! Lamour toujours.
December 29, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
April 22, 2024
As will now working in Paris he and Taylor haven't seen each other for eleven months. Now it's time for a romantic holiday and finally meet up again 💙 Of course nothing goes smooth. Taylor stumble upon a presumed ded terrorist at the airport and misses the flight. When he finally gets to Paris he gets more of action, terrorist and David Bradley than romancing with his lover.
May 25, 2020
Can consistency be sexy??? Yes it fucking can. (I need my husband to read this review so he stops getting offended when I tell him how predictable he is 😂😂😂)
My favorite thing about this crazy, trope-y, never quite went where you thought it was going to (in a good way!) entry, is the moment when any other author would have Will and Taylor at odds over their diverging case theories, but Will just backs Taylor up because...obviously. There is literally no other response imaginable to him -- and JFC why can't he get that to translate into their personal life?!?!?!?
The tropiest trope EVER worked here because it ultimately made the point that no matter how awful he is at expressing it, Will sees Taylor as a constant. Period. Taylor is *the* fundamental part of his life, and no matter what else is battering around their lives and dumdum boy brains, that will not change.
I think I literally dropped my jaw when that moment ... "happens". First, because I definitely didn't see it coming and would never have expected Josh Lanyon to get so soap-y, but also because I was immediately SUPER excited about where she was going with this, in a way that would have made my teen-age self proud and my self of five minutes ago skeptical AF!!
But I trusted her to pull it off, and she absolutely did -- by making it integral to the relationship growth, of course. It's used to finally flip a switch in Will's head, and O...M...G it is about GD time.
Theoretically this book ends at the natural conclusion of the personal story arc, but I'm not sure how satisfied I would have felt if I wasn't jumping straight to the next book. It feels pretty abrupt for an HEA, especially considering how bumpy the journey was to get them there.
Luckily, I did get to jump straight to Book 5, so once again I'm good with it.
Another one that's maybe more like 3.5 stars just because it's kinda all over the place... but it also seems to make sense for these two, so...do I really care?? (I absolutely do not, in case that wasn't obvious :)
My favorite thing about this crazy, trope-y, never quite went where you thought it was going to (in a good way!) entry, is the moment when any other author would have Will and Taylor at odds over their diverging case theories, but Will just backs Taylor up because...obviously. There is literally no other response imaginable to him -- and JFC why can't he get that to translate into their personal life?!?!?!?
The tropiest trope EVER worked here because it ultimately made the point that no matter how awful he is at expressing it, Will sees Taylor as a constant. Period. Taylor is *the* fundamental part of his life, and no matter what else is battering around their lives and dumdum boy brains, that will not change.
I think I literally dropped my jaw when that moment ... "happens". First, because I definitely didn't see it coming and would never have expected Josh Lanyon to get so soap-y, but also because I was immediately SUPER excited about where she was going with this, in a way that would have made my teen-age self proud and my self of five minutes ago skeptical AF!!
But I trusted her to pull it off, and she absolutely did -- by making it integral to the relationship growth, of course. It's used to finally flip a switch in Will's head, and O...M...G it is about GD time.
Theoretically this book ends at the natural conclusion of the personal story arc, but I'm not sure how satisfied I would have felt if I wasn't jumping straight to the next book. It feels pretty abrupt for an HEA, especially considering how bumpy the journey was to get them there.
Luckily, I did get to jump straight to Book 5, so once again I'm good with it.
Another one that's maybe more like 3.5 stars just because it's kinda all over the place... but it also seems to make sense for these two, so...do I really care?? (I absolutely do not, in case that wasn't obvious :)
September 3, 2012
Yay! Saved the best for last!
I really, really enjoyed book 4 of the Dangerous Ground series. It was an emotional roller coaster and I finally felt some DEPTH to the feelings between Will and Taylor and believed in their relationship.
Long distance, extended separation, a 3rd wheel (and WTF, Will...you pissed me off w/ your "friendship" with David Bradley), amnesia, terrorists, PARIS, heartache...all the makings of an entertaining read!
And finally, Josh Lanyon ends a book with a REAL ending! ...and a happy one at that!
September 16, 2011
Oh, wow, what a toure de force! Poor Taylor was put through the wringer and I felt for him while his whole world seemed to be falling apart around him. Sometimes, when reading the book, I forgot to breathe and felt like shouting "Oh, no! You didn't!" at the same time.
So, best fast paced entertainment with a sweet Happy End on the top.
ETA: Did I mention the writing? The so wonderfully smooth writing style where every word is where it's supposed to be and you go through the story like a hot knife breezes through butter (okay, forget about the strange phrase, but you get the meaning, right?) and there's no translation time needed from the word on the page to the image in my head. If I hadn't mentioned it, there it is! One has to admire such virtuosity!
So, best fast paced entertainment with a sweet Happy End on the top.
ETA: Did I mention the writing? The so wonderfully smooth writing style where every word is where it's supposed to be and you go through the story like a hot knife breezes through butter (okay, forget about the strange phrase, but you get the meaning, right?) and there's no translation time needed from the word on the page to the image in my head. If I hadn't mentioned it, there it is! One has to admire such virtuosity!
January 20, 2013
3,5 stars.
It should have been a 4 stars rating.
First, I liked the Lanyon Paris tour very much. It was accurate and I giggled at the Frenglish : "Très fucking bien"!
I liked Will's and Taylor's reunion,it was awkward and tense, just like it should be.
So, great atmosphere and setting, funny retorts, flawed humanity and angst are the assets of this 4th installment, which is the best in the series in this respect.
But.
A major twist in the story rubbed me the wrong way and from then on, I didn't enjoy how the tension in the MCs' relationship was explored and resolved.
Dead Run was an enjoyable read but I guess that I wasn't invested enough to overcome the bumps on the road.
It should have been a 4 stars rating.
First, I liked the Lanyon Paris tour very much. It was accurate and I giggled at the Frenglish : "Très fucking bien"!
I liked Will's and Taylor's reunion,it was awkward and tense, just like it should be.
So, great atmosphere and setting, funny retorts, flawed humanity and angst are the assets of this 4th installment, which is the best in the series in this respect.
But.
A major twist in the story rubbed me the wrong way and from then on, I didn't enjoy how the tension in the MCs' relationship was explored and resolved.
Dead Run was an enjoyable read but I guess that I wasn't invested enough to overcome the bumps on the road.
September 13, 2011
I really liked the relationship part of the story between Will and Tay-Tay that made this worth reading and the twist at 60% so many people have already mentioned never bothered me
I didn’t like all the old history crap all the research and info about that stuff just bored me and the names of the brothers were too similar I never knew which brother we were getting boring useless facts about. If all that crap was cut out I would give five stars
I didn’t like all the old history crap all the research and info about that stuff just bored me and the names of the brothers were too similar I never knew which brother we were getting boring useless facts about. If all that crap was cut out I would give five stars
September 14, 2011
More like 3.5 or 3.75. It wasn't bad, but it didn't really sweep me off my feet.
As mysteries go, this one was good. Riddles within riddles and false leads, yet done in a way that I, as the reader, was lacking important info the hero had so the hero was always a step ahead of me, as it should be in something that isn't a whodunnit. Which this wasn't. Lots of explosions and shootings - it seems that at least one MC needs to be in a hospital bed for a while in every book of this series. Poor guys ;-)
However, the mystery wasn't exactly the main focus here, even though it made a well-wrought background. This was about the relationship and guiding them through to a believable HEA. Unfortunately, as it was in the previous three books, this was where it fell short for me.
For the life of me I couldn't connect with either of the heroes. They did all the right things and at times,said beautiful things, but there was none of the chemistry between them like, let's say, between Jake and Adrian. Or Zane and Ty, for that matter (blasphemy, I know!)I liked both Will and Taylor, but they just left me cold. Might be just me here, though - I found them both almost too perfect. Nothing to rub against.
The writing, on the other hand, is flawless. I found the story flowed along straight, without too many distracting sidelines or subplots; this made for an easy, fast-paced read, but also for a feeling like riding the Orient express: beautiful landscapes, swiftly passed and barely remembered. Apropos landscape: the setting was what I actually liked best with this book. PARIS! And portrayed so well, from the restaurant to the catacombs down to Pere Lachaise which in my opinion is about the most fascinating cemetery in Europe.
So all in all, I can say this book - this series - is worth reading for its entertainment value and skillful writing. I wasn't bored while reading it, but it's already behind me.
As mysteries go, this one was good. Riddles within riddles and false leads, yet done in a way that I, as the reader, was lacking important info the hero had so the hero was always a step ahead of me, as it should be in something that isn't a whodunnit. Which this wasn't. Lots of explosions and shootings - it seems that at least one MC needs to be in a hospital bed for a while in every book of this series. Poor guys ;-)
However, the mystery wasn't exactly the main focus here, even though it made a well-wrought background. This was about the relationship and guiding them through to a believable HEA. Unfortunately, as it was in the previous three books, this was where it fell short for me.
For the life of me I couldn't connect with either of the heroes. They did all the right things and at times,said beautiful things, but there was none of the chemistry between them like, let's say, between Jake and Adrian. Or Zane and Ty, for that matter (blasphemy, I know!)I liked both Will and Taylor, but they just left me cold. Might be just me here, though - I found them both almost too perfect. Nothing to rub against.
The writing, on the other hand, is flawless. I found the story flowed along straight, without too many distracting sidelines or subplots; this made for an easy, fast-paced read, but also for a feeling like riding the Orient express: beautiful landscapes, swiftly passed and barely remembered. Apropos landscape: the setting was what I actually liked best with this book. PARIS! And portrayed so well, from the restaurant to the catacombs down to Pere Lachaise which in my opinion is about the most fascinating cemetery in Europe.
So all in all, I can say this book - this series - is worth reading for its entertainment value and skillful writing. I wasn't bored while reading it, but it's already behind me.
June 30, 2015
3.5 stars
Unfortunately my least favourite in the series so far.
This book was published in 2011 many years after the terrible events of Sept 11 in 2001.
I mention this because the beginning of the story starts with a possible security risk at LAX and the attitude of the staff and the security service just did not ring true. These days of high security and terrorist attacks a possible terrorist about to board a plane will set off alarms and searches everywhere.
I know this is fiction but for contemporary fiction to work for me it has to reflect real life and I dont think this book did that well.
But the rest of the story is ok and follows the three earlier novellas in this series with Taylor and Will getting together after their separation of 11 months due to Will's posting to Paris.
Taylor goes to Paris to see Will and for a vacation, only for the two of them to be caught up together in a mystery.
I didn't enjoy this as much as previous novellas in this series. It seems to me as if there is a certain lack of depth to this relationship and certain things happen in this story which reveal that. I think sometimes the two men behave like teenagers and that leaves me feeling impatient.
Apart from that the narration is enjoyable and it kind of soothed over my irritations. In summary, I don't think this is my favourite Josh Lanyon series but it is a good one to listen to.
Unfortunately my least favourite in the series so far.
This book was published in 2011 many years after the terrible events of Sept 11 in 2001.
I mention this because the beginning of the story starts with a possible security risk at LAX and the attitude of the staff and the security service just did not ring true. These days of high security and terrorist attacks a possible terrorist about to board a plane will set off alarms and searches everywhere.
I know this is fiction but for contemporary fiction to work for me it has to reflect real life and I dont think this book did that well.
But the rest of the story is ok and follows the three earlier novellas in this series with Taylor and Will getting together after their separation of 11 months due to Will's posting to Paris.
Taylor goes to Paris to see Will and for a vacation, only for the two of them to be caught up together in a mystery.
I didn't enjoy this as much as previous novellas in this series. It seems to me as if there is a certain lack of depth to this relationship and certain things happen in this story which reveal that. I think sometimes the two men behave like teenagers and that leaves me feeling impatient.
Apart from that the narration is enjoyable and it kind of soothed over my irritations. In summary, I don't think this is my favourite Josh Lanyon series but it is a good one to listen to.
June 5, 2013
The fourth book of the series takes us to Paris. What starts as an awkward and tense reunion ends with facing a terrorist threat. On top of all of that action Will and Taylor are fighting up a storm...
The suspense part is good and the relationship part even better. The ending is unexpected... but perfect. :)
As always it's beautiful written. It's witty, lovely, touching, sexy and smart and I'm looking forward to the next installment. :)
June 10, 2013
I seem to be the only one who doesn't adore this series, but this book really pissed me off!
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