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A Vintage Affair
Message in a bottle.
Somewhere in the cobwebbed cellar of the decrepit antebellum mansion known as Ballineen are the legendary Lee bottles -- and Austin Gillespie is there to find them. The last thing on his mind is hot and heavy romance with handsome bad boy Jeff Brady. But Jeff has other ideas and, after one intoxicating night, so does Austin.
The only problem is they have different ideas. Jeff doesn't believe in love at first sight, and even if he did, he ís buried more deeply in the closet than those famous missing bottles of vintage Madeira. Popping a cork or two is one thing. Popping the question? No way. No how.
Unless Austin is ready to give up on another dream, he ís going to have to figure out how to make sure the lights go on -- and stay on -- in Georgia.
(This 41K novella was previously published by Loose Id Publishing)
Somewhere in the cobwebbed cellar of the decrepit antebellum mansion known as Ballineen are the legendary Lee bottles -- and Austin Gillespie is there to find them. The last thing on his mind is hot and heavy romance with handsome bad boy Jeff Brady. But Jeff has other ideas and, after one intoxicating night, so does Austin.
The only problem is they have different ideas. Jeff doesn't believe in love at first sight, and even if he did, he ís buried more deeply in the closet than those famous missing bottles of vintage Madeira. Popping a cork or two is one thing. Popping the question? No way. No how.
Unless Austin is ready to give up on another dream, he ís going to have to figure out how to make sure the lights go on -- and stay on -- in Georgia.
(This 41K novella was previously published by Loose Id Publishing)
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 22, 2010
23 people are currently reading
462 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 229 reviews
September 12, 2014
Oh, Gosh, I am so TORN in giving stars for this one. On the good/positive side, I truly enjoy the world of winery, wine tasting, the knowledge about wine -- as well as the crazy characters of the Southern family. I think Austin is adorable as a person with a job as Master of Wine, that still needs to prove himself to other people about his job. Jeff, well, he is a reminiscence of Josh Lanyon's usual trademark of a jerk of a boyfriend (a.k.a. anti-hero) that is commonly appear in his other stories (his famous one is of course, Jake Riordan). I like the set-up of the story, I even feel intrigued with how Austin deals with Jeff's wanting to separate the sex and the feeling, especially because he lives in South, which is not famous for being gay-friendly area ...
I enjoy the story UNTIL ... BAM! CHAPTER 10 HAPPENED! And I am so pissed off with Josh Lanyon for that chapter alone. I don't like having someone else to a relationship. BUT while I can stretch this dislike to some extend (usually if it's related to some complicated issues, which will be resolved), but I still cannot tolerate the idea of M/M/F. No siree, it's a big no, no, for me. And I can't believe that the reason Jeff brings Carson (who's a woman) -- and sort of forcing her to Austin is because he wants to show Austin that "sex is just sex". I mean, WTF?!? That chapter pissed me off so badly. So even if the ending is pretty romantic but it already left a bitter taste in my mouth like a battery acid. I can accept boyfriend being stupid, or even like Jake who walked out on Adrien to marry a woman. However, bringing one INTO the bed with your reluctant lover to just proof a point that, in my point of view, is a lame-ass point in the first place, seriously annoyed me to the very end. And I can't EVER think of this story without that chapter.
Sorry, Josh, but this is probably one of my least favorite of yours.
I enjoy the story UNTIL ... BAM! CHAPTER 10 HAPPENED! And I am so pissed off with Josh Lanyon for that chapter alone. I don't like having someone else to a relationship. BUT while I can stretch this dislike to some extend (usually if it's related to some complicated issues, which will be resolved), but I still cannot tolerate the idea of M/M/F. No siree, it's a big no, no, for me. And I can't believe that the reason Jeff brings Carson (who's a woman) -- and sort of forcing her to Austin is because he wants to show Austin that "sex is just sex". I mean, WTF?!? That chapter pissed me off so badly. So even if the ending is pretty romantic but it already left a bitter taste in my mouth like a battery acid. I can accept boyfriend being stupid, or even like Jake who walked out on Adrien to marry a woman. However, bringing one INTO the bed with your reluctant lover to just proof a point that, in my point of view, is a lame-ass point in the first place, seriously annoyed me to the very end. And I can't EVER think of this story without that chapter.
Sorry, Josh, but this is probably one of my least favorite of yours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2018
Okay, so what’s the main flaw with this? Because let’s face it, I consider it one of Lanyon’s very best novellas.
My main issue is This is just not something I want in my books. Like ever. So there goes one star.
My other minor complaint would be the fact that this had some serious potential to be a series. The MCs are out of this world fascinating and complex, they have incredibly interesting back stories and families. I feel like both guys should have been explored in more detail over a long period of time, especially given Jeff’s ‘predicament’.
But first things first:
Austin Gillespie, master sommelier (I guess you could call him "wine expert") at one of America’s most renowned wine dealing companies Martyn, North & Compeau is travelling to the deepest south of Georgia to catalogue a wine cellar after Dermot Cashel, eccentric collector of wine, passed away.
Arriving at the huge family estate where a black butler caters to the spoiled– and let’s just call them totally quirky – Cashels, Austin meets one family member after the other with mild interest. Only handsome blond All American Hunk Jeff Bradey catches his eye. The guy seems to have recently hooked up with the daughter of the house, Carson Cashel, which is the only explanation for him being there in the first place – and shirtless.
After exchanging some weird looks with Brady, Austin moves down to the cellar and spends a few excruciating hours categorizing hundreds of bottles amidst dust and mold – only to stumble over a dead corpse in the darkest corner of the damp cellar…
The whos, whys, whens are the mystery part of the story. It is interesting and made sense, but who reads Lanyon for the mysteries, LOL. I loved the wine theme, though. And it truly takes a master writer to incorporate such an overall theme into the characters’ mind until even kisses are compared to the taste of excellent wine. This is really what distinguishes the author, IMO.
Anyway, Jeff shows up again and sweeps Austin off his feet with great sex and loving kisses. But why is that ‘straight’ guy so eager to get up close with Austin? Well, there is a tiny little secret behind this…
Talking about the plot feels like giving away all the spoilers, so I don’t dare say too much. Let’s just say that most of the plot takes place in a wine cellar and STILL I consider this one of my favorite stories,
This was really a story about Austin and Jeff. They could have collected stamps together and it would still have made for a fascinating read, because they were both absolutely well drawn – and unpredictable.
Jeff is gay– or bi – but painfully deep in the closet. He just doesn’t do relationships with a guy. Austin doesn’t mind mingling with the super sexy Southerner even if it’s a one-night-stand, but his heart doesn’t make it easy on poor Austin.
Things then get even more complicated and Jeff turns into a guy as shady as Jake Riordan during his worst moments…
Therefore, I am totally convinced that this story should have been spread out into a series to look at their emotions in detail. As it is, there are some shocking moments thrown together with emotional turmoil and conclusions that usually take a character years to work out.
That’s really the only complaint I have about the story. Other than that it is a first class piece of excellent fiction that I’ve come to expect from a Lanyon story.
Oh. And don’t ever – EVER – throw a again. Seriously.
4 stars
My main issue is This is just not something I want in my books. Like ever. So there goes one star.
My other minor complaint would be the fact that this had some serious potential to be a series. The MCs are out of this world fascinating and complex, they have incredibly interesting back stories and families. I feel like both guys should have been explored in more detail over a long period of time, especially given Jeff’s ‘predicament’.
But first things first:
Austin Gillespie, master sommelier (I guess you could call him "wine expert") at one of America’s most renowned wine dealing companies Martyn, North & Compeau is travelling to the deepest south of Georgia to catalogue a wine cellar after Dermot Cashel, eccentric collector of wine, passed away.
Arriving at the huge family estate where a black butler caters to the spoiled– and let’s just call them totally quirky – Cashels, Austin meets one family member after the other with mild interest. Only handsome blond All American Hunk Jeff Bradey catches his eye. The guy seems to have recently hooked up with the daughter of the house, Carson Cashel, which is the only explanation for him being there in the first place – and shirtless.
After exchanging some weird looks with Brady, Austin moves down to the cellar and spends a few excruciating hours categorizing hundreds of bottles amidst dust and mold – only to stumble over a dead corpse in the darkest corner of the damp cellar…
The whos, whys, whens are the mystery part of the story. It is interesting and made sense, but who reads Lanyon for the mysteries, LOL. I loved the wine theme, though. And it truly takes a master writer to incorporate such an overall theme into the characters’ mind until even kisses are compared to the taste of excellent wine. This is really what distinguishes the author, IMO.
Anyway, Jeff shows up again and sweeps Austin off his feet with great sex and loving kisses. But why is that ‘straight’ guy so eager to get up close with Austin? Well, there is a tiny little secret behind this…
Talking about the plot feels like giving away all the spoilers, so I don’t dare say too much. Let’s just say that most of the plot takes place in a wine cellar and STILL I consider this one of my favorite stories,
This was really a story about Austin and Jeff. They could have collected stamps together and it would still have made for a fascinating read, because they were both absolutely well drawn – and unpredictable.
Jeff is gay– or bi – but painfully deep in the closet. He just doesn’t do relationships with a guy. Austin doesn’t mind mingling with the super sexy Southerner even if it’s a one-night-stand, but his heart doesn’t make it easy on poor Austin.
Things then get even more complicated and Jeff turns into a guy as shady as Jake Riordan during his worst moments…
Therefore, I am totally convinced that this story should have been spread out into a series to look at their emotions in detail. As it is, there are some shocking moments thrown together with emotional turmoil and conclusions that usually take a character years to work out.
That’s really the only complaint I have about the story. Other than that it is a first class piece of excellent fiction that I’ve come to expect from a Lanyon story.
Oh. And don’t ever – EVER – throw a again. Seriously.
4 stars
October 27, 2012
Let me tell you about my Saturday afternoon read. I'm cruising along on a delirious 4.5 stars of romantic angsty narrative happiness and suddenly BAM! I hit a giant m/f/m pothole followed by an exposition debris field. The book spins out of control and crashes to an untimely halt, leaving me both nauseated and disturbed. I stagger from the story wondering what the hell happened.
I think I need a hug.
I think I need a hug.
November 23, 2012
Oh Mr. Lanyon…grrrr…
WHY do your books always feel like an amuse bouche I’m given to try before a gourmet meal that I’m not allowed to attend?
I always get just a little taste of something fantastic and then, I’m escorted to the exit.
I really liked Vintage Affair. Wine, murder, Southern crazies, an underwear model, a boy genius, and a dazzling smile…no-brainer for me.
Austin and Jeff are an interesting pairing and easy to root for. But, I wanted to get to know them more...they feel, right now, like my acquaintances...they haven't yet become my friends.
And, as I seem to write at the end of all my Josh Lanyon reviews…I. WANT. MORE! …more w/in this book (it felt like whole chapters or story arc or details were edited out) and more of what happens next for our couple!
Please?!
Slightly dissatisfied...but, still, entertained...
December 29, 2014
3.5 stars
I liked the story, the characters, the premise and the ideas Lanyon wanted to explore in this one. It did not wholely deliver for me, it is a complex story with different difficult threads to sort out which might have merited some more length.
Interview with Jeff and Austin
April 13, 2017
This was probably the most atypical Lanyon story I've read to date. It's not real heavy on the mystery, nor is it heavy on the romance either. Maybe what's not surprising though, is that one of the main characters is a closeted private investigator.
Austin is a sommelier and he's been sent to Georgia to confirm ownership of some infamous wine purportedly owned once by General Robert E. Lee. What he finds instead is a dead body in the cellar and the attention of PI Jeff.
There's instant attraction and connection between these two, and conflict and uncomfortable situations abound with several rounds of some emotional whiplash. The cast of characters are quirkier than usual, at times almost farcical. However the writing is excellent as always with the requisite abrupt ending. At least it was a HEA (though I seriously had my doubts) and for me that's what counts the most.
Austin is a sommelier and he's been sent to Georgia to confirm ownership of some infamous wine purportedly owned once by General Robert E. Lee. What he finds instead is a dead body in the cellar and the attention of PI Jeff.
There's instant attraction and connection between these two, and conflict and uncomfortable situations abound with several rounds of some emotional whiplash. The cast of characters are quirkier than usual, at times almost farcical. However the writing is excellent as always with the requisite abrupt ending. At least it was a HEA (though I seriously had my doubts) and for me that's what counts the most.
May 17, 2011
I loved Austin, the main character of this book. He is probably not the most assertive guy, but he has integrity and he is sincere, honest to the point of self-humiliation. His father is bigger than life, his sisters are successful women and his little brother - who I adored - is a little genius. When he talks about his life, it seems he was good at everything, but not enough to really excel. He has found is job - at which he's very good - almost by chance, but he's focused and motivated. He's single, because his previous relationship didn't work out, and he's a bit afraid of losing his job to his boss' fiancée. I repeat myself: I LOVED HIM to pieces.
On the other hand I'd like to take Jeff and kick him to the curb. I rarely had this violent reaction to one of the main characters of the book. I don't care if he's in denial for his own reasons, but what he did to Austin was unforgivable. Dub-con or non-con doesn't make me squeamish provided the offender either pays for it or grovels enough, but forcing a woman to a gay man is so low and bad, I don't have words for it. What point was he trying to prove, really? How selfish and self-absorbed and self-centered and asshole must one be not to realize the deep discomfort of the other guy? And don't get me started on the brainless girl.
The story is incredibly well written, the wine references were weaved with elegance in the text. The house with its inhabitants was a great setting and I also liked the little mystery plot, even if it was not prominent. Everything was great, but that threesome made me ache. So maybe this confirms how well Austin's thoughts were conveyed, because I suffered so much I almost felt sick. Austin, I'd like to hug you as a sister.
On the other hand I'd like to take Jeff and kick him to the curb. I rarely had this violent reaction to one of the main characters of the book. I don't care if he's in denial for his own reasons, but what he did to Austin was unforgivable. Dub-con or non-con doesn't make me squeamish provided the offender either pays for it or grovels enough, but forcing a woman to a gay man is so low and bad, I don't have words for it. What point was he trying to prove, really? How selfish and self-absorbed and self-centered and asshole must one be not to realize the deep discomfort of the other guy? And don't get me started on the brainless girl.
The story is incredibly well written, the wine references were weaved with elegance in the text. The house with its inhabitants was a great setting and I also liked the little mystery plot, even if it was not prominent. Everything was great, but that threesome made me ache. So maybe this confirms how well Austin's thoughts were conveyed, because I suffered so much I almost felt sick. Austin, I'd like to hug you as a sister.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2011
Probably more like 2.5 stars
I finally decided to read this one and get it out of the way. I have to admit that I was already prejudiced against it because I already knew about the ménage scene. I think I could have forgiven it if the relationship would have shown more development, but all I got was an apology and a “together we can work this out.” Jeff and Austin were still little more than strangers at the end. I have gotten no closure and what I did get feels forced and not realistic.
Also, I think this story was more about the wine than about the mystery or the romance. I don’t drink wine and I found those parts to be extremely boring. If the romance or the mystery would have been more of the focus it would have been more enjoyable to read. Mostly I just wanted to get the whole thing over with.
Finally, and maybe it is just me, but the continued use of the word y’all as a plural pronoun kept confusing me. Here in the South where I live, it is only used as singular.
I finally decided to read this one and get it out of the way. I have to admit that I was already prejudiced against it because I already knew about the ménage scene. I think I could have forgiven it if the relationship would have shown more development, but all I got was an apology and a “together we can work this out.” Jeff and Austin were still little more than strangers at the end. I have gotten no closure and what I did get feels forced and not realistic.
Also, I think this story was more about the wine than about the mystery or the romance. I don’t drink wine and I found those parts to be extremely boring. If the romance or the mystery would have been more of the focus it would have been more enjoyable to read. Mostly I just wanted to get the whole thing over with.
Finally, and maybe it is just me, but the continued use of the word y’all as a plural pronoun kept confusing me. Here in the South where I live, it is only used as singular.
August 5, 2014
Another book by Josh Lanyon which left me wanting more. MORE. The shortness is what cost it that one star.
Without giving away too much, it is my feeling that it is the short length which made the resolution slightly less satisfying than what could have been. As always the descriptions, the characters and the ideas behind this story are genuine Lanyon and so engaging. Unlike several reviewers I do not mind m/f scenes in my gay romances, in fact it was refreshing to have one in there showing just what can happen if someone is living too deeply in the closet. But the author here gave us not just a bisexual character, he also dared thematise hooking up vs. emotional/romantic feelings and how a gay man would deal with suddenly coming up short against his own emotions.
A complicated and lovely story, with a good mystery as well, which I'd have loved reading at double the length!
Without giving away too much, it is my feeling that it is the short length which made the resolution slightly less satisfying than what could have been. As always the descriptions, the characters and the ideas behind this story are genuine Lanyon and so engaging. Unlike several reviewers I do not mind m/f scenes in my gay romances, in fact it was refreshing to have one in there showing just what can happen if someone is living too deeply in the closet. But the author here gave us not just a bisexual character, he also dared thematise hooking up vs. emotional/romantic feelings and how a gay man would deal with suddenly coming up short against his own emotions.
A complicated and lovely story, with a good mystery as well, which I'd have loved reading at double the length!
August 2, 2025
Aug 2025 re-read on the way home from vacation. I rated it higher many years past, but, now I have better taste in book boyfriends. MC Jeff's actions to "push" narrator MC Austin away were disgusting and I would not have forgiven him.
JL is a much more nuanced and insightful person than I, because I believed in the way she worked it out, and I believe they really did start falling in love. But. I am not a fan of characters who F one person one night and hop in bed with the other MC the very next, and that happened when Austin and sleep-around goodtime-guy Jeff first met. And then, as things progress fast and become more emotional than either expected and neither knows how to handle it (Jeff is deep in the closet, this is the South small town decades ago, and not safe to be out) Jeff's an asshole who Austin didn't say no, but, I wish he had, and it felt like he was screaming it inside. It was gross. There is strong romantic tension and conflict, but, I reacted badly to that part. Ick.
There IS far more to Jeff than it first seems, he has a career connection to the mystery and his personal history is complex and sad. But his romantic judgement was shit. Total garbage. Not alleviated by his turnabout at the end, much as I loved the final scene and his grand gesture.
HOWEVER! Fun mystery, and I love the wine information and atmosphere; JL is so good at giving her characters authentic and fascinating careers and making their motivations strong and authentic. I really enjoyed narrator MC Austin, his internal conflicts with his precarious position at work, his rich hugely successful family that he feels unworthy of/not accomplished enough for, and the mystery of the dead man in the wine cellar of the aging antebellum home lived in by a...well, a rather cliche, yet layered?! Southern family. I did kinda laugh at the brother's totally inappropriate continued pursuit of Austin. Man did NOT believe Austin when he said No, though he did eventually take it for an answer.
The sister though, what a bitch, and she and Jeff would have deserved each other. 🤮 Loved the other secondary characters and the way it all turned out.
One thing that always hooks me with JL's stories is, her narrator MC--and she almost invariably does one MC's POV, rarely both--has a strong moral code that makes him act the way I can only wish I'd act when caught in intense circumstances. Her MCs almost always do the best thing possible in the worst circumstances, and I wind up just wanting to go along with them on the ride, even if other people (cough*JAKERIORDAN*cough) treat them like crap. Her narrator MCs are just...good people with intirguing flaws, and I wind up loving getting to know them, whether I love the romance or not. (I almost always do though!)
HFN hinting at HEA in the future, as usual, a very fast promising wrap-up for the romance, true JL style. Not safe for me, though as usual, JL keeps the focus on the main couple, but, the shenanigans/rapey scene went too far for me (I also wish Austin would have kicked them all out, I didn't love him much for going along with it in the long run). So, OW action/threesome action that actually was used for conflict and not gratuitious, but...yeah, Me. Ewwwwww. Shitty thing to have done.
Recommended for mystery and JL fans, but, IMO, it's not her best romance.
JL is a much more nuanced and insightful person than I, because I believed in the way she worked it out, and I believe they really did start falling in love. But. I am not a fan of characters who F one person one night and hop in bed with the other MC the very next, and that happened when Austin and sleep-around goodtime-guy Jeff first met. And then, as things progress fast and become more emotional than either expected and neither knows how to handle it (Jeff is deep in the closet, this is the South small town decades ago, and not safe to be out) Jeff's an asshole who Austin didn't say no, but, I wish he had, and it felt like he was screaming it inside. It was gross. There is strong romantic tension and conflict, but, I reacted badly to that part. Ick.
There IS far more to Jeff than it first seems, he has a career connection to the mystery and his personal history is complex and sad. But his romantic judgement was shit. Total garbage. Not alleviated by his turnabout at the end, much as I loved the final scene and his grand gesture.
HOWEVER! Fun mystery, and I love the wine information and atmosphere; JL is so good at giving her characters authentic and fascinating careers and making their motivations strong and authentic. I really enjoyed narrator MC Austin, his internal conflicts with his precarious position at work, his rich hugely successful family that he feels unworthy of/not accomplished enough for, and the mystery of the dead man in the wine cellar of the aging antebellum home lived in by a...well, a rather cliche, yet layered?! Southern family. I did kinda laugh at the brother's totally inappropriate continued pursuit of Austin. Man did NOT believe Austin when he said No, though he did eventually take it for an answer.
The sister though, what a bitch, and she and Jeff would have deserved each other. 🤮 Loved the other secondary characters and the way it all turned out.
One thing that always hooks me with JL's stories is, her narrator MC--and she almost invariably does one MC's POV, rarely both--has a strong moral code that makes him act the way I can only wish I'd act when caught in intense circumstances. Her MCs almost always do the best thing possible in the worst circumstances, and I wind up just wanting to go along with them on the ride, even if other people (cough*JAKERIORDAN*cough) treat them like crap. Her narrator MCs are just...good people with intirguing flaws, and I wind up loving getting to know them, whether I love the romance or not. (I almost always do though!)
HFN hinting at HEA in the future, as usual, a very fast promising wrap-up for the romance, true JL style. Not safe for me, though as usual, JL keeps the focus on the main couple, but, the shenanigans/rapey scene went too far for me (I also wish Austin would have kicked them all out, I didn't love him much for going along with it in the long run). So, OW action/threesome action that actually was used for conflict and not gratuitious, but...yeah, Me. Ewwwwww. Shitty thing to have done.
Recommended for mystery and JL fans, but, IMO, it's not her best romance.
April 9, 2017
A Vintage Affair has everything I like: an interesting setting, a mystery that has to do with a wine cellar and a wine connoisseur, a private investigator in the closet, complicated family stories and a nice chemistry. But it is also has a menage scene - a m/f/m menage sex scene that took me by surprise and left an unpleasant aftertaste. My respect for one of the MCs went down to almost zero. By all my compassion for his issue with his own sexuality, what he did to Austin was disgusting. It was also hard for me to accept all his numerous I-am-so-sorry at the end.
I still give it 3 stars, because I enjoyed the audio version and the story itself (except the scene), even if it took me some time at the beginning to get used to the narrator's voice.
Chris Gebauer sounds pretty much as a female. And I'm just not a fan of a female narrating.
July 11, 2019
Audio Version
I think I might have liked this better if I had read it but I still wouldn't have loved it. By far my least favorite Lanyon read. I never felt a connection between the two MC's and I hated Jeff. Hated him. That lightened a bit w his grand gesture at the end but not enough. What a selfish ass he was.
I don't recommend the audio at all. It was super slow & boring. The narrator was fine with Austin's voice but his Southern accent for Jeff was horrible. It was like having Foghorn Leghorn as a MC. (Now looka, I say looka here)
I think I might have liked this better if I had read it but I still wouldn't have loved it. By far my least favorite Lanyon read. I never felt a connection between the two MC's and I hated Jeff. Hated him. That lightened a bit w his grand gesture at the end but not enough. What a selfish ass he was.
I don't recommend the audio at all. It was super slow & boring. The narrator was fine with Austin's voice but his Southern accent for Jeff was horrible. It was like having Foghorn Leghorn as a MC. (Now looka, I say looka here)
July 9, 2024
The small length seems too stretched thin between part of a romance, part of a murder, family drama, and work drama, without a proper focus.
A murder at the start but our MC isn’t involved in investigating, no other danger occurs, and the LI investigates off-page. The LI is unlikable, I never felt a connection between them.
The big red flag is LI pressures MC into a MFM sex scene he’s visibly upset by. The scene ends with sexual assault when the woman penetrates him anally after he explicitly tells her no. It isn’t treated as sexual assault but as unwanted proof he can be aroused by touch by women despite being gay.
The LI later apologizes for pressuring him to have sex with a woman, but the fact that he was sexually assaulted and penetrated anally, explicitly ignoring his consent, is never addressed.
Basically every area of MC Austin’s life is changing out of his control and all the changes are unpleasant, but there’s not all that much he can do about most of it. He doesn’t really do anything satisfying either, lots of running away until the resolutions for the conflicts occur off-page.
The family drama solved by his dad dying off page. The work drama is solved by him quitting off page and his nemesis ruining her reputation off page. The murder is solved by someone else off page.
The only thing on page is MC running away from the awful interest and the love interest winning him back.
The audio for the LI was pretty bad too.
Changed this from a 2 to a 1 while writing the review, the sexual assault facilitated by the LI and lack of properly addressing it is beyond the pale in an already disappointing half-baked story.
Josh Lanyon is always a shoe in for a 3-4.5 rating for me so this was an unexpected disappointment.
A murder at the start but our MC isn’t involved in investigating, no other danger occurs, and the LI investigates off-page. The LI is unlikable, I never felt a connection between them.
The big red flag is LI pressures MC into a MFM sex scene he’s visibly upset by. The scene ends with sexual assault when the woman penetrates him anally after he explicitly tells her no. It isn’t treated as sexual assault but as unwanted proof he can be aroused by touch by women despite being gay.
The LI later apologizes for pressuring him to have sex with a woman, but the fact that he was sexually assaulted and penetrated anally, explicitly ignoring his consent, is never addressed.
Basically every area of MC Austin’s life is changing out of his control and all the changes are unpleasant, but there’s not all that much he can do about most of it. He doesn’t really do anything satisfying either, lots of running away until the resolutions for the conflicts occur off-page.
The family drama solved by his dad dying off page. The work drama is solved by him quitting off page and his nemesis ruining her reputation off page. The murder is solved by someone else off page.
The only thing on page is MC running away from the awful interest and the love interest winning him back.
The audio for the LI was pretty bad too.
Changed this from a 2 to a 1 while writing the review, the sexual assault facilitated by the LI and lack of properly addressing it is beyond the pale in an already disappointing half-baked story.
Josh Lanyon is always a shoe in for a 3-4.5 rating for me so this was an unexpected disappointment.
March 16, 2020
I usually like Josh Lanyon's stories and I generally enjoyed this one too. But I must admit that this is not one of his best stories. Nor even one of those that I will remember.
Usually, when I read Lanyon's short story I really want it to be a full-length novel because I love his characters and would like to spend more time with them. But this time it didn't work out quite well. Austin is fine, though not as great as some other Lanyon characters. But I don't know much about Jeff. And exceptionally, I'm not even sure if I would like to get to know him better. He didn't interest me as a character in this story.
The plot is ok but it could be better. Jeff and Austin could have had more time to get to know each other. Searching for Lee's bottles of wine could be a more important part of the book. This or at least solving the murder mystery. Or Austin's family situation. So many different threads that could be developed and none are fully used in my opinion. And on top of this, this bizarre MFM scene. I don't even mean that one of the participants of this triangle is not fully interested in this game. There is simply something very strange in this whole scene. I don't know exactly what role it plays in this story.
That's why I'm giving this story a weak three. It seems to me that this is one of the author's early stories and later on he wrote much better ones.
Usually, when I read Lanyon's short story I really want it to be a full-length novel because I love his characters and would like to spend more time with them. But this time it didn't work out quite well. Austin is fine, though not as great as some other Lanyon characters. But I don't know much about Jeff. And exceptionally, I'm not even sure if I would like to get to know him better. He didn't interest me as a character in this story.
The plot is ok but it could be better. Jeff and Austin could have had more time to get to know each other. Searching for Lee's bottles of wine could be a more important part of the book. This or at least solving the murder mystery. Or Austin's family situation. So many different threads that could be developed and none are fully used in my opinion. And on top of this, this bizarre MFM scene. I don't even mean that one of the participants of this triangle is not fully interested in this game. There is simply something very strange in this whole scene. I don't know exactly what role it plays in this story.
That's why I'm giving this story a weak three. It seems to me that this is one of the author's early stories and later on he wrote much better ones.
January 7, 2014
I love Josh Lanyon stories, and I normally love Josh Lanyon characters, but something in this book just didn't work for me.
I found the first half a little slow, and while the second half picked up a bit I found myself bored with the way Austin described everything as if it was a wine. Jeff, while he came good in the end, didn't inspire me to love him.
I did find certain scenes pulled at my heart, mainly the ones that had Austin feeling alone and pushed out, but overall this was just a nice read but not one of Josh Lanyons best in my mind.
I found the first half a little slow, and while the second half picked up a bit I found myself bored with the way Austin described everything as if it was a wine. Jeff, while he came good in the end, didn't inspire me to love him.
I did find certain scenes pulled at my heart, mainly the ones that had Austin feeling alone and pushed out, but overall this was just a nice read but not one of Josh Lanyons best in my mind.
February 10, 2022
It's a great day for a re-read, or in this case, a re-listen. Has it really been more than six years?
Josh Lanyon packs a nice mystery into this story, but more than that A Vintage Affair is an interesting romance. Jeff's issues are beautifully handled, and his journey is told completely through Austin's eyes. And Austin's story is fascinating as well.
Great family drama, and an intriguing look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous (or previously rich... and infamous).
Paul S. Fleschner does a good job with the audio.
Josh Lanyon packs a nice mystery into this story, but more than that A Vintage Affair is an interesting romance. Jeff's issues are beautifully handled, and his journey is told completely through Austin's eyes. And Austin's story is fascinating as well.
Great family drama, and an intriguing look into the lifestyles of the rich and famous (or previously rich... and infamous).
Paul S. Fleschner does a good job with the audio.
December 30, 2015
I’m not sure I like Jeff that much as one of the main characters but I thought Ernest, Cormac and even Carson along with Austin more than made up with the repulsive hang-ups of Jeff towards being gay.
The threesome Jeff initiated just left a foul taste in my mouth but again, fantastic writing…
The threesome Jeff initiated just left a foul taste in my mouth but again, fantastic writing…
December 14, 2012
Truly a "Vintage Affair"!
*Yup, loved it*
Why?
*Because it was perfect*
That's not an answer.
*shrug*
Your reviews suck.
*Ok. I still loved it*
;P
*Yup, loved it*
Why?
*Because it was perfect*
That's not an answer.
*shrug*
Your reviews suck.
*Ok. I still loved it*
;P
June 7, 2022
One of the few novellas by Josh Lanyon that irritated the hell out of me. Both the romance and mystery were half cooked.
July 31, 2024
Story: 3 stars (odd plot, quite unlike anything I have read by this author)
Audio: 4 stars!
Audio: 4 stars!
October 30, 2012
I loved this book right up to the pointless threesome scene. I get what the character was trying to accomplish, but all I got out of it was that he was a selfish asshole. I actually hated the character, probably one of the first times it has happened.
That being said, the drop in rating is not because the character (an asshole can be well written), but that we had a quick everything solved in a few paragraphs ending. The author is so much better than that. Read the book, but stop at 84%, you can come up with a more satisfying ending.
That being said, the drop in rating is not because the character (an asshole can be well written), but that we had a quick everything solved in a few paragraphs ending. The author is so much better than that. Read the book, but stop at 84%, you can come up with a more satisfying ending.
November 17, 2012
The wine/sex references were great--the Southern voice not so great--I've lived in the South all my life--we use the word y'all as a plural noun--not singular--Austin and Jeff left me feeling empty--think I'll go open a bottle of wine and start another Lanyon book!
February 12, 2022
I really enjoyed this novella—had it been longer, it definitely would have earned a star.
The audiobook was fab!
The audiobook was fab!
September 27, 2022
He didn't know it, but Mr. Lanyon was under a lot of pressure here. I will make the shameful confession right off the top that this is the first Josh Lanyon book I've read. Not the first one I own, but the first I've gotten around to reading. Being that he's an icon in my own genre, that is a huge oversight on my part. He's kind of like the guy we all want to write like, (and he's also an acquaintance and all round good guy). However, his work automatically goes into that category for me of "what's all this fuss about, then" Like blockbuster movies that I never seem to get the point of why everyone thought they were so great. Not so this time. Mr. Lanyon most definitely lives up to the hype and then some.
First off, there is some lovely description in this story. I wouldn't have thought there were so many ways to talk about wine. I enjoyed the little ways Mr. Lanyon pulled the theme through the whole book by using those same descriptions, through the main character's point of view, to describe some of what he comes into contact with, even when it had nothing to do with wine. It became a filter through which Austin sees the world, and really helps the reader to get into his skin and see what he sees, and that, in turn, helps to feel what he feels.
Every character in this book has a little something that makes them more than just a place holder. Mr. Lanyon has a gift for bringing each character to unique and interesting life, even if they're on the page only for a fleeting moment.
The mystery plot of this book might be its weakest point. It's pretty peripheral to the romance, I thought, and mostly happens off stage and through exposition. This story is definitely a romance with a hint at a murder mystery that is mostly backdrop and a device to bring Austin and Jeff together.
When the characters do come together, there is instant chemistry, instant tension, and when the sparks fly, it doesn't take long for the fire to follow. I would guess, just from this one book, that Mr. Lanyon doesn't lean toward writing a lot of sex scenes. The ones in this book are well placed and flow naturally with the rest of the narrative and, give the reader a lot of insight into the characters of both men. They're also the best chance we have of getting to know Jeff. While the physical descriptions of the scenes are understated, the emotional impact is phenomenal. He's somehow managed to skirt the more graphic details and dig right into the characters' hearts and souls, giving us a way more intimate view of what's going on that bed.
This is a romance in the true sense of the word, with love at first sight, clashing ideals and desires, passion and anger and self discovery. The characters grow and in the end, become who they were destined to be all along.
There was pretty much something to enjoy on every page. Josh Lanyon has earned the reputation he has by being bloody good at what he does. Well deserved, and I confess, I'm kinda sorry I didn't take the plunge sooner. I've got a lot of catching up to do.
My Recommendation: If you're a Josh Lanyon fan, or, like me, a neophyte, A Vintage Affair is a must read, with a definite feel-good flair.
.... And I still want to write like him when I grow up.
First off, there is some lovely description in this story. I wouldn't have thought there were so many ways to talk about wine. I enjoyed the little ways Mr. Lanyon pulled the theme through the whole book by using those same descriptions, through the main character's point of view, to describe some of what he comes into contact with, even when it had nothing to do with wine. It became a filter through which Austin sees the world, and really helps the reader to get into his skin and see what he sees, and that, in turn, helps to feel what he feels.
Every character in this book has a little something that makes them more than just a place holder. Mr. Lanyon has a gift for bringing each character to unique and interesting life, even if they're on the page only for a fleeting moment.
The mystery plot of this book might be its weakest point. It's pretty peripheral to the romance, I thought, and mostly happens off stage and through exposition. This story is definitely a romance with a hint at a murder mystery that is mostly backdrop and a device to bring Austin and Jeff together.
When the characters do come together, there is instant chemistry, instant tension, and when the sparks fly, it doesn't take long for the fire to follow. I would guess, just from this one book, that Mr. Lanyon doesn't lean toward writing a lot of sex scenes. The ones in this book are well placed and flow naturally with the rest of the narrative and, give the reader a lot of insight into the characters of both men. They're also the best chance we have of getting to know Jeff. While the physical descriptions of the scenes are understated, the emotional impact is phenomenal. He's somehow managed to skirt the more graphic details and dig right into the characters' hearts and souls, giving us a way more intimate view of what's going on that bed.
This is a romance in the true sense of the word, with love at first sight, clashing ideals and desires, passion and anger and self discovery. The characters grow and in the end, become who they were destined to be all along.
There was pretty much something to enjoy on every page. Josh Lanyon has earned the reputation he has by being bloody good at what he does. Well deserved, and I confess, I'm kinda sorry I didn't take the plunge sooner. I've got a lot of catching up to do.
My Recommendation: If you're a Josh Lanyon fan, or, like me, a neophyte, A Vintage Affair is a must read, with a definite feel-good flair.
.... And I still want to write like him when I grow up.
June 27, 2013
Southern scandal. Hint of ‘oh my’. Conflicting connection.
With wary reviews and a critically declared shocking scene, I was pleasantly surprised when I untied the knots of this story. What I found was a complex tale comprising a murder mystery engulfed in a well designed and layered story of an impossible pair.
Austin, a wine sommelier, finds himself in a bit of a pickle while working a big case out of town. He leaves DC and heads south with butterflies knocking around his mid-section in anticipation of possibly uncovering priceless bottles of wine. The Georgian antebellum mansion which he needs to catalog and authenticate the expansive wine cellar throws him completely off track. He struggles to find even ground with their peculiar family, catches himself fighting a magnetic draw to the gorgeous confusing stranger, and soon stumbles upon a dead body. Their reaction to the murder is curiously bizarre and Austin is impatient to get back to the safety of his own home.
Before he escapes the spectacle of the Cashel's, he finds himself powerless to the charm of Jeff Brady. Though they are opposite as opposites can be, there is no denying their crackle of desire. Jeff tells Austin what his brain insists are the facts, completely disregarding that Austin can see the truth in his heart, or at least Austin believes he can. He certainly knows what his heart is telling him.
Devastated when Jeff walks away after their remarkable ‘one night’ together, Austin refuses to subject his heart to another shredding at Jeff’s hands.
When the world crumbles around him at home, he finds solace in the fact that his return trip to complete the job will be strictly professional this time around. He gives Jeff the cold shoulder and walks away from his obvious desire for a repeat of their night of passion neither have been able to forget.
Okay, about that one scene...
I would love more of their story. I feel content, yet greedy for a second serving. There is room for so much more.
Grab a glass and get ready for a juicy mystery overflowing with desires and yearnings.
*4 pleasing-puzzling-perplexing stars*
With wary reviews and a critically declared shocking scene, I was pleasantly surprised when I untied the knots of this story. What I found was a complex tale comprising a murder mystery engulfed in a well designed and layered story of an impossible pair.
Austin, a wine sommelier, finds himself in a bit of a pickle while working a big case out of town. He leaves DC and heads south with butterflies knocking around his mid-section in anticipation of possibly uncovering priceless bottles of wine. The Georgian antebellum mansion which he needs to catalog and authenticate the expansive wine cellar throws him completely off track. He struggles to find even ground with their peculiar family, catches himself fighting a magnetic draw to the gorgeous confusing stranger, and soon stumbles upon a dead body. Their reaction to the murder is curiously bizarre and Austin is impatient to get back to the safety of his own home.
Before he escapes the spectacle of the Cashel's, he finds himself powerless to the charm of Jeff Brady. Though they are opposite as opposites can be, there is no denying their crackle of desire. Jeff tells Austin what his brain insists are the facts, completely disregarding that Austin can see the truth in his heart, or at least Austin believes he can. He certainly knows what his heart is telling him.
Devastated when Jeff walks away after their remarkable ‘one night’ together, Austin refuses to subject his heart to another shredding at Jeff’s hands.
When the world crumbles around him at home, he finds solace in the fact that his return trip to complete the job will be strictly professional this time around. He gives Jeff the cold shoulder and walks away from his obvious desire for a repeat of their night of passion neither have been able to forget.
Okay, about that one scene...
I would love more of their story. I feel content, yet greedy for a second serving. There is room for so much more.
Grab a glass and get ready for a juicy mystery overflowing with desires and yearnings.
*4 pleasing-puzzling-perplexing stars*
January 27, 2013
Most free kindle books are a ' you takes your chance and you gets what you gets ' so to be offered a Josh Lanyon novella of a decent length completely free is a definite no brainer choice. Just get it and enjoy a gift from a short story writer who is a master of his craft. Good free stories are few and far between so to get a great one is a boone. Don't even hesitate on this one! Fabulous. Josh Lanyon rocks!
*edit*
This book is back to normal price and I reviewed it as a freebie, concentrating more on what a great offer that was at the time being such a well loved author in this genre. Should also add that this is a very enjoyable story and full of Josh's signature wit, quirkiness and chemistry. Set in the deep south it centres around Austin a " master of wine " sent to catalogue a wine cellar belonging to a family full of slightly bonkers, eccentric characters, in search of the famed and legendary " Lee bottles "of vintage wine. Whilst there he encounters a murder, family intrigue and a sexy romance with a man who wants Austin but also wont come out of the closet, cleverly plotted and full of charm, this is another wonderful offering from Josh Lanyon who really is a class act. Love his books!
*edit*
This book is back to normal price and I reviewed it as a freebie, concentrating more on what a great offer that was at the time being such a well loved author in this genre. Should also add that this is a very enjoyable story and full of Josh's signature wit, quirkiness and chemistry. Set in the deep south it centres around Austin a " master of wine " sent to catalogue a wine cellar belonging to a family full of slightly bonkers, eccentric characters, in search of the famed and legendary " Lee bottles "of vintage wine. Whilst there he encounters a murder, family intrigue and a sexy romance with a man who wants Austin but also wont come out of the closet, cleverly plotted and full of charm, this is another wonderful offering from Josh Lanyon who really is a class act. Love his books!
June 23, 2010
If I hadn't stayed up until 3:00 a.m. reading this, I probably would be capable of posting a coherent review, but the fact that I stayed up until 3-plus-o'clock when I had to be up at 6 speaks volumes. Austin yanked me from page to page. Jeff's emergence from the closet (a closet so deep it must've been buried in twenty feet of concrete under Jimmy Hoffa) got equal billing for my bleary-eyed streak of got-to-know-what-happens-next. Compelling characters and the story is nigh entirely romantically driven for those who were disappointed by this author's Darkling Thrush wherein the fantastical mystery is in the driver's seat.
Squick alert in that, yes, (Josh, how could you??? LOL), there is a m/f/m scene with Austin a very reluctant third in the scenario. It's not, however, a deal-breaker. The sex scene itself is very well written, but what I found a great deal more genuine and endearing was how the characters deal with the aftermath. That, Josh Lanyon fans, is what you look for and love in his books. Don't let the potential squick make you hesitate. Without giving the store away for free, I'll just say that you truly don't want to miss how that element plays out.
Squick alert in that, yes, (Josh, how could you??? LOL), there is a m/f/m scene with Austin a very reluctant third in the scenario. It's not, however, a deal-breaker. The sex scene itself is very well written, but what I found a great deal more genuine and endearing was how the characters deal with the aftermath. That, Josh Lanyon fans, is what you look for and love in his books. Don't let the potential squick make you hesitate. Without giving the store away for free, I'll just say that you truly don't want to miss how that element plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2015
That was not my cup of tea. (I was tempted to say 'not my glass of wine' but I am a poor student so I will basically drink everything that isn't vinegar or sugar-water and that's a comparison the book doesn't deserve even though I did not enjoy it).
First of all: it's definitely more a romance which just happens to involve a dead boy (not as love interest obviously. That would be weird and creepy) than a mystery novel with strong romance. The investigation (including the solution) happened pretty much only off-screen and that simply isn't what I was here for.
And, well, the plot in general...apparently it's hilarious how everybody kept invading Austin's privacy and personal space but I really didn't see it like this. Yes it was never evil intend behind it (more confusion and awkwardness) but how it was always played for laughs still made me uncomfortable. And yes that includes the m/f/m threesome. I don't mind that in general but I really disliked the way it was handled here (Austin was clearly pressured into joining in and didn't enjoy it much. In fairness: Jeff recognizes that he made a mistake and apologizes but I felt it was all glossed over rather quickly).
First of all: it's definitely more a romance which just happens to involve a dead boy (not as love interest obviously. That would be weird and creepy) than a mystery novel with strong romance. The investigation (including the solution) happened pretty much only off-screen and that simply isn't what I was here for.
And, well, the plot in general...apparently it's hilarious how everybody kept invading Austin's privacy and personal space but I really didn't see it like this. Yes it was never evil intend behind it (more confusion and awkwardness) but how it was always played for laughs still made me uncomfortable. And yes that includes the m/f/m threesome. I don't mind that in general but I really disliked the way it was handled here (Austin was clearly pressured into joining in and didn't enjoy it much. In fairness: Jeff recognizes that he made a mistake and apologizes but I felt it was all glossed over rather quickly).
May 23, 2016
Audiobook review
Well, this was an interesting premise (one, by the way, I loved to go along with): A bonafide bisexual but inconveniently (at least for him) homoromantic MC.
Add to that a unique sense of place and the Lanyon-typical spot-on treatment of complicated familial relationships - and I mean especially Austin's relationship to his father.
However, both the relationship development and the aftermath of the was glossed over in a way that was not entirely satisfying. Because of that not a 4-star but a solid 3-star "read"(what's the word, audio-experience? :-).
January 31, 2020
Great story and i hope there is more! Narration was different, the voice was a new one for me. But it seemed to work with the characters. I do recommend. Know this isn't a lovey dovey story. MCs have to work to be happy in the end.
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