What do you think?
Rate this book
Dangerous Ground #1-4
Armed and Dangerous
Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners and best friends for three years. But everything changes the night Taylor admits the truth about his feelings for Will. Yeah. It's complicated... Includes Dangerous Ground, Old Poison, Blood Heat, and Dead Run.
14 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 23, 2012
2 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
224 books5,418 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
dnf
May 22, 2019I HAVE AN EPIC MOVIE VOICEOVER VOICE AND THIS IS HOW I'M GOING TO READ THIS STORY TO YOU: EPICALLY AND WITH EXAGGERATED PRO-NUN-CI-A-TION. BECAUSE THIS IS AN ACTION STORY AND THAT'S HOW IT SHOULD BE READ.
Yeah, I bailed halfway through the first chapter. I did try to skip a few chapters and see if it improved and it did not. Sorry, I just could not take it.
I love this series, but this narrator is awful.
Yeah, I bailed halfway through the first chapter. I did try to skip a few chapters and see if it improved and it did not. Sorry, I just could not take it.
I love this series, but this narrator is awful.
August 10, 2016
Written September 10, 2014
4 Stars - for these 4 parts - ..in the style I like
Book #1-4
In a few days have I been listening to this forth part novella audiobook about the Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt. They have been partners and best friends for three years. But Taylor have more feelings and it starts to steam...
Overall: a good fast-paced romantic action-crime series about two interesting. and also credible, agent guys. As always in a JL book, well made and very enjoyable.
***********************************************
If you want to know more check my reviews for each part:
• #1 - Dangerous Ground (3.7 stars)
• #2 - Old Poison (3.8 stars)
• #3 - Blood Heat (4.0 stars)
• #4 - Dead Run (4.3 stars)
Each book is around 100-130 pages long or 3-5 hours listening.
...and in a fifth book:
• #5 - Kick Start (3.7 stars)
***********************************************
These stories are all 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 the feelings he makes me feels for these characters and their love and everyday life.
Thunderous applause, please !! This mans narration is amazing.
***********************************************
In many respects are these Dangerous Ground stories just like a TV series with a new episode each week. A new and exciting criminal case, some assignments etc to solve, and two goodlooking cops or agents who fuss with each other.
They joke, scuffle and does some mischievous flirting, while they end up in the most dangerous situations.
# One resourceful wild (Taylor) character
# A second quieter stable (Will) character.
...Yes well, you probably know the plot. Equally digestible and fun entertaining is it to watch it every time. ~ And in this series, by Josh Lanyon, you get all that lovely hot manly tough gay steam as well.
***********************************************
I LIKE - Oh yes ...it was JL stories and it was goooood
*****
The Dangerous Ground Series. Five novellas so far.
4 Stars - for these 4 parts - ..in the style I like
Book #1-4
In a few days have I been listening to this forth part novella audiobook about the Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt. They have been partners and best friends for three years. But Taylor have more feelings and it starts to steam...
Overall: a good fast-paced romantic action-crime series about two interesting. and also credible, agent guys. As always in a JL book, well made and very enjoyable.
***********************************************
If you want to know more check my reviews for each part:
• #1 - Dangerous Ground (3.7 stars)
• #2 - Old Poison (3.8 stars)
• #3 - Blood Heat (4.0 stars)
• #4 - Dead Run (4.3 stars)
Each book is around 100-130 pages long or 3-5 hours listening.
...and in a fifth book:
• #5 - Kick Start (3.7 stars)
***********************************************
These stories are all 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 the feelings he makes me feels for these characters and their love and everyday life.
Thunderous applause, please !! This mans narration is amazing.
***********************************************
In many respects are these Dangerous Ground stories just like a TV series with a new episode each week. A new and exciting criminal case, some assignments etc to solve, and two goodlooking cops or agents who fuss with each other.
They joke, scuffle and does some mischievous flirting, while they end up in the most dangerous situations.
# One resourceful wild (Taylor) character
# A second quieter stable (Will) character.
...Yes well, you probably know the plot. Equally digestible and fun entertaining is it to watch it every time. ~ And in this series, by Josh Lanyon, you get all that lovely hot manly tough gay steam as well.
‘Will leaned in, and his mouth covered Taylor's, rough but sweet, his tongue seeking Taylor's. Taylor opened willingly to that kiss, forgetting for a second his scratched, scraped hands and the rain running down the back of his neck. They kissed a lot these days, especially for men who had never been much for kissing. Taylor had become expert in all Will's kisses, from the hungry, lustful kisses that always made his own cock rise so fast it hurt, to the tender, almost cherishing kisses that Will generally saved for when he thought Taylor was sleeping. That dawn kiss beneath the pine trees rippled through him like an electric shock, a reminder that, tired, wet, and lost as they might be, so long as they were together, they were all right.’
***********************************************
I LIKE - Oh yes ...it was JL stories and it was goooood
*****
The Dangerous Ground Series. Five novellas so far.
June 21, 2017
Audible
I've mentioned in my updates to the audio-book that it doesn't matter what Adrian Bisson narrates, it could be even a BIBLE, I will listen to this voice. WITH DELIGHT.
Forget it!
I LIED!!!!!
No Bible, PLEASE.
JUST THIS.
Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt.
ONLY THIS.
The best in this series is not a mystery or actions - though it is quite entertaining - the best thing is their relationship, with all ups and downs, with all misunderstandings, jealousy, SEX, dirty talks in bed, fears, uncertainty, THEM TALKING ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS. AWWWWW...
THIS.
And Adrian Bisson.....
I'm in love with this voice.
I'm only afraid he spoiled all MM-romance books for me.
P.S Interview with Adrian Bisson, Part I
Interview with Adrian Bisson, Part II
November 9, 2014
Overall, a solid 3.
Dangerous Ground - nice start.
Old Poison - I like this mystery and nice development between Will and Taylor. But evil me wants more conflict.
Blood Heat - The thriller/action story on this one just did not work. Pregnant woman, Russian mafia, eye rolls.
Dead Run - I actually liked the action story in this last book, but I had issues regarding the relationship. Amnesia, are you kidding me? And David Bradley just happened to be in Paris when it happened. It's almost comical. In the end it had a nice ending.
Sidebar rant. Taylor mentioned something about LAX is one of the biggest airports in the world. I know that Josh Lanyon knows Southern California, so I found this statement as odd. It's definitely up there with respect to passenger traffic, but it's actually on the small size in terms of area. And while I'm ranting, LAX is an embarrassment. It's ugly, cramped and has terrible food. It is not a world class airport. Pro tip: if you are flying into the US, avoid flying into LAX if you can. End Rant.
Dangerous Ground - nice start.
Old Poison - I like this mystery and nice development between Will and Taylor. But evil me wants more conflict.
Blood Heat - The thriller/action story on this one just did not work. Pregnant woman, Russian mafia, eye rolls.
Dead Run - I actually liked the action story in this last book, but I had issues regarding the relationship. Amnesia, are you kidding me? And David Bradley just happened to be in Paris when it happened. It's almost comical. In the end it had a nice ending.
Sidebar rant. Taylor mentioned something about LAX is one of the biggest airports in the world. I know that Josh Lanyon knows Southern California, so I found this statement as odd. It's definitely up there with respect to passenger traffic, but it's actually on the small size in terms of area. And while I'm ranting, LAX is an embarrassment. It's ugly, cramped and has terrible food. It is not a world class airport. Pro tip: if you are flying into the US, avoid flying into LAX if you can. End Rant.
June 14, 2015
3.5 Stars
This is one of the series by Josh Lanyon of which I'm not overly fond. Though I've read each story more than once, it's not until the fourth book, Dead Run, that I'm finally able to tell the characters apart enough to say who is who (and even then I still have trouble). Of course, it takes that long for Will Brandt to pull his head out and realize just what he has before things go off the rails completely.
I was hoping that the narration would add a bit of differentiation to the characters, but the narrator is rather flat and it takes both him and me 'till book four to hear them as distinct people. A lot of that is the way the stories are written, flat and rather unemotional. Still, on the whole, not bad and I will listen to this again, more than making the price of the audio worth its weight.
This is one of the series by Josh Lanyon of which I'm not overly fond. Though I've read each story more than once, it's not until the fourth book, Dead Run, that I'm finally able to tell the characters apart enough to say who is who (and even then I still have trouble). Of course, it takes that long for Will Brandt to pull his head out and realize just what he has before things go off the rails completely.
I was hoping that the narration would add a bit of differentiation to the characters, but the narrator is rather flat and it takes both him and me 'till book four to hear them as distinct people. A lot of that is the way the stories are written, flat and rather unemotional. Still, on the whole, not bad and I will listen to this again, more than making the price of the audio worth its weight.
February 1, 2014
Have read all four books already, but now giving myself the pleasure of listening back to back so that I'm all caught up for Kick Start
Loved as a reread, especially in audio :) Highly recommended!
Loved as a reread, especially in audio :) Highly recommended!
December 26, 2014
~ * ~ Audiobook Review ~ * ~
I've read all of the books in this series and had various reading experiences with them, each a little different in tone and pace. I like Will and Taylor. I like them even more after listening to the audiobook for this collection.
Adrian Bisson is a fantastic narrator, just fantastic. He does distinct voices for all of the characters yet not in what can sometimes be that overdone presentation by some other narrators.
His voices for both Will and Taylor brought them alive, even more so than when I read these stories. Will's deeper and sort of gravely voice brought a seriousness to his character that was sort of hinted at in the book. It also made the way he sometimes talked to Taylor that much more delicious.
Bisson's voice for Taylor is a touch higher and smoother with a breathy quality that speaks to his sometimes gung-ho, sometimes innocent, sometimes runs into a situation thinking he's superman personality. It also makes him sound even more vulnerable than when reading the book.
All of the supporting characters, like David, Taylor's sister Tara, all of the bad guys and everyone else are portrayed in that professional way with a touch of tongue-in-cheek humor. So much fun.
I feel like it actually added to the experience that I listened to these all together in a row, getting the full effect.
In simpler terms, Adrian Bisson does a wonderful interpretation in presenting these characters and their stories. I would almost venture to say that, if you started this series and weren't too thrilled, didn't continue, etc., that listening to the audio may give you a very enjoyable experience.
If you're an audiobook-phile, I definitely recommend this one.
Whenever you find any other books narrated by Adrian Bisson, I mos def recommend those!
I've read all of the books in this series and had various reading experiences with them, each a little different in tone and pace. I like Will and Taylor. I like them even more after listening to the audiobook for this collection.
Adrian Bisson is a fantastic narrator, just fantastic. He does distinct voices for all of the characters yet not in what can sometimes be that overdone presentation by some other narrators.
His voices for both Will and Taylor brought them alive, even more so than when I read these stories. Will's deeper and sort of gravely voice brought a seriousness to his character that was sort of hinted at in the book. It also made the way he sometimes talked to Taylor that much more delicious.
Bisson's voice for Taylor is a touch higher and smoother with a breathy quality that speaks to his sometimes gung-ho, sometimes innocent, sometimes runs into a situation thinking he's superman personality. It also makes him sound even more vulnerable than when reading the book.
All of the supporting characters, like David, Taylor's sister Tara, all of the bad guys and everyone else are portrayed in that professional way with a touch of tongue-in-cheek humor. So much fun.
I feel like it actually added to the experience that I listened to these all together in a row, getting the full effect.
In simpler terms, Adrian Bisson does a wonderful interpretation in presenting these characters and their stories. I would almost venture to say that, if you started this series and weren't too thrilled, didn't continue, etc., that listening to the audio may give you a very enjoyable experience.
If you're an audiobook-phile, I definitely recommend this one.
Whenever you find any other books narrated by Adrian Bisson, I mos def recommend those!
December 27, 2014
4.75 STARS
The box set of Armed and Dangerous Novellas #1-4 are excellent. Josh Lanyon is becoming another huge favourite of mine
I absolutely love the way they're written for great M/M cop thrillers. The storylines aren't too outrageous for the type of work they do but I find that the romantic bond that Josh has created for the MC's is extremely realistic, especially during vol. 3 & 4
I've been reading a lot of books in this genre of late and these are close to my fav series, basically because they're intense and keep you glued to them because they leave you on the edge of your seat but although intense, they're not flat out heart attack material.
Don't get me wrong, there's some extremely tense situations but I love the way he's captured that special, yet rare ability of a select handful of people in this world who are so close that they can live and work together very closely.
I've only seen this actually work out for maybe 2 or 3 couples that I known during my life and he's done a beautiful job of it, considering countless others I've watched try and fail.
The AUDIOBOOK narrator Adrien Bisson is possibly the closest, if not the best I've heard yet for reading in this genre. He's given the right voice to the characters, he's done an outstanding job
The box set of Armed and Dangerous Novellas #1-4 are excellent. Josh Lanyon is becoming another huge favourite of mine
I absolutely love the way they're written for great M/M cop thrillers. The storylines aren't too outrageous for the type of work they do but I find that the romantic bond that Josh has created for the MC's is extremely realistic, especially during vol. 3 & 4
I've been reading a lot of books in this genre of late and these are close to my fav series, basically because they're intense and keep you glued to them because they leave you on the edge of your seat but although intense, they're not flat out heart attack material.
Don't get me wrong, there's some extremely tense situations but I love the way he's captured that special, yet rare ability of a select handful of people in this world who are so close that they can live and work together very closely.
I've only seen this actually work out for maybe 2 or 3 couples that I known during my life and he's done a beautiful job of it, considering countless others I've watched try and fail.
The AUDIOBOOK narrator Adrien Bisson is possibly the closest, if not the best I've heard yet for reading in this genre. He's given the right voice to the characters, he's done an outstanding job
February 9, 2014
This is an audio book of the first four novellas from the Armed and Dangerous series featuring the characters of Taylor and Will in all four of the stories.
This reminded me of another popular series that I love and so I was very excited to listen to it. I enjoyed the narrators voice, Adrian Bisson, quite a bit, especially when he voiced Will. I love to listen to deep, gruff voices. I think he handled those and the other characters, even the occasional women's voices, quite well.
I also enjoyed all four stories. There was lots of detailed action and drama, as it is a mystery suspense, and a fair helping of smexy times. Both characters were very likable, but I liked Will the most because he was the calm, cool character that thought everything through thoroughly. Not that I didn't like Taylor, but sometimes he came across as stubborn and maybe a little bratty? It was very interesting to see their relationship unfold and how it affected both of them in the mist of then working together to solve their cases.
The four novellas served as a great way to get sucked into this new series although of course I wished they were longer. I highly recommend this audio book if you like listening to them.
I'm looking forward to listening to the upcoming novellas.
This reminded me of another popular series that I love and so I was very excited to listen to it. I enjoyed the narrators voice, Adrian Bisson, quite a bit, especially when he voiced Will. I love to listen to deep, gruff voices. I think he handled those and the other characters, even the occasional women's voices, quite well.
I also enjoyed all four stories. There was lots of detailed action and drama, as it is a mystery suspense, and a fair helping of smexy times. Both characters were very likable, but I liked Will the most because he was the calm, cool character that thought everything through thoroughly. Not that I didn't like Taylor, but sometimes he came across as stubborn and maybe a little bratty? It was very interesting to see their relationship unfold and how it affected both of them in the mist of then working together to solve their cases.
The four novellas served as a great way to get sucked into this new series although of course I wished they were longer. I highly recommend this audio book if you like listening to them.
I'm looking forward to listening to the upcoming novellas.
August 21, 2014
Listening to this story, the characters of Will and Taylor (Tay) are now a part of my 'need to keep up on characters', which I probably didn't need but what do you do?! Josh Lanyon has always been a favorite author of mine, especially because it was his story telling that broke my proverbial audible virginal experience. I absolutely have fallen for these characters and now I must seek out more experiences...I felt that Adrian Bisson did a fantastic job. His vocal inflections provided depth and intrigue to both the characters and the storyline...keeping me hooked. Where do they go from here...I must seek that answer out! Great stories and great listen....3 thumbs up!!!
June 25, 2016
Great way to listen to their first four books which combined make a great continuous novel.
November 15, 2014
Loved it. Want more. No time to say anything else, except I'd highly recommend it - and it's building in to a great series and parntership.
February 2, 2015
Excellent series. . . see individual reviews of each book for more comments.
April 30, 2016
Review to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2014
Audiobook
May 5, 2017
This is a volume of the first 4 books of the series. I have previously read these 4 books but listened to it this time on audio. I still think the writing was well done and the characters well developed with proper growth. I love the quirkiness of the characters and their relationship. I enjoyed the stories.
Now on the re-read, I did have a few quirks. I don't know if I'm just noticing things in books more or am becoming more discerning with age;) First, the DDS doesn't investigate counterfeiting and since that is a reason they were investigating where they were when Taylor is shot it is a bit of an issue for me. One of the reasons I noticed it this time (I don't know why I didn't the first) was because I know this is an issue that the Secret Service investigates. Second is Taylor's character. I am sorry but Taylor's screwups that he keeps doing wouldn't keep him around long. Yes, he is government and they can be difficult to get rid of but he does so much against procedure they wouldn't keep him around because of the liability. There were a few other little things that I think were a little odd or out of place but I wasn't sure I would be correct with them or that I remember them correctly so I wouldn't comment on those.
For all those fairly technical issues I still really enjoyed the books and that is why I rated 4 stars. The characters are fun and the situations they get into interesting. It's an enjoyable read and so I rated it as such.
The narration could have been better but I really enjoyed the narrator's voice. I think his pacing and timing on his actual narrative needed work but the characters were each individualized. He also brought out the action in the story with his tone and modulation. Overall a decent narration.
Now on the re-read, I did have a few quirks. I don't know if I'm just noticing things in books more or am becoming more discerning with age;) First, the DDS doesn't investigate counterfeiting and since that is a reason they were investigating where they were when Taylor is shot it is a bit of an issue for me. One of the reasons I noticed it this time (I don't know why I didn't the first) was because I know this is an issue that the Secret Service investigates. Second is Taylor's character. I am sorry but Taylor's screwups that he keeps doing wouldn't keep him around long. Yes, he is government and they can be difficult to get rid of but he does so much against procedure they wouldn't keep him around because of the liability. There were a few other little things that I think were a little odd or out of place but I wasn't sure I would be correct with them or that I remember them correctly so I wouldn't comment on those.
For all those fairly technical issues I still really enjoyed the books and that is why I rated 4 stars. The characters are fun and the situations they get into interesting. It's an enjoyable read and so I rated it as such.
The narration could have been better but I really enjoyed the narrator's voice. I think his pacing and timing on his actual narrative needed work but the characters were each individualized. He also brought out the action in the story with his tone and modulation. Overall a decent narration.
May 4, 2025
4.25 stars. Audiobook. Stick with it! Series of 6 books for a total of 748 pages, so more like a collection of novellas, but so well done after you get through the first book. Keep going. The first book has an unusual start, where we are dropped into a story that has already started, there is a bit of did-I-miss-a-few-chapters and we jump to some outcomes awfully quickly, but the whole series isn’t like that, it smooths out to full, rich, wonderful, traditional storytelling. The couple is great and the journey through just-friends to lovers to live-of-my-life is great. Lots of wonderful conversations and the cases/jobs/clients are interesting and entertaining. Highly recommend this author.
NOTE: there is jealousy but no cheating.
HEA, series, same couple, m/m, federal agents, medium spice, mild angst.
NOTE: there is jealousy but no cheating.
HEA, series, same couple, m/m, federal agents, medium spice, mild angst.
March 11, 2023
Audio: 4 Stars
Story: To summarize the whole series.....poor writing, filled with impossible, full of stereotypes, tons of sexism from someone who is supposed to be part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, misinformation and incredibly poor character construction. Immature characters who are incredibly incompetent at their job and at a true romantic relationship.
I did not expect the series to be this bad from other stories I've read from this author...but I was SO disappointed. Not because this is a work of fiction it means that the writing needs to be lazy. Happy Readings!
Story: To summarize the whole series.....poor writing, filled with impossible, full of stereotypes, tons of sexism from someone who is supposed to be part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, misinformation and incredibly poor character construction. Immature characters who are incredibly incompetent at their job and at a true romantic relationship.
I did not expect the series to be this bad from other stories I've read from this author...but I was SO disappointed. Not because this is a work of fiction it means that the writing needs to be lazy. Happy Readings!
March 15, 2019
Not my favourite series from Josh Lanyon. I'm not completely sold on Will, though I quite like Taylor. Still very enjoyable.
October 14, 2013
This collection of four novellas in Josh Lanyon's Dangerous Ground series is a super fun read. Is it classic literature? No, but it's entertaining, exciting, amusing and well written, so what more could a reader ask for?
I had read Dangerous Ground. the first in the series, before as part of another anthology, so this time through it was only a matter of reacquanting myself with Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, our two protagonists. The opening drops the reader bang into the middle of the story, a characteristic of Lanyon's writing that I like, as he assumes some intelligence on the part of the reader and doesn't spoon feed us background information in one massive info dump. Exposition comes gradually as we learn our heroes are on a camping trip while Taylor is still recovering from a gunshot wound. Nothing goes smoothly, however, and we are soon caught up in an old robbery and murder, and pulled to the edge of our seats as Will and Taylor are chased by the trigger-happy robbers through the wilderness. Oh, and there is sex. Not too much, as our intrepid heroes walk a fine line between "is he my partner, is he my lover, or can he be both".
The second novella in the collection is Old Poison, in which one of Taylor's old postings with Diplomatic Security comes back to haunt him. Taylor and Will are slowly developing a relationship, although at times it seems more like one step forward and two steps back. Add in the complication of a former lover of Will's who is still on the scene, and we have a recipe for doubt and trust issues. Even though it sometimes felt like a bridge between plot points, it was still a fast and enjoyable read.
The third installment, Blood Heat, was one of my favourites of the collection. The plot is a little over the top, with Will and Taylor trying to apprehend and then protect a pregnant fugitive, who lies so much she becomes like the boy who cried wolf. And there are so many other people who are after her it seems like a Keystone Cops routine after a while. Although it doesn't expand the relationship between Taylor and Will very much, it carries the reader along with a relentlessly rapid pace. Two niggles. One character refers to Will a couple of times as Brent instead of Brandt, and I couldn't decide whether if was an attempt to reflect his foreign accent, or simply sloppy editing. Two was naming the female fugitive Hedwig. I couldn't help it, but every time I saw the name I was jolted out of the story a little because all I could picture was Harry Potter's snowy owl.
The last entry in the collection is Dead Run. and when it opens our heroes have been separated almost a year as Will has been promoted to a position in Paris. We are treated to the typical angst between Taylor and Will (and I don't mean that in a negative way) as their doubts about their relationship are compounded by their time apart. Things are further confused by a possible terrorist emerging after years in hiding, an amnesia sub-plot, and the reappearance of the ex-lover everyone loves to hate, David Bradley. All's well in the end, and it looks like our heroes' careers may be veering in a new direction.
I have one major complaint about the packaging of this product. I am an old-fashioned paperback kind of girl, and this issue is ridiculous for readers like me. At 747 pages, the tome is unwieldly, difficult to read in bed and well nigh impossible to fit in an average size purse. The print is large and double spaced. With a decent font, and single line spacing, this book should have been half its size, wasting fewer trees, and hopefully, costing a fraction of the price.
I had read Dangerous Ground. the first in the series, before as part of another anthology, so this time through it was only a matter of reacquanting myself with Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt, our two protagonists. The opening drops the reader bang into the middle of the story, a characteristic of Lanyon's writing that I like, as he assumes some intelligence on the part of the reader and doesn't spoon feed us background information in one massive info dump. Exposition comes gradually as we learn our heroes are on a camping trip while Taylor is still recovering from a gunshot wound. Nothing goes smoothly, however, and we are soon caught up in an old robbery and murder, and pulled to the edge of our seats as Will and Taylor are chased by the trigger-happy robbers through the wilderness. Oh, and there is sex. Not too much, as our intrepid heroes walk a fine line between "is he my partner, is he my lover, or can he be both".
The second novella in the collection is Old Poison, in which one of Taylor's old postings with Diplomatic Security comes back to haunt him. Taylor and Will are slowly developing a relationship, although at times it seems more like one step forward and two steps back. Add in the complication of a former lover of Will's who is still on the scene, and we have a recipe for doubt and trust issues. Even though it sometimes felt like a bridge between plot points, it was still a fast and enjoyable read.
The third installment, Blood Heat, was one of my favourites of the collection. The plot is a little over the top, with Will and Taylor trying to apprehend and then protect a pregnant fugitive, who lies so much she becomes like the boy who cried wolf. And there are so many other people who are after her it seems like a Keystone Cops routine after a while. Although it doesn't expand the relationship between Taylor and Will very much, it carries the reader along with a relentlessly rapid pace. Two niggles. One character refers to Will a couple of times as Brent instead of Brandt, and I couldn't decide whether if was an attempt to reflect his foreign accent, or simply sloppy editing. Two was naming the female fugitive Hedwig. I couldn't help it, but every time I saw the name I was jolted out of the story a little because all I could picture was Harry Potter's snowy owl.
The last entry in the collection is Dead Run. and when it opens our heroes have been separated almost a year as Will has been promoted to a position in Paris. We are treated to the typical angst between Taylor and Will (and I don't mean that in a negative way) as their doubts about their relationship are compounded by their time apart. Things are further confused by a possible terrorist emerging after years in hiding, an amnesia sub-plot, and the reappearance of the ex-lover everyone loves to hate, David Bradley. All's well in the end, and it looks like our heroes' careers may be veering in a new direction.
I have one major complaint about the packaging of this product. I am an old-fashioned paperback kind of girl, and this issue is ridiculous for readers like me. At 747 pages, the tome is unwieldly, difficult to read in bed and well nigh impossible to fit in an average size purse. The print is large and double spaced. With a decent font, and single line spacing, this book should have been half its size, wasting fewer trees, and hopefully, costing a fraction of the price.
April 25, 2016
Armed and Dangerous by Josh Lanyon
I totally loved this book. Having 4 novellas in one book is a dream come true for me, because I prefer holding a book vs my kindle. But most of all I loved her characters, Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt.
The writing is beautiful, the love scenes tasteful, and the deep emotional feelings they have, and the strength to tell one another is precious. The story kept me reading. I had a hard time putting the book down when my eyes were too tired to read anymore. The thrill and action can be jaw-clenching and worrisome at the same time it is written so well.
It will be difficult to wait for the next book to come out, but I hope it's soon. Thanks Josh for a wonderful, entertaining book.
I totally loved this book. Having 4 novellas in one book is a dream come true for me, because I prefer holding a book vs my kindle. But most of all I loved her characters, Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt.
The writing is beautiful, the love scenes tasteful, and the deep emotional feelings they have, and the strength to tell one another is precious. The story kept me reading. I had a hard time putting the book down when my eyes were too tired to read anymore. The thrill and action can be jaw-clenching and worrisome at the same time it is written so well.
It will be difficult to wait for the next book to come out, but I hope it's soon. Thanks Josh for a wonderful, entertaining book.
December 25, 2018
Will & Taylor are one of my favorite couples. Of course, I love anything written by Josh Lanyon - no disappointment with these novellas. I would, however, recommend reading them rather than listening the audiobook; the narrator made me cringe several times. The stories were varied and interesting and I look forward to reading more about Will & Tay.
August 27, 2014
4.5 stars
February 8, 2015
Really good exciting series!!
June 8, 2020
One of my favourite audio books. I've listened to this five times or more now, just haven't added it to my reading log.
May 18, 2015
What the fuck is wrong with Josh Lanyon?
January 23, 2023
Not the authors best work, but that is mostly due to too much happening in too short a story, The stories are still well written with likeable characters.
August 30, 2014
Superb narration.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews