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Little Boy Lost #3
Vanished
Little Boy Book Three
Brian McAllister’s story continues in San Diego, where he finds so much more than he ever acceptance, friends, encouragement, and an entire world of sexual adventure he’d never dared to imagine back in his small Alabama town. He continues to search for one lost boy in a sea of humanity but slowly begins to realize that maybe dreams really don’t come true.
Encouraged by new friends Mike and Emilio, Brian struggles to find work and keep his spirits up while his hope of finding Jamie starts to falter. But when life comes crashing down, he’s desperate to keep his new life. Can Brian do the unthinkable to remain in California when his money runs out? When Brian meets a beaten and bruised boy no one seems willing to help, he knows that walking away is no longer an option.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2011
2 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Barnaby
51 books581 followersAn award-winning, best-selling novelist of over a dozen books, J. P. Barnaby is a proud member of the GLBT community both online and in her small town on the outskirts of Chicago. A member of Mensa, she is often described as brilliant but troubled, sweet but introverted and talented but deviant. She spends her days writing software and her nights writing erotica which is, of course, far more interesting. The spare time that she carves out between her career and her novels is spent reading about the concept of love, which, like some of her characters, she has never quite figured out for herself.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 28, 2013
(barely 3 stars...and only because I have to read this as a part of the series...)
Ugh. This series just took a turn towards the ridiculous. The naïve, small-town, juvenile, painfully-shy-and-sheltered POV of Brian started as charming (book 1), moved to tolerable (book 2), but by this 3rd installment, when Brian heads to the big city of San Diego, it becomes more annoying and unbelievable. And though I’m ok with the coming-of-age aspect of this book, what's starting to get old…for 2 whole books now…is having our MC’s apart. And Brian’s sexual-exploration and what it leads to is just…disappointing…
Again, the details of the book could have been heavily edited, and as I’ve mentioned in the previous reviews, this 6-book series should have been condensed into 3 books, tops.
What saved the book was the big “WTF” moment at the end…which, naturally, made me immediately download the next book and continue reading…as well as the investment I already have in Brian and Jaime and seeing their story out until the end.
Necessary to read if you’re in for the long-run w/ the series…but definitely skim-able…
July 19, 2011
!!Warning: This review could possibly contain spoilers if you haven’t read the previous two books; Enlightened and Abandoned!!
With her third book in the Little Boy Lost series J.P. Barnaby has managed to baffle me with its plot twists! Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined where the Little Boy Lost series would go but I found that I couldn’t tear myself away as Vanished revealed its storylines. At the beginning of Vanished there was no clue that by the end I would be reeling from the implications as events unfolded themselves. I thought the beginning was where the pace of storytelling was taken a notch down. Brian starts his bus ride to San Diego and it was a moment in the story where a bit or recapping was done. Hopes and dreams where still shiny and new, and it was a moment which made me eagerly anticipate the arrival of Brian in San Diego.
Once in San Diego the first priorities of Brian where procuring a place to rent and landing himself a job. It quickly leads him to Leo Horshiwitz who runs a boardinghouse and immediately the setting and its inhabitants piqued my interest. The two most personable characters where Mike and Emilio whose presence grew over the course of the story. Leo was the fatherly go-to person and his work in the GLBT Community Center added to that sense. There are a few more guys in the boarding house but Mike, who seemed the ultimate player just claimed me with his backstory. Emilio is this fun loving guy who is always in to party but small comments here and there just tugged at my heartstrings and make him so likeable.
At first though the story focused on Brian in his search for Jamie. Brian gives it his all and each time it was a dead end I felt the disappointment ride me just as hard as it did him. The doubt riddled moments where despair bloomed were hard to read. I didn’t want Brian to give up hope, give up on his quest, and yet I understood each and every shred of emotion coursing through him. I think the author did such an incredible job of imbuing layers of conflicting emotions next to relaying the internal dialogues of Brian! It forged such an intimate portrayal of a young man on the verge of change where I knew decisions had to be made.
Next to the whirlwind of steep emotions there was also time for developing new friendships, fun, laughter and exploring one’s horizon. The eroticism is scorching and Mike is part of why I went up in flames. He is sexually liberal and opposed to Brian’s rigid control and single-mindedness it gives humorous interplay next to the erotic one. The scene on the dance floor still gets me tingly and showcases a different side of Brian!! Besides that, the connection between the core group of characters is not only one of sexual appetite but also infused with a deep sense of friendship and loyalty.
Through the various events it enables emotions of doubts, blooming sensuality and joy to intertwine in an attention grabbing story. Brian allows me to go through it all but leaving me in the dark where he would end up. He was torn in two and then a situation developed that instigated heart-pounding plot twists. Never in a million years did I see certain things coming!! So while the story started out with an uneventful bus ride it ended up with me panting in shock. A good shock but still, it also made me realize this author could dish out anything for her characters and the most amazing part is, she made it understandable. And then, to add to my elevated blood pressure, she threw in another shocker that made me cry.
The range of feelings each Little Boy Lost novel triggers is amazing. There are no cardboard characters to be found. Each character comes alive via dialogue, quirks and quips. While I felt there was a sense of innocence to the previous two stories because Brian still was kind of innocent, his transformation is superbly done in Vanished. It gradually turned this story in to a gritty and provoking ending where all things are possible. Time and again J.P. Barnaby gives an emotionally rip-roaring story and it is the very reason I'm always asking for more!
With VANISHED, J.P. Barnaby will give you an absorbing intensity in storytelling, compelling characters and great emotional development. Next to this she managed to up the ante even more and give this series a twist that will catch many readers by surprise. Long may J.P. Barnaby write!
4.5 stars
Quotes for you to sample:
With her third book in the Little Boy Lost series J.P. Barnaby has managed to baffle me with its plot twists! Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined where the Little Boy Lost series would go but I found that I couldn’t tear myself away as Vanished revealed its storylines. At the beginning of Vanished there was no clue that by the end I would be reeling from the implications as events unfolded themselves. I thought the beginning was where the pace of storytelling was taken a notch down. Brian starts his bus ride to San Diego and it was a moment in the story where a bit or recapping was done. Hopes and dreams where still shiny and new, and it was a moment which made me eagerly anticipate the arrival of Brian in San Diego.
Once in San Diego the first priorities of Brian where procuring a place to rent and landing himself a job. It quickly leads him to Leo Horshiwitz who runs a boardinghouse and immediately the setting and its inhabitants piqued my interest. The two most personable characters where Mike and Emilio whose presence grew over the course of the story. Leo was the fatherly go-to person and his work in the GLBT Community Center added to that sense. There are a few more guys in the boarding house but Mike, who seemed the ultimate player just claimed me with his backstory. Emilio is this fun loving guy who is always in to party but small comments here and there just tugged at my heartstrings and make him so likeable.
At first though the story focused on Brian in his search for Jamie. Brian gives it his all and each time it was a dead end I felt the disappointment ride me just as hard as it did him. The doubt riddled moments where despair bloomed were hard to read. I didn’t want Brian to give up hope, give up on his quest, and yet I understood each and every shred of emotion coursing through him. I think the author did such an incredible job of imbuing layers of conflicting emotions next to relaying the internal dialogues of Brian! It forged such an intimate portrayal of a young man on the verge of change where I knew decisions had to be made.
Next to the whirlwind of steep emotions there was also time for developing new friendships, fun, laughter and exploring one’s horizon. The eroticism is scorching and Mike is part of why I went up in flames. He is sexually liberal and opposed to Brian’s rigid control and single-mindedness it gives humorous interplay next to the erotic one. The scene on the dance floor still gets me tingly and showcases a different side of Brian!! Besides that, the connection between the core group of characters is not only one of sexual appetite but also infused with a deep sense of friendship and loyalty.
Through the various events it enables emotions of doubts, blooming sensuality and joy to intertwine in an attention grabbing story. Brian allows me to go through it all but leaving me in the dark where he would end up. He was torn in two and then a situation developed that instigated heart-pounding plot twists. Never in a million years did I see certain things coming!! So while the story started out with an uneventful bus ride it ended up with me panting in shock. A good shock but still, it also made me realize this author could dish out anything for her characters and the most amazing part is, she made it understandable. And then, to add to my elevated blood pressure, she threw in another shocker that made me cry.
The range of feelings each Little Boy Lost novel triggers is amazing. There are no cardboard characters to be found. Each character comes alive via dialogue, quirks and quips. While I felt there was a sense of innocence to the previous two stories because Brian still was kind of innocent, his transformation is superbly done in Vanished. It gradually turned this story in to a gritty and provoking ending where all things are possible. Time and again J.P. Barnaby gives an emotionally rip-roaring story and it is the very reason I'm always asking for more!
With VANISHED, J.P. Barnaby will give you an absorbing intensity in storytelling, compelling characters and great emotional development. Next to this she managed to up the ante even more and give this series a twist that will catch many readers by surprise. Long may J.P. Barnaby write!
4.5 stars
Quotes for you to sample:
“Hey, Pete, who’s your little friend?” he asked with a leer. Andy’s arm remained around my shoulders, and he pulled me just a little closer. “He’s a friend of Leo’s; we were just going upstairs. Whatcha doin’ tonight, Mike?”
“Twins,” the man said as two younger guys, maybe even younger than me, walked out of the room looking a little dazed. The boys were identical except for their messy clothes. In simultaneous movements, they leaned over on each side of the guy and kissed him, one tangling his fingers in the man’s short brown hair, before making their way back down the hall the way we’d come.
“You’re something else,” Andy said, laughing as the naked man half shrugged.
“So I’m told,” he replied with a wink, and I couldn’t help but smile at him. His dark eyes twinkled with humor as they studied me closely. “Wanna find that out, baby boy?” Very slowly, Mike traced my lips with his finger.
January 18, 2012
This series is addictive. As soon as I put this down I picked up the next one. This story is about Brian's attempt to find a way to live in San Diego while searching for Jaimie. He makes some decisions that have me as a parent ready to tear my hair out - any mom would mortgage the damned house and send her kid rent money while he hunts for a job, rather than have him take the route Brian chooses. But Brian's choices fit his situation and his character. And I didn't even mind another cliff-hanger ending. But only because the next two books were waiting on my Nook.
January 21, 2013
"I love Jamie, I love Jamie, let me get drunk and sleep around, then do porn..." Huh???
The plot line in this book was SO frustrating, but the next one seems to be starting out better so far.
The plot line in this book was SO frustrating, but the next one seems to be starting out better so far.
July 18, 2011
4.25 stars
This is the third book in the Little Boy Lost series. As a quick refresher, in Book One, Brian and Jamie, best friends since they were eleven years old, realize their feelings are more than friendship, and embark on a loving and sexual relationship. In Book Two, Jamie has been yanked from Brian’s life. Brian endures a long and difficult senior year in high school, but even so, makes new friends and develops some new skills. When Book Two ends, however, Brian has decided to forego college and is on a bus heading to San Diego, with a goal to find Jamie and bring him back into his life.
Book Three opens exactly where Book Two ended, with Brian on the Greyline Bus, pulling away from the bus station, waving to his parents and friend Adam. He is scared, lonely, and wondering if he is making a huge mistake. But he has made a decision and is determined to find Jamie in San Diego, no matter what it takes.
The story unfolds somewhat episodically, although the book is divided into chapters, not parts. Even so, “Episode” one covers the bus journey from Crayford, Alabama to San Diego. “Episode” two revolves around Brian getting settled in San Diego, finding a place to live, finding a job, and beginning his search for Jamie. “Episode” three explores Brian’s new friendships, especially with Mike, with him he begins a sexual relationship. This latter experience may be distressing for those readers who want Brian to stay true to Jamie, as he did in Book Two. For sure, Brian does feel some guilt for what he is doing; on the other hand, he’s 18, he has hormones, he’s lonely, and Mike’s a good friend. The fact they become intimate is more of an inevitability rather than a surprise.
Besides, Barnaby writes really hot sex scenes which made the last 40% of the book a bit more interesting than what had gone on before.
Once again, this book is written from Brian’s first person POV. While this is what I was expecting (it’s the same in Books One and Two) I felt that in this story, it became a little limiting. There are enough other characters who have been introduced that I really wondered what was going on with them but I had no way of knowing since everything was seen through Brian’s eyes. For example, shortly after Brian arrives in San Diego, he goes to meet with Mitch Mayfield, Jamie’s dad. Apparently Jamie had run away from The Sunshine Center, an ex-gay therapy program where he had spent the better part of his first year in San Diego. Mitch has no idea where Jamie is and just shrugs his shoulders. That’s it? I felt like there were a lot of loose ends like this throughout the story. I realize this can’t be changed due to the POV, but it gave me a somewhat incomplete feeling as I read the book.
The story ends with a cliffhanger—again—clearly a Barnaby trademark. However, this time it was not a big surprise to me. When the story takes a certain turn and Brian makes a decision, I knew exactly where the story was going. Not that this is a bad thing, but Books One and Two had a bit more suspense around the ending, which I felt was lacking this time. But this is me and others might not feel the same way.
Plusses—as with the other books, good writing that pulled me right into the story and wouldn’t let me quit reading until the book was done. Also, I like Brian a lot and I am very invested in his character. I want good things to happen to him and I keep rooting for him, even if, (IMHO), he made some poor choices this time around. Given the situation that he is in and his general naivety, this wasn’t too surprising. Still, the mother in me wanted to shake him at times—which also made me wonder why his real mother wasn’t being a bit more proactive (another one of those POV loose ends that bugged me).
Overall, I don’t think this is the strongest entry in the series so far (at the moment, that spot is still held by Book One), but that doesn’t mean this is a bad book. It’s sort of like a brick in the foundation—a necessary building block to get us where we’re headed in the next three books of the series. And, given the way things have been set up at the end, I anticipate an upswing in the next installment, Discovered.
If you are like me and hooked on this series, well, of course you have to read this. If you are new to the series then you definitely need to start with Book One—these are not standalone stories. And if you are waiting for the entire series to be complete before diving in, then add this to your wish list. Overall, this is a very good series that I can easily recommend. I am definitely looking forward to the next three books and am still hoping for a HEA for Brian and Jamie!
posted on Reviews by Jessewave, 7/18/2011
This is the third book in the Little Boy Lost series. As a quick refresher, in Book One, Brian and Jamie, best friends since they were eleven years old, realize their feelings are more than friendship, and embark on a loving and sexual relationship. In Book Two, Jamie has been yanked from Brian’s life. Brian endures a long and difficult senior year in high school, but even so, makes new friends and develops some new skills. When Book Two ends, however, Brian has decided to forego college and is on a bus heading to San Diego, with a goal to find Jamie and bring him back into his life.
Book Three opens exactly where Book Two ended, with Brian on the Greyline Bus, pulling away from the bus station, waving to his parents and friend Adam. He is scared, lonely, and wondering if he is making a huge mistake. But he has made a decision and is determined to find Jamie in San Diego, no matter what it takes.
The story unfolds somewhat episodically, although the book is divided into chapters, not parts. Even so, “Episode” one covers the bus journey from Crayford, Alabama to San Diego. “Episode” two revolves around Brian getting settled in San Diego, finding a place to live, finding a job, and beginning his search for Jamie. “Episode” three explores Brian’s new friendships, especially with Mike, with him he begins a sexual relationship. This latter experience may be distressing for those readers who want Brian to stay true to Jamie, as he did in Book Two. For sure, Brian does feel some guilt for what he is doing; on the other hand, he’s 18, he has hormones, he’s lonely, and Mike’s a good friend. The fact they become intimate is more of an inevitability rather than a surprise.
Besides, Barnaby writes really hot sex scenes which made the last 40% of the book a bit more interesting than what had gone on before.
Once again, this book is written from Brian’s first person POV. While this is what I was expecting (it’s the same in Books One and Two) I felt that in this story, it became a little limiting. There are enough other characters who have been introduced that I really wondered what was going on with them but I had no way of knowing since everything was seen through Brian’s eyes. For example, shortly after Brian arrives in San Diego, he goes to meet with Mitch Mayfield, Jamie’s dad. Apparently Jamie had run away from The Sunshine Center, an ex-gay therapy program where he had spent the better part of his first year in San Diego. Mitch has no idea where Jamie is and just shrugs his shoulders. That’s it? I felt like there were a lot of loose ends like this throughout the story. I realize this can’t be changed due to the POV, but it gave me a somewhat incomplete feeling as I read the book.
The story ends with a cliffhanger—again—clearly a Barnaby trademark. However, this time it was not a big surprise to me. When the story takes a certain turn and Brian makes a decision, I knew exactly where the story was going. Not that this is a bad thing, but Books One and Two had a bit more suspense around the ending, which I felt was lacking this time. But this is me and others might not feel the same way.
Plusses—as with the other books, good writing that pulled me right into the story and wouldn’t let me quit reading until the book was done. Also, I like Brian a lot and I am very invested in his character. I want good things to happen to him and I keep rooting for him, even if, (IMHO), he made some poor choices this time around. Given the situation that he is in and his general naivety, this wasn’t too surprising. Still, the mother in me wanted to shake him at times—which also made me wonder why his real mother wasn’t being a bit more proactive (another one of those POV loose ends that bugged me).
Overall, I don’t think this is the strongest entry in the series so far (at the moment, that spot is still held by Book One), but that doesn’t mean this is a bad book. It’s sort of like a brick in the foundation—a necessary building block to get us where we’re headed in the next three books of the series. And, given the way things have been set up at the end, I anticipate an upswing in the next installment, Discovered.
If you are like me and hooked on this series, well, of course you have to read this. If you are new to the series then you definitely need to start with Book One—these are not standalone stories. And if you are waiting for the entire series to be complete before diving in, then add this to your wish list. Overall, this is a very good series that I can easily recommend. I am definitely looking forward to the next three books and am still hoping for a HEA for Brian and Jamie!
posted on Reviews by Jessewave, 7/18/2011
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2011
Once again, I find myself reading a book that I can't put down until I've read all the way through. Not surprising with this author as I was hooked with the first 2 books in this series as well. This story is just a continuation of Brian's search for Jaime as he tries to settle in San Diego while he's searching. He finds a room at a gay-friendly boardinghouse and meets Mike, who immediately befriends him.
I thought the author beautifully pulled off their friendship. That despite sleeping together regularly (OMG, how hot are those sex scenes?!), Brian's heart remained true to Jamie and Mike is okay with that. This was such a realistic scene as Brian is only 18 and by that time hasn't seen Jamie in over a year and a half. I believe there is a difference in emotionally cheating and physically cheating. What Brian and Mike had was just a "friends with benefits" relationship that worked for me.
The cliffhanger (the author's trademark, maybe?) was great. Waiting on pins and needles for the next book!!!
I thought the author beautifully pulled off their friendship. That despite sleeping together regularly (OMG, how hot are those sex scenes?!), Brian's heart remained true to Jamie and Mike is okay with that. This was such a realistic scene as Brian is only 18 and by that time hasn't seen Jamie in over a year and a half. I believe there is a difference in emotionally cheating and physically cheating. What Brian and Mike had was just a "friends with benefits" relationship that worked for me.
The cliffhanger (the author's trademark, maybe?) was great. Waiting on pins and needles for the next book!!!
July 23, 2011
Man, what a heinous cliff-hanger! I need the next book in the series now!
I've been reading J.P. Barnaby's work for a few years now. I'm pretty familiar with her style of writing and know that a HEA ending isn't necessarily in the cards. And I'm OK with that- as long as the plot develops in a way that seems true to the reality of the character's situations it's all good. What worries me is that this is only book 3 of a 6 book series and I have a feeling that books 4 and 5 at least, and possibly book 6 are going to be a really angsty read. I guess I'll have to stock up on tissue and hope that the wait between books is not too long.
I've been reading J.P. Barnaby's work for a few years now. I'm pretty familiar with her style of writing and know that a HEA ending isn't necessarily in the cards. And I'm OK with that- as long as the plot develops in a way that seems true to the reality of the character's situations it's all good. What worries me is that this is only book 3 of a 6 book series and I have a feeling that books 4 and 5 at least, and possibly book 6 are going to be a really angsty read. I guess I'll have to stock up on tissue and hope that the wait between books is not too long.
November 19, 2014
I love love love this series!! I do think Brian's journey from Alabama to California was a bit long and didn't do much to add to the storyline, but once he got there, things picked up. I felt Brian's heart break as he searched for Jamie and I enjoyed his friendship with Mike, Emilio and the rest of the guys. Definitely continuing on with this series :)
July 27, 2011
I really like the heart wrenching pure romance of this series. The sex on every page and the porn twist in this book kinda killed the series for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2012
Brian has turned 18 and goes to San Diego in his quest to find Jamie. There is no sign of Jamie but Brian discovers gay bathhouses and porn instead. Um, yay?
April 12, 2012
4.5 stars!!!
September 26, 2020
Thus continues the saga of Brian and Jamie and is completely from Brian's POV as he leaves Alabama for California to search for Jamie. He makes new friends along away, learns a few more hard lessons, and even lets loose a little. But once again, another heartbreaking cliffhanger.... I am a sucker for angst and tear-jerkers, so this series is a great one for me.
August 21, 2011
We have gone on quite a journey with Brian in this series. In the first book, Enlightened we watch as his friend Jamie goes from best friend to love interest. Then in a heartbreaking scene, we see Jamie’s parents unable to deal with a gay son, and they move across the country to San Diego. Brian is then outted as a gay man, and during book two,k Abandoned, is bullied in school in his small town of Alabama. By the end of book two, Brian has decided the only course for him to take, is to go to California and try to find his true love.
Vanished opens with Brian’s long cross country bus trip. His adoptive parents don’t want him to go, but they understand his misery. They understand what it means to be a gay man in their small town and to not know where your first love is. So they painfully let him go. Unlike many other gay men he meets in San Diego and on the bus, he is not a runaway. He is loved and supported by his parents. But he knows he can’t continue his life unless he at least tries to search for Jamie.
Of course, once in the big city, things are scary. He finally finds housing with other gay men in an apartment building. He finds work as a landscaper and most importantly – friends. There is a strong sense of community where he is and he feels at home. Very homesick for his parents, but he finally feels like he fits in somewhere.
The hard part comes when he actually needs to search for Jamie. He knows Jamie’s parents put him in a “gay rehab” center, which Jamie has since fled. Now no one knows where he is . Is he on the streets? In a shelter? All Brian can do is work to make enough money so he can continue to stay in San Diego and search. Realistically though, it has been almost two years since he has seen him.
And so Brian’s search begins. I still enjoy this series but I will say the angst and emo drama is getting to me a little bit. This book is all about Brian starting a new life. Finding new friends and becoming independent. It is a huge step for Brian. But he eventually finds some guys at an all-gay housing development that open their arms to him. (open their pants too…we will get to that part in a moment).
In one regard I like that the author is really exploring the innocence of Brian versus the reality of his situation. He jumps on a bus to San Diego. That is the easy part. Then the reality sets in once he gets there and realizes just how big San Diego is. Jamie could be anywhere. He is only going on one letter he received from him, telling him Jamie still loves him. But it has been so many months – Brian is looking for a pin in a haystack.
But on the other hand, I wasn’t expecting to fall for Brian’s new friend(s) so much. Mike in particular. They become close – very close. They start as having sex as a means for release. Brian is 18 and horny. Mike is older (I can’t remember how much) and attracted. (there are other men that get involved too) But their relationship becomes much more than just messing around. At least to me it did. And so now we have Brian who is suppose to be in love with Jamie, but also starting a relationship with Mike.And while we know that Brian is having fun having sex, and still in love with Jamie, what about Mike? Is he just being used? I wanted to get more from him (even though this is in Brian’s POV).
By the end, there is a big twist/cliffhanger setting us up for more angst and drama in the next book. I like angst, but yikes, I think we are in for a lot of it in book four. But I’m going to read it because I’m definitely invested in these characters and I need to read their eventual HEA.
Rating: C+
Vanished opens with Brian’s long cross country bus trip. His adoptive parents don’t want him to go, but they understand his misery. They understand what it means to be a gay man in their small town and to not know where your first love is. So they painfully let him go. Unlike many other gay men he meets in San Diego and on the bus, he is not a runaway. He is loved and supported by his parents. But he knows he can’t continue his life unless he at least tries to search for Jamie.
Of course, once in the big city, things are scary. He finally finds housing with other gay men in an apartment building. He finds work as a landscaper and most importantly – friends. There is a strong sense of community where he is and he feels at home. Very homesick for his parents, but he finally feels like he fits in somewhere.
The hard part comes when he actually needs to search for Jamie. He knows Jamie’s parents put him in a “gay rehab” center, which Jamie has since fled. Now no one knows where he is . Is he on the streets? In a shelter? All Brian can do is work to make enough money so he can continue to stay in San Diego and search. Realistically though, it has been almost two years since he has seen him.
And so Brian’s search begins. I still enjoy this series but I will say the angst and emo drama is getting to me a little bit. This book is all about Brian starting a new life. Finding new friends and becoming independent. It is a huge step for Brian. But he eventually finds some guys at an all-gay housing development that open their arms to him. (open their pants too…we will get to that part in a moment).
In one regard I like that the author is really exploring the innocence of Brian versus the reality of his situation. He jumps on a bus to San Diego. That is the easy part. Then the reality sets in once he gets there and realizes just how big San Diego is. Jamie could be anywhere. He is only going on one letter he received from him, telling him Jamie still loves him. But it has been so many months – Brian is looking for a pin in a haystack.
But on the other hand, I wasn’t expecting to fall for Brian’s new friend(s) so much. Mike in particular. They become close – very close. They start as having sex as a means for release. Brian is 18 and horny. Mike is older (I can’t remember how much) and attracted. (there are other men that get involved too) But their relationship becomes much more than just messing around. At least to me it did. And so now we have Brian who is suppose to be in love with Jamie, but also starting a relationship with Mike.And while we know that Brian is having fun having sex, and still in love with Jamie, what about Mike? Is he just being used? I wanted to get more from him (even though this is in Brian’s POV).
By the end, there is a big twist/cliffhanger setting us up for more angst and drama in the next book. I like angst, but yikes, I think we are in for a lot of it in book four. But I’m going to read it because I’m definitely invested in these characters and I need to read their eventual HEA.
Rating: C+
July 16, 2016
This is the third book in Lost Boy series and we start where we left off in the second book. Brian is now on a bus going to look for Jamie in San Diego. After receiving a letter from Jamie that is a gay rehab center Brian is more determined than ever to find him. Even though Jamie implores Brian to go on with his life and find happiness Brian feels he can't. Brian is leaving behind parents ( the Schreibers adopted him), his best friend Adam, who has feelings for him, Kyle (his friend and former teacher), and Sensei who all are supportive, but want him to stay and go to college ( he has a scholarship to the University of Alabama). Brian feels he would not be happy without trying to find Jamie who has left the center. So with nothing but hope and determination, Brian boards the bus. With a cell phone ( his parents brought him) a debit card and find in his savings account, he's off to find Jamie.Brian stays several days at a hotel, and than rents a room from a gruff older gay man named Leo. The boarding house is a refuge for other gay men. Brian soons find himself becoming friends with the other young men that live there. He's attracted to Micah who helps in both his search for Jamie and also to find a job. I won't say more, but this series leaves you on the edge of your seat. What a good read!
February 10, 2012
I know Im devouring this books, they are that good.
With that said I have to be honest and say that the first half of the book was slow, too slow for my taste.
The second half started to pick up and I felt in love again.
I like the characters there is no doubt. I like the relationship between Brian and Mike. I feel the need to have Jamie back in the picture now.
There were a few things that not bother me but make noise (?) Like Brian calling or texting his mom often at the beginning and then like nothing for months. Maybe if it hasn't been so detailed in the beginning it would go unnoticed on the rest of the book.
Or how the only option for Brian to stay in San Diego was the industry. I know it works for the story is just that I dont think Carolyn would have said no to send more money.
But are just little things in the whole picture.
Book 4 is ready to go and I can't wait!
With that said I have to be honest and say that the first half of the book was slow, too slow for my taste.
The second half started to pick up and I felt in love again.
I like the characters there is no doubt. I like the relationship between Brian and Mike. I feel the need to have Jamie back in the picture now.
There were a few things that not bother me but make noise (?) Like Brian calling or texting his mom often at the beginning and then like nothing for months. Maybe if it hasn't been so detailed in the beginning it would go unnoticed on the rest of the book.
Or how the only option for Brian to stay in San Diego was the industry. I know it works for the story is just that I dont think Carolyn would have said no to send more money.
But are just little things in the whole picture.
Book 4 is ready to go and I can't wait!
June 19, 2014
i decided to rate this as a series later, because i don't want to talk about this book. EVER AGAIN.
i still remember the first book being Jasper/Edward fanfiction. and i still remeber the time i was so excited about the idea of a series... and i don't know what changed, but i don't f*cking want to read about my favorite characters being completely different people. i do understand people change. but they freaking DOING IT WILLINGLY. so why the hell they whine about it later. Brian freaking-freaking-piece-of-a-slutty-shit. *deep breath*
i'm not gonna talk about this book. i just hope i will go through the rest of the series someday. maybe i'm just hypersensitive to some issues.
i still remember the first book being Jasper/Edward fanfiction. and i still remeber the time i was so excited about the idea of a series... and i don't know what changed, but i don't f*cking want to read about my favorite characters being completely different people. i do understand people change. but they freaking DOING IT WILLINGLY. so why the hell they whine about it later. Brian freaking-freaking-piece-of-a-slutty-shit. *deep breath*
i'm not gonna talk about this book. i just hope i will go through the rest of the series someday. maybe i'm just hypersensitive to some issues.
September 8, 2011
I think this is the best of the series so far (and whoa, what a cliffhanger at the end). I loved seeing Brian start to find his way in the world and meet some kindred spirits in San Diego.
His desperation to find Jamie is heartbreaking, but Brian's exploration of his newfound sexuality is surprisingly well-written, and I think it's an important development for his character. The scenes between Brian and Mike (and the voyeuristic overtones between Brian/Mike/Emilio) are very, very hot.
I must say, I fell a little bit in love with Mike. I sincerely hope he appears in the next book (or maybe gets a story of his own?).
His desperation to find Jamie is heartbreaking, but Brian's exploration of his newfound sexuality is surprisingly well-written, and I think it's an important development for his character. The scenes between Brian and Mike (and the voyeuristic overtones between Brian/Mike/Emilio) are very, very hot.
I must say, I fell a little bit in love with Mike. I sincerely hope he appears in the next book (or maybe gets a story of his own?).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2011
This one is so different from the previous two in that it follows Brian's adventures now that he has left home and began his journey to find his true love Jamie. Brian's new life is quite the adventure as you will soon see. It is a journey of discovery (especially sexually) and at the same time a journey of sadness in his quest to find Jamie. I was a wee bit surprised at the turn of events in Brian's search for a job, to say the least. And the ending.....POW! I did NOT see that coming! J.P. you did it again! When is the next one? *drool*
July 12, 2012
There were parts of this book that, I felt, were drawn out unnecessarily. A couple of scenes that felt like filler. Other than that, still the same excellent editing, characters, plot, and writing style.
I'm already 69% into Discovered. My "series OCD" has combined with the extraordinary story that is "Little Boy Lost" and I'm helpless to stop until it's over. And then I'll be sorry it's over and probably have withdrawal symptoms.
I'm already 69% into Discovered. My "series OCD" has combined with the extraordinary story that is "Little Boy Lost" and I'm helpless to stop until it's over. And then I'll be sorry it's over and probably have withdrawal symptoms.
January 22, 2012
Okay, I had to think about this book for a few days after finishing it before I felt ready to post my review. It is one of the most moving books I've read in a while. The third book in the series contiues Brian's journey and moves this from YA to full on adult in rangebecause the suxual activity is increased dramatically.
Brian makes new friends and lovers, becomes a gay porn star and so much more but to tell would be spoiling the story.
The book began an emotional journey for me than ran thrugh the next 2 books in the series which changed the point of view to Jamie.
Brian makes new friends and lovers, becomes a gay porn star and so much more but to tell would be spoiling the story.
The book began an emotional journey for me than ran thrugh the next 2 books in the series which changed the point of view to Jamie.
November 16, 2014
I think it would be better if the author meshed books 2 and 3 together...because two books in a row without Jamie is just too much. And if I really enjoyed the previous book because Brian made so much progress, grew up and matured nicely, in Vanished Brian was basically in a limbo. The story was repetitive - Brian working, searching, making friends and having sex. Wash, rinse, repeat.
Despite the dragged out parts, I am really invested in these guys now. Can't wait for them to get together!
Despite the dragged out parts, I am really invested in these guys now. Can't wait for them to get together!
January 5, 2020
This third book in the series is even more heartbreaking than the first two. I’m not sure I’ll make it to the end of this story… the problem is, I can’t stop reading either. The characters are so real to me, so loveable and in so much pain – how could I possibly leave them to their own devices?
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
September 10, 2016
**4.5
Vanished is still as sad and emotionally hard to read as the first two books in this series but with Brian making some great friends to help him in his search for Jamie the despair didn't have such a dark tone.....until the end. I should have seen that one coming. *grabs the tissue box again*
July 8, 2012
I read all 6 back to back and thank goodness I did! Vanished was so interesting. Everything Brian did to get to San Diego and then stay. I loved that he had a place where he was accepted after everything he went thru in the last book. Excellent!
July 18, 2011
So sad to see what they have become. But yeah the last chapter has me on the edge of my seat until the new book comes out!
November 4, 2011
Lordy,is about all I can say at this point. I will continue with #4 Discovered, hopefully by then I will be able to say more. JP I truly love this series.
August 19, 2011
I can't even... Can I please just take both these boys and hug the stuffing out of them and make everything okay? My heart hurts so bad for them.
August 9, 2011
4.5 stars Can't wait for the next installment. Really pulled at the heart-strings and I really think I'm going to need the tissues as the story continues.
March 29, 2012
Its been a long time since I've read a series of books where I am unable to seep rate from the characters I am reading about but that's exactly how I felt. Happy that Brian is trying to move on..:((
May 2, 2012
3.5/5 stars
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