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The Adrien English Mysteries
A Funny Thing Happened...
Amidst the twinkling lights and snow-kissed streets of a quaint, picture-perfect town in the High Sierra, a bookstore owner and former homicide detective are reminded that the greatest mysteries are the ones that lead us to love. Join Adrien English and Jake Riordan one last time in a short, sweet tale that will warm your heart and remind you that love knows no bounds, especially during the most magical time of the year.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2023
80 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
223 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 4, 2024
A lovely short story about Adrien and Jake. It's wonderful to see how far they've come since the first time they met. I liked the Christmas vibes, but there's also something more. I only wish it was longer.
January 6, 2024
Cute,I guess .. A bit boring too though . I thought Jake would make some more effort to be a bit more romantic-after all, he had a lot of douchery to make up for- but nope, he’s still at the “bare minimum” stage.
January 5, 2024
A very cute scene of Adrien and Jake finally making things official, albeit in an unexpected way. It was nice seeing them again. I miss reading this amazing series.
July 15, 2025
This is the end of Adriene and Jake's story. I will always love to read about them 💙 I might confess there's an extra ⭐ just because...
January 31, 2025
< You’re serious about this?”
“I am, yeah. Let’s run away together, Adrien- with- an- e.” The gleam of his smile widened. That smile. It undid me every time.
I grinned back. “You talked me into it. Let’s hitch the reindeer and load up the sleigh.” >
Excuse me while I go and sob my eyes out.
Adrien and Jake have been one of my favourite couples since the very first time I read this series: they've been through A LOT, and seeing them reach this stage in their relationship is... *tears up, clenches fist, heart bursting out of chest* gah, I just love them to bits.
I'd already read a shorter version of this novella at the end of the "Fatal Shadows: The Collector's Edition", but omg, this version is so much sweeter and lovely and funny and heartfelt and romantic.
Jake's in such a better place, and seeing him so secure and in love and devoted in this novella (and to be fair, also before that!) always makes me want to grin, swoon and break down in tears, simultaneously. And Adrien! God, he's probably one of my favourite characters of all time: he's hilarious, he's snarky, he's sweet, he's clever, he's an idiot, he's the best. I love him to death.
Also I highlighted half of the book, so here are some quotes that made me laugh/swoon/break-down-and-start-sobbing-in-a-corner:
< I said darkly, “[...] I never filled out a compatibility quiz in my life. Did you?”
“No.” He threw me an ironic look. “Maybe that was our mistake.”
“Yeah. That was the holdup. We never took the time to see if we agreed on…” I peered looked down at the magazine page and read aloud: “What is your idea of a romantic date?”
“Obviously a crime scene.”
“Right? It doesn’t get more romantic than that.” >
< “What are your views on the reasons for unsuccessful relationships?”
Jake said with surprising promptness, “Not talking. Not listening. Failure to look at the situation from the other person’s view point.”
To give the devil his due, a failure to communicate had not been one of Jake’s weaknesses. Rarely, had I not known Jake’s feelings on any given subject. “I appreciate that you didn’t mention amateur sleuthing.”
“Well, the truth is, you continually poking that… refined nose of yours into trouble kept us close. It accelerated everything between us. So maybe I don’t love your sleuthing, but I can’t completely regret it either.” >
< There are some things you don’t get tired of. Your favorite things. I’m not talking about raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. I mean that first kiss of the day and the last kiss at night, Jake’s quiet laugh— what I think of as his private laugh— the way we know what each other’s thinking without so much as a glance. I don’t think any of this— the feel of his hands moving over my body, the taste of his mouth on mine— the heat and urgency and hunger— that need to be as close to one as two humans can get— I don’t understand how that could ever become stale or routine. I don’t get tired of hearing sweet nothings, because they will never mean nothing to me. I know what it cost us to get here.
Jake muttered roughly, “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” >
OKAY, I'll re-read these books.
“I am, yeah. Let’s run away together, Adrien- with- an- e.” The gleam of his smile widened. That smile. It undid me every time.
I grinned back. “You talked me into it. Let’s hitch the reindeer and load up the sleigh.” >
Excuse me while I go and sob my eyes out.
Adrien and Jake have been one of my favourite couples since the very first time I read this series: they've been through A LOT, and seeing them reach this stage in their relationship is... *tears up, clenches fist, heart bursting out of chest* gah, I just love them to bits.
I'd already read a shorter version of this novella at the end of the "Fatal Shadows: The Collector's Edition", but omg, this version is so much sweeter and lovely and funny and heartfelt and romantic.
Jake's in such a better place, and seeing him so secure and in love and devoted in this novella (and to be fair, also before that!) always makes me want to grin, swoon and break down in tears, simultaneously. And Adrien! God, he's probably one of my favourite characters of all time: he's hilarious, he's snarky, he's sweet, he's clever, he's an idiot, he's the best. I love him to death.
Also I highlighted half of the book, so here are some quotes that made me laugh/swoon/break-down-and-start-sobbing-in-a-corner:
< I said darkly, “[...] I never filled out a compatibility quiz in my life. Did you?”
“No.” He threw me an ironic look. “Maybe that was our mistake.”
“Yeah. That was the holdup. We never took the time to see if we agreed on…” I peered looked down at the magazine page and read aloud: “What is your idea of a romantic date?”
“Obviously a crime scene.”
“Right? It doesn’t get more romantic than that.” >
< “What are your views on the reasons for unsuccessful relationships?”
Jake said with surprising promptness, “Not talking. Not listening. Failure to look at the situation from the other person’s view point.”
To give the devil his due, a failure to communicate had not been one of Jake’s weaknesses. Rarely, had I not known Jake’s feelings on any given subject. “I appreciate that you didn’t mention amateur sleuthing.”
“Well, the truth is, you continually poking that… refined nose of yours into trouble kept us close. It accelerated everything between us. So maybe I don’t love your sleuthing, but I can’t completely regret it either.” >
< There are some things you don’t get tired of. Your favorite things. I’m not talking about raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. I mean that first kiss of the day and the last kiss at night, Jake’s quiet laugh— what I think of as his private laugh— the way we know what each other’s thinking without so much as a glance. I don’t think any of this— the feel of his hands moving over my body, the taste of his mouth on mine— the heat and urgency and hunger— that need to be as close to one as two humans can get— I don’t understand how that could ever become stale or routine. I don’t get tired of hearing sweet nothings, because they will never mean nothing to me. I know what it cost us to get here.
Jake muttered roughly, “You’re the best thing that ever happened to me.” >
OKAY, I'll re-read these books.
March 10, 2024
Cute short.. ❤️❤️sort of a holiday epilogue for the series without any suspenseful plot in the background. It was also a snapshot of their lives in the present.. Enjoyed the simplicity of it.. there was no one else besides Adrien and Jake.. 🥰
May 28, 2024
Cute, cute, cute. I wasn't super enthusiastic about the story taking place during the pandemic and, timeline wise, I don't think it aligns, but it's Adrien and Jake so who cares?
July 12, 2025
This read as an extended coda, not a big surprise since that’s exactly what it is. What I mean is that the characters’ voices and the tone were more like the ones in the codas than the books of the main series (STIC not included). The setting during threw me out of the story a bit every time something related to it was mentioned, thankfully I kept forgetting about it until were mentioned again and with a bit of luck I’ll be able to pretend that detail didn’t exist. It was weird to think of this story, which takes place one year after their first Christmas together, as set in , it was really jarring given that in Fatal Shadows, which was set only a few years before this in the series timeline, Adrien didn’t have a cell phone, among other things. I would’ve preferred to have this set at an undetermined time, given that it wasn’t really necessary for the plot’s sake. Except maybe for , which I wasn’t expecting but I liked. It was very them, in the way it happened and it was fitting that it happened
There were a few lines that were quintessentially Adrien and Jake and, although I doubt my brain will retain much of this as an integral part of series (hopefully with at least the exception of ), it was good to see them together and happy one last time.
There were a few lines that were quintessentially Adrien and Jake and, although I doubt my brain will retain much of this as an integral part of series (hopefully with at least the exception of ), it was good to see them together and happy one last time.
December 31, 2023
Not much really happened in this catch up. Very short book for quite a bit of money.
January 3, 2024
Put one of my all-time favorite male/male couples EVER, add sprinkles of nostalgia, a dash of holiday theme (like snow, pets, trip down the memory lane), and a dollop of surprise in form of (... and I was happy girl
Look, it's Adrien and Jake ... what a WONDERFUL way to start 2024 reading list (well, it's the third story I read so far, but you know what I mean)
Look, it's Adrien and Jake ... what a WONDERFUL way to start 2024 reading list (well, it's the third story I read so far, but you know what I mean)
July 12, 2025
A small glimpse about what's next for Jake and Adrien after everything they've gone through. .
April 8, 2024
Holy time warp, Batman. Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but this series takes place throughout the early-mid 2000s. Then the events of this novella pick right up about a year after the original series leaves off, but it’s somehow also 15+ years later during COVID precautions. I had to work out the continuity timeline below to ensure I wasn’t losing it.
- Book 1: Adrien sees Jake standing in line to see Scary Movie, which came out in July 2000.
- Book 3: Adrien and Jake have been seeing each other for about 10 months following the events of Book 1, so that puts this probably late spring/early summer 2001.
- Book 4: Two years have passed since the events at the end of Book 3, putting this one mid-2003.
- Book 5: Picks up immediately after Book 4, so we’re still mid-2003.
- Book 6: Takes place around the holidays after the events in Book 5, Jake and Adrien have been back together for about 6 months, so we’re at the end of 2003. When they celebrate NYE, we are now at the beginning of 2004.
- This Novella: Events pick up the Christmas following events in Book 6, yet somehow instead of it being Christmastime 2004, we’re smack in the middle of COVID?? So maybe 2020?
If you’re going to time jump, time jump. But don’t pick up where you left off and then force events into the parameters of a different time period. It was confusing and weird, and it irritated the hell out of me. Every time COVID came up, it detracted from the story because it made no sense. I’m glad Adrien and Jake got their HEA, and I loved the chance to see them being happy some more, but I can’t get over the utter lack of consideration with the continuity.
- Book 1: Adrien sees Jake standing in line to see Scary Movie, which came out in July 2000.
- Book 3: Adrien and Jake have been seeing each other for about 10 months following the events of Book 1, so that puts this probably late spring/early summer 2001.
- Book 4: Two years have passed since the events at the end of Book 3, putting this one mid-2003.
- Book 5: Picks up immediately after Book 4, so we’re still mid-2003.
- Book 6: Takes place around the holidays after the events in Book 5, Jake and Adrien have been back together for about 6 months, so we’re at the end of 2003. When they celebrate NYE, we are now at the beginning of 2004.
- This Novella: Events pick up the Christmas following events in Book 6, yet somehow instead of it being Christmastime 2004, we’re smack in the middle of COVID?? So maybe 2020?
If you’re going to time jump, time jump. But don’t pick up where you left off and then force events into the parameters of a different time period. It was confusing and weird, and it irritated the hell out of me. Every time COVID came up, it detracted from the story because it made no sense. I’m glad Adrien and Jake got their HEA, and I loved the chance to see them being happy some more, but I can’t get over the utter lack of consideration with the continuity.
January 9, 2024
The last??, 5.75, in the Adrien English Mysteries gay cozy mystery series and revolving around a bookseller. The couple focus is on Adrien and Jake.
My Take
I do like Adrien with all his issues — we hear everything from first person protagonist point-of-view from Adrien’s perspective. “A Funny Thing Happened” is a combination of a walk down memory lane and the culmination of Adrien and Jake’s relationship
It’s COVID-time with all those worries of masks and social distancing. An especially worrying time for Jake as Adrien is so susceptible to ills. It’s what led to that deal about Adrien working in the bookstore!
Yep, it was a crime scene that brought Adrien and Jake together: “What is your idea of a romantic date?” “Obviously a crime scene.” “Right? It doesn’t get more romantic than that.” Yep, they’re serious, lol.
It was a question in a magazine that Natalie had filled out for herself and . . . Mr X. And Adrien and Jake are dying to figure out who the new mystery boyfriend is.
It’s been an amazing journey with Jake as his character arc has evolved from the tough, no-questions L.APD detective to a less secure man deeply in love.
I can’t help but love Adrien’s thoughts on those sweet nothings, for he knows what it cost him and Jake to get where they are.
And funny . . .
The Story
Jake wants a romantic Christmas with just Adrien and pops out with the idea of spending the holidays at Pine Shadow Ranch up in the mountains — the present of a weekend away.
The Characters
Adrien English owns Cloak and Dagger Books. Jake Riordan used to be a homicide detective, then an independent private investigator, and now he works as a PI for Brannigan Investigations. Tompkins is their cat. Scout is their German shepherd. Adrien no longer lives above the bookstore but at the house, with Jake, where he grew up, Somewhereshire.
Lisa is Adrien’s mother now married to Councilman Bill Dauten ( The Hell You Say , 3), which brought three stepsisters into the family: Lauren; Natalie, who now works for Adrien at the bookstore and has a three-month-old son, Larkin, who is also Adrien’s nephew; and, Emma, who is the youngest. The jerky Warren is/was, was/is, Natalie’s boyfriend and possibly Larkin’s father.
Pine Shadow Ranch was left to Adrien by his grandmother in A Dangerous Thing , 2. Adjunct Professor Melissa Smith, Adrien’s childhood frenemy, is the on-site caretaker.
Angus Gordon, who’s still smitten with Natalie ( Fatal Shadows , 1), and Bliss, a new hire, are also employed at Cloak and Dagger Books.
Mary Brannigan is the owner of Brannigan Investigations. Kate is Jake’s cop ex-wife ( The Dark Tide , 5). Paul Kane was an accomplished British actor who swings both ways and is still in jail ( Death of a Pirate King , 4). Guy Snowden had been Angus' teacher on the occult at UCLA as well as Adrien’s boyfriend in The Hell You Say , 3. The Pink Rose Wedding Chapel in Basking is run by the Honorable John Buttermit, who is a justice of the peace, and his wife, Mrs Buttermit. The Miss Buttermit from A Dangerous Thing , 2, is John’s great-niece. Granny Parker’s Pantry serves up a great breakfast.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a Christmas card with its combination of snowy and warm, blues predominating. A snowy path between a split rail fence and a standing lamp leads to the warmly lit cabin with a decorated outdoor tree and a smaller cabin on the right. The cabin is nestled in amongst pine trees giving it a very cozy feel. The trees at the front as well as the fence are lightly draped in Christmas lights. At the top is the funky title in white. Below it is the series information in a red-outlined white sans-serif. At the bottom is the author’s name, also in white.
I think the title encapsulates Adrien’s and Jake’s life journey as “A Funny Thing Happened . . .”
My Take
I do like Adrien with all his issues — we hear everything from first person protagonist point-of-view from Adrien’s perspective. “A Funny Thing Happened” is a combination of a walk down memory lane and the culmination of Adrien and Jake’s relationship
It’s COVID-time with all those worries of masks and social distancing. An especially worrying time for Jake as Adrien is so susceptible to ills. It’s what led to that deal about Adrien working in the bookstore!
Yep, it was a crime scene that brought Adrien and Jake together: “What is your idea of a romantic date?” “Obviously a crime scene.” “Right? It doesn’t get more romantic than that.” Yep, they’re serious, lol.
It was a question in a magazine that Natalie had filled out for herself and . . . Mr X. And Adrien and Jake are dying to figure out who the new mystery boyfriend is.
It’s been an amazing journey with Jake as his character arc has evolved from the tough, no-questions L.APD detective to a less secure man deeply in love.
I can’t help but love Adrien’s thoughts on those sweet nothings, for he knows what it cost him and Jake to get where they are.
And funny . . .
Lanyon does write a sweet tale of two men finally finding their happily ever after.”Marriage,’ I said. ‘Before breakfast. Before coffee even.’
Jake said, ‘The best part of waking up.’
He waited as I thought it over. I said, ‘You do know, it’s not just for breakfast anymore.’”
The Story
Jake wants a romantic Christmas with just Adrien and pops out with the idea of spending the holidays at Pine Shadow Ranch up in the mountains — the present of a weekend away.
The Characters
Adrien English owns Cloak and Dagger Books. Jake Riordan used to be a homicide detective, then an independent private investigator, and now he works as a PI for Brannigan Investigations. Tompkins is their cat. Scout is their German shepherd. Adrien no longer lives above the bookstore but at the house, with Jake, where he grew up, Somewhereshire.
Lisa is Adrien’s mother now married to Councilman Bill Dauten ( The Hell You Say , 3), which brought three stepsisters into the family: Lauren; Natalie, who now works for Adrien at the bookstore and has a three-month-old son, Larkin, who is also Adrien’s nephew; and, Emma, who is the youngest. The jerky Warren is/was, was/is, Natalie’s boyfriend and possibly Larkin’s father.
Pine Shadow Ranch was left to Adrien by his grandmother in A Dangerous Thing , 2. Adjunct Professor Melissa Smith, Adrien’s childhood frenemy, is the on-site caretaker.
Angus Gordon, who’s still smitten with Natalie ( Fatal Shadows , 1), and Bliss, a new hire, are also employed at Cloak and Dagger Books.
Mary Brannigan is the owner of Brannigan Investigations. Kate is Jake’s cop ex-wife ( The Dark Tide , 5). Paul Kane was an accomplished British actor who swings both ways and is still in jail ( Death of a Pirate King , 4). Guy Snowden had been Angus' teacher on the occult at UCLA as well as Adrien’s boyfriend in The Hell You Say , 3. The Pink Rose Wedding Chapel in Basking is run by the Honorable John Buttermit, who is a justice of the peace, and his wife, Mrs Buttermit. The Miss Buttermit from A Dangerous Thing , 2, is John’s great-niece. Granny Parker’s Pantry serves up a great breakfast.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a Christmas card with its combination of snowy and warm, blues predominating. A snowy path between a split rail fence and a standing lamp leads to the warmly lit cabin with a decorated outdoor tree and a smaller cabin on the right. The cabin is nestled in amongst pine trees giving it a very cozy feel. The trees at the front as well as the fence are lightly draped in Christmas lights. At the top is the funky title in white. Below it is the series information in a red-outlined white sans-serif. At the bottom is the author’s name, also in white.
I think the title encapsulates Adrien’s and Jake’s life journey as “A Funny Thing Happened . . .”
August 23, 2024
Love them and their little family ❤️ and finally official 🥹
January 1, 2024
As a general rule, I don't give short stories 5 stars... but, I am making an exception for this one! I didn't know that this had been released, so imagine my surprise when I saw it and immediately had ONE thought going in and then it was all "nah" that won't happen, and then it did! Truthfully, I didn't think that Jake was even capable of this kind of thoughtfulness (I was NOT on team Jake for a VERY long time) but, he does manage to surprise me from time to time!
February 15, 2024
A sweet ending to their story, that was, as usual, overpriced. But if you love Adrien and Jake, you have to read it.
dnf
January 3, 2025DNF
Besides the obvious AI cover, I’m not convinced this isn’t written by AI too (which as far as this author’s writing scandals go, wouldn’t even be the biggest one). BUT who in their ever loving mind would set this plotwise one year after So This Is Christmas (and another reviewer says that story is set in 2004) and set these characters now in the middle of the 2020 COVID pandemic for this finale coda story?? ❌
We’re supposed to pretend this story is now current day but picking up where the last story left off? Does this author even know how to write omg
Get out of here with this mess.
Besides the obvious AI cover, I’m not convinced this isn’t written by AI too (which as far as this author’s writing scandals go, wouldn’t even be the biggest one). BUT who in their ever loving mind would set this plotwise one year after So This Is Christmas (and another reviewer says that story is set in 2004) and set these characters now in the middle of the 2020 COVID pandemic for this finale coda story?? ❌
We’re supposed to pretend this story is now current day but picking up where the last story left off? Does this author even know how to write omg
Get out of here with this mess.
August 10, 2025
3.5⭐
It's a cute little extra story, and I enjoyed it, but it doesn't feel as important or compelling as the longer stories.
(I am one of the people who think Adrien and Jake make a good couple. They weren't good for each other at the beginning, but they made it eventually. I don't enjoy this kind of messy and gut-wrenching relationship in general, but Adrien as a narrating character is excellent and the mysteries are very good, so I was hooked and managed to get to the parts where the relationship really starts making sense too.)
It's a cute little extra story, and I enjoyed it, but it doesn't feel as important or compelling as the longer stories.
(I am one of the people who think Adrien and Jake make a good couple. They weren't good for each other at the beginning, but they made it eventually. I don't enjoy this kind of messy and gut-wrenching relationship in general, but Adrien as a narrating character is excellent and the mysteries are very good, so I was hooked and managed to get to the parts where the relationship really starts making sense too.)
December 25, 2025
This was cute. Sad it had COVID in it, but that part wasn't that bad, or hard to take. I was happy to see Jake and Adrien again. And what they did certainly surprised me . I was disappointed with the ending because it was kind of abrupt. I would have at least like to have seen them open their Christmas presents. :D
I fun holiday read the night before Christmas. 3 stars. Now I want to re-read the entire series, except it's not all sunshine and rainbows so I'll wait.
I fun holiday read the night before Christmas. 3 stars. Now I want to re-read the entire series, except it's not all sunshine and rainbows so I'll wait.
January 5, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4. Nice coda to one of my favorite couples from Lanyon's work. The series was a great time capsule of attitudes and gay history exemplified by two complex and believable characters that start off in a dysfunctional relationship that eventually moves into a real partnership. If you're a fan of the series there is one event that's pretty crucial that happens. If only it were longer....
May 29, 2024
I read this in the anniversary edition of Fatal Shadows. I am giving it 4 stars because it’s Adrien and Jake. I’m not a fan of Lanyon setting this in current time. I wanted to see these two twenty years on. These are characters it’s hard to let go of. I will always hold a special place for Adrien English. He’s a complex character who has had to fight for a lot in his life. He deserves this happy ending and the setting is perfect.
April 27, 2024
This series was not always easy to read, I didn’t love every part of it but whew what a ride! I am glad Adrien with an E and his Jake got the happy ending they deserved (despite all the pain and the hurt and the complications along the way… forgiveness is a miracle sometimes.)
January 17, 2024
This was a nice epilogue. I thought the end was a bit weak, but I hardly regret reading it. :)
April 24, 2024
Aww what a cute novella. Also interesting that this is one of the few, rare(?) stories I’ve read since 2020 that incorporates the pandemic and the restrictions in day to day life.
July 29, 2025
I'm crying. This is just too sweet! Adrien deserves this HEA and this best version of Jake. You two go forth and be merry!
December 31, 2023
How perfect is it that the Christmas I decided to finally finish this series, we also get this sweet little happily ever after for Jake and Adrien?
This short story follows our favorite couple going on a small holiday getaway to the ranch, exactly one year after we left it off. A very sweet sex scene, our favorite pets and tooth-rotting fluff follows, as well as a special surprise.
Much like Adrien, I still feel awe at seeing how far this two have come. The blissful joy in this book feels earned, and the certainty and confidence I feel in them lasting for the long haul is not something to be underrated.
This short story follows our favorite couple going on a small holiday getaway to the ranch, exactly one year after we left it off. A very sweet sex scene, our favorite pets and tooth-rotting fluff follows, as well as a special surprise.
Much like Adrien, I still feel awe at seeing how far this two have come. The blissful joy in this book feels earned, and the certainty and confidence I feel in them lasting for the long haul is not something to be underrated.
March 12, 2025
Noooo why did this story have to end??? I'll miss them so much! 😭
January 8, 2024
While my connection with this series hasn't been entirely smooth, time has allowed things to settle. The Jake-Adrien storyline, a fixture I've followed for quite some time, has gradually grown on me. Encountering them always brings me joy.
Initially, the author's penchant for a generally bittersweet mood seemed peculiar. However, my perspective has shifted, and I eagerly anticipate anything new from them.
This brief Christmas story isn't the unveiling of something entirely fresh. It was featured in a condensed form in the 20th-anniversary (collector's) edition of Fatal Shadows. Those yearning for novel narratives will need to exercise patience. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. The journey with these two characters has been extensive, and there are still many happiness-filled moments ahead, akin to Josh's signature bubbles of joy.
Part of The Adrien English Mysteries Series that is best enjoyed when read in order:
January 14, 2024
I was excited to see this new Adrien English series show up in my feeds. Perfect timing since I really struggled finding a Christmasy read this year and I am a huge fan of this series/author. With recent cold weather, I was looking forward to cozying up indoors with this book. In the end, this was pretty meh for me. It was nice to revisit some of the nostalgic elements of the original series but there wasn't a whole lot more that I particularly enjoyed. Most of this short book felt a little bland TBH with none of the warm/fuzzies this series/author is known for. As with other reviews, I found this book to be decidedly unromantic and just a little odd (which was totally unexpected). Not my favourite book by this author ... especially since, "So this is Christmas" (book 6 in the series) was perfect.
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