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Francia, 1916. La Grande Guerra.
In alto, in volo sopra la carneficina nelle trincee, gli assi britannici e tedeschi si muovono come i cavalieri di una giostra per il controllo dei cieli. Lo sforzo e la tensione di vivere ogni giorno rischiando di morire porta a fare scelte pericolose e correre grossi rischi.
In lutto per la morte del suo amante, l’asso britannico Bat Bryant uccide accidentalmente l'uomo che ha minacciato di rivelare a tutti la verità. Ma c’è un testimone: il bel pilota americano “Cowboy” Cooper.
A quanto sembra, però, Cowboy ha un’idea tutta sua di giustizia.
In alto, in volo sopra la carneficina nelle trincee, gli assi britannici e tedeschi si muovono come i cavalieri di una giostra per il controllo dei cieli. Lo sforzo e la tensione di vivere ogni giorno rischiando di morire porta a fare scelte pericolose e correre grossi rischi.
In lutto per la morte del suo amante, l’asso britannico Bat Bryant uccide accidentalmente l'uomo che ha minacciato di rivelare a tutti la verità. Ma c’è un testimone: il bel pilota americano “Cowboy” Cooper.
A quanto sembra, però, Cowboy ha un’idea tutta sua di giustizia.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
851 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
December 12, 2015
Written December 12, 2015
3.2 Stars - Rather short but hot, intense and fairly romantic - add that it is all set in a terribly dangerous WWI environment - ...a hundred years ago
I listened to Josh Lanyon's historical Out of the Blue novella. Three audiobook hours well narrated by Alexander Masters.
Jolly good, chaps! ...Or?
Not JL's very #1-class best book but for sure a nice and well done novella for three enjoying and interesting M/M romance audio hours. ~ 3 stars compared to Lanyon's other books.
*********************************************************
France, 1916. The Great War ~ WWI
« British and German aces joust like knights of old for control of the skies. » — The British, brave and very honorable fighter pilot, Bat Bryant is only 23 and already mourning the man he deeply cared for. He has even stopped to believe that anyone of his friends could survive this dark awful long air-fight with the German Luftwaffe.
Bat is the youngest son of an noble Lord already with a lot of dead dear brothers and chaps. He has a nice girl waiting back home and a truly deeply love for flying these powerful airplanes. Nevertheless life has ended up quite hopeless.
Out of the Blue starts when Bat one night does an unfortunately impulsive mistake and a mechanics tragically dies. Maybe an accident but still. Luckily is the big, handsome American pilot Cowboy Cooper (with a yummy growling American accent) there to help.
Here after starts an intense hot encounter relationship. In the same time dies brave young men every single day in that horrible endless "great" war back then. ~ Will these two make it? I crossed my fingers. ~
*********************************************************
I wasn't sure if I liked or not for a long part and to be honest felt this storyline kind of unstructured and carelessly made to start with. I didn't get it. —Was this about enforced, non-con, smexy hørny lust, or about "to be" grand love?— Though I ended up enjoying it more and more and was truly interested to hear how it all ended up. (This oldish stiff British 'Jolly Good Fellow' feeling is just irresistible charming.)
I'm not sure about the end. It wasn't bad but.. As always with Lanyon it ends a bit abrupt and quickly.
My summary... — Out of the Blue:
Quite short and I (at least) didn't really get the time (I needed this time) to learn to (more deeply) know, feel for and understand these main characters. Will I remember this novella? I'm not sure.
Though, all these JL novels / novellas always remembering me why I truly like this comprehensive M/M romances genre. It is so amazing great when it is time to once again download on of all these Josh Lanyon audiobooks. (No story spoiler:)
This author is quite remarkable. Out of the Blue isn't his (hers) most wonderful but nevertheless I'm impressed as always.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - romances set in times we don't visit that often
3.2 Stars - Rather short but hot, intense and fairly romantic - add that it is all set in a terribly dangerous WWI environment - ...a hundred years ago
I listened to Josh Lanyon's historical Out of the Blue novella. Three audiobook hours well narrated by Alexander Masters.
Jolly good, chaps! ...Or?
Not JL's very #1-class best book but for sure a nice and well done novella for three enjoying and interesting M/M romance audio hours. ~ 3 stars compared to Lanyon's other books.
*********************************************************
France, 1916. The Great War ~ WWI
« British and German aces joust like knights of old for control of the skies. » — The British, brave and very honorable fighter pilot, Bat Bryant is only 23 and already mourning the man he deeply cared for. He has even stopped to believe that anyone of his friends could survive this dark awful long air-fight with the German Luftwaffe.
Bat is the youngest son of an noble Lord already with a lot of dead dear brothers and chaps. He has a nice girl waiting back home and a truly deeply love for flying these powerful airplanes. Nevertheless life has ended up quite hopeless.
Out of the Blue starts when Bat one night does an unfortunately impulsive mistake and a mechanics tragically dies. Maybe an accident but still. Luckily is the big, handsome American pilot Cowboy Cooper (with a yummy growling American accent) there to help.
Here after starts an intense hot encounter relationship. In the same time dies brave young men every single day in that horrible endless "great" war back then. ~ Will these two make it? I crossed my fingers. ~
*********************************************************
I wasn't sure if I liked or not for a long part and to be honest felt this storyline kind of unstructured and carelessly made to start with. I didn't get it. —Was this about enforced, non-con, smexy hørny lust, or about "to be" grand love?— Though I ended up enjoying it more and more and was truly interested to hear how it all ended up. (This oldish stiff British 'Jolly Good Fellow' feeling is just irresistible charming.)
I'm not sure about the end. It wasn't bad but.. As always with Lanyon it ends a bit abrupt and quickly.
My summary... — Out of the Blue:
Quite short and I (at least) didn't really get the time (I needed this time) to learn to (more deeply) know, feel for and understand these main characters. Will I remember this novella? I'm not sure.
Though, all these JL novels / novellas always remembering me why I truly like this comprehensive M/M romances genre. It is so amazing great when it is time to once again download on of all these Josh Lanyon audiobooks. (No story spoiler:)
This author is quite remarkable. Out of the Blue isn't his (hers) most wonderful but nevertheless I'm impressed as always.
*********************************************************
I LIKE - romances set in times we don't visit that often
July 16, 2022
Don't judge this novella by the ugly cover. It's actually a historical romance set during WW1 in France. Unlike other books by JL, it doesn't have a mystery plot and there is a bit of dub-con, but it's beautifully written.
Both the MCs, Bat and Cowboy, are pilots, so we get plenty of scenes of air strikes and about life in general during the war.
I enjoyed the audiobook but I think it doesn't matter how I read it, the writing deserves 4+ stars. I hope it was not a novella of 80-90 pages and I could have seen more of Bat and Cowboy.
P.S-Surprisingly this one has more smut than some of the full-length romances of JL.
Both the MCs, Bat and Cowboy, are pilots, so we get plenty of scenes of air strikes and about life in general during the war.
I enjoyed the audiobook but I think it doesn't matter how I read it, the writing deserves 4+ stars. I hope it was not a novella of 80-90 pages and I could have seen more of Bat and Cowboy.
P.S-Surprisingly this one has more smut than some of the full-length romances of JL.
May 16, 2011
Sometimes I think I am a bit weird, because I shouldn't like a character like Cowboy, who snatches the chance to blackmail Bat into having sex with him, when Bat is vulnerable and grieving. I tried very hard to dislike him, to pick his most annoying traits - especially the fact that he seems to think he knows more than everyone else, that he takes charge for what happens around him, that he doesn't seem to mingle with the other pilots. He is so infuriating that you'd really want Bat to fight him, and then he's suddenly tender and caring - and he probably does it for his selfish reasons - but still there's a fragility in him that wins me over at the same time that it makes me angry.
Bat submits and surrenders to Cowboy's schemes and sensuality, so different from the almost chaste relationship he had with Gene, he lets Cowboy plays his body like an instrument and he relinquishes all control. There's a sweet desperation in their encounters, the stealing of a few moments of human warmth. Those are the only moments when Bat feels he has no responsibility, when he can leave someone else in charge. The imminent future is so dark that the thoughts of what will happen after the war is over are more like wishful thinking than real plans. It's as if both men were speaking not of themselves, but of someone else. So there's a feeling of separation in them, and of isolation too, because Cowboy and Bat's homosexuality keeps them a little apart from the other and closer to each other.
The historical setting - World War I - is incredibly fascinating and believable. It really made me sad for this young pilots who sacrificed their lives in aircrafts that really flew on wings and prayers. The writing is wonderful. Although the story is short, it's very intense and it really makes you feel the danger those young men faced every time they were flying.
Bat submits and surrenders to Cowboy's schemes and sensuality, so different from the almost chaste relationship he had with Gene, he lets Cowboy plays his body like an instrument and he relinquishes all control. There's a sweet desperation in their encounters, the stealing of a few moments of human warmth. Those are the only moments when Bat feels he has no responsibility, when he can leave someone else in charge. The imminent future is so dark that the thoughts of what will happen after the war is over are more like wishful thinking than real plans. It's as if both men were speaking not of themselves, but of someone else. So there's a feeling of separation in them, and of isolation too, because Cowboy and Bat's homosexuality keeps them a little apart from the other and closer to each other.
The historical setting - World War I - is incredibly fascinating and believable. It really made me sad for this young pilots who sacrificed their lives in aircrafts that really flew on wings and prayers. The writing is wonderful. Although the story is short, it's very intense and it really makes you feel the danger those young men faced every time they were flying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2013
Another good Josh Lanyon tale, short but sweet, if you can say that about World War I
This was the tale of flying aces
in middle of the first World War, and yes, the relevant episode of 'Blackadder' came to my mind several times I'm sorry to say
.'Bat' (Aubrey, yep, they mostly had crazy nicknames), was an ace pilot with a number of kills, who just happened to like one of the other pilots 'Owl' (Gene). Gene had unfortunately been killed, and Bat's mechanic Orton had discovered incriminating evidence about them, and was threatening to tell all. In those days of course, homosexuality in the forces was completely frowned upon (not a lot different to today then!), and would have meant the end of Bat's career and much, much more. Problems ensue, which I will not go into here In steps 'Cowboy'
to save the day, and things progress from there. The French police get involved, even more new trainee pilots are sent to their deaths (some on the first 'sortie' out), Bat and Cowboy become lovers, and it's discovered that not only did Orton have blackmail evidence against Bat, but other pilots as well, so any one of a number of them had reason toI won't go into a diatribe here about war, and my feelings on that subject, but I for one, am extremely glad that I wasn't around in those days, and have only the utmost admiration for those that were.
November 12, 2009
This is a first for me. I enjoyed this book and I’m giving it three stars, but I pretty much hated everything about the relationship of the two main characters, Bat and Cowboy. But it goes beyond not liking the relationship, I couldn’t stand the character of Cowboy...what an arrogant and unlikeable ass.
The story takes place in 1916 France during the war. Bat is a British airmen based in France and Cowboy is an American serving along side Bat’s squadron. The story begins with us finding out that Bat had been carrying on a intimate relationship with a fellow airman named Gene, who has just died in an air battle. One of the squadron mechanics meets with Bat to try and blackmail him about his relationship with the dead pilot. Things don’t go well and the blackmailer is accidently killed. Cowboy witnesses the event and offers to get rid of the body but there is a price. That price, we find out later, is that Bat is now Cowboy’s bottom-boy, whether he wants to be or not.
Let me say the parts and elements that I did enjoy (3):
1) I liked the exciting and imaginative air battles. They were breathtaking and suspenseful.
2) I really enjoyed the interaction of the men in the squadron. Little tidbits were given about the different men...very minor things but enough of a glimpse that you wished them a safe return from a battle. I only with there had been more of that type of stuff.
3) I liked the way Bat talked about Gene and their relationship. I wish the book had been more about them. I would have liked to have read about Gene writing his poetry. Bat and Gene meeting.
What I didn’t like (2):
1) A big #1! Cowboy. What an arrogant and unlikeable character. There is nothing to admire or like about this guy save one thing...he’s a skilled military pilot. Other than that I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why Bat wanted to spend one moment with this pompous ass. Maybe couldn't find a thing to admire because almost nothing was given to the reader about what motivates Cowboy. Here is an example, all the British guys think Cowboy is an uneducated American. Then in a chat between him and Bat he impresses Bat with something he knows. Bat asks why he lets all the guys think he’s uneducated and Cowboy says “why should I care what they think?”. There is a perfect moment to learn something about Cowboy...I wish he would have said why other people’s opinions don’t matter. Where does this personal strength come from? Instead he tells Bat that all that matters is his opinion and then tells Bat how smart and sexy he is...and then he forces himself on Bat.
During their first sexual encounter Bat (age 23) is a little overwhelmed at how aggressive and quickly Cowboy is moving. Then Cowboy sticks his fingers into Bat’s butt and Bat panics. Clearly Bat is not ready for such a thing. He’s inexperienced despite the stuff he did with Gene AND, to top it off...he just lost his “boyfriend”. Does Cowboy take all this into consideration? Nope. What does he say? Quote: “He’s dead” “You’re alive whether you like it or not.” REALLY? This is how he’s gonna get in Bat’s pants? Rubbing salt in a fresh wound. Well, that and the blackmail. Yup, Cowboy holds the events with the mechanic over Bat’s head and forces him to have sex with him. Even Bat realizes he’s not exactly a willing participant in his bottoming for Cowboy: “he wasn’t being given a choice, that his choice was being taken from him; all he had to do was not fight too hard” or “Bat swallowed dryly. He knew a moment of dizzy alarm. What was he surrendering to? What liberties was he allowing Cowboy? Allowing? Too late to stop it now. He knew that.” He’s a horrible person. He takes advantage of Bat.
2) I didn’t believe the convenient end to the story. I think Bat would have walked away and been well rid of him.
I know there people who will disagree with me on this review. The book has been receiving positive comments for the most part. I liked the rest of the book, I justdidn’t like the actual relationship. Maybe this book is a good example of Mr. Lanyon’s writing style and the types of sexual relationships he creates. I don’t know yet. I read “The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks” and loved it. I saw the good reviews here and decided to make Out of the Blue my next selection for him. I’ll try a few more so I have a better understanding.
The story takes place in 1916 France during the war. Bat is a British airmen based in France and Cowboy is an American serving along side Bat’s squadron. The story begins with us finding out that Bat had been carrying on a intimate relationship with a fellow airman named Gene, who has just died in an air battle. One of the squadron mechanics meets with Bat to try and blackmail him about his relationship with the dead pilot. Things don’t go well and the blackmailer is accidently killed. Cowboy witnesses the event and offers to get rid of the body but there is a price. That price, we find out later, is that Bat is now Cowboy’s bottom-boy, whether he wants to be or not.
Let me say the parts and elements that I did enjoy (3):
1) I liked the exciting and imaginative air battles. They were breathtaking and suspenseful.
2) I really enjoyed the interaction of the men in the squadron. Little tidbits were given about the different men...very minor things but enough of a glimpse that you wished them a safe return from a battle. I only with there had been more of that type of stuff.
3) I liked the way Bat talked about Gene and their relationship. I wish the book had been more about them. I would have liked to have read about Gene writing his poetry. Bat and Gene meeting.
What I didn’t like (2):
1) A big #1! Cowboy. What an arrogant and unlikeable character. There is nothing to admire or like about this guy save one thing...he’s a skilled military pilot. Other than that I couldn’t for the life of me figure out why Bat wanted to spend one moment with this pompous ass. Maybe couldn't find a thing to admire because almost nothing was given to the reader about what motivates Cowboy. Here is an example, all the British guys think Cowboy is an uneducated American. Then in a chat between him and Bat he impresses Bat with something he knows. Bat asks why he lets all the guys think he’s uneducated and Cowboy says “why should I care what they think?”. There is a perfect moment to learn something about Cowboy...I wish he would have said why other people’s opinions don’t matter. Where does this personal strength come from? Instead he tells Bat that all that matters is his opinion and then tells Bat how smart and sexy he is...and then he forces himself on Bat.
During their first sexual encounter Bat (age 23) is a little overwhelmed at how aggressive and quickly Cowboy is moving. Then Cowboy sticks his fingers into Bat’s butt and Bat panics. Clearly Bat is not ready for such a thing. He’s inexperienced despite the stuff he did with Gene AND, to top it off...he just lost his “boyfriend”. Does Cowboy take all this into consideration? Nope. What does he say? Quote: “He’s dead” “You’re alive whether you like it or not.” REALLY? This is how he’s gonna get in Bat’s pants? Rubbing salt in a fresh wound. Well, that and the blackmail. Yup, Cowboy holds the events with the mechanic over Bat’s head and forces him to have sex with him. Even Bat realizes he’s not exactly a willing participant in his bottoming for Cowboy: “he wasn’t being given a choice, that his choice was being taken from him; all he had to do was not fight too hard” or “Bat swallowed dryly. He knew a moment of dizzy alarm. What was he surrendering to? What liberties was he allowing Cowboy? Allowing? Too late to stop it now. He knew that.” He’s a horrible person. He takes advantage of Bat.
2) I didn’t believe the convenient end to the story. I think Bat would have walked away and been well rid of him.
I know there people who will disagree with me on this review. The book has been receiving positive comments for the most part. I liked the rest of the book, I justdidn’t like the actual relationship. Maybe this book is a good example of Mr. Lanyon’s writing style and the types of sexual relationships he creates. I don’t know yet. I read “The Ghost Wore Yellow Socks” and loved it. I saw the good reviews here and decided to make Out of the Blue my next selection for him. I’ll try a few more so I have a better understanding.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2012
I better start this review with two obvious facts:
1) This story was about a British fighter pilot stationed in France during World War I.
2) I would never have thought that I'd enjoy such a story this much.
Out of the Blue is a perfect example of how talented and multifaceted Josh Lanyon is as a writer. I can only imagine the amount of research it takes to write a story like this one. And the amount of daring it takes, too.
There is certainly sadness about the story. I like the way the horrors of war are described without actually underlining them, but rather through the numbness that Bat Bryant is feeling. This must be the feeling that you get when you are not able to influence over your own life and future. When you have to concentrate only to the moment at hand and not to let yourself to get attached to anyone or anything too much. It really feels like Bat is kind of floating through the days and nights without caring if he lives or dies.
Out of the other two important characters, Gene and Cowboy, we don't actually get to meet the previous one in person. Gene, Bat's lover, has just died before the story begins. But we get to know him a bit through Bat's memories. And although Bat seems to miss him hugely, I'm not at all so sure I like this Gene character so much. That fact made it easier for me to approve Cowboy's (sly) actions towards Bat. And when the story proceeded, Cowboy started to feel like a breath of fresh air and a very welcome relief for Bat's situation in so many ways! In the end Cowboy truly appears to be the glint of hope in Bat's hopeless situation.
So, what is this story all about? I'd say it's about loss, survival, discovery, love and hope. It's about humanity and it's about life and death without making a big fuss about them. It's about one of my favorite authors succeeding to satisfy my hunger for a fascinating story once again.
1) This story was about a British fighter pilot stationed in France during World War I.
2) I would never have thought that I'd enjoy such a story this much.
Out of the Blue is a perfect example of how talented and multifaceted Josh Lanyon is as a writer. I can only imagine the amount of research it takes to write a story like this one. And the amount of daring it takes, too.
There is certainly sadness about the story. I like the way the horrors of war are described without actually underlining them, but rather through the numbness that Bat Bryant is feeling. This must be the feeling that you get when you are not able to influence over your own life and future. When you have to concentrate only to the moment at hand and not to let yourself to get attached to anyone or anything too much. It really feels like Bat is kind of floating through the days and nights without caring if he lives or dies.
Out of the other two important characters, Gene and Cowboy, we don't actually get to meet the previous one in person. Gene, Bat's lover, has just died before the story begins. But we get to know him a bit through Bat's memories. And although Bat seems to miss him hugely, I'm not at all so sure I like this Gene character so much. That fact made it easier for me to approve Cowboy's (sly) actions towards Bat. And when the story proceeded, Cowboy started to feel like a breath of fresh air and a very welcome relief for Bat's situation in so many ways! In the end Cowboy truly appears to be the glint of hope in Bat's hopeless situation.
So, what is this story all about? I'd say it's about loss, survival, discovery, love and hope. It's about humanity and it's about life and death without making a big fuss about them. It's about one of my favorite authors succeeding to satisfy my hunger for a fascinating story once again.
March 23, 2010
I want to give this more stars but I HATE noncon-kink and I loathe the "boy blackmails boy into sex, only to later confess there was no blackmail, whereby the blackmail-ee sees NOTHING WRONG with being lied to and used for sex for because he LIKED getting laid" trope.
*smites*
Integrity is sexy. Give me a m/m romance with an integrity-kink, and I'll be a stunned and happy reader.
Anyway, set all THAT aside, and it's a sort of sweet little WW1 aviator novella. The setting is vivid enough and nicely drawn, the action sequences were good, and the characters held my interest. However, the sex was surprisingly bland and there wasn't near enough believable yearning.
I'd like to see the same story done without the noncon and lies, actually, with the plot pushed by charm and persuasion instead of fake blackmail, because Bat may have been a blushing violet, but he seemed a *persuadable* blushing violet. The noncon was gratuitous and unnecessary.
*smites*
Integrity is sexy. Give me a m/m romance with an integrity-kink, and I'll be a stunned and happy reader.
Anyway, set all THAT aside, and it's a sort of sweet little WW1 aviator novella. The setting is vivid enough and nicely drawn, the action sequences were good, and the characters held my interest. However, the sex was surprisingly bland and there wasn't near enough believable yearning.
I'd like to see the same story done without the noncon and lies, actually, with the plot pushed by charm and persuasion instead of fake blackmail, because Bat may have been a blushing violet, but he seemed a *persuadable* blushing violet. The noncon was gratuitous and unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2015
A good read. Extreme situations lead to extreme solutions.
September 23, 2014
4.5 stars.
Beautiful little snippet into a sad time in the life of Bat.
Very gorgeous, stark, and just enough.
Beautiful little snippet into a sad time in the life of Bat.
Very gorgeous, stark, and just enough.
November 1, 2013
I think this is my least favorite book written by Josh Lanyon. I just had a hard time empathizing with the characters. Especially Cowboy's attitude towards Bat bothered me. Telling someone, I know you want it, while you're blackmailing him into having sex... I don't know, it really bothered me.
November 27, 2009
OUT OF THE BLUE is set in 1916; story about two pilot/fighters. Again, it's a nice and light read. I wish that it is not a novella because I think it will be more interesting if it's longer. The setting can be epic, the love story can be more depth.
August 31, 2009
After the death of his lover Bat is a man who seems to have no reason to carry on other than leading his squadron into battle. There he takes unnecessary risks and is filled with despair. Things get even worse when, on the verge of being cruelly blackmailed, he accidently kills the man trying to extort money from him. Cowboy, an American pilot proves to be an unlikely ally after witnessing the crime and comes to Bat’s aid. Cowboy has his own agenda however and exacts a high price for his assistance and silence.
The book had such a taut opening, a murder, a lover dead in tragic circumstances and an incredibly lonely man. I wondered just how the author was going to achieve a romance between Cowboy and Bat under such difficult circumstances. Surely to make Bat a sympathetic character and not seem a little flighty in his affections there had to be mourning? But, somehow he manages to pull it off. Josh Lanyon does it without making light of Bat’s grief and captures the essence and urgency of the time period precisely. Where living in such a desperate era, grief was dealt with and not dwelt on as tomorrow it might be you.
Bat and Cowboy have incredible chemistry, even if Bat is a bit, “No, no, no…awww ok,” at times. Oh the angst! I kinda liked that though. That whole reluctance and sense self preservation kicking in, because he doesn’t want to be hurt again. Even when he just knows deep that this dangerous American is going to fry his brain with dirty and oh so rocking sex up against a wall, or wherever is handy! I was most impressed with the total hotness of the writing. I KNOW, supposed to focus on the higher nature of their feelings for each other, but Lanyon so nailed it in this book. Hello fogged glasses. O-o
I’m finding I have a bit of a yen for historical novels at the moment. As long as they’re well done and don’t jump the shark and try and wrap everything up in a bow! This is not the case with Out of the Blue though. It was an absolutely magic read that delivered several hours of deliciously good reading. Smart, hot and clever with beautiful historical detail and attention to the time period, which left me wanting more.
Comments and guff
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/08/...
The book had such a taut opening, a murder, a lover dead in tragic circumstances and an incredibly lonely man. I wondered just how the author was going to achieve a romance between Cowboy and Bat under such difficult circumstances. Surely to make Bat a sympathetic character and not seem a little flighty in his affections there had to be mourning? But, somehow he manages to pull it off. Josh Lanyon does it without making light of Bat’s grief and captures the essence and urgency of the time period precisely. Where living in such a desperate era, grief was dealt with and not dwelt on as tomorrow it might be you.
Bat and Cowboy have incredible chemistry, even if Bat is a bit, “No, no, no…awww ok,” at times. Oh the angst! I kinda liked that though. That whole reluctance and sense self preservation kicking in, because he doesn’t want to be hurt again. Even when he just knows deep that this dangerous American is going to fry his brain with dirty and oh so rocking sex up against a wall, or wherever is handy! I was most impressed with the total hotness of the writing. I KNOW, supposed to focus on the higher nature of their feelings for each other, but Lanyon so nailed it in this book. Hello fogged glasses. O-o
I’m finding I have a bit of a yen for historical novels at the moment. As long as they’re well done and don’t jump the shark and try and wrap everything up in a bow! This is not the case with Out of the Blue though. It was an absolutely magic read that delivered several hours of deliciously good reading. Smart, hot and clever with beautiful historical detail and attention to the time period, which left me wanting more.
Comments and guff
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June 5, 2013
Typical Lanyon story: he made me cry yet again. I would have liked an HEA, rather than a barely HFN, but I loved the storytelling on the way. I'm not generally a fan for war stories but the dogfight sections were marvellous. Thank you for the great pick, Cheryl :)
October 18, 2021
*Read as part of Shadows Left Behind, a collection of stories by Josh Lanyon*
This is the first story in this historical collection of stories. I enjoyed reading this for the most part but I also felt like something was missing.
~What I Liked:
I like Bat and the fellow pilots. It’s always hard reading about war and the loss of lives. The setting was done well and I was drawn in by that immediately. I thought the flying and battles were very well done, probably one of the best parts of the story.
Bat and Cowboy share some very steamy times together. For a JL book I was surprised at how steamy it was. ~
~What I Didn’t Like:
I didn’t like that Cowboy took advantage of Bat at his most vulnerable time. His lover just died and Cowboy is using blackmail to get in Bat’s pants. At first it felt like assault. I was worried that would overshadow the entire story but after the second encounter things changed between Bat & Cowboy and I began to like the relationship a bit more.
The ending is abrupt and I would have loved to know what, if any, future these two have. That made me feel letdown. We don’t even know if they survive the war! I feel like it’s an unfinished story. ~
This was a quick read overall and it held my attention. In a novella that isn’t always easy to do. I’ve gotten used to Lanyon’s writing and I do love how she brings the setting to life. I just wish we had more of an ending!!!!
This is the first story in this historical collection of stories. I enjoyed reading this for the most part but I also felt like something was missing.
~What I Liked:
I like Bat and the fellow pilots. It’s always hard reading about war and the loss of lives. The setting was done well and I was drawn in by that immediately. I thought the flying and battles were very well done, probably one of the best parts of the story.
Bat and Cowboy share some very steamy times together. For a JL book I was surprised at how steamy it was. ~
~What I Didn’t Like:
I didn’t like that Cowboy took advantage of Bat at his most vulnerable time. His lover just died and Cowboy is using blackmail to get in Bat’s pants. At first it felt like assault. I was worried that would overshadow the entire story but after the second encounter things changed between Bat & Cowboy and I began to like the relationship a bit more.
The ending is abrupt and I would have loved to know what, if any, future these two have. That made me feel letdown. We don’t even know if they survive the war! I feel like it’s an unfinished story. ~
This was a quick read overall and it held my attention. In a novella that isn’t always easy to do. I’ve gotten used to Lanyon’s writing and I do love how she brings the setting to life. I just wish we had more of an ending!!!!
April 14, 2021
That's...it? Hmm, I thought we would at least get to know if they end up together.
The story starts with the MC Bat arguing with his would-be blackmailer if not for an accident that, eh-hem, kills said wannabe blackmailer. Not a spoiler, that's in the blurb. The rest of the story shows a lot of the characters flying in the war, team mates being shot down, and Bat dealing with his grief and his new suiter, Cowboy.
Overall this was a nice story, but again, we don't know what happens to them. Do they stay together after the war, do they even both live through it? I guess it's up to reach reader to decide how the story continues.
3 stars, I guess. I just needed a smidge more to know they would be alright.
The story starts with the MC Bat arguing with his would-be blackmailer if not for an accident that, eh-hem, kills said wannabe blackmailer. Not a spoiler, that's in the blurb. The rest of the story shows a lot of the characters flying in the war, team mates being shot down, and Bat dealing with his grief and his new suiter, Cowboy.
Overall this was a nice story, but again, we don't know what happens to them. Do they stay together after the war, do they even both live through it? I guess it's up to reach reader to decide how the story continues.
3 stars, I guess. I just needed a smidge more to know they would be alright.
September 6, 2021
Franch, 1916 - Lanyon really has a great style with action - not flowery and overly descriptive, but just enough that you can see the planes dog fighting above the trenches and the staggering loss of life. Bat, Cowboy, Tubby and all the pilots of A Squadron know that any day could be their last. Do you succumb to the terror and distance yourself from everyone, or do you grab life by the balls and hang on?
Reread in 2021: Hmph ... In rereading this story, I again was struck by how well Lanyon uses the time period to give us a feel for the era rather than an info dump. Last time I read this, I had a niggle about the way Lanyon develops the relationship between Bat and Cowboy (blackmail) and this time I was struck by how very nonconsensual and kinda creepy it seems at the beginning. 3 stars this time around.
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What did it matter really? Both he and Cowboy could also be dead the next day — within a few hours really. Any of them might be. No wonder if they all felt that terrible compulsion to grab every moment of life, to make some brief human connection, feel something even for a few minutes. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die. It was even in the Bible, wasn’t it?This story ends as it must ... with Cowboy and Bat facing the unknown, yet grateful for one more night, one more sunrise.
Reread in 2021: Hmph ... In rereading this story, I again was struck by how well Lanyon uses the time period to give us a feel for the era rather than an info dump. Last time I read this, I had a niggle about the way Lanyon develops the relationship between Bat and Cowboy (blackmail) and this time I was struck by how very nonconsensual and kinda creepy it seems at the beginning. 3 stars this time around.
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January 12, 2015
Premetto le mie considerazioni dicendo che non credo che questa storia si sarebbe prestata a una forma di racconto più lunga. La sua forza è proprio lo squarcio su questo periodo e su questi uomini. È una situazione precaria, vissuta costantemente nel presente dai due protagonisti.
Il periodo storico – la Prima Guerra Mondiale – è affascinante e descritto in modo credibile. È impossibile staccarsi da questo libro senza un pensiero per questi giovani che sacrificavano le proprie vite in apparecchi che volavano su ali e preghiere. La scrittura è fantastica, e ripeto, la storia è intensa, facendoci sentire il pericolo affrontato da questi piloti ogni volta che volavano.
E ora i personaggi. Potrebbe esserci forse qualche particolare troppo specifico della storia, quindi proseguite a vostro rischio e pericolo.
Non so perché mi piaccia un personaggio come Cowboy, che coglie l’occasione per forzare Bat, quando quest’ultimo è vulnerabile e in lutto. Ho cercato in tutti i modi di odiarlo, di concentrarmi sui suoi tratti più fastidiosi – specialmente perché sembra pensare di sapere sempre di più di tutti gli altri, prende sempre il controllo su ciò che succede attorno a lui, non si mischia agli altri piloti. Mi fa infuriare così tanto che avrei voluto che Bat gli si opponesse. E poi mostra questo lato tenero e premuroso – anche se c’è sempre qualche secondo fine egoistico – rivelando una fragilità che mi conquista nello stesso momento in cui mi irrita.
Bat invece si sottomette e si arrende alle trame di Cowboy e alla sua sensualità, in una relazione che è l’opposto di quella casta che ha vissuto con Gene; lascia che l’altro suoni il suo corpo come fosse uno strumento e gli concede completamente il controllo. Nei loro incontri c’è una disperazione dolce, come se stessero rubando qualche momento di calore umano. Sono gli unici momenti in cui Bat sente di non avere responsabilità, in cui può lasciare che il comando passi a qualcun altro. Il futuro immediato è così buio che i pensieri di cosa succederà dopo la guerra sono un desiderio ottimista più che un progetto. È come se questi uomini non parlassero di se stessi, ma di qualcun altro. C’è quindi un sentimento di separazione e isolamento, perché l’omosessualità dei protagonisti li tiene distanti dagli altri ma vicini l’uno all’altro.
Insomma, una storia delicata, urgente, crudele, un momento sospeso, che comunica perfettamente la precarietà di un momento storico, descrivendo due eroi veri, con tutte le loro fragilità. Mi auguro che poi si siano trovati per sempre.
Il periodo storico – la Prima Guerra Mondiale – è affascinante e descritto in modo credibile. È impossibile staccarsi da questo libro senza un pensiero per questi giovani che sacrificavano le proprie vite in apparecchi che volavano su ali e preghiere. La scrittura è fantastica, e ripeto, la storia è intensa, facendoci sentire il pericolo affrontato da questi piloti ogni volta che volavano.
E ora i personaggi. Potrebbe esserci forse qualche particolare troppo specifico della storia, quindi proseguite a vostro rischio e pericolo.
Non so perché mi piaccia un personaggio come Cowboy, che coglie l’occasione per forzare Bat, quando quest’ultimo è vulnerabile e in lutto. Ho cercato in tutti i modi di odiarlo, di concentrarmi sui suoi tratti più fastidiosi – specialmente perché sembra pensare di sapere sempre di più di tutti gli altri, prende sempre il controllo su ciò che succede attorno a lui, non si mischia agli altri piloti. Mi fa infuriare così tanto che avrei voluto che Bat gli si opponesse. E poi mostra questo lato tenero e premuroso – anche se c’è sempre qualche secondo fine egoistico – rivelando una fragilità che mi conquista nello stesso momento in cui mi irrita.
Bat invece si sottomette e si arrende alle trame di Cowboy e alla sua sensualità, in una relazione che è l’opposto di quella casta che ha vissuto con Gene; lascia che l’altro suoni il suo corpo come fosse uno strumento e gli concede completamente il controllo. Nei loro incontri c’è una disperazione dolce, come se stessero rubando qualche momento di calore umano. Sono gli unici momenti in cui Bat sente di non avere responsabilità, in cui può lasciare che il comando passi a qualcun altro. Il futuro immediato è così buio che i pensieri di cosa succederà dopo la guerra sono un desiderio ottimista più che un progetto. È come se questi uomini non parlassero di se stessi, ma di qualcun altro. C’è quindi un sentimento di separazione e isolamento, perché l’omosessualità dei protagonisti li tiene distanti dagli altri ma vicini l’uno all’altro.
Insomma, una storia delicata, urgente, crudele, un momento sospeso, che comunica perfettamente la precarietà di un momento storico, descrivendo due eroi veri, con tutte le loro fragilità. Mi auguro che poi si siano trovati per sempre.
February 5, 2017
Ho letto tutti i libri di Lanyon, che sono stati tradotti finora in Italia, e mi mancava solo questo, perché non amo le storie ambientate nella Grande Guerra, nei campi di trincea e, in genere, tutto l’inevitabile angst di contorno. Alla fine ho ceduto e mi è piaciuto. Ma mi ha lasciato un gusto agrodolce in bocca.
Sì, è realistico nella descrizione della precarietà della vita, soprattutto in quel drammatico frangente; descrive bene l’angoscia e l’ineluttabilità della morte, così come i rigurgiti di vita, di amore, il bisogno di sentirsi ‘vivi’ e di sentirlo, strappando ora dopo ora, giorno dopo giorno, all’inevitabile fine. Descrive bene persino quel delirio di onnipotenza che è viaggiare fra le nubi, terribile ed esaltante.
Descrive anche la fine di un amore e la nascita di un altro.
Cowboy è la salvezza di Bat per diversi motivi, ma l’ho anche odiato. Poi ho capito, davvero, le sue motivazioni, anche se non le condivido del tutto.
Mi è piaciuto Bat, dall’inizio alla fine, e spero che – benché la storia sia breve – abbia il lieto fine che merita, quello che non ci è stato raccontato, magari in America, lontano da signorine di buona famiglia e da compiacenza paterna.
In qualche modo, abbiamo anche un giallo da chiarire, anche se al contrario. Direi che la storia è ben costruita e, nella conclusione, è anche verosimile. Quantomeno, dà speranza.
Sì, è realistico nella descrizione della precarietà della vita, soprattutto in quel drammatico frangente; descrive bene l’angoscia e l’ineluttabilità della morte, così come i rigurgiti di vita, di amore, il bisogno di sentirsi ‘vivi’ e di sentirlo, strappando ora dopo ora, giorno dopo giorno, all’inevitabile fine. Descrive bene persino quel delirio di onnipotenza che è viaggiare fra le nubi, terribile ed esaltante.
Descrive anche la fine di un amore e la nascita di un altro.
Cowboy è la salvezza di Bat per diversi motivi, ma l’ho anche odiato. Poi ho capito, davvero, le sue motivazioni, anche se non le condivido del tutto.
Mi è piaciuto Bat, dall’inizio alla fine, e spero che – benché la storia sia breve – abbia il lieto fine che merita, quello che non ci è stato raccontato, magari in America, lontano da signorine di buona famiglia e da compiacenza paterna.
In qualche modo, abbiamo anche un giallo da chiarire, anche se al contrario. Direi che la storia è ben costruita e, nella conclusione, è anche verosimile. Quantomeno, dà speranza.
January 10, 2017
Audio Version - also 4 stars, the narrator was terrific
That was so sweet, and so, so sad. I can't believe the MC is only 23 years old! What a terrible waste war is (I know, but it truly is). To think of those brave young men getting in their planes every day truly understanding that this could be their last flight, I just can't imagine it. These kinds of stories always get to me, but this one was so special because of the ending - it was really lovely.
I couldn't help but think to myself as I listened to this book, "Is there a German Josh Lanyon who writes stories like this from the other perspective? Are we the evil Americans?" The battle scenes are just amazing in this book, really great.
That was so sweet, and so, so sad. I can't believe the MC is only 23 years old! What a terrible waste war is (I know, but it truly is). To think of those brave young men getting in their planes every day truly understanding that this could be their last flight, I just can't imagine it. These kinds of stories always get to me, but this one was so special because of the ending - it was really lovely.
I couldn't help but think to myself as I listened to this book, "Is there a German Josh Lanyon who writes stories like this from the other perspective? Are we the evil Americans?" The battle scenes are just amazing in this book, really great.
April 18, 2013
Again, I have to concede that Josh Lanyon is simply a master at writing short stories. This book again shows that you can put character depth and development, thorough world building, selective minute descriptions, and a rounded and satisfying story into a book length that (in the edition I bought) was less than 100 pages.
Having said that, I have to admit that this is not my favourite story plot-wise, but Lanyon's familiar writing proficiency, his talent for story construction and pace - all that made it still a very enjoyable read for me and one I can definitely recommend.
Having said that, I have to admit that this is not my favourite story plot-wise, but Lanyon's familiar writing proficiency, his talent for story construction and pace - all that made it still a very enjoyable read for me and one I can definitely recommend.
September 16, 2011
Poignant and beautiful story of men who face their mortality daily and the loss of lovers, friends, brothers, and comrades. Bat experiences passion and intimacy in Cowboy's arms. Through Cowboy's persistence, affection, and tenderness, (Bat) allows himself to live, love, and make the moment count...
January 20, 2013
It took me a little bit to get into this one and much of the sex was pretty much dubious, but I ended up really liking it in the end. I loved Bat and Cowboy and it saddens me to know that these two probably won't be together forever. :(
June 2, 2013
I stayed away from this one for some time, because of the setting (WWI). And I was right, it made me cry.But it was also so very beautiful.
A poignant short novel about two pilots - it was simply beautiful.
A poignant short novel about two pilots - it was simply beautiful.
March 10, 2015
Such a simple story, but so much packed into a few pages. The days of a pilot in World War I are recreated with loving detail. A romance between a Brit and a Yank, who could ask for more. Well, I could but that would be for the story to be longer. Another amazing piece of writing by Mr. Lanyon.
Want to read
June 14, 2013Okay guys, my last Josh Lanyon post but... price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US for Kindle! 6/14/13!
June 1, 2017
I absolutely consumed this book. It was one of the most readable historical books I've ever come across. Josh Lanyon is a wonder at pulling a reader in and evoking a depth of emotional investment in the main characters. This book was heartbreaking, suspenseful and sexy. Both main characters had charisma and sex appeal in spades. Their plight, however, was daunting.
Both men were ace fighter pilots in an elite squadron in WWI. The odds of either man surviving the war were slim. The odds of both men surviving the war were downright dismal. At one point in the book, it was said that the life expectancy of these fighter pilots was eleven days. I still can't wrap my mind around that. The fact that these two men had the chance to experience a unique bond, develop true intimacy and engage in a forbidden love affair under these circumstances was remarkable. The fact that they did so knowing each day might be their last only fueled their passion and determination to make every moment count.
This is not a dry, slow moving historical read. It will engage you and make you feel. I toyed with giving this book a four star rating because the ending didn't bring me the level of closure that I craved. However, upon further reflection, there was a shift in my perspective and I came to the conclusion that the ending was exactly as it should be.
5 stars. Highly recommended.
Both men were ace fighter pilots in an elite squadron in WWI. The odds of either man surviving the war were slim. The odds of both men surviving the war were downright dismal. At one point in the book, it was said that the life expectancy of these fighter pilots was eleven days. I still can't wrap my mind around that. The fact that these two men had the chance to experience a unique bond, develop true intimacy and engage in a forbidden love affair under these circumstances was remarkable. The fact that they did so knowing each day might be their last only fueled their passion and determination to make every moment count.
This is not a dry, slow moving historical read. It will engage you and make you feel. I toyed with giving this book a four star rating because the ending didn't bring me the level of closure that I craved. However, upon further reflection, there was a shift in my perspective and I came to the conclusion that the ending was exactly as it should be.
5 stars. Highly recommended.
January 24, 2025
3.5
I appreciated time spent with these Great War pilots stationed in France, fighting multiple dogfights a day and loosing sometimes more than one fellow pilot a day. Overall, the writing and historical texture was believable and compelling.
While I liked the characters, there were some central relational and plot dynamics that did not work for me. Some of that I think is purely personal preference (I will always prefer the eroticization of equality not power difference, and the line between lack of consent and consensual power play was way too thin here) but in terms of plot, the timing made no sense. I liked the framing of a man grieving the fellow-pilot he loved and then finding a different kind of relationship/freedom in the aftermath, but the new relationship starts A DAY AFTER his lover dies. So when the new guy says things like "are you still in love with him?" it's fully WTF. Does our protagonist still love the man who died last week that he loved for years? Yes, yes I think he does. The dynamic felt unnecessarily rushed, even for a novella.
All that said, I liked the writing enough that I'll definitely check out more from Lanyon.
I appreciated time spent with these Great War pilots stationed in France, fighting multiple dogfights a day and loosing sometimes more than one fellow pilot a day. Overall, the writing and historical texture was believable and compelling.
While I liked the characters, there were some central relational and plot dynamics that did not work for me. Some of that I think is purely personal preference (I will always prefer the eroticization of equality not power difference, and the line between lack of consent and consensual power play was way too thin here) but in terms of plot, the timing made no sense. I liked the framing of a man grieving the fellow-pilot he loved and then finding a different kind of relationship/freedom in the aftermath, but the new relationship starts A DAY AFTER his lover dies. So when the new guy says things like "are you still in love with him?" it's fully WTF. Does our protagonist still love the man who died last week that he loved for years? Yes, yes I think he does. The dynamic felt unnecessarily rushed, even for a novella.
All that said, I liked the writing enough that I'll definitely check out more from Lanyon.
May 10, 2022
Mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed Bat as a character, and I wished we could've learned more about him. Was really hoping there would be a post-war fast forward (Maybe I was just being too optimist).
That said, some parts sure felt like non-con. Because of that, I'm truly not sure of how I feel about Cowboy.
That said, some parts sure felt like non-con. Because of that, I'm truly not sure of how I feel about Cowboy.
October 11, 2012
This historical romance novella was an intense and riveting read. Set in France during WW1, the story focuses on Bat, a British soldier who leads a squadron of pilots. The novella begins with Bat accidentally committing a crime, and then to his rescue comes Cowboy, a swaggering American pilot on his team who steps in to assist in covering things up. Only Bat realizes that Cowboy has a price, and that Bat’s relationship with his teammate, recently killed in battle, was not as secret as he’d thought.
That sounds really dark, and parts of the story are, but mostly it’s just intense. Bat’s squadron flies out twice a day on missions, and they lose pilots daily, so every time they go up, each of them fully understand that it could be their last flight. As captain of his team, Bat is weighed down by both his mortality and that of his men. Between missions, any pocket of respite is either used to drown reality with alcohol and sleep or fiercely grabbed at and used as a way to remind themselves that they are still alive.
Bat is a stunned shell in the beginning of the story, faced with both his crime and the recent and sudden loss of his lover. He’s at first dismayed with Cowboy’s machinations, believing he’s fallen from one hell to another, but he can’t deny the release that he needs, and realizes slowly that Cowboy is offering him much more than just hiding him.
Lanyon does a great job with setting the scene--it was easy to picture every detail, from the planes in mid-battle to the crowded room where the soldiers drank and unwound to the tangled and dilapidated gazebo where Bat and Cowboy would meet. Evocative and richly detailed, I was swept along with this powerful story, and at times, found myself craving some of the same things. (For instance, an intense want of chocolate as Bat and Cowboy smoked and ate chocolates in the dark while they talked, just enjoyed the simple pleasure of something so hard to come by.)
I also totally cried like a baby at points so this is definitely a good pick for that tearjerker list.
Thankfully, such an intense story wraps up in a HFN ending. (I don’t think Lanyon would ever leave you hanging that badly.) But the intensity of the story made that ending feel like another pocket of respite--unsure of what the morning will bring, but for that moment, enjoying what life there is and the offered and wanted love of the person with you.
Not an easy read, but excellent and recommended, especially if you like a good historical story.
That sounds really dark, and parts of the story are, but mostly it’s just intense. Bat’s squadron flies out twice a day on missions, and they lose pilots daily, so every time they go up, each of them fully understand that it could be their last flight. As captain of his team, Bat is weighed down by both his mortality and that of his men. Between missions, any pocket of respite is either used to drown reality with alcohol and sleep or fiercely grabbed at and used as a way to remind themselves that they are still alive.
Bat is a stunned shell in the beginning of the story, faced with both his crime and the recent and sudden loss of his lover. He’s at first dismayed with Cowboy’s machinations, believing he’s fallen from one hell to another, but he can’t deny the release that he needs, and realizes slowly that Cowboy is offering him much more than just hiding him.
Lanyon does a great job with setting the scene--it was easy to picture every detail, from the planes in mid-battle to the crowded room where the soldiers drank and unwound to the tangled and dilapidated gazebo where Bat and Cowboy would meet. Evocative and richly detailed, I was swept along with this powerful story, and at times, found myself craving some of the same things. (For instance, an intense want of chocolate as Bat and Cowboy smoked and ate chocolates in the dark while they talked, just enjoyed the simple pleasure of something so hard to come by.)
I also totally cried like a baby at points so this is definitely a good pick for that tearjerker list.
Thankfully, such an intense story wraps up in a HFN ending. (I don’t think Lanyon would ever leave you hanging that badly.) But the intensity of the story made that ending feel like another pocket of respite--unsure of what the morning will bring, but for that moment, enjoying what life there is and the offered and wanted love of the person with you.
Not an easy read, but excellent and recommended, especially if you like a good historical story.
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