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I Spy #1
I Spy Something Bloody
This is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B0088YXEM6.
Espionage was always a game, but now British spy Mark Hardwicke wants to retire and settle down with ex-lover Dr. Stephen Thorpe -- if Stephen will have him. Unfortunately, Stephen has other plans -- and so do the terrorists who want Mark dead.
Espionage was always a game, but now British spy Mark Hardwicke wants to retire and settle down with ex-lover Dr. Stephen Thorpe -- if Stephen will have him. Unfortunately, Stephen has other plans -- and so do the terrorists who want Mark dead.
90 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2008
27 people are currently reading
1168 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 228 reviews
October 10, 2014
Review completed February 15, 2013
What a perfect little story. Loved it! Lanyon is a master at telling a thoughtful story with few words. Beautiful.
Our main protagonists are Mark, 29, a British spy and Stephen, 50, a doctor. Mark is in trouble after a mission has gone awry in Afghanistan. He's calling his former lover, Stephen, for help:
Though after a very short and brusque dialogue that includes some begging, Stephen reluctantly agrees to accommodate Mark.
Mark has been knifed and beaten during his latest op. Also, he is utterly exhausted and feels that something is wrong with him. He needs time to rest and recover, he needs a breather, however at the same time he needs to make a decision regarding his future. Two years ago Mark had let the Old Man talk him into one last job. But this one last job had turned into eleven assignments. At that time however, Stephen was not willing anymore to wait for him and he gave him the boot. Matters were complicated further by the fact that Stephen was afraid that one day Mark would be coming back in a coffin.
Once arrived at Stephen's home, Mark has yet to suffer a rude surprise. In fact, Stephen is
While recovering at Stephen's home, Mark has plenty of time to think about his future and he comes to the conclusion that he wants to quit his job. He wants to retire to have another chance at building a life with Stephen. Because in the end that's what matters most. He never stopped loving Stephen and he hopes it's not too late to right a wrong.
Stephen's life is quite the polar opposite of Mark's. Stephen is living in an old, comfortable house. His life is serene and uneventful, and he is working at a little community hospital. Simply put, his lifestyle is completely safe and boring unlike Mark's. He is the adrenaline junkie who is living on the edge, always looking for one last thrilling mission. Even though Stephen broke it off with him, Mark always believed that one day he would come back to Stephen. But Stephen wants him gone as soon as he is back on his feet.
Mark is probably suffering from nervous exhaustion and traumatic stress. To top everything off, he is afraid that he won't be able to adjust to a "normal" civilian life. It's obvious that Mark has to deal with psychological impacts that are not to be underestimated. Lanyon did a fine job at portraying the somewhat selfish, manipulative Mark and the quiet yet open-minded Stephen. Manipulating people became second nature to Mark. On the one hand it's understandable because it's a skill he needed to survive in his job as a spy. On the other hand though, Stephen was no longer willing to accept his behavior. He wanted a commitment and he didn't want him to risk his life on a daily basis. But that was two years ago and Mark missed the beat. Now Mark is back in the hope to pick up where they left off two years ago.
I Spy Something Bloody is a beautifully written little gem about a second chance at love. A story about reflection, a story also about forgiveness and coming to terms with what has been and what will be. To be honest, I was afraid that Stephen and Mark wouldn't be able to work things out, a failure seemed more than possible since the fronts were so hardened, and I was so glad to see that they were back on track by the end of the story.
Even though Mark came across as too needy/whiny at times, he was a likable character because he was believable. Also, I think he epitomizes the man who has a hard time to talk about his inner struggles and feelings. As it was, he wasn't used to show affection and love openly but the circumstances forced him to act and he was rewarded with a second chance at love.
I Spy Something Bloody is bloody wonderful and an all around great read! I am always amazed at the depth of Lanyon's rather short stories. You can expect very well developed and complex characters, an engaging plot, a lovely setting and prime writing. Perfect.
What a perfect little story. Loved it! Lanyon is a master at telling a thoughtful story with few words. Beautiful.
Our main protagonists are Mark, 29, a British spy and Stephen, 50, a doctor. Mark is in trouble after a mission has gone awry in Afghanistan. He's calling his former lover, Stephen, for help:
"Can I come home?"
He said without anger, "This isn't your home."
Though after a very short and brusque dialogue that includes some begging, Stephen reluctantly agrees to accommodate Mark.
Mark has been knifed and beaten during his latest op. Also, he is utterly exhausted and feels that something is wrong with him. He needs time to rest and recover, he needs a breather, however at the same time he needs to make a decision regarding his future. Two years ago Mark had let the Old Man talk him into one last job. But this one last job had turned into eleven assignments. At that time however, Stephen was not willing anymore to wait for him and he gave him the boot. Matters were complicated further by the fact that Stephen was afraid that one day Mark would be coming back in a coffin.
I closed my eyes for a moment. It felt years since I'd really slept. The glass was cool against my forehead. Why had I come back? What had I hoped to accomplish?
Once arrived at Stephen's home, Mark has yet to suffer a rude surprise. In fact, Stephen is
While recovering at Stephen's home, Mark has plenty of time to think about his future and he comes to the conclusion that he wants to quit his job. He wants to retire to have another chance at building a life with Stephen. Because in the end that's what matters most. He never stopped loving Stephen and he hopes it's not too late to right a wrong.
Because I'm tired of lying and being lied to, of betraying people and being betrayed. Tired of risking life and limb. Tired of running. Tired…
Because it cost me Stephen.
The inscription on the flyleaf read: One thing is certain, and the Rest is Lies. At the time I hadn't believed there was any relevance in the rest of the quotation: The Flower that has blown for ever dies.
Stephen's life is quite the polar opposite of Mark's. Stephen is living in an old, comfortable house. His life is serene and uneventful, and he is working at a little community hospital. Simply put, his lifestyle is completely safe and boring unlike Mark's. He is the adrenaline junkie who is living on the edge, always looking for one last thrilling mission. Even though Stephen broke it off with him, Mark always believed that one day he would come back to Stephen. But Stephen wants him gone as soon as he is back on his feet.
Mark is probably suffering from nervous exhaustion and traumatic stress. To top everything off, he is afraid that he won't be able to adjust to a "normal" civilian life. It's obvious that Mark has to deal with psychological impacts that are not to be underestimated. Lanyon did a fine job at portraying the somewhat selfish, manipulative Mark and the quiet yet open-minded Stephen. Manipulating people became second nature to Mark. On the one hand it's understandable because it's a skill he needed to survive in his job as a spy. On the other hand though, Stephen was no longer willing to accept his behavior. He wanted a commitment and he didn't want him to risk his life on a daily basis. But that was two years ago and Mark missed the beat. Now Mark is back in the hope to pick up where they left off two years ago.
"I'm hurting you," he muttered after a bit, trying to lift off again. I hung on, knowing he would have to permit it. He wouldn't risk wrestling with me.
"Then we're even," I whispered. I felt the tension in his body but couldn't have stopped the words if my life had depended on it. After a heartbeat or two he relaxed.
Not all your Tears wash out a Word of it.
It hadn't felt like a betrayal, because…at that point there was nothing left to betray. Stephen had broken it off with me. Although, if I was honest with myself, I never believed for an instant that I couldn't mend that bridge. Needed to believe it. Because Stephen was my talisman, and his love for me was the dreamcatcher--the shining bit of improbability that kept away the darkest moments.
"Rub my belly for good luck," I whispered.
He smiled, not opening his eyes, and gently rubbed his hand across my navel.
"Now make a wish," I told him inaudibly, and kissed him.
I Spy Something Bloody is a beautifully written little gem about a second chance at love. A story about reflection, a story also about forgiveness and coming to terms with what has been and what will be. To be honest, I was afraid that Stephen and Mark wouldn't be able to work things out, a failure seemed more than possible since the fronts were so hardened, and I was so glad to see that they were back on track by the end of the story.
In my whole life no one ever gave me permission to fall apart, to let go. He was the only person in the world who thought I needed taking care of, protecting.
Even though Mark came across as too needy/whiny at times, he was a likable character because he was believable. Also, I think he epitomizes the man who has a hard time to talk about his inner struggles and feelings. As it was, he wasn't used to show affection and love openly but the circumstances forced him to act and he was rewarded with a second chance at love.
I Spy Something Bloody is bloody wonderful and an all around great read! I am always amazed at the depth of Lanyon's rather short stories. You can expect very well developed and complex characters, an engaging plot, a lovely setting and prime writing. Perfect.
"The mistakes I made--they didn't have to do with anything but being afraid. I did love you. I do love you."
November 3, 2019
3 Stars
This was a well-written, slightly action-packed novella by all accounts, but I am loath to admit I didn’t care much for the characters or their general plights — at least not enough to call this a win.
Mark is a twenty-something British spy with broken fences to mend and a life to rebuild. Having gone AWOL after a mission gone awry, Mark calls his ex, Stephen, for sanctuary. Stephen, a country doctor and twenty years Mark’s senior, is extremely reluctant to let Mark back into his life after things fell apart the first time, which happened in large part due to Mark’s job and his guarded and uncommunicative nature.
Mark and Stephen have a complicated history, which unfolds in the form of short but revealing flashbacks throughout the present-tense narrative. They still harbour some serious feelings for one another, but hashing out old woes is the name of the game here — think less romanticism, more gritty realism.
Stephen is still hurt and pissed and he’s not afraid to say so, whereas Mark struggles to express his regrets or his desires to make amends and start over. But under the backdrop of some pretty dangerous consequences of Mark’s job, these two finally open up and begin to resolve their countless issues.
As I said, this was well-written, but I honestly didn’t connect to Mark or Stephen in any significant way — at least not enough to care if they worked it out and got back together. This probably comes down to the fact I’m not a fan of second chance stories. I always feel like I’ve missed so much. Jumping in midway into their relationship (or rather, after the end of their first go at it) left me feeling like I’d missed all those core moments that would make me understand why these two meant so much to each other. Mark simply didn’t do enough for me, in terms of showing emotion or desire, to make me root for him to get his man back. It was all a bit too little too late, at least as far as I was concerned.
It also didn’t help that I didn’t understand the timeline of their relationship. Was it two years since they broke up or four? Or was it four months and it had been another two on that where things had been going sour? I found this all very unclear and I’m a real stickler for a coherent timeline.
The final nail in the coffin for me was that Stephen had a new boyfriend. I didn’t mind that he’d moved on, because the dude deserved to be happy if Mark had ruined what they had, but my problem lies in how the thoughts and feelings of said boyfriend were just brushed aside This is the second time I’ve read a Lanyon story with such a situation (the first was in The Parting Glass) and I’ve heard this isn’t the last time this kind of behaviour happens in her other stories, either. I guess I’ll just have to do better research from here on out to avoid the ones that might rile me up like this.
For me, this was a quick, fairly uneventful read, and I’m honestly not sure if I care enough about Mark and Stephen to return for the sequel. Only time (and perhaps mood) will tell.
This was a well-written, slightly action-packed novella by all accounts, but I am loath to admit I didn’t care much for the characters or their general plights — at least not enough to call this a win.
Mark is a twenty-something British spy with broken fences to mend and a life to rebuild. Having gone AWOL after a mission gone awry, Mark calls his ex, Stephen, for sanctuary. Stephen, a country doctor and twenty years Mark’s senior, is extremely reluctant to let Mark back into his life after things fell apart the first time, which happened in large part due to Mark’s job and his guarded and uncommunicative nature.
Mark and Stephen have a complicated history, which unfolds in the form of short but revealing flashbacks throughout the present-tense narrative. They still harbour some serious feelings for one another, but hashing out old woes is the name of the game here — think less romanticism, more gritty realism.
Stephen is still hurt and pissed and he’s not afraid to say so, whereas Mark struggles to express his regrets or his desires to make amends and start over. But under the backdrop of some pretty dangerous consequences of Mark’s job, these two finally open up and begin to resolve their countless issues.
As I said, this was well-written, but I honestly didn’t connect to Mark or Stephen in any significant way — at least not enough to care if they worked it out and got back together. This probably comes down to the fact I’m not a fan of second chance stories. I always feel like I’ve missed so much. Jumping in midway into their relationship (or rather, after the end of their first go at it) left me feeling like I’d missed all those core moments that would make me understand why these two meant so much to each other. Mark simply didn’t do enough for me, in terms of showing emotion or desire, to make me root for him to get his man back. It was all a bit too little too late, at least as far as I was concerned.
It also didn’t help that I didn’t understand the timeline of their relationship. Was it two years since they broke up or four? Or was it four months and it had been another two on that where things had been going sour? I found this all very unclear and I’m a real stickler for a coherent timeline.
The final nail in the coffin for me was that Stephen had a new boyfriend. I didn’t mind that he’d moved on, because the dude deserved to be happy if Mark had ruined what they had, but my problem lies in how the thoughts and feelings of said boyfriend were just brushed aside This is the second time I’ve read a Lanyon story with such a situation (the first was in The Parting Glass) and I’ve heard this isn’t the last time this kind of behaviour happens in her other stories, either. I guess I’ll just have to do better research from here on out to avoid the ones that might rile me up like this.
For me, this was a quick, fairly uneventful read, and I’m honestly not sure if I care enough about Mark and Stephen to return for the sequel. Only time (and perhaps mood) will tell.
August 11, 2016
4,4 stars!
It was absolutely NOT what I expected.
Look at this title - I Spy Something Bloody!
I was expected something with a lot of action a là James Bond with a lot of blood!
What I got instead was a sensitive and pensive love story of an unusual relationship between two very different men.
Very good.
January 12, 2018
**** 4.5 Stars ****
A very compelling writing.
A very compelling writing.
April 7, 2013
Don't get me started on labradors.
They love people. They love to swim in every smelly, muddy pool they can possibly find. Now combine these characteristics and take a particularly untrained prototype (because your friend thought he was too cute for that as a pup) and you're just glad looks can't actually kill when strolling through the park with him.
The labrador in I Spy Something Bloody?
Buck nuzzled my fingers, pushed past and thrust his nose in my crotch, and I jumped - which hurt the ribs and the leg..considerably.
As you can read; another Lanyon, another injured MC! The 29 year old Mark has just returned home from a mission gone awry in Afghanistan. Wounded, exhausted and traumatized, he finds no one waiting for him. In his vulnerable state, he calls his ex Stephen, an established 50 year old doctor, who reluctantly agrees to let him stay at his place to recover. Things didn't end well between the former lovers. Two years ago, Mark chose his career over settling with Stephen and the latter has now finally made an attempt to move on...
I'm sure you can fill in the rest yourself.
I Spy Something Bloody's only 90 pages, which is long enough. Despite those signature Lanyon moments that I've come to love - paragraphs of heartbreakingly fragile tenderness, moments chock-full of emotion - this was another enjoyable, but forgettable romance. The characters were pleasant, yet unmemorable. Their angsty struggles for passion and happiness nicely paced.
Then all of a sudden, Lanyon seemed to think; "The fuck with this. Lets call it a wrap!". After which he forced a break through, that felt somewhat contrived and contrasted with his usual subtlety.
So, Adrien English Mysteries material? Definitely not. Mind-blowing? Hell no. A decent and enjoyable m/m romance? Yes!
psjt...That grossly exaggerated publisher's note makes me snort a little.
They love people. They love to swim in every smelly, muddy pool they can possibly find. Now combine these characteristics and take a particularly untrained prototype (because your friend thought he was too cute for that as a pup) and you're just glad looks can't actually kill when strolling through the park with him.
The labrador in I Spy Something Bloody?
Buck nuzzled my fingers, pushed past and thrust his nose in my crotch, and I jumped - which hurt the ribs and the leg..considerably.
As you can read; another Lanyon, another injured MC! The 29 year old Mark has just returned home from a mission gone awry in Afghanistan. Wounded, exhausted and traumatized, he finds no one waiting for him. In his vulnerable state, he calls his ex Stephen, an established 50 year old doctor, who reluctantly agrees to let him stay at his place to recover. Things didn't end well between the former lovers. Two years ago, Mark chose his career over settling with Stephen and the latter has now finally made an attempt to move on...
I'm sure you can fill in the rest yourself.
I Spy Something Bloody's only 90 pages, which is long enough. Despite those signature Lanyon moments that I've come to love - paragraphs of heartbreakingly fragile tenderness, moments chock-full of emotion - this was another enjoyable, but forgettable romance. The characters were pleasant, yet unmemorable. Their angsty struggles for passion and happiness nicely paced.
Then all of a sudden, Lanyon seemed to think; "The fuck with this. Lets call it a wrap!". After which he forced a break through, that felt somewhat contrived and contrasted with his usual subtlety.
So, Adrien English Mysteries material? Definitely not. Mind-blowing? Hell no. A decent and enjoyable m/m romance? Yes!
psjt...That grossly exaggerated publisher's note makes me snort a little.
January 4, 2022
What an intense series.
I just finished reading all three instalments and am trying to find the words for a coherent review.
Because... this was surprisingly dark.
I absolutely love (and always will) Lanyon characters. They're reliable, competent and quietly confident in their masculinity. Except when they aren't and things go south dramatically.
They are passionate lovers who push all their partner's buttons in bed without creating a mess. They're so perfect that it's nearly painful to compare reality with these superhumans.
British intelligence agent Mark Hardwicke, however, is a mess.
Returning from an undercover mission in Afghanistan (because apparently EVERYONE was on some undercover mission there, for whatever good it brought to the country), badly injured and mentally broken he is desperately trying to find his way home.
Refusing to return to his agency for a debriefing and a forced rehab, he calls his former lover Dr Stephen Thorpe in America and begs him to let him come home.
Only, after two years of silence, home isn't with Stephen anymore and the man has moved on.
But as we are about to discover, Stephen is one of the greatest persons ever written, so he takes in Mark, treats his injuries, largely giving him the cold shoulder in his home and continues to date his new boyfriend. You know, the one who voluntarily wants to share his life with Stephen.
And here's the bitter pill I had to swallow reading this:
Mark isn't exactly a gracious loser. He makes it his mission to wreck Stephen's relationship and claim the man again.
I know there are many things that speak in Mark's favor: His super secret job not allowing him to tell Stephen what was going on and he knows that Stephen genuinely loved him before Mark vanished on one last mission (that resulted in a 2 year absence with Stephen waiting for him like a fool).
But still, it was crystal clear that Stephen had to move on. And suddenly Mark is back and expects to be welcomed with open arms. The nerve!
So yes, for me, this was a pretty dark romance. A very good one, mind you, I was fascinated by their huge age difference (Stephen is 50 while Mark is 29), but definitely a dark one.
Of course, the two men find their way into each other's arms, but this is one of only very few books where I wondered if this outcome really was for the best of both guys.
I seemed to me that Stephen was tragically in love with the younger man - and Mark got the most wonderful life partner a man can imagine while being unable to reciprocate in reliability and maturity.
So yeah, definitely a great 5 star read, but do I feel sorry for Stephen at least a little bit?
Yes, I do.
I just finished reading all three instalments and am trying to find the words for a coherent review.
Because... this was surprisingly dark.
I absolutely love (and always will) Lanyon characters. They're reliable, competent and quietly confident in their masculinity. Except when they aren't and things go south dramatically.
They are passionate lovers who push all their partner's buttons in bed without creating a mess. They're so perfect that it's nearly painful to compare reality with these superhumans.
British intelligence agent Mark Hardwicke, however, is a mess.
Returning from an undercover mission in Afghanistan (because apparently EVERYONE was on some undercover mission there, for whatever good it brought to the country), badly injured and mentally broken he is desperately trying to find his way home.
Refusing to return to his agency for a debriefing and a forced rehab, he calls his former lover Dr Stephen Thorpe in America and begs him to let him come home.
Only, after two years of silence, home isn't with Stephen anymore and the man has moved on.
But as we are about to discover, Stephen is one of the greatest persons ever written, so he takes in Mark, treats his injuries, largely giving him the cold shoulder in his home and continues to date his new boyfriend. You know, the one who voluntarily wants to share his life with Stephen.
And here's the bitter pill I had to swallow reading this:
Mark isn't exactly a gracious loser. He makes it his mission to wreck Stephen's relationship and claim the man again.
I know there are many things that speak in Mark's favor: His super secret job not allowing him to tell Stephen what was going on and he knows that Stephen genuinely loved him before Mark vanished on one last mission (that resulted in a 2 year absence with Stephen waiting for him like a fool).
But still, it was crystal clear that Stephen had to move on. And suddenly Mark is back and expects to be welcomed with open arms. The nerve!
So yes, for me, this was a pretty dark romance. A very good one, mind you, I was fascinated by their huge age difference (Stephen is 50 while Mark is 29), but definitely a dark one.
Of course, the two men find their way into each other's arms, but this is one of only very few books where I wondered if this outcome really was for the best of both guys.
I seemed to me that Stephen was tragically in love with the younger man - and Mark got the most wonderful life partner a man can imagine while being unable to reciprocate in reliability and maturity.
So yeah, definitely a great 5 star read, but do I feel sorry for Stephen at least a little bit?
Yes, I do.
June 9, 2020
Wow! Hands down the best I've read from Lanyon yet. This novella packed a huge punch and was very much more relationship-centered than any of her others that I've read. My eyes were leaking. It hurt so good.
February 18, 2017
***4.5 Stars*** and note to self: read more of Josh Lanyon's books again!
Leave it to her to fill a short story with less than hundred pages with depth, a more than palpable connection between the two main characters, and enough suspense, action and mystery to send me to my happy place. Add in some good healing-comfort and I'm in. And thank goodness, there was no insta-love!!! Okay, that would have been difficult, since Mark and Stephen are former lovers, but still...
Not a big fan of age gap here (at least not of one with roughly twenty years), but both guys were perfect for each other and I loved them!
Same goes for the story and so... on to the next!
Leave it to her to fill a short story with less than hundred pages with depth, a more than palpable connection between the two main characters, and enough suspense, action and mystery to send me to my happy place. Add in some good healing-comfort and I'm in. And thank goodness, there was no insta-love!!! Okay, that would have been difficult, since Mark and Stephen are former lovers, but still...
Not a big fan of age gap here (at least not of one with roughly twenty years), but both guys were perfect for each other and I loved them!
Same goes for the story and so... on to the next!
March 21, 2017
*4.5 stars*
I haven't had much luck with Josh Lanyon in the past, but holy shit! I really liked this one! On to the sequel.
I haven't had much luck with Josh Lanyon in the past, but holy shit! I really liked this one! On to the sequel.
September 18, 2016
Written November 10, 2014
3.8 Stars - Slightly depressing and slow, but cleverly constructed - quickly made, short and captivating
Book #1
I listened to a 7 hrs audiobook edition with "I Spy" novellas, In From The Cold (I Spy, #1-3) by the great Josh Lanyon. This was the first of three shorter stories about one pair of lovebirds.
Maybe not revolutionary good but doubtless good enough
A quite short story (3:30 hrs ~ 100 pages) narrated, in a better more pleasant way for each minute, by a new narrator for me: Mr Alexander J. Masters.
***********************************************
When the British spy, Mark Hardwicke (injured and in trouble) once again is back visiting his ex-lover, Dr. Stephen Thorpe in his house in the south of U.S isn't all that easy as he hoped for. Maybe is Mark back to late?
I Spy Someting Bloody is a Spy Story but not in any way a flashy Mr Bond adventure. Quite the opposite.
To be honest had this one a pretty depressing feeling over it. It was romantic but in a very sad and almost hurtful love-misery way. Here we get a very very tired secret agent and a (rightly) very very angry and disappointed former lover.
Depressed or not, I enjoyed, it felt like a good enough audio and I want much more about this brittle relationship. Mr Lanyon's characters feels always interesting, so also this time.
***********************************************
On to the next one, #2 - I Spy Something Wicked (review to be).
I LIKE - another 'gay-manly' interesting JL story
3.8 Stars - Slightly depressing and slow, but cleverly constructed - quickly made, short and captivating
Book #1
I listened to a 7 hrs audiobook edition with "I Spy" novellas, In From The Cold (I Spy, #1-3) by the great Josh Lanyon. This was the first of three shorter stories about one pair of lovebirds.
Maybe not revolutionary good but doubtless good enough
A quite short story (3:30 hrs ~ 100 pages) narrated, in a better more pleasant way for each minute, by a new narrator for me: Mr Alexander J. Masters.
***********************************************
When the British spy, Mark Hardwicke (injured and in trouble) once again is back visiting his ex-lover, Dr. Stephen Thorpe in his house in the south of U.S isn't all that easy as he hoped for. Maybe is Mark back to late?
I Spy Someting Bloody is a Spy Story but not in any way a flashy Mr Bond adventure. Quite the opposite.
To be honest had this one a pretty depressing feeling over it. It was romantic but in a very sad and almost hurtful love-misery way. Here we get a very very tired secret agent and a (rightly) very very angry and disappointed former lover.
Depressed or not, I enjoyed, it felt like a good enough audio and I want much more about this brittle relationship. Mr Lanyon's characters feels always interesting, so also this time.
***********************************************
On to the next one, #2 - I Spy Something Wicked (review to be).
I LIKE - another 'gay-manly' interesting JL story
January 20, 2025
2nd re-read January 2025
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
December 4, 2014
Remarkably well written for a short story...LOVED IT
January 3, 2014
Incorrigible…yes, it’s true; Mark is such and he may not be able to correct his wrong-doings.
Shit-outta-luck…what to you do when you are too-little too-late?
Persistent….yep, dig your heels in and try, try again.
Yearning…so close, yet so far away.
Let’s be frank, shall we?
I’ve come to treasure when you crack open a Lanyon story, you will not be disappointed with the writing. It’s engaging, it’s seamless, and it’s refined. He wouldn’t hold the hefty bookshelves he maintains if he was merely mediocre with his craft. This is something I respect and greatly appreciate. There are times when the writing makes all the difference in the love/hate world. For me, this was one of them.
Things unfold before I even realize it’s a story involving a pairing I typically skirt around, and I’m hooked. Twenty-something years separate Mark and Stephen and truthfully, I didn’t notice or care. This alone makes me sit up straighter in my seat. How does this happen? Exceptional writing is my only answer.
Mark is in trouble.
He’s hurt, he’s lost and he wants Stephen.
Stephen is solid.
He’s strong. He’s a rock, and he’s always been Mark’s rock, until now. Unfortunately for Mark he’s taken his strength and stability and love, and moved on.
When is late too late? How does forever become yesterday?
And more importantly, how do you repair damage time, distance and neglect has caused?
A rogue looking to retire, Mark hopes to win back his true love.
Stephen was patient and forgiving, but eventually he realized he couldn’t hold his breath for the rest of his life.
Mark’s absence, his job, his lies were slowly asphyxiating him. He had no choice but to come up for air.
Their story was short, and yet it was long enough.
I’m bouncing in my seat for what’s up next for this southern doctor and ex-agent. I have a sneaking suspicion their future isn’t going to be sipping tea on the porch. Bright and blazing would be my prediction for the next chapter between these two.
What does this newly retired British guy spy with his little eyes?
I’m about to move onto book two and find out, wanna join me?
*4 electrifying-edgy-empathetic stars*
Shit-outta-luck…what to you do when you are too-little too-late?
Persistent….yep, dig your heels in and try, try again.
Yearning…so close, yet so far away.
Let’s be frank, shall we?
I’ve come to treasure when you crack open a Lanyon story, you will not be disappointed with the writing. It’s engaging, it’s seamless, and it’s refined. He wouldn’t hold the hefty bookshelves he maintains if he was merely mediocre with his craft. This is something I respect and greatly appreciate. There are times when the writing makes all the difference in the love/hate world. For me, this was one of them.
Things unfold before I even realize it’s a story involving a pairing I typically skirt around, and I’m hooked. Twenty-something years separate Mark and Stephen and truthfully, I didn’t notice or care. This alone makes me sit up straighter in my seat. How does this happen? Exceptional writing is my only answer.
Mark is in trouble.
He’s hurt, he’s lost and he wants Stephen.
Stephen is solid.
He’s strong. He’s a rock, and he’s always been Mark’s rock, until now. Unfortunately for Mark he’s taken his strength and stability and love, and moved on.
When is late too late? How does forever become yesterday?
And more importantly, how do you repair damage time, distance and neglect has caused?
A rogue looking to retire, Mark hopes to win back his true love.
Stephen was patient and forgiving, but eventually he realized he couldn’t hold his breath for the rest of his life.
Mark’s absence, his job, his lies were slowly asphyxiating him. He had no choice but to come up for air.
Their story was short, and yet it was long enough.
I’m bouncing in my seat for what’s up next for this southern doctor and ex-agent. I have a sneaking suspicion their future isn’t going to be sipping tea on the porch. Bright and blazing would be my prediction for the next chapter between these two.
What does this newly retired British guy spy with his little eyes?
I’m about to move onto book two and find out, wanna join me?
*4 electrifying-edgy-empathetic stars*
August 20, 2019
I’m always amazed how much JL can pack into such a short book. After the last book I read, I wanted something I knew would be good and JL hasn’t disappointed me yet. This is a sweet, low key romance-part-thriller with great characterisation (especially considering the short length) and I loved it.
January 29, 2023
06.12.2017, 03.11.2018, 08.10.2020, 18.12.2022
~ 4.5 stars ~
~ 4.5 stars ~
November 10, 2011
Perfect.
The story of Mark and Stephen is told like the painting of a work of art: first the sketches and then, layer after layer, Mark tells us the whole story, in all its shades. Mark is desperately clinging to the hope of winning Stephen back just by being there, letting his regret and need pour out of him. It's a painful process, like the purging of a wound and it's something that forces Mark to bare his soul even in front of rejection. Stephen tries to be there for Mark, to let him heal his physical pains, but he is firm in his decision of not being involved again, too afraid of the hurt of a possible abandonment.
I liked the main couple. Mark is 29, Stephen is 50. Mark is a spy, he's been living in danger and deception, while Stephen is a doctor in a small hospital, a solid, quiet man. He's like a dream to Mark, a mirage, a promise. He is also compassionate, a man that feels deeply, he's generous. Their relationship, the glimpses of the past we get from Mark, is really precious and beautiful and it makes the reader hurt for the loss of it. It's not easy to side with Mark, because it seems his past decisions were selfish, sometimes he comes out as too needy, but, as I said before, his desperation is heartbreaking, so pure it's almost childish.
I don't know why I didn't read this book before, probably because the title sounded a bit too playful, so I was floored by the intensity of this story. Truly beautiful. Perfect.
The story of Mark and Stephen is told like the painting of a work of art: first the sketches and then, layer after layer, Mark tells us the whole story, in all its shades. Mark is desperately clinging to the hope of winning Stephen back just by being there, letting his regret and need pour out of him. It's a painful process, like the purging of a wound and it's something that forces Mark to bare his soul even in front of rejection. Stephen tries to be there for Mark, to let him heal his physical pains, but he is firm in his decision of not being involved again, too afraid of the hurt of a possible abandonment.
I liked the main couple. Mark is 29, Stephen is 50. Mark is a spy, he's been living in danger and deception, while Stephen is a doctor in a small hospital, a solid, quiet man. He's like a dream to Mark, a mirage, a promise. He is also compassionate, a man that feels deeply, he's generous. Their relationship, the glimpses of the past we get from Mark, is really precious and beautiful and it makes the reader hurt for the loss of it. It's not easy to side with Mark, because it seems his past decisions were selfish, sometimes he comes out as too needy, but, as I said before, his desperation is heartbreaking, so pure it's almost childish.
I don't know why I didn't read this book before, probably because the title sounded a bit too playful, so I was floored by the intensity of this story. Truly beautiful. Perfect.
August 7, 2021
Josh Lanyon does a beautiful job of telling a story without telling too much. There's never an info dump and Lanyon teases out small details bit by bit as we piece together what happened between Mark and Stephen. I'm starting on the second book in the series and looking forward to adding to the tapestry of their lives and love.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
April 5, 2018
Reading this book went like,
Then,
Then,
March 20, 2015
This was awesome! Wonderful love story between a young spy and and older country doctor. I'm super excited to see it has 2 sequels!
Thanks Natasha!
Thanks Natasha!
July 21, 2016
Quite enjoyed this. The emotional charge throughout the story was intense and I was rooting for Mark to get his second chance. And just when things looked hopeless, there was a sudden twist in the plot, keeping me hooked till the very last line. Josh Lanyon knows how to write good action books. 3.5 stars.
I look forward to finding out how Stephen and Mark get along after that.
I look forward to finding out how Stephen and Mark get along after that.
Want to read
December 7, 2018Thank you for the gift, Winter Cherry Elf!
December 29, 2012
The action comes at the end, this book is about unravelling the layers of Mark and Stephen's relationship.
The pov character is Mark, a British spy and it's deeply introspective while his outward character is close mouthed and somewhat brash. Dr Stephen as a gentle grounded man dedicated to healing is a nice foil. There's a twenty year age difference but Mark never seems child-like, though voicing his emotions is a vulnerbility he fights. I like the Stephen we see through his eyes and would have liked to see more of him, his insecurities are mentioned but never explored.
I love the couple and seeing how much they love each other and what that means to both of them. The issue I have with the book is the timeline, at the end of chapter two I'm completely confused (and this a re-read) and looking at the reviews here hasn't cleared it up.
They last spoke four months ago when they split-up. Then there's talk of two years - two years without any contact which would add arrogance to Mark's re-appearance, or just two years since Mark promised to quit, so with (un-satisfactory) contact? It's confusing, then their back to talking about the four months and I'm still not sure.
It's also not given how long they've known each other.
There's Dicken quotes and flashbacks but neither are too invasive and I was routing for them to work out their problems.
The pov character is Mark, a British spy and it's deeply introspective while his outward character is close mouthed and somewhat brash. Dr Stephen as a gentle grounded man dedicated to healing is a nice foil. There's a twenty year age difference but Mark never seems child-like, though voicing his emotions is a vulnerbility he fights. I like the Stephen we see through his eyes and would have liked to see more of him, his insecurities are mentioned but never explored.
I love the couple and seeing how much they love each other and what that means to both of them. The issue I have with the book is the timeline, at the end of chapter two I'm completely confused (and this a re-read) and looking at the reviews here hasn't cleared it up.
They last spoke four months ago when they split-up. Then there's talk of two years - two years without any contact which would add arrogance to Mark's re-appearance, or just two years since Mark promised to quit, so with (un-satisfactory) contact? It's confusing, then their back to talking about the four months and I'm still not sure.
It's also not given how long they've known each other.
There's Dicken quotes and flashbacks but neither are too invasive and I was routing for them to work out their problems.
June 8, 2018
Overall book rating: 4
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Because I’m lazy I’m just gonna review all three books in one.
Again, I enjoyed the different feel to this story. Never a dull moment.
I liked Mark. I liked how he’s “broken” on the inside even if he himself doesn’t really grasp that. He F*&ks up a LOT! But, you kinda want to forgive him eventually. Knowing where he’s coming from.
Steven is a character that you can’t help but like. He’s dependable and steady and he keeps our Mark’s feet on the ground when Mark allows him to. I liked that Steven isn’t a push over. He doesn’t just roll over and give in, Mark has to fight for what he wants and that worked for me.
It’s realistic in the relationship. Interesting in the different “work” aspects.
My one complaint. Really a “old” one, it’s too short. Rather that seeing my complaint as a negative thing, think of it this way, if it isn’t GOOD I won’t want more right?
Audio Book: N/A
Book Cover: 3.5
Because I’m lazy I’m just gonna review all three books in one.
Again, I enjoyed the different feel to this story. Never a dull moment.
I liked Mark. I liked how he’s “broken” on the inside even if he himself doesn’t really grasp that. He F*&ks up a LOT! But, you kinda want to forgive him eventually. Knowing where he’s coming from.
Steven is a character that you can’t help but like. He’s dependable and steady and he keeps our Mark’s feet on the ground when Mark allows him to. I liked that Steven isn’t a push over. He doesn’t just roll over and give in, Mark has to fight for what he wants and that worked for me.
It’s realistic in the relationship. Interesting in the different “work” aspects.
My one complaint. Really a “old” one, it’s too short. Rather that seeing my complaint as a negative thing, think of it this way, if it isn’t GOOD I won’t want more right?
July 14, 2014
***4.5 stars***
As always, an unputdownable read by Josh Lanyon.
I don't think I could ever get bored with this author and his push-and-pull romances. There's a special place in my heart just for his books. And I'm always looking forward to them as if I were waiting to be served a well-known and truly loved dessert.
I'm glad this is a series though, because I didn't get enough of Mark and Stephen.
So.
Getting comfy for I Spy #2 ;)
As always, an unputdownable read by Josh Lanyon.
I don't think I could ever get bored with this author and his push-and-pull romances. There's a special place in my heart just for his books. And I'm always looking forward to them as if I were waiting to be served a well-known and truly loved dessert.
I'm glad this is a series though, because I didn't get enough of Mark and Stephen.
So.
Getting comfy for I Spy #2 ;)
December 5, 2016
3.5
Not one of my favorite Josh Lanyon books.
Secret agents and political intrigue lose a lot of my interest, but Stephen and Mark gave me just enough emotion to keep me reading.
There were certain moments that had me choking up, and the final chapter was exciting but overall this is not quite the 4 star read I was expecting.
ETA Nothing to add. Still a good read, just not as good as others.
Not one of my favorite Josh Lanyon books.
Secret agents and political intrigue lose a lot of my interest, but Stephen and Mark gave me just enough emotion to keep me reading.
There were certain moments that had me choking up, and the final chapter was exciting but overall this is not quite the 4 star read I was expecting.
ETA Nothing to add. Still a good read, just not as good as others.
October 28, 2017
oooh, that was terrific. I have no idea what took me so long to read it, and I had heard some negative things about it... well it was just perfect!
Audio version - Alexander J. Masters was flawless, as always.
Audio version - Alexander J. Masters was flawless, as always.
February 12, 2013
Hurts in all the right ways.
January 5, 2015
4.5 stars, gaaaahhhh.
May 12, 2014
3.4stars
Strangely detached which might be because I’ve just come out of an intense read or because something in the book itself.
I will review after a reread.
Strangely detached which might be because I’ve just come out of an intense read or because something in the book itself.
I will review after a reread.
October 21, 2021
I enjoyed this a lot. At times it was a bit weird/unbelievable but suspend your belief...
However, the most unbelievable thing to me throughout this was Stephen and Bryce's relationship and how that played out. They'd only been dating for seven weeks. Let me repeat: seven weeks! I just don't understand how that whole bit was supposed to be convincing. Should have been together longer if we were supposed to believe anything about that. And I barely knew anything about Stephen but even with that, I wouldn't think that he'd want to be "Stevie." Obviously coulda been wrong but... Stevie just felt wrong.
Their relationship and how it is tied into the story is probably my biggest complaint about this book.
This was interesting, has a lot of potential, great writing. I'd really like to see how the relationship continues, and how Mark's PTSD would affect things since it does while staying there to heal. The build-up was subtle but clearly there - it was both frustrating and appreciated.
I enjoyed the end bits - in the house and with the Old Man after (even though that was also weird).
I'm definitely interested in checking out the rest of this series, but I have to find a way to put my hands on it (figuratively, of course)...
PS: This summary is much better than the older version.
However, the most unbelievable thing to me throughout this was Stephen and Bryce's relationship and how that played out. They'd only been dating for seven weeks. Let me repeat: seven weeks! I just don't understand how that whole bit was supposed to be convincing. Should have been together longer if we were supposed to believe anything about that. And I barely knew anything about Stephen but even with that, I wouldn't think that he'd want to be "Stevie." Obviously coulda been wrong but... Stevie just felt wrong.
Their relationship and how it is tied into the story is probably my biggest complaint about this book.
This was interesting, has a lot of potential, great writing. I'd really like to see how the relationship continues, and how Mark's PTSD would affect things since it does while staying there to heal. The build-up was subtle but clearly there - it was both frustrating and appreciated.
I enjoyed the end bits - in the house and with the Old Man after (even though that was also weird).
I'm definitely interested in checking out the rest of this series, but I have to find a way to put my hands on it (figuratively, of course)...
PS: This summary is much better than the older version.
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