Q&A with Josh Lanyon discussion

Hi and welcome to our February BOM discussion thread! We will be discussing Josh's Blind Side, which just came out!

Feel free to start discussing the book as soon as you would like, just be aware that there will be spoilers here.

Happy Reading!

I never reread Kick Start, and now I think I may need to reread the whole series again before starting this. :D

Here are some links to previous comments/discussions.

The 2017 discussion/re-read of Books 1-5 (July-September):
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

The Dangerous Ground Series Topic (2011-2016)
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Thanks, Karen!

Some big challenges for Will and Taylor in this one. Mostly, some big communication troubles....

It was hard but I waited til last week to start reading this final book from the series and of course I finished it in a few hours ;-P

*spoiler*

The crazy "foreboding" effect in this book nearly killed me!! I spent 70% worried sick about Taylor not telling Will the whole truth; Will doing something rash to pile on more unresolved issues in their relationship.

I think the "case" itself isn't complicated (I linked the connection as soon as Will got the subpoena), but omg the emotional fallout...
Josh managed to make me "feel sorry" for Will for once (ha! though I also quickly want to smack him again when he says "if we are not going to be together." - really, really? Will?)

Lots of old hurt and unresolved doubts resurfacing... at times, it feels like they have a mountain to climb to get over this. But of course... a very sweet and satisfying ending.

They are my favourite Lanyon characters outside Adrien and Jake, I don't want to say goodbye.

I couldn't put it down! I read it in one go. God! Great ending of a great series.

Karen wrote: "Here are some links to previous comments/discussions.

The 2017 discussion/re-read of Books 1-5 (July-September):
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/......"

Thanks for this, because I look forward to reading those discussions. I decided to re-read the entire series before starting Blind Side. I discovered I have no memory of Old Poison and Blood Heat (halfway through the latter), and I began to think I had somehow missed reading them. Nope, Goodreads tells me I read them early in 2013.

That's what can happen when you reach "a certain age" I think. But hey, it's almost like reading new Josh Lanyon books! LOL

Just starting this now. And it’s been awhile since I read the previous books. My first thought was, American Eagle is a clothing store, and was really confused for a bit there. Then I was wondering if they would ever get married. *facepalm* seems I’ve forgotten a few things...

Apparently I still have some catching up to do!

Honestly, as soon as David made an appearance, I thought for sure he would end up with Ashe... but that would be too convenient. I’m almost finished with it. It is hard to put down, but earlier I was so tired I couldn’t keep my eyes open so I took a nap, and now I’m going to find a snack. Then I’ll get to finishing the last few pages. I’m really enjoying it!

Loved the end to this series. Though sad to say goodbye will miss these two!

Lol, I forgot about him. Yes, it seems David is still in San Diego.

Well, obviously, going by what actually happened, I was wrong.

I loved the ending!!! I mean, for that price, I’d get married in Hawaii. I’ve always said, if I ever met the right person, it would be a simple thing without a real ceremony and I’d be dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. Lol.

I knew it would work out between them. Hearing their inner thoughts helped, so I knew they weren’t going to bail on each other.

This was a great story, and a great ending to the series. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m glad I waited to read it until I had a good chunk of time to devote to it. :-)

What I want now, is a coda interview with the boys a year from now to see what they do with American Eagle, what types of cases they take on, hopefully more interesting than the big company case they had here.

Also, I can’t believe they hired Scotty Boy of the really bad tail job! I’d love to know how that goes.

Jordan wrote: "What I want now, is a coda interview with the boys a year from now to see what they do with American Eagle, what types of cases they take on, hopefully more interesting than the big company case th..."

So much comic opportunity there--so many I TOLD YOU SOs from Taylor--but for now the door closes. :-D

Jordan wrote: "Just starting this now. And it’s been awhile since I read the previous books. My first thought was, American Eagle is a clothing store, and was really confused for a bit there. Then I was wondering..."

American Eagle. I love that name. It's so dreadful and yet so on the mark of what these two would come up with in this ill-advised adventure. :-D

That’s so true, it is a name they would choose. Lol.

And comedy, someday, sounds perfect. :-)

So here's my question: do you think Ashe would have killed Taylor?

Josh wrote: "So here's my question: do you think Ashe would have killed Taylor?"

I think he’d have tried, yeah. But not sure if he could pull it off... being unstable etc. I don’t usually agree with Will, but I think he did the right thing there.

Mymymble wrote: ".. I didn't foretell Will smacking down David like that, though."

David wasn’t completely wrong though - Will gave him mixed signals - at least they would seem mixed to someone like David, who already thought Taylor was a mistake that Will would one day rectify.

That’s my main beef with Will - that he could be so insensitive to Taylor’s insecurities, just because there’s nothing wrong with remaining friends with your ex, doesn’t mean you should do it 😑

When Taylor propped up that Christmas card from
David, I knew Will would pay for it 😂

Josh wrote: "So here's my question: do you think Ashe would have killed Taylor?"

Absolutely!

Josh wrote: "So here's my question: do you think Ashe would have killed Taylor?"

Would have? Sadly, uncertain. Capable, yes. Likely? I thought Will made the right call. Ashe was so obviously unstable — still holding on to his hurt over Taylor's rejection back in college, and seemingly having obsessed over and magnified it. Also, Ashe was terrified of Bashnokov and the baddies who killed his boyfriend. It seems that he was committed to kill Taylor and Will to pay off his debts. He'd already killed Mike, and as convincing as a negotiator as Taylor might be, I had the impression that Ashe was too volatile for Will to take that chance. Still, what another terrible thing to come between our two guys. :(

We’ll never know for sure, but he was definitely capable of it, especially with his crazy emotions just then. I side with Will here. He did the right thing. Hands down.

As for David, I hadn’t looked at it as Will giving him mixed signals, but you could be right about that. I’ll need to reread to be sure. The other book I’m currently reading has mixed signals with an ex galore and it’s terrible!

Yes, I think Ashe would have killed Taylor. Will did absolutely the right thing given the circumstances.

Eve wrote: "Mymymble wrote: ".. I didn't foretell Will smacking down David like that, though."

David wasn’t completely wrong though - Will gave him mixed signals - at least they would seem mixed to someone li..."

Yes. I think that's true. Part of why David was so sure Will would repent and return to him was Will was--unconsciously--giving mixed signals.

Which is easy to do if you're not paying close attention or you do have mixed feelings on some level.

And I think Taylor put up with it and put up with it and then finally reached a HEY, DEAL WITH THIS point.

Mymymble wrote: "Josh wrote: "So here's my question: do you think Ashe would have killed Taylor?"

Probably. Of course that uncertainty brings up all sorts of ethical questions. But I think Will nailed it when he s..."

I think so too. He could have killed him the first day, but then he backed down--but that had to be at least partly just the magnitude of crossing that line.

He grows increasingly unstable, though whether that's the knowledge he's going to have to commit murder or being around Taylor and having that first rejection confirmed over and over or the drugs and drinking, is uncertain.

The thing about social media and the internet is it allows for keeping track of people and things that should maybe--for everyone's mental health--be forgotten.

Every so often, I'll think about looking someone up, but the only one I've actually followed through on was my high school journalism teacher. And we still correspond and I send her flowers or little things at Christmas.

How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Cheryl wrote: "Yes, I think Ashe would have killed Taylor. Will did absolutely the right thing given the circumstances."

It's not a thing you would want to take a chance on, that's for sure.

I’m one of those people who, by the end of high school, for various reasons, I had three friends. One passed away, one I don’t have much in common with, and My third friend moved with me to Boston, but we made terrible roommates and don’t have anything much in common these days either. But we were best friends growing up and she and her mom are like family so we see each other twice a year.

College? I did hunt down one friend four years ago and we caught up, but he’s busy, lives far away, and is terrible about keeping in touch. Everyone else I wasn’t that close to, or they didn’t try to keep in touch when I did, so I gave up.

Also, I don’t do social media, even though I get hounded by friends and others that I can just create an anonymous account on FB just to join this one group. No. I gave up FB before it was even popular, and I’m not going back. Lol.

Don’t go to reunions either. I’m in touch with who I want to be in touch with and that’s enough, I think. Right?

Anyway, that’s my ridiculously long answer to your question. Mostly, I’m just different from most people. Lol.

Jordan wrote: "I’m one of those people who, by the end of high school, for various reasons, I had three friends. One passed away, one I don’t have much in common with, and My third friend moved with me to Boston,..."

I've occasionally felt the temptation to look someone up--college roommates--but usually I just feel sort of sad when I do so. It's that sentimental...surprise that people you could be so close to eventually become strangers to you.

I think that’s part of it. My best friend in college got married and never told me, it was an odd feeling to know I’d been left behind, in a way.

Josh wrote: "... How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Well... this may actually inspire me to rectify something by replying to an email I've left moldering in my inbox for almost a year...

When we were out of state last June (to see our new granddaughter), I received an email from a friend I haven't been in contact with since the late 70s. He was a high school buddy, at times "romantic," and we continued to see each other, along with our extended group, until a few years into college. Then the next time I saw him he was part of a religious group (he hadn't been religious in HS) protesting a photo exhibit put together by the artists' space I worked for. Well, it did feature male nudes and was displayed during a downtown art festival on Central Ave. What can I say? It was the 70s. ;) The next I heard about him was from my best friend in high school. He was a year behind us in school, but planned to joined us at a reunion event (30th? 40th?) that I ended up not attending.

Anyway, I overthought replying because I thought enough of him not to just toss off a few lines and was distracted by the new baby... and weeks became months.

No one else knows this, a confession made to my JL Q&A friends only. :)

I have definitely let emails languish, especially if I’m not sure how to respond.

Good luck, Karen. That’s an interesting story. I’d probably be a bit curious as to what he’s up to these days.

I finished reading Blind Side! I love the way Josh made their relationship struggle feel so real and torturing. And the romantic ending — how come I didn't see that wedding coming!? It's nice to be surprised like that! I must be blind (side). :-)

Josh wrote: "So here's my question: do you think Ashe would have killed Taylor?"

I do think he would have killed Taylor. Yes, most probably he would have.

Josh wrote: "I think so too. He could have killed him the first day, but then he backed down--but that had to be at least partly just the magnitude of crossing that line.

He grows increasingly unstable, though whether that's the knowledge he's going to have to commit murder or being around Taylor and having that first rejection confirmed over and over or the drugs and drinking, is uncertain."

Yes.

Also, I always immensely enjoy reading your thoughts/analysis on your characters. Thank you for sharing!

Josh wrote: "How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?"

Hmmm. I don't think that I've intentionally sought anyone. I've had a few moments when I've noticed old high school friends commenting on other high school friend's FB post (me being "friends" on FB with the latter one). And then I have clicked to see if the person commenting is the person I think they might be. This usually only leads me thinking "wow, they look old" and after that: "unfortunately I probably look as old". :-D

I have a couple of old boyfriends as FB friends. The other one is fine, but the other one keeps sending me PMs from time to time and I'd rather he wouldn't.

Karen wrote: "Josh wrote: "... How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Well... this may actually inspire me to rectify something by replying to an email I've left molderin..."

We won't tell! :-)

I wonder if he's still involved with that religious group and how that would show if you'd start emailing each other.

Johanna wrote: "I finished reading Blind Side! I love the way Josh made their relationship struggle feel so real and torturing. And the romantic ending — how come I didn't see that wedding coming!? It's nice to be..."

Right, I don't think I saw that coming either, but it was a good fit for the characters, I think.

Johanna wrote: "Karen wrote: "Josh wrote: "... How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Well... this may actually inspire me to rectify something by replying to an email I've..."

I feel like there's a mystery buried in here. I am wondering how that would show up in emails... and what would it mean? I've got murder mysteries on the brain and true crime too, since that's what I'm currently reading. lol.

That IS creepy!

I had bullies in elementary and middle school and I don’t need to reconnect with them!

Karen wrote: "Josh wrote: "... How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Well... this may actually inspire me to rectify something by replying to an email I've left molderin..."

I can't tell you how many times I've not answered someone because I didn't want to rush a reply--and 99.9 percent of the time it's someone I really do want to keep in touch with. It's so nutty.

Johanna wrote: "I finished reading Blind Side! I love the way Josh made their relationship struggle feel so real and torturing. And the romantic ending — how come I didn't see that wedding coming!? It's nice to be..."

:-D :-D :-D

Johanna wrote: "Karen wrote: "Josh wrote: "... How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Well... this may actually inspire me to rectify something by replying to an email I've..."

This is a separate--well, maybe tangential problem. I have/had a number of conservative friends, and I--and really they too, I think--was always able to keep the balance, keep politics out of friendship and family.

But with Trump, it has changed. It has changed them and it has changed me. I understand for the first time how family could turn against family in the Civil War. I could never understand that before. And even now there are family members I could never turn against regardless of my contempt for their political attitudes--but people I don't absolutely love, I've closed them off.

I used to never be a person who closed doors on relationships. Now I slam them.

Jordan wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Karen wrote: "Josh wrote: "... How many of you look up old friends or romantic relationships on social media?

Well... this may actually inspire me to rectify something by replying ..."

I'm not letting myself watch almost any true crime this year. I got kind of obsessed last year and my brain was filled with such ugly, violent thoughts. There is nothing more terrifying than true crime.

Mymymble wrote: "I've looked up all my exes in social media but only once or twice.
This is partly because social media was a work tool for me, partly because all of them are still friends of friends but also becau..."

hahahahaha

But honestly, that sounds harmless enough. There are friends from junior high and high school I *think* I might like to catch up with. But sometimes the memory IS better. ;-)

Now we have the audiobook to look forward to, and by then I may want to relive the whole series. I loved that these two were in New Mexico and in Paris, and absolutely loved the end of their story.

After I read Kick Start, I somehow constructed a weird version of that story in my mind. When I re-read a few years later, I realized my version didn't actually exist in Josh's version. :) Still, I continued to be generally irked by Stuart Schwierskott. So I have to say that the way he was incorporated into this closing story was brilliant. I relent... as long as he tales care of the tedious side of our guys' business.

As this month ends and we move on to Murder at Pirate's Cove, I want to say how much I loved the closing page(s) of dialogue in Blind Side. Taylor's last lines are priceless, and once again Josh knows exactly where to end a story.

Re: true crime... sooooo true. I can’t handle much of it at a time. Much like the news.

Re: Josh’s endings... YES! I never thought I’d say this years ago, but these days I’ve come to appreciate a good ending to a series that doesn’t take things too far. And Josh does know just where to end things.

Then I’m reminded of Psycop, and how well that series stands the test of time, and just keeps going, but doesn’t lose steam. I think one of the more recent books was a little less great for me, but still a very good read, and I’m looking forward to Bitter Pill!

I just checked something because I thought I might be imagining it. I usually pre-order a copy from Amazon, then download a Patreon complimentary copy to iBooks. The ending I was talking about was the one on my Kindle app, that ends with, “And who’s driving?” The version in iBooks includes an epilogue, which is lovely and describes their ceremony. Both are great, but I look at the epilogue as a coda. Are there two versions or am I missing a Kindle revision? (If so, I have no plans to upload the revision, since I enjoy comparing differences in texts.)

Karen wrote: "I just checked something because I thought I might be imagining it. I usually pre-order a copy from Amazon, then download a Patreon complimentary copy to iBooks. The ending I was talking about was ..."

YIkes, my copy ends with "And who's driving?" I had no idea there was supposed to be more! 😱

I believe Josh mentioned (on her blog?) there was an update. You can find it by going to Amazon and to the manage my Kindle content.