Title: A Vintage Affair
Author: Josh Lanyon
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary M/M,
Length: Novel (42K words, 148 PDF pages)
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
Summary Review: Austin and Jeff are attracted to each other but they want different things out of life. Then Jeff tries to force Austin’s hand to get him to change his mind and Austin feels betrayed. It will take more than an apology to make this right.
THE BLURB
Message in a bottle.
Somewhere in the cobwebbed cellar of the decrepit antebellum mansion known as Ballineen are the legendary Lee bottles — and Austin Gillespie is there to find them. The last thing on his mind is hot and heavy romance with handsome bad boy Jeff Brady. But Jeff has other ideas and, after one intoxicating night, so does Austin.
The only problem is they have different ideas. Jeff doesn’t believe in love at first sight, and even if he did, he’s buried more deeply in the closet than those famous missing bottles of vintage Madeira. Popping a cork or two is one thing. Popping the question? No way. No how.
Unless Austin is ready to give up on another dream, he’s going to have to figure out how to make sure the lights go on — and stay on — in Georgia.
THE REVIEW
Austin Gillespie at 29 years old has been auction director for one of the oldest wine shops in North America for some time, but his job is in jeopardy because one of the owners wants to replace him with his fiancee´ even though she is not qualified for the job. Austin’s latest assignment came just in the nick of time and he welcomed leaving Washington D.C. for Georgia to authenticate the extensive cellar of Dermot Cashel and make his heirs happy and rich. The job turned out to be a lot more exciting than he ever dreamed, in more ways than one.
On his first day on the new job at Ballineen (houses in the South had names apparently), he met the family and what a treat that was. The Cashels were the picture most northerners had of their brethren from one of the southern states, with all the usual idiosyncrasies and trappings, almost a parody but not in an unkind way. The daughter of the house, Carson, was a southern belle and she loved to exaggerate her roots when it suited her. Her twin brother Cormac was strange and crazy like a fox, and the rest of the family, patriarch Roark and gentle Aunt Eudie, were just as true to their heritage. Also, let’s not forget the old family retainer Faulkner who seemed to be laughing at his charges’ antics when he wasn’t looking after them. Carson’s brand new boyfriend Jeff Brady rounded out this wonderful cast of characters. But the good times came to a screeching halt when Austin found a dead body among the bottles of vintage wine on day 1, who appeared to have been there for more than 24 hours, going by the wonderful aroma emanating from him.
Austin, who had broken up with his boyfriend of 2 years just a few months earlier, felt an immediate attraction to Jeff which seemed to be returned, but Jeff was an enigma. He kept insisting that of course he was not gay, but if Austin wanted to play he would be happy to oblige since he dispensed sexual favours to both men and women indiscriminately, because sex was sex.
Matters soon came to a head between Jeff and Austin when Jeff suggested that they go out to dinner later that evening. After the meal they had dessert in Austin’s hotel room where Jeff demonstrated his considerable skill in oral sex which he said he learned while at university where he apparently “majored in criminal justice and minored in blow jobs.” 🙂 However, he reiterated, much as he enjoyed being with Austin that it was only sex and he had no interest in pursuing anything else. Austin, who was falling for Jeff, was devastated, but he realized that Jeff was so far in the closet it would be impossible to pry open the door.
A storm caused Austin to stay overnight at Ballineen a couple of nights later and the events which took place that evening had an indelible emotional impact on me, and not in a positive way. I suppose it’s a testament to Josh Lanyon’s skill as a writer that I felt so deeply for one of his characters but really hated another whose actions I abhorred. Austin was played in the worst possible way and I felt he was manipulated and violated by Jeff who did what he did merely to make a point, although his actions were consistent with his character. Unfortunately Jeff was not sensitive enough to realize, until it was too late, that Austin was really in love with him and therefore was extremely vulnerable, and he only went along with Jeff’s plan because he wanted him badly enough to take him any way he could get him. This author’s writing is among the best in the business, but the way this aspect of the story went down left me cold because on an emotional level Austin clearly didn’t want what took place; and in the end he felt alone in his bed even though there were others there. Luckily or unluckily for Austin, he was called home because of a family emergency so he was able to leave everyone he had met in Georgia behind.
A Vintage Affair, Josh Lanyon’s first book with a graphic menage scene, is a departure for this author and a shocker for me because it was totally unexpected since I read this book before it was released and I had no idea that there was a M/F/M scene in the book. Of course Vintage is much more than one menage scene but I suspect that other readers will remember it, if only because of Austin’s emotional reaction during and after the sex. I definitely will for reasons other than the scene being titillating. One last point, as many of you who visit this site know, I’m not a fanatic about condoms and can pretty well take them or leave them in these stories, but I felt that there was a definite need for a condom or two in the sex scenes in A Vintage Affair given the sexual history of the participants.
I love the background of the wine industry and how much of its history was integrated into the story. I could smell the aroma and taste the Chardonnay, Merlot or even a vintage Madeira and wanted to sit in a comfortable chair with a glass of my favourite red while reading this book because the ambience was so seductive.
This book is not really a murder mystery, although there was a murder; the protagonist, Austin, was not a detective (although Jeff was a PI) and the murder was solved off page. A Vintage Affair is a romance with crime and mystery elements so you mystery buffs won’t find a lot of detecting to do in this book. All of the characters were well drawn but one of them who endeared himself to me, apart from Austin, was his nine year old stepbrother, the boy genius who hated being sent to boarding school so much he contemplated suing his parents for this affront. 🙂 You will fall in love with him just like I did.
If you enjoy wine this would be an excellent book to pick up. A Vintage Affair is on my list of recommended reads as Josh Lanyon’s excellent prose brings the story and characters to vibrant three dimensional life. In case you’re wondering, there definitely is a HEA in the book so all of the romance readers will love the ending.
After reading your review, I have to ask myself if Josh is getting meaner to his characters. I hope the other guy had to grovel A LOT. XD
I don’t think he grovelled enough, but that’s just me. 🙁
I have to ask myself if Josh is getting meaner to his characters.
Nah. I always put ’em through hell. *g*
Hi Wave,
Great review. I read this yesterday and really loved it, so much so that I am rereading it again today, but then I am quite a Josh Lanyon fan. I though the prose was especially lush and descriptive and the characters were crazy, but lovable. His step brother Ernest was just too funny. I especially liked his and Austin’s relationship.
The M/F/M scene you mention was very powerful, and made me cringe for Austin – I still think about it. But I do understand why this happened and for me it was believable for Jeff’s character.
Part of why I read Josh’s books is for the interesting and nuanced characters, and some of them do hurtful things. I may not always like it, but that makes them more real to me.
Hi TJ
>>Part of why I read Josh’s books is for the interesting and nuanced characters, and some of them do hurtful things. I may not always like it, but that makes them more real to me.<< If you haven't guessed by now, Josh is one of my favourite authors for the same reason you mentioned, his nuanced characters. How much more nuanced can a character be than Jake in AE, whom I loved? 🙂 I totally understand why Jeff would do something as shitty as he did because it was definitely consistent with his character. He was totally in denial and he had to prove a point - that sex was sex. However, having said that, I felt really bad for Austin who was hurt and it was too painful to bear. It was as though I was living the scene through him, that's how powerful a writer Josh is. I still don't feel that Jeff was punished enough, but that's just me, out for blood. 🙁 This is the second book with M/F or M/F/M scenes that I have read this week and I can't take any more!!!
Hi Wave,
Yeah, I know you’re a big fan af Josh’s too. I agree that the way Jeff manipulated Austin was awful and I really felt Austin’s pain. I just cringed while reading and was impresssed at the emotions Josh was able to make me feel. I think that shows what a good writer he is. I just let Josh take me on the journey, even if the road is bumpy.
Thanks so much, TJ. I appreciate it.
I’m a bad girl. I’ve never read a Josh Lanyon story. *slaps head*
This must be rectified. Would you be able to recommend a good place to start?
Hi Kaetrin
Most readers start with Josh’s Adrien English series – the books are obtainable through Loose Id. He also has a number of books released through other publishers such as Samhain. If you check out his website here
http://www.joshlanyon.com/
you may get a few ideas. Alternatively, if you tell me what type of books you like to read I could be more helpful.
Hmm. A lot of readers seem to start with The Dark Horse…the Dangerous Ground series seems popular. The Dickens With Love is one of the most popular standalones. I guess I should probably leave it to readers to rec something.
I appreciate the interest!
Is this a new series?
“Luckily or unluckily for Austin, he was called home because of a family emergency so he was able to leave everyone he had met in Georgia behind.” So it’s not even a HFN??!! *said in a whiny tone of voice*
Well, even though I don’t know much *about* wine, I do like to drink it.
I’m frugal (some call me cheap) so I was a bit put off by the price of $5.99 for what is a short novel. Even though I’m a huge, albeit late, fan of Josh Lanyon….I’ll have to wait until it gets to ARe so I can at least get the 10th book free.
Hi Sherry
This is definitely a HEA and it’s not a series. I stopped because I didn’t want to give away too much more of the story, but you will be very happy. 🙂
I don’t know how many pages 42 K words are but it would be up there. It took me a while to read the book. Unfortunately I dont have this book in PDF but I’ll find out from Josh the number of PDF pages.
Whew! I know it’s ridiculous but as has been the subject of numerous comments here….a HEA is what I want to see.
And I know it’s not entirely the same thing since some authors can simply pull higher numbers……but there are books by other great authors that are 80k+ words for the same price. Like I said, I’m cheap.
Thanks, Wave!
Sherry, these are characters I’ll probably revisit, but it probably won’t go much beyond a second novella.
Despite what you might think after Wave’s review (;-P) I have a pretty conventional attitude toward romance, so at the least there will be a HFN ending.
I don’t have any control over the prices, but I want to reassure you that if you prefer to buy from a third party vendor, that’s fine by me! I just appreciate you buying my books.
I was left wanting to know just how Jeff was going to manage to make it up to Austin, and how Austin was going to manage through …his family emergency. (Trying to not give too much away).
The story ended on a good note, but left me wanting just a bit more as to what happens now and how do the boys go from HFN to HEA. Not that every story has to have an HEA. 😀
Wave, after grousing about this…..I’m assuming that the pricing of the books is entirely a publishing house decision? I feel like I’ve dissed Josh and that wasn’t my intent. If anything, it’s my gripe about Loose ID.
Sherry
The prices are set by the publishers and not the authors and they are strictly according to the word count.
I just inserted the page count on the review and it’s 148 PDF pages which runs to about 180+ in a print book.
Thx! *waves*
Well, Kris is doing her level best to corrupt me so I recently read Bad Case of Loving You and Like Coffee and Doughnuts. I’ve really liked Heidi Cullinan’s Special Delivery and Double Blind and I read James Buchanan’s All or Nothing trilogy and thought they were pretty good too, as well as Zero at the Bone and KA Mitchell’s No Souvenirs and Collision Course. I ‘m not a big fan of violence so Anah Crowe’s Uneven didn’t work so well for me. I read 911 a little while back and it was okay but I didn’t think it was great (just IMO though!). Also, I read m/f books (mostly) – contemporary, historical, some RS and some PNR although I’ve been in a historical or contemporary phase for the past few months. Does that help? 🙂
Hi Kaetrin
Since you like historicals, how about Out of the Blue to start. Here’s a link to my review.
http://www.gayromance.org/?p=5628
I hope you like it – I certainly did.
Great review, Wave 🙂
I’m so glad I know about the M/F/M scene before getting into the story. I absolutely hate getting surprised by those. What I hate more though is seeing a great protag deliberately hurt by his “love interest”. I think this one will stay on my wish list for a while but I’m sure eventually I’ll read it.
Lily
I really think you will like the story despite that one scene but it really threw me
1) because Josh never writes any M/F/M scenes in his books, and
2) I was upset at the way the character, Austin, was hurt
However, it was consistent with what Jeff, the other protagonist, would do so I understood why the scene was there, but it didn’t make it easier for me to read it.
B-B-But Lily ALL my protagonists are hurt by their love interests. ;-D
Josh, I’ve really enjoyed all of your books that I’ve read. And I’m sure once I read this one I’ll like it too. Even though I may have to speed read through a couple of pages and “hate” a certain guy until the HEA rolls around. 🙂
Even though I may have to speed read through a couple of pages and “hate” a certain guy until the HEA rolls around.
I think that hostile response is perfectly natural at that point! *g*
Hi Wave, thanks for this great — and certainly heartfelt — review. I’m relieved that you enjoyed the book overall.
I admit when I wrote it I didn’t expect *quite* so much reaction to that particular scene (just to reassure everyone, it’s about 2 pages out of the entire book), but I did intend it to carry quite a bit of emotional weight. So I guess it was successful.
Anyway, as always, thank you for taking the time to review. The funny thing is when I started writing I intended this to be a total comedy, but it veered into slightly darker territory. Maybe it was the spooky old cellar setting…
Hey there Josh
>>I admit when I wrote it I didn’t expect *quite* so much reaction to that particular scene (just to reassure everyone, it’s about 2 pages out of the entire book), but I did intend it to carry quite a bit of emotional weight. So I guess it was successful. <<
I think you can be assured that you achieved what you set out to do – shock the p..s out of me because you knew I was unaware of what was coming up. 🙂 I was having a lovely coffee (no, not the kind you drink – no Irish coffee for me at 6.00 A.M), when I read that damn scene and just about spewed everything out and wasted a perfect brew when I realized what I was seeing on the page. But you don't need to worry about those readers whose hearts can't stand the shock – we'll be OK. 🙂 Do you remember me writing once in a review, in a weak moment, that whenever I open a Josh Lanyon book I know that the story will move me? I'm not sure you understood what I meant.
You're quite welcome about the review. I enjoyed the book notwithstanding a couple of pages, and I most loved the southern ambience having visited the south a few times, including the lovely State of Georgia where I believe a few unscrupulous gas station operators like to welcome visitors with a little sugar in their gas tanks. 🙁
Did the brick I threw at your window hit you? 🙂 I really didn't intend any injury, just wanted to send a message.
Do you remember me writing once in a review, in a weak moment, that whenever I open a Josh Lanyon book I know that the story will move me? I’m not sure you understood what I meant.
LOL. Maybe not.
See, I have to keep you off balance. I don’t want to get TOO predictable.
Great review, Wave 🙂
I, too, was shocked at the menage, you know it’s usually a deal-breaker for me (I am like Seinfeld when it comes to menage – I don’t want to become someone who do menage! :P). But I think what Josh wrote is not about a m/m/f affair, it’s still about Jeff and Austin. And somehow, it manages to convey exactly how I feel about menage and why I don’t buy it in romance, as reflected in Austin’s reactions and thoughts. I wouldnt’ say I enjoyed the scene, in fact, I was shocked and I felt heartbroken, much like Austin did… don’t know if that’s Josh’s intention. He admits he likes to drag his characters through hell, maybe he does to that to his readers too! 😛
Like you said, it’s a romance-heavy story, the mystery is almost a backdrop, an interesting one nonetheless. I am more impressed with the southern town atmosphere and all the wine-tasting details.
Hi Eve
>>I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the scene, in fact, I was shocked and I felt heartbroken, much like Austin did… don’t know if that’s Josh’s intention. He admits he likes to drag his characters through hell, maybe he does to that to his readers too! << As a long time fan of Josh's writing I can imagine your reaction when you realized that this book had a menage scene because I know how you feel about them. I would guess your reaction was about the same as mine although I was equally shocked because I had no idea beforehand as well as the way the scene played out, and I was upset and horrified for Austin being placed in that situation. I didn't think he deserved what Jeff dished out to make his point that "sex is sex". I do understand that this scene is consistent with Jeff's character which is why Josh wrote it the way he did, but it still upset me. However, this is really a wonderful book about nuanced characters and it demonstrates what people will do when put to the test. I don't want readers to get the impression that the book's highlight was the menage scene (personally I would rather forget it). There was a wealth of information about the wine business as well as southern charm and I loved the way Josh wove these two elements, in addition to the murder, into the story. When it comes to writing excellent characters there are very few writers who can top Josh. To answer your comment about shocking his readers - you're right, he does like to get us out of our comfort zones from time to time as he takes risks with his characters and I wouldn't have it any other way. However I did plead with him not to give us any more menages. Are you listening Josh? 🙂 That brick through your window was a gift from me.
But I think what Josh wrote is not about a m/m/f affair, it’s still about Jeff and Austin.
Exactly. As far as Carson’s part, it IS strictly sex.
And somehow, it manages to convey exactly how I feel about menage and why I don’t buy it in romance, as reflected in Austin’s reactions and thoughts. I wouldnt’ say I enjoyed the scene, in fact, I was shocked and I felt heartbroken, much like Austin did… don’t know if that’s Josh’s intention. He admits he likes to drag his characters through hell, maybe he does to that to his readers too!
I did hope for some emotional impact there, yes, but I guess I didn’t realize quite how strong it would be. It’s always different for the writer trying to gauge exactly how something will effect the reader.
Like you said, it’s a romance-heavy story, the mystery is almost a backdrop, an interesting one nonetheless. I am more impressed with the southern town atmosphere and all the wine-tasting details.
That’s exactly right. The mystery is just local color. Jeff is a PI and the mystery provides his reason for being on the scene. I was originally going to write about wine fraud, but that would have been the main plot. This way, the murder is nice and uncomplicated.
Hiya Kaetrin,
I have to admit in some ways I kinda envy you for discovering Josh now. Unlike the rest of us you won’t have to go through the agonising wait for the next Adrien English book.
And as much as I love Adrien and Jake my fave Josh Lanyon is Snowball in Hell, which is set in 1940’s L.A. during WW2. I can’t explain why exactly cause it’s not a light or easy book but Snowball is definitely my number one comfort read.
And take note, Josh isn’t kidding when he says ALL his protagonists are hurt by their love interests but as TJ says, this makes them more real. People do shitty things to the people they love and they do make bad decisions, that’s life right? And I simply can not stand perfect characters that everyone instantly loves…Mary Calmes anyone? Characters like that are usually only memorable for me because of how incredibly annoying they were and for causing me to come close to throwing my beloved Mac Book Air across the room in frustration.
I’d love to read more M/M set in the 1940’s if anyone has any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Hi Christa
Another Josh gem, The Hell You Say, caused quite a bit of controversy as I recall and prompted readers to call for Jake’s head on a dirty platter. 🙂 He really loves to shake us up but I must admit that this menage scene was totally unexpected, (even for someone who has read all of his books), as you can gather from the review.
Re M/M stories set in the 1940s you should check out Speak Its Name, a M/M historical review site. Here’s the link
http://speakitsname.com/
Please don’t remind me about Mary Calmes’ characters. I recently reviewed her series A Matter of Time – enuf said.
People do shitty things to the people they love and they do make bad decisions, that’s life right? And I simply can not stand perfect characters that everyone instantly loves
I don’t think perfect characters are lovable, I think they’re book people. *g* Humans aren’t perfect.
And you’re absolutely right. One of the major themes I like to write about is sin and forgiveness. How love can save us and how love makes it possible to forgive.
One of my favorite books takes place in that time period. It’s called ‘It Takes Two’ by Elliott Mackle and it’s about two former military guys in post-WWII Florida. One’s a hotel manager who’s fairly comfortable as a gay man and one is a police detective who’s not so comfortable. They are involved in a murder mystery as their relationship develops. Highly recommend it. Don’t think it’s available electronically, tho. Only print.
>>One of my favorite books takes place in that time period. It’s called ‘It Takes Two’ by Elliott Mackle and it’s about two former military guys in post-WWII Florida. One’s a hotel manager who’s fairly comfortable as a gay man and one is a police detective who’s not so comfortable. They are involved in a murder mystery as their relationship develops. Highly recommend it. Don’t think it’s available electronically, tho. Only print.<<
I loved "It Takes Two", so also very recommended by me. The book is out of print, but I think used copies will be available. I have been waiting years now to read another book by Elliott Mackle. The publication of "Captain Harding's Six Day War" (in print by Alyson) should be coming soon, highly anticipated by me. 🙂
Quinn:
I just emailed Mr. Mackle this morning to see if his new book will be available anywhere soon. I think I originally saw an April release date, then May 1st, but it went right from pre-oder to unavailable at several online sellers. Not sure if they ever really had any copies. It looks like it’s available direct from the publisher, Alyson, but I didn’t see a way to contact them at their site to see if it is indeed in stock. Frustrating. I’ll let you know if I get a reply from him.
JW, I read that one a few years back. I did enjoy it as I recall. I should probably dig it up and give it a reread.
Speaking of Snowball, I’ll be doing the sequel to that at the end of the year — actually, what am I saying? It will have to be next year because I’m already behind schedule and running on empty. So at the beginning of next year.
I would love to read something set in that time period. Like a really well done 1940s noir m/m romance. Of course it would have to be pretty good because I am VERY picky about that time period and genre. But I’d love to see it.
Just reading Wave’s review and most of the comments above, i find myself preparing a stake for Jeff’s heart and a fist for the side of Austin’s head “Snap out of it!”. I just KNOW i’m going to hate those two pages but I’ll get through it. Whatever Josh dishes out, I’ll take. Bring it on. So I guess I’m a bit like Austin, yes? 🙁 *sigh*
I just KNOW i’m going to hate those two pages but I’ll get through it.
By now you’re probably thinking it will be a lot worse than it actually is. *g* But maybe that’s a good thing.
Hi Ebi
>>Just reading Wave’s review and most of the comments above, i find myself preparing a stake for Jeff’s heart and a fist for the side of Austin’s head “Snap out of it!”. << I think you meant a fist for the side of Josh's head not Austin's. 🙂 Austin didn't do anything wrong except love a man who manipulated him. 🙁 You can get through those 2 pages (it's hard to tell how many they are because my Kindle has it as many, many pages.) 🙂 Josh has promised no more menages so I may forgive him for this one, but it will take a long time.
Hello Wave,
>>I think you meant a fist for the side of Josh’s head not Austin’s<<
No fists on Josh from me 🙂 but if I find out i didn't win the free read, I'll probably wave a fist in frustation! 🙂
A little jolt from an author is a good thing now and then. Although to hear you describe it, it was more of an electrocution for you than a jolt! 🙂 Very funny indeed 😀
This is the first JL book that I am simply not interested in buying. Coercing someone into having sex is NEVER okay – ever heard of date rape? ‘It’s true to the character!1!’ is not a good enough explanation to justify truly reprehensible behaviour (especially in what is supposed to be a romance novel).
Coercing someone into having sex is NEVER okay – ever heard of date rape?
Well, it’s not really on a par with date rape — Austin certainly does nothing against his will. But I can respect your feelings.
Hi Phalene
Having read the book I can say that this definitely was not what I would call date rape – it was more emotional coersion because Jeff took advantage of Austin’s feelings to manipulate and mentally violate him.
Austin could have left the bedroom at any time, but because he loved Jeff he took him however he could get him, even if there was a woman in the room whom he definitely didn’t want.
As I said in the review, this scene was consistent with Jeff’s character and I could see why Josh wrote it that way. However. I definitely will not be re-reading this particular scene when I read the book again – it was too painful.
Any book by Josh is an autobuy for me. Plot and characters of “A Vintage Affair” sound great and I’m looking forward to reading it. 🙂
I have been a fan of Adrien English since about 2000 (?) when “Fatal Shadows” originally was published in print by Millivres. So don’t tell ME about waitung for sequels. 😉
>>I have been a fan of Adrien English since about 2000 (?) when “Fatal Shadows” originally was published in print by Millivres. So don’t tell ME about waitung for sequels.<<
Yes, as I've said, I'm a late fan of Josh's writing…..maybe 6 months ago I read "Somebody Killed His Editor" and lmao!! I decided that I should take another look at stories by someone who could make me laugh out loud while reading. I was hooked but at least angst-free re: the AE series *whew* 🙂
I have been a fan of Adrien English since about 2000 (?) when “Fatal Shadows” originally was published in print by Millivres. So don’t tell ME about waitung for sequels
The few, the proud, the patient. 😀
This is only the second JL book I’ve read and I loved it as much if not more – well, probably a little more because this time… Josh made me cry! [shaking fist in air]. But its all good.
Fabulous voice and prose, wonderfully ‘living’ characters, emotionally engaging, and heart wrenching. A person could learn a great deal about how to write a truly moving story by reading a Josh Lanyon tale. That’s just my two (CDN) cents.
You’re on my fave authors list, Josh. 🙂
Hi Terasu
This book really moved me on a number of levels, not the least of which was Austin’s vulnerability to Jeff. Even though I hated that M/F/M scene with a passion, I understood why it was written the way it was. Josh is, above all, a wonderful writer.
If this is only the second book that you have read by this author then you’re in for a lot of wonderful stories when you get into his backlist. He has two anthologies which were released last year but there are too many newer books to mention. All of his books are reviewed on this site so you can check out his stories to your heart’s content. Happy reading!
Thanks Wave. I’m definitely going to be reading my way through his backlist.
I didn’t much care for that scene either. I kept yelling ‘no don’t do it!’ in my mind. But I did understand it. Its like an article I read about putting your heros through hell before giving them their HEA: Knock them down, push their face in the mud, then make them eat it… Austin definitely ate some dirt pancakes on his journey.
Happy Friday! 🙂
Terasu
>>Austin definitely ate some dirt pancakes on his journey.<< That is so funny. He certainly ate those dirt pancakes and I think there was some dog poop mixed up in them. 🙂 I wanted to shove Jeff's face in a crapper I was so pissed about what went down. But that's just me - I'm not a violent person. 🙂
Sorry to be late to the party, but just finished this one. Wow. I had refused to read any blurbs or reviews until I finished the book, so all I knew was that it was about wine. I am so glad I made that choice. The M/F/M scene caught me completely by surprise and twisted my insides uncomfortably–which is what I expect from and love about Josh’s work. On the flip side, Ernest cracked me up!
@Sherry F, as one Midwesterner to another, Josh Lanyon is a steal at any price! But if you need further justification, imagine the price in print. Then $5.99 is a pittance, yeah? Yeah.
Budajsguy
You were in exactly the same situation I was in. All I knew was that the story was about wine and a dead body. When Josh sent me this file I had no idea about the M/F/M scene because LI hadn’t posted the blurb, so I was totally taken by surprise because Josh DOES NOT write menage scenes. 🙁
Having read the book now, do you understand my reaction to the M/F/M scene?
I really love Ernest – he was a star. One of the things I love about Josh is his ability to create secondary characters who sometimes are so well drawn they steal a lot of scenes from the protagonists and this is exactly what Ernest did. 🙂
>>I wanted to shove Jeff’s face in a crapper I was so pissed<<
LOL! 😛
Would of served him right, too. 😉
Wave – Fantastic review and you hit the nail on the head with me where this book is concerned.
Josh says he was aiming for an emotional impact and he really got it. I was so tied in to Austin, it hurt to read it. I was left wanting Austin to physically hurt Jeff to PROVE how much it hurt (and that it’s just pain). Jeff might have been sincere with his apology, but still…of course, Austin was so much in love with him, and he’s already learned how awful it is to not give a second chance to someone you love.
I am left hoping Josh writes a follow up, making it more of an HEA than an HFN. Making Jeff grovel a little more. 😉
Hi Merith
Thank you for the kind words on the review. As I mentioned to Terasu, I wanted to shove Jeff’s face in the crapper. 🙂 Just goes to show what a terrific writer Josh is that we can relate so much to his characters.
Josh tells me that he intends to write a sequel of sorts – Jeff is a PI so we will get to see them again and find out how the romance is going. I hope he is really repentant and not just faking it. I LOVE Austin but don’t have that much love for Jeff. I also want to see more of the little boy genius. 🙂
To focus entirely on the positive: I loved the slightly batty Balineen residents named after various Southern writers. Hilarious. It also would’ve made a fantastic murder mystery, in another, better world.
Whoa! So late to the party, but I felt I had to comment here.
I found this story on my eReader, and was surprised that I hadn’t read it. I hadn’t read your review here, Wave, and don’t remember even downloading it! *senile dementia setting in*
I was pleased to find a story of Josh’s that I hadn’t read, though. Until dah, dah, THAT scene. 😮 😯 I was just as shocked as you! I can’t say I’m as forgiving as you though.
I’ll just put this story down as being a rare miss for me as far as Josh’s books go. I didn’t like Jeff; there were also other aspects of the story that didn’t work for me (a smelly body that had been in a cool, damp cellar for just one day?); that menage scene :no: and the solving of the murder.
Nevermind, there are plenty of other Lanyon stories that I enjoy and re-read with pleasure. 🙂