2010 DIK Challenge (February): I Spy Something Bloody
February 28, 2010 at 4:48 pm 15 comments
I Spy Something Bloody (I Spy series, book 1) by Josh Lanyon
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| I’ll just put it out there that I really enjoy Josh Lanyon’s writing style, and his blend of suspense, romance, and dry humor is my cup of tea.
For me, what makes this story is the protagonist, Mark. He’s a guy who is at a second crossroads in his life. He found his HEA, in the person of Stephen and peace in their domestic life together. And, then walked away from it. Now, circumstances have brought him to Stephen’s door again, and he’s looking for safe haven from both terrorists and his employer (think, MI-6). He’s also hoping for a second chance at love with Stephen, and the suspense from this situation is just as strong as it is from the espionage story line. For all of Mark’s macho job and “danger-man” persona, he is so vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. His love for Stephen is out there for all to see (especially Stephen and his jealous new boyfriend, Bryce). Mark’s past relationship with Stephen is told in flashbacks, and they are infused with poignancy, given the present state of their relationship. So, Mark is an underdog on all levels, and one can only root for him. I really loved Stephen, too, who had such gentleness and sensitivity yet still had a core of steel, determined not to be hurt once again by Mark. Seeing him slowly lower his defenses against Mark was great reading. The terrorist storyline is important, but not the central focus of the book. The relationship between Mark and Stephen is. Yet, there is enough to the espionage plotline to make it exciting, and move the story along. When I finished the book, it was with the knowledge that I could run out and get the sequel, I Spy Something Wicked. Which I did. Hopefully, I’ll get to read it this week! |
Entry filed under: 2010 Book Challenges, 2010 DIK Challenge, M/M Fiction, Romantic Suspense M/M. Tags: I Spy series, I Spy Something Bloody, Josh Lanyon.
1.
D.L. | February 28, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Lovers reunited is one of my favorite plots. I can’t believe I haven’t hear of this one before. Sounds awesome. Thanks for the review!
2.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 4:58 pm
You’re welcome! Yes, the reunion is central to the story, and done so well!
3.
Chris | February 28, 2010 at 7:37 pm
It was a good read! I read it before the sequel came out, so I really had no idea how it was going to end up.
4.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Have you read ISSWicked? I need to load it on my reader and read it!
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Tracy | March 1, 2010 at 9:16 am
I just loved this one. I think you hit it on the heads when you said how vulnerable Mark is in this story – even for all his bad-assedness. I love Lanyon’s writing is this is one of my favorites of his.
6.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 5:01 pm
JL is really good at showing vulnerability in his characters without making them seem weak, isn’t he?
Another vulnerable char. of his that I LOVED was Finn from Lovers & Other Strangers (The Art of Dying).
7.
Bookjourney | March 1, 2010 at 12:15 pm
This sounds like a good read! Wow – thanks for the review!
8.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Your welcome!
9.
orannia | March 1, 2010 at 1:27 pm
Nooooo! You can’t pimp more Josh Lanyon books to me. I still need to read the last three Adrian English books (yes, I know I’m behind). But this sounds soooo good
OT – am not progressing very fast with Luck in the Shadows. Am hoping for better this week.
10.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 5:09 pm
lol. See, he has plenty of backlist to work from when you finish The Dark Tide. (See my comment to Tracy. ::evil laugh::)
Hope you get a chance to read more of Luck in the Shadows! I finished the series, and am waiting for book 5 to come out in May.
11.
Carolyn Crane | March 1, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Every time I see that cover I think it says I spy something bloggy. I have yet to read it, but between your and Tracy’s comments here…it’s a GO!.
I just the other day realized I didn’t yet have the last of the Adrien English’s read. I’m going to save it for a blue moment, I think, as I love the series so much, and you know it’s a sure thing. I’ll save it as a slump breaker!
Oh, can’t wait to see what you say about GAMES OF COMMAND!!!
12.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 5:11 pm
LOL. It just shows where your mind is at!
Awesome! Hope you get a chance to read it.
Ooh, yes, TDT is definitely one of those savor-books. I know I’ll read it again this year.
I gotta read faster! Hopefully, I’ll get to GoC in the next week or two.
13.
Mandi | March 1, 2010 at 2:45 pm
I liked this one, and I liked WIcked even more
14.
Renee | March 1, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Yay! Glad that ISSWicked is that good.
15.
February 2010 Read Books « Renee's Book Addiction | March 6, 2010 at 4:04 am
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