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3.39 AVERAGE
3.39 AVERAGE
Um, I love Josh Lanyon. If there was an author out there that I could convince more people to read it would absolutely be Josh Lanyon, hands down. She has become my favorite M/M writer. I just adore her ability to craft a believable but old fashioned mystery. She is the only M/M cozy mystery writer that I’ve heard of, and she is awesome.
After all that gushing, I now have to admit that Jefferson Blythe, Esquire was not one of my favorites. The romantic part of the story was just too slow, and then by the time I felt like things were taking off the story was over. I also felt like a lot of the plot was just too much too fast. It was one calamity after the other, on a level that felt like it was more comedy than mystery.
It’s more than likely that is exactly what Lanyon was going for, the over the top slap stick type of mystery. It wasn’t bad. It was actually pretty funny at times. It just wasn’t what I look forward to when I read one of Josh Lanyon’s books. I love the smart mystery, and the witty dialogue between the characters which also felt a little like it was missing too. The relationship was stunted, and withdrawn.
What it did have that I loved was a character that was quirky and awkward, but also incredibly loved and treasured by his partner. Jefferson was such a little nerd, but it made him so freaking cute. Maybe I love characters with insecurities because I have insecurities, but characters that aren’t always sure of themselves tend to be the ones that leave an impression on me. Jefferson is that character.
After all that gushing, I now have to admit that Jefferson Blythe, Esquire was not one of my favorites. The romantic part of the story was just too slow, and then by the time I felt like things were taking off the story was over. I also felt like a lot of the plot was just too much too fast. It was one calamity after the other, on a level that felt like it was more comedy than mystery.
It’s more than likely that is exactly what Lanyon was going for, the over the top slap stick type of mystery. It wasn’t bad. It was actually pretty funny at times. It just wasn’t what I look forward to when I read one of Josh Lanyon’s books. I love the smart mystery, and the witty dialogue between the characters which also felt a little like it was missing too. The relationship was stunted, and withdrawn.
What it did have that I loved was a character that was quirky and awkward, but also incredibly loved and treasured by his partner. Jefferson was such a little nerd, but it made him so freaking cute. Maybe I love characters with insecurities because I have insecurities, but characters that aren’t always sure of themselves tend to be the ones that leave an impression on me. Jefferson is that character.
If I've said it once, I've said it at least a half dozen times - I love Josh Lanyon. How can you not love someone who has given some of the finest m/m couples to date: Adrien and Jake, Christopher and J.X., Will and Taylor and Elliott and Tucker. She knows how to write guys who are not only a little bit scarred but who can be strong, sarcastic, sensitive and funny. In short, they are perfectly imperfect. I hate to say it, but I don't think Jefferson and George are even close to being in the same league as Lanyon's other couples. Maybe it was the YA feel, but I didn't get the same vibe off of them as a couple or from the story in general, as I have with previous Lanyon books. Compared to these other couples, Jefferson and George just aren't seasoned enough, damaged enough or grown up enough to hold my interest. Give them a few years, though, and anything could be possible. 3 stars.
It’s been a while since I’ve read a book by Josh Lanyon. If you must know, she’s one of those authors whom I trust when it comes to M/M romances. I don’t read too many of them nowadays, but I wanted to read some this month as my contribution to Queer Romance Month. Loving her work is almost as instinctual as loving Sandra Brown’s. I had a great time reading this book!
JEFFERSON AROUND THE WORLD
Jefferson Blythe decided to find himself after a recent break up from his fiance. Armed with an Esquire vintage travel book, he set out to experience Europe in all its retro glory. Adventure was waiting for him as soon as he landed in Heathrow. Mistaken for an artifact thief, Jefferson has no idea that a crazy stalker girl will only be the least of his problems. When his accommodations fell through, he had no choice but to reach out to a man from his past. A man who may not be willing to renew their friendship.
JEFFERSON AND GEORGE
When they were young, Jefferson and George were practically inseparable. But when George came out, they’d become estranged. Jefferson wasn’t ready for the kind of bravery George pulled when he announced to him that he was gay. At the time, Jefferson was only too aware that he too might have some feelings for his best friend. George moved to England; severing ties with Jefferson. Their reunion was strained to say the least. On top of that, there might be some secrets as to what George does for a living. Years of being apart and with no communications doesn’t really make for a warm reunion. But readers will be able to tell that there’s some lingering feelings between the two that has nothing at all to do with friendship.
JEFFERSON IN TROUBLE
Trouble seems to keep finding Jefferson. Stalked, beaten, and kidnapped, Jefferson will find myself the centre of a Fabergé egg scam that will make him the target of a Russian mob family. And in the midst of it all, he’ll have to confront his true feelings towards George and entertain the thoughts of coming out to his family. In the backdrop is the classic beauty of London and the elegance of Paris. Lanyon does not really try hard to make the scenery a part of the story, but it’s there anyway. Though it’s plot-centric, she also spent a lot of time flaying the characters so the readers may be able to empathize with ease. This book is relatively clean as far as sex goes, but it’s never short on tension, suspense and pulse-pounding action.
This book reminded me of what I love about Josh’s stories. Not all M/M romances has to be sexually explicit for any enthusiast to enjoy. Sometimes, all you need is a little heat and a lot of excitement.
JEFFERSON AROUND THE WORLD
Jefferson Blythe decided to find himself after a recent break up from his fiance. Armed with an Esquire vintage travel book, he set out to experience Europe in all its retro glory. Adventure was waiting for him as soon as he landed in Heathrow. Mistaken for an artifact thief, Jefferson has no idea that a crazy stalker girl will only be the least of his problems. When his accommodations fell through, he had no choice but to reach out to a man from his past. A man who may not be willing to renew their friendship.
JEFFERSON AND GEORGE
When they were young, Jefferson and George were practically inseparable. But when George came out, they’d become estranged. Jefferson wasn’t ready for the kind of bravery George pulled when he announced to him that he was gay. At the time, Jefferson was only too aware that he too might have some feelings for his best friend. George moved to England; severing ties with Jefferson. Their reunion was strained to say the least. On top of that, there might be some secrets as to what George does for a living. Years of being apart and with no communications doesn’t really make for a warm reunion. But readers will be able to tell that there’s some lingering feelings between the two that has nothing at all to do with friendship.
JEFFERSON IN TROUBLE
Trouble seems to keep finding Jefferson. Stalked, beaten, and kidnapped, Jefferson will find myself the centre of a Fabergé egg scam that will make him the target of a Russian mob family. And in the midst of it all, he’ll have to confront his true feelings towards George and entertain the thoughts of coming out to his family. In the backdrop is the classic beauty of London and the elegance of Paris. Lanyon does not really try hard to make the scenery a part of the story, but it’s there anyway. Though it’s plot-centric, she also spent a lot of time flaying the characters so the readers may be able to empathize with ease. This book is relatively clean as far as sex goes, but it’s never short on tension, suspense and pulse-pounding action.
This book reminded me of what I love about Josh’s stories. Not all M/M romances has to be sexually explicit for any enthusiast to enjoy. Sometimes, all you need is a little heat and a lot of excitement.
(Audio book review) This was a fun, crazy, silly, sexy, unbelievable story, but I loved it. The narrator, Aaron Landon, did a great job with the different voices. Jefferson came across as sincere but naive and George as confident, and at times, vulnerable. The plot was over-the-top, but it was simply too much fun to get on my nerves the way some silly stories do. I was quite surprised at how much I enjoyed this.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This book was very good! Fun, interesting, more of an adult coming of age book. It’s almost like if catcher in the rye were good and relevant to modern day, but with more trying not to get murdered
Jefferson Blythe just broke up with his fiancée then goes on a 2 week tour to Europe. However, he is mistaken for someone else and is chased, kidnapped, shot at and rescued throughout the book. Petty criminals believe Jefferson has something of theirs. While there, he runs into an old friend who is openly gay. Jefferson is attracted to George and acts on his impulses to start a gay relationship with George. There is some humor and Jefferson is obviously insecure. I could do without the gay intimacy but, I will say that about heterosexual intimacy in books too – I never thought it added anything in a thriller or crime novel unless the crime happens during the intimate moment. Nonetheless, it moves well and is entertaining.
I think this is one of my favorite of Josh Lanyon's books. The mystery is suspenseful and quirky and the supporting characters are fascinating. I understood and sympathized with both Jefferson and George, even when they were in opposition.
My only caveat to recommending this book is that it's not your typical M/M romance with a HEA ending. The ending is hopeful, and it was satisfying to me, but I know some readers prefer much more unequivocal happy endings, so be aware that (IMO) this isn't one.
My only caveat to recommending this book is that it's not your typical M/M romance with a HEA ending. The ending is hopeful, and it was satisfying to me, but I know some readers prefer much more unequivocal happy endings, so be aware that (IMO) this isn't one.
this made me so mad, jeff was not only annoying but also had NO sense of self preservation & didn’t?? seem to care that he kept being in mortal peril?? george also was uppity & would NOT communicate which drove me up the WALL. nobody seemed to take anything as seriously as it should have been taken, a VERY blasé attitude towards very dangerous scenarios. the romance wasn’t even good enough to make up for how frustrated i was by the entire plot & in fact was ALSO bad. i’m glad it’s over
Entertaining, but unnecessarily complicated.
I had to suspend my disbelief from the get go with this audiobook. Jefferson Blythe was a 22 year old American student who, on the end of his supposed 'engagement' to Amy, decided to use the money he had saved for her ring and travel Europe following in the footsteps of the an old Esquire travel guide from the sixties.
Maybe it was the camp narration, but I did not believe for one second that Jefferson was straight or bisexual. And so as his personal story was revealled I found myself trying to stay in the story between eye rolls.
The 'crime' angle of the story was messy and not as well plotted as i expect from Josh Lanyon novels. I have read and listened to heaps of her books and they can be hit and miss- either beautifully crafted or slap dash. This was closer to the latter.
I did not have much of a connection with either Jefferson- who played the cringeworthy American abroard, or George, who could have been a thrilling character if he had been developed.
The narrator's performance was really good, and all of his accents apart from Jefferson were excellent. If he had made Jefferson sound less fey his personal journey would have been more believeable.
An entertaining listen, but not Lanyon's best.
I had to suspend my disbelief from the get go with this audiobook. Jefferson Blythe was a 22 year old American student who, on the end of his supposed 'engagement' to Amy, decided to use the money he had saved for her ring and travel Europe following in the footsteps of the an old Esquire travel guide from the sixties.
Maybe it was the camp narration, but I did not believe for one second that Jefferson was straight or bisexual. And so as his personal story was revealled I found myself trying to stay in the story between eye rolls.
The 'crime' angle of the story was messy and not as well plotted as i expect from Josh Lanyon novels. I have read and listened to heaps of her books and they can be hit and miss- either beautifully crafted or slap dash. This was closer to the latter.
I did not have much of a connection with either Jefferson- who played the cringeworthy American abroard, or George, who could have been a thrilling character if he had been developed.
The narrator's performance was really good, and all of his accents apart from Jefferson were excellent. If he had made Jefferson sound less fey his personal journey would have been more believeable.
An entertaining listen, but not Lanyon's best.