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A review by cspoe
Slay Ride by Josh Lanyon
5.0
I absolutely devour any historical that Josh Lanyon writes. They are such a sweet treat when she shares them with us, and I know they're a labor-intensive project like no other. Lanyon fully immersed the reader in another place and time, successfully painting a great backdrop of historical detail that we never felt confused or bogged down by--a particular challenge for authors when it comes to lingo and technology of a begone era.
I was really taken with the decision to write a suspenseful-romantic short set during World War II (yes, this is inspired by a true event, per the author's note, but still.) That is a hell of a difficult time period to work with. There are so many moving parts, so much history, so much sadness, and yet like every Lanyon story, she manages to give us hope and happiness in that subtle, gorgeous manner only Lanyon is known for.
Police Chief Robert Garrett is home from the Pacific after being wounded in action. He ends up on a wild car chase on Christmas Day through the untamed countryside of Montana with no one at his side by Jamie Jameson, Robert's kid brother's best friend. The only trouble besides a killer on the loose is the fact that Jamie has not once stopped loving Robert since he was a teenager, and Robert has no idea how to handle this reality in a society that does not welcome 'men like them.'
I really loved Jamie. His youth and passion can be summed up in a single line that I laughed out loud at: that was just a redhead's temper talking. He was an incredibly strong character, despite a physical limitation that kept him from serving his country. A bit reckless, yes, but Jamie was never willing to let go of his feelings for Robert, no matter the danger to his person or his heart, and I was so deeply touched by that.
We've waited a while for this story, but I'm so glad we finally got it.
I was really taken with the decision to write a suspenseful-romantic short set during World War II (yes, this is inspired by a true event, per the author's note, but still.) That is a hell of a difficult time period to work with. There are so many moving parts, so much history, so much sadness, and yet like every Lanyon story, she manages to give us hope and happiness in that subtle, gorgeous manner only Lanyon is known for.
Police Chief Robert Garrett is home from the Pacific after being wounded in action. He ends up on a wild car chase on Christmas Day through the untamed countryside of Montana with no one at his side by Jamie Jameson, Robert's kid brother's best friend. The only trouble besides a killer on the loose is the fact that Jamie has not once stopped loving Robert since he was a teenager, and Robert has no idea how to handle this reality in a society that does not welcome 'men like them.'
I really loved Jamie. His youth and passion can be summed up in a single line that I laughed out loud at: that was just a redhead's temper talking. He was an incredibly strong character, despite a physical limitation that kept him from serving his country. A bit reckless, yes, but Jamie was never willing to let go of his feelings for Robert, no matter the danger to his person or his heart, and I was so deeply touched by that.
We've waited a while for this story, but I'm so glad we finally got it.