Andrea - Rulin Doolin

It may seem a little odd to begin a review by speaking to the end of this read but I'm going to do just that *slight spoiler ahead*...There may not be a happy ending in the traditional sense but there is in this way: sometimes there are people we meet in our lives that are meant to be in it for just a short amount of time, we have our intended and shared impacts, both of us then continuing on our own paths. We both benefit and never forget. This is how I feel about this book in what these two men experience.Given the location and circumstances for this story, every encounter, flash of violence and moment of joy are amplified, which of course fits. Two people, incredibly different in nearly every way, find themselves in the same place at the same time, feeling the same intense things.It feels cheesy to say but in the world of this story, the stars must have aligned - all of those thousands of little things, decisions made, to lead to their fantastically explosive collision that begins nearly silently.It takes a talented writer to make us feel compassion towards these two main characters, to almost feel a sweetness about them. Crazy! They're in prison, one for the most serious of crimes, and yet we can easily see the love that crackles between them. Yes, I would say it's love.I feel myself continuing to type because it feels like there are so many good things to say about this story but it's difficult to categorize with description on some level, which makes me like it even more.

VeteransThis MAY be my favorite part of this serious and seriously fantabulous series, the final installment – You’re given so much yet you’re made to feel like you’re speedily flying along as you wind your way through the lives laid out within these pages. As is obvious in the preceding volumes, the research must have been significant: from locations and their street level details, medical happenings, cultural expositions and the historical contexts for them all. Most evident, though, is the emotional “research” that has been done, also yet again. There is clearly healthy contact with personal emotions and those of others in the descriptions of the sadness, joy, surprise, anger and celebration that all take place. The triumphs, utter failures and then soaring right back to success are all rooted in understandable reactions and responses to extraordinary events: torture, trust, betrayal (seeming) and love. I find myself accepting it all – who am I to judge someone’s interpretations and assumptions? They all lead to incredibly fulfilling places.This goes for both Dan and Vadim, as well as all of the other characters brought to life in such economic detail. They all seem to fit, the various relationships they all have with each other feel very real and relatable. I would be most interested in a blown open experience of that of Hooch and Matt – what a story theirs must be beyond what we’re given here and in the whole series since their introduction.The settings and time spent in them are less militaristic at this point in the lives of Dan and Vadim and those in their group of family and friends. More events, conversations and encounters occur in their homes and the homes of others, offices and hotels shared. This naturally changes the tone in some ways when compared to the other books, but more than retains the hefty flavor, nay the gut busting meal of gargantuan life, that I love about this style of writing and the world in which it thoroughly envelops these characters. I almost want to call them people, they aren’t “just” characters, but people that could (and surely do) exist here in the real deal.It would be extremely difficult to choose a favorite scene but one of the first that comes to mind is the camping… that’s all I shall say.I will without doubt be rereading all of the volumes in this series – what a visual series this would make! More than on par with something of the same scope as Band of Brothers and Game of Thrones mashed together, there is no denying it. Maybe some day, someone or some group will be brave enough and have enough dough to make that a reality for us. Though, like in most cases, the book is definitely better than the movie ;)

This is brutal, really, heartbreaking, funny, violent and hopeful. The violence isn't from big battle scenes but is instead very personal and unavoidable. This is also true for the sex, the intimacy. It is all heightened but not in some overwrought, untrue fashion but very in tune with the settings, the characters, what they are experiencing and their thoughts that we get to feel, not just hear. It is rare for me to actually feel anxiety while reading a book, especially one that has such length as this one does, but wow, it is always right there. It is sometimes almost too difficult to turn the page but then when you do, you may just be rewarded with a totally unforeseen whip of emotion, realization or acceptance. It may seem basic, but I think it's also rare these days to have an author that has the talent to truly allow the reader to have the same physical reactions to emotional happenings - you can feel the gut wrenching hesitancy, the bravery in the face of vulnerability, their own surprise at discovering something about themselves or the person they may be with at that moment.This novel covers nearly 10 years in the lives of the two main characters and when you look at where things started and where they end up, it's not only amazing in the gauntlet they've survived but that there is so much more to go. The supporting characters are also well written, will also surprise, sadden and make you laugh. You may think that you know what the ending will be but you will probably be very wrong, even knowing that there is a next installment. Brace yourself for that, for the beginning, the ending and the exhalation you'll have to muster to start that next book.How is this novel not more well known???? If you were hearing me describe this in person, all sorts of profanity would be tossed in for shear frustration in my attempt to truly represent this crazy, incredible, intimate, relatable and gut carving of a trek through the lives of these two men. Go on. Do it. Read it. It still has me out of sorts in the best way that only a book truly can.

I’ve now read several of Josh Lanyon’s books but Fair Game was the first and is one of my favorites.From the main character and spreading out, all are well drawn with their own traits, attitudes and way of talking. Elliot and his father, the way they interact and know each other so well in some ways and barely at all in others – I think most people can relate to that in various relationships we all have.Elliot and his students and colleagues, the janitor (mmm hmmm) and of course, Tucker.I say of course and… of course, you’ll understand once you read this book.*Slight Spoilers in regards to settings and character bits*The story opens on a college campus, bringing with it all of the things we love and find annoying about such a great place, full of experiences, memories, familiar frustrations and celebrations.All of the settings – the college, the mother’s house, the cottage, and the lake (mmm hmmm) – are very well described, from layout, colors, atmosphere and scent. I love when you can so easily imagine the physical surroundings. To me, this always makes the conversations, the encounters crackle and spark that much more, upping the intensity, emotion and anxiety. Mix these in with naturally flowing dialogue, natural actions and reactions and you have an excellent read.Back to that lake, that is one of my favorite scenes in the book. **stop reading here if you don’t want even a bit of a spoiler** It tells us a lot in a very short amount of time set against the backdrop of one of the more tension ridden happenings. The danger level is upped, we’re asking more questions about why and who, and we get the clearest picture yet of how things were and are between Elliot and Tucker. So well done.I would highly recommend this as the first of Josh’s books to read if you are looking for the place to start. But be forewarned, this won’t be your last. He does such an excellent job of presenting every important part of a good story in very real and relatable ways, nothing seems forced or fake. I would say take a chance but it’s not even a question: it is well worth it. Enjoy!!!

This is from Tristan’s POV and the tables have turned. Tristan now feeling a bit vulnerable and unsure about his (new?) feelings for Jared. On the flip side, Jared has gained confidence, gives the appearance as the one in control, which leads to his attempt at getting the sweetest revenge in the sexiest way. Does it mean he wanted to do this for both he and Tristan for the income, have Tristan feel as he did, the revenge factor? Or was he revealing, for both of them, that they share the same feelings for each other that have nothing to do with work. Rolex adds the catalyst for both the exploration and realization Tristan and Jared have, which is a neat turn considering the setting. Love it. All you can do is read to find out and hang on for the ride. Just like their experience, the read itself is both lulling and exciting in the way you find yourself almost losing focus as your vision blurs a bit one minute and then your mouth runs dry the next, anticipating.There is humor, breaks in that façade we all try to maintain to the outside world, confusion and joy.Glimpses. The very last line of the story gives us just that and yet tells us so much more.Don’t walk, run, and keep all hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times… unless you don’t want to. ;)

Wow, I really enjoyed this one. It felt like we get to start on a pretty high peak at the beginning of this story, and we get to stay there for awhile, even after certain events take place.But then descent happens, slowly, making it more painful as it goes along. We get momentary breaks, a hope of will this be the time that it finally gets better? Nope.Kyle and Sean are written so well. I don't even want to call it banter, it's better than that some of the exchanges they have. They know each other so well that it's hard for them to not only notice but fall into well known places and feelings, before they catch themselves and remember why they are angry, scared or hurt. It makes sense some of the reactions they had to events, conversations, and themselves, despite knowing each other so well. I think when you do know someone so well, you're kind of lulled into thinking you know exactly what they may think or feel about something, no matter the situation. That is a good thing in some ways, but when you're dealing with your first huge obstacle in your relationship, it can be a hindrance. This is clearly evidenced by these two.You can feel the frustration, not just theirs but of their friends. There was definite anxiety in reading this but not in that annoying, angsty kind of way. There is humor, introspection and of course, great sex.I happened to read [b:Not Knowing Jack|9850284|Not Knowing Jack (Ohio Books, #2)|K.A. Mitchell|http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1365993710s/9850284.jpg|14445738] first, so it was fun to get more flavor about those two, especially Tony.I definitely recommend this one. And once you've taken a deep breath and had a comforting cup of tea, try Jack and Tony's story next ;)