Fatal Shadows (Adrien English #1)

Adrien English Mystery Series #1

Someone's out to get Los Angeles bookseller Adrien English. His best friend has been viciously murdered, now he's getting weird phone calls and sinister gifts from a mysterious "admirer". The cops think he's trying to divert suspicion from himself—with the exception of sexy and homophobic homicide detective Jake Riordan.

Is Riordan really such a great detective—or does he have a few secrets of his own? Is his offer to help Adrien on the level or is he out to nail his favorite suspect—to the wall?

I started reading this mainly it was a man writing M/M fiction. I thought, finally someone could really describe what it is like to feel a man inside another man. Also, I love crime dramas, so I thought, what the hell? 

I was pleasantly surprised with the story of Adrien and the series of murders that surrounded him. The police immediately suspect him. I think mainly due to him being gay. Josh has a unique way of mixing the societal discrimination that faces us today. 

One such detective, Jake is an odd character. He is brutal on the outside, yet whispers of his true sexuality reach Adrien. Here is where I have to commend Josh. He has a protagonist that is not an emotional mess. Adrien is very level headed for the most part and able to move through life with total acceptance of his homosexuality. 

Even though I figured out the whole plot about halfway through the novel, I was happy with the way it ended. 

The sex scenes themselves were written well. Granted, I am comparing them to traditional paranormal romances, so there were some stark differences. I have noticed that female authors generally feel the need to tell you every feeling. From every stretch to the feeling of the orgasm inside. I was surprised at the subtle   yet graphic scenes. Nice job!

Quotes:

“He was probably selfish in the sack. Probably selfish and greedy and...unsophisticated. And hung like a horse.”
― Josh Lanyon, Fatal Shadows

“You're kind of a smart ass when you're not flat on your face.”
― Josh Lanyon, Fatal Shadows

“Thought of Riordan. Thought of a big hand wrapping around my shaft, sliding up and down, pumping hard...harder. The head of my cock leaked a single salty tear to slick my own hand's efforts. Yikes. Think of Bruce. Yeah. Better. Safer. Saner...”
― Josh Lanyon, Fatal Shadows

“Everything a gay man does makes a political statement. Everything matters: where you bank, where you shop, where you eat. When you hold your lover’s hand in public”
― Josh Lanyon, Fatal Shadows

I hope you give this series a try!

Until Next time,