Fair Game by Josh Lanyon
M/M Romance
August 2, 2010
Ebook
Carina Press
Reviewed by Mandi
Elliott had a great career going as an FBI Special Agent, and a great relationship (at least a physical relationship) with fellow FBI agent Tucker Lance. But it all ended seventeen months ago after he was shot in the leg. Knowing he had to give up his field career, and not wanting to succumb to a desk job, he quits the agency and starts back as a history professor.
Elliott finds it is hard to be away from the mystery investigations, and when his father asks to help friends of his whose son has gone missing and goes to the same university he teaches at, he takes the case as a consultant. Tension increases when he realizes Tucker is the agent on this missing student case. Meeting with Tucker is very awkward, but also intense. When another student goes missing, Elliott finds himself deep in a mystery, and in the path of his former lover.
While the mystery is definitely up to par in Fair Game, my biggest disappointment is with the romance. I expected a great mystery and was not disappointed. I didn’t expect plentiful sex scenes, and that is fine. But what I wanted is at least the heroes to have plentiful scenes together. At the 35% mark (I read it on my Kindle) the heroes had barely had page time together, and while after this things do heat up a bit, there is still so much time just focused on the mystery. They really do not get significant page time together until almost two-thirds through the book. This couple has a long journey to regain trust together – but even if they are at that stage where they don’t trust nor like each other, I still wanted to see interaction.
I liked that there were many characters introduced that were suspicious and all had their own motives. Josh Lanyon writes great supporting characters and although in this book, everyone takes a more serious tone, it works well. Elliott is not really in a great place in his life and although I love Lanyon’s more quirky characters, his serious characters, with the intense vibe can be just as fulfilling. And intense is definitely a word to describe Elliott and Tucker’s relationship. The last third of the book was riveting, and you could feel the tension and passion coming off the pages. I just wish it would have been more spread out through the book. Fair Game gets high ranks for a mystery and a good ending, but as an overall romance, falls short.
Rating: 3/5
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Darn it, it isn't showing up on the Carina Press site as available yet. Or else I'm losing my mind. :)
This is the first Lanyon book that I an actually chomping at the bit to read…
Love the blurb a lot – minimum romance – works for me everytime…
Definately getting it…
:)
I know…I linked to the GBLT page just so it comes up hopefully soon. I'm surprised preorder is not there yet.
I can't believe i haven't tried out Lanyon yet! i must rectify this immediately.
Great review Mandi!
I think I read this one so fast I hardly noticed the romance didn't start until a quarter of the book, lol. I really liked this one especially when I compare Vintage Affair (and that one before that I can't remember *brain fart, Fair Game is probably one of my favs. Tucker = Le growl.
I can't wait to read this one!
Chris – it doesn't come out until Aug 2 that's probably why you can't get it yet. :)
Where the hell did I lose a week?! Gah! *wanders away*
Or is that gain a week?
Oh yes Claire – you must read Lanyon!! I adore his work.
KC – I did love Tucker…I just wanted more of Tucker. I haven't read Vintage Affair yet…
Tracy and Chris – hehe..I'm surprised it is not up for pre-order though..and yes Chris..go party – you just gained yourself a week!! ;)
EH – There are other books by Lanyon that have minimal romance that really worked for me – like Fatal Shadows..but maybe it was more centric on the character's life than just the mystery? I don't know…but I bet you will like this one!
That's too bad. But maybe the two heroes will have more time together as the series progresses? The first Adrien English book did have a lot of h/h scenes, either.
Wonderful review Mnadi. I really need to start reading these. Annnddd I loves the new l@@K! Tres pretty.
Oooohhhhh you haz had a make over!!
I LOVE IT!!!
I have this one from NetGalley waiting on my Kindle!
3/5 aint bad… but I guess it's no 'Adrien English', huh? Shame really. I'll still give it a read.
Great review!
P.S. – love the new layout. Very chic!
Heidenkind – true, I have enjoyed other works by him with less romance, but I think the characters were more quirky and funny..so I didn't need the romance.
Tori – YOU DO! I will make you read Lanyon!! And thanks :)
Claire – Thanks!
Danielle – I liked it..I just wanted more romance. I'm interested to hear your thoughts :)
Wow, what a great review. You know I have yet to try anything by Mr. Lanyon. ***ducks head, I know***
And your place is gorgeous honey! And I have already swapped out your blog button!! Simply gorgeous!!!!
Thanks Cecile!!
You've got a beautiful new look! :D Congrats!!
Yes, I'm in the *ducks head* group. I have yet to read a Lanyon book. I even have a couple of his books on Nookie, just need to find the time to read them.
Smexy – love the new decor!
Great review! Hmm. I love character more than plot…books need character development and lots of it. I loved the Adrien English series because of the great balance…not so sure about this one.
Ava – hehehe…your Nookie – <3
Orannia – AE did have great balance..this one..just didn't do it for me.
I love your new header and lay-out, Mandi!
Too bad this Lanyon book didn't work for you in the romance department. Most of his books I've read so far lack that a bit, but I usually can still enjoy them for their great main characters. :)