Title: Dangerous Ground 3: Blood Heat
Author: Josh Lanyon
Publisher: Loose Id
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: Novella
Rating: 5+ stars DIK
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Summary Review: This is Josh Lanyon’s best action/adventure and love story so far. I’m in love with Taylor and Will.
THE BLURB
Special Agents for the Department of Diplomatic Security, Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners forever and lovers for four months, but their new relationship is threatened when Will is offered a plum two-year assignment in Paris.
Will believes the posting only means postponing what they both want. Taylor fears that kind of separation will mean the end of their new and still-fragile relationship.
It’s a bad time to find themselves in the middle of the New Mexico wilderness responsible for the health and welfare of a suspected terrorist. Especially when everyone else they run into seems determined to see their prisoner — and them — dead.
THE REVIEW
Whenever I start a new book by Josh Lanyon it’s like a box of dark chocolates because I know that when I taste it, behind the delicious rush as it hits my tongue will be the bittersweet, melting, rich flavour that is orgasmic. Blood Heat, the third book in the Dangerous Ground series is definitely the darkest chocolate.
If you have not read any of the books here is a very brief synopsis of the series. Special Agents Taylor MacAllister and Will Brandt have been partners for 3 years and lovers for 4 months. They are still getting used to being lovers, working out relationship issues and a few other grievances such as Taylor daring to get shot in the chest and almost dying in Book 1, which is still a sore point between them even though he is now back to full field agent status. In Blood Heat, in addition to hunting down and trying to recapture a fugitive who was accused of killing a Director at the Agency, Will had been offered and was considering taking a prestigious job in Paris which Taylor feels will be the end of their relationship. He believes strongly that Will should give up the promotion, even though he understands what it would mean to him to lose it, and in addition, if he were the one offered the assignment he would have turned it down flat.
The book opens with Taylor and Will fighting over Will’s pending offer, while at the same time having a job to do by finding their fugitive, Hedwig, the girlfriend of a Russian drug kingpin and murderer, before anyone else does. It didn’t take them long to run her into ground where she was hiding out in New Mexico with her ex high school BF Reuben Ramirez, a dog breeder. After disposing of Reuben, they find Hedwig but surprise! surprise! She’s 8 months pregnant! Could things get worse? Hedwig swore she was an informant for the Department and had been framed for the murder of the DDS Director by someone high up in the department, but who would believe a suspected murderer? Right when they have their captive and believe they are home free, on the way to returning her to her rightful place – behind bars – they encounter a new obstacle, their car had a flat tire. If that wasn’t enough, they have a much bigger problem, literally and figuratively, in the person of Fugitive Recovery Agent (or bounty hunter) Nemov who had a very big gun trained on them, one that was likely to go off at any moment. After handcuffing the Special Agents together and taking their car keys, Nemov left with his bounty to collect the very substantial price on her head. But would our hardy and resourceful heroes give up and slink away with their tails between their legs? Not very likely.
I won’t tell you how they managed to free themselves but eventually they drove away, none the worse for their adventure, in the driving rain which soon turned into a flash flood with enough water to wash away a small town. They eventually had to abandon the car or drown. This was just one of the many adventures that poor Will and Taylor had to endure, and I loved all the action in the book which kept getting more and more perilous and death defying. This book was so action packed that I hardly caught my breath before they would be facing a new threat. The pace was so fast and furious I had to take a break a few times, I was exhausted. But much as I love a good action/adventure, and this certainly exceeded my expectations by a long shot, what raised this book to new heights were the palpable emotions between Taylor and Will.
If you’re looking for a romance where the love was exquisitely portrayed you don’t have to look any further than Blood Heat. This couple had never been very open about their feelings or demonstrative about their affection for each other, at least not at the same time, and it was no secret that they found it difficult (especially Will) to express their feelings. In Blood Heat all the emotions are on the surface and the barriers are down as they face the real possibility of 2 years apart, should Will accept the assignment.
There was one kissing sequence that was very sensuous:
Will leaned in, and his mouth covered Taylor’s, rough but sweet, his tongue seeking Taylor’s. Taylor opened willingly to that kiss, forgetting for a second his scratched, scraped hands and the rain running down the back of his neck. They kissed a lot these days, especially for men who had never been much for kissing. Taylor had become expert in all Will’s kisses, from the hungry, lustful kisses that always made his own cock rise so fast it hurt, to the tender, almost cherishing kisses that Will generally saved for when he thought Taylor was sleeping. That dawn kiss beneath the pine trees rippled through him like an electric shock, a reminder that, tired, wet, and lost as they might be, so long as they were together, they were all right.
Better than all right.
Much better.
The sex was exquisite.
Taylor’s breath caught as Will’s mouth trailed, tasting, kissing from his collarbone to his chest. The combination of soft lips and sharp teeth was maddening in the best possible way. He ran his fingers through the damp, dark silk of Will’s hair, raised his head to kiss Will’s ear, which was all he could reach. He groaned and dropped back as Will’s mouth closed around one of his nipples. Excitement and pleasure arrowed straight to his groin. He gasped, arched up, pushing the hard, sensitive nub of flesh into Will’s mouth.
“I like that.”
“I know you do.” Will was smiling indulgently
And this, in the end:
He could hear the slow, heavy pound of Will’s heart, and though he was not much for poetry, he suddenly remembered lines from some forgotten time and place — all his times and places having led, it seemed, to this moment.
The bleeding to death of time in slow heart beats,
Wakeful they lie.
Blood Heat was an exquisite, tender love story and kick ass adventure, rolled into one incredible package.
There should be skid marks as you run to Loose Id on October 12 to buy a copy of Dangerous Ground 3: Blood Heat. This book can be read as a standalone, but I would strongly recommend reading the first two books in the series Dangerous Ground, with that erotic hot tub scene in the woods, and Old Poison first.
I confirmed that the release date is now October 19 so get those credit cards ready. 🙂
Excellent review, Wave – I love the orgasmic dark chocolate analogy. I absolutely love Will and Taylor and the DG series. I SO can’t wait to get my copy tomorrow and dig in. Mmm…
Hi L.C.
I just thought of that as I was reading the book because this couple is quite unusual with a sweet/bitter but rich aftertaste to their romance. 🙂
Thank you very much for that review, Wave. I love writing Will and Taylor. (No, they’re not A&J, but they’re not supposed to be — it’s not that kind of series.)
I love that dark chocolate analogy, and yes, this is probably as bittersweet as it gets with these two.
Josh
Will and Taylor are my favourite couple that you have written. I love, love these guys. They tend to bring out the poet in me. LOL
Glad you enjoyed the review — it was my pleasure to read the book.
OMG, OMG, OMG… and I can’t get it today!!! This and Vigil out the same week? Christmas!
Sunshine
I could have been mean and posted the review a few days ago but I couldn’t do that to you guys.
I think this is Josh’s most enjoyable series. It’s fun and exciting and romantic and I want to hug the guys. 🙂
Hmm, I think you’re pretty mean today but I guess you could have been meaner! 😛
I was very nice — I could have posted the review a week earlier because it was ready. LOL
I am so excited to buy this book, I love the Dangerous Ground series. Excellent review. Thank you!
Hi Lasha
Thanks for coming by. You can’t go wrong with this series and tomorrow will arrive very soon.
Wave, you’re an evil woman. I thought I couldn’t want this book more, but look what you did! I can’t get enough of Taylor & Will. I’ll be haunting Loose Id’s website around 10pm, hoping it drops early.
Hey
At least I waited until today. 🙂 I could have posted it weeks ago (but Josh might have killed me) LOL.
This series is definitely the crown jewel now. You HAVE to tell me whether I hit the nail on the head in the review. Because I love these guys so much I’m blinded by their aura. 🙂
The only downer is the crappy cover. One of the guys is deformed. LOL
Hey excellent review, Wave! And yes, I read it (skipping the excerpt). Very much looking forward to it, New York sucks so far, I need Josh’s Will & Taylor to cheer me up.
Happy Thanksgiving btw.
Eve
thjank you for at least reading the review. LOL I know you always wait.
You will absolutely love this book – I guarantee it. Let me know what you think.
BTW the excerpts were the best part *sob*
The turkeys are running skeered. 🙂
Oh, my… New Lanyon?! It’s a cause for celebration! Thank you for this review!
LadyM
I think you will love Taylor and Will whose romance will make even the toughest person want to hug them. They are so right for each other.
Is it tomorrow yet? 🙂 Love the review Wave and I’m looking forward to savoring this one uninterrupted during a flight this weekend.
Dianne
You will definitely love this book. One of Josh’s best – probably the best this year. 🙂
So happy to see this is out tomorrow! I was going through my tbr pile today looking for something to read, and nothing was really interesting me. A new Josh book is just what I need. 🙂
Hi Nichem
Not only is it out tomorrow but it’s really great. The guys are in fine form.
Josh is already an automatic buy for me, and this review points out why. The 12th can’t get here fast enough.
I also agree that although someone may want to buy this without having read the 1st two stories, it is much better to read them in sequence and get all the great character background and storylines for Will & Taylor.
RDAFAN7
This is an enjoyable, fun series and the guys are truly delightful, as you are aware. I can’t imagine anyone picking up this book and getting the full nuances to Taylor’s and Will’s relationship without reading the first two books in the series.
I saw the picture, raced over to Loose ID….and was disappointed!
There’s a name for people like you, ya know 🙂
I’m so sorry Sherry, but I did say in the review that the book was available from LI on October 12th. 🙂 I guess those were YOUR skid marks I saw. LOL
Waaaave! How can I possibly fit another book in this week? You pile me up with books to review and THEN you post a review of Josh’s latest? And I didn’t even get a holiday this week to catch up on all my reading. LOL
You realize that I will have to have get this book tomorrow of course, so there will be no reviews from me until I finish it.
Very poetic review – I’m duly impressed. You make my reviews look like high school books reports.
TJ
It’s a novella so for a fast reader like you it should only take 2 – 3 hours (unless you have a cutie under the sheets while you’re trying to read.) LOL
This is not punishment – it’s like cherry on top. 🙂
We all have different styles of writing and sometimes a book inspires me. I chose my excerpts carefully so you can enjoy them until you get the book. 🙂
Wave,
You know men… all I saw in your reply was … “you … should … take … a cutie under the sheets …This is not punishment – it’s like cherry on top… you can enjoy them until you get the book.”
Wonderful advice – that should help get me through the night.
Thanks Wave!
I. Must. Have. *crawling across the sand of my living room toward the oasis of that is this installment* I didn’t even read the review. A 5+ is enough for me.
Luckily I need to re-read the first two to get me ready, so I have some time to do that before this one is released.
Lynn
It is a wonderful book. I love this pair but Blood Heat shows their tender as well as their tough side. You know how much I love Adrien and Jake? Well Taylor and Will, who used to be my second best loved pair have probably shot ahead with this book, it was so poignant.
I just finished re-reading the whole AE series, so I am very in tune with my beloveds right now, and I am starting this one tonight. Luckily the push back in release date will allow plenty of time for that. Like you, Will and Taylor have been second in my heart for pairings.
I did not realize until today DG 03 was out tomorrow. I fell in love with Will and Taylor during the 1st book. I should re-read the first 2, but after your review, I want to start as soon as it comes available. Decisions, decisions.
I really liked the first book but haven’t read the second. I’m adding them to my TBB. Great review as always! 🙂
Hi Lily
Thank you. It was always a toss up for me which series I loved best and this last book has them really neck and neck, but Taylor and Will have always been my best loved pair of heroes.
I’m ashamed to say this here (since you gush about him all the time!), but I’ve never read a Josh Lanyon book – but this review has me intrigued so I guess I’ll head over and get started on this series. Sounds really good!
What!?! Oh, Angelica, you innocent. 🙂 Read this series. Then read the Adrien English Mysteries series. Then read the rest. All of them — the shorts, the novellas, the novels, the collaborative efforts. Go. Run, don’t walk.
Um…guys? It’s not released yet. Still listed on the coming soon page, not on the home page with the four new releases.
Wren
You’re correct. The last information Josh had was that the book was being released on October 12. I guess publishers don’t notify authors when they change the release dates.
Ah so cruel! It doesn’t seem to be coming out this week…
Sunshine
I swear that this was not a plot I hatched. LOL October 12 was the last release date Josh had a week ago from the publisher but I guess there was a hitch at the last minute, as there sometimes is.
Just think of this as anticipation, like a favourite treat. 🙂
Gah!
19th?! 19TH?!! Oh the horror! The ache of unfulfilled desire for a sumptuous three-quel by a great author reviewed (IN DEPTH!) a week and a day before release! *Sob*
Sorry Ebi
Not my fault. The publisher sets the dates and up to a week ago October 12 was the release date. 🙁 Even the 19th is not a sure thing. I will contact Josh again closer to the date so that he can get official confirmation from Loose Id.
A box of tissues is on its way as well as a box of dark chocolates. LOL
Great review, Wave. I’ve read and enjoyed the other two Dangerous Ground books, and this will be added to the pile very soon. :).
Thanks Jen.
Even though creatively AE might be a better series, I always loved Dangerous Ground more because the guys are a lot of fun and their adventures give me heart failure.
We now have to await the release of Blood Heat.
Noooo, why did the release date get pushed back?? *cries*
Nichem
I’m sending some chocolate your way to ease the pain. 🙂
Arrrrhhhhh!!!! October 19th!!! Now I’m having a really, really bad day!!!
Oh, well, I guess I will find something else by Josh to hold me over until next week. Wave, your review of this book was wonderful.
Hope
Even October 19 is not a sure thing. 🙁 Initially October 12 was the date Josh received from his editor (I believe) but the book was bumped. I was just making an assumption that having been bumped once the publisher would release the book next week. As soon as I get confirmation from Josh I’ll post something here.
Hi Wave,
I am also a HUGE Josh fan and very much looking forward to this book. But I can wait since, like Aunt Lynn, I am now going to re-read the first two. Thank you for the wonderful review!
Lisa
I feel so bad that this change happened at the last minute. It caught even the author by surprise. I love this book and I wanted everyone to enjoy it too. It’s too bad that you all have to wait an extra week, but better late than never. 🙂
Well I knew I would find the answer here as to why Loose ID doesn’t have this available today! Now I’m pouting. Maybe Nichem will share the chocolates…
Mmmm, yummy chocolate– thanks, Wave. *passes some to Dianne*
Ah well, like others have said, this will give me time to reread the first two.
Thanks Nichem (and Wave) 🙂 I will probably be another one re-reading now in anticipation.
Hi Guys
To make up, Josh will be offering a copy of Blood Heat as a free book on the site when it releases and he’ll also be sending you as much virtual chocolate as you can eat.. 🙂
I really didn’t even have to read the review (which, by the way, was absolutely marvelous – except now I’m craving dark chocolate), I pick up the latest Lanyon novel as soon as it hits the presses. I too fell in love with the relationship between Will and Taylor and nobody writes an action adventure like Josh.
I’m still on pins and needles, though, waiting for the sequel to Gabriel and Antonio’s adventure by Josh and Laura.
Okay, just finished up this lovely novella. Spot on review, Wave. I just re-read the other two installments yesterday and dove right in this morning when I got it. I found it to be a great compliment and for me, this book is about the emotion, for sure. They are so…palpable is the right word. The tenderness just rolled off them in waves for me, and the tears brought them to me as well. I don’t know, though, about whether or not they replace A&J for top place in my heart, but they run a close second, if not a tie.
The action is very fast-paced, as you said, and it all just worked. Highly recommended, for sure. Those of you who haven’t gotten it yet — what are you waiting for??
I do have a question, though. I think Will and Taylor have more to say (in other words, I think there are more books in the series coming), and I am wondering if Josh feels the same, or if this is the end?