Rating 4.5 stars

This series hurts me. It hurts me and I love it for that fact. See, I am a self-proclaimed angst whore and I live for stories like this. A few months back, I wasn’t sure I was going to read this series even though I wanted to. The reaction it gets from readers is intense but I had to see for myself and well…

So this takes place a few months after book two ends. Adrien and Jake are doing okay in their one foot – meaning Jake – in the closet relationship. I know, I KNOW I should hate Jake for that, but I can’t. Not yet. I have a thing for the boys in the closet and the bits that Jake gives of himself to Adrien just kill me. I mean, how the hell does reading two sex scenes in this book make me break down and cry into my pillow so I don’t wake the man sleeping next to me? How would I explain that an act, so intimate and so seemingly foreign for Jake, when he does it and doesn’t expect nor want reciprocation, turns me into a sobbing girl? JHFC, yeah I was a mess and those moments are why I adore the holy hell out of him.

Now I will admit, I did want punch Jake in the nards a few times with the shit he pulls but WHY does Adrien put up with it? I mean, he is a grown man and I know his feelings are strong with Jake but, FFS dude! Man up and do something about your non-relationship!

I won’t bore you with a review of the story, this has been out for a bit, but I will say that this was the best mystery of the three books so far. I loved the layering with Angus and then meeting the handsome Guy Snowden. The whole occult business was fun and the bits of true Los Angeles history throughout the story really had my heart squeezed twice. Once again, Lanyon writes local and the small inclusion of the Beltane holiday had me in full swoon mode. *whispers* Beltane is my birthday. Yeah, I was born on an important pagan holiday where they dance naked around a fire under the full moon… if that doesn’t say something about me… *grins*

Adrien, while I think you are a bit of a doormat at times, I loved how strong you also were in this. You have come into your own and your wit is stunning. I highlighted so many one liners you tossed out because they were too good not to remember, as if I could forget. 

Back to the story, I admit to skimming the mystery parts of the first books to get to the Jake and Adrien good stuff but this one, I read every last word. What I thought was going to happen, never happened and what did happened was all twisty and good. But then, then we get to the other stuff and that bit in the bookstore with Jake and Adrien… I still can’t form a proper thought on how angry and hurt I am at that. I mean, I get Jake to a point. I do. I understand his survival mode he goes in to but that? It hurt everyone in that scene and by everyone that includes me. Yeah, Jake. You hurt me.

So, the mystery has been solved and we are where we are with Jake and Adrien. Or well you know… you know? Ugh. I can’t say I hate Jake yet, I don’t think that will ever happen but I am disappointed in him, beyond the beyond I am disappointed. I know he loves Adrien, the things he does when he lets go shows me that but good lord, knock the shit off will you Riordan? I have a heart problem too… don’t break it.

Please.

I hate Jake, just saying

Adrien is sweet and funny. Smart and forgiving. I like him so much.

Jake is one of the most godawful men I've ever read about. He's self-centred and self involved and self important. In my eyes, he committed an unforgivable crime in this book. And no, it wasn't the cheating.

I get strangely wrapped up in these stories even though I struggle somewhat with them. In this episode, I wasn't overly fond of the occult murder theme. In all the books I struggle with the references to music and movies I've never heard of. Some of the locations and customs seem odd to me too. *shrug*. It's nothing horrible but it does detract from my enjoyment of the plot.

June 2022. Book 3 of the murder mystery series centering a gay romance between a murder mystery writer and bookseller, and some eligible men.
This time the mystery includes possible cults and/or satanic worshippers, secret societies, bookstore employees gone missing, and a possible love interest of a handsome older college professor who dresses a bit like a fancy pirate. Tons of fun, and aptly titled.

Another excellent one, but CW for internalized homophobia in the main love interest, which is slowly resolved over the 6 book series.
Some explicit sex scenes in each book.

All 6 are available on Hoopla, in 2 sets of 3.

“The Hell You Say” by Josh Lanyon. Book 3 of 6 in the series.

I hate Jake right now

I love this series. This year has been a very slow reading year for me and I can honestly say these books have defiantly broken me out of my funk. The wit that Adrien English instantly (at least for me) makes him likeable and the fact that you as the reader hear his inner monologues and thoughts forms a connection with him that I don't think you get with some other book. You want him to make it through what ever challenge comes his way, whether its following a lead and getting stuck in a scary situation, or having to deal with a particular pig headed cop. You just want Adrien to be ok. I have already started the fourth book in this series and can not wait to get my hands on the next one.

I heart you, Adrien English!

This book solidified my hatred of the closeted, bigoted, asshole Jake. I have no idea why Adrien puts up with him. I really don't. He ruined any chance of forgiveness from me at the end. I cried for Adrien. Was I supposed to cry in this? I did...a lot.

The mystery was fun and it kept me guessing til the end.

"Like the true philosophers I've come to believe that religion is an illusion of childhood, outgrown after proper education."

One good thing is that I started listening to Patty Griffin again :) I can't believe I put her on the back burner for so long. Now whenever I hear "Rain" I will always cry and think of Adrien.

The mystery in this was less interesting that in the previous two Adrien English mysteries. I just wasn't taken in by the Satanic Cult reveal, I suppose I was hoping for it to have turned out to be something far more mundane and far more sinister or such like.
The romance parts were stronger. I appreciate that Lanyon had the guts to break up Adrien and Jakes fairly doomed relationship and I cried like the complete girl that I am when Jake dumped him. Unfortunately I don't find Guy a compelling love interest or anything like a satisfying replacement for Jake. I guess I'll just have to see how things turn out in the next book.

Good spooky mystery but oooooh I'm so mad at Jake!