The Dark Tide

The Adrien English Mysteries #5

by Josh Lanyon

Adrien English Mysteries; Previous Death of a Pirate King
LGBT Romantic Suspense

As if recovering from heart surgery beneath the gaze of his over-protective family wasn’t exasperating enough, someone keeps trying to break into Adrien English’s bookstore. What is this determined midnight intruder searching for?

When a half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of Cloak and Dagger Bookstore renovation, Adrien turns to hot and handsome ex-lover Jake Riordan -- now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective.

Jake is only too happy to have reason to stay in close contact with Adrien, but there are more surprises in Adrien’s past than either one of them expects -- and one of them may prove hazardous to Jake’s own heart.

Publisher's This book contains explicit sexual content, graphic language, and situations that some readers may find Anal play/intercourse, male/male sexual practices.

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Romance, Contemporary, Crime, LGBT, Audiobook

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2009

About the author

Author of 100+ titles of Gay Mystery and M/M Romance, Josh Lanyon has built her literary legacy on twisty mystery, kickass adventure, and unapologetic man-on-man romance.

Her work has been translated into twelve languages. The FBI thriller Fair Game was the first Male/Male title to be published by Italy’s Harlequin Mondadori and Stranger on the Shore (Harper Collins Italia) was the first M/M title to be published in print. In 2016 Fatal Shadows placed #5 in Japan’s annual Boy Love novel list (the first and only title by a foreign author to place on the list). The Adrien English series was awarded the All-Time Favorite Couple by the Goodreads M/M Romance Group. In 2019, Fatal Shadows became the first LGBTQ mobile game created by Moments: Choose Your Story.

She’s an EPIC Award winner, a four-time Lambda Literary Award finalist (twice for Gay Mystery), an Edgar nominee, and the first ever recipient of the Goodreads All Time Favorite M/M Author award.

Josh is married and lives in Southern California with her irascible husband, two adorable dogs, a small garden, and an ever-expanding library of vintage mystery destined to eventually crush them all beneath its weight.


Find other Josh Lanyon titles at www.joshlanyon.com
Follow Josh on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.

Reviews

[Snjez · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that a series has a satisfying ending and, in my opinion, this one does. The story wasn't entirely what I expected, but I think it's perfect just the way it is. There were still bumps in the road, but it was also very sweet, romantic and emotional.

I loved Adrien and Jake in this one. I'm not mad at Jake anymore, I'm glad he finally opened up, but I could also understand Adrien's fears. Ultimately, I just loved their moments together, I loved the little things Jake did or said, and I'm really happy with how everything turned out.
Even the mystery was my favourite so far.

Once again, the audiobook was fantastic. I think that Chris Patton did an amazing job narrating this series. I loved the voices he gave the characters and the emotion he put into each one.

A big thank you to all my GR friends who encouraged me to continue with the series and discussed the books with me. And a special thanks to Elena and Verdelite, who provided me with additional reading material 😉. You've all made this reading experience so much better!

********
Re-read 7/2021: Reading this for the second time has been more than satisfying. 5 stars for the whole series. 🥰
Re-read 2/2023

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gif-y review with the help of my boyfriend, Chris Martin, beginning in...

3...

2...

1...



Thanks for that intro, Chris, that was spot on. The final edition of the series was a Jake sap-fest... and I, for one, needed that. No, Jake was NOT back in my good graces after book 4 and I needed him to suffer a bit, to put his feelings out in the open and on the line. *I'm evil, I know* I wanted Jake to show some emotion and I got that in this story.

Lots of people were annoyed with Adrien's waffling but I loved that he had Jake by the balls in this book. I think Jake needed to sweat it out and get the barest hint of what he put Adrien through during the previous years. Adrien had to sort out all of his feelings of abandonment, deception, and betrayal before he could move on with Jake, and I liked that this storyline allowed him to work out his emotions.



True that.

And DAMN the path to this resolution was hard. I felt like I went on a long, exhausting journey with these two men and that isn't even counting all the sickness and murder (though I couldn't give two craps about the mystery in this book... just couldn't bring myself to care). Jake and Adrien's relationship was painful for me to read at times, and I wanted to punch Jake in the nads often, but I'll begrudgingly say that I'm happy that they found their way back to each other.



Good luck with that boys...

Oh, and a final note about the narration. Please, all of you audiobook lovers, please get this series on audiobook. It is worth all of the money, all of the time. It is simply phenomenal. The range of distinct voices and the breadth of the emotion in Chris Patton's performance was astounding. I truly think that listening to the audiobook is what allowed me to continue with this series when I was ready to throw in the towel at times.

Au revoir, Adrien and Jake. May you find happiness and fewer dead bodies in your future.

[Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread/listen - April - 2023

***********************************************

Reread/listen - July 2021

5+++++++++ Gaah romantic stars.

***********************************************
Changing my rating to 5++++ stars and tweaking my review a bit to reflect the rating.

The buddy reread really helped with bumping my rating.

Baby, you win

There are so many great reviews, nothing more to add and since I am too tired to write a proper one. I believe this will do:

5++++ for the Audiobook
5++++stars for the story

I love it! loved it!

- Adrien is one of my favorite character ever. He is forever in my heart.

- The writing was good as always.

“He smelled like soap and sleep and bare skin. He smelled familiar. Not the déjà vu familiar of Guy or Mel. Familiar like…the ache in your chest of homesickness, of longing for harbor after weeks of rough seas or craving a fire's warmth after snow—or wanting back something you should never have given away.”

-I finally understand Jake! and that makes me like him alot.

-The steam level was moderate and i understand it was all about the feels and the conversations.

- I found the mystery part just ok.

- We have a cat and a dog. That made me happy.

Overall i enjoyed it more.



Thank you so much Elena, Linda, Moony, Rosa, Teal and Xia for the amazing buddy read. It was fun, eye opening and well, so much fun.

[Baba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review completed January 31, 2013

He smelled like soap and sleep and bare skin. He smelled familiar. Not the déjà-vu familiar of Guy or Mel. Familiar like…the ache in your chest of homesickness, of longing for harbor after weeks of rough seas or craving a fire’s warmth after snow—or wanting back something you should never have given away.
 


Adrien was sleeping on his sofa when he heard a faint but persistent scratching. Someone tried to break into his bookstore Cloak and Dagger. Even though he is calling nine-one-one they put him on hold at three in the morning. That’s why he is calling Jake for help and his former lover comes to his rescue immediately. Jake who had hidden his homosexuality from his fellow cops as well as his family and friends for nearly twenty years is not in the closet anymore. He resigned from LAPD, came out to his family and asked his wife, Kate, for a divorce. Now he is working as a PI.
 

“Don’t take this the wrong way. I didn’t come out for you. I came out because I had compromised everything that I believed  in, everything that was important to me. You were part of that, sure, but it wasn’t just about you.”

 
Bookshop owner, part-time writer and amateur sleuth, Adrien English, is recovering from open heart surgery. Also, he has to go through cardiac rehab sessions. There is a huge team that takes care of him which included  his cardiologist, physical therapist, exercise therapist, dietitian, and a shrink. Though Adrien didn’t really care for any part of his cardiac rehab. As it was, he didn’t appreciate it that everyone scrutinized him so closely—his recovery was almost unbearable. To top everything off, he hated Dr. Shearing’s poking and probing into his emotional state. And even though he knew that he would probably outlive his mother, that he would really be more than all right again, he can’t seem to feel anything right now. He can’t seem to be happy. And he doesn’t want anyone in his life right now. Adrien feels exhausted--physically and emotionally drained. He has no energy or motivation at all. And the break-in felt like way more than he could handle.
 

“I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

 
I know what’s wrong with you, Adrien. You can deny it all you want but I think you are depressed.
 
A construction crew is renovating Adrien’s bookstore Cloak and Dagger. They make a gruesome find when they discover a very old skeleton that has been hidden in the floorboard of Adrien’s attic. Adrien’s place was built back in the 1930s. Originally it was a hotel called the Huntsman’s Lodge. Back in the 50s a murder took place in this hotel. In fact, it’s the skeleton of Jay Stevens, a part-time musician and full-time hustler. He has been murdered in 1959.
 

Bodies under floorboards would not be good for business. Not even at a mystery bookstore.

 
After another break-in Adrien hires Jake to investigate the murder case as well as the break-ins because his physical condition doesn’t allow him to  track down leads in this very cold case.
 

“Believe it or not, once upon a time I did actually solve a number of police cases without your help.”

Adrien and Jake have come a long way. Their road was bumpy and difficult and yet with enough persistence they could achieve their goal. You can’t help but cheer them on and they truly deserved their HEA. While Jake gradually redeemed himself in Death of a Pirate King, he more than makes up for his past behavior in The Dark Tide.
 

„I can’t promise that I’ll never hurt you again. I never deliberately hurt you. I wouldn’t deliberately hurt you. But…”
“Yes,” I clipped out, “I know. Hurt happens.”
I heard that long weary exhalation. “It does. That’s life. It’s the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, the wins and the losses. I never thought you’d be too afraid to try. I thought you were stronger than that.”
I hoped to hell they’d never used him in trying to talk potential suicides down from ledges.

 

“(…) I can’t promise you“—I stopped, tried again—“that I can let go of everything that happened between us. As much as I want to. As much as I feel like I should. You’ve called it right. I am angry, and I guess I am hurt. I want to trust you…but I don’t even trust myself anymore. All I know.” I had to stop again. I took a deep breath steadied my voice. “All I know is, I can’t …face you leaving right now.”

 
In The Dark Tide the emotional struggles go on, mainly because Adrien is afraid to get hurt again. Also, I felt that he wasn’t quite sure what he wanted. Plus, the reappearance of Guy and Mel did not make me any happier either. Ugh. *pulls hair* Now and then I was so ready to yell at him “Adrien, make up your mind already. He is It’s in front of your nose—so take him it or leave him it!” With that said, he realized that it was not about Jake—or at least it wasn’t just about Jake. Most of the problem was Adrien himself. His inability to trust Jake as well as his inability to accept that he might get hurt again.


 

You know what it is? It’s a dark tide sweeping in and pulling you out into the deep. Way out. And you go with it even when you know the end will be your destruction, because you’re too afraid not to. You’ll trade your soul for one day, one hour, one minute more of safety. It’s why people do the things they do—that dark tide dragging them along like an undertow.
(…)
I thought how Jake had swum in that dark tide for most of his life, and yet somehow kept from going under.

 
Yes, Adrien, you have to ask yourself why you wouldn’t trust Jake…
 
Jake needed and wanted Adrien to forgive him. And he wanted another chance to make things right. Even though ne never voiced the important three words in the previous books, it was obvious that Jake was in love with Adrien. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for him. In fact, Jake was very understanding and he supported Adrien unconditionally in The Dark Tide. He took care of him after his surgery and he respected Adrien’s wish for breathing room when he needed to rethink their situation, when Adrien wasn’t sure how he wanted to go on with their relationship. I loved this “new” Jake--a rather relaxed, quiet, sweet, tender, and caring man.
 

“I cried. And then I begged. You’re damn right I begged. I promised—not that I had anything worth promising—but I was willing to give anything for you to be able to walk away from that.” His smile was the rare one, the wide and unguarded one. “And you did.”

Jake whispering against my face, "I missed you."



Let’s face it, I had to bear a lot—emotionally speaking--while reading this series. However, in the end it was so worthy of all my anger, pain, frustration, and exasperation. They’ve come full circle. *Baba beams*
 

„You were the first in every way that counted. You were the first guy I ever kissed.” He smiled faintly, unreadably. “Come to think of it, you were the first guy I had sex with in a bed.”

 
I know I sound like a broken record but Lanyon’s writing is excellent. With The Dark Tide Lanyon provides another solid and engaging mystery. Adrien’s overbearing, overprotective and ever-present mother Lisa, his stepsister Emma as well as a horse, an alley cat and a puppy crank up the entertaining factor perceptibly. Plus, I think that Lanyon did a fine job portraying a recovering heart patient. Adrien is tired, physically and emotionally drained and unmotivated, and yet there is always room for his snarky and deadpan humor which made me smile time and again.
 

“What?”
“You just seem…different.”
“I am different. I’m an imposter. I killed Adrien two years ago and buried him under the floorboards. My real name is Avery Oxford.”
He seemed to think that was unreasonably funny. When he stopped guffawing, he said, “You seem the same but…older.”
“Uh-huh. I hope you’re not counting on a pay raise anytime soon.”
“Not old. Older. Or more…”
“Wiser? Mature? Worldly?”
He was grinning. Yeah. All of the above.”
 
******
 
“(…) My father was an original.”
I couldn’t help remarking, “So were Vlad the Impaler and Adolf Hitler.”
“Don’t be bourgeois, darling.” Lisa gave me a chiding look. (…)

 
 
The Dark Tide is an excellent end to a great series. Granted, I wasn’t swooning over the too weak first book, however, I thoroughly enjoyed the sequels and I loved book 4 & 5. If you haven’t read anything by Josh Lanyon then I recommend you to give this series a try because it’s definitely worth reading. As a matter of fact, I’m sad that I’m done with it, and I will miss Adrien and Jake greatly.
 

„I love you,“ Jake whispered. “Are you strong enough for this?”

My ranking:

1) Death of a Pirate King
2) The Dark Tide
3) The Hell You Say
4) A Dangerous Thing
5) Fatal Shadows

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I mention that I'm a sucker for scars? But an open heart surgery scar, like Adrien's, that's A LOT OF SCAR. Especially when it's still fresh, bloody and zipper-y. I just discovered that Skeet Ulrich had open heart surgery when he was 10 years old though.



And it hardly shows anymore, don't you think? So Adrien will be just fine in the end and..

...it's your loss Mel, whuahaha...you stupid fuck.

Spoilery!

Now that Adrien's ex-lover, who shouldn't have been in the picture in the first place, is out of the way, there's still Guy to deal with. Granted, he did a terrific job at bringing in take away Thai food, but other than that he's... "Good for Gandalf, I'm sure he only did it to keep you from doing it yourself."

Wooo, looks like Jake already took care of him!

I should get to the point! The point being, in The Dark Tide Jake is finally zigging, but - what the heck - Adrien is zagging! When the skeleton of a murder victim is discovered during the renovation of his bookshop, Adrien grabs the opportunity to act out his favorite hobby again: playing an amateur sleuth. He also uses the cold case as an excuse to hire Jake, now a private detective.

The mystery really was less interesting in this final installment. Tracking down the murderer of a crime that happened half a century ago just doesn't have the same sense of urgency. More importantly, my heart broke so many times over the last few books, that I craved some super sweet super glue in The Dark Tide to fix it. Instead I got so much mystery I didn't really care for... Eventually though, Lanyon included enough beautifully written scenes to make me sigh contentedly after all.

"He said softly, "This is the first time you've let me hold you since..."
It took me time to answer. "It's not that I don't want it. It's that I want it too much."
"That's not the problem you think it is."
"I wish that were true."
It seemed he had no response to that. I was sliding into sleep when his lips brushed my forehead. He whispered, "I never met a more obstinate son of a bitch than you, baby."

No one says baby quite like Jake.

[Wendys Wycked Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say that I am very happy with how this last book turned out.

I really needed Jake to bring his A-game and start so some major groveling and in my opinion ...he did. I never expected him to win me over again...but again...he did.



This time it's Adrien's turn to act all wishy-washy, but I myself did not care one bit. He has been through the wringer...he deserved to conflicted and confused about what he wanted.



What I wasn't a real big fan of, was Mel showing up out of the blue. This too me seemed a bit too much.

In the end, things turned out exactly the way I wanted them, I got my closure which I am very very happy with.



I can honestly say that this has turned out to be one of my favorite mm series and I am sure I will be re-reading these books over and over again.

 

[Lau ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unpopular opinion ahead: I enjoyed this one a bit more than book four :)

*Spoilers for the romance*


While book four fills us with events we have been waiting for the entire series, makes us feel too small to cope with all the feelings of love, pain, hurt and so much hope the characters are experiencing; The Dark Tide is all about trying to make a relationship work after everything they went through. Showing why Adrien couldn’t say yes to anyone else, why nothing compared with what he had with Jake. Book five is ✨LOVE✨ for me, love in every single action Jake does, love in trying to forgive and trust again.


My favorite thing was seeing Jake so carefree, so himself. I was shocked seeing him flirt, seeing him bare his heart to give it to Adrien, accepting it back bruised with the cool resignation of someone who knows he’s late. The way he gave Adrien everything he wished for without giving up, giving him space yet launching at every open opportunity of taking care of Adrien. Maybe I’m weak, but it made me forgive him for everything he has done. Not forget, but forgive, acknowledge that deep down Jake is a good person who was the main victim of his internalized homophobia and now is asking for a chance to be happy.


What were those three lonely years compared to the forty Jake had lost? Forty years of believing he wasn’t good enough, wasn’t worthy, wasn’t even normal.


If you have read the books, you know that Jake is the only person who makes sense for Adrien. He’s the only one able to protect him and take care of him without making Adrien feel useless. I wanted Adrien to be happy with Guy, because he didn’t deserve everything he had to suffer loving Jake, but Guy could have never made Adrien happy the way Jake can. It hurt, how Adrien knew that yet the fear of getting heartbroken again kept him from saying yes to his dream.


I wanted Jake. I wanted Jake at that instant like some wild thing wailing for the moon. I wanted him so much, I could have cried. I wanted him now, and I wanted it to be three years ago when I had loved him without fear, when I hadn’t realized he could hurt me enough to cripple me, destroy me.


Lastly, I need to remedy the fact that I was too focused on Adrien and Jake’s struggles to talk about how much the secondary characters added to the story. I don’t know what I would have done without the presence of Adrien’s family when Jake was driving me crazy in book three, they were always there to give some light and humor to the story. And when you finally discover why Adrien calls him mom Lisa? It was so beautiful, I love their relationship as much as Adrien likes to complain about it.


I’d admit I wouldn’t have been so happy had I read it when this was the last book of the series; there are so many things left to witness, I’m really grateful we now have book 5.5. It still feels like it was over too soon, but at least it was a satisfying ending.


“Why can’t you say it?” I hardened my voice. “Because I’m telling you, you never have. I’d have remembered.”

He stared at me with disbelief. Then he lunged forward, pushing me flat in the pillows once more. He leaned over me, his mouth a brush of lips away from my own, his breath warm on my face.

“Love you? Of course I love you. Baby, I fucking worship you.”

^my fav quote of the entire series because it may seem easy to say, but it makes me want to cry because it’s true. During the entire series, but especially in the last two books, Jake always treats Adrien as if he were something precious. Saying ‘i love you’ feels almost cheap next to all the ways he has showed Adrien how much he treasures him:


He was careful and quiet in the way he woke me, careful to never startle me awake. Careful even when I was already awake.


The sauce of the salmon was sweet. () I pushed my plate aside. Jake took my plate, slid his over. Absently, I picked up his burger.


He manages to look out for me, take care of me, without emasculating me, which is more than anyone else has ever managed.


↬The Adrien English Mysteries
1. Fatal Shadows: 4.5 stars
2. A Dangerous Thing: 4 stars
3. The Hell You Say: 3.75 stars
4. Death of a Pirate King: 4.5 stars
5. The Dark Tide: 5 stars
6. So This Is Christmas: 5 stars

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adrien English is by far one of the very best m/m series I have ever read!

In the romance category, it might take some getting used to, though. While other series about two guys concentrate on finding each other and building a life together, Adrien and Jake are struggling until the very end before they manage to even *be* in a relationship.

In this last book, construction works reveal a skeleton hidden away under the floor of Adrien's Cloak and Dagger bookstore building (a former hotel). The dead guy - a case as cold as a cold case gets - was a musician from the 1950s who vanished and -obviously- ended up dead in Adrien's floor.

Curious as always, not even recovering from surgery is preventing Adrien from taking a 'private' interest in the case of 'his' dead body.

Jake, who finally came to his senses and turned into one of my favorite characters (EVER!!!) is helping Adrien with his investigation, taking care of *his* guy even though Adrien constantly pushes him away, afraid that Jake might hurt him again, like he did in the past.
But Jake needs the money after his divorce and resigning from the force, trying to set foot in the PI business and with Adrien being his first and only client, he is determined to help his former/sometimes/who-knows-when(!!) lover find out why the poor musician ended up as a bag of bones under Adrien's floor boards.

This story was exactly what I hoped it would be and more!!
While the previous books focused on cases that happened 'in real time', 'Dark Tide' has Adrien and Jake investigate a case that goes back 50 years, making this book expecially interesting to me. I absolutely love Agatha Christie's novels set in the 1960s where the investigator needs to deal with something that happened decades earlier during the war. I got a similar vibe from this book. There's something intriguing about trying to find clues that go back that many years. It's like a treasure hunt. And a 'Treasure Hunt' it was for Adrien and Jake. I found the plot absolutely wonderful.

But let's be honest. I'm long past the point where I'm reading this series for the mystery side. I was BEGGING for any scene where Adrien and Jake are on page together and I was DESPISING every scene were one of Adrien's other 'love interests' (the poor souls who have to live in Adrien's on/off relationship limbus) comes too close to him ('Don't choke on that cat hair, Guy!').

Even though I'm usually holding grudges against MCs who disappointed me, I totally forgive Jake for everything he did in the last few books. He proved to be a reliable caring person, who not only gave up everything to safe Adrien in the last book, he also proves to be the ONLY guy Adrien allows to get close, emotionally - and Adrien doesn't even seem to realize it.

Adrien's exes on the other hand...
Mel's only bonus point is his past as Adrien's ex-long-term-boyfriend (well... good riddance to him and his antacids).

And Guy? Well, Guy brings home Thai take out. I can't really find anything else likable about him... Things I dislike about him, I could name plenty!
So with that set of ex-lovers, Adrien might as well just take a chance with Jake, LOL.

For some reason that I cannot even identify, Jake is the most amazing character. I found myself glued to his lips, giggling like a crazy teenager about the things he says. He's funny, sweet, caring. He manages to deliver a line with an even look on his face, then revealing his joke with a crooked smile, enjoying how he manages to rile up Adrien.

"Would you, er, mind if we found a hotel tonight? I'll pay, obviously."
He put both hands on his hips and glared at me. "You think it's just about the money, do you? What about my time? You realize I'll have to cancel my date for tonight?"
"Your... date?" I regret to say that my shock at the idea was only too obvious, and that was pretty stupid too, because why the hell *wouldn't* Jake have a date? Wasn't I the one who predicted it'd be all wine, women and -- well, wine and song with him for the next decade or so?
So why was I stricken at this unsurprising news?
I blinked at him. He stared right back at me, tough and unsmiling, and then a tiny, malicious smile touched his mouth. "Gotcha," he said.

He's adorable. He's everything Adrien wanted him to be back in book 2, where Jake was still an uptight closet case who only came around in the darkness of the night when he found himself in Adrien's arms. But yeah, he hurt Adrien terribly and I understand how Adrien cannot just forget everything that happened before, especially what went down in 'Pirate King'.

Still, I should mention that this is the book where Jake FINALLY explains himself and you can decide for yourself whether you trust him or not after hearing what he has to say.
I'm not too happy about some of it, but I understand him and for the sake of romance I am willing to believe that he is now a faithful guy who will make a reliable and loving out-and-proud partner for Adrien.



Would I trust a guy like him in real life? Probably not. When has love ever 'healed' a guy who was willing to cheat on his wife over years?
I totally understand Adrien's fears, but personally I forgive Jake. And just thinking about him in those tight black briefs in the Sea View Hotel room has me go weak in the knees... I think I'd forgive him *anything* at that point, LOL.

But I admit, the BIG difference between Jake and similar characters (like Dan McFadyen from Special Forces) is the fact that we don't get to witness Jake's infidelities first hand. It's not like Jake was any better doing what he did, but I find it easier to forgive him now. Weird, right?

Man, I have loved every single Lanyon I've read so far, but I had NO IDEA the Adrien English series was THIS outstanding among her work.

Her grasp on the characters is absolutely amazing and the side characters are simply awesome (Natalie is one of the best female side characters in the series). I also loved Adrien's mom Lisa who might be a pretentious bitch sometimes, but she does worry about Adrien and I think her fears for his health and well-being are absolutely genuine. I loved how she tries to include his boyfriends in any family event she is planning. Especially in the last book, Lisa moved me deeply when she explained to Adrien why he always called her 'Lisa' instead of 'mom', even as a child.
I even admired Adrien's newest shop assistant (God, that temp agency must have a 'special forces' staff in store for hardcore clients like Adrien): Naomi Pepper - who was the literary incarnation of Mel Brook's insanely funny character 'Nurse Diesel' from 'High Anxiety' or perhaps even 'Mrs Danvers' from 'Rebecca' *shudders*.

I can't say I'm too fond of Mel or Guy, but they did a great job at riling me up, I'll give them that.

God, I'm head over heels in love with those characters. Oh, I must NOT forget to mention that this series (or rather: Adrien) is insaleny funny and witty. Lots of amazing pop culture references, AWESOME music and simply a cute sense of sarcastic humor made this series a 100% success for me.

My thoughts about the whole series, which I consider among the VERY best in m/m fiction:

Book 1 Fatal Shadows: Was clearly the weakest book for me (though still a 5 star!!). The mystery part was intense, but the romance was depressing aka non-existent and homophobic cop Riordan turning out to be the love interest caught me by surprise...

Book 2 A Dangerous Thing: Was much better. Lots of powerful scenes in a fresh countryside setting, a plot worthy of an AC Doyle classic. Jake turned into a very interesting guy, although I was surprised an out gay man like Adrien was willing to put up with him. Usually rule no. 1 for gay guys: Stay away from the closeted wannabe straight dude!!
But again, Jake came to the rescue when Adrien needed him. And he was a hot and passionate cop, so Adrien is forgiven ;-)

Book 3 The Hell You Say: The scariest of all. A Satanic cult is out to kill people and Adrien finds himself right in the middle. The plot reminded me a bit of a HP Lovecraft setting with some Scientology elements thrown in. Jake deeply disappoints me here. I could have torn him to pieces...

Book 4 Death of a Pirate King: By FAR the best book in the series. I found out how much I am able to hate a character, only to turn around and fall in love with him. This one is THE ultimate Jake book. It's among my top 3 all time favorites!

Book 5 The Dark Tide: I didn't really like Adrien treating Jake like an outcast here, but Jake totally redeemed himself with this book. Sign me up for the Jake fanclub!!!
5 stars to this awesome final book in the series!

5 stars to one of the best m/m series I've ever read!

I am so going to miss these guys. I'm actually considering getting all audiobooks and listening to them all over again.
Simply outstanding! If you like m/m, this is so gonna make your year!!



Adrien <3 Jake

[Jilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was messy. Feelings and angst vomiting all over the place. Not Jilly's bag at all.



So, this was the culmination of everything that has happened in the series, with a super crappy mystery thrown in that I gave zero fucks about.

Adrien spent most of the book recovering from heart surgery while trying to decide which bachelor he wanted to pick. Personally, I wish he had a better group to choose from.


The guy on the left turned out to be a serial killer, and he won.
Still a better pool than Adrien had to choose from.

The thing is, even though I understood why Adrien was making Jake sweat it out, I still got annoyed. It's not like we expected any other outcome at all whatsoever.

Anyway, I'm glad it's over. Except a short where we get the HEA stuff since this clearly lacked an epilogue.

[Vio · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I have collected my thoughts I will attempt to review, that's if I can do it justice. It seriously deserves one even if I have to suffer trying to write it. This has been one of the best series I have ever read. You get the best of both worlds. Fantastic writing, good mystery, killer romance and the wonderful frustrating Adrien English. A sorrowful brilliant character who is adored, loved and worshiped. Gorgeous and truly loved.

[Dia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to this series. Loved the writing!!

[Ingie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written May 31, 2014

4.7 Stars - the last part in an fantastic series and a big thunderous applause - what an AMAZING romantic adventure this was

Book #5



Wow, woot, oh yeah!!!! ~ Directly to the shelf for all time favorite M/M series and high on my list for "most loved book-couple".

***********************************************************

These last days has this lady, Ingela, more or less, being absent from RL and occasionally also completely unreachable. I've not wanted to sacrifice a single free minute for anything but listening to these five, so spellbinding captivating crime mystery / romances books.

...I really gave the Adrien English Mystery almost all my waking hours, and finally, all my heart.

Before my next long audio journey I need to acquire more ergonomic headphones (... slight eczema in the ears now).

I finished my listening to book #4 - Death of a Pirate King the day before yesterday, and it was the best book in this series so far. ~ I just wished and hoped that this fifth, and last book, would be as stunning good.

“Love you? Of course I love you. Baby, I fucking worship you.”

And o'boy, exactly that was The Dark Tide. Josh Lanyon gave us a dignified beautiful and so wonderfully romantic ending to the sweet bookseller, crime writer and 'amateur sleuth' Adrien's and the tough, blond and manly, detective Jake's, long and sometimes very painful heartbreaking, love story.

***********************************************************

We first meet Adrien again three or four weeks after the end of book #4. On shaky legs is our hero Adrien now back home at Cloak and Dagger Bookstore and is resting (and thinking) in his own apartment upstairs.

Adrien has done an heart surgery (partly because of the dramatic events and violent end of his last murder mystery hunt). After some time in his dear mom Lisa's full house, is he finally "allowed" to be a single 30 something gay guy and take care of himself.

A lot of stuff in Adrien's complex life is unclear right now. Poor guy!!

It is his currently weak health, tremendous fatigue and underweight, a nagging doctor, staff problems., at times demanding sisters, a reconstruction of his house, a troubled overprotective mother (who refuses to cut the umbilical cord). Some (new after a a shooting incident and a major heart surgery) existential life issues and now as an "top of the iceberg" - an ugly big scar on his chest.

...Yes, it is a lot. In addition to all new 'nagging problems' is there some 'old' questions about (of course) future life, love, sex and his always so tricky relationships with his three former lovers.

Three former ex-lovers?
Yes, the former cohabitant Mel is now suddenly in LA again. Then there are of course as before the pleasant university professor Guy and our favorite guy, the always so mysterious and stone-tough—but gourgous sexy, Jake Riordan also.

***********************************************************

“So you're like a ... an amateur sleuth?"
"God no. I'm more like the hapless guys in those film-noir flicks we used to watch. I keep getting tangled up in bizarro events."

As always stumble Adrien again over a corpse.
A half-century old skeleton tumbles out of the wall in the midst of the renovation of the bookstore. The police is there again and Adrien is a suspect once again.

Adrien want to know more about this since many years dead young man and ask his handsome ex-lover Jake (by now out-of-the closet and working as a private detective) . Jake is actually glad this time to have reason to help and stay in close contact with Adrien, but it isn't that easy. There are a lot of trouble....again.

‘...."Are you strong enough for this?"
I made myself comfortable. Said over my shoulder, "Sure."
"Would you tell me if you weren't?"
I grinned. "Maybe. I can't think of a nicer way to commit suicide."
"That's good. I can't think of a more pleasant way to commit murder.”

***********************************************************

The mystery and the search for an undiscovered killer (fifty years ago) was as always well done and the various meetings with several oldies (suspects), old acquaintances etc was exciting to follow.

Except ... the most important for me was to go along and soak up every word about Adrien's and Jake's final way to a hopefully grand HEA. Did we get it? ~ Read and enjoy and experience ..

‘He smelled like soap and sleep and bare skin. He smelled familiar. Not the deja vu familiar of Guy or Mel. Familiar like... the ache in your chest of homesickness, of longing for harbor after weeks of rough seas or craving a fire's warmth after snow--or wanting back something you should never have given away.’

***********************************************************

I've listening to all these five books, and it have been simply fantastic to take part of the story from these well done audio books. So very great narrated by the superb voice of Chris Patton

***********************************************************

This series has been an 'freaking' outrageous and enormous hard journey. Sentimental, captivating, expertly narrated and written, and of course most of all - so very amusing funny.

The dialogues, the inner monologues, and the beautiful text (especially in the steamy parts) is worth all the accolades. ~ I understand completely and wholeheartedly why so many friends and readers here at GR has recommended me to read these books. Thanks to Vio, Lena, Sofia and others.

My final rating for it all: Five Huge Stars!

I have to process it all a couple of days and mourn (...sob!!) that it's all over for me now.

‘I thought of the words of the Renaissance philosopher Michel de Montaigne.
"If you press me to say why I loved him, I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.”

I LIKE - Gosh yes - cheers, happy singing and joy-cry!


*********************
...highly recommended:

The Adrien English Mystery ~ Josh Lanyon's 5 part series



#1 - Fatal Shadows (4.3 stars)
#2 - A Dangerous Thing (4.3 stars)
#3 - The Hell You Say (4 stars)
#4 - Death of a Pirate King (4.8 stars)
#5 - The Dark Tide (4.7 stars)

...and don't miss the opportunity to listening to the audio books with the splendid narrator Chris Patton.

[Jenni Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series review

What a ride that was! I have to tell you, I did not expect to love this series as much as I did. I’m not a big mystery fan and I think that was why I put off reading this series (and Josh Lanyon) as long as I did. But let me just say this: I’m so glad I finally gave in and tried it.

Josh Lanyon has an amazing ability to create characters that are so believable; so fleshed out that you feel as if you know them personally. They are so complex and alive. These characters are nowhere near perfect, which makes them that much more real.

Adrien held my heart throughout all five books. He’s quirky and funny and so brave. He’s also stubborn and snarky and annoying. And he can sometimes be a big ole pain in the butt. And I loved him all the more because of it even though some of the stunts he pulled and the decisions he made had me wanting to give him a good, swift kick in the rear end.

Now Jake. Jake is… well… How should I put this? I didn’t really like Jake in the first book but I didn’t really know him all that well either. In the second book I got to know him a lot better and I grew fond of him. Then I read book three and I HATED him with the fire of a thousand suns! I didn’t feel that he was in any way redeemable. Book four wasn’t much better but by the end of it he was starting to grow on me again. But with this last book I really got to know him and you know what? He’s still gruff. He still has issues. He’s not perfect and never will be. But I ADORE him. I adore him for his patience and his honesty and his caring and his love. I read on someone’s review “no one says Baby quite like Jake”. Yeah, so true.

All of the plots in each of these stories flowed well and seamlessly into each other. I discovered no plot holes or inconsistencies. The writing was smart and beautiful. The secondary characters were as well fleshed out as the MC’s. My eyes did gloss over a bit with all the classic movie and music references but hey, they’re just not my cuppa. No big deal. They didn’t hurt the storyline in the least.

And that one scene after Adrien finally pulls his head out of his ass? Guh! It was breathtaking! It was perfect in every way. I was irrevocably smitten by the time I finished reading it.

I had the best time reading this series and I will definitely be checking out all of Mr. Lanyon’s other works very, very soon. I also had a blast with my status updates and I thank each and every one of my Goodreads friends for putting up with them and me while I spewed my thoughts and emotions onto you. ♥

[Ms. Smartarse · Rating 4 out of 5]

[January 2018 reread] Heavily disappointed by Death in a Difficult Position, a book written under the author's real(?) name, I was in despair. Did I reach my fill of M/M romances as well?! Even with Josh Lanyon, whose writing style can do no wrong?! I am in complete denial about The Curse of the Blue Scarab, by the way. But I digress...



The Dark Tide begins right after Adrien's escape from the family home. For those of you looking for the ninja-like crawling, along with the sliding beneath the laser beams, remember that Adrien's still recovering from open-heart surgery. An event he's been hoping to deflect for most of his adult life, but more specifically for the readers, since the beginning of the series.

Everyone's favorite detective, Jake Riordan, has been... turning his life around. He quit the police force, came out to his family, got divorced, and set up a P.I. business... but things are not looking up for him. All in all, moving seems like a much more viable option. Unless, there's a certain someone who'd want him to staaaay...?



Adrien is undecided. He should really let Jake go... which is why the very minute there is a suspicious break in at the bookstore, he asks for Riordan's help. And true to his reputation of a knight-in-shining-armor, Jake races to Adrien's side... *reviewer sloooowly slides to the floor in a puddle*

Objectively speaking, the mystery is not that interesting. Heck even Jake has his doubts about it after a while, even though he's paid to care about it.

But, you know... after the 6th-7th(?) reread, it's not the 50s-era murder that keeps bringing me back to this book. It's Jake who finally says things, and my thumping heart that gets synchronized with Adrien's... as a direct result. And I'm not recovering after surgery.

Cryptically, she added, “But there's no question Jake Riordan is mad about you.”
I blinked. “There…isn't?”
“Although I suppose it's beside the point.”
“It is?”
“Of course.”
Was I drunk on one glass of wine?

... and of course, the humorous parts are still as funny as hell.

“How are you?”
Pretty civil given the fact that I hadn't spoken to him for nearly two weeks and was choosing three in the morning to reopen the lines of communication.

“It's kind of a long story,” I said vaguely. “[The cat] got mauled by a dog. I'm not keeping him, though. He's only staying here until he's healed. After that he goes back to the alley.”
“Uh-huh. Did you name him?”
“Tomkins. John Tomkins.” I felt it necessary to explain. “I had to name him for the vet. He was a pirate.”
“Only you would have a pirate for a vet.”

Score: 3.8/5 stars

I had initially rated it 3 stars, but given that after the 6th-7th(?) reread it can still wake all the butterflies in my stomach, AND have me laugh out loud on occasion, the book deserves an additional star.

...about my initial question? No! I am DEFINITELY not yet over M/M romance or Josh Lanyon. PHEW!
============================================
review of book 1: Fatal Shadows
review of book 2: A Dangerous Thing
review of book 3: The Hell You Say
review of book 4: Death of a Pirate King
review of book 5.5: So This is Christmas
review of Stranger Things Have Happened: An Adrien English Write Your Own Damn Story

[Moony Eliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dark Tide — 4.5 stars. This mystery didn’t hold my attention as well as the last one, but it has solid importance to the story, and it’s one that I’m curious to scrutinize much closer on my next read. A tornado warning could have gone off right by my head when I was reading Adrien and Jake’s scenes in this book and I wouldn’t have been the wiser.

This series is A Tale of Two Genres. And it’s also a cautionary tale about not throwing the baby out with the bathwater, from a reading perspective.

Have I already exhausted my cliché limit for this review? It’s going to get worse, because original thought isn’t my niche after I’ve just found a couple for my favorite couples of all time list.

They say Josh Lanyon is a mystery writer, but you aren’t going to be able to prove that by me. This woman is a relationship writer, and not just that — she’s among the BEST of those.

I’m not much of a mystery reader. But I’ve read my share, and when they work, they really work. The mysteries in the first 3 of these books were just in my fucking way. I was not engaged in them, and if I hadn’t been immediately captivated by the relationship between Adrien and Jake, I might have been tempted to set the whole series aside. Baby, meet bathwater.

However. Captivated is an understatement. Lanyon’s ability to create interpersonal tension — in every way except the predictable — is writing master class. I could c/p dozens of lines here to prove my point, but spoilers aren’t my style. Trust me or don’t. Or trust the bazillions of other people who’ve read this series in the last almost-20 years. ;)

Flawed, nuanced characters that you’ll need your 3D glasses for. JL made me experience the entire damn spectrum of emotion, and often using only a handful of words to do so.

I really don’t know what else to say, because if this isn’t already speaking your language, I can’t help. If we're friends, expect to be hearing things about this series for a long time. Both 1) while I try in vain to overcome the hangover that I'll have for at least a week, and 2) when I dive in for the scores of rereads that will happen in my lifetime.

Lastly, shout-out to my AMAZING buddy read partners. This was an incredible experience, full of spirited discussion, and fortunately it's showing no signs of stopping. Elena, Linda, Rosa, Shile, Teal, and Xia

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers down der.

Ah, the dramatic conclusion to this series. I think I've said most of what I had to say in the other book reviews.
In this book, I didn't really care as much. I didn't care who killed Skelly, I didn't really care about the people snooping around. Well, saying I didn't care if strong. I didn't care as much as I previously have.

I felt like I liked Jake 10% more for a while, then 5% less.. so technically now I still like him more than previously, but maybe that dislike has transferred onto Adrien. I like Adrien in this book. I liked how he hadn't made up his mind about things and was trying to figure stuff out.

I didn't care about Jake x Adrien romance. The sex made me go "meh" and the giant *grand* gesture I expected to come, never really did for me.
"What? I haven't said I love you? LOL, mah bad. I luv ya. Have a dog." Awwwwww, I hope I get proposed to one day in the same fashion. I know this isn't a romance novel. I know. After 5 books of struggling and being pissy about their relationship, it wasn't enough for me. So whatever, forget em both, I say.

So yeah. Let's chat about the series as a whole.
Would I recommend this? Yes. I would. Because caring as much as I did about these characters is special, even if I was mad at them. When I read, I often set my iPad on my exercise bike at home and peddle away, and let's just say that when going through my Riordan Murder Crisis of 2013, I burned a lot of extra calories. So that's another plus!
This series is great. Really. It's about human beings, and human mistakes and prejudice and judgement and self-loathing and growing and learning to love each other and yourself. I know. Deep down, the fundamentals of these 5 books is fantastic. It just wasn't perfect for me, and that's okay. I'll still recommend this series to friends and strangers.


Previous review:

There better have been some major changes, Jake, because I'm reading this book this weekend and I don't want to feel pissy anymore.

[Lisazj1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Audio reread/listen September 2021**

Upped my rating, because this was worth it. I had forgotten how all over the place Adrien was here. While it was a little frustrating, I couldn't blame him. In the end though, all that gave him time to see what he couldn't do without. And Jake couldn't possibly have been better for him if he tried. This was perfection in audio form. 🥰🥰

Thank you Chris Patton: “Love you? Of course I love you. Baby, I fucking worship you.” *swoon*

**First read September 2018**

This made everything else worth it. God, I loved it. I loved seeing Adrien and Jake as they always should have been.

[LenaRibka · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I have to judge only the mystery part, then I'd say that the last book of the Adrien English Mystery The Dark Tide was the best.

But it was different.
And our two guys, Adrien and Jake, that I have taken into my heart, were different, they have changed comparing to the other books.

We were shown totally new sides of their characters.
One can argue if it was favourably for the both MCs but it was for sure a benefit for the romance between the two.

I experience different inconsistent emotions after finishing The Dark Tide.

I am SAD!
I have to say GOODBYE to Adrien and Jake and hope that they will be happy together in the old big house of Lisa, with a cat and a dog and a pool and...maybe a new criminal puzzle?

And I am HAPPY.
HAPPY that they find each other once again, that they had their fist time together with no secrets and no restriction.

And I am satisfied.
That Josh Lanyon didn't turn this wonderful mystery series into the long soap-opera with everlasting misunderstandings and endless inner conflicts.

Well, if it can't get any better, you should stop.

So... it was a perfect timing to stop.

And I'm excited.

Because I developed my new favourite author, Josh Lanyon.

With Adrien English Mystery he has deserved a personal shelf on my TBR! And there are so many books that are waiting for me!!!



Not only for MM readers, not only for mystery fans
highly recommended.

[Kaje Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Adrien English series fully deserves its reputation as the best m/m mystery series around. This installment is my favorite so far, which is saying a lot. The plot is solid, but in this book the emotional connection between Adrien and Jake is front and center. The result is a satisfying narrative that had me fully engaged in every moment, amused, afraid, and emotionally caught up in the story. If you haven't read the others yet (and why not???) go do that first. Then read this one and expect to be rereading it often. I know I will. Thank you Josh.

[Jordan Price]

I gobbled the book down all in one day. I'm sure I'll need to re-read the series from the beginning to appreciate all the arcs. The ending felt very satisfying! Hard to say more without spoilers. But I suppose it doesn't spoil much to say I despised Mel. Loathed him. Would love to suckerpunch him. And there's something fun about being able to hate a character like that.

[Deeze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nooooooooooooo its finished


You know a book or series is really good when you read the last page and feel both happy and sad at the same time.

The final book was as well done as the rest Mystery wise. The 50 year old murder and all the suspects kept me intrigued and interested.

Lisa is one of the few female characters I adore, and surprisingly even Natalie did not annoy me. I could be wrong but I even thought there might be a little something about to go on between her and Angus lol.

But the romance between Jake and Adrien is what I really read for. Their chemistry is hard to explain, but Jake stole my heart completely in this book.

This really is not much of a review, but if you are looking for a set of books that’s more plot than endless sex, books with love not just lust, and books with interesting characters that have a purpose in the story and not just added as fillers then this might just be the kinda books you are looking for.

The ending seems to be missing an Epilogue to me, but that’s probably because I’m the sort of person that likes things spelt out. Maybe I’ll get what I’m looking for in the Interviews lol.


ETA While re reading this series I started to doubt my previous feelings for Jake. This book is all the reason I need to stand by my original feelings

all the way


ETA Nothing new to add except why is there not another book by now. I need to know how they dealt with Jake wanting to be a dad

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book when you get so attached to the characters, that your chest aches - constricted with emotion because of what the characters are going through?

That is what happens with me all the way through.

This is the final Adrien English book. While I enjoy reading the mystery, it is the relationship between Adrien and Jake that is sitting on driver's seat. This one is filled with sentiments from the two of them. How they are dealing with what has happened after Jake's big decision in book #4. I'm close to tears in some scenes, while on the others, I either feel that squeeze around my heart, or sigh in relief.

This book is such a perfect closure. Such a PERFECT ending. And definitely, DEFINITELY, one of the most satisfying book I read this year *sigh*

Edited to add: 3 years after reading this book for the first time back in 2009, and it still becomes one of the most re-read books for me. It's a comfort read. And I don't even do re-read. Go figure!

[Trio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read with the JL group on GR December 11, 2017

my original review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

As I finish up this re-listen of The Dark Tide I'm enjoying it more this time around, I'm less mad at Jake all the way through... Chris Patton is absolutely incredible though (esp as Jake).

Adrien and Jake, what a perfect romance - just the right amount of passion, angst, betrayal, misunderstandings and love.

[Lenore · Rating 3 out of 5]

*This review contains spoilers*

I'm not happy, Mr Lanyon. Not happy at all.

I know I was angry at Jake in the previous two installments but you made me angry at Adrien in this one. What was that behaviour about? At some point I seriously thought you were going to use his heart surgery as a plot device to make him have a "change of heart." Seriously.

And what exactly was Mel, the self-centered, heartless (pun not intended) ex, doing appearing in this book? Tsk tsk tsk. I thought you weren't one of those authors, Mr Lanyon. Such tricks should be beneath you.

As for Guy, he was like an ornamental plant in this book. I didn't like him in previous installments but I felt sorry for him in this one. I really tried not to picture him like some athletic grandpa but I wasn't very successful I must admit. And I also admit I gigglesnorted when Jake called him Gandalf. I'm gigglesnorting again as I type this.

Jake. My dear Jake. He was ostensibly going through so much in so little time, he was practically forced to come out (I know he said he didn't do it for Adrien but it didn't seem like that to me) and, on top of that, he had to deal with Adrien's juvenile behaviour. Adrien could have said he needed time. I know he put up with Jake's douchebaggery for very long, but he could have afforded Jake some time after what they both had gone through on that yacht. Instead, he turned into an inconsiderate juvenile and I got the impression he was yanking Jake's chain, having him jumping though hoops, until one day, just like that and because of a phone conversation with a stranger, he had this epiphany and off he took for Jake's place to throw himself into Jake's arms. Just like that. Meh. Very anticlimactic.

Also, why did that poor woman, Kate, had to meet Adrien under those circumstances? Can you imagine what she thought, how she felt as she left that house, cardboard box in hand? Not good. Not good at all.

So, yes. This last book is my least favourite in the series. And it's a little frustrating because, judging by the previous Adrien English books and by your other work I've read, I'm positive you could have worked wonders with this one, too, Mr Lanyon. Pity.

[Sun · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY! I read all 5 books in a weekend. Through books 1-4, I felt so-so about the stories, had increasing loyalty and favor for Adrien, consistently hated Jake, and wanted, hoped, prayed for more...better...at the very least, a HAPPILY EVER AFTER for Adrien. My persistence paid off!

Book 5 finally brought the series up to its potential! It had it's usual Adrien English series mystery, which I'm liking more and more. But, the best part of this book...FINALLY, Jake is out of the closet and...I LOVED HIM! I just really loved how much he ADORED Adrien. And it was clear, though Adrien had other, safer suiters (Mel, Guy), his heart beat for Jake.

*Note: the lunch scene where they met Harry Newman...and w/o thought, casually, easily exchanged lunch plates...SO SUBTLE, SO TELLING, SO BEAUTIFUL!

Some great quotes:

"If you pressed me to say why I loved him, I can say not more than because he was he, and I was I." - Michel de Montaigne

"Love you? Of course I love you. Baby, I fucking worship you." - Jake

"I've always been grateful - even when I was married, even when I thought it was over between us - that it was you I feel in love with." - Jake


It takes until the FIFTH book for this to get really, really good...and there's NOTHING after this? WHAT? Not even an epilogue? Grrrr...

[Papie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series, my first by this author, completely blew me away. Real, flawed, touching characters, humour, murders, investigations, love, passion, family. I loved every page.

I’m not overly fond of series, as I tend to get bored. But here I found myself slowing down, not wanting it to end yet.

This last book did not disappoint. A HEA, but hard earned. I enjoyed every minute of Jake’s suffering, and my heart broke still for Adrien.

“You were scared to death.” “I was. And I never wanted anything as badly as I wanted you.” The smile faded. His eyes were wary, waiting. “And I still am. And I still do.” I drew a breath. “And if you haven’t changed your mind —” We met halfway.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book went a long way in redeeming both Adrien and Jake.

Jake makes amends for his mistakes and how he hurt Adrien. It's taken him a long time, but Jake finally realizes that the extent he went to in order to hide his sexuality wasn't his only option. I'll admit, I'm still not completely sold on him, but I can live with the progress he's made.

Plus, Jake's big "I love you" speech was all kinds of romantic.

Adrien finally grew a backbone. He came close to wavering a few times, but he sticks to his guns and makes Jake earn his love and trust once more. I lost quite a bit of respect from Adrien in the past couple of books, but he's won me over again.

It's taken me five books to buy Adrien and Jake as a couple. I can finally see a happy future for them, and not just one full of resentment and mistrust. I think the change is that the two are equals this time around, instead of Jake holding most of the power.

The mystery was, as usual from Lanyon, very entertaining. The twists and turns kept me guessing.

Also, Chris Patton once again did a marvelous job with audiobook narration. I've really enjoyed listening to this series in audio format.

Overall, 'The Dark Tide' is a great conclusion to Adrien and Jake's story. It's been a rough ride, but it was worth it to see the two get their happy ending.

Now on to the Christmas follow-up, which I'm told will make up for all of the angst in books 1-5!

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adrien.
Jake.

Some things are just hard-earned. This is not an easy road. It's more than a little bumpy following along and much to the horror of dedicated fans this was a series that I loved reading out of order. Getting to know them through snippets in time. In the end, we all have to decide if another is worth the pain. Love is giving someone else the power to hurt you, at any time.

But, they can also make you fly higher than you ever imagined. Is it worth it? The plummet and pain, and soaring again--is it worth it?

Crazy romp, but decidedly more sedate considering the circumstances.

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recuperándose de la operación de emergencia de su corazón, Adrien tiene que enfrentarse a un nuevo misterio, esta vez dentro de las puertas de su librería. Un cadáver estaba enterrado dentro de su edificio sobre el que están haciendo remodelaciones. Pero el no quiere saber nada de investigaciones, no quiere saber nada de misterios, o quizás ya no quiere saber nada de nada. Sin embargo, decide "contratar" a Jack (que ahora es detective privado) que investigue por él, quien puede ser el fallecido y las razones por las cuales estaba enterrado dentro de su edificio. Así que Adrien se ve envuelto de nuevo en una trama de misterio e intriga, y quizás esta vez Jack si le permita ayudarlo a descubrir que paso y porque.

El "misterio" en este libro fue bastante sencillo, pero yo diría que se enfoco mucho mas en el romance Adrien-Jack que en resolver el caso. Volvemos a tener otro "avance" en las personalidades de los protas, sobre todo en Adrien, con su conflicto interno con la aparición de sus 3 "ex", el melodrama de "porque no puedo estar con él porque me mintió" o "porque no puedo estar con este otro porque lo conozco" o "se que este otro me va a cuidar". En fin, este libro fue mucho mas drama de lo que esperaba, pero estuvo bastante entretenido. Al ser el "último" libro de la serie, esperaba un final un poco mas directo, o por lo menos un epilogo que nos mostrara como era la relación futura de la pareja de protas, pero parece que tendré que leer el par de historias cortas posteriores para saber como resolvieron realmente sus diferencias estos dos.
En fin, es una serie entretenida, el autor supo manejar el romance de tóxico a maduro durante los 5 libros, y logro cerrar casi todos los puntos que quedaron abiertos en la serie. Por supuesto, leeré otros libros de este autor mas adelante.

[Macky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series was one of my first forays into LGBT fiction, a genre I don't think I would have explored had I not bought my Kindle and what a treat I would have missed! Since reading all the Adrian English series I have become a big fan of gay fiction and can honestly say have found some of my favourite ever reads within it, as well as some utter dross but that covers all book types. Most m/m fiction is written by straight women ( like mills & boon romances written by men ) and read by a lot of straight women ,like myself.

Josh Lanyon is a genius, as a male author within the genre he has written a series that crosses over well into general fiction where it deserves to be read by a much wider audience if everybody would just keep an open mind and accept that this time the sex scenes, that by the way are beautifully done and never gratuitous,involve two men, OK, just get over it !!

The plots are clever, the relationship between Adrian & Jake ( who are way high in my fave m/m couples list) has slow burning but sizzling sexual tension, more ups and downs than a yo yo, superb writing style, danger and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Then you get all the clever, witty and amusing moments mainly involving Adrian ( what a great character, you can't help but love him), that are a perfect balance for the more serious side of the plots.

Written by a superb author, this and ' Death of a Pirate King' (book 4), were my favourites of the series but the whole set have been a fantastic roller coaster read. Will never get rid of these books and will be re reading many times. If you enjoy a good crime/thriller with a will they /won't they romance thrown in you'll love the Adrian English Mysteries.