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A Limited Engagement
Ross has done everything Adam has asked him to do, including giving the man a part in his new play. All he wants is for Adam to keep his mouth shut about Ross' real life, which contradicts his image as a straight playwright. Adam knows that Ross has to face his true self, though, and he's ready to do whatever it takes to make Ross see the truth. Will all of Adam's effort backfire, or will Ross take what he needs?
22 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2008
7 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Josh Lanyon
244 books5,438 followersAuthor 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
October 10, 2014
3.5 stars. Review posted August 5, 2014
"Because you're twenty-three years old and queer--and what the hell does that make me?"
"Older and queer!"
The plot/subject matter is controversial; I get why people are concerned about it. While I wasn't fond of the main protagonists, I enjoyed Lanyon's great writing. Also, the idea that brought forth Adam's unconventional activities seemed more than worthy of a thought. When someone is desperate and out of options, then how far are you willing to go? To be honest, I doubt this would work out in RL but I found the concept of this shortie interesting.
Again, it's quite amazing what Lanyon can accomplish with few words.
18 pages.
Short and to the point, even though it needed more pages to really satisfy me. Yet I liked it quite a bit!
Thanks again for the rec, Lena! <3
I'm very relieved that you didn't have to spank me… ;-)
"Because you're twenty-three years old and queer--and what the hell does that make me?"
"Older and queer!"
The plot/subject matter is controversial; I get why people are concerned about it. While I wasn't fond of the main protagonists, I enjoyed Lanyon's great writing. Also, the idea that brought forth Adam's unconventional activities seemed more than worthy of a thought. When someone is desperate and out of options, then how far are you willing to go? To be honest, I doubt this would work out in RL but I found the concept of this shortie interesting.
Again, it's quite amazing what Lanyon can accomplish with few words.
18 pages.
Short and to the point, even though it needed more pages to really satisfy me. Yet I liked it quite a bit!
Thanks again for the rec, Lena! <3
I'm very relieved that you didn't have to spank me… ;-)
September 15, 2014
It's so good!
Until the second paragraph when one hero chokes the other until he blacks out.
And not in a kinky sex way.
Other than that it's positively delightful!
April 16, 2023
What are you supposed to do when the man you love has announced that he is marrying someone else? A sane person would wish him well and move on with their life. A desperate person would try to reach their loved one and convince them to reconsider. But Adam? Adam blows up the fucking world.
After his detonation, he goes to wait for Ross at his cabin where, in a fit of rage, Ross attacks him. Adam and Ross then have a heart to heart where Ross tries to convince Adam that his naivete and youth aren't excuse enough to go making such bold decisions for others.
But Adam felt that because he loved Ross, the least he could do was open Ross' eyes to what could be. This short story is uncomfortable. It twists your emotions in ways that are hard to articulate. Toxic, flawed, passionate.... this is how you centre a story around people who do bad things. I still absolutely loved it.
Here is a 20 years later coda of the couple... http://joshlanyon.blogspot.com/2016/1...
After his detonation, he goes to wait for Ross at his cabin where, in a fit of rage, Ross attacks him. Adam and Ross then have a heart to heart where Ross tries to convince Adam that his naivete and youth aren't excuse enough to go making such bold decisions for others.
But Adam felt that because he loved Ross, the least he could do was open Ross' eyes to what could be. This short story is uncomfortable. It twists your emotions in ways that are hard to articulate. Toxic, flawed, passionate.... this is how you centre a story around people who do bad things. I still absolutely loved it.
Here is a 20 years later coda of the couple... http://joshlanyon.blogspot.com/2016/1...
July 24, 2014
What for a beautiful and emotional little piece of prose!
I like theatre.
And this short novella is like a single act out of a theatre play with two actors, a final act.
The curtain falls. Silence. And then....
and
Well, I am definitely among the audience with jubilant ovations!
It helps to understand the dynamic and the hidden message of the story if you won't miss the introduction at the beginning:
Originally written for Torquere Press's donation to Lambda's Legal Fund in support of gay marriage.
A MUST READ for all Josh Lanyon's fans!
December 24, 2019
A re-read confirmed my original impression: I do not like this at all. And not primarily because of the violence, although that's hardly a plus. Adam taking it upon himself to decide what's best for Ross, the blackmail, the forced outing -- these guys are two sick puppies.
There's a Christmas coda that checks in on them 20 years later in Christmas Waltz, and I don't like them any better there. Adam in particular just gives me the creeps.
There's a Christmas coda that checks in on them 20 years later in Christmas Waltz, and I don't like them any better there. Adam in particular just gives me the creeps.
July 22, 2014
2.5
Because blackmail and physical violence are great stepping stones to a healthy and long-lasting relationship.
And yet it's Lanyon so I did enjoy the writing.
Because blackmail and physical violence are great stepping stones to a healthy and long-lasting relationship.
And yet it's Lanyon so I did enjoy the writing.
December 1, 2012
I have heard great things about this author and this is my first introduction.
The first thing I realise is the relaxed easy talent. Wow! The words flow fast and furious in tune with the circumstances unveiling themselves. It's a very short read and with just a few clicks I am in deep and feeling things for these characters already.
That doesn't happen too often for me. They might have been feelings of anger and disbelief at the lengths one of the MC's goes to to express his love. In my eyes an almost unforgivable act, but hey ho, he who dares wins and all that.
Oh and the make up sex? Damn, it was good, so very very good;)
The story itself is not what really compels me to read more by this author. The obvious skill and talent shines through and I am ever so excited about reading more from him. The recommendations are very worthy ones. Thanks girls! I certainly want a bigger taste of Josh Lanyon now.
The first thing I realise is the relaxed easy talent. Wow! The words flow fast and furious in tune with the circumstances unveiling themselves. It's a very short read and with just a few clicks I am in deep and feeling things for these characters already.
That doesn't happen too often for me. They might have been feelings of anger and disbelief at the lengths one of the MC's goes to to express his love. In my eyes an almost unforgivable act, but hey ho, he who dares wins and all that.
Oh and the make up sex? Damn, it was good, so very very good;)
The story itself is not what really compels me to read more by this author. The obvious skill and talent shines through and I am ever so excited about reading more from him. The recommendations are very worthy ones. Thanks girls! I certainly want a bigger taste of Josh Lanyon now.
July 28, 2014
Well then, that happened!
The writing is superb.
Not a romance but a firestorm of emotion, great passion more than love; very much all or nothing taken to extremes.
A relationship that could survive in shadows only so long before exploding into either tragedy or, what exactly? The emotions here are raw and out of control, neither characters behaviour is commendable, there's good reason to dislike both and yet the very rawness tells it's own story.
This isn't a romance, these aren't characters you're meant to fall for and champion. It's a story of boiling points; the stress of secrecy, fear of discovery, desperation - two men driven beyond whats acceptable - and yes maybe love, but love warped by expections to fall far from rose tinted lens and be very near hate.
The end is a breeze after a tornado. I don't know if happiness is possible for these two, but they need to be in the open and their lives are irreversibly entwined be it a wedding or a funeral.
I liked the book, which surprised me with what I'd heard. Incredibly strong for so short a story and not a word wasted. Can't say I liked the characters, but I felt the strength of their emotions wash over me and there's a magic to that.
The writing is superb.
Not a romance but a firestorm of emotion, great passion more than love; very much all or nothing taken to extremes.
A relationship that could survive in shadows only so long before exploding into either tragedy or, what exactly? The emotions here are raw and out of control, neither characters behaviour is commendable, there's good reason to dislike both and yet the very rawness tells it's own story.
This isn't a romance, these aren't characters you're meant to fall for and champion. It's a story of boiling points; the stress of secrecy, fear of discovery, desperation - two men driven beyond whats acceptable - and yes maybe love, but love warped by expections to fall far from rose tinted lens and be very near hate.
The end is a breeze after a tornado. I don't know if happiness is possible for these two, but they need to be in the open and their lives are irreversibly entwined be it a wedding or a funeral.
I liked the book, which surprised me with what I'd heard. Incredibly strong for so short a story and not a word wasted. Can't say I liked the characters, but I felt the strength of their emotions wash over me and there's a magic to that.
July 24, 2014
I think love is the point. Because anything else is just a business contract
The closet cases are my favourite in m/m romances! Add to that a woman just to appear straight, some angst and drama, and I'm one happy girl :)
I think short stories are more difficult to write. Let's face it, there's only so much you can tell in 17 pages. But as this was written to support a gay marriage, I think it made a good point.
"Marriage should be about more than friendship and respect, Ross.”
“Respect and friendship -- companionship, shared interests -- that’s a good basis.”
I shook my head. “It’s not enough.”
And I agree. The bottom line is - no one should sacrifice their life committing to a loveless marriage and enter into it for the wrong reasons. But if there is love, the rest could be worked out.
February 23, 2013
Blackmail, cheating, and attempted murder. Not my idea of a love story. Sorry, but if someone tried to choke me to death I would hope I have the self esteem to walk away no matter how much I "loved" him.
April 20, 2014
For the writing. The story deserved more exploration.
September 15, 2013
I'm not sure I should like this as much as I do.
I feel bad for cheering on Adam, when he is a blackmailer, but I found myself feeling more for him than for Ross. Maybe it's because the story is told from Adams point of view.
This really should be a longer story. I wanted so much to see these two meet and fall in love, rather than just being told. I wanted more back story on Ross and why he felt the need to hide so strongly.
But that said the emotion in this little story was heartbreaking.
A heartfelt little read that has the Josh Lanyon characters I fall in love with.
I feel bad for cheering on Adam, when he is a blackmailer, but I found myself feeling more for him than for Ross. Maybe it's because the story is told from Adams point of view.
This really should be a longer story. I wanted so much to see these two meet and fall in love, rather than just being told. I wanted more back story on Ross and why he felt the need to hide so strongly.
But that said the emotion in this little story was heartbreaking.
A heartfelt little read that has the Josh Lanyon characters I fall in love with.
January 7, 2013
A nice short read. A little different from the Lanyon-norm since there’s no mystery or crime in sight (or not really since there is some blackmail.) But here the focus is on the bitter and angry reunion of two lovers and how they sort out their feelings for each other as well as how they want to live their lives—up-front and out, or in the closet. At 18 pages, it's a quick read, a little sad in tone, but with a nice ending. If you're already a Lanyon fan, you'll probably enjoy this short story very much.
October 26, 2012
Great short story: typical Josh Lanyon fare.
August 1, 2022
Emotionally charged but morally screwed….This short(22 pages) is not for everyone. It has a charm but I don't think everyone will appreciate one MC being intentionally outed by another.
July 9, 2012
This one has me perplexed...possible spoilers...Adam blackmails Ross & Ross forgives Adam (implied by the continued relationship). Adam 'outs' Ross ruining his relationship with his fiancée...Ross throttles Adam until Adam passes out. Is that attempted murder or grievous bodily harm or domestic violence? Adam forgives Ross. Ross still hates Adam for outing him but is so in lust that he can't resist making sweet love. They live happily ever after. Is this short story like a 'what not to do' guide to romance? Where is the romance in manipulation, blackmail, physical abuse & coercion? Did I read the same story as the other reviewers? Just odd.
Originally posted on Amazon.com
Originally posted on Amazon.com
November 20, 2015
2.25 stars
I rather disliked this story. Linda had the right of it. "Was I supposed to be rooting for this couple? One's a blackmailing backstabber and the other is a pushover douche. But true love, so yay?" Least favorite of Lanyon's very short stories.
I rather disliked this story. Linda had the right of it. "Was I supposed to be rooting for this couple? One's a blackmailing backstabber and the other is a pushover douche. But true love, so yay?" Least favorite of Lanyon's very short stories.
March 22, 2013
Not exactly my idea of a lovestory.... but a nice read nonetheless. :)
September 2, 2018
Was I supposed to be rooting for this couple? One's a blackmailing backstabber and the other is a pushover douche. But true love, so yay?
November 4, 2018
I've learned not to bother reading the blurbs for Josh Lanyon's books, as they more often than not make me not want to read them. I thought about reading this one a few times, but then I would read the blurb and loose all interest. And then today I just read it without re-reading the blurb to remind me what it was about and ended up enjoying it just as much as I always do with Josh Lanyon's book.
May 14, 2016
Seriously? I'm flabbergasted.
It would be one thing if this was supposed to be twisted, dark mindfuckery, or at the very least an ambiguous, deliberately unsettling exploration of dysfunctional dynamics.
Is it?
Hm, it rather seems like ..... really ..... this is supposed to be a romance. Doesn't work for me at all.
August 19, 2012
Very well written as always from Josh Lanyon. You cared for the couple right away, I think it has a great start that puts you in the middle of it from the beginning. It was really sweet, it made me smile. It's about a young man who has gamble everything just so love could have a chance...
May 24, 2012
Good short m/m romance about an actor who gambles everything when he outs his closeted lover to end his lover's engagement to a woman.
December 27, 2014
I had a lot of emotions while reading this story. Not all of them good. Actually most of them were not good. The magic was in how much the author was able to make me feel in such a short story.
January 1, 2017
Short but kept my interest. As always with Landon the writing was exceptional.
September 16, 2012
A poignant short story. It is always amazing how much can be said and told in such a small space.
March 10, 2019
Right. Because blackmail and assault are excellent foundations for a romance. Not.
Maybe if the basic premise had been properly developed in a longer story the author might have been able to make me buy it, but... nah, I don't think so. Moving on.
Maybe if the basic premise had been properly developed in a longer story the author might have been able to make me buy it, but... nah, I don't think so. Moving on.
June 17, 2021
A quick short story of forbidden love and the consequences of what happens when the secret comes out. I like the characters and wish this story could have been longer. The story line was good but to short.
July 23, 2019
An abusive relationship from start to finish. No, thanks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews