From the Bookshelf of Q&A with Josh Lanyon…

Orientation (Borealis Investigations, #1)

Gregory Ashe

Start date: January 1, 2020

Finish date: January 31, 2020

Discussion: Book of the Month Club

Why we're reading this: This is Josh’s late December pick, which we will read in January 2020.
[close] This is Josh’s late December pick, which we will read in January 2020.

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What Members Thought

Jan 29, 2020 Jordan Lombard rated it really liked it

Shelves: y-2020read, a-own, a-own-ebook, g-romance-m-m, bom-jl-group, g-mys-rom

Title/Author: Orientation by Gregory Ashe
Series/Standalone: Borealis Investigations #1
Genre/sub-genre: Mystery/MM Romance
Book Format: ebook
Length: 303 pages
LGBTQ+ Orientation: Gay
Violence: Yes, there is violence shown, including spousal abuse. There is also mentions and memories of rape and murder, throughout the trilogy. One character has PTSD.
HEA/HFN Not yet.
Well written/Editor Needed: Well written
Would I Recommend?: Yes, though this might not be everyone’s cup of tea. It took me a bit to get ...more

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May 24, 2022 JR rated it it was amazing

Wow!!

Wow, what a crazy ride this was. I loved every work. I think Gregory Ashe has to be a little crazy to come up with these characters and story, but apparently it's my kind of crazy. ...more

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Jan 26, 2020 Dana rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, lgbt

I picked up this audio because I am a fan of the author’s other series, Hazard and Somerset Mystery series. The two series don’t have much to do with each other, no crossover characters and not a spin-off. But what they do have in common is that they are better labeled as Gay Fiction or LGBT mystery. The main characters in this series are gay and in same sex relationships. They secretly have feelings for each other, that I believe will one day come to fruition, but at this time the story is not I picked up this audio because I am a fan of the author’s other series, Hazard and Somerset Mystery series. The two series don’t have much to do with each other, no crossover characters and not a spin-off. But what they do have in common is that they are better labeled as Gay Fiction or LGBT mystery. The main characters in this series are gay and in same sex relationships. They secretly have feelings for each other, that I believe will one day come to fruition, but at this time the story is not a romance. There are hidden feelings, and missed moments. It is bittersweet and hurt my heart when it comes to the relationship between the characters. However, this series is really about the cases that their agency takes, the mysteries and deceptions.

In this book, we are quickly introduced to the characters and fed a lot of information about their pasts. Shaw is a fairly wealthy man, and owner of Borealis Investigations. There is more behind his sole ownership but it takes too much time to explain completely. He is a bleeding heart, which I could find myself relating to, but he is also kind of flighty and impulsive. He seems the less responsible of the two, but I do feel like things even out later. He has also been the victim of two very traumatic attacks in his past that have affected him deeply. North is married, but not exactly happily. He is protective over Shaw and has more experience when it comes to investigating. He seems a bit more grounded and serious, and a bit more catty. He technically works for Shaw in less than a full partnership after he lost his PI license involving a shooting. Their agency is rounded off with a receptionist who I can’t decide whether I like with her temper tantrums, lack of respect, and slacking on the job. The two men seem to like having her around though, so who am I to judge?

The mystery in this book comes in the form of Matty who claims to be the victim of blackmail by a one night stand. Matty and Shaw express a bit of desire for each other but try staying professional at first. But the mystery really does take some crazy turns featuring a corrupt leather club owner, drag queens, police officers who seem to be everywhere Shaw and North need to go, a dead blackmailer, and a whole lot of untruths. The story isn’t easily solved and every time it seems like Shaw and North know what’s going on, a new wrench is thrown in. Eventually, they get their man, so to speak, but also a new clue regarding who was involved in one of Shaw’s previous attacks.

There really is a lot going on in the story, but it never feels like overload. I was left with a bit of a book hangover at the end of this story. As the reader who can see the secrets the two men keep from each other and their want for each other while also seeing them unable to express their hidden truths, I felt achy in my stomach and my heart. It’s one of those moments when you want to yell at them to be honest, but at the same time, I could understand why they couldn’t. I think it was difficult because they would’ve had to admit those truths to themselves as well. Truthfully, I love a book that makes me feel strongly, especially in the hurt department. Add in a few good mysteries and I think this will be my kind of series. Charlie David was one of the first narrators I ever listened to way back when I started audiobooks. He did a real good job bringing the story to life. ...more

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Jun 23, 2019 Betsy added it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 19, 2019 Lakerkat added it

Oh man. I couldn’t get into this book! Why Why Why😭😭

I think Hazard and Somers are imprinted on my mind when it comes to this author!???? But no because I don’t see their ghosts walking around Ashe’s paranormal series. 😬

There are some heart stopping and jaw dropping moments between North and Shaw and other characters. I DO NOT want to scrap this series so I think I’ll give it another chance and reread it later. Maybe I’ll be in a different mindset then and be more receptive to these characters.

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