The Dickens With Love

[Josh]

You guys are so fast! :-D

[Sandra]

Just finished this audio. Maybe my favorite narrator of all and love the story.

[Mtsnow13]

I had to go and purchase both yesterday. I am going to hold off listening til December, though... And yes, Sean is one of my favorite narrators, too!

[Anne]

I am starting to feel like a child; is it Christmas yet?;)

[HJ]

For anyone else who (like me) finishes the audiobook and wants more James and Sedge, the coda from last Christmas which shows them one year on:

http://joshlanyon.blogspot.it/2012/12...

[Sandra]

Anne wrote: "I am starting to feel like a child; is it Christmas yet?;)"

Fuff, I am too old to wait for Christmas! Who knows if I'll make it? :-)

[HJ]

Sandra wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am starting to feel like a child; is it Christmas yet?;)"

Fuff, I am too old to wait for Christmas! Who knows if I'll make it? :-)"

I'm going to adopt that approach for everything now - no more waiting, no more "patience is a virtue" (yuk).

[Sandra]

Hj wrote: "Sandra wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am starting to feel like a child; is it Christmas yet?;)"

Fuff, I am too old to wait for Christmas! Who knows if I'll make it? :-)"

I'm going to adopt that approa..."

Yo! Instant gratification all the way!

[Josh]

Sandra wrote: "Anne wrote: "I am starting to feel like a child; is it Christmas yet?;)"

Fuff, I am too old to wait for Christmas! Who knows if I'll make it? :-)"

LOL

[Karen]

I re-read some of the book as I listened to the story, and then read passages again afterwards. Josh, you've said how uncomfortable it is for you to re-read or hear the lovemaking scenes you've written, but your writing in these is so beautiful. Of all the rather brilliant (not hyperbole) passages in this book, this short paragraph from James and Sedge's first experience together, followed by a one-sentence paragraph is stunning.

Chapter 4 (location 753 on Kindle), beginning with "That pump and pull...", ending with a lovely alliteration and "Human again."

Gushing much? ; )

[Josh]

Karen wrote: "I re-read some of the book as I listened to the story, and then read passages again afterwards. Josh, you've said how uncomfortable it is for you to re-read or hear the lovemaking scenes you've wri..."

Thanks, Karen! There's a lot of whipped cream in that one for sure. :-D But also some of my favorite scenes. I personally think it's all appropriate to the quirky, kooky vibe of that story.

But do I want hear it read aloud? NO THANK YOU!!!!

:-D

[Sandra]

Josh wrote: "Karen wrote: "I re-read some of the book as I listened to the story, and then read passages again afterwards. Josh, you've said how uncomfortable it is for you to re-read or hear the lovemaking sce..."

LOL

[HJ]

Josh, I love how you brought out their different characters in how they made love. It's enough that you wrote it and got someone good to read it aloud - you don't have to listen to it!! We'll do it for you...

[Johanna]

James and Sedgwick Christmas Coda 2012:

http://joshlanyon.blogspot.fi/2012/12...

[Tharayn]

I've just finished this story and... how swet this story is (normally I'm not so much in these christmas stories. I love Sedge! I didn't want this story to end just because to read more of him, lol. Now I have to get the audiobook!

[Bluesimplicity]

I have such a fondness for the Dickens with Love. It was the story that made a Fanyon out of me. I've been reading m/m for quite some time, and I'd be hearing great things about Josh for years it seemed. However, the first story I read by him (sorry to say) didn't move me much, so I sorta shrugged and moved on. But people kept recommending Josh, and then the Dickens came out. It was a shorter read, and not as much as a longer novel, and I do love holiday stories, so I figured what the hell, and gave it another try...

And FELL IN LOVE. I then went back and started devouring Josh's books, and all the ebooks, paperbacks and audio books later, I am a loud and proud true Fanyon. = )

Funnily enough, I went back and read the first story I hadn't been crazy about (The White Knight) and actually really enjoyed it. Funny how sometimes it really is the right time and mood for something to work.

So yeah, so glad I gave The Dickens with Love a go. It's still one of my favourite Xmas and Josh stories ever. (And the audio book was FAB!!)

[Calathea]

Bluesimplicity wrote: "And FELL IN LOVE. I then went back and started devouring Josh's books, and all the ebooks, paperbacks and audio books later, I am a loud and proud true Fanyon. = )
"

Ha! That's charm of Christmas stories. I love that it was TDWL that finally got you.

[Josh]

Tharayn wrote: "I've just finished this story and... how swet this story is (normally I'm not so much in these christmas stories. I love Sedge! I didn't want this story to end just because to read more of him, lol..."

I don't think I always enjoyed Christmas stories as much as I do now. But I have grown to love them. Both reading and writing them.

I'm happy you enjoyed this one. Sean does a terrific job in the audio.

[Josh]

Bluesimplicity wrote: "I have such a fondness for the Dickens with Love. It was the story that made a Fanyon out of me. I've been reading m/m for quite some time, and I'd be hearing great things about Josh for years it s..."

Oh, I know for a fact that mood and timing (not to mention age and experience) affect any given person's enjoyment of a book. Which is why trying to work in the age of the Insta-Opinion can be so trying.

TDWL is probably my personal favorite of all my Christmas stories. Partly because I just let go and indulged myself in that total holiday fantasy mood. It's a crazy blend of traditional and contemporary. It was fun to write, and I do sincerely hope it is equally fun to read.

[Karen]

Josh wrote: "TDWL is probably my personal favorite of all my Christmas stories. Partly because I just let go and indulged myself in that total holiday fantasy mood. It's a crazy blend of traditional and contemporary. It was fun to write, and I do sincerely hope it is equally fun to read."

It is fun to read, and it's become my year-round go-to comfort read. In the past, when I thought of Christmas stories, they were "A Christmas Carol," or "Gift of the Magi." Then came ebooks. The first ebooks I read were erotica (romantic erotica), the contemporary version of plain-brown-wrapper. I was bemused to see so many Christmas themed books on the lists. Christmas and sex wasn't a story trope on my radar, and I thought Christmas romances were, uh, cheesy. : ) Well, that's changed. I have to say that the m/m writers are the ones who really shine with holiday romances. I've read so many lovely stories. TDWL is the shining star at the top of the tree.

[Becky]

Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality which fits the story. Or it could be the start of a joke "An ocelot walks into a bar..."

[Josh]

Karen wrote: "Josh wrote: "TDWL is probably my personal favorite of all my Christmas stories. Partly because I just let go and indulged myself in that total holiday fantasy mood. It's a crazy blend of traditiona..."

It's funny. I hear so many people say this. I'm not someone who reads Christmas stories all year. It has to be Christmas time for them to work their magic on me. :-)

But I'm glad you enjoy the story more than one month out of the year!

[Josh]

Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality which fits the story. Or it could be the start of a joke "An ocelot wal..."

I was just looking for something sort of crazy and magical -- LA quirky -- and the SO and I were watching Honey West at the time, as I recall. And when I saw that ocelot, I thought. PUUUURRRRFECT. :-)

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality which fits the story. Or it could be the start of a joke ..."

Heh. So THAT'S where the ocelot came from. :-) I love, love, love the ocelot scene. "Uh...okay," I said. "What'll you have?" Oh. My. God! Best line ever! :-D

[Josh]

Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality which fits the story. Or it could be the sta..."

I'd forgotten that line until Sean read it. His delivery was perfect. He made me laugh.

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality which fits the story. Or it ..."

Cool. :-) I'm saving the audio book for Christmas break. The anticipation is so sweet... ;-)

[Tharayn]

Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality which fits the ..."


You have so much self-control and are so disciplined, I envy you. I just think "oh my, I have to listen to the audiobook immediately!" =D

[Johanna]

Tharayn wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality..."

LOL. I'm afraid it has only a little to do with self-control and a lot to do with the fact that I'm just so darn busy right now... ;-)

[Josh]

Tharayn wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic dreamlike quality..."

I know! All these people with their...Oh, I shall wait and listen on my train ride to Antarctica!

How do they do that?

I still have my teenaged reading habits. New book for Christmas? Must read NOW.

[Tharayn]

I'm so happy I read the book before I listened to the audio. I wouldn't have understand half of it, lol. Well except for Sedge. I love is british accent. It makes me smile all the time.
Overall a very fast and entertaining reading, I'm enjoying it.
Just to sad that the ozelot didn't have a line. =D

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "I know! All these people with their...Oh, I shall wait and listen on my train ride to Antarctica!"

LMAO. :-)

[Susinok]

Josh wrote: "Tharayn wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Becky wrote: "Is that ocelot a symbol for something? Or is it just an awesome random ocelot? :D It's got a surreal, magic d..."

I WOULD listen to it right away but I'm in the middle of the Dangerous Ground series. It's next I promise!

[Antonella]

Tharayn wrote: "I'm so happy I read the book before I listened to the audio. I wouldn't have understand half of it, lol."

That's the lot of us non native speakers *deep sigh* ;-)

[Josh]

Tharayn wrote: "I'm so happy I read the book before I listened to the audio. I wouldn't have understand half of it, lol. Well except for Sedge. I love is british accent. It makes me smile all the time.
Overall a v..."

What that ocelot would have said! ;-D

[Susinok]

To Dickens With Love was my first Josh Lanyon, I believe. It was free on Amazon one time and I tried it out. I (remember, I'm an English Lit Geek) was blown AWAY that the plot revolved around a new Dickens Christmas story!

Then I found the Kit and JX books about an author (Who doesn't like that Sexy Chick Lit Sensibility?)

Then I read Come Unto These Yellow Sands about a poet.

Then I read the Adrien English books about a bookseller...

Fan for LIFE!

[HJ]

On this evidence, I suspect that Josh is also an English Lit geek.

[KC]

Susinok wrote: "To Dickens With Love was my first Josh Lanyon, I believe. It was free on Amazon one time and I tried it out. I (remember, I'm an English Lit Geek) was blown AWAY that the plot revolved around a new..."

:-)

[Carlita]

I've finished listening to in Sunshine or in summer. It is F A B U L O U S! I so enjoyed each and every one of those stories. The readers were perfect and I love revisiting old friends. This is one I'll be listening to often. Now, on to The Dickens with Love.

[Susinok]

Hj wrote: "On this evidence, I suspect that Josh is also an English Lit geek."

Oh yeah he is. :)

[Bluesimplicity]

Apparently, from the posts above, for quite a few of us, The Dickens With Love is our gateway Josh drug. *wink*

[Josh]

Bluesimplicity wrote: "Apparently, from the posts above, for quite a few of us, The Dickens With Love is our gateway Josh drug. *wink*"

Samhain ran it as a free download for a month on Amazon and B&N. There was something like 50K downloads. It was insane (this was back before offering freebies was a constant holiday feature). So it's not surprising when people tell me TDWL was their first taste.

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "Somewhere -- I think it was in last year's antho promo? -- I included the recipe for Stardust martinis."

You did? It would be interesting to see that recipe. We made our sparkly cocktails last Christmas with Gold Strike (cinnamon schnapps liquor with gold flakes, 40% alcohol) and Sour Apple (liquor, 15% alcohol). :-)

[Antonella]

Josh wrote: "Samhain ran it as a free download for a month on Amazon and B&N. There was something like 50K downloads. It was insane"

Do you really mean 50000? Then I understand the ''insane'' comment. Although even 5000 would qualify ;-)

[Tharayn]

Josh wrote: "What that ocelot would have said! ;-D "


A very snarky line for sure... ;)

The first time the ocelet appeared I thought it was Sedge's pet, lol.

[Josh]

Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Somewhere -- I think it was in last year's antho promo? -- I included the recipe for Stardust martinis."

You did? It would be interesting to see that recipe. We made our sparkly cockt..."

It's in the Christmas coda book. :-)

[Josh]

Antonella wrote: "Josh wrote: "Samhain ran it as a free download for a month on Amazon and B&N. There was something like 50K downloads. It was insane"

Do you really mean 50000? Then I understand the ''insane'' comm..."

Yes, 50K between Amazon and B&N. Granted this was the year before the big glut of freebies and cheapies. I don't think I would get that response now.

[Johanna]

Josh wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Josh wrote: "Somewhere -- I think it was in last year's antho promo? -- I included the recipe for Stardust martinis."

You did? It would be interesting to see that recipe. We made o..."

Cool! What a great idea to include it in the Christmas coda book! :-)

[Susinok]

Josh wrote: "Yes, 50K between Amazon and B&N. Granted this was the year before the big glut of freebies and cheapies. I don't think I would get that response now. ..."

Did it create a huge surge in new readership?

[Karen]

Josh wrote: "Okay. Don't let me forget! You are first in line of whatever release you desire."

Ah, the mysterious and highly anticipated Christmas coda book! ; )

[Josh]

Susinok wrote: "Josh wrote: "Yes, 50K between Amazon and B&N. Granted this was the year before the big glut of freebies and cheapies. I don't think I would get that response now. ..."

Did it create a huge surge i..."

Yes, it did -- but I also got a lot of WHAT THE HELL IS THIS GAY SEX BOOK!! reviews. :-D