Review: Dark, melancholy, and beautiful.  Mark and Stephen embodied pain and separation, but also deep connection and love
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 26, 2014
I loved this story.  It exemplified everything I love about Josh Lanyon's stories:  deep, instant affinity I develop with the characters; romantic tension (that this one actually took to a higher level--which worked even better); intricate histories behind the characters; the heartfelt struggles of the main character; realistic, effective characters; heart-pumping action; most (best) of all, love.  I was pulling for Mark from his first call to Stephen, and felt a range of deep emotion for Mark and his struggles.  I loved him, shook my head at him, was disappointed at him and angry at his choices from two years to four months previous, but always wanted Stephen to take him back.  Sometimes no matter what, the love won't go away...and they did love each other like that, make each other truly happy, and no one else could measure up.  Mark was very brave this time, he knew he was out of chances with Stephen, but he would not give up without his say.  They had a long and difficult history between them, and getting to experience that through the short flashbacks and explanations was a brilliant way to immerse the reader but keep up the speed of the book.  Also, the many quotes from Little Dorrit and the vast amount of specific information on the topics involved in Mark's covert life added new layers to the story, making it all the more special and impressive.It was a very involved, quick read, and I just bought the next one because I truly love these characters, feel that they are almost real, and want to know what is in store for them next.  They are very beautiful together, and make it very worth reading this story straight through.  Five full stars, and my highest recommendation.  This story had everything I love in it.