Slay Ride

A masterfully written novella packed with emotion and action.

This was a lovely piece of writing. The short length of this had me worried that it might lack characterization, but Lanyon is a master. In only a few pages I was drawn into the emotional turmoil of Chief Robert Garrett and cub reporter, Jamie. They live in a time when it’s dangerous to be gay, and yet, in a sweet moment at a birthday party, Robert gave Jamie one kiss. That kiss stayed with both of them.

Robert has all but cut Jamie out of his life, wanting to protect himself… or perhaps Jamie. They are thrown back together when a crime is committed and Jamie chases off after the perpetrator. In one evening of danger, the two men have to face each of their truths. Jamie’s character is raw and authentic, a little lost as he’s struggling to find his way in a world. He feels deserted by Robert.

Robert is dealing with an injury from the war, and probably a life of living in a type of emotional exile as he’s hidden away his sexual orientation. I thought that Lanyon captured this period well and the repressed longing and sadness are vibrant on the page. This is a beautiful story.

Reading a Josh Lanyon book never satisfies me. As soon as I read the last page i am craving another story from this gifted mystery/romance writer.
Slay Ride has a riveting story-line in set in the rustic state of Montana. It's the 1940's and Robert Garrett is a chief police officer after returning wounded from a military stint in the Pacific. It's Christmas and he is desperately chasing a killer and much to his distress an eager young reporter is squirming his way into Robert's investigation.
Jamie Jameson has always admired the chief. That is a tame way of saying he has harbored a serious crush. This era did not allow gay men the safety of being open. I always find a lump in my throat when I realize it wasn't that long ago loving someone that did not fit the so called mold would destroy you.
Jamie is no longer a skinny kid that used to hang around Robert. He has grown into a serious and very appealing, handsome young man. He is hell bent on getting his scoop for the paper along with helping the man he yearns for.
Kidnappings and murder are piling up and the men join forces to save innocent lives from a man with nothing to lose. Can Robert stop the killer and actually entertain the idea of having a real relationship when it is so clearly dangerous? One way to find out. Just jump on the Sleigh, you are in for one heck of a ride.
I highly recommend this fast past novella, Happy reading!

Josh Layton writes a mean short story, condensing a man hunt and the fruition of a romance into a perfectly formed tale. There's action aplenty, a car chase, cop killing, hostages and a developing relationship of the friends to lovers variety. Set against the backdrop of a war being fought overseas, this was full of interesting and well rounded characters, and one of my favourite romance types, the stoic man willing to quash his own happiness for the good of others. I thought the way Lanyon dealt with the scene where the bad guy was finally caught was clever and really fit both the time period and the story length. I was more interested in Rob's growing realisation that he could have a life with James than his they caught the bad guy, so it was perfect, good me what I need to know and let me get on with the scene I wanted.