Fair Play

There is never a dull day in the Amato family. All I fear delivers a fresh helping of madness in an unforgettable way. The Amato's heir extraordinaire, Roman, is all grown up - though he looks like a doll, acts like a brat, revels in the feel of exquisite lingerie caressing his skin, and defends his deadly daring style on all costs, he has perfected the art to hide his femme side when needed and grueling training has turned him into a fierce predator and lethal weapon. It turns out there's one more test he must endure, and it sets him on the path to an inevitable confrontation with his father's second in command, Tennant. Ohhh, what a clash it was! Roman hissing and showing claws like a wild cat and Tennant patiently bulldozing through his defenses - it was a real delight to read. The attraction Roman harbors for his unhinged, unpredictable and fiercely devoted to the Amatos, mentor literally explodes and turns into an unstoppable inferno. But Tennant is already taken, so the question is whether Roman will be able to handle both men. Possessiveness and obsession reach a whole new level here. Tennant, Roman and Hollis are one of the most deranged triads I have read about but endearing in somehow disturbing and “omg, are they for real?” kind of way. When you read their favourite bucket of kinks, you will really understand what I am talking about. And while the chemistry and the strong connection between Tennant and Roman are undeniable and visible from the start, Roman and Hollis had to work in that direction. But no matter Roman's internal insecurities and doubts about his position with an established couple, when Holis' past come knocking, the three of them show an united front in eliminating the threat. The taste of imminent danger and the challenge to survive, solidified the bond between Holis and Roman as well. It's a story written in blood where loyalties are always shifting, weaknesses exploited, only those who keep improving and playing it 1 step ahead wisely survive, mistakes are often fatal and family is of utmost importance!

I'm not even kidding when I say I've been wishing to read this type of novel for a really long time now. This is two of my favourite genres in one and it's written so well and more than compatible with my wants and taste. It's great!

In the previous book in the series, Josh Lanyon laid out the premise for this one so quietly and so smoothly. I didn't really think of Roland as anything more than Elliot's radical, but very caring father. I surely didn't anticipate the whole storm that was coming. I didn't even think much about his house smouldering until it became clear it was arson. This is also a perfect and beautiful example of why I don't read synopsis or why I hold onto a book until I can only vaguely remember that there was something I liked about it, but I can't say what.

The second book in the series is a mix of mystery and emotions just like the first one. Elliot is in a rush to find out who wants his father out of the picture, all the while trying to balance his relationship with Tucker and to understand his boyfriend's point of view.

I must say I was mostly on Tucker's side in this one, but I still (or maybe that's why) like Elliot. I understand where he's coming from and I understand it's hard for him to come to terms with his limitations, all the while navigating a new relationship (surely, the fact that he's never been in a serious relationship before doesn't help), and he is trying. I would like to say he is trying hard, but he's way too stubborn for that. If anything, Tucker's the one with the most awareness in this relationship.

And I love them both so much, they are so great together and I bet it's sometimes so frustrating for Tucker to make sense of what goes in Elliot's head, but at the same time he is so attentive and so compatible with Elliot. Elliot needs more time than Tucker on some matters, but he'll work it through at some point, of that I have no doubt. Good thing Tucker is so patient and seems to get a better grip of what Elliot needs and how he functions.

What I'm saying is that in almost every relationship there's one person who tolerates a bit more than the other, and in this one, that person is unequivocally Tucker.

Now, to take a break from me praising these two, I liked the mystery a lot. Roland surely did some stuff—bad, frowned upon, questionable stuff—in his youth and has his share of secrets that someone does not want to come uncovered. With a pretty impressive list of suspects, how could someone bring the truth to light? The answer to that is with some perseverance, stubbornness, and an ability to ignore warnings. Who is all that? That's right, Elliot.

Saying that Elliot cares about his father would be an understatement. They had their fair share of ruffled feathers, but there is no doubt of the love they carry for each other. Elliot tries to keep his father safe, and Roland tries to keep his son safe. Of course, those can't really co-exists, so more clashing ensues.

The novel took an interesting turn rather quick and I loved speculating and trying to figure out who was behind it. I can also see some hints to what might happen in the next one and I am equally excited to read the third and sad that it is the last book in the series.

3.5 stars. Unfortunately I just finished reading the Adrien English series by the same author, so I don't think any other m/m couple is going to measure up to their passion and angst. I like a lot about this series, including the Pacific Northwest setting and university classroom scenes. The series is distinctive in that Elliot is something more than just an average joe who gets involved in crime cases, although he's not a professional anymore either. I also appreciated the contrasting parent/child dynamics between Eliot and his dad, and Tucker and his long-lost mother.

But m/m books succeed and fail on the strength of the primary relationship, and while I like Elliot and Tucker, I don't love them. I appreciate the way they try (and sometimes fail) to work out their relationship issues, but I don't necessarily buy the depth of their feelings for each other. I also don't like the way their sex life has been ret-conned from the first book, which was fairly standard, to more of a D/S dynamic in this book. Was that really necessary or is it just trendy?

I'll read just about anything by Josh Lanyon, but I won't be on the edge of my seat waiting for the next release in the All's Fair series.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.