Interview with Jake Riordan
It’s eleven minutes after the hour when LAPD Homicide Detective Jake Riordan walks in. He moves with that alert but easy confidence I remember. He spots me immediately, joins me at the bar. He nods a curt hello, leans across to order a drink — what is that scent he wears? Soap, the leather of his jacket, a hint of his own clean sweat. He settles back on the stool and studies me. His eyes are hazel. I’d forgotten that — forgotten how long his eyelashes are too. I guess I didn’t want to remember how attractive he is, but now that he’s here in front of me…he’s not easy to dismiss.
“Okay, Josh,” he says, and that wry suggestion of a smile is sort of disarming. “What the hell is so important that it couldn’t wait?”
“I need to ask you a couple of questions. And I need you to be straight with me.”
“I’m always straight.” He’s not smiling.
“Listen, pal, your continued existence depends on the next five minutes.”
He meets my gaze levelly. Lifts a broad shoulder. “Shoot.”
“You’d be surprised at the number of people who want me to do just that.”
His lifts his brows, apparently unimpressed. He dumps the shot in his beer. Picks the glass up and takes a sip. “It’s always a possibility in my line,” he says.
“I know.” Oddly enough, he looks a little sympathetic, meeting my gaze. “You’re married now,” I say. “How’s that going?”
His face closes. After a moment he says, “You know Kate lost the baby, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah. Well…” He sighs. “It’s been rough. Rough on Kate. You know women. She keeps going over it. Thinking maybe it was something she did or didn’t do.”
“I’m not that interested in Kate. I want to know how you feel.”
His expression is pained. “Jesus, Josh. How the hell do you think I feel? I wanted the kid. I wanted…” He stops. “Anyway. It’s okay. It’s good. I got what I wanted. She’s a great girl.” He corrects himself. “Woman.”
“You used to do the clubs. Are you still active in the s/M scene?”
He gives me a long look. “You know damn well, I am, so why are you asking?”
“Not exactly Leave it to Beaver this marriage, is it?”
“No.” He looks pointedly at his expensive wristwatch — the one Kate gave him for his birthday. “Next question.”
“You were involved in a homosexual relationship for a while with Adrien English, a gay bookseller –” I hesitate as I note the fleeting softening of his expression. “That relationship ended in violence –”
“Violence.” He shakes his head. “Jesus. I shoved him, he fell. I shouldn’t have — I feel like hell every time I think of it, okay? I wouldn’t — it was an extreme situation, and, yeah, I was jealous, frustrated, bitter, I admit it. All of it. I regret it.” He gives me a level look. “Ask Adrien if he thinks I’d ever — never mind.”
“Do you ever see Adrien anymore?”
“I tried calling him a couple of times. Left a message.” He sips his drink. “He could get in touch if he wanted to.”
“You’re married!”
“I mean as friends! Jesus. You people. You know, guys can occasionally be close without jumping into the sack.”
“You really are pretty damned insensitive,” I say disgustedly. “No wonder Adrien wouldn’t pick up the phone.”
He finishes his drink. “That it?”
I study him for a long moment. “One last question. Do you still love Adrien?”
His hazel eyes meet mine, and just for a moment I see something — or maybe I want to see it. His face…changes. Just for a moment there’s something almost too painful to look at. He doesn’t answer, and I realize he can’t. He recovers so fast I think I probably imagined it.
Jake gets up to leave. Without looking at me, he says, “Tell Adrien…tell him to take care of himself.”
~*~*~*~
Find Josh Lanyon’s Adrien English mysteries here
Hey… great interview. I have always been a fan of Jake (and Adrien, of course), even though I’ve contemplated strangling him a couple of times as well… and it still frustrates the hell out of me whenever he says stuff like “I am always straight”.
But the man is in pain. Sure, you can say he brought it on himself, but as a reader, he’s exactly the kind of character that I’d be rooting for, hoping that he would sort himself out one day and find happiness. Jake’s a fucked up guy, but he’s good person.
I feel kind of guilty now I learned that one of my vicious wishes came true – I was kind of “hoping” that Kate would lose the baby, for pure selfish reason that it would be one major obstacle removed, for Jake and Adrien to get back together (if they ever). I tend to think if there’s a child involved, it would be extremely hard for someone like Jake to part with his “straight family” fantasy.
One question I would have asked Jake myself would be whether he considers Adrien a good sleuth (after all, he does owe Adrien his promotion from the occult killing case). Or whether he would admit that? Even though… I can kinda guess what his answer might be 🙂
Thanks for the interview. I thoroughly enjoyed it. /Eve
Love the interview. I’ve certainly wanted to give the guy a solid 2 X 4 upside the head – like training a mule, first you have to get their attention – but I’ve also always had a soft spot for Jake. Maybe because Adrien cares for him so much.
I hope too that some day Jake will grow up enough to admit he’s gay (or at least bi) and tell the world to shove it. But is he strong enough? Funny question to be asking of a homicide cop, but there it is. Will he ever overcome his self-hatred?
Wow, I’m impressed…. You got Jake to come out and interview. That must taken some maneuvering –
I understand Jake’s train of thought a little more than I understand Adrien at times. It’s hard on guys like us.
Well, thanks for the sharing the interview – and I hope you get the message to Adrien for him.
Oh and hey Josh – Looking forward to the next release on these two – great series man..
One question I would have asked Jake myself would be whether he considers Adrien a good sleuth (after all, he does owe Adrien his promotion from the occult killing case). Or whether he would admit that? Even though… I can kinda guess what his answer might be .
I wish I’d thought of that! That’s an interesting one.
I hope too that some day Jake will grow up enough to admit he’s gay (or at least bi) and tell the world to shove it. But is he strong enough? Funny question to be asking of a homicide cop, but there it is. Will he ever overcome his self-hatred?
Thanks, Pat.
Yeah, it seems contradictory, doesn’t it? Because he’s such a tough, disciplined man. The thing is, we all have our fears, our weaknesses. It doesn’t make our strengths any less valid — at least, I don’t think it does.
I understand Jake’s train of thought a little more than I understand Adrien at times. It’s hard on guys like us.
Yeah, I don’t know if it’s really Adrien’s achievement that he’s so emotionally well-balanced. Part of it is the luck of the draw.
Oh and hey Josh – Looking forward to the next release on these two – great series man..
Thanks very much. I appreciate hearing that.
Thanks for the insight into Jake, though I’m not sure it makes me like him any more. 😉
What I’m curious about is how much Kate knows about Adrien. I don’t for a second think Jake would talk about it, but if Adrien was aware of Kate, that makes me wonder about the converse.
What I’m curious about is how much Kate knows about Adrien. I don’t for a second think Jake would talk about it, but if Adrien was aware of Kate, that makes me wonder about the converse.
Ah. Good question. She knows nothing about Adrien. I think Kate is far too smart and sensible to have gotten herself involved with someone like Jake if she’d realized how conflicted and screwed up he was — and is.
I was surprised a bit about how the violence in Jake escalated in the third book. If I was Adrien I would find it very difficult to forgive him for it. But I can’t say that I hate the character, just sorta disappointed in his actions and I do believe he is sorry and disappointed in himself too. I’m interested to read how his character evolves in the next book. It’s interesting to have mixed feelings about him. I suppose I can say that I’ll know definitely about my thoughts of him at the end of the series.^_^ I think it’s will be fun to see his growth.
Jee I would ask him what he ‘d do if he could have a chance to be alone with Adrien’s lover.(Dog fight?)
Since Jake wanted a child so much and didn’t get his wish, I wondered how would he react if Adrien adopted one(just the look on his face would be priceless). Sorry Jake I’m a bit mean here.
I wonder if we’ll ever meet Kate. It would be interesting to see Jake with Adrien and Kate’s confrontation. What would happen if the two of them become friends unaware of their common link. Kate invited him to the ‘happy’ home, hehe:)
If I could interview Josh I’d ask: Would he ever write a threesome?
If I could interview Josh I’d ask: Would he ever write a threesome?
Hmm. Interesting. Probably not. Of course this might be unfair, but I think threesome stories are mostly about the kink factor, the sex. I like the sex, but it’s the exploration of the characters through the relationship that really interests me — and I’m very much locked into the traditional notion of “true love.”
One true love at a time. ;-D
Hmm. Interesting. Probably not. Of course this might be unfair, but I think threesome stories are mostly about the kink factor, the sex. I like the sex, but it’s the exploration of the characters through the relationship that really interests me — and I’m very much locked into the traditional notion of “true love.”
Hmm I think that a lot of people think that way. I think that it’s already difficult for two people to find love, let alone more. But it’s possible and could also be ‘true love’. It’s a challenge to write that so the readers might believe it, since I think most people share your view:)
What an interesting interview! I have to say I didn’t like Jake much– but now I understand him a little better, and I can see the fascination he still exerts on Adrien.
What an interesting interview! I have to say I didn’t like Jake much– but now I understand him a little better, and I can see the fascination he still exerts on Adrien.
Speaking of interesting interviews, I really enjoyed you and Tony Bidulka switching off to interview each other’s characters. Great idea.
I think that it’s already difficult for two people to find love, let alone more.
That’s my thought — speaking as someone who took a long time to “settle down.”
But it’s possible and could also be ‘true love’. It’s a challenge to write that so the readers might believe it, since I think most people share your view:)
Absolutely. And it certainly offers all kinds of interesting potential for conflict and character dynamics.
Great interview. I have to say, I hate Jake’s (huge) cojones… I fell sorry for him too. I hate to admit it, but I like him too. How could I not? He was always so tender with Adrien. However, he’d hurt Adrian so much, the poor guys is drinking too much because of him. He needs to suffer, to know what kind of son of a bitch he’d been. (I just need five minutes with him and a baseball bat 🙂
“You knew the score going in.” My ass. I could just kick him, just kick his balls.
On the other hand can’t wait to see how their relationship evolves in the next book. They are an interesting couple, full of contradictions… the story never gets old, just better. I’m a junkie, addicted to these two.
By the way thank you very much, for the excerpt from the DOTPK.
The interview was great!! Jake being in pain does add dimension to the books. Look how long Charlotte Bronte’s Wuthering Heights has been a classic. But I always liked Emily Bronte’s Jane Eyre better. Folks who inflict pain on themselves are always interesting in fiction. Tortured detectives are legend. I think Jake will become a legend. I am also really looking forward to the next book and am very grateful or the series. It was really clever to interview Jake. It makes us all pant to read number four. Just to see if Jake is still such an asshole, but still a moth to the Adrien flame.
Great interview. I have to say, I hate Jake’s (huge) cojones… I fell sorry for him too. I hate to admit it, but I like him too.
Yeah, it is kind of a love hate thing with Jake — usually at the same time. But then complex and contradictory characters (people?) are usually the most interesting.
Thanks for the comments, Larri. Glad you’re enjoying the excerpts.
The interview was great!! Jake being in pain does add dimension to the books.
There’s nothing like interviewing an anti-hero. *g*
Yeah, for me the fact that Jake is suffering every bit as much — or more — than Adrien somewhat mitigates his guilt.
“Listen, pal, your continued existence depends on the next five minutes.”
Ha! This made me laugh. The whole interview was fantastic, it was a great idea to interview Jake because we always see him through Adrian’s eyes (and also because I have this unholy love/fascination with Jake and his relationship with Adrian has me riveted.)
Yeah, I’m going to need the next book like now (but, you know, no pressure or anything..)
Thanks for this!
Thanks, Reve. It’s fun to write from Jake’s perspective for a change. In fact…it’s given me the idea to write a little bit of flash fiction or maybe a short story from his POV.
In all my extensive free time….
Thanks for the interview. I love Jake. I hate Jake. I feel sorry for Jake. He just seems like a guy taking a multiple choice test who doesn’t get why they don’t give him an ‘E’ all of the above.
Wouldn’t we all like all of the above? Given that, he’s tortured enough of the time I’m hanging on waiting for his happy ending too… whatever it is. I think Adrien is too.
That’s what I love about your work. I’m hanging on every word,
Thanks
What a great idea to do these interviews with all those mystery charas. I’m so grateful you posted the link at GWR so I could come here and enjoy how your made Jake sweat… And he IS such a jerk – but I would miss him terribly if someone shoot him.
Maybe he can have brain surgery?*g*
Maybe he can have brain surgery?*g*
LMAO.
But then he wouldn’t be Jake, would he? *g*
That’s what I love about your work. I’m hanging on every word.
There’s no better compliment you can give a writer.
First off, I want to say YAY to the interview with Jake. It was nice to be able to see things from his perspective. I wondered if things went through with Kate and him, and if he was still doing the “clubs.”
I have to say that I think he and Adrien are such remarkable characters with so much depth. I appreciate that things aren’t easy with them (as with most relationships), and, well, I DO love the sexual tension between them. I don’t think I even anticipated the final Harry Potter book as much as I am anticipating their next story!
I hope for a chance for them to renew their…acquaintance.
Well, thanks so much, AO. I appreciate hearing that. I hope I — and the guys — can live up to your expectations. *g*
I adore Jake, I shouldn’t but I do. A refreshing insight, really enjoyed this piece. Hopefully he won’t get shot 😉
Thanks. Lidyah. I enjoyed writing it — and the posts here reminded me of why I do need to pull myself together and finish writing about these guys.
Please do Josh, I know I’d love to see more Jake in the next book (or any future books). He’s just one of those characters that should be easy to hate, but isn’t at the same time. Guess that means you did a phenomenal job with his character then.
Whatever the case, it’s been a pleasure reading this series. Sure I get extra giddy when Jake and Adrian share the same page space – and I can hope *maybe* they’ll get a happily-ever-after. But mostly, just can’t wait for the new book to be released 🙂 You really know how to tease your readers -grins-
Thanks, Lidyah. Nothing makes a writer happier than to read this kind of thing. *g*
*grumbles*
Can I kick him? Just once?
And like everyone else, I want Jake to come to his senses and deal with the fact that he’s at least bisexual, and as I see it, deeply in love with Adrien.
I know that in real life there are people like Jake who spend their entire lives in fear, conflicted and afraid to come out of the closet, for whatever reason. But hell, I’m thoroughly addicted to happy endings.
And you’re an evil tease, posting those few chapters of the fourth book on the website. I’m now officially dying of curiosity. What’s the expected publication date of book 4? And will it be available as an Ebook?!
And you’re an evil tease, posting those few chapters of the fourth book on the website. I’m now officially dying of curiosity. What’s the expected publication date of book 4? And will it be available as an Ebook?!
Yes, surely not, August of this year, and yes.
Thanks for the kind comments, Chris!
OMG, August is just too far away.
Really enjoyed the interview, it’s much too short. Why am I not surprised that the man is so conflicted and in so much pain. I would feel sorry for him except he wouldn’t himself. And I had the feeling that if he had it to do all over again, he’d do it exactly the same way.
it’s much too short.
Yeah, I get that a lot lately. *g*
Why am I not surprised that the man is so conflicted and in so much pain. I would feel sorry for him except he wouldn’t himself. And I had the feeling that if he had it to do all over again, he’d do it exactly the same way.
At this point in time I don’t think he could do anything else. Of course how he interprets his own actions will be interesting to explore…
Thanks for your comments, Connie.
After the third book, I would love nothing more than to strangle Jake.. and I still feel the same at the start of this interview..Then came the middle part and I just went from ‘strangling’ to ‘shake head in disappointment’… by the end of it; I just want to take both Jake and Adrien, bang their head together, lock them in a room and throw away the key until they made up and have smashing makeup-sex :p..
I shouldn’t like Jake’s character but weirdly enough, I do.. I seriously do. He’s like one of those guys that’re so infuriatingly stubborn and yet strangely adorable that you just want to kick AND kiss him at the same time.
Josh, I hope you make him do some serious grovelling because adorable or not, Jake really was a jerk to Adrien.
****
Eek! I can’t wait for the 4th book!! ^__^.
Really fascinating interview and I hadn’t read the books. Definitely intend to now.
Thanks, Crizz. That’s the fun of a character like Jake — he’s not black or white, he’s an — um — unfashionable shade of gray.
Which is the very color he would turn if he knew what I’ve got planned for him. *g*
Well, thank you, Oshun. I’m glad we were able to intrigue you. I hope you’ll enjoy the books.
Which is the very color he would turn if he knew what I’ve got planned for him. *g*
OMG. You taunter, you.
Josh,
I have discovered my inner mystery addict through your work, specifically the A. English series. Your dialogue is especially crisp, and evocative. There is a compelling ring of truth to it. I just marveled to myself through each book, thinking “people really talk this way” through the nuances, the deflecting humor, and pregnant pauses. I just love it. And then on top of everything a tightly wound, satisfying mystery. Adrien is an inspired lead, vulnerable and righteous in all the best ways. But Jake is a real achievement. He walks such a fine line, and you are so skilled in showing it in every detail. He’s truly sympathetic in his flaws, because he’s tried to be honest with Adrien if not himself. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
OMG. You taunter, you.
There’s always one like you lisabea: quietly watching and catching all the stuff I try to slip by. *g*
Thank YOU, Patty. I try to keep it real, even when that makes for a slightly uncomfortable read. *g*
Glad to hear you’re finding pleasure in reading mysteries. Always pleased when I can turn someone to the dark side.
Josh – For me, you’ve nailed it to the door. The story within a story, revving up, backing away, revving up, having lived that to some extent, your characters are all too real. I have recently discovered your works, particularly the Adrien English mysteries and I’ve fallen…hard…for both Josh and Jake. The fact that you don’t hide or try to brush off the ‘tough’ parts of any relationship in your books is comforting. An avid mystery buff and reader, your knack for creating “live” characters (the way people actually talk and respond) stands out from the rest. In particular, how well the story has been crafted to allow both the murder and the sex intertwine without overshadowing the other. YEE-HAW!!!!
Btw……..The interview with Jake, can I strangle him for you? That man could aggravate the Pope.
Hey, Rich. Thanks very much. Of course you’re saying all the things an author most wants to hear. *g* Especially apart about keeping the characters — and their relationship — real. That’s what I aim for, so it’s good to hear it’s working for you.
Hi Josh,
Thanks for the interview. I find Jake to be interesting and I feel sorry for him being ‘caught’ in his situation. I guess that most people want to ‘fit in’ and I don’t know if this is on the cards for him. He’s a man in a man’s tough world and if it became known that he was bi and into the S/M scene I think that he life could be even more difficult. That being said, I’m a romantic and love ‘happily ever afters’ so I would love it if he and Adrien could get together. I’ll be reading the next book to see where you take them.
On a different note, Josh, I really like your writing style. You’ve got a tongue in cheek sense of humour and this really appeals to me.
Even in the interview lines like
“Listen, pal, your continued existence depends on the next five minutes.”
cause me to chuckle. Keep it up.
Not that I don’t want to smack Jake upside the head once in awhile, but it isn’t like Adrien has gotten on the clue bus, either. I mean, he really doesn’t seem to get it that Jake loves him. Jake has gone farther, emotionally, with Adrien than he has with any other guy, and Adrien pretty much writes it off. Geez, both these guys are having difficulty in the EQ area, doncha think?
On a different note, Josh, I really like your writing style. You’ve got a tongue in cheek sense of humour and this really appeals to me.
Even in the interview lines like
“Listen, pal, your continued existence depends on the next five minutes.”
cause me to chuckle. Keep it up.
Thanks very much, Sharon. Not everyone gets my odd sense of humor. *g*
I mean, he really doesn’t seem to get it that Jake loves him. Jake has gone farther, emotionally, with Adrien than he has with any other guy, and Adrien pretty much writes it off. Geez, both these guys are having difficulty in the EQ area, doncha think?
I don’t think that thought has really registered with Adrien.
But you’re right, of course. One reason Jake is so conflicted is what he feels for Adrien is totally unique. He’s as out of his depth as Adrien is — in fact, he’s much further out and splashing in a way sure to attract sharks….
Jake is “…splashing in a way sure to attract sharks…” is he? Josh, you my friend have a real mean streak. Is it not enough that your readers are breathless with anticipation for Death of a Pirate King? You just have to stoke the flames simply b/c you can. I’ll have you know that in a pathetic effort to abate my impatience I ran out and bought the Actor’s Guide series by Copp just b/c Adrien mentions them. Suffice it to say that I’m less than satisifed. You’re too good. Thank goodness you’re prolific!
I ran out and bought the Actor’s Guide series by Copp just b/c Adrien mentions them.
Oh, but they’re amusing, yeah? Fun? Hopefully.
Fascinating interview. My heart goes out to Jake. I’ve known too many men like him. The torture they put themselves through, the self hatred, the inability to deal with their emotions or the effect they have on them and those around them. Unfortunately, too often, I meet them in the rooms of AA when they have totally destroyed themselves and their lives after they have turned to drugs and alcohol to kill the pain. I see Jake as standing at the edge of a precipice ready to fall, needing only one push. And the horrible part of all of this is that I could so easily fall in love with him just as Adrian did.
Bobby Michaels
Wow, great interview. I just love these characters, as so many have said they keep me riveted. I deliberately haven’t read the teasers for the next book because they would just drive me absolutely nuts. I have no patience, LOL! I really want to see Adrien have his happy ending but as much as I want to murder Jake, I want to see him happy too. Pretty please with cherries on top!
Great ‘interview’ Josh.
Is it possible to hate a character and at the same time love him? Jake’s insecurity and self-hatred is tiresome and annoying, but on the other side of the coin he breaks my heart and I can almost understand why he’s this person.
I have such a fondness for Adrien, who deserves love and companionship. In the beginning, I was their main cheerleader. I wanted them to stay together. However, despite Jake’s scoffing “Violence…Jesus. I shoved him, he fell. I shouldn’t have — I feel like hell every time I think of it, okay?” et al, it *was* violence and I’m not so sure he wouldn’t do it again. For that reason I’m not sure I want them to get back together. I want them both happy. I think Jake knows he’s deluding himself with the kid and a little wifey and white picket fence fantasy – so I hope he finds his joy. I want Adrien to meet someone who’ll love and understand him – and make him laugh.
But, whatever happens and whatever unfolds for these wonderful characters, I’m looking forward to seeing Jake and Adrien and the others again, Josh. Love your novels.
I’m glad I got today’s email from the list or I would have missed this. I think interviewing characters is so much fun. Jake certainly is an element of danger because we can’t be sure he will hurt Adrien again. But at the same time, he is an intriguing guy and there certainly was sexual tension between the two of them.
Jake’s character surfaced powerfully during this conversation–it’s like the two of you are real and right in the room with me.
Hey, Bobby. Thanks for the comments. The thing with someone like Jake…being loved for who and what he is can only help.
Cait, thanks for writing. You’re probably wise to have avoided the teasers. If I’d realized how long it would take me to get around to writing the book, I’d have held off. *g*
MaDonna, how nice to hear from you! Of course we’ve talked about the “violence” issue before. I think the main thing to remember is that neither Jake nor Adrien view that shove in the same light as either of them would view pushing down — say — a woman. If Jake were to punch Adrien, if he’d touched Adrien again — Adrien would have a whole different view of the situation.
But it is an interesting dilemma.
Thanks, Meg. It was a lot of fun to write — reminded me of how much I miss these characters.
Hi Josh.
A great interview and love its style.
I’ve yet to read anof of the books, but will start as soon as I can.
Btw, you gave a wonderful workshop at cobblestone press.
Oh. I was born in LA and now live in San Francisco.
OOps. Almost forgt to let ya know I’m getting your writing MM stories book. Will order next week. Will it ever be in a bookstore?
Jerry
Hey there, Jerry. Thanks for writing. MAN OH MAN: WRITING M/M FICTION FOR KINKS AND CA$H is available for order through the bookseller of your choice — just give ’em the title, author and ISBN number: 1934531308.
Or you can order through B&N, Amazon, etc.
Thanks for asking!
Jeez Josh…I want to wax poetic, but I’m speechless -well almost. I stumbled across Adrien and Jake and was immediately, simply, and soundly hooked. Impossible not to be enchanted by these two vulnerable guys. It’s been a long time since a single book had me laughing out loud one minute and panting the next. Loved the interview -could you not possibly be more creative! Can’t wait for the next installment -I’m certain love will out.
Of course, I had to immediately read everything else you’ve written. Not sure how you’re cloning your hours to find time, but your prolific output is pretty scary. However, it’s just a treat for those of us who love men who write.
Thank you, Izzie. I appreciate hearing that — it means a lot. Sometimes more than others, and this happens to be one of those times I needed to hear it — so…thank you.
I’ve only just discovered this series after a friend’s recommendation, and I’m simply hooked! The realism of the characters, particularly the dialogue got me completely involved from the start, and the fast pace of the plot was a definite winner. I just wish I could make things better for Adrien: he deserves that true love, imo. 😛 Anxiously awaiting August…
Thanks, EmmieJaynies. I can’t think of anything I’d rather hear!
Just finished all the A&J books, fantastic. Bought them after I read your story in hostage. Wasn’t sure I could get into a mystery. I’m a romance reader. I’m hooked. Did a great job with showing why Adrian feels he was just one more of Jake’s dirty little secrets. Love/hate Jake. I loved the interview and am happy that Jake is feeling hurt over Adrian. The romance reader in me wants them to have hea, but please make the big lug eat a pound of dirt first. Read the Pirate tease, can’t wait til august.
Thanks for the kind comments, Lisa. I’m delighted to lure you into mystery reading. I’ll try to see that Jake suffers appropriately. *g*
Hi Josh
I found this interview through Alex’s site a few weeks ago in my constant quest to dig up as much information as I could about the AE Mysteries. Great job!! You make a terrific interviewer especially when it comes to someone as uncommunicative as Jake:D I am doing my bit to try and save Jake 🙂 so I have directed the fans (through my review of the series yesterday) to this interview and I hope that reading it will change some minds. I’m actually quite fond of Jake the anti hero after reading the books LOL
Shall I follow Lisabea’s example and have “Save Jake” t-shirts made?????
Wave
Thanks, Wave. To tell the truth, I think the interview did soften a few people’s view of Jake. Or at least help them view him from a different angle.
Thanks for the overview of the series.
Hey Josh!
I had privilege to read all your tree books and I love them all. Sometimes I did miss some romantic moment between Jake and Adrian, but both your characters are very realistic and don’t need romance to show one another that they feel the same.
I admire Adria’s characters because even if Jake is cold to him, don’t show, don’t do say “I love you, too” and don’t spend much time with him; I guarantee that if Jake would just take him in his arms and hug him and wouldn’t let him go then Adrian would forget the time what happened and how they parted apart and be the happiest man in the world.
Love make you do thinks you never would want to do if you think realistic.
Jake is person who is a coward for not admitting to himself and to his family that he is gay. World would not fall apart and he would sleep better after saying the truth. His cold words toward Adrian, his bed moods and jealous nature is behind the cold mask of his, and he wears it perfectly. Behind the mask is very sad, jealous, angry man who has some fix idea to be normal with wife and kid and so he suffers the same as Adrian. And both love one another.
The sad part is I don’t think there can be good happy end. Adrian is sick and had bad heart and has new lover who is jealous as hell. And Jake who’s perfect wish for normal life is breaking apart and is sad, angry and cranky man.
I agree with you, about true love how special it can be with right person. Then the words “I love you” really do have the with mining.
But let get realistic here, the world we are living in there is 1 to 1000 % possibility to find the dream partner. I would say 80% of human kind is together for not being alone at old age and not for love.
Just make my wish come true and lets Adrian and Jake at the end be happy. Please 😦
PPS: Good work mate, I love your humor.
Hi Kristina,
Thanks for writing. I’m glad you’re enjoying the stories so much — and there’s a lot of truth in what you say!
I’ll see what I can do about arranging a happy ending for Adrien. 🙂
All the best,
Josh
A person I watch on lj pointed this series out to me and I read through it in three days, not stopping even for work. (Thank god for deadlines and at home jobs) And I have to say this is my favorite published mystery series, hands down. It only gets more kudos for having a gay character as the protagonist.
I have to say though, I love how this didn’t have a ‘happy’ ending. But Jake is a bizarre character wherein I hate his guts- but I want him to be with Adrien so badly. Truth be told, Guy is actually my sort of character. His profession, his looks, his personality, are all in my favorites list. But it’s Jake that I want with Adrien. Probably because I was rooting for them in the first three books.
Mostly, I just feel sorry for Kate.
I look forward to your next book and plan to read some of your other works too.
Write on!
-KT
Thanks so much, KT. That’s very nice to hear — I think of them first and foremost as mystery novels, myself, so I’m glad you’re enjoying them on that level.
(Although I’ll be the first to confess that I hugely enjoy writing the relationship arc for the characters.)
To tell you the truth, Guy is a tricky character to write. He’s had a fairly thankless role so far — although he definitely has his fans.
I finished “Death of a pirate king” this morning and I really enjoyed it. I don’t want to say too much here in case I spoil it for other readers but I like the direction in which you are taking the characters and I am really looking forward to your next book.
Sharon, thanks very much! Nice to hear that.
I love Adrien’s books because they’re so realistic and don’t try to be these happy “perfect world” books that have nothing to do with real world. Relationships are hard and people are complicated, nothing’s so simple as many books try to make them. That’s why Adrien/Jake are so fascinating.
I hope that they get together in the end, but i hope that the characters stay true to themselves and if there are changes, they’re truthful. I wouldn’t like to see a typical happy-ending, but a complicated one. 😀 maybe some hinting that they’re together but still need to work things out and so on. 😀
And, Josh, i love your humor and adrien and jake and the books themselves! Keep up the work! 😉 Hope that we’ll see Adrien and Jake in many, many books to come.
Thanks, Krissu. You see you’ve hit on one of my favorite themes, which is that no matter how right for each other any two people are…it still takes work and compromise and sacrifice to hold a relationship togehter. Of course, not every relationship is worth holding together — and that can be a hard lesson to learn.
But Jake and Adrien…well, they compliment each other in many unexpected ways. I think so anyway! *g*
[…] since the point of view provided in this series is Adrien’s maybe a Jake Riordan POV in his own words can shed some new light here. Maybe even change the relationship from being just another character […]
Aargh! Even though I’ve read the entire series and am blissfully happy for Adrien that all’s well with his world, could you please, please bring Jake out of the ink for half an hour?
I won’t beat him up any longer than that. Promise.
That said, I’d like to thank you for writing what is by far the best mystery series I’ve ever read. It didn’t hurt at all that the protagonist had such an exquisitely detailed, realistic love life. *wink*
Despite my homicidal urges with regard to him, I really do adore Jake almost as much as my beloved Adrien. I really do wish, however, that he’d take his head out of his arse once in a while.
Can your fans expect another Adrien English novel in the works? Maybe one where Jake and Adrien don’t actually go angsting at each other? Although, come to think of it, that’s probably one of my favourite threads in the books.
Thank you once again for writing these books. The very pleasant surprise I got when I downloaded the books (sadly, only because they were the first ones that popped up at a site a friend was perusing – yes, I know, no real credit to either you or me), not to mention the, erm, introduction to, er, masculine romance, is definitely on my Top 20 favourites list.
Hi Vee, thanks so much for writing. I’m glad you’re enjoying the books — and sticking up for Jake (well, sort of). *g*
There will be one more book in the series for sure — and that will be out next December (’09). It’s untitled as yet, and yes, it should be quite a bit less angsty.
Again, thanks for taking the time to write! It’s great to hear the stories and characters are finding their way to readers’ hearts.
New book! New book!! *makes high-pitched dolphin noises*
Hi! I just went to your website for the first time and found out about Pirates. Yippee!
I just finished “The Hell You Say” and books 1 and 2 right before that, and I’m loving the series as a whole.
One specific compliment I must pay you concerns how well you have created a universe for Adrien in which the deaths he stumbles over are not all in the same, um, sphere, that it’s not always his nearest and dearest dropping like flies. Although having said that, I have to admit I was completely fooled by Jean stalking him in the last book, lol!
Lastly, Jake. I really hate hypocrites, especially hypocrites who have some power and wield it most strongly in self-protection. But I feel more sorry for Jake than anything else. I am a romantic, and I’d like to believe that Jake could eventually be in an out relationship with Adrien, but I’m also a pragmatist (or is that pessimist?). And besides, Guy is an interesting man in his own right. Ask me to choose between the cop and the academic? No contest.
Hey thanks for your thoughts, Nadine. Much appreciated. I’m trying to keep each book different enough from the last so it doesn’t get too formulaic. We’ll see.
Guy versus Jake…well, you’ll have to let me know what you make of the end of Death of a Pirate King.
Just finished the series and I loved loved loved love it. I put off grading midterms to gobble all four stories down. Poor Guy–how could someone with a fake English accent stand a chance with someone whose mother IS English? Poor Jake–how could someone with a fake LIFE stand a chance with someone who refuses to live a lie?
Nevertheless, I loved and remained loyal to Jake and knew his measure when Adrien was raped and I stood with Jake and helplessly witnessed/listened to it. My devotion to Jake was confirmed when in the second story he admitted to Adrien that he had heard and that he wasn’t turned on by it–that somehow in all the power plays and games that Jake needed to justify his sexuality, it was never about that with Adrien. I cried at the end of DOAPK. Thank you.
Kris, thanks for your comments — I really appreciate hearing that. I write the best book I can and then I wait to hear what the readers think — but you never know what will work and what won’t.
Hello!
I’m very late to the game — this was posted sometime in 2008 — but I’ve read just read all four the the Adrien English books for the second time. I really love the series, and how unique and real the characters are. My favorite part of the books are Adrien and Jake’s relationship. It’s very complex and emotional, just like real relationships can be. Since I’ve read the fourth book, I know in which direction their relationship is heading — and I have to say that I’ve never been so happy that two fictional characters have ended up together. The reason I’m writing this so long after you posted was because I want to know if there will be a fifth Adrien English book, and if so, when I can expect it to be released. I love this series and I really hope there will be more!
Hope you’re doing well~
Hi Melissa!
Thanks for writing — and I’m glad you’re enjoying the series. There will be one more Adrien book for sure. After that, we’ll see if any more stories occur. *g*
Hi Josh,
Just finished your Adrien English series and I gotta say Fantastic, complex characters, brilliant storie lines and a need for more.
I have one question now thats bugging me, Jake…is he Dom or Sub? I know strange question but it has jumped out at me that in the first book he came across as a Dom but in the forth, well he comes across as very much a Sub. Does this show his inner struggle with who he is? Or is he so confused that he doesn’t even realise that he is now a Sub? Would love to know what’s behind it. xxx
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Dom, definitely. Any indication otherwise would be a misreading. Or miscommunicating. *g*
[…] For all the Jake haters I would like to direct you to an interview between Jake and his creator, Josh Lanyon here […]
Loved Death of a Pirate King……. love Jake… although running over him with a semi has come to mind on occasion. Just to knock some sense into him…. not to do any real damage of course LOL!
Finished reading Out of the Blue. When do we get the big people version….. like a really happily ever after ending 4 to 5 years later.
I thought it was up there with the AE series. Fantastic!
Thanks very much, Tash. Glad you enjoyed OTB (not sure that there is a sequel in there, to tell you the truth)! And I’m glad you’re not planning on really finishing Jake off — at least not before the series is complete. *g*